I love people who bemoan a mascot 'not intimidating the opposition'.
Can't you just see the scenes in opposing changerooms pre-game:
Coach: "Now boys, before you run out there for the warm-up, I want you to remember what we've been speaking about all week. I know that picture of a demon has had you all sleeping with the lights on, but you just have to find a way to get past it. Furthermore, I need you all to be very brave, because there's going to be a real-life version of that demon out there on the ground running the boundary and taking photos with kids in the crowd. Look, I don't blame you for being scared out of your wits of this person in a styrofoam suit, and if it helps I don't mind you holding hands to calm each other down. This is going to be a real test for you boys, show me what you've got."