AFL East Division Preview and Media Day Recap
Published on April 6, 2024 under Arena Football One (AF1) News Release
The AFL East Division is occupied by powerhouse teams rooted in legacy, name recognition, and a rich history of success.
As we introduce you to the Arena Football League, let us be the first to let you know that in this league, fast is the name of the game. Scoring happens in the blink of an eye, turnovers will prove costly, and time of possession is everything. Playing and coaching in the Arena Football League's East Division is not for the faint of heart. Championship aspirations are at the top of the priority list for all of these squads. With a bevy of veteran players, coaches, and personnel situated in the East, divisional matchups will be weighed heavily when the regular season comes to a close. With four rosters loaded with talent throughout, all of these squads have the potential to clinch the lone playoff spot in the division.
Albany Firebirds
Head Coach - Damon Ware
https://www.firebirdsafl.com
MVP Arena - Albany, New York
The Albany Firebirds have an extensive history in the Arena game. Originally established in 1990, the Firebirds had a litany of successful seasons playing in the AFL. While establishing a winning culture, the Firebirds became a mainstay in Albany due to their relentless pushes for championships. Fast forwarding to 2024, the Firebirds are primed and ready to continue building on a legacy that started over thirty years ago. Spearheading this Albany team will be Arena veteran Head Coach Damon Ware. Ware, who will act as the General Manager as well, has assembled one of the best rosters across the entire AFL. Assistant coaches including former player turned Defensive Coordinator Dwayne Hollis will assist Ware this season in Albany.
With a recent championship win during his time coaching in a different arena football league, Ware was successful in signing many of his former players from years prior. During this past Wednesday's East Division Media Day, when asked about the importance of bringing in former players, Ware said: "Well, it's a great importance to have the continuity." Coach Ware would elaborate on this by adding: "We've brought back quite a few guys that played here with the previous team that have been here since 2021." Having a core group of veteran players on both sides of the ball will give this team an advantage against a tough East Division.
The City of Albany is synonymous with successful Arena football. The Firebirds will head to MVP Arena for their home games this year. Fans can expect sellout crowds and plenty of winning via the home team.
Key Offensive Players
When you think of legendary Arena football receivers, Darius Price is surely on the Mount Rushmore. The 33-year-old who attended Penn State Beaver, has turned himself into one of the all-time greats in Arena football history. With various outdoor stops in the NFL and AAF, Price has fully immersed himself in the Arena game. Winning back-to-back championships in the National Arena League (NAL) with the Albany franchise in recent years, Prince has dominated in every phase of the game. Coach Ware and Prince have been in lockstep with each other since 2021, and this player-coach duo is now ready to set the AFL ablaze. Coach Ware also mentioned a uniqueness to Price and his expanded role within the organization this preseason: "He's also moved into town to help promote this business and be a part of the Front Office" Look for Prince to pile on the statistics and accolades as he is set to have a massive role this season in Albany.
Another key player within this offense will be Wide Receiver and Defensive Back Daquan Patten. The former Western Carolina prospect looks to nestle into a loaded Firebirds receiver room. Though small in stature, Patten has all the tools needed to get the job done right. A true Swiss Army Knife, Patten looks to be a factor in all phases of the Arena game. He received high praise from Coach Ware and teammate Marquel Wade during the East Media Day. Wade mentioned: "Daquan Patten, he's like a diamond in the rough and he can play both ways for sure." Patten will need zero motivation to make the most of his opportunity in Albany. His father, former NFL and AFL receiver David Patten, played for Albany back in 2004.
Key Defensive Players
As we key in on the defense, one of the unquestionable leaders will be Linebacker and Fullback Trevon Shorts. Shorts is yet another player who has played under Coach Ware previously. The former Fairmont State Fighting Falcon plays a smash-mouth, leave-it-all-on-the-field, style of football. Shorts, much like the aforementioned Price, has cemented himself as one of the premier players across the Arena football landscape. While playing for the NAL's West Texas Warbirds in 2023, Shorts was named the Ironman of the Year. Shorts is excited to return to Albany in 2024 mentioning: "Oh, I'm excited. We got two championships [in the NAL], but I'm ready to come back out". Look for Shorts to continue showcasing why he is one of the best linebackers in the Arena game in 2024.
