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Happy playoffs TSLer’s, and welcome back to another lovely edition of the Sentinel! We truly hope that everybody is enjoying the new and improved version of the Sentinel, as we take pride in providing the most comprehensive breakdowns WNY touch football can provide! Sadly for you all, this will be our last write-up of the season. With that being the case, we wanted to bring the largest Sentinel you have seen in YEARS! In addition to our brilliant and blunders segment, we broke down some players in each division that caught our eyes this session. We emphasize again this is NOT a ranking of players, as the Power Rankings crew threatened to take us to court over copyright infringement if we ranked players. They take that stuff personally, and we wouldn’t want to step on their toes (or lose in court, they hired some pretty top-notch attorneys). 

With that said, we thank you fellow TSLers for tuning in all season long. We hope we have brought some hard-hitting coverage, and we will be back and better than ever in the fall. Good luck to all the teams still alive for their respective championships, and enjoy the final Sentinel of the season!

Brilliant

1. Caitlin Mason hauls in a deep tuddy over Katie Keller, KK shakes head in disappointment.
2. Nick Stutzman hits Wide Open Receiver on a Streak, uses the Tiger Woods celebration.
3. Mark Brown (Buffalo Vice Tall Guy) snags a stellar pick in the red zone against Keller Whales.
4. Kayla Voss Toe Taps for a Touchdown against Not So Sticky on the back line. Completes the drive with the extra point on the front line. 
5. Pit Harade’s Pony Tail Man has stellar game with a deep touchdown and an interception pitched to a girl. His excitement made us excited!
6. Brian Stevens seals Sticky trip to D1 Championship with interception. 
7. Sean Weisensal mosses Katie Swanson in the back right corner.
8. James Hearn shows he still has it, secures a touchdown in the middle of three defenders. 
9. Playoff B shows up!! Takes down Wanderers and Creekers in D3/D4 playoffs. Puts next weeks team on notice. 
10. Craig Mikida of Vaspian shows unprecedented endurance with running a record 25 streak routes, managed to smile the entire game. 

Blunders

1. Jeremy Burr fakes a cramp after being torched on play.

2. Kelly Kane throws horrendous pick to the other team, forced to play hours of flip cup afterwards. 

3. Joe K refuses to play odds with Frank Laduico, called out for being a spoiled sport.  

4. Alex “Buddy” Lee stays sober all day, focusing on winning playoff games. 

5. Tom Mullen drops 3 potential interceptions, drives teammates crazy. 

6. Puckett All-Stars fumbles 20-plus point lead, loses to Untouchaballs. Changes name to Panther All Stars.

7. Balls Deep receivers catch two touchdowns, unfortunately land on the line every single time.  [TSL Rule Clarification- The One Foot In Policy, means that only One Foot needs to be in, not touching any line or cone, to be considered a catch. However, the other foot or any part of the body cannot  be touching the line or grass that is out of bounds.]

8. Mike Thomas loses his footing, stumbles, and falls against Amber Hay in the Not So Sticky/PPG rematch.  

9. TMA pulls a no-show, forfeits game gifting THK easiest path to semi-finals. TSL infuriated as Langley didn’t have to earn it. 

10. Come From Behind Comes into game as heavy favorites, receivers let down gunslinger Paul LoVullo in shocking blowout loss to Stir The Sauce. 

Distinguished Players of the League

Division One

Chris Nelson (Eyes Uptown)

Chris Nelson has risen to Stardom. Has anyone else had an award named after them??? [Editor's Note: Yes]  If so, no one else has had an award for being too good at this game. Then when they move up to the highest possible division, they also are too good at this game. He is uncoverable, he is reliable, he is kind, he is an absolute specimen, and he wins games. 

ShBend Betsa (Eyes Uptown)

While other players on Eyes Uptown may garner more attention, we’ve kept our eyes on ShBend. We don’t think there is a player in this division who is faster, gets open more, and makes more critical plays than ShBend. Deep Routes? ShBend will burn by his man. Need a pick? He’s claimed quite a few this season. Need someone who plays with his kids and is a total athlete? This is your guy.

