Tecmo Indy I

Ever since I have been going to live tournaments (summer of 2010) I have dreamed of playing in my home city and possibly throwing the tournament myself.  Over the past five years I have obtained 12 consoles with controllers and hookups and nine copies of Tecmo Super Bowl.  I have pursued venues to play, but most give me the are you effing serious look, or they want to charge me an arm and a leg. Late 2014 I see a post from DStach on TecmoBowl.org declaring the inaugural Tecmo Indy tournament.  I'm like holy shit of course I'm in.  I registered by emailing this fellow right away and offered any help I could offer.  In the months leading up to the tournament I made a tournament logo and stayed in brief contact with the tournament host.  I tried to advertise via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  As time grew closer I talked to him about logistics.  The tournament was to be played at a small bookstore on Indy's north-side called Books and Brews.  A year or two ago I remember this place having a retro game night and playing Tecmo Super Bowl, but I was unable to get a sitter to go up to play.

The day before the tournament I brought six CRT televisions to store and checked out the place.  In the front was the bookstore, then a bar area, and then an unfinished recreational room, with a furnished room in the very back.  For a tournament between 16-32 competitors this place is perfect. On top of that, Books and Brews offer a menu featuring locally brought in smoked meats.  Their bar also has several high quality in house crafted brews which you can jug and take home.  How cool!

The morning of the tournament I grab some breakfast and headed up.  The place wasn't supposed to open until 11 AM, but I walk right in and am met by Kevin C. and Louis B.  We start setting up the consoles I brought.  The tournament direct Dan S. arrives a few minutes later.  The tournament looked to have 20 total competitors including Matty V.  who was showing up at 3 PM for group play. Why 3 PM you may ask?  The Tecmo Indy tournament is unique in that it holds Tecmo Super Bowl SNES play as well.  This year it was more like pick up games.  Next year it looks to shape up to be an actual tournament for those interested.

When group play started, a few competitors got a little more than they bargained for and became upset.  They bolted to the parking lot.  One of them came back in and said they were done.  He said he didn't need this shit.  He also said his buddy was taking shrooms and was messed up.  He said he needed to stay with him to make sure he didn't do anything stupid.  Completely agree here.  Only problem, is that these guys didn't understand how messed up the group play became.  The groups were split into three regions if you will.  The East region, the Central region, and the West region.  Each region used special commemorative coins for game coin flips (a New York Giants coin for the East, a Chicago Bears coin for the Central, and a San Francisco coin for the West).  Now that the two guys left it really screwed up who already played who.  Bradbears81 did a masterful job of reworking the pools and few games had to be replayed, but all was well.

My first pool play game was against Tate M.  Tate was an enthusiastic fellow who was asking questions all day.  He was like a sponge soaking it all in.  I called CIN vs. CHI.  He took Da Bears.  I fumbled and lost three first half fumbles.  Thankfully for me Fulcher was Fulcher and picked Chicago back nearly every possession.  I won this game 21-7.

Tate M. and his Tweet following group play:

My second pool play game was against Shane B.  I can honestly say I have NEVER played a game of Tecmo where my play was called so many times.  I couldn't do anything in this RAI vs. CHI matchup.  Fortunately I was able to pull it out 10-18.  What an odd game.

My third pool play game was against tournament director Dan S.  I saw him play pretty well in a game or two before so I was not going to hold back.  I called the S.D. vs. DET.  As expected, he took the Lions and Butts ran wild. final score was 39-0.

My fourth pool play game was against Brian E.   Brain was a talker.  He talked the entire time.  From the AdvoCare diet that I was currently on, to music play lists, to Nintendo collecting, etc.  Long breaks from the game.  Every return to the game was previewed by an "Are you ready."  Nice guy. He called a PIT vs. T.B. matchup.  He started out crazy with two consecutive CCs to Louis Lipps from Brister on Haddix to put PIT up 7-0.  I stormed back to win 7-51.  He was amazed by T.B.'s defense.

We saved the final pool play game for the heavy weights.  I was to play Matty V.  Matty was unsure if he was even coming due to having his car fixed, but he strolled into the tournament just in time for the beginning of pool play. I won the toss and called a matchup I have had success against Matty in the past, CIN vs. DET.  Matty took CIN.  I put Barry up top to give DET that deep threat.  The game was classic.  Back and forth stops, back and forth scores, and back and forth talk.  The game breaker was early in the fourth quarter on a 4th and 4 from the Lions own 30.  Matty called my play (Pass 4 Z-Slant) and I cycled through to the RB up top.  A diving catch after a diving defender allowed the Lions to keep the drive alive and take the go-ahead score of 21-14.  I would later be told be vogtcd1`1 (Matty's brother), who watched on the live stream, that this game was professional Tecmo at its finest.  Matty said it was his only group play loss.  So aggravated by the stream (will mention this later).

After pool play I found myself as the #2 overall seed and one of only two 5 and 0s (Louis B.).  Here are the pool play results for all three pools:

In the first game of the double elimination bracket I faced Brian E. once again.  He threatened to go with the PIT vs. T.B. matchup as we were allowed to repeat matchups after pool play.  He decided to go with RAI vs. CHI.  This time the score was worse at 0-51.  Singletary was in the backfield every play.  I called the same run (Run 2) the entire game.  Still a nice guy, and still talked my ear off.

In the second game of the elimination bracket I faced Dave S. of South Bend, IN.  Dave played pretty well all day and I could tell he has a strong interest in the game.  He was wearing a PHI. Tecmo helmet shirt.  He won the toss and called WAS vs. PHI.  This is a tough matchup against anyone, especially if you have never played them and do not know tendencies.  I played much better than the score indicates.  I play solid D, calling his play quite a bit in the first half.  I go up 0-10 with about two minutes left in the first half.  He goes for it on a 4th and long from about 35-40 yards out and hits a diving CC with WR2 on Mayhew.  The odds of this happening cannot be high.  None the less the score is 7-10 going into halftime.  After the half he got the ball and was stopped.  I was able to march down and get a descent FG to make it 7-13.  He has his best drive of the game and converted another 4th and mid range to go up 14-13, but left three minutes on the clock.  I knew minus a fumble, I had this game.  Sure enough Chip sealed the deal and I escaped a hard fought game.

In the third game of the elimination bracket I faced bradbears81.  Brad lost against Kevin C. in pool play, but found himself defeating Kevin C. pretty handily in the game before us.  He won the toss and called a CLE vs. G.B. matchup.  I took CLE because I didn't want him to huck and chuck with 75 PC. He scored first to go up 0-7.   I came back down and scored to tie it at 7.   I fumbled before the half making and nothing was created by the Packers.  I got the ball at half.  I scored on the first possession making it 7-14.  Brad converted two fourth downs and fumbled (retaining it out of bounds) on his way to a score.  Game was tied at 14.  On my next possession, sure enough, I fumble running with Metcalf and Brad scoops it up which turned into a 21-14 game.  I get the ball with a chance to hail-mary with Browns.  I drop back and B doesn't register.  Safety to end the game.  Score was 23-14.  

