How the South was Won: Southerns 2010 Part Duex

First off I apologize for the spamming of your e-mail boxes... Blogger is not NOPY-Friendly.

Now Comes Saturday...
The Dogs woke up extremely early... Not because they're were way too pumped to sleep, but because we had to go to a different field site; compared to the fields on Campus, these fields looked something out of the future with SkyNet ruling the world.

Game 1: Chicago

The Dogs warmed up, got taped, urinated in public... whatever they had to do to get the ball rolling, but something was different this time... The Dogs had their second good-looking Captain back. Andrew Roca took the field all patched up on the left side, but felt and looked ready to go. With the late arrival of Mike Hickson, the Dogs had to adjust the offensive line. New additions Matt "Car SLon" Carlson and Thomas Bobango filled the gaps seamlessly, keeping the disc moving and coming down with some sick catches, the two were really clicking into the offense led by handlers Andrew Roca, Kyle Bettis and Brandon Geick. The Handlers were moving the disc effortlessly all over the field and cutters Quint Wharton and Jeff Surmin were coming down with either sick rips or easy scores caught in stride. On the Defensive side, the Dogs took awhile to get on their feet, but once Kofi Thompson, Matt Reedy and Dan Andrews set the tone with awesome layout D's, the Defense got rolling against Chicago. Dogs O kept them in the game, giving away only one break. Dogs take Chicago 13-10.

Game 2: Georgia College and State

Dogs lost the pull (common theme for the rest of the weekend) and started on Offense. Deep play it was, however Roca put a little too much on it and out of bounds. Dogs set up on D and force a high stall count huck deep and Roca comes down with a rip, moves the disc upfield and O puts in a shaky point. Time for D to take charge, "firing out of all cylinders" as Dreamy-Reedy would put it, the Dogs D helped take half 7-5. The Dogs were determined to end it hard... and with the help of Defensive newbies Nick "Pizza" Preziosi and Ben "Lefty" Kuykendall, the Dogs rolled their way to victory 13-10.

Game 3: USF-B

The Dogs needed to keep up the intensity for their crossover game and USF-B were no different than any other team they will play. The Dogs came out firing and hoped to end the game 13-0. Coach Bill opened the lines, and got starters pumped while watching their teammates rip down hucks, throw scores and get layout D's on their goal line (Aaron Miller). The Dogs took half 7-0 and finished the game 13-1. The newer Dogs really stepped it up and set the tone for the next game. Rookies Taylor Armstrong, Kevin Shields and Will Furiosi had a field day as each of them caught a D or score and Kevin threw a huge "ill-advised" hammer. Dogs get ready for the crossover...

Game 4: Valdosta State

After a stunning upset in pool B, Valdosta beats South Carolina to take the pool. The Dogs were ready. Valdosta was known for having small numbers, but big players. The Dogs had to win with their legs. Dogs breaks continue and Offense being efficient and effective with fast paced offense that move horizontally across the field. Dogs take Valdosta 13-6 and take the Day by storm 4-0.

Sunday: "Silver doesn't get you laid..."

Game 5: UF-B

UF-B started strong keeping up with the Dogs point for point until the Dogs grabbed their first break of the day with the help of stellar layout D's by Matt "Dreamy" Reedy. The Dogs as a team, took advantage of the better fields and hit the grass as much as they could... countless layouts by all players included a layout D catch by Roca (called back by foul) and sick bids by Kofi "Koffee-Black" Thompson get the Dogs pumped and rolling... Dogs take the game 13-6.

Game 6 Quarters: GA Southern

GA Southern were tall and athletic, but the Dogs kept their match-ups tight and their offense tighter. First point of the game was on Defense, and after a D by Dan "Ash" Andrews Matt Reedy throws a tight-side wide-side throw for a score. Dogs break to start the game. GA Southern and the Dogs traded till half, sick bids on both sides, but the Dogs were coming down with D's they couldn't convert. However the Dog's offense were relentless and kept the game moving with nearly no breaks. Car SLon makes a DIIIIRRRRTYYYY layout hammer catch for a score and the Dogs walk away from the Quarters 13-10.

