This week marks the 9th edition of Coach Ellis' Weekly Top Ten Power Rankings for the 2012 TUFL Season.

***Please note that this is not intended to offend anyone, and is just for weekly entertainment purposes.So here we go with the rankings for week nine:

1. NT Longhorns - The Horns are 10-0 and have already claimed the outright Central Division Title, along with the #1 seed in the TUFL Playoffs. The Longhorn program has a long rich tradition of playoff success, and this years team seems poised to continue the tradition.

2. Texarkana Warriors - the 9-1 Warriors are the East Division Champions. Quietly they have handled their division and earned respect from their division opponents...now they seek out to earn the respect of the entire TUFL Playoff Line-up.

3. DFW Xpress - The Xpress have one final hurdle in order to claim the outright South Division Title...that hurdle is the Mexia Trojans, who with a win, could force a three way tie and make things quite interesting.

4. WF Falcons - The Falcons are coming off a disappointing loss to the DC Rhinos, who are coming on very strong the second half of the regular season. The Falcons have to travel to Vernon in their season finale, in which they can claim the outright North Title with a win...should they lose, the Texans would have a share of the Title with the Falcons. Just a note, the last match up with these two teams was a 19-13 victory for the Falcons at home, that went down to the wire...could be a good one!

5. Ft. Worth Avengers - the Avengers have really bounced back during the second half of the season with wins over the Xpress and Mexia. This past weeks game at Mexia was a great effort, but the Avengers did pay a price by losing several players to injury. They found a way to grind out the tough win vs Mexia and so we will see how far their gritty approach will take them.

6. DC Rhinos - the Rhinos knock off the then number one ranked Falcons, in impressive fashion. They have found their recipe for success and look to be a serious contender for the TUFL Title. Look out TUFL!

7. Mexia Trojans - the Trojans still control their own destiny, as a win against the Xpress this weekend will allow them to share the Division Crown with the Xpress and Avengers. A loss would not be good as it would not be the way they would want to enter the playoffs. Injury this past week vs the Avengers to their QB #16 could be a bigger issue if it turns out to be serious. Depth may be an issue for the Trojans, but they are still a dangerous.

8. Vernon Texans - the Texans can claim a share of the North Title if they can beat the Falcons this week. They have the luxury of being at home and played the Falcons to a close game in their last match up. This is a much needed win to enter the playoffs with added confidence that they can beat any team in the playoffs. They are also playing for their first taste of a Division Championship since joining the TUFL...huge game for the Texan program!

9. Port City Jags - The Jags will match up against the Hawks this week and so this should be a pretty close game...competitive none the less. The Jags have been good at home, but have struggled with their away schedule. They need this win in order to help them with playoff seeding, as they need at least one or two home playoff games in order to make a legitimate run at the TUFL Title.

10. Arkansas Hawks - The Hawks lose a close game to the Warriors, but really haven't been very consistent this year. They will play the Jags this week and this should separate the men from the boys in the East Division.

As we approach the 10th and final week of the regular season, there are still a couple of divisions up for grabs, along with a few playoff spots. One thing that is critical is playoff seeding and there are a lot of scenarios that can occur this last week. As always, good luck to all teams playing this upcoming weekend, lets pray for everyone's safety.

Next week will be the final Power Rankings for the 2012 season, so be sure you tune in one last time.

God Bless!

This week marks the 8th edition of Coach Ellis' Weekly Top Ten Power Rankings for the 2012 TUFL Season.

***Please note that this is not intended to offend anyone, and is just for weekly entertainment purposes.

So here we go with the rankings for week eight:

1. WF Falcons - The Falcons are 8-0 and they appear to be on track for an undefeated regular season and North Division Title...as the front runner in what is probably the most competitive division in the TUFL, they may enter the playoffs as the favorite to run the table.

