LIVESTREAM Germany PPV: Regensburg Phoenix @ Straubing Spiders, Aug. 8, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)

The Straubing Spiders (0-8) host the Regensburg Phoenix (3-5) Saturday in a German Football League matchup that gives the surging visitors a chance to put even more distance between themselves and the bottom of the GFL South.

The Phoenix arrive at the Donausportzentrum Peterswöhrd riding a three-game winning streak, while the Spiders are still searching for their first victory. Adding to the intrigue, this is the first of back-to-back meetings between the teams, with the return game coming next weekend in Regensburg.

Regensburg finding its stride

Few teams have changed their outlook as dramatically as Regensburg over the past three games.

The Phoenix followed road wins over the Düsseldorf Panther and Allgäu Comets with a convincing 45-18 victory over the Saarland Hurricanes last weekend. They took control immediately, racing out to a 24-0 first-quarter lead.

Watch live PPV. Regensburg Phoenix @ Straubing Spiders, Aug. 8, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)

Quarterback Cameron Yowell threw touchdown passes to Jadon Gildersleeve, Nicolas Hayes and Malik Small, while Nebechi Abana scored twice on the ground. Gary Tyler added a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown.

The defense did its share as well, forcing four fumbles and intercepting three passes.

Straubing showed signs of life

The Spiders remain winless, but last week’s 35-13 loss to the undefeated Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns offered some encouragement.

Straubing rushed for 146 yards, with quarterback Raleigh Yeldell III leading the team with 59. Anthony Earl Green Jr. added 41 and Jvonte Kareem Davis contributed 31.

The defense also intercepted Julius Klenk twice, with Justus Schwarzenberger and Luca Aigner each recording a pick. Four turnovers by the Spiders, however, made an already difficult assignment considerably tougher.

Back-to-back meetings begin

Saturday starts an unusual two-week stretch in which the same opponents will see plenty of each other.

For Regensburg, a fourth consecutive victory would continue an impressive midseason turnaround and further separate the Phoenix from the bottom of the standings.

For Straubing, the urgency is obvious. The Spiders need to turn last week’s encouraging stretches into points and, most importantly, protect the football.

The first meeting comes in Straubing. Seven days later, they do it all over again in Regensburg.

Watch live PPV. Regensburg Phoenix @ Straubing Spiders, Aug. 8, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)