once again

Once again this year, we had a tremendously exciting "Clash Bowl", the Kanto collegiate championship. On a crisp, sunny day in December Hosei defeated Nichiday 21-20 in double over-time, when Takahito Maruto converted the extra point after a 2-yard TD run by Takuto Hara, his second 2-yard TD run and third of the afternoon.

Nichidai had scored on a 25 yard pass from Keiya Hiramoto to Kotaro Okano on the first play of the second overtime period. But Nichidai missed the extra point. It was obvious to me from watching pregame warm-ups that kicking might become a problem for Nichidai, and they were 0-3 on FGs due to a missed kick and couple of blocked kicks.

For many of their drives during the game, Nichidai seemed to move the ball at midfield at will- indeed the Phoenix outgained the Tomahawks 427 to 301 ; but several drives bogged down in the Red Zone, turning the ball over the ball there three times and missing 3 FGs.

Hosei scored near the end of the 1st half, when Hara scrambled twice- the first for 49 yards, the second for a 4 yard TD- on plays designed for him to throw back to the QB. It was 7-0 at the half.

Nichidai scored two TDs on the second half on runs by Hiramoto. He was 17-30 for 200 yards with 2 INTs on the day. He also gained 107 yeards on 18 carries. Senior Takuya Yamashiro started and was 1-5 with one interception.

Hara gained 117 yards on 16 carries for the Tomahawks. Keiji Yamashiro was 16-22 and 138 yards passing.


Hosei advances to the Koshien Bowl to meet the Kansai champion on December 21st at the Kyocera Dome.

nervous?

I visited the Hosei University football practice this week, as the Tomahawks prepare for their Clash Bowl rematch against Nippon University on Sunday. The Phoenix won last year 38-34.

I must say, I don't know if I have ever seen a practice where the team seemed so relaxed before a big game. It is probably a testament to their confidence- Hosei has been to this game 14 of the last 16 years (and won it thirteen times) . Last year was also the first time Nichi-dai beat Hosei in twelve tries, going back to 1992. The Phoenix dominated the series in the 1980's.