Potsdam Royals overpower Ravensburg Razorbacks behind second-quarter explosion
The Potsdam Royals (9-1) solidified their postseason credentials with a 46-20 victory over the Ravensburg Razorbacks (5-4) this past weekend, overcoming early resistance to dominate the GFL South leaders at Stadium Luftschiffhafen in a physical showdown.
Early momentum swings
Ravensburg, riding a wave of confidence from a 28-point come-from-behind win over the Allgäu Comets a week ago (42-35), deferred possession after winning the coin toss. Their defense forced a quick three-and-out, but a botched punt snap gifted Potsdam prime field position. Royals quarterback Kenyatte Allen Jr. capitalized with a rushing touchdown for a 6-0 lead. Undeterred, Ravensburg’s Broghean McGovern orchestrated a 75-yard drive, scoring on a keeper to narrow the gap to 7-6 after the first quarter.
Second-quarter onslaught
Potsdam’s offense erupted in the second quarter, scoring five touchdowns in rapid succession. Xavier Bullock (rush), Heiko Bals (rush), Milan Spiller (receiving), Nathanael Stewart (receiving), and Emanuel Bakare (receiving) all found the end zone, overwhelming Ravensburg’s defense. The 32-point barrage gave the Royals a commanding 32-7 halftime lead, showcasing their balanced attack.
Defensive stands and late drama
Both defenses tightened after halftime, with three consecutive punts highlighting a scoreless third quarter. Ravensburg reignited hope early in the fourth when Alex Mashak intercepted a deflected pass, setting up Aiden Enneking’s acrobatic touchdown catch (32-14). Heiko Bals responded with another rushing score for Potsdam, but Ravensburg’s Jonah Choate returned an interception for a pick-six (39-20). Allen Jr. sealed the win with his second rushing touchdown, cementing the 46-20 final.
Playoff-bound Royals eye next challenge
Potsdam’s defense limited Ravensburg to two offensive touchdowns, displaying discipline amid late-game pressure. The Royals now shift focus to a Week 11 clash against the New York Lions (August 20), followed by a home playoff quarterfinal on September 20. Ravensburg, despite flashes of resilience, fell short in critical moments, underscoring the gap between divisional leaders and title contenders.
Key performances
Allen Jr. (2 rushing TDs) and Bals (2 TDs) anchored Potsdam’s multifaceted offense, while McGovern (1 TD) and Enneking (1 TD) underscored Ravensburg’s flashes of resilience amid inconsistency. The Royals’ defensive unit, allowing just 20 points despite 4 turnovers, proved decisive in containing the Razorbacks’ late surge.
