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 
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Friday, February 22
_________________

Sacramento Crusaders @ Utah Mammoths

Saturday, February 23
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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 
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Friday, March 1
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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 
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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
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Memphis HoundDogs @ Louisville Thoroughbreds

Saturday,  March 16
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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 
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Friday,  March 29
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Birmingham Beast @ New York Empire

Saturday,  March 30
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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 
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Friday, April 5
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St.Louis Scouts @ Houston Knights

Saturday,  April 6
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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
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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 
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Friday , April 12
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Memphis HoundDogs @ Dallas Outlaws

Saturday, April 13
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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
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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 
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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
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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 
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Friday, April 26
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Utah Mammoths @ Pittsburgh Ironmen

Saturday ,April 27
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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
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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
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Friday, May 3
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Georgia Generals @ Miami Sharks

Saturday, May 4
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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 
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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
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Friday,  May 24
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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 
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Friday,  May 31
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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 
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Friday,  June 7
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Virginia Tritons @ Philadelphia Freedom

Saturday,  June 8
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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
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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.

TRANSACTIONS AS OF 11-15-2018

New York Empire signs:  Wr Jaelon Acklin, Wr Dan Arnold, OL Dan Skipper, DL Sharif Finch, DL Jonathan Woodward, LB Matthew Adams, LB Connor Harris, DB Troy Apke, DB Dondre Wright, K Aldrick Rosas

Philadelphia Freedom signs: RB Joe Williams, RB Elijah McGuire, TE Scott Orndoff, OL Colby Garrett,  OL Tyler Crosby, DL Damien Borel, LB Shaquem Griffen, LB Avery Ellis,  LB Vince Biegel,  DB DJ White,  DB Davonte Harris,  DB Joshua Kalu, DB Dane Cruikshank

Pittsburgh Ironmen signed: QB Antonio Pipkin, WR KD Cannon, OL Cole Toner, OL Denver Kirkland,  DL Andrew Brown,  DL Hunter Dimick, DL Chris Odom, LB Skai Moore, LB Keion Adams,  DB Kevin Toliver,  DB Kavon Frazier,  K Harrison Butker

Virginia Tritons signed:  RB Nyheim Hines,  WR Alonzo Russell,  OL Jerald Hawkins, OL Jemil Demby, DL Hercules Mata'afa,  LB Shaun Hamilton, DB Andre Chacere

Hartford Sentinels signed: QB Mike White,  RB Kelvin Taylor,  RB Aaron Jones,  WR Jamal Robinson,  WR Stacy Coley, TE/WR Ricky Seals Jones,  OL Jack Campus,  OL Darius Ciraco, LB Nick DeLuca, LB Peter Kalambayi,  DB DJ Reed

Miami Sharks signed: QB Brad Kaaya,  RB Jarvion Franklin,  RB Justin Davis,  WR Kendrick Bourne,  OL Gerhad De Beer, OL Adam Bisnow,  LB Quentin Poling,  LB Jack Cichy,  DB Trayvon Henderson

Orlando Vipers signed:  QB Matt Barkley,  RB Ralph Webb,  RB Jahad Thomas, WR Chad Hansen,  OL Aaron Stinnie, OL Lene Maiava, DL Dorance Armstrong,  LB Keishawn Bierria, LB Jatavis Brown,  DB Levi Wallace,  DB Tony Brown

Carolina Breakers signed: QB Nic Shimonek,  RB Bishop Sankey,  WR Justin Watson,  OL Dieugot Joseph,  OL Kyle Kalis, LB Corey James,  LB Genard Avery,  LB Andrew Motuapuaka,  DB Jordan Sterns, DB Marcus Allen

Louisville Thoroughbreds signed:  WR Damorea Stringfellow, WR Paul Turner,  OL Dejon Allen,  OL Cole Madison,  OL Connor McGovern,  DL Zac Sieler,  LB Micah Kiser,  LB Ejuan Price,  LB Hardy Nickerson Jr.,  LB Ukeme Eligwe, DB Cameron Kelly,  P Spencer Roth,  K Griffin Oakes

