REV LB Clint Ackerman bringing the pain

April 18, 2009 – 4 p.m. Granger High School – West Valley City, Utah

On a warm and sunny spring afternoon, 2 RMFL powerhouses lined up for some smash mouth football. The Wasatch REVolution football team would prevail 36-17 against a physical and tough Utah Heat squad. Here’s a recap of the action:

1st quarter –

After winning the coin toss, the REV chose to defer to the second half and kicked the ball off to the Utah Heat. The Heat started on offense with new quarterback, Jeff Wissler (former starting QB of the Ogden Knights indoor football team) and were quickly dismissed on a 3 and out series led by the stellar play of outside linebacker Brady Nielson. The momentum was set for the REV right off the bat with the defense matching the Heat’s physical offense blow for blow.

QB Charlie Peterson would throw 3 straight completions before the stout HEAT defense forced a 4th and 3 from their own 33 yard line. Coach Eric Drage called time out and called a play action pass. Peterson ended up keeping the ball and running for a 13 yard gain on a bootleg. That was the REV offense longest run of the night as the HEAT would buckle down and consistently stop the REV running game. Peterson finished the drive with an underneath pass to Dave Christensen who galloped for a 16 yard touchdown.

After another REV defensive stop, Peterson would then find RMFL leading receiver Toby Christensen on a slant route for another TD. This put the REV up 14-0 going into the second quarter.

2nd quarter

Trying the run game, the REV were stopped cold against a stout HEAT defensive line. The Heat seemed to time the snap count perfectly and made multiple stops in the backfield. This led to some disorganization and tough yardage situations. There were multiple penalties and the tempo of the game slowed down immensely.
After a drive led to a Golden Whetman 39 yard field goal – the REV were seemingly in control at 17-0. 18 year old Bingham HS QB Dakota LaBounty made his debut and threw his 1st RMFL completion to a swinging Marcus Whalen.

Peterson came back in the game and immediately threw an interception as receiver JD Dawson was wide open on a crossing route. The under throw led to a stellar run back by the HEAT. Luckily, Peterson was able to make the open field tackle and force the HEAT to score vs. the REV defense. The REV D made a great red zone stand as LB Clint Ackerman and LB Darin Smith made key tackles and forced a field goal. With the score at 17-3, with 59 seconds left in the half, the Utah HEAT made a huge tactical error. They chose to kick an onside kick vs. a REV squad that had no timeouts. This gave the REV outstanding field position as they recovered the onside kick. 2 plays later Peterson found Toby Christensen on a 47 yard bomb where he was tackled at the 1 yard line. As the clock wound down, the REV spiked the ball with 3 seconds left before the half. The REV then jumped into its “jumbo package” and Marcus Whalen scampered in to the end zone led by the powerful REV offensive line of JP Salisbury, Bryant Jones, John Proctor, Ken Byrd and Aaron McCubbins. Score at halftime was REV 23 – Heat 3.

3rd quarter

The Utah Heat made some adjustments at halftime as they came out with a furry in the 3rd quarter. After the kickoff was mishandled by Roger Shulze, the Heat recovered the fumble and took possession of the football. After a short run on 1st down, the Heat ran a counter and opened up a huge hole for RB Devon Holbrook. Holbrook raced through the gap and sprinted his way to the end zone for a touchdown.

The Heat defense followed with another stop and forced the REV to punt. REV punter Jordan Lindsey botched the punt resulting in excellent field position for the HEAT. Again, they would grind out the clock and the time and would score on another long run by Holbrook. The momentum was clearly in favor of the HEAT at that time as the REV were getting sloppy offensively and were unable to stop the penetrating force of the HEAT blitzing linebackers. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the REV still led, 23-17.

4th quarter

There are crucial moments and momentum shifts in football, and this game the REV special teams answered the bell. After a pass break up by REV DB Chris Carter forced a HEAT punt, dangerous return men Harold Ragin and Dave Christensen awaited to return. “DC” fielded this punt and after making 2 juke moves that had HEAT defenders grasping at air, Dave found his convoy of REV blockers down the right sideline and scampered his way for a 67 yard punt return TD. That was the play that broke the HEAT back as they never recovered.

A few possessions later, Peterson found Dave Christensen on a 47 yard TD bomb thanks to a huge pancake block by RB George Uyema. (George also recorded a sack on defense as he chased Wissler all over the field.) The REV defense locked down the HEAT offense as Jared Harward made his league leading 2nd interception and returned it with a fancy lateral to the REV 36 yard line. From there, the REV would take a knee and run out the clock – victorious. 36-17.

KEY CONTRIBUTORS for the REV vs. HEAT:

WR Dave Christensen – “DC” had a career high in receptions and scored 3 TD’s. His game-breaking abilities were incredible.
LB Brady Nielson – “Chicken Legs” Brady again proved his worth as he swarmed all over the HEAT running attack.
LB Clint Ackerman – Starting in the place of injured Matt Shoda, Ackerman was the REV leading tackler and came up BIG.
DB Matt Stroshine – After missing game 1 vs. the Shock, Stroshine had multiple pass break ups and covered aggressively.
DB Jared Harward – Harward recorded his 2nd interception in as many games.
DE & DT Sean and Sam Matagi – The Matagi brothers forced the action all day and brought strong pressure against a huge HEAT offensive line.
WR Toby Christensen – Toby made multiple catches in traffic that showed why he’s among the best WR’s in the RMFL.
K Golden Whetman – When the ball is cleanly held, Golden again proved his worth. He nailed another long 42 yarder and is a weapon for REV special teams.
RT Aaron McCubbins – Replacing the injured Roger Proctor, with only 1 practice, “Cubs” proved dominant as he consistently handled HEAT blitzers.
RB/LB George Uyema – The ultimate team player, George played with vigor and energy capitalizing on every opportunity to help his team. His sack was outstanding.
Coach Ev Matagi – With limited personnel and multiple injuries, “Ev” carved out a winning game plan that produced multiple defensive 3 and outs.

At 1-1, the Wasatch REVolution are currently tied for 2nd place in the RMFL AAA South Division. They face a huge rivalry game vs. the Utah Wolverines this week.

What are your thoughts on the REV vs. HEAT game? Leave your comments here!