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Courage, determination and team spirit: strong performance against top team in the 2025 season


The lights were on, the stands were packed, and the atmosphere was electric: almost 1,000 spectators came to the Stadion am Schanzl for the first floodlit game of the new season – and witnessed a football evening that had it all: powerful scenes, tough duels, dramatic moments, injured players – and above all: a Mad Bulldogs team that put their heart and soul into the field.

First of all: Yes, the game was lost 19-42 . But those who only look at the score miss what really happened. Our DAWGS have shown that they are ready to compete this season with completely different tools than last year: with fighting spirit, a new mindset, and the clear goal of convincing as a unit. And that's exactly what head coach Dany Emmanuel 's team impressively demonstrated.


Lightning start in the first drive – an exclamation mark to kick off

The first drive of the game already gave a hint of what this team is capable of: Newcomer Matthew O'Meara , the Mad Bulldogs' new quarterback, led the offense confidently down the field and made a real statement with precise passes to DJ Hall and Sebastian Frank . The first touchdown – including the extra point – was the reward for a perfect start. The Bulldogs led 7-0, and the crowd celebrated. A perfect start.

But the visitors from Augsburg – a team whose stated goal is direct promotion to the GFL2 – quickly showed that they hadn't come to watch. With their combined experience and physical presence, the Centurions equalized and exploited the first gaps in Amberg's defense.





Injuries as a turning point – still fighting

In the second quarter, the DAWGS scored another touchdown, but the extra point was missed. At the same time, the plays became harder and more intense – and this took its toll: Several Bulldogs players were injured, including running back Noah Grundmann , one of the offensive's key players.

Particularly bitter: Quarterback O'Meara was also hard tackled just before the sideline and had to continue playing injured. Despite all the setbacks, the Amberg team continued to fight, held firm, and played with heart and passion – but Augsburg now really turned it on. With their depth in the roster, several import players, and experience from higher leagues, they increasingly pulled ahead.

At halftime, the score was 13:20 – a close result that fairly reflected the game up to that point. But in the second half, the depleted Amberg team began to feel the strain. While the Centurions continued to score and extend their lead, the Bulldogs lacked the last bit of energy in the decisive moments. The final score was a clear 19:42 – and four injured Bulldogs, three of whom required hospital treatment.


More than a game – a new face of the Bulldogs

What this game made clear, however, was that the Mad Bulldogs have changed. The look on the players' faces, the reactions on the sidelines, the camaraderie on and off the field – all of this showed how close this team has become.

"There's still some slack in the gears," said head coach Dany Emmanuel after the game, "but our boys showed today that they're a force to be reckoned with this season. We have a completely different energy than last year – and we offer the opponent significantly less room to attack."

The fans felt it too: no frustration, no hanging heads – just applause, recognition, and genuine sympathy for the injured players. After the game, the celebration continued long afterward with music, burgers, and drinks – in the large party zone at the stadium entrance.


Looking ahead: Off to Passau

There's not much time for recovery, however: The Bulldogs' next opponent, the Passau Pirates, awaits them next Sunday. The DAWGS are looking to build on their strong performance away from home—and finally reward their efforts with a win.

The chances are good if the team can carry the spirit from the Augsburg game into the game – and if at least some of the injured players return by then. One thing is certain: This team is ready to go its own way. And we will all accompany it.


Let's go DAWGS. One team. One mission. One heartbeat.




 
 
 

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