In the fourth game I faced Tate M. again.  This game he played much tougher and the score was closer than it appeared.  He won the toss and called a N.O. vs. ATL matchup.  Fearing the long garbage I took Rison.  I went up 7-0 early.  Saints didn't run their playbook at Deion which made defense much easier.  This game would have been much different if he would have done so.  Falcons tacked on two more score later in the game to win 0-21.

On to the Final Four.  Only myself, Louis B., bradbears81, and Matty V. are left.  I was to play Louis with the winner to face the winner of Matty V. and bradbears81 (Matty V.).  I won the toss and called DEN vs. S.D.  Louis replied with, "Can I just have some passing teams?"  Louis played flawless.  He hit the quick pass and won the taps when they mattered.  I played ok and probably would have one against most other people, but I had a dropped pass in the back of the end zone that would have given me the lead late in the game.  Elway + back of end zone = inevitable.

I'm a little conflicted.  Going into my first original ROM tournament after Madison I had a target on my back.  That target was magnified when I went 5-0 and was winning pretty easily.  So how should I feel?  Well it sucks not winning, especially in my hometown.  I feel like a little bit of a failure after taking down the field at Madison and having such a great start to the day.  After all, I was the only one who beat the eventual champ of this tournament.  On the other hand, I had some bad luck in my first loss, which happens, and I was outplayed in the game versus Louis.  Finishing top four at any tournament is not shameful.  So conflicted.

Bradbears81 lost to Matty V. and then again to Louis in two close games, finishing third.  Brad is much improved and played great a majority of the day.  Well deserved.  The championship saw Matty V. and Louis facing off.  Louis had to double dip Matty to win.  Matty just needed the one victory.  Louis called MIA vs. PHI.  Matty took MIA without much hesitation.  A great game throughout.  Louis was winning the taps and Matty played is normal poised game.  One big 4th down stop that sealed the game was captured here:

I spoke with vogtcd11 a few times throughout the day.  He said the live stream never dropped and it looked great.  We used a newly created Tecmo Indy I account on my computer.  I already had my Twitch (the_tecmo_psycho) set up to archive streams automatically.  This newly created account was not set up to automatically archive broadcasts and therefore only people watching it live had the opportunity to watch it.  I was devastated when I tried to upload the better games of the day onto YouTube to only find out that they were not saved.  The high point of the championship game showed 17 viewers.  The only evidence is the video clip above and this blue screen of the championship below.

The championship was played on my new custom TSB console pictured here.  Congratulations to bradbears81 on his third place finish, Louis B. on his runner-up finish, and Matty V. for the title.  The first Tecmo Indy tournament was a huge success do to Dan S., bradbears81, Kevinc C., and anyone else who helped out in the process.  Next year's tournament will be even better as we look to have another great time.  Eyes on Midwest Tecmo VIII in about a month.  Long Live Tecmo.

Stone Age Gamer Franchise Bowl - Salem, Ohio

I took the day off of school so I could go watch my son perform at his living wax museum as the Fly Guy (a book he read for class).  I then grabbed lunch with my wife and daughter. After a haircut, mowing the lawn, and a shower I was ready to pick up the rental car and embark to Salem, Ohio.  When I went to pick up the car at Enterprise, the car was not ready. After being much later than I anticipated, I found out the gas was on empty.  Forty-five minutes into my drive the ABS and traction control lights came on.  Remind me never to buy a Chevy.  The car only had 588 miles and it was brand new.  The lights stayed on the duration of the trip.

Sometimes riding in the car to Tecmo tournaments can be the best part about the weekend.  That is when you have a group of buddies.  For five hours it WS me and the road.  The Sirus XM radio helped, but riding alone is brutal.  I arrived in Streetsboro around 9:30 where I met the Tecmo Ninja as he was gracious enough to take me in for the weekend.  We went to Applebee's for some late late grub.  Chris paid for my meal.  We went back to his place and fired up the NES.  We played about six or seven games before finally going to bed a little after 3 AM.

The next morning, we had breakfast at his Italian restaurant with tournament director Ryan M.  Along for the ride was Chris's daughter and a friend.  They were troopers all day and were probably bored out of their mind.  When we arrived at Stone Age Gamer headquarters I went into sensory overload.  Arcades, Players Choice machines, every console imaginable, games, accessories, and even boxed Atari stuff.  I was in retro collecting heaven.  After perusing the store and wiring on participants, Ryan began explanation of rules and format.

The tournament began with the Tap-Off competition.  Using brudogg's Juice-Off Rom, each competitor got one shot to get the top score.  I didn't know what to expect.  I know Louis is right there with me.  There were a lot of unknowns.  Ninja got a 56 with a very inconsistent method the night before.  He told me that Ryan M. got 62 with the same method.  I went against another competitor and scored a 50.  Everyone gave their attempt and Louis also got 50.  There would be a Tap-Off between the two of us.  We went head to head.  I got a 49 while Louis only managed a 45.  I received $20 and a very nice trophy.

Next was pool play.  In my pool was Ryan D., Dan C., and Kyle D.  Going into this tournament I did spend a bit of time thinking about my team.  I built a team with pieces I like to play with.  I went with DEN QBs, RAI WRs, KC RBs, and RAMS OL on offense.  On defense I went with Bob Nelson, Darrell Green, and Martin Mayhew.  Planning my team was really my only preparation.  I didn't practice with the team except for the online CULT league which had a few variations from my actual roster.  I also did not play any console games prior to this tournament besides the Ishtar before with the Ninja.  So going in I knew I wasn't going to be at my best and I had no idea how the other teams were as I did ZERO scouting.

My first game was against the Giants and Ryan D.  First I do want to say that I think Ryan D. is an above average player.  I also don't want this to come out the wrong way. This was the most annoying and boring game of Tecmo I have played in the past five years.  I lost 38-28.  Every score of the Giants came at the expense of a long JJ from Ken O'Brien to Mark Duper or an extremely long CC.  In this game he literally Back and B'd the entire time.  I did lose a fumble before half which gave him a FG and he got the ball right after half.  That was essentially the difference.  Elway threw two wide open passes that were dropped.  Okoye stepped out an inch to early on a fourth down run.  I also foolishly went for it twice on 4th down deep in my own territory.  As you can see, I brought in Kubiak in the second half and just mimicked the Back and B out of frustration.  I think the gods got even in his next game as he lost four fumbles and threw a couple of picks in a losing effort.  Good job Ryan.  It was nice to meet you.

My second game was against the Packers and Dan C.  He had the 49ers QBs and WRs.  I was like ok, so if O'Brien and Duper just did that to me then what is Joe and Jerry going to do?  Thankfully Joe threw for 16% completions as I called pass the whole game.  In this game Okoye could not be stopped as he popcorned the Colts to a 37-7 win.

