Tecmo Madison X: The Gannonball Run

I went to bed extremely late on Thursday night and couldn't sleep in lieu of Tecmo Christmas that is the annual Madison tournament.  I was awakened by my son at quarter til six and for the first time ever took him to the bus stop.  See, nothing bad at all about Tecmo.  Anxiously awaiting text messages and Tweets from the 513, daboy8821 arrived in Naptown from Louisville.  Shortly after, the Chrysler Town and Country a.k.a the Vogt Van arrived and years of geometry fail ensue as we strategically tried to fit two television sets, Nintendo, along with all our luggage, ahake21, 513boy4life, bigmv54, vogtcd11, daboy8821, and myself into the van.  After the workout and maneuvering we decided that one set and Nintendo would have to suffice as ahake21 took the wheel.

Six plus hours of driving magically turned into what felt like a two hour trip as bigmv54, vogcd11, daboy8821, and I played several games.  The 13 inch CRT TV/VCR combo was wedged in between the driver and passenger seats resting a top the armrests.  On the first big turn we almost lost it, but after that it was smooth sailing.  The only hiccup was the picture swayed from side to side occasionally like waves in the sea and the color would bleed shades of red, green, and blue.  Games were competitive and fun.

We stopped for gas at a gas station called Hucks Down so bigmv54 could dump.  We all picked up some grub.  Each one of us was asked by a very flamboyant cashier if we wanted a bag of chips in a very feminine tone.  Three of the workers spoke the same way. This would be a catch phrase for the entire trip.  Back on the road, and more games to be played.  Vogtcd11 took the wheel and a relieved bigmv54 rode shotgun as ahake21 and 513boy4life could get in some games.  The next stop saw daboy8821 take shotgun and I drove the rest of the way to the infamous Super 8 on Hayes Road.

When we arrived, ahake21, daboy8821, and I stayed in room 215.  The three Vogt brothers stayed in 315.  We went down to room 134 where some gaming action was taking place and saw that Gats is indeed real.  After a quick stay at the Super 8 the Vogt Van headed to the Badger Bowl for registration.  Loved the T-shirt this year.  My favorite from the four I have attended.  We also received a Miller Lite Pilsner glass and purple bracelets with Tecmo X #eatshitorenga.  I will note that it was decided that we would register, say hello to some people, and we would be out.  Five out of the six of us (not me) ended up playing games.  During this time I met Bruddog. Very cool guy.  So glad he made the journey out.  Appreciate everything you have done for hacking Tecmo Super Bowl. 

I also was able to get Butt Douglas to autograph my copy of The Book of Tecmo I purchased online a few days before the trip.  Another down to Earth guy who is there for the camaraderie.  I can't wait to read this.  The 30 minute swing by turned into two hours. Some of us started to order food.  I ordered nachos.  35 minutes.  I had to ask for them as well.  Tasted like it came out of a refrigerator.  After leaving the Badger Bowl we stopped at a liquor store and picked up some goods.  Adult Strawberry Milk 20% by volume. Delicious indeed.

We headed back to the Super 8 ordered pizzas and met up with tecmodell42, LuckyTool, and KampHuna8. So glad to finally meet KampHuna8. Just as I pictured him.  Really laid back and there for the ride.  Vogtcd11 set up Twitch to stream the games and set up a Challonge bracket for the Pre Tecmo X Chrysler Town and Country Super 8 9-Man Tournament.  I drew ahake21 and played a back and forth Dolphins/Chiefs game.  A fumble was the difference.  In this tournament the loser of the previous game called the next games matchup. A coin toss determined who got choice of team.  On to the losers bracket.  In the losers I was supposed to play O'Toole, but he gave his spot to Jeff B. (made the final four last year).  I was able to win in a T.B./DET game.  Next round I played KampHuna8 in a Redskins/Vikings call.  I was the Redskins and played ground and pound with Byner. I think he had like 240 yards or something.  In the next game daboy got scared and left so I won by forfeit.  My next game was against tecmodell42. Hake called Rams/Bengals.  Odell took the Bengals.  I exploited the Bengals secondary by avoiding Fulcher. On to the semifinal game versus bigmv54. I was able to beat him in the van on the way up but had nothing go my way in this game.  Joey and MattyV played for the championship as I took 3rd.  When I get time I will add this to my sig.

http://challonge.com/Chrysler

When I went back to my room I snuggled with Hake on our king size mattress on a double bed.  Woke up the next morning and had some yummy waffles at the Continental breakfast.  Ate with Kevin Cabarello. I love this guy.  Met him at the last 3-4 tournaments we've played.  After breakfast Hake and I went to a gas station to get him some ear buds. Cashier had one pair in a special drawer behind the counter.  W... T... F.  On our way back to the hotel we did an illegal U-turn on the high way and some old fart got pissed and honked.  Had to get the blood pumping a little before the tournament I suppose.  We then picked up the crew and head to Tecmo X. In the parking lot we met up with Erik M. (arncoem). Love this guy as well.  His buddy Cuban Tecmo had to drop out due to the flu. Weird not seeing the Jason mask at the tournament.

The Badger Bowl was packed.  We arrived in the cabin room and were there just in time to watch opening ceremonies which included a video montage of L.T. crushing opponents.  I found my way to group 14, a.k.a the pool of death, a.k.a. Blood Bath Bowl, a.k.a. WTF made this pool?  I will note that with 256 people, making sure no one is paired with people they came with, and properly assessing previous records it is impossible to avoid this.  Just sucks I was in one this year.

The #8 seed was Steve P. from Boston.  Right here is where it is deceiving.  While he posted a previous 1-7 record in tournament play, all of his losses were to quality players and his point differential was a positive number!  I played Steve at Midwest this year and had to come back to beat him.  In the very first game he had the #1 seed Rico R. (Ryan33fulcher) down 10-13 in a Cardinals/Steelers matchup.  Rico had the ball on the 2 yard line with 2 seconds remaining.  Instead of electing for the FG he goes for it and gets the win.  This was the indication for how Group 14 would play out the early part of the day.

My first game was against the #7 seed Matt C. (GameHigh). After doing some TPC scouting, I noticed he never uses lower tier teams.  I got the toss and called a Packers/Saints matchup. I actually like playing with both of these teams, but this would not be my game.  He took the Saints.  On my first drive on a 3rd and 7 I had several open receivers, including a wide open Sterling Sharpe which probably would have resulted in a touchdown.  Instead that first possession results in a punt after a blocked pass at the line of scrimmage.  In my opinion, this was such a game changer.  On his next possession, he scored.  My next drive was going really well until Woodside fumbled away and the Saints drive to make it 0-14 at halftime.  In the third quarter the Saints are held to a FG and are up 0-17.  I switch Sharpe to WR2 and went to plan B.  Chuck it.  With two minutes left in the game Sharpe caught his second diving CC to make it 14-17.  When I went to onside kick, I accidentally kicked it full with no chance of recovering.  Used my timeouts, but couldn't get the ball back to have a chance to win.  Well-played game by Matt.  He had 194 yards on 27 rushes.  I couldn't shake the blockers and couldn't get any picks despite holding the Saints to 0 passing yards.

I will admit that the pressure was on knowing the pool I was in.  I had to win out to make the big bracket.  I did not want to miss for the first time in four tries.  My second game was against Frank M. I won the toss again and went extremely safe and called Chargers/Lions.  The plan worked as I got the Chargers, but things continued to not go my way.  I start this game down 0-10 after losing a Butts fumble in red zone.  I get a score before half and get the ball after halftime.  My offense started clicking in the second half despite three dropped open passes by Charger receivers.  My defense became stout forcing punts and TODs.  Once I got up big he was forced to pass only and it got worse from there.  Final score was 31-10.  Butts ran for 273.

