World Bowl XXV - Everything Thread

[Saintland]

Saintland National Gridiron Team

Captain: Georgius Didius
Style: -5
Base Formation: variable (offense), 3-4 (defense)
Colors: Red and White
Demonym: Sanctii
Stadium: Royal Stadium
Stadium Location: St. Petrus
Stadium Capacity: 62,383

Roster

Offensive Rotation

QB: #6 Paulus Salvius
QB: #5 Thomas Ulpius
RB: #36 Andreas Tuccius
RB: #32 Petrus Maximius
FB: #49 Alessandro Ancharius
WR: #88 Ioannes Lusius
WR: #85 Lucius Herius
WR: #82 Matthaeus Epidius
WR: #89 Thomas Lusius
WR: #83 Ioannes Oranius
TE: #81 Matthaeus Favonius
TE: #87 Thomas Favonius
TE: #80 Paulus Favonius
LT: #74 Lucas Floridius
LG: #68 Ioannes Conconius
C: #75 Abraham Nemetorius
RG: #65 Isaac Secundius
RT: #77 Marcus Nigrius

Defensive Lineup

LE: #92 Thomas Calventius
NG: #90 David Vargunteius
RE: #99 Andreas Cammius
LOLB: #52 Georgius Didius
LILB: #55 Matthaeus Publicius
RILB: #59 Lucas Sepurcius
ROLB: #50 Silvester Didius
CB: #23 Lucius Curtius
CB: #26 Lucas Desticius
Nickel: #28 Paulus Rufrius
Dime: #22 Stephanus Praesentius
FS: #25 Matthaeus Stlaccius
SS: #20 Marcus Stlaccius

Special Teams

K: #9 Philippus Francus
P: #8 Josephus Polus
Long Snap: #69 Adam Sennius
Return: #84 Nicolaus Lusius
Kick Cover: #51 Petrus Roscius

Backups

QB: #2 Andreas Polus
RB: #31 Matthaeus Loreius
FB: #44 Lucas Matius
WR: #86 Alessandro Norbanus
OT: #72 Petrus Vassinus
OT: #79 Paulus Vassinus
OG: #73 Lucas Valgus
OG: #62 Antonius Terentia
C: #66 Ioannes Sidonius
DE: #93 Ioannes Minucius
NG: #97 Petrus Maelius
OLB: #56 Andreas Oclatinius
ILB: #58 Lucius Mucius
CB: #27 Adam Lampronius
S: #24 Paulus Placidus
S: #29 Lucas Lutatius

Notes

King Petrus XX is an athletic QB who is known to scramble frequently. He is also the new King of Saintland. During World Bowl XX, he famously suffered a serious injury suffered at the hooves of the Equestrian States, but he returned during World Bowl XXI as good as ever and was especially dominant during World Bowls XXII and XXIII. Salvius is more of an accurate pocket passer. Ulpius is a big quarterback with a very strong arm who can run a little. Tuccius is a power RB and Maximius is a speed back. Loreius is a great pass catcher, but lacks elite power or elite speed. Ancharius is a large fullback who moves pretty well and can make some plays. Matius is a pure blocking fullback. Matthaeus and Thomas Favonius are twins and Paulus Favonius is their younger brother. Ioannes Lusius is a deep threat and all-around dominant WR. Herius is more of a possession WR. Epidius is a relatively tall WR. Thomas Lusius is the younger brother of Ioannes. He is a speed WR who is drop-prone. All of the defensive linemen are big players that would be defensive tackles in a 4-3. Oranius is a balanced WR. Georgius Didius is an elite pass rusher. His brother Silvester is more of a coverage OLB. The Stlaccius brothers are known for their hard hits. The defense is extremely aggressive and tends to show alot of different looks. They use movement to throw the opposition off guard. Offensively, Saintland tends to run the ball most of the time, but they are an extremely deep offense that can run any style of offense. They can go no huddle or use a huddle. They can go option and they can go run and shoot. Saintland will run trick plays and they will call unexpected plays. Prince Petrus calls the offensive signals and Georgius Didius calls defensive signals. If Didius is knocked out of a game, Publicius would likely become the defensive signalcaller. The league in Saintland has 12 players per side, 3 downs, a 110-yard field that is also wider and 20 yard end zones ("Canadian" rules). This team won Arena Bowl IV with an undefeated record. They finished 9-5 at World Bowl XX and, despite playing without Prince Petrus, won the inaugural Maple Leaf Bowl with an undefeated record. At World Bowl XXI, they went 7-2, failing to advance out of the 2nd group stage after Francus blew a potential game-winning field goal against the Quebecois. That defeat would be followed by a mistake-filled defeat against Taeshan, which eliminated the Sanctii from the World Bowl. At World Bowl XXII, on home turf, they were undefeated in the Casaran stage and undefeated in the Group Stage, but after being stunned by West Guiana in the Quarterfinals, they were out, despite having fewer losses in World Bowl XXII than anybody else, including champions Cassadaigua. Since then, they have won 2 more editions of the Maple Leaf Bowl, but their quest for their first World Bowl title in Estope came up short when Belle Marquette of the Allamunnic States snatched a Hail Maria pass out of the hands of Ioannes Lusius. In World Bowl XXIV, the Sanctii finally won the World Bowl, doing so in dominant fashion. They won all 11 of their games in the 24th World Bowl, outscoring their opponents 326 to 94 in the process and dominating on both sides of the ball. Sweetest of all was a 23 to nothing dissection of the Equestrian States in the semis.

However, King Petrus XX has decided to boycott World Bowl XXV, due to the controversial decision of the World Bowl Assembly to choose the Equestrian States as host of this edition of the World Bowl. Instead, Georgius Didius will captain the team and Didius has already made his intentions to change the Sanctii offense clear. Salvius and Ulpius will now alternate as quarterbacks, as they did at the first Maple Leaf Bowl and will operate a ball control scheme designed to allow the Sanctii defense to remain rested and keep the opposition deep within their own end of the field. While the Sanctii defense has always been a strong unit, they've always been overshadowed and even hamstrung by the dominant Sanctii offense. Now, Didius wants his unit to carry the Sanctii National Team to a World Bowl and King Petrus, always looking for a chance to get one over on the Equestrian team, has agreed to go along with the change in philosophy.

RP Permissions

Choose my scorers: Y
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[Southern Democratic States]

The Southern Democratic States drawn into an easy group!

Surprisingly, the Southern Democratic States (75) are the 2nd best ranked team in it's group and this is our first ever World Bowl. The Southerners are drawn into group 3 with Osarius (17), Eritai (95) and United We Stand 123 (126). The position in the standings will determine pot placement for the second stage. So for example if SDS finish 2nd, we'll be placed in the 2nd pot. Let's analyze these teams:

Osarius: The only team we can't beat, they finished 3rd in their group behind Saintland and Hop Nation (it was a group of 8 teams) at the World Bowl XXIV and they certainly will do better this time. Prediction: 6-0 1st in group 3.

SDS: This is our first participation in the World Cup. SDS won the Baptism of Iron XVII with a 10-0 record and we are looking to stay undefeated until we meet Osarius. SDS' offense is led by running back Coconut Riddick and quarterback Clifford Jenkins. Our defense was one of the best at the Baptism of Fire XVII, allowing 41 points in 10 games. And if we exclude the game against Eritai, which we won 47-21, SDS only allowed 20 points in 9 games. Prediction: 3-3 2nd in group 3.

Eritai: This is Eritai's first participation in the World Bowl. They lost 47-21 in the quarterfinals of the Baptism of Iron XVII against us and they surely look for a revenge. Eritai had one of the best offense in the BoI but their defense is average. Eritai doesn't reveal the name of their players due to the magic contained whitin their names. Prediction: 2-4 3rd in group 3.

United We Stand 123: Another Baptism of Iron XVII participant, United We Stand 123 finished 3rd in group 3 and didn't qualify for the round 2. Prediction: 1-5 4th in group 3.

SDS schedule (first group stage):
Matchday 1: Eritai vs SDS
Matchday 2: SDS vs United We Stand 123 @ DynastyLink Field, Waddington
Matchday 3: Osarius vs SDS
Matchday 4: SDS vs Eritai @ SouthEx Field, Floydsburg
Matchday 5: United We Stand 123 vs SDS
Matchday 6: SDS vs Osarius @ SouthEx Field, Floydsburg

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
World Bowl XXV Coverage

Training Camp Review: Week One
Group draw posted, opening scrimmage, quarterback controversy, offensive wrinkles, and an aging secondary?
by Helga Eriksunn

The first week of training camp is in the books for the Allamunnic national gridiron team, and there's plenty to report on.

Group Draw Posted

The draw for the first group stage has been announced, and the Regulars seem to have drawn a fairly manageable group. The Regulars, ranked fourth in the world, have drawn a group that consists of #25 Jeckland, #116 Farlandria, and #122 Mieraskya. The group has a considerable gulf between it's favored team (the #4 Regulars), it's second-best team (on paper, #25 Jeckland), and the lower two teams (who are separated by 91 ranking points between Jeckland and Farlandria).

So what's going to keep this group from being absurdly boring? Well, for a start, the Regulars have typically had trouble decisively winning group stages: if one looks at previous years, even ones where they won championships, the Regulars typically drop at least one perfectly-winnable game to inferior competition. Logically, Jeckland would seem the most likely candidate to do this, except that the Regulars have typically performed well against solidly-ranked teams. Looking at previous trends, if the Regulars drop a trap game, it is much more likely to come against a team like Farlandria.

Baeryk Vaalburger owned up to his team's history during the press conference that followed the announcement.

"Looking at the schedule, it's an easy enough one on paper. We're ranked a solid twenty places above the next-closest competition," he said. "But it's precisely when we're favored by so much that we have a nasty habit of dropping perfectly winnable games. So we need to make sure we prepare for every team well. I know you cannot prepare for every team like they are the number one team in the world; that causes mental fatigue. But we need to treat every team like a credible threat, because as we have seen in previous World Bowl experience, every team is a threat. You cannot afford to take a week off, unless you are resting your starters after locking up your group."

Early projections by Allamunnic Sports Network (ASN) and Allamunnic States Daily's Sports staff are in.

Group 11 Final Standings (Projected)
1) Allamunnic States (6-0, ASN)(5-1, ASD)
2) Jeckland (4-2, ASN)(4-2, ASD)
3) Farlandria (1-5, ASN)(3-3, ASD)
4) Mieraskya (1-5, ASN)(1-5, ASD)

Where ASN has projected the Regulars to finish the first group stage undefeated, Allamunnic States Daily is projecting one loss, a close one on the road against Farlandria. Hopefully, however, this staff will be wrong on that count.

Quarterback Controversy

Through the first week of camp, Bryndyn Harlaw and Leif Eriksunn split reps with the first-team offense, and the results should have the incumbent worried. Harlaw has looked crisp all week, connecting on deep and short throws and extending plays with his legs. Meanwhile, against a pass-rush that has looked alive, Eriksunn has looked lost, bewildered, and under siege, throwing numerous interceptions and missing wide-open receivers.

Of course, Harlaw's more wide-open, sandlot-style of play has left head coach Baeryk Vaalburger irritated, according to several reports, due to the contradiction with the style and philosophy of Vaalburger's offense. That said, whatever his personal reservations, Vaalburger has expressed openness to starting Harlaw, telling reporters at a press conference that he would "start whichever players, at any position, that give us the best chance to win."

