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RAFL PRESS RELEASE/SEASON PREVIEWThe RAFL (Regional American Football League) Begins its sophomore season next weekend after an incredible growth spurt in the 2007-2008 off-season. At kickoff for its inaugural season the RAFL had 14 members and culminated with a historic season for the Prince William (VA) Monarchs with an unprecedented 20-0 NFA National Championship record which included the RAFL and USFA Metro Bowl Championships. Also in the mix and maybe a bit overlooked are the New York Predators who went into the RAFL Championship game with an equal undefeated record, and then played themselves to a rematch against the Monarchs in the Metro Bowl Championship only to fall short to the Champs once again. None the less, the Predators finished a franchise best 17-2 ranked in the top 20 natonally.This season the stakes have been raised. The RAFL climbed from its inaugural 14 to an astonishing 38 teams for 2008 which includes its first affiliated division, the Grassroots Football League which will participate in the RAFL Championship Tournament. The GFL brings competition from the Cleveland/Pittsburgh areas which include the Pittsburgh Colts (13-2), Ohio Tigers, Mon Valley Mayhem, and Rochester (NY) Renegades. Also amongst the additions to the RAFL is the team the Monarchs defeated in the USFA/NFE National Championship game in Homestead Florida, the Brooklyn Mariners (14-2). The Mariners Bring over 50 years of History, as well as 12 consecutive league championships in their former league and 2 National Championships in the last 6 years. Along with the Mariners, the RAFL have gained other former Mariner rivals including a perennial eastern powerhouse, the New Jersey Wolves, as well as long time division rival Long Island Seahawks. Other former league mates led the way into the RAFL, this included the team that played the M’s in their league Championship game in 2007, the second year New Jersey Warriors, along with the Jersey Shore Dogs, and Long Island Tribe. Another team joining the ranks of the RAFL this season had an impressive inaugural season themselves, and were names the MLFN (Minor League Football News) “Best new Team” in the east, the Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Miners. In their first year of existence in their former league, the Miners were an impressive 8-3. This was impressive most because the only losses the Miners took, were 2 to the team in the country with the best winning percentage over the last 10 years, and a one touchdown loss in the playoffs to the powerful South Jersey Lynx. Along with the Miners, former league mate New England Knights are in the picture. The Knights, with the exception or an “off season” last year have been a championship contention team for many years. And another familiar face for the Knights and Miners are in the mix for 2008, and that would be the Hudson County Stars. The Miners, Stars, and Knights are all expected to be factors in the RAFL Playoff picture this season. Also joining the party are New York area playoff regulars, the Long Island Ravens and Empire State Titans. Joining them from their former league are the promising, and now becoming more experienced Long island Panthers. These three additions along with a few new franchises helped to round off the Local NY area. They will join the likes of the Long island Pit Bulls, Brooklyn Jazz, New York Demon Knights, Hudson Valley Cowboys, and Brooklyn Blue Devils in the RAFL Hunt. A Little south of the greater New York/New Jersey area not as many teams were added, but what was added was quality. Joining the Monarchs, Metro Nemesis, Virginia Cowboys, Delaware Bison, and Philadelphia Braves in the south is a team that won 3 of its former leagues last 5 Championships. The Overbrook Chargers, a late addition, should add even more strength to the already potent southern area of the RAFL. As for New Franchises, all seem to be quite promising in their team operations. One of these teams is a team established back in many years and now being re-kindled, the Montclair (NJ) Black Knights. Joining them are the Brooklyn (NY) Bull Dawgs, Hudson County (NJ) Bounty Hunters, New Jersey Spartans, and New Jersey Lions. South of the New York/New Jersey area, The Waldorf Warriors owned by former Titan (“Remember the Titans”) Walter Bowling III lead the way along with the upstart Baltimore Broncos, and Rosedale Colts. Finishing up the lineup of new teams, but most certainly not the one with the least expectations are the much ballyhooed Philadelphia Mustangs. The Mustangs, owned by NFL star defensive tackle Raheem Brock of the Indianapolis Colts, are expected to put forth a “more than competitive” effort in their inaugural season considering the teams’ ownership and dedication.  The RAFL 2008 Playoff Tournament will be 4 rounds of smash mouth football consisting of the top 16 teams in the league. The four week playoff is sure to have some great match ups, especially in the final two rounds. The RAFL will also be putting forth an invitational Tournament. The RIT (Regional Invitational Tournament) will consist of the 8 teams following the top 16 in the Championship Tournament. This is sure to create even more action in the regular season, and give some newer teams an opportunity to get their “feet wet” in a playoff situation.  With all that is coming, the RAFL doesn’t appear it will experience any “sophomore blues”, and looks to be even more competitive and exciting in its second season. Keep an eye on the stats, and standings by visiting the RAFL and its member teams at www.rafl.net. 
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