Ramstein Air Base, Germany – The Ramstein Royals are heading to the championship game after a tense 28-13 victory over the Naples Wildcats in Saturday’s DODEA-Europe 11-man football semifinal. The Royals demonstrated resilience at Ramstein High School, securing their place in the final on November 7th.

Late-Game Drama at Ramstein High School

A once-pleasant lead for Ramstein evaporated in the fourth quarter as Naples mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to just two possessions.With just over six minutes remaining, the Wildcats found themselves on the Ramstein 5-yard line, poised to potentially tie the contest. A crucial fourth-down stop, though, halted Naples’ momentum.

“A touchdown definitely would have put us down, but our defense executed well and was able to get the stop,” stated Ramstein quarterback Xavier Schumacher, highlighting the defensive stand that proved pivotal.

Royals Dominate Early,Wildcats Rally

Ramstein initially seized control with a dominant first half. they opened the scoring with a lengthy 17-play, 80-yard drive culminating in a 3-yard touchdown run by Drew Varholy. A subsequent interception by Giovanni Jimenez paved the way for another score, as Schumacher connected with Jimenez for a 13-yard touchdown pass. Schumacher later extended the lead with a touchdown pass to Josiah Evans.

Naples, however, refused to concede, launching a spirited comeback. Jeramiah Robinson scored on a 1-yard run, while a fumble recovery in the end zone brought them closer. A potential game-changing interception return for a touchdown by Joshua Banks was nullified by a penalty.

Key Performances and Team Efforts

Schumacher delivered a stellar performance, completing 13 of 14 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.Varholy added another rushing touchdown, contributing significantly to the Royals’ offensive prowess. Naples quarterback Kam McKinnon, despite the loss, showcased his talent with 12 completions for 173 yards, frequently connecting with Robinson, who tallied 90 receiving yards.

Game Statistics Snapshot

Team Score Total Yards Passing Yards Rushing Yards
Ramstein 28 300 125 175
Naples 13 200 173 27

Looking Ahead: Championship Matchup

Ramstein (7-0) will host the winner of the Stuttgart versus Kaiserslautern semifinal. Naples concluded their season with a 4-3 record, demonstrating resilience in a competitive league.

“I’m proud of the kids for not giving up,” said Naples coach Jim Davis. “At 28-0 down, you easily could have given up, but they refused to do that.”

The Growing Popularity of DODEA Football

DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) football continues to grow in popularity among military families stationed overseas. The league offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes to compete and build camaraderie, fostering a strong sense of community. Recent years have seen increased participation and a heightened level of competition, as teams strive for championship glory.

Frequently Asked Questions About DODEA Football

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