Before the contest starts, a few thoughts/predictions...


Posted by Jim , Sep 08,2001,13:22 Post Reply  Forum

As we begin the 2001 Football Contest, I want to share a few predictions and various thoughts derived from having too much time on my hands.

Gerry will not repeat as winner. (I think we all know who the sentimental favorite is again this year.) Gerry is on the Internet every day. This will cause him to over-analyze his picks.

Rita will lose her job shortly. She is becoming a sports fanatic (baseball, football, dog racing, Hearts). And they wonder why Johnny can't read!

In spite of the fact that Steve is online now, don't expect to read any messages from him. His keyboard doesn't have an "Ah" button.

Coming off a respectable 5th place finish in last year's contest, it's up to Tim to prove that he won't follow the NASDAQ lead and drop like a stone. We'll see.

Just winning the Hawaiian Division of the GILLFAMILY.COM Football Contest again this year shouldn't satisfy Darby/Eddie. The all-time high scorer in the contest as illustrated in the Contest Hall of Fame now faces the pressure of holding onto this honor while, at the same time, trying to become the first repeat contest winner. No doubt that I will be the first two-time winner but you can't blame Gerry and Eddie for trying.

Anne Marie (O'Connor) Clogston has had her FIRST already this year. I don't think that she'll make a habit of it. Anne Marie's husband Bill joins us this year. By the end of the contest Bill will be saying, "I should have stuck to playing cards!"

Fresh off his forgettable performance is GILLFAMILY.COM Football 2000, Andy O'Connor has invited his wife Rena to do battle with us this year. (Apparently Rena bested Andy in the Reebok office pool last year.) Another performance like last year and Andy will become known as the "Pete Carroll of Reebok!"

Christine (O'Connor) may have used the excuse last year that she was distracted by her upcoming wedding to Mike Munn. We all wish you and Mike many happy years together but, I'm sure I'm speaking for all contestants when I say, at least as far as this contest is concerned, the honeymoon is over!

Charlie improved from a 10th place finish in 1999 to 6th place last year. At least, he won money with his 10th place finish. Maybe it's not a good idea to try to do better.

Which is the real Mark, the 2nd place finisher from 2 years ago or the second division finisher from last year?

Joan is taking small steps this year. She will begin by getting her picks in on time every week.

Matt starts the contest with 12 games to make up in the Loss Column (figuring that the Cowboys will go 2-14 this year). On the bright side, he has been signed to the Cowboys practice squad.

In an effort to improve their performance this year, Mike Jr. and Rob went out and got high school diplomas. While this now makes them officially smarter than the average NFL Offensive Lineman, it remains to be seen if the extra brainpower will help them in the contest.

Michael (wee Mickey) planned ahead and is taking no chances this year. He and the family are off to Disney World this month. Mickey knows he can't wait until after the season because, in football, only the winner says, "I'm going to Disney World!"

Beth is part of the Disney World group. If you hear anybody yell, "Hey Goofy!" don't be offended Beth. They probably mean the other one. Don't forget to bring me a size XXXL set of ears!

Sandra is hoping to avoid her third straight "Clueless Cup" this year. Her chances of climbing out of the contest cellar greatly improved when Greg Mann decided to join us again this year. If Greg does win any money, no doubt it will be spent on a treasure to add to Sandra's hope chest.