The Cologne Centurions take the 2nd playoff spot in the South by beating division rival Stuttgart Surge. Going in, Stuttgart had a shot at the post-season as well, if they pulled off a big win.
1st Half
The Surge struck paydirt first. On their initial drive, QB Aaron Ellis got things started by hitting WR Louis Geyer on a 40+ yard pickup, putting them in scoring range. Ellis then hit his TE Marvin Pludra to get them inside the 10.
The Cologne defensive line held their ground, getting to Ellis for a big loss on 3rd and goal. Forcing them to settle for a field goal. Surge took the early lead 3-0.
Both defenses stood tall today, making big time plays when needed. Stuttgart held Cologne to a 3 and out, but a monster play by the Centurions secondary gets an INT on a 50/50 ball.
Both teams traded punts in the 2nd quarter, until Ellis led the Surge on a drive that ended with a WR Paul Steigerwald TD to give them the lead 9-0.
On the ensuing drive, Cologne QB Jan Weinreich and RB Madre London went to work. Driving the Centurions down to the 1, before the QB punched it in for their 1st score. PAT was no good, Surge led 9-6.
2nd Half
This was a slow-burner. Defensive battle throughout the whole game but when it was absolutely necessary, the Centurions made big plays. London made one on a pass from Weinreich for a TD on the 1st drive of the 3rd quarter. PAT was good, making it 13-9.
The last score of the game came at the beginning of the 4th quarter when London did what London does, and broke a 40-yard TD run to put the Centurions up by 10.
Cologne improves to 5-4 and solidifies its playoff spot in the South division. They play the Galaxy in Week 12.
Stuttgart falls to 2-7, and play the also 2-7 Berlin Thunder in the final week of the regular season.
In the North, the Leipzig Kings will battle the Panthers Wroclaw for the 2nd playoff spot in Week 12. Both teams are tied at 5-4.
At the moment, the post season standings look like this:
- Frankfurt Galaxy 8-1
- Hamburg Sea Devils 7-3
- Cologne Centurions 5-4
The last spot TBD, and depending on who wins, they could jump Cologne. It’ll be a great way to wrap up the season!
