The 4-3 Potsdam Royals, Europe #8, head into Eintracht Stadion in Braunschweig, Germany Sunday July 1, to face the 5-1 Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, Europe #2 in German Football League North action.
The Royals enter the game on a three game winning streak with victories over the Berlin Rebels, Hamburg Huskies and Kiel Baltic Hurricanes. Meanwhile, Braunschweig dropped a disappointing 24-21 loss to the Rebels before rebounding last week with a decisive 44-24 win over Dresden.
Both these teams won their respective European tournaments recently. The Lions edged the Frankfurt Universe 20-19 in Eurobowl XXXII while Potsdam defeated Italy’s Milano Seamen in the European Football League final in a thriller, 43-42..
The two teams are among the top three highest scoring in the GFL. The Lions have scored an average of 40.3 points a game, good for second behind the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns, while Potsdam is third with 39.7. The Royals are averaging 430 yards of offense a game and Braunschweig 428.
The difference is defense. The Lions have given up a total of 59 points in six games, or 9.8 points a game. Potsdam is averaging almost 28. The Braunschweig defense is anchored by linebackers Roni Salonen and Anthony Darkangelo as well as defensive backs Tim Unger, Tissi Robinson and Darius Robinson and sack leader Jakob Schridde. They allow an average of 50 yards against the run and 156 against the pass.
Royals quarterback Austin Gahafer is the 3rd leading passer with 1,979 yards and 28 TDs after 7 games and his top receiver is Danish WR Frederik Myrup Nielsen who is also 3rd in receiving yards with 776. Potsdam running back Tyvis Smith gives the Royals a major threat on the ground and is 3rd in rushing in Germany with 680 yards .
Jadrian Clark of the Lions is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country having completed 96 of 159 passes for 1,372 yards and 19 touchdowns against only three interceptions. His favorite target is Christian Bollmann who has 325 yards receiving on 21 receptions. In fact, Clark has completed passes to 13 different receivers so far this season.
With the injury last game to starting running back Lennies McFerren, Braunschweig will no doubt look to veteran David McCants to carry the load.
Potsdam will have to rely on their offense to have a chance in this game. The Rebels surprised Braunschweig two weeks ago by scoring three first quarter touchdowns on big plays. The Royals coaches will no doubt have studied the film from that game carefully.
Watch the game live here. Potsdam Royals #8 @Braunschweig New Yorker Lions #2, July 1, 3p (9a EST)
