LUCKY NUMBER 3
Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hamilton, ON (CP) - The lucky number three is generally a good number for teams.  But unless that 3 is in the win column as opposed the loss column, it's not going to mean much.

We're three games into the season and usually here's where we can start figuring out who generally should make the playoffs.  However, starting 3-0 like Washington and Dallas have this season, it's not a guaranteed ticket.  Since 1996, 32 teams have started the season 3-0, and of those only 22 have made the playoffs (68.8%) which is just over two-thirds of those with a great start.  Dallas starting 3-0 is a good sign.  They have done this three times before (1998, 2001 & 2004) and on all three occasions, they have made the playoffs with them winning the Iron Bowl in 1998.  Washington also made the playoffs in their lone 3-0 start back in 2007.  Based on their past, these two teams look to be a lock for the playoffs.

On the flipside, we have the 0-3 starts and this year we have three teams in that boat.  Arizona, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.  Not exactly the start any team wants because you have a lot of catching up to do and may need help along the way if you want to make the playoffs.  32 teams in total have started 0-3, and only seven have miraculously made the playoffs after the poor start.  Just over a fifth (21.9%) have made this magic turnaround in the last eleven games of the season.  This is the first ever 0-3 start for Arizona so it's going to be excting to see if they can turn it around.  Back in 2006, they started the first half of the season 2-5, winning their third game of the season to avoid the 0-3 start.  Arizona finished the second half 6-1, made the playoffs and won the Iron Bowl.  So don't count them out.  The city of Philadelphia from 1996 to 2008 never saw an 0-3 start when the club was known at the Phoenix.  When new ownership took over and renamed the franchise the Steel, they made the playoffs immediately.  Last seaosn however they digressed and the fans saw their team start 0-3 in 2010 and again in 2011 so that's not the direction I am sure the fans were hoping for.  San Francisco has done this three times before (1996, 1998 & 2005) and is one of the lucky teams that managed to turn their ship around.  In 1998, they started 0-3, but finished with a 9-5 record and won the division, joining the Washington (2002) as the only teams to start 0-3 and win their division.

Well it's still really early on in the season, but this is a pretty good indicator of who is in and who isn't.  Only time will tell if a team loses it's wheels and if another team can pick it up a notch.

In only one season, SkyScrapers quarterback KEVIN KOLB is managing to help turn things around in the super competitive PFC West.  Kolb and company currently share top spot in the division with Las Vegas who are surprisingly both sitting at 2-0.

Chicago, IL (Reuters) - Right now, the boys from the windy city are sitting high up on their skyscraper looking down at the teams that usually are sitting atop the PFC West.  The view from above looks pretty good right now.

After getting out of Denver with a win by a very small margin, the SkyScrapers claimed a huge victory to start off the season against a tough divisional rival that usually has their number.  This past weekend, they faced San Francisco who they were evenly matched up with.  2-0 all-time against the Kingpins this was a chance to keep their record intact.

It was quarterback Kevin Kolb that led the charge as he tossed two touchdown passes to match the Kingpins quarterback, Mark Sanchez.  After regulation, the game was tied and Kolb led the SkyScrapers downfield in overtime to get within in field goal range for placekicker Shaun Suisham.  Suisham made the field goal and the victory was theirs.

The SkyScrapers are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory but are enjoying it nonetheless.  Without a doubt the rest of the conference has taken notice they will now be taken seriously the rest of the season until they can figure out how this team is winning.  Simply put, they are playing the full 60 minutes and grinding it out because it's not a dominant win, but it's a clear win in the standings and that's all you need to make the playoffs.

This week, they head to Florida to face the Spectres who earned the first win under the new ownership regime.  It should be a great matchup and determine if the SkyScrapers are ready to keep their win streak going.

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PARTY CRASHERS
Wednesday, September 21

Dawgz quarterback, AARON RODGERS, tossed for over 300 yards including two touchdowns passes to help lead his team to a 2-0 start since 2004 and spoiled the Iron Bowl banner unveiling of the Express.

