Dude I think the end is finally here.  Yes welcome to Week # 147 here in the AzFL.  Isn’t it great that we get to play football all year long because I think some training camps are starting to get going this month.  Ok so this is a very important week for three teams as only two spots are undecided for the second season.  Also just to add to the suspense of the playoff season I need to let the Raiders know by going against my wishes and not winning this weekend that is a chance that you can miss the playoffs.  I small chance but still not impossible.  If I were you I would be on the Wolf Pack, Head hunters and Bandits bandwagon, be careful of skinned knees hopping on all those wagons.  So without any further ado let’s just see what we have going on this weekend shall we?

# 6 Wolf Pack (5-4) vs. # 11 Crusaders (4-5) 3:30pm t Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School

Ok so I am going to give the Predators some huge props right here because they almost knocked the Wolf Pack out of the playoff last week.  Pack here it is in the simples of terms.  Stop playing to your competitions level.  I know the Predators became a quality team late in the year but the way you are playing you will not make it far in the playoffs.  I want to know what happened to that team in the beginning of the year that was murdering people all over the field.  Watching you guys play was like watching the movie Saving Private Ryan in the beginning were everyone was getting killed.  That use to be you guys but now you are more like the move Ghostbusters, yes I did call you the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man!  Start playing Pack football, plain and simple.

Crusaders you guys have worked your tails off all year long to put yourself in a position to be in the playoff.  Now remember I made that statement about the loser of the Hitmen/Crusader game would not make the playoffs?  I still stand by it but I want to see if you can prove me wrong.  This is where legendary teams are made in games like this.  Teams that step up to the plate and defy all the experts and not except their destiny but forge it.  Teams that people start a sentence off with, “remember the Crusaders…”?  This is your time, your destiny now go and embrace it, no go and take it, Strength and Honor!!!

Prediction: Dang I should win a Pulitzer for that, anyway it is simple Math, Crusaders need to play the same game they did against the Stampede and they still might not win.  They need help if they win but they don’t get in if they lose.  I think however the Wolf Pack are the better team and they should not be resting their guys because there is a huge difference between # 4 and # 7 and they can be in any of those spots.

Wolf Pack 21 Crusaders 13

# 3 Head Hunters (7-2) vs. # 9 Cavaliers (4-4-1) 6:00pm t Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School

I can’t keep it in and have to do it even though I have a ton of friends on the Hunters but WHAT THE HECK BROS???  Let me spell it out for you, because you gave up 18 points to the Warlords you lost the # 2 seed.  It is that simple, if you would have given up 17 points # 2 and a game against the Raiders (projected) in the second round, now unless you score like 100 points on the Cavaliers you get to lose to the Soul Patrol (projected) in the second round.  Are you guys on cruise control or something?  Here is a little fun fact, did you know you have won your last 3 games (Ironmen, Raiders and Warlords) by 7 points?  Sorry Hunters but that is not acceptable to me and it shouldn’t be to you.   If you don’t get your heads screwed on straight if will be an early out for you guys.

Cavaliers you have the easiest way to get in the playoffs and all you have to do is win.  It is that easy, win and you are in, lose and you still might get in but you might not.  I tell you kids this is turning out to be a very good football team and could surprise someone in the playoffs.  Then again maybe not, lol.  I tell you what they are never out of a game and they do just enough to win and that is all you need to do sometimes.

Prediction:  This is going to make or break both of their seasons no matter who wins the game.  The Head Hunters need to go out and SMOKE the Cavaliers if they can.  They need some momentum heading into the playoff.  They are not playing good football and trust me I know that even good teams that limp into the playoffs in the AzFL get clipped.  Cavaliers I think you guy will still make the playoffs with a loss but you need the momentum also.

Head Hunters 14 Cavaliers 13

# 16 Bandits (2-7) vs. # 10 Hitmen (4-5) 4:00pm at Bradshaw Mountain High School

This is the Anthony Guzman Memorial Game and my Standing Pat Game of the Week.  Ok so first and foremost what a great way to honor a great player, teammate and person.  Ok so I know the season has not gone your way and there is always next year and I am going to look past the face that my closet STILL doesn’t house a # 99 Los Bandito’s  jersey but you have done the one think that will guarantee you a victory this weekend.  Only one other team has figured it out and since they did they been just short of unstoppable.  Yes I am talking about the Raiders and the faithful day when Coach King was on Facebook and clicked the button to be Standing Pat’s friend.  See Coach Dembaugh took that step last week, smart move Coach.

Limp, limp, limp!!!  Do you hear that kids?  Yes it is the sound the Hitmen are making on their march to the post season.  29-6 last week I think is not what was in the game plan.  Kilt wearing green dudes you did everything in your power to lose last week and it worked.  Here is a thought maybe if you do everything in your power to win you might.  I know crazy isn’t it?  Simple and stupid is my creed or is it stupid is like stupid does?  I don’t know but I do know if you play like that this week it is over. 

Prediction:  Well just being my friend on Facebook will be enough for the Bandits but let’s add in a home game and a heated rivalry and a chance to knock the Hitmen out of the playoffs and a better breakfast place (Zeke’s) then in Flagstaff.  All that adds up to a Los Banditos victory.  I think the Hitmen are in trouble and are not playing well.  I also know that Ms. Buckley dropped the hammer this weekend at home and place is clutter free.  I might just pop up to see this one and you should too.

Bandits 10 Hitmen 9

There you have it gang all that is fit to print.  To answer some fan mail questions, yes, no, yes, maybe and only where it is legal.    Oh and for the second time in as many weeks Mr. Peacock, Mr. Farr and I hit up the Drive In movies and saw what else, Hot Tub Time Machine.  You need to go check it out and yes after the game Mr. Peacock and I (with our ladies) time up Mr. Peacocks hot tub.  I didn’t go back in time but is does have a CD player, remember those?  Also I have to mention it but Coach Pappas is like the funniest man in the AzFL.  He is purposely having Jack wear the big Orange shirt just so I would call him Jack-O-Lantern, GENIUS.  See Coach Pappas knows if I caught him in it I would be all over him so he wears the teams other color (blue) every week.  Great job Coach!  Don’t forget to listen AM 1010 KXXT on Saturday from 8:00-Midnight.  I might just call in with the playoff seedlings and then again if I am in Mr. Peacock’s hot tub I might not.  Have a great week kids and I will see you at the games.

Much love,  Pat

Congratulations!!!  Hello, I am Standing Pat and welcome to my little column.  I just want to get that out there for 3 things, first Congratulations you are reading my column, you must be thrilled, secondly to the Monsoon for finishing the season a perfect 10-0 and finally to the Dragons for proving that even though you can control your our destiny doesn’t mean you have any control over it.  This week is a makeup from week # whatever so everyone in the league gets to play one more time except the Monsoon but they would win anyway.  Ok so since I am feeling foggy because the Dragons are doing everything in their power to NOT make the playoffs I am going to just let loose this week.  No one is safe so if I offend you, tough.

# 3 Head Hunters (7-2) vs. # 13 Warlords (3-6) 9:00am at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School

Head Hunters you know I love you guys but are you trying to throw being the #2 seed?  I mean really you guys have been very unimpressive the last few week and to be honest you look like you are limping into the playoffs and that is going to get you a first round lose and a ticket home.  Start playing some dang football and hammer someone.  You have a good QB and a solid line and you should be putting up more points than you have.

The only thing I can say about the Warlords is, IMPRESSIVE.  This team came out and WACKED the Dragons and made it look easy.  What a great end to your season and a stepping stone for next year.  Oh and another thing I received this little cease and desist from the University of Syracuse about referencing their mascot.  I guess they are a little touchy after getting knocked out of the Basketball Championship so now I have to find another thing to describe his Orangeness Mr. Jack, wait a second, orange, Jack, Jack, orange, what is both orange and a Jack?  I know it is a JACK-O-LANTERN!!! Oh my goodness that is amazing.  I did notice that he was not at the game last weekend.  Hope he wasn’t being carved.

Prediction:  The Head Hunters need to not underestimate the Warlords because kids this is a good football team.  They are really like 2 or 3 dudes away and I bet that Coach Pappas and Mr. O’Lantern are already recruiting.  The Head Hunters need this game and should win, unless they play down to the Warlords level like last week against the Raiders.  Look for the Warlords to stick to what has been working and that is the # 16.  Dude is great.

Head Hunters 21 Warlords 7

# 14 Dragons (3-6) vs. # 15 Spartans (2-6-1) 11:30am at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School

Ok let’s just get this out of the way.  I don’t care if the Coaches were not there last week you guys lost, and bad.  No excuses, the Dragons marched down the field on the first drive and punched the Warlords in the face and then never played the same again.  Too bad for you Dragons you have a chance to lose in the second round to the Monsoon but now you need like some Maury Povich intervention, “Dragons the lab results are in and you are (drum roll) 99.9% assured NOT going to the playoffs”!!!  Here’s an idea once you punch a team in the moth keep hitting them, they will stop playing.  All I know is that Sean, Coach LaBarbera and Coach Phil have the Dragons on the right direction for next year even if this year didn’t turn out as they wanted.

Spartans you too are equally as bad as the Dragons and should be ashamed of yourselves.  Sorry but I have to call it like I see it and you guys are not a good football team either and really need to do something or next year you will be 3-6-1 again and having to read this, again, just like you did last year.

Prediction:  These two teams deserve each other.  Both teams are large, with some great players and good coaching but for some reason that dog will not hunt.   The Dragons can win the game if they play 4 quarters and don’t have a letdown and the Spartans can win the game if they play like they did in the beginning of the season with some heart.  The ONLY reason I take the Dragons here is because they can still make the playoffs if that Superconductor thing in Switzerland makes a Black hole this weekend and swallows a couple teams and that is a big if and only because they play before any of the other teams that they need to win start.  AARRGGG these two teams irritate the heck out of me.   

Dragons 2 Spartans 0 (I would take 1-0 but I know that you can’t get a single point)

# 7 Wolf Pack (4-4) vs. # 10 Predators (4-5) 2:00pm at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School

This is my “Standing Pat” game of the week.  Oh so close the Wolf Pack has been in all games this year.  I know Coach Braybrooks is pulling his hair out after last week.  If you don’t think having a kicking game is important just ask the Wolf Pack.  They had it last week I know you guys don’t care about where in the playoffs you will be but the difference between # 4 and # 3 is huge.  I would play for # 3.

Shock the world the Predators did last week.  What a great comeback and I tell you I don’t care what ANYONE says NO ONE wants this team in the playoffs.  What a nice turn around they have preformed over the last couple of weeks.  This will be yet test to see how far they have come.

Prediction:   Very tough game to call as the Wolf Pack are losing tough games to the top teams in the league and can play with anyone at the same time the Predators are flat out winning games.  I am going to go with the Wolf Pack and here is why.  The Pack as weird as this sound I think is more physical than the Predators.  The Pack is # 1 and the Predators are a close second.  This game is going to be full of hits but as the Predators are starting to win the Wolf Pack already know how to win.

Wolf Pack 14 Predators 10

# 9 Crusaders (4-4) vs. # 4 Demons (6-3) 4:30pm at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School

Ever since the Crusaders shocked the world by beating the Stampede they have been on Cruise Control and that is not good at all.  Strength and Honor boys are not a part time thing.  You need to want it and want it bad and for the last couple of weeks you have not been doing what you needed to do.  I stated last week that the loser of the Hitmen/Crusaders game would not make the playoffs and I stand by that prediction, Crusaders welcome to the golf course you can partner with the Dragons on the first tee.

0-3 must suck doesn’t it Demons?  What is going on down in Tucson?  I have no idea either.  You start 6-0 and finish 0-3 and it is an ugly 0-3.  I know you guys are so confident that you don’t care what seed you get you are going to run the table and win the entire thing?  I can’t wait to see that strategy play out it should be fun, not!!!

