Saturday, July 18, 2009
EFL Press Coverage July 18th
Stars take on cross-lake rival Ice Storm today
By NICK ST. DENIS
Staff Writer
By NICK ST. DENIS
Staff Writer
For Stars offensive coordinator Scott Aguglia, it will be a return to his old stomping grounds, where he spent eight seasons with
"Being a founding member there, I was proud in what we accomplished. But (
The Stars defense will get a crack at
"Ruderman was an exceptional quarterback for this league," Stars head coach Pat Keleher said of the former
That should provide plenty of excitement for a
Linebacker Jamil McCray recorded one-and-a-half sacks the last time the teams met. McCray played a limited role in
Kyle Babbie, who led the league in sacks for the past two seasons at defensive end, also showed the defense's potential in the pass rush with fellow end Kevin Gibson last weekend, when the two teamed up to force a big, late-game interception.
However, the Stars will be wary of a veteran receiving corps and a game-breaking backfield in
"They still have some very good players on offense in Austin Partain, Rob Joy, Zack Howe and Akeem Williams," Keleher said. "Williams is a very good running back. He's fast, and we definitely don't want to let him get in some open space."
Keleher added that he expects the
"I always felt the strength of their defense in last couple years was very athletic aggressive linebackers and very solid front four," Keleher said. "They've been able to shut us down in years past.
"We're excited for the game; they're our arch rival and we always seem to play e ach other tough."
Clouds loom over Ice Storm
Football team features new faces, two homes
Matt Paul has taken over as the Vermont Ice Storm's starting quarterback and will be a key figure on this year's inexperienced squad.
The Vermont Ice Storm have more than their opponents to worry about this summer.
A variety of obstacles from the sidelines impede the semi-pro football team.
In five of the last eight years, the Ice Storm rented the football field at Colchester High School
"The field issue has just been crazy all year," said board member, assistant
coach and player Russell Humphrey. "I've talked to everyone, from Missisquoi toRutland
coach and player Russell Humphrey. "I've talked to everyone, from Missisquoi to
As a result, the Ice Storm will be forced to play many of their home games in Plattsburgh , N.Y. Burlington
"One of the major concerns about playing our home games in two different places," head coach Darren Haynes said, "is how the fans will react."
The team routinely draws between 1,500 and 2,000 fans a game, a major source of revenue. However, with home games in Plattsburgh
Less than a hundred fans were on hand for Vermont 's regular-season opener, a 13-6 loss to Quebec in Plattsburgh
The start time has also shifted for some of the Ice Storm's home games.
"With the schedule so crazy, we just want the fans to check the Web site to know where and when we are playing on a particular week," said Haynes, pointing to www.vermonticestorm.com.
Today, the Ice Storm will play at Burlington High School
"We've always been an organization that has the philosophy that we'll play
anywhere," said Haynes, a former Ice Storm player. "Any field we play on we consider to be our field anyway."
anywhere," said Haynes, a former Ice Storm player. "Any field we play on we consider to be our field anyway."
The Ice Storm's record is 0-2, 0-1 in Empire Football League play.
"There is still quite a lot of work to do," said Haynes. "But we're only a few weeks into the season. The defense is close to being perfectly balanced while the offense is still having some trouble finding their rhythm. Once they do, we'll be able to run the ball more."
Another unexpected challenge for the Ice Storm includes a colossal turnover in personnel. Head coach Doug Perez retired after Vermont
The Ice Storm were left with five returning starters.
"I figured there would be a lot of turnover," said Haynes. "I didn't expect the players to leave in the numbers that they did. That was shocking."
=0 A Many of the players who defected from Vermont are now playing for Plattsburgh
"I think a lot of the players were resting on the fact that before we had so much experience," Haynes said. "They thought that it would be effortless to win, like winning was easy. This year, winning is going to be hard."
As a result, a younger, less experienced squad will take the field.
"We need to focus on not making mistakes." Haynes said. "We've already calmed down since the beginning of the season, and if we continue to, our level of play will only rise. Effort and consistency is what will make the difference."
"The key to Saturday is keeping Matt Paul, our quarterback, on his feet," Humphrey said. "Our defens e, as always, is lights out; they just fly to the ball. If we can give Matt a chance to throw the ball, we have a good chance of competing with Plattsburgh
Wide receivers Rob Joy and Austin Partain join Paul to conduct the offense while leaders in the defensive lineup include linebacker Kevin Fournier and safety Corey Belida.
"They are the guys who have been here a while," said Haynes. "Every player looks up to them. They are the ones to look to this weekend. If those guys play well, then the team will, too."
