The amazing success of the Kansai University Kaisers this season continued on Sunday, as they defeated the Hosei Tomahawks 50-38 to capture their first Koshien Bowl win in 61 years.
While many were probably expecting a low scoring game, it was 17-16 at halftime, and 33-31 after three quarters. But three scores for Kansai in the 4th quarter put the game away for Kansai. It was primarily the running ability of Yutaka Fujimori and Daichi Haraguchi that made the difference. Haraguchi was awarded as the Best Player, while senior LB Kenjiro Odate received the NFL Special Award. Takuto Hara finished his fine career forHosei, receiving the Fighting Spirit award.
Junior Fujimoiri had said he had always dreamed of playing at Koshien- though he had thought that would come as a high school baseball player in the national tournament.
But on the ground in football, he not only got his wish, he returns home with the Chuck Mills trophy. More importantly he and his teammate bring home the the national collegiate championship trophy.
They will face the X-League champion (to be determined at Tokyo Dome on December 21st) in the nationally televised Rice Bowl on January 3rd.
