JUNE 06, 2007 WOLVERINES 40 - RHINO-RAIDERS 20 (DRAPER, UT)–(RMFL STORY) The Utah Wolverines out-scored the defending RMFL Champion, Rhino-Raiders, 30-3 in the second half to overcome a 17-10 halftime defecit and pull away for a stunning 40-20 victory and dramatically improve their own playoff positioning.
In a defensive first half, the Rhino-Raiders did what they have usually done… score points… and lead games.Damon Greenberry completed a 66-yard touchdown pass play from Dave Stireman early in the first quarter to give the Rhinos the early lead; a lead that would stand at 7-0 for most of the first half.
After Justin Oswald rumbled in from 15-yards out with 4:40 to go in the half, it looked to be another easy Rhino-Raider cruise. In fact, although being doubled up in the overall score, the Rhino offense finally got going with 356 total net yards, including Dave Stireman’s first 300+ passing game of the season, throwing for 302 as the Rhinos seemed on their way to victory early.
Then the late first half fireworks went off.
The Wolverines took the ensuing kick-off down the field, culminating in a Joe Mapson touchdown catch from Robert Smalls.Smalls would finish 11 of 17 for 134 yards and two touchdowns… but more importantly, no interceptions.Starting quarterback, Hans Hatchett struggled and was intercepted 3 times in the game by an active Rhino-Raiders secondary. After the Mapson touchdown, a quick Rhino-Raider turnover set up the Wolverines for another score, which turned into an Alex Whetman field goal with 24 seconds in the half, pulling the Wolverines to within 14-10.A big kick-off return by James Owens, however set up the Rhinos for a final score and Rodney Frokjer eased in a 46-yard field goal as the half was closing out.
After falling behind 17-10, however, the third quarter belonged to the Wolverines.Another Alex Whetman field goal and another drive finished off by Tony Saunders, the Wolverines biggest score might have been a dramatic 40-yard interception return for a score by John Soter.That score gave the Wolverines their first lead EVER over the Rhino-Raiders, 20-17.The Wolverines would never fall behind after that.
On a positive note for the Rhino-Raiders, however, Damon Greenberry finally had a break-out performance, catching 7 passes for 141 yards and the big touchown as he gets stronger every week recovering from a knee injury sustained in the 2006 All-Star Classic after a record-breaking season last year.
The Wolverines, however, spread the ball around in a truly balanced attack. 5 different receivers caught passes and 5 different running backs carried at least twice as the Wolverines used an opportunistic defense and solid offensive play to pick up their first win ever over the Rhino-Raiders. The Wolverines were happy to welcome long-time Wolverine, Tigger Edwards back from injury who put the final nail in the coffin with a big 31-yard touchdown scoot with just under 3 minutes to go in the game.
The Rhino-Raiders got another solid defensive game from Justin Walker, who recorded 10 tackles, a sack and an interception.Tracy Ita picked up two more sacks and Levine Tupe had 7 tackles to round out the Rhino defensive leaders.
For the Wolverines defense, certainly Soter was probably the game MVP with the play that seemed to really swing the momentum around and Roger Shulze lead with 6 tackles.Playing in his first game against his former team, Tony Wolfgramm, recorded 4 tackles and had the other interception against Stireman in celebration of this big victory with his new team.
May 14, 2007 WOLVERINES LOSE HEART BREAKER TO LIONZ 15-14 (SUGAR CITY, ID)–In the most climactic finish of the RMFL season, with less the a second showing on the clock, Eastern Idaho quarterback, Todd Barber found Ammon Kaonohi in the end zone for the second time in the game as the Lionz overcame a 14-9 deficit at home to upend the Utah Wolverines in a photo finish 15-14.
It was more than 3 quarters before the Wolverines could score against the Lionz defense which played its best game of the season, holding the Wolverines under 300 total net yards of offense.In the meantime, Barber found Kaonohi late in the first period for the first score of the game, giving the Lionz the early 7-0 lead.
As it turned out, a defensive play in the second quarter was the difference in the game.Braxton Mouser trapped Wolverine quarterback, Hans Hatchett in his own end zone midway through the second quarter as the Lionz took a 9-0 lead to the break.
That lead held up until the Wolverines, behind a running attack that was good for 207 yards, 80 of them on 14 carries for budding RMFL rushing star, John Jensen, who’s 20-yard break away touchdown with 6:09 remaining in the game gave the Wolverines their first lead…alead that almost held up.
Eastern Idaho’s Todd Barber had a career high, 405 passing yards in the game, including a second all-time 50 passing attempts as the Lionz relied almost exclusively on the passing game against a great Wolverine defense. Favorite target, Zach Johnson caught 10 passes for 193 yards to lead all and former RMFL MVP, Nate Brown, had another solid game from the tight end slot with 7 big catches for 78 yards, however, it was Kaonohi that was ultimately the hero… with the first score and the game winning play with 0:00 showing on the clock. Wolverines next take on the SEMINOLES this Saturday, with Kick Slated at 4pm at Granite High School.
May 8, 2007 MISTAKE PRONE WOLVERINES LOSE TO BEARS 32 - 20 (DRAPER, UT)–The Wolverines looking to stay perfect on the season hosted their their strongest opponent thus far into the early 2007 season by hosting the Bears Saturday night. The Weather was cold, wet, and miserable but so was the game for the No. Ranked Wolverine offense as they could not get on track all game.
The Bears Defense came at Wolverine QB Dean Fountaine from the opening drive and was in his face all day. Because of this the Wolverine offense was highly in effective throughout most of the afternoon, scoring first on an 81-yard end around by the Wolverines Jon Jense midway through the 1st. The Bears would come back at the end of the first and get a score of their own on a short run after the Wolverine offense turned the ball over. Speaking of turnovers the Wolverine offense commited 7 turnovers on the day with 4 Int's (2 by Hatchett and 2 by Fountaine), as well as 3 Fumbles which the Bears recovered. This was a sloppy game by the Wolverine offense, not only did the turnovers hurt the offense they also put the defense in very bad positions throughout the evening, as many of those turnovers automatically put the the Bears offense in the scoring zone.
Although, he Defense played admirably they did allow a season high in points scored against them by the Bears. After a hard fought battle in the first half the Wolverines found themselves trailing the Bears at halftime 25 -13 with the only other points scored in the half was a 90-yard Kickoff return by Jon Jensen who scored his second TD of the day and kept the Wolverines in the game.
Coming out in the second half the Wolverines were at a huge disadvantage as their staritng QB Dean Fountaine was not able to continue in the second half after suffering a knee injury after having his knee twisted by the Bears Defensive Lineman. (Click images below for Larger photos). It's pure speculation the D-Lineman is aiming for his knee, but what do you think? (GAME PHOTOS)
Coming out in the second half the Wolverines Offense lead by Hans Hatchett scored the only points in the 3rd Qtr with his 22-yard pass to Joe Mapson who took in a great catch for the score. The Wolverines going into the 4th qtr were down only 5 points and had momentum.
In the 4th, the Wolverine Defense stepped up big collecting an int by Dustin McCammon and Roger Shulze as well as a recovering a fumble by DE Dough Salanoa. The Defense had huge performances by Matt Shoda 12.5 tackles, 1-int, Roger Shulze 6.5 tackles, 1-int as well. The Wolverines offense suddently lost their concentration and gave the ball right back to the Bears on each occasion through fumbles and interceptions. Finally, with their back to the Wall as many times before in the game the Wolverine Defense couldn't hold any more allowing a Blake Garrett reception from the 3 yd line from Ryan Harris with 48 seconds to go giving the Bears the Go Ahead TD and Playoff advantage over the Wolverines.
The Wolverines will need to regroup after this loss and have to come back strong against the Eastern Idaho Lionz next week in Rexburg, ID. This will be the first out of state trip for the Wolverines this season. This game will test the true character of the Wolverines. Kickoff is slated for 1:00pm at Sugar Salem High School (Click Here for a Map to the School)
May 1, 2007 WOLVERINES TAKE 35-7 WIN AGAINST THE HEAT (Tooele, UT)–The Wolverines played their first game this season on the road against the upstart HEAT who came into this game upsetting a heavily favored Mustang team. Both teams knew coming into this game it was going to be a battle and it was.
The Heat struck first when Jeff Wissler, found his favorite target, Brian Simmons for a 12-yards score early in the first quarter. With their defense coming to play hard, the Heat would hold that 7-0 lead through most of the 1st quarter until the Wolverines’ star place-kicker, Alex Whetman, connected on a 35-yard field goal. The Wolverine offense would again get Whetmen in field goal territory for a 31-yarder that gave the HEAT a slim 7-6 lead into the second half.
