World Footy News

The Orange County Bombers are Number 7 in the WFN/USFN Poll. OC started the season off in style with an indoor match at the Staples Center in LA in association with the Arena Football League’s LA Avengers.

"As usual the Staples event is a great way for us to kick off the season. It gets everyone excited to get back to the footy. I think we all get a big charge to play in that venue, and for what people might think it’s actually a blast to play the game on such a small ground. The action is absolutely non-stop and I think our fans enjoy the experience as much as we do," says Orange County stalwart Chris Olson (pictured playing for his SCAFL team Riverside Raiders).

OC finished 2007 with a 2-6 record but with such a tough schedule that was good enough to put them 6th in the World Footy News Top 10 Poll. OC was particularly impressive in a tough loss to San Diego late in the season. Their 2008 schedule does not look much lighter with away games against the Dallas Magpies, San Diego Lions and New York Magpies and a home game against the Golden Gate Roos. However, the OC is looking to develop a new crop of players and regain their reputation of supplying some of the most athletic and talented players to the Revolution. According to Olson, “the clubs done well to groom players like Kelly Nelson, Coulter Allison, Corey Irwin and Andy Lindsey (who is really coming into his own). Not to mention there are several player out in Inland Empire who are showing great promise. So overall we’re really excited to get back into it. We’ve got a hefty a travel schedule as we’ve ever had and I think the boys are keen to take our show in the road."

While the Staples event kicked off the 2008 Southern Californian Australian Football League (SCAFL) season, the first proper round was March 8 with a replay of the 2007 Grand Final between the OC Jets and 2007 Champs the Beachside Sharks. The Sharks were able to take the win in a close one. "Beachside has recruited extremely well amongst both the Americans and Aussies. Until the season is won, I think you’d have to tip Beachside, but watch out for Inland Empire. They could be the sleeping giant of the SCAFL," says Olson.