Germany: Allgäu Comets shut down Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns in defensive showdown

| American Football | 06/11/2025

The Allgäu Comets (2-1) delivered a masterclass in defensive football, defeating the previously unbeaten Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (2-1) 16-3 at their home venue to claim second place in the GFL South Division and hand Hall their first touchdown-less performance since 2008.

Defensive foundation fuels victory
In rainy conditions, the Comets’ defense dominated from start to finish, holding Schwäbisch Hall to 3-of-12 third-down conversions and 187 total yards. New defensive lineman Austin Spille (Texas) made an immediate impact with a sack and three quarterback pressures in his debut, while defensive backs Silas Arnold and Danilo Wiegand broke up six passes. The Unicorns’ lone score came on a 30-yard first-quarter field goal by Toni Trefzer, after which Allgäu’s unit forced five punts and two turnovers.

Kozlowski haunts former team
Former Unicorn Lars Kozlowski proved pivotal, catching a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Conor Regan in the second quarter before converting the two-point attempt himself. The score capped a 14-play drive fueled by Regan’s precision (12/18, 134 yards) and Dominik Hörner’s critical blocking. Six minutes later, Kozlowski’s 21-yard reception set up Hörner’s 17-yard touchdown catch, with Leon Knoop adding the two-point conversion for a 16-3 halftime lead.

Second-half stalemate
Neither team scored after halftime, as penalties (18 combined) and slippery field conditions disrupted offensive rhythm. Hall’s best opportunity ended when Josh Taylor fumbled on fourth-and-goal at the Comets’ 3-yard line late in the fourth quarter. Allgäu’s special teams compounded Hall’s frustration, pinning the Unicorns inside their 20-yard line on four occasions.

Coaches’ perspectives
Comets head coach Elias Gniffke praised his defense: “We controlled their explosive playmakers all game. Spille’s energy elevated everyone.” Defensive coordinator Nic Soupidis highlighted preparation: “We studied their screen game exhaustively – our linebackers shut it down.” Unicorns coach Felix Brenner lamented offensive miscues: “Dropped passes and poor execution in scoring positions cost us. No excuses – Allgäu outplayed us.”

Key metrics

  • Red-zone dominance: Comets scored on 2/3 trips vs. Hall’s 0/2.
  • Turnover-free: Allgäu committed zero giveaways; Hall lost one fumble.
  • Third-quarter control: Comets held possession for 9:17, limiting Hall to 12 plays.

Standout performances

  • Allgäu: Lars Kozlowski (5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD; 2pt conversion), Austin Spille (4 tackles, 1 sack).
  • Schwäbisch Hall: LB Janis Elian (9 tackles, 2 TFLs), K Toni Trefzer (1/1 FG).

Road ahead
The Comets travel to face the Munich Cowboys (1-2) on June 14, seeking their third consecutive win. Schwäbisch Hall returns home to host the Pforzheim Wilddogs, needing offensive adjustments to reclaim divisional momentum.

Historical context
This marked Allgäu’s second straight win over Hall since their 2024 upset, solidifying their status as a rising South Division contender. The Unicorns, six-time German Bowl champions, face renewed scrutiny after failing to score a touchdown for the first time in 17 seasons.

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