By Brad
Around a year ago a group of high caliber men set forth on a journey to see the interworking of breweries and the types of beer they made. With rumblings of another possible brewery tour, I feel it necessary to take the same meticulous steps in planning the ensuing trip, just as we did with the first. It is important to reflect on the first trip so that we can correct mistakes and emphasize the positives in hopes of a better trip than the first.
First off I’d like to start by saying that last year’s trip for me was really sparked by an increased interest in the vast potential of beer. The world of craft brewed beer was just opening its doors to the many wonderful recopies and styles that was/is at our disposal. At that time many of us were interested and invested in making our own beer, a hobby that seemed full of potential. Last year’s trip would serve as a sort of research into where beer could take us. I’m not talking about a business goal or some lofty ideas about running any sort of beer establishment, although it is a very fun little drunk dream I often have. I like to think that beer is a catalyst for good times and great friends. Making beer was to be just another reason for gathering and celebration. I know we have all grown insanely busy since our last trip with jobs, responsibilities, and ideas of tiny babies with massive hands, but the purity of beer and its potential remains the same. I have still been reading about the processes of making beer and I have written a few shaky recipes of my own, in hopes that funds will clear enough room for me to buy brewing supplies. I would also at this time like to invite myself over to Albert’s (terrible manners and I apologize for this) to use his kit in continuing our individual beer efforts. Remember that beer like concrete starts out wet, but in the end has amazing bonding power (can you believe I made that shit up myself, like a fucking t-shirt!).
Next we really need to reflect on our last trip, albeit a long time ago, to aid in the process of creating a new trip. First success, I felt that last year’s trip was a massive success despite the terrible weather the first night. Albert did a wonderful job playing Captain Sobriety in steering the ship from port to porter. Each member of the team did their share in allowing everyone have a least a sip of every beer served at each place totaling ____ beers (truth be told I don’t know who had the final tally sheet but I do remember it was a lot) a feat none the less. I also remember a great deal of camaraderie and teamwork from issues as small as finishing an incredibly spicy sandwich (special thanks Luke) to saving Grand Rapids from a terror alert of orange. Sleeping arrangements provided no cost and although awkward (I touched ass cheeks with Luke maybe on accident and it was weird) it was very comfortable (special thanks GEO). I think the mission of the trip was very clear and it proved to be a driving factor for us all. I know that I am missing a large number of positives from the trip, because to be honest it was one of the best times I’d ever had and for this I apologize for any key aspect I may have forgotten.
Looking back there were some things that proved to be difficult and although didn’t deter anything major from the trip; I feel these things need to be addressed in moving forward. First off I’d like to see our number of participants go up. Last year we were missing a few people who could have been more than detrimental to the cause. People like Mike, who is quite the beer connoisseur and a sharp dresser. Scott was just outside of bean town last year and could provide that stirring gonzo flare to the trip, one of which Aaron admirably took it upon himself to make up for last year by “channeling his inner Scotty”. I’d also like to throw our there for consideration Dave; who has not only made his own beer before but is a fantastically good time as we all saw not to long ago. The increase in the number of people would reduce the amount of pints each person needs to buy and more time can be spent on the beers we enjoy. Also beer is surprisingly filling and this could help with that bloated, I’m going to piss on everything that moves feeling.
The downside to the increase of potential participants would cause a problem with transportation, which I feel wasn’t much of a problem with the Captain at the helm and the big poppa bear in the back cave. Adding two or three people would force us to look at other options for hauling all of us somewhere and back. With the reduced amount of room we would also have to be more organized as a group, meaning everyone would have to be allowed only one case of Gatorade. Staying on the idea of transportation, the next trip will have to be considerably farther in order to tap into taps unseen and this brings up a few difficulties. We would have to pay to stay some where which isn’t too much of a problem; in fact I love a hot tub festering with drunken sweats in the morning. The only real problem with this is the amount of distance between breweries. I think everyone can attest to the fact that the trips highlights happened in GR where more bars were hit in a smaller location and more time could be spent at one particular bar. I think the number of breweries we ventured to be ambitious and perhaps too many. One bar that was tops on my list was the Hideout, for the simple fact that we stayed there the longest. I think in reducing the amount of bars traveled to would allow for a reduced amount of travel time between bars, and it would allow us to stay longer at the certain breweries of choice, therefore resulting in a better time for all to be had.
