Preparation

This week marks the second of three preseason games, allowing players to showcase their skills, captains to get a good read on what they're looking for, and for people to demonstrate good (or poor) attendance (a very, very key factor in choosing squads).

That said, this week showcases Purcell's "Ricky's Mom" squad taking on Tyler's "Faster Higher Stronger," and on the flip side Colin's "Magnificent Four" versus Rook's "Ricky's Dad."

Ricky's Mom and FHS both notched up L's last week, with Ricky's Mom dropping its lead and falling to Ricky's Dad late in the game, even with Purcell and Neff leading the charge. They will have to adjust to poaches in the lane and utilize more players to overcome this week's challenger in FHS, the Tyler-led squad whose wares have not been fully tested, having been split up last week by the poor attendance of their foe. Purcell and Kinley should matchup nicely, but the difficulty will be in FHS finding an answer for Neff, a lanky handler who is equally dangerous in the air. Where FHS might have an advantage is its depth of skill, and being able to spread the disc out amongst very competent players and take advantage of a potentially less deep Ricky's Mom (although there are rumors of incredible depth there).

Ricky's Dad and The Magnificent Four will be a demonstration of "winners," in another instance of a winning team matching up against a still-relatively unknown Magnificent Four squad. Mag 4 references the low attendance shown last week, which, if they can turn around this week, could make for an exciting game. Unfrotunately for Mag 4, they are plagued by injuries, immediately sidelining Colin and Ollie, both crucial deep shot threats, and it is already known Kaiser will not be in attendance. In addition, Colin has already had a conflict and cannot be in attendance as team leader, so they chips are already stacked against this Mag 4 squad and in Ricky's Dad's favor. Ricky's Dad utilized a poachy defense and the consistent handling of Geile and players like Paivo Kinnunen, and got some key D blocks in Matt Schlough (recent recipient of the Fastest Man in Gender Blender and GB All-Star, catching a goal between two stackd beers in the game). My money is currently on Ricky's Dad to drive it home, but who knows what Mag 4 could have in store...

This week should see more players beginning to loosen up their legs and throws, and getting into that seasonal groove called summer club season. Rosters are being set, tourneys attended, track workouts ran... and things are beginning to heat up.

Jerseys are currently being ordered and should be shipped within a week. The season is fast approaching, so make those big plays and get noticed!

Wednesday's feature bar is The Arbor Brewing Company, offering $5 pints for $3, $1 off well drinks and wine, and free soft drinks, so work up a thirst and see you all there!