Cologne Tar Heels (er, Centurions) Report: NFL Europa Week 8

The Cologne Tar Heels Centurions came into Week 8 of the NFL Europa Season wit the chance to clinch a berth in World Bowl XV with a win and an Amsterdam loss. The Rhein Fire did their job, beating the Admirals 41-38 and eliminating them from World Bowl contention. However, Cologne lost handily to the Hamburg Sea Devils, by a score of 21-7.

No victory ride for you this week, Jupp Maximus.

The Hamburg defense absolutely dominated this game, holding the Centurions to 182 total yards, and the NFLE’s best rushing offense to only 88 yards on the ground. Despite never crossing midfield in the first half, Cologne still had a good chance to win after A.J. Harris’ 54 yard touchdown run tied the game at 7-7 one minute and five seconds into the second half. However less than three minutes later, Hamburg finished a long drive with a 15 yard touchdown run by Tony Hollings to take the lead back. The Centurions continued to struggle, and in the fourth quarter they committed three turnovers on their own end of the field, including a fumble with 7:28 left, which led to another Tony Hollings touchdown and effectively sealed the win for the Sea Devils. UNC’s own Bobby Blizzard led Cologne in receiving again with 6 catches and 57 yards, but it was not enough.

The game brings both teams to 5-3 and a tie for 2nd place in the NFLE season; the Frankfurt Galaxy, at 6-2, are in sole possession of first place. Frankfurt, Cologne, and Hamburg are the only remaining teams in World Bowl contention, and Frankfurt’s final two games, will be at the Sea Devils and hosting the Centurions. A win by either of these squads against the Galaxy would go a long way toward a World Bowl berth, but there is still a chance for a three way tie at the top. Cologne must win their home finale, a rematch with Amsterdam in week 9, to to remain in position for a World Bowl berth.