The defending German champions, the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions enter the German quarterfinals Sunday as slight favorites to defend their title as they face their semifinal opponents from 2015, the Allgäu Comets.
In the 2015 semifinals, the Lions and Comets played even in the first half but Bruanschweig scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second half to win 42-21.
Winners of the 2016 Eurobowl, the Lions seem to be returning to the form that won them the 2015 German title. They demolished the Berlin Rebels two weeks ago to finish the regular season. Their defense is ranked first in least points allowed (12.2) and least passing yards allowed (138.1).
They are close to the top in all other categories. One key category is pass defense and there is not much to separate Braunschweig and Allgäu . The Lions are ranked first allowing 138.1 passing yards per game while the Comets are third in Germany surrendering 168 a contest. The Lions have recorded 20 interceptions on the year good for third behind Frankfurt and Kiel, while Allgäu is right behind in fourth with 18 picks.
The secondaries could have an impact on this contest.
Braunschweig quarterback Casey Therriault, who returned for the last two regular season games and the playoffs, replacing injured Grant Enders, is beginning to find his championship form. He has thrown for six touchdowns in his two games and run for three more.
Comets quarterback Cedric Townsend, in his second season with the team, has been steady all year. He has thrown for 2,599 yards and 38 touchdowns and rushed for another 558 and six touchdowns.
New Yorker Lions #5 Evan Landi, touchdown, Photo: Karsten Reißner
Allgäu’s Matthew Green has enjoyed a superb season, finishing third among all receivers in Germany with 61 receptions for 1,114 yards and 21 touchdowns. Lions receivers Evan Landi (630 yards) , Jan hilgenfeldt (696), Christian Bollman (660) and Nicki Romer (527) make life miserable for secondaries as each is equally dangerous.
The Lions ground game relies on the one-two punch of Chris Smith (1,248 yards, 11 touchdowns) and David McCants (864 yards, 18 touchdowns). This will also put pressure on Allgäu’s defensive front seven. The Comets Daniel Conroy has also had an outstanding season rushing for 1,363 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Although, it would seem the Lions have the upper hand, the Comets could surprise.
