German Football League semifinal stats leaders divided equally
The 2018 German Football League semifinals produced exactly the kind of football expected in the playoffs
The defending champion Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns took control early and then held on to defeat the Dresden Monarchs 23-7. Meanwhile, the Frankfurt Universe staged the upset, knocking off the 11-time champions, the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in double overtime, 20-17.
The Unicorns will face Frankfurt in German Bowl XL on October 13.
The top performers in each of the games all come from each of the four teams. Andrew Elffers of the Frankfurt Universe led all passers while for the second week in a row, New Yorker Lions running back Chris McClendon was the top rusher. Nathaniel Robitaille, wide receiver for the Unicorns topped all receivers while Monarchs linebacker AJ Wentland recorded the most tackles of all defenders.
Passing
Frankfurt’s Andrew Elffers was efficient against the ferocious New Yorker Lions defense completing 21 of 35 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns in leading Frankfurt to their first ever German Bowl. Marco Ehrenfried of the Unicorns was not far behind throwing for 236 yards in the win over Dresden.
Rushing
For the second week in a row, Chris McClendon was by far the leading rusher of the semifinals round with 20 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown. Next best was Glen Toonga of the Monarchs who had 49 yards rushing and a touchdown in the loss to the Unicorns.
Receiving
Nathaniel Robitaille of the Unicorns was tough to handle for the Dresden secondary in the Unicorns win. He had 121 yards receiving on 11 receptions as well as a touchdown. Frankfurt wide receiver Tim Thomas was the next best receiver with 107 yards receiving on nine catches.
Tackling
AJ Wentland, the regular season tackling leader, led all defenders racking up 12 tackles in a losing cause. He also had a tackle for loss. Frankfurt Universe defensive lineman Marc Anthony Hor recorded 10 tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss.
Graphics: Igor Lazarevic
