Two Games in Six Days Not Seen as Issue for Playoff Bound Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland (June 25, 2009) –Baltimore Mariners Head Coach Chris Simpson has probably faced worse dilemmas in his coaching career, as he prepares for two games within six days, but Simpson is confident he, his staff, and players are up to the task.
The Mariners must play their regular season finale against the D.C. Armor this Saturday, June 27th at 7:00 PM at 1st Mariner Arena, then in less then a week; take on the Reading Express in a first round playoff game. In preparing for the Mariners home finale Simpson noted, “We still need to maintain our edge. Each week we focus on getting better. This game is no different. We need to use this game as a spring board into the playoffs.” It is also likely the Armor will not let the Mariners rest on their playoff laurels. After back to back drubbings at the hands of Baltimore on May 30th (57-25) and June 6th (57-28) the Armor have assembled their first two-game win streak, have a chance to beat their I-95 rivals to close out the season, and can finish third in the division in their inaugural season.
Following their game against the Armor, the Mariners will then have only four days to prepare for their face off at the Reading Express (10-3), the North Division titlists, on Thursday, July 2nd at 7:00 PM. Simpson does not see the short week as a major challenge, “We do what we do best and force teams to stop us. You will not see us developing new game plans other than making adjustments according to what we see as tendencies from our opponent. It does not affect our practices.”
Reading, which will be making its fourth straight playoff appearance, has gone a collective 10-1 against the rest of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) in 2009, but is 0-2 against Baltimore. Despite their success against Reading this season, the Mariners will be making their first postseason visit. This in itself would qualify as a great season for many organizations, but Coach Simpson is not ready to stop there, “It’s great that this organization has produced its first playoff team. But, I won’t be satisfied until we win the championship.”
Many coaches when asked of their proudest moments of the season would cite a big win or a key decision they’ve made, but Simpson notes, “I’m proud that our team has great character. We have faced some tremendous adversity and still keep winning games. My players and coaches never quit fighting.” The Mariners are hopeful the team’s strength of character, and their ability to keep their eyes on the big prize, will net them two wins this week and move them one step closer to their ultimate goal, the AIFA championship.
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.
