2016 Logan Stampede

 

The Logan Stampede join the Idaho Division of the RMFL Great North for the 2016 season 

behind Dave Curtis, as well as a new offensive coordinator to help shape the team.  In 2015, the Stampede competed in a tough Utah Division that included some of the top RMFL teams that have joined the Big 9 for the 2016 season.  The Stampede finished last season with a 4-4 record, and were defeated by the Davis Vipers, 34-22, in the RMFL Bowl.

Dave Curtis and the Logan Stampede look to run the Idaho Division of the RMFL Great North this season with a new offensive coordinator at the helm.  Former receiver Jesse Yarger will fill the position, as he has retired from the game to help the team from a coach’s standpoint.  “We have a new OC this year, but he plans on putting his own spin on the spread,” said Curtis of Yarger’s offensive goals for 2016.  Last season, Yarger led the Stampede offense at the receiver position with 221 yards on 24 receptions and 2 touchdowns.  As a member of the coaching staff this season, Yarger looks to share his experience and skills with new and returning members to improve the offense.

 

Ted Stokes will re-join the Stampede offense after being absent from the team since the 2009 season, when they defeated the Utah Valley Desperadoes, 27-13, in the RMFL AA 

Championship.  In 2009, Stokes stepped in for RMFL veteran quarterback Mike Jenkins on 

occasion and finished the season with 25 pass completions for 319 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Stokes was also a talent in the backfield and receiver positions with 222 rushing yards on 45 carries and a touchdown on the ground, as well as 17 receptions for 255 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air.  “Ted Stokes moved back, so we look forward to using him at quarterback and H-back,” said Curtis.Also joining the Stampede offense for 2016 is Brady Zimmerman, who is new to the Stampede and the RMFL.  Zimmerman played at Snow College and is expected to help Stokes and the Stampede offense at the quarterback position as well.  “We hope Stokes and Zimmerman both have a great year,” said Curtis.  “It’s been a while since either of them have played, but both are 

athletic and smart.  I’m not positive they will have a break-out year, but that is the hope.”  

The Stampede offense will also look to have a new target for Stokes and Zimmerman with the addition of Trevor Bowen at the receiver position.  “We hope he takes Jesse’s spot as a solid receiver,” said Curtis of his new acquisition.

 

Defensively, the Stampede will be losing Drew Augustus as a player but will gain the veteran lineman on their coaching staff.  Augustus will assume the role as defensive coordinator with plans of a new scheme for the Stampede defense.  “Drew Augustus has retired and is now taking over the DC duties,” said Curtis.  Last season, Augustus had 3 sacks for the team and was a leader as a member of the Stampede for numerous seasons. “Drew Augustus and Jesse Yarger will both be tough to replace,” said Curtis.  “They have been staples for us in the RMFL for so long and hope we can find a few people to replace them.”

 

Despite the loss of Augustus as a player, the Stampede will gain the experience of Andrew Espinoza at the defensive end position for yet another season.  In 2015, Espinoza led the team with 3.5 sacks and also made 15.5 tackles and 5 tackles for loss in his efforts to help the Stampede defense.  “Andrew Espinoza is back at defensive end and should continue to wreak havoc on offenses,” said Curtis.  The Stampede also added two new linebackers in Brady Wootton and Colden Glen to help bolster the defense.

 

The 2016 RMFL season kicks off on Saturday, April 2; however, the Logan Stampede will not open their season until the following week on Saturday, April 9 when they host the Idaho Mustangs in Logan, Utah.