LIVESTREAM Germany: Kiel Baltic Hurricanes @ Dresden Monarchs, May 28, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)

AFI | American Football | 05/28/2022

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

The defending champion Dresden Monarchs (0-1) open their home season in the German Football League Saturday, May 28, when they welcome long-time rivals, the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (0-1-0) to Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.

The Monarchs started the season on the road last week in Potsdam where they lost a heartbreaker, 24-21, to the 2021 GFL semifinalists. The Hurricanes also played their first game on the road in Braunschweig where they scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to tie the New Yorker Lions 14-14.

Dresden enters the game without starting quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels, who injured his knee so badly last week that he requires surgery. Until a replacement is found, young German quarterback, Marvin Schöne, will step in. The young signal caller will have receiver Anthony Brooks (UK, Frankfurt Galaxy) to throw to. Last week, Brooks caught nine passes for 84 yards to lead the team. Running back Yazan Nasser rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries and could pose problems for the Kiel front seven.

For the Hurricanes, last week’s tie following a dismal 2-8 season in 2021, was an indicator that the team is headed in the right direction. New quarterback Andrew Dion threw for only 204 yards and a touchdown in the game against Braunschweig but managed the game well and rallied his team for two fourth quarter touchdowns.

The Hurricanes defense led by linebacker Quinlen Dean (Marshall NCAA D1), did its job against the Lions a week ago, limiting them to 279 yards total offense. Braunschweig only gained 188 yards through the air.

If Kiel can do the same to a Monarchs offense operating with a rookie quarterback, they have a good chance to get their first win.