Fairfield, CT (AP) - No one would have expected such a quick turnaround by the Dallas Dawgz after last year's 6-8 finish, but it was clear they are here to claim the territory known as the PFC East.

This weekend, the Dawgz marched into the home of the three time Iron Bowl Champions, the New England Express on a primetime stage of Monday night.  This night, the Express were holding an unveiling ceremony of their Championship banner and the Dawgz just shoved it down their throats by handing them a 69-40 loss to go with their 0-2 start.  Not exactly all that thankful for their hospitality.

The entire offense for the Dawgz really laid out the Express defense by running the ball hard with LeGarrette Blount scoring a pair of touchdowns.  Dawgz quarterback Aaron Rodgers also contributed by throwing for 308 yards and added two touchdowns of his own.

The Dawgz have not been to the playoff since 2004, which was the last time they managed to start 2-0 for the season.  In 2005 they recorded the worst season in league history by finishing 1-13 and have been trying to find their way back into the playoffs ever since.  Without a doubt, just finishing above .500 would be an accomplishment, but the rabid dogs are looking for more and playoffs is definitely on their mind.

Next week, they roll into Toronto to face the Mississauga Riot, who are also 2-0 and a divisional rival.  With so much on the line in this upcoming game, you can bet it will be exciting.

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RUNNING ROOKIE
Tuesday, September 12, 2011

Scorpions' rookie running back, MIKE TOLBERT shown here on a big run for a touchdown en route to a slaughter of the Dirtbags' on Sunday.  Tobert scored three touchdowns in his GFL debut, two for catches and one on a run.  Final score of the game was 90-49.

San Diego, CA (AP) - In an amazing display of offense, the San Diego Scorpions dispelled any indication they were heading in the wrong direction for casting off so many veterans that have been consistent performers in the past few seasons.

The team traded away experience for the future.  The biggest move of note was getting rid of running back Maurice Jone-Drew in a trade and deciding to go with second year running back, Ray Rice and rookie running back, Mike Tolbert to handle the carries.  The decision looks to have paid off because both performed and contributed in this big win.

Going into the game, no one really expected this sort of offense and this amount of scoring with a relatively young backfield.  Quarterback Jay Cutler was expected to shoulder much of the offensive load by leading them with his arm.  With such a strong performance by the running game, Culter was able to also contribute in the air because the opposing defence adjusted to cover the run and he managed to throw two scores of his own.

Cutler was asked about his comments regarding the team's offensive output in this game, "It's safe to say, we respect the Dirtbags' organization to always put up a good game against us and heading in, we though we were going to grind it out like we always do against such a tough team.  As the game went on, our team was having a lot of fun because it's not often you can put up 90 points on this team."

The Scorpions now head into Las Vegas for a big divisional game against a much improved Gamblers team that was just edged out the Bruisers by a score of 45-42 by the Bruisers.  Both are 1-0 and will be looking to remain undefeated and get their first division win of the season.

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ROLLING THE DICE
Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Gamblers are looking to roll the dice on starting quarterback MATTHEW STAFFORD this season and hope he stays healthy.

Hamilton, ON (Reuters) - Possibly the most competitive division in the league this season, we should see the rise of Las Vegas once again as they hit the above .500 mark for the second time in franchise history.  This time, they won't be left out of the playoffs like they were back in 2008.

PFC WEST
Chicago
Last Season: 4-10, 4th in division, 8th in PFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 3-11, 4th in division, 8th in PFC, miss playoffs
This team is in for a lot of hurt tis season.  Being in one of the toughest divisions, and with everyone around them improving, they may find this to be their worst season ever.  They have a very good receiving corps and with quarterback Kevin Kolb supposedly ready to take command of this arsenal of weapons, this team should become a contender next season.  However this year is just a year to prepare for years to come because it will be tough having to play six games in the PFC West against Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego in 2011.

