The Frankfurt Universe are having a busy year already in their first year in the GFL, Germany’s top American football division. The Universe added EFL play to their schedule and are one win away from heading to the EFL final.
The Universe trounced France’s Thonon Black Panthers 48-0 and now will host Spain’s runaway regular season winners the Badalona Dracs from Barcelona at Franfurter Volksvbank Stadium on Saturday May 28 at 7 pm. The Dracs downed the Black Panthers 46-41.
The winner of this game will move on to face the surprising Amsterdam Crusaders who defeated both the Kiel Batlic Hurricanes (2014/2015 tournament champions) and Hamburg Huskies to advance to the final.
The Universe enter this game with a 2-1 overall record having lost to the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns 26-21 in German league play while defeating the Stuttgart Scorpions 49-43. Quarterback Marcus McDade has thrown for 664 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 138 yards and three touchdowns in two GFL games.
David Giron (204 receiving yards in two games and one TD) is one of his favorite receivers, along with Leon LaDeaux (166 yards and 2 TD) and Briton George Robinson (94 yards and 3 TD).
Running back Jesse Lewis is also a dangerous weapon for Frankfurt. On defense, Frankfurt is led by former NFL/CFL defensive lineman Brandon Collier who is always a problem for offensive linemen.
Badalona will face the Universe without quarterback Mike Box, who was caught in a visa snafu. In his place is Sergio Gonzalez who filled in in the final league game of the year in Spain against the Barbera Rookies and did extremely well in a 47-0 win.
He has receiver Robbie Jackson to throw to, the deadliest receiver in Spain in 2016.
This will be the first home game for the Universe this season so a huge crowd is expected.