2. NT Longhorns - The Horns are 8-0 and are coming off a 49-14 thumping of the Plano Pitbulls. The Horns have already claimed the outright Central Division Title and appear to also have claimed the #1 seed in the TUFL Playoffs. Many feel that the Horns are not worthy based on their strength of schedule, but the playoffs will give the Horns the stage to prove their metal.

3. Texarkana Warriors - the 7-1 Warriors are on a role and appear to have the best chance at claiming the East Division Title. Although the Hawks are close on the heels of the Warriors, the Warriors are the clear favorites and seem to be winning each week with considerable ease.

4. DFW Xpress - The 6-1 Xpress rebounded from their loss to the Avengers by knocking off their biggest threat in the South Division the Mexia Trojans by a score of 23-6. No rest for either team, as they still have another match up that will probably decide the fate of the division crown.

5. Mexia Trojans - at 6-1 the Trojans still control their own destiny, as they simply need to win out to claim the South Title. This will be tough as they still have to play the Avengers and the Xpress, whom they just lost to this past week.

6. Arkansas Hawks - At 5-1 the Hawks remain on the heels of the Warriors in the East, and need continue to win. They can take over the East, but they have to beat the Warriors in their rematch, and I just don't see that happening based on week in and week out performances by both teams.

7. Ft. Worth Avengers - the Avengers have come on strong and at 6-2 are back in the discussion as a viable threat to make a run in the playoffs. They have a huge match up this week that would move them into 2nd place in the South Division. Surprisingly, a win against Mexia and a Mexia win over the Xpress will create a three way tie for the South Crown between Mexia, Xpress, and the Avengers...exciting times!!

8. DC Rhinos - the Rhinos avenge a previous loss to the Texans and move to 5-3 on the year. They appear to be peaking at the right time, as the playoffs get near. The Rhinos are just a few plays away from being in the division title discussion, and are proving to others that they are possible contenders to make a deep playoff run.

9. Vernon Texans - at 6-2 the Texans appear to be fading this second half of the season. They are in a tough division, but need to find their mojo to finish strong and get a good seed during the playoffs.

0. Port City Jags - The Jags again are at the 10 spot. We will leave them there until they finally match up against the Hawks. Still feel that no other teams can replace the Jags at this point, but the 9th and 10th week of the regular season could change this.

And there you have it as we close out week 8 and look forward to the next. As always, good luck to all teams playing this weekend, lets pray for everyone's safety, and we will see you back here Monday, April 30th, for the updated listing of Coach Ellis' Top Ten Power Rankings.

God Bless!

This week marks the seventh edition of Coach Ellis' Weekly Top Ten Power Rankings for the 2012 TUFL Season. There were a couple of surprise performances this week, as teams are now beginning to fight for their playoff lives!

***Please note that this is not intended to offend anyone, and is just for weekly entertainment purposes.So here we go with the rankings for week seven:

1. WF Falcons - The Falcons are 7-0 and the new #1 Ranked Team in the TUFL! Coming off a 38-14 victory over the FF's, the Falcons control their own destiny and can lock up a division crown if they can win out. Team has been solid and consistent all year long and will certainly be looking to continue this as they prepare for this weeks match up against the Lonestar Pitbulls.

2. NT Longhorns - The Horns are 7-0 and coming off a much tougher contest than their first matchup against the NT Lightning. The Horns were victorious with a 26-3 win and have locked up the Central crown. Next game is against the Plano Pitbulls this Saturday.

3. Mexia Trojans - Not bad for a first year team...a 6-0 record and a team atop their South Division...they now hold the keys and are in the driver seat...Two tough games against their closest opponent begin this week against the DFW Xpress. Arguably the Game of the Week with huge Division & Playoff implications!

4. Texarkana Warriors - the 6-1 Warriors are coming off another close win over the PC Jags and continue to shock the TUFL nation! Another win in a tough game this week against the ET Outlaws will keep them out in front of the Hawks, who are close behind. The last meeting was a 10-7 win in OT for the Warriors over the Outlaws.

