The Berlin Rebels (4–2) clinched a dramatic 33–27 victory over the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (3–4) at Kiel in a back-and-forth German Football League clash, sealed by quarterback Connor Kaegi’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Carl Luckmann with six seconds remaining.
Rebels seize early momentum
Berlin dominated the first quarter, capitalizing on Kiel’s early miscues. Kaegi (4 total TDs) connected with Aaron Jackson for a 3-yard score, followed by a 12-yard strike to Filip Uderhardt for a 14–0 lead. The Hurricanes’ struggles included a high snap leading to a fumble and an interception by Reggie Strong, setting up Berlin’s second score.
Kiel rallies, Rebels counterpunch
Kiel clawed back in the second quarter via PJ Settles’ 23-yard TD to Chandler Smith and Michel Peschel’s 12-yard reception, narrowing the gap to 21–14. Berlin responded instantly: Kaegi launched a 76-yard bomb to Jackson, his second TD, restoring a two-score lead. Despite Kiel’s persistence, the Rebels entered halftime up 21–14.
Defensive stand shifts momentum
A pivotal third-quarter sequence defined the game. Berlin pinned Kiel at their 1-yard line with a precision punt, forcing a 99-yard drive that ended in a forced fumble after Chandler Smith’s catch. Nazar Bombata’s 4-yard rushing TD extended Berlin’s lead to 27–14, though a missed PAT left the door open.
Chaotic fourth-quarter finish
Kiel surged late, with Peschel’s 25-yard TD and Settles’ 30-yard TD to Anousheh Fulford tying the game 27–27 after a blocked PAT. With 1:01 remaining, Kaegi engineered a 40-second drive, culminating in his 40-yard game-winning TD to Luckmann. The Rebels knelt on the PAT to seal the win, leaving Kiel stunned.
Key performances
- Berlin: Kaegi (4 TDs, 2 passing/2 rushing) delivered clutch throws, while Jackson (2 TDs, 76-yard score) and Luckmann (game-winning catch) starred.
- Kiel: Settles (3 TDs) rallied late, targeting Peschel (2 TDs) and Fulford (1 TD, blocked PAT), but four turnovers proved costly.
Statistical breakdown
- Turnovers: Kiel’s 2 interceptions and 2 fumbles offset their 493 total yards.
- Big plays: Berlin scored 3 TDs of 30+ yards, exploiting defensive lapses.
- Penalties: Kiel’s 11 flags for 107 yards stalled critical drives.
Playoff implications
The Rebels now sit third in the GFL North behind the Dresden Monarchs (6–0) and Potsdam Royals (5–1), while Kiel drops to fifth. Berlin faces a pivotal midseason stretch, while the Hurricanes host the New York Lions on July 19 after a bye week. Kaegi’s poise under pressure solidified Berlin’s playoff credentials, but Kiel’s late collapse highlighted recurring discipline issues.