In the biggest shock of the XLeague playoffs, the Tokyo Gas Creators stunned the heavily favored Sekisui Challengers 16-13 in a thrilling overtime battle defined by defensive grit and a clutch kick.
A defensive struggle
The game was a tense, low-scoring affair from the opening kickoff, with both defenses refusing to yield a touchdown in the first half. The scoring was limited to a exchange of field goals, with Tokyo Gas kicker Kanta Takahashi hitting two to give his team a narrow 6-3 lead heading into halftime. The defenses continued to dominate, frustrating two of the league’s more potent offenses and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Late game drama
Tokyo Gas finally broke through for the game’s first touchdown late in the third quarter when quarterback Yuhito Taniguchi connected with tight end Sota Miwa on a 3-yard pass. Taniguchi finished an efficient 21-of-34 for 236 yards. Trailing 13-3, Sekisui mounted a furious comeback in the final quarter. Quarterback Garrett Safron scored on a 4-yard run and, with just over two minutes remaining, kicker Toshiki Sato nailed a pressure-packed 42-yard field goal to tie the game and force overtime.
Overtime heroics
In the tiebreak, Sekisui had the first possession but saw a 30-yard field goal attempt blocked. Tokyo Gas then missed a 48-yard attempt of their own, but a penalty on Sekisui moved the ball five yards closer. Given a second chance from 43 yards, kicker Kanta Takahashi stepped up and drilled the game-winning field goal, sealing a massive upset and sending the Gas Creators to the semifinals.
A stunning outcome
The victory is a monumental achievement for the Tokyo Gas Creators, who entered the playoffs as a lower-seeded team and defeated a legitimate title contender. Their defense was the story, containing Sekisui‘s high-powered attack led by Boogie Knight (5 rec, 70 yds). For the Sekisui Challengers, the loss is a devastating early exit from the postseason, ending their campaign in stunning fashion.
Source: XLeague