The
Sports Page
Volume 6, Issue 16 The On-Line Newsletter of the Erie Fantasy Football League Dec. 18, 1998
The
Sports Page
Volume 6, Issue 16 The
On-Line Newsletter of the Erie Fantasy Football League Dec.
18, 1998
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SEMIFINAL RESULTS High Scoring Team Kardiac Kids 77 Captain Tripps 90
FANTASY BOWL MATCHUP Captain Tripps Series: Kardiac Kids 3-1
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Back Issues: [July 11] [Sept. 11] [Sept. 18] [Sept. 25] [Oct. 2] [Oct. 9] [Oct. 16] [Oct. 23] [Oct. 30] [Nov. 6] [Nov. 13] [Nov. 20] [Nov. 27] [Dec. 4] [Dec.11]Captain Tripps, Kardiac Kids set to battle for Erie League crown in ninth Fantasy BowlIn an era where most participants rely heavily on
technological advances, two veterans without computers -- let alone
internet access -- will vie for the Erie League's ninth championship. Matt Rzyczycki's (right) Captain Tripps club will square off against Jody Barth's (below) Kardiac Kids in a contest pitting two long-time owners who have never invested time or money with the on-line services so many other Erie Leaguers depend on. According to Barth, that's what makes his team's success all the more special. "All the other GM's eat, breath, and have sex to fantasy football," Barth said. "As for us, we're just out having a good time. We don't have internet access and we don't dump tons of money into it."
"I'm just happy to be here," Rzyczycki said. "It's been a long time coming. It doesn't matter who's there with me -- as long as I come out on top." "I can't say anything bad about the guy," Barth said. "He's a family man who probably needs the money more than I do." That might be a good possibility considering Barth's squad, the regular season points scored champion, will go into the game facing a major disadvantage. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe has been declared out of the contest due to his broken finger and Barth has no one to turn to except for backup Gus Frerotte. "I'm going to need the whole team to step up for him," Barth said. The Kids will still have an excellent shot to capture the cash considering explosive players such as Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and rookie sensation Randy Moss make up their lineup. However, Tripps will counter with the most consistent performer of the year -- running back Terrell Davis. "He's the reason we're here," Rzyczycki said. "Fifteen points a week. He's been the man all year." Many will make the case that Moss is the only reason the Kardiac Kids have advanced to this point. The Vikings wideout has scored 206 points thus far, making him the surprise player of the '98 campaign. According to Barth (36-21 in four years), these types of draft choices are what makes him a successful GM. "In the '97 draft, I chose Kordell Stewart as my sleeper pick," Barth said. "This year he goes in the first round. This year I get the '98 sleeper Randy Moss and I tell you know, he'll go in the first round in '99." As for the extra finances available to the winner, both owners have very practical uses in mind. "I'm actually going to pay some bills and take care of my kids," Rzyczycki said. "The only plans I have are to pay off those bills that my old lady keeps giving me," Barth said. "Plus, a few Christmas gifts that instead of being from Santa will be from the Erie Fantasy Football League." Barth said if he is victorious, he will be sure to defend the crown more successfully than past champs LTP (1997) and the Psychedelic B's (1996). As for Rzycyzcki, he just hopes he can go down in history as the last champion of the 16 team format. "Good luck to Jody," Rzyczycki said. "Let the best man win. Let's see what happens." 1998 PLAYOFFS - SEMIFINALS
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Despite
compiling a 43-32 mark in five seasons, Rzyczycki has been disappointed
with a number of near misses over the years. His 1994 and 1997 teams won
their division but were bounced from the playoffs before reaching the
ultimate goal. This year he's glad to finally have the chance to play
for the jackpot, even if it comes against an individual he's known for
the past nine years.