Northern Kentucky Football Enterprise, Inc. is very happy and honored to announce that we have received permission to appoint Cedar Valley Phantoms Offensive Coordinator Hank Marshall as, officially, the first head coach in the history of the Highlands Men O' War!
"During the OIFL winter meetings, I approached Matt Patten, the Phantoms owner. about Hank... about how great he led Cedar Valley's offense in OIF2. When the idea came up that he is head coaching material, he gave me permission to speak to him. I would like to thank Matt for allowing me to have such a great teacher to build a great 2009 team like what we hope will be Highlands! I want to assure Matt that I will take good care of him." remarked Highlands owner Robert Johnson.
"I am confident that Hank will allow this team to thrive and the fans to understand that, right out of the gate, we mean serious business in OIF2."
Vernon Pruneda has been offered, and has accepted, the position of Defensive Coordinator of the Toronto Red Bulls of the United Internet Football League, a team owned by Highlands Men O' War owner Robert Johnson. Pruneda has resigned the position of Highlands head coach, effective immediately. Mr. Johnson confirmed the news this morning, January 2.
The search for the Men O' War's new head coach will begin immediately, and it will be expected to last several weeks.
OIF2 commissioner Brendan Duffy today announced the 2009 OIF2 format and division alignment, just as Highlands Men O' War is beginning to begin their preparations for the 2009 season:
EASTERN DIVISION: Highlands Men O' War, Carroll County Cannons, Philadelphia Colonals and Richmond Bandits
WESTERN DIVISION: San Diego Sailors, Washington Commandos, Bismark Battleship and Sacramento Grizzlies
In OIF2 in 2009, Men O War FC will play home-and-home matchups against the three divisional foes, while playing one game apiece against the teams in the other division, for a total of ten games. FC will also play a home exhibition game to be determined, meaning you need to get ready for six games of exciting OIF2 action!
The new format for the 2009 season is a "Drafting" format. Instead of the OIFL giving OIF2 the players that do not get drafted to the OIFL, OIF2 teams will select from the OIFL draft class of the next season. Whether or not the players will be paid for their OIF2 services is still in question. A lottery will be held later to determine the order of the snaking draft.