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 News Archives |
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Saturday, January 26
RHINOS TO ANNOUNCE 2008 PLANS BY FEBRUARY 1ST
With much speculation about whether the Rhino-Raiders will return for their 10th season, the team will announce their intentions for the upcoming season by Friday, February 1st. With the retirement of reigning RMFL MVP Dave Stireman, who has led his team to an unprecedented 8 straight league championships, it has widely been thought that many of the longtime Rhinos would retire as well. There is also speculation that many Rhinos will make up the bulk of the fledging Utah Saints indoor team roster this spring.
With the 2008 RMFL meeting scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 1-2, the Rhinos will either be in attendance, planning to field a team this year, or not.
Tuesday, October 23
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE, RHINOS END 2007 SEASON WITH WIN OVER BEARS
The Rhino-Raiders have announced that they will not participate in this years FWFA Tourney. Citing several reasons, including time-off between games and relatively no open Saturday's between now and the December 8th title game, the Rhinos wrap up their highly successful 2007 season with an overall record of 11-2 and their 8th straight league championship.
The Rhinos expect to return for their 10th season in 2008 and it will be with a new quarterback as Dave Stireman has officially retired. Stireman will run the team and handle all administrative duties.
The Rhinos will announce their new quarterback/offensive coordinator soon.
Monday, July 16
PHIPPEN NAMED TOP AAA DEFENDER
Jake Phippen was named the RMFL AAA Defensive MVP after helping lead Rhinos, including their #1 rated defense, to their 4th straight RMFL Championship (8th straight league title overall. Phippen's 9.5 sacks led all RMFL defenders.
Also, QB Dave Stireman was voted the overall AAA MVP.
Friday, August 3
RHINOS GATHER MLFN AWARDS
Once again, the Rhino-Raiders are recognized by the Minor League Football News on the 2007 Western Region All America team. Here are the award winners:
Offensive Player of the Year - Justin Oswald
Coach of the Year - Dave Stireman
1st team:
RB Justin Oswald, WR Damon Greenberry, OL Nate Baptist, DB Jay Tupe & LB Levine Tupe
2nd team:
Justin DeFour
3rd team:
Eric Christiansen
Congratulations to all.
Sunday, July 8
RHINOS OUTCLASS BEARS (AGAIN)
Click above for game photos.
Ex-Bear Justin Oswald ran for an amazing 165 yards and a score as the Rhino-Raiders claimed their 4th straight RMFL title and 8th straight league title overall, 16-14, over the Cache Valley Bears.
The high-powered Bears offense was completely outplayed by the Rhino defense. The Bears mustered a meager 160 of offense, including 16 rushing yards by running backs.
Dave Stireman, playing his final RMFL game, was masterful as he passed for 180 yards and a touchdown, while keeping the Bears defense off balance with his play calling.
Look for a season wrap-up story in the coming days.
Complete championship game story, at least seen through the eyes of Jared Neumeier, plus game statistics, can be found on the league website.
Sunday, July 8
RHINOS/WOLVERINES SEMIFINAL GAME PHOTOS
Monday, June 25
RHINOS BEAT LIONZ; WOLVERINES REMATCH NEXT
For the first time in the 9 year team history, the Rhino-Raiders have the opportunity to avenge a league loss. On June 2nd, the Rhinos squandered a 17-10 halftime lead on their way to a 40-20 loss to the Utah Wolverines. By virtue of their 27-21 quarterfinal win Saturday at Morgan High over the Lionz, the Rhinos roll into Juan Diego for the Saturday, 1 p.m. showdown with one thing on their minds: PAYBACK.
It is playoff time and the Rhinos have won 18 straight playoff games since the 2000 season.
The Rhinos will wear road WHITE jersey's.
Players need to be at stadium by 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 17
RHINOS COAST PAST SEMINOLES; LIONZ REMATCH NEXT
The Rhinos coasted to a 23-0 win over the Salt Lake Seminoles in 105 degree heat Saturday at Granite High School. The win and a Lionz loss at home vs. the Cache Valley Bears sets up the rematch of the memorable Rhino win last week 20-18.
Construction at Ben Lomond High School is forcing the relocation of this playoff game to MORGAN HIGH SCHOOL. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m.
All players should be at the stadium by 4:30 p.m. and bring both RED & WHITE jersey's.
Monday, June 11
RHINOS TOPPLE LIONZ ON FINAL PLAY OF GAME
Down by 12 with under a minute to play, Dave Stireman threww two touchdown passes, including a 42 yarder as time expired, to shock the Lionz 20-18. Damon Greenberry hauled in the winning touchdown to cap the dramatic win.
The Rhinos will wind up the regular season at Salt Lake City's Granite High School against the Salt Lake Seminoles this Saturday at 6 p.m.
With a win, the Rhinos can do no worse than the #3 seed and a home playoff game on June 23rd.
Rhinos are in road WHITE jersey's.
Wednesday, May 9
MILE HIGH GRIZZLIES GAME POSTPONED
Mile High Grizzlies game has been postponed due to sevral Grizzlies players being ruled ineligible. Apparently 12-15 players joined an indoor team in the Denver area earlier this winter, only to never get paid and play just one game before the league folded. Under ridiculous CFC rules, any professional player is inelgible to play in the CFC for three years from the time their done.
