Lions, Troopers to face off in Israel Bowl XI

The Jerusalem Lions and Petah Tikva Troopers will battle for the 2018 Kraft Family IFL championship in Israel Bowl XI on Thursday at the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem, after defeating the Tel Aviv Pioneers and Judean Rebels, respectively.

The Tel Aviv Pioneers were no match for the defending-champion Lions, falling 54-12. The Pioneers vaunted rushing attack never got off the ground, without which the offense was rendered virtually impotent.

David Abell completed 13-of-20 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns for Jerusalem, with 30 yards and two scores on the ground and another TD receiving. Ezzy Jaski had 55 yards and a pair of scores passing and contributed another touchdown receiving. Jerome Wojtalik compiled 108 all-purpose yards and a TD.

Pioneers’ QB Omri Mizrachi completed only 4-of-11 passes for 82 yards, a TD and a pair of interception. Star running back Yuval Fenta was limited to 20 yards on the ground by the Jerusalem defense.

In the second semifinal, the Troopers overcame an early deficit to earn their first-ever Israel Bowl appearance with a 46-30 conquest of the Judean Rebels.

Avrami Farkas completed 13-of-30 passes for 202 yards, four scores and three picks for Petah Tikva. Jonathan Curran had five receptions for 95yards and three TDs, while Dani Eastman ran for three touchdowns, to go along with nine tackles and a pick on defense.

While the Troopers are on to the Israel Bowl for the first time in team history, many of their players have been there before, winning titles with the Rebels in Israel Bowls VIII and IX.