Rocky Mountain Football League

Week 5 Predictions

Wow…who can believe that we’re quickly approaching the halfway mark of the 2012 season??? I plan on completing a Mid-Season Review next week and grading the teams on their current achievements.  But that’s next week, let’s get back to this week’s great slate of games.

I want to give a special “thanks” to those who coordinated their game times this year.  I’ve been able to catch a doubleheader almost every week and for that, I thank you…This week I’ll continue that trend (Teriyaki Burgers here I come…) as I plan on watching the Revolution vs the Stealth and then driving over to Jordan to watch the Spartans take on the Shock.  The Gladiators/Bulldawgs matchup is the equivalent of their Super Bowl as I don’t know if either team will have as good of an opportunity to secure a win again this season.  The rematch of two AA powerhouses being played in Jerome will undoubtedly be a great game, while the Mudducks will travel south and try to compete against a team that may be playing the best ball in the AAA right now.  With Coop and Irving in the backfield…being led by Tapuosi…coupled with a  healthy Diarra…SCARY!!! Either way, onto the predictions…

Gladiators @ Bulldawgs

The Gladiators are learning what the Bulldawgs already know…AAA is different that AA…while AA has some great teams, in AAA you have to play great ball EVERY week. Both teams are looking for their first victories in 2012.  The Gladiators have only played 2 games this season and both have been blowouts.  The Bulldawgs have played three games, and all have been against playoff caliber teams but only one game was close (Week 3 loss vs Stampede 17-16) so both teams are looking forward to what should be a balanced game.  Great Falls seems to be slightly improved on offense as Grambell is starting to find his groove.  The Bulldawgs have given up big yards on the ground this yard and so I’m anxious to see if the Gladiators can get their running game going (only 17 total rushing yards so far this season…).  Magic Valley will be playing without their leader under center as Landrian is supposedly out for the season due to a reinjured knee so the Bulldawgs will have to find a different leader on offense.  The loss of Landrian will hurt the Bulldawgs most in the short passing game as Thacker (15 receptions this season) has directly benefited from the short passes from Landrian.  This game should be close, and should give both teams what everyone ultimately wants…competitive football…but I see the Bulldawgs, even without Landrian, finding a way to grind down the Gladiators defense and secure a win.  Bulldawgs 20 Gladiators 18

Mudducks @ Rebels

After playing six straight inept quarters of football between week 2 and 3, Dixie has come out and played great the past game and half and look to build upon that success as they mount their three-peat championship attack.  The 0-4 Rocky Mountain Mudducks pay a visit this week and Dixie has to be salivating at the chance to build upon their offense and make a strong mark on the league.  It’s already been mentioned, but with Coop and Irving in the backfield, there is NO DOUBT that the Rebels have THEE greatest backfield in the history of the RMFL.  Throw in Tapuosi who currently leads the RMFL in rushing yards and the Mudducks front-seven have to been on high alert.  Rocky Mountain for what they lack in wins, the make up for it in coaching and team discipline.  This group makes adjustments and will not give up (scrappy???) no matter the opponent.  Dutton and Rosales are two formidable LBs and will have their hands full on Saturday.  Geurts will have his hands full trying to stop the Rebels deep ball attack as I see Dixie using all of their weapons to put on an offensive show for Rebel Nation.  The Mudducks will have moments and opportunities to score but ultimately are outmatched and fall short…Rebels 44 Mudducks 13

Spartans @ Shock

Treasure Valley apparently loss more than a game last Saturday, they loss their leader to a season ending injury (RIP Honey Badger).  The Spartans seem to have given up on the year as by midway through the 3^rd quarter last week they were just counting the time until they could board back on their modified school bus and head back to the welcoming confines of nowhere-bend Idaho.  They haven’t posted any stats for their week 4 loss (if you don’t report it, it didn’t happen right???) and now they have to regroup and travel to SLC again to take on the #1 team Saturday night.  The Shock played their worst game (statistically speaking) on Saturday against the Mudducks but were still able to secure a 22 point victory.  J.Kjar is playing incredible as he is dominating the other QBs in the league.  12 touchdown passes against 1 interception…awesome.  But what’s even more impressive than Kjar’s passing efficiency is the way the Shocks new defense is stifling opponents’ offensive attacks.  What’s most impressive about the Shocks defense is that it truly is a defense by committee.  They don’t have any real statistical leaders on the defensive side of the ball yet they have dominated their three opponents.  The Spartans will be looking to grind the ball and the clock in an attempt to keep the game close.  A little bird told me that the Shock may be without one of their offensive juggernauts Saturday night, and so I’m curious to see what adaptations they make to keep a strong Spartans defense on edge.  While I think the Spartans come ready to play, and keep it close at first, the road and the injuries will be too much to pull off the upset as the Shock move to 4-0…Shock 24 Spartans 14

Revolution @ Stealth **GAME OF THE WEEK**

Both teams came back from upsetting losses in week 3 and put up BIG wins in week 4.  Now they face off for top-3 supremacy…Chuckypita seems to have balanced the ship on offense as his numbers have improved every week.  With the return of Mr. Bigplay (Dawson) on the offensive side of the ball, the Revolution have found their rhythm and look towards making opposing defenses worry…The Stealth continue to underutilize their impressive ground attack as they have a full stable of capable running backs, and with that monster offensive line, I’d be running it 60% of the time.  Wissler continues to be “Wissler” and this alone makes it so any given play can be a big play…for either team…and he either hits paydirt, or throws a poorly timed interception. Drage gets to call and offense against the very defense he had seen in practice the previous 3 seasons.  If anyone knows this defense, it’s Drage and I expect him to know the ins and outs of how to move the ball.  With Chuckypita feeling confident in his receivers I see the Revolution taking a few big shots at the Stealth and possibly pulling off the upset.  Solo and his motley crew on defense will be doing their part to slow down the Stealth’s rushing attack and forcing Wissler to make throws…which as mentioned above can be good for either team depending on the actual pass…I don’t see either team dropping below the #4 spot this season so this really is a battle for a possible first round bye.  The Rev are improving weekly and I’d give the nod to them if this game was being played in another week or two…but I think the Stealth have a plan in place to secure the win and move on this season.  Stealth win a burner…Stealth 30 Rev 28

There you go…while I’ve amassed a VERY respectable 15-0 so far in this young season.  I will state that the perfection streak may come to an end this week as there is a game I posted above that I’m just not sure about.  Either way, I can’t wait to watch some great football.  Kudos goes out to the Granger High Concession Stands who have GREATLY stepped up their game since their first couple of games.  They now offer Burgers, Hot Dogs, Nachos…and a host of other yummy items…I will not be in my “beach body” anytime soon, and for that I thank you. J

Enjoy…