April 21, 2008 WOLVERINES BEAT PESKY VIPERS 29-13 (DRAPER, UT)–The Davis Vipers (1-2) rolled into Soaring Eagle stadium with the mission to unseat the heavily favored Utah Wolverines (3-0) as they have done in two meetings prior to this game. The Vipers coming off a tough win over the Bear River Rockets wanted to add another W to the win column with the Wolverines as the only obstacle in their way.
The Vipers began their quest taking the ball first after Wolverine Kicker Golden Whetman launched the ball out of the back of the endzone. The Vipers were able to run the ball early on this first drive behind the strong running of Devon Holbrook catching the Wolverine defense off guard, after a quick first down though the Wolverines Defense kicked in and held the Vipers at bay.
The Wolverines took their first possession of the game and came out running early and then before you knew it the Wolverines struck as Joe Mapson ran down the East sideline as QB Charlie Peterson threw a 65-yard bomb to Mapson who out raced the Viper secondary on to his first of two TD’s of the day with 8:00 minutes left in the 1 st (Whetman Kick was good).
The Vipers would again try to move the ball only to have to punt again, this time the ball sailed over other the head of Punter Colton Cook who turned and ran after the ball while being chased by numerous Wolverines. Colton who probably made the most heads up play of the entire game was able to get to the ball to kick it out of mid air through the back of the endzone to give the Wolverines a safety and 9 point lead with 2:30 left in the first. This saved the Vipers from allowing the Wolverine defense to pounce on the ball and possibly score.
After the ensuing kickoff the Wolverines once again drove the ball on runs by Jace Wilson and Michael Culpepper as well as the passing of Charlie Peterson. Once in the second quarter the Wolverines Charlie Peterson rolling right, once again found Joe Mapson on an out and up pattern hitting him this time for a 46-yard TD (Whetman Kick Good) for their second scores on the day. This time giving the Wolverines a 16 to 0 lead with 8:03 left on the clock in the first half.
The Wolverine defense came up big again, behind the constant pressure on Viper QB Steve Waelty by D-Lineman Setema Gali (3 tackles, 2 sacks), Sam Steele (2 Tackles, 1 sack), Doug Salanoa (3 tackles), Samiu Kutu (2 tackles), Adam Terry and George Liti both with 2 tackles each. The Wolverine Defensive Line would account for several tackles as well as 2 sacks on the day.
Still in the second the Wolverine defense came up with another stop of the Vipers offense that could not get on track the first half. Shortly after the scoring strike to Mapson, Peterson found a new target in Damon Greenberry who went up for a jump ball in the corner of the endzone against Viper DB #32 Brandon Hunt and came away with a 16-yard TD pass reception from Peterson (Whetman Kick Good) with 6:36 left in the second quarter. The Wolverine defense would again hold the Vipers offense a few more times as the half expired. The Wolverines walked into the locker room at the half with a 23-0 lead over the Vipers.
The Second half was much of the same but the Vipers weren’t having any of it as Waelty hit star RB Devon Holbrook for a 47-yard strike to get on the board (Kick Blocked). The Wolverine defense would then once again shut out the Viper offense the rest of the quarter behind the tough play of Matt Shoda (5 tackles, 1 sack), Roger Shulze (5.5 tackles, 1 sack), and Darin Smith (2 tackles) at linebackers. Right at the end of the third with no time on the clock Charlie Peterson would find Dean Fountaine on a 5 yard out pattern that Dean took to the house for a 19-yard TD reception (Fumbled Snap on Kick, NO GOOD). This would be the fourth TD of the day by Peterson, and Fountaine’s first of the season.
In the Fourth Quarter the Wolverines resting most of their starters on defense allowed a 10 yard pass from Waelty to Holbrook to close the gap in the game to 29-13, which would end up being the final score of the game. The Vipers would have all of their hopes dashed as Waelty was picked late in the fourth by Philip Luna to end all chances of a comeback.
The Wolverines defensively were once again lead by Linebacker Brady Nielsen who finished the game with 6.5 tackles. Offensively several Wolverines had receptions lead by Joe Mapson (6 rec, 160yds, 2 TD’s), Joseph Mapson (YES JOE’s TWIN BROTHER) finished with 3 receptions for 43yds, Ryan Seely also had 3 rec for 39 yards, newcomer Damon Greenberry finished with 2 receptions for 47yds and 1 TD, Kyle Ashby would add two catches for 21 yards, and both Dean Fountaine (1 td) and Ryan Scadden each added a catch in the contest. Giving QB Charlie Peterson 18 completions out of 27 attempts for 341 yards, 4 TD’s and 0 int’s for a QB rating of 159.6. On the Ground the Wolverines running game had several players carry the ball for a total of 70 yards, lead by Michael Culpepper with 17yds and Jon Jensen with 11. The offense finished the game with over 403yds of total offense allowing only 2 sacks in the game and winning big 29-13.
The Wolverines (3-0) will take their show on the road this week as they travel to Idaho Falls (0-2), to take on the Mustangs who are home for the first time this season and are looking for their first win of the season. This will be a tough game for the Wolverines and it will take all Wolverine players to travel to this one for them to win. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00pm get their early as this is going to be a battle.
