Coaching a Culture; Part 3 - Coach Pirie's thoughts on the 2018 season prior to Saturday's Final

You know the drill by now; This week sees the biggest game in Roughnecks history with the NFC 2 Final against the Chester Romans. We sat down with each of the coaches this week to bring you their opinion on where the team stands heading into the game, and how they view the success of the 2018 season so far. Finally for the coaches we have Special Teams Co-ordinator, George Pirie:

FIRSTLY, HOW ARE YOU FEELING AHEAD OF SATURDAY?

Going into the final as the #1 seed I’m heading into Saturday with confidence that if we play to the best of our ability that we will come out with the win. However we know that Chester will not be easy opponents by any means and that we’re in for a tough physical game of football come Saturday. 

ARE YOU SURPRISED AT HOW FAR THE TEAM HAS GONE THIS SEASON?

Honestly not really. It’s something that we’ve been determined to get to from the beginning of the season. Once we started training in January I could tell that there was something different about this team in comparison to roughnecks teams of the past and the goal has always been to get to the final but not to get ahead of ourselves. Setting ourselves mini goals along the way, finishing 8-0, winning our first playoff game and gaining promotion and now winning the bowl.

WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE YOU FEEL YOU MADE THIS SEASON?

From a ST point of view more consistent special teams practice sessions have been pivotal to our successes on that side of the ball. Going from practicing ST once every other week to some weeks working on that side of the ball twice a week. This is what I believe has been key to us improving in many key ST stats.

WHO, SO FAR, HAVE BEEN THE STARS ON YOUR Special Teams Units?

All 11 guys that step out onto the field have been important in one way or another. To name a few though, kicker #4 Stu Don and Holder #44 Grant Travis have great chemistry together and that’s a key part of the reason we went 22/23 on PATs this season - an area we’ve really improved on. Our returners #6 Lewis Hughes, #18 Rhys Elmslie and #22 Gamu Mukuredzi have all played big roles in setting up the offence with better field position and also helping ST in putting up touchdowns for the first time in our history. Within the regular season Diego Esquer had a big role on ST, long snapping, making key tackles on punt and kick offs and even blocking a kick his presence has been missed during this post season. 

WHAT WILL BE THE KEY TO THE GAME ON SATURDAY, WHERE WILL THE GAME BE WON AND LOST IN YOUR OPINION?

What the ST unit aims to do is to be disruptive any time we’re defending any kick offs, punts or field goals ensuring we give up minimal points. We also want to win the field position battle giving the offence the shortest field possible to work with and give our D the most space to work with possible. If we can make impact plays on ST and let O and D do their thing that will be key

BEYOND SATURDAY, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE CLUB IN DIVISION 1 NEXT SEASON AND MORE LONG-TERM?

Next season what we need to do is be competitive the one thing we don’t want is to come straight back down. We’ll work on becoming a solid Div 1 team and as long as we’re constantly improving each season we should find ourselves in good stead.

Coaching a Culture; Part 2 - Coach Stevenson's thoughts on the 2018 season ahead of Saturday's Final

This week sees the biggest game in Roughnecks history with the NFC 2 Final against the Chester Romans. We've sat down with each of the coaches this week to bring you their opinion on where the team stands heading into the game, and how they view the success of the 2018 season so far. Next up in the series is Defensive Co-ordinator, Bryce Stevenson:

Firstly, how are you feeling ahead of Saturday?

I'm feeling confident of our chances for Saturday as you'd expect. It's going to be a tough test but we are relishing the opportunity to go out and compete for a Division title.

Are you surprised at how far the team has gone this season?

No I'm not to be honest. I feel that this team has a very talented roster of guys returning from previous years and the rookies that have joined us this year have embraced their role whatever it may be. I said publicly from day 1  that this team is a Division 1 team currently playing in Division 2 and the changes that were made allowed the team to achieve their potential this year.

What was the most important change you feel you made this season?

I think the most important change we made was developing a culture where success was demanded. We tried to move away from the "pub team" mentality and start preparing like a team that wants to go somewhere. Attendance patterns with minimum required attendances, even the way we prepare for games. We follow a very simple formula where we respect our opposition in the lead up to the game by preparing the same way regardless of the opposition so when we take the field we have given ourselves the best opportunity to succeed. 

Who, so far, have been the stars on your defence?

They are all studs. I think the big stars in all honesty have been the captain's. Our DB group has developed a confidence and a real tenacity under captain #20 Darren Henderson who should be praised for the way they play. Our LBer corps under #85 Rob Hayes and #23 Philip McCall are absolute studs and they make it very easy to adjust to different schemes. And our defensive front just know how to hunt they don't ever stop hustling in the trenches and they love sacrificing themselves for others to make a play. And again the rookies that have come in that have provided support to starters have to take a lot of credit as well for the way they compete in training not allowing guys in front of them on the depth chart to relax.

