Silverhawks showed their top performance when they needed it the most
[su_dropcap] T[/su_dropcap]he Ljubljana Silverhawks needed to win by a 19 point or more margin to keep their Central European Football League title hopes alive and they got it after jumping out to a quick lead and securing a 30-9 win over the Serbian Kragujevac Wild Boars with great defense and a long field goal.
The Silverhawks’ defense made an early statement, pressuring the Wild Boars QB into throwing an interception. Ljubljana’s offense scored on their second drive, when Gregor Črepinšek scored first points running the ball in. Ivan Radojičić intercepted a pass from Kenric McNeal, leading Kragujevac in front of Silverhawks red zone. Silverhawks defense showed their dominance and forced Wild Boars to FG that Ivan Živanović successfully scored for 3-7.
In second quarter the Silverhawks performed at their best. Kenric McNeal passed to Bojan Justin for a TD on fourth down, but the PAT was unsuccessful. Long pass to Matic Tomše in next drive set the score at 3-20. Kenric McNeal set the final score of the half when he ran into the end zone. Kragujevac offense was dangerous in the last drive, but Silverhawks defense stopped them and prevented them from scoring.
In third quarter both defenses stood out and forced offenses to mistakes, this is why the result did not change. Wild Boars started the fourth quarter better, after Wight Whitaker passed to Ken Hale for 9-27.
On next kick-off, Eugen Sumić managed to return the ball to Kragujevac’s half of the field. Keeping the drive alive on a fourth down, McNeal scrambled the first down, bringing them closer to the end zone. On next fourth down their HC Rok Štamcar decided to send in the FG unit. Aleš Zakšek successfully managed the 38 yard FG, which set the score to 9-30.
Kragujevac had to punt, but so did the Silverhawks. In next Silverhawks drive, Črepinšek fumble the ball, but Kragujevac did not take advantage of the opportunity. Their ensuing punt was blocked and Silverhawks offense ran time off the clock, with a run heavy attack. Kragujevac offense managed to get a few first downs within the last 2 minutes, but pressure from defensive line was tremendous. Jan Lipovec forced the fumble, while Benjamin Beci and Zoran Hojnik recovered it as the game ended.
The 21 point win brings the Silverhawks one step closer to the finals, but they still need a win against the Budapest Wolves, who are winless in their CEFL season. The game against Wolves will be played on Saturday, 28th June in Športni Park Radomlje.
Kragujevac Wild Boars – Ljubljana Silverhawks: 9 – 30 (3-7, 0-20, 0-0, 6-3)
FULL GAME REPLAY:
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