German rivalry renewed: Munich hosts Frankfurt in key EFA showdown
One of the biggest matchups of the EFA regular season is set for Sunday as the Munich Ravens welcome Frankfurt Galaxy for the second all German clash of the year. Munich enters the rematch as the league’s only unbeaten team, while Frankfurt arrives full of confidence after an impressive victory over the Paris Musketeers.
Munich looking to stay perfect
The Ravens have passed every test so far this season. Their latest challenge came in the “Duel of the Alps”, where Munich remained unbeaten with a hard fought 32:24 road victory over the Raiders Tirol. Quarterback Russell Tabor threw four touchdown passes before backup Levin Adrom added the late rushing score that secured the win. Defensively, Munich recorded four sacks and forced another turnover to improve to 6 and 0.
That perfect record now faces another major examination against a Frankfurt team that appears to be finding its rhythm at exactly the right time.
Galaxy seeking revenge
The first meeting in Week 3 belonged to the Ravens, who raced to a 14:0 first quarter lead thanks to an opening kickoff return touchdown by Bijon Harris before eventually claiming a convincing 45:26 victory. Munich capitalized on explosive plays in all three phases of the game, while Justin Rodney scored three rushing touchdowns and the defense repeatedly pressured Frankfurt quarterback Ethan Garbers.
Since then, however, Galaxy have shown significant improvement. Their victory over the Paris Musketeers demonstrated a more balanced offensive attack and a defense capable of making game changing plays, giving Frankfurt fresh confidence heading into the rematch.
Reinforcement for the offensive line
Frankfurt also strengthened its roster during the week by signing offensive lineman Thomas Le Boucher. The 2.03 meter Frenchman developed through Canadian football before continuing his career at Independence Community College, Arizona State and Lamar University in the NCAA. He also brings professional European experience after previously playing for the Raiders Tirol. His arrival adds size, depth and valuable international experience to the Galaxy offensive line ahead of one of the toughest remaining stretches of the season.
Battle at the top
While Munich can further strengthen its position at the top of the EFA standings with another victory, Frankfurt has the opportunity to hand the Ravens their first defeat of the season and close the gap in the playoff race. With home field advantage, an unbeaten record and the memory of a dominant Week 3 performance, the Ravens enter as favorites. But a resurgent Galaxy squad arrives in Munich believing this rivalry could produce a very different outcome the second time around.