Wow, it’s been a long time since my last blog.  Lot has changed.  The sport has changed.  Last year, I moved the team from Hanover to Mansfield, MA.  The result was a much richer recruiting area.  After a successful 2016 season which saw us land in the Championship game, 2017 brought in a new class of recruits.  Injuries, marriages, new jobs, etc are just a few of the things that keep players from returning each season.  After all – this is a sport that chews up time, gas, money and health.  We returned to the playoffs this past season but fell short in our first round game up in VT to end our season.  If this post serves and nothing more than an update on where we are and an announcement of my return to blogging then MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.  ~ Big Steve………

A New Chapter – Older and Wiser

Today was the day we all wait for with wild anticipation – The NEFL’s release of this season’s schedule. Our 2016 campaign starts about 4 hours away in Knox ME against the Mid-Coast Falcons. For those who are new to this level of ball – that travel may seem daunting – but for seasoned veterans, they know that road-trips are a great experience. I haven’t written in a while because for most of the off-season, everything has been touch-and-go. We lost the bulk of our roster to other teams and had to literally rebuild around our small core of vets, many of whom have been here since our start in 2012. Rebuilding is something many teams try to avoid because (at least to me) it feels like starting over. And that’s exactly what it is. It takes you on a mental trip – back – over of all the hard work you’ve put into building what you naively assume is something you’ll only have to build once. Looking back, it’s that arrogance that can cause you to be overprotective to the point of being stubborn. I’ll admit, there were dozens of times over the past winter where I was completely at peace with calling it a day and chalking the whole experience up as something I’d always be proud of. But just when you’re ready to give in to that urge, you find other owners out there who have gone through the same thing many times. So I had a choice: Move on with the next chapter in my life, or call on one or two owners who were willing to help me to do the one thing I’ve always struggled with – letting go of trying to control the inevitable, (whatever that may be). I learned to be “OK” with what the future holds should things not work out, but before you call-it-a-day – “never” go down without a fight. I factually learned more in a few short months than I’d learned in 4 whole seasons and you know what? They were right. Players will come and go – and when they DO go – other will come in. And the players that came into camp this season have made the whole experience worth every second. I will elaborate when I have more time, but for now – to those who have helped me though a very trying time with this organization – (and you know who you are) – you were right. And to the guys who will suit-up with Chiefs colors way up in ME in a few weeks…….thanks for showing me that when something seems to have run it’s course and your instincts tell you it’s over – there’s always something that we all cherish: “New Beginnings”.
– Big Steve

NEFL League Meeting

Well, today officially kicks off our 2016 campaign.  Our season doesn’t start until July 16th, but today is the day the New England Football League kicks into gear with the first of two preseason, league meetings in West Boyleston, MA.  The day will begin begin at 9am with a Team Management clinic/seminar which was designed to help new teams establish themselves both online and within their communities. We may compete during the season, but off the field (especially during the preseason) we all aim to help each other, knowing that stronger teams results in a stronger, more viable league presence throughout the nation.  The rest of the teams will arrive at 12pm for the mandatory league meeting.  This meeting gives the league a chance to discuss new rules, procedures and possible division alignments.  I always enjoy these meetings, because it gives us all a chance to meet the staffs from teams all over New England that we most likely not see during the regular season.  It’s common for owners and GM’s to exchange ideas, pick each others brains and hopefully take something useful away from the event.  Well, that’s all for now but this is my official start to the 2016 season and I know it will be here before I know it.
– Big Steve

All-Star Weekend

If you’re involved in the world of semi-pro football, you know that there really “is” no off-season.  Our regular season ended over a month ago and this past Saturday afternoon was the North Atlantic Conference all-star game at Foley Stadium in Worcester.  The Chiefs (North team) sent (6) all-stars: (#1 – Jason Gracia – DB, #7 – Roger Dillingham III – WR, #10 – John Lane – RB, #31 – Lezaro Delgado – DT, #44 – Tommy Tamborella – LB, #56 – Ahmed Farouk – Guard). It was a great game and our own John Lane scored a rushing touchdown as the North won the game 26-14. These games are a great chance for guy to play alongside players they face as opposition during the regular season and that always makes for a great atmosphere, especially on the sidelines where these guys get to mingle a bit. After the game, I headed to the annual NEFL Awards/Hall of Fame banquet about 15 minutes away at The Manor in West Boylston. I’d been to this banquet in our first season (in ’12) but this time was a bit different because this year I was being awarded the North Atlantic Conference Executive of the Year.  I deal with a lot of other owners in the league and I can name 3 or 4 that were probably more deserving than I, but it was quite and honor to be recognized for my contributions to the league this past season as owner of the Chiefs.  It’s never a one-man show, so I owe a lot of my success to those around me. As I write this, our players are planning a 3-on-3 basketball tournament/fundraiser to take place in late December. We’re hoping to draw in some contestants from the other teams in the NEFL and EFL (Eastern Football League). Proceeds from this event will go in part to our annual team banquet, as well as a local charity (to be determined). Either way, it should be a great time.  That’s it for now – and I hope to be blogging a few times/week as I took a bit of a break when our season ended to catch my breath…
– Big Steve

