BAFANL – Page 4 – Ouse Valley Football

Eagles slip to third defeat of the season

Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football Alex Cross, Andy Larwill, BAFANL, Byron Chowles, Cody Hausenbuiller, Eagles, Jamahl Watson, Julian Ikeme, Ross Hubbard, Sandwell Steelers, Zach Wodaege

The Eagles dropped to 3-3 for the season following a disappointing 14-0 defeat at home to Sandwell Steelers on Sunday at Bedford International Athletic Stadium.

The Steelers returned the opening kick-off to their 29-yard line but were forced to punt on their opening possession, Zach Wodaege and the Eagles offense taking over possession on the 45.

Quick passes completed to Ross Hubbard and Cody Hausenbuiller gave the hosts a first down but possession was turned over just two plays later thanks to an interception by the Sandwell secondary.

A big run through the middle took Sandwell to the edge of the red zone, and more good running gave them first and goal, on the five, where another run opened the scoring. The extra point attempt was successful, and gave the visitors a 7-0 lead.

Byron Chowles’ impressive kick-off return again gave the Eagles good starting field position, and this time around they looked more likely to capitalise.

They drove the ball into the Sandwell red zone and up to the 15-yard line and went for it on fourth and four, but the Steeler defensive line held strong to force a turnover on downs on their own 7-yard line.

Sandwell’s next possession got off to a shaky start as a result of a fumble which they managed to recover on their own 4-yard line, but as the first quarter ended had been able to drive the ball to around halfway.

Their impressive drive continued with a combination of short passes and strong running, and after converting a 4th and 3 on the five-yard line had a first and goal on the Eagles 2.

Excellent defensive play lead by defensive tackle Andy Larwill soon turned first and goal at the 2 to third and goal at the 15, and when a Steelers pass was incomplete on 4th and goal the Eagles took over on downs on their own 5.

Running Back Jamahl Watson broke a run through to the 37 but the drive stalled, and a muffed fake punt handed the Steelers the ball back on the Eagles 38-yard line.

Sandwell’s drive progressed as far as the 22 before going for it on 4th down and coming up short, but they had the ball back just a couple of plays later when Eagles QB Zach Wodaege was adjudged to have fumbled the ball.

They were unable to capitalise however, and had a field goal attempt blocked shortly before the end of the half.

HALF-TIME: EAGLES 0 STEELERS 7

The Eagles received the ball to start the second half and started on their own 27-yard line following a holding penalty, and thought they were back in the game early on.

Wodaege’s bomb was spectacularly caught by Alex Smith who duly took the ball to the house, only to see the score chalked off for a penalty against the offensive line.

It was a body blow for an offense struggling to get a toehold on the game, who were then forced to punt.

Sandwell were unable to capitalise on their next possession but backed the Eagles up inside their 5-yard line thanks to a booming punt.

Wodaege’s pass was picked off by the Sandwell secondary to give them the ball back on the 14, and further strong running resulted in the second and final score of the game.

Both sides exchanged possessions in the fourth quarter, and although the Eagles defence forced fumbles via Julian Ikeme and Andy Larwill the game finished 14-0 to the visitors.

The Eagles are back in BAFANL action on Sunday 5th June at home to Birmingham Bulls.

Kick-off is midday at BIAS, with admission priced at £2 each for adults (for which you receive a free programme) or free for those under-18.

Pictures courtesy of Steve Guy.

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PREVIEW | Sandwell Steelers (H)

19 May

Michael Dilley All News, Previews, Senior Football BAFANL, MFC1, Preview, Sandwell Steelers

The Eagles’ second home game of the 2016 season takes place this weekend as we welcome the Sandwell Steelers to BIAS in the Midlands Football Conference.

It is the second meeting between the two sides this season, after Sandwell ran out 24-6 victors last month at Tipton Academy.

Since then they have also beaten local rivals the Birmingham Bulls (18-14) and Nottingham Caesars (6-0), and last week lost for the first time so far this season, 6-3 away to the Doncaster Mustangs.

