Jewball is not scared to evolve. I still remember when the “kids” (they were 23…I was….28) were pushing me to try these newfangled flag belts. We were a tough league. We prided ourselves on being “rough” touch – pushing down, tripping up – but the flags were what the new guys wanted….so we tried it. I got some heat from the purists – the old school. Flags will ruin the game. People will get hurt (never really understood why it was more dangerous). I can’t do it. The games are worse. All that. Some people left when we made flag permanent – never to return. Good player. Guys who were true Jewballers. This was only a few years after we moved the game from Queens to Woodmere. Another major shift. Did it isolate some people? Yes. But it allowed Jewball to survive – and then thrive. Little things here and there. We have done stats before. We even had a website before. What we have never had before – is set teams and a schedule. In 25 years….never. Until this season. And it certainly emanates from the technology which allows us to do it. Besides just Whatsapp….Do you guys look at the work Bron is putting in on the website? The guy is really making something special for us. If we don’t say it enough – twenty one gun salute to Yaron – for everything he brings. The ideas and the talent to make them happen. There are always people with suggestions – it is rare that someone is willing and able to put in the work to make the suggestion real. So, what was once an idea – and then a meeting – and then some logos and chat fodder – became real. And – outside of a little debate between me and Mighty (and we buried it off chat) – Week 3 in this 2020-2021 season was one of the most memorable, exciting, and intense days in all of regular season Jewball history. To say the experiment worked is a massive understatement. I put it up there with the Chabad games, the Thanksgiving Tournament, and the last few Vets Rooks games as some of the most competitive games we have ever had. I don’t know if you all agree – but I thought the atmosphere was tremendous. There are some kinks to work out, but they are minor and eminently work-out-able. Each game was down to the wire and could have gone either way. Needless to say, I can’t wait until League Week 2 on 11/22.
Game 1 was the Ass Men v. Feit Club. The Ass Men didn’t look much like themselves in their opening game. With Singer, O, and Logan out, and Munch’s back threatening, the Asses picked up veteran Jewballer, Press, as well as new Jewballer Whiskey and MK’s bro, BK. Feit took the ball first and went 3 and out – the Ass Men had an excellent pass rush with Munch managing to be strong throughout the game. Rabin was hopeful that he would feel comfortable being the both team Captain and a premier Ass Man, but things fell apart early and often. He threw a pick on his team’s first two possessions. Feit took his short field and lofted one over the top to Mighty, who was covered step for step by BK, but the length of the football was the only space between Mighty and the back of the endzone. Catch, drag the feet, fly out of bounds. Mighty makes a catch that only he can and the Feit Club goes up 1-0. With the O brothers out (and not replaced ) the Feit Club did a valiant job playing with just 7 and putting their best defensive look out there, but it was really only a matter of time before the Ass Men would score. They simply had too much speed not to. Screens and hand offs, roll outs, and slants eventually got Rabin in the red zone. Double slants by Jordan and MK in the heart of the defense allowed for a little bullet at the 1 yard line, which Jordan caught and hopped over the line, just as his flags were pulled. TD. Tie game. At this point the wheels started to come off for Feit. Despite numerous perfect passes – 3 of them for surefire scores….his receivers let him down. Gronk dropped a ball in the end zone, though it would have been a tough catch for others – a one handed reach over the top…..but he usually makes that catch. And Beast had himself a rough day. His speed got him open numerous times, but the ball was just not his friend on Sunday. Squirting out of his grasp time and again. Mighty, however, was still reliable. Even with the speed of BK and a smothering coverage – Mighty found day light and Feit – as he did all day with his receivers – put the ball right on him.  Mighty and BK got tangled up and both were falling to the ground. Mighty catches the ball while on the ground….gets up untouched and breaks for the end zone. With 30 minutes left in regulation – Feit Club is up 2-1.
The defenses held for the next twenty minutes. BK made sure not to give Mighty an inch. Rabin threw his 3rd pick of the day. But eventually, the Ass Men put a drive together. Oren leaks out from the TE spot to pick a big first down. But, with a 3rd and long – the Ass Men needed to go into their bag of tricks. Because the one thing Rabin could not do all day was throw an effective deep ball. If it was more than 10 yards – it got ugly. MK took control of the huddle and said….This is on me. He called for a pitch and felt confident he could make a good throw. Boy, did he. With the game on the line….MK gets the lateral from Rabin and the O line holds….he has time….Streaking over the middle is Storm and MK throws a strike that Storm grabs at the 15 yard line! The Ass Men have life! A play later Rabin calls Jordan on the slant and after a tap to himself and bobble, Jordan secures the ball and has Feit to beat. Feit wraps him up but is not pulling the flag and with MK causing interference, Jordan keeps his legs moving. At the 4 at the 3 at the 2…..Jordan falls into the end zone. With no time left on the clock…..we have a time game. Each team will get one final possession. Feit picks a bad time to make his least accurate throw of the day. It is essentially a jump ball down the left hash….but he picked the wrong corner to go after. Storm – who made the two biggest plays of the day for the Ass Men – and hence is your Jewball winner – leaps and comes down with the ball for the most timely of picks. Two plays later a screen to BK and that afterburner speed results in an OT TD and the Ass Men beat the Feit Club in Game 1 of the Six Week League. 
Game 2 Recap – an equally riveting game ….Tomorrow…..

