The Sutherland Seahawks were successful in both Division One and Colts versus the Nepean Ducks on saturday at Newcastle, the Division One game one of the more exciting games in club history.
Down 26-39 in the 2nd half, running back Tristan Whiting crashed over from 3 yards out after a 51 yard bomb to receiver Aaron Beyer put the offence inside the red zone.
On the next Ducks possession, Jackson Wilder’s fumble recovery set the Seahawks up for the go-ahead score, despite 4 first downs on the drive, a 4th and goal attempt sailed incomplete with the score remaining 32-39 with 4 minutes remaining.
A timely 3 and out from the defence set up an excellent offensive possession; 3 first downs, 2 of them to receiver Zach Hughes put the offense on the Ducks goal line again for Whiting’s 2nd rushing touchdown of the half. The 2 point conversion was again no good however and left the score 38-39 to the Ducks.
A short kick was recovered safely by the Ducks return team, the series of plays that immediately followed was bizarre and may not be repeated soon. On first down the Ducks turned a simple rushing attempt into a 46 yard touchdown through the middle of the Seahawks defence. The 1 point PAT was good and the Ducks seemingly had the game in hand at 38-46 with less than 2 minutes to play.
On the next possession, a second long Daniel Besz to Aaron Beyer strike of the half resulted in a 47 yard touchdown for the Seahawks; the 2 point conversion was good and the scores were tied 46 all.
Going for victory, another short kickoff attempt was handled by the Ducks return team. 2 plays later, the Ducks offence would be rewarded with a first down on pass interference, the ball now on the Seahawks 24 yard line. A simple rushing attempt to centre the ball for a potential game winning field goal did not go as the Ducks had planned as can be seen below……
66 yards later, plus a 2 point conversion, final score Seahawks 54, Ducks 46.
The game was a club record for combined scoring. QB Daniel Besz broke the club record for passing yards in a game with 420, it also marked the first game with 3 receivers going over 100 yards receiving.
In the Colts game, CB Dylan Dinale finally put a stop to the long Ducks opening possession with an interception inside the Seahawk redzone. On the next possession, 5 first downs positioned the offence for a 5yard rushing touchdown and opening score.
The Ducks equalised on their next possession before QB Justin Whiting found receiver Cory Dean on a 60 yard touchdown strike in reply on the first play from scrimmage.
A 40 yard reception by the Ducks set them up for a field goal attempt to break the 6-6 scoreline, but it was blocked by defensive lineman Blake Zumot. From there the Seahawks were never stressed again. Tight End Jake Wedesweiler found the end zone on the next possession and a fumble recovery by LB Cooper Sly ended any response from the Ducks.
The Seahawks would score on its next 3 possessions. RB Elliot Copeland notched up his first career touchdown on a short swing pass whilst QB Whiting would score himself on the ground. Jake Wedesweiler rounded out his 7 catch performance with a 2nd touchdown reception which made the final score 44-6.
Both Seahawks teams have the week off over the long weekend On October 8th the Colts team will play the UNSW Raiders 11.30am at David Phillips field Daceyville. The Division One team will play at 6.30pm.