LIVESTREAM Germany: Frankfurt Universe @ Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, July 31, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)
The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (4-0) roll out their talented squad once again today as they host a winless Frankfurt Universe team (0-4) in this GFL South matchup.
The Unicorns hope to make a statement after last week’s performance against Munich. In what many expected to be a blowout Munich was able to hang with the powerhouse Unicorns before eventually losing 20-7. After the hard-fought match Schwäbisch Hall is ready to show the league, they are still Germany’s number one team. Across the field, the Frankfurt Universe had their game canceled last week for Covid-19 related health and safety reasons and are eager to hit the field again.
The Unicorns enter today’s contest with a long list of injuries. This offensive line looks to play without two key starters and star running back John Santiago. Schwäbisch Hall’s offense looked uncharacteristically out of sync against Munich last week without many key contributors. Some good news for the Unicorns is the return of center Mortiz Schreiber, who returns to Germany after helping the Stockholm Mean Machines reach the Swedish final. Fans should expect another big game from German quarterback Alex Haupert. Haupert has played efficiently this season throwing for 584 yards and five touchdowns through five games in the German Football League. Tight end Moritz Böhringer’s NFL size and speed have proven to be a mismatch for European secondaries as the former Minnesota Vikings draft pick will look to continue to pad his stats in his homecoming season. Following last week’s disappointing performance the Schwäbisch Hall faithful can expect head coach Jordan Neumann and the Unicorns offense to respond by lighting up the scoreboard today.
Frankfurt Universe @ Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, July 31, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)
Defensively the Unicorn’s unit is one of Europe’s best. Monteze Latimore’s ball skills are second to none as his five interceptions lead the German Football League. Linebacker Nick Alfieri’s return to the field has also given Schwäbisch Hall a boost as the Italian-American leadership and sure tackling make the veteran an invaluable part of this unit’s success. If Alfieri can help contain Frankfurt’s athletic quarterback the Unicorns should cruise to a victory. On the defensive line nose tackle Alexander Kress returns to the Unicorns after a short season in Sweden, expect Kress to help in an already deep rotation at the line of scrimmage.
This past Wednesday, Frankfurt announced they were parting ways with head coach Mele Mosqueda. The move comes after a winless start and last week’s Covid-19 related game cancellation. Mosqueda’s head coaching duties will be replaced by a committee of remaining assistant coaches.
On a positive note, new Frankfurt quarterback Glenn Cuiellette impressed in his return to the German Football League. The former Dresden Monarch totaled 206 yards and two touchdowns on July 10th in his debut for the Universe. The former Tulane University (NCAA D1) quarterback returns to Germany after a successful season in Indoor Football League with the Bismark Bucks. While playing indoors, the dual-threat passer totaled 831 yards and 23 touchdowns, and a mere three interceptions. The Arena league star will have a tough task today as he faces off against a fierce Unicorn’s defensive line averaging three sacks a game. Expect him to target receiver Brandon Butler Jr. on the outside. Butler Jr, a former US Airmen living in Germany has proven himself to be one of Frankfurt’s most exciting weapons, fans can anticipate him seeing more and more targets as he builds chemistry with his new quarterback.
Frankfurt defensive lineman Jack Brennan will aim to stuff the run and tackle a core of talented Unicorns running backs. Brennan’s play at the line goes well with versatile defender Marius Markert. Markert’s 24 tackles lead the team, look for the young edge defender to be around the ball again today, as the young defender is hungry to make a name for himself this season.
The Universe have made some substantial moves in order to improve their team after a disastrous start. The Frankfurt team playing today seems to be far more competitive than in their opening weeks of play, as many inexperienced players have improved rapidly. However, fans can expect this superbly talented Unicorns team to play well at home looking to make a statement after last week’s close game.
Watch the game live here. Frankfurt Universe @ Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, July 31, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)
Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns roster (Click to enlarge)
Frankfurt Universe roster
