Eagles Soar and Vipers Strike Stags – AFI Week 4 Round Up
It was a glorious weekend for football and unseasonably so, as 8 teams went to war in the week 4 slate of the Irish American Football league. On Saturday, the Eagles and Crusaders launched their respective campaigns in Newbridge College while the Rebels travelled to Cork for their first game of the season, and on Sunday the Antrim Stags hosted the Northwest Vipers as the Craigavon Cowboys travelled to UCD.
Keep reading for the details of each game!
A big shout out to Shaun Breen and Brandon Smyth for their work over the weekend covering the game and creating great content!
Cill Dara Crusaders 06 – Wexford Eagles 32
When I saw videos of Ross McCooey taking snaps at QB on Saturday, I thought I was having a stroke! The 2nd year Head Coach who previously led the Rebels to Shamrock Bowl success has done a fantastic job in Gorey, as evidenced by his side’s stomping of the Crusaders in game one. Terry Carey opened the Eagles account with a ten yard rushing score, as the Eagles offense took flight and never looked back. Carey would go for 100 yards on the day and a second score, as Lorcan Kinsella, Killian Buckely and McCooey himself all crossed the whitewash for six points. The defense weren’t slacking either, with a pair of forced fumbles from Jamie Howlin, an Owen Hyde interception, an Eamon McCooey fumble recovery and a sack from Henry Foxton. Nathan Purcell did eventually manage to run in a touchdown for the hosts, but it was too little too late. Assistant Head Coach for the Crusaders Wello Omorodion lamented the dropped passes and turnovers that doomed his side in this game, acknowledging they needed to be “ironed out” before the next game. It’s a fantastic start for the Eagles, who have the potential to make a deep run this season, while the Crusaders will need to get back on track quickly with limited opportunities to earn wins.
Cork Admirals 06 – Dublin Rebels 38
Another lackluster offensive performance from the Ads saw them drop to 0-2 on the season, while the Rebels got their 2026 campaign off to an impressive start – putting almost 40 points on their hosts. It was tight initially at 6-6 going into the break, with the lone score from the hosts coming on a two play sequence – Aaron Hogan breaking off a 50 yard catch and run, with Matt Sibanyoni punching in the score from three yards out. But then the Dublin onslaught began, as Luke Carey, Kenny McCarty and Tiernan Butler all found the endzone. QB Sam Doran earned at least one 2 point conversion as well to the tally in this dominant display. The Cork defense gave their best effort however to slow down their guests, with Aaron Hogan, Matt Sibanyoni, Joseph Bamidele and Timmy Peyton all earning sacks. It seems as though ironman football was in full effect for the home side, so credit to them for continuing to battle for the duration, despite things not going their way. Cork are off to a rough start but can still salvage their season by finding a spark on offense. As for the Rebels – winning is always a good way to begin but they are sure to face stiffer competition down the line.
Antrim Stags 00 – Northwest Vipers 21
The lone game in the northern half of the country saw the Antrim Stags hosting the Vipers in Newforge, and despite being clear winners of the “sexy uniforms” competition, they failed to do much on the field. In fact it was their opponents who scored all of the points, in spectacular fashion as well, as Vipers Quarterback Mike Naulty had himself a day. His hattrick began with a diving QB sneak, before connecting with Lewis Lecky for six to extend his side’s lead to 14 at the half. The play of the game and perhaps of the season so far however, came on a 60 yard bomb to Harry Chambers who caught the ball perfectly in stride and evaded his defender as he raced to the endzone. The signal caller wasn’t without flaws though, tossing an interception to #30 on the Stags that could have turned into a touchdown if not for the hustle of his receiver who made a fantastic score saving tackle. The Vipers defense deserves a shout out as well, balling out in dominant fashion with multiple sacks and takeaways throughout. After falling to the Panthers in their first fixture, the Vipers will be happy to earn a win. The Stags however still have plenty to do in what is quickly becoming a very competitive division!
UCD 36 – Craigavon Cowboys 06
After falling to Louth at home last weekend, UCD NEEDED a win to avoid absolute panic stations, and they delivered in emphatic fashion by sending the Cowboys packing back up the M1. The hosts went up 14-0 early before Cowboys QB Riley Roy connected with rookie Eddie Elliot on a beautiful pitch and catch that the young receiver hauled in one handed before racing to the endzone for a score. It would be the visitors only points of the day however, as UCD offense regained their composure and laid it on thick: Sean Douglas (twice), Niall Coogan, Arun Sen and Jack Finnegan all getting on the scoreboard, with Tadgh O’Connor conducting the attack in Arun Mooney’s absence. The scoreline does not accurately reflect the Cowboys’ efforts either, particularly on defense where Jamie McGuffin had two sacks, Paddy Somers recovered two fumbles and both Conor Traynor and Shayne Mone earned interceptions. It was a tight affair before the unfortunate leg break of Chris Mulholland (who we wish a speedy recovery) with the Cowboys starting 11 rookies across the board. UCD avoided total disaster with a strong but not flawless performance on Sunday, and the Cowboys can take plenty of positives away from the encounter as they begin their second season in the top flight of Irish American football!