The Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (6-5) solidified their German Football League postseason aspirations with a commanding 44-7 victory over the Düsseldorf Panther (4-7) at Kilia Stadium, leveraging a complete team effort to seize control of the GFL North’s fourth playoff spot.
Defense sets tone early
Kiel’s defense opened with authority, forcing a three-and-out on Düsseldorf’s first drive. Chandler Smith electrified the crowd by returning the ensuing punt 74 yards for a touchdown, followed by Anousheh Fulford’s PAT for a 7-0 lead. Linebacker Rob Revels compounded the pressure with a first-quarter interception, setting up Lorenz Rotermund’s 1-yard plunge to extend the advantage to 14-0.
Ground game grinds down Düsseldorf
Rotermund spearheaded a relentless rushing attack, totaling two touchdowns—including a 25-yard burst in the third quarter—while Maximilian Lundahl added a 15-yard score. Kiel racked up 198 rushing yards, wearing down Düsseldorf’s defensive line. Quarterback PJ Settles complemented the attack with two passing touchdowns, connecting with Michel Peschel (11 yards) and Saleem Iqbal (14 yards).
Panther’s lone spark extinguished
Düsseldorf’s sole highlight came late in the second quarter when quarterback Cole Stenstrom capped a 68-yard drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Yannic Schorn’s PAT narrowed the gap to 20-7, but Kiel responded immediately. Settles’ 11-yard strike to Peschel with 1:12 left in the half crushed momentum, sending the Hurricanes into halftime up 27-7.
Defense slams the door
After halftime, Kiel’s defense resumed its dominance. Fulford’s 31-yard field goal opened the third quarter, followed by Rotermund’s second touchdown. Revels later pounced on a botched Düsseldorf snap, leading to Iqbal’s scoring reception. Linebacker Ingmar Hebenstreit sealed the rout with a fourth-quarter sack.
Playoff path in hand
The win, coupled with the New Yorker Lions’ loss, thrust Kiel into fourth place in the GFL North. Head coach Timo Zorn praised his team’s focus: “This was our most complete game—offense, defense, and special teams aligned perfectly.” The Hurricanes now control their destiny: a Week 12 victory over the last-place Paderborn Dolphins would secure their first playoff berth since 2017.
Key performances
- Lorenz Rotermund: 2 rushing touchdowns, 89 yards.
- Chandler Smith: 74-yard punt return touchdown.
- Rob Revels: Interception, fumble recovery.
For Düsseldorf, the loss eliminates playoff hopes. The Panther close their season against the Straubing Spiders, aiming to rebuild after a disjointed campaign. Meanwhile, Kiel’s resurgence—a blend of veteran execution and young talent—has reignited a fanbase eager for postseason football.