Vukovi defeated Silverhawks 15-28 in Ljubljana and secured 1st seed for playoffs.
Despite two early interceptions Rok Sedej made on Andrej Tasic’s passes, Vukovi took the first blood as Anthony Stubbs touchdown in a short-yardage situation was followed with his 2-pt-conversion. Still, on the back of Jordan Capitanio’s rushing, hosts went on the half-time with 8-8 score as Rok Štamcar had successful sneak, and toss to Capitanio were enough for a draw.
But, it was all about Stubbs and Vukovi’s offensive line in this game. Former University of Kansas defensive star, who was recruited as running back, played at his beloved position as Vukovi missed their main weapon Brandon McDowell, and Stubbs did it great. With 60+ and 40+ yarders he brought team from Belgrade closer to victory, but after that 8-22 lead penalties started to be trouble to visitors.
Three big ones in the same drive allowed Capitanio to score from one yard out, but Vukovi responded very quickly as Jordan Green, who went in for Andrej Tasic as quarterback during the second half, founded Mario Lugonja in endzone.
That 30 yards long touchdown was too much for hosts, who stood brave in 4th quarter and didn’t allow Vukovi to score once again, despite Stubbs almost did that but his premature celebration after 40 yards of great run disallowed TD as ball went out of his hands in dying moments of the game.
As Novi Sad was prevented to travel to Budapest due to technical problems, Wolves will be awarded with a win, and that moves them to second spot at CEFL standings with 3-2 score. Their next match, with Silverhawks (2-3) in Ljubljana, will decide who’ll be the host of their semi-finals clash. Team from Hungary was victorious in their first game, 17-13 in Budapest.
Vukovi will host Turkish champions Istanbul Cavaliers in second semi-finals.