Dresden Monarchs vs. Straubing Spiders
On Saturday at 3pm, the preseason game between the GFL North and GFL South will take place in Dresden. During the regular season, the Monarchs and the Spiders won't face each other, which is why this test can take place at the highest level. Monarchs fans can look forward to 25-year-old Quarterback Brock Domann, their desired candidate. The pocket passer will be supported by Wide Receiver Ricky Smalling, who was nominated for the NFL Draft in 2023.
On the defensive side, edge rusher Michael Badejo will cause alarm, having been invited to training camps with the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks. A familiar face in Germany will make his debut in a Monarchs jersey: Defensive Back Logan Mobelini played the last two years in Marburg and was among the best at his position. The Straubing Spiders didn't have as successful a season in 2023 as the Monarchs did. For them, it will be a real test they must pass if they want to compete at the top in 2024. However, the Spiders in 2024 are packed with GFL power experience: Defensive Back Chris Lipsey faces his old team and Jeremy Conley, one of the best linebackers of the past season, who has joined the Spiders. Additionally, Linebacker Jaylin Woods, Defensive Backs Myles Christian and Sergio Fernandez, the Running Back duo of rushing leader Kamal Caas and J’vonte Davis, and Wide Receiver Colton Smith are part of the lineup. The team is led by Luis Wittmann, former Quarterback of the Ingolstadt Dukes.
Kiel Baltic Hurricanes vs. Hamburg Swans
The Baltic Hurricanes will host the Hamburg Swans from the Regional League North (Div III) at the Killia Stadium on Saturday at 4pm. After only securing one victory last season, Kiel aims to change that this year. Numerous new signings, including from Lübeck and Hamburg, significantly strengthen Timo Zorn's team. Fans can also look forward to the debut of receiver Isaiah Harris, who will bring the missing explosiveness to the game. Leading the team is Nate Hayden, the quarterback who had the opportunity to train with Harris and running back Justin Prostinak together in the States.
Hildesheim Invaders vs. Bielefeld Bulldogs
The Clash of the Promoted Teams: Hildesheim, undefeated in their ascent to the GFL North, will test their mettle against the Bielefeld Bulldogs, who fought their way up from the Regional League West (Div III) to the GFL 2 North. Kickoff is at 4 pm on Saturday in Wehrstedt, as the turf at the Invaders' home stadium is still under maintenance. The team is led, as in 2023, by Head Coach Marcus Herford, who is excited to play against an ambitious opponent, alongside Quarterback Nelson Hughes. Invaders players have come from all parts of the world to Hildesheim, where they have been training together for five weeks, preparing for the 2024 season.
New Yorker Lions Braunschweig vs. Oldenburg Knights
The New Yorker Lions will play their first preseason game on Saturday at 4 pm against the Oldenburg Knights (GFL 2). The Lions' team will be able to field nearly all of their players, but they may still have to do without 3-4 active players, as none of them have received their player passes yet. There have been new additions to the team in recent months. For instance, the new quarterback for the Braunschweig team in 2024, Lamar Jordan II, will make his debut in the Lions' jersey and in the Erima GFL. Also making their debut for the Lions are running back Jacob Smillie and wide receiver Moritz Riedinger. On the defensive side, both Americans Felix King and Brock Carter will make their debut. Additionally, Jordan Scanlan and linebacker Taavi Aronpää will also see their first action for the Lions.
Kirchdorf Wildcats vs. Regensburg Phoenix
The Wildcats, promoted from the GFL 2 South to the GFL, will face familiar opponents from the GFL 2 in their first preseason game. The Regensburg Phoenix will host the Wildcats on Saturday at 4 pm. In their last encounter, the Wildcats clinched victory in the final minutes with a 2-point conversion, winning 28-27.
Making his debut for the Wildcats will be Wide Receiver Keegan Sturdy, who amassed 782 yards and four touchdowns for the Bearcats in the USA. The defense will be strengthened by last season's tackling leader Julian Herrera, who has moved from the Straubing Spiders to Kirchdorf, and Caleb Ashby, the top defensive player from Arizona Christian University.
Paderborn Dolphins vs. Düsseldorf Panther
On Sunday at 3pm, the Paderborn Dolphins will host the Düsseldorf Panther for the preseason Merkur Bowl. The Dolphins aim to step up their game this season compared to the last, and the Düsseldorf Panther from the GFL 2 seem to be the perfect opponents for that. With Zachary Whitehead at the quarterback position, they have acquired an experienced player who last played in Finland. In addition to numerous signings from the surrounding area, fans can look forward to seeing running back Joshua Breece and linebacker Antonio Valentine donning the Dolphins jersey.
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