Spoiler Warning: Dozen Weekly Recap

CoachDay
Apr 15
4 min read

The big hitters were out and on full display this past week in the Dozen Trivia League. Also the BIG one as we got to see the matchup we had been waiting for in Ice Dogs vs. Grinders. The playoff pushes have gone into full swing over the last couple of weeks as teams heat up their trivia games for us fans.

Experts Continue Cupcake Run to the Loffs

As much as I love the Experts and their personalities, we have to call it as it is... they are CUPCAKE merchants so far this year. Another dominating win? Yes, I cannot deny that, but it was against a team who may or may not eek their way into a play-in this year. The Experts came away with a 16–10 victory that, in many ways, seems to be more of a win for Charity Case, as they boost their strength of schedule with a good loss.

A shoutout is deserved to Mintzy, who led them with 6 pts. Meanwhile, to me the focus is on the Experts, who are far ahead now with 6 wins on the season. Here is the thing, their overall strength of those wins is much lower than...a Ryders, Booze Ponies, or even Minihane. Again leaving me with no choise, I HAVE to express my concerns on whether they are built for the playoff gauntlet.

As much as we all want to see Brandon hoist the trophy.... a moment he may rank ahead of his wedding day and/or children’s birth. I just fear they aren’t being challenged enough to get there.

Damn though come on, prove this Dozen insider wrong this week. They will be facing the #1 ranked Minihane in a big time prove it, Experts. I’m pulling for ya (bias can exist, sorry).

Grinders’ 1st Win in the History Books

The classic we all have been waiting for: Ice Dogs vs. Grinders. A matchup that Dozen fans have wanted all season. Even if for some reason you had doubts, it lived up to the hype and then some! In the end, it was an inaugural victory for the newest franchise in the league...15–12 over the Dogs.

Let’s actually start with those Ice Dogs. In what was a very winnable match, they faced harsh adversity from the jump, with David Andrews’ technology working against him. You could tell how much this affected his play throughout the game, possibly hurting their chances of a victory.

Captain Marty Mush came to play, though, with a season-high 10 pts. The major issue, however, was the giveaways, as the Grinders stole 5 questions.

AND!! How about them Grinders!?! Pre-game, Coach Gruden talking "trades" seemed to inspire his boys, as Jake Malasek set a rookie record for points in a game at 12.7 pts. Liam Blutman also caught a little momentum with 5.7 pts himself.

The squad could be turning the corner at the right time. Next up, they’ll be hunting a stronger win to put on the resume. You gotta think a weight is off the Grinders’ shoulders....and as you know how they say "the first one is the hardest to get".

Frank Finds His Rhythm in Big Frankettes Victory

A pretty standard season it has been for the Frankettes: confusion, meltdowns, BUT! also losses. Usually, through all the madness Frankettes matches bring with them... they still win. This year has not been the case.

They found themselves really early on in a must-win situation against familiar foe in Chicago. Nick, KB, and Frank were up for the challenge, except for a small stretch in the middle, en route to a 15–11 Sunday night victory.

Captain Nick Turani was huge throughout with steals left and right, while Frank the Tank was in a zone, dropping 10 pts to lead the squad. We have to mention the one minor fear moving forward, which could be KB’s geography... uhhh he’s been a little off lately in a category that was often a guaranteed sweep for the Frankettes.

Though, he was quick to pull Sojourner Truth (as a history teacher... love the historical knowledge, man). For those a little confused, you gotta watch the memorable moment. TRUST ME.

When the Frankettes win, this league is much better, so it’s great to see them back on track. Hopefully, they can build on the win and this is the beginning of the championship DVD.

Chicago, on the other hand, seemed a bit overwhelmed out of the gate. They made a run, but just didn’t have enough to stick with it for the win. They shouldn’t take too much of a hit for the loss, but to stay in the play-in range, they’ll need to steal a win against one of the high-ranked squads sooner rather than later.

After this week, we assumed there would be a shift in the rankings... and we were correct, with the Frankettes making a move. They always have the fan vote, and now, back to their winning ways, we should see them rocketship up the boards. This upcoming week will not be slowing down the league at all, with major players getting back into the trivia game.

This weeks schedule: