(Tupelo, MS) How do you become the leading kicker in the American Indoor Football Association? Well, the Mississippi MudCats’ kicker, Trey Crum, will give all of his success to God and his childhood soccer career.

Trey is a Mississippi Native; he attended Terry High School in Jackson. He started playing soccer when he was 4 years old and started playing select soccer when he
was 11 for 5 years. When he was a Junior in High School he set a record for the most goals scored in a season. He attended Hinds Community College for 2 years, where
he was an All State Selection and went on to Delta State University to play football as
a kicker and had 2 All American Seasons. His Conference Records include most points in a game and the most field goals in a game; at Delta State he still holds the record for most points scored in a season, where he had 111 Points in 11 games!

Trey now lives in Tupelo with his wife of 2 ½ years, Rachael and attends Good News Church in Tupelo. He was also a Youth Pastor for a year and has been very involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 4 years.

Trey has consistently been an accurate kicker for the MudCats 2008 season and has
produced 10 UNO Kicks, which is when the kicker kicks through the uprights on his kickoff and the team receives 1 point. He has completed 40 of 48 Extra Points, which
is 83% and completed 7 of his 14 Field Goal Kicks, with some of his kicks being 53 yards long. He is also the number 2 point scorer for the MudCats with 71 points in 6 games.

“He is the top kicker in the AIFA league,” said Defensive Coordinator / Assistant Head Coach Gary Patterson, “Trey has an Arena 1 leg on him and will be a success playing at the next level without any problem.”

Updated information on the MudCats can be found at www.mississippimudcats.com.
For tickets, call the Arena Box Office at 662-841-6528.

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the AIFA continued their undefeated season this past Saturday night, when they beat the Florence Phantoms 40 to 39 at the BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo.
Trey Crum, the MudCats kicker, pulled out the winning field goal kick with 4 seconds left in the game. He made 4 of his 5 extra point kicks and provided 2 field goal kicks, including the winning kick for a total of 10 points in the game. He continues to be the number 2 scorer for the MudCats with 81 points.
Wide receiver Darryl Carter continues to lead the MudCats as their number 1 scorer. He produced 2 touchdown passes from Tommy Jones for a total of 12 points, bringing his season total to 108 points scored this season.
Veteran QB Tommy Jones passed for 3 touchdowns, bringing his season total to 39 touchdown passes and ran 1 touchdown in Saturday night’s game.
Maurice Avery and Josh Smith, two all purpose players, also had 1 touchdown each against the Phantoms. Avery returned a missed field goal in the 3rd quarter to the 2 yard line and then connected with Jones for a 5 yard touchdown pass in the end zone for his touchdown. Smith recovered a MudCats fumble close to the end of the 4th quarter for his touchdown, which put the MudCats in the lead at 37 to 36 with only minutes left in the game.
Head Coach Brian Brents had said prior to the game, “That this could be the best team that the MudCats have faced so for this season,” and it was. However, the MudCats continued to be consistent with their game plan and just never gave up.
The defense produced 3 sacks against the Phantoms in which Jason Clark and Naton Stewart were the main defenders. Tackles were led by Sam Smith, Jason Clark and Eric Bingham.
The MudCats will travel this coming weekend to Columbus, GA to face the Columbus Lions on Friday night, May 9th at the Columbus Civic Center. The Lions are looking to defeat the Mississippi MudCats as they both vie for the #1 position in their division. Updated information on the MudCats can be found at www.mississippimudcats.com.

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the AIFA continue their undefeated season with 6 wins this season. The MudCats are pleased to have such great local talent to choose from here in Northeast Mississippi.
Travis Johnson, a Shannon, MS native, is a returning Defensive Back for the MudCats and is well known in Northeast Mississippi. Johnson was a
Super Prep All American when he was at Shannon High School and played collegiate football at the University of Mississippi, where he was a 1st Team
SEC selection from 2002 to 2005. Johnson, who is also a returning starter for
the MudCats, had 8 interceptions and 43 tackles last season. This is his second season playing with the Mississippi MudCats
and so far, he is staying consistent with how he played last year. He
has played 5 of the 6 games this season and has had 4 interception returns for 70 yards. He has also been involved with 17 tackles, 13 of which were unassisted.

"Travis is an impact player on Defense" said Co-Offensive Coordinator/ Player Personnel Coach, Kirk Brossard, "It is great to bring back some experience in
the Defensive Back Field, I believe this is one of the keys to the success of Arena Football and Travis provides the veteran leadership and experience needed."

“I love being here close to my family, so that they can come and see me play,” said Johnson when asked about playing close to home. He added that, “I played with a lot of these same players last year and they are some great guys,” closing with, “this year we want our ring.”

The MudCats will host the Florence Phantoms from Florence, SC on May 3rd at the BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo. Updated information on the MudCats can be found at www.mississippimudcats.com. For tickets, call the Arena Box Office at 662-841-6528.

“We’re anxious to see who shows up on their roster,” said Head Coach Brian Brents, adding that “we’ve heard that they have picked up a few players from some other teams and if this is so, with their combined efforts, this could be one of the best teams that we’ve face all year.” Coach Brents also added, “We’re just keeping our focus, having good practices and going to take care of business, just like we’ve been doing.”

