Hello, Standing Pat here, and man o man was it a great weekend!  Well, for some not so great, but if you got to play football in the AzFL, then it must make up for it, if you blew a 13 point lead in the 4^th quarter.  Or if you blew a 12 point half time lead, or even if you lost to a brand spanking, right out of the box, new team.  See all of the above, it is not so bad, y’all get a chance to blow leads again this weekend, but maybe, just maybe, you might WIN!!! 

That would be awesome wouldn’t it?  I think so.  Ok so let's start with the obvious, Crusaders are not right yet, but give them time they should work it out.  I told you guys about the Soul Patrol, but you didn’t listen did you?  Head Hunters... really?  You had them beat! I can tell you that you had them beat, and just like Princess Leia told General Tarkin, “The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers”. Maybe you shouldn’t try so hard to hold the lead, and keep it loose?  Dragons, Dragons, Dragons... well the good news is you won the coin toss!!!  See, just take every victory you can get.  Maybe the Predators are not for real, and the vipers are?  I don’t know, I will reserve judgment for a few more games. 

Ok, so in a new twist, the rankings that you see in front of the teams will be OFFICIAL AzFL rankings.  Before you crank up the old keyboard and scratch Standing Pat version # 16 of your, “Dear Standing Pat, you suck”, email, the way it works is this, if you win you get 2 points, lose an you get ZERO points.  Head to head counts first and then total points against.  See kids, you can drop 184 points on a team, but it doesn’t matter in the Big Picture of things If that team drops 123 on you.  That would be very bad.  So with all that said, let's see who is going to be first to email me this week.

 #3 Stampede vs. #9 Golden Knights 2:30 PM at Thunderbird HS
Well what can you say other than dang, what a great game.  Stampede flat out stank the place up in the first half and looked unbeatable in the second half.  It was like the light switch turned on and WHAMO, instant great football.  Dudes that was awesome! I wish I could have seen it from the stands.  You will get away with that in Week 2, when teams are still getting their stuff together, but you might not win that game in Week 9, or even Round 1 of the playoffs, so try this bit of advice out and see if you like it.  See here is my thought, since football is 4 quarters maybe you should play 4 quarters?  I don’t know... just a suggestion.

 Golden Knights, I guess my little pep talk didn’t help you last weekend?  Since this is your first stop in the valley, I really can't tell you what the issue is, so after this weekend I will give you a complete breakdown on your team and why you lost the first 2 games.  Aren’t I a great guy?  Man, most teams would pay thousands of dollars for that, but because I like you, I am going to do it for free.

Prediction: Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful Golden Knights, but starting 0-2, and only scoring 6 points, I am going to have to go with the Stampede in this one.  I have seen the Hitmen and the Soul Patrol play, and based on what I have seen from the 2 teams that beat you this year, you are in for a little bit of a tough game.  But there is hope Golden Knights, if the Stampede play like they did in the first half last week you could win.  If they don’t you will lose. Sorry, I am in that kind of a mood.   Stampede 35 Golden Knights 0

# 2 Warlords vs. # 7 Predators 5:00 PM at Thunderbird HS
So I am up in the booth with my good friend Nick, announcing the Warlords game last week, and saying,
Standing Pat, “Nick”
Nick, “yes Nacho ?(it’s a pet name)
”Standing Pat, “the Warlords don’t look so good”
Nick, “nope”
Standing Pat, “Matthew get off your lazy tail and get me and Nick some nachos”
Matthew, “yes dad”

Man you can't get this type of entertainment for free anywhere!!!

Anyway the Warlords did not look right, but then, 28 Sweep to # 3 Mike Scott, and it was over. TOUCHDOWN, WARLORDS!!! And the game turned around.  Nice to see, but refer to what I said about the Stampede, and Week 9, or the first round of the playoffs.

 Well one week you are the bride and the next you are divorced living on the streets, no food or money.  No one said that life was fair, and the Predators now know that.  Dude, you started the season (as a bride) by beating the Hitmen, and it looked like you guys had it all figured out, now you have more questions than answers (divorcee).  Maybe we all under estimated the Vipers, only time will tell, but now you get a team that no one will under estimate, so let’s see if you can get back to the altar.

