The Potsdam Royals delivered a commanding 74-6 victory over the Munich Cowboys in their German Football League semifinal matchup, securing their fourth consecutive appearance in the Erima GFL championship game. The reigning champions demonstrated why they entered the game as overwhelming favorites, scoring early and often against a Cowboys team making their first semifinal appearance in 24 years.
Early onslaught sets the tone
The game began disastrously for the visiting Munich Cowboys, who managed only a three-and-out on their opening drive. The Royals offense, despite being weakened by illness, responded immediately with a methodical drive culminating in a short touchdown run by Heiko Bals. The situation deteriorated rapidly for Munich when their subsequent punt was blocked and returned for a touchdown by Atle Haaland, followed by a successful two-point conversion from Nathanael Stewart to establish a 14-0 lead.
First-quarter collapse seals outcome
Munich’s offensive struggles continued as quarterback Zachary Whitehead threw an interception to Fabrizio Umetelli deep in their own territory. Potsdam capitalized immediately with another Heiko Bals touchdown run. The Royals offensive dominance continued with touchdown receptions by Emanuel Bakare and successful conversions that expanded the lead to 28-0 by the end of the first quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach early.
Second-quarter offensive exhibition
The second quarter saw no relief for the Cowboys as Potsdam continued their scoring barrage. Heiko Bals recorded his third touchdown of the game, followed by a special teams touchdown when Patrick Donahue recovered a botched punt snap in the end zone. Additional touchdowns from Malik Flowers and Alex Labella, along with successful conversions, created a 52-0 halftime advantage for the defending champions.
Second-half dominance continues
The Royals showed no mercy after halftime, immediately scoring on a touchdown reception by Emanuel Bakare. Joshua Shodipo returned an interception for another touchdown, followed by successful conversions that extended the lead to 66-0. The Potsdam defense continued to stifle any Munich offensive attempts while the backups maintained the scoring pressure with Moritz Kulenovic adding another touchdown.
Late consolation score
The Munich Cowboys finally avoided the shutout in the fourth quarter when Mustafa Othman-Khaldun scored on a short run, though the extra point was blocked. The score provided little consolation in what was otherwise a completely dominant performance by the Potsdam Royals, who advanced to face the Dresden Monarchs in the GFLBowl in Dresden in two weeks.
