MUSTANGS LOOKING TO PLAY FOR RMFL CHAMPIONSHIP AGAIN IN 2008

Team Preview by: David Sire

Idaho Falls - The Mustangs are the only original team left in the Rocky Mountain Football League and return for their 12th season of semi-pro football. The Mustangs have a long tradition of success when it comes to the playoffs. During their 11 seasons, they have been in 6 championship games, winning 3 RMFL championships. If it were not for the Rhino-Raiders, the Mustangs could probably lay claim to being the best overall team that the league has seen. This success is mirrored by one real weakness. The Mustangs always seem to struggle early in the season before finally finding their stride come playoff time. It is this traditional slow start (0-2 start last year) that makes them my 3^rd place team. The Mustangs finished last year’s regular season with a 6-1 record. They reached the semi-finals before falling 29-21 to Da Bears. Without a game ending second half injury to Donavan Ard, their only quarterback, the outcome might have been different. The Mustangs can also boast of being THE team to end the Rhino-Raiders win streak on May 12, 2007.

The Mustangs will be a veteran team returning almost their entire offense and defense from last year. They have lost offensive lineman Ryan Lingenfelder and wide receiver Scott Brown. However, they should have Doug Brasier returning for the full year and have added one of the better lineman in the league in ex-Rhino-Raider Eric Christiansen. Replacing Scott Brown will be a dangerous receiver in Izzy Ramirez. Joining the defense will be defensive end Brandon Hawkes from the Lionz. I don’t expect to see the Mustangs finishing in the top three in team defense or offense. And I do see them starting slow again. But with their veteran group and the knack to play just well enough to win, they should come on strong towards the end of the season and roll into the playoffs.

On offense, the Mustangs will return Donavan Ard at quarterback. Although only the 4^th rated passer last year, he led the league in TD passes. He still has tight end Todd Johnson and wide receivers Brandon Reed and Chris Brown. With Izzy Ramirez joining them at wide receiver, the Mustangs could very well lead the league in TD passes again this year. Also returning will be former rushing leader and hard hitting running back Travis Boden with Russell Cummins at the fullback position. There is also a possibility that Justin Oswald (last year’s rushing leader) may be joining the Mustangs if he recovers from shoulder surgery. A backfield tandem of Boden and Oswald should give any defense nightmares. The O-line will feature Rye McAfee, Brad Darrington, Tyson Poulson, Doug Brasier, and newcomer Eric Chritiansen (ex Rhino-Raider). If the O-line can improve on the 5^th place finish last year, the offense should be tough and look for them to control the ball and run the clock.

The defense’s weakness should be their interior D-line. Defensive tackles Josh Swatsenbarg and Trevor Wight play solid, but not great defense. They will also need to be rotated in and out. I don’t see either of them playing defense without seeing some rest. You might see Cliff Mills or Danny Peterson start at O-line and Doug Brasier move over to help at D-line. The Mustangs D-ends will be Roy Withers and Brandon Hawkes (tied for 4^th in sacks last year). The linebackers will be experienced with Irven Hill, Jeb Harrison, and Jason Lawson. The secondary will be very quick with Brandon Reed, Koby Spencer (tied for 4^th in interceptions last year), Dylan Cooper (tied for 5^th in tackles last year), and Jason Cook.

They will be helped by playing both the Wolverines and Da Bears at home. A first round bye should also help the Mustangs. We’re into the last week of March, and the fields still are partially covered with snow making practices difficult and unproductive at best. Geez, no wonder the Mustangs always ask to not be home for the first three weeks of the season.

OVERALL RANKING: 3rd