Defense Delivers: Obic edges Elecom Kobe 10-7 in gritty XLeague quarterfinal battle

In a defensive struggle defined by key turnovers, the Obic Seagulls advanced to the XLeague semifinals with a hard-fought 10-7 victory over the Elecom Kobe Finies.

Elecom strikes first

The Elecom Kobe Finies drew first blood in a game where points were scarce. Quarterback David Pindell engineered a methodical drive late in the first quarter, capping it with a 3-yard touchdown pass to receiver Doo Okada. Pindell finished the game completing 21 of 38 passes for 125 yards and that lone score, while also leading his team in rushing with 31 yards on the ground. The early 7-0 lead put the pressure squarely on the undefeated Seagulls.

Obic’s grinding comeback

Stifled for the entire first half, Obic finally got on the board with a field goal from Joji Yamazaki in the second quarter. The comeback was sealed in the third quarter following a crucial 35-yard completion from quarterback Pierce Holley to receiver Yuki Sakuma. The drive was finished not by Holley, but by defensive back Jason Smith, who lined up at quarterback and powered in a 3-yard touchdown run to give Obic their first and only lead of the game at 10-7. Holley ended the day with 169 passing yards, spreading the ball to receivers Jamal Watanabe and Yuki Sakuma, who had 52 receiving yards.

Defense seals the deal

With the offense struggling to find rhythm, Obic’s defense rose to the occasion to preserve the narrow lead. The secondary came up with two critical interceptions in the final stages to halt Elecom‘s comeback attempts. Defensive back Kengo Bono and lineman Naoyuki Higuchi each grabbed a pick, with Higuchi’s coming on a tipped pass. These timely takeaways ended Elecom‘s final drives and secured the semifinal berth for Obic.

A ticket to the semifinals

This low-scoring, physical affair exemplified playoff football, ultimately won by the team that made the fewest mistakes and the most impactful defensive plays. Obic advances to the semifinals on December 14th, their championship hopes still alive thanks to a resilient defensive unit that delivered when it mattered most. For Elecom Kobe, the loss is a heartbreaking end to a season where their defense proved they could compete with the league’s best.

Source: XLeague