College Football Preview

September 2nd, 2010

While conference uncertainty looms around the nation, the University of Alabama looks to stay on top of the college football world.

Alabama ended their miraculous season last year with wins over their conference rival, Florida in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship game and perennial powerhouse Texas in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) national championship game.

Their 37-21 win over the Longhorns in the national championship was the perfect ending to a perfect 14-0 season for the Crimson Tide.  As they look forward to this season they have a lot to be optimistic about.  To begin with they have eight starters returning on offense, including senior QB Greg McElroy and last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, running back Mark Ingram.  Defense will be the main issue for the tide as they only have two returning starters.  But the holes on defense have been filled by the very capable hands of multiple five and four star recruits.

Because of the starters they have returning and the fact that they still have Nick Saban as their head coach, Alabama begins the season ranked No. 1 in my college football power rankings.

Texas begins the year ranked No. 2, while Florida, Boise State and Ohio State round out the top five.

Hello

Region 9 gridiron thoughts-

September 1st, 2010

Catnip:

Ray Hosner’s continence was obvious Friday night after his Pine View Panthers dismantled the Jaguars of Desert Pines High School (Nev.) 35-0.

Hosner’s squad responded quite well to the 32-14 declawing that the East High Leopards gave them seven days earlier.

Shortly after the scoreboard clock displayed zeros, the Panthers (1-1) and Jaguars shook hands at mid-field in a gesture of respect. Hosner then watched his players perform the ‘Haka’ for the home crowd at Panther Stadium.  When the performance ended, Hosner gathered the team under the goalposts for some sharing of thoughts. It was a display of close-knit culture. Hosner said the tradition is about communicating and providing an understanding between coaches and players. 

“Coaches get to express how grateful they are for how hard the kids work,” Hosner said. “We like to let them know, that no matter what, win, lose or draw, we care about them,”

Coach Hosner's Panthers will hunt Region 9 title

Panther senior and co-captain Cole Wilstead holds his coach in high regard and understands the message conveyed by Hosner.

“I just love the guy,” said Wilstead. “He worries more about what we will become than what we do on the field.

Pine View football has good reason to love Hosner. Besides his charm, and wit, Hosner’s 38-9 career record against Region 9 competition and 84-25 overall record at Pine View gives any Panther player and/or supporter undeniable reasons to appreciate him.

 

Competition among friends:

Friday night’s victory chalked up another tally in the win-loss column at the expense of a long-time friend. Hosner and the offensive coordinator of the Desert Pines team know each other from their days of living in the state of New York. Hosner joked about the two New York natives meeting in the desert to coach high school football.  He said his friend assured that the game would be close.

“They were feeling pretty confident that they were going to come in here and beat us,” Hosner said. “We got to see them at camp at Dixie College, and they were destroying people. They were beating the heck out of everybody.”

Panther players to watch:

Alec Mecham is putting together an MVP season. He is 36-61 passing for 421 yards, and has pounded out 137 yards on the ground from 26 rushes. Mecham is ranked as the fifth quarterback in the state, all classes included.

Cole Wilstead and Connor Murdock, are among the state’s top high school pass catchers. Murdock’s 14 receptions for 167 yards rank him fifth in the state, and Cole Wilstead is tied for sixth with 12 receptions for 151 yards.

Recognizing the guys in the trenches:

Wilstead did not want to brag about his numbers after the Panthers faced their second feline opponent of the season.

“Just an all around good job by our line,” Wilstead said. “They played awesome.”

Statistical information used for this story was considered from the DeseretNews.com sports section and utah.preps.net

Develon

MLB power rankings – morning and afternoon perspective

August 18th, 2010

Sportsradio 1210’s two sports-talk show’s have weekly MLB rankings on ‘AG in the AM morning show’ and Devin Dixon’s ‘The Drive.’

Radio personality, ‘The Future’ who provides Devin Dixon with his top ten every Tuesday afternoon, ranked his latest top ten like this:

Future’s 10

1- Rays
2- Yankees
3- Padres
4- Twins
5- Braves
6- Reds
7- Rangers
8- Phillies
9- Giants
10- Red Sox

 

Maddon is one cool customer

On ‘AG in the AM,’ Develon only provides half:

Develon’s 5

1- Yankees
2- Rays
3- Twins
4- Braves
5- Padres

Both lists have the same teams in the top five, just in different order. The top two really do not matter- yet.

