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NATIONAL NEWS and VIEWS Jesse or Mercedes Wiggins
1/31/2015
 
 

 
AMERICAN FOOTBALL NEWS TODAY WILL NO LONGER POST SCORES.

Go to: www.semiprofootball.org for complete up to dates scores from all games played, plus league standings and other information on the sport.

 

Posting scores is too time consuming, and we would prefer to add more up dated news on rankings, game highlights, coming events, etc on minor league, college, NFL, and football in Europe on this site.

 

 

Send your Press release or news to:

Jesse or Mercedes: americanfootballnewstoday@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

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ELITE AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS

The EAFL plays a Winter/Spring season that will kick off this year with the following teams: Jacksonville Blackhawks, Tallahassee Wolves, Huntsville Hurricanes, River City Commandos, Central Florida Bulls, Lake County Storm and Putnam County Steelers. No exact date for kickoff were posted on their website. www.eliteamateurfootball.  

 

 

CENTRAL CAROLINAS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS

The Central Carolinas Football League has announced its lineup of teams for the up coming season.

Returning teams: Charlotte Colts, Carolina Thundering Herd, Carolina Hawks and Catawba Hornets.

New teams: Triad Bad Boys, Lexington Razorbacks, Anson County M-pack, Greenville Seminoles, Richmond County Golden Bears, and Stanly County Panthers.

 

 

 

SUNSHINE BOWL XIII GAMES

The Sunshine Bowl games in Southern Florida are the oldest post season championship games in the nation.

 Sponsored by: American Football News Report.  Games were held the weekend of January 17th & 18th.

NORTH VS SOUTH BOWL

Bridgeport Ravens 32-Lancaster Sabers 0

 

SUNSHINE BOWL SS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Charlotte Colts 20-Key West Sun Devils 12

 

2A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Southern Ohio Buckeyes 50-West Texas Scorpions 12

 

AMERICAN FOOTBALL NEWS TODAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Tri County Soldiers 43-Cincinnati Hawks 40

 

MARTIN LUTHER KING BOWL

South Florida Vikings 51-Georgia Firebirds 0

 

3A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Southern Michigan Timberwolves 17- South Florida 49ers 14

 

AMERICAN FOOTBALL NEWS TODAY 3A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Miami Magic Bulls 50-Troys (NY)Fighting Irish 17

 

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FLORIDA FOOTBALL ALLIANCE NEWS

The Florida Football Alliance was started in 2008. Each year the league continues to grow and get stronger.  The 2015 season will kick off in February with eight new teams and seven returning from last season.

Here is the list of past champions: 2008-Magic City (Miami) Bulls. 2009-Port St.Lucie Bobcats. 2010-Orlando Rage.  2011-Magic City Bulls.  2012-Orlando Rage.  2013-Magic City Bulls.  2014-Magic City Bulls. 

Back this year: Brevard Hurricanes, Jax X Men, Miami Spartans, Orlando Rage, Palm Beach Makos,Magic City Bulls and Tri County Soldiers.

New teams for 2015: Brookville Ballers, Flagler Knights, Gainesville Gators, Key West Sun Devils, Orlando Phantoms, South Florida 49ers, South Florida Vikings, Southwest Florida Gladiators and Tampa Patriots.

2015 Championship game (Alliance Bowl) weekend will be played in Daytona Beach, May 15-17th. In addition to the championship game an all star game will take place.

Chairman of the Board: Chris McIntosh

 

 

 

LESTINI GROUP PROFESIONAL FOOTBALL COMBINE!

 

The oldest on-going Pro Combine in the nation is the Lestini Group, which celebrates

it 14th Annual Pro Combine at the University of South Alabama, during the Senior Bowl weekend in 2015. Pro Scouts from the NFL, Canadian League, Arena League and pro club teams in Europe attend looking for talent.

They don't have a website, but you can email them at lestinigrsports@aol.com or

call (442) 716-3237 to request an application, etc.  Tell them you heard about it from the American League Football News Today.

