ELF: Berlin Thunder defeat Leipzig Kings in important divisional matchup
The Berlin Thunder secured a key win on the road this week as they took down the Leipzig Kings 33-22.
The victory created additional separation between the teams in the Northern Conference standings, as the Thunder moved to 4-3 with the win, while the Kings fell to 2-5.
This game felt like a rollercoaster ride, as each side took turns going on scoring streaks. After Leipzig jumped out to a 9-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, Berlin roared back with three consecutive touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 21-9 lead into halftime. Leipzig scored on their opening drive in the second half, got the ball back, and added another touchdown to take a 22-21 lead halfway through the third quarter. Berlin answered that touchdown with a touchdown of their own, forced a three-and-out, and sealed the game with one more touchdown which made the score 33-22.
Thunder quarterback Joe Germinerio had a very efficient day on the job, completing 15 of 22 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 44 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries on the ground. Robin Wilzeck continued his hot streak, as the receiver caught four passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns, which went for 52 yards and 65 yards. Additionally, Ian Gehkre caught four passes for 104 yards, and running back Jocques Crawford carried the ball 21 times for 85 yards.
In his debut game in the ELF, Leipzig quarterback Conor Miller had an impressive performance considering the circumstances of recently joining a new team. Miller completed 23 of 39 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns while not throwing an interception. His favorite target was receiver Seantavious Jones, another American who has recently joined the Kings, as he signed with the team last month following a stint with the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL. Jones had a monster day, catching 11 passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns, including a 52 yard score that gave the Kings the lead in the third quarter. However, Miller and Jones’ big days were not enough to get the win for Leipzig.
Each team now has a week off to rest as the season is just over halfway complete. The Thunder will host the Cologne Centurions in two weeks, while the Kings have another tough opponent in the Tirol Raiders as they try to keep their season alive.
