World Bowl XIV RP Thread

[Sarzonia]

[OOC Host's Announcement: With my staying out much, much later than I anticipated last night going into this morning, scorination schedules have been pushed back 24 hours. As originally intended, tomorrow night will still be a day off for the World Bowl. Instead of giving people an extra day to RP between the semifinals and the Bronze Bowl (see below) and the World Bowl final, it will now give the winning quarterfinalists an extra day to RP for the semifinals.]

The Incorporated Gridball Federation and the Incorporated States of Sarzonia cordially welcome all 72 competing nations to World Bowl XIV, the largest World Bowl in the history of the competition!

The teams will be divided into 12 groups of six teams each and will play a total of 10 matchdays, one home and one away against each group opponent. Since the updated rankings were posted today (4 May 2011), the first scorination will be Saturday 7 May if anyone posts confirmed World Bowl friendlies in the World Bowl friendlies thread. Sunday 8 May will mark Matchday One. Friday 13 May will be a day off reserved for any midqualifying friendlies. Saturday 14 May will pick up Matchday 6. Thursday 19 May will be reserved for any confirmed postqualifying friendlies AND any tiebreaking matches if necessary.

Here are the groups:

Group 1
Sarzonia
Osarius
Cheergirls
Peldane
Chenkorya
Weegie and Rick Steves

Group 2
Bluth Corporation
North Chicanan
Carasatoga
Sakurakoku
Reparadocs
Gregourii

Group 3
Allamunnic States (OOCly known as The Fanboyists)
Cosumar
Daizland
WALDMAC
Tza Kian Maaa
Prinicples

Group 4
F1-Insanity
The Babbage Islands
Oiseaui
The Grand Millian
Leomis
Perce

Group 5
Delaclava
Dorian and Sonya
Camwood
Free Missouri
Malaysii
Bergnovinaia

Group 6
Voltronica
Newmanistan
Mytannion
Aquamaniac
North Orus
New Nova Alberta

Group 7
Cassadaigua
Colmark
Swartaz
Darmen
Irish Celtic Warriors
Khabarovsk Krai

Group 8
Whittoria
Sibirsky
Meguroko
Armorgames
Marakova
Merikki

Group 9
Buffalostan
Krytenia
Jimmer Fredette
Georgian People
Equerica
Enjolramia

Group 10
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
German Zerabithea
Monfortia
Jah Sensimilia
Koguvron
Zzack

Group 11
Rennidan
Sucrati
Civil Citizenry
Lithatrius
Hickory Creek
Indianapolis Colts 88

Group 12
Qazox
Churchma
Teinohikira
Justownia
Jakeweed
Pandio

The schedule shall go as follows:

Pre-Qualifying Friendlies (7 May)

Matchday 1 (8 May)
6 v. 1
5 v. 2
4 v. 3

Matchday 2 (9 May)
1 v. 5
6 v. 4
2 v. 3

Matchday 3 (10 May)
4 v. 1
3 v. 5
2 v. 6

Matchday 4 (11 May)
1 v. 3
2 v. 4
6 v. 5

Matchday 5 (12 May)
2 v. 1
6 v. 3
5 v. 4

Mid-Qualifying Friendlies (13 May)

Matchday 6 (14 May)
1 v. 6
2 v. 5
3 v. 4

Matchday 7 (15 May)
5 v. 1
4 v. 6
3 v. 2

Matchday 8 (16 May)
1 v. 4
5 v. 3
6 v. 2

Matchday 9 (17 May)
3 v. 1
2 v. 4
6 v. 5

Matchday 10 (18 May)
1 v. 2
3 v. 6
4 v. 5

Post-Qualifying Friendlies/Tiebreaker Matches (19 May)

There will be separate threads for rosters and scores as well. I'll link those threads in the text of this OP, as well as at the bottom.

The knockout rounds will begin Sunday 22 May with the Wild Card Round featuring the ninth through 24th seeds playing each other in a single elimination tournament. The matchups shall proceed as follows:

Wild Card Round (22 May)
9 Sibirsky v. 24 Whittoria
10 Qazox v. 23 Taz Kian Maaa
11 Rennidan v. 22 Jah Sensimilia
12 Buffalostan v. 21 Carasatoga
13 Osarius v. 20 Krytenia
14 Cassadaigua v. 19 Justownia
15 Newmanistan v. 18 Oiseaui
16 Hickory Creek v. 17 Dorian and Sonya

The winners of those matches will face the top eight teams in the following brackets in the Second Round in single elimination fashion on 23 May:

Round of 16 (23 May)
1 Voltronica v. 16 Hickory Creek
2 Allamunnic States v. 18 Oiseaui
3 Sarzonia v. 14 Cassadaigua
4 Delaclava v. 13 Osarius
5 Bluth Corporation v. 12 Buffalostan
6 F1-Insanity v. 11 Rennidan
7 Colmark v. 10 Qazox
8 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega v. 9 Sibirsky

Quarterfinals (25 May)
8 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega v. 16 Hickory Creek
2 Allamunnic States v. 10 Qazox
3 Sarzonia v. 6 F1-Insanity
4 Delaclava v. 5 Bluth Corporation

Semifinals (27 May)
5 Bluth Corporation v. 8 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
2 Allamunnic States v. 3 Sarzonia

Bronze Bowl (Third Place Playoff) (28 May)
2 Allamunnic States v. 8 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

World Bowl Final (29 May)
3 Sarzonia v. 5 Bluth Corporation

This will continue until the World Bowl final and third place match, which Sarzonia will call the Bronze Bowl. That match will take place on 28 May. The World Bowl Final will take place on 29 May.

World Bowl XIV Links:
Roster Thread
Scores Thread
Friendlies Thread
Discussion Thread

VERY IMPORTANT:
ANY and ALL solely OOC posts MUST be directed to the Discussion Thread. If ANYONE besides the host or his designate posts a SOLELY OOC post in THIS thread, you WILL incur a RP penalty to be determined by the host.

