PLYMOUTH Vanguard are preparing for their biggest game in their young franchise’s history this weekend.

The city American football team will travel to Suffolk on Sunday to take on unbeaten Ipswich Cardinals in the semi-finals of the BAFA SFC Division 2 play-offs (2pm).

Whoever wins the clash will play either Lancashire Buccaneers or Wakefield District Raiders in the championship final.

Plymouth, who finished top of SFC 2 West ahead of Swindon Storm, Somerset Wyverns and Cornwall Monarchs, know they will be up against it against Ipswich, who have been unstoppable in SFC East.

The Cardinals finished with a 8-0 perfect record, boasting a high-powered offense that put up 276 points while conceding only 52.

Following a 33–6 victory over the Swindon Storm in the quarter-finals, the Cardinals enter Sunday’s semi-final with momentum and home-field advantage.

But Plymouth will be hoping to upset the hosts.

Their main strength lies in restricting opponent scoring.

But their defensive line and secondary will face their toughest challenge of the year against an Ipswich unit averaging over 34 points per game.

Vanguard were founded in late 2023 to fill the void left by the former Plymouth Admirals.

They entered the BAFA National Leagues with high expectations. And this year’s regular season campaign lived up to that ambition.

They dominated the SFC 2 West conference with a 7-1 record and balanced attack and suffocating defence to secure them the top spot in their division and earned ticket to the post-season competition.

Under the guidance of HC Mark Tregonning-Thomas, assistant HC/QB coach Jos Tector, defensive co-ordinator Chris Garland, and offensive co-ordinator Kaylind Grant, Vanguard have built a cohesive culture that blends a fast-paced offensive scheme with disciplined, hard-hitting defence.