Rhein Fire made history. The team is the first two-time champion of the ELF. And also the first back-to-back champion.  In a dominant final, Fire defeated the previously unbeatable Vienna Vikings by 51:20.

The Vikings did not get off to a bad start.  Quarterback Ben Holmes only missed one ball in his first drive. Other than that, there were big plays, a quarterback scramble and a good finish on Reece Horn. The only drawback: kicker Dennis Tasic missed the point-after touchdown.

Fire responded with a good kickoff return by Calvin McKnight.  Quarterback Jadrian Clark is unimpressed by the early deficit and quickly leads his team to the opponent's red zone. An offensive pass interference costs them a touchdown. A defensive pass interception brought them back to the one-yard line. The current MVP completes the slightly nervous drive with a few flags to equalize. 

The first momentum switch came on the Vikings' second drive: Running back Pajarinen caught a short ball and carried it deep into the opponent's territory. However, Fire defender Flamur Simon punched the ball out of Pajarinen hands. Right of attack Rhein Fire. Harlan Kwofie finishes to take the lead. 

Fire takes clear lead at half-time

The Vikings try to come back. But unlucky, Pajarinen fumbled again. Rhein Fire could pull away. Vikings Cole Colemann intercepted a pass from Clark. But there was no turnover. Huszar caused a holding in his own end zone during the return. By rule, the play is counted as a safety and therefore two points for Rhein Fire. 

The team continued with a Rhein Fire attack. Again they were able to score through Toonga. With a minute left in the first half, the Vikings came back with Horn's second touchdown. But that was still not enough. Rhein Fire goes for the big play again. Clark threw a 44-yard pass to McKnight Jr. for a touchdown and a 30-13 lead for Fire. 

"We can't allow these big plays and penalties", Calaycay told German television station "ProSieben" during the break. Commissioner Patrick Esume was of the same opinion. He analyzed on "ProSieben": “Big plays, fumbles, that kills you. It's hard to win a final like that.”

Tough day for Holmes

Rhein Fire also made an excellent start to the second half. Clark not only delivered more long passes, but also a touchdown to Tim Sauerland. Vienna wanted to attack, but started the second half with a three and out. Rhein Fire ramped up the pressure. Within a few minutes, Fire pass rusher Aaron Donkor caused two sacks and a fumble, which the Vikings recovered. 

Not an easy day for QB Holmes. The Vikings continued to try a lot, which led to a 4&14 situation. Holmes took heart and threw deep. Franklin Jr. said thank you, intercepted the ball and carried it back for 58 yards. On the very next play, Clark came up big again, completing a touchdown pass to Bryan Winter for 36 yards.

A strong Vikings Reece Horn caught his third touchdown, but could not prevent the defeat. It is only the fourth defeat in franchise history in the ELF. A bitter one. Rhein Fire played a dominant final and won their second title in a row.