Daily League News & Notes

Arena Football League

Soul Return Home to Host Arizona

The Philadelphia Soul (5-4) return home to host the Arizona Rattlers (9-1) on Saturday, June 1 at 4 p.m. in a rematch of last year's ArenaBowl XXV. The Soul, riding a two-game win streak, look to knock off the Rattlers after losing to them, 72-54, in last year's championship.

Following the game, the Soul will host the "RoShon Fegan and Caroline Sunshine Concert Jam," in support of their "Daddy-Daughter Night." The concert will be free for ticket holders.

West Division Rivals Clash in Week 11 Matchup on CBS Sports Network

The Spokane Shock (7-3) return home for a rematch against their West Division rivals, the San Jose SaberCats (7-2) in "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" action on CBS Sports Network this Saturday at 10 p.m. ET from the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. This will be the second national television appearance for both teams this season.

A budding rivalry has developed between the two squads, with Spokane leading the all-time series 3-2 after defeating the SaberCats, 69-47, earlier this season. Spokane was aided by defensive back Paul Stephens' career night, in which he collected an AFL-record five interceptions against San Jose.

This week's matchup will no doubt have playoff implications for both teams. Despite the Week 5 loss to Spokane, the SaberCats hold the second spot in the West Division standings, a half-game ahead of the Shock. A win on Saturday for the SaberCats would solidify their second place position, while a loss would drop them to third in the division standings behind Spokane and give the Shock unquestioned ownership of a head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Shock started the season red-hot, rattling off five straight wins before dropping three in a row. However, the team has appeared to regain its footing after putting together back-to-back wins, with the most recent victory coming on the road against the San Antonio Talons (4-5). Shock quarterback and League MVP candidate Erik Meyer completed 23-of-29 passes for 255 yards and seven scores to accompany two rushing touchdowns in the game. He leads the League with 2,926 passing yards and 70 touchdowns through ten weeks, with eight of those touchdown passes coming against the SaberCats in Week 5. His favorite target, Adron Tennell, hauled in 12 passes for 177 yards and four touchdowns last week, bringing his streak of consecutive games with multiple touchdown receptions to 15. He had nine catches for 117 yards and three scores against the SaberCats earlier this season.

The SaberCats have not lost since the defeat at the hands of the Shock in mid-April. Perhaps the biggest reason behind the team's turnaround has been the addition of quarterback Russ Michna. The ‘Cats are 5-0 since the southpaw arrived in San Jose last month. Michna last saw the Spokane Shock as a member of the Chicago Rush in 2012 when he set new franchise records with 400 passing yards and nine touchdowns in the game. On the defensive side of the ball, this week's matchup will feature the reigning Riddell Defensive Player of the Week, defensive back Clevan Thomas. The SaberCats defender is tied with, coincidentally, Spokane's Paul Stephens for the League lead with eight interceptions on the season. Thomas recorded two picks last week.

Talons to Be Featured On Reality TV Series

David Lynd, owner of the San Antonio Talons Arena Football Team, announced a partnership with local CBS affiliate, to make the station the home of a reality show. "Guts & Glory" will introduce Talon's team members to San Antonio viewers in a weekly series presenting the "behind the scenes" look at Arena Football.

The agreement will bring a 30-minute show called "Guts & Glory 2013" to KENS-TV premiering Sat. June 8, and will air for 11 weeks through August 17. The show will air on Saturdays at noon and repeated on Sundays at 5 a.m.

"We will give South Texas fans the "best" of the Talons off the field," David Lynd, Talons team owner and chief visionary officer for the EnV Group said. "Our coaches and team will candidly discuss the season to date with insight into the player's lives and game strategy."

Talons fans have the opportunity to be a part of the show by participating in interactive interview stations positioned throughout the stadium during home games and open practices.

"David has made the Talons team an essential part of the community," Jerry Kurz, commissioner of the Arena Football League said, "I was pleased that through this series the public will get to know Talons players as fathers, sons, and contributing members of San Antonio."

The Talons will participate in supporting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as part of the AFL Championship Game on Aug. 17.

According to Peter Anthony Andrews, show producer and CEO of EnV Media, several AFL teams are closely watching the Talons and have expressed interest in the series.

"We look forward to working together with our players to bring a great series to viewers every week on KENS 5 TV," Andrews, a former VP at NBC, Columbia Pics and MGM Studios said.

"I think this show will inspire other owners to find a way to replicate David's program in every one of our markets," said Commissioner Kurz. "We'll come to know the players much more than what we see on game day. It's been a pleasure working with David. He has the drive, determination and love for the game. He has made it his own, and I admire, respect and appreciate David for doing that."

"Being able to expose Arena Football and the San Antonio Talons through this type of media is an incredible opportunity. Arena Football is the most fan friendly sport out there, and the opportunity to present it to South Texas in this forum is something that most teams and leagues can only dream about," Keith Recine, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the San Antonio Talons said. "I am thrilled that we will be able to inspire the kind of passion we have for Arena Football in new fans around the country."

Blaze Add Two Linemen

The Utah Blaze have agreed to terms with rookie defensive lineman Jordan Bright and rookie offensive lineman Lavon McCoy, the franchise announced today.

Bright (6-8, 285, Indiana State) played in all 11 games as a senior defensive tackle at Indiana State University and registered 23 tackles with one sack, five tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. Most recently, Bright attended rookie minicamp with the Indianapolis Colts.

