Idaho Falls Mustangs
2000 RMFL All-Star Game
RMFL SOUTH MAULS NORTH AS WILDCAT PARKER SHINES
SOUTH "MAULS" NORTH AS ANTHONY PARKER RUNS "WILD"
The RMFL South All-Stars who did not seem to have many of the RMFL "glamour" players, brought plenty of "beef" and an electrifying performance from Wasatch "Wild"cat, Anthony Parker to take a 12-7 halftime lead and pull away in the second half for a 34-10 victory over the RMFL North stars.
Parker rushed for more than 170 yards and a touchdown and Treasure Valley quarterback, Paul Dovel threw two touchdown passes for the South, including a perfect 77-yard strike to Mini-Cassia Bulldawg star, Robert Carrick, who had just beat North safety, Jared Anderson and raced in for the score to take a 20-10 third quarter lead. But the South theme was DE-FENSE!! Outweighing the North offensive line significantly, the South defensive line consistantly penetrated into the North backfield and slapping North tailbacks, the number 1 and 2 rushers in the league, Idaho Falls Mustangs, Mike Jensen and Bozeman Kodiak, Hollis Huggins for losses. The South recorded 5 quarterback sacks on Idaho Falls Mustangs' quarterback, Jared Neumeier, including 2-1/2 by Wasatch Wildcat, Micheal Thomas and 2 by Boise Cardinal (Roughrider), Stuart Dennis.
The North was not without some solid efforts, however, Rocky Mountain Cobra star, Brock Gunter caught 7 passes for 130 yards and almost got in the end zone on one of his two long pass receptions. Neumeier completed 11 of 17 passes for over 160 yards without a pick under a relentless pass rush, Jeremy Ewan had a solid performance at fullback, Doug Brasier was solid at the offensive line and although, League offensive MVP, Mike Jensen was held in check most of the day, he scored the only touchdown for the North on a great tackle-breaking 29-yard run late in the first quarter for a North 7-6 lead. Defensively, the North did just about everything well..... except, that is, tackling Anthony Parker. Parker cut through the defense constantly, breaking tackles and cutting back and was fun for all spectators to watch, even the North players had to marvel at his talents. Additionally, the Bozeman Kodiaks great place kicker, Damon Gendron, was able to show his "stuff" kicking a 36-yard field goal early in the second half which actually cut the South lead to 12-10 at the time.
The game was a joy to watch and play as the players got the opportunity to do what they only get to do once each year....play with each other rather than against each other. Congratulations to both teams for a great exhibition of RMFL football!
Rocky Mountain Football League Championship 2000
MUSTANGS GET "ROCKED" BY RMFL'S FINEST, SETTLE FOR SECOND PLACE!
SALT LAKE CITY - In 1940, George Halas surprised the Washington Redskins with his "T" formation offense in the NFL Championship game. The strategy proves more than effective as the Bears routed the Redskins 73-0 before 36,034 fans in Washington D.C. On October 7, 2000, David Parker, coach of the Wasatch Wildcats jumped all over the visiting Idaho Falls Mustangs 68-7 and the Rocky Mountain Football League title. Thus, the Mustangs must console themselves with the fact that it wasn't the worst rout in championship history. "On any given Sunday... (or Saturday), a team with great talent and great preparation can anhilate even an opponent who has played them tough every game before.
The Mustangs began the game missing two key offensive linemen (Elan Mondok and Bull Dineen), however, the game started well enough as the Mustangs rolled to three quick first downs. That turned out to be the teams only "drive" and only penetration past midfield as the Wildcats dominated from then on. The Wildcats didn't actually score their first points until their second drive ending in a short touchdown pass from Ankeny to Dummar. Three plays after the kickoff, however, with the Mustangs facing 3rd and 14 after a first down pass from Jared Neumeier to Scott Johnson was called back by a penalty, Neumeier tried to force another pass into Johnson, that pass, however, was picked off by Daniel Hadley who scampered 22-yards into the end zone and the rout was on.
