ELF: Cologne Centurions erase 21 point deficit to stun Frankfurt Galaxy
The Cologne Centurions pulled off a furious comeback on Sunday, as they rallied from 21 points down to shock the Frankfurt Galaxy in a crucial German Football League matchup
Playing at home, the Centurions struck first. After the defense recovered a Galaxy fumble deep in Frankfurt territory, Dennifred Adom ran it into the end zone from five yards out. But Frankfurt got back on their feet, as they marched down the field and scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew McKay to Kevin Kaya. Adom fumbled on the first play of the next Cologne drive, and Frankfurt soon scored again on a touchdown connection from McKay to Markell Castle.
Photo: Frederik Löwer
In the second quarter, Cologne was stopped on fourth down in opposing territory before Frankfurt found the end zone on another touchdown from McKay to Castle. Cologne’s offense then rebounded with a strong drive capped off by a touchdown pass from Isaiah Weed to Carlos Hill. The teams went into halftime with Frankfurt ahead 20-13.
Frankfurt got the ball out of halftime and moved down the field before McKay threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game, with this one going to Sandro Platzgummer. After a Cologne punt, McKay scored yet another touchdown, this time with his legs, as he scampered in from nine yards out. Down 34-13, Cologne desperately needed a touchdown, and they got one on a tricky pass from Hill to Robin Merjenburgh. Frankfurt tacked on a field goal before the end of the third quarter, extending the lead to 37-20.
Cologne struck quickly in the final frame, as Weed found Hill for a 27 yard touchdown on a crucial 4th down play. They also managed to add a two point conversion after this touchdown. Frankfurt went three-and-out, then Cologne kicked a field goal, cutting the lead to 37-31. After another Galaxy punt, the Cologne offense stayed hot, moving the ball down the field and into the end zone on a touchdown pass from Weed to Ben Frölich. However, the extra point failed, so the score stayed tied at 37-37.
Photo: Frederik Löwer
The game then went to overtime, with Cologne having possession first. They found the end zone when Weed found Jannik Loercks from nine yards out. Once again, the extra point failed. Frankfurt had the ball with a chance to win the game, but their offense once again sputtered out and was stopped on fourth down to end the game.
Though neither team is in the playoff hunt, this was still one of the most entertaining games of the season. Both quarterbacks played admirably, as Weed threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns, while McKay threw for 254 yards and had five total touchdowns. Carlos Hill had a monster day for Cologne, catching 16 passes for 205 yards and 2 touchdowns while also throwing for a touchdown.
Cologne is back home next week to face the Paris Musketeers, while the Galaxy are back in action in two weeks to face the Wroclaw Panthers.
