The Brooklyn Mariners advanced to the Conference Championship Game after defeating the New Jersey Stags 16-11 in another battle to the last whistle.
Special Teams played a huge part in today's victory as Gerson Blaise consistently gave the visiting Mariners great field position, and kicker Ray Kenney kept the Stags pinned deep in their own end with accurate and sometimes booming punts. The defense also did an excellent job by holding the high powered Stags offense without a touchdown the entire game, despite them being in the red zone at least 5 times. Surrendering only 3 field goals, forcing a turnover on downs and most importantly intercepting a pass at the 3 yard line and returning it 97 yards for what was the winning score. The defense forced 4 turnovers in total, 3 Interceptions and 1 Fumble recovery.
The Stags defense also did a great job, holding the Mariners offense to only 102 passing yards and 140 yards on the ground. They forced a fumble and also sacked QB Chris Calabrese in the end zone for a safety. While the offense had a few decent drives, they were only able to score one touchdown. They'll have to improve on that if the Mariners want to advance to the BNEFF Super Bowl
This Saturday the Mariners host long time rival New Jersey Wolves who are coming off of a great upset win over the NJ Lions. The winner of this game gets a shot at the Championship! The game is at Kings Bay Field and Kickoff is at 2:00pm. Please come on down and support YOUR Brooklyn Mariners!
The Brooklyn Mariners advanced to the second round of the BNEFF Playoffs with a 23-18 victory over the defending Champion Bergen Hawks at Kings Bay Field Saturday night.
Looking to bounce back after finishing the regular season losing 3 of their last 4 and the league's leading passer during the last game of the season, the Mariners turned to backup QB Chris Calabrese. Helped out by a strong game from running backs Anthony Self and Mike Cerone the Mariners jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead and what seemed to be all of the momentum.
Showing why they were last year's Champs, the Hawks came out with a purpose in the second half and took an 18-17 lead after a long touchdown drive late in the 4th quarter and looked to be on their way to surprising & dramatic come from behind upset, but on the next play from scrimmage Calabrese dropped back to pass, didn't like what he saw and took off. A couple of big blocks from receivers downfield cleared the path and 44 yards later the home team were back on top. The Defense was then able to close the door on the Hawk, ensuring at least one more game for the Mariners.
This Sunday the Mariners travel back to Sparta, New Jersey and look to avenge their loss to the Division Champion New Jersey Stags. Kickoff is at 1:00pm
2010 Regular Season
WEEK 10: Mariners Lose QB & Game.
The Brooklyn Mariners suffered a double whammy on Sunday as they lost the league's leading passer, Paul Bourlis, for the season and then blew a 20-6 lead en route to a 21-20 loss to the New Jersey Stags.
Bourlis had thrown 3 touchdowns and sppeared to be leading the Mariners to certain victory when he took a vicious shot to the head as he was being dragged to the turf. He suffered a severe concussion had had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital via helicopter. Thankfully, Paul is fine and expects to make a full recovery. The Stags also had a player suffer a serious injury to his back earlier in the game. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.
After a long delay play resumed and the Mariners were unable to run out the clock. The Stags took possession with less than 2 minutes left in the game and on their first play struck paydirt when a short pass turned into the game tying touchdown. The successful PAT provided their margin of victory and guaranteed them the division title and first round bye.
This weekend the Mariners are off, but in two weeks we begin our playoff campaign when we host the Bergen Hawks in the Wildcard Game. Kickoff is at 6:00pm
WEEK 9: Mariners Get Back On Track.
The Brooklyn Mariners broke a two game losing streak with a lopsided 41-0 victory over the visiting New York Venom on Friday Night at Kings Bay Field. The win sets up a huge season finale with major playoff implications. At Stake, the Division Championship and a first round Bye.
Wide Receiver Javon Brunson, making his first appearance as a kick returner, started the game off in exciting fashion by taking the opening kickoff 85 yards to give the Mariners an early 7-0 lead that they never relinquished. The Defense held the Venom to only a single first down all game while the offense moved the ball well with both the run and pass. Bryan Argilagos led all scorers with 2 touchdown catches (16 & 8 yards).
Despite the score there were still quite a few glaring mistakes, including 2 turnovers that the Mariners must work in if they want to go far in the playoffs.
This Sunday the Mariners travel to Sparta, NJ to face the New Jersey Stags for the Division Title. Kickoff is at 1:00pm
WEEK 8: Mariners Drop Second In A Row.
The Brooklyn Mariners fell to 5-3 on the season after losing 20-6 to the New Jersey Lions. They now find themselves out of first place in their division for the first time all year, and must win out in order to have a chance at the Division Title.