What will be the key to the game on Saturday, where will the game be won and lost in your opinion?

We've certainly been preparing for Chester as, undoubtedly, they will have been for us. They will absolutely have things that we haven't seen in our preparations, but we certainly have things they won't have seen it's about who adjusts better as a team in my opinion. It might come down to one play. And we believe that when that opportunity presents itself we will make the play.

Beyond Saturday, what are your goals for the club in division 1 next season and more long-term?

At the moment we are focused on the Chester Romans however our goal has always been to be a competitive Division 1 team which was highlighted in my 3 year plan for this team when I took on the role of Defensive Coordinator. This has been echoed by every single player in this team who all said they wanted to be part of a competitive Division 1 football team next year. That's what it comes down to if the players want it then, as coaches we will work incredibly hard to facilitate and drive the train in that direction.

Coaching a Culture; Part 1 - Coach Collinson's thoughts on the 2018 season ahead of Saturday's final

This week sees the biggest game in Roughnecks history with the NFC 2 Final against the Chester Romans. We've sat down with each of the coaches this week to bring you their opinion on where the team stands heading into the game, and how they view the success of the 2018 season so far. First up in the series is Interim Head Coach and Offensive Co-ordinator, Ruari Collinson:

Firstly, how are you feeling ahead of Saturday?

I have mixed emotions ahead of Saturday. I'm very excited however, also slightly nervous which I think is just natural ahead of such a big game. I'm confident that the effort we have put into preparations this week and last that we will compete on Saturday and have every chance of bringing that bowl home.

Are you surprised at how far the team has gone this season?

I think at the very start of the season it was hard to gauge what the division would be like, there was a lot of unknowns in terms of the calibre of our opposition, however I always expected to compete for the division title and as each game went on we expected more and more from the team as they showed so much potential. They thoroughly deserve to have reached this stage and so I would say I’m not too surprised. 

What was the most important change you feel you made this season?

The change of culture. I think the attendance policy was huge, having guys practicing together is part of the reason this team has been so successful this year, myself and the coaches have had to make some tough decisions on player selection due to attendance to send out that message and it has certainly paid off this year. I think everyone involved has realised the commitment levels have risen from previous years and the players have really reacted and bought into that and are now reaping the rewards. 

Who, so far, have been the stars on your offence?

The great thing about my offence this year is they are a complete unit that have many weapons capable of hurting an opposition defence. QB #16 Chris Breen has an exceptional football mind and threw for 16 TDS in 7 games and so far 6 in the playoffs. Receivers Rhys Emslie #18 and Lewis Hughes #6 have both excelled this year, showing great awareness, speed and catching ability. They are both tied on 6 TDs each, through 9 games. If an opposition is lucky enough to shut down those two however then there is also Mr Reliable, Rob Hayes who has the most receptions throughout the regular season and had a big game in the semifinal. And last but not least a huge part of the offence's success this year is the O Line, they have been outstanding most of the year, and although everyone that has played on the line has contributed well, left tackle Andy Watts and right guard Kieran DeGabriele (Angel) have been consistent performers, with the latter being a bulldozer in the run game opening up 3 holes for TDs in the regular season. 

What will be the key to the game on Saturday, where will the game be won and lost in your opinion?

I think at some point it will come down to who wants it more, Chester’s offence is very good, they have proven this season that they can move the ball quick and effectively and put a lot of points on the board, with the preparations put in place we can limit their offence. Their defence does the simple things right and likes shutting down the oppositions strength, we have more than one strength on offence so I feel we will be able to move the ball and score, I think it will be tough and a close game in the end but in the end come down to the team with the more desire and want to win.

Beyond Saturday, what are your goals for the club in division 1 next season and more long-term?

The goal next year will be to stay in division 1 and strengthen each year and establish ourselves as a legitimate BAFA programme. We intend to set up a junior programme that will compete in the junior leagues and provide a constant source of recruitment for the senior team.

Game 10: The Roughnecks are BritBowl Bound!

Match Report

Expecting a much tougher task this week than last, we welcomed the fourth seeded Birmingham Bulls to The Rig for our NFC 2 Semifinal clash. Eager to hit the ground running, and having won the toss, we would receive the ball from the opening kick-off and start on offence.

