A lot of expectations where set at the begining the 2010 Hitmen season. First and formost win the Ironbowl, thats still yet to be seen. Another was to beat the newcomer Junk Yard Dogs, DONE! The next on the agenda was to defeat our rival, The Milwaukee Venom.

After the 2009 season, our head coach Jason Blawat retired. Opening the door for a new regime. Carter Robins came aboard. In the early years of the Hitmen The Venom were not what you would call a formidle apponent. The Hitmen pretty much dominated them. Then Jimmy brought Carter aboard. When that happened Hitmen vs. Venom games were nothing less than a battle. And for the years to follow it has been a blood bath. Carter had our Number. So when we were able to secure Carter as the next head coach of the Hitmen I breathed a sigh of relief.

Since Carter and I first met last year, we have been laying the ground work for the upcoming season. We knew with Blawat gone, all eyes would be on us to see if we could keep the legacy going. So far, so good. We have started the season out 4-3, not bad. But in weed #9 The Venom where on the list. Could the mighty Hitmen redeem their pre-season loss against the spiders, and improve their seeding in the 2010 playoffs?

Before the game even started the drama was high. Milwaukee was hit with the biggest rain storm in years. Some places got 7" of rain in less than 2 hours. The Sports Complex (were our game was to be played) was under water. The battle would have to be postponed untill Sunday. Because of this both teams would be missing some players. As far as the Hitmen go among our missing players would be our starting all star running back Jo Jo Moore, and our starting Quarterback Andy Janatis. Janatis was going to try to make it by half time. We needed guys to step up. Darrel Ellison did just that at running back. He only rushed for 21 yards and caught 2 passes. But that wasn't what was huge. With the Venoms' all out blitzing defense Darrell hung in there and along with our offensive line held the Venoms' tenacious defense off. Another player that stepped up was Markese McDowell. A wide reciever with a quarterback arm. Markese stepped in and went 4/4 for 117 yards and a 50 yard touchdown pass to Carmelo Valezqueze. Keese also added 70 yard rushing to the offense. We could not have asked for more out of him. He rose high above anyones expectations.

At half the score was 7-6 in favor of the Venom. But 7 points is all the Venom would get. The Hitmen D was tenacious that night. Just about everyone that stepped on the field for the Hitmen Defense contributed. Leading the way was Hitmen captain Trevor Hunt with 6 solo takles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Trevor also had some huge snot knocking decleaters. Brandon Blawat also added and interception with a ten yard return.

At the end of the day, the Hitmen would be victorious, outscoring the Venom 20-7. Carter and the Hitmen got their wish. Not only did we beat our conference rival and take out Carters old team, but we came one step closer to the #2 seed in the playoffs. If the Hitmen win out we will be 7-3. If the JYD's loose one game they will also be 7-3. And since we beat the Dogs we would have the tie breaker putting us in the #2 positiong in the National Conference playoffs.

I'll have to come clean and admit that I haven't picked up a Madden Game since 2005. However, my favorite part of those games was creating a player. Customizing their abilities and letting them loose on the field only to watch them get better and better over the years.  So I thought to myself, what I could do that on our website... Rate abilities and sum up an overall score and have it improve over time. That idea has now been realized in the 'John Madden App' ! People can now log on to the site and rate players on key abilities and an overall score is displayed on their profile.  Each ability is broken up into a couple of categories: General Abilities, Offense & Defense Specific, and Position Specific. Depending on the position of the player, each rating will have a different impact on their over all score. Also much like in the game, each player has a certain number of points which others are able to use to divide up as they see fit. Their are a number of things that determine how many points a person gets Points Break Down Allstar Status - Gives the greatest boost on total points Captain Status - Give a sizeable boost to your points limit Years with The Hitmen - We hope that you get a little better every year! ( modest increase ) Years of Semi-Pro Experience - Football players are like fine aged cheese, They taste bad and smell worse ( small imapct ) Everyone has a base number of points, so even if you have never played football before, you'll have a starting spot and you will get more points every season you play. It is pretty easy to use with it's slick slider interface and also gives visual feed back on when you have maxed out your points. The position specific ratings tend to have a greater impact on the score than some of the more general things. And it is important to note, that the 'Injury Prone' rating is inverse. The higher this rating ( the more likely to be injured ) the lower their score will be. The years of experience is something you are able to edit on your profile and should try to keep up to date, especially if you have been around the league for a number of years. It is still a little rough around the edges, and I am still trying to balance out the points and rating weights so the scores are fairly accurate. but it is all in good fun.

