Allen Renegades

begin with 7 teams stretching from Florida to Colorado.  Three of the teams are based in the Metroplex.

In the western part of the country, the Denver Titans in Colorado and the Hobbs Gamblers in  New Mexico along with the West Texas Rustlers will make up that frontier of the league.  In the central area, the Texas Regulators, the Tarrant County and the Allen Renegades will participate. Finally, in the eastern area, the Florida Scorpions will be the team from the East with the Palm Beach Wave joining in 2011.

“We are real excited,” Alton Walker, owner of the Florida Scorpions told me Wednesday night.  We have a “whole new league and a whole new team,” he said pointing out that his team will have new players on the roster.  Walker’s Scorpions have been with the American Professional Football League since 2007, and he is ready  to join the RIFL.

Walker, along with Damon Ware, owner of the Denver Titans and Will Williams decided to start the league in part to do things to help the teams and players succeed.  They are looking to grow together, working with each team to become successful.  The first year, the RIFL is not charging a franchise fee.

“Will [Williams] and I shared the same vision,” Walker said.

According to Avion Brown, owner of the expansion Palm Beach Wave, “It sounds like it’s going to be a great league. . . . . I am excited to get it started,” he said noting that the Wave will join in 2011.  They are scheduled to play some exhibition games with members of the league this season.

About the league, Brown said, “I’m looking for a championship.”  However, he also admitted that he is drawn to the competition and exposure for his players.  Several of the owners have ties to other professional football franchises.

The teams will begin the first year playing ten games.  Many have games planned against teams from other leagues such as the IIFA.  The championship game is scheduled for July 25, 2010 in Midland, TX at Horse Shoe Arena.

Teams in the RIFL

• Florida Scorpions
• Denver Titans
• West Texas Rustlers
• Texas Regulators
• Tarrant County Diablos
• Allen Renegades (2011)
• Hobbes Gamblers (NM)
• Palm Beach Wave (2011)

Williams was originally going to launch the team in 2011, but with the overwhelming support from the Allen Event Center, he had decided to play this season.

The team has a strong backing.  Joining Williams in this venture will be New York in Texas Sports Group headed up by Harold Vester of New York, and Former Dallas Desperados coach Detrich Wise.  Wise will bring the experience and connections from the Dallas Desperados.

The Allen team will be called the Renegades, and they will announce try out information soon.  The Renegades will play in the newly formed Regional Indoor Football League, and indoor football league with teams from Colorado, New Mexico, Florida and Texas.