Team Stars & Stripes hits the practice field

Team Stars & Stripes completed the first of three two-a-day practices at Tec de Monterrey Campus Estado de Mexico in preparation to take on Tec Monterrey All-Stars in the 2009 Tazon de Estrellas on Saturday, December 19.

The Team Stars & Stripes practice schedule was jammed packed starting with skill sessions and position drills. Afterwards, the team split into offense and defense as the coaches implemented their strategies. The team came back together in a light scrimmage showcasing the skills of the three quarterbacks on the squad. All three — Aaron Fanthorpe (North Central), Kyle Paulson (U. WI-Eau Claire, Mike Isgro (Delaware Valley College) displayed a talent for running the ball.

The quarterbacks connected with a trio of talented wide receivers in Orlando Webb (North Carolina Wesleyan College), Riley Curry (Trinity University), and Jared Manzer (Jared Manzer).

In addition to his great hands, Curry also impressed with his Spanish speaking as he along with Corry Stewart (Hanover College) were interviewed by a local TV station — TVC-Deportes.

After the practices, we met up with wide receiver Orlando Webb (North Carolina Wesleyan College) who had a very impressive first day of practice.

Orlando Webb is orginally from Snow Hill, North Carolina and played college football at North Carolina Wesleyan College. He is currently majoring in Business Adminstation.

“My trip to Mexico was pretty good and uneventful. I must admint I hate flying though. I do not like the thought of being in the air that long.  I had a 30 minute delay in Raleigh because the rain made it real sloppy and I had another 30 minute delay in Charlotte, but eventually I made it to Mexico.

“I was very excited to come play for Team Stars & Stripes and my coaches told me different stories about football in Mexico and how the event would be. I just wanted to come and meet the new guys and put together a team. And try to beat the Mexican team. I want to do the best I can, and help Team Stars & Stripes pull out a victory.

“I love playing football and could not pass up the opportunity to play in another game. Hopefully playing in Mexico will open up some doors for me in my future.  First of all, we need to get this win, and then I want to see what my future has to offer.

“We had our first day of practices today. It went well, and it was fun to play with new players from all over the United States.

“My coaches told me the Mexican team is pretty good and big. My school, North Carolina Wesleyan College, was always pretty small and I’ve learned that it’s not always about the size. We have some really good athletes and I know we will get it done on Saturday.”

One thought on “Team Stars & Stripes hits the practice field

  1. Just a small correction. WR Jared Manzer does NOT attend Jared Manzer College, although he may in the future establish the Jared Manzer School of Wide Receiving. Jared is a WR who doubled this year as a DB on the Empire 8 co-champion Alfred Saxons. Way to go, Manzer! On Saxon Warriors!

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