Maddie Norton (Eyes Uptown)

Maddie Norton has been sneaky good this year. While she also has been playing down in Division 5 with the PowderPuff Girls, she’s earned most of her cred up in D1. She doesn’t seem weighed down at all by the copious amount of jewelry and bedazzled necklaces on regular weeks, or the pounds of facepaint and cape she wears during “costume day.”. Joey and her have developed a powerful chemistry that involves crossing routes, a quick juke, and more often than not a touchdown. 

Drew Colosimo (Sticky Bandits)

Drew may have been reshackled to Patrick McGovern once a week this season, but when his chains are freed he runs and jumps as if he is weightless. Drew has often been seen pulling in a deep ball that seems to be out of reach, yet somehow brings it in, again and again. He’s the Sticky Bandit cheat code. 

Christine Krol (Sticky Bandits)

Christine Krol is a fierce athlete who has staged a remarkable comeback from motherhood. She’s an inspiration to mothers everywhere. Christine has connected with Mike Thomas a multitude of times on deep routes and red zone plays. Christine fosters a competitive spirit and family among her teammates.

Cody Stumpf (Eyes Downtown)

Cody Stumpf is the dynamic leader of Eyes Downtown, known for his strategic vision and playmaking skills on the field. His ability to read the game and make split-second decisions has earned him a reputation as a pivotal figure in Eyes Downtown’s success. Cody's leadership extends beyond his impressive performance; he inspires teammates with his passion for the game and his relentless drive to win. As the heartbeat of Eyes Downtown, Cody Stumpf combines talent with a fierce competitive spirit.

Amber Hay (Eyes Downtown)

Amber Hay epitomizes dedication on the field, playing through numerous injuries while showcasing exceptional route-running skills and unwavering sure-handedness, even with a dislocated finger. Her resilience and commitment to her team shines through as she continues to excel despite physical setbacks. Amber's ability to maintain precision in her routes and secure catches underscores her invaluable contribution to her team. Amber also captains the PowderPuff Girls down in Division 5. 

Andrew "Al" Alessi (Frodo Swaggins)

Al is a crucial asset to Frodo Swaggins, renowned for his speed and sure-handed skills on the field. His ability to swiftly maneuver through defenses and secure catches under pressure makes him a reliable playmaker in critical moments. Al's presence not only boosts team morale, but also significantly enhances their offensive capabilities. His combination of agility and reliable performance makes him indispensable, but he hasn’t quite figured out how to calm his QB’s temper.

Katie Swanson (Frodo Swaggins)

Katie Swanson is a remarkable athlete whose prowess lies not only in her ability to get open and catch the ball, but she has exceptional throwing abilities that make her a unique talent in D1. Known for her silent intensity on the field, Katie commands attention from defenses. Katie Swanson is more than just a skilled athlete; she embodies grace under pressure and the steadfast commitment required to succeed at the highest levels of competition.

Honorable Mentions- Sean Weisensal (Eyes Uptown), Josh Schnieder (Frodo Swaggins), Ben Stack (Eyes Downtown), Tori Leighbody (Frodo Swaggins)

Division Two

Kyle Abernathy (Mavericks)

This man is underrated and we are shocked that he has not been pulled up to D1. For those of you that don’t know, he is fast, he has great hands, he has muscles, and he rocks those blue shorts! Kyle is an under-utilized part of the Maverick Offense, we’ve never seen him drop a ball. He also never demands the ball or yells out when he is wide open. Kyle of Mavericks, a great teammate, a good weapon, and good guy!

Misty Himes (Mavericks)

Misty Himes is the electrifying deep threat for the Mavericks, known for her petite frame, blazing speed, and knack for running routes. Despite her size, Misty's ability to stretch defenses and create big plays has made her Jordan's favorite target on the field. Misty also brings to the league, her dutiful fiance Andrew, who is often seen with a smile and camera. Her agility and speed make her a constant matchup problem for opposing defenses, earning her the title of the Mavericks' Jewel. 

