Razorbacks snakebitten, look to future

After a long pre-season, the Razorbacks finally took the field in Drumahoe on Sunday where the Donegal/Derry Vipers awaited to welcome them into the Irish American Football Association.

With passions running high, the Razorbacks knew they would have it all to do against a relatively experienced Vipers side and in the first quarter, the Vipers would take advantage of that experience and get a quick touchdown. Failure to convert the extra point would see the Hogs 6-0 down early. The quick score no doubt led some observers to believe a cricket score was on the cards.

The Razorbacks defensive line had other ideas.

With a few players acting both on offense and defense, the Razorbacks held firm, even blocking a field goal in the process. The offense would show flashes, especially with the quarterback Best breaking free twice as halftime approached.

With a swarming defense and a relentless offense, the Vipers continued to push, often starting with a first down within the Razorbacks twenty. McMahon and his linemates refused to yield as the third quarter finished as the score remained 6-0.

An interception early in the fourth gave the Vipers the breakthrough and the extra point pushed the lead to 13-0. This was unfortunately all she wrote for the expansion side as the home team would run in another two touchdowns.

With the final whistle closing the game at 27-0, spirits were high on the trip home. The coach said 'they played as a team, fought hard for all four quarters and never gave up. We have a lot more to learn and a lot to perfect but I believe we have the basis of a team that is going to be outstanding.'

The Razorbacks will now look to the 15th May as they welcome the Wexford Eagles to Newforge.