06/08/2026
🛩️ AFA WEEK 14 RECAP
Games Link: https://www.twitch.tv/run_it_up6
BUTTERSNAPS ERA OFF TO A WINNING START
FINAL: Los Angeles Aviators 13, San Diego Surge 7
The Buck Buttersnaps Sr. era is officially underway in Los Angeles—and it starts with a hard-fought road victory.
After departing the Delray Beach Ducks and accepting a new challenge in the American Football Association, newly appointed Head Coach Buck Buttersnaps Sr. inherited a talented Aviators squad sitting at 9-3, leading the NFC West, and fighting to secure the conference’s coveted #2 playoff seed.
His first test couldn’t have been much tougher.
A rainy road matchup against the 6-6 San Diego Surge turned into an old-fashioned defensive battle where every yard had to be earned.
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FIRST HALF: DEFENSE SETS THE TONE
The weather made life miserable for both offenses throughout the opening quarter.
Neither team could establish any rhythm as both defenses dominated the line of scrimmage, forcing punts and creating constant pressure.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Aviators finally broke through late in the second.
With rookie quarterback Jonathan Oakman ( #5) already seeing action after the offense struggled to move the football early, Los Angeles found a spark.
Running back Dwayne Peterson ( #28) exploded for a massive 78-yard run, setting up backup running back Ezekiel Johnson ( #31) for a 2-yard touchdown plunge to give the Aviators a 6-0 lead. The extra point was blocked, keeping San Diego within striking distance.
The game’s biggest play came moments later.
With just 35 seconds remaining in the first half, Surge quarterback Ted Callaway ( #18) lost control of the slick football and forced a pass that was jumped by cornerback J.T. Newhouse ( #22).
Newhouse raced the interception back for a touchdown, sending the Aviators into halftime with a commanding 13-0 advantage.
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QB CONTROVERSY HEATING UP?
One of the biggest storylines entering Week 15 is now under center.
Veteran quarterback Jack Baker ( #4) got the start, but the offense struggled to generate momentum throughout the first half.
Coach Buttersnaps turned to rookie signal-caller Jonathan Oakman ( #5) early in the second quarter, and while the stat sheet won’t tell the entire story, the offense immediately looked more comfortable.
Oakman controlled the game, extended drives, and brought energy to the huddle.
His only blemish came late in the third quarter when a heavy hit forced a fumble that was recovered and returned 38 yards for a touchdown by Surge defensive end Dwayne Durham ( #90).
The play cut the lead to 13-7, but it wasn’t enough to derail the rookie’s confidence or the team’s momentum.
With Baker struggling to move the offense and Oakman showing flashes of playmaking ability, the quarterback battle is officially something to watch heading into Week 15.
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DEFENSE CLOSES THE DOOR
The third and fourth quarters became a defensive clinic.
Both teams traded punts repeatedly as the Aviators defense continued to smother San Diego’s offense.
Then came the final dagger.
With 38 seconds remaining, the Surge drove inside the Aviators’ red zone looking for a potential game-winning score.
On 2nd-and-10 from the Los Angeles 14-yard line, Callaway dropped back and fired toward the end zone.
Waiting for him was free safety Larry Sweet ( #39).
Sweet intercepted the pass, ending San Diego’s final threat and sealing Coach Buttersnaps Sr.’s first victory as head coach of the Los Angeles Aviators.
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PLAYER OF THE GAME 🏆
CB J.T. Newhouse ( #22)
🔥 1 Interception
🔥 1 Pick-Six Touchdown
🔥 Momentum-changing play before halftime
When the Aviators needed a spark, Newhouse delivered the biggest play of the game.
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COACH’S FIRST WIN
Buck Buttersnaps Sr. wasn’t hired to maintain success.
He was hired to keep the Aviators on a championship path.
Mission accomplished in Week 14.
The Aviators improve to 10-3, remain atop the NFC West, and continue their push toward the postseason with the conference’s top teams firmly in their sights.
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UP NEXT
Week 15
🛩️ Los Angeles Aviators (10-3)
🆚
🐦 Tucson Roadrunners (7-6)
📍 Road Game
🕣 Sunday – 8:20 PM
📺 Live on YouTube & Twitch
Another NFC West battle awaits as Coach Buttersnaps Sr. looks to make it 2-0 with the Aviators.
Will the rookie Jonathan Oakman earn the start?
Will veteran Jack Baker hold onto QB1?
And can the Aviators continue their climb toward the AFA playoffs?
Week 15 can’t get here soon enough.
🛩️🏈🔥