Raptors prize guys salute an amazing debut season
Renfrewshire Raptors celebrated the roaring success of their debut season with a silverware-laden evening at Paisley’s Pro-Life.
The Raptors, Renfrewshire’s only flag American football side, joined supporters and club sponsors to celebrate a groundbreaking first campaign having seen the side record a winning 8-7 record in BAFA’s HNC Division One.
A series of stellar performances forced the rest of league to sit up and take notice of the side’s exploits as a late rally put the Raptors within one win of a play-off berth.
And despite coming up just short, there was still plenty to toast after the club performed beyond all expectations.
Six awards were up for grabs, as offence and defence both racked up the gongs following an impressive campaign on both sides of the ball.
Raptors quarterback Ben Wilson bagged Offensive MVP having thrown for 55 touchdowns over the course of his first season leading the offence.
Defensive captain Craig Ritchie was recognised for his 16 interceptions from safety as he took home Defensive MVP, while wide receiver Alan Miller clinched Most Improved.
Rookie of the Year went to deep threat Paul Johnstone following a campaign which saw him top the touchdown charts among the receiver corps with 25, and starting blitzer Greg Dalglish was rewarded for his terrorising of opposition QBs with the Coach’s Achievement Award.
And the final award of the night went to Stewart Fleming who was crowned Players’ Player of the Year to cap off an impressive debut season for the rookie.
The night brought the curtain down on an action-packed campaign for the club, but head coach Mark Peberdy believes the past 12 months are just the beginning of growing the sport in the area.
He said: “The last year has been a whirlwind for all the guys involved in the club, but all of them have played their part in really announcing our arrival in the league and beyond.
“The club has been built from the ground up this season but there is clearly an appetite for the sport in Renfrewshire and beyond and we are keen to be the driving force behind the sport’s increase in popularity in the area.
“I am proud of everything that we have managed to achieve in such a short period of time.
“For a squad predominately made up of rookies to hit the ground running in the manner that they have is testament to the hard work everyone has put in to making the Raptors a success.
“Congratulations goes to all the players that took home awards at Pro-Life, it is a reward for their impressive performances over the course of a great season for the club.”
The Raptors side currently train at Gleniffer High School on Wednesday evenings and Seedhill Playing Fields on Sunday mornings.
Plans are already in motion ahead of next season as the side bid to build upon the successful foundations laid from their first season in the league.
The club remains on the hunt for new players as they bid to strengthen the squad ahead of the Winter League and Iron Man competitions.
Anyone interested in trying their hand at the sport simply has to get in touch via the Renfrewshire Raptors Facebook page.
The Raptors would like to thank sponsors Fraoch Scotland, Pro-Life and GKF PrintStudio for their continued support.
The last year has been a whirlwind for all the guys, but all of them have played their part in announcing our arrival