Nationals off to a great start

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This article was published 03/09/2015 (3969 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The defending Midget Football League of Manitoba champs are off to a solid start to their season.

“So far so good, things are starting to fall into place,” said Steve Hoel, head coach of the Transcona Nationals midget squad.

After three games this season, the Nationals remain undefeated, scoring 88 points against their competitors without allowing a single point themselves.

“Our defence is pretty solid,” Hoel admitted. “Our defensive line is probably the biggest in the league.”

Hoel also praised defensive back Tyson Black as a leader on the team.

“Tyson brings a unique style of play that I’ve never seen before,” Hoel said. “He could go far with his football.”

And while the Nationals defence has been an all but impenetrable wall so far this season, their offence is strong as well.

“We have some phenomenal running backs,” Hoel said, highlighting the play of Brandon Urciuoli. Last season, Urciuoli was named rookie of the year. Hoel said he expects to see good results from the young running back.

“He’s really come into his own.”

While hoping to recreate the success the Nationals had last year — going 7-1 in the regular season, and winning the championship — Hoel has had a large turnover.

“We graduated 17 guys out of our program,” he said. “The chemistry we had last season was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. But every team goes through it’s growing pains, and the new guys are starting to fall into place.”

Looking forward to a bye-week, Hoel said he is excited to see how his players adjust to the change in pace before the second half of the season.

“We’re trying to go just one game at a time,” Hoel said. “We never underestimate any team. We’ll just keep plugging away.”

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