In the 2024 season opener the Oslo Vikings are taking on the Tyresö Royal Crowns. The Vikings are entering their first year in the top Swedish league, Superserien, as the reigning Norwegian champions.
The Vikings have some key players returning in 2024, including #60 Thomas Holt Sundby and #1 William Sewell Jr. on the defensive side of the ball, along with key offensive pieces #9 Linn Byrd and newly signed QB #12 C.J Fowler. Linebacker Will Sewell will look to make plays all over the field against a solid Royal Crowns offense, delivering bone rattling hits on running backs and recievers brave enough to venture into the box. The Vikings are looking to Sundby to set the tone for the defensive line, disrupting Royal Crowns offense with a ferocious pass rush. On offense, the Vikings will be looking to churn out yards on the ground behind a revamped offensive line with veterans #7 Vegard Tysse and #8 Rune Nilsen leading the charge. Leading the offense is QB C.J Fowler, brought in to toss TD’s and pick apart opposing defenses. A key target for Fowler could be receiver Linn Byrd, an explosive athlete with an ability to find holes in any defense.
The Royal Crowns finished the 2023 season with a tough loss in the Swedish championship game, losing 55-35 against the Stockholm’s Mean Machines. In the 2023 series, the Royal Crowns fielded a potent offense, ranking number two overall. The run game in particular proved to be especially explosive averaging 60 more yards per game than the next closest team. Two key players to watch is receiver #2 Kevin Börzsei, a well known receiver in Superserien, and the 2023 scoring leader receiver #1 Edvin Almeida Taborda . Börzsei brings a physicality to the receiver position along with a sound understanding of defensive schemes, being the co-interception leader in the 2023 version of Superserien. The Royal Crowns have also brought in #3 Jared Heywood, a dual-threat quarterback with D1 college experience. A young star in the making, running back #22 Vilgot Valeskog, is entering his first year in the top Swedish league. Recently playing for Sweden, he rushed for a ridiculous 266yds and 5 TD’s against Denmark in the U19 Nordic Championship. On the defensive side, the Royal Crowns were even more impressive, ranking first overall in total defense, run defense, and pass defense. Two players stood out in 2023, defensive lineman of the year #95 Malcolm Engström, and the 2023 sacks leader #6 Jatta Njie.
Import QB C.J Fowler will be leading the Vikings into battle along with veterans on both offense and defense in what is looking to be an exciting matchup between two teams hungry for their first win of the 2024 season. The game kicks off at 14.00 at Jordal Amfi, a last minute venue change from Frogner due to the winter that keeps on giving.