Our uniforms sucked. Ha! Depends on who you ask!!! Our uniforms kind of fit in with our identity as a team. Nothing flashy - but solid and consistent. We didn't have the sparkly numbers or the pristine clean look. Do we need to clean it up? Yeah - maybe in 2015. In 2014 - our uniforms were a prime indicator of who we were. There was some new blood that mixed in with the old REV blood - and that was a shot in the arm that the REV needed. Those young pups have tons of energy! While it would be preferable to have an owner purchase matching uniforms from years past, our owner chose not to do that. The REV handled everything with the RMFL that they needed to handle and focused on football. Obviously there are some players who were frustrated with the uniform situation, but thanks to incredible player leadership (Insert Levine Tupe here...) we kept focus on what really mattered. Playing - and playing well. And EVERY REV player earned their stripes - regardless of their uniform! I'm confident the uniform situation will take care of itself as time goes on. I will always remember this famous phrase though - "Make sure you have WHITE pants!" Can't help but look back and chuckle at that.
#4 - Ryan Lang Real American Hero
Due to some unforeseen events within REV management, WR Ryan Lang took on a huge leadership role and blatantly called players out if they hadn't paid their fees. Sheesh - where was this guy when I was the "owner"?! LOL It was awesome to see REV players rally around each other and see guys who were scraping by - we all have them - show how much dedication they have to their teammates by coming through. You know how the phrase goes - $$$ Money talks and bull sh** walks - well, Lang made the money talk. There were players donating for other players and everyone who was "on the list" was either shown the door or they handled their business! I don't think the REV were ever in a "dire situation" as has been insinuated from some message board junkies - but there were problems. We handled them..... ergo, Lang handled them. Props to you Lang!
Lang was in no way, shape or form going to allow some lack of management dictate our opportunities for a championship. Then, he has the ultimate team attitude and welcomes Old Guy Toby into the fold without letting his player pride get in the way for the good of the team. Lang lost some playing time reps - but not really, he came up clutch with huge catches for 1st downs in the championship game and clock grinding runs in the 4th quarter that ate clock and helped seal the 'ship for the REV. That takes some serious "check your ego at the door" attitude and tons of selflessness. I have mad crazy respect for Lang as a football player - but even more as a person after the way he stepped up.
#3 - Have you seen Trip's beard?
The REV offensive line in 2014 was a story. Left tackle Steve Hansen has been balling out with the REV since 2010 - he's as reliable as the sun coming up in the morning. Right Guard Trip LaDeau, C Ken Anderson and Right Tackle Josh Redfern were anchors all year as well - the missing pieces that helped the REV win it all revolved around 3 guys nobody talks much about - LG Doug Van Tassell, C Tony Thompson and LG/RG Eric Mullen. Tony was the "young guy" who had never played with the REV. He was an integral part of our success. Doug and Eric had played in the past - but wow were they ALL IN for this season. Trip roped them into playing and from what I gather, they had the time of their lives! Well - so did the rest of the REV offense. Thanks to you big boys up front the REV were able to get to the next level. The Stealth and Rebels defensive lines are no joke - so HUGE kudos to your dedication and focus to your teammates! Do you have any idea how good it felt to be able to go "on 3" without us jumping? The REV O-line of 2014 were HUGE difference makers on the outcome of our games. Solid. Consistent. Determined.... and Slow. LOL - Perfect! Trip's beard was a great good luck charm. The O-line rallied in the huddle and had a great time all year - thanks for all you did fellas!
#2 - "New" Players Join Up
I will feel bad if I forget any of our new players who joined in - so I'll just leave it that there were lots of new players on the REV in 2014. Some who've been in the league for a long time - Jeremy Hendrickson, Zach Guerts, Preston Sweeney, etc - that decided to come on over and "make a run" with the REV. We're awfully glad they did! Overall, the turnover from the 2013 roster to the 2014 roster was pretty substantial - there was probably a 25-30% increase in "new" players that had not played previously with the REV. As I stated earlier, those players were HUGE in the outcomes of our games. Jonny Gray - love him or hate him - had a helluva year. (We love him obviously.) He went beast mode all year near the goal line. Parker Manning, Will Bolden, Big Reggie, Jace, etc... ya'll brought alot to the table! Thank you for helping all of us get over the hump. It also felt awesome to get to former REV players back in the fold - Harold Ragin and Jared Harward. Jared got hurt in week 1 vs. Dixie - but he still made an impact for our team. Everyone already knows how special of a player Harold is. A huge set of props goes out to all the "rookies" - you ain't rookies no more so I guess Siolo can stop hazing ya'll now. LOL
Recruiting season starts for 2015 the day after the championship game - so all of you who wanted more playing time in 2014 but didn't get it, just work hard like crazy in the off season. If you're better than the guy in front of you, you'll find your way to the field. That's pretty much a guarantee. (See K Chance McMurdie - kicker of the year!) You earned your stripes by winning the championship in 2014 - is that enough for you or do you want some more? (Stay thirsty my friends...)
#1 - DEFENSE SAY WHAT?!?!?
