The Idaho Mustangs: My Site News
TEAM NEWS UPDATES:
SATURDAY, JUNE 13th
MUSTANGS FALL HARD TO UTAH SHOCK IN PLAYOFF OPENER 70-3
Team practice habits and player commitment issues finally catch up to Mustangs in playoff loss.
SALT LAKE CITY - The Idaho Falls Mustangs started slow and never recovered, falling 70-3 to top seeded and undefeated, Utah Shock.
With none of the teams running backs making the trip, a key starting offensive lineman and two defensive starters missing, the Mustangs hopes at pulling an upset slipped away quickly as the Shock came out strong behind 2 touchdown passes and 3 rushing touchdowns from quarterback, Jordan Kjar against the Mustangs scrambling defense.
Soon into the game, the Mustangs lost defensive leaders and long time stalwarts, Irven Hill and Justin Weaver, to injury and the Mustangs could not recover.
All-star wide receiver, Brandon Peebler, playing both running back and wide receiver, was held in check for the first time in 4 weeks (since playing Bitterroot Blaze on the road). Since the Bitterroot game, Peebler had reeled off receiving games of 186, 147 and 136 yards against the Cowboys, Lionz and Phoenix respecively.
Chris Brown nailed a 44-yard field goal with 2:53 remaining in regulation to avoid the shut out. Also, 5th string tailback, Matt Tolletson, showed flashes of promise in a few carries later in the game, rushing 4 times for 22 yards.
"We really needed all the planets to align to win this game," Mustangs head coach, Jared Neumeier commented, "three days ago, it looked like it all might just do that. But as game day arrived, our usual long road trip no show affliction bit us again; not helped by the fact of course, we played a really good team that played well today. I'm not sure if we had everyone if we could have won this game today, but it would have been nice to find out. The guys that were there, played hard and had fun. It was good to be able to get some guys some playing time that had earned it all season."
SATURDAY, JUNE 6th
IDAHO FALLS 22 MISSOULA 18
IDAHO FALLS - The Idaho Falls Mustangs recovered from a 12-0 defecit and a last second first half touchdown by the Missoula Phoenix, to shut down the Phoenix in the second half and hold on for a 22-18 victory and a ticket into the 2009 post-season. The Mustangs have qualified for post-season play all 13 years of existence.
After gambling on 4th down on the team's first drive, Missoula scored on a short field and added another touchdown soon after to put the Mustangs in a 12-0 hole (both extra point attempts were missed). The Mustangs first struck early in the second quarter on a 65-yard Nathan Fielding to Brandon Peebler touchdown pass, a play that would ultimately vault Peebler into the AAA receiving title.
Rich Harris scored later in the quarter for his first touchdown of the season on a 35-yard pass from Fielding in which he broke a tackle and outran two defenders into the end zone to give the Mustangs a 14-12 lead. Shortly afterwards, the Mustangs were in the Phoenix red zone when Fielding was intercepted and the Phoenix returned the pick into Mustangs territory. Two plays later, the Phoenix scored with no time on the clock and took an 18-14 half time lead.
The Mustang defense played solid in the second half, however, behind great line play by Dennis Rinehart and Brandon Reed and Roman Gonzales shoring up the run support, holding the Phoenix scoreless as Mustang running back, Travis Boden capped a long 3rd quarter drive with a 1-yard plunge to give the Mustangs a 20-18 lead. Rinehart would sack Bitten in the end zone for a safetly midway through the 4th quarter to end all scoring. After 3-1/2 quarters of dry weather, the rain came down hard for the final 7 minutes of play, helping to thwart any further Phoenix scoring drives and any attempts to avoid their worst record in franchise history.
Friday, May 29th
IDAHO FALLS 18 MADISON 14
SUGAR CITY - With less than 5 seconds to go in the game, on 4th down and one foot to go for a touchdown, on the 4th attempt to score from inside the 3-yard line, Mustangs' quarterback Nate Fielding, after initially being stopped on a quarterback sneak, extended the ball, and "broke the plane" of the goal line and scored the go ahead touchdown, capping an improbable comeback and an 18-14 victory for the surging Mustangs.