The Bulls' defence however proved to be stern opposition, battling well against the Roughnecks offence, stopping them on the first drive of the day from finding the endzone, but allowing the Roughnecks to get on the scoreboard through a 35 yard field goal dispatched #4 Stuart Don making it 3 - 0. Similarly the Roughnecks defence would stand up to the Bulls, smothering the run game however a punt would be the result of the Bulls' opening drive as the defence got off the field quickly. An exceptional pass defence from CB #42 Remi Theron was the standout play early in the game, as he batted down a deep pass with perfect timing to bring the Bulls' punt team back onto the field in the first quarter. Following the change of ends at the end of the quarter however it would be more of the same, with both defences playing well, and giving up very little both on the ground and through the air. However the Roughnecks would get back on the front foot, as last week's hat-trick scorer Lewis Hughes would take a short screen pass from QB #16 Chris Breen, and turn it into a big gain and excellent field position - as our #6 making it to the Bull's 10 yard line, weaving in and out of defenders and blockers. Tight End #85 Rob Hayes would complete the drive coming down with the ball in the endzone - Roughnecks in the ascendency - making it 10 - 0. 

Disaster however as the Bulls' #89 would return the ensuing kick-off to the house, to immediately cut the deficit back to 4 with the PAT attempt coming up short of off the hand of a Roughnecks' defender.

Into the 3rd quarter it would go, and with each drive the game got more and more tense as the clock wound down with the game so evenly poised. Again the Bulls' #89 however would find the endzone, making a great play to intercept a ball intended for Rob Hayes, before again running it back the distance. A flag on the attempted PAT would give the Bulls' a second chance, and deciding to go for two, their QB found their WR #10 in the back of the endzone to make it 14 - 10 Bulls and put the Roughnecks in unfamiliar territory, trailing for the first time this season. Both defences continued to make life very difficult for the opposition, with the Bulls getting little done before punting each time, and the Roughnecks suffering a similar fate. The tide would turn in the 4th quarter however as a deep pass towards Rhys Elmslie would result in a defensive PI call and move the Roughnecks downfield. Eager to keep the ball moving a quick drive again saw Lewis Hughes come close to getting in the endzone, this time being tackled down at the 1 yard line, allowing RB #35 David Obatolu to do what he does best: Power it in. Lowering his pads, Dave dived into the endzone to take back the lead, 16 - 14 as the PAT would be blocked and come up short. Now with the Bulls desperate to make a play on offence it was in the hands of the defence with 10 minutes to go and did they ever deliver. Forcing both 3 & 4 and outs on all remaining possessions, getting the ball back to the offence and allowing them to run out the rest of the clock. Final score; Roughnecks 16, Bulls 14.

Thanks to the Bulls for making the trip north to Aberdeen for what was an enthralling and well fought game. Both teams put everything they had into the game, and we wish them all the best for their future. For us now however it's time to prepare for the NFC 2 Final where we'll face the #2 Chester Romans who over came the #3 Staffordshire Surge 37 - 14 in their semifinal. The Final is set to take place at Druid's Park in Newcastle on Saturday the 1st of September.

We would like to also thank our sideline yesterday, who turned out in great numbers to cheer on the guys, helping us on defence by drawing false start penalties, and cheering on the offence on every completion, run and score!

 

Coach's Words:

Defensive Co-ordinator Bryce Stevenson:

"What a fantastic achievement by the players of the Aberdeen Roughnecks yesterday to secure promotion to Division 1 and to the Division 2 final.  From a defensive standpoint we were fantastic for 60 minutes not conceding and even allowing only a handful of first downs all game. We worked incredibly hard in the week trying to manipulate certain plays and create an opportunity where we knew we could seize the advantage. Full credit to the Birmingham Bulls organisation who played the whole game with tenacity and I'm sure they will go at least one step further next year. Now onto the final where we play what will prove to be undoubtedly the biggest test for the defence. But we wouldn't want it any other way and we are already preparing to make sure I give the players the best opportunity of succeeding."

 

MVPs:

Bud Light MVP: CB #42 Remi Theron - Remi played well all day, stifling the receiver on his side of the field all day long. He make an exquisite play on the ball early in the game, and kept up that level of performance throughout. Well Done Remi, Dilly Dilly

Offensive MVP: TE #85 Rob Hayes - Rob got our first touchdown of the day and worked tirelessly to help out in the running game, and made a number of other important catches, moving the offence down the field, and flipping field position.

Defensive MVPs: DE #56 Matt McCall/CB #22 Gamu Mukuredzi - Coming into the game we had reviewed the film and knew that getting to the Bulls' QB would prove very hard, but that wouldn't stop Matt McCall - with a sack in the 2nd quarter. Matt would continuously blow up runs (and maybe most impressively a screen pass) in the back field and helped shut down the Bulls' offence with a stellar showing. Gamu, similarly to Remi shut down the receiver on his side of the field, allowing only one catch against him towards the end of the second quarter, but Gamu's efforts in the run game also stood out, coming infield to make numerous important tackles and stop drives before they could get going.

