Saterfield, defensive line pave way for Cavs

The Wyoming Cavalry defensive line works to sack Arizona Adrenaline quarterback Jason Swanson during the Cavs' 69-30 victory at the Casper Events Center on Friday. Photo by TIM KUPSICK, Star-Tribune.

By DAVID BUCK
Star-Tribune staff writer

Tyrone Saterfield is rarely at a loss for words.

The Wyoming Cavalry defensive lineman guaranteed a championship at the start of the season and guaranteed a win in the Cavs' home opener on Friday.

Saterfield's guarantee came true in a victory against the Arizona Adrenaline, and Wyoming is in first place in the American Indoor Football Association's West Division.

One key to the Cavs' season, and a reason the championship prediction might come true, is the play of Saterfield and the rest of the defensive line.

"I've said it since I've been coaching indoor football... your defense is only as good as your D-line," Wyoming coach Dan Maciejczak said. "I don't care if we have all-pro defensive backs back here from the NFL. ... In this game you have to (pressure the quarterback) because time is going to cost you."

So far the Cavs defensive line of Saterfield, Jon Smit and Rodney Wasche is doing its job of getting to the quarterback and showing why the position is crucial.

Each player on the line scored a touchdown from a fumble recovery in Wyoming's first game against the Utah Saints. Saterfield, Smit and Wasche each also had at least one sack against Utah.

Then, against Arizona, Smit had two fumble recoveries and a safety, while Saterfield broke up two passes.

The Cavs mostly played three linemen, but help is on the way. Warren Lott played against the Adrenaline, and Tomasi Kongaika is expected to join the team this week.

"Everyone gets winded during the course of the game, but I preach to the guys, 'Just rush this play and this play only,'" Saterfield said. "'Don't worry about the next play. Just rush this play and go as hard as you can play and then we'll figure everything out the next play.'"

It's that kind of focus that prepared Wyoming's line to excel.

"You can't say enough about the guys and their work ethic," Maciejczak said. "Their technique is good and they work hard on it. We technically don't have a D-line coach. I'll go over there and help them, but those guys take it upon themselves to work drills everyday."

The Cavs have limited opponents to 30 points or less in their first two games and have constantly pressured the quarterback in both.

It's all been enough for Saterfield to make another guarantee.

"If we play hard and physical, we cannot be beat," he said.

n  DIVERSE LINE: Saterfield and Smit proved to be more than just linemen against Arizona.

Saterfield had three rushes for five yards. He came in at fullback when running back James Jones was shaken up and back up tailback DeAndre Phillips had a pulled hamstring. Saterfield said the team has a goal line play for him, but he didn't expect to play in that situation.

"When he gave me the ball it went back to high school days when I played tight end," Saterfield said. "I would rather hit than be hit any day of the week."

Smit also picked up some extra plays at a different position. He filled in at kicker when Fata Carter went down with a knee injury early in the game.

Contact sports reporter David Buck at (307) 266-0596 or david.buck@trib.com

Cavs Tracker

n  GETTING IT DONE: Wyoming's Tyrone Saterfield and the rest of the defensive line backed up his guarantee of a victory against Arizona with a 69-30 romp on Friday.

n  HE SAID IT: "We had to come out and establish our dominance. It showed (Friday night) up front. If we play hard and physical we cannot be beat." -- Saterfield

n  SATURDAY: Utah Saints at Wyoming, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at the Casper Events Center. The Cavs beat Utah 81-29 earlier this season.