Daily League News & Notes

Arena Football League
Predators Trade McIntosh to Iowa for Jordan
Monday afternoon, the Orlando Predators traded defensive back Erick McIntosh to Iowa for offensive lineman Gershom Jordon.
Jordon, born January 23, 1988 (6'6", 310lbs) is a Rookie in the AFL. Prior to joining the league, Jordon attended Tennessee State where he earned Second-Team All-Conference honors his senior year.
"Erick really did not have a bad camp," said head coach Doug Plank. "There is so much talent at his position right now, and camp is challenging for any coach, because we have to reduce our roster. McIntosh is a player who is capable of playing anywhere and at this time, we have a need at offensive line. Gershom Jordon will be a good edition to that group."
Players Continue to Impress Soul Coaches with Three Days Left
The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, continue to put in hard work during practice at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia. The Soul players understand the importance of playing with a sense of urgency in the last few days of camp.
The players continue to put forth the effort of executing plays and not stopping until they hear the whistle. Each player knows the importance of showing the coaching staff what they are capable of. Meanwhile, the coaching staff is still busy implementing the 2013 playbook into their systems.
Tomorrow, the Soul will continue with practice. There are three days left for the 2013 training camp. Saturday, the Soul will have a scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Power at the NovaCare Complex from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: DB LARICO STEVENSON (5'10, 205, West Georgia): Veteran DB LaRico Stevenson, entering his fourth season, returned to the Soul during the offseason. In 2012, Stevenson played the last six games of the season with the Soul, recording 20 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. His prior experience includes playing with the Tulsa Talons, New Orleans VooDoo and Pittsburgh Power. Stevenson has 161 tackles and seven interceptions in his career.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I look at it as it's my role on the team," said Rayshaun Kizer when asked about being a leader on the defense. "I try to help and mentor the younger guys. I try to be a positive role model by doing the right thing both on and off the field." When asked about this season, Kizer replied, "Aside from winning the championship, I want to break my own record. I want 18 or more interceptions." Kizer's response when asked about the upcoming March Madness, he said, "I don't follow college basketball, but if I had to choose, I'd go with Michigan."
IT STARTS AT THE LINE: The Philadelphia Soul had the best scoring offense, with the best rushing offense and No.7 passing offense. These rankings help explain the Soul's 15-3 season and ArenaBowl appearance in 2012. However, one factor that often is overlooked is the offensive line.
The success of the offensive line allowed the Soul to score on the ground and in the air. The Soul's offense outscored the second best team, San Jose SaberCats, by 85 points. The Soul's run offense out-ran the No.2 run offense by 161 yards. As far as protection for the quarterback, the Soul's offensive line led the AFL with the sacks allowed by giving up five sacks on the season. The next runner up was the Arizona Rattlers who allowed nine sacks.
The returners from last season's AFL-best offensive line include Christian Johnson (6'4, 320, Kentucky) and Brennen Carvalho (6'1, 320, Portland St.). During the offseason, the team acquired veteran Jason Jones (6'4, 340, Idaho) and rookie Sioeli Fakalata (6'3, 330, New Mexico St.) who will have a lot to live up to as members of the Soul's offensive line.
For this season's Soul to have an explosive season as they did in 2012, the line will need to protect QB Dan Raudabaugh and make the holes for FB Derrick Ross. For the offense to succeed, it all starts at the line.
Sharks Host Preseason Game Friday
The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced Thursday that the team will hold a free preseason benefit scrimmage for a third consecutive year. This season, the Sharks will host the division rival Orlando Predators for a game that kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
Parking will be FREE in all SURFACE lots near the arena. Please note that this does NOT apply to parking garages. Free parking is available for SURFACE lots ONLY.
The event will also serve as the first opportunity for 2013 season ticket holders to pick up their tickets for the upcoming season. Season ticket holders will be able to pick up their ticket packages beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Duval Room within the arena. Season ticket holder gifts - including beach towels, tailgate chairs and key chains, will be distributed at a later date, and more specific information on pickup of these gifts will be included in the ticket packages.
