In a season where even they were not convinced they could go all the way again, the Vukovi did well. At least in the first two games. But now they will face a team that has in the last two weeks transformed into a very serious contender.

The Silverhawks added their first true import in 2009 and it was good enough for their first playoff appearance. Last year they had two and made it all the way to the final. In both cases, the Vukovi were an obstacle they could not overcome. Not they have three imports and if it could mean they’ll keep progressing, this week’s game against the Vukovi couldn’t be a better test.

At the same time, the Vukovi are still a CEFL team they never beat and also a team that also beat them in the season opener of 2011. But that was in Belgrade, on the Vukovi’s turf and with a different team. The Silverhawks won their game in Istanbul by halftime and their latest import scored twice.

Joseph Moncur is well known to the Vukovi, as he almost single-handedly challenged them in the 2009 semifinal. It wasn’t enough at that time, but the Silverhawks are a much stronger team.

Brandon McDowell is somebody the Silverhawks also know well. One of the best Vukovi players in the last years, he’s been very quiet this year, at least in terms of numbers, still without a touchdown and a 100 yard on the ground game. Their quarterback Vinnie Miroth has played well on the other hand and they returned another import this week – Anthony Stubbs played defensive back for the team last year and was licensed for the 2011 this season, although it is not yet known if he will play this week.

The game is played on Sunday, 1PM at the NK Livar stadium in Ivančna Gorica, the same venue where the Vukovi won their title last year.