COLTS PRESEASON HEATS UP

The 2015 Colts preseason has just begun.

The Sutherland Seahawks traditionally try to get initial practice sessions in before the holiday break and 2015 is no different.

Its a methodology that has seen the club take a record 7 Colts Championships in total; 7 from the last 12 seasons, including the last 2 years in a row.

The testing days have been a feature of the modernizing and standardizing of the Colts program. The outdoor testing component will be assessed this evening at practice.

The sport of gridiron, at its best, involves a large preparation to playing time ratio. Preparing physically is also a key component of the game. Unlike other sports which are 'turn up and have a game' concepts, gridiron done well requires mental and physical development. Themes that are crucial and useful as a practice across all serious endeavours.  

SEAHAWK JUNIOR PLAYERS TAKE ON BONDI

As a part of a Grand Final day demonstration game, the Sutherland Seahawks and Bondi Raiders played each other in what was the first ever inter-club game of gridiron for the under 13 age group.

The day was the culmination of the Gridiron NSW Senior season and Women's competitions, as well as the end of the inaugural Junior Gridiron season for the Seahawks club.

For 2015 the Seahawks club will be pushing to expand the Junior competition to include 50+ players and at least 6 teams. This competition will again run in 4th term with sign ups and the start of training in September.

Many thanks to the players and their families as well as to fledgling coaches Corey Schultz, Daniel Besz, Mitchell Wiseman and Nick Anapolsky.

SEAHAWKS FALL IN SEMI FINALS TO WEST SYDNEY.

The 2014 season has finished in defeat at the semi final round, as the Sutherland Seahawks went down 34-6 vs the West Sydney Pirates.

Despite being up early from a Mike Hall rushing touchdown and 6-0 lead, the Seahawks could not stay on top of things in the extremely wet conditions.

The game started 15minutes late due to rain and lightning, adjustments to the running game put the Seahawks offense in a great position. Defensively a key first half sack keep the field position favourable but a 115 to 50 penalty yard count against severely hampered things.

The Seahawks have been winless against the Pirates since 2010 and it shall remain that way until 2015 at the least. Several records were set in 2014.

The offense broke team records for touchdowns in a season as well as passing and rushing TD marks. Nick Anapolsky set a new passing yardage record for the season and passing touchdowns. The offense also set a new mark for fewest turnovers in a season despite running many more plays. The total yardage record was broken by 912 yards! Tristan Whiting went over 1000 yards rushing for the season.

The defense improved by a massive 1.6 yards per play whilst reducing the number of total touchdowns by 17 and increasing takeaways by 18.

Harrison Brindle smashed the tackles in a season record with 107 total.

The Seahawks club will also wrap up Junior football this weekend and then transition into Colts football for 2015. Much to do at the club; football never ceases!!!

SEAHAWKS CAP 8-4 REGULAR SEASON WITH WIN OVER RAIDERS.

Needing to win the final regular season game in order to hold down the 4th spot on the competition table the Sutherland Seahawks defeated the Bondi Raiders 42-6.

The defense claimed 5 turnovers from the Raiders; a total of 33 takeaways this year was the 2nd highest all-time for the club. Harrison Brindle set an individual mark when he broke the club tackling record finishing the game with 93.

Offensively the game on the ground was very solid in particular and eerily similar to the midseason meeting between the two clubs. In round 4 the Seahawks ground game was 37 for 165 yards, yesterday they were 41 for 169 yards.

Tristan Whiting had his 17th and 18th touchdowns of the year, Jason Lambropolous had the first of his career. Whiting is now #3 on the all-time touchdowns in a season list.

With the victory the Seahawks have improved by 7 wins on the very difficult 2013 and will now play the West Sydney Pirates next week at 5 Sports Caringbah; game time to be confirmed.


SEAHAWKS 42, RAIDERS 6.

THE FINAL ROUND.

With a 28-18 win over the Nepean Ducks, the Sutherland Seahawks require a win in the final round of the season to secure the first playoff spot for the team since 2010.