5. DFW Xpress - The 5-1 Xpress are coming off a disappointing road loss to the Avengers of Ft. Worth, by a score of 15-6. One loss does not define a season and the Xpress will have to get ready for an opportunity to regain the Division lead against their battle with Mexia this week! TUFL nation has long been awaiting this match up and it will certainly tell the story about these two programs, as we head into the Playoffs.

6. Arkansas Hawks - At 4-1 the Hawks are on the heels of the Warriors in the East, and need to continue their winning ways to keep pace with the surprising Warriors. The game against the Paris Stars this week should provide another notch in their belts.

7. Vernon Texans - at 6-1 the Texans come off a 20-0 victory over the Lonestar Pitbulls. Texans appear poised to be ready for a rematch against the division leader WF Falcons, their only loss thus far in the season. This weeks match up against a rejuvenated DC Rhinos club could spell trouble for Vernon, especially as they will be the traveling team this Saturday.

8. Ft. Worth Avengers - the rough start has certainly opened some eyes for the boys in Red, White, and Blue. Coming off a hard fought 15-6 home victory over then division leading and #1 Ranked Team in the TUFL, the DFW Xpress, the Avengers have new life and find themselves with a 5-2 record and back on track. They would need quite a bit of help to contend for the South Title, although I am sure that Coach Brummett has his bunch focused on a much bigger prize.

9. DC Rhinos - the Rhinos continue to scratch and claw their way to the playoff finish line and appear to have the mental toughness to win the tough/close games. Many teams better take notice, especially whoever gets this team in the first round!

10. Port City Jags - How does a team lose 14-6 and still stay at the number ten spot you ask? Well, one it was a close game against the current East Division leading Warriors and two, I just do not see putting any other team in front of them. The Jags two losses have been by one score, and they are still not out of the Division race just yet...the East will be exciting to the end!

And there you have it as we close out week seven and look forward to the next.

The 8th week of the season has several big match ups and should continue to help shape the TUFL landscape and playoff picture. As always, good luck to all teams playing this weekend, lets pray for everyone's safety, and we will see you back here Monday, April 23rd for the updated listing of Coach Ellis' Top Ten Power Rankings.
God Bless!

 I wanted to at least get the rankings back up on the board, although the wording will not be included this go around.

1. Xpress

2. Falcons

3. Longhorns

4. Jags

5. Mexia

6. Texarkana

7. Hawks

8. Vernon

9. Bullets

10. Lightning

This week marks the fourth edition of Coach Ellis' Weekly Top Ten Power Rankings for the 2012 TUFL Season. This season is really taking shape and there is some exciting football taking place during the first half of the year. The second half should prove to be even better! Thanks to the League Staff, Coaches, and Players for helping to create a healthy competitive environment for all of us to be proud of!***Please note that this is not intended to offend anyone, and is just for weekly entertainment purposes.So here we go with the rankings for week four:

1. DFW Xpress - the Xpress were up to their winning ways again this past weekend and continue to flex their muscle as the "Top Dog" of the TUFL, by beating the win less Lonestar Soldiers 21-11. What many originally thought would be a battle between the Avengers and the Xpress for the division title are now eagerly awaiting the match up of Xpress vs Mexia with the winner being in the driver seat to take the division crown in the South. Their game was rained out two weeks ago and is now being said to be being rescheduled for Easter weekend. This could be an early "Game of the Year" nominee! .

2. NT Falcons - Falcons continue their accent up the North Division as they soar easily 23-3 over a Rhinos team that is struggling early this year. Falcons have a share of the division lead and look to claim a victory over the other North Division leader, undefeated Vernon Texans. The Falcons will have their work cut out for them, but are confident as they move into the next week match up.

3. NT Longhorns - NTxL get a 2-0 win due to forfeit and are itching to get back out on the field. At 4-0 and the highest rated defense in the TUFL, based on average points allowed per game, the Horns have their sights set on the number one seed in the playoffs...they still have the second half of the season to go to reach this goal and time will tell if they can stay focused and in rhythm given all these weeks off. Horns have a bye week this Saturday.

