The Thonon Black Panthers earned their place in another French D1 Elite championship game on Saturday, shutting out the Marseille Blue Stars 27-0 in a semifinal clash at Thonon-les-Bains to advance to an eighth consecutive Casque de Diamant final.
A week after the Cannes Iron Mask secured their spot in the title game, the defending champions delivered a complete performance, controlling the action from start to finish and never allowing Marseille to find any offensive rhythm.
Steven Monteiro provides the early spark
Despite concerns about fatigue following a demanding schedule that included CEFL competition, the Black Panthers looked sharp from the opening kickoff.
The Blue Stars defense initially held firm, forcing Thonon to settle for a Steven Monteiro field goal on its opening possession. However, Monteiro quickly emerged as the game’s key figure.
Early in the second quarter, Mateo Renteria connected with Monteiro for the first touchdown of the afternoon, extending the lead to 10-0. Monteiro later added another field goal as the Black Panthers took a 13-0 advantage into halftime.
While Thonon continued to move the ball effectively, Marseille struggled to sustain drives and managed just 63 total yards through the opening 24 minutes.
Defense takes complete control
The second half followed much the same pattern.
The Black Panthers defense continued to dominate field position and shut down any attempt by the Blue Stars to build momentum. Every positive gain seemed difficult to come by for the visitors, while Thonon steadily wore down the Marseille defense.
The hosts eventually turned to their ground game to put the contest out of reach. Lucas Davoine broke through for a touchdown with just over 13 minutes remaining, pushing the lead to 20-0 and leaving the Blue Stars with little room for error.
Late interception finishes the job
Forced to take risks through the air, Marseille tried to create a late spark.
Instead, the final decisive play belonged to the Black Panthers defense.
With less than two minutes remaining, Hadrien Lynda attempted a deep pass toward the sideline. Adel Bafdile stepped in front of the throw, intercepted it and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown, sealing the victory and sending the home crowd into celebration.
The 27-0 triumph sends the Thonon Black Panthers into another Casque de Diamant final, where they will face the Cannes Iron Mask in a rematch of last year’s championship game.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Thonon Black Panthers – Steven Monteiro field goal
Black Panthers 3, Blue Stars 0
Second quarter
Thonon Black Panthers – Steven Monteiro touchdown reception from Mateo Renteria, conversion good
Black Panthers 10, Blue Stars 0
Thonon Black Panthers – Steven Monteiro field goal
Black Panthers 13, Blue Stars 0
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
Thonon Black Panthers – Lucas Davoine touchdown run, conversion good
Black Panthers 20, Blue Stars 0
Thonon Black Panthers – Adel Ba