 

Scorers:

Throwing: QB #16 Chris Breen caught by: TE #85 Rob Hayes

Rushing: RB #35 David Obatolu x1

Kicking: K #4 Stuart Don FG x1, PAT x1 (LS: #82 Graeme Reith, Holder: #44 Grant Travis)

Game 9: Roughnecks Avoid Ghosts of Playoffs Past as Phantoms are Exorcised

Looking to make it further than we ever have before, we took to The Rig on what was supposed to be a rainy Sunday afternoon to face the Furness Phantoms of the NFC 2 Central division. With Furness winning the coin toss we would be receiving the ball on the opening kick-off and #6 Lewis Hughes immediately set to punishing them for that decision. Collecting the ball after one bounce, Lewis would take the kick back to house having weaved in and out of pursuing defenders, 7 - 0 Roughnecks, and maybe the tie put to bed if you read into the celebration.  And he wasn't done there, scoring the first offensive points of the day as he collected a deep pass from #16 QB Chris Breen in the corner of the endzone making it 14 - 0 in the swiftest of fashion to the Roughnecks. Again slinging the ball down field, Chris this time would connect with WR #18 Rhys Elmslie to make it 21 - 0 as he shrugged off the Phantom's defensive back to secure the catch. With the offence rolling, the defence were barely on the field, doing everything required to stifle the Phantoms' offence, ensuring punts were the order of the day although FS #20 Darren Henderson would make an early interception to get the ball back for the offence.

Early in the second quarter QB #16 Chris Breen would take the ball into the endzone himself, finding a hole along the right side of the offensive line to make it 28 - 0, and TE #85 Rob Hayes wouldn't be far behind him for the Roughnecks, scoring on a 3 yard catch as Chris found him wide open in the endzone to make it 35 - 0. Our 6th touchdown would round out the first half as RB #21 Sean McDonald powered his way in following the middle of the offensive line to make it 41 - 0 with the last of the 6 first half PATs crashing off of the right upright.

With a second half running clock initiated as a mercy rule, the points scoring would slow down in the second half but #21 Sean McDonald got his second touchdown of the day on another typically powerful run, with a second missed PAT to follow, making it 47 - 0. Having not had to run too far on his first score, TE #85 Rob Hayes made up for it on his second, receiving the ball from #16 Chris Breen who rolled to his left to escape the pocket under pressure. Rob would then turn and take ball down the sideline, shedding tacklers and weaving in and out, showing off his wheels to eventually find the endzone on the longest offensive play of the game in the 3rd quarter, with PAT attempt number 8 splitting the uprights; 54 - 0. Lewis Hughes would finish the game as he started it, putting up the final points of the day on an almost carbon copy of his 2nd touchdown. Our #6 came down with the ball in the endzone, as #16 Chris Breen floated the ball over the cornerback. Final score; Roughnecks 61, Phantoms 0.

Coach's Words

Ruari Collinson (Interim Head Coach & Offensive Co-ordinator):

"[I'm] very proud of the performance the guys put in [yesterday]. We knew we hard to start fast and be prepared for a Furness side who were coming off a high with a strong win their last regular season game. I thought from the very first whistle we played to an extremely high level and I was very please with the performance on both a offensive and defensive stand point. Credit to Furness - they never gave up and played hard until the final whistle. We now have a lot of hard work and preparation ahead of us as both of the coaches and players aren’t ready for our season to end just yet."

Scorers

Touchdowns:

Throwing: QB #16 Chris Breen x5

Receiving: WR #6 Lewis Hughes x2, TE #85 Rob Hayes x2, WR #18 Rhys Elmslie

Rushing: RB #21 Sean McDonald x2, QB #16 Chris Breen

Kick-Off Return: KR #6 Lewis Hughes

PATs: K #4 Stuart Don 7/9 (LS: Graeme Reith, Hold: Grant Travis)

 

MVPs

Bud Light MVP: #16 Chris Breen. Chris led the offence up and down the field, setting Roughnecks records for both yards and Touchdowns in the playoffs too. Five touchdown throws and an additional one on the ground made him the obvious choice for the award. Dilly Dilly!

Offensive MVP: #6 Lewis Hughes. Lewis got us up and running with the huge opening kick-off return and set the tone for the whole afternoon. Another two touchdowns and countless special teams tackles would bolster his case for overall MVP but he narrowly missed out to Chris.

Defensive MVP: #23 Phil McCall. Phil was a constant thorn in the side of the Phantoms' offence sealing the edge against outside runs, making tackles in the backfield and ensuring the Phantoms got nothing going all day long.

