Tally Classic was this past weekend and the Dogs came into this weekend looking to beat Sectional/Regional rivals that would set the tone for the rest of the year. Saturday was different this time; as there was no well-dressed (black suit, gold tie, running shoes) coach on the sideline. Coach Bill Igar had to attend a wedding on Saturday (hopefully not dressed in Clown attire), and left the reigns to injured Captain Andrew Roca.
It was a chilly morning as the Dogs waited to get onto the fields and warm-up... Only thing standing in their way was below freezing field sites that can't be played on until they heat up over 34 or so degrees. All rounds were delayed 15 mins.
Tally Classic was new to the Dogs as it was their first time at this tournament and their first time playing all their games with "active" observers (stalls, travels, in/out, up/down).
Round 1: Auburn
Their first round match-up was Auburn, who came off a tournament win in Alabama beating some Regional rivals such as Bama and Emory. The Dogs set the tone with a deep look off the bat to AC FOTY Mike Hickson. Offense was on a role in the first half, especially with Brandon Geick, Matt Reedy and rising handler Kyle Bettis at the helm. On the defensive side, Bettis was switch-hitting, and the Andrews Bros. (Charles and Dan) were dominating all over the field. Breaks led to more breaks and the Dogs took half 7-2. In the second half the Dogs seemed to go on Auto-Pilot, letting Auburn build up some steam, but in the end it wasn't enough as the Dogs D put it to rest. Dogs take Auburn 13-7.
Round 2: Winona State (MN)
After a long break, the Dogs warmed up early to face unknown Winona State. Good throwers and tall recievers was Winona; except with a small sideline. The Dogs had to beat them with their legs. Like most of the day, the Dogs killed it in the first half, Quint Wharton (newly added to Offense) was ripping down some ridiculous 50:50s and showing that he had throws as well. Mike "Ogre" Ogren was making a name for himself as he found himself on starting D. His story is Sunday though... But the Dogs found themselves in a similar position as they started the second half with a break, too bad we started the second half on offense. The Dogs dragged it and Winona State fought back to bring it to universe point. But the Dogs in this catagory were flawless. When the Dogs needed it the most, they put it in, and made it count. (that's what she said) Dogs take Winona 13-12.
Round 3: Michigan State
After another long break, the Dogs took a glance at the UCF Women's team (Sirens). They were solid and started their game against USF with a break. The womens team ended up placing 4th in the tournament. Great Job SIRENS! WEEEEEWOOOWEEEEWOOO
So Michigan State... the Dogs had no answer to their flowing offense. And on a turn the Dogs couldn't convert. Safe to say a very frustrating loss for UCF... To their credit, M. State had the most solid offense the Dogs have seen this year. However the Dogs played an improving second half against the Burning Couch and tightend up the score within 4. Dogs fall to Burning Couch 13-9.
Round 4: Alabama
Last game of the day and the Dogs were looking tired. The long breaks between and hard games started to show in this endurance battle against Bama. Bama had this one thing going for them and that was an "Animal"... no name required because they name implies his playing style. This kid was unstoppable. But the Dogs held a short enough leash to keep this game tight. While the Dogs looked tired at points, Captain Jeff Surmin couldn't have looked more comfortable. He was handling, then he was in the stack, and then he'd be on defense. He was the Dogs "Animal" and it proved so on universe point where he came down with a "animalistic" rip to win the game. Dogs take Bama 13-12 in front of a growing crowd.
Roca starts his coaching career with a 3-1 record and possibly a brain aneurysm.
SUNDAY: Bill was back and not in his suit! Defensive studs Matt "Car Slon" Carlson and Charles Andrews woke up with tumors on their ankle and knee. First game of the day was rival FSU.
Let's keep this one brief... Dogs start slow, couldn't dig themselves out of a hole, points were dragged on long enough that the cap blew, Dogs didnt have time to make a comeback, DUF takes it, Dogs meltdown after the game. Dogs re-coup. Let's go to the next game against William and Mary.
W & M: The long breaks and long games took a toll on the Dogs as their starting lines started to break down... true to the spirit of the Dogs of War, the Dogs played through injury and fatigue. However the Dan Andrews and Mike Ogren Story started with a bang. Dan Andrews started throwing hucks! Quite unexpected safe to say. With the newly aggressive Andrews and Ogre holding down W & M's top players, the Dogs pulled this game to another universe point. I'm not sure exactly how this one ended (edit: BUMP-OUT HUCK TO QUINT WHARTON BY BRANDON GEICK) and I'm sure it's on video, but I was so pumped I decided to break my glasses. Dogs take W & M 13-12.
Last game of the day.... Rematch: Dogs vs. Winona State
If it wasn't evident before it was clear now... Dogs were dead. So tired they were being dragged by the leash. They started in a hole down 2. But point by point, Defense picked up the slack left by offense. Another close game that came down to two points and one player. Mike Ogren. In two points, the rookie and Freshman racked up 1 score, 2 D's and a assist. One of those D's was a ridiculous sky over Winona's deep darkhorse. Dogs win the rematch 14-12.
So all in all, the Dogs had a very tiring weekend. Which they are fixing now during spring break. The Dogs have the week off (to do running on their own) and then they come back more ready then ever to blow the lid off of Southerns at Statesboro.
Returning after being cleared to play is Andrew Roca who's determination matches that of a Dog (of War) chasing cars. Keep on going 96' Chevy Impala... I'll catch you sooner or later.
Now to give credit where credit is due...
Veteren of the Weekend: Quint Wharton
He played through injury to still make amazing rips and kept the offensive flow moving.
Rookie of the Weekend: Dan Andrews
Very impressive and wide range of skills shown throughout the weekend.
Freshman of the Weekend: Mike "Ogre" Ogren
Only because his parents were there. But seriously, this kid has got some serious talent waiting to erupt.
Stay Classy Dogs... Video should be up before Southerns. If Mike Hickson gets me his Dad's footage... before then.
-------------> NoPy Out? ------------<
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