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The
2006 IAFL season is expected to be the most competitive ever. The
league has added two new teams – DCU Saints and Dublin City
Marshals, so for the first time ever in Ireland, 8 teams will play
a full kitted season. The usual suspects – Rebels, Bulls and
Knights are all expected to contend, but up and coming teams such
as the Admirals and Vikings should be stronger this year. The league
is still very young – average age is less than 21 years old
- so playing standards are increasing as players gain experience.
Each team will play eight regular season games with the top four
going into the play-offs. Shamrock Bowl XX is scheduled for the
weekend of 19/20 August. Dublin
Rebels Although the Rebels have lost some starters including running back Brian Dennehy, due to retirement, they are still the team to beat and will be in contention for a 4th consecutive Shamrock Bowl in 2006. Quarterback Andy Dennehy will lead a well drilled offence with an experienced offensive line. The Rebels had a very good crop of rookies last season including running back Sam Hodgins and receiver Barry Flinn. Both these players will be expected to be big contributors in 2006. Tight End Simon Mackey will also contribute. Defensive end Paul Smyth and defensive backs Marcus Naylor, Steve Archibald and Darragh Farrell led the defense. Belfast
Bulls The
Belfast Bulls were the most improved team in the IAFL in 2005. They
finished top of the IAFL league standings and were narrowly defeated
in the Shamrock Bowl. Their progress is impressive considering that
2004 was their first full season. Like the Rebels, they will have
to replace some departing starters this year, but the increased
profile of the team seems to have helped with the recruitment of
new players. Safety Mark Helferty will again lead a tough defense
including defensive lineman Carl Ward and Andrew Neeson. The Bulls
have the biggest offensive line in the IAFL which should aid running
backs Mark McGrath and Kris Donaghy. Like last season, the starting
quarterback will not be decided until just before the first game
of the season. The Knights have been one of the most consistent teams in the IAFL over the past 10 years. They have a very experienced squad and are one of the favourites for the Shamrock Bowl. Mark Harris’s squad is stable with most starters returning. The pass orientated offense is led by quarterback Stephen McDowell and wide receiver Paul McKillop. Bobby Murray and Dave Wright have also given them a much improved running game. The defense will again feature experienced starters including linebacker Spencer McDowell and cornerback Mark Pollock. It will be a great surprise if they do not finish with a winning record and be in the hunt for the Championship. Cork
Admirals The Cork Admirals were a much improved team in 2006 and are expected to get better under new Head Coach Paul Orr. They should now be in a position to compete with the Rebels, Bulls and Knights. Quarterback David Lomasney won their MVP award last season in spite of it being his first as a regular starter. Elusive running back Keith O’Callaghan also gives them a strong running game as does their improved offensive line. The defense is expected to be led by ex-London Olympian, Paul Buchanan, linebacker Danny Deinert and James Lordan. The Admirals will be disappointed if they do not at least make the semi-finals this year.
Gavin
Grace takes over as Head Coach in 2006. The UL Vikings are boosted
this year by the arrival of American QB Chris Bassitt. He, along
with returning running back Andy Gordan are expected to be their
key offensive weapons. Their offensive line also appears to be solid,
led by center Jamie O’Brien. Defensive back Liam Ryan is established
as one of the best in the IAFL and along with linebacker Liam Hayes
will lead the defense. As with previous years, the influx of transfer
students from the US will in evidently turn up some good football
players thus making the Vikings and unknown quantity. Vikings will
be hoping to make the semi-finals in 2006. Mark
Lawless, who took over as Head Coach mid way through 2005 will have
to improve the Dragons offense if they want to win games in 2006.
He will, though, be aided by the return of running back Dave Wheeler,
who reconsidered retirement, and the continuing development of receiver
Robert Popciobobartepelus. The Dragons are expected to change starting
quarterback. The defense should be led by linebackers Nick Newby
and John Durrad. One big advantage the Dragons have is that their
squad is very young – mostly in late teens - and should improve
with experience. The Dragons morale will be boosted by the success
of ex-Dragon Glenn Baker who had a very successful prep school season
in the USA and should go onto college football if he plays well
this season. Dublin
City Univ. Saints The
DCU Saints are new to the IAFL for 2006. Most of their players are
rookies, but they have experienced coaches including Phil DeMonte
(Team Ireland), Darrin O’Toole (ex-Rebels) and Carsten Wonderlic
(ex-German league). They appear to be very well drilled and have
a large enthusiastic squad. It will probably take a couple of years
before they gain enough experience to contend for the Shamrock Bowl,
but do not be surprised if they cause a few upsets in 2006. Dublin
City Marshals The Marshals are the second new team to be added to the IAFL ranks for 2006. They appear to be very ambitious and are coached by ex-NFL (Browns/Giants) & USFL (Pittsburgh/Arizona) receiver Greg Anderson who joins them from the Danube Dragons of the Austrian League. Their roster is expected to feature a few experienced IAFL players, including lineman John Collins, along with some imported Americans. The team, who will play some of their games in Morton Stadium, may surprise this year. Development
Teams:
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© Irish American Football League
2006. |
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