The Mississippi MudCats are undefeated for the 2008 season and have proven that their team can work together on offense and defense to get the job done. They have also produced several AIFA leaders, with players like Tommy Jones, Darryl Carter and Trey Crum setting league records for the AIFA.

The MudCats are offering special ticket prices of $5.00 each for select seating in conjunction with Blue Suede Cruise for the May 3rd game. The MudCats Dancers
will be available at Blue Suede Cruise on Friday night and Saturday morning selling tickets. The special priced tickets will also be available at the arena box office, 662.841.6528.

The doors open to the arena at 6PM with the pre game activities beginning at 6:30PM.
This week’s halftime entertainment will be provided by the MudCats Dancers, Way of Life Worship drama group and the South Pontotoc Dance Team. Updated information on the MudCats can be found at www.mississippimudcats.com.

BALTIMORE -The Mississippi MudCats headed home late Saturday after a 63-47 win against the Baltimore Mariners improved their record to 4-0.

"Any time we can take a long road trip, get the win and nobody gets hurt, then we're happy," said head coach Brian Brents. "We've had two long bus trips the last two weeks and we're ready to get off the road."

Tommy Jones threw six touchdown passes, three each to Darryl Carter and Maurice Avery, and ran for another. Rico McDonald added a pair of rushing TDs.

The MudCats led 28-12 at halftime. "Our defense had a little bit of an off night, but they made some stops and we just kept scoring," Brents said.

The MudCats open a three-game homestand on Saturday night against the Carolina Speed.

Tommy “Machine Gun” Jones, quarterback for the Mississippi MudCats (AIFA) has been named the www.IndoorFootballFan.com Offensive Player of the Week.

Jones was 19-30 passing for 208 yards and 7 touchdowns while leading the MudCats to an 82-34 rout of the Fayetteville Guard. The tone of the game was set early on by Jones who started the game with two touchdown tosses in two attempts.

The MudCats play host to the 0-2 Florida Stingrays on Saturday.

###

For more information about IndoorFootballFan.com please contact Jeremy Poore at jeremy.poore@indoorfootballfan.com

TUPELO - A few days before the Mississippi MudCats' season opener, head coach Brian Brents was talking about the role of defense in the indoor football game.

"If we can get one defensive stop a quarter, or maybe five stops for the whole game, then our offense should put us in a position to win," Brents said.

Saturday night, Brents' team had six stops in the Fayetteville Guard's first six possessions. At that point, the MudCats led 39-0 on the way to an 82-34 victory.

The paying crowd of 2,442 - more about that a little later - was treated to a big win, certainly, but it was also a lot of fun.

I was in the house for last year's 80-20 win against Baltimore and just remember wishing it would hurry up and end. This was way better.

Flipping through my notebook, I come up with these highlights from Saturday night:

- Tommy Jones started the game with two touchdowns on his first two completions - including a beautiful throw to Darryl Carter for a 46-yard TD that made it 13-0.

- The one moment I wish I could could go back and watch again on YouTube - Carter's diving, one-handed back-of-the-end-zone catch of a 4-yard Jones pass that made it 31-0.

- An end zone deflection by defensive back Ben Wicher that wound up in the hands of teammate Jonathan George, who then returned the interception 51 yards for a TD to make it 39-0.

- William Stewart - all 305 pounds of him - doing cartwheels on the field after the home team pushed their lead to 52-8 on Jones' sixth TD pass - his third of the night to ICC product Lemans Casimier.

- Kicker Trey Crum making a score-saving tackle after a snap got away from him and wound up in the hands of a Fayetteville player. A good tackle, too, not one of those reluctant-kicker tackles you sometimes see on NFL Sundays.

- Three safeties for the aggressive MudCats defense, set up in part when Crum's three one-point kickoffs put the ball on the Fayetteville 5.

- A handful of great kickoff returns by Josh Smith, who was just ... this ... close to busting at least one of them for a TD. On one return, he put his team in business just 4 yards from the paydirt.

- Backup QB Omarr Connor, formerly of Mississippi State, scoring the night's last TD on an option play after a pretty rough introduction to the indoor game on his first series of the night.

That's at least eight solid football highlights right there. If you were sitting in the $7 seats, by my math, that would be about 88 cents a highlight - cheaper than ITunes.

And, after the game was over, the MudCats eagerly greeted their fans and signed autographs for free.

Honest numbers
While the game was still rolling along, general manager Brooks Ayers delivered to me the head count referred to earlier. Unlike some of last year's attendance figures concocted by the former ownership, it had some grounding in reality - it was based on actual tickets sold and real bottoms that could be seen in the BCS Arena seats.

As Brents said about the game itself, 2,442 is a good start for the team's second year, but with plenty of room for improvement.

And some of that improvement could come when the 2,442 who were there deliver this message to all those who weren't:

You shoulda seen it. John L. Pitts (john.pitts@djournal.com) is sports editor of the Daily Journal. Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 3/24/2008, section C , page 4

Click above for newspaper article

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association and their Little League Sponsor, the Mississippi National Guard are pleased to announce the season kick off for the inaugural 2008 Mississippi MudCats Little League Football Teams.

