Bandits Struggling

With the new season of the United Furry Football League underway, the teams are starting to settle in the new format. Some are doing well while others could use a reset button. In the case of the Las Vegas Bandits, they are close to hitting the reset button. With the current record of two wins and four losses, as well as being in the list of the least populated home stadium, the teams are looking into what they can do to better themselves and at least even their record.



Head coach Francesco Erinia didn’t have much to say about their current situation:

Erinia – I spoke with the owner and he assured that there will be no major cuts this season. But if we end up being last in our conference, then there may be some changes in the off season especially in the rookie draft. For now we take it on a game by game basis. I can’t blame the offense or defense; it is a team effort from this point on.



Stanton - Between game videos of all teams and long drawn out practices, the team leaders are working to keep the team mentality high throughout the camp.



Sylvester Stapler – QB

We just need to have fun from this point on. We can come up with new plays, old plays, and even stick with the basic fundamentals; if we react badly to our losses every time, then our mindset will not equal to us having fun.

Stanton – And what about the stadium attendance? I’m sure people are not looking forward to seeing their team lose all the time.

Stapler – You can factor in weather, lack of a dome, or even the fact that this is gambling country. I bet the magicians at the hotels are getting better attendance than we are. I’m sure a few casino games in the stadium would bring in a few more people.

Stanton – What do you feel the focus of the offense should be from this point on?

Stapler – We need to keep the ball rolling on our side for a little while longer. I feel that if we can control the clock and keep running plays, then we have a better chance of scoring and winning games.

Stanton – What about you? I know you have recorded some interceptions you are not happy about.

Stapler – And I would love to take them back. I just need to keep myself calm under pressure and take a look at the entire field before making decisions like them.





Kelley Rowe – LB

Stanton – Do you find it surprising that the team is looking up to you even though you are a rookie?

Rowe – I was clearly expected to be taken in by some of the veterans; and I have for the first few weeks. I’m guessing my attitude and passion for the game gave the sense for the rest of the team that I can handle the pressure and call out plays to them.

Stanton – What about you and Stapler? Are you two trying to work things out during the week to try to find improvements?

Rowe – It has been like that for the past couple weeks. We are either at his place or at the stadium looking over plays and finding out where to position ourselves before the snap.

Stanton – Do you think the weakness is coming from the defense or offense?

Rowe - We’re both equally strong and weak in our plays. The fact that we are letting the ball pass us is something I don’t like to see. It’s the same as the offense not doing their best to keep the ball for a long period of time. So we’re talking to some of the key players in our group and letting them know we still have their back.

Stanton – what do you expect to see for the rest of the season?

Rowe – Hopefully a positive attitude between all of us; win or loss. It’s how we react after the game that makes us who we are.



Stanton – With the Bandit’s next game at home against a top ranked Baltimore Ponies, their plans include holding the Ponies back as much as they can and keep the passing plays less than five yards. The fans at Vegas should also be a factor, even if they are not high in numbers.