CAMP WALKER, South Korea — Finally, Seoul American’s defense was able to stop Daegu American running back Antoine "Flash" Feagin. Problem was, it came too late.
Feagin rushed for a touchdown and returned a kickoff 85 yards for a score before injuring his hamstring in the second half to help the Warriors beat the Falcons 13-8 on a happy Homecoming Friday at Kelly Field.
"I wanted to do more for my team," Feagin said. "I felt that I could do anything out there before I was cut down with this injury."
"I don’t like when any player goes down," Seoul American coach Alan Morton said. "It doesn’t matter if that player’s absence would give us an advantage."
It certainly looked like the Falcons would seize the opportunity during Feagin’s absence on both sides of the ball. Daegu (3-0) gave Seoul 45 yards in penalties, and Falcons running back Demetrius Johnson took advantage, scoring on a 5-yard run to cut the lead to five with 7:39 left in the game.
But the Warrior defense, led by linebackers Anthony Lampman (16 tackles), Xavian Washburn (10 tackles), and cornerback Ryan Banzon (six tackles), doused any hopes of a miracle comeback, stifling freshman quarterback Brandon Morton’s last-minute drive by pressuring him into overthrowing his receivers.
Morton, who last week passed Seoul to their first victory of the season, finished with just 16 yards passing and two interceptions.
"I am proud of my team because they kept a promise to me," coach Morton said. "They played better as a whole and they didn’t give up. They kept fighting to the end."
While his team struggled to get it going through the air, the Falcons managed to keep it close by pounding it on the ground.
Johnson finished with 73 yards and a touchdown, and Jamal James collected 35 yards to spearhead a rushing attack that amassed 160 yards.
Despite losing Feagin, Deagu settled down and clinched a share of its first title since 1993, when the league was administered by 8th U.S. Army and 51st Services youth activities.
"We all contributed a bit for the victory," Lampman said. "Our defense is good, and when (Feagin) got injured, we were prepared."
"We had players who stepped up tonight," Warriors coach Ken Walter said. "I attribute that to my coaching staff and all the hard work they put into getting our players ready."
