Berlin Rebels clinch playoff berth with convincing win over Munich Cowboys

The Berlin Rebels (7-4) secured their sixth GFL playoff appearance with a decisive 28-10 victory over the Munich Cowboys (5-5) at Mommsenstadion, leveraging a dominant first half and stifling defense to lock up third place in the GFL North.

Early dominance sets tone
Running back Nazar Bombata ignited the Rebels’ offense on the opening drive, punching in a 1-yard touchdown to cap a methodical series. Kicker Kris Cain’s PAT gave Berlin a 7-0 lead, foreshadowing a first-half onslaught. Quarterback Connor Kaegi extended the advantage with a 14-yard strike to Filip Uderhardt and a 2-yard rushing score, while the defense held Munich to 47 total yards and zero third-down conversions before halftime.

Cowboys’ fleeting rally stifled
Munich briefly sparked hope late in the second quarter, intercepting Kaegi and converting it into a 45-yard Max Mittasch field goal. After halftime, running back Maximilian Mayer broke free for a 31-yard touchdown, trimming the deficit to 21-10. But the Rebels’ defense locked down, forcing three consecutive punts and limiting Munich to 2.3 yards per carry outside Mayer’s score. Kaegi sealed the win with a 1-yard QB sneak early in the fourth quarter, his second rushing touchdown of the day.

Defensive pressure overwhelms
Berlin’s defense tallied four sacks, including critical stops by linemen Godwin Badom and Diego Emanuel, while holding Munich to 1-of-12 on third downs. Despite two interceptions by safety Zerrian Meander and linebacker Felix Almer, the Cowboys failed to capitalize, managing just 10 points off turnovers.

Playoff implications
The win guarantees Berlin a postseason berth, a stark turnaround after missing the 2024 playoffs. For Munich, playoff hopes hinge on wins against the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns and Allgäu Comets to secure a quarterfinal spot.

Key performers:

• Berlin: Connor Kaegi (1 passing TD, 2 rushing TDs), Nazar Bombata (1 rushing TD), Kris Cain (4/4 PATs).
• Munich: Maximilian Mayer (1 rushing TD), Max Mittasch (1 FG, 1 PAT).

The Rebels close their regular season on September 6 against the Hildesheim Invaders, aiming to build momentum for their playoff push. Munich, meanwhile, faces a must-win stretch to keep their postseason dreams alive.