THE HEART OF THE RMFL BEGINS BEATING AGAIN IN POCATELLO, IDAHO

TEAM SUMMARY:

This team is for real....no Bull.... or is it "full of Bull(s)"??? The RMFL's history is full of storied great teams and players.... You have the 1998 Mustangs and the "big 3" (Jensen, Powell, Neumeier), the 1999 Rebels and names like Marlow, Chawver, Bowden and Dalley, the 1999 Cowboys and Manzo Hodge, the 2000 Wildcats and Ah You, Ahio, Thompson and Parker.... and then you have the 1997 Rocky Mountain Bull Defense. Perhaps the greatest defense the RMFL has ever seen. Names like O'Hearn, Culbertson, Atkinson, Harris and Dalke. After winning the 1997 championship, that first year Pocatello team was never the same. Attitudes and defections got the best of the team and eventually sent it into remission, finally merging with the nearby Dragons. 2001 sees the return of a new great franchise in the heart of where the RMFL was founded, Pocatello, Idaho. And many of those same Bulls players are coming back.... this time they are ready to win. Palmer Proffitt takes over as head coach and GM and brings with him many years coaching experience, including a year as offensive line coach at ISU. Proffitt is highly organized, knowledgeable and even takes time out to review equipment safety with his players. At one practice session, he discussed tackling with head up to protect from neck injury. Ex-Bull, Kevin Atkinson helps coach the defense although does not dismiss the possibility that he will play "I'm on the roster. I could still do my thing...", Atkinson stated. Ex-Mustang, Gordon Anderson coaches the offense and as a wide receiver himself is very high on the receiving corp, "I could never start ahead of these guys". Perhaps much of that has to do with the teams biggest acquisition in perennial all-star receiver/defensive back, Brock Gunter. Gunter is a legitimate star and game-breaker and can score from anywhere on the field. The Silverbacks seem to have all the elements needed to make a serious championship run... it will just be a matter of keeping the team focused and together for a long season.

Impressive S-back offensive line prepares to strike

KEY ADDITIONS:

NOT APPLICABLE - EXPANSION TEAM

KEY LOSSES:

NOT APPLICABLE - EXPANSION TEAM

Offensive Analysis: When all-star wide receiver Brock Gunter was asked if this (Pocatello) team was the best team he ever played on, he didn't hesitate to say rhetorically, "Oh, I think!" Because it is. The Silverback offense will be solid. From Gunter who will make plays and score touchdowns to starting quarterback, Jeff Belnap, a solid, athletic prospect that will use his high school experience to move the team. In the backfield, the S-backs will have two long-time R.M. Bulls prospects, Dan Chavez and Clint Whitworth joining Tyler Wheatley and sometimes Jared Anderson, also joining the teams from the Cobra/Dragon franchise. Supporting the receiver corps will be another RMFL original, ex-fighting Kangaroo, Jeremy Whitehead at wide out joining Jay Olsen at tight end. The offensive line is big and solid including former all-state offensive tackle, Spencer Perry. This offense could be the leagues best, but as it is coming together for the first time, Belnap may go through many of the first year jitters and offensive coordinator Gordon Anderson is in his first season in that position, the S-back offense may not be fully dangerous until later in the season.... which might be perfect. OFFENSIVE RANK: THIRD.

#1 Brock Gunter takes off as one of the RMFL's biggest stars

Defensive Analysis: The name of the game in Pocatello has always been defense. Gone are the dominant 1997 Rocky Mountain Bulls, but back are many of their players, talent and defensive philosophy in the form of defensive coach, Kevin Atkinson. Atkinson is a great player in his own right and should play, however, defensive end is already a strong position for the S-backs in Stacie Harris and Tyler Dalke. With O'Hearn back at D-tackle, RMFL offenses will have a very difficult time with the Silverbacks front four, not to mention an array of blitz packages the S-backs will bring. But their biggest strength and greatest talent may not even be an ex-Bull, middle linebacker Kenny Frasure, who anchored that spot for ISU last season, will be the enforcer in the middle of the Silverback defense. Combining great linebacking with a strong secondary will be the ticket for the Silverback defense. They should be very difficult to score against this season. Keeping Frasure healthy and playing makes them the best defense in an RMFL full of great defenses. DEFENSIVE RANK: FIRST.

Overall Analysis: This team has the look of a champion. From the organized, experienced and likeable, head coach, Palmer Proffitt, to the exceptional array of skill players, big lineman all the way to my personal choise for RMFL MVP in 2000, Brock Gunter running patterns through secondaries, this team has what it takes. It will require several key players like Gunter, Belnap, Frasure etc. to stay healthy, but what team can't say that about their stars. Proffitt has them working hard and staying focused. The occassional offensive relapse will be more than offset by an outstanding defense. PROJECTION: FIRST.