End of the season interview with Coach Barnes
Will you be back as head coach of the Packers?
Yes. I will be back. That was never a question. I know that this season was disappointing to a lot of people but it was even more disappointing to us. We set the bar high for ourselves and there are few people more upset with how our season went then us.
You were brought in to make this offense better. Do you think you did that?
Yes. We may not have set the league on fire stat wise, but we were better overall. Offense isn't just about scoring points. You have to be able to find ways to move the football consistently and handle what defenses throw at you. We were able to move the ball better as the season went along. We didn't always produce points because we didn't execute, had key penalties or just made mistakes that cost us.
How do you plan to correct the problems that plagued the team this season?
It starts by evaluating everything we did this season. I have already begun recruiting. You can never have too much talent in camp. We will have some players return and some won't. That is football. We have to change things for the better. We had a good camp last year. Camp in 2010 will be tougher. We will be mentally tougher than we were this year in 2010. We now have a full season in the offense and Defensively we will be even better next season as we will expand our playbook.
Why did you think the 3-4 would be a good fit for this team?
I felt the 3-4 fit this team because we have the perfect mix of size and speed to run it. We have edge rushers that can drop into coverage. We have a big nose to clog holes and occupy two blockers. We have talent at the inside backers. We just have to step up our game. We let doubt beat us this season.
What do you have planned for 2010?
I plan to continue recruiting. We plan on having another tryout over the winter and a rookie camp a few weeks after that. Then in the spring we will have our minicamps. We will also look to continue our community work with another youth clinic. This time we will look to open it to more than the Yonkers Gladiators. We will committ to getting better on and off the field. We will have a face in the community.
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SCHEDULE CHANGE HAS PACKERS GOING BACK TO HARTFORD!
The Packers(2-4-1) wrapped up their home schedule with an abismal loss to the Hudson Valley Cowboys 42-16. Now they will travel back to Hartford, Connecticut to face the New England Knights to make up their rain out from three weeks ago. Things aren't looking too good right now as the Packers have are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. Even if they were to win out they would need major help. But the main obstacle for the Packers are themselves. The Packers can't stop turning the ball over and can't stop anyone. They are crumbling under an avalanche of penalties. To make matters worse they are more content to fight each other rather than beat their opponents. If this team squeeks into the playoffs how bad is everyone else? The main thing is the Packers need to get back to basics. Simple football. No turnovers. Field position. Score points. Right now this team does none of theose well which is indicative of their record. and the fact that they aren't mathematically eliminated is a miracle in itself. With the final three games taking shape and all on the road the chances of them making the postseason couldn't be worse. The questions we are all asking now is what will be the result of what is starting to look like a lost season? Will there be a coaching change in the works? Will there be a roster makeover. Will there be both? Owner Mike Elia has gone on record saying his coaches are in place, but the rumors are still running rampant so we have to wait and see. Many acquisitions haven't lived up to the billing and what happens there? Many veterans don't look happy. Will they return? As the exclusive website columnist for the Packers here is my opinion. I believe the staff is fine but needs to get more control. They seem too trusting and not enough iron fist like Coach George Davis was. I believe the offense will work as players continue to log in time. The offense does look better now than it did in the opener agains the Longhorns when they had 30 yards rushing. They have had injuries and the offensive line struggles appear to be past them. The defense is really scary. They are bleeding points right now. They have allowed a combined 62 points in their last to games and the lowest total in the tow was 20. Points wise the rank in the bottom in points allowed in the BNEFF. That is where they need to shift focus because even when the offense scores they can't stop anyone. The secondary needs major improvement. Too many big plays. The Packers will have to find answers in less than a week because the Knights are fighting for their playoff lives and have every intention of making the Packers their next victims. All of us here in Packer land hope that the Pack have a reversal of fortune. Very, very soon.