After getting on the board with their initial drive, the Heat were able to move the ball between the 20's at will, but the stingy Wolverine defense would shut them out the rest of the way recording 4 sacks and 4 fumble recoveries which the Wolverines offense were able to convert into points.
The Wolverines would take the lead for good when Dean Fountaine connected with his favorite target, Joe Mapson, for a 23-yard score and later in the quarter, Jensen broke loose for the first time with a 47-yard run. Another Fountaine touchdown toss to Rich Garden later and another big Jensen 65-yd run and with 10:34 left in the game, the Wolverines had done it again taken the lead for good.
Defensively the Wolverines were lead by Matt Shoda and Roger Shulze with 5.5 tackles each followed by Jason Potter with 4.5 of his own. Tony Wolfgram who didn't show up to the game until midway through the 3rd qtr sacked Heat QB Wissler causing a fumble that the Wolverines recovered. The Wolverine Defensive Line was once again insturmental in wearing down the huge Heat O-line by bringing wave after wave of fresh D-Linemen throughout the game. The Wolverines would also like to thank all of their fans that made the trip to Tooele and supported the team in their win.
The Wolverines return home this week to take on the Cache Valley Bears, the team many feel will be the 2007 RMFL Champion. This will be the Wolverines toughest opponent to date. Get to the game early as kickoff is scheduled for 6:00pm.
APRIL 23, 2007 WOLVERINES OVERCOME EARLY MISTAKES TO WIN 49-8 (Draper, UT)–This was the first meeting between the Utah Wolverines and Muddogs. The Muddogs are in their first year of play in the AAA division after winning the AA division last season. The Wolverines worked hard once again and came away victorious against the Muddogs with a 49-8 win after the offense started the game misfiring in their first 3 possessions. After getting back on track the Wolverines when on to score 49 unanswered points again lead by QB Dean Fountaine who tossed in 3 TD's while rushing for another giving him 6 TD's for the year passing with 2 TD's on the ground. The Wolverines were lead on the ground by Jon Jensen but overall had 204 yards rushing just battering the Muddog Defensive line. Joe Mappson lead all receivers again, hauling in another TD pass from Fountaine.
The Defense came out strong missing two starting Defensive Tackles Thomas Benjamin and Samiu Kutu, but using their depth the Wolverines were able to once again control the line of scrimmage keeping the Muddogs out of the endzone the entire night, only giving up a late desparation TD in the final minutes of the game. The Wolverines next take on the HEAT at Tooele High School Saturday the 28th. Kickoff is slated for 6pm. Thanks again to all the fans and family that supported the Utah Wolverines.
APRIL 16, 2007 WOLVERINES DISMANTLE THE MUSTANGS 49-14 (Draper, UT)–In the Wolverines 5 year existence they have played the Mustangs numerous times all in Idaho Falls, this would be the first meeting ever of these two teams with the Wolverines hosting the game. The Wolverines were firing on all cylinders this night as for the first time ever they hosted the Idaho Falls Mustangs and coming away with a huge 49-14 win. The mustangs came out firing early and made their first strike of the game with an Ard to Reed 26-yd pass with 10:50 on the clock in the 1st qtr. After the ensuing kickoff the Wolverines took over on their first offensive possession and made a quick strike of their own with a 65-yard bomb from Fountaine to first year player Joe Mapson. Joe made quite an impression on both the Mustangs and the large crowd in attendance as he went off on the Mustangs for three touchdowns total receiving 2 and returning a punt 78-yards on an electrifying run.
The Wolverine offense worked hard all day not giving up, lead by QB Dean Fountaine making his first start in three years for the Wolverines. Dean played a smart and productive game for the Wolverines going 12 of 17 for 243-yds and 3-TD's Passing and 1-TD Rushing with no ints. He hit 7 different receivers with Mapson and Seely receiving TD's from Fountaine. On the Ground the Wolverine had big plays from a multitude of their outstanding backs combining for 188 yards rushing and 3 TD's as well. The most important part of the offensive production goes to the Offensive Line as they help lead the Wolverine offense to a record 423 yards of production and only giving up 2 sacks.
