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The Hitmen See Stars

The 2007 season has been an interesting year for the IFL to say the least. A year of upsets, surprises and if anything else some great football up and down the board. Anticipation for Ironbowl XI has been mounting since week one. However, the Ironbowl has been overshadowed by the talk and angst surrounding the the first annual All-Star Bowl!

For years the IFL has named All-stars at each position on both offense and defense. There was even a first and second team offense and defense, but no game was ever played. The 2007 puts this to rest and a Pro bowl like game shall take place after the Ironbowl has been played.

Selections for this game were done slightly differently than what is typically done for such games. Coaches were asked to submit a list of players on their team who they thought were worthy of the All-Start Title ( Muskego Submitted their entire starting line-up ), from there teams in their respective conferences compiled the lists and ranked each player from first string to third. These list were sent in by each team to the IFL's Hall of Fame Committee who had the pleasure of tallying up all of the votes and putting together the 1st and 2nd strings for the AFC and the NFC. From Muskego, Here are you 2007 IFL All-Stars:

Offensive All-Stars

Mike Hill

Running Back - Mike came to the Hitmen in 2006 as a back-up running back playing mostly on third downs. As the year went on he began to see more and more playing time due to his impressive performances. In 2007 Mike earned the starting nod with the Muskego Hitmen. Don't let his small stature fool you - Mike Hill is a work horse in every sense of the phrase. Rarely ever brought down by one defender, his heavy running style have earned him a reputation as a bruising back in the IFL.

However, it is Mike's shifty moves and uncanny balance that keeps him on his feet to pick up those extra yards. But it doesn't end there. What makes Mike such a great fit with Muskego is his unselfish play on the field. There have been games where Mike has done nothing but block for his Quarterback giving him time to get passes off before being put on his back. These things combined have earned Mike a well deserved spot on the IFL's All-Star Team

Nick Seliger

Fullback - Nicknamed "Tank", at 260lbs Nick is a Fullback in an offensive guard's body! A bruising blocker with an "Old-School" football mentality who loves nothing more than to put his helmet under your chin and put you one your back!

Once a Split End in his younger days, Nick poses a duel threat catching passes out of the backfield unaccounted for. Nick is the definition of an all purpose back. Not known for getting the ball often, but his deceptively quick feet and relentless running style are still a weapon for the Hitmen Offense. But make no mistake about it, Nick's Job is to put his helmet between your numbers and keep you away from the ball. A dirty job that has earned him a spot in the 2007 All-Star line up.

Frederick J Derocher

Wide Receiver -

Frederick Derocher, or Freddy D. as he is known by Muskego Hitmen faithful, doesn't play by the same rule book that many wide receivers play by. He rarely opens his mouth and never complains that he isn't getting the ball enough. Derocher is constantly perfecting his game and improving his abilities as a receiver. Despite a hamstring injury which prevented him from getting on the field the first half of the 2006 season, Derocher started the 2007 campaign with a clean bill of health and took last season's frustrations out on defensive backs across the league.

Ironically, Derocher was not blessed with blazing speed and he has ridiculously small hands for a receiver, two things his teammates constantly give him a hard time for. However, Derocher runs incredible routes, finds open space, and makes tough catches look routine despite often drawing double-coverage. An intellectual player, Derocher understands coverage schemes and how to capitalize on flaws in opposing defensive back's technique. He plays with a cool head - you won't see this receiver involved in any verbal sparring. Derocher frustrates defenses to no end by quietly making the tough catches and putting points on the board. These are just a few reasons why Derocher has been named a 2007 IFL All-Star.

Kevin Busch

Offensive Tackle - Kevin the exact opposite of Mr. Fred! Adrenaline induced rage that is fueled with intensity is the only way to describe K. Busch on a football field. Kevin wants to get inside his opponents head and get them out of their game. Kevin may talk a big game, but one thing is for sure - He plays an even bigger game.

This former Ironman Of The Year has been dominating defensive linemen in the IFL for years earning him the 'Franchise' label with the Muskego Hitmen in 2004! His intensity is contagious on the field and his infamous half-time speeches have been the catalyst for many Hitmen Comebacks. Say what you will about Kevin, but every D-Linemen in the IFL agrees; he deserves a spot on the NFC's All-Star Offensive Line!

Jerry Zaboklicki

Offensive Guard - One of the quite ones in the league, Jerry is not one of the guys you will read about in the papers. But make no mistake about it, Jerry is as tough as they come. At 6'3, 280lbs; he is a force on the offensive line. He has played in every game with the Muskego Hitmen since they were formed in 2004 and has done an amazing job in an offense that is built for smaller lineman.

