2016 Idaho Mustangs

 

Courtesy of Bronson French (Mustang Board Member)

 

The Idaho Mustangs are looking to kick off their 20th season with a bang! Being the #2 ranked 

team going into the season means they have the talent, and yet, still something to prove. 

The Mustangs are returning most of their playmakers this year. On offense, this includes running 

back and linebacker Corey Walker, who led the team last year in rushing yards, averaging over 5 

yards per carry.  Chet Bergeson is also returning on offense.  He will be a jack of all trades for 

the Mustangs at multiple capacities, and will keep defenses guessing all game long.  The offense 

will be headed up by Coach Bobby Beard, who will be the Mustangs’ offensive designer and 

play-caller.

 

On defense, the Mustangs have always been a stout team.  With most of their starters returning, 

and some new talent as well, they expect nothing but the same. Coach Mike Jensen, former 

Mustang running back and RMFL veteran great, will be at the helm for the 2016 season.  Last 

year’s leading tackler (48), linebacker Michael DaRonch, is back and ready for another season.  

Julian Willis will be back as well.  He is a hard-hitting safety and a dangerous kick returner.  In 

2015, Willis had 9 tackles and 2 interceptions (1 for a touchdown) to help the Mustang defense 

into the AAA playoffs.  With all the returning and new athletes, the Mustangs plan to be able to 

adapt to any situation and surprise offenses every play.

 

Other players that the Mustangs are expecting to have break-out seasons, include Shane Bailey, 

Tyson Hoffman, and Nick Nelson to name a few. These guys, and others, have put in the work 

during the off season and are expecting to have great seasons this year.  Nelson finished the 2015 season with 32 tackles and 2 sacks, and Hoffman had 30.5 tackles and a sack.

 

The Mustangs have one thing on their minds this year: CHAMPIONSHIP.  Being led by owners 

Glenn Leavitt and Josh Swatsenbarg, the team expects to reach that goal.  The owners have put a 

lot of time, effort, and money into the Mustangs’ program, including the purchase of three buses 

for the team to travel in.  They expect to travel much better than they have in past road contests 

with such an investment.

 

Efforts put in by the managing board staff, which includes those mentioned before, but also 

including GM Russell Hulse, Lucian Johnson, and Bronson French, are helping to make 

everything operate smoothly this season for the Mustangs. Off the field, the team is looking to have a great impact as well.  The Mustangs are especially looking forward to their Secret Soldier Game, which will be played April 23rd and features a meeting with the Mini Cassia Diggers in Ravsten Stadium at 3pm.  There will be a bike ride and Mustangs Kids Football Camp that day. They will also recognize a soldier at the game; one that has paid a high price for our freedoms.

 

All of the Mustang home games will be played at 3:00 pm at Ravsten Stadium, behind Idaho 

Falls High School, in Idaho Falls.  The Mustangs open the 2016 RMFL season in Ravsten 

Stadium against the Uintah Basin Oilers on Saturday, April 2.