Dubai Barracudas stake claim to EAFL supremacy after thrashing Abu Dhabi Wildcats

Ali Khaled reports on a lopsided day in the Emirates American Football League, where Dubai Barracudas smashed Abu Dhabi 40-0 and Dubai Stallions beat Al Ain Desert Foxes 44-0.

The Dubai Barracudas, blue, take on the Abu Dhabi Wildcats on Sunday at Dubai Sports City. Photo Courtesy / Gracy Herrera / January 17, 2016

The Emirates American Football League (EAFL) returned to action at the weekend with two blowouts as the Dubai Barracudas beat the Abu Dhabi Wildcats 40-0 after the Dubai Stallions had thrashed the Al Ain Desert Foxes 44-0 in the earlier game.

Barracudas offensive coordinator Brett Turek had referred to the clash as a “statement game” and the team from Dubai confirmed their credentials as potential Desert Bowl IV favourites with a demolition of the team they had previously edged 15-0 on the season opening-day ‘Turkey Bowl’.

Barracudas head coach Kyle Jordan described it as the most complete performance under his stewardship.

Read more: Kevin Jeffers on why Nick Saban is everything you want in a football coach

“This is without question the most consistent and balanced four quarters of play in my four years as head coach of this team,” said Jordan. “We passed the ball effectively, we ran the ball well and we were aggressive on defence. It was also a great opportunity for us to give some of the less experienced guys some game time.”

The Barracudas now lead the EAFL table with seven points, followed by the Dubai Stallions (4), Abu Dhabi Wildcats (3) and Al Ain Desert Foxes on no points.

Zavier Cobb, returning to the team after missing the 6-6 tie with the Stallions, also enjoyed a career day, throwing for a pair of touchdowns and scrambling in typical style for another. His 25-yard strike to wide receiver Daniel Viranyi late in the game put the icing on the cake of what was a near-perfect showing from the home team.

“I have to give credit to the offensive line tonight, they gave me time to throw the ball against a physical Wildcats’ defensive line,” said Cobb.

Abu Dhabi struggled all night against the Barracudas’ destructive defence, committing two turnovers, rarely venturing into Dubai territory and failing to threaten their goal line even once.

It was another disappointing night for Abu Dhabi head coach Tony Robinson, who had to do without running back Vivaldi Tulysse, who was expected to play but didn’t make the game.

“We prepared all week on offence for Vivaldi, and it was a situation where you’re hoping for the best but preparing yourself should the worst happen.”

In Friday’s earlier game the 2015 Desert Bowl winning Stallions had set the scene for a high-scoring day with a comfortable win over the visitors from Al Ain.

Dubai recalled star running back Davion Miller, who missed the previous outing against their cross-city rivals the Barracudas. Before departing with a slight injury, he managed to get in to the end zone and helped add some balance to the offence.

“I’m happy, we’re progressing to where I want us to be,” said Stallions head coach Anthony Daniels. “We made great adjustments. It’s weird [playing nine against nine] and isn’t something we’d previously prepared for, but I was pleased with how our team responded.”

The Stallions were on top throughout with new quarterback Rani Zahr recording his first touchdown pass of the season, while running back Mohammed El Atawi added support with a rushing score of his own.

Despite the heavy defeat, Al Ain coach Johnny Sharp remained upbeat.

“We’re practicing hard and I’m seeing progress on the field,” he said. “There are players that are getting better. When that happens, it can become contagious and then everyone wants to improve.”

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport