Dominant wins for Guelfi and Panthers; Aquile overpower Skorpions; Rhinos back on track with victory in Bologna.
Week 8 of the Italian Football League confirmed the current hierarchy at the top of Group B, with Guelfi still unbeaten and dominant, while also delivering decisive results in the race for the playoffs and the battle to avoid relegation. Aquile Ferrara crushed Skorpions Varese, reigniting their postseason ambitions, while Rhinos Milano earned a crucial road win in Bologna to even out their season record. It was an easy day at the office for Panthers Parma, who overwhelmed Lions Bergamo, while Pirates Albisola S. suffered another heavy defeat—both in score and in standings implications.
Warriors Bologna vs Rhinos Milano 7-20
A much more balanced game than expected, with the two teams neck-and-neck until the final quarter. The Rhinos struck first, capitalizing on an interception by Bruno Escobar that led to a touchdown run by Modeste Pooda, followed by a PAT from Giacomo Sarra. The Warriors responded in the second quarter with a great play by Gael Laurent and an extra point from Andrea Bello. Just before halftime, Rhinos regained the lead with a touchdown run from QB Marquez McCray and another successful kick from Sarra. The third quarter saw strong defensive play on both sides and no scoring. In the final stretch, McCray found Jordan Bouah in the endzone for the game-clinching touchdown—Bouah’s final appearance in the IFL before joining the Rhein Fire in the ELF. With this result, Rhinos improve to 3-3, while Bologna remains stuck at 1-5.
Aquile Ferrara vs Skorpions Varese 42-14
Ferrara got their revenge in style, handing Varese a harsh defeat. After promising offensive performances against Guelfi and Marines, the Skorpions failed to repeat, largely due to a well-prepared Ferrara defense that shut them down, combined with an off day for QB Hamish McClure. The game was evenly matched until halftime, which ended with Ferrara leading 13-7. In the second half, the home team shifted gears with an MVP-caliber performance by Percy King, who scored four touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving, and one pick six). Ferrara added 14 points in the third quarter and 15 more in the fourth, allowing just one more touchdown in return. A resounding result that keeps Ferrara in the playoff picture and dims Skorpions’ hopes.
Pirates 1984 Albisola S. vs Guelfi Firenze 7-49
One-sided from the outset in Albisola, with Guelfi taking immediate control by scoring 21 points in the first quarter thanks to three touchdown passes from Andrea Fimiani to Frankie Stola, Giacomo Mibelli, and Eystin Salum, all capped by perfect PATs from Cosimo Camilli. On defense, Guelfi were unstoppable, with Collin Schooler leading the charge and adding a pick six just before halftime. The first half ended 42-0 with the mercy rule in effect. In the second half, Guelfi rotated in their backups: Salum took over at QB and threw another touchdown pass to Stola. Pirates salvaged some pride with a late score from Andrea Fiammenghi on a pass by David Baca Ugalde. Guelfi remain unbeaten atop Group B (7-0), while Pirates must now prepare for a crucial relegation clash against the Skorpions.
Panthers Parma vs Lions Bergamo 40-7
No trouble at all for the reigning Italian champions, who closed the game early by racking up 30 points in the first quarter. Dominick Fiscelli scored on a rushing play, followed by touchdown receptions from Tommaso Finadri, Dario Zatti, and Rocco Bonvicini, on passes from Robert Patterson and Tommaso Monardi. Pasquale Bitondi was flawless on extra points, and the defense capped off the quarter with a safety. Before halftime, Parma extended the lead with another TD pass from Monardi to Marian Cebotaru and a field goal from Bitondi, entering the break up 40-0. In the fourth quarter, Lions finally got on the board with two touchdown passes from Jay Butterfield, only one of which was converted. Panthers improve to 4-2, while Lions remain winless at 0-6.
UPDATED STANDINGS
GROUP A
- Frogs Legnano 5-0
- Dolphins Ancona 4-1
- Panthers Parma 4-2
- Rhinos Milano 3-3
- Warriors Bologna 1-5
- Lions Bergamo 0-6
GROUP B
- Guelfi Firenze 7-0
- Giaguari Torino 4-1
- Aquile Ferrara 2-4
- Skorpions Varese 2-4
- Marines Lazio 1-4
- Pirates 1984 Albisola S. 1-4
📌 Standings notes:
Aquile are ahead of Skorpions based on point differential in head-to-head matchups.
Marines rank above Pirates despite losing the head-to-head, due to a preseason penalty imposed on Albisola.
Ph. credits: @Alessandro Faggioli
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