Team Preview by: Rajiem Seebrook (Comments by Ed Cerise as indicated)

This year’s version of the Glacier Knights is extremely different than last years as is most of this team. To begin the long tenured and original owner/coach of team Ron Latray is no longer in the aforementioned position. During the off season Ron turned over the reins to current owner/coach and former player Will Wheat. In the very short time in which Will had to gather himself, in his new found role, one would be able to see a small miracle in the early phases of "change". In a short, few months Will along with his father Keith Wheat who is an assistant offense coach, Austin Owens offensive coordinator, Darin Woepple line coach, (both former Knight players.) Kyle Burgess special teams coach, Michelle Wheat, Jen Dana, and Eric Bachofner, a new staff was formed. The next task was retaining what few players the "team" had after the change. Many new bonds were formed, many vets from the past resurfaced, neighbors from the north (Canada), came south, and former field rivals from Missoula

have migrated North as well. With all that a new nucleus was formed.

As the summer months ended, and the fall crept into Western Montana, the new day for the Knights was born. Fast forward to now. A team roster has been formed with of over 40 players, with many of those players having played in college, minor league football, and/or senior league football in Canada. Already a major over haul from the day’s past. The Knights look like a new team.

This may not equate to wins automatically but this team has probably had the biggest overhaul in league history, which tends to make one think that they are headed in the right direction.

All in all not a bad off season, one might say it is Good Will Hunting

Offensive Outlook:

This year’s Knight Team will look different than the teams from the past with new linemen, Q.B, Running backs etc. Manning the helm and calling out signals will be Jason 'Falco' Bullik, a strong armed young man that brings focus and a quiet leadership to the team. He will be backed up by Veteran Beau Herman. Herman has played several positions for this team over the years making him a threat any time he steps on the field. The third string Q.B. is none other than Sheldon Mcool, making his return home to his original team after a one year stint with the new Missoula team.

In front of them will be a huge o-line with the lightest man being 275 lbs. The center of it all with no pun intended will be Jared Taylor (E.F.l Stateline Miners). He will man down on all in front of him using his girth 6'4 320 lbs, and agility yes agility to overpower any Nose guard he meets. To his left will be Cory Coopman, a smart and quick guard who will out play and out think his opposition. Manning the left

tackle spot will be Ryan Augusta. Who is a raw, strong, and physical player who will be protecting the blindside of this teams QB's. At the other tackle spot will be Mark Waugh (Nebraska) a veteran to this game and possibly one of the smartest guys in the league. Despite his smarts, his aggressive nature and technique will leave opposing defensive ends questioning their own ability. To the left of him Is Rajiem 'Big Reg" Seabrook (Missoula Raptors RMFL, E.F.L State line miners,) A vet to the game and this league. Despite him being the smallest of the o-line men his quickness, intelligence, and knowledge of the game has left many scratching their heads. His former coach from the EFL called him a zone blocking genius. Rounding at that crew of beef will be: Robert Adame, Tiger Andrews, Sean Fewster, Jason Hall, Jasper Hall, Steve Biggs, and Jesse Shaw. As the line opens holes one may wonder who will be running through them.

We start with Sheldon Mcool, a very under used player from previous seasons. Sheldon

is a big back with the moves of a smaller quick back, but in the mold of Tom Rathman. Making him a load for any defense to bring down. Behind him will be Mike Kuehne, who is a speedster that will make many miss. He is more of a scat back but when he scats it will not be a form of a jazz song but in the form of a musical aria as he scores on a consistent basis. Backing up the thunder and lightning approach will be Jude Winters, Jacob Victor, Nick Berry, and Mr. Everything Adam Cotton. Filling in at the almost forgotten position of Fullback will be Kevin Reed. Reed is the prototypical fullback big, quicker than fast, sure handed and fearless. Reed is a thorn for any linebacker trying to bring down this load. Behind him will be former owner Ron Latray, Mcool, and Seabrook paving holes for the others. Playing T.E this year will be Kyle Holloway a tall target that will give this team a great red zone target. A natural strider who will jump through the roof if given a chance. Backing him up will be Jake Pannel (Helena

Titans). A tough hardnosed vet that will block like a lineman, yet catch like a receiver. He is a short yard specialist who will expose zones all day. Backing up the two will be Sheldon Mcool.

