The London Blitz B's began the season with a solid 38 - 20 win over the Norwich Devils.
After scoring on the opening drive, the Blitz B's looked like the favourite, but they remained focused, knowing that Devils weren't going to give up without a fight.
Blitz QB Timothée Liechti had a great afternoon, always staying calm in the pocket, and often keeping drives alive with surgical passing or by weaving through the Defense to rush for a first down. He finished the day with 4 TDs, finding WRs Jacob Howard, Junior Juneweather, Henry Charlton-Weedy and Simon Cruise in the end zone.
QB Timothée Liechti sliding for a first down
The Blitz also demonstrated versatility with a strong running-game, with solid rushing performances from both Rayann Thor and Adokla Adesona, who finished with two TDs between them.
C Matthew Rose celebrating his blocks
However, the Devils were never far behind, able to exploit favourable match-ups and finding success with long balls down the sideline, resulting in two TDs of their own. A fumble on a Blitz kick-return resulted in another Devils TD, demonstrating the difference that Special Teams can make to a score-line.
Commenting on the win, Blitz QB Timothée Liechti said: "Sunday's win was a perfect start to the season. Norwich came out fighting, and we were ready for them. Our O-Line was holding their blocks well, the WR helped drive the ball down the field, and the RBs had some strong carries. As an Offense, we have a lot to improve on and we'll keep working every day, but it's great to get that first W under our belt."
Team Captain and ILB Alex Igoh said: "It was a good solid win today against a decent Norwich Devils team who look as if they will be able to compete very well this season. I thought we looked particularly impressive on Offense where, for the majority of the game, we were unstoppable. Also, aside from the two splash plays I thought we were in control defensively. We know what we're trying to achieve this season and now that the 'first game jitters' are out of the way we will be looking to push on against an Essex Spartans team who we've become very familiar with."
DB Jack Morrisey with an INT
Photography credits: Phillip Rocker and Jody Demay-Davies