Steelers Too Hot For The Vulcans

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, May 12

 

Scunthorpe Steelers kicked off the new American Football season with a convincing 43-0 demolition of Newark Vulcans.

Playing at their new home – Quibell Park – the local lads turned in a thoroughly professional display before a useful crowd.

The visitors were simply not in the same class as the Steelers, who blitzed them in the early stages and threatened to run riot.

Newark steadied themselves and tightened up their defence for the second quarter and part of the third, but the Steelers surged back to finish in fine style.

They drove forward from the kick-off and took only seven minutes to reach the end zone through Wayne Brumby.

The Amateur American Football Conference plays US college rules, allowing teams to run for two extra points after a touchdown, rather than kick for as the big Pro clubs do. And dependable Steve Rack kicked and ran well throughout.

By half-time the Steelers were 22-0 to the good and the game was as good as won.

In the third quarter, lineman Mel Lings urges the team: “Come on lads – get tight, get mean.”

Domination

They did just that, with the highlight a 40-yard touchdown by Ian Moore.

The Steelers’ domination of the game is highlighted by one fact – they gained 213 net yards which is a very healthy statistic indeed.

The men who took the eye were Lings, Rack and the industrious John Strachan.

Big man Rack emerged from the dressing rooms afterwards to stress: “We kept a clean sheer – that’s the main thing.”

Wild west

Match commentary came from league official Geoff Hulse (Scawby) and the family atmosphere the Steelers were so keen to promote was helped by cheerleaders, dancers, a wild west show and an inflatable castle for children to romp about in.

Touchdowns: Strachan (2), Brumby, Rack, Hodgskin, Moore.

Points after touchdowns: Rack (7)

The next home game is on Sunday, May 25 against the Sherwood Outlaws.

 

Steelers Fall To The City Giants

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, May 19

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Scunthorpe Steelers went down 6-2 away to Steel City Giants (Sheffield) in their opening away fixture in the Amateur American Football Conference.

As the scoreline suggests it was a defence-dominated clash between the two sides expected to battle it out for the title.

The only touchdown came in the second quarter when Sheffield broke through several attempted tackles and just reached the end zone.

But they wasted the resultant kick which Glen Stowe managed to block.

The Steelers replied in the fourth quarter with a Steve Stow safety, but failed to create even one field goal attempt for Steve Rack.

Rack admitted: “We didn’t play very well in the first half but got a lot better in the second. But we just could not get in. It was one of those things.”

Scunthorpe made a lot of yards but injuries to key players, including the previous week’s touchdown stars Ian Moore and John Strachan, proved costly.

Sheffield also had men in the wars, three requiring hospital treatment.

There was a useful crowd of about 600 at the game which was just as well for the Sheffield team – they are rumoured to pay £500 a match for hire of their stadium.

On Sunday, the Steelers entertain Sherwood Outlaws at Quibell Park (3pm).

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Outlaws Outshone

Sherwood 6 Scunthorpe 71

First Down

Saturday, May 31

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Scunthorpe chalked up nine TDs, Sunday, on their way to a 65 point victory over Sherwood.

Sherwood were always in trouble as the Steelers romped to victory with two touchdowns each from Ian Moore and QB Rob Creer and one apiece for Wayne Brumby, Brian Pratt, Andy Squire, John Strachan and Simon Huxford.

Steve Rack however took the MVP award by kicking three one-point conversions and scoring another three two-point conversions.

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Steelers Strike At The Cobras

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, June 9

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Scunthorpe Steelers returned to winning for in the Amateur American Football Conference yesterday in a 36-7 scoreline at Leeds Cobras.

The first quarter started with both sides hitting hard and keeping defences tight, and it was the Steelers who took a 3-0 lead with a 20-yard field goal from Steve Rack.

It was in the second quarter that the Scunthorpe outfit began to assert their authority, scoring two more touchdowns. The first came from quarterback Steve Hodgskin and the second from Any Squire. Both were converted by Steve Rack.

The third quarter proved to be a tough one for the visitors, though they did manage another short yardage run by Wayne Brumby.

It was in this quarter that Leeds snatched their only score when Eric Olpherts charged his way though half a dozen attempted tackles to run 50 yards into the endzone.

The point after was converted but at the end of the quarter Scunthorpe still had a comfortable 23-7 advantage.

The Steelers regained control in the final quarter with two more touchdowns. Rack  scored the first as he deputised for the injured John Strachan and Steve White got the second with Rack successfully kicking the extra point.

It was a good result for Scunthorpe against a useful Cobras outfit, and they will be looking to continue their winning form next Sunday at Quibell Park during Family Weekend.

They will be playing Kingston Liberators from Hull in a match for which a special trophy is at stake as well as league points.

The Steelers should certainly provide a colourful and spectacular contribution to the Family Weekend programme.

