The Munich Cowboys (3-2) will host the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (3-0) in one of two GFL South games on AFI.tv July 24.
The Unicorns are determined to pick up where they left off after the summer break as their 2021 season has been perfect so far. The Cowboys are eager to pull off the upset as this will be long-time head coach Garren Holley’s last game on the Munich sideline.
The Cowboys head coach Garren Holley announced earlier this summer that he will be joining the staff at Carroll College (NCAA D3) in Illinois. Holley has been Munich’s head coach since 2016. He also served as defensive coordinator in Munich in 2013 & 2014. Cowboys players and fans would like nothing more than to give Holley a going-away present with a great performance today.
Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns @ Munich Cowboys, July 24, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10:00 am ET)
Coach Holley’s offense is centered around veteran quarterback Justin Sottilare. Sottilare’s accuracy and fearlessness have made him one of the GFL’s best passers once again, as his 13 touchdown passes put him fourth in the league. Expect him to target former University of Oklahoma (NCAA D1) receiver Michiah Quick along with German veteran Kai Silbermann. Sottilare will have to protect the ball as the Unicorns bring a secondary with a league-leading seven interceptions in only three games. Expect running back Brandon Watkins to get some carries today as the former rugby player has the toughness and speed to move the sticks against this well-coached Schwäbisch Hall defense.
Cowboys linebacker Ryan Newell will be suited up once again as the veteran defender aims to slow down a talented opposing offense. Defensive end Dominik Seigel and safety AJ Smith are two key players to watch today as they’re expected to make plays in this Cowboys defense. Smith’s play on special teams has been an X factor for this Munich team as the former Western New Mexico (NCAA D2) product has been able to make plays blocking punts and making clutch tackles.
The Schwäbisch Hall defense has been spot on this season as they were able to shut down opponents not only in the GFL but internationally as the Unicorns won the CEFL championship late last month. Expect cornerback Monteze Lattimore and safety Cody Pastorino to have an impact on this game as they lead the athletic Unicorns secondary up against a high-flying Munich passing attack. Defensive end Corey Chapman’s speedy pass rush could also be a factor in this game as the Cowboys‘ offensive line must step up against the skilled pass rusher.
Offensively, the Unicorns are led by German quarterback Alex Haupert. Haupert’s clutch touchdown pass in the final moments of the CEFL championship was a huge moment that surely won over many Unicorns’ fans. Haupert will have talented receivers around him as former Indianapolis Colt Tyler Rutenbeck and Austrian speedster Yannick Mayr are proven weapons on the outside. Former NFL tight end Moritz Böhringer provides Haupert with a huge and sure-handed target over the middle. In the running game, former XFL player John Santiago and German talent Jannies Fielder give the Unicorns options on the ground.
Fans can expect this Unicorns team to play well on the road as they are eager to get back on the field after the summer break. The Cowboys see today as a chance to send off their long-time coach with pride and prove to the rest of the league that they expect to be in the postseason.
Watch the game live here. Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns @ Munich Cowboys, July 24, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10:00 am ET)
Munich Cowboys roster
Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns roster
