FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL
Ohio Red Bullsexude toughness
Fanfare:
On Sept. 24, a local football team won its league championship against the odds by beating a powerful Columbus area team.
Unfortunately, not too many people got to see this feat even though it was played locally at home at Campbell Memorial Stadium. Those who attended the game saw their team emerge with a hard-fought victory and shutout 14-0. The team I speak of is the Ohio Red Bulls, a semi-pro football team sponsored by Pepsi, and a franchise of the USFA.
This team qualified for the playoffs weeks ago as a wild card with a 5-5 record, and upset their division rivals, Penn-Ohio Raiders (8-2), 23-6. This earned them the right to play the powerful division champions, Beaver County Warriors (10-1 ) on the road for the AFC title and the right to advance to the USFA Championship. The local boys did it again, overcoming the odds, 16-13, to set up the showdown against the 11-1 NFC Champions Columbus Cowboys.
Those of us who followed the Bulls all season saw great leadership and play from players Nate Logan, Toby Walker, Keith Weaver, Dwayne Thomas, Jimmy Green, Chawn Edmondson, Edwin Caffie and the other veterans on the team. We saw incredible offensive playmaking from Ray Marrow (USFA M.V.P.), Twon Ahart, Abdul Jordan, Ike Griffin, Jack Henderson and the rest of the guys. Solid special teams from specialists John Galbraith, Aaron Thomas and Bill Miller. Tough hard-nosed play from all-star Charlie Owens, and the rest of the unsung linemen. The USFA's top rated defense, led by defensive playmakers Michael Nuzzo, Ray Betts, Michael Witherow, Jason Salman, Marcus Lawrence and Dajuan Underwood. Owner and head coach Will Smith, along with the rest of his dedicated staff of coaches, were a class act throughout the season.
I am writing this letter to show our appreciation for the team's hard work and dedication. Semi-pro football is very exciting, entertaining, and affordable for everyone. I hope next season the media (Vindicator, 1240 the fan, and WFMJ) will start to cover these home-grown dedicated athletes. I encourage all football fans to follow the Bulls as they defend their championship next season.
Joseph Stasiak
Youngstown