2003 BYAFA Kitted news

23rd November 2003 - Milton Keynes Pathfinders spread the word

American football has exploded into life in Milton Keynes. After their success in the recent NFL tournament, where the MK Pathfinders won the league stage of the Junior Kitted tournament before narrowly losing in the final to Chorley, the
club has never been busier.

The Pathfinders are to launch a flag team aimed at youngsters from 10 to 14. The aim of this team is to participate in next years UK championships. Training is on Sundays at 1 until 4 pm and will take place alongside kitted training at
Shenley Leisure Centre.

Off the field, Director of Football Brian Day has never been busier. He has just completed a radio interview on 3Counties Radio and is set to appear on the Saturday Sports show on Horizon FM on Saturday 29th.

" It is amazing what is happening in the city. With the radio shows, the launch of the flag team and the fact that we are getting emails nearly every day from potential players, American football is the biggest thing around. We didn't even exist 3 months ago but already we are shaping up to be a major player in the world of UK football.The major thing now for the team is to gain sponsorship and get the money to achieve the dream", says Coach Day

The Pathfinders have also launched their website at www.eteamz.com/MKPathfinders

Anyone wishing to play or sponsor or get more information should contact Coach
Day on 07952-228040 or email him at mkpathfinders@btinternet.com

 

19th October 2003 - Scotland take the BYAFA Youth Kitted Title

The Clyde Valley Hawks overwhelmed the English challenge of the Lancashire Wolverines with a thumping 46-6 victory in BYAFA Bowl XV today. Glasgow Tigers defeated the Wessex Stallions 6-0 for the BYAFA Plate.

10th September 2003 - Bath Cardinals head for the BYAFA championship game

The rookie Bath Cardinals youth kitted team went 5-0 and was the first English or Scottish side to reach this years play offs. With a perfect record they have become English champions at their first attempt. They also have a cheerleading team called the 'Cardettes' coached by Hayley Turner.

Week 12 - 14th September 
Scotland Division
Clyde Valley Hawks 30 v 6 Inverclyde Sharks
North Lanarkshire Rams 40 v 8 Glasgow Tigers

Week 11 - 7th September 
Scotland Division
Clyde Valley Hawks 40 v 8 North Lanarkshire Rams

England Division 
Wessex Stallions 0 v 32 Lancashire Wolverines (Conceded)

Week 10 - 31st August 
Scotland Division
North Lanarkshire Rams 54 v 22 Moray Firth Dolphins
Clyde Valley Hawks 32 v 0 Glasgow Tigers

24th August 2003 - BYAFA Youth Kitted results

Scotland Division
North Lanarkshire Rams 26 v 32 Clyde Valley Hawks
Moray Firth Dolphins 0 v 32 Inverclyde Sharks

England Division 
Bath Cardinals 28 v 12 Handforth Hammerheads

22nd August 2003 - BYAFA Kitted results 

Scotland Division

Glasgow Tigers 8 v 26 North Lanarkshire Rams
Moray Firth Dolphins 30 v 54 Clyde Valley Hawks


Week 8 - 17th August 
Scotland Division
Glasgow Tigers 8 v 26 North Lanarkshire Rams
Moray Firth Dolphins 30 v 54 Clyde Valley Hawks

Week 7 - 10th August 
Scotland Division
Moray Firth Dolphins 0 v 24 Glasgow Tigers
InverClyde Sharks 14 v 20 Clyde Valley Hawks

England Division 
Wessex Stallions 6 v 14 Bath Cardinals 
BAFC Harrogate Hawks 0 v 32 Handforth Hammerheads 


6th August 2003 - BYAFA kitted results

Youth Kitted

Lancashire Wolverines 6 v 8 Bath Cardinals 
Handforth Hammerheads 28 v 6 Wessex Stallions
Clyde Valley Hawks 32-0 Moray Firth Dolphins
London Blitz 32 v 0 BAFC Harrogate Hawks (Friendly) 

6th August 2003 - Nene Valley Titans news

The Nene Valley Titans Youth team held a very successful launch of their team on Sunday 3rd August in a joint effort with their parent team, the Nene Valley Hybrids.  

