2014 Bemidji Axemen season

Indoor Football League team season January 2025 Bemidji Axemen 2014 5–9 3rd United Robert Fuller Chris Kokalis Chris Kokalis & Ross Ladehoff Sanford Center1111 Event Center DriveBemidji, Minnesota 56601 N/A true The 2014 Bemidji Axemen season was the team's first season as a professional indoor football franchise and first in the Indoor Football League (IFL). One of nine teams competing in the IFL for the 2014 season, the Bemidji, Minnesota-based Axemen were members of the United Conference. Founded in August 2013 as an expansion team, the Bemidji Axemen began play in February 2014 with the start of the 2014 IFL season. Under the leadership of co-owners Chris Kokalis and Ross Ladehoff plus head coach Robert Fuller, the team plays their home games at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. Off-field moves On October 14, 2013, the Axemen announced Robert Fuller as the team's first head coach. Fuller has eight years of indoor football experience, including the last two seasons as head coach of the Green Bay Blizzard. He was honored as the Indoor Football League Coach of the Year in both 2011 and 2012. Bemidji acquired their field turf from a defunct IFL team in Ohio and refurbished and repainted the surface before their first home exhibition game. On January 20, 2014, the team announced that naming rights for the field were sold to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe for their Palace Casino and Hotel. As such, the team plays its home games on "Palace Casino Field inside the Sanford Center". The team is working with medical and athletic training services provider Sanford Bemidji to monitor the condition of players for potential treatment of concussions and brain injuries. Roster moves On September 20, 2013, the Axemen announced the signing of their first player, kicker Scott Enos. He played college football with the University of Hawaii and his professional experience includes a stint with the Cedar Rapids Titans. The team held public tryouts on November 23–24, 2013, at the West Saint Paul Regional Athletics Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. On December 3, the team announced the signing of offensive lineman Chuck Palonis, linebacker Jory Johnson, wide receiver Maurice Patterson, and defensive lineman Maurice Hamption. On December 14, Bemidji signed defender DeQuan Starling, wide receiver Darnell Williams, and quarterback Joshua Aakre. The team also announced that they had acquired wide receiver Ryan Balentine in a trade for future considerations with the Green Bay Blizzard. Awards and honors On February 26, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 1 Players of the Week. Bemidji Axemen defensive back DeQuan Starling received an Honorable Mention for defense. On March 5, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 2 Players of the Week. Bemidji Axemen defensive back and kick returner De'Markus Washington each received an Honorable Mention for special teams play. On March 19, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 4 Players of the Week. Bemidji Axemen quarterback Hunter Wanket was named as the Offensive Player of the Week. Wide receiver Ryan Balentine received an Honorable Mention for offense, linebacker Jory Johnson received an Honorable Mention for defense, and kick returner De’Markus Washington received a second Honorable Mention for special teams play. On March 26, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 5 Players of the Week. Bemidji Axemen wide receiver Nick Truesdell received an Honorable Mention for offense. Linebacker Jory Johnson received a second Honorable Mention for defense. On April 2, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 6 Players of the Week. Bemidji Axemen linebacker Jory Johnson received his third Honorable Mention this season for defense. Kicker Zach Pulkinen received an Honorable Mention for special teams play. On April 16, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 8 Players of the Week. Bemidji Axemen defensive back De’Markus Washington received his third Honorable Mention of the season, but first for defense rather than special teams play. On April 23, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 9 Players of the Week. Bemidji Axemen wide receiver Ryan Balentine received an Honorable Mention for offense. Defensive lineman Montez Robinson received an Honorable Mention for defense. Kicker Zach Pulkinen received an