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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- As one football season winds down, another is just getting started.

The Bridge City Knights held an open combine saturday at the Bridgeview Center. The team is a Triple A minor league football team, and a member of the North American Football League; the second largest semi-pro league.

The team is looking for a few new players. Recruits have to bring their A game. Five of the players on the team have college experience. So the team is very talented. In fact, the Knights went 9-2 last year and made the playoffs. Head Coach Mike Thompson says that makes expectations even higher this year.

" We're looking forward to a situation to possibly get into a championship situation with this team. And if that's so, in october we play in South Carolina which is our ultimate goal."

The Knights will have another combine in June before making final roster cuts.

This could lead to brighter futures for some talented players, but new recruit and former Iowa State player Mitch Ehrenfelt says having fun is most important.

"It's good exercise, get out with the guys. Rough it up again. You sit on sundays and watch t.v. You get to watch but not experience it. It's a good way to get out and have fun, exercise and hit somebody."

The season starts in June. If you would like to learn more about the Bridge City Knights, visit www.bridgecityknights.com.