In the second instalment of the Academy’s double header last Sunday, the Lancashire Wolverines took on local rivals the Manchester Titans. Despite a dogged performance, the Wolverines couldn’t quite capture the victory they needed to stay in the playoff race. Like the first meeting between the two teams, a close 26-20 win by the Titans, the rematch again proved a tightly contested affair. However, the visitor’s ability to turn sustained drives into points, combined with the ability to defensively turn the screws when needed were the difference reflected in the final score.

It helped of course that the Titans caught the Wolverines cold on the game’s opening drive. Wrestling an early momentum, they drove seventy yards for the first score of the game. The running of Nick Copley helped Manchester progress down field. Quarterback Rik Lowthion’s darted pass to wide receiver Will Kinghorn was caught for a 24 yard touchdown to give the Titans the early lead. Their extra point attempt bounced off the post leaving the Titans 6-0 ahead.

Looking to counter, the Wolverines started their first offensive possession well. A pass interference call helped them collect their initial first down and then the good running of Lee Nelson furthered the drive. An eleven yard rush by the back put the Wolverines at the Manchester 13 yard line but they failed to translate yards into points. And when they looked to pick up a touchdown on fourth down David Mead couldn’t quite force the ball to his intended target.

The Wolverines defence did a good job of making sure the Titans couldn’t stretch their lead as they picked off Rik Lowthion passes on two consecutive drives. Jim Mawson and then Eden Quigley were the players that came away with those interceptions. Sandwiched in between those two Titan drives was another attempt by the Wolverines to convert for a touchdown on fourth down. On this occasion they were frustrated by Titans safety Dave Barnett who batted down David Mead’s pass to the endzone.

In the second quarter a tremendous punt by Wolverine’s punter Chris Astley was downed at the Manchester two yard line. However, what at first appeared to be a fantastic opportunity to for the Wolverines to stuff the visitors in their own endzone turned out to be the beginnings of a backbreaking 88 yard drive (90 yard field). Running by committee were Titan’s backs Kenny Harrison and Ross Profit who slowly matriculated the ball down field. When at the Wolverines nine yard line, a neat pass by quarterback Lowthion found wide receiver Adam Simms for the Titans second score. The visitors then added a two point conversion to extend their lead to 14-0.

Just before the half, a nine play drive by the Wolverines came to an abrupt end as a fake punt run came up short and turned the ball over on downs. With time to launch a few deep passes downfield before the second quarter was over the Titans searched for another score. However, the Wolverines defended these passes well and prevented the Titans from taking a 3 score lead into the third quarter.

In the third quarter both teams traded possession, each failing to move the ball significantly early in the second half. Indeed most of the third quarter would ebb away without incident apart from a few sacks by the Manchester defensive line and a period of good, consistent defensive play by the Wolverines. Nonetheless it was at the very end of the third quarter that Titans running back Nick Copley broke off a 23 yard run. This marked the beginning of another Titans scoring drive, one that unfortunately put the game out of reach for the Wolverines. The Titans tight end Chris Heap did the damage on the rest of the drive including a diving, 17 yard touchdown reception. Extra points were again added to push the score to 22-0.

Despite the regrettable score, the Wolverines continued to show great character as they fought tooth and nail to the end. A string of tackles were made by Alex Dunn and good pressure and coverage forced incompletions to ensure Manchester couldn’t stretch their lead. On the Wolverine’s penultimate possession they made sure that they weren’t held off the scoreboard. Colts graduate Eden Quigley bounced outside, turned up field and sprinted away from chasing defenders for an impressive 49 yard touchdown to give the Wolverines a consolation. The two point conversion attempt failed which left the score at 22-6 and though both teams had time for one more possession that was how it remained at the close of play.

Although this defeat was tough for the Wolverines to swallow their 6-3 record should give them optimism for the future as winning twice as many games as they have lost is no mean feat. In another division their record might have been good enough for a playoff spot. A win against the West Coast Trojans in the their next outing would take the Wolverines to 7-3 but the loss to Shropshire earlier in the season means that they would lose out on the playoffs in a tie breaker. However, it is still important that the Wolverines finish off their season on a high note and they have that opportunity to do so against West Coast on Sunday 22^nd.

Article by Chris Ollett

This weekend saw the Lancashire Wolverines play the Sheffield Predators at Blackburn Rugby Club, with the Wolverines looking to continue their push to make the playoffs. Earlier this season the Wolverines travelled to Sheffield and inflicted a 47-0 loss on the league newcomers.

With Sheffield choosing to receive the ball to start the game, Kicker Danny Morton set the tone for the day by kicking the ball deep into the end zone for a touchback. This brought the Wolverines defence onto the field. The defence was missing several key starters on the day, but this didn't show and the Wolverines quickly shut down the Predators with tackles flying in from Colts graduate Sam Bloomfield and veteran Linebacker Carl Rimmer. Both teams failed to register on the scoreboard on their first two offensive drives, although Bloomfield made his presence felt with two sacks of the Sheffield Quarterback.

