Week Two Saturday Games: Thouroghbreds, Sharks battle in Southeastern Division rivalry showdown! PREVIEW

Saturday, March 2nd AFFA Slate

0-1 Philadelphia Freedom at 0-1 Hartford Sentinels  ( Sentinels by 3)
0-1 Michigan Panthers at 0-1 St. Louis Scouts  ( No Line)
0-1 Miami Sharks at  1-0 Louisville Thoroughbreds  ( Lou by 4 )
1-0 Los Angeles Pharoahs at  0-1 Utah Mammoths  ( L.A. by 7 )
0-1 Arkansas Diamond Miners  at 1-0 Albuquerque Aztecs  ( Albuquerque by 8 )

AFFA FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ( WK 2) TRITONS CRUMBLE EMPIRE 30-7

Virginia Tritons  ( 2-0 ) - 30    New York Empire  ( 0-2 )-  7

Norfolk ,Virginia;   Mike Bercovici threw for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns with 2 interceptions, while completing 18 of 30 passing in leading the Virginia Tritons to a 30-7 thrashing of the New York Empire, Friday night at Dick Price Stadium in Norfolk.

Kenneth Dixon rushed for 57 yards on 16 carries, and caught 5 passes for 111 yards and a score. Dontella Luckett had 5 receptions for 60 yards and a score. J.J. Nelson had a touchdown reception, catching 4 passes for 73 yards for the Tritons who improved to 2-0 on the season. Justin Tucker converted on 3 of 3 field goal attempts, with a long of 48 yards.

Rashard Cliett led a stout Tritons defense with 7 tackles and a sack. Brandon Spikes recorded 5 tackles, a sack, one pass deflection, one hurry and a forced fumble.

New York quarterback Johnny Manziel completed 14 of 28 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown, with an interception and sacked 3 times. He also ran 6 times for 27 yards on 6 carries.

Ray Graham ran 13 times for 50 yards. Geronimo Allen had 3 receptions for 121 yards, including a 61 yard touchdown reception. Jonathan Masaquoi led the defense with 10 tackles, 1 pass deflection and 2 stuffs as the Empire fall to 0-2 on the season.

" We just didn't look like we were ready to play and that is on me. They ( Virginia) have a very potent offense and probably the best defense in the league in my opinion. Johnny ( Manziel) played well, even though protection broke down on several occasions.  Defensively we just didn't execute and applied little pressure to the quarterback. " said New York head coach John Fox after the game.


Scoring 

2.  8:26  Virginia   Justin Tucker 48 yard field goal  ( 0-3) 6-39-224
2.  2:57  Virginia   Mike Bercovici 12 yard touchdown pass to Dontella Luckett ( J. Tucker) ( 0-10)  3-22-0:56
2.  1:05  Virginia   Mike Bercovici 16 yard touchdown pass to J.J. Nelson ( J. Tucker) ( 0-17 ) 6-63-1:06
3.  14:39  Virginia   Mike Bercovici 65 yard touchdown pass to Kenneth Dixon ( J. Tucker) ( 0-24)  1-65-0:13
3.  6:36  Virginia   Justin Tucker 47 yard field goal  ( 0- 27 )  7-48-4:01
4.  14:53  Virginia  Justin Tucker 46 yard field goal  ( 0-30 )  9-27-5:21
4.  11:40  New York   Johnny Manziel 61 yard touchdown pass to Geronimo Allen ( C. Milo ) ( 7-30 )  5-83-3:07

AFFA FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW (3-1-2019)

NEW YORK EMPIRE  ( 0-1 )  AT  VIRGINIA TRITONS  (1-0 )

PLACE:  Dick Price Stadium.  Norfolk, Virginia. 

TIME:  7:30 PM CST

Media:  Local 

Last Week:  New York lost to Dallas 31-13
                      Virginia defeated Philadelphia  22-0

Spread:  Virginia by 10

INJURY REPORT ( FEBRUARY 28, 2019)

Elijah McGuire  ( Phil )  RB  (  knee)    out 4 weeks
Alec Lemon  ( Pitt )  WR      (knee. )    out  3 weeks
Chad Owens  ( Va )   WR/ Ret     (Ankle )   out 3 weeks
Austin Franklin  ( Clb )  Wr/ Ret (  finger)   out 4 weeks
Albert Wilson  ( Mich )   Wr/ Ret   (knee )  out 5 weeks
Mike Thomas  ( Om )     Wr/ Ret   ( knee)  out 5 weeks
Chad Hansen  ( Orl )      Wr           ( neck )  out 7 weeks
Miles Killebrew  ( Car )  DB           ( Acl )    out 3 weeks
Brandon Tett  ( Lou )  DL               ( knee )  out 5 weeks
Nick Easton  ( Ga )  OL                  (knee )   out 3 weeks

Jordan Williams ( Ga )  Wr            ( stomach)  out 4 weeks
Naamon Roosevelt  ( Ga )  Wr      ( hip )  out 6 weeks
Deontay Greenberry  ( Hou )  Wr   ( knee )  out 5 weeks
Brandon Fusco  ( Hou )    OL         ( hand  )  out 2 weeks
Kevin Monangai  ( Ark )  RB          ( knee )    out 3 weeks
Ishmael Zamora  ( Ark )  Wr/Kr    (knee)     out 7 weeks
Marcus Johnson  ( Mem ) Wr/ Kr  ( knee )  out 3 weeks
Jordan Payton  ( L.A )  Wr               ( hip )     out 4 weeks
Mario Alford  ( L.A. )  Wr/ Kr           ( hand )  out 4 weeks
Michael Sam  ( Sac )  DL                 ( stinger ) out 1 week ( questionable)

Geremy Davis  ( Por )  Wr                ( knee )   out 5 weeks
Luke Rhodes  ( Ut )  LB                    ( back  )  out 4 weeks
Rolly Lumbala  ( Ut )  RB                 ( wrist )   out 5 weeks
Vince Williams  ( Oak )  LB             ( knee  )  out 1 week  ( doubtful)
Derrick Ross  ( Oak )  RB                ( knee )   out  1 week  ( out )   

AFFA STANDINGS WEEK ONE

EASTERN CONFERENCE 

Atlantic Division 

                                             W   L   T   PF   PA
Pittsburgh Ironmen           1    0   0   31    7
Virginia Tritons                   1   0   0   22    0
New York Empire                0   1   0   13   31
Philadelphia Freedom        0   1   0    0    22
Hartford Sentinels              0    1   0   7    31

Southeastern Division 

                                                  W   L   T   PF   PA
Carolina Breakers                   1    0   0   26   25
Louisville Thoroughbreds     1    0   0   35   27
Miami Sharks                          0    1   0   38   41
Orlando Vipers                        0    1   0   27   35
Georgia Generals                    0    1   0   25   26

Mid South Division 
                                                     W   L   T   PF   PA
Dallas Outlaws                           1    0   0   31   13
Birmingham Beast                     1    0   0   36   34
Arkansas Diamond Miners       0    1   0   24   27
Memphis HoundDogs               0    1   0   29   34


WESTERN CONFERENCE 

Great Lakes Division 
                                        W   L   T   PF   PA
Omaha Bulls                  1    0   0   39   24       
Chicago Stags               1    0   0   35   21
Columbus Aviators       0    1   0   6     17
Michigan Panthers        0    1   0   21   35
St. Louis Scouts             0    1   0   24   39


Frontier Division 
                                              W   L   T   PF   PA
Houston Roughnecks        1    0    0   27   24
Albuquerque Aztecs          1    0    0   41   38
Oklahoma Gunslingers      1    0    0   17   6
San Antonio Cimarrons     0    1    0    34  36


Pacific Division 
                                               W   L   T   PF   PA 
Los Angeles Pharoahs       1    0    0   34   29
Sacramento Crusaders      1    0    0   31   14
Oakland Renegades            1    0   0    21   17
Portland Pioneers                0    1   0    17   21
Utah Mammoths                  0    1   0    14   31

WEEK ONE LEADERS

Rushing Leaders

T. Ervin (Ga)   19-147   2 TD
K. Dixon (Va)  21-146   2  TD
T. Richardson (Om)  19-143   3 TD
Z. Zenner  (Car)  21-134   2  TD
R. Graham  (NY)  17-129
T. Gaffney  (Pitt)  25-122   1 TD
D. Cobb (Mia)  22-113
B. Tate  ( Dal)   23- 112    1  TD
Burkhead ( Bir)  21- 109
J. Ajayi ( L.A.)   22-103    2  TD

Recieving Leaders

W. Snead ( Chi )  11-241   1 TD
JD Duncan  (L.A.)  8-176   3  TD
D. Peterson  ( Mich)  8-163   1  TD
T. Davis ( Por)  9-151   1 TD
A. Bowman ( S.A.)   7-73    3  TD