Some 19 senior players turned up at Shenley Leisure Centre to train alongside the 9 Youth players who turned up. There were joint drills followed by a controlled scrimmage with some of the youth players taking part. 

Titan’s head coach Brian Day said “A big thanks to everyone in the Hybrids who turned up. It was great to see that the senior players recognised the importance of having a youth programme. There was great buzz on the day and I truly believe we are building a dynasty for the future. I am so pleased and am looking forward to going further in the future.” 

The Titan’s have also secured Shenley Leisure Centre as their training base.  

The team are looking to secure sponsorship to enable them to purchase kit and shirts. “It costs about £200 to kit a youngster out with the protective padding necessary” says Coach day “Any help no matter how small will be gratefully received” 

The next training session is to be held at the Leisure Centre on Sunday 14th September at 1 pm. Anyone aged 12 – 19 can attend .

Coach Day can be contacted on 07952-228040 or by email on nenevalleytitans@btinternet.com

3rd August - Latest BYAFA scores

Scotland Division
Clyde Valley Hawks 32 v Moray Firth Dolphins 0 

England Division 
Lancashire Wolverines 6 v 8 Bath Cardinals 
Handforth Hammerheads 28 v 6 Wessex Stallions
London Blitz 32 v 0 BAFC Harrogate Hawks (Friendly)

23rd July 2003 - Aztecs Clip Hawks' Wings

Harrogate Hawks 0 @ Bristol Aztecs Youth 
54

The Bristol Aztecs Youth team played host to the BAFC Harrogate Hawks in the second fixture of their 2003 season. The Aztecs, who were without guiding light Head Coach Steve Jones and a few notable players due to holiday commitments, were keen to prove that last week's 56-0 victory over the Kent Brewers was no fluke.

Harrogate won the toss and deferred, allowing Bristol to receive the ball. The Aztecs went to work straight away with tailback Rich "G" Sutherland breaking away for an early gain. The young Aztecs couldn't turn their initial drive into points and turned the ball over on downs on an attempt to drive deep into the Hawks redzone. The Hawks four wide receiver offense caused initial problems for the young Aztecs defense, but quick adjustments by Defensive Coordinator Lee Richards stopped the Harrogate offense in their tracks.

The Bristol Offense soon steadied themselves and went to work, driving the ball up the field. Big hitting fullback Lewis Nixon put up the first points of the day on a four yard run, giving the Aztecs an early six point lead.

The Hawks offense struggled to move the ball against Bristol's "Black Death" Defense, with Nixon and Barratt frustrating the Harrogate Offensive Line and scrambling Quarterback. Bristol were to score again early in the second, when rushing sensation Sutherland danced his way into the endzone from 12 yards out. Nixon duly slotted the ensuing kick and the Aztecs were up 14-0.

Good clock management on the top of a good offensive series, inside the two-minute warning, set up the Aztecs third score of the day. GB Lions quarterback Geoff Gill capitalised on the lead going into the half when he connected with Damien Hall from 18 yards out, for the receiver's second TD grab in as many games. Bristol were up 20-0 going into the break.

Bristol came out strong in the second half, following another booming kick-off form the sturdy right boot of Nixon. Harrogate put together a couple of good passes before Safety Adam Stenlake stepped up and picked off an errant Hawks pass. Stenlake did what he failed to do the previous week, and returned the interception 52 yards for the score. Fullback Nixon powered his way into the endzone for the conversion and the Aztecs were up 28-0 early in the third.

The Aztecs continued to pile on the pressure on both sides of the ball, and the defense and special teams units, repeatedly set up the Bristol offense with a short field to work with. When the Aztecs got the ball back it was Ed Collins who was next on the score sheet. The rookie back weaved his was through defenders for the touchdown from the 18 yard line. On the ensuing conversion Gill fired a pass to all-purpose back Tom Chapman and Bristol extended their lead to 36-0.

