Photo: Tony Small
The 2024 Adult Contact BAFA Division 1 Championship Final will see two of the most dominant teams in the league, the Nottingham Caesars and Rushmoor Knights, square off in a battle of undefeated heavyweights. The game is scheduled for 12 pm on Sunday, September 8th, at Butts Park Arena in Coventry. With both teams boasting perfect 10-0 records, this final promises to be an electrifying contest between two clubs heading for Premiership football next season.
Road to Glory
Both the Nottingham Caesars and Rushmoor Knights have enjoyed flawless campaigns, dominating their respective conferences and setting the stage for this highly anticipated showdown. The Caesars, the top seed from NFC 1, have had an impressive season, averaging 30.9 points per game while conceding only 3.6. Their journey to the final was capped off by a gritty 21-10 semi-final win over the Yorkshire Rams.
On the other side, Rushmoor, the second seed from SFC 1, has also been prolific, scoring 34.5 points per game and allowing just 13.6 on average. Their road to the final saw them defeat the Wembley Stallions 34-19 in the semi-final, having already overcome the Stallions twice during the regular season.
While both teams are celebrating promotion to the Premiership—Nottingham to the Premiership North and Rushmoor to the Premiership South—there is unfinished business. The Division 1 title is still up for grabs, and both teams are determined to secure it before moving on to the top tier of British American football.
Key Matchups and Insights
This game features two teams with powerful offences and stout defences, making it a true test of skill, discipline, and tactical acumen. According to Nottingham's Offensive Coordinator, Grant Lawless, fans can expect a fast-paced game filled with “flash plays from both sides,” with both teams fielding strong offensive units. “We are confident and have a full-strength squad. We feel our defence is strong enough to hold them,” Lawless said, highlighting the depth of their roster, which includes three Great Britain linebackers.
Nottingham’s defence, which has been a brick wall all season, will face perhaps its biggest test yet. Lawless was quick to note that Rushmoor’s offence features “two very good running backs and a big offensive line,” which will challenge the Caesars’ ability to contain the ground game. The absence of Rushmoor's starting quarterback, Calvin Stitt, due to injury adds intrigue to the matchup, with the Knights relying heavily on their rushing attack. However, Lawless also praised Rushmoor’s defence, singling out Josh Wickens, a versatile defender, and Tom Outhwaite, a former GB offensive lineman who now plays nose tackle.
Rushmoor Head Coach Paul Wakeford acknowledged the challenge of facing Nottingham’s defence. “We haven’t come up against a defence as strong as theirs, so we are well aware that we need to execute well,” he said, emphasising the importance of discipline and minimising mistakes. Wakeford stressed that his team’s defence will need to focus on avoiding broken tackles to contain Nottingham’s offence, which has excelled at moving the ball both on the ground and through the air.
Both teams also highlighted the potential impact of special teams on the outcome. Nottingham’s special teams unit has been a standout all season, with Lawless crediting their efficient kicker and the work they’ve put into that phase of the game. Rushmoor, too, will be relying on their ability to win the field position battle to keep Nottingham’s high-powered offence in check.
A Game of Tactical Mastery
The Division 1 final isn’t just about brute strength; it’s about tactical mastery, and both teams are prepared to throw everything at their opponents. Lawless explained that Nottingham’s offence will showcase a variety of formations, from spread looks to heavy sets, aiming to keep Rushmoor’s defence on its toes. With standout players like receiver Ben Harrison and running back Sam Fraser leading the charge, Nottingham’s offence will be tough to contain.
Rushmoor, meanwhile, will look to control the tempo of the game with their ground game, led by running backs Aaron Sekwalor and Harvey Macey. Wakeford expressed confidence in their ability to run the ball effectively, while also pointing out that their receiving corps has been bolstered by new recruits. For Rushmoor, the key will be to execute their game plan efficiently, limit mistakes, and find ways to break down Nottingham’s formidable defence.
Final Thoughts: A Championship for the Ages
This Division 1 Championship Final is not only a battle for supremacy but a clash of two clubs on the rise. Nottingham, seeking redemption after narrowly missing out on promotion last year, has come into this final with laser focus. “We wanted to go all the way last year, and we slipped with Newcastle, but that helped us be a better team and better staff,” Lawless said, reflecting on the growth of the squad.
Rushmoor, meanwhile, sees this final as the culmination of years of hard work and preparation. “This is the biggest test for both teams in recent history,” Wakeford acknowledged, adding that discipline and execution will be key to their success and highlighting that winning would make it 3 out of 3 national championships for Rushmoor at all three formats they compete in.
As both teams prepare for life in the Premiership, the Division 1 title will serve as a crowning achievement, marking their journey to the top. The stage is set for an intense, high-stakes game between two unbeaten teams who will leave everything on the field come Sunday.
Whether it’s Nottingham’s dominant defence or Rushmoor’s powerful ground game that prevails, one thing is certain: this final will be a fitting conclusion to an exceptional season.
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