Conference Final Team Profile: Staffordshire Stallions

Last year the Stallions recorded the first perfect regular season in the teams history making it all the way to the inaugural BUAFL National Final. It was their second bowl appearance in 4 years and they have become a forced to be reckoned with in the North. Once again have strong Championship aspirations having retained most of the key players and coaching staff from last seasons campaign.

Nowhere is the Staff experience more conspicuous that on the Offensive line. Their starters have a wealth of college ball years between them and benefit from a strong understanding, having played may of these seasons together. Perennial Allstar and former GB Bulldogs Centre Pete Buckley is the bedrock of the line and also moonlights, wracking up tackles, on the defensive.

The Staffs line paves the way for a formidable running game, spearheaded by talismanic tailback Edam Goka. Goka continues to build upon an outstanding rookie season, setting and re-setting rushing records as he goes. The dynamic runningback is undeniably one of the hottest prospects in the league who's lightning speed simply carries him away from most defenders. He is also capable of cutting on a dime and shows a knack for finding running lanes. Detractors have pointed to a lack of size as a knock on his game, but is something that he will no doubt develop, especially in the BAFL summer seasons. The final piece of the Staffs rushing puzzle is George Furlong. The Great Britain FB is a superb lead blocker who also acts as the thunder to Goka's lighting contributing hard yardage. Furlonge's quickness makes him the perfect fullback for Goka as he does not have to slow his runs waiting for blocks to develop.

The Stallions aerial attack has been headed by vet Ben Rowan for the last three years during which time he has developed into a solid signal caller. The Quarterback benefits first and foremost from the Staff potent running game, taking advantage of defences overcompensating to stop the run. There aren't many QBs out there as adept at executing a play-fake as him.

The Stallions defensive units is just as grizzled as their offensive counterparts. Indeed the Dline is supplemented by a number of offensive players. This includes, notably, Buckley as well as Rob Pickerill who takes advantage of every inch of his 6ft 8 frame at Defensive end and can often be seen overwhelming opposition blockers. The linebacking core is as solid as ever and has conceded only 5 touchdowns in 9 games. This is a defence not to be taken lightly.

(Photos courtesy of Paul Briscoe)