[Sarzonia]

Overview of Sarzonia

Government
Sarzonia is a representative presidential democracy led by President Jay Tyler as head of state and official titular head of government. Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis is the de facto head of government, though she still reports to Tyler. Cabinet positions are made up of senior vice presidents for external affairs (Grant Haffner) and defence (John Newman) and several vice presidents.

The legislative branch of Sarzonia is represented by a bicameral Parliament. Unlike many nations with such a system, the Senate in Sarzonia is the lower chambre of Parliament. It is chosen by each state's governor with confirmation from the state legislature to serve up to two four-year terms, consecutive or otherwise. Unlike the nation from whom Sarzonia emerged, the nation's capital has full voting representation in Parliament. Its mayor nominates its two Senators for confirmation by the City Council. The House of Delegates is popularly elected, and members may serve no more than three terms, consecutive or otherwise. In a nod to the country's forefathers, Lewis casts the tiebreaking vote in the Senate if needed.

The judicial branch is led by the Supreme Judicial Court with a Chief Justice, six Associate Justices and four Assistant Justices, who would only be involved in cases when an Associate Justice must recuse himself or herself from a case. The justices hear cases in the John Paul Stevens Building in Woodstock.

Cultural Information
The four most influential cities in Sarzonia's government, economics and culture are Woodstock, Portland, Nicksia and Wilmington. The seat of government is located in Woodstock, which is located in a valley of the Lorber Mountains in the centre of the country. The financial capital, Portland, is home to the Portland Iron Works, the Portland Stock Exchange, and many of the nation's financial institutions.

Nicksia, named after rock legend Stevie Nicks, is considered the cultural capital and houses the country's movie and music industries. Waverly Place is considered roughly equivalent to Madison Avenue in Sarzonia.

The fourth city, and one trying to turn the so-called Big Three into a Big Four, Wilmington is the capital and largest city of the state of Newcastle. It is also the former home of the Wilmington Shipyard Corporation, which was bought out by the Portland Iron Works. The city maintains the original Pasteur-class hospital ship, the first vessel constructed for sale to foreign buyers in Sarzonia's rich maritime tradition.

If there were a potential fifth city that could gain enough influence to join the other four, it would be Portsmouth. That city also is on the water and still builds many ships that would be considered relics of a bygone era for nations that still use pre-20th century technology. It also has some influence on Sarzonian culture, particularly among tourists.

Cultural Notes
Sarzonians by rule are reserved. They tend to frown on public displays of affection more emotive than a "guy hug." On the field of sport, they tend to be intensely competitive and often refer to their opponents as "enemies" until the match is over.

Nicks remains a powerfully influential figure in Sarzonia. Not only is the country's largest city named after her, but the country has a federal holiday to celebrate her birthday, and sporting events hosted within the country are strictly prohibited.

Stadium Information

The Iron Bowl, Portland, Somerset
This 46,220-seat structure, constructed by Kura-Pellandi company ShinyPlaces, is built in the heart of industrial Portland. The building hosted several important national football team matches and several key matches in the Cup of Harmony. Important matches it will host: Quarterfinals, semifinal match #2

Joe Gibbs Stadium, Woodstock
The stadium was named after legendary gridball coach Joe Gibbs, who guided the Stars in his fourth tour of duty as a head coach, taking the team all the way to the semifinals before retiring and turning the reins over to defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. The stadium seats 75,900 for gridball. Important matches it will host: Quarterfinals, semifinal match #1, final

Mike Sarzo Stadium, Nicksia
Named after the late national founder despite his opposition to having anything named after him, ShinyPlaces-constructed Mike Sarzo Stadium once served as the de facto national stadium for World Cup matches before the construction of Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock. The stadium seats 77,920 for football and gridball. Important matches it will host: Quarterfinals, third place playoff

The Shark Tank, Wilmington
Named in honour of the city's lacrosse team, The Shark Tank was recently expanded to 52,000 for the World Bowl, and has been cited repeatedly as an intimidating location for visiting teams. Important matches it will host: Quarterfinals.

[Sarzonia]

The 72 entries have been divided into 12 pots of six teams each, as follows:

POT 1 (Delaclava, Bluth Corporation, Cassadaigua, F1-Insanity, Sarzonia, Whittoria)
POT 2 (Qazox, ASMV, Voltronica, Buffalostan, Allamunnic States, Rennidan)
POT 3 (Osarius, Sibirsky, Krytenia, German Zerabithea, Dorian and Sonya, The Babbage Islands)
POT 4 (Colmark, Newmanistan, Cosumar, Churchma, North Chicanan, Sucrati)
POT 5 (Carasatoga, Mytannion, Teinohikira, Meguroko, Swartaz, Civil Citizenry)
POT 6 (Oiseaui, Cheergirls, Monfortia, Jimmer Fredette, Camwood, Daizland)
POT 7 (Free Missouri, Peldane, WB Puppet, Lithatrius, WALDMAC, The Grand Millian)
POT 8 (Jah Sensimilia, Justownia, Georgian People, Sakurakoku, Aquamaniac, Cabric)
POT 9 (Chenkorya, Equerica, Hickory Creek, Irish Celtic Warriors, Koguvron, Malaysii)
POT 10 (Marakova, North Orus, Reparadocs, Tza Kian Maaa, Jakeweed, Leomis)
POT 11 (Pandio, Perce, Prinicples, Weegee and Rick Steves, Zzack, Enjolrania)
POT 12 (Khabarovsk Krai, Bergnovinaia, Merikki, Indianapolis Colts 88, Gregourii, New Nova Alberta)

Please note that the teams in Pots 1 AND 2 will each be distributed to their own respective groups prior to the remaining teams being distributed at random.

