Second game of the CEFL Championship 2025 semifinals was played in Chur, where the Broncos greeted Warsaw Eagles. The Polish team was the most pleasant surprise this season and this was the biggest test in the team’s annals. On the other hand, the home team knew who they were and came prepared.

Tight defenses were the better parts of both teams, with the Swiss one completely shutting the visitors out in all but one quarter. Initial lead by the Eagles was quickly annulled and outdone. Even so, the game remained open for the taking to both teams until the very end.

The Broncos’ opening drive was in full swing when they got stuffed by the stout visitors’ D-line, which snatched the ball out of the runner’s grasp. Their endeavors fell short too, making the first quarter a defensive fest which ended in a failed field goal attempt by the hosts.

Then, Bartosz Gnoza’s 21 yard rush neared the Eagles to the opposing end zone. Jacob Schimenz closed in with passes to Filip Stefanowski and Jakub Mazan, and Gnoza pierced through the middle, broke a tackle and ran all the way for a 19 yard score, 0-7.

Home team’s signal caller, Robin Sennrich responded with a pass to Maxwell Gray. Propelled by a defensive pass interference, Noah Bachofen’s rushes stopped the ball at the 5 yard line. After a great job by the Eagles’ defense, the Swiss settled for a 3-pointer by David Weber, 3-7.

Ensuing punt by the visiting team was recovered by the Broncos in their own red zone. Bachofen found a hole in the front-7 and sprinted for 23 yards. On a trick play, Maxwell Gray took a handoff and lobbed it to a wide open Adrian Sünderhauf and the home team took the lead, 10-7.

The Eagles tried to respond with their aerial attack but LB Andre Blackett Jr. batted the ball to his teammate, Lucio Tettamanti. Near the half time break the locals couldn’t find their way to the end zone and went for a 24 yard kick that sailed wide left.

Following the intermission, the visiting team’s drive looked promising. Just as Gnoza burst into the red zone on a 17 yard scamper, a costly holding penalty cancelled his effort and a favorable field position turned to a punt.

Finding themselves with a lead in a low-scoring matchup, the Broncos began to run down the clock as soon as their next series. Their short runs moved the chains but they turned the ball over after a busted 4th and 1 conversion.

In the last period the Poles felt the pressure. Still down by 3 and expecting another drawn-out drive by the home team, they blinked and took a chance on a 53 yard field goal that fell short.

Late in the game their defense finally lost their mojo too. The Swiss team gained ground on them at will over Bachofen who rushed down after down, posting 43 yards while doing it and finally kicking the door in on a game-winning touchdown, 17-7.

Triumphing in this semifinals matchup, the Broncos have placed in the CEFL Bowl for the third time.