Perfect Record Good Enough for #1 Seed; Play-off Foes Still to be Confirmed

Following the Staffordshire Surge's 14 - 8 victory over the Birmingham Bulls today, we have officially secured the #1 seed for the entirety of our NFC 2 play-off run. With both of the NFC 2 South teams getting a win away from home against one another in their two-game regular season series we jump from #2 to #1 by virtue of having the only remaining perfect record in the NFC 2, whilst the Bulls fall all the way to #4 with the Surge leap-frogging them into #3.

This means we'll be at home, in Aberdeen, for both the quarter- and semi-final ties with the final being held in Newcastle on the 2nd of September should we make it. Now, we still don't have confirmation of our first round opponents, but lets clear up the table and see who it could be with a look at the seedings, we warn you it's still very complicated:

(The seeds are decided as follows: Positions 1 to 3 are awarded to the three division winners, positions 4 to 6 are awarded to the three division runner-ups, and positions 7 and 8 are awarded to the two teams best 3rd place finishers, with points against per game (PAPG) the tiebreaker if records are the same)

NFC 2 Standings

#1 Aberdeen Roughnecks (North, 1st, 8-0-0, 9.71 PAPG)

#2 Chester Romans (Central, 1st, 6-0-1, 4.00 PAPG)

#3 Staffordshire Surge (South, 1st, 7-1-0, 7.75 PAPG)

#4 Birmingham Bulls (South, 2nd, 7-1-0, 8.75 PAPG)

#5 Halton Spartans (Central, 2nd, 6-1-1, 7.75 PAPG)

#6 Dumfries Hunters (North, 2nd, 5-3-0, 15.67 PAPG)

#7 Crewe Railroaders (South, 3rd, 4-4-0, 20.50 PAPG)

#8 Furness Phantoms (Central, 3rd, 3-4-0, 28.43 PAPG)

IN THE MIX

#9 Lincolnshire Bombers (South, 4th, 3-4-0, 21.14 PAPG)

#10 Clyde Valley Blackhawks (North, 3rd, 3-5-0, 21.83 PAPG)

Remaining Fixtures

NFC 2 Central: Morecambe Bay Storm v Chester Romans

Carlisle Sentinels v Furness Phantoms

NFC 2 South: Knottingley Raiders v Lincolnshire Bombers

With seeds 1 through 6 confirmed and locked in (assuming Chester win (vs Morecambe Bay Storm)), it'll be the #3 Staffordshire Surge who host our division rivals the #6 Dumfries Hunters in two weeks time, and the #5 Halton Spartans who travel to the #4 Birmingham Bulls. Crewe will fall out of contention all together should the Bombers win in their final game of the season (against Knottingley who are last in the division) they'd fall to fourth in the division by virtue of head to head record within the division. This means that ourselves and the #2 Chester Romans must await next week's fixtures to see who we get. The #10 Clyde Valley Blackhawks need a miracle, requiring both the Bombers and Phantoms to lose against the Knottingley Raiders and the Carlisle Sentinels respectively, both of whom are bottom of their divisions. Most likely for us (assuming both the Furness and Lincolnshire games go with form), are the Furness Phantoms - unless they concede 59 more than Lincolnshire do (in their respective wins next week) in which case we'd have Lincolnshire and Furness would go to Chester. Now we told you it wouldn't be easy to understand didn't we?

NFC 2 Quarter Final Fixtures 

(All games played on the 12th of August)

#1 Aberdeen Roughnecks v #8 Lincolnshire Bombers/Furness Phantoms/Clyde Valley Blackhawks

#2 Chester Romans v #7 Crewe Railroaders/Furness Phantoms/Lincolnshire Bombers

#3 Staffordshire Surge v #6 Dumfries Hunters

#4 Birmingham Bulls v #5 Halton Spartans

Game 8: Trojans Forfeit Final Regular Season Game; Roughnecks Go Perfect!

Our scheduled game against the West Coast Trojans this weekend has been cancelled and we shall instead be awarded a 1-0 walkover win.

The Trojans this week made the difficult decision to cease operations and withdraw from the BAFA National Leagues due to a lack of player numbers which has now seen them forfeit their final two games of the season.

This does mean however, that we have now completed our first ever perfect season, finishing 8-0, Champions of the NFC 2 North division and are guaranteed home advantage in the playoffs right through until the final should we progress.

Our next game will take place on the 12th of August, as we welcome play-off football back to the Granite City for the first time since the days of our predecessors, the Oilers. Our opposition won’t be confirmed until the conclusion of the NFC2 North schedule in the next couple of weeks, so until then we’ll be on the practice field and in the classroom in preparation of the big day!