4. PC Jags - This past Saturday's match up against the Piney Wood Stallions was no problem for the mighty Jags, who continue to roll in the Eastern Division...I know I sound like a broken record, but I am on the edge of my seat awaiting the marquee match up in the East, the Jags vs the Hawks. Can you say dog fight...classic?? Just hurry up and get here already!!

5. Arkansas Hawks - match up this past Saturday against the Paris Stars was no contest, as the Hawks continue to match the Jags stride for stride...the anticipation is killing me...the showdown in the East is coming!

6. Vernon Texans - pulled off a tough/close victory 20-13 over a Bullets team that is searching for answers...match up this week against the Falcons will catapult Vernon into the top five, but the second half of the season will no doubt be much more difficult than the first...however, Vernon does not seem to be showing any signs of slowing!

7. Mexia Trojans - a 41-29 win over the Avengers in Keller is quite impressive...interesting that the Avengers were in the lead late in this game, and then the Trojans began an onslaught of scoring in a very short time frame to put an exclamation next to the "W" in their win column...it is official...the Trojans are for real...Playoff football awaits as we look ahead to the match up against the Xpress...this is what it is all about folks!

8. Texarkana Warriors - an overtime win over the ET Outlaws keeps the Warriors in the top ten for two consecutive weeks...After pulling out a hard earned 10-7 win you kind of wonder if the Jags or Hawks might get caught slippin' and fall victim to the Eastern Division hype that is the Texarkana Warriors!! Only time will tell, but the East is shaping up to be another exciting division. Are folks still scratching their heads about Texarkana??

9. Parker County Bullets - Bullets are coming off another disappointing loss, but are still within striking distance in their division. They will need some help, but need to get back on the winning track in order to be considered a player in the North race.

10. North Texas Lightening - made a statement against the Venom this past week with an impressive 40-6 victory and are looking forward to their match up with the Pitbulls to show that they are not to be taken lightly within the Central Division!

And there you have it as we close out week four and look forward to what this next week has in store. As always, good luck to all teams, lets pray for everyone's safety, and we will see you back here the first part of next week on Coach Ellis' Top Ten Power Rankings.

God Bless!

This week marks the third edition of Coach Ellis' Weekly Top Ten Power Rankings for the 2012 TUFL Season. I was going to hold off on this weeks edition due to the number of games that were postponed due to weather, but due to the many requests received during the week I am going to go ahead and post this weeks rankings.***Please note that this is not intended to offend anyone, and is just for weekly entertainment purposes.So here we go with the rankings for week three:

1. DFW Xpress - the Xpress were idle this week due to weather but man is everyone looking forward to the match up against the Mexia Trojans! This game is not getting the attention and hype it deserves. None the less this week the Xpress will face the Lonestar Soldiers in an away game against a team that is in desperate need of a win.

2. NT Falcons - idle this past week, but lookout this Saturday because here come a herd of Rhinos in search of a much needed win after two tough losses...Falcons are off to a good start and hopefully know what the rest of the TUFL knows...the DC Rhinos are better than their record would indicate! Should be a good match up that could really define the North race.

3. NT Longhorns - With the 41-7 victory this past week over the Plano Pitbulls, the Horns are clear favorites to take the Central crown. They have a bye week this Saturday.

4. PC Jags - idle this past week. This Saturday will match up against the Piney Wood Stallions.

5. Arkansas Hawks - were idle this past week but are set to match up this Saturday against the Paris Stars...Hawks and Jags are still eager to prove who the is the King of the Mountain in the East!

