Tryptophan, Football and Some Random Thoughts of Thanksgiving

Hi There. Before we go into some random thoughts of giving thanks, lets talk football. We start with "Ken's Alma Mater Lock." Tomorrow morning in the annual Thanksgiving day football game in Middletown NJ, the Middletown South Eagles will put an a-- whooping on the Middletown North Lions. I wish I could be there to see the slaughter. Now for a pro upset special. I like Seattle over the Cowboys. I may not be the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but I'm not the dimmest either. The Lions will not beat the Titans. If the Lions end up 0-16, will the members of 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers open a bottle of champagne to celebrate like the 1972 Dolphins do when the last unbeaten team goes down to defeat.
Now for some random thoughts of Thanksgiving. What kind of debate would we have if the turkey had 3 different types of meat instead of just white and dark? If it wasn't for green bean casserole, would anybody even know what a can of cream of mushroom soup or french fried onions were. Staring at wiggling cranberry sauce can have this hypnotic effect on people. Has anyone ever taken a serving of candied yams and just ate the melted marshmallows on top and left the yams behind? Cool Whip or real whip cream, you decide. Just one year I would like to see the president not pardon the presidential turkey and instead pardon the presidential turduckhen. Finally the stuffing is the best part, and when its cooked in the bird I like the crunchy stuff that doesn't make it inside...Leccese out

Three losses in six years and other weekend observations

Hi there. Well high school football season is officially over and it was a good run for the Hudson Falls Tigers. Unfortunately they ran into a dynasty called the Rye Garnets. There's an old saying that speed kills and the Rye defense was at least one, maybe two steps faster. That was the difference in the ball game on Saturday. This was a team that has lost only 3 games in the last 6 years. I now understand why. It was also cold and windy. Last year we went up way north to Ausable Valley to do a regional game and it wasn't as cold there as it was Saturday in Kingston. Dietz Stadium is one of those places carved out of a hill and when its windy, the wind swirls and it did. I've had the pleasure of seeing some really good football players in past 5 or 6 years that I've been calling games. I'm putting Joe McMurry among the top five. I was talking with Chip Corlew and Burgess Ovitt two weeks ago and they told me another high school has added football. Ichabod Crane will be playing a varsity schedule in 2009. That's 4 straight years a Section 2 school has added or brought back football.
As for the upset specials, I went 1 for 3. When I got home late Saturday night I tuned into the Texas Tech/Oklahoma game and did the Red Raiders even show up? What happened? My mind was such a blur. As for the pro upset special. The Jets knocked off Titans, so I was 1 for 2 heading into the CFL title game. The "Pete Tobey Grey Cup Lock" didn't work out. Calgary beat Montreal and I want to thank Versus for at least showing the game. I would tune it in during commercials in the Giants game. Pete, you owe me one for putting the Leccese curse on Montreal. It worked and the Stampeders are CFL champs.
Syracuse fans are still celebrating their win over Notre Dame. I don't think though that Greg Robinson's job would have been saved even if he hadn't already been fired. How painful was it for fans of the Golden Domers not only to loose the way they did, but that Cameron Dantley's dad Adrian is the second greatest basketball player in Fighting Irish history.
Over the weekend I was watching the NHL network and I want to know who designed those ugly third uniforms that some teams are wearing. The losers from "Project Runway?" They are that bad. Now a couple are actually better than the regular ones, namely the Sabres, Islanders, Oilers and Canucks. But the Lightning, Coyotes, and Senators are double bag ugly. The NHL screwed up big time when they contracted with Reebok to create this form fitting jersey thing.
Congratulations to Ashley Simpson on the birth of her son, but what was she thinking when she named him, "Bronx Mowgli." I guess dumb runs in the family. I thought only Jessica had the stupid genes. Naming your first child after a borough in New York and the boy from " The Jungle Book." There's a kid just waiting to get picked on when he goes to school. Plus you got four years of therapy minimum.
I'm still waiting to hear what the big deal about "Twilight" is. 70 million at the box office opening weekend and I'm not getting it.
Finally, I owe Rutgers QB Mike Teel an apology. Five straight wins will make you re-think the view that Coach Schiano should have benched you when your teams record was 1-5. Enjoy Thanksgiving...Leccese out.