The Next Generation of Football has finally arrived with the Mississippi MudCats Little League Season kicking off on March 29th. The Little League Teams are comprised from six cities in the Northeast Mississippi region and will be for boy’s ages 11 and 12 years old. The Little League Teams will play prior to five of the Mississippi MudCats home games and are named after AIFA football teams. The cities that have Little League Teams are Tupelo, Saltillo, Booneville, Ripley, Fulton and Aberdeen.

The schedule for their upcoming season opener for the 29th is as follows; the Tupelo Guard will play the Aberdeen Lions at 8:30AM followed by the Ripley Colts playing the Saltillo Speed at 9:45AM and the final game at 11:00AM will be the Fulton Stingrays playing the Booneville MudCats.

The Mississippi MudCats General Manager, Mr. Brooks Ayers said, “This is a great cross section of youth from the North Region of the State of Mississippi and we are excited for the communities and the kids.” Head Coach Brian Brents noted his excitement as well and said that, “It’s a great opportunity for the coaches and the kids are truly excited about playing football on the same field as the MudCats”.

The MudCats prepare for their upcoming game against the Florida Stingrays from Fort Meyers, FA at home on March 29th, with pre game activities starting at 4PM. The doors open to the arena at 6PM with kickoff at 7PM. They will also be introducing 2 of their Little League Teams, the Tupelo Guard and the Aberdeen Lions.

Updated information on the MudCats can be found at www.mississippimudcats.com.
For tickets, call the Arena Box Office at 662-841-6528.

The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced
an upcoming Cheer and Dance Camp with the MudCats Dancers! The camp is for children ages 5 to 12 years old and will be held on Saturday April 5, 2008 at the BancorpSouth Conference Center. The camp will include stretching, kicks, jumps, cheers, chants and dance routines and all participants will have the opportunity to perform with the MudCats Dancers at halftime at the MudCats home game against
the Carolina Speed on April 19th.

Camp Itinerary:

9am Stretching, Kicks, Jumps

10am Cheers and Chants

11am-11:45am Lunch (we provide)

12pm-1pm Dances

A $40.00 pre-registration fee is required with an additional $10.00 for registering the morning of the camp. Participants will receive a t-shirt, signed poster of the dancers, and the opportunity to perform at halftime of the April 19th Mississippi MudCats home game! For more information, please contact Lea Waide at lea@mississippimudcats.

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association are
pleased to announce that “MudCat Mania” is back in action with their 2008 at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22.

“Training camp has been good, we have a lot of returning starters from the 2007 team who are huge assets and we’ve recruited some key players with great talent for the 2008 team,” said Head Coach Brian Brents, adding that “We are making sure that we’re prepared as a team and that we’re all on the same page for this season.”

The Mississippi MudCats had a great first season in 2007 and were 12 – 4 making it into the playoffs and producing 6 AIFA All Star Players for the 2007 AIFA All Star Team, as well as all of the coaches were selected to coach the 2007 AIFA All Star Team. The MudCats were also undefeated in 2007 on their home turf at the BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo.

In addition to returning Head Coach, Brian Brents, Player Personnel Coach/Co- Offensive Coordinator Kirk Broussard, and Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator Gary Patterson, they’ve added Coach William McCarthy, as Offensive Line/ Defensive Line and Special Teams Coordinator and Coach Chris Shoup, as Defensive Backs coach and Co-Special Teams Coordinator.
The MudCats face the Fayetteville Guard for their at home season opener. The Guard joined the AIFA league this year, coming from the NIFL were they made the NIFL playoffs in all three years of its existence, advancing to the league's Indoor Bowl in 2006 and winning the Indoor Football Championship Bowl in 2007. The Guard hasn't lost a home game since 2005.
The Guard is not only in a new league, but they also have a new coach, first year Head Coach Reggie Pinkney, who said, “Coming into this season our defense was our strong point, with a few returning players from last years undefeated team, and we really need to focus on the offensive side of the ball.” The Guard hosted the Beaufort Bronco’s on March the 9th for an exhibition game, winning 50 – 6.
Coach Brents said, “Fayetteville is a great organization, they handle themselves well on and off of the field and even with the new coaching staff, they will be prepared,” adding that, “the MudCats will also be prepared to meet the Guard and we will play all 4 quarters, so get ready for an exciting season of hard-hitting, fast-action football.”
The MudCats prepare for their season opener at home with pre game activities starting at 4PM with food, fun and games for the children, appearances by the MudCats Dancers and the band Groove Skillet. The doors open to the arena at 6PM with kickoff at 7PM. Halftime entertainment will be provided by Miss Mississippi Kimberly Morgan, the MudCat Dancers, Elite Gymnastics, and the Unifest Choir. They will also be introducing 2 of their Little League Teams, the Ripley Colts and the Saltillo Speed.

Updated information on the MudCats can be found at mississippimudcats.com. For tickets, call the Arena Box Office at 662-841-6528.