 Prediction:  The Warlords are looking good and can find themselves playing in the Championship game.  They have to best d-line in the league, and their offense is starting to get it, and Pappas will make all the right moves.  Predators need to get their collective heads screwed on straight and get back to being the bruisers of the league.  I don’t like the match up here for the Predators, they are not the fastest team in the league, and they give up a size advantage to the Warlords.  Too big, and too much for the Predators to overcome.  Warlords 14 Predators 3

 # 10 Crusaders vs. # 5 Hitmen 8:00 PM at Thunderbird HS 
***GAME OF THE WEEK ALERT LISTEN LIVE  ARIZONA SPORTS NETWORK ON KXXT 1010 AM***

Crusaders, all I have to say is one word to describe what is going on with you, ? And 2 words to fix you, ready?  Here you go,
Quicksand.
Don’t struggle.

So, it looks like Coach Smith said all the right things this past week, after a very strange loss to the Predators.  Some home cooking is just what the Hitmen needed to get back on track.  The Mean Green Machine is well balanced, and they are traveling down the hill to see if they can win in Phoenix, for the first time this year.  Like I keep telling you kids, this is a very balanced team, and now you all get to see it live and in color. 

Prediction:  I know the Crusaders are not going to agree with me, but they lost to 2 better teams in the first 2 weeks.  Now they get a team in the Hitmen, that are in my opinion,l not in the elite right now, (they could be very soon) but they are the best of the rest, or maybe the Crusaders are the best of the rest?  Here is the bottom line for the Crusaders, if they lose, they need to beat the panic button with a baseball bat.  Starting 0-3 is going to crush this very emotional team.  From what I have seen, both teams are very evenly matched and this could go either way.  My first feeling is to go with the Hitmen, because they are in a better place, but I am not.  All things being equal, I think the Crusaders are bigger, faster and stronger, and if they forget about the past, they should win.
Crusaders 14 Hitmen 13

# 8 Demons vs. # 4 Vipers 1:00 PM at Santa Rita HS
Week 1 - the Demons got slapped in the face by the Warlords, down at the Old Pueblo 6-0.  Now, they get a chance to redeem themselves at home, and they really need to be the same old Demons from the past.  I don’t know what went on in Week 1, but a week off, and a home game, should get the Demons back to their winning ways.  It better, because with upcoming games against the Stampede and the Head Hunters, they need to get a little momentum rolling.

Well I see the # 11 ranking didn’t last long for the vipers.  Ok, I will admit that it appears I was a little off on the first year Vipers.  They had some size, and those dudes from Blyth were not slow at all!  That was the difference last week against the Predators.  The Vipers were just faster.   They survived the test against a hard hitting team, so now we get to see how they react to a team with one of the best defenses in the league.

 Prediction:  The Demons will be ok, so don’t worry.  I think this will be an exciting game with the Vipers offense against the Demons defense.  This is a good test for the Vipers, as they progress through the league.  I don’t think the Demons have of an offense, so we will not get a good look at the Vipers defense, but next week we will, as they get the Head Hunters.  I think the Demons will score a couple on defense, and being at home, I like them.  The Demons don’t lose back to back at home, or do they?   Demons 17 Vipers 3 

# 1 Soul Patrol vs. # 6 Head Hunters 3:30 PM at Santa Rita HS 
Well look what we have here, the new # 1 team in the AzFL, the Tucson Soul Patrol. Congratulations Soul Patrol, wear that # 1 ranking with pride.  We finally got to see them up in Phoenix, and they are just as we thought, a little undersized and very, very fast.  It was like watching a track meet in pads last weekend.  Soul Patrol all over the place, and the smack talking was epic!  I really wish I could see this game, it will be fun to watch.

 Head Hunters, dude what happened?  You had the Stampede down and out, and you let them off the hook, yo!  Guys, let me tell you one thing, and take this to heart because all of you on the Head Hunters know I am a big fan of your team, owners and coaches.  It is easier to come from behind and win, than it is to hold a lead.  There is no emotion with holding a lead, you just kind of hold on and hope for the best, instead of drive the nail in the proverbial coffin.  Last week you got a little comfortable, and then before you knew it, you were losing and it slipped away.  I really think that you guys lost that game more than the Stampede won it.

