Week 5 saw the Warriors travel back to Endeavour Hills to face a Berwick Miners outfit riddled with injuries.
The last time these teams met was in Week 1 where the Warriors came out comfortable winners 50-0. Since that outing, the Miners had improved significantly and were prepared to come into today’s game a lot more competitive than what they had been previously. The only thing working against them is injuries which unfortunately has taken a big toll of late.
Game day Captain was Nathan Markopolous who has been working hard at trainings and improved each week which has not gone unnoticed!
The Warriors are well known this season for fast starts and were expected to come out firing however the Offense could not get moving earlier committing too many mistakes and too many penalties. The game would see the first quarter end at 0-0 before the Warriors could starting putting points on the board.
Unlike the Offense, the Defense were outstanding being led by Defensive Lineman Josh Deakin.
Deakin showed excellent power and position as he stuffed the run all day, forced pressure continuously and had 5 sacks on the day.
DL Joshua Deakin roars after one of his 5 sacks against the Miners (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)
Whilst the Defense continued to dominate all day, the Warriors finally started to move the chains and take the game away from the Miners.
QB Nick Whitehead was again dominant in a display where he threw for over 100 yards again and threw for 3 touchdowns. He was sensational controlling the game, controlling the ball and more importantly not turning the ball over. Confidence was crucial and whilst Whitehead took the game on, so did his offensive linemen. Not only did the Warriors score 3 passing touchdowns, they also scored two on the ground thanks to great running performances by Anton Maksoutov and Bryan Huynh who both had plenty of yards each with their touchdowns.
Crunch award for today went to Anton Maksoutov for a massive hit on a kick returner who had just busted out on a big Kick Return .Anton not only plays the role of running back, but also as the kicker which made the play extra special. Another day of special teams highlights also included a Kick Return touchdown to open the second half for Majny ‘Magic’ Majing which was his first return for a score this season.
The Warriors ended up winners 44-6 over the miners and whilst the Offense ended up putting a respectable score on the board, Coach Marini still sees lots of improvement to come from his Offensive players. Coach Marini did however praise his Defense who were led brilliantly by Deakin as well as Max Abrahams, Dmitri Maksoutov and Jono Keusgen. Marini was also praising the play of Jed Melican who was able to put himself in position to make plays coming away with two interceptions in this encounter.
Next week sees a league wide bye for Easter and then the boys travel around the corner to face the South Eastern Predators who currently call Clayton home. The Clash of Clayton is upon us!
Kick off is at 2PM on Saturday 2nd April at Namatjira Reserve, Newport Road South Clayton
Get behind the Warriors!