Proud yet Ashamed

This past weekend we traveled to Las Vegas to play a tough team in the Las Vegas Outlaws. Not expecting to see a sign that advertised a room at $49 a night or $2 shrimp cocktails. No, this was the Vegas that was set in Northern New Mexico. A town that was always promised to be beautiful and friendly. Beautiful yes, friendly, not so much. With the exception of the 5 fans of the Outlaws and a big lineman that played for the Outlaws. I do apologize for not remembering his name.

But why talk about what happened? It was embarassing to be a part of semi pro football. I was ashamed to be called a fan and a member. I am going to make some people mad, but I have to tell the truth, no matter what happens. Here's why:

The Roughnecks did win 40 - 0. I am happy about that, who wouldn't be. But what I am not proud of are the actions of most of the Outlaws during the game, their fans and a few of our Roughneck players.

I know that fans will be fans and they heckle, that's part of the game. Players are players they trash talk and intimidate, that's part of the game. But when fans are threatening to shoot players of the opposing team (fans-Outlaws/opposing team-Roughnecks) and they speak ill of their kids and wives and get their own kids to cuss out the Roughnecks players, that takes it too far. The fans were the players friends, wives and relatives and they were an embarassment to what this game stands for.

The Outlaws were brash and very unprofessional, or semi-unprofessional. If they were professional they would dare not act the way they did on Saturday. Yes it's just a game, yes they are adults, but more the reason to show and act repectful in all areas of the game.

They couldn't beat the Roughnecks fair and square so they taunted. The owner or coach of the Outlaws cursed at the refs until he was ejected for a personal fowl against a Rougneck. He continued to stay on the sideline and taunt. Yelling filthy dirty words with no regard of the children on the sideline who helped with their water.

The Outlaws QB #17, got mad and threw his helmet and cursed at the officials. The last time I checked, that was reason for ejection. But he was allowed to stay and play. From what I saw, only a few players of the Outlaws held their tounges and played the game. Only a few fans were ashamed of their hometown team and made it clear to me that they were. If not for thier relative playing on the team, they would have left.

But were some of our players, the Roughnecks, perfect? No. Because of the trash talking, some of our players fell into the ploy and reacted with anger. Again, the Outlaws could not match up to the Roughnecks, so they resorted to headgames and they were good at it. The Roughnecks fell into the firey sharp tounges and almost, almost fell totally apart.

Coaches on the field yelling at players, players arguing on the sidelines, people getting upset and not letting people do what they do. I was ashamed to be a part of semi-pro football at that moment and if anyone was around me, they could tell.

When did this game become a stomping ground for guys to act like idiots and jerks and have no respect or regard for others teams, or their families? Isn't this supposed to be a fun family event? It wasn't on Saturday.

Let me give the entire league a bit of advice. Get back to playing for your comminuty. Get back to being a role model for your children and others to follow. If your wondering why your community doesn't support you, maybe this past Saturday showed why. Be adults, be upstanding.

Roughnecks, you are a good team, you have all the talent that other teams wish they had. At the start of the season, you stated that you wanted to set an example of how other teams across the league and country should be. Don't lose that goal. Work hard to get there and show repsect along the way.

Other teams are giving you a label of thugs and criminals. Let them talk. You are better than that, you know what you are and where you can go. You have the ability to be great and do something that other teams have not done in semi pro ball in over 30 years! And that's change the image of this sport at this level. You may not realize this, but people of this community want and need something to get behind. They look to you. Don't let them, or you down. I would rather see a team lose every game and be upstanding and graceful, then to see them win everygame and be what their opponents brought the down to be.

Well Outlaws, if the game was played mentally, then you won 4o - 0. But the game is phyical. And the Roughnecks did win 40 - 0.

SOMETHING BAD TURNS INTO A BLESSING.

We were ready to go. The team owner spent thousands of dollars to promote this game. We had concession stands all in place. The players were ready, the city of Farmington was ready, the radio broadcast was ready, the fans were ready. This was our first home game of the season and we were ready. The VFW colorguard. The tribute prepared for the Santa Fe Stings teammate, Jason Hill, who was a dedicted police officer that passed away in December afer a long hard faught battle with Lukemia. We were pumped, waiting, and waiting, and waitng.

You see, the Santa Fe Sting canceled the game. Reasons why? I'm not sure. But it was a dissapointment. I do understand that some players couldn't make it due to work and other things that pop up. This is semi-pro football, it happens. But I don't and can't, to this day, comprehend why at the last moment, they called off their part. No asking to play at a different date, no nothing. The team ownership had rather take a forfiet than try to save face with their players, community and semi-pro football.

