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?