The Coventry Cassidy Jets' EFAF Cup campaign was shot down in flames today as they crashed to a 49-6 defeat in the Czech Capital. The Prague Panthers dominated from start to finish, scoring on every possession except one. Lineman Adam O'Reilly took the MVP plaudits after playing every down on both offense and defense as the Jets only kitted the EFAF minimum 20 players. Ed Tate once again displayed remarkable leadership, as a young quarterback making only his third start, Tate showed his usual poise and fighting spirit.
Coventry began on offense and struggled to gain any yards on the ground as Kofi Campbell was driven backwards twice before fumbling on third down to set up a short field for the hosts. Prague wasted no time as Stanislav Jantos danced into the endzone from 10 yards out. The Jets responded with a strong drive, Tate completed three passes and Campbell dragged tacklers 43 yards in total, finally barrelling in from 4 yards out capping a 9 minute drive and winding down the first quarter.
After a blocked point after try the Jets found themselves 7-6 down and it was as close as they would get to their prolific hosts. A ten play drive culminated in a one yard quarterback sneak for Jacob Shrum. Michal Aug was a perfect 7 of 7 on extra points and his kick expanded the lead to 14-7 early in the second quarter. Coventry's next drive stalled and a good angled punt from Mark Cohen placed the Panthers just inside their own 20 yard line. It wasn't enough though as Jan Wajtr scored on a 70 yard reception from Jacob Shrum as the Jets secondary blew an assignement.
Things got quickly worse and the game seemed out of sight before the half as Martin Long's one yard dive saw the home team go in with a 28-6 half time lead. The Jets defense picked up the intensity at the start of the second half and Will White's fumble recovery had Coventry in scoring position. With no kicker in the 20 man squad the Jets had to go for a fourth and long coming up short and turning the ball over. Wajtr again punished the Jets, this time from 28 yards out, making the score 35-6 early in the third period.
Another 10 play drive ensued for the Panthers, this time Ondrej Visek rammed the ball home from 1 yard to leave the Jets trailing by 36 with 8 minutes still to play. A second Coventry turnover helped put the icing on the cake for the Panthers as they set up a semi-final date with the Amsterdam Crusaders. Visek again got on the scoresheet, this time from 13 yards to secure what was a comfortable win 49-6.
The Jets don't have much time to regroup, a Britbowl XXII rematch with the rampant London Blitz awaits at Sphinx FC on the 31st of May. Whilst GB quarterback Stuart Franklin is now playing in Valencia, the Blitz still possess the most powerful rushing attack in the Country, headlined by Gareth Dauley who slashed the Jets for over 200 yards in the title game last year.