With the tournament in our rear view mirror, now we can get down to the business of playing real football. 30 weeks of organized pickup. Who's in?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Spring Tournament Wk2 Summary:
First let me say off the bat: I am getting too old for this shit. My body aches, my ribs, my hands, my legs are like logs today. That's just being sore, thanks to John "I am a Train" Burton, my ankle is tweaked and my knee sore and swollen. I'm a father of two, and I can barely lift my 4 month old, and can't stand up from my chair without a good grunt.
What else is there to say? Oh, the weather? Couldn't be any more different from last week -- where last week was cold and wet, this week was hot and sunny, almost too hot for football. Well that's it for today. Oh wait, we actually played games too. So with my knee on ice and my ankle wrapped, its on to the games....
THE PLAYOFFS
Adam Smashers v. Charlie's Crew: Wow, what a game. Only thing that could have made it better was if we had won. If you liked Defense, then you had to look at the other game (see below). If you want your offense smart and balanced, with a twinge of big play, then come on over.
The Smashers jumped out to a lead led by Tony Stewart's accurate passes and Brandon "Superstar" Waggoners scarecrow legs. All tournament long, Brandon seemed to be able to get open deep at will, he showed good hands, and was our best receiver. Supporting Tony and Brandon's efforts was Allscott, who wanted me to mention he scored 2 TD's in this game.
For Charlie's Team, Dan showed good patience and was able to consistently find receivers open in the slots over the middle -- Kevin, Charlie, Marc, Ari all showed good hands and were able to find holes in the zone. At the half the score was Smashers 22- Crew 12 .
Undaunted, Dan led his team bringing the score to 28-26. One particular defensive series of note, with a sack and nice pull by Marc that left me 2 yards short on 4th and 16. With Time running out, Dan moved the ball around to his targets and stayed patient. With less than 2 minutes left, we had the choice to let them score or try to stop them, we tried to stop them, we failed and the score was 32-28 with Tony left with 5 plays. A incompletion to the ever dangerous Brandon left us with 4 plays.
Then the magic started. 3 consecutive passes from Tony to me (and various flips and laterals), left us 1 play and 15 yards from victory. Unfortunately, it was 15 yards too many and the magic couldn't continue. Final score Crew 32 Smashers 28.
P-Mac's Peeps v. Burton's Bashers: The name of this game was Defense. Showing what would be their trademark on their way to the championship, P-mac's peeps played tough D. Despite a red-zone interceptions by their QB Jim, the Peeps led 6-0 at the half. Maybe they thought they were still playing in the rain.
They set the tone for the second half, when Marlon reached out his long arms to intercept an attempted lateral on the 2nd half kick off. With a 12-0 lead, both offenses stalled. With a 12-6 lead, Jim was able to run out the clock with 2 first downs, the last one on a nice catch and run by JJ.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
Adam Smashers v. Burton's Bashers: Both games turned into a rematch of the first games of the tournament, the question on everyone's mind would the results stay the same when you replaced clouds and rain with sun and heat.
The consolation game started as an easy match up for 3rd place and trash talking rights between Burton and Tony, but quickly became a hard fought offensive war. Again Tony controlled the offense, finding open receivers with ease. The highlights were a long pass to Brandon over Burton and another long pass to AllScott who showed no fear as Burton whizzed by him looking for blood or the ball. Still, everyone got into the act, particularly Steve Adamske, who showed good hands and made a couple of tough catches, including one for a TD.
A strong rush by Jon Williams (who also showed surprisingly consistent hands) kept PJ on the run, but John Burton put his team on his back. Despite our box in one defense, Burton consistently made himself a target for his scrambling QB. Most memorable was his one armed reach on a deep pass that was slightly out of his reach, but apparently not that far out of his reach.
With the Smashers holding a 2 TD lead with 10 minutes left, it seemed that the game was over. So much so, that the gays in the huddle were discussing the the ass on the girl in the bikini in the corner of the field (much to my embarrassment), what kind of gays are you guys?
