Troy's Fighting Irish Semi-Pro Football Team: Fighting Irish News
 | |||
| |
By Mike Cioffi
The Record
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — The Troy Fighting Irish semi-pro football team's trip to Homestead, FL for the AAA American Football News Today national championship game didn't turn out as planned Sunday night. The Irish, who were attempting to unseat the defending AAA national champion Carolina (NC) Eagles, found themselves down 22-0 early and were never able to recover, suffering a 22-12 setback in the title game at the Harris Sports Complex in Homestead.
"We didn't play up to our potential, but we'll be back and we're going to win it," Troy head coach Pete Porcelli said.
The game got off to an inauspicious start for Troy, the back-to-back Northeast Football Alliance champions, as they were dealt a severe blow when four-year starter and mainstay at the quarterback spot, Ryan Job went down with a broken collarbone in the first quarter. At that point the Irish trailed 6-0. In Job's absence, linebacker Mike Cloutier came in and anchored the offense.
The game got off to an inauspicious start for Troy, the back-to-back Northeast Football Alliance champions, as they were dealt a severe blow when four-year starter and mainstay at the quarterback spot, Ryan Job went down with a broken collarbone in the first quarter. At that point the Irish trailed 6-0. In Job's absence, linebacker Mike Cloutier came in and anchored the offense.
"We're comfortable with Ryan back there, he's our guy," Porcelli said. "Mike did an honorable job, playing both sides of the ball," Porcelli said.
Cloutier, who was named the team's MVP after the game, led the Irish to their lone points in the title match, but it wasn't enough for the Irish, who captured the Florida Bowl last season at the Sunshine extravaganza at the same venue.
Cloutier led the 2005 Lansingburgh High football team to the Class A Super Bowl at quarterback under Porcelli, the second-year coach who wasn't able to make the trip due to work obligations.
In additon to losing Job to injury, Troy was also without a number of standouts on both sides of the ball. Jahmel Tarver, A.J. Fararci, Jamie Merritt, Chris Williams and Mike Hepp weren't able to make the trip.
"Its unfortunate we couldn't be at full strength, no excuses though," Porcelli said.
"Its unfortunate we couldn't be at full strength, no excuses though," Porcelli said.
The Fighting Irish, who've compiled a 24-1 record over the past two season to accompany consecutive league titles, expect to have Job back healthy to open the 2012 campaign in May. The Irish will be looking to defend their league crowns and avenge this championship game loss when next season kicks off.
"We'll come back even stronger next year," Porcelli said.
"We'll come back even stronger next year," Porcelli said.
2011 Irish set to play for National Championship
2011 Andre McCauley has run Fighting Irish into National Title game
2011 Fighting Irish rally to win NFA title
2011 Something has to give when Troy's Fighting Irish meets Finger Lakes in NFA championship game
2011 Ryan Job passes Troy's Fighting Irish into NFA title game
2011 Troy's Fighting Irish defense can play a little, too
2011 Tarver steps up to lead Fighting Irish
2011 Big blue meanies: Troy Fighting Irish offensive line a talented, intimidating group
2011 Irish make Bulldogs look like pups
2011 Irish tame Dogs to remain unbeaten
2011 Troy's Fighting Irish's success comes the old-fashioned way hard work and preparation
2011 Troy beats on rival Colonials
2011 Troy's Fighting Irish to renew rivalry with Glove-Cities
2011 Troy powers past the Stallions
2011 Troy's Fighting Irish ready to kickoff, defend title
2011 Southern Tier Warriors Join NFA
2011 North Country Warriors Fold
2011 All Guts No Glory
2011 Fighting Irish Schedule
2011 Final Standings
2011 Same league, new look
2011 Bryan Sheldon signs with the Cleveland Gladiators
2010 Troy's Fighting Irish win Florida Bowl
2010 Troy Fighting Irish more than snowbirds: Troy team travels to Florida to win bowl game
2010 Troy Fighting Irish win NFA championship
2010 Irish set to play for NFA title
2010 Late drive lifts Irish into Championship
2010 Troy fights past Tigers for the win
2010 Fighting Irish roll over Cortland
2010 Irish rush for six touchdowns, shutout Bulldogs
2010 Locals have Irish off to unbeaten start
2010 Bryan Sheldon hoping to remove the semi and keep the pro
2010 Troy holds on for victory over Jamestown in home opener
2010 Fighting Irish, lightning spoil Titans opener
2010 Fighting Irish rush to victory over Revolution in season opener
2010 Irish ready for breakout
2010 Troys Fighting Irish Fill Coaching Staff, Seek League Title
2010 Final Standings
2010 Fighting Irish Schedule
2010 Fighting Irish Represented Well In Casino Bowl XV
2009 Troy's Fighting Irish To Go Pink
2009 Late Field Goal Helps Tigers Scratch by Irish
2009 Irish Take The Diesel Out Of Southern Tier
2009 Irish let Mallers Slip Away After Rain Delay
2009 Clawless Tigers Couldn't Scratch Troy's Undefeated Record
2009 Fighting Irish Hand Rome Rampage Home Loss 12-0
2009 Donald Hojnicki Memorial Fund
2009 Fighting Irish Giving Back To Local Athletes
2009 Fighting Irish Schedule
2008 National Harvest Bowl
2008 Irish Leash Dogs
2008 Troy Fighting Irish Earn Shutout Victory
2008 Fighting Irish Make Their Own Trail in St. Lawrence
2008 Lawson passes Mallers past Fighting Irish
2008 Albany Collars Troy 46-23
2008 Troy, Albany Hope To Rekindle Semi-pro Rivalry
2008 Fighting Irish Schedule
2007 Irish Capture First Win In Franchise History!
2007 Fighting Irish President (Sarah Gerwin) Named Troy Record's Person of The Week!