Passing Leaders

B. Sims (Hou)  49-33-361  3 TD
C. Kessler (Mich)  35-23-356   2 TD  1 Int
B. Doughty (Chi)  26-19-345   3 TD   1 Int
B. Mitchell  (Lou)  37-21-343  1 TD
J. Driskel (L.A.)   38-23- 328   3 TD
J. Jennings (Por)  48-23- 317  1 TD
T. Lulay (Alb)   33-23- 314   4 TD  2 Int
M. Barkley (Orl)  35-19- 304   2 TD
R. Ray ( Mem)   48-30- 293   2 TD

Defensive Standouts

W. Venable (Hou)   3 Sk  9 Tk

Special Teams

R. Sanchez (Om)   4-4  FG
A. Hunt  (Dal)   3-202 Kick Ret  2 TD
I. Burse  (Orl)   6- 141  Kick Ret  4-101  Punt Ret  1 TD
G. Oaks ( Lou)  5-5  FG
B. Walsh (Car)  4-4  FG
S. Patton ( Ark )  6-204  Kick Ret  1 TD

WEEK ONE: SUNDAY'S ACTION

Virginia Tritons- 22   Philadelphia Freedom- 0

Norfolk, Virginia;  Kenneth Dixon rushed for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 carries as the Virginia Tritons shut out the Philadelphia Freedom 22-0 Sunday afternoon.

Mike Bercovici threw for 148 yards on 15 of 27 passing. He was sacked 5 times. Dontella Luckett caught 5 passes for 80 yards. Justin Tucker converted on 2 of 3 field goals with a long of 48. Malik Jackson led the defense with 6 tackles, 1 pass deflection, 2 stuffs and a hurry.

Philadelphia was held to only 98 yards of total offense.

" We got our asses handed to us! Out played in every phase of the game. " said Freedom head coach Jack Del Rio.

Scoring

2.  11:55  Va.  Justin Tucker 48 yard field goal ( 7-36-3:34)
2.  3:14  Va.  Kenneth Dixon 1 yard touchdown run ( J. Tucker  )  9-59-5:05
2.  1:36  Va.  Malik Jackson  ( Safety)
2.  0:21  Va.  Justin Tucker 40 yard field goal  ( 9-47- 1:03)
4.  3:39  Va.  Kenneth Dixon 14 yard touchdown run ( J. Tucker) 7-42-3:59


Louisville Thoroughbreds- 35  Orlando Vipers- 27

Louisville, Kentucky;  Bo Levi Mitchell completed 21 of 37 passes for 343 yards and a touchdown with 1 sack to lead the Louisville Thoroughbreds to a 35-27 victory over the Orlando Vipers Sunday at Pa Pa John's Cardinal Stadium.

Ray Rice was held to 40 yards on 14 carries, plus caught 6 passes for 44 yards. Corey Grant ran 5 times for 45 yards, and a 92 yard kick return for a touchdown. Ryan Spadola had 6 receptions for 104 yards and a score.  Josh Stewart caught 6 passes for 100 yards. Griffin Oak converted on 5 of 5 field goals in the win.

Orlando was led by quarterback Matt Barkley completed 19 of 35 passes for 304 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 sacks. Jahad Thomas ran 10 times for 65 yards. Lance Moore caught 7 passes for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jared Roberts converted on 2 of 4 field goals with a long of 35.

Jayon Brown recorded 13 tackles, 2 stuffs and a hurry to lead the defense.

Scoring

1. 14:52  Lou  Corey Grant 92 yard kick return for a touchdown  ( G. Oakes )
1.  9:23   Orl  Jared Roberts 26 yard field goal ( 10-80-5:20)
1.  0:47  Orl  Jared Roberts 35 yard field goal  ( 7-37-1:36)
2.  14:09  Orl  Isaiah Burse 79 yard punt return for touchdown
2.  11:41  Lou  Zac Stacy 3 yard touchdown run ( no good ) 5-78-2:22
2.  2:22  Lou Griffin Oakes 26 yard field goal ( 9-51-4:16)
2.  0:04  Lou Griffin Oakes 37 yard field goal  ( 6-53-1:28 )
3.  10:26  Lou  Bo Levi Mitchell 25 yard touchdown pass to Ryan Spadola ( G. Oakes) 5-56-2:17
3.  9:20  Orl  Matt Barkley 67 yard touchdown pass to Lance Moore ( J. Roberts) 2-67-1:00
3.  5:06  Lou  Griffin Oakes 41 yard field goal ( 10-52-4:02)
3  1:35  Orl  Matt Barkley 7 yard touchdown pass to Lance Moore ( J. Roberts) 8-67-3:24
4.  12:44  Lou  Griffin Oakes 33 yard field goal ( 9-45- 3:47)
4.  0:00  Lou  Griffin Oakes 41 yard field goal  ( 9- 44- 3:24)


Carolina Breakers- 26  Georgia Generals- 25

Atlanta, Georgia;  Zach Zenner ran 21 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns as the Carolina Breakers edged the Georgia Generals 26-25 at Bobby Dodd Stadium Sunday.

Rookie quarterback Nic Shimonek completed 15 of 30 passes for 135 yards with 2 interceptions and a sack. Luke Tasker caught 4 passes for 48 yards and Dustin Keller caught 4 passes for 42 yards. Blair Walsh connected on 4 of 4 field goal attempts. Taylor Reed recorded 11 tackles and a stuff to lead the defense.

Generals quarterback Colin Kaepernick completed 22 of 32 passes for 246 yards and sacked 3 times. Tyler Ervin ran 19 times for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns. Khiry Robinson ran 4 times for 29 yards and a score. Gerald Christensen had 8 catches for 119 yards. Austin Cali had 7 tackles, 2 stuffs and a hurry to lead the defense.

Scoring

1.  8:38  Car  Blair Walsh 38 yard field goal ( 6-20-2:51)
1.  4:06  Car  Blair Walsh 42 yard field goal ( 11-33-3:26)
2.  8:41  Ga  Tyler Ervin 9 yard touchdown run  ( Ty Long) 7-55-3:44
2.  2:47  Car  Zach Zenner 1 yard touchdown run ( B. Walsh) 10-68-5:48
3.  10:33  Ga  Khiry Robinson 6 yard touchdown run  ( Ty Long) 7-87-4:22
3.  2:28   Car  Blair Walsh 28 yard field goal ( 13-80-4:37)
4.  12:40  Ga  Ty Long 44 yard field goal ( 9-55-4:37)
4.  8:21   Car  Blair Walsh 41 yard field goal ( 8-31-4:09)
4.  4:23   Ga   Tyler Ervin 3 yard touchdown run ( 8-30-3:58)
4.  3:09  Car  Zach Zenner 9 yard touchdown run  ( 5-52-1:09)


Albuquerque Aztecs- 41  Miami Sharks- 38

Albuquerque, New Mexico;  Travis Lulay completed 23 of 33 passes for 314 and 4 touchdowns to lead the Albuquerque Aztecs past the Miami Sharks 41-38 at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque Sunday. He was intercepted twice and sacked three times.

Tim Cornett ran 14 times for 97 yards and a touchdown, plus caught 6 passes for 24 yards and a score.  Vic Ballard ran 4 times for 24 yards and a touchdown. Tommy Shuler caught 7 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. Rashad Green had 5 receptions for 110 yards and a score. Stefon Diggs caught 3 passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. Avery Williams recorded 10 tackles and 4 stuffs to power the defense.

Zach Collaros threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, before giving way to Brad Kaaya.  Kaaya completed 5 of 12 passes for 47 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 sacks in his AFFA debut for the Sharks.

David Cobb ran 22 times for 113 yards,  plus caught a touchdown pass. Tajae Sharp caught 7 passes for 77 yards and a score. Ezell Ruffin caught 6 passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns . Brandon Browner recorded 7 tackles and a sack, plus a interception for 49 yards. Zach Vigil also recorded 7 tackles and 1 stuff for the defense in the loss for the Sharks.

