Rhein Fire rally past injury-stricken Hamburg in ELF comeback
The Rhein Fire (5-4) overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Hamburg Sea Devils (2-7) 25-13 in European League of Football action this past weekend, riding quarterback Chad Jeffries’ four-touchdown performance to keep playoff hopes alive.
Jeffries’ aerial dominance overcomes early struggles
Jeffries completed 25 of 28 passes for 371 yards, delivering second-half touchdowns to TJ Alexander (16 yards), Jonathan Scott (7 yards), and Harlan Kwofie (59 yards) to erase a 13-6 deficit. The Fire’s offense initially sputtered, punting on their first two drives before Jeffries found Mark Pope for a 3-yard score late in the second quarter.
Injury derails Hamburg’s momentum
Hamburg collapsed after losing quarterback Micah Leon to a second-quarter injury. Leon’s 40-yard touchdown strike to Terryon Robinson and Robinson’s 3-yard rushing score gave the Sea Devils a 13-6 lead, but backups Nazir Streater and Robinson managed just 10 completions afterward. Running back Chrisman Kyei (18 carries, 81 yards) provided brief respite, but Hamburg’s final six drives ended in punts or turnovers.
Kwofie critiques Fire’s execution despite win
“We have to finish attacks better,” said Rhein receiver Harlan Kwofie, who tallied 153 yards and a touchdown on six catches. His 59-yard fourth-quarter score sealed the win, but Rhein’s 5 penalties highlighted persistent discipline issues.
Key stats:
- Rhein Fire: 440 total yards (371 passing), 6 third-down conversions
- Hamburg: 241 total yards (161 rushing), 9 third-down conversions
- Turnovers: Hamburg 2, Rhein 1
Standings implications
The Fire retain playoff contention, while Hamburg’s postseason hopes dim with their seventh loss.
Upcoming games:
- Rhein Fire host the Berlin Thunder on July 27.
- Hamburg Sea Devils travel to face the Stuttgart Surge on July 27.
