FootbaLL: The Reckoning

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 21, 2009 12:00 AM PST

Finding a field is a little bit like filling out the roster for a baseball team. You've got to figure out what your needs are, what your constraints are, and then act to the best of your ability to find the right fit.

We tried playing at Cal Anderson Park in Cap Hill but found it to be overrun by female soccer players, so we moved over to Seattle University's Championship Field, only to find that it was a mud hole.

Failing this, we attempted a game at Lynnwood High School, only to find out that Lynnwood High School is not actually in Lynnwood but instead in Bothell (18218 North Road / Bothell WA 98012). We had an excellent game there followed by good food, however the game started excruciatingly late (my bad) and required a jump of a fence in order to get on the field.

Our last two events have been held behind the newly turfed field at Garfield High School. The long trip into the city for some of our northern friends is less than ideal, however field conditions are on the whole pretty good, it is not too far from good post-game food, and we were able to utilize all 100 yards of the field, including kicking field goals, without the danger of trespassing.

But I found a potential third option. Loyal Heights Playground, positioned at 20th Ave. NW and NW 75th St. in Seattle, has a turf football field that does not have a reservation for 12/26. It is located near Golden Gardens, sandwiched between Greenwood and Ballard. If the field is in use anyway, we could schlep ourselves to Lower Woodland Park and see what's available there.

DETAILS BELOW MAY CHANGE, BUT WILL NOT CHANGE AS OF 12:00AM DEC. 24:

Saturday, December 26

We will start at Noon

We will play at Garfield High School, on 25th Avenue between Alder St. and Cherry St., Seattle

IN (10):
Me (Daniel)
Johnbai
Brett
SeattleBruin
KirkHarbaugh
abender20
ningwers
tootthekazoo
JamMasterJesus
Mr. Baker

QUESTIONABLE:
Scruffy Lefty
Robert
Jaejo
Matthew??

OUT:
Chris Lanterman

I have an extra pair of BLUE flags now, so we have something to give the person who is taking the role of "always offense." I would also like to suggest that if we manage to get 12 people, we should consider playing with no rule against rushing the QB, requiring that there be an offensive and defensive line. When you've got 11 receivers/DB's, it starts to become an INT-fest, it seems, anyway.

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Comments

Thank God I did this at midnight so nobody stuck around to see my fucked up formatting.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 21, 2009 12:15 AM PST reply actions

I think we should continue at Garfield.

The field is just so nice and convenient for post game food/beer.

With that said I’m in. If we play at the field you suggested I would need a ride.

by Kirk on Dec 21, 2009 12:46 AM PST via mobile reply actions

In, and abender is in as well

by seattlebruin on Dec 21, 2009 8:38 AM PST reply actions

Garfield would be awesome, returning to my old stomping grounds

if by “stomping grounds” you mean “place where I quietly milled about and did homework for AP classes until it was time for baseball practice”

by seattlebruin on Dec 21, 2009 9:39 AM PST up reply actions

Although Garfield is quite far

by abender20 on Dec 21, 2009 5:58 PM PST up reply actions

Would prefer Garfield... but am willing to drive from Cap Hill

if we go with Loyal Heights… and someone needs a lift from my hood.

by johnbai on Dec 21, 2009 9:37 AM PST reply actions

Okay, we've got three Garfield votes so far.

I’m heading out for the afternoon, but when I get back I’m going to change the expected field to GHS unless there’s a significant change in field preference.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 21, 2009 1:13 PM PST reply actions

Still trying to figure out how to get to this one.

But since I would be coming down from Bellingham I don’t care where we play.

Its finally happened.

by Scruffy Lefty on Dec 21, 2009 4:34 PM PST reply actions

I'm in wherever we play.

by BrettJMiller on Dec 21, 2009 4:47 PM PST reply actions

Is there parking around Garfield nowadays?

by seattlebruin on Dec 21, 2009 5:01 PM PST reply actions

There's still the parking on 25th, and there's a lot in the area where the lower gym lot used to be

but that parking lot is now street level.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 21, 2009 5:23 PM PST up reply actions

There was a shitload of open spots last game

by Fett42 on Dec 21, 2009 7:37 PM PST up reply actions

Let's do this thing.

by ningwers on Dec 22, 2009 12:51 AM PST reply actions

I'm in (most likely for real this time!)

