Standing Pat 2010
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Week Nine - Saturday, March 13th
Buckeye
Hello,
hello, hello and welcome to Week # 9 here in the AzFL.
I am Standing Pat your fable teller dude here with all the
stories in the land. First
off congratulations to the West Valley Head Hunters for becoming River
Division Champions over the weekend and thank you to Fischerfootball for
allowing me to pose in his jersey after their win.
I looked good just for the record.
What a great game between the Soul Patrol and the Wolf Pack.
I can’t wait to see game number 3 in the playoffs.
Anyway why don’t we just get into the nuts and bolts of the thing
shall we?
Ok so now the
Dragons are 1-5 and not where they wanted to be I can tell you.
But there is a little bit of a Silver Lining here.
Los Dragons have played maybe the toughest schedule in the lower
division and could have won every game but the Soul Patrol game (don’t
do it Dustin back away from the Facebook).
Now they get to play all lower division teams for the rest of the
season. They should blow
every one of them out of the water but what will that accomplish?
Prediction:
The Dragons are a tweener team.
Not ready for the upper division but better then everyone in the
lower division (except the Head Hunters, Fischerfootball tell the wife
to back away from the Facebook I got it).
I think you are going to see the Dragons explode on the Warriors.
I know they have something to prove and this might be the week.
The Dragons are better everywhere and it should not be close.
Dragons 35 Warriors 0
Well it was a very nice win for the Monsoon as they keep on rolling. The Staff is a tough place to play and it is even tough place to won but the Monsoon figured it out and came out with the win.
What can you say about the Crusaders this week other
than AMAZING. They reached
out and slapped the defending champs in the face.
Strength and Honor my friends that was a great effort and a great
win. Play that way every
weekend and you will find yourselves playing in the Big Dance.
Prediction: I think the Crusaders played unbelievable last weekend and even over their heads but who cares. That is the good news the bad news is the Monsoon are the real deal and are on a tear and I don’t see them slowing down. Even if the Crusaders play like they did last week I don’t think they can overcome the Monsoon.
Monsoon 21 Crusaders 10Demons vs. Predators 11:30am at Youngkers High
School Field “A” Buckeye
Does it look like the Demons are on Cruise
Control right now? Not
showing too much, trying to not sustain an injury, playing some second
string guys. You know what
we call that boys and girls?
Tuning up for the playoffs.
Which start for them next week (Stampede then Monsoon).
Hey Prey you
finally won a game. Good job
dudes. How does it feel?
Good I know. How was
the Vista? Was the Golden
Corral tasty? I hope so.
Well I see that you are not playing good football yet as you
should have blown the Cavaliers out of the water but hey a win is a win,
isn’t it?
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
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
There it is in all its glory this week’s predictions. I once again would like to thank Mr. Peacock for the water and did you see he made it through and entire game, good job Mr. Peacock the Ben Gay is working. On the Pick’em front the Dragons Master has opened it up a bit on the rest of the pack. Don’t worry it is all part on my plan. I will win it in the end even if I have to cheat. Have a great week kids and catch up on all the AzFL talk Saturday night 8:00pm-12:00 Midnight on KXXT 1010 AM in Phoenix or live online at www.aspnradio.com . Oh and don’t forget to come out to the parking lot right after the Dragons game to see the one and only Mark “The Animal” Driscoll dawn a Stampede jersey (I hear it is going to be a full on belly shirt) and wash Mr. Schmiege’s PT Cruiser. Also there is going to be a booth set up taking donations for the Anthony Guzman Memorial Fund. Please AzFL family give as much as you can these are the times where it counts. Well kids have a great one and I will see you at the games.
Much love, PatWeek Eight - Saturday, March 6th
Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Flagstaff
Welcome to Week # 8 in the AzFL.
First and foremost I would like to give my sincere condolences to
the family of Anthony Guzman and the Bandits for their loss.
I didn’t know Anthony but from what I have heard about him I wish
I would have know him. Ok
well we have an answer to the age old question and the answer is Speed
beats the crap out of Power.
What is going on in Cave Creek?
That was a total disaster last week.
The Dragons are on total life support now.
Just like the Wolf Pack, it was very surreal to watch them get
taken apart by the Demons who are playing lights out right now. Did you
see the Monsoon/Stampede game?
What a great one for the ages.
I can’t wait to see the Stampede vs. Monsoon II.
Ok well let’s just get into the nuts and bolts of Week # 8 shall
we?
Hitmen vs. Monsoon 12:00pm at Flagstaff High School
The Hitmen are going to have what I think is the best chance to put a
dent in the Monsoon armor.