The Mustangs are coming off a preseason game of their own winning 27 - 0 against the AA Idaho Matadors and were looking to keep their offensive production rolling through the RMFL season. The Wolverine Defense had other plans for this game. Although the Wolverine defense gave up a few yards to the Mustangs they made sure the Mustangs stayed out of the endzone only giving up 2-TD's on the day, with one of those late in the 4th qtr against one of the worst corners in the league. The Defensive Player(s) of this game has to go to the Defensive line. All 16 of them. The pressure the defensive line put on Ard all game was amazing as they collected 3 sacks and 12 hurries which lead to two INT's by Bryson Hayward and Dustin McCammon, not to mention the two dropped int's by Concrete Hands Soter, the Wolverines could have had two more. Defensively the Wolverines were lead in tackles by Matt Shoda (5), Jason Potter (5), Roger Schulze (3.5) as well as many other individuals who battled hard all night to bring home a huge win.
The Wolverines would like to thank the Mustangs for making the trip to Salt Lake and for all the Fans in attendance. The Wolverine Coaching staff for putting guys in position to make plays and finally to the players who came together as a team to execute the plays. Good job guys, we have the Muddogs at home next.
APRIL 3 , 2007 VIPERS COME OUT VICTORIOUS OVER WOLVERINES (Salt Lake City, UT) – In what may seem like a shock to many, the AA Vipers won a 23-19 decision agains the Wolverines. The Wolverines came out early with the first string offense and defense in the first quarter and put up 19 unanswered points with two of the TD's were scored by the Electrifying Joe Mappson. After establishing an early lead the Wolverine Coaching staff then substituted freely through out the rest of the night trying to get a look at as many players as possible prior to the first game of the season. The first half ended with the Wolverines leading 19-0. The second half was a different story as the Vipers scored 23 unaswered points. (Click here for photos)
This was a good learning experience for the Wolverines and allowed the coaches to get a look at the large group of players that we have. The Vipers on the other hand came into this game with a lot of heart and determination and it showed as they did not give up and scored points off of numerous Wolverine mistakes in the second half. The Wolverines would like to thank all of their fans and family as well as the Vipers and their fans for coming down and watching a very entertaining game. The Wolverines will have this Easter weekend off, but open the Season in two weeks against the highly favored Idaho Falls Mustangs. Kickoff is set for 6:00pm at Soaring Eagle Stadium (JD)
February 05, 2007 WOLVERINE COMBINE A HUGE SUCCESS (Salt Lake City, UT)– The Wolverines officially kicked off the 2007 season by holding their 2007 Combine this past Saturday at Judge Memorial High School. With 70 plus players in attendance this was a very successful first day for the 2007 season. There were many returning veterans in attendance as well as many, I mean many new faces that turned out to make this a great start to the 2007 season.
Head Coach Anthony Jefferies was very impressed with the quality of prospects for Offensive Line in particularly. Majority of these players have college experience and will improve the Wolverines Offensive Line immediately. This is just a small glimpse of some of the talent that was in attendance during the combine. Some new players who were very impressive on the first day could end up being RMFL All-Stars.
The Wolverines had many players out and many who were not able to attend due to other engagements. Wolverine Management and Team Personnel want to make sure everyone in attendance returns this Saturday the 10th at Juan Diego High School.
February 03, 2007 WOLVERINE SCHEDULE FINALIZED - Camp this Weekend (Salt Lake City, UT)– After confirming the Seminoles home field (OREM HIGH) the RMFL has finalized the RMFL Schedule. Below is the Wolverines 2007 Schedule.
TRANING CAMP - THIS SATURDAY THE 3rd (BE THERE) In other big news for the Wolverines Saturday is the opening of Training Camp to be held at Judge Memorial High this year. It's going to be cold so all players should dress accordingly. Players need to be on time and have all paper work filled out prior to participation. Players can and are encouraged to fill out the player packet and bring it to registration already filled out. Finally, Wolverine hats and shirts are in and will be provided to all players who pay their fee.
WOLVERINE STORE NOW OPEN For those that would like to purchase hats and shirts they are available too. Hats are $18.00 ea, Shirts are $12.00 ea, Hoodies can be ordered and are on sale for $25.00 ea, all sizes are available. You can either purchase these items at Wolverine Home Games or online by clicking here.
