Kickoff: 7th April 18:30
Location: Behrn Arena, Örebro
Opponent: Stockholm Mean Machines (0-0)
After a productive off-season, the Black Knights finally make their return to the field in the Series premier against the Stockholm Mean Machines at Behrn Arena on TV4. The 2016 version of the Black Knights put on an exciting display throughout the season, and finished at or near the top of the league in offensive and defensive statistical categories. The season ended in a disappointing fashion in the Semi-final, but the sudden defeat served as motivation for all phases of off-season preparation. With a SM-Final at Behrn Arena looming at the end of the season, the team will make the push to win its first SM-Gold on their home field.
Örebro Black Knights (0-0)
With the return of Head Coach Aaron Fiddler and Defensive Coordinator Matt Hamme for another season the Black Knights have rare continuity for a Club in Europe who brings in Import coaches. Many of the names heard at Behrn Arena this season will be familiar, with the team being able to retain most of the roster from 2016. Defensive leaders from last season return once again in Eric and Josh Murphy, Sebastian Gauthier, and Filip Jonsson among others. Offensively the biggest change is on the Offensive Line with Sebastian Nilsson returning to the center position where he is one of Sweden’s top players. RB of the year winner Marcus Hudritsch is back in the backfield for 2017. Versatile Cesar Hebel will make big contributions on both sides of the ball, and veteran Johan Stål will anchor a young, but athletic Receiving corps which gained great in game experience last season.
For the Black Knights you will also see several new faces this season led by American Import Quarterback Corbin Lawler and American Import Safety Danny Wynne.
The Black Knights will look to start the season off with a win in week 1.
Stockholm Mean Machine (0-0)
The Stockholm Mean Machines enter the 2017 season following an active off-season. Stockholm is now led by National Team starting Quarterback Anders Hermodsson following a 2016 season where he was the Quarterback for the Lazio Marines of Italy. With the Marines Hermodsson was a teammate of new Black Knight Danny Wynne. In addition to Hermodsson Stockholm has added many players with National Team and Super Series experience under there belts. Keep an eye on WR Tyler McCulloch the new American Import for the Mean Machine, who played college football at the University of Colorado and looks to be a major factor in their offensive attack.
Black Knights Offense
QB Corbin Lawler
RB Marcus Hudritsch
RB Kasper Wedberg
WR Jonatan Gihl
WR Jimmy Palmborg
WR Johan Stål
OL Isaac Moore
OL Gustav Rydberg
OL Sebastian Nilsson
OL Lucas Lavin
OL Eric Karlsson
Black Knights Defense
DB Sebastian Gauthier
DB Peder Jungstedt
DB Johan Lindahl
DB Danny Wynne
LB Filip Jonsson
LB Eric Murphy
LB Josh Murphy
DL Cesar Hebel
DL Niklas Persson-Ghylfe
DL Kevin Mellberg
DL Marvin Menjivar