The Rays and Yankees are pretty much the same, other than the argument can be made that the Yankees have the ultimate advantage- experience.

Look out for Bud Black's crew

However, three through five are arguable and seem to be worthy of any rank in either lists. The ‘Future’ gives more respect to the Padres by listing them at No.3. The Padres are certainly worthy. They have gone 7-1 in the last eight days and have not relinquished any ground on chasers in the NL West. The Padres are 12-5 in August so far (Aug. 18).

Braves' staff are stretching towards the postseason

The Atlanta Braves appear at No. 4 in ‘AG in the Mornings’ power rankings and at No. 5 in Dixon’s ‘The Drive’ rankings. The Braves are 12-5 in August so far (as of Aug. 18) and have gone 6-1 in the last week.

Cox knows post-season

American League Central division leader and red-hot Minnesota Twins appear at No. 3 in the morning and No. 4 in the afternoon. While that ageless signal-caller in the land of the lakes is stealing all of the headlines, the Twins have won 11 of 13 in the last two weeks and seem to be squeezing the opportunity of division crown from the White Sox. The Twins are 23-8 since the all-star break. A little more love given to the Twins from the morning show may signify the trust felt towards American League contenders as compared to National League pennant hopefuls.

The Twins are fierce- just like their dugout CEO

Until the Phillies enter the top five, the Rays and Bronx Bombers will control these locations without feeling much pressure. 

Sportsradio 1210’s ‘AG in the AM’ and Devin Dixon’s ‘The Drive’ will have updated MLB power rankings every Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

Blitz’s Pulver kicks his team to 3rd exciting win in a row!

July 18th, 2010

BY DEVELON ISOM

For some Blitz players and coach Greg Croshaw, three consecutive Saturdays of exciting Rocky Mountain Football League competition concluded in Ogden Saturday afternoon with the South all-stars getting a win over the North all-stars 32-30.

St. George Blitz place kicker Steven Pulver kicked the game-winner with time running out to give the South squad the win. Pulver got two tries for the win, making the second attempt from about 32 yards after missing the first try. The North team was penalized for being offside on the first kick and Pulver made them pay for the mistake.

The former Highland high Ram and SUU Thunderbird was experiencing a seemingly disastrous night from a kicker’s standpoint, but ended up being named the game’s MVP. Pulver had missed two PAT’s and one field goal attempt in the game. Pulver mentioned that successful field goals are achieved because of joint effort.

“I give credit to my teammates for stepping up and making a clean snap, making a good hold and making the blocks when it counted most,” Pulver said. “That’s part of being a kicker. You’re expected to make the kicks, but the misses are the ones that are remembered. It is kinda funny how it works. I definitely got the chance to redeem myself and the one I made will be remembered, not the missed ones.”

The kicking woes were helped by the absence of an underappreciated and specialized type of football player.

“We did not have an actual snapper. It put us in a bad position as the game went on,” said Pulver. “Some missed PAT’s and even some field goals I kicked were shaky. It makes life hard for the kicker. The actual kick is the last part of the process. It is a lot easier when you can count on the snap being there, and then the hold being solid”

Pulver prefers a unique way to handle the pressures of kicking; he likes to play defense for the Blitz when coach Croshaw allows. Pulver said playing cornerback in games is a stress release for him and that it helps him with his normal responsibilities.

“My four years at SUU I just kicked,” said Pulver. “But since I have been on the Blitz, I get the chance to play a little bit at corner. Going out and kicking the ball is a lot easier when I feel like I am more involved in the game, kicking almost becomes secondary.”

Blitz receiver Ricky Dias and Wasatch Revolution quarterback Charlie Peterson hooked up for a big play that preceded the game winning field goal. Peterson said the offense had around a minute left when they started at their own 20-yard line.

“We put the game-winning drive together for Pulver to win it,” said Peterson. “We were faced with a third down and 23 and Ricky made a great catch to get us into field goal range.”

Dias said the team’s emotions went on a roller-coaster ride for a few minutes.

“The game is over and we are all ticked,” Dias said. “Then we see a yellow flag out on the field and the official called an offside penalty on the defense. Pulver put it right through the uprights and we ended up winning.” 