My third game was against Aaron T. of Illinois.  I found out this guy was 18 years old and has been playing since he was 12.  This was by far my toughest game of the day.  I won the toss again and went safe with a Chargers/Broncos matchup. A little surprised, he took the Broncos.  Neither player’s offense could be stopped.  I was fortunate to get the ball at half.  In the fourth quarter it was 21-21 and on a 3rd and 13 I had to reverse the entire field to get a clutch first down which resulted in a score 28-21.  His final drive ended with a desperation throw for an INT which was the difference.  Well played sir.

My fourth game I played Steve P. in a rematch from Midwest.  I again won the toss and called Bengals/Rams.  He took the Bengals.  I was in control early amassing a 21-7 lead. Earlier in the game he had a FG blocked and I had a chance to go up 24-7 late in the third, but I too had one blocked which resulted in the game being 21-7.  That would be the final score.

The fifth game was a win and in for the big bracket.  I had to play Matt C. (GameHigh) again.  Again, I won the toss and had to call the matchup.  I went with something I knew I could put up points with either team so I called Bears/Raiders.  He took the Raiders.  I had my Chrysler Caravan Crew and one of my wife's friends who showed up supporting me during the game.  I wish I had this every game.  I don't know what it is but I always play better with a large crowd supporting or against me.  I put Neal Anderson up top and on the first play of the game throw an 80 yard JJ for a score.  Mort exclaimed, "That was Anderson on Anderson!"  Another trip catch phrase was born.  Up 14-7 right before half, another JJ was tossed to Anderson as regulator dropped a beer on the GameHigh adding insult to injury.  The second half saw lots of JJ picking by Carrier and redemption was made with a 42-7 victory.  Phew.  I made the big bracket after tackling the gauntlet that was the 2014 pool of death.

I actually had a descent point differential despite going 4-1 and received a #9 seed in the Dom Deluise Region.  My first round game was against Justin N. who went 3-0 and won his pool.  He won the toss and called a Cardinals/Jets matchup. I took controller 1.  He gave me the Jets.  He was safetied on the first possession and I had success scoring on his defense the entire first half despite several dropped passes to open receivers again.  The halftime score was 19-0.  After going up 26-0, the Cards tack on a TD late to make it 26-7.

In the round of 32 I get Chet.  I actually had no fear this time.  I have played Chet several times.  Three years ago several times at Orenga's place and a couple of times in tournament play.  I wanted to call a Steelers/Cowboys matchup, but he won the toss and called Bengals/Chargers.  One of the games at Orenga's place three years ago was this. He told me then he preferred the Chargers in this.  Remembering this, and knowing that the Chargers are my favorite team I took the Chargers. Yes, the Bengals are the better team.  Lose the coin toss, two fumbles, and down 0-14 in the first quarter.  It is bad enough to do this against anyone, but this is freaking Chet.  To make matters worse Blow Job Tolliver was throwing the hike and strike to avoid Fulcher, but the retarded Charger receivers were doing the "let's run back to the QB instead of running our routes" crap.  I tried to battle back amassing over 450 total yards, but came up short losing 21-31.  I am in no way saying I would have won the game despite the fumbles, but for some reason I never get the breaks when I play Chet. Well played as usual.

After being ousted I caught up with KampHuna8. Kamp had a tough go at his first Madison as he didn't make it out of his pool.  A Spotted Cow was in order.  I feel a connection with Kamp as we are both in the education field.  We both are similar in Tecmo skill level.  He is a hell of a lot cooler than me though. So glad to have finally met you in person. One of these days I will fly out to the Northwest for a tourney out there.  I got the opportunity to meet a few other online Tecmoers for the first time like Manyo, coconuts, and Joey Gats.  I also met ryan11p's family who came to support him in the tournament.

Joey is one misunderstood individual.  I know there was the whole cheating thing, but this guy was nothing like what I imagined him to be when I first started online back in 2010.  I know he has had his troubles as of late.  We chatted a little bit over dinner.  He had to get a box because he was not used to eating that much ;)  I truly hope Joey can land a job and get back on his feet.  I am so grateful that Mort got the funding together and want to thank everyone who contributed in that process.  I know that it was an experience of a lifetime for Joey, but just as much an honor for the online community that was present at Tecmo X to get to meet him.  I just wish I could have got a game in with him over the weekend.  It just didn't happen.

The rest of my Tecmo X experience was following my boys from the 513.  We are no Orenga Posse, but we bring our own level support and intimidation I think.  Watched MattyV take down Jimmy B. In the Elite Eight.  I love Jimmy, another fellow social studies teacher, but he had no chance with Mark “Rypien” farts torching the Broncos in the air and on the ground.  Matt's game versus Skunker was so awesome.  From the called run 2 sweep for a touchdown, to the gutsy run 4 call on 4th and 1, and overcoming two fumbles to finish 3rd, it was an epic serious of events that can only be captured by the live stream.  Speaking of the live stream,  Dave Murray is awesome.  Coolest person in Tecmo.  If you can't get along with Dave you can't get along with anyone.  What Dave does for Tecmo is unparalleled.  I can't picture myself not attending the big tournaments, but if I did I would be forever grateful for that live stream.  Awesome work man.  You are the best.

Another cool moment was following MattyVs game with Skunker when the entire online community posed for a picture.  I didn't realize it at the time, but after seeing the picture it has to be the largest collection if online players at a console tournament in a picture.  Very cool.  That picture summarizes what this shit is all about.  Camaraderie first and foremost.  I am married now with kids and don't really see my old college buddies much anymore, but 3-4 times a year a get to hang out with a group of guys who worship a video game that is nearly a quarter of a century old and has dominated a major  chunk of my life.  Living the life.  Long live Tecmo.

In the semifinal Chet took down bigmv54.  Damn Chet.  You don't go to three straight Madison finals on luck alone.  Proven best there is on a consistent basis in the biggest games of the biggest tournaments.  I wanted MattyV to win so badly, but it wasn't meant to be.  On the bright side I am glad that regulator088 got to play Chet in finals.  To be the man you've got to beat the man.  Wooooooooooooooooooo!  Kyle beat the man.  A dominant performance from the opening game to winning the championship.  Long overdue my fellow Hoosier.  Way to bring home a Madison championship to online garbage and to the Hoosier state.

The closing ceremonies ushered in four new final four members earning various prizes in addition to the prize money.  A Cannonball Run DVD, a Rich Gannon bobblehead, Rich Gannon created cuff links (so jealous), and the ambulance replica from the Cannonball Run movie.  After the awards were issued we grabbed some pictures, dropped Erik M. off at his hotel, and head back to the Super 8.  Knowing we were going to lose two hours going back home due to the time change and Daylight Savings switch we elected to checkout early and drive back.  After picking up donuts and a 12 pack of Mountain Dew I took the wheel.  The entire van was asleep and it was just me the road and $11.50 in tolls (thanks Hake for staying up as long as you did).  I hate you Illinois.  We stopped shortly after the Brookston Fowler exit in North Central Indiana for some gas and energy shots.  Check out those pink Zebra Zubazs!  We arrived at my house about 7:20 AM.  I found out that the furnace went out and it was 59 degrees in the house.  Tecmo depression in full effect.  Slept my entire Sunday away and now writing a blog because my sleep pattern is fucked up.

I want to personally thank Josh and Chet Holzbauer for doing another incredible job running this tournament.  I know this is probably the final run and want you to know what you have done for the Tecmo community.  I knew about online play before 2010, but it was your He Went to Jerry You Tube video that actually got me playing online and registering for my first Tecmo Madison experience The Hoss Whisperer.  I have attended the last four and if by chance there will be a Tecmo XI I will be there.  Bailey, Orenga, Durch, Larry, and the women of Tecmo, your work does not go unnoticed.  We know it is strenuous on you not only the weekend of but in preparation for the big day.  Just remember the joy you give to 250+ grown children when they get to open their Tecmo Christmas that first week in March each year.  You wouldn't want the community to stop believing would you?

