HIGHLIGHTS: Frankfurt Universe Rely on Fierce Defense To Beat Allgäu Comets

The Frankfurt Universe proved that they can play great defense to go along with their potent offense Sunday as they shocked the high flying Allgäu Comets blanking them 10-0 in Kempten, Germany.

On a field softened by an earlier downpour, the Universe defensive line harassed Comets quarterback Cedric Townsend all game sacking him 10 times. Frankfurt defensive tackle Brandon Collier was relentless and led the charge with four sacks followed by Simon Gavanda with three. Viliseni Fauonuko added two more with Sebastian Silva Gomez getting one as well. Townsend had a mere 62 yards passing and 19 yards rushing.

Frankfurt quarterback Marcus McDade did not fare that much better competing only eight of 17 passes for 76 yards. However, running back Jesse Lewis was outstanding in the slippery conditions carrying the ball 17 times for 113 yards while Roscoe Baptiste added 52 yards rushing for the Universe.

The Comets who had been averaging 474 yards in offense a game, were held to just 88. This was a game that Comets head coach Brian Caler will want to forget in a hurry.

With the win, the Universe climbed into the top spot in the German league in overall defense allowing just 246 yards per game.

Neither team could mount much offense and on the second series of the game, a Comets punt looked to pin Frankfurt returner David Giron deep in his own zone. But he slipped past the first wave of tacklers and raced 93 yards for the touchdown giving Frankfurt a lead they would never relinquish.

Townsend was picked off twice in the opening half by  Quade Chappuis and Gomez and although Allgäu’s defense was keeping Frankfurt in check, the first half ended 7-0 for the Universe with Allgäu not recording a single first down.

In the second half, a horrible punt by the Comets gave Frankfurt the ball on Allgäu’s 19 yard line but all the Comets could manage was a 33 yard field goal by Dias Rodrig.

The fourth quarter offered more of the same as neither team could move the ball. The Universe could not capitalize on outstanding field position as they were twice inside the Allgäu 20 yard line due to failed fourth down attempts by the Comets.

It was a game the Frankfurt defense can be proud of and it made a statement to the rest of the league. Head coach Markus Grahn’s squad is a team to  be reckoned with.

Watch the highlights here.

Photo credits: Marla Mut, Michael Wiegand