PFA 2025 Kickoff Preview: The Return of the Midwest’s Premier Football League.
Football fans, the wait is over! After a brief hiatus from posting, I’m back and ready to bring you all the latest from the world of Pro Advancement Football. While I’ve been behind the scenes for a bit, rest assured the passion hasn’t faded — and with the 2025 season just weeks away, there’s no better time to dive back in.
Let’s turn our focus to the PFA — the Player Football Association — widely regarded as the most competitive and well-structured league in the Midwest, and quite possibly the entire country. Sure, I might be a little biased (I am the Director of Media, after all), but ask anyone involved and they’ll tell you: the PFA sets the standard.
So, buckle up — it’s time to break down what to expect as we gear up for another thrilling season of hard hits, standout performances, and championship dreams. This is your official 2025 PFA Kickoff Preview.
Building the Blueprint: Inside the Rise of the PFA
Founded in 2022, the Players Football Association (PFA) has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in semi-professional football. The league is owned and operated by David Duncan, who also serves as commissioner. A former player with experience at multiple levels of the game, Duncan has brought both passion and professionalism to the table — combining his on-field knowledge with sharp business acumen.
In just three years, Duncan has crafted a league rooted in structure, discipline, and accountability — not just for players and coaches, but for the entire organization. In fact, he refers to the teams in the PFA as “franchises,” reflecting the league’s commitment to professional standards and long-term vision. Above all, the PFA is laser-focused on elite competition — determined to provide the highest level of play anywhere in the Midwest, if not the nation.
Leadership & Vision: The Duncan Blueprint
At the core of the PFA’s rapid rise is Commissioner David Duncan — a man who’s more than just the league’s founder. Duncan works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every franchise under the PFA banner is not only competitive but sustainable. His approach is simple but powerful: structure, accountability, and shared success.
Duncan doesn’t view franchise owners as subordinates — he views them as business partners. He frequently reminds them, “We are in business together,” and backs up those words by providing guidance on the business side of the sport. From financial literacy to operational strategy, he empowers owners to think long-term. That same mindset filters down through the franchises to coaches, players, and support staff, creating a culture of professionalism rarely seen at this level.
His front office is no less impressive. Every member of Duncan’s executive team has been handpicked — individuals with deep football roots, whether through playing, coaching, media, or administration. From top-level advisors to the head of officiating, not a single person holds ties to any active PFA franchise, ensuring the league maintains integrity, fairness, and competitive balance across the board.
The Road Ahead: 2025 Season Kickoff Begins Now
While the story of Commissioner David Duncan’s journey and the birth of the PFA deserves its own spotlight — and trust us, it’s one worth telling — today’s focus is squarely on the road ahead. The 2025 season is here, and with it comes renewed rivalries, fresh talent, and a league more competitive than ever.
We begin with Week 1 — the official kickoff to what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable campaign. From powerhouse franchises looking to cement their legacy, to hungry underdogs eager to shake up the standings, every snap, block, and touchdown matters. The stage is set, the franchises are ready, and the race to the championship begins now.
3A Division: Where Champions Are Made
The 3A division of the PFA is stacked heading into 2025 — and that’s no exaggeration. This season, six powerhouse franchises make up the 3A field, and four of them are currently ranked in the national Top 25. Even more impressive? All four of those programs brought home national championships in the 2024–25 cycle, making this division one of the most competitive and battle-tested groups in the country.
While the bulk of the 3A season officially kicks off on May 3rd, several franchises will be taking the field earlier. These early matchups will count toward the regular season standings, giving teams the opportunity to get a jump on the competition while also testing themselves against out-of-state opponents.
That’s a key part of the PFA model — unlike many leagues where teams face the same opponents two or even three times in a season, the PFA’s structure ensures every franchise plays each other only once. This opens the door to more diverse, high-level matchups against non-league competition, where strength of schedule truly matters. There are no easy paths here. Championships aren’t handed out — they’re earned, week by week, through a gauntlet of tough games and tougher opponents.
Week 1 – 3A Division Preview
#1 Racine Raiders (PFA) 0-0 vs. TN Hornets (Independent) 0-0
We start Week 1 with a heavyweight matchup — and if you’ve been living under a rock, or just don’t follow football closely, it’s time to get familiar with the Racine Raiders.
The Raiders are one of the most storied franchises in all of Pro Advancement Football, based out of Racine, Wisconsin. Established in 1953, they aren’t just a team — they’re a legacy. The oldest continuously operating Pro Advancement Football franchise in Wisconsin and the second oldest in the entire United States, Racine has become the gold standard for how to build and sustain a successful organization. They operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the entire team is managed by dedicated volunteers — a rare structure that speaks volumes about the loyalty and passion behind the scenes.