Game 2 was Yaron’s 193 against the Birds of Pray. A little history. If you didn’t know…..Yaron is not one of us. Somehow, the guys he brought down have become more Jewballer than him. I’m joking….but the truth is…Yaron had his own Jewball life before joining ours. No doubt we have reaped the benefits of that conversion, but he had his guys and he is loyal to his game. So when the opportunity to get more of his guys involved in Jewball….he welcomed it. On draft night, although he picked up 2 premiere Jewballe talents in Mo and Solo….he said to us…. I’ll get the rest of the team from my prior squad. These are guys we know and have seen. Jimmy, Alan, Tomaz, Stephen, Danny, etc…..truly the nicest and most fun loving guys in the world. They LOVE the game.  And they definitely have the Jewball spirit. Definitely our cousins, if not, our brothers. I am very happy that they are now going to be a semi-regular part of this season. And it was obvious why. At least in terms of atmosphere. Dealing with the rotation is Yaron’s problem….but the rest of us can just behold the sheer numbers that came out for him – and the jubilation they bring. Whether ripping on each other (or our favorite punching bag, Bronny) or cheering for each other. There is a lot to be learned there for our guys. I hope the League Weeks grow over the course of the season in terms of fanfare and hype to match what the 193 bring to the table. 

Problem for Yaron and his team….the game is not won on the sidelines. The game is one between them. And to do that….ya gotta make plays. Doesn’t matter how tall or buff or big you are….you gotta execute. The 193 did not execute well. Time and again, Yaron put the ball on his players….and they did not do their jobs. I don’t just mean bombs or deep routes. I mean they were dropping slants and screens. Was tough to watch. I doubt it will continue, but a rough debut for the 193. Highlights were Jimmy- squat, pretty round and the most unlikely speedy running back you will see. And Danny finally came through on a deep siding route – scoring a big TD in the end but too little too late. Overall, though, Mo was the most reliable WR for Yaron. Making the Jewballers proud. Showing everyone how we do. Good on ya, Mo. Yaron should have kept you in there more. ; )

With the exception of Prime, the Birds are a low key team. Unflashy. Hard working quiet dudes who look to get the job done. Is there a more humble QB in the universe than Pray? His team is a very likable mix. Like I’m a fan. Like I would legit get a Vegh jersey. And Vegh had himself a game as well. After shedding between 15 and 75 pounds over the summer, the guy is faster than ever and is playing with max confidence. Just looking smooth out there. Pray and Vegh hooked up early to set the tone for the Birds. Let the 193 intimidate off the field- on the field, we are gonna show out. 

The first score of the game actually came from another strength of BoP…that is their formidable pass rush of Salem and Legs. Two terminators on the line. Not the big muscle bound rushers you might expect, but they have technique down and are relentless. If Yaron was not hanging his head watching his passes being dropped, he was running for his life. 20 minutes into a scoreless game….Legs brings the heat and tips Yaron’s pass…..Salem plucks it from the sky and P6s his team to a 1-0 lead. Before long it was 2-0 as Prime came back to a ball and showed the 193 that he is someone you cannot try to tackle half-assed. He will stiff arm you in the eyeballs, throat, and ear…So wrap him up! 

Yaron and Danny did make it a close game with a TD after Yaron and Mo moved the ball downfield on a number of runs. With Pray needed to go, he had a chance to go up 3-1 and put on on Goldberg in the endzone. Goldberg had himself a Beast of a day – his mind and body just not in sync. The TD drop was one of many. Like Beast, he will be back. Gronk had been stretching on the sideline….he was ready to come in. Back with his Cronies. What would happen? No one could have predicted one of the best finished to any Jewball game ever. 

Yaron and Danny make that deep connection and the scored is actually tied with 15 minutes left in regulation.

Gronk takes the ball for a drive that may decide the game. I don’t think I can properly describe the various MIND BLOWINGLY AWESOME events that took place on this drive. Let’s begin with a 3rd and long desperation heave to Dobs on the left sideline. Dobs goes up with two hands and somehow the kid from the most trashy borough in the world makes an elegant game saving catch. Two feet in. Move the chains. The crowd went wild! Then we have another desperate moment – just after the incredible de-shirting of Gronk as he scrambled in the backfield- flag belt remaining online!- with the Birds needing serious yards to get within striking distance of the endzone. Gronk scans the field like a pro….and takes a shot….PJs to the rescue! 15 yard completion to the 10 and Birds are back in business! Huge play! PJs had a true hero moment. And then….like a boss…Gronk punches it in with Vegh. Birds up 3-2 with minutes left. 

Yaron gets the ball back looking to even the score and push it into OT. He drives and picks up a first down, but Legs and Salem say unto him: this far and no further. The drive stalls at the 35. The Birds hold on and  pull out a dramatic and elative victory to start their League season. Not sure if it can get better than that, but we will see….

Jewballs go to the BoP line of Salem and Legs. Besides the score they combined for, it was just a joy to watch them motor from wire to wire. Engines revving, pedal pressed all game. And they have a W and a Jewball apiece to show for it.

Week 2 recap

Credit to recap from week 2 to PJs and Salem, as commish was battling post bar mitzvah fatigue. Mazal tov to violence himself. 

Game 1 – a PJs perspective 

Two roads diverged at LHS,
And sorry Two teams could not travel both to victory. And be one winner, long stood Rabin making his first start of new Jewball season And looked down one as far as He could
To where Feit felt confident that his week 1 loss was a fluke. Rabin had Munch, Gronk, and Mighty 3 players that dominate at this game in their colors. Feit challenged with Goldberg, Storm, and Kut. For Feit this game started where is last one ended. First throw to store is ripped up in the air picked off by mighty. Rabin throws a screen to mighty who gets passed 3 defenders to give colors 1-0 lead. Things didn’t get better for Feit who stalled at the goal line a few times. Rabin was on fire. Dipping and dunking. Hits Gronk who jumps over Vegh and Storm for a TD. Then Feit throws a pass off line to Goldberg that’s picked off to make it 4-1 Colors. Feit threw a perfect pass to storm at the end to give Dark their second TD. Munch was in Feit’s face all day and the final score was 6-2. Rabin looked great and Gronk, Mighty, Munch were their Allstar selves

Game 2- from the beast slayer Salem

It was the best of times, it was the worst best of times, as our united Jewballers selflessly allowed a bunch of phony posers take over our turf for an hour and a half, just so that we avoid having to kick their asses. Why you ask? I’ll tell you why, it’s because Jewballers play the end game. We learn, we adapt and we destroy. 

The phony posers rode up on our turf, literally, and tried to distract us from doing the thing only the greats are capable of doing…playing Jewball Football. As Jordan will tell you, this isn’t just a game, this is our lives they were trying to mess with. Well, we rule on grass just as much as we rule on turf…and their day will come.

But enough distractions…Dark didn’t waste any time, Pringle led his team straight into the end zone throwing to a wide open Gronk in the corner of the end zone on their first drive. Colors didn’t like the taste of that, and stormed back with Yaron to Tom pulling out at TE and making some Gronk like spins all the way into the end zone. Dark wasn’t impressed. Or were they?

Legs, on Colors, had enough of trying to get to Pringle, he realized that getting to him was the second line of defense, moving to the second level to wreak havoc at MLB. Well, it worked. Pringle and his crew were stopped and Colors fed THE MVPrime who had a nice rush into the end zone. 2-1 Colors. Dark didn’t like the taste of that either, so they stormed back into the end zone. Tied at 2-2. Yaron and Colors fought right back with countless receptions to Tom and Storm, leading Storm into the end zone. 3-2 Colors. Pringle fired back, with some real elusiveness all game and Dark made it’s way into the end zone again, for a TD. Tied at 3-3. A real competitive game, until Colors ran away with it. Yaron was on fire, beaming some tight spirals to his receivers and Tom, with a nice pass to a wide open Salem to take the lead. 4-3 Colors. Pringle led his team down the field to an open Gronk on fourth down and goal. Gronk made a nice catch but ruled…out of bounds. Controversy ensued but Colors were adamant about the call. Yaron led his team down the field, with Storm making multiple people miss after the catch, confusing the defense and Salem who was trying to block for him. Tom continued his excellent receiving skills and spun his way for another TD. 5-3 Colors. Colors, led by their defense, continued to stop Dark from gaining any moment with Salem rushing solo getting to Pringle 4 times throughout the game. Salem? A pass rusher. Yes, that happened. When Legs made the switch, Salem stepped up. Was it a problem with the o-line? Or was it simply a great pass rush? I’d like to think it’s the latter so Beast and the others can save face. Colors added another TD after MVPrime dropped a laser from Yaron but TD to Salem on the next play. 6-3. Game ended with a pick on Pringle. Game over. All around great effort from Colors, Yaron on fire with 5 TD’s, blocking was A+, the D-line Tom (offensively) and Salem with some great play, Storm with endless receptions, Colors takes the game. Jewball to Salem for a great effort.

