NSCF 10 Everything Thread

[Saintland]

Non-Conference Day One (Week 11) excluding St. Augustinus, Army Academy and their opponents

Utica University (OSR) 13–34 University of Port Salem (WGA)
Université St. Croix (QUE) 10–3 Ramusok Capital University (COS)
National University of Laws (SJG) 3–22 St. Thomas University (EST)

[Cosumar]

Third-party scorination for Non-Conference Day One

University of Vilitova (CHI) 10–21 University of St. Augustinus (SNT)
Northwestern University (QUE) 23–20 Army Academy (FFR)

[New West Guiana]

Season stat leaders

QB: Sanders, 179/234  1,781 yrds  11 TD  4 INT  106.0
RB: Barhitii  58 carriers   579 yrds   5 TD
WR: Zinner  31 catches  438 yrds  2TD     
LB: Hawk  6.5 sacks   36 tackles

Anchors get big Win over Utica

The Anchors were feeling good after their big win over Rahku to clinch their sixth Mineral Conference title, the fans and players celebrated their eight consecutive playoff appearance while the coaches perpared for what they expected to be a tough, close hard fought game against Utica.

Coach after the win

Yes this is fine, we haven't worry about not making the playoffs but now we have to get ready for next week, the game against the Law university. I know they are only 3-8 but these teams tend to be the ones who want to play upset and spoiler. Do I think we'll win, well..yes, but I want this team to always be on guard everyone knows this and I'm determind to make sure they;re heads don't get too big.

Truthfully I did expect this to be a painful loss by maybe a last second field goal, but a 34-13 win, I didn't even see this at all, but then again after tend game the Anchor defense had only allowed get this ONLY 4.2 points average through ten games. That is how good this defense has been, teams all season have been hard to get points, and our only losses were by six points total and those games were field goals frenzy games. This defense has been all season the real deal and they have given the offense each game short yardage to deal with which is why those stats on the offense look weak.

Game Recap

Coin toss, the Anchors won and chose to receive.

Barhitii takes a knee and the Anchors shall start on their own twenty, a very few times they've started this deep.

Sanders and the offense take the field, this is a big game to see if the Anchors have what it takes after a mostly easy conference schedule. Sanders snaps the ball and gives it to Barhitii who takes it up the middle for no gain. On the next play Sanders throws a quick pass to White for a gain of 9. It's a 3rd and one, Sanders snapping the ball and looks around for an open reciver there is no one and he runs out of bounds for a gain of 12 to the Anchor 41. Sanders in the shotgun and deep pass to Zinner who barely misses by a few inches. Hand off to Barhitii who sweeps it around the line and picks up the first down and keeps running until he is pushed out for an additional 17 yards to the Tiger 32. Sanders again in the shotgun given pleanty of time in the pocket and throws it to Boy who is pushed out at the three. The offense is really clicking, Sanders hands off to Barhitii goes in for the touchdown! Extra point is good, Anchors lead with 11:37 left in the first 7-0.

After the Tigers touchdown the game is tied at 7-7 with under 5 minutes left in the first quarter, Barhitii is back in the endzone and ready. Barhitii is taking the ball from four yards deep and crosses the twenty, to the thrity, forty he's over midfeild, to the twenty, ten, five touchdown! Wow, Barhitii takes the kick off for the Anchors second kick off return for a touchdown! it only took twenty-nine seconds and with the extra point Anchors take a 14-7 lead.

The tigers have the ball at the Anchors 31, Logan goes back to pass over the middle the receiver fell and John Flipe intercepts the ball, at the Anchor seven, he runs it back to the Anchor twenty-eight and the Anchors will get the ball. Sanders and the offense is out Shuler is keeping Barhitii out of the game to rest him after that 104 yard run only a minute ago, so back-up David Theisman comes out with the offense. Sanders hands off to Theisman, who runs up the middle for a gain of seven, again Sanders hands it off to Theisman who finds a gaping hole and is finally taken down at the Tiger 48 for a gain of 18 yards. Sanders quick snap and throw to White for a gain of 11 and down to the Tiger 37. Again Sanders quick throw to Zinner who takes it to the Tiger 15 for a gain of 22. Sanders and the offense in the no huddle, hand off to Theisman who is taken down three yards behind the line. Sanders quick throw to White for a gain of 6. No huddle facing a 3rd and seven Sanders about to throw is sacked for a loss of five, 4th down. Horge kicks the 22 yard field goal and it is good, Anchors lead 17-7.

2nd Half

The Tigers got the ball to start the second half and walked right down the field and scored a touchdown, they attempted to make a two point conversion but failed, Anchors still lead now 17-13.

Anchors get the ball back on their own twenty and get right to work, Barhitii is out of the game with a ankle injury and Theisman is in for the remainder. Hand off to Thiesman up the middle for a gain of 1. Medium pass down the sideline to White for a gain of 20 and to the Anchor 41. No huddle Sanders quick pass to White who takes it down to the Tiger 38. Hand off to Thiesman who finds a hole and runs out of bounds for a gain of 17 and to the Tiger 21. Again hand off to Thiesman for no gain. Sanders quick pass to Boy for a gain of 8 and to the Tiger 13. Sanders takes it up the middle himself for a gain of 6 to the seven. Quick pass to White for the touchdown! Anchors lead 24-13 with 6:12 left in the 3rd.

After the Tigers went three and out, the Anchors field the ball at their own 39 and the offense gets to work. Hand off to Theisman for a gain of three. Short pass to DeWite for a gain of eight and to mid-field. Short pass to Thiesman for a gain of 11 and down to the Tiger 39. Hand off to Thiesman for a gain of 9. Short pass to DeWite who takes it for the touchdown! Some one blew coverage because there was no one with in ten yards from him. Anchors lead 31-13.

Sanders took the offense down the feild but only to come up short and Horge kicked a 39 yard field goal to give the Anchors a 34-13 lead and win.

Stats

Sanders 21/29 238 yrds  1 TD Rat: 108.1
Barhitii  8 carrier  77 yrds  1 TD
Thiesman 11 carriers  67 yrds  3 receiving  27 yrds

[Saintland]

Non-Conference Day Two Cutoff (Week 12) excluding St. Augustinus, Army Academy and their opponents

Salem Community College (WGA) 23–0 University of Villitova (CHI)
Ramusok Capital University (COS) 23–16 Utica University (OSR)
Rack City University (JEC) 0–23 Reimsburgh Tech University (SWT)
Stoneshore College (COS) 17–3 College of Murin (ETA)

[Cosumar]

Third-party Scorination for Non-Conference Matchday Two

St. Thomas University (EST) 19–27 University of St. Augustinus (SNT)
Université St. Croix (QUE) 16–0 Army Academy (FFR)

[New West Guiana]

University and City of Port Salem announce the future of Safeco

Ever since the Port Salem Sailors of the Professional Baseball League moved to Ft. McCarney two years ago and since the national baseball team announced they'll no longer use the stadium many have wondered about the future of the stadium which is only nine years old. Now then in this plan the university and city has laid out the Anchors will remain playing in the stadium, but in order to help maintain the up keep costs which each year alone are 7.1 million, bids are being accepted for naming rights, the starting bid price is set at $21.8 million. Also in this plan is a $197 million overhuall of the stadium which will add new seating and reconfigure the playing field, right now the stadium has a max capacity of 58,700, in this plan that maximum capacity will increase to around 67,000, with a regular capacity of 64,000.

