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Ladies and Gentlemen of the TSL Universe, I regret to inform you that the regular season has come to a close. What was once a season full of potential and promise for everyone, has now given way to the harsh realities many teams faced as the season went away. Injuries, players who just never showed up, teams failing to mesh together quickly, bad luck, and other reasons are why so many things went wrong for so many teams over the last two months.

 

               And now, the real fun begins.

 

               That’s right! The race for social co-ed football immortality officially begins this Saturday, as we dive head first into the Topper Sports Spring 2021 Playoffs. We started with 60 teams this season, and we’re already down to 50 as we head into the weekend. Granted, 4 of those are Breakfast Club teams who started their playoffs last weekend, but they’re racing for immortality nonetheless.

 

               It’s been said before, but the last few weeks are more telling than the first few. Teams are figuring out how to win together, and they’re hitting their stride at the right time. We’ve seen that recently with University Wealth Management winning their last two games, or Why So Serious just beating Public Enemy. These are just two examples. On the other side of things, Bullet Club is on a 7 game losing streak after being a couple plays away from a 4-0 start or Graves Bros, once the D6 favorites, sit at 5-4 after a 4-2 start, and the only win was against Juiced. Juiced would struggle against a group of toddlers though, so you can’t be too excited about that win.

 

               And those are just a few examples before we really get into the meat of this article. This article is always a long one, so if you want to Venmo Topper some tips for my great work please do. I’m kidding, don’t actually do that. I forget this league is full of people that would. But joking aside, thank you to the VERY HIGH number of teams that reached out when Topper asked for some information from everyone. I get a lot of emails throughout the season, but it’s always good to hear from those squads that I don’t talk to often, if at all.

 

               This is it. This is the playoffs. Who has the best chance to win? Who’s GOING to win? The truth is, we always think we know, and we never do. And that’s the true magic of the TSL Playoffs: Anyone can win. Except the Freeballers.

 

Let’s get into it:

 

D1:

 

Last Week’s Scores:

Tight Ends In Motion 41, Sloppy Seconds 20

Why So Serious? 48, Public Enemy 43

 

               Yeah, you saw that right. Why So Serious decided to wait until the last week of the season to win a game, and boy was it a doozy. Public Enemy misses out on their customary bye and will have to play in the first week of the playoffs for the first time since 1996 (probably). Tight Ends walked through Sloppy Seconds as pretty much predicted to wrap up the #1 seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Eyes Downtown took home the other bye this year with TEIM, which means they get one less week of football than everyone else so maybe they AREN’T the winners here. As we go through the games please recall that all “Points For, Points Against” things are the DIVISION averages, whereas the TSL Rank is for all 60 teams (it includes the Breakfast Club teams which is hilarious and awesome).

 

 

THE PLAYOFFS:

 

THE ODDS:

Tight Ends In Motion (3-1)

Public Enemy (5-1)

Eyes Downtown (7-1)

Sticky Bandits (20-1)

Why So Serious (21-1)

Sloppy Seconds (30-1)

 

               It’s incredibly hard to bet on anyone but Tight Ends this season, but its also incredibly hard to forget them cracking under the pressure in the championship last year too. Even in a down year, PE is the “favorite” to beat the TEIM juggernaut, even as the 3 seed. New Eyes Downtown have been a revelation, but there’s still a couple kinks to work out that make me think this isn’t the year. Sticky, Why So Serious, and Sloppy Seconds “bring up the rear”, and while they’re all capable of winning a game in the playoffs, I can’t imagine them beating any two of the top three on Championship Saturday.

 

#3 Public Enemy (6-3) vs #6 Why So Serious? (1-8)

Points For: PE – 32.11 (3^rd), WSS – 21.88 (6^th)

Points Against: PE – 28.33 (2^nd), WSS – 42.00 (6^th)

TSL Rank: PE – 20^th, WSS – 58th

Past Games: PE 33 - WSS 17 and WSS 48 – PE 43

Official Line: Public Enemy (-9)

 

The Analysis: On paper, Why So Serious gets blown out of the water. But, stuck in the back of everyone’s minds for this game is what we just saw last weekend: Why So Serious 48, Public Enemy 43. WSS had it’s entire team for the first time all season, and it lead to a big win that sets up this rematch. Add into the widespread chatter about who PE is going to be missing this weekend and there’s a very real chance that the upset is about to happen. On top of that, Asian Pete (Which again, that’s how HE signs his emails to me, I just call him “Pete”, and I don’t even think we have another Pete of note in the TSL. Its 2021 Peter, get woke.) emailed me to specifically say that he “actually tried” this week which, along with Terrell Bolden playing was the catalyst for the upset. Are we going to see history “Re-Pete” itself? (Buckle up kids, this is going to be a long article full of these puns)

 

The Prediction: I want to bet against Public Enemy. I do. But historically that has gone so poorly for anyone in TSL history. Until they’re actually dead, I can’t bet against them. Ask Tight Ends about that. It’s a respect thing for me. PUBLIC ENEMY BY 3.

 

#4 Sticky Bandits (4-5) vs #5 Sloppy Seconds (1-8)

Points For: SB – 28.38 (4^th), SS – 27.67 (5^th)

Points Against: SB – 32.00 (4^th), SS – 39.89 (5^th)

TSL Rank: SB – 35^th, SS – 52nd

Past Games: SB 54 – SS 16

Official Line: Sticky Bandits (-3)

 

The Analysis: The story line headed into this season was how Dave Baker spurned the Sticky Bandits, leaving them for dead as they moved up to D1 because he couldn’t get over his own ego and had to lead the team HE created to a championship. The irony is that in the first round of the playoffs, Sticky gets to play Sloppy Seconds, a team full of very nice people that Jeff Krol brutally cut from Sticky Nation and left them for dead. While Sticky is looking for revenge on Tight Ends and Dave, they also have a team full of people looking for the same revenge against them this week. The problem with this, is that Sticky replaced Baker with an Older, Faster, More Talented version of him in Kevin Zack and then for good measure also added a Younger, Faster, More Talented version of Baker in Dean Thompson. Believe me, they’re not hurting for talent, and as Jeff Krol wrote to me this week: “If you write one thing about us in your end of season recap, it should be how much we fucking love playing with those guys.” What an endorsement. Sloppy isn’t a team full of slouches either mind you. There’s a LOT of talent over there with Alex Buchlis throwing, Ben Stack and Garrett Beesing receiving, and they have Amy Taylor kicking some tail too. But with most new teams, it takes time to mesh well, and doing that in D1 makes it a little bit harder.