The defense played well again, holding the high powered Lions to only 2 touchdowns despite being backed up deep in their own end several times after offensive miscues. The Mariner Offense never seemed to be able to get out of their own way as they turned the ball over 3 times and missed several opportunities to take control of the game.
This Sunday the Mariners try to get back into the win column when they visit the New York Venom. Kickoff is at 1:00pm
WEEK 7: Mariners Fall To Piranha.
A heavyweight battle between two historic teams came down to several big plays as the Central Penn Piranha defeated the Mariners 28-14.
The Mariner offense struck first when Paul Bourlis connected with Sandiford Joseph for a 61 yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Not to be outdone the Piranha answered right back with 2 long TDs passes of their own. An interception almost turned into another score for the visitors but the missed a short Field Goal attempt and had to settle for a 14-7 halftime lead.
In the second half the Piranha defense forced another interception and put their potent offense in excellent field position, which they were able to turn into another touchdown, giving them a 21-7 lead. The Mariner offense was not able to mount any type of threat for most of the second half, and spent much of that time deep in their own end. They needed a big play, and got one when Bourlis completed a pass to John Corning on the Piranha sideline, which he turned upfield and took to the house for a 74 yard TD. Now only trailing by 7 the Mariner Defense forced the visitors to punt, giving the Mariners the chance they wanted. With under 2 minutes left Bourlis was hit as he threw a pass and the errant ball was picked off and returned for a Touchdown, sealing the Mariner's fate.
This Saturday the Mariners try to get back on the winning track when they host the conference leading New Jersey Lions at Kings Bay Field. Kickoff is at &:30pm.
The Mariners Mourn The Loss Of One Of Our Own.
Vinny Harkins passed away on August 31st, 2010. Vinny was a great man, and an outstanding Mariner from 1961 - 1973. He was a true leader, a Captain of the Mariners for 8 Championship Seasons.
His wake is being held at Dennis O'Connor Funeral Home in Belle Harbor, Queens. Visiting Hours are Thursday September 2 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm and 7:00pm - 10:00pm.
Rest In Peace Vinny, You Were A Great Mariner!
WEEK 6: Defense Leads The Way Over Hawks 14-7.
The Brooklyn Mariners improved their 2010 record to 5-1 by going on the road and defeating the defending champion Bergen Hawks 14-7. The defense kept the opposing offense out of the endzone for the 3rd straight week as the Hawks lone score came on a punt return late in the game.
The Mariner offense was able to move the ball effectively for most of the game but had a hard time finishing their drives. Penalties, mental mistakes and a turnover in the end zone killed 3 scoring opportunities but 2 big plays by receiver John Corning (55 and 15 yard TD Receptions) provided a 14-0 lead that the defense was able to make stand.
This weekend the Mariners are off for Labor Day but we will be working hard to prepare for our biggest test of the season as we host the undefeated Central Penn Piranha on September 11th at 6:00pm at Kings Bay Field.
WEEK 5: Mariners Roll 44-0 Over Steelers.
The Brooklyn Mariners posted their second consecutive shutout this week, defeating the undermanned, but game Westchester Steelers 44-0 at Kings Bay Field. After a missed field goal on their first possession, the Mariners took the next 3 to the house with Touchdown drives of 43, 73 and 47 yards. Another drive late in the 2nd quarter gave the Mariners a commanding 27-0 lead at the half. The 2nd half wasn't much different as the home team reached the end zone 2 more times, and even the defense got in on the scoring when Linebacker Sean McGlynn sacked the Steeler QB in the end zone for a safety early in the 3rd quarter.
The Steelers never quit, playing physical and aggressive defense all game long, limiting the Mariners to only 75 yards on the ground. In response, the Mariner passing game took center stage as QB Paul Bourlis threw 4 Touchdowns en route to completing 16 of his 27 attempts. WR Sandiford Joseph had two TD receptions(35,32yds)as did John Corning(13,19yds). RBs Mike Cerrone and Brian McGee each scored on 1 yard runs as well. Long time Mariner receiver James Ford celebrated his birthday with 2 catches, including a 2pt. conversion. Happy Birthday old man!
This Sunday the Mariners are back on the road as they travel to play the defending BNEFF champion Bergen Hawks. Kickoff is at 1pm.
WEEK 4: Mariner's Defense Leads Way in Shutout Over Wolves.
The Mariners rebounded from their first loss of the season with a gritty 10-0 victory over the always tough New Jersey Wolves.
