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Now that we’ve reviewed the 2015 Pigskin Hooligans season, it’s time to recognize the award winners for this year. Congratulations to the winners: 2015 Most Valuable Player Award Winners - Marshall Oetting and Micah Oetting: For the second consecutive year, the dynamic duo of twin brothers Marshall and Micah earns co-MVP honors for the Hooligans. Marshall had a solid year at QB, passing for 10 TDs which led the team and was good for third place overall in the league. He also saw time at receiver and performed well notching 2 TDs and 2 PATs. Micah showed his versatility catching 6 TDs as a receiver and passing for 5 TDs as QB. He also played well defensively coming up with 2 interceptions on the year. 2015 Brittany Davis Memorial Award Winner - Angela Martin: For the third time in her legendary career Angela receives the Brittany Davis Memorial Award, given to the team’s most outstanding female player. She continued to add to her legacy by passing for the first female touchdown in Pigskin Hooligan history in 2015. Angela also showed great speed and good hands scoring 4 TDs on the year, extending her career touchdown record to 26, and she displayed solid leadership as the team’s co-captain. 2015 Breakout Player of the Year Award Winner - Nick Holshoe: Nick earns the Breakout Player of the Year award in 2015, given to the most outstanding newcomer on the team. He turned in a solid season for the Hooligans, showing great speed and scoring 4 touchdowns on the year while passing for one. Nick also demonstrated his skills honed as a defensive back for CUAA football by making an interception which he returned for a “pick 6”. 2015 Defensive Player of the Year Award Winner - Humphrey Ihejirikah: Humphrey earns the Defensive Player of the Year Award for the 2015 season. While he made a significant impact on the offensive end hauling in 4 TDs, he was also a sensational flag-grabber throughout the season. Humphrey often made great diving flag grabs, many of which prevented opposing TDs, and while flag grabs were not officially recorded as a stat it is possible he may have led the team in the category. 2015 Individual Performance of the Year Award Winner - Virgilio Burgo: Virgilio wins the Individual Performance of the Year Award in 2015 for his 8 passing TDs in the Hooligans’ 61-38 first-round playoff victory. With both Oetting brothers unavailable for the playoffs he received the start at QB and handled the pressure well. The 8 passing TDs was the most by any Hooligans QB in their team debut and was just one away from tying the legendary Zach Johnston’s single-game record of 9 pass TDs. 2015 Most Improved Player Award Winner - Mike Russell: Captain Russell earns the Most Improved Player Award for the third time in his storied career. He made significant improvements as a receiver this season, making several receptions on the year which he took for big gains and scoring a PAT. Russell also saw much more playing time this year overall. 2015 Sub of the Year Award Winner - Jordan Taylor-McLeggan: Jordan receives the Sub of the Year Award in 2015, given to the most outstanding player not on the team’s original roster. She signed with the Hooligans for the playoff run and made an immediate impact, playing both full playoff games and hauling in a deep touchdown pass in the team’s first-round victory over the Wamp Rats. 2015 Heart of the Hooligans Award Winner - Dana Ford: Dana receives the Heart of the Hooligans Award in 2015, given to the player who best exemplifies the spirit of the Pigskin Hooligans franchise. She was a very vocal leader on the field this year, encouraging her teammates and working hard on the field. Dana scored 4 touchdowns on the year along with 2 PATs. Finally, here are the top 3 plays of the 2015 season: Gold Play: Dana’s long TD run, 61-38 playoff win over #3 Wamp Rats - The Hooligans found themselves in a close battle with the upset-minded Wamp Rats in the first round of the playoffs. Leading just 37-32 in the second half, the team was looking for a spark of energy and Dana would provide it. After catching a short pass she would make several sensational juke moves, eluding defenders on the way to a long touchdown run to give the Hooligans a much-needed 9-point TD. Silver Play: Marshall Oetting’s touchdown pass to Micah Oetting on the first offensive play, 89-35 win over Wamp Rats - After the defense forced a punt in the Hooligans’ season opener, the offense took the field on the 10-yard line. On the very first play from scrimmage Marshall dropped back in the pocket and fired a deep pass to Micah who hauled it in for the score. The early touchdown set the tone for what would be a