Mavericks lose NQ Gridiron match against Rockhampton Wolverines in Mackay
The Mavericks have fallen to 1-2 after a 9-32 loss to Rockhampton. Watch the replay and read the key moments of the match here.
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Mackay has dropped to 1-2 after losing at home to Rockhampton.
The Wolverines were too strong for the Mavericks despite travelling away, claiming the Saturday afternoon win 9-32.
With the score 6-8 at the main break, Mackay was a chance but struggled to find the end zone in the second half.
REPLAY: Mackay Mavericks v Rockhampton Wolverines
Here are the moments that decided the game for the Mavericks.
Inconsistent deep threats
It was an explosive start for both offences, with Rockhampton and Mackay both attempting the deep ball early.
Mackay’s first drive was not successful, with quarterback Saige Webber throwing an interception while looking downfield.
His second deep ball on the next drive was more successful, finding an open target in the end zone for the Mavericks’ first score.
Offensive line struggles
Efforts to defend the quarterback and create holes for the Mavericks’ running game were ineffective.
Pressure was often high on Webber, as he had little time to scan the field and find an open receiver.
While Mackay’s running backs were able to find some space for yardage, it was mainly through lateral runs and finding space along the edge.
Hard to stop Rockhampton’s firepower
Rockhampton’s offence worked like a well-oiled machine, often running bootleg plays and connecting on short lateral passes.
Mackay’s cornerbacks and safeties were capable at defending the long throws, but the Wolverines gained plenty of yards after the catch.
Round Two: Mackay Mavericks v Cairns Falcons
The Mavericks were not able to seal a miracle comeback against last season’s Reef Bowl champions in round two of the NQ Gridiron season.
The Mavericks trailed 14-0 early in the match, but a touchdown to quarterback Saige Webber with just 16 seconds left gave Mackay a chance to tie the match with a two-point conversion.
Here are the moments that decided the game for the Mavericks.
Early lapses in defence
The Mavericks played the Vikings in their opening match, with the newest team in the competition not offering much resistance for the side to dust out any cobwebs.
Mackay was then scheduled to face Cairns, last year’s champions, and the Mavericks struggled against the Falcons’ firepower.
Falcons quarterback Chris Wilkins found open receivers in the end zone with ease, causing headaches for Mackay’s safeties and cornerbacks.
Mackay trailed 14-0 at half time, but held Cairns scoreless in the second half.
The Mavericks’ first touchdown came in the third quarter from an interception.
Quarterback brilliance
Webber was strong at quarterback during the opening match of the season, and earned extra snaps with Tim Miler out of action.
His elusiveness at the line of scrimmage and his ability to escape the pocket was on full display throughout the match, while he still made good throws and found receivers regularly.
With 16 seconds left, Webber faked the hand-off to his running back before taking it himself to the end zone.
The three-yard touchdown run got Mackay within two points with time almost expired.
Controversial finish
With Webber’s rushing touchdown bringing the Mavericks within reach of Cairns, a successful two-point conversion would be enough to send the match to overtime.
But the officiating referees deemed the quarterback’s celebration after the play as excessive, ruling it ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’.
A 15-yard penalty was added to the two-point conversion.
Webber made up the distance with another bootleg run, but fell short of the goal line by five yards.
Round One: Mackay Mavericks v Mulgrave Vikings
Mackay claimed victory with a commanding win over the newest team in the competition.
The Mavericks travelled to Townsville to play Mulgrave, and won with a convincing 22-0 scoreline.
Here are the moments that decided the game for the Mavericks.
Experience champions all
It was clear for all viewers that Mackay had the more experienced outfit on the field.
Mulgrave played its first match, and while the Mavericks are full of rookies, they have experience in important positions.
The quarterback pair of Tim Miller and Saige Webber was solid, finding connections with open receivers and threatened with the deep ball often.
There was some rust early, but once the side settled in it began to display dominance.
Defensive shut-out
A strong defensive showing from Mackay kept Mulgrave scoreless in its debut match.
Early in the first half the Mulgrave offence threatened as the offensive unit marched down the field, but the Mavericks’ disciplined approach to the game locked down any scoring opportunities.
An interception early made by Jack Hargrave in the third quarter was the highlight for the defensive unit, while 40 also got a pick late in the fourth quarter.
Running over the top
Mackay had its way with Mulgrave on the ground, consistently able to grind out yards.
Webber was influential with his feet more than his arm in the third quarter, getting three consecutive first downs in one drive.
A scoop pass to Hargrave also led to a gain of about 15 yards on the ground and the Mavericks’ second touchdown, while Webber got his own late in the fourth.
A mobile quarterback is an attribute for most gridiron teams, and Webber had a successful game on the ground.
Mackay Mavericks kick off bid for bowl glory – October 30
Healthy competition between two motivated athletes is the key to Mackay’s success in a North Queensland sports league.
Mackay Mavericks, the region’s gridiron team, has discovered a backup quarterback in Saige Webber after the team’s first choice missed two weeks of training.
LIVESTREAM: How to watch Mackay v Cairns, Saturday, October 30, 7pm
Webber said he would bring an athletic component to the position.
“Being a wide receiver, and also formerly a running back, I know how to use my legs and take hits,” he said.
“I’m more than happy to escape the pocket and run with the ball.”
Holding the mantle of starting quarterback for Mackay is Tim Miller, who has played for the side for five seasons.
Now a veteran for the Mavericks, Miller said he was excited to be challenged in his role because it would only improve the team.
“There’s nothing wrong with some healthy competition, it just makes everyone play harder and be better,” he said.
“We’ve got a fairly new team this year, but we’ve got a lot of athletes this year who won’t have any trouble transitioning from rugby league or AFL.”
Miller made the move from the Mackay AFL competition, while Webber still suits up for the Magpies in rugby league.
Webber said it was easy to transition to the new sport.
“The adjustment has been pretty straightforward, my speed is a major attribute for me, I’ve still got good hands from my fullback days,” he said.
“I’m well equipped for the wide receiver role, but I’ve stepped up into the quarterback role and got some reps there during the pre-season.
The Mavericks will kick off their season against Cairns in Townsville, with the elusive goal of the Reef Bowl on the team’s mind.
Miller said he was the “ultimate prize”.
“We play for the Reef Bowl every year, we’ve fallen short so many times,” he said.
“Once we’re in it we know we’re a good chance, it’ll be held in Mackay this year so that’s really exciting for all of us.”
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