The American footballers of the Giessen Golden Dragons want to get out of the regional league. The goal: promotion to the GFL2. At the beginning of the relegation it goes against the Ingolstadt Dukes.
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The American footballers of the Giessen Golden Dragons (left) want to “snap” the egg in league two from next season. Photo: PeB
GIESSEN – To water. After almost two years of abstinence, the American footballers of the Giessen Golden Dragons are about to return to the second-class GLF2. With four wins from four games and 190: 9 points scored, head coach Michael Anderl’s team has marched through the Regionalliga Mitte.
In a group of three with the champions of the South (Ingolstadt Dukes) and Southwest (Pforzheim Wilddogs) seasons, the Dragons are now in the promotion relegation to promotion to the second division. The game is played in a single round – once at home, once away. The two best teams can go up. In the best case scenario, a single win is enough. It starts on Saturday (3 p.m.) in the Wieseck stadium against Ingolstadt. Before the kickoff, we spoke to Tight End Simon Becher, one of the longest-serving Dragons players, about the chances of a return to the second division.
Simon Becher, did you expect to rush through the regional league so dominantly?
Under no circumstance. We already had a good feeling during the preparation – the participation was good, the atmosphere was great – but we are pleasantly surprised. But we were also lucky that, thanks to our youth work, we hardly had any departures in the past year. Instead we got another whole year.
What knowledge did you gain for the relegation?
First and foremost, that we have a strong defense. Especially thanks to our defense coach Cordell Shepard. We have only allowed nine points in previous games. Hopefully it stays that way.
We still make mistakes on the offensive, especially in the O-Line. There is always a lack of voting on who is blocking which opposing defender. This is especially noticeable in the running game. We have already worked well in this area because, firstly, the necessary physique is there and, secondly, everyone is willing to learn. Especially since our quarterback, AJ Springer, not only has a good throwing arm, but also likes to pick up his legs.
With the dukes comes the heavier of the two opponents. What did you plan to do?
Of course we want to win. It will be important that we play our football – with which we have been so successful so far this season. But we shouldn’t underestimate Ingolstadt. They are well coached and played in GFL1 last season.
Nevertheless, we identified weaknesses on their defensive in our video analyzes. With only four defenders on the line, they are vulnerable to the running game. We want to use that.
Where will the Dragons be in a year from now?
My main goal is to continue to integrate all youth players well so that the team can continue to develop. That is the basis of our success. In terms of sport, we will hopefully be in the secure midfield of the GFL2 in a year – assuming a possible promotion.
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