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FOOTBALL
HAPPENINGS
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Vol. 1 Issue 9 -- October 26, 1997
(Webmaster's Note: Seeing as I can
assume much of the creative control of this website, I will from time to time do with it
as I see fit. Roy has been very generous in allowing me that control. He maintains the
duty of writing the text that appears here each week, but it's up to me to put together
the lay-out and create the overall "feel" for each week's newsletter. I hope you
will allow me then, this week, to let my thoughts turn to those of my hometown state, New
Jersey. And with good reason. Here's why: The Mighty Mighty Jets are 5 - 3 at the
mid-season point. The Jersey Giants are in 1st place in the NFC East. I will be flying
home next weekend to see family and friends and the Jeties play Baltimore (my 1st Bill
Parcells game). Melonhead, a lifelong Jerseyan, is in 1st place in the FBH. And Bob Shupp
won a contest this week that will have JETS Wide Receiver Wayne Chrebet delivering a
27" T.V. to his apartment, in time to watch the Monday Night game this week (Oct.
27). Wayne is a native Jersey boy himself (Garfield High graduate). New Jersey and You:
Perfect Together!)
Park Avenue
Most people think FBH is just a pastime. But those who achieve elite
status come to realize the trappings of success. Ellen "President of the
Wayne Chrebet Fan Club" Raimondo, who completed her scrappy rise to the top
of the seasonal standings with last week’s 9-3-1 effort, may have expected the
admiration of her fellow FBH competitors and possible financial gain. But actual NFL
players bearing gifts? What’s next, the Super Bowl played in Little Ferry, N.J? The
NFL owner’s meetings at the Grasshopper? Good week eight performances were also
registered by Tom "Laddy Boy" Schwade (10-2-1), and Ron
"Giant Boy" Hade (9-3-1).
The Bowery
Last place. The Bonneville Salt Flats of FBH. Did you know
that Patty "Minneapolis Mama" Snider would be in first place if
she went opposite all season? (61-41-5) Well, that’s why God created four quarters.
Notice Dave "Pink Socks" Curtis has carded a 43 on the front
nine. Perhaps he would like to consider a mulligan?
Monkey in the Middle
It turns out that this week’s MIM is Buntman,
but that’s boring. Tied with me at 50-52, are Ken "Mr. LILCO" Brown
and Michelle Cooke, whose lives are anything but boring at this point.
Long time FBHers know Ken is my Uncle from Long Island, and may remember that each season
he vies with his brother, Uncle Rich, to avoid getting stuck with the
Nipplehead award. You may also remember him on LILCO (Long Island Lighting Company)
commercials. Michelle is an FBH cadet, and Dolphins fan. On Saturday, Michelle is getting
married to my Cousin Ken, Jr. (Uncle Ken’s son), and Uncle Ken will be the Best Man.
Here’s wishing everyone good luck this weekend, and in the future to Michelle and
Ken, Jr. (One piece of advice on the reception, keep everyone away from the wedding cake.)
Love Among Divisional Rivals
John Division
It is only fitting that the three Schwade boys vie
for the lead in the division named for their brother. Dave, Tom
and Steve (2, 4, and 6 in the overall standings, respectively) deserve a
round of applause for their awesome performances this season. Who will win the quarter?
Hey, nobody can predict what happens when that gene pool gets stirred up. But the Commish
says, "Papa Schwade is only four back."
Paul Division
Despite all the hoopla of the annual gala and the thrill of
a new "must see" hairstyle, Miss Kimba has been able to keep
the P2Q lead. But has Paul "Ironhead" Kessler really started
trying yet? He’s 2 games back, tied with Pete "Wet" Knapp
and Audrey "Mrs. Hipster" Vanek.
George Division
Old Wally had his first bad week (3-9-1)
which has cost him the overall lead, at least temporarily, and the G2Q lead as well. Dr.
Sherri, who has the slight one game advantage, wrestles with the eternal
question: "Do I actually make picks, or do I take the home teams?" as Michelle
"I need something borrowed, and in a hurry!" Cooke decides if she makes
the picks in pre- or post-nuptial mode. (Commish note: Marriage did not effect my picks,
however, I haven’t broken .500 since I turned 30.)
Ringo Division
Ellen has the best record in the 2nd
quarter (30-18-3) and enjoys a 4 game lead. With 14 games to go, it will be tough to catch
her, unless the "about to meet my favorite Jet" factor comes into play. Watch
out for Rob "NFL Photographer Guy" Tringali, Jr., who has the
best record of all FBH cadets this season. (Commish note: Has the cover of Sports
Illustrated ever pictured a pro player catching a pass in Bob’s
living room? Could be a first.)