Game 7 Semis: Columbia

Columbia has been coming off a upsetting day as they took down Townson in the Pre-Quarters and Carleton GOP in the quarters. All the while, the wind is picking up enough for zone play. Columbia and UCF traded until right before half when the Dogs picked up a break and then got broken back before half. It was a dogfight to the finals and it was only a matter of time before someone would light the spark to the finals. In the second half it was Matt Reedy and Jeff Surmin with the ridiculous set of Layout D's. On a turn Kyle Bettis got his turn to throw hucks throwing one to Roca for a score. Defense won the game against Columbia... the Dogs threw their bodies around a got D's in return. Dogs take Columbia 9-7.

Game 8 Finals: FSU

FSU on paper were killing teams left and right. Even betting Columbia more easily than UCF, but in their semis I'm sure everyone was surprised to see DUF train roll over number 1 seed in the tournament Ohio State. So the finals were looking like a legendary sectionals match-up. DUF were determined to take this weekend and the ultimate nation by storm, but then there was UCF. The Dogs started the game slow and DUF capitalized on UCF's mistakes taking the break to start the game. 1-0. Dogs needed to work it upwind to get their defense and magic back on the field. Dogs march it upwind and a bump-out later the Dogs tied it up at 1's. D-line needed to get one back for us, and they did. Kofi Thompson get's a sick layout D and our D-Line slowly worked its way for a break to bring it back on serve 2-1. Dogs keep power up a little and get another break by way of hammers. God knows how many hammer scores were thrown this weekend. Dogs lead 3-1.

"The Point"
Dogs pull downwind, Roca lays up a blading flick to the back of the endzone and makes DUF work it out upwind from the back of the endzone. DUF works it up past half-field, then a mis-communication and great man defense causes a turnover. Bettis, Roca and Reedy move the disc up the field, Roca fills into the stack as Bettis hits quint 15 yards out of FSU's endzone. Quint looks up to see Roca open deep, Quint blasts an outside in flick deep into the endzone... Roca runs it down, lays out and catches the score near the back of the endzone. Celebration was over quick when a DUF player was sure Roca was out the back. With a camera on one side and a viewer on the other side calling Roca in, the DUF player ensued the disc go back because it was "questionable". This call turned into a 15 minute argument, which inevitably ends up going back and igniting an angry Roca within. Dogs and DUF trade turns until the dogs trap them on their goal line with a strong bracket. DUF handler makes a mistake putting it out into space in front of the goal-line and Quint grabs the callahan. DOGS GET PUMPED.... DUF has saw the beginning of the end. After that Dogs turned took half 7-1. Determined to make sure DUF doesn't make any kind of comeback, Dogs keep the pedal down and continue to roll. DUF started to roll over until an amazing catch that led to their second score. Dogs up 12-2. Dogs broke to win...

13-2.

Thomas Bobango didn't make it more than 10 feet without being tackled by the pack of Dogs rushing the field. Dogs win Southerns and their first tournament in their 7 year history.


The Dogs played the weekend of their lives. The team as a whole grew and in the end it paid off. Everyone, whether on the field or on the sideline, deserves MVP of any category. But if I have to get picky...

Veteran of the Tournament: Matt Reedy
The most amazing Defense I have ever seen him play. Ever.

Honorable Mention: Kofi Thompson
He guarded the most important player on each team we faced, and because of that, he slowed down or completely killed any chance of that player making an impact.

Rookies of the Weekend: The Middle Tier
You guys know who you are, and its because of you guys that we have a trophy to bring home to.

Comeback Player of the Tournament: Andrew Roca
Coming back has never felt so good and the support of his teammates helped his return to be a smooth as possible.

I'll update the blog with pictures from the finals and footage should be collected by Monday. So expect a video or two in the coming week or two.

Nopy Out---------<><><><><><>

How the South was Won: Southerns 2010

Statesboro, GA

The Dogs arrived at the Georgia Southern Campus around 8pm, setting up camp and waiting for the Co-Ed Rookie Game to commence. A few of our own were in it: Kevin! Shields, Taylor "Clutch" Armstrong, Samantha Young, Eryn Ivey, Dan "Chimmy" Chimento, and plain old Mitch "Styles". Like 14 puppies released from a cage, all the Rookies were eager to make some sick plays. However it soon turned into a clumsy fest and our rookies were going down like dominoes. Soon after the game, the Dogs relaxed by the campfire focused on the task ahead... All in all a great way to start the weekend.

Tally Classic Wrap-Up

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? ------------<

Ultimax Wrap-Up Part Duex

(Sorry bout the double e-mail, blogger is very sensitive)
and we continue...

