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2014 USAFL Season Preview: North Central Region

  • Friday, May 16 2014 @ 09:33 pm ACST
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North America

This is part three of the six part USAFL Season Preview Series as we preview the North Central Regional.

North Central Regional
The Midwest regional has the 2nd most teams of all the regions (7) and several of the teams are definitely are up-to-caliber for Division titles.  One of the teams is returning after several years’ absence and some teams are rebuilding as well.  This region will be hosting the Nationals (Columbus) and also the Central Regional (Indianapolis), but also has the newest team in the league (Indianapolis).  
 
Chicago Swans (2-5. 8 points, Finish Rank:  23rd)
The Swans had an interesting year last year as the reigning Division 3 champions from 2012 and were ready to take on the boys in Division 2.  However, 2013 was not the year for them as the team struggled mightily in both the regular season and in the Nationals, finishing in 5th in Division 2.  This season, like their archrival Kangaroos their fate will come down to three events, the Central Regional Tournament in Indianapolis, on the road at Boston against Boston and Montreal and the Wayne Schwass Cup against Nashville on 6th September.  If they come out to play on all of those events, they could go far this year.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 2 as a 4th seed.
 
Cincinnati Dockers (5-2, 22 points, Finish Rank:  7th)
The Dockers were the surprise team of Division 4 as they came out of the woodwork to ambush the field and in doing so, won the Division 4 title.  This season could be another interesting one for the Dockers as they can defend the title, but with a tough core of players, I am not expecting that at all.  I think they will move up to Division 3 and give it a ride and then some.  Expect some fireworks with the rivals Columbus, Nashville and newly formed Indianapolis, especially in the Central Regional Tournament in late July.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 3 as the 8th seed.
 
Columbus Jackaroos (9-2, 38 points, Finish Rank:  3rd)
For a team in its 5th season, there's no one that I think will be a team on the rise this season like the Jackaroos.  They are poised to make some major noise after dominating in Division 2 in winning it.  And with the incentive of being home for the Nationals, this year could be the year they take the plunge with the big boys in Division 1.  Expect major fireworks with Nashville in the home-and-home and also expect a battle royale also with Division 1 Champion Austin @ Nashville in late June and with the Central Regional in Indianapolis.  Could a repeat of 2013 happen with Columbus to winning their 1st Division 1 title at home?  Who knows...that's a wait and see.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 1 as the 5th seed.
 
Des Moines Roosters (3-5, 10 points, Finish Rank:  22nd)
Des Moines is another interesting team that has me in a state of flux after dominating Division 3 in winning it in '12 in Mason only to struggle in the same division in '13.  With a tough schedule with the powerhouses of Minnesota and Kansas City and upstart Tulsa, they may have a long road to haul.  I expect to keep them in Division 3 once again for a third year and they could go for a title if the pieces fit.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 3 as the 7th seed.
 
Indianapolis Giants (0-1, 0 points, Finish Rank:  30th)
The newest team in the league, Indianapolis, gets their feet wet in their first full season in the USAFL in what will be a very tough North Central region.  With only one game under their belt (against Cincinnati), this team is getting major footing for them this year as the Central Regional is in their home @ Northwestway Park in late July.  A virtual unknown in every sense of the word.  I hope for a good season for them in their first full year.  First analysis for Nationals:  Most likely not to field a team this year...just too many unknowns, but several players will most likely play for other teams.  Look for them in 2015 for their Nationals debut.
 
Milwaukee Bombers (Didn't play in 2013)
One of the teams returning to the USAFL after several years of absence is the Milwaukee Bombers as they will field a squad.  This year will be a building year for them as their schedule is light for them this year with the major focus on the Central Regional in Indianapolis in late July.  I am not seeing much of this team this year for them to gauge a look for the Nationals.  First analysis for Nationals:  Most likely not to field a team for Nationals.  Expect them to field one in 2015.
 
Minnesota Freeze (6-5, 22 points, Finish Rank:  8th)
After having a great season in 2012, most teams were hoping for a great season from the Freeze last year.  However, the regular season was a disappointment as the team struggled to 4-4.  However, the Nationals turned out to be the catalyst for the 2014 season as they went 2-1 and finished 3rd in Division 2.  I expect this season to be more of the same and another nice run in Division 2.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 2 as a 3rd seed.


Please check us out Alex's work online via usaflweeklyreport.com and watch the USAFL Weekly show, Fridays @ 7:30 pm USA Central Time on UStream.tv.  (Please check his USAFL Weekly Report Facebook page (and give it a Like) for any schedule changes).