Best homegrowns of week 11
Week 11 delivered some of the most complete homegrown performances of the season so far. Running backs, wide receivers and pass rushers all made their mark across a weekend of high-stakes football.
Keeping the lights on in Paris
Paris Lights running back Armand Soulerot was a central figure in his team’s win over Firenze Red Lions, giving the offense exactly the balance it needed. The homegrown ball carrier took 13 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns, controlling the ground game and keeping his team’s playoff hopes very much alive.
Leading from the front in London
Andy Owusu did not just have a good week, he had a statement week. The Warriors running back tore through the Berlin Thunder rushing defense for 187 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, adding a 12-yard touchdown reception to complete a dominant afternoon. Owusu is a leader off the field but it is performances like this that show what he means on it.
A veteran nightmare for the Thunder offense
On the other side of the ball, Warriors defensive lineman DJ Ogunkolati made life miserable for Berlin quarterback Jakeb Sullivan. The 36-year-old veteran brought Sullivan down twice for sacks, added two tackles for loss and recorded three total tackles in a display that reminded everyone he still has plenty left to give at this level.
Thunder receiver gives everything in a losing effort
Berlin Thunder wide receiver Bais Kouanda was outstanding despite ending up on the losing side. The homegrown pass catcher hauled in eight balls for 135 receiving yards and added a 12-yard rushing touchdown, working tirelessly alongside Sullivan to keep the Thunder in the game. It was not enough to turn the result, but it was a performance that deserved recognition.
Constant pressure from the Fire defensive line
Musa Bajaha was a permanent presence in the Alpine Rams backfield on Saturday. The Rhein Fire defensive lineman recorded two sacks, two tackles for loss and three total tackles against the Rams, making life extremely difficult for quarterback Seth Morgan throughout the game and anchoring a defensive effort that kept the Rams‘ offense under constant pressure.
Europe’s best stepping up
Five players, five strong performances across three different games. Week 11 was another reminder that the AFLE’s homegrown talent continues to grow with every passing week. With the season entering its final stretch, expect these players to keep pushing as the stakes get higher.