The Seahawks spread the ball around nicely, Tristan Whiting going over for his 16h TD of the season, whilst receivers Zach Hughes, Aaron Beyer and James Cosgrove also caught balls from QB Nick Anapolsky. Anapolsky broke the single season yards passing record for the club in the game and also now holds the record for passing touchdowns in a season with 31.

Zach Hughes caught three incredible balls vs press coverage, his height and reach over-came pass interference and resulted in his second straight 100 yard game for the Colts team graduate.

Harrison Brindle is poised t break the single seaon tackling record next week if he can make 4 more stops. At the defensive end position, Brendon Apperley has been a revelation since converting from the offense. His 5 tackles, 1 sack and a forced fumble with recovery were vital, safety Mat Horne made a season high 9 tackles.

The Bondi Raiders are a team the Seahawks faced once in the preseason and once in the regular season already; the result being 1 win each. A win and the Seahawks make the playoffs, it all comes down to this, Saturday November 29th, St Johns Oval Charlestown 4pm kickoff.

SEAHAWKS 28, DUCKS 18

MUST WIN FROM HERE ON IN.

After a 34-30 loss to the West Sydney Pirates on saturday the Sutherland Seahawks face two must win games to finish the regular season.

The lead changed 8 times through the game, the Seahawks were up 8-6, 16-13, 22-20, 30-28 before being unable to score on the offense's final possession to get the go ahead late in the 4th quarter. The offense did its part, racking up over 350 yards of offense but the defense gave up much more and too many easy scores through inexperience.

The Seahawks will have a bye week this week followed by must win games versus the Nepean Ducks November 22nd 3.30pm @ Craik Park and then the Bondi Raiders November 29th 4pm at St Johns Oval Newcastle.

These are two teams that the Seahawks have already played and beaten, those results will have to be repeated to have a chance at a 4th place finish and playoff bid.

SEAHAWKS 30, PIRATES 34.

SEAHAWKS GAIN 6TH WIN VS COBRAS

Avenging a loss last year, the Sutherland Seahawks were never troubled by the Newcastle Cobras notching the most convincing win of the season; a 40-0 victory that was shortened by a lightning storm.

The defense was markedly improved, albeit that the Cobras have had trouble moving the ball so far in 2014. The shut out is the first since Game #3 of 2012.

Harrison Brindle had 10 tackles, the 3rd time this year he has had double digit tackles, Austen Peck finished the game with 3 takeaways, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception.

Tristan Whiting was again the workhorse, 111 yards from 19 carries, the 2nd half in particular working very well in the run game. Nick Anapolsky threw touchdowns to Zach Hughes, Aaron Beyer and Sebastian Malagas.

Next week the Seahawks have a very tough encounter with the West Sydney Pirates. A team they have not beaten since 2010 and beaten just once since 2001.

SEAHAWKS 40, COBRAS 0

SEASON ON THE BRINK; MUST WIN GAME VS NEWCASTLE LOOMS.

Despite being up 24-15 and 30-24, the Sutherland Seahawks went down 30-34 to the Wollongong Mustangs at 5 Sports on Saturday.

A must win game shapes up against the Newcastle Cobras next week in order for the Seahawks remain in the hunt for the playoffs as the season record drops to 5-3.

Poor field position and a lack of converting PAT attempts ultimately decided the game. Wollongong kicked extremely well, 2 field goals secured the victory, the Seahawks scoring 5 touchdowns to just 4 from the Mustangs.

Offensively, several dropped balls including 2 PAT's hurt badly, but the Seahawks still out-gained the Mustangs by 108 total yards in the game; usually more than enough to win.

Next week the Seahawks will attempt to avenge last year's loss to the Newcastle Cobras. The game will be 12.20pm at Kyeemagh RSL field.

SEAHAWKS 30, MUSTANGS 34

Now 5-2 SEAHAWKS MUST STEP UP VERSUS WOLLONGONG

After an excellent start to the game, forcing turnovers on 2 of the first 3 UTS possessions and going up 6-0 in the first quarter, the Sutherland Seahawks were not able to continue and eventually succumbed 44-20.

Interceptions from Aaron Beyer who was moved over to the defense for this game and CB Corey Schultz but some missed opportunities to convert 4th down attempts gave UTS field position and points opportunities that the did not fault on.