It feels like ages ago that we started this season. My failure to write a recap until now reflects the times. Chaos. Pure chaos. A pandemic rages. A country divided. A Bar Mitzvah in jeopardy. Yet, Jewball had a Preseason Game (or 2?) and there was a Captain’s meeting in Rabin’s Sukkah to get the League started – and there was a Week 1 (and since then a Week 2). Week 1 was almost perfect. Almost. The weather? Perfect. The sign ups? Robust. Had to lock people out of both games – Jewball is on fire. As it should be. As it should always be – amen. Klink was back. The O bros were firing on all cylinders. Gronk was saying same play. Vegh was auditioning for a Holocaust play. I mean, this was Week 1 at its best. 
I got to the field with about a half hour to go in Game 1. Y’know….what I can say? Just a beautiful thing to pull up to Week 1 in the sunshine and see LOVE In the form of football. That’s what I see. I am greeted by Storm and his girl – think her name was Jill. A family affair. That’s what Jewball is. We bring the kids, the wives, the intendeds. Me and Storm are stretching out a bit. Throwing it around. In that moment, there is no worries – no troubles – no viruses ravaging the planet. There is only turf and sun and sky, a football, hand eye coordination, and the best energy in the world. I notice that PJS is on the floor…hurt? Kinda hurt? Out for the season? The usual? Love that animal! Oh wait…Singer needs a replacement? Okay…I’ll go in….why not? Oh, he is okay – okay…forget it. Fun while it lasted. 
What’s the score? Feit is down 2. Score is 3-1. Yaron had been on fire. But was I watch the game…..Pray is making stuff happen on offense. Catches a jump ball with one hand over Mighty. Leads to a TD. Then a defensive stop. Then Feit scores again. His crew is now clicking and pumped. Can they steal the game late. Goes into OT. The momentum is all on Feit’s side. Yaron has a 4th and long and if they miss it, for sure Feit will score and end this thing. Yaron heaves one to the sideline….and Singer – ever the opportunist – has the pick lined up – he tips it instead of knocking it down….Mighty dives!!! And makes the catch to keep the game going. A few plays later Prime hauls one in to give his team back the lead! Now Feit is playing for the tie. He goes with what worked last time….a deep bomb to Pray and Pray looks like he can once again beat Mighty over the top – but….Mighty is not gonna be outmuscled twice in the same game. He battles harder this time and makes sure no harm is done. A few plays late Yaron has that goofy grin plastered on his face and Feit is humbled. Yaron beats Feit in Week 1 4-3.
Game 2 was classic Game 2 absurdity for two reasons. My almost perfect from before relates to our soccer playing bizarro world cousins who drove up and basically just sucked the air out of LHS. I’m not gonna talk politics here. We made a deal with them. Hopefully the weather takes care of them so we don’t have issues. Bottom line is – they suck. Kudos to Kut and MK and whoever else absorbed their profound wind and douche baggery for prolonger periods.
On the field…there was a game. Gronk threw three scores to Yaron – all on plays called by Yaron to himself. Yaron gets Jewball for such efforts. If the Game 1 Jewball wasn’t given out – I think it goes to Mighty….at least for what I saw in my few minutes there. Yaron’s first TD was beaut – diving at a full horizontal angle to catch and plunge into the endzone. I know Whiskey picked off Pray on Pray’s first drive. Welcome to Jewball, again. Time has gone by so kal vachomer I don’t recall all the stats or plays…..but it was a mercy killing when we called the game as the soccer pricks started pushing goals onto the field and otherwise swarming around us like so many flies. Gronk beats Pray. Week 1 is behind us and I wrote a recap.

8am:

Colors:
Rabin – QB
Mighty
Gronk
Munch
Sam
Dobs
MK

Dark

Feit – QB
Goldberg
Steveo
PJs
Vegh
Storm
Kut

945

Colors

Yaron – QB
Tom
Whiskey
Storm
Prime
Klink
Salem

Dark

Pray – QB
Gronk
Rabin
Jordan
Beast
Legs
Vegh

8am:

