Tandem Terror
Football League
History
The brief summary:
     The game as we know it today originated over 25 years ago in 1987 on a hot, windy July day in Milbank, South Dakota.  Temperatures were in the mid 90s as the game progressed.   Kevin Cantine and Rodney Van Sambeck challenged lifelong neighbors Jim Beyer and Greg Cantine to a game of 2-on-2 touch football in a local park.
     This "first" football game was played on a field similar to the current regulation field, approximately 60 yards from the back of one end zone to the other .  T-shirts, sticks, and a water jug were used as end zone markers, while out of bounds was anybody's guess.
     The game was a classic battle with both sides connecting on quick outs, medium-ranged posts, and deep fly patterns.  Each team took its best shot, including some lip-bleeding, bump-and-run coverage.  The lead changed hands several times as the intense heat became more and more of a factor.  When all was said and done, Jim and Greg were victorious, and that first two-on-two touch football game was the beginning of something special.
     But, the game needed a name.  "Two-on-two touch football" was too lame and too long.  The game was officially coined "Tandem Football" soon after, and the name remained for some time. Later, it was decided that the name would be "TANDEM TERROR."
     Jim, Kevin, Rodney, and Greg had some heated debates over the rules both on and off the field.  New rules were added, and some rules were dropped making the game what it is today... a game of TERROR!
     What makes this game special?  There are many factors that go into making this game what it is.  First, the field is custom made for two-on-two.  A larger field would give the offense too much of an advantage, thus making a defensive stop virtually impossible.  On the other side of the coin, a smaller field would pose great problems for the offense.  Secondly, this game is an airfare war.  It's all about speed, strategy, timing, conditioning, and athletic skill. Tandem Terror is coming to a park near you!

The extended summary:
     The game as we know it today originated over 25 years ago in 1987 on a hot, windy July day in Milbank, South Dakota.  Temperatures were in the mid 90's as the game progressed.  Why such a scorcher of a day was chosen cannot be answered.  Kevin Cantine and Rodney Van Sambeck, 1984 graduates of Milbank High (MHS qualified for the State Championship game in Vermillion their senior year), challenged lifelong neighbors Jim Beyer and Greg Cantine, 1989 graduates of Milbank High (MHS finished with a 7-3 record and playoff loss their senior year),  to a game of 2-on-2 touch football in the South Park.
     This "first" football game was played on a field similar to the current regulation Kalen DeBoer field, approximately 60 yards from the back of one end zone to the other.  T-shirts, sticks, and a water jug were used as end zone markers, while out of bounds was anybody's guess.
     The game was a classic battle with both sides connecting on quick outs, medium-ranged posts, and deep flies.  Each team took its best shots, including some lip-bleeding, bump-and-run coverage.  The lead changed hands several times as the heat became more and more of a factor.  When all was said and done, Jim and Greg were victorious (this is the way the Commish recalls what happened that day.)  The first two-on-two touch football game in the South Park was history.
     But, the game needed a name.  "Two-on-two touch football" was too lame, too long.  Kevin Cantine officially coined the name "Tandem Football" soon after, and the name has remained through the present day era.  For the summers of 2003 and beyond, however, we all shall know this game as "TANDEM TERROR"!
     These four got together many times over the course of the next eight years.  The elders got the best of the youngsters more often than not, but the all-time series is tight.  Add in some memorable games, "Diahrrea Disaster" ranking near the top of the list, and the game became more and more serious, while more and more fun.  Jim, Kevin, Rodney, and Greg had some heated debates over the rules both on and off the field.  New rules were added, and some rules were dropped making the game what it is today... a game of TERROR!
     What makes this game special?  There are many factors that go into making this game what it is.  First, the field is custom made for two-on-two.  A larger field would give the offense too much of an advantage, thus making a defensive stop virtually impossible.  On the other side of the coin, a smaller field would pose great problems for the offense.  Secondly, this game is an airfare war.  It's all about speed, strategy, timing, conditioning, and athletic skill.  Not just anybody can walk on the field and be successful.  Dues have to be paid!  Third, since the inception of this game, trash-talking has become almost mandatory. That only adds to the enjoyment of taking someone deep downtown for two points to win the game and the bragging rights.
