Fit To Be Tied

Buchanan Bowl I Never Happens, Pickup Game Breaks Out

Matt Albert
TFL Press

CHAMPAIGN--Championship Day of the TFL's first half of the season got off to a bad start when numerous people refused to show up for the third place game. Despite frantic phone calls, not enough players were present to play the inaugural Buchanan Bowl. But this did not dampen the spirits of those who were there. A pickup game was organized right away with one player being the most unlikeliest of subs.

Free-lance statistician, mock journalist, and "Frasier" DVD Collector, Matt Albert, played in his first TFL game in nearly two years. The emotional comeback coupled with the teams' 35-35 tie made the entire day a feel good story.

"It was great to catch a touchdown pass out there. I didn't think I still had it. But you can ask Katrina Willitz about the smoke I left in her face when I burned her over and over again. I warned all of them, 'Don't let this white skin fool you'," said the ridiculously egotistical and delusional jerk.



Not to be forgotten was the reemergence of Bob Mecozzi at quarterback after receiving Chris Preston passes for two weeks. Mecozzi brilliantly guided his team across the field by mixing up short bullet passes and long bombs all day long. Tim Schwaegler was the deep threat for Mecozzi's team as he hauled in pass after pass.



Brendan Frank made a huge play when he helped free up Albert in the second half for a first down by giving him space from Scott Wujek. Albert in a rare showing of sportsmanship actually found it in his heart to congratulate his teammate after the play. "I told him it was nice to see him not screw it up."

Kim Lareau was instrumental in keeping Brittany Davis from being a presence in the pocket for Mecozzi. She blocked all day long and was able to use the grab-the-collar-and-maybe-a-bra-strap technique frequently.

Leading the other team was perennial competitor Scott Wujek. Wujek was able to achieve a balance of passes to Andy Imig and Jon Huffman. He was set up beautifully as Imig and Huffman ran perfect slant routes for most of the game. Katrina Willitz and Brittany Davis once again proved why the future for the freshmen class is bright as well. Davis gave Wujek lots of time to find his receivers, and Willitz was able to use her act-frustrated-by-rolling-my-eyes-and-then-dramatically-sigh-so-he-laughs-his-butt-off-and-gives-me-a-chance-to-get-wide-open technique on Albert every time her team had the ball.

Game Notes

By the time the game had ended, most of the players for TFL Bowl XXVIII had shown up. The audience was a great lift for both teams...The weather was beautiful but the field conditions were still slippery. Many lost traction on kickoffs and punts...The teams disregarded the TFL timing rules by playing a 35 minute first half and a 20 minute second half...The marketing director for TFL was suspended without pay for the poor turnout of athletes and fans alike for what should have been a historic third place game.

All photos courtesy of TFL photographer and queen of six African tribes Michelle Lewis.