Dias bros. played big in RMFL all-star game- Photo courtesy of Chrome Iguana Productions

Other Blitz players that had an outstanding game were wide receiver Robby Dias making nine catches for 177 yards including a 77-yard touchdown hook-up with Utah Bears quarterback Jeff Wissler. Defensive end Wayne Alofipo intercepting a pass and returning it for a 33-yard touchdown. Pulver also kicked an impressive 43-yard field goal in the second quarter to add to his game winning kick.

St. George coach Greg Croshaw and Blitz player Doug Cook led the RMFL South all-stars team that included eight Blitz players: wide receivers Ricky and Robby Dias, kicker/punter Steven Pulver, defensive linemen Wayne Alofipo and Misi Tupi, tight end Andy Stokes, and offensive linemen Braeden Gates and Matt Dotson.

Whitlock speaks sensibly

July 12th, 2010

James' exit stings, but Cav's must move on

Whitlock sorts through the emotions

Jackson way off base on LeBron

Updated Jul 12, 2010 11:28 AM ET

by Jason Whitlock

I could pretend Jesse Jackson speaks for such a tiny minority that his inflammatory, predictable and misguided remarks about LeBron James and Dan Gilbert are unworthy of rebuke.

But then, I’d have to ignore the mountain of e-mails that poured into my laptop from African-American brothers and sisters making the same argument.

Jesse has a constituency, a passionate group of idiots who believe the best way to combat white-wing political bigots such as Limbaugh and Hannity is with black-wing political bigotry.

And so, in defense of LeBron’s narcissistic ego explosion and Gilbert’s emotional reaction to it, Jesse compared Gilbert to an 18th-century slave owner.

“His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality,” Jackson said in a statement released Sunday. “(Gilbert) sees LeBron as a runaway slave.”

Yes, this is an attention grab by Rev. Jackson. He heard about ESPN’s impressive ratings for “The Decision” and, like a mafia don, wants to wet his beak. Why let Jim Gray and ESPN executives have all the fun exploiting LeBron’s naivete?

There’s enough of LeBron’s carcass for Jesse to feast, too. And Gilbert’s childish letter to Cavaliers fans in the wake of LeBron’s departure gave Jackson the opening he needed to break out his knives and forks.

“(Gilbert’s) accusations endanger LeBron,” Jackson wrote. “His jersey is being burned in effigy, and he is being projected as a betrayer by the owner. … LeBron is not a child, nor is he bound to play on Gilbert’s plantation and be demeaned.”

Yep, it’s the card. LeBron James and his kiddie handlers screwed up, staging an image-damaging public-relations disaster, and now some African-Americans want to change the subject by changing the argument.

NBA owners and their $100-million contracts are slave owners and King James is Kunta Kinte escaping on the Underground Railroad to Miami’s Tootsie’s Cabaret, where he’ll make it rain.

It’s stupid. Dan Gilbert’s rant was certainly immature, but it wasn’t remotely racist. He sounded like a scorned lover, a guy who gave his heart to a relationship and found out on national TV that the alleged love of his life didn’t care about him at all.

Gilbert vented. I give James credit for not responding.

Jackson and other African-Americans need to follow LeBron’s lead. We look foolish. We look hypocritical. We come across like people who have little genuine interest in seeing racial prejudice disappear and more like people who just want it to swing in our favor.

Rather than deal with the callous and classless way James departed his home state, some of us are trying to make this about race. It’s not.

No rational person begrudges James for joining Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Pat Riley and the Miami Heat. Sports fans — and owners — have grown used to star players switching teams.

People were stunned and turned off by the hey-look-at-me circus James conducted on his way out of Cleveland. It was unnecessary and easy to avoid. It was cruel to all the young and old fans who supported him.

Beyond that, it was bad business. James damaged his brand. He made himself polarizing for no good reason. A man of his wealth would pay $2.5 million to avoid the kind of bad publicity that has engulfed James in the aftermath of “The Decision.”

You can argue James has the right to destroy his image. Man has the right to smoke cigarettes, too. It’s still stupid. And nonsmokers have the right to point out the stupidity of smoking.

You can’t defend LeBron’s lapse in judgment by claiming his critics are racist. You’re crippling James, baiting him to make more mistakes.

