The REV have a history of rivalry with all the Salt Lake RMFL teams - well, not so much the Cobras - and the way the schedule was set out this year, it actually gave the REV prime advantage to decide what to do for the seeding in the RMFL. There was discussion among the REV family to lose on purpose to the Brigham Sting in the final week of the season. What would this have accomplished? It would have sent the Utah Shock to play the Zion Lions in the 1st round and it also would have save the REV some $$$ to have the Brigham Sting host the 1st round.
The REV decided against this strategy for a few reasons:
#1 - It's not the philosophy of the REV to lose to anyone for any reason at anytime. That would be joining the same bi***@ssness the REV preach against. It's hypocritical. My moral judgement was to immediately squash the idea (of losing on purpose) out, but then I let the rationalization kick in and teetered on becoming the Shoeless Joe Jackson of the RMFL. We decided to “Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.” Ultimately, our instincts were right - and we dominated the Brigham Sting. (The REV management was ALWAYS about smacking the Sting and never wavered from it.)
#2 - The #REVwives would have kicked out butts! Once it got floating on the REV's private FB page, woooooeeeeeeee, the REV wives jumped in and put us in our places quick! LOL "Are you really going to lose on purpose?" was a question posted and yeah... it seems so asinine to even think about it now. Who loses on purpose? You play to win the game! (See Herm Edwards...) LOL
I'm glad we chose to follow our 1st thought which is: Beat the snot out of whomever the opponent is in front of you. Isn't that really what football is all about anyway?
If we would have chosen to lose that game on purpose, I'm pretty sure the football gods would have frowned upon us and it's possible we wouldn't have won the 'ship because of it. Choosing the right is important.
#4 - Steve Hansen & Ken Anderson Real American Hero
Last year it was Ryan Lang who took the reigns when Spanky Franky reneged on his "owner" commitments. Lang was integral in management again this year, but there were 2 other sidekicks who really deserve some strong recognition - Steve Hansen and Ken Anderson.
Did ya'll see those REV uniforms this year? Those were the tangible evidence of wild design running through Steve "Ginger" Hansen's brain. They're by far and away the most styling uniforms the REV have ever had. Not only did Ginger concoct the REV design, he also was gracious on getting the whole team's input. The most difficult part is moving from idea to the actual uniform - you see, that part actually take REAL MONEY - and that's where Steve REALLY stepped up his game. There were a couple players that donated some cash to the REV for sponsorships, but by far and away the leading $$$ man was Ginger. Without him, we have no new uniforms, no GHS field to play on and pretty much no team. It takes commitment and guts to run a team - I know, I did it for 4 years and it is the hardest work a guy can ask for.
Oh - and the other part about Ginger - he's an RMFL All-Star left tackle. Ask any defensive end who the toughest Left Tackle is in the league, I'm confident that answer will be unanimous - "That mean redheaded dude on the REV."
The other piece of the 3-headed monster is Ken Anderson. He is our head athletic trainer, camera man, Youtube guru, coaching expert, football philosopher, game day personnel director, playing time horse whisperer, 6th man and most importantly, TEAM LEADER. I can't pay enough respect to a guy who watched the REV win the 'ship in 2009 and decide that he wanted to be a part of it. He was our starting center in 2012 at age 41. He's defied age a little bit by joining the brotherhood of the REV - and we are all the better for it. The man doesn't have a mean bone in his body... he likes to compete, but he's very aware of everyone else and their concerns - and he works like crazy to keep egos in check and maintain the "what's best for the team attitude." He is the epitome of what the REV is about and strives to be. Thank you Ken!
Oh - and the other part about Ken - he really sucks at driving. Ask any deer on the side of the road in Montana.
Surrounding yourself with great people is important.
