The 2019 intramural flag football season is just around the corner and excitement is once again in the air. The Pigskin Hooligans kick off their 14th season Sunday, October 20 at 3:30 against the White Choppas in Cardinal Stadium, following the conclusion of the CUAA reserve football game. The franchise will be looking to reach a big milestone this year as they pursue the 4th title in team history. The league is expected to feature a total of 4 teams this year. Besides the Hooligans, Ryan Abenth’s defending champion White Choppas return to the league after completing a perfect 6-0 campaign last year. Vann Acker created the Black Slicers after striking out as a free agent following the Choppas’ championship run. Finally, Tristan Waechter leads a Special K squad full of talented CUAA hockey players. The regular season will consist of a single round-robin with games The regular season will consist of a single round-robin with games most likely on October 20, November 3, and November 10. The playoffs will most likely be on November 17 with all 4 teams qualifying for postseason play. Games will be held in either Cardinal Stadium or the Thunder Complex depending on field availability. Game times are always subject to potential change due to weather and other schedule conflicts. Let’s take a look at the roster the Hooligans are fielding for this year (players listed alphabetically by first name, after captains): Gabe Farr (co-captain) - Gabe returns for his 2nd season with the Pigskin Hooligans in 2019. He still retains strong athletic ability from his 2-year career with CUAA baseball. Gabe showed speed last year as a receiver, tying Kit Martin’s single-game record with 5 receiving TDs in the championship game. His leadership will also be critical to the franchise this year. Gabe had this to say about returning: “Never been better to be a Hooligan!” Mike Russell (captain) - Captain Russell continues to lead the Hooligans in his 14th year with the team. He has worked steadfastly throughout the offseason to recruit a talented, championship-caliber roster. On the field, Russell has steadily improved his skills as a receiver to help the offense. He had this to say on the upcoming season: “I’m always excited for flag football and another Hooligan championship run!” Alex Elliott - Alex will be making her debut with the Pigskin Hooligans in 2019. She brings great athleticism to the team, having retired from stints with both the CUAA women’s basketball and track and field teams. Alex’s running ability will make her a key target at wide receiver for 9-point female touchdowns as well as an excellent defender. Amber Streeter - Amber returns for her 2nd year with the Hooligans in 2019. She brings an athletic background to the team as she is currently in her senior year with CUAA cross country and track and field. Amber played in the team’s 84-64 win over the Wamp Rats last season, catching a pass while pulling flags well on defense. Her passion for running will translate well into success on the flag football field. Blake Dean - Blake will be entering his 3rd season as a member of the Hooligans in 2019. He brings a strong football background as he is currently in his junior year as a kicker with the CUAA football team. After a standout freshman campaign where he won 4 team awards including MVP, Blake was unable to play last year due to an injury. He will make a key impact on both sides of the ball when he returns to action this year. Charity Felton - Charity will be a new signing to the Pigskin Hooligans for the 2019 season. She brings an athletic background as a member of CUAA women’s tennis, winning several key matches for her team this fall. Charity brings a competitive spirit and an ability to run honed playing ultimate frisbee. She will be another key part of the team’s efforts in the 2019 campaign. Darricle Jones - Darricle will be returning to the Hooligans for his 2nd season in 2019. He brings an athletic background after competing for both CUAA baseball and football, earning 1st Team MSFA Mideast honors as an offensive lineman. Darricle subbed into the championship game last year, running solid routes and hauling in a 2-pt conversion. Greyson Papp - Greyson will be another new signing to the Hooligans in the 2019 season. She brings an athletic background to the team as a member of CUAA women’s lacrosse. Greyson shows tremendous speed on the lacrosse field, weaving and juking through defenders while powering to the net. She will be an important part of the team’s offense this year. Harry Kinney - Harry will be in his first year with the Hooligans in 2019, joining roommate RJ Bortle. He brings an athletic background to the team having played high school football. Harry won a state title with Mason High School in 2014, so he brings the knowledge of what it takes to make a championship run. Henry Capers - Henry will be coming back to the Hooligans for his 2nd season in 2019. He brings an athletic background after competing for the CUAA baseball team. Henry saw time at quarterback when he subbed into the championship game last year, throwing for 3 TDs in the first half of the game. He will continue to make an impact at multiple positions. Hunter Lastacy - Hunter returns for his 2nd season with the Hooligans in 2019. He brings college football experience as he retired after his freshman year with CUAA football. Hunter proved to be a tall and dependable receiving target in the redzone last season, snagging 2 TDs and 3 PATs on the year. He also saw some time at quarterback, throwing for 2 TDs. Hunter had this to say on returning to the team: “GO Hooligans!” Kimmy Thompson - Kimmy will be playing in her first year with the Hooligans in 2019. She brings an athletic background after recently completing a 3-year career with CUAA women’s lacrosse. Kimmy was a tireless runner on the lacrosse field, showing determination as a defender. She will form a dynamic duo with her boyfriend Ryan Bailey on the team this season. Kimmy had this to say on signing: “I’m just happy to be part of the team!” Kit Martin - Kit comes back to the Hooligans for his 2nd year after a standout rookie campaign. He brings collegiate experience after recently retiring from a 2-year career as a defensive back with CUAA football. Kit won the team’s MVP and Breakout Player of the Year awards last season after leading the team with 11 TDs and 7 PATs. His speed will make him an important asset once again on both sides of the ball. Kordell McNeal - Kordell will be another key returner in his 2nd year as a Hooligan in 2019. He brings collegiate football experience to the team as he is currently in his senior season as a defensive back with CUAA football. Kordell won the team’s Defensive Player of the Year award last season after forcing several fumbles and pulling many flags. Offensively, he finished with 3 TDs and 6 PATs last season. Layne Pries - Layne will be competing in his first year as a Hooligan in 2019. He brings athleticism to the team as a current member of CUAA men’s golf. Layne played high school football and brings a strong knowledge and background in the game. He will be another integral part of the team’s success this year. Leah Refenes - Leah will be entering her first year as a Hooligan in the 2019 season. She brings an athletic background after starring in basketball both in high school and for the Ballin’ Ewoks. Leah showed a great competitive spirit for the Ewoks during IM basketball and she will be a key redzone target for 9-point female TDs. Matt Korte - Matt will be signing in his first year with the Pigskin Hooligans in 2019. He brings intramural flag football experience to the team after playing several years for the storied Wamp Rats franchise. Matt showed a powerful arm at quarterback for the Wamp Rats, lofting precise deep passes downfield. He is expected to receive the starting nod at that critical position this year. RJ Bortle - RJ returns for his 2nd year as a member of the Hooligans in 2019. He brings an athletic background as he is currently in his senior year with CUAA baseball. RJ showed versatility at multiple positions last year, hauling in 2 TDs as a receiver and passing for 5 TDs at QB. He will likely make an impact in multiple areas this year. RJ had this to say on returning: “Looking to have another good year!” Ryan Bailey - Ryan will be making his first appearance with the Pigskin Hooligans in 2019. He brings an athletic background, recently retiring from a 3-year career with CUAA cross country and track and field. Ryan specialized in running and endurance throughout his athletic career, and that will transfer well to the flag football field. Remember, the Hooligans will be in action this Sunday, October 20 at 3:30pm against the White Choppas in Cardinal Stadium (following the conclusion of the CUAA reserve game). Come on out and cheer on the team...ROLL HOOLIGANS!
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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