Saarland Hurricanes kick off their season
On Saturday (18 May 2024), the Saarland Hurricanes have their new season opener for Germany’s American football first division (GFL) in the shape of an away game against the Berlin Rebels. This means that the Saarland team will start the new season with an interconference game against the capital team, who play in the North group of the German Football League (GFL). Last year, the Hurricanes‘s interconference game was also against the Rebels from Berlin, which they won at home 44:28. A good omen for this kick-off match?
The Hurricanes are heading into their 18th GFL season. After reaching the playoffs last year, their goal for this season is also clear. As the third-placed team in the South group at the end of last year’s main round, the Canes earned a place in the playoff quarter-finals against the Dresden Monarchs (second in the North group), where they were very unlucky to be beaten in a memorable game. This time, they want to finish the league in at least second place so as to ensure a home advantage in the playoffs with the power of the PUBLICANES behind them, helping to boost their chances of getting further down the line in the deciding games for the German championship.
New home arena in Völklingen
About that home advantage: the Saarland Hurricanes will be hoping to call it in at games in their new home arena. From this season onwards, the American footballers will be playing their GFL home games at the Hermann-Neuberger-Stadion in Völklingen. After three successful seasons in Saarbrücken’s Ludwigspark, it was time to make the change to a new home. The new venue offers more options for typical American football events and allows the sport to be better presented. This collaboration with the town of Völklingen is promising and has plenty to offer. Ticket prices will also drop thanks to the lower costs involved.
However, due to a diary clash, the footballers’ first home game (1 June 2024) will be on the sports field on Sport Campus Saar at the Sportschule in Saarbrücken. From 15 June onwards, the Hurricanes will then be welcoming fans to the World Heritage Site town of Völklingen for game days.
Team and staff ready for new challenges
For the past few weeks, our social media channels and the club page have been featuring changes, confirmations and new additions to the team and the coaching and support staff at regular intervals in the run-up to the start of the season.
With Andrew Brito in the quarterback position, the team has gained a vital key player following Robert Rowell’s departure. Andrew’s experience and talent make him a valuable addition to the team. At 1.80 metres tall and 24 years old, Brito offers plenty of knowledge and skill, gained from a career including time at Saginaw Valley State University (Div II).
Jakob Lawrence will take the role of head coach this year and contribute his impressive coaching experience. Lawrence, who served as offensive coordinator last year, has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for strategic game structuring that served the team well throughout the season.
With Rory Johnson – former NFL player and most recently linebacker coach for the Berlin Rebels – as the new defensive coordinator, the Saarland Hurricanes are ideally positioned. Johnson offers extensive experience in American football and will unquestionably be a valuable addition to the Saarland Hurricanes. Johnson’s specialist skills and commitment will take the team’s defence strategy to a new level. The American seems excited about the new challenge and emphasised how much he was looking forward to working with the talented Saarland Hurricanes squad. He will make his first official appearance on the touchline on Saturday against his old teammates in Berlin.
We wish the Saarland Hurricanes a good start to the new season and lots of luck and success in achieving their season goals.