After the interception return for touchdown, Mustang guard, Ryan Paul exited with an injury for the game, leaving the Mustangs with only two regular offensive linemen. With the Mustang offense floundering, the second quarter saw David Ankeny throw three more touchdown passes, all of them to human highlight reel, Anthony Parker, while safety Vinny Latu tacked on a punt return score as the Wildcats mounted a 40-0 half time lead. The final exclamation point coming on the last play of the half as Ankeny tossed his fourth touchdown pass of the game, a 50-yard heave to a wide open Parker at the 10-yard line who walzed in untouched to mount the big lead.
All of the Mustangs' key stars had poor outings, Mike Jensen (20 rushes, 53 yards), Jared Neumeier (1-11-1, 10 yards), Sean Powell (1 catch, 10 yards), and the Mustang secondary, many regarded as the finest unit in the league, was torched for score after score. "There is no question the Wildcats would have won that game, even if we had all of our offensive line at the game," Neumeier said, "I'm sure we would have made a much better showing, but the Wildcats came out like they wanted it a lot more than we did. They deserved it, they earned it. Let that be a lesson to anyone who wants to win a championship. You can't get it without working for it..... The best team in the league won the championship and we should all congratulate them."
The second half turned into more of the same with the Wildcats tacking on another punt return touchdown, this time by Anthony Parker. A Wildcat kickoff return for touchdown was called back by a penalty, however, the Wildcats went on to score that drive anyway, getting a big touchdown run from all-star tailback, Ilaisa Tuiaki. The lone Mustang highlight came after a great Scott Johnson punt set the Wildcats deeper in their own terretory. David Ankeny fumbled an exchange and Mustang outside linebacker, Rich Kennedy scooped up the loose football and scampered 34-yards into the end zone to spoil the Wildcat shut out.
The Mustangs wish to thank all of their fans for the great support throughout the season. They regret they didn't make a more representative showing in the championship contest, and vow to work harder to return to the title game next year and bring home another RMFL title to Idaho Falls.
-Mustangs Press
Rocky Mountain Football League Playoffs 2000
MUSTANGS USE THIRD QUARTER EXPLOSION TO PULL AWAY FROM RANGERS 50-26!!!
IDAHO FALLS - Riding an opportunistic defense and the two-way heroics of Sean Powell, the Idaho Falls Mustangs advanced to the championship game of the Rocky Mountain Footbally League with a chippy, 50-26 win over the Great Falls Rangers.
The Mustangs used their strength in numbers and cooler heads to take a 19-18 halftime advantage and turn the game into a rout after the break.
Idaho Falls' defense scored three times with Powell garnering two touchdowns on fumble recoveries. Jason Carlyle smothered a blocked punt in the back of the end zone, a score that capped off a 25-point third quarter for the Mustangs. Powell's second touchdown came early in the third quarter, breaking open what had been a one-point game. With Great Falls facing third-and-39, the Rangers tried a "hook-and-ladder" play to try to catch the Mustangs sleeping. Shane Jurasek's pass to Chris Weingarten worked fine, but Weingarten's pitch back to Anthony Barnes didn't. An alert Powell stepped in front of Barnes and had an easy 21-yard jaunt to the end zone. From there it was all Mustangs.
Three minutes later, quarterback Jared Neumeier plunged in from one-yard out. Four minutes after that, running back Mike Jensen rumbled 39 yards down the sideline to extend the Mustangs lead to 20 points. Jensen barreled through the Great Falls defense for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.
With the Rangers all but beaten and killing themselves with penalties, the blocked punt was certainly the nail in their coffin. After Joe Clifton barged through the line to get his hand's on Joe Hirst's kick, Idaho Falls lead 44-18 and Great Falls decided the time was right to get a little ornery. Rangers' head coach, John Autry took it upon himself to ge in as many faces as he could, from referees all the way over to Neumeier. After a near-melee that got Autry and running back Mike Whitten ejected, whether the game would be continued or not seemed to be in doubt. Put play resumed and things cooled down - for about a quarter.
