On the night before the game against the Humboldt Rangers, the entire team was bunked in a lodge deep in the woods where there were no bars or convenience stores -- nothing but big redwood trees for miles and a secluded trail along the Eel River. Durango was not familiar with the high incidence of pot farms in this part of the country, but someone in the Defense bus was.

There was much good-natured laughter from the players as on an informal bed check, the Head Coach and the President of the College walked into bedrooms, pushing a cart of assorted fruit juices, milk, and lodge-baked oatmeal cookies.

Running Back B2 had emerged from injured reserve and was sharing a two-bed room with punter Rocco Raccugli. If Rocco had packed a small bottle of grappa securely between his sweatpants and his Palermo F.C. jersey, it was not evident when Griff and Durango entered the room.