 

 

 

 

An Overview: 
The East Coast Ducks raised eyebrows last season. Basically with a bunch of rookies they were able to create a dominating defense that led them to a (9-2) record and a 2013 Single A Championship appearance. Dual threat QB Zeke Santiago led the Ducks’ offensive juggernaut as he took home the Single A Most Valuable Player Award. Let’s take a deeper look from both sides of the ball what we can expect from the Ducks in 2014. 

Offense: What We Learned From Last Year: Zeke Santiago was the man.
Whether it was scrabbling for 23 yards after a broken down pass play or delivering lobs to his two giant receivers in the red-zone, he performed at a high level pretty much the entire season. However, in the Super Bowl, his weaknesses, as they got smacked (6-34) by the Central Mass Sabercats, were exposed. It became clear that if you sit back and keep Zeke in the pocket he will eventually make his own mistakes. 

Biggest Offensive Strength Heading Into Preseason: The Depth at Running Back
Last year the Ducks had tremendous depth at the running back position and in 2014 that will certainly not change. In fact, they probably have even more depth. RBs Eddy Perez and Frank Hart will both be returning to the Ducks next season looking to light up the scoreboard on the ground. Now add a few more running backs in the mix and potentially

a true fullback, the Ducks are looking at a backfield that should lead Double A in rushing. 

Biggest Offensive Weakness Heading Into Preseason: Outside Wide Receivers
A strength of the Ducks last season looks as if it’s potentially a weakness so far in camp. With the status of some of their receivers in the air, the Ducks might not have receivers that can make the impact play. They garnered so much attention that they opened up plays for slot guys such as Bobby Novello. If the Ducks don’t address the “X” and “Z” positions they could be in trouble. 

Offensive Player to Watch: RB / WR Ricardo Edwards
I think the Ducks found a star in this kid. We are talking about a true cornerstone, face of the franchise, type player. This kid has rare explosiveness that is hard to find. He can run the end around, run in between the tackles, he can even line up at wide receiver. Don’t be surprised if this kid isn’t playing with the Ducks in a couple seasons…because he will be playing NCAA Division 1 football. NFL Comparison: RB C.J. Spiller (Buffalo Bills) 

Defense: What We Learned From Last Year: They are dominant, when they want to be. 
The Ducks last year formed a very strong defensive unit lead by great pass rush in DT Larry Dingle and DE David Hernandez. Let us not forget the quiet captain in ILB Mark Walton who consistently silenced every running back that ran up the middle last year. However, they played well in spurts. Sometimes they looked like the ’85 Bears other times they looked like the ’07 Raiders. They knew they were talented and it showed in the lack

of effort they put in at times. Well, I have news for the Ducks: Welcome to Double A where you have to be your best every single down in order to compete for a championship. 

Biggest Defensive Strength Heading Into Preseason: Linebackers will continue to hold it down. 
The Ducks lost MLB Jr Saint half way through the season and I was certain that it would put an end to any deep post-season run the Ducks had in mine. Nope. Other linebackers filled in and some would argue that they were much better without him as he struggled in zone coverage. Under the leadership of Mark Walton, there really isn’t anything that these group of linebackers can’t do. Playing the flats in coverage, stopping the run, to occasionally covering a slot receiver, it doesn’t matter, they can get it done. Look for another strong season out of this bunch and for most if not all to earn All-Star appearances. 

Biggest Weakness Heading Into Preseason: Lack of pass rush
As I mentioned before this defensive unit last year was led by a great pass rush in DT Larry Dingle and DE David Hernandez. Dingle, who retired this off-season, had a unique ability to get to the quarterback from the interior. He consistently put pressure on the quarterback and chased him out the pocket often right in the hands of David Hernandez who sealed the deal. This season, they don’t have that luxury. Where will this pass rush come from? To be honest with you, probably not from anyone currently on the roster. The Ducks need to address this…fast. 

