Ravens are going to the GFL

13.09.2026 13:00

The Krefeld Ravens have made their dream a reality. With a dramatic 24:14 victory over the Rostock Griffins in front of 3,550 fans at the Grotenburg, the Ravens clinched promotion to the GFL — Germany's top football league — capping off a perfect season in the greatest moment in club history.

It was a defensive battle from the first snap. Both offenses struggled early, with the Ravens drawing first blood via a Dennis Storm field goal from 37 yards after a Colin Zimmermann interception stifled a promising Rostock drive. Neither side could find the end zone before the half, and Krefeld led just 3:0 at the break.

The second half opened with a gut punch — Ravens QB Christian Arrambide was picked off on the very first play, gifting Rostock prime field position. The Griffins converted, with Jayden Lewis hauling in a touchdown pass to put the visitors up 7:3. But the Ravens hit back immediately. Running back Akiva Wedge, who had been largely bottled up in the first half, found his rhythm and punched in a touchdown to retake the lead at 9:7.

The game's momentum swung back and forth. Edwin Summerour's spectacular interception sparked another Ravens drive, before a safety by Daryn Blackwell pushed the lead to 11:7. Then came the turning point — a disputed touchdown awarded to Rostock's Austin Wood, who appeared to strip the ball from Wedge at the bottom of a pile and return it to the end zone. Wedge appeared to have been down before the fumble, but the call stood. Worse still, Wedge limped off the field injured. Rostock led 11:14.

What followed was a masterclass in grit. Wedge — barely able to walk — returned to the field and bit through the pain, anchoring a long, grinding drive that brought the Ravens to the Rostock 4-yard line. He then delivered his second touchdown of the game, and with the PAT, Krefeld led 18:14 with just 90 seconds remaining.

Rostock drove steadily downfield, needing a touchdown as a field goal wouldn't suffice. But with eight seconds left and one final play from their own 30, the Griffins threw into the end zone — and Greg Bonneau was there to intercept it. He returned it over 100 yards, sending the Grotenburg into absolute pandemonium. Final score: Krefeld Ravens 24, Rostock Griffins 14.

Wedge was named player of the game, though the defense — led by Summerour's two interceptions and Bonneau's game-sealing pick — was the true backbone of the victory. After the final whistle, players and fans celebrated long into the night outside the Grotenburg with free beer and live music.

In 2027, GFL football comes to Krefeld.