Scoring

1. 9:31  Alb  Tim Cornett 5 yard touchdown run ( R. Leone) 4-15-1:37
1. 7:24  Alb  Travis Lulay 59 yard touchdown pass to Rashad Greene ( no good) 2-64-1:02
1. 5: 32  Alb  Travis Lulay 31 yard touchdown pass to Tommy Shuler ( R. Leone) 1-31-0:12
2. 11:57  Mia  Sam Ficken 24 yard field goal ( 9-50-3:02)
2. 6:11  Mia  Brad Kaaya 8 yard touchdown pass to David Cobb ( S. Ficken) 9-66-5:39
2. 2:25  Alb  Vic Ballard 3 yard touchdown run ( R. Leone) 9-80-3:46
2.  0:34  Mia  Brad Kaaya 9 yard touchdown pass to Tajae Sharp ( S. Ficken) 3-14- 0:36
3.  9:55  Mia  George Iloka 49 yard interception return ( S. Ficken)
4.  14:52  Mia  Zach Collaros 14 yard touchdown pass to Ezell Ruffin (S. Ficken)
4.   4:04  Mia  Zach Collaros 18 yard touchdown pass to Ezell Ruffin ( S. Ficken)
4.  1:33  Alb  Travis Lulay 17 yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs ( 2- failed)
4.  0:45  Alb  Travis Lulay 1 yard pass to Tim Cornett ( 2- T. Cornett)


Houston Roughnecks-27  Arkansas Diamond Miners- 24

Little Rock, Arkansas;  Blake Sims threw for 361 yards and 3 touchdowns on 33 of 49 passing, to lead the Houston Roughnecks to a 27-24 victory over the Arkansas Diamond Miners at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock Sunday night.

Kapri Bibbs ran 14 times for 55 yards,  plus had a touchdown reception. Jamison Crowder caught 9 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.  Jason Avant had 7 catches for 95 yards and a score . Winston Venable led the defense with 9 tackles, 3 sacks, a pass deflection and a hurry.

Arkansas's Colby Cameron led the Diamond Miners, completing 13 of 26 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked 3 times.

Brandon Rutley ran for a touchdown and Cody Hoffman caught 7 passes for 120 yards and a score.  Antwione Williams and Keon Raymond each had 8 tackles to lead the defense.

Scoring

1. 6:35  Ark  Colby Cameron 57 yard touchdown pass to Cody Hoffman ( J. Manton) 7-97-4:28
2. 14:52  Hou  Blake Sims 4 yard touchdown pass to Kapri Bibbs ( T. Barrow) 6-54-1:13
2.  7:44  Hou   Blake Sims 30 yard touchdown pass to Jamison Crowder ( T. Barrow) 7-81-3:56
3.  2:27  Hou  Blake Sims 19 yard touchdown pass to Jason Avant ( 11-89- 5:00)
3.  2:23  Ark  Solomon Patton 99 yard kick return for a touchdown ( J. Manton)
4.  10:32. Hou  Trey Barrow 40 yard field goal ( 15-56-6:41)
4.  8:13  Ark  Justin Manton 35 yard field goal ( 8-80-2:27)
4.  2:41  Ark  Brandon Rutley 1 yard touchdown run ( J. Manton) 8-80-2:27
4.  0:27  Hou   Trey Barrow 43 yard field goal ( 10-49-2:03)

Late game:


Birmingham Beast- 36  San Antonio Cimarrons-34

San Antonio, Texas:  Jakeem Grant ran for a touchdown ( 75 yards) and caught 2 more ( 36, 7) to power the Birmingham Beast to a 36-34 victory over the San Antonio Cimarrons at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio Sunday night.

Trevor Harris completed 19 of 28 passes for 276 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. Rex Burkhead ran 21 times for 109 yards and Nic Grigsby had a touchdown run for the Beast. Jakeem Grant finished with 75 yards on 1 carry, plus had 7 receptions for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kevon Seymour led the defense with 9 tackles.

Tajh Boyd led the Cimarrons, throwing for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was sacked twice. Plus ran 11 times for 39 yards and a score. Marshaun Coprich ran 16 times for 92 yards. Adarius Bowman caught 7 passes for 73 yards and 3 touchdowns.

SATURDAY WEEK ONE ACTION

Pittsburgh Ironmen- 31  Hartford Sentinels- 7

Hartford, Connecticut:  Alex Carder completed 23 of 32 passes for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns, as the Pittsburgh Ironmen hammered the Hartford Sentinels 31-7 Saturday at Rentschuler Stadium in Storrs. Carder also ran 6 times for 15 yards and a score.

Tyler Gaffney ran for 122 yards and a score on 25 carries, plus 3 receptions for 13 yards. Luke Wilson had 7 receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. While Eric Rodgers caught 6 passes for 57 yards. Brandon Banks also had a touchdown reception in the win.

Mike Hull lead the Ironmen defensive attack with 10 tackles and a stuff. Terrance Taylor recorded 5 tackles, a forced fumble and a sack.

Hartford quarterback Mike White threw for 107 yards, while completing 16 of 19 passes. He was sacked 3 times. Devonta Freeman ran 9 times for 56 yards and a touchdown, plus caught 8 passes for 37 yards. Antwan Goodley had 5 catches for 46 yards.  Jamar Chaney led the defense with 12 tackles and a forced fumble. Parys Haralson had 9 tackles, 2 stuffs, a hurry and a forced fumble.

Scoring

1. Pitt  Alex Carder 28 yard touchdown pass to Luke Wilson ( S. Waters ) 11-78-5:45
1. Pitt  Alex Carder 6 yard run ( S. Waters) 4-19- 2:09
2. Pitt  Tyler Gaffney 7 yard run ( S. Waters) 12-68- 5:24
2. Pitt  Alex Carder 12 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Banks ( S. Waters) 14-78- 5:49
4. Hfd  Devonta Freeman 18 yard run ( B. Bebe) 11-93- 6:41
4. Swayze Waters 47 yard field goal  ( 11-60- 7:37)


Chicago Stags- 35  Michigan Panthers- 21

Chicago, Illinois:  Brandon Doughty completed 19 of 26 passes for 345 yards and 3 touchdowns, with one interception and sacked twice as the Chicago Stags defeated the Michigan Panthers 35-21 at Soldier Field Saturday.

Alfred Morris ran 30 times for 99 yards and a touchdown. Josh Robinson also ran for a touchdown, while rushing 6 times for 19 yards. Willie Snead had a monster game, catching 11 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. Roger Lewis caught 5 passes for 72 yards and 2 scores. Zackary Bowen led the defense with 8 tackles and a pass defended.

Cody Kessler led the Panthers, throwing for 356 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception and sacked once. Paul Perkins ran 9 times for 78 yards. Montee Ball ran for a score while rushing 7 times for 10 yards. Darrin Pete recorded 8 catches for 163 yards and a score. Stephen Nichols led the defense with 11 tackles and 2 stuffs in the loss.

Scoring

1. Chi 0:07 Brandon Doughty 9 yard touchdown pass to Roger Lewis ( N. Pertuit ) 10- 65- 4:45
2. Mich 5:14 Montee Ball 9 yard touchdown run ( Oberkrom) 8-72- 5:17
2. Chi  0:58 Josh Robinson 1 yard touchdown run ( N. Pertuit ) 15- 79- 4:11
3. Chi  10:16  Brandon Doughty 73 yard touchdown pass to Willie Snead ( N. Pertuit) 2-73-0:19
3.  Mich 5:05  Cody Kessler 32 yard touchdown pass to Darrin Peterson ( Oberkrom) 3-30-0:56
3. Chi  3:30  Brandon Doughty 28 yard touchdown pass to Roger Lewis ( N. Pertuit) 3-46-0:50
4. Chi  14:02  Alfred Morris 2 yard touchdown run ( N. Pertuit) 5-66-2:33
4. Mich 10:45  Cody Kessler 6 yard touchdown pass to Paul Perkins ( Oberkrom) 6-65-3:11


Omaha Bulls- 39  St. Louis Scouts- 24

St. Louis, Missouri:  Omaha running back Trent Richardson rushed for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns on 19 carries to lift the Bulls past the St. Louis Scouts 39-24 Saturday at The Dome at Americas Center in St.Louis. He also caught 6 passes for 43 yards.

Bulls quarterback Rakeem Cato completed 15 of 20 passes for 156 yards and one interception. Rigoberto Sanchez went 4 for 4 on field goal attempts, including a 46 yarder. Prince Shembo recorded 7 tackles and 2 sacks to lead the defense. Darius Phillips had a 90 yard kick return for a touchdown.

Robert Griffin III completed 15 of 31 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked twice. He also ran 9 times for 59 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Andy Jones had 5 receptions for 115 yards and Mike Campanaro had 5 catches for 58 yards and a score in the loss for the Panthers . Steve Longa and John Timu each had 8 tackles for the defense.