Defensive Player to Watch: SS / CB Justin Nasciemento 
When I first heard about this kid, people were telling me how crazy he was. I was laughing until I actually met him. He’s legit crazy. From asking people to smack him in the face before practice to banging his head on his helmet in between plays, something is seriously wrong with this guy. But, what I also observed is that he loves football and he can play football. He’s sort of a freelancer” in the secondary, which has already rubbed some teammates the wrong way but this guy makes plays. NFL Comparison: S Eric Reid (San Francisco 49ers) 

In Conclusion: Quite Frankly (Stephen A Smith voice), I would be lying if I said the East Coast Ducks were not a talented football team. The question is just like it was last season, can they stay disciplined enough late in games to give themselves an opportunity to win. Whether that is personal foul penalties to lining up offside, the Ducks always seem to be on different pages. Either way, the Ducks are a must watch team this upcoming season and will make some noise come playoff time.

 

 

 

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SPRING  CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014

 

UNITED FOOTBALL FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP

Orlando Panthers 42-Florida Stingrays 35

 

SOUTHEAST FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Key West Sundevils 21-Knights of Miami 14

 

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Wenatchee Valley Rams 37-Spokane Wolfpack 34

 

FLORIDA FOOTBALL ALLIANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Magic City (Miami) Bulls 50-Brandenton Gladiators 29

 

ARIZONA FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Southwest Stampede 28-West Valley Head Hunters 27

 

ARIZONA GRIDIRON LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Phoenix Outlaws 19-Phoenix Phantoms 13

 

 

DEEP SOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Georgia Pirates 6-Electric City Chargers 0

 

DYNAMIC TEXAS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

Texas Colts 34-Texas Spartans 20

 

ARIZONA FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Southwest Stampede 28-West Valley Headhunters 27

 

ALABAMA SPRING LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Redstone Generals 47-Birmingham Blaze 7

 

ARIZONA GRIDIRON LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Phoenix Outlaws 19-Phoenix Phantoms 27

 

AA CROSSROADS AMATEUR LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

W.Texas Scorpions 32-Texas Renegades 13

 

ELITE AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

River City Commandos 50-Putnam County Steelers 8

 

AA MIDDLE TENNESSE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Metro Lawdawgs 23-Lebanon Hitment 20

 

SOUTHWEST AMATEUR LEAGUE (TEXAS) CHAMPIONSHIP

West Texas Drillers 36-West Texas Outlaws 0

 

WILD WEST LEAGUE (NEVADA/ARIZONA) CHAMPIONSHIP

Vegas Trojans 40-Henderson Wolverines 20

 

XCLUSIVE FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Oklahoma City Bounty Hunters 38-Austin Vipers 12

 

AA XTREME FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Oklahoma Nightmare 12-North Oklahoma Bulldogs 8

 

UNITED FOOTBALL FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP

Orlando Phantoms 42-Florida Stingrays 35

 

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHANPIONSHIP

Georgia Canes 21-Tennesse Crush 0

 

GULF STATE FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Forrest County Spartans 21-Gulf Coast Pirates 18

 

AMERICAN to PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Pritcherd Falcons 20-Emerald Coast Scorpions 12

 

 

 

 

 

CORNISH SHARKS OF ENGLAND

 

The Cornish Sharks of England open their British American Football

 

Association season on Sunday, October 11th against the Cambridge Cats.

 

The game will honor Bob Shaw, who was the head coach of the Cats, and

 

offensive line coach of the Sharks. Its being called the Bob Shaw Trophy

 

Game, to honor this fallen hero who died of cancer last year. Bob is a member

 

of the American Football News Hall of Fame, and has coached in numerous

 

all-star games in Las Vegas and Miami over the years.The Sharks are inviting

 

players and coaches that played for Coach Shaw to come to this game and

 

participate as a player or coach. The team will help find accommodations for

 

them.  There will be three days of training camp in Cornwall prior to the game.

 

Here's a chance to honor Coach Shaw, and visit the beautiful city of Cornwall.

