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DELUSION

“A belief or altered reality that is persistently held despite evidence or agreement to the contrary, generally in reference to a mental disorder.”

OK back to the business of the day….. Ladies and Gentlemen of the TSL Universe on November 17, in the year of our Lord 2018 (20) teams made their way to the mecca of social co-ed football all with the same dream of entering or “returning to “ the hallowed halls of social co-ed football immortality. Boy oh boy did this day not disappoint. We had shock, we had awe and by days end (5) teams were crowned champions. Let me be the first to congratulate the champs:

D1: Public Enemy

D3: 1 Topper too Many

D4: 3^rd and Schlong

D5: All we do is Quinn

D6: Peachy Platoon

So what else happened on saturday……

-I know there were stories abound both good and bad Saturday but the biggest one of the day, at least to me, was the final victory for 1 Topper too Many. For season after season after season Topper, Kelly Liddle, Mike Salvati, and Todd Nixon showed up yet time after time after time they came up empty. It was so nice to see this team of “great people” finally get their turn with the trophy. Down arguably their best player in Andrew Davis and facing a “bad weather day” Team Topper came to play as they beat Bullet Club and literally ran A&A off the field. It seemed like just yesterday that Drew was “intern Drew” but now he’s torching D3 secondaries. It was also nice to see the Clarke sisters who have bounced around over the years from team to team to finally find a home. One must still ask the question, how does Dove feel about all this? Kudos to all Team Topper members on a well deserved victory.

- I know it is all done and said and said and done but has anyone checked in on Joey Batts to see if he is still alive? The Batman not three weeks ago was staring at TSL History as he could have been the first ever TSL back to back MVP. Now he stands wondering how it all went so woefully wrong. Joey lost (2) 1^st round playoff games and lost AGAIN to bitter rival Matty Ice in the semis. If I was Joey Batts I would still show up January 11 at the Adam’s Mark so everyone knows he hasn’t folded like a tent. He should bring Burr and “glasses” with him. I’m going to die if “glasses” gets an award but Joey doesn’t.

-Peachy Platoon had a pretty easy ride this year. Don’t worry boys and girls now we know what you are capable of and I will make it my first priority to make sure you are in a division that will fairly “challenge you both on and off the field.” Trust me PP if they come back will not “get over” on a division in the Spring. Peachy Platoon looked very impressive in wins over both Jabronies and Celino Sewer Rats.

-After seeing Bullet Club take an early exit in the playoffs and Witter’s shock Matty’s Angels and give AWDIQ a solid fight it has become quite evident to this writer that Zach Newberry is one of the “brightest minds” in the game today. Without Newberry the Club looked “lost.” 13 points against Team Topper in the playoffs just isn’t good enough. I will continue to wait for Jeff Easton to “turn the corner” as it is only a matter of time before he takes the “next step.”

-I am very curious to see who wins the battle for Team of the Year between Public Enemy, 1 Topper too Many and 3^rd and Schlong at the banquet Friday January 11, 2019 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.  All (3) squads killed it this year. PE went undefeated and beat their bitter rivals not once but twice while 3AS called their shot and shocked the world on their way to their first title. 3AS also beat their bitter rival Puckett All Stars. They also have started a tremendous social media battle with Bullet Club and started their own 3AS clothing line. At the beginning of the season, I would have Bullet Club as a 13 point favorite against 3^rd and Schlong. To be honest, if 3^rd and Schlong played Bullet Club tomorrow on those fields I would say this game is “even money” as there is no doubt in my mind 3AS could beat Bullet Club. Team Topper will be riding the “good guys finally made good storyline” as no one gave them a shot at victory.

-If you are proudly wearing a purple jersey for AWDIQ you have to love the way this finals unfolded. They finally got another crack at bitter rival Hope N Ruin and this time they took the duke with an impressive 32-13 victory. AWDIQ had a little bit of everything. They had size, speed and an offense that really was not stopped by many this session.

-So what was the question you were asked most Saturday? That’s simple….with the game and their season on the line and 1 play left to make WHY WASN’T MATTY MOHR ON THE FIELD FOR EYES DOWNTOWN? I honestly don’t know either. I was literally shocked Matty Mohr was not on the field with the game on the line. Matty Mohr is practically TSL royalty as he has won a “trunk full” of D1 titles and has made more “big game catches” than almost anyone in league history.

