Saturday, May 21, 2011

ARUSHA, Tanzania--The first organized game of American football ever played on the continent of Africa is in the books. The Drake Bulldogs made history as they took on a team of all-stars from Mexico's CONADEIP Conference in Arusha, Tanzania.  

Drake defeated CONADEIP 17-7 with two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a game that concluded around 8 a.m. CT Saturday.

Live updates were provided via Twitter through both the Drake Bulldogs feed and Global Football, organizer of the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl.  

The summary of those posts is below:

(7:57 a.m.) Drake's Patrick Cashmore with a power run up the middle for a touchdown with 2:03 remaining to give Drake a 17-7 lead over CONADEIP.

(7:53 a.m.) CONADEIP fumbles at its own 19-yard line. Drake has a chance to seal victory with 4 minutes remaining in historic Kili Bowl, leading 10-7.

(7:46 a.m.) Reyes of CONADEIP tore off a 37-yard run to the Drake 2 but the Bulldogs' defense holds and the field-goal snap is fumbled so CONADEIP misses the chance to kick a game-tying field goal.

(7:34 a.m.) Freshman QB Nick Ens to WR Joey Orlando for a crucial first down and then the same combination for an 11-yd touchdown. 10-7 Drake!

(7:25 a.m.) CONADEIP's Jose Reyes breaks tackles through the middle to score the game's first touchdown to open the fourth quarter. CONADEIP 7, Drake 3.

Drake 3, CONADEIP 0...End 3rd quarter

(7:22 a.m.) 49-yard pass play for CONADEIP takes the ball to the Drake 11 at the end of the third quarter. Best offensive play of the game. Crowd cheering like crazy.

(7:04 a.m.) Drake stops promising CONADEIP drive that opens second half and freshman QB Nick Ens in under center.

(7 a.m.) QB Piatkowski will not return for Drake. Castro questionable. Second half kicks off.

Drake 3, CONADEIP 0...Halftime

(6:33 a.m.) QB Castro intercepted by CONADEIP DB Huerta and is injured, but walks off. Drake already lost starting QB Piatkowski to injury.

(6:26 a.m.) LB Nick Underwood thought he had an interception at the CONADEIP 25 but the ball was ruled to have hit the ground.

(6:20 a.m.) Good CONADEIP drive ends 8 yards from end zone as Robby Unger recovers fumble caused by Travis Merritt.

(6:05 a.m.) First penalty against Drake for roughing punter earns a CONADEIP first down on best drive of the 2Q and now in Drake territory.

6:01 a.m.) Both teams 3-and-out to open second quarter. Drake backed up near own red zone but another penalty brings the ball to the 40.

Drake 3, CONADEIP 0...end of 1st quarter

(5:52 a.m.) 1st quarter ends with promising CONADEIP drive stalling, as 37 yd FG attempt is snapped over the head of the holder.

(5:44 a.m.) 27 yard Billy Janssen field goal for Drake. Bulldogs lead 3-0!

(5:39 a.m.) CONADEIP 3-and-out and punt short from own end zone to own 13 after penalties where Drake takes over.

(5:36 a.m.) Drake run stuffed at goalline on 3rd and 4th and inches to turn ball over. Great CONADEIP defense

(5:29 a.m.) CONADEIP fake punt stopped and Drake has ball 10 yards from the end zone.

(5:27 a.m.) Drake steady first drive from own 20 ends with a conadeip interception in the end zone. 

(5:18 a.m. CT) CONADEIP won coin toss, Drake to recieve.