This brings me to my last point of topic, how about another trip? I heard that Luke was looking at planning the next trip which is awesome. I have a few notes on a potential trip that I took along time ago and I hope that the latter will only help on this trip and any planned for the near future. There are currently fifty seven breweries registered through Michigan Brewers Guild (www.michiganbrewersguild.org). Of these breweries we have made stops at eleven, leaving us with essentially the rest of Michigan to explore. The places I looked into took me east toward Lansing/ Ann Arbor. There are six award winning breweries in the area with the bulk of the driving taking us from H-town to a place called Harper’s Brewpub (harpersbrewpub.com). The next four places are all around a half an hour of each other, culminating with the last two of the four being on the same block in Ann Arbor. The next day would take us to one before heading through Marshall (one of our favorite places) and Kzoo on the way back. The list of the other breweries on the list are: Michigan Brew Co. (michiganbrewing.com/mbc.asp) Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales (jollypumpkin.com) Ann Arbor Brewing Co. (arborbrewing.com) Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. (grizzlypeak.net) Original Gravity (doesn’t have a website which makes me very nervous). I hope this helps someone. Also keep in mind that the city with the highest volume of breweries is Detroit, which has eighteen breweries and one meadery (hopefully you just heard trumpets sounding off in the distance signaling a potential challenge in the future).
I hope that this babbling of ideas can help start a conversation about beer between us. So I encourage you to please use the comment section and express your thoughts, your reflections on the past trip, any concerns you may have with a future trip, anything beer related really. I would also like to apologize if this was written sloppily; I had to dig my way out of a blizzard half way through. Thank you for your time and god bless beer.
Tags: Beer breweries drunk friends
Feb 02, 2011 • Minor Speculum
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By Brad
I have written several poems and just last year I tried for the first time to submit my work in to be published. Needless to say it didn’t work out. In fact I received no response at all, allowing my hopes to build up for over four months. The submission fee came with a years subscription to the magazine, which I had forgoten about until yesterday. It was a pleasent little reminder of my first writing failure. The following is one of three poems that didn’t make the cut.
Masks on Halloween Night
I dropped off a lunatic
and as I sped home
into the brisk Halloween night
I couldn’t help but feel worried,
not by the other drunkards
sporting their masks behind
the wheels of vehicles
sworn to protect no one.
No,
I worried about the drunkard I left,
wearing the most elaborately simple mask
I have ever seen.
A layered ensemble much like a
Picasso painting.
Strips of doubt and disappointment
crossed over different shades of pain
together
spiraling downward.
The whiskey eyes sang
self-destructive thoughts
wrapped in pure malice.
I could have saved him,
I wanted to save him,
but we cowards have ways of disappointing
one another.
Instead I lied awake in bed
in my own mask of agonizing fret
hoping he would make it through
the night.
Tags: contest failure masks Poetry poo
Nov 17, 2010 • Minor Speculum
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By Brad
I feel prepared.
