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?
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
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
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
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.
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
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
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
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 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
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
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
Monday, October 1, 2012
The Price of Victory
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| The Price of Victory |
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
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
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