There was nothing honorable or smart about the way he orchestrated his exit.

From all reports, James knew months ago he was going to Miami with Wade and Bosh. His interviews were a farce. He invited white billionaires to grovel at his feet. And Jesse Jackson wants to call Gilbert a slave owner. Please.

Gilbert gave James and his entourage the keys to the franchise for seven years and tolerated all the indulgences of youth. He foolishly expected James and his posse to treat the Cavaliers with a modicum of respect.

It’s why you don’t spoil kids. They’ll take advantage and not express an ounce of appreciation.

Everyone who objectively watched the Boston-Cleveland playoffs series knows James quit on the Cavs, selling out his teammates and costing head coach Mike Brown his job.

Despite Brown’s African-American heritage, Jesse Jackson doesn’t care about Mike Brown. Jesse’s all good with LeBron’s betrayal of a black head coach because Mike Brown’s name doesn’t draw record TV ratings.

We’re a nation of jock-sniffers and hypocrites. It’s not surprising so many of us fall for the crap spewed by Jesse, Rush, Al, Hannity and all the rest.

E-mail Jason or follow him on Twitter. Media requests for Mr. Whitlock should be directed to Fox Sports PR.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/Jesse-Jackson-LeBron-James-Dan-Gilbert-slavery-comparison-071210

Jackson attempts to make something out of Cav’s situation

July 12th, 2010

Jackson knows when to use publicity for his own agenda

Jesse Jackson’s response to Dan Gilbert’s comments

Fox Sports

Updated Jul 12, 2010 2:37 AM ET

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Reacts to Dan Gilbert’s Open Letter

CHICAGO (July 11, 2010)—“Mr. Dan Gilbert’s accusations, expressed in an open letter to LeBron James after his announcement that he will play next year’s NBA season for the Miami Heat, have legal and social implications for the league, its union and the character of LeBron James. By saying that he has gotten a free pass and that people have covered for him way too long, Gilbert suggests that LeBron has done something illegal or illicit.

He speaks as an owner of LeBron and not the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship–between business partners–and LeBron honored his contract.

He must know the Curt Flood suit, which changed plantation rules and created free agency; and the Spencer Haywood suit that changed eligibility rules.

If he believes that LeBron quit in games 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals, then, why did he fire the coach? If he believes that LeBron intentionally quit, determining the outcome of those games, why did he pursue him and offer him and additional $120 million to stay in Cleveland?

These accusations endanger LeBron. His jersey is being burned in effigy, and he is being projected as a betrayer by the owner.

When players or coaches speak disrespectfully to or about referees, they are fined. If Mr. Gilbert cannot prove that LeBron changed games by quitting, he defames his character. He should have to face a challenge by the NBA and the players association. LeBron has every right to an apology.

Other players cannot just watch this as if it is LeBron’s personal problem. This is an attack upon players in general.

LeBron is not a child, nor is he bound to play on Gilbert’s plantation and be demeaned. He has been a model citizen and has inspired the children of Akron, Cleveland, the State of Ohio and the United States.

He has conducted camps for children, helped to win a gold medal for our nation and his public deportment has been excellent.

Mr. Gilbert’s statement is mean, arrogant and presumptuous.

I hope that LeBron will speak up and speak out clearly and forcefully.”

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/www.foxsports.com/nba/story/Jesse-Jackson-responds-to-Dan-Gilbert-comments-071110

Getting dumped is hard for team owners

July 12th, 2010

Gilbert assumed wrong

Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html

St. George Blitzes to the top of the RMFL

July 11th, 2010

BY DEVELON ISOM

The St. George Blitz finished a spectacular second season in the Rocky Mountain Football League by winning the RMFL championship Saturday night 7-3 over the Utah Shock (8-4). And with a regular season record of 10-1, they won two preseason games as well, the Blitz completed the fast track to league supremacy. They were victorious over top teams of the RMFL multiple times this year. Couple that with the championship and there is no doubt that the St. George Blitz organization has built something special.

