Daily League News & Notes

Arena Football League
Pittsburgh Power Media Day & Scrimmage vs. Cleveland Gladiators Saturday
The Pittsburgh Power will tackle with division foe Cleveland Gladiators in an open-to- the-public scrimmage this Saturday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Southpointe Fieldhouse (104 Cecil Henderson Road, Canonsburg, PA). Admission is free. Saturday's event with Cleveland will also serve as the Power's official Media Day with players, coaches, and Power co-owners Lynn Swann and Matt Shaner available for photos and interviews.
Concessions will be available for purchase, and fans are encouraged to bring their own portable chairs. There will be a brief autograph session with Power players and coaches at the end of the scrimmage.
At the conclusion of training camp, the Power will also formally introduce their opening night roster on Monday, March 18 at Jergel's Rhythm Grille (285 Northgate Drive, Warrendale, PA) at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public (all ages). Media members are welcome to attend the Jergel's event as the entire Power squad and coaches will be available for interviews.
The Power open their third Arena Football League season on Saturday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m. against the Utah Blaze at CONSOL Energy Center.
Sharks Training Camp Report - March 7
The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks held their sixth practice of 2013 training camp at Plantation Park on Thursday morning. After Wednesday's helmets-only workout, Thursday's practice saw the team return to full contact.
After stretching, warm-up and individual drills, the hitting began Thursday with the one-on-one session. While the matchups between defensive backs and receivers saw their fair share of collisions, as usual some of the most intense physical battles came in the trenches as the Sharks' offensive linemen squared off against their defensive counterparts.
This session served as a showcase for the Sharks' veteran offensive front, a group that includes returning linemen Isaac Morales and Brant Clouser, as well as fullback Rendrick Taylor. These returning Sharks are joined by newcomers Cornelius Lewis and Nick Torresso, each of whom saw significant action with their respective teams during the 2012 season. After Thursday's practice, Morales talked about how this season's offensive line is coming together.
"We've got a lot of vets on the o-line, so everyone's catching on pretty quick," Morales said. "Technique-wise we've got to keep getting better every day, but we're going to be pretty solid by the first game."
Morales has had plenty of chances to go against the Sharks' defensive line, a deep group that is comprised of a few returning Sharks, several AFL veterans who are new to Jacksonville and a few talented rookies. On Thursday, Morales also spoke about what that unit brings to the table.
"They're all awesome guys, and I know they're ruthless. When it comes to the D-line, they're going to come in and try to get sacks every time. It's good, they're going to make us as an O-line better."
Player Spotlight
Few players have played more games in a Shark uniform than Morales. Now entering his fourth season in the AFL, Morales anchored the team's offensive line in both 2010 and 2011, then battled back from injury to return to the team midway through 2012. Morales was one of the first players to commit to the 2013 Sharks, agreeing to a two-year contract this past October.
Morales and the Sharks have now practiced on six consecutive days to open training camp, with two more workouts to go before an off day on Sunday. No stranger himself to the rigors of training camp, Morales feels that the team is holding up well, especially after three full-contact practices over the last four days.
"Everybody's gonna be sore. It's natural, neck, legs, hips, everything's gonna hurt," Morales said. "It just comes with the sport, you gotta be in shape, you gotta keep working out. This is what we do. We love it, and we're gonna be good."
Up Next
The Sharks will strap on the pads again at Plantation Park on Friday morning. Friday's practice will begin at 8:30 a.m. and is open to the public.
Barnstormers Watch Parties Find New Home at the Keg Stand
The Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League are pleased to announce that The Keg Stand, located at 3530 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines will be the official host of all road game watch parties for the 2013 season. This year all 9 Barnstormers road games will air live at The Keg Stand via CBS Sports Online. Each watch party will feature discounted food and drink specials for Barnstormers fans.
The first road game watch party will take place on Saturday, March 23rd when the Barnstormers open the 2013 season against their division rivals the Chicago Rush. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm. The entire road game watch party schedule is listed below:
2013 Barnstormers Watch Party Schedule:
Sat. March 23 Iowa @ Chicago 7:00pm
Sat. March 30 Iowa @ New Orleans 7:00pm
Fri. April 19 Iowa @ Jacksonville 7:00pm
Fri. May 3 Iowa @ San Antonio 7:30pm
Sat. May 18 Iowa @ Utah 8:00pm
Sat. May 25 Iowa @ Arizona 8:00pm
Fri. June 7 Iowa @ Cleveland 6:30pm
Sat. June 22 Iowa @ Philadelphia 6:00pm
Sat. July 13 Iowa @ Orlando 6:30pm
The home portion of the schedule begins Friday, April 5 when the Spokane Shock come to town.
Last Day to Perform Before First Cuts
The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, are nearing the first round of cuts that will take place tomorrow. The roster will be down to a 28-man roster and by the end of camp, a 24-man roster.
Standout players appealing to the Soul are WR/KR Alvance Robinson (5'9", 170, Alabama State), DL Morkeith Brown (6'5", 255, Temple) and DB James Romain (5'11", 175, Delaware State). Brown and Romain are both rookies coming into the Soul training camp, and Robinson has four years of AFL experience.
