The GFL is entering it's 4th year as an independant league and it has enjoyed great success with each passing year. In 2007, the league was born with 8 teams and a spastic, yet thrilling opening schedule. The league was founded by the Kenosha Storm, along with otherlong standing teams such as the Kenosha Cougars, Raine Heat, Lake Shore Lynx and Lake County Cowboys. Other teams were the now defunct Punishers and Rage) That season lasted 7-8 months and resulted in Playoffs and a Championship that were played in a single weekend. Some think that this format cost the Lynx a thier first championship, as the Cougars beat the Lynx to take the league first crown.The 2008 season was a bit more organized and driven, as the league began to take off in earnest. The Rage were no longer a part of the league, but two teams did join, the Renegades and the Nighthawks. The Nighthawks would not last the season, and the Punishers folded during the year as well. Either way the 9 game season went off well, again with a 4 team playoff that pitted the Lynx against the Heat. This time, the Lynx would prevail and achieve an unbeaten season. A dominant streak was born.The 2009 season is when the GFL hit it's stride, adding 4 more teams (Rage, Gladiators, Gators and Mustangs) and have a true 10 team league. The 10 game regular season stayed interesting all the way to the end (Including a final week playoff push) that lent the league a little air of capability. For the first time an expansion team (2: Rage, Gladiators) made the playoffs and the Playoffs consisted of 6 teams: The Lynx (9-1), Rage (8-2), Cowboys (7-2-1), Cougars (6-4), Heat (6-4) and Gladiators (4-6). The Lynx battled the Cowboys this time for the title, winning 35-20 and becoming the leagues first two time champion.After the 2009 season, a multitude of changes took place. The Storm (3-7) changed thier name to the Sabers. The Mustangs (3-7) changes thier name to the Nighthawks. The Gators (4-6) went from West Allis to Milwaukee. The Renegades (0-10) decided to leave the league, finishing off a two season record of 2-17. The GFl for about a month stood at 9 teams, Every single founding team, and every single expansion team from 2009 were still around. A new breed of teams then came into the league this October: The Phoenix, the Scorpions, The Warriors, The Premier and a team from DeKalb.Some wrinkles this league has that people are not familiar with is the leagues stand against most special teams. There are no kickoffs and no punts. Also, the season is played during the Summer as opposed to competing vs. the proffessional and college leagues. Another unique factor is the 8 on 8 format on a traditional field. Surprisingly last season could be considered a pretty defensive season (despite the Lynx scoring 70+ points, twice). This next season will feature 14 teams, 8 team playoffs and an earlier starting time in the calendar year (May 14th). Expect a unique and high quality brand of football when you come out for a game this year, as the Phoenix look to make an impact in this growing and exciting league.