The Eagles bounced back from the opening day defeat by digging out a 13-12 win over the Mustangs, but then lost the home opener to the Nottingham Caesars a week later.

Team News

Eagles QB Zach Wodaege is fully fit for the first time this season, as is Wide Receiver Alex Smith.

Wide Receiver Kevin Vasquez makes his return from special Team America business and Running Back Richard Thompson is expected to make his debut.

On defense new signings Julian Ikeme (LB) and Mal Stevenson (DL) will also make their debuts after transferring from the London Blitz and Peterborough Saxons respectively.

Long-term injury victims Vasco Dias (DB), James Busby (OL) and Anthony Ogunleye are all out.

In this week’s Programme

This week’s programme cover features Defensive Back Chris Parr.

Inside we hear from Chairman Neale McMaster, Interim Head Coach Darren Hill, Defensive Captain Gareth Pullen and Rookie of the Week Matthew Greet.

We also have a feature on our visitors the Sandwell Steelers, 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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ROOKIE REPORT | Miguel Alvarez-Frias

10 May

Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Senior Football BAFANL, Eagles, Miguel Alvarez-Frias, Rookie Report

Recently we caught up with rookie linebacker Miguel Alvarez-Frias to get his thoughts on life with the Eagles so far…

Name: Miguel Alvarez-Frias
Position: Linebacker
Height: 5ft 8ins
Weight: 190lbs
Hometown: Soria, Spain
Age: 24
Favourite NFL team: San Francisco 49ers
Favourite NFL player: Lawrence Taylor (historical), Luke Kuechly (current)

How did you get involved with American football?

I have been following the NFL for some years and loved the sport. Last year when I was living in Shanghai, China a friend talked me into joining the University team (Tongji Strikers). I did so and loved the sport.

After moving to the UK I got in touch with the Eagles and I have been involved since November.

Has anything taken you by surprise so far?

The commitment and performance of the team. I was expecting more a participation team, however I was gratefully surprised to see the intensity and focus of training.

Although we all play to have fun and because we love the sport we train to be the best and play always 100%.

What is your favourite thing about playing for the Eagles so far?

That moment just before kick-off when you walk into the field, knowing you are ready to give everything you have, the feeling when the ball is kicked and you start running.

What is great about the Eagles is that everybody shares the same philosophy of commitment and effort, so when you are on the field you can trust the rest of the team and they can trust you.

What are your aims for the season?

As a team our goal is to win the league! For myself my objective is to continue developing my skills, getting more involved in the team, basically to become a better player and help the team.

If you had one piece of advice for anyone considering playing American Football for the first time, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to try it!

American football is a sport for everybody. Even in the NFL you have from huge 300lbs OL fellas to 5’8 receivers so definitely there is a position for you.

Coaches will guide you and teach you. In my case I cannot even tell how much I have learnt in only six months here.

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Saxons game cancelled

05 May

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football BAFANL, MFC1, Peterborough Saxons

Our BAFANL Midlands Football Conference 1 game against the Peterborough Saxons has been cancelled.

The game was due to be played this Sunday (8th May) at Thorney Rugby Club, but the Saxons are unable to complete the fixture.

Any further details regarding rearrangement etc. will be announced once confirmed by BAFA.

The team will therefore now be training at Bedford International Athletics Stadium on Sunday from 10am to 1pm.

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Practice venue changed

29 Apr

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football BAFANL, Eagles, Sandy Upper School

Due to BIAS being unavailable this weekend senior practice has been moved.

Sunday’s session will now take place on the astroturf at Sandy Upper School from 10am – 12pm, with a classroom session following until 2pm.

The full address is:

Sandy Upper School
Engayne Avenue
Sandy
SG19 1BL

The Eagles are next in action away to the Peterborough Saxons on Sunday 8th May. The game at Thorney Rugby Club kicks off at 2.30pm.

