Ravens defeat Thunder – Raiders run over Mercenaries
Felix Pahl
© Roland JohannesBerlin Thunder @ Munich Ravens – 16:38
The Munich Ravens earned an important win over the Berlin Thunder, improving to 2–0 and taking control in the South Division. The Ravens started fast, scoring 20 unanswered points in the first quarter.
Quarterback Russell Tabor had a strong performance, throwing five total touchdowns and just one interception. His connection with star wide receiver Malik Stanley was on full display, including three touchdown catches. Tabor also showed off his dual-threat ability by adding yards on the ground.
On defense, the Ravens kept the Thunder one-dimensional, allowing only 31 rushing yards. An injury to Thunder running back Gennadiy Adams made things worse for Berlin’s ground game. Quarterback Jakeb Sullivan passed for 342 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also threw three interceptions — a key difference in the game.
Wide receiver Bryce Goggin was once again a bright spot for the Thunder, catching 6 passes for 110 yards, but it wasn’t enough. Berlin also struggled on third down, converting just 3 of 10 attempts. Defensively, they had no answer for Munich’s 196 rushing yards, which helped the Ravens control the clock and the game.
Next up, Berlin Thunder will face the Nordic Storm in Week 3 — their first divisional matchup in the North Division, and an important test for both teams.
The Ravens, now at 2–0, get to rest during their first bye week. They’ll be watching closely as their next opponent, the Stuttgart Surge, plays in Week 3.
Helvetic Mercenaries @ Raiders Tirol – 6:44
The Raiders Tirol are back in the win column with a dominant 44–6 victory over the Helvetic Mercenaries. Things didn’t start well, though — starting quarterback Conor Miller went down with an injury on the first drive. Wide receiver Adrian Platzgummer had to step in at quarterback.
Despite this challenge, the Raiders leaned into their biggest strength: the run game. Running back Tobias Bonatti was outstanding, rushing for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 88-yard and 50-yard touchdown runs showed just how dangerous he can be in open space.
The Raiders defense also stepped up, creating pressure and forcing a key interception. They kept the Mercenaries from ever getting into rhythm.
The Mercenaries struggled on both sides of the ball. They had no answer for the Raiders’ rushing attack and couldn’t find consistency in the passing game. Quarterback Isaiah Weed and his receivers had communication issues, with dropped passes and missed opportunities. The team only converted 5 of 15 third downs and managed just one sack on defense.
The Mercenaries, now 0–2, face another tough challenge in Week 3 against the Madrid Bravos, who are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Frankfurt. With high expectations after big roster changes, 0–2 is not the start they hoped for.
The Raiders, now 1–1, travel to face the Cologne Centurions in Week 3. After Cologne’s heavy loss in Week 1, they’ll be motivated — and for the Raiders, it’s a great chance to build momentum and continue moving in the right direction early in the season.