The groups are as follows:

Group 1
Sarzonia
Osarius
Cheergirls
Peldane
Chenkorya
Weegie and Rick Steves

Group 2
Bluth Corporation
North Chicanan
Carasatoga
Sakurakoku
Reparadocs
Gregourii

Group 3
Allamunnic States
Cosumar
Daizland
WALDMAC
Tza Kian Maaa
Prinicples

Group 4
F1-Insanity
The Babbage Islands
Oiseaui
The Grand Millian
Leomis
Perce

Group 5
Delaclava
Dorian and Sonya
Camwood
Free Missouri
Malaysii
Bergnovinaia

Group 6
Voltronica
Newmanistan
Mytannion
Aquamaniac
North Orus
New Nova Alberta

Group 7
Cassadaigua
Colmark
Swartaz
Cabric
Irish Celtic Warriors
Khabarovsk Krai

Group 8
Whittoria
Sibirsky
Meguroko
WB Puppet
Marakova
Merikki

Group 9
Buffalostan
Krytenia
Jimmer Fredette
Georgian People
Equerica
Enjolramia

Group 10
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
German Zerabithea
Monfortia
Jah Sensimilia
Koguvron
Zzack

Group 11
Rennidan
Sucrati
Civil Citizenry
Lithatrius
Hickory Creek
Indianapolis Colts 88

Group 12
Qazox
Churchma
Teinohikira
Justownia
Jakeweed
Pandio

[Qazox]

Offices of Qazox GridIron Federation (QGIF)...

"Well iIm glad the Baptism of Iron went off without a hitch." Eric Reed, BoI bid president said.

"Except for mispelling Montfortia throughout, yeah it went well." David Nestor, QGIF president replied. "I just hope the World Bowl will go as smooth."

"If we get through the group stage, we'd have to go there." Reed replied. "At least we're not afraid to go there, unlike them being afraid to come here last year for the World Cup of Hockey."

"Listen, between you and me, I don't care if we had to go to the moon to play this World Bowl. But considering who's hosting it, I want to win this one so freaking bad." Nestor replied. "Hopefully, a return to the style we had during our best years will work."

[Bluth Corporation]

For the fourteenth year, the Bluth Corporation National Football Team will take the field absolutely unchanged. "Our guys have gelled, they've won a title, and they've managed to be in the top two in the world for at least the last five years now. As long as these same guys are willing to keep playing and can do so at a high level, I see no reason to mess with a good thing," responded head coach Arthur Miller when asked why he hadn't sought to infuse his team with some new blood after all this time. "We might start to see the first few retirements in a couple of years, but now they're so excited to be playing on one of the most dominant teams in history that none of them want to give it up. These guys are competitors, lemme tell ya."

Safety Wesley Ice agreed with his coach's comments. "We're just a bunch of guys who love a hard-won victory," he said. "We take the field of battle as a single entity, and we fight as a single entity. And as the vanguard football team of the rural proletariat, guided by Marxism-Leninism, Mao Tse-Tung thought, we have an obligation to our class to stick together until we see the class struggle through to its end."

As the press conference ended, the entire team--coaches and players alike--joined in a rousing chant: "LONG LIVE CHAIRMAN MAO! LONG LIVE THE POOR AND LOWER-MIDDLE PEASANTS! LONG LIVE THE WORKING CLASS!"

The Blutharian press then scurried off to discover just who the hell this "Chairman Mao" person was.

[Jimmer Fredette]

Jimmer Fredette Daily
Sports
By:John Jackson

Jimmer Fredette now plays the experienced teams who are very good.Right now they are ranked number 67 out of a 120-something.They've only played the BoI so that's why they're are so low in the rankings.Coach Bilbrey said I like the way our team is playing and I look forward to everything.The Interim Coach,if Bilbrey's gone,was named Joe Jackson,coach of the Brigham Old University Cougars.We'll have much more during the season and remember,LETS GO JF!

[Armorgames]

By Marice Matts

Armorgames will finally start the World Bowl! This is their first ever appearance in the bowl and are currently ranked 70th in the rankings. The players are very excited to get the season started. Here is an interview from Coach from earlier today:

excerpt from interview

Q:What did you think of the Bol?
A: I thought it was a nice start for the team but I thought we should of went further than the Quarter Finals.
Q:What are you expecting for this World Bowl?
A: I'll let the play on the field answer that one.

[Colmark]

"So here we go, fourth down, game on the line for Colmark. James Simons takes the snap, its a bad one, he drops back... he's out of time, he throws downfield.... AND ITS PICKED! To the 50, the 40, the 30, no one can catch him, touchdown Mulcaheys! The dream is over for Colmark, they are eliminated from the World Bowl!"
That was last time. The new kids on the block stood up to the established crowd and though their physical, aggressive style of play may not have won them many plaudits or all-star picks, it got results. Past champions were toppled, established powers were humbled and the giants of the game were shaken. But that was last time. The element of surprise was with them. But this team, who no one believed in, has been working hard. The old frailties have been worked on, the strengths perfected. This team, though almost identical to the one that took the field in Bluth Corporation, walks with a new air, that of a team that believes, knows, that it can do it. Get ready for the collision.

[Qazox]

World Bowl Today

"Welcome to World Bowl Today, i'm your host Dan Cowher, joining me are Sterling Marino and Bill Sharpe. Guys, this World Bowl will be the biggest one ever with 72 teams fighting for the trophy. Qazox, currently ranked 5th in the world was drawn into group 12. Off of hosting a modestly successful Baptism of Iron, Qazox will attempt to make it to Sarzonia for the World Bowl Playoffs. Let's take a qucik look at the other teams in our group."

Sharpe: "3 of those teams, Justownia, Jakeweed and Pandio; all were in the Baptim of Iron we just hosted. No one of those three teams did rather well in Qazox. Justwonia did go 3-2, but the other two teams went 1-4. While anything can happen, i don't see the Sharks having too much problems with those 3 teams."

