The crisp autumn air was filled with anticipation, as the annual Thanksgiving bowling tournament commenced. The ancient alleys, lit by flickering torchlight, witnessed heroic feats and heart-wrenching defeats. The pins, much like the freshly harvested corn, stood ready to be knocked down, and the teams came prepared to write history in the annals of the game. One pilgrim set a new personal best series. JoAnne Barber picked up this week's high game (144) and series (390) for the woman, while Dustin Schmeltz earned this week's high game (232) and series (578) for the men.

Lanes 1 & 2: A Tentative Truce Turns to Triumph
On these lanes, Squid Row and Scootytang faced off in a battle as fierce as the hunt for the perfect turkey. Dennis Walling and Matthew Taylor brought their A-game, crafting a 534-series that could rival any pilgrim's hard-earned feast. Yet, the tide favored Scootytang. Nick Kinney’s 555 series shone brighter than a harvest moon, securing 3 wins for his team. The Squids, though valiant, left with only one win to their name, their spirits dampened like a soggy cornucopia. As the dust settled, Squid Row held their ground at 1st place, while Scootytang clung to their 2nd-place perch with pride.

Lanes 3 & 4: Sausages Sizzle, But Bowls Reign Supreme
The aroma of victory wafted through the air as Bowls Deep squared off against Scooter's Succulent Sausages™. Trifecta winner Brian Schaben, (Most Valuable Bowler, #1 Power Ranked, and #1 Head-to-Head) armed with his mighty 427 series, bowled like a warrior at the first feast, leading Bowls Deep to devour 3 victories. Despite Dustin Schmeltz’s heroic 578 series, the Sausages could muster only a single win. The Bowls, now stuffed with success, remained in 5th place, while the Sausages, perhaps overcooked by pressure, slipped to 4th. For Bowls Deep, the triumph was sweeter than a slice of pumpkin pie.

Lanes 5 & 6: A Clean Sweep and a Forlorn Dolphin
In the final showdown, Stealing Pins in the Burrows faced Sun Dolphins. Nathan Burrows, with a steadfast 431 series, led his team in a sweep as clean as a pilgrim’s plate post-feast. Chris Lenz delivered "spares" as bountiful as the first harvest. The Dolphins, however, swam against the tide. Scott Thompson's efforts were noble, but the team’s early departure forfeited their third game, leaving them swept and downtrodden. The Pin Thieves climbed to 3rd place, their victory filling them with a sense of gratitude. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, stuck in 6th, left the lanes as empty as an abandoned corn husk.

REMINDER: As the holiday season approaches, do not forget to settle your bowling dues! Payments are due within 2 weeks. Gobble up those payments before they become overdue!

In this league, much like the first Thanksgiving, the spoils go to those who persevere—and sometimes, even to those who simply enjoy the game.

THIS WEEK'S MVB Brian Schaben Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Brian Schaben Runner Up: Dustin Schmeltz	#1 H2H BOWLER Brian Schaben Runner Up: Chris Lenz
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Yes, AJ is allowed to play with himself." Scott Murdock, clarifying the rules when it was briefly thought that AJ might be the only person who could show up for his team.