BERLIN – The Thunder secured a narrow 14-13 victory over the Galaxy on December 14 in a closely contested Week 15 regular-season matchup. With the win, the Thunder improved to a 12-3 record and maintained their lead in the division, while the Galaxy fell to 7-8 and have been eliminated from playoff contention.

The Galaxy opened the scoring early. Quarterback Earl Dillard connected with William Madruga for an 8-yard touchdown run just over nine minutes into the game. The extra point attempt by Nigel Price was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 6-0. The Galaxy extended their lead in the second quarter when Dillard threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Frank Hardeman, followed by a successful extra point that brought the score to 13-0.

The Thunder responded in the third quarter. Quarterback Micheal Deangelo’s 13-yard touchdown pass to Ronald Ponce narrowed the deficit to 13-6 after Michael Barrett converted the extra point. The Thunder’s defense made key contributions, including one sack, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Mark Lanning notably recovered a fumble from Galaxy receiver Joshua Adams in the first quarter.

Offensively, the Thunder leaned on their rushing attack, carrying the ball 29 times for 89 yards and one touchdown by Ronald Ponce. Quarterback Deangelo completed 13 of 15 passes for 163 yards, including the touchdown pass. Wide receiver Jerome Gregg led the Thunder receiving corps with 73 yards.

The scoring drive that ultimately decided the game came in the third quarter when the Thunder sealed their 14-point total on a rushing touchdown. The Galaxy’s kicker Nigel Price struggled, missing all three field goal attempts, including one from 20 yards out as time expired in the second quarter.

Defensively, Richard Buck of the Galaxy forced a fumble but the team was unable to capitalize on crucial opportunities. Galaxy quarterback Earl Dillard completed an impressive 36 of 47 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns but was hampered early by a critical fumble near their own end zone.

Berlin head coach Carl Cottle’s Thunder clinched the division with this victory, extending their winning streak to four games. Meanwhile, Galaxy coach Christopher Goodsell’s squad continued their losing streak to two and will not participate in the postseason.

Both teams struggled to convert on third downs and failed to score touchdowns in the red zone despite multiple visits. Penalties were limited, with the Galaxy committing four infractions for 30 yards and the Thunder two for 18 yards.

The Thunder’s disciplined defense and timely offensive execution proved decisive in a game marked by missed kicking opportunities and key turnovers.