The Hurricanes replace the Pirates

[Caballo Diablo]

Williams Brings Texas A New Owner, Identity and Home

HOUSTON (June 17, 2009) – The Texas Pirates have a new owner, identity and home.

Southern Indoor Football League President Thom Hager announced today (June 17, 2009) that Houston businessman and sports entertainment promoter Terry Williams has purchased the SIFL franchise and will rename and relocate it for the remainder of the 2009 season.

The Texas Hurricanes will make their debut Saturday on the road against the Austin Turfcats and will now call College Station’s McFerrin Multi-Purpose Facility home. The Hurricanes first home game will be against the Acadiana Mudbugs July 4th weekend.
Pirates interim coach Troy Esprit has been hired as the Hurricanes’ coach.

``It’s a bright day for the SIFL and indoor football with the addition of Terry Williams,’’ Hager said. ``We’re positioning ourselves for 2010 with a strong finish for this team in 2009.

The Pirates ownership group led by Dejuan Henry is concentrating on other business endeavors.

``"With our microbrewery growing, we are forced to step back from managing football,’’ Henry said. ``I’m excited that Terry Williams has taken the reigns for Texas. We will make this a smooth transition for Terry and his staff."

Williams owns several restaurants in the Houston area, including sports restaurants near all the major league arenas and ballparks. His sports marketing company is active in producing tailgate parties for the NFL’s Houston Texans home games, and his restaurants are popular with Houston Astros and Rocket fans. During the 2005 World Series, his Dog Gone Dogs restaurant garnered a mention as having the best ``Chicago-Style hotdog outside of Chicago."

``I’ve been to a couple of SIFL games and I’m hooked,’’ Williams. ``This sport has so much potential. I’ m excited to give my client base another outlet for family entertainment and I’m excited about the opportunity to own and operate a first-class football operation.
``We’re going to have some fun and learn as much as we can the next few weeks,’’ Williams added. ``And then, get ready for 2010. It will be amazing.’’

Williams said changing the name gives the team a fresh start.

``I appreciate what the Pirates tried to do and wish them all well,’’ Williams said. ``But my philosophy has always been to move forward and not let the past slow me down. I truly believe that the Hurricanes will be a shining star for the both the SIFL and sport of indoor football.’’

The Hurricanes' web site will launch next week.

[mwhite212]

This is FANTASTIC news for the league! I'm really glad to see this for the team. Now come on Crunch! Don't let me down...you gotta get a home venue now so I can see some games close to home in 2010! I say the Frisco Crunch! The Dr. Pepper Center.

[Caballo Diablo]

First Transactions of the new Regime:

June 18, 2009
TEXAS HURRICANES;

Announced the Release of;
DB Kenneth Apande
QB Trumaine Dorsey
LB Jared Dotson
DB Val Ford
Joseph Lewis
WR Manuel OLayinka
LB Danny Nephew

Announced the Signings of;
QB Michael Bishop
DB David Crosby
WR Chester Lewis
DE Jarvis DeVauhn
DL James Albrough
DB Travis Brown
WR Jarrod Fuller

[BUCKLERSWASH]

I told yall this was coming and was also a great move now lets see what mr hager pulls out from his hat next maybe houston crusaders maybe some old intense buddies ????

[Caballo Diablo]

Several of us knew it was coming, except orig they were trying for Huntsville and Ft Sam Houston's venue.

Mr Hager doesn't need to call those guys, they're calling him.
The SIFL will definitely expand next season.

[trifecta]

In a related story....The Pirates ownership is including among the assets they are transferring to the new ownership group.... the often used Press Release Fax which says...."Unfortunately tonights game has been cancelled.

Good luck to the new ownership.

[Caballo Diablo]

We won't need it this week Tri, the game is in Austin and the field was laid down today. Why don't you come and join us for the last regular season home game of 2009? Tickets are free (see TurfCats thread) and I've grilled up 100 lbs of chicken for the tailgate. Both teams will be out there after the game getting a bite to eat, a cold drink, and thanking the fans for their support.

