Braunschweig New Yorker Lions edge Düsseldorf Panther in GFL season-opening thriller
The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (1–0) opened their 2025 ERIMA GFL campaign with a nail-biting 27–24 victory over the Düsseldorf Panther (0–1) at Eintracht Stadium this past weekend, surviving a furious second-half rally to secure a hard-fought home win.
Lions capitalize on early errors
The Panther, promoted from GFL2 North, stumbled out of the gate. A fumble on their opening drive gifted Braunschweig prime field position, and running back CJ Okpalobi punched in a 3-yard TD. Quarterback Karé Lyles later connected with Okpalobi on a 14-yard score, exploiting another turnover to build a 14–0 lead. Kicker Luca Jeckstadt added a 38-yard field goal before halftime, offsetting Düsseldorf’s lone first-half score—a 34-yard Yannic Schorn field goal.
Panther roar back with second-half surge
Trailing 17–3 at halftime, Düsseldorf regrouped under head coach Jaycee Krieg. Quarterback Cole Stenstrom’s 22-yard TD pass to James Okike cut the deficit to 17–10, but Braunschweig answered immediately: Lyles found receiver Kirby for an 8-yard score (24–10). Undeterred, the Panther mounted a stunning comeback. Dean Tanwani’s 8-yard rushing TD and Francois Pion’s electrifying 71-yard dash—both PATs converted by Schorn—tied the game at 24–24 with minutes remaining.
Jeckstadt ice in veins seals victory
With the clock winding down, Braunschweig’s veteran poise prevailed. A methodical drive set up Jeckstadt’s 23-yard field goal with two seconds left, crushing Düsseldorf’s hopes. “We showed our experience in crunch time,” said Lions defensive captain Marco Hübner postgame. The Panther, despite outscoring Braunschweig 21–10 after halftime, fell agonizingly short.
Postgame reflections and road ahead
Düsseldorf head coach Jaycee Krieg praised his team’s resilience: “We proved we belong here.”
The Panther host the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes on May 24, while Braunschweig prepares for a Week 2 clash with the Dresden Monarchs.
For the New Yorker Lions, the win underscores their championship pedigree. For the Panther, their valiant effort signals a promising GFL1 debut—and a warning to the league.
