The sixth week of Fall 2024 brought intense competition, dramatic comebacks, and heart-wrenching defeats, as the league standings experienced a seismic shift. With the exception of Squid Row, seemingly ink-noculated against any ill-effects from a major loss, every team experienced a large swing in the standings. Three teams surged forward, fueled by fiery determination, while two others found themselves slipping down the ranks, unable to fend off their rivals. Personal records fell, excitement soared, and the emotional highs and lows of league bowling were on full display. JoAnne Barber's high game of 128 and series of 340 secured her the top spot for the woman, while Matthew Taylor's powerhouse performance earned him a high game of 252 and series of 624 for the men. But that was only the beginning—let's dive into the thrilling details! (And also check out your bingo results!)

Whether they'd kept Ryan's average or used the sub, the Dolphins would be made into tasty sausage either way.

First up, on lanes 1 & 2: Scooter's Succulent Sausages™ faced off against Sun Dolphins. It was a sizzling victory for the Sausagemakers, led by AJ Hofmann's 523 series and the sheer tenacity of Most Valuable Bowler Jim Koger. They smoked the competition with a clean sweep, leaving the Dolphins floundering. Scott Thompson’s valiant 494 series wasn’t enough to keep his team from going under. Scooter’s Succulent Sausages™ celebrated their leap up the standings, climbing two spots to 2nd place, while the Dolphins, suffering from acute blowhole obstruction, were left to plunging three spots to 5th. The exhilaration for the Sausages was as thick as the despair in the Dolphin pod.

Young Kent makes a mess of ScootyTang all over the lanes.

On lanes 3 & 4: Scootytang took on Bowls Deep in a match that left one team in ruins and the other basking in victory. Despite Aaron Barber’s impressive 563 series, Scootytang was caught off guard and swept completely by Bowls Deep. Kent Harms, with his commanding 547 series, thrust Bowls Deep into a flawless triumph, as they celebrated their clean sweep. Bowls Deep surged up the standings, jumping two spots to 3rd, while Scootytang’s hopes spilled into the gutter as they fell three spots to 6th. The devastation in the Tang camp was palpable, while Bowls Deep reveled in their newfound momentum.

The Pin Thieves got away with it this time, though the Squid remained unharmed.

Finally, down on lanes 5 & 6: the clash between Squid Row and Stealing Pins in the Burrows was so intense, it seemed as though the bowling gods themselves had a stake in the outcome. Squid Row, headlined by Matthew Taylor’s phenomenal 624 series, managed just a single win, their tentacles barely holding on as they faced the wrath of the Burrows team. Nathan Burrows, armed with his 543 series, led his Pin Thieves to steal not just the pins but also the match, taking home three wins. Squid Row, despite the bruising battle, remains perched in 1st place, but Pin Thieves' victory propelled them two spots up to 4th. The clash left both teams and spectators in awe, as the standings tightened in the aftermath.

Bowlers getting the VIP treatment in The 200 Club include: Aaron Barber (217), Dennis Walling (201), Matthew Taylor (252), and Nathan Burrows (233)

A new personal high game was set tonight by Nathan Burrows (233, previous best 213). In addition, a new personal best series was rolled by Nathan Burrows (543, previous best 490).

Adding to the excitement, the 624 rolled by Matthew Taylor is this season's new high series for men.

In this week's Tournament of Champions brackets: Seth Gunderson triumphed over his enemies in Division 1, while nobody claimed victory in Division 2 (though Dustin Schmeltz came closest). Carl Mueller decimated Division 3, and Nathan Burrows crushed Division 4. In terms of overall points: Seth Gunderson leads Division 1; AJ Hofmann reigns over Division 2; Buck Nasty governs Division 3; and Chris Lenz calls the shots for Division 4.

NEXT WEEK:

• First, on lanes 1&2, 3rd-place Bowls Deep will hang out with 4th-place Stealing Pins in the Burrows (hcp 63). Bowls are expected to perform well and win the series; while Pin Thieves are forecast to hold steady as they avoid getting swept.
• Moving to lanes 3&4, 1st-place Squid Row will test their mettle against 5th-place Sun Dolphins (hcp 135). Mmmm Calimari might roll a little low, yet still manage to sweep the series; while Dolphins ought to hold steady as they endure a rough night.
• Finally, on lanes 5&6, 2nd-place Scooter's Succulent Sausages™ (hcp 44) will chill with 6th-place Scootytang. Sausagemakers are predicted to roll decently and win the series; while Tang is anticipated to hold steady as they avoid getting swept.

^*(Remember, the predicted results above are based on mathematical extrapolations and can be changed by all sorts of factors. If you don't like how your team's results are predicted, you and your teammates have the power to prove the math wrong!)

THIS WEEK'S MVB Jim Koger Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Nathan Burrows Runner Up: Chris Hagan	#1 H2H BOWLER Nathan Burrows Runner Up: Chris Hagan
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Well if that was all you were going to do, you could have saved us the extra time." Dustin Schmeltz, to sub Tim Christensen, after Tim guttered for his third ball of the 10th frame.