Championship pedigree? They’ve got that covered, too. With titles claimed in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2023, and 2024, the Raiders are no strangers to success. Now, they enter the 2025 PFA season ranked #1 both in the league and nationally, with a target on their backs and a standard to uphold.
They open their campaign against the Tennessee Hornets, an independent squad with something to prove. While the Hornets may not have the same historical weight behind them, they’re known for bringing speed and aggression — and they’ll be eager to shock the nation with an upset on opening weekend.
The Hornets, fresh off a 2024 campaign in the EAFL where they went 5-5 and earned a playoff spot, have gone independent this year and stacked their schedule with big-time opponents. Their matchup with Racine is circled in red — not just as a shot at revenge, but as a chance to make a national statement. There’s been a lot of chatter in recent weeks about the Hornets making splashy additions — former D1 athletes, top-tier Pro Advancement Football wide receivers — but until those reports are confirmed, it’s just speculation. If anything becomes official, we’ll update accordingly.
What we do know is this: if Tennessee wants any chance of dethroning the Raiders, they better come with more than just hype.
In their 2024 meeting, the Hornets were down 52-6 at halftime — a humbling loss that still echoes. Racine doesn’t just beat teams — they dominate. The Raiders, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by volunteers, continue to set the standard across the country, and their back-to-back national championships prove it. Entering 2025, they’re ranked #1 for a reason.
So can the Hornets pull a rabbit out of the hat? Sure, anything’s possible in football. But let’s be honest — this doesn’t look like a two-way battle.
Prediction: Racine comes out strong and stays in control. Tennessee might keep it competitive for a quarter, maybe even the first half, but the Raiders’ depth and discipline will be too much to handle. I don’t usually predict scores, but you can expect Racine to put up double digits — and then some — to open the PFA season 1-0 in convincing fashion.
#2 Motor City Rams (PFA) 0-0 vs. Midwest Renegades (MWUF) 0-0 Date: Week 1 | Location: TBD
The 2025 season doesn’t waste time bringing the fireworks. In another huge cross-league clash, the #2-ranked Motor City Rams will face off against the Midwest Renegades in what promises to be a physical, high-stakes battle right out the gate.
The Motor City Rams, still considered a newer franchise, have quickly established themselves as one of the premier programs in the country. Based in Detroit, Michigan, they finished the 2024 season with a 10-2 record, capped off by a thrilling 16-10 championship win over the long-reigning Detroit Ravens — officially dethroning the kings of Michigan.
Their reward? A trip to the USA Bowl National Championship in Daytona, Florida, where they knocked off the previously unbeaten Austin Vipers 16-13 in another defensive battle. That win solidified their place at #2 in the national rankings and proved the Rams are built for the big stage.
But they won’t have an easy start to 2025.
The Midwest Renegades, representing the MWUF, are coming off an impressive 2024 season of their own. They went 7-1 and secured the top seed heading into the postseason. Their only loss came at the hands of the Racine Raiders — the nation’s #1 team — by a score of 30-6. And they bounced back with force, winning the MWUF title in a gritty 16-8 championship victory over the Sheboygan County Saber Cats, sealing their second league title (first in 2022).
This Week 1 matchup is a tone-setter for both teams. The Rams will be looking to protect their ranking and send a message that they’re not just contenders — they’re the real deal. Meanwhile, the Renegades are stepping outside of their league looking to pull off a major upset and prove they can hang with the elite.
Prediction: Expect a defensive slugfest early, but the Rams’ championship experience and roster depth should give them the edge late. Don’t be surprised if it comes down to the final possession — again.
#3 Indy Bison (PFA) 0-1 vs. Grand Rapids Surge (GMFC) 0-0 (0-1)
The Indy Bison, ranked #3 in the PFA coming in the season, have wasted no time in making noise since joining the PFA in 2025. With a staggering 28-6 overall record since their inception, all six losses have come at the hands of Top 5 nationally-ranked teams. Under head coach Terry Moore (43-6 career record), the Bison are coming off back-to-back league championship appearances — winning the MDFL 3A title in 2024 — and back-to-back USA Bowl National Championships in 2023 and 2024.
This team is loaded with talent from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky — a testament to the program’s growing reputation. Players buy into the Bison culture, and it shows on the field with discipline, athleticism, and execution.
“This being a more competitive season than the previous seasons, we know we’re going to have to make fewer mistakes. We’ve got to stop battling ourselves… It’s Bison versus the Bison. If we beat our in-house problems, we’ll have success in the PFA.”
— Justin Macafee, Indy Bison Owner
The Bison opened their season early at the Midwest Football Officiating Clinic (MFOC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, facing the Illinois Cowboys (MWUF). It came down to the wire, but the Bison fell short in a 22-21 heartbreaker.
