João Pessoa Espectros Upend Recife Mariners 16-8 in Brazil’s Playoff First Round
RECIFE, BRAZIL – Add another thrilling chapter to this rivalry.
The Espectros used big plays in a wild second half to hold off the Mariners. João Pessoa advance to another Brazil CBFA Conferencia Nordeste final.
Espectro DB, Carlos Cox had the play of the game, returning an interception for a TD. Diego Aranha followed up with a field goal, making it 10-0 for the visiting Espectros.
Victor Ramalho, who was potentially set to play wide receiver at game time, connected with super athlete Massu Bdeholanda to put the scoreboard at 16-0, about as far apart as these two teams have been from each other in two years and 5 games.
It was a tough afternoon for Mariner fans, as evidenced by the look on Rafael Cavaleiro’s face. Photo credit: Bruna Monteiro
Quarterback, Alex Niznak, and the Mariner offense, wouldn’t quit. His squad drove down the field and Niznak connected with Vinicius Angelo for a touchdown. However it was too little, too late for the home team.
The Espectro defense did a superb job against the Mariner rushing attack, allowing very few yards, outside of a terrific Niznak scramble on a broken play. Jesus ‘’Shuttlesworth’’ Emanuel notched a sack.
Perhaps the biggest news of the day came after the game, when Mariner head coach, Lucas Cisneros, one of the architects of the organization’s success, announced that he would be stepping away from the team in 2017.
Mariner Head Coach, Lucas Cisneros, announced that he would be stepping away from the organization. Cisneros was one of the top coaches in the country.
The Espectros travel to Fortaleza to face the #1 seed, Ceara Caçadores on November 13.