Matt Helm (Untouchaballs)

Matt Helm is more than just a player on the Untouchaballs; he is their cornerstone, their unwavering pillar of strength. Every game, without fail, the strategy was straightforward: throw the ball in Matt's direction and trust in his ability to catch it. His hands seemed magnetized to the composite plastic ball… (actually maybe he is using glue??) It looks effortless as he plucks passes out of the air as they seem to float for hours. Matt's calm demeanor under pressure is always helpful to his team.

Nina Komosinski (Untouchaballs)

Nina is a valuable addition to the Untouchaballs, bringing a friendly demeanor and strong skills in man-to-man defense to the team. Despite being new to the team, she seamlessly integrates into the fold, quickly earning the trust and respect of her teammates. Nina's ability to adapt and contribute effectively in a higher division demonstrates her potential to thrive in more competitive settings.

Jaime Warren (Scared Hitless)

Jaime Warren, age 32, stands out as the tall, blonde trainer on Scared Hitless. Jaime has been mastering both short crosses and those deep, “oh shoot, we are scrambling now”routes. Her height gives her an edge in aerial battles, while her agility and awareness make her a formidable threat in open space.

Jessie K (Freeballers)

Jessie Kieta embodies intensity on the field, known for her incredible rushing skills that strike fear into opponents. Her teammates hold her in high regard, believing she could outrun anyone in the competitive divisions in a dash. Jessie's relentless drive and determination make her a formidable force, 

Andy Heftka (Freeballers)

Andy Heftka stands tall as a key player for the Freeballers, known for his proficiency in executing curl and out routes with precision. His reliable hands and strategic route running make him a vital asset to the team's offense, consistently contributing crucial plays that keep the momentum going. Andy's presence on the field adds depth and reliability to the Freeballers' game plan

Rich Anderson (Can’t Touch This)

Rich has wanted some love, and we are going to give it to him. An incredibly underrated player, Rich is what we will call the “glue guy” of CTT. Sneaky athleticism, heck of a beard, and all over the field, Rich has been a rock for Ryan, and he gets him the ball at will. He isn’t just a one way player, though. He plays tough on both sides. 

Robbie Milewski (Can’t Touch This)

Robbie Milewski is the definition of rock solid. Maybe not the best athlete out there, and maybe not the most gifted, but he is as solid as they come. Whether it is on defense or offense, he is always in the right spot and makes the play required. He has been there from the beginning for Can’t Touch This, and it is time he gets his shine.

Honorable Mentions- George Lombardo (Mavericks), Big Bearded Guy (Scared Hitless), Matt Kieta (Freeballers), Allie Chavanne (Can’t Touch This)

Division Three

Rhace Colon (The Malones)

Rhace Colon, known for his quickness and vocal presence as a touchdown-scoring machine. Sporting a visor that reflects his focused demeanor, Rhace consistently delivers decisive victories for his team, often by significant margins. His ability to break through defenses with lightning speed and celebrate each touchdown with gusto has made him a standout player in every game. Rhace's winning mentality and explosive performance make him a formidable force that opponents find challenging to contain, solidifying his reputation as a game-changer on the field.

Sal Augugliaro (The Wanderers)

Sal, known for his tattoos and loud personality, is one of THE best players in D3, and he shows it on a weekly basis. Defensively, throw at his side at your own risk, because he will break on the ball quickly and take it the other way. On offense, he is Frank Laudico’s most trusted weapon, probably because they have played together for over a decade. No, that is just part of it; Sal is just so freaking good! He is also such a loveable personality, and seemingly everybody’s friend. We love that!

Mackenzie Klun Corbelli (The Wanderers)

Do not mistake Mackenzie's kindness for weakness, because she will school you out on that field! Mackenzie is another Wanderer who has been freely Wandering the fields for a long time, and she has the unconditional trust of Frank, and for good reason. One of the tallest girls in the league, Mackenzie also has some of the best hands. She was an easy one to shout out, as she is as consistent as anybody in this league!