(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced that they have re-signed Veteran Wide Receiver and Mississippi native Darryl Carter for the upcoming 2008 season.

Carter (6’3"-220) a Laurel, MS native, is preparing for his fifth season of indoor pro football and his second season with the Mississippi MudCats. Carter is a returning team captain who had 31 touchdown receptions for the MudCats in 2007 and has
twice been an Indoor Pro Football All Star and is currently ranked 5th in the AIFA.
Before playing with the Mississippi MudCats, he played with the Tupelo Fireants.

He played collegiate football at the University of Louisiana Monroe and high school football at Northeast Jones High School and was selected as a Mississippi High School Dandy Dozen. Darryl lives in Tupelo and is employed by the Tupelo Public School District.

“Darryl is a coach on and off the field and a true team player,” said Head Coach Brian Brents, “and he is a fan favorite here in Tupelo being a coach at Tupelo High School.”

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For more information on season tickets please visit www.mississippimudcats.com or call (662) 841-6528.

(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced that Wide Receiver / Special Teams Atlanta, GA native Maurice Avery has signed with the team for the upcoming 2008 season.

Avery (6’1"-210) played for the Odessa Roughnecks of the IFL in 2007, where he played in all 14 games and was the lead scorer for his team with 18 touchdown receptions for 879 yards and 7 touchdown kick returns on special teams for 1,590 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns, amassing a total of 2,469 yards and 29 touchdowns. He was the #1 Special Teams Leader for the IFL in 2007 in kick return yards and return touchdowns.

He played collegiate football at the University of Memphis where he had a successful college career as a receiver. As a senior, he was forced to play quarterback due to team circumstances and he completed 56.8% of his throws, passing for 894 yards and added 707 yards carrying the ball for a total of over 1,600 yards. He was also an All Conference Selection for the Conference USA.

Avery played High School football at McNair High school and was one of the most highly rated quarterbacks in the Southeast in 2001. He was twice named the Offensive Player of the Year in DeKalb County and an All-DeKalb County selection as a senior, as well as a 4-A All State Selection in 2001.

“We are expecting big things out of Maurice this year,” said Head Coach Brian Brents. “We are looking for him to take our kick return game and special teams to a new level.”

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For more information on season tickets please visit www.mississippimudcats.com or call (662) 841-6528.

(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced their first ever Inter-Squad Scrimmage Game.

The Mississippi MudCats will host their inter-squad “Green and Gold” scrimmage game at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School on Friday,
March the 7th, at 6:30 PM. This event will be open to the public with a
$5.00 admission charge and everyone will be able to “Meet the 2008
MudCats Team” for the first time this season.

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their upcoming at home season
opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008.
For more information on season tickets for the upcoming 2008 season with the Mississippi MudCats, visit the MudCat website at www.mississippimudcats.com
or please call (662) 842-7448.

(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced the re-signing of the teams leading Receiver, Josh Smith for the upcoming
2008 season.

Josh Smith (6’-185) a Lakeland, FL native, is the returning lead Wide Receiver for the MudCats. Smith played collegiate football at Boise State University for two years, where he amassed 70 receptions, 1,400 yards and 7 touchdowns during his collegiate career. While playing with the MudCats in 2007, he hauled in an AIFA league record for the #1 Receiver in the League with 96 receptions, over 1,350 yards and 47 touchdowns in only 15 games. He was also voted to the 2007 AIFA All Star Team last season. This will be his second season with the Mississippi MudCats.

Co-Offensive Coordinator / Player Personnel Coach, Kirk Brossard said, “It is great
to have such a tremendous athlete returning to our team, Josh posted some great numbers last season and is without a doubt one of our top prospects to play at the
next level.”

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their upcoming at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For more information on season tickets for the upcoming 2008 season with the Mississippi MudCats, visit the MudCat website at www.mississippimudcats.com or please call
(662) 842-7448.

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced the signing of Defensive Lineman Cory Groover for their upcoming 2008 season.

Groover (6’3” – 305) a Johnsonville, SC native played collegiate ball at Clemson University where he had a huge impact on their defensive line. He is a 3 year Indoor Arena Football Pro Player and a 2007 AIFA All Star Selection who had 4 sacks in the 2007 All Star Game. In 2005, he was a projected 5th round NFL Draft Selection before he was victim to a shooting mishap from which he has had a dynamic comeback.
Groover played junior college football at Southwest Mississippi Community College where he was a top 100 Juco Player and ranked 11th best Juco Defensive Tackle in the Nation by College Football News. While playing high school ball at Hannah-Pamplico High School in South Carolina, we was selected as the Defensive MVP of the 2001 Shrine Bowl and a Super Prep All- American. In 2001, Groover was the South Carolina Sports Report Defensive Player of the Year and USA Today’s preseason All American Player as a senior in high school.

Co-Offensive Coordinator / Player Personnel Coach, Kirk Brossard said, “Cory adds a big athletic body to our defensive line and he also brings experience,” Brossard also noted, “I think we are lucky to have him, because he is an NFL caliber defensive lineman.”

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their upcoming at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For more information on season tickets for the upcoming 2008 season with the Mississippi MudCats, visit the MudCat website at www.mississippimudcats.com or please call (662) 842-7448.

