Rage SHOCK SHARKS IN SEMI'S

     The last seeded Orlando Rage, traveled to St Petersburg to challenge the number one seed Sharks in the SSFL 2008 Semi-Final game on Saturday, April 12, 2008. All "prognosticators" had the Sharks as the winner and vying for their fifth SSFL Championship as the Sharks swept the Rage in the regular season first 42 to 21, then 19 to 16.

     The Rage, however, did not believe all of the press and stunned the Sharks by soundly defeating them 38 to 0.

     "We developed a game-plan that we thought would work based on our familiarity of the Sharks" commented Rage head coach, Leonard Opheim. "Apparently it worked" Opheim added.

     The Rage got on top of the Sharks early with QB PeeJay Jack tossing two touchdown passes to WR Preston McGann and running one in in the first half. At the half it was Rage 21, Sharks 0.

     Recalling the 2007 Semi-Final game when the Sharks came back fro a two-score deficit, the Rage were not content to sit on a three-score lead and poured it on in the second half with another touchdown pass and catch between Jack and McGann, at run by RB Michael Rivers and a field goal by Michael Kidd.

     The Rage will square off against the Sarasota Millionaires at Orlando's Florida Citrus Bowl on April 26, 2008.

Rage (FINALLY) FINISH REGULAR SEASON

     In what turned out to be a disappointing season, coming off of back-to-back 10 and 0 seasons, the 2008 Orlando Rage finished their regular season with only three wins losing to the Ft. Pierce Fire 18 to 14. This marks the first and only losing season since the inception of the Rage (nea Starz) in 2000.

     "We finished the season strong with three wins and close losses to the (Number 1 Seed) Sharks and (Number 2 Seed) Fire" commented Rage head coach Leonard Opheim. "Maybe we can pull it all together for the play offs" Opheim went on.

     And "pull it all together" is the task for the Rage as they will travel to St. Pete to take on the five-time SSFL champion Sharks on Saturday, April 12th. The winner of that game will play the winner of the Millionaires vs. Fire game in the SSFL Championship on April 26th at Orlando's Citrus Bowl.    

Rage Defeat Millionaires in Final Home-Game of Season

     In what has been an up and down season for the Rage, on Saturday, March 29th the Rage completed their Home Regular Season on a good note by defeating the Sarasota Millionaires 37 to 22.

     The Rage got off to a quick start when Rage DB Jerome Lowery scooped up a Millionaires' fumble and scrambled 30 yards for a touchdown. Later in the first half, Rage K Michael Kidd hit a 35 yard field goal making the score 10 to 0.

     The most exciting play of the first half occurred when Rage QB PeeJay Jack hit WR Preston McGann on a screen pass and McGann raced 85 yards to score.

     Rage 17, Millionaires 0 at the half.

     Not to be denied, the Millionaires struck early in the second half on a long pass-and-run play. Rage 17, Millionaires 6.

     On the ensuing kick off the Millionaires ball-carrier fumbled and McGann, again on the spot, scooped up the ball and scored. Rage 24, Millionaires 6.

     Rage running backs, James Andrews and Michael Rivers each scored touchdowns in the second half making the score 37 to 6. The Millionaires scored two late touchdowns, but they proved to be "too little, too late". Final score Rage 37, Millionaires 22.

     The Rage will finish their 2008 season on Saturday, April 5, 2008, as they travel to Ft. Pierce. Having clinched a play off berth, the Fire game is important for play off seeding.

Rage POUND THUNDER

     On Saturday the Rage squared off against the Florida Thunder at Raymond Screws Stadium on the campus of West Orange High School with a special kick off time of 1 o'clock.

     The Rage drew first blood capping a long drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge by QB, and game MVP, PeeJay Jack. The Rage finished the first half scoring an additional two touchdowns; one on a Jack to WR Preston McGann pass for 25 yards and another when Rage RB Willie Bennett bulldozed in from the two yardline, making the score 21 to 0 at the half.

     In the second half the Rage continued their scoring with a 38 yard field goal by K Michael Kidd, a seven yard touchdown run by RB Eddie Washington and another Jack-to-McGann touchdown pass.

     Highlights from the second half included two touchdowns by the Thunder; one on a 65 yard "long bomb" and another on a spectacular kick off return for the score. And for the Rage two interceptions by LB Mike Kici and an onside kick attempt that Kici scooped up and ambled to the Thunder "red zone".

