Swedish Superserien: Carlstad Crusaders crush Oslo Vikings in defensive masterclass
The Carlstad Crusaders (4-1) emphatically bounced back from last week’s loss, blanking the Oslo Vikings (1-4) 35-0 at Sola Arena behind a suffocating defense and a multifaceted offense to pull level with the Örebro Black Knights atop the Superserien standings.
Crusaders shake off slow start, seize control
After a field goal attempt by Christopher Helgar on their opening drive went wide, Carlstad erupted late in the first quarter. Running back Tim Schulz broke the deadlock with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, sparking a 21-point first-half surge. Quarterback Slade Jarman added a 17-yard scoring strike to Albin Forsman and a 6-yard keeper TD, while Helgar’s flawless kicking (5/5 PATs) cemented a commanding halftime lead.
Photo: Håkan Bylund
Defense smothers Vikings’ anemic attack
Oslo managed just 42 total yards, with Crusaders linebacker Lucas Hedberg (game MVP) anchoring a unit that allowed one first down in the opening half. The Vikings’ lone scoring threat ended with a missed field goal, and Carlstad’s relentless pressure forced six punts. William Sewell Jr. (Oslo’s MVP) provided rare resistance but couldn’t stem the tide.
Photo: Håkan Bylund
Second-half surge seals statement
Jarman continued his dominance after halftime, firing a 9-yard TD to Matteo Mozzanica and a 5-yard score to Jacob Bergwall. The Crusaders emptied their bench midway through the third quarter, with reserves preserving the shutout against a demoralized Oslo offense.
Road to redemption continues
Carlstad now shifts focus to the May 31 CEFL semifinal against France’s Thonon Black Panthers, followed by a June 7 Superserien clash with the Stockholm Mean Machines. For Oslo, the loss underscores urgent adjustments ahead of their Week 6 matchup.
Key Performers:
- Carlstad: Slade Jarman (2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD), Tim Schulz (rushing TD), Lucas Hedberg (defensive MVP).
- Oslo: William Sewell Jr. (team MVP).
Scoring Summary:
- 1Q: Schulz 20-yard TD run (7-0).
- 2Q: Jarman 17-yard TD pass to Forsman (14-0).
- 2Q: Jarman 6-yard TD run (21-0).
- 3Q: Jarman 9-yard TD pass to Mozzanica (28-0).
- 3Q: Jarman 5-yard TD pass to Bergwall (35-0).
