Semi Finals: Season 0

GAME ONE- Buffy (93) at Chunky Monkeys (120)
This game looked like it would be a great battle between a team coming off an inspirational victory and the other coming off an important bye week. Truth to tell, it looks like rest is preferable to inspiration. Buffy had no juice left in the tank after their narrow escape from the Warlords last week. Check these stats: Corey Dillon (5 pts), Tim Brown (7 pts), Bill Schroeder (7 pts) and Az-Zahir Hakim a big fat zero. This game was almost over from the get go as Donovan McNabb quickly took control with 4 TD passes. His receivers benefitted from his great day as all three of them recorded 13+ points.

With that advantage, it looked like the Monkeys were headed into the Super Bowl without much difficulty. The only drama arose from the potential explosive exploits of Rich Gannon and Marshall Faulk. Marshall held up his end of the bargain with an insane 4 RUSHING TDs but Rich Gannon could not get into a groove and only posted 14 points. Without Marshall’s career night, this game wouldn’t even have been this close, if a blowout can be called close.

The Monkeys came out ready to play and dominated on both sides of the ball, indeed, the only matchup that Buffy won was with David Akers, the kicker. A disappointing finish ended Buffy’s season long ride and although they accomplished so much, they have to feel slightly disappointed with the efforts from it’s players. The big news from this game was the explosion and leadership exhibited by Donovan McNabb, which could very well carry the Monkeys over the top.

GAME TWO- Ante Up (136) at Green Team (135)
This is a game that will surely enter into the record books. A titanic struggle between two of the finest this league has had to offer this year. MVP candidates at every position and two teams that looked like they were headed for the battle of the century. Those who tuned it were not disappointed.

First on Sunday, the most dangerous team in the league (with the hottest RB) came in and did their thing to the tune of 71 pts (Fred Taylor 27, Jimmy Smith 24, K McCardell 10). Add to that the additional aerial attack from Kurt Warner and Torry Holt (a combined 40 points) and it looked like the Green Team might be blown out. Curtis Martin struggled and ended the day with a mere 8 points. But that was OK because the Bus stalled and pulled up a paltry 3 points. The Green Team’s receivers did their best to match the output of their opponent’s, with Derrick Alexander, Qadry Ismail and Rod Smith all recording double digit scores. The Ravens Defense had a great 22 point night but the Buccaneers also had 24 points (another TD). It looked like every punch by Ante Up resulted in a counter punch from the Green Team. Ali and Frasier. Ante Up and Green Team.

With home field advantage on its side, the Green Team could afford some mistakes (Trent Dilfer 9 pts) but heading into Monday Night, they needed 35 to win and 34 to tie. To the chagrin of Ante Up, the one player left was Co-MVP Edgerrin James. As the world watched, Edgerrin piled up TD after TD. And then late in the game, another TD. Three was the magic number. It looked like a glorious comeback for the regular season champs, the only question was how many yards Edgerrin had. 25? 50? 100? 150? Whatever it was, Edgerrin ended the night a little short with 33 points. Did we hear recount? Did we hear Ante Up in the Super Bowl by 1 point? Did we hear “The Greatest Game Ever Played?” Did we hear “Ante Up, the HOTTEST team heading into and perhaps out of the playoffs?”

So it’s set. Inaguaral Super Bowl. Ante Up vs Chunky Monkeys. Stay tuned……..