THE LIGHTNING ROUND--BONUS PREDICTION

Here's one game that fell off the radar since the previous posting of "THE LIGHTNING ROUND"!

NCAA DIVISION III

Capital at Wittenberg

(The Tigers host the Crusaders in a D-III playoff re-match!)

SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--DISTRICT CAPSULES

Click the link below to find out which teams could make some noise in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Northern West Virginia.

Article courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--PART 2

This is where the fun really begins, as many small college football programs nationwide start their seasons this weekend. So, what are waiting for? Let's go!

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

Key games highlighted in BOLD type.

Showcase games highlighted in italics.

All games are on Saturday unless otherwise indicated.

NCAA DIVISION I FCS

Portland State at McNeese State

(It's the Big Sky Conference vs. the Southland Conference in this battle for early-season bragging rights!)

Coastal Carolina at Delaware State

Charleston Southern at The Citadel

Florida A&M at Southern

Presbyterian at Furman

(First-ever FCS game for the Blue Hose vs. the Purple Paladins!)

NCAA DIVISION II

Albany State (1-0) at Valdosta State

(Early season battle for bragging rights in Southern Georgia!)

By the way, the Golden Rams defeated North Carolina Central 16-10 last Saturday!

Ashland at Saginaw Valley State

Glennville State (1-0) at California (Pa.)--(1-0)

Bemidji State at Minnesota-Duluth

C.W. Post at Bloomsburg

Nebraska-Omaha at Nebraska-Kearney

NCAA DIVISION III

Wisconsin-LaCrosse at Hardin-Simmons

(WIAC vs. American Southwest showdown starts the season!)

Rowan at Christopher Newport

(Profs head south to face the Captains in NJAC/USAC clash!)

Menlo at Wisconsin-Stout (Friday)

Carnegie-Mellon at Rochester

Merchant Marine at Kean

Wooster at John Carroll

St. John Fisher at King's

North Carolina Wesleyan at Wesley

NAIA

Black Hills State at Carroll (Mont.)

Dana at Sioux Falls

Northwestern (Iowa) at Nebraska Wesleyan

Southern Oregon at Eastern Oregon

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--2007 DEBUT!!!!!!

Believe it or not, a new college football season begins in earnest Thursday night, as this post is being typed. Among the changes this year include predictions for Thursday and Friday, as well as the traditional Saturday contests. Also coming soon are more in-depth previews of key small college games around the U.S. each weekend. So, without any further ado, let's get started!

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

Key games highlighted in BOLD type.

Showcase games highlighted in italics.

Thursday, August 30

NCAA DIVISION I FCS

Savannah State at Morgan State

Central Connecticut at Towson

Delaware at William & Mary

(First-ever game for Colonial Athletic Association!)

South Dakota State at Western Illinois

NCAA DIVISION II

South Dakota at West Texas A&M

(It's the Coyotes vs. the Buffaloes in a battle of D-II playoff teams!)

St. Joseph's at Grand Valley State

Virginia Union at Lenoir-Rhyne

Arkansas Tech at Northeastern State

NCAA DIVISION III

Millsaps at Mississippi College

(The Backyard Brawl commenceth in Clinton, Miss.!)

Moravian at Susquehanna

Tri-State at Manchester

af2 HOT STOVE HEATS UP

The Tulsa Talons have barely gotten their hands on their second Arena Cup crown, and already the hot stove talk is heating up in arenafootball2, as one city returns to the league fold almost six years after winning it all, one Pacific Northwest market boarding the expansion train, and another franchise in that same region calling it quits after three uneventful seasons.

Yakima Gets Arena Football Team

Article courtesy of KNDO/KNDU

Bonus coverage courtesy of the Yakima (Wash.) Herald-Republic

Indoor football to resurface in Peoria

Article courtesy of the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph

Bonus coverage courtesy of af2.com

Everett Hawks Fold

Article courtesy of Seattlle Post-Intelligencer

SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--SHENANDOAH HORNETS

The NCAA Division III Shenandoah Hornets hope to turn the corner in 2007 with a stronger offensive attack.

Article courtesy of the Winchester (Va.) Star

TULSA TALONS WIN ARENA CUP 8

The Tulsa Talons win the arenafootball2 championship for the second time in franchise history, as they win a 73-66 thriller over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers in Arena Cup 8 at Bossier City, La.

