Braunschweig New Yorker Lions cap era with commanding win over Allgäu Comets

The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (7-5) closed their final regular-season game under their longtime moniker in style, defeating the Allgäu Comets (2-9) 35-13 at Eintracht Stadium in an emotional farewell to franchise icons Troy Tomlin and Dave Likins.

Defensive dominance sets early tone
From the opening kickoff, the Lions’ defense stifled the Comets, forcing three first-half turnovers. Safety Aaron Banks set the tone with a first-quarter interception off quarterback Conor Regan, while defensive end Michael Stadler’s sack on the Comets’ second drive forced a punt. Braunschweig’s offense capitalized, with quarterback Karé Lyles orchestrating a balanced drive capped by a six-yard touchdown pass to CJ Okpalobi. By halftime, the Lions led 21-7, fueled by Lyles’ second TD strike to Michael Breuler (eight yards) and Finn Oppermann’s eight-yard rushing score.

Offensive firepower seals victory
Lyles (19/27, 245 yards, 3 TD) showcased his versatility, connecting with Lewis Kirby on a 60-yard third-quarter bomb to extend the lead to 28-7. Despite Regan’s late five-yard touchdown pass to Niccolo Formosa, the Comets’ undermanned roster—missing RB Lars Kozlowski and WR Elias Kraljevic—couldn’t counter Braunschweig’s depth. The Lions sealed the win with a one-yard TD plunge by offensive lineman Malte Hrabak, his first career score, capping a sentimental drive that saw Oppermann grind out 38 rushing yards.

Emotional farewells and franchise transition
The game doubled as a celebration of Braunschweig’s legacy. Veteran linebacker Benjamin Krahl intercepted Regan on his final career play, while Tomlin and Likins—architects of the Lions’ six German Bowl titles—were honored postgame. The victory marked the end of the “New Yorker” era, with the team reverting to Braunschweig Lions in 2026. “This chapter closes, but our identity remains,” said team president Markus Händel.

For the Comets, Regan’s 221 passing yards and Dominik Hörner’s acrobatic three-yard TD provided fleeting highlights, but three interceptions and a depleted lineup proved insurmountable. Head coach Brian Caler emphasized resilience: “Our young players gained invaluable experience against a storied opponent.”

Playoff hopes and future horizons
While the Lions narrowly missed the postseason due to the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes’ earlier win, the Comets face a final matchup against the Munich Cowboys—a ceremonial clash with no playoff implications. For Braunschweig, the rebrand signals a fresh start, blending seasoned stars like Lyles with emerging talents like Banks. As fireworks lit the night sky, 4,000 fans bid farewell to an era, their chants echoing a promise: “Lions forever.”