For this game, the Sharks have partnered with First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP), an organization that aims to eliminate the needless killing of dogs and cats in our local community through free and low-cost spay and neuter programs. The organization also operates the Jacksonville Pet Food Bank, providing qualified low-income families with the resources necessary to keep their pets healthy.
WJXT Channel 4 will serve as the media partner for this preseason event, utilizing their platform to raise awareness of FCNMHP's mission.
"We are very pleased to offer a free preseason event for a third straight year," Sharks Managing Partner Jeff Bouchy said. "This scrimmage will be an outstanding chance to give our great fans an early look at our 2013 team, while also providing an opportunity for our community to come together for a great cause. Through the generosity of our fans, we will make significant strides towards FCNMHP's goal of ending the needless killing of adoptable pets."
Admission to the preseason scrimmage is free of charge, however fans are asked to bring a donation of pet food that will be collected outside the arena on behalf of FCNMHP. Cash donations will also be accepted for fans wishing to contribute in that manner.
Currently, bags of dry pet food are FCNMHP's greatest need, though cans of wet food will also be accepted at this event. A full list of the FCNMHP "wish list" can be found online at http://www.fcnmhp.org/pdf/wish_list.pdf .
"Our goal is to keep pets with their families and out of shelters. There are dogs and cats going hungry in our community and this is one way to help," said Rick DuCharme, executive director of FCNMHP.
Held four weeks prior to the Sharks' home opener, the game will give fans a chance to get an early glimpse at the Sharks before the team embarks on its season-opening three-game road trip. The gates will open at 7:00 p.m. for the general public. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, though season ticket holders who wish to sit in their usual seats may enter the arena beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Sharks' preseason kickoff weekend will continue the following day, as Burrito Gallery is set to host a meet and greet with Sharks players, coaches and the Attack Dance Team. At this event, fans will have the opportunity to get to know the 2013 Sharks before the season begins. More specific details about the meet and greet will be announced in the coming days.
Storm Pursues The Details
There was a sense of urgency in the air today as players began to feel the pressure of final cut day looming. Day eleven of training camp found the team working extra hard to prove that they belong in a Storm uniform.
"This is a different type of game," said Storm defensive back Chris Smith. "I'm focused on learning and working on the fundamentals."
"Details" has been the name of the game this entire training camp. The coaching staff must teach the team the details if it wishes to succeed this season. One detail the staff has been focusing on is pursuit. A pursuit drill consists of the team defense swarming to the ball after a completion. Nobody gives up and they must always look for the ball after every play. These drills train the defense to follow the ball to either prevent the carrier from scoring, or to possibly force a turnover.
"Details win games guys," said Storm head coach Dave Ewart. "We must do all the things necessary to learn the details of the game."
With only two days left, learning the details could be the deciding factor when choosing that final 24-man roster.
Looking Forward: Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry Kurz will be stopping by Storm training camp at Skyway Park (3901 George Road, Tampa) tomorrow, March 14 at 12:00 PM, as part of his 2013 Training Camp Tour.
Coaches' Perspective: "You guys have to do all of the stuff to be a pro," said Ewart. "The difference between good and great is in the details."
Quote of the Day: On getting a grasp on the style of play that comes with arena football, Storm wide receiver Chris C. Davis said, "We know it's coming down to the end of camp. We just have to get a good feel for the game and be confident in what we do."
Player Spotlight: First-year Storm receiver Greg Ellingson comes to the Storm after spending part of the 2012 AFL season with South Division rival New Orleans VooDoo. The Tampa, FL native signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) in 2011 and spent the 2012 NFL offseason and training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ellingson brings height and sure hands to an already strong receiving corp., making several scoring plays during training camp.
VooDoo's Doug Miller Promoted to Assistant Head Coach
The New Orleans VooDoo, headed by Coach Pat O'Hara, announces the promotion of current Special Teams Coordinator, Assistant Defensive Coordinator, and Line Coach, Doug Miller, to Assistant Head Coach on Wednesday, March 13.
