The Portsmouth Dreadnoughts American football team solidified their standing in the the SFC 1 Central Division with a 19-3 victory against London Hornets.

The Dreadnoughts, who were promoted to Division One following a league restructure, bested the Hornets in a defensive duel that saw them finish the season with a 4-4 record — third in the league behind the Wembley Stallions and Rushmoor Knights.

Kicker Steven Mowthorpe converted early for the Dreadnoughts following an explosive 50-yard completion from George Evans to receiver Sam Waters. However, the typically high-scoring Dreadnoughts were largely subdued for the remainder of the half and only carried a 9-0 lead at the end of the second quarter.

Mowthorpe continued to add to the Dreadnoughts' lead in the second half by converting field position into points with his leg. Mowthorpe finished the game with four out of four on field goal attempts, including a successful 45-yard attempt.

As well as limiting the Hornets to just three points, the Dreadnought's defense scored a decisive touchdown for the side. Linebacker and team captain Sam Penn recorded a strip stack which he returned for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, giving the team a 16-3 lead.

Finishing the year with an even record represents a commendable return to Division One life for the Dreadnoughts, but the season wasn’t without its challenges.

Offensive co-captain Patrick Chapman piled on the yards and points early in the year — recording an impressive 6.8 yards per carry for eight touchdowns over four games. However, the Dreadnoughts' venerated running back was injured during a week four outing against the Wembley Stallions and was forced to sit out the remainder of the season. Champan, now back from injury, is vying for a position among the GB Lions national team who will take on Sweden and Germany later this year.

After losing their powerful running back, offensive co-ordinator Dave Gibbs – who was recently announced as BAFA’s Innovative Coach of the Year – turned to his passing game. In Chapman’s absence, Gibbs’ offense was spearheaded by the efforts of wide receiver Sam Waters. Waters finished the season with an average of 12.7 yards per catch on 30 total receptions, including five touchdowns. Quarterbacks Jaden Ellis, George Evans and Gareth Lines also combined for a total of 1,700 yards, with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive co-ordinator Scott Quade limited opposing teams to an average of just 19 points per game. Quade’s impressive defense forced fumbles and picks from opposing teams all season long. The side averaged an astounding four turnovers per game for the Dreadnoughts, recording a total of 11 forced fumbles and 19 interceptions. The Dread’s D put up a stout defense against the run, too, averaging 48 tackles per game.

Reflecting on the season, head coach Andrew Wood said: “The first goal was to show that we deserved to be in division one by not being relegated. We surpassed that goal and showed that not only do we belong but we could mix it with the teams who are now on their way to the play-offs, despite missing out ourselves.”

Coach Wood also noted that the team remained hungry for future success. He said: “2024 was definitely a successful season, but finishing one win away from a play-off spot naturally leaves a little bit of a ‘what if?’ However, this team has the talent to win at this level and move forward towards competing for and in the play-offs next season.”

The winning result against the Hornets marked the end of an era at the Dreadnoughts, as coaches Wood, Gibbs, and Quade will be stepping away from their respective roles, having successfully guided the team back to stability in Division One. The ‘Noughts now turn their attention to recruiting efforts for next year’s season, as they seek to add new players to their talented squad. Anyone interested in playing, coaching, or sponsoring the team is encouraged to get in touch.