A week of change for Paris Lights as London Warriors come to town

Two teams, one kind of win

Whatever separates these two sides on paper, the Alpine Rams have shown that neither of them can be taken lightly. Both the Warriors and the Lights needed last-minute moments to get past the Rams, and both came through when it mattered. That kind of resilience tells you something about both teams, and it sets the stage for a game between two sides who know how to compete until the final whistle.

A week Paris Lights would rather forget

The Lights head into this game having gone through more in one week than most teams deal with in a month. The loss of American wide receiver Tristen Wallace takes away a key weapon from an offense that will need every tool available against a Warriors defense that has been finding its feet. And above all of it, the news that head coach David Shelton has left the club reshapes everything about how Paris Lights will approach this game.

Aaron Page takes charge

Offensive coordinator Aaron Page steps up into the head coaching role and takes charge of the Lights for the first time in circumstances that are far from straightforward. A home game against an in-form Warriors side is a serious test for any head coach, let alone one making his debut in the role. How the squad responds to the change in leadership and how quickly Page can put his stamp on the team will be one of the most interesting stories of the entire week.

Warriors in form

London arrive with momentum. Back-to-back wins have given the Warriors confidence and shown that this team, when it clicks, is capable of beating anyone. With Tyrell Bovelle and Andy Owusu giving them options in the backfield and Karé Lyles gaining experience with every game, the Warriors offense is a difficult proposition for any defense to prepare for, let alone one going through the kind of upheaval Paris Lights are experiencing right now.

Why Paris Lights can still win this

None of the week’s turbulence changes the fact that Paris Lights are at home and have the talent to compete with London on their best day. Valentin Gnahoua has been one of the best defensive backs in the league, and Armand Soulerot has given them a genuine ground threat. If Page can keep the squad focused and the Lights can play their game rather than getting distracted by everything happening off the field, this is absolutely a winnable game for them.

The bottom line

On any other week, this would look like a coin flip. Right now, the question is not just about football. It is about whether Paris Lights can hold everything together when it matters most. London will be looking to take advantage. The Lights will be looking to prove that nothing that happened this week has knocked them off course.