I am so not ready for HS Basketball and Ice Hockey Seasons

Hi There. You can feel it in the air. High School Basketball and Ice Hockey seasons are getting underway and I am so not ready. We will finalize the basketball schedule hopefully before Thanksgiving so you'll know what games we'll be airing on the Mighty 14 50. Before we get into a preview of tomorrow's Hudson Falls vs Rye game, it's time for "Opie's Upset Specials!" And cause I love youze guys, you get a bonus pick this week. Three for the price of two. Upset special Number One. Lots of good rivalry games in the college ranks this weekend, none of them worth the risk. Go with Texas Tech over Oklahoma. Upset special Number Two for the pro pick. Again there's some good match-ups but I'm playing a hunch and going with the J-E-T-S to finally give the Titans their first loss of the season. Now for your bonus pick. I'm calling this one the "Pete Tobey Grey Cup Lock" in honor of the Post Star's fine high school football columnist. I'm taking the Montreal Allouettes over Mr. Tobey's Calgary Stampeders in the CFL championship game. Now Pete, if you are aware of the Leccese curse, you'll be thanking me for picking Montreal.
As for the high school game. It's two bruising backs named Kyle Ramalho and Cole McCormick of Rye versus the big line and Joe McMurry of Hudson Falls. So expect a lot of ball control. This is looking like a field position, time of possession battle.
Donovan McNabb is taking a lot of heat for not knowing that regular season games can end in a tie. Remember this is coming from a league that has some ridiculous thing called, "The Tuck Rule."
Does anyone actually care that the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew are playing in the MLS championship game this weekend? I didn't think so.
Did I hear that LeBron James has Barry Manilow on his I-Pod? Come on, LeBron. It's O.K. for some loser like me who can't get a date to admit he likes Air Supply. At least they're not on my MP3 player. But Barry Manilow? I can see it now. Before a game he's got the headphones on and getting psyched up to Jay-Z along with "Copacabana" or "Weekend in New England."
Another sign of the apocalypse. I've seen the commercial for the video game Rock Band 2 with Kobe, A-Rod, Tony Hawke and some other dude playing "Old Time Rock N Roll."
Can someone please explain to me what the big deal is about the movie, "Twilight."
I want to wrap up by saying thank you to some of the over weight people who walk by the gym where I workout. Seeing you inspires me to do that extra 10 minutes on a treadmill or bike...Leccese out.

Thoughts of Kingston and other Weekend Observations

Hi There. If you're a Section 2 High School football fan, it wasn't a great weekend for you. Only Hudson Falls and Burnt Hills won and advanced to Dietz Stadium. LaSalle, Watervliet, and Rensselaer all lost. Section 7/10 has made some strides. In Class D, Section 7 has won the last three regional games. Unfortunately Hudson Falls and Beekmantown wasn't a fair fight Saturday. There is nothing more disheartening from a broadcasters point of view then calling a blow out. This year, I've seen my share them. Too many. I can honestly say that of the games we have done this year, only 3 were close. Dietz Stadium is decent. Got that brick bleacher structure on the one side with a nice big press box that have private rooms. It will be an interesting challenge for Hudson Falls going against Rye. Hey, if you want to be the champs, you've got to beat the champs. My favorite memories of Dietz are when Lake George won in the semi-final back in 1998 and made it to Syracuse, and when Warrensburg made the semi-final a few years ago and lost to Tuckahoe.
As for the upset specials. Went 1 for 2. The Domers knocked off Navy and they were lucky. Navy made a game of it late and Notre Dame became bowl eligible with the win. The pro upset special was a win for me. Denver defeated the Falcons. Sooner or later Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco are gonna hit that rookie wall that happens to all first year NFL players.
So Barry Melrose's return to coaching lasted all of 16 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Remember this team won the Stanley Cup less than 5 years ago. Letting your best defensemen Dan Boyle go and banking on 18 year old Steve Stamkos and 42 year old Gary Roberts to help Lecavalier, St.Louis and Prospal isn't enough. The Bolts goaltending is also shaky at best. The new ownership group must have been talking to Hank Steinbrenner and asking for his advice.
College hoops got underway and who the heck are a South Carolina Upstate and Houston Baptist and when they did they become Division 1? Its Yankee Doodle and Little Debbie time in college bball. The big boys are loading up on the cup cakes before they go off and play in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other nice places.
Mike Lupica is one my favorite sportswriters and here's why. I was reading his column Sunday and he had this observation, "If the government wants to help Detroit with a bailout, they should start with the Lions." Also he had this observation. The Giants and Jets are having the years the Yankees and Mets were hoping to have in their final year at Yankee and Shea stadiums and did not.
Monday means CBS on the tube tonight and water cooler talk with Dan and John tomorrow...Leccese out.