Last, but certainly not least, my boys.  Jon, Hake, Joey, Chris, and MattyV.  This weekend was one for the ages.  Each time we do this I build a stronger connection with you guys.  Anderson on Anderson, dust to dust, I'd have a bag of chips with you guys anytime... No homo.

Detroit Tecmo Kumite II

I originally had no plans of attending this tournament with it being so close to Madison, the financials, and impending worst winter on record.  I did agree to make the tournament logo and flyer for the tournament though.  As the date of the tournament grew closer, I found myself receiving the stipend bonus at school that weekend before, my mother-in-law was able to come watch the kids, and weather report was holding off until that Sunday.  So with a few days before the tournament I threw my name into the ring.  I called regulator088 so I could catch a ride up to the motor City, which what cut my travel distance in half.  I originally had plans to stay with him the night before, but I got a text saying that I'd be staying at his brother's (ones11fahzu) instead.

I left from school on Friday and made a journey up to Elkart, Indiana to crash at ones11fahzu's place before Tecmo Kumite II in Detroit.  Once I arrived we talked for about two and a half hours before bed playing no warm-up games in the process.  The next morning regulator088 picked us up and we embarked to Detroit. Once we arrived we made our way into the Bookies Bar and Grill carrying the televisions we brought.  You did some meet and greets as the final televisions and systems were being set up for the tournament. Cubanrocks, ryan11p, Kevin C., and the Ultimate Weapon all made the trek from Ohio.

I played a warm-up game in a match up that I hard personally never played before, but saw on Mort's Tecmo 101 blog.  Seemed intriguing.   Regulator088 took the Cowboys and I rolled with the Broncos. Regulator088 had no problem running the ball behind the descent Dallas OL and the pathetic Bronco DL.  Game was very back and forth and went into overtime with a 17-17 tie.  With an EXCELLENT Emmitt Smith, the Cowboys sealed the deal 23-17 on the first drive.  I felt like the match-up is fairly even and both could exploit things.  Sounded like something I would try in the tournament.

Things kicked up with the opening ceremonies by tournament directors Eric "tecmodell42" O'Dell and Matt "LuckyTool" O'Toole.  Directions were explained.  Tournament was triple elimination with a random draw of opponent each round of the tournament from a bag of ping pong balls.  the first ball drawn would be player 1 and call the match-up, while the second ball would get choice of team.  Since there was an odd number of players there would be a bye each round.  Very smooth way to run a tournament, a great concept, lots of excitement, and a guarantee of three games for the worst performances. Really hard to top that.  I was signed up as ball #11.  Let the games begin.

In the opening round I drew ones11fahzu.  How ironic.  I called the tried and new Broncos/Cowboys match-up.  Thinking I play well with the Broncos and the Cowboys line should have the advantage as well as higher rated defensive MAN players I though I could not go wrong either way.  Ones11fahzu took the Broncos.  I was pretty disappointed on how things went in the game.  First, ones11fahzu played a traditional ones11fahzu game.  I only had three total offensive possession and didn't get my first until mid way through the second quarter.on top of that ones11hafzu played excellent of defense as usual. The Dallas offensive line that tore my Denver defensive game up in the warm-up against ones11fahzu's brother did not happen in our game.  To top things off, Troy Aikman and Emmitt were in BAD for a majority of the game.  I ended up dropping the first game of the tournament 0-10.  The first and only time I have ever been shut out in MAN vs MAN Tecmo.  Nice game Matt.

In the second round game I draw a much improved ryan11p of Columbus, Ohio..  I chose a Bengals/Lions match-up.  He took the Lions.  I set up the playbook to take out Cofer and balanced the play calls.  The playbook I chose was really the difference in this game.  I found myself up 21-0 at halftime.  When he received the second half kick he fumbled and I scored.  At tack on another score on a second fumble late in the third.  In the fourth quarter I played pretty stiff defense.  I punted back on first down twice in the fourth and the final remained 35-0.

In my third round game I played Jason T. from Toledo, Ohio.  I called a Chargers/Lions match-up hoping for the Chargers.  Wouldn't you know it.  The jukes and juice-offs were a flowing.  Byrd picked off the combo of Peete and Ware a total of five times in the game.  I punted back on first down twice in the fourth being up 40-0.  On the last play Barry broke past the line for maybe the third time all game.  I put my control down and allowed the avoided shutout.  Butts had 263 yards.

The fourth round put me up against Joe M. of Detroit.  I called a Broncos/Chargers match-up.  He took the Chargers.  Things go crazy after I fumble away which he scores on.  I then through an arrant pick on a mispress.  He is up 0-14 in the blink of an eye.  I was fortunate to make a good play on a Simon Fletcher INT, which set up a score before half making it 7-14.  in second half a receive and score.  I hold the Chargers on their next three possessions forcing punts before I tack on another score taking the lead 21-14 which would be the final.

The fifth round match-up was against Eric O'Dell.  I called a Chiefs/Dolphins match-up where Eric took the Dolphins.  Nothing went right in this game.  DeBerg threw several passes out of bounds, Okoye lost two fumbles, the Miami OL was destroying my run defense, Okoye, Deberg, and Paige in BAD.  To top it off there was a killer glare from the window in which neither Eric and I could see very well for almost an entire quarter.  All I could see was a reflection of a #42 Detroit jersey in the middle of the screen.  I was only able to muster a FG late in the third.  What a disaster of a game.

In round six I got a bye, and in round seven I would square off against O'Dell again.  During my bye round I spotted two match-ups that I rarely see.  One was a Cardinals/Saints and the other was a Broncos/Lions. On the day I defeated the Lions twice already so I was thinking let's make it three if I was not to get them.  If I got them I was going to try and gain the most rushing yards with Barry for the tournament so I could win the side-game prize of the Barry Sanders Starting Line-up action figure.  I personally feel the Lions are the better team in this match-up, but I do play well with the Broncos and I felt O'Dell would take the hometown Lions.  That was indeed the case.  The game started off very back and forth as I turned over on downs and the Lions got first blood with a TD.  I answered with a score of my own.  The Lions then  lost a fumble and the Broncos capitalized.  The score was 14-7 at the half.  The Lions received the second half kick, but are caught on the kickoff inside the five.  After switching Barry to WR1, O'Dell was caught off guard by the Denver drones and was sacked for a safety giving the ball back to the Broncos with a 16-7 deficit.  The Broncos capitalize with a score making it 23-7.  A JJ to Barry deep tied it at 23-14.  The Broncos were forced to punt and the Lions had several passing bomb opportunities  to Barry, but on the third pass attempt the ball was picked off.  Clock was run out and Psycho moves out of the Elite Eight and into a potential Final Four tie.

My next opponent was the enigma that is Magic Mort.  This would be only the second time I had played Mort live, with the first being a scrimmage game the morning of the Tomczak Bowl.  I called a Bucs/Falcons match-up.  Mort took the Bucs.  Both of us set up run plays at Haddix and at Deion.  The game started out with the Bucs scoring easily on heavy running by Anderson.  The Falcons come back to tie it with a good drive of their own.  On the next possession the Bucs are forced to punt.  The Falcons then get to midfield on a 3rd and 7.  Right before I hike the ball my thumb and wrist lock out as it did in Madison the year before.  As I lay the controller on my lap to stretch it and pull it back into place the A button hit my gut and the ball was hiked.  Nine yard sack and 4th and 16; out of field goal range.  Huge downer.  I believe the game went into half tied at 7.  In the second half the Bucs get a FG and Mort scored a TD.  The score was 7-17 with 3 minutes to play.  the Falcons score a FG making it  10-17 and then recover the onside attempt.  Two chances with Rison before the final gun come up short.

