WEEK 7

Written by Jeb Harrison & edited by the RMFL Staff

(FULL/ORIGINAL VERSION IS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE)

Week 6 brought us the biggest upset of the year, so far. The Wyoming Outlaws knocked off the number one ranked, Davis Vipers! The Outlaws' win will TOTALLY shake up the playoff race. As of now, the Utah Division could go to any team. The Idaho Division could still go to either the Idaho Mustangs or the Blackfoot Anarchy. The Montana Division could still go to the Xtreme or the Vigilantes. Reports of mutiny and turmoil are coming out of Helena and Great Falls. The Xtreme should be the first seed out of Montana and each win will be extremely important. I feel like the tie-breakers are sure to come into play. In my honest opinion, this is the reason we should have went with a six team playoff structure instead of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 playoff structure. However, that is what was voted on in the league meeting in January. The Mustangs, Anarchy, Vipers, Outlaws and Cobras have all beat one another and lost to each other. Only two of these teams will not be going to the Tier 1 playoffs. We can easily have 5 teams with 5-2 or 4-3 records and it's going to come down to some next level tie-breakers. Parity is definitely on display in the RMFL this season.

Logan Stampede @ UTAH COBRAS  

The  Cobras are looking to rebound from a two game losing streak after winning their first two games against the Vipers and Outlaws. After back to back drubbings, the Cobras need to get some wins to be eligible for the Tier 1. The Stampede are not going to win a game this season. They are great guys with great attitudes but they are just missing too many pieces to knock off some people. The Cobras will get it rolling the week.

Cobras 42- Stampede 0

Billings Xtreme @ DAVIS VIPERS

The Billings Xtreme are hot right now. After two opening game losses they have went on a three game tear which includes smoking their rival, the Tri-County Vigilantes. They put the dynamic, Dj Bergen back at quarterback and they have been able to score points. They will need to be able to score if they want to beat the Vipers. The  Xtreme will need to shut down Stireman and Land as much as possible. Those two players are pretty good. Last week, the Vipers got beat in Wyoming against the Outlaws. Stireman had one touchdown catch but the big factor in that game was the weather. The wet and windy conditions hurt the Vipers more than the Outlaws because they lack a threatening run game. Most of their rushing yards have come from their quarterback, Land breaking the pocket and running for big gains. The Outlaws were able to run the ball moderately but got lots of pressure on Land. The Xtreme will need to do the same thing. SASA is a huge advantage for Utah teams. A nine hour drive will take its toll on the Xtreme.

Vipers 28- Xtreme 14

Flathead Monsters @ IDAHO PHOENIX

I don’t know anything about the Idaho Phoenix. I cant understand why these guys haven’t tried to join the RMFL. I do know they beat the Logan Stampede in an exhibition game by 50 points. That game was called early because of extracurricular activities. This should be a good game. Hopefully, the Monsters travel well and thump the Phoenix.

Monsters 12- Phoenix 6

Idaho Mustangs @ WYOMING OUTLAWS *Game of the Week*

 Wyoming’s win against the Vipers was a huge surprise to everyone except the Outlaws. I have seen the game film of this one and Wyoming played like they wanted it bad. The Vipers kind of "ho-hummed" it most of the game. The Outlaws did receive a very fortunate call down the stretch when a clear fumble for TD was ruled down. Who knows maybe it could have changed the outcome of the game. However, good calls and bad calls are made all the time. The Outlaws were able to run the ball and complete a few passes when needed but they really won the game on defense. They were able to hold Stireman to only 1 touchdown. They also had a lot of sacks on Land.  The Outlaws knocked out a title contender last year in the Mustangs but those games were in Wyoming. Wyoming hasn’t won a significant game on the road in two years. The Mustangs will be ready to play this year. Having played against this team already, I know they have a team to make a run at the trophy. They have a good quarterback and they hav historically struggled at quarterback. They have a very, very good wide receiver in Gary Tyler. That dude is very fast. They use a boat load of running backs to just run it over you. Their defense tends to give teams problems because of all the pressure they bring. They have good corners and a very good front 7. However, despite having their own buses the Mustangs tend to struggle on the road. If the Mustangs travel well, I think they win. If not I think the game is closer. I am not sold on the Outlaws just yet. If the Outlaws win this week they can make a case to be ranked number one.

Mustangs 20 Outlaws 13.

Tri-County Vigilantes @ BLACKFOOT ANARCHY.

The Vigilantes got a much needed win last week against the Flathead Monsters. The Vigilantes can still take the division with wins and an Xtreme loss. Both the Vigilantes and Xtreme have tough games ahead of them. The Tri-County Vigilantes must play the Anarchy and the Mustangs. The Xtreme have to play the Vipers and the Cobras. I do see both of these teams going 3-4 and using tie-breakers to determine the division winner.  The Tri-County Vigilantes supposedly have a bunch of guys back from injuries and JJ Dorsch back at quarterback but I have no clue if t is true or false. The Vigilantes have the roster to be really good but up to this point, this season has been a disappointment. From what I have heard, merging the Great Falls and Helena teams has caused a bunch of drama. The Vigilantes team is a soap opera. If they show up in full force, they could definitely knock off the Anarchy. The Anarchy are still trying to recover from injuries. This may be the week that they finally get Jarik May. back but May has not run the ball for awhile. He will most likely will be slow and out of shape. The Anarchy franchise running back, Treyton Palmer is most likely out for the season but the Anarchy have found a good replacement in Cutler Howell. He has filled in nicely. Anarchy quarterback, Cody Kirsch does a good job making his play action throws count for big plays while the Anarchy rely heavily on the run game. The Anarchy defense does a good job of not allowing the big play. This game will depend on how well each team travels and who can move the ball on offense against two good defenses.

Anarchy 24 Vigilantes 20

Good Luck, Travel Safe, see everyone Saturday.
Jeb