Pforzheim Wilddogs turn pick-sixes into blowout win over Allgäu Comets

Two defensive touchdowns sparked a runaway afternoon for the Pforzheim Wilddogs (5-1), who rolled past the Allgäu Comets (1-4) 61-13 Saturday at Kramski Arena in a German Football League game that quickly swung after an early surprise from the visitors.

After falling behind on the very first play of the game, the Wilddogs responded with 61 unanswered points before a late Comets score, turning an early shock into a statement victory in the German Football League.

Comets strike first

The visitors from Allgäu could not have scripted a better start.

On the opening offensive snap, Gabe Quigley connected with Elias Krailjevic on a 75-yard touchdown play, giving the Comets a quick 7-0 lead.

The response from Pforzheim was immediate. Quarterback Drequan Harris guided the offense downfield and found Luca Faschian for the tying touchdown. Harris was outstanding throughout the afternoon, completing 19 of 22 passes for 296 yards and four touchdowns while also adding a rushing score.

Defense changes the game

Once the Wilddogs settled in, their defense completely flipped the momentum.

Nick Olivier jumped a pass and returned it for a touchdown, giving Pforzheim its first lead. Shortly afterward, Nathan Kalemba added another interception return touchdown, helping the Wilddogs surge ahead 21-7 by the end of the first quarter.

The defense continued to dominate from there, repeatedly putting the offense in favorable situations while preventing the Comets from finding any consistency.

Meanwhile, Theo Michel powered the running game with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also caught a touchdown pass as Pforzheim steadily extended its advantage.

AJ Coons added two touchdown receptions as the Wilddogs raced to a commanding 45-7 halftime lead.

Wilddogs stay in control

Despite temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, Pforzheim never let up after halftime.

Luca Hirschberger turned another broken play into a touchdown and converted the extra point himself to push the score to 53-7. Although the Comets defense managed to record interceptions by Josh Dutton and Richard Scheel and recovered a fumble through Beau Priegnitz, they could not slow the Wilddogs for long.

The game’s final highlight came when Antonio Alzheimer returned a blocked extra-point attempt for two points before Dre Harris capped the scoring with a late rushing touchdown.

Looking ahead

The victory keeps the Pforzheim Wilddogs firmly among the top teams in the GFL South and improves their record to 5-1. For the Allgäu Comets, who were also hit by several injuries during the game, attention now quickly turns to next week’s rematch in Kempten, where they will look for a much stronger response against one of the league’s hottest teams.