The Stuttgart Surge (7-2) solidified their playoff aspirations with a commanding 26-8 victory over the Paris Musketeers (5-4) in a critical European League of Football West Division matchup on Sunday, July 20, leveraging defensive grit and methodical offense to secure their seventh win.
Defensive dominance sets early tone
Stuttgart’s defense neutralized Paris’s high-powered attack, limiting the Musketeers to 249 total yards and forcing eight penalties. The Surge forced three turnovers on downs, including a critical fourth-quarter stop at their own 34-yard line. Paris quarterback Jaylon Henderson struggled under pressure, completing 18 of 34 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown.
Methodical offense seals Surge victory
Reilly Hennessey anchored Stuttgart’s balanced offense, rushing for a 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter and completing 14 of 24 passes for 174 yards. Wide receiver Michael Harley Jr. extended the lead to 17-0 with a 39-yard touchdown strike to teammate Louis Geyer (9 receptions, 147 yards) before halftime. Kicker Timo Bronn added four field goals (25, 23, 36, 42 yards), tying an ELF single-game record.
Late Musketeers rally falls short
Paris avoided a shutout in the fourth quarter when Henderson connected with Anthony Mahoungou (7 receptions, 103 yards) for a 37-yard touchdown and subsequent 2-point conversion. The Musketeers’ onside kick attempt failed, however, allowing Stuttgart to ice the game with Bronn’s fourth field goal.
Standings implications
The win extends Stuttgart’s lead atop the West Division, ahead of the Musketeers. Paris, now 5-4, faces an uphill battle for postseason contention. The Surge’s +8 turnover margin this season—a league best—positions them as a dark-horse title contender.
Key stats:
- Stuttgart: 313 total yards (213 passing, 100 rushing), 5 penalties, 30:57 time of possession
- Paris: 249 total yards (151 passing, 98 rushing), 8 penalties, 2/12 third-down conversions
- Bronn’s 42-yard field goal marked his longest of 2025.