Defensive Co-ordinator, Bryce Stevenson, had this to say on the matter:

“The players have achieved a perfect regular season record something which is incredibly hard to do at any level of football and they should all be very proud of their achievement to date. They have reacted terrifically well to everything we have asked of them and they fully deserve the season they have had so far.

We are delighted to have brought playoff football back to Aberdeen and the coaches are going to continue to give the players their best everyday as we look to extend our season beyond the Quarter Finals of the playoffs. Whoever we get on the 12th of August in Aberdeen - we are gonna be ready for them.”

Game 7: Roughnecks put on Jekyll & Hyde Performance in Exciting Grudge Match

Electing to receive the ball on the opening kick off it would be the offence which set to work first on what was another muggy day in Glasgow. A 7th win would see us propelled to the top of the conference with the Chester Romans being held to a 6 - 6 draw by the Halton Spartans earlier in the day. #22 Gamu Mukuredzi would get us moving, returning the ball to about the 30 yard line.

A three and out would start the game for the offence but following a brilliant interception from CB #22 Gamu Mukuredzi, they would get an early second chance, and they didn't think twice. Brothers Sean (#1 WR) and Chris (#16 QB) connected for the first six points of the game - with the latter standing bravely in the pocket to deliver a deep strike to the back of the endzone. Another, slightly easier pass would be Chris Breen's next score, connecting on a screen pass with WR #6 Lewis Hughes who did the rest of the work to make it 14 - 0 with both PATs being converted. Clyde Valley would begin to get their tails up, and following turnovers and a couple of deep passes, they would tie up the score, with 14 points unanswered. The Roughnecks needed a play to swing the pendulum back their way and LB #23 Phil McCall duly obliged, forcing a fumble to kick both offence and defence back into gear. The Roughneck offence would take advantage of this momentum shift, adding another score prior to the conclusion of the first half with WR #6 Lewis Hughes diving in on a sweep play to make it 21 - 14 at the interval.

The Roughneck D would squeeze the life out of the Blackhawks in the second half, forcing a safety on the second play of the half with the side from Glasgow pinned back in their own redzone following a failed illegal gadget kick-off return. 23 - 14, with LB #23 Phil McCall making the tackle in the endzone. Keen to put more distance between the two teams, the Field Goal unit was brought out for a 40 yard attempt which was converted to make it a 12 point game midway through the 3rd quarter. Touchdown number 4, and the final points of the day would come from an unusual source. With the offence drawing 12 minutes off of the clock on a long 4th quarter drive, last week's MVP, TE #83 Nate Morrice made the wide open catch in the endzone. Not too unusual? Well the throw was made by the kicker #4 Stuart Don as the Field Goal unit was on the field but some quick thinking from holder #44 Grant Travis rescued the situation following a botched snap. A more routine PAT followed that touchdown though, making it 33 - 14 allowing LB #85 Rob Hayes to finish the game with an interception on the final play of the game, making it 7 & 0 for the Roughnecks and the number 1 seed in the NFC 2.

Coaches' Words

Interim Head Coach & Offensive Co-ordinator Ruari Collinson:

"I'm very proud of the guys today, who dug in deep when they had to with the Blackhawks tying up the game at 14 apiece. The offence continued to work hard and kept on moving the ball and getting first downs in critical situations. With playoff destiny now in our own hands following the Chester result earlier in the day, we'll be looking to close out our perfect regular season against the West Coast Trojans in two weeks' time."

Defensive Co-ordinator Bryce Stevenson:

"We started the game well but let that high intensity slip in the second quarter which simply wasn't good enough and allowed the Blackhawks back into the game. A big play from Phil McCall turned that all around though and following some adjustments in the 3rd quarter we found our feet again shutting them out for the whole second half. We asked a question of our guys today and they responded well but now we're moving onto the Trojans in two weeks time before welcoming someone to Aberdeen for some playoff football."

Scorers

Thrown: 3x #16 QB Chris Breen, #4 K Stuart Don

Receiving: 2x #6 WR Lewis Hughes, #1 Sean Breen, #83 Nate Morrice

Kicking: 4x PAT, 1FG (40 yards) #4 K Stuart Don (Held: #44 Grant Travis, LS: #21 Sean McDonald)

Turnovers

INT: #22 CB Gamu Mukuredzi, #85 LB Rob Hayes

Fumble Recovery: LB #20 Darren Henderson, DT #61 James Sharp

 

 

MVPs

Bud Light MVP: RB #25 Diego Esquer. Diego ran the ball hard all day long, juking in and out of defenders and picking up first downs to keep the offence on the field in important situations and did everything but score. Congratulations Diego, Dilly Dilly!

