Brazil: Coritiba Crocodiles stage upset, down Timbo Rex, grab last quarterfinal spot

The Coritiba Crocodiles rewrote the playoff script in Brazil Sunday when they upset the previously undefeated and two time defending champion Timbo Rex 10-7 to advance to the quarterfinal round in the Brazilian Football League’s playoffs.

This was the first win for the Crocodiles over Timbo Rex in five attempts and it could not have come at a better time.

Defenses ruled the day, especially in the first half as Coritiba’s defensive front seven kept the powerful Timbo offense in check. In fact, it wasn’t until midway through the second quarter that either team scored as the Crocodiles young kicker Leonardo Rebello opened the scoring to give Coritiba a 3-0 lead.

Finally the T-Rex offense kicked into gear but after making it to the Crocodiles 28 yard line, but an interception by Coritiba defensive back Henrique Rocha snuffed out the drive and the half ended 3-0.

The third quarter saw more of the same as neither team could gain any offensive momentum. However, the Crocodiles break came early in the fourth quarter as a bad T-Rex punt gave Coritiba the ball on the Timbo 37 yard line. Quarterback Drew Banks took full advantage finding tight end Lucas Viezzer in the end zone, giving the visitors a 10-0 lead.

Timbo responded late in the game with Clair Jose carrying the ball in to pull within 10-7.

However, the onside kick fell into the Crocodiles hands and Coritiba had earned a tough victory preventing Timbo from a three-peat.

Next up for the Crocodiles is a quarterfinal matchup against the Santa Maria Soldiers on October 27.

Source: Salão Oval