Raptors sign former A&M lineman; ex-Bob Jones star
February 12, 2005 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Tennessee Valley Raptors News Release
Huntsville, Ala. â The Tennessee Valley Raptors have added two more players to their 2005 roster as they head towards the opening of training camp March 1.
Raptors coach Dick Adams has signed former Alabama A&M offensive lineman Demond Leslie and center Erick Ordonez, a product of Bob Jones High who played at Division II New Mexico Highlands.
Both players had participated in last weekend's tryout camp at the Von Braun Center.
"It's a couple more guys that have playing experience at the college level and they looked pretty good at the free-agent camp,'' Adams said. "Demond is impressive and he has some great ability. Erick is a long snapper and I think he can line up and play for us."
Leslie (6-foot-1, 292) played center, left guard and on special teams from 2001-04 for the Bulldogs, playing a part on the 2002 team that won the SWAC Eastern Division title and went 7-4 his final two seasons. A member of Alabama A&M's Iron Dog weightlifting club, Leslie had 74 knockdown blocks during his career and 32 last season.
Ordonez (6-1, 310) was a three-year starter and played on a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title team at New Mexico Highlands. During his prep career at Bob Jones, he was selected All-County, All-Metro and honorable mention all-state while playing under Frank Sadler from 1995-99.
Tennessee Valley starts the season March 19 on the road against the Evansville Bluecats. The Raptors then travel to Ohio to face the Dayton Warbirds on April 2 before opening their home slate April 16 against the Tupelo FireAnts. Kickoff at the VBC is set for 7:30 p.m.
UIF sets championship game: United Indoor Football has announced the league's first championship game will be played on August 13 at a site to be determined. Eight of the league's 12 teams will compete for the title of champion beginning immediately following the regular season on July 23.
The playoffs will consist of three total rounds with the semifinals held the weekend of July 29. The championship game will be hosted by the team with the best overall record between the two competing teams.
"Eight of our member teams had winning records last season and all 12 have a legitimate chance to win the UIF championship this season," UIF executive director Dakota Crow said. "We think our fans will be very happy with our format, which should make for a fantastic first postseason."
United Indoor Football Association Stories from February 12, 2005
- Raptors sign former A&M lineman; ex-Bob Jones star - Tennessee Valley Raptors
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