Lincoln Hosts Minor League Football Franchise

NWA Battle Will Play Home Games On Wolves’ Field

LINCOLN — With the expansion of the Alliance Football League into northwest Arkansas, minor league football games will be played at Lincoln’s home field this summer.

According to Greg Squirrel of Farmington, who is the general manager for the new franchise, NWA Battle, AFL president James Burkhart contacted him about bringing a franchise into the area.

“It was his vision to bring the Battle to northwest Arkansas,” Squirrel said.

Squirrel said in the

past other leagues have operated in the area and for various reasons, teams didn’t work out.

“He ( Burkhart) saw the opportunity and wanted to expand. He said, ‘Let’s bring another team into northwest Arkansas,’ so here we are,” Squirrel said.

Squirrel said the first game of the AFL season is scheduled against the Arkansas Sabers on May 16 with the time yet to be determined. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by calling Squirrel at 479-236-1007.

A tryout for players interested in getting on the team will be held at 5 p.m. May 11 at Oakdale Junior High in Rogers.

The division will include teams from Harrison, Little Rock ( Arkansas Sabers), Springfield, Mo., and Kansas City.

Squirrel is optimistic about the recent signings of Wayne Hall (runningback) and Jason Campbell (safety), who, he said, is the all-time interception leader for football in any minor league.

“A lot of kids don’t get college scholarships, so this is a door to that,” Squirrel said.

Squirrel said the league offers opportunities for former college players, who didn’t go pro, yet, have the desire and heart to play football.

Squirrel said the Battle have signed former Razorback players as coaches.

“The most notable are Lucas Jackson and Deron Moss,” he said.

Not everything is in place yet, but Squirrel is working to get all the details ironed out. For more information, the franchise website is nwabattle. com and the league website is alliancefootballleague.org.

Saturday, June 16, 7 p.m., at Lincoln High School vs. Arkansas Sabers

Saturday, June 23, TBD, at Kaw Field vs. Sugar Creek Shockers

Saturday, June 30, TBD, at Arkansas Cowboys

Saturday, July 7, 7 p. m., at Lincoln High School vs. Springfield Phantoms

Saturday, July 14, 7 p.m., at Lincoln High School vs. Arkansas Cowboys