Potsdam Royals pull away from Ravensburg Razorbacks to reach GFL semifinals

The Potsdam Royals (10-2) broke open a tight game after halftime and rolled past the Ravensburg Razorbacks (8-4) 48-21 in the German Football League quarterfinals, sending the GFL North runners-up into the semifinals.

The Razorbacks, who finished third in the GFL South, hung around for a half, but Potsdam piled up 516 yards of offense and completely shut down the Ravensburg running game.

Razorbacks answer early

Hugh “Bay” Harvey marched the Royals down the field on the opening possession and finished the drive by finding Milan Spiller for a touchdown. Chrisman Kyei added the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.

Ravensburg answered immediately. Broghean McGovern connected with William Enneking for a 21-yard touchdown, ending a Potsdam defense’s run of five straight games without allowing a point.

Kyei then powered into the end zone before Harvey hit Corey Jeeves from 26 yards out to push the lead to 21-6. The Razorbacks stayed close, with McGovern finding Enneking for his second touchdown to make it 21-13 at halftime.

Potsdam takes control

The game changed quickly after the break. Harvey connected with Key’Shawn Smith for a 53-yard touchdown, and the Royals began pulling away while their defense squeezed the life out of the Ravensburg offense.

Harvey finished 20 of 34 for 277 yards and four touchdowns. Spiller caught five passes for 76 yards and two scores, while Smith turned three receptions into 86 yards and a touchdown. Jeeves added three catches for 46 yards and another score.

Kyei did the damage on the ground, carrying 19 times for 145 yards and a touchdown as Potsdam rushed for 239 yards.

Defense shuts down Ravensburg

The Royals held Ravensburg to 175 total yards and an eye-catching minus-19 yards rushing. The Razorbacks also went 0-for-10 on third down.

Forced to carry the offense through the air, McGovern completed 20 of 38 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice. William Enneking caught six passes for 62 yards and both offensive touchdowns, while Aidan Enneking led Ravensburg with nine receptions for 68 yards.

Royals finish it off

Ryan Minniti put an exclamation point on the defensive effort, picking off McGovern and taking it 15 yards for a touchdown. Ronaldo Tomasello added another interception as Potsdam stretched its advantage to 45-13.

Alex Mashak answered with a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown, but the comeback ended there. Heiko Bals closed the scoring with a 34-yard field goal, sending the Royals into a semifinal matchup with the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns.

The Royals are now one win away from returning to the GFL Bowl, where they will have a chance to continue their run at the top of German football.