The last time the Novi Sad Dukes traveled north to Budapest to face the Wolves, their dream season came to an end – they were 4-0 at that point, but lost 42-26 – and things after that took a turn for the worse. In the end, they finished second in the conference behind the Vukovi, but only after a close lose in Belgrade.

Though they already had injuries prior to that game in Budapest, it bordered on ridiculous after it and it culminated when their most important player this year, Juhas, was injured while playing for Serbia during the European Championships in Austria. The injury was particularly disappointing as he was leading the league in almost every offensive category.

But as is the case for the Gladiators, a single game can change Dukes’ once again, and the good news is Juhas will be back. After injuring his right shoulder badly in Austria, the season appeared over for the team’s starting quarterback. The timing couldn’t be better for the slightly unexpected return.

“I haven’t recovered entirely, but it’s the semifinal and there’s no backing out of it. I’m far from the right shape to be in, I can’t throw the ball the way I want to, and it still hurts somewhat. I’ve been practicing better the past few days and throwing the ball farther”, says Juhas.

Dukes lost that first game, but the way it went down might help in preparing for this one. Thought to be the toughest opponent by far in the league, the Wolves were down five points in the first half, proving that maybe they’re not as unbeatable as they were viewed. And they’re not without problems themselves.

“If they’re without Vasyl, they’ll look different. They have Cseperkalo to run the ball, but without Vasyl I don’t think they’re the same team and that’s something that makes us think we have a better chance this time”, says Juhas.

“We also have Đanić back, he’s been practicing for two weeks now. He’s been recovering for a long time and he’s almost fit. Of course not entirely, but he resembled his old self in practices.”

The Wolves haven’t faced Dukes’ starting running back, as he suffered a knee injury against Belgrade in the second game of the season. If not the best running back in Serbia, than certainly the fastest before his injury he ran for 90 yards in one and a half game this season after leading the team with 452 last year.

The key for Novi Sad will nevertheless be Juhas, evidenced not only by his numbers, but the way his replacement, Rastko Jokić, performed in his absence, as this is a team that relies heavily on the guy under center. He may have missed out on the passing title and the personal accomplishments, but now he’s back for something more important.

Budapest showdown will be played at BVSC Stadium starting at 5PM.