One of the keys to the German Bowl XLI this Saturday, October 12 between the defending champion Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (16-0) and Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (16-0) will be the ground game and the edge would definitely have to go to the Lions.
Braunschweig led the German Football League in overall rushing by a wide margin having gained 3,833 yards in total in the 16 games to this point, or an average of 239.6 yards a game. At a distant second were the Unicorns averaging 156.9 yards every game.
Led by the league’s top rusher, Chris McClendon who had 1,801 yards and 23 TDs, Braunschweig powered their way to an undefeated 16-0 season, relying, more than any other team, om their running game. The Lions had an overall total of 3,833 yards with the duo of quarterback Brandon Connette and McClendon combining for 40 TDs between them racking up 2,592 yards or 162 yards a game.
The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns boasted the second best ground game in Germany this season racking up 2,511 yards and 33 TDs with the pair of running back Maurice Schüle and quarterback Jadrian Clark combining for 1,153 yards which falls far below the league leaders.
Taking a look at the individual matchup is just as revealing but maybe a little unfair.
Chris McClendon got far more touches than Unicorns running back Maurice Schüle, 246 compared to 118 but rushed for an average of 7.3 yards a carry as opposed to Schüle’s 5.8. McClendon found the end zone 23 times compared to six for Schüle but with the Unicorns relying much more on the pass, and less than half the touches, this is understandable. McClendon’s 253 receiving yards far eclipses Schüle who was barely used as a receiver which, given the fact that Schwäbisch Hall had a receiving corps among the top in the league, isn’t surprising. Schüle also played one less game and was not the designated starter the entire year.
Head to head, there is no question though that the Lions running game has the advantage.