The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (2-2) will host the Potsdam Royals (3-1) in this GFL North matchup.
After strong starts to the season both of these teams are desperate to get another win following tough losses a week ago. The Lions need this win if they want to enter the seasons halfway point with a chance at the top seed. The Royals on the other hand are looking to secure a playoff spot of their own.
The New Yorker Lions are in unfamiliar territory as they have lost two games in a row after last week’s 31-34 shocking loss to the previously winless Kiel Baltic Hurricanes. The last time the Lions lost back to back games was nine years ago, in 2012. Head coach Troy Tomlin will have to get his defense to play better as they were torched by the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes passing game. Defensive backs Dashawn Benton, Marcel Gaal, and Dante Neuman aim to bounce back and stop a Potsdam team that operates much of their offense around play action passes.
Potsdam Royals @ Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, July 10, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)
In a move to bolster his defense, coach Tomlin added linebacker Fillipo Fort. Fort is a speedy Italian who just finished his season with the Firenze Guelfi helping them reach the league’s semi-final. The 6’1″ 230 pound linebacker led all of Italy with 54.5 tackles and 13.5 tackles for a loss in nine games.
The Braunschweig offense however features exciting playmakers in receivers Paul Bogdann, Malcolm Abimbola, and running back Exavier Edwards. Quarterback Jake Kennedy’s big arm and running ability make him statistically one of the top signal callers this season. The Former Wittenberg (NCAA D3) passer has operated well in this Lions offense despite the team’s atypical start. However, Kennedy threw an interception late in fourth quarter last week that proved to be the nail in the Lions coffin. Look for him to challenge an athletic Potsdam secondary as Kennedy loves to launch the deep ball.
Potsdam was beaten soundly at home against the Dresden Monarchs last weekend. On a positive note, the Royals were able to run the ball well totaling 224 yards on the ground against a tough defense. The passing game however, was less efficient as the two quarterback combo of PJ Settles and Giovanni Rescigno mustered a mere three completions. The lack of a consistent air attack and three failed fourth down conversions held back the Potsdam offense. The offense will need to be able to run the ball against a strong Lions defensive line in order to get the win today. Look for star tailback Jake Mayon to get over 20 touches today as he’s been Royals go to guy this season.
Defensive back Abu Daramy-Swaray expects to take away Paul Bogdann and slow down this Lions passing attack. If the Royals secondary can take advantage of errands throws and intercept Kennedy it will go a long way in pulling off the upset in hostile territory.
Head Coach Troy Tomlin and the New Yorker Lions expect to find their rhythm and get a win today in front of their home fans. The Potsdam Royals on the other hand, visit with a talented roster and look to a extend the Lions losing streak to a previously unheard of three straight losses.
Watch the game live here. Potsdam Royals @ Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, July 10, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET).
Braunschweig New Yorker Lions roster (click to enlarge)
Potsdam Royals roster (click to enlarge)
