Just before rematch: Fire secure important win over Storm
Florian Puth
Hungry newcomer against reigning champions. The Nordic Storm at Rhein Fire matchup promises to be an exciting one. However, the top game takes some time to get going, but it got even more exciting at the end. Nordic Storm started well, benefiting early on from good returns by the special teams and a strong passing game, but were unable to finish their attacks. The strong defense prevented Rhein Fire from doing the same.
Nordic Storm (10-2) at Rhein Fire (8-4): 19:27
Both defensive lines did a good job and allowed few opportunities. The first touchdown did not show up until the beginning of the second quarter. Then, Rhein Fire found their rhythm a bit more and scored important points to take the lead.
Especially since Storm, as had been the case throughout the entire season, struggled with their kicking unit. A missed field goal and a failed point after touchdown cost the favorites significant points. From then on, the team led by former Fire quarterback Jadrian Clark preferred to play their fourth attempts.
Read more about the game - play by play
Despite a strong connection between Clark and receiver Simon Føns, which produced three touchdowns alone, and a lot of fighting spirit, the team as a whole lacked further efficiency. Fire clearly mastered this discipline better overall. And so QB Chad Jeffries led his team to an important victory in front of around 10,000 spectators at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg. Even though, the game got really exciting again towards the end.
Especially since both teams will meet again in the upcoming Wild Card Round. An exciting playoff game is coming up. Both teams know each other well now, as a number of former Rhein Fire players found their way to Copenhagen before the season. This includes Jadrian Clark, who could dash his old team's dreams of the first three-peat in ELF history as early as next week.
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