In part because of his electric play at World Bowl XXIV and in the wake of these preseason developments, it appears that sales of Harlaw's #3 jersey have surged past those for Eriksunn's #9. It seems clear who the fans are throwing in with. This development reached its fever-pitch during the Regulars' scrimmage against the Staalburg Ironmongers on Saturday, where Eriksunn got the start, threw three interceptions, and was benched amid calls for Harlaw.

Of course, the World Bowl has not even begun, yet, so how this develops further remains to be seen.

Regulars beat Ironmongers, 19-17

The national team's offense sputtered during a scrimmage against the AGC runners-up Staalburg Ironmongers, but late heroics by the defense, back-up QB Bryndyn Harlaw, and kicker Justyn Kynyks allowed the Regulars to escape from Staalburg with the win.

The game was largely a defensive struggle, with the Ironmongers striking first on their second possession. After driving 62 yards from their own 35, the 'Mongers were forced by a defensive stand to knock in a field-goal, taking a 3-0 lead. The Regulars nearly answered on the following drive, but were turned back when Leif Eriksunn was picked off in the endzone. After both teams punted on the following drives, the Regulars nearly scored on the following drive, although facing the same result, as Eriksunn was picked off once again, this time at the Staalburg 18 yard-line. The quarter ended with the Regs trailing 3-0.

Luckily, on the next Ironmongers' drive, Danley Vicious strip-sacked Kristian Moore, giving the Regulars the ball on the Staalburg 41. On the following play, Daanyl Wyndhorst took the handoff up the middle and broke a huge run, reaching the endzone on the 41-yard sprint. Kynyks followed it up with the PAT, giving the Regulars the lead, 7-3. The teams traded punts two more times before the Regulars managed another drive. This time, though, Leif Eriksunn once again tossed an endzone interception, ending a promising drive. Kristian Moore connected on three long passes to give the Ironmongers a touchdown seconds before the half-ended. After the PAT, the first half ended with the Ironmongers leading the Regulars, 10-7.

The Regulars took the opening kickoff of the half with the back-ups taking over. The Regulars marched down the field, but a strong stand around the Staalburg 40 saw them forced to punt. The teams traded punts for much of the third quarter before, with three minutes left in the quarter, Harlaw managed to extend a play before lobbing a deep bomb. Emma Kaarlsunn caught the pass after 35 yards through the air before running the rest of the way into the endzone to give the Regulars the lead, 14-10.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Ironmongers managed to move down the field in spurts, with a long drive from their own 26 culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by James McCallum, giving the Ironmongers the lead back, 17-14. The teams traded punts on the following drives. The Regulars ended up punting again after a drive to mid-field, with Wyatt Skode pinning the 'Mongers at their own 4.

Two stuffed runs later, Kristian Moore dropped back to pass. Seeing nobody open, he tried to scramble out of the pocket to at least get the team out of their own end zone. Unfortunately for him, SAM linebacker Maarkus Staalhelm spotted him and streaked toward him, smashing the quarterback to the turf just inside the end zone for the safety.

Anna Eriklunn ran back the ensuing fair punt to the Regulars' 38 yard-line. From there, the Regulars' offense, under Bryndyn Harlaw's direction, managed to march down the field before being stalled at the goal-line. Trailing by a single point, the Regulars burned as much time as they could before Kynyks knocked in an 18-yard field goal to give the Regulars' the lead, 19-17. On the Ironmongers next drive, the defense managed to force a stop on fourth down, and the Regulars were able to run the clock out on the win.

New offensive wrinkles?

A quarterback controversy is not the only complication looming for Vaalburger's boys and girls; offensive coordinator and play-caller Torren Waalturs seems to have spent the last few months designing plays and schemes and trying to add new elements to the offense. This seems to be generating a not-insignificant amount of friction between the offensive coordinator and his head coach, who seem to have some differences of opinion on the team's philosophy.

Part of this relates to the controversy under center; Waalturs seems excited about the opportunities that Harlaw brings, and has been adding more option plays to the playbook, as well as more bootlegs and roll-outs, designed QB runs, and short passes. The integration of quick passes, bootlegs, and designed QB runs does not look good for Eriksunn, who is not as well-suited to such a system as Harlaw, and the increased emphasis on speed and finesse is at odds with classic Allamunnic gridiron. This is not something that Vaalburger has been excited about.

"It is important to do whatever it takes, within the rules of the game, to win, but there comes a point where you risk losing your identity to do so. And this team has seen before that that can cause long-term problems. Our identity is that of a hard-nosed, smashmouth team. We cannot lose sight of that."

An aging secondary?

The one part of the defense that has many pundits concerned is the secondary. With three starters aged thirty years or older, the starters of the unit as a whole are slower than they used to be. ASN's Corynn Danley looked at tape from the Regulars' scrimmage with the Ironmongers, highlighting points where diminished speed in the secondary cost them, noting that at least three scoring drives could have been halted had Junn Tanner or Isabelle Margusunn been fast enough to reach the ball before the receiver completed the catch.

"It is very worrying to see a secondary that has been counted on to make plays for so long become vulnerable like this," she explained in the segment, analyzing a play in which Margusunn was beat for a deep touchdown. Another analyst, The Staalburg Minutes' Erik Haalstrum, speculated that the Regulars are not starting their four best defensive backs" due to personal attachments of the coaching staff. Haalstrum could not be reached for comment for this edition.

We will continue to watch, to see if the staff addresses this potential weakness in the Regulars' vaunted defense.

Quick Hits

- After battling through nagging lower-body injuries last year, tailback Daanyl Wyndhorst looked crisp and explosive in practice. "Everything feels right where it should be. I'm not experiencing any pain, stiffness, or discomfort," he told reporters on Tuesday.

- Dunnmaar Bruins head coach and former national team defensive coordinator Theo Dahlstadt visited the team's practice on Thursday. The former defensive coordinator spent several minutes talking with current defensive coordinator Elias Mourner.

- The latest numbers are in, and the top five-selling jerseys on the team are in. Selling the most by far is tailback Daanyl Wyndhorst's #27 jersey, followed by Belle Margusunn's #1, Bryndyn Harlaw's #3, Danley Vicious's #41, and Godwyn Braanur's #85.

[Ko-oren]

Ko-oren - World Bowl 25
Ko-orenite National Gridiron Team Roster | Ko-oreniet Nationaal Gridironteam | Seleção Ko-orenense de Gridiron | Équipe de Ko-oren de Football Gridiron | アメフト コ・オレン 代表

Position	First	Second	Third
QB	Cedric Duval	Boudewijn de Leeuw	Charles Albert
RB	Guy Lindsay	Levi van Daele	Guilherme Lima
WR	An-Nam Kyu	Eom Shin-Il	Naotake Kitagawa
C	Tobias Sneijder	Slavomír Nedvěd	-
G	Zhang Li		Victor Robert
T	Gregor Vanek	Shiraishi Takauji	Alexander Rose
TE	Aðalsteinn Páll	Han Suk-Chul	-

Position	First	Second	Third
S	Haneul Ji	Keishi Toyoda	Marco Guerra
CB	Min-Ho Ri	Cornélio Ivo	Franck Lebreton
LB	Hyun Sung	Gaël Aubin	Miles Clint	Yasunobu Uchiyama
E	Neal Powell	Tomas Saldanha	Vivien Henri
T	Oscar Charlton	Hwang-Ju Won	Horace Atherton

Position	First	Second	Third
K	Ralph Alexander	Nina Loiseau (f)	Liu Jie
P	Qian Lang	Vincent Jansen	Laura Chauvet (f)

Ko-orenite Roster for World Bowl 25
Nicknames: Greenblues, Dragonflies
Demonym: Ko-orenite
Colors: Green and blue
Head coach: Lester Gregurithun
Offensive coach: Altai Helgelithen
Defensive coach: Derek Brown

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Y
Choose scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Godmod injuries: Y
Godmod other events: Y
Style Modifier (Between +5 and -5, +5 being most offensive and -5 being most defensive): -5

[Abanhfleft]

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

WORLD BOWL XXV GROUP DRAW: WHERE ABANHFLEFT LIES, AND WHAT AWAITS US
By Ilham Mezukov

KAMMALA, GARUFALOE - It's that time of the year again! Yes, folks, I am talking about the World Bowl of gridiron football, which is already in its 25th edition! As every Fleftic knows, we made our debut in the 24th World Bowl last year, after our national gridiron team triumphed over every other newcomer in the 16th Baptism of Iron in Gregoryisgodistan. Unfortunately, we couldn't perform as well as we would have wanted against the veteran teams of the World Bowl, and we bowed out at just the group stage. But now, the national team will look to go big or go home, so to speak, in this World Bowl XXV. But before we can do that, we must first look at our groupmates, now that the Equestrian States (the host of the current tournament) have made the group draw. Here are our opponents in the coming days.

SCHOTTIA (93)
Abanhfleft has already met Schottia in a number of other sports tournaments, most notably in the 32nd Di Bradini Cup, when a brawl almost erupted between the two teams after a particularly contentious foul. In gridiron, the students of Thereisnogodistan notably handed Schottia a whopping defeat in the semifinals of BoI XVII, but the Schottians managed to rebound by winning third place against Hambeich, which is rumored to be affiliated with the Tsardom of Estenia, another nation with whom Abanhfleft has had numerous encounters in the field of sports.

It appears that Schottia doesn't have much of a history in gridiron, and therefore their players, which they call the "Leviathans," have come from a diversity of backgrounds, mostly in sports. They appear to have an emphasis on offense, and almost always follow the lead of quarterback Lewis Patterson, who is claimed to be the only Schottian to have played gridiron professionally. Their kicker, Mark Tomkins-Brown, is also a player to watch, mostly because he will look to go for goal every opportunity that he gets.

Prediction: Abanhfleft 21-7 Schottia

ABANHFLEFT (35)
Why, that's us! Offense is the best defense. Need I say more?

SAINTLAND (1)
Oh, wow. We've got the top gridiron team in our group too. Well. I'm honestly speechless now. From what rumors that I could scrounge up, it appears that they're going to be an extremely defensive team, as in uber-defensive, after many tourneys as a purely offensive team. They will literally just stand in front of the offensive line of their opponents and refuse to budge. But their offense also appears to be good, and they appear to change tactics at every down. One thing to note is that their regular quarterback, Petrus, which is also incidentally King of Saintland, has decided to boycott this tournament because Equestrian States is hosting it, owing to some kind of incident from long ago that made him hate the land of the talking ponies. With King Quarterback out of the way, we hope that our team will have a slightly easier time playing against the Sanctii, but new captain Georgius Didius will look to lock us, and everyone else, far away from them.

Prediction: Saintland 49-0 Abanhfleft

JECATRIA (139)
Nothing much is known about this team. What little we know about the nation itself is that it's somehow affiliated with Jeckland, which most recently played host to the 32nd World Baseball Classic. With no roster and no play style, it's going to be very hard for the national team to adapt to this team, but I'm highly confident that they will conquer whatever it is that Jecatria decides to throw at them.

Prediction: Abanhfleft 42-0 Jecatria

Up next, I'll be talking about Thereisnogodistan's group. Stay tuned.

