AROUND THE LEAGUE… REPORTS FROM A NUMBER OF RMFL CAMPS AS THE OFF-SEASON WINDS DOWN

RMFL – The following is a synopsis of camp reports from a number of RMFL camps with the 2007 season just around the corner.  It is clear that although the 2007 is still 7 months away on the calendar, many teams have already begun a title run in September...

As the January 26th meeting becomes closer and closer, the RMFL has been able to confirm attendance and required league information from all of the teams with the exception of the Grand Junctions Scorpions.  According to League Commissioner, Jared Neumeier, “they seem to be excited for the 2007 RMFL campaign if you look at their web site, but I have been unable to get any activity or confirmation from a representative… and am, therefore, not planning on them on January 26th.”

Neumeier said that he did get a response from Mike Christensen, who took over the Scorpions midway through the 2005 season and was the main reason the franchise was turned around that season and had a strong 2006, however, Christensen is “Stepping away” from the team and is unsure if the individuals who are currently responsible will return the Scorpions in 2007.  Christensen states: “I have gotten your emails and I have forwarded them to Jeff (Dottson) and Jack (Harmon). However I am not incharge of things anymore here and I am not playing this season for sure. I have to many personal matters going on right now to put the time and energy into everything that needs to be taken care of right now with the team. Sorry.  I know that there are a lot of players now here that really want to play. they just need someone to get things rolling for them.”

Neumeier has tried to contact both Harmon and Dottson without success and says that the league will have to move forward hoping the Scorpions do not let their players down, however, are not expecting a Scorpion team at this point in 2007.

Other potential new teams, the Salt Lake Seminoles, the Northern Utah Vikings and the Sandy City Bengals have all responded and have stated that they will have met all of the requirements for entry and will be at the January 26th  meeting to make their claim for entry.

Commissioner Neumeier has already made the case in  a private letter to the RMFL Managing Board for a 9-team AAA that would include the teams from last years AAA field, sans the Nemesis and Idaho Matadors, and adding the AA Champion Muddogs.  The final league configuration, however, will be decided on January 26th.

If the Scorpions are not part of the 2007 RMFL, and all three newly applying AA teams are admitted, Neumeier says he intends to propose a 3 division, 3-team AA format for the Mountain division that will group the 3 Idaho teams (Sabercats, Matadors, Bulldawgs), the 3 southernmost Utah teams (Seminoles, Bengals and Vipers) and the 3 most northernmost Utah teams (Vikings, Rockets and Marauders).

OTHER CAMPS REPORTING:

MADISON LIONZ:  The Lionz Football Team has been enjoying the Bowl Season while doing some off season workouts. The Management, as always, is busy recruiting new talent and setting up things for the coming season..

BEAR RIVER VALLEY ROCKETS:  The Bear River Valley Rockets are announcing the beginning of the 2007 spring Rocky Mountain Football League season. The Rockets have been working hard in the off-season to bulk up their roster and replace some departed players. Team owner Rob Horne feels confident that the Rockets will field a better team than the 2006 squad that had some success in the RMFL AA division. Horne has scheduled a preseason game with the very tough Cache Valley Bears of the RMFL AAA division in late March to test that theory out.

HELENA TITANS:  Helena Titans Head Coach Richard Wallis has been busy setting up the coaching staff for 2007.  Currently we have Coach Wallis, Brett Nance, Mark Oswaya, Orlan Strom, Bryan Hilborn, Terry Hiatt and Bruce Masiak.  We have already had a get together to meet the coaches and are busy recruiting new players.  Everyone is eagerly anticipating preparation for the new season and we will be starting that  preparation in January.

 

SNAKE RIVER SABERCATS:  Ownership has changed hands.  Scott Moscrip has relinquished ownership

Of the Snake River Sabercats to Jay and Brandy Hatfield.  They will be pulling double-duty by acting as the General Managers of the team, as Jeanette Mayer has resigned.  They intend to use a "hands-on" approach to the daily activities of the team.

 

Dallas Hoffman returns for his third season as the Head Coach of the Sabercats.  Rob Castleman will have the defense for his second season, and has a variety of new blood among his defenders.  Tyler Collingwood will officially be the Offensive Coordinator for the entire 2007 campaign, and we are hoping that his stellar play pays off with him having complete control.

 

The Sabercats have been active in the community as well.  On October 17th, 2006, they played a "scrimmage game" with a local optimist team, the Weiser Chiefs.  Giving them the opportunity to win and boosting their confidence, the kids loved the participation of the Sabercats, and went on to blow out their next opponent, having gone winless prior to that game.

 

Snake River has been on a heavy recruiting campaign, and the Sabercats now boast a roster of 33 committed players, after finishing the season with only 16 on the roster, and 13 Participating in the final game against the Vipers. The Sabercats learned some hard lessons in 2006 and are working to become a legitimate contender in 2007.

 

 

CACHE VALLEY BEARS:  Have worked out a pre-season game with the Bear River Valley Rockets tentatively for March 31st at Logan High School telecast on Comcast!

 

POCATELLO PREDATORS:  Will be holding a team meeting Thursday night, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Home Specialist Center (150 N. Main St.).  The Predators have added a new feature to their web site called “Pred Blog”.