 

The Prediction: Give me the stability of the Sticky Nation all day, every day. This is a team that has played together for 360 years and has risen to the ranks together. It’s nothing against Sloppy. I truly hope they keep it going, as more time to mesh as a team together will yield some better results on the field sooner than later. STICKY BANDITS BY 13

 

 

D2:

 

Last Week’s Games:

Peachy Platoon 34, Slytherin That End Zone 32

Losing Streak 62, XTC 14

Scared Hitless 28, A&A 27

When Dove Cries 41, Passed Our Prime 28

Mountain Dew Me 45, Bullet Club 36

A&A 43, When Dove Cries 22

 

               Peachy finishes at the top of the table with yet another come from behind victory over SITE, who snatched yet another defeat from the jaws of victory. Losing Streak continues to put up their impressive offensive numbers in a thrashing of XTC, who was giving Eric Flynn a go at the QB position for the last time ever. Scared Hitless was down 27-0 before JONNY F’N FOOTBALL stepped in at QB (or so I’ve been told, Jonny didn’t return my emails to confirm this) to lead SH to a 1 point win over A&A. Topper was missing a good chunk of his team this week and still went 1-1. Mountain Dew Me overcame an early deficit to run (literally) past Bullet Club as well.

 

IN MEMORIAM:

 

This is the spot where we highlight our teams that have left us too soon, and they’ve already been eliminated from the playoffs.

 

#10 Passed Our Prime (1-8) – A rough season from POP after such potential coming out of the indoor league. But that roster had players like Robin Makula, Stoner Dave, Chris Nelson, and Ralph Finney, all of whom have ties to other teams during TSL Proper. Unfortunately for Jeremy, the replacements he made to his roster ended up not showing up much, if at all (Hi Bloomfield!) and it cost them in the end. But you know who DID show up? Keyon Elias should be a legitimate D2 MVP candidate, even for a 1-8 team that missed the playoffs. And Jeremy made it a point to email me to give Amanda Paolucci a shout out for playing some of her best football of her life, and this is apparently after not playing for 5 years. I truly hope this isn’t an exaggeration. The present for this team seems dismal, but the future looks brighter, especially if they can get their roster there. A few more games from some key players and they’d have made the playoffs. This team had the 3^rd best offense in the division, but it was that defense that really hurt them.

 

#9 Scared Hitless (2-7) – The defending D3 champions made the jump up to D2, and while it SEEMS like it was a lost season, there’s a lot of be proud of here. We said it before the season: this team’s hopes relied on the continued growth of QB Dylan Day. While Hitless was last in the division in offense, the defense was great and kept them in a lot of games, finishing 6^th in the division. They also held Losing Streak to 22 points, which is impressive. There’s a lot to grow on here. They’re talented on both sides of the ball, and when your girls are the 1A and 1B that is Cat Peters and Jaimie Warren with Carly Deweese right there to step in at any time, Hitless has one of the top female groups in D2. I look forward to seeing what they can do in the Fall.

 

THE ODDS:

 

Losing Streak (4-1)

Peachy Platoon (6-1)

A&A (7-1)

Mountain Dew Me (9-1)

When Dove Cries (12-1)

XTC (20-1)

Slytherin That End Zone (20-1)

Bullet Club (20-1)

 

               Losing Streak opens the playoffs with the best odds to win a very competitive D2. They were the only team to beat Peachy Platoon, who hasn’t looked as Peachy the last two weeks. A&A still boasts incredible amounts of talent across the board, even with the hiccup to Scared Hitless last week. Mountain Dew Me can score, but their defense is a little worrying. You can never fully count out Topper, especially when he has his full complement of women on the field. XTC, SITE, and Bullet Club are all capable of upsets here, but with the way their seasons have gone it feels pretty unlikely any of them will go on a run.

 

#1 Peachy Platoon (7-1-1) vs #8 Bullet Club (2-7)

Points For: PP – 35.11 (5^th), BC – 27.78 (8^th)

Points Against: PP – 25.33 (1^st), BC – 36.56 (8^th)

TSL Rank:  PP – 4^th, BC – 46th

Past Games: PP 41 – BC 16

Official Line: Peachy (-7)

 

The Analysis: While Peachy Platoon hasn’t looked great in the last two weeks, Bullet Club hasn’t looked great in the last two months. Peachy has overcome deficits of 16-0 and 18-0 to win the last two weeks, the former being against Bullet Club. Josh Thompson wrote me to give me the heads up that the Platoon will be shorthanded again this week, and Tommy Nolder will sub in to join Dean, Josh, and Zak along with the three headed monster that is the Peachy Ladies. Joy Thompson, Marissa Thompson, and criminally underrated Teresa DeLabio are fast, sure handed, and they’re arguably the best female group in the entire league. On the Bullet Club side of things, it wasn’t too long ago that we were talking about how they could’ve been 4-0. Stop me if you heard this before, but Chad Griffin showing up is usually the catalyst for these games, but he’s been largely absent yet again. Scotty Dro might have thrown a few bad interceptions, but when his receivers are dropping the ball as often as BC has been, he has to take some chances. Rawdog has proven to be a great signing, and Zach Newberry has had a nice season as well, but there’s not too much to get excited about over here. I

 

The Prediction: It sounds like there will be key players missing on both sides of the ball here. Peachy has been “not great” in the first half of games, where as Bullet Club tends to take early leads and blow them. This has all the makings of an early BC lead that Peachy promptly erases in a come from behind late victory. PEACHY PLATOON BY 6.

 

 

#2 Losing Streak (7-2) vs #7 Slytherin That End Zone (3-6)

Points For: LS – 42.22 (1^st), SITE – 25.56 (9^th)

Points Against: LS – 25.44 (2^nd), SITE – 30.89 (5^th)

TSL Rank:  LS – 10^th, SITE – 44th

Past Games: LS 43, SITE 28

Official Line: Losing Streak (-11)

 

The Analysis: Gary was nice enough to tell me what the hell is wrong with SITE this season. They returned essentially the same team, but they’ve been relatively awful this season. And his answer makes a ton of sense: attendance. I know it’s an awful reason to be awful, but when your QB misses half of the games, and just about everyone else on your team has missed 2 or more games, there just isn’t any way to create some team chemistry. What does that mean? It means a full SITE roster could be that 7 seed shocking the world this weekend. . . .If they were playing anyone else. Losing Streak is the best team in D2, regardless of record. They beat Peachy, and their only two losses were to some Topper Magic on his final drive and A&A demolished them, the only real hiccup for this season. They can score, we know this. Losing Streak has run up the scoreboard on many teams this season, and I don’t mean that in a malicious way. They’re just operating at a VERY high offensive level. Jordan wrote me to say the biggest reason is because they’re playing as a TEAM. And what a team they’ve been. Besides having Anna and Rylee as female studs, they boast D2 Male MVP candidate Ralph Finney and underrated Joe Robison killing on offense. When your other guys make Chris Nelson look like Seann Nelson and he becomes your 3^rd best player, you know something is going absolutely right. I didn’t even comment yet on how well Jordan has been slinging the ball this season, and that’s because the numbers just do the talking for me. Losing Streak, even if they somehow lose this game, has shattered the “Game On teams would get destroyed in anything above D3 at Toppers” narrative. That’s something to be proud of.

