(Editor’s note: TJ (of 4!) is the guest picker for this week. His comments and selections are completely independent of Jack’s. Similarly, Jack’s predictions were made independently and should not be considered a reflection of the Czar, the Lieutenant, or of Fall League in general). All Rights, reserved, 2008.

The Sour Age

Predictions Week 3

October 26, 2008

By Jack Skunk

The Ugly Win Edition

It’s going to be hard to argue that I won against Ashton last week, but what the hell, I’ll give it a shot. Correction: it will be easy, since if I go with the math I introduced you to last week, the score is 5-4, Jack Skunk over Ashton.* Still, I missed in two games this week, and that just plain sucks- much like any 80s tribute band that celebrates the life of Eddie Money. All right- let’s get to the predictions. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, and I’ve got miles to go before I sleep…

Round 1

“4!” (1-2) versus “Golden Girls” (0-3)

I’m looking forward to this game, because I promise you- both teams have been underperforming all season long. I ripped 4! Last week for not caring, but that was a hell of a comeback they had against Black. Maybe Black didn’t care either, or maybe, just maybe, Black couldn’t stop them. And the Golden Girls- though I want to pick you- I just can’t. You’ve got to unhitch the plow first, and prove that you can run with the best of them. Remember ladies: wins = respect. Yeah, I’m not going out on a limb for this game. 4! over the Girls by 4!.

Jack’s Pick: 4! By 4

TJ’s Pick: 4! By 2

“No Fear” (3-0) versus “7 Seas” (0-3)

This is our battle of the blues game, and I’d love to build it up and warn you to watch for the upset, but it just ain’t going to happen. No Fear, since they’ve been playing patsies all season, truly believes that they are unstoppable. Ah… The hubris of youth. Unfortunately for the 7 Seas, though, the Goffster is right. But, look for Captain Ben to let the dogs run, and that will manage to keep this game close. But then, their dreams of victory will wash away. The Fearless by 2.

Jack’s Pick: No Fear by 2

TJ’s Pick: No Fear by 3

“Red Scare” (2-1) versus “32 Colts” (2-1)

After their respective performances, only a crazy man would pick Mike’s Reds to pull off the win. Here’s the trick though: I’ve got insider info, and I’m not afraid to use it. Let’s run through the list: No Travis, No Tanya, No Ted, and Captain Patrick is gimpy. Plus, I heard a rumor that the Reds have got something to prove. The Colts will lie down in the pasture to take a nap, thus allowing the Scare to steal one. Red Scare by 4.

Jack’s Pick: Red Scare by 4

TJ’s Pick: 32 Colts by 4

“Hell’s Bells” (3-0) versus “Jade Tiger” (1-2)

Upset alert! I picked against both of these teams last week, and was wrong on both counts. In the end though, this is a simple pick, so I’m not going to get all crazy or delusional on you. Though Silver tends to win ugly, they do win. I think they’ll park Ashton deep to shut down the huck and have Tim run underneath to clog the middle. I see lots of zone, and lots of frustrated deep bombs that go OB. Hell’s Bells! I can’t believe it, but I’m finally picking Silver! Hell’s Bells by 5.

Jack’s Pick: Hell’s Bells by 5

TJ’s Pick: Hell’s Bells by 9

Round 2:

“Jade Tiger” versus “32 Colts”

Green is going to win this one, and here’s why: the Colts are going to be thin with the troops, whereas Keating should have his full squad out. Plus, K-Swiss will be returning to Field 1, which is where he loves to play. Upwind/downwind treats him far better than crosswinds. Look for the Colts to be challenged deep. Besides, ask yourself this simple question: who wins if a Tiger fights a Colt? It’s the Tiger baby. Jade Tiger by 6.

Jack’s Pick: Jade Tiger by 6

TJ’s Pick: 32 Colts by 5

“Red Scare” versus “Golden Girls”

I keep waiting for the Golden Girls to turn the corner, but I just don’t think it’s going to happen in this game. The Scare is carrying the best handler (Alex) and the fastest guy in league (Miguel). I just think those two weapons alone will be enough to take care of business. The Golden Girls will fight hard- much like a third grader in a “slappy fight”- but in the end, gold will get squished like the soft metal that it is. Red Scare by 2.

Jack’s Pick: Red Scare by 2

TJ’s Pick: Red Scare by 6

“No Fear” versus “4!”

This is going to be a fun, intense game! 4! doesn’t want to lose to this No Fear squad, since they know that they’re all just a bunch of little upstarts, who may or may not have hit puberty yet!** Yeah- I’m feeling crazy! I think 4! might actually show up and play in this one! Maybe they do have character! Maybe they do care! No Fear should be afraid! 4! will get the upset and sneak away with an oh so close win! Yeah! 4! by 1.

Jack’s Pick: 4! By 1

TJ’s Pick: 4! By 2

“Hell’s Bells” versus “7 Seas”

There’s no reason to write a lot here. I think that the Bells will take care of business. I’m not going to rip on the 7 Seas, but I just don’t think they’ve got enough weapons to take this one. Sure, the Bells might be feeling cocky, and hubris could be their one fatal flaw, but I just don’t think so. Look for Silver to play lots of zone, and to frustrate the huck. Hell’s Bells by 2.

Jack’s Pick: Hell’s Bells by 2

TJ’s Pick: 7 Seas by 4

Jack Skunk, the skunk of skunks

*Ashton’s score: 3-1 (games called), +1 for getting the spread correct in the game he called. Jack’s score: 2-2 (games called), +1 for the spread in the Green game, +1 for getting the spread perfect in Royal game, and another +1 for getting the spread perfect in the Black game. Final scores: 5-4, Jack Skunk. I rule!

**A supposed quote from an unnamed player of 4!