USFL in Canton | 5 storylines to follow as Maulers, Generals kick off 2023 season
CANTON — The USFL begins its second season when games kick off this weekend.
For the city of Canton, this is its first full season partnering with the league after hosting the USFL playoffs a year ago. This spring, Canton hosts two USFL franchises for the entire regular season.
The New Jersey Generals and Pittsburgh Maulers are playing their home games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium this season. And both teams are using the Hall of Fame Village as their base of operations.
Here are five storylines to watch this spring as the Maulers and Generals chase a USFL title while calling Canton home:
Ray Horton makes his head coaching debut
Not only will this will be Ray Horton's head coaching debut in the USFL, it will be the first head coaching job in his career. After 30 years as a defensive assistant, Horton gets to run his team as he envisions it. The Pittsburgh way. With his strong ties to Ohio and Pittsburgh, Horton knows the importance of a passionate fanbase.
“I think we got a lot of people watching it that couldn’t be a part of it in the stands last year, but I think this year we get a chance to be a part of it in the stands and being here in Ohio, which is a football state," he said. "I think the stands will be packed here and we will have a great fan base here."
USFL's partnership with FOX and NBC
If you don't plan on attending a USFL game, at least it will be on your TV screen. Last month, the league revealed its television schedule for this season. A total of 43 games will be nationally televised, including 13 in prime time on either FOX or NBC networks.
The Generals' opener vs. the reigning league champion Stallions is a prime-time game on FOX at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Maulers' opener vs. the Breakers will be televised on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Who starts at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Maulers
It has been an open competition for spots throughout Maulers camp, including the quarterback position. The Maulers currently have three quarterbacks on the roster, and Horton has yet to announce his starter for Week 1 against the New Orleans Breakers. Troy Williams, James Morgan and Connor Sampson have been battling it out, and Horton said all three are good enough to start.
"What I like about our quarterbacks is that they are all winners," Horton said. "They compete hard. What we have is three winners, and they all are going to play for us."
Can the Generals return to the playoffs
The Generals were one of the four playoff teams last season and lost to the Philadelphia Stars in the semifinals in Canton after a 9-1 regular season. With most players returning, the Generals look to return to contention, this time with Canton as their home.
"For us, it’s like coming back home because we were here last year, and we got the chance to play in the stadium, see the crowd, and be part of what we bring to the table," Generals running back Darius Victor said. "So to be back for the whole season makes it even better because we know what to expect."
Maulers, Generals make Canton debut in Week 2
The Maulers and Generals will share Hall of Fame Stadium this season, and their first game there will be against each other in Week 2. The Maulers will be the home team. The Generals are the home team for the rematch in Week 10.
More: 'You never know': Former Browns star running back Kevin Mack looks back on original USFL
This article originally appeared on The Repository: What to know about USFL teams set to play in Canton in 2023 season