Alot of questions have been looming over the Muskego Hitmen organization ever since our head coach of 7 years Jason Blawat retired after the 09' season. I'll say it right off, without Jason as our head coach we would not have been as succesfull as we have been since our inception in 2003. 2 undefeated seasons, 7 playoff appearences, 3 conference championships, and 1 Ironbowl victory. Jason was a massive part of our success and there aren't words to say how thankfull I, as an owner appreciated his time and comitment to our team. Seven years is a long time to put in as much time and commitment as Jason has. Especially since durring that time he and his (Very understanding) wife Reannon brought three children into the world. So I can understand and respect Jasons' desision. and I myself want to tip my hat to him and wish him luck in the future. Thank you Jason for not only leading this team into so many victories, but also for being such a great friend and teacher. You will be missed. With that being said, the Hitmen will survive. I myself and a few others within the organization have not yet taken a break. When you are an owner in this league there is no off-season. There have been a lot of phone calls made and a lot of converstions had with potential coaches and players interested in becoming a part of the Hitmen in 2010. As of right now two key names will be added to our staff next year. One is Derrik Deihl, who has coached with the burlington Blue Devils for the past few seasons. Derrik brings with him great knowledge of the game, and unmatched commitment on and off the field. We are very excited to welcome derrik to our team. Next is Carter Robbins. Carter has spent the last few seasons with the Milwaukee venom as their head coach. Helping the Venom go from the basement of the league to strong contenders in the IFL. Making the playoffs this past year.(loosing to The Hitmen in the first round). Talking to Carter and knowing what he has done for the Venom. I feel confident that he will make a great fit with our club. He is extreamly organized, very knowledgable about the game of football and a great leader. I could think of nobody better to take over as head coach and offensive coardinator of the Muskego Hitmen. There are other irons in the fire right now as far as players and other coaches that are interested in coming over to our team. As soon as contracts are sighned and agreements are made these names will be made public. Untill then just know that the Hitmen are coming back in 2010 stronger than we ever have been talent wise and with some great coaches being put in place to help our team succeed. Now I'm not guranteeing chamionship YET, but the rest of the league should be scared if they see the Muskego Hitmen on thier 2010 schedule.

In the past, all IFL play-off teams end their seasons with a loss, with the exception of the Ironbowl champions.  This year, the Chula Vista Bowl offered an opportunity for another team to end their season with a victory.  Both the AFC’s Burlington Blue Devils and the NFC’s Muskego Hitmen fought hard in their respective Conference Championship games, but both fell just short of representing their conference in Ironbowl XIII.  However, their loss did give them an opportunity at another distinction – to be the first ever Chula Vista Bowl Champions. Both the Devils and the Hitmen were short a few players, but not short on heart and desire. 

Both teams battled hard back and forth for 4 quarters, and left everything they had on the field.  It took overtime to decide this game, where a 3-yard touchdown run by RB #34 Booker Stanley on a 4th and 1 call sealed the deal for the Muskego Hitmen.  The win made them the first team in IFL history who can boast the distinction of former Ironbowl Champions and Chula Vista Bowl champions!The game itself was a back and forth battle from beginning to end, with teams trading touchdowns for most of the game.  The Blue Devils got on the board first, scoring the game’s first touchdown.  The Hitmen quickly answered back when QB  Brent Staudt hit Carmelo Velazquez on a backside post route that went 60 yards for the touchdown.  After the successful extra-point by place  Mike Georgalas , the score would read 7-7, and would remain that way to halftime.The second half of the game would begin much like the first, with the Blue Devils scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a long catch and run by WR #15 Kevin Barrett.  Muskego would respond with a touchdown throw of their own – this time Staudt hooking up with Tyler Hunt on a 10 yard strike, bringing the game back to even at 14-14.  However, on the Hitmen kick-off that followed, Barrett would strike once again, bringing the kick all the way back for the score.  Muskego’s Mike Liebert blocked the extra-point that followed, giving the Devils the 20-14 lead.  Once again, the Hitmen would respond. 

