Cheetahs Sacked

Bristol Aztecs secure their position at the top of BAFL Division 1A with a 29-0 victory over the Chiltern Cheetahs

[ClickPress, Wed Jun 14 2006] On yet another hot Sunday of BAFL action, the Aztecs made the short trip along the M4 to Amersham in a replay of the 2005 Division 1A Bowl game. After two regular season game wins for the Aztecs, as well as a nailbiting 7-0 win in the Bowl last year, the Chiltern Cheetahs were out for revenge.

The Aztecs entered the game 2-0 in the division, and were keen to solidify their position as the only unbeaten team within Division 1A south. The team came out strongly moving the ball downfield, with Matt Barrett picking up several first downs on the ground prior to Quarterback Dave Keen hitting rookie wideout Nick Smith in stride for a 22 yard score. Smith has only been playing 3 weeks, since he stumbled on an Aztec practice session at BAWA while playing rugby 7’s. He has quickly taken to the game. The extra point was kicked by Chris Hunt. The Aztec defense were in similar form, and Chiltern struggled to move the ball either on the ground or in the air. The Bristol defensive line was in dominating form with Lee Richards, Lee Cook, Steve Davey, Olly Barrett, and Jimmy Taylor causing trouble all along the Cheetahs Offensive line.

After a long first quarter drive, the Aztec Offense couldn’t convert a 4th down in the red zone. It was not long before they had the ball back however, with Mark Proctor and Lee Richards picking up sacks to kill the Cheetahs drive.
This time after strong running from Nick Proctor (sponsored by Tempex) Dave Keen hit wideout Kev Shelbourne for a 46 yard passing touchdown, again converted by Hunt. The Aztecs were looking comfortable heading into the break with a 14-0 lead.

After the break the Aztecs picked up where they left off with Mark Proctor registering a further sack, and fellow linebackers Steve Bennett and Sean Hopkins keeping the Cheetahs running game from making progress. The lead was soon extended when Shelbourne was once again on the scoreboard, this time catching a 36yard strike from Keen. The extra point failed, with the Aztecs going into the 4th quarter 20 points to nil up. By this point the Aztecs were rotating the depth of their young squad with linebackers Ben Edgell (Sponsored by Primetime Recruitment) and Paul Pattison seeing their first significant defensive action of the year. First year Youth product Anthony Lartey also impressed, pressuring the Chiltern passer into throwing a pick to GB Lions linebacker Tom Proctor.

The score was soon 27-0 after Tim Stone caught a pin point pass, and managed to keep his feet in bounds as he rumbled out towards the side of the endzone.
Chlitern’s offense continued to struggle with Mark Proctor picking up a third sack, and Chris Bell picking up his first of the year. The relentless pressure caused by the Aztec defense, as well as some wayward shotgun snapping by the Cheetahs center was bound to lead to a problem sooner or later, and it did come, in the form of an off target snap that the Chiltern quarterback failed to recover as it bounced out the back of their endzone for a safety to make the score 29-0.

The Aztec offense took to the field again, this time with Alex "Axel" Loffstadt gaining good yards behind some devastating lead blocks by Tim Stone, as well as a 5 yard carry where he broke 5 tackles. Aztec back up quarterback Dom Westwood was also sent in, and picked a seam in the pocket for a five yard scramble. Head Coach Mark Hopkins was pleased with the nature of the win, “Todays win was a real team performance. Every player contributed, and in our competitive division, it was a rare chance to give our younger players a run out, and allow them to show us what they can do."

Special praise must go out to the Cheetahs quarterback who threw some great balls, including a fine strike to the veteran, and Cheetah legend, Canadian Frank Mayo. As well as being kept on his toes by the relentless Aztec defense, being sacked 7 times, and hit hard when he ventured out of the pocket. With this kind of leadership, don’t be surprised if the Cheetahs pull out a surprise at some point in the season.

Staistical leaders for the Aztecs were Dave Keen who was 11 of 18 for 167 yards and 4 touchdowns. Nick Smith and Kev Shelbourne combined for 6 catches, 150 yards, and 3 touchdowns. On the ground, Matt Barrett picked up over 5 yards per carry. On defense Mark Proctor led the way with 3 sacks, and 5 tackles, followed by Steve Bennett with 5 tackles and 2 broken plays.

The next home game is on Sunday 18th June at the BAWA Healthcare and Leisure, Southmead Road, Filton. Its a double header seeing the Aztecs Youth host the Tamworth Trojans Youth (k.o. 3pm), prior to which the Aztecs senior play host to rivals the Southern Sundevils (k.o. 11.30am). For further information on the Aztecs visit www.aztecs.co.uk.

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