We got off to a late start, but rustled up 15 players for a marathon 2+ hour game, that went down to the final play. No pictures today as I played for the team without subs.

The Game:
Dark 33 - Light 32
Dark Roster: Adam, Charlie, Brandon, Jim, JJ, Jay Steve
Light Roster: Tony, Corey, Dan, PJ, Kevin, JB, Cassius, Gary

Theme of the Day:
There seems to be a trend this year of blow-outs and comebacks. This game had both. Light was up 20-6, had the ball and seemed well on its way to a rout. Dark's defense was about as effective as a paperbag holding a gallon of water. Light's three headed QB rotation of Tony, PJ, and Dan moved the ball efficiently down the field. Then ever slowly, Dark crawled their way back into the game. There wasn't a single turning point, in fact I don't think Light threw an INT. It was just small victory after small victory for Dark, a dropped pass here, a turnover on down there, and suddenly the score went from 26-12 Dark to Light 32- Dark 26 and the ball for score or go home drive. Dark scored quickly after missing on their first pass attempt, they hit the next 5 passes in a row to tie the game. Pass number 6 on the extra point ended the game, as Tony could only stare on in disbelief from the sidelines.

Player of the Day:
Sometimes even in a team effort, one player stands up constantly making big plays when they're needed. Today it was Jay's turn. Jay scored the last two Dark TD. The final one that tied the game was in traffic and ended with a collision that sent Jay to the ground still holding the ball. He followed that up by catching the game winning extra point. He also tied Kevin's game record of 2 blocked passes rushing the QB, and he may have had a sack. Add to that several other big catches against only one dropped pass, and he's this week's player of the week.

Trivia of the Day:
What's first base for gay men? (you can answer in the comments) I learned in our huddle.

Plays of the Day:
Tony had a nice option run for a Light TD, and taking a rare turn as a receiver score a TD on a deep bomb into broken coverage. JB took a deep pass for an early light TD. Jay's final TD mentioned earlier was a tough catch, and he did a great job holding onto the ball. Charlie made some fine catches snatching the ball out of the air on a couple of occasions.

Stats of the Day:
Kevin helped Light build their early lead with not one but two goal line INT's. It was so bad, that even on the last drive, Jim kept talking about how to keep Kevin out of the play on the final TD play. Despite those two INT's, Jim and Brandon got into a grove late in the game that helped lead Dark back. It wasn't in the stat book, but I did a good job of protecting Dark's QB from the pass rush. In fact, I blocked so much, that I think I might as well have been wearing a 74 on my shirt for my only TD & xtra point. The Light QB's were good, but hurt by a lot of dropped passes. Steve showed his usual knack for finding the open spot and moving the chains. I know there were sacks by both teams, but don't remember who had them (if you remember pls post in the comments section).

Must be the Wind:
Dark QB's despite their victory showed an incredibly bad touch on deep balls all day, overthrowing open receivers 5 or 6 times, it was so bad they commented on it in the huddle. The lack of deep balls didn't hurt them in the long run though.

60 degrees, in February? Come on, I got a frickin' sun tan. We had a great turnout for another 8 on 8 day with subs. 2 games and 3 hours later, we left for home. Some pictures of the day are here (some of my best if you ask me -- and I got some other QB's throwing).

Game 1 Final:
Dark 36 - Light 12 (game 32)
Not quite a shutout, but Dark controlled the game pretty handily. It was a pretty quick game running about 1h 15m.

Game 2 Final:
Light 24 - Dark 20 (game 22)
Light came back down with Dark just a score away at 20 points. The game featured two 20 minute drives that turned up zero points -- one by each team.

Theme of the Day:
The weather without a doubt. I mean this is February, and we're not in LA. We saw a bunch of the new guys make some contributions, Lloyd had a couple of catches, Peter finished out the first game with a TD, Chris almost made a sweet INT. The return of Allscott "Best Gay Quarterback."

Stats of the Day:
Marlon had the only int of the day from my memory. Marlon also came back from a case of the dropsies to make a big 3rd down conversion and then scored a game winning TD, coming up with at least 2 on the day. I had a key sack towards the end of the second game (with the family watching), pushing my way to grab Patrick's flag. Patrick had a nice running TD at the beginning of the first game, though it wasn't enough to keep Light in the game.

The Dark QB's Jim & Brandon played pretty flawlessly in the first game, making tough throws and showing good touch in the romp.