Despite our opinion, Burton and PJ refused to give up. Down 8, we had the ball with 1 minute 53 seconds left trying to run out the clock. A pass off the receiver's hands (and off a defender's fingertips) ended up in PJ's hands. Much to the surprise of everyone, led by a blocking convoy, he returned the tipped pass for a touchdown. With the key conversion to tie the game, PJ found Burton in the back of the endzone.
With a smile on his face, Stewart took on the challenge (not to lose those trash talking rights), throwing passes to open receivers across the field, he move the Smashers with aplomb as the clock ticked down. A touchdown left the score Smashers 42- Bashers 36 and PJ had one play left for a failed Hail Mary.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
P-Mac's Peeps v. Charlie's Crew: Another Rematch. Without any subs, P-Mac's team were true iron men on this hot day, still Charlie's team commented that they didn't seem tired at all.
Still, the Peeps took control from the begining, they took the lead and never gave it up racing to a 25-7 half time lead. It seemed that the Crew's strategy of letting Patrick's team run up a 3 TD lead to tire themselves out, and give the Crew their opportunity for a stunning second half comeback was working perfectly.
It wasn't just the Peep's star players who contributed-- Jim, Jay, Marlon or P-Mac, but their entire team stepped up to the task, Kevin, Dan and JJ played consistent offense and solid defense, leaving the Peeps with no weakness for other teams to exploit.
Despite their "rope a dope" plan, the second half was more of the same, as Dan was intercepted at least twice, and Charlie's Crew couldn't stop Jim's deep ball.
What can account for their dominance? As the only all gay team, maybe they weren't distracted by the girl in the bikini? Who knows, but they did what they had to do when it counted, with no subs and nowhere to turn, they played a team game, with every member contributing. Congratulations to Captain P-Mac and his team.
Final Thoughts: It was a fun well played tournament. Thanks to those who organized it and everyone who made the time to contribute and play. I was really impressed by the sportsmanship of the teams I played against.
Except for the championship game, all the games were tight, and really it seemed as if any of the 4 teams could have won the whole thing. I wonder if this was the most competitive tournament in that respect. In the end, despite the wet clothes, the wrapped ankle, the ice pack, the advil and sore back, despite the sun burn and blisters, the disappoint of close losses, and the girl in the bikini, it was a lot of fun.
Standings:
1. P-Mac's Peeps (2-1)
2. Charlie's Crew (2-1)
3. Adam's Smashers (1-2)
4. Burton's Bashers (1-2)
A final hiaku:
The weather was odd.
The games were close (god damit).
Congrats to P-Mac.
First let me say off the bat: I am getting too old for this shit. My body aches, my ribs, my hands, my legs are like logs today. That's just being sore, thanks to John "I am a Train" Burton, my ankle is tweaked and my knee sore and swollen. I'm a father of two, and I can barely lift my 4 month old, and can't stand up from my chair without a good grunt.
What else is there to say? Oh, the weather? Couldn't be any more different from last week -- where last week was cold and wet, this week was hot and sunny, almost too hot for football. Well that's it for today. Oh wait, we actually played games too. So with my knee on ice and my ankle wrapped, its on to the games....
THE PLAYOFFS
Adam Smashers v. Charlie's Crew: Wow, what a game. Only thing that could have made it better was if we had won. If you liked Defense, then you had to look at the other game (see below). If you want your offense smart and balanced, with a twinge of big play, then come on over.
The Smashers jumped out to a lead led by Tony Stewart's accurate passes and Brandon "Superstar" Waggoners scarecrow legs. All tournament long, Brandon seemed to be able to get open deep at will, he showed good hands, and was our best receiver. Supporting Tony and Brandon's efforts was Allscott, who wanted me to mention he scored 2 TD's in this game.
For Charlie's Team, Dan showed good patience and was able to consistently find receivers open in the slots over the middle -- Kevin, Charlie, Marc, Ari all showed good hands and were able to find holes in the zone. At the half the score was Smashers 22- Crew 12 .
