Midwest Tecmo VIII

Going into Midwest VIII I found myself not playing ANY Tecmo for a little over two weeks.  That was online games, games versus COM, and or console versus MAN.  I was not comfortable at all.  I drove to Shelbyville, IN in a monsoon to eat dinner with my parents at Cracker Barrel.  I shared with them stories of our family vacation.  You see, I literally just got back from Gulf Shores, Alabama. We left on Sunday evening, stayed until Thursday late afternoon, and got back early Friday morning. Brutal.  After dinner I drove to my parents place and visited a little more (they are half way between my place and vogtcd11's).  Around 8 PM I embarked to Hotel de Vogt with a blackened sky and the threat of more severe weather.  I arrive a little after 9 PM and chat with Chris and his fiancée. Shortly thereafter, we start playing some practice games.

With some fumble luck I won the first game, but I felt so uncomfortable.  I could tell that my lack of playing was going to be a problem.  Chris rattled off four straight including a shit storm JETS vs. N.O. garbage game.  I was getting pissed.  I buckled down and won three straight including two of Chris' favorite matchups (WAS vs. MIN) to tie it at four games a piece.  The fifth game was a great game of Tecmo which Chris won 14-17 in OT.  I felt better about my game, but not super confident. Went to bed around 2 AM.

The next morning Chris got up early to go to Rick's Tavern and Grill.  I couldn't get up.  When I finally did I grabbed some breakfast, headed to the tavern, and set up.  One by one, the star-studded field arrived.  Madison is the largest tournament in the country and features some of the top talent around, but at Midwest there is no froth at the top.  Highly concentrated talent.  I sat down with Diaz and we practiced our kick timing by only punting and kicking FGs.  I was BUF and he was IND.   Both of us knew that Rohn Stark was one of the best punters I the game, but I was shocked by how much difference it actually makes.  I was kicking from the five with Tuten and getting full bar, with it only getting it to the 25 or 30.  When Diaz was kicking from his five he was getting it to the five or ten with almost a full bar.  What a weapon IND has.  Strangely, the very next day Tecmo Bowlers posted this article about Rohn Stark:  Good Player Bad Team - Rohn Stark

As the registration grew to a close, Chris asked me to help with pool dividing.  It was fairly easy to put the "#1 seeds" into each pool.  Initially there were only 24 people and six pools.  Chris and others were making a case that I was a #1 seed.  I argued that I wasn't.  I definitely didn't have the confidence.  In a practice game I lost to Jordan W.  35-3.  After a 25th competitor showed up I became a #2.  Every pool was brutal.  Every pool had two ultra tough, could win-it-all types, and at least one upset type player.  My pool featured #1 ones11fazhu, myself, Jordan W., satellite tournament winner Nick S., and Brian M.

My first pool play game was a rematch with Jordan W.  Jordan chucked it up to Rison in the 35-3 game I mentioned earlier.  If I won the matchup call he was getting two shitty QBs.  I called DEN vs. S.D.  He took the Chargers.  I felt like I was in control in this very different game.  I played good defense until the end of the game and won 27-3.

My second pool play game was against satellite winner Nick S.  Chris told me that he out tapped him that weekend.  Chris got me a few times the night before so I didn't know what to expect from him.  I won the toss and called S.D. vs. WAS.  He took WAS.  I mixed it up.  I played near perfect.  I had the feeling he was playing well too, despite some crazy Gary Clark 4th down CCs and JJs.  He became very frustrated at not winning the taps and by losing.  When I scored a TD that put me up 3-31 he made a comment about running it up.  I had to explain point differential and how players are seeded.

My third pool play game was against Brian M. of Rushville, IN.  I grew up 30 minutes from Rushville.  Brian was also Tate M.'s brother who I met at the Tecmo Indy tournament.  They both made the trek to play.  In Indy, Tate acted as if his brother was better.  Tate improved immensely during the Indy tournament and after watching a few of his pool play games, was much improved since then.  Brian won the toss and called IND vs. N.O.  No-brainer for me.  Saints scored at will and shut down the Indy offense.  Final score was 0-42.  I felt like despite the poor matchup call, that Tate is the better player.

The final game of the pool was against ones11fahzu.  At times we play and it feels pretty even.  At other stretches he has dominated our games.  I called CIN vs. RAMS.  I wanted RAMS and felt he would take the Bengals.  He didn't.  He also ran a quality playbook taking Fulcher all, but out of the game.  My defense was great though.  Getting a pick early and controlling some early clock led to a 28-7 victory.  For the second straight tournament I was a handful of undefeateds.  This time I was the #1 overall seed with a point differential of 102.  Here are the results from the pool play games:

Being the #1 seed I got a bye, but what is my reward?  A "first" round game against the winner of Aaron H. and Chris H.  Ugh.  Hake won and he called a RAI vs. PHI matchup.  Against other players this is a tougher decision.  Against Hake it was easy.  Hake likes to pass.  I gave him RAI.  QB Eagles ran wild and hit open receivers.  Play calls and turnovers in his own territory led to a 14-35 win.

Second round game I get Louis B.  Are you kidding me right now?  He called MIA vs. PHI.  I have played this a ton since Orenga called this on me in Madison.  I have had success with both teams.  I practice this game quite a bit.  I took MIA.  I played lights out and also had several called plays putting QB Eagles out of reach.  After a late score from PHI, I won 7-17.