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Hill and McMaster on Caesars defeat

27 Apr

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football BAFANL, Darren Hill, Neale McMaster, Nottingham Caesars

Interim Head Coach Darren Hill and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster have been reflecting on Sunday’s defeat against the Nottingham Caesars.

The Eagles went down 26-6 against the Caesars in what was the team’s third game in successive weekends, and Coach Hill was the first to admit to being a little disappointed with how the season has started:

Sunday saw us complete the third straight game in a row and it’s fair to say it has been a rough start to the season so far.

After three successful training camps we were hoping to come out firing on all cylinders but we’ve come up short so far with only one win and two losses.

Our run game has improved each week and we now have two weeks to study the game film and make adjustments as we look forward to the rest of the season, starting away at Peterborough.

McMaster agrees, and wants his offense to relax and express themselves more:

Sunday ends the toughest part of our season, having played three games on the bounce without any opportunity to practice in between.

We didn’t develop the momentum on offense we were hoping to, and we’ve suffered from being a young team as everyone gets very uptight during games – they aren’t playing with the freedom and expression they should be.

That lead to a performance like Sunday’s where we moved the ball well and didn’t have many three and outs, but we made mistakes at key points and poor execution throughout the game kept us out of any contention.

The positives are we’re expecting several players back from injury after the weekend and our injuries from the game don’t seem to be too bad, so we should be at full strength before Peterborough. I’m confident well be able to rectify the problems moving forward.

The game against the Saxons takes place on Sunday 8th May at Thorney Rugby Club, kicking off at 2.30pm.

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Eagles drop home opener

25 Apr

Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football BAFANL, MFC1, Nottingham Caesars

After picking up their first win at Doncaster last week the Eagles were looking forward to a good performance in their National League Division 1 American Football home opener on Sunday.

Unfortunately the visiting Nottingham Caesars had other ideas and recorded a convincing 26-6 victory at Bedford International Athletics Stadium.

The stand out player was Caesars wide receiver Deivydas Merkelis, who hauled in three touchdown passes from quarterback Daniel Johnson. The first came midway through the first quarter as the Eagles defence uncharacteristically missed tackles to allow a good run after the catch to open the scoring.

Ouse Valley responded well with a good drive and got into field position to equalise, however Eagles quarterback Mikey Davies saw his pass intended for Ross Hubbard picked off by Nottingham linebacker Andrew Wilkins, who returned it the length of the field to increase the visitor’s advantage.

The half was closed with the Eagles picking up a few injuries to key players and facing a twenty point deficit going into the second half.

A high floating pass to the corner of the end zone saw Merkekis extend the lead further towards the end of the third.

The Eagles got on the board as replacement quarterback Zach Wodeage found running back Curtis Williston for a score as the game drew to a close but in truth this was no more than consolation for the hosts, who now have a fortnight to regroup before making the short trip to Peterborough to meet the Saxons on Sunday 8th May.

Report by Mark Chilton, photograph courtesy of Steve Guy.

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PREVIEW | Nottingham Caesars (H)

21 Apr

Michael Dilley All News, Previews, Senior Football BAFANL, MFC1, Nottingham Caesars, Preview

The Eagles’ first home game of the 2016 season takes place this season as we welcome the Nottingham Caesars to BIAS in the Midlands Football Conference.

After two difficult seasons in the Premier Division the Caesars returned to Division One last year, and posted a much-improved record of 4-5-1 in the BAFANL 1 Northern Conference which included a 26-20 defeat to fellow MFC1 opponents the Doncaster Mustangs.

Their 2016 campaign has kicked off positively thanks to a 23-12 victory over the Peterborough Saxons a fortnight ago, and they will be looking to continue their bright start against an Eagles team that has mixed fortunes to date.

Following a disappointing opening day defeat against the Sandwell Steelers the Eagles dug out a 13-12 win over the Mustangs last weekend, and head into the game with renewed confidence.