NSCF 12 Everything Thread

[Costa Aluria]

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Levi's 5:01 Leaves Ceneisis Naval Feeling the Blues
Story by Abraham Shepherd

Porcusces, Abanhfleft—A late score by South Seas University tight end Levi Savage lifted the Honu to a critical win in late NSCF play on Saturday. The 6'7" mismatch scored on a 14 yard pass from Ezra Talbot with 5:01 left in the game, capping off in hostile territory a comeback win that many have considered an upset within the ranks of the NSCF elite. The final score ended at South Seas University 20-Ceneisis Naval Academy 16.

Against the pervasive defense of the Ensigns, the Honu struggled to move the ball all afternoon, showing difficulty to sustain drives to the scoring level. The Honu were forced to settle for two field goals earlier in the game, opting to get points on the board after a first quarter fourth and goal drive fell short at the one yard line.

The touchdown catch posted by Savage was the first and only offensive trip to the endzone for the Honu throughout Saturday's match. A third quarter fumble by Ensign runningback Bennett Keenum was returned by Honu freshman phenom Adawale Jesumbo for a thirty yard house call and the other South Seas touchdown of the day. The controversial play is certain to create a small amount media buzz over the next few weeks; Keenum took a second down handoff into a pile of offensive linemen and defensive players when the ball skirted out onto the grass at Tatuwal Memorial Field. Jesumbo happened to be in the right place at the right time and headed in untouched for the scoop and score. Although Keenum objected that he had been down by contact in the middle of the pile, video evidence remained inconclusive; since the play was called a fumble on the field, the ruling stood after a review that delayed the game several minutes.

The ruling appeared to change the momentum of the game, as Ceneisis Naval was unable to muster much of an offensive attack thereafter despite moving out to a 14-3 lead at halftime. The added momentum played out when Savage caught what would end up as the winning score in the fourth quarter. Despite playing at the tight end position, Savage has perhaps proven to be the Honu's greatest difference maker; he is making a push to be considered for the prestigious NSCF Most Outstanding Player award, though a victory at the tight end position would be considered an upset.

The score by Savage was important not only for this game, but for a potential difference on the season for the Honu. With the regular season winding to a halt, an important victory over a very good Ceneisis Naval team might be enough to propel the Honu into the playoffs for the second straight year. At 8-4, the Honu will need all the help they can get to secure the final playoff spot. With St. Michael, Utica, Ceneisis Naval, Stoneshore, and Northern Moravica having already shored up playoff appearances via conference championships, the final three spots appear to be locked in a too close to call race between five teams.

St. Croix, Ramusok Capital, South Seas University, St. Augustinus, and Army Academy respectively may be able to secure one of the final remaining slots to move on. St. Augustinus, in particular, has truly bolstered their NSCF playoff stock over the past two weeks, with a quality win over previously undefeated St. Michael's. The Honu could look to make an important statement with a win over Army Academy in what will likely be the final home game of the season. The losing team will almost certainly be eliminated from playoff contention, and the winner may not fare any better when all is said and done. In the Honu's favor, should they defeat the Cadets, would be wins against playoff teams Ramusok Capital and Ceneisis Naval. Losses to Stoneshore College and Utica University, however, could leave a glaring mark that might cause NSCF voters to choose another strong candidate.

For now, all eyes turn to week thirteen and the final week of play for the Honu to make their case. In a gameday with several marquee matchups, South Seas University will also have to hope that they can earn the viewership of enough eyes as well. With Northern Moravica hosting Ceneisis Naval and St. Augustinus heading to Utica, the South Seas University-Army Academy tilt is perhaps only the third most interesting game of the week.

Still, for 60,280 Plumeria Garden fans, as well as countless individuals watching via television, the home finale might be the only slate worth making a fuss over.

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Box Score	1	2	3	4	OT	F
Ceneisis Naval Academy	7	7	2	0	N/A	16
South Seas University	0	3	10	7	N/A	20

Scoring summary:
1st Qtr, 2:12 (CNA) Bennett Keenum 2 yard rush (Shelby Cunningham XP) [CNA 7-SSU 0]
2nd Qtr, 8:40 (SSU) Ranger Cisterns 40 yard field goal [CNA 7-SSU 3]
2nd Qtr, 0:16 (CNA) Darrell Sowers 6 yard pass to John Yost (Shelby Cunningham XP) [CNA 14-SSU 3]
3rd Qtr, 11:05 (SSU) Ranger Cisterns 21 yard field goal [CNA 14-SSU 6]
3rd Qtr, 7:50 (CNA) Ezekiel Pentecost tackled in endzone by Wayne Jeans for safety [CNA 16-SSU 6]
3rd Qtr, 0:57 (SSU) Adawale Jesumbo 30 yard fumble return (Ranger Cisterns XP) [CNA 16-SSU 13]
4th Qtr, 5:01 (SSU) Ezra Talbot 14 yard pass to Levi Savage (Ranger Cisterns XP) [CNA 16-SSU 20]

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Comments:

Selvin Hyatt | Vetrinarian at Mosaic Animal Clinic
"Duck, duck Goose! You escaped that game by the skin of your teeth!"

