London Monarchs Rule the WLAF With 21-0 Victory Over Barcelona

WEMBLEY, England —  The London Monarchs carried their coach off the field after they won the first championship of the World League of American Football.

Then their coach got carried away.

“Champions of the world, baby; that’s what it’s all about,” Coach Larry Kennan said after the 21-0 victory over Barcelona.

The New York Giants might contest that description. So, probably would the 27 other NFL teams.

But nobody could blame Kennan for his enthusiasm after the Monarchs, who dominated the WLAF during the regular season, dominated its first title game.

Despite being outgained 332-245, they beat the Dragons before a crowd of 61,108 at Wembley Stadium, 838 less than attended the first Super Bowl in 1967.

The heroes were Stan Gelbaugh, who threw two touchdown passes, and Dan Crossman, who was named the game’s most valuable player after three interceptions, one of which he returned 20 yards for a touchdown.

By collecting the World Bowl trophy on their home field at Wembley Stadium, the Monarchs also avenged their only defeat in 11 WLAF games. They took a 21-0 lead at halftime, then stifled a series of second-half threats with a defense that forced six turnovers.