This is a well balanced team with a stud Defense and a very consistent
Offence. They had the week
off last week and that is going to help get them ready for the Monsoon.
What else can you say about the
Monsoon other then they are really good.
I didn’t get to see the game but it sounded like they didn’t
panic and played Monsoon football and it paid off in the end.
Limit the mistakes and roll is not a bad strategy.
Prediction:
I am going to put my reputation on the line here and pick against the
Monsoon. Why well because I
can, no really here is the way I see it.
The Monsoon is going to have to travel once again and this time
all the way to The Staff. We
all know there are 2 Hitmen teams.
The 15 guys that travel to the Valley and the 35 guys that show
up for that home cooking. I
think the Hitmen have enough Offence to win but the big challenge is
going to be keeping Nick upright against the Hitmen front 7.
This is my, “Upset Special”.
Hitmen 14 Monsoon 10
Bandits vs. Demons 2:30pm at Flagstaff High School
The Bandits are having a tough time on the field this year.
It is starting to look like rebuilding year is on the horizon for
this team and that might not be a bad thing.
I think they got a little over their heads this year but now if
they learned their lesson well they should come back stronger than ever.
I can sum up the Demons in one word,
“UNBEATABLE”!!!
Prediction:
All things being equal the Demons are playing their way into the
Championship game. They are
clicking on all cylinders and look very unstoppable right now.
The Bandits are going to play this weekend with a heavy heart and
I expect them to give 110% this weekend as always but even under the
idea circumstances the Demons are too much for the Bandits to handle.
Demons 24 Bandits 7
Cavaliers vs. Predators 12:00pm at Apache Middle School
So I am bumping around Maricopa High School (which is an unbelievable
field) after getting hammered by the Soul Patrol and who do I run into
but the incredible Dee. I
tell you guys she is a class person all the way and she is not afraid to
tell you like it is. She told me that Eric is not feeling the love from
Standing Pat because I never pick them and I told her that if they would
stop losing I would pick them.
It seemed fair to me.
So what do they do but go and play a great game against the Warlords.
Good job Cavaliers.
Ruben, bro what is going on in Tempe
this season? You should not
lose by 21 to the Crusaders.
Flat out that is not expectable to me.
You guys have a good team and I don’t understand why you can’t
seem to beat anyone. I am
telling you that you need to run the table if you want to make it into
the playoffs, time is running short Predators.
Remember the Prey? I
do!
Prediction:
Something is rotten in Tempe and I have no idea what it is.
I can tell you that the Predators should win this game because
they are bigger, faster, stronger, yada, yada, yada.
It doesn’t matter the game is in the Vista and the Cavaliers are
hot riding that 1 game winning streak.
Never say I don’t love you Eric.
Cavaliers 10 Predators 21 (Sorry dude but I did put your team first)
Ironmen vs. Spartans 2:30pm at Apache Middle School
Ironmen you guys have played your tails off and you have impressed Stand
Pat and that is not an easy thing to do.
Yes you have had a favorable schedule but you guys have a TON of
heart. It also didn’t hurt
having a Bye Week because your schedule just betrayed you (Spartans,
Head Hunters, Dragons, Bandits).
Spartans you guys lost to the Raiders
by 21, lol!!!
Prediction:
I have no idea what happened last week to the Spartans but I guess I can
chalk it up to bad luck or something, I know that is a stretch.
Dudes stop losing to teams in trouble, it is not good.
This is the start of the Ironmen’s Bigger Teams Tour 2010.
We are going to see if they are for real or not because it gets
worst every week for the rest of the season.
Spartans 14 Ironmen 13
Head Hunters vs. Dragons 9:00am at Thunderbird High School
This is my, “Standing Pat Game of the
Week”. It is hard to deny
even though I would like to but the Hunters are look really good right
now. They kicked the Gummy
Bears out of the Warriors last week and sit atop of the River Division.
Whatever Fischer (tell you wife I spelt it right, the last thing
I need is to have her kicking my butt) is putting in the water seems to
be working.
I got to say that last week was one of
the worst exhibitions of football I have ever seen and yes dude that
includes me. It was like
watching two kids fight for a bar of soap in the bathtub.
Prediction:
Once again a team is going Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on me.
The Dragons need to either play great or play like crap weekend
and week out. I don’t care
which one but you guys are killing my Pick’em average (27-15, thank you
Mr. Martinez for the update).
I think that this is going to be a great game however.
The Dragons play to their competition (except last week) and
there is a very friendly rivalry between both teams.
The Head Hunters are playing very well and looking like the
Division Champs at this point.
I have to give the edge to the Head Hunters, they are playing the
more consistent football right now and seemed to have it figured out.
