Team Preview:
Written By: Sven Alskog

Year one of the Todd Jensen era at Murtaugh has to be viewed as a huge success.

Jensen took over a program which had lost 26 games in a row and that was separating from a co-op that had been in place with Hansen. The Red Devils quickly became relevant again in the 1AD2 ranks, breaking the long losing streak in convincing fashion in a 56-18 defeat of Richfield on September 15 and advancing to the playoffs as a result of winning three conference games.

Making things even more exciting this year is the fact that the team returns virtually the entire cast that was responsible for turning things around.

That talent pool is led by All-Conference linebacker and starting quarterback Graden Dimond. A clear leader on the field, Dimond has multiple weapons around him offensively including Gio Zavala at tight end.

Nate Thomas is an All-Conference returner on the offensive line that looks to continue to give Dimond time to throw and the Murtaugh ball carriers spaces to run between.

The defense appears to be in good hands with Dimond and Hunter Anderson back at linebacker and Keil Setoki leading the pass rush on the defensive front.

With Carey and Dietrich each losing multiple key pieces from their teams of last year, Murtaugh is a common pick amongst conference coaches as a group that could make some noise and surprise people.

It will be a much different task for Jensen and his coaching staff this time around, with much higher external expectations than existed prior to last season. The Red Devils appear ready to handle the new challenge and should be a fun team to watch on each side of the ball.

Murtaugh gets it season started with a tough task against a Horseshoe Bend team that was a playoff squad a year ago in the 1AD1 ranks. The Mustangs have now dropped to 1AD2, making them a major contender this season as well.