MUSTANGS HAVE THE "LOOK OF A CHAMPION" IN 32-14 DRUBBING OF HIGH RATED CARDINALS!!!
IDAHO FALLS - The Idaho Falls Mustangs "big 3" came to play and the Boise Cardinals left town regrouping after a 32-14 drilling that wasn't even that close in the end. Bouyed by outstanding offensive line play by Wyatt Foster, Rick Finn, Elan Mondok, Doug Brasier and Brandon Allen, the Mustangs 3 longtime offensive stars performed. Mike Jensen rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown, Sean Powell caught 5 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown and Jared Neumeier tossed for 171 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions as the Mustang offense took over after a slow start.
The Mustangs Defense, on the other hand, controlled the game from the beginning. Lead by Jason Carlyle (9 tackles), Justin Weaver (7 tackles) and Cody Hudson 5-1/2 tackles the defense came up big all game and shut down one of the league-leading offensive scoring machines. The defenses' great effort culminated late in the first half when after giving up a great Cardinal drive inside their own ten, the Mustang Silver and Black defense stiffened and took over on downs inside their own 5-yard line. Then, after a phenomenal 10-play, clock controlled drive for a touchdown by the Mustang offense, culminating in an 18-yard touchdown run by Mike Jensen, the defense came up big again. On the Cardinals next possession, Sean Powell intercepted Cardinal quarterback, Dustin Vandermeer, and returned it 45-yards to paydirt to put the home team up 12 at the half, 12-0.
The Mustangs only built on that momentum in the second half, when early on the Mustangs second drive, Jared Neumeier found Sean Powell downfield for an electrifying 73-yard touchdown pass and a 19-0 lead. After the defense shut down the Cardinals again, the Mustangs next drive took them inside the Cardinals' ten yard line where Jared Neumeier found Roudy Keller for the score and an insurmountable 26-0 lead.
MUSTANGS SCORE LUCKY NUMBER 19 AGAIN TO "CHARM" COBRAS 19-6!!!
FORT HALL, IDAHO - The Idaho Falls Mustangs defense came to play...... right after the Cobras opening drive, that is. The Mustangs came back from a 6-0 first quarter deficit behind dominating defensive play and some timely big plays to steal victory from their closest rivals, the Rocky Mountain Cobras 19-6. Tobee Christiansen picked off 3 Mark Horrocks passes and Tom Shawcroft took an interception 49 yards to paydirt to clinch victory in the fourth quarter as the Mustang defense came up big in holding off an aggressive, scrappy Cobras football team in Saturday's RMFL action.
The Cobras started strong taking their opening possession 65-yards for a touchdown, capped by a 6-yard Mark Horrocks to Brock Gunter touchdown pass. On the third play of the Mustangs next possession, Jared Anderson picked off an errant Jared Neumeier toss and set up the Cobras in point blank range for a second score. The Mustangs defense took over, however, and stuffed the Cobras, lead by Joe Clifton (7.5 tackles) and Rod Sandoval (7 tackles). The Mustang offense struggled at times with timing, blocking and a couple of fumbles until they were able to mount a drive midway through the second quarter, finished off by a 4-yard Mike Jensen touchdown run. The halftime score was 6-6.
The Mustangs didn't immediately get it going in the second half either, however, but after a series of punts, Jared Neumeier found favorite receiver Sean Powell down the sideline for a 55-yard touchdown pass and a 12-6 lead. The lead wasn't secure, however, against a big-play Cobra offense until the Shawcroft interception for touchdown with 10:04 remaining in the game. According to Mustang quarterback/coach Neumeier, "They absolutely surprised us with the aggressiveness and domination of their defense. I was humbled as a quarterback and we were humbled as an offense. Hopefully we can learn from this and prepare and execute better...". All-star tailback, Mike Jensen did realize sporatic success and picked up his second straight 100-yard game.
MUSTANGS COME BACK TO TOPPLE COWBOYS 19-8!!!
KUNA, IDAHO - After missing the last game against the Great Falls Rangers for unavoidable business, Mike Jensen gave the Treasure Valley Cowboys the "business" as he rushed for 160 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown leading the Idaho Falls Mustangs from behind to upend the Treasure Valley Cowboys 19-8 saturday in RMFL action.