If you notice some unusually large, athletic looking men around town over the next few weeks, do not be alarmed.
It’s only the Mississippi Mudcats.
The American Indoor Football Association team based out of Tupelo announced Tuesday that it would conducting it’s spring training camp will be conducted here in West Point.

“We think this is a great opportunity, even though it’s not for a long period of time, for our community to get to know these players and get to know more about the team,” said West Point mayor Scott Ross. “It’s a short 45 minute drive to see them play during the regular season. I went last year and had a great time. It’s a super atmosphere . I think this is just a win-win situation for hopefully the Mudcats and certainly for the city, our high schools and our young athletes here.”
The Mudcats will split their practice time between West Point High School and Oak Hill Academy.
“What an exciting day for the City of West Point and West Point High School Football,” said West Point head coach Chris Chambless. “I’m proud to welcome Coach (Brian) Brents and the Mudcats to use our facilities. I want to encourage the players to interact with our kids. They need that because they look up to players at different levels because that’s where they want to be some day.”
Oak Hill assistant coach and former Super Bowl champion Tom Goode also thinks this experience could make an impact for not only his players but the Mudcats as well.
“I know that this could make a difference in some of these young people’s lives,” Goode said. “We’re glad to have them here and hope that we can have some kind of influence on their lives.”
The Mudcats are owned by West Point native and Tupelo attorney Jim Waide and went 12-4 this past season and earned a birth in the AIFA Playoffs.
“We’re very excited to start this year’s training camp off here in West Point, Mississippi,” Brents said. “I really think this is a big turning point in Northeast Mississippi knowing that it’s not just Tupelo’s team but it’s Northeast Mississippi’s team. We’re playing for all you guys and we’re very excited for you to take us in here in West Point and I think this is going to be a great thing. I can’t wait to get this started and be here for the next three weeks.”
The team is comprised of 34 players entering spring camp from across the country. The roster will be slimmed down to 25 before the season starts on March 22.
There are several local players on the roster including defensive back Travis Johnson of Ole Miss, defensive end-linebacker Jason Clark, fullback Bryson Davis, wide receiver-quarterback Omarr Conner of Mississippi State, quarterback Aries Nelson of Mississippi Valley State and West Point’s own defensive lineman Tim Love.
“We’ve got a lot of local talent,” Brents said. “I was very impressed coming to Mississippi from Texas and Florida. I never in my wildest dreams thought that we would come down here and be able to see as many hometown athletes as Mississippi has. We’re very fortunate and blessed to have those guys this year.”
The team will be housed at Mary Holmes College courtesy of former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Vernon Studdard, who intends to turn the facility into a drug rehabilitation center in the near future.

(Tupelo) - The Mississippi MudCats Announce a Press Conference for Tuesday,
February 26th at 2PM at the West Point City Hall in West Point.

The Press Conference will include an announcement of a joint project to promote
Football and Bringing a Community Together between the MudCats, the City of West Point,
West Point School District and Oak Hill Academy.

There will also be several of the 2008 Mississippi MudCat players at this Press Conference.

(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced that they have re-signed their veteran quarterback for the upcoming 2008 season.

Tommy Jones (6’5” - 245) an Eaton, Ohio native; is a returning Quarterback for the MudCats. Jones played 5 years of collegiate football at the University of Indiana; when he went to Indiana, he was rated as one of the top players in the country, fresh off a season in which he threw for 18 touchdowns and ran for 10, leading Eaton high School to a 9 – 1 record his senior year. Jones then went to training camp in 2003 with the Cincinnati Bengal’s and also played five games in 2005 with the Calvary Stampede of the Canadian Football League. In 2006 Jones was a starter for the IFL Champions, the Odessa Roughnecks and completed 65% of his passes and threw for 100 touchdowns, which was a league record in 2006. He then came to the MudCats in 2007 as starting quarterback and threw for 16 games, where he completed 63% of his passes, threw 102 touchdowns, setting a league record with the AIFA and he rushed for 12 touchdowns. Jones was voted to the AIFA All Star Team in 2007 and this will be his second season with the Mississippi MudCats.

Defensive Coordinator Gary Patterson said, “Tommy is just one those guys; he’s
one of the best quarterbacks that I’ve ever seen and he has consistently passed for over 100 touchdowns per year for the past two years, we’re glad to have him back.”

The Mississippi MudCats will have their first ever inter-squad “Green and Gold” scrimmage game at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School on March the 7th, at
6:30 PM. This event will be open to the public with a $5.00 admission charge and everyone will be able to “Meet the 2008 MudCats Team” for the first time this season. The MudCats are also preparing for their at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For season tickets or sponsorship availabilities with the MudCats for the upcoming season please call (662) 842-7448 or visit their website at www.mississippimudcats.com.

(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced that two of their veteran leaders and Mississippi natives are returning for the upcoming 2008 season.

