Emerald Bowl III - Q&A With Flag QB Conrad Smith

Conrad Smith in action at Champions Bowl 2016

Cowboys Flag Team at DIT during the regular season

The countdown is well and truly on for the Emerald Bowl III Finals Day, taking place this Saturday! As part of the build-up, we caught up with Cowboys Flag QB Conrad Smith to chat about the positional change, last season, this season and how he thinks Saturday will go.
 
You made the transition from a Tight End in kitted football to being the Cowboys Flag QB, how did that move come about?
“To be honest no one else wanted to do it. Having played most of my football at TE or DE, I fancied a different challenge so I stepped up.”
 
You won last year's Emerald Bowl after a slow start to the season, what was that whole campaign like?
“Started slow again, which was frustrating as we wanted to carry our form/experience from last year and the trip to the Champions Bowl. As the season went on we found form, defense has been key with two shut outs last two games.”
 
After winning Emerald Bowl II, the Flag team traveled to Copenhagen to compete in the Champions Bowl against some of the best teams from all over Europe, what was that experience like?
“It was a completely different level over there. We found out quickly we had to up are game which we did, but even then we were still just hanging on. We are better for the experience and with the new additions to the team we have added speed to the team which will be key if we get chance to go back (maybe stay in night before games might help too).”
 
You have made the finals day again this year and hope to retain your title but first up is the big match up against the number 1 seeds, Dublin Vipers. Going to be a huge game, how do you see it going?
“It won't be easy, all four teams are there on merit. We have lost a key player in Lawrence Ruddock to injury which is a big blow. If we play defense the way we have been last few games and offence is economical with the ball we will be very hard to beat.”
 
Flag Football is the non-contact version of American Football, for anyone that doesn't know, what are the benefits of playing Flag Football and why should someone give it a try?
“It is a great way to learn the game, it helps with learning receiver routes and basic defense. Most all it's great FUN.”

Cowboys are scheduled to play the Dublin Vipers in the first game at 10am, followed by the Eagles vs Reapers. The Finals will take place at the Central Sports Area in Craigavon. Admission is free, be sure to get down for what will be a great day of flag football!