By Walker Dycus
This past weekend, the Rotterdam Trojans spoiled the Dutch Remembrance Day for the host Amsterdam Crusaders, handing them a surprise 23-21 defeat in a game that was decided on the final play from scrimmage.
On this special day, tensions ran high as both teams were looking forward to a rematch of the previous meeting between the two which the Crusaders won handily, 46-0. However neither team was fully prepared for the wet, rainy conditions and also for the dramatic conclusion to this memorable game.
Early in the first quarter, after both teams exchanged punts, the Crusaders went on the attack. Quarterback Jasper Nijland connected with wide receiver Davey Noor for the game’s first touchdown to bring the score to 7-0. Late in the 1st quarter, Trojans linebacker Colby Campbell forced a fumble giving the Trojans offense excellent field position. Quarterback Walker Dycus found wide receiver James Crider to tie the game at 7-7 heading into the 2nd quarter.
Photo: Sandra Ruhe
In the second quarter, both teams faced adversity as the rain and wind kicked up turning the game into a defensive battle. A failed punt attempt and penalty by the Trojans enabled Amsterdam to find the scoreboard again with another touchdown pass by Nijland, this time to tight end Jordi Anrochte. The Crusaders missed their PAT attempt and went into halftime holding a 13-7 lead.
In the third quarter, the Trojans came out firing on offense, scoring quickly on a touchdown pass from Walker Dycus to Arthur De Boachie putting Rotterdam on top, 14-13. The defensive battle continued for both teams until the game was paused late in the third quarter for a moment of silence held for the Remembrance Day holiday. After the brief intermission, the Trojans marched down the field capping the drive with a 32-yard field goal from the toe of Björn Nunnikhoven extending the lead to 17-13 heading into the final quarter.
The Crusaders opened the fourth period by driving down to the Rotterdam one yard line only to be stopped on fourth and goal by a fierce Trojans defense led by linebacker Colby Campbell. However, the Amsterdam defense responded by stuffing the Trojans offense in the end zone to score a safety, narrowing the gap to 17-15.
After the ensuing kickoff from the Trojans, the Amsterdam offense, starting from the 45 yard line drove down to the one yard line and running back Sidney Kunst scampered into the end zone to put Crusaders ahead 21-17.
Photo: Sandra Ruhe
After both defenses exchanged stops and with the clock winding down, the Trojans were able to mount one last offensive drive. With under two minutes to go, Rotterdam marched from their own 34-yard line and moved into plus territory, placing the ball on the Crusaders 46-yard line. The Amsterdam defense rose up though and the Trojans offense, facing a fourth down, had just enough time to take one more shot at the endzone. On the game’s final play, quarterback Walker Dycus threw the ball up and found a streaking Arthur De Boachie in the end zone behind the Crusaders defense for a 46 yard touchdown to give Rotterdam a dramatic 23-21 victory.
Both teams fought hard to the very end of the game and we are looking forward to a possible rematch between these two teams in the near future. Both teams now move to 5-1, with the Amsterdam Crusaders staying in the number 1 position in the BNL Football League standings.