Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 7 Edition

It's time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 7 Edition. This is my best week so far this season. My teams went 3-0 in the three highlight leagues. Here's the breakdown for Week 7 and the look ahead to Week 8...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces made a tremendous comeback as they defeated Domination by the score of 121.80 to 107.45. The matchup was crazy in that Domination had two players out (one injury, one bye) and yet was leading big going into the Monday night game. The Masterpieces’ ended up winning, largely due to the performance by DeSean Jackson. His 23.90 performance on Monday night helped secure a comeback victory and helped the Masterpieces get back on track. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Peyton Manning, DeSean Jackson, San Diego DEF and Reggie Wayne. After Week 7, I'm in 6th place overall (tied for 2nd in the Shakespeare Division) with a record of 3-4.

In the League of Evangelical Baptists, the Kansas City Titans won a close game against the Seminary Slingers by the score of 97.49 to 92.46. It came down to the Monday Night game as the Slingers made a run. The Titans were able to hold them off and secure their fifth win of the season. It was a big win as several leading teams were upset this week. Leading scorers for the Titans were Drew Brees, Minnesota DEF and Steve Slaton. After Week 7, I'm in 4th place overall (tied for 1st in the Annie Armstrong Conference) with a record of 5-2.

In the Pigskin Prognosticators league, the Krakow Tigers have won three in a row as they got the win over The Purple Pegasus by the score of 117.69 to 113.91. The Tigers fought back and staged a comeback thanks to the Monday Night game. With Philly DEF and K David Akers, the Tigers won and have the second longest winning streak right now in the league and are above .500 for the first time since Week 1. Leading scorers for the Tigers were Philadelphia DEF, Wes Welker, Adrian Peterson and Brandon Jacobs. After Week 7, I'm in 4th place (essentially tied for 3rd) with a record of 4-3.

Outlook for Week 8:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (3-4) will look to keep the winning ways going as they square off against the Buffalo Buckeyes (2-5). The Masterpieces will be without WR Hines Ward as he will be on the bye while Domination will be without TE Kellen Winslow. The Masterpieces are looking for their first two game winning streak this season along with trying to keep pace for a playoff spot. Key matchup will be the QB position (Peyton Manning vs. Matt Schaub). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Masterpieces as the favorite.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Titans (5-2) will look to keep the winning ways going as he faces off against the Souper Bowl Sundays (3-4). The Slingers are managed by Adam, a friend from the days at Union. The Titans will be without 2 starting WR (Dwyane Bowe and Andre Caldwell) as both are on the bye. The Sundays will be without WR Chad Ochocinco and TE Heath Miller. The Titans have been scrambling the waiver wire to meet the WR need and will probably make another move if necessary before Sunday. It should be a tough conference matchup. Key matchup will be at the RB position (Steve Slayton/Kevin Smith vs. DeAngelo Williams/Ricky Williams). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Titans as the favorite.

In the Pigskin Prognosticators league, the Krakow Tigers (4-3) will look to get another big win as they face off against Fear This (0-7). Fear This is managed by Jon, a great friend and fellow alum from Union. The two teams squared off in Week 1 with the Tigers getting the victory. For the Tigers, they will be without WR Wes Welker as he’ll be on the bye. Fear This will be without RB Clinton Portis and TE Kellen Winslow as they will be on the bye. They also lost RB Leon Washington for the season with an injury. The Tigers will look to keep pace with the leaders and stay in the playoff hunt. Key matchup will be at the K position (David Akers vs. Jason Elam). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Tigers as the favorite.

That's all for this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another installment of Fantasy Football Tuesday...

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 6 Edition

It's time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 6 Edition. This was unfortunately another blah week. My teams went 1-2 in the three highlight leagues. Here's the breakdown for Week 6 and the look ahead to Week 7...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces lost a tough game over Plax’ Gun Club by the score of 135.10 to 71.89. The Masterpieces’ lost could be heavily contributed to the bye week that QB Peyton Manning and WR Reggie Wayne. Their absence hurt the Masterpieces and because of this they continue to be in a hole trying to dig out. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Hines Ward, DeSean Jackson, David Akers and Fred Jackson. After Week 6, I'm in 8th place overall (tied for 3rd in the Shakespeare Division) with a record of 2-4.

In the League of Evangelical Baptists, the Kansas City Titans lost a close game against 2-2-0 by the score of 117.89 to 110.73. It was a matchup that was decided before the Monday Night game. The Titans tried to make a comeback but WR Earl Bennett and K Robbie Gould couldn’t put up enough points to come back. Leading scorers for the Titans were Drew Brees, Steve Slaton, Dwayne Bowe and Andre Caldwell. After Week 6, I'm in 5th place overall (tied for 2nd in the Annie Armstrong Conference) with a record of 4-2.

In the Pigskin Prognosticators league, the Krakow Tigers have won two in a row as they got the win over Romo’s Wingman by the score of 117.34 to 101.52. The game was decided before the Monday Night game. The Tigers won despite only getting 0.52 from WR Steve Smith. It was a well needed victory as the Tigers now found themselves back at .500. Leading scorers for the Tigers were Jay Cutler, Wes Welker, Adrian Peterson, and Philadelphia DEF. After Week 6, I'm in 5th place (essentially tied for 3rd) with a record of 3-3.

