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What The Press Said... 05/06 Archive|Wessex Scene|16Dec05

STAGS BID FOR NATIONAL GLORY

STAGS BID FOR NATIONAL GLORY

National Champions. That is the very real goal of the Southampton STAGS American Football Club. The Champions of the Southern Division for the past 2 years can now realise their dream of a College Bowl victory that has eluded them since the back-to-back National Titles 1991/2 & 1992/3. With 9 current players having international experience and a coaching staff including Graham Thorpe, Great Britain Bulldogs Head Coach, the groundwork is in place.

STAGS BID FOR NATIONAL GLORY

After losing experienced and talented players to graduation the STAGS made a huge effort this year when it came to recruitment. A stand was commissioned for the Bunfight to help promote the professionalism of the club and international jerseys were put on display to advertise how far the team can take an individual. This setup meant that over 300 people stated their interest in playing and made for an impressive turnout at the try-out day. The team worked hard during preseason practicing 3 times a week and soon 40+ players were registered to play for the team this year, a squad with a good mixture of youth and experience and a lot of depth and talent.

The pre-season wasn’t all practice, there was partying too with the hugely successful “United States of Academy” event mid-October. The event attracted many different people and raised money for the club, the Southampton Vixens Cheerleaders and the Lisa Wilson Fund (a charity that the STAGS work closely with).

Two weeks after the pinnacle of STAGS pre-season training achievements (a 2-day camp devoted to football) the season kicked off. The STAGS hosted the Royal Holloway Vikings, a new team this year who were coming off a narrow 2-point defeat in their first game. The home team was clearly well prepared to face any foe as they ran out comfortable victors 76-0, scoring 10 touchdowns in the process. Rookie Justin Sysum gained offensive MVP (Most Valuable Player) honours for his 121 yard, 2 Touchdown, performance.

The following week the away game to UKC Falcons was moved to Southampton for safety issues and the committee worked hard to make sure the game went ahead. The game was again dominated by the Hampshire side cruising to a 73-0 win whilst giving the rookie players a great deal of playing time. Tam Amachree showed his talents at running back scoring 3 Touchdowns and rushing for a massive 209 yards, Sysum again broke the 100 yard mark whilst collecting valuable tackles on defense and special teams.

On Saturday 26th November the STAGS travelled to Birmingham to face the reigning National Champions Lions (who narrowly beat Southampton by 8 points last year) in a night game recorded by Sky Sports with presenter Kevin Cadle a guest official. In a poor first half for Southampton the team made some key errors against a strong opponent and could only manage one score, a dazzling kick return touchdown by Dominic Olney. The international standard coaching staff made some formation adjustments at the break and the STAGS came out playing with passion to overturn the 31-6 scoreline. In the 3rd quarter the defense stuffed the Lions offense, whilst Southampton’s offense thrived under the command of Great Britain Quarterback Ted Baynham. After 4 unanswered scores the STAGS had the lead. Injuries and bad luck combined to go against the STAGS and the lead and the game slipped away from them, losing 57-42.

STAGS BID FOR NATIONAL GLORY

Looking to finish the regular season 7-1 now with a Southern Divisional Title to be won, the STAGS will be looking to meet the Lions again in the playoffs in their quest to obtain national glory.

Interested in playing for the STAGS or want to follow their progress? Check www.stags.org.uk for more information and details of when you can come and support the team.

by Kris Hodges-Peck

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Announcement 08/09 Archive|STAGS.org.uk|16Feb09

MIAMI HURRICANES STAFF TO DELIVER COACH EDUCATION IN SOUTHAMPTON

Stewart Cramer, of the University of Miami, will return to Southampton to deliver a talk on the technical aspects of scouting and film analysis. He will be assisted by Coach Martin Hume who spent the 2008 season with the Hurricanes as a volunteer offensive assistant.

See full story for details and how to register your interest...