Leadership continues to show among the players with veteran WR Larry Brackins (6'5", 225, Pearl River C.C.) guiding other receivers and giving pointers. With the cuts tomorrow, all players gave their best effort today to show the coaches that they deserve a spot on the final 2013 roster.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: DB DARIUS PETTIGREW (6'1", 185, West Georgia): DB Darius Pettigrew comes in the Soul training camp as a rookie. He was previously with the UIFL Huntingdon Hammer (2011) for the last five games of the season where he had 5 interceptions, 13 pass break-ups and 1 fumble recovery. In the af2 he played with the Amarillo Venom (2009), Tulsa Talons (2009), and the Texas Copperheads (2008). With the Copperheads he had 7 interceptions in 10 games with 1 returned for a touchdown. He ranked No. 2 on the team in tackles (61), No. 5 on the team in all purpose yards, set and tied 3 single season game highs in second start of season with 3 interceptions in one game in 3 quarters. He recorded 105 interception return yards, and a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown. Pettigrew was voted mid-season MVP for the Copperheads.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Having the opportunity to go to the Eagles training camp gave me a great insight," said veteran WR Tiger Jones. "It taught me to be more physical and that's what I'm looking to do at this camp. Dan Raudabaugh and I have been working together on our timing, recognizing plays sooner and bettering ourselves overall. This season we have the same goals, to win the conference and then the ArenaBowl. Our focus is on our process - the little things everyday like working hard in practice, watching films and staying healthy."
TEAMMATES ONCE AGAIN: LB Joe Goosby (6'1", 235, Tulane) and LB/DL Calvin Fance (6'1", 245, Angelo State) reunite on the Soul, as they were once teammates together at Jersey Village High School in Jersey Village, Texas back in 2003. Goosby played safety and Fance a fullback. The team was close to qualifying for states after a great season. Together this season they will build-up and maintain the Soul's defense.
Goosby returns to the Soul after starting all games of the 2012 season where he recorded 96 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 interceptions and 3 defensive touchdowns. Previously with the Dallas Vigilantes (2011), in nine games he started and finished fourth on the team with 51 tackles (43 solo), two interceptions and 15 pass breakups.
Fance is coming into the AFL as a rookie this year. He recently played in the LSLF with the New Mexico Stars (2012), the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2010-11), and in the IFL with the San Angelo Stampede (2010). At Angelo State he earned Division II All-American honors after leading the nation with 14 sacks as a senior (2009).
Sharks to Hold Free Preseason Scrimmage on March 15
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.
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.
Sharks Single-Game Tickets to Go on Sale Monday
The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced Friday that single-game tickets for the 2013 season will be available for purchase starting Monday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m.
This year, single-game tickets are available for as low as $13 per ticket, with various price points corresponding to different locations throughout the arena (see jaxsharks.com for seating map). Single-game tickets may be purchased at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena box office, through Ticketmaster.com or at several Jacksonville-area Ticketmaster outlets.
For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Sharks ticket office at (904) 621-0700 or visit www.jaxsharks.com/tickets/singletickets.
In addition to single-game seats, both season tickets and group packages are available for the 2013 season. 10-game season ticket packages offer the best value, with seats starting at just $8 per game. Groups of 15 or more can take advantage of discounts of up to 30% off equivalent single-game tickets, subject to availability.
The 2013 Sharks season kicks off with a free preseason benefit scrimmage against the Orlando Predators on Friday, March 15. Admission to the game is free of charge, though fans are asked to bring a donation of dog or cat food that will be collected on behalf of First Coast No More Homeless Pets. The regular season home slate begins on Friday, April 12 against the New Orleans VooDoo. Once again, please contact our ticket office at (904) 621-0700 for further information about our ticket options.

Indoor Football League
Ice Prepare for First Road Game
The Colorado Ice won a big game at home to start the 2013 IFL season, and are now looking to use this momentum in their first road game at the Nebraska Danger. On Saturday, March 9, the Ice will be in Grand Island, NE as they take on the Danger at 6:00 p.m. MST.
The Ice are looking for another win after defeating last year's Intense Conference champions, the Tri-Cities Fever, at the Budweiser Events Center last Friday. The Ice pulled out the dramatic 42-38 win on a late touchdown run by James "JJ" Jones (8), his second touchdown of the game. Jones was also named Vidswap.com offensive player of the week for the IFL. Marquis George (51) had a defensive touchdown and a sack on his way to being named Runza Player of the Game.
The Nebraska Danger are coming off of a big home win of their own, as they beat the Sioux Falls Storm, the two-time defending IFL champions, 30-21 last Saturday. The Danger became the first team to beat the Storm since June 11, 2011, snapping their IFL record 21 game winning streak. The Danger's defense was suffocating as the Storm offense, while playing in front of their home crowd, was able to keep the Storm out of the end zone until nearly halfway through the fourth quarter.
