In one of the most important games of the weekend, the Allgäu Comets (6-2) will drive north to nearby Munich to take on the Cowboys (5-4) in this Bavarian rivalry.
The Bavarian battle of Comets versus Cowboys rarely disappoints fans of the GFL South as these two talented teams have had some classic matchups in the past. Today’s game however is crucial in terms of the post-season. The Cowboys can clinch a post-season birth with a win and a Ravensburg Razorbacks loss (vs Saarland Hurricanes). Across the field, the visiting Comets are cemented as the GFL South’s third seed entering the playoffs.
See how this weekend affects the GFL playoffs.
Munich’s offense has been very different in its last two appearances compare to the beginning of the season. Both quarterback Justin Sottilare and receiver Michiah Quick have been out with injuries. However, German talent has filled well as Manuel Engelmann and Kai Silbermann have been in sync creating a dangerous quarterback-receiver duo. Engelmann is a big-bodied quarterback who can tuck it and run. Expect Engelmann to run the ball often himself as well as find Silbermann with short passes if the team’s two American playmakers remain side-lined.
Allgäu Comets @ Munich Cowboys, September 4, 17:05 CET (5:05 pm, 11:05 am ET)
Defensively, the Cowboys have played well this season as defensive coordinator Nadine Nurasyid has done an excellent job putting her players in positions to succeed. This week, she and the Munich defense are dead set on slowing down the Comets explosive run game. Expect veteran Ryan Newell to play well as the middle linebacker will be responsible for containing one of the league’s best rushing attacks. In the secondary AJ smith aims to blitz often and slow the Comets weapons on the outside.
Averaging 169 yards a game, the Comets running game has been one of the best in Germany. Running back Glenn Toonga has put up 978 yards this season good for second in the league. Through the air, Jake Schimenz gives the Comets two athletic options behind center. The 5’10 quarterback joined the Comets after a championship season in Poland. So far through three games, Schimenz has put up 10 touchdowns. The former Polish champion will certainly be looking Marcel Schade‘s way. The slim receiver has blossomed into the Comets go to recover late this season putting up 290 yards in his last three games.
The Comets defense is built much like That of the 2007 New York Giants. The country’s top pass-rushing unit is created out of a cast of international characters. Former Purdue Boiler Maker (NCAA D1) and GFL veteran Jermaine Guynn and British talent Jonell Pelie mesh with domestic talents Johannes Wagner and Peter Arentsen. Arentsen however, is the star of the group racking up 11 of the team’s league-leading 31 sacks this season. Behind the defensive line linebackers, Niall Padden and Kevin Titz aim to slow down Munich’s talented playmakers.
Allgäu would love nothing more than to knock their rivals out of playoff contention in hostile territory. The home team Cowboys are eager to do everything they can to enter the postseason and will need to win and get some help to clinch the GFL South’s final playoff spot.
LIVESTREAM GERMANY: Allgäu Comets @ Munich Cowboys, September 4, 17:05 CET (5:05 pm, 11:05 am ET)
Munich Cowboys roster
Allgäu Comets roster