Rico McDonald (5’10”- 210) a Ripley, MS native; is a returning Running Back, Wide Receiver and Defensive Back for the MudCats. McDonald was a former 1st Team
All State Player for Mississippi when he played at Ripley High School. McDonald played collegiate football at Delta State University where he amassed 5,500 yards and 54 touchdowns and is the all time leading rusher in the history of Delta State Football. He is a three year veteran with Arena Football and is a Coach and Teacher at Ripley High School. This will be his second season with the Mississippi MudCats.

Co-Offensive Coordinator / Player Personnel Coach, Kirk Brossard said, “Rico is an all purpose player that we can line up on either side of the ball and he immediately stands out, we are extremely excited to have him back.”

When Rico was asked about playing again with the MudCats, he said, “I feel really good about coming back with the core of guys that we have from last years 12 – 4 team, I think that we have a shot at winning it all and I’m excited about getting another opportunity to play with the guys, and to work with the MudCat staff and organization.” He also noted that “this could be the year for the City of Tupelo and the Mississippi Mudcats.”

Travis Johnson (6’ 1” – 190) a Shannon, MS native; is a returning Defensive Back for the MudCats. Johnson was a former Super Prep All American when he was at Shannon High School and played collegiate football at the University of Mississippi, where he was a 1st Team SEC selection from 2002 to 2005. Johnson is a returning starter for the MudCats and had 8 interceptions and 43 tackles last season and currently lives in Tupelo. This will be his second season playing with the Mississippi MudCats. “Travis is an impact player on Defense” said Co-Offensive Coordinator/ Player Personnel Coach, Kirk Brossard, “It is great to bring back some experience in the Defensive Back Field, I believe this is one of the keys to the success of Arena Football and Travis provides the veteran leadership and experience needed.”

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association would like to congratulate Stacey Thomas, who was signed
by the MudCats for the upcoming season and then later drafted by the
All American Football League for the 2008 season.

Thomas (5’ 11’” – 200) Defensive Back and New Orleans, LA native has had an impressive College career with Texas Southern University and was the 2006 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. In 2007 he was signed by the Buffalo Bills of the NFL as a free agent and later in 2007 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had previously signed with the Mississippi MudCats for the upcoming 2008 season and was later drafted by Team Texas of the AAFL in Houston, TX.

Co-Offensive Coordinator / Player Personnel Coach, Kirk Brossard said, “We had expected Thomas to be an impact player for our Defensive Line and we are truly happy that he has the opportunity to play at the next level with Team Texas,” noting that he will be sorely missed.

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For information on season tickets or sponsorship opportunities with the MudCats, please call (662) 842-7448 or visit the MudCats website at www.mississippimudcats.com.

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association and their Little League Sponsor, the Mississippi National Guard are pleased to announce the cities, teams and coaches for the inaugural 2008 Mississippi MudCats Little League Football Teams.

The Little League teams are comprised from six cities in the Northeast Mississippi region and will be for boy’s ages 10 to 12 years old. The Little League Teams will play prior to five of the Mississippi MudCats home games and are named after AIFA football teams. The cities that will have teams are Tupelo, Saltillo, Booneville, Ripley, Fulton and Aberdeen. The team names and head coaches are as follows:
The Tupelo Guard will be coached by Michael Russell, The Saltillo Speed will be coached by Mickey Phillips, The Booneville MudCats will be coached by Chris Fulper, The Ripley Colts will be coached by Chris Kitchens, The Fulton Stringrays will be coached by Charles Moore and The Aberdeen Lions will be coached by Ricky Devauld.

The Mississippi MudCats General Manager, Mr. Brooks Ayers said, “This is a great cross section of youth from the North Region of the State of Mississippi and we are excited for the communities and the kids.” Head Coach Brian Brents noted his excitement as well and said that, “It’s a great opportunity for the coaches and the kids and that the kids are truly excited
about being able to play football on the same field as the MudCats.”

The Mississippi MudCats will have their first ever inter-squad “Green and Gold” scrimmage game at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School on March the 7th, at 6:30 PM. This event will be open to the public with a $5.00 admission charge and everyone will be able to “Meet the 2008 MudCats Team” for the first time this season. The MudCats are also preparing for their at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For season tickets or sponsorship availabilities with the MudCats for the upcoming season please call (662) 842-7448 or visit their website at www.mississippimudcats.com.

(Tupelo) - The Mississippi MudCats Announce a Press Conference
for Thursday, February 21st at 2PM at the MudCats Office at the
BancorpSouth Arena.

The Press Conference will include announcements of the re-signing of
three of their 2007 veteran players and fan favorites for the upcoming
2008 season and they will be announcing the six Northeast Mississippi
cities and their coaches that will be involved with the AIFA Little League
for the 2008 season as well.

(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced that two of their veteran leaders are retuning for the upcoming 2008 season.

William Stewart (6’-305) a Pontotoc, MS native; is a returning Offensive Lineman for the MudCats. Stewart played collegiate football at Mississippi Valley University, where he was a four year starter. He was also a 2007 AIFA All Star player last season while playing for the MudCats. He is an Offensive Line Coach for the current reigning State Champion South Panola High School Football Team. This will be his second season with the Mississippi MudCats.