This is going to be a good game either way.
Head Hunters 14 Dragons 10
Warriors vs. Raiders 11:30am at Thunderbird High School
I got to say Warriors I thought you would do a lot worst against the
Head Hunters last weekend but you didn’t.
It shows there might be some fight left in the tank after all.
Tough to play with all the injuries but keep plugging away.
What the heck happened to the Raiders?
Talk about coming back from the dead?
Amazing, you think you have it figured out and someone throws a
rock at your head. All the
props in the world to the Raiders staff and players.
Just amazing.
Prediction:
I would have taken the Warriors here just because up until last
week the Raiders were a bad team.
Now I have no choice but to take the Raiders.
I am just amazed at what is going on in Phoenix.
Raiders 17 Warriors 10
Crusaders vs. Stampede 2:00pm at Thunderbird High School
Ok Mr. and Mrs. Autry (Strength and Honor) I hate picking against your
team but you are killing my average.
It is nice to have all the pieces just drop into place like they
did last weekend. I know you
have a tough road ahead but if you guys play like last weekend you might
mess up my average some more.
Well all good things must come to an
end and the Stampede 17-0 streak is no exception.
That is the bad news, the good news is now they get to start
another one. Look Stampede
you guys played a great game and now you know what you are up against in
the playoffs so don’t let this game get into your heads.
You will be fine, trust me.
Prediction:
Even though the Crusades had a great win last week I think the
Stampede are going to try and make a point with this game.
It is ok when one team beats you but you don’t want to show
everyone else you can be beaten a second time and they are really going
to press to drop a blowout on the Crusaders.
I don’t think they can but you will see them pull out all the
stops.
Soul Patrol vs. Wolf Pack 4:30pm at Thunderbird High School
I got to give it up to the Soul Patrol they showed up and whipped the
snot out of the Dragons.
They beat them in every aspect of the game, even the coin toss.
Very impressive oh and dude I tell you # 99 is MY NUMBER but you
can borrow it, lol.
Not a good day for the guys from The
Grande. You guys looked like
the Dragons. Nothing went
right and it seemed that everything went wrong all at once.
I am not going to dwell on the negative and you shouldn’t either.
Prediction:
This should be a great game if the Wolf Pack can shake off
whatever had a grip on them last weekend.
This was a great Preseason game to watch and this game should be
no different. Look for the
Wolf Pack to win only because they have something to prove after last
week.
Wolf Pack 14 Soul Patrol 12
Ok well there it is everything you
need to know about the upcoming weekend in the AzFL.
Just some final business to take care of, yes I am losing to The
Dragon Master and The Animal but it is all part of my evil plan but
don’t tell them. I also have
to report that Mr. Peacock (help I’ve fallen and I can’t get up) well be
fine and serving some great chilled water this weekend.
Oh and feel free to comment on my Unofficial Poll this week
8:00pm-12:00am on 1010 KXXT. www.aspnradio.com
I know you guys can’t wait to tell me how wrong I am.
Have a great week gang and I will see you at the games.
Much love, Pat
Week Seven - Saturday February 27th
Apache Junction, Maricopa
| 7pm Game in AJ between Monsoon and Stampede moved to 4:30pm. The Bandits v Hitmen game set for that time will be played on April 10. Anthony Guzman of the Bandits has passed away and the team will be dealing with that this weekend. The Prayers and sympathy from all the players, coaches and league go out to his family and friends. |
Once again Mother Nature shows the AzFL who’s the boss and it’s not Tony
Danza. Bonjour (French) I am
your bilingual Doctor of Wordology Standing Pat here to hopefully
entertain you. I know I
can’t be as entertaining as some of you on Facebook but I will try.
Only one game here in the middle of the state was played and the
Dragons finally won a game.
Doesn’t it seem like forever since they won a game?
That is because it has been.
If you were lucky enough to not be in Phoenix you did get to play
some football. Some teams I
bet are wishing they were in Phoenix getting rained out but some
weren’t. Ok with that lets
just got on with the game shall we?
Wolf Pack vs. Demons 10:00am at Maricopa
High School
One of Mother Nature’s first victims last week the Wolf Pack get the
extra time to prepare and heal for a very tough Demons game.
It is just me or does the Pack look like they are getting
stronger every week? They
have already played the Monsoon and are on a roll.
This is a great test for them and should show them and the rest
of the World if they are going to be able to maintain that Championship
swagger.
Demons what can I say about your team other than,
AWESOME. I can’t remember
where a team impressed me so much. The
only bump in the road for this team has been last year’s Semi-Final game
when they lost too, oh my the Wolf Pack.
