post

Gotsis competes in Bench Press at GT Pro Day

Former Warriors DT Adam Gotsis is well and truly on the road to recovery from an ACL tear only 4 months away from a full recovery.

Whilst Adam was invited to the Indianapolis Combine (Invitation only) he was not able to participate in any of the drills that the other NFL Draft hopefuls were undertaking. His knee was not cleared but his presence was there as Adam undertook medicals and also media in front of coaches and scouts all in attendance. One of the interviews from the combine can be found below:

 

Whilst rehabbing his knee is a priority, Adam was hopeful to participate in his Georgia Tech Pro Day which he did. Whilst there were no 40 yard dashes, no broad jumps, no vertical leaps or short shuttles, Gotsis was able to get sized up and use his arms in the Bench Press where he knocked out 23 reps at 225 pounds (or 102kg).

 

Whilst Georgia Tech’s Pro Day fell on the same day as the University of California (Cal Bears) and most scouts were looking at top prospect QB Jared Goff, there were still scouts and coaches present for the Pro Day, noticeably Atlanta Falcons HC Dan Quinn who met with Gotsis along with Atlanta Falcons Assistant General Manager Scott Pioli.

Georgia Tech defensive tackle Adam Gotsis chats with Falcons coach Dan Quinn as assistant general manager Scott Pioli listens in at the school’s pro day of Friday, March 18, 2016. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/dledbetter@ajc.com)

Georgia Tech defensive tackle Adam Gotsis chats with Falcons coach Dan Quinn as assistant general manager Scott Pioli listens in at the school’s pro day of Friday, March 18, 2016. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/dledbetter@ajc.com)

 

Whilst the conversation was a lengthy one, Gostis felt comfortable immediately with Coach Quinn who also coached up another Australian NFL player Jesse Williams at Seattle. “He was basically telling me to stay positive with the knee,” Gotsis said. “Things are going to happen for you. He thinks I’m a great player, basically (he said) look after that knee and you’re going to have a great career. Not to rush it, just enjoy it for what it is.”

Some NFL Analysts rate Gotsis a fit with the current champion Denver Broncos. Hear what they have to say in the NFL.com video here.

The New England Patriots have also uploaded video of Gotsis for their fans to view. That Patriots video can be found here.

It will be an exciting time for Adam as he waits anxiously for his name to be called in the 2016 NFL DRAFT which begins April 28, 8PM EST.

2016 GEORGIA TECH PRO DAY RESULTS

Name Ht. Wt. Broad Vert. 40 Shuttle Bench
B. Chamberlain 6-3 303 8’4” 23 5.45 4.8 20
Synjyn Days 6-0 221 10’3.5 32.5 4.51 4.25 24
Jamal Golden 5-10 197 9’10 34 4.62 4.39 9
Adam Gotsis 6-4 296 X X X X 23
Errin Joe 6-2 331 8’4” 23.5 5.51 4.84 18
T. Marcordes 6-3 245 9’10” 35 4.62 4.31 16
Chris Milton 5-10 187 10’3” 34 4.37 4.40 13
Patrick Skov 6-0 232 8’11” 30.5 X 4.32 31*
Demond Smith 5-11 200 10’1.5” 34 X X X
B. Snoddy 5-9 192 10’4” 32 4.42 4.2 15
D.J. White 5-11 193 X 34 X X X

* Skov penalised 5 reps for not locking out elbows

post

Warriors Defense holds strong against struggling Miners

Week 5 saw the Warriors travel back to Endeavour Hills to face a Berwick Miners outfit riddled with injuries.

The last time these teams met was in Week 1 where the Warriors came out comfortable winners 50-0. Since that outing, the Miners had improved significantly and were prepared to come into today’s game a lot more competitive than what they had been previously. The only thing working against them is injuries which unfortunately has taken a big toll of late.

Game day Captain was Nathan Markopolous who has been working hard at trainings and improved each week which has not gone unnoticed!

The Warriors are well known this season for fast starts and were expected to come out firing however the Offense could not get moving earlier committing too many mistakes and too many penalties. The game would see the first quarter end at 0-0 before the Warriors could starting putting points on the board.

Unlike the Offense, the Defense were outstanding being led by Defensive Lineman Josh Deakin.