Prediction:  The Demons have already locked up a playoff spot but being #4 is not as good as #3.  This ship is sinking in a hurry Demons you need to get back to what you did during your 6-0 run and that is smothering defense and speed on offense.  Crusaders you need to have this if you have any shot at the playoffs.  I like the Demons only because they are not in panic mode like the Crusaders will be. 

Demons 21 Crusaders 10   

# 12 Cavaliers (3-4-1) vs. # 17 Warriors (1-8) 12:00pm at Bisbee High School

Cavaliers what are you guys doing?  I know trying to play yourselves out of the playoff you are.  I am thinking that you are happy with the win against the Spartans last week but not happy with the play.  You guys need to get it done against teams you should beat.

Warriors well at least you did lose last week.  I tell you guys after playing you I have a ton of respect for what you are doing out in Buckeyetucky and think that you need to have something going into next season.  A win here will go a long way towards next year.

Prediction:  I am going to take the Warriors here.  Call me stupid as always but a week off and the last game of the year I think the Warriors have what it takes to win this week.

Warriors 14 Cavaliers 13

# 11 Ironmen (4-5) vs. # 6 Raiders (5-4) 2:30pm at Bisbee High School

SMOKED for the 3^rd week in a row.

Raiders, dudes you guys so had that game last week.  Great effort against a good Hunters team.  Let me spell it out for you here.  Lose and you get the Wolf Pack or the Soul Patrol (projected) in your first playoff game.  That my friends equal a 30 point loss.  Win and you can get the Crusaders or the Hitmen (projected) in your first game.  That is a 3 point win, see the Math working here?

Prediction:  Three losses in a row is not the way you want to end your season and four in a row is worse than tree last time I checked.  The Raiders are playing great football and there is no reason they should not win this game.  The only pit fall I see is the game is in Bisbee which is a long drive and everyone plays batter at home but I think the Raiders are the better team and if this game was in Phoenix they would win my 14.

Raiders 14 Ironmen 7

# 2 Stampede (7-2) vs. # 8 Hitmen (4-4) 12:00pm at Bradshaw Mountain High School

Ok so once again the Stampede has proven me wrong and won a game.  Good job Stampede, you know I only pick against you to irritate Dustin and it works.  It is hard to deny that you guys still got it.  For how long I don’t know and it must be hard to keep an AzFL Hall of Fame caliber QB on the bench but for now it is working. 

Hitmen welcome to the playoffs, almost.  Great win up in the Junction last week and you know that the lovely Mrs. Buckley was in my face beating the Hitmen drum.  I thought she had some housework to do or something anyway I can say that if you win this game you are in, lose and it because dicey.

Prediction:  Just to get a 5 paragraph Facebook from Dustin I am going to pick the Hitmen.  There is no other reason other than that.  I know the Stampede is going to win, you know the Stampede is going to win, even the chick working the Taco Bell in the Dale knows the Stampede is going to win but it is so worth that message on Monday morning.

Hitmen 21 Stampede 20 (Love you Dustin)

# 16 El grande, fuerte y poderoso (Big, Tough and Mighty) Los Bandit (2-69) vs. # 5 Soul Patrol (5-4) 2:30 at Bradshaw Mountain High School.

See Los Bandit I know you had it in you.  Everyone else told me I was stupid to take you last week and was like no way Jose Los Bandits are going to roll over the Ironmen and man did you deliver (fortunately you delivered in the game better than my Jersey I have been bagging for all year long).  Nice to see you guys are heading it the right direction for next year.

Soul Patrol what is going on with you?  See here is the way it works if I pick you to win YOU WIN!!!  Not lose to a team that you should beat.  Now I know you guys will say you don’t care (I know you do) and that is your way but being the # 2 or # 3 seed gets you to the Finals.  Being the # 4 or # 5 seed gets you a Second Round loss to the Monsoon (search your feeling you know it is true).  See I like you guys, I even like you so much I am loaning my # 99 to one of your players but I need some cooperation here.  I tell you what we are going to try thing again but if you loss I will repo my number.

Prediction:  Los bandit had a good game last week and the Soul Patrol had a bad game.  Look for that to reverse this week.  If the Patrol plays like last week they can kiss their Finals appearance good bye because they are a great team but they are not the best team.

Soul Patrol 35 Los Bandits 10

So there it is everything you needed to know in the AzFL.  Just to dispel a vicious rumor I did not go to Hospital (Canadian) for my broken finger, Hospital are for whimps and women so I didn’t go, I went to the Urgent Care ($50 detectable vs. $100).  Also I have to report that according to Section 99 Para. 99 Line 99 if the database for the Pick’em Challenge crashes then Standing Pat is automatically declared the winner, sorry dudes don’t have the player hate the game.  Also it was really nice to see Mr. Peacock RUN out on the field in the third quarter in last week’s game with some high quality H2O.  I haven’t seen him run that far in years.  Great job Eric.  Don’t forget 101AM KXXT from 8:00PM-Midnight for everything AzFL is where all the cool kids hangout on a Saturday night and so should you.  Have a great weekend kids and I can’t wait to hear from a Stampede coach that will remain Dustin.  See you at the games.

Much Love,

Pat

And now here we are at Week # 11 with two more to go?  Rain stinks doesn’t it?  Anyway I am Standing Pat here where all the cool kids hangout to give you the very best in free entertainment that money can buy if you want to give it to me.  The funny thing is that we found out that home field mean about zero in the AzFL.  Every team from the South (Soul Patrol, Demons and Ironmen) lost in Tucson and every team from up North (Hitmen and Bandits) lost in Flagstaff.  Very strange, well if you are a Phoenix team playing the Championship game against an out of town team I would petition the league to have that game moved out of county, looks like you will be guaranteed a victory.  Now watch all the Valley teams will lose at home this week ah the irony.  Ok well I can’t wait to see how this week will turn out so let’s just get on with it.

# 8 Wolf Pack (4-3) vs. # 2 Stampede (6-2) 10 10:00am at Maricopa High School
What can you say about the Wolf Pack?  They started off the season strong looking every bit the contender, then in the middle of the season they struggled and now in the end they are back to kicking tail.  I can tell you from experience that winning in the Staff against the Hitmen might be the toughest thing to do in the AzFL.  Very nice to see the Pack back on their winning ways and at the right time.

Ok so for the last couple of weeks I have picked against the Stampede and believe me Stampede you don’t need to remind me of that fact every single time you see me say out to dinner with my wife, at the movies with my kids, I think I even saw a Billboard in the Dale reminding me.  I do have to say last week you guys look out of it until the end.  Weird but that is when I walked up coincidence, maybe but it is hard to count the Champs out of any game.

Prediction:  Once again I am going to do it.  I have to take the Wolf Pack at home.  Here is the reason why.  They Stampede are playing from behind too much right now and by no means did they get luck last week their win was legit but how many times can you come back against the top teams.  So far it has been 4.  I think on Karma alone they lose this game.  Wolf Pack 14 Stampede 10

# 13 Cavaliers (2-4-1) vs. # 14 Spartans (2-5-1) II 12:30pm at Maricopa High School
CRUSHED!!!  That is what happened to the Cavaliers last week.  I don’t get it, they killed the Dragons who killed the Raiders who just CRUSHED the Cavaliers last week, strange turn of events.  The good news is that this is a very winnable game for the men in Powder Blue (remember I use to wear it to on the Raptors).  Maybe a trip to the Golden Corral is what the Cavaliers need.  Tell you guys what come see me and good ol’ Dr. Standing Pat will hook you up with prescription.

CRUSHED!!! That is what happened to the Spartans last week (was there a ripple in the Matrix, déjà vu?).  Every year there are teams that seem to lose it at the end and that is mostly due to injury and this year it is the Spartans, congratulations.  Dude you guys to lost the Warlords, THE WARLORDS!!!  And it wasn’t even close.  I understand somewhat but THE WARLORDS!!!  That is like my ugly sister (not my hot sister Kimmie in case she is reading) getting a date with Brad Pit. Things like that are not suppose to happen.

Prediction:  I am taking the Cavaliers.  The Spartans are in post season mode already and looking forward to the off season filled with golf games and shuffleboard.  That is my only reasoning, nothing more and nothing less. Cavaliers 13 Spartans 10

# 7 Ironmen (4-4) vs. # 16 Bandits (1-6) 3:00pm at Maricopa High School
I bet the Ironmen are glade that their tour of bigger teams is over as they lost to the bigger Dragons last week.  This is a game they need to win.  If I was the Ironmen I would be pressing that panic button right now.  4-6 is NOT going to get you in the playoffs and next week they play the Raiders which they lost to a few weeks ago.  Not looking good in Bisbee.

Los Banditos!!!  What is up my brothers?  I know it has been a long hard season with pitfalls and tough games.  Another week and another loss.  Tough season.  Now I know that this is not what you guys wanted but there is some good news.  You can start to play spoiler.  See I know you hate that but knocking bubble teams out of the playoffs is fun also.  Here is your first opportunity to do that.  Give it a try you might like it.

Prediction:  I love an underdog so I am going with the Bandits.  They have a bit more speed and they are looking for something to carry with them into the next year.  Knocking off the Ironmen would be a great start to that. Bandits 14 Ironmen 7

# 5 Head Hunters (5-2) vs. # 6 Raiders (5-3) 9:00am at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School
Once again the AzFL heads on the road to Apache Junction and the first game features the Head Hunters and after a week off they should be well rested and ready to play.  These games are very important as playoff seeding matters now a days.  The last thing they need to do is come out flat because they have not been tearing it up lately and they need a big push heading into the playoffs.

Once again the Raiders are impressing the stuffing out of me.  Very nice win against the Cavaliers last weekend.  That is not the cool thing that happened to the Raiders, after a long debate I have decided to become Coach Kings friend on Facebook.  I know he must be super excited that I am now his friend.  Anyway Congrats to Coach King on his new baby.  Whatever you guys are doing (and sometime I wonder) keep it up because it is working. 

Prediction:  as you know I love the Raiders and what they got going on the Phoenix and they might have done enough to get into the playoffs to get hammered by the Soul Patrol but the Head Hunters are for real and with a top 3 seeding on the line I think they need to turn it up a notch and this is the week to do it.  Head Hunters 28 Raiders 7

# 15 Warlords (2-6) vs. # 12 Dragons (3-5) 11:30am at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School
Warlords, dudes very nice win over the Spartans last weekend.  Oh and thank you for making me look like a genius and winning because I picked you.  I guess your mascot the Syracuse Orangedude is bringing you guys a ton of luck ever since you got him out there.  Good things are happening out on the eastside.  Very nice to see.  Oh and please make sure you do a couple of Jack Kicks this weekend.  The fans love them.

The Dragons have put themselves into that “Control their own Destiny” category.  The way I see it is they win out they are in so they can get torched by the Monsoon in the second round.  I got to say the team is playing better and driving down to Tucson shorthanded and beating the Ironmen is a good sign.  They still have two games left and it is do or die and they need to get the offence rolling a bit more.  They did last week but they need to build on it.

Prediction:  I think the Warlords are starting to put it together in a hurry.  I really like this team and unfortunately they didn’t put it together until the end of the season and have run out of time.  They are one of the spoiler alert teams as they can knock the Dragons out with a win.  Dragons also seem to be getting it together and have a very large size advantage.  This should be a good game but I think the Dragons have the edge only because they have everything to lose. Dragons 13 Warlords 7

 # 3 Soul Patrol (5-3) vs. # 11 Predators (3-5) 2:00pm at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School
Ok this will be short and sweet for # 99 and the rest of the Soul Patrol.  DON’T KICK TO KC!!!

Predators are starting to make a late run at the playoff and looking good then, WHAMO!!!  They get the Soul Patrol and then the Wolf Pack next week.  You need to win both games to get in.  A very tall order for sure but if any tem can raise to the occasion it would be the Predators.  Very nice win last week against the Bandits.

