Over a Cup of Coffee
by Jerry Hewitt
Published on September 9, 2010 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
I thought it might be fun this morning to take a look at how the Indoor Football League's divisions might look for 2011. I have only used announced or heavily rumored teams. There isn't much to talk about right now on the other leagues, but one can guess that once the IFL releases its 2011 membership, we can easily figure out what the other leagues' lineups might look like.
United Conference
Atlantic East Division
In the United Atlantic East I don't see much change other than the addition of Lehigh Valley and Reading and the moving of West Michigan to the Central North. This gives the East the best set up possible for travel and rivalries. If Maryland does not return and West Michigan does, we might see the ThunderHawks remain in this division.
Richmond Revolution
Rochester Raiders
Maryland Maniacs
Lehigh Valley SteelHawks
Reading Express
Central North Division
The United Central North is pretty easy to guess as well. Again this is best for travel and rivalries. Even if West Michigan remains in the East we still have four teams.
Green Bay Blizzard
Bloomington Extreme
Chicago Slaughter
La Crosse Spartans
West Michigan ThunderHawks
Central West Division
The Central West of the United Conference will benefit from the addition of Grand Island. The toughest division in all of indoor football remains strong.
Sioux Falls Storm
Wichita Wild
Omaha Beef
Sioux City Bandits
Grand Island, NE
Intense Conference
Lonestar Division
The Intense Conference will show the most movement of teams with Corpus Christi and Abilene leaving and the addition of Wenatchee and Wyoming. Last year's two Lonestar divisions can now be combined into one with five teams. Arkansas' rumored move to Allen, Texas most likely means the Diamonds will stay in the IFL because of reduced travel. Austin is still rumored to be moving to San Antonio and talk of them jumping back to the SIFL may be way off base
Arkansas Diamonds
San Angelo Stampede Express
Austin Turfcats
Amarillo Venom
West Texas Roughnecks
Pacific West Division
The Pacific West will take on a new look as Billings will most likely move to a new division I've named the Pacific Central. Wenatchee coming over to the IFL makes this a very good set up with minimal travel except in the case of trips to Fairbanks. If Yakima finds its way to the IFL it will make for an even stronger division.
Fairbanks Grizzlies
Tri-Cities Fever
Kent Predators
Wenatchee Valley Venom
Pacific Central Division
With Wyoming coming to the IFL it allows for a new division that will be easier on travel pocketbooks. I've put Billings, Wyoming, and Colorado here. Only three teams I know, but it makes the most sense. If Yakima or another Pacific area team was to join I think we might see Fairbanks moved to this division. I could see new Grand Island being put in this division to add a fourth team, as well. It's the only team in the Central West that might make sense. It is also possible Wichita might be placed in this division, but I think Grand Island is more likely.
Billings Outlaws
Wyoming Cavalry
Colorado Ice
Although there are several other teams rumored to join the IFL for 2011 including Tucson, Arizona, San Jose and even the restart of a Stockton, (Cal.) team I don't see any of these playing in the IFL, not in 2011 anyway. If San Jose and/or Stockton did come in, they'd most likely be put in the Lonestar West. Now if Tucson and/or Arizona were approved, my guess is they might be placed with Billings and Wyoming. Not great on the travel end, but I just don't see any better alternatives. Erie in the AIFA is still rumored to maybe join the IFL as well. Even though this rumor has been discounted somewhat it is still possible. If they did jump I believe they would join the United Atlantic East.
By my count I have 27 teams, although the IFL has said they expect 28. To be honest, I have no clue as to who the 28th team might be unless they are including Tucson which announced its intent to play in the IFL.
All of this is pure speculation on my part, but looking at a map this layout makes the most sense. I'm guessing we should see the official lineup soon, maybe even as early as the end of this week or beginning of next. That would of course depend on the IFL making their league meetings this week the deadline for any new teams to join. With expansion applications reportedly due last week, the IFL may need a couple more weeks to sort through any late arrivals.
Indoor Football League Stories from September 9, 2010
- Outlaws Re-Sign Four Players For 2011 - Billings Outlaws
- Over a Cup of Coffee - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