Ned Stelzer set a new club record with receptions with 19 in the game, but inconsistency in running the ball and dropped long passes thwarted extra dimensions int he offense.

The defense was well supported by young players who have stepped up to the next level. Austen Peck co-led the tackle count with Peter Tanti who was moved to linebacker for the first time. Khaled Alfas had two key tackles for loss.

Next week the Seahawks will take on the Wollongong Mustangs in a game that is crucial for stabilizing the season after 2 losses against 2 of the top team.

SEAHAWKS 20, UTS 44.

Next game v Wollongong Mustangs 3.30pm saturday October 25th @ 5 Sports Caringbah.

SEAHAWKS DROP GAME TO LIONS IN WEEK 6.

The Seahawks rallied back from 14-0 and 28-14 down before succumbing to the Sydney University Lions 41-26 on saturday night.



Poor tackling and the failure to finish off a few drives offensively led to the first loss of the season. For the first time in a very long time against the 11 time straight champion Lions team, the Seahawks made a game of it and at 28-20 had more of a chance against the Lions than at any point since 2002.

Tristan Whiting scored his 10th TD of the season and Ned Stelzer had 11 receptions for the Seahawks whilst Zach Hughes scored his 6th receiving TD of the season.

At 5-1 for the season, the Seahawks will play UTS next week 7pm at Kyeemagh.

OPENING GAME OF HISTORIC JUNIOR 5 MAN.

That over used maxim of 'Football was the winner on the day', has probably never been more aptly used than for last night's opening game of the Seahawks Junior 5 man season.

35-13 to Team White, Kaine O'Leary opened the scoring with a TD and 6-0 lead before Paiti Bartolo scored from almost the length of the field in reply, Maximus O'Shea's 1 point conversion put Blue up 7-6.

4 consecutive touchdowns from White, 2 from Cory Dean, came from 3 different quarterbacks before Liam Shiagetz went over for the final touchdown from 42 yards out after a short pass from Josh Doyle.

Seahawk Junior 5 man tackle football is an development league for young players 11-13 who are all in their first year of tackle gridiron. This is the first time that this has been run in Australia and a great initiative for the future of the club and the sport. Games are played Friday nights' 5.30pm at Waratah Athletics Track Sutherland.

CARINGBAH INN PROUDLY SPONSORING THE SUTHERLAND SEAHAWKS.

The Caringbah Inn has a sponsorship history that goes a long way back to the earlier origins of the Sutherland Seahawks Gridiron club.

This relationship has been renewed and it is coming at a great time for the club as the Senior team enters the Long Weekend bye week at 5-0 for 2014, the Colts team wrapped up an undefeated 2014 season earlier this year with a record 7th Colts Championship, and the club's new Junior 5 a side competition is about to start next week.

Seahawks Social Director Scott Lawrence is seen here presenting a club jersey to Licensee Anthony Chadd.

ANOTHER NEW COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER FROM THE SEAHAWKS

The Sutherland Seahawks can proudly report the news that yet another player from the club will be taking up a scholarship offer in the USA for football.

Andrew Moenting will be on scholarship at Arizona Western Community College in January as an offensive lineman taking to 4 the number of Seahawks in the USA for 2014 at different colleges.

Blake and Sean Muir are at Baylor, Zac Holman is at Fort Scott Community College and now Andrew.

Andrew has been a vital part of the Seahawks Colts teams the last 2 years as they have notched up consecutive championship seasons including going undefeated in 2014. Andrew was on the 2014 USA Football International Development team in Florida at the IMG Academy and will head to Arizona in the first week of January to begin school.

100 career games: Aaron Beyer

In a sport in Australia that often attracts players later in life, and is difficult to be consistent in, playing 100 career games is rare.

In Saturday's win over the Bondi Raiders, Seahawks receiver Aaron Beyer notched up his 100th career game.

Beyer started football in the Seahawks Colts team in 2007 and has been a part of the offense focus at the club since that time.

Adding in coaching stints for the Colts team, as well as State and National team games, Aaron has seen just about every angle of the club and the sport. He had his highest number of TD's in 2013 with 13, and came close to breaking his club record in receptions with 62, just short of his 67 in 2010.

