The Blackhawks are back in action this weekend for the next round of BAFA Flag Southeastern Conference games.
The matches take place on Saturday, are hosted by the ‘Hawks and also feature Ware Wolves and Victoria Park Panthers. Bishop’s Stortford HighFlyers have withdrawn.
The Blackhawks have their full squad available and will at full strength for the game, and Jed Parisi is looking forward to making a final push for a place in the post-season:
It is the penultimate gameday of the season for us and with a team in our division dropping out it tightens everything up again, and a second win against Ware will really help us to push to make the play-offs this year.
Schedule
The first game of the day will kick off at 10am, and pairs the Blackhawks with the Wolves. After Highflyers pulled out of the league the reduced schedule for the morning is:
Bedford Blackhawks vs Ware Wolves
Ware Wolves vs Victoria Park Panthers
Directions
The games will take place at Sunderland Road Recreation Ground, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1QY:
Game Coverage
If you can’t make it to Sandy to watch the games we will be providing regular updates via the Blackhawks Twitter and Facebook pages.
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The Eagles bounced back from last weekend’s close defeat in the best way possible with a convincing 40-19 victory away to the Nottingham Caesars at Harvey Hadden Stadium on Sunday.
Nottingham returned the opening kick-off to their 30-yard line but a holding penalty backed them up, and when Mikey Davies intercepted the ball on second and 15 the Eagles had possession in excellent field position.
A pass completed to Kevin Vasquez gave the Eagles first and goal on the 5-yard line and Richard Thompson powered over the line to open the scoring, Ross Hubbard successfully converting the PAT.
On the Caesars’ next possession they drove the ball to the Eagles 33-yard line, but after deciding to go for it on 4th and 3 were again picked off, this time by Byron Chowles.
Neither side could do anything of note on their next possessions, but the Caesars’ Kieran Matthews recovered a muffed punt return by Eagles Special Teams unit to get the ball back on the Eagles 24-yard line.
They went four and out to give the ball back to the Eagles, who in turn went three and out as the first quarter came to a close.
Both sides continued to trade possessions at the start of the second quarter before the visitors managed to get a toehold in the game.
Strong running and successful short passes took the Eagles to first and goal on the two-yard line, and although the Caesars defence initially held firm they were undone on third and goal after Zach Wodaege’s pass intended for Hubbard was tipped into the grateful hands of Alex “my name isn’t Cross” Smith.
The PAT attempt was blocked but the Eagles lead 13-0.
On their next possession the Caesars were picked off by Nate Ashby, but after the Eagles went three and out got the ball back on their own six after a muffed punt return.
A few players later the deficit was reduced following an eighty-yard pass play. The Caesars QB connected with his receiver across the middle, who burst through the Eagles secondary.
The Eagles started again on the 30-yard line following the punt return, and a short run and pass completed to Hubbard took them to around halfway as we reached the two-minute warning.
Wodaege’s long pass to Smith later and the Eagles had another TD and a lead of 19-6 following the blocked PAT attempt.
After the kick off the Caesars had the ball on their own 26-yard line, and after moving to the 42 thought they had scored only to see another massive pass play called back for a flag.
Ross Cousins sacked the Caesars QB on the very next play, and after being forced to punt on fourth down the Eagles had the ball back on their own 20 with 27 seconds left to play in the half.
Two impressive runs by Richard Thompson took the ball to the halfway line with eleven seconds to play as the Eagles took their third and final timeout of the half.
Wodaege connected with another bomb to Smith which took the ball all the way to the three-yard line, and although time expired as the Eagles tried to spike it, a defensive penalty meant there was an opportunity for one more un-timed play.
It was an opportunity the Eagles offense wasn’t going to waste, and when Wodaege again found Smith in the end zone the lead was further extended to end the half.
Half-Time: Caesars 6 Eagles 25
The second half started as positively for the Eagles as the first had ended.