My third game was against the Oilers and Kyle D.  He had QB Eagles.  Mayhew got an early pick the Colts jumped out to a 21-0 lead at halftime.  The Oilers stormed back forcing a punt early on Colts first second half possession.  Slowly, but surely Kyle scored making it 21-14 in the fourth quarter.  Elway foolishly threw an angle pass to the RB after having a solid drive, but a diving cut screen LT picked it off.  QB Eagles scrambled his way to a game tieing TD late in the fourth.  In OT the Colts won the toss and had a great drive.  I want risking a LT blocked FG so it was TD or bust.  I managed to do so for the 27-21 win.  I finished second in the pool and advanced to the Tier 1 bracket.

Between the pool play and the main tournament everyone was encouraged to leave and go eat.  Many did so.  When they returned they did the drawing for the custom Tecmo themed EverDrive.  Matt/Luke C. was the winner.  That was so awesome.

I drew the winner of the EverDrive in my first game of the tournament.  More dropped passes and more going for it on 4th down in my own territory found me down 0-14 early.  I also lost the first 2 or 3 taps in the game so I had to go to my secondary method.  After I switched I was able to win the rest of them and pulled myself even to a 14-14 tie.  The Steelers got a TD with 2:00 left to go up 14-21.  Since I already checked conditions at the beginning of the fourth I thought it would be gained the rules to swap Elway for Kubiak for the last second JJ attempt.  So I had to work quick with Elway.  I had a brilliant drive and made it inside the 10 with six seconds left.  No open receivers formulated and the pass fell incomplete.  Good game Luke.

In the elimination game of the loser's bracket I took on Ryan D. and the Giants again.  In this game there were not as many CCs and JJs, but two of his three scores were on them.  The big play of them game was when he was up 7-14 and I made a great drive inside the five.  I called pass 1, scrambled to the top with Elway, and threw to RB2 wide open in end zone.  Quick thumb got the best of it and and over press led to a Giant INT.  He then got the ball after half and that was it.  

Ryan M. took home the Tier 2 championship while Jim. L. double-dipped the Ninja to take home the Tier 1 championship.  Jim and Chris made a pact to split the winnings before the second championship game.  Jim did just that.  Good guys that group.m good to see fresh faces and new excitement for Tecmo.

After the tournament Ryan M., Chris, and a local eatery Miller on Mantua.  We then went back to Ninja's place and played about 6 or 7 original rom games.  Good times.  The next morning pulled out, drove bored out of mind back to Indiana, went to my sons  baseball game, and went out to eat with my family.  Capped the night off with Tecmo Talk Radio.

It could have been the lack of sleep, it could have been the lack of prep work, but it was probably my piss poor play and decision-making.  I do love the uniqueness of this tournament.  It is fresh and makes for interesting play.  With that being said, it is not Tecmo Super Bowl.  Nothing compares to the original 28 teams, calling matchups, and being fully prepared about the game.  Once in a while, yes these are great.  For several tournaments I probably won't do it.

I want to thank Ryan M. for putting on a great tournament and coming up with this great idea on EverDrive's.  Stone Age Gamer is the best.  The grab bag full of stuff was worth the entry fee and the gas money alone.  I picked up several great games for my collection.  Andy and Ryan from Stone Age Gamer were so accommodating and had a vested interest in the tournament.  Everything was low key and Tecmo as usual.  Even though the trip was boring, I am glad I went.  Big thanks to Ninja for taking me in over the weekend and showing me some Streetsboro hospitality.  Indy tournament is next.

Long Live Tecmo

Tecmo Madison XI Apocalipps Now Championship Game

Tecmo Madison XI Apocalipps Now Final Four

Tecmo Madison XI - Appocalipps Now

My Saturday started out with an AM Sausage Crunchwrap from Taco Bell.  I finished up packing for Madtown and waited for the 513 to arrive in Naptown.  The Vogts and Hake arrived around 10:30 AM.  Chris and I positioned the TV and NES in the Chevy Traverse.  The cigarette power converter worked like a charm and held up the duration of the trip.  Daboy arrived around 11.  We left around 11:30.  Hake took the wheel with Matty V riding shotgun.  Lefty, Joey, and Daboy were in the back and Chris and I were in the middle.  Games ensued in the Traverse Tournament.  Here is the rundown of the games:

I took down Chris in a MIA vs RAMS in OT 17-23.  

Lefty beat Joey in a PIT vs T.B. in OT 16-10.

I beat Daboy in a MIN vs CIN 21-14.

Lefty beat Chris in a Bills vs PHI 14-21.

Joey beat Daboy in a DET vs DAL 28-14.

At this point we learned of major shake ups in the Madison bracket.  Buzzsaw out of my group, Jeff B., and Lucas S. out of the tournament.

Lefty beat me in a SEA vs N.E. 6-10.

Chris beat Joey in a K.C. vs DEN 17-10.

Daboy beat Lefty in a G.B. vs N.O. 21-24.

I beat Joey in a WAS vs DAL 24-6.

Lefty beat Joey in a JETS vs PHX 21-14.

At this point we stopped for gas and Hake swapped positions with Chris as Chris began driving.

I beat Hake in a RAI vs CHI 10-24.

Daboy beat Joey in a ATL Vs CLE 24-21.

Lefty beat me in a CIN vs RAMS 7-17.

We arrive in Madtown around 4:30 local time and check into the infamous Super 8 East.  When we arrive, large and in charge, assistant manager Scott tells Chris that his room has one Queen bed and they were only reserved for one night instead of two.  After some dancing, Chris got two full beds and the second night.  My transaction was a bit smoother and after check in we dumped our stuff off and decided to go eat.  There was a Hooters close by the hotel and we proceeded.  Our server, Angie asked us what the big occasion was and I replied that we are professional Nintendo players.  Then we had to explain the whole Tecmo thing.  Good eats and good times led us to the Badger Bowl for early registration.

Paid for my bracket and then said some hellos.  Met SirTed and Gripsmoke from the west coast for the first time.  Very laid back chill guys.  So cool seeing/meeting the online guys for the first time. Met both of the Tecmo Bo's.  Met noonan as well.  Very enthusiastic individual.  Great for Tecmo. Good dude.  Saw many of our buds as well.  Too many to name drop, but you know who you all are. I think a few played some games, but we split much earlier than last year and headed to the gas station for some booze.

Games ensue at the Super 8 which no one will be going to next year because it is too far from the venue and mainly because of assistant manager Scott.  Even Mort commented in the decline of service there.  Stay tuned for next year.  I was able to beat Daboy 35-7 in a T.B. vs MIN.  This gave me the courage to call the eventual matchup involving T.B. in the championship game.  I played Matty V in a PIT vs CLE matchup winning 28-7.  He took CLE and I asked him if PIT would be fair enough.  He said yes.  Then all I hear for 3 quarters is how unfair the matchup is (it may be).  During this time I slammed four 16 oz 8% malt beverages in about an hour and a half.  Top that off with Flo who comes in with a Chicago exclusive Marlort's, 40% by volume.  Between the room we nearly finished the entire bottle.  O'Dell, Hendershot, and Barhoover were there as well. Back to Marlort's, WORST SHOT EVER.  Horrible aftertaste that wouldn't leave with a chaser.   By this time I'm nearly out.  I played Daboy in a K.C. vs MIA and won 17-14.  Have no clue how that happened.  I moved to the bed and assumed my death-in-coffin position with hands clasped and passed out.  Other continued to play and I believe room 115 did not go to bed until 6 AM.