The game started out well for the Cowboys who took their opening possession and marched down the field behind excellent running of O'Dell Williams and some great timing passes from quarterback, Paul Dovel. The drive was finished by a 2-yard run by Williams and a conversion pass from Dovel to star receiver Joe Daily. The Mustangs first two drives were snuffed off by an attacking Cowboy defense until midway through the second quarter, Mike Jensen ripped off a 67-yard run setting himself up for a 13-yard touchdown scamper 2 plays later. The Mustangs 2-point conversion failed as the team went into the locker room at halftime down 8-6.
After a long opening drive by the Mustangs ended in an interception by the Cowboys on the Cowboy 25-yard line, the Mustangs took their second drive all the way down the field until early in the 4th quarter when quarterback, Jared Neumeier connected with Rod Byrd for a 5-yard touchdown pass play. After a successful PAT, the Mustangs lead 13-8 not to look back. The Mustangs next drive also went all the way into the Cowboy end zone, this time taken in by blocking back, Ryan Hall on a 4-yard run accounting the the final scoring.
MUSTANGS TOPPLE SCRAPPY RANGERS 30 - 8!!!
IDAHO FALLS - The Idaho Falls Mustangs got an outstanding performance from their offensive and defensive lines, Saturday, racking up 192 yards rushing on offense and 5 sacks on defense en route to a 30-8 win over a tough, scrappy Great Falls Rangers ball club. Rod Sandoval rushed for 116 yards on 22 carries and Rod Byrd had 100 all-purpose yards (52 rushing, 48 receiving), as the Mustang offense had another big day in front of over 400 fans and spectators at Sunnyside Park.
The Mustang offensive line, lead by Doug Brasier, Elan Mondok, Brandon Allen, Wyatt Foster and James Dineen overcame a rash of early penalties to blow gaping holes for the running game and giving great pass protection for quarterback, Jared Neumeier, who was not sacked in the game. The defense was lead by Scott Worthington (6-1/2 tackles), and shored up by defensive linemen Brad Murray (5-1/2 tackles, 2 sacks), Cody Hudson (5 tackles, 1 sack) and Sean Powell who intercetped two passes, including a game-clinching 30-yard return for touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
The Mustangs got on the board first with an opening 65-yard drive capped off by a Neumeier to Rod Byrd 8-yard touchdown pass. On the Mustang next drive, quarterback/place-kicker, Jared Neumeier kicked a team record, 38-yard field goal to push the score to 10-0. Penalties plagued the Mustangs all game, particularly in the first half. Penalties damaging field position and a Neumeier's only intercepted pass of the day set up the Rangers for their only score, a 9-yard Shane Jurasek to Kevin McCain touchdown pass early in the second quarter. The Mustangs struck back later in the quarter when Neumeier hit his favorite target Sean Powell for a 6-yard touchdown pass. Halftime score was 16-8.
The score remained 16-8 through a fast moving third quarter until the Mustangs completed a 68-yard drive with a little "razzle-dazzle" on an 18-yard Rod Sandoval to Scott Johnson touchdown pass making the score 22-8. On the ensuing Ranger drive, Powell picked off Jurasek on an out-pattern by Anthony Barnes and raced into the end zone for the game-clinching score. The much anticipated debut of sports director, Lance Cobb as a quarterback was delayed by the tight game. Ken Papasan (currently #2 on the depth chart) saw some action midway through the fourth quarter and looked stong at times, including a touchdown pass to Scott Johnson that was called back by a holding penalty.
MUSTANGS MAUL BULLDAWGS 38-6
IDAHO FALLS - The Idaho Falls Mustangs rode a balanced attack of Mike Jensen rushes (11-97 yards) and Jared Neumeier passes (12-19-0-109, 2 TD's) en route to a dominating victory over a dangerous Mini-Cassia Bulldawg team, 38-6 Saturday in RMFL football action.