[Timbermunich]

Timbermunich Lore

World Bowl XXV
Spring

The time when rapid growth is seen throughout the land, when new life joins the world and the air is crisp, refreshing, and pure. SPRING is on the horizon and WINTER is leaving us for its long slumber. Deep within the Timberforest seeds dropped and frozen during WINTER can now take hold in the saturated soil, sprouting up and bringing new trees, bushes, and vines into the world. For those plants that do not shed seeds, now is the time they too expand and much of their growth can be seen. The canopy above, that never seems to loose its foliage, appears even more dense as the leaves expand to collect the shifting sun light and daily rain showers.

Within the villages of Timbermunich the villagers can be found bustling about and repairing anything that might have been damaged from the extreme cold, ice, and snow that has now departed their abodes. They clean often because much of the soil is soaked and tracked around the villages by playful children that cannot resist the temptations to jump in every puddle they see. In some regions the fields are being prepared, seeded, and maintained for harvest in late SUMMER and early FALL. Construction of new homes, village storehouses, and other buildings will soon start after any repairs to existing structures are complete. Life so to say is thriving during this time and outdoor activity is the new norm.

What will this SPRING bring to Timbermunich is yet to be seen…

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Timbermunich Lore

World Bowl XXV
Group 2

Stage 1
				Game 1					Game 2					Game 3				.
Team				Oppenent		Result		Oppenent		Result		Oppenent		Result
Val Halla (139)			Timbermunich				The Fair Republic			Britonisea		
The Fair Republic (13)		Britonisea				Val Halla				Timbermunich		
Britonisea (125)		The Fair Republic			Timbermunich				Val Halla		
Timbermunich (28)		Val Halla				Britonisea				The Fair Republic	

				Game 4					Game 5					Game 6				.
Team				Oppenent		Result		Oppenent		Result		Oppenent		Result
Val Halla (139)			Timbermunich				The Fair Republic			Britonisea		
The Fair Republic (13)		Britonisea				Val Halla				Timbermunich		
Britonisea (125)		The Fair Republic			Timbermunich				Val Halla		
Timbermunich (28)		Val Halla				Britonisea				The Fair Republic	

[Estenia]

OOC: As Estenian and Gregoryisgodistanis have deep hatred towards each other, I might type his name in an insulting way, sorry Greg.

Gridiron Football Team Reports and Predictions

Estenian National team, filled with many talented players, had a year of 3 very good editions in gridrion football tournaments, teo bring the World Bowl, failing to qualify from the group stages, though winning giants of the competition, like Quebec in their debutante match and a win row of 5 but eventually ending third with 6 wins and 4 losses. In the middle of the two world bowls, was the successful Maple Leaf Bowl of Canadian, Football, Estenian players finished in 4th, then giving the strength to the American football players to make it from the group stages. But the American Football Players finished 3rd with 4 wins and 3 losses and a match that everyone needs to forget against Gregoryneedstolosefromusstan with 55-0. Damn, that's still cold. Now to the reports.

We're at pot 2 for this tournament as we are placed 27th and we are the highest ranked team not to have qualified from the groups. Our group has 5th placed Equestrian States, a superpower of the sport, Thereisnogodistan, who beaten up our very close ally Hambeich on the 3rd place playoff and then there is Aynard, an unranked team, but at least not rosterless. Now up to the squad reports.

Equestrian States (Ranking: 5th place Coefficient: 21.31):

The Giants of the group, Equestrian States, with the anthropomorphic ponies we all want to see from close. They are the greatest team in the group and we're the only team that can make an upset against them, though our coefficient at 8.71 says other things, the odds are 55 to 1, we cannot defeat them. They have also done many great achievements since they joined, they have been the president nation of the World Bowl Assembly and have hosted the 25th edition of the World Bowl. Prediction: A harsh 65-0 loss Group Position Prediction: 1st (6-0)(5-1) Prediction after the tournament's end: 3rd Place

Estenia(Us? Really? Why should we put ourselves?) (Ranking: 27th Place Coefficient: 8.71):
The second highest ranked squad at the group is us and only us. We are sure a very young squad in this competition but we've proved an underestimated underdog, which pretty much still are and we may be until now, we will win qualify from the groups and reach the Quarterfinals, everyone who watches Gridron Football says that. But I shall not predict with Patriotism butm with reality. We are not the giants everyone wants to watch, let's all admit that.
Prediction: WTF?! We cannot clone up ourselves and play FOCUS! Group Position Prediction: 2nd (4-2)(5-1) Prediction after the torunament's end: Quarter Finals

Thereisnogodistan (Ranking: 92nd Place Coefficient: 1.20):

A very solid team for a newbie, a 3rd place finished in the Baptism of Iron, here we consider them as one of the superpowers of the future but will these college kids, prove to Steel Made People that will play excellent American Football, let's see. They are trained by Abanhfleftians because they are Abanhfleftians, they will soon learn the skillfull tactics that Abanhfleftians will give them, but for the moment, they won't advance from the group, sorry.
Prediction: 55-22 win Group Position Prediction: 3rd Prediction after the tournament's end: Group States.

Aynard (Ranking: Uknown Coefficient: 0.00):

We do not know anything about that team, the name seems scandinavian, although, the players' names sound very Anglo-Spanish, let's be careful those people are dangerous. But let's be serious now, they cannot do much, they will have luck of being unranked on their side though.
Prediction: 30-12 win Group Postion Prediction: 4th Prediction after the tournament's end: Group Stages

[Schottia]

Leviathans on Tour

"The next chapter."

By Lewis Patterson

29th January 2014

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During the last month I have been keeping an online blog of our journey in the world of Gridiron Football. After taking some time to reflect on our introduction to the international sporting scene, I've come back to give my thoughts on the upcoming World Bowl XXV in the Equestrian States. There was no one in the team, let alone the public back home, who had any idea how we would fair in the Baptism of Iron. Considering the majority of us played for the same eight teams inside one city, we had very little idea how we were going to perform coming up against foreign teams let alone national sides. The only exceptions the Schottic Gridiron league players are a couple of naturalised students and Mark (Tomkins-Brown), who moves over from rugby union.

After a shaky start, suffering a defeat to Walamzia, we were able to bounce back reaching the semi-finals and eventually winning the third place play-off. We were some how able to endure the terrifying conditions within the country of Gregoryisgodistan, witnessing castration, beheadings, public humiliation, and actions which went against all that we hold dear. The support we received back home, the voices of support, they were all very welcome as we tried to keep our heads down and get through the nightmare. I believe that since the Baptism of Iron, the Schottic Government are looking closely at whether or not the nation will compete in matches in Gregoryisgodistan in the future.

Despite our success so far, we are very much aware that the World Bowl Qualifiers are going to be a much tougher test. We will have to avoid becoming star struck when we take on world number 1s Saintland. There is a strong tradition of Gridiron in the Cornellian Empire, with multi-time champions The Allumunnic States featuring on late night TV. However the prospect of playing guys like Paulus Salvius is very exciting.

Our first match is against another little known side Jecatria who are one of the few teams ranked below us in the tournament. This is probably going to be our best chance to pick up a few points but its still not going to be easy.

The other team, last years BOI champions Abanhfleft, are a middle ranked side who are probably a bit ahead of us. Like in Schottia, Gridiron is well behind other sports in their country, so perhaps they know what we are going through. Abanhfleft are another side that like to come out and attack, so we are looking forward a good open game in that fixture.

Although we are realistic regarding our expectations, we are certainly not going in there just to make up numbers. In these kind of tournaments just one win against the odds can make all the difference, and we will be going all out to try and qualify.

LP

[Osarius]

Osarius Firebirds Gridiron Football Roster

RP Permissions: Do whatever you like, as long as you don't kill or severely injure any players/staff without the green light. Just have fun, eh?

Playing Style: West Coast Offense / 4-3 Base Defense
Typically, I RP most opposition yardage as occurring on the ground so I'd prefer if -- if you post before I do -- you RP'd my defense as having a very strong pass rush and a strong secondary, but that's not necessary (particularly if you're higher ranked).

Style modifier: +2
Colours: Red, Black and Gold

Head Coach: Leon Saint
With Osarian gridiron in a state of crisis, Leon Saint retains his job. Fortunately for him. After a dismal showing last time out, and all-time low fan confidence, it was expected that Saint would get the axe. However, the lack of funding available to the Osarian National Athletic Commission -- the parent organisation that governs gridiron in Osarius -- they could not afford to terminate the Osarian Gridiron Hall of Famer's contract early. This will be his last chance in the role, though, as his contract expires following the current World Bowl cycle. He appears to have done a 180 on the notion that Osarius needs a more mobile quarterback, too. "Back to basics" is the training slogan for this cycle, apparently, and the elder Saint has allegedly spent a lot of time working with younger bro Luke. If the two can make something click there, Toulalan's offensive unit can certainly do some damage.

Assistant Coaches: Xavier Camacho & Henri Toulalan
Camacho's defensive play-calling is often said to be holding back the elite potential of the Firebirds' unit, though he does seem to have an aggressive approach well suited to Osarian gridiron. He favours a blitz-heavy approach that puts the opposition quarterback under a lot of pressure, forcing errors. Many have criticised this strategy, as better teams tend to simply run the ball more instead, and stopping the run has long been a weakness for the Firebirds.

Toulalan's role as offensive co-ordinator has expanded dramatically, no longer relying on his heavy-quarterback focus. He now collaborates often with Leon Saint to draw up creative plays to make the most of the athleticism at his disposal on offense. A preference for high intensity, swift offensive drives works excellently at times, but is a high-risk, high-reward strategy for the Firebirds. Toulalan's preferences mean that pressure is almost constantly on for Osarius, as the tiniest miscue on any play could possibly lead to a costly turnover.

Home Stadium: The Benevolence Bowl, Dynapolis, Osarius (capacity 67,000)
Considered the cradle of Osarian gridiron, the 67,000 capacity domed arena -- though the roof is usually open -- in the south has an atmosphere that simply can't be replicated at the northern showpiece that is Mount Crown. The humid southern climate is familiar for many on the Firebirds roster, and considered an advantage for the home team. Visitors tend to struggle under the oppressive heat and the typically hostile Osarian stadium atmosphere, meaning the Firebirds are considerably stronger at home than on the road. However, the conditions do mean the home side are forced to employ extensive personnel rotation, meaning they sometimes struggle to settle into a proper rhythm.

Full Roster

Once again, following the extended suspension of the OSAGIF League, the majority of Osarius' finest gridiron athletes will embark on a World Bowl campaign with precious little game time under their belts. This double-edged sword -- less sharpness, but also less fatigue -- may be a crucial factor in the Firebirds' progress during the competition. Some players will be coming off a gruelling season in the Federal Gridiron League, which has the opposite effects. Of particular note is how this might affect the normally strong Firebirds secondary.

Despite wavering support, Luke Saint remains under center, and is expected to perform beyond himself if he is to remain there. The core of the team is aging, and many will see this as a last chance to impress in the national colours. With several veterans in the team, some of them possible Hall of Famers, it is thought by some that the team's rank going in to World Bowl XXV is lower than it should be. Expect them to set out to prove this. In the wake of the national football team's recent successes, and Utica University reaching another NSCF Championship game, the pressure will be on the Firebirds to rise to the occasion. It could happen.

