The Cologne Crocodiles will host the Dresden Monarchs in the first Saturday of German Football League play since 2019. Both teams are eager to kick their seasons off with a win against a tough opponent.
The Crocodiles are led this season by fifth year head coach Patrick Köpper. The experienced coach has brought in new talent with quarterback Christian Strong, defensive back Dejvion Stewart, and receiver Markell Caste.
The Crocodiles new talent should mesh well with a solid core of players that have helped the program be in the playoff mix year after year. Defensively, German linebacker Leon Littfinski returns, who led the team in tackles in 2019, along with defensive back Emory Polley.
On offense dynamic receiver Aaron Jackson returns to Cologne along with 6’5 CFL Global offensive line prospect Sven Breidenbach. The two should help make the transition easy for Cologne’s new quarterback Christian Strong and talented wideout Markell Castle.
Dresden Monarchs @ Cologne Crocodiles, June 5, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
Crocodiles quarterback Christian Strong commented on the team’s mindset going into the season:
““We’re super excited to finally be playing games again for this upcoming GFL season! I’m sure everyone across the league has been itching to get things going and now that everything’s for sure, it’s definitely got us pumped up over here in Cologne.”
The Monarchs go into the season looking to make a run at the German Bowl under the leadership of third year head coach Ulrich Dauber. Joining the talented defense will be former University of Oregon (NCAA D1) linebacker Kaulana Apelu and former all Big 12 defensive back Charles Oliver (Texas A&M NCAA D1). The Monarchs also recently signed 6’6 French defensive lineman Yoann Miangue. Miangue is a raw talent who comes from a Taekwondo background and was part of the NFL’s International Pathway Player Program earlier this year. Coach Dauber’s defense also returns some key pieces in Swiss safety Tim Hagmann, linebacker Florian Zur Nieden, and defensive lineman Vincent Kanig.
Returning safety Tim Hagmann commented the Monarch’s mindset getting ready for Cologne:
“We are very excited for the upcoming season. We had a great preseason game and training camp. We can’t wait to finally put the work out on the field. We are ready to strap it up against Cologne. We are ready to go and ready for the test. Its gonna be good one.”
Offensively, Dresden will be quarterbacked by former Colorado State passer KJ Carta-Samuels. Carta-Samuels projects to have success in the Monarchs offense as experienced offensive lineman Aaron Wahl and Victor Schamschurko return, while new receivers Darrell Stewart (Michigan State NCAA D1) and Antek Podgorski look give this Dresden offense some big play potential.
Look for this to be a competitive game as these two teams are eager to finally return to play in what should be a great season of football in the German Football League.
Watch the game live here. Dresden Monarchs @ Cologne Crocodiles, June 5, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
Cologne Crocodiles roster
Dresden Monarchs roster