Whatever their deal, they are hoping to regroup and come to Ogden later in the summer.
Saturday, May 26
RHINOS HEAD TO JUAN DIEGO ON MISSION
The Rhino-Raiders will travel to Juan Diego High School in Draper to square off with the Utah Wolverines on Saturday, June 2nd. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Shortly after the RMFL announced the 2007 schedule, this game was circled on the calendar by many Rhinos, especially those that reside in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. A much improved Wolverines team from 2006, the Wolverines hope to end years of frustration by knocking off the Rhinos. The Rhinos beat the Wolverines 35-7 in Draper last year.
Rhinos will wear their white jersey's. Be there by 4:30.
Saturday, April 28
RHINO-RAIDERS BEAT BOISE SPEED 39-6
After a couple of lackluster offensive performances, the Rhino offense woke up to the tune of a 39-6 win over the Boise Speed this afternoon at Weber High School in Ogden.
Complete game story and statistics to be posted on the RMFL site.
Sunday, May 6
OSWALD, CARTER & PETERSON SHINE IN RHINO WIN
On a cold, rainy, windy Saturday afternoon at Ben Lomond High, the Rhino-Raiders rolled to a 42-14 win over the under-manned Muddogs.
Justin Oswald ran wild behind the dominating offensive line of Travis Brower, Eric Mullen, Dave Baker, Josh Page and Ken Byrd. Oswald totalled three touchdowns including two long runs.
Defensively, Chris Carter and WR/DB Jamal Peterson each grabbed three interceptions.
And for the good news/bad news. The good news is all-RMFL WR Damon Greenberry caught two touchdown passes and showed the burst of speed he is known for throughout the region. Greenberry is still recovering from surgery to repair a compound fracture in his lower leg. The second such injury in the past three years.
That's the good news. The bad news (for the RMFL) is: READ THE LAST PARAGRAPH.
Complete game story and game stats to be posted on the RMFL site Monday night.
Sunday, April 22
NEVER UNDER-ESTIMATE THE HEART OF A CHAMPION
In what proved to be a battle of field position, the Rhino-Raiders once again persevered with a 7-6 road victory over the Cache Valley Bears.
Led by a stifling defense which harassed both Bear quarterbacks all night long and a ball control offense which dominated second half time of possession, the Rhinos ran their 2007 league mark to 2-0, 3-0 overall.
After a scoreless first half which ended with the Rhino defense blocking a 35 yard field attempt, the Rhino offense took over in the second half. After holding the Bears on their initial series in the 3rd quarter, the Rhinos marched the length of the field where Dave Stireman found Justin DeFour for a 5 yard touchdown. Rodney Frokjer provided what turned out to be the decisive extra point.
In a game of strategy, the Rhino braintrust turned in a couple of unusual calls (at least for them). On 4th and short on two seperate second half possessions, Rhino QB Dave Stireman, from shot-gun formation, punted with both balls ending up on the Bears 3rd yard line. The first punt went for 70 yards.
However, it was from the 3 yard line with just over two minutes that Bears QB Caleb Eastman connected over a few passes to get them down to the Rhino 43. From there, Eastman found WR Blake Garrett over the top for the long touchdown. After a 5 yard false start penalty on the offense, the Bears extra point try was blocked by Rhino Tracy Ita. The ensuing on-side kick was recovered by Levine Tupe. With only one Bear time-out remaining and just over 1 minute on the clock, it was three kneel downs and a Rhino victory.
The RMFL game story and stats to be posted on the RMFL website.
Saturday, April 14
RHINO DEFENSE LOCKS UP POCATELLO
The Rhino-Raiders opened defense of their RMFL title by whipping the Pocatello Predators 21-0.
The defense was dominant led by Levine and Jay Tupe, plus all star performances by Setema Gali, Bill Nebeker and Tracy Ita.
Dave Stireman hooked up with WR Justin DeFour in the first half for a pair of touchdowns and Justin Oswald rambled 24 yards to round out the scoring.
The Rhinos played ball and clock control in the second half to claim the victory going away.
Complete stats and game story to be posted on the RMFL site.
Tuesday, April 3
FORMER RHINO NATE MICONI PASSES AWAY AT 33
Former Roy High School, Snow College, Northern Arizona University and Rhino-Raider standout Nate Miconi passed away Sunday at the age of 33. He will be missed by all who knew him. Click above link to view Obituary.
I have known and been friends with the Miconi Family for many years. My heart goes out to Janelle and the kids, plus mom and dad, Peggy and Dennis.
I will personally miss him and in his honor, all Rhino-Raider players will wear his trademark #9 on the backs of their helmets this season.
Dave Stireman
Wednesday, February 21
BAPTIST TAKES WORLD TITLE
Nate Baptist brought home a world title at the WABDL Power Lifting Championships reently in Las Vegas. Nate bested the competition in the Junior Men (20-25) division with a Utah state record in this category by bench pressing 479.5 lbs. Look for Nate being one of the anchors of the Rhino O-line again this season.
Click the above link to see all of the results from the competition.