 

The Predicition: This is a story of one team absolutely slaying it on the field, while the other is just hoping everyone shows up. Losing Streak is a well oiled machine playing as a team, where as SITE is a group of 10 individuals who wear 10 different shades of green. When you can’t even get two people to agree on what shade of your team color to wear, that’s a problem. LOSING STREAK BY 17

 

 

#3 Mountain Dew Me (7-2) vs #6 XTC (4-5)

Points For: MDM – 35.33 (4^th), XTC – 30.00 (7^th)

Points Against: MDM – 32.89 (7^th), XTC – 36.88 (9^th)

TSL Rank: MDM – 16^th, XTC – 38th

Past Games: MDM 35, XTC 26

Official Line: Mountain Dew Me (-8)

 

The Analysis: When these two teams met in Week 1, I don’t think anyone expected them to have gone off in such opposite directions. Mountain Dew Me acclimated themselves to the D2 game very quickly, as Joey Batts gave them a bit of order and knowledge on offense that was more than “Just go be fast as hell”. It goes unlooked on the knowledge and talent Jill Battaglia brings to the table as well, giving MDM a damn good female who has chemistry with their new QB off the bat. The “under the radar” signing though was Matt “Glasses” Voyer, who is just a safety valve that can get 8-15 yards per play as teams continue to underestimate him. And then you get into the McGregors, specifically Jordan, who has just been a complete terror for opposing defenses. MDM’s defense isn’t too special, and they allow a good amount of points, so if they can’t keep up with a great offense, they’re in trouble. Don’t believe me? Their two losses were to Peachy and Losing Streak (who put up 55). That shows they need to shore up the defense to really make a title run. XTC got the band back together this season with some mixed results. They’ve done some good things on offense, but even with the re-addition of Flynn and Joe Russell, the defense hasn’t done them too many favors. They’re the definition of the “smart and talented team that can beat you if you sleep on them”, and they’ll have the female advantage this game with Katie Keller and Kelly Mazur ready to go.

 

The Prediction: The problem with what I just said is that Joey Batts will make sure MDM doesn’t sleep on XTC. He knows what they can do, and looking ahead in this division is a fool’s errand. I fully expect MDM to be ready for this one, but I can’t imagine them getting much further in the playoffs. MOUNTAIN DEW ME BY 9.

 

#4 A&A (6-3) vs #5 When Dove Cries (5-3-1)

Points For: AA – 36.22 (2^nd), WDC – 31.00 (6^th)

Points Against: AA – 25.89 (3^rd), WDC - 28.67 (4^th)

TSL Rank:  AA – 18^th, WDC – 22nd

Past Games: AA 43, WDC 22

Official Line: A&A (-5)

 

The Analysis: OH ITS SO ON! The TSL gods up above have given us this fantastic first round matchup. Matty Ice vs Topper is a TSL QB battle for the ages. The amount of home décor Topper might buy for Travis, Val, and Matty could reach the tens of thousands if he pulls off a big win here. The numbers suggest A&A is under ranked as the 4 seed, but their performance as of late hasn’t been the best. Yes, I’m well aware that A&A just beat WDC by 21 points last week. But that was Topper’s 4^th game, where he didn’t have any of his girls, and he didn’t have Drew either. Honestly, we just can’t go off of that game. All of these players know each other really well, and this is going to be the most fun game of D2, hands down.

 

The Prediction: On the most recent podcast, Travis sounded a lot like he was already looking for his next team. That makes me feel like A&A isn’t really invested in each other, which is something that really matters for the playoffs, especially in a game that feels as close as this one. Championship Week would be weird without Topper playing. WHEN DOVE CRIES BY 6.

 

 

D3:

 

Last Week’s Games:

Frodo Swaggins 48, Top Shot 33

Grey Hair Don’t Care 37, The Angels 33

Wolfpack 20, All We Do Is Quinn 6

The Angels 44, All We Do Is Quinn 18

The Untouchaballs 31, Vaspian 6

 

               Frodo beats Top Shot and sort of shocks the world. Grey Hair takes its like 3^rd straight game against the Angels on a late drop. AWDIQ is either REALLY playing possum for the playoffs, or it’s a wrap for the former contenders. Wolfpack continues winning. The Untouchaballs take an easy one from a depleted Vaspian squad.

 

THE PLAYOFFS:

 

THE ODDS:

Top Shot (2-1)

Frodo Swaggins (2-1)

The Angels (10-1)

Grey Hair (10-1)

Wolfpack (12-1)

The Untouchaballs (20-1)

All We Do Is Quinn (25-1)

Vaspian (100-1)

 

               100-1 odds is a lot, but Vaspian would have to beat Top Shot, and THEN Frodo, and THEN the Angels/Grey Hair most likely so it just doesn’t seem possible. Top Shot and Frodo receive top billing here. These are the two most clear cut teams, and the QB Power Rankings taught me the fun fact that Frodo HASN’T LOST A GAME WITH GARRETT AT QB. I can’t believe it, but Garrett is QB of the Year for D3. What a world. The Angels and Grey Hair are evenly matched, regardless of Grey Hair going 3-0 against them this season. Wolfpack has been one of the hottest teams in the TSL the second half of the season. Untouchaballs have been nice, but this isn’t their year. Quinn is a weird enigma and I can’t figure out what’s wrong with them.