Paybacks are a son of a gun (family column) aren’t they?
Prediction:
it is not secret that I am a huge Wolf Pack and Coach Braybrooks
fan. I love everything they
do but they do have a hole in their game and it is against speed.
Not that they don’t have any but they don’t play against the fast
teams well. Coach Braybrooks
will have them ready but I think they will fall short.
The Demons are too fast and they have had this game circled for a
long time. It will be a
great one to watch.
Demons 14 Wolf Pack 12
Soul Patrol vs. Dragons 12:30pm at
Maricopa High School
What a hard pill to swallow.
Your Defense shouts out the Champs only to lose on an interception.
Tough lose for a very good team.
This year’s Soul Patrol is the team we thought they would be.
Close hard fought games against good teams and blowing out the
teams they should. The
unfortunate part so far is they are losing the close games but that is a
good problem to have.
Dragons finally decided to play a full game and not
mess around with a team they should have beat soundly.
It is nice to see.
Maybe, just maybe this is the start of something good for them after
nest week they have a very favorable schedule but they still need to
take care of business if they want a spot in the playoffs.
Prediction:
This is a great game for 1 reason.
It is Power against Speed.
The Soul Patrol’s Defense is like a track team.
They are the fastest 11 guys in the AzFL and can run down a
Cheetah. On the other side
you have the biggest team in the AzFL in the Dragons with that huge
O-line that can wear down a brick wall.
This is they age old question which is better Power or Speed.
I think they cancel each other out.
The difference in this game is I think the Dragons Defense is
better than the Soul Patrols Offence.
Look for a Soul Patrol mistake to settle this one, again.
Dragons 7 Soul Patrol 0
Cavaliers vs. Warlords 3:00pm at
Maricopa High School
I think that if Mother Nature helped one team last week it was the
Cavaliers. Everyone knows I
love Eric and Dee but this year they are in total rebuilding mode and
got an extra week to heal. I
will tell you what though Eric holds a mean 1st down marker.
Warlords I hear that your victory now has brought an
old (and I mean very old) coach out to the field.
I can wait to see the Jack Kick on the opening, no on EVERY kick
the Warlords do for the rest of the season.
This is going to be EPIC.
I know you had a tough game last weekend and once again you lost
outside of Maricopa County but the good news is Maricopa High School is
in Maricopa County so I except big things from you this weekend.
Prediction:
Like I said the Cavaliers are in a total rebuild and it is not
looking good for them. I
know that the Warlords record is not impressive but with the addition of
Jack they are headed to the Big Dance for sure.
Seriously the Warlords are not playing bad football and might be
primed to rattle off a couple of wins. Ok maybe not next week they get a
bye then they get hammered by the Dragons but it was a nice thought.
Warlords 14 Cavaliers 3
Crusaders vs. Predators 9:00am at Apache
Junction High School (is the Junction even in AZ?)
Ok well this is the first ever game at beautiful Apache Junction High
School I think and it features two teams that are not living up to
expectations this year.
First off we have the Crusaders that seem to run into a buzz saw every
weekend. They do have a win
against the Raiders and they are not getting blown out but they need to
turn the corner in a hurry because the sand is running through the hour
glass fast on this team.
Strength and Honor boys keep plugging you will find your way.
I don’t have any idea what is going on with the
Predators this year. I know
it is not the Ownership, Coaches or Players because top to bottom this
is a good team. It has to be
a Voodoo thing. I bet there
is a former Predator or Gladiator player with a little doll of Mr.
Austin or Ruben full of pins like a Porcupine.
There is something wrong going on here.
Prediction:
I would love to take a 0-0 Tie in this game but I think the
Predators are due for a huge game.
If they play like last week they lose but if they play like they
did against the Monsoon they will win.
Very strange these two teams are.
Predators 24 Crusaders 10
Spartans vs. Raiders 11:30am at Apache
Junction High School
Well the Spartans did have a Bye last week and I saw most of them watch
the Raiders game scouting it out.
This is a tweener team.
They are better than the weaker teams but not as good as the
elite. Not bad but still not
good enough to make the playoffs.
Now I know they are getting more players and that is a good thing
for them. They need to stay
the course and they might mess up and get blown away in the first round
by the Wolf Pack, good job Spartans.
Well the Raiders took their beating like men last
week. I will say the one TD
they did score was the result of a great drive.
They showed patience and poise.
Other than that it went pretty well as I predicted.
Oh I do need to mention #44 Mr. Robles.
Dude played a great game and I enjoyed knocking heads with you
except the 3 times you tackled my guy in the back field.
Prediction:
I don’t think this one is going to be pretty.
