PredFan's mid-season report.

Well, here we are half-way through the 2001 season. Hard to believe. Too bad football seasons don't last as long as baseball and basketball seasons do. They seem to go on forever. But I digress. There is a lot to report on so I'll get started.

First, the National Conference South.

This is my favorite division especially because my Predators are in it. Speaking of the reigning Champions, they started off the season with a new QB and missing some star receivers too. That all led up to a 0-3 start. After the team went 0-2, Hall-Of-Fame coach Jay Gruden (brother of Raiders coach Jon Gruden) brought in QB Craig Whelihan and the season turned around. Now the team is like a steaming locomotive and looks just as unstoppable. Standing in their way are the conference and league leading Tampa Bay Storm. At 6-0 the Storm are looking unbeatable. QB Kaleo and his speedy receivers are putting up lots of points while their defense leads the league in denying them. The Nashville Kats are 5-2 and are looking good if somewhat inconsistant. Add the 3-3 Florida Bobcats and you have what is unquestionably the strongest conference in the AFL.

Next is the National Conference East.

Right now this conference is led by the Carolina Cobras at 4-2. Carolina boasts Steve McNair's older brother Fred McNair, who is a 6 year veteran of the Arena League. He is crafty and talented, and now with a strong defense and a good crew of receivers. Following closely is the Buffalo Destroyers at 4-3. This team was a basement dweller until a coaching change was made last season. Ray Bently has turned this team into a team to be reconed with. Also keeping it tight is the New York Dragons. This team was the Iowa Barnstormers until the team moved to New York in the off-season. They still have Andy Garcia at QB and Carlos James at receiver and are good enough to beat anybody. The Toronto Phantoms at 3-4 are a pretty good expansion team. They are aided by ex-Predators; QB Pat O'Hara and WR/DB Ty Law. Rounding out the division is the New Jersey Gladiators at 1-6.

Next is the American Conference West.

This division feature two high-scoring offenses; the San Jose Sabercats and the Arizona Rattlers. San Jose, at 5-2 have an good QB and a tandem of excellent receivers. In addition, they boast the best player in AFL history in Barry Wagner. Right now the Sabercats are leading the division. Close behind are the Arizona Rattlers. The two-time AFL Champs have been struggling the past two seasons, mostly due to injuries, but Head Coach Danny White always seems to guide them through it and bring the team close to the final game. Rounding out this division are 3 struggling teams; The Houston Thunderbears at 2-5, the Oklahoma Wranglers at 2-5 and the Los Angeles Avengers at 1-5.

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