The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (4-1-2) travel to Cologne Sunday, August 14 to take on the Cologne Crocodiles (4-3) in a late season German Football League matchup that is critical to both teams.
The Lions sit in second place in the GFL North, just ahead of Cologne who are third. Right behind them are three teams, the Berlin Adler, Dresden Monarchs and Berlin Rebels, all vying for a playoff berth.
The last time these two teams met early in the season, Braunschweig came out on top with a 27-14 win. Both teams are coming off lopsided losses to the Potsdam Royals and will most definitely be looking for redemption. Cologne lost 50-34 on July 30 while the Lions were trounced 65-26 a week earlier.
Cologne is led by second-year quarterback Christian Strong who has thrown for 2,042 yards and 23 touchdowns. The veteran gunslinger has weapons galore as the Crocodiles have built an exciting up-tempo passing attack. Receivers Jarvis Mcclam (664 yards, 12 TDs) and Aaron Jackson (857, 9 TDs yards) are two of the league’s most productive pass catchers this season, putting up 21 touchdowns between them.
Interestingly, the Crocodiles have given up only a single sack all season long, the lowest number in the GFL.
The Lions offense was playing well before the break until they ran into the Royals in the last game before the bye weeks. On the year so far, Braunschweig quarterback Jakob Parks is apparently unable to play and German backup Hendrik Scharnbacher will start. His main target will no doubt be Tamsir Seck who has grabbed 33 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, not much separates the two teams. Braunschweig gives up an average of 21.4 points and 287.4 yards a game while the Crocodiles surrender 25.9 and 327.9.
Expect this to be a tight, low scoring game with the home team Crocodiles having a slight advantage.
Braunschweig New Yorker Lions @ Cologne Crocodiles, Aug. 14, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
