The Coronation

Today we crown Sun City Kickball's King of Kickball for the Fall 2012 Season. After 12 long hard weeks, it all comes down to 4 teams. These 4 teams have battled through a gauntlet of kickball foes. The increased competition this year was exciting to see. Many teams stepped up their game. The remaining teams should be very proud of making it to the Final Four, it was a true test. Now they are heading into the home stretch, who will come out victorious.

Each of the Final Four teams have a realistic chance of winning. Although some teams are more favored than others. Lets take a look at each team and what their keys to winning are.

I'd Hit It is becoming a playoff main stay, which is curious considering they have the least athletic roster of the final teams. It is no secret that they are anchored by their pitching and star player Lucas Q. I'd Hit It's success is clearly dependent on Lucas's success, which is problematic. Kickball is a team sport, you are only as strong as your weakest player. Not as strong as your strongest player. I'd Hit It is going to need all hands on deck for their match-up against KNS. They need to play flawless. Also Lucas needs to try not to do too much. My gut tells me that his competitive nature may push to make unnecessary plays and chalk up the errors. The key for I'd Hit It is to play good team ball, everyone needs to do their part, and execute when called upon.

Rookie sensation Drinkers with a Kicking Problem have been riding a cloud of buzz since the beginning of the season. They have made believers out of Kickball Nation and looks like they are here to stay. Although they are still fairly inexperienced in big time kickball games, their athleticism easily helps them close that curve. However it has been my experience that pure athleticism is not enough to be successful. Experience is worth its weight in gold. The Drinkers will need to limit the mistakes and hope that the veteran teams make mistakes of their own. They will need to take advantage of mistakes made by the veteran teams to give them the edge. The Drinkers will need to score in bunches if they want to fend off the old timers as I anticipate their defense will be tested like never before and may struggle.

Kixxx is the only other consistent championship contender aside from KNS. You will usually find them in the Final Four and inevitably in the Championship game and rightly so. They are a battle tested, experienced team. They have the talent, players and skills to win every season, but often fall short. At the risk of being misunderstood, it still has to be said, it all comes down to emotion. Kixxx is its own best friend and its own worst enemy. When morale is high and focused, they are like a freight train, unstoppable. However when morale is low and chaotic, they are like a sinking ship. They need to harness that enthusiasm, the passion and aim it straight at their opponents. If they are able to be successful in that aspect, they will be wearing the King of Kickball crown by the end of the night.

Kickin' N' Screamin' is easily the odds on favorite to win the SCK Crown again this season. Whether you agree with their methods or not, or are put off by their demeanor, they are all-around the best team in the league. They have earned that title through and through and I doubt you will find anyone in Kickball Nation that would disagree. Their play is methodical and seems almost like second nature. Simply, they make it look easy. However, their is a slight twist for tonight's final. It turns out that KNS will not be at full strength for their final playoff run. I'm sure the news of this has the other teams foaming at the mouth, but I wouldn't get too carried away. Although playing short will obviously hurt their defensive prowess, on the offensive side of the ball expect an explosion. The one silver lining when having to field players 8 players is that you have a stronger concentration of kickers. Assuming that these 8 players are the better of the bunch, expect a lot of offense from KNS. They may allow more runs than usual, but something tells me their offense will quickly make up for it.

Good luck to all the teams!!

Happy Kicking

 

 

SCK Bowl VIII

SCK Bowl VIII

Written by: The Kickball Guru

Well it all comes down to this. The final four and the championship for a team to be crowned the kings of kickball, the most prestigious kickball title in el paso. The best part about it is, that we have the four best teams in the final four being the 1-4 seeds. What makes this setup even more sexy, is that we have pretty much and MS vs MS and a SR vs SR matchup, to lead to what most would call the world series of kickball or the super bowl if you will. But before we get into these matchups, a big congrats to the teams that made these four really earn their way to here, it was no easy task for anyone. NKOTB took the Drinkers to extra innings with 8 players, as well as suck my kick did with kixxx. Both IHI and KNS won by the score of 2-0 to lights out and the monkeyz. No cake walk for any team. Here are your match ups and predictions.

AFC championship

#2 Drinkers with a kicking problem vs #3 Kixxx

Field: Unknown (Rose Garden?)

Time: Unknown (7:30?)

Well both these teams didn't impress anybody last week against short handed teams, you gotta give these two teams credit for making it this far. I know Kixxx really wanted this, a rematch with a team that dethroned them from their division title about 4 weeks back losing 4-2, now they get to try to prove everyone that it was all just a fluke, but was it? The drinkers have yet to lose this season, but now have to face a kixxx squad at full strength, not with 8 again. The crazy part about this team, is that these guys are already calling the ship, but they need to understand what they have in front of them is a hungry monster squad. If they get too over confident, they could be in for a long night.

Spread: Drinkers -.5

Over/ Under: 5.5 runs

Prediction: Kixxx 4-2

NFC Championship

#1 KNS vs #4 I'd Hit It

Field: (Alta Vista?)

Time: (7:30 pm?)

Biggest news I heard this week, was that KNS will not have a full squad. Easily the favorites to usually win the ship. Now? not so much. Even with them being short handed, this is still a very scary squad, but now the margin isnt as big, if there even is a margin at all. I'd Hit It will need to come out, and play a perfect game to have any chance in this one. The biggest threat to this I'd Hit It team is the fact that they have never beat KNS, and I know this is lingering in Lucas' head, but he knows that every time the score has gotten closer so that's always a good thing. If I'd Hit It can get past KNS, I believe it'll give them enough momentum to win the whole thing. They are the only ray of hope, the original 12 have to winning a championship.

Spread: KNS -2.5

Over/Under: 5.5 runs

Prediction: KNS 4-2

So now that only means one thing in my opinion, yes we will have a 3rd time in a row KNS vs Kixxx final. However, this time its gonna be harder for KNS to win being short handed, but if any team can do it, its them, and if they do that'll be 5 in a row! I know people will say that the monkeyz did it once with 9, but its just not the same. The competition is ridiculous now, so doing it short handed in 2012 is just insane. No prediction here as it will be up in the air. Good luck to the remaining four teams.

Round #2 Predictions

Written by: The Kickball Guru

Well last week round 1 had very few surprises, while most of the games went the way most of the kickball nation expected. Congrats goes out to suck my kick and the drunken monkeyz for being the only two lower seeds to beat the top seeds. Although the drunken monkeyz were the favorites they still had to beat a team who beat them with 8 the week before, and they did because having reid on the field makes that much of a difference. As for 4 play, disappointing loss here after fielding a whole team this time around, and not being able to limit the monkeyz' runs. I heard the story here was that johnny tried to carry his team too much and made two big crucial errors, one being walking two people with bases loaded. Final here was 5-3.

While the thundercats losing to suck my kick was the biggest surprise, I think the bigger surprise was that suck my kick played flawless kickball. Good job boys ad girls, thats the way you play disciplined defense. As for the thundercats, back to the drawing board. Their defense can't always hold teams down, you need to score runs. Practice that in the off season if you all plan to come back. Final here was 5-1.

One thing that bugs me the most is when people forfeit. Luckily for Lights Out, a scrappy team of LTA didn't show up, which i think could've posed a lot of threats for them. For the no shows in LTA next time let Rich or the board know, so they can find the next team in line, and not take time away from Light's Out. Now, what happened at alta vista? Pitch Please would come out guns blazing and send rookie division winners saved by the balls back to that division letting them know the big boys dont play around and shut them out 5-0, BUT then would come to the next game and forfeit to I'd Hit It after a player was ejected. If one player gets ejected, you all need to keep playing and play harder to come back next week when he's able to come back. Board members forfeiting team? Bad sportsmanship there. Final here was 3-0 in 1 inning before the forfeit.

Down at memorial we had some interesting match ups starting with what i predicted to be true. Sons o Pitches and Shockers was nothing but a defensive game, but simple rookie mistakes on defense for sons o pitches cost them the game. Shockers also came out flat only winning 2-1. That wouldn't changed as they approached the second game against kixxx, coming out flat footed, making mistakes left and right, letting kixx put up 3 quick runs in the 1st, and just could never recover after, losing 5-1

Back at Jimmy O, we had my dark horse NKOTB take on a pitcherless Scoregasms. Yes, the scoregasms were hurting on defense without their starting picther, but ladies and gents you all need to put up points as well. That just goes to show how great NKOTB defense is. Final here was 5-0. Heres a quick preview to tonight's games.