He holds the club record for receptions in a career and season and yards from scrimmage, shortly to go over 5000 yards combined.

For his career, Aaron's stats are as follows:

Games: 100 (43 wins-54 losses -3 draws)
Receptions: 319
Yards receiving: 4459 yards
Rushing attempts: 66
Rushing yards: 504
Total touchdowns: 56 (48 receiving, 7 Rushing, 1 INT Return)
Tackles: 32
Sacks: 1
Forced Fumbles: 1
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Break Ups: 2
Interceptions: 5

SEAHAWKS AVENGE RAIDERS IN ROUND 5

Avenging the 23-20 Charity Bowl loss from the preseason, the Sutherland Seahawks got out to a 26-7 halftime lead before icing the game 32-15 over the Bondi Raiders.

The Seahawk offence had 16 first downs in the first half, a club record, but were inconsistent on 2 point PAT conversions. Again the ball was spread around, 8 receivers catching balls, the versatile James Cosgrove having a career high 8 receptions operating out of the slot, and 2 TD. Tristan Whiting had his 5th TD in 2 games but turnovers thwarted the offence from scoring even more, Bondi making several half time adjustments to their defence.

The Sehawk defence was excellent in the first half in particular with the exception of allowing a kickoff return TD. The Raiders managed 43 yards on the ground, half of that coming on one play. The Raiders were kept under 100 yard passing and completed only 25% of their passes, Terry Chi finishing with 4 pass break ups.

Brendon Apperley enjoyed his move over to the defensive side of the ball, claiming 2 sacks and a safety, really adding some speed to a banged up defensive line position. The 5 total sacks were a season best for 2014.

Next week the Seahawks will travel to Newcastle to play the Central Coast Sharks, a team and trip that has been extremely hazardous over the past 3 years.


SEAHAWKS 32, RAIDERS 15

SEAHAWKS RACK UP RECORDS DEFEATING THE NORTHWEST SYDNEY PREDATORS.

In a game that presented it self as a major hurdle and reference point to how the 2014 season would shape up, finished with several records being broken and one of the best games for the Seahawks in many seasons.

Last year the Predators had two very convincing wins over the Seahawks on their way to the 2013 Championship game. This was a team the Seahawks had to beat to reach the playoffs.

Both teams traded 3 scoring drives a piece; Ned Stelzer, Tristan Whiting and Aaron Beyer finding the endzone for the Seahawks and it required the defense to step up to make a play. Rookie cornerback Nathan Storey started the catalyst for the tipping point for the Seahawks victory. The first of his 3 interceptions changed the mood of the game and vastly tilting things in the Seahawks favour.

Amazingly, 3 straight Predator possessions ended with Storey picking off a pass, the Seahawks offense capitalizing on each with a touchdown. The next Predators possession was returned for a punt return touchdown, Nick Anapolsky capped off a record day for him, throwing an amazing 8 touchdown passes and having a punt return score as well.

In all 7 different players scored a touchdown for the Seahawks and the team had a record 615 yards from scrimmage. 12 touchdowns was also a club record as was the total points of 80, a record that has stood since 2000.

SEAHAWKS 80, PREDATORS 34.

NEW JUNIOR COMPETITION TO START 4TH TERM

After hosting an successful exhibition game at the Charity Bowl, the Sutherland Seahawks can now announce the start of their Junior (11-13 year old) 5-a-side competition for 2014.


                            AND NEW PLAYERS ARE WANTED!!!!

                          


                               

  

The competition will begin Friday October 10th and run through to December 12th for 10 consecutive weeks.  All games will be held at 6pm to 7pm.

New players can join practices on Wednesdays (5.30pm-6.30pm) and Fridays (5.30pm-6.30pm) through to the start at Waratah Athletics Track Sutherland by contacting club President Peter Upham on 0415-889952 or emailing coachupham@shirespeedandstrength.com.au

More information can be found on the 'New Players Look Here Page'.

SEAHAWKS START 2014 REGULAR SEASON

The Sutherland Seahawks will start the 2014 regular season against the Nepean Ducks at 5 Sports Caringbah 7pm.