Following a booming Chris Astley punt, the Predators began their third drive on their four yard line. The drive started out with a successful pass for five yards, but the Predators were soon brought back to earth when the ball was fumbled on the next snap under pressure from the swarming Lancashire defence. The ball was bobbled around with Sheffield attempting to get it out of their endzone, but it was Defensive Lineman Matt Lago who managed to pounce on the football in the endzone to give the Wolverines the touchdown. Experienced Kicker Danny Morton made no mistake with the extra point to put the home side up 7-0.

After another touchback from Morton Sheffield were unable to move the ball and were forced to kick it away. The Wolverines offence effectively moved the ball down the field led by Quarterback David Mead and offensive captain, Running Back Lee Nelson. Once into Predator territory the drive stalled however, leaving Morton to attempt a 29 yard field goal to stretch the Wolverines lead. The kick was uncharacteristically missed, leaving the Sheffield team with the ball at their 16 yard line.

The drive again started with promise for Sheffield, with a pass complete for a 5 yard gain taking the Predators to their 21 yard line. Another pass attempt however didn't go so well, with Linebacker Carl Rimmer picking off the pass and using his speed to return the ball to the Sheffield 1 yard line. Rimmer then stepped into his role on the offence and finished off what he had started by powering the ball into the endzone. Morton returned to his usual form and successfully kicked the extra point and making the score at the half 14-0 to the Wolverines.

The Wolverines came out fast in the second half, with Sam Bloomfield returning the ball to midfield to start proceedings. Mead swiftly moved the offence up the field and the drive came to a quick end with Mead finding Tight End Chris Astley in stride for a 26 yard touchdown. Astley also took over kicking duties for the second half and converted his own touchdown to put the score at 21-0. The following drive from Sheffield was quickly snuffed out due to constant pressure from Rimmer, Bloomfield and Martin Williams. With a taste for the endzone the Wolverines offence drove down the field on the back of running from Nelson and former Colts Running Back Eden Quigley. It was to Quigley that Mead looked when deep in Sheffield territory and showing lightning fast reactions he made no mistakes, catching the ball and weaving through the Sheffield defence for a 17 yard touchdown. Astley continued his good day by converting the kick for a score of 28-0.

The next couple of drives saw both teams able to move the ball but neither able to get into scoring territory. On the Wolverines following drive a pass by rookie Quarterback Jack Barton was intercepted and returned to the Wolverines 9 yard line. From here the Predators made no mistake and on their first play converted a pass to put their first points on the board against the Wolverines in two games. Sheffield attempted a 2-point conversion, but this fell incomplete for a score of 28-6.

The Wolverines had one last score in them for the day and it was fittingly Barton who threw his first touchdown pass for the Wolverines. The recipient was Wide Receiver Phil Riley who streaked down the sideline to run under an inch perfect pass from Barton and in for the score from 41 yards out. A fumbled snap left Astley unable to convert the touchdown and the score remained at the end of the game at 34-6.

After the game Wolverines Head Coach Paul Horsburgh said:

"Today was an efficient performance in which we controlled the game well. We managed to knock off the rust of having a few weeks without a game and our focus will now turn to Manchester next week."

The Wolverines will play the Manchester Titans at 3pm on Sunday 15th August at Blackburn RUFC. Entry is free as is the game between the two sides' youth teams which kicks off at 12. For more information about the Wolverines, please visit www.wolverineden.com

Paul “BJ” Mather has been an integral part of the Lancashire Academy of American Football (www.wolverineden.com) and its development for years. From his outstanding commitment and performances on offence and defence at Senior’s level, to his role in founding the Chorley Buccaneers, “BJ” always shows dedication and enthusiasm towards the cause.

It’s with such commitment that Paul is approaching another and altogether more important cause. In 2007, Paul’s nephew Peter was diagnosed with autism. Beginning August 14th Paul will embark on a week long trek through Ladakh, in the Himalayas, in an attempt to raise as much money as possible for the National Autistic Society (NAS). The NAS provides important care and support for Peter and thousands of other children diagnosed with autism. 

Autism is a life-long condition and affects children’s development. The ability and character of autistic children crosses a wide spectrum but in every case it has an undoubtedly challenging impact on the families concerned. The NAS “exists to champion the rights and interests of over half a million people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs”. Paul explained that the NAS has helped his sister Carla and nephew Peter immensely, “When Peter was diagnosed with autism it was a difficult and confusing time for Carla and the family. They didn’t know much about the condition and had no idea what sort of help was available for Peter. But the charity (NAS) has been a constant support for my sister’s family and now it is time I did something for them.” 