Don’t care where we play, since I’ve got a longer trip than everybody no matter what

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Dec 22, 2009 12:59 PM PST reply actions

I'm in like Flynn

Jags? Playoffs?? 2009???

by JamMasterJesus on Dec 22, 2009 2:03 PM PST reply actions

I thought it was "In Like Flint"

by BrettJMiller on Dec 23, 2009 9:38 AM PST up reply actions

It is Flynn referring to Errol Flynn.

by Jed MC on Dec 23, 2009 10:04 AM PST up reply actions

I just looked up Errol Flynn, and feel like an idiot.

I’ve been saying in like Flint like that 1967 movie for the longest time. Whoops!

by BrettJMiller on Dec 23, 2009 10:31 AM PST up reply actions

Well, In like Flint took it's cue from the original saying ....

by msb on Dec 27, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions

.

I have an extra pair of BLUE flags now, so we have something to give the person who is taking the role of “always offense.” I would also like to suggest that if we manage to get 12 people, we should consider playing with no rule against rushing the QB, requiring that there be an offensive and defensive line. When you’ve got 11 receivers/DB’s, it starts to become an INT-fest, it seems, anyway."

I just want to say that I threw 0 interceptions.

by Kirk on Dec 22, 2009 3:01 PM PST reply actions

I wish I could attend.

I am out of town. Next time.

"The holy grail is to spend less time making the picture than it takes people to look at it." -Banksy

by two_hands on Dec 22, 2009 3:13 PM PST reply actions

Offense and defensive lines

I played in a flag football game on Thanksgiving morning with a pass rush and opposing lines. It was fun, but pretty brutal. If the aggressive folks who want more contact want to battle it out… go for it. Even though I could probably hold up pretty well as a lineman… I really don’t want that job!

If we have 6×6... it could be fun to have two rushers. With two offensive linemen and a QB, that only leaves three receivers running routes. Much easier to design plays that way. It also opens up chances to have a running game.

Rule clarification question: would the O linemen be eligible receivers? It’s pretty sweet to let your rusher get past you after holding him off for a couple seconds and then have the QB dump off a quick screen to you.

by johnbai on Dec 22, 2009 6:08 PM PST reply actions

I would consider all players eligible receivers.

I played in a co-ed league of Flag Football where the linespeople were not allowed to initiate contact with another on purpose. Basically, the offensive line had their hands tied behind their back and the defensive line had to try to run around them.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 22, 2009 9:10 PM PST up reply actions

That doesn't sound very good at all.. Much too easy for defenders.

Jags? Playoffs?? 2009???

by JamMasterJesus on Dec 23, 2009 3:37 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah. Gotta be able to use your hands.

by BrettJMiller on Dec 23, 2009 9:40 AM PST up reply actions

We can come up with something in the middle, I think.

Nobody wants to get pancaked out there.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 23, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions

What would the rule on QB scrambles be then?

by Kirk on Dec 23, 2009 10:19 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

They can scramble whenever, I'd imagine. If you're under pressure, you should have a right to run.

by BrettJMiller on Dec 23, 2009 10:20 AM PST up reply actions

Okay then I would be totally down for this.

I love some defensive trickery and actually designing plays.

by Kirk on Dec 23, 2009 10:26 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Yeah, QB would have the right to run at all times.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 23, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions

I have that day off but I also have some things that I need to take care of that day

We shall see.

by Robert on Dec 23, 2009 3:22 PM PST reply actions

I heard a rumor that Matthew might be coming

I foresee an unstoppable wildcat offense. :)

by johnbai on Dec 23, 2009 4:31 PM PST up reply actions

You better come.

I need someone to walk there with.

by Kirk on Dec 23, 2009 8:18 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

I ran into a couple of people last night from high school and college and mentioned the game

I didn’t list them as questionable, because I would be surprised if they show, but we COULD get a couple more.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 24, 2009 12:27 PM PST reply actions

This would be so much fun.

But unfortunately, I’ll be at home this weekend.

Addicted To Quack [dot] com
I have a Ropert is God™ complex.

by qrsouther on Dec 24, 2009 4:40 PM PST reply actions

Wack.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 24, 2009 5:19 PM PST up reply actions

He's obviously too busy being high on Quack.

by BrettJMiller on Dec 24, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions

Unfortunately.

Addicted To Quack [dot] com
I have a Ropert is God™ complex.

by qrsouther on Dec 24, 2009 11:20 PM PST up reply actions

Okay, where is this thing going down exactly

by royalcurve on Dec 25, 2009 10:23 PM PST reply actions

Never mind

by royalcurve on Dec 25, 2009 10:49 PM PST up reply actions

I am glad I went, briefly. Alice liked the turf, and it looked like fun!

