Many things have changed over the course of 11 Erie Fantasy Football League seasons. Everything from rules to scoring systems to team names have been altered throughout the years. One constant during that time has been the crowning of a first time champion every year the league has been in existence. That could all change with Fantasy Bowl 11.

Midnight Vigilantes owner Kirk Pavelich - the '95 champion  - will try to become the first participant to collect two championship trophies for his mantel. Standing in the way will be Mike Kuratko and his Hostile Omish, who just happens to be second on the all-time list for career victories. Despite the 88-62 record over 10 seasons, Kuratko (right) has never been to a title game.

"I have had many good years in the past during the regular season only to see my team choke in the first round of the playoffs," Kuratko said. "It is especially satisfying to see my team advance so far into the playoffs this year."

Prior to his post-season success this year, playoff time had not been kind to Kuratko throughout his career. In 1991, his expansion franchise went 11-3, won a division championship and clinched a scoring title before losing 49-48 in the first round. His '93 club went 13-2, also clinching division and scoring titles, before being upset 51-45 in the opening round. But the one Kuratko probably remembers most was a 1994 playoff defeat at the hands of Pavelich's 8th-seeded Young Guns - a loss that ended the title hopes of a 12-2 division championship team.

"I wouldn't say that it would give me extra satisfaction beating Pavelich in the Fantasy Bowl," Kuratko said. "The satisfaction will come from having bragging rights next year if I am victorious."

In addition to having the chance to become the first two-time champion in league history, Pavelich (left) (76-58, fourth on all-time wins list) is also anxious to keep his conference's winning tradition alive. The last non-All-American Conference team to win a league title was the 1993 King Salmons, owned by Jim Damicone.

"I think we've proven year in and year out that the league's most knowledgeable owners come from our conference," Pavelich said. "I would say seven straight years of winning the championship is a bit of a trend. Hell, we didn't even play with the same scoring rules back when they last won a title!"

Coming into the season, Pavelich had developed the reputation of a gambler who liked to pull the trigger on trades. It's safe to say that his reputation was enhanced this year, as just three players - with kicker Mike Vanderjagt being the only starter - remain from Pavelich's draft day roster. Key players brought in through trade include QB Kurt Warner, RBs Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson, and WRs Terrell Owens, Torry Holt and Cris Carter.

"For awhile I thought about trying to trade with every owner in the conference," Pavelich said. "It felt like a disease that I couldn't control. I'm just relieved that it worked out and that the acquisitions turned out to be solid performers."

It's worked out to the tune of a league-best 13-2 record and a current 11-game winning streak. The Omish, who were just 4-6 after 10 games, have now reeled off five consecutive victories. Like Pavelich, Kuratko used the power of trade to bring his club to the title game. Highway robbery might best describe Kuratko's late September acquisition of RB Fred Taylor from Joe Nunney for WRs Travis Taylor and Peter Warrick.

"Taylor has virtually carried me through the playoffs, peaking at just the right time," Kuratko said. "Other trades I made, acquiring (WR Ed) McCaffrey and Jimmy Smith, have had an impact as well, albeit a lesser impact."

Coming out of the draft, Kuratko said he felt he had a decent team, but not one that could compete for a championship.

"I thought that I had a bunch of good players but none that I would call studs," Kuratko said. " I was deep at receiver and running backs, but felt that I needed that stud in order to get anywhere.  That is why I pushed to make some trades to obtain the guys that I wanted."

Pavelich thought his team flat out sucked coming away from the auction.

"I knew I had to do something quick or else I would be in for another disappointing year," said Pavelich, coming off a 5-8 season in '99. "I was able to get rid of stiffs like (QB Brett) Favre, (WR Antonio) Freeman and Marcus Robinson and actually get something decent in return. Imagine where I'd be if I kept those guys. I probably would have had a record a lot like Storm Thomas!"

By getting this far, both owners have guaranteed themselves a $250 check at January's awards banquet. In addition to maintaining bragging rights for an entire year, the winner also will double their final prize payout.

"If I win, I'll use the money to buy nice gifts for my family since they had to put up with me obsessing over fantasy football for the past 15 weeks," Pavelich said. "We've talked about taking a spring break trip to Florida so I might actually be telling the truth if I say 'I'm going to Disney World!' "

"Win or lose, I'm just happy to be in the title game after a long drought," Pavelich added.

The rest of the league will be pleased to hear that Kuratko plans to continue a tradition that started several years ago at the awards banquet.

"If I win the fantasy bowl and receive $500, I will of course buy the first round of drinks at the winter meeting, as tradition dictates," Kuratko said. "I will use the rest to finance a party of mammoth proportions for my friends and myself.  They are the ones who had to listen to me talk about fantasy
football week in and week out throughout the season.  Besides it's damn good Karma!"

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OFFICIAL TALE OF THE TAPE!