American Football – Potsdam Royals German champions for the second time in a row
imago images/Foot Bowl
Video: rbb24 | 12.10.2024 | Simon Wenzel | Bild: imago images/Foot Bowl
It is the crowning achievement of a perfect season: The Potsdam Royals are German champions for the second time in a row. In the GFL final they were dominant at first, but then had to tremble again until the end.
The Potsdam Royals have defended their title in the German Football League (GFL). On Saturday evening they beat the Dresden Monarchs 27:21 (19:11) in the final, the so-called “German Bowl”, in Essen, thus crowning a perfect season.
The Royals had not suffered a defeat in the main round and went into the playoffs with a record of 12-0. For them, it is the second German championship in the club’s history after 2023.
Royals live up to their role as favorites in the first half
In the Essen stadium on Hafenstrasse, the Potsdam team were the clear favorites in the East duel against the Monarchs, who had suffered at least two league defeats, due to their dominant performance this season.
In the German Bowl, too, the Royals showed their class from the first drive. The star of the game was, as he has so often been, Jaylon Henderson. The quarterback, who is considered by many experts to be one of the best players in Europe, ensured an unpredictable offense with a good mix of passing and running.
He repeatedly led his team into the red zone, where he insisted on carrying the ball into the end zone himself. Henderson scored two touchdowns in the first half, plus a field goal from kicker Heiko Bals. The Potsdam defense also appeared wide awake from the start, allowing little space to be gained against the Monarchs and contributing an interception.
The Dresden defense only managed to stop the opponent once before the break. With a strong tackle on the fourth attempt, they then took over the ball in a promising field position and in the end it was quarterback Brock Domann who scored the touchdown with a run.
High tension until the end
After the break, however, the Royals’ offensive threat diminished. On the one hand, the running game no longer worked so well, and on the other hand, Dresden’s defense improved significantly. In the third quarter, the spectators saw a defensive battle without any points. Unusual for the two teams that were known for high scores in the main round.
The final section was all the more exciting. Monarchs receiver Jordi Torrededia was the first to break the scoring spell. In the end zone he was able to catch the ball completely freely and gave his team new hopes. With a run of 57 yards, Jaylon Henderson scored his third touchdown of the game in direct return, but the Saxons were also able to quickly follow up with a strong drive that ended with a short pass to Ricky Smalling in the end zone.
The Royals entered the final minute of the game with a 27:21 lead. However, Dresden had the ball and, after a penalty against Potsdam for pass interference, they suddenly had four more attempts at the opponent’s 16-yard line to take the win.
But the defense of the defending champions should hold up. With great cheers, the players stormed the field together with coach Michael Vogt, especially to celebrate their star quarterback Henderson. In the winner’s interview he expressed his joy, but left his future in Potsdam open. “I want to enjoy this moment and the next few days for now. Then the offseason begins and I’ll see what’s best for me. Maybe that’s in Potsdam, but maybe somewhere else,” said the American.
Broadcast: rbb24, October 12, 2024, 9:45 p.m
