Bayside Ravens product Jesse Williams has enjoyed a successful week as part of the USA vs World contest in Miami held on the weekend. The week of practices and the game opened the eyes of many in football circles as Jesse had a great week of training, and felt the attention of media, coaches and scouts alike. With Pro Bowl stars in town for their game, it was a buzzing South Florida atmosphere as some of the best young athletes in the USA went head to head with some of the talented young players from across the globe. The USA team took victory 17-0, but not without a strong effort from the World team. The game, held on Pro Bowl eve was telecast on NFL Network, and having the likes of Deion Sanders and Rich Eisen referring to the pride of the Ravens glowingly was fantastic for all. Jesse returns to Arizona now for training ahead of college combines and the spring practices for his sophomore season at Arizona Western.

2010 Sign On and Registration details will be available shortly, but at this stage a March event is planned. All new and returning players will be invited to come and register for the huge year of Ravens football ahead. Stay tuned to this site for updates and information about Sign On.

Being called 'All-World' is a pretty impressive title to have on your resume, but one that former Raven Jesse Williams can now boast as part of the World Team to take on Team USA. Jesse is currently in Miami preparing for the showcase event that is part of the NFL Pro Bowl and Superbowl festivities. It should be a great experience for Jesse and a chance to follow up his excellent freshman season. The game is being broadcast on the NFL Network at about 4am Sunday (our time). Best of luck to Jesse for the game and we are sure he will enjoy the experience on and off the field.

Ravens Gridiron wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing in 2010 for an even better year!

Ravens Junior players Will Sunerton and Tyler Willis head to American Samoa at the end of the year to represent Australia in a history-making International Fixture. The duo earned their position on the back of strong performances at the 2009 Junior National Championships. We wish both boys well for the great experience and contest. We know you will represent the club, state and country with pride.

The most successful season in Ravens history was officially wrapped up at the weekend with the Annual Awards Presentation. Harry Alderton and Phil Cottis were the two big winners as Most Valuable Players in Senior and Junior Divisions. The Sunerton Family was recognised for their multi-phase contribution to the club this year with the Raven of the Year award.

Thanks to all players, coaches, friends and family who attended to be part of the great event. A full list of winners is below.

Raven of the Year - Sunerton Family
Senior MVP - H. Alderton
Club Junior MVP - P. Cottis
Bayside Junior MVP - D. Gallagher
Eastside Junior MVP - W. Sunerton
Senior Offensive Player of the Year - M. Nugent
Senior Defensive Player of the Year - J. Taulapiu
Senior Man of Steel - R. Kelly
Offensive Rookie of the Year - F. Lee
Defensive Rookie of the Year - J. Lancini
Elite Body Management Senior Most Improved - S. Kerns
Eagle Boys Senior Best Lineman - G. Reynolds
Mitchell Eve Bayside Offensive MVP - T. Ryan
Lachlan McIntyre Eastside Offensive MVP - J. Seeto
Jesse Williams Bayside Defensive MVP - K. Ward
Thompson Sunerton Eastside Defensive MVP - C. Moore
Tim Cottis Eastside Junior Man of Steel - T. Stein
Shannon Moen Bayside Junior Man of Steel - T. Willis
Eastside Rookie of the Year - D. Rakei
Bayside Rookie of the Year - C. Archer
Elite Body Managerment Eastside Most Improved - E. Eric
Elite Body Management Bayside Most Improved - M. Gough
Eagle Boys Eastside Best Lineman - D. Rowe
Eagle Boys Bayside Best Lineman - J. Jones
Ravens Spirit - J. Sandroussi

Eastside Ravens completed a standout season on Saturday with a 20-14 win over Browns Plains Bears in Gridiron Queensland's 2009 Junior Sunbowl.

The Ravens followed up their minor-premiership with a determined performance to overcome a gutsy Bears team, to claim the club's 3rd Junior Sunbowl crown in a strong team effort.

