I know my opinion doesn't matter much, really less than everyone still actively playing and involved in the RMFL. But I have to throw out my 2 cents at what a disgrace the Generals and Matadors forfeits bring to the league and to Idaho.
The RMFL staff put together what I think is one of the best formulas for a season since the AAA/AA merger. And now 2 teams that (I think in most people's opinion) sandbagged at least last year if not years before don't want to keep playing football this year in a "lower tier" playoff. As someone else said, it's all these teams ever competed for before and they seemingly took great effort to make sure they didn't have to compete at a higher level in the past, but now it's not worth it!?
Injuries? Don't want to play the same team 3 times? Most football players want to play as much as they can and don't use any excuse as a crutch. Didn't the 1-7 Shock just go all the way to Montana and play the #3 team with only 18 guys (something they've done in the past to bail out another Idaho team back in 2005)? Commitment IS the issue (please Generals and Matadors, get some lessons from your teammate Mr. Bennett for those of you that don't understand the word). I played Treasure Valley in Nampa the first year they came into the league traveling with 12 guys from Pocatello against their loaded roster of 60+. We got blown out 70-0, but we showed up and played the full game with no running clock, and that was our 2nd game against them (the first we lost 42-0).
The old rules of the constitution stated if you forfeit ANY game you are subject to getting booted from the league based on a league vote. That rule (and penalty) has been lightened a bit due to previous low team numbers in the league, and Neumeier's more forgiving heart to change it to a "forfeit and fine" system. The fact is now that the league has PLENTY of teams, they don't need those who want to just do their own thing because they've made enough to pay a petty fine and that's easier for them than following what they committed to do.
The Treasure Valley has the numbers to support as many teams as they have, but personally I think the league should take a stand to only allow teams to be in the league that don't hold the league hostage and QUIT when things don't work out the best possible way they want. Idaho has been catered to in some ways, and 2 Boise based teams forfeiting the playoffs when it's no worse than what they've played schedule wise in past years is ridiculous. My personal opinion is for Boise area to constrict to 2 teams (1 AAA and 1 AA) run by some people who understand what commitment,responsibility and fulfilling your obligations mean. Bennett and Jesus come to mind (just one man's opinion).
Lastly, this playoff season is looking to be the best in years (and there's been some good ones in the past. I agree with those who have said enjoy, there's still the best part of this season to play still! But don't forget when next season rolls around those that are giving you the biggest black eye. It obviously is not the AA teams' fault this time around, as so often has been the scapegoat in the past.
I am sorry but this is absolutely retarded. We all play and bust our asses with the goal of making the playoffs, it is just a given that is the end goal of playing a season in any damn sport...this crap is about politics in my opinion, whatever the agenda and politics are honestly who cares, it stinks like the pile of crap it is. Good deal for the Shock and the Dawgs who get to play today and otherwise would not have, best of luck to both your teams, hopefully things continue to fall your way and this second Chance ends with a W and a spot in the semi's. Whatever occurs I sure hope the league smacks both of the quitters with some heavy sanctions...... Have a great weekend everyone that is playing, can't wait for kickoff in Zootown tonight. Go Blaze, Montana for the triple crown.......
