Head-to-Head: Scott vs. Irma

We're under 12 hours from the 2011 Spring I season opener for Balls In Action as they prepare to take on their most interesting rival, Houston Taggers.  We sat down with both coaches, Irma Sanchez and Scott Machala, and dig a little deeper in the rivalry.

BIA:  What do you look forward to when B.I.A. goes up against Houston Taggers?

IS:  What do I look forward to this Wednesday....hmmm...let's see, getting this over with.  I know that we will not beat B.I.A., but I hope to at least be able to get a run, or two or maybe even three or four in.  As you know, we've weeded out some of our weaker players and have made some recent player acquisitions that may play out pretty well for us.

SM:  It's a much calmer atmosphere, which is good for us going into the first game of the season, not having played for almost three months straight.  We definitely play at our best against them so I really look forward to tallying up another victory.


BIA:  B.I.A. has outscored Houston Taggers 25-0 in 3 games. Any pressure?

IS:  Pressure?  No, not really.  In each of the three instances that we've played against each other, there have been special circumstances, such as our first game as a team, the team's exodus to a high profile soccer game, and the engagement.  These have prevented the Houston Taggers from demonstrating their maximum kickball potential.

SM:  Anytime there is streak, there's pressure to keep it.  Would I love that everytime we played Houston Taggers we shut them out?  Absolutely, but eventually they will score a run or two against us.  Would I love to beat them everytime we play them?  Hell yes, but the law of average will definitely catch up to us and there will be that one time they beat us.  I don't see that happening anytime soon, though.

BIA:  What were your impressions when Scott and Jacob played for Houston Taggers during the 2010 Fall season? Did you see your rivals in a different light after the season was over?

IS:  When Scott and Jacob played with us last summer, I was very glad to learn that they were actually pleasant individuals and not the arrogant players that they appeared to be when playing against them previously.  I would like to add a little side note.  It was so sweet to see how Scott behaved around our very own Marvette.  It was obvious that Marvette was the only, if not primary reason, that Scott offered us his pitching services.  No, I did not see them as rivals once the season was over.  Despite Scott's cover as a tough and hardcore kickball player, he is a big ol' teddy bear.  Jacob, well that is another story.

SM:  I am still very grateful for the Houston Taggers organization for allowing myself and Jacob to play for them when B.I.A. was unable to.  It was my first season back in uniform since knee surgery, and I shouldn't have been near a kickball.  But they took a chance on me and there I was celebrating with them at the end of the season with a championship!  I definitely saw how exicted the team was afterwards and that they wanted to continue this success.  They have this mask of "we just want to have fun and enjoy the game", but deep inside they are competitive monsters like B.I.A. and want to be on top of the kickball world. 

BIA:  Marvette marries Scott after the 2010 Winter season. Does this intensify the rivalry, or simply foretell a possible move for one of these players to the other team? What measures have to be taken to secure team strategies and prevent them from leaking to the other team?

IS:  I must admit, I was truly happy to learn that Marvette was settling down, even if it was with Scott.  I definitely think that the marriage between two players from opposing teams will add a different spin on the upcoming kickball season.  Should be fun.  Scott, my friend, I don't know if you are aware, but girls talk.

SM:  You bet it does!  I have given her many opportunities to join B.I.A. after the marriage and she has refused each time.  an offer to play for B.I.A. is the highest honor any human can receive in their lifetime.  She's my wife, though, and I respect her decision, but I wish she would reconsider and play with God's team.  B.I.A.'s strategies are secured and only privileged to B.I.A. players and coaches. 

BIA:  What is your prediction for the next meeting between both teams on March 2?

IS:  Prediction?  Better yet, my prayers are that we get at least a couple of runs in.

SM:  B.I.A. will continue its dominance over Houston Taggers on March 2nd, guaranteed!