MORGAN MUST “SHIFT ON THE FLY” IF THEY ARE TO COMPETE IN 2007 AS THE TEAM UNDERGOES SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FROM 2006

Team preview by: Jared Neumeier 

MORGAN – When the Morgan Marauders were preparing to petition to get into the league for the first time back in 2005, I received a number of outside opinions (solicited or otherwise) on how this team based around a small school area of northern Utah could do in the Rocky Mountain Football League.  One of the things I heard that I haven’t forgotten was Rhino-Raider GM, Dave Stireman, saying they “could be like another Snake River (Rebels). Small school putting a team together of a lot of guys that have already played together in a system they already know…”

Anyone who knows of the franchise that Stireman was talking about would say that is a pretty compelling statement of hope.  And, although the Marauders success on the field has not translated like the Rebels team of that reference, what the Marauders have done over time has been to field a team of class that competes hard every week.  This will continue with this 2007 version of the Morgan Marauders.

In 2005, however, I remember watching the Marauders early in the season and thinking, “gee that Mitch Clark kid can sure play”… and in 2006, almost everyone came away from playing Morgan thinking, “gee that Rees kid can sure play”.  In 2007, they will have to come up with another “Rees” or “Clark” kid, because they will not be with the team in ’07.  Restocking on both offense and defense will instead, be the tone of the day as the Marauders will once again try to scrape up as much available talent and hit the battlefield with everything they’ve got.

What they do have, however, is worthy of hope.

There is a certain amount of talent, size and most certainly drive on this team that does not know the meaning of the term “quit”.

Last season, they beat Magic Valley (twice), Snake River and Grand Junction.  That was 4 victories and I’m sure they have their sites set on no less for this season… if not, perhaps a championship. But, for me, there are just so many changes and question marks that will have to be revealed as exclamation points in 2007 for this team to make that next step up and make the playoffs and compete for a championship.

They will need to pool all of their talent, determination and pride and play the kind of football that will make head coach Ren Hoopes and GM, Terry Allen proud… and if they do, this team could be the surprise of the AA and make all doubters know what kind of football gets played in Morgan County, Utah.

 KEY ADDITIONS:

 

Mike Mellot – Running Back

Richard Prince – Defensive End/Tight End

Richard Gary – Linebacker/Offensive Line

Russell Eustice – Quarterback

Norm Blessant – Offensive Line

Spencer Juarez – Place-kicker

Tyson Katoa – Running Back

Chris Carpenter – Running Back

 

KEY LOSSES:

 

Mitch Clark – Running Back

David Rees – Quarterback/Place-kicker

OFFENSE:

In 2006, there were only two teams who’s offenses struggled more than did the Morgan Marauders… both of those should be a lot better in 2007.  I’m not sure I can say the same for this small town team from northern Utah.  Probably their best overall weapon, athlete and team MVP, quarterback, David Rees, will not be back with the team in ’07 (moving back to Idaho).  That is not a whole they have appeared to fill.  Rees lead the Marauder offense in rushing, passing scoring and place-kicking.   Part of the problem was a reasonably porous offensive line, although only yielding a respectable 18 sacks on the season, the Marauder rushing game was none to be found.  Hence, the quarterback recording the most yards, by almost double.  Slated to call signals in ’07 is journeyman, Don Potter (5’10, 210 lbs.)… or newcomer, Russell Eustice (6’4, 185 lbs), a former Ben Lomond quarterback.  Potter has played all over the football field, including an array of defensive positions as well as offensive line and fullback and finally may get a chance to call signals for the Marauder offense (pending the outcome of the Marauders two “controlled scrimmages” against the Vipers and Lionz).  It is possible that the his versatility around the field will help pay off in the games most critical position, however, as with all first time in the RMFL quarterbacks, struggles on game day are to be expected.  In the backfield with whoever wins the QB job, will likely be the biggest running back tandem in the RMFL… AA or AAA.  The 5’11, 250 lb. Chris Carpenter is slated to play fullback and the even bigger, 6’1, 265 Jerome Bettis sized, Tyson Katoa, is slated to play tailback.  With the losses to the team of Rees and, a player I’ve always been very high on, Mitch Clark, the Marauders may have to rely on what may be an improved offensive line to lead the way for these two bruisers.  The team welcomes back fullback, Mike Mellot, who spent last football season building a house and the 210 pound fullback gives the team a change of pace and should also see some time toting the rock. In 2006, the Marauders lead the league with 19 different players with a rushing attempt during the course of the season.  The teams leading receiver from 2006, Tom Wright (21 receptions, 466 yards, 5 TD’s) returns as the teams primary option in the full house set and expects to make a bigger impact as teams set up to key on the Marauder rushing attack.  Also available and will likely see plenty of time catching passes, are Ronnie Wiggill and James Morgan, who have both been “go to” receivers for the Marauders in the past.  The offensive line will return all star Austin Rouser (6’2, 320), who will anchor what the team is counting on a better offensive line that finished ranked 10th (or 12) AA teams last season.  Rowser is joined by returning veterans, Andy Prince (6’0, 235) and Tim Rhoades (6’3, 245).  Richard Prince (6’3, 245), brother of the one of the teams star linebackers, Andy Prince, joins the team in 2007 as an offensive lineman, defensive end and, on occasion, tight end.   The Marauders are hoping that newly acquired two-way player, Richard Gary (6’2, 230) can hold up to iron man play as he has been very good in practice and an upgrade at the offensive line position.  Recently, the Marauders picked up Norm Blessant (5’11, 265) to fill out the offensive line and are hopeful these 6 can stay healthy all season.  Currently, the 6’3” Rhodes, the teams other stud all-star, is slated to hold down tight end duties, a receiving position on the Marauders that has tot traditionally caught a lot of balls in the past.  Depth will be an issue for the Marauders at most positions, particularly offensive line.  When you were the 10th ranked offense one season and then you lose probably your two best offensive weapons… without a certifiable equal coming in, this offense could suffer some “adjustment” pains in 2007.    Projected Offensive Rank: 11th .