Now the stadium is already a multi-use place, but with the reconfiguration and expansion the stadium has the possibility of being used for up to 10 different sports. The surface will remain natural grass, but will in laced with 17% of fibers to help keep the grass held together. Below are some computer images of what the stadium will look like after the extensive renovation, in these two pictures is what the stadium will look like in its new football configuration.

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/Zeck180/Google/npsa1.png
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/Zeck180/Google/npsa.png

[Cosumar]

The Roaring Dragon
Ramusok Capital University's Official Online Newspaper

RCU faithful storm field after Dragons hang on to knock off 10-1 Utica
By Terran Bartolowitz, Senior

POST-GAME REPORT
RAMUSOK, COSUMAR - It nearly felt like the game was lost midway through the third quarter when Utica's standout backfield duo of Isaac Sawyer and Romeo Brown began slicing up Ramusok Capital's defense as Utica recovered from a Dragons-dominated first half. Eight yards here, five yards there. Constant chunks of yards that had RCU's defense on their heels. In the span of two possessions, the Dragons looked on as their 15-point lead evaporated.

Despite RCU scoring five times in the first half, the Tigers only needed an 82-yard possession to reduce their deficit to within one score -- during a Isaac Sawyer 13-yard pitch down the right sideline late in the third quarter.15-7.

It's a tremendous accomplishment to score five times on your first six possessions, all the while forcing two turnovers and four punts on defense. All things considered, it was a blowout everywhere but the scoreboard. But touchdowns eluded RCU and what could've been a 30-point halftime leaf was only 15, leaving the window open for Utica to sneak back into the game. Which, of course, they did.

Defensively, the Dragons were worn down and manhandled as the second half progressed. The Utica O-Line was simply having its way with our defensive front, allowing them waltz down the field with runs and screen passes. After a lengthy drive stalled in the red zone, Darrian Young converted a chip-shot field goal with 10:10 remaining in the game to reduce Ramusok's advantage to 15-10.

Then everything shifted into Madden-mode. With just over five minutes remaining, Derrick Fuller blew past cornerback Dexter Singleton, who dropped coverage, down the left sidelines where Maurice Henderson completed the easy 80-yard touchdown. Henderson may not be as prolific as a downfield passer as his predecessors at Utica, but it would be hard for even him to miss a receiver as open as Fuller was. The Tigers went for the two-point conversion to take a three-point lead, but Isaac Sawyer's delayed handoff run was stuffed in the backfield by Travarius Moheme.

Then it was our turn to go Madden-mode. RCU counter-punched with a juggling catch by Sid Vinceant during a 77-yard fly route down the right sideline. Leyland Gursky's coverage was airtight, but Vinceant simply produced a miracle, tipping the ball towards himself after it was deflected by Gursky and then bobbling it on his fingertips three times before finally securing it and outracing help defender Isaac Karson to the endzone. The sea of blue packed into Capital Coliseum's stands went ballistic as their team took a 21-16 lead with over two minutes remaining in the game. Reigner connected with Akim Fjara on the two-point conversion, reclaiming a 7-point lead with their only touchdown of the game.

Defensively, the Dragons were still winded as the hail-mary score didn't give them much time to recoup. Lewis Aneke and Nuguse Selassie found gaps in RCU's exhausted Prevent defense, crossing midfield with a minute remaining. Henderson took advantage of a conservative defense, grabbing moderate chunks of yardage to inch closer to striking distance.

With about 20 seconds left on the clock, the Tigers had 3rd & 4 from the 15-yard line. Unable to find an open receiver, Henderson held onto the football as Moheme overpowered Mogo Pativali and dropped the quarterback. Daniel Corsey was forced to use his final timeout. On 4th down, Snorri Andersen dialed up the blitz again, overloading the right side and sending Vincent Groves behind Moheme. Both quickly got to Henderson, sacking him for the fourth time in the game. Turnover on downs as time expired. 23-16 RCU, Final.

Henderson laid on the ground with his hands on his helmet in disappointment for several seconds, but was soon forced to pick himself up and get off the field because thousands of rowdy Dragons fans were spilling onto the field from the stands despite the futile efforts of security to hold them back. Minutes later, the entire field was covered in blue as Ramusok Capital University collectively celebrated this unexpected win over their longtime NSCF rivals from Osarius. The Dragons bounce back to #7 in the Sporting World rankings and improve their record to 9-3.

RCU's resilience and determination heading into the playoffs is impressive. And it wasn't just any comeback victory - it was a comeback victory against Utica, the perennial powerhouse of NSCF football. Beating a Tigers team that has always gotten the better of us in the past might be just the sort of confidence boost we need to (finally) put everything together for a significant postseason run.

But first the Dragons will travel to Estenia to take on the College of Murin in the final non-conference game. What seemed like a cupcake win when the schedule was first released looks a little more intimidating now that Murin is a Top 10 team.

Below, you can review the box score and statistics from the Utica game.

Box Score	1	2	3	4	F
Ramusok Capital University	6	9	0	8	23
Utica University	0	0	7	9	16

Scoring Summary

1ST (10:25) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen, 23 yard kick [3-0 RCU]
1ST (1:25) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen, 48 yard kick [6-0 RCU]
2ND (11:14) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen, 23 yard kick [9-0 RCU]
2ND (4:36) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen, 38 yard kick [12-0 RCU]
2ND (2:27) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen, 53 yard kick [15-0 RCU]
3RD (3:20) - UTC TD - I. Sawyer 13 yard run [15-7 RCU]
4TH (10:10) - UTC FG - D. Young, 33 yard kick [15-10 RCU]
4TH (5:08) - UTC TD - M. Henderson 80 yard pass to D. Fuller (Two-point conversion run by I. Sawyer failed) [16-15 UTC]
4TH (2:12) - RCU TD - B. Reigner 77 yard pass to S. Vinceant (Two-point conversion pass to A. Fjara good) [23-16 RCU]

RCU Offense Leaders
QB Brandon Reigner - 23/36 for 280 yards, TD
RB Avery Broddick - 14 carries for 48 yards, 6 receptions for 62 yards
WR Sid Vinceant - 6 receptions for 131 yards, TD
TE Wynn Pressham - 3 receptions for 37 yards
K Xendel Reieffen - 5/5 FGs

RCU Defense Leaders
ROLB Vincent Groves - 9 tackles, 1 INT, 0.5 sacks, 1 QB pressure
DE Travarius Moheme - 4 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 TFL, 2 QB hits
FS Samuel Murray - 8 tackles, 1 FF, 1 TFL

RCU and UTC Comparison
RCU: 355 total yards
UTC: 398 total yards

RCU: 0 Turnovers
UTC: 2 Turnovers (1 INT, 1 FUM)

RCU: 29% 3rd Down Conversion
UTC: 47% 3rd Down Conversion

RCU: Touchdown on 0/2 trips to Red Zone
UTC: Touchdown on 1/3 trips to Red Zone

RCU: 4 penalties for 45 yards
UTC: 3 penalties for 29 yards

[Saintland]

Non-Conference Day Three Results (Week 13) excluding St. Augustinus, Army Academy and their opponents

College of Murin (ETA) 7–19 Ramusok Capital University (COS)
University of Villitova (CHI) 33–0 Rack City University (JEC)
St. Thomas University (EST) 24–0 Northwestern University (QUE)
Université St. Croix (QUE) 9–13 Salem Community College (WGA)
Reimsburgh Tech University (SWT) 7–23 Stoneshore College (COS)

[Cosumar]

Third Party Scorination for Non-Conference Day Three

Utica University (OSR) 20–6 University of St. Augustinus (SNT)
Army Academy (FFR) 7–0 Nevo Esperanto Federal College (PAT)

[NSCF]

OSPI Standings

School                                  OSPI    Conf W-L   Non-Conf W-L   Total W-L
University of St Augustinus             0.763     10-0         2-1          12-1
Stoneshore College                      0.740      9-1         3-0          12-1
Utica University                        0.710     10-0         1-2          11-2
University of Port Salem                0.690      8-2         1-0           9-2
Ramusok Capital University              0.657      8-2         2-1          10-3*
College of Murin                        0.648      9-1         0-2           9-3
Salem Community College                 0.638      7-3         2-0           9-3
St. Thomas University                   0.637      8-2         2-1          10-3
University of Rahku                     0.582      7-3         0-0           7-3
Holy Redeemer College                   0.529      5-5         0-0           5-5
Université St. Croix                    0.518      6-4         2-1           8-5
University of Sir Laarn                 0.505      5-5         0-0           5-5
Atanatos Naval Acadamey                 0.502      5-5         0-0           5-5
Ceneisis Naval Academy                  0.497      5-5         0-0           5-5
Reimsburgh Tech University              0.462      4-6         1-1           5-7
Army Academy                            0.456      5-5         1-2           6-7

Runtrown Technical                      0.425      4-6         0-0           4-6
Scott City University                   0.414      4-6         0-0           4-6
University of Villitova                 0.414      4-6         1-2           5-7
Kanza University                        0.409      4-6         0-0           4-6
Canton Empire University of NS Science  0.369      4-6         0-0           4-6
Northwestern University                 0.364      3-7         1-2           4-9
National University of Laws             0.348      3-7         0-1           3-8
Anchoring University                    0.345      3-7         0-0           3-7
Rack City University                    0.343      3-7         0-2           3-9
Jachaelter University                   0.305      2-8         0-0           2-8
Nevo Esperanso Federal College          0.291      2-8         0-1           2-9
Université Royale de Silverbourg        0.286      2-8         0-0           2-8
University of Asklan City               0.241      1-9         0-0           1-9
Ixqa State University                   0.198      0-10        0-0           0-10

Clinched a spot in the Playoffs
*Qualified as top at-large by OSPI

[NSCF]

Salem Community College and St. Thomas University have been selected by the NSCF Committee as the final 2 playoff schools. Therefore, the Quarterfinals shall consist of the following games:

NSCF Season 10 Playoffs - Quarterfinals

#8 St. Thomas University (EST) @ #1 University of St. Augustinus (SNT)
#7 Salem Community College (WGA) @ #2 Stoneshore College (COS)
#6 College of Murin (ETA) @ #3 Utica University (OSR)
#5 Ramusok Capital University (COS) @ #4 University of Port Salem (WGA)

---

NSCF Season 10 - Bowl-Eligible Schools

School                                  OSPI    Conf W-L   Non-Conf W-L   Total W-L
University of Rahku                     0.582      7-3         0-0           7-3
Holy Redeemer College                   0.529      5-5         0-0           5-5
Université St. Croix                    0.518      6-4         2-1           8-5
University of Sir Laarn                 0.505      5-5         0-0           5-5
Atanatos Naval Acadamey                 0.502      5-5         0-0           5-5
Ceneisis Naval Academy                  0.497      5-5         0-0           5-5
Reimsburgh Tech University              0.462      4-6         1-1           5-7
Army Academy                            0.456      5-5         1-2           6-7

Bowl game organizers may now begin sending invites. Bowl games should be confirmed by both participating schools and the organizer of the game, in the Discussion Thread. University of Rahku and Holy Redeemer College, as the highest ranked first-time schools (by OSPI), have earned invitations to the Pioneer Bowl.

[Bandwagon]

"We gonna win that Bowl" says Dwain Martinez.
Holy Redeemer College's Texan Coach Dwain Martinez says his team are going to win the Pioneer Bowl. "We gonna win that Bowl. There is no chance that those Rahku ladyboys are gonna win. We will win with our physical game. They can go and get lost! In Texas we used to play real American Football. Our coaches would get other players to beat us up if we didn't play well. Those were those days where that was acceptable. At Holy Redeemer we take that work ethic to the next level. I learn it from Gregoryisgodistan. They are real sports people, except their names are a bit stupid, such as Pervert Chaser and names like that" he said.
Here is a picture of Dwain Martinez during the interview:
http://www.dailytexanonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/images/2014/06/2014-06-20_Black_Business_Press_Conference_Aaron.Berecka07666.jpg?itok=n8ZyhXKJ

[Cosumar]

The Roaring Dragon
Ramusok Capital University's Official Online Newspaper

Special Playoffs Preview: RCU vs. Port Salem
By Terran Bartolowitz, Senior

After a treacherous NSCF seasons full of ups and downs, only eight teams remain in contention for the coveted NSCF Championship. For only the second time in history, both Cosumarite schools have survived to reach this final eight. The Ramusok Capital Dragons failed to win the Horizon Conference, but their 10-3 overall record, including a strong 2-1 nonconference run, was enough to secure the #5 seed by OSPI.

Their first playoff opponent is the #4 Port Salem Anchors of New West Guiana - one of the few programs with just as much NSCF history as us. The Anchors won their sixth Mineral Conference Title en route to a 9-2 record. They are coming off of two more weeks of rest than the Dragons because of their smaller nonconference schedule. This freshness could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you look at it. They've had time to recover from the bumps and bruises of the season, but perhaps at the cost their feel for the game and immediate intensity.

What will truly decide the outcome of this game, however, are the match-ups on the field. The Anchors and Dragons have been two of the best teams in the league this year, both with +180 point differentials in conference play. There are impact players to watch on both sides of the ball. Let's pit these teams head to head by position. Who has the edge?


RCU Offensive Line vs. Port Salem Defensive Line
The offensive line might just be the best unit on RCU's entire team. The big men up front have done a tremendous job of opening up running lanes for Avery Broddick and giving Brandon Reigner all day in the pocket to pick apart defenses. They are anchored by burly fifth-year senior Mason Vanderglass at center. Vanderglass is the epitome of toughness, having never missed a game in his RCU career. Sophomore left tackle Leighton Kurevic is a ballerina in a lineman's body - incredibly athletic and agile for his size. He has been fantastic in his first year starting and already has CFL scouts salivating. The other three linemen (Mason Morton, Mikel Brenne, Otis Hammelsson) are a bit more ordinary, but are still solid linemen who make few mistakes. Port Salem's defensive line has been exemplary all season, with Wayne Coon, Alie-Focke and Ute-pieo harassing quarterbacks all season. It will be a war of fearsome proportions in the trenches, but I think the RCU bigs will eventually win out and control the line of scrimmage as the game progresses.
Advantage: RCU