 Prediction:  As always, the big thing is how well your team travels.  The Head Hunters don’t tend to travel very well, and even if they don’t bring all their guys, they should win this game.  Don’t hate on my Soul Patrol, but this is not the Golden Knights or the Dragons.  This is a team that WILL play in the Championship game.  The only way I see the Soul Patrol maybe winning, is they need some turnover help.  If they can build a little lead via Special Teams, and get the Head Hunters to have to pass, they have a shot.  If not, they will feel the pain of 380 lb. linemen that move very well.
Head Hunters 24 Soul Patrol 6

 Ok, there you go, all you need to know for another excellent weekend of AzFL football.  Don’t forget to listen to the Game of the week on the Arizona Sports Network on the air at KXXT 1010 AM starting at 8:00 PM, and the follow up rap up show after the game.  Oh I almost forgot, DUDES and DUDETTES, you need to stop by all the smoke at the end of the grandstand.  The BBQ is AMAZING!  I have been dreaming about it all week, and trust me, I will be there at half time of the Stampede game with one hand full of chicken and the other hand full of ribs, and my face covered in sauce.  To the Golden Knights D-end that I will play against, I would like to apologize in advance for all the BBQ sauce that I am going to leave on your jersey this weekend, so please send me the dry cleaning bill and I will pay it.  Oh, and a shout out to the smart tail (family show) announcer at my game last weekend, I can't possibly get every penalty known to man.  I was framed on that Illegal Forward Pass last weekend, and I can tell you I am not fast enough to even get to the QB to rough him, so clean off your glasses bud.  Fans have a great week and I will see you at the games.  Much love,  Pat

Week 2 Feb. 4th 2012. Good day my friends, and well, all I can say from the weekend’s games is that it looks like we found out a couple of things right off the get go. First defense was lights out with 4 shutouts over the weekend.  Crazy isn’t it that defense wins games?  Second, that the Warlords are like, “we own the City of Tucson now so pay me rent”.  I bet that was the first time that the Demons have been shutout at home EVER!!!  The Stampede made an opening day statement to the league, that they too can play a little defense and some special teams also.  The Soul Patrol look scary good, and yes, I can't predict a game to save my life.  Dudes, if I pick you to win please feel free to win, it’s ok, and I will not be upset.  Ok, with all that out let's get right into it.  I kind of want to know what is going to happen this weekend.

Rankings in front of the teams this week are my Standing Pat Rankings ONLY and are not official.  Official Rankings will be posted at a later date or emailed to you for the right price ($$$).

# 6 Crusaders vs. # 1 Warlords 12:00 PM at Thunderbird HS.
Ok, so you know, and the Crusaders know, that I am going to come out swinging against them because of last week, but I am not.  Look, it would be very easy to do, but not all is lost.  Their defense played great at times keeping the Stampede with their backs to the end zone TWICE.  This is enough right now, to get them through and into the playoff, but they have some obvious holes that they need to address in a hurry or they might end up 0-3.  First and foremost they looked slow on Special Teams.  I know the Stampede might be the fastest team in the league (other than the Soul Patrol) but the Crusaders looked slow.  On the offense, it just looked out of sync.  Trust me, they are not in trouble at all, but it just looks like they might have had a bad week of practice is all.  They don’t have it easy with the Warlords then the Head Hunters after a Bye Week, but no time to hit the panic button yet.

Ok so the Warlords did what no one does.  They rolled down to Tucson and shutout the Demons.  “Are you kidding me”?  No one shuts out the Demons in Tucson... until now. What else can you say?  The Warlords’ lost some players from last year’s Semi Final team, and they have not skipped a beat.  Now don’t let the fact that they only scored 6 points fool you at all.  The Demons’ have a top defense, and the Warlords always start slow in the beginning of the season on offense, which is scary as they can only get better.  I have picked them as the new # 1 team in the land so let's see how long they can hold on to it.

