The Düsseldorf Panther (1-2) authored a landmark upset, defeating the previously unbeaten Potsdam Royals (3-1) 24-7 at the Sportpark Luftschiffhafen in Potsdam, securing their first German Football League victory since promotion and ending a 10-year league winless drought.
Royals’ offensive struggles overshadow Allen’s debut
Potsdam’s new playmaker Kenyatte Allen endured a forgettable debut, connecting with Nate Stewart for the team’s lone touchdown in the first quarter (extra point: Heiko Bals). Allen’s offense sputtered thereafter, managing just 47 first-half yards and repeatedly stalling due to penalties and miscommunication. The Royals’ defense kept them afloat early, intercepting Düsseldorf quarterback Cole Stenstrom twice in the first half and limiting the Panther to two Yannick Schorn field goals (41 yards, 27 yards).
Defensive dominance sparks turnaround
A forced fumble recovered by Julien Kouoh Moukouri ignited the Panthers’ second-half surge. Stenstrom capitalized with a 12-play drive, culminating in Eric Sauerbrey’s touchdown and successful two-point conversion for a 14-7 advantage. Potsdam’s defense, visibly fatigued, began yielding ground as Düsseldorf’s rushing attack exploited widening gaps. The Royals’ hopes of equalizing collapsed at the 1-yard line when a first-and-goal interception by Johannes Wieding—snagging Allen’s errant throw—shifted momentum irrevocably. Stenstrom promptly launched a 78-yard touchdown strike to James Okike, extending the lead to 21-7.
Royals unravel, Panthers seal history
Potsdam’s final drives disintegrated under relentless pressure, with four consecutive sacks derailing a late fourth-quarter possession. Schorn’s third field goal (34 yards) with 1:52 remaining sealed the 24-7 margin. The Panthers’ defense dominated statistically: eight sacks (four by Kouoh Moukouri), two interceptions, and six tackles for loss. Allen finished 11/28 for 89 yards, his lone bright spot the first-quarter TD to Stewart.
Coaches and players react
Head coach Jaycee Krieg praised the team’s composure: “We finished drives and played physically. Eight sacks show our defensive identity.” Tight end Eric Sauerbrey echoed the sentiment: “A hell of a game!” Royals’ staff declined postgame interviews, but linebacker Tobias Müller acknowledged fatigue: “We couldn’t sustain the first-half intensity.”
Road ahead
The Panthers, buoyed by their first GFL triumph since 2015, face the Berlin Rebels on June 15. Potsdam travels to Paderborn Dolphins, seeking to reboot an offense that averaged 2.8 yards per play in the second half.
Key metrics
- Sack dominance: 8 sacks (4 by Kouoh Moukouri).
- Turnover edge: +2 (2 forced, 0 lost).
- Allen’s struggles: 39.3% completion rate, 2 interceptions in red zone.