#9 Kick Ass (+2) vs. #3 JFK (-2)
KA played a very close game against VD last week, and nearly came away with the upset (they had the bases loaded in the 5th with 1 out, before VD escaped with the 3-2 win). If they can carry that momentum into this week against JFK, there is no doubt in my mind that they'll be able to pull an upset. JFK was looking like they were going to get upended in their last game against Burning Bridges, but rallied in the 5th to at least secure a tie. JFK struggled last week a bit on defense, as the Bridges were able to exploit gaps in the outfield. While KA does have some talented kickers, their biggest strength is in using their excellent speed to bunt successfully on. The JFK bunt defense, lead by pitchers' Will Monroe, JC Cashwell, Daniel Shaw, and Catcher Eric Stevens is one of the best in the league, so it will be interesting to see this strength vs. strength matchup play out tonight in the wet conditions... This game between two of the league's most intense teams has the potential to be close. Whichever team can avoid losing their cool and the mental mistakes that come along with that will come out ahead.
#4 Lick It Before You Kick It (-10) vs. Chicken Tetrazzini (+10)
Last week Chicken Tetrazzini got swept in their double header by a combined score of 27-5. Which needless to say, they have their opportunities to improve defensively. The Clockers and Jagernauts both took advantage of a porous CT outfield that lead to many extra base kicks. If they were hoping it'd get any easier this week, they're probably going to be dissapointed as their next oppoenent, Lick It, is equally as adept at bombing the ball. Look for LIBYKI to apply a lot of pressure to the beleagured Angry Bird outfield. This one could get ugly if they don't step up to the challenge.
Rumspringa (+0.5) vs. #8 Free Ballin' (-0.5)
One of the more interesting matchups of the week is between Rumspringa and Free Ballin'. FB went the first 7 weeks of the Fall 2011 season before suffering their first loss. While on the other side, Rumspringa went the first 7 weeks of the Fall 2011 season before earning their first victory. But in week 8, it was a different story. Free Ballin' was steamrolled by the powerful Shake N Bake club, 8-1. 'Springa, meanwhile, dropped 18 runs on an overwhelmed JKI team. So the questions around this pivotal week 9 match will be: Will Rumspringa continue their momentum and begin a winning streak? or will Free Ballin' recover from their disapointing showing last week and reclaim their spot as a contender in the eyes of fans and the kickball media? Both teams can definitely ball and want this one badly, so I expect this one will be a close one.
Chubby Gangsters vs. NKotB (PICK EM)
After earning their first win last week, an amped up Chubby Gangster, Keith Morehart, took to the league Facebook group and exclaimed, "I don't even know who we play this upcoming week... but I would like to go ahead and predict the CG's starting their first winning streak of the season!"
He went on to say, "I don't mind putting my money where my mouth is. If for some reason we can't pull it out (which isn't going to happen, but just go with it), I will buy the first pitcher to supply the flip cup table."
So, without a doubt, the stakes will be high in this midseason encounter between the Gangbangers and the Kickheads. NKotB is a team that has some talented players, but has consistency challenges. You never know if you're going to get the good Kickheads or the bad. But with a pitcher of beer on the line, I suspect their is a good chance, these hard partiers will give their best effort.
#2 Vicious & Delicious (-1.5) vs. #5 Burning Bridges (+1.5)
Burning Bridges is the breakout team of the Fall 2011 season. In a year when the overall talent of the league is at an all-time high, no one thought it would be possible for a first year WAKA team to come in and have the amount of success BB has. Through 8 weeks, no team has managed to beat the Bridges. Their 5-0-2 record is the best in the league. Critics had pointed out that they had yet to play any of the league's top tier, but that was before they tied Just For Kicks 3-3. These guys are legit.
Of course, VD hardly needs an introduction. We all know that these guys are deep and talented at every position, and are enjoying a very successful season thus far (4-1-1). The defending Wentworth Trophy winners will no doubt be extra motivated to show that they are the true alpha dogs in the division. Can't wait to check out this game, as we could very well be witnessing a preview of the Finals.
#1 5 O'Clockers (-5.5) vs. #10 Battlestar Ballsacktica (+5.5)
The Clockers have been cutting through the league like a buzzsaw ever since week 3. While Battlestar has been improved greatly, and should put up a decent fight, they will have to be nearly flawless if they hope to pull the upset against the league's top ranked team.
#6 Shake N Bake (-11.5) vs. Jiminy Kicks-It (+11.5)
JKI has given up the 2nd most runs in the league this Fall. Shake N Bake has scored the league's 2nd most runs. Do the math.
Foul Balls (+5) vs. #7 Jagernauts (-5)
The Jagernauts looked very sharp in their week 8 double header sweep. Now that the toughest part of their schedule is behind them, look for the 'Nauts to start picking up some more Ws. This week, they'll matchup with the cellar dwelling Foul Balls, who have yet to win a game. Which doesn't mean that this is a gimme for Jager. If they look past the Foulies and are more focused on their week 10 game against VD, than they could very well find themselves falling victem to the Balls. (Just ask Free Ballin'; they took FB lightly in week 3, and nearly got beaten).
#1 5 O'Clockers (-7.5) vs. NKotB (+7.5)
I've already talked some about these two teams already, so I won't repeat too much. But one interesting note about this game is that it will be the first time that NKotB will face former teammate Courtney Efird since her free agent defection to the 5 O'Clockers.
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