     The first Tandem Terror League was organized in the summer of 1994.  Ten expansion teams vied for the league crown.  Each team was allowed only two players for the duration of the nine-week regular season.  The teams included Scott Cantine and Darin Pauli (Bengals), Chris Reidburn and Ty Tietjen (Oilers), Cory Appl and Morgan Dorsett (Steelers), Kyle Kubousek and Tony Howard ((Bills), Brian Pauli and Greg Cantine (Dolphins), Brian Popowski and Jeremy Tostenson (Redskins), Jeff Hilgenberg and Scott Wiese (Packers), Kevin Cantine and Rodney Van Sambeek (Rams), Kalen DeBoer and Scott Ruoff (Vikings), and Tony Aas and Brian Helmbrecht (Saints).  Week one of that season produced the following results:
Vikings 20, Packers 11    Steelers 20, Saints 8    Rams 20, Redskins 7
Dolphins 22, Oilers 3      Bengals 22, Bills 19
     The most memorable game of that season for me as a Dolphin was playing in a 20-19 victory over Kalen DeBoer and Scott Ruoff.  Forfeits dominated this league.  No league champion was ever crowned.  Some say it was because of lack of funds.  Others say it was because of lack of field preparation.  I claim it was a lack of communication!  Back in the pioneer days, there wasn't an internet to post schedules, results, standings, cheerleaders, etc.  We have made great strides, and the excuses that caused the failure back then will not stop TANDEM TERROR!
     Lighting, an underground sprinkler system, bleachers, and hashmarks are just a few of the goals for the future.  This is the BIG leagues, folks, but we're not in the BIG money yet.  Be patient.  Things will only get better!
Saturday, August 25, 2012;  Sophomores Ryan Schreurs & JP Lindquist versus Sophomore Alex Cantine & 41-year old Greg Cantine; kickoff: 7:25 PM; Temp: 78
      On a gorgeous night for Tandem Terror, two teams met for the first time.  Ryan Schreurs and JP Lindquist, both of whom had prior Terror experience, took on a 24-year veteran of the game, Greg Cantine, and his nephew, Alex Cantine.  It was a game for the ages, sure to be remembered by all parties involved.
The Cantines won the toss and elected to receive.  Schreurs and Lindquist, named Sophomore Vice President and Sophomore Class President respectively just days earlier, chose to defend the west goal.  After that, the Presidents dominated the first half.  It all began on the kick-off--a bad bounce hit the younger Cantine and Ryan Schreurs dove on the ball for possession and a 1-0 lead.  The drive ended when Schreurs beat the older Cantine on a flag pattern for 18 yards and the first touchdown of the game.  The domination continued as both Presidents...and golfers...came up with interceptions and excellent returns.  Alex did find Greg from four yards out for a score, but the extra point was dropped.  Another Lindquist-to-Schreurs touchdown pass was followed by a Greg-to-Alex touchdown throw.  The Presidents, however, seemed to score at will and took a comfortable 11-5 halftime lead.
     After switching ends, the Cantines kicked off to the Presidents to begin the second half, a half where the defenses of both teams began to stiffen.  The 11-5 lead was soon a 14-7 game.  After a short rally by the Cantines to cut their deficit to two at 15-13, a SportsCenter Top Ten play took place.  Lindquist, on third down, launched a long pass to a well-covered Schreurs near the end zone.  Alex Cantine was in perfect position for the interception but saw the ball tip off of his hands and into the paws of a surprised Schreurs.  It seemed as if that would be the final nail in the coffin as the sun went behind the hills.
