The Sutherland Seahawks faced the Ducks for the 3rd time this season. This time, it was for a spot in the Championship.

 

The Seahawks defeated the Ducks in both regular season games but knew this wouldn’t be an easy feat. The respective number 2 and 3 teams on the competition ladder had a feeling this game would go down to the wire.

 

The ‘Hawks received the ball first and knew if they were going to win this game they would have to score a lot of points. The number 1 ranked offense was ready for the challenge. A first drive 58-yard touchdown run by running back Blake Maddock blew the doors off. Seahawks 8-0.

The Ducks responded with a stout running attack. The 6-play drive appeared over before the Ducks’ quarterback converted a 3rd and 12 with a deep touchdown pass. Seahawks lead 8-6.

 

After exploding for touchdown drives, both teams stalled their second possession and were forced to punt. The Ducks sent a booming punt down the field and the pressure by a tackler forced a Seahawk fumble deep in their own half. Ducks would recover. The Ducks took advantage with a 5-play scoring drive and took their first lead of the game. Ducks 14-8.

 

The Seahawks offense was quick to pull the trigger as quarterback Harry Clarke found wide receiver Matt Hull three times on the scoring drive including a 33-yard touchdown pass down the sideline. Seahawks reclaimed the lead 16-14.

The defense tightened with a bend but don’t break attitude before halftime. Outlasting a 7-play drive by forcing and recovering a fumble. The offense tried to push the ball downfield before halftime but to no avail.

 

Halftime Score – Seahawks 16 Ducks 14

 

The defense would try to make amends for their slow start but couldn’t get things right. The 10-play Ducks drive resulted in a touchdown run up the middle. Ducks 22 – 16.

 

Luckily, the Seahawks offense was having an outstanding game. A few plays and a terrific touchdown scamper by running back Steven Gamu pushed the Seahawks infront. The Seahawks offense was tremendous in converting 2 pt plays, being 4/5 on the day. Seahawks 24-22.

 

The Ducks started to push the ball and the ‘Hawks defense was looking for any sort of momentum. An interception by defensive back Seb Riley gave them a spark they would need for the 4th quarter.

The offense continued to roll and made the most of the field position from the turnover. Another fast scoring drive resulted in a Matt Hull touchdown grab in the end zone, his second of the day. With a chance to push the lead to two possessions, they couldn’t convert the 2pt giving the Ducks a chance being down 8 points. Seahawks lead 30 – 22.

 

The Ducks with a lifeline felt the urgency and drove down the field for an 11-play drive converting multiple 4th down attempts. The Ducks threw a deep touchdown pass over the middle. The Ducks down by 2 needed the conversion and kept the ball in the air to do it. Scores tied 30-30.

 

With minimal time left, the Seahawks offense was forced to punt. The defense had a chance for redemption. The Duck’s quarterback threw the ball outside the numbers on a deep route and cornerback Will Atkinson intercepted the ball sealing overtime for both teams.

The teams were headed to overtime, a just result for the shootout they had been in all game. The Seahawks defense took the field first and blew a coverage on the first play. Ducks 36-30. The Ducks would have to convert the 2pt play to really give the Seahawks offense trouble during their phase. The Ducks threw the ball up on a fade but it fell incomplete through the receivers grasp.

 

The Seahawks offense drove the condensed field on 4 plays resulting in a Harry Clarke scramble for a touchdown. Game tied 36-36. The Seahawks now with the chance to end the game and book their spot in the championship game. Quarterback Harry Clarke scrambles right looking for a receiver before ducking his shoulder and making a would-be tackler miss with some footwork and ran into the end zone. The sideline erupted! Sutherland Seahawks are going to the Kookaburra Bowl!

Final Score – Seahawks 38 Ducks 36

 

With a championship on the line, the Sutherland Seahawks will face reigning Bowl champions, UTS Gators at PointsBet Stadium, 2:30pm Saturday.

 

Finals Week 2 Stat Leaders

 

Offense

Harry Clarke – 11/21, 103 pass yards, 2 TD, 11 rush 57 yards, 1 TD

Steven Game – 10 rush, 69 yards, 1 TD

Blake Maddock – 4 rush, 78 yards, 1 TD

Matt Hull – 6 rec, 55 yards, 2 TD

 

Defense

Ethan Scott – 15 tackles, 1 FF, 1 TFL

Seb Riley – 11 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FF,

Will Atkinson – 10 tackles, 1 INT, 2 TFL

Xavier Patte – 11 tackles, 1 FR