 

#1 Top Shot (8-1) vs #8 Vaspian (1-7)

Points For: TS – 39.22 (1^st), Vaspian – 19.63 (8^th)

Points Against: TS – 18.67 (1^st), Vaspian – 33.00 (7^th)

TSL Rank: TS – 2^nd, Vaspian – 53rd

Past Games: TS 39 – Vaspian 15, TS 37 – Vaspian 6

Official Line: Top Shot (-26)

 

The Analysis: There’s not much to analyze here, sadly. Top Shot has been awesome on both sides of the ball thanks to the play of Dylan Jaloza at QB, and Adrian Cannon everywhere else. Oh, and they have Chris Nelson on their roster too, so yeah, this team is absolutely stacked. How is this a D3 team again? Cant we swap them for Sloppy Seconds? Anyway, once you add Jackee Thompson to the mix too, there’s just little anyone can do to stop this team. And I didn’t even get to mention Frank or Blasé yet. IT’s a good team. Very good. Vaspian has been the victim of attendance issues and being a division too high. QB Brian is coming along quite nicely, but word is that the team is trying to transition from Drew and prepare for life without him. Anything that helps them spread the ball and improve all across the board is a good move. Last season Vaspian took the #1 seed to sudden death overtime in the playoffs in a similar situation though, so they’ve been here before.

 

The Prediction: This one is about as slam dunk-y as you can get. As much fun as it would be to entertain thoughts of an upset, I can’t see it. TOP SHOT BY 18.

 

#2 Frodo Swaggins (6-3) vs #7 All We Do Is Quinn (3-5)

Points For: FS – 32.22 (3^rd), AWDIQ – 24.50 (6^th)

Points Against: FS – 32.44 (6^th), AWDIQ – 29.25 (5^th)

TSL Rank:  FS – 21^st, AWDIQ – 41st

Past Games: FS 41, AWDIQ 40

Official Line: Frodo Swaggins (-13)

 

The Analysis: Frodo is a hell of a team, that’s for sure. Garrett continues to sing the praises of his team, calling them the best group of people in the world. You love to see it. On the field, they’ve been dominant, although their losses have come during some weeks with attendance issues, so the numbers are off. Nick and Tammy Buczek are both stars in their own right, although I think I heard Tammy broke her hand. It doesn’t matter thought because Emily Schilling, Sarah Hunt, and Kristen Daniels are all there to pick up the slack. Josh Schneider continues to be one of the league’s best kept secrets as well. As for Quinn, well, it’s been rough. Vince is still a good QB, but the talent around him has decreased. Rawdog graduated to D2, and last year’s MVP candidate Troy Boller isn’t playing this year. Mike Gelz can only do so much for one team. At least Kasey Thur has become a bit of a bar regular.

 

The Prediction: I remember when I was writing about this game as a predicted championship preview. Unfortunately for Quinn, these teams have gone in opposite directions since those days. FRODO SWAGGINS BY 12

 

#3 Grey Hair – Don’t Care (5-4) vs #6 The Untouchaballs (4-5)

Points For: GH – 27.33 (4^th), UB – 26.89 (5^th)

Points Against: GH – 25.44 (2^nd), UB – 27.00 (3^rd)

TSL Rank: GH – 27^th, UB – 34th

Past Games: UB 24, GH 22

Official Line: Untouchaballs (-1)

 

The Analysis: This is about as close of a game as a game can get. Even with Grey Hair showing a better offense and defense, it isn’t by much at all. Untouchaballs (also, UB is the best I can do for an abbreviation) beat Grey Hair this season, and they’re coming along nicely. They have the best female in this game in Melanie Linsmair, formerly known as Sticky Hands Blonde Chick. Grey Hair has Jon Von however, and they have loads of experience.

 

The Prediction: A really, really close game. I saw this matchup on Monday and had The Untouchaballs penciled in as one of my “upsets”, but naturally the TSLQBPRC (who makes the lines) favored them instead. THE UNTOUCHABALLS BY 1

 

#4 The Angels (4-5) vs #5 Wolfpack (4-5)

Points For: The Angels – 35.44 (2^nd), WP – 20.44 (7^th)

Points Against: The Angels – 34.44 (8^th), WP – 27.44 (4^th)

TSL Rank: The Angels – 29^th, WP – 32nd

Past Games: The Angels 35, Wolfpack 32

Official Line: The Angels (-2)

 

The Analysis: The Angels have given up the most points in the division this season, as they get acclimated to D3. Emily Curry wrote me to give the girls shout outs specifically for being the first gender team to go to D3. It’s understandably been an adjustment, but Margo, Nikki Kedron, Katie Salisbury, and Taylor Pagano have been killing it out there mossing dudes. Add in Casey being faster than anyone else, and Val Bernal exploiting mismatches and its been a good season that they will only improve on. Not to mention Matty came back, and then left, and is back again. Wolfpack started off 1-5 but have since gotten into a groove, winning 3 straight games and being one of the hotter teams in the league. The biggest reason is how QB Ward Blewitt has properly adjusted to the pace of the game. Garbacz took the time to email me to not only give Ward props, but his whole team. Cindi Bell has hands like glue, as she compliments Rachel Parker, Liz Farley, and Dorene Major to give Wolfpack a hell of a female contingent. When you add in the play of Jake Dunn, Russ, and yeah, even Joe Z, it’s been quite the second half that has turned Wolfpack from an afterthought in D3 to “Oh man, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them pull an upset”.

 

The Prediction: While I really like how Wolfpack has played recently, I’m sure they have the proper personnel to take out the Angels, especially with Matty back at QB. Like him or hate him, he’s a winner, and “Playoff Matty” is something else. “Playoff Matty for the Angels” is even better. Unless the entire Angels roster gets lost in Ward’s eyes (which cant be completely discounted), I don’t think they’ll be able to score enough to keep up. THE ANGELS BY 6

 

 

D4:

 

Last Week’s Scores:

Itches and Ohs 37, Practice Squad 22

Buffalo Vice 51, Woodpeckers 38

Jabronies 28, Freeballers 21

Jabronies 21, Cunning Stunts 0 (forfeit)

Buffalo Vice 51, Freeballers 34

Cunning Stunts 29, TOX 22

 

               Itches and Ohs beat Practice Squad to take the D4 regular season title. Buffalo Vice jumped back into the scene with back to back 51 point games to remind everyone just who they are. The Jabronies take two wins last week, though one was by forfeit. The Woodpeckers lost, but gave one of their best showings of the season. Apparently the Freeballers went 0-2 and during the process made a QB change? That seems like the move just before the playoffs. That was sarcasm for those of you not catching on.

 

IN MEMORIAM:

 

#10 – Woodpeckers (1-8) – The Woodpeckers had one crazy year. They started in D6, beat TMA, and were promptly moved up to D4. And then they proceeded to get smacked around a bit as they adjusted. While the roster went through some changes and some infighting midway through the season, they started to gel as a team as things went on. Even in the 51-38 loss to Buffalo Vice last week, Woodpeckers could have won, but they did that with Joe B playing iron man defense. Imagine if he didn’t have to do that! Joe was nice enough to write in, and explained that they also suffered from only having their two main females together only twice. It’s hard to win in this league without your top girls all of the time. I don’t know where this team goes from here, but at the very least, we got some interesting and fun new people in the league and that’s always a good thing.

 

#9 – Not So Sticky (1-8) – Not So Sticky was formed pretty late in the offseason when a team dropped out. They were the epitome of a fun time. They chugged alcohol at halftime, they ran a bunch of fun trick plays, and they were always having a good time. This translated to very few wins for Jeff Krol’s passion project. The goal was never to focus on wins anyway, but to focus on friendships and fun. They nailed that.

 

THE PLAYOFFS:

 

THE ODDS:

Buffalo Vice (4-1)

Itches and Ohs (4-1)

Cunning Stunts (5-1)

Practice Squad (5-1)

Jabronies (8-1)

Freeballers (12-1)

Cobblestone (20-1)

TOX (25-1)

 

               It’s a 4 team race here in what is actually the most competitive division in the TSL this year. The Jabronies would be right up there too, but word is they’ll be without Joe Miano this week, and that can only hurt their chances. Freeballers dropped a bit due to the rumored infighting over the QB drama as well.

 

#1 Itches and Ohs (7-2) vs #8 TOX (2-7)

Points For: IOs – 30.89 (5^th), TOX – 23.00 (8^th)

Points Against: IOs – 33.11 (8^th), TOX – 29.78 (5^th)

TSL Rank: IOs – 6^th, TOX – 48th

Past Games: IOs 32, TOX 31

Official Line: Itches and Ohs (-8)

 

The Analysis: Itches and Ohs QB Steve Moser has been under fire from many within the league for his in game antics, yelling at his own team (even when winning by a bunch), complaining about the refs, and blowing off podcast appearances. However, you can’t deny what he’s done on the field. He went 7-2, only losing to Buffalo Vice and then the infamous 51-0 loss to Freeballers they called early. Since then, he’s beaten the Cunning Stunts (only team to do so without a forfeit) and Practice Squad, both of whom were considered the D4 “favorites” as recently as 3 weeks ago. . . before they played Steve. Say what you want about him, he wins football games. Itches boasts the best “non-gender team) girls in the division with Laura Streeter, Rylee Moser, and Lauren Moser making plays all over the place. Jeremy Streit keeps getting better as time goes on, and Robert Lee has been very good as well. On the TOX side, Topper is always good, but they’ve had their own attendance issues as well. They haven’t had Aaron and Harlan in the same game in quite some time, but that changes this week. Add in Tommy Hughes, and that’s a pretty formidable offense, which will sadly be missing Dave Walter this week as he’s on yet another vacation apparently.

 

The Prediction: This is going to be closer than you think. Itches is the hotter team right now, but TOX is going to have its full lineup, which makes them dangerous. What it’s going to come down to is the girls, and Itches’ females are light years ahead of what TOX brings to the table (with the exception of Leslie, who is amazing, of course). ITCHES AND OHS BY 4

 

#2 Jabronies (7-2) vs #7 Cobblestone (3-6)

Points For: Jabronies – 33.75 (3^rd), Cobblestone – 28.38 (7^th)

Points Against: Jabronies – 24.75 (3^rd), Cobblestone – 23.50(2^nd)

TSL Rank: Jabronies – 7^th, Cobblestone – 42nd

Past Games: Jabronies 27, Cobblestone 23

Official Line: Jabronies (-5)

 

The Analysis: The job Joe Miano did for the Jabronies in taking a relatively new team who hadn’t played together and forming them into a hell of a squad is nothing short of amazing. Cobblestone played a very condensed schedule and it has me wondering if they’re a lot better than a 3-6 team. Honestly, look at that defense. Cobblestone has been awesome on that side of the ball. The biggest piece to this puzzle is that Joe Miano isn’t going to be there this week. Or so I’ve been told. If that’s the case, there’s nothing more to talk about here.

 

The Prediction: Jabronies live and die by Miano. His absence combined with Cobblestones stout defense AND Darryl’s magic is going to give us a big upset here. COBBLESTONE BY 7

 

#3 Cunning Stunts (7-2) vs #6 Freeballers (5-4)

Points For: CS – 39.38 (2^nd), FB – 30.67 (6^th)

Points Against: CS – 31.88 (7^th), FB – 22.56 (1^st)

TSL Rank: CS – 9^th, FB – 25th

Past Games: CS 43, FB 19

Official Line: Cunning Stunts (-2)

 

The Analysis: The Freeballers couldn’t have pulled a worse matchup for them for the playoffs. Especially now, as there’s a huge QB controversy apparently. While the Ballers have an excellent defense, the Stunts dropped 43 on them last time. Joey Batts is a smart QB, and he knows that his girls might all be better than every single female on the Freeballers. That creates mismatches no matter what you do, and as we saw before, he can exploit that. Regardless of the inner turmoil happening to Freeballers, this is just a bad matchup for them.

 

The Prediction: For the Freeballers to win, they need all be on the same page. Even if they are, they’ll need to force a turnover or two to really make this happen. It’s not impossible, its just feeling improbable. CUNNING STUNTS BY 12

 

#4 Buffalo Vice (7-2) vs #5 Practice Squad (6-3)

Points For: BV – 40.75 (1^st), PS – 32.00 (4^th)

Points Against: BV – 30.25 (6^th), PS – 25.67 (4^th)

TSL Rank: BV – 11^th, PS – 19th

Past Games: BV 41, PS 13

Official Line: Buffalo Vice (-7)

 

The Analysis: This is a great matchup. What a game. Buffalo Vice has been crazy good on offense, averaging OVER 40 POINTS. Andy Clark, we see you. Dan Gonzalez can be routinely seen catching long TDs, and Caitlyn Mason is an absolute speed demon. They match up so well with anyone. Even if their defense is a little lacking due to some missing players, Buffalo Vice’s best defense is their offense. Practice Squad showed they can hang with D4 for sure, but there’s a reason Team Lantz is the 5 seed and not higher. They might just be a small step behind the rest of the field. Could they win D4? Yes. Could they lose by 28 tomorrow? Also yes. This season has been fantastic for their development though, and no matter what happens this season is a win for them.

