Before the Playoffs: Highs and Lows for Munich's American Football Teams
Munich Ravens Flex Their Muscles Against Tirol
The Ravens had a clear goal before their last home game – win and you're in. The stakes were high for both teams, as a playoff spot was still within reach for the visitors. Over 5,000 football fans filled the Sportpark Unterhaching under the game day's theme "Hoamcoming," creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Munich started strong with the support of the crowd and a +160 point cushion over their competitors from Madrid. The latter had earlier won their game against the Hamburg Sea Devils 63-13 but needed help to secure their playoff spot. Initially, no points were scored by either team, but Munich quickly gained momentum. Kevin Titz forced a fumble, and Wael Nasri made his 500th career tackle, setting the tone early for the Ravens.
Etuale “EJ” Lui finally put points on the board for the home team (7-3, 1st quarter). Just before halftime, running back Tomiwa Oyemo extended the lead to 14-3 with a pass from quarterback Chad Jeffries. After the break, the Ravens kept their foot on the gas. Running back Justin Rodney and Oyemo scored additional touchdowns, further extending the lead. Tirol struggled with the wet field and individual errors, resulting in a dominant 30-3 victory for the home team.
In the first round of the ELF playoffs, the Munich Ravens will face the Paris Musketeers away on August 31st. The French team secured home-field advantage with a win against Frankfurt Galaxy.
Munich Cowboys Struggle in Paderborn
The Munich Cowboys showed a different side during their away game against the Paderborn Dolphins. The Cowboys had built a solid position throughout the GFL season, but recent losses to Saarland and Paderborn have jeopardized their playoff hopes. They previously kept their playoff course alive with a narrow 24-21 home win against Straubing on August 10th.
In Paderborn, head coach Christos Lambropoulos' team aimed to reclaim fourth place in the GFL South group with a win, which would grant them a playoff spot. 2,100 spectators gathered for "LOBBE Gameday" at Hermann-Löns-Stadion.
The Cowboys' outlook was bleak before the game began. Starting quarterback Nick Yockey was sidelined with a head injury, leaving backup Luca Raue to step in. This unplanned change contributed to Munich's inability to score until the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Dolphins built a 21-0 lead with touchdown passes caught by Janik Laumann, Joshua Breece, and Felix Blissenbach.
Despite the challenges, Munich refused to give up and began a comeback attempt. Jeremias Delgado scored a touchdown for the Cowboys (6-21, 3rd quarter). A stronger defense and a spectacular 97-yard touchdown pass from Raue to wide receiver Gabe Bocella brought the Cowboys closer to leveling the score (12-21, 4th quarter). However, time ran out for the visitors, and costly penalties repeatedly set the team back. The Dolphins ultimately secured a well-deserved 21-12 victory.
On September 7th, the Cowboys face a do-or-die game against Ravensburg. They also rely on help from Straubing, who are ahead in the standings and have two relatively easier opponents, Saarland and Kirchdorf, remaining. If Munich wins against Ravensburg and Straubing slips up twice, the Cowboys will make the GFL playoffs. They would then face the formidable Potsdam Royals in the first playoff round, with Potsdam already crowned champions of the GFL North group and enjoying home-field advantage in the first round.
