Lakeland Raiders Set to Open 2013 Season at Georgia
February 28, 2013 - Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Lakeland Raiders News Release
Lakeland, FL- After completing two weeks of training camp, the Raiders have began a regular practice routine. The Raiders have a very stout 24-man roster entering the 2013 season. Some players are returning from last season and some have been brought in to ensure a championship for Lakeland in 2013.
"We had some tough decisions on many players. I wish we could have kept all of them because we had a ton of talent in training camp. It's part of the business to see players go and now we are focused on winning a championship. We told every guy we had to let go to stay ready because you never know if we may need to bring someone back for another shot," stated Coach Mink.
Now the Raiders are preparing to take the field on March 4th but not at the Lakeland Center. The Raiders open the season on the Road traveling to Dalton, Georgia to take on the Georgia Rampage. The Rampage beat the Georgia Panthers 25-21 thanks to a goal-line stop in the final minute at the trade center on Tuesday's pre-season contest.
"It's definitely a tough battle to open up on the road because you never know what to expect. Some teams play better at home but the great teams play great no matter where they play. We have great leaders on this team and I know they will keep everyone focused on the task at hand, beating the Rampage in Dalton, " commented Coach Mink.
The Raiders did not have a pre season game to tune up but feel they are prepared to contend for a championship in 2013.
"I'm taking it one game at a time. Some teams look too far ahead to other opponents or to where they should be and forget they still have a team ready to beat them each week. We had our ups and downs during camp and I am anxious to get back on the field," commented Raiders Quarterback Bj Hall.
The Raiders still have to decide who the 19 man playing roster will be for the upcoming game against Georgia. That decision will not be made until closer to game day.
"It's hard to say who we are going with in every position because we still have practice. You never know if someone shows a spark or if the unfortunate happens, someone gets injured. We don't want anyone hurt and want to put what we feel is the most competitive team to play against the Rampage," explained Coach Mink.
Bryan Houston and Tyrece Gaines are currently two players that are front-runners to play in the game on Monday night. Both of these players are from Georgia and reside in Georgia when not playing for the Raiders.
"It's going to be nice to play in front of my friends and family again. I am thankful for the opportunity the Raiders have given me and can't wait to suit up again," wide receiver Tyrece Gaines explained.
The Raiders are coming with a full arsenal of talent at every position. They have fixed some of the areas where they struggled in 2012 and have improved in every position with some new additions.
"Many of these players are here because they believe in what we are doing to help them get to the next level. Many of these men had offers to play in other places but decided to play in Lakeland instead. We have good chemistry and the leaders on this team will keep everyone together. We have become a family and are ready to start the 2013 season. It's been a long wait since June 2012 and now we get to show everyone the Raiders are here to win," stated General Manager Feddy Azofeifa.
The Raiders home opener will be against the Sarasota Thunder on Saturday March 9th. Season tickets with free parking are still currently available and individual game tickets are also on sale.
The Raiders 2013 season kicks-off in March and 6 home game season ticket packages starting as low as $35 are now on- sale and can be purchased by calling 1-855-RAIDER1 or ordering online at www.lakelandraiders.com. The upcoming season will feature a new rival from Sarasota and out of state teams from Dalton, Georgia and St. Charles, Missouri. For more information about the Ultimate Indoor Football League visit the league website www.uiflfootball.com or by calling 877-500-UIFL.
Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from February 28, 2013
- Lakeland Raiders Set to Open 2013 Season at Georgia - Lakeland Raiders
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