RYAN COOK
As season 2013 begins to wind down for AFL and NRL clubs around the country, American Football fans are eagerly embracing a brand new season which kicks off this weekend at Wacol, in a game between the local Redcliffe Raptors and Western Cougars on August 17.
Gridiron Queensland is entering its 13th official season, and is gearing up for a blockbuster opening round only four months after previous Bayside Raven prospect Jesse Williams left his college home in Alabama to be drafted by the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. While the rest of Australia watches Jesse in the big time though, the Ravens players are looking forward to taking on the Brisbane Rhinos at Michelton next Saturday.
“It should be a big game for them” said Lee Kampe, a former cornerback for the team. “They struggled in the middle of the season last year, and need to match what their junior team has accomplished”.
The Ravens juniors secured the minor premiership a season ago, but the senior team failed to make any head-way on the ladder. Next Saturday will mark the Ravens thirteenth year in the league, and they hope to kick off their 2pm game with a win.