With almost as much glitz, publicity and fanfare as Super Bowl XL, about 20 die-hard competitors took to the field this past weekend for the Stupor Bowl, the culmination of a season of pick-up games put on by the Ester Football League.

While other football games are played with the "One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi," count before defenders can rush the quarterback, the EFL holds onto its most fundamental rule: You must count in "Alaskas" not "Mississippis."

We also play no matter what the temperature is, and a game has never, as far as I know, been cancelled due to weather. We're there in bunny boots, snowsuits, and sometimes, if you're cool like Duke, with duct tape covering our faces to prevent frostbite.

But last weekend, the weather broke, and it couldn't have been any better for an epic Stupor Bowl.

We were led by UAF student Cedar Gray, who had three interceptions, two touchdowns, and a near-touchdown pass thrown to yours truly. Travis McGarvin, also a UAF student, snagged a long touchdown reception thrown by Journalism Department Chair Charles Fedullo. Student Raif Kennedy and the rest of his team were dealt a humiliating defeat by our squad and suffered a 28-0 shutout.

I shouldn't rub it in too much though, because that's not the point. What really matters about the game, the Super Bowl, and sports in general I think, is the camaraderie. We had a lot of laughs and a lot of fun on Sunday.

Of course, it is pretty fun to kick the crap out of the other team.

Much thanks to Monique Musick and PhotoSynthesis for the pictures.