Excellent blocking by the offensive line and determined running by Thompson – assisted by two face cage penalties against the Nottingham defence – put the Eagles back within striking distance, and it was Thompson who finished the drive by powering across the line.
Wodaege found Hubbard in the back of the end zone with the two-point attempt, and the Eagles had extended their lead again, this time to 33-6.
Both sides traded possession for most of the third quarter before the game sprung to life thanks to another Mikey Davies interception.
Wodaege threw a pick of his own to give possession back to the Caesars, and this time they were able to capitalise and cut the lead to 33-12 after an unsuccessful two-point attempt.
The third quarter ended with the Eagles driving but after going for it on fourth and long on the 30 the Caesars regained possession – only to quickly lose it again thanks to yet another interception by Mikey Davies.
Four plays later Wodaege found Smith again for his fourth touchdown of the day, with Hubbard’s PAT taking the score to 40-12.
The Caesars weren’t finished yet though. They returned the kick-off all the way for a touchdown and the PAT brought them back to within three scores, but once the Eagles successfully recovered their onside kick attempt any remote possibility of a comeback was extinguished.
The Eagles were able to comfortably see out the rest of the game and seal an excellent victory to move to 4-4 for the season with two games left to play.
Picture courtesy of Steve Guy.
In case you missed it, the game was broadcasted in full by our friends at CaesarsTV, and you can check it out in full here:
The Eagles are next in BAFANL action on Sunday 17th July against the Doncaster Mustangs at Bedford International Athletics Stadium.
Kick-off is midday, with admission £2 each for adults (for which you receive a free programme) or free for under-18s.
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Welcome to live coverage of this afternoon’s Midlands Football Conference game between the Eagles and Nottingham Caesars at Harvey Hadden Stadium, Nottingham, kicking off at 2.30pm.
The video below is provided free of charge by our friends at CaesarsTV .
Join in the Conversation
Have your say on the game by including #OVEvsNOT in your tweets:
The Eagles’ next game of the 2016 season takes place this Sunday away to Nottingham Caesars in the Midlands Football Conference.
It is the second meeting between the two sides this season, after the Caesars ran out 26-6 victors at BIAS back in April.
Since then they were edged out 6-0 at home to the Sandwell Steelers, won a thriller against the Birmingham Bulls 37-34 thanks to an interception on the last play of the game, and lost a close one 16-12 to the fast-improving Doncaster Mustangs.
Offensive lineman John Rudgard will be a game time decision after missing the Bulls game with a back injury. Defensive captain Gareth Pullen returns to the squad.
The Eagles have no new injury concerns so will still be without long-term injury victims defensive back Vasco Dias (knee), offensive lineman James Busby (leg) and defensive lineman Anthony Ogunleye (shoulder).
Directions
The Caesars play their home games at the Harvey Hadden Sports Village on Wigman Road, Nottingham NG8 4PB.
Game Coverage
If you can’t make it to Nottingham for the game it will be streamed live by the Caesars via Caesars TV.
We will also be providing regular updates on the game via Facebook and Twitter, as well as on this website.
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Last week we caught up with Offensive Captain Ross Hubbard to get his thoughts on the 2016 season so far…
How has the season been for you so far?
It’s been frustrating especially from an offensive point of view. We had a great pre-season through three camps but we have struggled to replicate that in the first half of the year.
We will keep working and at some point we will click! We have the talent and players for an exciting, high scoring offense.
How have your preparations for this season varied compared to last year?
Very different. Last year was the first with the team and I came in late so was really playing catch-up with the playbook.
This year I have had a full off season and have put a lot of work in, firstly to recover from a broken arm at the end of last year and then getting comfortable with what we are trying to do on offense and be in better shape!
How do you think this offense compares to last season’s?
It’s different that’s for sure! Last year Justin (LaRoda, QB) made a lot happen off broken plays and outside the playbook and to be honest we got to a position where we relied on him too much.
