The Potsdam Royals (7-1) and Berlin Rebels (6-2) clash in a high-stakes GFL North derby on July 26, with playoff seeding and divisional bragging rights on the line.
Northern showdown with playoff implications
A Potsdam victory would solidify their second-place standing in the GFL North, positioning them for a potential title-deciding Week 15 showdown against the Dresden Monarchs (7-0). For the Rebels, a win is critical to maintain pace in the wildcard race and avenge their 2024 shutout loss (no touchdowns or field goals allowed) to the Royals.
Watch live PPV. Berlin Rebels @ Potsdam Royals, July 26, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
Potsdam’s defensive dominance vs. Berlin’s aerial attack
The Royals’ league-best defense (51 points allowed) faces its toughest test against Berlin quarterback Connor Kaegi, who ranks among GFL leaders with 1,365 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. Wide receiver Aaron Jackson (546 yards, 7 TDs) anchors a vertical passing game that must counter Potsdam’s aggressive secondary and pass rush. However, the Rebels’ deep-ball reliance risks vulnerability: their Week 4 loss to Potsdam saw zero red-zone penetrations.
Ground game clash: Bombata meets Bals
Berlin’s Nazar Bombata, the GFL’s rushing leader (901 yards, 6 TDs), faces a Royals run defense that stifled him earlier this season. Potsdam counters with Heiko Bals (452 yards, 6 TDs), whose balanced production complements dual-threat quarterback Kenyatte Allen (855 passing yards, 14 TDs; 235 rushing yards, 3 TDs).
Quarterback duel: Allen’s efficiency vs. Kaegi’s volume
Allen’s 68% completion rate and 14:3 TD-to-INT ratio epitomize Potsdam’s low-risk offense. In contrast, Kaegi’s high-volume approach (1,365 yards, 20 TDs) fuels Berlin’s explosiveness but requires precision against a defense that forced three turnovers in their prior meeting.
Path to victory for both sides
The Rebels must establish Bombata’s ground game to relieve pressure on Kaegi, while containing Potsdam’s versatile attack. For the Royals, maintaining defensive discipline and exploiting Allen’s mobility could extend their divisional dominance.
With playoff momentum and regional pride at stake, this derby promises tactical fireworks and physical intensity under the Potsdam lights.