Another score by the Presidents almost sent the lone attending fan, a lost eighth grader named Zach, back to his home.  Being down 19-13 and about to receive the kickoff, the old veteran was heard saying, "Never give up."  And that is exactly what happened.  Alex went deep and made a beautiful over-the shoulder catch to put the Cantines in scoring position.  And, though it took them four downs, they were eventually able to cash it in for two points.  Forcing a couple of points, the Cantines managed to score points and, surprisingly, the score was soon tied at 19.  The Presidents were forced to punt and the Cantines made their move.  Exchanging quarterback positions, the Cantines moved the ball down to the Presidents' five yard-line.  However, excellent defense induced a major decision from the Cantines on fourth down.
     Knowing an incompletion would give the Presidents a point along with the win, the Cantines chose to go for it on fourth down.  Alex would attempt to hit his uncle for the win.  Covered by Lindquist, the uncle cut to the right in the end zone, Alex zipped the pass to his right and near the sideline, and the 24-year veteran made one of his best catches ever.  Greg Cantine stuck out is left hand and the ball seemed to stick.  The second foot was drug and the touchdown was made for the win.  Unreal!  A comeback that seemed destined to fail was complete!
It was truly an entertaining game played by three great sophomores.  Good sportsmanship made for an even better time.  And you can bet that a rematch will follow soon.
     Alex Cantine was taped giving his uncle one last "five" before taking his companions out for a pop or Gatorade.  The audio wasn't quite clear, but it appeared that Alex said, "Greg, I just have to give you one more five for making that catch."  It was obvious that Uncle Greg was proud of his nephew and extremely pleased with the hard-fought win.  A glorious Saturday night, indeed!
Sunday, June 30, 2013;  Soon-to-be-juniors Ryan Schreurs & JP Lindquist versus Soon-to-be-junior Alex Cantine & 42-year old Greg Cantine; kickoff: 7:00 PM; Temp: 73
      A newly mowed field combined with some award-winning weather combined for a perfect stage for Tandem Terror between two teams that are quickly becoming an intense rivalry.  This evening's game will be remembered for its twists and turns and, in the end, the victors had the last say after an impressive comeback.
     The tandem of Schreurs and Lindquist took little time to draw first blood.  They received the opening kickoff and used all of one play to score.  The Cantines were able to keep it close throughout the first half with the help of deep, over-the-top touchdown passes from Greg to Alex.  It was fairly tight until Lindquist picked off the older Cantine midway through the third quarter and then took full advantage of that with a touchdown drive.
     Schreurs and Lindquist opened up a 15-7 lead and it seemed a matter of time before Ryan and JP walked off the field triumphantly.
     Well, the Cantines, with their backs against the proverbial wall, opened up their big guns.  Greg hit a diving Alex in the back of the end zone for a TD and their defense tightened tremendously.  Schreurs and Lindquist struggled offensively due to better coverage and improved pressure.  Some costly drops and a couple of sacks forced a turnover on downs and a punt.  The Cantines were able to convert those stops into points and held a 19-18 lead.
     The game ended when Greg dialed Alex's number for a deep bomb.  Pinpoint passing and the sure hands of Alex Cantine enabled the winners to outscore a disappointed tandem of Schreurs and Lindquist by a 14-3 margin.
     This was certainly a breakout game for Alex Cantine.  He played receiver and defensive back for 80% of the plays and keyed the victory.
     One thing is for sure--EVERYONE wants to see the next match-up.
Sunday, July 26, 2015;  Soon-to-be-freshmen-in-college Ryan Schreurs & Sean Zimny versus Soon-to-be-freshmen-in-college Alex Cantine & 44-year old Greg Cantine; kickoff: 8:07  PM; Temp: 74
      The tandem of Schreurs and Zimny put the blitz on Team Cantine.  A 12-5 lead soon became a 16-8 lead.  That is when Alex Cantine took over the game.  His three interceptions and clutch catches were the difference in the 20-18 comeback victory that was videotaped by JP L & D Ward.  The weather was perfect for this opening game in the best-of-seven, best-of-seven series.  When all was said and done, it was the team that resisted losing the most that took the early lead in this series. 
