Now that we’ve recapped the 2017 Pigskin Hooligans season, we would like to give special recognition to this year’s award recipients: Blake receives the team’s MVP award for his performance in the 2017 season. As a member of the CUAA football team his athleticism was crucial to the Hooligans on both sides of the ball. On offense Blake rotated between quarterback and receiver, making good throws while also using his speed to advance the ball. Defensively he made a big impact with 2 interceptions and a forced fumble. Blake also receives the Defensive Player of the Year award for his efforts on defense. He often played the role of free safety on deep passes, sometimes running from one side of the field to another to get in position to make a play. His 2 interceptions (including one for a “pick 6”) led the team. Blake also forced a fumble on a PAT attempt by the Green Hornets and returned it for 2 points. Finally, Blake also receives the Breakout Player of the Year award which is given to the team’s best newcomer. Danielle receives this year’s Brittany Davis Memorial Award, given to the most outstanding female member of the Pigskin Hooligans. She was elevated to the role of co-captain in her first year with the team, making her the first freshman in franchise history to hold that role. Danielle showed amazing leadership in the 2017 season and she showed tenacity on defense to pull flags. She showed good hands and an ability to make catches, and she will be a key franchise player for many years to come. Conner earns the Individual Performance of the Year award in 2016, given to the player with the best single-game effort. He receives the honor for his performance in the team’s first round playoff game against the Wamp Rats. Conner made 2 interceptions which he returned for a “pick 6”, keeping the Hooligans in the game, while also seeing time at QB. He finished just one INT away from tying the franchise single-game record in only one half of play. Conner also receives this year’s Sub of the Year Award, given to the most outstanding midseason addition to the team. Alissa receives this year’s Heart of the Hooligans award, given to the player that best exemplifies the spirit of the franchise. Special consideration for this award is given to players who have sustained an injury. Alissa played in the team’s first game against the Wamp Rats, but unfortunately due to a finger injury she was unable to play the rest of the season. The franchise eagerly anticipates her return next year as she recovers in the offseason. Captain Russell earns this year’s Most Improved Player award. He saw much more playing time than usual this season due to limited personnel and worked hard to develop his game as a receiver. Russell made a career-high 5 receptions and hauled in a receiving touchdown in the Hooligans’ second game of the season against the Green Hornets. Finally, here are the top individual plays of the 2017 season: Gold Play - Blake Dean’s “pick 6” in the season opener against the Wamp Rats (October 29, 2017) - While the Hooligan offense had difficulty moving the ball against a stifling Wamp Rats defense in their season opener, it was the defense that provided a scoring spark late in the first half. Blake made a great defensive read in the endzone, making an interception and returning it all the way for 6 points. Silver Play - Conner Forbes’ first “pick 6” in the playoff game against the Wamp Rats (November 17, 2017) - Conner signed with the Hooligans just before their first round playoff game, enabling the team to reach five total players on the field. The Wamp Rats began with the ball and looked to be on their way to a scoring drive. However Conner made a great interception in the endzone and returned it for a “pick 6”, giving the Hooligans their first lead of the year with a 6-0 advantage. Bronze Play - Mike Russell’s receiving touchdown against the Green Hornets (November 12, 2017) - While the Green Hornets played tenacious defense in the Hooligans’ second game of the season, the team did put together a scoring drive late in the game. Blake Dean lofted a pass to the left side of the endzone which was caught by Captain Russell for the team’s first offensive touchdown of the year. Congratulations to all of the award winners on their achievement! All of these players made great contributions to the Hooligans this year. This concludes our review of the 2017 Pigskin Hooligans season. Be sure to check back next fall to follow the team’s efforts at returning to glory. Until then...ROLL HOOLIGANS!
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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