The Baton Rouge Blaze was an expansion team that joined the af2 in 2001. The Blaze were joined by the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings, Columbus Wardogs, Florida Firecats, Iowa Barnstormers (not to be confused with the Iowa Barnstormers that are now the New York Dragons of the AFL), Lafayette Roughnecks, Lincoln Lightning, Louisville Fire, Macon Knights, Memphis Xplorers, Peoria Pirates, Rochester Brigade, & Wichita Stealth. In 2001, the Blaze went 10-6, yet surprisingly, did not make the playoffs. They were the only team in the league that had wins in double-digits, and failed to make the playoffs. After coming so close, the Blaze was extinguished, and Baton Rouge would be left without a professional (arena) football team.