Scoring

1. 11:15  Omaha  Trent Richardson 12 yard touchdown run ( R.Sanchez) 6-73-2:35
1.  8: 51  St. Louis  Andy Phillips 43 yard field goal  ( 6-52-2:15)
1.  0:47  St. Louis   Robert Griffin III 9 yard touchdown run ( A. Phillips)  4-63-2:20
2.  11:10  Omaha   Rigoberto Sanchez 46 yard field goal  ( 8-39- 4:26)
2.  1:54  Omaha   Trent Richardson 16 yard touchdown run ( fumbled)  7-95-3:46
2.  0:36  St. Louis   Robert Griffin III 21 yard touchdown pass to Mike Campanaro ( A. Phillips)
2.  0:32  Omaha  Darius Phillips 90 yard kick return for a touchdown ( R. Sanchez)
3.  6:44  Omaha   Rigoberto Sanchez 20 yard field goal ( 7-91-4:12)
3.  0:58  Omaha  Rigoberto Sanchez 42 yard field goal   ( 8-46-4:01)
4.  11:04  Omaha   Trent Richardson 6 yard touchdown run ( R. Sanchez) 6-67-3:45
4.  7: 12   St. Louis   Robert Griffin III 7 yard touchdown run ( A. Phillips)  12-69-3:48
4.  0:09  Omaha   Rigoberto Sanchez 46 yard field goal  ( 9-28-3:31)


Oakland Renegades- 21  Portland Pioneers- 17

Oakland, California:  The Oakland Renegades made their home opening debut Saturday at Oakland Alameda Coliseum before 34,422 fans. And did not disappoint.

Vad Lee threw for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns with one sack as the Renegades knocked off the Portland Pioneers 21-17. Lee finished completing 17 of 27 passes on the day.

Antonio Andrews ran 11 times for 93 yards and a score, while also catching 4 passes for 25 yards.  Gator Hoskins had 4 receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. Kasen Williams caught a touchdown pass, catching 3 passes for 28 yards. Vince Williams led the defense with 8 tackles,  1 stuff and 1 hurry in the win.

Pioneer quarterback Jonothan Jennings completed 23 of 48 passes for 317 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked three times.  Ahmad Bradshaw ran for 60 yards on 22 carries and a score. Titus Davis had 9 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. Brian Poole led the Pioneers defense with 7 tackles.

Scoring

1. 9:08  Portland  Jonothan Jennings 24 yard touchdown pass to Titus Davis ( J. Lunsford) 7-60-2:35
3.  9:25 Portland Ahmad Bradshaw 1 yard touchdown run ( J. Lunsford) 11-89-5:29
3.  7:25 Portland John Lunsford 44 yard field goal ( 4-5- 1:48)
3.  5:31  Oakland   Vad Lee 12 yard touchdown pass to Kasen Williams (A. Henery) 4-67-1:48
3.  0:39  Oakland   Vad Lee 47 yard touchdown pass to Gator Hoskins ( A. Henery) 5-88-2:29
4.  7:48  Oakland   Antonio Andrews 30 yard touchdown run (A. Henery) 3-35- 0:59

Los Angeles Pharoahs- 34  Memphis Hounddogs- 29

Los Angeles, California:  Jeff Driskel completed 23 of 38 passes for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Los Angeles Pharoahs to a 34-29 victory over the Memphis Hounddogs.

Jay Ajayi ran 22 times for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus caught 5 passes for 34 yards.  Jo Don Duncan caught 8 passes for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns. Cedric Thomas recorded 11 tackles and a pass deflection. David Onyem had 10 tackles, 2 sacks, a pass deflection and no a stuff for the defense.

Ricky Ray led Memphis, completing 30 of 48 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked six times.  Zach Line ran 9 times for 74 yards and a score. Neal Sterling had 9 receptions for 90 yards. AC Leonard caught 7 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. JT Luper had a touchdown reception, catching 2 passes for 14 yards. Marcus Johnson caught 8 passes for 79 yards. EJ Gains led the defense with 11 tackles and 2 pass deflections.

Scoring

1. 8:42  Memphis  Ricky Ray 21 yard touchdown pass to AC Leonard ( no good) 5-50-2:20
1. 3:29  Los Angeles   Jeff Driskel 19 yard touchdown pass to Jo Don Baker ( C. Sturgis) 10-73-5:09
2.  14:50  Memphis   Shayne Graham 40 yard field goal ( 7-46-3:26)
2.  5:38  Los Angeles   Jeff Driskel 28 yard touchdown pass to Jo Don Baker ( C.Sturgis)
2.  3:07  Memphis   Ricky Ray 8 yard touchdown pass to JT Luper ( S. Graham) 5-60- 2:31
2.  0:57  Los Angeles   Jay Ajayi 2 yard touchdown run ( C. Sturgis) 10-67-2:03
3.  13:08  Los Angeles   Jeff Driskel 51 yard touchdown pass to Jo Don Baker ( C. Sturgis)
4.  8:28  Memphis   Zach Line 19 yard touchdown run ( S. Graham) 10- 70- 2:39
4.  2:39  Memphis   Jacquain Williams 25 yard fumble recovery ( 2-failed)
4.  1:29  Los Angeles  Jay Ajayi 16 yard touchdown run ( 2- failed) 8-81-1:04

Dallas Outlaws- 31  New York- 13

New York:  Akeem Hunt recorded 2 kick returns for touchdowns (82, 93) as the Dallas Outlaws pounded the New York Empire  31-13. Hunt finished with 202 kick return yards on 3 attempts.

Mike Reilly completed 12 of 19 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked twice . Ben Tate ran 23 times for 112 yards and a touchdown. Jasper Collins caught 5 passes for 88 yards and a score. Bud Sasser had 4 receptions for 62 yards. Vontaez Burfict led the defense with 9 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 hurries and 2 forced fumbles.

Empire quarterback Johnny Manziel completed 20 of 40 passes for 199 yards with one interception and sacked three times. He also ran 4 times for 35 yards.

Ray Graham ran for 129 yards on 17 carries and Darius Jackson had a touchdown run. Graham also caught 9 passes for 60 yards. Howard Jones had 8 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and a stuff for the defense.

Scoring

1. 7:27  New York  Chris Milo 27 yard field goal ( 8-68-4:05)
1.  7:23  Dallas   Akeem Hunt 82 yard kick return ( J. Medlock)
2.  7:26  Dallas   Mike Reilly 48 yard touchdown pass to Jasper Collins ( J. Medlock) 3-80-1:39
2.  2:31 New York  Chris Milo 25 yard field goal ( 9-72-4:45)
2.  2:23  Dallas   Akeem Hunt 93 yard kick return ( J. Medlock)
3.  12:57  Dallas   Justin Medlock 34 yard field goal (4-6-1:51)
3.  8:12  New York  Darius Jackson 3 yard touchdown run ( C. Milo) 9-74-4:37
4.  1:17  Dallas   Ben Tate 7 yard touchdown run ( J. Medlock) 3-13-0:23

Other Saturday Games:

Oklahoma Gunslingers defeated the Columbus Aviators 17-6 in Columbus. Matt Johnson completed 17 of 29 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown. Rajon Neal ran 19 times for 71 yards and a touchdown, plus caught 5 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in the win.

Full Slate of games set for Sunday.

FRIDAY NIGHT KICK OFF SPECIAL: CRUSADERS DOMINATE MAMMOTHS 31-14

 Salt Lake City, Utah:  Trevone Boykin threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the Sacramento Crusaders cruised to a 31-14 victory over the Utah Mammoths at Rice-Eccles Stadium Friday night to open the 2019 A.F.F.A regular season.

Boykin completed 13 of 17 passes for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 96 yards and a score. He was sacked once.

Steven Ridley ran for a score while rushing for 97 yards on 20 carries. Rookie Austin Hill caught five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Marquez North also had a touchdown reception in the win for the Crusaders.

The defense flexed their muscle sacking Utah rookie quarterback Chris Streveler five times. Geoff Tisdale led the defense with 6 tackles.

Utah quarterback Chris Streveler made his A.F.F.A debut,  completing 11 of 20 passes for 124 yards. He also led the Mammoths in rushing,  rushing for 47 yards on 11 carries. Devontae Booker ran for a score while rushing 8 times for 21 yards. Dontae Dye had a touchdown reception in the loss for the Mammoths. Kwaku Boate led the defense with 7 tackles,  1 pass defended, 2 stuffs and 3 hurries. Garrett Grayson came in late and completed 1 pass for 4 yards and a touchdown.

Scoring

1. 8:22 SAC Trevone Boykin 17 yard pass to Marquez North ( Jay Lambo ) 8- 71- 5:08
1. 1:46  SAC Steven Ridley 1 yard run (Jay Lambo ) 6-59- 3:25
2. 7:21  UT Devontae Booker 3 yard run  ( J. Yazdani) 9-90- 5:23
2. 0:51 SAC  Trevone Boykin 1 yard run  ( Jay Lambo ) 7-80- 1:05
3. 2:27 SAC  Jay Lambo 35 yard field goal  11-82- 6:43
4. 9:24 SAC  Trevone Boykin 35 yard pass to Austin Hill ( Jay Lambo) 10-86- 5:53
4. 1:53 UT  Garrett Grayson 4 yard touchdown pass to Dontea Dye ( J. Yazdani) 8- 50-1:42

CRUSADE FOR THIRD CUP BEGINS!