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End of Training Camp Report
And so it begins. As we close the book on Camp "Hollywood" if you want to call it that since that was Coach Barnes alias in his playing days, we now get to look forward to what this season brings. We will also take a look at the possible starters based on training camp. Now I will base the projections on what I saw in the preseason and not the coaches actual depth chart which they haven't shared with us as of yet. Here's what we have learned of the Packers from training camp. We now know that the team will be led offensively by Jason Walker. Walker has been stellar in camp and was solid in the team's preseason game against the Storm. We have seen the emergence of the passing game with Anthony Moll, Serge Rodriguez and Javon Brunson leading the way. The running game continues to look strong as the backfield by committee approach has worked with Nashid Shipman, Baron Albury and Akil Meyers pounding out camp, and you still have to account for the ageless Tim Hudson. The Offensive Line is still big and strong and can dominate the line of scrimmage. The defense remains tough as nails even with the switch in scheme. The secondary has returning vets leading the way like Chris Riggans. The Linebackers will benefit from the additions of Mickey Matias, Eric Wilson and Greg Gonzalez. Plus the move of James Perrineau from end to OLB will have a huge impact. Veteran Charles Burney anchors a tough and physical defensive line. The surprise signing of Rashid Darrisaw has not just provided another receiving option and top notch defender, but also gives them the dynamic return man every team needs. There are many more names that I can mention but with 50 players on the roster it would take all day. Here are the projected starting lineups for the Packers opening day. Don't fault me if the coaches have other ideas.
Offense
QB-7 Jason Walker
RB-6 Nashid Shipman
FB-34 Mike Elia
TE-88 Serge Rodriguez
WR-85 Anthony Moll
WR-8 Javon Brunson
LT-69 Chanton Stevenson
LG-77 Conrad Colemam
C-54 Rolando Ruiz
RG-62 Nick Silverstein
RT-58 Sam Olijimi
Defense
NT-98 Edwin Ortiz
RE-94 Tim O'Neal
LE-55 Charles Burney
OLB-0 Eric Wilson
OLB-26 Conroy Jackson
ILB-10 Mickey Matias
ILB-5 Ronald Tyson
CB-1 Chris Riggans
CB-21 Rome Lee
FS-4 Chris Power
SS-32 Ruben Poras
Special Teams
K-17 Billy O'Connell
P-23 Baron Albury
PR-2 Rashid Darrisaw
KR-28 Akil Meyers
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Uhh and 2!
The Packers failed to impress for the second straight game as they lost 20-0 to the Nassau Punishers. Rookie QB Angel Nerys making his first start in the place of injured starter Jason Walker was just that a rookie as he was harassed and battered. The vaunted Packer rushing attack was absent for the second straight game. The defense actually played tough allowing just seven points in the first half. When we caught up to Coach Barnes after the game the Head Coach only had this to say "We are not playing good football right now. We need straighten things out fast or it will be too late." Rashid Darrisaw made his Packers debut although he wasn't much of a factor. This was a good Punisher team against a bad Packer team. Now they must try once again to regroup against the NY Raiders (0-2) on Sunday at Lincoln.
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Packers Lockdown Raiders!
Sunday afternoon saw two winless teams take the field at Lincoln High School in Yonkers. At the end of the day the Packers left with the win. The Packers took the lead and never looked back as they won 18-0 over the NY Raiders. It is not only their first win of the season but the first win for Coach Barnes as a Head Coach. The Packers would pound the Raiders defense with their running game as they gashed the Raiders for over 150 Yards as a team rushing. The Packers would strike first as Nashid Shipman would score his first TD as a Packer on a 12 yard run. The Pack would move the ball but turnovers and mistakes would keep them from scoring again until right before the half as Angel Nerys would connect with Anthony Moll for a 65 yard strike. The last Packer score came on a 22 yard strike from Nerys to Javon Brunson as time expired. The Packers defense played lights out as they notched their first shutout under new coordinator Dave Collier. When asked about the defense Coach Collier said "We made some adjustments this week and they paid dividends. Our guys are starting to get settled in and find their game." The Packers will hit the road for 3 straight games as they now face a rematch of Bizhub Bowl I as they meet their old rival the NYS Broncos.
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Slipping Away!
Latest Packers loss puts season in doubt.
The Packers took a big shot on the chin Saturday night in Harlem as they were decked by the Venom 20-7 to fall to 1-3-1 on the season. Even with a forfeit win coming up against the NJ Wolverines their season is still in doubt. There is a slim chance that the Pack will find the postseason oasis as they are below .500 and have the toughest stretch of their season left. Two of the top three teams remain on their schedule and with one of those on the road where the Packers are 0-1-1 it could be a rocky finish. The performance against the Venom wasn't very encouraging as they allowed the Venom to push them around the field. The offense had great moments and then had many horrible moments where they couldn't find a receiver in the huddle. Penalties were also a problem. The Packers find themselves in a situation that has very little chance of finding the promise the season once had. And the next time they take the field will be against the undefeated Hudson Valley Cowboys.