Honorable Mention for special teams play. Schedule Key: #CCFFCC Win 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFCC Tie 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFCCCC Loss 1px solid #AAAAAA #CCCCCC Bye 1px solid #AAAAAA Pre-season Week Day Date Kickoff Opponent Results Location Score Record 1 Friday February 7 7:05pm Cedar Rapids Titans L 30–42 0–1 Sanford Center 2 Saturday February 15 7:05pm at Cedar Rapids Titans L 11–22 0–2 U.S. Cellular Center Regular season All start times are local time Week Day Date Kickoff Opponent Results Location Attendance Score Record 1 Saturday February 22 7:00pm Green Bay Blizzard W 40–36 1–0 Sanford Center3,296 2 Saturday March 1 7:00pm at Nebraska Danger L 43–19 1–1 Eihusen Arena5,275 3 BYE 4 Saturday March 15 7:05pm Wyoming Cavalry W 92–49 2–1 Sanford Center3,675 5 Friday March 21 7:05pm Nebraska Danger L 38–48 2–2 Sanford Center3,746 6 Saturday March 29 7:05pm at Cedar Rapids Titans L 37–48 2–3 U.S. Cellular Center4,283 7 BYE 8 Friday April 11 7:05pm at Wyoming Cavalry W 33–14 3–3 Casper Events Center2,617 9 Saturday April 19 7:05pm at Cedar Rapids Titans L 57–60 3–4 U.S. Cellular Center4,465 10 Friday April 25♥ 7:05pm Green Bay Blizzard W 42–36 4–4 Sanford Center3,276 11 Saturday May 3 7:00pm at Green Bay Blizzard W 66–61 5–4 Resch Center3,884 12 Saturday May 10 7:05pm Tri-Cities Fever L 50–51 5–5 Sanford Center2,149 13 Saturday May 17 7:05pm at Sioux Falls Storm L 13–34 5–6 Sioux Falls Arena4,520 14 BYE 15 Saturday May 31 7:05pm Texas Revolution L 27–43 5–7 Sanford Center2,539 16 Saturday June 7 7:05pm Cedar Rapids Titans L 43–49 5–8 Sanford Center1,971 17 Friday June 13 7:30pm at Green Bay Blizzard L 32–52 5–9 Resch Center2,326 ♥ Rescheduled from April 26 due to arena scheduling conflicts Roster 2014 Bemidji Axemen roster Quarterbacks 14 Joshua Aakre 18 Cody Kirby Running backs 6 Warren Matthews Jr. 7 DeMario Pippen Wide receivers 4 Ryan Balentine 3 Philander Browder -- Sheldon Galloway 5 Josh Jarboe 15 David Lewis Offensive linemen 66 Terrence Clark 70 Kadre Pinder 72 Chuck Palonis Defensive linemen 94 Jordan Morgan 97 Rony Nelson 99 Torlan Pittman 98 Caesar Rodriguez Linebackers 28 Jory Johnson 15 Derek Rose Defensive backs 2 Lamar Allen -- Byron Best 12 Brandon Clarke 21 A. J. Downs 8 Mike McMillan 13 Gary Wilburn Kickers 34 Zach Pulkinen Injured Reserve 92 Nate Douglas DL 5 Hunter Wanket QB Transfer List 36 Jajuan Harley DB Refused to Report 90 Maurice Hampton DL 88 Darnell Williams WR rookies in italicsRoster updated June 5, 201425 Active, 5 Inactive → More rosters Standings Axemen References 2 Indoor Football League 2014 Regular Season Schedule Released http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1520-2014-regular-season-schedule-released October 18, 2013 December 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061706/http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1520-2014-regular-season-schedule-released October 23, 2013 dead mdy-all Jack Hittinger The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN It’s official: Bemidji gets IFL franchise http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/its-official-bemidji-gets-ifl-franchise August 20, 2013 February 24, 2014 Pat Miller The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Fuller named Axemen's first coach http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/fuller-named-axemens-first-coach October 14, 2013 February 24, 2014 Zach Kayser The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN A turf first: Crews installing Axemen playing turf will make up the rules as they go along http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/turf-first-crews-installing-axemen-playing-turf-will-make-rules-they-go-along January 14, 2014 February 24, 2014 Zach Kayser The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN A partner in the Palace: Casino lands naming rights for field for Bemidji Axemen http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/video-partner-palace-casino-lands-naming-rights-field-bemidji-axemen January 20, 2014 February 24, 2014 Bethany Wesley The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Ahead of the game: Axemen players, trainers take brain injuries seriously, take baseline tests Friday http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/ahead-game-axemen-players-trainers-take-brain-injuries-seriously-take-baseline-tests-friday February 1, 2014 February 24, 2014 Jack