Fall 2016 Warriors Post-Season Recap

The Warriors began their quest for post-season glory against the West Jordan WolfPack on October 21st. The last time the Warriors and the WolfPack battled was in the season opener. Back then, the Warriors put on a convincing show and won 40 to 0. A lot has changed since then and this game would prove to be a different story with a spot in the championship at stake. The WolfPack, consisting of a number of players from the now defunct Utah State Unique, had plenty of championship experience. This game would be anything but a “gimme”.

Unfortunately, video was unavailable for the game, and thus stats and a true recap are also unavailable. But the Warriors won once again, with a final score of 28 to 14. The game ball goes to CJ Ubani who had two interceptions, one taken back to the house for a touchdown. With the win, the Warriors secured a spot in the championship game. The Happy Valley Fallouts secured the other spot with a win over the Spartans, setting up a rematch of the season finale, the Warriors’ sole loss for the season.

Over the years, the Fallouts have proved to be the Warriors’ kryptonite. Since the Warriors’ first season back in the Fall of 2014, they are 0-4 against the Fallouts (including their days as the Iron Wolves). The Warriors sought to change their fortunes on October 28th, the Fall 2016 Championship. Unfortunately once again, video was unavailable for the game. While the game was an improvement for the Warriors, it still ended in an unfortunate loss, 14 to 24. While it wasn’t the ending that the Warriors had hoped for, it was a great season. The Warriors are determined to improve and continue to compete for multiple championships in the years to come.

The Warriors want to thank all those who made this season possible. Thank you to the team managers who made something out of what could have been nothing. Thank you to those who volunteered to assist with reffing the games, working the chains, and the occasional video recording. Thank you to the other teams in the league who, while we want to make you bleed on the field, we love playing this beautiful game with you all and we shall always be family. Thank you to our Warriors who showed up to play, to sweat and bleed with each other and form this brotherhood. And a special thank you to our fans who have supported us through the season. Thank you all.

10/8/16 Warriors vs Happy Valley Fallouts Recap

The biggest game of the regular season went down this last Saturday. Featuring the last two UTFL champions, the Warriors from last fall and the Fallouts from this past spring, the game also was a battle of unbeatens. With the #1 seed on the line heading into the playoffs, it was bound to be a game of epic proportions. It was not, however, the Warriors day and the Fallouts came out on top. The game began with the Warriors receiving the ball. After a couple of short completions, QB Jeff Wissler let a pass get away from him and threw his first interception all year. On the next play, the Fallouts’ QB found his receiver open in the endzone, but the receiver bobbled the pass enough to raise some controversy about whether he had control of it before going out of bounds. But without trained officials, painted lines, or video replay, there was nothing that could overturn the touchdown.

On the Warriors next possession, under a lot of pressure, Wissler attempted to throw the ball away, but luck was not on the Warriors side this day as the ball ended up in the Fallouts‘ hands again. During the next series, LB Don Johnson was able to force the Fallouts’ QB to fumble, but the fumble unfortunately went out of bounds. A few plays later, the QB was able to run in for a touchdown, putting the Warriors down 14 early. The Warriors again looked on the brink of a short offensive series, but on 4th and long, Wissler was able to find RB IK Ubani open in the flat, and Ubani took it for a big gain. On the next play, Wissler found Geurts in the flat who outraced the defense to the endzone for the score.The Fallouts were able to bounce right back as their QB showed off his elusiveness and ran for a long touchdown to put the score at 6 to 20. The Warriors were able to put together a long drive together, but on a fourth and short situation, the Warriors gambled and tried to go deep but the pass fell incomplete. The Fallouts, with time short in the half, were able to find the endzone once more on a long pass to put the score at 6 to 28 at half.

The second half did not start any better as the Fallouts took the ball and were once again able to score on a long pass. Down 28, the Warriors were determined to not give up as Wissler hit WR Bryan Engstrom deep across the middle. Engstrom outraced the Fallouts’ defense to the endzone for the Warriors’ second touchdown of the day. The Fallouts made sure that would be the Warriors’ last as they put together a long, time-consuming drive that was capped by another touchdown pass. The Warriors’ highlight of the series was when LB Sebastian Tautalatasi saw a WR reverse coming and destroyed the receiver, sending him for a back flip and an early exit from the game. With little game time left, the Warriors tried their best to put up another score, but time ran out and the Fallouts took the victory, 12 to 40.