This Saturday's game will be a key early season matchup in the Intense Conference. Coach Heron O'Neal knows that the Danger are going to give the Ice their best shot because both teams had good showings in their first games. "This is a good chance [to show what our team can do] against a good Nebraska team that is going to have 5,200 fans in the stands, and it's always good to go against Coach Davis who is a good friend of mine."
Coach O knows that his team needs to show more consistency in this second game of the season if he wants to be in first place come next week. "We need to be more consistent. We can't have an interception at one point and then a touchdown right after. We need to cut down on turnovers, and win the turnover battle. If we can do that, we can come out with a win."
Both the Ice and the Danger are currently tied at the top of the conference with 1-0 records, and the winner of this game will take sole possession of first place.

Legends Football League
LFL Partners With South Asia’s Biggest Sports Broadcaster
Ten Sports, South Asia’s biggest sports content provider announced that it has acquired the multi-year broadcast rights for Legends Football League (LFL) across each of its international leagues. LFL Football will join an impressive roster of major American sports currently being broadcast on Ten Sports including the NFL, PGA and WWE.
Founded in 2009, the LFL has been touted as the ‘fastest growing sports league in the United States’ by BusinessWeek and NBC Sports. The LFL plans to host an LFL All-Star Games Tour in Asia, which will include a game in India, a country that has become a focus of growth for the league.
“We at Ten Sports feel that the LFL is a cutting-edge global sports property. With its blend of fast-paced action, intense hitting, beauty and unparalleled field and locker room access to television viewers, LFL Football will be well received by our national audience in India,” said, Atul Pande, CEO TEN Sports.
This broadcast partnership is one of several international television deals announced in the past few weeks, signaling significant interest forming around LFL Football globally across major sports broadcasters. As early as 2014, LFL Football could exceed the NFL in terms of the number of international television households reached. As great of an interest as the LFL has had within the US, the appetite internationally has become far greater, drawing sell-out crowds for international All-Star Games while also continuing to build on its base of international broadcasters.
The LFL has succeeded in making American football entertaining to international audiences and ultimately introduced more people to the game of American football than the NFL has ever done.
“With our focus continuing to shift toward partnerships with traditional sports-centric television networks globally, Ten Sports fits perfectly within that strategy. We could not be more thrilled to have partnered with the preeminent sports broadcaster in India with a population of nearly 1.2 billion,” said, Mitchell Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, LFL Global.
Total Sports Asia (TSA), the LFL’s official international television representative, brokered the blockbuster agreement.

Ultimate Indoor Football League
Raiders Set for Home Opener
The Lakeland Raiders have been working diligently since the ending of the 2012 season to prepare for 2013. Now the Raiders are ready to return to the Lakeland Center to play in front of their home crowd. The Raiders are coming off of a 74-25 victory on the road against the Georgia Rampage. The new look Raiders are ready to put on a great show for the home crowd.
The Raiders have some returning players and many new faces. The returning players are Roderick Jefferson, Adrian Smith, Kendrick Stewart, Julius McClellan, Josh Smith, Munir Muwwakkil and DeAngelo Woodie. These players have been put through many battles and competition since their first season and are excited about the roster they currently belong to. "I'm excited to be back and the roster is super talented this year. I am ready to contribute in any way and plan to bring a championship back to Lakeland" said Julius. The Raiders believe with the changes made in many positions that they are able to contend for a championship this year. The Raiders will be entering their first home game with a slightly different look than the first road game. The Raiders quarterback Bj Hall will not be present at the home opener due to being one of the happiest days any person can have, his wedding day. The Raiders want to wish Bj the best day any man could possibly have and that the team will be working hard without him to make a winning streak. The Raiders would like to welcome Collin Drafts to the team. Collin and Bj have played together with the Dallas Vigilates and he is ready to keep the pace going for the Raiders. Collin is currently coaching as the offensive coordinator in Orlando at West Orange High School. He wasn't planning on playing this year but he could not pass the opportunity to help the Raiders. Collin also has played for the Orlando Predators and has had a very efficient career in Arena football passing for over 85 touchdowns and a passer rating average of 95.64 in just slightly over 2 seasons. The team is very excited to have him and is looking forward to keeping the excitement on the field. The Raiders added some new weapons on the offensive side of the ball with Tyler Batts in the backfield, Jason Harmon, Tyrece Gaines, Sergio Allen at receivers, and a new look offensive line with Larry Wriedt, Chris Rutledge, Mo Mitchell, and Brendan Berry. The Raiders new offensive line averages 6'7 in height and 338lbs. The defensive side of the ball adds some new faces such as Reggie Lewis, Koreen Burch, Sam Smith, Conor Reilly, Chris Bradwell, and Stephen Coleman.
The Raiders are ready to battle the Sarasota Thunder in their home opener on Saturday March 9th with kick-off at 730pm. The Raiders are also giving free admission to children that bring in a stuffed animal that will be donated to the Children's Home Society. The Raiders ask even if you are not a child to please donate a stuffed animal as they are all going to a great cause.