Blitz overcome shaky start to beat Aztecs
London Blitz A continued their #perfect season after a fourth quarter Oliver Bishop sack, safety and Kyle Jervier kick return sealed a tight game.
The Blitz v Aztecs game started brightly for the Blitz defence who picked up a fumble and gave the ball to their offense on their 29 yard line. The offense, led by Joe Thompson, couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity and turned the ball over on downs after going for it and missing on 4th down. On the Blitz’s next drive, things took a turn for the worst as a fumble gave the ball to the Aztecs’ offense in the redzone. Two pass interference calls on the defence had the ball inside the 5 for the visitors and they took full advantage, scoring the first TD of the game with a run by #34. Aztecs missed their PAT and led 0-6.
With the Blitz down, Remmy Ezeabasili returned the kick-off to the 31 yard line. The offense moved the ball well and on 2nd down at their own 44 yard line, with Remmy Ezeabasili in at RB, they broke off a 56 yard TD run to put 6 on the board for the Blitz. With the PAT converted, they led 7-6. The game remained 7-6 for the majority of the 2nd quarter and with the clock winding down, Mike Aboujaoude converted on 4th down with a pass from QB Joe Thompson. Then with only seconds on the clock, a pass interference foul called on the visitors’ #4 on Sam Rodgers gave the Blitz a chance to hit a field goal. Jasper Van-Dooren converted the field goal and the Blitz went into the half 10-6 up.
The 3rd quarter went scoreless as both defences dominated with the offenses concentrating on their run game. Into the 4th quarter and the Blitz put Temi Oduyemi in at RB. Oduyemi carried the ball a few times before breaking a 25 yard gain to put the ball in the redzone. After a holding call pushed the offense out of the redzone, the Blitz had a 3rd and 17 on the 27 yard line. The Blitz couldn’t pick up the 1st down but set up a 30 yard field goal which Jack Daley converted giving the home side a 13-6 lead. After both offenses punted on their next drives, the Aztecs’ offense started from their 15 yard line. A big sack by Oliver Bishop on 3rd down forced the Aztecs into a punting situation. On the 4th down, a high snap over the punter’s head and out the back of the endzone resulted in a safety which made the score line 15-6 in favour of the home side. On the ensuing kick off, Blitz WR Kyle Jervier returned the ball for another TD and after the PAT, the Blitz lead stood at 22-6.
The Aztecs offense took the field with hopes of a miracle but the Blitz’s winning mentality shone through as Kodjo Davis came up with the interception to end the game and give the Blitz a 22-6 win.
Blitz reporter Yonis Aden