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The Odessa Roughnecks moved to the NIFL from the Intense Football League. The Roughnecks were, by far, the most successful expansion franchise in league history, excluding the first year. The team cruised to an undefeated regular season record of 14-0. The Roughnecks’ closest encounter with a loss occurred in week one, with a 30-28 win over the Beaumont Drillers. Oddly enough, Beaumont was Odessa’s first playoff opponent. The Roughnecks took their revenge by was of a 74-23 stomping. Odessa then defeated Corpus Christi, 52-39. Then the Roughnecks had to play the surprise team of the year, Tri-Cities. The Fever upset Odessa, 41-39 in the semifinals. The Roughnecks were the second undefeated team that Tri Cities beat. Following the team’s incredible season, the franchise returned to the Intense Football League.
