Hard-hitting play and incredible plays in the 2012 Griffin Bowl Cup

The Bears top the standings again

Four teams took part in this year's edition of the already established spring tournament Griffin Bowl 2012. This year, the two-day tournament was held on April 7-8, at the Porter Field baseball field in Blagoevgrad.

Under the scorching spring sun, Sofia Bears, Blagoevgrad Griffins, Sofia Warriors and Sofia Hawks competed to show who is the best American football team in Bulgaria.

The matches were played under the lighter form of playing American football  – flag football, which is just as technical and fast, but allows girls and younger players to get involved.

The first day passed with expected victories. The Griffins and Hawks prevailed over the still new and inexperienced Warriors team. The Bears defeated the young Hawks and, although they had some stumbling blocks, they also defeated the hosts from Blagoevgrad.

However, a real thriller was offered by the last match, which was also a direct fight for the second place in the final. The Hawks and Griffins were unable to produce a winner in regular time after a manly and dedicated performance by both teams. Even with a new quarterback, the Hawks were able to find their game and stretched themselves against an otherwise more physical Griffins team. The hosts played perhaps their strongest match so far, and managed to score in the second overtime, which sent them to the final.

Results from the First Day of the Griffin Bowl Cup, Blagoevgrad, April 7, 2012

The Griffins 27 : 6 The Warriors,
Bears 34 : 0 Hawks,
The Bears 29 : 18 The Griffins,
Hawks 34 : 0 Warriors,
Hawks 12 : 18 Griffins (2nd overtime)

The second day of the tournament continued with the final match of the regular matches – The Bears and Warriors had a really friendly game and had fun on the field with the Bears recording their 3rd win.

The Warriors were unable to finish the tournament with a win, also losing the 3-4 game to the Hawks.

The grand final was between the hosts and the Sofia Bears. Despite the fighting and hearty game and the support from the audience, the Griffins could not overcome the experienced and seasoned team of the Bears. After the highest-scoring match of the tournament 44 : 27  the Bears lifted the “Griffin Bowl 2012” cup.An official awards ceremony followed, where the smallest player on the field – 12-year-old Bears player Alexander Kanchev also received the prize – best player of the tournament.

Results of the Second Day of the 2012 Griffin Bowl Cup, Blagoevgrad, April 8, 2012

The Bears 35 : 0 The Warriors

Match for 3rd-4th place
Hawks 33 : 6 Warriors

Grand Finale
The Bears 44 : 27 The Griffins

Ranking:
1st place Sofia Bears
2nd place Blagoevgrad Griffins
3rd place Sofia Hawks
4th place Sofia Warriors

MVP Alexander Kanchev (Sofia Bears)

With thanks to the American University in Bulgaria and Posoka.com – official travel agency of the American Football Federation – Bulgaria !!!

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Photos from the tournament: