Rocky Mountain Football League

Ah another week in the books and one week closer to the games that matter. I trust everyone is happy and I pray everyone is healthy. This has been an interesting year in the RMFL with only a 5 team AAA, I had my questions at the start…In my mind the result has been phenomenal, every week there are excellent teams on the field. Gone are the days of the fifty point blowouts at halftime, now it’s a battle every Saturday nothing is guaranteed.

Last weeks game of the week lived up to billing in an odd way really, maybe I have overrated the Rev O or underrated the Stealth D one way or the other if you are a fan of defense this was a prime time game!! The Rev D, applied the brakes to Mr. Vincent (as much as that is possible), except when he threw to Sam Thomas who looked like he was on a different level at times.  The Stealth D was able to make enough plays throughout most of the game to keep the Rev O in check, although Charlie had a decent day. The Stealth looked to be in control for most of the game, as they were able to go on long drives throughout keeping the ball out of the Revs hands. At the end of the day it was the little things that matter blocked field goals most likely sealed the deal in this game.

At the other end of the state we had what we expected as the Rebels seemed to dismantle the Ducks in all facets of the game. As I look through the stat book one item jumps out, (due to lack of communication this year much info must come from here) one team leads this league in both scoring defense and scoring offense…I may have underrated this Rebel squad…I will reserve judgment till after they play my favorite Shock team this week…if I did underrate them, they have the opportunity to prove me wrong, and I will eat my humble pie.

Game of the Week

REBELS @ SHOCK

I really cannot think of a better matchup for the RMFL to showcase the league in the Stars and Stripes tourney, nice pick Mr. Thurber. That is if the league really wants to become what these teams are, highly competitive well run organizations. Im actually not super clear on the league goal here, best friends league or legitimate  semi-pro football league…its up for debate. Regardless these are two worthy teams without argument.

The Shock had a bye week to prepare for the Rebels and I am sure they used their time wisely they seem to be a little extra focused this year. The Rebels played the Ducks and had a nice opportunity to get their offense on the same page as the defense, judging by the stats they look to be on the rise. They will have a real test this week with KB and crew. Tapuosi seems to have found his legs and a couple of running mates, the Rebels run game seems to gain momentum every week, they have two running backs in the top three and another one moving up the chain quickly. However the Shock have KB AKA Mr. wrecking crew and my choice for first team all RMFL DT Troy Peterson. The game will swing around these few aspects if Troy, KB, and the crew can control the Rebels run game they will win. We all know JK is going to get his yards so the question is can the Rebels minimize enough of the Shocks other threats to give their young O a chance? On this side of the ball despite what you may think it is not about the Rebel D against JK, rather the Rebel D against the other ten Shock players. If the Rebels can win that matchup they will come out victorious. I like the Shock this year, JK gives you a great chance every week and their run game is looking good. Something is different about them this year they seem more serious about the work, no longer just a bunch of friends, rather a bunch of friends with one common determination. KB has the Shock D playing as good as they ever have while he continues to get better and better with time.  On the other hand the Rebels scare me as I know too little here still the offense seems to be clicking... If they can put up again like they did last week they will be my new favorite, as the Shock have a legitimate defense. There is no question mark about the Rebel defense. Just imagine the O clicking like the D…..

I think the Rebels will be just chippy enough this week, due to the prior home loss, they will take a close one.

Rebels 28 Shock 24

MUDDUCKS @ REV

Ah the Ducks went down South and got shellacked, while the Rev took a victory from the Stealth in one of those type of games that bring you closer as a team. I fear the Ducks will start to get frustrated at this point and start pointing fingers at each other…..not good! It only takes one win to show a team how to get it done. Keep in mind the Ducks are still in the playoff hunt, win two games, one against the Stealth and the Ducks are in, and anything can happen in the playoffs. Alas it is not to be this week, the Rev  had a team solidifying battle against the Stealth and they will be on a roll from here on out, it will be a tough task to stop them now. They will use this game to sharpen their weapons for the upcoming gauntlet with the Shock and the Rebels.

 Odd thought though the Ducks are the fifth best team in the AAA by a good bit, however if it was one league I think they would be in the top seven…easy to get down until you think about different perspectives… just remember the league will be different next year… Most likely one league…. Rev run away with this one…

Rev 42 Ducks 7

Good luck to everyone, remember to bring your A game this week as it’s a big showcase weekend. Don’t forget to volunteer for the opening game if you can…I think I will sign up for that one, at my age I can still handle one game a year, if Coach Emerick will put me in. Lets hope these big time refs don’t try and be the main show i.e. MLB umpires…Above all else stay safe out there!! Its been a pleasure.