The teams traded scores in the fourth, with the Rangers striking first on a 35-yard pass from Jurasek to Barnes. Barnes was the bright spot for Great Falls, catching five balls from 143 yards and two touchdowns, while running for a 37-yard score as well. Powell then closed out the scoring in the offensive end, loping past the exhausted Ranger defense for a 43-yard touchdown.
From there, the ugliness returnded. Idaho Fallswas in the midst of running out the clock when Ranger Kenny Rucker was flagged for a personal foul against an Idaho Falls lineman. During the ensuing discussion, a Great Falls coach punched a linesman which touched off a full-scale brawl that featured punches, helmet swinging, the police being called and an early conclusion to the game.
The championship game is Saturday against the Wasatch Wildcats who defeated the Bozeman Kodiaks 29-19.
-Mike James, Post Register
MUSTANGS CHARM COBRAS FOR SEASON CLOSING 32-7 WIN!!!
IDAHO FALLS - Mike Jensen finished the 2000 RMFL season with an exclamation point Saturday. Rushing for 183 yards and 4 touchdowns, Jensen lead the Mustangs to a 32-7 victory over their closest rival, the Rocky Mountain Cobras. Scott Johnson had his biggest game as a receiver, catching 4 passes for 95 yards and Jason Carlyle added 3 quarterback sacks and Scott Worthingtion chipped in 9 tackles on the defensive side as the Mustangs looked good heading into the RMFL playoffs.
The game started as many Mustang games seem to have with a couple of key mistakes and giving up an early touchdown. A long pass play on the first play from scrimmage for the Mustangs was called back on an illegal shift penalty and on the next play, Cobra defensive back, Brock Gunter picked off a Jared Neumeier pass and set up the Cobras in good field position. A 4th down and 5 stop by the Mustangs was overruled by a 15-yard personal foul penalty and the Cobras proceeded to punch in the first score with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Mark Horrocks to Corey Gunter. After the Mustangs fumbled the ensuing kickoff, the Cobras were set up with another opportunity to take a big lead. The Mustang defense came around and stuffed the Cobras and from that point on it became the Mike Jensen show.
Jared Neumeier threw for 168 passing yards in 3 quarters of work and Rod Byrd had 70 all-purpose yards (23 rushing, 47 receiving) in other significant offensive contributions. After driving down for the first Mustang score on a Jensen run, Sean Powell electrified the home crowd with a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown as the Mustangs took the lead for good in the second quarter 12-7. The Mustangs started their first posession of the second half on their own 10-yard line after a penalty, however 4 Jared Neumeier passes later, they were poised on the Cobra 19-yard line. Jensen broke the next play in from there and the rout was on.
The Mustangs now get the next weekend off before opening the playoffs September 30th at home vs. the Great Falls Rangers.
-Mustangs Press
MUSTANGS COME UP ON SHORT END 42-28 AGAINST WASATCH WILDCATS
SALT LAKE CITY - What do you get when you combine the two best defensive teams in the RMFL in a tense battle for playoff positioning? How about the highest scoring game in the league this year? The Wildcats 42-28 victory over the Mustangs marked the largest point total in the RMFL this year and perhaps the greatest "battle" of all. Treys were wild in this wild contest for the 'Stangs. Mike Jensen (30 rushes, 201 yards) scored three touchdowns, Tobee Christiensen had 3 interceptions, however it was Wasatch's 3 touchdowns scored in the last 3 minutes that became the final margin of victory in this exciting RMFL war.
