ELF Week 1: Berlin Thunder rout Cologne Centurions in dominant opener

The Berlin Thunder (1-0) opened their 2025 European League of Football season with a commanding 63-14 victory over the Cologne Centurions (0-1) at Berlin’s  Preussenstadion, handing head coach Jag Bal a decisive win against his former team.

Sullivan’s aerial dominance
Quarterback Jakeb Sullivan, the 2024 ELF passing leader, delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 22 of 24 passes for 413 yards and seven touchdowns. His 44-yard opening drive set the tone, eclipsing 100 passing yards before the first quarter ended. Sullivan’s precision dismantled Cologne’s secondary, with his seven scores tying an ELF single-game record.

Centurions’ QB struggles
Cologne’s new quarterback Keegan McCormack-Reamer was pulled early after struggling against Berlin’s relentless pass rush. Homegrown replacement Jan Leuker threw for 221 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted once. His lone highlight came via a 92-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Austine Osborne, exploiting a rare lapse in Berlin’s defense.

Road ahead
The Centurions enter a Week 2 bye, offering critical time to integrate McCormack-Reamer and refine their schemes. For Berlin, Sullivan’s historic outing signals another potent offensive campaign. Their Week 2 clash against the Munich Ravens will test their early title credentials, while Cologne must regroup quickly to avoid another lopsided defeat in their rebuild.