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Snake Bitten By Steelers

Leeds 7 Scunthorpe 36

First Down

Saturday, June 14

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Scunthorpe Steelers came from behind to record a convincing 29-point win at Leeds Cobras, Sunday. And the win came with what amounted to be a second-string side – the starting line-up was hit by injuries, holidays and work commitments.

Kevin Walker ran 45 yards for the only touchdown that the Cobras could manage. But by the end of the first quarter, Steve Rack slotted a 36-yard field goal to open the Steelers’ account.

Quarterback Steve Hodgskin put Scunthorpe into the lead when he rushed six yards into the endzone before a pass was completed by Andy Squire for a 30-yarder. Rack added both PATs to put the Steelers 17-7 ahead at the half.

Wayne Brumby scored from a six-yard rush and in the final quarter Rack rushed in from 12 yards and Steve White caught a 20-yard pass in the endzone for Rack to add the PAT.

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Steelers Give Liberators A Real Lashing

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, June 16

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Scunthorpe Steelers thrashed Kingston Liberators (Hull) 47-6 in their Amateur American Football Conference clash at Quibell Park yesterday.

The match was arranged as part of Family Weekend and the arrangement proved to be a huge success.

The Steelers were ahead inside two minutes with a touchdown from John Strachan, the dependable Steve Rack adding the extra point.

The Liberators replied 10 minutes later, finding their way into the home end-zone, but the extra point attempt was blocked.

Hull tried a field goal which failed and the Steelers replied in the best possible fashion when Steve Hodgskin sneaked in from six yards.

Although the point after touchdown attempt was blocked, the home side were still able to end the first quarter with a useful 13-6 lead.

Play in the second quarter was mediocre and not a point was added.

But the third proved to be the Steelers’ best, beginning with a Strachan touchdown, converted by Rack.

Hodgskin then sneaked in, with Rack again doing his job. And an interception by Glenn Stow resulted in Hodgskin touching down again, although this time the PAT was blocked.

With a 33-6 advantage going into the final quarter, the Steelers made another flying start with a Strachan touchdown, from which Rack added a further point.

Finally, Andy Squire received a pass to add another six points, with Rack converting.

The Steelers felt it was a smooth game played in good humour in fine weather, before a better-than-normal crowd. And of Family Weekend, they said: “It was an honour to be asked to appear.”

Steel Centre 4 provided a Jubilee Bowl to be played for by the teams, together with most valuable player awards for both sides. The Scunthorpe trophy went to Rack, with Maurice Newton picking up the visitors’ award.

Next Saturday, the Steelers are at Newark Vulcans, whom they beat 43-0 on the opening day of the season.

The next fixture at Quibell Park is on July 13 when St Helens Cardinals provide the opposition.

 

Steelers Power In To Win

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, June 23

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Scunthorpe Steelers powered their way to an impressive 73-0 victory t Newark Vulcans yesterday in the Amateur American Football Conference.

They pleased Leland Sullivan with their 100 per cent commitment with touchdown scores coming from eight different players.

Steve Hodgskin opened the scoring with a quarterback sneak and Steve Rack kicked the two extra points.

Rob Creer added the second touchdown with a 30-yard run after a fumble in the Vulcans’ defence and Rack again kicked the extra point.

The Steelers added three more touchdowns in the second quarter as they continued to dominate the play against a poor Newark side.

Steve Stowe and Wayne Brumby scored the first two and the third was a real classic after Andy Squire collected a 50-yard pass from Creer.

Newark enjoyed a good spell just after half-time but the Scunthorpe defence stood firm before the visitors began to take command again.

Touchdown number six came from Creer and was quickly followed by another from Pete Burns after a 60-yard run.

Squire scored again when the ball was deflected into his arms by a home defender and in the final quarter there were further touchdowns from John Strachan (2) and Steve White. Extra points were kicked by Rack (3) and Squire (4).

Scunthorpe’s next match is away to Macclesfield Cobras on July 6.

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Squire’s On Fire For The Steelers

Scunthorpe 73 Newark 0

First Down

Saturday, June 28

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Steve Hodgskin, Andy Squire and John Strachan score two TDs each, Sunday, as Scunthorpe easily beat Newark, 73-0.

Hodgskin started the rout with a two-yard run in the first quarter and Rob Creer added to that with a 25-yard run.

In the second quarter, Steve Stowe recovered a fumble and ran it back 12 yards for another TD.

Wayne Brumby got the fourth on a six-yard dash and Hodgskin hit Squire with a 25-yard pass for a half-time lead of 33 points.

After the break, Hodgskin scored his second on a three-yard run, before Pete Burns produced the longest score of the day on a 60-yard run.

Rob Creer then threw a 50-yard bomb to Squire as the Steelers just kept on scoring.

Strachan scored twice in the final quarter on runs of 12 and seven yards and in between, Steve White caught another on a 20-yard pass from Rob Creer.

