Football is finally back in Denmark! The Danish National League returns in style as two of its title contenders will meet up under the lights in the nation’s Capital.
The Copenhagen Towers will host the Aalborg 89ers, as both teams are eager to return to play after their 2020 seasons were cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Copenhagen enters the 2021 season looking very different from years past. The team will rely primarily on Danish talent as the Towers have only brought in one import player for the season. Lucky for them their team is loaded with experienced domestic players. One of Copenhagen’s best home grown offensive players is young receiver Jakob Green. Green was a key part of a Towers offense that averaged over 40 points a game in 2020. Throwing to Green will be a familiar face to Towers fans in quarterback Randall Schroeder. Schroeder played for the Towers back in 2018, helping them win their last Mermaid Bowl championship.
Aab 89ers @ Copenhagen Towers, May 22, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 13:00 ET)
Schroeder on how it feels to be back in Purple:
“It feels great. I think we have a team that’s really bought in and has been working hard for months. We are all excited to finally get the season underway.”
Defensively, Copenhagen brings back a host of accomplished players, especially in the secondary as defensive back Magnus Bitsch and Jakob Bækgaard return. As fans anticipated, linebacker Philip Hargett is also back in purple. Hagget has been a staple in the middle of the Towers defense for many years. Copenhagen’s veteran defensive unit should help them start strong after an all but normal preseason.
The 89ers go into Saturday night’s game under new leadership as head coach Austin Jones as has taken over in Aalborg. Jones brings head coaching experience from Italy and Poland, as well as multiple stints as an assistant in the NCAA.
Jones on the 89ers pee-season preparations:
“We’ve been practicing for months and guys are ready to hit somebody other than themselves. The Towers have historically been a strong team, but we’re confident we can go down there and get the win.”
Jones has brought in import quarterback Shelton Eppler to lead the offense. Eppler is a pocket passer style quarterback who comes to Europe after an outstanding collegiate career at Northwestern State (NCAA D1 FCS). During his time as a Demon, Eppler threw for a school record 6,226 yards and 54 touchdowns. Now as a member of the 89ers Eppler will be targeting Danish talent in Thomas Zinck Thellufsen and Magnus Urth.
Eppler on coming to Aalborg:
“It has been awesome so far, the 89ers and Denmark has welcomed me with open arms. I’m really excited for the opportunity to play football again and work to win a Mermaid Bowl. Denmark is such a beautiful country and I am honored to be able to teach, learn, and meet such amazing people along the way.”
Watch the game live here. Aab 89ers @ Copenhagen Towers, May 22, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 13:00 ET)
Copenhagen Towers roster
AaB 89ers roster