Dark

Feit – QB
Singer
PJs
Kut
Pray
Steveo
MK

Colors

Yaron – QB
Mighty
Sam
Beast
Prime
Daveo
Dobs

945

Dark

Gronk – QB
Yaron
Jordan
Solo
Whiskey
Leon
Vegh

Colors

Pray – QB
Beast
Storm
Prime
Tom
Klink
Salem

Twenty years ago, right about now, I was 22 and had been married for almost four months. Living in Kew Gardens Hills and had discovered that Sundays in the summer meant pick-up basketball at Park Drive East. When winter of 2000 rolled around, as has been recorded in the chronicles of Jewball, a few KGH guys tried to play some football. There were six of us, trying to make a game on a short grass field, puddles iced over causing us to slip and slide – the game was dumb, but I’ll never forget it. Me, Charlie, JK, Mosey, Fine, and Hands. We tried this for a few weeks here and there, but we knew there had to be more out there. JK, was only a year removed from being the MVP of the entire Israel league. He was in the paper every week. I used to walk the streets of Israel with him and kids would stop us. So….if our small band from KGH could latch onto an existing game, we knew would bring value. One day, closer to spring, Grushko and Fine took mercy on us and told us about another game. It was a pretty well established game in Flushing Meadows Park, they said. They had played there before. They seemed to not want to let us in on the secret. They themselves were outsiders so they likely didn’t feel right bringing other people down. Showing us the map to the game was perhaps not their place. But they did tell us. So JK and I drove to Flushing Meadows almost 20 years ago and found the parking lot off 108th and saw the guys playing football, passed the trees and down the hill, with Terrace on the Park looming on the eastern horizon. What struck us was the amount of people playing. Was it 6s…7s?! WOW! How did they organize so many people! And they had cones set up! My God! REAL ORANGE CONES! Where do you even get those??? They had really planned this thing! 
I recognized some people playing. Knew some of their names. Avi Spira was one. Rabin and Brian Sigman were there, but didn’t know them really. Don’t think Kenny was in that week. But, either way….JK and I stood on the sidelines and watched. We did not get in. Don’t think we were welcomed or invited to come back or anything like that. But we kept showing up Sunday mornings (back then….showing up at 9am was the way the game was organized pretty much.) Eventually we got in. Reluctantly on their part at first, but we were consistent and reliable and we found our place. The comfort level grew. I was never a sports guy – and did not play much football before getting married. I learned the game and cared about getting better at it. As people moved on, I started bringing people. Rabin and I talked about it more and more – organizing it together – trying to keep it alive. We moved it the 5Towns and created an email list. The rest is history.
20 years of Jewball in the rearview. Hard to face the reality that I have many many more games behind me than in front of me. But, those contemplations are for another day. Because today is today – now is now. Every Single Season is a Blessing. Every Single Game is a Blessing. Every Single Play is a Blessing. Strapping up your cleats on a Sunday morning is a blessing. Picking out your jersey is a blessing. Stretching on the field before the game in the cold and sunshine is a blessing. Fetching the cones after a game is a blessing. This is where my mind is and must be after 20 years of Jewball. Seize the day. Also – Appreciate the day. 
The days of me hyping Jewball to wake the slumbering Jewballers to gear up for Week 1 is loooong over. We are all revved up and ready to take our talents to the LHS turf. To fill the stat sheets, recaps, and record books. To create new stories and legends. To build upon the legacy of this great game. To be the magical place where twenty years from now someone writing to a bunch of Jewballers remembers when and where, for him, it all began. 
Who wants WEEK 1? (Early, Late, Both)

Welcome back to football! As you’ve heard by now, evolution in competition has led us to the inaugural season of the Jewball League. Players were selected to one of 4 teams, to hopefully play in the 6 game season dispersed between the 20 jewball weeks, culminating with a seeded playoff in week 20 and the JewBowl finals.
If you do not find yourself on a team, it is an oversight- just contact Yaron or Jordan and you will be added in.
note: stats in the league count as jewball stats!! Also, please try to prioritize for the below league weeks.

The schedule:

Game 1 – 11/1

Game 2 – 11/22

Game 3 – 12/20

Game 4 – 12/27

Game 5 – 1/31

Game 6 – 2/14

PLAYOFFS – 2/27

FINALS – 3/7

The Teams

Team Rabin (aka Ass Men)

Rabin, Munch, Singer, Jordan, Big O, Storm, Perla, the Frog, MK, Logan

Team Prager

Pray, Prime, Goldberg, Legs, Dobs, Salem, Vegh, PJs, Tabak, Zada, Effie

Team Feit (Feit club)

Feit, Mighty, Beast, Gronk, Kut, Sam, Steveo, Daveo, Tom, Mantis

Team Yaron (Queens)

Yaron, Solo, Mo, Danny, Al, Jim, Lion, Chris, Oscar, Hasan

Let’s hope for a full, healthy and prosperous season!!!!!!

A hugeeee mazal tov and yashir ko’ach to our 2020 season MVP. In an incredibly close call between Mighty, who in most other seasons would have run away with the vote, this years Jewball MVP goes to a player who played week in and week out in the most games this season, dominated offensively and defensively, and notably was an overall great teammate and contributor to the game.

CONGRATS TO PRIMETIME #21

• 

Congratulations Jewballers for the 2020 awards!! It was a special season with lots of storylines, ups and downs, but most importantly, a ton of good quality football.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MIGHTY

(Prime 1st runner up)

—

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MUNCH

(Singer 1st runner up)

—

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

PRAGER

(Mo 1st runner up)

—

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

GOLDBERG

(Beast 1st runner up)

---

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE!!! BRING IT NEXT SEASON!!! Stay safe, healthy, and make good choices this offseason.

