TBD Bowl V Preview: Can McVicker Maintain the Magic?
McLicker Lites (#1) vs. Youngstown Gangstas (#2)
All-time head-to-head: McLicker Lites lead 2–0
· 2016: McLicker Lites def. Youngstown Gangstas (Week 10)
· 2015: McLicker Lites def. Youngstown Gangstas (Week 10)
It’s come down to this.
In one corner, a team that has beaten the odds, overcoming week after week of adversity in reaching their second straight TBD Bowl.
The other, a well-oiled machine of dominance, hell bent on running over anyone who stands between them and a historic worst-to-first season.
In perhaps the most highly anticipated showdown in TBD Bowl history, Zachary “Sack” McVicker will lead his top-seeded McLicker Lites into battle against Dan “D2” Klempay and his #2 seeded Youngstown Gangstas. For all the season-long discussion about playoff restructuring, no one can deny that this championship game features the best of what the league has to offer. Coincidentally, both of these gladiators began their road to the TBD Bowl last December.
Klempay’s road to the TBD Bowl began the moment the final whistle sounded in Harrer Cup 2015 (his 2nd last place finish in 3 seasons). The team came out of training camp focused and angry. They steamrolled opponents, opening the season 8–1 and winning games by an average margin of 35 points. Unlike previous seasons, this year’s squad seemed to bring a new attitude both on and off the field. Countless reports of looting and burning of visiting team locker rooms combined with numerous parking lot and grocery store altercations with opposing coaches and training staff helped the Gangstas firmly establish themselves proudly as the league bully — one who vowed to make life miserable for teams and coaches who stood in their path.
“They took my shoes,” said RB Jacquizz Rodgers. “They took my shoes. They tied the shoelaces and then they threw them on the tele wire. They took my shoes!”
Coach Klempay vehemently defended his team’s season-long behavior and attitude: “I encourage my players to walk around like winners. Sometimes that means reminding losers that they’re not winners. You’re damn right we took his shoes. We’re taking everyone’s shoes. You’re either with us — or against us.”
When one reporter reminded Coach Klempay that, until this season, his team had been the lovable loser of the league and was never bullied, their press credentials were rescinded.
The McLicker Lite path began in last year’s TBD Bowl with a heart-crushing 6 pt loss to Andy Lutzky’s previously named Gostkowskizky’zky franchise. Despite the loss, the McLicker Lites gave their fans plenty to be proud of as those at McLicker Fieldhouse try to move past the dark years of the “Harrer Era”. The confidence and positive energy built by the team last season continued into 2016 as the team grinded its way to a 9–3 season (including a Week 10 victory over the Gangstas) and the league’s top seed in the playoffs. It was in these playoffs that the team really came together as they earned the nickname “Top Seed Cinderella” for the number of magical victories they have secured.
Against Dixon(s) Out for Harambe, facing incredible odds (Dez Bryant and Jimmy Graham needing to only score 17 combine points against bottom ranked defenses for Dixon(s) to win), the Lites battled and came away with a 15 point victory. A week later, protecting a 9 point lead against Fitz a Kind of Magic, the gods shined upon McVicker’s squad again as they eeked out a 1 pt victory and a TBD Bowl berth.
It’s no wonder this team is starting to gain notoriety as “the Magic McVickers” and fans were spotted at practice this week holding up #WeMcLieve signs.
“Magic?” quipped McLicker QB Derek Carr. “I don’t know about that. We just like each other.”
RB/WR Ty Montgomery agrees, but thinks there’s something special about this team, “I mean, can you keep a secret? Sammy [Watkins] and I saw angels in end zone at the last game. I mean — come on. I scored 32 points ON THE ROAD. You think I could’ve done that without the help of some higher power?”
“I can speak!” said a suddenly animated Giants D/ST. “That proves it right there.”
Whatever it is, the crowds are behind them and so are other owners. Fitz a Kind of Magic owner, Robert Yegiazaryan (who McVicker’s team beat in the semifinals) offered Gatorade and boxed lunches to the Lites to help them prepare for the TBD Bowl. Dak Pics owner, Emil Sandoz-Rosado arranged for a magician to perform at Wednesday’s practice to help players relax during a tense week of prep.
Perhaps the biggest sign that fans are believing in this team — the Wall, a bulletin board at McLicker Fieldhouse that has letters from families all across the world wishing the McLicker Lites good luck against the Gangstas:
“Dear McLicker Lites,
I like you. I think the Gangstas are mean. I hope you win. I want a puppy for Christmas.” — Suzy (age 6), Canton OH
“Dear Coach McVicker
My husband lost both his legs last week in a terrible popcorn accident. The only joy he gets is watching your team win. Please win for him.”
-Molly (age 34), St Louis, MO
“Lites,
When you have achieved so much — ya know — in such a short time — ya know — it can go to your head. If you want to be on the mountain, you gotta break them eggs. Also, yes.”
-Paul Harrer (former franchise owner), San Francisco, CA
#1 vs #2. Good vs. Evil. The World vs Ohio. TBD Bowl V has it all.
