SIMPLY RED vs. PURPLE RAIN

by James Renfroe

In what could have been one of the greatest ultimate frisbee games to grace the Balboa fields since Chad’s game on Monday, two Men’s league giants faced off in what proved to be a true clash of titans. Red and Purple, both ranked number one going into tonight’s match, came out with something to prove. Red started on O and made it look so easy moving the disc as they marched down the field with quick give and goes taking the first point. Purple wasn’t quite sure what hit them as they walked back across the field to prepare for their own turn on offense. Purple received the pull and marched the disc right back down the field scoring with their own kind of ease. Even after these first two points there was a noticeable difference in pace. Red attacked with grace and speed while Purple moved the disc around inching their way down the field. The two teams traded points making the score 2-2. This next point was perhaps the pivotal point of the first half. After what seemed like 20 minutes of both teams moving the disc from end zone to end zone, both teams having either crazy D’s or crazy turnovers, both teams working exhaustedly to score the point, Red finally puts it in and takes the 3-2 lead.

From here, Red opened Purple up like a redneck’s blouse at Mardi Gras. They went on a 6-1 tear that left Purple wondering what the hell had just happened. Brian Chen, Scott Mahr and Hammie moved the disc with fluidity, speed and grace that I personally had not seen in a summer league game in some time. They also got a little help from their friends with some sick D’s and snags from Ratchet. Having taken half and the score now 9-3 Purple spent that time wondering what could possibly be done to just make the game respectable and I’m sure Red basically said just keep doing what we’re doing.

The second half was a totally different game. After Purple turned their first point over, Red took advantage of the opportunity and made the score 10-3.  I guess it was at this point that Purple’s pride got involved and it was at this point that the game started to shift into Purple’s direction. Purple shifted their entire game play, switching to a Zone D and a Ho stack, and oh the difference it made. Purple managed to go on a 13-6 tear taking the game to 16-16. Along the way there were some missed opportunities by Red and Purple finally figured out a way to take advantage of those chances and turn them into points. Purple’s handlers settled in and started making smart throws. There were a couple of layout grabs saving some of the less accurate throws. And the zone D, though far from perfect, was enough to keep Red from moving the disc the way they wanted to, at the speed they wanted to.

So now the score is 16-16. Red has the disc and manages to find and take advantage of the holes in Purple’s zone. They swing their way down the field and punch it in for a 17-16 lead. Now it’s Purple’s turn. Purple gets the disc, somehow Truckstop ends up with the disc on Purple’s goal line. James cuts deep and Truckstop goes for it. James manages to track it down, dumps it to Todd who then throws it cross field to Sleepy for the point. Or do they. A travel is called on Truckstop and the disc is brought back. I think this may be the second most important point of the game, if it’s possible to even choose a second most important point that is. Purple sends it back to Truckstop but the wind is out of their sails. They work the disc down the field and then turn the disc near their end zone. Red quickly takes advantage and the game. 18-16 final.

I’ve played this game for over a decade (I know for some that’s a short time and for others maybe that seems like forever) and I’ve never played on or against a team I’m more proud of. Purple showed a lot of heart and strength even turning this into a game. They could have tucked their tails and given up but they found a way to fight back and make it a game. On this night, Red proved to be the better team. I’m really proud of the way they played. Their game play and poise under pressure was inspiring. When a team makes a comeback the way that Purple did, it’s very easy for a team to give in and let the game slip away. I’ve been on a lot of teams where this has happened. But that’s not what they did. They played smart and hard until the end and they earned this win. Congratulations to both of these teams and thank you for making me proud to play this sport called Ultimate.

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