GOTW Review: Derby Braves @ Loughborough Aces

In one of the biggest rivalries in the BUAFL the Derby Braves (3-2) and the Loughborough Aces (5-0) clashed at 'The Cage' in Loughborough last weekend. This game would go a long way towards confirming one of the top seeds in the MAC division, with the loser potentially looking at a trip to the plate playoffs.

Loughborough won the toss and choose to receive. On the second play of the game, Ben Burslem managed to get outside the Derby defence and outpaced everyone for a 35 yard TD. Derby looked to reply early as they attempted to drive the ball with their 'slow and steady wins the race' approach of moving the chains a few yards at a time, but Loughborough were stopping them dead in every 3rd down situation. On Loughborough's second possession they managed to score again with Loughborough's key man Adam Hope powering through the middle of Derby's injury riddled defence. A PAT later and the score was 14-0 to Loughborough. 

Derby realised at the end of the 1st quarter that Loughborough's defence was stopping their inside run, so they began to open up the field with their passing game, which has been successful this season with the pickup of American QB Joe Brammer. Derby began to gain a grip of the game in the 2nd quarter with dump offs to running back Marcus Francis, who was picking up 15 yards each time. Francis managed one of the plays of the game as he hurdled a cornerback to set Derby up on Loughborough's 35 yard line. Joe Brammer threw down the middle to an open Tom Singleton-Wells who shook his man and ran it in for a touchdown with less than 20 seconds left in the quarter. 

At the half it was 14-7 to Loughborough with Derby to receive the ball at the start of the second half and would look to keep their momentum. Loughborough adjusted their defensive formation to accommodate for Derby's aerial offence and after 7 passing plays in a row Derby were stopped and were forced to punt from their 39. 

GOTW Review: Derby Braves @ Loughborough Aces

In one of the biggest rivalries in the BUAFL the Derby Braves (3-2) and the Loughborough Aces (5-0) clashed at 'The Cage' in Loughborough last weekend. This game would go a long way towards confirming one of the top seeds in the MAC division, with the loser potentially looking at a trip to the plate playoffs.

Loughborough won the toss and choose to receive. On the second play of the game, Ben Burslem managed to get outside the Derby defence and outpaced everyone for a 35 yard TD. Derby looked to reply early as they attempted to drive the ball with their 'slow and steady wins the race' approach of moving the chains a few yards at a time, but Loughborough were stopping them dead in every 3rd down situation. On Loughborough's second possession they managed to score again with Loughborough's key man Adam Hope powering through the middle of Derby's injury riddled defence. A PAT later and the score was 14-0 to Loughborough. 

Derby realised at the end of the 1st quarter that Loughborough's defence was stopping their inside run, so they began to open up the field with their passing game, which has been successful this season with the pickup of American QB Joe Brammer. Derby began to gain a grip of the game in the 2nd quarter with dump offs to running back Marcus Francis, who was picking up 15 yards each time. Francis managed one of the plays of the game as he hurdled a cornerback to set Derby up on Loughborough's 35 yard line. Joe Brammer threw down the middle to an open Tom Singleton-Wells who shook his man and ran it in for a touchdown with less than 20 seconds left in the quarter. 

At the half it was 14-7 to Loughborough with Derby to receive the ball at the start of the second half and would look to keep their momentum. Loughborough adjusted their defensive formation to accommodate for Derby's aerial offence and after 7 passing plays in a row Derby were stopped and were forced to punt from their 39. 

Week 6 Power Rankings 1-14

The second part of our schedule sees some teams moving up and a tie!? Yes that’s right...a tie!

1. Hertfordshire Hurricanes (5-0)
With another 50+ win the Canes continue to lead our power rankings for the sixth straight week. A 51-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Essex Blades moves Herts to 5-0 at the Christmas break. With only one team left with a winning record left on their schedule, Hertfordshire look set on sealing the number one seed for the southern half of the league.

2. Birmingham Lions (4-0)
No game for the number 2 team in our rankings this week. With Derby and Loughborough on the schedule once the season resumes in the New Year, Birmingham will have to keep up the good form to return to the championship playoffs.

3T. Portsmouth Destroyers (4-0)
Despite not playing this week, the ‘U’ remains in our top 3 even though they are now tied with Loughborough for the third spot. Looking at their remaining fixtures Portsmouth should remain unbeaten all the way until their final game of the season against the Stags. If they go 8-0 once again, the Destroyers will no doubt be one of the top picks to make it to the semi finals once again.

Week 6 Power Rankings 25-15

As an early Christmas present from the Dbl Coverage team we have increased our power rankings from 20 to 25! That’s super POWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRR! Up first are ranks 25-15.

15. Bradford Bears (3-1-1)

Just like Northampton, Bradford have been fortunate with their schedule (no Hallam is always a plus). Unlike Northampton, Bradford have faced off against playoff quality teams (Hull, Carnegie and Celtics). This week’s win over the Celtics keeps Bradford’s good form this season and with Lancaster, Huddersfield and Sabres left on the schedule, Bradford could end up in the playoffs! Two rookie teams in the playoffs!? No doubt someone will have something to say about this!

16. Glasgow Tigers (3-1)

The Tigers move up this week with the losses for Derby and Essex despite completing their fixtures for the first half of the season. If the Tigers win their next three games they will head into their final matchup against Newcastle with a 6-1 record and the Borders crown possibly being up for grabs. 

17. Stirling Clansmen (3-1)

Two straight games for the Clansmen have now been postponed due to the weather! Tough break for everyone involved with the team. If the team hadn’t lost to Glasgow they’d currently be challenging Newcastle for the top spot in the conference, instead they’re in a three way fight for the second spot.

18. Derby Braves (3-2)

How much a few weeks can alter a team’s season. This week’s loss (this time without controversy) to Loughborough  means the Braves drop two straight and are now all but out of the race for the championship playoffs in the MAC. With Birmingham still left on the schedule, Derby may end up in a battle for the 4^th and final playoff spot for the MAC conference.

19. Northampton Nemesis (4-0)

I’ve finally realised why Northampton get so much hatred! They’re the equivalent of Tim Tebow in the BUAFL! They shouldn’t have the record they have and no one wants them to, but somehow they keep winning! If they keep winning they’ll start to gain my approval, but until then...