Germany: Saarland Hurricanes edge Pforzheim Wilddogs in thrilling defensive showdown

| American Football | 09/02/2025

The Saarland Hurricanes (4-7) claimed a pivotal 21-20 road victory over the Pforzheim Wilddogs (6-6) at Südweststadion, riding Walter Kuhlenkamp’s three-touchdown performance and a late defensive stand to keep faint playoff hopes alive ahead of their season finale against the Ravensburg Razorbacks.

Kuhlenkamp’s aerial clinic offsets ground struggles
Quarterback Walter Kuhlenkamp (12/24, 203 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) opened with a 9-yard touchdown to Marvin Fuchs and a two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead. Despite Saarland’s anemic 52 rushing yards, Kuhlenkamp’s deep-ball prowess shone with a 56-yard second-quarter strike to Spencer Corona. Pforzheim’s Drequan Harris (15/26, 128 yards, 2 TDs) countered with an 11-yard touchdown to Alec Tatum, but Jacob-Edward Morgan’s 10-yard pick-six leveled the score at 14-14 by halftime.

Defensive grit seals narrow win
Trailing 21-14 late, Harris connected with Tatum on a 48-yard touchdown, but Saarland’s Francesco Runco blocked the PAT to preserve a one-point lead. The Hurricanes’ defense then delivered the dagger: Leon Schwarz forced a Harris fumble at their 18-yard line with 0:32 left, recovered by Julien Conus. **Saarland’**s three sacks and two turnovers offset Pforzheim’s 244 total yards (116 rushing), clinching the upset.

Season finale stakes
The Hurricanes now prepare for their final game against the Ravensburg Razorbacks (7-4), needing a win and a Munich Cowboys collapse to improbably leap into fourth place. Pforzheim, meanwhile, clings to playoff positioning despite the loss, its fate hinging on Week 14 outcomes.

Key stats:

  • Saarland: Kuhlenkamp (3 TDs, 203 yards), Corona (56-yard TD), Liggett (12-yard TD).
  • Pforzheim: Harris (2 TDs), Tatum (2 TD catches, 48-yard longest reception).

The Hurricanes enter their finale with momentum, while the Wilddogs face a nervy wait for playoff clarity.

Scoring summary:
1Q: 8-0 (Saarland Fuchs 9-yard TD + 2PT), 8-7 (Pforzheim Tatum 11-yard TD).
2Q: 14-7 (Saarland Corona 56-yard TD), 14-14 (Pforzheim Morgan pick-six).
4Q: 21-14 (Saarland Liggett 12-yard TD), 21-20 (Pforzheim Tatum 48-yard TD, blocked PAT).

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