The weekends in May often bring about moments of poverty stricken memories, dark sunglasses, and a mid afternoon smile that can only be described as perverse. May means horse racing and this weekend is the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown. Now being an avid fan of horse racing I would like to share the absolutely non-helpful little insight that I have. First the twelve-horse field has a total of five horses that have only won one race. With that said the real contenders would line up all right next to each other (post six out to twelve). The favorite is of course Super Saver ridden by Calvin Borel, the winner of the Kentucky Derby. This is a strong horse, but more importantly Calvin Borel has become legendary in his late years. Borel’s hug the rail style makes many, including myself, a little apprehensive to bet big on him since that is the easiest way for a horse to have a bad trip. Be it as it may at 5-2 he is a solid favorite that will only increase if the weather is bad. Bad weather will mean that Paddy O Prado will be up for contention, but as many found out in Kentucky, Paddy isn’t used to running on natural surfaces. He simply ran out of gas in Kentucky and held on for third as Ice Box blew by him for second, something his jockey has taken a lot of heat over in the last week. The new Irish horse of sorts to watch is Dublin at 10-1. Dublin is a speed horse and will need a clear weather day to run well. Lookin at Lucky is looking to redeem himself after a terrible trip in the Derby. He is a 3-1 after a jockey change was made early last week. There are two very capable horses that could make a run to upset the sports hope for a Triple Crown winner since forever ago. Jackson Bend (12-1) is a speed horse that many are looking at to set a pace early and Caracortado (10-1) has the strength to make a move down the stretch. Although as of now I default everything I know about racing to Scott Nykamp, the only man I have ever known personally to pick the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby. He is also well on his way to becoming a legend complete with a sponsorship from Woodford Reserve. So to find horses to bet on ask Scott. On Saturday I’m going with 1. Look in at Lucky 2. Caracortado 3. Super Saver 4. Paddy O Prado: with a two to win bet on Yawanna Twist, who isn’t that much of a long shot in my opinion.
Tags: horse Nykamp Preakness racing Scott
May 13, 2010 • Minor Speculum
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By Brad
I have attempted to change my personal habits after reflecting on a series of photos in an album that somehow survived the massive move into my new home. This random collection of dusty photos included several pictures dating as far back as Middle School formal dance, which was horribly awkward, and post game celebrations that I wish I could recall better. In these memories stuck out a ghostly figure better know as stick boy, Michianna Slim (a nickname given to me after a series of impressive pool games on a plastic table bought from Toys R Us on layaway), bones, crack head (although I don’t recall this name specifically the resemblance is to canny to omit), as well as many others.
I was grotesquely skinny, but each picture showed a glow of confidence I feel has dimmed over the years (yes even the one from eighth grade, although I will attribute the majority of that to the fact that I had my sunglasses on indoors). It was kind of like how Austen Powers lost his mojo without the homosexual overtones and randomly inserted catch phrases. Zingo! I immediately looked in the mirror to compare the youthful me to what I have done to myself. My body shows the affects of being a disappointed sports fan and at times a social hero. I needed to make a change and start making healthier choices.
So the past month or so I have dedicated to the attempt of changing my life style from a Riggs drink first ask questions later, to a more Murtaugh I’m a few days away from retirement style of living. The kicker over this month is despite my best efforts there has been a component of my week that would allow me to dip back into my wonderfully bad habits; I would drink on the weekends and eat like John Candy in his studio trailer and he has been dead for over five years so he is ok to use in a joke. So here it is, I am going to stop drinking for thirty days and share my experience with everyone. Obviously this comes with its fair share of difficulties.
Questions surface like the bodies of Asian Carp after a Nykamp saved Lake Michigan. Will I still have fun? Can I still go out? Can I really dance without drinking? I would like to encourage others to join me in this as we can help each other along. Not that it will be difficult for most of us, but some may and I’ll add nothing onto the end of this sentence so that you can cycle through the list of names who would have a problem with this you judgmental bastard. In order to allow our friends on the east coast to think about joining in on this I will officially start on the May 5th and end June 4th at midnight. During this period I will attempt to do several different health related things like yoga, running, detoxing, etc. Much like this article I don’t really have much of a plan for starting. I just am. You should to.
Tags: drink health tags what
May 03, 2010 • Minor Speculum
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By Brad
Early Friday morning mother Michigan lost one of her favorite sons. Scott Nykamp began his journey to the east coast and toward hopefully a better life feeling the cold steering wheel of his beloved truck.
