Potsdam Royals end Braunschweig New Yorker Lions unbeaten streak in shootout

| American Football | 07/11/2023

This weekend saw the Potsdam Royals reassert their hold on the German Football League’s North division with a 40-33 win over the previously undefeated Braunschweig New Yorker Lions at Karl Liebknecht Stadion in Potsdam.

The game was an offensive showcase from both sides, with just one drive for each team not resulting in a score (excluding halftime). The Lions opened up scoring as quarterback Karé Lyles led his offense 74 yards down the field before hitting Luc Meacham for a 35-yard touchdown to make the score 7-0. The Royals responded with a long drive of their own, resulting in a touchdown from QB Jaylon Henderson as he called his own number at the goal line. Henderson rushed in for the two-point conversion, putting Potsdam up.

Photo: Nelly Eloi

The teams exchanged passing touchdowns twice before the end of the half, with Braunschweig’s Meacham picking up his second and Lyles finding Alexander Tounkara for an 86-yard touchdown, while Henderson found Simon Fons and Brandon Polk, rushing in both conversions successfully, putting the Royals up 24-21 at the half. 

The third quarter opened with a rushing touchdown from Potsdam running back Heiko Bals, with yet another conversion from Henderson. D’wayne Obi responded for the Lions, followed by a crucial failed two-point attempt by Karé Lyles.

Another Henderson touchdown run and conversion increased Potsdam’s lead to 13, leaving the undefeated away team two scores down.

Photo: Nelly Eloi

In the closing minutes, Meacham got his third receiving touchdown, but it wasn’t enough as the Royals finished the game with a seven-point lead, stripping the Lions of their undefeated streak as well as the top spot in the GFL North. Jaylen Henderson finished the game with 290 total yards and four touchdowns, completing 79% of passes. His five two-point conversions also proved decisive for Potsdam’s victory.

A current student at Bournemouth University as well as a quarterback with eight years of playing experience. Brad's goal is to be a part of the growth of the game around the world through journalism and media.