Things have been pretty hectic around the League Office. As a result, it's been a few weeks since any updates have been posted here. A lot has happened, so let's get caught up.
First, a tip of the cap to Rob Burkley and Joe Barrett, the 2008 Touch 'Em All Tournament Champions. Rob and Joe fought off a late charge by Doug May and Steve Geraghty, winning by less than one shot. For Rob, it is his second TEA Championship and his second spot on the Wall of Fame, having paired with Dan Sadd to claim the the 2002 Championship. Smokin Joe' makes his first appearance on the Great Wall of Cronyville.
Next, the League Office would like to recognize Andy Shaffer as the Player of the Week for Event 5. Shaff shot a 37/35 to post a 12.5 to 2.5 win over Brinkman. His pardsie shot a 41/34 to take out Super Sub Dan Freiburger, but he won Player of the Week for Event 3. We try to spread the love around a little bit. Needless to say, Event 5 was a "statement" week for Red Numbers, and the statement they made appeared to be something like, "Here we come you sonsabitches." Duly noted.
For Event 6, the nod goes to Doug May, who fired a 41/34 to tie for low net honors with sub Mark Lutz. Douger's effort was good enough to beat Swannie 11 to 4, but it wasn't quite enough to light the fuse for Boom Goes the Dynamite who fell to Higher Stakes by a score of 21 to 24. Still, on a night when two subs shot the two best gross rounds of the night, Douger stepped up and represented the full-timers in admirable fashion.
Joe Ayers is the Player of the Week for Event 7. His 39/31 tied the low net for year posted in Week 3 by Hosket. Ayers showed Undy and Schomer some real wood in a big 34 to 11 win for Carry the Flag.
So after seven weeks, it looks like this. The team race is tighter than a duck's ass. Bob Evans holds a slim lead over Schoe Me Wood. High and Mighty and Red Numbers are tied for third. A mere 47.5 points separate the first seven teams in the standings. Only three teams appear to be in big trouble at this point in the season.
In the individual, Defending Champion Andy Shaffer is back on top and is winning big. So far Shaffer has posted point totals of 12 points or more in five of the seven events. He is 6 and 1, his only loss coming to The Commash in Week 2. K.C. Budzik has put together a very impressive run to start the season, earning 12 or more points in four of seven events, including two ginormous 14 point wins. Budzie sits in second place. The Commash is in third place and the only player to go undefeated in the first seven weeks. Brad Underwood holds fourth place and 2004 Individual Champion Joe Ayers rounds out the top five.
Please note that following next week's event, the Individual standings will start to kick out two scores instead of one.
Please also note that The Commash will be on vacation next week. Doug May will be Acting Commash for Week 8. Aside from The Commash, Andy Shaffer is the only other player who will need a sub (at least so far). Dan Freiburger will be subbing for Andy Shaffer and brother Tom will be subbing for The Commash.
See you all in Week 9.