Plays of the Day:
A lot of nice catches. Brandon had a sweet catch on the far sideline. Patrick also showed some great hands in the second game, reaching up high and getting his feet in for a score. After several long drives, with minimal results, Allscott showed everyone why he's "the best quarterback" hooking with Marlon -- one play, 80 yards, 1 TD. Sam had a couple of tough (and I mean physical) catches towards the pool end of the field, going up in traffic and coming down with the ball -- even though one TD was called back. Craig was a go-to reciever for Dark in the second game, showing good concentration on a big 4th down catch as Chris collided with him. Oh, and I showed Charlie's dog who was boss running over him for 5 yards in the first game.

Sure there was other plays, Brandon, Allscott, let me know what I forgot.

Played 2 games this Sunday, and we had a huge turnout (was it was Super Bowl Sunday or the beautiful 50 degree weather) -- playing 8-8 with 3 subs for the first game and 8-8 in the second game.

Game 1 Final:
Dark 32 - Light 20
Dark Roster was something like Charlie, Burton, Tony, Armando, Marvin, Kevin, Craig, Peter, Miles (who took a pain walk after I toasted him for the first TD of the day), Greg, Achai
Light Roster was +/- Patrick, Adam, Barry, Jim, Kenneth, Gary, JB, Lloyd, Marc, JJ, Brian, Dan
Light took a 20-6 lead, then watch as Dark came back, scored 26 straight points, shutting down Light's offense (at one point PJ threw 8 consecutive incomplete's against Dark's man to man defense). Here's some video of the game winner.


Game 2 Final:
Dark 27 - Light 6
Dark Rosterish Dan, Tony, Burton, Brian, Kevin, Lloyd, Barry, Greg, Achai, Armando
Light Roster: Adam, Jim, Charlie, Marvin, Marc, JJ, Craig
Game to 22, Light never really got their act together either on Offense of Defense.

Theme(s) of the Day:
Mud. Oh and the mud. Did I mention the mud? Mix snow, ice and bright sun you get mud, goody like cake batter or baby poop (you're gonna have to trust me on this one), we were caked in it. It felt like you were running with weights on your legs from all the mud on your shoes (nice day to break in new cleats Adam).

I found mud in my ear going home. Still the weather was nice and it was a great day for football, maybe if there had been a little less mud, it would have been perfect.

Quote of the Day:
As the teams were lining up pre-snap, Tony was centering to Dan.
Unattributed: "Watch Tony coming out."
JJ: "We've been watching him coming out for 10 years."

Play(s) of the Day:
Marvin streaking downfield to catch John Burton from behind on a long catch (too much mud on the cleats John).

Burton's INT at the goal line returned for a TD.

My stretching catch over the middle for a TD, reaching out high to snatch the ball out of the air.

Tony's flips (flip on a long return to seal the TD & multiple laterals to win the last game).

Stats of the Day:
My 3 TD's in the first game were Light's only scores -- I dropped #4 after buring Burton deep, who seemed to be standing in the mud, sigh.

Marc St. Pierre had 2 INT's with Light's back agains the goal line.

Burton had a INT which he returned for a TD.

Tony scrambled 20 yards for a TD in the second game.

Kevin continued his streak of blocked passes with another one at the line of scrimmage.

That's about all I can remember after the Super Bowl get together at the Duplex Diner. What do you remember?

Here are some pictures of the day.

Some video from the games.

This says it all.

I wasn't there personally, but I got this from someone who was:

The Scores:
First game was another shut-out 32 -0. Almost the same guys on the losing team as the last shut out -- Brandon, Dan, JB, Burton, JJ, AllScott.

Second game ended in a tie 36-36. It was almost 2:00 and there was a Lacrosse team and another football team waiting to play so we just left it at a tie. Lloyd brought 2 new guys out -- Miles and Peter. Both fast, good, and nice guys.

Stats:
Surprisingly few interceptions even though our team had a ton of stops in the first game. I think we confused them with different schemes/pressure and good amount of man-to-man.

Play of the Day:
Play of the day was a great fade route that Tony threw to Miles streaking down the sideline after a pump underneath.

In honor of six word memoirs:

No games this weekend. Obama's Here.

Summary of Jan 11:

We started with 6-6, then went to 7-7 as Tony rolled in around 11a, we played two games one very exciting and one the rare blowout.

Game 1 Final
Dark 32 - Light 0
Light Roster: Cipullo, JJ, Allscott, Jon, Marc, Lloyd, Tony
Dark Roster: Kevin, Adam, Charlie, Patrick, Daniel (Craig's brother), Jim

Game 2 Final:
Dark 31 - Light 28 (played to 29)
Dark Roster: Adam, Patrick, Steve, Tony, Dan, Lloyd, Scott
Light Roster: Charlie, Jon, Jim, Kevin, Marc, Danny (Craig's Brother), JJ

Theme(s) of the Day:
The Mud was a constant, JJ could barely lift himself up on play. Everyone was slipping and sliding.

Blow-Outs and combacks. The first game was a quick blow-out, Light never really got its game together and couldn't stop the Dark team. The second game looked like it was heading in the same direction as Dark was up something like 22-7 for a long time, and Dark's only score coming on an INT return for a TD. Sitting Just a TD and XP from victory, Dark stalled out, with Light's defense coming up with 4 stops in a row. Breaking their drought, they came to the brink of victory 28-25 but couldn't convert the XP. Light scored on their next possession to make the round trip from from blow out to victory.

Player of the Day:
As usual it was a team effort all the way around. QB's were unusually ineffective or at least not as effective as usual. My choice would be Danny (Craig's brother) who made several long catches and played good shut-down defense at safety.

Plays of the Day:
From what I remember.... I had a sweet one-handed catched reaching back on the ball with my left hand to scoop the ball and get the INT.

Danny had several nice catches on long bombs and made some good pulls crashing the ball on D.

Tony made his mark today as a receiver beating Jonathan for a deep bomb.

JJ had an INT off of Dan on a deep pass to Allscott and out-muscled Allscott along the sideline for another nice catch. It made up for Allscott's brutish shoulder to the sternum that knocked JJ out of the game for a play.

Blame the Sweatshirt:
Kevin was involved in controvery early as a long gain was called back because his gray sweatshirt was out over his flags. Latter, after 3 bad drops, he blamed the slippery sweatshirt which was taken off mid-game.

Turning Point,..maybe not:
Jim's INT near the goal line to me. I brought the ball out about 20-30 yards before flipping it to Allscott who took the ball the rest of the 60 yards for a TD. That played slowed down Dark's momentum in the second game brining the score to 7-6. It didn't last for long though as Dark went on to score the next 2 TD's bringing them to the brink of victory. But Light was able to wear them down with a tough man to man defense. Eventually going up 25-22 before winning it 31-28. Guess slow and steady won the race this Sunday.

Stats of the Day:
I had 3 INT, one for a TD on a duck of a pass by Allscott in the blow out of the first game. Steve went 2-2 for 80 yards and 1 TD in his only turn as QB. Allscott was 4-12, but he did get an INT and did bring one back with my help for a TD (Editor's Note (1/15): Scott sent me the following correction " I threw a long pass to Tony who flipped it to PJ for a TD - that counts as a TD pass in my QB rating; although 4 - 12 might be a little generous. I think that TD pass was my only completion in 2 drives (1 for 8, 1 TD, 1 INT)"). Patrick had an INT. Dan had a couple of sacks. Can't remember who scored the TD's. Though Patrick had the game winner on a nice catch and run making two defenders miss.

Thanks for JJ & Patrick for their e-mailing me their favorite plays? Did I miss something you did or thought was worth mentioning? Well, e-mail it to me or just post it in the comments.

Pictures from this weekend's muddy game.

They're in the same set as last weeks' game.

Some pictures from the game this past Sunday.

See some pictures from November 2008.

First game of the new year was played on a fairly mild winter day. We ended up with 16 guys for a nice 7-7 with a sub each. We only got one game in, of course it was a 2 hour game, and Charlie had to get home to watch the Dolphins (sorry Charlie, but you got to be happy with the season, right).

The Teams (as best I can remember):
Dark: Adam, Patrick Tangey, Jay, Steve, Jonathan, Craig, Brandon, JJ
Light: Jim, Tony, Charlie, Sam, Kip, Mike from Boston, I'm forgetting 2 guys.

Final Score:
Dark 32 - Light 20

Theme of the Day:
Defense. Not sure how long the score seemed stuck at Light 14 - Dark 6. Light had several opportunities to open up that lead, but interceptions killed their chances. Meanwhile Dark took its time, with some interceptions and turn over on downs, before it could come back and take over the game.

Stats of the Day:
TD's: I had 2 including a the game winner on a beautiful play -- JJ blizting in blocked Tony's quick pass to Sam "MVP" on the sideline, the ball floated beautifully up in the air to me steaking down uncontested for the game winner.

INT's: There were a lot of them. I had 2, Jay had one with Dark's back against the goal line, Patrick had one, Jimmy had at least one for Light. Sure there were others I missed.

Sacks: Patrick had at least one, rushing in un-touched to get Jimmy before he even had a chance to look downfield. Newcommer Mike, a visitor from Boston's league, showed some good strength on the pass rush, and had several sweet pulls including one on Brandon (I think) for a sack.