The Mustangs found themselves in familiar ground, giving up a score to the Lionz on their first drive of the game, falling behind 7-0. The Mustangs would answer, however, as Imari Molifua, after having a touchdown called back on an illegal block call, caught a 17-yard Nate Fielding toss to draw the Mustangs within 7-6. The Mustangs would miss the extra point... which would turn out to be critical in the game.
The Lionz took a 14-6 halftime lead on a 40-yard touchdown toss from Zack Buck to Regan Buck, and it appeared as if the game... and the Mustangs playoff hopes were slipping away.
After a scoreless 3rd quarter, Fielding found Chris Brown all alone in the end zone after a short scramble to cap a 63-yard drive to draw the Mustangs to 14-12. The Mustangs would fail on the try for 2 to tie the game and would remain 2 points down until the final stretch by Fielding gave the Mustangs the win.
Brandon Peebler would have another big day, catching 8 passes for 147 yards on offense and recording 3-1/2 tackles and an interception on defense. Fielding would go over 200 yards passing and scramble for another 30 yards as the Mustangs would go over 100 yards team rushing for the first time all season.
The Mustangs (3-4) now must beat the Missoula Phoenix on Saturday for a playoff birth for the 13th consecutive season in the RMFL. The next longest playoff streak is 7 by the Lionz, however, one of those season (2008) was played in the lower (AA) division of the RMFL. The Lionz (5-2) will host the Treasure Valley Spartans (5-2) with a victory giving them a chance for the Northern Conference title and a #3 seed and home playoff game in the upcoming RMFL playoffs.
Watch the game recorded on www.EISNlive.com
SATURDAY, MAY 16th
MUSTANGS 36 DAVIS COWBOYS 6
IDAHO FALLS - Nate Fielding passed for 247 yards and 4 touchdowns, including 186 yards and two scores to Brandon Peebler, as the Idaho Falls Mustangs overcame an early 6-0 deficit to make a resounding 36-6 statement that they are still alive in the 2009 RMFL season.
Fielding also connected for two scores with Brandon Reed, late in the first half and Jason Cook punched in another touchdown from 1-yard out as the Mustangs built a 27-6 halftime lead.
Reed also lead the defense with 6-1/2 tackles and an interception, as the defense, after giving up a touchdown on the Cowboys first drive of the game, clamped down on the Davis offense for a solid performance.
The Mustangs are in the drivers seat for the final (8th) playoff seed as long as they win both of their final two games against the Lionz and Missoula Phoenix AND the Pocatello Predators lose at least one of their final games (at Missoula and/or at Cache Valley).
SATURDAY, MAY 9th
BITTERROOT 54 IDAHO FALLS 7
CORVALLIS - The Bitterroot Blaze held home serve in fashion with a convincing 54-7 drubbing of Idaho Falls in Corvallis, Montana. The Blaze took the opening drive straight down the field on the undermanned Mustang defense, scored on a Justin Nixon touchdown and never looked back, cruising in for a victory.Shane Jurasek would record a very successful day as he completed 11 of 15 passes for 206 yards and 4 TDs. Damon Greenberry caught 4 of those passes for only 29 yards but 2 big TDs. Kris Rausch had 2 catches for 37 yards and 1 TD while Koby Spencer had 1 catch for 37 yards and 1 TD. James Wood had the biggest day catching 2 passes for 75 yards. Justin Nixon only touched the ball 9 times but made the most of them gaining 82 rushing yards and scoring 1 TD.
The Mustang offense was thwarted all day as they recorded only 119 total yards for the day. Mark Butikofer completed 5 of 17 passes for 81 yards and 2 INTs. The leading rusher was Kirk Lindsey with 19 yards on 2 carries. Brandon Peebler only mustered 15 yards on 10 carries. Peebler would catch 2 passes for 69 yards. Will Toone led all Mustang tacklers with 6. Dennis Rinehart was right behind him with 5½ tackles and 1 sack.
