Hope is a Dangerous Thing

No Pre-Season Polls?  No Pre-Season Predictions? Bah Humbug!

But it's all too late for that now, for Sun City Kickball's Fall 2012 Season is off and running.

Every SCK season starts with a large amount of relief and a small bit of hope. The off-season seems to last forever, but once opening day rolls around, the wait and the impatience all seems to disappear. Catching up with old friends, as well as old rivals, is what kickball is all about. There is a good amount of camaraderie among kickball folks. There truly is. However, all those happy butterfly feelings seem to quickly give way, as the reality of competition starts to flood back.

That's where IJK comes in. It's Just Kickball, right? Right?!? Well unfortunately or fortunately, what ever side you fall on, it never is "just" kickball. So 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.

Everyone "hopes" to have a good season. There are some teams that practice, come up with strategies, and dedicate themselves to compete on a high level. While there are other teams that merely show up each week and try to win games. Both types of teams "hope" to have a good season. But which type of team ultimately has the advantage? I honestly can't say one way or another, every team is different. However I can say that the teams that do practice and commit seem to perform at a higher level than those who do not. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by a couple of teams that looked sharp opening day.

On the Radar

There were a ton of whispers and questions about Drinkers with a Kicking Problem. This is their 2nd season with SCK. As rookies last season, they dominated the competition in the Lone Star Divsion. This season they make the jump to the big leagues and not without notice. "The Old Timers" and "Original Six" members tend to ignore or immediately dismiss any new, rookie, or beginning teams that aren't up to par. However the Drinkers seem to have the attention of alot of the veteran teams. Which is warranted, considering that the Drinkers totally dismantled the returning Hash House Harriers to the tune of 13-1. Keep an eye on this team. They have natural talent and ability. They are slowly building up experience, which will make them extremely dangerous with each passing game. Next up they have Lights Out, formerly known as the Longstrokes. This game will be a good measuring stick for both teams.

Speaking of Lights Out, I have to be honest and say I had very little hope for this team. Im always wary when teams starting changing their name, losing players, picking up new ones, etc. It's hard to gauge how a modified team will do. Last season the Longstrokes were coming into their own, playing some strong competitive kickball. Now my understanding is they have more than a few new pieces of personnel on the field. So they are in that dreaded "time will tell" category. However they were decent enough to take down Original Six Member, the Shockers. Although the Shockers did have a considerable attendance issue, but in the end the scoreboard read 2-1, Lights Out advantage. Looks like the Shockers are headed towards retirement and Lights Out is still full of life.

Another HUGE surprise came from another Original Six member, Los Totally Awesomes. They been here since the league was founded, but they were never considered a "competitive" team. They love the game immensely, but never took their competitiveness to the next level. However, considering they were able to hold down the New Kicks on the Block to a dead even 2-2 tie, things are looking up for LTA. It was only a matter of time before they figured out the formula to win games and the equation didnt involve sugar, spice, and everything nice. Looks like they want to play some kickball now.

The New Kicks are a Final Four team from last season and are quickly becoming one of SCK's Elite Squads. Although their opening day performance was mediocre, you can still expect a lot from this team as the season progresses. Their next opponent is Kickballaz, which should be a confidence booster for New Kicks and an easy win.

Another honorable mention has to go out to the Thundercats. After a one season lay-off , these Kitty Cats are back in action. There 5-1 win over Pitch, Please wasn't necessarily impressive, but I'm sure knocking off some of the kickball rust is going to take some time.

The Fall '12 season looks promising... I havent been this excited about a kickball season in a long time.

Good Luck Kickballers and Happy Kicking