Lions roar in record heat, crush Paderborn Dolphins in GFL rout

| American Football | 06/24/2025

The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions (3-2) dominated the Paderborn Dolphins (0-5) 66-19 in sweltering 30°C heat at Eintracht Stadium, riding a historic five-touchdown performance from running back CJ Okpalobi to snap a two-game skid and cement their playoff credentials.

Okpalobi’s first-quarter explosion sets tone
Braunschweig wasted no time asserting control, with Okpalobi scoring three touchdowns in the opening quarter. His 53-yard sprint on the game’s second play (7-0) and subsequent 1-yard plunge (14-0) capitalized on a muffed punt recovery by Louis Bergeron. Quarterback Karé Lyles then connected with Okpalobi on a 15-yard pass (22-0), while a failed PAT led to Philipp Dolezal’s two-point conversion rush.

Paderborn’s fleeting response drowned by Lions’ onslaught
Paderborn briefly countered in the second quarter via Joshua Breece’s 18-yard rushing score (29-7), but Braunschweig answered immediately. Lyles launched a 44-yard touchdown pass to Tammo Vroom (36-7), and kicker Mark Peschelt drilled a 43-yard field goal (39-7) before halftime. The Dolphins’ trick-play punt fake failed, epitomizing their disjointed execution.

Special teams, defense compound Dolphins’ misery
Braunschweig’s Dominique Shelton blocked a third-quarter punt and returned it five yards for a touchdown (46-7), while linebacker Lauritz Heinze strip-sacked Niklas Gorny late in the period. Okpalobi added his fourth score on a 24-yard run (59-13), and Dolezal’s five-yard rush (66-13) followed Rene Merkel’s 40-yard interception return.

Breece’s late consolation can’t mask Paderborn’s woes
Paderborn’s Joshua Breece (39-yard TD run, 66-19) provided a fleeting highlight, but quarterback Niklas Gorny struggled under relentless pressure, finishing with multiple turnovers. The Dolphins’ defense allowed 7.1 yards per play and failed to contain Okpalobi, who amassed 120+ rushing/receiving yards and five total touchdowns.

Key metrics

  • Total touchdowns: Braunschweig 9 (5 rushing, 3 passing, 1 special teams), Paderborn 3 (all rushing).
  • Turnovers: Paderborn 3 (2 fumbles, 1 interception), Braunschweig 0.
  • Third-down efficiency: Braunschweig 6/10, Paderborn 2/8.

Path ahead
Braunschweig climbs to 3-2, reigniting their GFL title hopes ahead of a pivotal clash with Dresden Monarchs. Paderborn, now 0-5, must regroup defensively after surrendering 60+ points for the second time this season.

Scoring summary

  • Braunschweig: Okpalobi 53-yard run (7-0), 1-yard run (14-0), 15-yard catch (22-0); Vroom 44-yard catch (36-7); Shelton blocked punt return (46-7); Müggenburg 3-yard catch (53-13); Okpalobi 24-yard run (59-13); Dolezal 5-yard run (66-13).
  • Paderborn: Breece 18-yard run (29-7), 39-yard run (66-19); Schöddekopf 20-yard run (46-13).

The Lions’ 66-point outburst marked their highest-scoring game since 2021, while Okpalobi’s five-TD day solidified his MVP-caliber form. Paderborn’s road struggles continue, having lost all five games by 20+ points this season.

American Football International is your source for news and updates about American Football outside the United States!