Merseyside Nighthawks 6 - 30 Doncaster Mustangs
East Kilbride Pirates 56 - 0 Gateshead Senators
I was fairly close with the Nighthawks @ Mustangs prediction, I think as the season continues we will see the Mustangs grow more powerful as the squad gels together. The Nighthawks fought them hard for a good period of the game and can hold their heads high. The Pirates @ Senators was some distance off albeit correct, the Pirates came to play and went hard. Too many Senators turnovers cost them big with an INT going for a score and another to the 1 yard line, a 3rd went for a score but was called back for a flag. The Senators will have to dig deep now knowing that with improvements around the league in general this could be a tough year.
As a bonus I managed to see the Rams @ Phoenix pre season scrimmage and can be sure that the Rams will provide stiff opponents for everybody. They have a shot at post season football and the games versus the Pirates and Mustangs are going to be very exciting. Huge lines, fast RBs and LBs if the QBs can find a rhythm behind a powerful run game then they have a good shot at post season football. Look out for a huge 1-2 punch of #23 and #31 in the back field.
Season Predictions 2 - 0
Monday 11 April 2011
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Week 1 predictions
So opening round throws out two very interesting fixtures. In the past few years Nighthawks @ Mustangs has been a battle for league security and fight for mid table. The Pirates @ Senators has had a few classic meetings recently with the Senators giving some impressive performances at home to hand out a few of the Pirates only recent loses. This year might be slightly different...
Nighthawks @ Mustangs
Two teams who have shown massive improvement this off season meet with high expectations and I think this will be an exciting game of football. The Nighthawks will look to get their explosive athletes running free in the the Mustang secondary as their run game will be difficult to establish. A key battle will be the Nighthawk O line holding up the much fancied Mustang D line. If the QB has enough time to find his targets then the Nighthawks will cause some concern. However much success the Nighthawk O finds, the D will be under pressure from the get go. The Mustang offense has rapidly improved and I expect a big day from Jeremiah R Jordan as he exploits the huge O line to it's fullest. The Mustangs have too much up front to lose at home opening round and will grind out a solid result eventually. I hope the Nighthawks can get an early score and push them hard as I feel later on in the game the Mustangs with pull away and use their size to control the game.
Nighthawks 12 - Mustangs 35
Pirates @ Senators
With the Senators seemingly on the ropes after a weak off season, some people might think that a visit off the Pirates is the last thing they need, but I know that the Senators will be up for it and see it as a perfect game to show their intent. Whilst the Senators can't be knocked on attitude they have some worrying mismatches to contend with in the game. With a loss of linemen they are relying on some defensive linemen to play offensive line which will lead to a lot of time going both ways in the trenches. That is simply too big of an ask against the Pirates. They also are under staffed at QB, leading to rumours of a wildcat formation with Gavin Barr spelling at QB. Again this is a huge strain on an incredible player who cannot be asked to do everything every game. The Senators have also been quiet on the pre season scrimmage front and contact levels in training have been way down. If they come into this game slightly soft they will get turned over big time, I know they have heart and a lot of courage to draw on, so they need to come out flying and hitting from the off. The Pirates are a very strong program in all areas, it's probably a wash at DB but other than that in each position they'll have an advantage here and should come out comfortable winners.
Pirates 30 - Senators 6
Nighthawks @ Mustangs
Two teams who have shown massive improvement this off season meet with high expectations and I think this will be an exciting game of football. The Nighthawks will look to get their explosive athletes running free in the the Mustang secondary as their run game will be difficult to establish. A key battle will be the Nighthawk O line holding up the much fancied Mustang D line. If the QB has enough time to find his targets then the Nighthawks will cause some concern. However much success the Nighthawk O finds, the D will be under pressure from the get go. The Mustang offense has rapidly improved and I expect a big day from Jeremiah R Jordan as he exploits the huge O line to it's fullest. The Mustangs have too much up front to lose at home opening round and will grind out a solid result eventually. I hope the Nighthawks can get an early score and push them hard as I feel later on in the game the Mustangs with pull away and use their size to control the game.
