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Gulf Coast Riptide

38 bytes added, 13:03, 9 July 2009
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'''2002 Season:'''
The 2002 season began under a heavy cloud of doubt. After an awesome 8-1 -0 inaugural season but after bad management, the Power was given a new life. Bolstered by new ownership and confidence, the Power prepared for the 2002 season. With about 25 returning veterans the Power had a solid core to build on. The NWFA had added another 10 teams to the league and had recreated itself into five conferences. The Power found itself in the new Gulf Coast Division with teams from Biloxi, Panama City and New Orleans. The Power was quick to use its experience and power to dominate divisional opponents and wrapped up its’ second consecutive undefeated season and divisional title. They outscored their opponents 421-19. They had the #1 rated offense and the #2 rated defense in the league. The Power defeated the Alabama Renegades 12-8 in the first round of the playoffs but fell to the eventual National Champion, the Detroit Danger by a score of 14-7. The Power has amassed a 17-2 (.894 winning percentage) record over the last two years.
Unlike the 2001 season the 2002 season was a success on and off the field. With new management and solid financial controls the Power ended the year with zero debt and the ability to start the 2003 season with a small balance in the bank.
'''2003 Season:'''
Head Coach Tim Smart - who is a retired Air Force Officer currently coaching the 2006 champions (the D.C. Divas) receives orders and is unable to complete the season. The Power warms up with a home pre-season game against the Nashville Dream, winning 37-12. Coach Smart takes the Power to a regular season 7-0-0 record before he has to pack up. Coach Mike Thomas (defensive coordinator) takes over as head coach and the transition is smooth. Coach Thomas' first official game as head coach is a victory and seals up an incredible record of 8-0 for the season outscoring opponents 480-10. The Power is now undefeated in regular season play for the third consecutive year.
Entering the playoffs with an official Bye and home field advantage, the Power is ranked No. 1. The first match-up was against the Alabama Renegades. With a victory of 32-12, the Power advanced to play Oklahoma City Lightning. Again, the Power was successful with a victory of 26-14 and went on to the Championship in Nashville TN. Although the Power played a head to head game at Vanderbilt against the Detroit Demolition, Detroit made wise use of the clock and went on to win the Championship Title with a score of 28-21. The Power holds a record of 10-1 for the 2003 Season and are the reigning Gulf Coast Division Champions and Southern Conference Champions. For the 2003 season, the Power were rated #1 Defense and #2 Offense in the NWFA according to Massy Ratings. The franchise record stands at 27-3 (.894), not including pre-season scrimmages. The National Title has so far managed to slip out of their grasp, but the Power has without a doubt established themselves as a national contender.
'''2005 season:'''
This time, riding another 8-0-0 season, the Power beat OKC in overtime earning a third appearance at the Championships. They traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to play the Detroit Demolition for the NWFA Championship but they were literally out of their league as the were overpowered by a painful 74-0 loss.
'''2006 Season:'''
Limping home after their loss, the Power never quite recovered and suffered their first regular season loss in the francise history to the Austin Outlaws. They ended the 2006 season 6-2 -0 but still captured their Southeast Division Title. The Power were beaten by the Columbus Comets in the 2nd round of playoffs to end their 2006 season.
'''2007 Season:'''
Despite capturing a 7-1 -0 record and another Southeast Division Title, the Power were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Columbus Comets once again.
'''2008 Season:''' Once again, the Power finished 6-2 -0 and won the Southeast Division championship. Likewise, the Power were eliminated in the first round, losing 6-0 to the Kentucky Karma.
'''2009 Season:''' For the 2009 season, the Power moved to the WFA and changed their name to the Gulf Coast Riptide because of naming issues with the former team owner Roy Jones, Jr. The team was placed in the American Conference Southeast Division along with Memphis, New Orleans, Emerald Coast and Jacksonville. Despite another well-played season and another 6-2 -0 record, for the first time in franchise history, the Riptide missed the playoffs. This is because of the WFA's new playoff system which did not allow for any wildcards Wildcard teams from the American Coference Conference and because of the Riptide's two head-to-head losses to the Jacksonville Dixie Blues. The team finished fifth 5th in the league with 38.3 points a game, and 12th in defense with 18.9 points allowed per game. Quarterback Ella Williams finished 11th in the league with 36 completions of 63 attempts, 516 yards and 14 TDs with only two interceptions. Running back Lakeisha Johnson ended the season fifth 5th in th league with 1,023 yards on 108 carries, and 13 TDs. Dominique Jones landed 9th in the league in receiving with 17 receptions for 247 yards and 6 TDs with a 14.5 yards average per catch. Audrey Kidd tied for 9th in sacks with four while Jamie Freeman tied for 4th in interceptions with four.
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