Perennial contenders for the Danish title, the Copenhagen Towers have again positioned themselves as challengers for the throne as the Danish National League gets set for its ‘post COVID-19 lockdown’ season.
The DNL will be the second league in the world to play a season of football since the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe.
The National League will kick off the season with five teams who have all been practicing in pads for the past three weeks. The Danish top division will play a truncated season with each team playing only one game against each opponent starting August 8 with the regular season winding up September 12.
Last season, the Towers posted a 10-0 regular season record and reached the Mermaid Bowl, the Danish championship game, but were upset by the Triangle Razorbacks. Since 2010, Copenhagen has reached the championship final six times, winning it four times (2018, 2017, 2014, 2013). The team had an overall record during that time span of an amazing 99-19.
Head coach Peter Herbild has had his team hard at work since the facilities in Denmark have been allowed to open up:
“We have been practicing well since the fields have been open, and have had a couple of scrimmages. Hopefully that’s an advantage early in the season, where we have the two best seeded teams in the first two games.”
As offensive coordinator, Herbild has made a few changes adding British quarterback Calvin Stitt who started 11 games last season for the Allgau Comets in the German Football League. Stitt will have excellent targets in wide receivers Junior Konate (CFL Global Combine invitee), Jakob Green and MJ Williams along with tight end Philip Thun. Anton Witmeur returns at running back. The offensive line is anchored by Kristoffer Green and Jens Møller.
“Our offense looks very explosive. From last year we have the same offensive line and have added young Big William Yus after two years of high school. Skill positions have improved speed wise. Wide receiver Jakob Green is home after a year in college and import receiver MJ Williams just arrived. Combining that with a list of great tight ends, with Philip Thun leading the pack. Anton Witmeur and Junior Konate are still in the backfield. At quarterback we are going with young British quarterback Calvin Stitt who is very athletic. We have lost experience but gained speed. Hopefully that will help us.
Herbild is satisfied that his defense led by defensive coordinator Victor Andersen will be up to the challenge. The best defensive line which Herbild considers to be the key to the defense, includes Kristoffer Brun, William Sewell, Mads Marquard and Mikkel Stilling.
“Defense is the same as last year. Our defensive line is our biggest strength with four high level players, including import Will Sewell in his second year with us. Our linebackers have a lot of experience and might be the best duo in Denmark with Andreas Schneider and Philip Hargett. The secondary looks strong with young players like Gulbæk, Kenneth Larsen and Jakob Bækgaard getting better each year, combined with experienced veterans Bitsch, Zacho and Bendixen. Combining the with players from all over Europe makes this group very competitive.”
The Towers coaching staff has grown to 10 in total and Herbild has added both experience and high level expertise including former NFL Europe coach Steve McCusker who is in charge of the offensive line, as well as former Towers quarterback Kasper Skyum who will handle the quarterbacks.
“We are very happy with our staff most of last year’s staff are back, with a couple of great additions in quarterback coach Kasper Skyum and offensive line coach Stevie McCusker. McCusker has coached in NFL Europe and is bringing a lot of knowledge to the offense.”
“Overall we have a lot of the same team still playing and with a lot of experienced Danish players and the same offensive and defensive coordinators which has made it easier installing. Now we can’t wait to finally get out playing.”
Copenhagen Towers Schedule
August 14: Søllerød Gold Diggers@Copenhagen Towers
August 22: Copenhagen Towers @Triangle Rzorbcks
Sept. 5: Allborg 89ers @Copenhagen Towers
Sept 12: Copenhagen Towers @Aarhus Tigers