Saturday will see a highly anticipated German Football League matchup between the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (6-1) and the Dresden Monarchs (5-1) as the battle for the GFL North intensifies.
Both teams returned from the midseason break with convincing victories, the Lions taking a 20-3 win over the Munich Cowboys, while the Monarchs left Paderborn with a 35-6 win over the Dolphins.
Although Braunschweig’s win ended with a three-score margin, the Lions had an uncharacteristically poor start; a shoulder injury to quarterback Karé Lyles saw the fifth best offense in the league fall stagnant over the first half, as Lyles dropped out of the game with a shoulder injury and backup quarterback Hendrik Scharnbacher failed to lead his team to the endzone, entering half time 3-0 down. Wide receiver Loan Kuci attempted to pass the ball four times, one fell to the defense while another hit Luc Meacham in the endzone for the Lions’ first score. Kuci also ran in Braunschweig’s second score, with the third and final score coming via Nigel Lawrence by way of interception-return.
Watch live PPV. Braunschweig New Yorker Lions @ Dresden Monarchs, Aug. 5, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am EDT)
Running back D’wayne Obi continues to prove himself as a top back in the league, doing the New Yorker Lions’ heavy lifting with 150 tough rushing yards.
Dresden’s win came in more dominant fashion, as the Monarchs quickly reminded the Dolphins who they were playing, going up three scores to nothing in the first period. Wide receiver Austin Mitchell had yet another ridiculous performance, bringing in 11 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown – his third 200-yard game of the season, and his sixth straight game with a touchdown (over six games played). British receiver Tommy Wilson complimented Mitchell nicely, racking up 75 yards and a score. This weekend, the already-impressive WR corps of the Monarchs will be added to by ex-Barcelona Dragons WR Mario Flores, adding another dimension to the league’s number one offensive unit.
pic.twitter.com/uIKdv21CTf pic.twitter.com/BeAvct3xSA
— American Football International (@AFIReview) August 4, 2023
The Lions are yet to comment on Karé Lyles’ injury status, nor have they announced a replacement. Should Braunschweig continue without Lyles or a replacement, it’s difficult to see them outscoring the Monarchs barring a career game from D’wayne Obi and a flawless performance defensively.