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In the usual prediction format, the Arena Football League (AFL) gets it's very own preview this year! The AFL is not widely supported; Most of the league's fans come from cities with franchises...

Arena Football Preview

by Chris Yow (Analyst)

0

742 reads

Sports

February 28, 2008


In the usual prediction format, the Arena Football League (AFL) gets it's very own preview this year!

The AFL is not widely supported; Most of the league's fans come from cities with franchises.  However, the AFL deserves a shot.

If you have never attended a game, I challenge you to find your nearest AFL or af2 team and check out the talent level and the excitement of Arena Football. There is nothing like a kickoff hitting the iron on the net and your team recovering the ball at your opponent's five-yard line just after you scored not more than 30 seconds before. 

Tomorrow, the New Orleans VooDoo will take on the Los Angeles Avengers to kick off the season. Will you give it the old college try and see what the buzz is about this league?

Without further adieu, I give you the 2008 AFL predictions and preview per division.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

Central Division

Chicago Rush
The Rush have bolstered up a roster that won the Arena Bowl just two seasons ago. With the additions of Sherdrick Bonner from Arizona, the AFL's version of Brett Favre, and wide out Damian Harrell, a nine-year vet of the league and the Offensive Player of the Year twice already, the Rush look poised to make another run at the Central Division championship.

Grand Rapids Rampage
Maybe I am a bit biased as to the Rampage, given that one of my best friends in the business is their defensive coordinator, but I believe in Ron Selesky and Steve Thonn at the helm. With Adrian McPhereson lining up under center for the Rhinos, Grand Rapids will be the only competition the Rush has in the division.

Colorado Crush
The Crush no longer have the threat of Damian Harrell, as he will be wearing Rush blue this season, but the Crush will have the arm of John Dutton to throw to whomever the Crush put on the field. Expect rookie Jeff Hughley to make an immediate impact. A force for the af2's league champion Tulsa Talons, Hughley will quickly help fill the shoes Harrell left.  Besides, the kicker for Colorado is Clay Rush—his jersey reads C. Rush.  How cool is that?

Kansas City Brigade
While I love Kevin Porter, one of my all-time favorite Auburn standouts and former head coach of the much respected Macon Knights of the af2, I don't see this year's team making as big of an impact as last season. With the loss of offensive coordinator Chris Siegfried, I don't feel like the Brigade will be much competition, even with Rickey Foggie coming in as the winner of the last two Assistant Coach of the Year Awards in the af2.

 

WESTERN DIVISION

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