Significance of semi final not lost on Highland Stags against Scunthorpe Alphas
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Highland Stags general manager Tom Hutchison says the club are determined to make the most of their opportunity in the play-off semi final against Scunthorpe Alphas.
The Stags made it into the final four of the British American Football Association post-season by default after scheduled quarter final opponents Staffordshire Surge forfeited due to logistical issues.
It is believed to be the first ever adult play-off game to take place in the Highlands.
There automatically comes more attention as competition gets whittled down to the final few teams, and Hutchison is convinced the Stags are ready to thrive under the spotlight that will be shining on Invergordon on Sunday afternoon.
“We’re definitely excited to play the game and have the opportunity to be in the play-offs,” Hutchison explained.
“Lots of teams have never been there, so we’re excited that we’ve got to this point where we can compete on a national stage.
“At any point in the season, there are maybe 25 games on in a day, so you’re just one of 25, but this weekend there will be six games.
“It will help to build our national profile, and it’s against a team we’ve never faced. They’re a very good team, so we’re up against one of the best in the country and we want to do ourselves proud.
“It’s not lost on us that this is the first time in a long time that there has been a play-off game in the Highlands, and we’re delighted to be in that position for the guys that have supported us over the years.”
Much like the Stags, the Alphas went unbeaten through their regional league, and it is the top two seeds in the north section going head-to-head for a spot in the final.
Training has been ramped up to include two midweek evening sessions, so Hutchison is looking forward to an exciting contest, adding: “It has been a while since we last played. A lot of our guys are fit, but the Alphas will know what they’re doing after the last couple of weeks and it’s just about continuing that. For us it’s about building back up to playing games again.
“We’ve been reviewing the tape so we have a fair idea of how they will play. They’re very good, and it will be a really good match-up.”