After being eliminated I indulged in my second mass of meat.  The first was a Brunch Burger (bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, etc.) which was so greasy that the bun stuck to my fingers.  The post tourney meal was the Carnivore (two 1/2 pound patties, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and a coronary).  It was awesome.  Both came with some of the best beer battered fries I have ever had.  During this time I met O'Dell's wife who I might add may be the best Tecmo wife of all-time.  She was in the bar the entire day running the computer, recording winners/losers, scores, etc.  Eric you hit the jackpot my friend.

With bad weather arriving sooner than predicted, regualtor088, ones11fahzu, and myself needed to leave before the championship. Found out that Mort beat O'Toole in the championship and also had the highest run total with Barry on the day (243 if I remember correctly). I finished in the Final Four tied with regulator088, and Joe M.  Ones11fahzu finished third.

 Roads were crappy on the way back to Elkart and slowed us down pretty good. On the way back to Elkart the Millers had me download an app called Akinator.  It is sort of like 20 questions.  You choose someone sort of famous and the genie asks questions to get to the right answer.  After it worked on Kyle and Matt I tried to think of something pretty tough.  About 15 questions in that damn genie guessed Yoda from Star Wars and I about died.  I tried to stump him again with James K. Polk and this time I succeeded (at least with the free database limited app version).  I decided to crash at ones11fahzu's house again instead of driving straight through.  Had a great time.  Short weekend.  Big thanks to o'dell and O'Toole throwing a fine tournament.  Definitely worth the time and is a great warm-up for Madison in a month.

Iowa Not So Bad After All: Tomczak Bowl VI

On the 23rd anniversary of Tecmo Super Bowl's release Vogtcd11 and Ryan11p arrived at the Psycho Estate around 2:45.  I was still at school and had the 40 minute commute to the southside.  When I arrive, I stopped to show them my NES collection and gather my stuff.  In all the excitement I forgot my playing sunglasses, music headphones, and winter coat!  We departed Naptown around 3:30 PM.

I took the helm at the wheel and crushed apple slices as a pre-trip snack.  Things were going well traveling at "posted speeds", until about half way through Illinois.  Snowing started coming down in a hurry.

We stopped to gas and grabbed some Subway.  I was excited about the new Garlic Bread that they have and was telling vogtcd11 and ryan11p that they had to try it.  Vogtcd11 and I ordered our sandwiches, Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki and Southwest Chicken and Cheese Chipolte respectively.  When ryan11p went to order they ran out of the garlic bread.  We gave him a tough time about it in the car.  Vogtcd 11 took the wheel as the snow started to fall.

The next four hours were brutal.  70 MPH to 50 MPH to 30 MPH speeds on the interstate.  The seemingly easy trip turned into a nightmare.  We started talking Tecmo, watched some league game recordings, and listened to the best of Tecmo Talk Radio.  As we enter the great state of Iowa the air in the car started to cloud something like Pig Pin from the Peanuts series.  A smell similar to cow manure wafted our nostrils.  Vogtcd11p asked if I pooped.  I replied no even though I needed to release some pressure.  Ryan11p said the same thing.  Ryan11p added, "This is what Iowa must smell like." Iowa dissing ensued.  We also passed America's largest truck stop the Iowa 80.  I wanted to stop but vogtcd11 and ryan11p advised that the lot lizards would get me.

We stopped at the Kum and Go gas station because we saw another Subway.  Unfortunately it was already closed so we went into the gas station to purchase candy and drinks. Ryan11p purchased an official Kum and Go T-shirt as well.   After we loaded up on food we added some more gas and vogtcd11 unleashed his pump ninja arsenal when shards of ice flung from the pump hose directly into the passenger side window. Scared the shit out of me.

Horrible road conditions make the ride painfully long.  Almost being up for 24 hours straight, (stayed up the night before cleaning my NES controller #bordem #tooexcitedtosleep) I had to take a cat nap 15 minutes before making it to the hotel.  We finally arrived to the Motel 6 in Waterloo where fellow Tecmoers mort1237 and redsethuhut98 were staying.  We asked to be as close to the celebs as possible.  We managed to be three rooms away.  The plan was to stay up all night playing scrimmages.  Unfortunately both Buffalo natives were sawing logs when vogtcd11 cup-listened at the door.  We decided to play Waterloo tier match ups in preparation for the tournament.  Some match ups we played were Falcons/Cowboys, Packers/Seahawks, Redskins/Rams, Colts/Patriots, Steelers/Jets.  We found out that at 4 AM EST that checkreyes was the only viewer watching out streamed practice games.  We woke up the next morning and played some scrimmages with mort1237 and redsethuhut98 before heading to Spicoli's Rock Garden and Grill.

When we arrived at the bar, we loved the open-ness of the playing area.  All centralized, but plenty of viewing space.  Mort1237 and vogtcd11 set up Twitch Tv to stream the tournament.  I played a practice game from the tiers with Austin C.  from Iowa.  He informed me that he was a Madden guy and just started playing Tecmo.  A.  Madden sucks. B.  I knew this would not be good for him.  He called a Vikings/Eagles match up and I took what I felt was the worse of the two teams in Minnesota.  Game was twitched.  I won 40-0 and took the foot off the gas.  As the tournament started all of the Motel 6ers won their first round games (five of us had BYES).

In round 2 ryan11p lost to averageTSBplayer 20-7 (ATL/PIT).  Vogtcd11 played some dude named Aaron and won 7-28 (SD/DEN).  I played Rob H. (The taxmancometh from Milwaukee, WI.  He called Chiefs and Raiders.  I took the Chiefs.  This dude called run 3 on defense the ENTIRE game on offense as well.  I started slow, but ran with Okoye early to open up the pass late.  Final score was 17-28.

Round 3 ryan11p played some guy in a Colts/Seahwaks matchup.  Game was close in the first half, but when Krieg started overthrowing and was picked by the Colts secondary in the second half the Colts prevailed 28-7.  Vogtcd11 played redsethuhut98 in a defensive 9-7 game.  Lou was held to three FGs in the Saints (redsethuhut98) versus Jets (vogtcd11) match up.  I played averageTSBplayer in a Falcons/Cowboys match up.  He took Dallas.  Uncharacteristic, I played the time of possession game.  Took the entire first quarter with a score at the end.  Got a forced punt in the second quarter. Made a field goal before half.  Played more possession in half two.  Cowboys got a 60 yard TD run after Deion got rolled twice.  Score was 10-7 for a while and Rison got a wide open JJ TD early in the fourth.  Aikman was in BAD in the second or third quarter and played in true LVP form.  Hopefully your beer I got you made up for it Tony ;)

Round 4, with ryan11p out, vogtcd11 played some dude named Kris. Vogtcd11 won 10-17 (PIT/TB).  Kris was very upset with the beast that is Mark Carrier on TB.  In round 4 I had the luxury of playing Chet H. From Madison, WI.  Chet is so skilled.  He had the full meter kick off mastered.  We rolled tier 1 (puke) and I called Bills/Giants.  He took the Giants.  In hindsight I think I should have done 49ers/Giants.  Probably would have had the same 39-14 result.  He pinned me inside the five yard line on every possession.  My first play of the game was a called play safety.  I was safetied later by super drones.  After it was 9-7.  He continued to score and I could not do anything.  I kept going for it deep.  QB Bills had 28% completions.  Well played Chet.  Thanks for the embarrassments.

