The Sports Page        

Volume 11, Issue 12         The On-Line Newsletter of the Erie Fantasy Football League         December 25, 2003

Vigilantes win 4th league title

Pavelich now a perfect 4 for 4 in title games after defeating Stonehenge

The Midnight Vigilantes added to their distinction as the greatest dynasty in Erie League history, as they won their unprecedented fourth championship Monday night, defeating Stonehenge 131.3 to 104.2 in Fantasy Bowl 14.

In the end, it was the Vigilantes depth - and their defense - that proved to be the margin of victory. Both teams started QB Donovan McNabb (16.4 points) and RB Priest Holmes (28.5 points), ensuring the game would remain close going into the pivotal Monday night contest between Green Bay and Oakland. However, the Vigilantes defense - the Baltimore Ravens - provided a huge advantage when they scored 24 points against the hapless Browns (3 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, 1 TD return, 5 sacks, a win and a shutout). Meanwhile, Stonehenge could manage just one point from the all-around disappointing Tampa Bay unit.

Despite the 23-point defensive advantage, Stonehenge still held an eight point lead heading into the Monday night contest. The Vigilantes took the lead for good at the 0:34 mark of the 2nd quarter when veteran WR Jerry Rice, playing in his first Erie League Fantasy Bowl since 1990, was on the receiving end of a 28-yard pass and then poured it on with Rice's outstanding effort and RB Ahman Green's stellar performance.

As he's done all year, Stonehenge RB Jamal Lewis provided a valiant effort in a losing cause, piling up 34.6 points against the Browns on 205 yards rushing, 21 yards receiving and two rushing scores.

The victory enabled Kirk Pavelich (right) to become the first owner in league history to win a fourth title and only the third #1 seed in 14 seasons to win a championship. The twelve year veteran of the league, whose record stands at 111-69, has now guided the Vigilantes to 12 wins in his last 13 post-season games. Click for Gallery of Champions 

"This year was all about luck," Pavelich said. "I was able to draft a couple of main contributors - Holmes and Marvin Harrison - who had great years and more importantly stayed healthy when it counted. A couple free agents, a couple additions through trade and then continued good luck throughout the playoffs."

During the playoffs, the Vigilantes scored 457.65 points in four games (114.4 per game). In four Fantasy Bowl appearances, the Vigilantes have now scored 490.3 points (122.58 per game).

By rule, RB Holmes (pictured left) was named the game's Most Valuable Player by scoring the most points on the victorious team. Click here to see a complete list of Fantasy Bowl Records.

Having compiled a 14-2 record through the first 16 weeks, the Vigilantes still have one week's worth of work to truly make the year a once in a lifetime season. Not only will his squad compete against the NCFFL champion Hoosier Daddy, owned by long-time Erie League veteran Dave Bell, but they will also go against Weekend Warrior Fantasy Football League champion the Phenomenal Ghosts in the International Fantasy Football Computer Rankings World Title Contest.

"The money earned thus far is real nice, and I'd like to stash some away for a possible trip to Disney World in 2005 with my family," Pavelich said. "But how cool would it be to actually have the opportunity to say my team was the best in the world and have the plaque to prove it. This should be a fun week."

Bell (pictured right), a charter member of the Erie League who has appeared in only one Fantasy Bowl, rose above the competition to win the NCFFL title in the league's first season.

"I would have to say that it feels pretty good," Bell said. "Bulger and the RBs have carried me all year. I was lucky enough to get a high lottery pick when we formed this league and I took LaDainian in the first round. I was surprised that Jamal was still there in the second so I grabbed him too. By then the good wides were all gone and that, of course, is my Achilles Heel  in this league, although I did improve the situation with the trades with John (Thiem) and Doug (Frank) which netted Jimmy Smith and Hines Ward. With this being a keeper league, I feel pretty good about staying competitive for awhile."

As for taking on the Vigilantes of the Erie League, Bell said he looked forward to the extra game with Pavelich's team.

"As for the Vigilantes, you have always been tough," Bell said. "You start with a good draft and somehow you always manage to sucker those candy asses in the Erie League to take off their pants for you. You Da Man. I'm not going to wish you too much luck this week because you should have the game on the basis of your wide receivers, but regardless of what happens I'm pretty pleased with the year."

The winner will collect an additional $100, as both leagues have contributed $50 from their overall prize pool.

"I don't play the game for the money," Bell said. "It's nice, but for me the opportunity to run shit is a lot more fun -- and I get to do it all
year long with those butt-heads I work with!! Yeah Baby!!!"

The annual awards and rules banquet will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2004 at Twin City Pub and Grille in Twinsburg, located at 10735 Ravenna Road in the Masarra's Shopping Plaza. It will start at 6:30 p.m. and Pavelich has vowed to continue the eight-year-old tradition of buying a round of drinks for all in attendance. Please contact the commissioner as soon as possible if you cannot attend so that other arrangements can be made regarding the distribution of prize money.

FINAL INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS

Erie League vs. North Coast Fantasy Football League (NCFFL)

Note - The champions of these leagues will square off in Week 17 in Ultimate Bowl 3

CLICK HERE FOR BACK ISSUES OF THE SPORTS PAGE:

• Erie League set to kick off 14th season! (July 16, 2003)

• Football is back as Erie League kicks off 2003 (September 14, 2003)

• Roush continues to roll, trash talk minimal (September 28, 2003)

• Controversial trade, Donkey pictures, finally get smack started (October 5, 2003)

• All-American, Browns Conference square off, series tied at 24 (October 12, 2003)

• Despite conference best 6-1 mark, Vigilantes deal four players (October 26, 2003)

• Hard Attack GM elected to school board, blasted by fellow owners (November 16, 2003)

• Several divisions clinched, others owners scrambling to get in (November 22, 2003)

• Field of 16 is set as Erie Leaguers battle for Fantasy Title (November 25, 2003)

• Eight teams still alive with the chance for an Erie League title (December 6, 2003)

• Conference finals are now set (December 13, 2003)

• Vigilantes, Stonehenge to battle for title (December 19, 2003)

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