Germany: Potsdam Royals overpower Berlin Rebels in record-setting showdown
The Potsdam Royals (7-1) unleashed an offensive masterclass paired with defensive tenacity, crushing the Berlin Rebels (6-2) 74-27 in a high-octane German Football League matchup marked by explosive plays and relentless momentum shifts.
Early shock and defensive response
Berlin stunned the home crowd instantly as Aaron Jackson returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, followed by Kris Cain’s PAT for a 7-0 lead. Potsdam’s early struggles deepened when starting quarterback Kenyatte Allen fumbled, but the defense rallied. Forced punts and critical stops allowed the Royals to claw back, with Heiko Bals capping a penalty-aided drive with a touchdown. A failed 2-point conversion kept the score 7-6.
Second-quarter surge
The Royals seized control in the second quarter behind backup quarterback Xeaiver Bullock, who found Milan Spiller for a 14-7 lead after a successful 2-point conversion. Potsdam’s defense then blocked a punt, setting up Bullock’s touchdown pass to Emanuel Bakare (22-7). Allen added a 40-yard rushing score, and Spiller struck again before halftime to extend the lead to 34-7. Berlin’s Connor Kaegi connected with Jermaine Eniyagu for a late touchdown, but Potsdam responded with Nathanael Stewart’s score and Kassim Tiamiu’s 2-point conversion, entering halftime up 42-14.
Second-half dominance
Potsdam’s defense dominated post-break, forcing safeties via blocked punts and stifling Berlin’s offense. Bullock orchestrated another scoring drive, hitting Rickie Ochako for a touchdown (52-14) and later finding Bakare for a 70-yard score (60-14). Third-string quarterback Moritz Richter joined the onslaught, launching a touchdown pass to Spiller (68-14).
Late-game highlights and look ahead
Despite Berlin’s Tyquell Fields and Eniyagu adding consolation scores, Potsdam’s depth proved insurmountable. Richter and Spiller connected once more for a 74-20 margin, while Berlin’s Carl Luckmann closed the scoring at 74-27. The Royals now turn to their August 16 home game against the Ravensburg Razorbacks, aiming to solidify their playoff position.
Quarter scores reflected Potsdam’s dominance: 14-7, 28-7, 18-0, and 14-13. With offensive versatility and defensive grit, the Royals cemented their status as title contenders, leaving Berlin to regroup after a humbling defeat.
