Darren Boyle's weekly words of wisdom. "where have I been?"

It has been awhile since my last post, not that there was so much going on that I didnt have time. It seems that since it has been so cloudy and gloomy this last month I have lost alot of my ambition. Its not like I had alot of ambition to begin with, and when I was time for me to write something it was easier to be a recliner pilot and watch tv. Fortunately there has been alot of compelling sports to keep track of. Lets first talk about the Vikings who lost their first game of the season to the Steelers. Its not like they werent in the game at the end, and that VSK hasnt had a GREAT season but the Vikes are starting to show a few chinks in their armor. First of all they are so quick to rush the passer and get sacks that they have become totally vulnerable to screens, reverses, and other misdirection plays. If a QB can get rid of the ball quickly, like most NFL QB's can, the pass rush rush wont bother them and the big plays will be available. Second, they are totally misusing AP, either by using him too much or not using him the right way. Sure he has had decents stats but when a good running back gets the ball 20-25 times a game he is going to have some yards. The Vikes cant seem to be able to control the clock by running the football when they have a lead, thus they are susceptable to comebacks like what happened against the Ravens. And VSK is taking way too much punishment. He wasnt supposed to have to throw thirty times a game, but he has had to the last few weeks, he has been sacked alot, knocked down alot, and if it continues he wont be around in December. The World Series is under way and with it, the annual collapse of A-Rod. He played pretty well during the first two rounds of the playoffs, remember what he did to Twins pitching? Now he is 0-8 with 6 strikeouts in the first two games of the series. YIKES!!!!!!!! This series may go down as one of the most exciting in recent memory as long as you like good pitching. NASCAR driver AJ Almendinger was arrested for DWI this week after it was announced that he was going to drive Richard Pettys #43 car next season. I have kept an eye on him all season, seen him start out with a part time ride and then drive for free to keep the car on the track the remainder of the season. By waiving his salary and share of race winnings he kept his entire crew employed this season after it was announced that his car would be parked, and the crew laid off after the July race at Daytona. He made some sacrifices this season, drove his tail off, and it paid off with the offer of the ride in the #43 for next season. He spent the entire summer doing the right thing and then does something stupid like this. In todays image conscious world, an error like that will lead to sponsor trouble and sponsor trouble leads to not having a ride. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Locally, the football playoffs are the big story, several area teams are still in the running in round two. Sully Buttes takes their passing attack to Buffalo where they take on Harding County. Mondays weather will be the big wild card for the Chargers, if they can throw they have a punchers chance against the Ranchers. Pierre goes to Brandon Valley. Pierre lost a close one to the Lynx a few weeks ago at home and know they can play against one of the top teams in 11AA. The question is can the Govs make their extra points? Moms and Dads, if you want your boys to go to college and play football TEACH THEM TO KICK!!!!!!!!The marquee game this Monday may well be the game in Presho between the Lyman Raiders and Herried Selby area. Two undefeated teams, one is going to the semifinals and one is going home. This may the biggest test for the Raiders on their quest to the "Dome". I expect a shootout with the winner......perhaps winning the "whole" thing. Its a 6:30 kickoff Monday night on KPLO and KMLO