It was a day out of our youth. There were leaves of every color covering the wet green field, but inevitably by the end of the day, there would be a patch of black right up the middle. About 41 degrees and drizzling, the largest crew in the history of the game ascended to the side lines toting balls, cleats, and beer.
By 9:20 thirteen men assembled and the draft began with a sober Chris Tuite and a helmetless Ben Evans, two firsts for our turkey bowl. The draft went as expected except for me being chosen first overall and Lumis as last. The kick off from the reigning MVP to the former began a bit different game than in the past. There were linemen this year, much more complex than the yearly “go out and I’ll hit ya”, a very exciting new twist to the game.
While the kickoff return was nothing to write home about, the first play from scrimmage was all that was needed to define the excellence of the play of at least one man. With only moments into the first quarter, an aerial strike of epic proportions was thrust upon Ben’s “Green Bay Fudgies”. A pass covering ¾ of the field and only centimeters over Ben’s shoulders, a connection from former roomates, Sean Brown to Chris Tuite, and the game was afoot, 1 to 0. The ensuing drive was a methodical strike quarterbacked by new comer and youngster Ryan Gilmore. After a half a dozen completions and the occasional running play, the Fudgies tied up the game, 1-1.
At this point Pete / Tie Die (Former MVP) and Mark stepped onto the gridiron, and a record 15 players were now on the field, and the defensive standoff began. The ball remained between the two 20 yard lines for upwards of 45 minutes. While the Fudgies maintained cool calm and calculated defensive stands, the Tuite’s made it their mission to turn on the pain. Even the likes of Robi “BB” Banerjee turned up the pain meter with Crushing blows to his mark Kyle Bartz.
These sometimes menacing displays of competition paid off and it looked like Sean Brown was going to bring his team to the promise land once again. It was first and 2 on the 2 yard line, Sean Brown dropped back in the pocket and put a ball up for Mark D. All watched with anticipation as Ryan picked off the duck in the end zone to ruin a virtually flawless drive.
At this point it was time for a break. With the loss of a couple players and many more brain cells to the tune of tasty Miler Lite’s, and assorted other beverages we changed the rules a bit to include only 2 lineman and the field opened up a tad. Despite the loss of one lineman, again the defensive standoff resumed. The hard hitting and mediocre offensive game continued until once again the Tuite’s were tiptoeing on the goal line and then once again, as if it were drawn up by quarter back Mark D., a second interception by Ryan Gilmore in the end zone.
We called an intermition which was accompnaied by a fleeting of players. This exodus of personell brought the field to 5 on 5, very familiar territory for the lifers of the Bowl Game. Mike became the all time quarterback; there were no lineman, and the games pace drastically changed. With all the time in the world, the QB had free reign on the field and started picking apart the defenses like it was nobody’s business. As the Tutie’s neared the end zone once again, the decision to extend the game to the first team to 3 was decided, and a touchdown followed. With the game at 2-1, and the change to the fast pace offense things were looking bleak for the Fudgies.
Striking with short passes and calculated movements, the Fudgies managed a Mark to Pete touchdown tieng the game at 2. The Tuite’s answered with a couple deep passes putting them in familiar first and inches from the goal line. As Mark Dropped back in the pocket a nearly flawless pass was hurled deep into the end zone to the one and only CT. As he reached high over the defender pulling it down, in control, to the ground, voices started blaring; “That’s way to deep, no TD, no TD.” While the connection was glorious, the ruling on the field stood, no TD, out of the end zone. The next play was all too familiar for the Tuite’s, pass into the end zone, only this time Ryan tipping the ball to Pete for a third end zone interception.
While Brett Farve’s 20 straight complete passes was a feat on turkey day, Mark preceded it by leading the fudgeies, with pass after pass, picking apart the Tutie defense on a game winning drive out of the opponents end zone. Even with a pressuring fourth and goal, Mark finished the game with class by completing his final pass in the end zone for a Fudgie 3-2 victory.
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MVP |
Chris Tuite. He started with a text message at 7am and didn’t stop til the final whistle. While there were no complete standouts this year CT exemplified work coupled with talent. He was sober, driven, and a mini highlight film on both offense and defense. Hats off to CT, the fork has returned home . |
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Biggest Hit |
Kyle Bartz. Kyle was on my team, and he did a great job. Unfortunately there was another team, and they were all out for Kley’s head. You expect it from CT, but when BB Bannerjee puts a lick on the kid your in for trouble. Kyle way to take the brunt of the punishment for the team, you proved to be no Kyle Bartz K. |
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Surprise |
Ryan Gilmore. Sure he was one of the taller guys on the field, but he might weigh 150 Ibs soaking wet, and a rock guitarist to boot. I must say this kid can run, throw, and catch. When his first reception looked like a signature Marvin Harison type rope walk on the sideline we all knew he came to play. CT if this kid gets cleats, the fork is his next year ;). |
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Choke |
Sean Brown. Yes, most of us were stunned as well. For some reason at first glance you have to have great expectations for players in full body Under Armor and sticky gloves. Sean has a few years of consistent play as well, but this year, I just don’t Know what to say. The Tuite’s QB for two end zone interceptions not to mention dropped balls for touchdowns that hit him in the hands. Sean, while you had some nice deap passes to CT and a touchdown pass, it may be you alone that lost the game for the Tutie’s. |
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Kyle Bartz |
Pat Paoff-Furman. For those of you who don’t know about this award, some of its Synonyms would be Pussy, PAN Boy, sissy, bitch ass trick … Those of you who know Pat might be wondering about the last name for this award. There’s story behind it and I’ll Keep it short.
The night before the game, Pat made a commitment that he would be at the game in the morning, his newly engage fiance made the same commitment. They both turned in early to prepare for next day. This being the case I took them both aside and asked to make a small adjustment to their wedding plans, we came to an agreement. If they didn’t show, in the spirit of the Kyle Bartz award, Pat would have to take Krista’s last name first once they are married. The rest is history.
All that aside, I think the largest crew in the history of Turkey bowl are confidnent that you will carry the Kyle Bartz award like a badge of honor on your chest for the next year. |
Well, that’s all I have for now. There will probalby be some additions, but wanted to get something out there, before it got completely out of our heads. Have a happy holidays, and there has been some rumblings about a Holiday Bowl, stay tuned.