Doug Miller enters his second season with the New Orleans VooDoo as the team's Special Teams Coordinator, Assistant Defensive Coordinator, and Line Coach and first season as the VooDoo's Assistant Head Coach.
Miller comes to the VooDoo after spending two seasons as the Orlando Predators line coach on O'Hara's staff. Miller also served as the assistant defensive line coach for the Florida Tuskers of the UFL in 2011, while also serving as the Head Coach for the Orlando Fantasy of the Lingerie Football League in 2010 and 2011.
Under the wing of O'Hara in Orlando, Miller helped lead the Predators to back-to-back playoff appearances as an assistant coach. Orlando also ranked No. 2 in Total Defense in 2012, largely due in part to Miller's tutelage with the defensive line and linebackers.
Prior to hanging up the cleats, Miller enjoyed an outstanding 7-year playing career with the Predators. During his tenure with the Predators, Miller played all three offensive line positions, fullback, mac linebacker, and some defensive line. He was named to the All-Ironman Team twice during his career.
Miller finished his AFL career with 75.5 tackles (60 solo) and 9.5 sacks, while also catching seven passes for 25 yards and a touchdown from the tight end position. The Predators went to the playoffs every season with Miller on the team, and made an appearance in the ArenaBowl XX in 2006, losing, 69-61, to Chicago.
The Tampa, Fla. native was a four-year letter winner at Howard University, and a two-year starter on the defensive line. Miller's best season with the Bison came his senior campaign, registering 25 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks en route to All-Conference honors.
After his distinguished playing career at Howard, Miller went on to play two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, a season with Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe, and the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL before settling in with the Predators.
Sharks Training Camp Report - March 13
The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks held their final full practice of training camp at Plantation Park on Wednesday morning.
Over the last few days of work, the Shark coaching staff has done their best to emulate a game week of preparation, which will allow the many new players to know what to expect once the regular season gets underway. Wednesday's fast-paced workout featured a focus on situational football and wrapped up with a period of special teams work after the team session was complete.
At this point, head coach Les Moss and his staff has had nearly two weeks to evaluate the talent on their roster. Each player will have one final chance to impress on the field during Friday's preseason scrimmage, which will be the first time that many of the Shark rookies have dealt with the walls, the most unique aspect to arena football.
Particularly worth watching will be rookie receivers Charles Gilbert and J.J. Hayes, who have yet to play in an indoor football game. Though these two wideouts have adjusted well during training camp, they will need to quickly adapt to catching passes in traffic up against the walls.
After the Sharks and Predators square off, the coaching staff will have a chance to review the game film from the scrimmage, incorporating what they see on the field in their final roster decisions. Coach Moss and his assistants will make the tough decisions necessary to bring the team down to a 24-man active roster by Saturday evening.
Roster Moves
The Sharks announced Tuesday that offensive lineman Thomas Claiborne has been assigned to the team's roster. Claiborne brings a year of AFL experience to Jacksonville, as he logged nine starts in seven total appearances with the Milwaukee Mustangs in 2012. Claiborne originally joined the Tampa Bay Storm for this season, but was placed on reassignment by the Storm on March 1.
The 24-year-old Claiborne (6'3", 340) signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2011 NFL season, but was waived by the team in training camp. He spent his college career at Boston College, where he was a mainstay along the Eagles' offensive line, appearing in 40 games with 34 starts during his time at the school. Claiborne is a native of Randolph, Massachusetts.
The Sharks also announced Wednesday that offensive lineman Cornelius Lewis has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Following the day's transactions, the Shark roster stands at the league maximum of 28 active players.
Player Spotlight
The Shark secondary is a crowded group, as each of the team's seven defensive backs have at least one season of indoor football experience. While Bill Alford, Micheaux Robinson and LaRoche Jackson return to the team, the Sharks added a pair of veterans to the group, including former Georgia Force standout Tracy Belton.
Belton made an impact throughout the 2012 season, as he led the Force with 11 interceptions despite missing six games with a midseason injury. He also finished second on the team with 54.5 total tackles, added nine pass breakups and recorded a fumble. Belton's performance earned him a spot on the All-Arena Second Team.