RCU Receivers vs. Port Salem Secondary
Receiver was an area of concern for Dragons fans prior to the season. Star receiver Demetrius Swanepoel said sayonara and entered the CFL Draft, leaving a gaping hole in his wake. However, senior Sid Vinceant and sophomore Akim Fjara have stepped up and established themselves as one of NSCF's finest wide-out tandems, exceeding all expectations. Vinceant has emerged as a dominant possession receiver, who relies on his athleticism and physicality to make tough plays. Fjara is the smaller, quicker receiver who is lethal in the slot but can also burn by you deep. Third-option Mordeus DeVane has also had a few big catches when called upon. And we haven't even mentioned our clutch senior tight end Wynn "Automatic 1st Down" Pressham, who loves to cross the middle of the field and sit underneath zones. If Port Salem's stalwart defense has a weakness, it is their secondary. Jermany Gers is a phenomenal defensive back, but they are a bit soft beneath him. I trust Offensive Coordinator Michael Cho to utilize all of RCU's weapons to exploit the Anchors' secondary.
Advantage: RCU

RCU Backfield vs. Port Salem Linebackers
It's no secret that this is the least explosive ground attack RCU has had in years. Junior runningback Avery Broddick is mediocre by this program's lofty standards. He's no Lawrence Northcutt, Thomas Harrington or Ernest Holmes. RCU has a legacy of winning games with an elite bell-cow runner, but they just don't have that this year. Meanwhile, Port Salem boasts one of the finest linebacker corps in the league. Bill Astor Jr, Jason Hawk and Adam Sawy are all formidable defenders, quick to the ball and ferocious tacklers. Broddick has his work cut out for him to somehow get past these guys. Sophomore Darrelius Diggs is a decent change of pace back, but I can't see him making much headway against Port Salem either. I expect Port Salem to minimize our running game, forcing us to win it through the air. However difficult it may be, we need to at least keep the threat of the running attack somewhat viable or risk being too one-dimensional.
Advantage: Port Salem

Overall RCU Offense vs. Port Salem Defense Advantage: RCU (2-1)


Port Salem Offensive Line vs. RCU Defensive Line
Yeah, RCU has one star pass rusher in DE Travarius Moheme, but the Dragons' just don't have much there besides him. Moheme's mere presence has provided sufficient pressure against most teams this season, but Port Salem is the best team we have faced so far. They will double-team Moheme. Someone else on that D-Line will have to step up or else Steven Sanders and Carl Barhitii will shred us. Port Salem's offensive line, led by pro-quality players like Bobbie Jendal and Stepen Asler, is a difficult match-up for a defensive line that, besides Moheme, has been a non-factor all season.
Advantage: Port Salem

Port Salem Receivers vs. RCU Secondary
Russell Boy might just be the most complete tight end in all of NSCF - and he has harmonious chemistry with QB Sanders. Leading receiver Quin DeWhite is scarily athletic, a beast on the outside. His counterpart George Zinner is a savvy route-runner with a penchant for clutch catches. I look forward to seeing them go to work against a Dragons' secondary that has been equally impressive this season. It will be a fiery match-up between these two units. Neither group is afraid to spew some vitriol, throw some big hits and let the other side know what's what. The RCU secondary is led by senior safety Samuel Murray, who might just be the fastest player on the team. Many a quarterback have made the mistake of thinking Murray was beat only for him to accelerate into the path of the ball at the last second and snag the interception. Freshman safety Kirum Sexton is playing with quality beyond his years, and has steadily evolved into one of the biggest playmakers for this defense. Cornerback LaVonte Greene is probably the best player at his position in Cosumar right now. Greene vs. DeWhite will be a colorful match-up for sure. In the end, this matchup could go either way. But the Dragons' secondary has been playing with so much aggressiveness and unaltered energy that it's hard to see them laying down against anyone. They've consistently made big plays over the course of the season and I think they will continue to do so, whether it be interceptions, fumbles or 3rd down stops. But rest assured, the Anchors are going to get their big plays to. This might just come down to who gets the last laugh.
Advantage: Tie

Port Salem Backfield vs. RCU Linebackers
That behemoth of an offensive line had to be blocking for someone all season. That would be runningback Carl Barhitii, who is probably one of the top 5 runners in the league this season. Hardly any teams have been able to stop him this season and he looked in top form against Utica in their last game. He's also a receiving threat out of the backfield, as Sanders loves to find him with space in the flat. He's simultaneously elusive and powerful. Right-side senior linebacker Vincent Groves is a tremendous playmaker for RCU, but the rest of that linebacker unit is young and still developing. The Dragons' best two players in Groves and Moheme are on the right side. Todd Shuler will run it to the left and force sophomores Anton Mueller and Dag Wolfenheim to make crucial stops. All of RCU's linebackers are good, but Groves is the only one we would call truly great at this point. The Dragons' linebacker corps will hold their own, but Barhitii is too good for them to be able to bottle him up all game.
Advantage: Port Salem

Overall Port Salem Offense vs. RCU Defense Advantage: Port Salem (2-0)

[Saintland]

King Petrus XX Announces Dissolution of Maple Leaf Bowl Organizing Body

(SP) The fourth edition of the Maple Leaf Bowl was held recently in West Guiana, or part of it at least. However, after 4 matchdays, West Guianan organizers canceled the event due to lack of attendance and a lack of interest from participating nations. This is the latest sign that Saintland Rules Gridiron may not be popular enough, outside of Saintland, to justify the holding of an international tournament for the sport. Consequently, King Petrus XX, Captain of the Saintland National Gridiron Team and the current King of Saintland, has elected to dissolve the organizing body for the tournament. "Effective immediately, I am ordering the dissolution of the Maple Leaf Bowl Confederation. I have come to this decision due to a combination of factors, including the lack of competitive balance in the tournament, the lack of interest in the tournament outside of our Kingdom, the poor attendance that led to the cancellation of the 4th edition and the general lack of international press coverage of Saintland Rules Gridiron in general and the Maple Leaf Bowl in particular. Given all of these circumstances, I feel that it would be irresponsible to allow the Maple Leaf Bowl, which was so-named by the Quebecois who hosted the first edition of the tournament, to continue operating for the foreseeable future. If international interest in Saintland Rules Gridiron increases in the future, I would be more than open to bringing it back, but for the time being, there are no plans for a Maple Leaf Bowl V." - King Petrus XX

It is hard to fault King Petrus XX for making this decision, as unfortunate as it is that he has had to make it. There just isn't room, in the international sporting landscape, for gridiron competitions that utilize non-standard rules. While some may allege that the Maple Leaf Bowl has been canceled because the current Commissioner of NSCF is from Saintland and the NSCF Committee has moved its offices to St. Petrus for the current season, this is most certainly not the case. One event is an international event involving colleges and universities. The other involves full national teams competing in our very own variant of gridiron. They just simply are not competing events, as much as some might like to say that they are.