"Jordan has the size and strength needed to compete in the Arena Football League," said Head Coach Ron James. "He's a very explosive player and we're looking forward to seeing what he can add to our defense."

McCoy (6-6, 380, Bethune-Cookman) attended Bethune-Cookman University. As a senior in 2012, McCoy played offensive guard and paved the way for the nation's 10th-ranked rushing offense, helping the Wildcats average over 240 yards per game on the ground.

"Lavon is a big, strong athlete. He came in and earned the respect of his peers and this team based on his work ethic. We strengthened both of our lines today and I'm extremely excited about that."

The Utah Blaze (4-5) travel to Texas this weekend to take on the San Antonio Talons (4-5) at the Alamodome on Monday, June 3rd. The game can be heard live in the Salt Lake area exclusively on 97.5 FM The Zone with Scott Garrard providing play-by-play coverage. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30pm MT.

Saturday's Jacksonville Game - What You Need to Know

The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks return to their home turf on Saturday, June 1, hosting the Pittsburgh Power on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. This week's game is presented by our partners at The Blood Alliance, and kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

Fresh off a 44-41 victory over the Orlando Predators, the Sharks take the best record in the American Conference into tonight's matchup. These two teams met up in Pittsburgh in Week 2, as the Shark defense racked up a franchise-record seven sacks en route to a 61-35 win. In fact, the Sharks have won all three previous meetings against Pittsburgh by at least 20 points. Tonight, however, the Sharks will get their first look at Power quarterback Steven Sheffield, who has led Pittsburgh to two wins in their last three games.

Whether you are a longtime Season Ticket Holder or are about to head to your first Sharks game, please see below for a rundown of what to expect at the Shark Tank tonight!

Shark-A-Ritaville

It's time to grab your flip flops and beach towels for our annual trip to Shark-A-Ritaville! Enjoy a selection of music with a distinct tropical flair, and be sure to check out our selection of Cayman Jack margaritas available at select concession stands in the arena.

Continental Indoor Football League

CIFL Teams Begin to Re-Up for the 2014 Season

The Continental Indoor Football League is proud to announce it has come to terms with the reigning CIFL Champion Erie Explosion to return for the 2014 season.

"The CIFL has been a good fit for the Erie Explosion," said Explosion owner Bill Stafford, "We are looking to defend our championship in 2014. The CIFL front office staff and other teams have been a pleasure to work with."

The Explosion, led by CIFL Coach of the Year Shawn Liotta, will play next season at the newly remodeled Erie Insurance Arena. The arena is currently in its final stages of an over $40 million dollar renovation and is set to reopen in August.

"The CIFL has tremendous stability, professionalism, and a vision to provide a platform for players and coaches to advance their professional careers," said Liotta, "We look forward to the challenge of defending our championship against top level competition each week during the 2014 season."

Yesterday the Explosion received a proclamation from Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, recognizing them as only the fifth indoor football franchise to have an undefeated season in the history of the sport.

Along with the Explosion, the CIFL has come to terms with the Dayton Sharks, Port Huron Patriots, Detroit Thunder and Saginaw Sting.

The Dayton Sharks will return to Hara Arena for the 2014 season under the guidance of newly appointed General Manager LaVar Glover. Glover, a Dayton native and University of Cincinnati grad was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002 and later signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. He also spent time with the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos before making his way into the arena world as a member of the AFL's Columbus Destroyers and Orlando Predators. Most recently Glover played in the CFL for the Edmonton Eskimos. The Sharks are owned and operated by managing partner Corwyn Thomas. Thomas founded the Sharks in late 2012 and they finished the 2013 season with an 8-2 record led by CIFL Offensive Player of the Year Tommy Jones.

The Port Huron Patriots will continue their rebuilding process under its new ownership group lead by Jude Carter inside the McMorran Place for the 2014 season. Carter purchased the Patriots from its previous owners midway through last season and significantly improved the level of product both on and off the field including the CIFL's only 2013 OT thriller against the Dayton Sharks.

The Detroit Thunder, the CIFL's most recent expansion team completed a successful 2013 season under the guidance of co-owners Terrence and Lawrence Foster. The Thunder completed their ten game regular season schedule with a record of 4-6. They are currently in negotiations to locate a permanent home having played last season's contests at Taylor Sportsplex.

The Saginaw Sting, coming off a one point loss to the Explosion in the CIFL Championship earlier this month, will once again play host to opponents inside The Dow Event Center on Draper Auto Field. The Sting look to capture a fourth championship title in 2014, having won championships in three of their five seasons of play.

Indoor Football League

Revolution Host Colorado Saturday Night

With only two home games remaining, this Saturday June 1st game against Colorado has a lot of importance for the Texas Revolution.

With a win tomorrow, the Revs will be able to stay alive in the United Conference playoff race. With one of the best home records in the IFL, the Revolution love playing in front of a passionate crowd at the Allen Event Center. Be sure to experience the excitement of Indoor Football in Collin County by being at the game tomorrow.

Additionally, the Revolution will be honoring General Manager and Co-Owner Tim Brown throughout the game. The 17-year NFL pro will be in attendance, along with his 1987 Heisman Trophy. This is a great opportunity to see one of the greatest receivers the sport of football has ever known! The first 1,000 fans in attendance will also receive a bobblehead of Tim Brown wearing the Revolution home uniform in his iconic Heisman pose!