     Next week the Rage host the Sarasota Millionaires before traveling to Ft. Pierce to finish the regular season. Having clinched a play off berth the next two games are crucial for play off seeding.

(#83 Preston McGann catching one of two TD's from game MVP PeeJay Jack)

Rage Drop Thriller to Sharks

     In a game reminiscent of the 2007 season the outcome of the Orlando Rage and St. Pete Sharks game was not determined until the final whistle.

     In 2007, the teams met twice in the regular season and once in the Conference Championship and all three match ups were decided on the last play of the game; a field goal in over time, a blocked field goal as time expired and a last second field goal. The three games were decided by a TOTAL of 5 points.

     The Sharks took an early lead in the first quarter after QB Nick Kirby connected with WR Steven Douglas for a touchdown on a crucial fourth down play. Sharks 6, Rage 0.

     The Rage then managed a short field turnover and Rage RB James Andrews finished the 8 yard drive with a touchdown. Later in the quarter Rage QB PeeJay Jack hooked up with WR Preston McGann for a touchdown. Rage 13, Sharks 6 at the half.

    The Sharks took the second half kick off and drove the length of the field for the tying score. Rage 13, Sharks 13. In turn the Rage drove the field but settled for a field goal making the score Rage 16, Sharks 13. The Sharks then battled back and managed a long drive topped off with a fourth down score making the score Sharks 19, Rage 16 with seven minutes left in the game.

     The Rage got good field position on a long kick off return by Rage DB/KR Jeremy Lowery, placing the ball on the Rage 45 yard line. Next in a series of Rage runs and passes, the Rage found themselves in tying field goal range with 20 seconds left in the game. The Rage were to take one last stab at the end zone before settling for the tying field goal and going into overtime.

     Rage QB PeeJay Jack was flushed out of the pocket and threw the ball on the run only to have it intercepted on the one yard line, sealing the Sharks' victory.

     With the thrilling finish, the Rage/Sharks became an instant classic and will be remembered by Rage and Sharks players and fans for years.

RAGE FINALLY GET ON TRACK

     The Orlando Rage finally managed a win Saturday night as they played host to the National Public Safety Football League, Orlando Guardians. The Rage had gone 0 and 4 in the season dropping their home opener then going on the road for three straight games. The "Homecoming" was just what the Rage needed as they out-scored the Guardians 19 to 6.

     "This win is just what we needed", commented Rage head coach Leonard Opheim. "Now we've got three more home games in a row; this win is the first step to finishing strong and heading to the play offs." Opheim went on.

     The Rage are idle this week before hosting the Thunder on March 8, the Sharks on March 15 and the Millionaires on March 29. The regular season will culminate on April 5 at Fort Pierce.

     The Sharks Home game will take place on March 15 at COLONIAL HIGH SCHOOL, Kick Off at 7:05 PM.

RAGE REMAIN WINLESS

     The Orlando Rage traveled to Sarasota's Clelend Stadium to take on the then-winless Millionaires on Saturday, February 16. As both teams were winless going into the match-up, one team had to emerge as a winner and the other would remain in the unenvied "winless" spot. Unfortunately for the Rage, they were the team on the losing end as the Millionaires defeated them 26 to 24. 

     The loss marks the Rage's fourth in a row in SSFL play and a stunning contrast to last season's 12 and 2 record.

     The Rage hope to turn the season around as they will be home for the next four games; hosting the Guardians, Thunder, Sharks and the Millionaires, before traveling to Ft. Pierce to take on the Fire in the final regular-season game of the 2008 SSFL season.

     Look for the Rage to get back on track for the play offs in April.

RAGE LOSE THIRD-STRAIGHT

     The Orlando Rage traveled to St. Petersburg's Bartlett Park to face the Florida Thunder. The Rage and Thunder are very familier with one-another as they squared off in the first annual YMCA Bowl in November and Thunder Head Coach, Louis Briggins, was the Rage Defensive Coordinator for 3 years before taking over the reigns of the Thunder.

     The Thunder overwhelmed the Rage by a score of 28 to 7. Despite the score, the game was a defensive struggle as the Rage's sole score was on a blocked field goal that Rage Defensive Back, Larry Preston scooped up and ran 70 yards for the score. Two of the Thunder touchdowns came on interceptions returned for scores and Thunder place-kicker, Chad Greatorex, accounted for two field goals.