Defense wins championships- Photo courtesy of Chrome Iguana Productions

St. George defeated the 2009 RMFL champions Wasatch Revolution twice and the Utah Shock twice. The Shock appeared in the title game for the second year in a row. The Blitz’s only blemish this season was a 15-11 loss to the Treasure Valley Spartans in early June. The Spartans finished with the league’s best regular season record at 9-0, but ended up losing its semi-final playoff game to the Utah Shock.

Saturday night’s title game ended up being a tough outing for offensive units. The Blitz are regarded as a top defensive team, but the Shock are known for offensive firepower and they ended up playing some strong defense too.

RMFL commissioner Jared Neumeier travelled from league head quarters in Idaho to present the championship trophy and MVP trophy, and said he was happy with the competitive showing.

“The game was like a heavyweight title bout,” said Neumeier. “They kept exchanging counterpunches without landing any knockout blows. At the end of the game, St. George scored the punch to win the game with that touchdown drive.”

The Blitz drove 57 yards after taking a Shock punt for the game’s only touchdown and went up 7-3 with 6.5 minutes left in the game. Then, the Blitz held off two Shock drives that caused some nervous moments.

Shock’s Matt Thornton took the Blitz scoring kick-off 32 yards to the Shock 35 to set up its second-to- last possession. Shock quarterback Jordan Kjar and wide receiver Chris Hooper hooked up for two passes in a row for 17 yards. The Shock moved the ball near red zone territory and then had a fourth and 13 from the Blitz 23-yard line. The Blitz got great pressure and stopped the Shock threat with three minutes left. The Blitz would take over on downs.

The Blitz attempted to run the ball and clock out but the Shock defense stepped up and forced a three-and-out with 1:56 left. The Shock took the Blitz punt at its own 32-yard line with no return. The outcome of the game would come down to this last standoff.

The Blitz defense did not start well. A 15-yard pass interference call was made on a Blitz cornerback. That moved the Shock ball to their 47. After a marginal gain on a short play, the Shock hurt itself with a penalty of its own. A flag was thrown on a Shock offensive lineman for holding Blitz linebacker Brandon Thompson. The Shock went back to its 32. After a couple of plays, the Shock faced a third down and 25. Blitz defensive end Wayne Alofipo sacked Kjar for a seven-yard loss.

On fourth and 32, Kjar threw the ball to one of his receivers for a double pass on the desperation attempt with 1:15 left. Blitz safety Robby Dias picked the ball off to seal the win and the championship.

“Those defensive plays by the Blitz in the last two quarters were the difference,” Neumeier said. “It was a great game and a great way for the league to end its fourteenth season, two excellent teams that competed throughout the whole game.”

Dias said defending against Kjar makes for a coverage challenge and he was appreciative of the defensive line he plays with.

“The hard part about him (Kjar) is its back-yard football,” said Dias. “He’s going to scramble, he’s going to get outside and his receivers will break routs and run all over the place. You have to get on their hip and just ride them.”

Dias said the lineman made some reassuring comments at halftime even though the Blitz were down 0-3.

“Our defensive line made it happen,” Dias said. “The funny thing is; in the locker room they’re (D-line) are all laughing. They come in and say ‘what is everybody so upset about, we are going to dominate in the second half, so don’t even worry about.’”  

The Shock fell short of winning another road play-off game. They are an excellent road team but this time they would fall short. Coach Jared Emerick said he hopes his guys will let the sting of losing the title game pass and then return next year for a run at a third title game appearance in a row.

“They’re pretty down,” said Emerick. “For the second year in a row we know what it feels like to lose the title game. We have to try and talk to everybody and convince them to not make decisions on next year tonight.”

As far as the season went, Emerick said, “We have to look at it as a success. It was a good season but not a great one. We came up four points short of having a great one.”

Emerick said others will have influence on next seasons participation for Shock players as well as himself.

“We’ll see if I can convince my wife to have another year at it,” said Emerick.

Dias said the Shock were impressive and did something that the Blitz didn’t do this season, beat Treasure Valley.

“They went up and knocked off a team that we couldn’t,” Dias said. “They did a good job and the game was a good match-up.”

Blitz offensive lineman Stryder Hurd said the team came out after the half determined to raise the play.

“We had our bumps in the first half,” Hurd said. “We pulled through though and came out in the end with the touchdown drive. At half we (offensive line) were told we better start firing-off quicker. We played much better in the third and fourth, especially on that scoring drive.”