Prediction:  I have a lot of friends on the Predators but I think it is going to be a little too late for them.  The Soul Patrol is still in the hunt for that # 2 seed and they need this game badly.  Too much of everything for the Soul Patrol, sorry Predators. Soul Patrol 17 Predators 7

# 3 Demons (6-2) vs. # 1 Monsoon (9-0) 4:30pm at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School
DON’T KICK THE BALL TO KC!!!  Ok now that we have gotten that out of the way.  The Demons are not going in the right direction lately.  Dudes you so had the Stampede beat at home last week you have no idea.  I would like to say something nice but I am going to lay it out for you because I think I can help, just call me Dr. Standing Pat.  You lost for two reasons last week, first you dropped like what 8 passes and 2 in the End Zone?  Dudes that was a killer oh and never and I mean never throw against the grain late in the game when you are trying to win it after giving it away.  If you don’t believe me just ask Bret Favre.  The Stampede didn’t win that game, you lost that game.

So Monsoon I kind of like rolling up after you guys win and have 20 of you run up to me and tell me I am an idiot, what did you see the Stampede dudes do it and thought that it looked fun?  Ok so I picked you guys to lose the last two weeks and you guys showed me that you have a very talented team and you guys can flat out ball.  I’m still going to pick you to lose this week just so you will wait for me in the parking lot, just kidding.

Prediction:  The Demons seem to be in some sort of meltdown mode or something.  I mean if they are not careful they will find themselves in the # 4 or # 5 spot in the playoffs and will have to beat a good team to get rolled by the Monson.  Not a good strategy if you ask me.  Demons are still a great team but the Monsoon is unbeatable right now and might not lose until 2012.  Monsoon 14 Demons 10

# 9 Crusaders (4-3) vs. # 10 Hitmen (3-4) 7:00pm at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School
This is my “Standing Pat” game of the week.  I know you thought it was going to be the Demons/Monsoon game but it isn’t because I am going to call my shot right now that they loser of this game will NOT be in the playoffs.  I think that 5-5 is the mark and at # 9 and # 10 something here has to give.  The Crusaders are in the driver’s seat and really need this game as they will not win another (Demons/Wolf Pack) after this weekend.  I think that 28-10 last week over the Warriors has to be and should be a considered a letdown as they should have put it to the Warriors.

Hitmen you guys are in the same boat and not playing at home is really going to hurt you unless you can get all you guys here.  I know you have an easier road (Stampede/Bandits) than the Crusaders but remember that panic button I keep talking about?  You need to be crushing that thing because you MUST win this weekend.

Prediction: Sorry to say but this might be the first year I can remember the Hitmen didn’t make the playoffs.  It has been a very strange year for both these teams but I think the Crusaders are capable of shocking the world again down the road and if given the chance they could knock off a top 3 team in the playoffs.  The Hitmen will play hard but it comes down to numbers.  The Hitmen don’t have them.  I can’t wait to read what Ms. Buckley has to say to me. Crusaders 14 Hitmen 7

Ok real quick I am going to cheat in the Pick’em Challenge as somehow there was a computer thing and I lost all the results so I win by default.  Also dude if you see Peacock taking a knee in the middle of the game it doesn’t mean he needs your help.  He is old and must rest from time to time.  See on the Dragons we don’t have Time Outs we have Peacocks and he takes them when he needs to.  Don’t forget to listen to KXXT 1010 AM this weekend as Standing Pat should be in the booth as promised so you can call up and tell me why I should not picked your 2-8 team to lose by 50.  Have a great week kids and I will see you at the games.

“And the beat goes on…” yes kids welcome to Week # 10 in the land of the AzFL.  I am your ecstatic scribe Standing Pat here once again to entertain, stimulate, irritate and basically give you all an excuse to waste a few minutes at work reading the happenings in the AzFL.  The playoff picture is starting to come together nicely with every game having playoff implications.  Since every game matters let’s just see who is going to win and who is going to lose.

# 9 Hitmen (3-3) vs. # 8 Wolf Pack (4-2) 12:00pm at Flagstaff High School
Case in point as to all the playoff implications the first game out of the gate is the current # 8 vs. # 9.  The Hitmen took a beating last weekend at the hands of the Soul Patrol. Very different team playing in the valley. Nothing went right for them and it was a very bad day for the men in Green. With only 10 teams getting into the playoff the Hitmen don’t need to press the panic button yet but they better take it out of the box and warm it up if they lose this week.

Talk about a team in need of a break. The Pack had a hard stretch of games ending with a tough loss to the Soul Patrol. This is still a very dangerous team and not one you want to play in the playoffs but that is if they make the playoffs.  The good news is they have a favorable schedule down the road but there are no guaranties in the AzFL.

Prediction:  The good news if you are a Hitmen fan is you will benefit from some home cooking.  The bad news is the Wolf Pack is the better team.  I don’t like this matchup for the Hitmen.  Yes they should have all their guys but I think after getting worked last week that took a ton out of their sails.  If the Wolf Pack show up in force they win this game and I think handily.Wolf Pack 24 Hitmen 10

# 15 Bandits (1-5) vs. # 13 Predators (2-5) 2:30pm at Flagstaff High School
At # 13 and # 15 you would think these teams are going to same direction but that is not the case.  I hate to write it but the Bandits have not lived up to expectations at all this year and seem to be going in reverse.  Nothing is going their way and with last week’s pounding at the hands of the Stampede that pretty much knocks the Bandits out of the playoffs.  If that didn’t the Soul Patrol game in two week will.  The good news is you can play spoiler and knock the Ironmen around next weekend.

So I had thought the Predators were finished and I was wrong, kind of.  Ok I know the Demons didn’t have like their team there and blah, blah, blah.  The Predators kept themselves in the playoff hunt with that win.  See if you close your eyes real tight the night before a game and wish real hard that you win the next day sometimes your wishes get answered.  Way to go Predators wish upon that star boys you never know what is going to happen.

Prediction:  The Bandits are done for the year looking towards 2011 (since week 3). The Predators have some life in them right now but that might be short lived with games against the Wolf Pack and the Soul Patrol on the horizon. I don’t think either team is playing good football right now but the Predators defense is not bad and will not only shut out the Bandits but will score the only points of the game. Predators 8 (Defensive TD, missed extra point and a safety) Bandits 0

# 4 Soul Patrol (5-2) vs. # 1 Monsoon (8-0) 10:00am at Tucson High School
This is my “Standing Pat” game of the week and what a great game it is and in a great place to play it.  When was the last time the Soul Patrol lost a game? I can’t remember and after last week’s drubbing of the Hitmen they might not lose another one until 2011. They have the fastest team in memory and they use it well, very well. But what you might not know is that they have some size also and that is why they are killing teams. They have it figured out so far and for the rest of the league that is bad.  Oh and I have to shout out to # 99 on the Soul Patrol because he was asking about me. Yes it is ok that you wear MY number for the rest of the season, lol.

You know when a team is feeling it and that is when the only thing they worry about is why Standing Pat didn’t pick them to win by 40. It was that way from me last week when I was cornered by no less than 5 Monsoon players just waiting to get answers to their questions. Not bad when you have only that to worry about.

Prediction:  Ok so two weeks ago I picked the Monsoon to lose on the road to the Hitmen and they almost did. Now they get the hottest team in the land and not in Monsoonville but in North Mexico.  This is going to be a Championship type game. The Monsoon need to win because if they don’t, it might fall apart for them. The Soul Patrol live off of ego and I don’t think theirs can withstand a loss. If you like trash talking this is the game for you. I think it boils down to location. Once again the Monsoon has to play a big game on the road. I just wonder how many times they can win those big games on the road? I think they run out of luck. They Soul Patrol are faster and just as big and at home they are the better team. Soul Patrol 14 Monsoon 10

# 2 Demons (6-1) vs. # 3 Stampede (5-2) 12:30 at Tucson High School
Ok so Demons this is the only time the, “we didn’t have all our dudes”, excuses is going to fly with me. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t have everyone you still should have beaten the Predators and you choked.   Keep this in mind Demons there is a HUGE difference in going into the playoffs the # 2 seed versus being the # 4 seed. You need to win games that you should even if you are missing dudes. Here is an idea call them today and make sure they are there because if you lose this game you lose next week also and get that # 4 seed you don’t want.

Ok so the Stampede must have been saving up for that game last week because they smoked the Bandits. Nice to see that the boys from the West Side still remember how to win. Never count out the Champs as they may have had a bump in the road but that doesn’t mean they are still not a contender.

Prediction:  Being at home is in itself more than reason to take the Demons here. Like I said I will buy that excuse once but it won’t fly again. I think the Demons can win the entire thing and with the Champs this week and the favorite next week we are going to see how good they really are.  2-0= for real, 1-1= underachieving, 0-2= first round loss.  Demons 21 Stampede 17

# 7 Ironmen (4-3) vs. # 14 Dragons (2-5) 3:00pm at Tucson High School ****
 Here is a little advice from the man who knows a little about football. A Tie is better than a loss everyday of the week. See Irondudes you get 1 point for a win and ZERO points for a loss. It is easy Math. Here is what that 1 point means to you right now if the playoff were to start you would be the #7 seed and play the Crusaders in the first round.  Now I think you would lose that game also but let’s pretend you win it gets even better because we would get to see the Monsoon throw a 100 spot on you in the second round. Now if you had that 1 point you would get the Wolf Pack, ok so either way not so good, lol.

Ok so I have to respectfully disagree with a member of the Warriors. First off # 31 is stud, but we were in the middle of the game and we have giving the Dragons crap by saying and I quote, “ha ha the Dragons think they are tough by beating up on the poor defenseless Warriors”. I have to disagree with that statement because the Dragons didn’t beat up on anyone last week because even though they won they looked really bad.  Ok I retract the Defense was lights out but the Offence was in reverse all game. The Dragons didn’t beat up on the Warrior it was the other way around. 

Prediction:  This could be the game of the day and the Ironmen are playing some great football and they are going to make the playoffs even though they lost last week.  It appears that they can play against a bigger team and be successful.  Now with that said this will be the biggest team they face all year and even though they could stop the Dragons Offence I don’t think they matchup against the Dragons Defense well especially after what happed last week.  I think this will be the same as the Predators game.  Neither team will score an Offensive TD but the Dragons will score on Defense for the win. Dragons 9 (Defensive TD, made extra point by a member of the Defense and a safety) Ironmen 0

# 10 Crusaders (3-4) vs. # 16 Warriors (1-7) 9:00am at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High
Isn’t life a Roller Coaster ride?  It is for the Crusaders, beat the Stampede then get SMOKED by the Monsoon, beat the Warriors (prediction) then get SMOKED by the Hitmen (not going to happen but it fits they chain of events).  You guys need to either be the team I think you can be or stink, I can’t take it anymore make up your minds.  I hope you choose to not stink but sometimes I wonder.

Like is sated in my Dragons comment this team might be 1-7 but they come to play and they play very hard.  They have a great Linebacker core and that #45 dude is like tall and plays hard.  I can’t wait to see what they can do next year because this season is over as far as the playoffs go but I bet they knock a team out of the playoffs this year and it just might be the Crusaders.

Prediction:  Ok I am not going to pick the Warriors put Crusaders I know you guys sometime play to your competition and I am telling you if you do that this weekend you will lose because this team is good and once they get 10 more guys they will be winners. Crusaders 14 Warriors 7

# 12 Spartans (2-4-1) vs. # 17 Warlords (1-6) at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High
Ok Spartans you guys are really stressing me out.  You need to get it together because like I told a few of you guys last week you need to win out and lose to the Dragons to make the playoffs (you still make it if you beat the Dragons but help a brother out, yo). So what do you do with this knowledge?  Go out and lose, eeerrrr Tie the Cavaliers.  Not what I was hoping for but after the way you played you guys should be ecstatic.

Ok so I was watching the Warlords/Raiders game last week and what did I see on the sidelines but the Syracuse Orangeman mascot.  I could believe my eyes that their mascot would fly all the way to Buckeyetucky to see a Warlords game.  I had to go over and see for myself, once I got over there I was very disappointed to see that it was not the Orangeman mascot but Jack ordering Jack kicks all game.  I have not figured you guys out yet.  You look great on some plays and bad on others.  Kind of like the Crusaders but more so.

