Rados Get Shutout
May 10th, 2010
-South Jordan, UT
In the pregame against the across town Desperados, the REV appeared to me outmatched, less organized, and well undermanned for the game that was just about to start. The Utah Valley Desperados showed up early to Bingham High School, and showed up in the dozens. They certainly looked the part of being ready for a brawl. The offense and defense split to get warmed up by their coaches, the special teams players were stretched and warming up. All of this while the REV were looking like they were about to play the game with 18 players. With most of the players not there yet, or were still getting ready, the REV warmups looked the complete opposite of the Desperados. The freeway was completely backed up, and some of the REV players were stuck in traffic prior to the game. Fortunately for them, they showed up not just in time for kickoff, but showed up ready to play.
Even with all of the story lines this game had in the background, the real drama was to be played on the field. The main characters of the story were all too familiar with each other and their tendencies. Executing the gameplan was the goal. The Wasatch REV did just that. They were able to contain the run game of the Desperados and force their QB to make plays with his arm by standing in the pocket. The team from Utah County was only able to manage 34 yards of rushing on the day, with a few of their running backs unable to suit up. The onslaught of pressure by the REV Defense on the Rado QB James Fontaine forced him to move the ball through the air. He was able to complete 56% of his passes for 223 yards, but more importantly for the REV, Fontaine wasn't able to find any receivers in the end zone. Former REV Wide Receiver JD Dawson had a good game, hauling in 99 yards against his former teammates. Ulitmately the REV defense did what it has been doing all year, getting to the Quarterback. With Sack leader Justin Walker out for the game, LB's Clint Ackerman, Casey Sutera, and Darin Smith brought the pressure all night. The REV D finished with 6 sacks on the day.
On offense the REV running game looked on point. Switching some of the Offensive Lineman around, while going shotgun and under center, REVolution running back Orlando Poloa was all over the field. He finished with 127 yards of total offense and 3 touchdowns. QB Charlie Peterson threw for over 300 yds with TD connections to Toby and Dave Christensen while spreading the ball to 7 different receivers. The REV are starting to build their confidence in the run game, and are starting to really click on the passing game. Each game a new receiver finishes the game with the most yards, making it difficult to truly lock in on any one particular receiver.
The Wasatch REV are heading into this next weeks battle with some great momentum. In the last 3 games, the REV have outscored their opponents 133 - 13, while allowing under 400 yds of offense for the opponents combined. Their opponents, the St. George Blitz are heading into the game undefeated and have played some great teams on the way, already beating the Utah Shock and the Utah Bears on their home field. This game however is not gonna be played in St. George. The Blitz have to travel up to South Jordan, and play the REV on their home field. The game promises to bring fireworks and lots of emotion.
Game starts at 6:00pm at Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah.