Other top defenders include Linebacker & Fullback Nick Haag and Defensive Back David Tolentino Jr. Haag is yet another veteran of both the outdoor and Arena game. Haag has spent time in the NFL with the Colts and Giants. The former Assumption College star will use his vast knowledge to his advantage this upcoming season. Known for his pass-rushing abilities, Haag and Shorts will make an outstanding duo at the linebacker position. Defensive Back David Tolentino Jr. also has experience in the outdoor game. Tolentino Jr. spent time with the XFL's Houston Roughnecks in 2023. He plays with an outstanding football IQ and carries a massive chip on his shoulder. Look for him to have a great season with the Firebirds.
Albany Firebirds Home Schedule
April 27 - Orlando Predators
May 2 - Nashville Kats
May 19 - Philadelphia Soul
May 25 - Minnesota Myth
June 15 - Philadelphia Soul
Minnesota Myth
Head Coach - Rickey Foggie
https://www.mnmyth.com
Target Center - Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Minnesota Myth are the only true newcomer to the AFL East Division. With history surrounding them, the Myth are on a mission to create some history of their own. As a matter of fact, they already have. Myth Owner Diana Hutton is the first female Latina owner in league history. This team has a great set of players, coaches, and personnel ready to forge their unique future. Head Coach Rickey Foggie knows a thing or two about the great State of Minnesota. Foggie played for the Gophers and enjoyed a stellar career there. After college, the CFL, and even the AFL, Foggie made the switch to coaching and has never looked back. Foggie spoke of his excitement in joining this phenomenal Myth franchise saying: "I'm ecstatic." and continued by stating "Just to have this opportunity and to have it come back around to the Twin Cities". Coach Foggie carries a great, upbeat energy with him which his players will feed off of. Joining Coach Foggie on the sidelines will be Defensive Coordinator Jeff Loots among others.
The Myth have become a premier destination amongst tourists and football fans this upcoming season. With five home games slated to take place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, this team will give people plenty of opportunities to cheer for them this year.
Key Offensive Player
As is the case with all professional football teams, your quarterback is one of the most important positions. Coach Foggie, a former standout QB himself, recognized that importance and decided to act on it quickly. Quarterback Demry Croft has signed with the Myth and projects as QB1 ahead of the season opener. Croft, who attended Minnesota and Tennessee State, has previous indoor football experience with the IFL's Tucson Sugar Skulls, Spokane Shock, and Arizona Rattlers. In 2021 with the Sugar Skulls, Croft exploded onto the scene. The six-foot-five, dual-threat athlete noted that his natural ability to extend plays will help him in 2024: "That's a very important piece of [my] game". Look for Croft to come into camp and compete for the starting job for this Myth team.
Key Defensive Players
Defensive Lineman and Offensive Lineman Metoriah Faoliu looks to anchor this Myth line. A former three-time All-American at Saint John's University, Faoliu will get his first true professional opportunity this season. Faoliu expressed his gratitude upon being signed to the Myth saying: "It's honorable and it's a blessing to sign with the Minnesota Myth". Faoliu is known for creating consistent, relentless pressure from his DT spot. When asked about developing these skills throughout his playing time in High School and at SJU, Faoliu noted: "Just working on your craft and staying in the weight room" have been key to his development. Opposing quarterbacks will become familiar with Faoliu occupying real estate in the backfield this year. The Myth are in great hands along the D-line with the services of Faoliu.