Like teammates Jerry Turner, R.J. Archer and Matt Marcorelle, Belton joins a Shark team that knocked his squad out of the playoffs after both the 2011 and 2012 seasons. After Thursday's practice, Belton talked about his experience since moving to Jacksonville.
"I love everything about Jacksonville," Belton said. "I love the fans. If you're not hyped to come play in Jacksonville in this arena, you shouldn't to play football. It's incredible the way they do things, I love everything about it."
Up Next
The Sharks will gather for team meetings and a brief walkthrough on Thursday morning. The team will not hold another full practice during training camp, instead taking on the Orlando Predators in a free preseason scrimmage on Friday, March 15. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. on Friday.
Kim Brown Instills Fire in Blaze Organization
Growing up in the football-rich state of Texas, new Utah Blaze majority owner Kim Brown has always felt a strong connection to the gridiron. Even in her early years, she served as the manager of her father's little league team. Naturally, Brown jumped at the opportunity to play Powder Puff football upon reaching junior high school.
Refusing to be held back by the notion that she was too small or that girls couldn't play football, one distinct memory defines Kim Brown's "spark plug" personality.
"At lunch time in junior high, me and a few of the girls would take out our football and toss it back and forth. One day, the biggest player on our junior high boys team decided to intercept our football and ran away with it. Well, I was so ticked, I went flying after him," Brown explained. "I caught up with him and ended up tackling him into an ant bed to get my football back. When I tackled him, he actually got a concussion and they had to take him to the hospital for observation."
The "chip on the shoulder" mentality Brown acquired as a youth has come to serve as a guiding point as she ventures into the Arena Football League.
"I always like to root for the underdog because I feel like in my life - I've always been the underdog. When everyone else has given up and thrown in the towel, that's when I shine, that's when I thrive, and that's when I show them that anything is possible. I love being a part of a process that will help the AFL be successful and maybe someday become a close second to the NFL."
Brown yearned to attend the University of Texas upon graduation of high school, where she could watch the storied Longhorns football program week-in and week-out. As an active member of the LDS Church, she instead made her way out to Utah after enrolling at Brigham Young University, where she majored in marketing and public relations.
After many successful years in the radio marketing industry, Kim Brown & Associates was born in March of 2000. During the company's first year of operation, Brown managed to place $1.1 million in revenue by herself. In its second year, the business doubled with just two part-time associates. Just over a decade later, Kim Brown & Associates has grown into one of the top marketing agencies in the state of Utah.
"I think a big part of why I was doing so well was because I cared more about the customer than I did myself. I think that resonated with a lot of clients."
As an owner in the Arena Football League, Brown hopes to follow that same principle by providing the fans with more entertainment value.
"We have to open up to other ideas that get the customer in our doors and loving our product. A lot of it is trying to enhance the product by teaming with other viable entertainment experiences."
Brown's extensive plan for the Utah Blaze includes providing a live, interactive mobile fantasy football game that allows the fans to track the players and their statistics in real time. She also hopes to couple the games with concert acts, providing a more entertaining atmosphere. Of course, Brown intends on taking full advantage of the fan-friendly nature of Arena Football by creating a more personalized experience when it comes to the players.
"The thing about the NFL is that the players are so unapproachable. Our guys love being out there in the public. I want the team and their stories to be the focal point."
While the team on the field ascends into the AFL's elite, Brown's intention is to take the Utah Blaze beyond the realm of sports by providing the fans with an unforgettable experience at each game.
"I saw the team was one of the best in the League. We already have our product and our product is awesome. Now it's just a matter of having the fuel and ammunition from the business side of it. If we can get that side of it on track, we're going to have a very successful organization."

Champions Professional Indoor Football League
Bombers Launch Rivalry Contest
The Salina Bombers are inviting area schools to "MAKE SOME NOISE".
The Salina Bombers announced today they will be hosting a weekly contest that will feature area school rivalries. For each home game, fans will see who can generate the most noise in support of their favorite school that week in a head-to-head contest. The winner each week will move on in the bracket, with the championship to be decided at the last Bomber home game on May 25th.