Or are you betting on a Turfcat win next week to secure a Home Playoff game and holding out for that?

[trifecta]

Free tickets for ALL...I cant argue with that.

I will try to make it.

100 pounds of chicken????

You are an amazing fan.

[Caballo Diablo]

Two of the hardest working families that put on the tailgate are in Vegas this week and will miss the game. Matt & Iva / Jason & Paula, they supply a lot of the food each game and are crucial to making the tailgates a success for all. Matt was the May Fan of the Month and Jason is the June Fan of the month.

They are part of the early group that help set it up, cook, serve, and tear it all down. I'm just trying to step up and help fill their shoes this week which will be tough to do. So we'll be also missing 2 tents and some much needed shade but their presence will be missed most. I'm just a very small part of the bigger picture.

I like to pre-cook instead of spending the tailgate time cooking in 100 degree heat and I can spend more time enjoying the friendship of the other fans. Last time I smoked 50 lbs of brisket for 18 hours the day before and we ran out before the Turfcat players made it out of the locker room, but the other team did enjoy it - lol. There was food, but the brisket was gone. This time we'll be putting some away until our team comes out.

Tailgating is a lot of fun for all but a lot of work, it's a small group that typically handles the responsibility of making it happen. There are many that deserve props for their part, I'm just one of the people in the group. It wouldn't be possible without a group effort and many great fans.

Many teams around the 50 yard game have a core tailgate group that make gameday enjoyable for a large group of fans and deserve props. I've been to many tailgates in different cities and have always been welcomed into their party. These are the people that keep the sport alive with their enthusiasm and constant spreading of the word about the sport itself.

A BIG THANKS TO ALL OF THESE FANS NO MATTER THE TEAM OR THE LEAGUE !!

[BananaCat]

Good job on the tailgates and advance preparation, I know how much work that is.

[Caballo Diablo]

AFL Ironman Pettis Joins Hurricanes
July 04, 2009

Will Pettis, the 2007 Arena Football League Ironman of the Year, has signed with the Texas Hurricanes of the Southern Indoor Football League and will play in the Hurricanes’ College Station debut Sunday (July 5, 2009) against the Acadiana Mudbugs.

As a member of the Dallas Desperadoes, Pettis was a four-time All-Ironman team selection and three-time member of the of the All-Arena team. In 2007, he ranked second in the AFL in all-purpose yards (2,781), tied for second in kickoff returns for a touchdown (four), sixth in catches (130), eighth in kickoff return average (21.2) and 10th in receiving yards (1,471).

He played one season in af2 with the Pensacola Barracudas before joining the Desperados.

Pettis joins 1998 Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Bishop on the roster for the Hurricanes, who begin a three-game homestand Sunday, concluding with games Tuesday and Saturday against the Austin Turfcats. Despite a 1-6 record, the Hurricanes are contending with the Houma Conquerors for the final SIFL playoff spot.

[mace]

Well the rumor is that the Pettis and Bishop will NOT play tonight for the Hurricanes. Dont know how much truth there is to this but we will see what happens... GO HURRICANES!!


SCARAMOUCHE!!

[Caballo Diablo]

That is strange, they need a win bad to stay in playoff contention.

[Bruiser]

Wouldn't matter if Bishop & Pettis showed or not. Watching him struggle in GR & Chicago it was painfully obvious Mr. Bishop can't hit the broad side of a barn, let alone Pettis, if his life depended on it. The fans would love him though, free souviners into the stands all night long. :D

[mace]

I cant complain, I got one of those free suvi's when he came into Lake Charles... Mr. Bishop threw it right to me... like I was his reciever. After I caught it, I struck the heisman pose for him.... Thanks again!

[Caballo Diablo]

Wouldn't matter if Bishop & Pettis showed or not.It might not secure the win, but it would affect the game.