Click on Items for Larger Image
2007 UTAH WOLVERINES SCHEDULE March 31, 2007 : 6:00pm vs. Vipers (PRESEASON)
April 14, 20076:00pm vs. Idaho Falls
April 21, 20076:00pm vs. Muddogs April 28, 2007 4:00pm at HEAT May 5, 20076:00pm vs. Bears May 12, 2007 1:00pm at Madison Lionz
May 19, 2007 4:00pm at Seminoles
May 26, 2007 BYE June 2, 20076:00pm vs Rhinos
June 9, 20076:00pm vs. Boise Speed June 16, 2007 3:00pm at Pocatello Predators *ALL home games in bold to be played at Juan Diego High School
Also, the Wolverines have recently joined the ever popular MYSPACE with their own Wolverine Myspace page. It will contain the same information as this page, but it lets the Wolverines get out to a wider audiance allowing us to get in touch with all of our fans from all over the world. You can check the Wolverines Myspace Page here www.myspace.com/utahwolverines
January 29, 2007 RMFL LEAGUE MEETING UPDATE (Salt Lake City, UT)–With the RMFL League meeting behind, which included various debates. The biggest news of the Weekend was the announcement of the Seminoles joining the RMFL by a unanimous vote. What made the weekend more intriguing was the debate on whether the Seminoles would join the AAA or AA rankings. This was a heated discussion with not one but two votes. Majority of the AAA teams voted against the Seminoles joining the AAA ranks, wanting them to prove themselves this first season. When a revote was taken that included AA teams the majority of AA teams voted the Semioles to join AAA. It was left to opinion that the majority of the AA teams did not want the Seminoles in AA so existing AA teams would have a chance for a AA Championship, fearing that the Seminoles in AA could possibly win the AA championship in their first year. After a third vote (NOT A BINDING VOTE, just for Fun Vote) was taken by only AAA teams, the AAA teams again voted 6 Against, 3 For, 1 abstained. It was clear the Majority of the AAA teams felt the Seminoles should serve a year in AA prior to joining the AAA ranks and "earn" it so to speak. Right now the league is waiting for confirmation of the Seminoles home field. Once that is confirmed, the Seminoles are the newest members of the AAA ranks. The Wolverines would like to welcome the Seminoles into the RMFL.
January 15, 2007 ANOTHER WEEK ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT (Salt Lake City, UT)– The Wolverines are pleased to announce their New Look for the 2007 Season by unvailing their new Jersey Design. Not only will the Wolverines be one of the top performing teams this season, they will look part. Click on the Image for a Full Size view.
WOLVERINES NEWEST MEMBERS DRAPER CHAMBER
(Draper, UT) – The Wolveriens are the Newest Members of the Draper Chamber of Commerce and helped kick off their 2007 Luncheon by performing a mock "Coaching Session" to the local business's by Matt Shoda (See Photo). This was followed by Former BYU WR, and Offensive Coordinator Eric Drage addressing the crowd and teaching them how a football and team work also relate to the business world. This was a great opportunity for the Wolverines as they were introduced to a large audience of local business owners who were all very supportive of the Wolverines. The Wolverines closed the meeting by giving out a few season passes to a lucky few. To know more about the Draper Chamber of Commerce please visit their website.
January 10, 2007 WOLVERINES OPEN 2007 TRAINING CAMP FEBRUARY 3rd
(Salt Lake City, UT) – If you think you have what it takes to get off the couch and onto the field, or if you are the typical arm chair quarterback and think you can play football. Well the Utah Wolverines are pleased to announce their 2007 Training Camp to kick off the 2007 RMFL Season.
Due to last minute schedule conflicts at Juan Diego High School, the Wolverines have secured (for the season) and will be Opening Training Camp Saturday the 3rd of February at Judge Memorial High School in Salt Lake City. Registration for the Wolverines Camp starts promptly at 10:30am with camp time running from 11:00am to 1:00pm. For directions to Judge Memorial please Click here or visit the Location's Tab.
The Woverines have also released their 2007 Player Packet. This packet includes General Information (Training Camp, equipment, player fees). The Packet also includes Wolverine signup sheets which have to be filled out by all players and turned in at registration at camp. Finally the packet include Waiver information as well as the Wolverines Rules and Regulations. Please fill out all the required forms in the pack and return to the Wolverines at Registration. If you show up without the pack we'll have some there for you to fill out.
