Michigan 34 Washington 13

So we have reached the end.  Congratulations to the people of Wolverine Nation – it has been a long time coming. Bo Schembechler would be very proud of Jim Harbaugh. The Michigan defense was lights out against a very good offense.  I have to admit I was hoping for a better game though it did allow me to go to bed a tad earlier! I’ll take a small victory where I can!

Speaking of victories, I am proud to introduce this year’s AHFP Grand Champion, a long time participant but first time money-winner Mr. Dan “Who Needs a Ferrari” Ford. It is clear that the latent osmosis-based consumption of Rochester North tutelage finally manifested itself this year.  They say slow and steady wins the race.  After Brian Kelley’s Texas loss last week opened the door for Dan, he took full advantage of Brian “Belichick” Kelley’s stumble to claim top prize in this year’s AHFP.  We could not be more proud of the young man. We are pleased to present to you $258.75 for your troubles! It may seem that the Apprentice has become the Master, at least for a year! Brian Kelley continues to bleed PPP of its money and took second prize with another excellent run in this year’s tournament. In his world, $5 to get $69 is a pretty good win in Las Vegas.

We knew going in that the Nana Prize was a race between three contestants regardless of who won last night’s game. In a fitting testament to their ineptitude, Beth “Genetic Engineer” Levis, Pilar “That San Francisco Treat” Kelley, and Kyle “If its got to move, I got a truck” Fresh all had no horse in the race at the end of the road. So, it was going to come down to the tie breaker. Kyle Fresh’s unprophetic pick of 63 placed him the farthest away from the actual point total in the Championship Game declaring him the winner of arguably the most coveted prize in all of Las Vegas, our Nana Prize. Congratulations Kyle.  It is about time your long distance participation netted you some scratch. Interestingly, every money winner in this year’s AHFP has some direct tie to Rochester North/300 Round Pond Lane.  Whether you are a long-time friend, a direct family member or a work colleague, I am starting to think it pays to get cozy with a member of the Rochester North Clan. You never know how it might pay dividends – it may take a while, but it just might happen.

One last item of interest: This is the first AHFP where a participant in our family tradition is actually someone who has participated in one of the Bowl games we have bet on.  The Levis-Kelley clan’s own Will “I trucked Jalen Ramsey” Levis (QB for the Tennesee Titans) joined us this year after a few year’s absence but participated in the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2021.  The NCAA frowns upon players gambling on games they play in…Regardless, we were honored to have him join us – he did not do so well but that is par for the course.  His talents clearly lie elsewhere! Thanks for joining us Will.

So, that is all. it has been a ton of fun, as always, putting on our annual shenanigan. This year had villains, surprise endings and a little bit f drama.  That is exactly how we like it.  We love PPP Nation and hope you all have a safe, healthy and productive 2024. Next year will have a very different format due to the 12-team college football playoff.  You can be sure that The Chairman and his Board will be well prepared to offer up the latest iteration of the AHFP come December.  Please be prepared to play a little earlier – the tournament will start on December 20, 2024.  I look forward to seeing you all then!!  Have a great year!

Sincerely,
The Chairman