lopsided 89-35 Hooligans victory. Bronze Play: Angela Martin’s touchdown pass, 89-35 win over Wamp Rats - In the storied history of the Pigskin Hooligans there had never been a female passing touchdown before the 2015 season, but Angela changed that on the very first game. With the Hooligans up 81-26 late in the game she checked in at QB and led a late drive down the field, eventually tossing a TD pass to Brandon Waack to make history. Congratulations to all of the 2015 award winners on their achievement! All of these players accomplished great things for the Hooligans franchise on the field this year. This concludes our look at the 2015 season...ROLL HOOLIGANS! Now that we’ve reviewed the 2015 season game-by-game, let’s take a look at the accomplishments of each player to compete in at least one game this season for the Hooligans (players listed alphabetically by first name after captains): Mike Russell (captain) - Captain Russell provided strong leadership on the Hooligans in 2015, assembling another championship-contending roster. On the field he saw greatly increased playing time this season, showing development as a receiver hauling in passes for some big gains and snagging a PAT in the championship game. 2015 stats: 4 GP, PAT Angela Martin (co-captain) - Angela continued to add to her Hooligans legacy in the 2015 season. She hauled in 4 touchdowns on the year, extending her own franchise record to 26 career TDs. Angela also threw the first female touchdown pass in Hooligan history in the team’s season opener, and defensively she came up with 2 interceptions which led all females league-wide. 2015 stats: 2 GP, 1 pass TD, 4 TDs, PAT, 2 INTs Brandon Waack - Brandon turned in a very solid rookie year with the Hooligans in 2015. He showed his speed as a receiver, making defenders miss and scoring 4 TDs and 4 PATs on the year. Defensively he also came up with an interception which went for a “pick 6”. 2015 stats: 2 GP, 4 TDs, 4 PATs, INT Dana Ford - Dana had another strong year on the Hooligans in 2015. She finished out a great career notching 4 touchdowns while showing great hands as a receiver and some sensational juke moves. Dana appeared in every game for the Hooligans and was a vocal leader on the field. 2015 stats: 4 GP, 4 TDs, 2 PATs Humphrey Ihejirikah - Humphrey continued to be a solid player for the Hooligans in the 2015 season. He was a very dependable receiver, making some key first-down catches and catching 4 TD passes. Defensively Humphrey also showed great flag-grabbing ability. 2015 stats: 4 GP, 4 TDs Jordan Taylor-McLeggan - Jordan was a key playoff addition for the Hooligans in 2015. She ran solid routes as a receiver, hauling in a deep touchdown catch in the team’s first-round playoff victory against the Wamp Rats. On defense Jordan also contributed with some flag grabs. 2015 stats: 2 GP, TD Marshall Oetting - Marshall had a great second year with the Hooligans franchise in 2015. He continued to be a steady presence at the QB position, leading the team with 10 touchdown passes. Marshall also showed his versatility seeing time at receiver where he notched 2 TD receptions along with 2 PATs. 2015 stats: 2 GP, 10 TD passes, 2 TDs, 2 PATs Micah Oetting - Micah also had a great second year with the Hooligans franchise in 2015. He continued to be a dependable wide receiver, snagging 6 TDs on the year, and he saw time at the QB position as well passing for 5 TDs. Micah also made an impact on defense with 2 interceptions in the team’s first game. 2015 stats: 2 GP, 5 pass TDs, 6 TDs, 2 INTs Nick Holshoe - Nick was a great addition to the Hooligans in 2015. He made his debut with the team in the playoffs and made a huge impact, using his speed to make defenders miss and scoring 4 TDs. Nick also saw time at the QB position in the championship game, passing for a touchdown, and he made a “pick 6” on defense. 2015 stats: 2 GP, pass TD, 4 TDs, INT Virgilio Burgo - Virgilio was a solid signing for the Hooligans in the 2015 season. He also made his debut in the playoffs and turned in a solid performance at QB, passing for 8 TDs in the team’s first round playoff victory. The 8-TD performance was the most by any Hooligans QB in their team debut. 2015 stats: 2 GP, 8 pass TDs The Hooligans are glad to have had the services of each one of these players in the 2015 season. Every member of the team made contributions that led to the continued success of the franchise. Still to come is the 2015 awards show where the specific accomplishments of some Hooligans will be recognized. ROLL HOOLIGANS! The 2015 season saw the Pigskin Hooligans advance back to the championship game for the 6th time in the last 7 years. The Hooligans looked to defend their 2014 championship and claim back-to-back titles for the first time in franchise history. However the team would finish 2-2 on the year, receiving a lopsided 71-23 defeat in the championship game against We Love TDs.
