Germany: Dresden Monarchs remain unbeaten with commanding road win over Paderborn Dolphins
The Dresden Monarchs (11-0) extended their perfect season with a dominant 56-21 victory over the Paderborn Dolphins (1-10) at Home Deluxe Arena, overcoming an early scare to clinch their 11th consecutive win ahead of a pivotal North Division title clash.
Early Dolphins surge tests Monarchs
Paderborn shocked the league leaders early, as quarterback Niklas Gorny connected with Jordan Pouncy for a 7-0 lead on the opening drive. Dresden responded swiftly, with quarterback Justin Miller firing a touchdown pass to Konstantin Stricker and Tylor Hudson returning an interception 50 yards for a 14-7 edge. A muffed punt by Dresden’s AJ Jackson gifted Paderborn prime field position, allowing Joshua Breece’s 5-yard rushing score and a two-point conversion to reclaim a 15-14 first-quarter lead.
Monarchs unleash offensive firepower
Dresden shifted gears in the second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points. Miller threaded a 25-yard touchdown to Janne Särkelä, followed by a 70-yard rushing score from Tofunmi Lala. Hudson added his second touchdown on a 12-yard reception, stretching the lead to 35-15 by halftime. The Monarchs’ defense tightened, forcing three consecutive punts and holding Paderborn to 1-of-7 third-down conversions after the first quarter.
McDowell shines in relief duty
With Miller resting in the second half, backup quarterback Clifton McDowell orchestrated two scoring drives, including a 40-yard touchdown pass to Hudson and a 15-yard rushing score by Arne Stephan. Dresden’s ground game amassed 220 yards, with Lala’s explosive run highlighting the onslaught. Breece added a late 30-yard touchdown for Paderborn, but the Monarchs’ 56 points marked their fifth 50+ performance this season.
Defense seals momentum shifts
Dresden’s defense intercepted Gorny twice, with Hudson’s pick-six setting the tone. Linebackers contained Paderborn’s Wildcat offense, limiting Breece to 85 rushing yards after contact. The Monarchs recorded four sacks and held the Dolphins to 2.8 yards per carry outside of Breece’s efforts.
North Division title clash looms
The Monarchs now prepare to host the Potsdam Royals (9-2) on September 6 at Heinz Steyer Stadium, a rematch of last year’s championship game. A win would secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while Paderborn closes its season seeking foundational growth.
Key stats:
- Dresden: Justin Miller (3 TD passes), Tylor Hudson (2 TD receptions, 1 INT return TD), Tofunmi Lala (70-yard rushing TD).
- Paderborn: Joshua Breece (2 rushing TDs), Niklas Gorny (1 TD pass, 2 INTs).
The Monarchs’ balanced attack and defensive resilience keep their historic season alive, one step closer to an undefeated campaign.