At 5 AM I woke up to ice on the window and cold air blasting my lungs.  The night before the smell of Tecmo at night promote an air conditioner on tilt, but that did not get shut off.  I went downstairs for breakfast and it was warmer in the elevator foyer than it was in our room.  Ate in peace all alone with my waffle and OJ.  Heard a young African American was shot and killed by a police officer in Madison that night before on the news while I ate.  Showered up.  Put on the Hulkamania undershirt with Wayne Haddix not so Creamsicle jersey.  The last time a wore this in tournament play was my first Madison (Tecmo VII) were I made my best finish in the Sweet 16.  Superstition logic here thinking that if I wore Haddix I could reach my goal of Sweet 16 this year.  A few of the Vogts were struggling with the contents of their stomachs.  Five of the seven of us are waiting in the Traverse.  Chris comes out of the hotel room and with large upswings of his arms is screaming, "Come on, let's fucking go!" while walking in the parking lot. The Traverse was jacked and ready for Madison Tecmo XI Apocalipps Now.  Then Matty comes strutting out.

Traverse crew roll out to Gangsta rap and arrive at the Badger Bowl at 9:30.  Readings from the Book of L.T. accompanied by the acknowledgement Tecmo Memorial Graveyard featuring deceased Tecmo NFL athletes and Sobhi.  The Madison crew are second to none when thinking of stuff like this.  Speaking of graveyards, on to group play.

  

My first game I match up with Tony S. "The 8 seed".  He was the only player with a previous Madison record that I did not scout.  He wins the flip and calls the matchup.  MIA vs S.D.   Apparently he hardcore scouted me and tried to trap me with S.D.  It worked.  I took the Chargers and couldn't do shit in the first half.  His playbook took out Byrd and he was very methodical in play calling.  He ran early.  I had nothing.  He was up 21-7 early in the fourth quarter.  I got a quick long run score with Butts to make it 21-14.  I full kick.  Bring him to a fourth down and he converts it going gutsy in his own territory.  Then I call his play and bring him to 4th and 9.   He punts.  I had Wayne Walker in EXCELLENT at WR 1.  Heavy doses of Butts with two timely long YAC from Walker.  I score with four seconds left to send it to OT.  I win the toss and move the ball the best I did all game.  TD making the final 21-27.  Tony played well.  I honestly felt he was the most skilled in the group.  Great game man.  If I was on the receiving end of that I would be sick.  Dude handled it with class.

Game two I played Matt T. from Perrysville, MO.  I've played Matt T. before. Solid player with one of those deceiving losing records.  He knocked off KampHuna8 at Madison last year.  He plays good players close, but just comes up short more times than not, which the record indicates.  He got the toss.  Ugh.  I knew what was coming.  He called BUF vs GIA at Midwest and played me close.  He called GIA vs HOU.  I wanted the Giants, but I didn't want to get carved up by Moon.  I practiced pass progressions on COM in the hotel with Moon.  I took Oilers.  Bad decision.  Matt goes up 7-0 after chewing the entire first quarter and some of the second quarter converting a 4th down in the process.  My first possession I got pinned inside the five.  He called me twice.  I was forced to punt. His second possession he converted two fourth downs including a 4th and 3 run up the gut which I stuffed Meggett in the backfield (Childress), but got ghosted.  This was the game breaking play.  He goes up 14-0 at half.  Second half I score and then hold Matt to a FG making it 17-7.  Moon scores again and the Oilers force a punt with 16 seconds left and Matt wins 17-14.  GG.  Nothing to be said here.  He won and played well.  I played fine.  He was the better player this game.

Game three and now the pressure is on.  Lose and I miss the big dance for the first time in five trips. Beef Juice on the menu.  Jake is another one of these guys who are solid for Tecmo.  He runs the Tomczak Bowl in Iowa in December each year.  Passionate and knowledgable.  I finally win a toss and call DET vs S.D.  Knowing I love the Chargers he takes S.D.  Jake called my play somewhere between 35-40% of the game.  When he didn't the Charger drones were killing me. I finally resulted to putting Barry in at RB instead of WR.  Wouldn't you know it, nearly every player including Barry was in BAD.  After electing to not kick two or three FGs I find myself tied 7-7 with three minutes to go.  I sneak in with Barry making it 14-7.  On his next possession he threw an INT and I am able to score a garbage TD for the final 21-7 score.  Great defense Jake.

Game four I have the pleasure of playing Tony S. again.  He wins the toss again and calls PIT vs RAMS.  I gave him PIT for two reasons.  1.  I couldn't afford to get down early with the Steelers. 2.  If he used the same playbook, Kevin Greene would be chomping at the 8 bit to lurch.  Sure enough he did and the game was less stressful than the first.  Plus the RAMS got a few picks too.  Final score was 0-21.  Tony will get out of group play next year.

Game five was a rematch with Matt T. for the losers bracket championship.  Win and your in. Asking for advice, Hake and others suggested going with two teams I am most comfortable with.  DEN vs S.D.  He took the Chargers.  Defense was stout.  Called many timely Butts runs.  Able to mix and match with Elway and Humphrey.  I think there was an INT.  I was able to force a few punts and win 24-6.  Great games Matt.  Segathonsov ended up winning Group 23 with an undefeated 3-0 record.  Nice work.

Between the group play and elimination bracket was the costume contest.  Just like group play, the costume contest gets better and more skilled each year.  This year the Tecmo Bunny came drunk and annoyed the crowd.  John B. starred as El Tecmo in a Lucha Libre mask and Browns jersey.  Two guys came as the hunter and the dog from Duck Hunt.  No one stole the show like Chris H. aka Tecmo Ninja; aka ninjachessmaster as the Mighty Mighty Bomb Jack. Chris had the Super Bowl half time dance and audio.  He then started throwing out "matchup bombs" to the crowd.  Chris H. won the costume contest by crowd applause.

Took the 10 minute break to woof down a half pound cheeseburger and fries.  Next they announced the round of 64 matchups.  Wouldn't you know it?  I opened up against my pool champ Sega.  I win the toss and call CHI vs RAI.  He said that he refused to give me Bo and his friend said, "So you are going to give him Neal?"  First play... JJ INT by Carrier.  I remember two punts and maybe a fumble as well.  Bears run with Bailey and toss to Neal for a 26-0 win.  Great tournament Sega.