 

The Prediction: When it comes down to it, I just cant envision Practice Squad keeping up on the scoreboard with Buffalo Vice. They’re an offensive juggernaut, and almost impossible to slow down. Practice Squad will give a hell of an effort, but they’ll succumb to the points explosion. BUFFALO VICE BY 14

 

 

D5:

 

Last Week’s Games:

Breast Friends 21, Zack Attack 0 (forfeit)

Puckett All-Stars 32, ILF 20

The Bambs 46, Wasted Potential 30

UWM 29, Show Me Dem TDs 6

 

               Another week, another forfeit win for Breast Friends. Puckett asserts their dominance on ILF. The Bambs continue to run “Sekuterski on a post deep” and it continues to work. And UNIVERSITY WEALTH MANAGEMENT IS PEAKING AT THE RIGHT TIME BABY!

 

THE PLAYOFFS:

 

THE ODDS:

Puckett All-Stars (4-1)

Zack Attack (5-1)

Breast Friends (6-1)

ILF (12-1)

The Bambs (14-1)

Wasted Potential (20-1)

UWM (30-1)

Show Me Dem TDs (50-1)

 

               Puckett has been very good all year, and combined with their lack of forfeit wins, takes the top spot in the odds. Zack Attack’s stellar defense has them right there with them though. It’s hard to gauge Breast Friends when they didn’t get to play 3 games this year. ILF and The Bambs could pull an upset or two, while the rest of the division will struggle to win 3 games to win the title.

 

#1 Breast Friends (7-2) vs #8 Show Me Dem TDs (1-8)

Points For: BF – 34.83 (1^st), SMDTD – 23.25 (7^th)

Points Against: BF – 24.50 (2^nd), SMDTD – 32.58 (7^th)

TSL Rank: BF – 5^th, SMDTD – 54th

Past Games: BF 21 – SMDTD 0 (forfeit), BF 34 – SMDTD 0

Official Line: Breast Friends (-11)

 

The Analysis: Even if its hard to gauge what BF will look like against the other top teams in the division, that 34-0 win against SMDTDs is telling for this one. Travis is a smart QB, and he’ll know exactly how to navigate this game against a team that’s running for the bus. While SMDTDs had the season from hell, according to Jon Senn, its almost over. They had 7 players on IR this season. The fun part was Jackee Thompson throwing for them, but that’s a small bright spot in tough season. Senn did say he’s working with Missy Keem on a new team for the Fall “that might have to move to D3”. That’s a teaser folks.

 

The Prediction: Not much to really say here. SMDTDs is sort of in shambles and focused on the next season already. BREAST FRIENDS BY 19

 

 

#2 Zack Attack (7-2) vs #7 University Wealth Management (2-7)

Points For: ZA – 23.63 (6^th), UWM – 20.22 (8^th)

Points Against: ZA – 18.75 (1^st), UWM – 31.22 (6^th)

TSL Rank: ZA – 8^th, UWM – 50th

Past Games: ZA 38 – UWM 0, UWM 37 – ZA 8

Official Line: Zack Attack (-6)

 

The Analysis: These two teams have a fun little rivalry going on here. One team is on a two game winning streak, and one is on a two game losing streak. I wouldn’t have guessed who is who, that’s for sure. It’s awesome to see the Keller clan having a nice little run here, but unfortunately they seem to have peaked too early! Now they can’t surprise Zack Attack, who HAS to be wanting some revenge here. Either way, one has to assume that they’re ready for UWM, and UWM is more focused on the 3^rd and Schlong Eggplant Bowl at 4:00.

 

The Prediction: It’s hard to imagine lighting striking twice here. I think we’ll be seeing the Zack Attack from the first 6 weeks of the season than the one that limped to the finish. ZACK ATTACK BY 15

 

#3 Puckett All-Stars (7-2) vs #6 Wasted Potential (3-6)

Points For: PAS – 33.89 (2^nd), WP – 32.00 (4^th)

Points Against: PAS – 25.56 (3^rd), WP – 35.89 (8^th)

TSL Rank: PAS – 14^th, WP – 43rd

Past Games: PAS 42 – WP 8, PAS 34 – WP 33

Official Line: Puckett All-Stars (-16)

 

The Analysis: Puckett has been so good this season, as Topper has said almost weekly on the podcast. TJ Ferguson has been playing at a high level for YEARS now, and the league as a whole still doesn’t recognize them enough. Ashley emailed me to give me a fun tidbit: They’ve been playing since the Mill Middle days, which I believe was back in 1873. She said the best thing about the team is that they don’t have any “star” players. Its that everyone on the team knows their role and they play it to perfection. I made her name some people anyone, and she said Tim Graffam and Elisha Reimers have been awesome on both sides of the ball. But Ashley is too modest to talk about herself. That’s why Dan Graffam emailed me specifically to say that Ashley is one of the stars of Puckett, but she won’t ever say that about herself. The reason Puckett is successful is because they’re not afraid to throw it to their girls on any down in any situation. He also names Elisha, by the way, so she gets double points. As for Wasted Potential, well, the former Passless Chaps has had their share of ups and downs this year. Coach Jay has done well in leading the offense, but with him unable to play D, they just can’t stop anybody. Ricky Booth certainly gets the job done, but he needs some help.

 

The Prediction: When it comes down to it, it doesn’t feel like Wasted Potential will ever be able to get a stop on Puckett. The All-Stars will more than likely score on every possession, so unless WP can keep up on the scoreboard, they may not have a chance in this one. This is evidenced in their two games this season. PUCKETT ALL-STARS BY 13

 

#4 International Lightning Falcons (5-4) vs #5 The Bambs (4-5)

Points For: ILF – 32.22 (3^rd), The Bambs – 31.00 (5^th)

Points Against: ILF – 29.11 (4^th), The Bambs – 30.63 (5^th)

TSL Rank: ILF – 26^th, The Bambs – 37th

Past Games: ILF 42 – The Bambs 38, ILF 32 – The Bambs 0

Official Line: International Lightning Falcons (-5)

 

The Analysis: Not much separates these two squads. Yes, you see that ILF won 32-0 two weeks ago, but that was a 9:00 game that The Bambs sort of forgot about. We can’ t use that to judge. No, it seems we’re in line for a 42-38 type game. Dave Baker has been very good as the QB for ILF in his first season. But it’s not without help. Besides the fruit of his loins, Alex Baker, doing everything on both sides of the ball, and Andrew Kicak excelling at everything except for being a QB, ILF has had contributions from its entire roster. Jason Neth has really come on this season, and is a front runner for winning the TSL Bachelorette. Sticky Bandits cast off Karl Smith is always there to make a big play. I’ll give a shout out to Liam Elinski too, who apparently loves the article. Most importantly, from Andrew: Rebecca Dominesey is a lover of Jack and Coke who once broke a girl’s leg in a powderpuff game in high school. Competitive AND an alcoholic? No wonder she fits in just fine in the TSL. Anyway, that was specifically for the “Taller, younger men out there in the league”. Good luck Becca! As for The Bambs, Anthony Buono has been slinging it very well, as per usual. Joe Cena (he’s the Cena you CAN see) wrote in to talk about how great his blonde hair is. After that it, its all about how “meh” the season was, and the various follies they’ve committed: missing the 9:00 game because of drinking too much, blowing 20 point leads, etc. But he made sure to complement the, wow this is really a name here, Mlodozeniec brothers? They’re the “Ms” from now on here. Anyway, between them and the stellar play of Marissa Padilla, Michelle Snodgrass, and Brooke Guay (and her ‘kankle’ that’s been with her since 2018!), The Bambs have had a pretty nice year.

