Franchise ResourcesIFL’s Spartans Invade the Desert
Las Vegas, Nevada – The National Football Events’ Casino Bowl is considered the Nation’s premier semi-pro All-Star football game. It’s held annually in March in Las Vegas and features some of the best semi-pro talent from around the country.
The game, played on Saturday, March 27th, featured two Wauwatosa Spartan representatives, DE Joe Flick and QB Tony Henner – both whom were IFL All-Stars in 2009. The Spartans were selected to participate as members of the National Football Events’ Casino Bowl All-Star squad.
Every year, a new team challenges the Casino Bowl All-Stars. This year, it was a combination team made up of Minor League Football News All-Americans and local Las Vegas players. The game quickly turned lop-sided as the Casino Bowl All-Stars jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, destroying the All-Americans 53-3.
Both Spartans started the game and played extensively, with Flick racking up three sacks and Henner passing for over 150 yards and 2 TDs. Although they both had very impressive performances, neither was selected as one of the game’s five MVPs.
“This is my second time out here, and it’s interesting to meet and play against other semi-pro players from all over the country,” said Flick. “You get to see some really talented players in action and meet guys from some pretty legendary teams in the semi-pro ranks.” Last year, the Spartans sent four representatives. Flick was joined by DT Brian Witt, TE Adam Zuniga, and S Bob LaPlante.
“It was good to get some game action in so early in the season,” Henner added. “Plus, we had the opportunity to showcase what kind of talent is in the IFL, and more specifically, get the Spartan name more recognized on a national level.”
The Spartans start their season on May 1st, when they’ll host the Fox Valley Force in a preseason showdown between the IFL and NEFL. The game is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and will be hosted by the Spartans at Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Raabe Field.