Offensive MVP: WR #6 Lewis Hughes. Lewis scored two touchdowns and was unfortunate to miss out on the overall honour. A big kick-off return set up his second score of the day as he nearly took it all the way back to the house. 

Defensive MVP: LB #23 Phil McCall. Arguably made the play of the game by forcing the fumble which stopped the Blackhawks in their tracks in the first half, started the second half off with a safety and made countless tackles all day long.

Game 6: Roughnecks Seal The Division in Rout at The Rig

Back to familiar territory, there was only one thing on the Roughnecks' minds and that was getting the victory to secure the division crown. The opposition would be the winless Trojans, looking to spoil the party, and battle as hard as they could.

The Roughnecks would get to work on offence with #18 WR Rhys Elmslie collecting the ball on the kick-off return. And he wasn't done there, finding the endzone on a screen pass from #16 QB Chris Breen to finish the first drive of the day with six points for the offence and get the ball rolling. A PAT later, it was 7 - 0. The Trojans would find themselves in the Roughneck redzone however just a few plays later following good work on the ground. A strong goal line stand from the defence across four downs however would stop them from putting points on the board and get the offence back on the field. Stopped inside their own 20 yard line however, #56 Punter Matt McCall would flip the field, booming a punt 80 yards to provide the defence with plenty of field to defend, keeping the Trojans offence at arms length for the rest of the day. 

The only other scoring opportunity would come through a short field goal, which the Trojans would block leaving only a 7 point deficit going into the second quarter. Unhappy with their performance so far the Roughnecks would begin to squeeze the life out of the contest in the second quarter scoring three more touchdowns. One for #35 RB Dave Obatolu on a long run, and two for #85 TE Nathan Morrice as he secured his first ever Roughnecks Touchdowns, making it three for QB Chris Breen on the day. All three PATs would be tacked on, leaving the scoreline at 28 - 0 at half time.

As the sun continued to shine on The Rig, the Roughnecks would continue to score, this time through the legs of #25 RB Diego Esquer who would carry the rock into the endzone, making it 35 - 0 early on in the 3rd quarter, and initiate the running clock mercy rule. The rest of the quarter would tick by quickly as a result and with the offence on the brink of scoring a Trojans interception return would lead to a brief stoppage of the game as their numbers had been depleting throughout the afternoon and upon the conclusion of the third quarter the game would finish 35 - 0 and the Roughnecks would be DIVISION CHAMPIONS.

COACHES' WORDS

On the victory Interim Head Coach and Offensive Co-ordinator Ruari Collinson would say:

"I am very proud of the team today for staying focussed and securing the win. It is a incredible feeling winning the division title and the guys have gotten what they deserve by buying into what the coaches have preached this season and executed the game plan. It’s now down to next weekend and coming through what will be a tough away fixture."

Defensive Co-ordinator, Bryce Stevenson, would add:

"Today marked a fantastic occasion for the team winning the division and extending our record to 6-0. We had a few key absentees yesterday and players on the whole stepped up. We made a few key mistakes throughout the day but I take full responsibility for those mistakes as I hadn't prepared the defence well enough. We stood strong on a first and goal from the 1 yard line and make critical stops when we had to, so full credit to the players. We focus on rectifying these mistakes for next Sunday and to go 7-0."

SCORERS

Touchdowns: 5

Thrown: 3x #16 QB Chris Breen

Receiving: #83 TE Nate Morrice & #18 WR Rhys Elmslie

Rushing: #35 RB Dave Obatolu & #25 RB Diego Esquer

PAT: 5x #4 Kicker Stuart Don Hold: #44 Grant Travis LS: #21 Sean McDonald

TURNOVERS

Fumble Recoveries: 4 #44 DT Grant Travis, #63 DE Jason Rhind, #37 LB Deane Schembri, #69 DT Andy Watts

MVPs

Bud Light MVP: #83 TE/LB Nate Morrice

Nate stepped up when called upon, seizing the opportunity to start the game in both directions, scoring his first ever touchdowns, got open all day and doing his job with an important pass break up on D. Congratulations Nate, Dilly Dilly!

Offensive MVP: #16 QB Chris Breen

Another stellar game from our man under centre who lead the offence up and down the field again. Another three touchdowns to add to an ever growing collection this season, and some important gains on the ground too.

Defensive MVP: #20 FS Darren Henderson

Darren lead the defence all day, making important last ditch tackles, organising formations, and breaking up passes, ensuring another shut out.

Game 5: 5 Down, 3 to Go; Roughnecks a Step Closer to Division Crown

With an event running down at The Rig, it would be a home away from home - Harlaw Academy's Playing Fields - that would be the scene for a huge clash at the top of the Division 2 North table as we took on the Dumfries Hunters. Keen to avenge our 26-20 win at the David Keswick Athletics Centre in Dumfries, it was the Hunters who took the opening kick-off on a beautiful sunny day. 

