The NTU Renegades fell to the Derby Braves 17-14 in their first game back after the holidays.
Derby got off to a strong start. Their running back broke a long run down Derby’s sideline to open the game. He added another run to bring the Braves into the redzone. The Renegades forced a fumble on the next play but Derby fell back on the ball. The opening drive finished with a pass to the front corner of the endzone to put the Braves up 7-0.]
Natal Melero changed the kicking game for the day by returning Derby’s first kickoff past midfield. For much of the day, Derby kicked it away from Melero which set up good field position throughout the game for Trent.
The Renegades had to punt on their opening possession but Derby muffed the kick and Lewis Hyde recovered it for the Renegades within Derby’s 5 yard line. Unfortunately, two plays later the Renegades threw an interception near the goal line.
A few drives later, Alex Cook coffin corned a punt that was downed at the Derby one yard line. But Derby managed to get out from being backed into a corner. The Renegades defense limited them to a field goal to bring the game to 10-0.
The Renegades’ next offensive drives ended in an interception and running out the clock to go into the half 10-0.
In the third, linebacker Kieran Matthews picked off a pass to get the Renegades some much needed momentum. The offensive drive started with Kieran Goncalves grabbing a pass with a defender draped over him (a flag was called but he made the catch). A few plays later receiver Kieran Howes grabbed his first career touchdown grab to make it 10-7.
In the fourth quarter, Derby got one more score to extend their lead to 17-7.
Fighting until the end, safety Lewis Hyde picked off a Derby pass and returned it for his second turnover of the day and his first career pick-six
The Renegades couldn’t recover the ensuing onside kick and Derby knelt the ball with the final score 17-14. The game brings the Renegades to 0-4 on the season.
The Renegades next game is against Stirling at home.