RMFL GAME PREVIEW CAPSULE
Wasatch Revolution (0-0, 0-0) at Dixie Rebels (0-0, 0-0)
Tonight, 7 p.m., at Dixie High School
Previous Meeting: Dixie Rebels 28, Wasatch Revolution 3 (June 22, 2013 first round of playoffs at Dixie. Dixie runs over Wasatch after narrowly beating them twice in the season.)
REBELS
Head Coach: Dale Stott
Offense: Multiple
Defense: Pro 4-3, Nickel
Last Game: June 29, 2013-Lost to Utah Stealth, 31-28, in 2013 RMFL Championship game
Players to watch: Offensively, the Rebels are led by quarterback Misiovala Tupe. He is joined in the backfield by the returning RMFL rushing champion Sione Tapuosi at fullback. Tapuosi combines a powerful body with deceptive speed. Rimo Mapu will start at tailback. The veteran receiving corps is led by the trio of Tanner Wood, Brennan Adams and James Thompson. On the defensive end, the line is bookended by Vince Feula and Siaosi Umi. Doug Roberts, who played for the Revolution last year, will anchor the linebacking corps. Defensive team captain Brandon Thompson will start at strong safety.
Trend: The Rebels held their own in an exhibition game against the Las Vegas Trojans, 34-25. The Trojans have already played a complete season in their league and their cohesiveness showed early against the Rebels. The game undoubtedly will help Dixie to prepare for the RMFL.
REVOLUTION
Coach: Jeremy Williams
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-4
Last Game: June 22, 2013-Lost to Dixie Rebels, 28-3 in first round of playoffs.
Players to watch: The Rev are led by quarterback Charlie Peterson, who led the league in passing completions and attempts last year. His favorite receiver is Joe Mapson who finished second in the league with 51 receptions and 671 yards. Ryan Lang will start at running back. Defensively, Wasatch is led by linebacker Levine Tupe, considered by many to be the top defensive player in the league last year. He is supported by Siolo Toala on the line and Angel Castillo in the secondary.
GAME OUTLOOK
These two teams faced each other three times last season with Dixie scoring the hat trick. The first two games were hotly contested. The third game was a Rebel rout as many of the Wasatch players had scheduling conflicts and could not make the trip. With the league defined by divisions this year, it is likely that one of these two teams will win the Utah South. Both teams return valuable component pieces from last year’s squads. The Revolution is also the only team the Rebels will face twice in the season. This game will set the tone for either team’s success for the season.
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