LIVE STREAM PPV: German Quarterfinals – Dresden Monarchs @Frankfurt Universe Sun. Sept. 17 3p CEST (9a EDT)
The Frankfurt Universe face their biggest test Sunday when they host the Dresden Monarchs at Volksbank Stadion in Frankfurt for the final quarterfinal matchup in the German Football League playoffs.
The 12-2 Universe who finished second in the GFL South will face a Dresden squad who finished third in the GFL North with a 10-4 record.
Frankfurt were eliminated in the quarterfinals last year by the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes while the Monarchs were knocked out in the semifinals by the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns.
Offensively, there is not much separating the two with the Universe scoring 588 points on the year and Dresden 585. But the Universe defense was the best in Germany allowing a league-low 8.9 points per game. Dresden was seventh in points allowed with 24.1 a game.
Key position comparisons
Quarterbacks
Frankfurt’s Jaleel Awini arrived partway through the season and has added a dual threat at quarterback. Although he does not use his arm as much, he can beat you with his legs. Meanwhile, Garrett Safron of the Monarchs poses the same threat and has been among the top passers in the league this season and finished 5th in passing yardage with 3,320 and was 7th in rushing with 908 yards.
Running backs
Silas Nacita has paced the Universe this season and been ranked among the top 5 in rushing all year long. Averaging 8.1 yards a carry, he has kept the Universe in games. His counterpart with Dresden, Joe Bergeron also gives his team a powerful running game.
Wide receivers
As he did in 2016, David Giron led all Frankfurt receivers in 2017 with 744 yards while Sebastien Sagne did the same for the Monarchs.
Linebackers
Linebacker Dustin Illetscheko leads the top defensive unit in Germany and was the top tackler on the team. From his safety/corner spot, Dresden’s William James from Sweden, led all tacklers on his team.
Photos for graphics: C-Sportspics
Watch the game live here (PPV). Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 17 3p CEST (9a EDT)