Bristol turned the screw, and UWE student and Bristol Bullets running back Tom Chapman scored his first touchdown in his first Youth game on a 3 yard run. Shortly afterwards Nixon added his second rushing touchdown from 4 yards out, taking his points tally to 16 for the day, and the Aztecs were up 48-0 in the fourth.

Rich "G" Sutherland capped another fine performance by hauling in a 20 yard touchdown pass from GB Lions team mate Geoff Gill to finish off the scoring for the day and another impressive Aztecs victory.

Geoff Gill was awarded Offensive MVP for his sterling work at Quarterback (7-12-123-2TD), giving him a QB rating of 132.9. Olly Barratt picked up the closely fought defensive honours for his (9 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble). Defensive "honourable mentions" go to Lewis Nixon (10 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble), Tom Chapman (9 tackles, 0.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery), Rich Sutherland (5 tackles, 20 yd Interception) and Adam Stenlake (2 tackles and a 52 yard interception TD). Special Teams honours once again went to Lewis Nixon for his great kicking performance averaging 47 yards per kick off and 63 yards per punt.

Acting Head Coach Matt Dyke commented: "Today was great fun for the whole team, from the waterboy to the star rusher. We proved last weeks victory was no fluke and we will learn and improve from today's performance. We will stick to our gameplan and look forward to playing any team that is willing and able to face us."

Acting Defensive Coordinator Lee Richards commented: "We made some adjustments defensively early on and they paid off. The defense put in a tough performance today in recording their second shut out in as many games. We still have some work to do over the coming weeks but I'm delighted with players efforts today."

27th July 2003 - BYAFA results

Scotland Division
Inverclyde Sharks 8-26 Glasgow Tigers 
Moray Firth Dolphins 0-32 North Lanarkshire Rams 

England Division 
Bath Cardinals 32-0 BAFC Harrogate Hawks

20th July 2003 - BYAFA results

Scotland Division
Inverclyde Sharks 0-32 North Lanarkshire Rams 
Glasgow Tigers 2-34 Moray Firth Dolphins

England Division 
Bath Cardinals 38-30 Wessex Stallions
Lancashire Wolverines 38-34 Handforth Hammerheads

18th July 2003 - New team in Milton Keynes

It has been a long time since Milton Keynes saw a kitted American Football team in the city. All this is set to change with the announcement that the Nene Valley Titans Youth are to be formed.

The team will be a part of the Nene Valley Hybirds organisation and will act as a feeder team for the senior squad who are based in Kettering.

A coaching staff is already in place with experienced coach Brian Day taking the helm. Coach Day says:-

“This is an exciting development. Milton Keynes has been without a team for far too long. I will be working closely with Phil Bevan and the Hybrids to ensure that the youngsters follow closely the plays of the Senior squad. Hopefully my youngsters will be the next dynasty!”

Players aged between 14 and 19 are required in all positions. No experience is necessary but a willing to learn is essential. The team have been applying for funding and hopefully will soon be able to provide kit for new players.

The team is also looking for youngsters aged 11—13 to form a new flag team.

The official launch of the team will be held on SUNDAY 3rd AUGUST from 1pm until 4. The team will get the opportunity to train alongside the Hybrids who have already caused surprise with a handful of wins and some fine performances in their rookie season against much more experienced teams.

13th July 2003 - BYAFA results 

Scotland Division 
Glasgow Tigers 0-32 Clyde Valley Hawks 

England Division 
BAFC Harrogate Hawks 12-26 Lancashire Wolverines

Friendly 

Kent Brewers 0-56 Bristol Aztecs

14th July 2003 - Brewers Droop, Aztecs rise to the Occasion

Bristol Aztecs Youth 56 @ Kent Brewers Youth 0

A rejuvenated Bristol Aztecs Youth team, travelled with their all new coaching staff to Maidstone to take on the Kent Brewers in the first game of their 2003 season. The Aztecs Youth team, who hadn't won a game in 5 years, took a sixteen man side, nine of whom were playing their first ever game of American Football, on a long drive east and pulled out a stunning victory over the courageous Kent Brewers.


