Germany’s Frankfurt Universe whip Amsterdam Crusaders in opening of Big6

AFI | American Football | 04/17/2018

Frankfurt Universie QB Steve Cluley Photo: Carsten Wolf

The Frankfurt Universe put all their off-field distractions aside this past weekend as they trounced the Amsterdam Crusaders 40-9 in the opening round of the Big6 tournament at Amsterdam’s Slotenpark field.

With rumors of financial upheaval filling the air, the Universe under new head coach Brian Caler, swept away any doubts about their viability as they came out firing from the opening whistle.

Despite having former Universe quarterback Emannuel Lewis behind center, the Crusaders were unable to move the ball against one of the Germany’s best defenses in 2017.

Franfkurt RB Joe Bergeron heading for a TD Photo: Sandra Ruhe

Frankfurt opened the scoring on their first possession as quarterback Steve Cluley found a seam and raced for a 45 yard touchdown.

The ferocious Universe defense did not allow Amsterdam a first down and early in the second quarter, backup quarterback Sonny Weishaupt connected with veteran wide receiver George Robinson for Frankfurt’s second touchdown. Leading 13-0 at the half, Frankfurt continued to dominate in the third quarter as defensive back Kweishi Brown picked off a Lewis pass and returned it for a touchdown to increase the lead to 20-0.

Frankfurt DB Kweishi Brown returned this interception for a TD Photo: Sandra Ruhe

Amsterdam finally marched into field goal range midway through the third quarter to decrease the lead to 20-3.

Amsterdam QB Emannuel Lewis had a tough game Photo: Sandra Ruhe

Cluley was back behind center in the third quarter and after scrambling away from trouble threw a beautiful 50 yard pass to wide receiver David Giron giving the Universe a 26-3 lead. Still in the third quarter, Lewis finally got his offense untracked and connected with Ashneal Werleman for the Crusaders lone touchdown.

Frankfurt running back Joe Bergeron made his presence known, scoring with 13 seconds left in the quarter and increasing the lead to 33-9.

Weishaupt returned to the game in the fourth quarter and Giron was his target as he scored his second touchdown of the game making the final score 40-9.

Next up in Eurobowl play for Frankfurt will be the La Courneuve Flash on Arpil 28 in Frankfurt. The Crusaders take on the defending champion Braunschweig New Yorker Lions on the same day.