No  Name      Surname      Ht.     Wt.  Position            Contracted To                  College             
07  Luke      Saint        6' 2"   220  Quarterback         Utica Bears                    Utica
09  Clayton   Henderson    6' 7"   213  Quarterback         Cartagena Wildcats             Druz
10  Paul      Atkinson     5' 9"   172  Kicker              Yurendam Warriors              Utica
12  Xavier    O'Connor     5' 10"  189  Kicker              Schlossberg Saints             Highport
13  Owen      Dickson      5' 10"  197  Punter              Corriere Trojans               Audenborough
14  Bradley   Garden       6' 2"   209  Quarterback         Corriere Trojans               Corriere
14  Jesus     Barrios      6' 4"   210  Wide Receiver       Vaalhulmspurt Raiders [AMS]    Utica
15  Andre     Harrison     6' 2"   189  Wide Receiver       Kart Hago Lions                Kart Hago
16  Aaron     Grandis      6' 3"   187  Wide Receiver       Shanak Spartans                Hearthlands
17  Zane      Mason        5' 11"  202  Punter              Schlossberg Saints             Burningham
18  Darryl    Sykes        5' 9"   182  Return Specialist   Cartagena Wildcats             Mora
21  Jamel     Kennedy      5' 11"  201  Cornerback          Firewood Phoenix               Masaka
22  Ku'ro     Manito'gu    6' 2"   210  Safety              Firewood Phoenix               Masaka
23  Harrison  Ryan         5' 10"  220  Runningback         Greeningham Giants             Lindenhurst
24  Leon      Williams     5' 10"  200  Safety              Callisto Colts                 Elishat
25  Ru'go     Lubado'ro    6' 3"   218  Safety              Kristinburg Otters [AMS]       Utica
26  Zane      Daley        5' 11"  201  Fullback            Crown Valley Cougars           No College
27  Marius    Rodgers      5' 10"  226  Runningback         Yurendam Warriors              Alano
28  Leon      Calk         5' 9"   179  Cornerback          Corriere Trojans               Utica
29  Chad      Valentin     5' 10"  185  Cornerback          Yurendam Warriors              Euribus
31  Hi'ro     Manaka'li    5' 11"  189  Cornerback          Chestmana Chiefs               Utica
32  Jamal     Cleaver      6' 3"   248  Linebacker          Kronkow Kings                  Masaka
33  Alexander Hayes        5' 11"  211  Runningback         Trothwands Thunder             Burningham
34  Guillermo Ramirez      5' 11"  197  Safety              Hollybrent Hawks               Utica
35  Rigo      Kopumava     5' 11"  195  Cornerback          Draakurr Mariners [AMS]        Utica
36  Aaron     Poynter      5' 11"  224  Runningback         Trothwands Thunder             B'ham Capital
37  Sheldon   Taylor       5' 8"   210  Runningback         Utica Bears                    Utica
38  Ryan      Cleaver      6' 1"   202  Cornerback          Onneria Saints [AMS]           Mora
44  Si'ku     Tiloka'tu    5' 11"  219  Safety              Kyoshiku Devils                A Youth Academy
46  Craig     Wilkerson    6' 4"   225  Safety              Schlossberg Saints             Mora
48  Nathaniel Mourning     6' 0"   237  Fullback            Kyoshiku Devils                A Youth Academy
50  Aaron     Richardson   6' 2"   242  Linebacker          Cartagena Wildcats             Utica
51  Lu'ko     Manaki'de    6' 3"   241  Linebacker          Kyoshiku Devils                Audenborough
52  Idris     Pappo        6' 4"   335  Guard               Utica Bears                    A Youth Academy
53  Clayton   Jameson      6' 5"   336  Off. Tackle         Carbonia Axemen                Corriere
54  Tyler     Spence       6' 1"   248  Linebacker          Corriere Trojans               Jraxville
55  Joseph    Cartagena    6' 2"   258  Linebacker          Greeningham Giants             Euribus
56  Micah     Forte        6' 3"   242  Linebacker          Vaalhulmspurt Raiders [AMS]    Utica
57  Ku'lo     Manaki'de    6' 2"   260  Linebacker          Kyoshiku Devils                A Youth Academy
58  Ethan     Murray       6' 3"   254  Linebacker          Burningham Bulls               Crown Valley
59  Rex       Johnson      6' 2"   241  Linebacker          Trothwands Thunder             Hearthlands
60  Clayton   Monaghan     6' 3"   322  Def. Tackle         Firewood Phoenix               Burningham
61  Terrell   Cleaver      6' 3"   300  Defensive End       Shanak Spartans                Trothwands
62  Andrew    McGregor     6' 4"   253  Defensive End       Burningham Bulls               Rhodunaia
63  Luke      O'Neill      6' 4"   321  Center              Corriere Trojans               A Youth Academy
64  Jason     Hellman      6' 1"   294  Def. Tackle         Callisto Colts                 Greeningham
65  Leonard   Dalton       6' 7"   335  Off. Tackle         Kyoshiku Devils                Hearthlands
66  Claude    N'Diaye      6' 4"   311  Off. Tackle         Shanak Spartans                Utica
67  Funo      Vanamuro     6' 5"   302  Guard               Turic Serpents                 Crown Valley
68  Owen      Young        6' 4"   319  Center              Greeningham Giants             Callisto
69  Antonio   Rosado       6' 4"   315  Guard               Carbonia Axemen                Hollybrent Tech
70  Fumo      Vunaseki     6' 3"   319  Guard               Hearthlands Fire               Utica
71  Scott     Bailey       6' 7"   324  Off. Tackle         Greeningham Giants             B'ham Capital
72  Todd      Spears       6' 5"   318  Guard               Greeningham Giants             Hollybrent Tech
73  Calvin    Thompson     6' 5"   311  Center              Crown Valley Cougars           Bai'uke
74  Kenneth   Braddock     6' 6"   289  Def. Tackle         Greeningham Giants             Crown Valley
75  Kai       Perkins      6' 7"   341  Off. Tackle         Burningham Bulls               Callisto
76  Raul      Hector       6' 8"   330  Off. Tackle         Turic Serpents                 Utica
77  Jonathan  Cassel       6' 5"   310  Long Snapper        Carbonia Axemen                Bai'uke
78  Jamar     Shaw         6' 5"   329  Guard               Burningham Bulls               Callisto
79  Tomas     Cano         6' 3"   316  Center              Kholanaras Vipers              Carbonia
80  Forrest   Graham       6' 0"   190  Wide Receiver       Staalburg Ironmongers [AMS]    Utica
81  Jeremiah  Coles        6' 5"   212  Wide Receiver       Burningham Bulls               Alano
82  Lucas     Clayton      6' 2"   210  Wide Receiver       Dynapolis Dragons              Greeningham City
83  Marques   James        6' 3"   250  Tight End           Dynapolis Dragons              Mora
84  Sebastian Lloyd        6' 1"   195  Wide Receiver       Carbonia Axemen                Kart Hago
85  Thomas    Thompson     6' 3"   199  Wide Receiver       Trothwands Thunder             Greeningham City
86  Miguel    Lopez        6' 0"   205  Wide Receiver       Dynapolis Dragons              Kronenhof
87  Carlos    Baccaro      6' 6"   223  Tight End           Carbonia Axemen                Mora
88  Karim     Ouaddou      6' 5"   228  Tight End           Andersburg Maulers [AMS]       Utica
89  Lloyd     MacLean      6' 3"   208  Wide Receiver       Chestmana Chiefs               Utica
91  Lanu      Kurebava     6' 2"   245  Linebacker          Callisto Colts                 Mora
92  Domenico  Cestafe      6' 5"   238  Defensive End       Utica Bears                    Kart Hago
93  Oliver    Rowland      6' 3"   277  Defensive End       Hearthlands Fire               Greeningham City
94  Kevin     Trotter      6' 2"   330  Def. Tackle         Hollybrent Hawks               Lindenhurst
95  Inigo     Canales      6' 2"   250  Defensive End       Trothwands Thunder             Kyoshiku
96  Daryn     Patterson    6' 4"   308  Def. Tackle         Burningham Bulls               Mora
97  Casey     Walsh        6' 2"   315  Def. Tackle         Cartagena Wildcats             A Youth Academy
99  Antonio   Martinez     6' 4"   265  Defensive End       Derrick Crimson Tide [AMS]     Utica

Quarterback       Luke Saint           Bradley Garden    Clayton Henderson     
Fullback          Nathaniel Mourning   Zane Daley                             
Running Back      Alexander Hayes      Harrison Ryan     Marius Rodgers      Sheldon Taylor
Wide Receiver 1   Jesus Barrios        Forrest Graham    Lucas Clayton       Jeremiah Coles
Wide Receiver 2   Lloyd MacLean        Thomas Thompson   Andre Harrison      Aaron Grandis
Right Tackle      Raul Hector          Clayton Jameson   Scott Bailey          
Right Guard       Idris Pappo          Jamar Shaw        Todd Spears           
Center            Tomas Cano           Owen Young        Luke O'Neill          
Left Guard        Fumo Vunaseki        Funo Vanamuro     Antonio Rosado        
Left Tackle       Kai Perkins          Claude N'Diaye    Leonard Dalton        
Tight End         Karim Ouaddou        Marques James     Carlos Baccaro

Strong Safety            Ru'go Lubado'ro     Ku'ro Manito'gu                      
Free Safety              Guillermo Ramirez   Leon Williams      Si'ku Tiloka'tu     
Left Defensive End       Terrell Cleaver     Andrew McGregor    Oliver Rowland      
Left Defensive Tackle    Clayton Monaghan    Casey Walsh        Kevin Trotter       
Right Defensive Tackle   Daryn Patterson     Kenneth Braddock   Jason Hellman       
Right Defensive End      Antonio Martinez    Inigo Canales      Domenico Cestafe    
Left Linebacker          Jamal Cleaver       Ku'lo Manaki'de    Lanu Kurebava       
Right Linebacker         Aaron Richardson    Lu'ko Manaki'de    Ethan Murray        
Middle Linebacker        Micah Forte         Joseph Cartagena   Tyler Spence         
Right Cornerback         Hi'ro Manaka'li     Ryan Cleaver       Chad Valentin       
Left Cornerback          Rigo Kopumava       Jamel Kennedy      Leon Calk

Kicker          Paul Atkinson     Xavier O'Connor                   
Punter          Owen Dickson      Zane Mason                        
Long Snapper    Jonathan Cassel                                     
Kick Returner   Darryl Sykes      Marius Rodgers    Aaron Grandis   Andre Harrison
Punt Returner   Darryl Sykes      Marius Rodgers    Aaron Grandis   Lucas Clayton

[HopNation]

apologies for any omissions or errors, if there are any please TG me so I can update/change them.

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HopNation Sports

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1-29HDT|15|v.029

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WORLD Bowl PREVIEW

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Greetings Hoptonians, I hope you’ve been keeping busy since the end of the World Cup and our Hops amazing run! I know I have, with plenty of domestic football matches going on, the midway stretch of the HHL and we are slatted to have the Splendid Vessel (HopNation’s version of the Super Bowl)this very weekend. I’m sure most of you would have preferred that game to be played before the next big multiverse event, especially since it involves many of the players from our Malts, but it looks like the World Bowl is going to get started just days before the final game of the HFL’s season. We’ll have to see if anyone pulls double duty and plays in the World Bowl and the Splendid Vessel. I’ve also received word that the HHL will be taking a small break during the World Cup of Hockey, just so the star players that have been called up to the Mashers can make those games.

Let’s focus on the WB shall we?

