The 2-4-1 Ingolstadt Dukes head to Georg Gassmann Stadion in Marburg, Germany to face the Marburg Mercenaries (4-2) in Germany Football League South action Sunday, June 24.
This is the first meeting between the two teams in 2018. Marburg won both games against the Dukes in 2017, 16-10 and 40-22.
The Mercenaries are on a two-game winning streak. First they knocked off the Allgäu Comets without a starting quarterback relying on versatile running back Silas Nacita. Then with newly-signed Robert Webber behind center, they downed the Stuttgart Scorpions 30-27. Webber completed 26 of 41 passes for 409 yards and two touchdowns in the game.
Ingolstadt’s record is a little misleading. They have played the tough Frankfurt Universe twice losing twice but in relatively close games. They also lost to the number one ranked team in Europe the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns and also to the Allgäu Comets.
Dukes QB Nelson Hughes III is the 6th leading passer in Germany so far having thrown for 1,637 yards. Dukes leading receiver, Anthony Mella, has caught 27 passes for 475 yards and seven touchdowns. Linebackers Patrick Engelhardt and Cory Magwood along with safety Sterry Codrington lead the team in tackles while Codrington has three interceptions.
The key to the Marburg offense is Nacita. While listed as a running back, last week against Stuttgart he had a modest 20 yards rushing and one touchdown. However, as a receiver he caught 11 passes for 156 yards and two more touchdowns. In other words, Ingolstadt has to find a way to neutralize him.
Neil Howey of the Mercenaries is the 2nd leading tackler in Germany with 56 tackles recorded including back-to-back nine tackle games against the Allgau Comets and Stuttgart Scorpions.
Although this will be a close game, Marburg has the edge, playing at home with a quarterback who seems to fit well into the system.
Watch the game live here. Ingolstadt Dukes @Marburg Mercenaries, June 24, 4p (10a EST)
