First ever EFA-game: Frankfurt loses tight season opener against Paris

The Frankfurt Galaxy opened the new EFA season with a bitter home loss at the PSD Bank Arena. In front of 5,638 fans, Frankfurt narrowly fell to the Paris Musketeers 20:21 in the Friday Night Lights Game. The result continues a strange tradition for the German franchise, as Frankfurt has now lost every season opener since the organization returned in 2021.

The game started in promising fashion for the home side. Frankfurt’s defense dominated large stretches of the first half and constantly pressured Paris quarterback Zach Edwards. Multiple sacks and a huge goal line stand at the 1 yard line prevented the visitors from scoring early. On offense, Ryan Rimmler put Frankfurt on the board first with an early field goal.

However, Frankfurt’s offense struggled throughout most of the evening. Quarterback Ethan Garbers faced constant pressure and was sacked several times by Paris’ aggressive defensive front. Shortly before halftime, Paris capitalized on one of its few opportunities. Zach Edwards led the Musketeers deep into the red zone and connected with Rémi Bertellin for a touchdown just before the break, giving Paris a 7:3 halftime lead.

After halftime, Frankfurt fought its way back into the game. Dominique Mambo delivered a key interception that gave the Galaxy valuable momentum and eventually led to more points. For a long time, the matchup remained defense oriented before the fourth quarter suddenly exploded offensively.

Paul Kavadia Lenhardt gave Frankfurt the lead again with a touchdown reception. After a successful two point conversion by quarterback Ethan Garbers, Frankfurt suddenly led 14:7. Only moments later, Mason Chambers intercepted Zach Edwards and returned the ball for a pick six touchdown, extending Frankfurt’s lead to 20:7 and giving the home team complete momentum.

But Paris answered in impressive fashion. Zach Edwards led the Musketeers on two quick scoring drives. First, he found Hugo Tekedam for a touchdown before scoring the game winning touchdown himself on a quarterback run. Within just a few minutes, Paris had completely turned the game around.

Frankfurt still had one final opportunity to win the game late in the fourth quarter but failed on a fourth down attempt near the goal line. The result marked another disappointing season opener for Frankfurt and a difficult start into the new EFA era.

Off the field, however, the EFA debut was considered a major success. The game was broadcast internationally across multiple platforms. YouTube featured both an English and a French commentary stream, while German viewers were able to watch the matchup through the ARD Mediathek. Both the production quality and the commentary teams received very positive feedback. For the very first game in league history, the overall presentation already looked highly professional and represented a strong start for the EFA’s media product.

Quarter Scores

• Q1: Frankfurt 3 – 0 Paris
• FG Ryan Rimmler (32 yards)

• Q2: Frankfurt 0 – 7 Paris
• TD Rémi Bertellin, 8 yard pass from Zach Edwards
• PAT Dean Faithfull good

• Q3: Frankfurt 3 – 0 Paris
• FG Ryan Rimmler (29 yards)

• Q4: Frankfurt 14 – 14 Paris
• Frankfurt:
  • TD Paul Kavadia Lenhardt, 13 yard pass from Ethan Garbers
  • 2PT Ethan Garbers run successful
  • Pick Six Mason Chambers
  • PAT blocked

• Paris
  • TD Hugo Tekedam, 28 yard pass from Zach Edwards
• PAT Dean Faithfull good
• TD Zach Edwards rushing
• PAT Dean Faithfull good

Final Score

Frankfurt Galaxy 20 – 21 Paris Musketeers