Aviators Round Up: Recapping Week 6, Previewing Week 7

by Official AUDL Reporter Andrew Lewis

The Aviators did exactly what they needed to do in the dreaded double header road trip, and that was survive. Besting the Portland Nitro in a rainy, one point affair was perhaps the biggest win of the season so far, as the Aviators were able to mitigate the damage from the standout rookie Leandro Marx and come out on top 21-20. Standouts in the game for the Aviators were Matt Miller, who racked up 5 Goals and 48 completions, and Everest Shapiro, who led the team in plus/minus at 5, scored 4 goals, racked up 317 receiving yards, and went 24/24 on completions. A major stat to note in this game was the Aviators’ 75% D-line conversion percentage, a massive improvement on their season rate and undoubtedly the difference in this game. 


The Aviators also played Seattle! 


After surviving the road trip 1-1, the Aviators look to continue asserting themselves in this  crowded West division as they take on the Nitro once again on Friday at home. The main question is this: will they be able to scratch out another win after such a close contest? With home-field on their side, look for the Aviators to come out strong and build on their success against the Nitro in the previous match. If the Aviators are able to continue punishing the Nitro for their mistakes, it will be an uphill battle for the beleaguered Portland team. 


The West division is undoubtedly stacked, but with their showing last weekend, I have some serious confidence that they have a fighting chance to earn themselves a spot in the playoffs. The margin of error is slim, but I think they’ve demonstrated the ability to remain competitive down the stretch, and with another win this weekend, they’ll solidify themselves as a legit contender in this tough West division. 

 


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