Many arrangements have been made in honor on the Coyote Kid, including a gathering last Wednesday at the local Lyons Club entitled the Women Who Have Slept With Scott. Among the throngs of overly friendly women with the unofficial titles of single, truth be told all of the women were currently with some one but looking for someone better, was “that one chick with the fake tits”. Tits expressed her sadness for the departure of her “soul mate” saying, “I’d never have thrown that lamp at him if I’d known it would have ended up like this”.
Other Nykamp honors will start early Saturday morning when the local Boy Scout troop will kill twenty-seven stray cats by firing squad in Ely Park. All shooters will be wearing aviator sunglasses in a tribute to Mr. Nykamp’s alleged alias Johnny Drago. It will be attended by several of his friends and family. Among estimated twenty two thousand people expected to attend many are anxious to see two of Drago’s accomplices. Most will be looking, but most likely will not recognize Vincent Blackshadow, who has been in hiding ever since his run in with Grand Rapids police a little over a year ago. Drago’s other longtime friend, Commodore Nedward Leslie is expected to arrive in a stretch limo fashionably late, as is the custom of his homeland.
Many sad faces will be looking for the same look that once gleamed in the eye of the amateur pit fighter sometimes late at night, but that will no longer be an option. With its terrible economy, poor weather, and little to no attractions outside of Michigan Adventure, it is easy to say that Michigan is reeling after Scott’s departure. Many blame Jennifer Granholm, some blame the comfortable obesity of the state of Michigan, but this writer happens to believe that the blame falls on each and every one of us. Mr. Nykamp you will be sorely missed.
Tags: Scott
Jan 29, 2010 • Nostalgia
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By Brad
I know I haven’t been on here a whole lot lately, but I still want to contribute whatever I can. So, here is a poem I wrote after work one day while walking to my car. Not my best one but I liked it. I recently sent three of my poems in to a WMU contest with the help of Larry. I haven’t wrote any new ones in about three weeks though. Either way here it is.
Walking to my car after work
I walk out into the crisp fall air
With the confusing swagger of a person
Who doesn’t belong
Not at that time
On that sidewalk
In front of that building
Not at all
Like a cigarette burn
On a fifties film reel
Shown in health class
I spoil the ruined for those
Not paying attention
I haven’t felt this important in years
And yet
When I do it again tomorrow
I know it won’t feel the same
Tags: poetry poems brad work
Jan 11, 2010 • Literature and Fiction
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By Brad
After Beyonce and Jay-Z sang the national anthem in honor of the new minor speculum website kicking off, I thought I would add to the excitement with (wait for it…building suspense…not really….becoming irritating…) LITERATURE! (Letdown).
This month is the time for nanowrimo, the National Novel Writing Month. Nanowrimo is a free program that encourages all kinds of writers to finally sit down and kick out that novel that has been eating all of their food and plugging up the only toilet inside their head. The free program asks writers to start writing on November 1st and finish 175 pages (50,000 words) by November 30th. The site offers suggestions, helpful tricks, and writing dares that continue to push writers to make their goal. Like a weight lifting spotter without all the yelling and spitting, unless you’re into that kind of thing.
Through this mental marathon the program earns money by donations for other free writing programs. The very fun nanowirmo.org has even recruited this loser of a writer to join in on the effort. I signed up knowing full well that I most likely won’t make the mark, but I’ve done more than you, therefore I am winning one to nothing. In all honesty I have written 675 words of a story that I started slightly before the starters pistol was fired, but as my father says, “if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying hard enough.”
The part that I find fun about nanowrimo is its push to not edit or think about the story you’re attempting to create. It’s like a stew that could taste like crap but has been the best time making. I will eventually post excerpts from my unsuccessful story so that those willing can take part in my failure. If you would like to also join in on the disappointment on your own (you’re never really on your own) log on to www.nanowrimo.org and sign up. Really, do it. You have nothing to lose.
