The Thonon Black Panthers cemented their dynasty with a dominant 44–12 victory over the Cannes Iron Mask in the French D1 Elite championship game, securing their third consecutive Casque de Diamant title at Chambéry on Saturday.
Thonon’s three-peat dominance
From the opening drive, the Black Panthers showcased their championship pedigree. MVP Adel Bafdile, the 2024 season’s standout player, ignited the rout with a first-quarter touchdown, extra point, and field goal for an early 10–0 lead. His defensive contributions, including critical tackles to stifle Cannes’ early drives, set the tone for Thonon’s all-phase superiority. Quarterback José Tabora Jr. extended the advantage with a rushing touchdown, while Adrian Laporte (filling in for injured starter Lucas Davoine) added another ground score before halftime for a 24–6 lead.
Cannes’ historic run halted
Promoted to D1 in 2024, the Iron Mask struggled to counter Thonon’s relentless pressure. Their lone first-half spark came via Amadou Seck’s touchdown reception from Quebec quarterback Olivier Roy, but a missed PAT and defensive breakdowns left them trailing by 18 at halftime. Yanis Polin’s second-half touchdown briefly energized Cannes, but the Black Panthers responded with three unanswered scores, including Bafdile’s second touchdown and Joseph Mounyol’s clinching rush, to seal the 32-point rout.
Key factors in Thonon’s triumph
- Adel Bafdile’s masterclass: The two-way star tallied 16 points (2 TDs, 5 PATs, 1 FG) and anchored a defense that limited Cannes to 12 points.
- Ground game supremacy: Thonon rushed for five touchdowns, exploiting gaps in Cannes’ front seven with Tabora, Laporte, and Mounyol.
- Defensive discipline: The Black Panthers forced multiple stalled drives, holding Cannes to 2-of-4 on red-zone conversions.
Legacy and aftermath
The victory marks Thonon’s sixth Casque de Diamant title and extends their unbeaten streak in championship games to three seasons. For Cannes, the loss delays their quest for a first D1 title but underscores their rapid rise from promotion to finalists in just two years. Thonon head coach Larry Legault’s tactical adjustments, including leveraging Bafdile’s versatility, proved insurmountable for the underdog Iron Mask.
Looking ahead
While Thonon celebrates a dynasty fortified by youth (Laporte) and veterans (Bafdile), Cannes will regroup around emerging stars like Polin and Seck. The 2025 final reaffirmed the Black Panthers’ grip on French football and set the stage for another thrilling D1 Elite season in 2026.