Round three and the right to play in the winner's bracket championship and a guaranteed fourth place finish I had to play ones11fahzu again who just got a monster win versus Chet H.  I won the toss and went with the same matchup Louis called on me.  He chose PHI.  Game was a great one.  Probably my most exciting game of the day.  He scored on a solid drive to go up 0-7.   I was held to a FG to make it 3-7.  I brought in Mitchell for the last second bomb at the half and it falls incomplete in the end zone despite a GOOD diving Mark Duper.  I get the ball after half and have a great drive.  I switch Duper up top and got a burner over a jumping cut screen Eric Allen.  Allen whiffed and Duper runs for an additional 20 yards or so and then FUMBLES!!!!!!!!!!!!.  Ooooooof.  Talk about a punch in the gut.  Eagles gets a FG and makes it 3-10.  Fourth quarter I march it down the field and with a minute and some change (52 seconds I think) score a TD to tie it.  Eagles have time to march and kick, but after converting a 4th and 3 from their own 35 the RB fumbles and give it to Stoyanovich with nine ticks left.  A punt and this game is in OT.  Instead the tournament run continues.

The winner's bracket championship is against regulator088.  Since Madison I hear one or two things. 1.  Psycho had a great run THAT DAY or 2.  Psycho is the champ and he has proven himself.  Either way, I feel like there is an asterisk next to the win.  Yes, regulator088 was not there.  I understand that.  If he was there, yes I may have lost.  So going into this game I felt like I had to prove something about playing top tier talent.  To this point, no one had given me a game besides ones11fahzu.  I felt pretty good, UNTIL regulator088 called the matchup.  He called his self-proclaimed BEST matchup JETS vs. PIT.  I was like, OK I just need to keep it under two scores.  I've seen how bad he has beaten great players in this matchup.  I took the Steelers because the JETS suck for me.  Game opens up with a JETS fumble and I got 3 off a FG.  The rest of the game I just limited yardage on the JETS. I felt like my defense was solid.  I did catch a break on a JJ INT by Woodson in the end zone across the middle (Clifton had one on Bubby earlier in the game).  On offense I felt like every other play was a first down.  I had some big gains.  I found myself up 0-19 at the end of the game.  JETS did get a fumble at the end which was returned to about the 3.  Regulator088 got pissed and punted it through the uprights.  If anything, I feel like no one has ever played him like that before, especially in that matchup.

After that victory I sat what seemed like a day.  I was refilling my water on my own because the new server that replaced Taylor was non-existent.  Taylor was awesome by the way!  I watched other talented Tecmoers get knocked off one-bye-one.  Chet got revenge on ones11fahzu, regulator088 defeated Diaz, Jimmy was defeated by Chet on a 60+ yard FG by Del Greco as time expired to be eliminated.  Jimmy finished 4th.  Jimmy also won the Boomer Esiason Starting Line-up by throwing for the most yards with him during the day (199).

While David Fulcher Sr. couldn't make it this year, he donated some autographed items including a football, a painting, and a jersey.  Raffle tickets were sold for his foundation.  I dropped $20 and missed the jersey by two tickets, ugh!  Regulator088 donated a larger amount to the bag, but didn't take his worth in tickets.  The Tecmo Gods rewarded him by winning the jersey.  Awesome stuff.

Yuengling was also gracious sponsors by donating T-shirts, banner work, a chalkboard, a golf bag, and a bar light.  First through third place would take home those prizes.  Chet went on to play regulator088 in the third place game.  Kyle took the Vikings in a WAS vs. MIN matchup call.  Kyle won big for the rights to clash with me.

I so wanted to call the matchup against Kyle.  This is one thing he does so well against everyone that I don't think he gets credit for.  He can take people out of their game.  In the first game of the championship he called RAI vs. CHI.  Against anyone else I am jumping up and down.  I took CHI. Looking back, I should have taken RAI.  He made me look silly and I felt like we just should have hit reset and played the second game once he got up 21-0.

The second game he won the toss again.  Ugh!  I was going to call CIN vs. WAS if I won it.  He later said he would have taken CIN, which is what I planned on.  Instead I get another matchup against everyone else I am jumping up and down against, DEN vs. S.D.  When I played this game I thought he had the upper hand the entire time.  After watching it back the game was much closer than the final score indicated.  A couple of plays here or there that did not go my way and the game is easily 13-13 or possibly in my favor.  If I would have ran R and S with Pro T Run 1 instead the offset playbook, I think it would have been a game for the ages.  Congratulations Kyle.  You are the measuring stick in Tecmo.  You watch the championship at minute marker 10 hours 9 minutes 33 seconds:  Midwest Tecmo VIII Championship Game

Whether you want to call it a magical year or a "run", I am 27-5 in live tournament play in 2015 on original ROM.  I have finished 1st at Madison, 4th at Tecmo Indy, and 2nd at Midwest VIII.  The fact of the matter is that I am improving and I am one of the better console players around.  There are others that are just as good and better.  Big ups to Chris Vogt who continues to do more for the game of Tecmo than anyone I know.  I think we are running people off.  We need to get this thing back up to 56 people like it was two years ago.  You do an awesome job and you are the reason why I continue to plan life around Tecmo.

After the tournament I picked up my stuff at Hotel de Vogt and headed home with ones11fahzu and regulator088 behind.  I offered them a place to stay to save them some drive time and a ridiculous late night.  We grabbed some pizza and crashed hard.  I woke the next morning to find they left me some cash and a tidy living room.

Another great weekend.  I love these, win or lose.  

Long Live Tecmo

  

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