Grand Rapids Surge – GMFC Contender
On the other side, the Grand Rapids Surge are widely considered the best program in the Grand Rapids region. Entering 2025 as part of the Greater Michigan Football Conference (GMFC), the Surge are looking to prove they belong on the national stage. While they’ll primarily play a Michigan-based schedule, select crossover games will test their depth and talent against top-tier opponents like the Bison.
They recently faced the Lima Warriors in a preseason contest, narrowly losing 8-6 — showing defensive promise but still searching for offensive rhythm.
🔥 What to Expect
This game is shaping up to be high-scoring — but likely one-sided.
Indy Bison quarterback Montrez Hearon is a dual-threat weapon who can carve up defenses with his arm or beat you with his legs. He’s surrounded by playmakers, including RB Corey Bridges, who brings a physical running style and game-breaking ability. Defensively, the Bison have seasoned veterans anchoring both the D-line and secondary, making them tough to move the ball against.
The Surge will need to tighten things up offensively and find a way to contain the Bison’s speed and versatility on both sides of the ball.
💥 Prediction:
Indy Bison bounce back strong, control this game from start to finish, and improve to 1-1 on the season. Expect fireworks from Hearon and company.
Week 1 Showdown: #4 Detroit Ravens vs. #6 Kalamazoo Titans — A Heavyweight Clash to Open the PFA Season
Detroit Ravens: The Standard of Michigan Football
When you hear the name Detroit Ravens, you immediately think of tradition, toughness, and titles. A true Michigan powerhouse, the Ravens have long established themselves as one of the top programs in the country, not just the Midwest. Known for their physical, disciplined football, the Ravens have been a fixture in the national Top 5 rankings for years.
Their undefeated streak — which lasted over three seasons — finally came to an end in 2024, falling to their crosstown rivals, the Motor City Rams, in a gritty 16-10 loss in the PFA 3A Championship. That didn’t stop the Ravens from bouncing back, though — they went down to Florida and dominated the Missouri Cyclones to secure yet another national win under their belt.
Now, in 2025, they’re hungry for redemption. With Tee Simms leading a high-octane offense and that signature Ravens’ lockdown defense, Detroit enters the new season laser-focused on reclaiming the top spot.
Kalamazoo Titans: Ready to Shock the World
Don’t let the Titans’ recent absence fool you — Kalamazoo is no stranger to winning. After establishing themselves in the late 2010s, the Titans developed a reputation as a tough, under-the-radar program. Known for their gritty defense and commitment to local player development, Kalamazoo quietly became one of the most respected names in Pro Advancement Football circles.
Although they’ve taken a few seasons off, the Titans are far from a “new” team — they have a history of pulling off upsets and giving top-tier franchises real problems. They’re often hard to beat at home, and their defensive identity remains a cornerstone of the program.
What we don’t know heading into this matchup is exactly what the 2025 version of the Titans will look like. They’ve kept a low profile this preseason, and that mystery could work in their favor. Could an upset be brewing?
Matchup Outlook
The Ravens come in as the clear favorite — with playoff-tested veterans, a loaded roster, and a chip on their shoulder after last season’s championship loss. But opening the season against a hungry, overlooked Titans squad with something to prove? That’s the kind of game that could get interesting early.
If the Titans come out strong and punch first, this could turn into more of a battle than expected. But if Tee Simms and the Ravens’ offense get rolling, and the defense locks in, it could be a long day for Kalamazoo.
Ravens 28 – Titans 10
Detroit starts their redemption tour with a statement win, but keep an eye on the Titans — they’ll make noise this season.
#5 Michigan Bills (PFA) (0-0) vs Cincinnati Dukes (Independent) (0-0)
Michigan Bills: Ready for the Next Step
The Michigan Bills return to the PFA for their sophomore season after a breakout 2024 campaign that saw them post a 13-4 record, including preseason and bowl games. In just their first year as a franchise, the Bills made a serious run at the title, falling just one point short in the PFA 3A semifinals to eventual champions Motor City Rams, 13-12.
Heading into 2025, this young, hungry roster is out to prove last year was no fluke. The Bills are already battle-tested—by the time this article is posted, they’ll have opened their season against the Illinois Cowboys, giving them two tough matchups to start the year. That game will be a tone-setter for how they approach this key matchup.
Cincinnati Dukes: The Reigning Blue Collar Kings
The Cincinnati Dukes are coming off back-to-back Sunshine Bowl victories and consecutive championships in the Blue Collar Football League (BCFL). Now stepping into independent territory for 2025, the Dukes are aiming to expand their reach and take on tougher competition. They’re battle-hardened, used to high-pressure football, and looking to make a statement against one of the PFA’s rising stars.
What to Watch For
This one could be a gritty, down-to-the-wire contest. Both teams are well-coached, talented, and full of players who thrive in big moments. The Bills have made waves this offseason with key returning veterans and strategic additions, building even more chemistry in year two. Meanwhile, the Dukes’ championship pedigree gives them a clear edge in poise and experience.