Joe Striegel (Jabronies)

Joe, the quiet stalwart from the Jabronies, embodies a contrasting presence to the flamboyance of Kleckers on the field. While often overshadowed, Striegel's skill and precision make him a formidable player in his own right. His steady demeanor and focused gameplay complement Kleckers' more dynamic style, proving that quiet strength and consistency are equally valuable traits in the game. In every match, Striegel's quiet resolve and skill speak volumes about his contribution to the Jabronies’ success.

Jordan McGregor (Keller Whales)

Jordan McGregor is a standout on the field, known for his lightning speed and striking bleach blonde hair. His athleticism is unmatched, often bailing out his team with phenomenal defensive plays. McGregor's ability to cover ground swiftly and his impeccable defensive skills make him a formidable force in any game, consistently proving himself as a crucial asset on the field.

Team Santonocito (Let's Get Reccked)

Corey and Molly Santonocito bring a fresh dynamic to "Let's Get Reccked," injecting both experience and unique skills into the team. Molly, with her speed and veteran presence, offers stability amidst a roster that sees frequent turnover. Her ability to navigate the field with agility and make decisive plays adds a strategic edge to the team's game plan. Buchlis has been wise to utilize her as a weapon. Not to be outdone, Corey contributes not only with his athleticism, but also with his charm and dexterity. Renowned for his gentle hands and keen understanding of pass coverage, Corey enhances the team's defensive capabilities while bringing a charismatic presence to their lineup. Together, the Santonocitos bolster "Let's Get Reccked" with a blend of skill, reliability, and personality, making them valuable additions.

Caitlin Mason (Buffalo Vice)

Caitlin Mason, the swift and nimble slot receiver, thrives on her exceptional chemistry with quarterback Andy. Despite her small stature, Mason adeptly handles the challenging throws and intricate routes. Her ability to secure catches, whether short or long, showcases her versatility and reliability on the field. Mason's adaptability makes her a crucial asset in the team's offensive strategy, consistently delivering key plays.

Dan Gonzalez (Buffalo Vice)

Dan Gonzalez is one of the nicest guys you can ever meet, too nice if you ask us, but he is super underrated too. Dan is the captain for Buffalo Vice, who have acclimated well to D3, and Dan is the brains behind the operation, putting his team in the right position, and playing his consistent game where he just gets open at will. 

Renee Lantz (Practice Squad)

Renee Lantz shines brightly on the Practice Squad, widely recognized as one of the top female players in her division. She is also renowned for her contributions on Cunning Stunts in Division 4. On offense, her ability to make phenomenal plays sets her apart, making her a go-to target for any Quarterback. With a knack for reading the game and impeccable skills, Renee consistently delivers game-changing performances.

Honorable Mentions- Ashley Bower (Bullet Club), Jaime McCabe (Practice Squad), April Meier (Jabronies), Aaron Balcerzak (Toppers All Stars & Todd)

Division Four 

Taylor Pagano (Cunning Stunts)

What else is there to say about Taylor? She has been a strong figure for the Cunning Stunts for years, while also dominating in D1. Taylor has always taken the safety spot for the Stunts, and thrives at it, always in position to make a play, and not giving an inch to the male receivers. Offensively, you are hard pressed to find a girl with better hands. If you put the ball near her, like Joey always does, she is catching it 10/10 times.

Maggie LaMantia (Cunning Stunts)

Maggie Lamantia stands out as the premier rusher in the league, holding the record for the most sacks in a single day. She is one of the many Division One girls on this team, and she she showcases what D1 girls are capable of. Beyond her rushing ability, Maggie is equally formidable on offense, making her a versatile threat that opponents must always account for. Her ability to dominate on both sides of the ball solidifies her reputation as one of the most impactful players in the division.

Rebecca Dominesey (Interdimensional Lightning Falcons)

Rebecca Dominesey is a vital core member of ILF, known for her unwavering positivity and steadfast support for her teammates. Her infectious enthusiasm and encouragement uplift those around her. Becca was recently honored as the winner of the Lenny Alba Person of the Year award. She consistently delivers standout performances on defense in coverage and as a rusher. 