The season almost did not even take place as CUAA’s athletic department originally removed flag football as an intramural sport. However captain Mike Russell worked to organize the entire league from scratch, advertising around campus and working with the athletic department to coordinate facility usage. The league featured only 3 teams again this year, and due to a late start the regular season consisted of simply one game against each of the other 2 teams. All teams made the playoffs with the #1 seed (We Love TDs) receiving a first-round bye and the #2/#3 teams (the Pigskin Hooligans and the Wamp Rats) playing a first-round game to earn a place in the championship game. Games were played on the real CUAA football field. Let’s take a game-by-game look at the 2015 Hooligans season: Game 1 - Nov 15 vs Wamp Rats - W 89-35- The Hooligans opened their season playing against the Wamp Rats in the first game of a doubleheader. The team clearly showed why they were the defending champions, clicking on both offense and defense in jumping out to a 23-0 lead. The Hooligans would lead 42-6 at halftime and go on to win 89-35, setting new franchise records for largest margin of victory (54) and total team touchdowns in a game (11). Micah Oetting tied the franchise record for TDs in a game with 4, and Angela Martin threw the first female TD pass in team history. Game 2 - Nov 15 vs We Love TDs - L 46-71- After their blowout victory in the first game, the Hooligans had to turn around quickly and play the second game of a doubleheader against We Love TDs. The teams would trade touchdowns throughout the game, but the Hooligans would never manage to take the lead and would fall 71-46. Turnovers would plague the team as Hooligans quarterbacks would combine to throw 3 interceptions. Game 3 - Dec 6 vs #3 Wamp Rats - W 61-38- The regular season results placed the Pigskin Hooligans as the #2 seed in the league, giving them a first-round matchup with the #3 seed Wamp Rats. The Hooligans were missing a huge chunk of their roster due to either injuries or work responsibilities, fielding only 6 players on the day. But the team that was there still turned in a solid performance, coming away with a 61-38 win on a day where dense fog surrounded the field. The victory gave the team a berth in the championship game. Game 4 - Dec 6 vs #1 We Love TDs - L 23-71 - The Hooligans advanced back to the championship game against We Love TDs following their first-round victory. The team entered as somewhat of an underdog but looked to turn in another playoff upset just like the 2014 championship game. But the absence of many key starters proved problematic as the Hooligans were rolled over in a 71-23 loss. 6 interceptions by the We Love TDs defense shut down the Hooligans’ offense as they struggled to make it past midfield for much of the day. Check back soon for part 2 of the season overview, which will feature the stats and accomplishments of each individual player on the team in 2015. ROLL HOOLIGANS! The Pigskin Hooligans have the privilege once again of announcing the 2015 All-Star teams! Two teams of 11 players each were selected, with the two “captains” being League Commissioner Mike Russell and head referee Mike Clevenger. Unfortunately the season ended so late that there will not be an actual All-Star game, but it certainly would have featured some fantastic talent. Let’s take a look at the two teams: Mike Russell (captain)(Pigskin Hooligans) - Pigskin Hooligans captain Mike Russell makes his 5th career appearance in the All-Star game. He organized the entire league from scratch this season, narrowly saving flag football once again after the athletic department originally removed it as an intramural sport. On the field he improved his game, making numerous receptions including a PAT and seeing much more playing time this season. 2015 stats: 4 games played, PAT Amanda Benezra (We Love TDs) - Amanda receives an All-Star nomination in her rookie season. She made a huge impact on the offensive end for her squad, scoring 3 touchdowns as a receiver and passing for 2 touchdowns as the QB. Amanda also made her presence felt on the defensive end coming up with an interception in the championship game. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 2 pass TDs, 3 TDs, PAT, INT Angela Martin (Pigskin Hooligans) - Hooligans co-captain Angela makes it back to the All-Star game for the 3rd time in her illustrious career. She continued to show her blazing speed and good hands, hauling in 4 TDs which is tied for the best female total in the league. Angela also was a solid defender, making 2 interceptions which leads all female players in the league. 