Deutsche Title
Former Fighting Scots stars, from left, Lamar Watson, Hayden Nelson and Deandre Wright helped lead the Frankfurt Pirates to the Regionalliga Mitte crown in Germany.
MONMOUTH, Ill. – Starting together as juniors for the Monmouth College football team in 2017, Hayden Nelson, Lamar Watson and DeAndre Wright helped the Fighting Scots repeat as Midwest Conference champions.
Recently, the trio capped another championship performance, leading the Frankfurt Pirates to the Regionalliga Mitte crown in Germany. Nelson threw for five touchdowns in the Pirates’ 41-0 title game victory.
“I started out here in Germany by myself,” said Nelson, who was Monmouth’s No. 1 quarterback his junior and senior seasons. “Our team had an import who had to go home, so I told my coach ‘Let me call someone.’ I thought of Dre and Lamar right away and just made the call and they both were down. I’m very happy they came out to help me out and we were able to get the job done.”
Nelson said the German league allows for as many “imports” on the field as a team can afford, but that only two Americans can be on the field at the same time.
The Pirates certainly had a trio of talented imports. Together, Nelson, Watson and Wright accumulated seven first-team All-MWC selections during their Fighting Scots careers. Wright finished as the second-leading rusher in program history with 3,918 yards.
For Frankfurt, Wright stepped out of the backfield and into a receiver role, as well as a kick and punt returner. He still excelled, scoring more than 20 touchdowns.
“I’m not surprised at their success in Germany,” said Monmouth head coach Chad Braun of his former players. “Those three players were a big reason for our success over the recent years. We’re really proud of what they were able to accomplish during their time here, and we’re happy for what they accomplished this year.”
Nelson saw action in nine games for Frankfurt, and Wright had the next-most games played of the trio. Watson was the last of the group to suit up.
“Hayden and Dre spent most of the season with the team, and I came for the final three or four games to help close out the season,” said Watson, who played defensive end. “The experience of playing overseas has been nothing less than amazing.”
Wright agreed.
“Living outside of America for the first time was difficult, but each day I got to learn more about Europe – like how people speak and greet each other. I learned a little bit of Deutsch as well, so it became an amazing experience. The people are super nice, and the views of the cities here were cool.”
Nelson extended the invitation, and Watson and Wright were happy the trio could be reunited.
“Experiencing all these things with my friends made it 10 times better for me,” said Wright. “I definitely made some memories here that will last a lifetime. It was just a great time all around.”
“After my senior season of college, I had no idea that I’d get the opportunity to play with two of my closest friends ever again,” said Watson. “Getting the opportunity to do what I love again, and with my brothers, made the experience that much better.”
Nelson hopes that Frankfurt’s title run leads to another gridiron opportunity.
“As for what’s next for me, I know I still want to play football, and that’s where I’m at right now,” he said.
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