Katelyn Koester (Interdimensional Lightning Falcons)

Katelyn Koester brings a fresh energy to ILF, transitioning seamlessly from hockey with a perpetually bright smile. Despite being new to the sport, Katelyn is quickly learning the game and making a notable impact by putting up points for her team. Her enthusiasm and positivity are contagious, uplifting her teammates and contributing to a positive team dynamic. Katelyn's ability to adapt and excel have made her a promising addition to ILF as she continues to grow and thrive on the field.

Mike “Colorado” Shimburski (Passing While Intoxicated)

Colorado Mike plays a pivotal role in PWI's success with his knack for finding open zones and his reliable hands. His jovial attitude not only lifts his team spirits, but also fosters a positive environment crucial for team cohesion. His skills and positive demeanor make him an essential asset to PWI's achievements. This is the man you want to have a drink with at the end of your game. 

Megan Mallon (Tater Tots)

Megan Mallon is a speedster on offense, causing defenders considerable trouble with her movements and routes. Her quarterback has adeptly utilized her skills, finding creative ways to maximize her impact on the field. Beyond her athletic prowess, Megan is known for her pleasant demeanor, bringing positivity to every game she plays. She was a hit on “Lenny and Rameer Day!” She understands what this league is about, competition, fun, and socialization. 

Megan Marcus (Tater Tots)

Megan Marcus is a cornerstone of the league, a regular in the breakfast club, a bar socialite, and an integral part of the Tater Tots. We’ve all met Megan, we all know Megan, and we all love Megan. However, most of us know her by her Nickname “Drunk Meg” and she will buy you a mimosa. 

Tawan Crosby (Reset Warriors)

Tawan Crosby known for his imposing height and quiet determination. Standing tall amidst the chaos of the game, he emerges as a consistent red zone threat. Despite navigating through a carousel of new quarterbacks, his ability to adapt and excel remains undeniable. Crosby's height gives him a distinct advantage, allowing him to tower over defenders and secure crucial catches in critical moments. During the game Tawan maintains a quiet demeanor, preferring to let his actions on the field. 

Kevin Hurley (Vaspian)

Kevin stands as the undisputed leader of Vaspian, the go-to player when a crucial play is needed. His athleticism and exceptional sportsmanship make him a standout on the team. Kevin's notable physical attribute, his massive legs, not only contribute to his impressive speed but also symbolize his strength and determination on the field. 

Honorable Mentions: Addison Szumigala (PWI-IR), Dylan Jaloza (Tater Tots), Craig Mikida (Vaspian)

Division Five

Mark B (Gucci)

Mark is the lockdown defender of Gucci, using his length and speed to track down top receivers of opposing teams. Mark has shown his ability to clamp down, and get the stops needed for Gucci to keep its stifling defense at the top of the division. Want to know why they are? Look at Mark!

Molly McDermid (Come From Behind)

Molly, perhaps the SWEETEST person in the TSL, has been a mainstay for Come From Behind, and everybody’s favorite! Molly has consistently strong hands, and a great understanding of the game and how it needs to be played to win. It is no surprise Come From Behind has been a constant threat in the division with her and the crew around. 

Karl Smith (Not So Sticky)

Karl Smith is one of the many, many seasoned veterans in the lineup. Despite the years, mileage, wear and ample tear, Karl continues to maintain his gifts and agility through a disciplined regimen that includes ample rest and strategic breaks during drives. His experience and commitment to his body make him a reliable asset on the field, when he is in attendance. 

Pete Walbrandt (Travis Henry’s Kids)

Pete Walbrandt is a D1 talent masquerading in D5 thanks to his loyalty to his friend and QB, John Langley. Pete has shown time and time again how unguardable he is, and seems to get a pick on defense every game. It is a surprise a D1 team has not tried to pluck him from THK, but we don’t think he would go anyway. He loves playing with his team, and dominates while doing so. THK puts up points at will with him, and struggled without him. That is the definition of MVP.  

Britney Matthews (PowderPuff Girls)

Britney Matthews is a focused and determined team player. She often will play safety on defense, which is one of the hardest spots to be on a gender team. Yet, she has exceptional positioning and defensive prowess, even when facing off against male opponents. Her dedication to the game and strategic acumen allow her to anticipate plays effectively, contributing significantly to her team success.

