The Coventry Cassidy Jets have unveiled five new signings as they build towards the impending visit of the London Blitz. Dale Hawes, Chris Ogle and Marius Lødøen have arrived from the Peterboro' Saxons and are joined by offensive tackle Rich Barrett from the Birmingham Bulls and young quarterback Ed Tate who last season led the Gateshead Senators.
At just 24 Tate has become the youngest quarterback ever to start for the Jets. Even at such a tender age the Milton Keynes native has plenty of experience under his belt. A starter for the Senators last year, Tate has also played 5 years in the British University League with such well established programmes as the Newcastle Raiders and the Hertfordshire Hurricanes.
Head Coach Gerry McManus raved about the performances of Tate thus far "Ed's attitude in training is fantastic and he's got some great people around him to learn from. It's a joy to watch him play, he's a keen competitor and never gives up". McManus continued by comparing his physical style to that of Britbowl MVP Dax Michelena "He's not afraid of contact and will happily drop his shoulder to take on would be tacklers. We had to drag him off the field recently as he wanted to play on kick return. He's got all of the tools to do this job and will be a great leader for this club for many years to come".
Rich Barrett, who joins his younger brother Matt, will be amongst those on the offensive line charged with providing Tate the protection and time he needs to find his explosive receiving core. The Barrett brothers provide imposing size and brute strength to an offensive line that will be leading the way for GB running back Kofi Campbell as the Jets go in search of a second consecutive National Title.
Dale Hawes, a pacey wide receiver, fills the hole created by the departure of Joe Black. It's Hawes' second spell with the Jets after playing one game in 2007 before returning to the Saxons. An athlete in the truest sense of the word, Hawes' size and speed make him very difficult to catch in the open field. He will be joined by running back Marius Lødøen, moving from his native Norway five years ago the furniture manufacturer will spell Campbell in the backfield as well as play slot receiver when the need arises.
The two former Saxons have recently been joined by Chris Ogle, though an ankle injury has delayed his debut. The physical safety hails from Dallas, Texas and is happy to be at the Jets "It's always a pleasure when you get to be around players and coaches that "love" and understand the game, you see all the talent and all the guys that are willing to soak up the nuances of football. At the same time, it was very difficult leaving the Peterborough Saxons. But I am looking forward to playing against the premier talent that the UK has to offer".
The premier talent this week arrives in the form of the London Blitz. Currently leading the BAFL Premier after coasting to victories in all 3 of their games thus far, the Blitz look determined to regain the crown that they lost last September to the Jets. The two clubs have met four times including the previous two Britbowl finals. In 2007 the Blitz entertained the Jets during the regular season and edged a close game before repeating the trick in Britbowl XXI to claim their first National Title.
2008 saw the reverse with Coventry hosting the regular season clash and comfortably winning 41-15 before mounting a memorable comeback to snatch Britbowl XXII, a game in which the Jets only held the lead for the final 5 seconds. The Blitz played that game without arguably their best player, inside linebacker Jason Brisbane was away with the NFL's San Diego Chargers as part of their International Player Programme but should provide a dominating presence on Sunday as he headlines a ferocious defence that has held the three other Premier League clubs to a combined 22 points.
On the other side of the ball the glamour comes in the shape of Rod Bradley. Star of Sky One series "Gladiators" the imposing wide receiver is better known as "Spartan" and together with Duncan Aldous he'll be looking to put the Jets defensive backs to the sword. Any progress in the passing game will be made without GB quarterback Stuart Franklin, the Britbowl winning qb is currently playing in Spain with the Valencia Firebats leaving the door open for Fred Boyle to show his credentials.
After missing the loss in Prague McManus will be able to once again call on Dominic Olney. The cornerback/wide receiver has already picked up one MVP award this season and was in fine form last year against the Blitz making 7 tackles, breaking up 4 passes and intercepting one before capping the game off with a record breaking 95 yard fumble return for a touchdown. James Luce also returns to the defensive backfield after will need to display the same fine form that he has in his two starts so far this season.