Speaking of NSCF, the Playoffs begin tonight. Our very own University of St. Augustinus, the defending champions, have qualified as the top seed, thanks to a strong performance this season from Andreas Polus. While Polus, the quarterback who embarrassed our Kingdom by failing to lead the Saintland Rules team to a gold medal at the King Paulus XV Memorial Games, may have had one of his occasional poor performances against Utica, he has otherwise had a phenomenal season this year, throwing for 2965 yards in 13 games, with 21 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. He has also run for 432 yards this year and an additional 5 touchdowns. St. Augustinus have won 12 of 13 games this year. They will face Estope's St. Thomas University, a school that was selected by the NSCF Committee after finishing second in the Zephyr Conference behind College of Murin, a school from the nation of Estenia, a nation currently making international news for pulling off a series of surprising upsets in the Baptism of Fire. This game will be a rematch of the second non-conference game, which saw St. Thomas running back David Cummings brought down just inches shy of the goal line, as time ran out, by St. Augustinus linebacker Alistair Black in one of the most memorable plays of the NSCF season. While the previous game was played in Estope and this one will be played at Civitate Dei Stadium in St. Augustinus, this one promises to be just as much of a classic as the first one was. Be sure to pack the stadium and support the university from our Kingdom. If you can't make it to St. Augustinus to see the big game tonight, you can always watch it live on Royal One, so be sure to do so and cheer on the defending champs of NSCF as they battle for a second consecutive NSCF championship.

[Saintland]

Cutoff for the Quarterfinals of the NSCF 10 Playoffs excluding St. Thomas @ St. Augustinus

Stoneshore College (COS) 6–6 Salem Community College (WGA) (9–12 OT)
Utica University (OSR) 13–7 College of Murin (ETA)
University of Port Salem (WGA) 20–26 Ramusok Capital University (COS)

---

NSCF Season 10 Playoffs - Semifinals

#5 Ramusok Capital University (COS) @ #1 University of St. Augustinus (SNT)
#7 Salem Community College (WGA) @ #3 Utica University (OSR)

[Teague]

3rd Party Scorination of the Pioneer Bowl & Quarterfinals

Pioneer Bowl

Pioneer Bowl
Army Academy 14–17 Holy Redeemer College

Quarterfinals

Quarterfinal Matchup
 University of St. Augustinus 57–13 St. Thomas University

[Bandwagon]

Holy Redeemer College wins Pioneer Bowl
"I said we gonna win that bowl. We played a different team in the end but we won that game. We win 6/11. That is a very good result. Army Academy gave us a good game but we showed them how to play American Football, the hard way" said Dwain Martinez in his Texan African American Vernacular English accent.

"When I got that player of the year award, I felt special" said Ciarán Crosby as he received his Holy Redeemer MVP of the Season Award. "When we win, I feel happy" said Offensive Linesman Hans Cetin.
It's believed that the team went on a pub crawl in Saintland on their victory. A Youtube Video has circulated of Quinn Hendricks and Jarrett Bush fighting each other. "That was unacceptable. Jarrett will be grounded when he gets home to America. He will be put on the naughty set" screamed Jarrett Bush's overprotective mother Rachelle, who has poor hearing.

[Cosumar]

The Roaring Dragon
Ramusok Capital University's Official Online Newspaper

Dragons outlast Anchors 26-20 to claim spot in the NSCF Semifinals!
By Terran Bartolowitz, Senior

POST-GAME REPORT
PORT SALEM, NEW WEST GUIANA - The #5 Ramusok Capital Dragons prevailed over the #4 Port Salem Anchors in their quarterfinals match-up, winning 26-20 in a fast-paced clash of NSCF heavyweights.

It was less than 3 months ago that the Dragons were humiliated by "little brother" Stoneshore College in MD3. RCU was held to just 3 points as Stoneshore wrested control of the Horizon Conference, casting the entire season into doubt. But fast-forward to today, and the Dragons are the ones advancing to the semifinals...while the Bruins are on a long plane ride home after falling in overtime to Salem Community College. It wasn't easy for the RCU squad, but they silenced the home crowd at Safeco Field and dispatched the former NSCF Champions.

And boy, was it a nailbiter.

RCU jumped out to a 17-3 halftime lead before the Anchors frantically stormed back and tied the game at 20-20 with 18 seconds left in the 3rd Quarter.

But the Dragons took their time in the final period, going 80 yards in more than six minutes with Avery Broddick scampering four yards into the corner of the endzone on a pitch for what would be the game-winning touchdown.

The Port Salem defense started the game passionate and disciplined, forcing a three-and-out of Brandon Reigner and the Dragons on the opening drive of the game. But RCU’s defense in turn reminded the Anchors and their 58,000 fans that they had the 5th-ranked defense in the NSCF this season, forcing a fumble and recovering it on Port Salem’s first play of the game.

The result was a Xendel Reieffen field goal that gave the Dragons the first points of the game.

Port Salem, however, countered late in the first quarter and tied the game at 3-3 when Allen Horge hit a 28-yard field goal.

After both defenses exchanged hard hits and great coverage throughout the 2nd Quarter, Reigner and company finally broke through when the quarterback hit freshman Max Peerenboom on a booming 39-yard touchdown catch over Fegulare Dukes for the first touchdown of the game. It was Peerenboom’s first career touchdown and only catch of the game.

The throw finished a drive that needed only five plays to go 78 yards in two minutes. This quick, deep TD score has become a staple in the Dragons' offensive repertoire over the course of the season.

After RCU’s defense forced another Port Salem punt, the Dragons' methodically marched 69 yards down the field for another score, this time a Reigner-to-Broddick touchdown connection out of the flat seconds before halftime.

Ramusok's 17-3 lead quickly evaporated as soon as the two sides took the field again for the second half. Reieffen had a chance to put RCU on the board first to start the period but he missed the 46-yard field goal attempt.

It almost came back to bite RCU.

The Anchors put a pair of points on the Dragons' next drive, as linebacker Jordan Hawk burst through a gap and wrapped up a helpless Broddick in the endzone for a safety that made it a 17-5 ballgame.

Reigner tried to hit his favorite target, senior wide-out Sid Vinceant, in the slot on their next possession but the ball was tipped as Vinceant got drilled by the incoming cornerback, and Hawk was in the right place to come up with the diving interception. It was Reigner and RCU's only turnover of the game, but it came at a critical time, turning the momentum fully in Port Salem's favor.

The Anchors took advantage of the unlucky turnover and quarterback Steven Sanders hit tight end Russell Boy with a bullet to the back of the endzone that made it a 17-12 game with 7:19 left in the 3rd quarter.

Port Salem's defense also stepped up to push fortunes further in their favor, forcing the Dragons to punt - giving the ball back to a red-hot Sanders for a potential lead-taking drive. His favorite target on the drive was Quin DeWite, who finished the game with six catches for 60 yards.

The duo took the Anchors all the way to the RCU 22 before sophomore cornerback Dexter Singleton jumped a cross-route and picked off Sanders’ pass, returning it all the way to the Port Salem 35 with a little more than two minutes left in the quarter. Ramusok used a minute of the clock to give Reieffen the chance to make it an eight-point game, 20-12, from 24 yards out. The kick was sliced and hooked badly but somehow still found its way through the uprights.

It seemed RCU would comfortably take this lead into the 4th quarter, but Sanders drove the Anchors 80 yards in less than a minute and completed the two-point conversion to tie the game at 20-20.

In the 4th quarter, the Dragons' strategy was simply to not let Sanders and his explosive offense get the ball. Darren Howard repeatedly ran the ball to Avery Broddick, draining the clock and daring Port Salem to try and stop them. They couldn't. Broddick had been ineffective throughout the game, but came alive in the final quarter. 76 of his 88 rushing yards came in the final frame, including the 4-yard run that put the Dragons up for good with about 5 minutes left. Bill Astor Jr blocked the ensuing extra point to keep it a six-point game, but it wouldn't matter, as the RCU defense prevented the Anchors from even crossing midfield for the rest of the game.