Another Jewball season in the books.
There is nothing like starting a season. With its rabid anticipation and warm returns to family and familiarity. There is nothing like being in the heart of the season. Settling into the routine of week in and out action and comradery and feeling like it will be this way forever. There is nothing like the tail-end of a season. Trying to hold on and make it last even as the melancholy sets in – knowing that nothing lasts beyond its expiration date. And, finally, there is nothing like a season being over. A chance to look back, appreciate what was – seeing the full picture. Gaining the perspective of near omnipotence – what unfolded, how it unfolded, maybe even sometimes understanding why. Who came into our lives. Who disappeared. What storylines dominated then dissipated. What stuck. What happened that was predictable. What happened that was entirely unexpected. Were we blessed or cursed this past year? Did we live up to those opening day expectations? Do we feel more or less connected to the game and our brothers who play it? Have our loyalties deepened? Do we see ourselves playing onward? If so – for how long?
These are all post-season contemplations. And, although there are no games to be played – and that stings – there is a poetry in processing a season as a whole.
We have always (pretty much) had the recaps. Going back fifteen years. I have been blessed to write most of them. I have been blessed to have some of you write some of them. I understand the recaps are integral to Jewball. May I one day regain the creativity and humor and spirit I once had to write them as I did back in the Golden Age. May I one day meet Singer’s lofty expectations! Yes, we once had a website, but it was nothing compared to what we have now. So, when I say there is a beauty in seeing the season as a whole – that is conceptual. We look back now and see a season in our vivid memories – fresh and vibrant. We tell the tales of 2019-2020. The midseason wave of Gronk. The opening day in Lynbrook with Flash. Snow and Jesus returning. Beast scoring on and off the field. We can’t believe there was Jewball before Dobs, Storm, Pray, Mo….doesn’t it seem like they have always been with us? Maybe they have. Maybe that’s how it works. We are simply tapping into a life force that once was – in another time and dimension – and the game is just drawing us back to that source – connecting those who were always connected, just didn’t know it in this form. Maybe. Sometimes it feels like it.
What I am getting to is our website. Yes, I know….to talk about websites is like talking about something from the Paleolithic Era – like blackberries and two hand touch. No one deems websites cutting edge anymore. They are the opposite. BUT….for our purposes – what we have done with it this season – what it holds for us  – its existence is priceless. It represents a vision of that eternal source we spoke of earlier. So, although it seems like a million years ago when it was introduced, it was in fact this season. I thank Yaron once again for all his contributions to our game – and the evolution we have experienced. There has never been a better way to truly behold ALL the majesty of Jewball. Between the old recaps, pictures, bios, and many brilliant features (thank you Kut and Steveo!)…Jewball has a home that can be revisited anytime from anywhere. And, see….I didn’t even mention stats.
But, stats were part of the storyline this season, and so let’s get to Week 20.
Week 20 was a long time coming. Not our fault. If we flashback to Week 19, the season had just come off an epic Vets Rooks battle and was looking to bring another STRONG season in for a landing. Rumors about the virus were circulating. Some people were sick. Gronk was OUT! We were hoping to get Week 20 in. We even had a post Week 20 game planned. The first ever Father-Son Old Timers Day. May we have it in the near future! Vets were talking DOMA. This was early March. Then everything closed (even DOMA!).
I remember that first Sunday without a game. Yaron and I met up and threw the ball around at Woodmere Middle School with our kids. What would be? The signs were ominous. The news was hazy, but storm clouds were gathering. The virus was about to take over our lives.
Rabin got sick. He got tested. He had it. Beast reported a close friend died. A guy my age in North Woodmere passed away – also a friend. The number of cases and deaths and general terror was just increasing by the day. We all locked ourselves away and went into self-preservation mode. The chat was quiet, but we were still there for each other. As best we could be.
At that time – March turned into April – and I don’t think anyone would have dreamed that we would be writing a season recap this summer. There would have been an asterisk on the season. Marked incomplete. 19 Weeks and 3 Bowl Games. By Dark Age standards….an incredible fete! But since the Revolution (aka last year), less than 20 would be a letdown.
In May, things started to point in a positive direction. Cases down, hospitalizations down. New York was either flattening the curve or the virus was simply moving on after kicking our asses. And so as Long Island began phasing into re-opening, we tested the waters. We played. We came back home. We reunited. For many of us it was the first “social” activity in months. And doesn’t that make sense? Our “lives” were contained and restrained due to the virus – making it impossible to do the things we live for. So when that cracked open window of opportunity presented itself – Jewballers made the decision easy (however reckless : ) We took a chance – but not frivolously as some might argue – we took a chance and got back to doing exactly what we live for. Life without Jewball is not a life!
And although on the field is where we make our living, the end of year return to “normal” was highlighted by DOMA and a gathering of Veterans like has never been seen since Game Night 2010. Thank you Rabin for that shining moment.