Finally on to the guys who make the grabs. First up is W.R. Dan 'Pretty Boy' Holgwin, a very quick and elusive pass catcher. He will help stretch the field and the imaginations of opposing db's as he constantly uses great technique to find ways to get open. Starting on the opposite side is Brett Wagner. A dependable player who will give this team a lot of different looks as he lines up in multiple places looking to exploit any cornerback in his wake. Backing these two formidable players will be Brenton Moss, Jeremy Baanrud, Robert Stephens, Beau Herman, Joe Jetty and Jeremy Langlois. They may be backups but this unit would star on many other teams in the division. Finally the team’s longtime kicker Kyle Burgess returns for another season to help bolster the team’s specialty

unit. He will also punt and will be backed by Adam Cotton.

Defensive Outlook:

The new look defense will be led by Adam Cotton, (All American- Montana Tech) and Paul Ryan (Captain, RMFL Raptors, EFL Stateline Miners) manning both safety spots. Cotton is hard hitter, ferocious coverman, and a jack of all trades. Paul is the smooth and sound technician holding up the other safety spot. In front of those two will be a plethora of outstanding Linebackers.

First up is Kashawn Miller (Fresno State) who is returning for his second year with the Knights. He is both smart and savvy at his position. He is also able to play either safety spot and can play all linebacker positions. With him in the corps of "backers" will be Shane Cavileire (Missoula Raptors). Although he has had limited playing time in previous seasons, Shane has now emerged to be a stout and dependable player. His speed and tenacity will be a big help to this up and coming unit. Along with him will be: Thomas Evans (M.S.U), Jude Winters, Kyle Becker, Matt Mena, Chris LePiane, and Andrew Flora. This unit is complete and has great depth. This unit will be backing a very stout line. With that said one would have to look at the big and impressive defensive ends.

First up is the savvy vet known to the team as Steve 'Doc' Biggs. He is not only a team Captain but he also doubles as the teams Doctor, and Chiropractor. He has been with this team since its origins. Biggs has been an all star on both sides of the ball. He earned his all-star this past season playing o-line. This switch will be beneficial to the team. His size, speed, and knowledge are rarely matched. On his opposite side is Jesse Shaw (U of M-Dillon). A football coaches dream. He is able to play anywhere on the line and is also a capable Linebacker. He will control the edge and put constant pressure on opposing QB's all day. On the interior will be Chris LePaine (U.S. Navy), Kyle Weidman, Mark Waugh (Nebraska) Sean Rhodes, and two very big Canadian transplants Sean Fewster, and Jason "Hammer" Hall. Both have been all stars up north in the Alberta Football League.

Last but not least we have the corners. Joe Hosek starts on the left side. He is a corner with a linebacker mentality. A very dependable and sound player on the other side John Dana steps in and up. A quick corner that might catch more passes than the receiver he will be covering. Behind them will be: Jeremy Langlois, Joe Jetty, Corey Campbell, Adam 'Rudy' Lucas, and Dallas Casazza. All in all this is a tough and hungry defensive bunch that will make an immediate impression against their AA opponents.

CERISE’s COMMENTS: After reading the write up provided by Rajiem Seabrook of the Knights it’s hard to consider this team anything other than a contender. Coming back to reality, which has been a history of losing sets in hard for this team. There is a number I want you to think about “0”. We’ll come back to this later. Over the past two seasons the Knights have finished dead last in offense and near the bottom in Defense. In 2007 this team scored a total of 6pts all season, yes, I said 6 pts all season. It is apparent when you can only manage to score 6 points all season that you will lose games. That brings me back to “0”. This team has not won a single game in two years. That means this organization, the players; the fans have no idea what it is like to win. I truly believe the Knights have made a drastic change to their organization to improve. I do not believe they will be the doormat of the league any more. This team will win games, how many well that remains to be seen. They have a added a roster full of veteran football players and overhauled their management. Having leadership such as Rajiem who has a ton of experience in building solid organizations will only help. The Knights have a realistic chance to win most if not all of their home games and perhaps one or two on the road. I’m not predicting them to be a playoff team, but a 3 win season for this team will be positive and give this organization to move forward. They have a long ways to go and for them to get that first win in Franchise History will be a memorable one.

OVERALL RANKING: 10th