LIVESTREAM GERMANY: Berlin Rebels @ Potsdam Royals, August 14, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)

| American Football | 08/14/2021

The Berlin Rebels (1-5) make the short trip to nearby Potsdam to take on their rivals the Potsdam Royals (4-1) in the second game of a back-to-back GFL North series between the two teams.

These two teams met last week in Berlin with the Royals winning 26-7.  The Royals have been one of the top teams of the country through the first half of the season and are eager to keep their surging momentum as they set a course for the playoffs. Across the field, the Rebel’s offensive struggles have continued as they look to make a bounce back against their rivals in today’s rematch.

The Berlin offense struggled last week as they mustered only seven points on the day. The Rebels struggled to move the ball picking up only 100 total yards on the day. New quarterback Donovan Insom managed only four completions. Meanwhile running back Caleb Stennis was held to 2.5 yards a carry. Today the unit has a chance to redeem themselves as Insom and this offense must find a way to move the ball better, as their ineffectiveness likely cost Berlin the game last week. Expect Paul Morant to come in and play receiver today to give the Rebels offense a spark.

Berlin Rebels @ Potsdam Royals, August 14, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)

Defensively, however, the Rebels kept themselves in the game with a strong showing. Linebacker Rory Johnson looked like he was back to his old ways making key stops and finishing the day with four tackles for a loss and a sack. Defensive back Gino Chongo and Canadian James McCallum are both great tacklers in this secondary eager to force turnovers when given the chance. At the line of scrimmage, the Rebels need another big game from British defensive tackle Remi Daniels. Daniels was able to slow down the Royals run game as he shed blocks and flew to the ball play after play.

Potsdam enters today’s rematch looking to dominate their local rivals in front of their home fans. The GFL’s leading rusher Jake Mayon surpassed the thousand-yard mark last week. His incredible number put him almost 400 yards ahead of the next closest rusher. Mayon was able to run for 141 yards and three touchdowns last week against the Rebels and is eager to replicate that success today.  Quarterback PJ Settles aims to use the established running game to connect with receivers Michael Breuler and Aymeric Nicault. Former Seattle Seahawks lineman Kristjan Sokoli has given the Royals run game a boost from the left tackle position.

Defensively Swiss linebacker Lukas Ruoss continues to be the team’s best playmaker making eight tackles last week. However, pass rusher OJ Thompson stole the show putting up four sacks against a depleted Rebels line. Expect Thompson and fellow defensive end Malcolm Engstroem to be flying off the edge once again today.

Things seemed to get chippy towards the end of last week’s game as these rivals fought hard against each other for four long quarters. Expect both teams to play hard and passionate football again today as tempers were high in last week’s fourth quarter. The Rebels have shown they have a no-quit attitude and are capable of pulling off the upset. If their offense can produce they could be able to catch a talented Royals team looking ahead.

Watch the game live here: Berlin Rebels @ Potsdam Royals, August 14, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)

Potsdam Royals roster

Berlin Rebels roster

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and