London
Blitz 14 Coventry Jets 6
Sunday
saw the London Blitz crowned National Champions for the first
time
in their history, following their first undefeated Premier Division
season.
They triumphed 14-6 over the Coventry Cassidy Jets at Don Valley
Stadium,
in Sheffield.
As
with many of this season's games, the Blitz victory was based on a
strong, dominating defense, led by MVP (Most Valuable Player) Lennox
Johnson. Johnson had two interceptions, a fumble recovery and gave the
sort of performance that has made the Blitz' defense the best in the
league this year.
The Blitz points came on two touchdown passes thrown by quarterback
Stuart Franklin. The first was a five yard completion to Marcin Lai in
the
first quarter; the second a twelve yard toss to Rod Bradley in the third
quarter.
The Jets sole score came on a Tim Spaull touchdown pass to wide
receiver Mark Cohen, but even then, Blitz linebacker Jason Brisbane
blocked the extra point. The Jets have now lost two games against
domestic opposition in the past three years; both being losses to the
Blitz, in the last six weeks.
Head Coach Mark Moss said, "This is the culmination of our five year
plan.
We couldn't have hoped for a better season and I'm proud of every single
player who's contributed this year. We've earned this National
Championship with sixty months of blood, sweat, pain and pride".
Outstanding players on the defense, apart from MVP Johnson, were NFL
Europa trialist Jason Brisbane, who made 11 unassisted tackles, and
defensive end Pat Yeye, who had two and a half quarterback sacks, and
five pressures.
Following the culmination of a season, which saw forty three players
make the starting line-up, Club Chairman Robin Pierce said, "When we
made the
final last year, I think we were satisfied just to get there. This year
we really believed we could win, and we did. This is a team without
stars, and a club without politics. We do what we have to do to win, and
tonight we've proved we've got what it takes to win 'the big one'.
MVP Lennox Johnson summed up the victory when he said, "This victory
means more to everyone than individual awards ever could. We're proud to
be London's number one team, and now we've proved we're the number one
team in the country, innit".
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