The gameball goes to LB Don Johnson who recorded 3 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, and a forced fumble. While the loss was unfortunate, the Warriors have learned from the loss and will be better prepared to compete when it really matters. The Warriors will enter the upcoming playoffs as the #2 seed and will have a bye for the first round of the playoffs. They will play the winner of the West Jordan WolfPack and the Ogden Knights in two weeks time.

10/1/16 Warriors vs Ogden Knights Recap

Last Saturday, the Warriors welcomed the newest UTFL team, the Ogden Knights, to the league. The Knights (0-2) were hoping to make a statement against the undefeated Warriors, but the Warriors have learned never to take a team lightly. The Warriors’ offense took the field first, and after a couple of long runs from RB IK Ubani, QB Jeff Wissler hit WR Scott Bryson in the corner of the endzone for the td. Wissler then hit Zach Geurts for the 2-point conversion to put the Warriors up 8 to 0. The defense then took the field and forced a quick turnover-on-downs, highlighted by a Mike Pierce and Vic McKenzie sack. With great field position, the Warriors scored again quickly as Wissler hit Ubani in the flat for the score followed by a conversion to WR Bryan Engstrom. The defense again quickly put an end to the Knights’ drive when Ubani came around the end to force a fumble which was covered up by Steve Hansen. Once more in great field position, Wissler scored quickly with a pass to Geurts, then ran in the conversion himself to put the score at 24-0.

The defense showed no signs of letting up as McKenzie and Jeremy “Ghost” Hendrickson each got a sack to halt the Knights’ drive quickly. Wissler then connected with Bryson for another score. In a rare twist, Geurts took the pitch and found a wide open Wissler for the 2-point conversion. Given one more chance before halftime, the Knights took advantage and found former Warrior, WR Levi Baird, for a long gain. The Knights, however, were again twarted as DE Pierce added another sack to his stat-line to crush any hope of a score. The defense continued the intensity to the second half as Engstrom, playing corner, laid a big hit on a Knights’ receiver, popping the ball up into S Hendrickson’s hands. Hendrickson took the interception and walked in for a touchdown which was followed by a Ubani run for a conversion. The Knights, determined to turn things around, were again stopped on a fourth-down attempt by a sack, this time by Steve Hansen and Cody Jacobson. Wissler went big on the first play and hit Engstrom for the long td. A quick strike to Bryson for the conversion put the score at 48 to 0. Forcing another turnover-on-downs, the defense got the ball right back into the offense’s hands. Hendrickson was able to follow some blockers and ran the ball in for a touchdown. Due to a big penalty on the ensuing kickoff, the Knights had the ball in the redzone with seconds left, and were able to score on a pass to Baird as time expired. This, however, did not change the outcome as the Warriors won big, 54 to 6.

While many are very deserving of the gameball, Jeremy Hendrickson’s performance stands out. On the defensive side, Hendrickson recorded a solo tackle, two assisted tackles, a sack, a defended pass, an interception, and a touchdown. “Ghost” even added a 10-yard rushing touchdown to cap his all-around game. Next week is the big one. The Warriors (4-0) will meet the Happy Valley Fallouts (4-0) in a battle of unbeatens. The Fallouts are the last team to give the Warriors a loss so the Warriors are looking for some revenge. Game time is at 10 a.m.

9/24/16 Warriors vs Spartans Recap

The Warriors battled the Spartans (1-1) last Saturday in a huge game with playoff implications. As the UTFL's oldest operating team, and since recently merging with the Orem Outlaws, the Spartans boast a team full of veteran players. That, coupled with the poor field conditions due to the rain, meant anything was possible. The Warriors received the opening kickoff and struck first with a quick strike from QB Jeff Wissler to former-Spartan Brady Young. After a 2-point conversion, the Warriors had the early 8 to 0 lead. But the Spartans answered back with a score of their own. The Warriors scored again on their next drive as RB Zach Geurts ran one in. Again the Spartans answered with a score of their own. With the ball back in their hands, the Warriors once again went deep to Brady Young, who showed great concentration and caught a tipped ball and walked in for the score, putting the score at 22 to 14. On the Spartans' next possession, LB Don Johnson stood up the running back, allowing DE Ray Tumanuvao to come from behind to strip the ball and fall on it for the turnover. The Warriors took advantage and went up top to Ladale Jackson for another long td. After an IK Ubani run for the conversion, the Warriors finally had some breathing room as the score stood at 30 to 14. The defense forced a turnover-on-downs on the Spartans next possession, allowing Geurts to run in his second td of the day to push the lead to 36 to 14 going into the half.