Sacramento, California:  The 2019 A.F.F.A season kicks off tomorrow, Friday February 22nd in Salt Lake City as the defending Pantheon Cup Champion Sacramento Crusaders take on the Utah Mammoths at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

For the Crusaders, the quest for a third Pantheon Cup in four years begins in earnest. So far in the brief history of the league, no team has ever won back to back Cups. As a matter of fact no Pantheon Cup Champion has ever returned for back to back championship games. Louisville who won in 2017 came close, advancing to the 2018 Eastern Conference Championship Game but fell short with a upset loss to Birmingham .

Crusaders head coach Justin Wilcox knows that as champions, the target is squarely on their back.  But he feels his team is up for the task.

" I definitely feel like we have a really good chance. It is never easy to repeat in any league and this league is no different. A point that so far has been proven. But like I told the guys before closing training camp, last year is last year. What happened last season is history. This is a new year and a new season. " said Wilcox.

2018 Pantheon Cup III and League MVP Trevone Boykin returns as quarterback for the Crusaders and is confident that the Crusaders can and will repeat.

"Oh definitely! We know what it feels like and we are not ready to give that up anytime soon. We are going back and will be the first back to back Cup Champions. I have no doubt. " said Boykin who fought off Jeremiah Masoli to retain the starting role.

Like the old saying says, " To be the man, You got to beat the man!".  Right now the Sacramento Crusaders are that team, until someone knocks them off that throne.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD!

Hartford, Connecticut:  Hartford Sentinels head coach Jerry Glanville made it official earlier today in a brief news conference at the teams training camp facility. Rookie Quarterback Mike White will be the team's starter in the Sentinels season opener against the Pittsburgh Ironmen in Hartford , Saturday February 23rd.

" Mike White will be our starting quarterback. Mike and Connor ( Halliday) both have played well and with great poise and leadership. Connor has been told and has accepted his role on this team. Connor is a great quarterback and a great asset to the Hartford Sentinels organization. We feel that a change is in the best interest of the team ." said Glanville.

Connor Halliday has been the Sentinels starter for the past three seasons and ranked in the top ten quarterbacks in the AFFA.

" It was a shock to be perfectly honest, but I accept and respect coach Glanville's decision. Mike (White) is a great guy and very talented. I am here if he needs me and he knows it." said Halliday.

We shall see how it all plays out as the season begins February 22, 2019.

YOUNG GUNS MAKING SPLASH IN TRAINING CAMPS!

   As the 2019 season approaches in just about seven days, things are beginning to take shape as far as rosters are concerned. The big thing that is making news in the AFFA is the impact incoming rookies are having in training camps. This couldn't be more evident than at the quarterback position.

In Utah, after starter Dak Prescott left for the NFL following the 2018 season. The Mammoths signed Chris Streveler out of the University of South Dakota. Streveler played in the CFL and actually started three games before signing with the Mammoths.

Streveler threw for 4,134 yards and 32 touchdowns his senior year at South Dakota. He also ran for 720 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is a dual threat quarterback with a decent arm and can hurt you with his legs as he has decent speed.

" Chris is a very talented athlete. He has shown excellent ability and leadership. He has excellent presence in the pocket and fantastic scrambling ability. He reminds me alot of Dak ( Prescott) but quicker with his feet. He is a quick learner and has grasped the playbook quickly and works hard in practice " said Mammoths head coach Paul Pasqualoni.

Coach Pasqualoni has announced that Streveler will be the Mammoths starting quarterback for 2019. Streveler will be backed up by former New Orleans Saint Garrett Grayson. Streveler will get his first start for the Mammoths Friday February 22nd. As the Mammoths entertain the defending Pantheon Cup Champion Sacramento Crusaders at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

In Miami,  the Sharks signed quarterback Brad Kaaya out of the University of Miami. Kaaya is battling three year starter Zach Collaros for the starting role. Sharks head coach Lane Kiffin has said that Collaros will be his starting quarterback. But hinted that Kaaya will see significant playing time to compliment Collaros.

Kaaya threw for 3,532 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior year at the University of Miami. He is a smart pocket passer with good patience and picks up defenses very well.
The Sharks will open their 2019 season campaign Sunday, Feburary 24th against the Albuquerque Aztecs in Albuquerque.

The quarterback battle in Hartford was closely contested between starter Connor Halliday and rookie Mike White out of Western Kentucky. It is rumored that White has the inside track for the starting position. Sentinel head coach Jerry Glanville has yet to name which of the two will start, but insiders say that White has basically won the starting role.

White threw for 4,177 yards and 26 touchdowns his senior year at Western Kentucky, while completing 368 of 560 passes.

These Young Guns look to come out blazing and take the A.F.F.A. by storm.

TRAINING CAMP NEWS (2-11-19)

    Portland, Oregon;  Jonothan Jennings has staked his claim to the Pioneers starting quarterback job. Jennings, a CFL product, completed 16 of 23 passes for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns in Portland's 17-7 preseason scrimmage win over the Omaha Bulls Saturday night. 

Jennings is in a heated quarterback battle with last seasons starter Bryan Bennett. Bennett played sparingly completing 5 of 11 passes for 73 yards. He ran 3 times for 17 yards. 

" Both Jon and Bryan have worked really hard. Both are excellent quarterbacks with different skill sets. I would be comfortable having either one starting for this team. " said Portland head coach Jim Zorn . 

Also:  

Houston Knights tight end Asa Watson suffered a slight dislocation of his right shoulder in the Knights 13-10 preseason scrimmage loss to Columbus. He is expected to take Monday and Tuesday off, then return to practice Wednesday.  

Chicago Stags starting quarterback Brandon Doughty sat out Chicago's 22-3 preseason scrimmage win over the Philadelphia Freedom. 

" Brandon is fine. I just wanted to give Vernon (Adams) some extensive playing time. He did quite well. " said head coach Ted Cattrell.

TRAINING CAMP NEWS: Ricky Ray Reports!

Memphis, Tennessee;  After the 2018 season ended, speculation began as to whether Hounddogs quarterback Ricky Ray will return in 2019 or retire. All that speculation ended Thursday morning as Ray reported to the Hounddogs training camp in Murfreesboro.

" I feel good. My wife and I talked about my returning or possibly retiring. I still love the game and feel I can still contribute in a positive way. I am just going to take it a game at a time. We have a talented team and I believe on the cusp of something special. " said Ray.

Hounddogs head coach Philip Fulmer was happy to see his four year starter come into camp. " Rick (Ray) is the heart and leader of this team and having him back in camp is a much needed shot in the arm for this team. "

Rookie quarterback JT Barrett who has been taking a majority of the snaps while Ray was away, has taken it in stride.  " Hey man, this is Ricky's team! Has been ever since this team has existed. He is a legend and I look forward to learning from him." said Barrett.

Memphis opens its 2019 season at Los Angeles Saturday February 23rd.

JOINT VENTURE!

New Orleans, Louisiana:  The two Louisiana ownership groups ( New Orleans and Shreveport) apparently will be joining forces to accomplish their AFFA expansion goals. Many football experts applaud the joint venture.

" We decided it would be in our best interest to work together and bring quality Spring football to Louisiana. " said Reggie Leboeuf ( member of New Orleans group). " Every thing is still in the planning stages, but moving along well "

Leboeuf went on to say that the franchise will be located in New Orleans. However, it is rumored that the franchise will play two home games in Shreveport. Name of the franchise will be revealed at a later date.

TRAINING CAMP NEWS- 1/25/18

Training Camp News:  Albuquerque Aztecs head coach Jim Fassel has stated that defensive lineman Billy Winn suffered a slight sprain in his left ankle but isn't expected to miss any significant amount of time.

Arkansas Diamond Miners head coach Gary Crowton said in a radio interview Wednesday afternoon that he is pleased with how the running game is coming together. The Diamond Miners have suffered with the running game the last couple years, finishing near the bottom in yards gained.  He is hoping that the addition of Lorenzo Long and Kevin Monangai will jump start the running game.. Veterans Jordan Canzeri and Brandon Rutley add leadership. Let's not forget Samaje Perine out of Oklahoma who is always dangerous out of the backfield, despite not getting much playing time.

Los Angeles Pharoahs head coach Chris Jones said he will give his team Thursday off. " We have put in some hard two a days the past week or so and I think they deserve a breather. " said Jones.

Memphis HoundDogs head coach Philip Fulmer said there is still no word from starting quarterback Ricky Ray on whether he will be retiring or when he will come to camp. Rookie J.T Barrett has been getting much needed time and practice with the Hounddogs play book. Fulmer said that if and when Ray returns, he will be the starter.

Oklahoma Gunslingers quarterback Matt Johnson looked in mid season form Thursday, completing 11 of 13 passes including two deep throws to favorite wideout Chandler Jones. Linebacker Trevon Young sat out Thursday's practice due to a stomach virus. Veteran running back Cyrus Gray has suffered a bruised shoulder during Wednesday's practice and not expected to return till Saturday.

