In a game which will determine first overall in Germany, the Frankfurt Universe will host the Schwäbisch Hall Unicornss Saturday at a rocking Frankfurter Volksbanks Stadium.
A capacity crowd nearing 5,000 is expected to be on hand to watch one of the most anticipated games of the year in Germany in 2016.
It is only fitting that these two teams close the regular season after opening the season with a last minute 26-21 victory by the Unicorns over Frankfurt in their very first game in Germany’s top division.
Schwäbisch Hall enters the game undefeated (13-0) with the highest scoring offense in Germany averaging 50.7 points per game. They are facing the stingiest defense in the league as the 12-1 Universe only gives up 10.6 points a game.
Unicorns quarterback Marco Ehrenfried has enjoyed an outstanding season and leads the German league in passing efficiency with a 215.9 rating. He has thrown for 3,486 yards and 55 touchdowns against a mere five interceptions. His counterpart with Frankfurt, Marcus McDade has thrown for 2,292 yards and 29 touchdowns while also rushing for 448 yards and seven touchdowns.
Ehrenfried’s favorite target is Tyler Rutenbeck who has caught 48 passes for 1,157 yards and 29 touchdowns. Patrick Donahue has 53 receptions for 854 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Wide receiver David Giron from Guatemala leads the Universe receiving corps with 71 catches for 923 yards and nine touchdowns. He is closely followed by George Robinson with 707 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns to his credit.
These two teams are one-two in the key category Turnover Margin. The Unicorns’ ratio of 1.38 (turnovers created vs turnovers surrendered) is tops in Germany with Frankfurt right behind with a ratio of 1.31. Both are far and away ahead of the rest of the league.
Schwabisch Hall is one of the least penalized teams in the league giving up an average of only 51.8 yards in penalties per game. The Universe on the other hand have given up a total of 1,055 yards in penalties in 13 games.
This game could go either way.
Kickoff: Saturday September 3, 7 PM (1 PM EDT)
Link to Sprade TV PPV site. (All instructions in German)
Photo credits: Schwäbisch Hall, C-Sportspics.