Well Well Well "Follower" has finally called it a day and revealed himself to the world. I have to say that though we have had many battles on the old "bravenet" site and at times wanted to scratch your eyes out with my fresh pair of nails, I do have to say your write-ups are bombdelicious!!! I, as the Followers old arch nemesis and avid lover of Kicker13's A$$ in his pants, do propose that the Follower be put in the RMFL Hall of Fame. Sarge can you start the vote as you did so well at the league meeting? Best of luck to you Follower and i only have one last thing to say.........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWNaR-rxAic
#801-555-PINK
Sorry Kicker13 you have been replaced. Instead of looking great in those pants you ought to try kicking the ball between the two yellow things sticking up in the end zone cause the way i saw things cheering in my BOMBERS outfit, you couldnt kick your own A$$ let alone a field goal. Goodbye Follower!!!
Hugs and Kisses,
PINKY!!!
-- Edited by PINK PANTHER on Thursday 28th of June 2012 01:52:02 PM
Wow…where do I begin??? Or better yet…how do I end???Here we stand at the final chapter not only of the 2012 Season…but of this Follower’s RMFL career…we’ll go over more about my end later but I want to first focus on the great season we’ve witnessed, and my opinion on the game Saturday night…
The 2012 season started out a little more ominous than most, as MULTIPLE players/coaches/GMs/fans/etc. mentioned that there was a different aura about the upcoming season…the rumors again surfaced (have every year for the past 3) about a breakup of the RMFL and how the league would be able to handle such a mass exodus.There were many people upset with the league’s administrators about certain “happenings” and “un-happenings” that were voiced on this message board…but after all the trivial dribble was left alone, we as a collection of passionate football loving individuals, were able to focus on the bigger picture and jumped into the season…For the first time in 3 years a Montana team competed in the AAA…and not only competed but went ABOVE AND BEYOND ANY prognosticators vision by making the playoffs (how they made it is another story, let’s remain positive my friends…fact is they won their final two regular season games and earned it…).It was great for THIS faceless nacho loving nobody to cover a Montana team once more in my career.I will also state that the 2012 season may have been the most separated, yet balanced, season to date…with the top 4 AAA teams battling for league supremacy, while the next in line all battled to be…well…next in line.Any of the top 4 teams could beat each other on ANY GIVEN SATURDAY (proven in the semifinals) and the bottom 5 teams all beat up on each other… and for the first time since 2008 there wasn’t an undefeated team in AAA at the regular season’s end…
We witnessed the disappearance of our once fearless commissioner (Hobson) and the “changing of the guard” to the new (and unanimous) leader in Thurber…we witnessed moments of greatness, upsets, frustration, and jubilee all at once on any given Saturday.Even in AA, a league I haven’t covered since 2007 you had a previously deemed doormat rise up and go to the semi-final game (Uinta, Congratulations), while formerly dominant programs struggled through their season.2012 has without a doubt been a great year and as a fan of the league I must say THANK YOU to all of those who were involved…thank you for making my last season so memorable…
Now…onto the Final Game…
Revolution @ Stealth
I don’t know why but this game reminds me of a funny question some of my friends would argue about for hours during my high school years…the question was, “Who would win out of a Grizzly Bear and a Tiger???”I ALWAYS chose the tiger, but the fact is that it would’ve been a battle against two COMPLETELY different animals who have COMPLETELY different skill sets…and either way, the victor would limp away knowing that they may have just cheated death…in the case of the Revolution and -Stealth…not only is it a Tiger or Bear scenario…but it’s a Tiger-Lion Hybrid against a Bear-Gorilla Hybrid…as BOTH teams are “mixes” of former teams…The Utah Bears have always been a proud organization…they made the playoffs EVERY SEASON during their tenure (I believe 6 seasons), but at the league meeting they suddenly, and without warning, disbanded and basically became part of the Revolution…the caveat of this “merger” is that it only worked because the Stealth was formed out of the former Desperados and pretty much picked up the former Revolution’s defense…leaving a GAPING hole for Wasatch to fill…
