Ramstein running back Nathan Rutlege tries to shed the tackles of Kaiserslautern defenders John Westad, behind Rutlege, and River Foulks, right, during a Sept. 13, 2024, game at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

The Stuttgart Panthers read the quotes from Ramstein running back Kydan Echard saying players are afraid to tackle him.

They came after the Royals routed crosstown rival Kaiserslautern, but the week prior, the Ramstein senior had carved the Panthers for 252 yards and three touchdowns.

The Stuttgart defenders added that quote as locker room material heading into the DODEA-Europe Division I championship game between Ramstein and Stuttgart on Friday evening at Ramstein High School. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

“Our guys, they’ve taken that (to heart),” Stuttgart coach Antoine Reed said. “(The Royals) are strong up front. (Echard’s) got a really strong offensive line, and he’s a tough runner. They’ve got a lot of tough kids. It’s going to be a challenge.”

The Panthers (4-3) aren’t the only ones entering the final with extra motivation.

Ramstein (6-0) hasn’t won a title since 2018, and the Royals’ last four campaigns have ended at the hands of Stuttgart – including in the semifinal round the past three years.

Stuttgart is the four-time defending champion.

Ramstein quarterback Michael Gonzales, who missed last season with an injury, said the Royals aren’t worried about avenging past years’ losses. Instead, they just want to bring home a trophy in what is most players’ first title-game appearance.

“We’re not really worried about what other teams have gotten, whatever record they’ve put on,” Gonzales said. “We’re really worried about what happened the last time we won a championship, which is in 2018. That’s what’s motivated a lot of players on this team.”

Ramstein has run roughshod over everybody this season, outscoring opponents 201-48 including a 39-0 victory over Wiesbaden in the semifinals.

One of those lopsided wins – 30-15 in this instance – came in Week 1 against Stuttgart. The Royals reeled off 30 consecutive points, bookended by Stuttgart scores.

Along with Echard’s big performance, Gonzales torched the Panthers for 255 yards on 18-of-33 passing.

It all starts with the offensive line, whether it’s opening up running lanes for Echard and Nate Rutlege or keeping Gonzales upright in the pocket.

“It gives us a lot of confidence,” senior Willam Farley said of the offensive line’s performance this season. “We’ve developed something special.”

The Royals won’t be seeing the same Stuttgart team from Sept. 6.

Reed said his young team is stronger and more resilient than it was then.

Injuries also forced some of the younger players, such as Kai Lewis, to mature quicker. The sophomore stepped under center after senior Ty Jones went down with an injury.

“That really hurt our team, put a damper on our spirits a little bit,” Reed said of Jones’ injury. “However, this team has been truly resilient as far as learning and growing. They’re really young, but they’re growing up fast.

“Kai, he’s going to have a great game, and he’s going to do well.”

Both teams are bullish on their chances.

No matter the outcome, fireworks should be expected whenever Ramstein and Stuttgart step onto the field.

“I’m happy we’re facing them,” Reed said. “We want to play the best team, and we want to give our best as well. It’s good for football; it’s good for DODEA sports, good for DODEA-Europe.”

Stuttgart quarterback Kai Lewis throws a ball into the flat during a DODEA-Europe Division I football semifinal against Kaiserslautern on Oct. 25, 2024, at Kaiserslautern High School in Kaiserslautern, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)