Wednesday, July 29, 2015;  Soon-to-be-freshmen-in-college Ryan Schreurs & Sean Zimny versus Soon-to-be-freshmen-in-college Alex Cantine & 44-year old Greg Cantine; kickoff: 7:51  PM; Temp: 76
      With the Cantines owning a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven, best-of-seven series (tied at 1-1), this was a huge game for the combo of Schreurs and Zimny (Team Sharper).  And, they quickly put Sunday night's disappointing loss behind them.  An early stop and a touchdown of their own put Team Sharper in a 4-0 lead.  They continued to build that lead with stubborn defense and deep touchdown passes.  Just as the score had been on Sunday night at halftime, it was 10-5 in favor of Team Sharper.  Furthermore, they were once again receiving the kick to begin the second half. 
     But, just like Sunday night, Alex Cantine owned the second half.  It turned into an interception-fest midway through the second half.  Interceptions led to both teams exchanging one point at a time until, finally, the Cantines broke a 14-14 tie with a touchdown from the elder Cantine to his nephew.  However, the 17-14 lead was short-lived as Zimny hit Schreurs for the tie.  The Cantines answered with another touchdown but failed on the potential game-winning extra point.
     Greg Cantine's kickoff went high and Schreurs was unable to secure the ball in the air.  The Cantines pounced on Schreurs at the two yard-line.  On the first play from scrimmage, Zimny found himself under a heavy rush, threw across the middle of the field, and an open-armed Alex Cantine swooped up the ball and took it in from seven yards out.  Ballgame!
     And, now, with a 2-0 lead, the Cantines find themselves in very good shape.  Meanwhile, Team Sharper, with the 22-12 loss, has to wonder what they need to do in order to close out a game.
Sunday, August 13, 2016;  Soon-to-be-sophomores-in-college Ryan Schreurs & Sean Zimny versus Soon-to-be-sophomore-in-college Alex Cantine & 45-year old Greg Cantine; kickoff: 7:24  PM; Temp: 74     With the Cantines owning a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven, best-of-seven series (tied at 1-1), this was a put-away game.  The field was thick with grass after recent summer rains and the mowing was immaculate.  "MIAMI" was mowed out in the west end zone.  Fans not in attendance were eager to find out whether Team Schreurs/Zimny would play with fire or tank this one.  In what turned out to be the only game of Terror this summer, the Cantines came out guns-a-blazin'.  The Cantines got the aerial attack going early and it looked to be a breeze.  However, the "looseness" of Schreurs/Zimny after being down early seemed to pay dividends. The halftime score of 11-6 was relatively close given the early jump that the Cantines got.  Back-and-forth it went in the second half with a one-point margin separating the two before the elder Cantine went deep to the younger Cantine for a TD pass to end the game.  Alex played receiver and corner throughout the game and was quite sore the next day.  A quote that stood out made just after the game--and the series--ended was made by Schreurs in the direction of Alex: "I finally have to admit that Alex is faster than me."
Well, with a 2-1 lead in the "larger" series, there is still a long way to go!
Wednesday, December 27, 2017;  Juniors-in-college Ryan Schreurs & Sean Zimny versus Junior-in-college Alex Cantine & 47-year old Greg Cantine; kickoff: 2:13  PM; Temp: 10 with slight breeze out of SE Entering this game, the Cantines led the "larger" series, 2-1.  This cold contest upon a field covered with a very light snow took place on the 361st day of the year.  All four players took advantage of hand-warmers and the weather didn't seem to pose a problem for either side.  Three plays into the game, the elder Cantine hit Alex for a touchdown and a 2-0 lead.  It only took just two quick plays for Team Schreurs/Zimny to claim a 3-2 lead.  Alex proceeded to return Schreurs' booming, extremely high kickoff for a touchdown.  The Cantines wouldn't relinquish the lead in the first half as they led 10-6 at halftime.  The Cantines eventually took a 15-9 lead before Team Schreurs/Zimny ran off 11 unanswered points for the win.  Greg threw interceptions and the Cantines were doomed.  An impressive interception by Schreurs, catching it off of Alex's bobble, was a key play that helped ignite the comeback.  So, the Cantines have a 2-1 lead in the "larger" series, but Schruers/Zimny have take a 1-0 lead in the new series.

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