Denver Storm
Last Season: 10-4, 1st in division, 1st in PFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 9-5, 1st in division, 1st in PFC, Iron Bowl finalist
Once again, the franchise that is the model of consistency will be vying for a chance to possibly play for another Iron Bowl.  The dynamic offence will be led by quarterback Michael Vick who's athleticism and ability to be a gamebreaker will certainly be part of the reason this club will reach the postseason.  Couple with dominant receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson, this team will definitely reach new heights.  Gone is the running attack approach Denver has been known for.  The gameplan in 2011 is attack from the air.

Las Vegas
Last Season: 6-8, 3rd in division, 5th in PFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 8-6, 3rd in division, 4th in PFC, conference semi-finalist
This year was a good draft for the team as they acquired some key components to make their team better.  In fact, the team may just have enough to finally make the postseason for the first time since moving to Las Vegas.  Quarterback Matthew Stafford will be the man in charge heading into the season and he looks to be poised to help lead this team to the promised land.  It shouldn't be a surprised if they win some big games.  Defensive lineman, Ndamukong Suh is a force to be reckoned with and he will be helping to shut down opposition.

San Diego Scorpions
Last Season: 9-5, 2nd in division, 3rd in PFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 9-5, 2nd in division, 3rd in PFC, conference championship finalist
This team made a lot of moves to re-tool.  After last season's first round knockout in their attempt to defend their Iron Bowl title, the front office decided it was time to move a lot of the verterans and bring in some new fresh blood that was hungry for a title.  In comes a lot of rookies expected to take on important roles to take them back to the Iron Bowl.  Gone are Maurice Jones-Drew and replacing him is rookie Mike Tolbert.  Big shoes to fill in his first season, but the team is confident he will do just fine in the teal and purple.

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JUST AN ABSOLUTE RIOT
Friday, September 9, 2011

With Bruisers' wide receiver RANDY MOSS retiring, the team will struggle in the division this entire season to win the big games.

Hamilton, ON (Reuters) - Baltimore is the reigning PFC Champion and will be looking to try and get to the Iron Bowl again this year, however with the way the rest of the division and conference shapes up this year, it won't be happening.

PFC EAST
Baltimore Bruisers
Last Season: 8-6, 2nd in division, 4th in PFC, Iron Bowl finalist
Projected Finish: 8-6, 2nd in division, 5th in PFC, miss playoffs
Baltimore has one of the strongest running attacks in the game with a powerhouse line up of Joseph Addai, Rashard Mendenhall and Adrian Peterson.  You include quarterback Drew Brees in that mix, you have some serious offence.  The team is still a little banged up from last year's Iron Bowl run, and with the retirement of wide receiver Randy Moss, could find this year's road to the Iron Bowl a little tougher as all the other teams built a more balanced offence to try and win their games.  This team will win some blowout games, but it's the close ones they'll lose that will hurt.

Dallas Dawgz
Last Season: 6-8, 4th in division, 7th in PFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 7-7, 3rd in division, 6 in PFC, miss playoffs
Welcome to Mr. Rodgers neighbourhood.  Aaron Rodgers that is.  He is the leader of this team and they just acquired another good quarterback in Tony Romo.  The team is pretty much only that.  They have slightly better than average running backs and receivers, so they will only get as far as these players are willing to compete.  the return of tight end Jermichael Finley will help, but the rest of the conference is far too strong and they will find winning is a lot tougher than it looks.  However watch for this team to really show some teams a tough time to earn their wins.  These dogs won't be laying down for anyone.

