Munich Cowboys end 17-year Unicorns drought with pivotal victory

The Munich Cowboys (6-5) clinched second place in the GFL South Division, edging the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (6-6) 13-10 in a defensive slugfest at Dantestadion to secure their first playoff berth since 2018 and snap a 17-year winless streak against their rivals.

Defensive grit stifles Unicorns’ attack
Coordinator Max Macek’s unit delivered a masterclass, limiting the Unicorns to 221 total yards—their lowest output of 2025. Defensive end Diego Emanuel’s second-quarter interception of a tipped Josh Taylor pass halted a scoring threat, while four sacks and eight quarterback pressures kept Taylor (52% completion rate) unsettled. Schwäbisch Hall managed only a 22-yard Toni Trefzer field goal and Jerome Manyema’s 3-yard fourth-quarter TD run, failing to capitalize on three red-zone opportunities.

Balanced offense seals historic win
Quarterback Zach Whitehead (20/27, 74% completion) overcame four sacks, connecting with Gabriel Boccella on a 7-yard first-half touchdown. Kicker Max Mittasch added field goals from 45 and 36 yards, while the three-headed rushing attack of Max Mayer, Mustafa Othmann, and Emre Gökce chewed clock (141 team rushing yards). The Cowboys controlled possession for 34 minutes, their 288 total yards marked by methodical drives that neutralized the Unicorns’ league-leading pass rush.

Closing the book on 17-year drought
The victory marked Munich’s first over Schwäbisch Hall since 2006, a symbolic breakthrough for a franchise rebuilding under head coach Alexander Koehler. “This win validates our progress,” said defensive captain Emanuel, whose unit held the Unicorns scoreless for 43 consecutive minutes. Schwäbisch Hall, meanwhile, lamented missed chances, with head coach Felix Brenner noting, “We couldn’t translate defensive stops into offensive consistency.”

Playoff-bound cowboys eye deeper run
The Cowboys host the Berlin Rebels in the quarterfinals on September 20, though they first face the Allgäu Comets in a weather-rescheduled regular-season finale. Their second-place finish guarantees home-field advantage through the South playoffs, a critical edge for a team riding a four-game win streak. The Unicorns, relegated to fourth place, travel to face North champion Potsdam Royals—a stark contrast to their 2024 title run.

For Munich, the win signals a franchise resurgence, blending stifling defense with disciplined offense. As Mittasch’s final kick sailed through, the Cowboys faithful erupted, celebrating not just a playoff berth, but a long-awaited reclaiming of pride.