Prediction:  I think the Spartans have decided to mail in the rest of the season.  They don’t look motivated and it looks like they are going through the motions.  They have a ton of talent but I don’t know something is not right with them right now.  On the other side the Warlords are finding ways to lose games so this is a tough pick.  I am going to go with the Warlords only because they have the Orangemen’s mascot, Jack.  No I think they are close and have ok size and good speed. Warlords 13 Spartans 10

# 6 Raiders (4-3) vs. # 11 Cavaliers 2:00pm at Apache (conjunction) Junction (what’s your function?) High School
What is in the water coolers on the Raiders sidelines these days?  This team is turning it around in a hurry and at the right time.  What a nice game against the Warlords last weekend.  They are finding ways to win and looking great right now.  They are playing some of the best football in the AzFL right now and I think they are a playoff team right now.  I was not thinking that 2 weeks ago but they are playing like this will be there last game and it is working.  I am very impressed at what Coach King is doing and I like it, its official I am back on the Raiders bandwagon (don’t disappoint).

Ok Cavaliers I know you guys feel like you should have won last week but getting a point out of the deal is what you need.  You are sitting in a good spot at #11 and no one is looking at you.  Stay low and just keep doing what you have been doing all season and you to will get into the playoffs to lose to the Wolf Pack in the first round.  I know that sounds a little harsh but it is better than watching the Spartans lose in the first round in your place, isn’t it?

Prediction:  With the way the Raiders are playing how can you not take them in this game.  They are even having fun doing it.  I bet you can’t get that Smile off their face with a crowbar.  Keeping it simple and playing to their strengths is getting them win after win.  Like I said I am going to ride this train and see where it stops.  This will be a great game to watch as both teams are pretty equal but the Raiders are winning with style right now. Raiders 17 Cavaliers 13

Another week down in the books in the old AzFL. I do have The Animal and the Dragon Master right where I want them 4 games ahead of me,  I might have to just declare myself the winner and see how that goes over.  Ok I have been getting a ton of flack for not picking Mr. Peacock off the turf last week and here is the reason why. We have played together for a long time and we live by a code that if you walk on the field with no help you get off the field the same way, I don’t make the rules I just live by them so next time he hits the turf he stays there, lol. I will however supply him some high quality H2O. Oh and yes if you guesses broken finger you won the, “Spot Peacocks Injury” for the week. Thank s for playing and get you predictions in before Saturday. Oh and feel free to comment on my Unofficial Poll this week 8:00pm-12:00am on 1010 KXXT AM or live online at:  www.aspnradio.com  I know you guys can’t wait to tell me how wrong I am just like you did last week didn’t you Bradley???  Have a great week and I will see you at the games.

Much love, Pat

Prediction: The Prey looks hopeless and might not win again in 2010.  Well they got the Bandits next week so there is hope.  Demons could win this game by 40 but I think they are on Cruise Control and will only win by 21. Demons 21 Predators 0

Raiders vs. Warlords at 11:30am Youngkers High School Field “B” Buckeye
Holy cow the Raiders are like 3-3 and looking very much alive.  See what a 31-7 tail whipping can do to jump start your season.  You are welcome for the assistance Raiders.  You know 5 wins might get you at first round butt kicking at the hands of the Demons but who cares you will be in the playoffs.  Keep up the good work Raiders I might jump back on the band wagon.

Well the Warlords have already exceeded Jack’s expectations (sorry dude had to do it) and they got some much needed time off to get ready for this game.  Same story here in the East Valley.  The toughest 15 dudes in the league looking to run you over.

Prediction:  I am on the fence with this one.  The Raiders are playing better and the Warlords are thin so I think it will be a good game.  Very evenly matched I think it is going to come down to experience.  The Raiders are finding way to win and the Warlords are still looking for ways to win. Raiders 14 Warlords 10

Soul Patrol vs. Hitmen 2:00pm at Youngkers High School Field “A” Buckeye
Tough game last week played by a tough team.  The Soul Patrol has made me a believer.  This is one good football team.  They seem to have it all in place right now. 

Hitmen I thought you were going to pull it off last week but wow what an effort by the men in green.  Sorry it doesn’t get any easier for you this week but you guys are real close.

Prediction:  This is a trap game for the Soul Patrol.  They all know they have the Monsoon next weekend and if they are smart they won’t be looking ahead.  Not that they are not smart but I think they can’t help themselves.  Hitmen are a little dinged and they have to travel and that is going to make the difference.  Don’t look too far ahead you might get clipped. Soul Patrol 14 Hitmen 7

Stampede vs. Bandits 2:00pm at Youngkers High School Field “B” Buckeye
Oh how the mighty have fallen.  Ok not really but they are lucky they are playing a team that is 1-4 or it could really get bad.  Now before you hit the panic button anything can happen on any given Saturday and they got tripped up last weekend.  Now they need to take that at a wakeup call to get back on track.  Last weekend’s loss might just be what the doctor ordered.

I got to say losing to the Demons 16-0 is not a bad day.  It could have been a lot worse.  This is not an easy stretch for the boys from Prescott Valley.  I tell you what just because I am a nice guy I am going to lift that curse off of you.  I still have not received my jersey but I am feeling froggy.

Prediction: No way the Stampede survives a 0-3 stretch.  We knew they would lose to the Monsoon and ok the Crusaders are not a bad team but the Bandit have been struggling all season long and are over matched in this one.  Stampede you guys need to halt this now because going into the playoffs limping is a good way to lose in the first round. Stampede 14 Bandits 7

Spartans vs. Cavaliers 4:30pm at Youngkers High School Field “A” Buckeye

Ok so we have had our first OT victim I a while in the AzFL and it happened to be the Spartans, congratulations dudes!  Ok I guess either the Ironmen are for real or you are starting to tank just like last year.  Maybe both but time is running out and I don’t think that 5-5 is going to get you in the playoffs.  Better start to put it into gear dudes.  Flat out if you lose this game you are done.  Isn’t reality a bummer?

Cavaliers nice lose to the Predators last weekend.  I thought it would be worse but I was wrong.  Same thing goes for you.  5-5 might not get you in but you have the Spartans twice and can win out and be 6-4.  Better not slip up this weekend.

Prediction:  I don’t know which way to go here.  Neither team is doing it for me nor do they seem to want to get into the playoffs.  I think in this game I will take the Spartans and the loser in the next game in a couple of weeks. Spartans 3 Cavaliers 2

Head Hunters vs. Ironmen 4:30pm at Youngkers High School Field “B” Buckeye
This is my, “STANDING PAT GAME OF THE WEEK”!!!  So I need to thank Fischerfootball for loaning me his jersey.  It fits real nice.  So last week the Head Hunters game plan against the Dragons was perfect.  Let the Dragons come out and out play you in the first half and then once they fizzle out dominate the rest of the game.  Prefect strategy executed by a very good football team.  Congratulations on your River Division Championship.

What a nice win last week for a surprising Ironmen team.  They just keep finding ways to win games.  I thought they would be in trouble due to their size but they punched the Spartans in the mouth.  Now we know they can play against a bigger team.

Prediction:  Ok we know the Ironmen can play against a bigger team and win but now the team gets even bigger and they got faster.  This is going to be a gut check game for the Ironmen.  Taking nothing away from the Spartans but I think the Head Hunters are for real and should handle the Ironmen.  Welcome to the nightmare Irondudes. Head Hunters 28 Ironmen 0

Week Six - Saturday February 20th
Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff

Well here we go and here we are at Week # 6 in the Glorious Land we call the AzFL.  I am your Prince of Prognostication Standing Pat with all the ins and outs for your reading pleasure.  Well we found out a few things last week as the drama starts to heat up.  First and foremost we have some great news for the Dragons.  They didn’t lose last week, yeah!!!  Ok they had a Bye Week but they didn’t lose. We also found out that the Hitmen don’t really like Prescott are as much as the Demons, and that 50 is a nice round number if you are the Stampede.  Ok will without further ado let’s get on with the games.

Dragons (0-3) vs. Raiders (1-2)  at Thunderbird High School
Ok so you got to think the Dragons need to get off the Roller Coaster at some point.  They are 0-3 and could easily be 3-0 (don’t do it Stampede search your feeling you know it is true).  So here is the way I see it, against the Cavaliers they won 1 quarter and lost the game, against the Wolf Pack they won 2 quarters and lost the game and against the Stampede they won 3 quarters and lost the game so simple Vulcan Logic (live long and prosper) would tell you that they will win 4 quarters this week and still lose the game, lol.

Hey Raiders 50-0 enough said.

Prediction: The Raiders staff are going to tell their players that 50-0 is not a big deal and that they were looking past the Stampede (I don’t know why) and that they are better than the Dragons and they will have a different team out there this weekend and have this game under control.  Well I don’t think so.  The Dragons are spotty but they are ready for a breakout game and this is it.  The Dragons are bigger, stronger and faster and are capable of shutting down the Raiders.  Now the question is what Dragon team shows up? Dragons 35 Raiders 0

Wolf Pack (3-1) vs. Crusaders (1-2)  at Thunderbird High School
Well talk about a team that got the memo and woke up.  I heard form one of my spy’s up North (don’t worry Howard I will not tell anyone you are my spy your secret if safe with me buddy) that the Pack didn’t even have their entire O-line with them and they still rolled Los Banditos in their crib. Every since they got hammered by the Monsoon and nearly lost to the Dragons (don’t do it Wolf Pack search your feelings you know it is true) they have been in Championship form.  I blame the coaching for this team waking up.  Mr. Braybrooks has his Dogs playing lights out right now.

Crusaders (Strength and Honor) I have to admit and I know you might not agree but you guys played a good game last week against a better team.  I think a 27-9 loss to the Soul Patrol is not a bad showing.  I will admit I have not gotten to see your team this year but looking ahead at your schedule you should win some time soon.

Prediction:  I think the Wolf Pack is in the groove and on a tear.  These guys are playing some wicked football right now and look very much like the team that lost in the Championship game last year.  The Crusaders are plugging away but the schedule is not their ally right now and this is game 2 of a brutal stretch.  Look for the moral victories Crusaders you will be fine in the end. Wolf Pack 31 Crusaders 7

Head Hunters (2-2) vs. Cavaliers (1-2)  at Thunderbird High School
I got to say it and it is painful but the Head Hunters are the best team in the bottom conference.  Flat out right now they are.  The problem is they are always the best team in the lower conference and it gets them a first round butt kicking in the playoffs every year.  Now this would be fine with some teams (Dragons, Cavaliers, and Raiders) but I don’t think this will sit well with the Hunters this year.  I can see a sense of urgency in them this year and I think they might be moving on up.  Time will tell but I feel good things can happen to the Head Hunters this year.

It is hard to talk crap about the Cavaliers but I am going to try.  Dudes what is going on in the Vista?  Is the GC out of steak or something?  You should not have lost to the Ironmen.  You live like 5 minutes away and should be able to bring a win home.  Here is an idea, play like you did against the Dragons more often.  You will be surprised at how many wins you can string together.  Dude seriously stop the insanity and start the winning.  “Release the good”.  “Win one for the Gipper”.  “Hi-Yo Silver Away”.  “Get on your feet and jump around, jump around”.  DO SOMETHING!!!  AAARRRGGG!!!

Prediction: Ok the Cavaliers are going to head up the hill and play a full 4 quarters and still lose this game.  Eric and Dee I love you guys but I am frustrated and the only thing I need is more “Cowbell” no I need a Cavaliers win.  The Head Hunters look every bit the football team and they don’t seem to have many bumps in the road coming up.  Too much size, strength, speed, bench, everything in this one.  This is not going to be pretty.
Head Hunters 50 Cavaliers 0 (Look familiar Raiders?)

Ironmen (2-2) vs. Warriors (1-3) at Tucson High School
Irondudes the sad thing is you could be 3-1 if you didn’t choke the last play of the game to the Raiders.  I got to give it up to you because you have surpassed like everyone’s expectation this year.  I figured you would lose at least 11 games this year even though you only play 10 but somehow some way you get the job done.  I have not figured out what that way is yet but I will.  Until then good job Ironbro’s you have done a great job this year.