First off, we are in a very good position this time around to actually make it somewhere in this tournament. We have been placed as the top seed of Group 9, by a rather large margin, with the likes of Coconutstan, United States of Minton, and Teague. We will be playing each team twice before being reshuffled and hopefully we get ourselves into Pot 1 for the reshuffle. But we can’t just win the groups here, both in stage 1 and stage 2, we need to be one of the top 16 teams. Which, if we do win the group in both group stages we should be in a good position to do that since there are 16 teams being taken from 15 groups. But let’s just hope we put ourselves out of reach and win every game we are in, sure those are some high hopes but I think we can do it. Especially in this first group since we seem to be so much better on paper than the other three teams in the group. I am not a fan of the overall table since we will not be playing all of the teams, but do admit it is an interesting take on the structure of this tournament. Time will tell how it all plays out and were our Malts end up in the grand scheme of things.

Here is how I see the tables for Group 9 (stage 1):
1st HopNation 6-0
2nd Coconutstan 3-3
3rd Teague 2-4
4th United States of Minton 1-5

Let’s Go Malts!
Brew On!
Brew Well Hoptonians!

Ringwald Griffinsmith
HopNation Sports Writer

[Taeshan]

Taeshan National Football Team
Fitin' Falcons

The Former Runners Up, Third Place finisher and Champions of the World Bowl

ROSTER

# ↑ 	Name ↓ 	Position ↓ 	String ↓
11 	Ryan Yorke 	QB/K 	3/1
12 	Jason Mathews 	RTB/ROLB 	1/2
13 	Isaac Lesack 	QB/P 	2/1
14 	Jeremy Dramona 	QB 	1
18 	Oliver Landis 	LTB/LOLB 	1/2
19 	Colby Adamson 	LTB/LOLB 	2/1
30 	Andrew Waldrop 	RTB/ROLB 	2/1
50 	Joe Nedley 	LT 	1
51 	Andrew Grey 	LT 	2
52 	Jack Forrest 	LG 	1
53 	Lamar Kanbury 	LG 	2
66 	Kenneth Grant 	RG 	2
68 	Jemilee Andrew 	RT 	1
69 	Johny Sinclair 	DT 	3
71 	Adam White 	DT 	4
74 	William Taharew 	RG 	1
79 	Perry Grainger 	RT 	2
80 	Adam Waraner 	WR/KR/PR 	1/1/1
81 	Jacob Martin 	WR/FS 	3/1
82 	Tadam McMurray 	TE/MLB 	1/2
83 	Mark Drake 	TE/MLB 	2/1
84 	Mathew Hainesworth 	WR/CB 	4/1
87 	Joey Drew 	WR/SS 	6/2
88 	Laurent Kariquez 	WR/CB/KR 	2/2/2
89 	Drew Lansbury 	WR/SS 	5/1
90 	Reginold Larraby 	DT 	1
92 	Grady Swann 	DT 	2
94 	Jackson Tyler 	LE 	1
96 	Andrew Ollivir 	RE 	1
98 	Tyson Argonout 	RE 	2
99 	Tyler Sanchez 	LE 	2

Coaches
Head Coach-Randall Quatrain

Offensive Coordinator-Ricky Zellefrow

Defensive Coordinator-Jacob Landsall

Special Teams Coordinator-Adam Lestew


Offensive Scheme- Flexbone
Defensive Scheme 4-3

[Walamzia]

Edgar Ready to Lead Walamzia to Victory

Mark Edgar, starting quarterback for the Walamzian national team, spoke with WFL insider Francis Coleman about the team's chances in the World Bowl group stage.

FC: Mark, you've quarterbacked several WFL championship-winning teams all across the country. How does it feel to be back where it all started?
ME: Francis, everything's come full circle. I was born here, raised here, and played my first few seasons here. It'll be great to come back home in front of a big crowd for once and attempt to perform for our country.
FC: You've come out with some concerns on the size of the team, noting that players are asked to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. Why do you think this is so?
ME: I've had some good discussions with the coaching staff about the size of our roster, and they seem to believe that we should take the best available to us and not accept subpar players for the national team. The different players have their reasons to be here, and I hope we do our country proud tomorrow.
FC: This team has been a major talking point in the tennis circles as of late, especially with the ones that surround you. Do you have any thoughts on what might have been had your best Pop Warner receiver stuck it out with football?
ME: I'm definitely not going to say that I'm mad. He had his reasons, partially because he had to move to Rottington, and the teams there aren't very good, but I don't begrudge him for quitting on football, especially after getting to the Round of 16 in his last tournament. Do I wish he was by my side today? Absolutely! Guarantee you he'd have been the World Bowl's leading receiver.
FC: I really don't want our time to be ended on a sour note, but what thoughts, if any, do you have on your friend's recent scandal?
ME: He and I have talked about it since he got back. I'm deeply inclined to trust him in his account of everything, and I think that picture was taken way out of context.
FC: Sorry, but that's not what I meant. I meant the other one that happened over in Antillia shortly before the Antillia Masters.
ME: Wait, what?
FC: Apparently, there was a scene in the bathroom of the Dutch Lion Hotel--
ME: Who did It?
FC: I haven't seen the surveillance tape of the incident, so I can't say for certain.
*Mark makes a motion to the cameraman, who upon seeing the signal, turns off the camera. He begins again.*
ME: It was Patterson, wasn't it?
FC: If the report by the tennis folks are to be believed, yes.
ME: Knew it! He was always a sour man who only looked out for his own dirty interests, Great that he got booted from the tournaments he signed up for.

[Free Republics]

Sporting World

This is World Bowl XXV
by: Logan Allen

World Bowl XXV will start soon and the Equestrian States have concocted the most bizarre tournament format I have ever seen. The 60 teams have been drawn into 15 groups of 4 for the first of what will be 2 such group stages. Over the next few weeks, we will play 12 games against whomever the Ponies decide to throw up against us. As I have told my team numerous times already and will tell them numerous times over the coming weeks, we do not need to concern ourselves with whom they put up against us. We are in control of our own destiny and if we play the way that I know that we are capable of playing, we will be one of the final 16.

Now, many in the press have questioned whether or not there is pressure on me, in light of the recent nationalization of the National Soccer Team, to finally put up a respectable result in the sport that we invented (OOC: or so the Republicans claim). Well, I'll admit that this is our fourth World Bowl and we've never made it out of the group stage. We have under-achieved over the past few years. Part of this was, undoubtedly, due to our inexperience. Part of it was probably due to the difficult opposition we've had to face. But really, there are no excuses for our failure to perform up to the expectations that we set with our performance in the Baptism of Iron several years ago. We simply have to be better than we have been up to this point.

Now, this time around, we will face 3 opponents. First, we will face Sereina, who are ranked 128th. They made their debut in the recent Baptism of Iron, going 2-4 and finishing dead last in their group. Right now, that's about all that is known about them. Even the identity of their players is unknown, which usually isn't a good sign when it comes to their team's ability to be competitive on the field. We'll play the home game against them in my hometown of Yellow Bay at the legendary Podvez Field. We will play our second game at New North Aqmuland, but I'll skip over them for the moment.

Instead, I want to discuss our third opponent, Yttriba. Yttribia is a nation that is competing in their second World Bowl. Their first tournament was World Bowl XXII. Before the World Bowl, they went 1-4 in the Baptism of Iron and 2-6 in the Casaran stage of World Bowl XXII. After skipping the last 2 editions of the World Bowl, they have decided to return to this edition. We will see them at Olden Stadium in Falkamore, Nejax before the friendliest fans in all of the Empire (OOC: Not really.). I hope, for their sake, that they have improved since World Bowl XXII, but they haven't played an international game since, so they're probably going to be very rusty when they step onto the field against us.

Now, returning to New North Aqmuland, a team that you can see at the Olympic Stadium in Baseton for our 5th game of this first group stage. New North Aqmuland. Aqmuland also debuted at the same Baptism of Iron that we did and competed in our group, going 3-2 and advancing out of the group stage. We beat them 13 to 3 in our BoI opener. They would go out in the Round of 16 to a team that has since been forgotten, by a 10 to 9 margin. In World Bowl XXII, they went 4-4 in the Casaran stage and lost a tiebreaker playoff to Anditia. However, they put up one of the most surprising performances in the history of the World Bowl at World Bowl XXIII. After 9 games, they were 5-4 and tied with Vettrera for third in their group. The always-capable Quebec team was tied with the Estenians. On the final day of the group stage, Aqmuland faced Estenia while Quebec faced Vettrera. Quebec routed their future World Bowl XXIV co-hosts 41 to 10 on that day while New North Aqmuland stunned Estenia to advance to the Round of 16. Then, they went on one of the most shocking hot steaks I have ever seen in this great game of football. In the Round of 16, German Zerabithea fell to them, 40 to 31. Then, they defeated Osarius, 25 to 16 to reach the semis and a matchup with the Sanctii. At the half, New North Aqmuland had a 23 to 0 advantage over the Sanctii, but King Petrus XX led the Sanctii back in a game that is now legendary. A deflated New North Aqmuland team would be routed by Ko-oren in the third place game. They contended for a Round of 16 berth in World Bowl XXIV, but an upset loss against Vjallsburg and a loss to Darmen in a must-win game on the final day of the group stage left them on the outside looking in. They will be looking to get off on the right foot when we visit them for our second game. Getting at least one victory over New North Aqmuland will be absolutely critical if we want to make the playoffs and I'd feel more comfortable if we beat them twice.

I will leave all of the talk about "easy" and "hard" groups to pundits from other countries. We were drawn into a World Bowl group with a team that took the Sanctii to their very limits less than 2 years ago. Even if they are ranked just 18th and even if Sereina and Yttribia don't appear to be difficult opponents on paper, I personally wouldn't call this an easy group. We're going to have to play 2 games against a World Bowl XXIII semi-finalist and that, my fellow Republicans, is not an easy group, no matter what the talking heads on Freedom Sports are saying. We have to execute if we are going to get where we want to be. Its now or never and we need to be at our best for the upcoming World Bowl.

Logan Allen is the head coach of the Holy Republican National Football Team. He was a long-time assistant coach, who was unable to obtain a head coaching job with a professional club despite being successful everywhere he has ever coached. Finally, Coach Allen decided to set up his own National Team, inspired by Rule Theriault's success with the National Soccer Team, and he quickly found the investors he needed to do just that. Being a gambler at heart, Coach Allen decided to bet the house on a plan to co-host World Bowl XXII with the Sanctii, a bid that was unanimously accepted by the World Bowl Assembly. World Bowl XXII would become the most successful World Bowl in history, although the Republican National Team struggled, going just 3-5 in the Casaran Stage and failing to advance. In the years since, Allen's team has made steady progress and now appears poised to finally make the playoffs for the first time. During the off-season, Coach Allen lives with his family in Yellow Bay, Vorita.

[Kolmya]

Kolmya Forestiars

Roster
Offense
QB#1- Wyikvth Trevver
QB#2- Aland Bjolk
FB#1- Fredrik Ekholm
FB#2- Viktor Bystrom
RB#1- Hindrik Jonsson
RB#2- Josef Söderholm
WR#1- Ludvig Aspelund
WR#2- Wilhelm Blomqvist
WR#3- Ernst Rehnquist
WR#4- Sven Tegnér
TE#1- Gärdar Malmstrom
TE#2- Tage Lundstrom
LT#1- Matteo Widforss
LT#2- Vidar Almqvist
RT#2- Gertorn Bergh
LG#1- Christer Akerlund
LG#2- Magnus Sjöholm
RG#1- Reer Lindskog
RG#2- Kjell Hägg
C#1- Axel Nordahl
C#2- Gustaf Strandberg
Defense
SS#1- Rune Strömberg
SS#2- Hannes Lindelöf
S#1- Kevin Henriksson
S#2- Fredrik Aberg
LC#1- Önder Sköld
LC#2- Töres Björk
RC#1- Sten Johnsson
RC#2- Faltin Källström
Left OL#1- Önnert Backstrom
Left OL#2- Andreas Lagerquist
Right OL#1- Ove Blomqvist
Right OL#2- Felix Lennartsson
LE#1- Oliver Järnefelt
LE#2- Tim Schauman
RE#1- Anifas Richardsson
RE#2- Botel Wallenberg
LT#1- Mats Mattisson
LT#2- Folke Lindblad
RT#1- Elvin Lundholm
RT#2- Folke Ohly
ML#1- Alex Hagström
ML#2- Tim Vikström
RP Permissions: Don't kill my players. Anything else is fine.