For the first game on Saturday, the Bombers invite fans of Salina South to sound off versus fans of Salina Central. The winner of the season long contest will earn a trophy to be displayed at their school, along with a donation from the Salina Bombers to the winning school's football program.
The Bicentennial Center will be open until 8:00 pm on Friday and open at Noon on Saturday for ticket sales to Saturday's game. Fans are invited to come out and buy tickets early for the inaugural game. The Salina Bombers will host the Wichita Wild for a 7:05 kick-off, doors open at 5:30 pm.
Edge Set for Friday's Season Opener at Home
Following a two-week training camp after several additional weeks of preparation, the Bloomington Edge are ready for opening night of the eighth season of indoor football in the Twin Cities this Friday.
The Edge host the Sioux City Bandits for a 7:05 p.m. kickoff on Friday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The contest is the first for both teams in the new Champions Professional Indoor Football League. The Bandits are a familiar opponent in Bloomington indoor football after competing in United Indoor Football and the Indoor Football League.
"I really like our talent level," said Edge head coach Kenton Carr. "This is a good group of guys off the field as well. They are very coachable. They also love being with the fans, as I didn't have to ask twice for them to attend Tuesday's season ticket holder party."
The Edge's opening week roster includes quarterbacks David Knighton and Jim DuPage; wide receivers LaVaughn Macon, Marcus Lewis, Jasonus Tillery, Mitchell Moore and Wes Schmidgall; running back Lee Banks; offensive linemen Ray Krishock, Josh Coyle, Jamarcus Gorman and Will Keglar; defensive linemen Jeff Sobol, Antonio Ficklin, Shonn Bell and Ryan Jenkins; linebackers Tim Duran and Fred Godfrey; defensive backs Josh Morris, Dustin Craig, Lee Adams, Mike Minehan and Caleb Young; and kicker Steven Fetzer.
A special Family 4 Pack is available for Friday's game featuring four tickets, four hot dogs, four chips and four Pepsi products for only $40. Magnetic schedules courtesy of Ron Smith Printing will be given to fans attending Friday's game.

Legends Football League
Omaha Players Showing Extra Heart For The Community
Bell ringing, food drives and fundraising just aren’t enough for the Omaha Heart. The team wants to give everything they can back to the community and have already participated in and hosted several community events.
The Heart have already been bell ringers for the Salvation Army, assisted with a food drive, and helped out at an annual diaper drive. However, this has not been enough. They are always looking for ways to improve the community.
Jacqueline Smyth, a defensive end and linebacker for the Heart has put together a program to give back to the community every month. Smyth said, “I wanted the opportunity to give back more often,” which led to the team’s upcoming efforts for the community.
She wanted the team to be known as community activists, not just athletes. According to Smyth, “There’s not another LFL team that will give back as much to the community as we will.”
Calling the program “Hearts Share Love”, Smyth said that each month Heart players will have a different event to give back to the community. She said that because, “Nebraska is a very family and community oriented state it just makes sense (for us to give back).”
She encourages Heart fans to provide suggestions for the Heart’s program. The Heart players will use their Facebook pages to allow fans to suggest opportunities to give back to the community.
Recently a fan requested that the Heart give back to the Buford Foundation. The foundation focuses on building young kids confidence through a camp in Wyoming called Camp Confidence. For more than 30 years the Buford Foundation has been providing programs for youth to develop life skills. “Everybody needs confidence. It is something that we all have in common,” said Smyth.
The Heart have partnered with a sports bar to sponsor the fundraiser for the Buford Foundation. Clancy’s sports bar at 114th and Dodge will be donating a portion of the proceeds from its Saturday night cover as well as a percentage of proceeds from certain drinks. Smyth said, “Clancy’s supports us and is more than willing to support a cause we believe in.” The ladies are committed to several events over the next few months. The Buford Foundation fundraiser is just the start of Hearts Share Love.