In round 5 vogtcd11 played justin_peters and lost 14-21 Saints/Jets.  Jumping Jet Al Toon sealed the deal after the Jets were down 14-0 in the first quarter.  Vogtcd11 finished in the Sweet 16.  I played Justin E. from Des Monies, Iowa.  He called a Jets/Packers match up.  Knowing the Jets are the best team I have a superstition about the Jets so I picked the Packers.  I played extremely well the entire game and it seemed he was struggling.  He had to be a decent player to make it that far in the tournament.  I won the game 0-31.

In round 6 (elite eight) I played Tom B. from Minnesota.  We rolled tier three.  I felt Chargers and Broncos match up was extremely even.  He took the Chargers.  In my opinion, this was the best game of the entire tournament to watch.  I started out by taking a very long, almost entire first quarter drive to score first.  The next possession he scored on a JJ to Anthony Miller.  I scored again by running with B Hump.  He countered with Butts.  Right before the half I was in field goal range and thought I had about four seconds left after the tackle so I could call a timeout, but before I could call a timeout the half ended.  This I feel was the biggest mistake for me.  Second half I actually got the only stop in regulation.  Took the ball and scored to make it 21-14 in the third.  I scored again early in the fourth on a nice drive to make it 28-21.  Tom converted a fourth down at midfield and tied the game at 28 with about 40 seconds or so left.  Game goes to OT.  I got the ball.  Kick was deep.  Tom called my first two plays and left me a 3rd and long.  I got a long gain to make it 4th and 2.  I made the decision not to punt right away.  I called pass 3.  For whatever reason both DL for the Chargers busted through the line immediately.  I had to scramble (Kubiak) to avoid one lineman, and once I broke free I had Mark Jackson wide open up top and RB Winder fairly open short.  My first idea was to run with the QB for the first down, but because of the DL, I was forced to run backwards.  I then wanted to throw short, but I saw Tom cheating up with Byrd on Winder.  I know that many INTs happen when the DB does not quite get there so I was fearful of that and I took a chance on the bomb to Jackson.  Once I threw it I knew it was going to be on the money once it cleared a retreating Byrd, but phantom defender was on Jackson.  Turnover.  Ugh.  I played good defense and forced Tom to a 4th down.  Carney lined up, Mecklenberg got in the FG block cut scene, but the ball sailed through the up rights.    Great game.  Well played Tom.  I have no problem losing like that ever.  I also have never met Tom before.  Super nice guy.  It was a pleasure.  He also won the next game versus Skunker Best in World, and lost to Chet for the fourth place finish.

Chet played mort1237 in the third place game.  This was a crazy one was as well.  Mort really dominated the first three quarters being up 0-13 late in the third in the Oilers and Giants match up.  Chet scored to make it 6-13 after mort blocked extra the point with LT.  I think mort fumbled away at mid field.  The Oilers score to make it 13-13.  Deep kick by Oilers pinned Giants deep.  Mort tried one last end zone prayer as he normally does, but Childress locked Simms in the end zone for the safety and the 15-13 win to advance to the finals.  Maybe the best ending to a high stakes Tecmo tournament game ever.

Chet went on to play his brother Josh in the finals.  The first game was a Buffalo (Chet) and Giants (Josh).  Josh fumble several times during the game including a crucial one late at midfield for a long return and won on a late Thurmal run.

Chet had to beat his brother again to win another Tecmo title.  The match up was Dolphins (Josh) and Chiefs (Chet).  Very good game.  Some fumbles during the game made this very back and forth, but the action came late when Chet went up 21-16.  Josh had JIM JENSEN IN EXCELLENT.  Very entertaining to see Josh check conditions the second time to find Jensen was still in EXCELLENT.  It paid off.  At the end of the game Jensen catches a strike on pass three from Marino as Chet rushed the QB.  Josh H. ceremoniously put on the Tomczak blazer and raised the trophy to take home Tomczak VI.

Spicoli's was a great venue.  I had a Lynard Skynard burger and a Robnixious burger with beer battered fries during the day.  Staff was friendly and seemed genuinely interested in the tournament.  The tournament auction was comical.  The Madison guys took home a variety of Iowa whiskey.  Ryan11p got a Puppet Master DVD, vogtcd11 won two mixed taped CDs from some random bitch who donated her love jams to Goodwill.  I got a Dusk til Dawn DVD.  Louis got the 1981 Trivial Pursuit game.  Tournament directors were great and donated free drink tokens for all players.  Jake did a great job keeping the drunkards under control as the night progressed.  I know I said some things about Iowa on Twitter during the trip, but it was all in jest.  Iowa is not bad.  It did host Tecmo so it can't beat all that bad.  Once tournament festivities were over we decided to leave because the band that played was just a bit loud for us old guys.

We headed to the Lava Lounge (ironically named after my dorm room at Ball State) where the bartender looked no older than the students I teach.  Met up with Moulds33, ArtVandelay, Steve M., Ben in Iowa and his brother, mort1237, and redsethuhut98.  Had a good time talking strategy.  I think I entertained Ben in Iowa and his brother with Tecmo strategy.  The Madsion crew, averageTSBplayer, Chet H., Josh H., the Rickster, and Skunker Best in World came later.  They didn't get to stay long because for some reason Iowa makes last call at midnight?  Bone chilling cold air sent us back to the hotel and went to sleep.  It was nice to meet Hawkeye, justin_peters, 8bit, and Adversity from the online world for the first time.

The next morning we woke up pretty late.  I played some computer scrimmages with weird match ups.  I then took the longest piss of my life.  With no exaggeration it was easily 2 minutes.  Very League of Their Own, Tom Hanks-esk.  I then played ryan11p in SEA/NO, CLE/PHX, and GIA/SF match ups.  As we started the fourth game housekeeping kicked us out because we were past check out time.

We just stopped again for gas.  Vogtcd11 and I wandered throughout he trap door into a gas station Subway.  Ryan11p was in the restroom.  Vogtcd11 and I encouraged the cashier to tell ryan11p that they too were out of garlic bread, but we were so full of laughter and could not keep a straight face that ryan11p did not order a sandwich and we had to let the cat out of the bag.

We are currently driving back and I just found out why ryan11p is Ryan's screen name.  His last name doesn't start with P. (S.), but it is for is favorite animal, a penguin.  His favorite number is 11 for a variety of reasons.  He also has a sweet penguin tattoo holding a bomb.  I also found out that he is buddy's with Dane Cook, was an Army Airborne Ranger, and a 3rd place, runner-up, and two-time state wrestling champion in Indiana (233-4 career record; 127 consecutively).  Ryan is a really good guy.  I've met him before, but it was good getting to know him on this trip.  I consider Chris to be a good friend, especially after our night out after Midwest VI.  I look forward to embarking on future Tecmo tourneys with both.  I will post pictures later.  Until next time... Long live Tecmo.

P.S.  Something big coming for the Tecmo Community.  Stay Tuned.

Youngstown Tecmo I - Tecmo Rust Belt

I stayed up painting custom Nintendo Entertainment Systems until 4:00 AM on Friday morning. Got about two and a half hours of sleep to feed a crying baby. Stayed up all day and set out for Fairfield, Ohio to meet Chris Vogt at Symmes Tavern on the Green. We drove back to his place and played three games of preparation for the Youngstown tournament the following day. I took two of the three games from Chris, which is important to note (will make more sense at the end of this story ;) We went to bed around 2:00 AM.

Woke up at 5:00 AM and bigmv54 and youngest brother Joey (Dizzle) arrived at 6:00 AM. We packed into the car and embarked on the travel to Youngstown. Interesting conversations to say the least. Trip started out with stories of Joey's escapades of the night before. Watched some championship victories via the iPad. We picked match-ups and gave explanations for our choices. Ironically, one of them would be the championship game (Dolphins/Rams), which all of us chose the Rams (and the Rams would win). Chris and Matt put on an amazing display of imitations during the drive as well. I will leave it at that. After passing through Columbus, Ohio we hit some crazy ass rain. Hydo-planed a few times.

