The Dresden Monarchs had no trouble beating the Saarland Hurricanes 43-7 Sunday at Heinz-Steyer Stadium in Dresden to advance to the semifinals in the German Football League for the sixth straight year.
Dresden quarterback Brandon Connette, the league’s leading passer, was strangely quiet completing only 11 of 19 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns although he added two more on the ground. Running back Donald Russell took center stage rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown.
In fact, Saarland quarterback Alexander Haupert outgained Connette in the air throwing for 190 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing. He also led the Hurricanes in rushing with 30 yards.
Russell scored another touchdown on a pass and receiver Sebastian Sagne added another while running back Joseph Bergeron scored the sixth touchdown.
Dresden DB Trevar Deed making a tackle Photo: BK Foto
The game was never in doubt as Dresden scored on four of their five first half possessions to take a 29-0 lead. They rolled up 157 yards rushing in the first two quarters with Russell leading the way with 117. A clear departure from their normal aerial attack.
Although Saarland managed to halt the Monarchs on their first possession of the second half, Dresden scored on their next two extending the lead to 43-0 midway through the fourth quarter.
Haupert finally managed to get the Hurricanes on the scoreboard connecting with Jason Thompson on a 47 yard touchdown pass with six minutes left.
Dresden moves on to face the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions this Saturday. The Lions downed the Allgau Comets in their quarterfinal.