Outlook for Week 7:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (2-4) face a tough matchup as they square off against Domiation (5-1). The Masterpieces will be at full strength while Domination will be without RB Chris Johnson and TE Todd Heap. The Masterpieces need a win to get back in the race for the playoffs and defend their championship. Key matchup will be the WR position (Hines Ward/DeSean Jackson/Reggie Wayne vs. Randy Moss/Chad OchoCinco/Lee Evans). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Masterpieces as the favorite.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Titans (4-2) will get back in the win column as they face off against the Seminary Slingers (3-3). The Slingers are managed by Kyle, a friend at seminary. Both teams will be at full strength with no players on the bye. It should be a tough matchup as both teams are trying to keep pace. Key matchup will be at the QB position (Drew Brees vs. Matt Schaub). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Slingers as the favorite.

In the Pigskin Prognosticators league, the Krakow Tigers (3-3) will look to get another big win as they face off against The Purple Pegasus (2-4). For the Tigers, they will be without T.J. Houshmadzadeh as he’ll be on the bye. The Purple Pegasus will be without WR Mark Clayton, RB Willis McGahee and K Rob Bironias as they will be on the bye. This will be a huge game for both teams as they try gain momentum at an important part of the season. Key matchup will be at the TE position (Tony Gonzalez vs. Chris Cooley). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Tigers as the favorite.

That's all for this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another installment of Fantasy Football Tuesday...

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Two Good Examples of Leadership

This coming Saturday in Dallas, Texas is one of the big games in the college football season. It is a rivalry game known commonly as the Red River Shootout (or the Red River Rivalry) that takes place annually between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns. It is one of college footballs biggest rivalry games and one that is a bitter rivalry between the two schools.

In the midst of all this, stands two quarterbacks: OU redshirt junior QB Sam Bradford and UT redshirt senior QB Colt McCoy. Both QBs are highly touted with many school records and accolades including a Heisman Trophy for Bradford. They are considered high draft picks in next year's NFL draft.

They are also strong followers of Jesus. In many interviews both large and small, they have made clear their faith and their walk with Christ. It is something that is really refreshing to hear from young men in positions such as these who excel in athletics but are also looking to grow deeper in their walk with Christ at a young age.

Baptist Press Sports recently had an article on an interview they did with McCoy talking about his recent trips to Peru with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. While he was there traveling to various villages helping to build homes, teaching various sports and sharing the gospel, it left an indellible mark. You can read more of the article here.

Also, here is a video with the two of them talking about their faith:



They along with Tim Tebow are young men who I look forward to seeing compete on Sundays and contining to share about their faith during the week.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 5 Edition

It's time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 5 Edition. This week was the best week so far in the 2009 campaign. All three teams posted victories as they went 3-0 this week in the three highlight leagues. Here's the breakdown for Week 5 and the look ahead to Week 6...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces bounced back from a heartbreaker last week to get an impressive victory over Tuna Helper by the score of 118.23 to 52.71. It was an impressive victory and one desperately needed by the defending champs. The Masterpieces got huge performances from some of the key players including the first big performance by RB Michael Turner. The margin of victory was such that it was recognized at the Toyota Biggest Fantasy Blowout for Week 5. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Peyton Manning, Michael Turner, Hines Ward and Reggie Wayne. After Week 5, I'm in 7th place overall (3rd in the Shakespeare Division) with a record of 2-3.

In the League of Evangelical Baptists, the Kansas City Titans got their second as a row as they defeated the Increditurtles by the score of 95.41 to 86.38. It was a matchup that was decided before the Sunday Night game as both teams had all their players finished before then. Both teams had one player with 0 points (Cooley for the Titans, Sims-Walker for the Turtles). The Titans got enough support from the rest of the guys to get the victory. Leading scorers for the Titans were Minnesota DEF, Brett Favre, Dwayne Bowe and Steve Slaton. After Week 5, I'm in 3rd place overall (tied for 1st in the Annie Armstrong Conference) with a record of 4-1.

In the Pigskin Prognosticators league, the Krakow Tigers broke the losing streak as they got a victory over Roses N Runningbacks by the score of 118.35 to 110.34. The Tigers built up a huge enough lead that they were able to hold on through the Monday Night game. It was a well needed victory as the Tigers look to get a winning streak of their own going. Leading scorers for the Tigers were Ben Roethlisberger, Adrian Peterson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Philadelphia DEF. After Week 5, I'm in 6th place (essentially tied for 4th) with a record of 2-3.

Outlook for Week 6:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (2-3) will to get two in a row they face off against Plax' Gun Club (4-1). The bye week affects the Masterpieces in losing two key contributers: QB Peyton Manning and WR Reggie Wayne. Plax' Gun Club will be at full strength as no one on his team is one a bye which will make things tough for the Masterpieces. Key matchup will be the QB position (Matt Hasselbeck vs. Joe Flacco). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Gun Club as the slight favorite.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Titans (4-1) will look to keep the winning streak alive as they square off against 2-2-0 (4-1). The Titans will be at full strength this week with no players on the bye. 2-2-0 will be without WR Reggie Wayne for the bye. The Titans continue to tweak the lineup at WR trying to get the best combination. Hopefully that will be the case this week. Key matchup will be at the TE position (Chris Cooley vs. Brent Celek)). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting 2-2-0 as the favorite.

