[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Acquire 1,000-yarder Mowery, WR Benedict
The Maassluis Merchantmen are thrilled to announce the acquisition of running back Rodger Mowery and wide receiver Jules Benedict. Both players are coming in from the RayCo Raiders. Going the other way are running back Jonathan Smith and Gene Sampson, who have a better spot on the Depth Chart back in the States. Additionally, the Merchantmen got a future fourth round pick for four picks in the sixth and seventh rounds.

Rodger Mowery played three season with the RayCo Raiders, but with the retirement of quarterback Brian Hartsock it became apparent the Raiders needed to hand the reigns to second year journeyman Neal Aguillard. They drafted Adrian McCaughey to challenge him. With Mowery not getting younger either, the Raiders could use a new starter and the Merchantmen approached by offering Jonathan Smith or the to Conyers traded Cedric Rubio. Mowery posted two 1,000-yard seasons with the Raiders in 2004 and 2006, while scoring 21 total touchdowns in 41 games, including one on a punt return. Mowery is expected to do punt return duties and mentor the younger backs on team.

Jules Benedict was the victim of being in a strong receivers unit. The Merchantmen clearly could use another receiver with the oft injured Gregory Monti and Bryce Ewald, while rookie Jerry Beyer doesn't look ready for the pro level football. It also means that the return specialists Devin Henson and Matt Offord will be even more restricted to special teams duties. Benedict posted 84 receptions for 1,163 yards and 9 scores in three season with the Raiders. With his skills, Benedict might even challenge the long term starters for a bigger role.

Gene Sampson saw only little action with the Merchantmen, being a rookie selected in the top of the fifth round. Samson didn't show the experience nor potential to fit in with the zone defense the Merchantmen are addopting and would have been a 53-men roster cut day casualty otherwise. The Raiders have only 9 defensive backs signed and Sampson wil have a decent shot at making the active roster.

Jonathan Smith had been the number two running back in Maassluis the past three seasons. Smith was a good backup to Randy Harris and ran for 511 yards in 44 games. In a record 14-40 loss at the eventual 2006 champions, the North Planfield Plague, Smith scored his first and so far only touchdown in the IHOF.

With the last-minute nature of the trade, Mowery and Benedict won't be able to compete in the first pre-season game for the Merchantmen against the Frederick Red Menace. The same is true for Smith and Sampson as both have pakced their bags and fly back to the States as soon as possible.

Just to ease the minds of the Merchantmen fans, there will be no more trades of players, except if any of the seven listed potential post pre-season roster cuts can be trades. Listed at this moment are quarterback Mel Atkins, running back Kyle Montoya, wide receivers David Henkel and Emmanuel Jennings, guard Alphonse Gale, defensive end Britt Bycroft and kicker Alvin Ladner. Of course, if injuries require it, some of these might stay around longer than planned, as could happen with them getting injured themselves.