Undaunted, Dan led his team bringing the score to 28-26. One particular defensive series of note, with a sack and nice pull by Marc that left me 2 yards short on 4th and 16. With Time running out, Dan moved the ball around to his targets and stayed patient. With less than 2 minutes left, we had the choice to let them score or try to stop them, we tried to stop them, we failed and the score was 32-28 with Tony left with 5 plays. A incompletion to the ever dangerous Brandon left us with 4 plays.
Then the magic started. 3 consecutive passes from Tony to me (and various flips and laterals), left us 1 play and 15 yards from victory. Unfortunately, it was 15 yards too many and the magic couldn't continue. Final score Crew 32 Smashers 28.
P-Mac's Peeps v. Burton's Bashers: The name of this game was Defense. Showing what would be their trademark on their way to the championship, P-mac's peeps played tough D. Despite a red-zone interceptions by their QB Jim, the Peeps led 6-0 at the half. Maybe they thought they were still playing in the rain.
They set the tone for the second half, when Marlon reached out his long arms to intercept an attempted lateral on the 2nd half kick off. With a 12-0 lead, both offenses stalled. With a 12-6 lead, Jim was able to run out the clock with 2 first downs, the last one on a nice catch and run by JJ.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
Adam Smashers v. Burton's Bashers: Both games turned into a rematch of the first games of the tournament, the question on everyone's mind would the results stay the same when you replaced clouds and rain with sun and heat.
The consolation game started as an easy match up for 3rd place and trash talking rights between Burton and Tony, but quickly became a hard fought offensive war. Again Tony controlled the offense, finding open receivers with ease. The highlights were a long pass to Brandon over Burton and another long pass to AllScott who showed no fear as Burton whizzed by him looking for blood or the ball. Still, everyone got into the act, particularly Steve Adamske, who showed good hands and made a couple of tough catches, including one for a TD.
A strong rush by Jon Williams (who also showed surprisingly consistent hands) kept PJ on the run, but John Burton put his team on his back. Despite our box in one defense, Burton consistently made himself a target for his scrambling QB. Most memorable was his one armed reach on a deep pass that was slightly out of his reach, but apparently not that far out of his reach.
With the Smashers holding a 2 TD lead with 10 minutes left, it seemed that the game was over. So much so, that the gays in the huddle were discussing the the ass on the girl in the bikini in the corner of the field (much to my embarrassment), what kind of gays are you guys?
Despite our opinion, Burton and PJ refused to give up. Down 8, we had the ball with 1 minute 53 seconds left trying to run out the clock. A pass off the receiver's hands (and off a defender's fingertips) ended up in PJ's hands. Much to the surprise of everyone, led by a blocking convoy, he returned the tipped pass for a touchdown. With the key conversion to tie the game, PJ found Burton in the back of the endzone.
With a smile on his face, Stewart took on the challenge (not to lose those trash talking rights), throwing passes to open receivers across the field, he move the Smashers with aplomb as the clock ticked down. A touchdown left the score Smashers 42- Bashers 36 and PJ had one play left for a failed Hail Mary.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
P-Mac's Peeps v. Charlie's Crew: Another Rematch. Without any subs, P-Mac's team were true iron men on this hot day, still Charlie's team commented that they didn't seem tired at all.
Still, the Peeps took control from the begining, they took the lead and never gave it up racing to a 25-7 half time lead. It seemed that the Crew's strategy of letting Patrick's team run up a 3 TD lead to tire themselves out, and give the Crew their opportunity for a stunning second half comeback was working perfectly.
It wasn't just the Peep's star players who contributed-- Jim, Jay, Marlon or P-Mac, but their entire team stepped up to the task, Kevin, Dan and JJ played consistent offense and solid defense, leaving the Peeps with no weakness for other teams to exploit.
Despite their "rope a dope" plan, the second half was more of the same, as Dan was intercepted at least twice, and Charlie's Crew couldn't stop Jim's deep ball.
