Two failed kicks: Bitter end for Sea Devils
Florian Puth
© Henning RohlfsSeason five of the European League of Football has finally started! The first matchday already delivered exciting games and some highlights.
The Hamburg Sea Devils and Madrid Bravos faced off at the Estadio Vallehermoso in Madrid, Spain. Both teams had big plans for the new season. In the end, the Madrid Bravos started with a successful experience in the season.
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Hamburg Sea Devils @ Madrid Bravos: 12:13
Although a look at the scoreboard suggests a boring game, it was not. Both teams showed their strengths above all in defense and made life difficult for the opposing offense.
Even though the Sea Devils were able to produce some big plays, such as a 60-yard rush by rookie Chrisman Kyei, the visitors struggled to score. Kicker Eric Schlomm had to help out time and again. Running back Kyei scored the only touchdown.
The Bravos' defense held and even forced an interception against quarterback Micah Leon, who did not have an easy debut. The A-Import finished the game with 211 passing yards.
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Kitchens delivered three tackles, no sacks, but one fumble recovery in his first game as a Sea Devils. Jonathan Ipsen had the only sack of the day for Hamburg.
Penalties made life difficult for Sea Devils and Bravos
The Spanish offense made some good plays, but also struggled to score. Former NFL quarterback Reid Sinnet had his star receiver Aron Cruickshank open for a touchdown twice, but overthrew. The third time, Cruickshank failed at the one-yard line. The referees conceded one of the duo's touchdowns due to a penalty. In general, yellow flags were a huge factor in the game. The referees called 24 penalties in total - 15 for the Sea Devils, nine for the Bravos.
Juan Flores-Calderon caught the Bravos' only touchdown. ©Henning Rohlfs
The game ended on a bitter note for the Hamburg Sea Devils: kicker Eric Schlomm had a late winner on his feet. But first the experienced Special teamer caused a false start penalty and then failed to convert the repeated field goal.
So a thrilling game ended with few points, but with a lot of good defense and an opening win for the Madrid Bravos.