Black Panthers of Thonon – Flash of La Courneuve: 37-33
The Diamond Helmet Stays in Thonon-les-Bains! The Black Panthers Team Raises Its 5e title, the second in a row, since the establishment of the “diamond helmet” in 1995.
The Thononais beat the Flash de la Courneuve in this 28th Diamond Helmet at the Gilbert Brutus stadium in Perpignan. The meeting was resolutely offensive and open, coupled with a thrilling and dramatic scenario.
The black beast has (re)fallen
On each side of the field, the Courneuve Flash and the Thonon Black Panthers faced each other. The two teams know each other well, they have even been arch-enemies since the early 2000s.
The Flash throne at the top of the French championship charts with 12 titres since 1995. While the Haute-Savoie team is at 3e place with 4 titres. Since 2007, the two teams have met 6 times in the final. With a track record of 5 victories for 1 defeat in favor of the Sequanos-Dionysiansthe psychological advantage was yellow and black.
In the more recent past, during the 2024 season, the two teams met twice. Once again, The advantage went to La Courneuve with 1 victory and 1 draw. It is also the club that finished top of its conference ahead of… Thonon, once again.
The film of a fiery match
The meeting was offensive. Spectators present in the stadium and in front of their screens were able to witness a total of 70 points scored.
The match started with a quick turnover by the Thonnais quarterback Khari Lane which turned into a significant drive for the Flash. Behind, the two teams responded blow for blow, La Courneuve through the ground, Thonon through the pass. Not a single punt was necessary. 7 touchdowns were scored for a score of 25-21 in favor of the Flash at half-time.
Upon returning from the locker room, the Black Panthers defense was more aggressivein her calls, and individually. She partitioned the field, preventing receptions and allowing the attack to recover the ball in the best conditions. The Flash receivers also helped, their hands more feverish than usual released balls.
The one-sided third quarter ended with a score of 25 to 34. The Black Panthers added an additional field goal to aggravate the score and control the end of the game. The Flash attack gave its team a last hope by collecting points on the opponent’s forced errors.
A final fumbled punt by the turner of La Courneuve extinguished this final flame. The special teams were the major failure of the yellow and black. Final score 37-33.
Man of the match: Pierre-Yves Dayres (WR)
The Black Panthers receiver had his best game of the season, at the best of times. Responsible for trois touchdowns At the reception, he had to work hard to blacken his stats sheet. The player performed on the most explosive, vertical plays. He carried his team with big wins and important points.
For his third season, Thonon’s number 1 receiver wins his second diamond helmet. But this season has been very different, all in resilience. Struggling with minor physical problems, the nicknamed ” Peyo » has gained momentum to thrive in the best moments, those that count like the semi-final and the final.
Photo: Black Panthers Thonon social networks
