Caesars Convincing Over Alphas

Nottingham Caesars 34-8 Scunthorpe Alphas (BAFANL Central East) 19.09.21

Twice in two, successive outings, the Nottingham Caesars American Football side, registered a 30+ score against opponents, Scunthorpe Alphas, whilst also restricting them to single figures.

Last time out, the Caesars, away to the Alphas, claimed a 33-6 success, on Sunday gone, the score-line was marginally greater in what was the Caesars’ penultimate game of the season.

Although, after the opening exchanges, it certainly didn’t look like the score would be anywhere near what it ended up being, neither side registering a single point in the first quarter, before the Caesars took a half-time lead, by a one-score margin.

During the second quarter, running back, Paddy Donnelly, would be seen to take the first of his two, rushing touchdowns of the game, and, with the conversion also good to go, the Caesars led at the interval by seven.

With that low scoring first, few would have guessed the points that flowed in the second, but flow they did, with the Caesars, at Fortress Stute, taking a firm control of the contest.

That lead was quickly doubled when Caesars quarterback, Liam MacGovern, fired a passing touchdown for wide receiver, Ben Cheshire to cross into the end zone; Ben Pugh then rushed in on the next play, before, and on the fade at 39 yards, wide receiver, Jaidan Abraham, was also sent in for the score, and suddenly, after such a quiet first, the Caesars found themselves 20-points up, and a shut-out for the defence.

The points kept on coming for the hosts, and Paddy Donnelly added his second score, and another rushing touchdown, late in the game and, with the conversion also made, the Caesars were now at 27-0, time for another quarterback to steal some of the spotlight.

Tomas Jorge would release Abraham for his second score of the afternoon, and with it, Jorge’s first-ever touchdown pass and, with a good conversion, the Caesars would find themselves at 34-0 and that shut-out still very much on the cards.

Disappointed they’d be however, unable to whitewash their visitors when, in the closing moments, the Alphas would register to close the game out in a 34-8 success for the high-flying Caesars.

Afterwards, offensive lineman, Luke May, summed up the season when posting: “It’s really worrying that this is the penultimate game before the season ends. I don’t know what I’m going to do when the Season’s over.

“Safe to say this sport has taken over my life in nothing but the best of ways.

“As for the match, massive credit to coach Lloyd (Stone), who completely stepped up in his duties as offensive coordinator for the game. A game I hope he’s proud of. Credit also to coach (Mark) Price who through thick and thin is always there for us chonks on the Offensive Line.

“Huge credit to Scunthorpe Alphas American Football, who showed up, played hard and with a smaller team held us to account, especially in the first half! We got it together in the second half and held them to the sword, but It was an absolute pleasure play them, to visit the alphas and today hosting the Alphas and I have nothing but high expectations these Alpha’s will bully their way through the next season and begin their ascent!

“Love the bond that’s been forged on the O-line, we’ve gone all season and given up no sacks, we’re mostly rookies, we’re still learning how to play with each other, how to play our playbook and we hold each other to account. We’ve got a great game to end the season with next Sunday and it goes without saying we’re all looking to finish the season on a high and make it count next week.

“I love this game and love the trust, faith and support The Nottingham Caesars players and coaches have shown me and my family on the field.”

The Nottingham Caesars will run out for the last season this season, when they host the Northamptonshire Knights, this coming Sunday, 26 September, at the Stute, Ilkeston.