Love Looks for Third Ring
Published on August 27, 2021 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Frisco Fighters News Release
The hardest postseason game is the first game.
At least that's the way that Damian Love sees it. Having won two indoor football titles, the fulcrum of the Fighters' offensive line is familiar with playing with high stakes.
A three-time all-conference honoree at Alabama State, Love was durable and dependable. He played everywhere along the offensive line and spent time at the New York Jets minicamp after going undrafted in 2016. Having wrapped up without an offer, he then spent six months off, coaching high school football and teaching back in Alabama.
Then, head coach Kevin Guy of the Arizona Rattlers got in touch. Love hopped aboard, won a championship, and thought of hanging up his cleats and returning to the sidelines. As a graduate assistant, he reunited with his college head coach, who was by that time at the helm at Virginia State, and returned to school to get his master's degree.
In 2018, Love dusted off his helmet and pads and joined the Albany Empire of the withering Arena Football League. The next year, Dave Ewart coached Love in eastern New York, opening the door for both of them to eventually relocate to Frisco.
With an injury or two at guard, Love said it took a few weeks for the Fighters' line to coalesce. As a whole unit, the offensive and defensive fronts have nicknamed themselves "Ground Control." Clashing in the Texas heat during camp built the camaraderie needed between the groups, Love said.
"You've got to be able to control the trenches to make an impact on the game," said Love.
The switch behind center to Malik Henry changed the dynamic of how the line blocks. Henry's knowledge of the offense and speedy release have helped, though.
"It kind of took us for a loop," Love said. "But, that's football. Next man up. Malik's done a great job stepping in there. I think we're fine."
Love stresses to his teammates that the postseason is going to be intense, especially with Frisco having fumbled its chance at top seed. The Fighters can't get caught looking at the stands or focusing on the clock, he said.
"With me being on championship teams, coaching and playing, I know the cohesion and how everyone needs to be firing off on all cylinders at the right time," he said. "We just have to come out and play."
The third-seeded Fighters begin their quest to the United Bowl Saturday evening at home against sixth-seed Spokane. The opening kick is set for 7:05 p.m. CT.
Indoor Football League Stories from August 27, 2021
- Rush Street Interactive to Bring BetRivers Online Sportsbook to Arizona with the Arizona Rattlers - Arizona Rattlers
- Pirates Look for First Playoff Win - Massachusetts Pirates
- Love Looks for Third Ring - Frisco Fighters
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