The Munich Cowboys (4-3) will take on the Saarland Hurricanes (6-1) in this GFL South matchup.
The Cowboys are determined to make the postseason and pulling off the upset today could go a long way in doing so. Across the field, the Hurricanes have been the surprise of the GFL losing only one game in their first year back in Germany’s top league.
Saarland has been the surprise of the GFL South this season. Head coach Christos Lambropoulos has led the Hurricanes offense to be one of the league’s best, putting up 461 yards and 41 points a game. Quarterback Josh Goldin has been one of the key catalysts to the Hurricane’s success, passing for 2,197 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season. The former Colorado University (NCAA D1) product was up to his usual tricks last week, throwing for 321 yards and six touchdowns as the Hurricanes cruised to a 39-point victory. Two of Goldin’s favorite weapons are running back Kai Hunter and former University of California (NCAA D1) receiver Victor Wharton III. Wharton III is one of the most underrated players in the country. The versatile speedster has racked up 1,176 all-purpose yards in seven games putting him at the top of the league. Expect him to impact the game as a receiver and returner again today.
Munich Cowboys @ Saarland Hurricanes, August 21, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)
Defensive back Chaz Elder is a game-changer for Saarland. The former South Carolina Gamecock’s(NCAA D1) four interceptions and kick returning skills prove he has the ability to change any game in an instant. playing in front of Elder, Sesaan Jelvani is one of Germany’s best defenders. Jelvani’s versatility is a huge asset to coach Lambropoulos’s defense, where he’s racked up 49 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, and seven sacks this season. Expect the Jelvani to be rushing the passer often today against a pass-heavy Cowboys offense.
The Munich Cowboys offense is led by quarterback Justin Sottilare. Sottilare is a veteran of the international game having success playing many years across Finland, Spain, Russia, Australia, and Germany. The veteran has thrown for 110 touchdowns and 10,492 yards in his career at Germany’s top level doing so in only two and a half seasons. Sottilare however is determined to lead Munich to the playoffs in a GFL South crowded with talented teams. Expect the experienced signal-caller to target former Oklahoma University (NCAA D1) receiver Michiah Quick and German talent Kai Silbermann. Expect the Cowboys to also involve safety AJ Smith in the offense as Munich will need to pull out all of their tricks to beat a well-coached Saarland team.
Defensively, coordinator Nadine Nurasyid will rely on veteran linebacker Ryan Newell to step up to the daunting task of matching up against one of the GFL’s top passing attacks. Safety AJ Smith’s coverage is key as the Hurricanes love the test defenses deep. At the line of scrimmage, defensive end Dominic Seigel aims to continue his success as he’s put up a league-leading six sacks so far this season.
The Cowboys and Allgäu Comets are in a dog fight for the division and every game matters. Munich is eager to get the win today and potentially jump in front of the Comets in the GFL South’s Group 2 helping their playoff seed com September. Meanwhile, Saarland looks to continue their success and to stay in front of a talented Ravensburg team eager to take their playoff spot with three weeks left.
Saarland Hurricanes roster
Munich Cowboys roster
