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Coventry Jets Flag Academy Report
February 16th, 2010
 The newly named Coventry Flag Academy, now known as the Jets, have had a busy start to 2010. The cadets were recently defeated in an offensive shootout, falling 40-20 at the hands of the reigning National Champions, the Studley Bearcats, while the youth and junior teams combined for a lopsided defeat against Bristol based academy side, the Filton College Pride.
Defensive MVP Marc Peters recorded an athletic interception for cadets in their losing effort versus a strong Bearcats side. From centre field the diminutive Peters rose above the much taller Bearcats receiver to snatch the ball away in a manner that had the large crowd gasping in amazement. Offensive MVP Jay Beardmore was dominant in the air, snagging 5 passes including 2 touchdowns from the arm of rookie quarterback Ben Eaton. Not to be outdone, Ben’s brother Kieran was also a recipient of a scoring pass.
Ben and Kieran weren’t the only siblings to play a starring role. Paul Peters, older brother of Marc stepped in front of a Bearcats receiver and recorded an interception of his own, returning the ball to the Studley 5 yard line, the turnover lead to points on the board for the Jets. Precious McCook recorded 4 tackles, an interception and a sack to add credence to Andrew Gambrill’s claim that she’s “the best defensive player in the cadet class at this moment”.
Meshach McCook added to the Coventry total hauling in a Vickie Mepstead bomb. He also had a number of mazy runs from that had the Bearcats grabbing at air. Brandon Consadine gained valuable experience at quarterback and Line backer improving considerably throughout the day. Whilst son of former Jet Karl Burgess, Terrell, recorded his first catch for the Jets, agonisingly short of the Bearcats goal line. “It was great to see the progress Coach Eaton has made with this group” said Academy Head Andrew Gambrill “To compare this performance with the corresponding fixture last year is like night and day. Defensively we were very well organised and I can not recall a single coverage breakdown all day”.
Brad Bowers scored on the final play of the game as the Jets came away from Bristol with plenty of positives despite a heavy loss. Bowers, the South African youngster, caught the ball shy of the goal line but still managed to squeeze past the Pride defence to hit paydirt to cap off an all round great day as he also starred on defence, earning MVP honours for that side of the ball.
Ruth Miller started at quarterback and had her most accomplished performance to date, leading the offence on several lengthy drives. Offensive MVP, Tom Clancy had the Filton defenders scrambling as he surprised them with his open field running, making yards after the catch when it seemed certain he had been closed down. It was therefore no surprise when he finally scampered down the side line for a score.
Josh Keys showed safe hands all day providing the quarterbacks with an outlet when Filton’s tight coverage appeared to smother the Jets’ other receivers. AJ Mepstead looks ready to have his best season yet as a Jet, looking relaxed and confident throughout the game and not at all overawed by the impressive Pride. Brother Chris Mepstead only managed a couple of plays due to ill health but showed no matter how unwell he was feeling his hands were as reliable as ever.
Tikisha McCook persistently put the Pride quarterbacks under pressure on defence, a real student of the game, Tikisha will often pull a double shift by attending senior as well as youth practice. This has clearly benefited the rookie who shows outstanding technique in all she does. Her efforts were somewhat in vein though as Jordan Eaton led the scoring for the Pride, whilst Mitch Wilson also shone.
“We knew coming into this game that we might not get the win” admitted Head Coach Andrew Gambrill “however every single player on the squad had a few moments to savour against the best youth programme in the country. We’re incredibly grateful to Coach Herod and his players who made us all feel so welcome and played the game in exactly the right spirit”. The Academy’s Junior team will next be in action when they host the newly formed Marlow Wolfpack and Coventry Cougars on the 27th of February.
Photo Shows Brad Bowers (Courtesy of the Academy)
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