By JOCELYN WATERS
Thursday at Atkinson Park, four teams fought hard for the title of Ultimate Frisbee Champion but it came down to two burrito teams—WrapCity and KB's. It's officially a wrap—Wrap City 16-14 over KB's
This year, all the teams were evenly matched and tournament seeding was difficult with three teams tied for first place with records of 3-2.
So, on Thursday's final night of action, team captains flipped discs. They decided that KB's and Grumpy's would battle on Field One and Wrap City would go against Board Bin in the other semi-final on Field Two.
Both semi-final games were back and forth, with all four evenly matched teams in the lead at one time in the game.
Grumpy's took an early lead at 4-1. The lead evaporated as KB's scored the next six points, unanswered. The KB's rally was attributed to the late arrival of Eleanor and Eric Rogers. And KB's prevailed 13-8.
In the other semi-final Board Bin started strong and took half at 7-4. WrapCity stormed back and scored three successive points to tie it 7-7. This comeback was attributed mostly to Craig Morgan, who executed great defensive blocks.
Both teams battled to pull ahead, epitomized by the Mike Payno/Hunter Storey match-up in the end zone. However, this fight also exasperated both teams and the game wasn't the same afterwards. The final score was 11-9, WrapCity.
Other highlights included the blocked pass by Diamond Mike's cast and quick sprints by Jim Slanetz.
The final game brought the two burrito nemeses together for the battle of the wraps and lunchtime bragging rights.
WrapCity lost a player from the semis, and was down to six players, while KB's had nine. Captains agreed to play six on six and KB's began the game with two quick scores.
The KB's experience was apparent, and WrapCity struggled to stay in the game. With the score at 6-4, Todd Dunham dashed up the sideline for a pass, only to have it ripped away by Eric Rogers. KB's proceeded to score two in a row and took the half at 8-6.
Halftime allowed each team to regroup, strategize and replenish. Fatigue was soon evident on both sides. Many dropped passes and missed opportunities came from sloppy passes in the second half.
The score oscillated back and forth for the remainder of the game. It was tied at 9s, 10s and 11s. Many players described the second half as "survival" after the game.
Duke Nukem threaded the needle for John King, who slid feet first into the end zone for KB's to take the lead late in the second half. WrapCity then took advantage of some lucky passes and tied it 14-14, sending the close game into overtime.
City sprinted on the field after a much-needed time-out. Scott "The Kidd" Runkel said, "We were falling fast, tired and sluggish. After the timeout, we were unstoppable."
WrapCity scored the next two points to end the game at 16-14. City may not have had the best of teams, with two players injured, but the chant "we're in it to win it" kept their spirit high and propelled them forward for the win.
Notable highlights were James Saylor's defensive sprints to the opposite end of the field as well as Hunter Storey's intensity in the end zone.
Those with children gave a big thanks to the babysitters. Also, thanks went to Diamond Mike for hosting the Ultimate after-party where Mike "The Con-Man" Connelly and Lonnie "Dart" Lindquist won the title of Wickets Champions.
The annual battle between the North (North of East Fork road) and the South takes place Thursday, Aug. 16 at Atkinson's Park at 6:45 p.m.