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Packers Run Away with Win against Storm!
Packers 28
Storm 6
Scoring Summary
1st QTR- Meyers 79 yard kickoff return (Shipman run)Packers 8 Storm 0
1st QTR- Shipman 4 yard run (conversion failed)Packers 14 Storm 0
2nd QTR- Rodriguez 6 yard TD reception (Shipman Run) Packer 22 Storm 0
3rd QTR- Gumbs 39 yard Td reception (conversion failed) Packers 22 Storm 6
3rd QTR- Albury 8 yard run (conversion failed) Packers 28 Storm 6
NWO 4 Life
The Packers offensive line AKA NWO was dominant as they paved the way for a potent running game. All three backs had big games not just because of the running styles but because of great blocking. They owned the line of scrimmage and opened holes for the RBs to score twice.
Meyers kills again!
Akils Meyers ran up, down, under and over defenders with his Felix Jones like performance. He returned the opening kickoff for a TD, then proceeded to run for big yards in the backfield. Meyers speed adds another dimension to the offense.
Roughing the Passer!
The Packers defense created plenty of pressure as they harassed the QBs all day long. Charles Burney sacked the QB twice and a host of others found the QB just as he released the ball. So much for the notion that the Pack would lose pass rush with the switch to the 3-4.
Patroling the skies!
The secondary managed to grab 3 interceptions as Rome Lee and Chris Riggans led the way. There were a few big hits as well. The secondary has been impressive so far this preseason.
inactive
Everyone was looking to see all the new Packers and noticed that one was missing. Rashid Darrisaw was inactive for Sunday's preseason game with a sprained ankle. He should be back and ready to make his Packers debut week 1 against the Longhorns.
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Training Camp Preview - Kickers
The Packers haven't had a consistent kicker since the glory days of Tom Rooney. Now they will have open competition for the kicking duties. Last year Chris Powers handled the kicking duties and Baron Albury handled the punting duties. They will face competition from Billy O'Connell for both spots. Not many teams have a guy with the leg to hit from beyond 30 yards consistantly but they have that in Powers. His accuracy will be the key in that battle. It maybe Albury that gets pushed for the Punter spot since O'Connell is an excellent punter and is stronger at punting than kicking. Expect that they will puh each other and they just might add an established kicker if they don't see a solution.
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Home Again!
It has been almost a decade since the Packers took the field at Lincoln High School in Yonkers. Week 2 against the Nassau Punisher will be a homecoming as the Packers will return to the site of their multiple NEFA championships. For many years the Packers called Lincoln home and now they will cal the newly resurfaced grass home as they try to right the ship after their week 1 debacle against the Longhorns. Recently the Packers have used Tibbetts Brook Park, Gorton High School, Saunders High School, and Torne Valley Recreational Center as their home fields the past two seasons. Last week they played at Tibbetts. It was supposed to be Bronxille High School but a fire on the turf changed that. Lincoln has underwent a facelift with a resurfaced grass field and a brand new track. When we asked Owner Mike Elia why the change he explained "Tibbetts was available to us but the time slots are so strict there is no room for error. With Lincoln if we are to run over we aren't interfering with soccer or anyone elses permit time." The Packers will hope the return to Lincoln will also mean the return of their success there. They won 3 straight NEFA titles on that field from 1997 - 1999. After a rough start the Packers are looking for a change of fortune. Will the ghosts of Lincoln help?
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Mother Nature isn't always a football fan. After a 45 minute lightning delay the game was called after a steady downpour left the field soaked and unplayable. The Packers will have to wait until they go to Harlem to take on their old rival the NY Venom.
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ALL TIED UP!
Sunday's weather was wet and dreary. At the end of Sunday's game between the Packers and Broncos it didn't get much better. The Packers and Broncos tied 6-6 at Pelham Bay Park in a battle of division rivals. The Broncos would strike first after the Packers offense went three and out on their opening drive. The Broncos hit on a deep ball for a 6-0 lead. That lead would hold into the second half. Now this season the Packers have had their share of bad luck. Especially when it comes to the QB position. They lost starter Jason Walker in the season opener and have relied on a rookie the few weeks. So what do you do when both QB's are out and your emergency QB is running late? Enter starting WR Javon Brunson. Brunson has been the top scorer for the Packers as he has scored 3 TDs in the first three games. He would throw his first TD as a QB to TE Serge Rodriguez to tie the game 6-6. That would be the last score of the day as miscues and defensive stands would leave us with that after one overtime. So the Packers (1-2-1) will now head up to Connecticut to face the New England Knights on Saturday night in another divisional matchup.
