In NAFL action on Saturday September 16th, the New York Predators doubled up on the first-place NYC Falcons at Linden Field, 26-13. It was the third win in a row for the resurgent Predators. 

CB Keith Assante had a field day on Saturday, August 26th. The first year member of the New York Predators had a 104-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter. To go along with that, he also had two fumble recoveries and four tackles to propel a 52-24 victory over the Empire State Wolfpack in front of 200 hometown fans at Monsignor Farrell High School. With the win, the Predators improved their record to 3-4, maintaining second place in the Metro South Division of the NAFL.

The schedule does not begin until July 29th, but the Albany Ambush have been preparing for the season behind the scenes with a determination to not only compete, but to bring home the "hardware." Standing in their way are many capable teams, with the main target being the reigning two-time Women's Professional Football League champions, the Dallas Diamonds.

That old saying about nice little girls – "sugar and spice and everything nice" -- doesn’t apply here. Don’t get me wrong, they are lovely women, but their participation in full contact tackle football makes them a special breed. These ladies have a unique talent and they are looking to show the sports world that girls can play football, too. So mark July 29th down on your calendar for the kick off of the 2006 season.

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.

Go ahead. Make your sarcastic comments. Women shouldn't be playing a man's game. How did they get those shoulder pads and helmet to fit, or any other ignorant opinion. You obviously have never attended a Women's Professional Football League game. Why not? Afraid that seeing these ladies deal out punishment to each other will make you feel less macho? Well, I have a great place to start.

Minor league sports. Teams that come and go. Before you can even learn the player's names, either the team or the entire league may have folded. Well, that is not the case with a certain independent basketball league geared towards not only keeping the ship afloat, but going full speed ahead. The International Basketball League is here to stay.

Call it a crap-shoot. Luck of the draw. Cross your fingers. Whatever it may be. But in the world of independent minor league sports, you have to hope for a few breaks now and then. Take the North East Pennsylvania Breakers for example. They are preparing for their inaugural season in the United States Basketball League, which tips off April 22nd, and things are starting to fall nicely into place.

Changing from orange to old gold. No, it is not a government warning, but it does have special meaning to the people of Pennsylvania. The most highly anticipated draft pick in the 21-year history of the United States Basketball League is not shrouded in mystery. "With the first pick in the 2006 USBL Draft, the North East Pennsylvania Breakers choose…Gerry McNamara, guard, Syracuse University." These words will be heard on April 11 when the draft takes place. That is the easy part. Then they have to convince McNamara to sign.

The Strong Island Sound are moving on. Another back and forth contest resulted in the same happy ending for the expansion team from Long Island. This is becoming old hat for the Sound, who won their eighth consecutive game last night at Suffolk Community College in a first round ABA playoff game, knocking the Birmingham Magicians out of the tournament 97-95.