The Coventry Jets Juniors finally got their 2011 season underway on Sunday, almost a month after their hosts, the Leicester Falcons.
The home side were the beneficiaries of costly mistakes as the Jets fell 12-6, marking a first victory for the Falcons at their fourth attempt. With their senior counterparts struggling for form it was widely expected that the Junior squad could raise some cheer for the Jets Organisation. And quarterback Joe Brammer's 17 yard touchdown run looked set to open the floodgates as the more experienced visitors scored on their first possession.
As it turned out Brammer's score was the only highlight for Head Coach Adam Biggs' side. Elliott Strong's extra point attempt was blocked as Coventry had to settle for a 6-0 lead. It looked set to be a difficult day for the Falcons as the gale force winds played havoc for both teams. A blown snap handed the ball straight back to the Jets as veteran linebacker TJ Chieza pounced on the loose ball, one of two fumble recoveries for the second year player who also led the team in tackles with 10.
A sack forced the Jets to punt as they inexplicably continued to attempt to throw the ball in the face of strong winds. Leicester failed to move the ball as well though and both teams traded turnovers to finish off the first quarter. The Falcons began to find some running room as the Jets defence was forced to stay on the field for a prolonged period but a 12 play drive stalled in the redzone. Sticking to their guns Coventry's continued efforts to establish the pass led to Strong punting into the wind with an inevitable result. The seven yard kick set up Daniel Weston to score from five yards out just a few plays later. The two point conversion was snuffed out to leave the scores level at half time
Leicester kicked off the second half and again the wind played a huge part. Sam Johns had to attempt to collect a short kick but as the strong gusts took the ball away from him the Falcons were able to recover what became an unorthodox onside kick. Bradley Lewis capped off a short drive with a mazy 19 yard run, squeezing into the endzone despite rookie free safety Lewis Phillips' best efforts to force him out. Leicester again failed with their extra point attempt to leave the lead at 12-6. Coventry couldn't move the ball in response but Strong's 66 yard punt rolled out of bounds at the one to pin the Falcons deep in their own territory.
Unable to progress Leicester pulled a surprise punt on third down which worked to good effect as they managed 21 yards into the wind. Coventry again came out throwing though and Sahil Patel athletically picked off Brammer's pass. The Falcons put together another long drive on the ground. The 13 play grind, wore valuable time off the clock, leaving just one last chance for the Jets. Good runs from Sean Hanlon and Brammer took Coventry to the hosts 29 and when Brammer completed his first pass of the day to Johnny Muanza it looked like the Jets might snatch the lead. Muanza was stripped of the ball at the 9 yard line though and the Falcons recovered to finish any hopes of a comeback.
Brammer's numbers weren't a fair reflection on the quarterback's efforts, his usually sure-handed receivers had previously dropped five passes and two completions, including a 70 yard touchdown strike, were ruled out for penalties. Coventry were there own worst enemies as 11 flags cost them 117 yards on the day. Biggs has 11 days to prepare his team for the visit of the Tamworth Phoenix as both clubs meet in a double-header with their senior teams at the Butts Park Arena on Saturday the 11th of June. For more details on the Coventry Jets and to find out how you can be part of their 2011 campaign, please visit their website www.covjets.com or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
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