The Sutherland Seahawks cap off a 42-22 win over the Nepean Ducks in a rollercoaster game.

The Seahawks offense was quick to score through a mix of plays on the ground and the air. Quarterback Perry Cunningham scrambled and rushed for what would be a 10-yard score before fumbling the ball. Wide Receiver Trae Stephens was quick to recover the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown.

The Nepean Ducks started slowly as the Seahawks defense corralled the quarterback early with 2 sacks on the opening drive. With the ‘hawk offense back on the field, they continued their hot start by moving the football on the ground. Rookie running back Blake Maddock punched in his first touchdown of the day and gave the Seahawks a two possession lead.

Rookie linebacker Ethan Scott continued to lead the way and wrap up the opposition with a season high 13 tackles. The defense was off to a hot start and rookie linebacker Lachie Williams ended another Ducks drive with a pivotal third-down sack. The offense responded with a 3-play drive as running back Steven Gamu punched it in.

A forced fumble on kickoff and a clutch recovery by defensive back Kane Baratta set up the offense within striking distance. A swift 4-play drive resulting in more points for the Seahawks. Wide receiver Matt Hull secured a touchdown catch to move the Seahawks up 30-0 before halftime.

The Seahawks defense buckled before halftime allowing the Ducks to drive the field and score a touchdown, leaving the door open for a second half comeback.

Halftime Score – Seahawks 30 – Ducks 8

The Seahawks defences’ errors crept in, as the Ducks marched the field for a 11-play touchdown drive. The offense had errors of their own as the football shot over the head of quarterback Perry, and the Ducks recovered it in the endzone for the score. All of a sudden, the Ducks were on the heels of the Seahawks, 30-22.

The Seahawks stalled through the 3rd quarter but a “bend but don’t break” attitude on defense saw the Ducks drive for 14 plays. Seahawks Safety Kiaani Matthews intercepted a pass towards the endzone crushing the Ducks hopes of tying the game.

A quick Seahawks offensive drive resulted in Blake Maddock’s second touchdown of the game, pushing the lead to two possessions. Defensive end Daniel McDonald stifled the Ducks quarterback with a strip sack fumble and recovery to set up the offense once again.

The offense buried the dagger as Steven Gamu scored an 18-yard touchdown to finish the game and move the Seahawks to an insurmountable 3 possession lead. The Ducks tried to move the ball to finish the game but weren’t left with enough time to score.

Final Score – Seahawks 42 – Ducks 22

The Seahawks look to keep rolling next week as they face the Sydney Uni Cubs on their home turf.

Week 5 Stat Leaders

Offense

Perry Cunningham – 15/19, 127 pass yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 40 rush yards

Blake Maddock – 7 Rush, 77 yards, 2 TD

Steven Gamu – 9 Rush, 54 yards, 2 TD

Matt Hull – 5 Rec, 31 yards, 1 TD, 1 2PT conv

Defense

Daniel McDonald – 4 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 1 PDEF, 1 FF, 1 FR

Ethan Scott – 13 Tackles, 1 TFL

Lachie Williams – 8 Tackles, 1 Sack

Kiaani Matthews – 4 Tackles, 1 INT, 2 PDEF, 1 FF