Pforzheim Wilddogs edge Allgäu Comets in GFL scoring frenzy

The Pforzheim Wilddogs (5-4) outlasted the Allgäu Comets (2-4) 37-36 in a back-and-forth thriller at Illerstadion, overcoming sauna-like temperatures and a late surge to secure their fifth win of the 2025 GFL season.

Wilddogs strike early amid Comets’ slow start
Pforzheim capitalized on a three-and-out by Allgäu to open scoring with a 7-0 drive. The Comets responded via rookie Ferdinand Schmid’s 8-yard touchdown reception, set up by Elias Kraljevic’s 46-yard return. However, Pforzheim extended their lead with two second-quarter touchdowns, exploiting Allgäu’s defensive misalignments.

Penalty woes undermine Baden visitors
Nine penalties by Pforzheim—nearly double Allgäu’s five—kept the game tight. The Comets clawed back with Dominik Hörner’s 14-yard touchdown and two late second-quarter scores: a 22-yard strike to Kraljevic and Dr. Geoff Greene’s elusive 18-yard reception, giving Allgäu a 30-27 halftime lead.

Sweltering conditions test depth
Third-quarter humidity slowed both offenses, but Pforzheim reclaimed a 34-30 advantage on Luca Faschian’s 9-yard touchdown. Allgäu’s defense, led by newcomer Daniel Näßler’s critical interception, set up Greene’s near game-tying 2-point attempt, which fell incomplete after a 12-yard touchdown reception.

Final-minute heartbreak for Comets
Trailing 37-36, Allgäu drove to Pforzheim’s 5-yard line with 0:09 remaining. Quarterback Niklas Gorny’s end-zone pass deflected off Hörner’s hands, intercepted by a Wilddogs defender to seal the win.

Standings implications
The loss drops Allgäu to sixth in the GFL South despite having played fewer games than rivals. Pforzheim strengthens its mid-standings position ahead of a Week 11 home clash against GFL North division cellar-dwellers, the Paderborn Dolphins.

Upcoming games
The Comets host South-leading Munich Cowboys on July 27, seeking redemption after a narrow 23-21 loss in their first meeting.