The Blitz defensive line came out firing off the line too. Defensive end Wayne Alofipo said keeping Shock quarterback Kjar from making big plays was the key.

“Fortunately our defense came up with some big stops,” Alofipo said. “That second half, we made some adjustments. We shifted the line down and was able to get better pressure. Once we contained him (Kjar), which is obviously the game plan, we could stop them. In the first half we didn’t contain him and we knew that.”  

Alofipo said the excitement on the field during the game, and for the championship trophy presentations, was enhanced by the number of fans that showed up at Walt Brooks Stadium.

“There was an amazing turnout by spectators,” said Alofipo. “The stands were packed, the sidewalks were full. It was nice. That is great community support. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. My thanks goes out to this community. Hopefully we can continue to build on that and make something special out of this.”

Dias said the win was extra special for some players who have experience playing for head coach Greg Croshaw.  

“Playing for coach Croshaw is why I came to play on the Blitz,” said Dias. “I played for him at Dixie College and we came close to winning a national championship. This feels good to win a championship with him.”

Blitz defenders like to have meetings- Photo courtesy of Chrome Iguana Productions

Check out this link for excellent game photos of the Rocky Mountain Football League championship.

http://chromeiguana.zenfolio.com/p875456697

Semi-pro football (no pay, no drama queens, just commitment and fun)

July 9th, 2010

BY DEVELON ISOM

Rocky Mountain Football League commissioner Jared Neumeier will present the championship trophy to either the Utah Shock or the St. George Blitz Saturday night at Walt Brooks Stadium after the two teams do battle.

Neumeier said the 14-year league’s business operations are doing well and continues to experience growth.

“The state of the league is very healthy right now,” Neumeier said. “We’ll probably continue to expand until we get to 32 teams in four states.”

The semi-pro football league was founded in 1997 in Idaho and started with four organizations, all from Idaho. The league added and subtracted various teams through the first seven years, but in 2004 the league merged with the Utah Football League adding five teams from the Wasatch Front.  The next year eight more teams joined the fold, mostly Utah teams. Each year has netted more organizations and even caused the league to subdivide.

The league has two divisions:  AA and AAA. The AA consists of three regions: North, Central and South. Nineteen teams from Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Utah make up the regions.

The AAA division has 10 teams from Idaho and Utah: three from Idaho, six from the Wasatch Front and far south representative St. George Blitz.

Neumeier said the quality of play in the RMFL compares with other semi-pro leagues in the United States.

“The AAA division of the RMFL is a top division in the country for semi-pro football,” said Neumeier. “Anybody in the AAA level like the St. George Blitz can compete with the best semi-pro teams in the country. There may be better teams than our champion, but not too many. Our champion would compete well in a national tournament.”

And the players in the RMFL must have great desire to play. There is no paycheck in the RMFL, so regular life activity and football sometimes becomes a counter consideration.

“It’s semi-pro because a player can only be semi into it,” said Neumeier. “They have competing interests besides what their teams need them for. A player’s family, job and other demands win out over football at times.”

Neumeier said St. George has clearly taken a place among the top echelon of the league.

“St. George has done it quick, they have great organization,” said Neumeier. “They got people that know what they are doing. Here they are in only the third season and are competing for the championship.”

Being the informative commissioner that he is, Neumeier provided an analysis of the Blitz and Shock.

“The Blitz are a power team and the Shock are more of a finesse team,” Neumeier said. “The Shock attack you with the pass. Their (Shock) quarterback is extremely athletic; he is one of the best athletes in our league. The Blitz are big and strong and try to overpower its opponents. The teams are different brands of football, but they are the top two teams and that is why they are playing the last game.”

 

Washington checks his left side before entering paydirt- Photo courtesy of Chrome Iguana Productions

The St. George Blitz began operations in 2008 as part of the Southern Nevada Football League. They went 5-1 in that season and lost in the semi-final round playoffs.

Team owners Josh and Isaac Smith redirected the Blitz to the RMFL in the second season in 2009 and went 5-3. They lost to the eventual RMFL champion Wasatch Revolution in the semi-final round. This season the Blitz went 8-1 and earned the No. 2 seed.

