Bristol Aztecs dominate Amsterdam Crusaders in CEFL Championship matchup

The Bristol Aztecs (1-0) delivered a commanding 46-7 victory over the Amsterdam Crusaders (0-1) in their Central European Football League (CEFL) Championship tournament debut, electrifying a home crowd at Bristol’s South Bristol Stadium during a decisive showdown.

Defenses set early tone
Both teams opened with gritty defensive stands, forcing and recovering fumbles on their opening drives. The Aztecs struck first midway through the first quarter when QB Ethan Gretzinger launched a 42-yard rainbow pass to WR Darius Saint-Robinson, who breezed into the end zone untouched.

Aztecs’ offense ignites
A pivotal interception by CB Tom Seager halted Amsterdam’s response, setting up Gretzinger’s 34-yard deep shot to Oliver Luck. RB Kacper Salik capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown plunge, widening the gap to 14-0. After stifling the Crusaders on fourth down, Gretzinger scrambled for a 9-yard score, extending the lead to 21-0 by the second quarter. Gretzinger then went to his tight ends, Joshua Petrie and Sean Cook, with Cook bulldozing in from the 1-yard line to extend the lead to 28-0.

Crusaders capitalize on rare miscue
Amsterdam’s lone bright spot came late in the half after a botched Aztecs punt snap gifted them possession at the 3-yard line. RB Le’Anthony Reasnover punched in a touchdown, trimming the deficit to 28-7. Kieran Cutlan’s 44-yard field goal closed the half at 31-7.

Second-half shutout seals rout
The Aztecs stifled Amsterdam’s sputtering offense after halftime, holding them to 23 total yards in the third quarter. Gretzinger reignited the attack in the fourth, threading a 12-yard TD pass to Petrie and connecting with Salik for a 2-point conversion. A final 18-yard strike to TE Tom Bowering and Cutlan’s 33-yard drop kick cemented the 46-7 rout.

Standout performances
Gretzinger finished with 298 passing yards, 4 TDs, and a rushing score, while Petrie (112 yards, 1 TD) anchored the aerial assault. The Aztecs’ defense held Amsterdam to 189 total yards, logging 4 sacks and 2 turnovers.

Road ahead
The Aztecs now eye a Week 2 showdown with the Prague Lions, while the Crusaders regroup ahead of hosting the Vienna Vikings. For Bristol, this dominant start signals their intent as CEFL contenders.