FRIDAY, MAY 1st
POCATELLO 18 IDAHO FALLS 7
SHELLEY - As has been the case in many of the recent AAA games, the Predators scored in the 1st quarter of this game on a safety for an early 2-0 lead. In the second, the Predators Shaun Ellsworth punched in a TD to give Pocatello an 8-0 half-time lead. In the 3rd, The Predators added to their lead with Ellsworth scoring another TD and Waetje booting a field goal. Idaho Falls got on the scoreboard in the 4th on a Mark Butikofer to Brandon Reed 40-yard TD pass. With just at a minute left in the game, the Mustangs would threaten again only to have a 4th and less than one for a TD pass get batted away.The damage for Pocatello was done on the ground with 234 rushing yards. Shaun Ellsworth gained 138 yards and 2 TDs on 20 carries leading the Predator rushing game.
The Mustangs got a decent passing game together with Mark Butikofer completing 13 of 25 passes for 221 yards, 1 TD, and 2 picks. The rushing game, always a Mustang strength in the past, only managed 67 yards total with the longest run from scrimmage only 9 yards. Brandon Reed led all receivers with 6 catches for 118 yards and 1 TD. The defensive play was balanced as TY Parmer recorded 5½ tackles, Jason Cook 4 tackles, and three others with 3½ each.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25th
IDAHO FALLS 15 MADISON 13
IDAHO FALLS - Brandon Reed raced into the Madison Lionz end zone, trapping punter, Braxton Mouser after an errant punt snap with 1:41 remaining in the game, snapping a 13-13 tie and securing a much needed victory for the Idaho Falls Mustangs.
Prior to the punt attempt, the Mustangs had been driving well into Lionz territory for a potential field goal attempt minimum when, on 3rd down and 2 from the Lionz 25-yard line, Travis Boden lost the handle on the football on a hand off exchange from Nate Fielding and the Lionz recovered. The Lionz, however, could not gain a first down and lined up to punt with 1:50 to go in the game; setting up the game-clinching mistake.
The game was back and forth throughout as the Lionz struck first with a short Braxton Mouser field goal early in the second quarter, followed by an athletic touchdwon run from 5-yards out by Regan Buck to grab a 10-0 lead for the Lionz.
The Mustangs would finally counter later in the 2nd quarter, capping a 64-yard drive with a 1-yard Imari Molifua run just after the 2 minute warning of the first half. After a missed conversion, the halftime score stood at 10-6.
With just over 3 minutes to go in the third quarter, the Mustangs would finish another drive with a 5-yard touchdown toss from Fielding to former Lion, Brandon Peebler to take a 13-10 lead.
The lead held for the Mustangs until midway through the 4th quarter when Mouser would nail a 32-yard field goal to knot the game up at 13-13.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18th
SAINT GEORGE 58 IDAHO FALLS 6
SAINT GEORGE - Led by Kyle Coop with 94 yards on 11 carries, the Blitz running attack proved to be too much for a defense that was short a handful of starters as the Blitz used some offense, but mostly defense and special teams to overwhelm the visiting Mustangs 58-6.Defensively for the Blitz, it appeared to be a team effort where no player recorded more than five tackles, but as a group picked off three Idaho Falls passes, forced a fumble and had four quarterback sacks. Led by Doug Roberts with five tackles, one for a loss and one sack the Blitz defense kept unrelenting pressure on the Idaho Falls offense.
For the Mustangs, however, the offense did seems to have some success moving the ball against the blitz heavy St. George defense. Brandon Peebler ran for 45 yards on 14 carries, although it was Nathan Fielding’s passing game that was most successful for the Mustangs. He threw for 123 yards on 7 completions for their lone touchdown in the second quarter to Brad Cook, who had 55 total yards. Peebler also had a good receiving day as he was able to haul in 51 yards on three receptions.