     The loss to the Thunder marks the Rage's third in the regular-season bringing their record to 0 and 3. The Rage hope to get on track this week as they travel to Sarasota to take on the yet-to-win Millionaires.

RAGE DEFEATED BY SHARKS

     On Saturday, February 2, 2008, Orlando Rage headed on the road to take on the St. Petersburg Sharks. In the 2007 season the Rage and Sharks faced one-another twice in the regular season and once in the conference championship. The total point differential in the three match-ups was five. The 2008 Rage hoped to continue the rivalry. Unfortunately for the Rage the Sharks showed why they were the pre-season favorites in the League soundly defeating the Rage by a score of 42 to 21.

     Stellar quarterback play of Sharks QB, Nick Kirby, who threw four touchdown passes and the Sharks' receiving corps of Joshua McKinnon and Phillip Webster overwhelmed the Rage defense, while the Rage offense continued to struggle to attain last season's performance.

     "Every time we'd get on track and score; making it a game, the Sharks would answer with a quick-strike" stated Rage Head Coach, Leonard Opheim. "We had to play catch-up the whole game, it seemed", Opheim went on.

     The loss to the Sharks marks the Rage's second in the regular-season bringing their record to 0 and 2. The Rage hope to get on track this week as they travel to Tampa to take on the Florida Thunder.

RAGE DROP OPENER TO FIRE

     On Saturday, January 26, 2008, Orlando Rage commenced their 2008 campaign under the tutelage of new Head Coach, Leonard Opheim and at their new venue of Raymond Screws Stadium at the campus of West Orange High School. The new combination didn't seem to have the chemistry that the Rage had hoped for as they lost by the score of 17 to 6.

     Offensive miscues and lack of execution by the Rage, as well as a stiff and determined Fire Offense proved the Rage's undoing. The Rage offense failed to take advantage of numerous trips to the "red zone" leaving it scoreless after three early penetrations. The Fire, however, executed well in the "red zone".

     "We surely had our opportunities" commented Rage Head Coach, Leonard Opheim, about the Rage's failure to score points when getting within the Fire twenty yardline. "Twice stupid penalties took us out (of the Red Zone), and twice our play choice along with poorly executed plays did us in" Opheim went on.

     The defensive-minded Opheim was brought on board to strengthen the Rage defense and while doing so, the Rage offense seemed to have slipped. "We tinkered around with a new (offensive) system and proved it doesn't work. We're going back to the old system from here on out" commented Opheim. The "old system" that coach Opheim referred to accounted for the second-most points per game in the 2007 season and out scored Rage opponents in 2007.

     This week the Rage travel to the St. Petersburg Sharks, whose offense put up over 50 points last week. "We really will need to score often and a lot to keep up with the Sharks' offense" Opheim concluded.

2008 Orlando Rage Season Kick-Off

     On Saturday, January 26, 2008, your Orlando Rage "Kick Off" their 2008 regular season play in the Southern States Football League (SSFL). This season marks the SSFL's eighth season and the Rage's seventh. In the Rage's six prior years they have secured Division titles four times, have won the coveted "Commissioner's Cup" and played in the SSFL Semi-Finals three times.

     This season promises bigger and better things as the powerful Orlando Rage Offense returns almost all of last year's starting line-up, the Rage's new, defensive-minded Head Coach, Leonard Opheim, has retooled the Rage "Goon Squad" Defense and the Rage secured Raymond Screws Stadium on the campus of West Orange High School as its "Home Turf".

     Speaking of "Home Turf", Raymond Screws Stadium boasts a brand new, "Pro Turf" playing surface making the Rage the first and only SSFL team to play on the exact same turf as the NFL uses on Sundays.

     Kick off is 7:05 pm, gates open at 6. Tickets are only $7.00. Come on out and enjoy fan-friendly, hard-hitting ORLANDO RAGE FOOTBALL.

RAGE DROP FINAL TUNE-UP IN PRE-SEASON

Fort Pierce, Florida

January 19, 2008

       On January 18, 2008, the Rage traveled to Fort Pierce to play in the invitation only, National Bowl Weekend. The National Bowl Weekend consisted of five games played on Saturday and Sunday by teams from all over the United States. The first on the slate, the Palm Bowl, pitted the Rage against the Georgia Xtreme out of Cobb County, Georgia.