PLAYER NEWS
Any player who wish to be part of the Wolverines this season need to attend training camp, including all Veteran Returning players from last season. All spots on this team are earned and it is expected that everyone attends and participates. This is not your typical combine that has you run 40yd's, vertical jumps, etc. This will be a skills combine where you as a player need to demonstrate to the coaching staff that you have what it takes to be a Wolverine. For Players who have signed up, we know your there and apologize if we haven't been able to address each of you individually at this time. Please be contact Ed Cerise (801-654-9881) or Head Coach Jefferies (801-842-2970) with any questions you may have, plan on attending the Combine.
PLAYER FEES: $100.00 due immediately after Feb24th it goes to $120.00
DECEMBER 15, 2006 WOLVERINES 2007 UPDATE (Salt Lake City, UT)–It's been an very busy off-season for the Wolverines all the way around, in the next few weeks the Wolverines will be releasing ton's of information in preparation for the upcoming 2007 RMFL Season.
The Wolverines have Teamed up with COMCAST to bring you Wolverine Football right to your home. In what is probably the most exciting news to hit the Wolverines camp this season has been the agreement worked out with COMCAST to broadcast ALL Wolverine games for the 2007 season. The Wolverines are excited to be in full control of their games this season by teaming up with COMCAST.
What this means is that ALL Wolverine Home and Away Games will be Broadcast not just ON Demand, but first on all Local Comcast Channels, starting the Monday following each game and then finally ON DEMAND. This is huge for the marketability of the Wolverines to strengthen our presence in the Salt Lake Market. Comcast Local and On Demand channels have the second largest viewing audience for Comcast second only to HBO. Not to mention all Wolverines games will be filmed in HD (High Definition TV). The Wolverines will be the only program ON DEMAND that is filmed in High Definition. In fact, the Utah Jazz only show 6 games per season in HD. If you are interested in On Air Advertising during the Wolverine games this season please contact our Marketing Director Matt Shoda at 801-694-7279 ormshoda@utahwolverines.org
PLAYER NEWS The Wolverines will be holding their first pre-season workout for the year by conducting a MANDATORY Player Combine on February 3, 2006 for all players interested in joining the Wolverines this season. Location looks to be Juan Diego High School (Main Field). This is not your typical combine that has you run 40yd's, vertical jumps, etc. This will be a skills combine where you as a player need to demonstrate to the coaching staff that you have what it takes to be a Wolverine. For Players who have signed up, we know your there and apologize if we haven't been able to address each of you individually at this time. Please be contact Ed Cerise (801-654-9881) or Head Coach Jefferies (801-842-2970) with any questions you may have, plan on attending the Combine.
Drills will consist of one on one drills, catching drills, lineman drills, etc. The Wolverines expect to take our team up a few notches this season and expect our players to be the top in not only the league but the West. It is important that players come to camp in shape with as little distraction as possible. The Wolverines are going to set a new precedence this season with what we expect of our players both on and off the field. More information regarding the combine and playing for the Wolverines will be released soon.
WOLVERINE MANAGEMENT & BOARD MEMBERS The Wolverines have made many improvements this season both on and off the field. Some of those being the restructering of the Board of Directors as well as a newly formed Management Team. The Management Tab will be updated with the latest information soon.
The mustangs came out firing early and made their first strike of the game with an Ard to Reed 26-yd pass with 10:50 on the clock in the 1st qtr. After the ensuing kickoff the Wolverines took over on their first offensive possession and made a quick strike of their own with a 65-yard bomb from Fountaine to first year player Joe Mapson. Joe made quite an impression on both the Mustangs and the large crowd in attendance as he went off on the Mustangs for three touchdowns total receiving 2 and returning a punt 78-yards on an electrifying run. 
On the Ground the Wolverine had big plays from a multitude of their outstanding backs combining for 188 yards rushing and 3 TD's as well. The most important part of the offensive production goes to the Offensive Line as they help lead the Wolverine offense to a record 423 yards of production and only giving up 2 sacks. 
could have had two more. Defensively the Wolverines were lead in tackles by Matt Shoda (5), Jason Potter (5), Roger Schulze (3.5) as well as many other individuals who battled hard all night to bring home a huge win.
