After Long Campaign, Commas Again Reach Playoffs

It was a long road to the playoffs this year, thanks in large part to the gift that kept on giving: Hurricane Sandy. For the Commas, that odyssey began in what had to be one of the oddest games of the year, when the Zog overlords declared that Oxford would face the Tribeca Tight Ends in a match that ended less than an hour before the subways shut down in advance of the storm. Needless to say, it was a bit windy, which turned the game into a defensive struggle. Oxford held the lead until about a minute to go, when Tribeca scored to put them up one. The Commas then began a march down the field that ended with a touchdown for Daniel in the corner of the endzone. On the last play of the game, Tribeca attempted a Hail Mary pass, but the defense knocked it away. (Note: Tribeca showed up despite the fact that they had been evacuated earlier that day, while a few other teams simply forfeited without telling their opponents. The football gods approve.)

The following week's games were postponed, so the Commas had to wait until after the election to play the Button Holes again. This time, Oxford did not have an answer for their passing attack, and two early interceptions stalled the Commas' scoring attempts. On the bright side, guest defensive lineman Major Mike B. (USMC) had a sack on 100% of his plays (1 for 1). Still, Oxford was too far behind by the end, and lost by two scores.

Dave gets a short pass against the Button Holes. Jane takes a quick pass along the sideline for a big gain.
The difficulties continued in the rematch with the Honey Badgers the next week. Though the Commas were undermanned, they jumped out to an early 19-0 lead, thanks to big scoring plays for Max and Daniel, along with interceptions by Max and Paul. But the Badgers regrouped after halftime, going on a 26-0 scoring run that included a pick six.

So, the Commas had to recover over Thanksgiving (you know--when the season is normally finished and we're getting fat again.) They returned to face Andrew Gish's Robot Army, who were slogging through a tough season themselves. The Commas raced out to an early lead that they did not relinquish this time. Max scored on the first play, Daniel took in an interception for a score on the next play, and Oxford was rolling. Later, Iain followed up the best interception of the year with long touchdown reception on a broken play. Elyse caught a conversion in traffic, and Jessica added two scores of her own.

Jessie scores, but a conversion attempt to Ash is off the mark. Just a little out of bounds for Max. Jon passes to Ashley. The defense tries to contain a throw down field.

As a result of all this, Oxford had to play the NY VaGiants in the playoffs in one of the most exciting games in team history. In the wet weather, the NY quarterback threw an interception to Daniel on the opening drive, and the Commas took about 10 plays to move seven yards into the end zone. On the touchdown play, Jessica threw to Daniel, who caught it but then fell backward out of the end zone. The referees conferred for a few minutes before giving it to Oxford. The Commas scored again when Jane caught a touchdown in the corner. But then NY took the lead with two quick strikes down field to their star receiver and part time ninja. Oxford scored again on a deep strike to Daniel, making the score 19-14 at halftime. Unfortunately, Oxford would not get into the end zone again, even after a 4th down bomb to Max put them on the one yard line. NY could not be contained forever, and they eventually broke out with three more scores. The game ended after NY made a one-handed interception that gave the VaGiants possession and allowed them to run out the clock. A tough end to a long campaign. But, thanks to this extended fall season, winter is only a few weeks away. Oh, god.

I made it through that whole paragraph without a double entendre involving the female anatomy. You're welcome.

The Commas hung out to watch part of the championship between the Badgers and the VaGiants. The Badgers would go on to win it. My official story--and I'm sticking to it--is that we stepped aside so that the charities represented by these two teams could share in the wealth.

Here's your Inspirational Football Clip of the Week (surprise--it has an Oxford connection). More to come in 2013.