It is fun to see the message board heating up again. guys are getting back into the swing of it and wanting to chat, brag, and bash. We have all read about the difference between AAA and AA, about the conspiracy in the Bend, we all know that Tom has many enemies(yet stands up for himself, his team and his friends). We know that we are Rec/Semi Pro depending on who you ask. But we are heading into week three..
By now we have seen some of the experiments, the mergers, the upsets, the surprises. Yet nobody is actually talking football. Nobody is talking about the games, about stand out players, surprises, or just getting on here to tell us about your teams.
I have been lucky this year so far to have two teams. My AAA team traveled into the Bend week one very short handed. We were able to see that the Spartans are for real. This is not the same team as last year. They have a lot more size, speed, and skill. They left me wondering where did these guys come from? did they play at bsu? Can they make a run at the ship?
We then went down to Granger. What a beautiful new facility. It was fun to play there and I enjoyed knowing that there were several teams in attendance. The Mudd Ducks are not the same team we faced last year. I was impressed at their skill level compared to last year. They had me scared to death all the way till the last play of the game and I still don't know how we got out of there with a W. They have a solid young qb, some quick little specialties, and a couple big guys in the middle and I am hoping that they keep progressing cause they are solid and are built to last.
AA Stampede have had a chance to renew a rivalry with the Oilers(one of my favorite teams to play). The oilers are the epitomy of this league. they never quit, they play as hard as any team I have seen in 5 years. they band together and give it their all.
We also went to Elko where we were treated very well. There were signs of life and potential in this team. An expansion team that was ripped last week showed that they can bounce back(maybe not on scoreboard) but with heart and determination.
After two weeks I have learned that there are some great ballers, some upcoming teams, and some programs that should be proud. Maybe they don't get the headlines or have the voices on message board. But I salute them and am proud to be able to share the field with them.
Lets talk about what has happened first two weeks. who did you compete against that was legit? what stood out to you from the other teams? And for hell sakes, lets celebrate the AA as well as the AAA. last I checked there are a hell of a lot more AA teams in this league than AAA and we should be proud of all of em.
The Oilers Are off to a good start (from a coaches perspective) Starting with The Game vs the Stampede. As visions of our game in 2010 dance in my head (score undisclosed). I was definitely worried of the outcome as we are hosting our first season opener ever. Hearing rumours that Brad Thurber was ok as a QB haha. Tutrned out to be a great game 14-12. I have found in this league after 3 years that a team can be taught to have respect for their opponents. Sportsmanship is top on my list. It was a game in which we didnt have fighting and both teams still fought hard between the whistles. Cudos to both teams for their composure in a tight game to the finish. Cant wait til May 12th.
We played the Vipers week #2. The game had an outcome that surprised alot of people. I have seen this defense grow and build together as a unit and after 3 games, including a pre season game with a team from Grand Junction, Colorado, They have only allowed 1 Touchdown. We have had 3 touchdowns scored on us from pick 6's and a Kickoff return. Weakness? Maybe But definitely working on those areas. The vipers and Oliers are LONG time Rivals. Not sure how many games they've played in Oilers history but, I know in 5 years they have been the Victor every time. The vipers are a classy bunch! We look forward to continuing this rivalry.
As week 3 approaches I'm hearing lots of good thing about the Cobras. We hope to travel well and put up a good fight.
Thanks Bracken for starting something positive on these boards!
CoachB...rumor has it that there are a few games being played this weekend...
Season is too new to really speak on any standout players thus far...but here's a few of my observations...
-Jordan Kjar with a perfect passer rating -Spartans with two HUGE wins...and host a third consecutive home game...last half of the season on the road is going to be tough -Stampede playing with less than 20 players in two games now... -Ground game resurgence in the AAA -Stealth's Offensive line is HUMONGOUS!!! -Wayne Allupinyafipo is on pace for 16 sacks -Great Falls on pace to give up 80 sacks -Turnovers are HUGE...22 giveaways in 7 total games this year (one game, Shock/Gladiators had ZERO so it's really in 6 games). -There has been 267 points scored so far but only 1 kickoff return for a TD...
And one more thing...Sarge does not like to be called "just a recruiter..."
Follower, I appreciate the shout out on a couple of your stand outs.
Its nice to be known as one of the Spartans huge wins... It was a hell of a ballgame
Yes, we have played with less than 20 for both games. you will start seeing the rest of roster showing up as we have some scheduling conflicts through first three weeks. But I want to say how proud I am of those few guys for battling the way they are.
And to be the only team with a KOR for TD at this point is cool. Way to go Alleman!!
I am excited for the rest of the season. Gonna be some good football to watch this year. It appears that the AAA is looking better than ever.