Play(s) of the Day:
Sam "MVP" had a beautiful catch on the sideline, showing great body control as he twisted towards the sideline to come down with the ball and get his feet in on a 40 yard bomb.

JJ's block of Tony's sideline pass, to set up the game winning INT returned for TD was just a great play.

Not on the Scoresheet:
You may not have noticed it unless you where in the Dark Defense's huddle, but Patrick did a great job of calling the Dark defense, throwing different schemes at Light's Qb's -- Tony & Jim, and different blitzes. Those calls along went a long way towards throwing Light off-balance, keeping the Dark team in the game long enough to get its offense going.

Sure I missed your favorite play or TD, let me know in the comments section.

Hold on a minute, let me dust the cobwebs off this thing.

Welcome back to DC Gay Flag Football. Its been a month since Salt Lake City, "Girl down," Pattie Mac's throw me the f**king ball standing 5 yards out of bounds, and Trainwreck going offsides after reminding everyone the snap count was on 2. After one week off, its been three of weeks of football.

Not being there the first week, I can't comment on that game, but we've had some good football in the two weeks I've been out. One thing I've noticed is how much the level of play has improved with two teams representing DC in the tournament.

Two weeks ago we had a lot of newcomers to the game, the scores were blowouts, but the attitude was good and the games were fun despite the score. The play I remember most of all was Marlon rushing the passer, blocking the pass, catching the loose ball and returning it for a touchdown.

This past week, the word on everyone one's tired lips was DE-FENSE! The second game stretched to 1 hour and 50 minutes, only ending at 30-24 after a defensive deflection ended Tony's drive to tie it up at 1:50p there was a lack of will and advil to continue the game to 32. To give you an idea of the defensive intensity, there were 4 possessions back to back to back to back where the offensive team turned the ball over on downs. That made for a string of 6 or so possessions without a score from either team, that's got to be some kind of modern day record.

My flag pull to stop Tony's scramble on 4th and 7 at 5 yards was matched by Craig's pull on the other side to end a Dark drive. Typical of the day, after Craig's 5 yard pass turned into a 60 yard run down field to put White on the 8 yard line. Tony threw up a rare interception to Kevin in the corner.

Marlon led the Dark team's offense with his vaunted 2 play, err, 2 formation system. Kevin took the reins to throw a couple of TD, and superstar Brandon (the white Marlon) also chipped in. JJ was solid and open all day hauling in 10 of 11 balls thrown his way. I scored my share of TD's with a couple of nice catches...

Frankly, I can't remember anything that happened, too tired, too little oxygen to the brain. Post your highlights in the comments section.

The newcomers showed some solid contributions too in the past couple of weeks:
* Lloyd scored the game winning conversion in the first game only to rush off to his waiting posse.
* Andy shook off his hang-over and aging body to show some good flag pulling (why does he end up on the ground after EVERY pull) and was a solid short target in the second game death match.
* Brian took on quarterbacking white and displayed a good arm throwing a nice intermediate and deep ball.

Its just good to get out there and start the real football season. Some pictures two follow tonight.

I write this sitting at home watching Ghostbusters. I just returned from a very fun filled weekend in Chicago at the first Pride Bowl. First of all thanks to all the Pride Bowl organizers, it was a great tournament a lot of fun, thanks to the other teams and the refs.

The Monuments & Metros both sent teams to the 12 team tournament.

I won't go into all the deals of each game, I'm too old, too tired (Jim sweet talked me into joining the boys at Sidetracks), and frankly I can barely remember what day of the week it is:

The Monuments finished 3rd with a 4-1 record. I think everyone would agree that it was a lot of fun, and I heard repeatedly talk of how close the team was, and how much everyone felt we were all on the same page. Tony spurred the offense, with like a gazzlion TD's (more than the tournament MVP from the Champion San Diego Bolts -- as he pointed out to me) and only one INT. John Williams' relentless rush keyed a relentless Defense, I think we totaled about 10 Int's and had 2-3 more dropped. Burton lead the team with 4 INT's.

Who can forget the driving rain storm, or Allscott's (Best Gay Quarterback) kinda floating wobbly duck of a pass to Shane, Williams going up against Stacy, Jim's 3 sideline plays, Marlon's and Burton discussing who was going to field a punt over tea.

It was a good leadup to Salt Lake in the Fall, and we can see the work that needs to be done to be ready for that challenge.

The Metro's won the Rec Division. I only on watched them play once or twice (guest blogger from the Metro's anyone), but I talked with several of them, and they also commented on the sense of team they were building. I think they all were really impressed and touched by how their team came together and really stepped it up.