Lol this is funny, Warlords 23-Warriors 14, are you serious?

Prediction: Ok well I was going to pick the Warriors but after last week’s debacle I don’t know.  They should win because they are bigger and stronger but I was burned by them last week and I don’t know if I can ride that emotional low again.  Warriors I am going to take you again but if you lose I will not even pick you against my son’s Junior team.  Pound the ball you are bigger.Warriors 24 Ironmen 10

Stampede (3-0) vs. Soul Patrol (2-1) 12:00pm at Tucson High School
Ok well this in my “Standing Pat Game of the Week” and it should be a good one.  So after a tough game the Stampede decided to take out a little frustration last week and man did they.  I mean come on dudes save some points for the rest of us.  Every week the Champs show us why they are the Champs by doing what they need to do, win the tough ones and win big when they should.  I can’t wait to see them play the Monsoon next week.  Just don’t worry about that game this week and take care of your business because you may not know it but you are in a dog fight this week also.

And the Soul Patrol keeps on rolling also.  Another very nice victory last week against a tough Crusaders team.  Now they get the Defending Champs.  They will be a good gage for them for the rest of the season.  This is might be the fastest team in the AzFL and they are going to need to use that speed to their advantage if they are going to pull this rabbit out of the hat.

Prediction:  it is hard to pick against a team that has won 16 in a row and playing Championship caliber football right now.  I think the only negative I see for the Stampede is this is a travel game.  I think in Phoenix they win but it could be a different story because of the travel.  The Soul Patrol has a speed advantage but experience is on the side of the Stampede.  If they show up in force they win, if not they lose.  Better make sure you got all the guys traveling this weekend Gene.    Stampede 14 Soul Patrol 10

Demons (3-0) vs. Warlords (1-3) at Tucson High School
So it would seem that I owe the Demons an apology.  Dudes I got to admit I didn’t think you had it in you to beat the Hitmen up north last week but you made me look like a fool.  That was a great game you guys played and you showed that you are an elite team and deserve to be mentioned as a contender.  It is hard to argue any other way. What are you guys like 12-1-2 over the last 15 games?  Only one team better and they won it all last year.

I got two things to say here, first off Warlords great job dudes I was impressed with you guys last week.  I didn’t think you were going to win but you did.  I tell you kids this is the toughest 15 guys in the world and their coach is incredible.  See what happens when you play in Phoenix finally?  Secondly, Jack I told you 1-9 didn’t I?

Prediction:  Well the road trip continues for the Warlords and it could not get any worse than a trip to play the Demons.  There is no positive here for the Warlords.  They only win in Maricopa County and this game is not there.  The Demons have way too much for the Warlords and it is going to be over fast.  Look at it this way Warlords you get the Cavaliers next week so there is hope for you yet, oh wait a second you play them in Casa Grande next week sucks to be you.
Demons 50 Warlords 0 (it is funny every time for some reason this week)

Hitmen (2-1) vs. Predators (0-3)  at Flagstaff High School
Well I see that last week didn’t go according to my plans at least for the Men in Green.  Ok dudes you need to take off the skirts, oh sorry kilts to play.  Not a very good effort out of you.  I am trying not to talk in the same tone as you mother would if you brought home a bad grade but you are making it tough on me not to send you to your room without dinner.  I know it was the Demons and you held them to 1 TD on Offence but to give them 2 on Defense is not the Hitmen way.  Come on now Kilted Ones pull it together before I take away your allowances for a month.

Predators, dudes not too bad last week.  You kind of redeemed yourselves a bit with a 14-0 loss to the Monsoon.  You are getting better see the fist week you played them you lost 21-0 and now 14-0 so next time it will be 7-0 then a tie at 0-0 and then you win, congratulations. 

Prediction:  Flagstaff at home equal win, Predator on road equal loss.  Very simple thinking here but this is not a very simple answer this year.  I know the Hitmen are 2-1 but they are not playing impressive football and things are not looking good in the future.  Predators have a bit easier of a schedule coming up but missing the playoffs is still a possibility.  I am going to go out on a limb here.  I don’t like either team this weekend.
Hitmen 0 Predators 0 (Don’t kill me on Facebook Mrs. Buckley)

Bandits (1-2) vs. Monsoon (4-0)  at Flagstaff High School
Los Banditos what is going on with you guys?  I think it is because the Jersey Fairy has not delivered yet but we will see.  1-2 is not where you wanted to be and nor should you be there but stranger things have happened in the past.  This is a big game and you guys need to find a way to pull it out.  I don’t know what to tell you other then maybe try scoring some pints or something.  That seems to help sometimes.  Also maybe use some speed on the edges you seem to want to restrict your speed for some reason and I don’t know why. 

Monsoon did you guys play your second string last week or something?  That is all can think of because you should have won by 21 at least.  I know mouse on a string yad, yad, yad.  It is like you guys have just bought a new Corvette but you are afraid to see what it can do so you drive it cautiously.  Open it up on a team and see how it drives, who knows you might like it.  You guys need to stop being so Politically Correct with your football.  Hammer someone will you?  Please for your good old fired Standing Pat?  Just once take your team out for a drive.

Prediction:  Ok so we know what is going to happen in this one.  Monsoon quick out to the right, first down.  Monsoon quick out to the left first down, Monsoon run up the middle first down, repeat, kick extra point.  Not a bad script but I guess we get to see how they travel.  The Bandits need to figure out what is going wrong and in a hurry. 
Monsoon 28 Bandits 7

Ok there it is in all its luster.  An update for the Week Pick’em Challenge it would seem that you guys are not doing you part to help me and there is a 3 way tie between myself, Dragon Master and The Animal.  Once again and I am tired of repeating myself but if I pick you to win please feel free to accommodate me.  Also in our Mr. Peacock series it has come to my attention that he is now starting on O-line so we are in need of a Waterperson.  Please send all applications to me and I will set up an interview or if you are an inventor and can find a way to attach the water to Mr. Peacock while he is playing that would be ideal it would save not only a bunch of time but money also that I can spend at the snack stand on some tasty Nachos.  Remember kids listen to the radio show on AM1010 KXXT from 8:00pm-Midnight every Saturday.  Have a safe week and I will see you at the games.  Much Love,  Pat

Week Five - Saturday February 13th
Apache Junction, Douglas and Prescott Valley

Well here we go once again, I am you humble Wordsmith Standing Pat with all the ins and outs in the land of the AzFL.  Last week was great!  I didn’t believe my eyes or my feet as I think I was playing on GREEN Grass out in Buckeytucky.  It was amazing.  I hit the grass and didn’t want to get up.  It was a great experience playing out there. Ok since I am pressed for time playing MOH I need to get going so on with the games.

Spartans vs. Head Hunters 9:00am at Apache Junction High School
All I can say is man did the Spartans come to play last week after that beat down put on them by the Monsoon.  Dudes if you played like that every week you would be in the hunt. Head Hunters I am going to give it up to you guys this week also.  I know you lost but 21-7 against the Monsoon is a win in my book.  I think you guys might have it figured out and at a good time to get rolling down hill with a few wins.

Prediction:  Well the Spartans messed up my pick here as I was going to pick them to lose the rest of the year but I have to give it up to them, I am still going to pick them to lose but they are getting some mad love from Standing Pat this week.  I think the Head Hunters are a bit ahead of the curve here but it will be a great game. 
Head Hunters 14 Spartans 13

Raiders vs. Stampede 11:30am at Apache Junction High School
Raiders not a bad showing against a team that should have beat you.  I do say that sometimes a lose is a win and that is the case here.  You are right were you should be and that is not a bad place.  Keep playing hard and look at it this way, at least you get the 0-3 Dragons next week.

Stampede it is very simple here for you guys.  If you play like you did last week for the first 3 quarters you will be in trouble and only win by 14.  If you play like you did on your final drive you will win by 40.  You should win by 40.

Prediction:  Raiders I love you but the Stampede showed us that they are still a Championship caliber team with a great comeback victory last week.  The difference here is speed.  The Raiders have some but not enough for the Stampede.  Stampede 35 Raiders 7

Warlords vs. Warriors II 2:00pm at Apache Junction High School
Well if you happened to catch the first game like 3 days ago you know what is going to happen in this game.  Warlords are battling but the Warriors not only are up and coming but they have Green Grass and because of that alone I am picking them. Prediction:  It could be worst for the Warlords they could have played the Bandits twice in 2 weeks? Warriors 28 Warlords 7

Monsoon vs. Predators 4:30pm at Apache Junction High School
Does anyone get the feeling that the Monsoon are toying with us?  I do.  Everything they do looks like they are holding back.  Don’t get me wrong but they play like they are at practice against a scout team.  I would hate to see them unload on someone (no I wouldn’t).

Predators what is going on in Tempe?  You should not lose to the Spartans, period.  There is no excuse for that at all.  To be honest I don’t have you winning until the end of the month and with the way some teams are getting wins you might be on the outside of the playoff for the first time in like, forever.

Prediction:  Two teams going in the opposite direction.  This is not going to be pretty if the Predators play like they did last week.  I think the Monsoon beat the Spartans by 29 two weeks ago and the Spartans beat the Predators by 1 last week so that means the Monsoon wins by 30, I love Math. Monsoon 37 Predators 7

 Soul Patrol vs. Crusaders 3pm at Douglas High School
I guess the Soul Patrol didn’t like losing in Week 1 and decided to take it out on the Warlords 56-0.

Have the Crusaders even played a game in Maricopa County this year?  They are like the ’60 band, The Grateful Dead. They are always on the road.

Prediction:  I have the utmost respect for the Crusaders (strength and Honor) but if the Soul Patrol play even half as good as they did last week this is going to get UGLY.  I know they lost in Week 1 but don’t you get the feeling this team might just explode all over the AzFL and find themselves in the Championship game? I do.Soul Patrol 24 Crusaders 0

Ironmen vs. Cavaliers 5:30pm at Douglas High School
This is my “STANDING PAT” game of the week.  Ironmen I got to say it but a 22-9 loss to the Hitmen is a great showing.  You guys should be riding high after that because the Hitmen is a good football team. 

Same goes for the Cavaliers.  Losing to the demons 35-13 is a great showing for a team that I thought would get blown away.  Good football down south is being played (sorry talk like Yoda I am).

Prediction:  This should be a great rivalry for years to come.  They are only 30 miles apart and maybe if we are lucky they might even hate each other.  I love it when two teams don’t get along.  Anyway the Ironmen are a very nice first year team but I don’t think they match up well.  Cavaliers have a size, experience and speed advantage and that makes all the difference. Cavaliers 21 Ironmen 10

Hitmen vs. Demons 2:00pm at Bradshaw Mountain High School Prescott Valley
Ok so we are hopefully going to get to see the entire Hitmen team out at a game.  When they have all their guys they are one of the best in the state.  When they don’t they are middle of the road and on some weekend that is good enough but not this weekend.

The Demons are right where they should be, 2-0 and looking every bit the contender.  We are going to see how well they travel as this will be a good test for them. 

Prediction:  This should be a great game.  If the Hitmen bring all their weapons they will be tough to beat.  They have the most balanced attack in the land.  We all know the Demons live and die by their Defense but I am telling you kids this team can put up the points also.  I think the only difference is the travel.  If the game was in Phoenix I would take the Demons but with it being up North I got to go with the Hitmen. Hitmen 10 Demons 7

Bandits vs. Wolf Pack 4:30pm at Bradshaw Mountain High School Prescott Valley
Another great game being played up in the North Country.  The Bandits have had a long time to think about that loss to the Head Hunters.  Maybe too long of a time, dwelling on that is not a good thing and neither is like 3 weeks off.  I know the Bandits are a good team but they have a few forces working against them right now.