The Mustangs took the opening drive 60 yards for a touchdown, capped by a Rod Byrd 8-yard touchdown run. In that drive, all 5 of the Mustang skill players handled the ball at least once. That theme continued throughout the game. A game which saw Neumeier completing TD passes to two receivers, Mike Jensen throwing a touchdown pass from the tailback slot, two different rushers score touchdowns and a punt return for a touchdown by Sean Powell. It also saw the emergence of perhaps the Mustangs next great defensive player, Brad Murray. Murray had 10-1/2 tackles and 2 sacks in his inaugural appearance in the Rocky Mountain Football League and may be a force to come as the Mustangs prepare for a playoff run.
After the Mustangs opening scoring drive, Bulldawg quarterback, Lonnie Edwards immediately struck deep to all-star wide receiver, Robert Carrick for 58 yards to the Mustang 12. 4 plays later, running back, Jermiah Moore broke into the end zone making the score 7-6, Mustangs. On the next Mustang drive, Jared Neumeier hit Sean Powell for a 22 yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to 14-6. After snuffing a couple of Bulldawg threats, the Mustangs put a little distance between themselves and the 'dawgs later in the second quarter when tailback, Mike Jensen hit wide receiver, Rowdy Keller on a halfback pass for a 42-yard score and a 20-6 halftime lead.
The second half was all Mustangs as the Mustangs took their first drive of the quarter and marched down the field, again, mixing up the play calling and involving all players until quarterback and play-caller, Neumeier called his own number when Rod Byrd got stopped on the 1/2 yard line. Diving in behind 400 lb. Doug Brasier and the score was 26-6. Neumeier hit Keller later in the quarter to make the score 32-6 and Sean Powell provided the final icing on the cake with an electrifying 55-yard touchdown punt return which saw a couple of amazing blocks from defensive teammates Cody Hudson and Scott Worthington.
KODIAKS RUN DOWN MUSTANGS 26-12
MANHATTEN, MT - The Bozeman Kodiaks rode a big rushing performance from Jeremy Ewan (41 yds, 2 TD's), Hollis Huggins (149 yds. 1 TD) and Mark Dehn (31 yds) to roll over the Idaho Falls Mustangs Saturday 26 - 12. The Mustangs received another solid rushing performance (19 carries, 70 yards) from Mike Jensen and 168-yards passing from Jared Neumeier, including a 60-yard strike to Chris Huff to keep the Mustangs in the game throughout.
The Mustangs futility against the Kodiaks continues as they have now gone 0-4 against the Kodiaks, however, 3 of the 4 games played have been in Bozeman where the Kodiaks have proved a difficult opponent for many foes. The Kodiaks, who despite winning, were plagued with turnovers all day (3 fumbles lost, 1 interception), however benefitted from good field position from a questionable early "late hit" call and marched down the field on their first drive, capped with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Rob Dieffenbach to Sean Hayward. The Mustangs, who although experienced offensive success throughout the game didn't get into the end zone until early in the second quarter when quarterback, Jared Neumeier hit Rowdy Keller on a 12-yard touchdown pass. The snap was botched on the extra point and the score remained 7-6 Kodiaks until Bozeman's next possession, when after a series of big runs, Jeremy Ewan broke off right tackle for a 9-yard touchdown run. The point after failed and the Kodiaks held the halftime lead at 13-6.
The scored remained 13-6 until late in the 3rd period when the Kodiaks drove in from 50-yards out until Ewan dove over from 1-yard out making the score 19-6. With 3:35 remaining in the game, Neumeier hit Chris Huff on a 60-yard strike. Huff, who caught the ball in the deep middle of the field had open field in front of him, but was run down from behind by Bozeman defenders. Said Huff, "It was like I couldn't get my legs to work right, then I started running running out of breath". The play set the ball up on the Kodiak 8-yard line. Two plays later, Mike Jensen broke off-tackle and scored. Neumeier's conversion sailed just wide right and the score was 19-12 with 2:42 remaining in the game. After a failed onside kick, the Kodiaks were just trying to get first downs and run out the clock, but no one told Hollis Huggins, who broke off tackle, cut back and out ran defenders for a 22-yard touchdown to put the game away with less than a minute left.
The game marked possibly the last official RMFL game for the league founder and original commissioner, Matt Culbertson. Culbertson, who initiated the league and gave it its name in the spring of 1997, played linebacker and special teams for the Mustangs en route to his new home in Minnesota. The Mustangs and the RMFL will miss him.