Was I upset about this? Yes at first, but then I saw Roughnecks owner Richard Ruybalid swing into action. Rather than dissapointing kids, players and community, he turned a very embarassing and bad situation into a family event.

The Rowdies did their cheerleading, VFW did their colorguard, we paid tribute to Officer Jason Hill of the Santa Fe Police Department and a Rowdie sang the National Anthem. The Roughnecks took the field and we played football.

We invited all of the kids on the field and they got to play with the Roughnecks. They learned how to punt, pass and pull a Shayne Royce and dodge the defense. We invited the ladies of the WFFL (Womens Flag FOotball League) in Farmington to play a co-ed game with the Roughnecks. Kids got to come up in the radio booth and be on the air. Kids got to mingle with the players, get pictures, autographs and be a part of something. Families hung out with each other and did things together. You should have seen the smiles on the kids faces. Moms and Dads playing catch, running routes, spending time, having fun. All because of something that was out of our control.

Out of our control indeed, but not out of Gods control. He allowed this to happen. If not, I doubt that one parent would have rediscovered their kid that day. I doubt if one kid would have thought, "Wow! My dad can throw a football! or "Man, my dad is fun!"

Owner Richard Ruybalid lost thousands of dollars that day, March 20th, 2010. But he gained riches that no other man can buy. Respect. God used him to place families together again. God used him to bring a smile to a kids face and for that Richard, on that day, you probably became the richest man in the world.

So now the Roughnecks are 3-0. Next up the Las Vegas Outlaws, in Las Vegas, NM on March 27. Catch the ganme live on the R Sports Radio Network.

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMEN

On December 12, 2009 after a courageous one year battle with Leukemia,

Santa Fe police Officer Jason Hill, 39, passed away to be with our Lord in Dallas, Texas at Baylor University Hospital.

I didn't know Jason, all I know is what I looked up on Google to find out. But I thought you should know someone that you never knew.

Not only was he a dedicated public servant, but he was a mother and fathers son. He was a husband to Annemarie, and a daddy to his children Breanna, Elizabethanne, Jordann and Tyler. He was a friend to many and an trusted co-worker to others. He was someone's brother, uncle, nephew and Godson. He was also a child of the most high God and a player for the Santa Fe Sting semi pro football team.

I didn't need to know every detail of this mans life to be proud of him. He worked hard to keep the peace, he loved his wife and kids, he loved his country, his city, his co-workers, his teammates, he loved God and's that's enough for me.

He wore the number "5" on his jersey. He wore his heart on his chest. He wore a badge of courage, and from what I understand he wore-out other players out on the field.

On their website (http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=santafesting) the Santa Fe Sting posts this: The whole Sting Family mourns the passing of player/police officer Jason Hill. Jason fought a courageous battle with leukemia for over a year. He was a true leader, both on and off the field. He will be missed tremendously. The 2010 Sting Season will be dedicated to Jason and all he stood for. May God comfort his family in their time of need and may all of His angels guide Jason home to heaven. We thank you Jason for unselfishly making this place a better place for the rest of us. We love you and will always hold you close to our hearts.

I wish I could have known you Jason Hill, Officer Jason Hill, player Jason Hill. husband, daddy and friend Jason Hill. But somehow, by my faith and grace of God, I do know you. And that makes me proud. Number 5, is still alive, but in Heaven, playing ball with the all time greats, playing catch with Jesus and watching his Sting play the Roughnecks at "the Hutch" (FHS) this Saturday at 6pm.

The will be a special moment of appreciation for Jason Hill this weekend at the game. I hope everyone who reads this can attend. If not follow this link to listen to the game on line. Including the tribute to Jason Hill.

God bless.

Rough Start to a Big Finish!

As my niece put it on Sunday afternoon, "New Mexico is Bi-Polar with the weather!" That it is Tiahnah that it was.

The Roughnecks could not have predicted the weather, cold, snow and cold again. The Roughnecks should have known it was going to be tough against a team that was wounded and humiliated last week when they played a new team (Falcons) in the league and lost 20-7.

They should have known that tempers could flare and things could fall apart. They should have known that you are only as good as you are as a team. But did they know that? For the most part, yeah they knew. But did they execute? It was shakey, but yes they did.