[Walamzia]

Coach Taylor Addresses Media

Today was Media Day for the Walamzian football team, and the Rottington Convention Center was full of reporters trying to speak to the players and coaches. Here is the transcript of an interview with the ehad coach, Bill Taylor.

FC: Bill, this is a completely different squad than the one you sent to the Baptism of Iron. Any thoughts on that?
BT: Francis, I didn't have any of our WFL players available to me for the last tournament, so this gives them a chance to show the world how good we are.
FC: One thing I have to ask: why the decision to make players play on both sides of the ball?
BT: I didn't want to take people just because they were a good nickel back or a 3rd down specialist. I wanted to have everyone be able to adapt to any situation as the game sees fit. We have a tough group, and I'm looking forward to it.
FC: Any answer as to why you have a 16-year-old starting as QB?
BT: I've coached the kid since he was 10. I know he's ready for this.
FC: But, he hasn't done that well since the famous 5 TD performance in '09.
BT: Well, that's to be expected when you move up the age groups and when you go into Juniors.
FC: Surely you must have some regret letting Marcus Tyler walk from the CFD without a counter offer?
BT: Would Ashley Tyler help this football team out today? Absolutely. That's in the past, and I don't want to live in it. He's done a great job with his tennis performances, so let's leave it at that. That's all; have a good day!

[Thereisnogodistan]

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

WORLD BOWL XXV GROUP DRAW: THEREISNOGODISTAN'S TURN
By Ilham Mezukov

THEREISNOGODABAD, FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA - Now that we've finished analyzing Abanhfleft's group in the World Bowl, it's time to take a look at Thereisnogodistan's group. Looks like they'll be in for a wild ride, what with two competent sides in Equestrian States and Estenia being their group mates. Here's a few short previews.

EQUESTRIAN STATES (5)
Topping off the group are the talking ponies themselves. Apparently, they like armored handegg as much as they do football, or "hoofball," as they call it in their country, if their high ranking in the sport is evidence enough. Although we're not really sure how the speaking horses will play in their armor, we really must expect a good pounding from this team. A loss against the ponies is in no doubt.

Prediction: Equestrian States 42-3 Thereisnogodistan

ESTENIA (27)
Estenia is no stranger to Abanhfleft and its colonies when it comes to sports, but it's not Abanhfleft we're talking about here, but Thereisnogodistan. They will play hard, but in the end they'll probably get steamrolled. But probably not as much as the Estenians themselves think they can.

Prediction: Estenia 24-21 Thereisnogodistan

AYNARD (UNRANKED)
Aside from a roster, nothing much else is known about Aynard. We do know where we'll be playing them, though: in Fountain City, if I'm not mistaken. However, they passed up the opportunity to get some vital experience in the Baptism of Iron, and therefore they're really untested when they step up to the big leagues of the World Bowl. This is probably the only team that the Atheists could possibly collect a victory.

Prediction: Thereisnogodistan 35-7 Aynard

[The Babbage Islands]

The Babbage Islands Bumblebees
Squad List, World Bowl XXV

"We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are..."

The Players

11 Reuben Clayton, K, Gernsback
12 *Raymond Guthrie, QB, Brigham City
16 London Mullins, QB, Santa Catalina
17 Sandy Joyce, P, Cardiff
20 *Parker Burgess, RB, Uchtdorf
23 Adrian Kennedy, RB, Baden
28 Corey Williamson, RB, Knizia
31 Michael Stevenson, DB, Wye
32 John Abbott, DB, Xianggang
33 *Neal Mills, CB, Charleston
34 *Valbjörn Össurarson, SS, Tardis
36 Ryder Buckland, PR, Kopavogur
37 *Jye Kimball, CB, Paris
39 Lindsay Cole, DB, Baden
40 *Mathew Cross, FS, Cardiff
51 Joe Dawson, C, Nephi
52 Edward Barker, LB, Urbana
53 *Porter Berry (co-captain), C, Paris
54 *Ernie Porter, OLB, Uchtdorf
55 *Phoenix Sims (co-captain), MLB, Tardis
56 Bob Holland, LB, Santa Catalina
58 David Meredith, LB, Paris
59 *Oscar Segal, OLB, Wye
60 Tryggvi Týsson, DL, Knizia
62 *Lachlan Bruce, OT, Kopavogur
64 Óðinn Þórsson, OT, Santa Catalina
65 *Jayden Freeman, DT, Uchtdorf
66 *Ricky Buckland, DT, Xianggang
68 *Gordon Boyd, OT, Brigham City
72 *Cameron Khan, DE, West Scoville
73 *Aiden Patel, OG, Tardis
74 Jay Rogers, DL, Brigham City
75 Tony Pound, OG, Gernsback
76 *Leo Wood, OG, Baden
77 *Joel Stevens, DE, Baden
79 Alma Thomson, DL, Urbana
80 *Lincoln Cameron, TE, Nephi
81 *Moroni Hudson, WR, Brigham City
83 Glenn Hoffmann, WR, West Scoville
84 *Brock Sanders, WR, Kopavogur
85 Jamie Rogers, TE, Paris
86 *Tyler Bednar, WR, Wye
87 Raven Heath, KR, Charleston
88 Toby Joiner, WR, Uchtdorf

Head coach: Brady Sanders
Offensive coordinator: Jonathan Smith
Defensive coordinator: Tim Russell
Special teams coordinator: Alex Jeremiah
Chief medical officer: Alicia Kingery

Stadium: Memorial Stadium, Charleston, South Island, capacity 59,437. This venerable structure in the heart of the nation's capital is still going strong after nearly 70 years.

RP permissions: Please do not godmod. Otherwise, feel free to write anything that your permissions would allow me to write about you.

[Jeckland]

JECKLAND ROSTER FOR WORLD BOWL 25

This will be Jeckland's fourth foray into the premier gridiron tournament in the multiverse, and yet they still have not reached the second stage of any World Bowl. At least they're guaranteed that this time. Gridiron is a rather niche sport in Jeckland, although a strong performance in this tournament would surely see a popularity surge.


Attack
QB: Liam Simpson (26)
HB: John Reid (27)
FB: Nicholas Murphy (23)
WR: Peter George (24)
WR: Finlay Williams (31)
TE: Zak Giles (20)
LT: Leon Howard (23)
LG: Oscar Begum (32)
C: Reece Gibbs (22)
RG: Mohammed Brooks (29(
RT: Max Thompson (25)


Defence
LE: Sebastian Horton (24)
DT: Josh Warner (25)
DT: Muhammad Ferguson (28)
RE: Thomas Jennings (26)
LOLB: Tom Morris (25)
MLB: Rhys Pollard (29)
ROLB: Cameron Shepherd (25)
SS: Lewis Pearson (21)
FS: Zak Chadwick (20)

RP Permissions: TG for godmoddy stuff, otherwise have fun.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
Sports Section - World Bowl XXV Coverage

Training Camp Review: Week Two
Scrimmage versus Onneria, starting quarterback named, support for Schottia
by Helga Eriksunn

The Regulars wrapped up training camp this week after a tough scrimmage against the Saints, and are now preparing for their first game of World Bowl group play.

Saints down Regulars, 28-24

The Regulars' second scrimmage was a close one, but ultimately, the way Gaarutt Onnursunn torched their secondary for 351 yards doomed their hopes of getting the win.

The Regulars started off with the ball, and Bryndyn Harlaw, getting the start, marched the team down the field fairly quickly and easily, with the drive cumlinating in a 2-yard run by Graagur Baaltrsunn for the touchdown. Justyn Kynyks' PAT gave the Regulars a 7-0 lead early in the first. The Saints were able to answer quickly enough, however, as Gaarutt Onnursunn was able to throw for chunk yardage on several plays, with the drive ending in Andrik Skmyt grabbing a 5-yard jump-ball in the endzone to tie things up, 7-7.

The Regulars took the lead back with a minute left in the first quarter, after Harlaw pushed the team down the field before he was sacked, and the run was stuffed twice to force them to settle for Kynyks' 34-yard field goal. The teams traded punts for most of the second quarter, with the lone exception being a deep strike from Onnursunn to Kevan Rudulf for a 53-yard touchdown to put the Saints up, 14-10. The Regulars nearly managed to drive down the field again, but this time they were stopped when Harlaw tossed a hurried pick in the end zone as time expired.

As planned for both scrimmages, lots of the second-string or alternate players competing for jobs got the nod in the second half. Leif Eriksunn took over under center after Piotr Farrangur blew up a run by Valens Marius, stripping the ball loose. Baeryk Skarrsunn dove on the loose ball to give the Regulars the ball at the Onneria 36. On the next play, the Onnerian defense bit on the play-action and Leif Eriksunn hit a wide-open Emma Kaarlsunn in the end zone for a 36 yard touchdown. Kynyks' PAT made it 17-14. The teams traded punts again, and after the Saints got the ball back, a series of long passes saw Onnursunn hit Rudulf again in the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown to give them the lead again, 21-17.

The next drive went absolutely nowhere; the Regulars were held to 3rd and 5 when Leif Eriksunn dropped back. Flustered by a blitz, he threw on the run and was intercepted at the National 46. The return was halted at the 31, and two plays later, Onnursunn hit Marius on a screen that was broken for a 18-yard touchdown to widen Onneria's lead to 28-17.

On the next drive, the Regulars stuck mostly to the run and short passes, marching down to the Onnerian 10. On a first-down, Anna Eriklunn caught a block from Torren Tormundsunn and got into the secondary, where she was able to turn on the jets. She ran untouched 10 yards into the endzone to close the gap to 28-24. The teams traded punts for the rest of the fourth quarter, and eventually the Regulars attempted a fourth-down conversion with a minute left that failed, allowing the Saints to run out the clock and put the Regulars away.

Starting quarterback named

Not long after the scrimmage, the coaching staff finally named the team's starting quarterback leading into World Bowl play.

"After evaluations through our preseason," head coach Baeryk Vaalburger told reporters, "We have determined that Bryndyn [Harlaw] gives this team its best chance to win. As a result, he will be our starter at quarterback for the foreseeable future. That said, if we think that Leif [Eriksunn], or someone else gives us a better chance to win, then they will become our starter."

The announcement itself hardly comes as a shock after Harlaw had a very good preseason and training camp, while Eriksunn experienced a number of struggles and difficulties throughout. What is somewhat surprising is how, despite naming Harlaw the starter, the announcement did not seem like a vote of confidence. The nature of the announcement has added fuel to rumors that a rift might be developing between Vaalburger and offensive coordinator Torren Waalturs, and that the quarterback controversy was an outlet of that rift.

Nevertheless, it will be Harlaw under center when the Regulars open group play.