Prediction:  Losing last week was not a good thing for the Crusaders but losing this week could be devastating for them.  They really need a good week of practice and need to figure out a way to stop the Warlords d-line.  They had a ton of trouble with the Stampede upfront, and the Warlords’ have the best d-line in the league.  The positive on the Crusaders, they are faster and really need to use it to their advantage, by chasing the Warlords QB out of the pocket and making him throw on the run.  Oh and they need to find an answer for Dan Robinson, no one ever has, but now would be a good time the start.  Warlords 17 Crusaders 13

# 10 Dragon vs. # 4 Soul Patrol 2:30 PM at Thunderbird HS.
Unlike the Crusaders, it might be time to hit the panic button for the Dragons.  Look, everyone knows they are rebuilding, and the Head Hunters are a top team this year but you need to put up a fight guys.  I saw some good things, like your short passing game was working, and I understand the head Hunters are like - illegal too big - but I don’t think that running up the middle is all that affective.  Don’t worry Dragons; the Head Hunters are not a good matchup for you so keep grinding and good things will happen.

Dang!!!  22-0 really??? Nice work Soul Patrol.  I knew you guys were good, but a shutout is a great way to start your season.  I am hearing really great things from around the horn about you guys, and I have yet been able to see you in action. I am going to be at your game this weekend to check you out.  Look for me, I will be wearing the kilt and flip flops.

Prediction:  This is a better matchup for the Dragons than the Head Hunters.  Speed against speed, but the Soul Patrol is on a different level than the Dragons right now.  The Dragons need to recoup and figure it out in a hurry.  They need to play like a bully and not get bullied.  Get a little dirty, Dragons, and make a statement. 
Soul Patrol 24 Dragons 10

# 5 Predators vs. # 11 Vipers 5:00 PM at Thunderbird HS.
Oh no the Predators got some depth!!!  I told y’all last week that the only thing the Predators are missing is depth, and there was like 50 of them against the Hitmen.  It was nasty out there last week, with a ton of penalties and crazy plays, and in the end the Predators scored the most points and have a great start to their season.  This is not good news for the rest of the league.  Not only do they beat the bejeebers out of you physically, but now they win games?  Not good at all, they must be stopped at all cost.

Well Vipers don’t get all panicked or upset; I kept you at # 11.  Someone had to be, and since you didn’t win last week, I figured I might as well keep you there.  Plus that 287 point loss to the Bye Week didn’t help, but now you get to play some real football, and look at it this way, you only have to play 6 spots over your current ranking!  It is better than having your first game against the Warlords. Or, maybe not.  Everyone... I give you the Vipers very first game, please welcome them accordingly.

Prediction:  If the Predators play all year like they did last weekend, they might find themselves losing a first round playoff game, instead of watching the Hitmen lose in the first round.  It is well known that first year teams don’t always have a good first year, and with the Vipers getting the hard hitting Predators in their first game, and then very upset Demons next week, it looks like that a tough start for them. Don’t worry Vipers, you get the Head Hunters after that, oh wait, sorry dude, the Scheduler really must hate you guys. 
Predators 21 Vipers 3

# 3 Stampede vs. # 2 Head Hunters 8:00 PM at Thunderbird HS 

***GAME OF THE WEEK ALERT LISTEN LIVE ON KXXT 1010 AM***
Ok so where do I start?  How about going in a different direction than what you think I am going to start with.  2 NEGATIVES for last week’s game against the Crusaders.  # 1- turnovers, you should not count on winning too many games with 4 turnovers.  You might want to think ball control.  # 2- twice with your backs against the goal line, you could not move the ball.  You better dig deep as you had the game in control, but what if it was 24-21 and you needed to waste some clock?  Ok enough of that, what a great game the Stampede played.  Everything was working, for the most part, and their hard work paid off with a very impressive win against a very good Crusaders team.  It is a team effort, but it all starts with the Head Coach, Coach LaBarbera had his guys ready and it showed.

 Ok Head Hunters, 62-0 really?  I am a firm believer that you only get a set amount of points to use in a season, and I can tell you, that you are using your allotment up fast.  Good teams use a simple formula all the time, and that is good players and consistency.  The Head Hunters did the same thing they always do, which is be big upfront, and use their speed on the outside.  That is what I like about them, they are a “we don’t care that you know what we run, try and stop us” team. 

