ESPN AFL

This is a top-heavy division with two teams -- Dallas and Philadelphia -- that appear to be elite with three others -- Columbus, Cleveland, and New York -- that will at least be competitive. Dallas has the best talent in the AFL, but must figure out a way to have the same success it has in the postseason that it does in the regular season. Philadelphia has a potential explosive passing duo of QB Tony Graziani and Chris Jackson and appear to be solid at every position. This looks like the Soul's best team in recent years. Columbus, which lost to San Jose in ArenaBowl XXI will probably fall off a lot and New York will struggle with lack of depth, but both teams have quality QBs that can keep them in games. Cleveland will be much improved over the team that we saw in Las Vegas a year ago. This will be a very competitive race and either Dallas or Philadelphia will enter the playoffs as a wild card and the other three teams will struggle to make the playoffs.

Projected Standings

1. Dallas Desperados -- 14-2
2. Philadelphia Soul -- 11-5
T-3. Cleveland Gladiators -- 7-9
T-3. Columbus Destroyers -- 7-9
5. New York Dragons -- 6-10

Team previews

• Cleveland Gladiators
• Columbus Destroyers
• Dallas Desperados
• New York Dragons
• Philadelphia Soul

Projected 2008 Central Division award winners

Coach of the Year -- Will McClay, Dallas.
Organization of the Year -- Philadelphia.
Eastern Division MVP -- QB Clint Dolezel, Dallas.
Rookie of the Year -- DL Tony Williams, Columbus.
Newcomer of the Year --DB Damien Robinson, Dallas.
Offensive Linemen of the Year -- Phil Bogle, Philadelphia.
Quarterback of the Year -- Clint Dolezel, Dallas.
Receiver of the Year -- Chris Jackson, Philadelphia.
"Tough guy" of the Year -- WR/DB Will Pettis, Dallas.
Defensive Back of the Year -- Eddie Moten, Philadelphia.
Defensive Lineman of the Year -- Colston Weatherington, Dallas.
Linebacker of the Year -- Duke Pettijohn, Dallas.
Assistant Coach of the Year -- Brian Partlow, Cleveland offensive coordinator.
Kicker of the Year -- Remy Hamilton, Dallas.
Return Specialist of the Year -- Will Pettis, Dallas.

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