The Panasonic Impulse opened the fall 2016 season with a convincing 22-7 win against the Asahi Soft Drink Challengers.
Both team’s offense started off slow and the first score wasn’t until 4:47 left in the first quarter, when Panasonic DB Emory Polley (#1) scored on a punt return from 55yds out, making the score 7-0.
From there, the Impulse defense shut out the Challengers offense until the middle of the 4th quarter.
For the offense, the Impulse couldn’t find the end zone unfortunately but they controlled the ground game, running 39 times for 165yds, compared to Asahi’s 20 carries for 61yds.
Kicker Eita Saeki (#11) had a career day, going 5-5 on field goals of 44yds, 51yds, 38yds, 31yds and 51yds, respectively.
The Challengers wouldn’t accept a shutout, as they scored on a 4 yard pass with 8:36 left to go in the 4th quarter.

The Impulse defense responded by stopping an onside kick attempt and the offense was able to run the clock out to seal the win.

[Written by Emory Polley]