E-Hawks: A look back, ahead

Published 9:00 pm Friday, December 30, 2005

Five things that defined the Everett Hawks in 2005:

1) Welcome to indoor football, dont blink

The 3,538 curious fans that turned out for the first National Indoor Football League game at the Everett Events Center on April 3 against Wyoming probably werent quite certain what to expect. On the first play from scrimmage three Hawks receivers including Cory Grow went in motion, hitting the line of scrimmage at full speed as the ball was snapped to quarterback Albert Higgs. The savvy veteran Higgs who later said he enjoyed Testing defenses early, just to see what theyve got, threw a pass to Grow streaking down the right sideline for a 39-yard touchdown that quickly put Everett on track for a 64-28 victory. It took all of four seconds and a good number of the fans were instantly hooked on the fast-paced indoor game.

2) The Ninth Man

In Everetts third home game against Tri-Cities, the increasingly knowledgeable fans became a factor in the teams success. The loud and proud Hawks faithful disrupted the Tri-Cities offense throughout the back-and-forth contest. Most of the 4,374 fans were screaming deliriously when Travis Salter preserved a 64-62 Everett triumph by stopping the Fevers Jarvis Dunn on a two-point conversion attempt with 14.2 seconds remaining. Many of the Hawks declared they were feeling the love. I dont know if we had any heroesbut, this one is on the crowd, then-Everett coach Dan Maciejczak said.

3) Brockman breaks out

Few present will forget rookie Hassan Brockmans electrifying performance, starting in place of injured leading receiver Cory Grow, in the first-round playoff game against the Billings Mavericks. In the days leading up to the game Brockman said the veterans will carry the team and the rookies will follow. But, it was Brockman with three touchdowns on kickoff returns of 55, 46 and 29 yards, a pair of TD catches and two long receptions that set-up two additional scores who led the Hawks to a 97-60 victory. I just figured I could make a difference, Brockman beamed afterwards.

4) Hawks get the boot

After just a couple of close calls in 15 straight victories it almost seemed like things were too easy for the Hawks. Yes, Everetts heartbreaking 54-52 playoff loss to Tri-Cities on Drew Dunnings 41-yard field goal as time expired prematurely ended what had been a dream season. But, the Hawks were adored by the rollicking Events Center crowd as evidenced by the tears streaming down the cheeks of many at the shocking end and it was clear the team had established a solid foundation for the future.

5) Everett moves up to Arena Football 2

Despite their loss in the playoffs it was a remarkable first year for the Hawks. They had gone unbeaten in the regular season and finished with a 15-1 record. They had drawn an average of more than 4,200 fans per game. Sure, they could have taken another shot at winning an NIFL championship in 2006, but Arena Football 2 was looking to expand into the Pacific Northwest. During halftime of the Fox Sports Networks broadcast of the Arena Cup championship game between the Memphis Xplorers and the Louisville Fire on Aug .27, league president Jerry Kurz announced the addition of Everett and Spokane to the league.

Five things that could define the Hawks in 2006:

1) More fans

The Hawks enter the Arena Football 2 season with something they lacked coming into the NIFL: A fan base. Expect Everett to build the numbers at the gate.

2) Rule changes

af2 rules require players, except for the QB and a designated defensive specialist, to perform on both sides of the ball. If you got excited watching Hassan Brockman and A.J. Street return kickoffs, wait until you see them returning interceptions.

3) Watch Milton go

Diminutive veteran DB Milton Myers on offense? Catch him if you can.

4) Fitting in

Can the fledgling Hawks compete at a higher level? Theres no question about that, Everetts new head coach Rickey Foggie declared. Believe it.

5) Heres Rickey!

How do you spell charisma? F-o-g-g-i-e. A standout quarterback at the University of Minnesota as well as the Canadian and Arena football leagues, Everetts head man brings his own brand of competitive fire to the Hawks sideline. Enjoy.

Bob Mortenson, Herald writer