     The "X-Men", as they are dubbed, winding up their successful season in the United Southern Football League, proved too powerful for the Rage soundly defeating the Rage by a score of 20 to 5.

     "It was a good opportunity to get one final evaluation of our players; namely the rookies, before the season starts next week." Commented Rage Head Coach, Leonard Opheim. As in its three prior pre-season games, the Rage coaching staff experimented with a number of different schemes and personnel trying to fine tune the team for the season. "Again, nearly all of our 60 plus players on the roster got extensive playing time'" commented Rage Vice President, Chris Morrison. "But a loss is still a loss; it hurts. " Morrison went on.

     Look for the Rage to open their 2008 SSFL season on January 26, 2008, at their new venue, Raymond Screws Stadium on the campus of West Orange High School.

RAGE TO SQUARE OFF WITH GEORGIA XTREME FOOTBALL IN "PALM BOWL"

Winter Park, Florida

January 4, 2008

       The Orlando Rage will travel to Fort Pierce, Florida on January 19, 2008, to take on the Georgia Xtreme in the "Palm Bowl" during the Florida Bowl Weekend. Each year National Football Events hosts the National Bowl Weekend (NBW) at the "kick off" of the SSFL season. The NBW consists of five bowl games with SSFL and out-of-state invitees competing in the Palm Bowl, the Orange Blossom Bowl, the North American Bowl, the Treasure Coast Bowl and the Florida Bowl.

     The Georgia Xtreme, of Cobb County, Georgia, come off of a season of winning and taking two consecutive "Challenge Bowl" victories in Georgia. The Palm Bowl will pit the Rage against the Xtreme with a 12 o'clock noon kick off on Saturday. The Florida Bowl at 3 pm and the National Bowl at 7. Sunday, January 20 will showcase the Orange Blossom bowl and the Treasure Coast bowl.

     The festivities of the three day event include a Friday night welcome party at Alumni's Sports Grill in Fort Pierce and two days of action-packed football.

www.NationalBowlWeekend.com

Thoroughbreds STAMPEDE RAGE

Winter Park, Florida

January 7, 2008

     The Orlando Rage completed their third and final Pre-Season Exhibition Game Saturday night at Lake Mary Preparatory School in Lake Mary, Florida, by suffering a loss to the SEFL Champion Central Florida Thoroughbreds 30 to 14. The T'breds showed why they are the 2-time reigning SEFL champs by effectively shutting down the Rage offense and moving the ball against the Rage defense.

     "Although it was only a pre-season game, it had a play off atmosphere" commented Rage owner, Chris Morrison about the game. "Both teams played with vigor and the better team that night clearly prevailed", Morrison went on.

     The T'breds scheduled one more pre season game versus the 2007 SSFL Champs (and pre-season FFA favorite) Miami Magic City Bulls during the weekend of January 11. That game promises to be a shoot out. Meanwhile, the Rage will regroup with the coming weekend off in preparation for the National Bowl Weekend on January 19, when they square off against the Georgia Xtreme.

Rage to Host Central Florida Thoroughbreds at Lake Mary Preparatory School

Winter Park, Florida

January 2, 2008

       Lake Mary Preparatory School, located in Lake Mary, Florida has offered its facilities to the Orlando Rage for their January 5, 2008, exhibition game against the Central Florida Thoroughbreds.  Lake Mary Prep, located at 650 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary, Fl. 32746,  is a K through 12, non-sectarian private school. It not only excels academically, but also in athletics. "It's a great opportunity to introduce the Rage to Lake Mary Prep and to introduce the faculty and students of LMP to the Rage, "commented Rage player and Director of Player Personnel, Randy Horn of the new relationship.

     Kick Off will be at 4 pm this Saturday. Gates will open at 2:30. Admission is free.

       In addition, LMP has agreed to continue as the Rage's "conflict venue" for the 2008 season by offering its facilities to the Rage in the event of any conflicts with the schedule at the Rage home facility of West Orange High School.

