LIVESTREAM Germany PPV: Pforzheim Wilddogs @ Kiel Baltic Hurricanes, Aug. 15, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
The Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (2-7) host the Pforzheim Wilddogs (7-3) Saturday at Kilia Stadium in a German Football League interconference matchup featuring two teams fighting at opposite ends of their respective division races.
The Hurricanes need wins as they battle to escape the bottom of the GFL North, while the second-place Wilddogs are trying to secure the best possible playoff position and a home quarterfinal in the South.
Kiel fighting to turn things around
The Hurricanes return home after a difficult 42-0 loss to the unbeaten Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns.
Kiel had an opportunity to get back into that game immediately after halftime, driving deep into Schwäbisch Hall territory before being stopped on fourth down near the goal line. The loss dropped the Hurricanes to 2-7 and kept them firmly involved in the battle at the bottom of the North.
Quarterback PJ Settles remains the key to getting the offense moving. The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for more than 1,500 yards this season, with Jarvis McClam providing one of his most dangerous receiving options.
Watch live PPV. Pforzheim Wilddogs @ Kiel Baltic Hurricanes, Aug. 15, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
Wilddogs coming off defensive battle
Pforzheim arrives in Kiel after grinding out a 14-7 victory over the Munich Cowboys.
The Wilddogs relied heavily on their ground game in that win. Quarterback Drequan Harris scored both touchdowns on runs of three and 10 yards, while Theo Michel and Bryan Yankson also carried the workload.
The defense delivered when it mattered. Michi Grünes and Antonio Alzheimer recorded back-to-back sacks early, while David Graf sealed the victory with an interception with 1:57 remaining.
Pforzheim defense faces Settles
Containing Settles will be one of the biggest assignments for the Wilddogs. His ability to make plays through the air and on the ground gives Kiel a weapon capable of creating problems if he is allowed to settle into a rhythm.
For the Hurricanes, finishing drives will be just as important. Kiel has converted only 14 percent of its red-zone opportunities into touchdowns this season.
Different races, same urgency
The stakes could hardly be more different, but neither team can afford to give away games at this point of the season.
Pforzheim is chasing a home playoff game. Kiel is trying to climb away from the relegation position.
It will also be the first meeting between the clubs, with the Wilddogs making their longest league road trip in team history.
Watch live PPV. Pforzheim Wilddogs @ Kiel Baltic Hurricanes, Aug. 15, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