The game opened with the Mariners mounting decent drives into Wolves territory but coming up empty in both instances. With the running game clicking confidence was high, until Running Backs Anthony Self and Frank Prechilo went down with injuries. These losses hampered the Mariners ability to move the ball consistently, but a 31 yard Touchdown pass from Paul Bourlis to Sandiford Joseph late in the first half, gave the visitors all the points they would need this day. The second half was a defensive battle as both offenses struggled to move the ball. A late drive powered by the Mariners Offensive Line and Fullback Brian McGee put them in position for the game sealing Field Goal by Ray Kenny.
This week the Mariners return home to host the Westchester Steelers at Kings Bay Field. Kick off is at 7:30pm.
WEEK 3: Mariners Comeback Falls Short In 25-22 Loss To Vikings.
The Mariners first road game of the season started off well as their opening offensive posession turned into 6 points on a 5 yard run by Anthony Self, but the Vikings defense stiffened and held the visitors offense scoreless for the rest of the game. Still, it came down to the last minutes before the Vikings sealed the 25-22 victory.
Poor tackling on defense and special teams combined with some big plays by the home team led the Vikings to a commanding 25-6 first half lead. With the offense sputtering the other units made several big plays. Receiver Gershon Blaise returned a kickoff 90 yards and Defensive End Christian Becker returned an interception 35 yards to pull the Mariners within 25-19 late in the 3rd quarter. Another interception, this time by DB Tim Taylor set the offense up with 1st and Ten at the Vikings 17, but the Ms could only muster 2 yards before having to settle for a 35 yard field goal by Raymond Kelly.
With the score now 25-22, the Mariners defense refused to give in, forcing a punt in the ensuing drive and blocking a field goal attempt in the next. Unfortunately for the Mariners, both of those opportunities were squandered as they gave the ball right back to the Vikes (1 Fumble, 1 Int).
This week the competition doesn't get any easier as the Mariners look to bounce back against our tough perennnial rival, New Jersey Wolves this Saturday night in Plainfield, NJ. Kick off is at 6:00pm.
WEEK 2: Mariners Improve To 2-0 After Dominant 2nd Half!
The Brooklyn Mariners were forced to overcome a pair of first half turnovers and a tough defense in order to post their second win of the season, a 30-13 victory over the Hudson Valley Cowboys. After shaking off the early mistakes the home team was able to reach the endzone twice in the second quarter but a long kickoff return for a TD kept the Cowboys within 1 point heading into the break at 14-13.
After being forced to punt for the first time all season the Mariner offense began to wear down the Cowboys, posting over 200 yards rushing and 16 more points. The Mariner defense did their part, shutting down their opponents and recording 2 interceptions to seal the 17 point win.
This week marks the Mariners first road game as we travel to the South Jersey Vikings this Saturday night. Kick off is at 6:00pm.
WEEK 1: Mariners Open Season With Victory Over Packers!
The Brooklyn Mariners opened their 2010 season with a 40-14 victory over the the Westchester Packers at Kings Bay Field. The game started out close with both teams moving the ball well and exchanging the lead through the first quarter before the Mariners took over on both sides of the ball while building a 23-14 halftime lead. The trend continued in the second half as the home team controlled the clock on offense while the stingy defense limited the Packer's opportunities en route to a 26 point win.
The Mariners homestand continues this week as we host the Hudson Valley Cowboys on Saturday night at Kings Bay Field. Kick off is at 7:30pm. Come down and support your Brooklyn Mariners!
Watch here for the latest Mariners news and follow the continuing career of Hall of Fame coach Pudgie Walsh!!
The Brooklyn Mariners were founded in 1957. The expressed purpose of our organization was, is, and will always be to play football at the highest level possible. Over 53 seasons, the Mariners have achieved these goals by winning 457 games, losing 85, and tying 12. No team in semi-pro ranks has a better winning record in the country.
The Mariners were members of the Garden State Football League, which was founded in 1996. The Mariners have compiled a record of 46 wins and 3 losses in the G.S.F.L., winning the championships every season from 1997 through 2007. After the GSFL shut down in 2008, the Mariners moved on to the Regional American Football League where we won the Championship in our very first season. We are currently first year members of the Big North East Football Federation, where we hope to continue our winning tradition.
In the past, the Mariners have traveled to compete in National Tournaments against teams in Seattle, Colorado, Wisconsin, Maine, Washington DC, Louisiana, and Canada. Our annual goal is to win the
National Championship, which we accomplished in 1991, 2003, 2004 & 2006!
This web site is dedicated to all the fans, Alumni and players! Because of your continued support the Brooklyn Mariners legacy lives on!