Dallas Outlaws head coach Kippy Brown said that backup quarterback AJ McCarron has looked very impressive this past week as starter Mike Reilly has rested a sore bicep muscle in his throwing arm. He went on to say that the job is still Reilly's, defusing any talk of a quarterback controversy.

TRAINING CAMP NEWS- 1/22/2018

Training Camp News-:  Hartford Sentinels rookie quarterback Mike White out of Western Kentucky, looked impressive during workouts yesterday afternoon.  White completed 8 of the 9 passes he threw, including a 57 yarder to rookie Stacey Coley.

" Mike is a very talented young man with a good arm. He is smart and has great patience. " said Sentinels head coach Jerry Glanville.

Starter Connor Halliday completed 7 of 12 passes and threw two picks.  " I feel good. It is great to be back! There is a positive attitude about the upcoming season. I think coach Glanville is responsible for working to get everyone excited. We have some very talented guys out here." said Halliday.

Also:

Michigan Panthers offensive lineman JR Sweezy sat out practice yesterday due to a stomach virus. He should be back Thursday.
Defensive back Corey White suffered a laceration on his right hand that required 3 stitches. He remained at practice.

Birmingham Beast running back Rasheed Williams and head coach Norv Turner got into a brief shouting match, but it was played down as a misunderstanding.

Arkansas Diamond Miners running back/quarterback Trent Steelman is reportedly considering retirement. No official announcement has been made as of yet..

St.Louis Scouts back up quarterback Patrick Towles is looking impressive with the limited amount of throws thus far. Towles will back up starter Robert Griffin III.  New Scouts head coach Hugh Freeze says there is no quarterback controversy. RG3 will be the starter.

Training Camp News!

January 19, 2019

Training Camp News-  Miami Sharks Linebacker JC Sherritt announced that he will retire from football after the 2019 season.  Also, Sharks star running back Jay Ajayi has stated that he will jump to the NFL after the 2019 season. 

New York Empire quarterback Johnny Manziel was late reporting to camp siting personal reasons. Empire head coach John Fox had no comment, but Manziel was fined $5,000 per day of the 3 days he missed.

Arkansas Diamond Miners rookie running back Lorenzo Long reportedly pulled a back muscle during workouts Friday afternoon. Head coach Gary Crowton says Long will rest and should be ready for the season opener against Houston. Also, defensive back Damien Swann has a slight sprain of his right ankle but is expected back in a couple days.

TRAINING CAMPS OFFICIALLY OPENING!

The Associated Football Franchises of America will open Training Camps for all franchises tomorrow morning. Quarterbacks, wideouts, Running backs and defensive lineman report in the morning 1-15-2019. Everyone else to report Wednesday 1-16-2019.

Boldin Retires!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:  The Pittsburgh Ironmen have released wide receiver Anquan Boldin and added him to the retirement list.

" Anquan informed me Friday morning that it was his intention to retire from football. He has been released and we wish him luck in whatever he chooses to do in his life. " said Ironmen head coach Jim Fassel.

Boldin played for the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions of the NFL before signing to play for the Ironmen of the AFFA .

DECISIONS! DECISIONS!

Memphis, Tennessee:  Future CFL Hall of Famer and Memphis Hounddogs quarterback Ricky Ray is still contemplating his football future. Ray has two CFL Grey Cup titles under his belt and had passed for almost 14,000 yards and 62 touchdowns in his AFFA career. Yet a Pantheon Cup title has eluded him.

Ray has spent his entire AFFA career with the Hounddogs and head coach Philip Fulmer is patiently waiting his veteran quarterbacks decision. The Hounddogs recently signed quarterback T.J Barrett as heir apparent if Ray decides to call it a career.

" Obviously we would love to have Ricky (Ray) back. But we understand and will respect whatever decision he makes. " said head coach Philip Fulmer.

With AFFA training camps opening in just about a week, fans are anxious to hear the status of the Hounddogs quarterback . No time clock has been set on a decision , and the Hounddogs organization is waiting patiently.

" I have been thinking hard about whether returning to play is in my best interest. I have been talking it over with my wife, family and friends, and they have been very supportive. I would love to play again, but I have alot to consider. My health and how the grind of another season will have on my body. The desire to play is still there and I still enjoy playing the game. " said Ray.

Del Rio Expects Playoff Run for Philly in 2019!

  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:  New Philadelphia Freedom head coach Jack Del Rio says that expects the Freedom to cross the hurdle and make a playoff run in 2019. His statement was made on the team radio show Friday afternoon.

" I see this team making the playoffs this year. I honestly do! I feel these guys are hungry not only to make the playoffs, but make some noise while there. I think the city of Philadelphia deserves another football championship. The Eagles were able to win the Super Bowl last season and seem poised to possibly make another run this season.

" We have the talent to bring a Pantheon Cup to the city of Philadelphia and prove spring football thrives in the city of Philadelphia. I not only believe it, I expect it!" said Del Rio.

The Freedom in their now four years of existence have been slow starters, only to finish strong. In 2018 the Freedom slogged through the first half of the season at 1-8, then caught fire winning seven straight to finish at 8-8 for the second consecutive year and missing the playoffs.

The Freedom are a talented bunch and with Del Rio's positive influence and direction. The Freedom could very well be considered a top playoff contender for 2019. It is expected to be a very competitive training camp as Del Rio has said every starting role is up for grabs.

" Come camp, everything is wide open. I want these guys to come to camp with a fire in their gut. A willingness to give a 110% every day. " stated Del Rio.

An intense competition at quarterback is expected as starter Alex Tanney is expected to be challenged hard by veteran Drew Willy.

The running game will likely be led by veterans Brandon Whitaker and John Crockett. The addition of Elijah McGuire should keep Whitaker and Crockett on their toes. Let's not forget the explosive Kory Sheets and Joe Williams who could easily slip into the starting role.

The recieving corps is extremely talented with D'Haquille "Duke" Williams,  Fred Stamps and Ty Hilton. Add in Rod Streater and CFL veteran Weston Dressler and you have the potential to have a very dangerous passing game .

The tight end position is going to be contested by starter Khari Lee and rookie Scott Orndoff. Lee is expected to keep his starting role.

The offensive line led by Quinton Spain, Jeff Linkenbach and Qadar Spooner is a veteran group that will be tested by Joe Dahl, Ted Karras and rookies Tyrell Crosby and Colby Garrett. Veterans Chris Best, Cameron Fleming, Skylar Phillips and L'Adrian Waddle add much needed depth.

The linebackers are some of the best in the league. Led by veterans Danny Trevathan, John Simon and Kwon Alexander. The addition of rookies Shaquem Griffen and Avery Ellis will certainly add more depth to a already talented group.

Defensive line will be led by veterans Andrew Hudson, Phillip Hunt and Tristan Okpalaugo along with Stanley Maponga. Darius Philon, Damien Borel and Ja'Gared Davis add depth.

Bacarri Rambo will lead the secondary. Along with Terell Floyd, DJ White and All AFFA Xavier Woods.  Dane Cruikshank, Ronald Martin and rookies Davonte Harris and Joshua Kalu will push to impress once camp starts.

Rookies Zane Gonzalez (kicker) and Kyle Loomis ( punter) will handle the kicking duties.

After all is said and done, it should be interesting to keep an eye on the Philadelphia Freedom training camp and the effect head coach Jack Del Rio will have on this sometime underachieving bunch.

Aviators Talking With Former Chiefs Running Back!

Columbus, Ohio:  A spokesman for the Columbus Aviators has stated that former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has been involved in talks with the Aviators organization.

Hunt played college football at the University of Toledo, where he finished his college career rushing for 4,945 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

In 2017 he rushed for 1,327 yards and was the NFL rushing leader. He was voted to the 2017 Pro Bowl. He won the PFWA Rookie of the Year award and voted to the PFWA All Rookie Team.

In 2018, Hunt played in 11 games where he rushed for 824 yards and 7 touchdowns. He was released by the Chiefs in November for an off field incident involving supposedly striking a female at a hotel.

The spokesman stated that no deal had been struck and that talks are only in the preliminary stages. No other details have been revealed.

FREEZE IN ST. LOUIS, STRONG IN ORLANDO!

St.Louis, Missouri:  The St. Louis Scouts announced that they have hired former Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze as there new head coach.  Freeze replaces Les Miles who left to take the head coaching position at the University of Kansas. 

Freeze (47) compiled a 69-32 college coaching record. He recently coached at Liberty College.  From 2012-2016 Freeze coached at Ole Miss and in 2012 coached at Arkansas State University. 

Also:

The Orlando Vipers have announced the hiring of former University of Louisville and University of Texas head coach Charlie Strong to become the team's new head coach . Strong takes the place of Larry Corker who retired earlier this off season. 