MUSTANGS DROP 14-6 HEARTBREAKER TO "CHARGED UP" WILDCATS
IDAHO FALLS - The Idaho Falls Mustangs came out strong but eventually faded under the pressure and intensity of a highly "charged up" Wasatch Wildcat football club 14 - 6, Saturday. The Mustangs lead by a balanced offensive attack of Mike Jensen runs and Jared Neumeier passes, controlled the ball most of the first half, taking a 6-0 lead into the intermission. However, the Wildcats' halftime adjustments and an amazing wave of self-generated intensity stiffled the Mustang offense in the second half and eventually pushed enough scores across to win the game.
Enough credit can not be given to an the Mustang defense, however, who performed admirably throughout the game, shutting down the Wildcats in the first half and were victimized by the Wildcats receiving excellent field position on just too many occasions as the Wasatch defense continued to shut down the Idaho Falls offense. The Mustang defense was lead by Tom Shawcroft (7 tackles and 1 interception), Joe Clifton (7 tackles) and Scott Worthington (7 tackles) held one of the RMFL's most potent offenses down to only 12 offensive points in an effort which signals perhaps much future success for the Mustangs as the Spread offense begins to "come together".
After several drives that were stopped short, early in the second quarter the Mustangs drove 70 yards on 11 plays with a mixture of passes and runs, culminating in an 8-yard Mike Jensen touchdown run. The conversion failed and for the first half and much of the third quarter, the Mustang lead stood. Finally, the Wildcat defense had the Mustang offense pinned and punting from their own 10-yard line. A high snap to punter, Jensen resulted in a mis-timed kick, blocked by oncoming Wildcat rushers and the ball went out of the end zone for a safety closing the deficit to 6-2. After the free kick, the Wildcats drove 45-yards for a touchdown on a 13-yard David Ankeny to Rob Dummar touchdown pass. The kick was blocked and the Wildcats held a precarious 8-6 lead.
The score remained 8-6 until the 4:05 mark to go in the game, the Mustang offense still frustrated, had 4th down and 20 and gambled and tried to get the first. Neumeier then hit Jensen out of the backfield and Jensen who had open field ahead of him was remarkably run down by an agressive, attacking Wildcat secondary that knocked the Mustang star out of bounds just short of a first down, sealing the Mustang fate. The Wildcats Ankeny then after a short drive, sneaked into the end zone from the one-yard line with less than a minute left to account for the final margin of victory. Mustang receiver, Sean Powell, had another big game with 9 receptions for 74 yards and continues to lead the RMFL in receptions.
Saturday, July 8th
MUSTANGS WIN 4TH STRAIGHT SEASON OPENER, 17-6 AGAINST BILLINGS WARRIORS
BILLINGS - The Idaho Falls Mustangs won their season opener for the 4th straight year behind a solid performance from long time stars, Sean Powell and Jared Neumeier and a game-clinching 60-yard interception return for a touchdown from former RMFL MVP, Mike Jensen.
Neumeier and Powell hooked up 8 times for 118 yards including a 41-yard leaping grab by Powell, out-jumping two defenders, and coming down with just enough balance to trot into the end zone. Neumeier started the scoring in the second quarter with a 24-yard field goal. However, after the Mustang defense, lead by Jason Carlyle (5 tackles, 2 sacks), stopped the Warriors next posession, Mike Jensen muffed a punt return and the Warriors got good field position on the Mustang 20 yard line. Two plays later, Warriors quarterback, Bucky Clark hit Josh Tillman in the corner of the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown pass and the Warriors went up 6-3 at the half.
Powell's touchdown pass late in the third quarter made the score 10 - 6, and seemed precarious at times until the Mike Jensen interception and return for a touchdown midway through the 4th quarter. Neumeier, who actually tied for the team lead in rushing (42 yards) for the first time in 3 seasons, had nothing but good things to say about an outstanding effort from a patchwork offensive line, "We only had two of our o-line starters at the game, and the guys who played other positions on defense who came over, playing two-ways did an incredible job of filling in, gutting this one out and allowing our offense to operate. Particularly, our two regulars who were there, center, Elan Mondok and guard, Brandon Allen came up very big.
-Mustangs Press