LIVESTREAM Germany: Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns @ Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, June 10, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon EDT)

| American Football | 06/10/2023

By Brad Duff

Saturday will see the 1-1 Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns travel to face the 3-0 Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in a cross divisional matchup in week four of the German Football League.

The previously-dominant Unicorns have seen a huge shift in momentum from previous years, which many accredit to the rise of the European League of Football’s Stuttgart Surge, who have claimed many Unicorns stars alongside members of the coaching staff. 

So far, the new look Unicorns’ season hasn’t gone to plan, with week one seeing their first home regular season loss in several years in a rematch of last year’s German Bowl with the Potsdam Royals. Following this, the Unicorns crept past the then 1-0 Ingolstadt Dukes in a game that ended 29-20 in Schwäbisch Hall’s favor. 

QB Ian Gehrke had a mixed performance, passing for three touchdowns and two interceptions, with just 137 yards. Schwäbisch Hall veteran Tyler Rutenbeck seemed to be Gehrke’s favorite target, with six receptions for 64 yards and two scores. 

Although Ingolstadt were their last GFL opponents, the Unicorns’ last game came in last weekend’s CEFL semi-final against the Thonon Black Panthers of France. 

Tyler Rutenbeck was of course a strong performer, with 95 yards receiving and a touchdown, but that is unfortunately where the positives stopped, as the Unicorns got steamrolled 42-14, allowing five rushing touchdowns to Nicolas Khandar.

The New Yorker Lions are coming off a much more positive performance, as they defeated Kiel Baltic Hurricanes 35-16. Lions quarterback Karé Lyles, who sits second in the league with nine passing touchdowns, passed for four touchdowns, two going to GFL veteran Alexander Tounkara and one going to Luc Meacham, who had 87 yards on the day.

The other passing touchdown went to running back D’wayne Obi, who also claimed a rushing touchdown and 93 all-purpose yards. The British back has been tearing up the GFL, leading in every rushing category through the first three games of his first season.

The Unicorns will look to redeem their CEFL loss and move to a winning record as the New Yorker Lions will look to stay undefeated and remain atop the GFL North standings.

Watch live PPV. Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns @ Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, June 10, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon EDT)

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