MATADORS RE-LOADING, RE-TOOLING, RE-COVERING FROM A TOUGH 2006; LOOK READY TO COMPETE FOR RMFL’S AA TITLE IN 2007

 

            Team Preview by: Jared Neumeier (with comments on players contributed by the Idaho Matadors)

 

NAMPA – At the end of the 2005 season, the Matadors did something unexpected… the beat the Magic Valley Bulldawgs in the last game of the season… and it ruined the immediate future of both teams.

 

For the Bulldawgs, it put them on the road to Missoula in the first round of the playoffs… a trip they would never make.  The shame or not only dropping the game to the Matadors, but not getting enough players to commit to go play a playoff game, ended up sending many of their key players and managing board into retirement… the Bulldawgs were never the same.

 

For the Matadors, however, a different problem ensued.

 

When the RMFL went to the AAA/AA format, because of their success in that game… beating what would have been clearly a AAA team in a critical game, they felt… and it seemed deservedly so… that they belonged in the AAA in 2006.

 

Had the Matadors stayed in the AA last season, they might have kept their team together and maybe even won the AA crown… and this preview would be taking on a whole different light… and it would be placed in a whole different article.

 

But, as it was, the Matadors did go AAA in ’06, their team did eventually struggle, then implode… then, finally forfeited their final game of the season.

 

After paying the appropriate fines and eating a few slices of humble pie, the Matadors are BACK…  They have re-tooled and they have re-loaded AND the level of competition will be a bit easier in 2007 than what they saw for 9 games last season.

In other words, expect the Matadors to really make a difference in the AA this year.

 

They have plenty of new offensive weapons and a veteran quarterback.  They have a couple of new offensive weapons that may end up becoming household names around the RMFL in 2007… and they have a lot of questionmarks.

 

What they seem to have no lack of, however, is motivation.. . and confidence. A fairly dangerous combo in the football world.

 

If the Matadors can collect themselves and put it all together this season remains to be seen, but they certainly have the raw materials required to go all the way… and fight their way back into the AAA sometime soon.

 

KEY ADDITIONS:

 

Anthony Pomerlee – Running Back

Adam Rivera – Fullback

Jovan Lincoln – Wide Receiver

Rob Longshaw – Offensive Line

Eric Derossett – Offensive Line

Patrick Van Oosbree – Defensive Back

John Wells – Defensive Back

Mario Lopez – Linebacker

Nick Ramsey – Linebacker

Tim Bosier – Defensive Line

Tyler Bosier – Defensive Line

 

KEY LOSSES:

 

Sheridan Hodson – Wide Reciever

Alex Green – Wide Receiver

Shane Jackson – Linebacker

 

OFFENSE:

 

Even though the Idaho Matadors struggled in a lot of ways in the RMFL’s AAA division in 2006, the Matador offense still racked up more yards than the Utah Heat… and that includes not playing a game because of a forfeit.  Before the wheels started to come off the Matador wagon late in the season, the Matador offense really wasn’t all too bad… at least they could gain a few yards now and again.  Scoring touchdowns, however, was another story all together.  The Matadors pulled off the big win over Pocatello in week #1, then scored 20 points in a losing cause to Madison in week #2… and then over the next 7 weeks, could only score another 19 points… total.  Of course, a lot of it had to do with what was going on with the team in general, but some may have had to do with some deficiencies.  Deficiencies which may not have been overwhelmingly solved, however, in the AA division, the Matadors should be pretty successful on offense. Tom Bennett is back for his final season at the helm.  By all reports, Bennett has worked harder than any other Matador in the off-season. Bennett’s QB rating of 31.06 last season was abysmal, even back up, Jarrod Briggs had a little higher rating that that at 36.49.  Bennett does not want to finish what could be considered a decent career on that note and is looking to help turn the offense… and the team around in ‘07.  Anthony Pomerlee has joined the team and hopes to produce running back numbers never before seen by the team.  He brings to the table a very good combination of speed and strength and looks to emerge onto the RMFL stage in grand fashion.  At wide receiver, Jovan Lincoln has taken his teammates by storm.  His impressive athletic abilities have made Bennett look like an all pro in practice, and Lincoln has not disappointed in other key areas of the team.  His work ethic and attitude has helped this young team come together, scoring points for them will be a big bonus. Chris Bailey is back and will look to take the open space left by Lincoln's defenders behind.   Brad Evans and Frank Yagla are battling it out for the critical H spot.  Evans is a little more complete of a receiver.  Yagla's commitment and raw talent are notable and it will be hard to keep him on the sideline. At tight end, Matt Thomas has been to every practice and continues to refine his football skills.  After going through most of January and early February with concerns; the Matadors feel their offensive line has finally been put together.  Rob Longshaw LT (6'1, 265) will anchor the left tackle spot for the Matadors.  Longshaw possesses good footwork and technique that helped him lead the Meridian Warriors to the state championship as a senior and will look to bring that success to the RMFL.  Jesus Jara LG (6'2, 300) will move over to left guard after playing last season at left tackle. Robert Brace (6’1, 320) will move into the right guard spot.  Tray Payson (6'2, 260) rejoins the team and has accepted the role of monster killer at center.  Eric Derossett RT (6'5, 320) was a nice late addition to the team to say the least.  If his size is any indication Derossett will be a major force with Brace on the right side of the line.  If depth at line means anything, the Matadors will also have Ray Ramos (5'10, 260) and Jack McGahey (6’1, 24) as other viable offensive line options. The Matadors will have a solid offense, maybe not quite as refined as the Vipers, Rockets, Blaze or Phoenix, but they will produce plenty of points in ’07 and it won’t matter if its Bennett or Briggs calling signals.  They have talent and depth and they will be seeing much smaller teams this season than they did last.  This may be a bit of a conservative rating… but they will have to prove they are better than this.  Projected Offensive Rank: tie 5th  .

