CRAIGAVON Cowboys kick off the 2013 IAFL (Irish American Football League) season at home to the Belfast Trojans – the 2012 Shamrock Bowl Champions – this Sunday.
The Cowboys ended last season with a 2-6 record and will be looking to improve this season, with some impressive rookies coming into the fold. Some key players for the Cowboys will be Quarter Back Peter Loughran, Line Backer Kyle McAneny, D-Lineman James Loughran, plus Running Back and Lineman father and son duo, Bobby and John Murray. Rookie players who have joined the squad – and worth looking out for – include Ashley Walker, William Pope, Johnny White and Chris Jones.
After a long slog of a pre-season, the anticipation and excitement will come to a head this Sunday at 1pm at Portadown Public Park, when the Cowboys clash helmets with their local rivals Trojans, who were victors twice over the Cowboys last season.
Revenge is in the eyes of the local lads, who will be gunning for the upset of beating the Irish Champions as they try to defend their crown!
Head Coach Greg Loughran told Armagh I: “It has been a testing time this pre-season, with losing some experienced players, but we have coped well and recruited impressively, so we are looking to see the hard work and sweat pay off with the big game this Sunday.
“Trojans are an impressive side with a big squad, so it will be a tough task, but I have seen enough from this team in training to know that physically, mentally and skillswise we can match any team in the league.”
A big crowd is expected down to watch the eagerly anticipated game and the Cowboys are looking to use this to gain some home advantage.
Cowboys media officer Mark Beattie said: “It would be a big boost to see some Cowboy fans out this Sunday to give us that edge and moral support in the first match of the season, so we call on all family, friends and NFL fans to come out this weekend to cheer on your local side.”
For more information – and if you fancy playing for the Cowboys – contact Rory Downey on 078 4371 0051, or contact through Twitter @CowboysIAFL.
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