Davis, Tumbleson take part in Casino Bowl

Brian Davis

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LAS VEGAS -- Two Bureau County residents are in Las Vegas this weekend, but it's all business. What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas, after all. Mike Tumbleson, newly named head coach for the Mid-State Steel semi-pro football team in Peoria, has taken three of his players with him to the 10th annual Casino Bowl, which features semi-pro players selected nationwide. One of Mid-State Steel players is fullback Brian Davis of Princeton, an old Manlius Red Devil and Augustana College gridder. "It's a great honor for these guys," Tumbleson said by phone Thursday afternoon from Las Vegas. Tumbleson said he wouldn't have a hard time keeping the guys out of the casinos because they'll be kept busy with football. "I told them no beer, and they laughed," Tumbleson said. "These guys live for football. It's pretty easy to stay away from casinos and gambling. One thing they have in common is the love for football." Tumbleson said there will be NFL scouts and personnel to scout any potential prospects. Practices and the game are held at the Univer-sity of Nevada-Las Vegas. Davis got himself back into playing shape two years ago, after signing with the Quad City Steamwheelers. An injury kept him from playing, but he continued suiting up for Mid-State Steel. Tumbleson had played semi-pro two years for the Gainesville Thunder in Florida and is a former member of Team USA. He's been an assistant coach for local high schools, including Walnut/LaMoille as well as Iowa powerhouse Bettendorf. Tumbleson said it was his comeback in the game in Florida that inspired Davis to get back into the game, and in turn it was Davis, who helped him land the Mid-State Steel coaching job. "I kept chewing him out because I told him you ought to be playing. And now I'll get to coach him," Tumbleson said. Mid-State's season begins with two exhibition games in June, playing teams in the Midwest Football League, including Illinois teams in Decatur, Bloomington and Belleville. Tumbleson said Davis' brother, Spencer, who also played for Augustana, has been signed to become their starting quarterback. "We have players from Chicago, Streator, Kewanee, to Macomb," Tumbleson said. "Some players are looking to go to NFL Europe and Arena Football, while others just love the game. It's quite an array of age groups, we have players from 18 to 42, and they all contribute to our team."