Friday, February 16
RHINOS TO CALL WOODS CROSS HIGH SCHOOL 2ND HOME IN 2007
In an effort to provide our players, their families and the many fans the Rhinos have in Davis, Salt Lake and Utah Counties, the Rhino-Raiders have announced that they will play two "home" games at Woods Cross High School this season. Adjacent to the freeway, and sporting new field turf installed last summer, the location is ideal for everyone, including the Muddogs and Seminoles, both of whom call the Salt Lake area home. The Rhinos will host their two Idaho opponents at Ben Lomond High, their longtime home stadium.
Woods Cross recently hired Fred Fernandes, former Northridge Head Coach, and most recently the running backs coach at Weber State. He is reunited with Eric Grisby, his former Defensive Coordinator at Northridge. Coach Grisby ran the top ranked Rhino defense in 2005.
The Rhinos will also host a free clinic on football fundamentals for all local high school level players and younger prior to the May 5th game. Details will be forthcoming.
Thursday, February 15
PAIR OF JUSTIN'S JOIN RHINOS
Justin Oswald and Justin DeFour, both having played with Cache Valley in 2006, have joined the Rhinos for the upcoming season.
Oswald, 2005 Rhino sack leader with 6.5, was used mainly at RB in Logan last year. The Rhinos expect the versatile Oswald to blend right in with the league's top defense, plus add to an already powerful running game headed by Rashad Kennedy.
DeFour, thought to be orginally playing with the Rhinos last year, ended up in Logan, but only grabbed 9 balls for 100+ yards on the season, while playing part-time. An Ogden resident, DeFour is committed to full-time playing status and should make a huge impact along side ex-Weber State teammate Damon Greenberry.
More announcements forthcoming.
Monday, February 12
RETURNING RHINOS TOP ANNUAL RMFL NEWS
Every year at this time, the local semi-pro football scene focuses its attention on the Rhino-Raider roster. Specifically, who is retiring.
Here is the latest update on some of the veteran players, along with a listing of a few new players:
OL Phil Sotomayor: Had successful ACL surgery following 2006 RMFL title game, plus surgery to fix a chronic foot problem. Retired from playing, but will coach the offensive line.
OL Todd Wheelwright: Will undergo arm and shoulder surgery to repair chronic injuries and will retire from playing. Todd will remain part of the organization.
TE Nick Fotu: Moved to Texas.
DB Tony Wolfgramm: Released to play closer to Salt Lake home after birth of child late last year.
DB David Stroshine: After contemplating retirement following serious concussion in New Mexico game, will return to anchor the leagues top secondary.
TE KC MacQueen: Missed entire 2006 season recovering from broken foot suffered in basketball game. Will return in 2007.
WR Ben Jones: Missed entire season after breaking wrist in opening game against Salt Lake Nemesis. Will return in 2007.
OL Nate Wilkins: ex-WSU standout will provide immediate support after joining team last fall.
OL Travis Brower: ex-Ute also joined team last fall and will fill shoes of the retired Sotomayor.
Sunday, January 28
8TH STRAIGHT TITLE RUN BEGINS AS 2007 SCHEDULE RELEASED
The annual league meeting held in Pocatello over the weekend produced relatively no surprises other than the newly formed Salt Lake Seminoles being voted into the AAA division. The Rhinos will wrap up their regular season at the Seminoles in June. The Seminoles proclaim Cottonwood High School as their home field.
More importantly, the Rhinos will open defense of their title April 14th in Pocatello against the Predators, a team the Rhinos beat twice in 2006, including the playoff semifinals. Week two takes the Rhinos to Logan to face the Cache Valley Bears. The much anticipated 2006 showdown in Ogden turned out to be a 31-14 runaway win by the Rhinos.
The Rhino play their first of four home games on Saturday, April 28th as they host the Boise Speed, formerly named Roughriders.
The Rhinos will also step outside of the RMFL play as they host 2006 Colorado Football Conference Semifinalist Mile High Grizzlies on May 19th. In a short turnaround, the Utah Heat come to town for a special Thursday night battle on May 24th.
Player news and more team news to be posted in the coming days and weeks.
Wednesday, July 26
COMCAST CHAMPIONSHIP GAME DVD'S AVAILABLE
DVD copies of the 2006 RMFL Championship Game are available for $10 ea. Call Dave for details.
Saturday, August 19
RHINOS OUTLAST NORCAL LAWMEN 29-25
In a battle of league champions, the NorCal Lawmen from Concord, CA fell short in their upset bid of the Rhino-Raiders on Saturday night at Ben Lomond High School.
Final score: 29-25
The winning margin came with 43 seconds remaining on a 12 touchdown run by Justin Oswald. After the Lawmen had scored with 3:30 left to take a 25-22 lead, Dave Stireman hit on 5 consecutive passes to set the Rhinos stage for the winning score.
Sunday, July 16
SAME OLD STORY AS RMFL ANNOUNCES POST-SEASON AWARDS
What is a familiar season ending story, the Rhinos go undefeated, win another championship, have individual performances that shatter league record, yet watch as the league votes for other players as MVP's.
Case in point in 2006. WR Damon Greenberry hauls in 18 touchdown receptions to best the previous record of 12. Greenberry scores 110 points to shatter the previous record of 87. Greenberry posts 1163 receiving yards to vault past the previous record of 1056. And oh yes, he does this during the AAA season against the very best of the RMFL.
