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
San Jose Sabercats
If you don't know anything about the AFL, know this—never bet against San Jose. Winners of three Arena Bowls, including last season’s, the Sabercats are the class of the AFL. Mark Greib is the best quarterback of the latest century and he has Arena Football record holder Scott Rislov backing him up as Brett Elliot tries to heal. James Roe and Rodney Wright are two of the top receivers in the league as well.
Utah Blaze
The Blaze have gotten rolling and Utah has a professional team to be proud of again. AFL vet Joe Germaine has his team ready to compete with the 'Cats. When J.J. McKelvey and Aaron Boone get going, the Blaze could be a force in the American Conference.
Arizona Rattlers
With the departure of legendary quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, can the Rattlers hang on to their storied past? Does the new ownership and coaching staff want to remember the Bonner years? With Siaha Burley, you can't help but think the Rattlers are going to have a solid receiving corps as usual. As well as Ironman Jerrian James from Orlando, the Rattlers will need all the help they can give their new signal caller, whether it be Jeff Smoker or Lang Campbell.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
EASTERN DIVISION
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