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First, a
big thanks to everyone who put so much energy into putting
on this tournament, from tournament director Ivan Solis to
the referees to the volunteers who held the chains -
everyone deserves all of our thanks.
In my
humble opinion, the best team won. Every year,
Chicago has played better during the playoffs than they have
played during round-robin play. This year was no different.
Quarterback Will Ward, who was named the tournament MVP, was
simply on fire on Sunday; and his receivers caught virtually
everything thrown to them. They were incredibly prepared to
take it all on Sunday.
Forgive me
for talking about my own team, but I took a lot of pride in
building it. My team, the New York Warriors, went to San
Diego with the goal of winning it all. In our first year, we
came damn close. We lost to the eventual champion Chicago
Flames, 32-27, in the semifinals. Down by five with four
plays left, we almost had a shot to take it when an
interception hit one of our players’ hands and bounced out.
It happens. Despite the loss, I couldn’t be more proud of my
team. I really feel we asserted ourselves as one of the top
teams in the tournament. Short of winning the championship,
there’s not much more a first-year team could ask for.
All of you
players who haven’t thanked your team captains yet, do so
IMMEDIATELY. This was the first year I headed up a team.
Yes, I’d helped Jim organize the Los Angeles team the first
four years. But, this was the first time I led the charge.
Let me tell you, it’s a lot of work and stress. From helping
to organize travel, to making sure registration fees and
uniforms get taken care of, to a creating a game plan, to
administrative stuff like conference calls and captains
meetings, it’s a lot of work that a captain puts in for his
team.
This was
only the second of five Gay Super Bowls to be played without
rain. I left San Diego wondering if they could host the
tournament every three or four years. The weather there is
so beautiful in October, it made the whole event that much
more enjoyable.
My personal
injury report: Seven bruises, a swollen knee, a screwed up
back that has kept me awake, and seven toenails are black
underneath and will surely fall off. I wouldn’t trade it for
anything.
Yes, the
rumors are true: PhillyFan IS actually a nice guy.
One of the
strange things to me about seemingly every year’s tournament
is the lack of accolades I heard for Jim’s play. Yes, he’s
my business partner; but, that wouldn’t stop me from saying
he sucked if he did. He’s simply the best quarterback in the
tournament and, in my opinion, is every year (though, this
year’s Will Ward (Chicago) and last year’s Tony Stewart
(Washington) are the closest I’ve seen to Jim’s level of
play). This year, Jim threw one interception the whole
tournament. Last year, he threw only one as well. Having
played for him, I’ve seen firsthand how he can take just
about any group of receivers and score consistently with
them. While most of the people on my own team commented to
me that, “this guy Jim is really good,” lots of people from
other teams have told me, “eh, he’s okay.” Those people are
just flat-out wrong, and they continue to underestimate him
every year.
I loved the
increased intensity of the games this year. Many of the
games were hard fought. Football is a tough sport. It’s not
a non-contact sport. We certainly play a no-tackling version
of the American pastime. But, that teams were yelling in
victory, that they were bumping chests and screaming at one
another to excite their teams, that they really cared about
winning – all of these things are good. Wanting to win is
okay. Putting value in winning is okay. Pushing, shoving,
getting physical – within the rules – is a natural byproduct
of playing a game you want to win. I was thrilled to see the
men who came to play in this year’s tournament brought with
them some swagger and some attitude. And, that we all could
have a drink, share stories from the field, and hug and
congratulate the men who beat us just hours earlier, makes
this event, to me, very special indeed.
I loved
seeing so many former college players in the tournament.
There was at least one guy who played Big XII football. This
is a huge sign for where gays in sports are headed and where
this tournament can go.
I was
thrilled that Texas said they would be hosting a tournament
next April. One tournament a year isn’t nearly enough. It’ll
be nice to have one or two more tournaments pop up
throughout the year. I know I’d come to those tourneys just
looking to sling the ball and come what may; a nice change
of pace.
The
All-Tournament Awards (of which I was so proud to see three
players from the NY Gay Football League win three of the 14
awards) were an interesting take on the tournament. Seven
players won for their offense; seven won for defense. While
I was honored to be recognized on the all-defense team, I
felt bad that two more of my teammates specifically – rusher
Tim Hughes and cornerback Jeremiah Phipps – weren’t on that
team. I thought our team had the best defense in the
tourney, holding teams to 19, 12, 12, and 6, before giving
up 32 to Chicago in the semifinals. Giving up an average of
12 points per game over four games is something I don’t
think I’ve seen anyone do since GSB I when Los Angeles gave
up an average of six points in two games.
