The Pforzheim Wilddogs (2-0), newcomers to the German Football League this season, took over sole possession of first place in the GFL South after edging the Saarland Hurricanes (1-1) 24-15 at Hermann Neuberger Stadium in Saarbrücken this past weekend.
Early turnover sets tone
Saarland’s opening drive ended abruptly when Pforzheim defensive back Alex Andrade picked off a pass from Hurricanes quarterback Jacob Parks. The Wilddogs capitalized with a methodical drive, capped by a field goal for a 3-0 lead.
Hurricanes strike back
Behind running back Benjamin Thompson’s bruising runs and receiver Peter Keller’s clutch catches, Saarland aggressively converted multiple fourth downs. Parks redeemed himself late in the second quarter, connecting with Kai Frick for a touchdown. A successful two-point conversion gave the Hurricanes an 8-3 lead, but the Wilddogs trimmed the deficit to 8-6 with a field goal before halftime.
Wilddogs seize control
Quarterback Dre Harris ignited Pforzheim’s offense after halftime, scrambling for a touchdown and converting the two-point attempt to reclaim a 14-8 lead. Saarland responded with a fluky touchdown—a deflected Parks pass caught by Garret Heidrich—to go ahead 15-14, but lost receiver Spencer Corona to a shoulder injury during the drive.
Clutch finish seals victory
Harris orchestrated a decisive fourth-quarter drive, hitting Alec Tatum on a deep pass before Luca Faschian punched in the go-ahead touchdown. A late field goal extended the lead to 24-15, while Saarland’s final rally fell short.
Key factors
- Pforzheim’s defense forced two turnovers and held Saarland scoreless in the final quarter.
- Harris’ dual-threat ability (1 rushing TD, 1 passing TD) offset Saarland’s ground dominance (Thompson’s 98 rushing yards).
- Saarland’s aggressive fourth-down decisions (3/4 conversions) kept the game tight but couldn’t offset critical errors.
The Wilddogs face the Straubing Spiders next, while the Hurricanes aim to rebound against the Allgäu Comets.
Source: GFL