The Heart plan to donate their time to the following: Big Dreams Weekend on April 4-6, and the American Heart Association’s heart walk on May 11.
The Heart also are planning a car wash fundraiser for a to-be-determined cause during the summer. Smyth sums it up well when she says, “We are the Omaha Heart, it just makes sense that we show that we have lots of heart for our community.”
For more information on Big Dreams Weekend and the Heart Walk, please refer to their websites www.bigdreamsweekend.com and www.omahaheartwalk.com.
To stay up to date on the Heart’s philanthropic efforts, check out their fan Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MyOmahaHeart

Lone Star Football League
Amarillo Venom Announces Free Coaches' Tickets
The Amarillo Venom announced that they will be giving free tickets to area coaches brought to you by Britkare and Don-Joy. The free coaches' tickets are valid for middle, high school, and college coaches and coaching IDs must be shown.
The campaign is to show appreciation for the area coaches that takes care of the young athletes in the area. Sometimes coaches serve as more than just a sports instructor, but also as a mentor, a second parent and a close friend. The Amarillo Venom recognizes this reality and wants to give thanks to the coaches for their dedication to not only their sport but also to those that play under them.
In order to register to be eligible for free tickets, coaches can e-mail Stephanie Tucker at Stephanie@govenom.com or John Lee at media@govenom.com.
Coaches just need to provide the school, the sport, and at time of ticket pickup their coaches association ID.

Professional Indoor Football League
Richmond Raiders Opening Night Is Saturday
The Richmond Raiders will start their fourth season of professional indoor football this Saturday, March 16, when they host the Alabama Hammers. Fans will get their first look at the Raiders since the 2012 PIFL Championship Game, and the team taking the field Saturday will feature several returning veterans from 2012's 11-3 team, along with some heralded indoor rookies. The Raiders will need to get up to game speed quickly against an Alabama team that already has a game under its belt.
One of the most important factors in the Raiders' success last year was the play of league MVP, quarterback Antwon Young. Young was invited to Iowa Barnstormers' training camp in the Arena Football League, and with the departure of last year's backup QB James Steadman, who signed with the rival Albany Panthers over the offseason, the QB position was wide open during training camp. After a heated competition, head coach James Fuller named Warren Smith his opening night starter. Smith will take his first official snap in indoor football Saturday, but is no stranger to the 50-yard game. Smith caught the eye of Raider head coach James Fuller after working out for the Utah Blaze of the AFL. "We are very pleased to have Warren," Fuller said.
"He has played a number of snaps on a high level overseas and in college, and has a high football IQ which should help him pick up the game quickly." Smith led the Maine Black Bears to the NCAA national quarterfinals in 2011 while setting a single-season school record with 3,122 passing yards. He spent a season in the German football league, where he threw for 28 touchdowns and only eight interceptions in 14 games. He also rushed for 11 touchdowns and led his team to the league semifinals. Malik White will back up Smith.
Smith will be surrounded by veterans who will need no introduction to Raider fans. Antwun Williams, Herb Jones, Hakeem Moore, and Jason Lovett all return from a 2012 receiving corps that featured a blend of size and speed and combined for over 2300 receiving yards and 49 touchdowns. Additionally, the 2012 offensive line of Kynneth Moses, Derek Stoudt, and Brandon Grier returns intact. Fullback Anthony Silvers also moved on to participate in Iowa training camp, but indoor veteran Rodney Sledge figures to step in without missing a beat.
Defensively, the Raiders experienced some turnover on the line with second-team All PIFL end Lawrence Lewis announcing his retirement. Brandon Sutton and James Carter return to the rotation, and newcomer Chris Peoples will be in the mix as well. Preston Hines will provide versatility as he can line up at linebacker or on the line, as can newcomer (and college teammate of Warren Smith) Raibonne Charles. The defensive backfield returns largely intact, with Maurice Thorne, Ke'mon Bailey, and RoShawn Marshall bringing a combined 10 interceptions from 2012. They will be joined by Davon Morgan, a four year starter at Virginia Tech. He was named second team All-ACC as a senior after notching five interceptions and finishing second on the team in tackles and was signed by the New York Jets. Kevin Allen and Calvin Brown will provide depth at cornerback.
