The Jacksonville Axemen will host the New Haven Warriors this Saturday in the Semi-Final to determine who will advance to the National Championship game in Philadelphia on August 27th.
History has a funny way of repeating itself and in doing so gives rise to epic battles that contain revenge, resolve, passion and sometimes just plain aggression in wanting something so badly you will go through any amount of pain to get it. Such a moment will be on display this Saturday as the only thing standing between the Axemen and their third consecutive National Championship appearance is the New Haven Warriors, who also just happen to be the team they defeated in the 2010 Championship game and then again in the home opener this season. The Warriors plan to repay the Axemen by putting an early end to their season.
The Connecticut team still have vivid memories of holding a half time lead in last years National Championship game, only to have the Axemen come out in the second half and dominate the scoreboard to give the Florida team their first National Title and a complete undefeated season. New Haven also had their chance at redemption on the Axemen home opener this season, but injuries and some import players being unavailable led to the Axemen again stomping on their parade.
The President of the USA Rugby League, Mr. Peter Illfield, has given the Jacksonville Axemen a glowing report and tons of praise after his recent visit with the Philly Fight Team.
“As Chairman of the USARL, I’m ecstatic about the Rugby League experience I’ve just had in Jacksonville.The Axemen exhume professionalism, hospitality and operational expertise. I see fans and sponsors who are proud of their membership and association with the Axemen, and who are also respectful and welcoming of the opposition and their guests. The game-day atmosphere is electrifying for them, yet intimidating for the team who, just hours before, landed.”
Former NFL Players Todd Fordham and Tom McManus will be joined by former Miss University of Florida and current Miss Florida Gator, Laura Beard, and former Miss University of Miami Merissa Amkraut at todays Jacksonville Axemen game as special guests.
Todd Fordham graduated from Florida State University and was a standout on their football team. He then went on to have an 8 year career in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburg Steeler and the Carolina Panthers. Todd was a special guest 2 weeks ago when the Axemen took on the Philly Fight and he enjoyed the event so much that he will be returning today with his family.
Tom McManus graduated from Boston College where he has now been inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. He had a five year career in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a Middle Linebacker. He has since gone onto a sports radio career with his McManus Uncensored Radio Show that broadcasts weekdays in the Jacksonville area with Axemen Coach Spinner Howland as his co-host for the last year. He is also the founder of the “Suck It Up” movement that encourages people to make more accountability in their lives. (www.suckitupusa.com)
Laura Beard is the former Miss Gainesville, former Miss University of Florida and the current Miss Florida Gator. Laura is also is a 22-year-old second year student at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she is currently ranked in the top 5% of her class. (www.lauramorganbeard.com)
Merissa Amkraut is the former Miss University of Miami and is also an Executive Director of the Pageant Series that is the prelims for Miss Florida and Miss America. Laura graduated with her Bachelors from the University of Miami, then with her Masters in Science from the Florida International University and then her PHD from the University of Florida.
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