Article courtesy of arenafootball2

SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--GEORGIA SMALL COLLEGE PROFILE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution profiles the small college teams from Georgia in its annual college football preview.

READ MORE

PIONEERS, TALONS SET FOR ARENA CUP 8

It all comes down to one game for the 2007 arenafootball2 championship; the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pa.) Pioneers, and the Tulsa (Okla.) Talons at Bossier City, La. Saturday.

Pioneers Head Coach Rich Ingold

af2.com

Talons Head Coach Mitch Allner

af2.com

SMALL COLLEGE SEASON OPENS

As hard it as was to believe, the 2007 small college football season actually opened Thursday night, with an abbreviated of NCAA Division II action. One game ended with a couple of lightning strikes, while one team struck hard after a rough start, and never looked back.

Bearcats tear into Arkansas Tech; game ends in controversy

Kansas City Star

Carson-Newman wins home opener 52-21

WBIR.com

Complete D-II Scoreboard--08/23/2007

d2football.com

THE FOUR-YEAR ITCH

What is the "Four-Year Itch", and what does it have to do with the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and its immediate future? Read on below for the answer.

Article courtesy of College Sporting News

SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--WHO IS NCCU?

The Eagles of North Carolina Central University, that's who. Find out more on one of the newest teams in the FCS by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of College Sporting News

IN LIKE "FLYNT"

Find out more on Mike Flynt, who's suiting up for NCAA Division III Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Tex.

Article courtesy of the Associated Press.

SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--FCS RANKINGS

How do each of the 122 teams in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) stack up? Find out by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of College Sports Report

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA PROGRAM SUSPENDED

Unfortunately, even NAIA schools aren't immune from rules violations, as the entire Southern Virginia University athletic department was placed on probation for the upcoming academic year. The football team also must forfeit five wins from last season that came as a result of athletes being paid.

Article courtesy of the Associated Press.

WIFL LOOKS TO FLOURISH IN FLORIDA

The Tallahassee Titans defection from the American Indoor Football Association to the World Indoor Football League hopes to jump start a wave of expansion in Florida, Georgia, and the rest of the Southeast.

Article courtesy of Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat

PITTSBURGH NATIVE EXCELS IN COACHING ARENA

Who is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pa.) Pioneers head coach Rich Ingold? Find out more about the arenafootball2 leader by clicking the link below?

Article courtesy of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (PittsburghLive.com)

RFC SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--CENTRAL WASHINGTON ALL-AMERICAN

A Central Washington University quarterback earns preseason All-America honors. Read more about him by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of Ellensburg (Wash.) Daily Record

RFC SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--FOUR PREVIEWS FROM D-II

Real Football Central's preseason outlook continues with previews involving several NCAA Division II programs.

Albany State (Ga.)--SIAC Champs Face Toughest Season Yet

FULL STORY

California (Pa.)--McCutcheon Leads Vulcans Forward Wall

FULL STORY

North Alabama--Several Transfers Have Hudspeth Talking Positive

FULL STORY

Valdosta State--Good Scrimmage for Blazers

FULL STORY

SMALL COLLEGE, BIG DREAMS

Read on to find out about a former small college player's effort to catch on with the NFL's Green Bay Packers.

Article courtesy of Madison.com

A NEW GAME IN TOWN?

Saginaw, Mich. could soon get a new indoor professional football franchise. Click the link below to find out why.

Article courtesy of mlive.com

THE SUMMER OF WOE

The NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) isn't alone when it comes to dealing with controversy and scandal. In fact, the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) has reared some dirty laundry of its own.

Article courtesy of College Sporting News

RFC SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--MORE ALL-AMERICANS

Check out more preseason All-America coverage from the following NCAA Division II schools by clicking the links below.

Fergus Falls (Minn.) Daily Journal

The Times-West Virginian (Fairmont, W. Va.)

Winona (Minn.) Daily News

D-II, D-III SITES TAKE TO THE WEB

ESPN.com reports on the growing popularity of websites like d2football.com, and d3football.com.

Article courtesy of ESPN.com

NCAA IMPOSES MORATORIUM ON D-I NEWCOMERS

Article courtesy of College Sporting News/NCAA

RFC SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--THE ALL-AMERICANS

What would a preseason outlook on small college football be without preseason All-Americans? Click the links below to find out who these All-Americans are?