After a long catch and run for a touchdown by Muskego’s Booker Stanley , the Blue Devils returned the favor with a blocked extra-point of their own.  This left the score tied 20-20 late in the 4th quarter.  The Blue Devils got the ball back with thoughts of a game-winning drive.  However, the Hitmen Defense had different plans, stopping the Devils and giving the ball back to their offense.  The Hitmen marched into field goal range, but once again had their game-winning field goal blocked by the Devils as time expired in regulation. Using the NCAA version of overtime rules for the Chula Vista Bowl, the Hitmen won the toss and elected to have Burlington go on offense.  The Devils got the ball on the 25 yard line and were given the chance to score first.

The Blue Devils were able to move the ball initially, but as they got closer to the end zone, the Hitmen Defense got stronger.  After an unsuccessful field goal attempt by the Blue Devils the ball went back to the Hitmen offense for their shot at victory.  A penalty on the Blue Devils gave the Hitmen the ball on the 15 yard line.  Four consecutive runs later, Booker Stanley found himself in the end zone for the score, giving the Hitmen the 26-20 win.The Hitmen offense had a rough game, turning the ball over 5 times.  Yet, they were able to make plays when it mattered most to preserve the win.  Stanley, Staudt, and RB  JoJo Moore combined for 140 yards on the ground, while Staudt threw for 161 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.  Carmelo Velazquez capped off a career season, leading the Hitmen once again in receiving with 5 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. 

The Hitmen Defense was put to the test this game, often having to battle with their backs to the wall to overcome the turnovers by the offense.  Like the offense, the defense got stronger as the game went on, and made plays when it mattered most.  All-Star Defensive Tackle #99 Mike Raetz led the Hitmen with 8 solo tackles, followed closely behind by LB #41 Trevor Hunt (7), DE #90 Tom Alexander (6), and DE #89 Markell Thompson and LB #11 Jake Klipp with 5 tackles each.

Outstanding Performances

Mike Raetz

Mike Led the Hitmen defense with 8 solo tackles, capping off a tremendous 2009 season. Big Mike was a force in the middle of the Hitmen defensive line all year, once again earning him all-star honors. At 42 years young, Raetz has shown the strength and speed of players half his age, even scoring his first career touchdown this season

Booker Stanely

Booker has been a workhorse for the Hitmen the second half of the season. With a combination of size and speed, Booker possesses the elusiveness to run around defenders and the strength to run through them. This was evident in the Chula Vista Bowl, where Booker caught a swing pass and took it 44 yards for the touchdown, making several defenders miss in route to the end zone. Later in overtime, Booker lowered his shoulder and plowed 3 yards into the end zone on 4th down to give the Hitmen the victory.

Changing of The Guard

The win marked the end of a long, successful tenure for Coach Blawat, who after the game officially retired from coaching after 7 years with the Hitmen.

This team showed a lot of resiliency to overcome losing the turnover battle. I thought the defense was tough, and the offense made plays when they had to.  My hat’s off to Burlington for a hard-fought game.  I think we put on a good show, and I’m happy to come away with the win.  Afterward, Blawat said he was humbled by the whole experience.  “I’m so proud of our guys this year, and have been proud to be a member of the Hitmen organization the last seven years.  I can’t thank the coaches, players, and staff enough for all that they have done over the years.  The only thing that could take me away from my Hitmen family is the family I have at home.  I wish the Muskego Hitmen and the IFL the best in the future. 

-Head Coach, Jason Blawat

Also retiring after many years of service coaching the Hitmen are Defensive Line Coach, Jason Henneberry and Offensive Line Coach, Mike Busch .  Both were invaluable members of this organization, and will be missed.The Muskego Hitmen had a successful season in 2009, but there is no doubt that they will continue to strive for the goal of being Ironbowl Champions in 2010.  Despite a few coaches and players moving on, the Hitmen look to return a majority of their players, including several core guys who have been with Muskego for years and know what it takes to win a championship.  The off-season is short, and it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve that goal, but if history serves correct, the Muskego Hitmen will be up to the task.

*The Chula Vista Bowl Is a 3rd party sponsored game and does not count towards a teams IFL record or standings

The IFL announces today that it has successfully negotiated a discount deal with Aflac Insurance for player accident coverage. For years the Ironman Football League has been searching for a low cost individual insurance plan for all of it's players. With this new agreement with Aflac the League is confident they have found the best insurance option for the players. An Aflac representative will be contacting the Team to set up a time to speak to the players for about 15 minutes at one of the practices. No obligation or pressure, just some cost and benefits information.