Watching him struggle in GR & Chicago it was painfully obvious Mr. Bishop can't hit the broad side of a barn, let alone Pettis, if his life depended on it.
Of all people we assumed you knew the difference between ArenaBall and IndoorBall. Indoor leagues don't don't rely on the deep aerial attack on most plays like arenaBall. A running/scrambling QB seem to fair better at the Indoor game with the running and short passing game. Pettis can dominate against the SIFL DB's and catch poorly thrown passes for good yardage and TD's. The Chicago QB's looked pretty mediocre a few years ago until Sippio came on board.

Are you really comparing AFL teams to the Expansion SIFL - lol. If you need an explaination of the differences maybe someone else can explain it for ya.

[Bruiser]

It might not secure the win, but it would affect the game.


Of all people we assumed you knew the difference between ArenaBall and IndoorBall. Indoor leagues don't don't rely on the deep aerial attack on most plays like arenaBall. A running/scrambling QB seem to fair better at the Indoor game with the running and short passing game. Pettis can dominate against the SIFL DB's and catch poorly thrown passes for good yardage and TD's. The Chicago QB's looked pretty mediocre a few years ago until Sippio came on board.

Are you really comparing AFL teams to the Expansion SIFL - lol. If you need an explaination of the differences maybe someone else can explain it for ya.
I'm comparing Bishop to Bishop. He sucks. Pettis I have no doubts about, don't know why you mention him other than to try and imply he can overcome off-target passes from Bishop. I'll save you the trouble - he can't.

And Bishop has no short game. Who you trying to kid? His inaccuracy knows no boundaries. His claim to fame is wingin' balls 70 yards on a string to nowhere. Lotta good that does on a 50 yard field unless you're the lone fan sitting in the upper endzone seats. Bwahahahaha.

OK, so you call me when Bishop's legs win an indoor title smartypants. You of all people should know the running game is a simple scam to try and sway "real" football fans inside. The indoor game is, and always will be, a passing game. Just ask your league's 2009 champs from LA.

[mace]

I will agree that a passing game is needed and was a big factor the back to back championships of the Swashbucklers, but you have to have a running game to keep the DB's honest (everyone knows that). But with that being said... if they can get Bishop a line, he can become a REAL threat. Give him time to see the field and make adjustments, this guy can go. When he came to Louisiana, we had him running all night long.


SCARAMOUCHE!!

[Caballo Diablo]

Bishop missed Sundays game due to personal/family reasons and will also be inactive for tonights game.

[Caballo Diablo]

if they can get Bishop a line, he can become a REAL threat. Give him time to see the field and make adjustments, this guy can go. When he came to Louisiana, we had him running all night long.

He definitely needs some line help. the same thing happened here in Austin, he was running for his life all game and getting knocked around a lot.

[mace]

Yeah, I knew the reason I just didnt and still dont want to say anything, thats his business but I thought that he would have been done by now. Pettis has to play in the next two games, otherwise if the Hurricanes make it into the playoffs.. he cant play. SIFL rules state that a player has to be "active" for 2 games before the playoffs or he isnt eligible to play during the post season. Cross your fingers for him to be there. I would love to see him play one time.... This guy is magical, but a buddy of mine was on the Desperado's last season with him and said that he is "impatient" as a DB, tends to jump the route to early sometimes. Good luck tonight....


SCARAMOUCHE!!

[Caballo Diablo]

Pettis is on the active roster for tonights game. I'm headed out the door now to go to the game - WOOT-WOOT!

[phydeaux72]

Pettis is on the active roster for tonights game. I'm headed out the door now to go to the game - WOOT-WOOT!

Doesn't matter one way or the other because Bowie is a horrible QB.

[Bruiser]

I will agree that a passing game is needed and was a big factor the back to back championships of the Swashbucklers, but you have to have a running game to keep the DB's honest (everyone knows that). But with that being said... if they can get Bishop a line, he can become a REAL threat. Give him time to see the field and make adjustments, this guy can go. When he came to Louisiana, we had him running all night long.


SCARAMOUCHE!!
Bwhahahahaha. You people never cease to amaze me. You can take all your tired OUTDOOR cliches like "rushing keeps secondaries honest" and "defense wins championships" and THROW 'EM OUT THE WINDOW !

