Nordic Storm defeat Rhein Fire in ELF instant classic
The Nordic Storm (7-0) survived a frenetic comeback attempt by the Rhein Fire (4-4), securing a 25-24 victory in a European League of Football thriller defined by explosive plays, critical turnovers, and late-game heroics.
Defensive fireworks open scoring
Rhein Fire struck first via defense, as linebacker Hugo Klages intercepted Nordic Storm quarterback Jadrian Clark and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown (7-0). Clark responded with a 11-play, 70-yard drive capped by a 4-yard TD pass to Jonathan Steinhauer Nielsen, narrowing the gap to 7-6 after a missed extra point.
Photo by Mikkel Bo Rasmussen / 1st Down Photo
Second-quarter shootout
Rhein Fire QB Chad Jeffries (20/28, 155 yards, 1 TD) extended the lead with a 12-yard strike to Justin Schlesinger (14-6), but Clark answered with a 9-yard TD pass to Adria Botella (14-12). Rhein kicker Eritros Haggi’s 43-yard field goal closed the half at 17-12.
Fire ignite third-quarter surge
Jeffries powered a 14-play, 80-yard drive with a 1-yard rushing TD, pushing Rhein’s lead to 24-12. The Storm retaliated via Clark’s 11-yard TD pass to Brendan Beaulieu, trimming the deficit to 24-18 entering the fourth.
Clark’s clutch fourth-quarter heroics
Trailing by six, Clark orchestrated a 4-play, 54-yard drive, hitting Simon Foens for a 21-yard TD to seize a 25-24 lead. The Fire’s final drive stalled at midfield, sealing Nordic Storm’s seventh straight win.
Photo by Mikkel Bo Rasmussen / 1st Down Photo
Key performances and stats
- Clark: 22/31, 304 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT; 86-yard TD drive after pick-six.
- Jeffries: 1 rushing TD, 1 passing TD; 70-yard scoring drive in second quarter.
- Nordic Storm WRs: Benjamin Beaulieu (7 rec, 127 yards, 1 TD), Foens (game-winning TD).
- Turnovers: Six total (3 INTs, 3 fumbles), including Klages’ pick-six.
Playoff picture reshaped
The Rhein Fire (4-4) face a must-win Week 10 matchup against the Hamburg Sea Devils to stay in postseason contention. The Storm, the ELF’s last unbeaten team, prepares for a showdown with Berlin Thunder, aiming to solidify their championship credentials.
The chaotic finish—a microcosm of the ELF’s competitive parity—cements the Nordic Storm as the team to beat, while the Rhein Fire must regroup to salvage their fading playoff hopes.
