Germany: Kiel Baltic Hurricanes clinch playoff berth with victory over Paderborn Dolphins

The Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (7-5) secured their first playoff appearance since 2017, defeating the Paderborn Dolphins (1-11) 24-10 at Kilia Stadium behind Michel Peschel’s two-touchdown performance and key defensive stops.

Defensive stands ignite Hurricanes’ momentum
Kicker Anousheh Fulford opened scoring with a 32-yard field goal, followed by linebacker Bodo Bilitewski’s interception off a deflected pass from Paderborn’s backup quarterback. This set up PJ Settles’ 18-yard touchdown pass to Michel Peschel. Cornerback Tion Fortune later sealed the win with a fourth-quarter interception, while the Hurricanes limited Paderborn’s offense outside of Jordan Pouncey’s 67-yard third-quarter TD run.

Peschel’s milestone game fuels offense
Wide receiver Michel Peschel, playing his 50th GFL game, caught two touchdown passes (18 and 20 yards) from Settles, who also connected with Chandler Smith for a 19-yard fourth-quarter score. Fulford converted all three PATs. The Dolphins, missing injured quarterback Niklas Gorny, relied on Pouncey and Joshua Breece in hybrid offensive sets but managed only one touchdown.

Emotional finale caps season turnaround
Head coach Timo Zorn praised his team’s late-season surge: “We improved weekly and believed in our playoff push.” The Hurricanes won four of their final five games, rallying from midseason struggles. Paderborn’s lone highlight came via Pouncey’s explosive run, but two turnovers and defensive lapses stifled their efforts.

Playoff-bound Hurricanes eye Ravensburg challenge
As North Division fourth seeds, Kiel travels to face South champion Ravensburg Razorbacks on September 21 at TeleData Stadium. The Dolphins conclude a difficult 1-11 season, their sole win coming in Week 7 against the Hildesheim Invaders. For Kiel, the victory celebrates a resilient roster—honoring veterans like Peschel while propelling rising talents like Settles into their first postseason since 2017.