The Carlstad Crusaders (7–1) claimed first place in the Swedish Superserien and home-field playoff advantage with a 42–28 road victory over the Örebro Black Knights (6–2) in a pivotal clash at Behrn Arena, avenging their Week 5 42-14 loss to their rivals.
Örebro’s early fireworks fizzle
The Black Knights stormed to a 14–0 first-quarter lead, capitalizing on Carlstad’s miscues. Quarterback Viktor Ekberg connected with Trevor Vasey for an opening-drive touchdown, followed by Filip Batista’s 35-yard fumble return after a controversial non-call on Tim Schultz’s fourth-down attempt. Ekberg and Vasey struck again early in the second quarter (21–7), but Carlstad’s offense ignited as quarterback Slade Jarman found Albin Forsman (60-yard reception) and Rory Kelly (16-yard TD) to tie the game 21–21 at halftime.
Photo: Jonas Domfors
Carlstad’s second-half masterclass
The Crusaders dominated after halftime, scoring 21 unanswered points. Jarman’s 12-yard TD to Forsman (28–21) preceded a pivotal turnover: Filip Enbacker forced a fumble on Johannes Lindeus, setting up Rory Kelly’s interception and lateral to Jacob Holten Ripert for a pick-six (35–21). Lukas Kullstrand’s third-quarter touchdown catch (42–21) sealed the momentum shift. Örebro’s late Ekberg rushing TD (28–42) proved insufficient against Carlstad’s clock management.
Key factors in Carlstad’s rally
- Slade Jarman’s poise: The QB threw four touchdown passes, exploiting Örebro’s secondary with 12+ yard completions to Forsman, Kelly, and Kullstrand.
- Defensive adjustments: Carlstad contained Örebro’s ground game post-halftime, limiting Ekberg to one second-half score and forcing two turnovers.
- Controversial moments: A disputed fumble ruling on Schultz’s fourth-down attempt and a flagged TD pass to Schulz shaped first-half momentum.
MVPs and scorers
- Carlstad: Rory Kelly (12 points: 2 TDs, 1 INT) anchored both sides, while Albin Forsman (12 points: 2 TDs) stretched Örebro’s defense.
- Örebro: Trevor Vasey (12 points: 2 TDs) starred, supported by Ekberg’s 6-point rush and Batista’s fumble return TD.
Photo: Jonas Domfors
Playoff implications
The Crusaders claim the #1 seed and host a semifinal on July 5 at Sola Arena. The Black Knights, relegated to third, face a road semifinal against Tyresö Royal Crowns. Pending Kristianstad vs. Copenhagen’s result, Carlstad’s opponent will be either Stockholm Mean Machines or Kristianstad Predators.
Carlstad’s victory underscores their resilience, overcoming early deficits and leveraging clutch defensive plays to secure first place in a season-defining rivalry clash.