Where was Dan Fielding? and other observations

Hi There. We've made through another week and as I kick off another weekend, we must open with, "Opie's Upset Specials" Alright now we look to the college ranks and last year the Midshipmen of Navy ended a 40 year losing streak to the Golden Domers of Notre Dame. This year they make it 2 straight. On to the pros, I'm liking John Pratt's boys the Denver Broncos to win over Matt Ryan and the Falcons in hotlanta, not mylanta.
Hudson Falls continues its journey to Syracuse and they'll take on the Beekmantown Eagles from Section 7 at Putt LaMay Field. They should win this one. If they make Dietz stadium next week in Kingston, they'll most likely face the Rye Garnet who are the defending state champs and currently ranked number 1 in Class B.
Earlier in the week, I apologized to Claude Julien the Boston Bruins coach for playing his other goaltender over Tim Thomas who is one my fantasy team goalies. I'm taking it back after last nights win over the club de hockey Canadien. You're killing me Claude, just killing me.
Last night I couldn't stomach watching the Jets/Patriots so I tuned into 30 Rock. After seeing Tina Fey I was thinking, maybe she should stick to Sarah Palin impersonations. Also, if you're going to do a "Night Court" reunion you have to include Dan Fielding. Okay, at least Bull. Jane Krakowski. Wow, talk about hot. She was pretty cute on "Ally McBeal" and had one of the best lines from the original "Vacation" movie. I might have to find a way to shoe horn her onto my list of five. When you're not married or dating anyone, you can say those things without repercussions.
The CBS Monday night comedies were on per usual. Two and a Half men. I loved watching Charlie torture Jake about going to military school. HIMYM had its moments especially when the Japanese guy on the tele-conference saw a drunk Lilly and pointed it out to everyone. Finally Big Bang Theory. More and more I realize I have a ton of Sheldon in me with a touch of Leonard and some Koothrapali thrown in for good measure. Call me Wolowitz and I will have to give you a strike, maybe 2 for good measure.
There's a crazy rumor going around the Leccese compound that my parents are coming home for a couple of weeks. I'll believe it when I see them.
Enjoy the weekend...Leccese out

How 'bout those Hudson Falls Tigers and other weekend observations

Hi There. Before we commence I want to personally thank the wise people who made the decision to move the Hudson Falls/Beekmantown football game from Friday night in Johnstown to Saturday afternoon at Putt LaMay Field.
Now on to the real fun. We got blanked on the upset specials. Did I say UCLA over Oregon State? Maybe I should have said USC over Oregon State. Oh yeah I forgot, the Beavers won that game too. As for the pro upset special, making a 52 yard field goal as time is running out isn't easy. Oh well, so I went 0-2. There's always next week.
There's an old adage in sports that defense wins championships and that applied to the Watervleit Cannoneers. Holding Chatham and Schuylerville to a combined 9 points in the C semi-final and final games after both teams put up big numbers. Not bad. Fort Edward played a team with too many weapons on offense. Rensselaer is for real and they can't take a scrappy Moriah team who is unbeaten at 10-0 lightly. Finally, lets talk about the only local team left playing football. The Hudson Falls Tigers. The more and more I see Joe McMurry run with the football, I want to convince some coach from a Division 1 school to watch him and see what I've been seeing and offer this kid a scholarship. He's intelligent and got that football sense that coaches can't teach. The other thing I like about the Tigers is the line. It's big, quick and fun to watch. The secondary isn't half bad either.
On the way to Amsterdam with Brian, we listened to the Rutgers/Cuse game. I wasn't too thrilled with the score early on. But after I shut it off in disgust, Greg Schiano's boys outscored them 35 - 3. There was a strange play to end the half. Syracuse attempted a field goal. The first time the kick was blocked. The second try they missed but neither one counted. Rutgers called time-out before the actual snap of the ball both times. The third try the kicker missed again. That one counted. The Scarlet Knights have quietly won 3 straight after starting 1-5. Things couldn't be any better in my football universe. My high school alma mater has won 7 straight games. You know about Rutgers and the Giants are 8-1.
One place where the football universe is so out of sync is Knoxville where the Tennessee Volunteers lost the Wyoming Cowboys on homecoming weekend. Talk about the bottom falling out for Phil Fulmer.
Can we just stop with the Heisman Trophy hype and just give the damn thing to Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell and get it over with please.
I noticed that there are two unbeatens left in the NBA. The Lakers and can you say the Atlanta Hawks. Did Spud Webb and Dominique Wilkins come out of retirement and I not know about it?
You know you're taking your fantasy sports way too seriously when you yell at a coach on TV for not playing someone on your team. For that reason I owe Bruins coach Claude Julien an apology for starting Manny Fernandez over Tim Thomas Saturday night.
If there is any NHL team that can survive losing a hall of fame goalie like Marty Brodeur for an extended period of time due to an injury, its the Devils.
My niece has learned to say, "Go Steelers" and she says it to me over the phone. Morgan can you say, "wild card." It's Monday and that means BBT and HIMYM on CBS...Leccese out

