Aztecs Loose Out To National Champions

Bristol Aztecs lose 50-0 at home to Reigning BAFL Division 1 Champions the London Olympians

[ClickPress, Mon May 08 2006] After a tough opening day loss away to the national championship runner up PA Knights last week, the Aztecs faced a similarly tough task against the Knights tormentors in last year’s national championship final, the London Olympians.

Early in the game, some unfortunate special teams errors, cost the Aztecs vital field position that the Olympians predictably capitalised on. After going 14-0 down, the Aztecs D tightened up halting several Olympians possessions, and helped inspire the Aztecs offense to some long drives into Olympians territory.

Shortly before the break, the Olympians added another score, and went into half time with a 22-0 lead.
The Aztecs made a change at Quaterback in the second half, allowing veteran QB Ashley Richer some game time that could prove vital later in the season, should he be called upon to step into the starting line up. The Aztecs continued to make progress on offense, however two drives were ended by interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and one returned deep into the red zone giving the Olympians Offense a very short field.

At 36-0 Down in the 3rd quarter the Aztecs opted for a second consecutive week to allow the depth of their squad the opportunity to play the champions, and gain vital experience.

Although the result was disappointing, the Aztecs kept their head high, and several players took steps forward. Youth Graduate Kyle Latour caught 5 balls, and Chris Hunt continued to kick and punt well. Head coach Mark Hopkins commented “We have played the toughest two games of the season in the first two weeks, and in both instances despite disappointing scores, have been able to give the entire squad a run out, and enable them to prepare for the upcoming games, which are of vital importance”.
When the game was beyond reach in the third quarter, the Aztecs began to use the depth of their squad, enabling as many players as possible to get acclimatised to the Knights pace and power, in order to condition them for future games.

Next Sunday, the Aztecs host the Ipswich Cardinals, in their first divisional match up of the season, after which, the Aztecs then have to endure 5 consecutive games, beginning on the 28th of May against newly promoted hopefuls the Kent exiles.

The Game against the Ipswich Cardinals on 14th May will take place at the BAWA sport and leisure club on Southmead Rd in Filton. Kick off is 2.30pm, and admission is free.

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