Marino: "The other two teams, Churchma and Teinohikira; aren't world-class teams, but they are tough teams to play due to their varied styles of defense and offense, as compared to Qazox. Overall, this group smells like a set-up to me."

Cowher: "What do you mean, Sterling?"

Marino: "We get 3 BoI teams, granted each group has 3 of them, but we get 2 of the worst and 2 relatively low-raked teams in our group? I think the hosts are setting us up for an early exit in the playoffs."

Sharpe: "I think you're crazy. We all know the problems between Qazox and Sarzonia. If anything, one would think Qazox would be in the group of death."

Cowher: "Speaking of the Group of Death, of the 12 groups, which one on paper, looks the toughest?"

Sharpe: "Group 4. Just beacuse the BoI champion, Oiseaui is there. The last 2 World Bowl champions had previously won a Baptism of Iron also. Don't be suprised if they mange to make the playoffs."

Marino: "Group 6. Mytannion, Voltronica and Newmanistan will be battling down to the final week for playoff berths."

Cowher: "Prediction time! What will the Sharks qualifying record be?"

Marino: "9-1, We lose the final game of qualifying and drop into the Wild Car round as the 9 seed."

Sharpe: "9-1 also. But we manage to get a first round bye as either the 5 or 6 seed."

Cowher:" Alright gentlemen. Who will win this edition of the World Bowl?"

Sharpe: "If things break the right way, I think either Allamunnic States or The Babbage Islands have enough to take home the title."

Marino: "As much as I'd hate to see it, but the Hosts, Sarzonia look like a team on a mission. They will beat their neighbors Delaclava in the final."

Cowher: "Sterling's taken the paranoia pills today. That's all for the preview show, here's the schedule for Qazox during qualifying:"

@ Pandio
v. Jakeweed @ SaxerDome II, SaxerVilla
@ Justownia
v. Teinohikira @ SaxerDome II, SaxerVilla
@ Churchma
v. Pandio @ New Bruxen Hotel & Casino Field, New Bruxen
@ Jakeweed 
v. Justownia @ New Bruxen Hotel & Casino Field, New Bruxen
@ Teinohikira 
v. Churchma @ New Bruxen Hotel & Casino Field, New Bruxen

[Dorian and Sonya]

Giants and Ogres and Trolls! Oh My!

Nothing quite like seeing Elven girls take the field in glorious pink and purple. However, the new-look Unicorns don’t quite pull off the look quite as well. Who wants to see 431 pound Crushkaa in tight pink pants?

The Sylvanae people do. Last cup some much needed size was added to the roster and the Unicorns fianally made some real noise before failing to qualify. Now they are back, more experienced, and ready to take the gridiron by storm.

With graceful Elf females and a compilation of brutal and rather large males from the many other races of the Queendom, the Unicorns look to be one of the hardest teams in the tournament to figure out. If you have any doubts about that simply ask Crushkaa or Brijaskaa. They will be happy to fill you in on the details of their gameplan. Note that we take no responsibility for injuries aquired by those dumb enough to do just that.

With Delaclava being the top of the group and cam wood, Free Missouri, Malaysii, and Bergnovinaia making up the rest, The Unicorns feel good about their chances. Of course Delaclava should be the main rival but it is a mystery as to why Bergnovinaia hasn’t performed better here. They will be the side to watch as the tournament rolls on.

[German Zerabithea]

This is the ZSN here With Gordon Freedman, Jack Parcoles, and Sups Magenzy as we talk about the 14th installment of the Would Bowl! The largest ever hosted, and is set to begin this Saturday.

Gordon: I suppose the first big thing everyone wants to talk about is New Ford State QB Lerber Hunsman being selected over Robert Shoemaker for the main QB position. What do you guys have to say about this?

Jack: Well first off, he is still in as replacement QB, so the team still put them in as everyone guessed when Gonzo announced he would not play another year. But Rogers made it clear she wanted to take their success with the throwing game a build upon it, and Robert is just not that kind of QB. He's got the experience, but Lerber is simply a better fast pace thrower.

Sups: Still, this team is defined by the Shoemaker name, and the Shoemaker fans are notorious for their outspokenness.

Jack: Well they will have to take what they got now wont they?

Gordon: Alright guys, I think we got the point, how about the Rams group draw? What do you guys think about that?

Jack: Well you know, after last time, I think we finally got the right formula to get back in the playoffs, and most of the other teams in the group are new, only people I think we should worry about would be ASMV. But we have proven that we can match up well with them. So I think that this team should be more than able to be first in the group.

Sups: For once, I agree with Jack here, the Rams have a good mixute of new and old here, especially since some of the older guys who said they would leave after that last bowl, decided to stay for another bowl.

Gordon: Alright, we are low on time here, so lets do our rock, paper, spock to see who gets the final word.

*the 3 men go and Sups wins*

Gordon: Alright Sups, last call. We got a freindly before the WB against Osarius, you think we can make it 2-1?

Sups: You know, I would say yes, but Rogers like to be secritive right before a bowl, so to keep some of their game plan safe, and to avoid injuries, I am willing to say that they might just let this one go. Though knowing Rogers... You just can't tell.

Gordon: Alright, that's all the time we have for today, hope you all have a good night, we will see you guys again at the opener.

ZSN out.

[Osarius]

Osarius Firebirds World Bowl XIV Preview

The Firebirds return for another shot at the World Bowl, after seemingly hitting a "glass ceiling" between the 10th and 15th rank. For some reason, this team just cannot get past the quarter final round or equivalent. This time around, fans will be hoping the team can go one further, after seeing a slew of retirements and replacements. Some have already claimed that despite the loss of the best gridiron player seen in Osarius in modern times, this current squad is possibly the best we have ever put together. Let's take a quick look...