All-Star Weekend

If you’re involved in the world of semi-pro football, you know that there really “is” no off-season.  Our regular season ended over a month ago and this past Saturday afternoon was the North Atlantic Conference all-star game at Foley Stadium in Worcester.  The Chiefs (North team) sent (6) all-stars: (#1 – Jason Gracia – DB, #7 – Roger Dillingham III – WR, #10 – John Lane – RB, #31 – Lezaro Delgado – DT, #44 – Tommy Tamborella – LB, #56 – Ahmed Farouk – Guard). It was a great game and our own John Lane scored a rushing touchdown as the North won the game 26-14. These games are a great chance for guy to play alongside players they face as opposition during the regular season and that always makes for a great atmosphere, especially on the sidelines where these guys get to mingle a bit. After the game, I headed to the annual NEFL Awards/Hall of Fame banquet about 15 minutes away at The Manor in West Boylston. I’d been to this banquet in our first season (in ’12) but this time was a bit different because this year I was being awarded the North Atlantic Conference Executive of the Year.  I deal with a lot of other owners in the league and I can name 3 or 4 that were probably more deserving than I, but it was quite and honor to be recognized for my contributions to the league this past season as owner of the Chiefs.  It’s never a one-man show, so I owe a lot of my success to those around me. As I write this, our players are planning a 3-on-3 basketball tournament/fundraiser to take place in late December. We’re hoping to draw in some contestants from the other teams in the NEFL and EFL (Eastern Football League). Proceeds from this event will go in part to our annual team banquet, as well as a local charity (to be determined). Either way, it should be a great time.  That’s it for now – and I hope to be blogging a few times/week as I took a bit of a break when our season ended to catch my breath..
– Big Steve

Almost there………..

Well, that time of year has come again.  This past Tuesday was our last practice of the season before we close out our 2015 campaign.  It’s been a tough season for us, both on and off the field.  Injuries, personal struggles, tragedy, you name it.  I guess it’s why we call ourselves a “family”.  Because through it all, guys are always there for each other.  Whether it’s helping one another through a tough time in their life, checking on each other via text when they know a teammate is struggling, and just ultimately supporting one another the way they do “on” the football field.  We’ve definitely had a strange season on that field.  Week 5 against the New Hampshire Wolfpack, our game was called after the first play of the 3rd quarter due to a nasty thunderstorm.  Just two weeks ago we played host to the Mystic River Tigers in our final home game of the season. For the 2nd time in the league’s 22 year history, the referees never showed up and we had to call the game while both teams stood at mid-field, suited up, and ready to go.  I can’t really explain the feeling – so I won’t.  This all leads us into this Saturday night. We will be heading to English High School in Jamaica Plain to play 6 quarters of football – both make-up games of the aforementioned…….BACK TO BACK.   We kick off at 6pm with the Wolfpack (2nd and 7 to go, our ball, beginning of the 3rd, down 14-2).  Guys will catch a quick 15 minute break and then head straight into the full makeup game against the Tigers.  Both these games are technically our home games, but with our home field at Hanover High School being booked solid – English High was the closest NEFL field.
Should be a night to remember no matter how it turns out.
Stay tuned for the outcome.  That’s all for now.

What a way to end a season……….

Well, that time of year has come again.  This past Tuesday was our last practice of the season before we close out our 2015 campaign.  It’s been a tough season for us, both on and off the field.  Injuries, personal struggles, tragedy, you name it.  I guess it’s why we call ourselves a “family”.  Because through it all, guys are always there for each other.  Whether it’s helping one another through a tough time in their life, checking on each other via text when they know a teammate is struggling, and just ultimately supporting one another the way they do “on” the football field.  We’ve definitely had a strange season on that field.  Week 5 against the New Hampshire Wolfpack, our game was called after the first play of the 3rd quarter due to a nasty thunderstorm.  Just two weeks ago we played host to the Mystic River Tigers in our final home game of the season. For the 2nd time in the league’s 22 year history, the referees never showed up and we had to call the game while both teams stood at mid-field, suited up, and ready to go.  I can’t really explain the feeling – so I won’t.  This all leads us into this Saturday night. We will be heading to English High School in Jamaica Plain to play 6 quarters of football – both make-up games of the aforementioned…….BACK TO BACK.   We kick off at 6pm with the Wolfpack (2nd and 7 to go, our ball, beginning of the 3rd, down 14-2).  Guys will catch a quick 15 minute break and then head straight into the full makeup game against the Tigers.  Both these games are technically our home games, but with our home field at Hanover High School being booked solid – English High was the closest NEFL field.
Should be a night to remember no matter how it turns out.
Stay tuned for the outcome.  That’s all for now.
– Big Steve