Emporia (Kans.) Gazette

Midwestern State University (Tex.)

University of West Alabama

RFC SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--KEAN UNIVERSITY

As Real Football Central's small college preseason outlook continues, there is one team that is "Kean" on breaking Rowan's stranglehold on the NCAA Division III New Jersey Athletic Conference.

Article courtesy of Kean University Sports Information

RFC SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007

Our small college football previews continue with three reports on NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision action from College Sporting News.

Ivy League Announces Preseason Media Poll

Pioneer Football League Releases Preseason Poll

Patriot League Preseason Poll

RFC SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2007--UNC PEMBROKE

Real Football Central's coverage of the 2007 small college football season starts today, from now until Labor Day Weekend. The first installment features one of the nation's newest programs in NCAA Division II's University of North Carolina-Pembroke.

Article courtesy of Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer

NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA TO JOIN GREAT WEST CONFERENCE

The University of North Dakota, as well as the University of South Dakota, will both have a new conference to call home for their first NCAA Division I season in 2008, as they will join the Football Championship Subdivision's Great West Football Conference.

Article courtesy of College Sporting News.

NCAA EXAMINES FUTURE OF DIVISION III SPORTS

No, this article is not entirely related to college football. However, what the NCAA is considering could change the landscape of Division III athletics for years to come. Find out why by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of the Wooster (Ohio) Daily Record

SABERCATS HAVE BECOME ARENA LEAGUE POWER

Find out the secret to the San Jose Sabercats winning three Arena Football League in the last six years, including last Sunday's 55-33 win over the Columbus (Ohio) Destroyers in Arena Bowl XXI.

Article courtesy of San Jose Mercury News

THREE AND OUT

Tough playoff spot?

College Sporting News

Arena Bowl XXI leaves New Orleans jazzed

Arena Fan Online

Steeldogs surging at right time

Arena Fan Online

THREE AND OUT

Football field is his arena

Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch

EXCITEMENT ABOUNDS--ARENA BOWL XXI (ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE)

New Orleans Times-Picayune

Arena football could be back

Woodland (Pa.) Progress

THREE AND OUT

The FCS Preseason Top 25

College Sporting News

Have speed, will play

Savannah (Ga.) Morning News

AFL has come a long way, but still has a way to go

ESPN.com

THREE AND OUT

Benton becomes first af2 player to score 1,000 points!

arenafootball2

ESU player making a go of it in the Arena Football League.

Pocono Record (Pa.)

Reach of football growing globally.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

ARENA FOOTBALL IN YAKIMA? BRING IT ON!!!

Article courtesy of the Yakima (Wash.) Herald-Republic.

BYE, BYE TULSA TALONS?

Despite being the only arenafootball2 franchise to win at least 100 games, the Tulsa Talons might not field a team after this season. Click the link below to find out why.

Article courtesy of Tulsa World.

NCAA DIVISION I FCS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS ANNOUNCED

College Sporting News has announced the preseason All-America selections for the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Click the link below to find out who these All-Americans are!

Article courtesy of College Sporting News.

THREE AND OUT

"Miltary Classic Of The South" to be televised.

College Sporting News

St. Vincent coach starting football program from scratch.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

How Atlanta's two football franchises stack up.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

WOLVES UPSET PIONEERS 49-46

It took 14 games, but the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pa.) Pioneers finally lost a game in arenafootball2 action. And the Manchester (N.H.) Wolves ruined the visitors perfect season with a 49-46 upset win before 6,000 fans at Verizon Wireless Arena, on the Friday the 13th, no doubt.

Article courtesy of the Manchester (N.H.) Union Leader.

BONUS COVERAGE: af2.com

THREE AND OUT

U.S. storms onto World Cup stage with 77-0 win.

Daily Yomiuri (Osaka, Japan)

Lightning may play af2's top team.

Stockton (Calif.) Record

Ex-Purdue QB wishes he stayed.

Indianapolis Star

D-II OFFSEASON THOUGHTS

Click the linke to find out what's new in NCAA Division II!

Article courtesy of d2football.com.

THREE AND OUT

Three interesting stories from the world of small college and minor league professional football for Tuesday.

UNH seeks feelers for D-I status:

New Haven (Conn.) Register

Haskell Indian Nations isn't No. 1 but is ranked:

Huh? Click the link below!