Florida Spectres (previously Jacksonville Jamaicans)
Last Season: 6-8, 3rd in division, 5th in PFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 4-10, 4th in division, 7th in PFC, miss playoffs
The stadium looks new, the uniforms have changed and a new ownership has stepped in.  The once proud franchise is now the Spectres and they have already made their mark by undoing some of the wrong the previous owner left behind.  Making trades and trying to build a brand new era of football with the original Florida GFL franchise.  This team will take some lumps, but will be fighting back to make sure they are not treated like an expansion team.  This team's record unfortunately will be dismal.  New ownership took over just before the draft and then there was the lockout, so look for a rebound next season.

Mississauga
Last Season: 9-5, 1st in division, 2nd in PFC, conference championship finalist
Projected Finish: 9-5, 1st in division, 2nd in PFC, conference championship finalist
All you can say is playoffs when it comes to quarterback Phillip Rivers and company.  This team is ready to make a huge mark this season and they will be running through opponents to send a clear message they plan to own this conference.  The Riot had a good playoff run last season and winning the division last season was another accolade they were clear on trying to make a regular occurrence.  Expect the same thing this season as they will be working towards trying for another Iron Bowl appearance that just fell short because of a divisional foe.

Tomorrow: PFC West Preview

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DESTINY OF THE DIRTBAGS
Thursday, September 8, 2011

The Dirtbags and quarterback TOM BRADY should be able to win this division hands down en route to an Iron Bowl appearance.

Hamilton, ON (Reuters) - It's no doubt that when it comes to strong teams in the AFC, many consider the West to be the class of the conference.  With the blip of last season with New England winning it all, things should get back to the way it should be this season.

AFC WEST
Arizona Anarchy
Last Season: 6-8, 3rd in division, 5th in AFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 4-10, 4th in division, 7th in AFC, miss playoffs
This team is in a lot of trouble and Anarchy is right.  Their quarterback position is in trouble as their starter since 2003, has yet to report to camp and has threatened to retire.  This is now Colt McCoy's chance to shine if he wants to play.  Draft last year, he hasn't been given a chance to prove he can takeover.  Now he has no choice.  It has the skill, but with a group of underachievers, he may not stand a chance.  McCoy and company are going to be in for a rough season.

Oakland Dirtbags
Last Season: 9-5, 1st in division, 2nd in AFC, conference championship finalist
Projected Finish: 12-2, 1st in division, 1st in AFC, win Iron Bowl
Should be just a formaility as Oakland is one of the most consistent teams of the past decade.  They have been to the Iron Bowl four of the past seven seasons and are tied for a league record in division titles.  This team knows how to get it done and part of the reason is the play of quarterback Tom Brady.  The team can provide a steady dose of offence and can really make teams work for their wins if they can get it.  After just barely losing to New England in the AFC Championship, don't expect that to happen again this year.

San Francisco Kingpins
Last Season: 5-9, 4th in division, 6th in AFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 7-7, 3rd in division, 4th in AFC, conference semi-finalist
Guess who's back in town?  It's the prodigal son, quarterback Peyton Manning.  His return brings back all those memories of that horrific trade that saw the team acquire five first round selections and many of which did not pan out because they made the playoffs just once since the trade.  However it was without Manning when the club got their first ever playoff win.  Was bringing him back the answer?  It's hard to tell because he also comes back as damaged goods and may not be able to play the first half of the season.

Washington Warriors
Last Season: 9-5, 2nd in division, 3rd in AFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 9-5, 2nd in division, 2nd in AFC, conference championship finalist
The entire offence on this team revolves around running back Chris Johnson.  Everyone knows he is the go to guy and now that he has finally reported to camp, the team can get rid down to business.  The team is banking on the arm of quarterback Kyle Orton.  He isn't flashy or is he considered one of the better quarterbacks in the league, but he does get the job done.  When they win, it's not dominant, but they win.  Last season they managed to get 9 wins with this group, so they have what it takes again.

Tomorrow: PFC East Preview

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STAY OUT OF THE WATER
Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Newly acquired Tiger Sharks' quarterback, MATT RYAN is going to find it's a lot easier to throw touchdowns in the AFC East than the PFC East.