Wolf Pack, dude you know how I say there are good losses?  Well there are also bad wins.  I am thinking that is the case with last week.  Now 22-0 is impressive to some but I know that the Dragons game was a tough one and the Warriors have a nice team but you need to step it up.  You should have won by 35.  You have what it takes to make it back to the Big Dance.

Prediction:  I love both teams and I still have not received my Bandits #99 yet but I look under my pillow every morning for it from the Bandit Fairy.  I think too much time off is going to hurt the Bandits this weekend and after a heart breaker loss to boot.  I know you are not at home but the Wolf Pack need to make a statement and fast.
Wolf Pack 24 Bandits 10

Well there it is in all its glory.  I fast update once again Standing Pat is leading over Dragons Master and The Animal  in the AzFL Pick’em Challenge.  It is close (not really) but I am hoping to pull away this week. Oh I almost forgot, this weekend is Standing Pat’s birthday, ya!  If you are thinking of a last minute gift I do take cash, and Visa.  I would like to thank the Scheduler for giving the Dragons this weekend off again for the fourth year in a row (see gang $100 does go along way).  One last thing did you guys see Mr. Peacock dispense water to the thirsty Dragons last week?  If not you should have and let me tell you Bobby Boucher (“Don’t spit in the cooler”) would have been impressed, keep up the good work Mr. Peacock.  Have a great week and I will see you at the games.  Much Love,  Pat

Week Four - Saturday February 6th
Buckeye and Tucson
Dudes and Dudettes welcome to Week # 4 here in the AzFL. I again am your humble word putter on paper guy Standing Pat with another exciting week here in the life. We had some great games last week as everything in the middle of the schedule was close and could have gone either way (don’t send the hate mail Wolf Pack) and the games on the edges were well how can I say blow outs without hurting the Spartans and the Warlords feelings? I just don’t know how to say, man the Monsoon and the Warriors took the step child to the shed and he will be pulling splinters from his behind (family column) for a month? I just can seem to put it so I can remain Politically Correct. Well I just am going to say it, they got WACKED!!! Ok let’s just get right to the good stuff shall we?

Dragons (0-2) vs. Stampede (1-0) 11:00am at Youngkers High School Buckeye, AZ (Soccer Field )
Ok I called on the radio show that this is my “STANDING PAT GAME OF THE WEEK”!!! Last week the Dragons decided to go, “A Tale of Two Cities” (book by Charles Dickens) as the opening line reads, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. Last week was the tale of two games. In the first game the Dragons got WORKED by the Wolf Pack losing the lead and everything else early (the worst of times). Then in the second half of the game they look unstoppable and were for the most part (the best of times). Now the obvious thing is if they can put it together for an entire game then they might have something there. Just for the record I know I could have gone with the, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde”, but that would have been too easy.

Stampede you guys have what a 14 game winning streak going on? Kids just for the record I think the last game the Stampede lost was the 2008 Championship game. That is most impressive. The Stampede is back to their old ways of the Greatest Show in the Air. They have a great passing game and just enough running game to keep you honest. Now I know I picked you guys to lose in week one and I am going to say I appreciated all the love I received for that pick on Facebook, I didn’t know you could call someone an idiot in so many different languages, but that is cool Stampede keep it coming.

Prediction: The Stampede has had like a year to prepare for this game which is a good thing. On the flip side we all know that too much time off is a killer. The Dragons need to play like they did in the second half of the Pack game. If they don’t they will lose bottom line. Both teams have speed and good Quarterbacks but I think the difference is upfront. The Stampede lost I think their entire O-line and that is hard to replace. I think that size difference upfront will be hard to stop. If the Dragons can grind the ball and keep the Magic Man off the field they win. Speed kills but I think the Dragons are too big and will win the battle upfront. I can’t wait to see my Facebook this week.
Dragons 24 Stampede 21

Warriors (1-1) vs. Wolf Pack (1-1) 11:00am at Youngkers High School Buckeye, AZ (Football Field )
Warriors nice job crushing the Warlords last week. I didn’t see the game as I was soaking in a tub full of Icy Hot but my spies tell me that you guy looked great and might be the real deal after all. Hard to look past a 31-12 victory and say anything other than great job now welcome to the AzFL. Ok I got to say that the Wolf Pack is as billed. Great Coaching and class guys all the way. The game against the Dragons last week could have gotten out of control with the hard hitting but it didn’t.

Prediction: Warriors you guys had a very nice win in Week # 3 and you should be very happy with what you have done. That is the good news, the bad is you are about to get a lesson in football. The Wolf Pack still has something to prove. 0-30 to the Monsoon and 17-14 against the Dragons is not the statement they want to make and I think that they want to make it this week. Warriors you have a nice team but I think the Wolf Pack is a more complete team.
Wolf Pack 27 Warriors 7

Predators (0-1) vs. Spartans (1-1) 1:30pm at Youngkers High School Buckeye, AZ (Soccer Field )
Ok like most of the league the Predators have had a month to work out the issues from Week 1 and according to Ruben they have been. I still don’t know why they lost to the Stampede but they did, but I do know that they went out and found a few bigger guys to fill out their front line so Ruben can go back to coaching and so Mr. Austin can stop being a Center and go back to Defense.

Spartans you guys make me laugh and I don’t mean that with any disrespect what so ever. So here is the scenario, last week I picked the Spartans to lose 29-0 and we all know that the score was 42-13. I had 5, count them 5 Spartans come up to me and give me crap because I was wrong in saying they wouldn’t score any points. Ok I concede Spartans you were right and Standing Pat was wrong I apologize that I didn’t pick you guys to score any points. It was a terrible mistake on my part and I will never underestimate you ever again. I mean I can’t say it enough, I suck and you guys are great. I forgot that there were two other facets of the game to score from. But I will say causing 3 turnovers inside the Monsoon Red Zone is impressive.

Prediction: This might be the same Spartan team from last year that didn’t score an Offensive TD in like their last 6 games. Dudes you need to get the Offence rolling in a hurry. The way I see it you might not get an Offensive TD until the Raiders game at the end of the month. That is why the Predators will win this game. The Spartans inability to score on Offence along with what is usually a great Defense that the Predators put on the field. I can’t resist doing it again.
Predators 17 Spartans 0

Head Hunters (1-1) vs. Monsoon (2-0) 1:30pm at Youngkers High School Buckeye, AZ (Football Field)
Hunters, boys you guys impressed the stuffing out of me last week. Great job Hunters on a tough win that you deserved. This could be the start of something good for you guys. The knock has always been you couldn’t win the tough game but that is exactly what you did and for your reward for all your hard work you get the Monsoon, Congtas.

Ok it looks a little fishy to me but this team has a hold on to the rock issue. Nick, dude you need to tuck that think away and not go all Little Red Riding Hood with it. Other than that I can’t find anything more to be critical on. The Monsoon just worked the Spartans and made it look easy. I think they have a very nice team and they do the little things very well, if you can control the little things you will win a ton of games.
Prediction: This is going to be a very good game. We all know the Head Hunters are looking and playing great and with the win last week against the Bandits I got to give it up to them they are one step closer to being a good team. The bad news is after an emotional win they get the Monsoon that seem to play like a cat with their opponent at the end of a string just batting it around until it get board and eats them. Enjoy your winning ways Head Hunters they end Saturday.
Monsoon 24 Head Hunters 7

Crusaders (0-1) vs. Raiders (1-0) 4:00pm at Youngkers High School Buckeye, AZ (Football Field)
Ok so the Crusaders have not even played in a year in Phoenix so it is hard to judge them. I can tell you that Coach Autry (pick one) is still very much beating the drum of the Crusaders and think they have still have what it takes to bring home the jewelry. I happen to agree with them. They have a great roster and on it they have some great players. Now the only thing I see is they need to gel a bit and they will be back on top.

Raiders you guys did it, you closed out a game in the 4th quarter, I feel like a proud papa. I didn’t think you could do it but I must give it up to you guys. You worked hard all game and closed it out when you needed to. I know you still have a few things to work on but like I said last week I am a big fan of the Silver and Black. Keep it going.

Prediction: I know the Raiders are flying high after last week’s win but if they play the same this week they are going to get crushed. I stopped counting the turnovers at like 5 and tell me if I am wrong but didn’t they get stopped at the goal line? They did play hard but this is not the Ironmen this is the Crusaders. The Crusaders are bigger, stronger, and faster and have a ton more depth. This is not a good matchup for the Raiders.
Crusaders 35 Raiders 10

Demons (1-0) vs. Cavaliers (1-0) 10:00am at Tucson High School
Demons have what it takes to win the entire thing. Good Offence, fast Special Teams and a great Defense. They also know how to come from behind and win like they showed in Week # 1 beating a rival team in the Soul Patrol. Remember kids they had the # 1 Defense in the land last year and this year’s Defense is better. Bad news for the rest of us, isn’t it?
Cavaliers dude you guys are 100% class and you play hard every play and you look good in Light Blue and your Golden Corral is awesome and the Vista has a great Hampton Inn. Ok I have said everything nice I could about your team because yes you guys spanked the Dragons in Week 1 but I am afraid that is not going to happen this weekend. There is a bright side to this, you get the Ironmen next week, if you survive this week.

Prediction: This is two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum. I hate to say it but this is not going to be pretty. The Demons have too much size and WAY too much speed for the Cavaliers. I wish I could spin it any other way but, wait ok I have something. Just think Cavaliers after next week you will be 2-1. Good job.
Demons 45 Cavaliers 0 (sorry dudes)

Hitmen (1-0) vs. Ironmen (1-1) 12:30pm at Tucson High School  ****
IT’S A GIRL!!! First off congratulations to Jamie and Jeremiah from the entire Standing Pat staff (ok there are only me and my dog Chilly). Ok Hitmen nice win in Week # 1 against a pesky Head Hunters team up in your house. Now however you have to travel which is like a 10 hour drive or something like that. The good news is at least you don’t have to drive the Bisbee, anyway solid Defense and a good Offence is what you get here.
Irondudes what the heck was that ending on Saturday against the Raiders? I mean come on just because you are new don’t tempt me to write about how your QB throw into like triple coverage and have the game slit through your fingers like all those Star Systems that Princess Leia said would slip though Governor Tarkin’s fingers because his grip was too tight. I but you guys were gripping on the drive home after that drive. Dudes here is some free advice from your pal Standing Pat. “RUN THE BALL WHEN YOU ARE INSIDE THE 5”!!! Ok lesson over I think you will be fine.
Prediction: Ok so the Ironmen have beaten a new team and lost to the Raiders by 1. Which way do you think I am going with this prediction? Ok Ironmen lets be thankful that you are not playing this game in the Staff because the Hitmen are not the greatest traveling team in the land but that just means you won’t lose by 50. The Hitmen are consistently one of the top teams in the league and have the best d-line in the land. This is going to be a tough game for the Ironmen.
Hitmen 31 Ironmen 0

Soul Patrol (0-1) vs. Warlords (0-2) 3:00pm at Tucson High School
Ok so like so many teams that come and go the Soul Patrol taught us that holding on to a lead it essential to winning. See kids if you have a lead all game long then give it up at the end you lose. Here is an idea maybe if you lose most of the game and then take the lead at the end you have a better chance of winning, I don’t know call me crazy but it make sense to me. Ok all joking aside this is a very good team and they won’t lose a late lead to often this year trust me.

Warlords someone at the scheduling office hates you I think. Have you even played at home yet? I know you played in Bisbee now another trip down south to Tucson. Dudes I hope you are saving those frequent driver miles for a trip the Hawaii or something. I got to say you might be the toughest 15 in the land but that is not going to get it done. Depth is what is missing from this squad. Other than that they are a good team.