Huntsville (Ala.) Times

Don't wake the sleeping giant:

ArenaFan Online

GRIDIRON REVIVAL

Central State University (Ohio) is beginning its third season of its football revival, after being absent for almost a decade. Find out what Colorado State University-Pueblo is learning from Central State.

Article courtesy of the Pueblo (Colo.) Chieftain.

TULSA TALONS WIN 100TH af2 GAME!!!!

The arenafootball2 league's Tulsa Talons made history Saturday night, as they became the first franchise to win 100 games in a 49-32 victory over the Lubbock Renegades in Lubbock, Tex.

Article courtesy of Tulsa World

Analysis: The Talons accomplishment of reaching 100 wins is amazing considering they're one of the few original franchises remaining in the af2. In fact, many of the franchises that made up the American Conference in the inaugural 2000 season (Augusta, Carolina, Charleston, Jacksonville, Norfolk, Richmond, and Roanoke) have all since closed their doors. Having teams that have made the playoffs every year since 2000 (Tulsa won the 2003 Arena Cup) doesn't hurt either.

A CRUEL BOUNCING BALL

That aforementioned phrase aptly describes the agonizing way the Dallas Desperados season ended Saturday night, after being upset the Columbus (Ohio) Destroyers 66-59 in the divisional round of the Arena Football League playoffs.

Despite having the AFL's best regular-season record at 15-1, everything the Desperados worked for disappeared in devastating, disappointing fashion.

Article courtesy of Dallas Cowboys.com.

DESTROYERS UPSET DESPERADOS 66-59!!!!!

The Dallas Desperados had the best regular season record in the Arena Football League at 15-1, while the Columbus (Ohio) Destroyers had the only losing record in postseason play at 8-9.

Still, the underdogs proved why it's not how you start, but how you finish that counts, as the visiting Destroyers pulled off what had to be the biggest upset in AFL history, as they stunned the Desperados 66-59 at American Airlines Arena in Dallas Saturday night.

Article courtesy of the Arena Football League.

af2 IMPRESSED WITH YAKIMA

If a recent visit to Yakima, Wash. is any indication, there's a good chance that this Pacific Northwest could get an arenafootball2 franchise, as league officials took a tour of the SunDome.

Article courtesy of the Yakima (Wash.) Herald Republic.

DOES THE NFL NEED A MINOR LEAGUE?

After the recent demise of NFL Europa, questions remain whether or not such an experiment is really necessary.

Article courtesy of Fox Sports.com.

FEELING BULLIED?

That's what a former University of Northern Colorado punter accused of attempted murder in the stabbing of a former teammate claims he felt when confronted by police during questioning. Click on the link below to read more.

Article courtesy of CBS Sportsline.

WELCOME TO THE AAFL--HOLD YOUR SNICKERING

Just on the heels of Mark Cuban announcing the "United Football League", there's also the talk of the All-American Football League coming on board. Read on to find out more.

Article courtesy of CBS Sportsline.

SOUTHWEST BAPTIST LEAVES MIAA FOOTBALL

The upcoming 2007 campaign will be the last season for NCAA Division II Southwest Baptist (Mo.), as that program prepares to leave the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association to play an independent schedule in 2008.

Press release courtesy of Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association

COLORADO STATE-PUEBLO NAMES NEW HEAD COACH

They won't take the field until the fall of 2008, but the excitement is already building for the Colorado State University-Pueblo Thunderwolves, as they named John Wristen their new head coach. CSU-Pueblo last fielded a squad in 1985.

Article courtesy of Colorado State University-Pueblo Sports Information

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FROM RFC!

Real Football Central would like to wish all readers a very Happy 4th of July, at least in the States!!!!!!

COMING SOON!!!!--SMALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEWS!!!!!

YOU WIN, YOU LOSE?!

Click the link below to find out why winning Monday's Arena Football League wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Avengers could actually prove costly for the Utah Blaze.

Article courtesy of the Salt Lake Tribune.

MIAA ADMITS UNO

The NCAA Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association recently announced the newest addition to its membership, as the University of Nebraska-Omaha will join the league after the 2007 season.

Article courtesy of the St. Joseph (Mo.) News-Press.