Conversely,
Washington and Los Angeles both had phenomenal offenses.
Washington's quarterback Tony Stewart was recognized on the
all-offense team, and he was most deserved. But, I’ve got to
think there was a receiver on that team that stood out and
deserved to be on the team, too. Maybe not; I’m just
guessing.
Some teams
are just in other teams’ heads. Washington is 5-0 lifetime
against Boston. Los Angeles is 3-0 lifetime against Chicago.
Atlanta had been 0-3 against Los Angeles until they beat
them in the quarterfinals on Sunday. Washington has lost
only three games in their three years in the tournament, but
they're 0-2 against Atlanta.
The board
of captains voted to grant New York City to the right to
host Gay Super Bowl VII in October 2007. They’ve locked up
fields in Flushing Meadows and the New York Hotel at Penn
Station as a host hotel. The New York Daily News
ran a short blurb about the winning bid on Sunday.
I loved the player from the Alabama Slammers smoking during
halftime of their playoff game. They hadn’t scored a
touchdown the whole tournament, but scored one in the second
half of that game after the smoke. I think they may have
found their secret weapon in a Camel.
And, I must
say, nice play by the Slammers, distracting me while one of
their players not just pantsed me, but briefed me, too!
My biggest
(and nearly my only) complaint about the weekend was the
officiating. The refs have a tough job, to be sure. But,
when there are constant inconsistencies regarding what rules
are used (some games we could have a man in motion, some
games we couldn't; some games a punt was dead when it hit
the ground, some games it wasn't; some games encroachment
was a five-yard penalty, other games it was just a warning;
some games holding was a 10-yard penalty, other games it was
five yards), it's going to have to be a focus of the board
of captains to come up with a rule book that is law.
The
Bad-Luck Award for the tournament goes to the San Diego
Sharks. They lost to Chicago on Friday on a Hail Mary on the
last play of the game (which was caught incredibly close to
the sideline; another couple feet and it would have been
different). Against New
York in their next game, they lost 13-12 after we completed
a 45-yard pass for a touchdown on the last play of the first
half (which was caught short of the end zone and run in; some people said
the receiver was actually tackled short of the end
zone). At 1-2, San Diego rolled through the B-bracket. Of all
the teams I played against, they had the toughest defense.
I’d have liked to see what they could have done against the
big boys in the A-bracket on Sunday.
The
Best-Looking Team Award goes to the Los Angeles Motion.
They have certainly reloaded since I played with them.
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Outsports
invited team captains to submit notes on their team's
experiences during the Gay Super Bowl. If your team was not
included here please send notes to:
mail@outsports.com.
Chicago Flames
(Editor's note: The Flames won the title and beat Atlanta in
the championship)
Defense:
Chris Cleary LB was named to the All-Tournament Defensive
Team despite playing with a deep bruise on his thigh. ...
Glen Rexing had a game-changing 70-yard interception return
for a TD against Phoenix. ... Fab-Five rushers included
John Mitchell, Jonathan Contreras, James Simmons, James
Bulawa, and Nick Padjen. These guys dictated the intensity
of our defense and provided the constant pressure against
the opposing QB.
Offense: Ryan Reynolds WR was named to the
All-Tournament Offensive Team. ... Terrell King caught the
last untimed play for the game-winning 50-yards TD against
the San Diego Sharks. ... Other WR who made key
receptions were Scott Parachek, Kevin Haight, Pete Bonavia,
and Brian Walker.
Tournament MVP:
Will Ward (though Will,
modestly, voted his entire team for the award).
Salt Lake City Avalanche
Defense
MVP:
We are honoring
two. Trevor – We have no idea where those wheels came
from, but you were clutch in getting to the ball and
breaking up plays. You are the cornerstone of the –D!
Cory – You didn’t get to practice with us, but you
showed great athleticism and natural instinct. Would love
to have seen what you could have done with 6 weeks of
practice under your belt.
Offense MVP: (It changed game to game, so this goes
to the entire Offensive unit). Kacey had a great game vs.
Chicago that got us all going. Trevor & Mike had good
games, and big catches. Cody & Chris fought through to make
some clutch grabs when we needed it most. & Fred came over
to offense to give us a much needed spark of power vs. San
Diego.
