Burr Ridge Football League: History
In the fall of 1998, the Burr Ridge Park District Flag Football program opened its doors for the first time. With only 32 players comprising 4 teams of 8 players, the league struggled to sustain enough players week in and week out to play games. Despite its early growing pains, the league ran well and finished the season with the first annual Turkey Bowl championship game. The table was set...
Year, 1999, the Sophomore Season
In 1999, the league expanded modestly to 4 teams of 10 or 11 players. The biggest addition to the program was the advent of Monday night games at Harvester to accomodate a new TV contract that allowed the league to be viewed by prime time audiences. However, the season went great, and when the dust cleared, the Ravens took home the second annual Turkey Bowl Championship.
Millenium Edition
During the 2000 season the BRFL expanded to 5 five teams. The competitive balance between teams was outstanding. Most games were decided within the last 5 plays of the game.
The players association felt that the balance in games was due to the players handling all the quarterback duties this year. If you ask the owners though, they'll tell you it was the revenue sharing program that allowed all the teams to have a fair shot at signing the big contract players. If you ask the league commissioners they'll tell you that is was the influx of exceptional young talent. In any case, the Titans opened the season in last place, but finished in a flurry with teamwork and outstanding defense. The Titans held off the Bengals in the league championship and brought home the 3rd Annual Turkey Bowl title.
Y2K-1
The BRFL expanded to 6 teams in the 2001 season. The league split into two divisions comprised of three teams each. The 2001 season also marked the return of the entire coaching staff from the 1998 season. Almost every game during the season was a close contest featuring some veterans who were now in their 4th season with the program. The 2002 season also saw the passing game develop to levels unseen in the past.
5th Anniversary
The league grew once again to 8 teams playing in two divisions in the 2002 season. The program reached it's peak capacity within 2 weeks of opening registration. The program also saw more rookie players than returning players for the 1st time. The challenge was there for the staff. The league played its first unbalanced schedule between divisions and it worked out great. the 2002 Turkey Bowl featured two teams that did not play each other during the regular season.
2002 Award Winners
• Turkey Bowl Champions, Bears
• Gridiron Division Champions, Bears
• Pigskin Division Champions, Raiders
• Team MVP’s: Jackson P., Kyle S., Brian W., John L., Ross D., Matt S., Mike Z., Geoff W., Kevin W.
• Rookie of the Year, Chris B.
• Most Improved Player, Anthony G.
• Play of the Year, Tanner M.
• Offensive Player of the Year, Ryan M.
• Defensive Player of the Year, Tim C.
• Players Choice Most Valuable Player, Alex T.
• Most Valuable Player, Eric J.
