Germany: Potsdam Royals rout Berlin Rebels, bounce back from first loss to improve to 6-1

The Potsdam Royals (6-1) responded in emphatic fashion after last week’s setback, overwhelming the Berlin Rebels (1-4) 55-7 Sunday in a one-sided German Football League rivalry game that kept the defending champions firmly in the hunt for the North Division title.

One week after suffering their first defeat of the season, the Royals wasted no time reminding everyone why they remain one of the league’s elite teams. The defense forced six turnovers, the offense rolled up 496 total yards, and the outcome was all but decided before the opening quarter had ended.

Fast start

The tone was set almost immediately.

After Devin Hembry intercepted Tyquell Fields on Berlin’s opening possession, the Royals needed just one snap to cash in. Xeaiver Bullock found Milan Spiller streaking downfield for a 71-yard touchdown, igniting the home crowd before many fans had settled into their seats.

Things unraveled even further for the Rebels on their next possession. Pinned deep in their own territory, Fields was brought down in the end zone by Max Menache for a safety, stretching the lead to 10-0.

The avalanche continued.

Bullock connected with Maximilian McLeod for another touchdown, and moments later Aashari Crosswell stepped in front of a pass and raced 22 yards for a pick-six. By the end of the first quarter, Potsdam had built a commanding 26-0 advantage.

Defense takes over

The Rebels briefly found the end zone before halftime when Fields scored on a quarterback sneak, but there was little else to celebrate.

The Royals defense spent the afternoon dictating the action, piling pressure on Fields and forcing mistake after mistake. Hembry, Crosswell and Ronaldo Tomasello each came away with interceptions as Berlin turned the ball over six times and managed only 159 yards of offense.

Every promising possession seemed to end the same way—with another big defensive play for Potsdam.

Big plays finish it

While the defense dominated, Bullock picked apart the Berlin secondary.

The veteran quarterback threw for 364 yards and five touchdowns, spreading the ball to several targets while repeatedly attacking downfield. McLeod was nearly impossible to contain, finishing with eight catches for 223 yards and three touchdowns, including a spectacular 99-yard scoring connection that brought the afternoon’s loudest reaction. Spiller added four receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown, while Corey Jeeves also found the end zone.

With the game well in hand, backup quarterback Moritz Pharrell Richter put the finishing touch on the victory, throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Glenn Devin Knospe for the final points.

Back on track

The win was exactly the response Potsdam needed after last week’s disappointing loss.

The Royals looked sharp in every phase, controlling the line of scrimmage, creating short fields with takeaways and turning explosive plays into points. McLeod’s performance earned him the fan vote as the game’s Most Valuable Player, but the victory was built on a complete team effort.

With six wins in seven games, the Potsdam Royals remain the closest challengers to the unbeaten Dresden Monarchs, while the Berlin Rebels continue searching for momentum after another difficult afternoon.

Photos: @halvar_pictures @tiks.fotos Philipp