Dresden Monarchs: Final against Potsdam - promotion or relegation?

Dresden Monarchs: Final against Potsdam - promotion or relegation?

As of: October 9th, 2024 8:49 p.m

The Dresden Monarchs are about to move into the “German Bowl” again. Next Saturday in Essen they will meet the Potsdam Royals, who go into the match as defending champions and undefeated main round champions. Despite being underdogs, the Monarchs are optimistic and have high hopes for the performances of their wide receiver Ricky Smalling, who impressed in the playoffs.

Head coach Greg Seamon, who came to the Saxons from the NFL, could win his first championship in Germany with a win against the Royals. The coach is aware of the challenge, but explains that the focus now is on the game itself. “We are full of anticipation,” says Seamon. “The full focus is on the tasks necessary to play well.”

Monarchs convince in the playoffs

The Dresden team not only impressed against the Hildesheim Invaders (27:13) in the semifinals, but also in the main round, which they finished with 10:2 victories. While the losses came against the Royals and the Berlin Rebels, they were able to turn heads with strong performances in the playoffs. Smalling contributed crucial points and scored three touchdowns against Hildesheim.

“He's an exceptional player,” Seamon explained, making it clear that the Royals need to focus on Smalling to minimize his impact on the game. Despite the Potsdam Royals being clear favorites, the Dresden team is ready to give everything to win the title, which they last won in 2021.

Who will stop Potsdam's Henderson?

However, the Monarchs are not the only ones who have outstanding players in their ranks. The Royals' opposing quarterback Jaylon Henderson is considered one of the best in Europe and will pose a major challenge for the Dresden defense. Seamon emphasizes the importance of routines to put pressure on Henderson and praises his defense's strong performance in recent games, particularly with a seven-quarterback sack performance against Hildesheim.

With strategic adjustments rehearsed throughout the week, the Monarchs expect an exciting and hard-fought finale. Seamon emphasizes that you have to prepare for your opponent, but at the same time you have to stick to your own style of play. “We stayed focused and went our way,” he says. “Now we will do our best to win the final.”

A historic moment could be coming for the Dresden Monarchs on Saturday, a moment for which they have worked and fought hard. A win against the Potsdam Royals would not only secure the second championship title in the club's history, but would also set an example for the club's steady rise in German football. For more information and details on this exciting match-up, see the current reporting on www.sportschau.de.