If this isn't worthy of the offensive MVP of the RMFL than there needs to be a revamping of how this award is decided. With all due respect the oustanding player in his own right that won the award, said player against AA competition during a short playoff run, rushed 19 times for 26 yards. Conversely, and once again vs. AAA competition, Mr. Greenbery posted the following numbers: 7 receptions, 164 yards and 3 touchdowns. And both games were wins.
Obviously the system is flawed when you combine both AAA and AA MVP awards. The league meeting was represented by 9 AAA teams and 13 AA teams.
Sunday, July 16
ALL RMFL TEAMS
Congratulations to all Rhinos represented here and everyone else that made the 2006 championship season one to remember.
AAA FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE:
Troy Dougherty, Quarterback, Madison Lionz
Travis Boden, Running Back, Idaho Falls Mustangs
Justin Oswald, Running Back, Cache Valley Bears
Nate Brown, Tight End, Madison Lionz
Damon Greenberry, Wide Receiver, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Kelly Nebeker, Wide Reciever, Pocatello Predators
Ryan Lingenfelder, Offensive Line, Idaho Falls Mustangs
Eric Hancock, Offensive Line, Pocatello Predators
Eric Christiansen, Offensive Line, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Phil Sotomayor, Offensive Line, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Joe Critchfield, Offensive Line, Boise Roughriders
Eric Harbison, Place-Kicker, Boise Roughriders
DEFENSE:
Amos Fiefia, Defensive Tackle, Cache Valley Bears
Val Tiatia, Defensive Tackle, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Roy Withers, Defensive End, Madison Lionz
Andrew Butler, Defensive End, Utah Wolverines
Zac Jockumsen, Linebacker, Boise Roughriders
Justin Walker, Linebacker, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Matt Shoda, Linebacker, Utah Wolverines
Matt Wiser, Linebacker, Cache Valley Bears
Matt Stroshine, Defensive Back, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Dane Knickrehm, Defensive Back, Boise Roughriders
Brandon Reed, Defensive Back, Idaho Falls Mustangs
Troy Sutton, Defensive Back, Pocatello Predators
James Neslen, Return Specialist, Utah Wolverines
AAA SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE:
Dave Stireman, Quarterback, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Tavita Makalo, Running Back, Utah Wolverines
Rashad Kennedy, Running Back, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Ryan Seely, Tight End, Utah Wolverines
Trevor Bell, Wide Receiver, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Norvel Young, Wide Receiver, Cache Valley Bears
Zac Johnson, Wide Receiver, Madison Lionz
Tyson Poulsen, Offensive Lineman, Idaho Falls Mustangs
Todd Rietmann, Offensive Lineman, Boise Roughriders
Charles Kano, Offensive Lineman, Cache Valley Bears
Todd Wheelwright, Offensive Line, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Travis Hobson, Offensive Line, Pocatello Predators
Nate Maw, Offensive Line, Madison Lionz
Rodney Frokjer, Place-Kicker, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
DEFENSE:
Vaea Fiefia, Defensive Tackle, Cache Valley Bears
James Huml, Defensive Tackle, Madison Lionz
Davien Brokaw, Defensive End, Pocatello Predators
Sam Matagi, Defensive Tackle, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Jeb Harrison, Linebacker, Idaho Falls Mustangs
DJ Brookter, Linebacker, Cache Valley Bears
Levine Tupe, Linebacker, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Siolo Toala, Defensive Back, Utah Heat
Kevin Bekker, Defensive Back, Boise Roughriders
Kish Beverly, Defensive Back, Madison Lionz
David Stroshine, Defensive Back, Ogden Rhino-Raiders
Justin Weaver, Defensive Back, Idaho Falls Mustangs
Nate Rydalch, Return Specialist, Madison Lionz
HONORABLE MENTION:
Bill Nebeker, Defensive End; Jake Phippen, Linebacker; Jared Harward, Defensive Back; Tony Wolfgramm, Defensive Back; Nate Baptist, Offensive Line; Nick Fotu, Tight End; Tracy Ita, Defensive End; Jay Tupe, Linebacker.
Sunday, July 9
RHINO DEFENSE TOO MUCH FOR LIONZ
Rashad Kennedy rushed for 158 yards and the Rhino defense registered 10 sacks along with picking off three Troy Dougherty passes as the Rhino-Raiders captured their 7th straight league title (4 UFL/3 RMFL) with a 34-26 win over the Madison Lionz.
A complete game story along with stats will be posted on the RMFL site.
Game photos will be posted here with a link to the photographers website Monday.
Stay tuned as the Rhinos will set their fall schedule of games as they move onto compete for the MLFN & AFA AAA National Championships.
Saturday, July 1
RHINOS CHALLENGED, BUT STILL ADVANCE TO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The Rhino-Raiders beat the Pocatello Predators for the second time this season to advance to their 3rd straight RMFL and 7th straight overall league championship game, 35-28.