Deakin showed excellent power and position as he stuffed the run all day, forced pressure continuously and had 5 sacks on the day.

DL Joshua Deakin roars after one of his 5 sacks against the Miners (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

DL Joshua Deakin roars after one of his 5 sacks against the Miners (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

 

Whilst the Defense continued to dominate all day, the Warriors finally started to move the chains and take the game away from the Miners.

QB Nick Whitehead was again dominant in a display where he threw for over 100 yards again and threw for 3 touchdowns. He was sensational controlling the game, controlling the ball and more importantly not turning the ball over. Confidence was crucial and whilst Whitehead took the game on, so did his offensive linemen. Not only did the Warriors score 3 passing touchdowns, they also scored two on the ground thanks to great running performances by Anton Maksoutov and Bryan Huynh who both had plenty of yards each with their touchdowns.

Crunch award for today went to Anton Maksoutov for a massive hit on a kick returner who had just busted out on a big Kick Return .Anton not only plays the role of running back, but also as the kicker which made the play extra special. Another day of special teams highlights also included a Kick Return touchdown to open the second half for Majny ‘Magic’ Majing which was his first return for a score this season.

The Warriors ended up winners 44-6 over the miners and whilst the Offense ended up putting a respectable score on the board, Coach Marini still sees lots of improvement to come from his Offensive players. Coach Marini did however praise his Defense who were led brilliantly by Deakin as well as Max Abrahams, Dmitri Maksoutov and Jono Keusgen. Marini was also praising the play of Jed Melican who was able to put himself in position to make plays coming away with two interceptions in this encounter.

Next week sees a league wide bye for Easter and then the boys travel around the corner to face the South Eastern Predators who currently call Clayton home. The Clash of Clayton is upon us!

Kick off is at 2PM on Saturday 2nd April at Namatjira Reserve, Newport Road South Clayton

Get behind the Warriors!

post

Warriors run by Rangers

Week 4 saw the undefeated Warriors take on the fifth placed Croydon Rangers down in Officer, the second game of a triple header.

Sitting clear on top and looking to continually improve, Head Coach Callum Marini and his assistants knew that they couldn’t take the game lightly. In front of a decent crowd and down a few players due to the Labour Day long weekend all players needed to step up and continue to fire from the start.

Anton Maksoutov was the game day captain and he did not disappoint his coaches’ decision, showing an impressive running display all day. The running back had plenty of room all day behind DL Joshua Deaking who played a dual role at full back also. The power formation was a successful decision for the Warriors as Maksoutov rushed for over 100 yards on the day behind an strong offensive line and scoring two touchdowns.

RB Anton Maksoutov finds open field in front of QB Nick Whitehead (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

RB Anton Maksoutov finds open field in front of QB Nick Whitehead (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

 

A successful running game looked to have caused the Rangers to change their game plans which opened the field for an air attack. Whilst the Warriors could have continued to pound the ball on ground their coaches turned to their trusted QB Nick Whitehead to utilise a run heavy defense and find open receivers and move the chains. Whitehead has been outstanding recently being able to protect the ball, maintain possession and hit his receivers. After several seasons growing into the Warriors starting quarterback, Whitehead has looked very comfortable behind a strong offensive line allowing him plenty of time to stand in the pocket and deliver to his playmaking receivers.

QB Whitehead

QB Nick Whitehead has plenty of time thanks to his Offensive Line (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

Whitehead was able throw over 150 yards on the day and throw two touchdowns to game MVP Benjamin McGaw who has been a scoring machine all year. The young receiver was able to score four touchdowns on the day; two in the air, one on the ground and another on a punt return where he has dominated all year.

WR/PR Benjamin McGaw burns past the Rangers (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

WR/PR Benjamin McGaw burns past the Rangers (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

The Warriors entered the half time break with a comfortable 24-6 lead and full of confidence behind strong showings from both their offense & defense. Starting strong has been something the Warriors have been great at entering the start of the game however it has been a different story when entering the second half.

The Rangers employed a wildcat offense and while the defense kept them off the park in the first half, the Rangers were able to scramble for some big yards behind their QB and it looked to be something the Warriors could not adjust to. The Rangers continued to score off Wildcat runs which accounted for all of their points on the day. Defensively the Warriors made the occasional play however it was the Rangers Offense that won the battle against the Warriors Defense in the end.