We arrived around 10:30 AM at a bar called O'Donald's Irish Pub and Grill It was in a shopping plaza. I will try to do a visual. As you walk in, there is an open area to the right where the tournament table and raffle prizes were set up. To the left was the bar. The bar ran the entire length of the room on the left side. The room was separated in the middle by a wall. On the right side was a corridor of booths on the left and right of the aisle. Televisions were placed on the ends of the tables. Chairs were placed in front of the televisions. If there was one thing I did not like about this set up, it would be that there was only room for the two people playing on the right of the aisle, the two people playing on the left of the aisle, and maybe one to two people maximum to watch. You couldn't get "crowds" (except for the front set of televisions were the games were streamed on Twitch and the championship was held). If people were standing in the aisle, it was impossible to pass through to get to the restroom or the table in the back selling retro gaming collectibles. They gave me a card. Shameless plug here: Stone Age Gamer

Registration was extended for a little while. Met Russell S. (Kweh) of Texas and Jason P.(Laztlain) of New York. Great to see online players in person. The extra time also provided time for some warm-up. I played Kevin C. of Columbus. First game we played we didn't change playbooks. It was Jets/Steelers. I chose Steelers and won 5-17. We played again for real. For the life of me I cannot remember the match-up or the score, but I won. Shortly after, they announced the pool play. I believe there were six pools of six players each. I was in a pool with Charles M., John M., Scott S., "T.K", and Jason P. (Laztlain).

Game 1: I took on Charles M. I won the coin toss and choose a Chargers/Broncos match-up. He took the Broncos. He passed, and passed, and passed. I called him several times and forced several INTs. He forced me to punt once and I fumbled away once. Final score was 42-0. I played extremely well this game. "On all cylinders, if you will".

Game 2: I took on Jason P. (Laztlain). First of all, this may be the coolest person I have ever met. No exaggeration. He won the toss and choose a Dolphins/Vikings match-up. I chose the Dolphins. First and second quarter his drones are on the JUICE. Chris Doleman was pancaking the "superior" Dolphins OL and dive tackling my RBs. I couldn't get more than 3 yards per rush. On defense I was getting descent coverage with Williams and Oliver, but could never get the INT. Just incomplete passes or CCs. Had him in 3rd and longs, but he always found a way to get the clutch first downs. Marino was in BAD so in comes GOOD Scott Mitchell. I find myself down 17-0 with the ball and little time left before half. I drop back and chuck as time is expiring. Mitchell lobs it up. Mark Clayton (at TE) JJ catches with three defenders between him and the end zone. COM defender one engages in grapple and was quickly tossed. COM defender two dives and misses. MAN defender gets juked one way, makes up ground, gets juked back the opposite way, and Clayton gets in for a much needed score. 17-7 at the half. Scott Mitchell gets the nod in the third quarter. INT. Ugh. Late in the third, Laz kicks a FG and goes up 20-7. In the fourth, Mitchell gets a score after a Dolphin INT. With 42 seconds left, Walker fumbles at mid-field. Dolphins put Marino back in and take it down to the two yard line with 9 seconds left. I call pass 2 offset, thinking that if he calls me I can throw to RB on the hot route and still get in or if I throw away fast enough I may have a chance for another play. He called me. I throw away as fast as possible. One second remaining. I call play action pass 3 Z In. Browner storms Marino and Marino rifles it to the RB up top for the 20-20 tie with no time remaining. Stoyanovich seals the deal for the 20-21 victory. I know that the championship game of this tournament was a thrilla, but this game was just as crazy. If I lost that way, I would have probably flipped chairs. Jason was a class act and took it in stride. Wow. This alone shows you what kind of dude he is.

Game 3: I play Scott S. He wins the toss and calls a Chargers/Rams match-up. He watched my entire game versus Charles M. when I ran like crazy with Butts. I was thinking he wanted me to pick the Chargers on that call so I decided to not take my favorite team to use and chose the Rams. I exploited the weaker DBs on S.D. and CC to Ellard most of the first half. He was a little upset. I found myself up 0-14 with about a minute left before the half and would be receiving after half-time. Of course, he connects on two CCs to Anthony Miller and I am only up a score. Second half was an exact duplicate of the first half (only I did not CC this time). Final score was 14-28.

Game 4: I play John R. He won the toss and called an Oilers/Bengals match-up. Even though the Bengals really fit my style of play, I am not retarded. CC, CC, CC. I actually played pretty bad this game. Not used to Houston. I housed a fumble and so did John in this game. Dick Dick had a pick. That was about it. I won 35-17.

Game 5: I played "T.K." I won the toss and called Raiders/Bears. He took the Raiders. He used a three shotgun playbook. I called Run 3 Sweep 90% of the game. He picked it about 40% of the time. I covered with Stinson as he started to pass. Success. I won 21-6.

So my pool played out like this:
Derek R. 5-0
Jason P. 3-2
"T.K." 3-2
Scott S. 3-2
John R. 2-4
Charles M. 0-5

Jason P. and "T.K." would go on to make up half of the Final Four.

Took a break before the Elimination Bracket. Went to get some grub. As many of you know, I have been on a very successful lifestyle change. Lost about 33 pounds since June 9 by taking supplements form AdvoCare and changing my eating habits. Bar food is a real challenge when you are trying to continue a very difficult change. I do recommend the Chicken Shamrock Sandwich from O'Donald's. Grilled chicken, tomato, spinach, onion strings, and "Shamrock sauce". It was a green sweet and spicy marinade.

Elimination Bracket 

Round 1 of the Elimination Bracket I played Joe M. I won the toss and called Redskins/Vikings. He looked at my Darrell Green jersey and chose the Redskins. I won 37-0.

Sweet 16 I play Russell S. (Kweh). Pretty crazy second round game for one of only 5 players who went 5-0 in pool play. Kweh was 3-2 in his pool. I won the toss and called Packers/Browns. He took the Browns. Lost a fumble on my first play from scrimmage. Second drive, called plays and crazy drone help forced me to go for it in my own territory on 4th down. TOD. Sharpe was covered for most of the game. I could only manage JJs in traffic and diving catches. In six isolation plays, Kweh won 4 of 6. The two I won, I was on defense. Tapping had little impact on this game. Kweh played good defense and called good play calls. I played my worst game of the day and had about as bad a start as one could ask for in this one.  Looking back on it, I should have punted the two times I turned it on downs deep in my own territory.  That was giving him an easy go at it.  Kweh is really quiet, but a nice guy. I wish he didn't live so far away so he could make it to more of these. I was rooting for him until he ran into the 513. Joey and Mort also lost in the sweet 16 round.

In the elite eight I watched brother versus brother. Chris V. versus Matty V. Matty won the toss and called Bengals/Bears. Chris chose the Bengals. Boomer torched the Bears slower secondary on quick passes and Neal Anderson scored on long runs. This battle was just like I thought it would be. End of first 7-7. End of third quarter 14-14. With about three minutes to go in the game, Matty had the ball in his territory and I thought this would end in a 14-17 win for Matt. Wrong on that. Chris forces a punt and gets into FG range and squeeks a FG in for the win.

The final four was Chris V. versus Russell S. and Jason P. versus "T.K." I obviously watched Chris and Kweh. Kweh won the toss and called Lions/Redskins. Chris took the Lions. Kweh was up 0-10 with a minute or two left in the half when Chris out-tapped Kweh for a score. Score was 7-10 at the half I believe. Chris played very composed in the second half and with a safety won 26-10 if I remember correctly.

