Day 3 -- Central Division

Things are getting down to the very end of the first round. Because of scheduling conflicts, not every bracket gets completed right away. There was a lot of cross-division competing in addition to the Central division’s first crack at their best cheese pizza.

The East Division is set – Paul Williams, Bert Trotter, and Khalil Mardini of Crossroads took the top 3 spots in the division. With their final tosser finishing 5th – one spot out of advancing – Crossroads made their case to be considered the Big East Conference of Pagliacci (fitting as they are the easternmost store). Terry Hang of Bridle Trails rounds out the bracket and will try to play David to Crossroads’ Goliath.

Today’s competition saw some of the first real signs of nerves as a few competitors ripped holes in their dough. The patching cost valuable seconds and time is not on the tosser’s side. Sand Point and McMahon have yet to send their tossers into the kitchen – leaving today’s top finishers in doubt. Romael Jacobs of Miller (Cobra Kai) is the current Cinderella (only being hired 7 months ago). Sitting in first right now he hopes to sweep the legs out from under all those with more tenure.

Amanda Johnson came early for the North Division (who competes Sunday) and served notice with the third best score of the competition. Once dubbed “The Secret Weapon” this 4-1/2 year Pagliacci veteran will have a hard time keeping her secret now. She called out her rivals – former co-workers Sam Kosola, Trevor Takara, Brady Madsen and Noah Stanley.

The North Division is loaded with talented tossers – two of the busiest stores send in their best and Ballinger is home to the reigning GM and Cook competition winners. Brady Madsen, now of 85th Street, has all the confidence in the world and should earn a spot in the next round – that is if he can toss with that giant chip on his shoulder from coming in second place (by 1 point!) in the AM competition last year. There are also rumors that 145th Street GM Mike Baxley will use his “Octopus Toss” to kick aside competition like an old hacky sack.

Once tomorrow’s competition is over the Sweet 16 will be set. Competition continues on Wednesday and Thursday as we set the Final Four with a champion 

Chris Bunger from Magnolia is ready to show what he’s made of.

Crystal Leahy from Pagliacci’s office proves she’s still got mad skill in the kitchen.

Anthony Salvano from West Seattle comes out swinging.

Justin Wehrell from Magnolia has a secret super stretch move that dazzles the competition.

Connor Bisticas from West Seattle goes in for a lay up.

Cooks await the results of the Southwest Division match up.