Who: #3 Kixxx vs #11 Suck My Kick

Where: Memorial Park

Time: 7 pm

Kixxx is just simply one of the best when they are on, after two losses this season, they started playoffs just right, sending the shockers with back to back losses in 2 weeks to kixxx with a combined score 8-1. Now they play an unexperienced team in Suck My Kick, who they beat earlier this season, 5-2. Suck my Kick had a rough second half of the season after starting 3-1-1, then dropping 3 straight. However, that didn't seem to shake them after they just upset the thundercats last week, and in fashion. Can they stay solid and disciplined against a stronger kixxx? Possible but tough.

Spread: Kixxx - 3.5

Over/Under: 6.5 runs

Prediction: Kixxx 5-1

Who: #4 I'd Hit It vs #5 Light's Out

Where: Alta Vista

Time: 7 pm

On paper this should be the closest match up, and in my opinion it will be. Two defensive teams going head to head. Last time they met. they ended in a 1-1 tie, so exciting to see some unfinished business unfold tonight. Will Lucas have enough to hold off the faster team in Light's Out, or will I'd Hit It's experience be enough to get them through?

Spread: I'd hit It -.5

Over/Under: 3.5 runs

Prediction: I'd Hit It 2-1

Who: #1 KNS vs #9 Drunken Monkeyz

Where: Memorial Park

Time: 815 pm

Drunken Monkeyz are coming into this game s a heavy underdog. I don't see itlike that at all though. I mean, they are undefeated when both mike and Reid are there, so as long as they both show up, this game will be a lot closer than expected. KNS is coming off a bye. Is that good or bad for this team? We won't know till later on today. Can they plow through the Monkeyz or wil the monkeyz upset?

Spread: KNS -3.5

Over/Under: 7.5 runs

Prediction: KNS 5-2

Who: #2 Drinkers vs #7 NKOTB

Where: Alta Vista

Time: 815 pm

The most intriguing match up of the night in my opinion by far. Great old fashioned underdog story, offense powerhouse vs defense powerhouse. #3 offense against #2 defense is just something everyone likes to see. NKOTB flying under the radar will end today, if they can manage to pull this upset off. As my dark horse pick, I think they will. Look at their resume, they took kixxx out a couple seasons back, they nearly took them out again two seasons in a row, losing 3-2 both times, and last year they only had 8 players. Most importantly, their first season, they nearly eliminated undefeated confused kixxx in the semis, however the lights would kill their momentum and lose in the final inning the final week. Now they face an undefeated Drinkers. Drinkers are coming into this game with big heads. After beating Kixxx, these guys think they are on top of the world, which they should, because that's no easy thing to do, especially when all the critics like myself didn't believe the hype. They are however, due for a humbling experience, and I think that'll be this week, IF NKOTB all show up.

Spread: Drinkers -1.5

Over/Under: 3.5 runs

Prediction: NKOTB 3-2 in extra innings

Round #1 Talk Deja Vu

Every season, we have a different story on how certain teams make it to the final, and how its won. With that being said, this season might just have history be rewritten. All the arrows are pointing towards yes. 4 seasons ago, the drunken monkeyz would set a record in most ties in one season, and finishing the season 4-1-3, and would capture the 7th seed. They would then beat the 10th seed and go on to play the 2 seed in what most would call the dark horse of that season, and an extremely talented team in the warriors, and win to go to the championship and fall short to confused kixxx (KNS' first championship). This season, we have the exact same scenario. New kicks on the block have come into this season, and tied the record that the monkeyz set back in 2010 for most ties and finished 4-1-3. Now they have a chance to be an incredible underdog and go through a team who just lost their pitcher due to the injury he sustained last week in the scoregasms. If they do, they then will go up against the league's dark horse, and possibly most athletic team (80% college athletes), the drinkers with a kicking problem. The only question left is, can NKOTB do it? I think they can because they have the second best defense in the league, and they will need that for the drinkers (assuming the beat the scoregams). The only difference I see between the 2010 monkeyz and NKOTB, is I think NKOTB can win the whole thing, and maybe that'll only be the different part of this scenario. We shall see, now on to the play in games and some fun facts.

Play In Game #1

Who: Shocker vs Sons o Pitches
Where: Memorial Field
Time: 7pm

The shockers will be coming into this game as a heavy favorite. This is said due to their competition this year. While sons o pitches has not really had any except lone star winners, saved by the balls. However, what makes this match so interesting is that Sons O pitches has a really talented pitcher in Manny, and is really tough to kick against from what I've heard. He will be the only saving grace that Sons o Pitches has in this one. Whats really good about that is that the shockers have been struggling to score all season. The real question here though is, can Sons O pitches put up a run against this stingy shocker defense to win this game? Either way, whoever wins has a date with 3 time runner up kixxx. Ouch!

Spread: Shockers -2.5
Over/Under: 3.5 runs
Prediction: Shockers 1-0

Play In Game # 2

Who: Pitch Please vs Saved by the balls
Where: Alta Vista
Time: 7 pm

I don't know or anyone from the Saved by the balls team. I have heard that they are all experienced kickballers, so no surprise about them winning the lone star division, and now have a very winnable game against an inconsistent team in pitch please. Pitch Please is one of those teams who comes out to have fun, and they do, but at the same time know how to play the game. Taking teams like NKOTB down to the wire, and blowing out the teams like they should. However, they do struggle against the more disciplined and experienced teams. I think this game is a more doable game for both lone star teams, so expect this one to possibly be wild. Tough call to make here.

Spread: Pitch please -1.5
Over/ Under: 7.5 runs
Prediction: Saved by the balls 8-6





Quick Fun Facts before playoffs start

1. The number 1 seed has always made the final (no pressure KNS)
2. The number 1 seed has always won the championship except the very first season ( Undefeated Monkeyz would go to lose to the shockers)
3. The number 4 and 5 seeds have never made a final( number 2 seed 3 times, 3 seed 1 time, 6 seed 1 time, 7 seed 2 times).
4. Of the top 8 seeds 4 have never seen a final (new faces in town)
5. Of the bottom 6 seeds, 2 are past champs( how the competition has gotten)
6. SCK has had only 3 different champions in 7 seasons, will we have 4 through season 8, or will the monkeyz, shockers, or KNS keep it at 3?

Week #9 Post-Season Talk

Oh my, oh my! What an interesting week 9 in SCK. With two games being decided by a combined 1 point we now have ourselves a huge mess for playoff seedings. Lets recap on what happened this past wednesday.


We go to the 7 o clock game at modesto 1. The monkeyz showed us once again that they are only a force when both the catcher and pitcher are there. However, this wasn't the case wednesday as coach, catcher, and possibly best offensive weapon the monkeyz have was MIA. They went up against a 4 play team who had only 8 players. The game was close the whole way with the monkeyz up 2-0 all the way up to the fourth inning. Then, they gave up two runs there, and one in the fifth to lose the game. Props goes out to 4 play for grinding out a win for them playing with only 8 people. Luckily for the monkeyz they will get another shot at 4 play in the first round if my playoffs seeds are right.

Then we go to the 8 o clock game at modesto 1 where the two sloppy teams collided, SMK and Lights Out. Sloppy it was as Lights out gave up 2 ridiculous runs in the 1st, but then would rally late in the game when the inexperience of SMK would come in and allow a barrage of runs in the 4th. Your final here, 6-2. That would give SMK an automatic 11 seed, so very tough road ahead for them. As for lights out it now becomes tricky, but if my math serves me correctly they should get the 4th seed.

On to the game at 8 o clock at modesto 2, where always underdog NKOTB would take on Thundercats. As expected, this game would be nothing but defense and frustration if you ask me. For the first time, I saw Domino show frustration in his team. In the 4th Domino would get to 3rd base with no outs, and his players could not bring him in, fouling out, popping up one to the pitcher, and kicking it straight to the 3rd baseman. That was only real shot in anyone scoring in that game, but because they didn't, we got a 0-0 stalemate that leaves a 4 way tie for the 4-7 seeds for us.

