The 2012 season saw the Pigskin Hooligans finally claim the first championship in its storied franchise history. The Hooligans finished with a perfect 7-0 record, running the table throughout the year. Due to the late start (the team's opener on Nov 11 was the latest in franchise history) the regular season lasted only 5 games, the shortest regular season since the 2007 Hooligan campaign. The team won every game by double digits, playing in very few close games during the season. The Hooligans featured their usual explosive offense, scoring above 60 points on 3 occasions and scoring above 70 twice. The franchise's all-time record is now 33-26-1. Several franchise records were set this season: team-wise, the Hooligans' points-per-game mark of 49.0 obliterated the old record of 34.2 from the 2009 season. The 7-0 record gives the team a 7-game winning streak which bests the old record of 6 in a row set back in 2009. In addition, that 0 in the loss column gives the 2012 team the record for least losses ever in a season replacing last year's mark of 2. The team also tied the single-game points record by scoring 79 in the championship game. Individually Angela Martin demolished the old female TD record with 15 on the year, breaking the joint mark of 6 previously held by Breannea King and Brittany Davis. Angela also scored 4 TDs in a game two separate times which is a franchise record. Zach Johnston set a new single-game passing TD mark with an amazing 9 in a game against Big Boyz. With that being said, let's take a look at all of the individuals that contributed to the Hooligans' championship success this season: Mike Russell (captain) - Captain Mike Russell showed good leadership throughout the team's championship run, finally claiming his first title. He was at all of the team's games and also had the responsibility of running the entire league this season. Russell caught 2 TDs on the year which gives him a new career high, and he was also named to the all-star game. His recruiting prowess allowed him to attract key free agents to the Hooligans and put together a winning team. Final stats: 5 GP, 2 TDs Angela Martin - Angela turned in an astounding rookie year for the Hooligans. She turned heads all season with her consistent ability to find holes in the defense and get open in the endzone. Angela recorded 15 TDs on the year which led the entire league, and the extra points from her 9-pt scores were a crucial factor in many games. She also played good defense, making numerous flag grabs throughout the season and notching an interception in the team's first game. Angela was named to the all-star game this year for her efforts. Final stats: 5 GP, 15 TDs, INT Breannea King - Breannea was rostered for much of the Hooligans' 2012 season. Her work schedule prevented her from playing this year, but she was able to make it to the championship game. Breannea was the team's "secret weapon" in that game, as at any moment she could have put on a flag belt and given the team an extra girl if the game was close. Now, though, she may have said her "last goodbye" to the Hooligans as she has officially completed her undergrad degree. Final stats: None Clyde Rhodes - Clyde subbed into a couple games for the Hooligans this year. He showed his skills honed on Concordia's varsity football team, running solid routes as a receiver as well as playing solid defense. Clyde notched a TD and an interception in his first game along with a couple receptions in the championship game. He will be leaving Concordia after this semester but the Hooligans are glad to have had his skills! Final stats: 2 GP, TD, INT Dana Ford - Dana subbed into one game for the Hooligans this season, entering as a late replacement for Kristina Butcher. She saw time primarily on defense, guarding her man well. Dana did see a few offensive targets in the game, rotating with Angela Martin for playing time. Final stats: 1 GP Dorian Lancaster - Dorian had a solid rookie year for the Hooligans. He showed his blazing speed on several receptions throughout the year, finishing with 2 PATs. Dorian also contributed defensively with an interception. He will be playing on Concordia's varsity football team next year, but Hooligans fans hope he can still play after his season is done. Final stats: 3 GP, 2 PATs, INT Ethan Anderson - Ethan turned in a solid second season for the Hooligans, helping the franchise secure its first championship. He ran dependable routes on offense, usually playing center and notching a long TD in the championship game. Ethan also had his usual solid defensive positioning, making numerous flag grabs on the year. Hooligans fans are still waiting on his status for next year as he may not be returning to Concordia, but he has pledged to stay with the team for life if he comes back. Final stats: 3 GP, 3 TDs, PAT Josh Ulm - Josh concludes his storied Hooligan career as a champion. He was forced to begin the season on a separate team just to make sure the league could get rolling, but luckily he was able to return when his team folded. Josh saw action in one game this year, serving as a dependable receiver and dragging a few football players with him on one of his catches. Unfortunately he sustained a concussion off the field just before playoffs that ended his season, but he retires as the team's career leader in TDs with 21. Final stats: 1 GP Justin Litzner - Justin was a key free agent acquisition that helped the Hooligans win the championship. He was a sure-handed receiver all season long, making an array of toe-tapping catches and laying out for passes that paced the Hooligans' offense. Justin led the league in PATs with 7, recording 3 in the championship game, and he also showed a strong knack for flag-grabbing on defense. He wins his third championship in a row and was named to the all-star game. Final stats: 5 GP, 2 TDs, 7 PATs, INT Karen Greficz - Karen appeared to help the Hooligans collect their forfeit win over Ruthless on Dec 2. She had planned to play in the game, looking to use her dangerous speed on both sides of the ball. Karen was also present to watch the championship game, and she now turns her attention to planning her wedding with Hooligans QB Zach Johnston this summer. She would be eligible to play next year with the new alumni rule, so it's possible we could see her at least as a sub if she's still in the area. Final stats: None Kristina Butcher - Kristina was a solid contributor to the Hooligans throughout the championship season. She showed good hands during the year and caught 3 TDs including 2 in the championship game. Kristina also contributed on defense making a ton of flag grabs throughout the year and coming up with an interception. Final stats: 4 GP, 3 TDs, PAT, INT Ryan Noack - Ryan concludes a historic 5-year career on the Hooligans with a championship. He used his 6' 5" height well throughout the year, catching a ton of passes to record 4 TDs on the season. Ryan was also key in extra-point situations as he came up with 5 PATs, and defensively he had a pick 6 that clinched the Hooligans' season-opening win. He has announced his retirement following the season, though Hooligan fans hope he could still be lured out even for one more game next year. Ryan was also named to the all-star game this year. Final stats: 4 GP, 4 TDs, 5 PATs, INT Tom Sperry - Tom was another critical free agent signing for the Hooligans this season. He was a fixture on the offensive end, most likely leading the team if not the league in receptions as seen in his 9-catch performance in the championship game. Tom had 6 TDs to go along with 6 PATs in the 2012 campaign, and his defense was solid. He earns his third consecutive championship and was named to the all-star game. Final stats: 5 GP, 6 TDs, 6 PATs Zach Johnston - Zach turned in yet another stellar season for the Hooligans, claiming his first championship. He passed for a league-leading 32 TDs on the season and was consistently a dual threat to run when blitzed or pass. Zach also played solid defense, using his speed to track down opposing ball-carriers. He has announced his retirement following the season, and if he does indeed go off into the sunset he will leave quite a legacy at the QB position having passed for 113 TDs as a Hooligan. Zach was named to the all-star game this season. Final stats: 5 GP, 32 pass TDs, PAT Zach Milner - Zach played in one game for the Hooligans this year, winning the first championship of his 3-year Hooligan tenure. He was limited throughout the year with a busy schedule but he appeared in the team's Nov 29 matchup against Big Boyz, showing his speed on defense. Zach will be back for his senior year next season and early reports have him in the mix for starting QB if Zach Johnston does indeed retire. Final stats: 1 GP The Pigskin Hooligans would like to thank all of the team members for their time this year and congratulate them on their accomplishment. Every member played a part in bringing home the first championship in Hooligan history. Stay tuned next week for the Awards Show as some specific individual accomplishments are recognized!
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Written by Mike Russell
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