THE BEAR…The Stealth are built strong, fierce, and consistent…they depend on a defense that basically SHUT DOWN every team they faced this season, while incorporating a rushing attack that simply wears the smaller, quicker opponents down.Simple rule to football: limit your opponents offensive opportunities (snaps, plays, etc.) and you’ll limit their scoring opportunities…by building what I believe to be the biggest and best offensive line the RMFL has ever seen, the Stealth use their stable of punishing running backs to control the game and take as many snaps away as possible from their opponents.They then let Wissler take a few efficient shots down the field when defenses try to load the box.Not that the Stealth’s defense needs the help, but the more they get to rest, the faster and stronger they are when their on the field.This allows them to play ATTACKING defense and cause problems to anyone who lines up across from them.Walker is a beast, and he has Hermansen and Smith to rely on as well at LBs, then you have Ita, Vanuku, Devoe, and the Matagi’s up front applying the pressure…this combination of power and speed allows Hector, Ragin, Harward, Tichen, and Carter the ability to roam freely and take chances that often equate to turnovers…
THE TIGER… The Revolution are built for speed and quick strikes…their offense wants to score, and score often…while their defense is always looking for the knockout hit that will send their opponents away with their tail between their legs…Chuckypita hasn’t had his BEST season ever, but when looking at his numbers the one thing that jumps out is his overall consistency.He attempted more passes than anyone in the league and ended 2nd in overall completion percentage.He has 3 receivers with 26+ catches which should support the fact that he distributes the ball well and doesn’t simply rely on one or two receivers…Trevor Jensen lead’s the Revolution in touchdowns (6), but Mr. Bigplay (Dawson) is the one Charlie’s often looking for on 3rd and MUST!!!Lang continues to be your overall perfect “Scat Back” as he combined for 59 touches and 6 tds this year (28 receptions, 31 rushes).As mentioned above, the Revolution’s defense is mainly made up of former Utah Bears players.This is a group of men who believe in each other and understand the game of football.Led by Levineoitis Tupe, this proud and fearless band live by the bend-don’t-break mentality.They may give up a broken play or two but will make sure that on any given snap, they have the players in place that can make a key stop when it matters most…
As with most games, this one will come down to a few basic factors: First, game management.Both teams are in the championship because they have strong offenses and defenses.They know their strengths and try and hedge their weaknesses against their opponents.The Stealth rely on a consistent and strong rushing attack for their game management, while the Revolution depend on the quick striking passing attack, hitting multiple players on short passes to keep the chains moving.The second factor is controlling the emotions of this game.I’ve witnessed enough big games during my tenure to validate the importance of controlling (and using) your emotions during the game as these emotions can lead to BIG swings in MOMENTUM.A bad play call, missed tackle, or caused turnover can all swing the pendulum towards the other team and if you don’t harness your emotions you will quickly find yourselves clawing for anything to hold onto.In any big game between two closely pair teams, the game seems to come down to one or two “big plays…” these are the moments that are forever planted in the minds of all those present.Both teams have demonstrated their ability at taking “opportunistic chances” in an effort to secure said “big play.”Which team capitalizes on all of these factors will be the one receiving the coveted trophy directly from this humble Follower on Saturday night…
I see the Stealth coming out and doing what they did to perfection last week in maintaining a strong and disciplined running game.The running game will help them control the clock and keep Chuckypita and his weapons on the sideline.The Revolution defense have had their problems this season but are without a doubt playing their best ball to date.Wasatch contained the leading rushing team last week in Dixie en route to their upset ticket…I foresee the Rev’s defense stepping up to the task as Solo and his motley crew find a way to slow down the Stealth’s mammoths up front and try to force Wissler to pass…There’s little argument that Wissler is a good quarterback, and I respect him for his leadership ability…BUT he’s been known to throw an errant pass (or two) at inopportune times and this is what the Revolution is trying to force.Slow down the Stealth’s rush and the Revolution’s defense will have a chance at a few turnovers and momentum swings…
The Revolution will need Charlie Peterson to be at his best as their going against the #1 rated defense in the league…this matchup is BY FAR the most intriguing as there’s no other defense that knows Charlie’s tendencies as this group, but in the same aspect there’s no QB who’s faced this defense as many times as Chuckypita…In years past there has always been a slight “riff” on the Revolution regarding which side of the ball was more important.The Offense, led by Charlie Peterson, was always one of the most prolific in the league, but it was the defense that constantly kept other teams at bay and made the big play when it mattered most…Saturday night we’ll get to find out first hand as this matchup (Rev O vs Stealth D) will determine the game…If the Stealth get early pressure and force Chuckypita to make some quick decisions…I see the Stealth winning handily…Charlie can get his rhythm going early and get a quick score or two…I don’t know if this Stealth team can play comeback-kid against a teed up Revobear defense…
