2015 Birmingham Bulls season

The 2015 Birmingham Bulls season was the team's 32nd season in competitive British American Football. It was also the first season under rookie Head Coach Mark Pagett and Chairman Richard Penwright, whilst Rob Amor returned for a fifth year as Club Secretary. The Bulls entered the 2015 season in the second tier following a league restructure, and were considered by some to be favourites for post-season success and immediate promotion back to the top tier.[1]

2015 Birmingham Bulls season
Head coachMark Pagett
Home fieldErin Go Bragh
Results
Record4-6
Division place6th (SFC1)
Playoff finishdid not qualify
Team MVPMark Bonazebi
Uniform

Following the departure of the previous coaching staff, former player Matt Sheldon was appointed as Offensive Coordinator,[2] while Alan Steel, departing the Coventry Jets, was appointed as Defensive Coordinator.[3] Coaches Mark Webb and Paul Roberts were retained in their role as Special Teams and Defensive Back coaches respectively.

Part way through the season, Offensive Coordinator Matt Sheldon stepped down from his role and was replaced by O-Line coach Gary Hodgen. Despite early season promise, including an away win against the eventual league champions Farnham Knights, a five-game losing streak put paid to any notion of post-season football in 2015.[4]

Recruitment

Following successful recruitment sessions in the winter of 2014,[5] several rookies joined the team, along with former players returning from playing in Europe.[6]

Rookies
PositionPlayer
FSDotun Ademiju
ILBMohammed Awil
WRJoshua Boulton
DEMatthew Brown
CBElliott Forster
DEGavin Henry
OLBDominic Taylor
OLBSimon Taylor
DEJay Willis

Transfers
PositionPlayerPrevious Team
OLBDimeji AdemijuWalney Terriers
FSOheeul ChoudhuryCoventry Jets
WRMarc HenryYorkshire Rams
OLAndrew KaneGlasgow Lions
OLTom LevickLura Bulls
CBCalum RobertsColchester Gladiators
DTScott RobinsonCoventry Jets
KLuca ZiglianiLazio Marines

Staff

Head Coach

  • Head Coach: Mark Pagett

Offensive Coaches

  • Offensive Coordinator: Matt Sheldon
  • Quarterbacks Coach: Doug Cotterell
  • Running Backs Coach: Paul Williams
  • Wide Receivers Coach: Graham Huber
  • Offensive Line Coach: Gary Hodgen

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Coordinator: Alan Steel
  • Linebackers Coach: John McManus
  • Defensive Backs Coach: Paul Roberts

Special Teams

  • Special Teams Coordinator: Mark Webb

Playing staff

Final roster
Birmingham Bulls 2016

Quarterbacks

  • Richard Penwright
  • Dan Wilkes

Running Backs & Full Backs

  • Marc Bonazebi
  • Tyrone Johnston
  • Marcus Rey
  • Sam Scott
  • Dean Thomas

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

  • Michael Beaty
  • Reece Bell
  • Joshua Boulton
  • Michael Doyle
  • Ben Fleet
  • Marc Henry
  • Kieron Hinds

Offensive Linemen

  • Craig Chadwick
  • Andrew Kane
  • Tom Levick
  • David Pemberton
  • Tom Townend
  • Brendan Woulfe

Defensive Linemen

  • Olu Amudipe
  • Matthew Brown
  • Anton Chisholm
  • Tom Durn
  • Lee Macken
  • Scott Robinson

Linebackers

  • Dimeji Ademiju
  • Mohammed Awil
  • Adam Fleet
  • Jake Harbon
  • Ilya Kaznachyeev
  • Stephen Stoakes
  • Dominic Taylor
  • Simon Taylor
  • Dan Williams

Defensive Backs

  • Dotun Ademiju
  • Oheeul Choudhury
  • Elliot Forster
  • Jack Pemberton
  • Calum Roberts
  • Gareth Thomas

Special Teams

  • Luca Zigliani

Injured Reserve

  • Gavin Henry
  • Aamir Saleem
  • Leon Simkin

Rookies in italics.

