American Conference preview
May 12, 2008Hey, IFL fans! This is the time of the year when championship teams are made and dynasties are born. For most team owners in the IFL, a month off of football is needed after the season ends to rest and relax from all the rigorous work it takes to be a team owner. Then, it’s back to the drawing board.
In effect, every IFL team’s front office becomes a madhouse. Talent is brought in, carefully assessed, and evaluated. Offers are made and then retooled. The calculations are endless. Are we to thin on the offensive line? Can we fit in another free agent at this position? Who is a free agent this year? What key areas are in need of improvement? January is when IFL team owners and general managers are scrambling for new talent and veteran additions to make their team better.
The following American Conference reports and opinions were assembled by multiple observers and fans alike. Don’t forget to check back next week as we report on the National Conference teams.
Burlington Blue Devils
Owner: Tom Hawkins
Last year’s record: 5-4
Established: 2006
Conference: American
Shopping spree
The Blue Devils improved their record from 3-6 in 2006 to 5-4 in 2007, also managing a playoff berth. Tom Hawkins and his staff have so far done an excellent job in building a winner. The Blue Devils had a big off-season as Hawkins went out and acquired several talented players to take him deeper in the playoffs in 2008. The team got a shot in the arm when they signed standout running back Jamie Martin, who is a former member of the defunct Outlaw team. Martin should serve as the lighting to thunderous fullback Eric Hansen in the Blue Devil backfield. The Blue Devil offensive line is still meaty and big which should open up huge holes for the talented running backs. The defense also got better with various additions at key positions. When it’s all said done, don’t be surprised to see the Blue Devils still playing when August 23rd comes around.
Rock County Gladiators
Owner: Carter Linneman
Last year’s record: NA
Established: 2008
Conference: American
A new start
The Rock County Gladiator team is one of the newest additions to the Ironman Football League. It is also the only new team that already has one full season under its belt. The Gladiators played their first season as members of the NIFL where they went 11-0 and dominated their opponents by outscoring them, 395-108. The Gladiators bring new superstars to the table this year. Their all-star quarterback, Dan “Soup” Roberts, and game breaking wide receiver, Jermar Ayers, will try and duplicate the success of their pitch-and-catch combination of last year. The Gladiator defense, a.k.a. “Gang Green”, looks solid and hopes to shut down opposing offenses on a weekly basis, like they did in the NIFL. Only time will tell if this team is Iron Bowl caliber or not. One thing’s for sure, Linneman and the team’s co-owner, Brian Worth, have built a solid foundation on which to build.
St. Francis Monarchs
Owner: Chris Hill
Last year’s record: NA
Established: 2008
Conference: American
Going for it
The Monarchs are another expansion team ready to test their might against other established teams in the league. Team owner, Chris Hill, impressed the league administration with his commitment and dedication toward building his team. The Monarchs will consist of some league veterans and some talented rookies who are ready to make a name for themselves. Not much more is known about this new team, but if Hill shows that same dedication and commitment he showed the league and channels it onto the field, this team should be competitive.
McHenry County Pirates
Owner: Pat Sharpe
Last year’s record: 6-3
Established: 2007
Conference: American
Crunch time
The Pirates compiled a respectable 6-3 record in 2007. They advanced to the playoffs, but were shutout in the first round, 22-0, by the Outlaws. This year, the Pirates have regrouped and are poised for another playoff run. The Pirate offensive line is big and solid, but seems to be built for mainly pass-blocking. The receiving core is fast and dangerous; they can consistently stretch the field for opposing defenses. Their only question mark is at the quarterback position. Despite some minor setbacks that occurred last year, Hall of Fame coach Eliseo “Sal” Saldivar has worked hard this off-season working out the kinks and hopes to put it all together on the field come June 7th.
Oak Creek Renegades
Owner: Patrick Hansen
Last year’s record: NA
Established: 2008
Conference: American
Ready for some football
The Renegades are the third expansion team to join the Ironman Football League in 2008. Team owner, Patrick Hansen, looks to compete right away and will not tolerate the notion of being just “a losing expansion team.” Hansen brings a winning attitude and a wide-open offense which will feature a four-wide receiver spread formation. The run and gun attitude might take opposing defenses by surprise, which Hansen hopes it will. Not much else is known about their personnel, but commonsense will tell you they’ll have a lot of receivers for the type of offense they’re running. The Renegades look forward to sending a message to the rest of the league as they intend to make their mark in 2008.
Roscoe Rush
Owner: Brian Kelly
Last year’s record: 8-1
Established: 2006
Conference: American
Moving on up
The Rush was able to put it all together last season and dominated teams on their way to an 8-1 record. In the playoffs, the Rush beat the Blue Devils, 31-6. They advanced to the American Conference Championship game, but lost to the Outlaws, 14-0, in what was later called the “Monsoon Bowl.” The team looks stronger than ever this year and a lot of people are picking the Rush to represent the American Conference in the Iron Bowl. With a mean and nasty offensive line and talented receiving core, quarterback Jason Hufford should be as excited as a kid in a candy store. Last year, the Hufford-Opengo connection hooked up for a combined 12 touchdowns, and this year’s total should only continue to rise. The defense also looks solid. Last year, this unit pitched three shutouts as they continually harassed and abused opposing ball carriers. Expect nothing less this year as the Rush are poised for a title run.
Wauwatosa Spartans
Owner: Adam Kujath
Last year’s record: NA
Established: 2008
Conference: American
It’s a new era.
The Spartans are the fourth expansion team for 2008. With a roster that mainly consists of IFL all-stars, the Spartans look like a team that will seriously contend for a championship in just their inaugural year. From “Big Play” Shay to Nick Corgait, this team is stacked and loaded. The only question mark is the quarterback position. Whoever emerges as the starter will have a lot of offensive weapons at his disposal, weapons that would make the UN nervous. Besides its impressive roster, not much else is known due to the fact that the Spartans are an expansion team. On paper, the Spartans look like a no-brainer to win the Iron Bowl but only time will tell as this team must prove they’re worthy on the field.