Posts filed under ‘On the field’
Been a long time….
Well, here we are… on the verge of the playoffs and I’ve finally gotten around to writing a post. So let’s take a look at the season to this point:
April
The PRs (minus several key players) started slow, dropping the first game of the season to Mean Machine… but we picked it up the following week with a big win over The U. We converted 4 of 4 fourth downs (including two 4th-and-the-50s). Even with a second-half injury to Brian, the PRs held together for the win. Game ball to Mere… outstanding defense (nice PBU on a would-be conversion, key interception on the first series of the second half and a big catch on fourth down late in the game). The PRs finish 1-1 on the month… at the same point the Red Sox were 11-15. Those were the days.
Other notes from April…
Here’s something for your registry, Mere: A $6,400 toilet.
Was feelin’ a little Minnesota, so I hopped a plane west to catch the 2011 Frozen Four in St. Paul… and also took in Opening Day at Target Field on the off day. Twins rallied to win it.
Pregame at Hubert’s at the Target Center. Check out the specialty drink list:
Star-Spangled Banner time.
Kyle Schmidt: Scooooooore!
Not to be outdone, Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs:
And somebody special turned 1!
May
The PRs continued saw their momentum stall in May. At 1-1 and completely in control vs BALCO, the PRs coughed up the ball three times en route to a 26-26 tie that felt like a loss. Next up, the Craigslist All-Stars, who finished the season 0-6) gave the PRs all they could handle in a game that went down to the wire and required a goalline stand at the end. Yipes. At 2-1-1 the PRs met The U and, minus Mere and Steph and with Brian hobbled, just couldn’t keep up. The loss dropped the PRs to 2-2-1 with one game to play.
Other May notes…
Took a trip to Santa Barbara. Oprah lives in the area, so it’s gotta be nice, right? Quite.
The shore:
The pool:
The balcony:
Rancho San Marcos… par 3 on the back. Can’t remember the number. Hit my tee shot right, chipped up and missed the par putt. Grrr.
Sandpiper Golf Club… par 3 No. 11. Gorgeous hole down a steep hill. 7-iron into the breeze. Landed right, chipped up and again missed the par putt. Yoy.
Conan shaved his beard:
Maybe the coolest thing ever:
Shoe shopping?
Best Onion Rings Ever! Zackel’s in Claridge, PA.
Not the biggest lacrosse fan in the world, but this is sweet:
Mere shows us her JPOWW Pride:
And, um, something about the Bruins?
June
The PRs closed the season with a rematch with BALCO. Down 6 with 4-minutes left, the PRs went through their 3:45 drill… tying the game with 15 seconds left. After missing the extra point, it looked like the game with BALCO would end in yet another tie (talk about evenly matched teams), but BALCO had other plans. On a last-second heave-ho, a BACLCO receiver managed to get his hands free of triple coverage and pull the ball down for the game-winning score. Ugh. 2-3-1. For the record, we haven’t won more than two games in a season since the Fall of 2009. That changes this weekend. We’re going to win… and not settle for runner-up like Spring 2009.
Give it to us, Herbie:
Don’t forget to look nice for the team picture. Here are the previous two squads:
Fall 2010
Spring 2010
Im-MERE-culate Reception
Oct. 3, 2010. Remember that date. It could be an historic one for the Pocket Rockets. It ranks right up there with Dec. 23, 1972.
The similarities are uncanny. On that frigid December day at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, the Steelers gave up a late touchdown to the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Playoffs… setting the stage for one of the most storied and important plays in the history of the NFL. The Immaculate Reception.
Last Sunday, at McKinney Playground in Brighton, the Pocket Rockets took the ball at their own 20… trailing by 7 to Dizzy Llamas Orange with 5 seconds remaining in the game… and, realistically, their season, having started 0-2-1. After a quick slant to Brian for 6 yards, Vegas called a timeout and drew up the final play in the huddle. PMac would streak the left side. Brian and Uncle Ron would line up to the quarterback’s right and meet PMac in the endzone. Mere and Stepha were, really, just afterthoughts. Vegas took a 5-step drop and took three strides to his left, waited for the rush and lofted a wobbly bomb some 40-yards downfield. There was a collision… and a tip… and a ball falling toward the ground… and, finally, a waiting pair of hands to snatch The Rock for a TOUCHDOWN! Mere, somehow, found herself unchecked in the chaos and gathered the ball (this after dropping the one-point conversion just minutes earlier that would have given the PRs the lead).
