ELF: Defensive grit propels Rhein Fire past Nordic Storm in playoff primer
The Rhein Fire (9-4) edged the Nordic Storm (10-3) 27-19 at Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, leveraging disciplined execution to overcome a statistical deficit in front of 10,000 fans ahead of a Wild Card Round rematch.
Defensive battle delays scoring
Both teams struggled offensively early, with defenses dominating the first quarter. Nordic Storm broke the deadlock in the second quarter via a 13:25 touchdown connection between quarterback Jadrian Clark and receiver Simon Føns. A missed extra point limited their lead to 6-0, allowing Rhein Fire to respond with quarterback Chad Jeffries’ 11:30 touchdown pass to Jared Scott (7-6). Clark and Føns struck again (12-7), but Jeffries’ second scoring toss to Scott gave Rhein a 12-14 halftime advantage.
Kicking woes undermine Storm’s efforts
Nordic Storm’s recurring special teams issues proved costly. A missed field goal and failed PAT kept them trailing despite Clark’s 392-yard, three-touchdown performance. Rhein Fire extended their lead in the third quarter with a field goal (17-12) and Jeffries’ third touchdown throw (24-12). Though Clark rallied Storm with a fourth-quarter touchdown to Føns (24-19), Rhein sealed the win with a late field goal (27-19).
Jeffries outshines former teammate
Jeffries (10/21, 164 yards, 2 TDs) outperformed ex-Fire quarterback Clark, whose 392 passing yards and three touchdowns were overshadowed by inefficiencies. Jared Scott emerged as Rhein’s dual-threat standout, rushing for 55 yards and a touchdown while adding 83 receiving yards and another score. Storm’s Antoine Soulerot (15 carries, 59 yards) provided limited ground support, while Føns (8 receptions, 140 yards, 3 TDs) anchored the aerial attack.
Playoff rematch awaits
The rivals meet again in the Wild Card Round, with Storm seeking redemption after outgaining Rhein 465-245 but succumbing to penalties (12 vs. 3) and third-down struggles (3/12 conversions). Rhein’s efficiency (4/7 third downs) and clock control (23:16 time of possession) underscored their championship poise. Former Fire players like Clark add intrigue to the impending showdown, as Rhein aims for a historic three-peat and Storm fights to keep its title hopes alive.