His combination of size, strength and technique make him a major asset in the trenches. Jerry does his talking with his pads and between the whistles. Making short work of defensive tackles and clearing paths for Fellow All-Star Mike Hill, Jerry has earned the respect of everyone in the league as one of the very best. The Hitmen are glad to see him finally get the recognition he deserves by winning a spot on the First Ever IFL All-Star Game.

Brett Butterbrodt

Offensive Guard - "Butter" really needs no introduction. The smallest of the Muskego Offensive Lineman, but by far the most feared. When you line up against Butter, it is not a question of ' If ', but When he puts you on your back, will your friends see it happen? It does not matter how big, how strong or how good you think you are, Brett is the great equalizer on the Offensive Line.

Not only the smallest, but the youngest! Butter's first year in the league was fresh out of High School at 18 years of age. It was then that the Hitmen knew that they had a special player. Named Captain his second year and Position captain over the O-Line in 2007; Butter is without a doubt one of the premier linemen in the IFL. His leadership, intensity and hard-nosed style of play have earned him the All-Star nod.

Gabe Rodriguez

Center - Gabe showed up to the Try-out sessions the Hitmen Held early in the 2007 year. Only a select handful were picked and Gabe was one of those few. He technique was what stood out in the try-outs, however it was his attitude that really made him shine. A player that is very critical of himself, always chasing perfection and his willingness to learn are what earned him a spot on the 2007 Roster.

Once Gabe was let loose onto the field, this rookie instantly gained recognition from defenses around the IFL. Picking up a difficult Muskego offense with ease, Gabe began piling up pancake blocks and shutting down linemen at will. Not only a rookie to the Hitmen, but the IFL and a virtual No-Name around the league speaks volumes for the ability and toughness of this young man by making a short list of players on the IFL All-Start Team

Markell Thompson

markellTight End - Dubbed "Chocolate Thunder" by fellow Hitmen, This 6'6 monster of a man needs no introduction as he stands head and shoulders above average men. Coming from the University of Florida, The Hitmen knew they had found a talented player. The questions was, would he fit into our plan? Was he a ball hungry player who needed to be in the spot light or would he do what what was asked of him to help the team win.

Without a doubt, Markell has been a positive influence on and off the field. On the field, his presence is unmistakable. A true tight end with a deadly combination of speed, strength, height and ability to catch the ball make him a threat to the field. Off the field, his lighthearted and outgoing personality keeps his team's spirits high and positive when they need it most. You will often find him before a game in a cowboy hat trying to get a rise out of fellow Hitmen on the sidelines. This gentle giant's brutal blocking style and imposing skills on the field have earned him a definitive spot in the 2007 All-Star Roster

Defensive All-Stars

Mike Raetz

Defensive Tackle - This first year defensive tackle needs know introduction. You probably know him as NUMBER 99!! Mike has made a name for himself in the IFL for making big plays and letting everyone know the number of the truck that ran them over. And truck is a very fitting description. At 6'2 and nearly 300lbs of solid muscle, this monster of the man has no trouble controlling the line of scrimmage

Mike has been a welcomed addition to the Hitmen. His teddy bear personality brings a better sense of family and his practical jokes keeps everyone on their toes. At forty years old, this ageless wonder shows no signs of slowing down. Good new for the Hitmen, Bad news for the offensive linemen who have the task of blocking him at the 2007 All-Star Game!

Jason Henneberry

Defensive End - Every team has the wily veteran, and for the Hitmen, Jason Henneberry takes that role hands down. His field presence and awareness have been an invaluable asset to the Hitmen over the years. Jason complains that he is suffering from diminishing skills, but the offensive linemen he lines up on would argue that notion.

At the ripe old age of 27 Jason is with out a doubt one of the leaders for the Hitmen. Taking charge on the defensive line as well as a number of tasks behind the scenes. He is responsible for all of the Hitmen apparel, as well as our uniforms and all around organization of the team. Rumors have been circulating that 2007 may be his last year on the field. We here with the Hitmen would like to squeeze all that we can out of him in that area. If he does decide to hang it up we hope he will continue to be a part of the organization. His All-Star performance during the 2007 season is only one piece to the what Jason has done for the Hitmen!

Eric Satterwhite

Defensive End - Eric Ties down the side opposite Jason Henneberry on the defensive line. Eric has gained a reputation for living in the opponents back field and giving quarterbacks headaches all game long. As one of the smaller defensive lineman in the league, Eric has had to rely on his speed and deceptive strength to out work his opponents.