Another timeout to call the game’s final play… a 2-point conversion for the win. Diamond left. Brian solo right. If they went zone, we had an overload to the left. If they went man, Brian would have single coverage and the entire right side of the field to get open. Man defense. Brian outcut… bobble… catch… conversion. PRs WIN! I’m casting an early vote for the Im-MERE-culate Reception for ‘Offensive Play of the Year’ (to be awarded, as always, at the postseason team banquet).
The coda to the Immaculate Reception is that the Steelers lost to the Dolphins the next week in the AFC championship game… but it set the stage for 4 Super Bowls (now 6 if you’re counting). And don’t look now, but if the playoffs started today… guess who’d be the No. 4 seed?
| Mean Machine | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 |
| The U | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 |
| Cougar’s Pride | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| Pocket Rockets | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Dizzy Llamas Orange | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Hey That’s Not My Flag | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
This week the PRs tackle The U at 5 p.m. at Smith Field.
Some fun stuff…
Pens. Flyers. Tonight at the brand new Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, 7:08 p.m. Hockey is back, baby!
And Conan is almost back…
PRs live in BSSC basement… Vegas blogs in jammies
This speaks for itself:
| Team | W | L | Pts. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The U | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| Mean Machine | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| Pocket Rockets | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| The Renagades (sic) | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Because are games aren’t worth blogging about, I’ll just have fun with other stuff.
Dead
The Detroit Red Wings… losers to perennial chokers, the San Jose Sharks, in 5 games. Ouch. Time may have finally caught the team of the decade. That and Joe Pavelski is just unstoppable right now. Can’t wait for the San Jose – Chicago series. Blackhawks’ winger Marian Hossa vies to make this third-straight Stanley Cup finals appearance… with three different teams. I dunno if that’s been done before, but he’s 0-2 so far. Maybe he’ll be a healthy scratch if Chicago advances.
Alive… on life support
The Pittsburgh Penguins… defending Stanley Cup Champs play game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight against the Canadiens… at the Igloo. Probably best I view this one at the Fortress of Solitude and steer clear of the sharp objects. If Montreal wins this game, they’ll win the East fer sher and I’d bet on the Cup, too. Tough to beat a hot goalie in the playoffs, but Jaroslav Halak comes back to earth tonight. The prediction here: Pens 4, Habs 1.
Dead
Ernie Harwell, Hall of Fame broadcaster and longtime voice of the Detroit Tigers (tough week for Motown). He was old and terminally ill… so naturally he made my Dead Pool list. Thanks, Ernie, for giving me my first hit of the year. Paul Allen, your next, bro.
Time runs out on PRs
The ball left the aging quarterback’s hand like too many that afternoon. With :02 left, some 20 yards and six waiting defenders separating the Pocket Rockets from their first ever Gold championship, Jonny Vegas took a deep drop and cocked his arm in position to throw THE pass. You know the one. The pass he tossed to himself over and over again in his backyard as a nearly friendless youth in the sticks. The pass that won the Pennsylvania high school championship, Sugar Bowl, Super Bowl or whatever championship inspired him that day. The pass that always fell into the receiver’s arms for the winning score — even when it didn’t (because the defense committed a penalty, not because he dropped it or the pass was dogshit). At Belmont Hill School, in the BSSC Division I(II) championship game vs. Mean Machine on Sunday, THE pass left his hand with enough velocity to carry 40 yards or more. But this time the ball overshot the target by feet, not inches. No flag on the play. Game over. Mean Machine survived and celebrated the championship. The Pocket Rockets did not survive three interceptions and one incomplete, dogshit pass.
The afternoon began auspiciously, if several minutes late, for the Pocket Rockets. Facing the No. 2 seed UPS in the semifinal, the PRs opened with a big play on their second snap. Uncle Ron ran a crisp in-cut. Vegas whistled a dart over the middle. Ronnie weaved in, out and around the defense (two of whom were born as seemingly gifted runners) for the first score of the game. After holding UPS down near the goal-line, the Uncle Ron struck again on a deep post. Just like that the PRs led, 14-0. UPS climbed to 14-6 and forced the PRs into 4th-and-short near midfield… but Stepha’s pass to Vegas on the slant-and-go put the PRs up 20-6. A late drive by UPS cut the deficit to 7.
