The Ravensburg Razorbacks (1-2) stunned the previously unbeaten Pforzheim Wilddogs (3-1) 21-17 at Kramski Arena, mounting a 14-point fourth-quarter comeback to secure their first win of the 2025 GFL season in a dramatic finish decided in the final 20 seconds.
Wilddogs establish early control
Pforzheim opened strong, capping their first drive with a Luca Hirschberger touchdown and adding a second-quarter field goal (also by Hirschberger) for a 10-0 lead. Quarterback Dre Harris managed limited early success against Ravensburg’s secondary, while the Wilddogs’ defense stifled the Razorbacks’ run game, forcing three consecutive punts. Ravensburg’s lone first-half breakthrough came via a 23-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Harris, narrowing the gap to 10-7.
Defensive pressure mounts
Ravensburg’s defensive line, led by Benjamin Rashid (#9), relentlessly harassed Dre Harris, sacking him four times and tipping five passes. The Razorbacks’ aggression disrupted Pforzheim’s rhythm, holding them to 2-of-11 third-down conversions. A raucous crowd of 1,100, energized by the Golden Flames Cheerleaders and Urban Dance School performances, saw the Wilddogs extend their lead to 17-7 in the fourth quarter via Alec Tatum’s 12-yard touchdown run.
Late-game drama unfolds
Trailing by 10 with 4:32 remaining, Ravensburg quarterback Anthony Harris engineered a 75-yard drive, capped by a 14-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 17-14. Forced to punt after a three-and-out, Pforzheim surrendered possession with 1:52 left. Harris methodically moved the Razorbacks 68 yards, threading a 9-yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds remaining for the 21-17 lead. The Wilddogs’ final drive ended with a sack by Rashid, sealing the upset.
Coaches’ reactions
Wilddogs head coach Michael Lang acknowledged missed opportunities: “We gave the game away in the last minutes. Four turnovers and poor red-zone execution cost us.” Defense coordinator Sascha Deger lamented late lapses: “We dominated three quarters but collapsed under pressure.” Running back coach Thomas Zink highlighted resilience: “Days like this test character. We’ll regroup for Schwäbisch Hall.”
Key factors
- Turnover battle: Ravensburg capitalized on 4 Wilddogs turnovers, including a critical 1st-and-goal interception.
- QB pressure: Rashid’s 3 sacks and 7 QB hurries limited Pforzheim to 89 passing yards in the second half.
- Clutch execution: Anthony Harris completed 8/12 passes for 112 yards and 2 TDs in the fourth quarter.
Road ahead
The Razorbacks host the Saarland Hurricanes on June 15, buoyed by their first win. Pforzheim faces a brutal stretch: three consecutive away games, starting with the Pink Bowl against the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns on June 14.
Standout performances
- Ravensburg: Anthony Harris (21/38, 245 yards, 3 TDs), Benjamin Rashid (8 tackles, 3 sacks).
- Wilddogs: Luca Hirschberger (1 TD, 2 FGs), Alec Tatum (87 rushing yards, 1 TD).