Germany: Munich Cowboys take on the Frankfurt Universe in a crucial game
The 1-7 Munich Cowboys play their fourth home game of the season Saturday against the undefeated Frankfurt Universe and are looking for their crucial first home win.
Munich is coming off a tough loss to the Ingolstadt Dukes last weekend which saw the Dukes score with just over a minute to go for the win.
Frankfurt has rolled to a 4-0 record following wins over double wins over the Allgau Comets and Stuttgart Scorpions. However, they suffered a lopsided loss last week in the Eurobowl final against the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions.
The Universe enter the game with the stingiest defense in Germany giving up an average of only five points a game. The offense is second behind the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes averaging 46.8 points every game.
Munich quarterback Ben Wilkerson has thrown for 503 yards in his five games behind center but has had trouble finding his receivers in the end zone having only thrown three touchdown passes.
Running back Fabien Gärtner is the leading rusher for the Cowboys after rushing for 438 yards and five touchdowns. Linebacker Ryan Newell has been a bright spot for Munich on defense and is the second leading tackler in Germany with 81 tackles so far. He is averaging 10.1 tackles per game.
The Universe have relied on the ground game of Silas Nacita who is averaging 120 yards a game and has scored five touchdowns in the four games. The lightning-quick tailback is averaging 12.9 yards a carry. He is also the top scorer in Germany with nine touchdowns.
Frankfurt’s quarterbacking situation has been unsettled due to the season-ending injury to Mike Wegzyn. Sonny Weishaupt, who has filled in admirably at times, may well get the start against the Cowboys as it is rumored that Wegzyn’s recently-signed replacement, Dan Collins, may be away. In the Eurobowl final, Jeremy Dixon was pressed into service at times.
With all the uncertainty at quarterback for the Universe, receiver David Giron continues to shine and is the fourth leading receiver in the league with 20 receptions for 363 yards and seven touchdowns.
For Munich to have any chance at all in this game, they need to somehow get pressure on the quarterback.
Munich head coach Garren Holley is optimistic about this game:
“I think it will be a good game. We are ready to go and have put together a good game plan.”
