Calling them the 2007 New England Patriots would be an insult as the ASA Avengers completed a perfect 9-0 season with a championship defeating the Nassau Lions 30-29.
More like the 2001 Patriots, this one came down to a field goal as Chercen Aloema kicked a 36-yarder through the uprights in the final seconds of the game, which took place at the Old Boys High Field in Brooklyn, New York.
Like true champions, they played hard, made big plays when it mattered and were not deterred after trailing for a good portion of this game.
The Avengers defense was able to hold the Lions, keeping it a two-possession game, which proved pivotal halfway through the fourth quarter and the scoreboard reading 29-20 on the Lions' behalf.
Freshman quarterback, Daniel Pietrangelo, led the Avengers on a 70-yard drive, which was finished off by James Kenner in the end zone after a 9-yard run.
The score was now 29-27 and time was not on ASA's favor. The defense came up with a huge stop and Pietrangelo took care of the rest as he marched the Avengers down the field for 45 yards. A drive that started on their own 36 finished with Aloema's 36-yard field goal for the lead and the win.
Key players in this one for the Avengers, aside from Pietrangelo and Aloema, were running back Hosey Williams and Ouslet Volcy.
Williams rushed for a 179 yards in a game dictated by the the rushing attack. Volcy proved versatile with a 69-yard kickoff return, 95 yards receiving on seven catches and 12 yards rushing on two carries. Both players finished with a touchdown in the game.
Now crowned Northeast Football Conference Champions, the Avengers will choose a bowl game of their liking. A decision should come sometime this week.
You can also check out ASA soccer as the team has been dominant all season.
Their 2012 Men's Basketball program recently launched.