Hamilton, ON (Reuters) - As the defending Iron Bowl Champions, New England should be favoured to win this division again.  But then again, this is the AFC East and we know nothing is for certain when you play in this division.

AFC EAST
Buffalo Inferno
Last Season: 5-9, 3rd in division, 7th in AFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 6-8, 3rd in division, 6th in AFC, miss playoffs
Buffalo is banking on quarterback Sam Bradford to lead them back to the playoffs since 2006 and found Ben Roethlisberger expendable.  So confident are they that even traded him to divisional rival, Philadelphia.  With only one solid quarterback, you have to fear that if an injury happens, their projected 5-9 record could end up a lot worse.  They acquired running back Maurice Jones-Drew in a trade to help share the workload with Tim Hightower.  This one-two punch should help make Bradford's job easier.  It looks to be a work in progress still, but if they can acquire another great receiver or two, for next season, they should be playoff bound.

Miami Tiger Sharks
Last Season: 8-6, 2nd in division, 4th in AFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 8-6, 1st in division, 3rd in AFC, conference semi-finalist
There is big buzz in Miami these days and it has to do with the arrival of quarterback Matt Ryan who they acquired in a big trade.  This team is gunning for the playoffs and looking to make a deep run, hoping for the Iron Bowl.  They draft a fantastic receiver in Julio Jones and if these two connect often enough, it goes without saying that they could run rampant in the AFC East.  Running back Steven Jackson will still shoulder the load in the backfield again, but this team looks like they are stronger than last season so he may not have to work as hard to help them win games.

New England Express
Last Season: 9-5, 1st in division, 1st in AFC, won Iron Bowl
Projected Finish: 6-8, 2nd in division, 5th in AFC, miss playoffs
The defending Iron Bowl Champions have a lot of questions to answer and one of them is, what do we do with Donovan McNabb?  Since 1999, he has been the go to guy for this team and last season, they started losing confidence in his ability to lead his team.&nsbp; So much so have they lost faith in DMac, that en route to their Iron Bowl run in the playoffs, he did not see any action and they won it all without him.  Both Joe Flacco and Josh Freeman have shown they have what it takes and the quarterback corps is pretty crowded with all three sitting around.  DMac's time in New England could be done, but at least they have another DMac in running back Darren McFadden and he's getting better each season.

Philadelphia Steel
Last Season: 3-11, 4th in division, 8th in AFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 2-12, 4th in division, 8th in AFC, missed playoffs
In a desperate move they made trade for a quarterback that a divisional opponent found expendable.  Either it was brilliant or they are just collecting trash.  The addition of Roethlisberger in theory should help them out, but if he is the only offence the team has, they aren't much better.  Running back Jamaal Charles should be ready to carry the load for the team again, but if it's too obvious, the defence will have them figured out and won't get many wins with that gameplan.

Tomorrow: AFC West Preview

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2011 GFL PREVIEW
Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Dirtbags' quarterback, TOM BRADY is back as the main man in Oakland this season.  He will do his best to lead the team to another Iron Bowl appearance.

Hamilton, ON (Reuters) - The season is almost upon us and we have just enough time this week to cover off the season preview, so let's get it underway!

As usual, there is debate on which conference is the stronger of the two and without a doubt most critics will say it is the PFC.  I would tend to agree.  Each season the teams in the PFC beat up on one another and really make a run as a strong contender for the Iron Bowl, but why did New England win it all last season?  I would have to say that whoever survives the playoffs from the PFC, is literally worn out and can't take on a team from the AFC because their road was that much easier.  No surprise, the prediction is that the Iron Bowl winner will come from the AFC once more this year.

The two teams that should be playing for the Championship at the end of the season, should be Oakland and Denver.  These two teams have a well put together offence that should lead them all the way.  It will be a rematch of Iron Bowl XII and Tom Brady will get his first Iron Bowl ring with the Dirtbags.

