The Cineplexx Blue Devils were formed in 1998 mainly as a youth club to form a bridge between the two existing clubs in Vorarlberg. Pretty soon after both regional teams folded the Blue Devils thought they would do pretty well with a men’s team also. Devils are now participating in the AFL for seven consecutive years.
The 2007 season was full of mixed emotions. Tough losses in the Austrian Football League, but Hohenems made it to the EFAF Cup final, beating Madrid, Coventry and German powerhouse Berlin on the way. The Cineplexx Blue Devils even took a 200 halftime lead over league rival Graz Giants in the final but could not hang on till the end.
2012 the Cineplexx Blue Devils started in 3 Leagues, the Austrian Division 2, the EFAF Cup and the CEFL. The season ended with entering the Iron Bowl in DIV II after having a perfect season in this league. The Iron Bowl was won by the Cineplexx Blue Devils. The Cineplexx Blue Devils moved up to the Austrian Division I in 2013.
2013
In 2012, Blue Devils ended up on the third place after losing in the playoffs against the Ljubljana Silverhawks – who won the title. In 2013. they will participate in two leagues – CEFL Challege Cup and AFL.
There are no major domestic transfers, however, Devils managed to keep a good roster although, as they say – they have a small market for recruiting players. On the brighter side – team recruits players from Germany and Switzerland as well.
Blue Devils are participating in the CEFL Challenge Cup with the Belgrade Blue Dragons – where they’re ‘fighting’ to enter the league. They’re on a good path – as they’ve won the 1st out of two games – with the score 26:49.
The Team
Team has a senior and youth team. The team is run by a board of 5 people. Coaching staff is consisted of 5 coaches.
Imports
Devils have 4 American coaches – Head Coach Luis Ignacio, Assistant: William Galusha, DB Coach: Armon Harvey and QB Coach: Harrison Daniels (USA). This will be Ignacio’s 5th year with the team, and Galusha’s 3rd.
Blue Devils have signed an American QB – Harrison Daniels, and have applied one of their coaches for the roster – Armon Harvey.
Uniqueness
Cineplexx Blue Devils are known for rising whenever there’s a big fall. One of these ‘falls’ was in 2009. where the whole season was lined with discrepancies with the Austrian federation (AFBOE). In the end the Blue Devils Seniors and all youth teams moved to the Swiss NLA, leaving only a rookies team and cheerleaders in Austria.