The team is designed for pass gains mostly, but possesses two very gifted runningbacks who are both strong and fast. Rashad Jackson is a number one draft pick with explosive speed and an uncanny tackle-breaking ability. Sheldon Taylor is a little more elusive, preferring to cut at the last moment and pull wide, where he can exploit his also impressive speed. This kind of dual threat should give the Firebirds a previously unseen level of versatility on offense.

Robbie O'Sullivan is an elite quarterback who, although not on the same level as Leon Saint, is a more than capable leader. His Firewood Phoenix side have reached the OSAGIF League playoffs every season in which he has started the majority of games, and consistently feature in the top passing offenses, despite not having any elite receivers. With the weapons the Firebirds have at his disposal, he has everything he needs to make a big impact internationally.

Defensively the standouts are the corners - who are all pacy, with good vertical jump ability and reasonable game-reading skills - and middle linebacker Reiss Ives. Ives' career took off when he came into the team in Osarius' second World Bowl outing, and made an immediate improvement to the defense. His ability to read the game is superb, and although he is physically losing a step, he is still a formidable presence. His organisation skills and leadership will be crucial to the success of the Osarian defensive unit this campaign.

Let's look at the personnel on the depth charts...

Offense

Position		      #1		      #2		      #3        
Quarterback		Robbie O'Sullivan	Glenn Martel		Tommy Rhodes
Fullback		Oliver Hartley		Nathaniel Mourning	
Running Back		Rashad Jackson		Sheldon Taylor		Jonathan Hines
Wide Receiver 1		Jermaine Carlson	Forrest Graham		Colin Wynne
Wide Receiver 2		Edward Harris		James Henry	
Right Tackle		Andy Stronach		Carson Black	
Right Guard		Sinali Meninga		Gary Hancock	
Center			Bernard Langer		Bruce Gough	
Left Guard		Manu Vaikona		Mark Hansen	
Left Tackle		Terrell Bryant		Leonard Dalton
Tight End		Joseph Maynard		Jordan Griffin		Alan Hardacre

Defense

Position		      #1		      #2		      #3        
Strong Safety		Hi're Waluhi'to		Lesley Vatuvei		Allen Jasper
Free Safety		Jake Townsend		Craig Wilkerson	
Left Defensive End	Andrew Harrison		Christopher Elliott	Robert McCool
Left Defensive Tackle	Nathan Hardison		Michael Hayes		Jason Hellman
Right Defensive Tackle	Craig Goodwin		Donovan Carroll		Kevin Trotter
Right Defensive End	Ibrahim Ouaddou		George Mathers		Kenneth Braddock
Strongside Linebacker	Ku'lo Manaki'de		Donald Rathbone	
Weakside Linebacker	Lu'ko Manaki'de		Micah Forte		Michael Carano
Middle Linebacker	Reiss Ives		Rashan Johnson		Joseph Cartagena
Right Cornerback	Joseph Hardison		Chad Valentin		Leon Valero
Left Cornerback		Wayne Gordon		Nathan McCully

Special Teams

Position		      #1       		       #2       
Kicker			Paul Atkinson		Justin Zimmerman	
Punter			Jake Stoddard		
Long Snapper		Eugene Cassidy		
Kick Returner		Jonathan Hines		
Punt Returner		Colin Wynne

With the retirement of long time offensive captain and team leader Leon Saint, the Firebirds will really need to step up a gear if they are to maintain their status as a top 15 side in the world of gridiron football. The team will hope to maintain their West Coast offensive style, and in Robbie O'Sullivan, they arguably have a quarterback more suited to this kind of game.

The offensive line is pretty effective against all but the best pass-rushers, and has been for some time, enabling Leon Saint to get some good passes off. It is also capable of holding its own when faced with a pretty physical opposition. However, it is important to note that compared to other nations, the Osarian O-Line is a little undersized, and will likely be overrun by a particularly big D-Line.

In the backfield, the threat of Rashad Jackson is ever constant, and with Sheldon Taylor - former collegiate championship winner and MVP coming off a hugely successful rookie pro season - as his backup, and possibly lining up beside him, there is little concern about the Firebirds' ability to move the ball.

Defensively, Coach Garbongo has brought some stability and solidity, but this is still the weak point for the Firebirds. It's simply not in their nature to play defensive ball - in any ball game, it seems - and a relative lack of tactical awareness on that side of the ball has been their downfall in the past. This is the area of the Firebirds' game that Garbongo has been most keen to strengthen as he attempts to take them to the World Bowl game for the first time in the team's history. To this end, he has altered the overall style of the team slightly, and forged a friendship with his predecessor, Harold Matterhorn.

Matterhorn is well known as a very successful defensive co-ordinator, but has refused to work directly with the ONAC after their fractious relationship led to his sacking some four years ago. He is, however, an Osarian first and foremost, and a gridiron coach secondly. Due to his love of the nation and the game, he has agreed to provide assistance to Coach Garbongo, although is not named as an official member of the Firebirds' staff ((OOC: use that as an RP point if you like.))

Expect to see entertainment and high scoring games from the Firebirds - as usual - but we can't help but think they will find a way to throw it all away when the stakes are raised. The defensive frailty of this side cannot be overlooked, and its likely this will be their undoing.

[F1-Insanity]

Remembering coach Massey
It has not been that long ago, that coach Massey stood victorious with the World Bowl in his hands. But it will not come as a surprise to many that Sean Massey has passed away recently. Tragedy had struck at the last World Bowl, and it has now eventually claimed the life of F1-Insanity's most succesful internationstatal coach of all time. The world of football will remember the feisty giant who delivered on his 'World Bowl guarantee'. Bill Ryan has some very large shoes to fill, and F1-Insanity will expect much of him now having officially been designated Massey's successor.