Nighthawks 12 - Mustangs 35
Pirates @ Senators
With the Senators seemingly on the ropes after a weak off season, some people might think that a visit off the Pirates is the last thing they need, but I know that the Senators will be up for it and see it as a perfect game to show their intent. Whilst the Senators can't be knocked on attitude they have some worrying mismatches to contend with in the game. With a loss of linemen they are relying on some defensive linemen to play offensive line which will lead to a lot of time going both ways in the trenches. That is simply too big of an ask against the Pirates. They also are under staffed at QB, leading to rumours of a wildcat formation with Gavin Barr spelling at QB. Again this is a huge strain on an incredible player who cannot be asked to do everything every game. The Senators have also been quiet on the pre season scrimmage front and contact levels in training have been way down. If they come into this game slightly soft they will get turned over big time, I know they have heart and a lot of courage to draw on, so they need to come out flying and hitting from the off. The Pirates are a very strong program in all areas, it's probably a wash at DB but other than that in each position they'll have an advantage here and should come out comfortable winners.
Pirates 30 - Senators 6
Sunday 3 April 2011
Preseason Ramblings
So it's been a while since the last update as we are in a pre season scramble right now and so much is undecided. Rosters are being finalised, clubs are deciding whether to support the site and provide extra info, the BUAFL season is only just releasing players from playoff runs and we are only a fortnight away from the opening round.
The roster implications of this season are huge, there has been more change of talented players than I've heard of before, not only that but most of it is in division. Over the next fortnight I hope to bring you an INs and OUTs list based on last years rosters and this years signings.
To the clubs that are unsure, anything submitted will be used verbatim unless instructed otherwise. Obviously I retain the right not to publish any submitted piece, but if I use it, it will be your words and not mine.
With the BUAFL season nearly over, especially for most of the teams that feed Div 1 North sides (Hull and Hallam being the exception) this weekend should see some increased numbers at practices and hopefully strengthen all teams a little. Numbers, Fitness and Youth always help out in a squad even if there is no time to win a starting spot come opening week.
So with a fortnight to go till opening weekend I will give a general overview of the teams and whether they have made progress in this off season.
East Kilbride Pirates (current Div 1 North Champions)
With some strong individual performances in BUAFL this year coming from local players I can only envisage the Pirates getting stronger. A big talented squad, unmatched in toughness and desire has seen them rule the roost in Div 1 North for a good few years. An excellent program, sound coaching, talented, athletic players and a bonus of being the long away trip for most teams should see them in good stead to repeat. I can see them repeating as champions but not sure it will be a comfortable ride. 8-10 wins.
Doncaster Mustangs
This is the squad with the biggest changes and it will lead to some exciting moments in this coming season. A hard and aggressive recruiting program has brought together a fantastically talented squad with high expectations. A huge and fast linemen group will dominate on both sides of the ball and they have the skill position back up to convert it to wins. Questions remain over their receiver corps but having seen the progress elsewhere I am sure they have worked hard to address this and I wouldn't be surprised to see a player explode from nowhere. Having worked with many of the offensive line at various levels I can vouch for their pass protection abilities and whoever wins the starting job (3 very good options btw) will have a good base to strike deep from. I going to be bold early and say that they will challenge the Pirates for the division title. 7-9 wins.
Gateshead Senators
Probably the off seasons biggest losers in terms of personnel, the squad has lost several players who contributed heavily to last season. Matthew Kidd (GB Lions SS) has left for Europe and a GFL season, Rob Campbell (GB Lions TE) is undecided but unlikely to play and Tom Crosier (GB Lions OT) has transferred to the Mustangs with several other linemen. There are always positives for Gateshead though, they have a fantastic youth set up which is good for 3-4 players a year who will come in and contribute from day 1. They are fairly isolated in terms of recruitment (although the association year of the North East Presidents may have cost them a few players) with 5 BUAFL teams within easy reach they should have been able to recruit well and expand the squad. There is also great news in terms of a true strength athlete joining the ranks and adding dominating prescience up front. If the Senators can make the most of the players in the area they will lead the middle group and challenge for the playoffs, if not then this could be the worst year in a long time. 3-6 wins.