 Prediction:  Both teams are off to the start that they hoped for.  I think that they match up very well on both sides of the ball and that they are very similar teams in makeup. Both teams have big o-lines and very good d-lines and fast running backs with big full backs, and great linebackers.  The Head Hunters have the edge at TE, as Mr. Clark is the best in the league, but the Stampede have the edge at wide receiver.  I think this game will come down to special teams.  The Stampede are fast, and have a kicking edge, and that is the difference as both teams are very evenly matched. 
Stampede 17 Head Hunters 13

 # 7 Hitmen vs. # 9 Golden Knights 1:00 PM at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School.  I am going to go out on a limb, and say that the Hitmen are not too happy with how that game ended last week.  According to what I was told, by our expert video crew, there was like 30 penalties in the last 2 minutes, and the game was just strange.  Oh well, sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way, and that is what happened to the Hitmen last weekend.  Don’t worry Mean Green Men of the North, you will be ok in the long run, and will contend in the end.  Like I keep saying, they are the most balanced team in the league, and I know that Coach Smith already has them looking to this week and not last week.

 AMBUSH!!!  That is the only way I can describe what happened to the Golden Knights last weekend.  Yes, it is a long drive to Tucson from Prescott Valley, but the Soul Patrol are no joke, and the Golden Knights found out first hand last weekend.  That was not a good matchup for them.  Where the Golden Knights have a bigger team, they are lacking in speed, and the Soul Patrol is all about the speed.  Maybe some home cooking is all they need?

 Prediction:  Look, I don’t think that the Hitmen have lost back to back games in like, forever, and I don’t think they are going to start this week either.  The Hitmen are too balanced and are bigger and faster.  I have wondered why this has not turned into a rivalry game with both teams being from the North.  Maybe that is what the Golden Knights need to do, get a little nasty, and turn this game into a rivalry game.  Make it personal Golden Knights; don’t take any trash from them.  You know,... I was at the water cooler today, and heard a couple of Hitmen players say the Golden Knights should change their name to the Pink Knights.  I don’t know, but that would be some fighting words, unless you like pink. Hitmen 35 Golden Knights 10

 Well Week # 1 in the books and Week # 2 on tap.  Man is the season flying by fast or what?  I don’t know, maybe we need to play like a 48 game schedule or something?  Remember gang listen to the Stampede/Head Hunters game on KXXT 1010 AM in the Arizona Sports Network show, www.ASPNradio.com , or just pack all the kids in the car and roll out and listen to the game in the stands while enjoying some snacks from Bubba’s Snack Shack located right behind the Grandstands.  They have everything except Nachos.  Bubba, bro hook me up!  I tell you what, you bring the nachos and I will eat them.  How does that sound?  I like jalapenos also and salsa on my nachos.  Kids have a great week and please, have a great Wednesday night.  Don’t ask me why but just do.   Oh, and if you see the really big kid running the video the answer is “no” he can't play for your team.  They don’t know it yet but he has committed to USC (no Brett not South Carolina the other one) and is not available for your team but thanks for asking.  Have a great week and I will see you at the games.

Much Love,  Pat

  Week 1 - January 28, 2012: Good day to all my friends and foes.  I am Standing Pat, and you are about to be dazzled, amazed, perplexed and maybe just maybe even laugh a bit (ok well maybe not dazzled, amazed but certainly perplexed).  This is my weekly column brought to you proudly by the AzFL just for your reading entertainment and my sanity.  So, on to the legal mumbo jumbo.  I am Patrick Montgomery # 99 of the... crap what team am I on this year?  I change like every year and it is hard to remember because I am like 78 (Matthew) years old, oh yes according to my tee shirt I am in the Stampede this year. 

Hey, sweet, they are a pretty good team.  I wonder how I ended up with them?  Oh dang, stupid inner monologue.  Ok, well enough of the old age stuff, I am Patrick Montgomery of the Stampede and each week you are going to have to read my column and like it (subliminal message).  So after a year off I am back and here are the rules, see I get to write all about the good and the bad that happens in the land of the AzFL, for better or for worse.  It is simple, do something great and I will mention you, do something not so great and I will mention you, do something stupid and I will mention you ALL YEAR LONG!!!

 The only thing that I will NOT do is call you a member of the Stampede in the negative as I have to live with them.  Comments are always welcome and appreciated even if you think I am a jerk just please don’t make it personal as my ego can't handle another Instant Message from a Goon.  Dudes please stop blowing up my phone!!!  I promise I will mention you at least one more time.  See gang like 2 years ago I failed to mention the Goons and ever since then I have had to hear about it.  Let it go!!!  So now that we have the rules and introductions done if this is your first time please enjoy and if not I am sorry!!!  And remember, this is all for fun!

