The defending champs lost a tough game down in St. George last weekend, but I’m not going to take anything away from them. The back to back travel games seem to concern me and if the REV aren’t careful the Loco Express may just steal one away from them.
Charlie Peterson has had a solid year so far and he’s starting to find the rhythm with both Joe Mapson and Bryant Eteuati. Their collection of running backs has been solid and if the running game can become a little bit more effective, this offense is going to be hard to stop. If the Loco Express want to have a chance at this game, it’s going to be by pressuring CP17 and forcing him to make mistakes, unfortunately, he doesn’t make many.
The Loco Express has used two QB’s in their past two games, so who gets the starting nod is still up in the air. They had a close first game against the Gladiators and then benefited from a long travel against the Matadors. I think the Loco Express can compete and if Spence can keep the pace on the ground, the lack of depth on this traveling team may be their downfall.
I don’t see the Rev traveling well, but I see them traveling enough.
Rev 27 Loco Express 13
_@ Stealth
The story for the Utah Stealth will be who will show up to what games. Wissler struggled mightily last week as he threw for 6 INTs against a stingy Mustang defense. When you’re known for not traveling well and you lose on the road traveling, can you really use it as an excuse?
The Stealth defense is solid with Smith and Morgan leading the way. I think a lot more faces show up this week but they don’t need to.
Stealth 35 - _ 0
Vipers @ Shock
The Vipers and Shock have not played against each other since 2008 with the Vipers almost coming away with an upset. The game at the time was a battle between rivals with tension between “questionable” recruiting and a possible mutiny.
Fast forward 7 years and things are way different. A good chunk of the Viper roster from 2006-2008 have migrated over to create what is now the Utah Shock. The Vipers have been good (if not the best) at recruiting new players to the RMFL. After the 2008 season – the Vipers went through up and downs of finding their identity and after years of work, Rex finally won his AA championship. The Shock although good has been “status quo”.--- Always good, just never good enough.
With a new offense, the Vipers now spread the ball unlike their old power game. They rely heavily on Schyler Sherwood’s athleticism more than his arm strength. If Schyler can keep his head – the Vipers may very well shock their former rivals.
The Shock on the other hand are coming off two convincing victories over teams they were expected to beat. The Sam Thomas project is working, but what happens when teams start to figure it out. I think the Shock’s true test comes next week, but I’d be dumb to say the Shock or myself is looking past the Vipers.
Shock 35 Vipers 14
Stampede @ Matadors
The Stampede had a tough draw to start the season starting out against the defending champs--- the Matadors had a tough draw even though they started a week later; they had to make that brutal drive to Laurel, Montana.This week the Dors host the Stampede in a game that used to be two AA perennial power houses.
The Stampede have Mike Jenkins on the roster and I cannot stress enough how much of a difference he makes for that team. If Mike travels—this team wins. If Mike doesn’t---this team loses. But--- it takes two teams to have a game. I think the Matadors will benefit from a much needed home game. In order for them to be successful against the Stampede will rely heavily on Tom Bennett and his short passing game. I don’t have any doubt that Tom can manage the game, but to help out his RB Garcia, he has to establish some sort of running game. Any running back that gets 17 carries and only 25 yards is a workhorse, but for him to make an impact, his QB has to develop a passing game. Don’t be surprised to see Jovan Lincoln make his debut this week.
Part of me says the Dors, but the other truly believes that the Stampede can still win games with or without Elder Jenkins. If the Dors lose, they better be careful, Nick Russell doesn’t play for 7th place, so he may be gone after week 3.
Stampede 21 Dors 13
Bulldawgs @ Gladiators
First off, it was nice to meet Juan of the Bulldawgs last week. Although we got to chat for only a few minutes or so, I like what he is doing up there in Twin Falls and the surrounding area.With that said, I also hope that the contribution that the Shock made towards their food drive (close to 100 cans) and the contribution to the Podcast made their fans excited for “RMFL Gameday” and for their RMFL games in general.
To the game--- the Gladiators are coming off a much needed victory last week against the Snowdevils.They had two travel games to start off and now they look to kick off their home stand. QB Atney Rhanes has already thrown for over 500 yards in two games. Now stats are just numbers on paper, and whether this was a shootout last week or lack of defense in general, throwing the ball is something he is capable of doing. With teams keying on Marshane Hayes and Jermaine Saunders, look for guys like Steve Rominger to step up and make plays. Now I don’t think the Gladiators are a strictly passing team, but it seems that they do rely on it. ----
To the Bulldawgs, offensively I don’t think this team is bad. Ryan Verwey is a good QB with little help. The help he does have in Brad Cook—isn’t always going to be open and if his other WRs don’t step up, things may get ugly real fast in Great Falls. I don’t doubt that the Bulldawgs offense can keep in games, I just don’t know if the Bulldawgs defense will allow them to rest enough to be competitive. The Bulldawgs defense gave up 206 yards on the ground and 160 yards through the air in their first game and last week they gave up 167 on the ground and 105 through the air. So—quick math—in two games the Bulldawgs defense have given up 638 yards. Do the average—and no offense can get any rest if the D is on the field for as short of time as they are. Although they are 1-1, the defense is the weak spot here and if the Dawgs want any chance they can’t give up an average of 30 points per game. The offense is good, but they can’t chase all game.
I think this game will be close—but home team matters.
Gladiators 33 Bulldawgs 31
Anarchy @ Mustangs
The Mustangs do what eastern Idaho teams always do when they are at home--- they grind it out and put it to you. I don’t care if the Stealth had 15 guys or 40 guys—the schedule came out in February and you should’ve planned for it. The Mustangs worked out all their kinks they had against the Snowdevils and upset the Utah Stealth at home last week. The Mustangs benefitted from 6 picks last week (no defensive stats are recorded) so if their defense can play as tough as they did against the Stealth—this Mustangs team may just surprise some people.
The Blackfoot Anarchy however is a team that relies heavily on Chase Monson to throw the ball---to run the ball--- to essentially lead the offense. Their attack is balanced but they struggled last week against the Davis Vipers. I think there are too many new faces in Anarchy land and they just haven’t had a chance to mesh it all together.
Always a good read. Doing the tribute well, and keep it up. Best of luck to all the teams. If you travel be safe and injury free. Season is fun just to play again.. hope saturday warms up
its probably not my business but I'm going to voice my opinion anyway i feel its disrespectful and immature to not state the cobras name in your pick against the stealth , every team in this league is not as talented as the others but you should still respect every team, whatever vendetta you have against the cobras is childish kyto we're all supposed to respect each other and be thankful we"re still able to play football and just have fun..... LET IT GO !!!
