Romania: Mures Monsters outmuscle 89ers to reach RoBowl XV

Mureș rides Redding’s explosiveness and Thames’ dominance to crush Timișoara’s playoff dreams in the Transylvanian heat

By Henry Páll Wulff

Under blazing skies and in front of a passionate home crowd, the Mureș Monsters weathered the heat, the pressure, and a revitalised Timișoara 89ers squad to clinch a 26–6 win and secure their spot in RoBowl XV.

Before the opening whistle, the teams and fans observed a moment of silence in memory of Victor “Trex” Cristea — a former 89ers player who tragically passed away of a heart attack. From there, emotions were high and the stakes even higher.

The Monsters entered the game as clear favourites after a strong regular season, with dominant wins over both Cluj and Timișoara and only a single blemish — a loss to the undefeated Bucharest Rebels. But in the playoffs, records don’t matter.

Timișoara arrived with fresh fire, fielding a retooled roster that included seven new signings in a bold attempt to keep their championship dreams alive. And for a while, it looked like they might just pull something off.

Cautious Start in the Heat

The first quarter was a stop-start affair, bogged down by penalties and fatigue in the 32-degree heat. Referee Emilia Matei made it clear from the outset that she was in control, laying down the law and not tolerating any backtalk. It wasn’t pretty football, but it was disciplined. To her credit, Matei allowed plenty of hydration breaks, a decision both sidelines welcomed.

The game finally opened up in the second quarter. Monsters quarterback Hunor Szölösi flipped a short lateral to Quevin Redding, and the import receiver did the rest — breaking five tackles on a stunning 75-yard sprint to the end zone. A two-point conversion to Christian Huber made it 8–0.

But Timișoara responded. Quarterback Tamás Szabó and workhorse RB CJ Arnold strung together a gruelling 15-play drive that chewed up yards and clock. Szabó capped it off with an 8-yard keeper for the touchdown, but the 89ers couldn’t convert the two-pointer. Halftime: 8–6 Monsters.

Redding Strikes Again, Defense Takes Over

After a brief stall to start the third, Szölösi found Redding again on a short route, and once again, the American took off. He sliced through the 89ers defense for a 55-yard touchdown — his second of the day. Andrei Georgescu powered in the two-point attempt to extend the lead to 16–6.

That’s when the Monsters defense took control. Linebacker Keanu Thames, already making his presence felt, delivered a turning point early in the fourth. With the 89ers trying to claw back into the game, a pass from Szabó was tipped by linebacker Csongor Fekete and picked off by Thames, who raced 42 yards into the end zone. Szölösi connected again with Huber for another two-point conversion, making it 24–6.

CJ Arnold kept pushing, including a beautiful toe-tap catch on the sideline, but the drive was cut short again — this time by a second interception from Thames deep in the red zone.

Closing It Out

The Monsters nearly gave Timișoara a lifeline when Silviu Lunge intercepted a pass from Szölösi in the end zone, but the 89ers couldn’t capitalise. A fumbled handoff to Georgescu was quickly forgiven when defensive tackle Felix Schöllhorn sacked Szabó in his own end zone for a safety — the final points of the game, sealing it 26–6.

For Monsters head coach Nick Davis, it was a performance to be proud of.

“I’m really proud of how our team responded to adversity during the game,” Davis said. “We kept our composure and executed our plan. Keeping the energy up on the field and sideline allowed us to play true Monster football. Onto the next one.”

Monsters Click, 89ers Come Up Short

The win was a team effort, anchored by standout performances from imports Redding and Thames, but just as importantly, driven by the local core — Szölösi, Georgescu, Fekete, Săroși, and Schöllhorn all made major contributions. For Redding, the trip to RoBowl XV is familiar territory — he was there during his first stint with the Monsters back in 2022.

On the Timișoara side, the playoff gamble didn’t pay off. Ivan Bunakov, expected to be a key impact player, struggled to find his rhythm. The 89ers showed heart — particularly Arnold, who carried the offense for large stretches — but couldn’t match the Monsters’ physicality or execution when it mattered most.

There was also some controversy, with what appeared to be targeted hits aimed at Georgescu, who battled through to finish the game.

Now, with their season over, the 89ers are left with big questions. Club president Andrei Tudor faces a tough offseason — with uncertainty around coaching staff, especially Defensive Coordinator Patrick Török and Head Coach Jarrid Bryant. Rebuilding starts now.

Next Stop: Bucharest

For the Monsters, the focus shifts to RoBowl XV — a rematch against the defending champions Bucharest Rebels. It’s the only team they haven’t figured out this season, but they’re heading to the capital with belief, momentum, and plenty of firepower.