Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns road to German semifinals
After weaving their way through the German Football League regular season, the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns have continued their unbeaten streak into the playoffs. With a 14-point, 35-21 victory against the Berlin Adler in the quarterfinal round of the GFL playoffs, Schwäbisch Hall continues on to the semifinal round.
Being ranked #1 in total defense giving up the least number of yards and total points scored, while also being ranked #2 in offense for points and yards it’s not hard to understand why Schwäbisch Hall have had such a successful journey in the 2022 season.
Photo; Manfred Löffler/Carsten Götze
After winning their games by an average of 28.9 points in their GFL regular season play, their victory over the Adler in the quarterfinals was actually one of their smallest margins of victory. They only won by 14.
A big key to the Unicorn’s success is their ability to make plays through the air. They may not have thrown for the most touchdowns or yards but as a team, they lead the league in completion percentage with 70.7%.
Part of their aerial success comes from the play of their offensive line. Up front, the Unicorns have given up the fewest number of sacks, leading the league with only four through 11 games. This has given Schwäbisch Hall quarterbacks – Reilly Hennessey and James Slack – plenty of confidence knowing they will have the time and protection to get the ball to open receivers.
Unicorns defense smothering Berlin Adler ball carrier Photo: Manfred Löffler/Carsten Götze
The Unicorns ended off last game pretty slow offensively, only putting up seven points in the second half, with zero points in the fourth. Thankfully their defense was able to shut out Berlin giving them the chance to outlast the Adler and hold on to the 14-point lead.
Next Saturday, September 24th, Schwäbisch Hall will have a chance to continue perfection and advance to the German Bowl in a game against the Allgäu Comets. The Comets were able to hold on to victory by a four-point margin in the low scoring 14-10 affair against the New Yorker Lions. Allgäu’s defense will have a lot in store as they take on the #2 scoring offense in the final stage before the German Bowl.