Winston Brown | Coordinator at Kaleidoscope Agricultural Co-op |
"Root for SSU to beat Army, Ceneisis Naval to top Northern Moravica, and Utica
to destroy St. Augustinus. The rest will take care of itself."

Croyle Albatross | A/C Technician at Stay Cool Solutions |
"Got two tickets to the game...650 Makaus. Anybody interested?"

Petros Zadakis | Copy Editor at Wycliffe Press | Top Commenter
"The playoff push—the final countdown!"

Marco Cervantes | Percussion Specialist at Drums of the Islands |
"Cadets going to take target practice at the Goose?"

888 more comments; click here to expand

[Free Republics]

Non-Conference Day 3 Results

Ramusok Capital University (COS) 17–29 Karl Marx University (BAU)
University of Archaeology (SAN) 7–10 Stoneshore College (COS)
University of Heavenly Snakes (FND) 3–0 Palm View University (FRJ)
Farrer University (QUE) 24–27 Yuma University (VLM)
Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 0–10 Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT)
Utica University (OSR) 27–40 St Augustinus (SNT) *
South Seas University (ALU) 31–6 Army Academy (FFR) *

*Scorinated by Valanora

[NSCF]

OSPI Standings

School                                  OSPI    Conf W-L   Non-Conf W-L   Total W-L
St. Michael University                 0.762       10-0        1-1          11-1
Ceneisis Naval Academy                 0.721       9-1         2-1          11-2
Stoneshore College                     0.711       9-1         3-0          12-1
Utica University                       0.696       9-1         1-1          10-2
University of St. Augustinus           0.666       7-3         3-0          10-3*
Universite St. Croix                   0.657       8-2         1-1           9-3
Yuma University                        0.643       7-3         1-0           8-3
Ramusok Capital University             0.639       8-2         1-1           9-3
South Seas University                  0.621       7-3         2-1           9-4
Army Academy                           0.610       7-3         2-1           9-4
Northern Moravica University           0.556       8-2         0-3           8-5
Thereisnogodistan Community College    0.546       6-4         0-0           6-4
University of Port Salem               0.539       6-4         0-1           6-5
Conquerer's Academy                    0.530       6-4         0-0           6-4
Farrer University                      0.517       6-4         0-2           6-6
Karl Marx University                   0.506       4-6         2-1           6-7
Queen's University                     0.453       5-5         0-2           5-7
Raynor University                      0.410       4-6         0-0           4-6
Mar Sara Tech                          0.407       3-7         1-0           4-7
Palm View University                   0.396       4-6         0-3           4-9
Chattahoochee State University         0.378       3-7         0-0           3-7
University of Heavenly Snakes          0.353       1-9         2-0           3-9
Kanza University                       0.349       3-7         0-0           3-7
Campbell State University              0.308       2-8         0-1           2-9
San Llera University of Archaelogy     0.304       3-7         0-3           3-10
Palæontological-Centered Research      0.304       2-8         0-0           2-8
Lone Wolf University                   0.277       2-8         0-0           2-8
Delta Coast University                 0.263       1-9         1-0           2-9
University of Galturin                 0.188       0-10        0-0           0-10
University of Corksville               0.184       0-10        0-0           0-10

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

All schools with an OSPI of .450 or greater are bowl-eligible. The NSCF Committee will have 72 hours to vote for the final 2 playoff teams. All Committee members will receive a TG listing eligible schools once I have updated the list of Committee members.

[NSCF]

The NSCF Committee has voted and the votes for the final 2 playoff spots are as follows:

Army Academy - 1
Ramusok Capital University - 2
South Seas University - 4
Thereisnogodistan Community College - 1
Universite St. Croix - 4

Therefore, the final 2 schools in the playoffs are South Seas University (ALU) and Universite St. Croix (QUE).

For the host of the Championship Game, the votes are:

Liberty Stadium, Istria, National Capitol Region, Banija - 4
Patriot's Anthem Park, Frenline Delpha - 2

NSCF Season 12 Playoffs - Quarterfinals

#8 Northern Moravica University (BNJ) @ #1 St. Michael University (IOA)
#5 University of St. Augustinus (SNT) @ #4 Utica University (OSR)
#6 Universite St. Croix (QUE) @ #3 Stoneshore College (COS)
#7 South Seas University (ALU) @ #2 Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT)