What can account for their dominance? As the only all gay team, maybe they weren't distracted by the girl in the bikini? Who knows, but they did what they had to do when it counted, with no subs and nowhere to turn, they played a team game, with every member contributing. Congratulations to Captain P-Mac and his team.
Final Thoughts: It was a fun well played tournament. Thanks to those who organized it and everyone who made the time to contribute and play. I was really impressed by the sportsmanship of the teams I played against.
Except for the championship game, all the games were tight, and really it seemed as if any of the 4 teams could have won the whole thing. I wonder if this was the most competitive tournament in that respect. In the end, despite the wet clothes, the wrapped ankle, the ice pack, the advil and sore back, despite the sun burn and blisters, the disappoint of close losses, and the girl in the bikini, it was a lot of fun.
Standings:
1. P-Mac's Peeps (2-1)
2. Charlie's Crew (2-1)
3. Adam's Smashers (1-2)
4. Burton's Bashers (1-2)
A final hiaku:
The weather was odd.
The games were close (god damit).
Congrats to P-Mac.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tournament Week 1 Recap:
Where to start? The stunning uniforms? The interceptions returned for touchdowns?
Oh yeah, the weather. 45, with rain that ranged from driving to heavy. It was pretty wet, wetter than the wet t-shirt contest at Gay Bowl.
Adam Smashers v. Burton's Bashers: The game was a real defensive struggle, with the weather making the ball heavy and throws and receiver hands unpredictable. The score stood at 12-6 at the half.
A little wetter and a little colder (after a 3 minute half-time), the second half started with both offenses stalling. It was defense that turned the momentum towards the Bashers as Chris took a 10 yard interception, 50 yards to pay-dirt (or mud as the case may be).
Basher Wk1 MVP PJ did a great job of controlling the game, taking what the defense gave him, and avoiding the rush. He hit Burton for the game winning td, to put the Basher's up 20-18.
For the Smashers, Tony played stellar in the wet weather despite 2 int's, but MVP honors would go to Brandon "Super-star" Waggoner. Two long td passes and solid defense all day long against the always dangerous John Burton. I would also be remiss not to mention the return of Joe Chapin. Playing with sky gloves, he showed no ill effects from his illness. He shinned on defense and in his brief offensive exposure.
It was a well played game by both teams, but the real winner was the weather.
P-Mac's Peeps v. Charlie's Gang: Another tight game at the half with Charlie's team up 12-7 and P-Mac's team getting the 2nd half kick-off. The weather proved more than Jim could handle (with 3 key players no shows), and 2 Int's returned for TD's by Marc and Uncle Bobby.
The ever reliable Dan did a good job with his shot putt motion getting the ball long even in the driving rain. I watched a pretty pass and catch Dan to Charlie, with Charlie running backwards into the endzone.
Wetter than Bobby at a high school graduation, the players and captains all agreed that the second game should be canceled to give ourselves a chance to recover and warm up.
All in all, it was a fun week even with the weather or maybe because of the weather. Of course, my car was a mess, and my feet were cold even after a 30 minute shower, but it was a great week. I'm sorry to say the weather report calls for 70 degrees and sunny skies next Sunday.
Where to start? The stunning uniforms? The interceptions returned for touchdowns?
Oh yeah, the weather. 45, with rain that ranged from driving to heavy. It was pretty wet, wetter than the wet t-shirt contest at Gay Bowl.
Adam Smashers v. Burton's Bashers: The game was a real defensive struggle, with the weather making the ball heavy and throws and receiver hands unpredictable. The score stood at 12-6 at the half.
A little wetter and a little colder (after a 3 minute half-time), the second half started with both offenses stalling. It was defense that turned the momentum towards the Bashers as Chris took a 10 yard interception, 50 yards to pay-dirt (or mud as the case may be).
Basher Wk1 MVP PJ did a great job of controlling the game, taking what the defense gave him, and avoiding the rush. He hit Burton for the game winning td, to put the Basher's up 20-18.
