The Belo Horizonte Sada Cruzeiro continue to impress in their quest for the Brazilian championship with a convincing 33-6 win over the Botafogo Reptiles Saturday in Sesc Venda Nova in Belo Horizonte in the Brazilian round-of-16 playoffs.
The Cruzeiro exploded for three fourth quarter touchdowns after taking a 13-0 halftime lead.
Quarterback Alvaro Fadini threw one touchdown pass and ran another one in himself. Running back Clinton Greenaway scored one rushing touchdown and one on a punt return while Victor Hugo “Mega” hauled in a trick pass from Medici for a touchdown.
Botafogo’s lone score came from wide receiver Gabriel who hauled in a touchdown pass from quarterback Ramon “Mamão” .
Despite a huge edge in time of possession, the Cruzeiro suffered from penalties and turnovers which allowed the Reptiles to stay in the game until early in the fourth quarter. Rafael Cruz picked off Botafogo QB Mamão to end the third quarter and the flood gates opened up as Fadini connected with his brother Rafael to widen the gap to 19-0. Then Fadini tossed a pass to Medici who then threw it to Mega racing for the end zone, and suddenly the score was 26-0.
Reptiles receiver Gabriel got in behind the Sada secondary to score on a pass from Mamão to narrow the lead to 26-6. But Fadini called his own number with less than two minutes remaining to seal the win, 33-6.
The Cruzeiro move on to face the Vila Velha Tritoes in the quarterfinals. The Tritoes downed the Patriotas 21-7.