The American football game between the Bilkent Judges and the Ankara Cats, unfortunately came up short, on the entertainment front. However, what the game did not lack was its fair share of turnovers and interceptions along with a number of incomplete passes. In a game that ended 7-6, with the Judges coming out on top, both sides put on a rather poor performance for a rather dismal group of fans.
In a quite passive first half, the Judges again and again proved their ability to run with the ball past defenders and gain yards, despite a display of rather poor passing. It was in this first half that the Judges got their only touchdown and extra point, which made the score 7-0. In the later stages of the first half, the scales seemed to tilt in favor of the Cats as their passing and running grew more and more precise; especially between no.13 and no.88.
The beginning of the second half began as the first half ended: with the Cat’s seemingly moving the ball at will. The Cats dominated the earlier stages of the second half due to the great communication and understanding between no.13 and no.88, both of which ran circles around the Judges defense. The Cats continued pressing until they got their well-earned touchdown, which made the score 7-6. The Cats would have made the score 7-8 had it not been for the Judge’s defender Turabi Aþýcý’s well-timed tackle on no.13, which prevented them from making the two point conversion.
After the second touchdown, the game flattened out, as both sides failed to come up with the goods. The Judges managed to hold on to their one point lead and win the game, despite three of the oppositions touchdowns being declined on penalties. In a game that was quite disappointing entertainment wise, the Judges’ passes left a lot to be desired although they did manage to pull it a bit together late in the game, but what was more disappointing was the lack of support from Bilkent Fans. Perhaps if more play by play information could be broadcasted during the game, this might lead both to a better understanding of what is going on and more fans in the stands.
Adem Tarýk Genç (ELIT/III)
