NYAC didn’t have to win their Super League game against Dallas last week.

Win or lose, the team from the Big Apple had already wrapped up 1^st place and the home semifinal against Life University.

Of course, they did win, 52-19, and hooker Conor Coyne chalks up such a performance to the team’s attitude. After losing their head coach, Mike Tolkin, to the USA team, the players, despite retaining an excellent coaching staff, realized they might have to step up and do what Tolkin wanted on their own.

“Even before this game, where we had kind of a lame duck situation, the guys were zoned in,” said Coyne. “Dallas was physical and played to their style. They wanted a win. But we’ve come into this entire season with a professional attitude. Everyone has been really dialed in all season.”

That is why, said Coyne, no one will take Life lightly this coming weekend, even though NYAC has beaten the Running Eagles twice.

“Maybe it’s be a concern if Life wasn’t such a good team,” said Coyne. “And maybe it’d be different if we had a younger team. But we have a bunch of guys who have taken it upon themselves to be leaders. Everyone knows he has to step up, and everyone has shown 100% dedication. I think that’s what will give us the edge.”