Support for Schottia

Allamunnic Sporting Commissioner Hadley Thornburger asked fans during a press conference to also show support for fellow Cornellian nation Schottia during their World Bowl foray. "It is very important for us to stand in support of other Cornellian nation's programs in international sports," he said. "As such, I ask that fans and supporters for the Regulars also show support for Schottia."

Head coach Vaalburger also expressed similar sentiments. "It is always a tough transition going into one's first World Bowl. Hopefully, it will be a smooth first tournament for them, and we wish them much success." Vaalburger also later noted that he had extended an offer to the Schottian national side to train or practice with the Regulars, if they so desired.

Quick Hits

- After a 6-carry, 32-yard-and-a-touchdown performance, Anna Eriklunn may have earned a greater role in the rotation at tailback. The rookie tailback has shown impressive explosiveness, burst, and decisiveness through the hole, and may be in line for a larger share of the rotation in the future.

- On a similar note, Torren Tormundsunn has flashed spectacular potential as a lead blocker and as a ball-carrier. Junn Kaiser's days may be numbered with the younger, more versatile fullback coming up behind him. Of course, his skills as a blocker aren't at Kaiser's level, yet.

- A potential red-flag was the way the running game sputtered in the first half; this problem was partially covered by putting the ball in Harlaw's hands more, but the running game had trouble getting going. When the offensive line's composition was changed at half-time, the running game suddenly became more effective. It seems that the starting line configuration is not getting the sort of push off the line of scrimmage that is typically expected of them.

[Equestrian States]

MATCH DAY 1 RESULTS

Group 1
New North Aqmuland 24–0 Yttribia
Holy Republican Empire 23–0 Sereina

Group 2
Val Halla 7–29 Timbermunich
The Fair Republic 26–0 Britonisea

Group 3
Eritai 7–20 Southern Democratic States
Osarius 32–0 United We Stand 123

Group 4
United States of Devonta 3–31 Cosumar
Azrea 22–26 Walamzia

Group 5
The Greater Vakolicci Haven 6–6 San José Guayabal (12–6 OT)
Qocaekia 0–3 Ko-oren

Group 6
Taeshan 3–7 Super-Llamaland
Barunia 20–6 The Babbage Islands

Group 7
Schottia 23–10 Jecatria
Abanhfleft 0–13 Saintland

Group 8
Patistan 3–7 German Zerabithea
Wolfbenz 0–10 New Nationale Einheit

Group 9
Coconutstan 19–3 United States of Minton
Teague 7–17 HopNation

Group 10
Kolmya 3–0 Gustavpolis
Karditan 17–7 Pacificana Islands

Group 11
Farlandria 20–0 Mieraskya
Jeckland 6–7 Allamunnic States

Group 12
DBostick 20–14 Nukehavistan
Gregoryisgodistan 10–0 Sheffland

Group 13
Nassau Hessen 20–0 Zitru
Hambeich 10–12 Neu Engollon

Group 14
Equestrian States 13–0 Aynard
Estenia 57–3 Thereisnogodistan

Group 15
Vermark 3–23 Estope
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 27–0 Gregoryisgodistan Special Administrative Zone

---

Host Note: Tables will be posted following MD2.

[Estenia]

Goddamn, we need a new predictor, Estenia crushes Thereisnogodistan

Goddamn, you should fire me for my wrong prediction, who would think of crushing a college who doesn't believe in god? Jesus Christ, we won 57-3. Yeah, yeah you are ok, we won 57-3 on the inaugural match of the World Bowl. Timofey Dubov and Pavlo Vagin were on fire, Dubov scored 2 touchdowns and a field goal while Vagin made 3 interceptions from the opponents.

1st Quarter started perfectly for Estenians. Dubov and Filippov scored a touchdowna dn field goal each thus ending the quarter with a very high lead against Therisgoditheyjustdontknowitstan. Then on the last minutes, a field goal by TNN. The second quarter was less productive and so was the 3rd and the 4th but actually ending on a very high score 57-3.

Speech by Association Football Player Eenpalu:"Hello, my dear friends of the American football team. I am proud that you won the college squad of Thereisnogodistan, though, fans insulted them with names and you did absolutely nothing to stop this, I know there aren't any atheists in Estenia.(Yes, it's true 100% of people are Religious)But I immediately ask you for an apoligze to the team, not because you crushed them up but because you insulted them. It's their choice being Atheists, even if I think it's wrong." then he prayed to Jesus with the traditional triple cross then continued "Next match is against Equestrian States, goddamnit show this ponies who is made out of steel and who's not, this is going to be an excellent game."

Press Conference Filippov:"We won, we gave everything on the pitch and our hard work proved very nice. A nice win of 57-3 but I was quite dissapointed by some fans, I think they were paid from someone doing that. It sounded pretty fake. As for that, I officially apologize to the Atheists for that and hope they finally get some independence from Abanhfleft, Abanhfleftians are already good onm their own, they don't need help. I've been to Abanhfleft once and I know." then suddenly a man from South Essetia attacks him and they start fighting, the South Essetian man punches him without finding the target and then Filippov punched him twice in the face, the South Essetian man spit blood and then Filippov German Suplexed him and the man fainted. The man is said to be a member of Zartem, a South Essetian Organisation planning to capture any official Estenia has, but the particular one just hated Filippov.

Ahuramasda Suburb, Persepol, Tonanin Grand Duchy, 20:00 local time
32 degrees Celsius, with no clouds, just hot as f*ck

Persepol, a Persian looking city, with history, the only trace of Rumerian Empire that can be seen. The city of 135.000 people is watched like human eyes as it is the only trace of ancient history. A man called Andrei Kukmabar, a local of the region, was outside with his friends watching the Estenian match against Thereisagodtheyjustdontf*ckingknowitstan and after the match ended they were all praying to Ahuramasda for a while. In the meanwhile after pray the children started playing till late night, they didn't care about school, as they didn't have school for the months of February and March.

[Gregoryisgodistan]

Gregoryisgodistan 10–0 Sheffland

"Hi, I'm Sportcaster KZ90ZLL00S and I'm here to bring you Gregoryisgodistan Grid Slaves football. Today's opponent is Sheffland, who was too lazy to post a roster. So we'll refer to all the players by insulting names. The captains are ready for the coin toss. Sheffland quarterback Ima Clownface calls heads. It's tails. Gregoryisgodistan, as always, will defer to the second half and play defense first. Sheffland to receive the opening kickoff.

"Mathematics Teacher 2737ASH to kick it away and it's taken by Butty Face at his own 5, runs right, I thought he stepped out of bounds at the 15 but they say he didn't, he runs to the 25, 30, 40, he could break this one, and Butty Face has taken it back for a touchdown! Immediatey Assistant Sports Minister Jorgen Roth has his challenge flag out - Face stepped out of bounds right in front of him. This one is likely coming back.

...

"And now here's the referee, Thomas Atticus of Vermark, to announce the ruling"

"After reviewing the play, the returner stepped out of bounds at his own 15. It will be first and 10 for Sheffland at that spot."

"And the Gregoryisgodistani sideline is in jubilation while the Sheffland sideline is furious. Definitely the right - wait, what's this? Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH is coming off the sideline furious and yelling at Atticus. "A DANGLING MODIFIER? DID THE RETURNER STEP OUT OF BOUNDS AFTER HE REVIEWED THE PLAY? I THINK NOT! He stepped out of bounds before YOU reviewed the play, and before YOU dangled a modifier in announcing the results of the challenge."

"And Atticus is asking Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH if he's the Grammar Police, which of course he is."

"Yes, I am. And you're coming with me. I hereby sentence you to 28 days in a grammar Reeducation Camp. I will summon another Grammar Enforcement Officer to take you there so I can resume my quarterback duties, but for now, you're coming with me."

"And Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH is escorting Atticus outside the arena and it looks like a new referee will have to be summoned. This will give Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH time to transfer him and still take over quarterback duties on the first possession. Of course, Sheffland has the ball now so who knows when that will be."

...

"11:02 left in the first quarter, Clownface drops back to pass on third and 9 at his own 33, here comes Enemy Crusher Carl Paladino, the 666 pound brute, and he absolutely levels Clownface and the ball pops free. And Soldier 193DGA will fall on it at the 27. Gregoryisgodistan recovers the fumble and has forced their first turnover of the tournament. This is arguably the best defensive unit in the tournament and they showed why right there. Great play by the defense.

"First and 10, Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH drops back to pass, rolls right, throws downfield looking for Pervert Chaser ZMM019931 and the pass falls incomplete. Second and 10. Now, here's the handoff to Slavecatcher ZN39000ASD, he runs right and picks up about three yards. Third and 7. The new ref is making an announcement now, he better not dangle another modifier."

"Number 71 is an eligible receiver on the play. Number 71 is reporting as eligible."

"That's backup right tackle Enemy Crusher Uga Paloga, who is lining up as a tight end. Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH drops back to pass and throws a lateral pass to Navy SuperAdmiral Q-Bert McFee on the right side. Navy SuperAdmiral Q-Bert McFee fakes running downfield, now throws it back to Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH. He's going to go deep, the defense is caught completely off guard and he might have a man. Yes, it's Enemy Crusher Uga Paloga in the end zone, wide open, touchdown Gregoryisgodistan! The Grid Slaves pulling out all the stops early. And now the ref is making another announcement."

"The ruling on the field is that there were two laterals and one forward pass, resulting in a touchdown for Gregoryisgodistan. The previous play is under further review."

"And now some boos from the fans in the stands as they thought there were clearly two laterals. Let's take a look. Oh, that's close, that might have been a forward pass. The second one was clearly a lateral, but wait, was Navy SuperAdmiral Q-Bert McFee past the line of scrimmge? If so, that will negate the touchdown as it would still be an illegal forward pass. Once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, you can't have a forward pass even if you bring it back. And it looks like it did, in fact, cross the line of scrimmage when Navy SuperAdmiral Q-Bert McFee started to run downfield, then stopped and threw it back to the quarterback. This one's getting overturned. Let's turn it back over to the ref. Let's hope he doesn't dangle a modifier."

"After we reviewed the play, we determined that number 81 was beyond the line of scrimmage when he lateraled the ball to number 3. Therefore, we have an illegal forward pass, number 3, offense. Five yards from the spot of the pass, loss of down, fourth down."

"The fans don't like the call, but it was probably the right one. That will put the ball on the Sheffland 35 and Mathematics Teacher 2737ASH is coming on to attempt a 52-yard field goal. Here's the snap, the hold, the kick is up and it is just inside the left upright, good. 3-0 Gregoryisgodistan but it could have been 7-0 if they ran that play right.

...

"4:03 left in the first quarter, and Clownface drops back to pass on first and 10 from his own 36. He's going to get sacked by Enemy Crusher Jurgen von Streudel, the third sack of the day already, for a loss of six. And now there's a flag."

"Unsportsmanlike conduct, taunting, number 92, defense, 15-yard penalty, automatic first down."

"That's going to take it to the 45, and Enemy Crusher Jurgen von Streudel does not like the call. He's starting to crush the ref who threw the flag, Rafael Gutierrez of San Jose Guayabal, and Gutierrez has been crushed. He's been crushed and the refs are throwing another flag. But Enemy Crusher Jurgen von Streudel is threatening to crush the rest of them if they call another penalty against him for crushing Gutierrez, so they'll pick it up. As Gutierrez was the alternate official and had already been summoned, the crew is going to make do with a reduced number for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, you can hear the 'DEATH TO THE REFS' chant in the background from the crowd.