Tags: nanowrimo Writing
Nov 11, 2009 • Literature and Fiction, Minor Speculum
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By Brad
The Indians get the BIG win at Wyoming Lee last Friday on the ground. The green machine went into half time trailing 12- 7, but came out and shut down Wyoming Lee. After scoring twice, the Indians were trying to maintain their 20- 12 lead with the forth quarter winding down. With 1:30 left in the game Wyoming Lee had the ball first and goal from the five yard line. The Indians held that f’n line! But on forth down from the two they were called for an inadvertent facemask, which gave the Rebles one more chance from the one. The Indians held that f’n line! Game over! H town did a fantastic job running the ball to scratch and claw their way to a win. So the Indians are going to take on the forth seed Montague who got a big 35 – 7 win over the number one and formerly undefeated Kalamazoo Christian Comets. These kids from Montague are no joke. They are currently sporting a 6- 4 record with all four losses coming at the hands of playoff teams. The scouting report is these kids from Montague don’t want to win, they expect to win. They have the hide the ball type offense out of a lot of different formations. Their main running back is a hard runner with extremely good vision and balance. He’s no blazer, but he is fast enough to get the job done. The Wildcats have put 293 points this year and have the potential to score on the ground and through the air. The defense has the pleasure of putting out a relatively fresh squad. Very few kids play both ways for Montague and the team, in the films I have watched, is very fresh in the forth quarter. The Wildcats have all of the same holes in theirs defense that we do. They run in essence the same defense that Hartford does; although the cornerbacks play very far back off of the line of scrimmage and the defensive ends often line up inside the last man on the line of scrimmage. Plus, sorry I am an offensive minded person, the outside linebackers don’t walk away very far on the receiver side that isn’t covered by a tight end. Whew. With all of that said the defense has given up 251 points this year and are not extremely big in size. SO! Brad do we got a shot? Yes, but not a very good one. The Indians stagnant offense that focuses on the power running game hasn’t worked very well in the last few weeks. Last Friday the Indians completed one pass. We need to be able to move the ball without depending on a power running game. In my opinion the Indians need to stretch the field with the pass. They also need to spread the Wildcats defense with outside runs and an option attack that could and would work very well against them. Any hoo. The game is Saturday at 1:00 in Hartford.
Other Playoff News
Hartford’s potential regional championship opponent will be decided when the Constantine Falcons play at Union City. Last Saturday Constantine avenged a regular season loss to Schoolcraft, blowing out the Eagles 63- 20.
The Gobles Tigers were destroyed at home 30- 7 at the hands of Holton. The Tigers gained only 63 yards rushing the whole game. The acclaimed state title hopefuls in the SAC weren’t the only conference team to lose early, Lawton was beaten badly by MCC. Decatur pulled a come from behind victory to beat Centerville, the Raiders were down by 35 points at the half. The last SAC team to advance was the Martin Clippers. However Martin will travel to Climax Scotts this week, where they have been up ended the last two years in the playoffs.
Mr. Paran’s Mattawan Wildcats lost a tough one at Lakeshore last week. It is unfortunate but it thankfully sets up the biggest match up in the area. The St. Joe Bears who were winless last year up ended the number one seeded Gull Lake to take on their bitter rivals in Stevensville. Yeah I said it! The BEARS take on the LANCERS! The contest will return to Lakeshore where the Lancers came out on top 34- 14. The contest will take place in Stevensville on Friday at 7:30.
Lastly, Dave’s Ovid Elsie Marauders beat Essexville Garber 35- 0. They will travel this week to take on top seed and undefeated Saginaw Swan Valley. Keep the dream alive….Dave!?
Scott Says!