A Jack Wood interception return for touchdown opened proceedings for the Ravens, with Quarterback Phil Cottis powering over for the second touchdown. Wide Receiver Jordan Seeto capped a stellar rookie year with the game-sealing touchdown allowing the Ravens to ride their defense to victory.

Ravens captain Christian Arnold was recognised as the game MVP for his strong game on defense, with LB Ryan Borchers also forcing a fumble in the second half at a crucial time to help seal the win.

Head Coach Thompson Sunerton and Assistant Coach Liam Flannery guided the Ravens to a much-deserved title, the win giving a perfect junior finale to the many long-time contributors.

The Ravens club will now wrap up its 2009 season with its official Awards Presentation on Saturday 5 December.

Gridiron Queensland held a successful 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner on Saturday night, bringing together the best of the 2009 season and the best of the past 25 years.

A number of Ravens were recognised for their 2009 performances. Eastside Ravens Quarterback Phil Cottis was awarded Junior Offensive Player of the Year, acknowledging his role in leading the Ravens to the minor premiership and Sunbowl. Veteran Junior player Will Sunerton accepted Offensive Lineman of the Year honours and Eastside teammate Jordan Seeto was rewarded for his impressive rookie year with Special Teams Player of the Year. Bayside RAvens Junior Quarterback Tyson Ryan's first season with the club earned him Offensive Back of the Year.

Senior and Bayside Junior Head Coach Steve Box was recognised as Coach of the Year.

Gridiron Queensland announced its team of the Quarter Century, recognising the most influential and best players from across the sport's 25 year history in Queensland. Current Raven Harry Alderton was honoured in this time, stemming largely from his time with Ipswich Cougars and other earlier teams.

Well done to all winners from across the league and to those honoured for their contribution to the sport.

Ravens Gridiron are calling for expressions of interest for coaching positions for the 2010 season.

All positions will be open for reappointment for 2010 and the club is looking to hear from interested and qualified coaches for junior and senior programs.

All positions are on a volunteer basis, with a commitment to the program and values of the club as paramount to appointment.

Full Selection Criteria will be forwarded to interested coaches upon expression of interest.

Please contact club Coaching Coordinator Steve Box on 0402 859 406 or via email: ravens@gridironqld.asn.au for more information or to express interest.

Congratulations to the following Ravens players who have been shortlisted for Gridiron Queensland League Awards. These awards will be presented this Saturday Night 7pm at Logan Diggers Services Club.

Juniors

Will Sunerton - Offensive Line
Brennan Cross - Defensive Line
Mark Gough - Defensive Line
Dominic Rakei - Defensive Line, Defensive MVP
Dom Gallagher - Linebacker
Curtis Moore - Linebacker
Kieran Ward - Linebacker
Sam Caslick - Defensive Back
Jameson Clifton - Offensive Back
Phil Cottis - Offensive Back, Offensive MVP, League MVP
Tyson Ryan - Offensive Back, Offensive MVP
Jordan Seeto - Wide Receiver, Special Teams
Todd Stein - Wide Receiver


Seniors

Graham Reynolds - Offensive Line
James Taulapiu - Defensive Back
Harry Alderton - Offensive Back, Offensive MVP, League MVP
Matt Nugent - Wide Receiver, Special Teams
Ryan Kelly - Special Teams
Deek Kanther - Rookie

The Gridiron Queensland 2009 Playoffs was a milestone day for the Ravens, with all 3 teams represented. Eastside Ravens kicked off the day with a matchup against Sunshine Coast Spartans, and a fitting finals game it was, the Eastside boys digging deep to take the points in overtime against a determined Spartans lineup with a final 20-12 victory.

The first game was a sign of the tight football to come over the rest of the day. The Bayside juniors held firm with the Bears for most of their game before the Bears moved the ball down to score with under a minute remaining to wrap up a 20-12 victory.

In the senior ranks, it was a nailbiting finish, a blocked extra point on the game-tying kick saw a hearbreaking conclusion to an outstanding season for the Ravens, a 22-21 final result.

Stay tuned for more details and game reports.