The Roughnecks from the 4 Corners are now 2-0. They beat the Albuquerque Rage 30-10. It didn't come easy though. QB Jeremy Soto threw a few picks that the Rage just couldn't turn into much. Although they tried. They picked off Soto at least 3 times. But he did redeem himself. He trew a few TD's. Scrambled some and gave the Rage defense fits.

Shane Royce ran in for a TD, so did Dywane "Socks" Ford. Tim (no nickname yet) Sue Sue had an impressive INT which led to a Roughnecks TD pass from Soto to Foutz. Fred Christensen had another good day. We saw the return of Jason Quigley. He hammered like always, although he would quietly tell you different. All in all, everyone did well.

But why do they drive a fan crazy. Because just when you think they are about to fall apart they comeback and show you something different. The "necks" are better than what they sowed in the first half against the Rage. They know they are, maybe that's why they have a hard time at the start.

So the Roughnecks started rough and finished big. They have won their first two games and they won them on the road. They are no stranger to that, but this year the determination and their image seem to be different. They want to be known for their skils, talent, speed, strength, attitude and ability to win a championship. That's something that they have yet to accomplish. A championship to bring home.

Next game: Roughnecks vs Santa Fe Sting
6pm at The Hutch (Farmington High School)
Tickets available at R Sports in the Animas Valley Mall for $5.

Roughnecks vs Rage Game Preview

It's no secret that the Roughnecks and the Rage had a scrimmage last month to get a few kinks worked out of their system before last weekends season open for both teams. The Rage played the Falcons and the Roughnecks played the Desert Dawgs. But there is a difference between a scrimmage and a game that counts.

The Roughnecks are high off a 44 -6 win over the Alamogordo Desert Dawgs, which was probably the longest bus ride ever, and the Albuquerque Rage come off of a very heart breaking 20 -7 loss to the Albuquerque Falcons. So both teams have something at stake.

The Rage are a bruised team that has new players and have a point to prove. That's what makes them dangerous. They have speed, they have skill and they have strength. They also have humility. That's what makes them even more a danger to the Roughnecks. Commenting on last week's game against the Falcons, Offensive Coach Penya said "These guys (the Falcons) are GIANT KILLERS!" "They have beat veteran teams such as the Raptors, the Sting, the Wolfpack and us (the Rage)." He also added, "We were not ready to play at all. We took that team for granted and they beat us. We are definatly going to be a different team when we play the Roughnecks this weekend."

Will they be? According to Coach Penya, lack of execution, poor tackling and lack of focus was they key to their loss. not to mention that it's hard to win any game with 6 turnovers.
"The Rage is going to beef up their O-line to try and stop our linebackers" says Roughnecks headcoach Chris Kovacs. "Teams this year are gunning for us. We have big targets on our backs."

And that they do. You take away their run and it opens the passing game. Take away the passing game and it opens the run. The offensive line is strong and fast and as long as they give first year quarterback Jeremy Soto a chance to stay in the pocket and throw, he will pick apart any defense in their air.

The fact is as this point, barring injuries, the Roughnecks have too many weapons on offense and defense for any team to deal with. Soto, Royce, Begg, Cain, Moore, Irvin (or "Socks") Gonzales, Walker and the entire line. Everyone knows their assignment and they execute.

Now, the defense. They already have a name "The Darkside"....Tim Sue Sue, "The Manster" Bruce Frantz III, Fred Christensen, Lee Blodgett, Chad Covington, Sparkey Bennie, James Patrick, Obi and Ori Rector. They have a kind and gentle way of letting any offense know that they are coming to take the ball away.

So how are the Roughnecks going to do against the Rage. You'll hve to tune in and listen online to rsportsradio.com to find out.

Dedication Proves A Winner!

2 years ago a team from Alamogordo set out to be the best. They finished the 2008 season at 8-2 and lost their league championship game. In 2009 they dedicated themselves to becomming NMFA league champions. They did, despite a hard 2-2 start. This year they dedicated the entire season to their head coach Kim Mitchell. Kim Mitchell suffered a stroke Oct. 18, 2009, and was released from the hospital the first week of December. At the start of the game you could see it in his eyes, he was proud of his boys. Win or loose he loves his Dawgs. And after their first game of the season, at home at Tiger Stadium, he still loves his Dawgs, despite their 44-6 loss to the Roughnecks.

The Alamogordo Desert Dawgs showed class, they kept up the fight all they way. Yes there was your classic "Trash Talkin" on the field and on the sidelines. A few slipped words out in the open, but they were great hosts. Friendly fans and nice facilities.

