Wexford Eagles outlast Stags in Belfast battle

There’s winning, and then there’s earning it the hard way….

With just 17 fit players, a battered QB, and rain rolling in over the Belfast hills, the Wexford Eagles dug deep, embraced the grind, and flew south with a hard-fought 32 to 14 win over the Antrim Stags in Game 7 of the AFI Division 1 season.

This was no ordinary road game. The Stags, a newly formed side forged from the merger of the NI Razorbacks and Antrim Jets, came into the clash riding high off their first ever win, a commanding display over the Vipers a few weeks back. They were also looking to get back to winning ways following a tough outing against the Westmeath Minotaurs. The Eagles had just eight days to recover from their own victory against the Vipers, but with playoff hopes hanging in the balance, there was no room for excuses.

Fast Start, Fierce Finish

Wexford won the toss, elected to receive, and never looked back. Opening with a 75 yard march down the field, the offence set the tone early as Terry Carey exploded for a powerful rushing touchdown. The two point conversion was good.

Then, déjà vu struck. Just a week after his last pick six, Trevor Smith read the Stags quarterback like a book and darted into the end zone for his third of the season, second in as many weeks. Another successful conversion and the Eagles were flying at 16 to 0.

Before the hosts could settle, Carey struck again. Another bruising touchdown run from the running back, followed by a third consecutive two point conversion, saw Wexford head into halftime with a commanding 24 to 0 lead, built on power football and a suffocating defence that forced multiple three and outs and turnovers.

Storms, Stags and a Bloodied QB

The second half brought rain, fatigue, and a determined Stags resurgence. Crisp passing from Antrim clawed them back into the contest at 24 to 14 as the Eagles legs began to tire and their depth was tested. With quarterback Doran Traylor sidelined, his jersey soaked in blood, the Eagles leaned on iron man football, players switching sides, doubling roles, and refusing to yield.

Trevor Smith, already with a defensive touchdown and two interceptions to his name, took over under centre. With the clock winding down and Belfast believing, he sealed the contest in style, pulling the ball on a QB keep and slicing through defenders for a decisive 25 yard touchdown. He converted the two point attempt himself, and the Eagles could finally breathe.

Final Score: Wexford Eagles 32 – 14 Antrim Stags

Scorers:

Terry Carey: 2 rushing touchdowns, 2 two point conversions, 1 interception

Trevor Smith: 1 rushing touchdown, 1 pick six, 1 two point conversion, 2 total interceptions

Paddy Bissett: 1 two point conversion

Three total interceptions for the Eagles defence, iron man performances across the board, and a second win in as many weeks. This one may not have been pretty, but it was pure heart.

The result lifts Wexford into fourth place in the Division 1 standings. With one regular season game left, another long road trip to face the Causeway Giants , the season is finally back in Eagles hands. Win, and it’s the playoffs.

One game. One shot. And one thing is clear. This Eagles team, short on numbers but never on belief, just won’t quit. Relentless is who they are.

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