After a bitterly disappointing season last year, the UEL Titans are looking to make their presence known and top the 2A South East Division this time out.
Last season, the Titans finished third in their division with a 3-5 record, ending the season with a defeat to fellow divisional rivals, City Sentinels. Although the debut season of the Titans didn’t go according to plan, there are high hopes within the club for them to come back better and stronger.
Optimism
In an interview for Rising East with Titans’ head coach Greg Ivison, he expressed his optimism for the upcoming campaign. “My expectations for the new season are that we will be competing for the top of the division; we have a talented team of players who, when performing at their best, can take on anyone.”
It is evident that there are high aspirations within the Titans camp and there were games last season in which they showed great character and determination to bounce back and get results. If they can carry that onto the upcoming season, there is a good chance that they can top the division.
Rookies
The beginning of a new season means new rookies – bringing in fresh faces is always a positive for any team and the coach is delighted with the talent he has: “The team is positive about the season, with the veterans that have stayed on and the rookies who are improving with every practice there is a real air of optimism.”
With the addition of new Quarterback John Paul Argyriou from America, the competition will be intensifying according to Ivison: “We have seen the competition rise with our previous QB developing his game and impressing.”
Of course bringing in someone from the home of American Football means expectations will increase that UEL have an advantage as a team. Ivision sees this as a positive.
“The offensive line has benefited from his experience and with the coaching from our offensive line coach, Leroy Owusu, it is going to be an offence to look out for.”
To have an offensive line that can protect the QB and help with the run game can lead to great things and that is what Owusu is looking to do.
Although there is optimism within the camp, there are areas that can be improved, “particularly on special teams. However, with each training session that goes by, confidence levels are increasing and that is what you need to be successful”, added Ivison.
The UEL Titans will begin their season on Sunday 27th November against the Anglia Ruskin Rhinos, who beat them in last year’s Varsity Game.