Reigner finished the game 24-for-34 for 258 yards, with two TDs and an interception. His favorite target was Vinceant, who had seven catches go for 42 yards. Second receiver Akim Fjara, however, led the team in receiving yards (56) on four catches on his 20th birthday. Perhaps the most critical statistic was that RCU largely kept the explosive Port Salem offense off the field by winning the possession game (35:13 – 24:47).

Ramusok Capital will head into the Semifinals with a 11-3 overall record, riding a three-game win streak. The Dragons' last loss was to Université St. Croix in Week 11. The #1 ranked University of St. Augustinus from Saintland awaits RCU in the Semifinals. The Priests (13-1) won the Celestia Conference and slaughtered St. Thomas University 57-13 in their first round fixture. Their only loss came against Utica on the final week of the regular season. The high-scoring Priests are an intimidating match-up for the Dragons, but they are not completely invulnerable. The game will be played at Civitate Dei Stadium. With any luck, we'll at least hold up a little better than St. Thomas did and give the Cosumarite fans a performance to be proud of.

Below, you can review the box score and statistics from the Port Salem game.

Box Score	1	2	3	4	F
University of Port Salem	3	0	17	0	20
Ramusok Capital University	3	14	3	6	26

Scoring Summary
1ST (9:32) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen, 24 yard kick [3-0 RCU]
1ST (2:27) - UPS FG - A. Horge, 28 yard kick [3-3]
2ND (3:05) - RCU TD - B. Reigner 39 yard pass to M. Peerenboom [10-3 RCU]
2ND (0:18) - RCU TD - B. Reigner 6 yard pass to A. Broddick [17-3 RCU]
3RD (11:07) - UPS SF - A. Broddick tackled in endzone by J. Hawk [17-5 RCU]
3RD (7:19) - UPS TD - S. Sanders 3 yard pass to R. Boy [17-12 RCU]
3RD (1:00) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen, 24 yard kick [20-12 RCU]
3RD (0:17) - UPS TD - S. Sanders 26 yard pass to K. Stoff (Sanders pass to G. Zinner good for two-point conversion) [20-20]
4TH (5:59) - RCU TD - A. Broddick 4 yard run (Reieffen PAT blocked) [26-20 RCU]

RCU Offense Leaders
QB Brandon Reigner - 24/34 for 258 yards, 2 TD, INT
RB Avery Broddick - 26 carries for 88 yards, 3 receptions for 40 yards, 2 TD
WR Sid Vinceant - 7 receptions for 42 yards
WR Akim Fjara - 4 receptions for 56 yards
K Xendel Reieffen - 2/3 FGs, 2/3 PATs

RCU Defense Leaders
CB Dexter Singleton - 11 tackles, 1 INT
DT Ronaldo Pazaratti - 3 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack
LB Vincent Groves - 9 tackles, 1 FF

RCU and UPS Comparison
RCU: 384 total yards
UPS: 332 total yards

RCU: 1 Turnover (1 INT)
UPS: 2 Turnovers (1 INT, 1 FUM)

RCU: 41% 3rd Down Conversion
UPS: 38% 3rd Down Conversion

RCU: Touchdown on 2/4 trips to Red Zone
UPS: Touchdown on 1/2 trips to Red Zone

RCU: 7 penalties for 34 yards
UPS: 4 penalties for 27 yards

[Saintland]

Rouvin Castriota kicked off to David Cummings to start the NSCF Quarterfinal game between St. Augustinus and St. Thomas. As he was about to be tackled by Nicolaus Cecius, the St. Thomas kick returner lateraled to Stephen Logan and Logan found a hole in the kick coverage. Soon, he only had the kicker to beat. Castriota, an Acedonian who had never played gridiron before college would likely have been unable to tackle the St. Thomas punter, much less tackle their kick returner. Logan scored easily. However, the extra point attempt by Pierre Bell would be blocked by Marcus Pituanius and absolutely nothing would go right for St. Thomas over the remainder of the game.

On a night when the St. Augustinus offense scored on literally every possession, there was never any serious doubt which team was going to prevail. After Andreas Polus and the St. Augustinus offense took the field by introducing an entirely new offensive system, based around an aggressive ground game, it soon became clear that St. Thomas was not going to be able to stop the St. Augustinus Option scheme and, correspondingly, that Polus would not need to put the ball into the air very often on this day. The very first play caught the visitors off guard. Polus faked a toss to Donatien Dumoulin, who ran a sweep to the right side, and then ran to the left side of the field. Polus managed to get to the corner ahead of Zack Dunn and make the St. Thomas corner miss. Soon, he was clear into the secondary, where he would be brought down from behind by Alex Murphy by the slimmest of margins. On the very next play, Dumoulin got the handoff and took it straight up the middle. After running over Stephen Underwood, Dumoulin turned on the jets and was gone. In 2 plays, St. Augustinus had gone the length of the field. A successful extra point attempt would give them the lead, a lead that they would never again relinquish.

Just moments later, Clay Bolton dropped back for a play-action pass. However, Alistair Black recognized the fake, quickly floored the quarterback and knocked the ball out. An opportunistic Havasy Barna picked it up and rumbled toward the end zone, eventually being brought down at the 1 yard line by St. Thomas running back David Cummings. A quarterback sneak by Polus put St. Augustinus up 14 to 6. This lead would only grow after Nicolaus Polus ended up covered by safety Jonathan Glenn on a play action pass play. Using a safety to cover a wideout is never a good idea and it certainly wasn't here. Andreas tossed a deep ball in the direction of his twin and Nicolaus came up with it. Glenn missed a desperate diving tackle and Polus was gone. Suddenly, the score was 21 to 6 in favor of St. Augustinus. Things only got more lopsided prior to halftime, as both Plinius and Popillius found the end zone, putting the home team up 35 to 6 at the half. If there was any doubt who would win the game at this point, it was settled early on the third quarter, as Polus led a methodical drive from one end of the field to the other, culminating in a 17 yard touchdown run by Andreas Polus to put the home side up 42 to 6. Then, on the first St. Thomas drive of the second half, Bolton was sacked 3 consecutive times, the third sack forcing a safety. With a 44 to 6 advantage, St. Augustinus drove down the field for a field goal to make it 47. Then, they made it 50. St. Thomas scored an irrelevant touchdown and made the extra point this time around, but by this point, it was too little too late. Andreas Polus finished off the scoring with a third touchdown run and St. Augustinus won by a 57 to 13 margin, setting up a showdown against Cosumar's Ramusok Capital University, a very formidable opponent coming off of a close victory against the University of Port Salem, of West Guiana. Ramusok hadn't even won their conference and yet they were in the semi-finals, both teams just 2 wins away from the championship. As that match kicked off, Civitate Dei Stadium was sold out, once again, and ready to cheer on the home team as they battled to become the first ever repeat NSCF champion...

[Saintland]

NSCF 10 Semifinal between Salem Community College and Utica University

Utica University (OSR) 16–9 Salem Community College (WGA)

---

NSCF Season 10 Championship Game

Utica University (OSR) vs Ramusok Capital University (COS)
@ Klyde Sportsplex, Klyde City, North Klyde Fief, Cosumar

[Teague]

Semifinals Matchup
University of St. Augustinus 7–41 Ramusok Capital University

[Kemobon]

Semifinals Matchup
University of St. Augustinus 7–[b]41 Ramusok Capital University[/b]

OUCH

[Osarius]

After Utica's non-conference scheduling decisions almost backfired spectacularly, the Tigers recovered in the playoffs, taking down College of Murin and Salem Community College en route to a fourth appearance in the championship game, their first since their defeat to hated rivals Arkinesia in NSCF 4.