 

If interested email Coach Brian Smallworth @ bjscoach@yahoo.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDOOR FOOTBALL COMES TO MIAMI

 

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AMERICAN FOOTBALL NEWS  HOFer

Pete Taylor to Lead Inferno in its Inaugural Season

Coral Gables, FL – Indoor football is coming to Miami. The newest team to join the Ultimate Indoor Football League will be the Miami Inferno. Pete Taylor has signed a contract to lead the Inferno in its inaugural season. Arena football veteran Luther Johnson will be joining the coaching staff as defensive coordinator.

The BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Florida will be home to South Florida’s new indoor football team. The new team will be called the Miami Inferno and will play all of its home games in the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami. The BankUnited Center is located on the campus of the University of Miami and has hosted numerous memorable and sold out events, beyond the university athletic events since its opening in January 2003.

Pete Taylor, the father of the late Miami Hurricanes and Washington Redskins star player Sean Taylor, joins the team as its Head Coach. Taylor is also the Chief of Police in nearby Florida City. Taylor has been around football for many years where he has helped lead teams at many different levels of football starting with the youth leagues and now looks forward to leading a group of professional athletes. Head Coach Pete Taylor said, “I am excited at the opportunity to bring indoor football to the Miami area. I am looking forward to working with my staff to find the best possible talent we can find from this football rich area in hopes of bringing the UIFL Championship to Miami. Joining Coach Taylor on the sidelines will be former Arena Football League player Luther Johnson IV. Johnson will be the Defensive Coordinator for the Inferno and will have the task of trying to slow down the high octane offenses that the Inferno will have to face. “I feel Coach Johnson will be able to guide the defense and teach the players the ins and outs of indoor football. He will be able pass on the knowledge he has gained from his time playing the game,” said Coach Taylor.
The team will be conducting Player and Dance Team tryouts over the next few months with the first of three player tryouts scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd. The second player tryout will be held on Saturday, March 8th and the third and final player tryout on Saturday, March 22nd. The first player tryout will be held at Florida City Park located at 627 NW 6th Avenue, Florida City, FL 33034. Locations for the second and third Player Tryouts and times for these tryouts will be released within the next 2 weeks. Dance team tryouts will be held on Saturday March 29th. The Dance Team tryouts will begin at 6pm.

The team’s inaugural season will kick off on Sunday, May 25th. The full schedule will be released in the coming weeks. Season tickets start at only $75 and are on sale now. The team also has a wide variety of corporate partnerships available. For more information regarding season tickets, corporate partnerships, or tryouts, visit www.miamiinferno.com or call 305-433-8585.The Miami Inferno are part of the Ultimate Indoor Football League which started in 2010 and has teams in Fort Myers, Florida, Corpus Christi, Texas, and a soon to be announced team in the Midwest.

 

 

AMERICAN FOOTBALL NEWS TODAY STAFF:

Jesse & Mercedes Wiggins, Directors/Owners

 

 

LAST CALL!  TWO HALL OF FAMERS RETIRE.

 

John Elway, Ray Lewis, Michael Strahan, and Jerome Bettis.  What do all of these future NFL Hall of Famers and one current one (Elway, 2004), have in common with Ron Kerr and Dave Kmiecik?  They all retired after winning a championship.

 

As of January 19, 2014, over 30 combined years of professional management of the ‘Winningest Team in Minor League Football History’ are saying farewell to the Central Penn Piranha.  Team Owner & Head Coach, Ron Kerr, and Director of Media Relations, Dave Kmiecik, have decided to close the book on their contributions to the ‘Feeding Frenzy.’

 

Bitter Sweet

“It’s extremely hard to walk away from something as special as Piranha Football.  With that being said, it has to be done.  I am turning the page and moving on to the next chapter in my life.  Gerhart moved on…..Rovito moved on…..Now it’s my turn,” states the former Owner & Head Coach.

 

Kerr adds, “I attended a coaching clinic in Indianapolis.  I remember a quote by Duke Head Coach David Cutcliffe, ‘Accountability is leaving a university or program in a better situation than you found it.’  One thing is for certain, Ron Kerr definitely did that with the Piranha.  “I know that I maintained and exceeded the expectations of Piranha Football when I took over the program.  I also know that every CPP Owner has done the same thing, and hopefully the same thing will happen with the new ownership group.”

