The Paderborn Dolphins (1-8) host the Straubing Spiders (1-7) at Hermann-Löns-Stadion in a critical GFL clash, with Paderborn fighting for survival and Straubing aiming to salvage pride in their season finale.
Dolphins’ last stand
Paderborn, clinging to faint relegation hopes after a narrow 28-24 loss to the Düsseldorf Panther, must win to avoid mathematical elimination. Quarterback Niklas Gorny (1,048 yards, 9 TDs) leans on running back Joshua Breece (667 rushing yards, 7 TDs) to power an offense that ranks second-worst in scoring (14.1 PPG). Coach Jason Irmscher demands “commitment and passion” from a defense allowing 47.2 points per game, worst in the GFL North.
Watch live PPV. Straubing Spiders @ Paderborn Dolphins, Aug. 17, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am ET)
Spiders’ late-season spark
Straubing, safe from relegation but winless on the road, seeks momentum behind dual-threat QB Luis Wittmann (66% completion, 3 TDs) and RB Sidney Gibbs (671 yards, 9 TDs). Their ground game faces Paderborn’s porous run defense. Receiver Leroy Rümmeli (337 yards, 3 TDs) could exploit a secondary surrendering 12 passing TDs.
Key matchup: Ground vs. ground
- Breece’s reliability (5.6 yards/carry) vs. Straubing’s front seven.
- Gibbs’ explosiveness against Paderborn’s league-worst run defense.
Stakes and intangibles
Last year’s 21-7 Straubing win adds psychological edge, but Paderborn’s home crowd amplifies urgency. A loss seals Dolphins’ relegation fate, while Spiders aim to cap a turbulent season with dignity. Kickoff at 15:00 CEST promises a gritty duel between teams hungry for redemption.