Unsung Hero: Ralph, who is the back-up QB, who played
center – never missed an exchange with the QB – as well as
brought an experienced, great natured attitude to the field
and really helped us be a better more cohesive unit.
Unsung Hero 2: Mike, when you were up – so was the
entire team. Your enthusiasm and pure love for the game
helped to pick us up and keep our spirits in the game –
thanks!!
In closing, we came together as a team in victory and
defeat, and playing a good clean game, respectful of our
opponents. We have one year under our belt – let’s improve
on that and go forward. We gained respect and represented
Utah proudly.
Boston Hancocks
Offensive
team players:
David
Hamilton for his block and roll plays that brought us back
into the game against DC. Matt Jones and Brian Donohoe for
the focus and the energy in beating Texas. John Taggart for
his leadership in defeating San Francisco.
Defensive
team players:
Jon Provonost for coming up with key interceptions in when
needed most; man, can he jump. Mark Gaffney for his
leadership on defense and his passion for the game.
Steve
Donald and Charles Richardson who played through injury and
with mental toughness.
Shawn
Johnson for his team play and timely spirit that helps make
Hancock football ... Hancock football.
Matt Jones
the winner of the best buns contest at Bourbon Street and
Mark "Muffin" Gaffney the runnerup for best chest.
Peter
Parcellin for the team "I got a new boyfriend award." This
represents that love can be found anywhere. Peter flew off
this weekend to LA to see his newfound love, Chad. Peter
Goulet met his "lets see where this goes" when he met Grady
who is also a high school Guidance Counselor from Washington
DC.
Great
energy, great friends, great football and a tournament that
was run flawlessly.
Phoenix Hellraisers
Defense
MVP:
Joe. You'd
think that playing both ways and playing all-time pass
rusher would make Joe tired, yet he managed to always look
like the Energizer Bunny, he kept going and going and going
... even racking up sacks late into the game. Dwight
Freeney, watch out!
Offense
MVP:
Brian. It seems like every time we needed a clutch catch to
get a first down, a long pick up, or a touchdown, the ball
found it's way to Brian. He was supposedly hobbled by a
broken toe less than a month ago, yet he still managed to
give wreak havoc against opposing defenses.
Unsung
Hero:
Ty. Unsung Hero is an honor we like to give to players who
may go unnoticed but do the little things that help the team
win. They do it without recognition or glory. Well, Ty
barely qualifies because everybody knows Ty. Ty was a great
pass blocker on offense, never caring how many times he
caught the ball, fought through leg cramps in the heat, and
called an amazing weekend as the Defensive Coordinator.
One of the
funniest moments this weekend came while watching some of
the other games that had teams with 15-20 players. These
teams would call in the punt team, the kicking team, even
different defensive sets. Having a team of only nine
players, we looked at each other quizzically and asked,
"Punt team? Kicking team? What's that?!"
In closing,
the Phoenix team would like to give a shout out to the Salt
Lake City guys. We had a blast competing against them,
hanging out with them, and making new friends. As one
teammate put it, they sure were a lot of fun for Mormon
boys!!
San Francisco Shockwaves
Defensive
MVP:
John Kiladis (J.K.) had four interceptions against the San
Diego Shredders. One interception for a touchdown was called
back due to a illegal block downfield.
Offensive
MVP:
Orlando Diaz (Orly) scored all three of our TD's against the
SD Shredders. He was consistently getting open.
Unsung
Hero:
Vince Chow (Vanessa) after Chicago Crew's best WR caught at
least 4 passes in the first half of our playoff game, I put
Vince one-on-one with him and he proceeded to hold him to 1
catch the entire second half.
Funniest
moment:
What seemed like a great diving catch by Orly against the
Shredders drew a funny comment from our sideline when Len (Spreckles)
yelled out, "Oh my God, she broke a heel! Someone help
her!"
The San
Francisco Shockwaves would like to give a big shout out to
Ivan, Josh, Michael and all the rest of the San Diego crew
for all their wonderful hospitality and for throwing an
incredible tournament!
Washington
Monuments
Offensive MVP: Tony Stewart. What can we say? He's
the maestro who always has something up his sleeve. Imagine
how good he'd be if he weren't eternally hung over?!
Defensive MVP: Adam Stasberg. He's the quickest man
on the field whose swivel hips are the envy of every guy on
the team.
Unsung: Michael Bornmann. He stepped up and did the
job wherever we put him, and he mananged to keep his pants
on this year.