Last but not least, we go to Memo to see if a upset was in store for us between the Scoregasms and KNS. Sadly, there wasn't an upset. On the up side for the scoregasms, they didn't allow the 20 runs that KNS wanted, on the downside, they now get the 10th seed according to me, and also lose their starting pitcher for the playoffs, with a severe ankle injury. These guys just can't catch a break. Final score here was 8-0 KNS.

So now that leaves the two 7 seeds for each of the top divisions playing the top two in the lone star division for shot at the crown. That leaves us with shockers playing Sons O Pitches, and Pitch Please, Playing Saved by the balls. If the shockers win they get the 13th seed, and the of PP and SBTB winner gets the 14th seed. Should the shockers lose, Sons O pitches gets the 14 seed, and the winner of PP and SBTB gets the 13 seed.

Now on to my actual seedings, these aren't accurate, they are just what I think should be the seeds. With a win counting as 1 point, and a tie giving you .5 (12 ties i think is a league record), it leaves a mess down in the middle. So here's what I got after Wednesday. Good luck to all teams.

1. KNS 8-0, 8 pts, Power Ranking 85
2. Drinkers With a Kicking Problem 7-0-1, 7.5 points, Power Ranking 31
3. Kixxx 6-2, 6 points, Power Ranking 43
4. Lights Out 5-2-1, 5.5 points, Power Ranking 18
5. Thundercats 5-2-1, 5.5 points, Power Ranking 14
6. I'd Hit It 5-2-1, 5.5 points, Power Ranking 23
7. New Kicks On The Block 4-1-3, 5.5 points, Power Ranking 12
8. 4-Play 4-2-2, 5 points, Power Ranking 18
9. Drunken Monkeyz 5-3, 5 points, Power Ranking 17
10. Scoregasms 5-3, 5 points, Power Ranking 6
11. Suck My Kick 3-4-1, 3.5 points, Power Ranking 1
12. LTA 3-4-1, 3.5 points, Power Ranking -5
13. TBA
14. TBA

Explanation on the 4-7 seeds is that there was a 3 way tie between IHI, T-cats, and NKOTB, but because T-cats have the head to head on IHI and better power ranking than NKOTB they jump both, so then you take T-Cats and Lights Out Power Rankings and Lights out beats them there.

It's Time

 

The time has arrived. Once again, the battle for the King of Kickball crown is upon us. This will be the 8th coronation for Sun City Kickball. During that time few have held SCK's most prestigious title. The league's original villains, the Shockers, have worn the crown twice in back-to-back seasons during SCK's inaugural year. The Drunken Monkeyz had a brief moment with the crown during the Spring 2012 Season. However no team has sat at the thrown as the King of Kickball, longer or more times than the current champions Kickin' N' Screamin'.

KNS has dominated the league since the Fall 2010 season. Since then many teams have tried to shut down the growing dynasty that KNS has created, but none have succeeded. Now a new series of challengers have lined up to assume the throne of Sun City Kickball. Will KNS repeat or will there be a new king to reign over the land of SCK. The bracket has been released now lets take a look at the teams.

 

The #1 and #2 seeds both have byes. Which means the #1 KNS and #2 DWAKP will have to find a way to stay sharp until their 2nd round match-ups. Recommendation: Practice, scrimmage, do what ever you can to get ready, don't go cold.

 

The #3 seed went to Kixxx and rightly so. They finished with a 6-2 record with 51 runs scored and only 8 runs allowed. One of their two losses came at the hands of rookie sensation Drinkers with a Kicking Problem. Kixxx is obviously excellent on both sides of the ball, again their Achilles heal is all emotional. They have tons of passion and enthusiasm, they just need to harness that energy against their opponent and not each other. If they are able to do that, they will be nearly unstoppable.

 

#4 I'd Hit It has been slowly improving season after season, inching their way up the kickball ladder. They finished with a respectable 5-2-1 record, although the Mountain Star division ended up being just a touch easier than the Sunrise group. They scored 30 runs which was on par with a division that ended with an 32 Runs Scored average. Their defense allowed 8 runs, better than average. Their claim to fame is their pitcher Lucas Q. A player who undoubtedly does not need an ego boost, he is however their entire team. Kickball Nation will see how far he can take his IHI squad this post-season.

 

Another team who also posted a 5-2-1 record is #5 seed Lights Out!. Whether they have truly played lights out is debatable. They posted 25 runs this season, next to a division average of 23.4. With 8 runs allowed, their defense seems to hold. However their strategy to slow down games to a crawl is worrisome. When you watch them play they don't appear to be a team you want to keep shackled. If anything I think the slow pace truly hurts them more than it helps them. Their offensive flurries are a mix of wild runners and uncontrollable cheering, both seem to be intimidating to teams. However they spend 80% of their game on defense just standing around waiting for 8 pitches then ultimately a base hit. Keep up the pace, keep up the momentum, speed it up boys and girls.

 

#6 seed Thundercats are a curious bunch. This is a squad full of kickball veterans and their record of 5-2-1 reflects it. Although their got their season off to a slowly start, they quickly got up to speed. 32 runs scored and 18 runs allowed, this team screams average. Their best hope is to get hot at the right time and it should propel them fairly deep into the playoffs.

 

With a league first 3 tie games in a season, the #7 seed New Kicks on the Block are hard to figure out. They sport a 4-1-3 record. Their only loss came at the hands of a forced forfeit, after enough players were ejected from the their game they could not continue. They tend to play up or down to their competition. They never dominate weaker teams, but often hang tough with the kickball juggernauts. Which always translates into an interesting game for whoever they play.

 

#8 seed 4-Play has been essential deemed the Balls & Dolls. Same style, same skill, its like looking at a clone. With a 4-2-2 record, they are another mid-range team, but with a scrappy style. They use their knowledge of the game to give them the edge. No matter the result of this post-season, Im personally very excited for the possible return of the Balls & Dolls franchise.

 

The #9 Drunken Monkeyz returned this season after a brief layoff during the Spring '12 season. Their plans to return to their status of kickball juggernauts have proven to be more difficult than originally anticipated. Their 5-3 record has been marred with defensive errors and offensive woes. Their offensive game is almost non-existence. Their feet will have to wake up if they want any chance in the post-season.

 

The #10 Scoregasms continue to play tough, close kickball. Even after their big win against the

Thundercats, there has been little to write home about. They finished the regular season with a 5-3 record, which again is on par with most other mid-range teams. However with a  Power Rating 6, there are some worries here. They scored 29 runs but allowed 23 runs, not a comforting statistics to say the least. They are going to need to tighten the screws on defense before they hit the field next week.

 

Suck My Kick ended with the #11 seed.  SMK is another incredibly talented rookie team. Their athleticism is apparent, however their inexperience on defense is even more apparent. Their defensive mistakes are painful to watch and have translated into a 3-4-1 record. Their defense needs to absolutely improve before next week or else they will be dead in the water.

 

Original Six member Los Totally Awesomes grabbed the #12 seed. Traditionally a more "fun" team, they have stepped it up within the competitive ranks this season. With a 3-4-1 record, there is room for improvement, but their aspirations to compete at a high level are feasible. Their post-season may be short, but the promise for future success is encouraging.

 

What about the play-ins??!?!? I think the Kickball Guru might have something to say on that.

 

Well that's all for now...

 

Good Luck and Happy Kicking 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Week # 9 - Games of the Week

Written by: The Kickball Guru

Week 8 is in the books and finally we have our 1 and 2 seeds locked down for the playoffs. Congrats goes out to Drinkers With a Kicking Problem and KNS for winning their respective divisions. Only question left, is who will end up with the 1 seed. Will it be KNS once again? Scoregasms are really the only hope the drinkers have for KNS to not do that. With that being said, its pretty impressive to see the drinkers in the first year out of the rookie division come out and go pretty much undefeated, with a tie as their only flaw in their record. On a side note congratulations goes out to Saved by the balls for winning the Lone star division, and convincingly.