Paul’s admirable principle of giving back is something that our American Football club has benefitted from. With all the fun and passion football has offered to Paul, his role in the establishment of the Chorley Buccaneers was his way of giving back to football. He acted as Coach and Team Manager at different junctures for the Buccaneers and, as in those early days, the Buccaneers continue to thrive at junior flag and kitted levels. Much of the success can be traced back to the strong foundations he laid. Many of the “Bucs” graduates go on to play for the Colts (the Academy Youth team) and in some cases even go on to play with Paul himself at senior level.

In preparation for the trek Paul has been training 3 times a week, running or walking. He will also spend a couple of days at a training camp when he arrives to ensure that he can acclimatize and combat altitude sickness. This is because he will go on to climb 45 miles at high altitudes of up to 5,000m. He will cover a tremendous 16km per day. All the extra work seems to paying dividends on the football field too. Paul’s work in the trenches for the Wolverines, on offence and defence, goes from strength to strength following his 2009 performances which earned him the Coaches Player of the Year award.

Together with his trek, Paul has organised other events in support of the NAS. A fund raising event attended in part by many associates from the Lancashire Academy of American Football was a big success. The club also helped to raise more money for the cause when the Lancashire Wolverine’s Seniors and the Lancashire Wolverine Colts took part in a double header of home fixtures at Blackburn Rugby Club last month. So far Paul has raised an incredible £2,670.45. 

To help support Paul you can donate at www.justgiving.com/teampetertrek and you can also follow his progress at teampetertrek.blogspot.com  and twitter.com/teampetertrek. To find out more about autism and the cause Paul is working for you can visit www.autism.org.  Everyone at the Academy of American Football Club wishes all the best to Paul, Peter and family!

Article by Chris Ollett

The Lancashire Wolverines ensured they provided a fitting end to the Academy’s double header on Sunday with their 24-0 triumph over the Staffordshire Surge. The win gives the Wolverines an impressive fourth consecutive victory together with a fourth consecutive shutout. With identical 3-2 records before the game, the fixture presented itself as something of a “must have” game for both teams. As victors the Wolverines ensured they were the ones headed for 4-2 and remain in close pursuit of the division’s pacesetters.

Both teams were unable to open the scoring with their first possession. The deadlock was broken midway through the 1st quarter. A poor Surge punt was caught in the swirling wind and left the Wolverines with possession at the visitor’s 31 yard line. First, quarterback David Mead took off with the ball making his way to the 19. Running back Lee Nelson then collected a handoff on the following play and dashed in for a 19 yards touchdown run. The resultant extra point was blocked leaving the Wolverines with a 6-0 lead.

Looking to respond the Surge strung together some positive plays but despite a 20 yard pass from to their quarterback to his tight end the drive stalled and ended with a punt downed at the Wolverine’s 5 yard line. It was then that the home team survived a scare. A fumble by running back Eden Quigley fortuitously squirmed out of play despite the attempts of several Surge defenders to recover the loose football. Though the Wolverines safely maintained possession the drive didn’t last much longer.

The Surge’s offensive exploits weren’t too much better and an overthrown ball stalled their attempts to convert on 4th down. Turning possession over at the Wolverine’s 37 yard line, the home team jump started into action. A nine yard rush by Lee Nelson got the drive off to a good start. On the following play running back Eden Quigley demonstrated great burst as he darted to the outside to pick up a further 19 yards. Then from the 25 yard line Lee Nelson lowered his shoulder to batter past the first tackler before taking advantage of some good blocking and then avoiding the efforts of the last Surge defender to score an impressive second touchdown. A successful 2 point conversion run made the score 14-0. This was the halftime score as Danny Morton’s 35 yard field goal attempt just before the half narrowly missed despite the tremendous power he generated behind the kick.

The second half got off to a slow start but midway through the third quarter the Surge managed to force their way into Wolverine’s territory. However, the Wolverines defence demonstrated once again the dogged and determined play that has characterized their recent performances and forced a field goal. Gary Murrell blocked the resulting attempt helping towards the team’s fourth consecutive shutout.

The Wolverines further compounded the opponents blight when immediately after they marched down the field and extended their lead. Another speedy rush by Eden Quigley gained 26 yards before Lee Nelson chipped in with four more. David Mead kept the drive alive by avoiding pressure on fourth down and escaped the rush to gain a first down. Eden Quigley finished the drive with a 14 yard scamper towards the left pylon outpacing the Staffordshire defenders. Danny Morton added the extra point as the third quarter ended 21-0. 

In the fourth quarter the Wolverines continued their dominance. As the game ebbed away defensive back Ian Jeffries collected an interception after the ball had been tipped by the Surge receiver. A nice rushing gain from Anatoly Kulikov and then Jack Barton throw completion to Neil Sullivan moved the Wolverines into field goal range. Danny Morton concluded the scoring with his 17 yards field goal.

The Wolverines' next fixture is a home match against the Sheffield Predators in just over a month’s time on Sunday 8th August. The last time the teams met the Wolverines ran out comfortable 47-0 winners.

Article by Chris Ollett