HARRISBURG -- The Central Penn Piranha will have a chance to win a Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) national championship near its own backyard -- the game has been moved to Chambersburg.
Central Penn will face either the Indianapolis Tornados or the South Buffalo (N.Y.) Celtics in the final on October 13 at Trojan Stadium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
The Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., was supposed to host the GDFL final, but those plans fell through, said Piranha general manager Mike Mitchell.
This new arrangement is not only a bonus for the Piranha, it's also a reward for the fans. "The people in this area really support minor league football," said Mitchell.
Trojan Stadium is the home of the Chambersburg Cardinals minor league team, which Central Penn defeated in the regional division round of the GDFL playoffs.
The Cardinals likely have the best crowds in the country -- typically drawing between
2000-3000 fans a game.
"The fans deserve the opportunity to watch a national championship," added Mitchell.
More than 90 teams nationwide were vying for a GDFL title. The championship game will feature the best -- and last -- two.
Chambersburg won the 2011 GDFL title, defeating the Oklahoma Thunder, 19-14. The Cardinals ended the Thunder's 52-game winning streak; the first loss in Oklahoma's team history.
The 2010 championship game was played in Memphis, Tenn. -- home of the GDFL headquarters -- and last year's game was held in Atlanta, Ga., area, according to the league website.