Contrary to our infamous commissioner/beat writer's game preview, the Silverbacks were well-off with all of their players. For the Rhinos, no Bell, no Fotu, no Gali, no Alifipo, no Scadden, no Manu, no Wheelwright, no Taliulu, no Carter, no Tuatagaloa, no Eyre. I guess the beat writer missed the memo. The Rhinos rallied to win their 79th straight league game.
Either way, the Predators hung tough, closing the 14 point lead the Rhinos maintained most of the second half with a Jeff Belnap to Kelly Nebeker TD pass with under 4 mintues to play. With the score now 35-28, the Rhinos would never relinquish the ball again and run out the clock.
The Rhinos would like to thank all of the Predators, even #53, for making the trip to Ogden and playing with tremendous heart for 4 quarters.
The Rhinos will now meet the Madison Lionz for the second straight year in the championship game Saturday night, July 8th at Ogden's Ben Lomond High School. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The Lionz defeated the Cache Valley Bears 24-17 in Logan to earn the trip to Ogden. The Rhinos beat the Lionz 37-31 in Rexburg week three of the regular season.
Game stats and story to be posted on the RMFL site Sunday night.
Look for special announcements surrounding the championship game during the week.
Tuesday, June 27
RHINOS/RMFL GETTING MORE EXPOSURE
The coverage is great, even if some of the quotes are inaccurate.
By Bryan Hinton
Deseret Morning News
Even without money and fame, semi-pro football players in Utah play their game with a passion not found at any other level of the sport.
"It's for the love of the game," said John Thornton, head coach of the Salt Lake County-based Muddogs. "Our guys have said they haven't been this excited to play since high school. It's just awesome to watch these guys."
The Muddogs play in the Rocky Mountain Football League, which features 22 teams from Utah, Idaho, Montana and Colorado. And although players actually have to pay to play, the league has almost 1,100 players.
"The league has been awesome," Thornton said. "A lot of people don't know about it. When they find out, they pick up that passion, too."
He said there is a real camaraderie among the players.
"I've not coached a team that has a love for each other like this team," Thornton said. "It's like a family. The players call it a brotherhood."
Jared Neumeier, the commissioner of the RMFL, said the skill of the players might surprise people.
"It's one level below arena football," he said. "The play is like the (Canadian Football League). We won't get NFL scouts at the games, but we do get college scouts. A lot of guys jump to the collegiate level."
Neumeier said many former collegiate players will join teams in the league. He said nearly all of the athletes played in high school.
"We get guys from the places like the winter indoor league (in Utah) and the Ricks College intramural program," Neumeier said. "What really feeds semi-pro is high school players."
Since the RMFL was founded in 1997, Neumeier said teams have come and gone, with each year seeing two or three new programs with at least one team moving or folding. Such was the case of the Wasatch Wildcats after last season. Their Web site said the team shut down due to team issues and the health of one of the owners.
Brian Nicholson, Deseret Morning NewsSetema Gali, right, of the South Ogden Rhino Raiders, reaches for the ball after a blocked punt. In 2003, the RMFL merged with the Utah Football league, which introduced a dominating force to the league: The South Ogden Rhino-Raiders.
While the Muddogs are excited about their 8-0 finish to the regular season, the Rhino-Raiders are currently on a 78-game conference winning streak stretching back to the start of the 2000 season.
Head coach Dave Stireman said maintaining a winning streak that long gets tougher and tougher with each game.
"We're everybody's big game," Stireman said. "Each year, there's some new team trying to put something together to beat us. This year it was the Cache Valley Bears."
Stireman said the Bears had many former Utah State players in their lineup, but the Rhino-Raiders still won the showdown with their new rivals, 31-14, on May 6.
Neumeier said the dominance of South Ogden was bad for the league for many years, but it is now becoming a positive.
"They stocked up and whipped up on everybody," he said. "The UFL had dwindled to four or five teams. It was discouraging, but now it's coming to an end. Since they moved to the RMFL, they've had better competition. They're not dominating anymore. They haven't lost, but only by their chinny-chin-chin."
By winning so many RMFL championships, South Ogden has had the opportunity to play in the North American Football League.
Neumeier said the NAFL's name is deceiving because it is more of an association.
"It contracts with leagues and has a national tournament," he said. "It has no league games, though."
Neumeier said the Rhino-Raiders have won a couple of Western area tournaments, but no team from the RMFL has ever won a national tournament.
There are two divisions in the RMFL AAA and AA. The Rhino-Raiders play in AAA, which is the higher of the two levels. The Muddogs play in AA.
Neumeier said the difference in the two divisions is primarily the number of players on the teams.
"In AA, there are about 30 to 40 players on the teams," he said. "In AAA, there are 50-60. You'll also see linemen in the 300-pound range. There are also A-level teams across the country that will have about 15 players."
Stireman said unlike most levels of football, there is a huge discrepancy in the age of the players.
"Our team has by far the oldest average age," he said. "There's a guy for the Utah Wolverines that's about 50 years old. He's a teacher and a coach on the side. There's a wide range. A lot of players are right out of high school."
Most of the fans that watch RMFL games are family members and friends of the players, but Stireman said his team has a bit of a following.
"Against the Bears, there were 800-1,000 people," he said. "A lot of them are fans of Weber State. There are 15 or so ex-Weber players on the team. A lot of the fans want to see players that they watched in college."
