WOLVERINES LOOKING TO WIN THE RMFL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2008

Team Preview by: David Sire

Salt Lake City - The Wolverines look to improve over their last year’s performance. They finished the season last year as the #2 ranked team during the regular season. Yes, they were one of only two teams to beat the Rhino-Raiders since the turn of the century. And they did make it to the semi-finals before falling to the same Rhino-Raiders. Overall, a season most teams would be excited with. But for the Wolverines, anything short of the championship this year will be a disappointment. The defense led the way for the Wolverines last year finishing as the number 3 ranked defense. The offense struggled, especially with the season ending loss of starting quarterback Dean Fountaine in a game against Da Bears. The offense finished the season as the #6 ranked offense in a 10-team field. The team did have some players that racked up some decent stats, too. John Jensen was #4 in yards rushing, the O-line also came in rated #4, Dustin McCammon was #3 in interceptions, Alex Whetman ran away from the league as the #1 kicker, Roger Shulze was #3 in tackles, James Neslen finished #4 in kick return yards, and Joe Mapson led the league in punt returns. Pretty decent stats except in the passing game. The top Wolverine in pass rating didn’t even make it into the top 9. The leading receiver was ranked #18 in the league. So, last year the Wolverines hadn’t a decent O-line, ran the ball well, an excellent special teams, and a very solid defense. If the Wolverines look to make it to the top this year, they must improve in the passing game. So, without further ado…..

On offense this year, the Wolverines have made three KEY additions to their offense. The #4 ranked O-line should show significant improvement with the additions of former Rhino-Raiders Todd Wheelright (returning after missing last season due to injuries) and Ken Byrd. This will give the Wolverines a huge starting interior line with Jon White coming in at 285 lbs and the only lineman under 300 lbs. Wheelright (325 lbs) and Byrd (330 lbs) will also be joined by Ben Arcienga (300 lbs) and Nolan Osborne (a slim 350 lbs). These guys should be able to open big holes for Jon Jensen and Jace Wilson to run through. But more importantly, this line should be able to provide the pass protection necessary for the Wolverines third and probably most important key addition, quarterback Charlie Peterson (BYU and Toronto Argonauts). If Peterson lives up to his pedigree, don’t be surprised to see receivers Ryan Seely (TE), Joe Mapson, and Rich Garden ranked right up near the top in receiving this year. With these additions, the Wolverines should easily vault up to 1 of the top 3 offensive teams in the league this year.

The defense will once again this year be the heart and soul of the team. Last year, the Wolverines were #2 in rushing yards allowed, allowing only 11 rushing yards more than the league leading Rhino-Raiders. They were #4 in sacks and tied for #3 in interceptions. The defense will have to improve on last year’s performance in passing yards allowed where the Wolverines ranked #7 overall. George Liti (290 lbs) and Samiu Kutu (345 lbs) will anchor the interior D-line while Sam Steele and Paul Fuaalii will bookend the D-line at the defensive end positions. The Wolverines will be sporting a 3-linebacker core this year with all-star performers Roger Shulze and Matt Shoda being joined by Esi Lautaimi. Shoda finished second in the league in tackles in 2006 and Shulze finished third in tackles last year. Running teams might want to look to the outside when they run. The secondary will consist of AJ Jones, Dustin McCammon, Brady Nielson, and Tony Wolfgramm. The pressure will be on the secondary as teams look to avoid the D-line and linebackers while trying to take advantage of the Wolverine’s #7 ranking in passing defense last year.

Problems for the Wolverines this year could be in that they travel to Da Bears and Mustangs for 2 of their first 4 games. Helping them will be finishing the year with 3 straight home games including the Heat and Shock. Also helping the Wolverines will be a great organization run by Ed Cerise.

OVERALL RANKING: 2nd