Round of 32 I play Joey V. fellow Traverse member.  We set up our play books and then they wanted to switch us to the stream TV.  I won the toss and called CIN vs DET.  Joey took DET.  I ran heavy with a GOOD James "I feel GOOD" Brooks.  Lions broke some long runs.  I had the Ruble dive going this game.  The difference here was a lack of pass game from the Lions.  The Stream can do the talking, but Joey and I were dripping when the game was over.  Round of 32 Joey V.!  You made your goal.

Sweet 16 I played the winner of SirTed and O'Dell.  I watched their game.  O'Dell was up 6-0 in fourth with the JETS.  Ted had the Steelers with a 4th and 20.  Ted had multiple receivers open. O'Dell got popped and Strom tossed to WR 2 or TE more open than BFE.  DROPPED!  Both players dropped their controllers and doubled over.  Unbelievable.  So I get O'Dell in the Sweet 16.  I won the toss and called S.D. vs WAS.  I figured O'Dell would take the Skins, but I would get my B.J. ;) Crazy start.  I was forced to punt.  Eric throws a pick to O'Neal.  I lost the ball somehow and Eric went up 7-0.  I tied it at 7.  I get O'Dell to punt and score to go up 14-7.  Eric connected on a long JJ and ran one in with Byner to tie it at 14 early in the fourth.  I got the ball after the kick with about three minutes left.  I ran clock and scored with 1 second left to win 21-14.  Maybe one of the better games to watch all day.

Elite 8 I get Orenga and the Orenga Posse.  I was 2-0 against Orenga coming in, but never faced the Posse.  Between my game with O'Dell and Orenga my Traverse crew and some other online garbage formed the Psych Ward.  They strategically came up with response chants for the Orenga Posse. Some examples were "We got buns" after Orenga Posse would do their Anaconda score chant. Another was Tecmo... Psycho... followed by the horror movie squeal from Alfred Hitcock's Psycho. The noise was so intense I felt like I was making out with Orenga when I was talking to him.  The stage was rocking with the sheer amount of people jumping up and down similar to Cameron Indoor stadium.  Killing me to use that reference.  Several times my ears were ringing, but knowing my crew was behind me fed me good vibes during the game.  Orenga called PHI vs MIA.  I took MIA because I didn't want Tony to exploit the quick game.  I don't know if it was the Psych Ward or what, but my defense was lights out with Offerdahl containing QB Eagles.  Got a solid arrow trick to Jensen before my first score.  Game was back and fourth during the first half and I brought in fat ass Scott Mitchell, heaved it up, JJ, and grappled tossed MAN defender for the 7-14 lead.  After half, Oregna ties it up on a solid drive.  I quick strike the next possession all the way down the field and run in with Sammie Smith to go up 14-21.  Orenga threw a pick and I capitalized with another score.  Orenga brought in McMahon and benched QB Eagles to connect on a CC to WR 2.  Game ended once I punted away for the 21-28 win.  #psychward>orengaposse

Elite 8 Part Deux was against Josh H.  Josh always beats me.  Chet always beats me.  Josh always beats me.  Chet always beats me.  Yes I said it twice.  I win the toss and call CIN vs CHI.                   Josh takes Da Bears.  I was getting crushed early.  Josh was on with the pass.  I could not catch up with Harbaugh's killer PS.  Thankfully I had Lewis Billups in my secondary.  Two picks!  I stayed close and was able to nab a 10-7 lead in the third quarter.  Josh takes a 14-10 lead with a little over two minutes left.  I march down the field and with four seconds left call pass 4 Z Slant to hit WR 2 for the win 17-14.  Lesser Holzbauer Monkey off the Back.

Final 4.  Wow.  James T. Skunker Best in World repeating Final 4 two years in a row.  I had a candid conversation with Toolie about our kids and then some short discussion on Skunker strategy.  This conversation solidified my K.C. matchup vs CHI.  I figured he would go Chiefs and was stunned when he took the Bears.  I fumble early in the game and get down after holding him to a FG.  I also countered with a FG of my own.  Early in the fourth quarter I kick a long FG to make it 7-6. Then Derrick Thomas doesn't go into EXCELLENT, but into PSYCHO condition (quote from Mattrick Swayze).  I started rushing the QB and made a swooping move to catch Neal in the back field.  On another play I get a near safety with DT and a horrid, sailing out of bounds pass is JJ picked to set me up for my only TD and leading 13-7.  A lucky break?  Absolutely!  Horrible QB throwing after being blitzed?  You bet!  A last chance heave to Bailey is connected on a JJ and Skunker is just outside the red zone.  Another toss is thrown down low and picked off.  A few runs and then a punt runs it out for the 13-7 win.  Can't wait to watch the stream.  Great game James.  EDIT:  after watching the stream I am very frustrated with my play.  By far my worst game of the elimination part of the tournament. With that being said, I will go out on a limb and say this was James' worst game as well.  I did make enough plays on defense (held CHI to 28 rush yards on 10 attempts) and the second long FG was huge in the outcome.  Nonetheless, I will take it.

I also had the pleasure of speaking with Ashman from Texas.  One word to describe this man, genuine (with a Texas drawl).  A great conversation with him.  I hope to get to Texas for Tecmo someday.  I now go to the cabin room and wait with Matty V. to go over matchup strategy with the three remaining players Daboy, coconuts622, and Skunker.  The wait was an eternity.  David T. came in to join and we discussed an interesting trend about tackling after touchdowns in the end zone.  Apparently someone says if you tackle in end zone you lower condition level next quarter for said player being tackled.  DT said he didn't believe it, but with the Bills on two different quarters with two different players it was "proven true".  Brudogg, can you confirm this?  After what seemed like an eternity and fighting off some drunkards it was time. I was about to face fellow onliner coconuts622.  Josh A. and I have played several times before.  The championship was an all TTC (Tecmo Team Cup) final.  One league member lost in the round of 64, one league member lost in the Round of 32, three lost in the Sweet 16, one lost in the Elite 8, and then coconuts622 and I in the final.  Three did not make the trip out.  That means eight of the 12 league members made the bracket and six were sweet 16 or better.  Safe to say this is the strongest league running.

I felt like a professional wrestler walking out of the back and into the arena.  A sea of people were seated and in prime position to watch the big screen for the title game.  The ceremonial coin flip was tossed high in the air and coconuts622 called it tails.  It was heads.  I called S.D. vs T.B.  Thinking he would prefer T.B., I figured he would take S.D. to keep them from me.  He did.  Now the setting was set.  Donning the Haddix jersey, I would be controlling Haddix.  Fitting for a championship win.  I am not going to comment on the title game.  You have to watch the stream, but it will not disappoint. All I can say is both of us played a strong game.  Josh A., we showed some people we could play today.

