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Last Updated: Feb 29, 2023 - 8:25:49 PM

By BAFL Media and Marketing
Feb 4, 2024 - 2:30:22 PM

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The British American Football League is delighted to announce the Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and League Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2006.

BAFL Rookie of the Year - 2006: Dudley Ross (East Kent Mavericks)

The 2006 BAFL Rookie of the Year is - for the second year running - a defensive player. Congratulations go to East Kent Mavericks middle linebacker Dudley Ross.

One of the success stories of the 2006 season was the involvement of the East Kent Mavericks. Despite not having a winning season, many were quick to point out that the Mavericks had been a force to be reckoned with and that they will play a big part in the BAFL in the future. Many of their games, especially at the start of the season, went right down to the wire with several of the Mavericks' opponents wondering why they hadn't scored more points over this rookie team. A lot of the grit, strength and determination that came to define the Mavericks was generated by one man - Dudley Ross.

Ross played an instrumental part in the Mavericks squad in 2006. Despite it being his first year, Dudley soon emerged as a leader and a figurehead both on and off the field. Dudley was soon appointed as a defensive captain and a player that the team rallied round. Dudley was never far from the action, playing middle linebacker, taking kick offs and 4th down punts and even stepping into the offensive line for plays when players had been taken off due to injuries. His statistics below show what a great asset he has been for the Mavericks, and his kick off average would be even higher, however being the savvy player that he is Dudley also completed a successful on-side kick. What these stats cannot show is Dudley's enthusiasm, team spirit and sense of fair play.

On being named Rookie of the Year Dudley commented, “It really came as a surprise, although we had some close games last season we finished the season 0-10. So it was a bit of a shock to pick up this award. I know that I’ve got a long way to go yet and hopefully I can help the Mavericks to a winning 2007 season’.

Dudley Ross - 2006 Statistics

52 solos tackles
26 assisted tackles
3 sacks
1 interception
4 forced fumbles
1 fumble recovery
20 punts for 643 yards = 32.15 yards average
18 kick offs 897 yards
1 out of 1 extra points

Other notable performances from last season were, Bristol Aztecs wide receiver Scott Meredith who posted 23 catches for 292 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Scott walked on to the football field, for the first time ever at the Aztecs combine in December 2005 - and never looked back. After a quiet start to the season, Scott had a break out game at Kent Exiles catching two touchdowns in a closely fought victory. He is now firmly established in the Aztec offense, although he missed all the playoffs while on honeymoon!

Sussex Thunder’s left tackle Ben Basson joined the team in February 2006 when he turned up at the clubs rookie day looking to play youth football. After just one session it was obvious to the coaching staff he was more than capable of stepping straight into the senior team. Ben has impressed at, arguably the most important position on the offensive line, left tackle. His willingness to learn, his athleticism and a very cool and calm temperament add up to a very promising future.

Ben had never played a game of football, kitted or flag, before February and by the start of the season had cemented his starting spot on the left hand side of the line. At the age of just 18 he is obviously still filling out, but standing six feet four inches tall and weighing in at 300 pounds he has already created quite an impression around Division 2. He has caught the eye further afield as well, being invited to the NFLE combine trials and by being scouted by Millikin College in Wisconsin.

Another lineman who was in the running was Norwich Devils David Griffiths - right guard from the Norwich Devils.
At five feet eleven inches tall and 190 pounds, David played in all twelve games (starting the last eight) anchoring an offensive line that blocked for 1760 rushing, 1287 passing yards, only allowing three quarterback sacks and being responsible for blocking on nearly all of the 32 offensive touchdowns. David was also a standout on special teams contributing four tackles as well as playing on every team at some point in the season. As a defensive end in spot duty he also racked up four tackles and a solo sack. He had perfect attendance at every practice and game.

BAFL Coach of the year - 2006: Chris Janes (Oxford Saints)

Coach of the Year went to Division 2 Champions Oxford Saints coach Chris Janes.

Janes, an Oxford stalwart, started his coaching career with the Saints in 1992. Initially taking charge of the linebackers, Janes progressed to defensive co-ordinator the following year and onto Head Coach in 1995. He remained as Head Coach until 2003 when he took the role of Oxfords Director of Football, taking the reins as Head Coach again in 2004. Janes led the Saints to an almost perfect 2006 season posting a 9-1 record in the regular season, in the process outscoring their opponents 307 to 68.

In the Play-offs the winning streak continued, culminating in one of the most exciting and nail-biting finals in British American Football history, with the Saints clinching the Division two national championship game by a single point with only seconds remaining on the game clock.

“Shocked to say the least”, was his response on being named Coach of the Year, he continued, “This award is down to all the other coaches at the Saints and the veteran players. I have been so lucky with the quality and character of all my staff”.

BAFL League MVP - 2006: Michael Andrew (London Olympians)

The League MVP is a player who had an excellent regular season in 2006 and topped it off with 31 carries for 278 yards and 3 touchdowns - a performance that won him MVP honours in BritBowl XX - Michael Andrew running back from the London Olympians.

Michael’s reaction to winning the award was “ I was surprised! Although I was happy with my performances over the whole year it’s something I didn’t really expect. My season did start a little slowly due to injuries, so to win the MVP award was a real surprise”.

On his BritBowl MVP Performance he said “I couldn’t believe it when someone said I was heading for 300 yards. It was the most carries in a game I’d had all season, there are plenty of good running backs at the Olympians and we share the workload. I was very pleased with the performance of the whole team in that game, the Blitz made us fight all the way”.

Despite having a VIP ticket for Superbash IV, Michael was unable to attend the event due to his training programme as he prepares for his opportunity with NFL Europa.

© Copyright 2007 by BAFA.org.uk

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