Hittinger The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN INDOOR FOOTBALL: Axmen sign first player: Kicker Scott Enos http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axmen-sign-first-player-kicker-scott-enos September 20, 2013 February 24, 2014 The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen to hold tryouts in St. Paul http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/axemen-hold-tryouts-st-paul October 22, 2013 February 24, 2014 The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen sign four more players http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/axemen-sign-four-more-players December 3, 2013 February 24, 2014 The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Indoor football: Axemen add four players to roster http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-add-four-players-roster December 14, 2013 February 24, 2014 Indoor Football League Kickoff Weekend Players of the Week Announced http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1623-kickoff-weekend-players-of-the-week-announced February 26, 2014 March 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140301153718/http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1623-kickoff-weekend-players-of-the-week-announced March 1, 2014 dead mdy-all Indoor Football League Week 2 Players of the Week Announced http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1637-week-2-players-of-the-week-announced March 5, 2014 March 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140306043707/http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1637-week-2-players-of-the-week-announced March 6, 2014 dead mdy-all Indoor Football League Week 4 IFL Players of the Week Announced http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1668-week-4-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced March 19, 2014 March 20, 2014 https://archive.today/20140320055305/http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1668-week-4-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced March 20, 2014 dead mdy-all Indoor Football League Week 5 IFL Players of the Week Announced http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1685-week-5-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced March 26, 2014 March 28, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140328235628/http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1685-week-5-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced March 28, 2014 dead mdy-all Indoor Football League Week 6 IFL Players of the Week Announced http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1698-week-6-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced April 2, 2014 April 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140407080817/http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1698-week-6-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced April 7, 2014 dead mdy-all Indoor Football League Week 8 IFL Players of the Week Announced http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1722-week-8-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced April 16, 2014 April 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140418220904/http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1722-week-8-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced April 18, 2014 dead mdy-all Indoor Football League Week 9 IFL Players of the Week Announced http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1736-week-9-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced April 23, 2014 April 23, 2014 https://archive.today/20140423194009/http://www.goifl.com/news/news-archive/1-latest-news/1736-week-9-ifl-players-of-the-week-announced April 23, 2014 dead mdy-all The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen schedule announced http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/axemen-schedule-announced October 18, 2013 February 24, 2014 Jack Hittinger The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN With an Axe to grind! Axemen to debut Friday http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/axe-grind-axemen-debut-friday February 5, 2014 February 24, 2014 Zach Kayser The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen bring the sound and fury: Bemidji plays first-ever IFL game http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/axemen-bring-sound-and-fury-bemidji-plays-first-ever-ifl-game February 7, 2014 