The second half featured even more Ron (perhaps because he knew his time was waning) with an interception on the opening drive. But the PRs couldn’t capitalize and turned the ball over on downs near midfield. UPS scored soon after, forcing the PRs back to work. On a critical third-down-and-long play, Ron ran the out-cut… not as crisp this time… and the throw came out low. He dove, but the ball eluded him. However, the ref… and apparently Ron’s defender… thought otherwise. That call brought fourth-and-inches. Vegas faked to Jos on the end-around and jogged into the endzone. UPS scored again as one of their speed demons posterized Vegas on the deep post (I still can’t believe he caught that). With time ticking down to under a minute, the PRs faced fourth-down-and-3 near midfield. Vegas called for a double-slant for the girls on the left with a run/pass option. UPS sniffed out the run and forced a throw… Mere cut her route back to the sideline and snared the 15-yard lob to seal the PRs first-ever Gold semifinal victory. Game ball to Uncle Ron. Meanwhile Mean Machine, which started the season 0-2 was driving in the final seconds against No. 1 seed Cougar’s Pride. Inexplicably, CP was playing man-to-man with just seconds left. MM ran a deep post… the ball arrived on time and in stride. Touchdown. Mean Machine and the Pocket Rockets would meet for the title… having only played once before, in the Fall 2007 semis.
Ron picked up where he left off in the semis and scored on the game’s third play on a deep-middle route. After a defensive stand, the PRs looked like they were in business but MM forced a fourth-and-long from the PR 5. Even though the PRs practiced punting earlier in the day, and had two able legs at the ready, they decided to go for it. Vegas chucked the ball deep into triple coverage… somehow Ron outjumped everyone and came up with the catch. Just 10 yards from the end zone, it looked like the PRs would put this one to bed early… but Vegas tried to thread the needle to Freddie over the middle on second down. The defender jumped the route. Drive over. MM scored on the subsequent drive on a deep ball. Just like that it was a new ballgame. The PRs tried to get it right back on a deep ball to Stepha, but Vegas didn’t catch the defender playing centerfield… he was hard not to spot considering he had just snagged one interception and was wearing a red hat… Anyway, he stepped in front for INT No. 2. MM scored to take a 14-8 lead… on a gender play to Vegas’s side of the end zone (I didn’t think she could throw it that far). After the next PR drive stalled near the goal line, MM was back in business and drove to the PR 5. Perhaps getting a little too cute, MM took a knee rather than run the ball into the end zone. Bad move. They spent the better part of the next two minutes (five downs worth) trying to score and run out the clock. They succeeded in running out the clock, but an incredible defensive effort kept the score at 14-8 at the half. I can’t remember who was out there for that… but it was the best defense we’ve probably ever played.
With new hope, the PRs took the field confidently in the second half… only to have Vegas relinquish it with another bad deep throw… this time intended for Jos… and also intercepted by a centerfielder. MM would drive and score, taking a 2 TD lead, 21-8. The PRs advanced to mid-field, with Freddie catching a tough, sliding 4th-down catch. The next play, Stepha hit Vegas on a deep post for a TD. Back in the game… MM picked away at the PR defense and moved within a few yards of the game-icing score, but Stepha stepped in front of a low pass and saved the PRs for the moment. Subbing gals for guys — namely Mike and Freddie who were busting their asses on defense — the 3-and-3 Equal Opportunity Offense began its long march… which ended with Vegas running it in from three yards for a 22-21 PR lead with 3:30 remaining!! Mixing man and zone defense, the PRs slowed the MM offense… but couldn’t hold on a 4th-and-10 with roughly 1:00 left. Now we’re into Mike Holmgren territory… do we let them score? Hmm… maybe. But having played such great defense to close the fist half the PRs stood firm. But not firm enough. MM scored on a short cross with just 25 seconds left. Enough time to make it interesting at the end, but not enough for a championship.
One step closer, but one step short.
OK, that was a lot of writing. I suppose it was therapeutic. Who knows? If the Pens lose tonight, I may need to consider therapy. Here’s some linky nonsense.
