The Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (3-3) outlasted the Saarland Hurricanes (2-4) 58-39 in a German Football League (GFL) shootout at Kilia Stadium, combining for 15 touchdowns and 97 points in the inaugural “Hurricanes Bowl” to solidify their playoff push.
Settles’ six-touchdown masterclass fuels offensive chaos
Quarterback PJ Settles dominated with six total touchdowns (4 passing, 2 rushing), including a 61-yard dagger to receiver Chandler Smith (3 TDs, 200+ yards) and a 33-yard rushing score by rookie Maximilian Lundahl. Saarland’s dual-threat quarterback Walter Kuhlenkamp countered with four touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing) and 100+ rushing yards, but Kiel’s 222 rushing yards and zero turnovers proved decisive.
Revels’ interception halts Saarland’s late rally
Trailing 51-39 with 1:52 left, Saarland recovered a fumble, but linebacker Rob Revels intercepted Kuhlenkamp at the 1-yard line, setting up Settles’ final score. “Rob’s pick ‘iced’ the game,” said Kiel head coach Timo Zorn, praising his defense’s resilience despite power-running back Benjamin Thompson (109 kg, 1 TD) breaking through repeatedly.
Gameflow mirrors historic scoring frenzy
Four lead changes and 24 combined second-quarter points highlighted the chaos. Kiel led 24-20 at halftime before pulling away with 20 fourth-quarter points. A sideline collision between Coach Zorn and a referee caused a stoppage, but Kiel’s momentum never wavered.
Key metrics
- Total touchdowns: Kiel 9, Saarland 6
- Rushing yards: Kiel 222, Saarland 102
- Attendance: 1,199 at Kilia Stadium
Path ahead
Kiel, now fifth in the standings, visit Berlin Rebels (3-2) on June 29. Saarland must address defensive lapses after surrendering a season-high 58 points.
Scoring highlights
- Kiel: Settles’ 27-yard run (7-0), Smith’s 40-yard catch (24-20), Englmann’s 13-yard TD (38-26).
- Saarland: Liggett’s 9-yard TD (10-8), Kuhlenkamp’s 14-yard run (31-26), Keller’s 6-yard catch (45-39).
The inaugural Hurricanes Bowl showcased Kiel’s offensive firepower and clutch defense, while Saarland’s fight underscored their explosive potential despite defensive struggles.