Vikings end Rhein Fire's crazy winning streak
Florian Puth
© Hannes Jirgal2024 Championship Game rematch time! New year, new chance? At the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf, Rhein Fire and the Vienna Vikings, last season's finalists and the top favorites of the new season, faced each other. Over 10,000 spectators watched a thrilling game.
Vienna Vikings at Rhein Fire: 12:7
Despite the absence of star running back Karri Pajarinen, the Vikings managed to establish their running game early on. Johannes Schütz replaced the injured Finn well and secured 92 rushing yards for his team. Together with Rookie of the Year Noah Touré, who caught an early touchdown, he ensured his team got off to a good start. However, the Vikings missed the opportunity to extend their lead early on, partly due to two missed field goals and a strong opposing defense.
Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay emphasized before the game that it was not a revenge game. Nevertheless, there were a lot of emotions on display from the outset. The game was marked by numerous discussions, penalties, and confrontations between players. Overall, the Vikings picked up four penalties for 35 yards, while Rhein Fire picked up four penalties for 55 yards.
Rhein Fire QB Jeffries with a big play and limited options
In his second game for the team, Rhein Fire quarterback Chad Jeffries was often forced to gain yards on the ground. In addition, Rhein Fire was unable to establish its own running game. The Vikings secondary had the opposing wide receivers well under control, which meant that Jeffries often lacked passing options. The only big play highlight was a 68-yard passing play by Jeffries and star receiver Rory Starkey Jr. Jeffries recorded a total of 224 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and 65 rushing yards.
The momentum shifted, partly thanks to a thrown interception by Vikings QB Ben Holmes. But just before their own end zone, the Vikings' defense held strong and forced a turnover on downs. The top game remained defense-oriented. With 32 seconds left, Jeffries had victory in his hands. But on fourth down, he overthrew his receiver in the end zone.
Watch the Vikings at Rhein Fire Highlights here!
"It's a great feeling" - Vikings crashed Rhein Fire party
The Vikings take revenge for their clear 20:51 defeat in the 2024 Championship Game. "It feels great. I couldn't play in the final, so today's victory is even better. It's a great feeling", Vikings linebacker Alexander Watholowitsch told TV station "ProSieben". The homegrown player had a good game, making six tackles, including one for loss, one sack, and two pass deflections. The team from Austria therefore remains undefeated in this regular season.
For Rhein Fire, it is their first defeat in 358 days – a painful one. The current ELF champion is now 1-1 and losed their first game in Düsseldorf since 18 years. The Vienna Vikings return to the Austrian capital as party crashers.