The London Blitz accomplished something all sporting teams strive for but few actually achieve – a perfect season. The American football team went undefeated in the 2009 season an impressive feat in itself, but the Blitz did not stop there. They continued their dedicated and hard working performances into the playoffs all the way to the BritBowl XXIII championship.

 

The Blitz defeated the defending champions Coventry Jets 26-7 to claim the BritBowl title and the perfect season.

 

BritBowl XXIII was the London Blitz fourth consecutive national championship appearance and third consecutive match-up against the Coventry Jets.

 

The Blitz made their presence known early, as quarterback Fred Boyle found wide receiver Rod “Spartan” Bradley on the opening possession for a 30-yard catch to bring the Blitz offense into the red zone.  Quarterback Boyle connected with wide receiver Michael Casper for the game’s first touchdown as the Blitz went up 6-0.

 

Former Blitz quarterback, Stuart Franklin responded with a drive of his own capping it with a touchdown catch by wide receiver Mark Cohen as the Jets went ahead 7-6.

 

The determined Blitz would not let Coventry keep the momentum and after some great defensive stop by both teams, the Blitz made their way back to the red zone.  Unable to convert on third down, the Blitz brought kicker Nathan Holt onto the field who easily shook off his pervious miss as he planted his kick between the uprights putting the Blitz back on top 9-7.

 

The Blitz defense made another great stop as they sacked the quarterback forcing the Jets to punt to end the first quarter.

 

Blitz quarterback began the second quarter similar to the first as Boyle showcased his arm as he found wide receiver Tom Shennan for a 60-yard catch.  Wanting to play it aggressive, the Blitz went for it on fourth and goal but came up five yards shy of the end zone.

 

In the third quarter, the Blitz defense made their presence known as two different defensive backs picked off the Coventry quarterback Stuart Franklin.  Defensive back Joe Coultate had the first interception of the game but London could not capitalize. The Jets following possession was ended by another interception but his time defensive back Martin Ray returned it 20 yards for a touchdown as the Blitz increased the lead 16-7.

 

The teams traded possessions, until the Blitz offensive line and fullback put on a blocking display that allowed Dauley to break out a 65-yard touchdown run to make the score 23-7.

 

Kicker Nathan Holt sealed the victory with a field goal with 55 seconds left in the game. The Blitz sideline honored the former player and 2009 team captain Dan “Raiders” Dawson with “Raiders” chants who tragically passed following the 2008 season.

 

Following the London Blitz 2008 BritBowl loss to the Coventry Jets, the Blitz set out with only one goal in mind – to get back to the championship game and redeem last year’s loss. Not only did the Blitz successfully get back to the BritBowl and win the title – they accomplished the perfect season going undefeated which is why the London Blitz is IFAF.org Team of the Month for September.