Defensively for the Mustangs, RMFL all star, Irven Hill, had another banner day listing 8.5 tackles and his teammates Justin Weaver and Roy Withers each chiped in 3.5, while Withers also had the only two sacks on the day.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11th
TREASURE VALLEY 34 IDAHO FALLS 6
The Treasure Valley Spartans held serve at home with spirited 34-6 triump over the visiting Idaho Falls Mustangs in the opening weekend of RMFL play. The Spartans picked up 2 big touchdowns from Javon Lincoln and one from Britt Hall as the Mustangs just had no answer for the talented Spartan receivers. Anthony Pomerlee also had a big day, including breaking two long touchdown runs.
The Mustangs were not without offensive success of their own as newly appointed starting quarterback, Nate Fielding passed for over 200 yards and a 6-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Reed late in the 2nd quarter to draw the Mustangs to within 13-6. Reed had a big day both offensively and defensively, catching 4 passes for 90 yards and also recording 11 tackles and an interception on defense. Brandon Peebler would also hit big for the offense, catching 5 passes for 118 yards.
Coaches comments: This should be an easy loss to shake off. I felt we competed rather evenly, but I felt they just had a better game plan and better execution. I put too much pressure on our Defensive Captain to call the defense, further, he executed the philosophy and game plan on coverages as I asked for, which might have hurt us. Regardless of the defensive call, however, outside contain was given up far too often and far too easily. Offensively, Nate Fielding performed very well, however, we repeatedly went away from our game plan, too many of those changes to the game plan came from on the field. We have to tighten that up. Especially in the red zone. We were there 3 times without scoring a point. One failure was a fumble, however, the other two were situations where we were too far behind to attempt field goals and we just couldn't execute. Still, a lot of players played solid games and all players there saw significant playing time.
GAME BALLS: Brandon Reed, Rye McAffee, Scott Worthington, Irv Hill, Brandon Peebler.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4th
POCATELLO 12 IDAHO FALLS 6
Coaches Comments: It was a good overall effort. The team is good and the talent is there. We found out what the benefits of preparation are and how it can affect a team if it isn't there. As a coach, I felt I over-prepared in some respects and under prepared in others. The format (pre-season opener) lends to those types of coaching mistakes. We'll all have Wednesday to talk about and to work on the mistakes that hurt us. Except for our out-of-town guys, those going to Boise need to be at Wednesday's practice so that we can solve our coordination issues before we show up at the game. Mostly, we just need to know who will be playing for sure... and plan accordingly. Its a longer road trip, but not that long. If we represent well, we can win. We also need to avoid injuries as we don't have enough depth at a number of positions to handle it. Conditioning on your own will help, being there for pre-game warm ups will also help. We want to recognize 5 players as "Players of the Game". There were a lot more than that who had a good game, however, the more you recognize, the less the recognition means.
Players of the Game:
Brandon Peebler (great play at many facets), Brandon Reed(great corner coverage and played solid WR including a big catch and run), Josh Swatsenbarg (great d-tackle play and pitched in the most to help with the o-line problems), Scott Worthington (great o-line versatitilty and helped get a helmet rounded up to also help a fellow o-lineman out; a team player), Irv Hill (just did it all game from the linebacker position).
Honorable Mention: Josh Roth, Stephen Stewart, Nate Fielding, Mike Legrand, Todd Johnson, Erin Toone.
MARCH 14th UPDATE!!!
Practice was was held on the soccor fields at Sunnyside Park. For the first time, the full offense was exercised. Coaches Donavan Ard and Sean Powell were on hand to begin lining out the Mustangs' defensive philosophy and sets for 2009. Some special teams were set up, however, more work and preparation are needed. Practice broke up at 6:15 p.m.
Fully padded practice, position evaluations to continue. Practice will not break early this time. Only 3 total practices before actual action against other teams. Complete Offensive and Defensive playbooks to be distributed. This will be the final practice of equal scrimmage time for the offense. Projected starters will be determined and beginning March 21st, offensive starters will see more time in scrimmage. Defensive evaluations will continue until March 21st. Defensive projected starters to be determined after that practice.
March 14th will be the final practice where plays are called and explained by coaches in the huddle. Beginning March 21st, plays will be rotated in from the sideline as in real game conditions.
