The Warsaw Eagles outlasted the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns 22–16 in a tense Central European Football League (CEFL) quarterfinal at Schwäbisch Hall this past weekend, overcoming a seven-point halftime deficit to book their semifinal berth.
Defensive stalemate dominates early
Both defenses set the tone in a scoreless first quarter. The Unicorns’ offense sputtered against the Eagles’ physical front, while Schwäbisch Hall’s defense stifled Warsaw’s early drives. A blocked 40-yard field goal attempt by Toni Trefzer underscored the stalemate. The Unicorns finally broke through late in the second quarter, with quarterback Josh Taylor capping a gritty drive via a 9-yard rushing TD (7–0).
Eagles unlock offense after halftime
Warsaw quarterback Jacob Schimenz ignited the comeback, plunging into the end zone on a 1-yard keeper to tie the game (7–7). Schwäbisch Hall responded immediately: Taylor launched a 42-yard bomb to receiver Austin Brock, though a blocked PAT left the lead at 13–7. The Eagles struck again early in the fourth quarter, with running back Darius Lewis powering in a 1-yard TD. A successful two-point conversion via Lewis’ second effort gave Warsaw its first lead (14-13).
Polish poise seals semifinal spot
Schimenz delivered the dagger minutes later, firing a 39-yard TD pass to receiver Krzysztof Nosow. Another Lewis conversion extended the lead to 13–22. The Unicorns mustered a 32-yard Trefzer field goal (22-16) but failed to recover the ensuing onside kick. Warsaw’s defense, anchored by linebacker Wojciech Simka’s critical interception, drained the clock to secure the win.
Unicorns lament missed chances
Schwäbisch Hall’s four offensive turnovers and two blocked kicks proved costly. “Our defense gave us opportunities, but we couldn’t capitalize,” said head coach Felix Brenner, who confirmed quarterback Taylor’s minor injury but expects him ready for their next German Football League clash against the Munich Cowboys.
Road ahead
The Warsaw Eagles advance to the CEFL semifinals which are slated for May 31. For the Unicorns, focus shifts to domestic redemption, while Warsaw’s gritty road win signals their growing threat in European football’s second tier.