WEEK SIX
STAFFORDSHIRE @ LINCOLN REVIEW

Edem Goka became the first running back in the Staffordshire Stallions 16 year history to break the 1,000 yard barrier with his second carry of the game. The rookie running back continues to set records as Goka gained 272 yards on 10 carries, scoring four touchdowns in process bringing his total to 21 for the season.

George Furlonge playing his second game of the year scored two rushing touchdowns, James Walker caught his second touchdown of the season and Rob Crossan scored his first Stallion touchdown from back-up quarterback Mike Edwards. Linebacker Graham Roberts intercepted Jamie Bandcroft for a 52 yard interception return, whilst Karl Halpin caught a 66 yard pass for Lincoln's consolation score.

The Stallions playing their final road game of the regular season got off to the perfect start as the lightning quick Edem Goka rushed in from 57 yards on the first offensive play off the game. Staffordshire quickly made it 14-0 as Goka rushed in from 27 yards after Lee Lewis recovered a miss kick from stand in kicker Daniel Farmer.

Lincoln, before the start of play were hoping for a miracle to stop the Stallions from continuing their winning streak, but being fourteen points down before the Colonials offense could step on to the field gave the home team a mountain to climb just after three minutes. However the day got worse for the second year team as Bandcroft's first throw of the game was snapped out of the air by Roberts who ran the ball in from 52 yards untouched.

Goka completed the scoring in the first quarter with his third and fourth touchdown on the ground.

The game effectively was over by the end of the first as Staffordshire took a commanding 35-point lead, however, Lincoln were determined to put the first points on Stallions defense since Loughborough in week two.

Running Back Dan Wood, playing his first game, took full advantage of the Stallions defense not covering all the gaps, gaining yardage on the ground putting the Colonials in to the red zone inside the final two minutes of the first half. Nevertheless the Stallions managed to clamp down and turned the ball over to thwart Lincoln's attempt of putting points on the board as tackle Peter Buckley forced Wood to fumble which David Orr recovered.

After a scoreless second Head Coach Ant Charles turned to Goka again to drive the Stallions up the field before replacing the first year back with George Furlonge (121 yards, 17 carries, 2 TDs) and rookie Ben Atkinson, who looked impressive running the ball behind a offensive line which had dominated the Lincoln defensive line throughout the game.

Stallions QB Ben Rowan connected with third-year receiver Rob Crossan for his first Stallion touchdown in the fourth quarter before Coach Charles brought in rookie quarterback Mike Edwards.

It looked like Ben Atkinson was going to be given his first touchdown as his determination, ability to break tackles and reading the holes drove the ball up the field but Edwards found James Walker, who in the second had a punt return called back for an illegal block, for his second touchdown of the season.

The Stallions were on the verge of keeping their third shut out in a row, however, Bandcroft connected with a wide open Halpin for a 66 yard touchdown pass to put points on the board for the host. Even though it was a consolation for the second year team, the Colonials threatened throughout the day and were unlucky not to put any points on the board in the second quarter, but they never looked like challenging the Stallions especially after conceding 35 points in the first quarter.

MVP's: Rookie: Mike Edwards, Special: Chris Ward, Defense: Graham Roberts, Offense: George Furlonge, Team: Peter Buckley

Notes: The Stallions continue there impressive streak and have beaten every team in the BUAFL North Midlands to go 5-0 a record that the Stallions have never achieved in their history.

Staffordshire's Edem Goka is now two touchdowns away from setting a new single season touchdown record for the Stallions. Goka will look to pass Jason Prince's record in the new year.

The Stallions have not lost a divisional game in the north since they lost 7-6 to Nottingham in 2003, a record that spands to 17-0-1.

Sunday, December 9th 2007