 

“Wow, I knew this day was coming, but I just didn’t know when it would happen.  I am going to miss Piranha Football dearly.  However, I am looking forward to devoting my time elsewhere in sports and having more time to enjoy life with my family and friends.  Everyone is entitled to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  I am exercising my right to pursue happiness outside of the world of Piranha Football,” comments Kmiecik.

 

Ron Kerr

 

Why Now?

“It’s a good time to retire now.  Everything is going well with my career, job, and family.  In addition, my college coaching career has been going well at Shippensburg University in recent years.  It’s time to take my career in different direction.  I also feel that the team (Piranha) needs a new head voice.”

 

Unforeseen Success

“I didn’t envision having the amount of success that I have had as the Owner of the Central Penn Piranha.  I hadn’t even thought about being an Owner.  Heck, I didn’t even want to be a team owner!  However, it was thrust upon me to continue the ‘Winning Tradition’ of Piranha Football, or it was going to fold.  I had to learn on the fly and start running a business.  As time went on, I felt more comfortable.  I feel very good about what I did for the organization.  I have no regrets.”

 

Above And Beyond

“One thing I am very proud of during my time as Piranha Owner is that that I was a provider.  I didn’t charge any team dues.  The players had multiple sets of high-quality, game uniforms, free of charge.  The players, coaches and staff members got t-shirts, food, some travel assistance, and other amenities.  My family also provided Championship Rings for one season.  These are all things that I chose to do, and I am glad that I did it.”

 

There are well over 1,000 minor league football teams across the country.  It is safe to say that only a handful of teams can make the claim to providing the team with everything that Ron Kerr did, free of charge.

 

Individual

“My most meaningful individual accomplishment with Piranha Football is that I was able to keep the team afloat, provide organization for the team, and build and maintain relationships with individuals from various backgrounds and organizations.”

 

One such relationship that Kerr developed over the years was with Jim Bard, Game Official and Officials Coordinator for Piranha home games.  “Ron was a real credit to the game and a pleasure to work for/with.  We (officials) will miss his class on the sidelines.  Ron built just about the finest organization that I have seen in my 40 years of semi-pro football.  My hat is off to you!”

 

Team

“My most meaningful team accomplishment with Piranha Football was winning a National Championship in 2012.  We (Piranha) were able to silence the naysayers.  Teams and leagues around the country said the Piranha couldn’t compete in a national league.  We had done it before, and we did it again.  All we did in 2012 was run the table with a perfect record of 16-0, and we dominated the GDFL National Championship Game with a 49-14 victory over the South Buffalo Celtics.”

 

If you challenge the Central Penn Piranha, most likely you will lose.

 

Kerr adds, “The 3-Peat was nice (2011-2013 Championships), but being the underdog in 2012 and winning in a national league was more impressive.”

 

Memorable Games

Ron Kerr lists some of his most memorable games in CPP history.

2011 MLF Championship

Piranha 15, New Jersey Lions 3

 

“It was my first ‘big win’ as the Piranha Head Coach.  In my first four years as Head Coach (2007-2010), we (Piranha) come close to making the Championship Game, but couldn’t get over the hump.  In 2011 I felt like I had finally gotten the monkey off my back.”

 

2007 NAFL Final 4

Piranha 21, Kane County (IL) Eagles 32

 

“It was the first-ever home loss in Piranha history (13 seasons, 126-0), and it took place under my watch.  Despite the fact that they (Eagles) were the better team, it was very disappointing.  I will always remember that.”

 

Worthy of noting is that Coach Kerr was named National Rookie Head Coach of the Year by National Football Events in 2007.

 

1998 IFL Championship

Piranha 41, Louisiana Hurricanes 18

 

“It was my first-ever championship as a player.  I played offensive line for the Piranha.  It felt like we won a College Football Championship.  That’s how big of a game it was.”