Game Info:
Date: 04/26/08
Kickoff: 6:00pm
Team at Field: 4:00pm
Location: IDAHO FALLS HIGH SCHOOL
Jerseys: WOLVERINES will WEAR WHITE.
Finally, We are saying good bye to two long time Wolverines.
#21 Dustin McCammon: Dustin has been with the Wolverines since day one. He is a former blitz player and long time veteran of the RMFL and UFL. Dustin, began his career with virtually no experience and through the years he as developed into an ALL Star Corner. Dustin played his last game this past Saturday with the Wolverines Finishing the game with 3 tackles and not allowing a pass. He finishes his final season with the Wolverines with 5.5 tackles and 1 int. Last season Dustin was one of the top Defenders in the league with 5.5 interceptions. Dustin, his wife Alicia, and their little boy Logan will be moving to Texas so Dustin can attend Dental School. Dustin will be at practice Thursday to spend time with his team mates, if you can be there to wish Dustin good luck. I want to personally thank Dustin and his family for all of their years and dedication to the Wolverines. I will miss Dustin as a player and friend. Good Luck #21.
#31 Tony Saunders: Tony has played with the Wolverines over the past few years and has been a major contributor on Offense. Tony began his career with the Wasatch Wildcats and came over to the Wolverines shortly after they folded. Tony played 100%, with passion and as many of you know, if you weren't playing to your abilities Tony would let you know. Tony as decided to move to Florida to pursue a very lucrative career opportunity. We wish Tony the best in his new career, just get ready for that humidity man.
The Wolverines and myself personally would like to thank each of these players for their years of dedication to the Wolverines. Should you every return to the area there will be a Wolverine jersey waiting for you.
April 18, 2008 WOLVERINES HOST VIPERS THIS SATURDAY 6:00PM (LOGAN, UT) – The Wolverines will host their first home game of hte season this weekend as they host the Davis Vipers. The Wolverines are coming off a big win over the #1 ranked Bears and will look to continue winning ways against a very tough Viper team.
The Vipers are coming off a close win against the Rockets this past weekend and will be lead by former Wolverine QB Steve Waelty who will try to show the Wolverines he is a quality QB in his own right. Also, leading the charge for the Vipers will be star RB Devon Holbrook among a trio of quality receivers. Defensively the Vipers will be very tough as Kevin and Josh Slater will look to put pressure on Wolverine QB Charlie Peterson all day.
The last two times these teams have met the Vipers have pulled off wins at the Wolverines home field. Can they keep the streak alive? The Wolverines will be sure not to overlook the Vipers as they will fight hard to make sure the Vipers winning ways are over.
This game is going to be a good one between two tough rmfl teams. Everygame is important in the RMFL and this one is no exception. Get to the game early as the Wolverines are expecting a large crowd. This game will be broadcast on COMCAST DIGITAL CABLE.
April 13, 2008 WOLVERINES DEFEAT #1 RANKED BEARS (24-17)
(LOGAN, UT) – The Wolverines traveled to Logan on what seemed to be the hottest day of the year so far and with two teams loaded with talent everyone in attendance knew this was going to be a battle. The Wolverines have never beaten the BEARS to date and beating them at home was going to be especially tough. After a great walkthrough practice on Thursday the Wolverines came out firing.
The Wolverines opened the game on a sour note with Wolverine QB Charlie Peterson throwing an INT to Anthony Stewart that was taken to the house for 45-yards. This gave the Bears a very quick lead. How the Wolverines came out after a play like that would determine how hard they would fight adversity. On their first play from scrimmage after the ensuing kickoff, the Wolverines came out big with a Peterson to Mapson 69-yard TD pass over the same Anthony Stewart who just scored. With a Whetman extra point the game was quickly tied.
After the Staunch Wolverine Defense held the Bears to a quick 3 and out the Wolverines went back to work again, with Peterson calling Mapson to run a short out route, the Bears defense bit on the Mapson bait allowing Wolverine WR Brad Shultz to get be hind them and catch another deep Peterson ball taking it all the way to pay dirt for a 47-yd TD reception with the Whetman kick the Wolverines would be up 14-7 in the 1st. The scoring wouldn't be over yet as the Wolverine Defense didn't allow the Bears to get going all day. The offense would come out again and this time Peterson would hit Rich "Worm" Garden for a 35-yard TD pass. With the Whetman kick the Wolverines would finish the quarter with a 21-7 lead.