We need more of this tonight, boys (notice the fan wearing the ref uniform when Kennedy jumps into the glass… classic):
Also tonight, the Lakers face the Magic in the NBA finals… zzzzz… NHL > NBA. Anyway, in case you were interested in how the Lakers got their name:
Question: Is this guy a BSSC ref, too?
Know the expression that you don’t want to know how sausage is made? I wonder if this is why?
Mediocre Defense good enough to stop PRs
No Defense continued to mystify the Pocket Rockets with its regular season hex, erasing a two-score deficit in the waning minutes to claim a 21-19 victory. The loss dropped the PRs to 2-1, even with No Defense and the rest of the pack. Here’s a look at the standings:
| UPS | 3-0 | 9 pts |
| No Defense | 2-1 | 6 pts |
| Pocket Rockets | 2-1 | 6 pts |
| Stonehands | 2-1 | 6 pts |
| Cougar’s Pride | 2-1 | 6 pts |
| Mean Machine | 1-2 | 3 pts |
| Evil Weapons | 1-2 | 3 pts |
| Shopping Cart | 0-3 | 0 pts |
The PRs face No. 1 UPS at Tufts Park in Medford this Sunday at noon. Should be a good one. Also, I think it’s Jackie’s official birthday so we’ll probally celebrate afterward. Factor that into your plans. And speaking of birthdays, Stepha’s 30th is Friday May 15 at the White Horse in Allston. Mark your calendars.
Joey’s, Vegas set for Y Hoops Title Game
Tomorrow night at 8, Joey’s and Vegas square off for the Oak Square YMCA Co-Ed Hoops title… be there. Pizza, beers, etc. following at the Drop. Freddie is expected to attend.
Some legal news… um, not mine
The wedding-night brawlers from Pittsburgh took their pleas today.
If this fellow challenges you to a game of beer pong (Beirut in these here parts), run away!
Yes, I am from Pittsburgh, too
Deadspin has a recap of a fellow from Pittsburgh who bid “69 dollars” for a prize on the Price Is Right.
Racking up votes on the bayou. Nice cropping by me. 
Another porn star running for elected office… this time it’s Stormy Daniels… and she’s gunning for the U.S. Senate.
Dom Deluise, 75
Comic actor Dom Deluise died today… he was big in the ’70s and ’80s… I know, ancient history for most of you. Here’s one of my favorite scenes from Blazing Saddles featuring DD.
The blog is back!
OK, so I haven’t posted anything since Jan. 4. Sue me. Good luck… I know a good lawyer.
Here’s a brief recap of the season so far:
Game 1: PRs 39, Evil Weapons of Monkey Destruction 33. Trailing 20-6 early in the first half (thanks to some wicked bad hands), the PRs closed the half with a TD and conversion for a 20-14 halftime deficit. Key play on that drive was Damian running down a ball intended for Uncle Ron down the left sideline (Damian runs his own routes sometimes… in this case, we didn’t mind). The PRs then marched down the field on the opening possession of the second half to tie the game 20-20… a drive keyed by Jackie’s 40-yard catch-and-run. Then after holding EWOMD to two straight 4-and-outs (no small feat), the PRs took a commanding 32-20 lead. Er, or so we thought. EWOMD scored with about 3 minutes to go… then held us on four downs (we don’t punt). From there, EWOMD scored and hit the conversion. Down a point with 1:26 on the clock, the PRs went to work and capped the drive with just :06 left when Stepha hit Vegas on a wrong-shoulder catch in the corner… a quick hit to Danny on the slant secured the final margin. Game ball: Stepha. Big.. play… offense. Rookie Mike O’Connor made an impressive debut, chasing down a few sacks… then again, his impatience cost Danny his first interception of the season.
Game 2: PRs 31, Stonehands 25. Coming into this game, the PRs were 2-0 with a 3-girl lineup. In fact, we faced the prospect of playing a 4-girl lineup for the first time… but Damian made the trip up from the Cape in time for the game. After going nowhere on the first possession (dropsies again), the Stonehands set up shop at midfield… but the PRs got the ball back again after Damian played volleyball with a pass over the middle. Vegas stepped in for the pick (I can play defense, too, sometimes). But again the Stonehands held, and scored the first TD of the game. Vegas hit Uncle Ron deep for the PR’s first score. After the Stonehands countered with another TD, the PRs again manufactured a scoring drive to close the half. Vegas ran it in from the 1. 13-13 at the half. In the second half the D stiffened and held the Stonehands twice on fourth down. Offensively, the PRs picked apart the Stonehands’ zone with short, surgical passes. A late score by the Stonehands made the final closer than it should have been. Game ball: Damian. Commitment.