But life goes on, and so does it for F1-Insanity's premier football (gridiron) team, now rebranded F1-Insanity Tirefitters. It was our dear leader Father Mulcahey himself who suggested the change, which was immediately embraced by all. It is to be expected however that the 'Mulcaheys' name will linger on, certainly amongst football fans in F1-Insanity. But officially the team is now called F1-Insanity Tirefitters or simply Tirefitters.

Also, this new World Bowl, the 14th one apparently, is to be the last for a host of World Bowl winning veterans, not the least of which is quarterback Damon Mable. They will be fired up to regain what was once theirs, and go out with a bang. Expect no favors from this team.

Group stage draw
Group 4
F1-Insanity
The Babbage Islands
Oiseaui
The Grand Millian
Leomis
Perce

[Jimmer Fredette]

Jimmer Fredette Daily
Sports
By:John Jackson

In the first real games Jimmer Fredette plays Georgian People.A team they beat during the BoI on a last second play.Coach Bilbrey said that they are a very good team and it would be great to beat them again.There will now be two rivalry's for Jimmer Fredette.WB Puppet and Georgian People.Jimmy Arnette said that it was awesome game and I hope it turns out the same way,just make it easier to win instead of that close of a game.Here are the rosters:

Georgian People:
QB Michael Zorn (Main QB)
QB Jose Herzani (Back up QB)
HB Pedro Cadiz (Main HB [Star player])
HB Oslo Freed (Back up HB)
FB Bob Queen (Main FB)
WR Antonio Riveria (Main WR [Star player])
WR Kevin McDaniels (Main WR)
WR Joesph Kingston (Main WR)
WR Mark Spain (Main WR)
WR Freddy Kahn (Back up WR)
WR Lester Cole (Back up WR)
TE Hersion Pire (Main TE)
TE Nelson Jiver (Main TE)
TE Mel Kroone (Back up TE)
OL Greg Heron (Main OL)
OL King Aslon (Main OL)
OL Pierce Herez (Main OL)
OL Heg Hizan (Main OL)
OL Joe Philips (Back up OL)
C Fred Jost (Main C)
C Victor Vaz (Back up C/OL)
DL Yarz Nen (Main DL)
DL Herq Nen (Main DL [Star player])
DL Tey Uno (Main DL)
DL Yest Horp (Main DL)
MLB Jo Hiz (Main MLB)
MLB Vis Tyom (Back up MLB)
ROLB Astio Freedom (Main ROLB)
ROLB Sebastian DeDario (Back up ROLB)
LOLB Kevin Herres (Main LOLB)
LOLB Pit Hazs (Back up LOLB)
SS Jeff Fredson (Main SS [Star player])
SS Loin King (Back up SS)
FS Colin Backip (Main FS)
CB Peter Qti (Main CB)
CB Western Asitin (Main CB)
CB Port Seban (Main CB)
CB Joe Daniel (Main CB)
CB Yeg Ne Du (Back up CB)
K Olson Herez (Main K)
P Bobby News (Main P)

Jimmer Fredette:
QB ERIC Hyde
RB LARRY Moton
FB ALBERT Haworth
WR KEITH Rudd
WR WILLIE Yount
TE JIMMY Arnette
C GERALD Bey
RG MARTIN Enoch
LG KEITH Shaughnessy
RT BOBBY Blackmon
LT JUSTIN Blanchard
LE JUSTIN Pedrozas
RE CHAD Beaman
LOLB JEFFERY Roof
LILB CARL Ison
MLB PAUL Gillum
ROLB TIMOTHY Quiroz
RILB WILLIE Chestnut
LCB PHILIP Nall
RCB JIMMY Caskey
FS ROY Fahey
SS FRED Ling
KR/PR TERRY Rivero
K/P LUIS Khan

Well it was a very close game last time,lets hope it is a blow out this time.It is a huge game and big for each team.Hopefully we get the right end of it instead if the bad end of the stick.It isn't as tough as a team who's been here since the World Bowl started.It's a huge game,LETS GO JF!

[North Chicanan]

Chicanan Daily Rabbler
Maybe We'll Pay Attention?

World Bowl 14 Starting Soon
Will Nation Care With Footy Scandal Nonsense?
Ash Fjilil, Provincetown

The North Chicanan Seawolves are preparing for their second ever World Bowl with both pressing state issues and something they didn't face in their first foray: Expectations.

Coach Dennis Strangefellow said his side, largely unchanged from the surprise qualifiers in the Bluth Corporation, will have no problems dealing with the pressure of having achieved success so quickly in gridiron, as the tornament had the desired effect in building the sport up in North Chicanan.

"Since the nation just added two more franchises, NC Gridiron has achieved massive dividends from making the playoffs two years ago," he said at a press conference in Provincetown today. "This team has gelled so well and we know that we can push for a greater breakthrough this time around." The NC Gridiron chair, Evan Callifan, agreed, saying the team hopes to make it to the sixteens round in this cycle, although anything more than that would be most excellent.

Considering the national protest movement against the FA, the Gridiron side is thrilled to have a chance to add some normally to the state and be able to compete with both higher expectations and yet a lower standing due to the controversies facing the Hoops. "We wish our brothers in football all the best and hope they can ecke out some more success for the nation," Strangefellow said later, after the press tour of Free State Arena, which will host four of the five home matches. That come in a quick cluster, so be prepared for a long road trip at the back half of the season.

In terms of groups, the Seawolves were placed in Group 2, featuring four up-and-comers in Gridiron and old foe Bluth Corporation. Mind you, we held our own against the Bluths in the opening match of World Cup XIII while being blown out in the second game, but who knows what could happen this time around.