Antonio Peoples (6’ 2” – 320) a Vicksburg, MS native; is a returning Defensive Lineman for the MudCats. Peoples played collegiate football at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and currently lives in Tupelo. This will be his second season playing with the Mississippi MudCats. “We are thrilled to have such a true
anchor on our Defensive Line,” said Head Coach Brian Brents.

Co-Offensive Coordinator / Player Personnel Coach, Kirk Brossard said, “We are extremely excited to re-sign both William and Antonio for our upcoming 2008 season, these two guys provided us with veteran leadership in the 2007 season.”

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their upcoming at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For more information on season tickets and sponsorship opportunities with the Mississippi MudCats for the upcoming 2008 season, please call (662) 842-7448 or visit the MudCat website at www.mississippimudcats.com

(Tupelo, MS) - The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announced that Full Back / Line Backer and Arkansas native Keith Turner has signed
with the team for the upcoming 2008 season.

Turner (6’4"-260) played collegiate football at the University of Arkansas. After a successful college career he had stints with the Tennessee Valley Vipers of AF2
and the Odessa Roughnecks of the IFL where he was a key part of the championship team in 2006. During that season Keith had 12 rushing touchdowns, as well as one
on special teams. Defensively, Keith had 6 sacks and 3 interceptions along with numerous batted passes from his Mac linebacker spot.

“Keith is a very talented player who will come in and be an immediate impact on this team both on and off the field,” said Defensive Coordinator Gary Patterson. “I have seen this kid perform at a high level and I am looking forward to seeing him in the green and gold.”

The Mississippi MudCats are preparing for their upcoming at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For more information on season tickets and sponsorship opportunities with the Mississippi MudCats for the upcoming 2008 season, please call (662) 842-7448 or visit the
MudCat website at www.mississippimudcats.com

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association
are pleased to announce that the Mississippi National Guard will be the Official Sponsor
of their inaugural 2008 Mississippi MudCats Little League Teams.

The MudCats Little League Teams will be comprised of six teams from six cities in the Northeast Mississippi Region and will be for boy’s ages 10 to 12 years old, which will play games prior to five of the Mississippi MudCats home games. More information on the cities involved with the Little League teams will be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks.

The MudCats are preparing their at home season opener against the Fayetteville Guard
from North Carolina on March 22, 2008. For season tickets or sponsorship availabilities
with the Mississippi MudCats for the upcoming season please call (662) 842-7448 or visit
the MudCats website at www.mississippimudcats.com.

(Tupelo, MS) The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association are proud to be the host Team for the AIFA Winter League Meeting here in Tupelo for a two
day event to kick off the 2008 Season. Those in attendance include the AIFA co-owners,
John Morris, who is the CEO and oversees Business Operations, Michael Mink who is the COO and oversees Football Operations and Jack Bowman the National Director. There is
also representation from all sixteen AIFA franchises.

The AIFA consists of sixteen teams that are divided into two conferences with the Eastern Conference including the Baltimore Mariners of Baltimore, MD; the Canton Legends from Canton, OH; the Pittsburg RiverRats from Erie, PA; the Reading Express from Reading, PA;
the Carolina Speed from Concord, NC; the Fayetteville Guard from Fayetteville, NC, the Florence Phantoms from Florence, SC; and the Huntington Heroes from Huntington, WV.
The Western Conference includes the Augusta Colts from Augusta, GA; the Columbus Lions from Columbus, GA; the Florida Stingrays from Fort Meyers, FA; the Mississippi MudCats from Tupelo, MS; the Arizona Adrenaline from Prescott Valley, AZ; the New Mexico Wildcats from Rio Rancho, NM; the Utah Saints from Riverton, UT; and the Wyoming Calvary from Casper, WY.

It is the Mission of the American Indoor Football Association to provide a vision and an environment that is necessary for independently owned companies and the League's teams to become successful in the operation of an Indoor style Football Organization. The League will provide a dynamic style of play so unique and exciting that fans and communities not only enjoy, but desire the sport in any and all geographic area of the United States.

In this endeavor, the American Indoor Football Association shall treat all associated organizations and teams fairly and equally, while fostering an environment of cooperation among all members of the Association.

The AIFA League kicks off the 2008 season on March the 7th with the Carolina Speed playing the Pittsburg RiverRats in Erie, PA.

“We are very excited about the upcoming season and we are still looking for some good local talent. I have coached in Texas and Florida and can honestly say that the Mississippi and Alabama area has some of the best talent around, and we are looking for that next local product that will represent our franchise here in Tupelo,” said Head Coach Brian Brents.

For more information on the tryouts, please contact Coach Brents or Coach Broussard at 662-842-1791.

January 16, 2008

The Mississippi MudCats will also be announcing the Corporate Sponsor for their 2008 Little League Teams and the cities that will be involved with the Little League, as well as more information on ages and coaches for the teams. There will also be an announcement about an upcoming Cheer Camp for girls that will be hosted by the MudCats’ Dancers.

The press conference will be held at 1:00 PM on January the 18th at the Bancorp South Arena in the west side of the Arena Concourse, please enter through the west side doors facing Commerce Street.