Now to the game: (Full stats and coverage will be posted on Tuesday March 9, 2010. So if I left anyone out, please don't be offended. Your coverage will be updated on Tuesday)

The Roughnecks took control from the start. Long cold nights of practice at the "Hutch" along with constent hard coaching and team unity paid off.

Starting quarterback, broken finger and flu ridden, Jermey Soto threw the first 2 touchdowns and did some impressive moving around with a strong offensive line that gave plenty of protection. Although he trew a few pics he looked strong with 4 TD's all together.

Geron Walker threw for a touchdown.

RB Cody Foutz pounded the Desert Dawg defense and tore through the line. He ran back the final Dawg kickoff for a TD's but was called back on an penalty.

RB Shane Royce cut through huge walls to run for 80 yards on 14 carries and caught 3 passes for 35 yards and one touchdown.

#8 CB Fred Christensen had 2 interceptions and had his hands a beautiful third, but couldn't hold on to it. Looks like those Cutter gloves did the trick.

Obidiah Rector intercepted a pass and ran it back for a Roughnecks touchdown.

The kicking and punting game is a tremendous improvement from last year. Nathan Hamson is a great asset to punting. I don't think there is a more strong and efficiant punter/kickoff specialist in the league right now.

Tim Sue Sue and the "Manster" Bruce Frantz III gave the Dawg offense fits all day.

All in all it was a good day for football. Semi Pro, yes, but more heart than any pro player, by far from both teams.

As Desert Dawgs acting coach Kenny Mitchall relayed to his team after the game. "I told you guys that these guys (Roughnecks) were the real deal!"

They are folks. They are. The 4 Corners should be proud to have a team that puts in this much effort to represent their home. They practice hard and play harder.

I know it's only one game into the season, but the Alamogordo Desert Dawgs won the NMFA championship last year. In their second year of team exsistance. The Desert Dawgs are not a fly by night get lucky fluke team. They are the real deal as well. But on a warm Saturday night in Alamogordo, the NMFA 2009 campions were beatin by a bunch of men who determined to go undefeated this year and take home something that could have been and should have been theirs for the past two years. A Championship.

For other teams in the league; bring your game. If you don't and if you think you don't have too, you will be another oil derrick on the map that will show a strike for the Roughnecks.

Even Old Men Have A Story To Tell.

When I came across this a few days ago I couldn't wait to share it with you. I'm just sorry it took this long to post. Read it and spread it around so others will enjoy.

Even Us Old Men Have A Football Story to Tell!

Hey Semi-Pro Football Players:

I wanted to take a moment to tell you of my story playing semi-professional football in hopes to inspire you. At 45 years old, I had the will and desire to see if I could strap it back up and make it on a local team, The Central Oregon Stampede. It had been 24 years since I played JUCO ball down in Southern California.

I made the team. In our first game of the year, I got in with 32 seconds left at nose tackle. I am 5'5, 155 lbs. On the second play I was in, I got roll blocked, tore my ACL, PCL, LCL, and had broken bone chips in my right knee.

I was like, "oh great, two plays and that's it, it can't just end like that!"

My doctor told me I had the same injury that ended Kellen Winslow Sr. career for the Chargers. I did an excruciating year of rehabilitation after surgery to repair the damage. I went back out, in a knee brace the next season.

Again, I made the team. I played sparingly, on kickoff team only. Then, in our final regular season game of the year, my head coach put me in at tailback with a little over a minute left in the game. We were leading 53-8. From the 12 yard line, the play came in, 22 Power. Our 250 lb. fullback saw the fear and excitement in my eyes, and simply said, "Follow me."

I did. After a seven yard run off our right guard, the next play came in... 23 Power. "Oh boy, they really ARE gonna keep giving me the ball."

From the five yard line, I once again followed Big Mark Prickett and as I ran through a gaping hole, I saw the endline, the safety coming over to crush me, the only thing I could hear was my own heavy breathing, the crooked chalk line, the feel to get low, the dive, the knowing my head and shoulders were OVER... touchdown!!!

Nearly 46 years old, I had scored a TD for the first time in my life. I knew at that moment, that there WAS one thing better than sex... That feeling, that cleansing moment, that perfect "eternal baptism in the endzone" ended a lifetime of doubters and self-doubt.

I am forever grateful to Semi-Professional Football for allowing this old man to fulfill a lifelong dream. I am now being researched by the men who run the Record Book of Semi-Pro Football to see if I own a National Record of being the oldest player to ever have scored a rushing TD in a league sanctioned game.

My best to all of you who desire to live out your dreams on the gridiron.

Bill Hoffman