Allgäu Comets rally late to earn first win of the season

The Allgäu Comets picked up their first victory of the German Football League season on Saturday, defeating the Straubing Spiders 24-20 in a tense GFL South matchup that remained undecided until the final minute.

Playing in front of their home fans in Kempten, the Comets built an early lead, surrendered it in the fourth quarter, and then responded with the game’s decisive score to secure an important result against a direct rival in the standings.

Fast start puts Kempten in control

The Comets could hardly have asked for a better opening.

Quarterback Brad Jones guided the offense down the field on the opening possession, repeatedly finding Gabriel Quigley, who was nearly unstoppable early in the game. Quigley capped the drive with a touchdown reception to give Allgäu a 7-0 lead.

The momentum continued shortly afterward. An interception gave the Comets another opportunity, and they took advantage when Benedikt Schulz powered into the end zone to make it 14-0. At that point, the hosts appeared firmly in control on both sides of the ball.

Spiders battle back

The Spiders gradually found their footing after the rough start.

Anthony Green Jr. scored shortly before halftime to cut the deficit to 14-7, and Straubing continued to build momentum after the break. Led by quarterback Raleigh Yeldell, who made his debut for the club, the visitors steadily chipped away at the lead. Jordan Pouncey helped bring the Spiders back within one point before a long field goal from David King extended the Comets’ advantage to 17-13.

Early in the fourth quarter, Green Jr. found the end zone again, giving Straubing its first lead of the afternoon at 20-17 and putting the pressure squarely on the home team.

Defense delivers the winning moment

Just when the game appeared to be slipping away, the Comets came up with the biggest defensive play of the day.

Henry Boehncke recovered a crucial fumble deep in Straubing territory, handing the offense excellent field position. A short time later, Schulz scored his second touchdown of the game, putting Allgäu back in front 24-20.

The Spiders still had one final chance, but David King intercepted Yeldell’s last pass attempt with less than a minute remaining to seal the victory.

For the Allgäu Comets, it was a long-awaited first win of the season. For the Straubing Spiders, the search for win number one continues after another narrow and frustrating defeat.