LIVE STREAM: Big6 Europe – Berlin Rebels v. Milano Seamen (3p CEST, 9a EDT)

On April 22 at 3p CEST (9a EDT) the Milano Seamen will host the Berlin Rebels in a Big6 Europe matchup at Stadio Breda in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy.

The Italians have already played five games in their FIDAF Divisione 1 league, and won four of them. Their only defeat so far was against the reigning Italian champions and cross-city rivals, the Milano Rhinos.

The 2015 Italian champion Seamen have added imports with extensive European league experience.  The Seamen are led by Italian/American national team quarterback Luke Zahradka who has spent time in Europe as a playmaker for the Prague Black Panthers (Czech Republic), Ancona Dolphins (Italy) and Amiens Spartiates (France). Linebacker Tyler Drake from the University of Pennsylvania has also committed for the Big6 games on the Seamen schedule.

In 2016, the Milano Seamen competed in the IFAF Europe Champions League, reaching the final before falling to Poland’s Wroclaw Panthers 40-37.

It’s the visiting Berlin Rebels debut in Big6 as well. The Rebels finished fourth in the GFL North in 2016, but lost in the first round of the GFL playoffs. The Rebels have yet to play a game this season.

Berlin’s hopes rest on their new quarterback James Harris. Rebels head coach Kim Kuci is estatic with the pickup. “With James, we have achieved an absolute blessing,” said Kuci who has had his eye on the 25-year-old American for a long time.

Berlin also boasts one of the strongest running back duos in Europe. The GFL’s top rusher in 2016, Lawrence McCoy, is returning to the club. He’ll be joined by Dutch import and New Yorker Lions transfer Chris Smith. Smith led the New Yorker Lions in rushing during their German championship run last fall.

On Saturday we will find out if one of Italy’s best can compete with an one of the GFL’s up-and-coming clubs.

The game will be live streamed by FIDAF TV on youtube.

https://youtu.be/92XmPywr6kA