Wayne Chrebet FAQ
Pro Career:
Has
more receptions in his 1st two seasons than any player in NFL history (150). Has had at
least 1 reception in all 32 games of his NFL career. Is 3rd on Jets single season
reception list with team-high 84 in 1996, and has led the team in receiving yards in each
of his 1st two seasons. Owns the team
rookie records for receptions by a rookie and receptions by a rookie WR. Is also 2nd in
club rookie annals in receiving yards and TD receptions.
1996: Continued to build on
the success of his rookie season with team-leading 84-909-10.8-3 TD receiving.finished 6th
in the AFC and tied for 13th in the NFL in receptions and was 14th in the AFC and 28th in
the NFL in receiving yards despite starting only 9 games.started the final 3 games in
place of injured Jeff Graham.
1995: Earned
all-rookie honors from College & Pro Football Newsweekly and Football News. Finished
2nd among all NFL rookies in receptions (only 1 behind SEA's Joey Galloway who was the 8th
overall pick and had 67) with 66-726-11.0-4 TD. He was also 4th among rookies in yards
gained, 4th in average gain and 3rd in TD receptions. The receptions were the most ever by
a Jets rookie and the yards were second only to Wesley Walker (740 in 1977). Got his 1st
NFL start in game 1 at MIA and responded with 3-43 receiving, including his first career
reception, a diving grab of a 27-yard Esiason pass. Caught his 1st NFL TD on a 5-yard pass
from Boomer Esiason in game 2 vs. IND.
College Highlights: Tied
Jerry Rice's NCAA record for TD receptions in a game with 5 vs. Delaware as a senior. Was
a 2-year starter and 4-year letterman who set school records for TD in a game (5), season
(16), and career (31) and the single game yardage mark (245 vs. Delaware). Earned MVP as a
senior with 57-1200-16 TD receiving.
Personal: Single.
Criminal Justice major. Was named the 1st recipient of the Hofstra Alumni Association's
"Young Alumni Award". Has been honored by the NFLPA with the Jets "Unsung
Hero Award". Is very active in the community and is one of the team's most requested
speakers. Was a participant in the NFL/JCPenney "Take a Player to School"
program.
Free Association
This is Roy. GO!
[ Special FBH
greetings, undying appreciation, and honorary FBHer status goes out to Wayne
Chrebet, wide receiver for the Mighty
Mighty Jets. Wayne won a contest which allowed him to watch Monday
Night Football at Bob’s apartment with various Shupps and Schwades. The only catch
was he had to bring the TV.
This is Ralph. GO!
$$$ Anniversary Alert!: Oct. 25, 1986: Game
6. Mookie. 'Nuff said.
This is Roy. GO!
[ Hey theres
and get well soons to Dick "Head of the Family" Vanek who
underwent successful "Bo Jackson" hip replacement surgery on Monday. Dick
announced that in the future, like Bo, he will restrict himself to baseball only. The big
man is doing well and should be home any day now.
This is Ralph. GO!
$$$ I bid a fond,
yet sad, farewell to my Honda this week. A 1987 Accord that's been in my family since it's
berth. It got me here to Dallas 3.5 years ago, and despite seemingly constant troubles, it
was one hell of a car (152,000 miles). It's engine was diagnosed as a goner over 5 months
(and 3000 miles) ago, yet it kept going, and going, and going. And in the end, it's the
transmission that has sealed it's fate. Goodbye old friend. You will be missed.
This is Roy. GO!
[ Did you know
that Rutgers was down 31-6 last week to Army, but battled back to lead 35-34? OK, the
Kniggits eventually lost 37-35, but there were signs of life.
This is Ralph. GO!
$$$ Anniversary Alert!: Oct. 27, 1986: Mets
win World Series. Ralph realizes dream.
This is Roy. GO!
[ New album
of the week is "Adam and Eve" by Catherine Wheel. Ralph has
been digging these guys for years, but the new release is their most accessible. It
isn’t easy to categorize these guys, but the music sounds alternative, but it
doesn’t leave me feeling depressed. This may be because I haven’t listened to
the words very closely yet.
[ Jackie says
hi.
This is Ralph. GO!
$$$ I love my scanner! I seem to scan everything I can
find. This week it was refrigerator magnets and this small wooden plaque-like thing with
the Cranford Hotel painted on it. What follows is what is written on the back of it.
The Cranford Hotel, as seen today, bears strong resemblance
to it's earliest days. Built in 1893 by the Hess family, it's convenience to the railroad
tracks made it a popular stop for businessmen. In 1946, the Hotel was sold to the DiTullio
family, and remained in use as a hotel until the early 70's. It endures today as a
favorite restaurant and meeting place. It is also Ralph's favorite place to drink in N.J.