In the year 2020, Week 20 was played on Father’s Day, June 21st. There had never before been a Jewball game played in the month of June – naturally. It was over 80 degrees and water breaks were not (really) frowned upon. The early game got underway close to on-time on a shortened field due to soccer (two Jewballers in that game btw – neither of them Legs). It was a very apropos 2020 matchup of Yaron v. Pray. A matchup that really defined our season – like Yaron v. Gronk did last season. As we all know, Prager (aka Pringle aka Pray) made his debut this season – and what a welcome revelation he has been. Really, everything you look for in a Jewballer. From real skills to stone cold commitment to winning demeanor to gamer attitude. May he one day feast amongst the Veterans. He started off the season on fire. He made Yaron his bitch in every way possible way. Yaron would leave the field each week whining and crying and making excuse after excuse. He looked washed up! Done! (Just kidding, Brony – this is called fan service). But he did beat Yaron a lot early on. The arm was strong and accurate. The defense was fierce. Like his mentor, Ivan Drago, Prager was a machine. But, Yaron would not allow himself to be vanquished. Even before the injury that effectively took Prager out of his QB role until Week 20, Yaron got his groove back. Going into Week 20 – without checking – their head to head matchups were close to even.
On this final day of the season, Prager in Colors lined up with Mighty, PJs, Prime, Tom, Asa, and Steven.  On the other side of the ball was Yaron in Dark leading Goldberg, Beast, Rabin, Jordan, Daveo, and Mo. The only way to tell the story of this game is to present the Jewball in advance. Beast always has the football mentality. He doesn’t always have the game to match it. You see it in there, but sometimes….I don’t know…maybe the weed affects him….whatever it is – his game is not on the highest level. This past Sunday, he was playing at a level beyond anyone else on the field – from wire to wire. I think there is a reason for it. I think this virus had him thinking. I think there is new clarity in his life. Maybe it’s also the girl. I think he’s on a mission. I think it changed him physically, psychologically, and spiritually. He always preached – but now you see the results – and damn, makes me a believer. Whatever he is doing – it is working. He was dangerous on Sunday. Dangerous fast, dangerous strong, and dangerous focused. Unstoppable is another way to put it. So, in scoring 3 TDs and moving the ball all day – in fighting at the line each play with no one able to match his drive – he gets Jewball. That said, Yaron drives the ball with Beast and punches it in with Goldberg to get the scoring started. 1-0 Dark. Prager then gets pickpocketed by Daveo on the subsequent drive. Staring into Mighty on the short cross from the 5, Daveo reads it and steps right into the route. P6 served up fresher than a salad at QCumbers – Dark goes up 2-0. Adding insult to injury, Prime drops what may have been a TD pass on the next drive. Looks like another hardluck day for Prager. Eventually, though, his main weapons start doing what they do. Mighty and Prime put up points, but Dark had already turned on Beastmode. It actually got started with a spectacular Daveo one-handed diving first down reception. After that momentum reshift, Beast took over. Colors was never able to tie the game or take the lead because Beast was ripping off one big play after another. In the scorching heat, no one could keep up with his engine. With his girl watching, Beast put on a show. 3 scores in a row to give Dark a two TD lead. Asa cut it to one late with a nice over the middle route that Prager exploited with a fine deep ball, but a costly miscue again on a short field did Colors in. Mo P6s his way to a final score of a very successful rookie season and the game ends with Yaron putting his stamp on the momentum of dominance he has held over Pray for many months now.
I would say…the rivalry between Pray and Yaron will continue next year….but…will it? With Gronk being away for most of the season, Prager stepped in to make sure we had competitive games each week, but Week 20 reminded us that we have a very serious contender waiting in the wings. Like the Frog Licker, Feit is for real. Feit is an elite kinda QB who may just demand our full attention. Yes, he needs to be around more. Yes, we need to be able to pencil him in week in and out, but he has the goods. It will definitely be worth exploring our best options for next season at signal caller.
Out of respect for Rabin, I will only say 5 things about Game 2. 1.) Feit won 6-1 in a brilliant performance 2.) Jordan scored the only TD for his team and worked really hard for it 3.) Steven played dehydrated after sleeping under tree and dressed like steroids John Lennon 4.) Beast continued to be a relentless force and 5.) Goldberg, putting up 4 scores, and 2 picks (one of them a P6), stole the Jewball from his quarterback.
This transitions well into our season MVP. Is it Goldberg? No. But the newlywed deserves a ton of credit for being in the conversation. I don’t want to go on and on about someone who is not our MVP, but earlier on the chat I said that I thought Goldberg was soft when he first came on the scene, but – I had said – I was wrong. You know what? I wasn’t wrong! He was soft! He had a chip on his shoulder for sure and he played hard – occasionally showing flashes of the player he has become. But let’s not pretend that we misjudged him. I don’t think we did. I think he gets credit for honing his craft and getting tougher and tougher each week. He does not get Jewball MVP this year, but look out for him in the future.
Beast also doesn’t get the MVP this year, but I think he is the man to beat next year. If the change I see in him and his game sticks – there will be no reckoning with that power.
Which brings us to Yaron. Even Yaron is thinking….Yaron? Yaron was not a finalist, but let’s take a moment to give this man a standing ovation. He is not a finalist….kinda because we take him for granted. The things he does for the love of Jewball are MVP caliber. If you created a commissioner in a lab, it is him. I could retire tomorrow and Jewball would live on without missing a beat. His season was great, but uneven – and other guys had more recognizably next level campaigns. I will say one thing before we get to the final 3. Last year, Yaron won season MVP and it was glaringly obvious that it was his. This year, someone will get it – but it is not as perfect a fit as last year.
