Comets lose quarterfinals in Potsdam

As fourth in Group South, the Allgäu Comets had just managed to make it into the play-offs of the German Football League (GFL) on the last match day – last Saturday they faced the defending champions Potsdam Royals, an almost unbeatable opponent. From the Allgäu side’s perspective, the party ended in a 20:84 defeat.

Things can always get worse

With a difference of 64 points, it is hard to believe that things could have been worse, but in the regular season the Allgäu team had already met Potsdam once before – and there was even a 14:96 defeat for the team of head coach Elias Gniffke.

In the first quarter, the Comets managed to overcome the injury (only 30 players came to Potsdam) and fight selflessly to keep the Royals offense out of their own end zone. The first quarter remained scoreless, which was a success in itself.

Things got moving in the second quarter. Heiko Bals scored the first touchdown after just 49 seconds, followed by further points from Thomas Jones and Jaylon Henderson. The Royals quickly took a 16-0 lead, but the Comets countered and reduced the score to 16-7 with a 70-yard catch from Nate Stewart.

Comets with little fighting spirit

Even after the home team had made it 24:7, the guests stayed in the game. Again, it was wide receiver Stewart who was happy with the touchdown. But at some point, the air went out. The Comets’ core squad was no longer a match for Potsdam’s offensive, and the Potsdam team also quickly stopped their own running game via running backs Lars Kozlowski and Jeremie Kwanzambi Beni. By halftime, the Royals had built up a 40:14 cushion.

Potsdam is title favorite

In the second half, Potsdam completely dominated the guests from Allgäu. An impressive 43-yard run by Bals and further touchdowns by Henderson and newcomer Javarian Smith temporarily extended the lead to 62:14. The Allgäu team had little to counter offensively and had to repeatedly punt the ball away. The Royals offense, on the other hand, scored more points, including a spectacular trick play by Smith and Bals to make it 76:14. The end result was a dominant 84:20 victory for Potsdam, who are also considered the biggest favorites for the title this year.

This marked the end of a mixed 2024 season for the Allgäu Comets, in which the team, however, made it back into the play-offs – the team has nothing to reproach itself for.