20130327: Showdown in Helsinki a success
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With a scrimmage format rather than a full game, the end result was not of great importance. However, it was good to see that AFC Show's starting lineup matched the more experienced opponent well on the day. What was even more pleasing to see, was that several players shined in new roles as they rotated in, and some of the rookies also proved they are ready for their first season of football.​​​

After three kickoff returns each, with none of the teams scoring, it was time for Show's offense to enter the field. Led by HC and QB Reed Gottula, the offense immediately moved the ball, but the drive stalled with a blocked field goal attempt. The Wolverines got the ball, and DB Simon Bruset saw his chance to grab an interception which was returned for a touchdown.

​​The two teams continued to trade offensive drives, and both teams proved that they have things to work on before their seasons start. The next score was a fumble recovery returned for a TD by LB Jorma Bailey​, before LB Darryl Kennon joined in by returning a fumble recovery for a TD as well. Wolverines star RB Stephen Stokes then answered for the home team by taking a carry approximately 50 yards for a Wolverines touchdown.

​​The two teams traded scores again soon after, as Kennon once again got a fumble recovery that he took in for a score, before Helsinki QB Cedric Johnson found a receiver in the endzone for a long touchdown pass. Jorma Bailey proved his worth on both sides of the ball right after, as he took another fumble recovery in for a TD, and then scored another touchdown on a run play, receiving the handoff from Gottula. Moments later DB/RB Christian Andreassen got his first carries against another team in his three-year football career, slizing through the defense for a touchdown.

​​Kåre Vedvik got on the scoring board with a field goal. We didn't manage to keep track of the PATs, but both teams had successful ones in addition to blocked and wide ones. The Wolverines rotated a lot of personell at this point, and their young backup QB Petteri Haro found a receiver at the back of the endzone with a beautiful pass, before young future star RB Sebastién Sagne found the endzone on a long run play for the Helsinki team. Sagne had one of the most impressive performances of the night, proving to be a very athletic and promising player. The final score of the night was a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by AFC Show rookie LB Gaute Vagle, enjoying his first ever matchup with players on an opposing team.

All in all it was a successful night for players on both teams, and the teams themselves. It was an evening of valuable preparation for the upcoming season, and watching film from the scrimmage a few days later proved to be equally valuable for the AFC Show players, as there is a lot to improve before the team faces their next opponent - the Oslo Vikings at Frogner stadium in Oslo on the 13th of April.​​

AFC Show would like to thank the Helsinki Wolverines for hosting us! The plan is for the Wolverines to visit Stavanger for a preseason game in 2014, so hopefully we can repay the Wolverines by being good hosts too.
At the same time the team would like to thank the Sipoo Bulldogs who came to our aid when one of our players, DL Jarle Vangsnes, had his equipment lost in transit. It's nice to see football teams help eachother across national borders!​​​
​​ Kår
AFC Show travelled to Helsinki, Finland, for an international preseason game on the weekend of March 22nd-24th. Although the game format changed to a more controlled scrimmage, it was a beneficial and very rewarding experience. Show got to test their skills against a team and players we normally don't face, and it was 3 hours of non-stop hard-hitting football.

The home team Helsinki Wolverines had approximately 50 players present, and used the opportunity to let them all see playing time. AFC Show had 26 players present and did the same, but with the smaller number of players obviously also got to test the conditioning level of the team. A full off-season of strength & conditioning proved useful!​

Coach Gottula adressing the team