Statistics

Offence

CategoryName
Passing YardsDan Wilkes204
Passing TDsRichard Penwright & Dan Wilkes1
Rushing YardsMark Bonazebi1206
Rushing TDsMark Bonazebi14
Receiving YardsMichael Beaty187
Receiving TDsMichael Doyle & Mark Bonazebi1

Defence

CategoryName
Total TacklesOlu Amudipe57
Solo TacklesOlu Amudipe29
SacksOlu Amudipe6.5
InterceptionsGareth Thomas8
Forced FumblesJake Harbon, Domeni White, Lee Macken2
Fumble RecoveriesOlu Amudipe & Stephen Stoakes2

Special Teams

CategoryName
Field GoalsLuca Zigliani1
Punt YardsLuca Zigliani1317
Kick Return YardsGareth Thomas304
Punt Return YardsGareth Thomas240

Bulls players set or equalled several team records throughout the 2015 season. Mark Bonazebi recorded 1206 rushing yards, the most in Bulls history, and his 93-yard run against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs was the longest in team history.[7] Gareth Thomas' 9 total takeaways was a new Bulls season record, and his 4 interceptions against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs was a record for most single game takeaways and interceptions. His 8 total interceptions equalled Hall of Famer Paul Roberts' single season record. His 125 punt return yards against the East Kent Mavericks was also a single game record for the Bulls.[8]

Award Winners

The Bulls held their annual awards night on 20 September 2015.[9]

AwardWinner
Team MVPMark Bonazebi
Player's PlayerMark Bonazebi
Offensive MVPMark Bonazebi
Defensive MVPGareth Thomas
Special Teams MVPGareth Thomas
Coaches' MVPRichard Penwright
Offensive Development AwardDavid Pemberton
Defensive Development AwardStephen Stoakes

Schedule

Preseason
WeekOpponentResultRecordLocation
1 Coventry Jets L 0–20 0–1 Erin Go Bragh

Regular season
WeekOpponentResultRecordLocation
1 Ouse Valley Eagles L 14–21 0–1 Erin Go Bragh
2 at Cambridgeshire Cats W 34–12 1–1 Coldham's Common
3 Hertfordshire Cheetahs W 17-9 2–1 Erin Go Bragh
4 at Farnham Knights W 28-26 3–1 Farnham RUFC
5 Colchester Gladiators L 7-9 3–2 Erin Go Bragh
6 Solent Thrashers L 7-10 3–3 Erin Go Bragh
7 at East Kent Mavericks L 0-14 3–4 Simon Langton Boys School
8 at Hertfordshire Cheetahs L 8-28 3–5 St Albans Rugby Club
9 at Ouse Valley Eagles L 18-23 3–6 Bedford International Athletics Stadium
10 Cambridgeshire Cats W 50-0 4–6 Erin Go Bragh

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game Notes

Week 1: vs Ouse Valley Eagles
The Bulls lost a narrow opener to the visiting Ouse Valley Eagles by one score following a controversial touchdown at the end of the second quarter. The Eagles capitalised on Bulls turnovers in the fourth quarter to pull away and secure an opening day victory.[10]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls086014
Eagles0701421
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Dan Wilkes: 0/4, 0 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
  • Stuart Williams: 0/13, 0 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT

Rushers

  • Rob Brown: 14 carries, 85 yards, 0 TDs
  • Marc Bonazebi: 3 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD

Defenders

  • Jake Harbon: 10 total tackles, 7 solo, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
  • Jack Pemberton: 5 total tackles, 4 solo, 2 INTs, 1 break up
  • Stephen Stoakes: 6 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 FF
  • Dominic Taylor: 7 total tackles, 6 solo


Week 2: at Cambridgeshire Cats
The Bulls travelled to Cambridge and won comfortably thanks to a strong ground attack from Rob Brown and Mark Bonazebi and pass rush from the defensive line.[11]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls01313834
Cats600612
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Dan Wilkes: 3/12, 27 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT

