The Cassidy Jets continued their unbeaten start to the British League season with a well earned 46-12 victory over the East Kilbride Pirates. Dax Michelena was again in impressive form throwing for 250 yards and 4 touchdowns whilst adding an 85 yard score on the ground in conditions that could only be described as appalling. Handling errors blighted an otherwise impressive offensive performance for the Jets even though they were missing several key players.
Jeremy Simms had his best day of the season with 7 receptions for 130 yards including a 64 yard touchdown to open the scoring. In the absence of both Steve Coles and Matt Williams the Jets were forced to abandon their kicking game and continually attempt 2 point conversions. Joe Black's reception from Michelena fired the Jets into an early 8-0 lead. The Pirates added to their playoff credentials with an immediate reply, quarterback Darryn Trainor led a strong offensive series culminating in a 16 yard touchdown strike to Lee Collins but couldn't repeat the feat on the conversion.
In almost a carbon copy of the first touchdown Michelena again split the safeties, this time hitting Canadian wide receiver David Sonne for his first score in a Jets uniform. Black again was the recipient on the two point conversion stretching the lead to 10 for the visitors. After a slow start, the Jets defence seemed to get into sync and began making plays. Linebacker Alistair Bailey played up to his reputation in the middle getting good pressure on Trainor and eventually forcing a punt.
Pinned down on their 15 yard line Michelena found some space along the left sideline and outran everyone to set a new record for Jets quarterback. The 85 yard run was the highlight of a 120 yard effort on just 6 carries and provided some breathing space, Michelena hooked up with Simms for the 2 point conversion and a 24-6 lead. Mark Cohen got the first of his obligatory 2 touchdowns when he snagged a 7 yard reception in the corner of the endzone. Kofi Campbell added the conversion.
With the downpour showing no signs of letting up, ball security was becoming an increasing concern. Dave Cowen was the recipient of an errant Trainor pass giving him 2 for the season and handing the offence an opportunity to add to the Jets lead. The pay off was instant, Joe Black's athletic catch on a 33 yard touchdown sent the visitors in with a 38-6 halftime lead.
Turnovers blighted the second period, Coventry turned the ball over 5 times including allowing a 62 yard interception return by linebacker Steven Kane to give the Pirates hope of a comeback. Defensive tackle Mick Mills blocked the point after kick to conserve a 26 point lead. A botched handoff gave further encouragement for the home side and they seemed certain to score but for Bailey's last gasp tackle at the goal line jarring the ball loose for cornerback Bryan Over to recover in the endzone.
Cohen was on hand for the final score of the day, his 23 yard touchdown reception from Neil Balthazaar was his 26th reception through just 3 games. Balthazaar hooked up with compatriot Sonne on the conversion to put the icing on a 46-12 victory that Head Coach Gerry McManus described as "thoroughly professional in the most difficult of conditions". McManus also lauded the performance of his starting quarterback "Dax was incredible today, his numbers would be impressive for a game let alone just a half of football. It was also great to see young Shad (McCook) out there, he's hopefully the first of many graduates from our youth programme".
The win keeps the Jets at the top of the table heading into next weeks showdown with the Bristol Aztecs when the 2 teams play a repeat of last season's semi-final. The Cassidy Jets have won all 3 of the previous meetings between the clubs and will be keen to maintain their lead over the Farnham Fast Lane Knights who are also unbeaten after a 34-23 victory over the London Blitz yesterday. The game is a 16:00 kick off on Sunday the 8th of June at Warwick University.