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Thumping Win Keeps The Steelers Top

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, July 14

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Scunthorpe Steelers maintained their position as leaders of the Amateur American Football Conference with a thumping 66-14 victory against St Helens Cardinals at Quibell Park yesterday.

After three weeks without a match, the Steelers wasted no time getting into their stride, taking the lead after just 45 seconds when Byron Pratt scored an interception touchdown.

It was successfully converted by Steve Rack, who also kicked five more similar points.

Scunthorpe kept a firm grip on the game with quarterback Steve Hodgskin sneaking over from one yard for a second touchdown and a third following shortly afterwards from John Strachan.

Wayne Brumby finished off the first quarter in style for the Steelers when he burst through from 10 yards for the fourth touchdown of the game to make the score 26-0.

Harsh words

Scunthorpe started to become bogged down in the second quarter, with the visitors opening their points tally with a touchdown after the ball had been fumbled in the home defence.

Steve Rogers, usually a centre, got the score moving again for the Steelers when he ran the ball in from 11 yards to make the half-time score 33-6.

Coach Leland Sullivan had some harsh words for the home squad during the interval and they responded with a more determined approach in the third quarter, mixing passing plays and running plays.

Strachan ran 40 yards for the first touchdown of the quarter before Andy Squire added another after collecting a 58-yard pass from Rob Creer.

The Cardinals managed to add to their score following a mistake by Rogers and at the end of the third quarter the score was 45-14.

USAF visit

The Steelers added three more touchdowns in the final quarter from Hodgskin, Chris Carr and Squire to make the final result 66-14 in their favour.

Next weekend they travel to the USAF base at Chicksands near Luton for a coaching session with the air base squad followed by a challenge match against them.

Scunthorpe’s next league match is at Quibell Park on August 10 when they meet their mains rivals Steel City Giants from Sheffield.

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OK, Squire

Scunthorpe 66 St Helens 14

First Down

Saturday, July 19

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John Strachan and Andy Squire scored two TDs each, Sunday, to lead the Steelers to a 66-14 victory over the Cardinals.

Brian Pratt opened the scoring for the Steelers with the first of their four first quarter TDs, when he picked off a pass and returned it 35 yards for a TD.

Squire scored his first when he caught a 35-yard pass from QB Steve Hodgskin and Strachan notched his first soon after with a 12-yard run.

Wayne Brumby made it 26-0 with a ten-yard run before the Cards got one back on a fumble recovery.

In the second quarter, Steve Rodgers scored on an eight-yard run to make the half-time score 33-6.

Strachan added his second in the third quarter with a 15-yard run but once again, the Cards scored on a fumble recovery to pull back to 39-14.

Four more TDs in the fourth quarter, however, sealed the big win for the Steelers. Hodgskin ran in from six yards and then Chris Carr returned an interception 40 yards.

Rob Creer then threw a 26-yard pass to Squire before running in himself from 15 yards.

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No Disgrace For Steelers

Scunthorpe 0 Chicksands 7

First Down

Saturday, July 26

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High-flyers Scunthorpe Steelers, who are on their way to the AAFC Steel Bowl, were given a boost, Sunday, when they participated in a training game with USAF Chicksands Fighting Chicks.

While most of the afternoon was taken up with a controlled scrimmage the two sides got down to serious play for 15 minutes

And the Steelers held on well to restrict the Chicks to a 7-0 win. While the Steelers came out of the experience with credibility, left tackle Shay Eddy was particularly outstanding.

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Giants Brought Down To Size

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, August 11

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Scunthorpe Steelers produced a decisive 23-0 victory against arch-rivals Steel City Giants of Sheffield in their crunch meeting at Quibell Park yesterday.

It keeps Scunthorpe top of the Eastern Division of the Amateur American Football Conference, and should be enough to ensure their place in the end of season play-off against the Western Division champions Wirral Wolves.

There was nearly 1,000 spectators at Quibell Park to see the home side take control of the match with three touchdowns in the second quarter.

The first was from a 35 yard pass received from Steve Hodgskin by Andy Squire and the second was a brillian 55 yard run by Cliff Pargeter.

Running back Glenn Stowe scored the third touchdown as Scunthorpe led 20-0 at half-time.

The scoring was completed in the third quarter when Steve Rack kicked a superb field goal against the wind.

With coach Leland Sullivan operating effectively as a centre snapper, the Steelers completely shut out the Giants from Sheffield who are their nearest rivals in the league table.

Injury score

The only disappointment for the home side came when they lost Shay Eddy through injury early in the game.

He was taken to Scunthorpe General Hospital and detained overnight, but his condition today was said to be “comfortable”.

Sheffield also lost one of their players, Andy Cooper, through injury.

Scunthorpe complete their league season with an away match against Kingston Liberators next weekend and providing they make no mistakes, a place in the end of season play-offs will be theirs.