6. Parker County Bullets - Bullets are coming off a 49-12 thumping of the Freedom Fighters and are now looking to this Saturday as their opportunity to get back into the mix for staking their claim as the best in the North Division! The match up this week against the Vernon Texans is certainly a STATEMENT game for both clubs...for the Bullets it reaffirms their status as one of the top two contenders for the North Title and sets the stage for a huge rematch against the Falcons the second half of the season...for Vernon it validates their claim as one of the top programs in the TUFL with only one more mental hurdle (Falcons) in their way of winning what would be their first division title ever! Exciting stuff going on in the North and this should be the TUFL GAME OF THE WEEK!

7. Vernon Texans - coming off their 14-12 victory over the Rhinos sets the stage for a huge match up against the Pre-Season favorites to win the North, the PC Bullets. This should have PLAYOFF football written all over it! I say again that the Vernon Program is a good story for all young programs in the TUFL that shows how persistence and perseverance can pay off.

8. Ft. Worth Avengers - Coach Brummett and family rebound nicely with a 52-32 victory over the CTX Vipers. The Avengers are facing an unfamiliar foe this week as Mexia travels to Keller to earn the respect of the storied Avenger franchise. It won't come easy though...beating the Avengers in their house is about as hard as trying to open a can good with a butter knife...should be a good match up.

9. Mexia Trojans - idle this past week but now sees a huge opportunity to stand next to the Xpress atop the South Division. With a win this week over the the Avengers they could assert themselves as a bonafide contender!

10. Texarkana Warriors - several of you might be scratching your heads as you read this...but I must say that after competing against these guys over the past 5 years I have seen their program evolve and stay the course, much like that of Vernon. They played a tough first round match up last year that ended in a loss, but certainly earned some respect for their steady improvement and play over the years...no longer a club that is satisfied with trying to just obtain a winning record, these guys expect to compete at a high level, and I expect to see them do that this week when they match up against the East Texas Outlaws.

With week three halfway in the books, we can now keep our fingers crossed that all games will be played this weekend. Good luck to all teams, lets pray for everyone's safety, and we will get back on schedule the first part of next week on Coach Ellis' Top Ten Power Rankings.

God Bless!

***Please note that this is not intended to offend anyone, and is just for weekly entertainment purposes.So here we go with the rankings for week two:

1. DFW Xpress - the Xpress are roaring out of the gate and off to a two game winning streak. This past week they went up against what was believed to be their biggest threat in the South Division and they handed the Avengers a 26-0 defeat! This makes three consecutive regular season wins over the Avengers, who will certainly be circling the next match up as a "Must Win" in order to contend for the division crown. Very impressive performance by the Xpress, who now look over their shoulders and see a newcomer quietly creeping up on their heels, in the Mexia Trojans who are also undefeated after two weeks of play.

2. NT Falcons - the Falcons continue their winning ways to open the season at 2-0, after a 38-14 win over the Freedom Fighters and appear to now be the front runners in the North Division. The North might just possibly be the toughest division in the TUFL, and I expect the division race to go down to the last week of the season, with programs such as Bullets, Rhinos, and Vernon flexing their muscle each week to compete for the division title!

3. NT Longhorns - moving up one spot, the Horns followed up a solid week one effort with a repeat performance and handed division foe NT Lightening their first loss of the young TUFL season. The Horns can't celebrate the 45-0 win for long, as they have another undefeated match up with division foe Plano Pit bulls looming this week. With a victory this week the Horns would be clear favorites to take the Central crown.

4. PC Jags - a tough 3OT 9-3 victory over an improving Texarkana Warriors team shows that the Jags have the mental toughness to grind it out and defend their home turf. The rematch looks to be a good one! The Jags and Hawks appear destined to match up in what could decide the East crown winner!

5. Arkansas Hawks - sit atop of the East with the Jags and are awaiting their chance to show that last years division title was no fluke!

