NFL SCHOOLS DUNDEE QUALIFIERS

Four of the cities high schools teams contested the initial qualifying round of the NFL World Schools Flag Football Championships at St Johns High School on Saturday (5th May). Two teams from Dundee High, one from Braeview Academy and the host team, St Johns High played a competitive elimination tournament supported by parents and pupils.

1st Round

St Johns High v Dundee High B

Dundee High surprised the more experienced St Johns squad, with Dundee showing their determination to win their first ever competitive game. This was a fiercely fought game that went into overtime, when the score was 18-18 after regulation time. St Johns won first possession in the overtime period and scored the winning touchdown, to seal their place in the Dundee final.

Dundee High A v Braeview Academy

This was a baptism of fire for Braeview. Like Dundee's B team, this was also Braeviews first competitive game against a more experienced opponent in the Dundee A. Dundee raced into a 20-0 lead at the half, with Braeview still trying to find their feet.

Shortly after the interval, Dundee increased their lead further to 26-0. Braeview started to show some promise, driving the ball down the field. Unfortunately Dundee managed to stop any efforts from Braeview to score.

Braeview finally opened their account with an Interception returned for a touchdown, 26-6. Dundee finished the game with one further score, 32-6 and book their place in the final with St Johns High.

Runners-up - 3rd/4th place game

Braeview Academy v Dundee High B

Great credit must be handed to both teams. This was competitive and fun game to watch. Dundee opened the scoring early to take a 6-0 lead. Braeview levelled the score shortly afterwards, 6-6. Both teams continued to trade scores, with Braeview finishing the half wth a 18-14 lead. Both teams continued to trade scores throughout the 2nd half, in what turnout to be one of the best games of the days competition. Braeview held on to their 4 point lead to secure a 36-32 win.

Final - 1st/2nd place game

This was a match-up of the two most experienced teams in the competition. Both teams were aiming to represent Dundee in the UK finals in two weeks time down in Woodham, near Darlington and they didnt disappoint.

Although both teams were managing to score, St Johns looked to be heading to the UK finals after they managed to score, 24-14 and a 10 point advantage over Dundee going into the later stages of the 2nd half.

Dundee were not to about to lie down though, and managed to pull back that advantage with and a 26-24 lead. Now heading into the last few minutes of the contest, St Johns took a 30-24 lead with 1.45 left on the clock.

Dundee High took possession and a series of passes lead to them taking what seemed like the winning score, 32-26. Now with only 15 seconds left on the clock, St Johns broke their opponents hearts with the game winning score (36-32) and a place in the UK schools finals.

St Johns High School will now move on to the UK schools final and a possible place in the European Schools Finals in Frankfurt, Germany. The European finals will take place the same weekend as the NFL Europa "World Bowl", 23rd June.

Pics and Reports from Dundee Hurricanes