2015 stats: 2 games played, 1 pass TD, 4 TDs, PAT, 2 INTs Blaine Milheim (We Love TDs) - Blaine earns a berth in the All-Star game after a great performance in the championship game. He paced his team to a solid 71-23 victory over the Hooligans, showing his speed and versatility passing for 3 TDs and scoring one. Defensively Blaine also came up with 2 of his team’s 6 interceptions in the title game. 2015 stats: 1 game played, 3 pass TDs, TD, PAT, 2 INTs Dylan Vickers (Wamp Rats) - Dylan earns a selection to the All-Star game after his first year in the league. He was a very dependable receiver, snagging 4 TDs on the year including a sensational fingertip catch in the playoffs against the Hooligans that may have been the best catch of the year. Dylan also used his height to make an interception on defense. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 4 TDs, 2 PATs, INT Gabe Farr (We Love TDs) - Gabe gets a berth in the All-Star game after a solid performance in the championship game. He helped We Love TDs jump out to an early lead by catching his team’s first 3 TDs in the match. Defensively Gabe also came up with an interception in the game. 2015 stats: 1 game played, 3 TDs, PAT, INT Jacob Maas (We Love TDs) - Jacob earns his second straight trip to the All-Star game after another amazing season. He led the entire league in TDs once again this year, hauling in 9 TDs over the course of the season including a 5-TD performance against the Hooligans in his team’s season opener. Jacob was also dependable on PATs catching 4 on the year. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 9 TDs, 4 PATs James Haugen (Wamp Rats) - James receives an All-Star selection in his rookie year in the league. He used his height to be a dependable receiver for his team, finishing 3rd in the league and leading the Wamp Rats with 5 TDs on the year. That included a 3-TD performance against the Hooligans in which James also picked up many first downs. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 5 TDs, PAT Joel Werner (Wamp Rats) - Joel receives a trip to the All-Star game after his first year in the league. He was a great contributor to his team on the offensive end, seeing significant playing time at QB passing for 6 TDs on the year. Joel also showed good hands as a receiver hauling in 4 touchdowns. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 6 pass TDs, 4 TDs Marshall Oetting (Pigskin Hooligans) - Marshall gets the second All-Star selection of his career in 2015. He continued to be a steady presence at QB for the Hooligans, tossing 10 TD passes which was good for third place in the league. Marshall also saw time at receiver, catching 2 TDs and 2 PATs. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 10 pass TDs, 2 TDs, 2 PATs Nick Holshoe (Pigskin Hooligans) - Nick earns an All-Star berth after a solid first season in the league. He showed his skills honed as a defensive back on CUAA’s football team, making an interception which he returned for a pick 6 in the championship game. Nick was a key part of the Hooligans’ playoff offense, showing great speed and passing for a TD and scoring 4 TDs on the season. 2015 stats: 2 games played, 1 pass TD, 4 TDs, INT Mike Clevenger (captain)(We Love TDs) - Mike serves as captain for the second All-Star team as the “head ref”, having officiated the first game of the flag football season. He turned in a good year on the field for We Love TDs, notching 2 TDs and 4 PATs on offense. Defensively Mike came up with 3 interceptions which was good for second in the league. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 1 pass TD, 2 TDs, 4 PATs, 3 INTs Andrew Ripke (Wamp Rats) - Andrew is named to his first All-Star game in 2015. The Wamp Rats captain turned in a solid year at quarterback, passing for 11 TDs which places him second in the league. Andrew also made many receptions on offense and contributed with flag grabs on defense. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 11 pass TDs Brandon Waack (Pigskin Hooligans) - Brandon receives his second career All-Star selection this year. He used his blazing speed to make an offensive impact for the Hooligans in 2015, notching 4 TDs and 4 PATs in two games of action. Brandon made an impact on defense as well, notching an interception which he returned for a touchdown. 2015 stats: 2 games played, 4 TDs, 4 PATs, INT Courtney Russell (Wamp Rats) - Courtney is selected to the All-Star game in 2015 after a great first season. She was a dependable receiver for her squad, notching 4 touchdowns which tied her for the top female total in the league. Courtney had some long runs on offense which picked up great yardage for her team. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 4 TDs Dana Ford (Pigskin Hooligans) - Dana receives her second straight All-Star nomination this year. She continued to show great hands and good speed for the Hooligans, making some sensational juke moves and notching 4 TDs which ties her for the top female total in the league. Dana also hauled in 2 PATs and took a few QB reps as well. 2015 stats: 4 games played, 4 TDs, 2 PATs Humphrey Ihejirikah (Pigskin Hooligans) - Humphrey receives an All-Star selection for the fourth year in a row. He continued to be a dependable receiver, catching 4 TDs on the season including a 3-TD performance in the Hooligans’ first-round playoff victory. Defensively Humphrey was a great flag-grabber, forcefully whipping opponents’ flag belts off. 2015 stats: 4 games played, 4 TDs Jeremy Maas (We Love TDs) - Jeremy earns his fourth consecutive All-Star selection in 2015. He showed his stellar athletic ability once again this season, passing for a league-leading 13 touchdowns at the QB position. Jeremy played receiver at times too, hauling in 4 TDs and 3 PATs, and defensively he came up with an interception in the championship game. 2015 stats: 13 pass TDs, 4 TDs, 3 PATs, INT Lauren Ortiz (We Love TDs) - Lauren receives an All-Star selection after a great rookie season. She showed her versatility on the offensive end, tossing for 3 TDs from the QB position which leads all females in the league and also notching 3 TDs as a receiver. Lauren made an interception on defense as well. 2015 stats: 3 games played, 3 pass TDs, 3 TDs, 2 PATs, INT Matt Botti (We Love TDs) - Matt earns an All-Star berth after a good first year in the league. He made his greatest impact on the defensive side of the football, notching a league-leading 4 interceptions on the season including a 3-INT performance against the Hooligans. Matt also notched 2 TDs and a PAT on offense. 2015 stats: 2 games played, 2 TDs, PAT, 4 INTs Micah Oetting (Pigskin Hooligans) - Micah makes his second straight trip to the All-Star game in 2015. He continued to be a dependable receiver, finishing second in the league with 6 TDs on the year. Micah also saw time at QB, passing for 5 TDs, and on defense he came up with 2 interceptions. 2015 stats: 2 games played, 5 pass TDs, 6 TDs, 2 INTs Virgilio Burgo (Pigskin Hooligans) - Virgilio earns his second All-Star trip this year, having been in the game as head ref in 2014. He received the start at QB in the Hooligans’ first-round playoff game and passed for 8 TDs in the match. That performance was tied for the top single-game pass TD total in the league. 2015 stats: 2 games played, 8 pass TDs Congratulations to all of the 2015 All-Stars! All of these players made great accomplishments for their teams this year. Be sure to check back in 2016 if flag football returns to CUAA to see many of these same players battle it out for intramural glory! The Pigskin Hooligans put forth a respectable effort in 2015, finishing 2-2 and making it back to the championship game for the 6th time in the last 7 years.
2015 team members from left to right: Captain Mike Russell, Nick Holshoe, Dana Ford, Jordan Taylor-McLeggan, Virgilio Burgo, Humphrey Ihejirikah. Not pictured (but played in 2015): Angela Martin, Brandon Waack, Marshall Oetting, Micah Oetting. Sun, Dec 6 - After defeating the Wamp Rats 61-38 in the first round, the Pigskin Hooligans advanced to the championship game. #1 seed We Love TDs entered the match with a perfect 2-0 record and a seemingly unstoppable offense. The Hooligans looked to keep rolling in the championship game, but We Love TDs would turn in a dominant performance on both sides of the ball to claim a lopsided 71-23 championship victory. The Hooligans would begin the game on offense but We Love TDs would force a 4-and-out and claim the ball on the Hooligans’ 10-yard line. Jeremy Maas would take the reins of the QB position and quickly fire to Gabe Farr to open up an early lead. After a Blaine Milheim interception We Love TDs would take over again on offense and Gabe Farr would catch his second TD of the game from Jeremy Maas. On the next series Nick Holshoe would take over the QB position for the Hooligans, hearkening back to his high school days, and he cranked off a huge TD run to put the team on the board and cut the deficit to 16-6. However We Love TDs would continue to roll on offense as Jeremy Maas connected with Gabe Farr for the third time on the day. Gabe Farr would then make an interception on the next series, leading to Jeremy Maas finding Jacob Maas