Click Here For Map

Rage SOUNDLY DEFEAT Daytona beach Vikings; LOOK TO HOST CENTRAL FLORIDA THOROUGHBREDS NEXT

Winter Park, Florida

December 30, 2007

       The Orlando Rage completed the second of three pre-season games Saturday when they traveled to Derbyshire Park in Daytona Beach to take on the Daytona Beach Vikings. The Vikings, a new franchise in the Florida Football Alliance (FFA) ended up getting a taste of what lies ahead when the season kicks off. The Rage won the match up by a score of 54 to 19.

       The Rage started their scoring after an interception by Rage DB Ned Raines set them up on the one yard line. Rage QB PeeJay Jack pounded the ball across the goalline for the touchdown. Rage K Michael Kidd  (who went 6 for 6 in PAT's) made the extra point. Rage 7, Vikes 0. Later in the first quarter Rage RB Levi Raines scampered 35 yards for a touchdown. Rage 14, Vikes 0.

     The Rage then scored four more times in the first half on a pair of long touchdown passes from Jack to WR's Theo "Snoop" Chatman and to Andre Raines, a magnificent kick off return by Andre Raines and a when Rage FB Willie Bennett bulldozed in from the Vikings' 3 yardline. Rage 41, Vikes 13 at the half.

     The Rage continued their scoring in the second half by putting two more touchdowns on the board with a touchdown reception by Rage WR Donald Orelus and a run by RB Levi Raines. The final score was Rage 54, Vikings 19.

     "The Viking, Coach McCoy and the whole Viking staff were great hosts and run a very good program; especially for a first year team" stated Rage owner and seasoned veteran of Minor League Football, Chris Morrison of their host. "I'd travel to Derbyshire (Park) anytime to play the Vikings. It was a good experience for everyone" Morrison went on.

       And experience the Rage players got. The Rage was able to play its entire roster of over 60 players and was able to evaluate many of them in game situations.

      Stand outs for the Vikings were the entire Offensive Line who played seemingly every down, Vikings WR 15 Alford Staten and QB 8 Michael Broudreau who played gallantly throughout the game.

     Next for the Rage are the Central Florida Thoroughbreds, reigning SEFL and National Champions.

Rage to HOST CENTRAL FLORIDA THOROUGHBREDS in Exhibition Game

Winter Park, Florida

December 23, 2007

       The Orlando Rage will play host to the Central Florida Thoroughbreds on January 5, 2008 in inter-League Exhibition Game. The Thoroughbreds are the reigning champions of the Southeast Football League based in Florida. The SEFL has historically fielded strong minor league teams and in recent years the T'Breds have been one of the marquis franchises in the League.

     "Playing the Thoroughbreds will be a good yardstick to measure us against other Leagues" stated Rage head coach, Leonard Opheim about the upcoming event.

       The January 5  Exhibition game will mark the second of four non-SSFL games slated for this year. The Rage took on the Daytona Beach Vikings on December 29, 2007; will be playing in the Florida Bowl on January 19th against an out-of-state team; they will play host to the Central Florida Guardians of the USPSL in February and will host the Winter Park YMCA-"Safe Start" Bowl game in May.

Rage Launch College "Blitz"

Winter Park, Florida

November 1, 2007

       Demonstrating once again its commitment to assisting athletes to reach the "Next Level" the Orlando Rage Coaches and Management are launching a campaign to introduce its players to various college, university and professional programs. "We have a proven track record in getting our players into real programs; whether they be JuCo [Junior College], Club Programs or Pro's" commented Rage Vice President, Chris Morrison about the campaign. "In fact, we're even getting calls from players on other Minor League teams seeking our assistance. And we're more than happy to oblige" Morrison went on.

       Since the Rage's modest beginnings in 2000 as the then-Orlando Starz of the defunct United Football League of Florida, the Rage has placed well over two dozen former Rage (or Starz) players , as well as "non-Rage" athletes into various college and professional programs throughout the nation.

       When asked if placing the "best of the best" into programs detracts from the Rage's talent, Rage Director of Player/Personnel, Randy Horn volunteered "Yes, loosing the best players from our roster hurts in the short-run. But word gets out as to who's promoting players [to the next level] and more and better players report to Rage camp. They know that we can assist them".

       And this year the Rage added additional personnel to support the campaign. Head Coach Leonard Opheim, Offensive coordinator Emory Blake and former Denver Bronco, Cornelious Friendly all have been working overtime to initiate communications with programs throughout the country.