At the moment the PRs are tied with Mean Machine with perfect 2-0 records. Everyone else has at least one loss. This week we face regular season nemesis No Defense (1-1) at Tufts Park at 2 p.m. on field 3. We’ve lost to ND the last two regular season meetings… of course, we’re undefeated against them in the playoffs.
Now some other stuff…
Y Hoops Update: Vegas will face Joey’s in the Championship game of the Oak Square Y Co-Ed League (Winter 2009) at 8 p.m. Be there to cheer your teammates (Mere, Stepha, Mike & Vegas)… or at least show up for the free food at the Drop at 9.
Wine & Cheese: Just a reminder that Mere’s Wine & Cheese Pan Mass Challenge fundraiser is this Saturday at the Pearl St. digs. Dress nice. Bring your checkbook. Have fun. Game’s not ’til 2 Sunday so that oughta be plenty o’ time to sober up. Get there at 8… for C’s tip-off… and leave after the game, which should probally end around 2 a.m.
Stepha turns 30: Our Stepha is getting old (just ask her back). Let’s help her cope by getting her piss drunk Friday May 15 at the Whitehorse (6-9 p.m.) for starters… then who knows what will follow. Still waiting to see someone outdo my 30th. Many have tried… all have failed.
Get Cup Crazy: The Best Sporting Event Known to Man… the Stanley Cup playoffs are in high gear. Disagree? Tell me if you’ve ever seen anything like this to START a basketball game, soccer match, baseball game, etc. Jumbo Joe Thornton vs. Ryan Getzlaf. No. 1 seed San Jose goes down to the Ducks! (Now they get the Wings… good luck!)
Good to see one California team still around… so we get to see more of the modest Lindsay Soto.
Saturday it’s the series hockey fans have been waiting for: Pens-Caps. Go Pens!
And some laughs…
The Onion reports that young people who watch pornography might get the crazy idea that sex is an enjoyable endeavor.
And here’s a fellow who will likely be nominated for Teacher of the Year in Florida. Here’s the lede: “A Lee County school employee who officials say was browsing the internet while two special needs students engaged in sexual acts is being considered for termination.”
PRs swallow yet another bitter pill
The Pocket Rockets keep finding new and creative ways to choke away championships. One hopes that sooner rather than later we’ll run out of ideas and just win one. Yesterday’s loss to Hey That’s Not My Flag was especially bitter for me. Had I not been completely smashed by the time I got home from Uncle Ron’s (sometime after midnight), I doubt I would have slept one wink. There is little doubt in my mind that this season’s squad is the best we’ve ever had. And, though the competition was strong all season, a league minus Murph’s team and Laces Out is one we should win.
A few points on the game and season:
I won’t throw Steph under the bus for her colossal blunder (Before next season, you will get the following tattooed on your person somewhere: “If there’s nothing there, run it!”). All season she had shown excellent judgment with the football — throwing and running. That’s why I went back to her for the conversion on our late, surprise touchdown. Furthermore, I called the play. It’s something we have never run before. Sure, if it works I look like a genius. But, with the wind howling and a cold, wet football, a diamond-end-around run would have been a better call. Or perhaps me running a stop-and-go. Interceptions are game changers. We need look no further than Damian’s crucial play last week as evidence. Can’t happen, especially on first-and-goal… ever. But, we had other opportunities, and we did not take advantage of them.
Our defense, for the most part, was solid. We were thisclose to a couple of interceptions that would have put us in good shape for the second half. But they took advantage of some undisciplined and lazy play on our part. Too many easy passes got through, we missed a lot of flags early and they picked on the right side of our defense all day. We need to play smarter… know the down, distance, gender plays, etc. You have to know what’s coming… We don’t want to tip our hand by calling the defense from the sideline.
Considering the handsy defense we faced, I thought the offense was pretty good. Throwing into that wind was tough. If I had to do anything over, I would have run more in the second half. Those were easy yards… and of course I’d like to have a couple of throws back, especially the one to Danny on fourth down. We made some really nice plays, though. Damian’s bomb was probably the highlight… a secondary highlight was the play of our women (the best in the league) who had lots of nice catches and runs.