There are more than 600 semi-pro teams across the country, but Neumeier said there is still room for more.
"There are still untapped markets," he said. "The league will continue to grow. There's a small conference of seven or eight teams in Colorado that could join. Idaho is fairly full, but Montana could grow. We've had teams in Elko (Nevada) before."
Tuesday, June 20
LEAGUE HIGH 8 RHINOS HEADLINE SOUTH ALL-STAR TEAM
The #1 ranked AAA team in the MLFN Western Region and undefeated Rhino-Raiders landed 8 players on the 2006 RMFL South All-Star team. The game, scheduled for 6 p.m. at Bear River High in Tremonton, will also have Rhino Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterback coaching the offense for the 3rd straight year.
Congratulations to the following players on the 1st team:
WR Damon Greenberry
WR Trevor Bell
OL Todd Wheelwright
OL Eric Christiansen
DL Val Tiatia
LB Levine Tupe
LB Justin Walker
DB Matt Stroshine
Alternates:
TE Nick Fotu
OL Nate Baptist
DB Jay Tupe
If anyone listed on the first team is unable to play, then alternates are chosen.
Note: OL Phil Sotomayor was nominated, but has a previous out of town committment and is unable to participate this year.
Sunday, June 18
RHINOS TURN UP HEAT ON UTAH HEAT, WIN 34-6
The Rhino-Raiders ran their 2006 record to 9-0 and wrapped up the #1 seed in the upcoming AAA playoffs by beating the Utah Heat 34-6 Saturday night at Ben Lomond High School.
Dave Stireman tossed three TD's to run his season total to 30 and Damon Greenberry added two more scores as the Rhinos won a lackluster game over a fired up Heat team. Greenberry finished the 2006 regular season with 110 points scored to shatter the old record of 87 held by Madison's Buck Mouser. He also broke the yardage record in the process and ran his league record season touchdown mark to 18.
The defense turned in their usual stellar play by intercepting three Heat passes, one each by Matt Stroshine, Chris Carter and Tony Wolfgramm. Levine & Jay Tupe, plus Jake Phippen turned in great play as well.
The Rhinos now have next weekend off as they rest up for a playoff semifinal matchup at home on Saturday, July 1st. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. at Ben Lomond High School.
Complete game stats to be posted on the RMFL site Sunday night.
Saturday, June 10
GREENBERRY BREAKS RMFL SCORING RECORD AS RHINOS BEAT WOLVERINES
Damon Greenberry hauled in 3 touchdown catches to lead the Rhino-Raiders to a 35-6 win over the Utah Wolverines Saturday evening at Juan Diego High School. Greenberry broke the old scoring record of 87 points as his total now stands at 98, with one league game left, too.
Greenberry accountedd for the only first half scoring for the Rhinos as he hauled in a 90 TD pass from relief QB Jeff Wissler, as Dave Stireman served a league imposed 2 quarter suspension. When Stireman did return the Rhinos took a 7-3 halftime lead and ran away in the second half. Stireman threw two more TD passes to Greenberry, as stablemate Trevor Bell enjoyed a vacation on a cruise ship.
Maybe the biggest play of the night was turned in by Mr. Everything, David Stroshine, as he raced untouched on a kickoff return for a TD to open the second half. Brother Matt had another interception and DE Manu Taeoalii recorded a team leading 3 sacks. Val Tiatia was his usual dominant self up the middle and the Tupe Brothers, Jay & Levine, along with Jake Phippen were all outstanding on defense as they held the Wolverines offense, which scored 57 points last week, to a measly 2 FG's.
Complete game stats to be posted on the RMFL site Sunday evening.
Sunday, June 4
RHINOS BEAT POCATELLO 28-19
The Rhinos ran their 2006 record to 7-0 with a 28-19 win over a spirited Pocatello Predators squad Saturday night at Ben Lomond High School.
Damon Greenberry continued his assault on the RMFL scoring record by grabbing two more touchdown receptions. League leading receiver Trevor Bell arrived at the beginning of the 4th quarter from a trip to Phoenix and immediately made one big catch. Rashad Kennedy was also terrific from his familiar spot in the Rhino backfield.
Matt Stroshine led the defense with 3 interceptions. Jay Tupe and Jake Phippen were also solid on defense. Starters David Stroshine, Justin Walker, Jared Harward, Levine Tupe and Val Tiatia all took the night off.
Complete story and game stats to be posted on the RMFL website.
Saturday, May 20
RHINOS BLOW NEMESIS AWAY AGAIN
Dave Stireman fired 5 touchdown passes as the Rhinos beat the Salt Lake Nemesis 52-12 Saturday night at Ben Lomond High School. League leading receivers Damon Greenberry (3) and Trevor Bell (2) both had huge nights as they accounted for all 5 scoring receptions.
The defense had its usual great play from Bill Nebeker, Tracy Ita, Setema Gali, Justin Walker, Manu Taeoalii and the Tupe Brothers, Jay & Levine, among others.
Complete game stats will be posted on the RMFL site Sunday night.
Sunday, May 14
RHINOS AVOID LETDOWN WITH 35-6 WIN OVER WOLVERINES
Fresh off wins over two of the better teams in the RMFL, the Rhinos overcame a sluggisn first half to post a convincing 35-6 win over the Utah Wolverines Saturday night at Ben Lomond High School.
