Düsseldorf Panther survive relegation scare with dramatic comeback over Paderborn Dolphins

| American Football | 08/12/2025

The Düsseldorf Panther (4-5) secured their Erima GFL North status with a stunning 28-24 comeback victory over the Paderborn Dolphins (1-8), erasing a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit at VFL Benrath Stadium in front of 900 fans.

Dolphins dominate early with aerial precision
Paderborn struck first, capitalizing on a forced fumble by Dennis Laas to set up quarterback Niklas Gorny’s 36-yard touchdown pass to Marlon Winter. Gorny (16/21, 168 yards, 2 TD) extended the lead to 14-0 late in the first quarter with a scoring drive fueled by four consecutive completions to Felix Blissenbach (5 catches, 85 yards). The Panthers squandered early opportunities, including a blocked field goal and a missed 42-yard attempt by Yannick Schorn.

Panthers claw back behind Stenstrom’s arm
Quarterback Cole Stenstrom (22/33, 311 yards, 3 TD) ignited the Panthers’ rally with a 64-yard touchdown bomb to James Okike (7 catches, 91 yards) early in the second quarter, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Running back Chris Lipsey (56 rushing yards) narrowed the gap to 14-8, but Paderborn responded after halftime with a field goal and a 24-yard TD catch by Winter to push the lead to 24-8.

Fourth-quarter fireworks seal Panther survival
Trailing 24-8 entering the final frame, Stenstrom orchestrated a 20-point explosion. Lipsey’s 27-yard rushing touchdown cut the deficit to 24-14, followed by a 39-yard scoring strike to Julien Vast (7 catches, 95 yards) and a successful two-point conversion. With 2:12 remaining, Stenstrom found Okike for a 42-yard go-ahead touchdown. The Panthers’ defense, led by linebacker Ennes Oberheitmann’s critical sack, forced a punt to set up the decisive drive.

Skolik’s clutch interception preserves victory
Paderborn’s final comeback attempt ended when defensive back Jakob Skolik intercepted Gorny with 0:48 remaining. The pick sealed the Panthers’ fourth-quarter shutout and capped a defensive turnaround that limited the Dolphins to 23 rushing yards on 23 attempts.

Postgame reflections and road ahead
Stenstrom praised the home crowd: “You fueled our momentum in the fourth quarter.” Skolik admitted, “We slept through the first three quarters,” while head coach Jaycee Krieg emphasized improved “explosive plays” and upcoming special teams adjustments. The Panther face a daunting Week 10 test against the unbeaten Dresden Monarchs, while Paderborn seeks to avoid relegation in their finale.

Key stats

  • Total yards: Düsseldorf 411 (311 pass, 100 rush), Paderborn 250 (192 pass, 58 rush)
  • Turnovers: Düsseldorf 3 (2 INT, 1 fumble), Paderborn 1 (1 INT)
  • Red-zone efficiency: Düsseldorf 2/3, Paderborn 3/4

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