The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions open their 2019 German Football League campaign at home against the Cologne Crocodiles on Saturday, May 4.
In 2018, the Lions won both games against Cologne, 42-21 and 43-6.
The New Yorker Lions failed to reach the German Bowl for the first time in six years in 2018 but with head coach Troy Tomlin back, there is no doubt they will be contenders again this season. New at quarterback is Brandon Connette who returns to the GFL after winning two straight championships with Finland’s Helsinki Roosters. Connette was the top passer in the GFL in 2016 while with the Dresden Monarchs. Also new are linebacker Basil Jackson and defensive back Jamaal White ((Northwestern State University, NCAA Div. I FCS, Berlin Rebels). White will be a huge boost in the secondary after three years with Berlin where he recorded a total of 215 tackles.
Cologne had a solid season in 2018, finishing with a reaching the quarterfinals where they put up a fight but lost to eventual champions, the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns. Head coach Patrick Köpper will rely on German QB Jan Weinreich. RB Colby Goodwyn, who was the 2nd leading rusher in the GFL with Hamburg in 2018 has joined the Crocodiles along with DB Emory Polley who spent three seasons with the Panasonic Impulse in the Japanese XLeague, helping Panasonic win their seventh title in 2015. Cologne has also added speedy WR Jake Isabel (Chapman University).
Watch the game live here. Cologne Crocodiles @Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, Sat. May 4, 6p CEDT (12p EDT)
