Strong start, hard fight, deserved victory
- MAD BULLDOGS
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
The Mad Bulldogs remain on the winning track! With a 27-20 away win against the Munich Rangers, the Amberg team secured their second consecutive away victory, proving once again that this team has grit, character, and the will to win every game – even under adverse conditions.
Lightning start in the offense – defense with a statement
The game started furiously. The offense showed what it was capable of right from the first drive: They worked their way down the field quickly, focused, and determined, capping the opening drive with a touchdown. The extra point was also a hit, giving the Bulldogs an early 7-0 lead.
But the defense's performance was at least as impressive: The home team from Munich had barely stepped onto the pitch when they were already back on the sidelines. With uncompromising toughness and perfect positioning, the DAWGS defense stopped the Rangers' first drive after just four attempts – a clear exclamation mark.
On the next offensive drive, the team of head coach and defensive coordinator Dany Emmanuel didn't take long to get going. The Bulldogs marched down the field again, scoring another touchdown—but this time without an extra point. After less than 21 minutes, the first quarter was over—and Amberg led 13-0.
O'Meara with brains – trick play causes a stir
Much went according to plan in the second quarter, too. Although Munich got off to a slightly better start, another strong moment provided the next highlight: Quarterback Matthew O'Meara spotted a gap a few yards from the end zone and didn't need to be asked twice – touchdown number three!
What followed was almost cinematic: During the extra-point attempt, everyone expected a simple kick – but Amberg quickly opted for a two-point conversion. The Munich defense left a gap, which the Bulldogs took full advantage of. Instead of one point, they scored two. Halftime score: 20-0 for the visitors.
Setbacks and questionable decisions
The tide turned in the second half. The Rangers came out of the locker room more aggressive, tougher, and significantly more motivated. And the referees also came under greater scrutiny—at least from the Bulldogs' perspective.
The coaches repeatedly criticized blatant holding, but the flags remained in the pockets. A clear grab of running back Anthony Green's face mask was also not penalized. Instead, the DAWGS increasingly lost their momentum, and Munich seized the opportunity for their first touchdown of the season. To make matters worse, linebacker Andreas Holzner was disqualified for an alleged hit. The final suspension is still pending—another setback in an already heated game.
Rare punishment, strong character
When the Bulldogs then received an extremely rare tripping penalty, the game threatened to turn. Munich took advantage of the uncertainty and added two more touchdowns in the final quarter.
But the DAWGS showed character: They didn't let up, found their game again, and were able to score again. The final score was a hard-fought but deserved 27:20 away victory.
Next challenge: Augsburg Centurions
With the win, the Mad Bulldogs move up to fourth place in the Regionalliga standings – a strong interim result. But there's not much time to breathe: Next Saturday, they'll be back on the road again, against the mighty Augsburg Centurions.
The Bulldogs may have lost the first leg at the end of April, but they were the only team so far that could seriously challenge Augsburg – and they scored more points against them than all their other opponents combined. A hint for the return leg?
One thing is certain: This team has earned respect in the league. They fight, surprise, and grow with each game. Anyone who knows the Mad Bulldogs knows: The DAWGS are always a force to be reckoned with!
UPDATE: Our #90, Andreas Holzner, has been suspended by the league for two games. He’ll be back on the field on June 8th for our home game against the Franken Knights.
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