The Wildcats caught fire early, with Anthony Parker breaking of left tackle and across the grain for a 45-yard touchdown scamper on but the games second play. He then ran in a two point conversion to put the home team up 8-0 before most fans could find their seats. The Mustangs, however, counterpunched and took their second possession the length of the field capped off by the first of Mike Jensen's touchdown runs. Quarterback Jared Neumeier then found Scott Bell for the two-point conversion knotting the score 8-8. The Wildcats mounted a drive early in the second quarter capped by a 10-yard pass from Ankeny to Guttierez put the Wildcats up 15-8. Again, the Mustangs came back capitalizing on the second Tobee Christiensen interception of Ankeny to drive in with a Jared Neumeier quarterback sneak. His extra point attempt was blocked keeping the Mustangs down 15-14 going into the half.
The momentum seemed squarely behind the Mustangs most of the second half, the only blemish coming from a high punt snap by Rick Finn over punter, Scott Johnson's head early in the third period. Johnson, who scrambled to cover the ball elected to kick it off the ground instead. The ball caremed off Jasen Ah You who then picked up the ball and galloped 27 yards for the 21-14 Wildcat lead. The Mustangs continued to drive the ball keeping the Wildcats pinned and picking up another two Mike Jensen touchdowns and taking a 28-21 lead with less than 7 minutes remaining in the game. Following the kickoff after the final Jensen score, the Wildcats picked up a 15-yard personal foul penalty on Cody Hudson after a 12-yard Anthony Parker run putting the Wildcats well into Mustang territory for the first time in the second half. The Wildcats continued to drive until Parker went around left end for a 4-yard touchdown making the score 28-27 Mustangs with 3:11 remaining in the game. After setting up for an Eric Jensen kick and then a timeout, Wasatch elected to go for the two-point conversion and the win. Ankeny optioned around right end getting enough Mustangs to bite on the pitch to dive into the end zone for the two points and the game-winning 29-28 lead. Mustang, Roudy Keller then fumbled the ensuing kickoff over to the Wildcats who took possession on the Mustang 30-yard line. With the Mustangs in "strip the football" mode, the Wildcats were able to pick up a couple of first downs and after stopping the clock to allow for an additional score, Kaisa KiniKini busted across for a 2-yard touchdown run putting the Wildcats up 36-28.
"Calling the timeout and scoring was actually great for us, "said quarterback/coach, Jared Neumeier, "I couldn't believe they would take the chance of losing the game to get another touchdown. If we could have converted our hail mary, we could have tied it." Despite the Wildcat tactical error, the Mustangs final "hail mary" pass was NOT converted, in fact, Wildcats defensive back, Daniel Hadley picked off the toss and weaved across the field behind a covey of exubrant Wildcats for an 82-yard score. "Half our offense just walked off the field after the pick," said Neumeier, "it meant nothing for the game. In the NFL, the player would just run out of bounds on a play like that or just kneel down. Very few players cared enough to worry about tackling him. It was like... 'bases-loaded, bottom of ninth, tie score, one out.... outfielders move in because a long fly ball wins the game anyway... Batter hits a deep ball, outfielder lets it go, but not only does runner on third come in, but all base-runners score.... just to run up the score." The apathy was such that there wasn't even an extra point attempt. After a tight, back and forth game that was ultimately decided by a two-point conversion, the final two touchdowns only meant something in the stat book.
After the first Wildcat drive, the Mustangs played great defense against the most prolific offense in the RMFL. Keyed by Christiensen's second 3-pick game of the season (and 5 tackles), the Mustangs got a strong performance from Jason Lawson 5-1/2 tackles, Jason Carlyle (4 tackles, 1 sack), Justin Weaver and Doug Brasier. Brasier, combined with Rick Finn at center and Brandon Allen at Left Guard had a monster day blowing holes up the middle leading Jensen to his big time perfomance. Although quarterback Jared Neumeier had an off-day regarding completions and touchdowns, he set a unique milestone, completing passes to 6 different receivers.
One thing is for certain. If there is a Mustangs/Wildcats III. No real RMFL or football fan should want to miss it!
-Mustangs Press