All in all it was a fun weekend, I got some dancing in, after 5 games in 2 days, I'm not sore at all, and it was a good tuneup for Salt Lake.

No game this weekend.

Softball has begun to play.

The field thanks us.

Thirteen hardy souls showed up on an overcast and cool spring morning this past Sunday to play a spirited game.

The Black team was almost a carbon copy of the 2nd place tournament team with Brandon, Tony, Adam & Greg. The White team was led by Patrick as their QB, included the likes of Jay, JB, & Tim. Playing 6-6 with a permanent defender the were a couple of INT's. Patrick threw an absolute duck to Adam, and Brandon had one go off his receiver's hands which Tim snatched out of the air.

The game was back and forth. JB who was beaten one play earlier by Brandon found his way deep a couple of times, and he also took a lateral from Patrick to throw a long (really it was straight up and straight down) bomb to a sliding Joe. He was probably White's player of the week.

Black was constantly ahead, but White refused to quit. A nice fade from Brandon to me in the corner, over tough defense by Tim, put Black up 33-25. White had one last chance to tie. A quick bomb to JB put them 10 yards and a two point conversion from making the score 33-33.

But alas, White who was 0-5 on two point conversions on the day could not convert, giving Black a hard fought 33-31 win.

At least, that's the way I remember it. I'm sure in Brandon's version he did more.

Compare these lists:

Kevin C, Burton, Adam, Brandon, Brad N, Craig, Jim, Bob, Marc, Tim, and Marlon = 11

Kevin C, Adam, Brandon, Craig, Tim, and Marlon

+

Burton, Brad N, Jim, Bob, Marc

= 11


Now looking over these lists, which 6 people do you think showed up to play (rain or shine) as promised and which 5 were MIA?

The 2008 Spring Tournament ended with a Bang not a Whimper.

With no love in the polls, a 0-2 record on the field, and starting Week 2 playing the presumptive favorite (the team voted most likely to win), the deck seemed stacked against Victor's White team.

They took a 10 point lead at the half against Tim's Red Juggernaut, then held on against a 5 play last ditch drive to win the game 39-38.

Facing Greg's Black team who used a tough defense to overcome JJ's Green team, they jumped out to an early lead on Patrick's INT of a tipped Tony pass. The game stayed close, and black finally went ahead on a extra point by one point 39-38 with 2 minutes to go.

Then White showed the quality that I believe won the the tournament for them -- the ability to make a play happen when they needed it. Here's the funny thing, it wasn't always Burton or Sparrow making the plays happen, it seemed like a truly team effort. A Sam INT for a TD against Tim's Red Juggernaut, Victor running over the middle for a 4th down conversion, Patrick scrambling to buy time and finding the open man, Uncle Bobby making people miss to score a key TD. Everyone made plays when White needed a play.

Against Black in the Championship, it was Patrick finding Sam streaking deep through the middle to give White the lead. Black had its chance and moved down the field, with the remaining time, and 5 plays, but fell 20 yards short of tying the game.

I was trying to think of a tournament MVP, but I wasn't sure who that would be. What do you think? What were the keys to White's victory? Post your thoughts in the comments

As the 2008 Spring Tournament winds down I also wanted to thank the team captains and Charlie for their effort, and JJ for hosting the fun post-tournament extravaganza.

Hail the victors -- Victor's White team.

A Cinderella story if there ever was one.

More tournament recap to come, but this is all I got time for now. See you at JJ's.

AFTER-TOURNAMENT BBQ.
Sunday afternoon: 5:30 (Trainwreck?!!?)

WHERE: jj AND CRAIG’S HOUSE
5416 Grove Street Chevy Chase, Md 20815
(Very METRO-friendly)

Directions attached for driving or Metro. (We are right on top of the Friendship Heights Metro.) If you need more specific directions, then let me know and I’ll get them to you. My cell number is: 240-447-7832; Home landline: 301-65-5747

There’ll be Ping Pong, games and …

THERE WILL BE FOOD SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW IF YOU’RE COMING AND IF YOU’RE BRINGING A DATE/GUEST/TRICK/TRAMP. Please respond to this email and let me know.

Bring your own beverage. Looking forward to having everyone.

Seedings for next week:

#1 Tim (2-0)
#2 JJ (1-1) (tiebreaker over #3 for head-to-head victory)
#3 Greg (1-1)
#4 Victor (0-2)

Games for next week: #1 Tim vs. #4 Victor
#2 JJ vs. #3 Greg

Oh and of course, there's the post Tournament party @ JJ's House. Details will follow but that everyone should bring beer, wine, liquor, etc...JJ will provide all the food.