 

When the smoke cleared I was mobbed by wave of people nearly going to the ground with MV and Hake.  The score was 13-10 Tampa Bay and I seriously just won Madison.  Wait.  I thought when you go to Madison you will not win.  Surreal.  Mentally and physically exhausted.  Twice during the tournament (O'Dell and Orenga games) I had finger and thumb/wrist cramping.  Dave M. brought me to the stream with Knobbe and Bailey and asked for a quick interview for 170 viewers (450 at peak) viewers.  I kept it short and simple.  I told my son that this win was for him and he helped me by practicing the past few weeks.  All day long he was emailing me between games and he was watching the stream from home.  During the interview I got a little emotional thinking of him as he was supposed to come with me this year.  I felt like I could not let him down.  I wanted this so bad, not necessarily for me, but for him.  Mission accomplished.  My Tecmo Christmas actually did come true.

Tecmo Psycho, "You just won Madison, where do you want to go?"  I am going to Denny's.  Picked up the tab for the Traverse crew because without their support I am probably not winning this thing. Got some Champ Slamwhiches and some Champion Pepper to drink.  Back to the hotel for sleep.  I couldn't.  It was hitting me then.  Spent about 90 minutes going through Twitter, Facebook, and texts from family and friends.  I can't express how grateful I am for the outpouring of support during and after the tournament.  On Tecmo Cloud Nine.

Woke up early the next morning with little sleep.  Showered up and down for waffles again.  For the second day in a row, all by myself.  A great time for reflection.  Hake was gracious enough to drive the entire way home.  Hake is a good dude.  I also enjoyed sleeping with him as well.  While the ride back felt much longer on the way up, the ride home was a happy one.  We stopped at an Arby's.  I wasn't feeling food, but I was feeling a need to drop a load.  I walk inside and looked at everyone and told them to take their time because I was taking a champion-shit.  When we returned to the Traverse we found out that Matty set up a Twitter account for Daboy.  Maybe more shocking than my tournament win.  The remainder of the trip was looking at social media and me writing most of this blog entry.

Winning Tecmo Madison has taken countless hours of COM vs COM, MAN vs MAN, online ratings prep, online scrimmages, online league games, scouting, playbook experimentation, discussion with friends, and the Tecmo Team Cup League has validated why I spend so much of my extra curricular time on Tecmo.  This one day was worth all of that time.  You definitely would have found me doubting myself getting out of group play.  I will also say that something clicked and for about 8.5 games of Tecmo I felt like no one could beat me.  After the beginning of the game with Orenga, I had no butterflies.  I felt calm and good.  The stars also aligned.  After not getting many call opportunities in group play, the only time I did not get to call a matchup was against Orenga in the Elite 8.  The last second score on Josh H., the JJ INT on Skunker, and the ability to have a 90 minute break to rest a cramping left hand and weak right thumb were all essential.  Daboy also took out Chet.  I know some will say that this was just a lucky streak, but I have believed in my ability (at times) for quite a while now.  I did not foresee winning this tournament, but I will justify my win.  There are only eight people in the world who can say they have won a Tecmo Madison.  I am the ninth.  For this one day I can say that I was the greatest Tecmo player in the world and damn it feels good.

No name drops, but the entire Tecmo Madison Crew (including the live stream and commentators) are the greatest assembly of video game entertainment in the world.  You guys and gals are awesome and have no idea what void you fill in worthless nerd lives all around this great country.  We can only pray to the Tecmo gods for Tecmo Madison XII... He Haddix Me at Hello.

Sincerely,

Tecmo Madison XI Champion 

Tecmo Psycho

Detroit Tecmo Kumite III

This trip began by leaving school and making the forty minute commute home to pack and pick up the kids.  I proceeded another fifty minutes to Greensburg where my parents reside because they were going to watch the kids.  We arrived there around 6:15 PM and my plans were to get some sleep.  I tried sleeping in the back room on a recliner.  My parents back room has no door which does not serve well with a dog, a seven-year old, and 22 month old.  I got a nap in from about 6:45 to 8:30 and then received a barrage of tweets, texts, and phone calls from various Tecmo and non-Tecmo people.  I didn't get back to sleep until about 10:30.  My alarm was set for 2:30 AM.  I didn't get off the recliner until about 3:15.  I got up and got ready, went to the ATM, and proceeded to Hamilton, Ohio to meet up with vogtcd11 and 513boy.

The hour long commute from my parents to Vogt's was pretty smooth in the dark, with nearly no traffic.  Right as a near the Ohio state line, my emergency tire pressure light came on.  Thankfully this was just low pressure and not a flat.  I arrived at 5:01 AM and we did not hesitate  to leave in route to pick up cubanrocks at the Miami Valley Racing and Casino.  We pulled into the parking lot lit up by fluorescent tubes of light and saw a car park in an adjacent lot.  Vogtcd11 said I wonder if that is him.  I told him to flip his brights several times and would you know it he pulled out and headed toward us.  Cubanrocks gets into the car.  He was donning the safe Barry Sanders jersey.  Vogtcd11 was sporting Darrell Green, 513boy wore and alternate Dan Marino, and I chose Christian Okoye for the the third annual Detroit Tecmo Kumite.

Deep and serious Tecmo Talk about ratings, matchups, defense positioning, and wise cracks about 513boys age #BabyJoey ensued as we made the trek from the Racino.  We made a stop somewhere on 75th North, picked up some drank, breakfast sandwiches, and a box of Krispe Creme doughnuts.  When we left the gas station the exit to get back on 75th North was closed and there was no real detour that directed us back.  Of course the GPS didn't know so we finally took 75 South, found the next exit, and turned around as the sun started to rise.

We arrive in Auburn Hills around 10:00 AM to get some gas and arrive at Hoops Sports and Spirts around 10:15.  Very small and remote, but a perfect place for a Tecmo tournament.  We set up the stream, televisions, and consoles as competitors start to roll in.  The first individuals I encounter were from Canada.  They were brothers donning Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson Seahawks jerseys.  Both were very enthusiastic and attending their first Tecmo tournament.  Jeremiah asked me for a warm up game.  We play and it did not go too well.  By halftime we switched up the teams and then his brother Jerion (sorry I am botching this again) jumped in for some reps.  After a couple of warm ups I found timbone666.  Special story about timbone.  Tim was the first person to help me get starting online in 2010.  He walked me through setting up a game.  I chose the Bears and he chose the Cardinals being gracious on a noob.  I somehow won the game that featured a total of nine interceptions and he even took the time to help me save the game and upload it to TPC.  It was great to finally meet you in person.  I hope you had a great time.

Not too long after, LuckyTool commanded everyone's attention and fumbled with multiple attempts at the bar's microphone.  After the frustration he decided to just belt it out as some basic rules and format were discussed.  The Kumite features a unique triple elimination format where competitors are assigned a number at the start of the tournament.  I received number 7.  A bag full of ping pong balls with numbers were placed in a bag.  Each round the tournament directors draw out two balls with the first being player 1 and matchup caller and the second being the choice of team.  They also informed the field of two side prizes.  Prize number one, in honor of Michigan's new football coach, was a Starting Lineup of the Bear's Jim Harbaugh.  To receive this a player would have to use the Bears, use Jim Harbaugh and obtain the most passing yards with him.  The second prize would be $100 split between to two players who replicated the exact score in their Seahawks/Patriots game as the Super Bowl next week.  I am really pulling for the Seahawks in a 28-0 route.  Some excitement started as red98sethuhut drew regulator088 again for his first game and would draw him again later in the tournament.

