1. Columbia Fire 0-1Were not going to panic here folks, but this one was downright UGLY! Saying the Fire were a bit rusty would not quite describe this game. Losing to powerhouse(??) Tulsa 14-20, the Fire were downright awful! Not even managing to GET into the red zone, there were a pitiful 1 of 9 on 3rd downs and managed a meger 23 minutes possession to Tulsa's 43. The only one who showed up to play was middle linebacker Maynard who tore through the offense for 19 tackles, and 6 assists. Regardless, we are sticking with Columbia at number 1 this week. It's a long season and alot of teams will be rusty these first couple games.
Last week-1 lost 14-20
Next week vs Louisiana
2. Little Rock Toads 0-1In a wild shootout, the Toads were beat in the final minutes by the 10th ranked Texas Hell Riders. QB Ralph Given was incredible, throwing for 398 yards and 2 scores, but it just was not enough, as they drop a close one 35-41. Like Columbia, we have full confidence that Little Rock will rebound quick and show why they are the second ranked team in the IFL.
Last week-2 lost 35-41
Next week at 7th ranked St. Louis
3. Norfolk Vipers 1-0The World Champions looked alot like...........well.....World Champions in beating Boston easily, 24-14. Now the bad news. They will have to do without quarterback Harold 'Finger' Lozier, and reciever Morris Hackworth for 2 weeks due to injuries. Untill someone proves otherwise, they are still the team to beat and will remain at number 3 this week.
Last week-3 won 24-14
Next week at Orlando
4. Oakland Assassins 1-0Oakland had no problems with Vancouver, beating them 28-11. Quarterback Gene Hamilton was 19-26 for 266 yards and 4 touchdowns in a sleeper. With no injuries to the team, Oakland looks primed to stay at the 4 spot this week.
Last week-4 won 28-11
Next week vs Wichita
5. Albuquerque Matadors 1-0The Matadors looked solid, but not speculator, in beating a good Portland squad, 24-23. The ground game was the key in this one as Wheat, Humphrey, Bartel and Copeland accounted for 154 yards and 3 touchdowns. They remain at number 5 this week.
Last week-5 won 24-23
Next week vs Lansing
6. Anchorage Lynx 1-0Any win against the Chaos is a tough one. Owner and GM Jeff is a slick gameplaner and highly unpredictable. The stats may not say it, but this was a good victory and well earned by Steiner and company. They will stay at the 6 spot this week.
Last week-6 won 17-9
Next week at Pittsburgh
7. St. Louis Cardinals 1-0Some wins are ugly and some come at a higher price then others. This was both as the Cards win a complete stinker on the road, and lose their starting quarterback, Mark McMurray for 4 weeks. Only gaining 273 yards of total offense is terrible, and that was with McMurray for most of the game. How will backup Kurt Walsh fare? A win is still a win the IFL, and St. Louis stays the coarse at number 7 this week.
Last week-7 won 12-10
Next week vs 2nd ranked Little Rock
8. Vermont Mountaineers0-1We were forced to draw straws on who was going to cover this game, as the weather was just plain AWFUL!! Because of the already surrounding questionmarks regarding this teams high ranking, we were prepared to drop them from the top 10 altogether, but the rain, thunder and lighting would have prevented even the best of teams from bring home the win in this one. They get a pass this week and stay at 8.
Last week-8 lost 10-20
Next week vs Boston
9. Salt Lake City Stallions0-1How ugly was this? Booker looked ordinary in throwing 3 interceptations in a 27-17 shelacking. He seemed to be forcing throws all day long, and Tart did not look pleased getting dominated by the Wolfpack again. With Iowa City comming to town, they better reverse this fortune before things go south in Utah.
Last week -9 lost 27-17
Next week vs Iowa City
10. Texas Hellriders1-0While some were questioning Texas beating out Pittsburgh for the final spot in the top 10, the Hellriders were busy working on their gameplan for week one. And boy did that pay off. Putting up 41 against what most consider the best defense in the league will open some eyes. Clayton Chung was magnificant in throwing for 329 yards and 3 touchdowns, and runningback Paul Brown added 63 yards and 2 scores to seal the deal in late in the 4th. Texas could be one of the fast movers this year in the top 10 if they can stay healthy and consistent.
Last week-10 won 41-35
Next week at Murfreesboro
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