Now a quick recap for week 8. Unfortunate week for lights out as they lost on a terrible call, on paper, scissors, rock! I mean, its bad enough to have everyone complain about tthe umps and their bad calls, but how does someone mess up a paper scissor rock call?!?!? Now because of that, lights out is unfortunate to be stuck in tighter position in playoffs, and maybe even worse if they cant get past Suck My Kick today. However Suck my kick is also in a tight spot after dropping yet another game last week to the Monkeyz. Once again, the rookie mistakes really hurt them, and I don't see them matching up well against a decently disciplined team in Lights Out.

Now another game of the week that decided the mountain star division winner was the thundercats and KNS battle. The score ended in 6-0, favor going to KNS. The thundercats just couldn't manage to advance their runners and score, while it was just another day at the office for KNS shutting out yet another opponent. Now the thundercats are battling for position against NKOTB this week, not an easy task for either team.

Last but not least, SCK's most intriguing match up was down at modesto 1 between the drinkers and kixxx. Obviously, I was wrong about the drinkers AGAIN. In my defense, when I make these predictions, understand that I base it on both teams having a full squad. Unfortunately for kixxx they only showed up with 2 females. With that being said, I think they should've still won. They kept the game close and were leading all the way to the 4th inning 2-1, and then fell apart allowing 3 runs to the drinkers, and couldn't bounce back. The one thing that impressed me most about the drinkers, was that I finally saw them fight through adversity when being down late in the game. Now that leaves Kixxx with hoping that NKOTB loses or ties so they can capture the 3rd seed and not end up on the same side of the bracket as KNS (assuming KNS wins tomorrow), and can try to redeem themselves against the drinkers if they both advance all the way to the semis. On to the games of the week now folks.

Game of the Week #1

Who: Drunken Monkeyz vs 4-Play
Where: Modesto 1
Time: 7pm

Pretty much every game this week is a battle for position in the playoffs, seeds 3-10 are pretty much up in the air. The Monkeyz have crazy momentum, after their loss to the drinkers. They have shut out both of their last two opponents 8 runs to none. They are undefeated when both Reid and Mike (pitcher and catcher) are present. So definitely a team to watch out for in playoffs. 4 play has been on a roller coaster this whole season, tying, winning, losing, they've done it all multiple times. They need to come out strong against this strong monkey team so that the don't land in the 7-10 seed. Look for a defensive game in this one.



Spread: Monkeyz -1.5
Over/Under: 4.5 runs
Prediction: Monkeyz 3-1

Game of the Week #2

Who: Lights Out vs Suck my Kick
Where: Modesto 1
Time: 8pm

Talk about two inconsistent teams battling each other. I think these are the sloppiest teams in the competitive bracket. Winning and tying games that I thought they couldn't, but then turning around and not even compete against other teams that they should compete with. Lights out biggest moment of their short careers was he win over Kixxx, but however have fell off the map since. Even if the umps hadn't messed up the call last week, they still would've ended up in a 0-0 ball game. Time to put up points ladies and gents! There's no other explanation. Suck my Kick really needs some practice on what to do with the ball on defense, because this is where they hurt the most, and once you get confused, the bleeding doesn't stop, and that's been the story for SMK these past two weeks. Prediction here will mean nothing, since I don't know what version of these teams will show up.

Spread: Lights Out -.5
Over/Under: 3.5 runs
Prediction: Lights out 2-1

Game of the Week #3

Who: Thundercats vs NKOTB
Where: Modesto 2
Time: 8 pm



NKOTB has been flying under the radar all season, and crazy enough, they can end up with the 3rd overall seed. Which is crazy because they never win a game by more than 2 points. Even against the not so competitive teams. Last week they beat It burns 2-0, and it burns had allowed 47 runs prior to that. Amazing if you ask me, but they still don't lose and that's what matters. Now they are playing a thundercat team coming off a devastating loss to KNS, that could have won them a division title and 1st round bye. Now, they stare at a possible 3-6 seed with a win and a 7-8 seed if they lose, same goes for NKOTB. Last time these two teams met, it ended in a 1-1 tie. Look for a similar score tonight. Lots of defensive, not much offense.

Spread: 0
Over/ Under: 2.5 runs
Prediction: 1-1 tie

Game of the Week #4

Who:KNS vs Scoregasms
Where: Memo V
Time: 9 pm

KNS is looking to be the only team with a perfect record this season with a win today. However, remember when kixxx shocked the world 2 seasons ago, and ruined any chance of that? Remember when the pandas did just that last season? Can the scoregasms do it too? The Scoregasms are looking to do just that as well, with their coach tiger pride always believing in his team, and giving great pep talks, anything is possible. The Scoregasms have called an upset this week. It won't be an easy task, but very much possible. They already had an upset earlier this season, let's see if they can do it again. For KNS, talk is they want to put up 20 runs to make the 100 mark. Its incredible to hear of a team have those kinds of goals. But 20 runs on the Scoregasms? I just don't see it happening, but you never know. Because of their determination, I'm gonna have to up the numbers on this prediction.



Spread: KNS -5.5
Over/Under: 9.5 runs
Prediction: KNS 10-1

Week 8 Games of the Week

Written by: DG The Kickball Guru

2 weeks left in the regular season, and yet there's still no clear view to who will be crowned division champs, but two match ups this week might do just that. With the current top 4 seeded teams facing off this week, that still leaves two other really important games that can come down to a possible 4 seed in the playoffs, to a devastating 10 seed, and a 10 seed is pretty much one of the higher mountains to climb with how competitive this season has gotten. So once again we get 4 games of the week, which is pretty amazing to get that on a constant basis if you ask me. Here they are.

Game of the week #1

Who: Suck My Kick vs Drunken Monkeyz

Where: Modesto 1

Time: 7pm

For these two teams, this match up is all about placement in the playoffs, so both teams need to come out wanting it. The monkeyz are riding momentum after demolishing their long time rivals shockers last week 5-0. Sadly, I can't say the same about SMK, as they greatly disappointing me last week by getting shut out by the drinkers. Now they have to dig deep and try to knock off another veteran squad in the monkeyz. However, to do this, they will need to play a nearly perfect game. This is what SMK lacks. They don't stay disciplined, don't tag up properly, and make so many simple mistakes. Their athleticism can only take them so far, so clean it up boys and girls. As for the monkeyz, I would like to clear something up. Mike, I never questioned your pitching status, I think you're a great pitcher, I was simply just asking if Rich was a better fit for your defense. Now I believe that the monkeyz have found their pitcher, because rich does fit first base better now, his pitching is just not the same. No disrespect Rich. Anyways, so back to this game, if you can get to the park early, come and check this one out.





Spread: Monkeyz -2.5
Over/Under: 5.5 runs
Prediction: Monkeyz 4-2

Game of the week #2

Who: 4 play vs Lights Out

Where: Memo V.

Time: 8pm

With a bye week, it makes me wonder if lights out has been working on their offense, because that was the reason for their defeat two weeks ago to the monkeyz. They simply can't put up runs, and its going to be even tougher when going up against a stingy defense like 4 play. Now, they will be playing a demoralized team in 4 play, as they are coming off a shut out loss to kixxx last week. Story is, they just had the same problem lights out had against the monkeyz, they couldnt put up runs. These two teams remind me of ech other in that aspect. Last season they came to 1-1 tie, and i'm pretty sure that's no great feeling, so looks like another defensive game here. Although 4 play does have the experience factor, I will make this my upset pick of the week.


Spread: 4 play -.5
Over/Under: 3.5 runs
Prediction: Lights Out 2-1

Game of the week #3

Who: KNS vs Thundercats

Where: Modesto 2

Time: 8 pm

What a perfect time for this game to come around. I mean, the number 1 and 2 teams in the Mountain Star division late in the season going head to head for the division crown. If KNS wins they lock the division, and are guaranteed a first round bye in the playoffs. If the thundercats win, they still need to get through NKOTB next week to secure that. Rich has said many times that KNS is just on another level. With that being said, we gotta remember that KNS' last loss came last season to the hands of Damian. Now Damian has gone out and recruited his own players to make a run for the title. Even though they have struggled this season, they are still 4-1 grinding out wins by 1 in about 3 games. Can they grind out the most important game to date against the best offensive and defensive team of the league? Or will KNS just run through them like they have everyone else?