Sigh. Sorry, but I’m bummed. Because we lost. Because we won’t play again until April. Because I really look forward to seeing you guys every weekend. We really have a great team, and I want you to be rewarded for your friendship and loyalty with some BSSC tchotchkes. Sigh again.
The Fall 2008 Pocket Rockets... in happier times.
As for the postgame shit-show, that was one for the record books at The Bus Stop… 15 pitchers! Good work. I don’t think anyone can challenge us at the bar. The scene at Uncle Ron’s was… um… oddly fun. Ronnie pulled out samples of his high school artwork, we told more embarrassing stories and drank ’til midnight. I really needed that. I also got a little cheering up from my goddaughter Abby and her brother, Jack, at the BU game… Terriers 3, Huskies 0. Woo-hoo!
Daddy, why does Jon smell like cheap beer? He usually smells like IPA.
So that concludes another season of Pocket Rocket football. I really thought the fifth-year anniversary would be the year. We’ll need to do something to keep our competitive fires burning during the cold winter months… or at least keep the social calendar filled with PR events. Stay tuned, and thanks for playing and putting up with me.
Rookie’s INT sparks rally; PRs advance to semis
The Pocket Rockets are celebrating their 5-year anniversary this season. Four players — Stepha, Mere, Uncle Ron and Vegas — have played dozens of games together over that time and have pretty much seen it all (er, except a championship game). With that as background, it should be noted that the Pocket Rockets may not have played a better or more complete game than in Sunday’s playoff matchup vs. Shopping Cart. Leave it to a rookie, Damian “The D Man” Barry, to make the play of the game.
With the scored tied, 13-13 at the half, the PRs embarked on a long scoring drive to take a 20-13 lead. I can’t remember who scored, though. My apologies. Anyway, Shopping Cart, a squad built of small and fast athletes and a solid quartet of women, marched down the field against the PR zone. Facing a first-and-goal from about the 10-yard line, SC was in great position to tie the score… but Freddie forced the quarterback to throw over the middle where Damain was waiting. The D Man (the D is for defense, no doubt) raced just past the 20-yard line on the return. The PRs were back in business and ready to ice the game.
The first play called for a Vegas run around the left side on a snap from Uncle Ron, but having surrendured several runs to the surprisingly fleet-of-foot QB (Vegas, lest anyone be confused) already, SC opted for soft coverage. A running play would not yield good results. So Steph just went to the line. Nobody knew what would happen next… but it wouldn’t be a run. On the snap, Steph bolts downfield on a deep out… 30 yards later, the PRs have a first down. Later, on second-and-goal, Uncle Ron says his defender is ready to bite on a pump-fake. With Freddie lined up wide left, Ron takes a spot in the slot. Freddie runs his slant and Ron wheels out to the flat…. on the pump, as if on cue, here comes Ron’s defender… and there goes Ronnie behind him. Touchdown PRs! A 1-point conversion to The D Man put the PRs up 27-13 with about 8:00 left.
SC scored with about 3:00 to go to cut the deficit to 27-20, but the PRs were able to run out the clock, lilterally, with a series of hand-offs, fake hand-offs and pitches.
The first half saw strong play by both teams. SC scored methodically on its opening drive, slicing through the PR zone. The PRs countered a few minutes later when Mere beat her defender on the wheel for a 20-yard score. I think Ron got the PAT. After another surgical drive by SC, the PRs marched down the field again… this time Vegas ran it in from the 8 after faking a hand-off to Stepha (who had run for a first-down earlier in the drive). Game ball goes to Damian for his timely interception and a few offensive grabs. The pick, however, really made the difference. With very few exceptions, the PRs played outstanding offense and defense against a good opponent. In addition to our scoring plays, Jackie made quite a few catches out of the backfield for good yards, and defensively we got our hands on a lot of passes. Freddie, as usual, kept a speedy QB under wraps.
Here’s some game footage:
The win vaults the PRs into the semifinals… again. This time against Hey That’s Not My Flag (No. 7 seed) at 2 p.m. at Smith Field this Sunday. In the other semifinal, No Defense (No. 1 seed) plays our friends Beer Factor (No. 5 seed). Nice showing by D-1 East. The championship game will be held at 3 p.m. at Smith.