Georgia Generals signed:  WR Jordan Wilson,  DL Tashawn Bower,  DL Dean Lowry,  LB Austin Calitro,  LB Manase Hungala,  DB Kameron Kelly , DB Jonathan Ross ,  P Dalton Schomp

Arkansas Diamond Miners signed:  RB Lorenzo Long,  RB Kevin Monangai,  WR Ishmael Zamora,  OL Brian Allen,  OL Bradley Bozeman , DL Jeremiah Valoaga,  DL Justin Vaughan,  LB Chris Covington,  LB Antwione Williams,  DB Siran Neal,  DB Titus Howard,  DB Chuck Clark

Dallas Outlaws signed:  QB AJ McCarron,  RB Phillip Lindsay,  RB Jaylen Walton , WR Malcolm Mitchell,  OL Matt Pryor,  DL Willie Henry,  DL Ogbonnia Okoronkwo,  LB Don Cherry,  LB Sione Teuhema,  LB Matt Milano,  DB Greg Stroman,  DB Jadar Johnson

Birmingham Beast signs:  RB Roc Thomas,  DL Darius Latham,  LB Josey Jewell,  LB Corey Littleton,  LB Travin Howard,  LB Beniquez Brown,  DB Jordan Whitehead,  DB Dominique Hatfield

Memphis HoundDogs signed: WR JT Luper, WR Marcus Johnson , OL Tyler Hearn,  OL Will Holden,  DL Ronald Blair,  DL Greg Gilmore,  DL Trevon Hester,  LB Jawhan Bentley,  LB Dominique Alexander,  DB Jordan Lucas,  DB Michael Davis,  QB JT Barrett

Columbus Aviators signed:  WR Tim White,  WR KeKe Coutee, OL Jordan Roos,  DL Bryan Cox Jr.,  DL Darius Jackson,  DL Ifeadi Odengibo,  LB David Perkins,  LB Andre Smith,  LB Azeem Victor,  DB Kamrin Moore,  DB Arrion Springs

Michigan Panthers signed:  RB Darrin Laufasa,  WR Darrin Peterson,  OL Sam Jones,  DB Tegray Scales, LB Jermaine Carter,  LB Aaron Wallace,  DB Marcell Harris,  DB Marqui Christian,  DB Jadar Johnson,  OL Isaiah Battle

Omaha Bulls signed:  RB Akrum Wadle,  RB Jordan Wilkinson,  OL Korey Cunningham,  OL Nick Gates,  DL Matt Loannidis,  DL John Franklin-Myers, DL Izahh Lunsford,  LB Steven Daniels,  LB Mike McCray,  DB Darius Phillips

Chicago Stags signed:  WR Cobi Hamilton,  WR Justin Hardy,  WR Josh Malone,  OL Colby Gossett,  OL Jamarco Jones,  OL Nico Siragusa,  LB Kris Frost,  LB Joshua Perry,  LB Frank Luvu,  DB Taron Johnson,  DB Brandon Alexander,  DB Christian Campbell,  P Drew Kasar

St.Louis Scouts signed:  RB Boston Scott,  RB Justin Jackson,  WR J'Mon Moore,  WR Andy  Jones,  OL Leo Kolomatangi,  OL Jamar McGloster,  DL Justin Lawler,  DL Trenton Thompson

Houston Knights signed:  RB Ito Smith,  WR Ricardo Louis,  WR JoJo Natson,  OL Geoff Gray,  DL Odell Willis,  DL Tim Settle,  DL Davon Godchaux,  LB Travis Feeney