In the Pigskin Prognosticators league, the Krakow Tigers (2-3) will look to get another win as they face off against Romo's Wingman (2-3). For the Tigers, they will be at full strength as no starter is on the bye. Romo's Wingman will be without TE Dallas Clark and K Nick Folk. The Tigers will try and build on last week's performance to keep the winning ways going. Key matchup will be at the DEF position (Philly vs. Washington). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Tigers as the favorite.

That's all for this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another installment of Fantasy Football Tuesday...

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 4 Edition

It's Tuesday which means its time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 4 Edition. It was yet again another poor performance as my teams went 1-2 this week in the three highlight leagues. Here's the breakdown for Week 4 and the look ahead to Week 5...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces lost a heartbreaker as they were defeated by Memphis Explosion by the score of 112.81 to 110.91. The Masterpieces were losing big going into the Sunday night game then were leading by three going into the Monday night game and lead until the fourth quarter when the Explosion squeaked by. The Masterpieces scored the third highest point total but it was for naught as they now stand at 1-3 after 4 weeks. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Antonio Gates, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Hines Ward. After Week 4, I'm in 8th place overall (3rd in the Shakespeare Division) with a record of 1-3.

In the League of Evangelical Baptists, the Kansas City Titans bounced back with the slightest of victories over the Panters by the score of 106.22 to 106.16. It came down to the Monday Night game as the Titans with Minnesota's DEF held off the Panthers with QB Aaron Rodgers and RB Ryan Grant. Another subpar performance by the WR core almost led to the second straight loss. However, huge games by the dynamic duo at RB helped carry the day. Leading scorers for the Titans were Minnesota DEF, Steve Slaton, Kevin Smith and Chris Cooley. After Week 4, I'm in 4th place overall (tied for 1st in the Annie Armstrong Conference) with a record of 3-1.

In the Pigskin Prognosticators league, the Krakow Tigers lost for the third time this season in another heartbreaker as they lost to The Sleepers by a score of 97.34to 91.94. The Tigers couldn't make up a huge deficit going into the Monday night game and have not lost three games in a row. Leading scorers for the Tigers were Jay Cutler, Bernard Berrian, and New England DEF. After Week 4, I'm in 6th place with a record of 1-3.

Outlook for Week 5:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (1-3) will try and right the ship as they face off against Tuna Helper (2-2). The bye week affects the Masterpieces in losing TE Antonio Gates, K Robbie Gould and San Diego DEF. Tuna Helper will be without QB Philip Rivers and Green Bay DEF. Key matchup will be the TE positio(Vernon Davis vs. Owen Daniels). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Masterpieces as the favorite.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Titans (3-1) will look to keep the winning ways going as they square off against the Increditurtles (2-2). The Increditurtles are managed by Joseph, another former Union alum. Titans will be without QB Drew Brees and K Robbie Gould because of the bye. The Increditurtles will be without WRs Vincent Jackson and Greg Jennings along with K Nate Kaeding as they'll be on the bye. The Titans will finally get back WR Dwayne Bowe this week. Hopefully with him and Steve Breaston back in the lineup the WR core will be up to par. Interesting matchup as the Titans QB this week is Brett Favre and one of the Increditurtles starting WR is Percy Harvin and starting RB is Adrian Peterson. Key matchup will be at the K position (Jason Elam vs. Kris Brown). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Increditurtles as the favorite.

In the Pigskin Prognosticators league, the Krakow Tigers (1-3) will look to get back into the win column as they face off against Roses N Runningbacks (2-2). For the Tigers, they will be without QB Jay Cutler because of the bye. Roses N Runningbacks will be without TE Jeremy Shockey. The Tigers will have WR Wes Welker back in the lineup and will otherwise have all their big guns in the lineup. Key matchup will be at the DEF position (Philly vs. Baltimore). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Tigers as the favorite.

That's all for this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another installment of Fantasy Football Tuesday...

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Fan Appreciation Night...Ninth Royals Game of 2009 in Review

Last Saturday, I went to my ninth Royals game of the 2009 season. It was also Fan Appreciation Night along with a giveaway involving a George Brett figurine. Aside from getting the figurine and a tentative calender for next season, that was it. I didn't win any of the giveaways nor the scratchoff for the jerseys off the players backs. That was a bummer.

As far as the game itself, there were two highlights. First was the back to back homers by Alberto Callaspo and Branyan Pena. The second was seeing Billy Butler getting his 50th double. With that, he became one of five players to post a 20 homer, 50 double season before the age of 24 (joining Hank Greenberg, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera).

Aside from that, the game wasn't so good. The Twins (whom the Royals were facing) ended up scoring 11 runs and won the game 11-6.

The Royals ended the year 5-4 in games that I attended. Overall, not bad, it is a winning record. Hopefully, they will have a better year next year.