From the Sidelines with Spyro - Round 4 Review

Round 4 was a homecoming occasion for American Football South Australia, as the league returned to its home at Dry Creek Reserve. It was a monumental week for the growth of the sport in South Australia as Dry Creek Reserve has now become the first official home base of the AFSA for the next 5 Years.

This round of action once again saw the Hogs & Eagles leave with wins across both the Juniors & Seniors, cementing their position as the ones to catch.

Juniors: Adelaide University Hogs 3-1 defeat Port Adelade Spartans 0-4

Final Score: 27 - 0

After last week's first loss of the season the Hogs were keen to take to the field and get one back. Unfortunately for the winless Spartans they were up against a team that had a statement to make. The Hogs started fast, and the Spartans defence could only hold up for so long before the floodgates opened.

On offence the Spartans didn’t have an answer for the suffocating Hogs defence leaving them shutout for the third time this season. This was a big bounce back for the Hogs to regain some confidence, while the Spartans are still searching for their first win.

Seniors: Adelaide University Hogs 4-0 defeat Port Adelade Spartans 1-3

Final Score: 20 - 0

The Adelaide University Hogs came into Round 4 looking to keep their undefeated record alive for another week, and they did just that. They scored early to take a 6-0 lead, which was quickly turned into 13-0 after cashing in on an interception which set them up in the RedZone. Coming out of half time the Hogs built on their lead adding another Touchdown and extra point to lead 20-0. The Spartans had their chance for points after forcing a fumble deep in the RedZone but failed to convert the great field position into a score.

Although the offence for the Spartans couldn’t put points on the board, it was their defence that kept them in this game, as they were able to hold a high-powered offence averaging 34 points per game to their lowest score of the season so far.

The Hogs continue their dominance on the season and finishing the regular season undefeated is a huge possibility.

Juniors: UniSA Eagles 4- 0 defeat South City Chiefs 1- 3

Final Score: 24 - 6

The UniSA Eagles remain the only undefeated team left in the junior division after their win last week over the Hogs, while the Chiefs were looking to build some momentum after getting their first win. It was the Eagles however who showed again why they are the team to beat in this division. The Chiefs couldn't generate much early while the Eagles were clean and dangerous, looking like points were going to be scored every time they touched it.

The Eagles did just that, dominating every phase of the game, allowing them to take a 24-0 lead into half time. Out of the main break the Eagles made their first error of the game, as a punt return fumble set the Chiefs up with 1st & Goal which they were able to turn into 6. Unfortunately for them that was all they were able to score despite the brilliant efforts by dual threat Chiefs quarterback whose ability to escape the pocket when it breaks down and make plays in scramble drill is incredible.

The Eagles march on to 4-0 and now make it two wins over the reigning Junior State Champions this season.

Seniors: UniSA Eagles 4- 0 defeat South City Chiefs 0-4

Final Score: 42 - 18

Although the result in this one might have been expected, the score line certainly wasn’t. The Chiefs although still winless dropping to 0-4 are seeing signs of improvement everywhere, putting up their best score of the season against an undefeated powerhouse. When these 2 teams met in opening round the final score was 58-0, this same Chiefs team was 34 points better in Round 4 whilst also refusing to be shut out again. I mentioned in the Round 4 edition of the Two-Minute Drill that the Chiefs would build on last week's performance, and they sure did, there is no quit in this team.

As for the Eagles their shot at the perfect season lives to fight another week, fans of this program should be extremely excited as their Juniors and Seniors remain a perfect 4-0.