On Sunday the time has come: The much-anticipated Lower Saxony derby between the New Yorker Lions Braunschweig and the Hildesheim Invaders starts at 3 p.m. in the Eintracht Braunschweig stadium on Hamburger Straße.
Photo: Lando Reinberger
A duel that many in the region have been looking forward to since the start of the season. The neighbors from Lower Saxony have a lot in common, not just their geographical proximity. Numerous players and coaches have swapped jerseys over the decades – and back again. Likewise, many fans, especially from Hildesheim, commuted to Braunschweig for many years to watch top German football. Now the two teams are meeting again for the first time since 2019. And the signs are there for an exciting duel.
The season could not have been more different for the opponents. While the Invaders got off to a good start and were in second place in the ERIMA German Football League after eight games, the Lions had to make up for a botched start with three defeats. But they did this brilliantly and so both teams meet in the middle on the last match day of the season: It’s about third or fourth place in the final table. Both teams are safely placed for the playoffs. But the question is, who will travel to Schwäbisch Hall in fourth place and take on the long-standing southern champions? It’s about more than just prestige.
After the three opening defeats, the Lions found their way back to their old strength with quarterback Donovan Isom. With six wins and five losses, the Braunschweig team now has a positive record and of course shows that they are the stronger team. Isom, however, was injured in the last few games and young player David Shafir led the offense. The strong running back Tyrelle Bovelle is powering through the league’s defenses alongside him. US import Luc Meacham stands out as a receiver. The Lions’ defense is among the best in the league and will demand everything from the Invaders.
On the Hildesheim side, head coach Marcus Herford wants to stop the downward trend with the last three defeats.
Derbies are always great games. We know that the Lions will be keen on us after a week’s break. They are a very well coached team. The atmosphere will be great and we must be absolutely ready for a tough fight.
Kickoff is on Sunday at 3 p.m., admission to the stadium on Hamburger Straße is from 1 p.m. Tickets are available on the Lions website www.newyorker-lions.de/tickets“We can only call on all fans to celebrate this football festival in the region. It will most likely be the last big game in the region this year, and you shouldn’t miss it,” said Johannes Krupp, who knows that several hundred fans from Hildesheim have already bought tickets for the game: “Our block will be full and loud!” The organizers are expecting at least 5,000 spectators.
