Germany: Hildesheim Invaders outlast undermanned Comets in GFL road thriller

| Allgau Comets | 08/18/2025

The Hildesheim Invaders (4-6) overcame a scrappy Allgäu Comets (2-6) squad 42-35 in a chaotic German Football League clash, securing their second straight win despite multiple momentum swings and the Comets’ valiant effort without their starting quarterback and kicker.

Road warriors grind out victory
Traveling 600 kilometers to Kempten, the Invaders survived five lead changes and a late-game surge by Allgäu’s emergency quarterback Geoffrey Greene, who rushed for two touchdowns. “The Comets never gave up,” said Hildesheim coach Marcus Herford. “We’re happy with the win, but our mistakes nearly cost us.”

Scharnbacher’s resilience trumps turnovers
Hildesheim quarterback Hendrik Scharnbacher threw three interceptions but delivered critical strikes, including a 42-yard touchdown to Vincent McDonald and the game-winning 28-yard pass to Pieter Solf late in the fourth quarter. Running back Matti Probst added 98 rushing yards and a score, offsetting Scharnbacher’s erratic first half.

Comets’ makeshift grit shines
With starter Lars Kozlowski thrust into a dual role (1 rushing TD), Allgäu capitalized on Hildesheim’s errors. Defensive back Daniel Näßler returned a pick-six 55 yards, while Greene’s 68-yard scamper tied the game at 21-21 before halftime. However, the absence of a reliable kicker proved costly: a blocked extra point and failed fourth-down conversion in the red zone sealed their fate.

Pivotal sequence

  • Third-quarter trickery: Herford dialed up a surprise play, with receiver Vincent McDonald tossing a 37-yard TD to Keelan Cole (2 TDs) to tie the game at 35-35.
  • Defensive stand: Allgäu’s fourth-down stop attempt at midfield failed, setting up Solf’s go-ahead score.
  • Game-sealing interception: Cornerback William Johnson picked off Greene with 1:12 remaining to ice the win.

Aftermath
The Invaders inch closer to playoff contention at 4-6, while the Comets’ spirited performance (421 total yards) offers hope despite their 2-6 record. Hildesheim’s offense must reduce turnovers ahead of a critical Week 11 matchup, while Allgäu faces urgency to stabilize their quarterback situation.

Key stats

  • Hildesheim: 4 passing TDs (Scharnbacher: 2, McDonald: 1, Solf: 1), 1 rushing TD (Probst), 3 interceptions (Scharnbacher).
  • Allgäu: 3 rushing TDs (Greene: 2, Kozlowski: 1), 1 defensive TD (Näßler pick-six), 1 interception (Greene).
  • Critical missed opportunities: Allgäu failed a fourth-down conversion in the red zone and had a blocked extra point.

The Invaders’ late-game composure prevailed, but both teams left Kempten knowing tougher tests await in the GFL’s final stretch. (349 words)

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