 

The Prediction: These two teams really made me laugh with their emails, so it was hard for either to sway me to either side. This feels like a true toss up, so I’ll flip a coin. THE BAMBS BY 6

 

D6:

 

Last Week’s Games:

Graves Bros 41, Juiced 37

TMA 45, Lenny’s Ladies 0

Blitzkrieg 31, Travis Henry’s Kids 28

The Bi-Polar Express 61, Victorious Secret 35

Spinelli’s Plumbing 31, Tater Tots 22

Victorious Secret 44, Travis Henry’s Kids 36

 

               Spinelli’s beat the Tots in the “this is for first place in the season” game, which is a hell of a way to end the year. Tommy Hughes lead BPX to a win in the gender matchup against Victorious Secret, who then proceeded to hand THK their second loss of the day. THK also lost a close one to Blitzkrieg earlier on. TMA took advantage of some drops to walk away with an easy win against Lenny’s Ladies, and Graves Bros held on to squeak by Juiced.

 

IN MEMORIAM:

 

#10 Juiced (0-9) – Juiced was the only team to not win a game this season, which is a bummer after they were cool enough to move down to D6 from D4 when we discovered the Woodpeckers were all 6’7 giants. I know it was hard on them for having their girls ghost on them right before the season, which can only make things difficult for the year. I hope they get things together in the offseason and come back better than ever in the Fall.

 

#9 Victorious Secret (2-7) – Jordan Lawson’s gender team had some lowlights, but they also had some highlights, such as the last second win against Juiced and this weekend, where they stopped THK on 6-0 with under two minutes left, got the ball back with 26 seconds remaining, marched down the field and scored to take the win! VS really got better as the season went on and they adapted to the TSL game. When you have stars on your team like Anna Lawson, Des Wagner, Kay Schwann, and Trish Esposito (just to name a few), you’re going to be in every game. They didn’t make the playoffs this year, but I have a feel this will be the last time that ever happens.

 

THE PLAYOFFS:

 

THE ODDS:

Spinelli’s Plumbing (3-1)

Tater Tots (5-1)

TMA (5-1)

Travis Henry’s Kids (10-1)

Graves Bros (15-1)

The Bi-Polar Express (15-1)

Blitzkrieg (18-1)

Lenny’s Ladies (25-1)

 

               Spinelli’s gets the top billing after beating the Tots this week. The Tots and TMA are the other team teams with very good shots at winning this championship as well. THK slides back a little from the pack after a down week last week. I have no idea what’s going on with Graves Bros, but it isn’t good. They’ve been awful down the stretch, and almost lost to Juiced as well. You can never count out BPX, Blitzkrieg is also a nice sleeper pick. Finally, Lenny’s Ladies bring up the rear, but if they have their full team they can beat you if you look past them.

 

#1 Spinelli’s Plumbing (8-1) vs #8 Lenny’s Ladies (3-6)

Points For: SP – 40.44 (1^st), LL – 22.56 (10^th)

Points Against: SP – 24.44 (3^rd), LL – 38.22 (8^th)

TSL Rank: SP – 3^rd, LL – 45th

Past Games: SP 38, LL 16

Official Line: Spinelli’s Plumbing (-18)

 

The Analysis: Spinelli’s has been so good on both sides of the ball, as Peyton’s squad has finally shown up for an entire season. QB Nick Hawes has been money slinging the ball, and they have a star in Katie Swanson for the girls as well. Nothing has really gone wrong for Spinelli’s all season, save for a Week 3 loss to TMA. The Ladies have had an up and down season, mostly related to attendance issues. When they can trot out Robin Makula, Christine Krol, Joy Thompson, Jaimie Warren, Katie Swanson, and Caitlyn Mason all at once, that’s a hell of a rotation. Joe K has made strides as a QB as the season has gone on, and, according to Joe K’s email, I don’t believe they’ve had a full team once this season, which happens with gender teams. They spent a good chunk of the season learning how to play defense, which has improved a bit as well. They were up 16-0 on Spinelli’s two weeks ago before the wheels fell off.

 

The Prediction: This game depends on how many Ladies show up, but even then it’ll depend on how well they play defense together. Spinelli’s won’t take them lightly this time around. SPINELLI’S PLUMBING BY 18

 

#2 Tater Tots (7-2) vs #7 Blitzkrieg (4-5)

Points For: TT – 31.44 (6^th), BK – 25.00 (8^th)

Points Against: TT – 18.33 (1^st), BK – 26.33 (4^th)

TSL Rank: TT – 13^th, BK – 36th

Past Games: TT 38, BK 6

Official Line: Tater Tots (-9)

 

The Analysis: The Tater Tots just blanket teams with their defense. While Mark Harzynski has lead the offense most of the season, he’ll be absent this week. But never fear, Dylan Jaloza is there to take the reigns, and that almost feels like an upgrade. Part of the reason that defense is so good is the addition of Chris Schuster, according to team captain Dave Marcus. He also credited the addition of Jill Dibble for shoring up the female side of things, and gives credit to Meg Mallon for improving “greatly” this season, AND achieving her goal of getting an interception! Sadly, she broke her hand and will most likely be missing the playoffs. Blitzkrieg should be better than they are. They were more than overdue for a breakout season. They have one of the best females in the division in Allie Metzger (who may or may not be out with an injury) and with Tom and Light Red Hoodie Guy, they were poised to take the next step. And then they just didn’t. But, a 4-5 7^th seed isn’t someone to take lightly, and if you do, BK will 100% make you pay for it.