February 24, 2014 Pat Miller The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN IFL: Axemen fall to Cedar Rapids 40-32 but win over fans in debut http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/ifl-axemen-fall-cedar-rapids-40-32-win-over-fans-debut February 7, 2014 February 24, 2014 Pat Miller The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN IFL: Axemen elated with debut; team has preseason rematch with Cedar Rapids Saturday http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/ifl-axemen-elated-debut-team-has-preseason-rematch-cedar-rapids-saturday February 12, 2014 February 24, 2014 Jeremiah Davis The Gazette Cedar Rapids, IA C.R. Titans set to make debut in U.S. Cellular Center http://thegazette.com/2014/02/14/c-r-titans-set-to-make-debut-in-u-s-cellular-center/ February 14, 2014 February 24, 2014 Jeremiah Davis The Gazette Cedar Rapids, IA Wait no more: Titans play in U.S. Cellular Center http://thegazette.com/2014/02/15/wait-no-more-titans-play-in-u-s-cellular-center/ February 15, 2014 February 24, 2014 Indoor Football League Green Bay Blizzard vs. Bemidji Axemen at Bemidji, Minn. - 2/22/2014 at 7:00 pm http://www.goiflstats.com/sports/fball/2013-14/boxscores/20140222_kge1.xml February 22, 2014 February 23, 2014 Jack Hittinger The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN AXEMEN: Regular season campaign begins today http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/axemen-regular-season-campaign-begins-today February 21, 2014 February 24, 2014 Jack Hittinger The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Indoor football: Axemen stop Green Bay in season opener http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-stop-green-bay-season-opener February 22, 2014 February 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140227183717/http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-stop-green-bay-season-opener February 27, 2014 dead Andrew Pekarek Green Bay Press-Gazette Green Bay, WI Gannett Company Indoor football: Blizzard falls to Bemidji http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014302240386&nclick_check=1 February 24, 2014 February 28, 2014 Indoor Football League Bemidji Axeman vs. Nebraska Danger at Grand Island NE - 3/1/2014 at 7:05 pm http://www.goiflstats.com/sports/fball/2013-14/boxscores/20140301_0l3i.xml March 1, 2014 March 1, 2014 Bob Hamar Grand Island Independent Omaha World-Herald Co. Grand Island, NE Kirby could get start at quarterback for Danger vs. Bemidji http://www.theindependent.com/sports/kirby-could-get-start-at-quarterback-for-danger-vs-bemidji/article_952d8d80-9f7d-11e3-baf0-0019bb2963f4.html February 27, 2014 February 28, 2014 Bob Hamar Grand Island Independent Omaha World-Herald Co. Grand Island, NE Danger look to register win against Bemidji http://www.theindependent.com/sports/danger-look-to-register-win-against-bemidji/article_26d31358-a105-11e3-91d3-001a4bcf887a.html March 1, 2014 March 2, 2014 Terry Douglass Grand Island Independent Omaha World-Herald Co. Grand Island, NE Danger breaks into win column with rout of Axemen http://www.theindependent.com/sports/danger-breaks-into-win-column-with-rout-of-axemen/article_3c8ba952-a1d3-11e3-aa90-001a4bcf887a.html March 2, 2014 March 2, 2014 The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Indoor football: Axemen lost to Nebraska http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-lost-nebraska March 1, 2014 March 2, 2014 Indoor Football League Wyoming Cavalry vs. Bemidji Axemen at Bemidji, MN - 3/15/14 at 7:07 PM http://www.goiflstats.com/sports/fball/2013-14/boxscores/20140315_5rhj.xml March 15, 2014 March 16, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen anxious to return to action after bye week http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-anxious-return-action-after-bye-week March 14, 2014 March 20, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen put on an offensive clinic in 92-49 rout of Wyoming http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-put-offensive-clinic-92-49-rout-wyoming March 15, 2014 March 20, 2014 Indoor Football League Nebraska Danger vs. Bemidji Axemen at Bemidji, MN - 3/21/14 at 7:05 PM http://www.goiflstats.com/sports/fball/2013-14/boxscores/20140321_hrgs.xml March 21, 2014 March 22, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen seek revenge for loss, host Nebraska tonight http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-seek-revenge-loss-host-nebraska-tonight