In the Second, the Bear's offense couldn't seem to do much against the deep Wolverine Defense who were lead by a bevy of D-Lineman and their core backers of Shoda, Shultz, and Nielsen. Former Rhino-Raider Justin Walker would make a short appearance before aggravating a previous injury. The Defense did a great job not allowing the Bears to get on track stuffing the run and constantly pressuring Bears QB Ryan Harris on the day making several sacks. Golden Whetman would add another 3 points for the Wolverines with a 27-yd field goal. The Bears offense would get on the board at the end of the second quarter taking them into half time three scores behind the Wolverines (24-14)
In the second half the Bears came out and had a few small bursts of offense moving the ball to into the their redzone only to have Harris thrown two Int's to Chris Carter who made two beautiful plays in the endzone taking the ball away from a very good Norvel Young of the Bears. Those two interceptions in the endzone seemed to crush the Bears spirits as they could only muster a field goal on offense in the second half. Falling short to the Wolverines who were ready for this game. Some in attendance could see the SWAGGER the Wolverine defense brought with them this week, in order to win next week and make a run at the RMFL Championship the Wolverines will need to carry that Swagger from week to week.
With two games down on the Road the Wolverines will be home for the first time this season as they host the Davis Vipers this Saturday at Juan Diego. The Wolverines will not be overlooking the Vipers who seem to have the Wolverines number over the past few years in preseason. Get to Juan Diego early as this one will be tough hard nosed battler fought between two very tough teams.
Game Info:
Date: 04/19/08
Kickoff: 6:00pm
Team at Field: 4:00pm
Location: JUAN DIEGO HIGH SCHOOL
Jerseys: WOLVERINES will WEAR BLACK.
ADMISSION:
ADULTS (Over 17) : $5.00
STUDENTS (10-16): $3.00
Children (Under 10): Free
WOLVERINES OPEN 2008 SEASON WITH 29-20 WIN
(GARLAND, UT) – The Wolverines traveled to Garland, Utah for their first action of the 2008 season to take on the Bear River Rockets where were fresh off a 38-0 win over the Logan Stampede in preseason action. With only 5 practices under their belt the Wolverines came out firing in the first half, to take a 22-7 lead over Bear River. The Offense was lead by the duo of QB Charlie Peterson (11-17 for 211 yds, 2 TD, 0 int) and Joe Mapson (5 rec. for 129 yds, 2 TD) who were virtually unstoppable in the first half. With only one, yes ONE first quarter possession the Wolverine offense performed well with only 5 practices behind them. In the second half the offense moved the ball at will but killed themselves with 3 fumble for loss as well as turned the ball over in their own redzone twice (once a fumble, the other on downs). With only a 19 yd Peterson to Mapson TD in the 3rd qtr lifting the Wolverines output to 29, the scoring came to an adrupt end. The rest of the game was mistake after mistake for the Wolverines as they allowed the Rockets back in the game.
The defense performed far below their potential and allowed the Rockets rushers to virtually run at will. The defense struggled to make tackles and seemed to be out of position all day. Luckily the offense scored early and were able to give the defense a cushion in the first half. The second half was a different story as the Rockets ran rampant. It seemed they were averageing about 10 yards a run as the Wolverine defense appeared to be mesmorized and confused at times. This was not a typical Wolverine defensive performance so look for the coaches to make necessary changes to get this defense back on track as they take on the #1 ranked Cache Valley Bears this weekend in Logan.
The Wolverines would like to thank the Rockets for a hard fought battle and would like to recognize them for being a very classy organization.
The Wolverines have practice this Thursday at 6:00pm, it is important evey one attends, if you are unable to make it please contact Ed Cerise 801-349-8333 (Defense) or Eric Drage 801-755-6940 (Offense)
STATS to be posted MONDAY NIGHT.
March 11, 2008 PRESEASON WOLVERINE PREVIEW (Draper, UT) – With only three practices before opening kickoff of the 2008 RMFL Season, the Wolverines have been very busy practicing to get ready for the Bear River Rockets. With the Wolverines Offense virtually revamped, the Wolverines welcome a bevy of newcomers to the team most notably on the Offensive line as several former Rhino-Raiders have joined the Wolverines and will provide protection for three quality QB’s.
Long time veteran Dean Fountaine will try to make a comeback after being injured last season, is battling for a job against second year starter Rob Smalls and new comer Charlie Peterson. Peterson formerly of BYU and most recently the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, was previously handing the ball off to former Heisman Winner Ricky Williams, will now be handing the ball off to RMFL All Star Jon Jensen. No matter what QB is at the helm for the Wolverines they will all be getting the ball to ALL-RMFL WR Joe Mapson, who may be joined at WR with his twin brother Joseph Mapson. Wow, can you imagine more than one Mapson to cover? The Wolverines offense will look to explode in 2008.
Defensively the Wolverines return their great Linebacking corp of Shulz and Shoda, add into the mix former Weber State starting LB Brady Nielsen and you have one of the most dominating corps in the league. Not to mention the other great Linebackers such as Darin Smith (Yes brother of long time NFL LB Derrick Smith), Esi Lautumi, Josh Miller, and David Condie to name a few. Dropping back to his natural position of FS will be Tony “Lights Out” Wolfgram. Accompanied with veteran Corner Dustin McCammon is new comer AJ Jones. Everyone knows that your defense is only as good as your D-Line and the Wolverines once again will boast one of the leagues deepest and most dominating D-Lines.
Keep in mind there are rumors abound that a few former Rhino-Raiders are still looking for a place to play. You just never know, a few may land in a Wolverine uniform. You’ll have to wait until game one to find out.