January 17, 2008

Bingham currently lives in Tupelo and is an Educator in the Tupelo Public School System and has a three year old son named Jackson.

Head coach Brian Brents said, “Eric was plagued by the injury bug last season and I’m excited
to get him back this season, because he’s one heck of a player.”

For information on season tickets and sponsorship opportunities with the Mississippi MudCats
for the upcoming 2008 season, please call (662) 842-7448 or visit the MudCat website at www.mississippimudcats.com

The MudCats have formed an alliance with the North Mississippi Boys and Girls Club, which is represented by Mr. Keno Mosley, Director of Operations and Mr. Kerry Chambers, the Athletic Director. As well as Mr. Andy Loden of Saltillo Park and Recreation and Mr. Roberts Cates, Booster Club President
of Tupelo Christian Preparatory School and the Executive Staff of the MudCats to form the Little League Arena Football Teams for North Mississippi.

Mr. Ayers said that he is truly excited to be involved with such a phenomenal experience for the youth in North Mississippi. We will be forming six Little League Teams, which will play prior to five of the MudCats home games. The six teams will include boys from all across North Mississippi; the tryouts dates will be forthcoming.

For information on season tickets or sponsorship opportunities with the Mississippi MudCats for the upcoming 2008 season, please call (662) 842-7448 or visit the MudCat website at www.mississippimudcats.com.

Co-Offensive Coordinator / Player Personnel Coach, Kirk Brossard said, “Jason is a tremendous addition in our off season and he brings experience and great pass rushing
ability to the Defensive Line.”

For information on season tickets and sponsorship opportunities with the Mississippi MudCats
for the upcoming 2008 season, please call (662) 842-7448 or visit the MudCat website at www.mississippimudcats.com

11-5-2007 (Tupelo, Ms) The Mississippi MudCats are proud to announce that Linebacker Derrick White (6’3 240) has signed a contract to play for the Arizona Rattlers of the AFL.

Derrick led the MudCats in tackles in 2007, with 125 solo tackles and also led the league with 23.5 sacks. In high school, Derrick was an All American selection with over 100 tackles his senior year at Creek Side High School in Union city, Ga just outside of Atlanta. He joined the MudCats last season after his position as a standout linebacker for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Derrick is most known for having a non-stop motor on the field and superb pass rush skills. When asked about Derrick, MudCats assistant coach Kirk Broussard said, “Derrick is truly a diamond in the rough that has now shined through. He was the glue for our defense this year. I knew I had hit the jack pot when I found him during the recruiting process in the off season.”

The MudCats kickoff the season in March 2008 season tickets are available by calling 662-842-7448.

Team
Press Release
11/8/2007

MudCats announce plans for
Back-to-back Open player tryouts in December

November 8th, 2007 (Tupelo, Ms) The Mississippi MudCats of the American Indoor Football Association announce plans to host back –to- back open player tryouts. The first in Birmingham, AL on December 1st at Sports Blast Shelby County 19220 Hwy. 280 East Birmingham, AL 35242. The second in Tupelo, Ms on December 8th. At Robbins field. All athletes are required to sign a waiver and pay $60 cash only registration fee. Athletes are required to bring indoor cleats, or turf shoes, sneakers and dress in workout gear. Pads should not be worn. The MudCat coaching staff will administer various timing and position drills. (This event is open to the public). Visit www.mississippimudcats.com for more details. “We are very excited about the up and coming season, and we are still looking for some good local talent. I have coached in Texas and Florida and can honestly say that the Mississippi and Alabama area has some of the best talent around, and we are looking for that next local product that will represent our franchise here in Tupelo.” Coach Brents

Tryout Details
- Where: Sports Blast Shelby County 19220 Hwy. 280 East Birmingham, AL 35242 & Tupelo Robins field
- When: Saturday, Dec. 1st & Saturday Dec. 8th
Saturday –Dec. 1st Registration begins at 12 noon in Birmingham, AL
Saturday- Dec. 8th Registration begins at 9am. In Tupelo, Ms
Note: This will be the second & third tryouts held by the MudCats. There will be a $60 dollar fee to players trying out unless they preregister ($50)
For Pre-Registration please contact Kirk Broussard @ 662-842-1791 Ext. 407 or kirk.broussard@mississippimudcats.com
Visit the MudCats at www.mississippimudcats.com
You will receive a $10.00 discount for pre-paying the registration fee. Same Day registration will be $60.00.
Players will be test by MudCat Coaching staff during this Elite work out
Event will consist of 40 yard dash/ 20 yard dash L- Drill /Pro Shuttle /
Position Drills, and one on one drills (These drills will
Be Performed on turf-and grass Players will need to bring turf shoes or sneakers)
Visit: www.sportsblastsc.com

All interested athletes please read the following:
Participants must be at least 18 years old and should bring a copy of photo identification and a current insurance card. Mississippi MudCats and Waide professional sports LLC will not be liable for any pre-existing conditions of any athlete participating in an open tryout for consideration of membership of the Mississippi MudCats Indoor Football team. If an athlete does not have current insurance, then a waiver releasing Waide Professional sports, LLC must be signed by the athlete or they will not be allow to participate.