Gonzo Haunts

Gonzo Haunts

Gonzo Haunts Clubbers as the SHARK Pulls Off the Miraculous

01/04/02

Chug Brewski

The Clubbers worst nightmare arose his fortuitist head once again. At least this time it wasn’t the fourth quarter of the Monday night game in round one of the playoffs. Nor was it nearly as dramatic as last year’s playoff miracle. When Gonzo put the finishing touches onto a 27-point night, that gave the SHARK an unbelievable three point win over the Clubbers, sending them home empty handed. But, when you consider what a bust the SHARK’s number one draft-pick, number three overall, was this year. For him to have come up with 25 points in the Chowder Bowl truly was a miracle, and both owners were left shaking their heads in disbelief. Tony Gonzalez is still the best Tight End in football, and he put up good enough yardage and reception numbers to merit the same status on the fantasy circuit this season. But the 8 to 12 touchdowns that usually accompany those numbers did not come this year and his value decreased quite a bit.

Tony’s G’s big day was only part of the damage though. The Chicago Bears defense dominated an injury plagued, Ty Detmer led, Detroit offense to the tune of 25 points as well. But, even though those numbers were expected, often times lop-sided match-ups like that one do not materialize. So Gonzo’s performance stands alone making him this-years Chowder Bowl MVP.

Of course, if we want to talk miracles. This year’s playoff run by the SHARK qualifies as “divine”. If not for a change in the tiebreaker rules this season making points scored the first deciding factor. The SHARK never would have made the playoffs. Since the SHARK had lost to all three of the teams they were tied with at 5-8.

Beating The Untouchables in the first round was simply being in the right spot at the right time for the SHARK. Nobody wanted to draw The Untouchables in the first round, including the SHARK. After having been on a relentless roll for several weeks, The Untouchables simply went flat in week 14. The Hobos took care of the Steelheads clearing the way for the SHARK in round two. Making them the favorite rather than having to face the Steelheads who were the top ranked team in the power rankings

It was not an enviable position to have been in for the SHARK when the playoff brackets were drawn up. After round one was over, the pathway to the Chowder Bowl and the Ivar Haglund Keep Clam Memorial Cup did not seem so insurmountable. No disrespect to the Hobos or the Clubbers intended. Both teams were worthy opponents and turned in fine seasons, otherwise they would not have in the positions they were in during the post season. But, you’d have to admit, the odds got a lot better for the SHARK when The Untouchables and Steelheads were eliminated in round one.

The SHARK was able to slip past the Hobos in round two and in spite of the regular producers Dominic Rhodes, A-Train, Chris Chambers and, Aaron Brooks turning in mere mortal numbers in the Chowder Bowl. Combined with what Gonzo and the Bears did the SHARK cruised to their sixth overall Haglund Cup and their fifth in the last six years and eighth straight appearance in the Chowder Bowl. If you don’t respect him now, you never will. Anyone that ever dreams of trash talking or disrespecting the SHARK from here on out should wake up and apologize!

The 2001 playoffs do not mark the first time in PSFFL history when the top teams from the regular season were ousted early. In fact there have only been three teams in our twelve-year history that have won the playoffs as one of the top seeds. The 1995 Chuckanut Bay Geoducks did it after posting an 11-2 record and entered the playoffs seeded number one. The 1996 SHARK was 8-6 and the number two seed did it, in 2000 the SHARK was 9-4 and seeded number two and did it. However, from 1990 – 94 the number one seed lost out every year. Even though regular season records were posted by some of the most dominating teams in our history. Such as the 1990 Green Lake Itch at 12-3, and the 1994 Priest Point Abyss at 13-1. From 1997 on, there were the 1997 Grizzlies at 12-2, the 1998 Hated Neighbors at 11-1-1, the 1999 Grizz at 11-2, and the 2000 Pirates at 11-2. Most of these teams hold records for scoring and winning streaks that may never be equaled. So when you hear me talk about having to pay your dues in this league and how nobody wants to hear you say things like, if only I had started so and so or any other trivial bitch and moan. About how things shoulda, coulda, or woulda, been. Think about this article and know that if misery loves company The Untouchables and the Steelheads have plenty of both this year. But, they will have to bare their pain just like those that came before them. By strapping up their boots a little tighter, synching up their belts, rolling up their sleeves and walking back into the Frey next season. Do their best to play with and be the best and let the chips fall where they may. Because men, what it all boils down to in the end is “GAMBLING”. There just aren’t any guarantees. You win you cash in your chips, you loose you take it like a man!

See you all next year

Stay Tuned, Chug Brewski, reporter at large