The fifth week of Fall 2024 was filled with triumphs and drama as two teams ascended the standings, while three others faced tough setbacks. JoAnne Barber soared to the top for the woman with the week's high game of 124 and an impressive 363 series, while AJ Hofmann reigned supreme for the men, crushing a 234 high game and a stunning 607 series. But the biggest story may just be what unfolded on lanes 5 & 6. Read on for the full scoop, and also check out your bingo results!

First up, on lanes 1 & 2: It was a showdown where the weight of destiny seemed stacked in favor of one team from the very first frame. The mighty bullies of Squid Row crushed the good-natured battlers of Bowls Deep. Led by Matthew Taylor, who slipped through the depths despite a below-average 527 series, and backed by Most Valuable Bowler Chris Windham, Squid Row celebrated a clean sweep, feeling invincible as they left no points outside their tentacles. On the other side of the match, Kent Harms stood firm with a 508 series, doing his best to salvage pride for Bowls Deep despite the crushing defeat. As Squid Row solidifies their dominance in 1st place, Bowls Deep tumbles down the standings, dropping two spots to land in 5th—devastated by the sweep.

On lanes 3 & 4: Stealing Pins in the Burrows squared off against Scooter's Succulent Sausages™ in a match that showcased grit and determination. Though Chris Lenz gave it his all with a powerful 386 series, the Pin Thieves could only snatch 1 bite of Sausage. Meanwhile, AJ Hofmann was a force to be reckoned with, powering through with a remarkable 607 series to lead Scooter’s Succulent Sausages™ to a thrilling 3-win victory. Jubilant, juicy, and with a mouth-pleasing blend of savory herbs and spices, the Sausages climbed two spots to 4th, while Stealing Pins in the Burrows, crestfallen after the tough loss, dropped 1 spot to 6th.

Finally, down on lanes 5 & 6: The battle between Scootytang and Sun Dolphins was one for the books, a David-and-Goliath struggle in which only one team could emerge victorious. #1 Head-to-Head Seth Gunderson fought valiantly with an above-average 590 series, but Scootytang could only scrape out 1 win. On the opposite side, #1 Power-Ranked Scott Thompson dominated with a crushing 523 series, guiding the Sun Dolphins to a triumphant 3-win finish. Ecstatic with their victory, the Dolphins leaped two spots to claim 2nd place, while a downtrodden Scootytang slipped to 3rd, still reeling from the near-sweep. Wait, did you read that right? Yes, you did! The SUN DOLPHINS are in SECOND PLACE for the first time in their five-seaosn history, and are currently one of only two teams that do NOT have a losing record!

Bowlers strutting into The 200 Club include: Aaron Barber (203), AJ Hofmann (234), and Seth Gunderson (210)

In this week's Tournament of Champions brackets: Seth Gunderson walloped Division 1, while AJ Hofmann eradicated Division 2. Buck Nasty trounced Division 3, and Chris Lenz vanquished Division 4. In terms of overall points: Seth Gunderson runs the show in Division 1; AJ Hofmann and Scott Murdock govern Division 2 in a tie; Jeremy Varnell and Buck Nasty are both in the driver's seat (on each other's laps?) in Division 3 in a tie; and Chris Lenz holds the reins in Division 4.

NEXT WEEK:

• First, on lanes 1&2, 4th-place Scooter's Succulent Sausages™ will roll against 2nd-place Sun Dolphins (hcp 68). Sausagemakers are expected to maintain their current strength as they sweep the series; while Dolphins are forecast to hold steady as they endure a rough night.
• Moving to lanes 3&4, 3rd-place Scootytang will match wits with 5th-place Bowls Deep (hcp 105). Tang might roll a little low, yet still manage to sweep the series; while Bowls ought to drop their average a bit while they endure a rough night.
• Finally, on lanes 5&6, 1st-place Squid Row will face 6th-place Stealing Pins in the Burrows (hcp 183). Mmmm Calimari is predicted to maintain their current strength as they sweep the series; while Pin Thieves are anticipated to hold steady as they endure a rough night.

^*(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 Chris Windham Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Scott Thompson Runner Up: AJ Hofmann	#1 H2H BOWLER Seth Gunderson Runner Up: AJ Hofmann
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "I would have tried it if I were still on that team. That's how dedicated I am." Nathan Burrows, after Jeremy Varnell asked Scoot who tasted his sausage to determine it was succulent.