On Saturday, the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns will be expecting the Dresden Monarchs at 5 p.m. for the ERIMA GFL interconference game at the OPTIMA Sportpark. Due to the large supporting program surrounding the Unicorns’ homecoming game, admission will begin at 2 p.m. Former receiver Paul Wirth is expected to be among those appearing in the pregame show starting at 4:30 p.m.
The Dresden Monarchs, a heavyweight from the ERIMA GFL North, are coming to the Kocherstadt for the interconference game. The team led by head coach Greg Seamon is currently in second place in the north behind the Potsdam Royals and has only lost to the league leaders from Potsdam (40:19) and the Berlin Rebels (19:16) during the season. Most recently, they beat the Allgäu Comets 69:21 at home in the newly opened stadium in front of 10,000 spectators.
Due to a two-game suspension of regular quarterback Brock Domann, Karé Lyles was quickly hired for the two interconference games against Kempten and Hall. In his first game, he impressed with three touchdown passes in two quarters. Lyles is no stranger to the Unicorns, as the playmaker already met the Unicorns last year while playing for the New York Lions.
In addition to a diverse offense, the Royals can also rely on a strong defense. The team from Saxony has only allowed an average of 13 points per game and has only given up more than two touchdowns to the opponent in four games.
Head coach Christian Rothe therefore sees the game as another tough test just before the playoffs: “We are taking the game seriously because it could well be a game-changer for the playoffs!” After the summer break, it is important to get back into the rhythm, especially against a strong opponent. In addition, the encounter just before the knockout round is exciting because both teams could face each other again in Schwäbisch Hall in a possible semi-final.
When asked about the homecoming game, the head coach added: “The homecoming game will once again provide a great atmosphere. I know that many people will be watching the game with eagle eyes. I know the feeling of standing on the sidelines with one eye laughing and one eye crying: Sometimes the will to play is still there, but when the body then says that it is no longer possible, it is not always easy. That is why many in the stands will be watching the game more emotionally than usual.” Rothe continued: “The team is aware of the special game day and we want to put on a good game for the veterans!”
Despite the summer break being over, the head coach cannot rely on all of his players. He will still have to do without Juliano Argüello, Julius Klenk and Magnus Bumiller, among others, while a final decision on other players will only be made on match day. However, fans can look forward to Dany Emmanuel, who will support the Unicorns once again in the final stretch of the season. Finally, Rothe also hopes to be able to reward U20 youth players with a place in the GFL team, because the round of games in the GFL Juniors has already ended.
The extensive supporting program is organized by the Gengenbach company as the match day presenter, which offers a vending machine including a competition in addition to selling coffee in the main stand. All proceeds from the sale of the coffee and the machine will be donated to a social institution. The beer garden will also open from 2 p.m. with a bar truck from the Haller Löwenbrauerei, pizza slices, delicious grilled food, baked potatoes, ice cream and coffee specialties.
In addition to the beer garden, the KidsClub will also have plenty of activities for our little guests. The Räbefätzer from Dürrenzimmern will play at halftime. They will be visiting for the third time and will give a first musical taste of the halftime break in the pregame show.
Tickets are available at the box office and online at: https://unicorns.reservix.de/eventsThe live stream of the game will be broadcast on the Unicorns channel of the internet platform Sportdeutschland.TV: https://sportdeutschland.tv/schwaebisch-hall-unicorns.
