It was a rotten day for the Mudpuppies.

On February 7, their home game against divisional rival the Mayors was scheduled early so it wouldn't compete with the Super Bowl. The early hour didn't help. They lost by 13, losing in front of their fans, and putting them on a dreadful 2-16 streak that wiped out their outstanding 18-5 start.

At one time, the critics called Biloxi's ragtag team of swamp ballers the Thrust of the East, built around the skilled and charismatic Barton Rouge. The red fox from deep Cajun country was easily the best 3-point shooter in the Conference, but most of all, his tireless spirit, endless optimism and genuine love for his team made him one of the most beloved floor generals in the league. But the team was hit hard when, on January 6th, he fractured his ankle coming down from a rebound. Ordered to stay home and recover, the absence of the Guarantee's floor awareness and effortless cheer weighed heavily on the rest of the team. And another double-digit loss didn't help.

After the media had left and the team was about to head home, heads down and demoralized, they were surprised to find a fleet of limousines outside Crawdad Park waiting for them. They were more surprised when the limos took them to Rouge's house, where the fox had a huge party waiting for them, with a brand new 65" HDTV in his den to watch the game.

"Dey ain't gonna be no frowns today," Barton told them. "Not when mah Saints be playin'. An' dat goes for de udder days, too. Don't matter what ah record be. Yo' mah team, and ain't no loss never gonna change dat, I guarantee."

It was a wonderful day for the Mudpuppies.

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A truly magnificent commission from  christaphorac! Just look at all the detail in this one!! The colors, the expressions, everything in this just shows the good cheer and happiness that comes from that special camaraderie of being a team. I truly adore this pic. Thanks for this one, Big Red.