#3 - Watch out for the REV run game
The 2015 REV offensive line was quite different than the 2014 version. 2 new players joined the offensive line - while former RT Josh Redfern made an adjustment to RG - and were strong in the cohesion with the rest of the unit. LT Steve Hansen, LG Trip LaDeau, C Mike Afemata, RG Josh Redfern and RT Brandon Hawkes formed the anchor of the REV offense. They opened up huge running lanes that REV running back were able to pick and choose from. Center Mike Afemata made a HUGE impact and progressively improved through out the season. Whenever he was tested - whether it was mentally or physically - he always responded. He doesn't say much and he doesn't need to. He just goes out and does his job and performs at high levels. RT Brandon Hawkes was a former Idaho Mustang and now he's a champ! He didn't start at the beginning of the season and had the moxie, attitude and determination to continue to fight. He's a REV for lifer now! Hats off to Brandon. As anyone in the RMFL can tell you - the difference between the CHAMPIONSHIP teams and the others starts upfront. The offensive and defensive lines are critical. (Suggestive advice to all GM's: Go recruit offensive and defensive lines)
With GM Ken Anderson playing the 6th man role on the offensive line, the REV were able to muscle through a hard fought season. The championship game was a culmination of all their incredible effort. It showed with the REV running game as both RB Zach Gurts and RB DeAngelo Branche had HUGE runs in the 2nd half that really allowed to REV to come back, take control and ultimately win the 'ship! And let's not forget the team attitude and efforts of both RB Avei Hunkin and RB IK Ubani. While they didn't get as many touches down the stretch - they're playmaking ability was every bit as impactful on the REV's season. (See Lions kick returned force fumble - yeah, that was IK. See opponents kick and punt returners getting blasted - yeah, that's the original Skull Crusher Avei!) The running backs were completely unselfish from start to finish. Gurts and Branche would both probably get way more touches on any other team - but they are all about TEAM ATTITUDE first. Thanks for the ring fellas!
Team attitude is important.
#2 - "New" Players Join Up- REV Rookie Squad
"When it rains, it pours!" - it's been raining great players for the REV over the past couple of years. This year, the REV were able to add some newcomers that made sure the REV remained champions. IK Ubani, Vic McKenzie, CJ Ubani, Rocky May, Jordan Drage, Mike Afemata, Brandon Hawkes, Rashawn Dale, Taylor Vandongen, Dee Lynch, Jamie Couch, Don Johnson - these guys were all ROOKIES with the REV and they earned their stripes! They are 1st year players with the REV and they won a championship... ABR baby - "Always Be Recruiting" - right Siolo? The REV also had former players return after a couple years off - Shaun Harper, Clayton Wolf, Anthony Guzik, Jake Miller, Jarvis Cullimore. They all made an impact! I've already raved about Don Johnson, but let's not forget the unselfishness of Rocky May, Anthony Guzik and Jordan Drage - they played their roles to perfection. And forget about IK Ubani - that guy is first class from start to finish.
The REV have created a culture - a championship culture. When new players want to play and are willing to "check your ego at the door" - it equates to big-time success for the whole family.
If I forgot any of our rookies - I'm sorry. Each of you had an impact on our team and I appreciate all your hard work and efforts!
#1 - DEFENSE SAY WHAT??!?!?! (And offense too!!)
Did you see what the REV D was able to accomplish vs. the Lions in the championship game? Fuhgetaboutit! The REV defense was the best in the league - again. Argue all you want. Yeah the Lions and Shock gave up less points (in the regular season) but the REV D proved to be on another level when it mattered most. The Lions final drive of the season is a prime example. After the REV botched a punt snap, the Lions were inside the REV 30 yard line with just over 3 minutes to play. Being down only 2 scores with all 3 timeouts remaining, the Lions were right in the game. The REV gave up some yards and soon the Lions were 1st and goal from the 8 - outside of the 2 minute warning. The Lions ran the ball twice and were bottled up before they could break the plane of the goal line. This forced the Lions to burn a time out. On the critical 3rd down play what happened? The REV D forced a fumble and recovered - game over. The REV were able to take a knee, take a safety and secure the victory.
Just like 2014, I'm certain that had any game come down to 1 possession and the other team had to score to win - the REV D would have held them. They have in the past, they did this season, and they will in the future. That's what the REV D is all about!
The defense was led by LB Ian Eyre this year because our 2-time RMFL Defensive Player of the Year was out with a torn ACL all season. Not only did Ian fill in admirably - he had a career year! I can't wait to see what our defense is going to look like in 2016. Especially if our speed rushing king, LB Tyler Ray, comes back from a torn Achilles Tendon he suffered from our Round 1 playoff game vs. the Shock. (And Sifa is coming back to join Reggie and Dustin on the interior? Come on now.. quit actin' silly!) I'm excited about our LB core - Siolo, Phynn, Mulivai, Ian, Don, Tyler, Levine, Pierce - they'll be dominant as long as they stay together.
