Jacksonville Axemen Pro's vs Joe's Scrimmage Saturday 5/29

[danno]

From: http://www.jaxaxe.com/Home/tabid/129/newsid540/382/Default.aspx

We are letting our fans pick the last two roster spots

This Saturday starting at 4pm at Hodges Stadium the Axemen will kick off the "Pros vs. Joes" pre-season game that actually means everything to some of the guys on the field. With the understanding that all fans like a reason to "belong" and feel apart of their team, the Axemen are going to ask the fans and supporters to select the last two 2010 roster spots by using a ballot during the game.

The "Pros" team will be made up of those players who are likely to secure spots on the Axemen roster, although they understand a poor performance will effect that. The "Joes" team will be made up of a combination of former Axemen, some of the best players from both the Jacksonville Mens and UNF Rugby teams and the remaining players who are still trying to push their way onto the 2010 Axemen roster. In essence the "Joes" team will be more of an All-star team and provide plenty of challenge for the "Pros".

Fans who attend the game will be handed a ballot with the names of those players still in consideration and asked to vote based on the performance and effort displayed during the game. Axemen Coach Spinner Howland said, "Every sport is about putting the best product on the field and also embracing your fan base. Our fans know enough about our sport to understand what entertains them and what we look for in our players, to help us select the last two spots. This make them apart of the team and it gives them some real input in what they want out of THEIR team, and it is THEIR TEAM."

The players who are still under consideration have been told that they are in charge of their own destiny and will be allowed play as much and as long as they want. "If a player can produce for all 80 minutes then he has the choice to be on the field for the entire game, but if they feel they are more an impact player it is up to them to recognize that and inject themselves into the game to be the most effective" said Spinner Howland. "Some guys are going to make the mistake of staying on the field and allowing themselves to look pretty ordinary due to fatigue and mistakes while some will figure out that they can play 15 or 20 minute segments and really impress. A few will give 100% for all 80 minutes."

With players on both teams having either everything to loose or everything to gain, the game is sure to see 100% effort from all and we would imagine some "fireworks" at times. We are asking all of Jacksonville to come out and make this THEIR team by helping us in our selections. The truth is that only the fans know what type of player they like to see on the field and providing it falls within the teams desire to win, then they get to be on our "coaching staff" for the day.

Kick-off is at 4pm with gates at 3.15pm. Walk up entry is only $5 with kids 12 and under FREE. As always $1 beers, cheerleaders and plenty of extra entertainment will be on offer. The post game social function will be at Time Out Sports Grill following the game.