Rankings in front of the teams this week are my Preseason Rankings ONLY and are not official.

# 5 Head Hunters vs. # 10 Dragons 2:30PM at Thunderbird High.
BIG is the best way to describe the Head Hunters or if you are English savvy and like adjectives you can use the word “VERY” in front of the “BIG” for an added effect.  This of course is not a surprise to anyone that has been around a while in the league.  They average like 380 across the line and play like you are a piece of beef and all they want is to consume you.  On the other side of the ball they are big and move well.  This is a team that will contend for the Title just like they have every year.  I think the only knock on them and what has prevented them from going all the way has been depth.  Big linemen are great to have but having the same 6 play on both sides of the ball is not a good way to close out games.  If they can get some depth they will go all the way.

Ok so here we are at the Dragons.  This team in an experiment it progression.  Every year they win one more game than the previous year, and because of that, they got to play in a playoff game last year.  Will that trend continue?  Maybe, but the Dragons are the complete opposite of the Head Hunters.  SMALL is the best way to describe the Dragons or if you will FAST, because they are.  This might be one of the fastest teams in the league.  They are going to have to be to compete.

Prediction:  Everyone knows that I was a Dragon for 3 years, and that their owner, Sean Enna, is one of my very best friends in the World but I feel that they are in a rebuilding year this year and they do not match up well against a bigger Head Hunters team.  Look for the Dragons to play snap to whistle all day long but in the end it will not be enough as I have ranked the Head Hunters # 5 in my Pre-Season rankings.  Head Hunters 24 Dragons 7

# 6 Stampede vs. # 2 Crusaders 5:00PM at Thunderbird High.
Well it is a nice thing to see the Stampede back in the league, especially since I play for them.  Some old guys mixed with some old Stampede guys with some new guys mixed with some old (in one case very old) coaches.  Yes the Stampede is back and they brought back with them their Championship coaching staff in Coach LaBarbera and Coach Williams.  Both are old (in one case very old) and long time members of the AzFL and they know how to win games.  In particular, Coach Williams.  See I have played for a bunch of coaches in my life and there are 2 that stand out.  Coach Pappas of the Warlords is an Offensive Mastermind and so is Coach Williams.  All I’ve got to say is, if you have never played for Coach Williams it is your loss.  He is not only a great coach but an amazing person also.  Come watch him this weekend, you too will be amazed, as I have been for years.

Last year the Crusaders cruised through the league and finished 10-0 only to lose in the Semi’s to the Demons.  Not the way they wanted to end the season.  So what do Lynn and Byron (Strength and Honor) do? They gut the team find better players and hire a bunch of coaches (BACON) and a GM (she is awesome) and yes the GOONS and you have Crusaders 2012, or as I like to call them Cru 2.0.  Don’t think that because they rebuilt the team that they are rebuilding.  I have them ranked # 2 in my Preseason rankings and for good reason.  They do everything well, from the Coach to even the Water Boy (trust me that kid brings the high quality H2O).  They have it all, speed, size, attitude and yes, even their fans know they can flat out ball.  I am going to say it right now, anything less than a 10-0 with a Championship will be a failure for this team.

Prediction:  Both teams played each other tough and tight in the preseason and the games were very spirited.  This is going to be a very exciting game, and it can either be 44-43 or 10-9.  I think that both teams are very evenly match in all aspects, size, speed, coaches, players everything so in that case I have to go with previous body of work from last year.
Crusaders 17 Stampede 14 (on a last play of the game Field Goal).   

# 7 Predators vs. # 4 Hitmen 8:00PM at Thunderbird High.
So every year there is one team that you don’t want to play.  You know that you are going to beat them but they are going to beat you up.  For the last 5 years that has been the Predators.  They are like a Mafia Hit Squad.  They bring the pipes, wood, chains, lawn chairs, cement shoes everything they need, including the kitchen sink.  I really think they keep a different score than the rest of the league.  See we determine winners and losers via a point system.  The Predators use BODY COUNT!!!  Those of you that are new will find out soon enough.  The rest of us that know do not look forward to playing them, EVER!!!