Mighty doesn’t care if it’s him, but he does care that I write nice things about him. He knows how much I (and we all) respect his game. He was the first star of Jewball and he still is a star all these years later. That is a guy you always need to account for. His tenacity in Vets Rooks gives me chills to this day. He was so banged up. Could barely walk between plays. Limping and stretching and trying to stomach the pain. But…he lead us. Put the ball in his hands and he feels no pain. I will always picture him that way. And, none of us can argue this fact: With his production, if he played 15 or 16 games, he would run away with the MVP. His numbers are comparable to the two finalists (if not better) every single time he plays. However, it is The Revolution. Any other year – where we struggled to get games and organizing was unreliable and the league was on shaky ground – 13 games played would have been respectable. But, everything takes place in its time. And when you have guys like Zada and Prime who play virtually every single week (and every single game) – how can they not have the edge?
Jewball MVP is not just about the numbers, it is about the commitment to Jewball. All of our finalists have it (along with premiere game changing talent), but Zada and Prime brought their A game every time and most often.
I’ll be honest – at this point it may be a toss-up. I don’t want to disrespect either player by making it seem like the choice is obvious. My other problem being that it’s almost a cliché by now if I screw over Zada. Zada, who did not get a single Jewball this season (I may have robbed him once or twice – not on purpose!)….is a finalist for the Jewball MVP – so that goes to show you that it’s a big picture award. Like Goldberg, I for sure underestimated him. He is tough as nails, has incredible instincts, and cares about playing exceptional football every play. He also has the best attitude. Finally, he cleaned my hat and returned it to me even though I watched him bleed into it from his nose for twenty minutes straight – to the point where the blood was pooled in it like a purple swamp. And he thought I wanted it back?!
But, what about Prime? Played more Jewball than anyone else. Brings it each week. The right attitude. A joy. A joy for the game, for being out there – with the guys. A joy to be around. Takes pride in being a Jewballer. I’ll never forget – one week we are walking off the field after a solid game. Me, Prime, and Beast. With all sincerity, Beast and Prime are telling me – Jewball, they say – they’re in it for life. Until they can’t play another game. I’m dragging the bag of gear between the gate and the parking lot. I look at Prime to see if he’s joking. He’s not. He has that look. Kind of wide eyed but intense. He’s in it for life. And what has he done in two seasons other than prove that sentiment. 33 out of 40 games!!! All 3 Bowl Games! And 3 bowls in his car before each game! For real, weed jokes aside – though – the guy is all in. And, like he told me – and meant it – in it for life. What more can a 20 year veteran and 15 year commissioner want from a Jewballer? Prime says it, means it, plays like it, backs it up.
He can’t pass rush like Goldberg. Doesn’t have the stamina of Beast. Not the prestige of Mighty. Or the ball hawk skills of Zada. But he has shown in 2020 that with a flare that never overwhelms his humility, great hands (as long as its not a bullet screen pass), boundless positive energy, and most of all, a palpable commitment to our game – you can win an MVP. Primetime, congratulations on this most high of Jewball honors (no pun intended).
Jewballers, I always write this final part of this final post with tears in my eyes. Sometimes just a glistening. Other times a full on downpour. Why? Because I am so grateful. Really. It’s not that I will miss the game (even though I will). It will be back (sooner than ever before in fact). I am so grateful that another season comes and goes and I am still here to write to you. Not just as a commissioner, but as one you. That I still am able to compete. It’s a blessing that I do not ever take for granted. None of us should. To that end, we have less than 3 months until the pre-season kicks off. Usually, I need to tell you all to be cognizant of your health and physical fitness for 5 months. Usually I have to worry about the indulgences of Purim, Pesach, and Shavuot. Now….okay….July 4th bbqs are coming up – but a much shorter off season. My message is the same. Value your time in life when you can play this game. Eddie has given us all hope! Careers can be extended into our 50s! But it takes work. It takes self-control. It takes discipline. It takes prioritizing the game over a lot of other things we enjoy. Let’s return to the game in the best shape of our lives. Whatever Beast is doing – we should do that.
The past few months it felt like reality was collapsing. We get distracted by the media and all we hear about is sick people and scared people. All we see is society being torn apart by politics and hate between races and religions. It shakes you up. It makes you think – is that the real world? It’s so convincing! But…that’s hype. That’s the world of people who have nothing else to do but scroll on their phones and live in a bubble of their own design.
Jewball is real. When I step on to a field with Jewballers…that is sacred. That is clarity. On the field, I only see healthy, fearless people. I see people of all colors, races, religions, ages, and maybe even sexual orientation – who LOVE each other. Who are brothers. For life.
I run into Jewballers ALL. THE. TIME. And we talk Jewball. They say they are coming back. I say great. We both know they won’t. But it’s pure love. And it always will be.
God bless Jewball.
See you in September.