The Dresden Monarchs (6-0) remain undefeated in the German Football League with a convincing 42-7 victory over the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (1-5) in front of more than 4,400 fans at Heinz Steyer Stadium.
The final score reflected a dominant performance from Dresden, particularly through the first three quarters, as the Monarchs controlled the game in all phases before heading into next week’s showdown with the equally unbeaten Potsdam Royals.
Monarchs strike early
The afternoon actually began with promise for Kiel.
Quarterback PJ Settles guided the Hurricanes deep into Dresden territory on the opening possession, but the drive stalled and a field goal attempt came up short.
The Monarchs immediately capitalized.
Running back Tofunmi Lala powered the offense downfield and finished two separate drives with rushing touchdowns. Combined with extra points from Florian Finke, Dresden quickly built a 14-0 lead while the defense repeatedly forced the visitors off the field.
Defense creates opportunities
The turning point came in the second quarter when Kiel lost a fumble deep in its own territory.
Two plays later, Dresden quarterback Rocky Lombardi found Janne Särkelä on a 27-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 21-0.
The Hurricanes threatened several times before halftime. Settles connected with Michel Peschel on a 49-yard gain that moved Kiel to the four-yard line, but the Monarchs defense stood firm and denied the visitors on four straight attempts.
Moments later, Lombardi broke loose for a rushing touchdown, giving Dresden a 28-0 halftime advantage.
Moss finishes the job
Any hopes of a Kiel comeback disappeared in the third quarter.
Lombardi continued his strong afternoon by connecting twice with Montigo Moss for touchdowns. The quarterback’s efficient play and the improved balance of the Monarchs offense were evident throughout the game as Dresden stretched the lead to 42-0.
The lone bright spot for the Hurricanes came on special teams when CJ Davis returned a kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown. Anousheh Fulford added the extra point to make it 42-7.
The fourth quarter was scoreless as Dresden rotated players and comfortably closed out its sixth straight win.
The victory keeps the Dresden Monarchs atop the GFL North, while the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes head into the summer break searching for answers after falling to 1-5.