By Jared Curtis

The Blaze prepares to take the field. The Des Moines Blaze will play the Pella Knights at Johnston Stadium (normally at Valley Stadium) on Saturday, May 26 starting at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, and kids 12-and-under are free. For more information, visit www.desmoinesblaze.com.

Des Moines Blaze bring hard-hitting action to the metro

Although metro footballs fans enjoy the fast-paced action of the Iowa Barnstormers and the arena football league, another football team in town — the Des Moines Blaze — has been building a buzz and a fan base during the past three years.

“When the previous team [Des Moines Lighting] ended, we had a lot of the players still interested in playing,” said Tyrone Tyler, head coach and co-owner of the Blaze. “We decided to run with the idea and create another team. The previous team had a single owner, so we decided to create a governing board so the decisions weren’t just left to one person.”

The team is a non-profit organization receiving funds from sponsorships, donations, player fees and fundraising events. The players aren’t paid, and have to buy their own equipment and pay team dues to play. The team carries a 55-man roster and plays by NFL rules. With no pay or benefits, the players do it for the love of the game.

“We have players from all skill sets from college players looking for something more to the 30 to 35-year-old-guys that still have the burning desire to be on the field,” said Tyler, who previously played with Iowa Barnstormers. “We run a professional team and want that transfer to the field.”

Transfer it has. The team finished 12-0 last year, winning the Midwest Football Alliance championship and ranked No. 1 in the SemiPro BCS ranking system. As the team improved, so did the players.

“When you win a championship, you are able to build talent easier,” Tyler said. “We’ve been able to attract more Division III players and are working on recruiting some players, but we also hold tryouts.”

The Midwest Football Alliance is a 10-team league that includes teams from Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota. Tyler says the smaller league allows them to communicate with the other teams easier and makes sure everyone is on the same page.

“We had been a part of a league with 60 teams, which was nice, but the traveling was something we couldn’t do. We wanted to create our own governing body and include the best teams in the Midwest,” he said. “It was great to have national recognition, but when you’re competitive, but unable to travel, it takes a toll on the team. We thought this would work out better.”
On Saturday, May 26, the Blaze will face off against the Pella Knights.

“We have played Pella before, but they added a new coach this year, so they have definitely improved from the past,” he said.

The team works to provide hard-hitting action in a family-friendly environment, and Tyler encourages everyone to see what the Blaze are all about.

“We bust our tails, and it pays off. We have high expectations, and we know you get out of it what you put in,” he said. “Although we’re not as fast-paced as the Barnstormers, our skill level is similar. We put on our pads and hit hard like every other team. Minor league or not, it’s still football.” CV

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Des Moines Blaze home schedule

Saturday, May 26 — Pella Knights, Johnston Stadium, 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 2 — Minnesota Spartans, Valley Stadium, 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 23 — Quad City Raiders, Valley Stadium, 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 28 — Midwest Rampage, Valley Stadium, 1 p.m.