Southampton Stags Smash Sussex Saxons

The Stags American Football Team eased to victory on Sunday 9th February against the Sussex Saxons to the tune of 33-0, with scores from Henry Schlaefli, Will French, Ed Tavares and Tom Corfield.

Coming off the back of a win against local rivals Solent Thrashers the Stags were looking to wrap up 2^nd place in the division. The Saxons were in 8^th place, expected of a team in its inaugural season. The Stags knew that such a team could not be taken lightly however, as mistakes would cost them their place in the knockout rounds.

The Stags received the opening kick-off and were able move the ball through the running of Henry Harris and Schlaefli before the drive stalled and the Stags were forced to hand the ball over to the Saxons. The Saxons were also unable to move the ball after good work from the Stag’s defence. The game remained scoreless until later in the quarter when the Stags put together a drive that finished with a 14 yard scamper from Schlaefli. The quarter ended 7-0 to the Stags.

A bizarre domestic injury sustained midweek by athlete extraordinaire Tom Christiansen deprived the Stags of their quarterback. As such, Tommaso Bendoni started the game without adequate preparation, meaning the Stags couldn’t execute their original game plan. However, the defence made plays to stop the Saxons including a play by Martin Wyard to knock the ball loose from the Saxons quarterback which Will French scooped up to run in for the score. The half would end 14-0.

Bendoni overcame his early misfires and connected on several throws in the second half, ending a drive with a pass to Ed Tavares for another score. Good blocks from the line and decisive running resulted in another score for Schlaefli at the beginning of the 4^th quarter.

With the score now up to 26-0 the Stags began to substitute in many rookies on offence and defence. The Saxons could not take advantage, however, and the defence managed a second score of their own through a 50-yard interception return by Tom Corfield to make the score 33-0 and seal the game.

Match report courtesy of Martin Wyard.