AFC EAST Buffalo Inferno
Last Season: 5-9, 3rd in division, 7th in AFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 6-8, 3rd in division, 6th in AFC, miss playoffs
This team will be looking for answers after the season because they haven't surrounded quarterback Sam Bradford with enough talent to help out.

Miami Tiger Sharks
Last Season: 8-6, 2nd in division, 4th in AFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 8-6, 1st in division, 3rd in AFC, conference semi-finalist
The acquisition of quarterback Matt Ryan solves their weakness from last season.  This is the one difference they needed to win this division.

New England Express
Last Season: 9-5, 1st in division, 1st in AFC, won Iron Bowl
Projected Finish: 6-8, 2nd in division, 5th in AFC, miss playoffs
The Express won't be defending their Iron Bowl this season, partially because they won't be returning to the playoffs to get that chance.

Philadelphia Steel
Last Season: 3-11, 4th in division, 8th in AFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 2-12, 4th in division, 8th in AFC, missed playoffs
The Steel acquired quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger from a divisional opponent.  There's a reason why he was expendable.

AFC WEST Arizona Anarchy
Last Season: 6-8, 3rd in division, 5th in AFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 4-10, 4th in division, 7th in AFC, miss playoffs
This team does have talent, but because they have no real leader to get them to believe they can win, they simply won't.

Oakland Dirtbags
Last Season: 9-5, 1st in division, 2nd in AFC, conference championship finalist
Projected Finish: 12-2, 1st in division, 1st in AFC, win Iron Bowl
This is a team of destiny, they have made an Iron Bowl appearance every other season since 2003, this is just another one of those years.

San Francisco Kingpins
Last Season: 5-9, 4th in division, 6th in AFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 7-7, 3rd in division, 4th in AFC, conference semi-finalist
When this was Peyton's place, the Kingpins won three Division Championships with him leading the way.  You know what he also did, he got no playoff wins as a Kingpin.

Washington Warriors
Last Season: 9-5, 2nd in division, 3rd in AFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 9-5, 2nd in division, 2nd in AFC, conference championship finalist
This team is going to be riding the coat tails of running back Chris Johnson, which is as far as he can take them, another playoff run.

AFC PLAYOFFS: Semi-Finals:
OAKLAND over San Francisco
Washington over MIAMI

Championship:
OAKLAND over Washington

PFC EAST Baltimore Bruisers
Last Season: 8-6, 2nd in division, 4th in PFC, Iron Bowl finalist
Projected Finish: 8-6, 2nd in division, 5th in PFC, miss playoffs
With their former divisional rival gone, their fire and desire to pulverize an opponent has diminished.  A new foe will arise, but not this year.

Dallas Dawgz
Last Season: 6-8, 4th in division, 7th in PFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 7-7, 3rd in division, 6 in PFC, miss playoffs
This team will go with Aaron Rodgers as far as he can throw, but he needs a supporting cast to help him out because he can't do it alone.

Florida Spectres
(previously Jacksonville Jamaicans) Last Season: 6-8, 3rd in division, 5th in PFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 4-10, 4th in division, 7th in PFC, miss playoffs
With new ownership, all anyone can pretty much say is rebuild year.  You can't keep tradition just by buying at team, you can only start your own.

Mississauga Riot
Last Season: 9-5, 1st in division, 2nd in PFC, conference championship finalist
Projected Finish: 9-5, 1st in division, 2nd in PFC, conference championship finalist
The Riot are stacked with talent and this could be a strong year for them is they can get on a roll.  Teams are going to need to call in S.W.A.T. for support.

PFC WEST Chicago SkyScrapers
Last Season: 4-10, 4th in division, 8th in PFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 3-11, 4th in division, 8th in PFC, miss playoffs
There hasn't been a lot of improvement and it's the team's fifth season.  No blockbuster trade was made to make them a contender.