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Training Camp Preview - Quarterbacks
This was a problem position last year for the Packers as it was a revolving door position. Several players started at QB last year from Trevor Hairston, Tony Lingard and Steve Torres. All are gone as the Pack will start fresh at QB. Competing for starting spot are Jason Walker and Dennis Mikalski. Dennis is the elder statesman of the group. This south paw has the arm to make all the throws and the experience to lead any offense. Jason Walker is the young gun who has seen the BizHub Bowl. He will look to take a second team back there. Walker and Mikalski have earned roster spots but the competition for the starting job is far from over. The Packers are still working on adding a third horse to this race. The main thing about the quarterback position is that they aren't as concerned as finding a playmaker as much as a guy that will make solid decisions with the football. In essence the QB must "drive the bus". So far they have the drivers, now they will have to see who drives best.
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Training Camp Preview - Defensive Backs
The Packers have had solid Defensive Backs since their return in 2007. This year will be the biggest challenge as opposing teams work on improving their passing games. Returning to the team are Rome Lee, Corey Fannin, Paul Malave and Jow Melendez. All are experienced players with solid skills and provide four quality starters. Newcomers Jahnel Leandre and Adrein Dee provide depth and athleticism but are inexperienced. Expect them to contribute on a limited basis as they are works in progress. There are a few things missing. They do not have a shut down corner or a safety that scares QBs or WRs. All great secondaries have an enforcer and they need to find out who that is. Expect that they will settle the depth and other issues during camp.
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2009 Season: The joke was on us!
With the 2009 season now over for the Packers, we have a clear picture of how the 2009 season has turned out. A final 2-6-1 record to show for their efforts in some cases a lack there of it was a lackluster season that disappointed many. How could this happen? Wasn't this team a favorite to win the Empire conference and compete for it's second title in three years? It appears we were all fooled by the Packers preseason efforts. Let's look at the season as a whole. We start back in January with the announcement of a new Head Coach. Jeff Barnes would become only the third head coach in the team's 40 year history. Coach Barnes was brought in highly touted by his peers as not only a player's coach, but a offensive guru that would reshape the Packers sluggish attack. Overall his offense was a much needed breath of fresh air as it did change the team's chances of winning games. He brought in a flexible system that was more complex in the passing game than his predecessor, but also left an opening for teams to create more turnovers. That is exactly what happened. The offensive line struggled out gate as the running game stalled. They struggled to protect their quarterbacks. Their starting quarterback would go down on the second play from scrimmage in the opener leaving them with an untested 19 year old rookie to drive the offense. Angel Nerys struggled to adapt as he could not get in rhythym as he was hounded by defensive players constantly. His no show to the Bronco game left them with their starting reciever to lead the offense. His blowup at the Venom game lead to his expulsion. Jason Walker did return to the lineup for the Venom game and was effective moving the offense, but threw too many interceptions as he tried to get in sync with his receivers. The running game became more effective as the season went a long but produced few big runs. The tandem of Anthony Moll and Javon Brunson did produce touchdowns, but they were streaky at best. Serge Rodriguez was a solid option at TE.
Then there was the defense. New defensive coordinator Dave Collier had his hands full converting this defense to a 3-4. From what we saw in the preseason they had the parts. Unfortunately they were square pegs in round holes. The defense didn't totally believe in the system and struggled all season. Chris Riggans was a rare top performer in the secondary. The front seven was solid. But the secondary would break often. Eric Wilson was solid at linebacker and Joe Middleton was a solid nose tackle. As losses and injuries piled up the unit became depleted.
The 2009 version of the Westchester Packers failed to live up to expectations for one main reason. They were not a team at all. They failed to play together which showed as we watched from the stands. You saw the clicks on the sidelines, the disgruntled veterans bickering about playing time, the lack of unity on the field. Too many blown assignments. Too much arguing. Hopefully 2010 will give us something to look forward to as the Packers will miss the postseason for the first time since their return in 2007.
