Germany: Paderborn Dolphins stun Hildesheim Invaders with historic fourth-quarter comeback
The Paderborn Dolphins (1-6) claimed their first victory of the 2025 GFL season in dramatic fashion, overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat the Hildesheim Invaders (2-6) 37-31 at Hermann Löns Stadium on July 21, marking the largest comeback in franchise history.
Invaders dominate early with disciplined drives
Hildesheim controlled the first three quarters behind backup quarterback Hendrik Scharnbacher, who replaced injured starter Nelson Hughes. Kicker Tristan Eikenberg opened scoring with a field goal (3-0), but Paderborn responded with a Joshua Breece rushing touchdown (7-3). The Invaders surged ahead in the second quarter via Jeremie Kwanzambi’s 1-yard plunge and Matti Probst’s 12-yard reception, taking a 17-7 halftime lead. Scharnbacher extended the advantage to 31-14 in the third with precise throws to Marvin Köller and Pieter Solf (2 TDs).
Photo: Oliver Wigmore
Penalty spiral fuels Dolphins’ resurgence
Hildesheim’s defense unraveled with 12 penalties, including critical roughing-the-passer and late-hit infractions that sustained Paderborn drives. Running back Joshua Breece capitalized, cutting the deficit to 31-21 with a 15-yard touchdown early in the fourth. A successful onside kick by Paderborn shifted momentum, leading to Dean Severin’s game-tying field goal (31-31) with 4:23 remaining.
Breece’s heroics seal franchise milestone
Breece delivered the go-ahead score on a 7-yard rush with 1:30 left, completing his hat-trick and capping a 23-0 fourth-quarter surge. Hildesheim’s final drive ended when Jordan Pouncey intercepted Scharnbacher at midfield, triggering jubilation among the 1,202 spectators. Breece finished with 187 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns.
Standings implications
The win lifts Paderborn off the GFL North basement, narrowing the gap to Hildesheim to two points in the relegation battle. “Respect to the Dolphins – we gave this away through our mistakes,” said Invaders coach Marcus Herford. His team faces the Düsseldorf Panther next, needing defensive reforms after allowing 23 unanswered fourth-quarter points.
Photo: Oliver Wigmore
Key factors:
- Hildesheim: 4 offensive touchdowns negated by 12 penalties for 115 yards.
- Paderborn: 3/3 red-zone efficiency in the fourth quarter; 2 forced turnovers.
- Attendance: 1,202 (season high for Paderborn).
Upcoming games:
- Paderborn travels to the Pforzheim Wilddogs on July 27.
- Hildesheim hosts the Düsseldorf Panther on July 28.