       If you are a player interested in "showcasing" your talent to the "Next Level", please contact Rage management. We'll have a look at you and determine which program you'll best fit into.

Marco Island, Florida

November 10, 2007

       On Saturday, November 10, 2007, the 2008 version of the Orlando Rage squared off against the Florida Nightwolves (Thunder) in the much anticipated "Inaugural YMCA Bowl" hosted by the city of Marco Island and the YMCA. The Nightwolves are currently renamed the Thunder to accommodate the newest professional franchise started by Thunder/Nightwolves owner Warren Watts.

       When the Rage booked the game in August they knew that it would be more than simply an exhibition game as it was dubbed. "There was more at stake than a pre-season game" stated Rage rookie head coach, Leonard Opheim. "The entire state of Florida was watching us" Opheim went on referring to the historic success of the Rage and the anticipated continued success within the state of Florida.

       "What's more" added Rage Vice President, Chris Morrison, "Lou (Briggins, former Rage defensive Coordinator and current Thunder Head Coach) knows our schemes and personnel and can really coach up a team."

       The Rage got started early scoring on the second play from scrimmage on a 51 yard touchdown pass from QB PeeJay Jack to WR Andre Raines. The extra point from K Michael Kidd made it 7 to 0 early in the game.

       On the Rage's next drive, Rage RB and game MVP Levi Raines, Jr.,  scored on a seven yard run making the score 14 to 0. The drive was highlighted by a long pass from QB Brandon Blake to Andre Raines, setting up the Levi Raines touchdown.

       The Rage wrapped up the first half scoring when Rage LB Norman Beatty wrapped up the Thunder QB in the endzone for a safety.

       Rage 16, Thunder 0 at the half.

       The Thunder came out hungry in the second half, determined to make it a game. Thunder QB "Lucky" Lyons connected with WR Tommie Thigpen for a touchdown making the score 16 to 6. But the Rage matched the score on a time-consuming drive resulting in another Levi Raines score; Rage 23, Thunder 6. Finally, in the fourth quarter Rage QB PeeJay Jack capped off the Rage scoring with a short touchdown run brining the score to 30 to 6.

       The Thunder were not ready to throw in the towel and came out slinging. Thunder QB Lyons again connected with a receiver, Michael Youngblood for a touchdown. Final score, Rage 30, Thunder 12.

       "I couldn't have imagined a better weekend for the YMCA Bowl" commented Morrison. "The support from the city of Marco Island, the YMCA and just the fans, and an opportunity to play against a first-class organization like the Thunder; this is what Minor League football is all about."

       Many thanks to all of the volunteers who made the game possible.

RAGE "KICK OFF" 2007/2008 PRACTICE

Orlando, Florida

September 30, 2007

       On Saturday, September 29, 2007, the Orlando Rage "Kicked Off" its practice for the upcoming 2008 season in the SSFL. "This year our season was moved forward almost two months" commented head coach, Leonard Opheim referring to the first annual "YMCA BOWL" game scheduled for November 10 against the Florida Nightwolves. The "YMCA BOWL" is an exhibition game hosted by the city of Marco Island and is slated to take place more than two months before the opening of the SSFL season on January 26, 2008. "We had to move our entire schedule forward to accommodate the timing of the YMCA BOWL", Opheim added.

       And "move their entire schedule forward" the Rage, in fact did. Opening practice this past Saturday. Their schedule until the upcoming event calls for practice on every Saturday at 9 am and Sundays at 2 pm until November 10th. What's more, the Rage will begin full contact drills on October 14th, a week earlier than initially planned and well over a month earlier than in past seasons.

       "We're traveling down to Marco Island in early November to play a regulation game against the new-franchise, Florida Nightwolves", Rage Vice President, Christopher Morrison stated. "And knowing [Head] coach Briggins as well as I do; and Lou knowing us as well as he does means that we have to be well-organized and in good shape for the game" Morrison went on. Rage fans know the Nightwolves' head coach Louis Briggins very well as coach Briggins left his job as defensive coordinator with the Rage to take on head coach duties for the'Wolves.

       Look for the Rage to bring on another season of hard-hitting, NFL rules football in the SSFL in January, 2008.

