AMERICAN Football — Inverclyde Goliaths Travel To Play Dundee HurricanesINVERCLYDE’S American Football outfit played their first away game of the year, at Dundee, leaving just two games to go to prove their worth of entering the National League’s Division Two.
Inverclyde Goliaths and Dundee Hurricanes took to the field boasting large and capable squads, a must in front of the overseeing assessor. Dundee won the coin toss, electing to receive the ball in the second half. The first half was a defensive showcase, with both offences struggling to drive up the field, the strong wind playing a huge factor in the passing game.
On the Hurricanes kick-off to restart the game for the second half, the Goliaths held up the Hurricanes to allow return man Bud McFerren to collect the ball within his own end-zone and charge down the field for the 102-yard, kick-return, touchdown. The extra-point kick attempt from tight end Richie Moore was good, taking the score to 7-0.
The Goliaths squad were fired up and the defence continued to hold strong, keeping the Hurricanes to short yardage gains. The Hurricanes quarterback tried to force something special with a deep pass into the Goliaths’s half. However, this was easily picked off by strong safety Ruaraidh MacDonald and returned to the Hurricanes 44-yard to give the Goliaths offence great field position.
The Goliaths offence showed their immaturity, with some fundamental alignment errors. This forced the Goliaths back into their own half, punting the ball on fourth down. The ‘Canes now with the ball were unable to break down the Goliaths defence, going three and out.
Following the turnover, the Goliaths offence employed the services of full-back Scott Little, committing to the run game from within their own half, or so the defence thought. Running back Nicky Farrell took what looked like a run outside and passed the ball to McFerren who sprinted downfield 40 yards to the Dundee two-yard line.
Now with four attempts to get the two yards for a score, the Hurricanes brought everyone to the line to stop the quarterback sneak but, on the second attempt, the Goliaths swept the ball out left with a pitch to Nicky Farrell, the Goliaths scoring their second touchdown of the day. The extra-point kick attempt from Richie Moore was this time short but Goliaths led 13-0.
The game was now nearing the fourth quarter and, with a comfortable grip on the game, the Goliaths started to give the less experienced squad members some valuable game time.
The Hurricanes managed to capitalise on some poor angles and missed tackles, on a 43-yard run and score. Playing catch up, the ‘Canes then went for two-point conversion and were successful with the quarterback driving through the middle to make it 13-8.
With just over four minutes left, the Goliaths were determined to get another score on the board. However the offence struggled with the wind at their back to gain a first down and had lined up to punt.
Spotting a man uncovered at the line, the Goliaths faked the punt with wide receiver David Pasnik found with a 40-yard catch-and-run from running back Bud for the first down. Bud then was on the receiving end of a seven-yard pass from quarterback Lang for the touchdown. Kicker Scott McDonald put the ball through the posts for the extra-point kick attempt to make it 20-8. The Goliaths defence took the field, determined to see the last minutes out without conceding any more.
A quarterback sack from centre Musti Bastekin forced the fumble, The ball was recovered by linebacker Scott Little allowing the Goliaths offence back on the field to kneel out the clock.
Head coach Martin McLintock said: “We got off to a slow start offensively and were really held in check by Dundee early. The players worked hard to turn that around and did a great job in the second half, limiting mistakes and taking opportunities to score. It was great to see major contributions from some of the new and inexperienced players throughout the day, showing that their hard work is paying off.”
Most Valuable Players
— Offence: Bud McFerren, with two touchdowns
— Defence: Max McFarlane, rookie on his first start managed two quarterback sacks and kept the Dundee offence stuffed in the pocket.
— Team: Musti Bastekin, the veteran lineman took charge, creating running lanes for the running backs. He also played defensive line and got himself a sack and a few tackles.
Inverclyde Goliaths will host the Dumfries Hunters on 30 September at Greenock Wanderers Rugby Club, 1pm kick-off.
Inverclyde Goliaths is for 18 years and older and continues to recruit. The club also offers a non-contact alternative with Clyde Comets, 16 years and above. The Inverclyde Mighty Ducks is for two to 12-year-olds and Phoenix is for 12 to 18-year-olds, training every Sunday, 11.20am at Fort Matilda Playing Fields.
Inverclyde American Football can be found on social media @InverclydeAmfit.