Yet another player who has ties to Minnesota, Defensive Back Bishop McDonald looks to be a key component to Coach Foggie's secondary. McDonald is another former Gopher looking to shine on the big stage in the AFL this season. A former three-time Academic All-Big Ten award winner, McDonald will see time within the defense and on special teams. Look for McDonald to command the back end of the defense for Coach Foggie in 2024.
Minnesota Myth Home Schedule
May 5 - Philadelphia Soul
May 11 - Albany Firebirds
May 18 - Wichita Regulators
May 30 - Washington Wolfpack
June 6 - Nashville Kats
Nashville Kats
Head Coach - Dean Cokinos
https://www.thenashvillekats.com
Nashville Municipal Auditorium - Nashville, Tennessee F&M Bank Arena - Clarksville, Tennessee
When residents of Nashville think of football in the area, the Kats have always come to mind. Though their history may not be as extensive as the other squads in the East Division, the impact they have had certainly is. Originating in 1997, the Kats were a very successful team in the AFL. A second stint followed the first, but only lasted three seasons, ending in 2007. Looking ahead to the present, the Kats are back and ready to return to their winning ways. Complete with a fantastic business-savvy set of owners with unique backgrounds in entertainment and finance, Nashville is in excellent hands. Attorneys Tamara Dadd-Alan and Nancy Eckert will serve as the owners of the franchise. Chuck McDowell has also purchased a partnership stake in the franchise. As if that were not enough, the Kats brass have also hired former NFL Head Coach Jeff Fisher as the Director of Player Operations. From a coaching standpoint, veteran Head Coach Dean Cokinos will take command of this team. Cokinos has assembled a fantastic roster from top to bottom. With his extensive knowledge in scouting, this Kats team has plenty of fast, exciting playmakers throughout.
Kats fans will be served plenty of treats in 2024. With six home games slated in and around the downtown Nashville area, the entertainment will be palpable both on and off the field. Plenty of excitement will surround every home game this season.
Key Offensive Players
On offense, look for Quarterback Ramone Atkins to lead the way in Nashville. A dynamic playmaker with indoor experience, Atkins has the skills and mindset to lead this franchise to success in 2024. The former New Mexico Highlands University signal caller was named the 2022 IFL's Rookie of the Year. He compiled 50 touchdowns and threw just ten interceptions in his rookie season with Tucson. Using a mix of size, speed, and intelligence, Atkins has been a scoring machine in each of his last two professional football seasons. Look for that trend to continue under the tutelage of Coach Cokinos.
Another offensive player to circle in on is Wide Receiver Marquise Irvin. A tall receiver at six-foot-three, Irvin is a playmaker in every sense of the word. Irvin played his college ball at Mercer and put up gaudy numbers from 2015 to 2018. He has also played in various professional leagues and now sets his sights on the AFL. Irvin was recently given a "Gamebreaker" designation by the league as well. Defined as a: "player who enters the league with a depth of quality experience and production on both the professional and collegiate levels and are projected to become possible stars in the new AFL". With an impressive resume and the AFL's Gamebreaker moniker strapped to him, watch for Irvin to dominate this AFL season in Nashville.
Key Defensive Players
Defensively, Coach Cokinos has assembled a top-flight unit. Look for Defensive Linemen Ezekial Rose and Ja'Quan Blakely to provide disruption in the trenches. Rose, a former Michigan Wolverine, has played in plenty of high-pressure situations during his time in college. He has professional football experience as well, having played for the IFL's Massachusetts Pirates in each of the last two seasons. Blakely is another disruptor along Nashville's D-Line. Most recently spending time with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL, Blakely also has indoor experience with the San Diego Strike Force of the IFL. The former University of Tennessee product is looking for an opportunity to wreak havoc on opposing offenses this season. While the defense in the AFL typically boils down to excellent Man coverage skills, having a great group of pass-rushers upfront can make a world of difference. Look for these young men to provide a spark to Nashville's loaded defense in 2024.
