Greetings from sunny Florida. I’m currently typing this from my father-in-law’s back patio, sweating and staring at a pond that I know for a fact contains prehistoric reptiles with rows of razor-sharp teeth. We made the short 20-hour drive from Austin over the weekend to spend Thanksgiving with Tracy’s family. It’s hot, humid, and full of mosquitos, so, you know, classic holiday weather.

As the HLC heads into Week 13, with two weeks left in the regular season, two teams have already clinched playoff spots, and they happen to be the same two teams that met in last year’s championship game. The New Mexico Lobos (9–3) have secured their return to the postseason and currently hold the top spot in the West. This week they face the San Antonio Tacos (5–7), a team still technically alive in the playoff race but needing both a win and some outside help to stay in contention. The Austin Tourists (8–4), last year’s champions, have clinched the East Division and officially punched their ticket back to the playoffs. Winners of 5 in a row, the Tourist’s will look to keep the momentum going this week against the Troubs.

Behind the Lobos in the West, the Robots (7–5) sit in a strong position for a playoff berth and can move close to locking one up with a win this week against the Jaybirds (4–8). The Rockport Leatherheads (6–6) remain firmly in the hunt as well; a Week 13 matchup with the Michiana Muskellunge (4–8) gives Rockport a chance to strengthen their case for one of the two remaining playoff spots behind the division winners. Both Michiana and the Jaybirds enter the week at 4–8, and while still mathematically alive, each would need to win out and get considerable help elsewhere… but to quote HLC’s resident mathematician Kate, “A one-percent chance is still a chance.”

In the East, the Tourists stand alone at the top, but the rest of the division remains crowded. The San Antonio Tacos (5–7) are still in the mix as they prepare to face the Lobos, while the Jaybirds sit at 4–8 and will need several things to break their way over the next two weeks. The Troubadours (5–7), though in the West, are in a similar spot–this week’s matchup against the Tourists is essential to keeping their playoff scenario intact.

Okay, that’s enough for now. I need to go find some bug spray. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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