2007 Flag White
MISSOURI WOLVERINES

The 2007 White Squad followed in the footsteps of the Blue Flag Squad by facing 3 Playoff Teams including one of this years Competitive Superbowl participants. Of the non-playoff teams they faced, 2 teams tied with the Blue Flag Squad for the final playoff slot and the Pirate - Orange team was eliminated from the playoffs on the final week of the season. Regardless of the schedule makers determination to line up one playoff team after another in front of the White Squad the team demonstrated a lot of heart, pride, and determination to keep these contest competitive.

The White Team had only 1 returning player from last years squad, Noah Mundt. A second year Wolverine, Noah returned to help Coach Valdez's offense as a tailback and tight end. Noah led the team in receptions, and I can still hear him asking to run the "17 pass". There were only 5 Wolverines from the previous years Yellow Squad, and 8 first year players.

Returning players from other Wolverines Flag Squads included 2nd year Wolverines Davis Suppes, Tyler Rodvelt, Sergio Hernandez, Noah Jackson, and Derrick Finnell. Each of these players had significant contributions to this years team. Davis proved to be extremely versatile this year starting at fullback, middle linebacker, nose guard, and even filled in at quarterback in the Panther's victory. The highlight for Davis was taking the handoff from the Panther's quarterback in a tie game and eventually going in on a QB sneak to put the game away for the Wolverines. Sergio Hernandez returned to fill many roles as well, lining up at corner back, defensive tackle, offensive tackle, as well as tailback and wide out. Sergio led the team in flag pulls and was a force on every play. Tyler Rodvelt also went both ways lining up at offensive end, cornerback, and defensive lineman. Tyler had several long runs from his end position and also had several flag pulls on defense. Derrick Finnel, undersized in physical stature made up for it in heart and effort. Derrick lined up on the defensive line and went against someone bigger on every single play. That said he fought hard to prevent big plays up the middle and had an outstanding tackle in the Platte City Jamboree against the Buccaneers Black Flag Squad. The final returner from last year's Yellow Squad was Noah Jackson. Noah started on the line before Coach Suppes and Valdez woke up and discovered what an aggressive runner he was. Noah finished the season as the starting tailback and was very aggressive at attacking holes in the opposing teams defense. Noah ended the season as the team's second leading rusher in only half a season.

As mentioned above there were also several 1st years players that made an impact on this year's White team. On the defensive side of the ball, Tate Glenn, Dayshawn Guthridge, Anthony Suit, and Spencer Silvey worked very hard to prevent opposing offenses from reaching the end zone. Spencer and Anthony both found a new level of assertiveness in the second half and were truly disruptive on the defensive line. Donnie Hanway another newcomer to the Wolverines White Flag team made an immediate impact from his linebacker position and forced many NYSFL teams to run away from him if they were going to make any progress on their carries. On offense, Kha Marei Holden quickly learned the guard position and did a great job keeping defenses from blowing through our "A" gap. Sal Brancato stepped in at center in his first year and quickly picked up both snapping and blocking schemes for the offense. At the flag level Sal did an exceptional job with the QB exchange which can actually be an important part of the offensive play because any missed exchange immediately ends the play. Sal and 1st year QB Ben Marlow did an outstanding job ensuring that the other team had to actually pull our flags. Which brings us to the White Teams honorary newcomer of the year, Ben Marlow. 1st year Wolverine, Ben naturally stepped in to run Coach Valdez's offense. It was an immediate fit and Ben became the natural leader with the White Team. Ben led the team in rushing and touchdowns. He endured many big hits, yes even in flag, and kept coming back for more. Ben also filled in at cornerback, linebacker, and defensive line. He was a true competitor for the White team and spent very little time off the field.

The Missouri Wolverines Flag Program is built on fundamentals and teaching young boys the game of football which will hopefully inspire them to then join our tackle squads. "It is very exciting to experience each players progress at the flag level. There is a genuine desire that is pure with kids that are 5, 6, 7, & 8 years of age to learn and get better each week. We get the opportunity to experience these kids, first flag pull, fight through their first block and come out ok after taking on their first hit, score their first touchdown, take their first carry, catch their first pass, for some experience their first win after a defeat and prove to them that they can truly do it! We're excited about the Wolverines Flag Program, we have outstanding coaches that care about the growth of the children, as athletes and boys becoming men!" Coach Suppes and Valdez

We want to personally thank you for a great season and look forward to seeing you all at the 2007 Awards Banquet on December 9th.

• 2007 Game vs SEASON STATS
• 2007 Game vs RAIDERS (Black)
• 2007 Game vs PANTHERS (Black)
• 2007 Game vs GIANTS (Blue)
• 2007 Game vs BUCCANEERS (Black)
• 2007 Game vs VIKINGS (Gold)
• 2007 Game vs CHIEFS (Red)
• 2007 Game vs RAIDERS (Silver)
• 2007 Game vs PIRATES (Orange)