Dan "The Wrestler" Farinacci (Stir the Sauce)

Dan is a super cool guy, and freakishly large. It is not just his size that makes him so good, he catches everything, and has good lateral quickness to make plays on the ball on defense. It feels like if Dan can keep the team together, they will only continue to improve, and he is a great building block for that team. 

Dorene Major (TMA)

What team hasn’t Dorene played for? We kid, but that is how popular and willing to step up she is, and she has solid hands and knows how to play in this league, as one of the vets in the TSL. A true definition of a team player, Dorene is always encouraging her teammates, sacrificing for the better of TMA, and making plays in the process. She embodies what the TSL is all about!

Brent Mackenzie (TMA)

Brent, the loveable fun personality of TMA, and a fan favorite! Brent has been playing in this league for such a long time, everybody rallies around him and wants to see his team succeed. Brent is a consistent player, gets open, and he is NOT going to drop the ball if it hits his hands. He is sneaky, and when you underestimate him, do it at your own peril, because he WILL get open. 

Chris Wolcott (Two Tuddies)

Chris, the undisputed best player for the Tud Buds, is a great athlete that gets open at will. I am not sure what disappoints Chris more; the final record for the Tuddies, or the fact he has to wear the jersey instead of playing skins. Jokes aside, he is a rock solid player that teams have to focus on when playing the Tuddies, and he really showed how unselfish he was when he made the choice to stick with them instead of playing with the top team, Gucci. There is a lot that can and should be said for that, so kudos Chris!

Honorable Mentions: Kory Reid (Two Tuddies), Alex Corbelli (THK), Harlan Lovullo (Come From Behind), Thomas Fields (Gucci), Laura (Gucci), Val Testa (TMA)

Division Six

Mike Malicki (Pit Harade)

Mike Malicki stands out as a relatively unknown player in our league, yet he has played with the best of them. A former D1 player for Public Enemy. He’s got the body of a tight end, Tall, Great Hands, and finds holes.  He excels in finding the back of the end zone, showcasing his ability to score. Give him the ball anytime you are in the endzone! It’s foolproof. Despite not always being in the spotlight, Malicki's contributions on the field speak volumes about his skill.

Joe Kurczewski (Pit Harade) 

Joe K is an influential socialite in the league who is well known for networking and fostering a sense of community. If you want to become known, buy this guy a drink. If you want to learn some TSL history, talk to this guy. If you want to make friends, he will introduce you to people. Beyond all the social aspects that he promotes, he is also a player and manager of Bullet Club and Pit Harade. Joe has learned his knack on the field and he does it well. He can find any hole and slip into it. 

Trish Esposito (Sausage McMuffins)

Trish Esposito, well known for her short stature and big personality, was a former co-host of the TSL podcast. Trish has been playing the game for quite some time and has always brought positivity to whatever team she's been on. She’s got a lot of energy whether it's 9 am for a breakfast club game or 3 pm at the end of the TSL day.

Melissa Skipworth (Balls Deep)

Melissa Skipworth has shown significant improvement over the last two seasons as a player, demonstrating herself as a team-oriented individual who is eager to learn and easy to coach. Her positive influence extends beyond her performance, as she actively works to improve her team on and off the field.

Alex Dutkiewicz (Back that Pass Up)

Alex Dutkiewicz is a pivotal figure in the football scene, known for his expertise and contributions, particularly for the team "Back that Pass Up." You’ve also seen him around as a referee or bringing Buddy into the spotlight. Alex's dedication and knowledge make him an essential go-to person behind the scenes. His presence and support in the game are valued by many who have experienced his kindness and professionalism firsthand.

Molly (Just Joshing)

Molly is a standout gem in Division 6, demonstrating skills that could easily transition to higher divisions without missing a beat. Her exceptional hands, speed, and pressure as a rusher make her an all star on any team. It's only a matter of time before Molly catches the eye of a higher-tier team or gets recruited for a gender team. 

Honorable Mentions- Kanye Shearer (Mighty Drunks), Jack (Blitzkrieg), Boogie (Balls Deep). 

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