The D-Line really kept offenses at bay too... Mapu, Reid, Jones, Rawson - ya'll have been with us from start to finish. #youalreadyknow
The secondary did work all season too - Jace, Jeremy, Harold, Taylor, Donze, Shaun, Ben, Clayton - and of course the LINCHPIN, Angel. Props to ya'll. #youalreadyknow
I gotta shout out to the offense to:
WR Joe Mapson - come on man, quit leavin' dudes jocks lying in the dirt. You've been one of the best in the RMFL since you started. #crazymadprops
WR Bryant Eteuati - Going off for 212 yards up in Laurel, are you serious?!? You were RMFL MVP in 2014 for a reason - and your play did not diminish at all in 2015. In fact, you found the end zone more than anybody - in multiple capacities. My favorite time of the game is when teams decide to punt you the ball. #whatthehellaretheythinking
WR Jordan Drage - Whew! What a rookie year! Not bad for a 19 year old.... #waytogorook
WR Trevor Jensen - The teams you didn't play against are LUCKY they didn't have to face you. You're a monster in the red zone and a great friend. #letsdoitagain
WR Ryan Lang - Get healthy. You're coming back again. Period. #thosegoalpostpadsaregettinglonely
WR/QB/RB/Slash Rocky May - You made key plays at critical times all year. I'm glad I got to roll with you. Thanks for being nice and not taking my spot! You're a baller. #UncleRicoLOL
WR Anthony Guzik - Speedy Duncan returns! Thanks for being such a great team player. Your attitude is awesome. Guys like you are why the REV win. #keepyourfeet
WR Cody Wimmer - well, you did it again. You managed to rock fools on special teams D, make catches on O, and lead our team in kick return yardage. #Comiconheroalert
I'm pretty sure the proof is in the pudding with the REV WR core - offensively the REV averaged 43+ points per game. That's CRAZY - even in the RMFL.
To the RB's: (And Kicker and Coach)
DeAngelo Branche - I'm glad you came back. We missed you last year. You have a rare skill set that hasn't been seen in the RMFL. And that sly smile... lol... You're a joy to watch and I can definitely see why you are Norfolk's finest! #thatridiculousburst
Zac Gurts - 2 time champ or RMFL All-Star? I'm glad you chose 2-time champ. You're a tackle breaking machine and you play with such grit and determination. Beast mode all over again. #lethal
Avei Hunkin - You didn't earn the nickname "Skull Crusher" for no reason! I think this is the best you've ever played with the REV. Thanks for being a team player and helping out in every capacity possible. Is that 2 or 3 REV rings for you? I can't remember if you were with us in 2009? #runtodaylight
IK Ubani - Your talents are not lost on me. You have great poise and your football sense is awesome. When we go more 2 back next year, you're going to kill it. Thanks for being so unselfish. That play vs. the Lions was THE play. #unsunghero
I think that just about sums everybody up. Oh wait - did I forget somebody? Oh yeah.... the kicker and the coach. Everybody always forgets about the kicker. LOL Chace McMurdie - you rock. You were poised all season - and that ability to fight through adversity is huge. I'm excited to see you get a Golden Whetman type tackle, maybe it can happen in 2016? #squatpositionexplodethroughballcarrier LMAO!
As for Coach Drage - I've been with you from the start in the RMFL. You're a main reason I still play. You've got a great sense of timing and you put our players in the best positions possible to make plays - what else can a player ask for? Thank you. Road trips and ref rage would not be the same without you. #suitupin2016
In conclusion:
Another year is in the books and the REV are champions. The universe is aligned. For any REV player that I may have left out, I'm sorry. Each and every one of you is and was important to our team - regardless of what capacity you were in. When a group of guys decide to be special, and make a commitment to it, champions are made. It was so much fun to be a part of team that has so much heart!
See you all in a couple of weeks at the BBQ. Congratulations on a helluva season REV! Thanks again, for letting me be a part of it.
Physically, I feel a year older. Mentally & socially I feel YOUNG again. Let's keep this ride going......
#2015Champs
*P.S. - To the Lions, thank you. You are a class act organization from top to bottom. What you have accomplished in the RMFL is incredible. I'm sure we will have more epic face offs in the future. Thank you for traveling and modeling what it takes to be a successful RMFL organization. It's slow plowing, but I'm confident other organizations are taking notes. Your St. G family is close knit, I hope ya'll keep it that way! #loveourrivalry #respect
*P.S.S. - To all teams in the RMFL, the start of the 2016 RMFL season starts NOW. What are you doing to be great? How is your team progressing? #greatnessawaits #gogetit