For the Smashers, Tony played stellar in the wet weather despite 2 int's, but MVP honors would go to Brandon "Super-star" Waggoner. Two long td passes and solid defense all day long against the always dangerous John Burton. I would also be remiss not to mention the return of Joe Chapin. Playing with sky gloves, he showed no ill effects from his illness. He shinned on defense and in his brief offensive exposure.
It was a well played game by both teams, but the real winner was the weather.
P-Mac's Peeps v. Charlie's Gang: Another tight game at the half with Charlie's team up 12-7 and P-Mac's team getting the 2nd half kick-off. The weather proved more than Jim could handle (with 3 key players no shows), and 2 Int's returned for TD's by Marc and Uncle Bobby.
The ever reliable Dan did a good job with his shot putt motion getting the ball long even in the driving rain. I watched a pretty pass and catch Dan to Charlie, with Charlie running backwards into the endzone.
Wetter than Bobby at a high school graduation, the players and captains all agreed that the second game should be canceled to give ourselves a chance to recover and warm up.
All in all, it was a fun week even with the weather or maybe because of the weather. Of course, my car was a mess, and my feet were cold even after a 30 minute shower, but it was a great week. I'm sorry to say the weather report calls for 70 degrees and sunny skies next Sunday.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Tour Around the Monuments v.2
Alright, we're going to try this again.
Our first stop: It was really cold, I mean I know it was only 40 degrees, but it was really cold, and it was April. Although we had 11 confirmed players via e-mail, we only had 9 hardly souls show up (and that includes Tony who was not on the list). Maybe everyone was healing up for next week's tournament.
On the left: We played 4-4 with a permanent defender who ended up being none other than our glorious QB Tony. White was led by Jay & Uncle bobby. Dark led by Dan Cipullo & PJ. The White team was filled out by Adam and Dan O, Dark by Brad and Kevin C.
On the right: Despite the stellar QB play, the best QB play was by replacement QB Adam, who came in and unexpectedly, went 4-5 showing a soft touch (his one incomplete was a drop), including a long pass right over PJ's out stretched arms into Jay's hands. He announced his retirement after the game.
Look here: Defense seemed to rule the day, not sure how many there were but an unofficial count left it at 140. Tony even intercepted an attempted lateral. Though the nicest play of the day might have been PJ's catch run, and lateral to Brad as Jay closed in for the tag. Unfortunately the glory was momentary, as White went on to score 24 straight point and win 36-18.
Coming up: We have the spring tournament -- 11 players a team, 4 Captain: Burton, Adam, P-mac, and Charlie. Should be a rousing good time. I'll try to post updates here along with pictures.
See you next week.
Alright, we're going to try this again.
Our first stop: It was really cold, I mean I know it was only 40 degrees, but it was really cold, and it was April. Although we had 11 confirmed players via e-mail, we only had 9 hardly souls show up (and that includes Tony who was not on the list). Maybe everyone was healing up for next week's tournament.
On the left: We played 4-4 with a permanent defender who ended up being none other than our glorious QB Tony. White was led by Jay & Uncle bobby. Dark led by Dan Cipullo & PJ. The White team was filled out by Adam and Dan O, Dark by Brad and Kevin C.
On the right: Despite the stellar QB play, the best QB play was by replacement QB Adam, who came in and unexpectedly, went 4-5 showing a soft touch (his one incomplete was a drop), including a long pass right over PJ's out stretched arms into Jay's hands. He announced his retirement after the game.
Look here: Defense seemed to rule the day, not sure how many there were but an unofficial count left it at 140. Tony even intercepted an attempted lateral. Though the nicest play of the day might have been PJ's catch run, and lateral to Brad as Jay closed in for the tag. Unfortunately the glory was momentary, as White went on to score 24 straight point and win 36-18.
Coming up: We have the spring tournament -- 11 players a team, 4 Captain: Burton, Adam, P-mac, and Charlie. Should be a rousing good time. I'll try to post updates here along with pictures.
See you next week.
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