RAGE OPEN TRY OUTS GARNER FUTURE SSFL "ALL STARS"

Winter Park, Florida

September 17, 2007

The ORLANDO RAGE held its first two of four scheduled open Try Outs on September 8, and 15, 2007, at Lake Island Park in downtown Winter Park.

"The turnout, both in numbers and quality of talent, far exceeded the years in the past" commented Rage first-year head coach Leonard Opheim of the first two events. "I've seen more talent in the past two try outs than in all of the previous years' try outs combined", Opheim went on.

And, given the numbers, Rage management has elected to cancel the fourth try out scheduled for September 29 and head straight into practice. Rather than holding a fourth try out the "2008 Rage Campaign" will commence with practice. Rage practices will "Kick Off" at 9 am on Saturday, September 29, 2007, at Collegiate Village Inn practice field (11850 University Blvd, Orlando 32817). Practices are open to all players who participated in any of the 2007 Open Try Outs. For a complete practice schedule click here. Map to CVI Practices will continue on Saturdays at 9 am and Sundays at 2 pm until the Orlando Rage vs. Florida Nightwolves Exhibition game on November 10th. Thereafter practices will continue on Saturdays ONLY until January.

RAGE FIRST OPEN TRY OUT A HUGE SUCCESS

The ORLANDO RAGE held its first of four open Try Outs on September 8, 2007, at Lake Island Park in downtown Winter Park. As anticipated, there was a tremendous turnout of an estimated over 60 "Rookies" and numerous veterans all vying for a roster spot on the 2008 Orlando Rage.

"The first try out of each season is always interesting; we get a lot of  zealous Rookies and some veterans as well as a number of interested non-participants just "sizing it up", I guess" stated Rage owner, Chris Morrison. "Historically, it's the second or third try out that garners the big numbers, but this year there was an unusual number of participants. Word is getting out about the quality and caliber of the franchise", Morrison went on.

With their first test less than 60 days away when the '08 edition of the Rage travel to Naples to play an exhibition game against the Nightwolves, the Rage have their work cut out for them in signing players and getting camp running.

"I'm confident that we have the right staff to shake the rust off of the veterans and to initiate the Rookies for the upcoming season" commented first-year head coach Leonard Opheim.

CLICK HERE FOR TRY OUT PICTURES

SSFL ADDS TWO NEW FRANCHISES

Marco Island, Florida

August 22, 2007

       Two teams have been added to the SSFL this week, the Daytona Beach Vikings, GM's and Coaches, Dahryll Brown & Darrell Shavers and the Falcons of Clay County, owned by former SSFL player and team owner, Justin Moses. Stated Commissioner Rice, "The addition of these two teams bring a balance to SSFL teams in the Northern part of the State. The results are a minimizing of travel costs for teams and fans and in creating rivalries with home and home scheduling"

Falcons Announce Team Tryouts - Players instructed to contact team owner, Justin Moses for dates, times and locations.  Tentative initial dates are Sept. 15 and 19.

RAGE SCHEDULE EXHIBITION GAMES

Orlando, Florida

August 9, 2007

The  Orlando Rage has set its annual Red/Blue intrasquad scrimmage, and has tentatively set two Exhibition Games in preparation for the upcoming season.

       In addition, the Rage have accepted an invitation to play in the annual "National Bowl Weekend" in January, immediately preceding the Kick Off of the 2008 SSFL Season.

       Annually the Rage hold an open "Red/Blue" scrimmage pitting the Rage Offense against the Rage Defense in a controlled scrimmage in order to evaluate the rookie players. This year the annual event is scheduled for December 23rd.

       This year the Rage have also accepted an invitation to participate in an event sponsored by the NFL Alumni Association, United Way and the Naples/Marco Island YMCA. The Naples/Marco Island YMCA suggested SSFL involvement in a fund raising event of a Minor League Pre Season Football game for 2007 and SSFL Commissioner, Dave Rice, jumped at the opportunity.

       "The YMCA's dedication to fostering "healthy kids, healthy families and healthy communities" is synonymous with the goals of the SSFL, so it's a perfect match," suggested Rice. Hence, the commissioner has been working overtime to organize the event. The game and weekend festivities are scheduled for November 10, 2007 featuring SSFL, Florida Nightwolves and Orlando Rage playing an afternoon pre season game in the Naples-Marco Island, Florida area. 