The second half began with the Spartans taking the ball. After a few plays, CB Ladale Jackson nearly had an interception with loads of open field in front of him, but just couldn't come down with it. Jackson was quickly given another chance and, on the very next play, picked off the pass to give the Warriors the ball. Wissler then went 5 for 5 on the next series, hitting 4 different receivers, capping off the drive with a quick score to WR Scott Bryson. RB Geurts then pulled off the reverse pass and hit WR Travis Anderson for the conversion putting the Warriors up by 28. The Spartans showed their experience however and didn't let the large lead discourage them. They drove down the field on their next possession and punched the ball in for the score, putting the score at 42-22. The Spartans then stepped up and forced a quick turnover-on-downs from the Warriors to get the ball back. The Warriors defense was done playing nice and S Taylor Van Dongen intercepted the ball and the Warriors were able to take the knee for the win.

This week's gameball goes to the pair of receivers Brady Young and Ladale Jackson. Together they combined for 5 receptions, 170 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Young also contributed on special teams as he showed off his booming leg, kicking 4 touchbacks. Jackson contributed on the defensive side as he added a solo tackle, an assisted tackle, a pass break-up, and an interception. Next week, the Warriors (3-0) battle the new kids on the block, the Ogden Knights (0-2) at 11 a.m.

9/17/16 Warriors vs Northern Utah Brigade Recap

Last Saturday, the Warriors, fresh off a 40-0 win against the WolfPack, took on the Northern Utah Brigade. The Brigade (0-1) are relative newcomers to this league, but are a great group of guys  known for their heart and always putting up a good fight. The game began with a quick defensive stop highlighted by a DE Ryan Jensen sack, forcing a Brigade punt. The Warriors offense began their day with a 30-yard run by Warrior captain Zach Geurts. QB Jeff Wissler then found receiver Scott Bryson open in the corner of the endzone for the touchdown. Wissler then capped the two-play drive with another quick throw to Bryson for the 2-point conversion, putting the Warriors up 8. The defense once again forced a three-and-out, giving the Warriors the ball back. After driving the field with a couple of long runs from Geurts and IK Ubani, Wissler hit WR Bryan Engstrom for the score. The Warriors then got the 2-point conversion with a HB pass as Geurts lobbed it up for Bryson to go get, putting the score at 16-0. The defense rose up once more as CB Donze Palmer-Randolph intercepted the pass and returned it inches from the endzone. RB Ubani was able to punch it in from there, followed by a quick strike from Wissler to WR Brady Young for the 2-point conversion and 24 point lead. Things were looking good for the Warriors.

The Brigade showed their never-say-die attitude and returned the ensuing kickoff past midfield, but a desperate throw deep was intercepted by LB/S Stephan Cook. With time short in the half, the Warriors dove into the bag of tricks and attempted a triple-reverse pass. Wissler found Bryson once again, who followed Ladale Jackson’s block and scored as time expired. Ubani punched the ball in for the conversion, putting the Warriors up 32 to 0 at halftime.

The Warriors’ Jackson then fielded the second half kickoff and had an amazing return, taking it past midfield, one shoestring tackle away from a touchdown. Wissler then found WR Travis Anderson for the big gain, followed by a touchdown pass to Geurts. Wissler capped the drive by finding Vic McKenzie sneaking out of the backfield all alone in the endzone for the 2-point conversion. This would be the last time the Warriors offense would touch the ball as the Brigade put together a long and time consuming drive, aided by several Warrior penalties, that ate up the rest of the second half. But the defense held strong and maintained the shutout, winning 40 to 0 for the second week in a row.

