Belfast Trojans 42-0 Carrickfergus Knights

A year ago, Kai Ruggeri was throwing to Chris McKeown, the Trojans were 0-2-2 in the IAFL North, and Belfast’s newest team was without a home. In 2008, McKeown has completed a dozen throws to Ruggeri, the Trojans are undefeated in two division games, and have taken advantage of the opportunities provided by settling in at home in East Belfast’s Malone Rugby Club. These changes were immediately apparent in Carrickfergus on Sunday, in a home domination of the Knights, formerly division leaders.

Though McKeown found Ruggeri twice on the opening drive, a botched handoff ended the series inside the red zone. After regaining possession, the Trojan offense found their stride. A jarring hit by Ruggeri set up a huge Erin Wager run, before continuing the move downfield. McKeown then connected with Scott Fischaber for the game’s opening score. Though the conversion failed, a 6-0 lead would prove to be plenty. Kicker Stephen McDowell’s touchdown-saving tackle on the restart ignited the defence and the two teams traded possessions briefly, with the Knights’ offense on the field to open the second quarter. When quarterback Adam Devenney’s pass was tipped by McDowell, Ruggeri found the deflection. After securing the interception, he twice broke tackles before finding open space on the far sideline for another score. After Wagner’s conversion, the lead stood 14-0 at halftime.

Carrickfergus was anticipated to mount a comeback in defence of their perfect record, but it was not to be. After big stops again by the Trojan D, topped with a Fischaber interception, McKeown led another drive, connecting with Ruggeri, Fischaber, and McDowell. He then found tight end Adrian Cassidy in the end zone for a 20-0 lead. Captain Chris Weir led the fourth quarter charge, provoking huge plays from the Trojan defensive line. Mark McGrath, Jeroen Egge, and Craig Voisey each had big sacks, forcing the Knights to punt. Warren Thompson’s return secured excellent field position.

With Jay MacKenzie and Voisey earning yards up the middle, the Trojan O found paydirt again, as McKeown connected with Ruggeri in the end zone for a 26-0 lead. The Trojans stuffed the Carrickfergus offense again, and a quick possession led to another McKeown-Ruggeri touchdown. Wagner followed that with the game’s most exciting play: leapfrogging a defender and bulldozing another push the lead to 34. On the Knights’ last attempt from scrimmage, linebacker Rob Lyttle picked off Andrew Crawford’s pass, shucked a defender, and eased in for the touchdown. McKeown connected with Ruggeri for the games final score, 42-0. The ensuing kick was mishandled, and with the ball on the 3-yard line, the Knights chose to run out the clock.

Scoring Summary
Fischaber, pass from McKeown (Conversion Failed); 6-0
Ruggeri interception (Wagner run); 14-0
Cassidy, pass from McKeown (NG); 20-0
Ruggeri, pass from McKeown (NG); 26-0
Ruggeri, pass from McKeown (Wagner run); 34-0
Lyttle interception (Ruggeri pass from McKeown); 42-0

Game MVP
Stephen McDowell

Defensive MVP
Jeroen Egge

Offensive MVP
Erin Wagner