Stuttgart Surge dominate Centurions in historic ELF rout

AFI | American Football | 06/23/2025

Photo: Svenja Sabatini

The Stuttgart Surge (4-1) delivered a commanding 88-7 victory over the Cologne Centurions (0-5) in a sweltering European League of Football (ELF) clash at GAZi-Stadion auf der Waldau, extending their win streak and cementing their playoff credentials. The 81-point margin marked one of the most lopsided results in league history, fueled by Stuttgart’s ruthlessness on both sides of the ball.

Offensive explosion sets early tone
The Surge scored 35 unanswered points in the first quarter alone, overwhelming Cologne’s depleted defense. Running back Kai Hunter punched in two touchdowns, while wide receiver Mike Harley Jr. electrified with a 71-yard punt return score and another receiving TD. Bryan Yankson added two rushing touchdowns, and kicker Timo Bronn—named “Player of the Game”—flawlessly converted all 12 PATs and two field goals for 20 total points. By halftime, the lead ballooned to 54-0 after Micah McCullough’s touchdown and Florian Lengauer’s scoring reception.

Defensive mastery compounds chaos
Stuttgart’s defense stifled Cologne at every turn, tallying five sacks (Nikolas Knoblauch, Omar Dittrich, Lasse Engel, Maximilian Dommermuth) and two interceptions by Julian Ludwig Mayorga. Two punt blocks—one recovered for a touchdown, another resulting in a safety—demoralized the Centurions, who managed only 7 points via a late Austin Osborne TD catch. Quarterback Keegan McCormick faced constant pressure, with errant snaps and incompletions plaguing Cologne’s disjointed offense.

Bench depth shines in garbage time
With the game decided by halftime, Stuttgart rotated backups without relenting. Quarterback Lars Heidrich relieved starter Reilly Hennessey, connecting with Emil Rabin and Daniel Pedro for scores. McCullough and Yankson added second-half touchdowns, while Cologne’s lone highlight came too late to dent the Surge’s focus. Head coach Jordan Neuman emphasized discipline postgame: “Taking the game seriously until the end was our biggest challenge.”

Road ahead
The Surge travel to face the Munich Ravens next week, aiming to avenge an earlier loss and solidify South Division standing. Cologne, still winless, must regroup before hosting the Berlin Thunder. For Stuttgart, this rout underscores their title ambitions; for the Centurions, it’s a stark reminder of the gap they must close.

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