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