What a way to end a season……

Well, that time of year has come again.  This past Tuesday was our last practice of the season before we close out our 2015 campaign.  It’s been a tough season for us, both on and off the field.  Injuries, personal struggles, tragedy, you name it.  I guess it’s why we call ourselves a “family”.  Because through it all, guys are always there for each other.  Whether it’s helping one another through a tough time in their life, checking on each other via text when they know a teammate is struggling, and just ultimately supporting one another the way they do “on” the football field.  We’ve definitely had a strange season on that field.  Week 5 against the New Hampshire Wolfpack, our game was called after the first play of the 3rd quarter due to a nasty thunderstorm.  Just two weeks ago we played host to the Mystic River Tigers in our final home game of the season. For the 2nd time in the league’s 22 year history, the referees never showed up and we had to call the game while both teams stood at mid-field, suited up, and ready to go.  I can’t really explain the feeling – so I won’t.  This all leads us into this Saturday night. We will be heading to English High School in Jamaica Plain to play 6 quarters of football – both make-up games of the aforementioned…….BACK TO BACK.   We kick off at 6pm with the Wolfpack (2nd and 7 to go, our ball, beginning of the 3rd, down 14-2).  Guys will catch a quick 15 minute break and then head straight into the full makeup game against the Tigers.  Both these games are technically our home games, but with our home field at Hanover High School being booked solid – English High was the closest NEFL field.
Should be a night to remember no matter how it turns out.
Stay tuned for the outcome.  That’s all for now.
– Big Steve

Not Just a Football Team

Each season, at some point, I find myself shifting my focus off the field and onto what we do as a team when we’re not practicing or playing games.  Once again, it’s humbling to look back at all the time these guys have donated within the South Shore Community so far this year.  We started early in the year by helping the South Shore Children’s Museum with one of their fundraisers at The Tinker’s Son in Norwell.  Our guys helped sell meat raffle and 50/50 tickets to patrons and families that attended in support of the museum.  A few weeks later, we spent a day at the Hanover Mall with the museum, helping Cub Scouts assemble their Pinewood Derby cars for the annual race.  Two weeks later, we spent a Saturday morning at “Kid’s Day” in Scituate to help raise money for the Scituate Chamber’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.  While there, some of our players signed autographs for the kids and helped out wherever needed.  As the Spring arrived, we rented a space at “Hanover Day” and got a chance to meet Super Bowl Champion (and hero), Malcolm Butler.  He even posed with two of our guys holding up a Chiefs jersey with his #21 on it.  In May, I had the honor of presenting (2) checks for $1000.00 to (2) senior student athletes (one from Hanover and one from Norwell).  The money for these checks came from a fund set up by late Chiefs #65 Kevin Graden’s family along with the Chiefs.  Kevin’s Sister Margaret presented with me and both ceremonies were extra special for both of us.  I know it meant a lot to the Graden Family as well as our entire team. All these events coincided with our winter/spring practices and lead right into our regular season.  Sometimes I get so caught up in the wins and losses or who we are playing and what needs to be done to make it all happen, that I find myself overlooking all the “good” we do off that field.  Well, we’ve done pretty well this year and it’s a testament to the guys who decide to play for this team and put on a South Shore Chiefs uniform.  In short – they are all “one of a kind”.
~ Big Steve (check out our latest video) 2015 Chiefs – More than a Football Team

“The Struggle”

From the title, you’d probably think what follows would surround our 1-5 start to the season.  Well it’s not.  Heading into the Labor Day bye-week, I want to shed some light on the life of semi-pro football players and the sacrifices they make day in and day out just to continue to play the game they love.  I could pick one of the 40 guys from our squad and tell a unique story that surrounds some form of sacrifice he makes to fit the sport of semi-pro football into an otherwise busy family and work life.  However, that literally applies to just about every one of our players.  These guys are full time workers, boyfriends, husbands, fathers and “then” football players; But you’d never know it on the practice field twice a week or at any game “anywhere” on any given Saturday.  They are amazing individuals in that they can leave those real-world obligations and loves behind whenever they step on that field and become dead-serious, competitive football players.  It can only be described as being two characters.  On one hand, there’s the one that is the family man. The union worker. The welder. The teacher. The fireman. The attorney. The salesman. The personal trainer. The actor. The business owner. The police officer. The mason. The social worker. The landscaper. The Marine. The list goes on. And they excel at what they do because they all share a work ethic that is second to none and that work ethic lends itself to their other identity: The person ON the football field.  I can only describe it as a controlled frenzy.  If you’re not prepared to get hit, and hit HARD, you have no place out there.  But back to the struggle. Unlike NCAA or NFL teams, when work, family, or injury sidelines one of our guys – we don’t have 2 or 3 backups to take their place.  We just “deal”.  Sometimes 4, 5 or more starters will all be out for a game and players from other positions are asked to step up and play in a spot that they may not be the best suited for.  However; I have yet to see someone jump into that situation and do anything short of an amazing job.  That’s just who these guys are.  They just “do”.  Through all the injuries that players fight through, all the injuries that they rush back from – against doctors (and wives/girlfriend’s) advice just so they can be at their teammate’s side on that field is something you have to see to truly understand.  Yes, we’ve struggled for wins this season, but like any of life’s struggles – we get through them together.  The life of a semi-pro football player who carries no salary is one that many would say is far from a struggle and closer to a battle………..A battle these guys are winning every day of their lives.
~ Big Steve