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 eyeng 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 Candman'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.