      Plans include pre game introductions and photo opportunities with local children, community leaders, former NFL players, radio, TV, newspaper coverage, half time entertainment, cheerleaders, and a post game Pig Roast and Barbecue for the community to meet the players and team staffs. "The SSFL is honored to be invited to take part in this event.  'Service above Self' in making for better communities has always been a major goal of every SSFL team", noted Rice.

       Also, the Vikings, an independent, Semi-Pro football team based in Daytona Beach, Florida, have "challenged" the Rage to an exhibition game in December. The Rage and Vikings have tentatively set the game for December 29th in Orlando. Specifics as to time and location have not yet been set.

       Finally, the Rage will travel to Ft. Pierce's Lawnwood Stadium on January 19, 2008, to play in the annual "National Bowl Weekend". The "National Bowl Weekend" pits SSFL teams against out-of-state teams each year. This year the SSFL Rage and the host Ft. Pierce Fire will take on teams from out-of-state yet to be announced. Make plans to attend as it's always a good measuring stick as to how well the SSFL stacks up against other teams.

* The Orlando Rage have accepted an invitation to play in a Pre-Season Exhibition Game in November. This moves the Rage's schedule up substantially. As such the Rage staff will be offering contracts to players AT TRY-OUTS!

RAGE Launch Media "Blitz" in Anticipation of 2008 Season

Orlando, Florida

August 12, 2007

The Orlando Rage have entered into business relations with "740 The Team" Radio and AdVantage Indoor Advertising to "blitz" the Orlando area market and are negotiating for live radio broadcasts and taped delayed television broadcasts for the upcoming 2008 SSFL season.

"The problem with Minor-League ball in Orlando is that no one seems to know we even exist" stated Rage Vice President, Christopher Morrison. "We've been in existence for more than seven years and still almost daily I have someone tell me 'I never even knew you were around'" Morrison went on.

Well the Rage intend to put an end to that dilemma for the upcoming season as print ads covering all of central Florida have already been placed for the Rage annual Open Try Outs and Training Camp in September and radio ads should be coming on August 16th. "We hope to get the word out for the upcoming season so that people can enjoy the entertaining and fan-friendly SSFL-style football. And print and radio seem to be the most efficient and wide-reaching media for this" Morrison further offered.

Not only is the Rage "going to the press", but they are also in negotiation with local radio stations to broadcast all home and away games live and with television to broadcast home games in taped delay.

Listen to "740 The Team" radio and keep an eye out for the print media in the coming weeks and months.

RAGE DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR TAKES HEAD COACH JOB With NightWolves

Orlando, Florida

August 2, 2007

Orlando Rage Defensive Coordinator, Louis Briggins, has resigned his position with the Orlando Rage to accept the Head Coach position with the Florida Nightwolves. The Nightwolves, entering their second year of existence, are one of the newest franchises in the SSFL.

"Lou will be missed by the organization", stated Rage Vice President, Chris Morrison of Briggins. "He's been an integral part of the staff during his four year tenure with us; it's hard to find the quality of coach that Lou demonstrated. Lou gave one hundred percent at every practice, game and Rage function. He's surely irreplaceable!", Morrison went on.

Rage fans will know coach Briggins from his firey displays of enthusiasm on the Rage sideline, often motivating his "Goon Squad" defense to new heights.  In addition to his duties as Defensive Coordinator, Briggins acted as strength and conditioning coach for the Rage.

But that's not the last that the Rage will see of Briggins. As head coach of the Nightwolves, we're sure to see coach Briggins working the sidelines opposite the Rage in the upcoming season. Best of luck to Coach Briggins.

FORMER RAGE PLAYER TAPPED FOR MINOR LEAGUE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2007

       Garnell started his Minor-League journey with the Space Coast Panthers who molded into the Orlando Rage in 2002. Thereafter he played with the Rage where he stood out as an excellent receiver and team leader. In 2003, Garnell garnered the Rage's highest honor when he received the Joel Crane Award.

       Thereafter Garnell was the major motivating force in bringing Minor League Football to Lake County, Florida, as one of the founders of the then-Lake County Hornets and in getting the City of Leesburg to host an Exhibition Game between the Rage and the Venice Vikings of the SSFL.

Congratulations to Garnell Rackley in being named to the Minor League Football Hall of Fame.