 

DEFENSE:

 

 

It is fairly hard to completely objectively judge what the Matadors defense was like in 2006, since it was key defensive players that were the first to quit on the team in ’06. Further, many of the Matadors defensive stats were highly affected by the massacre they took in the final two games they gutted out when the played with 13 to 15 players.  So, to look at the Matador defense, its best to completely throw out the results of 2006 and just talk about the players they will put on the field NOW. In the defensive backfield, Joel Gunstream returns after missing last season.  Gunstream left his offensive ways behind (ex-tight end) and has inserted his tremendous physical presence into the defensive backfield.  He has the awareness needed to make quarterbacks pay for mistakes.  If he continues to hit people in the game like he has done in practice--the ones wearing green and gold will be having a lot of fun.  Patrick Van Oosbree joins the team and the gym rat has installed his physical traits into his position----solid and confident.  At the corner slots, Nick Russell is back for his third season.  Russell is the epitome of what the Matadors want in a football player.  The inspirational leader of the team, he leads by example, he works hard, plays hard and most of all loves the jersey he wears. John Wells is a newcomer on the opposite side of Russell.  Wells brings good speed and a tenacity that will be challenged throughout the game.  At linebacker, Mario Lopez joins the team and his hard hitting in tackling drills have left several people wondering what their names are. 

   Nick Ramsey has quickly shown to be one of the most talented players on the team.  His coverage skills are top notch and soon will have quarterbacks and running backs wondering where he came from to make a play.  Jimmy Christy has been committed since day one and continues to show promise at linebacker. And at the key defensive line positions, new to the team but not to each other brothers Tim & Tyler Bosier look to bring some impact to the defensive end spots.  Both are six foot-six inches tall, but are undersized.  If they can continue to get better in practice they will have meaningful impact on the defensive side. Chad Warren is also competing for a spot.  Warren is not huge, but plays above his size making up for it by outworking his opponents and by keeping good leverage.  Warren should have a positive impact on the team, and can also fill in on the offensive line if needed. Angel Rubio returns and looks to have a promising season.  Rubio has to step up his game, he has the size to fill a gap and dominate the other side of scrimmage.  The next few weeks will be important for him. Bryan Walker looks to make up for his size by primarily helping out in passing situations.  He has a solid motor and will need it to attack the quarterback when asked.   Without knowing a lot of about these players, I’m going to have to take the fair way out and suggest that this unit will have to “prove it” as well.  I’m not as convinced that the 2007 version of the Matador defense will be quite as good as the offense.  It will be interesting to see how well this unit gels as the season plays out.  Conservatively speaking, I’d say they will have to really play up… and if they do, they will make the difference as to whether the Matadors make it into the AA playoffs or not.  Projected Defensive Rank 7th .

 

INTANGIBLES/COACHING:

 

 The Matadors are lucky to be playing football in 2007.  The new players and the league administrators are the reason the team is back for the third year.  This team however has come together nicely, the talent is everywhere.  Like in any team how the offensive and defensive lines respond will decide the season. Outsiders have doubted and disrespected the team, and most of it is warranted.  These players are on a mission, they want to play football, and they have blended with each other well.  The Matadors have also signed a contract to play their home games at Nampa Christian High School.  The team will definitely benefit from the change, supporters will be able to sit in the stands, the team will have a press box and even games under the lights, what more can the Matadors ask for after 2006. The Matadors may not win the AA Championship in 2007 (not to count them out, either), but they will be a quality player and be very competitive in every game they play… win or lose, the Matadors are back.

 

OVERALL RANKING: 7th