Big Daddy's spectacular Halloween weekend could not have ended any better than with a Darren Sharper pick to clinch the victory against the hated Dirty Birds on Monday night. Don’ t you feel sorry for people around the country living in cultureless gated communities whose neighbors are from anywhere USA, half of which will move within a year chasing a more lucrative job to fulfill the false illusion of sprawling malls, 401(k)s, mortgages, car payments, and college funds which define success in today’ s misguided America? In this edition on the Section 645 Saints Beat, Big Daddy thanks the Kingpin, reports from Section 645, recaps Monday night, covers the Voodoo Music Experience, plus gives a special Halloween report from Frenchmen St., and releases his World famous Pregame Information.
If you missed the First Annual Big Daddy Tailgate BBQ prior to that Monday Night Party in Superdome, don’ t feel bad, but Wow! You missed a serious throw down. Big Daddy wishes to thank Ben, Steve, and Tamme for making the Kingpin feel like such a special place. When you combine that feeling the Kingpin exudes with grilling skills of Eric Labouchere and Nat Carrier (the master chefs of Martinique Bistro), the chemical reaction produces the best tailgating venue the Crescent City can offer. Loading up on an all-meat diet prior to football fuels those customary outbursts required by Big Daddy's Section 645 standards, teaching opponents that the Superdome has become the NFL's toughest place for visiting teams.
Earlier Big Daddy mentioned chemical reactions, well with the Falcons in the Dome, intensity levels had 645ers more on edge than Dick Cheney’s hunting partners. As the Saints continue to add to the victory total, the noise and electricity in Section 645 spikes higher than ever before. The feeling reminds Big Daddy of the Super Wild Mouse at Pontchartrain Beach, the thrilling ride featured wicked turns in every direction, sharp elevation drops, and shoulder harnesses that didn’t lock— Goddamn that was fun! Just like that Super Wild Mouse, Section 645 would frighten the folks sitting in the safety of the club level. Thank goodness Tom Benson can accommodate all types of Saints fans.
Recapping Monday night, Atlanta broke the ice when running back Michael Turner’s 13-yard touchdown run put the Falcons ahead 7-0. Pierre Thomas’ 22-yard scoring run tied the game 7-7. Falcon free safety Thomas DeCoud blitzed, sacked, and created a Drew Brees fumble, which defensive end Kroy Biermann scoped up and rumbled 4 yards. The improbable play gave Atlanta a 14-7 advantage after one. Brees’ 18-yard completion to Marques Colston knotted the division battle 14-14. Reggie Bush’s 1-yard TD run gave the Saints their first lead 21-14 with 1:05 remaining in the half. Saints’ cornerback, Jabari Greer intercepted Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan and returned all the way, putting the Saints up 28-14 at the half. Matt Ryan threw a 68-yard scoring strike to Roddy White making it 28-21 Saints heading to the fourth. Kicker Jason Elam’s 25-yard field goal pulled Atlanta closer at 28-24 with 11:33 left on the game clock. Drew Brees 1-yard pass to Pierre Thomas gave the Saints 35-24 cushion late in the game. Following a Saints defensive stand, Mike Bell coughed the ball up and linebacker Coy Wire recovered for the Falcons. Seven plays later Elam narrowed the gap with his 40-yard 3-pointer as the Saints led 35-27 with :28 left. The Dirty Birds then recovered the on sides kick at their own 37, moved it across midfield, setting Darren Sharper’s game saving pick sealing the hard fought, sometimes ugly 35-27 Saints win.
Enough football, lets talk Voodoo Fest, the Music Experience offered six different stages and loads of musical options for fest goers to pick from over the 3 days. Friday, patrons saw a special guest appearance from Kyle Turley sitting in with Down when played “On March The Saints,” as Ween closed-out the festivities on day one. Saturday featured the Drive-By Truckers, and Jane’s Addiction who readied the crowd for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic and Kiss, both of which brought down the curtain on day two. Sunday was highlighted by Widespread Panic’s 2-hour set followed by the unique antics The Flaming Lips use to kick off their concerts. No doubt Voodoo promoters have worked hard to improve some of the glaring weaknesses that has marred the event through the years, but Big Daddy still too has many reservations about endorsing a local festival that charges higher admission than Jazz Fest with continuous sound problems and $7.00 warm beers.
Since Voodoo Fest promoters had moved their event back to Halloween weekend this year, fun-seekers were given an even greater lure to the Big Easy for another epic blowout. In Saints Beat’s Halloween ’ 09 report, Big Daddy recalls watching ESPN’s College Football Live a few weeks ago when the panel went on and on about how amazing Halloween is in New York. What an shameless tourism plug for the Big Apple. Finally, a one journalist chimed in and said, “I don’t know about you guys, but for my money, New Orleans is wildest place on the planet to celebrate Halloween.” Locals all know he was right, because crowds on Frenchmen St. on October 31st provided more sights than Mardi Gras Day. Mix in the great live music at every venue and the tasty Halloween chocolates being devoured combined to create a recipe for adult entertainment unmatched anywhere.
Tune in to the Section 645 Saints Beat next week when Big Daddy recaps the Carolina game, investigates Greg Meffert’ s federal indictment, and examines the candidates running for Chocolate City mayor. Hey, don’ t forget to Click for Cans at: www.chunky.com/ClickForCansLanding.aspx as often as possible. If you need assistance finding pertinent Saints historical facts, just log on to: www.NOSaintsHistory.com to locate the desired information you’re seeking. Now Big Daddy releases his World Famous Pregame Information: — Go Under 51 —