Spread: KNS-3.5
Over/Under: 7.5 runs
Prediction: KNS 5-1

Game of the week #4

Who: Drinkers With a Kicking Problem vs. Kixxx

Where: Modesto 1

Time: 9pm

Can the Drinkers do it one more time? Can they shock the kickball world again? I'm not going to lie and say that I think the drinkers are great, because I've never really believed the hype. Boy was I wrong, they have proved me wrong over and over again. To take down the 3 most dominant kickball teams that started this league as the cream of the crop, then to come in and destroy their other rookie colleague 4-0, the drinkers remain undefeated. Wow! just wow! That being said, they have yet to face anybody like the team they are about to face tonight, Kixxx. Kixxx slipped earlier in the season but have gotten back on track in a dramatic fashion, and look hungry. If drinkers win, they lock the division and the 1st round bye. Kixxx needs to win both this week and next to do that. If the drinkers would be playing any other team in their division, but because its kixxx, i'm going to have to go against them again. If they win this one, watch out we might be looking at the future of kickball, and not only the end of the shockers, monkeyz, and balls and dolls, but KNS and Kixxx as well.


Spread: Kixxx -2.5
Over/Under: 6.5 runs
Prediction: Kixxx 6-3

The Price of Victory

The Price of Victory

Considering we skipped the Week #6 recap, let's dive straight into Week #7 head on. No cute or clever introductions, just the nitty gritty meat and potatoes. But first, a special thanks to the Kickball Guru, Mr. David Garcia for picking up the slack last week and submitting the Games of the Week post. At least we had something to read on Wednesday. And while we are on the subject of the Kickball Guru, let's see how he did.

Match up #1 consisted of 4-Play v.s Kixxx. The predictions were as follows:

Spread: Kixxx -2.5

Over/Under: 6.5 runs

Prediction: Kixxx 4-1

Final:

Kixxx: 4

4-Play: 0

                  

Kixxx is still chugging along hard and despite one small misstep this season, they look poised to make another run at the King of Kickball crown. They are projected to take the #2 seed going into the playoffs. However there is one small hurdle standing in their way. The new sensation, Drinkers With A Kicking Problem are nipping at their heels. The Drinkers having convincingly made themselves the 2nd best team within the Sunrise Division. Next week they will have a chance to take their game to the next level. If the Drinkers can some how formulate a win against the Kixxx juggernaut, it will speak volumes. BUT, I sincerely hope they don't think they will be able to just roll up on Kixxx lightly. If there is one thing that Kixxx has shown Kickball Nation is to never count them out. They been humbling up and coming teams for many seasons now, for them its just another day at the office. Do NOT MISS this match-up.

Moving right along, Featured Match-Up #2 of the Games of the Week was the News Kicks on the Block v.s the Scoregasms. The predictions were as follows: 

Spread: NKOTB -.5

Over/Under: 3.5 runs
Prediction: NKOTB 2-1

Final:

NKOTB: 3

Scoregasms: 2

This game ended with a controversial final. The Scoregasms will tell you they were cheated out of a game. However some can argue they just didn't do enough to win it. The 1st cardinal sin you can commit on the diamond is to not to finish a play. Often players will try to shut down a play to argue a call, that is probably the absolutely worse thing you can do. Finish your play, then argue the point. It doesn't matter if that out could potentially be the 3rd out. That is just undisciplined defense. Its unfortunate when calls are missed, but it is part of the game. Either way, controversial or not, the New Kicks walked away winners on this one. The Scoregasms have to stomach a call, but it will be test to see how they bounce back this week. Its all about momentum at this point. Both teams are locked into the playoffs. The New Kicks have Its Burns When I Kick, which should be an easy confidence builder. However the Scoregasms will be facing a LTA team that has been flying under the radar. I think Los Totally Awesomes have an oppurtunity to catch the Scoregasms off guard and on tilt. It will be interesting to see how the Scoregasms respond after last week.

Match-up #3 featured an old school rivalry between two Original Six Members, the Drunken Monkeyz v.s the Shockers. The Kickball Guru made the following prediction:

Spread: Monkeyz -2.5

Over/Under: 6.5 runs

Prediction: Monkeyz 4-1

Final:

Drunken Monkeyz: 5

Shockers: 0

After being embarrassed by #2 Kixxx and then humbled by the up-and-coming Drinkers, the Monkeyz looked like the were in trouble. Their offense has been almost non-existent, but it is slowly starting to wake up. The question is will it be enough to keep up with the other powerhouse teams. Not to mention, their once dominating defense is only 7th best within the league. Beating a mid-range, but very good Lights Outs and then trouncing a declining Shockers isn't enough to convince Kickball Nation that they are back by any means. The were able to pull away from the Shockers, but the Shockers are also struggling in their own right. It always nice to see a good strong Rivlary game; however its disappointing when boths teams aren't playing at their peak level.

Match-up #4, and by far the most interesting, was between two rising stars. 2nd season hopefuls, Drinkers with a Kicking Problem and Suck My Kick, locked horns to see who, at this point, is the better squad. The Guru saw this in his crystal ball:

Spread: Drinkers -1.5

Over/Under: 5.5 runs

Prediction: 3-3 tie

Final:

Drinkers: 4

Suck My Kick: 0

Both teams have the personnel to put together a winner. A good amount of skilled athletes on both sides of the ball, thats for sure. What decided this game were all the mental errors out of the Suck My Kick squad and there were more than a few. SMK seemed to struggle on defense primarily. Many players were hesitant and confused on where to go with the ball after a catch and with the speedy, greedy Drinkers' kickers, that just spelled disaster. Compounding the defensive mistakes with some head-scratching base running translated into a 5-0 beat down. Oh and lets us no forget that SMK's leading offensive player managed to get himself thrown out of the game. The Drinkers are a solid squad and giving them any opportunity to make a play is going to put you in the grave. Suck My Kick was simply not mentally prepared for this game and considering the have an improving Drunken Monkeyz squad to deal with this week, they have no time to hang their heads.

Well that is all for now kickballers

Good Luck and Happy Kicking  

Week # 7 - Game of the Week

Written by: David Garcia   ~ The Kickball Guru ~

As we approach the end of the season, we are starting to look at games of the week to be more and more critical for how the playoff seedings will go. Even KNS doesn't have the number 1 seed locked down, as they can easily fall to third in their very own division! Let's not even go into the mess in the sunrise division as anything can happen there. Too many teams with only 1 loss and ties, its insane how good the competition has gotten this season. This week treats to 4 games of the weeks, that can mess with the standings real bad. Here they are.

Game of the week #1

Who: 4 Play vs Kixxx

Where: Memo V.

Time: 8 pm

Battle of two veteran squads. Oddly enough, I can't remember if these two teams have ever played each other in the history of SCK. Which just baffles me, because they both made the championship a total of 4 times combined. Although they came up short, that's an accomplishment, and says a lot about these two teams, and thats why they easily make a game of the week. Arguably, 2 top 5 pitchers in pipi and johnny going head to head in this one. I say that they are both top 5 because they have both only allowed 4 runs all season, which makes them the best defenses in the sunrise group. The only difference I See in this game is kixxx's offense. They sport the 2nd best offense in the league, only trailing defending champs KNS. So, will Johnny and his squad hold kixxx to 0 runs like lights out did, or will kixxx run wild like they have every other game?

Spread: Kixxx -2.5

Over/Under: 6.5 runs

Predcition: Kixxx 4-1

Game of the week #2

Who: NKOTB vs Scoregasms

Where; Memo V.

Time: 8pm

Only game of the week featuring two teams from the mountain start division. With an tie earlier this season, and a tie last week to I'd Hit It last week, NKOTB has really put themselves in a bad spot, as they still have Scoregasms and thundercats on their scedule, so can possibly be looking at a play in scenario, if they can't pull of these wins. They have a great defense, but need a better offense to hang with the upper echelon of the teams, if they want to stay relevant from here on out. Scoregasms, are easily playing their best season to date, pulling an upset off earlier this season against the thundercats. A win here can lock them a playoff bid, but need to play it smart and disciplined, which I believe has been their biggest flaw.