 DEFENSE:

If you just read the offensive synopsis, the first thing you may not about this defensive synopsis is that there are a lot of the same names; six to be exact.  Tight end/offensive linemen, Tim Rhodes is also slated to play starting defensive end. Offensive linemen, Richard Prince (6’3, 245) and all-star Austin Rowser (6’1, 300) are slated to play defensive tackle.  The Carpenter and Katoa running back tandem are slated to play key inside linebacker positions and speedster receiver, Tom Wright, will jump across the line of scrimmage and roam the defensive backfield as well at safety.  Now the Marauders do carry a decent 32-man roster (at press time), so there are “other players” available, and some decent players.  It may be that the Marauders are simply giving guys the pre-season nod that are currently showing up at practice.  If this, in fact, is the case, by the time the season rolls around, there may not actually be 6 iron men players trying to play 60 minutes of football each week… for if there are, this team and particularly this defense, could be in a lot of trouble.  Guys like all-stars Rowser and Rhoades, Mikesell and certainly, Wright are true studs and may see plenty of two-way play no matter how many players show up to practice.  Joining Rhoades, Rowser and Richard Prince along the defensive front should be Eric Rodriguez (5’11, 210 lbs) at the other defensive end spot.  Also, expect J.R. Winn (5’10, 195) to also see time along the defensive line.  Joining Katoa and Carpenter at linebacker would be outside linebackers, Ronnie Wiggill and Chad Mikesell. Mikesell was the teams 4th leading tackler in 2006.  What is particularly alarming to me, however, is that tacklers 1-3 and number 5 from 2006 don’t even appear on the teams roster (Colby Ball, Jason Ball, Aaron Preece and Ben Wiscombe).  Offensive lineman, Richard Gary as well as returning veteran, Andy Prince, should also see some time at linebacker in ’07.  The Marauders have all new cornerbacks in Paul Hill and Julian Delgado, although on the roster, but not listed in the current depth chart is James Morgan, who lead the team in interceptions in 2006 with 3.  Tom Wright plays safety and is joined by former Bear River Valley defenseman, James Eyre.  Eyre recorded 10-1/2 tackles for the Rockets in 2006.  There are clearly a lot of changes and transitions going on in Marauder-ville and its as prevelant with the defense as it is even with the offense.  This unit could surprise, but there are just too many question marks to expect an improvement in any way from the 10th ranked unit from last season.     Projected Defensive Ranking: 11th .

INTANGIBLES AND COACHING:

As earlier discussed, the concrete data of analysis seems to work against the Morgan Marauders having another very respectable season.  The Marauders went 4-4 in AA competition last season and performed a decent 2-6 in their first season in 2005.  In that first season, they played some good teams tough and even came up with a big road victory down in Colorado.  This is the epitome of a “small market” team, and as such, they seem to bond well and play above expectations almost every time on the football field.  Without names like Rees, Clark and anybody named Wiscombe prominent on the teams’ depth chart, it just looks like they may need A LOT more of that “lay it on the line” play to be successful in 2007.  This team is very capable of upsetting any of the Idaho teams at home, but I just don’t see them matching up too well with the well-stocked fellow Utah AA teams in 2007.  Regardless, Morgan High school is a wonderful, picturesque venue in which to play football and I’m sure that coaches Ren Hoopes and Terry Allen will have these guys ready and prepared to play solid competitive football in 2007… and … who knows..?

OVERALL RANKING: 11th