Game Preview: Semi-Final Playoff
The Firehouse Subs Jacksonville Axemen will play in their 5th consecutive semi-final playoff game on Saturday August 10th against the Rhode Island Rebellion. The Axemen have a strong history in home playoff games, winning 4 of the last 5 semi-final match-ups and bringing home the National Championship in 2010 and 2012. The Rhode Island Rebellion has made the playoffs coming in at 3rd place in the standings for the first time in their team history, and are eager to make an impression when they come to Jacksonville.
The Axemen defeated the Rebellion in Round 7 of the USARL competition but Axemen Coach Brent Shorten considers them one of the toughest teams they have faced and doesn’t think the scoreline gave the Rebellion credit for their strengths. Axemen fans haven’t seen the Rebellion play in Jacksonville this year and they should look forward to a physical game of rugby league. “Rhode Island has a good team and they impressed us in our last meeting,” says Shorten. “They will be fired up and excited at being one win off the National Championship game so we will have a tough game on our hands. A lot of our guys have played finals footy before and that will help us. We worked hard during the season to earn a home playoff game and it will be a huge advantage to us, especially with our fans support, and we will be ready to go.”
The USARL Semi-final playoff game will take place at 5pm at the soccer field next to Hodges Stadium. Get there when gates open at 3:30pm because the Axemen have added an opener game featuring a former Axemen “Hall of Fame” squad versus current reserve grade players from the Daytona, Tampa, and Jacksonville teams. Don’t miss out on this exciting event and come out to cheer on YOUR Jacksonville Axemen as they battle for a win that will put them back in the National Championship game.
