[10.05.04]
Written by: PWFSI Associated Press

Taste of Defeat

Week 4 --The Kalamazoo Vikings rode an eleven game winning streak and an 18 game undefeated streak (dating back to 2002) into their Week 4 roadblock against the Wisconsin Wannabes. Dial back the clock to the last time the Kalamazoo Vikings didn't win their match up would bring you back to a tie in Week 6 of the 2003 season against the Hoodlems. Just three weeks earlier, Wisconsin dished out Kalamazoo's first ever tie. The Wannabes were about to end the madness against the Vikings missing their top three players; all top ten in the league for scoring this season.

Culpepper and Wisconsin's Harrington both rode the pine this week, allowing the backups Bulger and Rattay to see some time on the field. Rattay came through for the Wannabes throwing two TD passes to Walker and Pollard on way to a 110-75 victory over the defending Puck Bowl Champions.

Vikings owner Puck was obviously disappointed after the game.

"Andre (Johnson) and Edge (James) came to play this week, but the others.. I don't know what to say about them. They had their shot to get some playing time, to show me what they had to give to this franchise and they blew it. I'm sure when Randy (Moss) and Cully get back they will once again find their roles being on that bench. When you have something so big like the league winning streak record right in your grasps and you come out and play like that, its uncalled for."

It's still a long road for the Wannabes, who were projected for a 6-8 finish. They still have two games against league leading Rhode Island and a very tough match up against Seattle next week. Kalamazoo looks to get back on track, but it won't be an easy task against the Ridicule.

Rhode Island 99, Northern Michigan 98
What a game! The Ridicule had to bring their "A" game in order to defeat the very strong Yoopers that seemed to stumble in the clutch to secure the much-needed win. Just before the game started, the Yoopers overhauled their anemic defense, which put in a huge performance for them. The difference and the win for the Ridicule came with their receiving core that outplayed the Yoopers. Both teams have very tough matchups in week 5 and the Yoopers will try to stay off the slide they have been falling down.

Green Bay 52, Rocko 44
So far the surprise of the year is the drastic difference both of these two teams are finding themselves. The Green Bay name change to the Slackers seems to be working as they have started out with a 3-1 record and taking out a playoff team from last year is starting to bring the confidence and swagger that this franchise as long needed. The Bengals have had some tough losses and things in the Rocko came seem to be deteriating back to their pre-2002 levels of competition. Green Bay faces a struggling Benton Harbor team next week and could very well jump up to 4-1 to start the season. Rocko looks to break into the win column when the face a fellow 0-4 team, England.

W. Palm Beach 79, Detroit 72
With the way the Chads have been playing the first few weeks of the season, it seemed like a lock that the Drive would be able to lock up a win in week 4. That wasn't the case W. Palm Beach senses the elections getting closer and will be aiming to correct the last second loss last year, by making the playoffs this year. At 2-2 it's starting to look like they still have a chance. Detroit was still reeling over their close defeat at the hands of the Ridicule in week 3 and came out tired. They have another paper victory coming up against the Buccaneers, but they better show if they plan on erasing the image of being a team to always fall short of high expectations.

Seattle 88, England 74
The Slugs aren't doing it pretty, but they seem to be finding ways to rack up the wins since their week one loss to their archrival Vikings. The Teasers have had their running back core devastated by the loss of McAllister and have had a hard time finding the bodies necessary to be competitive. If they plan to make it back to the playoffs, they will need to win in Week 5 against the Bengals.

Timbuktu 75, Benton Harbor 54
Before the season started, this was going to be the only match up this year between the newlyweds. Now that the Hoodlems franchise has been sold, its now just a game with two teams still struggling to find a way to consistently win. The Bucs have found their identity, and aging Emmitt Smith has come through for them huge so far this season. However, injuries are starting to mount and one of Timbuktu's best wide outs is still sitting out the season in a contract dispute. The Hoodlems lost this one, but a few bright spots are starting to show up despite the loss of their #1 back Charlie Garner. Moulds has been playing exceptional and a few running backs like Pinner and Moe Williams will be seeing increased playing time in the next few weeks.

Coach of the Week: Rhode Island Ridicule
Player of the Week: Eric Moulds (WR-BH)

Skipped Weeks
Coach of Week 2: England Teasers
Player of Week 2: Curtis Martin (RB-Wis)

Coach of Week 3: Rhode Island Ridicule
Player of Week 3: Peyton Manning (QB-RI)