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Peacock Quarterback Andrew Jones (Lompoc, Cal.) has signed a contract to play for the Bologna Warriors, a member of the Italian League of American Football.
Each of the nine teams in the league is based in Italy. Teams are located as far North as Bergamo and as far South as Napoli. Approximately 95% of the league’s rosters are made up of Italian players, but each team is allowed two import players. The players can join the league when they turn 21, but there is no age limit and there are a few players in their mid-30’s still taking the field. Head Coach Moe Ankeny is in his first year at the helm of the Warriors. He has coached for the last 35 years in a number of schools. His last post was at the University of Minnesota from 2001-2005 as the defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach under Glen Mason. Ankeny said, “When I took this job I knew I needed a quarterback that could lead and teach on the offensive side, and a defensive player to do the same on that side of the ball.” Ankeny found his quarterback at Upper Iowa University after a call with UIU Head Coach Mike Knoll and Offensive Coordinator Ben Morie. Knoll and Morie told Ankeny that they had a player that would fit the bill. Andrew Jones led the #15 offense in NCAA Division II this past season with a .59 completion percentage as he threw for 2,215 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jones said, “After Coach Knoll let me know that he and Coach Ankeny had spoken, I put together a tape from the previous year and sent it to Coach Ankeny.” When asked what he was looking for in a quarterback, Ankeny responded “First, I needed someone that could run the spread offense. Second, I needed someone that could not only play, but teach the other offensive players the system. Third, I had to have a player that could start in March. Andrew fits all of these needs.” Ankeny continued, “Andrew brings some very good skills to the field. He is comfortable in the shotgun and he is a good passer that makes good decisions. He throws a good ball and he is a decent runner when he has to pull the ball down and scramble. The fact that he succeeded in his first year running the spread offense suggests a tremendous upside to his game.” Jones will join a team that is 25 years old and is operated by the former players of the team. Bologna was the runner up in 2006 as they lost to Bergamo in the championship game of the playoffs. When asked about the new challenges in front of him, Jones said, “This is a great opportunity and I am thankful to Coach Ankeny for the chance. To keep playing football and finish school is the best of both worlds. I will be finishing my degree with a class in Exercise Physiology while I am in Italy and will graduate this May. I am excited to get to know new teammates and a new country. I also know that I am not going to play football forever and this opportunity will give me a great starting point into coaching.” Offensive Coordinator Ben Morie said, “We are all very excited to see Andrew have the opportunity to continue his football career in Italy. It couldn’t have happened for a better person. Andrew worked his tail off to prepare for this past season and I am sure he will represent Upper Iowa University extremely well.” Bologna’s first game will be on April 1st. The season runs through June when a four-team playoff takes place for the championship. Peacock fans can follow the Bologna Warriors season this spring. The official website for the team is www.warriorsbologna.it and the site does have some sections in English to help the reader. |
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