"Yeah, it's been a while." Utica head coach Daniel Corsey admitted, referring to his team's return to the championship game. After playing three championship games in the first four seasons of the league, Utica have stumbled and fell short time after time, with their legendary coach Mike Zampese retiring and succumbing to his heart problems in the time since. "I think I speak for everyone involved in the program when I say I wish Mike had lived to see it."

Utica's playoff wins this season have been uncharacteristically low-scoring, underlining the Tigers' struggles offensively with Maurice Henderson under center, but Corsey insists there is nothing to worry about. "Mo has done fine, we're not concerned about what he brings to the table. He's accurate, he's protecting the football well, he's doing everything we've asked of him." The understated coach may have a point. Henderson has completed 219 of his 314 pass attempts through fifteen games this season, for a total of 2,831 yards and 23 touchdowns. In addition to his impressive passing, Henderson has maintained his reputation as a "safe" passer, having thrown just five interceptions. He still has that awkwardly true modesty, too -- "I just try to do what my coaches ask me to do" he says -- that despite being genuine, doesn't endear him to fans (or the media) in the way his predecessors did.

Of course, Henderson is not the only Tiger with a massive shadow looming over him. Corsey himself knows all too well how much he is being compared to his mentor and old friend, the man still referred to affectionately as "Coach Mike". He understands the difficulties he will face -- and already has faced -- as a Utica insider, let alone the struggles that would have faced anyone else. "It's not something I think about too much, he was a good friend of mine, a legend. He changed things around here for good, winning became an expectation thanks to him... I know I can never really replace a man of his stature." Corsey conceded in the press-conference after Utica's semi-final win last week. The former offensive co-ordinator has grown noticeably in the head coach role at Utica, though. From a man who looked close to being overwhelmed at times in his first season at the helm, to a man who oozed calm ahead of a championship game. "I learnt a few things from Mike." He quipped.

One area of Utica's game which looks significantly stronger than it typically did under Zampese, though, is the running game. Isaac Sawyer's monster stats have seen him come agonizingly close to breaking Rashad Jackson's eighteen year old yardage record in a regular season. As it stands, Jackson's 1,843 yards from scrimmage remains the Utica record through a regular season (upto 13 games) but Sawyer's 1,798 all purpose yards -- while splitting carries with Romeo Brown -- through to the shock win over reigning champions St Augustinus three weeks ago are frankly outstanding. "I was a big fan of Sheldon Taylor as a kid." Sawyer tells us. "But I modelled my game on Quentin Jackson, Rashad's brother. It's crazy to think I could maybe have broken a record almost as old as me if we'd been a little sharper. Really drives home how important it is to stay focused at all times, you know?" Sawyer's candid appraisal of his 'failure' is a tonic to Alex Hardison, Utica's offensive co-ordinator. In a year where the offense has struggled -- by their lofty standards, at least -- the elusive back has effectively carried the team at times. "Isaac is phenomenal, I think he's gotta be in the discussion for M.O.P. [Most Outstanding Player] this season whether we win the championship or not." Hardison gushed. "He's just so versatile, and durable despite some thinking he was perhaps undersized and would struggle in a physical division like the Tubrissian in OCGL."

If the constant comparisons to their predecessors is bothering the Tigers in general, they're concealing their concerns well. The entire team appeared relatively relaxed ahead of the championship game tomorrow, against a foe they know all too well. Their late turnaround defeat against the Dragons in non-conference play marked the first time they'd lost to the Cosumarite school, the only other survivors from NSCF's inaugural season. That year, Utica defeated Ramusok Capital en route to the playoffs, before Arkinesia eliminated them in the semi-finals. Had the Dragons beaten the Wyverns, we may well have seen a different rivalry dominate NSCF's early years -- a possibility not lost on Corsey.

"It's strange to think that we've only played them a few times in ten years. There's not much of a rivalry there, but it would have been interesting. They've always been a pretty high-powered offense, like us." Corsey said of the Dragons. "I think a neutral would have them as the favourites this time, too, and for the past ten years we've almost never been the underdogs. I have no doubt they're fired up, ready to prove after a decade that they're good enough. And what better way to prove it than by taking us down? We're still the pinnacle. The history, the records, the talent. It's gonna be a good one."

RCU have normally relied somewhat on the strong, accurate arm of Brandon Reigner this season to propel them to victory. This might not fly against Utica's still elite secondary. Utica defensive co-ordinator Anthony Channa insists that any attempt to air it out will be shot down swiftly. "We're ready for that. We're always ready for that. Let them try and throw it. We're ready." He said. "We dropped the ball against Port Salem, and Reigner caught us napping a little the first time, but now we know. We know about Reigner. We know about the dragons. We know who they are." Channa's faith in his unit is unwavering. After dominating Woodlands conference with a perfect record and an average of only 3.6 points allowed per game, it's perhaps understandable. Even last time out against RCU, Utica's defense was solid. The Dragons managed to score on five of their first six possessions, but they didn't get into the redzone until late in the fourth. "It was a great play, but a little lucky, I think" Channa quipped, referring to that lone Dragons touchdown. They will need to stand tall again in the Dragon's Den if they are to stand a chance of claiming a third NSCF title.

Looking at the matchup, it seems likely that the key to victory for Utica will be on defense. Allowing the game become a shootout would give RCU yet another advantage that they probably don't need. Though you'd never guess it, from Corsey's confidence. "The odds are against us, sure." Corsey admitted. "But they said that in NSCF 1 against Arkinesia." He added with a grin.

[Cosumar]

The Roaring Dragon
Ramusok Capital University's Official Online Newspaper

RCU crushes defending champion to advance to first NSCF Championship!
By Terran Bartolowitz, Senior

POST-GAME REPORT
ST. AUGUSTINUS, SAINTLAND - In the week leading up to RCU's first Semifinal game since NSCF 2, Head Coach Darren Howard constantly harassed his defense about the importance of putting pressure on St. Augustinus' quarterback Andreas Polus.

The defensive line did just that, accounting for six sacks on the night and stifling the hitherto prolific Priests offense. That defensive pressure, partnered with a season-high 371 yards on offense, allowed the Dragons to blow by the #1 seeded team 41-7.

"It's one of the most important wins in the history of our program, especially being on the road in a tough environment,” Howard said. “We obviously had several things to clean up after a gritty Port Salem game, but I think this was the most complete team victory we've had all year. The kids executed extremely well. There are still corrections to be made, but overall I loved the effort. And it was against a team that was arguably the best in the NSCF the last two seasons, so I'm delighted for our kids and their accomplishment."

Four different Dragons contributed towards RCU's five touchdowns. Junior running back Avery Broddick led the offensive charge with a game-high 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

RCU's defense was equally solid, holding the Priests to 3/13 on third down and producing a shutout for the final three quarters. St. Augustinus, which amassed almost 33 points per game during conference play, managed just 173 yards of offense against RCU.

