The Official 2009 Turkey Bowl Preview

Boys and girls, here we go. No dramatic build up and no superfluous adjectives. Here is the preview of the biggest game ever...




Team Pooch



QB- Kris Self

Analysis: The # 1 overall pick in the draft, Self has proven time and again that he is a dominant and versatile player. He has tremendous arm strength and quick feet. Self can take over a game and he must be respected by the defense. Defensively, he provides quick reactions and a strong football IQ. The opposing quarterback must effectively look Self off in order to complete deep passes.


Statistical Predictions: Passing: 45/65, 10 TD Passes, Rushing: 15 Attempts for 120 yds. 3 Rushing TDs


TE- Andrew Pucilowski

Analysis: For the first time in his long career, Pooch finds himself as the focal point of an offense. He has been a tremendous 2nd option receiver for the past 4 years but this year the hopes of Pucilowski Nation are squarely on the shoulders of this man. His soft hands and suprising versatility makes him a perennial All-Turkey Bowl possibility. Defensively, there are a few holes in his game. His man coverage is spotty but a zone coverage may provide the best solution to that problem.



WR-Matt Divirgilio

Analysis: Last year was a big year for Divirgilio and this year it has been reflected in him being drafted remarkably high. The previous years, Divirgilio has fallen under the titles of "stone hands" or a "paper player". Last year, he demonstrated dominance as a wide receiver. He exhibited big play potential last year, though some critics believe that was a product of defensive breakdowns. But he will look to put all those skeptics to shame with a big performance this year. Defensively, it seems that he will help play safety with Self. This is a big year for Divirgilio, if plays big then he will solidify his position, if not he will be doomed back to the late rounds.




WR/QB- John Farrell

Analysis: Making one's Turkey Bowl debut is stressful enough but doing it in the matchup of Scott v. Pooch is certainly a baptism by fire. Farell an all-around solid athlete and dominant softball player, looks to translate his softball success onto the gridiron. He will be called upon to do two things. First, he will be asked to make big catches when Pooch and Divirgilio are being smothered. And second, he will be asked to play quarterback when Kris Self wants to play WR. Defensively he is a complete unknown and this year will certainly prove to be a big stepping stone for Farrell.





WR- Paul Butler


Analysis: Making a massive jump in his draft position based on some good preseason workouts, Butler will enter this game looking to prove it was no fluke. A deceptively quick receiver, Butler is going to have to shoulder a significant amount of the offensive focus. Butler has to be effective in getting into the open spots in coverage. Without Butler as a solid option, Self may be forced to make throws he does not want to make. Defensively, he played a solid line and will probably look to do the same this year.




WR- Colin Self


Analysis: Coming straight out high school, Colin looks to become the LeBron James of the Turkey Bowl. He is quick and youthful but only time will tell whether or not he has staying power over the years in the Turkey Bowl. A choice of his brother, Colin will have to try to make his own name this year. He could be a very smart choice if he can effectively use his speed and good first step.






WR-Jack Mayer


Analysis: This year could be a big year for Mayer. Last year he proved to be an extremely effective short-mid range receiver. This year, with the 20 yd first down requirements, he could do even better. Mayer may prove to be a huge weapon for Team Pooch and could be the X-Factor for this game. It will be up to Self to spread the ball all over the field and into the hands of Mayer. Defensively, he will prove to be a strong force on the line.






Team Scott




QB- Tom Pistolas

Analysis: This is a big year for Pistolas. It is truly make or break. He will admit that he did not have the best outing last year. This year, he has been given the expectations of Team Scott. He was drafted third overall and he will look to make this choice a smart one. Pistolas has a strong arm and is a very good precision passer. He is very good at exploiting any holes the defense gives him and has an unusually high football IQ. Defensively, Pistolas can read the defense well and will look to make plays against the formidable Team Pooch offense.


Statistical Predictions: Passing: 41/55, 11 TDs. Rushing: 10 Attempts for 52 yds.



WR- Dan Delorenzo


Analysis: The Defensive MVP of last year's contest, Delorenzo is perhaps the greatest player in Turkey Bowl history. His speed and versatility as a wide receiver makes him an extremely difficult person to cover. Despite the smothering coverage, Delorenzo still somehow manages to make a large amount of catches. He has big play potential and has a knack for coming through in the clutch. Defensively, there is no better player in the game. He reads the defenses well and always seems to find himself stepping in front of passes and intercepting them.





WR- Scott Intravaia



Analysis: Making his coaching debut, Intravaia has drafted well by most accounts. But now that the draft has been sorted through, he will look to make his presence felt during the game. Intravaia provides a very effective deep threat and has among the best hands in the Turkey Bowl. His speed and hands make him a formidable and perfect compliment for Delorenzo. Intravaia has performed extremely well in previous Turkey Bowls. Defensively, he has the ability to make every pass a potential interception. He runs all over the field and creates a disastrous time for opposing offenses.





WR- Chris Desimone



Analysis: Speed and finess are the name of the game for this Turkey Bowl rookie. He is perhaps the biggest unknown in this year's game. Based on other sports, Desimone has speed and quick moves that could translate into him being a very effective receiver for this team. He has the ability to get behind the defenses and sure up other options for Pistolas. Defensively, he gives his team a potential lock down cornerback.





WR-Andy Delaney



Anaylsis: Delaney made a big impact in last year's Turkey Bowl. He displayed amazing heart and determination while making big catches for his team. His rare combination of speed and size makes him a great target for Pistolas. Delaney has proven to be a tough matchup for the opposing defense with his ability start quickly off the line. Defensively, he is very versatile and can matchup anywhere on the field.





WR- John McManus

Analysis: An unbelievable athlete with off the chart speed and athleticism. JD has become a big presence in the Turkey Bowl over the last couple of the years. He is a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. His hands have become better over the years and with that, so has his numbers. His deep play ability is arguably the best in the game. Defensively, he provides a strong presence in any position on the field.