The Potsdam Royals will visit the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes as the German Football League returns to Kiel.
Potsdam is looking to start their season off with a statement as they have brought in a ton of new talent and expectations are high. On the other hand, Kiel looks to compete with Germany’s best once again in 2021.
The Kiel Baltic Hurricanes are eager to return to the field after a disappointing 2019 season. Head coach Timo Zorn has brought in former Ithaca College (NCAA D3) quarterback Joe Germinerio, along with a former Penn State University receiver (NCAA D1) to help give the Kiel offense a boost. New Irish receiver Tom Donovan also looks to contribute in what projects to be an exciting passing game. Returning for Kiel are key pieces in offensive lineman Kevin von Kroge and receiver Michel Peschel.
Potsdam Royals @ Kiel Baltic Hurricanes, June 5, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
On defense, Kiel has brought back one of 2019’s best linebackers in Darin Hungerford. The Kean University (NCAA D3) product made over 100 tackles in 2019 as a member of the Hurricanes defense. Defensive lineman Lukas Adamec will help in the run game, as the large defensive tackle will look to eat up blocks all season. Kiel Linebacker Hungerford commented on the team’s mindset going into week one:
“The team is excited, it’s just a great feeling knowing we’ll finally be able to play again and be able to compete. It’s been a lot of training and work that goes into it so it’ll finally all be able to pay off that’s the best part.”
The visiting Royals head into the season with a revamped roster looking to bounce back from a four win 2019 season. Head coach Michael Vogt has brought in quarterback PJ Settles (Rhodes University: NCAA D3) to help compete for the playoffs. Settles is a dynamic dual threat passer who will often look to extend plays and keep the defense honest with his legs. Settles will be surrounded by talent as running back Jake Mayon (Northern Michigan NCAA D2) joins him in the backfield. Settles will also have experienced targets to throw to as Scandinavian receivers Kimi Linnainmaa and Fred Myrup Nielsen provide excellent hands and route running on the outside.
Royals quarterback PJ Settles commented on his upcoming GFL debut:
“I’m excited to get on the field again after over a year off. Myself and the team have been working hard and competing in the offseason and we are all prepared to put it all together.”
Defensively, the Royals have signed talented Frenchmen in defensive back Kevin Fortes and pass rusher Edwin Elio. The two will join a defense that is led by linebackers Jan Schewitza and Lukas Ruoss. In the secondary speedy Adehkeen Brown joins the Royals from the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns.
Potsdam linebacker Ruoss commented on the team’s pre-season preparation:
“The team had a great preseason, the chemistry within the team is outstanding and everyone is excited to get back to playing the game we love.”
Watch the game live here. Potsdam Royals @ Kiel Baltic Hurricanes, June 5, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 09:00 am ET)
Potsdam Royals roster