Rocky Mountain Football League AAA 2010 regular season standings

Treasure Valley Spartans 9-0
St. George Blitz 8-1
Wasatch Revolution 7-2
Utah Shock 6-3
Utah Valley Desperados 5-4
Utah Bears 4-5
Davis Cowboys 2-7
Magic Valley Bulldawgs 2-7
Utah Wolverines 1-8
Upper Valley Vikings 1-8

How they got here:

Quarterfinal round:
            No. 4 seed Utah Shock defeated the Utah Valley Desperados 18-8
            No. 2 seed St. George Blitz earned a bye
Semifinal round:
            Utah Shock defeated the Treasure Valley Spartans 27-19
            St. George Blitz defeated the Wasatch Revolution 28-17 
For more information about the Rocky Mountain Football League go to: www.rockymountainfootball.com  

For more information about the St. George Blitz go to: www.stgblitz.com

For more information about the Utah Shock go to: www.utahshock.com

Blitz playoff win over Revolution was exciting football!

June 28th, 2010

The St. George Blitz 28-17 semifinal playoff victory over the Wasatch Revolution Saturday night was exciting and the play had the good-sized crowd oohhhing and aahhhing throughout the contest. The game was a back and forth battle between two teams that answered each other’s dramatic body shots.

Blitz entered the game without one of its most valuable players. Diarra Fields is the regular starter at quarterback for the Blitz, but the Seattle resident was not available for the game due to family obligations. Fields is one of the most dynamic threats in the Rocky Mountain Football League. He throws laser passes 50-60 yards and can tuck the pigskin and run through or over defenders like one of the best running backs in the league. His absence to the team was no small situation.

The Blitz have a back-up quarterback that is not too shabby though. Josh Smith, who also happens to be co-owner of the team, is a different type of signal-caller. Smith is a pocket passer and although he is a good athlete, he is not mistaken as another running back like Fields.

Wasatch Revolution defensive game plan was simple; stop the rushing attack and make the Blitz beat them in the air. The Revolution probably prepared for Fields dangerous running ability, so when discovery of his absence happened, they may have taken for granted what Smith can do. Heck, even some Blitz fans may not have been aware of Smith’s play ability.

Smith showed the crowd at Walt Brooks Stadium that he could stand in against pressure and toss the ball around quite well. Smith averaged 20 yards per pass completion on 13-25 passing and had three touchdowns. He hooked-up with wide receiver Ricky Dias seven times for 163 yards and two of his three td strikes.

Ricky Dias hauled in this 61-yard td throw from Smith- photo Courtesy of Chrome Iguana Productions

The Revolution effectively put a blanket on the Blitz running game, but the backs played a big part in the win. Verwon Washington and Brandon Thompson among others, had to rush against stonewall defense and only picked up small amounts of yardage. They weren’t going to get any glory plays for themselves. However, what they did do was chip and sometimes blast pass-rushers off their path in protecting their qb. They worked great with the offensive line. The unit played awesome and Smith was complementary after the game about the protection he received from his teammates.

“They (offensive line) made adjustments after the first and second series,” said Smith. “I got hit a few times at first,  then our pass blocking took over.  They did a great job.”

Feula scored 48-yard td to pace the Blitz 7-0 in 1st qtr- photo Courtesy of Chrome Iguana Productions

As usual, the Blitz defense put some points on the scoreboard too. The first points of the game were scored by 300-pound defensive tackle Vince Feula. Feula scooped up the ball on a fumble by Revolution quarterback Charlie Peterson. Peterson had to deal with a high snap over his head and could not gain possession. Big Feula timed his down-reach perfect and secured the ball off of a bounce. He raced 48 yards for the touchdown and gave the Blitz the 7-0 lead. Feula looked like Warren Sapp in his prime.

The rest of the game was a series of touchdown passes by Revolution qb Peterson and Blitz’s Smith.

The game was exceptional in excitement and had about 10 car wrecks (big hits). There was a price to pay out there if a player was slack in attention. The quality of play was good and the action was intense.

If you have never attended a Blitz game, you should not miss the Rocky Mountain Football League championship game on July 10 at Dixie High School.

The Utah Shock will travel down from south Salt Lake to play the Blitz for the RMFL title. The Shock lost in last year’s title game. The Blitz are making their first championship appearance and will try to take advantage of playing at their home field.

Develon