NMLF News and Notes

The NMLF has announced the week 2 NMLF Game of the Week, to be broadcast on NMLF Gametime. The game will feature The DFW Xpress hosting The East Texas Storm, live, on February 28th, at 7pm......Monday, the league will announce its unique All Star Game format as well as the inception of the first ever NMLF MVP Watch List.....Sources in the league office have indicated that an "international event" is in the works.....While the Commish is not in the NFL handicapping biz, he says this weekend's Super Bowl will be won by the Pittsburgh Steelers. "Arizona QB Kurt Warner won't know where the pass rush is coming from", says the NMLF's top dog, adding: "If Cardinal WR Larry Fitzgerald has a huge day, and I mean HUGE, then Arizona has a chance. I just think Warner won't have time to get him the ball." From the entire staff at NMLF News enjoy the Super Bowl this Sunday, and remember: As one door closes (The NFL Season), another one opens (The NMFL Season).

Tonight on Saturday Night Lights: The 1st ever NMLF Game of the Week is announced

Tonight on Saturday Night Lights, the anouncement will come down as to which two teams will play in the first ever NMLF Game of the Week , to be played on Saturday, Feb. 21st , 2009, and broadcast live by the NMLF's radio production company, NMLF Gametime. (Tune in @ 9:00 pm (Central) by clicking on to the link to the official radio show of the NMLF on the right.)

Coming Feb. 21st: The NMLF Game of the Week...LIVE!

The NMLF has announced its plans to broadcast selected games during the 2009 season, as part of its arrangement with Deep End Sports Broadcasting. The schedule of games to be broadcast will be announced Monday, as will the booth and studio announcers. Also, The NMLF is seeking broadcast correspondents (for booth and sideline positions) in the following NMLF markets: Lubbock, Midland, Wichita Falls, Austin, San Antonio, San Angelo and Tyler. Former coaches and players are encouraged to apply. Intersted parties should e-mail NMLF Commissioner J.C. Kimey at commissioner.kimey@nmlf.org .

Ask the Commish

The staff over at NMLF News thought it might be a good idea to have a running Q and A with Commissioner Kimey, with the thought that this might turn into an ongoing cyber segment. So, here are a few commonly asked questions about the NMLF:

Q: Why is the league so strict on uniform policy?

Commissioner Kimey: First and foremost, uniformity is crucial to game presentation. Especially to those seeing our product for the first time. Potential sponsors, fans, as well as teams targeted for future expansion, need to see that our league is truly a higher level. Non matching helmets, face masks and socks may seem like a small thing, but they reflect on the league as a whole.

Q: What about the NFL style numbering policy?

Commissioner Kimey: Much like the NFL, this is done to aid the broadcasting of NMLF games.

Q: Will Deep End Sports Productions handle NMLF broadcasts?

Commissioner Kimey: Yes, and as I understand it, they are looking for former players to fill sideline, pregame show and booth broadcasting positions. Those interested can e-mail me at commissioner.kimey@nmlf.org

Q: I noticed that Saturday Night Lights (heard Mondays at 9pm) will be the home of the NMLF coaches' shows. Is that radio show property of the NMLF?

Commissioner Kimey: No. Although we enjoy a good relationship with SNL, that program is dedicated to semi-pro and minor league football players and teams from any league. I've heard guests on that show from many different leagues and I anticipate that will continue, as the fan base of that show is growing quite rapidly.

Q: Will the Commish have a show on Saturday Night Lights?

Commissioner Kimey: No. Nothing that formal. I will, however, appear on the show whenever I'm asked, and I will also appear for various NMLF press releases and special announcements.

If you have a question to submit to NMLF Commissioner J.C. Kimey, you can do so at the above mentioned e-mail address.

NMLF Playoff format to be released tonight

That's right, tune in to www.blogtalkradio.com/SaturdayNightLights at 9:00pm (Central) tonight and hear the announcement of National Minor League Football's unique playoff format, as well as discussion of recent NMLF developments.

Continental Conference play suspended for 2009

The NMLF announced that play in its Continental Conference would be suspended for the 2009 season. After several verbal commitments, and an agreement in principle, the NMLF granted an extension (to Dec. 26th) to prospective Conference rep Michael Merrit, (owner of 4 of the 5 Arkansas members of the Conference) for proper paperwork submission. However, the new deadline passed with Merrit unable to meet league standards regarding franchise hierarchy, structure, and on-field personnel. The NMLF wishes Mr. Merrit and the Arkansas and Tennessee franchises well in 2009, and will move forward with its expansion plans in 2010.

Dewayne Gordon named President of NMLF Internet Division

A man of many hats. Dewayne Gordon, Head Coach and CEO of The North Texas Seminoles and Chairman of The NMLF Competition Committee, has yet another title: President of the NMLF's Internet Division. Mr. Gordon will oversee the re-launch of NMLF.org, the league's often criticized website. Mr. Gordon will make sweeping changes, and I personally guarantee the fans will love the interactive capabilities of the new site. Stay tuned for developments as they happen, including that re-launch date.

Capital Conference Schedule Preview

The NMLF released its 2009 schedule for the Capital Conference, and some matchups are juicy indeed. Here's a look at some of the best games for each week:

Week 1 - ATX Tigers @ N.Texas Seminoles - Coach Jordan's young Cats face a stern roadie vs. Big Dewayne and the 'Noles
Week 2 - San Angelo Spartans @ W.Texas Outlaws - Izzy Lopez and his Spartans face a tough former NAFL squad in Lubbock
Week 3 - Plano Venom @ Lone Star Pitbulls - Young Venom take on Carol Trahan's Pitbulls in what should become a great rivalry
Week 4 - N.Texas Falcons @ W.Texas Drillers - Coach Branch and the Falcons head to Midland to take on a Driller squad looking to make a splash
Week 5 - DFW Xpress @ Grand Prairie Titans - Coach Vernon's veteran bunch looks to tame the hard charging Titans
Week 6 - ATX Tigers @ East Texas Storm - Another rugged roadie for the Cats as Coach Caldwell's Storm are tough in Tyler
Week 7 - DFW Xpress @ N.Texas Seminoles - "South Dallas Super Bowl" pits Coach Vernon vs. his former player and rival
Week 8 - NMLF BYE Week
Week 9 - East Texas Storm @ Plano Venom - Rivalry is re-born as many of these players know each other well
Week 10 - DFW Xpress @ Texas Mavericks - NoTex vs SoTex showdown gives Jay Saucedo's Mavs a chance to make a statement
Week 11 - Texas Mavericks @ Lone Star Pitbulls - The Mavs head up I-35 to visit the Pitbulls in a possible playoff preview

I left out several great games, like the "Battle of West Texas" (Drillers @ Outlaws, Wk 5), the "Hill Country Super Bowl" (Mavs @ Tigers, Wk 3) and the "East/West Civil War" (Falcons @ Storm, Wk 11). It's going to be a great season, and I haven't even mentioned the NMLF's unique playoff format. Stay tuned for that announcement.