Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns stay perfect with convincing road win over Regensburg Phoenix

The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (7-0) remained unbeaten atop the German Football League South Saturday, defeating the Regensburg Phoenix (1-5) 42-14 on the road behind an explosive first half, three touchdown passes from first-time starting quarterback Julius Klenk, and a defense that repeatedly shut down the promoted club.

Although Regensburg battled throughout the afternoon and produced several momentum-changing special teams plays, the Unicorns proved too deep and too efficient, building a 35-14 halftime lead before cruising to their seventh straight victory.

Unicorns seize control early

With Lars Heidrich unavailable, Klenk made his first start at quarterback and wasted little time making an impact.

After the Phoenix offense was forced into several quick possessions without recording a first down, Klenk found Rayjuon Pringle for a 44-yard touchdown to open the scoring. The Unicorns quickly struck again as Kelley Joiner capped a 93-yard drive with a 22-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 lead.

The Phoenix problems continued when Monteze Latimore intercepted Cameron Yowell, setting up another short field. Klenk took advantage, connecting with Marvin Fuchs on a 10-yard touchdown pass to stretch the lead to 21-0.

Early in the second quarter, Felix Handloser recovered a kickoff, and Joiner powered into the end zone from six yards out to make it 28-0.

Phoenix answer back

The home crowd finally had something to celebrate when Gary Tyler electrified the stadium with a spectacular 97-yard kickoff return touchdown.

The momentum, however, was short-lived.

Klenk answered with his third touchdown pass of the afternoon, finding Magnus Bumiller on a 37-yard strike to restore the four-touchdown advantage.

Regensburg refused to fold. Kevin Evert helped spark the next drive with a long reception before Nebechi Abana contributed key rushing yards. Yowell eventually finished the possession himself with a determined three-yard touchdown run, trimming the halftime deficit to 35-14.

Defense closes it out

The Phoenix came out with renewed energy after halftime, controlling the ball for longer stretches and threatening to climb back into the game.

However, the defining play came from the Unicorns defense.

Jordan Toles stepped in front of a Yowell pass and raced 80 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 42-14 and effectively ending any hopes of a comeback.

From there, Schwäbisch Hall leaned on its running game, Kelley Joiner and Mathis Harang behind a dominant offensive line while controlling possession for nearly twice as long as the Phoenix. The defense continued to frustrate Regensburg, which reached the red zone late before two sacks ended its final serious scoring threat.

Klenk finished an outstanding debut with touchdown passes to Pringle, Fuchs and Bumiller, while Joiner added two rushing scores. Jimmy Sawang converted all six extra points, and Latimore’s interception and Toles’ pick-six highlighted another dominant defensive performance.

For Regensburg, Tyler’s 97-yard kickoff return and Yowell’s rushing touchdown provided the offensive highlights, while the Phoenix continued to show resilience despite suffering their fifth defeat in six games. Even in defeat, the promoted side demonstrated the determination that has characterized its inaugural GFL season.