ESCANABA - Dick Puddy has found a sensational groove, something like a pro quarterback he loves.

Monday Puddy had his second perfect 300 game in three weeks and finished with a career-best 799 series in City League at Bowl-A-Rama Lanes. Bowling for K & K Golf, he opened his stunning night with 260-239.

Puddy also had a 300 three weeks earlier in the same league. He has seven perfectos in his career.

"(Brett) Favre must be inspiring me," the veteran lefthander said. "That guy can still play football. I'll always be a Favre fan.

"It breaks my heart to see all this happen (leaving for the Jets and now the Vikings). I'm a Packer fan first, but it is hard to pull against him."

Getting back to bowling, Puddy said he alternates bowling balls in his two leagues. This ball he has used since last year.

"I switch back and forth depending on (lane) conditions," he said. "When they get a little more slick I go to a different kind of ball. This ball is probably a little more even shot. The other ball is more aggressive."

Comparing the two most recent perfectos, Puddy said "the one I had earlier I was very lucky to have. This is probably one of the better games I've had in regard to throwing it right in the pocket. I had it in the zone."

Puddy said he has been rolling the ball better this season, but said "to be honest, I can't figure it out. I've been very relaxed. I've been trying to concentrate. The concentration is not always where it should be."

He compares that focus to golf, another sport he thoroughly enjoys. "Physical ability is not where mental ability is. Mental ability is the most important," he said. "If you keep your edge mentally you have a good opportunity to succeed. The golf game is the same."

Puddy's 799 is the second best series of the season. Zach Mark, a graduate of the Escanaba High School bowling team who works at the bowling counter, fired an 811. "He doesn't realize what he did," Puddy said.

Puddy is also hoping to generate more interest among older and younger bowlers. "It is great exercise. It is a great activity," he said. "I'm past my prime, but I hope we can get more older people and younger people involved."