Albuquerque Aztecs signed:  RB Keith Marshall,  RB Oumar Toure,  WR Trevor Davis,  OL Halapoulivaati Vaita,  DL Tre Flowers,  DL Antonio Zettel,  DL Destiny Vaeao, LB Montese Overton,  DB Tunde Adelek, DB Trey Matthews,  DB John Burris

San Antonio Cimarrons signed:  RB Russell Hansbrough,  OL Jon Toth,  OL Jacob Alsadek,  OL Spencer Drango,  LB BJ Bello,  LB Elijah Lee,  LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe,  LB Zaire Franklin, DB Zack Sanchez,  DB Albert Colbert

Oklahoma Slingers signed:  RB Marlon Mack,  RB Stanley Williams,  WR Austin Carr,  WR Chris Moore,   OL Joey Hunt,  OL KJ Malone,  DL Josh Sweat,  LB Kendall Donnerson, DB Grant Haley, DB Damon Webb

Los Angeles Pharoahs signed:  RB Austin Ekeler,  RB Kamryn Pettway,  WR Jordan Lasley,  WR Cayleb Jones,  WR Jordan Payton,  OL Kyle Friend,  OL Joe Haeg,  LB Eric Wilson,  LB Jason Cabinda, DB Holton Hill

Sacramento Crusaders signed:  RB Keryon Johnson,  LB Lamar Louis,  LB Harvey Langi,  LB Riley Bullough,  DB Corn Elder,  DB Quin Blanding

Portland Pioneers signed:  WR Tanner Gentry,  WR Jaydon Mickens,  OL Darrell Williams Jr.,  DL Christian Lacouture,  DL Junior Luke,  LB Jacob Pugh,  LB Kenny Young,  DB Tarvarus McFadden

Utah Mammoths signed:  RB Bo Scarborough,  WR DJ Foster,   OL Rick Leonard,  OL Kahlil McKenzie,  OL Eddie Meredith,  DL Jacob Martin, LB Jaylen Reeves, DB Anthony Brown, QB Chris Streveler

Oakland Renegades signed:  RB Trenton Cannon,  TE Gator Hoskins,  RB Keyarris Garrett,  OL Brett Toth,  OL Greg Senat,  OL Wyatt Teller,  DL Nazair Jones,  LB Marquel Lee,  LB Pita Taumoepenu,  LB Auggie Sanchez,  DB DeShon Elliott,  DB Jayron Kearse

MAMMOTHS SIGN QUARTERBACK!

Salt Lake City, Utah:  The Utah Mammoths sign quarterback Chris Streveler out of South Dakota University yesterday afternoon. Streveler threw for 6,081 yards and 54 touchdowns in his college career. He was runner up for the Walter Payton award in 2017 and voted MVFC offensive player of the year in 2017. He spent three years at the University of Minnesota, before going to South Dakota.

The Mammoths who lost quarterback Dak Prescott to the NFL were impressed by Streveler during workouts. Streveler will battle Garrett Grayson for the starting role in the upcoming 2019 season.

" Chris is a very talented young man. He has a good arm and has great escape capabilities and can run the ball. He is very intelligent and shows great ability to read defenses while in in the pocket. " said Mammoths head coach Paul Pasqualoni.

CRUSADERS BOLSTER DEFENSE

Sacramento, California:  The defending Pantheon Cup champion Sacramento Crusaders bolstered there defense Saturday afternoon by signing CFL and AFFA veteran defensive lineman John Chick to a two year deal.

" John (Chick) is a stud of a defensive lineman. He has proven that over the years, with his performance in the CFL and in this league. I couldn't be happier having John here and am looking forward to working with him. " said Crusaders head coach Justin Wilcox.

" Coach Wilcox and the Crusaders organization have built a solid team here in Sacramento and they have two Pantheon Cups to show for it. I am happy to be going to Sacramento and eager to get to work. " said Chick from his home by phone to ESPN.