 

2009 NAFL Final 4

Piranha 31, Nashville Storm 37 OT

 

“That loss to Nashville really stings.  We were the better team.  In fact, that may have been the best team in Piranha history to not win a championship.  We had a big lead and blew it.”

 

It was dubbed the ‘Meltdown in Mechanicsburg,’ as the Piranha failed to hold on to a 22-point lead with 10 minutes left in the game.  Nashville forced overtime and won the contest on a spectacular catch in the end zone on the opening drive of the extra session.

 

The Storm advanced to the NAFL Championship Game in Miami, FL, where they experienced a similar feeling as the Piranha.  The St. Paul (MN) Pioneers mounted a comeback and defeated Nashville by kicking a game-winning field goal as time expired.

 

Memorable Moment

“My most memorable moment in CPP history was in 2011 when the players and staff members rallied around me during the passing of my dad, Bob Kerr.  The players chanted BK the whole season with every team break.  It was very, very special!  I can’t thank them enough for that.  It was really cool.  I always emphasized the family philosophy.  I knew the wives, kids, and parents of players and staff members.  That’s what made the Piranha Football Phamily.”

 

Thanks For The Memories!

“I would like to thank ALL of the Piranha staff members, players, coaches, and fans!  It has been a pleasure working with all of you.  Your dedicated support is what made Piranha Football a huge success.  I would also like to thank my wife (Michelle), my daughter (Alexus), and my entire family.”

 

Piranha Resume

  • 8 Years Team Owner (2006-2013)
  • 4 Years Player (1998-2000, 2004)
  • Member of 5 Piranha Championship Teams (2 Player, 3 Owner / Head Coach)

National Recognition

  • 2012 Head Coach of The Year – GDFL
  • 2007 Rookie Head Coach of The Year – MLFN
  • 2005 Offensive Line Coach of The Year – MLFN

Hall of Fame Induction

  • 2013 Piranha Football Hall of Fame
  • 2010 American Football News Hall of Fame
  • 2009 Minor League Football News Hall of Fame
     

Dave Kmiecik

 

Why Now?

“In life, timing is everything.  I wasn’t planning on retiring this season.  However, due to a chain of events that took place during the 2013 Piranha Football season and most recently during the offseason, I knew it was time to make a move.  The amount of time that I dedicated from Sunday to Friday had become a chore.  Game day (Saturday) was the only one where I could relax and have fun with the rest of the organization.”

 

Kmiecik adds, “New regime was another factor in making my decision.  I understand that there won’t be another Steve Gerhart, Jim Rovito, or Ron Kerr leading the way for the Piranha Football organization, but the new Team Ownership is one in which I do not feel comfortable working with.  They have a lot of great, new ideas are on the horizon that will enhance the Piranha Football experience.  However, I feel that their vision and implementation may not mesh well with my philosophy of how the ‘Winning Tradition’ of Piranha Football has been conducted during its 19-year history.  I wish them well and hope they are able to succeed off the field and bring home a 4th consecutive League Championship on the field.”

 

Kmiecik concludes, “19 years is a long time.  Aside from my family, it’s the second longest relationship I’ve had in my life.  That alone tells me it’s time for a change.  I would love to finish with 20 years, but it’s not meant to be.”

 

19-Year Plan

“I didn’t see this coming at all.  I thought I was going to be a statistician for a new minor league football team for a year and then see how it went from there.  Well, I guess it went pretty well!  I was very fortunate to be able to advance to the positions of Sports Information Director, General Manager, and Director of Media Relations.  Along the way I have been blessed with being part of 8 Piranha Championships.”

 

Accolades   

“I wasn’t in it for the ‘me,’ I was in it for the ‘we.’  I have always been a team player.  I am a firm believer that hard-working people are appreciated and respected.  All of the accolades that I have received thanks in part to my involvement with Piranha Football are the direct result of hard work and are greatly appreciated.”

 

Memorable Games

Dave Kmiecik lists some of his most memorable games in CPP history.