Manchester Titans
The newly promoted Titans have a taste for the big game and a freedom to go out and play ball. It'll be an uncertain year at first, the step up is quite big as there are teams that if the geography was different might be premiership teams. I think they'll handle the change well. Good squad size, fantastic area to recruit from, lots of BUAFL sides to add youth and an already experienced squad is a blueprint for continued success. An interesting factor will be no real rival games, they haven't met most sides before and they will probably be under estimated as new boys. If any team in Div 1 North sleeps on the Titans they'll know about it. Just like Merseyside I think it'll be a tough year fighting the middle ground in the division. 2-4 wins.
Merseyside Nighthawks
Another side that has made progress in recruiting, squad size has grown and there is a good feeling on Merseyside. Extremely talented receiver corps, and plenty of good athletes elsewhere makes the Nighthawks a dark horse this year. They have the talent and speed to score, and if they can pounce on early opportunities then they will compete in all games. The defense is an unknown quantity, last year had it's ups and downs, but they have been working hard and should settle down into a strong unit. It will be a tough year, they have made fantastic progress but I think their closest rivals may have made more. I think they will end up with 2-4 wins, thats quite a window but this will be a tight division.
Yorkshire Rams
The rams have had another sound off season, recruiting well building on a large talented squad they should do well. Big question marks over the QB remain since Pete Rogers' transfer to the Mustangs. It appears the pressure will be on a young QB from Leeds Carnegie who didn't have the most successful year leading a much fancied squad to a 2-6 record. They will play a brand of defense that whilst limited is effective, the shining light are the two middle backers Charlie Gough and Jim Harvey. They are both great athletes playing with a winning attitude and they will lead this defense in every facet of the game. The squad relies on a lot of BUAFL players so I hope they have had time to gel together before their opening game. They will suffer a little by virtue of playing 4 tough 'rival' games as there is no love lost with the Mustangs or Senators. 4-6 wins.
That looks a might strange table but I feel it'll be a very strange year. After 6 games a pattern may emerge but I think first half of the season we'll all be unsure how it'll end. Thats great for the neutrals as the run to the playoffs will be very exciting. If one team has a poor season and the gains mentioned don't work out, I would expect the Senators to take the most advantage of it, they know how to win tough games.
So a quick round up there, would be glad to hear your feedback via the comments system.
The roster implications of this season are huge, there has been more change of talented players than I've heard of before, not only that but most of it is in division. Over the next fortnight I hope to bring you an INs and OUTs list based on last years rosters and this years signings.
To the clubs that are unsure, anything submitted will be used verbatim unless instructed otherwise. Obviously I retain the right not to publish any submitted piece, but if I use it, it will be your words and not mine.
With the BUAFL season nearly over, especially for most of the teams that feed Div 1 North sides (Hull and Hallam being the exception) this weekend should see some increased numbers at practices and hopefully strengthen all teams a little. Numbers, Fitness and Youth always help out in a squad even if there is no time to win a starting spot come opening week.
So with a fortnight to go till opening weekend I will give a general overview of the teams and whether they have made progress in this off season.
East Kilbride Pirates (current Div 1 North Champions)
With some strong individual performances in BUAFL this year coming from local players I can only envisage the Pirates getting stronger. A big talented squad, unmatched in toughness and desire has seen them rule the roost in Div 1 North for a good few years. An excellent program, sound coaching, talented, athletic players and a bonus of being the long away trip for most teams should see them in good stead to repeat. I can see them repeating as champions but not sure it will be a comfortable ride. 8-10 wins.
