LIVESTREAM Germany PPV: New Yorker Lions @ Paderborn Dolphins, May 17, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)

AFI | American Football | 05/17/2025

Graphic: Dante Bustos

The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (1-0) visit the Paderborn Dolphins (0-1) at Ahorn-Sportpark on Saturday, May 17 (18:00 CEST), in a GFL North matchup defined by contrasting starts. While the Lions won a 27-24 thriller against the Düsseldorf Panther, the Dolphins stumbled in their opener with a 40-20 loss to the Berlin Rebels and a preseason defeat to the GFL2 side, the Krefeld Ravens.

Dolphins’ offensive reload
Paderborn’s hopes rest on quarterback Niklas Gorny, returning after a 2024 stint with Bielefeld Bulldogs, and dual-threat running back Joshua Breece. The American, who rebounded from injury to lead the team in 2024, pairs with new receiver Jordan Pouncey, a former Washington Wolfpack (Arena League) speedster. Their success hinges on neutralizing Braunschweig’s front seven.

Lions’ penalty cleanup mission
Despite their win, Braunschweig’s penalties nearly derailed their opener. Head coach Troy Tomlin stressed tightening discipline, particularly against a Dolphins squad eager to exploit mistakes. The Lions’ defense, which struggled to contain Düsseldorf’s ground game, must stifle Breece to avoid another nail-biter.

Coaching adjustments under spotlight
Paderborn’s revamped staff faces pressure. New defensive coordinator Marcel Berlau (ex-Assindia Cardinals) inherits a unit that conceded 35 points to Krefeld in preseason. Offensive coordinator Felix Gorny (father of QB Niklas) aims to diversify playcalling, leveraging Breece’s versatility. For Braunschweig, maintaining offensive balance after an excellent passing effort in Week 1 is critical.

Key matchup: trenches
Paderborn’s defensive line, featuring ex-ELF lineman Tim Wüstefeld and veteran Ron Hairston, must disrupt Braunschweig’s rhythm. Linebacker AJ Valentine, returning after anchoring the 2024 defense, faces a Lions backfield eager to exploit gaps. Conversely, Braunschweig’s pass rush targets Gorny’s mobility.

For Paderborn, it’s a chance to reset; for Braunschweig, an opportunity to solidify playoff credentials. With tactical adjustments on both sides, Saturday’s clash tests resilience early in the GFL North campaign.