PSAC ADMITS C.W. POST

The NCAA Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference filled the void left by the disbanding of the Mansfield University football program by adding three schools in two days late last week.

On Wednesday, the PSAC added current Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference members Gannon and Mercyhurst to the mix, then added C.W. Post (N.Y.) as the third newcomer one day later. C.W. Post will join the PSAC as an associate member for football and field hockey only. The memberships for all three schools will become effective in 2008.

Article courtesy of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

CHEYNEY PLACED ON PROBATION

Just when things couldn't get any worse for the troubled Cheyney University football program, they just did. The NCAA Division II program in suburban Philadelphia was hit a three-year probation by the NCAA for major violations.

BONUS COVERAGE--Courtesy of Associated Press

Article 1

Article 2

MORE PACIFIC NORTHWEST EXPANSION FOR af2?

Could Yakima, Wash. join fellow in-state markets such as Everett, Spokane, and Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland) in arenafootball2? It could happen if league officials have their way.

Article courtesy of KNDO/KNDU Yakima, Wash.

BYE, BYE NFL EUROPA!!!!!

The National Football League pulled the plug on its troubled developmental league, NFL Europa, after 16 years of play Friday.

Article courtesy of Associated Press.

Related--NFL hopes its games doesn't get lost in translation in China

Article courtesy of Associated Press.

PIONEERS NOT SATISFIED WITH JUST MAKING PLAYOFFS

The arenafootball2 league's only unbeaten team, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pa.) Pioneers, may have already clinched the American Conference East Division title, but have their sights on a bigger goal, an Arena Cup title.

Article courtesy of the Scranton (Pa.) Times-Tribune

MCEWEN FIRED AS RAMPAGE COACH

After going a dismal 13-35 over the past three years, the Arena Football League's Grand Rapids (Mich.) Rampage decided to start cleaning house. And it started with the firing of head coach Sparky McEwen.

Article courtesy of WZZM-TV Grand Rapids, Mich.

INDOOR FOOTBALL'S RETURN IN THE WORKS

Anyone remember the arenafootball2's Peoria (Ill.) Pirates, the team that won the Arena Cup in 2002, only to vanish several years later? af2 Executive Director Jerry Kurz hopes to have a new Pirates franchise in place before 2008, if he has his way.

Article courtesy of the Peoria Journal-Star

MORE ON THE WRANGLERS

The Austin (Tex.) American-Statesmen filed this report on the possibility of the Arena Football League's Austin Wranglers defecting to arenafootball2 after this season.

Click here for the details!

FOUR STORIES OF INTEREST

AFL eyes Pittsburgh for possible expansion

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cuban's UFL: No Dumb Bet

The Ranch Report.com

Predators welcome back Arena League icon Wagner

Orlando Sentinel

Non-scholarship FCS: The Vision Thing

College Sporting News

AUSTIN AFL FRANCHISE BOLTS FOR AF2

Say it ain't so! The Arena Football League's loss is the af2's gain, as the Austin (Tex.) Wranglers have tentatively announced plans to drop down to the AFL's minor league, effective at the end of the season.

Article courtesy of KEYE-TV Austin, Tex.

SKIPPER GUIDED BY SPIRITUALITY

Former University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff turned Cincinnati Jungle Kats offensive lineman Jackie Skipper is guided by both "Faith and Football".

Article courtesy of Pine Bluff (Ark.) Commercial.

INAUGURAL GAME REMEMBERED 20 YEARS LATER

It may be hard to believe, but the 20th anniversary of the Arena Football League's first-ever game is just around the corner. On June 19, 1987, the Pittsburgh Gladiators played host to the Washington Commandos before more than 12,000 interested spectators at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena. That contest marked the beginning of the phenomenon known as "Arena Football".

Article courtesy of the Arena Football League.

A CHALLENGE TO THE NFL?

An Oklahoma sports columnist's take on the United Football League.

Article courtesy of the Enid (Okla.) News and Eagle

DIVISION III DISSENSION

Find out what all of the fuss is about by clicking the link below:

Article courtesy of the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times-Free Press

IMAGINE LENNON AT MONTANA STATE

College Sporting News files this report on the possibility of Dale Lennon being named the new head football coach at Montana State University.

FULL STORY

WHY THE UFL WILL FAIL

Football Outsiders gives its reason why the proposed United Football League (UFL) won't gain acceptance from potential fans in the U.S.

