Eastern Conference has opened with a bang. Reigning champions, Novi Sad Dukes have greeted last season’s finalists Belgrade SBB Vukovi.

GAT Dukes had gotten the jump on SBB Vukovi with a 45 yard pass by Drew Banks to Zivkovic, winning the first quarter 7-0. The Belgraders have returned to the game in the second period by precision passing and two touchdowns by John Uribe to Lugonja and Washington. GAT Dukes kept them at bay with a running score by Kevin Eckel ending the half with a minimal advantage 14-13. It was not to be for Eckel though, who had to sit out the rest of the game with an injury.

In the second half teams took turns in the lead. SBB Vukovi quarterback, Uribe was fantastic with three more touchdowns to Stefanovic, Simovic and Lugonja. GAT Dukes scored two of their own over Jokic on the ground and Banks pass to Puskas, getting short of the tie by three points, 28-31. There hopes were extinguished by Washington’s kickoff return for a touchdown. The champions had to shake their opponents’ hands unwillingly looking at the scoreboard that showed the final 28-39.

In the second week of Central Conference, Zagreb Patriots have hosted Sarajevo Spartans, while Kranj Alp Devils met Domzale Tigers.

On a cold and rainy day in Zagreb the game started late. And long trip and little time to warm up left their mark on guests and Patriots scored first with a safety. Patriots’ offense took it from there and scored 2 unanswered touchdowns. Later in the game Spartans had kicked a field goal but the Patriots were relentless scoring two more touchdowns. Zagreb Patriots controlled the game but slowed a bit after their key player, running back John Holloway ended the game with an injury. Spartans took advantage of the fact, scoring a touchdown of their own to put the final score at 38-9. After the game, Patriots were happy to learn that medical examinations cleared Holloway to play their next game.

Game in Kranj was played for the national championship as well. First points were scored by Alp Devils after a blocked punt and a recovery in the Tigers’ end zone. After another unsuccessful drive by Tigers, Alp Devils quarterback, Lebar completed a 30 yard pass to wide receiver Žlajpah and the drive ended with a rushing touchdown by Rok Milek. A déjà vu ensued with another long pass by Lebar to Žlajpah and second Milek’s rushing touchdown. However, Tigers have recovered a blocked punt of their own in Alp Devils end zone before the half for a score 21-7.

In the second half the Alp Devils score again over a Lebar to Žlajpah combo and a punt returned for a touchdown. Tigers’ offense was fruitless throughout the day, dominated by Alp Devils strong defense. The Alp Devils kept raising the bar for them with two rushing touchdowns by Matic Hudovernik eding the game with 47-7.