Strong comes in with a 70-44 college head coaching record. He led the University of Louisville to two Big East Championships in 2011 and 2012. He was named Big East Coach of The Year in 2010 and 2012 before taking the head coaching job at the University of Texas.  He most recently was head coach at the University of South Florida. 

Both hirings come just a couple weeks before teams open mini camps.  Training Camps officially open around the middle of January. 

2019 Associated Football Franchises of America Season Schedule

2019 AFFA Season Schedule 
____________________________

Week One 
___________

Friday, February 22
_________________

Sacramento Crusaders @ Utah Mammoths

Saturday, February 23
____________________

Pittsburgh Ironmen @ Hartford Sentinels
Michigan Panthers @ Chicago Stags
Omaha Bulls @ St.Louis Scouts
Portland Pioneers @ Oakland Renegades
Memphis HoundDogs @ Los Angeles Pharoahs
Dallas Outlaws @ New York Empire
Oklahoma Slingers @ Columbus Aviators

Sunday, February 24
__________________

Philadelphia Freedom @ Virginia Tritons
Orlando Vipers @ Louisville Thoroughbreds
Carolina Breakers @ Georgia Generals
Miami Sharks @ Albuquerque Aztecs
Houston Knights @ Arkansas Diamond Miners
Birmingham Beast @ San Antonio Cimarrons

Week Two 
__________

Friday, March 1
______________

New York Empire @ Virginia Tritons

Saturday,  March 2
_________________

Philadelphia Freedom @ Hartford Sentinels
Michigan Panthers @ St.Louis Scouts
Miami Sharks @ Louisville Thoroughbreds
Los Angeles Pharoahs @ Utah Mammoths
Arkansas Diamond Miners @ Albuquerque Aztecs

Sunday,  March 3
________________

Columbus Aviators @ Chicago Stags
Orlando Vipers @ Georgia Generals
Sacramento Crusaders @ Oakland Renegades
Dallas Outlaws @ San Antonio Cimarrons
Omaha Bulls @ Carolina Breakers
Portland Pioneers @ Birmingham Beast
Pittsburgh Ironmen @ Memphis HoundDogs

Week Three 
___________

Friday,  March 8
_______________

Columbus Aviators @ Hartford Sentinels

Saturday, March 9
________________

Houston Knights @ Miami Sharks
Louisville Thoroughbreds @ Michigan Panthers
Orlando Vipers @ Virginia Tritons
Dallas Outlaws @ Albuquerque Aztecs
Portland Pioneers @ San Antonio Cimarrons
Chicago Stags @ Memphis HoundDogs

Sunday,  March 10
_________________

Los Angeles Pharoahs @ Philadelphia Freedom
Pittsburgh Ironmen @ Georgia Generals
New York Empire @ Carolina Breakers
Utah Mammoths @ St.Louis Scouts
Birmingham Beast @ Oakland Renegades
Arkansas Diamond Miners @ Oklahoma Slingers
Sacramento Crusaders @ Omaha Bulls

Week Four 
_________

Friday,  March 15
_______________

Memphis HoundDogs @ Louisville Thoroughbreds

Saturday,  March 16
__________________

Michigan Panthers @ Birmingham Beast
Portland Pioneers @ Dallas Outlaws
Houston Knights @ Omaha Bulls
Miami Sharks @ Utah Mammoths
Los Angeles Pharoahs @ Columbus Aviators
Arkansas Diamond Miners @ Hartford Sentinels

Sunday,  March 17
________________

St.Louis Scouts @ Pittsburgh Ironmen
Carolina Breakers @ Oklahoma Slingers
Georgia Generals @ Sacramento Crusaders
New York Empire @ Oakland Renegades
Orlando Vipers @ Albuquerque Aztecs
San Antonio Cimarrons @ Chicago Stags

Week Five 
__________

Friday,  March 22
________________

Philadelphia Freedom @ Chicago Stags

Saturday,  March 23
__________________

Carolina Breakers @ Utah Mammoths
Orlando Vipers @ Sacramento Crusaders
Georgia Generals @ Houston Knights
Memphis HoundDogs @ Miami Sharks
Albuquerque Aztecs @ Oakland Renegades
San Antonio Cimarrons @ Columbus Aviators
St.Louis Scouts @ New York Empire

Sunday,  March 24
_________________

Oklahoma Slingers @ Hartford Sentinels
Omaha Bulls @ Birmingham Beast
Pittsburgh Ironmen @ Dallas Outlaws
Virginia Tritons @ Los Angeles Pharoahs
Michigan Panthers @ Portland Pioneers
Louisville Thoroughbreds @ Arkansas Diamond Miners

Week Six 
________

Friday,  March 29
_______________

Birmingham Beast @ New York Empire

Saturday,  March 30
__________________

Orlando Vipers @ Portland Pioneers
St.Louis Scouts @ Miami Sharks
Albuquerque Aztecs @ Omaha Bulls
Hartford Sentinels @ Dallas Outlaws
San Antonio Cimarrons @ Georgia Generals
Virginia Tritons @ Oklahoma Slingers

Sunday,  March 31
________________

Pittsburgh Ironmen @ Columbus Aviators
Oakland Renegades @ Carolina Breakers
Chicago Stags @ Louisville Thoroughbreds
Sacramento Crusaders @ Houston Knights
Philadelphia Freedom @ Arkansas Diamond Miners
Michigan Panthers @ Memphis HoundDogs

Week Seven 
____________

Friday, April 5
____________

St.Louis Scouts @ Houston Knights

Saturday,  April 6
_______________

Chicago Stags @ Oklahoma Slingers
Dallas Outlaws @ Miami Sharks
Los Angeles Pharoahs @ Birmingham Beast
Columbus Aviators @ Philadelphia Freedom
San Antonio Cimarrons @ Pittsburgh Ironmen
Sacramento Crusaders @ Carolina Breakers

Sunday,  April 7
______________

Virginia Tritons @ Memphis HoundDogs
Arkansas Diamond Miners @ Georgia Generals
Omaha Bulls @ Orlando Vipers
New York Empire @ Michigan Panthers
Hartford Sentinels @ Louisville Thoroughbreds
Utah Mammoths @ Albuquerque Aztecs

Week Eight 
__________

Friday , April 12
______________

Memphis HoundDogs @ Dallas Outlaws

Saturday, April 13
________________

Omaha Bulls @ Chicago Stags
Miami Sharks @ Orlando Vipers
Albuquerque Aztecs @ San Antonio Cimarrons
Arkansas Diamond Miners @ Birmingham Beast
Portland Pioneers @ Utah Mammoths
Oakland Renegades @ St. Louis Scouts

Sunday, April 14
______________

New York Empire @ Philadelphia Freedom
Pittsburgh Ironmen @ Virginia Tritons
Columbus Aviators @ Michigan Panthers
Carolina Breakers @ Louisville Thoroughbreds
Houston Knights @ Oklahoma Slingers
Los Angeles Pharoahs @ Sacramento Crusaders
Hartford Sentinels @ Georgia Generals

Week Nine 
__________

Friday, April 19
_____________

Portland Pioneers @ Los Angeles Pharoahs

Saturday, April 20
________________

Hartford Sentinels @ Virginia Tritons
Omaha Bulls @ Columbus Aviators
San Antonio Cimarrons @ Oklahoma Slingers
Arkansas Diamond Miners @ Memphis HoundDogs
Oakland Renegades @ Utah Mammoths
Philadelphia Freedom @ Orlando Vipers

Sunday,  April 21
_______________

Pittsburgh Ironmen @ New York Empire
St.Louis Scouts @ Chicago Stags
Carolina Breakers @ Miami Sharks
Georgia Generals @ Louisville Thoroughbreds
Houston Knights @ Albuquerque Aztecs
Dallas Outlaws @ Birmingham Beast
Michigan Panthers @ Sacramento Crusaders

Week Ten 
_________

Friday, April 26
_____________

Utah Mammoths @ Pittsburgh Ironmen

Saturday ,April 27
_______________

New York Empire @ Portland Pioneers
Georgia Generals @ Omaha Bulls
Virginia Tritons @ Michigan Panthers
Oakland Renegades @ Arkansas Diamond Miners
Hartford Sentinels @ Orlando Vipers
Birmingham Beast @ Philadelphia Freedom

Sunday, April 28
______________

Los Angeles Pharoahs @ Houston Knights
Albuquerque Aztecs @ Louisville Thoroughbreds
Oklahoma Slingers @ Sacramento Crusaders
Dallas Outlaws @ St.Louis Scouts
Miami Sharks @ San Antonio Cimarrons
Carolina Breakers @ Chicago Stags
Columbus Aviators @ Memphis HoundDogs

