Four Hawks Set to Return to Central Valley
April 5, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Everett Hawks News Release
EVERETT - As the old saying goes, there's no place like home. For four Everett Hawks players, this weekend will serve as a homecoming of sorts, as they will be returning to Fresno, Calif., to face the Central Valley Coyotes, the team they suited up for last season.
Central Valley's top two receivers from 2006 now don the blue and gold of the Everett Hawks. The 2006 af2 Ironman of the Year LaMonte Jones and Marvin Brown are key cogs in the Hawks receiving corps. Jones hauled in 12 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown last week in Everett's 61-30 loss in Tulsa, while Brown was inactive for the game. FB/LB Vai Notoa was the starting fullback last week and picked up 26 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Hawks Offensive Coordinator Steve Papin also served as the defensive coordinator in Central Valley last season. This game holds extra special meaning for these four Hawks as they travel to Fresno for Saturday's game.
"There's definitely extra motivation, especially going against Coach B (Coyotes' Head Coach Fred Biletnikoff Jr.)," said Notoa, who was named second team all-National Conference a year ago. "He's taught me a lot the last two years, but I'm on a different side now."
For Fresno native and Fresno City College product Jones, the game holds even more meaning, as he will be returning home to play not only against his former mates, but also in front of many family and friends. To be effective, though, Jones knows he needs to treat this game just like any other.
"It's going to feel good to get support from friends and family," he said. "It's going to be an exciting game for me personally. I can't come in at a higher level this game and then go at a lower level another game. I have to stay at the same level and have the same mentality every game, come in to win."
For the Hawks to do just that and pull out a win against Central Valley, who is ranked #8 in the af2 Coaches' Poll, Everett will have to play much more disciplined football. They set a franchise-record with their 18 penalties last week and turned the ball over five times.
"The key is not to have any mental mistakes," Notoa said. "Everybody needs to be clicking or else we'll be back here next week (practicing during the bye week)."
Don't miss a minute of the exciting 2007 Everett Hawks season! The Hawks travel to Central Valley this Saturday night to take on the Coyotes at 7 p.m. The Hawks open their home slate at the Everett Events Center on Sunday, May 6, at 3 p.m. against the Central Valley Coyotes. Season tickets are on sale for as low as $40. To sign up for Hawks season tickets or for more information, call 425.252.4874 today!
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