All positions, however, will be competed all of the time. If players fees ($50) have not been paid before game action, player will not be on qualifying roster to play. Beginning March 15th, list of unpaid players will be posted on web site. Encourage our star players to get paid.
Players still needing equipment should contact Jared Neumeier (357-4039). He has some used equipment for sale (helmets, practice pants, hip/thigh pads) or loan (shoulder pads) to save players money. All American Sports on Lincoln has a selection of new helmets and shoulder pads for sale.
Players who do not have game uniforms will need to stay after practice a few minutes until uniform needs are resolved. An order will be placed so that new uniforms needing orders can arrive in time for the April 4th scrimmage. New jerseys ordered will cost $55/per jersey from All-American Sports. Jared Neumeier has 20 new pairs of black game pants on sale for $25 each (first paid first option) and a number of sets an individual game jerseys on sale for $30 per jersey.
MARCH 7th UPDATE!!!
Practice was brisk, however, constructive. The Qb's and receivers finally had a lot of time to work together as both Mark Butikofer and Nate Fielding were in attendence. The defense worked on its basic sets and the offense worked on its play calls, formations and plays. Just under 30 players were in attendance, however, a few particular key missing players created problems in continuity. We are expecting the full team for the March 14th practice. Due to the weather, special teams practice was cancelled and we broke up at 6:05 p.m.
NEXT PRACTICE
SATURDAY, MARCH 7th
QB's, WIDE RECEIVERS, TIGHT ENDS: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
FULL SQUAD: 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Sunnyside Park, Idaho Falls (next to Hospital)
Fully padded practice, position evaluations to begin. Practice will not break early this time. Only 4 total practices before actual action against other teams. Offensive playbooks distributed March 7th. Defensive playbooks distributed March 14th.
Players without full equipment should be in attendence as well to work with team drills and management on getting equipped. We will have some used helmets for sale and some shoulder pads and practice jerseys. All-American Sports has a full stock of new helmets and shoulder pads that can be purchased on Saturday (if not already). The weather will be cool and raw so dress appropriately.
UPDATE (2/28/09)!!!!
The Mustangs' first official team practice was held today at Sunnyside Park in Idaho Falls. We had 30 total players at the practice, however, were limited in what we could accomplish because of the limited grass space and the slippery conditions. The offense did begin learning the basics of the system as did the defense. Scrimmage was fun, although limited as a few key players were missing. Players were dismissed by 2:00 p.m. In special teams tryouts, Chris Brown will continue to handle the kick-off and place-kicking duties and Sergio Deloera will be the Mustangs' new punter. The next practice will be Saturday, March 7th at either Sunnyside or Lincoln Park. The next practice will start at 3:00 p.m. for QB's and receivers. The full team will be expected out by 4:00 p.m. Players fees are due for most players by March 7th (barring special circumstances), however, players needing to obtain equipment will be allowed a little more time as obtaining equipment will be a priority as the March 7th practice will be a fully padded practice.The Following player need to contact Jared Neumeier at 357-4039:
Danny Peterson and Jeremy MacNamera (we don't have telephone/contact information for you).
UPDATE (2/28/09)!!!!
The Mustangs' first official team practice was held today at Sunnyside Park in Idaho Falls. We had 30 total players at the practice, however, were limited in what we could accomplish because of the limited grass space and the slippery conditions. The offense did begin learning the basics of the system as did the defense. Scrimmage was fun, although limited as a few key players were missing. Players were dismissed by 2:00 p.m. In special teams tryouts, Chris Brown will continue to handle the kick-off and place-kicking duties and Sergio Deloera will be the Mustangs' new punter. The next practice will be Saturday, March 7th at either Sunnyside or Lincoln Park. The next practice will start at 3:00 p.m. for QB's and receivers. The full team will be expected out by 4:00 p.m. Players fees are due for most players by March 7th (barring special circumstances), however, players needing to obtain equipment will be allowed a little more time as obtaining equipment will be a priority as the March 7th practice will be a fully padded practice.The Following player need to contact Jared Neumeier at 357-4039:
Danny Peterson, Mark Butikofer and Jeremy MacNamera (we don't have telephone/contact information for you).