MVP from our last game against the Clyde Valley Blackhawks, Rhys Elmslie would pick up where he left off in the kick return game, setting up excellent field position for the offence who would capitalise almost immediately. An opening drive connection between brothers Sean (WR #1) and Chris (QB #16) Breen would again find the endzone with the latter standing bravely in the pocket to put the ball on a plate for the former to open the scoring early doors; Roughnecks 7, Hunters 0. A field goal miss would squander some points in the first quarter, but WR #2 Chris "Jesus" Martin wouldn't let Roughnecks heads drop, taking the ball about 80 yards on a short screen pass to double the advantage. Not a bad way to score your first ever Touchdown; Roughnecks 14, Hunters 0.

All was going well, until a fumbled punt snap would allow the Hunters back into the game as they seized upon the opportunity. With short field the Hunters would find the endzone themselves to bring them back within a score as quarterback found receiver. Electing to go for 2, the Roughnecks D would smother the play before it got going, tackling the escaping "kicker" for a loss of yardage. Immediately however the Hunters learned again the danger of the Roughnecks kick return -  a unit which is emerging as a real asset to the team - as #22 Gamu Mukuredzi would take the ball all the way back to the Hunters' own redzone, before a horse collar tackle would move the ball further into the danger zone. A short series later, and some excellent play calling and execution, TE #85 Rob Hayes was wide open in the back endzone and QB Chris Breen would duly oblige, hitting him with a delicate pass for his first Touchdown of the year; Roughnecks 21, Hunters 6.

Having staged a good comeback attempt in our first meeting of the season, the Hunters would look to do the same in the second half of this one, and they got off to a good start, scoring a touchdown on their second drive of the half, and their second drive of the game where a turnover would provide them with short field. Aiming to make it a 7 point game, the Hunters elected to go for two again, this time finding the endzone on a QB run emulating his running back on the previous play; Roughnecks 21, Hunters 14. That would be it for the Hunters scoring however, as the Roughnecks defence would stifle them for the rest of the game, allowing no more than a couple of first downs on any ensuing drives.

It was a Hunters punt which would lead to the Roughnecks pulling out further in front too, as the defence held strong. #22 Gamu Mukuredzi would get another chance to return the ball and he didn't need to be asked twice. Collecting the ball just inside his own half, Gamu would twist and turn his way to the 10, shedding a tackle or two on his way, before powering his way over the line, dragging two defenders with him; 28 - 14, and the Roughnecks' first ever return touchdown. Of course, the spirited Dumfries side would never give up, but the only remaining score would be the Roughnecks as the game was put to bed. #18 WR Rhys Elmslie got in on the scoring act, collecting a deep pass from Chris Breen to make it four passing touchdowns through the air and cement the victory.

We'd like to thank the Dumfries Hunters for making the trip north, and wish them well with the rest of their season. Our next game comes in a fortnight's time, as the West Coast Trojans travel to The Rig on the 8th of July. We hope you'll be there to see us take on the Trojans in a game where a win would seal the division crown with two games to spare. The Trojans are still looking for their first win of the season, and would be more than happy to spoil the party should we let them. 

COACHeS' THOUGHTS:

Defensive co-ordinator Bryce Stevenson:

"The whole team came together and rallied well in the game to ensure Dumfries didn't level the game up in the third quarter when we were up by a score. We found ourselves backed up against the wall with Dumfries gaining momentum but from the Defensive point of view we made some huge plays in crucial moments to extend the lead and also turned the ball over in advantageous field position. We focus on the West Coast Trojans now, and look to improve our record to 6-0."

SCORERS & TAKEAWAYS

QB #16 Chris Breen 4TDs thrown to: WRs #1 Sean Breen, #2 Chris Martin, #85 Rob Hayes & #18 Rhys Elmslie

PR #22 Gamu Mukuredzi

Fumble Recovery: #85 Rob Hayes

MVPs

Bud Light Game MVP: #22 DB/KR Gamu Mukuredzi: Gamu shut down one half of the field for the entire game, and his kick returns set us up in some excellent field position, and he got the Roughnecks' first ever return Touchdown. Well done Gamu, Dilly Dilly!

Offensive MVP: #16 Chris Breen: Chris lead the offence up and down the field, likely had over 300 yards passing, and threw 4 Touchdowns. We can't ask for much more out of our man under centre.

Defensive MVP: #85 Rob Hayes: Rob bossed the middle of the defence all game long; Worked hard to slow the Dumfries running game on every snap of the ball, hit hard and lead the defence in and out of the huddle.

All images: Gail Davis