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Training Camp Preview - Defensive Line
The strength of the Packers for several years has been a tough defense. That will continue under new defensive coordinator Dave Collier. The defesive has been one of the most dominant units in the league for years. Two of the team's Allstars are on the defensive line. Returning are Edwin Ortiz, James Perrineau and Charles Burney. Demetruis Grampus returns to the Packers after playing for the Broncos last season. Ortiz will be solid at the nose as Grampus and Veteran Joe Middleton will spell him. Perrineau will slide down to end and try to maintain the high level of play he's demonstrated in the old 4-3 system. Burney has been a dominant defensive end who can also play outside backer. The loss of Allan Boyd is the only blow to this unit. There are several newcomers that will contribute to the rotation.
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Training Camp Preview - Wide Receivers
Talk about clean house. After an inconsistent passing game for many reasons hurt this team's pursuit of a second BNEFF Title. The Packers cleared the roster of all the Receivers on the 2008 roster with just one exception, and that one person is Lou Villa. Out are allstar WR Chris Blackwell and C.J. Buchanan to name a few. A clean slate was needed for 2009 and that is just what the Packers have done. Two key additions have been Anthony "Red" Moll and Javon Brunson. The two former Broncos are looking forward to the challenge of becoming the playmaking receiving duo. Both bring youth to the position. Moll was has the speed and route running ability to challenge secondaries across the league. Brunson has the unique size (6-4 205) and speed combination to give opposing cornerbacks headaches. He can outjump defenders as well as outrun them. Both will team with Villa who has the precise route running ability to be the possession reciever in the slot. But that is where the positives end as there is no depth behind them at this point. Be sure that the front office will address that issue as an injury would hurt threefold since there is no depth.
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Training Camp Preview - Linebackers
The heart and soul of the Packers defense has been in the linebackers. The Pack will return a full compliment of linebackers plus many new additions that will bolster the position. Returning are Allstar Conroy Jackson, Ronald Tyson and Richie Salerno. Both will look to keep their spots in the lineup as they will fend off newcomers Mickey Matias, Eduardo Rivera and look for Greg Gonzalez to push for the outside linebacker spot. You also have players from the DE position that can play the OLB spot as well. Matias and Salerno should form a nice inside combination. Gonzalez has a motor that can go all day and he and Jackson would form a tough combination. Young players like Rivera will provide soid depth and youth to the position.
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Training Camp Preview - Running Backs
Injuries and retirement are the keywords here. Dwayne Lofton's retirement and Morgan Van Dunk's Injury have hurt the depth at the position. Both were major parts of the teams offense that was powered by the running game. Returning only George Del Rosario and Baron Albury to the roster in 2009. Both are solid runners with Del Rosario resuming his fullback duties. Albury will compete for carries. Enter Nashid Shipman. Shipman's Marion Barber like running style will pay dividends. The key thing will be depth. So far there is little room for injury. Expect major moves to be made to address that issue.
Coming Soon: Quarterbacks
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If you like the 4-3, you will like the Phillips 3-4.
Most people hear 3-4 defense and think big nasty defensive linemen and big tough linebackers. They also think of great outside linebackers like Lawrence Taylor, Andre Tippett, Derrick Thomas, Shawn Merriman and Demarcus Ware. The one thing they all had in common was that they player outside linebacker in the 3-4. What most do not know is that they all played in different styles of 3-4 and were all successful. The version that is rapidly becoming popular today is the Bum Phillips 3-4. This 3-4 defense uses a 1 gap front and shades the defensive line. The outside backers are usually defensive ends that can drop into coverage so you already have 5 pass rushers on the field. The inside backers do not have do be large just smart players since the guards will not get a free run at them. In case of a spread offense you can pull you outside backer over the slot without exposing the inside run. It also allows you to keep the advantage on the edge as you have a slot trying to block a bigger outside linebacker. You always have the ability to blitz from anywhere and drop anyone into coverage. You must play stout inside at the NT position. Size is not the biggest factor as much as playing within the role. If you can put open minded defenders with good athletic ability in positions were they can succeed you will be fine.
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Training Camp Preview - Tight Ends
Tight end has been ignored by most defenses for 2 years. That should change this year as the tight end role will expand. With the returning players at the position plus new additions should bolster it. Returning will be Serge Rodriguez and Mike Elia. Both are excellent blockers with solid hands. Count on the addition of Billy O'Connor to the mix and you have a quality set. O'Conner adds some speed to the position and will make it very hard for linebackers to match up. With teams blitzing to bring added pressure these players will benefit immediately. The Packers still might add one more tight end to the mix.
