Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

MISSOULA- It did not feel like the spring sports season Saturday night, but the Rocky Mountain Football League rose from the ashes with the Missoula Phoenix and the Clark Fork Rush playing an exhibition game that saw fans get in free, and the Phoenix get a 28-12 win.

Now the Phoenix gear up to start the 2011 season visiting the Great Falls Gladiators, and this could be a very big year for Missoula with coaching veteran and former Griz player Dave Garza now signed on as offensive coordinator. Also the Phoenix have a new quarterback, Shane Jurasek, who is undoubtedly one of the best signal callers in the league. Jurasek came over from the Biterroot Blaze in the offseason along with safety Nick Arnold, linebacker Spencer Steiner and former Griz tight end Ja'Ton Simpson, who plays tight end and defensive end for the Phoenix.

All the improvements go without even mentioning the new ownership. Michael Burks, who also owns the Missoula Maulers hockey team, bought the Phoenix in the offseason and has made an immediate impact. Burks has backed his new team by supplying new jerseys and has pledged to integrate the fan experience at a Phoenix game with that of a Maulers game. And with the front office and the coaching staff operating completely on the same page, the spirit and high level of competition has become a bonafide local attraction.

"We practice once a week, its for fun, we play on Saturday night just to have a great time. And if we win, we in. And if we don't, we don't. And if you've got talent and if you have the ability, then come out and play.," said Burks. "50 year old people that are playing who have the ability to still play. As far as I'm concerned, if you enjoy football, come out and play."

"You don't get paid and you're paying to play and you're out there so that tells you these guys love the game so it's a joy to work with them," said Phoenix Head Coach Willie Beamon. "Most people come out to watch and they'll think they're going to watch a high school team. But once they get there... I haven't heard too many people say they're not going to come back."

The Phoenix play in Great Falls this Saturday night. Their home opener will be April 23rd against the Gallatin Valley Snowdevils.

The Bitterroot Blaze will host Missoula on the 15th of this month.

The Clark Fork Rush hosts Gallatin Valley this Saturday, when the Glacier Knights (Kalispell) also visit the Helena Bearcats.