OL Jason Jimenez and the Frankfurt Galaxy will meet Berlin in World Bowl XII.
In what was to become an exciting preview of World Bowl XII, the Frankfurt Galaxy (6-2) fell to the Berlin Thunder (7-1), 31-27, Saturday.
Entering Week 8, the Galaxy needed to win only one of their remaining three games, or have the Rhein Fire (3-5) lose one of their final three, in order to reach NFL-E's championship game against the Thunder, who clinched their spot in the title game in Week 7.
The Cologne Centurions (3-5) secured the Galaxy's fate with a 7-6 victory over the Fire, Sunday, ending all hopes Rhein had of playing in World Bowl XII at their home stadium.
Led by quarterback Rohan Davey, the Thunder out-dueled the Galaxy in their first of two regular-season meetings, forcing Frankfurt to wait until Sunday to know whether it would be playing for the title.
On the day, Davey completed 16-of-25 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns, while running back Eric McCoo (Philadelphia) had 187 total yards, including a 28-yard touchdown reception.
For the Galaxy, quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan (New Orleans) completed 17-of-25 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Skip Hicks (Cincinnati) had 20 carries for 65 yards and two scores.
Frankfurt and Berlin will meet again in Week 10 before moving on to World Bowl XII, Saturday, June 12 at Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen.
Cornerback Erwin Swiney helped put an end to the Fire's dreams of playing for a championship, posting six tackles and three passes defensed for the Centurions.
The Fire struck first when backup quarterback Greg Zolman (Buffalo) scored on a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, but the Fire's extra-point attempt was blocked, leaving the door open for Cologne.
The Centurions took the decisive lead in the third quarter when Ryan Van Dyke (NYG) connected with Ben Nelson (Minnesota) for a 14-yard touchdown.
Packers defensive ends Eric Powell and Cullen Jenkins each had a sack as the Centurions got to Rhein quarterback Chad Hutchinson (Dallas) five times.
For the Fire, Packers wide receiver Shockmain Davis had one catch for 2 yards.
In other NFL-E action, the Scottish Claymores (2-6) celebrated their 100th game in franchise history with just their second victory of the season, 19-17, over the Amsterdam Admirals (3-5).
Bare-footed kicker Rob Hart (England) capped off a 13-play drive with a 43-yard field goal with 1:24 remaining in the game after the Claymores' defense forced a turnover to regain possession.
For the Admirals, Packers cornerback Derek Combs had four tackles and returned four kicks for 89 yards. Tight end Tony Donald had one catch for 22 yards, while linebacker Steve Josue had one tackle.
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Week 8 Results
Berlin 31, Frankfurt 27 (Attendance: 30,812)
Cologne 7, Rhein 6 (Attendance: 20,354)
Scotland 19, Amsterdam 17 (Attendance: 10,738)
Week 9 Schedule
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Berlin at Scotland -- 8:00 AM (CT)
Frankfurt at Rhein -- 12:00 PM (CT)
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Amsterdam at Cologne -- 1:00 PM (CT)
