New local semi-pro football team opens season

Wednesday, April 14, 2004

The Mauraders, the proposed semi-pro football team for Mountain Home, didn't make it into the Rocky Mountain Football League,

But a second try to form a team, this time the Mountain Home Bengals, did succeed, and the new squad will play its first game this Saturday, April 17, against the Boise Roughriders beginning at 3 p.m. at Eastside Park.

There is no charge to watch the game.

The Bengals are one of 16 teams in the recently expanded AAA semi-pro tackle football spring season of the RMFL.

Although sponsors are being sought, the 38 members of the team are currently paying for the start-up expenses.

"Basically, right now, it's being supported by player fees," said Bengals head coach Phil McIntyre, who at one time worked for the NFL.

The team is allowed a roster of up to 52 players. Anyone over the age of 18 who would like to join the team should call McIntyree at 832-9666 or 724-5167. Player fees currently are $60, half the normal cost, plus players must buy their jerseys (about $40).

The Bengals will play an eight-game schedule in the RMFL's South Division of the Utah Conference.

On April 24, the team will host the Salt Lake Nemisis at 2 p.m.

May 1 it travels to face the Glacier Knights at 5 p.m., then returns home on May 8 for a 4 p.m. game versus the Pocatello Predators, and May 15 hosts the Layton Pitbulls at 3 p.m.

The team finishes on the road with games against the Utah Wolverines on May 22, the Utah Blitz on June 5, and the Layton Longhorns on June 12.