Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns finish perfect season with 37-13 win over Regensburg Phoenix

The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (12-0) completed a perfect German Football League regular season Saturday, shaking off a stubborn Regensburg Phoenix (5-7) team before pulling away for a 37-13 victory in front of 1,831 spectators at OPTIMA Sportpark.

Phoenix defense strikes first

The defenses controlled a scoreless opening quarter, and Regensburg produced the game’s first breakthrough. Julian Herrera knocked the ball loose after a Julius Klenk completion and Mika Stieger grabbed the fumble and raced 74 yards to the end zone for a 6-0 Phoenix lead.

Regensburg had already threatened offensively behind Cameron Yowell and Nebechi Abana, driving to the Schwäbisch Hall 17 before a penalty helped stall the possession and a field-goal attempt went wide.

Pringle flips the game

The Unicorns finally broke through late in the second quarter, and Rayjuon Pringle changed the game in a hurry.

Pringle ripped off a 51-yard punt return to give Schwäbisch Hall excellent field position before Klenk found him for a 20-yard touchdown. Timo Bronn’s extra point put the Unicorns ahead 7-6.

A poor Regensburg punt gave the hosts another short field, and Klenk went back to Pringle for a six-yard touchdown and a 14-6 halftime advantage.

Unicorns pull away

Bronn drilled a 46-yard field goal in the third quarter before Schwäbisch Hall took over in the fourth.

Klenk connected with Pringle for a 29-yard touchdown, their third scoring hookup of the afternoon. Kelley Joiner then burst through the middle and raced to the end zone before Mathis Harang added a five-yard touchdown run to stretch the lead to 37-6.

Klenk completed 88 percent of his passes for 238 yards, with all three of his touchdown throws going to Pringle.

Regensburg fights to the finish

The Phoenix refused to fold. Backup quarterback Gary Tyler took over late, moved Regensburg downfield and connected with Nicolas Hayes for a touchdown to cut the final margin to 37-13.

The Unicorns recovered the ensuing onside kick and closed out their 12th win in 12 games. Schwäbisch Hall now heads into a September 12 home quarterfinal against the Düsseldorf Panther, while Regensburg finishes its first GFL season at 5-7.