By Alex McLachlan
A Darwinian affair this week in Norway, as the Eidsvoll 1814s rolled into town to face the Nidaros Domers. And only the fittest did survive, as the perennial powerhouse rolled over the plucky upstarts, winning by a margin of 48-0.
Eidsvoll dominated from the offset, setting the tone on offence. Quarterback Raymond Myhrer staked his claim as one of Norway’s premier offensive threats, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. Indeed, it was the rushing attack that made the 1814s so unstoppable. Led by veteran centre Martin Haugerud, 1814s O-line won the battle of the trenches, despite the best efforts of the Domers’ defence. This dominance allowed Eidsvoll to score 4 rushing touchdowns, including two by Espen Waagen and one by Patrick Sandum.
That is not to discredit the Domers, however. Quarterback Mats Leinan tried his utmost to get something going for the Nidaros, but incessant pressure made this an impossibility. 1814 defenders ran riot, with Markus Sætereng and Sondre Bøyeie each accruing 3 sacks and big man Sindre Bjørnvåg lived every defensive lineman’s dream as he returned a pick 50 yards for a rumbling touchdown! Forcing a scoreless game is always something to be proud of, and Eidsvoll’s impressive stat of only conceding a single score in two games shows impressive fundamentals and great playmaking skills in tandem!
Congratulations to Eidsvoll who move to 2-0 and keep the pressure on the Vålerenga Trolls at the top of the division. Meanwhile, the Domers continue to struggle. An early baptism of fire against the three top teams in Norway is undoubtedly tough, but will give their young ‘ballers great experience and set them up in strong stead for the latter half of their season!
To watch Bjørnvåg’s pick 6, click here.
Photo credit: http://amerikanskfotball.tnfj.com/nyheter/u17-nm-gull-til-eidsvoll-1814s/