LIVESTREAM Germany: Dresden Monarchs @ Potsdam Royals, May 21, 15:45 CET (3:45 pm, 09:45 am ET)

AFI | American Football | 05/21/2022

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

The reigning German Football League champions, the Dresden Monarchs, open their 2022 season and first ever defense of the title, on the road as they travel to face the Potsdam Royals, Saturday, May 21 at Luftschiffhafen Sportpark in Potsdam.

The Monarchs are opening the season for the first time as the reigning champions while Potsdam reached the semifinals for the first time in their history last year. Dresden downed the Royals both times the two teams met in 2021 taking the first game 31-15 in Potsdam and then delivering a 63-7 shellacking in Dresden.

Dresden, under head coach Ulz Dauber will have a new quarterback replacing all-star KJ Carta Samuels in the form of his older brother Austyn Carta Samuels (Vanderbilt NCAA DI). His wide receiver corps now includes new additions Isaiah Amaechi (Occidental NCAA DIII) and William Gladney (Ithaca NCAA DIII) who will complement returnees Anthony Brooks and Radim Kalous.

Defensively, the Monarchs have signed an impressive group including Austrian defensive lineman Leonel Misangumkini (NFL IPP) as well as defensive back Ken Hike Jr (Tuskegee NCAA DII) and linebacker Rayshard Ashby (Virginia Tech NCAA D1).

For Royals head coach Michael Vogt, today’s game offers a chance for revenge for last year’s humiliating late season lopsided loss to Dresden. His new quarterback, Chris Helbig (Southern Utah NCAA D1 FCS) is a quality addition and along with wide receivers Brandon Polk (Penn State, JMU) and Jared Wolfe (USA, Villanova) as well as Belgian All Europe wideout Reuben de Ruyter. With the return of running back Jake Mayon (Northern Michigan) the 2021 GFL rushing leader, and the signing of French tight end Jerome Valbone, (who also doubles as a defensive end), the Potsdam offense could be explosive.

Potsdam fielded the best defense in the GFL North in 2021 allowing 20.2 points and 260 yards per game. They have added to that with the signing of Italian All Europe linebacker Filippo Fort (UCF) and Austrian defensive lineman Stanley Aronkale (Austria) as well as Canadian defensive back Cody Cranston (Ottawa University).

This game promises to be a slugfest with a lot at stake right from the opening whistle.