Sept 23, 1995

Piranha 16, West Virginia Lightning 13

 

“I remember it like it was yesterday.  Over 3,000 fans filled the football stadium at Elizabethtown H.S. in Elizabethtown, PA.  Bill Hogan (Elizabethtown H.S.) booted a 25-yard FG with seconds 0:03 left to propel the Piranha to a 16-13 victory.  To this day, it is the largest attended home game ever in CPP history.”

 

2002 NAFL National Championship

Piranha 28, Austin (TX) Rattlers 22

 

“We jumped out to a big lead, and then held on for the win.  Roman Morris intercepted a pass with less than 2 minutes remaining to seal the victory and claim our first National Championship in team history.”

 

2005 NAFL National Championship

Piranha 28, King County (WA) Jaguars 3

 

“No team could stop us that season.  The 19-0 record remains the best single-season record in team history.”

 

2007 NAFL Final 4

Piranha 21, Kane County (IL) Eagles 32

 

“It was the first-ever home loss in team history (126-0).  It had to happen sometime.  At least it was to one of the best teams in the country.”

 

2009 NAFL Final 4

Piranha 31, Nashville Storm 37 OT

 

“It was like someone just punched me in the stomach.  We had a 22-point lead with 10 minutes left in the game.  Through a series of unbelievable plays by Nashville, we (Piranha) somehow found a way to lose.”

 

June 16, 2012

Piranha 24, Chambersburg Cardinals 17

 

“The Amateur Piranha were taking on the Professional Chambersburg Cardinals.  FS Mike Baldwin returned an interception 38 yards early in the fourth quarter for the game-winning touchdown.  The CPP defense secured the victory when DE Brian Smith sacked the quarterback and forced a fumble.  DE Brent Fisher was there to make the recovery deep in CPP territory with 34 ticks remaining.  The loss by Chambersburg snapped their 26-game overall winning streak.”

 

2012 GDFL National Championship

Piranha 49, South Buffalo Celtics 14

 

“Piranha claim their 3rd National Championship in team history, and they did it in Trojan Stadium, on my high school field.  That was a special Piranha victory for me.”

 

2013 RAFL Championship Game

Piranha 31, Hampton Roads (VA) Redskins 14

 

“In what turned out to be my final game as a member of the Piranha management staff, I got to watch Ron Hunter turn in the greatest Championship Game performance by a running back in CPP history (18-187 yards, 3 TDs), announce the second half of the game, and celebrate with the Phish afterward.”

 

Last Call

“There’s nothing that I can say that will completely put into words what the past 19 years of Piranha Football have meant to me.  I love football, and I love sports management.  Working for the CPP was the ideal situation for me to utilize my talents in those areas.  In addition to the hundreds of players, coaches, and staff members combined that I became friends with, I also developed relationships with many of the Piranha fans.  In the end, those friendships are much more meaningful than any game played, but I will still enjoy every single Piranha game that I attended.”

 

Kmiecik closes, “I guess this it.  My final official posting of an article or press release as a member of the Central Penn Piranha.  Much love to the entire Ron Kerr Family and all other CPP Team Owners for providing me with this opportunity.  I wish lots of success for the Piranha during the 2014 season and in the future.  I would like to leave everyone with two things: 

 

“That’s good enough for another……Central Penn Piranha……First Down!”

 

“You’ve just watched another exciting evening of minor league football, presented by the Central Penn Piranha.  Thanks for coming out, and drive home safely!”

 

Piranha Resume

  • 19 Years of Service (1995-2013)
  • Positions Held:  General Manager, Statistician, Director of PR & Media Relations, PA Announcer
  • Starting kicker for 1999 Piranha Championship Team
  • Member of 8 Piranha Championship Teams

National Recognition

  • 2006 Public Relations Director of the Year (East Region) - MLFN
  • 2004 General Manager of the Year (Mid-East Region) – MLFN
  • 2005 Offensive Line Coach of The Year – MLFN

Hall of Fame Induction

  • 2007 Piranha Football Hall of Fame
  • 2008 Minor League Football News Hall of Fame
  • 2011 American Football News Hall of Fame