Never one to open his mouth on the field, Eric let's his performance speak for itself. Strong enough to power through a 300 pound offensive tackle and fast enough to chase down a speedy running back, Eric has been a big factor in the dominance of the Hitmen Defense. Earning the respect of teams across the league one quarterback at a time, be sure to look for Eric at the 2007 All-Star Game!

Jason Huckstorf

Middle Linebacker - What can be said about Jason Huckstorf that he hasn't said already? The owner of the Muskego Hitmen is by no means a pencil pusher. He is a big part of the success of the team. His intensity and never say die attitude are second to none. We've all the heard stories of him playing in football games with a broken leg and blind in one eye!

One thing is for certain, Huck has a nose for the ball. He is always in the right place at the right time. He may not have all of the physical attributes you would look for in a middle linebacker, but he gets the job done and done well. Much like his cousin, Nick Seliger, Jason isn't happy unless he is knocking helmets with someone on the field. And in 2007 You'll get to see him knock heads with the best in the IFL at the All-Star Game!

Corey Sticker

Outside Linebacker - Corey was a transplant from the now Oak Creek Cyclones. The one thing that stands out about Sticker is that he "Plays Big" as they say. Because of his aggressiveness and physicality, you would think you were up against a 6'3 250 monster. What Corey lacks in size as a linebacker he more than makes up for with his desire to win. Often times being on the backside of a play, he doesn't have the numbers that his fellow backers have, but Corey has a reputation for finding the ball carrier anywhere on the field.

Corey always seems to be the one who is in place to make the big play and isn't afraid to let everyone know it was him! Sticker has been a great fit with the Hitmen and we hope to see him around here for a number of years. His aggressiveness and big play abilities go well with the Hitmen's style of defense and have locked him a spot on the 2007 IFL All-Star Roster.

Mike Saglin

Outside Linebacker - Mike was another transfer from the Cyclones in 2006. Having bounced from team to team for a number of years, Mike quickly became apart of the family here in Muskego. His level-headed play and complete disregard for his own body make him a good fit on the strong side of the defense.

The linebackers are a major part of the Hitmen defense and Mike has taken on the challenge with flying colors. But with deceptive speed, and the strongest player on the hitmen under 240lbs, Mike was a shoe-in for a spot on the 2007 All-Star Team

Mike Liebert

Cornerback - In previous years, Mike had made a name for himself as a tightend for the Muskego Hitmen. Nicknamed, Spider-man for catching everything that came within 5 feet of him, he was a big threat on the field. In 2007 Mike went back to the spot he wanted to play since day 1, corner back.

Seemingly a rough transition, but Liebert has come through with an impressive season. Still holding true to his name, spider-man, Liebert has frustrated quarterbacks around the league nabbing almost every ball they throw in his direction. At 6'2 he towers over most receivers in the IFL and still has the speed to run with them all, but is is physical play at the line of scrimmage that separates him from the others on the field and has earned him a spot at the All-Star Game!

Brandon Blawat

Free Safety - Many times, people look at the free safety position much like right field in baseball. A place to put the untalented kids where they are less likely to cost your team a win. Brandon breaks that stigma and makes quarterback second guess throwing the ball deep by doing so.

His speed gives him the ability to cover sideline to sideline and make sure that no one gets behind him to break a big play. Always in good position to make plays of his own, Brandon has lead the team in interceptions for a number of years in a row and shows no signs of slowing down.

One of the most athletic players on the Hitmen, you will also find him returning kicks giving teams more problems with a chance to score every time he touches the ball. You may even find him under the center taking some snaps at quarterback from time to time. A very versatile and dangerous player in the IFL who has earned his way into the 2007 IFL All-Star Bowl.

Special Teams

Brad Abraham

Most teams around the league overlook special teams in the IFL. That is, until, they play the Muskego Hitmen and Meet Brad Abraham. Brad has been a big reason to the success of the Muskego Hitmen. Most notably in the punting game. His booming, directional punts pin teams deep in their own territory. With their backs up against their own end zone, the Hitmen defense is always able to shut down offenses or even score points keeping the Hitmen offense in great position to score.

Lets not forget his incredible accuracy and distance on field goals. His ability to split the uprights from 30 and 40 yards out is absolutely amazing. Make no mistake about it, Bad is a great asset to the team. There have been many scoring drives and defensive stops where Brad should have gotten an 'assist' on the stats sheet. Brad also has a reputation around the league as the hardest hitting kicker in the league. Leaving returners in a heap of pain and dishing out concussions, Brad has pounded his way straight to the 2007 All-Star Game!