Site icon American Football International

Jim Tomsula and the Rhein Fire stay unbeaten against the Leipzig Kings

Alex Malchow

Jim Tomsula’s Rhein Fire moved to 2-0 as they defeated a talented Leipzig Kings team in eastern Germany in European League of Football second round action this past weekend. In a back-and-forth affair through four quarters, the ELF’s darling expansion team eked out a hard-fought 28-17 win.

After Rhein quarterback Matt Adam failed to finish the game last week, he made up for it on this afternoon. Trotted out as the starter, he opened the game with a beautiful 58-yard bomb reeled in by veteran receiver Nathaniel Robitaille.

Earlier in the week the Kings released veteran running back David McCants and signed former NFL, CFL, and Berlin Thunder pass-catcher Seantavius Jones. The move left the Kings with Spaniard Javier Carrasco at the tailback position. A new look Leipzig offense answered quickly as Carrasco looked great in his new role on the team. The versatile veteran gashed the defense on the first series with a 25-yard catch and run. However, the Kings were stifled inside the 10-yard line and settled for a short field goal from Florian Finke. 

The Kings closed out the first quarter with another solid offense drive as Javier Carrasco broke another big run, followed by a touchdown catch from former New Orleans Saints receiver Seantavius Jones making the score 10-7 for Leipzig.

With two minutes to go before halftime, another running back made his mark on the game as the Rhein Fire’s Jason Aguemon burned his former team breaking free for a 70-yard touchdown run, giving Tomsula’s squad a 14-10 lead at the half.

Fueled by a connection between quarterback Jordan Barlow and 6’4″ Anthony Dable Wolf, Leipzig went on a scoring drive capped by a clutch fourth and goal quarterback sneak. With that the Kings took a 17-14 lead, in what proved to be their last points of the game.

The Rhein Fire’s other back Daniel Rennich broke loose leading to a long drive. However, the King’s defense stepped up in the red-zone again and forced a field goal, tying the game at 17. 

Leipzig then coughed the ball up on the Rhein Fire’s ten-yard line leading to a 90-yard scoop and score from defensive back Omari Williams. Bruising fullback Patrick Peotsch added to the lead with a tough two-point conversion run, making the game 25-17.

Disaster struck again for Leipzig as another fumble in their own territory led to yet another short field goal from the Rhein Fire, making the score 28-17. A score that would stand as Jim Tomsula’s defense and clock management helped his team hang on for the game’s final five minutes.

With the win coach Jim Tomsula has taken the league’s marquee expansion franchise to an undefeated start with two thrilling victories. League officials, and Rhein Fire fans are hoping Tomsula can continue to revive a team with a rich football history.

Watch the highlights here

Exit mobile version