This is INDOOR ball brother, y'know possessions rule, not field position. Think basketball NOT football and there you have the essence of the game.

Geesh, do you people even know what you're watching fercrissakes?

[Caballo Diablo]

Doesn't matter one way or the other because Bowie is a horrible QB.
He only threw 7 picks last night.
Pettis was on the roster but not in the building.
Bishop had a death in the family, that's the reason he's not playing this week.

[phydeaux72]

Is the Arctic Wolf Ice Arena just temporary? Or do the Hurricanes plan on moving into Reed Arena next season?

[Caballo Diablo]

Is the Arctic Wolf Ice Arena just temporary? Or do the Hurricanes plan on moving into Reed Arena next season?
Just temporary.
They played there last Sun against the MudBugs, lastnight against the T-Cats, and this coming sat will be the last one, also against the T-cats.

Next season they move into the McFerrin Multi-Purpose event center on A&M campus. There's 2 venues next door to each other, this is the new one where they held the Nationals Indoor track competition.

It'll be interesting how they convert it for football. it's got an 8 lane track and if the football field is on the infiled the stands are pretty far away. I'm not sure if they've got covers and bleachers that go over the track or not. it's a pretty nice facility overall but not sure how it'll work for football.

[El Gato Loco]

Just temporary. Next season they move into the McFerrin Multi-Purpose event center on A&M campus. There's 2 venues next door to each other, this is the new one where they held the Nationals Indoor track competition.

Aggies, don't bet the trailer money on that just yet:
ESPN: A&M Doesn't Have Contract With Indoor Team (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-11-25/A-M-doesn-t-have-contract-with-indoor-team.html)

Looks like the deal between A&M and the Hurricanes isn't done yet.

[phydeaux72]

Aggies, don't bet the trailer money on that just yet:
ESPN: A&M Doesn't Have Contract With Indoor Team (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-11-25/A-M-doesn-t-have-contract-with-indoor-team.html)

Looks like the deal between A&M and the Hurricanes isn't done yet.

That's interesting. I was surprised when I first heard that the Hurricanes would be playing at a Texas A&M-owned facility. The Intense Football League tried to put a team at Reed Arena back in 2005. They were basically told that nothing would be allowed on A&M campus that would otherwise compete with any of Texas A&M's sports programs.

[Caballo Diablo]

Texas Hurricanes Announce 2010 Tryouts
July 20, 2009

Texas Hurricanes Football Tryouts
Texas Hurricanes have announced their official team tryouts.

Saturday August 15th 2009 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Saturday September 5th 2009 7:30 am - 2:30 pm

Registration Fee is $40.00 pre-registration or $55.00 day of event.

Applications can be picked up and returned to Quality Suites, the official Hotel of the Texas Hurricanes or at Conventions and Visitors Bureau or go to our website at www.TexasHurricanesFootball.com

All participants will receive an official t-shirt and lunch will be provide by the team.

Please wear proper athletic attire (i.e. shorts, t-shirts, and shoes)

checkout http://www.texashurricanesfootball.com/ for a registration form.

[mace]

Bwhahahahaha. You people never cease to amaze me. You can take all your tired OUTDOOR cliches like "rushing keeps secondaries honest" and "defense wins championships" and THROW 'EM OUT THE WINDOW !

This is INDOOR ball brother, y'know possessions rule, not field position. Think basketball NOT football and there you have the essence of the game.

Geesh, do you people even know what you're watching fercrissakes?

The thing that is scary is that you are talking about something that may pertain to the team that you follow... but here in Louisiana with the Swashbucklers and even the Turfcats... you are insane. We move the ball at will and when we dont, we have to rely on our defense to hold the other team, its called FOOTBALL! So come watch a good indoor team and not try to stereotype ALL indoor teams as your local one... there are some really good teams out there. Not all look like high school teams!


SCARAMOUCHE!!!

[Caballo Diablo]

You'll have to forgive the big guy, he didn't see any Indoor football this year.
He was watching an Arena team play in a lower division.;)