(c) Birmingham Lions

Winning a national championship is no easy feat, going undefeated and winning a national championship very few accomplish, but two back-to-back perfect seasons is just unheard of.

Until now.

On Sunday, May 9, the University of Birmingham Lions secured back-to-back BUAFL National Championship titles beating the Loughborough University Aces 27-16 at Sixfields Stadium Northampton to complete their second consecutive perfect season.

It is the Lion's third overall national title.

Not surprisingly, Birmingham was first in the league with points scored with 511 points and 169 points scored during their playoff run. They were also third in the league for fewest points conceded - the makings of a championship team.

During the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Lions left no one wondering why this team was undefeated as they demolished its opponents. In the first game they defeated the Bristol Barracudas 52-6 and followed that game with a 62-7 victory over the UWE Bullets in the conference championships.

The Southern Inter-Conference championship was a closer match-up, but again the Lions prevailed behind offensive powerhouse quarterback Tristan Varney and running back Andy Watson.  Birmingham beat Hertfordshire Hurricanes 28-12 to earn a spot back in the BUAFL championship game.

With one victory away from the title, Loughborough surprised the Lions at the beginning of the championship game coming out firing and forced a safety as quarterback Tristan Varney chased an errant snap into the endzone with Ace's Matt Hardcastle and Matt Favell bearing down quickly.

But the champions they are, Birmingham quickly composed themselves and answered back with a five play sixty-yard drive capped by the first of three touchdowns by running back Andy Watson.  Watson consistently troubled the Ace's defense throughout the game as he also scored three PATs.   

With Lions up 7-2 in the first quarter, Watson ensured his team finished the half with the lead by scoring another touchdown in the second quarter.

But the Aces did not give up, coming out in the second half piling on the pressure making sure the Lions knew winning the title would not be a cake walk.

Tom Worrall's 7-yard rush and John Matthewson's two extra points put the Ace's back with shouting distance going into the final quarter.

Again the Lions would have an answer as running back Sauaranus Barbonas stomped any hopes in the fourth quarter running untouched into the endzone for an eight yard touchdown as the Lions went on to win their second consecutive title 27-16 completing their back-to-back perfect seasons.

"It has been a long season, but we worked hard on and off the field," said Lions head coach Tony Athersmith who has coached the Lions for twenty four straight wins and two national championships.

"The Aces came back late in the game, but we held them off and controlled our field position well. I am proud of all our people, coaches, and players."

Two consecutive perfect seasons is an accomplishment worth honoring as it takes a lot of hard work and dedication from all involved.  And IFAF.org would like to acknowledge the Birmingham Lion's achievement by naming them the IFAF.org May Team of the Month.