The La Crosse Spartans joined the IFL in 2010, struggling to a 2-11 regular season record. The team scored just 27 points per game, Buddy Rivera quarterbacked the team for eight games, throwing for six touchdowns and eight interceptions. The team only threw for 13 scores. Six of the thirteen touchdowns went to Antonio Overstreet. The team made up for this lack of passing attack with Buddy Rivera's ground game combined with the efforts of Mark Bonds. The two racked up 623 yards and 25 touchdowns. Paul Simpson picked four passes, returning one for a score. Both wins came against Chicago in low scoring affairs. The team returned in 2011 and went 5-9, missing the IFL playoffs. Buddy Rivera returned at the quarterback spot, this year throwing for 978 yards, 22 touchdowns and 12 picks. He ran for 8 scores, acting as a dual threat like the previous season. The wide receiving corps was a cast of new players, including Christopher Headd and Eddie Gant who combined for 15 scores. Jamil Abdullah was a star on defense, picking nine passes. The franchise remained with only two road victories in two years and only upped its offensive output to 36 points per game.