Stop all the statistical nonsense.The 2014 Wasatch REV defense was the best in the league. Period. No disrespect to the Brigham Sting or other "D's" - when it mattered most, the REV D ALWAYS came up with a stop. Always. Every single time. (Yes, that includes the 14-10 loss in Week 1 to Dixie)
MLB Levine Tupe doesn't get enough credit. He really doesn't. He's THAT good. And for all those stat junkies - you can add sacks, tackles for loss, etc to all REV players stat totals because they were given 1 statistic for each play made. Not multiple. Just an FYI.
LB Phynn "YouAin'tTrillinxx" - are you serious about this guy? All he did all year was fill the hole, shed blocks and make tackles. 190lbs soaking wet - but still bringing it.
LB Siolo Toala - Interception in the flat? Sure why not!? Shoot the B gap for a tackle for loss - balls to the wall baby! Oh - and don't forget, he has an Iron Man head. Players around the league know where he is.
DE Jason Mapu, DE Tyler Ray, DE Ian Eyre - Monsters of the Midway. How many sacks did ya'll combine for? Forced fumbles? Int's? Tackles for loss? I'd stack you 3 up with any in the league all day everyday.
DB Angel Castillo - Why didn't you get married sooner?!? You've been on another planet this year. 3 picks in the championship game!? It's funny - I think there are some teams that like to challenge you because of your size. That is a MISTAKE. Championship game MVP speaks for itself about your talent level. Hard work pays off. Always does.
Rookie of the Year in my book is West Jordan Jaguar DB Jace Rogers. Pfff.... all he did was make open field tackles and find himself challenged week in and week out. Always rose to the occasion. He had a monster pick in the semi-finals vs. the Stealth.
DT Dustin Reid - this guy might be the most unheralded and underrated d-lineman in the league. Scouting report on him goes something like this: Low center of gravity, strong as an ox, quick as a cat and completely fearless. Fuhgetaboutit!
DL Sifa Tafisi - DL Reggie Jones - DL Mike Rawson - ya'll know how big of an impact you were. You're the reason our LB's get their shine on!
Mike Pierce - Mulivai Pula - Cody Wimmer - TJ Stokes - you all made BIG PLAYS at KEY MOMENTS all year. And Mike - you missed your calling, I could listen to you talk all day before a game. For real - you're pretty freakin' intelligent. Did you and Trip take Calculus together?
DB James Woods (BALLER ALERT!) - Jeremy Hendrickson - Ben Flores - Gary Dansby - Skyler James..... thanks for stepping up at key moments.
In Conclusion:
I wanted to give each of the REV players props in some way, shape or form in my posts. I'm sure I probably left a few guys out - and if I did, I truly apologize. Just know how much each of you meant to the success of our team. Whether it was special teams, offense, defense - whatever it was, it all made an impact. #everyplaycounts - EVERY PLAY. Not just the touchdowns and the turnovers - not just the "big plays" - EVERY PLAY. I've never been associated with such a fun group guys that were also able to keep a singular focus - through whatever BS might have hit the fan. And the BS that comes in the RMFL is fast and furious - missing players that particular week, injuries, wrong colored facemask, blah blah blah. LOL - all those variables is what makes the RMFL so fun to be a part of!
See you all in a couple of weeks at the BBQ. Congratulations on a helluva season REV. Thanks for letting me be a part of it.
Not bad for a bunch of old guys! Not bad at all.
#2014Champs
-- Edited by chuckypita on Monday 30th of June 2014 10:51:22 PM
-- Edited by chuckypita on Monday 30th of June 2014 10:52:30 PM
My 2014 highlight goes to the random dude who shows up to some strange meeting in a West Valley pizza joint, telling an existing team his name but little else (including his credentials) & goes on to treat a bunch of 30+ year old men like he did his Pop Warner team...by yelling at, criticizing, and using every opportunity to use his bull$.t title as head coach to create a false alpha persona.....BUT COMING OUT looking like a compete a$$ who never earned the respect of one person on his team, yet that team had to ENDURE every little league halftime and post game speech...until it was time for our real coaches Levine Tupe, Mike Pierce, and most deserving Eric Drage to put a positive spin on a negative situation with that dude. But congrats on not earning one person's respect on the Championship Team by thinking we would listen to how bad our defense was cuz you 'watched film of last year and it was horrible' and giving our DB's the best coaching advice of ALL TIME by yelling at our rookie DB to press the MVP WR Bryant Eteuati on the outside when he's on an island in Cover 3.
For future coaches and those who aspire to be one in this MEN'S LEAGUE. First of all, earn the respect of the team the right way. Befriend your team, cuz they will battle to hell and back for you (ala Eric Drage, Jared Emerick, etc), and lastly please oh please understand......that the team that win's the pregame warmup.......WILL NEVER WIN THE REAL GAME. So don't even try that shiz...man!
Nothing but mad respect to the Rev! Congrats on going back to back and staying together as a unit and family. No matter what people say you guys earned everything you've accomplished this season. Played against you guys for a long time and have gotten to know alot of you.. Nothing but respect to the Rev and everyone else in this league who put in passion, blood and sweat for the game we love. Enjoy and hope to see eveyone next year!!