The final was Chris V. versus Jason P. Three-time Pro Bowler Cleveland Brown Hanford Dixon introduced the players. Jason P. won the toss and chose a Dolphins/Rams match-up. Jason actually called and played the same mat-up in pool play, but I don't think anyone cared. The night before I played Chris in this match up and I took the Rams and won. We talked about it and Chris said he would choose the Rams if this was called. Chris chose the Rams. Jason put Mark Duper at TE and went to his favorite plays pass 2 Shotgun X Curl and pass 3 Pro T Flare C. The Dolphins were playing well in the first half connecting on several CCs, but Chris stayed composed and answered. In the second half Chris abused run 4 Onesetback Dive. He would fake the run up the middle, only to be met by Jason, and then reverse sometimes 2-3 times and still manage to pull out six to seven yards for continued first downs. Chris had the lead and then stopped Jason and appeared to have it locked up, but Cleveland Gary fumbled the ball to the Dolphins. Chris was trying to get out of bounds, but the ball bounced around on the line and the unthinkable was happening. My heart sunk for Chris. Jason killed some time and threw a short pass and was running to the end zone at the one yard line, but Chris took DB1 Humphrey from the top of the screen to the bottom of the field, dove, and got the diving-missed tackle. Jason's receiver had both arms in the end zone, but the Tecmo gods ruled his knees down short of the goal line and brought up fourth and one foot. Jason called the run 3 R & S Sweep Right and so did Chris. Rams got the ball and run three consecutive runs out of bounds. Tournament director Barhoover was yelling fumble each attempt. Chris punted away to expire the clock and expire the label of the Dan Marino of Tecmo. Watch it here: Youngstown Championship (this is set at the fumble, but the entire game should start at 55:23).  Jason played magnificent all day and was deserving of that championship, but the Peyton Manning of Tecmo got the monkey off his back.

Several celebratory hugs and pictures ensued after the victory. Brother Matt got a styrofoam lid full of shaving cream and slammed Chris during a championship photo opportunity. The ride back to the 513 was glorious.

Despite losing much earlier than I felt I should have, I am ok with my weekend. I took two out of three from the champ the night before the tournament. I was one of only five players to go 5-0 in my pool and two people from my pool made the Final Four which I defeated. Big thanks to John El Tecmo Barhoover who put on a very successful inaugural tournament. Despite having six-man pools and allowing every tournament competitor into the championship elimination bracket, the tournament was still over at 8:30 PM. He got a Pro Bowl NFL player of the Tecmo Bowl era to show up and raised quite a bit of money for the Fairhaven Foundation. John is a very passionate individual and gave every player the most Tecmo for their buck. I plan on attending the next one.

 

Back:  Kweh, El Tecmo, tecmopsycho, Dizzle, bigmvv54, Mort, ?, Ultimate_Weapon, DT, and ninjachessmaster

Front:  red98, vogtcd11, and Laztlain

MIB Season II Championship Game

tecmopsycho's Naptown Punch @ dyanstydegeorge's Camelback Caesars

Game in its entirety: 

ATA 24 Week 9 Play of the Game

 

ATA Season 24 Week 7

Tecmo Madison IX - Marino Royale Recap



Last year I did not write recaps for Madison and/or the Midwest Tournaments. Shame on me. After a night a pre-tournament festivities, daboy8821 and I headed to the Badger Bowl. Let's start with this venue. I have attended Tecmo VII and Tecmo VIII, so the only venue I have ever known for the Madison tournament was Logan's Madtown, which is now out of business. I thought Logan's was a great venue, but after attending Tecmo IX, I would have to say it was not. The Badger Bowl was ideal for this tournament. Due to the enormous size of this 224 person field, not to mention the increased numbers of significant others, children, and spectators, the Badger Bowl had two large rooms to split the field. One room had about 16-18 TVs/systems arranged along long walls and a small bar. The other room had a stage for live music, a bar/restaurant area, and about 10 pods of 2-3 TVs/systems.

The tournament opened with a Casino Royale-inspired Dan Marino poem read by Josh Holzbauer. I have always felt that Josh really is the gear behind this tournament with his humor and MC ability. Competitors' names and stations were called out as group play was about to get underway. The Madison crew always do a great job spreading out talent across the groups. My group this year was no different. Out of the 8 people in my group I was pre-determined as the #2 seed. Since my OKOYE jersey didn't arrive in time I wore my Anthony Munoz jersey and white sunglasses. A player from my group nicked-named Beef Juice said that, "You have no idea how intimidating it is to watch you play or to play you (my size mixed with the sunglasses and no facial/silent expressions the whole time)". I thought that this was pretty funny as I wear the sunglasses to eliminate the bright screen on my shitty contact lenses and I don't talk because I listen to music to block out the crowds and other distractions.

vogtcd, daboy8821, BigMV54, tecmopsycho

The rest of the group consisted of #1 Lucas Streiber who sported a nifty quarter-zip black turtle-neck sweater with white 8-bit snowflakes across the chest. #3 Kevin Nicksic was a no show. #4 Jake Ironside aka "Beef Juice" had Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer headbands and wrist bands. 5 Miguel Cintron, #6 Joe Lulott who was sporting a Sebastian Janikowski jersey, a Lakers hat, and had Troy Polamalu hair (the white guy version), #7 Kevin Mulcahy, and #8 Peter Best. In round 1 Lucas defeated Peter handily 38-0. Beef Juice beat Miguel with a buzzer beater JJ to Haywood Jefferies against Eagles 21-24. Kevin N. was a no show which allowed Joe a forfeit win in round 1. I defeated Kevin M. 28-7 on a matchup I called, which was DEN vs S.D. Kevin took the Chargers.  Elway played smart scrambling and had 75% completion rate. B. Hump did his thing on the ground. I did lose 2 fumbles in this game, but B.J. Tolliver threw 4 picks. The only score that I gave up came on a JJ to Anthony Miller.



In round 2 of the winners bracket Lucas defeated Jake as Jake picked a CIN/K.C. matchup, which played right into Lucas' strong suit. I had to play Joe Lulott who called a NYJ/DAL matchup. I took the Cowboys. I had a very easy drive to go up 7-0. Joe comes back and after converting a deep 3rd and 14, tied it up at seven. Joe kicked a full meter kick off right before the half. Awalt barely gets out of the end zone before he is tackled. The last play before the half I am in the back of the end zone buying time for a long JJ attempt when I see MAN controlled Dennis Byrd coming at me. Risking the possibility of a dive safety, I baited him into a grapple, tossed him over the goal posts, and chucked to Jay Novacek as he catches in stride and zig zags the drones to go up 7-14 at the half. This was huge as Joe got the ball after half. The first play after half was a Manny Hendrix INT, which led to another Dallas TD. Jets counter with a score of their own. Dallas scored again (14-28) and then force a Jets punt. Trying to increase the point differential, the Cowboys over throw a wide open TD and then throw a miss-press INT when another receiver was by himself in the end zone.



In the loser's bracket Peter B. defeated Miguel C. 24-7 with the GIA over S.F. Kevin M. got a forfeit win over the no show. Beef Juice then defeated Kevin M. Joe L. defeated Peter B. Joe L. beats Beef Juice in the loser's bracket semi.