While it’s no secret that this was NOT the matchup I envisioned a week ago (just look at my two semifinal game picks), I will unequivocally state that both of these teams EARNED their right to be playing on Saturday night…I don’t think the game will be as lopsided as their first matchup and really could see either team coming out victorious by night’s end…However, I have to go with all the facts laid before me and with that I simply have to say that I think back in February when the Stealth were formed, they were formed with ONE INTENTION…to claim the AAA Crown…I respect everyone who’s playing and wish everyone the best of luck…but my final prediction is that when the clock strikes 0…it will be the Stealth celebrating…Stealth 22 Revolution 17
Wow…I can’t believe it’s done…my final prediction…POSTED!!!Let me say this, while it’s not the championship game “I” had hoped for, I fully expect it to be a GREAT GAME.Both teams deserve to be playing and with the caliber of athletes on both squads I’m excited to watch…I hope anyone around Saturday night finds time to drop by Granger High School and watch these two teams battle for the title that has eluded so many others…I will be present and have received an invitation to be down on the sidelines so keep an eye out for me down there.I’ll be wearing my brand so I should be EASY to spot…
For those who don’t know, I’ve been writing weekly predictions since the UFL-RMFL merger back in 2004…it all started by accident.I found out by some fellow players that there was this “message board” (bravenet) that people kept talking about.I looked it up and found some people trying to make predictions about the upcoming games but found three consistent problems: first, they were too vague…most just posted a one-liner and gave a score…I thought that there are SOOO many awesome players/coaches/gm’s/etc. in this league, and they are all passionate about this game, how great would it be if I could find out a little bit MORE information and “drop a few names” in some predictions??? I thought that it would help lead to the “build up” for each game and make it that much more exciting…Secondly, the people often posting predictions were actual players.I have no problem with players posting their predictions EXCEPT that when they’d post it, there was OFTEN an OBVIOUS bias towards their teams and other’s around them (Idaho Flavor…) and you couldn’t blame them for it…I thought if someone posted under an unknown name, and claimed that they were simply a FAN of the RMFL and had ZERO ties to any team directly, then it would HELP lead to the illusion that the pick was unbiased…the third problem was the inconsistency of the posts…people would make a post one week, and then disappear for a few weeks…never owning up to their misses.I thought that if someone would post CONSISTENTLY, on the same day, around the same time, EVERY WEEK…the players/coaches/gm’s/fans/etc. would KNOW exactly when to check out the board for the weekly predictions…and so was born THE FOLLOWER???
Let me state that I NEVER imagined it would get as big as it has…the Alias really took on a life of it’s own…I remember in the early days hearing other players/coaches talking about “the followers predictions” during a game while on the sideline…slowly I began to realize that this no-named, faceless ENTITY was important to the league and that many players/coaches took the words to heart.I’ve had MULTIPLE people tell me that the Follower made them better players, GMs, Coaches, and people…what I wrote helped motivate them to be better…crazy to think that some nameless voice could move so many…I felt honored to have that responsibility and that’s the largest part of why I’ve continued doing it, every week, for the past 8 years…
People have always asked why I never leave my “real name” at the end of my posts, and I’ve always argued that “the follower” carries a bigger impact to this league than my “name” would ever be capable of…What’s in a name??? Nothing, unless there are acts behind it…Through “the follower” I’ve learned SOOO much about SOOO many people in this great league…I’ve formed some friendships that I value, even though they have NO CLUE as to who I really am…silly and a little pathetic to think of them as friends, but I know there are many people who I could’ve asked for help along the way and they would’ve done anything to move this effort forward.The best decision I ever made as the Follower was to tell NOBODY who I was…this kept the secret on wraps…slowly, I told a few select individuals and now am ready to reveal myself to everyone else.
