putting an old theory to the test ...

Back when the greatness that is Marty Schottenheimer coached the Chiefs, he re-instilled into the fanbase and the players a hatred of the raiders.

Most importantly, he went 18-3 against oakland in 10 seasons, including a win in the only postseason matchup. The secret to his success was simple. "Just hang in there, and have the ball at the end with a shot to win. Its the raiders. They'll fold".

In the "2 Quit 2 Colquitt" fantasy football league, the biggest rivalry ... is probably the Angry Beavers (Gregg) against the Salty Bananas (Brent). They've combined for 3 of the last 4 championships, and usually are in the playoffs. In terms of rivalry, this is Patriots / Colts. Evenly matched, each breaks through half the time.

But there's another rivalry, just as passionate, just as annoying ... only, completely lopsided. Me (team tito) and Sebree (various names, but most famously, Joey's Cayman Buddy).

side note: the guy named his team after Joey Harrington, who he met on a cruise. No, I am not making that up. Makes me think of only one thing:

(peter griffin) my mustache says I am poorly educated, there is a 90% chance I am illiterate, and I possess large quantities of high quality porn.
(brian griffin) gay.
(peter griffin) my mustache does not make me gay!
(brian griffin) gay.
(peter griffin) well, if wearing a mustache makes you gay, then Freddie Mercury was gay.
(brian griffin, in shock) Freddie Mercury? Of Queen? He was incredibly gay!

When you name your fantasy football team after a failed QB you meet on a cruise ship ... (joe biden voice) you're gay pal. No doubt about it, champ.

But no, my point. Our rivalry, once the best in the league (mainly due to the cluelessness of one owner and the drunken drafting of the other ...), has become as lopsided as the old Chiefs / raiders games in the Marty years.

All traceable to one transaction. That forever altered two "franchises".

tito entered week 5 at 1-3, reeling. Buddy entered at 3-1, "Under .500 Should Win It" division leaders. I was up sh*ts creek with a turd for a paddle, with my only running back not on a bye (Cadillac Williams) out for Tampa that week. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

I made a trade with Sebree.

From the history of the league at espn.com:

Friday, October 7, 2005:
tito trades WR Joe Horn, WR, Saints
tito trades WR Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
Buddy trades WR Michael Clayton, WR, Bucs
Buddy trades WR Laveraneus Coles, WR, Jets
Buddy trades RB Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs.

That weekend, week 5 2005, the rivalry swung into tito's direction. And the direction of two franchises directly changed forever. All thanks to one trade.

Since that deal, the results:

week 5 2005: at tito 92, Buddy 90
week 12 2005: tito 95, at Buddy 68 (clinched division title for tito)
week 5 2006: at tito 93, Buddy 52
week 12 2006: tito 88, at Buddy 53 (clinched bye for tito)
week 6 2007: tito 128, at Buddy 64
week 11 2007: at tito 94, Buddy 48 (eliminted Buddy from playoff contention)

Since that trade, tito has won or tied for the division title every season. Buddy has failed to reach the postseason winners bracket.

I mention this because tonight, the Marty Theory is being put to the test. Despite serious bye and injury issues, tito is hanging in there. I've put myself in position to win. Now its time to sit back and watch Sebree implode.

The score entering the night: tito 72, at Buddy (or whatever his latest team name is) 81. I have Plaxico still to play; Buddy is done.

Plax made a 25 yard catch midway through the 2nd quarter on the Giants first scoring drive. And then, right before the half, Touchdown! Plax! From 3 yards out!

Its 80-81 Buddy at the half. I need two yards out of Plax to tie. I need two points out of Plax to win.

3rd quarter: Eli completes one pass. Unfortunately, its to a Browns defender.

With 14:00 to go, victory? A 16 yard completion to Plax ... only, personal foul on the Giants negates the catch.

10:45 left, 3rd and 2 to Burress ... YES! tito has at least a tie, and survey says ...

Yes! Yes! Yes! tito 82! Buddy 81! Plax with 45 yards and a touch, for 10 safe points!

Sometimes you have to sweat it out ... but sometimes, things are so predictable that they're bound to occur. Like Marty's Chiefs beating the raiders.

Or team tito beating the Al Davis of the "2 Legit 2 Colquitt" league ...