BLAZE ARE SET TO PROVE THAT LAST YEAR’S AA CHAMPIONSHIP NOT A FLUKE; DETERMINED TO SHOW THEY CAN COMPETE IN AAA IN 2008

Team Preview by: David Sire

Hamilton – Last year, Bitterroot “Blazed” through the AA with a perfect record on their way to the AA championship. The biggest threat on offensive was Justin Nixon who rushed for over 1000 yards averaging almost 7 yards a carry and accounting for almost 40% of the Blaze total offense. But the real key to their success was the defense allowing less than 500 total yards for the entire regular season while racking up a AA league leading 21 interceptions. Now, can they compete week after week against the big boys? Make no mistake about it, my prediction of a #5 finish is predicated on the team (especially Nixon) staying healthy. With one or two key injuries, the Blaze could end up at #9, 10 or 11. Helping both their travel budget and attendance will be home and away games with their main rival, the Missoula Phoenix. They start the year at Missoula for the first game of the year and end the regular season with Missoula at home. If the Blaze are to succeed, they will have to improve the passing game. Their passing accounted for only 25% of their offense last year. Playing against bigger, stronger, and faster defenses, the passing game has to improve to take the pressure off Nixon. If the defenses can concentrate solely on Nixon, the Blaze offense will be anemic at best.

The offense was ranked #3 in the AA last year. As everyone knows, the Blaze offense will be led by all-star running back Justin Nixon. A good test of his ability to run in the AAA would have been in last year’s All-Star game where the AAA played the AA. Unfortunately, Nixon did not compete in this event leaving the whole question of his ability to run in the AA up in the air. The Blaze have added to their offense this year with the addition of all-star Brian Smith at O-line and WR’s Adam Scolatti (former college player and fastest man on the team) and James Wood. All three of these players will start for the Blaze this year. With these additions, the passing attack looks to improve. Joining Smith on the O-line will be Brian Gollnick (one of the top O-lineman in the AA), Jason Schumacher, Ben Nelson, and Blake Cranmore. The tight end will be Chris Brawley. Joining Nixon in the backfield will be Tyler Jolley at fullback and Buckie Brawley, a veteran leader at quarterback. Handling the place kicking will be AA kicking leader Erik Peterson. Oh, and if Nixon wasn’t tough enough last year, word is that this is his first year lifting weights, and he is faster than ever.

The defense ranked #1 in total defense last year in the AA. Last year’s AA sack leader, Brian Buckreus at D-end, will lead the D-line. At the other D-end will be Michael Tryon (college experience, extremely strong). At interior D-line will be Joe Murawa and new addition John Haley (355 lbs former JC player). The linebacking core will consist of Jamie Jones (AA MVP last year), Chris Jones, and Tad Sheridan. The secondary will feature Chris Brown (#2 punt returner in AA last year), Kurt Rausch, TJ Ward and Kyle Rausch (#3 in interceptions in AA last year). After such a stellar defensive year in AA last year, the defense will have to rise to the occasion and prove to the rest of the AAA teams that they can dominate them just like they did the AA last year.

The Blaze should have tough games travelling to the Mustangs and at home with an excellent travelling team in Da Bears. They should also have a tough game at the Vipers. A very interesting game for the Blaze will be on May 17 when the Blaze (2007 AA champions) meet the Shock (2006 AA champions) on a neutral field in Idaho Falls. The mid-season report will report on the success of both the offense and defense in the AAA.

OVERALL RANKING: 5th