Judges in Black for İhsan Doğramacı
BY MEHMET ALİ SALMAN (MAN/III)
The Bilkent Judges opened the new season on Sunday with a friendly game against the Başkent University Knights. The Judges decided to wear all black uniforms during their games this the season in memory and respect of our Prof. Doğramacı. Sadly, the Başkent Knights won 6 to 32.
Team coach Erkan Akcabay spoke with Bilkent News. He said,"we have 56 teammates, and a lot of them are new to the game. We will even add 15 more next semester. Our biggest goal is to be able to play together as a team while enjoying the game in the field. Then the victories will come." He also stated that there have been problems in the federation, so the season schedule has not yet been fixed. However, we should expect some spontaneous friendly games in coming weeks.
The Bilkent Judges allowed its new players to take the field in order to test their abilities and gain match experience. Therefore, the experienced Knights took control very early and scored two touchdowns. With one extra point they took the lead in the first quarter 0-13. The Knights' kicking weakness might be a vulnerability the Judges can exploit in the future. In the second quarter, each team scored a touchdown but no extra points, leaving the field at halftime 6 to 19 (#80 Tuğrul for the Judges). At the beginning of the third quarter, the Judges' defensive line performed well. But, offense could not get through. Twice they lost possession in the red zone. The Knights scored twice more, once with an extra point in the last minutes of the game.
At the end of the game, all players and coaches in both teams congratulated each other while fans were applauding. It was fun just seeing some good competition.
We also had a short interview with the team captain Oğuzcan Karataş (#7) about the general situation of the team.
BN: What do you think about new players' adaptation to American football and to the Judges?
OK: New players' adaptation to the team is up to their social skills and to American football is related to their athletic abilities. In this process, we as captains, experienced players, and coaches expend great effort in order to teach the game and form the team in a short time.
BN: According to your experience as team captain, what you think about the relationships between players and coaches this season?
OK: I've been playing American football for 6 years for the Judges, and each year we routinely see newcomers. At the beginning of a season, newcomers are hesitant, but after some time friendships form and they start to feel themselves as a part of the team. I believe camaraderie will make them all better players in the future.
BN: With the new season, can you compare the Judges with other teams in the league?
OK: This year, the Judges family welcome 40 new players, and some are very talented atheletes. We know other teams have also had some changes, but we are the youngest and most regenerated team in the league.
BN: What do you expect from the Judges from the new season?
OK: With the support of our fans, we will do our best on the field.
Go Judges!
