Note: Most of the information here is from the Empire League's Official Website.  I've edited out irrelevant content and added some peices of information (usually in parentheses), some of which was provided (with much appreciation) by the EFL's Deputy Commissioner. Regular season result information came from this site.

The EFL moved to 3 divisions and 12 teams for the 1988 season. The Marlboro Shamrocks moved over from the Eastern Football League and a new team called the St. Lawrence Bootleggers from Ogdensburg joined the league.  However, before the start of the season, the Bootleggers moved from Ogdensburg to Ottawa, Canada (due to their field agreement being cancelled) and the Utica Giants dropped out...

The EFL played with 11 teams from New York State, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Canada. Even with all of these teams, the Scranton Eagles remained undefeated and defeated the Ottawa Bootleggers for (their) first international championship game.

1989 marked the EFL's 20th Anniversary with 8 teams; Scranton, Syracuse, Watertown, Albany, Johnstown, Glens Falls, Hudson plus the...New England Crusaders. ...The Ottawa Bootleggers decided to try their luck with an independent schedule.  Ottawa did succeed to remain in the top 5 National Rankings and went on to the Minor League Football Alliance National Championship Game where they were defeated by the Racine (Wisconsin) Raiders by a score of 15-13 in a snow storm in front of approximately 6200 people.

 

Bootleggers03Sep89small.jpg

 

In 1990, the addition of Montreal increased the league to 9 teams...Scranton defeated Albany in the EFL Championship Game. Scranton went on to play in the Minor League Football Alliance National Playoffs where they defeated #1 ranked Ottawa and the Brooklyn Mariners on their way to the National Championship.

In 1991, the EFL added the Newburgh Raiders and the Plattsburgh Northstars.  The Ottawa Bootleggers returned from their independent schedule. Scranton defeated Montreal 14-0 in the EFL Championship Game at Scranton; Scranton went on to the MLFA National Playoffs and were defeated in the 1st round by the Marlboro Shamrocks.

The EFL expanded to 11 teams with the return of the Syracuse Express in 1992. Unfortunately, the Binghamton Jets officially closed its operation. ...The second year team from Newburgh went on to win the playoffs and the EFL Championship.   Newburgh had finished the regular season in 2nd place and after defeating Ottawa, in a very close playoff game, moved into the Championship Game. Newburgh tried its hand at the post season National Playoffs but lost to the Marlboro Shamrocks.

The EFL continued with 11 teams in 1993 but did however, lose the Ottawa Bootleggers as they closed their operation this year.

 

Regular Season Results

1992:  3-7
1991:  7-3
1990:  9-0  Lost to the Scranton Eagles in the quarter finals.  Head Coach: Greg Marshall
1989: 10-0  Lost the MLFA* championship game to the Racine Raiders 15-13.  Head Coach: Mike White
1988: 6-3-1 Lost the Championship match to the Scranton Eagles.  Head Coach: Mike White

*Minor League Football Association


Game Results
(under construction)


1992
Oct 17th- Bootleggers 14 @ Newburgh (?) Raiders 19        L

1991

1990
Sep 21st- Brooklyn Kings 00 @ Bootleggers 10              W
Oct  8th- Syracuse Express 06 @ Bootleggers 28            W
Oct 20th- Randolph Oilers 02 @ Bootleggers 23             W

1989
Sep  1st- Frederick Falcons 13 @ Bootleggers 35           W
Sep 15th- Chambersburg Cardinals 06 @ Bootleggers 43      W

Nov  9th- Malboro Shamrocks 19 @ Bootleggers 30           W

Dec  5th- Racine Raiders 15 @ Bootleggers 13 (Title Bowl)

1988
Sep  3rd- Bootleggers 10 @ Johnstown Colonials 21         L
Sep 10th- Bootleggers 17 @ Scranton Eagles 41             L
Sep 17th- Binghampton Jets 00 @ Bootleggers 31            W
Sep 25th- Watertown Red 06 & Black @ Bootleggers 37       W