The outcome may hinge on who controls the tempo and wins the turnover battle. If the Bills come into this 1–0, expect them to play with swagger and confidence. If they’re 0–1, they’ll be playing with urgency—and that makes them dangerous.
Prediction:
Michigan Bills 20 – Cincinnati Dukes 17
It’s a tight game, but Bills Mafia edges it out in the final minutes with a clutch drive and smart clock management.
PFA Week 1 Preview: 2A Matchups Take Center Stage
With all of the 3A action covered, it’s time to shift gears and dive into the 2A slate for Week 1 of the Pro Football Advancement (PFA) season.
The 2A division features just four teams this year, but don’t let the numbers fool you—these matchups promise plenty of intrigue. Leading off the 2A campaign is a marquee showdown between two undefeated squads:
#1 Flag City Phantoms (1-0) vs #2 Cincinnati Hawks (1-0)
The Flag City Phantoms come into the 2025 season as the top-ranked team in 2A, taking over the #1 spot following the temporary departure of the Northern Kentucky Wolfpack. The Phantoms’ resume more than justifies their top billing. In 2024, they battled through one of the toughest schedules a 2A team could face, playing a hybrid slate of both 3A and 2A opponents—including a road trip to face the powerhouse Racine Raiders. Despite falling just short in the 2A championship game, the Phantoms didn’t rest. Instead, they pushed for a postseason opportunity in Florida, where they capped their year with a convincing win over the West Virginia Leviathan (TPFL), bringing home a trophy and setting the tone for 2025.
On the other sideline, the Cincinnati Hawks are a bit more of a mystery. A team with history in the Queen City, the Hawks have re-emerged after a few years away from the scene. While information is scarce, they made a strong first impression by blanking the Ohio Broncos 21-0 in the MFOC clinic—a dominant defensive effort that turned heads.
Game Outlook:
This matchup will test both teams early, but especially Cincinnati. The road to the 2A championship runs through Flag City, and the Phantoms know it. They’re carrying momentum, experience, and a chip on their shoulder from last season’s near-miss.
For the Phantoms, success hinges on a fast start. If they can strike first and let their defense go to work, they’ll be in good shape. But if they open the door for the Hawks early, Cincinnati has the firepower to capitalize and make things interesting.
Expect a competitive game, but in the end, Flag City’s depth and experience should give them the edge. Look for the Phantoms to pull away late and remain atop the 2A rankings.
#4 Lima Warriors (PFA) 0-0 (1-1) vs Tuscarawas County Warriors (TPFL) 0-0
Lima Warriors Look to Kick Off 2025 Regular Season with a Statement Win
The Lima Warriors, currently ranked #4 in the PFA with a 1-1 preseason record, are set to host the Tuscarawas County Warriors (TPFL) in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup. After a rocky 2024 season, the Lima squad is entering a rebuilding phase—something even the most iconic franchises in the NFL, NBA, and MLB have faced. Despite last year’s struggles, the Warriors showed flashes of promise that hint at a brighter future. With a new coaching staff and a core group of returning leaders setting the tone in the locker room, momentum is slowly building in Lima.
So far this preseason, the Warriors split their games—dominating the Grand Rapids Surge but falling hard to first-year GMFC team Capitol City Bandits in a 31-0 shutout. As they prepare for the regular season, they’ll face a bit of an unknown in the #5-ranked Tuscarawas Co. Warriors, who are making their season debut. The question remains: which version of Lima will show up? The hungry, upstart team eager to return to glory—or one still finding its footing?
Prediction: Expect a gritty battle, but look for Lima to edge out a close one and start the season 1-0 with a statement win.
#3 NWO Warlocks (0-0) vs Cuyahoga Falls Rapids (0-0)
Two newcomers to the scene square off in what promises to be a true wildcard matchup.
The NWO Warlocks are making their PFA debut this season, and with no preseason action or past film to evaluate, their roster remains largely a mystery. One thing’s for certain—come May 3rd, we’ll all get our first look at what this squad brings to the table.
Their opponent, the Cuyahoga Falls Rapids, enters from the PAFL with a similarly blank slate. Like the Warlocks, the Rapids opted out of any preseason matchups, leaving fans and analysts with little more than speculation to go on heading into Week 1.
With both teams stepping onto the field for the first time under their respective banners, this game is truly up for grabs. Expect early-season jitters, raw talent, and the potential for a breakout performance on either side.
That wraps up the Week 1 Preview for the 2A division. Be sure to check back soon for the Week 1 Recap and a look ahead at what’s in store for Week 2 across the PFA!
Some of the teams mentioned above are currently scheduled to play pre-season games. As of the time this article was written, those matchups had not yet taken place. Once results are finalized, they will be included in the Week 1 recap to provide a complete overview of early season performance.