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The South East Legion, our under 19 squad, were pleased to host the first tournament of the 2024 season in the BAFA Under 19 Division Two South. Welcoming the Berkshire Renegades, Oxford Saints, and Wembley Stallions to Maidstone, all the squads were able to show off the hard work they had been putting into off-season training. The Legion started with a tough fixture against the Oxford Saints and were beaten heavily but bounced back to secure their first win of the season over the Berkshire Renegades.

South East Legion vs Oxford Saints

With a number of Legion players playing in their very first ever game, there was an understandable amount of jitters against Oxford. The very first offensive play resulted in a safety after a fumbled snap and the misunderstandings continued throughout. A number of key penalties killed off promising drives and turnovers plagued the offense. In total, the Legion lost four fumbles and gave up two interceptions both of which were returned for touchdowns.

The scoreline was particularly unfair on the Legion defense who played Oxford hard throughout. Cayden had four tackles and one assist to lead the defense, ably supported by Ivan, Sam and Tom with two tackles apiece. The offense was led by Oliver at RB who notched 29 yards on the ground on nine carries and another 15 yards through the air.

South East Legion vs Berkshire Renegades

The Legion didn’t let their heads drop however and came back firing in their second game against the Berkshire Renegades. After Sam snagged an early interception to give Quarterback Nate and the offense good field position, they moved the ball downfield and Oliver scored his first touchdown of the new season from seven yards out. The second drive was even better. After Berkshire turned the ball over on downs, on the Legion’s next drive Oliver took the handoff at our own 5 yard line and raced all the way for the 45 yard score.  Just before the break, Berkshire pulled it back to a one score game on a long touchdown pass and run to make it 14-8 at half-time.

Early in the second half, Oliver grabbed his third TD. On the first play of another drive, he again dashed the length of the field for the score to make it 20-8. The Legion looked like they were in control and cruising to victory. The defense, led by Ivan with six solo tackles and three assists, were bottling up the Berkshire offense. But just went on all looked comfortable, the Renegades’ luck turned. Inside the two minute warning on 4th down, a deep throw took a deflection right into the arms of a trailing receiver who made it to the Legion’s 10. Two plays later the Renegades ran in the touchdown to make it a one-score game at 20-14.

Nonetheless, that touchdown proved to be the final score of the day. QB Nate marshalled the offense and was able to run out the clock and secure the win. Oliver finished the day with 133 yards on 14 attempts and three TDs. Sol led the receivers with 18 yards on his one catch.

With these two games in the books, the Legion sit at .500 alongside Oxford and a game behind Wembley. The Legion will travel to Swindon next weekend for their next two games against the Swindon Storm and the Poole Dolphins, both of whom will both making their 2024 season debut.

Player awards

Offensive MVP: Oliver

Defensive MVP: Ivan

The other games

Berkshire Renegades vs Wembley Stallions

Oxford Saints vs Wembley Stallions