ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Pirates are Orlando’s newest football team, playing in the Indoor Football League.

Head coach Rod Windsor started the year as the Pirates’ offensive coordinator. After a coaching change, he was elevated to head coach.

“It’s been a transition for me, and I’ve accepted the challenge. For the most part, these guys, they’ve been responsive. They’re pros, they come in, you know, they come on time. They do what they’re supposed to do,” Windsor said.

The IFL is 8 vs. 8 football with two players in motion before the snap. It’s a momentum game with crazy point swings. The Pirates have gotten off to a good start on the year, averaging over 50 points a game.

“It’s definitely rewarding. I think it leans on, like, the hard work I’ve been putting in, you know, the offseason preparing for this. But it also just shows what we have on this team,” Pirates starting quarterback Paxton DeLaurent said.

DeLaurent was thrust into the starting role just hours before the season opener. He’s performed well so far this season, throwing for 21 touchdowns in six games.

“Coach Windsor, I mean he’s an OC guru in this league and he’s helping me out. Every week I feel like I’m getting better and learning more from him. So a lot of it deals with them. And then, obviously, you know, you have to prepare and work hard and want it,” DeLaurent said.

Orlando native Nyquan Murray has been one of the main targets on offense. He is getting to play professional football in his hometown.

“These last couple of months been amazing. It’s like I’ve been a promoter for the team. I’ve been promoting so much. Just getting as many people as I can to the game and whoever’s supporting me, just getting them tickets. You know, no charge. And just come watch some good football,” Murray said.

Murray went to Oakridge where he was a star. He then played his college ball at Florida State. He’s spent time with the Seahawks and other arena teams. Now he’s home and living out his dream.

The Pirates play a 20-week regular season schedule that runs through July.