By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
On Wednesday, the AFL announced in a statement that it would be scheduling a bye week for all of its playoff teams “to ensure the best possible experience for teams and fans.”
This move locks the top six teams, who previously had an opportunity to move up or down, into their respective playoff spots by canceling a full slate of games initially scheduled to take place this weekend.
Games canceled include Salina vs. Billings, Orlando vs. Albany, and Nashville vs. Southwest Kansas, much to the disappointment of players and fans alike, who were anticipating a heavy Saturday of meaningful football.
This change will not affect Washington and Wichita, who will still play their final regular season game this weekend.
That disappointment was especially felt in Salina, where the Liberty ownership released a statement of their own on Wednesday.
“We were adamantly against this decision and stated the importance of finishing our home regular season schedule with Billings,” it read. “We have been preparing all week for the June 29th game with Billings and were looking forward to the challenge to take on the top team in the league standings and potentially finish the regular season as the #1 seed. Despite our stance the league has made their decision and we must accept it.”
While it has not been confirmed, rumors from a source close to the league allege that Billings and Albany may have forced the league’s hand by refusing to travel this week, understanding that a forfeit would secure their seed for the playoff push.
With the playoffs set, the AFL has announced it’s opening round matchups and game times, which will be as follows.
Round 1
Friday, July 5 (6:00 CT)
- (5) Nashville Kats at (4) Orlando Predators
Saturday, July 6 (3:00 CT)
- (6) SWKS Storm at (3) Salina Liberty
Round 2
Saturday, July 13 (1:30 CT)
- (1) Albany Firebirds vs. TBD
Saturday, July 13 (9:00 CT)
- (2) Billings Outlaws vs. TBD
To read the full release published by Liberty Ownership click HERE.