March 20, 2014 March 23, 2014 Bob Hamar Grand Island Independent Omaha World-Herald Co. Grand Island, NE Danger looking for first road win http://www.theindependent.com/sports/danger-looking-for-first-road-win/article_2ee8c33a-b0b9-11e3-b75d-0019bb2963f4.html March 21, 2014 March 23, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Indoor football: Nebraska rallies to stop Axemen http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-nebraska-rallies-stop-axemen March 21, 2014 March 23, 2014 Grand Island Independent Omaha World-Herald Co. Grand Island, NE Danger rally in second half to down Axemen http://www.theindependent.com/sports/danger-rally-in-second-half-to-down-axemen/article_a503d1dc-b185-11e3-b891-0019bb2963f4.html March 22, 2014 March 23, 2014 Indoor Football League Bemidji Axemen vs. Cedar Rapids Titans at Cedar Rapids, IA - 3/29/2014 at 7:08 PM http://www.goiflstats.com/sports/fball/2013-14/boxscores/20140329_y6ig.xml March 29, 2014 March 29, 2014 Jeremiah Davis The Gazette Cedar Rapids, IA C.R. Titans’ receivers short on depth, long on talent and potential http://thegazette.com/2014/03/28/c-r-titans-receivers-short-on-depth-long-on-talent-and-potential/ March 28, 2014 March 29, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen begin long road swing tonight at Cedar Rapids http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-begin-long-road-swing-tonight-cedar-rapids March 28, 2014 March 29, 2014 Jeremiah Davis The Gazette Cedar Rapids, IA C.R. Titans overcome mistakes, get fourth straight win http://thegazette.com/2014/03/29/c-r-titans-overcome-mistakes-get-fourth-straight-win/ March 29, 2014 March 30, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen fall at Cedar Rapids http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-fall-cedar-rapids March 29, 2014 March 30, 2014 Indoor Football League Bemidji Axemen vs. Wyoming Cavalry at Casper, WY - 4/11/14 at 7:05 PM http://www.goiflstats.com/sports/fball/2013-14/boxscores/20140411_mywh.xml April 11, 2014 April 12, 2014 Casper Star-Tribune Casper, WY Lee Enterprises Cavalry host Bemidji Axemen http://trib.com/sports/cavalry-host-bemidji-axemen/article_fffb2788-3d2c-57b4-b45e-43d1dc217823.html April 10, 2014 April 12, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Defense leads the way to Bemidji's 33-14 win over Wyoming http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-defense-leads-way-bemidjis-33-14-win-over-wyoming April 11, 2014 April 12, 2014 Casper Star-Tribune Casper, WY Lee Enterprises Axemen shut down Cavalry for easy victory http://trib.com/sports/axemen-shut-down-cavalry-for-easy-victory/article_c092a326-24e1-559a-9151-47ca233a309f.html April 12, 2014 April 13, 2014 Indoor Football League Bemidji Axemen vs. Cedar Rapids Titans at Cedar Rapids, IA - 4/19/14 at 7:13 PM http://www.goiflstats.com/sports/fball/2013-14/boxscores/20140419_6dx4.xml April 19, 2014 April 20, 2014 Jeremiah Davis The Gazette Cedar Rapids, IA C.R. Titans trying to sharpen up coming off bye http://thegazette.com/subject/sports/cr-titans-trying-to-sharpen-up-coming-off-bye-20140418 April 18, 2014 April 23, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Axemen let one slip away in bizarre fashion http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-axemen-let-one-slip-away-bizarre-fashion April 19, 2014 April 23, 2014 Douglas Miles The Gazette Cedar Rapids, IA Safety, late FG gives Titans improbable win http://thegazette.com/zone-read-offensive-gives-titans-spark-20140420 April 19, 2014 April 23, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Fuller takes responsibility for loss in Cedar Rapids http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/axemen-football-fuller-takes-responsibility-loss-cedar-rapids April 21, 2014 April 23, 2014 The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Bemidji Axemen game moved up a day http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/bemidji-axemen-game-moved-day March 24, 2014 March 26, 2014 Alex Berg The Bemidji Pioneer Forum Communications Bemidji, MN Receiver Balentine has offered versatility to Axemen http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/content/indoor-football-receiver-balentine-has-offered-versatility-axemen April 24, 2014 April 25, 2014 External links Bemidji Axemen official statistics Bemidji Axemen at The Bemidji Pioneer expanded Bemidji Axemen Category:Bemidji Axemen Bemidji Axemen