Rushers

  • Rob Brown: 20 carries, 157 yards, 3 TDs
  • Marc Bonazebi: 21 carries, 114 yards, 2 TDs

Receivers

  • Kieron Hinds: 1 rec, 14 yards, 0 TD

Defenders

  • Scott Robinson: 4 total tackles, 3 solo, 3 sacks, 1 FR
  • Lee Macken: 3 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 FF
  • Jake Harbon: 10 total tackles, 5 solo, 0.5 sacks
  • Tom Durn: 1 total tackle, 1 solo, 1.5 sacks


Week 3: vs Hertfordshire Cheetahs
Back at home, the Bulls secondary stepped up in a big way, picking the ball off seven times, including four interceptions by cornerback Gareth Thomas, while Bonazebi again carried the offence to move the Bulls to 3-1.[12]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls3140017
Cheetahs20079
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Dan Wilkes: 3/15, 56 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Rushers

  • Marc Bonazebi: 27 carries, 155 yards, 1 TD

Receivers

  • Michael Beaty: 2 rec, 52 yards, 0 TD

Defenders

  • Gareth Thomas: 0 tackles, 4 INT, 2 break ups
  • Dominic Taylor: 3 total tackles, 1 solo, 1 INT, 1 TD
  • Olu Amudipe: 7 total tackles, 3 solo, 1.5 sacks
  • Jack Pemberton: 4 total tackles, 2 solo, 1 INT


Week 4: at Farnham Knights
The Bulls travelled to the favoured Knights but a 300+ yard display by running back Bonazebi paired with a last second pick by Thomas meant the Bulls came away with a signature win.[13]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls6016628
Knights0108826
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Dan Wilkes: 1/12, 16 yards, 0 TD, 4 INT

Rushers

  • Marc Bonazebi: 32 carries, 310 yards, 4 TD

Receivers

  • Michael Beaty: 1 rec, 16 yards, 0 TD

Defenders

  • Gareth Thomas: 6 total tackles, 6 solo, 1 INT, 1 break up
  • Jake Harbon: 7 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 INT, 1 break up
  • Jack Pemberton: 4 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 INT, 1 break up
  • Dotun Ademiju: 4 total tackles, 2 solo, 1 sack


Week 5: vs Colchester Gladiators
The Bulls came back down to earth with a bump, and despite signs of an improving passing game, a number of turnovers brought an end to the Bulls' winning streak.[14][15]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls00707
Gladiators07209
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Dan Wilkes: 2/15, 82 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT

Rushers

  • Marc Bonazebi: 33 carries, 97 yards, 0 TD

Receivers

  • Marc Bonazebi: 1 rec, 47 yards, 1 TD
  • Michael Beaty: 1 rec, 35 yards, 0 TD

Defenders

  • Tom Durn: 8 total tackles, 7 solo, 1 FF
  • Domeni White: 5 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 FF, 1 break up
  • Stephen Stoakes: 5 total tackles, 1 solo, 1 FR
  • Dotun Ademiju: 6 total tackles, 3 solo, 2 break ups


Week 6: vs Solent Thrashers
The Bulls defence remained stout holding the visiting Thrashers to well below their season average, but a struggling offence meant back-to-back losses for the first time in 2015.[16]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls70007
Thrashers770014
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Dan Wilkes: 4/9, 23 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Rushers

  • Marc Bonazebi: 21 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD

Receivers

  • Michael Beaty: 4 rec, 23 yards, 0 TD

Defenders

  • Jack Pemberton: 3 total tackles, 2 solo, 1 INT, 2 break ups
  • Dotun Ademiju: 5 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 FR, 1 break up
  • Olu Amudipe: 5 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 break up
  • Gareth Thomas: 5 total tackles, 1 solo, 1 INT


Week 7: at East Kent Mavericks
The Bulls made the long trip as heavy favourites but were shut out on offence for the first time since July 2014 in a hard-fought defensive battle.[17]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls00000
Mavericks1000010
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Richard Penwright: 6/15, 63 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Rushers

