Both the Stuttgart Surge and the Berlin Thunder came into this game having already been eliminated from the playoffs, and with this being their last game of the year, they look to gain some momentum to carry into next season. The Thunder would come out on top, winning the game with a score of 38-0, which moves them to a 3-7 record on the year. The Surge move to a 2-8 record following the loss.
It was a rough game for the Surge, who were without quarterback Aaron Ellis due to a concussion he received in last week’s game against the Centurions. Stuttgart did not get any points on the board throughout the game, while the Thunder came out hot.
Berlin defensive back Maxime De Falcis would block a Surge punt on their first drive, which would set up the thunder with excellent field position. It would only take 2 plays for Berlin to score, with running back Yannic Landfried taking it into the endzone on a 6-yard run. They’d convert the PAT, giving them an early lead of 7-0.
The next points did not come until the beginning of the 2nd quarter, with the Thunder making their way in for a second score. A nice drive would get them down to the 1-yard line, where quarterback Calvin Stitt would connect with wide receiver Nicolai Schumann in the endzone for their 2nd score of the game. They convert the PAT, increasing their lead to 14-0 early in the 2nd quarter.
The Surge would go 3 and out on their next drive, but Stuttgart safety Julian Ludwig-Mayorga would intercept Berlins quarterback Calvin Stitt on their next series. Sadly, Stuttgart could not get anything going on the drive and was forced to punt once again. The punt was blocked by Berlin and returned 32-yards by defensive end Kolin Hill for a touchdown. The PAT would be blocked by the Surge, making the score 20-0.
Berlin would score 1 more time before halftime, with running back Joc Crawford breaking off an explosive 56-yard run into the endzone. They’d go for the 2 point conversion, but would not convert, making the score 26-0 as we approached halftime.
Stuttgart’s struggles continued in the second half, and the Thunder continued to add points to the board. Running back Joc Crawford would break away for a 65-yard touchdown run, but the team would miss the PAT, stretching their lead to 32-0.
The game’s final points would come after Stuttgart wide receiver Alexander Eitel lost a fumble, which was recovered by Berlin defensive back Arne Gehrt and returned 21 yards for a touchdown. The touchdown would increase the lead to 38-0 after a failed PAT attempt. Once they regained possession, the Thunder ran out the remaining clock.
The Berlin Thunder move to a 3-7 record after the win, while the Stuttgart Surge will move to a 2-8 record on the year following the loss.
Next Opponents
This game marked the end of the European League of Football’s inaugural season for the Stuttgart Surge and the Berlin Thunder, as neither team has qualified for the playoffs.
