REV vs Blitz v.3
Its safe to say that after the Wasatch REV were able to climb their way to the championship in 2009, they put a bullseye on their back for all the teams they faced each week. It could even be said that after they released their first roster, before they had even played a game, that bullseye was large and wide for everyone to take a shot at. The REV were able to travel down to St. George with their entire roster in what would be one of the biggest upsets and games to date for the REVolution. In the weeks prior to the game, the Blitz had been pummeling opponents left to right but had yet to face a top tier team. That team would end up being the Wasatch REV who had a little bit of extra motivation at time. They had a player who was down in St. George the week of the game working, and he had a chance to speak with a few Blitz players who thought that the REV should just not even show up, that the game wasn't even going to be a contest. Well, the outcome went in the favor of the Blitz opponents as they showed up ready to play, with over 300 yards passing and cumulating 8 total sacks. The final score was 48 - 0.
After that game the REV continued with that momentum on route to the playoffs while the Blitz were looking to put the pieces back together. The two teams met in the Semi-finals of the playoffs and the game turned out to be a shootout. The REV ended up on top when the buzzer rang, but it wasn't pretty. The REV finished the game giving away 6 turnovers and the offense sputtered at times. The defense is what kept the team alive and on top. Once again they were able to bring pressure to the Blitz QB and finished with 8 sacks and 3 INT.
In the current season, the team from St. George are on a great run once again, walking through their first 5 opponents and sit with an undefeated record at 5 - 0. The REV, just like in 09, lost their first game, and have slowly started to get wheels turning near full speed. The REV defense is on a tear though. They have been scored on by 3 different teams, but haven't given up more than 7 points in any game to their oppositions offense. With only 17 total points scored on the REV defense, the Blitz look to change that with their new dual threat QB Diarra Fields. He appears to be a faster, better throwing version of their 09 QB Wes Marshall, but is similar in size, sitting at 6'2" and 260 pds. He'll need to use that strength and elusiveness as the REV have accumulated 29 total sacks to date on their opposing QB's, and have allowed a league leading 122 total rushing yards for the season. Yes, that stat is correct, the REV defense is only giving up 24.4/game in rushing. They bring the pressure and make the QB beat them with his arm, which presents its own problems with interception ballhawks Jared Harward (4), Clayton Wolf (3), and career leader in INT's Harold Ragin waiting for whatever comes their way.
The REV offense had a couple bright spots in the Semi-Final game against the Blitz. Both WR's Dave and Toby Christensen had over 120 yards receiving and both will be at the game Saturday hoping to repeat a similar performance. The problem for the Blitz might also be in the new additions they have yet to see. WR's James Owens and Ryan Lang, and the RB combo of Orlando Poloa and Devon Holbrook. Poloa has been on a tear lately and is in the top 5 in the league in rushing, while Holbrook's speed and elusiveness will be a great change of pace for the REV offense and the Blitz will have to account for. Both special teams specialists will be showcasing their skill in doing what they can to give the opponent the worst field position. This game very well could come down to special teams.
St. George Blitz Head Coach Greg Croshaw is a former Junior College National Champion with the Dixie State College Rebels and has coached numerous players who have not only went on to the Division 1 schools, but have also proceeded to the top level in the NFL. Well the REV have their own NFL ties with Edwin Mulitalo, Setema Gali, and JP Salisbury on their side. This game looks to be a battle for playoff seeding midway through the season. The REV were able to show up to the Blitz home in 09 in full strength, and the outcome went in their favor. Will the Blitz be able to do the same??
Gametime is 6:00p.m. at Bingham High School in South Jordan. Come support these two teams, and watch some fierce competition. Weather forecasts suggest the game will be played in 70 degrees.