If you would like to skip my game recaps here is a Cliff Notes version:

Game 1:  CHI 44 vs CIN (Brett H.) 0... 307 yards with Harbaugh

Game 2:  SEA (LuckyTool) vs N.E. 0... Wilson, Cook, and Fryar in BAD for three quarters combined with brilliant SEA playbook equalled no chance

Game 3:  ATL (513boy4Life) 0 vs PHX 13... Lots of INTs on both sides

Game 4:  DEN 35 vs S.D. (James H.) 12... Great offenses, but not enough Charger defense

Game 5:  S.D. 28 vs DET 0 (Trevor R.)... I played awesome defense

Game 6:  RAI 14 vs CHI 17 (Nick C.)... A game I totally let get away

Game 7:  WAS 28 vs S.D. 7 (Jeremiah/Jerion)... Like the warm up the brother's from Canada teamed up.

Game 8:  K.C. 21 (regulator088) vs MIA 7... DeBerg CCs and Chief run D were too much

Game 1:  CHI 44 vs CIN (Brett H.) 0... 307 yards with Harbaugh

Didn't know what to expect with my first opponent.  I know his brother has been to Madison.  I went safe and went with a comfortable matchup in the Bears and Bengals.  I ran early and often with Bailey.  Went up 7-0 early.  Then he fumbled.  In the second quarter I started to pass.  I put Neal Anderson up top and did a lot of chucking as well as some dink and dumps.  I know my opponent wasn't happy.  I had a lot of JJ INTs with Carrier.  I actually stopped myself at the 1 yard line twice to avoid scoring and ran the clock at the end of the game.

Game 2:  SEA (LuckyTool) vs N.E. 0... Wilson, Cook, and Fryar in BAD for three quarters combined with brilliant SEA playbook equalled no chance

LuckyTool called the matchup.  I am not fond of the Seahawks, and I typically don't mind the Patriots so I went with the Pats.  I realized after about two series from LuckyTool and his offset playbook that my defensive advantage would be worthless.  To top it off I could not compete offensively either.  Marc Wilson, Irving Fryar, and Marv Cook were in BAD condition for three quarters.  My only attempt in scoring was an incomplete diving pass in the end zone.  LuckyTool played brilliantly and I played very poorly.  I blame most of this to me not thinking of the offset.  Kudos to O'Toole making look like a bad Tecmoer.

Game 3:  ATL (513boy4Life) 0 vs PHX 13... Lots of INTs on both sides

My third game paired me up with 513boy4Life Joey V. a fellow car pooler.  He called ATL and PHX.  After some long deliberation I wanted PHX solely because of the secondary MAN control flexibility.  The game started out with me driving well and then throwing an INT.  Joey did the exact same thing in return.  On my third possession I got a long run TD on a one-on-one grapple.  I was able to snag a Del Greco FG right before half.  We both threw another pair of INTs and Joey fumbled in the second half.  Late in the third or early in the fourth I was able to secure the win with another FG.  Joey played really well on defense, but just couldn't get Rison going.

Game 4:  DEN 35 vs S.D. (James H.) 12... Great offenses, but not enough Charger defense

In Game 4 I took on James H. of Sterling, MI.  I asked him how he was playing and he said 3-0 so I looked at this as a good time to go with a go to matchup so I called Chargers and Broncos.  He went with the Chargers.  Offensively we were both very efficient in the first half.  In the second half I started getting some stops and the offense continued to roll.  Late in the game he called my play for the odd 12 point score.  Very nice dude with some talent.  looking forward to seeing James in the future.

Game 5:  S.D. 28 vs DET 0 (Trevor R.)... I played awesome defense

In Game 5 I played Trever R. that I recognized from Twitter.  Probably should have saved this matchup in retrospect, but again the deeper I got in the tournament I felt the need to secure myself going to the final 8 competitors.  Not much to say here.  My run D was lights out and pass D was great.  Despite throwing two INTs my offense was efficent.  #Butts4Days.

Game 6:  RAI 14 vs CHI 17 (Nick C.)... A game I totally let get away

Game 6 I played eventual runner-up Nick C. from Cleveland.  To this point he was 4-1 just like me. He admitted that he got lucky in another game and probably should be 3-2, but would take it.  I called Raiders/Bears and he took the Bears.  In the first half I played well going up 14-0 after forcing some punts.  He received the ball after half and had a great running drive with Neal to make it 14-7.  My next possession, which was roughly mid to late 3rd quarter brought me to a 4th and 4 around my own 25 yard line.  The entire game Bo was in AVG condition.  Even my opponent made the comment that it seemed like Bo had no acceleration after receiving the ball.  On that 4th and 4 I ran Run 1 R &S and was stopped at the marker.  He quickly scores making it 14-14 at the end of the third quarter.  I get the ball to start the fourth quarter and methodically drive down the field, which included a 4th and 4 conversion pass to Willie Gault on Pass 2.  I got inside the red zone and called Pass 1 with 1:50 or so left in the game.  He covered RB 1 with Carrier.  His drones were coming after me and I quickly tap the A button to throw to RB 2 who was a few yards short of the goal line.  Instead, the arrow goes to RB2 and the ball goes to RB1.  INT.  Nick gets a long run with Neal after winning a grapple which puts him in long FG range.  Before the clock winds down he gain some yards for an easy FG.  I let this one get away.  Of my three losses it hurts the most because this kept me out of the final 8 single elimination.  Two key moments.  A.  If I get the first with Bo he does not score until 4th quarter or If I punt there he doesn't score at all or uses a great deal of time to do so which wouldn't allow time for the game winning FG.  B.  The INT.  If the ball goes to RB 2 he scores and the game is over.  I did not intentionally arrow trick, but it is what it is.  In no way am I taking away Nick's second place finish as he is a good player and made enough plays to win the game, but I definitely had this game.

Game 7:  WAS 28 vs S.D. 7 (Jeremiah/Jerion)... Like the warm up the brother's from Canada teamed up.

Game 7 was the pre-tournament warm-up game rematch from Weaksauce of London, Ontario. knowing how poorly things went for Jeremiah in that warm-up I had no problem giving points for the playbook, subbing of best players, and information about my defense.  The first half saw me up 21-0 with heavy doses of Byner.  In the second half, much like the pre-tournament warm-ups, Jeremiah's brother, Beastmode of London, Ontario finished up the game.  Tightening the run defense I switched gears and threw with Rypien.  Beastmode ran well with butts notching a score on his first possession.  Really great to meet the two of you.