The Hitmen are the best team in the league ever without a Championship Ring.  They know it, I know it, you know it, and we all know it.  They have everything, size, speed, great coaching, fantastic ownership, cool green uniforms, KISO!!!  This year might be different.  They looked great in the pre-season and are the most balanced team in the land.  If they can stay healthy they have a great chance of being in the Ship.

Prediction:  What makes the Predators even scarier, is they have depth now.  Something they never had before.  If Ruben can get them to gel, watch out, they will contend, and still beat the stuffing out of you.  The Hitmen are the most balanced and polished team in the league and even though the Predators are tough they are not all the way there yet.  Hitmen 17 Predators 14

# 1 Demons vs. # 3 Warlords 1:00PM at Santa Rita High.
They finally made it last year, only to come up short in the Championship game, but they were there.  Now, they have added to that team, and watch out everyone, they are poised to get back to the Big Game.  If there is a negative on the Demons, they are my Jekyll & Hyde team.  They are completely different in Phoenix than in Tucson.  You will not win in Tucson against them, and you might not win in Phoenix against them.  If they would travel better I would crown them now.  Great Linebackers, good running game, good coaching, they are my team to beat and I have them ranked # 1 for a reason.

Last year the Warlords made it all the way to the Semi’s and they are poised to do that again.  Like I stated in the beginning, Pappas is one on the best coaches I have ever played for, and from what the Stampede saw last week, he has them ready to roll again.  Great Receivers, new QB that can ball and the ageless 1, 2 punch in Mike Scott and Dan Robinson is what makes this offence one of the most dangerous in the AzFL.  On defense they are big and hit like trucks, if you are in the way you are going to get run over

Prediction:  I know from last year that the Demons did not like the way the Warlords beat the stuffing out of them because I was on the Warlords and this has turned into a rivalry game of sorts.  Both teams have what it takes to win not only games, but the entire league.  It all comes down to location.  Like I said, the Demons are Jekyll & Hyde and if this game was in Phoenix I go with the Warlords all day, but Warlords you are not in Kansas anymore. Demons 21 Warlords 17

# 9 Soul Patrol vs. # 8 Golden Knights 3:30PM at Santa Rita High.
So, welcome back Soul Patrol, nice to see you once again.  See kids, the Soul Patrol felt that they needed a year off, I think it was to learn more smack talking because you are all in for a treat.  You are going to get 2 things from the Soul Patrol, speed and smack talking, and to be honest it is awesome to hear.  They have perfected the art of the smack talk so much that even if you are on the field, you stop playing your game and just enjoy the show.  All game long and they live off it and it works for them.  Be ready it is awesome.

Second year team, the Golden Knights’ had a good first season in the AzFL, and they are hoping to build on it.  They are a very solid team all the way around and they play hard like every team from the Tri-City area always does.  They are not flashy and go about their business in a very blue collar way.  Since they are in their second year they know what to expect now and I think they might do a little better than last year and could sneak into the playoff.

Prediction:  The one thing the Golden Knights doesn’t have is speed.  They are not slow but they are not on the same level as the Soul Patrol.  If there is one thing I have learned in this league Speed Kills and wins games.  Some teams are just not a good match up, and I think the Golden Knights will struggle with the faster teams.  Bigger teams are a different story for them but this is going to be a tough game.   Soul Patrol 27 Golden Knights 10

# 11 Vipers vs. THE BYE WEEK at a secret location.
Ok so now for our only true first year team, the Vipers.  I have not had a chance to see them in action, but like most first year teams, I think they are in for a long year.  A couple of scrimmage games are a nice break in, but now they get to see everyone’s playbook and most first year team get a little shell shocked.  I see that the Vipers have the Predators and then the Demons in their first two games.  Vipers please don’t get discouraged after these two games look at it this way; at least in your third game you get the Head Hunters.

The Bye Week is flat out NASTY.
Bye Week 108 Vipers 0

Well there you have it my friends all you need to know to have a great weekend watching the greatest show on patchy grass and dirt.  Don’t forget the listen to the radio game (1010 AM KXXT) this week featuring the Hitmen and the Predators unless you are a Hitmen or a Predator then I would not advise that.  Ok Goons I have now mentioned you 3 times this week so stop the emails please I get it, mention the Goons. Have a great week and I will see you at the games.

Much Love, Pat