 

The Prediction: I love me some Blitzkrieg, but the reality of the situation is that I feel like they’re going to struggle to move the ball against this suffocating Tots defense. They won’t be able to keep up. TATER TOTS BY 15

 

#3 TMA (6-3) vs #6 The Bi-Polar Express (4-5)

Points For: TMA – 32.56 (4^th), BPX – 32.67 (3^rd)

Points Against: TMA – 21.00 (2^nd), BPX – 32.56 (6^th)

TSL Rank: TMA -17^th, BPX – 31st

Past Games: TMA 31, BPX 25

Official Line: TMA (-7)

 

The Analysis: When these two teams met, it was in the middle of a rainstorm that washed away an early BPX lead. There’s a nice little rivalry here of course, but nothing really came of it last time, so why now? Well, besides the playoffs. Bi-Polar’s roster is stacked with talent. Jess McAndrew, Cat Peters, Steph Czaja, Emily Belfield, and Rachel Grampp highlight a very, very good roster. These are smart girls that can beat anyone, and we’ve seen it before. TMA feels different this season. While they still have their typically great defense, their offense is finally catching up. It’s nearly impossible for opposing offenses to to get anything going with Val Testa rushing and then trying to force passes into a defense that trots out Nick Primerano, Nick Smith (the tall guy), Rob Rummings, and Rich Turner. It creates lots of turnovers, that’s for certain. The offense has been good regardless if its been Johnny Dio or Ryan Henery throwing the rock. When you have weapons like Brian Ferger and Ron Webber out there, it makes it easier. Not to mention Diana Bernal has developed the best hands in the family. Add in other great complimentary pieces like Lauren O’Brien and Brent McKenzie, and you’ve got one hell of a team there. The biggest thing about TMA this season? There’s no noise or drama coming from them, like there has been in years past. Nobody is getting into arguments or getting heated. They’re just showing up and playing ball. They’re the only team to beat Spinelli’s AND the Tots, and don’t forget that they lost a game to the Woodpeckers in Week 1. They’re even better than they seem.

 

The Prediction: Because I said there wasn’t any attitude or drama, I’m sure we’ll get some this week. This game is going to be a good one, but I’ll take that TMA defense any day. TMA BY 7

 

#4 Travis Henry’s Kids (5-4) vs #5 Graves Bros (5-4)

Points For: THK – 32.56 (5^th), GB – 35.56 (2^nd)

Points Against: THK – 29.67 (5^th), GB – 34.67 (7^th)

TSL Rank: THK – 23^rd, GB – 28th

Past Games: THK 46 – TMA 39

Official Line: Travis Henry’s Kids (-4)

 

The Analysis: THK QB John Langley can absolutely sling it. I’m not entirely sure who he’s slinging it to, but THK has been great this season. I can’t imagine last week was “the norm” now, and it was more of a slip up. Graves Bros hasn’t been great for a month or so it feels. Something just isn’t right, and I think it starts with having Gronk rush. It doesn’t feel like the two girls dropping into coverage is helpful, and teams are more than likely exploiting that mismatch. Graves can chuck it on offense, that isn’t the problem The problem for them is stopping anyway.

 

The Prediction: This is a matchup of two teams on a slide. The difference, as I said, is that one did it for one week and the other has been doing it for a month now. It’s amazing to see Graves Bros go from title contenders to first round playoff exiters, but here we are. TRAVIS HENRY’S KIDS BY 7

 

 

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR SATURDAY:

 

1. Will it rain? After gloating about how great the weather has been, it seems the forecast in Buffalo is looking like it has a chance to rain a bit. Here’s hoping it doesn’t, as I’d hate for the playoffs to be decided by the weather.

 

2. Who will be allowed to use the Eggplant from now on? THE 3^RD AND SCHLONG VS NOT SO STICKY EGGPLANT BOWL SPONSORED BY BS BROTHER IS AT 4:00. The loser has to change their logo. I love it.

 

3. Who has the most pressure on them this Saturday? The answer is Public Enemy. They lost to Why So Serious last week, missed out on the bye, and now they’ll be missing players this weekend? If this is the end of the “Chris Cole Era”, as is rumored, this would be the worst way for it to end.

 

4. Who has the best “upset” potential Saturday? Cobblestone upsetting the Jabronies would not shock me at all given the circumstances. If that isn’t good enough, All We Do Is Quinn rallies to take out Frodo Swaggins and shocks the TSL world.

 

5. Which #1 seed has the best chance of losing this weekend? Itches and Ohs only beat TOX by one point this season, and with TOX getting their entire team back for this game, there’s a good chance at an upset.

 

 

TEN FINAL THOUGHTS FOR SATURDAY:

 

1. The best games to watch each hour:

               9:00 – Peanut Butter Kelly Time vs The EMigos

               10:00 – Public Enemy vs Why So Serious

               11:00 – A&A vs When Dove Cries

               12:00 – Grey Hair vs The Untouchaballs

               1:00 – Buffalo Vice vs Practice Squad

               2:00 – Zack Attack vs University Wealth Management

               3:00 – ILF vs The Bambs

               4:00 – 3^rd And Schlong vs Not So Sticky

 

2. Breakfast Club Predictions:

               Peanut Butter Kelly Time 35, The Emigos 32

               Great White Clarkes 46, Keller Whales 22

 

3. Absolute Shout Out to the TSL and raising over $2000 for Garrett Beesing’s sister for her MS Walk. As a result, Garrett will be shaving his head on the fields either this weekend or next!

 

4. My Predictions for the Champions: Tight Ends In Motion, Losing Streak, Frodo Swaggins, Buffalo Vice, Puckett All-Stars, TMA

 

5. Gender team with the best chance to win a title: Cunning Stunts

 

6. Thank you to the many, many, many of you that reached out with an email about your team this week. I hear from a good chunk of you regardless, but it was nice to hear from some newer teams! If you want me to talk more about your team just email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

7. Please remember that this is indeed the playoffs, but to keep your heads. Referees will be calling things how they see fit and they won’t let more stuff “go” just because it’s playoffs. Don’t cheat. Don’t get mad.

 

8. Remember to brush up on your “playoff overtime rules” as well. That goes for teams AND refs.

 

9. The magic of Day 1 of the playoffs is always the shocking surprises we didn’t see coming. I’m excited to hear about what those end up being. We never go “chalk”.

 

10. Congrats to Jeff Krol and Christine Krol on their second wedding last Saturday. Granted, they don’t count as a “TSL-caused” marriage, but we’re pretending we did it anyway!

 

 

THE RACE FOR SOCIAL CO-ED FOOTBALL IMMORTALITY OFFICIALLY BEGINS RIGHT NOW.

 

GO GET IT. THIS IS WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR. HAVE FUN!

 

-GF

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