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Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Chunky

Bruno Mars is pretty much the premier pop hit maker of the 2010's at this point. He's been involved in six No. 1 hits, and the title track "24K Magic" from his latest album is likely to become his seventh. His funky, throwback and catchy sound is hard to not like. Though I hate "Uptown Funk" because it was overplayed and also adopted as the one song that everyone over 50 enjoys. Hopefully nothing from this great album gets that treatment, though I wouldn't be surprised if Mars finds that success again. "Chunky" might be that next hit after the title track runs its course.

Fantasy Update: I clinched the playoffs in my main league this week, jumped back up into second place, and have a match against third place for who earns the first round bye this week. I am still in playoff contention in both other leagues at 5-7 and 6-6, but likely need wins this week.

I have a half-dozen photos or so to share from the Pierz football semifinal game in the Class AAA playoffs. Enjoy.

The Pierz representatives from at the press conference after the loss Nov. 19. From left: Brett Kapsner, Lane Girtz and head coach Leo Pohlkamp.

Girtz tackles St. Croix Lutheran ball carrier Daniel Rust.

Pierz' Jalen Jansen (No. 20) combines with Reese Kapsner to tackle SCL's Garett Maag.

Girtz attempts to keep his balance after breaking a Crusaders tackle.

Pierz quarterback Preston Rocheleau takes a hit while trying to toss a pass to Girtz.

Senior Brandon Ortman fights through the arm tackle of James Chernohorsky on a run.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

No Lie

"No Lie." I didn't think Sean Paul was still around, until I saw this song on my browse new releases on Spotify. Not only is he still around and making music. He still sounds exactly the same. Unintelligible words in a smooth Rastafarian tone with a catchy beat and featuring a female singing the hook. I'm not saying it's bad, but...it just is.

Fantasy is rolling right along, and it's almost playoff time. I am in good position to make the playoffs in all four of my leagues. I remain undefeated at 11-0 in one, am third at 7-4 in another and am 6-5 in my other two leagues. It's getting down to it.

Here are a few photos to share from state quarterfinals in football playoffs.

Pierz' Reese Kapsner hangs on for an ankle tackle in a quarterfinal against Greenway-Nashwauk-Keewatin.

Royalton junior Cole Wentland runs around the edge in the state quarterfinal against Eden Valley-Watkins.

Royalton No. 2 Louis Fulford blocks for Wentland on his way to a kickoff return touchdown.

Pierz senior Lane Girtz chases after the Titans quarterback.

Pioneers senior Logan Lease runs down the field after an interception.

Royals junior Riley Smieja plows ahead for extra yardage.

Royalton tight end Jason Kasella sets an edge block.

Alec Lochner hits the arm of the Titan quarterback.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Show Me

Neil Young continues to make great music. He recently released the single "Show Me," which is a fantastic song. The folksy, twangy and beat-driven melody is super enjoyable. It is also very blues-orientated, and I can't wait for more of the 71-year-old Young when his new album "Peace Trail," which will be his 37th studio album, comes out in December.

Fantasy football is going well. I am 10-0 and first place in one league, 7-3 and second in another, 6-4 and third in a third and 5-5 in a dynasty league that I co-own. I hope to continue that this week and start to clinch some more playoff spots.

I have a few photos to share from the Pierz Section 5AAA Championship, Nov. 4 against Mora.

Pierz senior running back Brandon Ortman runs around the outside with a Mora defender hanging on him.

Brett Kapsner upends Mora's Jeremiah Mantel in the Section 5AAA Championship at SCSU, Nov. 4.

Pierz sophomore Luke Girtz puts a hit on Mustangs quarterback Luke Anderson.

Pioneers center Alec Lochner snaps to quarterback Preston Rocheleau.

Pierz ball carrier Lane Girtz looks to get blocks from Ben Herold (No. 26) and Ortman.

Girtz fends off Mustang defender Ben Yoder.

Pioneers senior offensive lineman Troy Fischer blocks Mora end Bryce Norby.

Ben Herold holds on to Nordby below, while Brett Kapsner hits him high. Reese Kapsner also has his hands wrapped around him. 

Ortman dives at Mora receiver Jon Smith in pass coverage.

Carson Huls surges forward on a run in the 34-13 victory.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Vacay

Been on vacation (deer hunting) this week, so haven't had time to put up a blog. I will share a link to the photos from Oct. 27-Nov. 1. There is a bunch. I encourage you to browse, and then hopefully purchase.

Thanks all. Next week should be a more normal blog post.

https://ecmpublishers.smugmug.com/MorrisonCountyRecord/Sports/Sports-Oct-27-Nov-1/i-WJcDZRS

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Pass the Baby

Jimmy Eat World, one of my favorite bands, especially of this century, recently released the latest album to its collection, "Integrity Blues." While I didn't get the concept of the album, it just felt like a mishmash of songs, and it is nowhere near as good as "Bleed American" or "Invented," I did appreciate some new JEW to listen to. My favorite song was the catchy "Pass the Baby."

Fantasy was not good at all this week. I lost in all but one league (the one where I remain undefeated, 8-0 baby!) I slid further down in my main league, moving to fourth, but am still firmly entrenched in the playoff picture. Hopefully I can rattle off a few more wins and get everything straightened out by playoffs.

I have some photos to share, but not too many. Next week though, look out. As always you can purchase photos at  https://ecmpublishers.smugmug.com/MorrisonCountyRecord/Sports

Little Falls running back Sia McQuillan stiff arms Foley defender Mark Dierkes, Wednesday, Oct. 19.

The Flyers' Jacob Biermaier has a pass broken up by the Falcons' John Dierkes.

Little Falls receiver Dylan Lukasavitz attempts to break the grasp of Foley's Tyler Evenson (No. 13).

Upsala junior Ashley Biniek dives to dig out a hit by Holdingford in a pool play match of the Upsala Invite, Oct. 20.

Jacob Kapphahn races his way to a touchdown in the Flyers' 14-7 win over Foley.

Flyers senior Brett Zawatzke covers Evenson.

USA receiver Alex Thieschafer strides down the field as BBE's Isaiah Gilbert (No. 12) and Adam Jaeger (No. 21) chase him down.

Dalton Louden blocks Dalton Guzier so that Patriots senior Dylan Graves has some running room.

Graves rumbles upfield.

Parker Barth absorbs a hit by the Jaguars' Thaniel Cebulla.

Graves tries to maintain his balance on a run, Oct. 25.