Seawolves Schedule:
MD01: at Reparadocs
MD02: vs Carasatoga (at Free State Arena, Provincetown)
MD03: vs Gregourii (at Free State Arena, Provincetown)
MD04: vs Sakurakoku (at Free State Arena, Provincetown)
MD05: vs Bluth Corporation (at Hard Rock Arena, St. John's)
MD06: vs Reparadocs (at Free State Arena, Provincetown)
MD07: at Carasatoga
MD08: at Gregourii
MD09: at Sakurakoku
MD10: at Bluth Corporation

Hard Rock Arena will host the Bluth Corporation, as Free State will be in use for the Hoops against The Kangaroo Republic in a possible closed-door match (the FA claims they haven't petitioned for such a match but people in the know within the Olympic Committee and the Sports Ministry say they have the documents to prove it). As for the Seawolves, we will open with Reparadocs (who finished third in their qualifying group) on the road tomorrow night before the long homestand starts with Carasatoga. We'll then host Gregourii and Sakurakoko (third in their group) before the big match against the Bluth Corporation and the final home game with Reparadocs. We hope to have a few pictures of the new uniforms for you tomorrow after the opening match.

[Camwood]

Oh Darn I thought as one of the line backers filled my hole.

CRUSH He cleaned my clock. As a running back I hate that the most.

"C'mon Guidry, it's just practice," Coach screams

Yeah, Practice for the World Bowl

[Daizland]

'Daizland Daily'

The Daizland Demons are really fired up for World Bowl XIV!

"Do I expect the team to win it? No." said Head Coach Brian Boru. "I think that would be over ambitious. Will we be hard to beat? Absolutely YES! Make no mistake, this team will match up physically to any team who has entered the World Bowl. We may not have the quality and creativity that some veteran teams will bring to the table, but you'll be hard pressed to find a team with more intensity. We are gona take it game by game out here. The atmosphere in the dressing room is electric and one thing I can say for sure, these Demons will die for each other out on that field"

A defensive team that will aim to limit the opposition in terms of scoring opportunities the Daizland Demons may not necessarily rack up huge scores. They will be difficult to break down though and if they can up their game a notch or two from the BOI tournament they may just cause a few upsets.

[Sarzonia]

Better late than never, here's the RP cutoff for pre-qualifying friendlies!

Note that any matches that were not confirmed by both parties by 9 p.m. EDT will NOT be host-scorinated. However, if I scorinate and I've missed one or more matches and you TG me about it or post in the discussion thread, I will scorinate matches that I've missed.

Scores up shortly!

[Buffalostan]

Game Review - Pre-Tournament

LINE  1   2   3   4   F
BUF  14   0   0   0  14
BLU  14  10   0   3  27
BOX                                                                 BUF  BLU
  1 Michihito Murakami 30 yard rush (David Daniels kick)             7    0
    Richard Anthis 4 yard rush (Devin Shipley kick)                  7    7
    Kyler Hayes 12 yard pass from Cain Wells (Devin Shipley kick)    7   14
    Tom Harris 74 yard pass from Jay Lemaître (David Daniels kick)  14   14
  2 John Burgess 21 yard pass from Henry Weber (Devin Shipley kick) 14   21
    Devin Shipley 28 yard field goal                                14   24
  4 Devin Shipley 33 yard field goal                                14   27

Buffalostan and Bluth Corporation met for the fifth time in World Bowl play in a pre-arranged friendly to the 14th edition of the tournament. Playing in a Bluth stadium curiously decked out with large banners venerating the blood of the working class and the promise of a new tomorrow, the two teams exchanged four touchdowns in the first quarter, and thereafter pulled their starters to prevent injuries, preserve their playbooks, and give playing time to their reserve benches. The home team added 13 more points, the Bulbophylla none, for a final scoreline of 27-14.

Bulbophylla coach John Dunn was not deterred by the loss. "It was more important that we blow off the cobwebs with some match practice, and who better than Bluth Corporation? They've been one of the top teams in the world in recent years, but they've also been a team we've managed to beat twice." He said his main relief was that none of his players had sustained major injuries during the course of the game, although reserve Shiro Shinohara rolled his ankle, and lineperson Howard Jackson narrowly escaped a pitchfork-wielding peasant commissar.

Also in the news:
"A hundred flowers bloom" chants eye-gouging 300 pound tackle - p. 8
New Tirefitters' coach fetish yet to be revealed - p. 19
Crushkaa in tight pink still less silly than Ayn Rand's dialogue - p. 1093

[Qazox]

World Bowl Today

"Welcome to World Bowl Today, I'm your host Dan Cowher, joining me are Sterling Marino and Bill Sharpe. In an exhibition game today, held at an undisclosed location, Qazox lost, once again to Allamunnic States 34-20. Sterling, are the Regulars just that good or is something wrong with the Sharks?"

Marino: "It's a coinspiracy! A team we had to face 4 times in the last World Bowl, the Sharks had to face before qualifying? They're trying to destroy the team's confidence before they even have a real game! I have proof that the World Bowl committe paid off Sarzonia to force these two teams to play this game and..." (Sterling's mic is cut off before any further potential slander is uttered)

Cowher: "Um.. Thanks Sterling for that interesting take, Bill what's your thoughts?"

Sharpe: "You can't read too much into this exhibiton game. Niether team had the starters in after the first half and it was 17-17 at halftime. Right now the Regulars just have a deeper team that's why they won in the 2nd half."

Cowher: "Any positives Qazox can take from that match?"

Sharpe: "Yes, there are 3. First, the triple option was rather effective with the starters in there. Erickson, Oakley and Gouchi each had over 50 yards rushing, with Erickson leading the way with 67. 2nd the defense for the most part held Haanryk Stahlburg in check with just 45 yards on 13 attempts. Lastly, the trip-opt offense did create some confusion on the Regular's defense."

Cowher: "Ok then. Qazox will start the Road to Sarzonia in Pandio at 6:00 QST this Sunday night."

Marino (somehow getting his mic back on): "Pandio doesn't exist! It's just a Sarzonian puppet! The Cake is a lie!!!!!"
<off camera, but mic is still on>

Cowher: "Seriously, we couldn't find anyone else to do this ****ing joke of a show? No? ****, it's gonna be a long season."