Spread: NKOTB -.5

Over/Under: 3.5 runs

Prediction: NKOTB 2-1

Game of the week #3

Who: Shockers vs Monkeyz

Where: Modesto 1

Time: 8pm

To some people it may seem insane to think that the shockers with a 1-3-1 record keep making the game of the week category. Well what can I say, I am a believer. I truly believe that if you would've put the shockers in the mountain star division instead of NKOTB or the Scoregasms, their records would be switched. Unfortunately, they got stuck in the tougher division, and have had nothing go their way. But if they finish the season with a 2-5-1 record, I'm going to have to classify them as a mid tier team next season. What makes this game so interesting, is that these two teams have had a real competitive history while playing each other. The shockers have always been balls and dolls kryptonite, but the monkeyz have been just that to the shockers, which I believe the record stands 4-2 monkeyz. However, the shockers did win the last outing against the monkeyz, when the monkeyz recruited mike as their pitcher. So, is mike a better choice than rich? Rich holds a 4-1 advantage the shockers. I guess we will see Wednesday night.

Spread: Monkeyz -2.5

Over/Under: 6.5 runs

Prediction: Monkeyz 4-1

Game of the week #4

Who: Drinkers with a kicking problem vs Suck My Kick

Where: Modesto 1

Time: 9pm

Finally, a new school vs new school match up that means something. Had this match up happened at the beginning of the season, no one would've really cared, but because these two teams have been surprising the SCK world, its possibly the most interesting match of the week. With victories over dominant opponents from the past (shockers, 4 play, monkeyz) one can only hope one of these teams is promising enough to contend with defending champs KNS or runner up kixxx in the future. Drinkers and SMK are mirror images of each other in the athletic department. The only thing I see that makes a difference, is that Drinkers have girls that can possibly be as good as the KNS girls, however I believe the SMK guys are slightly better then the drinker guys and have a better pitcher. So all you vets out there, if you have time check this game out, and don't let them fly under the radar anymore.

Spread: Drinkers -1.5

Over/Under: 5.5 runs

Prediction: 3-3 tie

Week #6 - Games of the Week

Written By: The Kickball Guru

Week #6- Games of the Week

Week 5 ended with some surprises. It continued to show that the new school teams are really taking off. I mean, 3 undefeated teams left, and only one isn't a surprise. However, the other 2, Drinkers and Lights Out? Who would have ever thunk it? With that being said, its exciting to see that both those teams will land on 2 of the games of the week, as they take on 2 old school former champion teams. Not only do we get 2 old school vs new school, but we also get two veteran teams competing as well in a crucial match up in the Mountain star division. Now before I head into that I would like to note that if I had known that Reid was not gonna be here last week, I would've gone 4 for 4 on my picks, but oh well what can we do. Here are your games of the week.

Game of the week #1

Who: Shockers vs. Drinker with a kicking problem

Where: Modesto 1

Time: 7pm

Can the second year Drinkers take out another former champion for the second week in a row? Finally, this team showed up with a full roster, and boy did they look scary. They held the monkeyz to just one run! Thats a hard thing to do in the kickball world. Now they face a shocker squad, who isn't the same animal it was 2 years ago, but I would never count the shockers out. This is where the shockers could really spice things up for the sunrise division. However, a loss can just pretty much but them in a play in scenario for sure, as they still haven't faced some of the tougher opponent like kixxx and their bitter rival monkeyz. And will the time be a factor for coach Tony to get his full team out there, or will he be playing with 8 like he did week 1 against lights out? I am going to go ahead and say that the drinkers will remain atop their division after this one.

Spread: Drinkers with a kicking problem -1.5

Over/Under: 6 runs

Prediction: Drinkers 5-2

Game of the week #2

Who: Monkeyz vs Lights Out

Where: Modesto 1

Time: 8 pm

Lights out has really shocked the kickball world this season, as they took out three time runner up kixxx earlier this season. I didn't think they had it in them. They also have the same blemish on their record as the drinkers, as they tied earlier this season. However, something doesn't make me a believer in them. Sure, they beaten the likes of some tough opponents, but thats because they strike luck every time in my opinion. They beat the shockers and tied with drinkers because those teams only had 8, and they scored their two runs on kixxx, before pipi got there, after that they were stalled. If the monkeyz show up with a full squad, and lights out wins then, that will sway my mind, as we know the monkeyz are a good squad. Or is the monkeyz time up? Did the monkeyz changing their roster size hurt them? Were hey better when they just played iron man, so they could all kick more? To me, it seems like the monkeyz recruited people that are no good for them. Sure they can cover more ground now, but its affecting their offense play. A win here for the monkeyz is needed bad, to keep them in the middle of the pack come playoff time.


Spread: Lights Out -.5

Over/Under: 5 runs

Prediction: Monkeyz 3-2

Game of the Week #3

Who: I'd Hit It    vs New Kicks on the Block

Where: Modesto 2

Time: 8pm

And now we head into the most intersting match up of the night. I like to see when two veteran squads face off in an epic battle, and thats what we will get when playmakers like domino and lucas go face to face. Can new kicks finish out a game this week around, or will they fold again as a team early off of one call again? Can I'd hit it overcome their tragic loss to thundercats, and come out strong after their decent outing in Phoenix? Only one way to find out. If domino can get on base its gonna be great for his team, but if he can't against lucas' rocket arm, then new kicks, is in for a long night.





Spread: I'd hit it -1.5

Over/ Under: 4 runs

Prediction: I'd hit it 3-1

By Leaps and Bounds - Week #5

Week #5 was an eventful week at SCK to say the least. From an entire team forfeiting in the middle of a game to a bench clearing near brawl, out of the Lone Star Division mind you, and other teams proving they are growing by leaps and bounds, there are many things to discuss.

First, an honorable mention goes out to both the Royal Tennenballs and El Passed Out Brewery, out of the Lone Star Division, on their 1st wins of the season. They may not take kickball as serious as the rest of Kickball Nation, but no one can say winning isn't fun.

Speaking of the Lone Star Division, looks like there are a couple team already looking to make the jump into the top tier divisions. Not necessarily because of their play, but their intensity. Looks like we got some hungry kickballers down at Jimmy O. Behave yourselves!!!

Now onto the unbeatens, as of last week there were a total of 5 somewhat perfect teams. Now the number stands at 3 teams as both the Sons of Pitches and New Kicks on the Block recorded their first losses. Obviously the bigger surprise is the news of New Kicks' first loss. Not neccassirly because they lost, but its how they lost. Considering they were playing Kickin' N' Screamin', grinding out a win was going to be tough regardless. However losing by forfeit because three of the players were ejected, followed by the entire team, was a hard thing to stomach. As soon as it happened Kickball Nation started pointing fingers and trying to find a scape goat. The truth is nothing should ever escalate to that level. Sometimes someone has to be willing to take the high road. In the end ego on both sides is what killed that game and that will undoubtedly have to be corrected in the coming weeks.

Glancing through the Mountain Star Division, it looks like the Thundercats are slowly starting to gain some momentum. Their 5-4 win over Los Totally Awesomes last week was worrisome, but their 2-1 win over I'd Hit It shows some promise. The Thundercats are playoff contenders and now looking to be a Final 4 lock-in. Its amazing what a ton of talent and a little bit of time can do. On the flip side, I'd Hit It took a small step back this week with that loss. They seem to struggle getting over that hump from mid-range to elite. They straddle the border from good to great, but they need to find a way to put away big name teams.

Speaking of big names teams, turns out the Drunken Monkeyz just found out all they are is a big name anymore and little else. After handily losing to #2 Kixxx last week, the Monkeyz were looking to bounce back against dark horse Drinkers with a Kicking Problem. Unfortunately for the Monkeyz the Drinkers decided to make a big statement this week and go from buzz worthy to news worthy. Turns out the Drinkers are the real deal. This team comprised of skilled athletes has Kickball Nations' attention and veteran coaches are taking note. The Drinkers put away the Monkeyz to the tune of 3-0 and looked comfortable doing it. The Monkeyz are more than struggling on offense and any rally they made was quickly shut down by their own poor execution. DWKP have the Shockers up next, another chance to demonstrate more of their kickball prowess.