6. Bullets - rebound this week after a tough loss in week one to win a tough victory over division opponent DC Rhinos. Solid defensive effort by both teams means that the division race is still up for grabs and every game counts! Hard nose football usually favors the Bullets, as they are well versed in grinding out close games and finding ways to win

!7. DC Rhinos - Rhinos and Bullets are both one score away from being the division favorites, and I am inclined to go out on a limb here and say that I just might still see the division winner coming out of one of these two teams. Rhinos are legitimate and have proved they belong in the discussion with the top teams in the league...they have to overcome the Bullets in the next game though to take the next step...can they do it? We will know in several weeks.

8. Vernon Texans - Quietly winning behind all of the division "favorites" this team may just be the sleepers in their division and the team that most are overlooking...all I can say is you better not take these guys lightly or they may be handing you a "L". Will be interesting to see how far the Vernon train can continue to steamroll the competition. This is a good story for all young programs that shows how persistence and perseverance can pay off.

9. Ft. Worth Avengers - tough defeat this week to the Xpress. The Avengers are down but certainly not out, as it is a long season. Trust that the next meeting between these two teams will be a lot closer...too good of a program to allow the same result. The Avengers must now bounce back and get back on the winning path

.10. Mexia Trojans - this weeks number10 slot really came down to the Plano Pit Bulls and the Trojans. I give the Trojans the nod basically based on the numbers and stats, however you could just as easily have placed the Pitbulls here, who have a key match up this week vs the Longhorns to prove just how legitimate of a contender they are for the Central Division. Mexia has taken care of business in the first two weeks and could prove to be the nemesis for a team like the Xpress, who currently are the division favorites.

Well week two is in the books! Looking forward to this weeks games and we will see you back here same time next week on Coach Ellis' Top Ten Power Rankings.

God Bless!

So here we go with the first week rankings:

1. DFW Xpress - the Xpress are coming off a 45-6 victory over Cedar Hill and are the early season favorites to take the South Division crown. They have a tough road ahead of them, as the Ft. Worth Avengers are also in their division and expect to do well. Xpress beat the Avengers twice last year.

2. NT Falcons - there is a lot of buzz surrounding this years Falcons team and they certainly opened some eyes with their preseason and week one success. Coming off a 27-24 victory at Kangaroo Stadium in Weatherford is a huge way to start the season. It is a long season, but these Falcons may be the Real Deal!

3. Ft. Worth Avengers - year in and year out this elite program is always mentioned at or near the top. This year is no different, locked and re-loaded, look for the Avengers to do well and compete against the Xpress for the South crown. After starting off week one with a 37-6 victory over Lonestar Soldiers, Coach Brummett has his soldiers moving in the right direction.

4. NT Longhorns - the Horns did well in an opening day 59-0 victory over the Venom and are looking to continue their early success against their division rival NT Lightening. The Lightening have made much progress during the offseason and so this week two match up could be an early statement by the winner that they are in fact the Central crown front runner.

5. DC Rhinos - should be a force in the North Division race. Off-season buzz that talented additions to an already solid bunch could mean trouble for division opponents. Week one 33-13 victory over the Lonestar Pitbulls is a solid start.

6. PC Jags - always talented and always seem to be in the playoff discussion each year. Look for the Jags to contend for the East crown.

7. NT Lightening - after a solid off-season are out to prove that they belong in the discussion with the TUFL elite. They will get their chance against the Longhorns in week two for what is certain to be a tough Central Division match up

.8. Bullets - one of the classiest teams in the State of Texas, coming off a hard loss to the Falcons. Mark my words they will bounce back. The Bullets are very talented and very well coached...they will be in the division hunt for the North crown.

9. Arkansas Hawks - the Hawks surprised the TUFL last year as newcomers, but the cat is now out of the bag...they will not be taken lightly. I look for them to compete with the Jags for the East crown.

10. Vernon Texans - several tough years building the program but a few new additions and last years success have this team's championship hopes flying high. They should compete in what is shaping up to be a very tough North Division.

Well there you have it folks...we are off and running! Looking forward to this weeks games and we will see you back here same time next week on Coach Ellis' Top Ten Power Rankings.

God Bless!

Coach Ellis
NT Longhorns