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Coach's Corner with the Baltimore Mariners Chris Simpson: Week 11

April 29, 2010 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Baltimore Mariners News Release


BALTIMORE, MD (April 29, 2010) - Last season, we did not do well as a team on the road, especially on our overnight trips. Our first overnight trip in 2009 turned into a nightmare as the Columbus Lions completely dominated us in an 82 - 19 win. A last second 53 - 50 loss to the River Rats in Erie, and, a 62 - 38 loss to the South Carolina Force in Greenville put a huge traveling monkey on our backs. We ended the 2009 road campaign with a 3 - 4 record.

The big question going into the 2010 season was, "Why did we struggle so badly on the road?" Was it the travel itinerary? Was it the player personnel? Was it a mental preparation issue? There were a hundred other questions just like these. We opened the 2010 season with a road win in Harrisburg and finished a three game circuit with a big win in Fayetteville to put us at 4 - 0 on the road.

I believe it came down to two things, maturity and focus. As a staff, we considered the trip to Fayetteville as a "Trap" game. We had just come off a big win against the defending AIFA Champs in Reading and were going to face a pretty good team in the Guard. If there was a letdown in preparation and execution, this game could very well reach up and bite us on the back end. We came home to Baltimore with a 91 - 19 win. The players understood what was at stake and that this game was an important step in winning the Eastern Conference; maturity and focus.

Now, our attention is on the Harrisburg Stampede. The battle with our neighbors to the North has turned into a great rivalry. While we hold a 3 -1 series edge over the Stampede, neither team has beaten the other by more than ten points. The games are competitive and entertaining. These are the type of games we like to be a part of. These are the challenges we must face, and conqueror, in order to win a national championship.

What's at stake when the Stampede travels to Baltimore on May 2? For them, avenging a 55 - 48 loss to the Mariners at the beginning of the season. For the Mariners, gaining a two game lead in the Eastern Conference and the continuation of an undefeated season.

"We choose to go...not because [it is] easy, but because [it is] hard, because that goal will serve to measure and organize the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win." A great quote by JFK. This team does not shy away from challenges. We will see you this Sunday.

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