2019/20 Preseason Review

@ Nottingham 20/10/19

After a successful returners camp and first few weeks of training, preseason for the Sabres kicked up a notch as they travelled to the University of Nottingham for a joint scrimmage. For most the new rookies, it was their first experience hitting someone not wearing Sabres colours. The team was buoyed with the excitement and anticipation that had built in the lead up to the scrimmage.

The defensive units hit the ground running from the outset in their respective individual drills, with the Sabres front 7 dominating Nottingham’s run game and the defensive backs making several big plays. Highlights included big hits from OLBs Josh Clements and Raivo Koot (a heinously early favourite for rookie of the year), and rookie DL Calum Westaway forcing two fumbles.

The offense came out of the gates more tentatively, with a completely new offensive line and newly-converted QB Mark Price. As chemistry built throughout the day, the offense began to put together some big plays, including a long run by Raivo Koot, who put the team on his back by stepping in to play RB.

The second portion of the day belonged to the special team units. Several big plays were made by the Sabres, including a blocked punt by LB Josh Clements and a kick return TD by WR Rashalen Nayanah Rajh. Nottingham got experimental when it came to their turn to run punt, pulling out a fake that was broken up by the Sabres punt return team.

The day was concluded by alternating down-played drives for each team. After a long and hard-hitting day, both sides of the ball made a stuttering start, which included a drive in which the defence had forced Nottingham back to a 3rd& long, which they frustratingly converted with a comeback route on the right sideline. Rookie QB Ollie Martin stepped in for Mark Price, and as his confidence grew he began to get into his rhythm.

The trip to Nottingham was a fantastic learning experience for the players, especially the rookies, and the team will be looking to build on it as they now travel to Manchester for a second preseason scrimmage.

@ Manchester 27/10/19

The trip to the University of Manchester gave the Sabres an opportunity to put all the off-season’s hard work and everything learned at Nottingham onto the field in more game-like situations. Unlike Nottingham, everything throughout the day was 11v11.

The two teams alternated 10 plays each on offence, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to figure out which of their plays are most effective in each scenario. The Sabres started first on offence, and both new QB Mark Price and the new offensive line had built on their development during the Nottingham scrimmage. Despite the Sabres run game getting off to a slow start, the passing game was fast out of the blocks with Mark completing a long pass to WR Rashalen Nayanah Rajh. Towards the end of the first set of offensive playes, new RB (and *allam convert) Tom Shipton caught a swing pass and took it up the sideline for a big gain.

The defense also got off to a slow start, with Manchester quickly scoring a long rushing touchdown after great work from their offensive line. The defense responded almost immediately, with the next few plays seeing OLB Raivo Koot drop an interception and several tackles for loss by MLB Alex Garcia.

As the day went on, both sides of the ball picked up momentum, with QB Mark Price throwing several TDs as he grew into his rhythm, a long pass to rookie WR Akym Davis and two to WR Joe Batchelor in the goalline scenario. There were also several big defensive stops by both Alex Garcia and Raivo Koot, and newly converted DL George Condon forced a safety when the Manchester offense were backed up on their own goalline.

The Sabres carried over their special teams momentum from Nottingham, forcing two blocked field goals, both of which were recovered by the Sabres. The second was returned down the sideline to past midfield by rookie DB Nick Larsen.

Overall, a lot can be taken from both scrimmages. A great learning experience against Nottingham and then a well fought day against Manchester. Rookies on both sides of the ball have added a lot to the team, and the senior players are extremely excited to see where their development can take them. Now comes a big week, with both sides now aware of what they need to work on before the first regular season game against the Leeds Gryphons.