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NY Predators rarin' to go in the gridiron jungle
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Joe Pietaro
Joe Pietaro is the Managing Editor for New York Sportscene magazine and the Director of Media Relations for the Strong Island Sound of the ABA. In addition, Joe is a freelance sports writer and contributes a steady sports column to numerous web sites.  
By Joe Pietaro
Published on 05/16/2006
 

The Jets and Giants may call themselves New York teams. But the last time I checked, they both play their "home" games over in the Garden State. There is only one outdoor football team that rightfully call themselves "New York," and that is none other than the New York Predators. Oh, by the way, in case you weren't aware, they are the defending North American Football League Metro Division Champions, too.

The Predators call Staten Island home.

Professional sports are not exactly common out on Staten Island. Other than the "Baby Bombers" (the New York Yankees Short Season Single-A affiliate of the New York-Penn League, the Staten Island Yankees), the Predators are the local team.

 

Residing in the North East Conference's Metro North Division of the North American Football League, the Preds have instant close rivals in the Empire State Wolfpack, Hudson County Cowboys and the expansion Bronx Falcons.

 

The Metro South Division includes the Long Island Eagles, Bronx Bengals and the expansion Brooklyn Blue Devils. Other divisions in the conference include the New Jersey, Empire, Western Mass, Capital and Virginia Divisions.

 

Bragging rights? You bet. These teams are based so close to each other that each game will have special meaning.

 

The NAFL is the premier adult semi-pro minor league football system in the United States. Established in 1996, it is based in New York City with several regional offices located throughout the country.

 

The league maintains over 100 teams in 24 divisions, divided into the NAFL 1, NAFL 2 and NAFL 3. The playoff format has 32 teams fighting for the league championships.

 

Coming back as 2005 champions are the Central Penn Piranha (NAFL1), West Sound Saints (NAFL 2) and Exeter Gamblers (NAFL 3). The NAFL 1 and 2 title games were held at the Walt Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. 

 

Predators Owner Bill Simo looks to have his team bounce back from last season's opening round playoff defeat. After winning their division and playing a tight defense (including two shutouts to start the 2005 campaign, winning by a total of 99-0), the Predators are chomping at the bit to get back on the football field.

 

The opening game is June 24th. Welcome to the jungle!

 

For more information, please visit www.nypredators.net .