RMFL OLDEST FRANCHISE MAKING A CLAIM FOR THE BEST IN EAST IDAHO

TEAM SUMMARY:

Here's the kickoff.... the deep return man receives the ball.... heads straight up the field then cut's outside to the left..... breaks a tackle and outruns a defender to the corner.... and then runs all the way to the end zone...... "son of a b$%&#" comes a remark from a member of the kicking team. Imagine the remark if it hadn't only been a typical scrimmage kickoff at the Fort Hall Cobra practice. The Cobras spent the most part of their preseason practicing in an indoor rodeo arena.... on dirt floors. And the intensity of their practice was much like bronco-busting. Marked by hard hitting and intensity from the beginning. After a couple of seasons utilizing non-playing head coach, Rob Aubrey, the 2001 version of the Cobras (renamed from Rocky Mountain Cobras... renamed from Rocky Mountain Bulls/Blackfoot Dragons) will be a throw back to the old RMFL days when all the teams were coached by player captains. Fullback/linebacker, J.C. Poitra takes over the head reigns, but not far from him will be now player/coach, Rob Aubrey. The Cobras have lost and gained a number of players over last season but still will come out fighting 30 players strong when the visit Mini-Cassia for the opener. Poitra believes they will really cause some problems for teams defensively under Aubreys direction and offensively they are very high on newly aquired quarterback, Mike "Figgy" Newton who replaces strong-armed, but interception prone, Mark Horrocks who piloted the franchise the past two years. The Cobras have talent, energy, organization, but will really have a challenge to pull together as a cohesive team in a quickly improving league.

"Doubles Right" as the Cobras prepare for the 2001 season

KEY ADDITIONS:

Mike Newton (free agent) quarterback
Reggie Jackson (free agent) KR, Safety
Jason Valdez (free agent) Safety
Benny Longoria (free agent) Running Back

KEY LOSSES:

Brock Gunter (to Pocatello), wide receiver
Jared Anderson (to Pocatello), defensive back
Mark Horrocks (retired), quarterback

Cobra passer looks downfield in dim lights of indoor practice stadium

Offensive Analysis: The Cobras offense is a major questionmark. Not so much from lack of talent or size... but from the simple lack of playing together over time. They will likely begin the year with a whole new backfield, and mostly new receiving core with the exception of Pete Gonzalas at tight end. The offensive line looks strong, and may be the saving grace to the lack of experience in the skills positions. Although the team is high on new quarterback, Mike Newton, experience dictates that the first year at quarterback in this league is usually a struggle. If Newton or back up, Jason Valdez surprise me, they could be better, but they may be reduced to an all too predictable and stoppable offense without the firepower from the skills positions. OFFENSIVE RANK: FIFTH.

Defensive Analysis: This team was tough defensively last year and this year will be no different. Aubreys pass rushing schemes and the skills of players like Tyler Beebe, Tala Togai and Ray Bronco and longtime RMFL standouts, Mike Merrill, Curtis Suetopka and Dan Thaxton will keep the Cobras in a lot of games and might even help them pull out some of their victories, however, if injuries set in to this unit, it will be a long season for the red and white. Truthfully, lack of depth and overall strength of RMFL defenses keeps me from ranking this defense higher. I would never want to have to throw against them. Ths defense would shut down several UFL offenses. However..... DEFENSIVE RANK: FIFTH.

Overall Analysis: Having ranked the offense and defense both fifth, it would be hard not to project the Cobras as the 2001 cellar dwellers. However, that having been said, I will say that this team will beat some teams... They do have offensive talent and a great defense. If they can just pull it all together, they will compete for the playoffs. However, they will need to have some good luck with the injury bug this year to reach that point. PROJECTION: FIFTH.