  • Marcus Rey: 12 carries, 44 yards, 0 TD

Receivers

  • Michael Beaty: 2 rec, 46 yards, 0 TD

Defenders

  • Jake Harbon: 10 total tackles, 7 solo, 1 INT, 1 FF
  • Olu Amudipe: 7 total tackles, 4 solo, 1 sack, 1 breakup
  • Gareth Thomas: 3 total tackles, 1 solo, 1 INT, 2 breakups
  • Adam Fleet: 8 total tackles, 5 solo, 0.5 sacks


Week 8: at Hertfordshire Cheetahs
The Bulls struggled on a hot day in St. Albans and fell to their third straight defeat putting their play-off chances in jeopardy.

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls00088
Cheetahs7140728
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Richard Penwright: 1/3, 5 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
  • Daniel Maher: 2/16, 12 yards, 0 TD, 2 INTs

Rushers

  • Marcus Rey: 3 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD
  • Mark Bonazebi: 11 carries, 108 yards, 0 TD

Receivers

  • Marcus Rey: 1 rec, 11 yards, 0 TD

Defenders

  • Dotun Ademiju: 6 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 sack, 3 break ups
  • Jack Pemberton: 5 total tackles, 4 solo, 1 INT
  • Adam Fleet: 7 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 FF
  • Ilya Kaznachyeev: 10 total tackles, 9 solo


Week 9: at Ouse Valley Eagles
A Bulls squad decimated by injury travelled to Bedford and kept it close in a rain-soaked return fixture against their divisional rivals, but ended their hopes of play off football with another defeat.[18]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls0601218
Eagles1700621
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Richard Penwright: 8/15, 67 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

Rushers

  • Mark Bonazebi: 38 carries, 166 yards, 2 TDs

Receivers

Defenders

  • Olu Amudipe: 5 total tackles, 4 solo, 2 sacks, 2 FR
  • Gareth Thomas: 4 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 INT, 1 FF, 3 break ups
  • Simon Taylor: 5 total tackles, 4 solo, 1 FF
  • Dotun Ademiju: 3 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 FF, 1 break up


Week 10: vs Cambridgeshire Cats
The Bulls stopped the rot on the final day of the season by shutting out the already-relegated Cambridgeshire Cats at home and putting up their highest score of the season.[19]

Q1Q2Q3Q4
Bulls14622850
Cats00000
Player Statistics

Passers

  • Richard Penwright: 1/5, 8 Yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Rushers

  • Mark Bonazebi: 14 carries, 146 yards, 3 TD
  • Dean Thomas: 5 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD
  • Michael Doyle: 3 carries, 22 yards, 1 TD

Receivers

  • Michael Beaty: 1 rec, 8 yards, 0 TD

Defenders

  • Marcus Rey: 4 total tackles, 2 solo, 2 INT, 1 TD, 1 break up
  • Lee Macken: 4 total tackles, 3 solo, 1 FF
  • Dan Williams: 5 total tackles, 4 solo, 1 FR
  • Gareth Thomas: 2 total tackles, 1 solo, 1 FR, 2 break ups

Notes
  1. DC Writers Preseason Picks: BAFA National Leagues
  2. "Coach Pagett promotes Matt Sheldon". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  3. "Mark Pagett brings in former Jet". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  4. "Bulls look to reignite playoff push". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  5. "Bulls ready to roar". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  6. "Bulls welcome back Tom Levick". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  7. "24 year old record falls as RB Bonazebi excels". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  8. "Defensive records set by DB Gareth Thomas". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  9. "Award Winners". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  10. Birmingham Bulls vs Cats preview
  11. "Birmingham Bulls vs Cats preview". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  12. Defense shines as Bulls beat Cheetahs
  13. Bulls put Knights to the sword
  14. Bulls look to reignite playoff push
  15. Gladiators win defensive battle
  17. Mavericks defence shutout Bulls, taking home another win
  18. Full time. Eagles 21-14 Bulls
  19. Birmingham Bulls 50-0 Cambridgeshire Cats
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