Conference Final Team Profile: Hertfordshire Hurricanes

The ‘Canes have a long tradition of success in British University American Football with 4 National Titles to their name. But after experiencing a mediocre few season’s Herts have re-established themselves as one of the elite BUAFL teams.

The main reason for this re-invigoration has been an exceptional crop of talented players that have come through the ranks. None typifies this more so than veteran QB Fred Boyle who has led the Canes offence for the past 3 years. Boyle has matured in the last few seasons from a bit of a gun-slinger to a polished signal caller. Although he is an adept pocket passer, Boyle is even better passing on the run where he is also a threat with ball in hand. His running ability makes him dangerous on play-action naked bootlegs and options where he can take off for long gains. The 'Canes burley offensive line tasked with protecting Boyle and opening holes in the running game excel at both.

The Herts receiving core is largely unheralded, lacking a standout receiver since Tom Shennan left last year. Although a number a receivers can often wrack up multiple catches, the primary targets who benefit from the prolific Herts aerial attack are Rob Jelly and Adrian Gums. Allstar Ed Tate is one of the best tight ends in the South, which seems to be a position less favoured nowadays as many Southern teams adopt spread offences.

Running back Issam Affoury has been a perennial Allstar the last few years and certainly ranks as on of the best at what he does in BUAFL. Affoury has an all round game and a fluid and slashing running style. He is equally adept at bowling over defenders as he is making them miss and is comfortable catching the ball. The ‘Canes Offensive captain does however appear to be injured at the moment and did not play in Greenwich game. If he does suit up for the conference final, stopping Affory will be paramount for Southampton if they want to bring the Herts high powered offence to a halt.

Fabrizio Gargiulo is the heart and soul of the ‘Canes defence leading by example from the linebacker position. The Allstar veteran is simply a playmaker who you’re equally likely to see felling a runner in the back field as you are tipping balls in coverage. Playing off Gargiulo is another Allstar Linebacker Daniel Donker as well as Nic Pucenot whilst in the secondary Hertfordshire look to Allstar cornerback Lesley Wilson to create turnovers. The ‘Canes defence matches up well with Southampton’s potent offence, who got the better of them last time. One important factor in defining their success could be who starts at Quarterback for the Stags as the mobile and elusive veteran Dom Olney provides a different challenge to pure pocket passer Nick Bee.

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