-It was nice to see Kyle Coniff return from what looked like a very scary injury weeks ago. I was also very surprised to see “squirrel” make his triumphant TSL return. Usually a “sub” for Eyes Downtown it looks like the “squirrel” has joined up with TEIM. I honestly feel that TEIM’s day is coming. That is a very good bunch over there that are slowly getting acclaimed with the D1 game. In time they will be in the running for the title. They have solid leadership, speed to burn, very solid girls and they play a very solid “team game.”

- I can’t say enough good things about Marketing Mayors. There was a rumor circulating early in the day that Delecki was going to play Saturday but that turned out to be just a rumor. MM took ED to the limit and almost won. What a team that can still stay in the conversation minus one of the “greatest players” in the history of the game. When Delecki returns Marketing Mayors will instantly become D1 favorites.

-What the heck happened to HK7?  They were turning the corner. They had a solid offense and things looked good. Then last week their QB looked to be “losing his marbles” and this week they mustered only 7 points on the main stage against a team that they can beat. I am hearing quiet grumbles some folks in red jerseys were none too happy after that defeat with their QB.

-There is no team in this league that was “neutralized” more by the sloppy track than Puckett All Stars. It makes one wonder if the outcome would change if this game was played in the Spring on a dry track.

-A&A looked poised to win it all but they too were “neutralized” by a sloppy track. I heard they even yanked their QB at one point. I am curious to see where A&A goes from here and if a “house cleaning happens. “

-Before the season started everyone was quietly whining about Gryffindor and A&A and Bullet Club and stacking rosters but by days end it was Team Topper that ruled the day. This is why we play the games boys and girls. I think the rumors of a “new and improved D2” are gaining steam and could be very interesting. If I was 3AS and a D2 is formed I would so follow Bullet Club up to D2. That is if Bullet Club makes the cut for the “new and improved D2.”

-I might sound like a homer for 30 seconds here but I can’t tell you how fun of a ride it was this season with Public Enemy. That team is an offensive juggernaut led by the greatest QB (in my view) in the history of the game Chris Cole. Though their offense was the story this season it was their defense that “came to play” as they slammed the “door shut” on Eyes Downtown. Mike Boccio and Greg Osika have gone from “young talented DBS” to seasoned vets that have really rounded out their games. ED went right at Osika with the season on the line and Greg broke before the ED WR did and knocked the ball down for the Public Enemy victory.

- On behalf of both Topper and myself I’d like to take this time to thank all TSL volunteers and officials and Rameer Green for all his help. Rameer does not have an easy job but his love for this league is always on display. Officials do not always get the praise they deserve but they always seem to hear the guff and complaints from people first. Once again thanks to Rameer and all the men and women who were nice enough to help ref games this season.

-BTW once again the TSL Banquet will be held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel Friday January 11,2019. More details will follow in the coming weeks. BTW II please know the TSL will no longer be allowing “acceptance speeches” from winners. They have gotten too “long winded” and have slowed the show down. This year we will ask that you come up, receive your award take your picture then return back to your seats as we will not be allowing speeches of any kind. This is one event you will not want to miss as the TSL banquet is usually insane! It will be nice to see our friends once again from 5 Star Productions as Jimmy and Tommy will be back as normal this banquet.

-Once again thank you to all TSl’ers in our universe and yes I mean all even the one or two “bad apples” in the bunch. This is a social co-ed football league that is designed to be an outlet for people in their 20’s 30’s 40’s 50’s and however old Ron Kozlowski and Joe Buscaglia are where they can compete to their talent level and have fun both “on and off the field.” Yes that last part is the important part. This is supposed to be fun both on and off the field. 99% of this league gets that and we thank you for playing with us and can’t wait for you folks to return in the Spring. Sometimes life and games don’t go your way. We all have lost games and not gotten breaks etc etc but normal people just shrug it off and life goes on. Remember leagues like this are for fun and if you cross lines where you take things far more serious than they should be taken it might be time to re-consider your involvement in a league of this kind.

Once again I’d like to thank all our players, our refs, Coach Jay for doing Coach Jay football Camp, Joe K, Emily Curry, 5 Star Productions and anyone else who has been a podcast guest and thank you to Rameer Green for all his help with this league and our officials.

In closing  I say this for both Topper and myself most days we truly have as much fun running this league as you folks have playing in it.

I would say this again the TSL banquet is a fun time and should not be missed. Friday January 11,2019 Adams Mark Hotel details to follow in the coming weeks.

Until then I’ll see ya when I see ya………….

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