ELF: Frankfurt Galaxy stun unbeaten Storm in defensive masterclass

| American Football | 07/28/2025

The Frankfurt Galaxy (5-5) delivered the European League of Football’s upset of the season, toppling the previously undefeated Nordic Storm (9-1) 35-20 at PSD Bank Arena, fueled by four interceptions—including two pick-sixes—to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Defense dominates early momentum
Linebacker Toby Naylor set the tone on Nordic’s opening drive, intercepting MVP candidate Jadrian Clark and returning it 34 yards for a touchdown. The Galaxy defense suffocated Clark all night, with Louis Achaintre adding a 56-yard pick-six in the third quarter and Enrico Chagoya snagging a critical red-zone interception. Clark, who entered the game with just three interceptions all season, finished 21/42 for 381 yards but was undone by Frankfurt’s relentless pressure.

Wang’s dual-threat leadership
Quarterback Jameson Wang orchestrated a balanced attack, rushing for 100 yards (including a 10-yard TD) and throwing for 273 yards and a 15-yard score to Paul Kavadia-Lenhardt. His 18 carries wore down Nordic’s excellent run defense (107.2 yards allowed per game), while his connection with Brevin Easton (8 catches, 128 yards) sustained multiple drives. “We knew their secondary would bite on play-action,” Wang said postgame. “Our O-line gave me time to pick my spots.”

Storm rally fizzles against clock control
Nordic trimmed the deficit to 28-20 in the fourth quarter behind Clark’s 60-yard TD bomb to Brendan Beaulieu (6 catches, 150 yards) and a 39-yard strike to Edvin Almeida. However, Frankfurt’s 38:33 time-of-possession advantage—fueled by Wang’s 10-play, 98-yard TD drive in the second quarter—limited Nordic’s comeback opportunities. Alexander Kennedy Chaanhing’s 4-yard rushing TD in the first half proved Storm’s lone offensive highlight until the late surge.

Key performances

  • Toby Naylor (Galaxy): 34-yard pick-six, 5 tackles
  • Louis Achaintre (Galaxy): 56-yard interception return TD
  • Brendan Beaulieu (Storm): 60-yard TD catch, 150 receiving yards
  • Jameson Wang (Galaxy): 273 pass yards, 100 rush yards, 2 TDs

Playoff implications
The Galaxy move to third in the West Division, needing wins over Prague Lions (6-4) and Madrid Bravos (7-3) to contend for a wildcard. Nordic, already locked into the top seed, must regroup before hosting the Hamburg Sea Devils (2-8) on August 10.

American Football International is your source for news and updates about American Football outside the United States!