for a touchdown. Lauren Ortiz would then make an interception on defense, leading to Jeremy Maas connecting with Blaine Milheim who showed his speed on the way to the endzone before the half. The halftime score would read 40-6 in favor of We Love TDs. Blaine Milheim would take over at QB in the second half for We Love TDs, and they would continue to pile on points as Jacob Maas would haul in a touchdown. The Hooligans’ offense continued to stall as Amanda Benezra would show great hands coming up with an interception which led to Blaine Milheim finding Jeremy Maas for a touchdown. Turnovers would continue to plague the Hooligans as Blaine Milheim would make an interception and find Jeremy Maas again for a TD. Jeremy Maas would make an interception on the next drive and Lauren Ortiz would haul in a 9-pt touchdown on the next series to open up a staggering 71-6 lead for We Love TDs. The Hooligans’ offense would finally manage to put a drive together late in the game as Nick Holshoe passed to Dana Ford for a touchdown in the last several minutes. Nick Holshoe would then show off his NAIA-leading interception skills by coming up with a pick 6 as time expired. Hooligans captain Mike Russell would catch the 2-pt PAT on the touchdown, and the final score would read 71-23 in favor of We Love TDs. For the Hooligans, Nick Holshoe figured into all 3 touchdowns with a rushing TD, pick 6, and a passing TD. Dana Ford hauled in a receiving TD in the game. Captain Mike Russell notched a few receptions and had a PAT. Humphrey Ihejirikah made several receptions and good flag grabs in the game. Virgilio Burgo took some of the QB reps in the game and played good defense. Jordan Taylor-McLeggan had a few flag grabs in the match. For We Love TDs, Jeremy Maas passed for 5 TDs, caught a TD, had 2 PATs, and made an interception. Blaine Milheim showed his speed and had a receiving TD, a PAT, 2 INTs, and passed for 3 TDs. Gabe Farr caught 3 TDs, a PAT, and had an interception. Jacob Maas had 2 receiving TDs and 3 PATs. Lauren Ortiz had a receiving TD and an interception. Amanda Benezra saw time at center, took a QB rep, and made an interception. The Hooligans finished their season with a 2-2 record. We Love TDs completed a perfect 3-0 season. The Hooligans still have much to be proud of, making another championship game appearance and putting forth a great effort despite the lack of many key team members. Captain Mike Russell had this to say on the future of the franchise: “I have greatly enjoyed my time with this historic team over the years. I hope that there will be a way to continue the legacy of the Hooligans into the future, either through finding a successor or if I can find a way to stay connected with CUAA after graduation. We would like to thank all of our fans for their support over the years as well as all the players who have contributed their time and athletic ability to the franchise. ROLL HOOLIGANS!” 1st star - Jeremy Maas (We Love TDs) 5 passing TDs, 1 receiving TD, 2 PATs, INT 2nd star - Blaine Milheim (We Love TDs) 3 passing TDs, 1 receiving TD, PAT, 2 INTs 3rd star - Nick Holshoe (Pigskin Hooligans) 1 receiving TD, 1 INT return for TD, 1 passing TD Sun, Dec 6 - On a foggy December day, the #2 seed Pigskin Hooligans went out on the CUAA football field against the #3 seed Wamp Rats looking to punch their ticket to the next round. The Hooligans were missing many players, but those that showed up fought hard in a back-and-forth battle. The Wamp Rats fought hard in their upset bid, but a 61-38 win would send the Hooligans to the championship game for the 6th time in the last 7 years. The Hooligans would begin the game on defense, and a much improved Wamp Rats team would march straight down the field with Andrew Ripke finding Joel Werner in the endzone for an early lead. The Hooligans would respond early as Virgilio “V Newton” Burgo, receiving the start at quarterback, would connect with Humphrey Ihejirikah for both a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. After forcing a punt on defense the team would once again move down the field as Dana Ford juked her way to a huge gain leading to Virgilio Burgo finding Humphrey Ihejirikah in the endzone for the second time. The Wamp Rats would counter as Dylan Vickers came up with quite possibly the best catch of the entire intramural season, showing great concentration to make a low fingertip catch in the endzone. But the Hooligans would open up a double-digit lead on the next series as Virgilio Burgo looked deep to new signee Jordan Taylor-McLeggan who would haul in the pass for the 9-point score. The teams would trade scores before the half as Andrew Ripke would find Tyler Tweedale for a touchdown