On October 12, 2024, at 5:00 PM, the GFL Bowl – the final of the German Football League – will take place. At the Hafenstraße Stadium in Essen, with a capacity of nearly 20,000 spectators, the Potsdam Royals and the Dresden Monarchs will face off. Although the two teams are separated by just 200 kilometers, they will meet on the other side of the country for this grand finale. The stage is set for an epic showdown for the German Championship.
Third Final for Both Teams
This marks the third consecutive final appearance for the Potsdam Royals. In 2022, after an undefeated season, they suffered defeat at the hands of the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns. However, in 2023, they got their revenge and celebrated their first German Championship. Now, the Royals return, determined to defend their title and remain at the pinnacle of German football.
For the Dresden Monarchs, it’s also their third trip to the final. In 2013, they were defeated by the NewYorker Lions Braunschweig, but in 2021 – the year before the Royals began their streak of final appearances – they won their first and only German Championship by beating the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns. Now, both teams are vying for their second German title, having each claimed their first by defeating the Unicorns.
Royals: The Dominant Force
The Potsdam Royals have been nearly unstoppable this season. With a record that few can match, they have dominated their opponents throughout the year. Even when they faced the Monarchs in Week 8 of the regular season, the Royals came out on top with a convincing 40-19 victory. Their semifinal game against the NewYorker Lions Braunschweig never seemed in doubt, and although the 25-6 scoreline was one of their closer results this year, they comfortably punched their ticket to the final. Potsdam enters the game as the clear favorite.
Monarchs: A Worthy Challenger
The Dresden Monarchs only lost two games during the regular season: one against the Royals and, surprisingly, one against the Berlin Rebels in Week 16. However, they bounced back in the playoffs, securing a 30-6 victory over the Straubing Spiders and a 27-13 win over the Hildesheim Invaders in the semifinals. Now, they’re back in the Championship Game, ready to challenge the mighty Royals.
Key Players on the Field
The Royals’ offense is led by quarterback Jaylon Henderson, who is widely regarded as the best quarterback in Europe. Henderson was both the 2023 GFL MVP and GFL Bowl MVP, and he is once again surrounded by a formidable supporting cast. Running back Heiko Bals and wide receivers Brendan Beaulieu, Thomas Jenkins, and Daniel Pedro are all key contributors to the Royals’ high-powered attack. On defense, the Royals will rely on linebacker Arthur Kingdom, defensive lineman Alan Steinorth, and safety Aashari Crosswell to make life difficult for the Monarchs.
The Dresden Monarchs, meanwhile, boast a flexible quarterback duo in Brock Domann and Kare Lyles. Their rushing attack is powered by running backs Nico Barrow and Yazan Nasser, with wide receiver Ricky Smalling serving as the top target in the passing game. On defense, linebacker Chris Noak and defensive back Logan Mobelini will play pivotal roles in trying to contain the Royals' potent offense.
The Pressure is On
On paper, the outcome seems clear. The Royals, reigning champions and the most dominant team in the league, have been nearly unbeatable all season long. Many experts and fans see them as the heavy favorites to win, but that very confidence could also be their downfall. The Royals have not yet faced defeat this year, and it will be interesting to see how they handle adversity if the Monarchs manage to put them under pressure.
For the Dresden Monarchs, this is the perfect opportunity to embrace the underdog role and pull off a shock victory. In a final, anything can happen, and if they can disrupt the Royals' rhythm, the game could take an unexpected turn.
All or Nothing
This is the final – the last game of the season, where both teams will leave everything on the field. The Potsdam Royals are aiming to defend their title and claim back-to-back championships, while the Dresden Monarchs are determined to upset the favorites and capture their second German Championship. The tension is at an all-time high, and fans can look forward to an unforgettable clash to determine the best team in German football.
Kickoff is at 5:00 PM on October 12, 2024, at the Hafenstraße Stadium in Essen.
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