Homegrowns of Week 2
Week 2 delivered another strong showing from Europe’s homegrown talent. Across both conferences, several players stepped up with performances that made clear they are here to compete at the highest level. Here are the homegrowns of Week 2 in AFLE.
Soulerot shows his full toolkit for Paris
French running back Armand Soulerot was a key reason the Paris Lights came away with a win over the Firenze Red Lions in Week 2. The young back showed off his versatility on both sides of the running and passing game, finding the end zone twice on the day. One score came on the ground, the other through the air, giving quarterback Evan Hillock a reliable and dangerous weapon on his first steps in European football.
Mayr and Straight light up Vienna’s win
Vienna Vikings speedster Yannick Mayr turned two big plays into touchdowns against Panthers Wroclaw, breaking free for a 44-yard and a 54-yard score. Both times he simply outran the defense, and the growing connection between him and quarterback Ben Holmes is something opposing teams will need to prepare for very carefully in the weeks ahead.
But the Vikings did not only shine on offense. Captain and fan favourite Benjamin Straight had an outstanding game on the defensive side. Right on the first play of the Panthers‘ opening drive, Straight forced a fumble and set the tone immediately. Later in the game, after a big play had already gotten away, he sprinted across the field to support defensive back Pablo Araya and forced yet another fumble. His leadership and effort throughout the game were a big part of why the Panthers could not find their rhythm.
Pene and Kensy dominate from the defensive line
In the North/West Conference, two homegrown defenders put together performances that demand attention for the rest of the season. Paris Lights defensive lineman Wilfried Pene made life extremely difficult for the Firenze Red Lions offensive line all game long. He finished with 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a tackle for loss, a complete and dominant showing up front.
Rhein Fire linebacker Marius Kensy was equally impressive as his team ran out comfortable winners against the London Warriors in front of a home crowd. The German linebacker recorded 9 tackles, a tackle for loss that resulted in a safety in the end zone, and an interception. A nearly flawless day from a player who is quickly becoming one of the most complete homegrown defenders in the league.
Week 2 made one thing clear: the homegrown talent in AFLE is not just filling roster spots. Players like Soulerot, Mayr, Straight, Pene and Kensy are genuine difference makers, and with 14 more weeks of football ahead, there is plenty more to come from Europe’s best.
