LIVESTREAM Germany: Potsdam Royals @ Berlin Rebels, August 8, 15:00 CET, (3 pm, 9 am ET)
The Potsdam Royals (4-1) make the short trip to nearby Berlin to take on their rivals the Berlin Rebels (1-5) in this GFL North matchup.
The Royals have been one of the top teams of the country in the first half of the season and are eager to keep the positive momentum as they set a course for the playoffs. Across the field, the Rebels aim to build around their young pieces and finish the season strong as they look ahead to 2022.
The Potsdam Rebel’s rushing attack enters Berlin averaging a scorching 284 yards per game. Running back Jake Mayon leads the charge with 884 yards and 11 touchdowns through five games, good for tops in the league. Expect quarterback PJ Settles to use the strong rushing attack to his advantage, making throws off of play-action and tucking and running himself. When passing, look for Settles to target Michael Breuler and Frenchmen Aymeric Nicault.
Potsdam Royals @ Berlin Rebels, August 8, 15:00 CET, (3pm, 9am ET)
Defensively, Swiss standout linebacker Lukas Ruoss is a player to watch. The former Bemidji State (NCAA D2) defender has put up seven tackles for a loss and a pick-six. Potsdam’s pass rush has also been a strength for this defense as OJ Thompson and Swedish defensive end Malcolm Engström have combined for six total sacks opposite each other. Fans can expect linebackers Lukas Ruoss and Krzysztof Wis to stay busy as Berlin will look to run the ball early and often.
The Rebels defense got a boost as veteran linebacker Rory Johnson has returned from injury. The former Green Bay Packer has been one of Germany’s top tacklers year in and year out since 2010. Expect Johnson’s play recognition and hard-hitting to throw a wrench into Potsdam’s efficient rushing attack. At the line of scrimmage, defensive tackle Remi Daniels needs to have another big game if the Rebels want to celebrate their second win of the season today.
The Rebels used the summer break to bring in quarterback Donovan Insom, replacing an injured Darius Wade. Insom is an intriguing athlete as his massive size at 6’4″ 250 pounds will make him tough to bring down. The big-bodied passer comes to Germany after spending time at three different college programs (Utah University NCAA D1, Southeastern Louisiana University NCAA D1 FCS, and Texas Wesleyan NAIA). In his final two collegiate seasons with the Texas Wesleyan Rams, Insom threw for 2,445 yards and 20 scores. In his German Football League debut last week, he both ran and threw a touchdown in a loss to Kiel.
Running back Caleb Stennis along with athlete Paul Morant will need to pick of the slack on offense as the Rebels have struggled to move the ball consistently. Expect Morant to get some targets at the receiver position while Stennis will operate out of the backfield. Stennis has been one of the teams’ bright spots, rushing for over 100 yards a game since arriving in Germany’s capital city.
Potsdam rolls into the second half of the season with their eyes set on the German Bowl. With five games left in the regular season, the Royals must finish strong, as the Dresden Monarchs, New Yorker Lions, and Cologne Crocodiles all seem to have the talent to make a deep playoff run of their own. The Rebels could catch the Royals looking ahead, with today’s matchup featuring all the ingredients of a classic trap game.
Watch the game live here Potsdam Royals @ Berlin Rebels, August 8, 15:00 CET, (3pm, 9am ET)