Afterward, Vegas, Stepha, Uncle Ron, Kell(i,y,?), Mere, Jeff, Freddie, Damian, Jackie and erstwhile Pocket Rocket Keith Borgaro went to the Bus Stop for chicken wings, a chicken salad sandwich, chicken salad club and three turkey clubs (two with sweet potato fries) and several pitchers of Bud Light. Anyway, we overpaid $20, so we’ll save that for next week’s postgame.
Crying in their Beer Factor: PRs secure No. 3 seed
The Pocket Rockets, displaying heretofore unseen offensive explosiveness, secured the No. 3 seed in the BSSC Division I playoffs yesterday by rolling up 50 points against previously unbeaten Beer Factor. Last week the PRs hung 48 points on Dumpy Drawers. The PRs will face No. 6 seed Shopping Cart at 11 a.m. at McKinney Park on Sunday, Nov. 8. (Full playoff pairings below.)
The PRs scored on every possession, except the last one (thanks to Jos’s butterfingers), and had an answer for every Beer Factor adjustment in the 50-26 shellacking. Whether it was Danny splitting the D on the post, Mere on the wheel, Steph on the chair, Damian on the deep out, Freddie on the in-cut, Jos and Jackie on crosses, or crafty Vegas on the fake pitch/sneak, Beer Factor had no answer. Even when the designed play broke down, we were able to create space against the defense and find some holes. No doubt a frustrating afternoon for BF.
Defensively, the PRs forced three interceptions (Steph to thwart a late first-half drive; Jos to set up our first score of the second half; and Danny to set up yet another score) and held on fourth-down twice. A game that was 21-12 at the half quickly became 50-12.
While I could award the game ball to several players, Freddie gets it this week. His constant pressure on the speedy southpaw (in other words, nondescript) BF quarterback led to several errant throws — a few of which we picked off. Furthermore, he didn’t complain about being the invisible man on offense for most of the game. He also gave Stepha and Jackie a ride to Kenmore square… such a team player that Freddie.
After the game, me, Jackie, Damian, Freddie, Uncle Ron, Mere and Stepha went to the Green Brier for breakfast and buckets o’beer. Service was slow, but the food was hearty and a good value.
Playoff pairings
Here are the matchups this weekend:
#1 No Defense vs. #8 Hale and Dorr (Go East!)
#4 Mean Machine vs. #5 Beer Factor (Go East!)
#3 Pocket Rockets vs. #6 Shopping Cart (Go East!)
#2 UPS vs. #7 Hey That’s Not My Flag
A thumbnail analysis: The North Division was the weakest (No Defense). The South Division was the toughest (UPS, Mean Machine and Hey That’s Not My Flag). I don’t know anything about any team in our bracket except that Shopping Cart lost to No Defense and UPS beat Mean Machine. I wasn’t much of a scout this year. I may show up early this week to see Mean Machine and No Defense play.
Halloween recap
Mmm… not sure how much of this we ought to relive. I must say Uncle Ron in a chicken costume might have been the funniest thing I saw all night (unfortunately I missed him taking a header down the stairs, which would have ranked as one of the funniest moments of all time). Thanks to Mere and Jeff for hosting yet another smashing party. I also made it up to the Frangies’ on Saturday night. Tony was an Italian chef. Mindy was a pregnant party hostess.
Anyway, here’s what you really want. Pics!
Spicy chicken (pre-fall) and Danny Ballgame.
Dust bunny Kimberly and drunk pirate Kelly. Or is it Kelli? I dunno.
Infatuated Republican Freddie and would-be Madame Vice Prez Jackie.
Two sloppy drunks, er, Rock Star Jos and Mandy as Holly Golightly.
More pics on the way, I’m sure. Stay tuned!
Vote tomorrow
Tomorrow is election day. Vote. Here’s a short educational video. Bear with me. I won’t be able to do this for another four years. And to those who say ‘He can’t win!’ I say, read this. It’s gonna be a rout around the nation and especially in Mass. Vote your conscience.
And here’s a guide to local elections, ballot questions, etc.
PRs rout Dumpy Drawers, clinch berth
The Pocket Rockets (remember them?) clinched a berth in the D-I Gold Playoffs last week by routing Dumpy Drawers, 48-20. This week, the D-I East crown is on the line as the PRs face undefeated Beer Factor at 11 a.m. at McKinney Park in Brighton.