Bristol Aztecs Youth team
Picture courtesy of C.Wilson


On a scorching afternoon, the Aztecs went straight to work from the first offensive drive. Tailback Rich "G" Sutherland lead the team deep into Brewers territory, and set up the Black Machine just outside the Kent Endzone, from where GB Youth Quarterback Geoff Gill connected with Damien Hall for the first points of the day. Lewis Nixon duly slotted the ensuing kick through the uprights, and the Bristol youngsters were up 8-0 in a hurry. The Bristol boys weren't in the mood to slow up and put in a strong defensive performance forcing the Brewers to punt. The Bristol offense quickly added another score, putting together a good drive capped off by GB player Sutherland dancing his way into the endzone for his first ever six. Nixon again split the uprights and the Aztecs were up by 16 by the end of the first quarter.

The Aztecs running game was too strong for the Brewers defense, and the bruising running of rookie fullback Lewis Nixon was rewarded when the young Bristolian powered his way into the endzone from 5 yards out. Nixon just failed to convert his own score as the kick sailed wide left leaving the score going into halftime at 22-0.

Kent's opening drive of the second half was stuffed by the swarming Bristol defense, setting the Aztecs offense up with a short field. Strong running by the Bristol running backs and good blocking by the makeshift offensive line meant the Aztecs drove deep into Kent's half. Sutherland was again celebrating when he crossed the Brewers goal line to take score to 28-0 in favour of the Aztecs. Sutherland was hard to stop, and shortly afterwards danced along the sideline adding another touchdown and his hatrick from 24 yards out.

On the ensuing kick off the Bristol side pinned Kent back deep just outside their endzone. The Aztecs defense, not to be outdone by the offence's performance turned the screw when Chris Brooks forced and recovered a Brewers fumble, giving the Aztecs offense great field position to work with. The Aztecs brought in reinforcements and on the very first offensive play, the Bristol runner strong-armed two Kent defenders, negotiated the sideline and added another score, taking the score to 40-0. Rookie Ed Collins, playing out of position crossed the goal line for the extra points.

Nixon once again boomed the ball deep on the following kick off, and a comedy of errors by the Kent returner, in addition to a swarming Bristol kick off unit saw the Aztecs scoop up the ball, rumble through two Brewers defenders and power their way into the endzone for a zany touchdown and extending the score to 48-0 going into the fourth quarter.

Ed Collins converted his impressive running performance into points after Adam Stenlake picked off a wayward Brewers pass and set up the Bristol side in a threatening position. Collins ran the ball in from the 16 yard line and the Aztecs added the extra two points taking the final score to 56-0 in favour of the Bristol youngsters.

The Kent Head Coach called the game, after his quarterback was injured late in the fourth quarter. Bristol, although jubilant with the win, realise its only the first step on their journey. Offensive MVP honours were award to hatrick hero Rich "G" Sutherland with impressive performances also from Quarterback Geoff Gill and rookie Ed Collins. Defensive MVP honours were snapped up by Richard Dunn who flew around the field all afternoon and Special Teams Honours went to Lewis Nixon. The Aztecs created over 300 yards of offense whilst holding Kent to only 64 yards with 6 takeaways.

The Aztecs Youth's next home game is this Sunday at BAWA Healthcare & Leisure, Southmead Road, Filton against Harrogate Hawks. Kick Off 2.30pm.

Aztecs Youth Offensive Coordinator Matt Dyke commented: "I could not have asked for a better bunch of players. I know that this is the first stage on a long road of where we need to get to for this young team, but today we took a big step in the right direction."

Bristol Director of Football Brian Smallworth commented: "I'm so proud of these young lads and the coaching staff, they have come a long way since they began training in January. Its great news for the Bristol American Football Organisation as a whole."

6th July 2003 - BYAFA Result
 
Scotland Division 
Inverclyde Sharks 22-6 Moray Firth Dolphins

29th June 2003 - BYAFA Result
 
England Division 
Handforth Hammerheads 32 v 0 BAFC Harrogate Hawks

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