"All year we’ve been on the field more than we should and letting people drive the ball down at critical times. We wanted to make a statement in this one and set the tone early,” RCU senior linebacker Vincent Groves said. “When the offense gets the ball, they do a good job of driving it down. Today, we tried to get off with quick stops and get the offense the ball so they can get us more points."

RCU struck first with senior kicker Xendel Reiffen's 37-yarder with 5:56 remaining in the first quarter.

St. Augustinus responded on its next possession when Donatien Dumoulin punched in a rushing touchdown that capped an eight-play, 76-yard drive for a 7-3 lead with 1:30 to go in the first quarter. The 38,207 fans at Civitate Dei Stadium were riled up for the early lead and smelled blood, but little did they know it was the last time the Priests would get near the end zone this season.

The Dragons didn’t stay down for long, thanks to Akim Fjara. The receiver shredded a tackle and juked his way 22 yards down the field on a punt return to set up RCU at midfield. Four plays later, he broke free down the right sideline and caught beautiful spiral from Brandon Reigner for RCU’s first touchdown - and a 10-7 lead early in the 2nd quarter.

St. Augustinus responded quickly, rocketing into RCU territory on their ensuing drive after Geronimo Milanese's 38-yard return, a pair of Thomas Otacilius receptions and a horse collar penalty. But the Dragons’ defense dug in and forced Rouvin Castriota to attempt a 44-yard field goal. He came up short with 10:24 to go in the second.

From there, things started really going downhill for the Priests.

The Dragons saw some fireworks when Reigner let it fly for a 61-yard scoring strike that found senior receiver Sid Vinceant for a 17-7 lead.

RCU tacked on another score before halftime as Reieffen came through with a 23-yard field goal to give RCU a 20-7 advantage. To match their offensive counterparts, the defense ended the half when Tobi Buttonien sacked Polus on 3rd & 10.

Broddick set the tone as RCU’s workhorse early in the second half on a four-play, 39-yard drive that was punctuated with his 8-yard touchdown run for a 27-7 lead. With the stadium now dead silent, the Priests were unable to ignite any offensive spark. The Dragons’ defense forced a three-and-out, allowing the RCU offense to add once again to its ever-increasing lead. Third-string running back Vander Middlesworth recorded his first touchdown of the season with a 1-yard dive over the goal line to make it 34-7 in the 3rd.

RCU got one more look at the end zone before calling it a night. The Dragons ate up 88 yards on 13 plays late in the 4th quarter, including four-straight 1st Down rushes by Broddick, tormenting the crowd en route to another touchdown and a 41-7 win.

You can review the box score and statistics from the St. Augustinus game at the bottom of the page.



CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
Despite being a founding member of NSCF, Cosumar had never hosted a Championship nor sent a team to the big game in nine years of the league's existence. Now, both of these dreams are coming true in the same season.

The crown jewel of Cosumarite college football, Ramusok Capital University, has finally made it to the NSCF Championship - and they will play the game at The Klyde Sportsplex, a mere 30 minute monorail ride from their own campus. Indeed, it seems the stars have aligned for RCU's first title. The team is riding a colossal wave of momentum, coming off an absolute thrashing of the #1 seeded Priests, and will have a huge home advantage. All they have to do now is defeat Utica - a team they already beat a few weeks ago.

With all of this in mind, it would be easy for the Dragons believe they're "destined" to win. They must not fall into this trap. There is no such thing as a "Team of Destiny" and every win must be earned. It took a miracle to get our first ever win against Utica earlier this year, and they will be hungry to exact their revenge in front of 100,000 RCU fans. The Dragons should be confident, pumped and maybe even "swag", but Head Coach Darren Howard mustn't let this cross the line into complacency.

In the last meeting between the Tigers and the Dragons, RCU dominated the first half but Utica clawed back to take the lead in the 4th quarter. It took what will likely be the catch-of-the-year and a gritty defensive stand to pull out the win.

The Tigers' offense isn't as explosive under Maurice Henderson as it once was, but Isaac Sawyer is likely the best running back in NSCF (1,798 all-purpose yards) and their defense is still a force to be reckoned with. Dragons' running back Avery Broddick joked that he still has bruises leftover from the Utica game, in which Anthony Channa's unit held him under 50 yards. Their team is disciplined and fundamentally sound in all areas under Head Coach Daniel Corsey, who is eager to create his own legacy at Utica.

The Dragons' gameplan should be to shut down Isaac Sawyer at all costs and force them to throw the ball downfield. Force them to become one-dimensional. Once that happens, the Dragons should be confident enough in their secondary and pass rush to limit Henderson's opportunities. On the other side of the field, all of the Dragons' eggs are in the basket of quarterback Brandon Reigner. The senior has had an exemplary season and they will need one more stellar effort from him if they want to lift that beautiful trophy.

Downtown Klyde is already flooded with tourists here to see the big game. Mostly blue-clad Dragons supporters, but also a fair number of orange shirts sprinkled throughout the crowds. The monorails, bridges and roads coming into Klyde from Ramusok have been jammed all day as people try to make their way to the Sportsplex for the big game. Kickoff is in one hour, and the game will be televised nationally on CSBN.

Thank you for reading this special Championship Preview edition of The Roaring Dragon. All of you at the game, be safe and have fun. Go Dragons!

Box Score	1	2	3	4	F
University of St. Augustinus	7	0	0	0	7
Ramusok Capital University	3	17	14	7	41

Scoring Summary
1ST (5:56) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen 37 yard kick [3-0 RCU]
1ST (1:30) - AUG TD - D. Dumoulin 1 yard run [7-3 AUG]
2ND (11:37) - RCU TD - A. Fjara 33 yard pass from B. Reigner [10-7 RCU]
2ND (9:57) - RCU TD - S. Vinceant 61 yard pass from B. Reigner [17-7 RCU]
2ND (6:19) - RCU FG - X. Reieffen 23 yard kick [20-7 RCU]
3RD (11:28) - RCU TD - A. Broddick 8 yard run [27-7 RCU]
3RD (5:35) - RCU TD - V. Middlesworth 1 yard run [34-7 RCU]
4TH (5:09) - RCU TD - A. Broddick 2 yard run [41-7 RCU]

RCU Offense Leaders
QB Brandon Reigner - 9/14 for 192 yards, 2 TD
RB Avery Broddick - 16 carries for 114 yards, 2 TD
RB Darrelius Diggs - 12 carries for 35 yards, 2 receptions for 10 yards
WR Sid Vinceant - 3 receptions for 98 yards, TD
K Xendel Reieffen - 2/2 FGs, 5/5 PATs

RCU Defense Leaders
LB Vincent Groves - 8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 deflection
DE Tobi Buttonien - 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL
FS Samuel Murray - 3 tackles, 1 INT, 3 deflections

RCU and AUG Comparison
RCU: 371 total yards
UPS: 173 total yards

RCU: 0 Turnovers
AUG: 1 Turnover (1 INT)

RCU: 60% 3rd Down Conversion
AUG: 23% 3rd Down Conversion

RCU: 6 penalties for 75 yards
AUG: 17 penalties for 137 yards

[Saintland]

Since both finalists have already RPed and it doesn't seem like any additional bowl games will be confirmed, I'll cut off a few minutes early tonight.

EDIT:

Ramusok Capital University (COS) 27–13 Utica University (OSR)

Congrats to the winner, commiserations to the other 29 schools and thanks to everybody who participated in this season of NSCF!