Chick will join another recently signed CFL and AFFA veteran in Charleston Hughes.  Hughes returns from another stint in the CFL. With Chick and Hughes joining Anttaj Hawthorne,Glen Foster and Michael Sam. The Crusaders will have a very formidable defense in 2019. If defense wins championships, then the Crusaders could very well be considered favorites to bring home their third Pantheon Cup in four years.

AFFA RENEGADES!!

Oakland, California:  The Associated Football Franchises of America are proud to welcome the "Oakland Renegades " to the league beginning in 2019.

The franchise formerly known as the Denver Miners, had intended to relocate to Honolulu Hawaii for the 2019 season. However ownership could not close the deal to play at Aloha Stadium. The decision to make the move to the Bay area seemed like the logical move since the NFL Raiders will be relocating to Las Vegas soon.

" We are extremely pleased and excited to bring the AFFA brand of football to Oakland.  Oakland is a great football town with a long history and passionate fans. We chose the name Renegades because it fit the legacy of Oakland and the AFFA. We hope to continue that tradition of excellence that the city of Oakland has come to expect from its sports teams. It is what they deserve and nothing less."

The Oakland Renegades will call Oakland-Alameda Coliseum home. Their colors will be Teal, Dark Blue and Red. Their head coach is Mike Jones.


Other AFFA news:

Former LSU offensive lineman and CFL veteran Peter Dyakowski recently announced his retirement from football. Dyakowski played the last 3 seasons with the New Orleans/ Arkansas of the AFFA. He just recently signed with the San Antonio Cimarrons prior to announcing his retirement.

The Carolina Breakers announced that they have waived quarterback Shane Carden after 3 seasons. The decision came after the team signed rookie quarterback Nic Shimonek out of Texas Tech University. The team also signed veteran quarterback Aaron Murray.

Big Easy Revival?

New Orleans, La.-  Jerry and Reggie Leboeuf, two businessmen from New Orleans announced this morning that they have applied for a Associated Football Franchises Of America 2020 expansion franchise.

The two men say they are looking to bring back a well known brand to the Crescent City, the Voodoo. The New Orleans Voodoo were a popular Arena Football League franchise that played for several seasons before disbanding in 2016.

" We are looking to secure Youlman Stadium on the campus of Tulane University. We applied for a franchise in 2015, but pulled the application after the then Shreveport Marauders moved here as the Nightmare. " said Jerry Leboeuf.

The proposed Voodoo franchise are the second Louisiana group to apply for a AFFA expansion franchise. A group from Shreveport, Louisiana is also looking to acquire expansion rights in 2020. The Shreveport group hopes to resurrect a former CFL franchise, the Shreveport Pirates.

The AFFA is currently in it's off season and preparing for the 2019 Spring season. League officials had no comment on the details of the applications for expansion in 2020.

NEW MANAGEMENT, NEW BRAND!

These AFFA franchises recently went under new management. They have also been rebrands. *Exception is Arkansas, who simply rebranded*

Oklahoma Roughnecks/ Now- SLINGERS
Birmingham Barbarians/Now- BEAST
Houston Wranglers/ Now- KNIGHTS
*Arkansas Rhinos/ Now- DIAMOND MINERS
** Philadelphia rebranded from Americans to FREEDOM, waiting for approval from commissioner and league owners. Expected to pass.

PLAY OFF EXPANSION!

 The Associated Football Franchises Of America announced earlier today that the league will expand the play-off format from 8 teams to 12 teams ( 6 from each conference) beginning in 2019.

The top two teams from each conference will receive a first round bye. The remaining four will play a wild card round ( 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5 ). Winners will advance to play the top seeds in the divisional round ( highest seeds hosting lowest seeds ect...). Winners then advance to the conference championships for a chance to advance to Pantheon Cup IV.

" We are constantly searching for ways to enhance the AFFA experience for fans. Expanding the play off format, we feel will be one way in doing this. We are also looking at various other ideas that possibly could be implemented at a later date. " stated Director of Operations Danny White.