This year we are more about scheme and execution which is taking a bit longer to come to fruition on the field but when it works we can cause a lot of trouble for defences.
What do you think makes you a good captain?
I aim to lead from the front, that’s always been important to me, whether that’s getting to practice, gym work away from the team, playbook knowledge!
I think it’s easy to talk about these to your team mates but you have to go out and do those things yourself.
What do you enjoy most about playing for the Eagles?
There is a great ethos that is starting to develop at the club, which is coming down from the coaches. This is more than just results, but really about making yourself a better player.
I think this is shown by how successful the camps were pre-season and how many first and second year guys are getting onto the field, and it’s a great environment to play football in!
Do you have any targets for the 2016 season?
I think the main target is to get the offense to start playing the way we want to, and the way we know we can.
A lot of people have already written us off so to prove them wrong would be nice!
What’s your favourite football memory?
I have loads of great memories through football, but the best has to be playing in the BUAFL Championship game in 2010 for the Loughborough Aces. That was a great team and great season to be a part of that programme.
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For the Bulls programme we caught up with rookie linebacker Joey Foggan to get his thoughts on life with the Eagles so far…
Name: Joey Foggan Position: Linebacker Height: 6ft 1ins Weight: 220lbs Hometown: Watford, Hertfordshire Age: 23 Favourite NFL team: Atlanta Falcons Favourite NFL player: Lawrence Taylor
How did you get involved with American football?
I have family in America and have been traveling back and forth from a young age and football has just become apart of my life.
Following from quite a young age I had a massive frustration as the sport was not big over here so I could never get to play or find people to talk about it with, but over recent years it has absolutely boomed across the UK which is great.
Has anything taken you by surprise so far?
The level of commitment and work you put in for the sport. Be that at the gym, playbooks, training. All these things make you a better player.
What is your favourite thing about playing for the Eagles so far?
My favourite thing about the Eagles so far would be the mini camps before the season started, the level of commitment and the time and effort put in by the coaches and players to get us ready for the season was outstanding.
I knew after the first camp this is where I wanted to be as a player. To create success you need to be around people who are like minded in achieving the same goals.
What are your aims for the rest of this season?
As a rookie I’m still trying to make plays when I’m on the field, this season I need to show my coaches that I can be that guy that when called on can step up and deliver.
But the time I’ve spent on field the opponents have not scored so my goal for the rest of the season now is that every opportunity I get to go on the field the other team does not score.
If you had one piece of advice for anyone considering playing American Football for the first time, what would it be?
Just do it! You won’t feel more alive, any problems outside of football, bills, work, nagging missus all go away and it’s just football!
There’s no better feeling than padding up and entering the field to do battle with another man! Follow the Eagles on Facebook or Twitter to find out when practice is or when the rookie days are and give it a try.
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The Eagles went down swinging 13-12 in a thrilling encounter with the Birmingham Bulls at Bedford International Athletics Stadium yesterday.
Birmingham returned the opening kick-off to their 45-yard line and eventually opened the scoring with a pass from 17-yards out on a drive that used up almost half of the opening quarter.
The Eagles drove into opposition territory but a fumble by running back Richard Thompson gave the ball back to the Bulls on around halfway.
Despite a number of penalties the Bull’s next possession looked threatening until line backer Bryan Mullally forced and recovered a fumble to regain possession, and that gave the Eagles offense the impetus it needed to spark into life.
Completions to Ross Hubbard and Ryan Bowtell gave the Eagles first and goal on the five, and on second and goal Zach Wodaege ran the ball into the end zone to reduce the deficit although the extra point attempt was blocked – a missed opportunity that would prove very costly come the end of the game.
More offensive penalties delayed the Bulls on their next possession to open up the second quarter although they eventually made it into the red zone, but when Mullally sacked the QB on third and long the Bulls were forced to punt from the Eagles 39.
