The streak of close and exciting games in the European League of Football has extended another week!
It seems as if now that the league is halfway through the season, the competition is more balanced. The Stuttgart Surge dropped a game to the Guards, the Paris and Rhein game was competitive, and the Frankfurt Galaxy edged the Hamburg Sea Devils by a single field goal.
Let’s begin by highlighting the players that made this week another special one.
Niklas Gustav – Raiders Tirol
Gustav is undeniably having an All-ELF season thus far. He crept closer to his seasonal best in sacks this week when he accumulated two against the Barcelona Dragons. The 5.5 TFLs, 9 total tackles and 2 forced fumbles just adds to his fantastic performance. The Raiders picked up the win and only conceded 3 points in the process, although the whole defense deserves their flowers. Gustav was the catalyst for this win.
Milano Seamen Running Game
Photo: Steve Bunkahle
In the most Ravens game ever, Munich overcame Milano by a score of 56-37. Given a game of this score, many players stood out. Black led a strong defense but at the end of the day, they gave up 37 points and Jeffries had another solid performance in an under-the-radar season. In particular, however, the Milano offense did a full 180, from relentless throwing last week to relentless running this week. A total of 44 attempts as a team for 272 yards and 5 total touchdowns spread through their depth chart. (Khalife 17, 122, 2. Pooda 13, 73, 1. Zahradka 11, 50, 2. Constant 3, 27, 0)
Prague Lions Defense
@daviddermerpix
Do not let the 6-43 scoreline deceive you. The Lions‘ defense actually had the Berlin team shaken up for a large portion of the game. If the Prague offense hadn’t put up a paltry 118 yards, it could have been a different story. A total of 7 turnovers were forced by the Lions defense including 3 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles, with a touchdown as well. The gem in the crown of the performance would have to be the defensive end James Brooks who was a problem all game for the Thunder. Prague succumbed to the Berlin offense but a showing like that is worth highlighting.
Aaron Jackson – Berlin Thunder
@daviddermerpix
From the excellent defense to the man that tore it apart when it was all said and done. Jackson had 7 catches for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns which itself is worth a spot on this list. Then you add his exploits on special teams. He took the opening kickoff to the house, and then he only went on to get another return on the punt. 227 return yards and 2 touchdowns, 392 yards total and 4 touchdowns. Let that sink in for a second. Truly a historically brilliant performance.
Helvetic Guards Defense
Photo: Lars Kauz
This spot was originally going to be Beard and Tavai but after more research, it was evident it had to be a bigger umbrella, perhaps the biggest upset in ELF history. The first regular season loss in Surge head coach Jordan Neuman’s European career after an 67-0 run with the Unicorns and Surge was due to an outstanding defensive performance on all levels. A total of 9 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 4 TFLs and 2 forced fumbles by Tavai, Beard had 3 tackles, 2 Interceptions, 1 pick six and 2 pass breakups, Kimpiabi recorded 4 tackles and a blocked kick, Hike had a fumble recovery and an interception, Falk came up with 10 tackles and a pass break up and a TFL, and finally, Buri snagged an interception. Incredible.
In summary…
There were a lot of overall brilliant unit performances this week. The competitive quality has steadily been improving over the last few weeks and this was certainly one of the best. It was odd not writing about Tate, Clark, or Kitchens for the first time in a while! We are fast approaching the playoffs so these next games are critical for those with championship aspirations – the Surge lost, the Vikings scraped a win on a Panthers team without Vitale and the Fire looked vulnerable at points against Paris so who knows what might happen! Until next time.
Honorable Mentions
Dawid Brzozowski, Wroclaw Panthers – 9 Carries, 83 Yards, 3 catches, 21 yards, 2 touchdowns
Exavier Edwards and Elmeri Laalo, Vienna Vikings– 2 interceptions each
Amin Black, Munich Ravens – 15 tackles, 2 sacks, 3.5 TFLs and 1 forced fumble