Interview CS
Next up in our interview series we have the youngest member of the team Calvin Strong. As a defender Calvin has been improving with each training session and game he's played since joining the team. Find out what Calvin thinks about his Pirate Bowl MVP performance and what to expect in the upcoming season.
As the youngest member on the team how was it joining a team that had players who were older than you? 
Joining an adult teams was never really an issue for me, once you’ve been around the team for a couple of training sessions you become part of the family! I’ve followed American football for a while and always fancied playing so wasn’t going to let it stop me. Just glad I joined a top up and coming team. 

You’ve been working hard at training on being a better defender and it showed at Pirate Bowl with the team voting you MVP. How did that feel? 
Yes, well I’m still not sure where that performance came from! 4 interceptions in 7 games was unreal, especially since the goal that I set my self was 1. I think part of my success came from the whole defence playing great as a unit. When together we work to lock down the opposition’s receivers and with Lyno charging at the quarterback it becomes very tempting for them to throw the ball and make a play. That’s when we were at our best, not because it’s a bad pass but because we are all over the receiver ready to make a play of our own. Don’t forget that as a unit we made 7 interceptions in 7 games! 

How is preseason going? 
For me preseason is going great, the Pirate Bowl is a sign of things to come and I’m not worried that I’ve peaked too early in the season. I just try to practice different things in training and in the games that we play at the end. Defending Guys like Jake, Anders and Aiden is always a tough challenge. Off the field I will occasionally watch film breakdowns of defenders in the NFL and look to learn what they do so that I can improve my game. 

You hold the record for the most sacks in a single game with 5. Are you looking to break any more records this year? 
All records are there to be broken and whether it’s me or someone else on the defence look to see records such as tackles and interceptions be rewritten.

Who on the team should we watch out for this year? 
I know there have been a lot of names mentioned for this question, but I’m going to be looking out for Lyno this year. There is only one record that his position can get and that’s the most sacks in a game (which I have set at 5). I don’t think he needs any more motivation then that. Quarterbacks beware, Lyno runs as fast as he talks and that’s saying something! 

What teams are you looking forward to playing this season?
Our local derbies with the likes of Wigan, Rotherham and Manchester Crows are always good but I’m looking forward to the big games. After the Outlaw Flag League last year this team is itching for more silverware.

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