Game 8:  K.C. 21 (regulator088) vs MIA 7... DeBerg CCs and Chief run D were too much

Game 8 I draw regulator and if I win I am in.  Great.  He calls K.C. vs MIA.  I play equally with both and I know he typically plays well with MIA so I chose MIA.  Ugh.  Occasionally I ran well.  I threw an INT on the first possession.  Nothing was open on my pass plays that were not picked.  Struggled to get anything going offensively.  On defense I was at the mercy of the CC.  I can distinctly remember at least 5 CCs.  Many of those I was manning the defense on.  On a few I got isolated, got tossed and he either scored or gained massive yards.  Besides those I thought my defense was OK. Paige killed me.  On the whole I was outplayed in this.  My only losses coming from last year's runner up, the eventual runner up this year, and the eventual and Kumite I champ.

Ate twice at Hoops Sports and Spirts.  Had the Hatchet Black and Blue burger and then the Hoopster later on.  Descent food, but nothing spectacular.  What was spectacular was the service.  Really appreciated Missy.  She refilled my Blender Bottle somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-10 times throughout the day and treated everyone like she was friends with them.  Her smile remained the duration of the tournament despite working the grueling double shift.  I really feel for any of these workers on days like this.  Didn't hurt that she was smoke too.  It would be an understatement to say that Missy was in EXCELLENT.  

As I was eating one of he meals the third tournament director which I cannot recall his name, came to Joe M., ones11fahzu, and myself and asked if we all wanted a shot in the Elite Eight because we all had identical records and there were only seven spots filled.  All three of us said of course and he proceeded to draw out a pingpong ball.  He drew number 30 which was ones11fahzu.  He said oness11fahzu would play tecmodell42 in the Elite Eight.  All three of us were confused as we thought the three of us would be playing in at a shot to play tecmodell42.  I thought that the number he pulled was going to be the bye and Joe M. and I would play and the winner would play ones11fahzu and the winner would go to the Elite Eight.  So in a sense, I feel Joe M. and I got the sort end of the stick sense all three of us had identical records.

Despite not playing in the Elite Eight single elimination tournament, I finished "tied for 9th out of 38 competitors.  Not bad considering the quality of the players in the field.  It was also refreshing to know that I could continue playing Tecmo in a consolation tournament once players not making the Elite Eight were eliminated.  Earlier in the tournament the first 16 out played in consolation tournament as well.  Timbone666 defeated 513boy4Life for the win.  Since I just barley missed the cut for the championship bracket, it set me up nicely in the consolation tournament.  I would need to win three games to win it all.

If you would like to skip my game recaps here is a Cliff Notes version:

Game 1:  CLE 10 (Mort) vs ATL 24... Much closer than the score appears

In the first consolation game I get Mort.  Last year Mort put me out in the Final Four in a very close game.  I was able to get a victory off Mort at the Best of the Best at the Midwest tournament in July. he calls CLE vs ATL.  I take the Falcons after much deliberation.  Mort loses a fumble early and goes down 0-7.  Falcons get a stop and get close for a FG before half making it 0-10.  Second half Mort has a solid first drive and scores making it 7-10.  Falcons get stuck with another FG making it 7-13. Mort gets an overthrow with Qb Browns and gives the ball back to ATL.  Falcons then have to punt after missing a long overthrow of their own.  Mort marches the ball down the field, but throws a pick. Falcons then score on a JJ bomb to Rison to seal the deal.

Game 2:  DET 35 vs CIN (Joe M.) 14... Too much offset with Mel Gray

In the second game I take on Joe M.  I played Joe in a very close game last year.  This year I call DET vs CIN.  He takes Fulcher and I immediately set up the offset playbook, swap Barry out to WR1 and move Mel Gray to my primary RB.  I had no plans to throw, but to run at Fulcher all game.  I did just that.  Gray had a monster game and found many 10+ yard carries on the way to the win.

Game 3 (championship):  RAMS 28 vs CIN (D.T.) 14... Great run D with some timely picks

The championship of the consolation tournament had taking on the winner of D.T. of Buffalo, NY and vogtcd11.  D.T. pulled out a 21-17 win and moved over to face me.  I called a RAMS vs. CIN matchup.  By his immediate reaction, I knew this was something he did not want.  He took the Bengals and I proceeded with the last game's plan and went offset.  I ran early and often to take his play calling off the pass.  Then when it counted I struck long to Flipper.  Bengals had some early run success with Brooks, but some timely dive tackles and good pass play calling forced some early punts.  Rams got a long TD in stride to Flipper late to seal the win.

My prize for winning the consolation tournament was my $20 entry.  I love the concept of the consolation tournaments because it gives all players something to play for and it is more games for your buck.  The only downfall of playing in the championship of the consolation tournament was that it did not allow for me to watch the last couple of games of the big tournament.  From memory and peaking over I think this is how it shook out:

Elite Eight

Regulator088 defeated LuckyTool

Ones11fahzu defeated tecmodell42

Cubanrocks defeated Utimate Weapon (Ryan M.)

Nick C. defeated red98sethuthut

Final Four 

Regulator088 defeated cubanrocks 21-7

Nick C. defeated ones11fahzu 

Championship

Regulator088 defeated Nick C. 35-14

Red98sethuhut had the most brutal draws of the tournament.  He drew eventual champ regulator twice, runner up Nick C., and had a game versus vogtcd11 and ones11fahzu to avoid elimination. Cubanrocks proved himself as being a top player by going 9-1 in the tournament and really only being outclassed by regulator088.  Nick C. had a great showing as well.  Tecmodell42 scored the only victory against the champ and quietly strolled into the Elite Eight.  Regulator088 is cementing himself as possibly the greatest Tecmoer of all-time.  He makes good players look like noobs.  While he is beatable, he is the proof in pudding.  Two-time Kumite Champ.  The only thing that can stop him is the wife and soon to be child.  Best wishes as this special moment in your life comes.

Following the championship was the awards ceremony and group picture.  Another great tournament. Met more new people who share the same passion for the game.  Great job Eric O'Dell and Matt O'Toole.  O'productions did another great job.  We all had a blast and can't wait for Kumite IV.

I took the wheel to drive back home.  War stories of the tournament were shared.  Along the way we stopped at a truck stop with a Taco Bell.  Heaven.  Gorging on Crunchwrap sliders and Crispy M & M's, the Mountain Dew and Monsters kept me wake.  Tear-jerking laughter broke out when reading Tecmo related tweets.  I will leave it at that.  We dropped off cubanrocks at the Racino and arrived in Hamilton around 1 AM.  I powered my inner Bob Nelson going on 4.5 hours sleep in the past 48 hours and being up for 23 straight.  With about 15-20 minutes left of my remaining two hour haul I found myself rolling the window down, blaring the music, and finished the last of the Monster.  I made it home safe despite some nodding off.

The more I do this the more I want.  The Vogt's are as good of friends as my friends from high school and college.  I find myself talking more and more about life with them and others from the community.  It is a comforting feeling I have in my life.  It would be strange to think what our lives would be life if this great game that has brought us all so close together did not exist.  Only a little over a month to the greatest tournament of them all, Tecmo Madison XI Apocalypse Now.  Until then, Long Live Tecmo.