The PRs used multiple formations, a strong running game and opportunistic defense to blow the game open after Dumpy tied the game 6-6 in the early going. Everyone got into the act on offense… Damian “Hands” Berry scored two touchdowns. Steady Freddy was open on nearly every play. Danny should have had an interception return for a touchdown on the game’s first series, but he mysteriously stepped out of bounds. No matter, he scored on a deep out-and-up later in the first half. Meredith was solid all around… except perhaps that series late in the game when she took over at QB. Game ball goes to Jos, who had an interception, put good pressure on the QB all day, scored a couple of TDs/conversions and had about 75 yards rushing. Oh, I almost forgot Uncle Ron. No scores. No picks. Save a fourth-down catch early in the game, he was invisible.
Afterward, me, Danny, Kimberly, Uncle Ron and Freddie went to the Bus Stop for food and beers. Danny & Ron had the Bus Stop Burger (not terrible), Kimberly had the grilled chicken sandwich (didn’t finish) and I had the turkey club (pretty good, actually). Because it was such a nice day, Ronnie, Freddie and I went to Newton Commonwealth for a slower-than-expected 9 holes. Freddie birdied the first two… then he came back to earth. Ron and I never got off the ground.
Y hoops update
Uncle Ron and Freddie’s Fig Newton is tied for first place at 4-2 with Mere’s Old and In the Way. The Misplaced Apostrophe’s (Vegas & Steph) will heretofore be known as No Lead Is Safe after blowing 16-point and 13-point leads in consecutive week’s. Jos’s squad, Lacks Initiative, tallied its first win last week. Tonight’s featured matchup: Fig Newton vs. Misplaced Apostrophe’s. Speaking of Y-hoops…. Matthew Sweet played the Paradise on Monday. Rock!
A brief lifestyle note: Uncle Ron and I have closed the Drop the last three Wednesday nights. Anyone point us to an AA meeting?
Election update
Election Day is Nov. 4. Don’t forget to vote. McBama has some kind of infomercial running on CBS, NBC/MSNBC and Fox tonight. Big whoop. I went to Ralph Nader’s Boston rally last Saturday. Like I said, I’ve seen more folks in the stands for a Y hoops game, but it was totally worth it. He set a new world record for campaigning. Here’s an excellent article by William Greider, one of America’s best political journalists, on why Nader is running… and why seemingly intelligent people like me support him. Besides, McBama doesn’t have enough experience… so says The Onion.
Quickie how we got here update
After escaping the opener against Sunday Funday, the PRs went into a funk against Hale and Dorr. Uncle Ron would like me to point out that HE showed up ready to play. The rest of us did not. Mere set a record for dropped passes, and I threw the ball everywhere but in a catchable spot. Yipes.
We rebounded the next week against With Ourselves, though I honestly can’t recall much from that game. Meh.
The following week the brave PRs took the field without their fearless leader… and Tony… and managed to hang in there… down 13-12 at halftime (who’d a thunk a Steph/Freddie combo would yield better results than Chris Simmons?). I arrived just in time (after driving 462 miles and getting a speeding ticket) to jump-start the offense. Apparently Jackie had the game of her life in the first half… but I’m giving everyone a share of the game ball for that game. We won, 27-26, and made an impressive defensive stand late to preserve the win.
Halloween Parties update
As many of you know, Mere is having her annual Masquerade Madness party this Friday… 141 Pearl Street in Boston. I’ll be there… need a Beirut partner, tho. (Oh, and if there’s gonna be a Hooters girl there… it won’t be me. Still have the outfit… and the boobs… if anyone needs them.)
And the following night, Tony and Mindy are hosting their own spooky party… 16 Newcomb Rd in Stoneham. A party in the burbs? Yipes, that is scary!
Timeout for funny stuff
Just to remind you that I haven’t lost my sense of humor, even though the country is going to hell….
In journalism school, I was taught that “dog bites man” is not news… ah, but “man bites dog,” that’s news! What about “man pees on dog?”
Question: If the Bus Stop served a 15-pound burger, would Uncle Ron eat it? If not, this guy is ready.
More later… gotta get ready to drop Fig Newton. No homework this week!
