AFL scrimmages mark beginning of competitive season
January 24, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK - The Arena Football League's 22nd season officially starts in nine days when teams begin reporting to training camp on Saturday, February 2. Fifteen AFL teams are slated to participate in preseason scrimmages over the course of training camp.
The scrimmages will allow teams to test some of the new rule changes imposed during the offseason. Two new rules that could impact the game is the introduction of coach-to-player communication on defense and the rule that will allow the Jack linebacker to roam from sideline-to-sideline within five yards from the line of scrimmage once the play begins.
Eight teams will participate in scrimmages on Tuesday, February 12. In a two-day event, the Cleveland Gladiators, with new head coach MIKE WILPOLT, travel to Grand Rapids to face the Rampage and new head coach STEVE THONN.
In his first head coaching position since 2004, Wilpolt is ready to get things underway.
"We are anxious to get on the field for the scrimmages," explained Wilpolt. "Most importantly, we get to see how the new rule changes take effect. It's going to make a big difference in the style of play and we are excited to take a look at it. The scrimmage will gauge where we are and where we need to be."
Thonn, in his first head coaching stint since 2001, also notes the importance of the scrimmages in preparation for the season.
"The scrimmage against Cleveland will help us evaluate our players in a more realistic game-like setting," said Thonn. "It is always nice to go against someone else after a week of beating up on ourselves. Plus, our staffs can exchange ideas, especially on the new rule governing the Jack linebacker, because we won't face each other during the season."
AFL SCRIMMAGE SCHEDULE
DATE HOME VISITOR
2/12 Arizona Los Angeles
2/12 Columbus Chicago
2/12 Dallas Kansas City
2/12 Grand Rapids Cleveland
2/16 Georgia Orlando
2/19 San Jose Kansas City
2/21 Philadelphia New York
2/21 Tampa Bay Orlando
2/21 Utah Los Angeles
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 24, 2008
- Rattlers sign 2 more lineman - Arizona Rattlers
- Avengers set to open mini-camp on January 29 - Los Angeles Avengers
- Gladiators Announce Swiss Therapeutic Partnership - Cleveland Gladiators
- Soul adds WR Chris Horn - Philadelphia Soul
- Georgia Force Single-Game Tickets Go on Sale Tuesday, January 29 - Georgia Force
- Rampage Sign WR Magner, QB Hart As Camp Approaches - Grand Rapids Rampage
- AFL scrimmages mark beginning of competitive season - AFL I
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