Dom Taylor’s interception for Birmingham gave them the ball back on the 21 soon afterwards and after yet more penalties gave them fourth and very long once again the hosts had another chance to try and strike back before the end of the half, only for Taylor to make another, very impressive interception deep in Eagles territory.
Birmingham soon had first and goal at the two-yard line which became second and goal on the three after the run attempt was stopped in the back field at the two-minute warning, and when Joey Foggan picked off the pass on third down the Eagles had gotten away with one.
The offense was able to drive to halfway before going four and out, and the half finished with Birmingham unable to capitalise.
Half-Time: Eagles 6 Bulls 7
The third quarter was a cagey affair as both teams exchanged possession, the only real action of note being Oliver Latimer’s fumble recovery for the Eagles and the Bulls missing a 35-yard field goal attempt, but the game sprang into life at the start of the fourth quarter.
Latimer forced another fumble which was recovered by Foggan to give the Eagles the ball back on their own 30-yard line, and a completed pass to Vasquez took them into Birmingham territory before the drive stalled, and the Bulls took over on downs.
The Bulls were also unable to make the most of their next possession and following a flag on the play during the punt the Eagles started again on their 7.
A twenty-yard completion to Alex Smith followed but the drive again stalled, but possession was regained following a huge hit by Kevin Vasquez on the punt returner.
The Eagles went four and out and the Bulls responded in the perfect way, driving down the field and extending their lead with a 20-yard run. Importantly for the hosts the PAT was blocked, keeping it a one-score game with three minutes to play.
Starting again on the 20 following the kick off, Wodaege connected with a bomb to Smith to take offense all the way to the Bulls 32-yard line, and had second and short at the two-minute warning.
Another big pass completed to Smith gave the Eagles first and goal on the one-yard line, and after an incomplete pass Wodaege ran it in himself to take it to 13-12 with 50 seconds to play.
The coaches had a big decision to make – a successful PAT would tie the game and most-likely lead to overtime or a successful two-point attempt would most-likely win it, whereas if either were to fail the Bulls would almost certainly take the win.
They decided to go for two but as Wodaege rolled out to his right his deflected pass fell incomplete, and after successfully fielding an onside kick attempt Birmingham took a knee to seal their first win of the season and deny the Eagles what would have been a remarkable victory.
The Eagles are back in BAFANL action this Sunday (12th June) away to the Nottingham Caesars.
Picture courtesy of Steve Guy.
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The Eagles’ third home game of the 2016 season takes place this weekend as we welcome the Birmingham Bulls to Bedford International Athletics Stadium in the Midlands Football Conference.
The Bulls were founded in 1983 and played their first competitive games a year later.
They won their first Conference in 1985 after going 12-0 in the AFL Midlands Division, and in 1986 won their first of four National Championships (1988, 1991, 1995).
The Bulls have made the play-offs 21 out of 31 times in their history – although only once since 2006 – and have been BritBowl runners up five times (1989, 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2000).
Last season they went 4-6 in Southern Football Conference 1 which included two defeats against the Eagles: 21-14 at Erin Go Bragh in April and 23-18 in the return game at BIAS in July.
They lost their season opener this year away from home against the Sandwell Steelers (18-14) on 17th April and also went down 20-13 against the Doncaster Mustangs at home two weeks later.
In their most recent game they lost 37-34 in a thriller against the Nottingham Caesars in which they lead until the closing stages. Following the Saxons forfeiting their season they have had a few weeks off to prepare for today’s game, as they look to pick up their first win of the season.
The Eagles meanwhile come into the game on the back of a 14-0 home defeat against the Steelers a fortnight ago to slip to 3-3 for the season so far, and need a win to keep alive any faint hope of a making a late charge for a play-off place.
Team News
The Eagles have no new injury concerns heading into the game, so will only be without long-term injury victims defensive back Vasco Dias (knee), offensive lineman James Busby (leg) and defensive lineman Anthony Ogunleye (shoulder).
In this week’s Programme
This week’s programme cover features Interim Head Coach Darren Hill.