Coming into the weekend taking the 7th seed, the Dogs were in a pool including Regional rivals Duke and UNC-W, and in a pool with a lesser-known PA team from Millersville.

The Dogs were coming into North Carolina hurting with both Hickson's (Michael, Scotty), Kofi Thompson, and others that could not make the trip out. Along with absences, the Dogs had to deal with the unfortunate knee and ankle injury of Andrew Roca that happened the Tuesday practice before. Now equipped with a fancy Don Joy brace, his return is questionable for the Tally Classic.

Saturday:
Millersville was a big surprise in this group as they showed the Dogs in the first game that it didn't matter if no one has ever heard of them. They played hard and came down with great catches that saved them each game. The Dogs however kept it close as they started inching back. Coach Bill Igar was testing out some new lines and new strategies that would assure victory in this very chilly, windy morning. Leading away the defense was Ben "Lefty" Kuykendall and John "Waldo" Sullivan. There line was fresh with the middle tier which took a huge step up on the team this weekend. Leading away the offense was Brandon Geick and newcomer Handler Kyle Bettis, who really came into this position almost seamlessly. The Dogs O-line consisted of Quint Wharton, Jeff Surmin, Brandon "COLDShaw" Shaw, and some new faces along the way such as Matt Carlson. The Dogs lost this one 9-12.

Duke Game (AKA the Matt Carlson Miracle Game)
With a hard loss to an unknown, the Dogs had to push through and beat their Regional rivals setting the tone for the year. This is where Matt Carlson comes into play... He couldn't be stopped. Period. Racking up almost 5 D's and 4 scores, he was almost as deadly on offense as he was on defense... Almost. Because this kid was covering Duke's most solid handler/cutter/do-it-all type and shut him down for the edge we needed to win. This game started Matt Carlson's amazing weekend, without a doubt Player of the Weekend. The offense putting it in when we needed it and the defense wearing them down as well as on a turn "Lefty" letting the guns loose... the Dogs came away from the game victorious 11-10.

UNC-W
Coming fresh off the knowledge that Millersville just beat UNC-W, the Dogs still had hope to take the 2nd seed in our pool, just have to beat the Seamen. UNC-W still a Regional darkhorse at times, played a hard fought game against the Dogs. Matt Carlson is still putting in work with the help of unstoppable break throws by Brandon Geick. Kyle Bettis and Jeff Surmin were both handling and making it look easy at certain points. The Dogs took it to almost to universe point, and lost it right on the goal line. Tough way to end the game and day, but the Dogs looked forward to dominating Sunday. Final Score: 14-16 UNC-W.

Saturday Night/Sunday Morning Before the Games:
In the first match of the "Markers", Dan Andrews took the Gold. No one got injured doing this game so thats good enough for me.

Sunday:

First game of the day was Rhode Island. All the teams the Dogs played that day were relatively unknown, but UCF won't make that mistake twice. This game was a fight to the finish. The Dogs really picked up their man defense this weekend and this game was a little different. All Zone, All Breaks... For Geick that is. On the O side, they kept breaks to a minimum and kept the disc moving. On D side everyone wanted a piece. By the end of the game, the Dogs racked up on D's and almost got two callahans (on the same point). Charles Andrews caught the game winning Callahan that started the day off right. UCF takes it 9-8.

After Rhode Island, Edinboro, Drexyl, and George Mason didn't keep within 5 points of the Dogs.

The Dogs blewout Sunday feeling the sting of not being in the Championship Bracket... But the Dogs still played as if they were in the Championship bracket.

So some shout outs...

Player of the Weekend: Matt Carlson

Vet of the Weekend: Kyle Bettis

Rookie of the Weekend: Taylor Armstrong (made a recovery for the first day and made a huge play that put the Dogs closer to a win)

Markers Champ: Dan Andrews (he'll be defending his title against the B-Team and Womens team come Southerns)

Tally Classic comes up this weekend and all the Dogs except for Roca (for now) are ready to play. This should be the Dogs first big test with their full roster.

Someone took their time and effort to push sleep aside and finish the Ultimax video in one sitting. What a nice guy.

========> NoPy Out.

Dogs of War 2010: Ultimax from Dragpo Productions on Vimeo.

The Dogs travel to Greenville, North Carolina for Ultimax.

Ultimax Wrap-Up

The Dogs and Footapotamus traveled to North Carolina this past weekend; Greenville, specifically for Ultimax.