American Football Club: the club’s first trip to the promotion game in four years.
On Saturday, December 2nd, the American Football Club played its seventh game (vs Kanto Gakuin University, “KGU”) under clear skies at Amino Vital Field.Meiji Gakuin University’s record of 5-1 after six games was the top record of the group. If Meiji Gakuin University (“MGU”) were to win this game, they would advance to the promotion game.The stands were packed with MGU fans.
KGU kicked off, beginning the game. MGU returned and quickly earned a first down. MGU advanced to the KGU 35-yard line during a 5:20 drive capped by running plays by #32 Kawai and passes from quarterback #10 Yamashita to #11 Chugo.Unfortunately, MGU punted on a fourth down; KGU gained possession.KGU made a long gain as time expired in the first quarter.The first quarter was quiet, and ended with a score of 0-0.
As soon as the second quarter began, #7 Ishido made a fine defensive play and MGU regained possession. MGU made gains with runs by #32 Kawai and passes to #11Chugo.Unfortunately, at the five-minute mark, MGU turned the ball over to KGU near the 50-yard line.At the seven-minute mark, a run by KGU #1 put KGU on MGU’s 15-yard line. Next, a quarterback run brought KGU to the 10-yard line.At the nine-minute mark, a fine defensive play by Ishido held off KGU’s offense, but KGU eventually kicked a field goal at 9:20 to open the scoring.On MGU’s ensuing possession, big plays by Muranaka and Fujimoto resulted in big gains, but MGU was unable to convert, and the half ended with KGU leading 3-0.
At 5:00 in the third quarter, #11 Chugo made a nice return of a kick by KGU. A run by #22 Komine brought MGU to KGU’s 35-yard line.At 6:30, quarterback #10 Yamashita ran the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. MGU took the lead over KGU, 7-3.Unfortunately, on the very next play, KGU returned the kickoff for a touchdown, and so. KGU regained the lead, 10-7.Later, on MGU’s possession, #22 Komine received a pass from the quarterback for a sizable gain. Komine made another run to bring MGU near the KGU 10-yard line.At 10:20, quarterback Yamashita connected with #7 Ishido for a touchdown pass. The third quarter ended with MGU in the lead, 14-10.
In the fourth quarter, MGU used runs by #22 Komine and quarterback #10 Yamashita to advance to the KGU 35-yard line.A successful pass to #11 Chugo brought KGU to the 25-yard line at the three-minute mark. MGU tried for a field goal at the eight-minute mark, but missed.After that, the two teams traded possessions. With three minutes remaining, KGU pressed forward with passes, runs, and quarterback runs, but were stopped by a fine defensive play by MGU #1 Yoshida.KGU tried a risky play with two minutes remaining, but again ran into MGU #1 Yoshida.MGU fumbled, and KGU recovered and ran out the clock to seal the score, 14-10.
MGU’s victory guarantees (and clinches the best record of the group) the club’s first trip to the promotion game in four years.Thank you for your support.
【next game】
Kickoff:12.16.sat 16:30~
Opponent:Tokyo Gakugei University
Access: Aminovital Field