and Virgilio Burgo connected with Nick Holshoe who showed great speed on the way to the endzone. At halftime the Hooligans would lead 31-18. The Hooligans began the second half on offense and Humphrey Ihejirikah hauled in his 3rd TD pass of the day to make it a 37-18 game. But the Wamp Rats were resilient and continued to fight hard, racking up two straight touchdowns. Andrew Ripke would find James Haugen in the endzone and then after a goal-line stop on defense Andrew Ripke would connect with Joel Werner making it a 37-32 game. The Hooligans handled the pressure well as Dana Ford took a short pass and made some sensational juke moves for a long touchdown run to push the lead back to double digits. The teams traded touchdowns as Dylan Vickers found the endzone for the second time on the day and the Hooligans answered with Virgilio Burgo firing deep to Nick Holshoe for a touchdown. In the last several minutes the Hooligans defense would force a 4-and-out, essentially securing the game. The team would move down the field one last time as captain Mike Russell took a short screen pass, made a spin move, and ran for a big gain before being dragged down just short of the endzone by Joel Werner. The run would set up one last touchdown catch by Dana Ford, securing a 61-38 playoff victory for the Hooligans and a berth in the championship game. For the Hooligans, Virgilio Burgo performed well as starting QB, passing for 8 TDs in the game which was just shy of the franchise single-game record of 9. Humphrey Ihejirikah showed great hands on the day hauling in 3 TDs and also making many flag grabs. Dana Ford showed good hands and great juke moves scoring 2 TDs and a PAT in the game. Nick Holshoe also notched 2 TDs and showed great speed in the match. Jordan Taylor-McLeggan performed well in her Hooligans debut catching a deep TD pass. Captain Mike Russell showed good hands notching several receptions. For the Wamp Rats, captain Andrew Ripke provided a steady presence at quarterback passing for 6 TDs. Dylan Vickers had 2 TD catches including a sensational finger-tip grab in the first half. Joel Werner notched 2 receiving TDs in the game. Tyler Tweedale hauled in a TD and PAT in the game. James Haugen caught a touchdown in the second half. Brandon Bettcher had a few receptions in the game. Courtney Russell provided a receiving threat and ran solid routes. The win moved the Hooligans’ record to 2-1 on the season and clinched a spot in the championship game against undefeated #1 seed We Love TDs. That recap will follow shortly. The Wamp Rats fell to 0-3 on the season but showed great improvement all throughout the year and gave the Hooligans a great test in attempting to pull off a first-round upset bid. 1st Star - Virgilio Burgo (Pigskin Hooligans) 8 passing TDs (most in a single game by a Hooligans QB in season debut) 2nd star - Humphrey Ihejirikah (Pigskin Hooligans) 3 receiving TDs, many flag grabs 3rd star - Andrew Ripke (Wamp Rats) 6 passing TDs The Hooligans had one spot remaining on their roster heading into the playoffs on Sunday, and the team is pleased to announce one final piece of the puzzle: Jordan Taylor-McLeggan, senior, 1st yr Hooligan - Jordan will be joining the team for the playoff run this season. She brings an athletic background to the Hooligans as a member of Concordia's women's basketball team. Jordan shows great athleticism and jumping ability on the basketball court, and that will translate well towards making her a key receiver to give the Hooligans another option for 9-point female TDs. She had this to say on signing with the team: "It's an honor, I'm excited to be asked to play, go Hooligans!" Remember, the #2 seed Hooligans will be in action this Sunday, December 6 at 3:00pm against the #3 seed Wamp Rats (0-2) in the first round of the playoffs! The winner of that game will go on to face #1 seed We Love TDs at 4:00pm for the championship. Be sure to come out to the CUAA football field and cheer on the team...ROLL HOOLIGANS! The playoff schedule is set to take place this Sunday, December 6! Your #2 seeded Pigskin Hooligans (1-1) will face off against the #3 seed Wamp Rats (0-2) at 3:00pm in the first round. The last time these two teams met the Hooligans emerged with an 89-35 victory that set a new franchise record for margin of victory. The winner of that game will go on to face undefeated #1 seed We Love TDs (2-0) in the championship game at 4:00. The Hooligans fell in their regular season game against them 71-46.
We'd love to see a HUGE crowd to support the team, so be sure to head out to the CUAA football field at 3:00 on Sunday...ROLL HOOLIGANS! |
Written by Mike Russell
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