Germany: Frankfurt Universe blank Stuttgart Scorpions, stay unbeaten in German Football League
The Samsung Frankfurt Universe justified their role as favorites coming into the game, beating the visiting Stuttgart Scoprions at PSD Bank Arena in Frankfurt 42-0 in German Football League play.
Despite the lopsided victory, the cheers were muted as Frankfurt’s quarterback Steve Cluley had to had to leave the game early in the third quarter after injuring his knee on an improvised play. He was replaced by his backup Sonny Wieshaupt.
This was the only bad news for the “Men in Purple” on this day, as they remained undefeated and in a prime position to face the reigning champions, the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, on the road next week on June 3rd. However, the severity of Cluley’s injury can have major ramifications for that game and for the Eurobowl final against the New Yorker Lions the week after.
Kicking off the game against the Scorpions, the Universe got off to the perfect start, as they took advantage of an error by the Scorpions kickoff return team and recovered the ball. This effort was rewarded by a Max Siemssen field goal to make the game 3-0.
The Scorpions debuted their new quarterback Michael Eubank, who had arrived in Stuttgart just the week prior. But steady pressure by the Universe’s defense made it hard for him to connect to his new teammates, and so it was Frankfurt again who scored next with a run by French running back Andreas Betza. Stuttgart now tried to get in the end zone by changing up their play calls with trick plays and long passes, but this, despite working from time to time, wasn’t successful. Two rushing touchdowns by David Giron and the subsequent PATs by Siemssen made the game 24-0 before the half, and thus already deciding the outcome of the game.
The scoring continued in the third quarter, as Betza crossed the goal line for the second time on this day, this time from three yards out. After this, both offenses calmed down, and it was the Universe defense’s time to shine, as they continued to allow no points and very few yards. Eight minutes into the half, Siemssen hit his second field goal to extend the lead to 34-0.
At this point in the game, it was apparent that the Frankfurt coaches spared their starters for the clash against Schwäbisch Hall. Second and third stringers were given a chance to play, and they showed their skill by scoring once more, this time with a 15 yard pass from Weishaupt to Philipp Vinzenz. Stuttgart was able to block the PAT, but nonetheless had to head home, still stuck at the bottom of the GFL South division, winless after five games.
