After direct ticket to the Semi Final: Ravens want more

The Munich Ravens have achieved a significant milestone in the 2025 European League of Football season, finishing as the league’s second-best team behind the Vienna Vikings and securing their first-ever direct ticket to the semifinals with an impressive 11-1 record. This achievement marks significant progress for the team since joining the ELF in 2023.

Season overview

In their first season (2023), the Ravens finished with a 7-5 record, narrowly missing out on playoff contention. The following year (2024), they improved to a 9-3 record, earning a spot in the playoffs. However, their postseason run was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the Wildcard Round by the Paris Musketeers with a close 37-40 loss.

The 2025 season has been a breakthrough year for the Ravens. They already clinched the South Division title in Week 11 when they came out on top in a hard-fought matchup against the Wroclaw Panthers. Although a home playoff game was already secured, the Ravens continued to push in their final two regular season games – at home against the strong Madrid Bravos and on the road once more against the tough Panthers – adding two more victories to finish the regular season. With a strong 11-1 record, the Munich Ravens secured a direct ticket to the semifinals and are looking forward to their home game, knowing that in 2025 they remain unbeaten at home. 

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Leadership and culture under Ellison

A major influence on this positive development has been Ravens head coach Kendral Ellison. Since taking over in late September 2023, the 37-year-old has established himself as both a relatable mentor and a disciplinary anchor for his team. As the youngest head coach in the ELF, he builds a strong connection with his players by combining youthful enthusiasm with lessons from more traditional football schooling. With roots as a youth-team coach since 2013 and a playing career that lasted until 2019, Ellison promotes what he calls a players' coaching philosophy. He credits an "open-door policy" and his willingness to understand players' lives with building trust and unity.

Under his leadership, Munich has cultivated a culture of mental resilience. One of his key initiatives has been the development of a "fourth-quarter program," designed to ensure the team competes with full intensity throughout all four quarters, whether through the pass, the run, offense, or defense. Ellison credits the Ravens' ability to finish games strongly to the collective focus established within the squad.

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Russell Tabor: A game-changer

Another key factor in the Ravens' success has been the performance of quarterback Russell Tabor. After completing his college career at the University of North Carolina, the young American began his professional career in Europe with Osos Rivas in Spain. In his rookie season, he led the team to the Spanish Bowl, showcasing his dual-threat abilities and poise under pressure.

Joining the Ravens in late 2024, Tabor has smoothly integrated into the team's offense. His leadership and playmaking ability have been instrumental in the Ravens' high-powered offense, which has been a key factor in their successful season. 

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Looking ahead

With their top-seed status in the ELF playoffs, the Ravens are well-placed for a deep playoff journey. Their semifinal opponent will be determined following the Wildcard Round, which takes place this Saturday at 15:00 CET, with potential matchups against either the Stuttgart Surge or the Madrid Bravos. With home-field advantage and a dynamic offense led by Tabor, the Ravens enter the playoffs as serious contenders for their first ELF title.

The 2025 season has showcased the Ravens’ growth, setting a higher standard for the franchise and inspiring their fans for the future.

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