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Bonecrushers, Monarchs to battle for tenth Erie League title

In a year which featured a brand new expanded league format, one thing remained constant - the Erie League will once again crown a first-time champion.

Twenty-four teams began the quest for the league's tenth title back in September. Now, after nearly four months of action, Dave Bell's Bonecrushers (9-6) and Mike Szydlowski's Polish Monarchs (10-5) are the final two vying for the right to wear the Erie League crown.

The chance to play for this year's championship is especially satisfying for Bell (right) who is one of just three owners to have participated in all 10 Erie League seasons. However, this is the first time he has guided his team to the title contest.

"It feels really great," Bell said. "It goes to show that no matter how hard you work to come up with a good team on draft day, you really need some good luck along the way to help make it this far."

After starting the year 0-3 and watching top players such as QB Vinny Testaverde and RB Jamal Anderson go down to injury early, Bell, 57, found himself forced to find new players quick. Otherwise, a rough 0-3 start could snowball into a dreadful campaign.

Among the players Bell uncovered: QB Brian Griese, RB James Stewart, WR Wesley Walls, and WR Marcus Robinson - the player Bell calls the "jewel" of the bunch. As they say, the rest is history.

As for Szydlowski (left), what makes his success all the more improbable is the fact that he almost didn't participate this year. Back in August, All-American Conference commissioner Kirk Pavelich found himself one player short five minutes before he was set to drive over to the Medical Specialties Warehouse. When Szydlowski happened to call at that moment, Pavelich persuaded him to come back into the league after a two year absence. His time to prepare came in the car, as he rode over to the auction with Pavelich.

"It's not all about preparing for the draft," Szydlowski said. "I didn't spend hours on my couch reading papers."

Szydlowski, 28, has also been a wizard at acquiring key pieces to the puzzle. James Stewart and Germane Crowell came over in a trade with the Midnight Vigilantes while Marcus Robinson was picked up from the free agent scrap heap. However, Szydlowski's best move might have come at the quarterback position. When starting QB Steve Young went down early, Szydlowski turned to the waiver wire and picked up Steve Beuerlein, who has gone on to score a cool 291 points on the season.

"It's no fluke where I am," Szydlowski said. "If the other owners think it's a fluke then they just need to second guess themselves some more. It's all a timing thing - you pick and choose your battles on any given week."

For making it this far, both owners have already guaranteed themselves that they'll have a substantial amount of extra cash for the holidays. However, only the winner will walk away with a payout in the $400 plus range. Both plan on using the award money for someone other than themselves.

"I'm going to buy my baby some new shoes," Szydlowski said."And a round of milk for everyone at the banquet."

"You know I only play the game for the fun of playing it," Bell said."But I tend to ignore my wife for 3 to 4 months while I play. I'll probably give it to her and tell her to get something nice for herself."

NOTES: Szydlowski's club has scored 1,165 points on the season, an average of 77.67 a contest. In the playoffs the Monarchs have scored 303 points, an average of 101 per game... The Bonecrushers have scored 1,158 points on the season, an average of 77.2 per contest. As with Szydlowski's team, Bell's squad has also stepped it up for the post-season, scoring 288 points, an average of 96 per game... Standouts to watch on the Monarchs include: QB Steve Beuerlein (291 pts.), WR Marcus Robinson (171 pts.), and WR Germane Crowell (153 pts.)...The Bonecrushers will rely on QB Brian Griese (40 points over last two weeks), RB Charlie Garner (19 point playoff average), and WR Rod Smith (109 pts.). It is not yet known whether WR Cris Carter (174 pts.) will be able to suit up... Szydlowski's all-time record now stands at 19-13 (.594), including a 5-1 post-season mark. The Monarchs finished in third place in the 1996 playoffs, their only other year of existence... Bell's all-time record is now 82-69 (.543), including an 8-9 record over the course of eight playoff appearances... The Monarchs advanced to the title game by knocking off the league powerhouse Psychedelic B's and Bryan Vince. The B's had been averaging over 96 points a contest yet lost in part because of WR Isaac Bruce's poor three point performance. Although he hasn't yet heard a reply, Szydlowski left a message for Vince after learning of his victory. He said: "Hello Mr. Vince. This is Isaac Bruce. Sorry for not showing up today." ... The Bonecrushers advanced to the bowl by upending Black Diamond 104-87, bringing Joe Nunney's dream season to an end ... The two teams have never met in regular or post-season action ... The Monarchs enter with a four game winning streak ... The Bonecrushers have won three in a row and nine out of twelve.