Ceara Caçadores Blank América Bulls Potiguares 57-0
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL – The fans at Estadio Presidente Vargas saw the definition of a statement game on Sunday.
While the entire region was still reeling from another Mariner – Espectro thriller in the other conference playoff matchup, the Caçadores were quietly focused on removing any doubt who the team to beat in Conferencia Nordeste is, and at the same time, avenging their only blemish on an otherwise amazing first season under head coach, Mike Lima.
Ceara was all over the team from Natal early, and all though there was little doubt of the outcome after a 17-0 first quarter start, the Caçadores didn’t take their foot off the gas and hung a whopping 57 points in their shutout victory.
‘’Our strategy for this game was to come right out of the gates and take away their only weapon: extreme aggressiveness. From there on out, the coaching staffs job was to just keep our guys in line with the game plan: attack in all fronts until the final whistle,’’ said Lima.
The Brothers Reis hooked up twice on scores, with quarterback Romario connecting with his little brother Marlos on passes. Romario also threw scores to tight end, Jefferson and TB Battle. Battle continued his eclectic scoring habits, returning the only kickoff he received for a TD to open the second half. Talon Rogasch ran for a touchdown as well.
Defensively, rookie DT Lucas Alemão scooped a fumble and rumbled 50 yards for a score, and star CB Paulo Alberto added a pick six. Kicker, Danilo Arrais, was 1/1 on field goals (35 yards).
For the Bulls, this caps off a 2016 to build on. Not only are they still the only team to have defeated the top seeded Caçadores, they won a string of tough games to earn a playoff spot, capped off by a double overtime win against a pesky UFERSA Petroleiros squad, and then a victory in the ‘’win and you’re in’’ regular season finale on the road against the Recife Pirates.
The Brothers Reis had another big day in a Caçadores first round playoff route of the Bulls, with quarterback, Romário (#17) combining with receiver Marlos (#6) to account for three touchdowns.
For the Caçadores, the march continues. They host #3 seed and defending CBFA National Champion, the João Pessoa Espectros, with a Conference title and trip to the National Semifinals on the line.
‘’Hosting the regional finals against arguably one of the best teams in the land is an honor. We treat them with much respect, as the Espectros have great coaches, talent, and a strong history to back them up,’’ said Lima.
Kickoff in Fortaleza is set for Sunday, November 13 at 4p local time at Estadio Presidente Vargas.
