| Jan 6, 2006 @ 3:31 PM |
Snow Bowl 2005 Revisited.
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Haban3ro
Posts: 1,137
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This story was first posted in January 2005, following the first meeting of Kattsmeow and Haban3ro. Although the story refers to plans for another Snow Bowl in 2006, this will not be happening, as the teams have merged. The front office reports that player personnel remain extremely happy with the merger, and anticipate building a sports dynasty in their new home on the West Coast. 
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Snow Bowl 2005
What do you do when your football team is out of the playoff picture, but you're not quite ready to be finished with your season? For two groups of creative sports fans, you can play your own bowl game!
That's what happened last week in Central Michigan, when veteran Oakland Raider fans got together with supporters of the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals. The "Snow Bowl", as the game quickly became known, turned into an exciting and refreshing alternative to watching other teams doing all the scoring on TV.
"We've always been more interested in doing than in watching," said Katt, coaching the Felines (Lions & Bengals & Browns, oh my!)
"It's all about getting out in the arena, and giving it your best shot," agreed Haban3ro, leading the Raider Nation exiles. "If you're not out there going for the gold, what's the point?"
The two highly-motivated teams met in a neutral location in Michigan, due to scheduling considerations. Observers noted that the players had been teasing each other for months, raising the level of tensions and expectations prior to the big game.
"If this catches fire, we'd be open to traveling to the West Coast for future games", said Katt. "We're looking at a potential match-up in July, before the pre-season games start up again."
The Raider Nation team encountered some extremely difficult traveling conditions, including a 5-hour delay before they were able to get in the air to Detroit.
"Thank heavens for the airport bars in Cleveland! We could begin our pre-game drills with Jose Cuervo, (trainer/physician/spiritual advisor) and still round the team up to pour them onto the plane." noted coach Haban. "The frigid wind blowing off Lake Erie kept our players from breaking training and going outside to grab a smoke. It was tough, with all the tensions involved, but it helped our mental game."
Arriving in Detroit, the team found some difficulties in getting to the team bus, and driving the 60-odd miles over snow and ice covered roads to the arena.
"It gives you a new level of respect for these Midwest Teams", said Coach Haban. "Back home, CalTrans would've classified this highway as 'chains required, whips optional', but the locals just drive in this white stuff like it was nothing."
There was a minor incident when Raider Nation exiles sustained brain freezes while trying to snort handfuls of snow. "What else would you expect? The only white stuff we ever see back home in such quantities is illicit, and the boys just got excited!” moped Haban.
As the Home team, the Felines hosted a breakfast to welcome the Raiders fans to town.
"It was pretty tough getting through that breakfast, you know. These players were so keyed up, they almost went at each other in the restaurant.” observed Katt. "I've never seen such an intense desire to get right to it with any of the clubs I've been involved with." Only the most energetic efforts of both coaching staffs were able to restrain the players, and keep a disturbance from breaking out over the omelets.
At last, come game day, emotions were high. "We can safely say that whatever happens, this road trip will have been worth it. We've traveled a long way, we've met excellent contenders, and we're both ready to give it our best shot.” said Haban. "I can't recall such a life-changing trip since I first swam ashore in Miami."
The game kicked off with the Felines receiving. They drove immediately for the goal line, demonstrating the tight ball-control game that's made them such serious contenders this year.
"Those Cats could do nothing wrong. They wrapped us around their little finger, and they wouldn't let go." a Raider Nation player remembered fondly. "These Cats were quick and steady, lithe and lean. I've rarely seen a team look this good." The Felines were also generous with their praise.
"We'd studied the scouting reports, photos, and game films, and we felt we knew what to expect. But those boys were much bigger than we expected!” said a pleasantly surprised Katt. "And as for conditioning, you're talking marathon men here. But we were always sure we'd get the best of them."
A welcome half-time break gave the players a chance to refresh themselves with a buffet featuring selections of fruit, cold cuts, and champagne.
"I'll never be able to look at ripe, juicy red apple the same way again", sighed a wistful Haban. "What those Cats can do with food! You've just got to see it to believe it!"
The Felines were particularly fond of the champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
"There's just something special about watching the champagne bubbling all around those yummy strawberries in the glass.” opined Katt. "If we'd been able to get our hands on raspberries, there might have been some t
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| Jan 6, 2006 @ 4:02 PM |
Snow Bowl 2005 Revisited. |
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Haban3ro
Posts: 1,137
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Part 2:
"There's just something special about watching the champagne bubbling all around those yummy strawberries in the glass.” opined Katt. "If we'd been able to get our hands on raspberries, there might have been some truly memorable dining!"
Half-time entertainment featured music by Country-Western artists Gretchen Wilson and Gary Allan, and a special appearance by Cuban musicians. The Cubans found the lyrics to a Gretchen Wilson song very nostalgic.
"When she sings, 'I'm here for the Party, I ain't leaving 'til they throw me out', we immediately thought of Fidel. He's been saying the same thing in every speech he's made since 1961!"
The dancing brought everyone to their feet, especially Gary Allan's song, "Nothin' on but the Radio". Although there were no "wardrobe malfunctions", it was still a bit too hot for the FCC.
"We thought of televising the game for all the folks back home to enjoy. However, we felt that this first time, we should just concentrate on feeling each other out, and really getting to know the other team. We can discuss future games on pay-per-view at a later time." Katt and Haban agreed.
The game concluded with a rousing, wide-open second half. Both teams played like there was no tomorrow, and were narrowly able to avoid serious injuries. Every pass was made, every drive scored, and there were very few occasions to punt.
"Those Raider fans have magic hands," recalls Katt. They were able to reach out and make things happen in all sorts of unique ways!" All too soon, the clock ran down, and it was time to hug and head for the showers. A final score is unavailable, due to a flash fire at the scorers' table.
"When the game gets THIS intense, you've just got to expect a lot of heat. We really should've thought ahead and provided for fire extinguishers," recalls Katt. Still, everyone found the sight of the score sheets bursting into flames a rare visual image that they'll retain forever.
"Kinda reminds me of my last car", said Haban. "What a way to go!"
The game concluded with an exchange of parting gifts, including team jerseys, a cable car filled with Ghirardelli chocolates, and a catnip mouse. "That mouse lasted almost as long as the chocolates. Both were devoured before the sun went down." recall Katt.
"This is a time I'll remember forever,” said Haban3ro. "It just doesn't get any better than this!" Would the teams meet again? Stay tuned and find out!!
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| Jan 6, 2006 @ 4:07 PM |
Snow Bowl 2005 Revisited.
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kattsmeow
Posts: 21,270
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 Again, you are a master at story telling my dear.
To think, the fire is still burning.
This time last year, we met for the first time face to face.
Did I thank you for coming through the biggest blizzard of the year to meet me?
We have Matchdoctor to thank for our wonderful marriage!!!!!
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