Rhein Fire secure playoff momentum with decisive win over Raiders Tirol
The Rhein Fire (7-4) solidified their postseason aspirations with a 34-24 home victory over the Raiders Tirol (5-6) in a pivotal European League of Football matchup, eliminating the visitors from playoff contention while tightening their grip on a Wild Card berth.
Jeffries and Kwofie power Fire’s playoff push
Quarterback Chad Jeffries delivered a masterclass, completing 20 of 29 passes for 318 yards and 4 touchdowns, with receiver Harlan Kwofie hauling in 11 catches for 178 yards and 3 scores. The duo’s chemistry shone brightest in the second half, as Jeffries found Kwofie for two third-quarter touchdowns to extend the lead to 34-17. Running back Jalen Scott added balance with 72 rushing yards and a touchdown, while the Fire defense limited the Raiders to 3.8 yards per carry.
Raiders’ late rally falls short
Despite a valiant effort from quarterback Nathan Perry (23/36, 285 yards, 3 TD), the Raiders dropped their third straight game. Receiver Jalen Sullivan starred with 8 receptions for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a fourth-quarter score to trim the deficit to 34-24. Running back Lukas Haslwanter managed 37 rushing yards, but the Raiders’ red-zone struggles (1-of-3 conversions) and penalties (6 for 60 yards) proved costly.
Defensive stands define momentum shifts
The Rhein Fire defense stifled the Raiders Tirol’s late rally behind safety Omari Williams (13 tackles) and linebacker Marius Kensey (10 tackles). Williams’ open-field stops neutralized the Raiders’ short-passing attack, while Kensey’s relentless pursuit bottled up rushing lanes, holding the Raiders to 3.8 yards per carry. The unit forced three critical three-and-outs in the second half, including a pivotal stop at midfield with 6:22 remaining to preserve the 10-point lead.
Playoff implications and lookahead
With the win, the Fire control their postseason fate heading into a Week 14 divisional showdown against the Nordic Storm. The Raiders Tirol, now mathematically eliminated, host the Cologne Centurions in their season finale, aiming to avoid a four-game skid.
Key stats
- Total yards: Rhein Fire 432, Raiders Tirol 370
- Time of possession: Raiders Tirol 36:17, Rhein Fire 23:43
- Third-down efficiency: Rhein Fire 6/12, Raiders Tirol 7/15