The Rangers Defense however could do nothing to stop the run of the Warriors who ended the game 46-26 winners.

The crunch award winner was Majny “Magic” Majing had made plenty of outstanding blocks for his running back at the receiver position, one in particular block against a linebacker got his team fired up.

Coach Marini applauded his Offense and all players within it for the outstanding performance all day. Whilst the defense was unusually quiet today, Marini will be looking for them to bounce back when they take on the Berwick Miners in Endeavour Hills on Sunday who are currently missing a lot of players due to injuries.

post

Warriors overcome spirited Silverbacks

The Warriors enter week 3 with confidence after knocking off the back-to-back champion Lions but on the other side of the field they faced a Pakenham Silverback outfit fresh from a 52-20 victory over the South Eastern Predators. The early morning trip to Geelong can usually work against the travelling team however in this case the Silverbacks were travelling almost the same distance in what was going to be a great battle.

The Warriors started like they have recently, very hot! They return the opening Kick off 90 yards to set up a nice Lachie Woolford touchdown thanks to a nicely thrown pass from QB Nick Whitehead, and just like that the Warriors lead 6-0.

QB Nick Whitehead leading his Offense (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

QB Nick Whitehead leading his Offense (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

 

Not only did the Warriors Offense & Special Teams come out firing, the Warriors Defense came out just as hot shutting down the Silverback with a very quick 3-and-Out with Jono Keusgen sacking the opposing quarterback in two of those downs. On the Silverback punt it was Benjamin McGaw back to his usual tricks setting the Warriors up with great field position with an excellent punt return which saw the Warriors able to quickly punch in another score and extend the lead to 14-0 still early in the first quarter.

The Warriors Defense came out hunting once again and after trying to punish the Silverbacks Offense were left exposed when a receiver broker free for a quick catch and run for a 90 yard touchdown. Just like that the Warriors are only 14-6 up after dominating early and needing to respond to the Silverbacks after their quick response and they did exactly that running in another touchdown to finish the first quarter with a 20-6 lead.

The game settles down in the second quarter and the Silverbacks start to gain some momentum thanks to the play of their athletic QB. He is able to scramble around and find holes both on the ground and in the air to open receivers. They eventually score on a pass to bring the score line back to 20-14 and after forcing the Warriors Offense to turn the ball over take the lead prior to the half time break 22-20.

The Warriors were without their Head Coach Callum Marini who was not able to make the game however the team were in great hands thanks to his assistants Matt Sires, Andy Sher & Matt Morgan. The Warriors were able to regroup at the break, make some changes and just like they did in the first quarter, came out firing.

The Warriors Defense were led by Dmitri Maksoutov and Jono Keusgen all day and they stepped up in the second half to keep the Silverbacks out of the Endzone. The Warriors Offense were led by QB Nick Whitehead all day who moved the chains all day whilst also protecting the ball, Nick would earn overall game MVP for his performance. The Warriors were eventual winners 34-22.

Warriors Defense swarm the Silverbacks (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

Warriors Defense swarm the Silverbacks (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

 

The Warriors were seen to have some standout performances from Vish Sivakumar who made some clutch catches throughout the game, Benjamin McGaw and Jackson Crook brought their Senior experience to the game making big plays the whole game while Henry Malouf enjoyed a standout game protecting Whitehead whilst also creating holes running over defensive linemen.

A special mention also to Jed Melican who was able to provide great coverage all day whilst also grabbing a interception return for a touchdown which was brought back due to a questionable block in the back call. Running Back Brian Huynh also requires a special mention with his ball security and the reliable running all day.

Overall a fantastic effort by all players and coaches in getting this hard fought victory.

Week 4 will see the Warriors head to Pakenham on Sunday 13th March to take on the Croydon Rangers who are coming off a thumping thanks to the Melbourne Uni Lions. Kick off is 3:00PM – Get there and get behind the Warriors!

Warriors players united prior to facing the Silverbacks (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)

Warriors players united prior to facing the Silverbacks (Photo courtesy of barendphotos.com)