An old school rivalry was relived once again down at Memo V. The Shockers were pitted against their long time rivals 4-Play (formerly the Balls & Dolls), both aging members of the Original Six. Although 4-Play has taken on a new name and some new faces, at the core they are the Balls & Dolls. Sadly I didn't get to witness this nostalgic match-up, but the final score tells the tale. It ended in a 1-1 tie; only fitting for a team that has had numerous close games. Wish I could have seen it.

Finally big major kickball props to the Kickball Guru, David Garcia. He went 3-4 on his Week #5 predictions and picked two of the final scores exactly right. He forcasted a 1-1 tie in the Shockers/4- Play match-up and a 2-1 win for the Thundercats over I'd Hit It. Major credibility scored here.

That's all for now, Good Luck and Happy Kicking

 

Week #5 - Games of the Week

*Written By: David Garcia - The Kickball Guru*

Week 5- Games of the week


For the first couple of seasons, SCK would only treat the dedicated kickballers to very limited exciting games throughout the season. This was due to many factors, whether it being, that there wasn't that much competition, and when there was all the top teams were separated into different divisions. So back then the top teams would go undefeated until playoffs, or if we were lucky, we would get treated to one or two good games throughout the season. Well that all changed 3 seasons ago, when the divisions were separated by strength and experience. Since then, we get to see multiple clash of the titans week in and week out. With that being said, its really hard to choose just one game of the week, so i have to turn it to multiple games of the week. This week should be interesting, so if you have time try to catch one or two when you are not playing.

Game of the week #1

Who: Thundercatz vs I'd hit it

Where: Modesto 2

Time: 8 pm

Very important match up here for the Mountain Star division. A win can shoot the winner into second place with a NKOTB loss. This is a battle of two of the very best pitchers, Lucas and Damian. Although, the thundercatz aren't the dominant team we expected them to be (after dropping one to the scoregasms) they still are a dangerous team. They have a ton of experience in town and out of town, and they have a really good pitcher in Damian. After all he is the last pitcher to hand KNS a loss which was also a shut out so that says a lot. However, this team struggles on offense and can't seem to put up points, which will be even more difficult when going up against another team with tons of experience like I'd hit it. With that being said, I'd hit it struggles in the same category as thundercatz, which is offense. Its pretty much an identical match up in my eyes, and can go either way.

Spread: I'd hit it -.5

Prediction: Thundercatz 2-1

Game of the week # 2

Who: Drinkers with a kicking problem vs Drunken Monkeyz

Where: Modesto 1

Time: 9 pm


Old school vs New school. Drunken Monkeyz are coming off a disappointing week 4 loss to Kixxx. Which in my eyes was expected, as the monkeyz hadn't faced a real test or had gone through adversity, then to shoot straight to kixxx was an eye opener. Now that leaves two roads for them: Either this has woke them up, or it can be a sign of many bad things to come. They will be taking on last season's rookie team of the year, Drinkers with a kicking problem. What surprises me about this team, they have been playing with 8 all season, and have yet to lose. Last week they earned their first big win of all time against a solid squad in 4-play. Both teams were short players, and the drinkers came out a better team locking in a 3-2 win. But can the drinkers hold a better offense monkeys to just two points with just 8 players? Or will they finally show up with 11 so we can see them at their fullest potential? If you have time tune in.


Spread: Monkeyz -1.5

Prediction: Monkeyz 4-3

Game of the week # 3

Who: Shockers vs 4-play

Where: Memo

Time: 9 pm


Even though records don't show this to be a potential game of the week, how can one ever forget the longest rivalry in SCK history. With the shockers having the better all time record between the two, the tide may be turning. Remember when the shockers used to dominate the SCK world? Man that was ages ago. What happened? I was a fan, but now, it seems like they just don't want it anymore. Or maybe the absence of the great 1-2 punch in Domino and Dora is what they've been missing this whole time. I think thats what they need, risk takers and aggressive base runners. They have that in calvin. Calvin's only problem is actually getting on base. The one thing that does help the shockers is their stingy defense, and that's what they will need, to get by their opponents. Now can 4 play score runs? That's the real question. They didn't score on a 3rd year team suck my kick, and they only put up 2 points on 8 players on drinkers with a kicking problem. I know they put up 17 on the hashers, but the hashers have possibly the worst defense in the sunrise division, so that doesn't say much. Can they put up runs on the shockers to close the margin on the win loss record with them.


Spread: 4-play -.5

Prediction: 1-1 tie

Game of the week #4

Who: KNS vs NKTOB

Where: Modesto 2

Time: 9 pm


Only match up of unbeatens of the week, so possibly the most intriguing. With new kicks' defense and KNS' offense, this is always fun to watch. New kicks has made adjustments over the past couple of seasons, which has helped limit their opponents from scoring. Their new pitcher throws teams off, as he is a lefty. Can he limit KNS' runs though, as they have already put up 41 points in 3 games. Is KNS still the best? Many will say yes, especially as they have added what many would say is the best girl in Nadia. It will take everything NKOTB has to put away KNS this week, but anything is possible.


Spread: KNS -3.5

Prediction: KNS 6-1



Then There Were Five

A True Kickballer's Legs

Week #4 started with 8 undefeated teams, but after the books closed on Wednesday night, there are only 5 undefeated teams left within the league. The league seems to balancing itself out as teams are becoming more competitively similar, all except for Kickin' N' Screamin' of course. They are still cornering the market on the best team in the league.

Something to note is that 4 of the 5 remaining undefeated teams have an asterisk next to their undefeated marks. KNS is holding an unblemished mark of 3-0-0, while the New Kicks on the Block, Lights Out!, and Drinkers with a Kicking Problem are each carrying one nagging little tie. The 5th undefeated team, Sons of Pitches, happens to reside within the Lone Star Division and considering competition is sparce within that group it is worth an honorable mention; however it is not necessarily on the Kickball Nation radar.

Due to time limitations there are not set tie-breakers for regular season games. Many suggestions have been made, but the league continues to operate by simply recording a tie game as a tie. Which leaves a vague impression of the 3 undefeated but blemished teams.

When push comes to shove Lights Out! should strongly be considered to have the edge. They are sporting one more win than their counterparts and they have both the Shockers and Kixxx on their hit list. Although they did tie with the Drinkers, so then again it is hard to say. The competition is close.

The New Kicks on the Block inched by a mediocre Pitch, Please by a final score of 3-2. Although it is still early in the season, I would be nice to see some more life out of New Kicks.

Some other note worthy items from Week #4:

The Shockers finally scrounged up a win. Although it was against a 0-3 team that has a Power Rating of -32 and has yet to score a run. If anything the honorable mention should be for Balls Deep who is a true rookie team and is quickly learning what competitive kickball is all about, but they were still able to hold the Shockers to 4 runs. I remember a time when the Mercy Rule use to be called "Getting Shocked". Times are changing.

Down at Modesto 1, Kixxx quickly rose back to re-take the #2 spot within the league after a disappointing loss last week. Most predicated Kixxx would either be still recovering from their upset loss or be starving and looking to squash any doubts about their kickball skills. The Drunken Monkeyz quickly found out they were facing a determined team. Kixxx made short work of the Monkeyz, who were playing more like a backwards Harlem Globetrotters than a re-emerging kickball powerhouse. They couldn't see to get out of each others way. With a final score of 6-0, Kixxx silenced their critics while the Monkeyz just took on some.

A majority of the intense kickball action was on display down at Memo V. The Scoregasms were looking to build off of their upset of the Thundercats last week. They were tasked to beat I'd Hit It, which was a fairly even match-up. However I'd Hit It had other plans as they proved they were the better squad with a 2-0 final. Both teams played well, but the Scoregasms still need to piece some things together to really secure themselves as an upper echelon team. Both teams will be playoff residences this season, to doubt there.

