This Sunday, the stage is set for an epic rematch between Rhein Fire and Stuttgart Surge in the 2024 ELF Semi-Finals. These two teams faced off in last year’s Championship Game, where Rhein Fire pulled away with a 53-34 win. A year later, with both teams riding high after stellar regular seasons, they’ll battle again — but this time, the stakes are even higher. The winner moves on to the 2024 ELF Championship Game, while the loser heads home empty-handed.

Flashback to the 2023 Championship

Looking back at their showdown in 2023, Rhein Fire’s offense was just too much for Stuttgart to handle. Glen Toonga and Jadrian Clark led a fierce offensive charge that Stuttgart just couldn’t keep up with. This year, Surge will be out for revenge, aiming to right the wrongs of that defeat. "It’s going to be a hard-fought game. This is what everyone wants to see," said Surge receiver Yannick Mayr, hyping up the rematch​. 

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How They Got Here: The Regular Season

Rhein Fire’s 2024 season was a continuation of their dominance from last year. They steamrolled through the regular season with a 11-1 record, their only loss coming early on against the Madrid Bravos. Their running game, led by Toonga, was nearly unstoppable, and they flexed their muscles again last week with a commanding 40-10 win over the Madrid Bravos in the Wild Card round. With Toonga racking up 1,497 yards and over 30 touchdowns, the defending champs are in top form heading into Sunday​. 

Stuttgart Surge, though, didn’t let last year’s loss define them. They’ve been on a tear this season, also finishing with a 11-1 record. The Surge offense has been lighting up scoreboards, scoring the most points in the league with 565. Quarterback Reilly Hennessey has been slinging the ball all year, throwing for nearly 2,900 yards and 35 touchdowns. Their defense has been equally impressive, especially against the run — which they’ll need to rely on when facing Toonga this weekend​. 

Key Players to Watch

For Rhein Fire, it all comes down to Glen Toonga. If he gets rolling, he’s almost impossible to stop, and he’s proven to be the heart of their offense all year. Stuttgart’s front seven is going to have their hands full trying to contain him. If they can slow him down, it’ll be a game-changer​. 

On the Surge side, all eyes will be on Reilly Hennessey and his go-to receivers, Louis Geyer and Yannick Mayr. If Hennessey can keep the chains moving and take some deep shots, they’ll have a good chance to keep up with Rhein Fire’s high-octane offense. Rhein’s secondary has been tough, but Hennessey’s shown he can rise to the occasion​. 

What’s on the Line

Both teams know what’s at stake - a ticket to the 2024 ELF Championship Game. Rhein Fire will be looking to defend their title and continue their reign at the top, while Stuttgart Surge will be hungry for payback and a chance to make history.

It’s shaping up to be a game for the ages, and neither side is going to back down. Make sure you tune in for what’s sure to be an absolute thriller on Sunday at 3:15 pm CET!

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