The Hammers come in at 1-0 after a last-second win over the Lehigh Valley SteelHawks last week. Quarterback Kevin Eakin and receivers Jeremy Grier and Charles McClain combined to execute a 25-yard hook and lateral on the game's final play to give Alabama a 29-28 win. The Raiders, however, are a perfect 4-0 against the Hammers including a sweep of the teams' three meetings in 2012. In two games in Richmond, the Raiders have outscored the Hammers 116- 73.
Saturday's matchup will be on Community Heroes Night, when the Raiders will honor the military, police, fire, and first responders. The game is sponsored by Genworth and Hunton & Williams, and the Air Force will provide giveaways to the first 1,000 fans through the doors.
Panthers Announce "Clear Channel Night" for the Home Opener on March 16th
The Back-to-Back Champion and reigning Professional Indoor Football League Champion Albany Panthers today announced the participants who will represent Clear Channel during pre-game activities Saturday night, March 16th, as the Panthers host the Columbus Lions at Phoebe Field.
The national Anthem will be presented by PRM/GA229ENT R&B Recording Artist "Traebeanz". The invocation will be delivered by Big Scoop, Program Director for WJIZ. Assisting with the coin toss will be Amadaeus, the newest member of WOBB 100.3 FM, and the Game Ball Delivery will presented by Kelsey Dorsey, daughter of daughter of Senior Account Executive, Corey Dorsey. The Marine Corp Color Guard will be on hand as well to present the flag.
"Clear Channel is excited and honored to help do our part in getting Southwest Georgia excited about our Champions, The Albany Panthers," said Clear Channel Program Director Big Scoop. "We're looking forward to another Winning Season. "
The Panthers are ranked 1st in this week's PIFL Poll, and they have a 1-0 record in league. Albany is coming off a win against the Louisiana Swashbucklers last Saturday night, although the Lions are currently 1-0 the importance of this match-up couldn't be bigger. With a win, Albany takes one step closer to another league title.
Lions, Panthers Back At It Again This Saturday
Indoor football biggest in-state rivalry resumes this Saturday night when the Columbus Lions (1-0) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) head south to take on the defending PIFL Champion Albany Panthers (1-0).
Saturday's game in Albany will be the first of three regular season meetings but if the past is any indicator we are likely in for a potential fourth meeting with the stage being the playoffs. For the past two seasons this rivalry has extended into the playoffs with the Panthers getting the best of the Lions including last season's 60-36 win in route to the inaugural PIFL Championship.
For the most part, Albany returns an entire squad hell bent on making a Chicago Bulls type three-peat run at another title. Back for another shot includes offensive stars QB Cecil Lester and WR Antwone Savage and of course on defense they are led by former Columbus Lions DB Damian Daniels who continues his quest at indoor infamy just nine interceptions from the all-time indoor record.
Last Saturday, the journey for a three-peat began with a dominating 50-41 victory over the Swashbucklers. Not once did the Panthers trail with QB Cecil Lester completing 26 of 39 passes for 269 yards and five touchdowns in route to earning the Week 1 PIFL Offensive Player of the Week.
Unlike their counterparts, Columbus won their opening game over Knoxville thanks in large part to a strong defensive showing mixed in with some key special team's plays. In addition to creating three turnovers, Lions LB Justen Rivers blocked a field goal try and returned it for a touchdown helping him earn the Week 1 PIFL Defensive Player of the Week.
The strong showing on defense was a nice change of pace considering how much that side of the ball struggled in 2012. It was also necessary considering the Lions offense stalled in key moments as QB Garrett Sutphen completed just 10 of 23 passes for 135 yards throwing three interceptions.
"All three facets of the game played well enough to win," said Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "Consisting primarily of vets who know their roles and know what it takes to win a title, this week is a crucial growing period for some of our guys to learn and step-up."
After Saturday, Columbus and Albany will not see each other again until the season's third and final week of the season so getting an early key win could prove vital for both in the standings.