...

"6:02 left in the second quarter, Clownface gets sacked again, this time by Enemy Crusher Carl Paladino. What a hit. And Clownface is hurt. He looks concussed, at least. He's not moving. They're calling for the stretcher. But now Enemy Crusher Carl Paladino is crushing the team trainer to death for now good reason other than perhaps interfering with an Enemy Crusher. Another trainer is coming out and helping Clownface get on a stretcher, but the Enemy Crushers have claimed their second victim.

...

"And that's halftime, the score still 3-0 Gregoryisgodistan. Now to Slaves R Us at the Half, back to the studio."

...

"8:19 left in the third quarter, Sheffland backup quarterback Ugly Flower drops back against heavy pressure, he's going to loft it up, and it's going to be picked off by Defected New York Jet Darrelle Revis at the 35. He's going to run to the 40, midfield, the 40, the 30, the 20, 10, TOUCHDOWN GREGORYISGODISTAN! Big touchdown to make it a two possession game. Wow. And the PAT is up and good to make it 10-0.

...

"5:14 left in the fourth quarter, flower drops back on third and 12 at the Gregoryisgodistan 29, and here comes the blitz again, it's Enemy Crusher Jurgen von Streudel for the 8th Grid Slaves sack of the day. Loss of 12 and that will take them out of field goal range and force 4th and 24. They're going to have to punt. And here's the punt, through the end zone for a touchback, couldn't get them deep inside their own end, it will come out to the 20.

...

"1:36 left in the fourth, no timeouts left for Sheffland, Gregoryisgodistan has third and 2 at the Sheffland 24, a first down here ends it as Sheffland can't stop the clock. Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH to sneak it himself. He's got the first it looks like, muscles his way down to the 19. That's going to do it. Gregoryisgodistan can just kneel on this one and savor the victory. Very well done by the Grid Slaves!"

[Abanhfleft]

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven

Payday, Part Eight

Vikrant, Trendstart

"Man, she's as nervous as a newlywed," Alexandra said to Allison as they watched Destiny walk towards the bus stop where they had arranged a meet with the elusive drug lord Fructuoso Arellano. It was a very long story that involved the theft of at least one hundred million new penenks, an unexpected meeting with the other "most-wanted" drug lord Guillermo Huesca, and the kidnapping of one of their closest friends.

"Well, put yourself in her shoes," Allison replied. "You've just seen one of your friends get kidnapped by one of the most wanted men in Abanhfleft. Now, because of him, you've got to meet with the other most wanted man in the country, a man who could so easily do the same to you. I'd be positively quaking if I was her."

Destiny finally managed to get to the bus stop unharmed, and she sat down and waited for Arellano. A rusty old provincial bus honked a mournful tune from its horn as it stopped right in front of her, blocking her view of Alexandra and Allison in their minivan. She was so focused at looking in front of her that she didn't even notice someone sitting down beside her until she felt a large weight settle on the bench. The bus finally moved away, and Destiny dared to look at the person beside her.

There he was, Jose Manfredo Fructuoso Arellano in the flesh. It had just been two years since Arellano, or Fruity to his old friends, had left the Fleftic Army to become a drug lord. He had changed much in those two years, yet he had also changed little. He was still a small, chubby bastard with a bit of a Napoleon complex, but his time in the Fleftic criminal underworld had carved his features in a way that he no longer looked like the cowering little shit that Destiny last remembered during the Fhulghamous Crisis. Instead, the man before her now looked like the classic ruthless criminal don, except in some ways Fruity still wasn't like that. For one thing, there was something wrong with his head. Not in the mentally unstable kind of problem, but he was definitely crazy by regular people standards. He was staring off into the distance when Destiny looked at him, but then he said, "I see that you got my message."

"And I'm here now, obviously," she replied.

"So, you said you wanted to see me. I'm here now. What do you want to do? What do you want to see? What do you want to eat?"

"I'm not really sure, actually," Destiny admitted. "I could use a beer, though."

"All right," Fruity nodded. "Beer it is. But before we do that, I want you to kiss me."

"Wait, what?" The request had caught Destiny off so much that she actually did a double take.

"Kiss me, like you mean it," Fruity repeated.

Destiny just stared at Fruity for a full minute before the latter noticed that nothing was happening. "Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked her angrily. "Kissy kissy!"

"Wait a minute, dude," Destiny said. "You really wanted me to kiss you?"

"Duh!"

Destiny sighed. "Well, all right," she said as she leaned forward and prepared herself both physically and mentally for the kiss.

"All right, I can see that you're having some difficulties with what I want you to do," Fruity said. "So what I'm gonna do is help you out by going ninety percent of the way, while you take care of the remaining ten percent. So let's do it! Kiss me!" Fruity already had his lips out, and although he wasn't really the ugliest of men, Destiny still felt uneasy exchanging spit with one of the most wanted men in the Democratic Republic. Eventually though she brought her lips to meet his, and they snogged. Most of the passion was from Fruity's side. Destiny just wanted to get it over with.

"Ugh!" Alexandra and Allison said at the same time as they saw Destiny kiss Fruity. "What the hell is she thinking, playing tonsil hockey with him?" Alexandra said.

"That's not something meant for mortals' eyes," Allison agreed.

"I'm not even sure the angels and saints can stomach that."

Fruity abruptly pulled back from his kiss with Destiny and began staring straight ahead once again. "I thought I told you to come alone," he said accusingly.

"What? What the hell are you talking about?" Destiny asked in reply.

"What are your two girl friends doing out there in that minivan watching us?"

"Are you like on drugs, man? Cause I don't see anyone out there watching us! Maybe you're just seeing things."

"Oh, so I'm just seeing things now, eh?" Fruity stood up and began walking over to Alexandra's minivan. "I'll show you who's seeing things!" he shouted. Destiny had no choice but to follow him.

"Shit!" Alexandra said. "I think Fruity saw us. We're blown!"

"Oh, God, he's walking towards us!" Allison added. "Fuck, this is not good!"

Fruity picked up a pebble the size of his pinky from the curb and threw it at Alexandra's minivan, whose vehicle intruder alarm immediately went off once the rock hit. Alexandra and Allison raised up their hands in surrender almost instinctively.

"What the hell are you two doing here, eh?" Fruity demanded. "Watching me do my thing on my own turf and shit!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Fruity, calm the hell down!" Destiny shouted after him. "Calm the hell down!"

"We just wanted to see you again, Fruity!" Alexandra said, speaking what had come first to her mind. "We've really missed you! But we thought that you wouldn't want to see all of us."

"Yeah, we really didn't part on a good note back then," Allison added. "We never really had a proper chance to say goodbye!"

"So you guys missed me?" Fruity asked in a disbelieving tone. He let the stones in his hand drop back to the ground. The three girls nodded their heads vigorously, and that served to cool down his fury somewhat.

"Wow," he muttered, almost to himself. At that moment, he looked less like the ruthless drug lord that he is and more like the barely-adult that he used to be. "Well, shit. Nobody's ever missed me before. Man, I'm brought to tears. Come on, girls! Let's drink! On me!" Fruity wiped a single tear from his eye as he walked away from the minivan, leaving the three girls no choice but to follow him, lest they lose him once again.

[Thereisnogodistan]

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THEREISNOGODISTAN'S WORLD BOWL CAMPAIGN OFF TO VERY BAD START
By Ilham Mezukov

THE DUKE'S STADIUM, ESTENIA - Thereisnogodistan's qualifying campaign for World Bowl XXV is off to a very bad start today, as the Atheists were absolutely dismantled by the gridiron gang of Estenia. And not only that, Thereisnogodistan's players have come under fire from sports fans and analysts alike after they began rushing the Estenian quarterbacks during their kneel plays in an apparent disregard for sportsmanship.

"This is an absolutely abysmal performance," coach Francois-Michel Nkong'o said during the post-game press conference. "I have to admit that we're not used to playing against veteran teams like Estenia, but if we continue to play like this in our next games, then we have absolutely no chance of making it out of the group stage. We just can't make it."

When asked about why his players still continued to attack the Estenian line even after they began their kneel plays in the fourth quarter, Nkong'o had only this to say: "The Estenians started it. We were perfectly content with letting them run down the clock. And they seemed to be astounded by how much they've gotten past us, so they've also agreed on no more touchdowns or field goals. But the fans had to ruin it. They began calling us 'Thereisagodtheyjustdontknowitstan.' I personally don't have anything against calling people names, but then my players--you have to remember that they're still college boys, and therefore they're very easily insulted. So when they heard the Estenian fans 'slandering the name of Thereisnogodistan'--their words, not mine--they just had to show that while they're already beaten, they won't be beaten lying down. And now we're called one of the most unsportsmanlike teams in the multiverse. But what about them Estenians? They didn't seem to be particularly sportsmanlike when they were dumping touchdowns and field goals left and right! We're even lucky that we got the consolation field goal."

The game started very well for the Estenians, with their players Timofey Dubov and Nazar Filippov landing a touchdown and a field goal each. In the final seconds of the first, Einion Evans managed to put three points for the Atheists on the scoreboard and prevent an absolute shutout. Starting from the second quarter, it had become an Estenian show through and through, with the men in blue and white landing TDs left and right, absolutely ignoring the Thereisnogodistani defense. The Estenians were no pushovers in defense, too, and this was why the Atheists could score only a field goal and nothing else.

Defensive linebacker Andreas Westling, when asked if he and the other defenders would attack the Estenians during the kneel plays once again, he replied in the affirmative. "It's only fitting," he said. "They didn't play nice, and therefore we won't play nice. Besides, they're obviously under the delusion that there is some of kind of god watching over us and our affairs. They say that their "god" gave them this win against us nonbelievers. I say that their players are just very skilled, and we as a team were just not yet used to the level of international play that we just saw back there."

Meanwhile, Abanhfleft also suffered defeat at the hands of no.1 Saintland, but this loss was a more believable 13-0 result. This setback has forced both the Democratic Republic and its affiliated college into a delicate situation, but the coaches of both teams are confident that they'll both be able to get over this first defeat and carve a path into the tournament proper.

[Walamzia]

Edgar Shines in Walamzian Victory

Mark Edgar's 50-yd TD pass to Hank Stevens with :20 left to go in the game sealed the win for Walamzia in their first game in the World Bowl. This is the only opponent over which we are favorites, so it was nice to get that win, but it was too close for comfort. The team will hope for better performances from the defense, as Vulcan Smith missed an easy interception which would have resulted in a Pick 6. Coach Taylor addresses the media after the game:

FC: Coach, how do you think it went?
BT: Went well. Tough road trip, but it'll always be tough facing other competition with such a depleted team.
FC: That was of your own choosing.
BT: I know it was. Still, our D needs to play much better in these coming games and they need to stop relying on the offense to keep bailing them out.
FC: Any closing thoughts on this game?
BT: I'm just looking forward to the next one right now.

FC: Mark, talk me through that last play.
ME: It was exactly the way Coach and I drew it up. Hank played well and he jumped up to make a catch I haven't had a teammate catch since... well, since him.
FC: You really shouldn't be ashamed. We're hearing reports that claim he's bought a ticket for your first home game in the World Bowl.
ME: Doubt it. Knowing his work ethic, he'll be locked in to whatever's coming next.
FC: He has a few days to prepare for what's next. We both know that he doesn't get locked in until a day before.
ME: I think you may be right. But still, not holding my breath.