The Carlstad Crusaders and Kristianstad Predators face each other this weekend in Sweden’s Super Serien. This will be the first game of the season for both teams. The Carlstad Crusaders finished the 2023 Super Serien season in last place, while the Kristianstad Predators were Division 1 runner-ups. These two teams will each try to start the 2024 season with a win in the new 8-team league.
THE BACKGROUND
The Carlstad Crusaders have won 10 Super Serien titles, with the most recent being back in 2020. Despite the recent title drought, the Crusaders produce some of the best Swedish players every year and are always considered a challenge to their opponents. This year’s team will continue that tradition of being talented and very competitive. The offseason hasn’t given too much information about the direction head coach Christian Forsman plans to take his team, but the Crusaders culture is a fighting spirit. It can be expected that the Crusaders will look like a Super Serien title contender each week.
The Kristianstad Predators are a long-time Division 1 participant, with an inconsistent history of success. The roster changes drastically year to year, making it difficult to get a handle on the organization's trajectory over any period of time. Most recently, the Predators have been a dominant force in Division 1, finishing last year in second place, only losing to the first place Limhamn Griffins by one point in their matchup. Coming into the 2024 season, the Predators have not announced many significant changes in their roster personnel, which can be an issue when competing in the highest level of football in Sweden. This week one game will tell everyone what they need to know about the competitiveness of the Kristianstad team in this season’s Super Serien.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Here are a few key players to keep a look out for heading into this weekend’s matchup.
CARLSTAD CRUSADERS
Slade Jarman (Quarterback)
Jarman is a great addition to the Crusaders team. The 6’4 quarterback has top European experience, having played with the Wroclaw Panthers and Berlin Thunder of the ELF. Jarman even helped the Thunder make their first playoff appearance last season, throwing 21 touchdown passes in only seven games. Slade Jarman brings an elite level of playmaking and decision making to the Crusaders offense, which should be able to move the ball with ease.
Kristian Natunen (Wide Receiver)
Natunen is a versatile wide receiver with big play abilities. The young receiver was a key catalyst to helping the Porvoo Butchers win the Maple Bowl in Finland last season, averaging over 16 yards per catch on the season. A great route runner, with the ability to get tons of yards after the catch, Kristian Natunen will be a game changer at the wideout position for the Crusaders.
Willem Vancompernolle (Wide Receiver)
Vancompernolle will be an X-factor player for the Crusaders. The Belgium receiver is a former quarterback with European experience, most recently in the GFL with the Ravensburg Razorbacks. The big body receiver is prototype #1 Wide receiver, and lives up to the hype: strong, fast, and versatile. Because of his quarterback background, Vancompernolle always adds the chance of some trickery or misdirection when he is on the field.
Mattias Eriksson (Linebacker)
The reigning Super Serien MVP is back for more. Eriksson’s play can be defined very simply: see ball, get ball. The linebacker has consecutively led the Super Serien in tackles past two seasons, and doesn’t look to be slowing down. The team leader for the Crusaders defense, Mattias Eriksson is a sideline to sideline ballhawk.
Rory Kelly (Defensive Back/ Linebacker)
Kelly plays the nickel backer position for the Crusaders, causing tons of chaos for opposing teams. He was awarded Defensive back of the year in 2023, in addition to being the league leader in interceptions. Those awards are great accomplishments, but what sets Kelly apart is his versatility for the Crusaders defense. He has coverage skills comparable to a cornerback, but is a sure tackler in the run game. This allows him to play multiple positions without the Crusaders having to change personnel. Whatever position he is playing, you can be sure that Rory Kelly will be a factor for the Crusaders defense in this game.
KRISTIANSTAD PREDATORS
Myron Norfleet (Quarterback)
Myron Norfleet is a talented throw first, dual-threat quarterback. As the Predators quarterback last season, Norfleet carved up defenses on a weekly basis, and used his legs to extend plays when necessary. He is incredibly accurate with his deep ball passes, and is confident in his ability to throw perfect balls against tight coverage.
Max Forsback (Linebacker)
Forsback has spent the past two seasons in the GFL playing for the Berlin Rebels. He brings that experience and football know-how to the young predators defense. Forsback will be looked up to by his teammates when things get rough for the inexperienced team, and he will show them how to persevere. Max Forsback has great field vision and play recognition, which helps him get to the ball quickly. He also has the physicality needed to finish plays with authority.
MATCHUP ANALYSIS
The Carlstad Crusaders will be trying to get back to their winning ways in this matchup. Their offense has been re-tooled to compete with the top teams in the Super Serien. They have brought in an all-star caliber quarterback to lead an explosive offensive unit. Combined with an experienced defensive group that is accustomed to playing against the best players in the country, this team is primed for a dominant performance.
The Predators have nothing to lose in this game, except the game itself. As newcomers to the league, they aren’t expected to win this game, but can put the entire Super Serien on notice with a great outing. It is yet to be seen how they gameplan this one, but optimistically we can expect to see a team pull out all the stops in week 1. This strategy would benefit the Predators long-term, helping them create a seed of doubt in their future opponents. If they play conservatively and try to keep the game “close” they will set a tone for a very long season.
GAME OUTCOME
The Carlstad Crusaders are better than the Kristianstad Predators. In the first game of the season for both teams, Carlstad’s talent alone will be enough to win this game. It will take excellent plays, great play-calling, and some well-timed luck for the Predators to pull off the upset. Anything is possible, but also the Carlstad Crusaders are the Carlstad Crusaders.
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