In the championship of the winner's bracket I played Lucas S. He wins the toss and called a PIT/PHX matchup. I took PHX. Most frustrating game of the tournament. First drive I immediately force him to punt. My first possession I drive and score 0-7. Next possession I force another punt. I drive to into the red zone and then fumble away at the 25. He then scores making it 7-7. Middle of the second I have to punt after two called plays, but I get it back with a MAN controlled Lonnie Young INT. I get the ball after half only to lose another fumble. Again, I make a great MAN controlled INT with Lonnie Young with 3:20 to go in the game; still tied at 7. I march the ball down to the 25 and in FG range to take the lead. I have a wide open Roy Green at WR 2 on a streak to the end zone. I have to avoid two PIT drones in the backfield (was happening all game). As I am tapping off the drone, I over press and instead of hitting Roy Green, the ball is thrown up top to a Rod Woodson-covered Johnny Johnson and is picked. To make matters worse, the INT is returned from about the 20 to the 50. He checks conditions and of course Strom is in EXCELLENT. I have to call pass. He runs two run 3s with ridiculous blockers and then connects on a short pass to go up 14-7 with hardly anything left. After the kick-off I have 3 seconds and from my 3 he calls my play to end the game. First and foremost, Lucas is an incredible player. He was ranked higher than me for a reason. He did beat MattyV and Josh H. He had Mort down and out for the elite eight. With that being said, I completely dominated this game and got screwed by Tecmo in every way possible. He had 48 rush yards and 64 pass yards to my 108 rushing and 79 pass. I was in his back field the entire game. He had to punt 3 times yet I lose. Nuts.

So after some really bad luck I have to play the championship of the loser's bracket against Joe L. again just to advance to the big dance. I win this toss and call DET/S.D. He took DET as I expected. I dominated this game and was winning 21-0 until he kicked a FG with 43 seconds left to avoid a shut out. I held him to 77 yards on 17 carries (43 of these were Rodney Peete). So I finish 3-1 and advance to the big 64-man tournament with a bad seeding and would have to play a very skilled player in the opening round.

 



After group play I went to check on Jon aka daboy8821 (he rides up with me). He won his pool only giving up 7 points and going 3-0. With a small break before the big boy tournament, I met up with one my wife's friends who lives in Madison, and ate lunch at the bowling alley. Half-pound cheeseburger, fries, cheese curds, and a Mountain Dew ($15.63). Delicsh!

Region studs were Chet, Sobhi, Skunker, daboy, regulator088, ryanfulcher33, Mort, and Josh H. As the names get drawn out, I wait and wait. With the last names called, I am paired with Kyle Floetl aka Flo. I can count on 2 hands the number of elite tappers who are equal with me or better out of this 224 man field. Flo is one of them. I knew he was the same or better, so this would be interesting. He won 2/3 one-on-ones during the game. He called a WAS/MIN matchup. After some deliberation I took WAS. Game was a defensive slug fest. Punts, TODs at mid field, a missed Flo FG and a Chip Lohmiller make was the only score of the first half. Flo had a posse. I love this. I tend to play better when people are against me. I got a lot of shit about 3 feet from my ear despite blaring some Notorious BIG. In the second half I was able to start moving the ball with ease, mixing it up with pass and runs. The play action plays were huge and led to a 24-7 win.



In the round of 32 I got Josh Holzbauer. I called a N.O./ATL matchup. I hoped he would take ATL. He didn't. Josh has a great drive inside the 10 and all the sudden my thumb locks. I couldn't move it unless I used the other hand. I have never had this happen. I guess it was the massive amount of games played the week before. I straighten it out and try again. Same result. Extremely painful. I was on the verge of forfeiting. Josh graciously tells me to take as long I need. His wife (a nurse) says I need water and gets me a glass. This is a testimate to the Madison crew. Thank you Erin. Josh, like me, you hit the jackpot on that one. I chug and she gets me another glass. I chug again and wait about 10-15 minutes stretching my thumb. When we resume, I am wary of pressing hard, but I am able to play. Neither of us could stop each other. He ran at Deion and I threw to Rison. The difference in the game was a 3rd quarter safety on a called play. I lost 24-26. I can accept a loss like this because there was no shit and the safety was a bad play call on my part.



 I got the chance to meet several new people yet again. Chad Norwood from Louisiana. Travis R. (Moulds33), and Dave Murray were just a few. Dave Murray may very well be the coolest human being alive. Dude was as nice as could be and had the technology rolling with streaming games and conducting the interviews with O'Dell and Chris Vogt. He was throwing packs of 1990 and 1991 football cards into the crowd, giving free T-shirts, and I got a copy of the exclusive Tecmo Bowl.org 2013 cartridge.

The Sweet 16 and Elite 8 were started by readings from the book of L.T. Mort was magical pulling out back to back miracles. regulator088 steam-rolled the competition to win the winner's bracket. Daboy defeated Joe Naughton (RAI over CHI) and bgboud (K.C. over MIA) to advance to the final four.



 

8-bit Tecmo helmet on Joey Browner 

The crowd was getting larger. The outfits and throwback jerseys were awesome. Saw Steve Grogan, Joey Browner, Christian Okoye, Randal Cunnigham, Thurman Thomas, and Hardy Nickerson, and Jesse Tuggle throwbacks. Tecmo T-shirts were for sale. Beer was flowing, pizza being devoured, and spectators from the bowling alley were gazing at the spectacle. I also saw the coolest Mario tattoo ever.



Mario tattoo (castle and shy guy was on the back) 

Bounced players, significant others, and family members crowded around the two big flat screens and were standing on tables and chairs as the final four games were displayed. Daboy achieved redemption after a big loss to Jeff B. 42-21 in the Sweet 16 Round. In that earlier game, he was down 21-0 in the first 3 minutes due to a Marion Butts fumble and 2 Louis Oliver INTs. He did come back to 21-14, but a Mark Clayton CC, wide open Dolphin receivers on pass calls, and several dropped balls from Charger RBs led to that defeat. Daboy would meet Jeff B. in a rematch and called a G.B./N.O. matchup. Daboy got G.B. This was actually a really good game that was 10-3 late in the 4th. Jeff was 4th and 5 from the 5 and going for the tie. He scrambled with Fourcade and daboy MAN controlled Tim Harris. Daboy tornadoed Harris and cheated on the short pass to the end zone forcing Jeff to run with Fourcade. Harris stopped Fourcade at the 2 to hold on for the win.

Jon played Chet with the winner to meet regulator088 in the championship. It was a Browns/Saints matchup. The first half was completely dominated by daboy8821. Where ever Chet went on defense, QB Browns carved it up. Daboy stuck with Eric Metcalf and played the sidelines to avoid the fumble. He never fumbled. The pro-Chet crowd was silenced and doubtful as daboy went up 14-0 right before the half. One daboy supporter shouted, "Take him to the f---ing woodshed Jon." Shortly after this, Ironhead Hayward returned a kick right before the half with Chet having possession afteR. This completely won the game. In the fourth quarter daboy was 4th and 3 from the 3 and elected for a FG to tie it at 17. Chet was able to march the field and get a FG with little time left. I felt bad for Jon. I thought he earned it. Chet played well too, but I just felt bad.

In game one of the championship Chet faced elimination in a DET/K.C. Game started horribly for regulator going down 9-0 with a DT safety. Regulator did come back, but Chet pulled back away late forcing regulator to pass. I think that final was 33-14? The elimination championship game was another Chet matchup call. DET/CIN. Chet was the Bengals. WR2 burn route to Tim McGee all game. Regulator countered with long Barry runs on dangerous 3rd and longs and 4th shorts deep in his own territory. Two huge plays late gave the Bengals the edge. A JJ to Eddie Brown between 3 defenders for a score and a diving CC to Ickey Woods in the end zone on double coverage for a 28-17 win. Chet is truly the Michael Jordan of Tecmo with a back to back Madison titles to go along with his numerous résumé of other tourney titles.

 

LuckyTool, Ones11fauzu (front), bgboud2 (back), tecmodell42, daboy8821 (front), tecmopsycho (back), regulator088 

 



The tourney followed with the awards ceremony (video below) and group pictures. Just awesome. You aren't a true Tecmoer until you experience this. Huge thank you to Josh and Chet with their crew (Bailey, Orenga, the women of Tecmo, etc.) for another brilliant production of the Madison Tecmo Tournament. You have to keep this going.