THE Hertfordshire Hurricanes completed an undefeated regular American Football season with their highest scoring game of the campaign, defeating Essex Blades 76-22.

Things got off to a shaky start with the Blades looking sharp.

After going three and out deep in their own territory the Hurricanes were forced to punt. The long-snap sailed over the punter’s head and out of the endzone to give Essex a 2-0 lead.

Joe Thompson went to the air and hit wide receiver Tom Roberts in stride down the sideline for the score. The extra point was good and Herts took the lead 7-2.

Essex’s offense moved the ball well, using misdirection to catch the Hurricanes off guard. An end around (a reverse run) by an Essex wide receiver caught nearly the entire Herts defense going the wrong way and the long run virtually untouched gave Essex the lead once more, at 8-7.

But then Mark Flatman ran untouched down the sideline for the 70 yard score and restored Herts’ lead to 16-8

Essex again drove the ball with big gains through the air and on the ground. The Blades’ determination paid off when their quarterback connected with his WR in the back of the endzone to pull the Blades to within at 16-14.

Herts then showed why they’ve the most dangerous run game in the league when Odeyemi found himself running clear for the 66 yard score.

The two-point conversion-pass to Husbands was good and Herts led 24-14.

On the ensuing drive Essex turned the ball over with Martin Nzenga recovering the fumble.

The Hurricanes wasted no time in pressing home their advantage with Thompson connecting with Flatman in the corner of the endzone for his second passing TD of the day to extend the lead.

A huge completion down the middle of the field pushed Essex deep into Herts’ half. With time running out the Essex QB fired deep down the right side and an excellent leaping catch gave Essex a final score before the half to bring the gap to 36-22.

After some half-time adjustments Hertfordshire’s defense came out first and wasted no time in stamping their authority. Strong tackles from Richard Ward and “Diesel” Asiedu ensured Essex’s offense did not enjoy the freedom of the first half.

Odeyemi ripped off another touchdown run, this time of 65 yards as Herts’ run game started to batter a tired defense.

With Essex’s offense now contained, the Hurricanes offense turned the screw with veteren quarterback Alex Szabo taking the field and throwing three touchdowns to Bagnall, Davies and rookie WR Jonna McIver.

Backs Davies, Forester and Okonkwo shared the carries to add yards on the ground before one final rushing touchdown from Odeyemi completed the day’s scoring.

The Hurricanes now head into the playoffs where the top 12 teams in the country will battle it out for the chance to play in the national championship game in Leeds.

Catch them in the National Quarter-final match on the March 27 at the De Havilland sports centre at 2pm.