Warriors in historic win over Axemen
It has been 301 long days since the Warriors last took the field (not that any ones counting). That last game saw the Warriors fall to the Axemen 40-12 in the Southern Conference Championship ending their season.
This past weekend the Warriors were determined to not let that happen again and were ready to dish out a little payback.
In front of a crowd of 200 this year’s clash started out in the same manner as the last one, with big runs and bone crunching tackles from both sides. Neither side willing to allow the other space nor territory. The Warriors were finally able to draw first blood at the 14 minute mark when 2014 leading try scorer Richard Alan Mizell went over for the first try of the season (again).
The Axemen, as true champions do, replied back right away with Jay Defau rumbling over the line. The conversion kick brought the score level again at 6 all. Unfortunately for the Axemen the Warriors defense tightened up and would hold the line for the next 60 minutes.
A few errors and penalties enabled the Warriors to apply pressure deep inside Axemen territory. Josh Jackson was able to exploit half a gap and step into the try zone to put the Warriors on top again. As the first half began winding down, the Warriors new import – Lance Wright, made his presence felt as he broke several tackles on his way to a 50 try.
Coming out of the halftime break with an 18-6 lead the Warriors never looked back. A great team defensive effort kept the Axemen out of the try zone despite several opportunities. Taylor Alley opened up the scoring in the second half with a great individual effort, breaking through the line and around the fullback for his first try in Warrior colors. Kenny Britt and Roderigus Ceasar finished up the scoring with a try in each corner and Brian Eschen was 5 of 6 on conversion to bring the final score to 34-6 (Interestingly the same 28 point differential as last year’s game).
Man of the Match honors go to Bart Longchamp. Bart continually led from the front in both offense and defense. He continually gained ground with hard hitting power runs up the middle on offence only to then turn around and defend with the same exuberance causing turnovers and dominating tackles.
This was a monumental win for the Warriors, after 3 disappointing losses to the Axemen last year to start off the season with a win is sweet redemption. The Warriors ties to the Axemen run deep with 11 Warriors having donned the Axemen Jersey in previous years. They have the upmost respect for the Axemen as a team and organization and the players will be ready for an all-out war in the rematch in Jacksonville on July 18th in the final game of the season.
Warriors have a bye next week and then will be in Tampa on June 13th!
Warrior Try’s: Rich Mizel, Josh Jackson,Lance Wright, Taylor Alley, Kenny Britt, Roderigus Ceasar
Conversion: Brian Eschen 5 of 6