Our Big game preview for the biggest game of the season so far!
Arguably the greatest rivalry since the formation of the BUAFL in 2007. The formation of the Midlands Athletic Conference gave these two powerhouse teams a platform to play each other in a match that has decided the Conference champions every season since its formation.
The Lions have won two of the last the three National Championships, with their 2009/10 victory being against the Aces. However last season the Aces defeated the Lions in a their regular season game 30 -21, which lead to the injury of Birmingham’s starting QB Tristan Varney, to become MAC Conference Champions. This success was short lived as the Lions exerted revenge on their rivals in the playoff by beating the Aces when it counted most.
In three of their last four encounters the Lions have been victorious but can the Aces capitalise on the lack of game time their rivals have had going into the New Year? These game have often been defined by each teams defences, with Loughborough and Birmingham's strong front sevens often dominating the opposition and holding both normally high scoring offences to limited opportunities.
This match carries even more weight than in previous seasons as the winner will most likely become Conference champions, with the possibility of the loser losing a place in the playoff depending on the results of the Northampton Nemesis next few games.
One man who has seen both teams at close quarters is Double Coverage contributor Tom Snee. The Nottingham Outlaws assistant coach has seen his side on the wrong end of thrashings by both teams and firmly believes defence will be the key to this crucial game.
“Both offences are high-powered in different ways, and whether either side’s defence can find a solution will be the difference maker in this game. Loughborough’s D deservedly gets a lot of hype with players like (Jonathan) Varney and (Anssi) Saari, but the key against the Aces option offence could well be Kyle Burrows and his defensive line colleagues stopping the triple option.”
Kick off is at 1pm at Metchley Field 3G, Birmingham University, Pritchatts Park Village, B15 2QX
Football American will be in attendance with their mobile shop and has donated prizes for the winning team and game MVP.
The Facebook event for the game can be found here.
Double Coverage will be live blogging from the event, for more information follow us on our Facebook page.
Lions Key Players: Ben Brown, Dan Conroy, Kyle Burrows
Aces Key Players: Adam Hope, Anssi Saari, Jon Varney
Prediction: An entertaining spectacle full of big hits and great plays (yes, we bottled it)
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