Football team hopes to stay sharp for championship after two
months of inactivity
By Marc Hopkins Special to the Dispatch
There are two weeks between the NFL Conference Championships and the Super Bowl. When the Central Coast Barnstormers play 2pm Saturday in the Minor League Football Association (MLFA) State Championship game at Gilroy High School, it will have been almost five months since they won the Northern California Conference title.
So how did the Barnstormers keep the intensity and stay prepared during such a long break, especially when their opponents, the Inglewood Blackhawks (14-2), won the Southern California title just two weeks ago?
According to quarterback and general manager Bryan Smith, the team has practiced regularly during the break. Over the past month they have held practices several times a week.
Smith admitted to being concerned about the team getting back up to game speed, but said “if we can weather the first quarter” he is confident they have what it takes to win the game.
His confidence may be justified as the Barnstormers have gone to the Nor Cal Conference finals for the past three years and completed this season with a perfect 12-0 record.
Smith credits much of the success to his offensive line, allowing time for a successful passing game or for running backs Derrick Morrison and Tommy Jimenez to gain on the ground.
Defensive captain Jiame Iracheta, along with the entire defensive unit, have also played a big part in the team’s success, and were described by Smith as “hungry and ready to hit.”
In addition to practicing, Smith is counting on the fans to play a part in keeping the team pumped up and playing their best this weekend.
The Barnstormers have a loyal following, he noted. They are hoping that by hosting the state championship and promising an exciting game, the stands will fill with new faces, giving them a true home-field advantage.
Throughout the season, Brian says their fans have been a “huge factor” with the enthusiasm and support the community has been showing.
Even with the break, the team is confident they will come out and play just as well as they have all season. If so, they truly believe they will carry home the title of California State Champions.
