Frisco Fighters


Years of Existence: 2021-
Venue: Comerica Center(Frisco, TX)
Accomplishments
2021 – Semifinal appearance
2022 - Semifinal appearance
2023 - Semifinal appearance
2024 - Playoff appearance
Lifetime Record: 53-14
Home: 29-6
Away: 24-8
Playoffs: 3-4
Average Attendance:

The Frisco Fighters joined the IFL for the 2021 season, coached by AFL veteran Clint Dolezel. Jonathan Bane quarterbacked the team, passing for 1,188 yards, 25 scores and four interceptions. Mark Munson caught 31 balls for 416 yards and ten scores, while Manny Arceneaux and Marques Rodgers both added six touchdowns. Demarcus Felton ran for 575 yards and 22 trips to the end zone. After earning a first round playoff game, the Fighters defeated the rebooted Spokane Shock 44-33 before falling to eventual champions Massachusetts 37-34. The Fighters returned in 2022 and were again very successful, posting a 13-3 regular season record. TJ Edwards and Blake Sims split time at quarterback for the year, combining for 2,644 yards, 44 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Jerminick Smith pulled in 63 catches and scored nineteen times, while Sheldon Augustine posted 61 catches for 708 yards and eight touchdowns. TJ Edwards and Justin Rankin each ran for 28 touchdowns. The team ended the Sioux Falls playoff hopes in the final regular season week, overcoming a 28-7 deficit to win 35-28. In the playoffs, Frisco defeated Iowa 64-39 and then fell 48-41 to Quad City, a team they had defeated twenty days earlier, 50-44. Frisco carried a 41-26 lead but the Steamwheelers closed on a 22-0 run. The Fighters returned with another excellent season in 2023, going 13-2 and again qualifying for the playoffs. TJ Edwards remained the fulltime quarterback, passing for 2,600 yards and 39 touchdowns and just ten interceptions. He also led all rushers with 49 touchdowns and 853 yards. Jermenic Smith wash is top target, catching 80 passes for 923 yards and 14 touchdowns. Phazione McClurge brought in ten scores, as well. In week 16 of the season, Frisco dominated Sioux Falls 56-15. The two would meet again in the conference title game with a spot in Indoor Bowl on the line. The Fighters held a 27-10 halftime lead at home and it seemed they were headed to the title game. However, Sioux Falls came back and would win on a touchdowns and two point play with just twelve seconds left to end the season in heartbreak for Frisco. The 2024 season saw Frisco claim the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 13-3 record. TJ Edwards passed for 1,669 yards and 38 touchdowns, being picked off just four times. He also ran for 35 scores and 771 net yards. Phazi McClurge was the top target, bringing in 499 yards and 15 scores. Cole Blackman caught 14 touchdowns passes and 505 yards on 40 catches. Turnovers were rarely a problem for the team, as they lost just two fumbles on the year. As the team entered the playoffs, they hosted Massachusetts. The Pirates took a late lead and Frisco had a final possession, but several incomplete passes resulted in a turnover on downs and a 53-50 defeat at home in the first round.