The first game of the season for the Gold Diggers was their first EFL game ever. It was a tight game with many missed opportunities for the Gold Diggers, and in the 4th quarter the Roosters got away with the win.
Saturday, April 13, Søllerød Gold Diggers kicked off the season against the defending Finnish National Champions Helsinki Roosters. It turned out to be a showcase between two high-scoring offenses, but also with some great plays on defense.
Both teams had trouble rushing for yardage, and therefore the passing game proved to be the decisive factor. Recently signed Gold Diggers’ QB Zach Shaw played well most of the game, throwing 3 TD’s and rushing for another TD, but he also threw 2 interceptions and lost a fumble after being sacked. Roosters QB Robert Johnson had a solid game with 6 TD’s through the air and 2 interceptions.
Close first half
The first half started right out with 3 turnovers on the first 4 possessions. First, QB Robert Johnson fumbled the ball just before getting to the endzone. After a Gold Diggers punt, Johnson threw a interception, giving the ball back to the Gold Diggers. However, after marching down the field, Diggers QB Zach Shaw then threw his first pick, eventually leading to a Roosters touchdown.
© Palle Christensen
Following an equalizing touchdown run by RB Alexander Simonsen, Gold Diggers took the lead 14-7 when the defense forced a fumble and returned it to the endzone. After a Roosters touchdown, Gold Diggers’ #11 WR Mads Bonde went 80 yards into the endzone on the first play from scrimmage. On the following kickoff, Gold Diggers recovered the ball, which led to a field goal after a 3-and-out.
The Roosters finished the first half strong, using a flowing passing game to score 14 unanswered points, leading 23-28 going into the second half.
Gold Diggers QB Zach Shaw #8 runs in for a TD
© Palle Christensen
Roosters flew away in 4th quarter
Gold Diggers received the ball starting the second half. After a long drive #8 QB Zach Shaw rushed for a 2-yard TD. After the teams exchanged punts, the Roosters came back with a strong drive resulting in a touchdown. On the following drive, Gold Diggers #21 Søren Bakbøl had a nice return, and then caught the ball for a long touchdown to make a Gold Diggers lead, 37-35.
Roosters QB Robert Johnson © Palle Christensen
The Roosters had trouble moving the ball on the following possesions, but so had the Gold Diggers, turning the ball over on downs on back-to-back drives. On a crucial 4th down, Roosters QB Johnson threw a long touchdown pass to his wide receiver on a comeback route, grabbing the lead 37-42.
On the next possesion, the Gold Diggers found themselves backed up in their own endzone after a long kickoff. QB Zach Shaw was sacked on 2nd down and fumbled the ball, which the Roosters recovered for a touchdown. That play proved to be costly for the Gold Diggers.
Behind 37-49 with little time to go, the Gold Diggers still had to punt on their next possesion. The Roosters went for a fake punt after a 3-and-out, but the pass fell incomplete. Then Gold Diggers QB Zach Shaw orchestrated a long drive, leading to another TD catch by #21 Søren Bakbøl.
After a couple of kneeldowns, the Roosters sealed their win with a 5-point deficit, 44-49. That concluded an exiciting game between two teams that were very equal on the day.
Gold Diggers’ #6, LB Mikkel Vangsgaard, was given the game ball, due to solid defensive play throughout the game, a brilliant interception and a hit on Roosters QB Robert Johnson that could be heard by everyone in the Stadium.
The Gold Diggers will play their next EFL game on April 27 2013 away against the Helsinki Wolverines.
Line of scrimmage © Palle Christensen