Funniest moment: Long known for his crazy, curly
coif, our funniest moment occurred when Charlie Salem's
defender was called for "illegal hands to the weave." An
official's timeout for air was in order after that one.
While we were disappointed we were unable to defend out
title this year, the Washington Monuments remain proud of
our relationships with the other teams, and are proud of the
performance shown by Chicago. They were clearly the best
team this year and deserved to win. To a man, this
tournament is the annual highlight of our year, and it's the
friendships and camaraderie that make it so. We love this
tournament, praise Ivan and his team for a job well done,
and will miss all the good guys we've come to know. Thanks
for everything!
San
Diego Shredders
All the buzz early was about the new San Diego team..the
"Shredders". With their European style flashy uniforms they
were faced with a difficult challenge for their first game,
the two time defending Super bowl Champions the Washington
Monuments. The Shredders came out blazing and Shredding the
Champs. QB Vance Doherty was able to connect several times
with his center and his blocker to beat
the Champs 41 to 28.
After that huge win the Shredders couldn't quite put it
together again despite good catches by Mike Anderson, Mike
Barrow, Ron Agues, Nick Visconit and Danny Munoz as well as
good defense and flag pulling by Steve Cramsie, Abe Velarde,
and Steve Penaagain losing their next games by only a
combined 9 points. I am sure we will be seeing a lot more
from the Shredders in Super bowls to come.
Los
Angeles Motion
(Notes by Jim Buzinski)
Offensive
MVP:
Demond (who else?). I watched all the top teams and Demond
was the most electrifying player in the tournament. There
were plays when both teams knew he was getting the ball, yet
he still managed to get open and make a big play.
Defensive MVP: Brent. He played every defensive snap
save for two, yet never tired. He was a terrific
flag-grabber and saved huge gains numerous times. He was our
best pursuit man and always hustled. He sets a standard.
Special
Teams: Nick, for his great block that sprung Demond on
his kickoff return TD. And John for his great kickoffs and
punts that consistently pinned the other team.
My top plays by player:
JP: His great TD catch against Atlanta where he twisted
his body around (and couldn’t resist telling me I threw it
to his wrong shoulder). And his 2-point conversion tippy-toe
in the back of the end zone vs. Chicago.
Beef: His awesome defensive play against Chicago,
where he leapt up and deflected what would have been a long
TD along the sideline.
Mike: His TD catch falling backwards into the end
zone that scored the decisive points against Chicago.
Peter: He scored our first TD and played a great LB
all weekend. He gets the most-improved award.
Zach: He was Mr. Interception, but I loved him
calling his own number for a key TD on fourth down that put
us ahead of Salt Lake for good. He was woofing at me for
five plays before I finally listened.
Drew: It was so cool that he was able to play and he
contributed a great rush and sack against Chicago.
John: His sideline catch and run against Chicago was
the best I saw in any game. Amazing.
Brent: One play symbolized his hustle--against
Atlanta (second game), where he started on the right side
and made the tackle near the left sideline.
Rick: He had several great tips of passes at MLB, but
I loved his high-step move that left a defender in his
tracks on one catch. He could be a Rockette!
Bubba: His catches against Atlanta keyed that win
when they had us stymied. See what cleats can do?
Demond: His amazing interception against Chicago
where he caught the ball heading out of bounds. His airborne
dive catch against Chicago. His short catch and long run
along the sidelines in the second Atlanta game. On so on ...
Chad: A great rusher but he also wound up doing a
wonderful job at MLB.
Toby: Not sure how he played so well with a pulled
groin. He made clutch catches, had a pick and also made some
great calls in the huddle where he used himself as a decoy
to get guys open.
Nick: His kickoff return block, which set the tone
against Chicago.
Jim:
I loved my four TD runs since I run more like Colonel
Sanders than Barry Sanders. My favorite pass was the
back-of-the-end zone bullet that Zach caught for a 2-point
conversion against Salt Lake.
Matthew: He did a superb job in getting the defense
organized and the playbook drawn up. It allowed us to be
well-prepared even though he couldn’t be with us. He will
not be allowed to leave the country next year!
Best NFL Films Miked-Up Moment: When we went for it
on 4th and 10 against Chicago, I threw a 7-yard pass to
Demond, who then barely zig-zagged for the final 3. Before
he knew we made it, JP was screaming: “I watch NFL games
with Jim all the time and he always rips teams who throw 7
yards on 3rd and 10. So he then does the same thing!” |