Ready for Some Football

Hi There. Well nothing highlights the weekend than a trip to Amsterdam. What I'm talking about is the game we'll be doing on WWSC and I'll get to that later. We always open with "Opie's Upset Specials," and today is no different. In the lead off spot is your college upset special and for once I'm heading out west to the Pac 10. I see the UCLA Bruins with a victory over the Oregon State Beavers. As for the pro, I'm putting the ranch on the Green Bay Packers to beat the Minnesota Vikings. Ever since the Vikings started playing indoors, they've sucked.
Now for the high school stuff. Got 3 locals vying for sectional championships this weekend. I think Schuylerville has the easiest test although Watervliet only gave up 3 points in their win over Chatham. Maybe I'm selling the Cannoneers short.
Fort Edward has a re-match with Rensselaer and I'm thinking the Rams have too many weapons offensively for the Forts to overcome. However if there is any one coach who could pull off the upset in that game its Kevin Stimpson and with the game being played at Putt LaMay Field in Glens Falls I think the Forts could do it. Now for the game on WWSC. Hudson Falls versus Ravena at Lynch Middle School in Amsterdam. The Indians love to run the ball like the Tigers, but use more than one back to do it. The Indians better not try to concentrate on stopping just Joe McMurry. Brett Melon has some solid receivers in Tom Hammond, Josh Canini and Isaiah Thomas. One note though. In its two losses Ravena's passing game struggled, and the secondary for Hudson Falls is pretty good. Just ask Albany Academy.
With the presidential election over, I can finally give an opinion on it. Just to let you know, I don't exercise my right to vote. It comes down to two reasons. I feel the candidates never discuss the issues that concern me. The other reason is a selfish one. I don't want to be called for jury duty. The one time I registered to vote, within 3 weeks I got the notice. I wish president-elect Obama all the best. Hopefully we'll have patience with him and the bi-partisan politics can finally end. Compromise can be a good thing. One more thing about him I like. He's a WhiteSox fan and you know how I feel about the other baseball team from Chicago.
I've gotten to know a lot of hockey moms over time, none of whom remind me of Sarah Palin. A couple have come close though.
There's something sad and pathetic at the same time watching a goalie trying to fight with a skater during a hockey game.
Big Bang Theory was better than How I Met Your Mother this week. The idea of Sheldon having a female admirer is almost as frightening as the idea of me with a female admirer. Enjoy the weekend..Leccese out.

Falling back and other weekend observations

Hi There. If you're like me, your body still hasn't adjusted to standard time yet. Getting up between 4:30 and 5:00am for no good reason sucks right now.
After watching the Giants put a hurtin' on the Cowboys yesterday, I thought of a quote from the late Wellington Mara after the G-Men knocked off Dallas. "Its nice to see arrogance humbled."
If there was any team from the AFC South I thought would be unbeaten at the half way point, I figured it would be the Jaguars and not the Tennessee Titans.
Tony Sporano is the AFC Coach of the Year hands down over Jeff Fisher.
Upset special wise, we went 1 for 2. The Jets beat Buffalo, however Duke fell short to Wake Forest in OT. By the way, what the heck is a Demon Deacon anyway?
You never know what to expect when you broadcast a game and trust me I don't think anyone who was at the Ft Edward/Canajoharie game thought the final score was going to end up being 50-42. I mentioned to Brian a couple of times during the broadcast if there was an over/under on the game it would be 40 points with an emphasis on the under. We were pretty spent after calling that one.
It doesn't get more exciting than the finish of the Texas/Texas Tech game Saturday night. It ranks up there with the Flutie to Phelan game winner against Miami in 1984.
I had a fun talk with my niece the other day. Three year olds are interesting little people. They're just at the age where they can understand you and you can understand them.
2 hours of my life I'll never get back were wasted over the weekend watching that cinematic tour de force known as, "The Comebacks."
If a trick or treater could find my house on Halloween, I would give them a Wonka Bar with a gold ticket in it to Willy Wonka's factory. That's how hard it can be trying to find my home. Growing up my friend Ricky DiBiase's house was the best to go to on Halloween. His dad worked for M and M Mars.
I'm not sure if this a sign of the apocalypse or I'm just getting old. Hostess has introduced 100 calorie Twinkies bites.
The fine folks at Directv are really driving me nuts. Supposedly my local NHL team is the Rangers. However if the Buffalo Sabres are playing the same night, the Rangers get blacked out. What's up with that? Speaking of hockey on television, I've officially become an addict of the NHL Network. I watch "NHL on the Fly" every morning to check how the players on my fantasy team did the night before. F.Y.I. the K-Dogs are tied for 2nd place with the Kiss Army just one point out of first.
New episodes of "Big Bang Theory" and "How I Met Your Mother" tonight. It beats the alternative. Chris Berman interviewing the presidential candidates at halftime of the Steelers/Redskins game. Where's Sal Palontonio when you need him?
One last thing. Happy Birthday today to two guys whom I respect and admire and coincidentally they both wore the number 11. Phil Simms and the best number 11 of all, my dad...Leccese out.