Nashville Kats Home Schedule
April 27 - Minnesota Myth
May 12 - Philadelphia Soul
May 18 - Georgia Force (Location: F&M Bank Arena)
June 2 - Albany Firebirds
June 16 - Oregon Blackbears
June 29 - Southwest Kansas Storm
Philadelphia Soul
Head Coach - Pat Pimmel
General Manager - Kelly Logan
www.philadelphiasoulfb.com
CURE Insurance Arena - Trenton, New Jersey
Rounding out our recap is perhaps the most well-known Arena football team in history. That's right, the Philadelphia Soul are the fourth team amongst a crowded group in the East. Originating back in 2004, the Soul have carried a distinct level of success with them. Formerly owned by a Rock star, then by a Philadelphia Eagles legend, the Soul return looking to continue having the same success orchestrated in previous years. Philadelphia will be led by Head Coach Patrick Pimmel and newly named General Manager Kelly Logan. Pimmel's assistants will be Ryan Vena, Jermaine Hampton, Jaa Valentine, and others.
Logan mentioned his excitement and initial thoughts on being named the General just over a week ago stating: "Yes, it's a big challenge, but however, I have the experience. I'm looking forward to a big challenge and looking forward to getting things rolling". Pimmel has been hard at work assembling this roster. Both Pimmel and Logan echoed the same sentiment when building a roster from the ground up, with Logan mentioning: "Well, you know, it's actually fun".
The CURE Insurance Arena is set to host three exciting Soul home games in 2024. Just a short train ride away separates Soul fans from an experience that they will remember forever. The Soul are looking forward to connecting the dots between PA and NJ this upcoming season in the AFL.
Key Offensive Players
With a true quarterback battle set to take place between four players, the receiver group for Philadelphia might be the strongest in the entire league. With plenty of big-name pass-catchers, few stand out like Antwane Grant. The former Western Kentucky Hilltopper and 2019 AFL Rookie of the Year with the Atlantic City Blackjacks is ready for a big season with the Soul. A consummate professional in every sense of the word, Grant will let his play do the talking. Grant has been prepping for this shorter field and the importance of spacing leading up to the season. Grant credits veterans in his various stops of professional football with helping him in his route depths and the speed of the game. Much like he did in 2019, Grant is ready to put on a show for Soul fans in 2024.
Next, Wide Receiver Todd Simmons, Jr. will get plenty of play for this Soul team as well. A speedster out of Dubuque, Simmons, Jr. enters the 2024 season as a professional football rookie. He acknowledged that during the Media Day by saying: "I'm kind of new to the Arena, but I'm ready". Simmons, Jr. was invited to the Chicago Bears minicamp in 2023 and followed that up with signing a contract with the XFL's Arlington Renegades. While those ventures did not pan out, Simmons, Jr. will bring his skills to Philadelphia. He is electric with the ball in his hands, and fans should have no doubts about how Coach Pimmel will use him this year. Lastly, Coach Pimmel made sure to mention presumed Offensive Specialist DeQuan Dudley during the East Division Media Day. Pimmel stated: "We're very fortunate. DeQuan Dudley is probably the fastest kid in the AFL". Dudley will undoubtedly have a huge role in Pimmel's offense in 2024.
Key Defensive Players
As we shift gears to the defense, the Soul have brought in a great group of defensive linemen in Mi'Cario Stanley and Justin Thomas. Stanley and Thomas have an established rapport, having been on the same UAB squad back in college. Stanley helped anchor a UAB line that produced well in his three seasons there. He also has previous outdoor football experience in the CFL. Thomas played a mix of outside linebacker and defensive end while at UAB. Thomas is a pass-rush specialist and will look to create constant pressure along Philadelphia's front. Other key defenders include Defensive Tackle Netori Johnson, Defensive Back Ricky Anderson, Jr., and Linebacker Dave Calderon.
Philadelphia Soul Home Schedule
April 27 - Minnesota Myth
May 12 - Philadelphia Soul
May 18 - Georgia Force
Arena Football One Stories from April 6, 2024
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