Coming soon: Running Backs
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The Packers a proud to announce the first free agent signings of 2009.
Edward Rivera LB
Greg Gonzales LB/DE
Anthony Moll WR
Eric Wilson LB
Mickey Matias LB
Javon Brunson WR
Nashid Shipman RB
Claude Fernandez G
Sam Olujimi T
Dennis Mikulski QB
Billy O'Connell K/TE
There will be another announcement after the last minicamp in May with the next wave of free agents added to the roster.
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2009 BNEFF All Star Game
Keystone Allstars run away with another Unity Bowl Victory!
The Keystone Conference has been dominant ever since the interleague play began with the 2008 BNEFF Allstar game. Last year the Keystone escaped with a 8-0 win. This year there would be no doubt as they would never trail after jumping out to a 12-0 lead in the 1st quarter. The Empire would get on the board with a Matthew Hewitt 74 yards TD pass to Donell Williams. The Longhorns passing connection would be the only score of the first half for the Empire. Hewitt would throw an interception with just minutes left in the first half to give the Keystone the ball deep in Empire territory setting up Greg Garrett for the first of his two Td runs to put the Keystone ahead 20-6 at the half. The Keystone would score two more touchdowns to increase their lead in the 4th quarter to 34-6. A late Rashid Darrisaw score made it a final 34-12 win for the Keystone. Packers Head Coach Jeff Barnes and Owner Mike Elia shared playcalling duties. Charles Burney, James Perrineau, Lamar Williams, Conroy Jackson and Rolando Ruiz represented the Pack well. Coach Barnes would comment after the game "You have to give it to the Keystone players. They made the plays to win the game. We didn't. It always comes down to what happens between the lines. They earned it." Well with the success of the 2009 Unity Bowl expect the BNEFF to build towards the kickoff of the 2009 season.
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Official Announcement
The Westchester Packers Minor League Football Team is proud to announce the signing of their new Head Coach, Jeff Barnes. As you can see from the below bio, Jeff Barnes has been in the local football community as both a player and as a coach for nearly two decades. So, while Jeff is new to the Packers, he is not new to the game and most importantly not new to either the players or team officials. In fact, several of them have played along side him and known him for years so Jeff will have an established relationship advantage most new coaches coming into a program won't have. While at the same time, the Packers will be getting the benefit of an infusion of fresh ideas and outside perspective as we move the program forward.
As you know, the Packers is Westchester 's oldest Minor League Football Team with over forty years of history and seven league championships trophies in its possession with the most recent coming in 2007. In addition to playing great football over the years, we have also been working on building our ties with the community. To that end, 2009 is going to be a breakout year for the Packers and we hope to be able to keep you in the loop about our progress. As always, if you have any questions about our upcoming season, players, management or games check our team website for more information.
Coach Jeff Barnes attended Mount Saint Michael Academy in the Bronx where they won 3 division titles and the 1992 CHSFL Championship. He led the league in interceptions his senior year. In 1994, he would go on to attend Grambling State University where he would meet his mentor the late Eddie Robinson. He would leave during the spring of his freshman year after the birth of his daughter and would join the Bronx Bengals. There he would play 5 seasons and earn three all-star nominations. After retiring in 2000 he became the DB coach and assistant defensive coordinator for the Harlem Hurricanes. That season they would win their only Division and Conference championships. In 2001, he became the team's defensive coordinator. He returned to the playing field with the Rockland Bruins in 2002 and retired for good with the Mt. Vernon Wolverines after the 2004 season. He would become their offensive Coordinator in 2005. After a 2 year hiatus, he returned to coaching in 2008 with the New York Spartans as their Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach. He led an offense that was first in the BNEFF (Big North East Football Federation) in average yards per game averaging 300 yards.
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Riggans Resigns, Collier Takes over as Defensive Coordinator!
Isadore Riggans has resigned as defensive coordinator siting family health issues. We wish Coach Riggans the best and hope one day he can return to the Packer staff. Owner Mike Elia would release this statement "Izzy has been a Packer for a long time and is a major part of this organization. We understand this is a tough time for him and his family and respect his decision. We wish him the best and hope that he will return when he is ready. Izzy will always be a Packer." Coach David Collier was brought on board to take over as offensive line coach and with his past experience as a defensive coordinator was named to replace him. "Coach Collier's defensive philosophy makes him the logical choice to succeed Izzy" said Coach Barnes. "His coaching style will be appreciated by the players."
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