Post by 50yardfan on Feb 22, 2012 22:14:03 GMT -5
KNOXVILLE, TN (February 22, 2012) - This is a power ranking looking at the top six games to look forward to in the Professional Indoor Football League for the 2012 season.
6) Columbus Lions at Richmond Raiders (Saturday March 10) Week 1
It's the inaugural game under the PIFL brand and it gives us an early look at two teams who could be major players in the end. Despite finishing tops in their division last season, the Raiders were on the outside looking in when it came playoff time. A five-game mid-season losing streak didn't help their cause but being at home on the opening weekend could prove to be their launching pad for this season as four of the clubs six wins were at the Richmond Coliseum. Despite returning a prolific offense, Columbus starts the season with some off-season turmoil that could lead them starting out with a relatively young defense.
5) Richmond Raiders at Alabama Hammers (Friday May 11) Week 9
Starting a string of four consecutive home games, a lot might already be told for the Hammers before this Week 9 matchup against the Raiders. If Alabama can withstand early road trips to Richmond and Louisiana, this Week 9 meeting could a huge momentum swing in the standings. Vice versa, Richmond closes out the season on the road for 3 of their final five contests. Richmond struggled last season on the road going 2-4 including a mid-season five-game losing streak that ultimately held them out of the playoffs.
4) Knoxville Nighthawks at Alabama Hammers (Saturday April 21) Week 6
When Knoxville and Alabama meet for the first time in April, it could the birth of a new rivalry. Sharing ownership, the Nighthawks and Hammers are separated by just 210 miles. Coming off a 3-8 inaugural season, a lot could be on the line for the Hammers in Week 6 considering this matchup will mark just their second home game this late into the season. Following this game, Knoxville will have their work cut out for them with tough road-trips to Albany and Louisiana before closing out the season in Columbus.
3) Columbus Lions at Albany Panthers (Saturday April 21) Week 6
Hard to not see this match-up high on our power ranking considering both were responsible for each of their lone two losses last season. The first of three matchups sees Columbus return to Albany, a venue that eluded them on two previous trips until a May 14th 60-56 defeat over the Panthers, just the second ever home loss in franchise history for Albany. Over the course of two seasons, these clubs have matched up seven times with Albany holding a 4-3 edge. No matchup was more crucial than last year's playoff meeting in which the Panthers topped the Lions in route to their first championship.
2) Albany Panthers at Louisiana Swashbucklers (Saturday March 24) Week 3
Always an intriguing matchup, this Week 3 meeting between the Panthers and Bucs will mark the first since last season's championship game. In fact, two of the four previous meetings between these clubs have been in the playoffs. Louisiana found a way to make it to their fifth consecutive championship game but ultimately lost 69-48 to Albany. Panthers will be making their first trip to Lake Charles in two years, site of the franchise's first loss.
1) Albany Panthers at Columbus Lions (Sunday May 5) Week 8
After last season's four matchups, it wasn't as if this rivalry needed any more bite, but one will have to keep a watchful eye on this Week 8 matchup when the Panthers make a return trip to Columbus. Only this time they will carry an arsenal of two former Lions defensive stars, Damian Daniels and Ryan Babb, which will be making a return trip home. Paired up with defensive back Levance Richmond, the signing of defensive back Daniels gives Albany one of the most feared secondary's in the league. Best part, is fans get the treat of watching this matchup again when Albany returns to Columbus on June 9th.
The 2012 inaugural PIFL season will kick off when the Richmond Raiders host the Columbus Lions on March 10th at 7:00 p.m. For more information on how to reserve seats or catch all the play-by-play action visit www.proifl.com and be sure to follow the PIFL on Facebook for all the latest score updates from around the league.
6) Columbus Lions at Richmond Raiders (Saturday March 10) Week 1
It's the inaugural game under the PIFL brand and it gives us an early look at two teams who could be major players in the end. Despite finishing tops in their division last season, the Raiders were on the outside looking in when it came playoff time. A five-game mid-season losing streak didn't help their cause but being at home on the opening weekend could prove to be their launching pad for this season as four of the clubs six wins were at the Richmond Coliseum. Despite returning a prolific offense, Columbus starts the season with some off-season turmoil that could lead them starting out with a relatively young defense.
5) Richmond Raiders at Alabama Hammers (Friday May 11) Week 9
Starting a string of four consecutive home games, a lot might already be told for the Hammers before this Week 9 matchup against the Raiders. If Alabama can withstand early road trips to Richmond and Louisiana, this Week 9 meeting could a huge momentum swing in the standings. Vice versa, Richmond closes out the season on the road for 3 of their final five contests. Richmond struggled last season on the road going 2-4 including a mid-season five-game losing streak that ultimately held them out of the playoffs.
4) Knoxville Nighthawks at Alabama Hammers (Saturday April 21) Week 6
When Knoxville and Alabama meet for the first time in April, it could the birth of a new rivalry. Sharing ownership, the Nighthawks and Hammers are separated by just 210 miles. Coming off a 3-8 inaugural season, a lot could be on the line for the Hammers in Week 6 considering this matchup will mark just their second home game this late into the season. Following this game, Knoxville will have their work cut out for them with tough road-trips to Albany and Louisiana before closing out the season in Columbus.
3) Columbus Lions at Albany Panthers (Saturday April 21) Week 6
Hard to not see this match-up high on our power ranking considering both were responsible for each of their lone two losses last season. The first of three matchups sees Columbus return to Albany, a venue that eluded them on two previous trips until a May 14th 60-56 defeat over the Panthers, just the second ever home loss in franchise history for Albany. Over the course of two seasons, these clubs have matched up seven times with Albany holding a 4-3 edge. No matchup was more crucial than last year's playoff meeting in which the Panthers topped the Lions in route to their first championship.
2) Albany Panthers at Louisiana Swashbucklers (Saturday March 24) Week 3
Always an intriguing matchup, this Week 3 meeting between the Panthers and Bucs will mark the first since last season's championship game. In fact, two of the four previous meetings between these clubs have been in the playoffs. Louisiana found a way to make it to their fifth consecutive championship game but ultimately lost 69-48 to Albany. Panthers will be making their first trip to Lake Charles in two years, site of the franchise's first loss.
1) Albany Panthers at Columbus Lions (Sunday May 5) Week 8
After last season's four matchups, it wasn't as if this rivalry needed any more bite, but one will have to keep a watchful eye on this Week 8 matchup when the Panthers make a return trip to Columbus. Only this time they will carry an arsenal of two former Lions defensive stars, Damian Daniels and Ryan Babb, which will be making a return trip home. Paired up with defensive back Levance Richmond, the signing of defensive back Daniels gives Albany one of the most feared secondary's in the league. Best part, is fans get the treat of watching this matchup again when Albany returns to Columbus on June 9th.
The 2012 inaugural PIFL season will kick off when the Richmond Raiders host the Columbus Lions on March 10th at 7:00 p.m. For more information on how to reserve seats or catch all the play-by-play action visit www.proifl.com and be sure to follow the PIFL on Facebook for all the latest score updates from around the league.