Phoenixes first win at the NSCF, 15-12
By the Phoenixes Sports Desk, Vaelis Brightsong
By the Phoenixes Sports Desk, Vaelis Brightsong
The rumours were true and Windrider might just be a genius.
As the teams ran out onto the field for the first play of the game the whispers from the corridors were proven to be true, Windrider has thrown out any semblance of tradition and is blooding many of the freshmen in the offence to try and generate some scoring pressure to back up our defence. A defence which currently boasts the lowest amount of points conceded in the conference and the third lowest across all conferences.
Jackalope with his first start in college football confirmed some nerves with a couple of early wayward passes, I’m sure I could see some sweat beading on Windriders head, but settled into the game completing 10 of 17 passes for 92 yards. Running back Bearclaw stood up to be noticed grinding out important yards rushing for 55 yards from his 15 attempts. Not an explosive game but steady gains kept the match ticking for the freshman and many proved their worth, none less than wide receiver Woodheart as he made 5 receptions for 62 yards including a third quarter touchdown to spark the life back into the game for the Phoenixes.
The game did not start well for the Phoenixes, whilst the defence held the Generals at arms reach, never giving up much territory but not being able to stop the field goal attempts found themselves losing early on finishing the first quarter 3-0.
Things did not improve in the second quarter as the offence couldn’t quite string together enough of a drive to get within range of the posts turning over the ball on a couple of fourth down attempts saw the score slip further to 9-0.
The half time team talk must have been one motivational message as there was now a glint in the eyes of all who stepped onto the pitch, some of the seniors, Silkenheart and Goldheart, now mixed back in with the freshmen galvanised the offence to charge down the pitch, lots of plays and lots of gains until Jackalope fired a missile into the chest of Woodheart who held on for dear life, needing a moment to catch the breath that was knocked out of him before leaping to his feet to celebrate with his teammates. The score 9-7 after the extra point from Duskblade sailed through the middle of the uprights.
The Generals managed another kick early in the fourth quarter to reestablish their lead to 12-7 but the reinvigorated offense of the Phoenixes came back at them with a vengeance moving the ball down the field until Bearclaw couldn’t quite breakthrough the line and Duskblade was called on again to make a 46 yard field goal attempt, straight as an arrow never in doubt, 12-10. Braverains kick-off couldn’t have been placed better, almost hanging in the air at the whim of a higher being, forcing the Generals to call a fair catch and set up on their own 5 yard line. Thalindra Nightfall, the defensive co-ordinator gesticulated wildly at the touchline to Windrider and Nightingale as some form of agreement was made before the first snap of the generals drive with less than 2 minutes on the clock for this quarter. Well there was no guessing what must have been said as Nightingale times the snap perfectly flattening the Generals guard and charging after the quarterback who looked like a deer in headlights as the freight train ran straight through the quarterback for a safety, the game is tied 12-12. Cobaltheart received the kick and managed to regain some field position up to the half way line. The offense lined up and play after play ground out the yardage, short passes and runs out to touch to stop the clock as they pass the 40, the 30, the 20 and get held. Into the last 10 seconds as Duskblade sprints to his mark, a deep breath, a moment for his retribution as the ball is snapped and placed…. Duskblade pummels the ball through the uprights as the time runs out, euphoria on the players faces.
We caught up with Windrider after the game “Yeah it’s great to get a win on the big stage the guys deserve, they’ve trained hard and persevered and this win showed real character.” *and what about the idea to start a lot of the first years?* “They’ve been chomping at the bit and we haven’t really been scoring much, relying heavily on Duskblade, who has been excellent and I’m really pleased he bounced back to kick that winner today showed some mental strength after last week.”
“I knew I had to get there and the team needed me to” Nightingale recounted “We’ve worked on it in training with Nightfall and the timing and positioning were perfect, people underestimate me due to my size but I’m quick over that short distance as that QB found out” as he chuckled back to the changing room.
The Phoenixes victory over Gerthos State showcased the potential of our younger guys with freshmen stepping up on both sides of the ball, including key performances from Bearclaw on offense and Ironheart on defense, the team demonstrated resilience and poise under pressure. The win, fueled by strong defensive play and timely offensive drives, propels Lithrelier to a 1-2 record in the Equinox Division, giving them momentum as they look to build on this success throughout the rest of the season.
Back on the road next week to Staramara Tech who currently sit bottom of the Starlight division the Phoenixes will have to continue this form for hopes of success in this debut season. Stay tuned, as this team is ready to soar once more.
Will it go up? Maybe...
