On April 6, 2019, the Baltimore Dockers sailed down to Richmond, Virginia to compete in the first-ever Mid-Atlantic Cup, hosted by a newly-formed USAFL club – the Richmond Lions. The complex was tremendous and the Lions were terrific hosts. Thank you very much for having us!
Baltimore Dockers versus North Carolina Tigers
The Dockers have been training since late January to get in top condition for the first game of the season, and it showed immediately. The club ran all over the Tigers and moved the ball seamlessly through the midfield. A couple hard hits by midfielder Johnnie O’Connor and defender Mike Horney knocked the Tigers out early. And a number of early goals by Brian Skaggs, Matty Byrne, Kit Drury, and Ian Payne quickly put the game out of reach.
In the second half, the Dockers piled on the scoring with additional goals by Skaggs, Byrne, Drury, and Nick Sisca. While the goal-kicking was concentrated between a handful of Dockers, the ball movement was not. It was impressive to watch the Dockers move the ball on all parts of the pitch. When the Tigers were able to possess the ball in their forward 50, the Dockers defense, led by Scott Bradford and Terrence McCauliffe, were able to keep their composure and patiently clear the ball towards the sideline or switch the ball to an open midfielder.
The Tigers scratched and clawed but it was not enough to sink the ship.
North Carolina Tigers
2.3.15
Baltimore Dockers
13.7.85
Women’s Game
The Baltimore Lady Dockers joined forces with the DC Lady Eagles to face the Virginia Generals men’s team. Warning: DO NOT MESS WITH THESE LADIES! They put a stomping on the Generals. IT. WAS. NOT. CLOSE.
The Baltimore Dockers representatives, Karen Stablein and Roxy Alei, put on a show throughout the game. Everything the Dockers have been working on in training was clearly demonstrated by our female teammates – sheparding, tackling, handpassing, kicking skills, and overall endurance.
The Generals had to retreat with their heads down as the Eagles laid droppings all over their army. Great work ladies!
DC Eagles Women
4.2.26
Baltimore Dockers Women
8.10.58
Baltimore Dockers versus DC Eagles
Once again, this long-time rivalry did not disappoint. The match was chippy from the beginning and the competition was evenly matched throughout the first quarter. But in between the first two quarters, the Dockers had a quick pep talk and reminded themselves why they are defending Division IV National Champions. The Dockers stepped on the gas pedal in the second quarter and left the Eagles in the dust.
Goals by Ian Payne, Jack Chalmers, Kit Drury, and Brian Skaggs allowed the Dockers to pull away pretty quickly. Strong ball movement through the middle of field by Jake Moyer, Nick Tyson, Jesse Galdston (Captain), and Cam Stewart tired out the Eagles midfield, allowing the Dockers to take advantage of scoring opportunities. Normally, Eagles are known for eating small animals, but the Dockers were selling them candy throughout the second half. Johnnie O’Connor and Nick Sisca AKA “Willy Wonka brothers” broke a few ankles with their quickness and agility.
Flying is cool but sailing is more fun.
DC Eagles
1.1.7
Baltimore Dockers
10.9.69
Awards Ceremony
In the all three games, the Baltimore Dockers executed the game plan crafted by coaches Ian Payne and Nick Sisca. And with two wins, the Baltimore Dockers men’s club was named Mid-Atlantic Cup Champions! This makes two championships in less than six months. It’s hard winning all the time. You get more haters. More clubs want to come at the throne. But this tournament was just another day at the office for the Dockers – kicked some goals, crushed some skulls, and enjoyed some celebratory beers. #Road2Repeat #Undefeated #NevaLost
Best on Ground for the tournament – Jesse Galdston
Dockers Iron Man Award – Cam Stewart
Well-deserved lads!
First-time Dockers players: Reese Garner and Jake Moyer
Thanks again to the Richmond Lions for hosting us!