The play-offs for the Steel Bowl will be staged at Quibell Park in either late August or early September.

 

Steelers Storm In Cup Final

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, August 18

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Scunthorpe Steelers made certain of a place in the end-of-season championship play-off in the Amateur American Football Conference with a decisive 59-0 away victory against Kingston Liberators of Hull yesterday.

It means the Steelers have finished top of the Eastern Division and will now face Western Division winners Wirral Wolves in the Steel Bowl Final in Quibell Park, Scunthorpe.

The Steelers got off to a flying start at Hull, building up a 27-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Quarterback Steve Hodgskin sneaked over from two yards to open the scoring, and further touchdowns followed from Cliff Pargeter and Pete Burns, while Steve Rack kicked one extra point.

Glen Stowe scored the fourth touchdown for the visitors, John Strachan successfully adding two extra points.

In the second quarter the Steelers began to mix their run and pass plays, with Hodgskin throwing to Andy Squire for a 45-yard touchdown, Pete Burns this time adding two extra points.

Scunthorpe gradually became guilty of giving too many yards away in the form of penalties (55 yards in all) and they had a bad spell in the third quarter of the game during which they added only one further score.

It was Peter Burns who grabbed the touchdown after a 21-yard run, with Hodgskin converting the two extra points.

Towards the closing stages Scunthorpe tried out some new moves, some of which came off and some of which didn’t.

They added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter through Stowe and Hodgskin, with White and Brumby adding extra points.

The Steelers’ strength at the moment is their rushing game. Against Hull they rushed for 460 yards compared with passing for only 52.

But they are confident they can adapt to a passing game if required in the Steel Bowl Final, which will be played on either September 14 or September 28.

 

Steelers Are The Kings Of The North

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, September 29

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Scunthorpe Steelers tamed Wirral Wolves 50-32 to become undisputed kings of American Football in the north.

Their victory on home territory at Quibell Park brought them the coveted Steel Bowl and the championship of the Amateur American Football Conference.

The local club, already Eastern Division champions, were simply too good all round for the visitors, who topped the Western League.

True, Wirral had the game’s most exciting individuals – quarterback Danny Aguado and wide receivers Manay Owalabi and Wayne Freeman, who put together some spectacular plays.

Dicy spells

But the Steelers worked as a well-coached unit, contesting every inch and every possession. And that was what told in the end.

Leaving aside one or two dicy spells, things went pretty much according to plan for head coach Leland Sullivan and his men, who come from Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Immingham, Barton, Caistor, Brigg and Hatfield.

They will have been unhappy with the number of yards conceded in penalties and the failure to add to extra points to most of the touchdowns. But usually reliable kicker Steve Rack must be excused from some of the blame as he received some very poor snaps.

The Steelers went ahead when cornerback Pete Burns burst through to the end zone, following a very tight opening spell.

However, Owalabi and Aguado linked up for their 76th TD of the season – a 30-yard pass for a 30-yard dash.

Those were the only scores of the first quarter and a rather dour struggle looked on the cards.

But the Steelers made a flying start to the second when John Strachan forced his way into the end zone from five yards.

Paid dearly

Then the running back produced a similar effort after Cliff Pargeter had gained 29 yards.

Bad snapping again gave Rack no hope with his first field goal attempt.

And right at the end of the second quarter the Steelers paid dearly for lack of concentration when Owalabi and Freeman teamed up for a TD and added two extra points, opting not to kick.

That reduced the deficit to 18-14 at half-time.

The Steelers should have been much further ahead, as two hard facts indicate. They had given away 85 yards in penalties in return for only 10 and of the 165 yards rushing by the team, Strachan had managed exactly half.

However, Scunthorpe really knuckled down to the task in the third quarter when quarterback Steve Hodgskin touched down for the only score.

Extra point

By then, Wirral were tiring and the home team, having done all of the preparatory work, grasped the opportunity.

Hodgskin went over again after a 17-yard run by Strachan, and after Burns had added another TD, Rack made the kick good for the extra point.

However, Wirral replied with two spectacular and exciting plays.

Out of the blue, Freeman took a 20-yard pass to rush 40 yards into the end zone, then made full use of a 25-yard pass from Aguado.

With the deficit down to 44-26, a few nerves were set jangling in the Steelers’ camp.

However, on for a touchdown came defensive tackle Andy “The Washing Machine” Jones – Scunthorpe’s answer to Chicago’s William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

Family day

Aguado and Owalabi then teamed up for a magnificent touchdown courtesy of a “bomb” pass of 45 yards, which proved to be the last score of the day.

So the Steelers collected the Steel Bowl after a great family day at Quibell Park before an estimated crowd of 600, basking in glorious sunshine.

Andy Jones was named as the Steelers’ Most Valuable Player.