ROCKETS FALL IN LAST YEAR’S SEMI-FINAL GAME; NOW WILL TEST THEIR SKILLS IN AAA

Team Preview by: David Sire

BEAR RIVER VALLEY – The Rockets had a very good year last time finishing 6-2 in the tough AA Mountain Division. Their only two losses came at the hands of their league rival Vipers losing 35-27 and 9-2. The Rockets went into the playoffs with high expectations. The came away with a disappointing end to their season, losing at the Blaze 50-7 in the AA semi-final game. The Rockets have many talented players. Dave Williams and Mike Messinger finished #5 and #6 in rushing in the AA and also finished #3 and #4 in scoring. Mike Messinger also finished ranked #2 in receiving. The Rocket’s O-line finished ranked #2 while Adam Whitaker finished the season #2 in interceptions. Mike Jenkins was the AA’s top passer finishing #1 in total yards and pass rating. As a team, the Rockets finished #1 in offense and #3 in defense. The Rockets have made some key additions in Steve Hansen (Snow College), Tom Filipe (SUU), Mike Hansen, Eric Eyre (ex Rhino-Raider), and Brad Jeppesen (SUU track star). Even with all this going for them, I still predict that they will finish at #10. Even as good as the Rockets are, they will be facing even better teams now that they are in the AAA. I think it will take them most of the season to adjust to bigger, stronger, and faster opponents. By the time the have made that adjustment, I think it will be too late for them. There is one other reason I dropped the Rockets to my #10 team. Every time I think of their talent and new additions, I start to think they should be rated higher. But their 9-2 loss to the Vipers and 50-7 loss to the Phoenix, make me wonder just how well this team can perform in pressure situations. And that nagging thought makes me keep them at #10.

On offense, the Rockets start a totally revamped offensive line returning only Vince Henrie (300 lbs) and Tripp Ladeau (315 lbs). Joining them will be newcomers Eric Eyre (265 lbs), Mike Hansen (275 lbs), and Steve Hansen (295 lbs). Last year’s AA top rated Mike Jenkins returns at quarterback. Also in the backfield will be Mike Messinger and Troy Anderson. The receiver core will consist of Cody Merrit. Clark Funk, and Brad Jeppesen. Jason Jeppesen will handle the kicking duties.

On defense, the Rockets D-line will feature Jason Best, Eric Eyre, newcomer Tom Filipe, and Ryan Lindsay. One concern will be Eric Eyre playing both ways, a lot to ask of anyone in this league. At the linebacker position, the Rockets will start Rich Glenn, Rhett Robinson, and Clark Funk. The secondary will feature two new starters in Dontae Colson and Chase Johnsen. Adam Whitaker and Dallan Robinson will round out the secondary.

The Rockets first game of the season should determine just how ready they are for the AAA as they host an extremely talented team in the Wolverines. The Rockets will have an opportunity to avenge the only two teams to beat them last year in their next two games as they travel to the Vipers and host the Phoenix. If they can come out of the first 3 games with a 2-1 record, they could very well prove me wrong and might make the playoffs. Weeks 5-8 have them at the Heat, at the Shock, their bye week, and then hosting Idaho Falls. This stretch of games will determine the success of their season.

OVERALL RANKING: 10^th