You know, except for the running around.

by royalcurve on Dec 26, 2009 3:39 PM PST reply actions

Thank you for bringing rolls

And it was a pleasure to meet Alice!

by johnbai on Dec 26, 2009 6:40 PM PST up reply actions

I'm sorry for not being social! I figured you'd be around longer!

by BrettJMiller on Dec 26, 2009 10:30 PM PST up reply actions

Those rolls pretty much allowed me to play two times longer then I would have otherwise. Thank you!

Jags? Playoffs?? 2009???

by JamMasterJesus on Dec 26, 2009 11:00 PM PST up reply actions

Where were the rolls?

Aw man, I could have used some kind of food at some point

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Dec 27, 2009 12:32 PM PST up reply actions

Anytime!

Sorry I didn’t get to chat with you or Brett. Next time.

by royalcurve on Dec 27, 2009 7:29 PM PST up reply actions

That there was some entertaining flag football, fellas.

I’m sad that I’m still not sure who exactly everybody was, but the day was still good.

Nice to see everyone there!

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 27, 2009 2:15 AM PST reply actions

I'm actually a bit sore.

Good games.

by abender20 on Dec 27, 2009 11:01 AM PST reply actions

I'm pretty confident that my toe isn't broken, so that's good

Body hurts like hell, though. Hit the ground hard once, got trucked over by Baker, and the aforementioned toe. Had a hell of a time though and I hope I can get out and participate in these a bit more

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Dec 27, 2009 12:34 PM PST reply actions

I'm glad I made it.

I’ve missed a few lately, but that said I can’t recall the last time we had a footbaLL game that was that much fun. Playing seven on seven and (almost) using a whole 100 yard field made it a blast. Good times.

by katal on Dec 27, 2009 6:43 PM PST reply actions

The FootbaLL Competition Committee would like to make the following recommendations

for rule changes in 2010:

When playing full-field, kickoffs will be taken from the 50 yard line.

PAT tries will be as follows:
1 point for a free place kick from the penalty spot.
1 point for a 10-yard play conversion
2 points for a 15 yard play conversion

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 27, 2009 11:59 PM PST reply actions

So we'll kick it off from the 50 right?

by Kirk on Dec 28, 2009 12:12 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Yeah.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 28, 2009 4:20 PM PST up reply actions

Are there any LLers in for the holidays

that want to squeeze in a Saturday 1/2/10 game…
or should we wait the standard 2 weeks before trying to get another game together?

by johnbai on Dec 28, 2009 5:10 PM PST reply actions

I can't make it to a 1/2 game, and I think two of the other regulars couldn't do it either.

I’m game for the 9th, though.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 28, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions

I vote for softbaLL instead

at Sandpoint/Magnuson Park they just installed brand new fieldturf ballfields, and they look to be pretty open most of the time. Only problem is that anyone who can hit with power left-handed will pretty easily be able to put a ball into the water so…

by seattlebruin on Dec 28, 2009 6:18 PM PST up reply actions

Also we need tons more people than normally show up to these events.

by BrettJMiller on Dec 29, 2009 2:19 PM PST up reply actions

I would be down for that.

I may leave early if we do though because it is my birthday and all.

by Kirk on Dec 29, 2009 2:10 PM PST up reply actions

I'm down for a 1/2 game.

I’m down to play every week, though.

by BrettJMiller on Dec 29, 2009 2:18 PM PST up reply actions

When does BasebaLL season start?

...and now I'm here

by CapSea on Dec 28, 2009 5:27 PM PST reply actions

BasebaLL is significantly harder to do.

If only because it simply requires more people to play the field effectively. We’d need at least 12 players to make a 4×4×4 game work, and 18 would be preferable. Even a busy FootbaLL got only 14 players or so.

There’s typically a BasebaLL (more like SoftbaLL) when Jeff makes his annual trip to Seattle, but if you’re interested in playing true overhand-pitching, 90-feet-between-the-bases baseball, and you live in the Seattle area, I suggest taking a look at the PSSBL. Sometimes the site doesn’t work well, though, so you can email me personally if you have questions.

Batted .393/.614/.464 for 2009 Diablos, #5 in OBP for PSSBL Rocky Division.

by Two Rs and Two Ls on Dec 28, 2009 5:42 PM PST up reply actions