Prediction: Ok so we saw the Warlords lose to two new teams and now they get their third new team of the year. Unfortunately the Soul Patrol is not your average new team. They have speed, size and depth and this game could go from bad to ugly in a hurry. I don’t really see any positive here for the Warlords.
Soul Patrol 43 Warlords 0

Ok well there you have it let the Facebook messages start to roll in. Oh another thing really fast did you hear Dragon Master and Coach on the ASPN last weekend? I did and it was EPIC!!! I could listen to that all night long. Great job crew. Oh before I forget I have been told that the Bandits might have a jersey in the works for me. I don’t want to jinx it but I am giddy with excitement on hanging that bad boy in my closet. I will keep you posted. Also good news on the “I am as old as dirt” front, Mr. Peacock went to the doctor this week and had his knee drained. Ok so that is gnarly but at least he will be back in the Black and Purple this week hoping to avoid a serious case of turf toe. I was glad to see Mr. and Mrs. Webster out at the games and finally in the Pick’em Challenge it is a tight race. Standing Pat is winning (like we all know that was going to happen) with 7 correct to 6 for both The Animal and Dragon Master. If you would like to play along at home please feel free to. Anyway have a great week and we will see you at the games. Much love, Pat

Week Three - Saturday January 30th
5 games at Thunderbird HS in Phoenix

Well welcome to Week # 3???  That is where we are at because Mother Nature is a football hater and rained us out.  The good news is because of that I was able to go Snowboarding in California last weekend so it is not all bad.  Well I guess most of the league has a Bye week but we do have a very nice slate of games for you this week.  So without any more Imperial Entanglements let’s get on with the predictions.

 

Monsoon vs. Spartans 9:00am at Thunderbird High School

Ok so I didn’t get to see the Monsoon dismantle the Wolf Pack two weeks ago as I was losing in Bisbee but I did get a chance to see the film and they looked like they could be the front runners this year.  Now I know a 30-0 drubbing of the Pack is a great thing for them but the score didn’t really tell you about the game.  If you take away the turnovers it would have been 14-0.  Not a bad start to a season but really look at the game Monsoon as if it was me I would not be 100% satisfied with that win.  I still think you are one of the top teams in the league but don’t get ahead of yourself just yet.

 

Spartans, dudes come on I mean I understand if you were looking past the Warriors to your epic matchup against the mighty Dragons but 14-13?  Dudes you need to do better than that against a new team.  Now as with every game I didn’t see it but what was it?  First week getters?  Missing some dudes?  Had like 5 TD’s called back?  What was it that didn’t allow you to win by 30 against a new team?  If you can figure that out and fix it I think you will be fine.

 

Prediction:  Ok so on one side you have the Monsoon that is talking mad crazy crap.  On the other side you have the Spartans that always talk mad crazy crap.  So boys and girls what do you get when both teams talk a lot?  BLOOD FEST 2010!!!  This is going to be a tough drag out, don’t try this at home, keep the kids in the house game.  Both teams are good sized but the Monsoon has the speed advantage and since we know that speed kills that is going to be the difference.  Monsoon if you guy are going to be for real you need to win this game by 30.  Anything less is a letdown.  

Monsoon 29 Spartans 0

 

Raiders vs. Ironmen 11:30am at Thunderbird High School

Ok so Raiders you have had 3 weeks to get ready for this game and I am going to call it right here, right now.  If you lose you are done, flat out.  Every year I get excited for the Silver and Black and every year I get let down.  It is like having a girlfriend that you can’t rely on.  I so want the Raiders to be a Championship team but they can seem to do it.  I know what it is, it is Al Davis.  Even though he has nothing at all to do with the AzFL the Raider Nation is going to be cursed if he is associated with the name.  You guys really need to do everything on Earth to crank out a win here.

 

Ironmen you guys looked great at home in your Orange and White uniforms.  I didn’t know that that color Orange had anything to do with Mining, I might have gone with a, well let’s see what would a good color for a mining town team be?  Black? No. Red? No. Blue? No. I got it how about, COPPER???  I don’t know call me crazy and old fashion but if you are going to be from a Mining town and called the Ironmen I might have gone in a different direction.  Anyway 1-0 is a great way to start the year thank you very much for winning when I predict you to win.  You have no idea how frustrating it is to pick a team and have them lose.

 

Prediction:  Raiders you guys need to play all aspects of the game and for 4 quarters and you need to do this all year long.  That is the knock against you is you start strong but get tripped up at the end.  Ironmen I know that you are riding high form Week 1 but now you have to travel 18 hours and play a well established, larger team.  You guys aren’t in Kansas anymore Dorothy this is I big, bruiser of a team and they would rather beat the snot out of you then win the game.  That is why I am picking the Ironmen.

Ironmen 10 Raiders 7

 

Wolf Pack vs. Dragons 2:00pm at Thunderbird high School

Pack of Wolves, dudes, oh sorry, Dawgs what the heck happened?  30-0, come on football is a simple game, your run the ball, you pass the ball and you kick the ball.  What you don’t do is, fumble the ball, throw the ball for an interception and miss tackling the ball.  Man that was UGLY you aint got no alibi.  I but that Coach Braybrooks when Bill Cower the next week (actually that would have been cool to see).  Dudes don’t make it any more complicated then you need to.  Remember simple and stupid is not a bad thing.

 

Dragons, dudes we stunk up North Mexico didn’t we?  That was horrible, but in retrospect that was only three things wrong with us during that game.  The Offence, Defense and Special Teams.  Ok really fast here it is, Offence you guys need to work a little harder, defense you need to be a little tougher and Special Teams you need to hustle more.  You guys got everything you asked for in the off season and you lose to a team you should have beaten, pathetic.

 

Prediction:  Well if both teams play the same as they did in Week 1 the score will be 0-0 with 10 turnovers.  Keys for the Pack are simple, be the faster team.  That is it you guy looked ssslllooowww against the Monsoon, try picking up the pace a bit.  Dragons use you size against them you are the biggest team in the league start acting your size.  Easy to pick here if the Wolf Pack go Track Star they win if not they lose.

Wolf Pack 14 Dragons 10

 

Head Hunters vs. Bandits 4:30pm at Thunderbird High School

2!  Can you believe the Head Hunters only scored 2 points in Week 1?  2, did you know that according the Three Dog Night 2 is the loneliest number since the number 1? There is a lot that you can tell by the number 2.  I can think of 2 things.  First you have a really good defense to get those 2 points and secondly you have a ton of work to do on offence.  Now I was not there and didn’t see the game and the Hitmen have a nice defense but 2?  Come on dudes you need to do better than 2 if you want to win 6 games and lose in the First Round.  I can’t wait to get Fishers text for this week.

 

Bandits Dudes nice way to start the season with a win against a quality team the Crusaders.  Not a bad showing 14-3 I thing I was in the ball park with that score.  Um just one small thing we need to talk about, I never received a phone call about securing that Authentic Bandits Jersey in number 99.  I think that it might be a communication error on your distributor’s part or something but I will continue to check the mail.  I wouldn’t think it would be that you were dissing Standing Pat or something like that.

 

Prediction: This is my, “STANDING PAT GAME OF THE WEEK”!  I know a bit cliché but I don’t have anything better to call it. Head Hunters need to have this game and start to progress as a team.  They need to string a few wins together now and get some momentum or it will be a long year.  Bandits are the forgotten team because they are up North and feed off the low profile.  If the Bandits can play their game and keep the ball rolling down hill I think they win.  If the Hunters can find some offence then it will be a long drive home for the Bandits.

Bandits 7 Head Hunters 6

 

Warlords vs. Warriors 7:00pm at Thunderbird High School

Warlords how did you like that drive?  It was a nice place to play though.  I was not sure on the count but we might have another toughest 15 dudes in the league team.  Now I know they didn’t have their entire team down in North Mexico but to drive 4 hours and play that well is amazing in itself.  I can’t wait to see you guys up here with your whole team in uniform. 

 

Warriors, dudes what happened in Week 1?  I didn’t see the game but losing by 1 point must stink. I will tell you losing by 1 point to a Spartans team that should have beaten the tar out of you is not a bad start to your season.

 

Prediction:  I love watching two brand new out of the box teams play each other.  They both have aspirations of going 1-9 and not 0-10.  This is a tough game to pick because the Warriors can play some ball and if the Warlords can bring 16 dudes instead of 15 dudes then it will be a great game.  I tell you what I think this is an evenly matched game on I am not going to pick either or you.  No win seasons rule welcome to 0-9-1 both of you.

 Warlords 0 Warriors 0

Ok well there it is in all its glory.  Remember kids to listen to the radio show this weekend it should be epic, that will be all your favorite DJ’s there, The Animal, no he will be a Kyle’s 30th birthday party, that’s ok Standing Pat will be there, um no I will be at Kyle’s also.  Then there will be Jersey wait a second he is going to be at the birthday party too.  I guess that leaves the one and only, Dragon Master Mr. Sean Enna.  I tell you what gang he is the best color guy in the business.  Don’t worry we will be calling in form Kyle’s with updates and predictions for the next week. 

 

Have a great week and I will see you at the games.

Much love to all, Pat

Week 2 rained out moved to April 3rd

Week One - Saturday January 16th
Game locations are in Phoenix, Bisbee and Prescott Valley

It is hard to believe but it is finally here. AzFL football is back and better then ever. Welcome back to another great year of AzFL football. I am Pat (Montgomery) your humble wordsmith here to give you all the inside info from week to week. Predictions, stories, opinions, complaints, I have all the stuff you need to know. Now just a disclaimer for those of you how don’t know me I play for the Cave Creek Dragons (#99) and loving every minute of it (except last weekend when the Demons dropped 15 on us) but if you are new to the league here is the way it works. I will write it like I see it so if you do something stupid it will make my column, don’t take it personally, my advice to you is don’t do anything stupid. Now on the flip side if you do something great I will let the whole league know what you did. Now there is one thing I will not do and that is call out a teammate of mine by name in the negative. I will call the whole team out as a whole but not an individual. I still have to play with those guys but if a Dragon does something good I will let you all know. If they play like last week you won’t have to worry about me saying anything nice. Ok some things have changed around the league and all for the better. First and foremost we will have a few brand new out of the box teams and I know that everyone is excited about that. I see it as wide open and it is anyone’s league to win. With all that being said lets just get right on with the predictions shall we?

Warriors vs. Spartans 9:00am at Thunderbird High School
Well right off the bat we have one of those shinny new team, they are called the Warriors and they are from that nice little vacation spot we call Buckeye. For those of you that have never vacationed in Buckeye it is about 30 minutes west of the ‘dales (Avondale, Glendale, El Miragedale, Surprisedale, Luke Air Force Basedale, Kentuckydale). It seems like you can swing a dead cat and hit an ex-Punisher and Buckeyedale is not different. Seems that cat found our friend Mark Biderman AKA “Shrek”. See I like this already. Mark is a blue collar guy and you can bet his team will be also; which is going to be a good thing. Look for good things to come out of the Warriors this year.

Ok, so here we have the Spartans, well what is left of them. Some went here and some when there but most of the main core of dudes are still trying to hold off the Persians at Thermopylae. Last year this was a new team kind of and they got out of the gate fast just blowing people up but somewhere along the way they forgot how to score and took a nose dive. I think if memory serves me they didn’t score a TD in like their last 5 games. Hopefully that is all behind them and they break out of the gate just like they did last year.

Prediction: So hard to say with new teams in the mix as they tend to throw their entire playbook at the preseason and the experience teams show nothing. I like the Warriors and hope they put together a nice season, but the Spartans were a huge disappointment last year and I think they are looking to start strong. I am going to have to take them just because the Warriors are new.
Spartans 17 Warriors 7

Predators vs. Stampede 11:30am at Thunderbird High School
Ok so I see Chef Ruben working here in the off season. Take a team that was one play away from going to the big dance and add what is considered one of the best defenses of all time from the G-men and throw it in a bowl mix it together and there you have it, “PREDATOR 2010”!!! So I am interested to see how this team functions. See you have two very strong personalities in Ruben and Mr. Austin looking to get the ring that has eluded them both. If they can mold two teams into one team they have a shot. If it is a Predator vs. G-men thing they will struggle all year long.

Stampede happened to be the team that beat the Predators in that game last year and rode that all the way to the title. So after the big win the Stampede decided to go in a different direction with their coaching staff and their entire philosophy. This should be interesting. I think this team has the most questions associated with them. I guess we will see if the gamble paid off or if this turns into a rebuilding season.