The Ducks are an expansion team for 2014, originating from the same area as the defunct Penrith Outlaws. As an unknown quantity, they will be difficult to scheme for as the Seahawks attempt to get the official 2014 campaign going after the preseason loss to the Bondi Raiders in the Charity Bowl.

There will be games at 1pm (UTS v Wollongong) and 4pm (North West Predators v North Sydney Rebels) before the Seahawks play AT 7PM.

SEAHAWKS NARROWLY GO DOWN IN CHARITY PRESEASON GAME.

In the third annual Seahawks vs Raiders Charity game, the Sutherland Seahawks were unable to keep their winning streak alive and instead went down to the Raiders 23-20 in a very exciting game fitting of what has become a marvelous event for both clubs.

As is usually the case in early season encounters, both defenses got on top early. The Seahawks turned the ball over twice in the first half and the Raiders were unable to advance the ball for first downs.

Determined to attempt multiple fourth down conversions, the Seahawks allowed good field position to the Raiders when unsuccessful. Coupled with a key turnover deep inside their own territory, the Raiders scored first with a field goal and 3-0 half time lead.

The second half saw the scoreline start to tick over despite a dense fog that descended on the field. An interception return touchdown by the Raiders extended their lead to 9-0. Answering back quickly though, RB Toby Nash found the endzone from 4 yards out and 9-6 scoreline. A third turnover gifted field position to the Raiders again and their first offensive touchdown on the ground from 5 yards out made it 17-6 in third quarter. As the clock took the game into the fourth however, A Raiders pass was picked off by rookie Michael Hett and RB Tristan Whiting found the endzone quickly and 17-12 scoreline.

The best Raiders possession of the night was a methodical effort that finally compiled multiple first downs on a single possession and in the end secured them the game. A 5 yard rushing TD put the Raiders up 23-12 in the fourth quarter. Continuing to get things going though on offense the Seahawks answered back, Ned Stelzer and Nick Anapolsky making key 1st down receptions before QB James Cosgrove found his 6th receiving option for the evening Harry Finn for a 31 yard score, then connected with Zach Hughes on the 2 point conversion.

Running out of time however, the Seahawks went down 23-20.

Despite the loss there were many pleasing developments for the Seahawks on top of another excellent result as a Charity event. The clubs combined to raise over $3000 for the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation and the event has grown each year. On the field, new players to the club started their gridiron experience positively. Michael Hett had an excellent interception to go with being the third leading tackler. James Cosgrove had his first start at QB which is always a big challenge, Toby Nash scored as a rookie RB and Geoff Hopkins played his first game on the offensive line.

The Seahawks will have 2 weeks to prepare for the opening regular season game against the Nepean Ducks.

Many thanks need to go to 5 Sports Caringbah and to Shire Music for supporting the event as well as the many volunteers from both clubs.

CHARITY GAME DRAWS CLOSER.

The 3rd Annual Seahawks vs Raiders Charity Bowl will kick off the 2014 season.

This preseason game has been a great warm up game for both clubs and most of all, an opportunity to support a charity cause.

This year the Sutherland Seahawks took the turn to name a charity and chose The Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation.

SYDNEY CLINIC AND FUTURE STARS CAMP

The Sutherland Seahawks had 9 attendees of a one off skills clinic in Sydney this week.

Players from Junior, Colts and Division One levels were a part of the clinic arranged by Bring It On Sports. College coaches including former University of Colorado and Boise State Head Coach Dan Hawkins ran drills and focused on fundamentals.




The coaches will also assist with the Future Stars camp on the Gold Coast where the Seahawks will again have a large contingent of players.

Last year 7 Seahawk players from the Colts team were in attendance. For 2014 8 players will be a part of the training camp and play in 2 games against USA high school players.

DIVISION ONE PRACTICE STARTS THIS SATURDAY

Offensive and Defensive meetings have been taking place and this saturday the Division One team will hold its first on field practice for 2014.

2014 will be the 28th season for the Seahawks and the first game will be the Annual Charity game versus the Bondi Raiders, this year supporting the Sydney Children's Hospital.