Click here for the full story.

GROUP WANTS TO FORM NEW LEAGUE

Could the NFL have real competition again? That could be the case if NBA Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, et. al., have their way.

Article courtesy of Yahoo and the Associated Press

AFL ON ESPN STARTS WEST COAST SWING

ESPN2 will televise its next four Arena Football League games on or after 10 p.m. Eastern Time over the next several weeks, starting with the June 4 clash between the Colorado Rush and Utah Blaze.

Article courtesy of Arena Football League

D-III ALUMNUS GOES TO GERMANY

A former University of La Verne (Calif.) player signs to play professionally in Germany, of all places.

Article courtesy of North Country (Calif.) Times

STAMPEDERS SIGN CALIFORNIAN

With the Canadian Football League season just around the corner, the Calgary Stampeders sign a local product from the Bakersfield, Calif. area.

Article courtesy of the Bakersfield (Calif.) Californian

SLOW START, FAST FINISH?

That's the outcome the arenafootball2 Florida Firecats hope for, as they prepare for the second half of the 2007 season. Despite a 10-6 regular season record, a perfect 4-0 postseason still managed to give the Firecats the 2004 Arena Cup title. Will this year be any different? Click on the link below to find out.

Article courtesy of the Bonita (Fla.) News

MONTANA STATE COACH FIRED

The arrest of a former player leads to the firing of the head coach. Montana State head football coach Mike Kramer was fired after seven seasons Friday after former wide receiver Rick Gatewood was arrested on drug charges.

Article courtesy of the Billings (Mont) Gazette

MORE PREGAME COVERAGE--RUSH VS. DESPERADOS

Here's more pre-game coverage of Monday's big Arena Football League showdown between the Chicago Rush (8-1) and the Dallas Desperados (9-1). Click on the links below to read more:

Chicago Daily Herald Pre-game Report

Chicago Tribune Article

Dallas Morning News Pre-game Report

Fort Worth (Tex.) Star-Telegram Pre-game Report

RUSH-DESPERADOES TO CLASH ON ESPN2 MONDAY NIGHT

In a game that could be a preview of Arena Bowl XXI, the defending Arena Football League champion Chicago Rush face the Dallas Desperadoes in a battle of one-loss teams Monday night on ESPN2. At 8-1, Chicago actually has one more win this season than all of last year combined, as the Rush finished the regular season 7-9 en route to an unlikely run to the Arena Bowl title.

Article courtesy of Our Sports Central and arenafootball2.

QUINCY CARTER IN AF2

Click here for the story on former NFL quarterback Quincy Carter's quest to return to the big time via the Bossier-Shreveport (La.) Battle Wings of arenafootball2.

ARENA FOOTBALL MIDSEASON REPORT

Click the link below for a midseason report of the Arena Football League.

2007 AFL Midseason Report

SHOCK "SHOCKED" IN FORT WAYNE!!!!!!!

The defending Arena Cup (arenafootball2) champion Spokane (Wash.) Shock fell below .500 (1-2) for the first time in its short history, as the second-year squad found itself on the wrong end of a 63-56 loss to the Fort Wayne Fusion at Fort Wayne, Ind. Sunday.

Article courtesy of Fort Wayne (Ind.) News-Sentinel

Article courtesy of Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette

FROM COACH TO PLAYER

NCAA Division II University of Mary (N.D.) has a player who went from being a coach to a wide receiver. Check out this unlikely story by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of Bismarck (N.D.) Tribune

NORTHERN SUN CONFERENCE EXPANDS TO 14 SCHOOLS

Due to the imminent disbanding of the NCAA Division II North Central Conference, thanks mainly to the departures of the Universities of North and South Dakota, respectively, to the NCAA Division I ranks, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference chose to get proactive, as the league added four of the remaining members from the NCC to the list earlier this week. The move will take effect prior to the 2008 season.

Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Press Release

2007 arenafootball2 PREVIEW--PART 2 OF 2

NOTE: With the arenafootball2 league set to kick off its eighth season Thursday, RFC will have a two-part series of all the teams in the Arena Football League's developmental circuit. The second and final installment shifts the focus to the National Conference.

All previews courtesy of arenafootball2.