This week’s gameball goes to one of the Warrior originals, receiver Scott Bryson, who hauled in two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions. And once again, the defense deserves credit, this week not allowing even one complete pass all game long and totaling three sacks and two interceptions. Next week, the Warriors (2-0) will battle against the Spartans (1-1). The Spartans are the UTFL’s oldest operating team and are known for always boasting a hard-nosed defense. The battle will begin on Saturday at noon. Rain is in the forecast, but it should be clearing up by kickoff. No matter what, expect a muddy and wild game this week!

9/10/16 Warriors vs West Jordan WolfPack Recap

The last time the Warriors were all on the field together, they were celebrating the UTFL fall 2015 championship. A lot has happened since then. Largely due to the fact that most of the Warriors' players also compete in the RMFL which takes place at the same time, the team decided to forgo the UTFL spring season. So, without the defending champions there to put up a fight, the always dangerous Happy Valley Fallouts claimed the championship. In the meantime, the Warriors continued recruiting, always looking to get better. This year, the Warriors not only seek to win back their championship, but they also look to be ranked among the best ever to compete in the league. That goal began last Saturday as the Warriors started the season taking on the West Jordan WolfPack.

The game started with the WolfPack receiving the ball. The WolfPack, aided by a few Warrior penalties, were able to put together a long, time-consuming drive. That drive, however, was ended at the goalline by the stout Warrior defense. Linebacker Siolo Toala sacked the WolfPack quarterback, who was then forced to look to the endzone a couple plays later, but was intercepted by Warrior newcomer, safety Taylor Van Dongen. The Warriors quickly drove down the field, but were unable to punch the ball in from the 5-yard line and turned the ball over on downs. The defense stepped up and forced a three-and-out, receiving the punt at their own 25-yard line. QB Jeff Wissler then connected on two long passes, first to Brady Young, then to Bryan Engstrom who broke some ankles and walked in for the touchdown. Unable to get the extra-point, the Warriors took the lead, 6 to 0. A good return by the WolfPack put them in great position to score before halftime, but again Van Dongen stepped in front of a pass in the endzone. Only up 6 was not where the Warriors wanted to be at halftime, but that's where they found themselves.

The second half proved to be a different story as the Warriors came out firing. On the first series, Wissler found running back Zach Geurts out of the backfield. Geurts then proceeded to run around and through would-be tacklers on his way to a 50-yard TD. Wissler then hit receiver Travis Anderson for the 2-point conversion, putting the Warriors up 14 to 0. The defense then put up another bit of great defense, highlighted by a big sack by LB Tom Dorber and a blocked punt by Toala, giving the ball back to the Warriors on the 10-yard line. On the next play, Wissler hit receiver Scott Bryson for the quick score, followed by a quick pass to Geurts for the 2-point conversion, putting the Warriors up 22 to 0. The next WolfPack series was stopped when IK Ubani intercepted the pass and returned it to the 5-yard line. Wissler then hit CJ Ubani for the TD to put the Warriors up 28 to 0.

At this point, the WolfPack, in desperation, were forced to abandon caution and go for it on 4th down, leading to a turnover-on-downs and another quick passing TD as Wissler hit IK Ubani on a quick screen that he took in for the score, putting the Warriors up 34 to 0. The WolfPack attempted to put in a new QB to change things up, but the newcomer did not fair any better. On the first play, defensive end Vic McKenzie came in untouched and buried the QB for a sack. Two plays later, with memories of that sack still fresh in his mind, the new QB fumbled the snap, allowing McKenzie to fall on the fumble. The Warriors then decided to have a little fun and try out the Wildcat formation. They soon regretted that as it resulted in a fumble that gave the WolfPack the ball back with great field position. With hope of a TD in their minds, the WolfPack aired it out on the first play but found the Warriors' Bryson all alone in the middle of the field. Bryson then took the interception and pitched it to IK Ubani who took it back for a TD to end the game, the final being 40 to 0.

The gameball goes to RB/LB IK Ubani's all-around game, finishing with 5 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards, a receiving TD, 1 solo tackle, 2 assisted tackles, 1 interception, and a defensive TD. Credit also goes to the whole defensive unit, who limited the WolfPack to 50 yards of total offense. The WolfPack QBs were limited to 6 for 21 passing, 35 yards, 4 interceptions, 3 sacks, and a fumble, which totals a 0.0 passer rating. The Warriors (1-0) continue their quest for greatness next week as they will take on the Northern Utah Brigade (0-0) at noon next Saturday.