WARRIORS PREPARING FOR 2008

Competition in USFA has increased with the addition of some new teams.

By Devon Jones

Lima Warriors Vice President

3/3/08 – LIMA, OH -- After a dream 2007 season which saw the Lima Warriors capture the United States Football Alliance league title and the Minor League Football News’ 1AA national title, what could challenge the Warriors in 2008? A totally revamped league with several new teams, all of them ready to grab the hardware away from Lima.

The USFA, a league which boasted 19 teams last year, has blossomed to 28 for this season. Some of the newcomers that will challenge Lima in the Western Football Conference are the Wayne County Wolverines, last year’s Minor League Football Associations eastern conference runner up.

The Michigan Gators, last years champions of the Great Lakes Football League. The Michigan Admirals, a perennial playoff team, from the North American Football League.

The West Michigan Force, 2006 Mid Continental Football League, and AAA National Champion, and the Grand Rapids Thunder, the only team to beat Lima in the past 3 years.

Whether the Warriors will face off against one or all of these teams is still to be decided, Lima’s early focus will be on putting together a run that will net them their 5 consecutive division title.

Lima’s divisional rivals of the Mt. Carmel Fire (Cincinnati), the Northwest Ohio Raiders (Fremont), the Ada Dark Knights, and the Ohio Outlawz (Kenton) are all busy trying to come up with ways to stop last years top offense and defense.

Lima averaged 43 points a game while its defense gave up just 5.6 points per game. Add to the fact that the Warrior defense gave up 57 yards rushing, the entire season; the rest of the league has its work cut out for it.

The main focus for Lima in the offseason is adding depth to the offensive and defensive lines. The coaching staff, not resting on their laurels, have gone out and recruited some of the best talent in northern Ohio to address these outages. Throw in a mix of more talented skill position and special teams players and you have a Warrior team that is looking primed to defend their titles in 2008.

This Warrior team will take none of its opponents lightly and will approach each game one at a time, with their next opponent being the only thing they are focused on.

The Lima Warriors are anxious to have the fans fill the seats in Lima Stadium in this 2008 season where some of the best amateur football in this country will be put on display. All of the game day festivities that transform home games into a showcase unlike that anywhere else in semi-pro ball will be back for the fans enjoyment.

If you can’t make it out to the stadium, all of the heart pounding action will be carried live via webcast by Aaron Matthews, right here on the Warriors website.

Make no mistake about it; the greatest show in semi-pro will be back in full force for 2008.