ELF: Rhein Fire keep win streak alive with win over Munich Ravens

| American Football | 07/11/2023

To cap off an eventful weekend of European League of Football games, the Rhein Fire maintained their undefeated streak, beating the Munich Ravens 39-25.

Despite almost nobody predicting that one of this year’s newcomers to the EFL, the Ravens, would come away with the win, Munich instantly showed that they were there to compete. On the opening kickoff, Marvin Rutsch returned the Fire’s kick 93 yards for a touchdown, putting the underdogs up within seconds. 

Following an exchange of punts, Jadrian Clark led the Fire down the field before finding Harlan Kwofie in the endzone to put the Fire on the board. The Ravens were quick to answer, however, as Markell Castle ran under a deep ball from Chad Jeffires in the endzone to reclaim the lead.

The second quarter saw Rhein gain some big chunk plays on the Ravens, with a 31-yard Justin Schlesinger reception bringing them deep into the redzone. Munich were able to stop Glen Toonga on third down, but a fourth-and-short screen pass to Anthony Mahoungou would turn into a seven yard gain as the French wideout managed to reach across the goalline to level out the scorelines.

Rhein Fire QB Jadrian Clark threw for 289 yards and 4 TDs. Photo: Justin Derondeau

After Robert Werner put three on the board for the Ravens from 27 yards, the Fire regained possession just outside the two minute warning. Clark and the Rhein receiver corps put together a masterclass, driving 71 yards in 1:40, with the drive being concluded by another Schlesinger score. The Fire entered half time with a 20-17 lead.

The second half was when Glen Toonga really started cooking with the fire; the third quarter alone saw the British RB gain 96 yards from scrimmage and find the endzone twice – not including the 45-yard touchdown called back. 

Despite troubles up front for the Ravens’ offense, Chad Jeffries managed to make plays and keep the ball moving throughout the game, starting the final period with a 31-yard touchdown to Castle – the touchdown came on the back of a 70-yard drive, of which all 70 yards came through the air via Jeffries.

Munich Ravens QB Chad Jeffries heading upfield. Photo: Justin Derondeau

Clark found Kwofie once more to increase their lead, eliminating any hopes the Ravens had of coming back. An Alejandro Fernandez sack (his third of the game) and a Till Janssen interception allowed the Fire to end the game in victory formation and advance to 6-0.

A current student at Bournemouth University as well as a quarterback with eight years of playing experience. Brad's goal is to be a part of the growth of the game around the world through journalism and media.