Axemen Win Over Mayem Secures Top Ranking for Playoffs

The Jacksonville Axemen have secured their position at the top of the USARL South Division with a win over the Tampa Mayhem last weekend. The previous meeting between the two teams in Jacksonville proved the Axemen to be the more dominant team in the 32-0 shut out, but the team knew it would not be as easy on the road and playing on the Mayhem’s home field.

The Axemen offense was effective against the Mayhem, scoring first with a try out wide from Tyler McClain 13 minutes into the game. Hayden Diggins was good for the conversion putting 6 points on the scoreboard. Shortly after the water break at 20 minutes, Billy Rogers found a hole in the Tampa defense and scored the second try for the Axemen. Will Mueller was good for the conversion kick bringing the score to 12-0 going into the half.

With lightning storms moving over the field the half-time was extended to about 30 minutes due to safety concerns. Once returning back to the field both teams fought to regain the momentum and the Axemen came through with a great run and try scored from Hayden Diggins. Diggins was also good for the conversion to widen the Axemen’s lead to 18-0.

With the Mayhem very much still in the game, Jacksonville was unable to run away with the score and were held from crossing the try line again for the remainder of the game. Tampa finally were able to score in the final 3 minutes but were still trailing by 12. As the clock ticked down the final seconds, Hayden Diggins scored 1 more point for the Axemen with a drop kick between the posts to make the final score 19-6.

“This week was a tough win with the tough conditions from the lightning stoppage,” said Axemen Coach Ben Nicoll. “It was also a really small field so our original game plan went out the door. It was a bash up in the middle of the field between the big men, but still we kept Tampa to 6 points which I am really happy with. I am especially happy with Hayden’s performance, he took control of the game from hooker. Our focus coming into our next game is our discipline, we still gave away too many penalties and dropped too much ball. Other then that we are on the right track to winning the South Championship.”

Photo Credit: Angie Pachcinski