Central Division

Southwest Division

South Division

2007 arenafootball2 PREVIEW--PART 1 OF 2

NOTE: With the arenafootball2 league set to kick off its eighth season Thursday, RFC will have a two-part series of all the teams in the Arena Football League's developmental circuit. The first installment takes a look at the American Conference.

All previews courtesy of arenafootball2.

East Division

Midwest Division

West Division

GATEWAY CONFERENCE EXPANDS

What is already one of the strongest NCAA Division I Football Subdivision conferences in the nation just got stronger, as the Gateway Football Conference announced the additions of North Dakota State and South Dakota State starting in 2008.

Press release courtesy of Gateway Football Conference

ARENA/INDOOR FOOTBALL TRADING CARDS AVAILABLE

In this digital era, the art of having trading cards seems to have been lost. But thanks to one company, it has been found once again.

Article courtesy of Our Sports Central

CHICAGO PREPSTER SIGNS WITH GRAND VALLEY STATE

A high school standout from suburban Chicago signs with two-time defending NCAA Division II national champion Grand Valley State. Click on the link below to find out how he traded the Windy City for the not quite as hectic pace of western Michigan.

Article courtesy of Suburban Chicago News

ARENA FOOTBALL EXHIBIT TO BE UNVEILED

The Arena Football League has grown tremendously over the past 20 years, and officials with the Pro Football Hall of Fame chose to show their appreciation by unveiling the first-ever exhibit for the indoor league.

Click here for the full story.

ARIZONA RATTLER SHEDS "IRONMAN" LABEL

As the Arena Football League prepares to kick off its 21st season in less than a month, significant changes on the horizon, the most important of those allowing players to play both offense and defense.

Arictle courtesy of East Valley (Ariz.) Tribune

GEORGIA PLAYERS SIGN WITH SMALL SCHOOLS

Three players from one Georgia high school chose to continue their football playing careers out of state, as one of them goes to Virginia, while the other two players are headed to Iowa.

Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald

ALBANY STATE (GA) INKS PACT WITH TIGHT END

Perennial NCAA Division II and HBCU powerhouse Albany State University (Ga.) picks up a homegrown talent at tight end.

Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald.

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY UPDATES

Here are some more updates from National Signing Day among small colleges and universities nationwide.

This installment of RFC's coverage starts in the Pacific Northwest, where NCAA Division I FCS Portland State, and NCAA Division II Western Oregon positioned for potential postseason run in 2007 by signing some players.

Article courtesy of Corvallis (Ore.) Gazette Times


In Ohio, NCAA Division II Findlay, as well as NAIA Walsh, each signed one player from the same high school!

Article courtesy of the Massillon (Ohio) Independent

In Georgia, a small private school makes history, as three players sign to continue their careers at NCAA Division II Carson-Newman (Tenn.).

Article courtesy of Cordele (Ga.) Dispatch

And even in a state rich in talent like Florida, not every top high school player can play for the Gators, Seminoles, or even the Hurricanes for that matter, as the following two articles prove.

Article courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel

Article courtesy of the Ocala (Fla.) Star-Banner

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY REPORTS

In Orange, Tex., eight players signed college scholarships Wednesday, including pacts with NCAA Division II Henderson State, and NAIA Southern Nazarene (Okla.).

Article courtesy of Orange (Tex.) Leader

Meanwhile, in Maryville, Mo., back-to-back NCAA Division II national runner-up Northwest Missouri State reloaded for 2007. Click here to find out who the new Bearcats are.

Click here for a list of selected schools in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision who signed new recruits for the upcoming season.

D-III COACH GOES NORTH

American small college football's loss is Canadian professional football's gain, as NCAA Division III Cal Lutheran must now look for a new head coach.

Article courtesy of d3football.com

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY COVERAGE--COACH'S SON GOES NAIA

The son of one of the NFL's newest head coaches will sign to play under center at a perennial NAIA powerhouse. Find out who he is by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of Victory Sports Network

WE'RE BAAAAAAAACCCCCCKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As promised, RFC returns just one night after the Super Bowl, with some brand new material straight from the source!

Click here to find out more on a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback hoping to start over in arenafootball2.

COMING SOON!

National signing day reports from small colleges and universities coast-to-coast!

(Almost) Wall-to-wall coverage of indoor football, including the Arena Football League and the af2!

Oh, by the way, congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts on winning Super Bowl XLI Sunday night.