Denver Storm
Last Season: 10-4, 1st in division, 1st in PFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 9-5, 1st in division, 1st in PFC, Iron Bowl finalist
It's another year of success to look forward to as the Storm has got rid of some of the dead weight and decided to look to the future.

Las Vegas Gamblers
Last Season: 6-8, 3rd in division, 5th in PFC, missed playoffs
Projected Finish: 8-6, 3rd in division, 4th in PFC, conference semi-finalist
A great draft this year will payout big time for the Gamblers and quarterback Matt Stafford will be looking to double down with his arsenal.

San Diego Scorpions
Last Season: 9-5, 2nd in division, 3rd in PFC, conference semi-finalist
Projected Finish: 9-5, 2nd in division, 3rd in PFC, conference championship finalist
The Scorpions are on a roll and keeping their opponents guessing.  Some offseason moves have some questioning, but they have moved on in a new direction.

PFC PLAYOFFS: Semi-Finals:
DENVER over Las Vegas
MISSISSAUGA over San Diego

Championship:
DENVER over Mississauga

IRON BOWL XVI:
Oakland (AFC) over Denver (PFC)

Tomorrow:
AFC East Preview

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GET READY TO KICKOFF!
Monday, September 5, 2011

Express place kicker, NATE KAEDING kicking off during a pre-season game.  Kaeding is hoping he can kick the Express to another Iron Bowl.

Hamilton, ON (Reuters) - The players have been practicing, team rosters have been trimmed, the grass is ready, and the stadiums are all prepped for the 2011 GFL Kickoff.  With the lockout long behind us now, we can get focused on what really counts with the season starting in a week.

The defending Iron Bowl Champions, the New England Express are back to defend their title and they have 15 teams gunning for them to prove they deserve to be this year's king of the hill.  The Express will be out there every week fighting to become the two-time back-to-back Iron Bowl Champions.  It won't be easy because this year every team made some serious moves to try and contend for that coveted title.

Gone are the storied Jacksonville Jamaicans, although former owner Alistair Erskine is not far behind as he has now taken up shop alongside the Dallas Dawgz' organization.  Coming in is Jason Lemon taking over the franchise and keeping it in Florida and renaming it the Spectres.  There will definitely be some growing pains for this organization with the new ownership.

Struggling are the Chicago SkyScrapers and Las Vegas Gamblers who are still trying to find their way to the playoffs.  Chicago is entering their fifth season since the club relocated from Seattle, and are hoping to go to the show this time around.  Las Vegas has come close once, but this year they made a lot of moves and gambles in hoping that their seventh year will be the lucky one that gets them into the playoffs.

Two clubs in the PFC West, Denver and San Diego have been on fire the past several seasons.  They have been in the playoffs consistently over the past half decade.  Both of these two clubs definitely want to put last year's early exits behind them and will be looking to make deep playoff runs.

In the end, all that matter is there is one title to win, only one team can lay claim to it right now and each has to climb over the other 15 teams to get it.  So are you ready for some FOOTBALL!

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LET'S PLAY SOME FOOTBALL
Monday, August 1, 2011

Steel rookie quarterback, CAM NEWTON (1), selected at this year's draft by Philadelphia, is excited to be at training camp with a fellow teammate because he will get a chance to see the field this year.

Hamilton, ON (Reuters) - The League and the Players' Union have come to an agreement and there will be football played in 2011.

After 15 years of amazing football, it all the facts were leading to the the first GFL season where regular season games would be lost, and even possibly and entire season.  However just last week, both sides sat down at the bargaining table and got a deal worked out.

So now that all the front office stuff has been taken care of, we can look towards what matters most, football on the field this season.

After being dormant all summer, look for clubs to start making their cuts very quickly and trying to make trades that will help their team get to the Iron Bowl.  There is no doubt that it's going to get crazy in the next two weeks.  So make sure you have your phone ready because there will be some updates coming your way.

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DENVER ON THE CLOCK
Monday, April 25, 2011