ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The Albany Panthers will not get a chance to defend their 2011 SIFL title next year.
They do have a chance to win the first championship in a new league in 2012.
As WALB News ten sports reported last week, The Panthers are one of five teams from the SIFL that have formed the new league that will also have the newly formed Knoxville KnightHawks.
Several former SIFL teams in Texas have formed the Lone Star Football League.
The two leagues are talking about having their champions play each other.
Panthers owner Rod Chappell says the SIFL owners felt the league expanded too much last year.
They believe the new league with close rivals will be a hit with fans and in the check book.
General manager Will Carter said. "It is going to help save your cost on travel. Hopefully, help you have a better business model. Make money and save some money."
Rod Chappell said. "We wanted to play highly competitive games. The teams that come in here can beat us. That is what you want. You want very competitive and challenging football games."
The Albany Panthers have also unveiled their 2012 schedule.
Albany Panthers 2012 Schedule
March 17 Richmond Raiders
March 24 at Louisiana Swashbucklers
March 31 Louisiana Swashbucklers
April 7 Bye Week
April 14 at Knoxville KnightHawks
April 21 Columbus Lions
April 28 Alabama Hammers
May 5 at Columbus Lions
May 12 Louisiana Swashbucklers
May 19 at Alabama Hammers
May 26 Bye Week
June 2 Knoxville KnightHawks
June 9 at Columbus Lions
June 16 at Richmond Raiders
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