This was the regular season match up that all youth football followers were waiting for. Was the Devils
earlier season victory, the first inflicted on the Warriors for over two years, a mark of their ability
or a fluke? Would the Warriors extract a massive revenge for their previous set back? The answer to
both questions is emphatically no. The Devils proved they were good enough to live with the very best
that there is out there.
The Warriors are once again developing some fine young talent, no more so than receiver Mike Green who
is having an outstanding rookie year. Coupled with the development of Jerome Allen at quarterback the
London side are producing a powerful, quick striking passing game. The two linked up for the opening
score when Green snatched in an Allen pass to complete a forty yard score in the first quarter. Ike
Ozongwu ran in the extra two points to pad the lead to 8 – 0 and the floodgates were expected to open.
However, this Norwich side are a well coached outfit and were never in the mood to lie down.
It wasn’t until the second period that the home side increased their lead with Allen hitting Emmanuel
(Manny) Mukoro from seven yards to ease out to 14 – 0. The conversion was unsuccessful and although as
the half closed with the Warriors two scores ahead, the game was still there for either side to take.
As the game moves into the third period it became obvious that the next score would be vital and would
probably be the turning point. It was the Allen and Munro partnership that was the clincher with the
quarterback connecting with Munro for a forty-five yard strike and in effect putting the game beyond
the Devils. With a lead of 20 – 0 the home side were as good as home.
The fourth saw Matthew Russell hold onto another seven-yard touchdown strike to dash any thoughts of a
comeback for Norwich and leave the Warriors in the driving seat for the conference title.
Ironically, because they have played more games, the Devils continue to head the table although should
both win as expected their remaining games the Warriors will claim the conference crown. There is every
possibility that both sides will meet again in the playoffs at some point and do not be at all
surprised if it is not the final. Whoever either side meet in the post season will have to be a their
best to compete.
