Originated 1981 from the NIFL

Commissioner Dick Suess (1984) Michael Highsmith (1985-87)

Champions:

1981 Seattle Cavaliers

1982 Washington County Grizzlies

1983 Oregon City Steelheads

1984 Auburn Panthers (12-0)

1985 Auburn Panthers (14-0)

1986 Auburn Panthers (16-0)

1987 Auburn Panthers (15-1)

Teams:

Auburn Panthers (1984-87)

Skagit Valley Raiders (1984-87)

Salem Stars (1985)

Seattle Cavaliers (1984-1987)

Snohomish County Blue Knights (1985)

Sno-King Blue Knights (1984-1987)

Peninsula Pioneers (1984)

Clark County Grizzlies (1984)

Spokane Fury (1984-87)

West Seattle/South End Warhawks (1984-87)

Bellevue/Eastside Express (1984-1987)

At first glance the 1984 season looks like a domination by the Auburn Panthers, but domination was not the case.  The NFA was possibly the most evenly matched league in recent history and the Panthers earned the title of "Luckiest Team in the League".   All of the teams sported competitive clubs with the exception of the Cavaliers who were in the midst of long losing streaks.  The Sno-King Blue Knights battled to a 5-3 regular season along with the Fury, Raiders and Express, but head-to-head match ups left the Knights on the outside looking in come playoff time.

The new addition started out with an overtime victory for it's first win in it's first franchise game.  Auburn followed that up with last second wins on field goals, come from behind victories, and fortunate bounces all season including the championship game where a botched field goal attempt nearly sent the game into overtime.  There was also the win against Clark County which turned into a tie, and then back to a victory after protests were filed by both teams. 

Controversy

During the game a Grizzly receiver fell down at the Panther 5-yard line, untouched by a defender he got up and scored an apparent touchdown.  However, officials had inadvertently blown the play dead.  The NFA plays by NCAA rules, with a couple of modifications including an untouched player being able to get up and continue the play even after their knee touches.  The officials ruled that the Grizzlies could either replay the down or take the ball 1st and Goal at the Panther 5.  Given the in-game options Clark County took the ball at the five, but the Panthers intercepted the ensuing pass halting the threat.  This brought a protest from Clark County which commissioner Dick Seuss heard and ruled the game should be a 28-28 tie in the record books.  But hold on, we aren't done yet.  Michael Highsmith filed a protest and met with Seuss on Monday and according to NCAA rules the play was dead at the time of the whistle, therefore the player cold not continue the play and score.  The officials rule on the field was correct and Seuss reversed his decision reinstating the final score; Panthers 28 Grizzlies 21.

Kenny Mayne made his NFA debut in 1984 sparking the Panthers to two second half touchdown drives in the championship game.  Mayne had just joined the team a week prior after leaving UNLV and trying to catch on with the Seattle Seahawks.  Milt Myers of Spokane fell just short of winning a championship after being drafted in the 5th Round of the USFL draft as an All-American QB from Whitworth.

Bryan Ross of the Blue Knights led the league in rushing with 746 yards.

1985 Standings

1985

On Oct 5, the Panthers intercepted the Warhawks 10 times for a league record number of interceptions in a single game.

Following the Panthers victory over the Seattle Cavaliers in the season finale, RB Daryl Baines learned he had set the NFA single season rushing record with 766 yards, topping Blue Knight Bryan Ross' 1984 mark of 746.  The loss by the Cavaliers was the teams 18th consecutive defeat.