BAFA U19 Contact Division 1 National Championship Final: A New Era Begins

Photo: Provided by Nottingham Caesars

This Sunday, September 1st, all eyes in the British American football community will be on Butts Park Arena in Coventry as the BAFA U19 Contact Division 1 National Championship Final kicks off at 2 pm. The Rushmoor Knights and the Nottingham Caesars will clash in what promises to be a thrilling contest to determine the new national champion. For the first time since 2016, a team other than the London Blitz will lift the trophy, marking the dawn of a new era in the U19 division.

The Road to the Final

The Rushmoor Knights come into the final with an unblemished record, having dominated their opponents throughout the season with a perfect 7-0 record. Their journey to Coventry included a decisive 17-6 victory over the London Warriors in the semi-final, showcasing their formidable defence. Averaging 37.4 points per game while only conceding 7.2, the Knights have been a force to be reckoned with.

On the other side of the field, the Nottingham Caesars have had a remarkable season of their own, finishing with a 6-1 record. Their road to the final was paved with grit and determination, exemplified by their nail-biting 32-30 semi-final victory over the East Kilbride Pirates. Despite trailing by two touchdowns in the first half, the Caesars rallied back, securing their place in the final through sheer resilience. The game also highlighted the community's support, as the Caesars relied on community funding and a GoFundMe campaign to make the trip to Scotland possible.

Coach Sean Endicott of the Nottingham Caesars acknowledged the challenges his team has faced and overcome this season. "Our players have gone through a lot. Losing a game in the regular season usually means missing out on the playoffs, so we were surprised to have the opportunity to travel to Scotland," he said. “Coming back from two touchdowns and securing the onside kick at the end shows what we can achieve.”

A Clash of Styles

Sunday’s final will be a battle of, what seems like very similar styles. The Rushmoor Knights, known for their dominating offence and staunch defence, have set the bar high with their performance this season. Head Coach Tango Lockwood expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. "It's been a great challenge to get to the finals, but having won all our games, we're filled with confidence and expecting our biggest challenge of the season," Lockwood stated. He emphasised the strength of his squad, noting their "outstanding offensive line and hard-hitting defence."

The Nottingham Caesars, though, are no strangers to high-pressure situations. With an offence averaging 34.2 points per game and a defence that has allowed 18.2 points per game, they have shown they can compete with the best. Coach Endicott highlighted the physicality of his team and their focus on self-improvement. "The focus has to be on us and what we do. We know Rushmoor are a good squad, and we know what they bring to the table," he remarked.

Despite their “returning finalist” status, the Caesars of 2024 are markedly different from 2023. "Many will comment that we are the returning finalists, but we only have 10-11 returning players from last season’s final. We also have a new coaching staff, so there’s been a lot of change for us," Endicott explained. This new-look Caesars squad has embraced the challenges, and their journey to the final has been nothing short of inspirational.

A Historic Battle Awaits

As both teams prepare for Sunday’s showdown, the stage is set for what could be one of the most memorable finals in BAFA U19 history. The Rushmoor Knights, aiming to cap off their perfect season with a championship, will be looking to execute their game plan with precision. "The Caesars have a great defence and a powerful run game which we will need to shut down," said Coach Lockwood, underlining the respect they have for their opponents. A victory would not only solidify their dominance this season but also mark their first national championship title since the team’s rebranding from the Farnham Knights in only their second season in Division 1.

For the Nottingham Caesars, Sunday represents an opportunity to rewrite their own history. After a crushing 36-0 defeat in last year’s final against the London Blitz, they are determined to flip the script. "It’ll be a great game with hard physical play," Coach Endicott predicted, adding that his team has evolved significantly since last season. With a mix of new faces and experienced returners, the Caesars are keen to prove they belong at the top, “Look out for anyone in a white jersey on Sunday!”

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate stakes of the championship, this final also signifies the growth and development of the U19 format within British American football. Coach Endicott, reflecting on the season, remarked, "Looking at the top teams this year, it has been such a joy, as a U19 coach, seeing the game grow." He emphasised the improvements in various aspects of play, from offensive line work to quarterback performance, and noted how this bodes well for the future of the league and the national program.

Both coaches agree on one thing: the importance of community support and the need for greater involvement in the U19 league. "I hope more people can see this game and get more involved. The U19s need more support from the community, not just financially but also with recruiting, referees, and everything else," Endicott stated. His sentiments were echoed by Lockwood, who added that winning the championship would be "the icing on the cake" for his squad, but more importantly, it would be a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the U19 scene.

Don’t Miss It!

With a new champion guaranteed, this year’s BAFA U19 Division 1 National Championship Final is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of the sport’s evolution and the young talent driving it forward. Whether you’re watching from the stands at Butts Park Arena or tuning in via the live stream, this is one final you won’t want to miss. As Coach Lockwood succinctly put it, "Go Knights!"—but come Sunday, both teams will be ready to leave it all on the field in pursuit of glory.