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1) TEAM FIST (0-0) Although they missed the playoffs last year, Team Fist are back again with what has to be the most solid lineup of fighters. They did lose Apple, but they added Hoi and Lena from Asian Invasion. It's not just talent, it's depth, as every person can contribute something positive. This is probably Matt's best chance to win that coveted Championship. Here is my preseason pick for favorite to win it all in 2015.

2) DIRTY: PINK (0-0) Claire and the gang return after gaining the best regular season record in 2014. Hope and Shadow are still here, while Zack has shown improvement, winning the most recent Panther's Claw Slugfest. They get some added help in the form of Vincent Smith, multiple Diamond and Opal winner. He could be the key to the Championship. They'll certainly give Team Fist a run for their money.

3) ROYAL PAIN (0-0) Jewell's all female team enters their second season, looking for another trip to the playoffs. They've improved their roster by adding April, who recently made Sapphire. Juliane from the Rock Hards joins. It remains to be seen what Lirssa and Thorn will contribute. Considering Jewell's eye for talent, a la Eva, Jenai, and Issy from last year, they should do fine.

4) DEATHCAKE (aka CAKE OF DEATH) (0-0) Sal brings his team to IFL, picking up where the Discombobulators left off. They add Melanie and Rekah to the lineup from Hydra. Melanie should make a good anchor to base the team around. Skid was the Rookie of the Year in 2014. Sabine and Canaan are currently ranked Ruby. This team has enough depth to make it to the playoffs.

5) CHEMICAL BURN (0-0) After a strong run in Hydra, Bile brings his evil team into the IFL. Xanth and Anubis are always a powerful one two combo, but the rest of the team is going to have to step up if they want to be competitive. Trip is currently ranked Jade, and had a good showing in the Ice & Fire Tournament. Will it be enough to get them into the playoffs?

6) DIRTY: BLACK (0-0) TEAM DIRTY EXPLODES! Into two teams! Terry King, two time MoonBeryl holder, will be the Captain for Claire's second squad. Ruby Grace from the Rock Hards, Dean from Top Flight, and Bob will flesh out the roster. Other than Terry, this team doesn't have many heavy hitters, but they should have enough moxie to give their opponents a fight.

7) TEAM LAZERRICKS (0-0) What exactly is a Lazerrick? I probably don't want to know. Heck, there were Discombobulators last year, so I shouldn't complain. Corlanthis leads the team, and is a member of the famed Class of 2013. He's got an ace in the hole in former Opal holder Jenny Chae. Cor is going to need one of his other teammates to back Jenny and him up if they want to make the playoffs this year. My bet is on the minotaur.

8) ROYAL RABBLE (aka THE ROYAL FOILS) (0-0) The skeleton of the Hydra Foils appear in the form of Royal Rabble. Eva joins her hubby Mason to lead the team. Eva did hold an Opal, Ketch is a Jade, and Shae had some success over on Twilight Isle during Ragnarok, so the team does have some dueling under their belt. Still, they're going to need some big wins in order to stay in the playoff hunt.

OVERALL: This season should be a fun one as we watch five new teams compete. As the Hydra Foils showed, sometimes it only takes a few clutch wins to make a playoff team, so in that respect, everyone has a chance this year. Team Fist seems like the early favorite, but Team Dirty showed last year they are a force to be reckoned with. I'll be here to watch, of course, so keep a lookout for my weekly rankings! Enjoy the IFL season!

Later.

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