Cuiaba Arsenal – 43
Goiânia Rednecks – 13
SESI Ferreira Pacheco – Goiânia, Goiás
The Arsenal handled the Redneck air raid attack, while their offensive continued its prolific ways.
“We got the win on the road, but it didn’t come easy. Going into the game we new they were going to pass the ball a lot, so we were able to pressure them a bit, and force them to pass on us,” said Arsenal head coach and DB/WR, Ken Joshen, who had two interceptions and a tackle for a loss to his teams defensive effort.
Joshen’s teammates also took advantage of Goiânia balls in the air, as Hanay Gonçalo added another interception and pass break up, while Brandon Watkins broke up two passes and forced a fumble.
Arsenal linebacker, Igor Mota, was, as usual, all over the field making tackles. He was aided by second year linebacker, Josi, who came up big with a couple of solo tackles, and aided with multiple assists.
“This game, defensively; was a great show of gang tackling and aggressiveness from both the DL and LBs,” said Joshen.
Head coach Ken Joshen speaking to his team, the Arsenal.
Offensively, it was the same story as it has been all season for the Arsenal: They beat up the scoreboard.
“Offensively, we were able to take advantage of our speed and playmaking abilities out wide,” said Joshen, of an offense that saw Cuiaba quarterback; Marcelo Roversi and Daniel Pereira, throw for three and two touchdowns, respectively.
Catching those touchdown throws were Michael Klitzke (six catches for 75 yards; 2 touchdowns), Joshen (80 yards receiving and One touchdown), Bruno Loeschke (one catch for a 30 yard score) and Watkins (six catches for over 100 yards and a touchdown), who also returned a kick for a touchdown.
Joshen and his men from the Pantanal are ready for the next phase of the season. “Now our focus in on the playoffs. Put this game behind us, correct our mistakes, and continue to prepare for the playoffs,” he said.
AFI’s take: Whoever wins the Superliga title will have to be able to win close games and Cuiaba’s veteran heavy group has seen their share of them. Heading into the playoffs, this is a deserving #1 seed. In only their third year in pads, Goiânia making the playoffs is one of the feel-good stories on Brazilian American football. The Rednecks reward for their accomplishment? A rematch with this loaded Arsenal squad, this time in Cuiaba.