The 2011 Pigskin Hooligan campaign saw the storied franchise make another run to the championship game. The team finished with a 6-2-1 record overall, moving the franchise to .500 all-time at 26-26-1. The season was unusual in that there were a record number of forfeit games - the team won 4 games simply by showing up! The Hooligans played well overall in their real games, ranging from a wild 54-54 double OT tie against Falcons N' Stuff to a franchise record 79 points in a 79-42 rematch victory. After running away with the Mac division the Hooligans received a first-round bye, won by forfeit over Falcons N' Stuff, and faced off against PC division champs Dream Team Plus Krysiak in the finals. While the rematch was closer than the first game, Dream Team pulled away with a 45-31 win. With that being said, let's take a closer look at the accomplishments of each individual player (notes - stats available are games played (non-forfeit), touchdowns, rushing/receiving PATs, and defensive interceptions, players must have played 1 game to be listed, stats as a non-Hooligan not included): Mike Russell (captain) - Captain Russell led his team capably yet again in his 6th year (5th as captain). He finished with several receptions on the season and recorded his first career postseason touchdown in the championship game against Dream Team Plus Krysiak. Russell has worked hard to recruit and coach the best talent the Hooligans can provide, and he writes all of the epic game recaps which are beloved by team members and rivals alike. Final stats: 5 games played, 1 touchdown Angela Martin - Angela showed up for the Hooligans' forfeit victory against No Name, making her an official team member. Unfortunately as there was no game she did not get to actually play, but she has expressed interest in being a Hooligan next year. While the exact details of her race with QB Zach Johnston remain unclear, her speed will be a great asset in the 2012 Hooligans campaign! Final stats: None Betty Budd - Betty played in the Hooligans' early season match against Dream Team Plus Krysiak. She notched one reception in the game off a short shovel pass and had several other targets. Betty was the team's only girl for the day, so she showed great focus and stamina in playing the entire game on both sides of the football. Various factors with her schedule led to her withdrawing from the team, but the Hooligans are glad to have had her! Final stats: 1 game played Breannea King - Breannea turned in an amazing season for the Hooligans in her senior year. She led the team with 6 touchdowns on the season, tying Brittany Davis' all-time Hooligan mark for female touchdowns. Even more impressive is that Breannea accomplished the feat in only 4 games due to all of the forfeits during the year. She was a dependable target on offense all year both catching the football and smartly following long gains to look for a lateral. Final stats: 4 games played, 6 touchdowns, 1 PAT Cody Cotner - Cody recorded an impressive rookie season for the Hooligans. He showed off his blazing speed and skill at the receiver position whenever he touched the ball. Defensively Cody showed the quickness and athleticism to cover any player in the league. A hamstring injury sustained in track significantly limited him in the championship game, but he still gritted through it and tried to help the team. His stats were a bit understated due to his early unavailability due to football practice and all the forfeit games, but he will be a key asset to next year's squad. Final stats: 3 games played, 1 pass TD, 2 touchdowns, 1 PAT Eric Koester - Eric had a good season for the Hooligans in his first year. The athleticism that he displayed on the frisbee field for Zach Milner's Savage squad transferred well to the flag football field. Though he only appeared in 2 games on the season Eric hauled in 3 touchdown passes. His choir/band schedule led him to withdraw from the team for the playoff run, but the Hooligans were happy to have had his services! Final stats: 2 games played, 3 touchdowns Ethan Anderson - Ethan turned in an impressive rookie season for the Hooligans. He showed very good hands offensively as well as good moves to make defenders miss. Defensively Ethan applied his skills as a star linebacker from high school to be in good position to make flag grabs and sometimes to blitz the opposing QB. He will be a key part of next year's squad on both sides of the football. Final stats: 3 games played, 3 touchdowns, 1 PAT Jake Oliver - Jake appeared in the Hooligans' forfeit victory over The "A" Team. While there was no official game the Hooligans did play an intrasquad match and he recorded 2 touchdowns for Team Anderson. Jake showed good speed in the game and the Hooligans will definitely look to work him into next year's plans if an opening becomes available. Final stats: None Josh Ulm - Josh turned in another solid season for the Hooligans in his sophomore year. He continued to be a dependable pass-catching target, most notably recording 8 receptions and 2 TDs in the team's season-opening 59-52 win. Josh consistently made defenses pay for leaving him open over the middle and he will be a fixture again on next year's squad. Final stats: 4 games played, 2 touchdowns, 3 PATs Karen Greficz - Karen was a solid addition to the Hooligans midway through the year. She showed off her great speed whenever she touched the ball, even eluding many male defenders. Karen's quickness also made her an asset on the defensive side of the football. Her 2 interceptions in a game against Falcons N' Stuff are unprecedented for a girl in Hooligans history and most likely in CUAA history. Final stats: 3 games played, 4 touchdowns, 1 PAT, 2 interceptions Mary Kreutzkamp - Mary did well in her first year on the team. After attending games as a fan last season and playing 2 years for the Frisbee Hooligans, she understood the workings of the Hooligans organization well. Mary had several pass receptions on the year including a touchdown and a PAT. As with Eric Koester her choir schedule caused her to withdraw from the team for the playoffs, but the Hooligans were happy to have her! Final stats: 2 games played, 1 touchdown, 1 PAT Robert Myers - Robert had a good showing in his first year as a Hooligan. As the MVP of the Frisbee Hooligans he showed great defensive hustle, and that translated well to defense on the flag football field. Offensively he also showed good hands, making many pass receptions and recording 4 touchdowns. Robert has gained valuable experience as a freshman and will make even more of an impact next year. Final stats: 5 games played, 4 touchdowns, 2 PATs Ryan Noack - Ryan was persuaded to come out of retirement to rejoin the franchise. He actually played on 3 different teams during the year and even caught 3 touchdowns against the Hooligans for Falcons N' Stuff. But Ryan came back home for the playoff run, helping the team put up a solid effort in the championship game with a lateral to Karen Greficz for a TD. He has left his mark on the Hooligans for 4 years now, playing ever since 2008 when he left the Flyin' Angels to join the team. Final stats: 2 games played, 1 touchdown Zach Johnston - Zach was very impressive as usual in his 3rd year as a Pigskin Hooligan. He handled nearly all of the QB duties for the year, showing great poise in the pocket with accurate throws and an ability to scramble well. Defensively Zach was also a key asset, helping coordinate matchups and showing great ability on the blitz to grab the flag. Hooligan fans are crossing their fingers that he is able to return next season, but if this is the end he will have made a huge impact on the franchise. Final stats: 5 games played, 26 pass TDs, 5 PATs (rushing), 1 interception (defensive) Zach Milner - Zach turned in a fine season in his second year with the team. He showed improvement in catching the football this season, notching 4 touchdowns on the year. Defensively Zach used his quickness to chase down opposing ball carriers, and he also had a "pick 6" against Falcons N' Stuff. In addition to his duties as a Pigskin Hooligan he also served as overall IM Commissioner this year. Final stats: 5 games played, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception Zeb Hancock - Zeb joined the Hooligans for the playoff run this year. Originally a member of Dream Team Plus Krysiak, he ended up facing his old team in the finals and scored a touchdown. Zeb brings blazing speed to both sides of the football and if he chooses to remain a Hooligan next year he will be a key player. Final stats: 1 game played, 1 touchdown The Pigskin Hooligans franchise would like to congratulate all members of the team on a great season. Whether a member for the entire season or just part of it, every contribution is important to the team. Be sure to check back next week for the Hooligan Awards Show, the final note of the 2011 season, as some specific accomplishments will be recognized. ROLL HOOLIGANS!
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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