Déjà vu for Mink: "Real Maulers" Set to Host Osceola
June 1, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Montgomery Bears News Release
( MONTGOMERY, AL) The Montgomery Maulers are coming off a bye week and gearing up for this Saturday's game against Osceola. This will be the second official meeting of the two teams, but the first meeting between Osceola and the "real" Montgomery Maulers. The two teams' first meeting came on April 28, when the Gulf Coast Raiders, a semi-pro team and member of the Southern States Football League (SSFL) in Florida, filled in as a last minute replacement team for the Maulers who were unable to make the trip. Osceola defeated the "Maulers" 72-12.
This weekend's game between the Maulers (3-6) and Osceola (6-3) should bring back a sense of déjà vu for Maulers Head Coach and Co-Owner Michael Mink. Mink, in addition to owning the Maulers, also owns and serves as head coach of the Gulf Coast Raiders. Mink coached the replacement Maulers in the first meeting with Osceola.
"I got a call at about 3:30 in the afternoon [on April 28] and was asked if I could get some of my guys together to come to Silver Spurs Arena and play in an indoor game that night," said Mink. "Honestly, I didn't know what we were getting into but figured it would be fun and memorable opportunity for a lot of the guys."
The Gulf Coast Raiders finished their 2006 inaugural regular season at 9-1, clinching the NFC Southern Division Championship and leading the SSFL in both Offensive and Defensive categories.
Despite, the 72-12 loss, Mink took a liking to the fast-paced game and intensity-filled atmosphere. "It's a whole different ball game...the game is so much faster and there is huge adrenaline rush playing in an arena and having the fans right over your shoulder yelling and taunting," said Mink. Mink has been able to continue his new found love for indoor football after Co-Owner/General Manager John Morris and Mink purchased the Mauler franchise on May 3. Mink has captained the Maulers to a 2-1 record since taking the reins as Head Coach.
"I am really excited about this weekend," said Mink. "I know that the guys are excited too. The guys were really disappointed that they weren't able to play in the April 28 game [in Osceola]...I think they are anxious to get the chance to show who the 'real Maulers' are...I don't doubt that we are going to have our work cut out, but this weekend's game should be a little different from the first meeting," said Mink. "[Osceola Head Coach] Marquette Smith runs a great program. His guys are really disciplined and have had a really good season thus far...it will be a test."
Osceola is also coming off a bye week. In their most recent game, Osceola was defeated 44-43 by the Florida Frenzy on May 20. Montgomery also suffered a heart-breaking loss on that same night, losing 47-46 in overtime to the Cincinnati Marshals.
With a win this weekend the Maulers would improve to 3-0 at the Garrett Coliseum and 3-1 overall since the change in ownership. Each remaining regular season game is crucial for the Maulers if they have aspirations of making the 2006 Playoffs. The Maulers are currently third in the Eastern Division and seventh overall in the NIFL Atlantic Conference. In past seasons, eight teams from each conference made play-offs.
Mauler players to watch this weekend: Running Back Charlie Rollins ( Alabama State University) and wide Defensive Back Jamaal Fletcher ( Alabama State University). Rollins led the Maulers offensively against the Marshals, averaging four yards per carry for 92 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Fletcher had a team-leading 11 tackles (6 solo/5 assisted) against the Marshals and is currently second in the NIFL averaging 7.1 tackles per game. Billing's Travis Salter currently leads the league with 7.2 tackles per game.
This Saturday's game is set for a 7:00 PM kick-off time at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. Saturday's game is sponsored by Clear Channel Radio, Montgomery and ABC 32. Souvenir Mauler thunder sticks will be given to the first 1,000 fans. Gates open at 6:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at Maulers headquarters at Eastdale Mall, at the Garrett Coliseum or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from June 1, 2006
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- Marshals Re-write Record Book in Victory Over Riversharks - The Marshals
- Osceola Ready to Take Care of Business - Osceola Ghostriders
- Déjà vu for Mink: "Real Maulers" Set to Host Osceola - Montgomery Bears
- Commentary: NIFL daily buzz - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
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