Manchester Titans American Football Club

The Titans first game of the season started nervously with the first score going to Chester. Both teams exchanged penalties but Chester looked to have settled into the game quicker and produced the better offense while shutting down the Titans offence for a while. Only an interception on the Titans 5 yard line prevented Chester scoring on their first offensive drive but the Titans were unable to move the ball and punted from their own 2 yard line. The Romans successfully ran the ball down the pitch on consecutive drives, assisted by penalites and completed the drive with a Jason Wilcox pass to JP Flanagan with the score opening at Romans 6 – Titans 0.

The Titans eventually hit back with a spectacular acrobatic diving catch from QB James Keogh to WR Phil Waldecker.

The Romans failed to move the ball on their next possession and the Titans had a field goal attempt blocked. The Titans then missed a chance to go in level at the half after an interception with the clock running down but were foiled by basic errors that that cost the team penalties.

Half Time: Romans 12 – Titans 6

The Titans came out of the blocks for the second half with the defense clicking into gear forcing Chester back. Phil Waldecker returned a Chester punt 62 yards to set up first and goal which was duly converted by Quarterback James Keogh on a QB sneak bringing the scores level. At this point there had not been a successful point after attempt so the scores remained 12 -12.

A James Keogh pass to Wide Reciever Sharmarke Mussa took the scores to Romans 12 – Titans 18 with Full Back Phillip Fitzpatrick goose stepping into the endzone to complete the 2 point conversion taking the scores to Romans 12 – Titans 20.

A James Keogh bootleg touchdown run took the scores to Romans 12 – Titans 26 thought once again the point after attempt was unsuccessful.  A James Keogh pass to Rik Lowthion took the score to 12 – 32 with a Dave Barnett extra point making it 33.

Alan Mead took over the QB duties at the two minute warning and after a couple of runs by RB Paul Boothman, an Alan Mead pass to tight end Chris Heap over the middle was run in for a score with Chris breaking a tackle on the way. Time expired on the run so there was no time to attempt a point after.

The Titan defense performed muich better in the second half effectively shutting down the Romans offense with sacks from Keith Lees, MIke Smith and Jonathon O’Neill along with a fumble recovery on the Titan one yard line.

A hot and humid day where the fittest team came out the winners, Chester were struggling with injuries but the Titans were also short a few players.A good start for the Titans.

Final score: Chester Romans 12 – Manchester Titans 39

Video Summary: Chester Romans at Manchester Titans 11/5/2008

Pictures: http://myeyephotography.photium.com/portfolio31267.html

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