Nordic Storm edge Rhein Fire in Wildcard thriller

Rhein Fire at Nordic Storm - 23:28

The two Wildcard games could not have been more different. While the matchup between the Madrid Bravos and Stuttgart Surge began cautiously with both teams testing each other before points finally came in the second quarter, the second game between Nordic Storm and Rhein Fire was a shootout right from the start. It was already the third meeting of the season between the two powerhouses - and once again it delivered high drama.

Strong start and cold execution

Both teams scored on their opening drives. Just like in their regular season duels, the defenses then showed why they belong among the best in the league, shutting down further points in the first quarter. But what followed was pure efficiency from the Nordic Storm offense, led by quarterback Jadrian Clark, who even took the ball into his own hands with several key runs.

Two more touchdowns before halftime highlighted their offensive quality. On the other side, the Storm defense limited Fire mostly to field goals, bending but not breaking when it mattered most.

Fire can’t find the breakthrough

The second half began with hope for the back-to-back champions. Rhein Fire managed to score on their opening drive, but once again it was only a field goal. The Storm offense did not immediately answer with points, but Clark and his unit drained over nine minutes off the clock in one long possession - keeping Fire’s offense sidelined.

The final phase of the game brought even more tension, with both teams blocking a field goal attempt. But Storm, with an ice-cold Clark and clever playcalling from Head Coach John Shoop, extended their four-point lead with a touchdown and a two-point conversion, turning it into a two-possession game. Fire responded with a late touchdown, but time ran out.

Jadrian Clark shines

Quarterback Jadrian Clark delivered a standout performance. He completed 26 of 32 passes for 309 passing yards and three touchdowns, while also adding crucial rushing yards on designed runs and scrambles - an unusual but highly effective part of his game on this day.

Next stop: Vienna

While Rhein Fire now head into the offseason, Nordic Storm continue their historic first ELF campaign. For the first time in franchise history, they advance to the Semi Finals, where they will travel to face the Vienna Vikings in what promises to be a high-class playoff battle.

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