Last season, the Spokane Empire made their Indoor Football League (IFL) debut. They won the Intense Conference Championship defeating the Nebraska Danger 55-44. In the IFL’s championship game the Empire fell 55-34 to the now six time defending IFL champion Sioux Falls Storm.
This season, there will be two expansion teams, the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles and former Arena Football League (AFL) powerhouse, the Arizona Rattlers. The Rattlers and Empire have faced off before, the Empire used to be in the AFL under the name Spokane Shock.
Spokane Empire Gear Up for Second IFL Season
The Arizona Rattlers will have to adjust to the rule changes and different style of play. This season, the IFL is returning to only the top two seeds in each conference making the playoffs.
One notable thing is that Arizona’s star quarterback Nick Davila retired and is now the quarterbacks coach, but that shouldn’t hurt them much. Don’t be surprised if Arizona continues their dominance in the IFL because they have a couple things in their favor.
Arizona was always been one of the best teams in the AFL and won multiple ArenaBowls. Sioux Falls isn’t in their conference so they don’t have to worry about them in the playoffs unless they make the United Bowl. Three teams made the playoffs last season. Spokane was the only real powerhouse who made the playoffs finishing 12-4 and going 1-1 in the playoffs.
The Empire have players returning from last year which’ll help them return to their elite status. Last season, Nebraska didn’t get the first round bye after finishing 6-10. They faced the Billings Wolves in the first round of last season’s playoffs.
Spokane should have no problem making the playoffs with the new format. When it comes to Arizona and Nebraska fighting for the other playoff spot, the edge goes to Arizona.
Last season, Arizona made it to the ArenaBowl championship, falling to the Philadelphia Soul 56-42 and finishing 13-3 on the season.