My final HOPE is that anyone who’s ever read ANY of my predictions/rankings/posts/rants throughout the years understands WHY I posted them…it was NEVER to take a “shot’ at someone…I never meant anyone harm…did I cross the line on some of my “critiques???” Definitely, but if you took anything I said TOO PERSONAL, please understand it was ALWAYS for the building up of this league and game we all enjoy.Looking back on the past 8 years I can’t believe I’m still writing these articles but I’m also extremely grateful for ALL the feedback I’ve received…whether good or bad, it proved that people were at least reading…and as you all can imagine, putting together these weekly rants isn’t the easiest thing to do…
Now that I’ve completed my LAST PREDICTION EVER and will consume my last order of nachos at an RMFL game this Saturday, I feel I’ve done all that I could as a nameless-prognosticator and need to let “the follower” disappear into his heaven molten nacho cheese, jalapeno trees, and flowing rivers of Pepsi…I have loved PLAYING in this league…and absolutely LOVE THIS GAME!!!Life matters, and to me, football is life…best of luck to everyone in their future endeavors, whether it be on the field or off…and remember, you never know when someone close to you (faceless or not) is watching you and looking up to you…
Salute to you Colby and the Shock organization as a whole. I really think you're entire team is great and this league needs it. So to that, thanks for all you've done and I know the league will keep moving, but will it be as good?? Some will argue, I think it'll be hurt by not having your organization. Great to know everyone involved with the Shock. Love ya Colby!!
Well. Thats great! JUST GREAT! Colby... @%@@##(@ HaHa. Love ya man, it was a pleasure going to battle both On the field and now as I find out, OFF the field as well.
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Any incorrect grammar, spelling, or inproper use of verbiage, shall be blamed on my iPhone not me!
I figured it was a shock player but never woulda guessed you. If there were two guys from the shock I wished coulda had another shot at the title this year it was you and JK. MUCH RESPECT to both of you!
Awesome writeups man! best of luck to you in life! Always looked forward to what you had to say. you definitely made the league better in not just your play but the writeups as well. you will be missed.
Follower...I did indeed enjoy your write-ups and the way you supported your predictions. But most of all when you got them wrong there were no excuses, you just owned up and moved on.
Good luck in all your future encounters and be safe!
wow - - I woulda guessed T-Smo as the Follower??? - But no one coulda pulled it off better than you Colby. You always had that flash of greatness when it counted on the field... and here you held that flash on the board for 8 solid years. It sucked missing this last season with all of you guys, but as you said there is life outside of football... and living here in the Deserts of Afghanistan is where I am for the next 6 months, until I get home for the next slate of chapters with my family.
Thanks for all the memories as a Pitbull, as a Viper, and as a Shock player. The road trips that we look back on are great memories and have made us all better friends. Truly great memories bro - Its been an honor to play on the field with you, and a bigger honor to call you a friend!!
Ahhh... I was wrong. Remembering an article of yours on the vipers website, I should've put it together. Stupid hindsight making perfect sense and all. Good job Colby. We'll miss your write-ups, thanks for all you've done.
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Darrell Baranowski
Utah Shock #51
Player... just a player. Hallelujah, I'M ONLY A PLAYER!!
Great player, person, teammate, and prognosticator! Your ability to keep a whole league not only in the dark but mesmerized by your work is very impressive! Your work will certainly be missed by everyone in the league! Hopefully your play does not have to be??? Its been a privledge thank you.
You are all so naive!!! You really think the Follower?? is this Colby fellow!? Seriously folks, Colby Cook doesn't even exist!!! I mean, has anyone even heard of him before? I believe this whole "reveal" is part of the Followers?? plan. He exposes himself, which I'm sure some of you may like, hint hint, only to create another layer to his annonimity by using the alias of Colby Cook.
I still believe the Follower?? is Tom Bennett in all his glory.
PS: EVERY Shock player knows about this and is laughing at you all because they're the best...EVER!!!
hey remember in 2008 when you wrote hey 66 congratulations on be the shortest o-line men in the rmfl well m&^%&^ F%$#%$ ill see you real soon LOL your my hero mr cook
