Commas Embark on Their First Winning Streak

Oxford faced a tougher challenge in week two, playing a team called Chubbs Peterson, named after this character from the movie Happy Gilmore. Despite the funny name, Chubbs put up a fight that forced the Commas to come from behind in order to escape with a win.

Oxford opened the game with a defensive stop. When they got the ball back, they quickly scored on a touchdown to Alex. Gonzo added a conversion to make it 8-0, but Chubbs answered on the next drive, closing to within two points. The Commas then staged a long drive that stalled at the one-inch line, and Chubbs capitalized to make it 12-8 at halftime.

In the second half, Oxford's offense came to life, scoring on a running play and then on a jailbreak desperation pass to Michelle. The defense clamped down, resisting two big drives into Oxford territory, thanks especially to big plays from Daniel, Kari, Matt, and Iain (although it should be mentioned that Iain had the ball practically handed to him at one point, but politely turned it down--see the highlight below). And, as always, the opposing quarterback will have nightmares about Jon's flailing arms. On the last play of the game, Brian recorded his second interception of the day to seal the win, 22-12.

So, we have officially entered Bizarro World, with Oxford at the top of the standings and riding the first winning streak in franchise history. A lot of work went into it; this was yet another game in which the women had to play the whole contest without a breather, so hats off to Elyse, Michelle, and Kari. Also, we have gone from three plays in our playbook to five(!), which has prompted occasional expressions of bewilderment. Dare we add a sixth play? Oh, god, my head is spinning.

This time, we have two Inspirational Football Clips of the Week. The first is dedicated to our defense, who have surrendered an average of six points a game so far. The second--well, if you don't know this one, shame on you. (A quick question: What does the quarterback do WRONG in this play? A hint: it's the thing I always say NEVER to do!)

Pictures are here. All of the videos are here. Gina, we salute you.

Matt defends a pass, almost comes up with the INT.



Brian says, "I'm open deep." Fine, Brian, we'll throw it to you.



A slow week for Alex: only one TD.



Gonzo keeps his cool on a busted play and scores the conversion. Oxford is up 8-0.



Chubbs answers with a TD, but fails to score the conversion. Oxford is still up 8-6.



Iain gets a reception to start a long drive for Oxford. Daniel: "That's exactly what's supposed to happen."



A deep one to Daniel just misses.



On a crucial fourth and midfield play, Brian makes the catch to keep the drive going.



Daniel takes a shot but holds onto the ball.



Kari completes a pass, but it is an inch short.



The Commas try to repeat a play from last week. Despite making a great catch, Alex lands out of bounds, and the drive ends.



Before halftime, Chubbs takes the lead to make the score 12-8.



After turning the ball over, Oxford steals it back on an interception by Brian.



QB sneak.



Daniel bails out the Commas with a tough catch and a first down.



Kari breaks free and gets a reception.



The Commas retake the lead on a QB keeper.



Gonzo scores another conversion on a tough catch between two giants. Oxford is up 16-12.



Brian makes a big first down reception in the red zone.



A little dancing followed by a touchdown for Michelle, putting the Commas up 22-12.



Chubbs mounts another drive, but Kari swats away a potential touchdown at the last second.



Daniel hunts down the fourth down pass to stop Chubbs from scoring.



The Commas try to eat up the clock with a short pass to Michelle.



After a big catch for Chubbs, the receiver hands the ball to Iain. He politely says, "No, thank you."



Brian ices the game with his second interception.