Dave Stireman fired 4 touchdowns, 2 each to Trevor Bell and Damon Greenberry, to run away from a 14-6 halftime lead.
Defensively, Tracy Ita thwarted a drive with an interception deep in Rhino territory returning it to the 40 before lateralling the ball to Jared Harward who raced untouched for the touchdown. Jake Phippen was outstanding also for the defense.
Complete game story and stats will be posted on the RMFL webpage Sunday night.
Sunday, May 7
SHOWDOWN WAS NO-SHOW AS RHINOS ROMP
The long anticipated game between the Rhino-Raiders and Cache Valley Bears turned out to be a lopsided affair as the hometown Raiders won 31-14.
The Rhino defense, led by a 12 tackle, 5 sack performance by LB Justin Walker, controlled the game throughout. Walker also had an interception coupled with a back-breaking 84 yard interception return for a touchdown by Jared Harward with 18 seconds left in the first half. After the score, the Rhinos led 17-0 at the break.
Offensively, Dave Stireman threw for 171 yards and two touchdowns, while the offensive line gave up zero sacks. Stireman, even with several cheap shot/late hits at the knees, hit Trevor Bell with both touchdowns.
It was a classy win by a classy team.
Saturday, April 29
RHINOS CLAIM HARD FOUGHT ROAD WIN OVER LIONZ
The Rhinos upped their 2006 record to 3-0 with a 37-31 win over the Madison Lionz Saturday night in Rexburg, ID. The Rhinos dominated the first 28 1/2 minutes of the game. But with a 23-7 lead and nearing the redzone to possibly take a larger lead into the half, one of three Rhinos fumbles gave the Lionz life. They took the ball and scored a touchdown with 9 seconds left followed by a two point conversation to cut the halftime lead to 8. The Lionz took advantage of great field position and the wind in the 3rd quarter as they took a 24-23 lead. However, the Rhinos answered the challenge and countered with two huge pass plays, one to Trevor Bell and the other to Damon Greenberry which vaulted the Rhinos back up to a two touchdown lead. The Lionz scored one last touchdown with less than a minute to go and failed on their onside kick attempt.
The defense was sensational for most of the night as they sacked the Lionz QB several times and hit him countless times as he threw. They also picked off a pass and recovered a fumble.
Complete stats should be posted on the RMFL site by Sunday evening.
Saturday, April 22
RHINOS TOO MUCH FOR HEAT
The Rhino-Raiders, behind an electrifying aerial show from Dave Stireman, beat up on the Utah Heat 40-6. The ageless wonder riddled the Heat defense to the tune of 411 yards and 5 touchdowns. The defense was impressive registering 10 sacks, forcing two fumbles and picking off a pass.
Complete stats to be posted on the RMFL website Sunday night.
Saturday, April 15
70 STRAIGHT LEAGUE WINS AS RHINOS DOMINATE NEMESIS 51-6
The Rhino-Raiders opened the 2006 season blasting the Salt Lake Nemesis on their home field of Orem High School 51-6. The new look Rhino defense pitched a shutout not allowing the Nemesis offense get inside their 40 all day. The Nemesis lone points came off a spectacular interception and return by Nemesis defender Harold Regan.
The Rhino offense was led by QB Dave Stireman who fired four first half touchdowns to four different receivers as the Rhinos went into the haftime locker room up 27-0. Damon Greenberry made a triumphant return hauling in 8 passes and a touchdown. TE Nick Fotu also had a TD catch, which included a highlight reel run over a Nemesis safety inside the 10. In his first game ever and on his first catch and the second play from scrimmage for the Rhino offense, Ben Jones hauled in a long Stireman pass and easily outraced the defenders for a 66 yard touchdown. New RB Selu Alifipo had a dominating day as he ran for over 100 yards and ripped off two impressive touchdown runs in the second half as the Rhinos vaulted to a 44-6 lead. The scoring was capped by a late Nick Payne run of 7 yards. The Rhino offensive line, widely regarded as the top front 5 in the west, kept Stireman clean all day as only one time did they put any pressure on him, resulting in a scramble out of bounds for a 5 yard sack.
The defense had a number of stars led by Levine Tupe, Jay Tupe, David Stroshine, Setema Gali, Bill Nebeker, Jed Davies, Matt Stroshine, Chris Carter, Jared Harward, Justin Walker, Tony Wolfgramm, Manu Taeoalii, Val Tiatia, Matt Taliulu, Sam Matagi, Eric Eyre, Jake Phippen, Tracy Ita, and Ken Perkins, among others. Fotu also got into the defensive fun as he posted a couple of hard hitting tackles.
Complete stats will be posted on the league website Sunday night.
Sunday, March 12
RELOADING CONTINUES AS RHINOS LAND BIGTIME PLAYERS
After the surprising departure of Norvel Young, the Rhinos wasted no time in replacing him as the team has received commitments from two talented wide receivers as ex-WSU standout Justin DeFour along with the return of Jamaal Peterson have more than made up for the loss.