Inside we hear from Chairman Neale McMaster, Coach Hill, Offensive Captain Ross Hubbard and Rookie of the Week Joey Foggan.
We also have a feature on our visitors the Birmingham Bulls, a Spectator Guide and more.
The programme is free with admission (£2 each for adults or free for under-18s).
Directions
Our home games are played at Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB:
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Recently we caught up with Defensive Captain and current Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen to get his thoughts on the 2016 season so far…
How has the season been for you so far and how have your preparations for it varied compared to last year?
Very good, I have been working closely with Jon Rudgard (the team’s resident strong man) and also had some outside help from a speed coach in order to develop my movement.
Developing my core lifts along with adding Olympic ones has really improved my range of movement.
Last year I didn’t really know what I was in for and made a lot of changes to how I trained throughout the season.
This year I knew what my strong points were and I knew what my weak points were, so I was able to tailor my training to suit that.
We also had weekly gym sessions, ran by John Rudgard who’s also on the O Line, they were great to teach us what we should be doing in the gym and how to train on our own.
How do you think this defense compares to last season’s?
We have a lot of new guys who ooze potential, all we need is to get them more experience and they will be the bedrock of the future.
What do you think makes you a good captain?
I believe my leadership comes from the commitment and effort I put in on and off the field.
My teammates see this and buy into the team ethos of putting the effort in off the field as well as on it.
Loving the process is what makes people successful, and I try to demonstrate that.
What do you enjoy most about playing for the Eagles?
We have a great team first structure that guys believe in.
It isn’t about one man, it is everyone in it together. We are friends on and off the field, and that makes a big difference.
Do you have any targets for the 2016 season?
Just keep building on the foundations we have set out as a team.
I really just want to keep everyone focused on this season and driving everyone to get better.
What’s your favourite football memory?
My favourite memory has to have come from this year.
After losing to an opponent, one of their guys who I’d played with in a memorial match a few years before got in touch.
He told me that my attitude had affected him positively and really helped his love of the game.
That same guy was his team’s MVP, and to know his success is linked to my passion is something I will never forget.
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Recently we caught up with rookie defensive lineman Matthew Greet to get his thoughts on life with the Eagles so far…
Name: Matthew Greet Position: Defensive End / Linebacker Height: 6ft Weight: 207lbs Hometown: St Neots, Cambridgeshire Age: 32 Favourite NFL team: Carolina Panthers Favourite NFL player: Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly
How did you get involved with American football?
Believe it or not it is all down to my wife, it was her that got me started watching it (she loves it and it is the only sport I can watch on TV without getting moaned at).
The more I watched and understood the more I thought about how I would like to give it a go.
I ended up coming to the games last year and watching and decided that I would come and play the next year.
Has anything taken you by surprise so far?
The whole organisation and ethos is what has surprised me the most, everyone is so committed to the team and each other.
How much time and effort goes into the practices, the drive from the coaches and senior members to make you want to live up to their standards and be the best that you can possibly be; everyone is always there to help and offer advice about how to improve and that ultimately gives you the drive and ambition that can be used on and off the field.
Joining the Eagles has made a huge positive impact on my life.
What is your favourite thing about playing for the Eagles so far?
Being a part of a team, and being a part of something that is bigger than yourself, it is the feeling and anticipation before a game and the feeling after whether it is win or lose, the camaraderie, the knocks bruises and aches and knowing that everyone else will be feeling the same on a Monday – but it is totally worth it to put on that shirt with your numbers on it.
What are your aims for the season?
I aim to get bigger, faster and stronger and cement a place in the team for myself.
So that means more effort on and off the field and trying to improve each week even if it is just by a small amount to get there.
If you had one piece of advice for anyone considering playing American Football for the first time, what would it be?
What are you waiting for? It’s good fun, stop considering it and come and have a go.
Follow the Eagles on Facebook or Twitter to find out when practice is or when the rookie days are and give it a try.
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