UPDATE (2/26/09)!!!!
The Mustangs' first official team practice of the season is set for THIS Saturday (Feb. 28th) from noon to 2:30 p.m. We will practice at Sunnyside Park in Idaho Falls. This is a different location than where we usually go, however, there is enough clearing there for us to have some valuable practice. PLEASE... pass the word on to all you know. Players will be informed via e-mail (if the team has their e-mail address), the rest will get a phone call. This will be a non-padded practice, however, players with helmets are expected to wear helmets during warm ups, drills (team and unit) and "Scrimmage". The weather is expected to be sunny, dry and little or no wind... so PERFECT! Player fees are $50. For those needing to order equipment or uniforms, we shall work with you after practice. Special teams tryouts will be immediately after practice as well as some additional work for qb's and wide receivers. All others can expect to practice no later than 2:30 p.m.
UPDATE (2/21/09)!!!!
The Mustangs' first practice of the season, with receivers and quarterbacks was very productive and the Pocatello weather was perfect for the work out. For those receivers/qb's that missed the practice they will be a little behind, but we do have time to make it up. The first full required team practice will be in a week (Feb. 28th).
Lincoln Park update! For the rest of the team, we began clearing the snow off Lincoln Park on Friday. More work is slated for Sunday. With the elevated temperatures through the upcoming week, hopefully, mother nature will help. Regardless, the first team practice should be set to go on Saturday, February 28th at Lincoln Park.
The Idaho Falls Mustangs would like to annouce the appointment of Todd Johnson as the Offensive Coordinator of the Mustangs. Todd will be working with head coach, Jared Neumeier, as well as getting input from defensive coach, Jeb Harrison and others around the team as he constructs an offensive playbook for the 2009 season. Todd is in his 5th season with the Mustangs.
UPDATE (2/16/09)!!!!
Team recruiting is going GREAT! A lot of new and returning players have been coming forward and adding to the roster in the past several weeks! Still could use more d-tackles, o-line and quarterbacks... although talent at ANY position is always needed as the Mustangs play in the upper (AAA) division of the RMFL.
Offensive skills (qb's, wide receivers, tight ends, running backs) practice still slated for Saturday, February 21st at a location to be announced (if on the roster, you will get a phone call). The first full team practice is still scheduled for February 28th and, hopefully, somewhere in Idaho Falls. Player fees will be due on February 28th BEFORE you practice. Please come a little early and plan on paying up your fees before practice starts. The fees are only $50 and, if there is enough sponsorship help, should be enough for the entire season!
We are trying to set up a pre-season game for April 4th, if we do, that only leaves us 5 team practices before we have a game. With a new, exciting, wide open and aggressive (yet simple) offense to learn, we will need all the time we can get. This is why all of the extra practice for offensive skills. Its about the team, however, and offensive players that want to be on the field in games will have to practice with the rest of the group to be as effective as we can be.
Being from Idaho Falls, we are at a natural disadvantage to almost the entire league (save the Madison Lionz) in that our practice season is significantly shorter due to our inclimate weather and lingering snow cover. However, we therefore, get a longer off-season and should be that much more hungry to hit it when the time comes.
Any questions or want to get on the 2009 Mustangs, don't hesitate to call Jared Neumeier at (208) 357-4039. See everyone soon!!!
2009 RMFL Kick-Off Meeting UPDATE!!!!The Idaho Falls Mustangs have been selected to be featured in TWO of the 8 regular season "Friday Night Lights" games during the season. They will be playing at the Madison Lionz and hosting the Pocatello Predators. These games will be televised by live internet feed on EISNlive.com and be watched not only all over the RMFL, but all over the world!!
The Schedule for the 2009 season is being worked on and will be released soon. The Mustangs will play a home/away with the Madison Lionz, a single game against their divisional opponents (Bitterroot, Missoula, Boise, Pocatello) and probably be at Saint George for the season opener and host the Davis Vipers later in the season.
Stay tuned for more announcements!!!