The Spartans are not as fast as the Dragons but they are almost
as big and the Raiders do not match up well.
Now the Spartans have had their issues but they are getting
better each week and having a week off was just what the Doctor ordered.
The good new Raiders is this game will be a little closer than
last week. Spartans
28 Raiders 7
Warriors vs. Head Hunter 2:00pm at
Apache Junction High School
Talk about a team riddled with injury.
I think the entire town of Buckeytucky is hurt.
Not a good week against the Ironmen.
24-0 dudes, seriously you lost to
the Ironmen by 24? Not a
good sign.
Ok I know Fisherfootball and he has the Dragons next
week and should rest his guys because next week is a huge game but do
you think he will? I think
the temptation to drop a 60 on the Warriors is too great.
I am telling you Hunters don’t risk it.
The funny thing is you are in a no win situation here.
If you drop a 60 on them I will ridicule you for doing it but if
you play it safe and play the second string and only win by 14 you will
never her the end of it. I
think the only thing you can do here is Forfeit, don’t tempt it
Fisherfootball go with the forfeit it is the safe bet.
Prediction:
This is not going to be pretty like me.
The Hunters are looking past the Warriors but it is not going to
matter. Too much of
everything in this game. Head
Hunters 42 Warriors 10
|
7pm Game in AJ between Monsoon and Stampede moved to 4:30pm. The
Bandits v Hitmen game set for that time will be played on April
10. Anthony Guzman of the Bandits has passed away and the team
will be dealing with that this weekend. The Prayers and sympathy
from all the players, coaches and league go out to his family
and friends. INFO on Anthony and the Memorial Fund HERE!
Bandits vs. Hitmen Postponed until April
10th Hitmen you guys are right on track.
Looking good all over the place and getting stronger.
Keep the good work going because I think you are right there.
Prediction:
Bandits have a ton of issues right now and the Hitmen are
starting to figure it out. I
love both teams but the Bandits are not ready for this yet and they show
it week in and week out.
There is too much on both sides of the ball for the Hitmen.
Hitmen 21 Bandits 3 (that 3 is for you Mrs. Buckley) |
Monsoon vs. Stampede 4:30pm at Apache
Junction High School
Well you have been asking for it all year and now you have it and it
just so happens to be the, “Standing Pat Game of the Week”.
In my opinion # 1 vs. # 2 (figure out which is which).
Very smart coaching last week by the Monsoon playing their Second
String for most of the game last week giving their guys a little rest
for this one. I am however
very curious to see what they do here.
This is a nothing game for either team but for pride.
I only say this because I think Mr. Carver is a very smart man
(even though he went to ASU, USC Class of ’90 FIGHT ON!!!) because he
knows this game means nothing to his team.
They walk the walk and talk the talk and they know they are going
to be in the Championship game.
I wonder if he opens the playbook up or if he plays it close to
the vest?
And the Champs keep on rolling.
What can you say they just find ways to win.
Shutdown their Offence and the Defense takes over.
Shutdown the Defense and the Offence takes over.
17-0 is most impressive and it is not like they are getting
lucky. They are winning
games in all ways and look great doing it.
Prediction:
I think Coach Carver would love to play this game and not show
anyone anything at all and if they lose so what.
The issue is I don’t think this team can survive a loss.
I get the feeling they are on the edge and could unravel if they
taste defeat. The key here
is going to be Nick. If he
puts the ball on the ground or throws it up for grabs the Stampede will
take full advantage like they did against the Soul Patrol and the
Dragons. Other then mistakes
I think the Monsoon have it figured out.
The Stampede can survive a loss.
I think the difference is the Monsoon Defense.
They match up well and can hold the Stampede enough to let the
offence score. Monsoon 14 Stampede 10
Well there you have it Week # 7.
Let’s hope Mother Nature stays away until Sunday this week.
Ok I know if I don’t mention it I will get benched but The Animal
and the Dragon Master has taken the lead in the Pick’em Challenge.
I am calling Shenanigans but we will have to wait for the police
report to be published. Also
I was very nice to see Mr. Peacock finish the game and at the same time
hustle water out to the Defense.
Nice Job Eric you get a Gold Star for the Week courtesy of the
Standing Pat Staff. Don’t
forget kids listen to ASPN on KXXT 1010 AM Saturday Night 8-Midnight
streams online www.aspnradio.com
to hear all the happenings for
the day in the AzFL. Have a
great week gang and I will see you at the games.
Much love, Pat
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 13thApache 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
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 6thBuckeye 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 to North Mexico 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.
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 Central Mexico (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 in Mexico City 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
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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 |