Week Eleven
____________

Friday, May 3
____________

Georgia Generals @ Miami Sharks

Saturday, May 4
_______________

Pittsburgh Ironmen @ Philadelphia Freedom
Omaha Bulls @ Michigan Panthers
Carolina Breakers @ Orlando Vipers
San Antonio Cimarrons @ Houston Knights
Birmingham Beast @ Memphis HoundDogs
Portland Pioneers @ Sacramento Crusaders
Chicago Stags @ Utah Mammoths

Sunday, May 5
_____________

Hartford Sentinels @ New York Empire
St.Louis Scouts @ Columbus Aviators
Oklahoma Slingers @ Albuquerque Aztecs
Dallas Outlaws @ Arkansas Diamond Miners
Oakland Renegades @ Los Angeles Pharoahs
Louisville Thoroughbreds @ Virginia Tritons

Week Twelve 
_____________

Friday, May 10
_____________

Los Angeles Pharoahs @ Portland Pioneers

Saturday,  May 11
_________________

New York Empire @ Pittsburgh Ironmen
Columbus Aviators @ Omaha Bulls
Miami Sharks @ Carolina Breakers
Sacramento Crusaders @ Dallas Outlaws
Albuquerque Aztecs @ Michigan Panthers
Memphis HoundDogs @ Oklahoma Slingers

Sunday, May 12
______________

Virginia Tritons @ Hartford Sentinels
Chicago Stags @ St.Louis Scouts
Louisville Thoroughbreds @ Georgia Generals
Utah Mammoths @ Oakland Renegades
Philadelphia Freedom @ Houston Knights
San Antonio Cimarrons @ Orlando Vipers

Week Thirteen 
______________

Friday,  May 17
______________

Oakland Renegades @ Hartford Sentinels

Saturday,  May 18
________________

Philadelphia Freedom @ New York Empire
Michigan Panthers @ Columbus Aviators
Orlando Vipers @ Miami Sharks
Louisville Thoroughbreds @ Carolina Breakers
Oklahoma Slingers @ San Antonio Cimarrons
Sacramento Crusaders @ Los Angeles Pharoahs

Sunday,  May 19
_______________

Virginia Tritons @ Pittsburgh Ironmen
Chicago Stags @ Omaha Bulls
Albuquerque Aztecs @ Houston Knights
Memphis HoundDogs @ Arkansas Diamond Miners
Birmingham Beast @ Dallas Outlaws
Utah Mammoths @ Portland Pioneers
Georgia Generals @ St.Louis Scouts

Week Fourteen
______________

Friday,  May 24
______________

Louisville Thoroughbreds @ Utah Mammoths

Saturday,  May 25
________________

Philadelphia Freedom @ Pittsburgh Ironmen
Michigan Panthers @ Omaha Bulls
Los Angeles Pharoahs @ Oakland Renegades
Houston Knights @ Birmingham Beast
Oklahoma Slingers @ Dallas Outlaws
Arkansas Diamond Miners @ Virginia Tritons

Sunday,  May 26
______________

New York Empire @ Hartford Sentinels
Columbus Aviators @ St.Louis Scouts
Miami Sharks @ Georgia Generals
Orlando Vipers @ Carolina Breakers
Sacramento Crusaders @ Portland Pioneers
Memphis HoundDogs @ San Antonio Cimarrons
Albuquerque Aztecs @ Chicago Stags

Week Fifteen 
____________

Friday,  May 31
______________

Birmingham Beast @ Virginia Tritons

Saturday,  June 1
________________

Portland Pioneers @ Arkansas Diamond Miners
Oklahoma Slingers @ Los Angeles Pharoahs

Sunday,  June 2
______________

Utah Mammoths @ Philadelphia Freedom
Houston Knights @ Oakland Renegades

Week Sixteen 
_____________

Friday,  June 7
_____________

Virginia Tritons @ Philadelphia Freedom

Saturday,  June 8
_______________

Chicago Stags @ Michigan Panthers
Louisville Thoroughbreds @ Orlando Vipers
Georgia Generals @ Carolina Breakers
Houston Knights @ San Antonio Cimarrons
Arkansas Diamond Miners @ Dallas Outlaws
Utah Mammoths @ Sacramento Crusaders

Sunday, June 9
______________

Hartford Sentinels @ Pittsburgh Ironmen
St.Louis Scouts @ Omaha Bulls
Albuquerque Aztecs @ Oklahoma Slingers
Memphis HoundDogs @ Birmingham Beast
Oakland Renegades @ Portland Pioneers
Miami Sharks @ Los Angeles Pharoahs
Columbus Aviators @ New York Empire

Week Seventeen
_______________

Friday,  June 12
______________

Oklahoma Slingers @ Houston Knights

Saturday,  June 13
_________________

Virginia Tritons @ New York Empire
Hartford Sentinels @ Philadelphia Freedom
Georgia Generals @ Orlando Vipers
Birmingham Beast @ Arkansas Diamond Miners
Dallas Outlaws @ Memphis HoundDogs
Oakland Renegades @ Sacramento Crusaders

Sunday,  June 14
_______________

Chicago Stags @ Columbus Aviators
St.Louis Scouts @ Michigan Panthers
Louisville Thoroughbreds @ Miami Sharks
San Antonio Cimarrons @ Albuquerque Aztecs
Utah Mammoths @ Los Angeles Angeles
Omaha Bulls @ Portland Pioneers
Carolina Breakers @ Pittsburgh Ironmen

Wild-card Playoff Round
______________________

June 22 & 23
___________

TBA

Divisional Playoff Round
______________________

June 28 & 29
___________

TBA

Conference Championship Round
_______________________________

July 6 & 7


Pantheon Cup IV  ( Rentschler Stadium: Storrs, Ct.)
_______________________________________________

July 19
______

Eastern Conference Champions

TBD

                 Versus

Western Conference Champions

TBD

2019 Schedule Release

The Associated Football Franchises of America announced that the 2019 AFFA season schedule will be released Sunday,  December 16 2018. Sixteen game schedule over 18 weeks.

Cimarrons Head Man!

San Antonio, Texas:  The San Antonio Cimarrons announced earlier today that they have hired June Jones as their next head coach. Jones replaces Mac Brown who left for the University of North Carolina head coaching job after only a couple weeks. 

Jones (65) recently worked as offensive coordinator for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. He was interim head coach for 10 games with the San Diego Chargers.  From 1094-1996 he was head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. From 1997-2007 he was head coach at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he won two WAC championships ( 99, 2007). From 2008-2014 he was head coach at SMU.

" I am really excited to be here in San Antonio and eager to get to work.  We are going to bring a wide open fast paced offense, that I feel fans will find fun and exciting to watch. I am looking forward to working with these players to try and bring a Pantheon Cup here to San Antonio. " said Jones in a brief press conference held at the Alamo Dome.

June Jones coaching record:

College- 112-94

NFL-  22-36

CFL-  8-8

Overall:  142-138

SEARCH IS ON!

San Antonio, Texas;  Just weeks after signing to become head coach of the AFFA's  San Antonio Cimarrons franchise.  Mac Brown announced that he would be stepping down to accept the head coaching position at the University of North Carolina.

Brown last coached at the University of Texas and is credited with turning around the Longhorns football program. He returns to North Carolina were he coached from 1987-1992 and is credited with also turning around the Tar Heels program as well.

The Cimarrons are reportedly in talks with former Akron head coach Terry Bowden about accepting the position vacated by Brown.

Les Miles Departs!

St. Louis, Missouri:  St. Louis Scouts head coach Les Miles made it official that he would be stepping down as Scouts head coach to take the head coaching job at the University of Kansas.  Miles led the Scouts to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth in their first year in the league. Miles was voted 2018 coach of the year.

A spokesman for the Scouts organization said that the search for Miles replacement will begin immediately.

"We would like to give our thanks to coach Miles for helping get this organization off to a great start and a foundation for a great future. We wish coach Miles the best in his new venture and know he will be successful. Thank you Coach Miles. " said the spokesman.

FINAL RUN!

Louisville, Kentucky:  Louisville running back Ray Rice announced yesterday evening that he will be retiring after the 2019 season. The 32 year old was a driving force in the Thoroughbreds 2017 Pantheon Cup title run.

The controversial running back has fought injuries throughout his career both in the NFL and the AFFA.  A well publicized off the field incident ended his NFL career. His signing in 2015 with the AFFA brought mixed reactions from Media and fans as well.

In his AFFA career Rice has rushed for 4,087 yards and 54 touchdowns. He also had 27 touchdown receptions.  Despite missing six games in 2018 due to injury,  Rice still managed to gain 1,134 yards and 17 touchdowns , plus 10 recieving touchdowns.

" One more run! One more Ring!  Then off into the sunset."  Rice tweeted late yesterday afternoon giving speculation to his probable retirement . His agent later confirmed that Rice would indeed be retiring after the 2019 season.

Louisville head coach Bo Pelini could not be reached for comment as of the publication of this article.