Northern Elite Football League

Thursday morning the Fox Valley Force announced they were ceasing operations,

"It is with a heavy heart, we announce that the Fox Valley Force will not be able to make the trip to Fargo.  With numbers being low, there is no way to make the game happen and we feel awful.  To the Fargo Invaders, we apologize this causes you yet another forfeit at home and makes semi pro look bad in your community.  We just have too many injuries and not enough guys able to get off work all weekend to make the trip.  Also, effective immediately the Force are sad to say, due to several things beyond our control, we are ceasing operations.  Thank you to the fans, sponsors, players, and coaches through the years and we appreciate all the support."

On an emergency Conference Call Thursday Night, the NEFL Teams voted to Re-Seed the playoffs thus making the Northland Bulls the #5 seed and River City Rough Riders in at #6.

So Saturday, July 28th will be

• #5 Northland Bulls (5-3) @ #4 Fargo Invaders (6-2)
• #6 River City Rough Riders (5-3) @ #3 St Paul Pioneers (6-2)

2018 has been a year filled with turmoil;  starting in February the Chippewa Valley Predators (2001) & Minnesota Sting (2010) both closed shop.  Those two teams' schedules were replaced by the Minnesota Vipers & Granite City Renegades, respectively. 
Halfway through the season, the Granite City Renegades (2010) had to fold after losing players as well.  By the last week of the season the Hudson Thunderhawks (2009) dissolved, while the Minnesota Vipers forfeited their last game of the year in Fargo.
And now the first round of the playoffs, the Fox Valley Force (2006) are ceasing operations as well.

These changes are difficult to see from such tenured teams, but it shows how the game is changing with Player Safety concerns, as well as the financial implications of running a Semi Pro team.  With a growing league, budgets must also grow to accommodate the increased travel.