Here is your official guide to the best high school playoff games for the week of October 29. I’ve listed at least 3 good games in each division, with most of the better games occurring in the higher divisions. In parentheses at the end of each line is each teams current ranking in their respected division. If you want to see what may amount to the best football game this post-season, head to Lowell on Saturday for their match-up with Muskegon. Both teams blew-out their first round opponents. Along with Rockford and East Grand Rapids, these are the most talked about teams in the north. Lowell’s QB, Keith Nichol, is phenomenal. He was named player of the year in class A last year, and lead his team to a perfect year as a sophomore. His stats from this past week- 15-24 for 270 yards and 3 TD’s, as well as 116 yards on 16 carries with 2 TD’s. By the way, he’s the team’s best cornerback. Check out the impressive Lowell football site: http://www.lowellfootball.com/links/.
For updated dates and times of playoff football games, go to: www.mhsaa.com
DIVISION 1
Rockford (9-1) at Holt (9-1) Friday, 7 (#3 vs. #8)
South Lyon (9-1) at Canton (10-0)– Friday, 7 (#7 vs. #2)
Clarkston (9-1) at Lake Orion (10-0) (#10 vs. #1)
DIVISION 2
Muskegon (10-0) at Lowell (10-0) Saturday, 1 (#2 vs. #3)
Walled Lake Central (8-2) at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (8-2) – Saturday, 1 (#8 vs. #5)
Detroit Henry Ford (8-2) at Birmingham Brother Rice (10-0) (#9 vs. #1)
DIVISION 3
Escanaba (7-3) at Cadillac (7-3) Saturday, 1 (no rankings, just Jim Webb)
Fruitport (10-0) at East Grand Rapids (8-1) Friday, 7 (#3 vs. #1)
St Joseph (6-4) at Stevensville Lakeshore (8-2) (Rivalry game)
Gibraltar Carlson (9-1) at Chelsea (9-1) Friday, 7 (#7 vs. #2)
DIVISION 4
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-2) at Zeeland West (9-1) Friday, 7 (#5 vs. #1)
Dowagiac (8-2) at Battle Creek Harper Creek (9-1) Friday, 7:30 (N/R vs. #8)
Croswell-Lexington (9-1) at Marine City (10-0) (#6 vs. #2)
Highland Park (9-1) at Detroit Crockett (8-2) (#9 vs. Honorable Mention)
DIVISION 5
Ovid-Elsie (7-2) at Saginaw Swan Valley (10-0)– Friday, 7 (For Dave, N/R vs. #4)
Detroit Country Day (8-2) at Madison Heights Madison (10-0) – Friday, 7 (#9 vs. #6)
Birch Run (9-1) at Lake Fenton (10-0) – Friday, 7 (#8 vs. #7)
Onsted (9-1) at Hillsdale (10-0) (#9 vs. #3)
DIVISION 6
Calumet (8-2) 56.889 at Iron Mountain (8-2) Friday, 7 (Both teams Honorable Mentions)
Kingsley (8-2) 66.556 at Suttons Bay (10-0) Friday, 7 (H/M vs. #7)
Constantine (8-1) at Union City (9-1) (#4 vs N/R)
DIVISION 7
Ishpeming (7-2) at Norway (8-2) – Saturday, 2 (#7 vs. #8)
Holton (7-3) at Muskegon Catholic Central (8-2) (Both beat SAC teams)
Decatur (9-1) at Cassopolis (10-0) Friday, 7:30 (#6 vs. #1)
Grass Lake (8-2) at Sand Creek (10-0) Friday, 7 (H/M vs. #3)
DIVISION 8
Martin (8-2) at Climax-Scotts (10-0) (H/M vs. #4)
Crystal Falls Forest Park (7-2) at Iron Mountain North Dickinson (10-0) Friday, 7 (H/M vs. #2)
Waterford Our Lady (8-2) at Sterling Heights Parkway Christian (10-0) (H/M vs. #5)
Oct 29, 2006 • Sports
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By Brad
The Hartford Indians are in the playoffs! Despite losing the SAC championship game the Indians are in with a seven and two record. Hartford is matched up in the first district of region three, in division six with the Wyoming Lee Rebels. Through mind numbing searching I was able to find that the Rebels are located just south of Grand Rapids and are an independent team, not affiliated with a conference. Wyoming Lee posts a record of seven wins with only one loss coming in week one to the Martin Clippers. The Rebels have scored 319 points and have given up 97 this year. Where as the Indians have posted 200 points and allowed 159. With those simple stats in place it looks like the Indians may have their hands full, but it is hard to tell with both teams weak schedules. Out of nine teams the Indians have faced this year only three were able to make the playoffs and just four teams posted a winning record. The Rebels have put up big numbers against teams like New Buffalo, 41-6, and Eau Claire, 35-0. Once again their only loss came at the hands of the Martin Clippers. The same Clippers that last week lost to Decatur, 34- 14. The Indians defeated those playoff bound Raiders by a score of 25- 19 in double overtime. So how good are the Wyoming Lee Rebels? I have no idea. But I do know that this is the first time a Wyoming Lee football team has ever made it to the playoffs. Their seven and one record is the best in the schools history. This is also the first time in their schools history winning over five games. They have only had three winning seasons since 1990. So once again, how good are the Wyoming Lee Rebels? Hopefully not as good as Hartford. If Hartford should win they would take on the winner of 5-4 Montague at 9-0 Kalamazoo Christian.
