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Makings of a rematch

Playoffs are next, but all eyes are on Super Bowl

By Dave Faries
Staff Writer, The Prague Post
July 18th, 2007 issue

Photos by STEPHANIE ANDERSON/The Prague Post
Jacob Shrum, top, of the Prague Panthers, and Libor Navrátil, Prague Lions, lead two very different offenses: a triple option versus a passing attack.
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ČLAF Semifinals

July 21
Příbram at Panthers, 2 p.m.
Atletický stadion Slavia Praha, Prague 10–Vršovice
July 22
Bratislava at Lions, 2 p.m.
Stadion Univerzity Karlovy, Prague 10–Hostivař

From the moment time ran out in the Prague Panthers home opener, a dominating 42–14 performance over their longtime crosstown rivals, the Prague Lions, a rematch of the teams in the Czech Super Bowl has been somewhat of a foregone conclusion, making this weekend’s semifinal games seem almost like tune-ups.
The Panthers cruised through the Česká liga amerického fotbalu (ČLAF) season, winning by an average of 39 points. Behind versatile quarterback Jacob Shrum and new head coach John Srholec’s high-powered veer offense they racked up an undefeated season, including two convincing victories over the Lions, champions the past three years.
“They are very disciplined and strong on both sides of the ball,” said Václav Bubník, coach of the Příbram Bobcats. “Srholec is doing a great coaching job.”
But hold on there, Srholec said.
“It’s hard to beat a team three times in one year,” he said. “The Lions are going to come out with a game plan that’s different. If we don’t adjust, we’re in trouble.”
The Lions lost running backs Michal Formánek and Jordan Doman early in the year. So all season long they’ve relied on the arm of veteran quarterback Libor Navrátil. The two-time league MVP has suffered through a couple of slumps, which coach Martin Kocián attribute to bad habits.
“Most of the time he picks the right receiver,” Kocián said of his QB. “Fortunately, it’s easier to improve mechanics than decision-making.”
Still, Navrátil runs a potent offense capable of putting points on the board in bunches. And everyone expects him to be ready for the big game.
Historically, the two teams have dominated play in the ČLAF. The Panthers have eight titles under their belts, the last coming in 2003. The Lions have won league honors four times. Against each other, the Panthers hold a 15–9 edge.
Once again, Srholec warns speculation about the rematch may be premature. The Panthers face Příbram in a semifinal match this Saturday, July 21. Although Srholec’s boys clubbed the Bobcats in both meetings (60–14 and 60–6), “it’s a game still, and it’s gotta be played,” the coach said. “Anybody can beat anybody.”
Bubník spent the past weekend training his squad for the option, but admits “We are big underdogs.”
The Lions face Bratislava in the other semifinal Sunday — but not the same Monarchs that made it to the championship game last year. They lost six offensive starters to injuries early on and two more in the season finale, a 31–0 loss to the Lions.
“That would take down an even stronger team than us,” said Bratislava President Milan Hodas. “And, if that’s not enough, we lost two defensive starters for the season.”
Frankly, he added, “beating the Lions would be a huge upset for them and an even bigger miracle for us.”
So, whether they say it or not, everyone expects the Panthers and Lions to square off in the Super Bowl July 28. If so, the Lions will have to find a way to slow down Shrum and his backfield mates.
“The veer puts a lot of pressure on the defense,” Kocián said. “You have to stay at home, not try to be a hero.”
Keep in mind, however, that Shrum can throw the ball — although he’ll have to contend with speedy corners like Ladislav Jenšík.
“He’s one of the better ones I’ve seen,” Shrum said. “We make sure we know where he is at all times.”
The Panthers defense often crowds the line of scrimmage. The Lions have been successful on quick slants and dragging the tight end. If the Panthers disrupt this rhythm, their rivals may find it difficult to score against the league’s best defensive unit.
Still, Kocián said, “it will take everything we have to beat the Panthers.”
If everything plays out as expected.

Dave Faries can be reached at dfaries@praguepost.com


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