So with
the 2000 games approaching, the stage was set for White and The Creator
to settle the score, once and for all. In the weeks leading up to the
games, The Creator made statements at the Madden Forum that many ballers
found to be disturbing. This only fueled the fire for the anticipation
for the start of the games. As the ballers continued to exchange verbal
low blows, White was absent from the Forum scene. White had no response
to Gresham's or any other remarks and only replied briefly when Pasadena
Soldier called him out.
Something
(Someone) Is Missing
Once
Championship Weekend arrived, the biggest news of the games was the
absence of the defending champ The Creator. To the dismay of many ballers,
including White, Gresham would not be at Nationals to defend his title.
It was a disappointment for the games. However, there was perhaps a
line of ballers from DC to Maine, waiting to get a crack at the vocal
defending champion. But they would be robbed at that chance. Immediately
White became the man to beat. After all, this was his year to confirm
what everyone thought should have happened last year.....White
being crowned as the premiere baller in America.
It seemed
as though this would be the case as White destroyed the field in the
round robin. Once the playoff round began, White seemed to be vulnerable.
His toughest games came from facing his own league members in #29 ranked
Ron Wilborn, and #16 ranked David Carter (DC). But when everyone witnessed
the dismembering of top ranked PC baller Jay Kearney at the hands of
White, it was confirmed this guy was for real and he came to play. It
further heightened the respect of the depth of Atlanta's BFL.
Who
Is This Candyman?
Meanwhile their was a silent blaze that was gaining momentum throughout
the tourney. Kyle "Candyman" Klontz was not considered to
be the most humble and modest baller coming into the tourney either.
After all he called his own shot back in early June, stating he was
going to win it all as well. With not very much credence given to his
statements, he entered the games with a familiar name, but very little
respect. And even after narrowly escaping out of the round robin 3-0,
no one looked for this Texas gunslinger to make the run that he did.
After all, Candyman didn't attend the '99 games. And his biggest claim
to fame were the classic trash talking exchanges on the forum with Pasadena
Soldier. A few recognized him for cleaning out the New Orleans Ballers,
but then, who were the New Orleans Ballers.
Candyman
realized when he arrived at nationals this would be no cakewalk. He
felt he may have bitten off more than he could chew after observing
the talented field. But as the weekend progress, things fell into his
hands. His 3-0 record in the games set him up with a #8 seed, and a
first round opponent of Joe Ellis (DCFL) which he disposed of 72-0.
Then it was on to Red Rza. That was the eye opening game. Rza was perhaps
one of the biggest surprises of the games, going 3-0 defeating PFL champion
Brooks, and #1 ranked PC baller Jay Kearney. After Candyman disposed
of Rza 60-20, the other ballers started to take note. This guy was here
to play as well.
After perhaps
the game of the tourney to that point...Pasadena Soldier vs. I Sux,
it seemed as though Pasadena would get what he wanted. A shot at Candyman.
Soldier had guaranteed to run the score up on Candyman. Friday he declared
Candyman Public Enemy #1 on top of Tabasco Cat, Winky White, and Magnetron.
But the young gun was out of gas when he ran into what he thought would
be another W in route to the championship game. Candyman exploded on
Pasadena like a volcanic eruption, and all of a sudden it was the expected,
vs. the unexpected in the title game.
This
Time Its Personal
In his
pre-game interview with The Swammi, White stated, "Swammi, you
know me, I pretty much like everyone at the games. I'm cool with everyone
here, you know, I have nothing but mad love for all of the brothers
here, but this next guy I truly dislike.....this is personal."
It is still uncertain as to what words were exchanged between White
and Candyman. But whatever they were, they were enough to ignite a flame
in White, never before seen. White has always been a true sportsman,
displaying respect and good sportsmanship to all of his opponents....no
matter how bad he beat them. But this was uncharacteristic of White
and it was evident he was carrying his personal feelings for Klontz
into the game, refusing to shake his hands before the game. Little did
the room filled with Madden Ballers know, that this would add to the
suspense and intensity leading to the championship game. It was Jacksonville
vs. Jacksonville. One thing we all knew was that the Jaguars would win
this game.
The two
heavyweights exchanged blows throughout the entire game. But perhaps
the play of the game was on Candyman's second possession. After Winky
White scored and converted the two point attempt to make it 8-7, Candyman
answered with a 1 play 79 yard touchdown strike to go right back up
15-7. That scored let Winky White know the The Candyman could not only
take his best shot, be that he was in a game. It also let all the spectators
know that this title was not automatically going to be given to the
favorite White, but he was going to be in for a fight. That of course
is just how both of these two warriors would want it.
The
Tides Turn
White would
take control of the game late in the fourth quarter to go up
52-44. Candyman would score late in the fourth quarter to tie
the game at 52. Then the drama began. With less than two minutes
remaining, White executed a flawless drive that took him deep
into Candyman's territory. With just over a minute to play,
White had Brunell hit Fred Taylor streaking down the sideline.
With a chance to score and go ahead, White pulled back the reigns
and held Taylor out of the endzone, in an effort to avoid scoring
too early. This move was pivotal in White's quarterfinal game
vs. DC, not allowing the offensive juggernaut a chance to get
the ball back with enough time to score. In that game, White
only left DC 9 seconds and no time outs. In this game, White's
plans may have been the same. With the clock running and the
ball on Candyman's five yard line and chance to win it, White
called for Fred Taylor to run off tackle. The play was stuffed
for a minimal gain. In what seemed to be the exact same play
call, White called another run...this time it was disaster.
Fred Taylor fumbled on the one yard line. The ball sat on the
one for what seemed like an eternity before Candyman recovered.
It was a devastating blow. Although the game was far from over,
you could see the national championship perhaps slipping though
White's hands again.
A Prelude
To Defeat
Once Candyman
won the toss, it seemed inevitable that he would emerge victorious.
He became immediately conservative, throwing exclusively in the flats
and diving out of bounds to avoid turnovers. The backbreaking play of
the drive was a third and 3 situation that Candyman called for a quarterback
sneak. It worked primarily because White was heavily guarding the flats,
an area which Candyman had success all day. After that call, the wind
started to die in White's sails. It was all over. He would come up short
again as Candyman kicked the winning field goal.
That's
Why They Play The Game
White has
to play the bridesmaid for another 365. But this time there
are no excuses on how this champion won the game. No custom
plays to complain about. No gimmicks, no gadgets....just straight
balling determined the winner here.....and of course, a devastating
break that's "in the game." White was 72 inches from
earning what he thought should have been his all along. But
the most important lesson that the Madden Community may have
learned this weekend is that respect doesn't win the championship.
Winning the game wins the title. And all of us that nearly awarded
White the trophy before the tournament started, should sit back
and recite the old adage said many times before...that's why
they play the game.