Recap: Dec. 15, 2007

WEATHER: It’s cold and snowy in much of the country, but in Venice it was perfect for football – 65 and sunny. Drew was still cold.

WELCOME: Great having two new players – Chris and Ryan. Each got a bit dirty, which means they survived their football baptism.

GAME: White jumped out to a 24-0 lead, Dark rallied to within 30-20, then White pulled away for the win.

SCHEDULE: We are playing Dec. 22 at Playa Vista Sports Park, 12:30. We are then off until Jan. 26 for a holiday, NFL playoffs break.

DIFFERENCE MAKER: Well, Ruben certainly made his presence felt. He caught a long TD on the game’s third play and added another later. He also snagged four interceptions, returning two for scores. Glad I have him on my fantasy football team.

NO RESPECT: Brent was out there shooting photos but not playing since he’s still recovering from pneumonia. Did he get any sympathy? Hell, no. On one play, with Brent snapping away near the huddle, someone yelled, “Hey sicko, get out of the way!”

TRICKERY: Dark ran a cool play for a successful 2-pointer. Shaun took the snap, faked a handoff to T.O. (Brent), then tossed it back to Drew, who threw it back across the field to T.O. who was wide open and walked in.

RUBY SLIPPERS: That’s what Patrick spiffy new red cleats looked like and it’s hard to argue with the results he had with them. His best was a on a hard slant I hit him on, where he made several moves after the catch and ran it in about 55 yards for a score.

SPIN CYCLE: On one rush, Bubba tried to get around David who was blocking by doing a spin move that was less than successful. “A spin move? Nice try, Freeney,” David said during the play.

BEST FAKE OUT: Shaun at QB was running right and faked a pitch left. Not sure if Ryan was wearing a jock strap, but if he was Shaun faked him out of it for a nice gainer.

BEST DIVINE INTERVENTION: Kevin (the one from Arkansas) got toasted on a deep pass and thanked the heavens when the receiver dropped it. Someone up there likes me, he said to that effect.

NICE DEBUT: Ryan said he hadn’t played football in years but it was hard to tell. He had a sack, some great flag grabs and several nice catches, including one he took for a TD. He even completed a pass.

GOOD HANDS MEN: Ramsey was awesome all game, making catch after catch. His best was an over-the-shoulder number he had from Drew for a TD. And in a shocker – he actually made a few grabs and did not hit the ground after. … I usually always play against Kevin (SC Kevin) so it was nice to have his great hands and moves on my side for once. He came up big several times.

IRONMAN: T.O. got up at 6:15 and did an aerobics and abs class, which he followed up with weightlifting, all before playing 2 ½ hours of football.

MVP: A round of applause to L.A. Motion alum Rory, named MVP of the fall season in the NYC gay flag football league. He will be out Saturday to play with us.

HIGHLIGHTS: Best pass of the day was my bomb to Ruben; it was a nice throw and he ran a great route and had a terrific catch. … Chris was a really good pass rusher, but Bubba robbed him of his glory when they both rushed and Bubba came up with the flag on the sack. … Jeff made a great move on a stop and go he wound up taking for a touchdown. … Doug had the best catch and run with players missing his flag. One would grab and miss but Doug would stop, then start up again when he realized he had his flag. … Mike was similar on his nice long TD run when about four guys missed his flag. …

Great having Ray back and he responded with 3 TDs, including a nice deep ball late in the game. ... Best flag grab was Hinders stretching, diving and keeping TO from busting a long one. … Cool White play was a hook and lateral – me to Ruben to Kevin (SC) to Mike for a 20-yard gain. … Best miraculous recovery was Drew who yelped in pain when he accidentally had his ankle stepped on, but stayed in the game and kept playing. Hope it didn’t swell up overnight.