Doncaster Mustangs
This is the squad with the biggest changes and it will lead to some exciting moments in this coming season. A hard and aggressive recruiting program has brought together a fantastically talented squad with high expectations. A huge and fast linemen group will dominate on both sides of the ball and they have the skill position back up to convert it to wins. Questions remain over their receiver corps but having seen the progress elsewhere I am sure they have worked hard to address this and I wouldn't be surprised to see a player explode from nowhere. Having worked with many of the offensive line at various levels I can vouch for their pass protection abilities and whoever wins the starting job (3 very good options btw) will have a good base to strike deep from. I going to be bold early and say that they will challenge the Pirates for the division title. 7-9 wins.
Gateshead Senators
Probably the off seasons biggest losers in terms of personnel, the squad has lost several players who contributed heavily to last season. Matthew Kidd (GB Lions SS) has left for Europe and a GFL season, Rob Campbell (GB Lions TE) is undecided but unlikely to play and Tom Crosier (GB Lions OT) has transferred to the Mustangs with several other linemen. There are always positives for Gateshead though, they have a fantastic youth set up which is good for 3-4 players a year who will come in and contribute from day 1. They are fairly isolated in terms of recruitment (although the association year of the North East Presidents may have cost them a few players) with 5 BUAFL teams within easy reach they should have been able to recruit well and expand the squad. There is also great news in terms of a true strength athlete joining the ranks and adding dominating prescience up front. If the Senators can make the most of the players in the area they will lead the middle group and challenge for the playoffs, if not then this could be the worst year in a long time. 3-6 wins.
Manchester Titans
The newly promoted Titans have a taste for the big game and a freedom to go out and play ball. It'll be an uncertain year at first, the step up is quite big as there are teams that if the geography was different might be premiership teams. I think they'll handle the change well. Good squad size, fantastic area to recruit from, lots of BUAFL sides to add youth and an already experienced squad is a blueprint for continued success. An interesting factor will be no real rival games, they haven't met most sides before and they will probably be under estimated as new boys. If any team in Div 1 North sleeps on the Titans they'll know about it. Just like Merseyside I think it'll be a tough year fighting the middle ground in the division. 2-4 wins.
Merseyside Nighthawks
Another side that has made progress in recruiting, squad size has grown and there is a good feeling on Merseyside. Extremely talented receiver corps, and plenty of good athletes elsewhere makes the Nighthawks a dark horse this year. They have the talent and speed to score, and if they can pounce on early opportunities then they will compete in all games. The defense is an unknown quantity, last year had it's ups and downs, but they have been working hard and should settle down into a strong unit. It will be a tough year, they have made fantastic progress but I think their closest rivals may have made more. I think they will end up with 2-4 wins, thats quite a window but this will be a tight division.
Yorkshire Rams
The rams have had another sound off season, recruiting well building on a large talented squad they should do well. Big question marks over the QB remain since Pete Rogers' transfer to the Mustangs. It appears the pressure will be on a young QB from Leeds Carnegie who didn't have the most successful year leading a much fancied squad to a 2-6 record. They will play a brand of defense that whilst limited is effective, the shining light are the two middle backers Charlie Gough and Jim Harvey. They are both great athletes playing with a winning attitude and they will lead this defense in every facet of the game. The squad relies on a lot of BUAFL players so I hope they have had time to gel together before their opening game. They will suffer a little by virtue of playing 4 tough 'rival' games as there is no love lost with the Mustangs or Senators. 4-6 wins.
Overall Final Table Prediction
Pirates 8-2
Mustangs 7-3
Rams 6-4
Gateshead 3-7
Manchester 3-7
Merseyside 3-7
That looks a might strange table but I feel it'll be a very strange year. After 6 games a pattern may emerge but I think first half of the season we'll all be unsure how it'll end. Thats great for the neutrals as the run to the playoffs will be very exciting. If one team has a poor season and the gains mentioned don't work out, I would expect the Senators to take the most advantage of it, they know how to win tough games.
So a quick round up there, would be glad to hear your feedback via the comments system.
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