Stuttgart Surge outlast Frankfurt Galaxy in high-scoring ELF showdown
The Stuttgart Surge (6-2) cemented their playoff credentials with a 54-39 road victory over the Frankfurt Galaxy (3-5) in Week 9 of the European League of Football, overcoming explosive plays from Frankfurt’s special teams and a standout performance by Galaxy QB Jameson Wang.
Hennessey, Hunter ignite early surge
Surge quarterback Reilly Hennessey set the tone, orchestrating a flawless opening drive capped by RB Kai Hunter’s 5-yard TD. Hennessey finished 20/25 for 360 yards and 6 touchdowns, spreading throws to Mike Harley Jr. (102 receiving yards, 1 TD), Louis Geyer (172 yards, 3 TDs), and TE Roberto Miranda (2 TDs). The Surge defense complemented the offense early, with lineman Raphael Zistler sacking Wang on Frankfurt’s first possession.
Galaxy fight back with special teams brilliance
Frankfurt clawed into contention behind returners Brevin Easton and Bijon Harris, who combined for 174 punt/kickoff return yards. Harris’ 74-yard punt return TD before halftime cut the deficit to 28-20. Wang (62 attempts, 4 TDs) leveraged short fields, connecting with Easton and Kevin Kaya, while RB Gerald Ameln added two rushing scores.
Galaxy returner Bijon Harris leaping into end zone following 74 yard punt return. Photo @uzis.studio
Defensive stops swing momentum
Critical turnovers proved decisive. LB Nikolas Knoblauch forced a fumble recovered by Marko Vidackovic, leading to Hennessey’s 12-yard TD scramble. CB Nick Wenzelburger’s fourth-quarter interception halted a Galaxy rally, allowing Geyer to score his third TD on the ensuing drive. The Surge defense, though stretched by Wang’s 456 total yards, held firm on three fourth-down stops.
Third-quarter explosion seals victory
Head coach Jordan Neuman leaned on Hunter’s ground game (68 rushing yards) to drain the clock, while Hennessey’s precision dismantled Frankfurt’s secondary. Geyer’s one-handed TD catch and Miranda’s acrobatic score stretched the lead to 54-27 late, weathering a cosmetic Galaxy rally.
Neuman praises Galaxy resilience
“Frankfurt’s quarterback played exceptionally well—his footwork and accuracy kept us on edge,” Neuman said postgame. “But our players stepped up when it mattered. This win sets us up for a critical matchup against Paris next week.”
The Surge now sit second in the ELF West, while the Galaxy face dwindling playoff hopes. Stuttgart’s 488 total yards underscored their status as title contenders, though defensive adjustments loom after allowing 39 points.
