Post by Free Agent Fan on Feb 7, 2007 19:47:44 GMT -5
A Classic Rivalry – For the Fans
Monday, 05 February 2007
In 2005 when a Canton franchise in the Atlantic Indoor Football League was announced, Ron Duff became a season ticket holder. Shortly after that, the Erie Freeze joined the league and Joe Criscione, Jr jumped on their band wagon. This was the beginnings of an interstate, indoor football rivalry.
Like most football rivalries, location and a back and forth games define it. The first season, Erie came to Canton undefeated and clearly one of the elite teams in the league. The Legends were struggling and still trying to find their way in the indoor football world. Canton won that game, their first win and Erie’s only loss that season as they went on to the league’s championship game.
“That was a big night in Legends history.” said Duff. “The first win and the Freeze were not happy they lost that game. That’s where the rivalry began.” Legends fans traveled to Erie for the regular season finale with the Freeze and for the playoff game, both of which Erie took.
“I think the rivalry started on the old AIFL messageboard being that most of the main dedicated fans back then, and now, are from each prospective team.” Said Criscione. “The best part of the rivalry is the week leading into the game. Smack talk, sign in names being changed to pick on the other team, etc. Canton week is the best.”
“I have to agree about the message boards, that week of Canton/Erie, we owned those boards and no one was cutting in on our action.” added Duff.
Last year, the rivalry became more intense when Canton picked up a few players off the Erie roster. It was like adding fuel to an inferno as each teams fans tried to “one up” each other.
“It’s all in good fun. We take nothing personal. We’re actually pretty good friends except for those couple of hours our teams are playing each other.” The Legend representative said, “When the clock hits zero, we’re all friends again.”
Criscione concurred. “I've gone to every away Freeze game last year, and out of the whole bunch, Canton fans are the best. The fans from Canton and Erie travel to each others away games. Even though there is a rivalry between the teams, it’s not in a bad sense. We are actually friends with each other. I always look forward to reuniting with my friends. Even if they support the "enemy".
The Freeze fan club is starting it’s third season, with Criscione at the helm, while the Legends “Leatherheads” are just starting up their club. “Joe is the first person I asked advice from when we decided we were going to do this. He and his club members have been very supportive of helping us get things rolling in Canton this year.”said Duff, president of the Leatherheads.
Among the events the Leatherheads are planning for 2007 is a road game bus trip, April 21 … to Erie.
And the rivalry continues …
The AIFA Fans message board is located at: AIFA Fans Message Boards
Monday, 05 February 2007
In 2005 when a Canton franchise in the Atlantic Indoor Football League was announced, Ron Duff became a season ticket holder. Shortly after that, the Erie Freeze joined the league and Joe Criscione, Jr jumped on their band wagon. This was the beginnings of an interstate, indoor football rivalry.
Like most football rivalries, location and a back and forth games define it. The first season, Erie came to Canton undefeated and clearly one of the elite teams in the league. The Legends were struggling and still trying to find their way in the indoor football world. Canton won that game, their first win and Erie’s only loss that season as they went on to the league’s championship game.
“That was a big night in Legends history.” said Duff. “The first win and the Freeze were not happy they lost that game. That’s where the rivalry began.” Legends fans traveled to Erie for the regular season finale with the Freeze and for the playoff game, both of which Erie took.
“I think the rivalry started on the old AIFL messageboard being that most of the main dedicated fans back then, and now, are from each prospective team.” Said Criscione. “The best part of the rivalry is the week leading into the game. Smack talk, sign in names being changed to pick on the other team, etc. Canton week is the best.”
“I have to agree about the message boards, that week of Canton/Erie, we owned those boards and no one was cutting in on our action.” added Duff.
Last year, the rivalry became more intense when Canton picked up a few players off the Erie roster. It was like adding fuel to an inferno as each teams fans tried to “one up” each other.
“It’s all in good fun. We take nothing personal. We’re actually pretty good friends except for those couple of hours our teams are playing each other.” The Legend representative said, “When the clock hits zero, we’re all friends again.”
Criscione concurred. “I've gone to every away Freeze game last year, and out of the whole bunch, Canton fans are the best. The fans from Canton and Erie travel to each others away games. Even though there is a rivalry between the teams, it’s not in a bad sense. We are actually friends with each other. I always look forward to reuniting with my friends. Even if they support the "enemy".
The Freeze fan club is starting it’s third season, with Criscione at the helm, while the Legends “Leatherheads” are just starting up their club. “Joe is the first person I asked advice from when we decided we were going to do this. He and his club members have been very supportive of helping us get things rolling in Canton this year.”said Duff, president of the Leatherheads.
Among the events the Leatherheads are planning for 2007 is a road game bus trip, April 21 … to Erie.
And the rivalry continues …
The AIFA Fans message board is located at: AIFA Fans Message Boards