Predictions: This is a great game right off the bat for the Predators but not the Stampede. You know that Ruben has been practicing Special Teams all week because he has this nightmare stuck in his head all off season. Bottom line is the Predators are a favorite to win the whole thing and the jury is still out on the Stampede. The thing I want to see is if the Magic Man still has something left in the tank or not.
Predators 24 Stampede 10

Monsoon vs. Wolf Pack 2:00pm at Thunderbird High School
Ok now that dead cat is all over the place here. The main problem the Punishers had is they didn’t have a coaching staff and I said like every week that it was the only thing they needed. Well sounds like they finally read my column and went out and got some coaches. In the process they also got a new name and owner and a bunch of new players also. This team could be scary good but they are not there yet. They seem to be very full of confidence but we all know that you need more then swagger to win in this league. I am not ready to crown them yet but I might next week.

Flat out one of the best coaches in the league is at the helm of the Wolf Pack. Mr. Braybrooks coached his way into the Championship game last year with mostly high school players and a handful of vets. Now he seems to have gone in the other direction with mostly vets this year. I got to see them last weekend and I am telling you they might be the fastest team EVER in the AzFL. These guys fly all over the place.

Prediction: This is another great game out of the blocks. The Monsoon played very well last week against a good Predators team and beat them easily. On the other side the Wolf Pack looked most impressive against the Soul Patrol. This is my game of the week and it is going to be a great one. I think that the edge is going to have to go with the Wolf Pack just because they have the experience the Monsoon doesn’t yet. Don’t send me hate mail yet Monsoon I think you guys are there, but the Wolf Pack was there first.
Wolf Pack 14 Monsoon 10

Demons vs. Soul Patrol 4:30pm at Thunderbird High School
So here we have in Week # 1 the “Battle for North Mexico”. I love how the scheduler gets right down to it. So last year the Demons had the best defense in the land and had like 12 All AzFL players and almost made it to the dance. So this year they decided to cut some players and coaches and do what the Stampede did and retool everything. We are going to have to see how it goes for them but because I saw firsthand last week they might not have made a bad choice. This team on defense was flying to the ball last week against the Dragons and the hitting was epic on both sides. I think if they can get consistent play from the offence they could at least lose in the Semi’s again.

Ok, like I said the Demons made a few changes and most of those changes ended up on the Soul Patrol. Now I got to give Jamie Russell some credit because as far as I can tell they are the ONLY football team with that name on Earth and that is pretty cool. I did get to see them play against the Wolf Pack and this might be the second fastest team in the land. These guys are lightning on the field. They have this QB that not only can toss it 80 yards but he has some moves. Good luck tackling this cat.

Prediction: Ok so anytime you get two teams out of one it is going to be a blood bath. I can only imagine that there is going to be some crushing on the field. Now you all know that I am a pacifist and a peace loving person but isn’t a football game better when both teams don’t like each other? I think so and I wish I wasn’t going to Central Mexico this weekend so I could see this dandy. I think both teams are very evenly matched in both speed and talent but I think the difference in at the QB. The Demons have a nice offence but that dude on the Soul Patrol looks like the real deal. It is one thing to either be fast or have a great arm but it is a totally different animal to have both.
Soul Patrol 10 Demons 7

Hitmen vs. Head Hunters 12:00pm at Bradshaw Mountain High School
Ok so here we have the Big Green Machine from the north 2010 or should I say Little Green Machine. Every time I see this team they are running with like 12 dudes and Jay. Now don’t take that for granted because Jay can flat out coach and he is one of like 3 dudes I would battle with if we were outnumbered so I got to think that maybe they will have everything into place with a little home cooking. You know what you get with the Hitmen, great coaching, good backfield and the best d-line in Arizona. If you can stop their front 4 you win, if not you lose it is that simple.

Ok I love this I was sitting at work today making sure that Airplanes are safe for y’all and guess who hits me up on the Facebook and wants to be Standing Pats friend? No it wasn’t Bubba but the one and only Mr. Fisher Football himself. I know I could believe it either that he would want to be my friend I was like so stoked I could contain myself. And to top it off he even talked to me via Instant Message. Yea he complained that I didn’t have Standing Pat up yet. Fisher is awesome. Anyway the Hunters I think will be the same as always from what I have seen. They should win like 6 games and lose in the first round. It is like their MO. I am hoping however they can do a little better than that and they should but I have all year to explain that one so I am going to save it for next week.

Prediction: Bottom line is Flagstaff doesn’t lose at home. If this game was in the desert it might be a different story as I think the Hunters have a real nice team. Either way it should be a good one.
Hitmen 24 Head Hunters 17

Bandits vs. Crusaders 2:30pm at Flagstaff High School
First off I have to say that I have always said the Head Hunters had the coolest uniforms in the land that was until I got a gander at the Bandit 2010 uniforms, the only word I can use is, “EPIC”. That is the sickest uniform I have ever seen and that helmet logo is off the hook yo!!! Flaming skull with a cowboy hat on, dudes someone in the front office was on the ball that day. I want one. Can someone form the Bandits organization send me a price on # 99 in triple fat? Seriously I want one of those bad boys let make it happen. Ok enough begging, the boys in the Valley has a couple of things going for them and a couple of issues they need to address, first the good and that is they have a solid staff and a ton of speed. Now the bad and if they didn’t hook up one of the best Centers in Arizona it would be worse and that is their line size. Now don’t start typing the hate mail I didn’t say you were bad just undersized and against the bigger teams I think it could be a weakness but we will have to see.

First off a little disclaimer in the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Autry (Strength and Honor) are two of my favorite people on Earth and if I was not a Dragon I would be a Crusader (ask Lynn she has the jersey) but with that said I treat them the same as everyone else and with that I think this is a team in flux. I know that Byron and Lynn wanted a little more out of their team last year and this might be the year they get it. Another thing I love about the Crusaders is they veteran leadership they have a great core of leaders that will be a big help this year.

Prediction: This is a good game for the Bandits. Also it is up in the cold and believe me I know what it is like to practice on a Tuesday night in the Valley so they will be ready for it. Both teams will come prepared but I think the Bandit have the edge as I got to play against both teams this preseason and I thought the Bandits are a little farther along at this point.
Bandits 13 Crusaders 10

Cavaliers vs. Dragons 12:00pm at Warren Ballpark  (Bisbee) ****
This is a very special game as every year these two teams come together every year to honor # 57 Ryan Quimby in what has been dubbed the “I Got Your Back Bowl”. If you don’t know Ryan is the son of Cavaliers owner Eric and Ryan was taken from the Cavalier family in 2008. Both the Cavaliers and the Dragons are much honored to be able to be part of this special game and last year the Dragons prevailed and brought home the trophy. The Cavaliers are always a very solid team we a good O-line and a very talented QB. This year should be no different as they look to show that the Southern teams are for real.

Ok so for the 3rd year in a row the Dragons have felt it was necessary to gut the team and start over. I guess a 1-9 season will do that to you so once again the Dragons did some shopping but this year they went a different way and instead of recruiting player they went out and got a coaching staff. I just so happens they were able to hook last year’s Championship coaching staff and the man responsible for the Spartans top rated defense last year. Not a bad trip to the Coaching Store. Now with this they were able to get a couple of good players from some other teams and mix in a real good core of Dragons vets and they might have something there. We are going to have to see because I have picked the Dragons before and looked stupid, ok more stupid they usual but they have to have the biggest O-line in the league and a great tandem at RB and as the Demons found out they are not too bad on defense either. This could be a fun team to watch.

Prediction: This is a very emotional game for the Cavaliers and the Dragons are very honored to play in it. That is about where the comparison stops. The Cavaliers are a good team and very well coached and their front office is fantastic but I am going to go on that dang limb again because I think the Dragons are the better team here. They have a very large size advantage and a speed advantage also. I think that emotion will keep it close for a while but once the game settles in look for the huge Dragon O-line to take over.
Dragons 24 Cavaliers 10

Ironmen vs. Warlords 2:30pm at Warren Ballpark Central Mexico (Bisbee)
First off, Ironmen welcome to the league we hope you enjoy your first year here in the AzFL and that you have many more fantastic years to come because this is going to be a tough year for you. See it is not that I don’t think you have a nice team because I do but history is on my side here. See brand new out of the box teams do not do so well in their first year but I am hoping that you are the exception to that rule. I did get to see you guys and I think that you have a chance to put a few “W’s” on the board. I do like how you got the Cavaliers to move this week’s game to your house, thank you for the extra 30 minutes drive I have to do with Peacock. But I see you guys working.

Ok Warlords you guys are already upsetting me and because of that I am going to help you out here so but that think attached to your neck, no not the shoulders the other way, as close to the screen as you can and read very slowly and let this sink in. Ok are you ready for my words of wisdom? Here we go, “YOU HAVE ONE OF THE GREATEST COACHES IN AzFL HISTORY, IF I WERE YOU I WOULD LISTEN TO HIM AND DO EVERYTHING HE TELLS YOU!!!” Ok dude I am sorry to get all in your face about it but seriously Pappas is so good you can learn through Osmosis (Osmosis is the diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane. More specifically, it is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water potential (low solute concentration) to an area of low water potential (high solute concentration). Lesson over, Standing Pat out!!!

Prediction: Ok first the Warlords have like 12 dudes so we are going to get a firsthand look how they travel. Somehow the Ironmen were able to bribe the Cavaliers and the Scheduler to get this game at their house, do you guys have a shuttle form the airport  Peacock and I can take to the game? These two factors are going to decide this game. Like I said Ironmen welcome to the league and your first win.
Ironmen 7 Warlords 6

***BONUS GAME DAY STANDING PAT COVERAGE***
Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints 2:30 at the Louisiana Superdome
I thought I would give you all a little extra as long as the Cardinals are in the playoff. With that said this will be my only report, LMTO (Laughing My Tail Off). Ok so here is the nitty gritty, the only reason the Cardinals are in the playoffs is because they are all ex-Steelers. Tell me I am wrong; anyway not even Neal “CHOKE” Rackers could deny them last week. Are you guys kidding me I tell you what, Cards call the Tucson Demons and get there kicker because that guy is money. We all know that Warner and Company can put up the rock and run the score crazy and that the D-line is lights out. The bad thing it the Cardinals Secondary horrible, Adams should change his name to “Toast”.

Ok, the Saints are not much better as they dropped their last 3 and limped in. They are about the same as the Cardinals on offence with a high powered scoring machine in Drew Brees and a very nice defense also. Just like the Cards they have a capable back in Reggie Bush and a nice core of Receivers; in fact I think they are even except at Tight End where Shockey is one of the best.

Prediction: The only difference is the Cardinals secondary stinks other than McFadden and that is only because he was a Steeler. It will be a shootout but look for Darren Sharper to be the difference as he is going to be all over Fitzgerald. Sorry Cards fans but right after the game ends you will see the last of Warner and you can welcome in the beginning of the Matt Leinart era, sucks to be you!!!
Saints 132 Cardinals 131

Kids I can t tell you how excited I am for the start of the new season. I know I say it every year but it turns out to be true that this is going to be the best season in AzFL history. Everyone have a great game and be safe and play hard. Oh one last thing I know most of you have electricity (even in the Vista) and that means that some of you might even have computers (Commodore 64’s are not computers) so if you have something to say about my little column please email the league and it will get to me. You know if you like you can even email some nice things once in a while to offset the barrage of well crafted adjective laden emails I have to read each week when I say your team will lose by 50 and you say I am stupid because you only lost by 45. Also if you want to make a personal comment, please feel free to do so but please remain calm
Have a great week and I will see you at the games.
Much love to all,  Pat

Be sure to listen each Saturday night 8-Midnight (MST) to Arizona Sports Network - ASPN Radio with Host Kevin Pakos for AzFL scores, stories and interviews as well as from College, NFL, AF1, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR and more. Live on KXXT 1010 AM in PHX or streaming on http://www.aspnradio.com

 
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