Other notable playoff bound teams are:
Former Hartford coach Jim Webb has a 6-3 Cadillac team in the playoffs playing against a 5-4 Petoskey team. Cadillac in division three, region one, district one could run into a regional championship game with other notable Hartford area teams. Coach Paran travels back to his old team in the first round of the playoffs as 7-2 Mattawan takes on 7-2 Lakeshore in Stevensville. The Dock versus Paran game should be one of the best in the area. The St. Joseph Bears are also in that district but have to pull a big upset against 8-1 Richland Gull Lake to get a rematch with either the Lancers or the Wildcats. Both Mattawan and Lakeshore beat the Bears in the regular season.
Good ole Dave’s 7-2 Ovid Elsie Marauders, I think that’s their name, are in division five and playing 6-3 Essexville Garber. I don’t really know anything about either team, nor does anyone else for that matter….Go Dave!?
In the region below Hartford, the 8-1 Schoolcraft Eagles take on the 8-1 Constantine Falcons. Snap! The Eagles have been the only team to beat Constantine this year, and they did so with a last second field goal to win 35-32. The winner of that playoff game will take on the winner of the game between 7-2 Kalamazoo Hackett and 8-1 Union City. This is the toughest district in my opinion, which doesn’t really mean tidally squat. Oh yeah and the winner of this district could take on the Hartford Indians in the regional championship game.
In division seven the undefeated champions of the SAC, Gobles Tigers take on 6-3 Holton. Gobles will most likely win, as much as I don’t like to say that. Lawton has made the playoffs for the first time since 1985. Congratulations Blue Devils! Now you can go on to play the Muskegon Catholic Central Crusaders and get beat very, very badly. Gobles versus MCC for the district championship game should be a good one. The winner of that district could see more area teams. The EC Beavers are the Red Arrow Conference champions. Wait…what!? Say that again. The Eau Claire Beavers are the Red Arrow Conference champions! That is extremely depressing. Sigh. EC will take on an undefeated team from Cassopolis. Also in that district is the Decatur Raiders. Yes that Raider team that at one point was undefeated ranked fifth in division seven, and supposedly on a collision course with Gobles in the SAC championship game. I wonder what happened to those guys. Anyway they take on 7-2 Centerville.
Lastly, all the way at the bottom of the list in division eight, the 7-2 Martin Clippers play at home against a 7-2 team from Pittsford. If the Clippers can get by Pittsford they will take on the undefeated Panthers of Climax Scotts. Climax Scotts have beaten the Clippers the last two years in the playoffs. Martin was routed 49-12 in 2004 as the Panthers went on the win the state title, and the Clippers were clipped 32-29 in last years opening round of the playoffs.
Well that about sums it up and I apologize for typing so damn much. I was an accident. GO GREEN!
Oct 22, 2006 • Sports
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