SCORING SUMMARY:

AMS: Stahlburg 5 yd TD run PAT good 7-0
QZX: Oakley 13 yd TD run PAT good 7-7
QZX: 47 yd FG by Yawkey 10-7
AMS: Dunn 17 yd TD rec. PAT good 10-14
QZX: Erickson 9 yd TD run PAT good 17-14
AMS: 51 yd FG by Demirici 17-17
AMS: Nelson 87 yd INT ret PAT good 17-24
AMS: Gaardsunn 5 yd TD run PAT good 17-31
QZX: 44 yd FG by Yawkey 20-31
AMS: 40 yd FG by Demirici 20-34

(ooc to Sarzonia: Please do not take this the wrong way, but as you could probably guess, Sterling Marino thinks everything bad that has ever happened to any Qazox sports team is Sarzonia's fault. This is not an attempt to get you mad, but an attempt to make light of the IC/OOC problems we've had. If you think that any of Marino's rants cross the line from being "silly" to "slander" let me know and i'll stop.)

[Voltronica]

Volkoff Set to Reveal X-2
What? Magazine May 8

Voltronicans Weary About the New Management
Voltronica Sports Illustrated Magazine May 8

"X-2? Is that like a jet?"
Comics Anonymous Press May 8

Volkoff Industries Stock Hits ₵537.25 Cubets
Desius Street Journal May 8

WB Schedule for Firestorm
www.vsports.vis May 8

Voltronica
Newmanistan
Mytannion
Aquamaniac
North Orus
New Nova Alberta

Matchday 1 (8 May)
@New Nova Alberta

Matchday 2 (9 May)
v. North Orus

Matchday 3 (10 May)
@Aquamaniac v. 1

Matchday 4 (11 May)
v. Mytannion

Matchday 5 (12 May)
@ Newmanistan

Mid-Qualifying Friendlies (13 May)
TBD

Matchday 6 (14 May)
v. New Nova Alberta

Matchday 7 (15 May)
@North Orus

Matchday 8 (16 May)
v. Aquamaniac

Matchday 9 (17 May)
@Mytanion

Matchday 10 (18 May)
v. Newmanistan

Post-Qualifying Friendlies/Tiebreaker Matches (19 May)
v. Sarzonia

[Colmark]

Wire from Civil Citizenry

Colmark recorded a thumping win over Civil Citizenry in a pre-World Bowl friendly last night. Unusually, Colmark's offence took centre stage in the first half, notching up 3 passing touchdowns courtesy of Peter Watson passes to Chris Millen, Andrew Mitchell and Freddie Oliverson. Frank Hamilton stormed in for a 20 yard rushing TD and Alex Westaway kicked a field goal as time expired to end a massively encouraging first half, with Civil Citizenry only managing a solitary field goal in reply.
The entire Colmarkian squad was used in this match, and it was the turn of the reserves to add to Civil Citizenry's misery, with touchdowns for Vivian Keller and William Welch. The defence negated the opposition's attempts to restore respectability to the scoreline and Colmark fininshed the game with an interception. The final score of 40-3 reflected the domination of a side that means business going into the World Bowl proper and Colmarkian fans can look with confidence to the tournament.

[Armorgames]

By Marice Matts

It is the second Sunday of May, some might think of that as Mother's Day, but here in the land of Armorgames it is game day.

Today is Matchday 1 and the players of Armorgames could not be more excited. Running Back Bradford Young says, "this is the best day of my life. This is what I have been preparing for my whole 21 years of my existence."

[Georgian People]

Tag. Sending roster soon.

[Georgian People]

Reporter: The Georgian People's (American) Football roster was released today any here are the players.....
Roster
QB Michael Zorn (Main QB [Star player])
QB Jose Herzani (Back up QB)
QB Nelson Galaz (Back up QB)
HB Pedro Cadiz (Main HB [Star player])
HB Oslo Freed (Back up HB)
FB Bob Queen (Main FB)
WR Antonio Riveria (Main WR [Star player])
WR Kevin McDaniels (Main WR)
WR Joesph Kingston (Main WR)
WR Mark Spain (Main WR)
WR Freddy Kahn (Back up WR)
WR Lester Cole (Back up WR)
TE Hersion Pire (Main TE)
TE Nelson Jiver (Main TE)
TE Mel Kroone (Back up TE)
OL Greg Heron (Main OL)
OL King Aslon (Main OL)
OL Pierce Herez (Main OL)
OL Heg Hizan (Main OL)
OL Joe Philips (Back up OL)
C Fred Jost (Main C)
C Victor Vaz (Back up C/OL)
DL Yarz Nen (Main DL)
DL Herq Nen (Main DL [Star player])
DL Tey Uno (Main DL)
DL Yest Horp (Main DL)
MLB Jo Hiz (Main MLB)
MLB Vis Tyom (Back up MLB)
ROLB Astio Freedom (Main ROLB)
ROLB Sebastian DeDario (Back up ROLB)
LOLB Kevin Herres (Main LOLB)
LOLB Pit Hazs (Back up LOLB)
SS Jeff Fredson (Main SS [Star player])
SS Loin King (Back up SS)
FS Colin Backip (Main FS [Star player])
CB Peter Qti (Main CB)
CB Western Asitin (Main CB)
CB Port Seban (Main CB)
CB Joe Daniel (Main CB)
CB Yeg Ne Du (Back up CB)
K Olson Herez (Main K)
P Bobby News (Main P)
P Ju Point Sages (Back up P)
Coach Greg Wu
Asst. Coach Kes Seq
Asst. Coach Dinar Hastino

Other stuff:
If My Opponent RP's first they may:
Choose my scorers: No
Choose scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod Scoring events: No
Godmod injuries: No
Godmod "other" events: Yes