Lastly, the Drinkers with a Kicking Problem continue to build buzz as they squeezed past an experienced
4-Play squad. Even after coming off a bye-week, the Drinkers were able to keep up with and eventually outlast 4- Play with a 3-2 final. Although 4-Play hasn't been talked about on the blog much to-date, they are mainly comprised of former players from "Original Six" member Balls & Dolls. They have added new pieces to complete their new team, but Kickball Nation should expect big things from this team.  

Well that is all for now,

Good Luck and Happy Kicking.

The End?

It's Just Kickball starts every season with more-or-less the same disclaimer:

... before the season starts, fair warning, IJK is for the dedicated kickballer (as ridiculous as that sounds). Like with anything else in this world, some folks happen to nerd-out on different things. Kickball Nation happens to nerd-out on kickball. Kickball Nation lives here. So if your feelings are easily hurt, read no further, however; if you are truly competitive at heart and a kickball nerd to boot... read on

However every season, without fail, someone eventually starts taking these postings personal. Which is truly why the blog is named It's Just Kickball. It is meant to be ironic, because it never is "just" kickball, is it? It means more, or less, to different kickballers. For some kickballers any posting or mention of their team, be it constructive criticism or a strongly worded critique, is somehow deemed a personal attack. Which nothing could be further from the truth. IJK's intent has always been to try and give an objective perspective on all teams within the leagues. There have been many teams who have assumed the role of the Kickball Nation Pinata at one time or another. Just ask the Shockers, they have been a long time scape goat of the blog. However, not one single player on that team ever took one single word of it personal. Because they know and understand what the blog is and what its suppose to represent. It really does break my heart when anyone takes this too seriously. I mean really consider what we are doing here. We are reading, writing, and/or commenting on adult kickball. I really dont think any of us can take each other too serious. However for those who do, please remember that none of this is mandatory reading. Kickballers come here by choice. If you struggle between reality and fantasy sadly this isn't for you.

Also I'm again inviting any player or fan to submit guest postings to IJK. Its greatly needed. The Angry Umpire was an absolute fan favorite of Kickball Nation. However his humorous antics often included personal attacks. That's not to say he didn't have a great take on SCK, he did. However his over-the-top antics were just a little too much for IJK. So the call is going out to all of Kickball Nation. Who will answer the call?

Uh Oh Says Veteran Teams

Two small words can some up Week #3 quite easily, Uh and Oh. Kickball Nation was treated to, not one, but three big upsets on Wednesday night. For the past couple of seasons, the elite teams at SCK have used the regular season as one long practice. They would only take a couple of games seriously, usually when matched up against their tougher opponents. However in reality much of the season was prep work for the playoffs. That is all about to change... The gap between the mid-range teams and the top teams is becoming increasingly smaller with each passing week. The mid-range teams are growing by leaps and bounds. The veteran teams need to start taking note, because the younger franchises are starting to blossom.

As part of the Original Six, the Shocker name is synonymous with big time kickball. Most of Kickball Nation is familiar with their kickaball credentials. As two-time SCK champs and Final Four regulars, its hard not to be aware of their presence. However not all kickballers have taken notice of a newer franchise team, Suck My Kick, that is making big statements with their much improved kickball skills.

I'm sure many over-looked the match-up between the Shockers and Suck My Kick. However, this match up really peaked my interest. Especially after the Shockers started off their season with an Opening Day loss to Lights Out. This match up had upset written all over it. Suck My Kick has been slowly progressing up the kickballer ladder, while the Shockers are quickly tumbling off it. Granted that the Shockers aren't a horrible team, not by any means. They are just losing their killer instinct. They need to find it and quick or things may get worse for this veteran crew.

But I digress, Suck My Kick is the real story here. They were able to win their game 3-1 against an elite SCK team, even after one of their female players was kicked out of the game for "giving the ump the business", leaving them to finish the game with a 8 fielder defense. Not an easy thing to do. Nice work.

Another notable upset came at the hands of the often forgotten Scoregasms. They were slated against the veteran players of the Thundercats. Although the Thundercats only have 2 seasons with SCK, not consecutive seasons mind you, folks should be aware that they are in fact an elite kickaball squad. They have tons of tourney experience, as well as other league experience, but not with SCK. So when word came down that the Scoregasms took down the Thundercats, kickball insiders were in disbelief. However those in attendance say there was no question about it, the Scoregams were absolutely the better team on that field. Even though their win does seem marginal with a 3-2 final, a win is a win and they did make a statement. The Scoregasms have I'd Hit It next, which will be a better measuring stick and be a more telling match up. I'd Hit should be ready too, as they will be coming off of a 10-2 beat down of Pitch, Please. This will be a game to watch.

And finally, the Pièce de résistance, the unconvincing crew of Lights Out shocked last season's championship runner-up, Kixxx. I will be the first to admit I wasn't sold on Lights Out. Their off-season personnel changes made me weary and I just wasn't convinced watching them play. However they quickly changed my mind and much of Kickball Nation as they put away Kixxx by a close score of 2-1. Which now means that they have the Shockers and Kixxx on their kill board. They should have also had Kickers with a Drinking Problem, but that ended in a sister kissing contest.

Now in regards to Kixxx, they are nowhere close to panic mode. They had a huge 19-0 annihilation during Week #1 and then they had to battle back to a 5-2 win last week against Suck My Kick during Week #2. They are still the 2nd best team in the league; however the one thing that absolutely has to change is team morale. Kixxx has the mental toughness of a 8 week old infant. They break down way to quick and you can say it all over their faces. And no matter how many times their coach tries to rally them, his efforts are often in vain. From near fights within their own dugout and starting players showing up late, they need to start doing some internal inventory and fixing some things. Their few loses are not coming from play out in the field, they are coming from within the dugout.

Well that's all for now...

Good Luck and Happy Kicking

 

Week #2 - Recap

Even this early in the season, the true kickball contenders are starting to become apparent. Aside from the normal veteran powerhouses, there are a couple of young teams that are quickly making a name for themselves. Namely, Suck My Kick and Drinkers with a Kicking Problem. Although neither team was able to earn a win this past week, both teams did make a statement with their effort on the field.

Suck My Kick had to tangle with the always dangerous Kixxx kickball squad. I think most of Kickball Nation anticipated that Kixxx would walk away with the win; however it was far from a dominating performance. Suck My Kick looked like the better team, but their inexperience cost them the game. Even though they were able to get ahead early, if you let an experienced, talented like Kixxx hang around and stay in the game, they WILL rally. And that is exactly what happened. Suck My Kick played well, but they made just enough mistakes for Kixxx to capitalize and take control. Kixxx, again, is very experienced and incredibly talented. They have been playing this game for many seasons and it shows. They were able to work themselves off the ropes and come back to earn a 5-2 victory. However, Suck My Kick seems to be getting better and better with each passing game. Look for them to contend and expect to see them in the playoffs.

The Drinkers with a Kicking Problem continue to impress all of Kickball Nation. Although they ended in a tie with Lights Out (Formerly the Longstrokes), their natural talent and ability is obvious. This game should have been chalked up as a win for the Drinkers, but their hesitant base running and miscues cost them a handful of runs. The scoreboard should have read differently. Either way, the Drinkers had to stomach a tie. They are on a bye-week this upcoming up week. Hopefully they dedicate that time to work on their base running.

A couple of notable items: The New Kicks on the Block, Foreplay, the Drunken Monkeyz, and Kickin' N' Screamin' all earned shut outs this week. They all held their opponents to zero runs.

There were also a couple of blood bath alerts this past week as Foreplay, the Thundercats, and Los Totally Awesomes all scored in the double digits.
Foreplay won - 17 - 0
LTA won - 17 - 6
Thundercats won 13 - 2

Last but not least, a battle of two veteran squads played out at Memo V. 4- Time Champs, Kickin' N' Screamin came of an opening day bye week to compete with a strong I'd Hit It squad. The boxscore had KNS out of the gate quick with 3 runs and then fell silent until they 3rd inning where they made a small 1- run yelp. I'd Hit It fell asleep on the offensive side of the ball and fell victim to a shut out. Their only saving grace was they didn't get slaughtered. They kept it close, but don't know if that's something you want to hang your hat on. KNS is still looking deadly and that won't be changing any time soon.

That's all for now...

Good Luck and Happy Kicking