But the biggest addition to the Rhinos roster, a roster already loaded with easily the top talent in the region, may very well be RB Selu Alifipo. The former Dixie College and Louisiana Tech standout may just be the top RB in the league. Selu teamed up with players such as Jay & Levine Tupe, Fine Unga, Adam Cunningham, and others to win the 1999 UFL title as members of the Wasatch Demons. In fact, the last time the Rhinos lost a UFL/RMFL game was in the semifinals that same year to the Demons.
Wednesday, March 1
"E" TO RUN VAUNTED RHINO DEFENSE
The Rhinos will have a new face roaming the sidelines, but a familiar face to semi-pro football in this region, as Everestt Matagi joins the team as the new defensive coordinator.
"E" was the mastermind of the RMFL's #1 rated Wasatch defense in 2005. Although he is a University of Utah grad, he has significant ties to Weber State, as his older brother (by 1 year) Chris was a standout defensive back for the Wildcats. Chris played with several current Rhinos while at WSU. Everestt is also cousin to Levine & Jay Tupe, as in their mothers are sisters. Nothing better than a family reunion every Saturday night this spring and summer in Rhinoland.
Don't expect a whole lot of new stuff except for the most talented, best coached defense that will easily qualify as the leagues top defense. From its coach all the way through this years star-studded defense, expect just about every opponent to struggle to put points on the board.
Thursday, February 23
RHINOS RELOAD AS 2006 SEASON NEARS
What do you get when you add a handful of top players from the 2005 RMFL #1 rated defense to an already loaded Rhino defense? Easily the top defense in this region and possibly the west. Some may boast about their defense, but no one near or far can match up player for player with the Rhino defense of 2006. This defense is two deep at every position. Several "stars" of this region return to anchor the 2006 defense, most notably Jay & Levine Tupe and the top two-way player ever to play in this league, Trevor Bell. Also returning for their 7th season with the Rhinos are DE Bill Nebeker and DB Jed Davies, not to mention a cast of solid veterans in Manu Taeoalii, Tony Wolfgramm, Mike Mecham, Jake Phippen & Eric Eyre.
Here are some of the new (and old) faces that are committed to the Rhinos for the 2006 season:
SS David Stroshine (Weber State, Tennessee Titans)
DE Setema Gali (BYU, New England Patriots)
DB Vea Ofa (Univ. of Utah)
DB DeShawn Crockett (Univ. of Utah)
DB Matt Stroshine (Weber State
DL Pene Talamaivao (Univ. of Utah, NFL Europe)
OL Vance Moe (Utah State)
New Additions:
TE/DE Sifa Tafisi (Univ. of Bear Hunting)
WR/DB Ben Jones (Utah State)
DB Juron Junior (Weber State)
Plus one of the most electrifying players in Rhino-Raider history, WR Damon Greenberry, returns after sitting out the 2005 season recovering from a compound leg fracture.
Look for several more announcements as the 2006 roster takes shape.
Saturday, January 28
RENEGADES CLAIM 2005 MLFN AAA NATIONAL & FWFA CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Rhino-Raiders suffered their first loss of the 2005 season in a 41-14 defeat in San Francisco to the Daly City Renegades. The Rhinos took the opening kickoff and marched the length of the field culminating with a 12 yard touchdown pass from Dave Stireman to Norvel Young. And then the rains came and both teams struggled to maintain any ball control or footing in the slippery conditions. After Daly City reeled off 27 straight points, with the last TD coming with 5 seconds left in the first half, the Rhino defense came up big in the third quarter with stop after stop. With 8 minutes left in the game, Rhinos safety Jay Tupe intercepted a pitch in the backfield and returned the ball to the Renegade 12. On the very next play, Stireman found Damon Greenberry to cut the lead to 13, 27-14. The Renegades responded by scoring two late touchdowns to squelch any late game heroics by the visitors.
The Rhino-Raiders would like to personally thank the players listed below who not only made the commitment to go to San Francisco, but actually did without backing out less than 3 days prior. For those of you that commited to go, but backed out this past week and for those of you that didn't even have the decency to answer your phone, return messages or call the team back and let the team know that you were backing out on your commitment, I suggest you do the following.
Read the definition of the word "commitment" in the dictionary.
Decide between now and our first game of the 2006 RMFL season if this is something that each and every one of you can live with. If you can't, then turn your uniforms into someone other than me, because turning it into me would require you to call me and make those arrangements. And we know how obviously difficult that was. For those of you that did have the decency to call back, you, too, need to make up your minds if playing on this team is important enough to commit to the 2006 schedule.
Sincerely,
Dave Stireman and the following 19 players that went to San Francisco
Trevor Bell
Norvel Young
Eric Eyre
Phil Sotomayor
Carl Silva
Radford Kaleikini
Nick Payne
Damon Greenberry
Justin Oswald
Levine Tupe
Jay Tupe
Jed Davies
Tim Atkinson
Tony Wolfgramm
Bill Nebeker
Mike Mecham
Eric Christiansen (get well soon)
Todd Wheelwright
Jake Phippen
Wednesday, January 25
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON INTERNET
The Daly City game can be heard live via the internet beginning at 2 p.m. MST Saturday. To listen, click above link. There is no charge to listen.
Monday, November 7
PHOENIX BACKS OUT OF FWFA SEMIFINAL GAME
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