NSCF Season 12 - Bowl-Eligible Schools

School                                  OSPI    Conf W-L   Non-Conf W-L   Total W-L
Yuma University                        0.643       7-3         1-0           8-3
Ramusok Capital University             0.639       8-2         1-1           9-3
Army Academy                           0.610       7-3         2-1           9-4
Thereisnogodistan Community College    0.546       6-4         0-0           6-4
University of Port Salem               0.539       6-4         0-1           6-5
Conquerer's Academy                    0.530       6-4         0-0           6-4
Farrer University                      0.517       6-4         0-2           6-6
Karl Marx University                   0.506       4-6         2-1           6-7
Queen's University                     0.453       5-5         0-2           5-7
Raynor University                      0.410       4-6         0-0           4-6*

* Granted special eligibility for Pioneer Bowl only

Thereisnogodistan Community College (NGD) and Raynor University (VAL) have earned invitations to the Pioneer Bowl as the 2 best first-year schools by OSPI that did not make the playoffs. All other bowl-eligible teams may participate in any bowl. Bowl invites must be sent out by the organizer and must be confirmed by all 3 parties (both schools and the bowl game organizer). Confirmation may be done on the Discussion Thread or by TG to the NSCF nation. The deadline for bowl game confirmations will be Sunday night's cutoff.

[Costa Aluria]

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For Honu, the Hullaballoo is Deja Vu
Story by Abraham Shepherd

Porcusces, Abanhfleft—The South Seas University Honu football team might feel like they have already read this script as they prepare for their next football game in the current NSCF season 12. The Honu, who received enough votes by the NSCF committee to secure the final at-large playoff spot for the second year in a row, will be replaying a late season storyline as the playoff season starts.

The Honu will travel to Abanfleht for the second time in three games to face Ceneisis Naval Academy as they attempt to improve upon their early exit in the first round of the playoffs in NSCF 11. Once again, South Seas University will travel to hostile territory in a must win game in what is nearly a direct mirror of the second to last game of the regular season. In the previous matchup with Ceneisis Naval, the Honu pulled out a 20-16 fourth quarter comeback, a late season result that likely helped sway NSCF committee voters in the Honu's favor. South Seas University nudged out perennial contender Ramusok Capital University for the number seven seed.

For Ramusok Capital, the blow is no doubt significant. After half of the Horizon conference games, Ramusok was the top ranked NSCF team in Sporting World's rankings. Still, a below average performance in the back half of the schedule, coupled with non-aggressive scheduling outside of the strong Horizon conference, proved too costly for the Dragons and psuhed them on the outside looking in. Such a statement by the NSCF committee should be taken as a strong message to athletic directors in the NSCF. Simply put, strength of schedule matters.

It is a philosophy that Honu head coach Goose Carneghy has embraced since the team joined the NSCF last season. Carneghy has repeatedly stated that he will not back down from good teams, instead noting that playing elite competition is the only true way to put his team to the test. "If you can't win against the good teams," Carneghy stated during the preseason, "then do you really deserve to be in the playoffs? The only thing that playing weaker teams proves is that you are going to be exposed in the playoffs. Iron sharpens iron." The strategy has been a double edged sword, as Carneghy's aggressive non-conference scheduling in NSCF 11 nearly kept the team out of the playoff picture, while it became the team's rallying point for NSCF 12.

Still, the fact that the team accrued more losses thanks to their harder schedule will loom large as the playoffs emerge. While some, akin to Carneghy, argue that the tougher schedule helps the team fully prepare, others have noted that the extra losses mean the Honu will not enjoy home field advantage at any point in the playoffs. That potential home field advantage should not be underscored. Within the confines of The Plumeria Garden, South Seas University receives quite a boost from the 140 decibel crowd that oftentimes confuses and shuts down opposing teams.

Without a home field advantage present, the Honu will find themselves on the other side of the equation, at the whim of opposing fan bases. Because of the #7 seeding, South Seas University will be forced to play in hostile territory for every game that the team might play in the playoffs. It should be noted, however, that a scenario exists wherein the Honu, if they advance to the championship game, could receive the arbitrary "home team" designation on a neutral field if, and only if, #8 seeded Northern Moravica also were to advance to the title tilt.

For now, however, Carneghy's focus is not even on the game at hand, but a much smaller unit. "One play at a time," the coach stated about his preparations for Ceneisis Naval. "Our season is down to one play at a time. If we win enough plays, we will earn the right to a handful more. If we win enough plays, we will win the game." Carneghy also noted that preparations for the rematch at Tatuwal Memorial Field will have their own challenges, specifically mentioning that since the teams played so recently, it would be difficult to give the Ensigns a new wrinkle for which to prepare. "Yeah, I guess had I known it would play out this way, I might have kept a few secrets from that first game," he stated. And then, adding a sly smile, he added, "But I think there are still a few looks we can give them. That's kind of been the storyline this year, hasn't it?"

[Costa Aluria]

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Lei Bowl Preview: Familiar Names Return to the Plumeria Garden
Story by Abraham Shepherd

Mosaic—With the news that the South Seas University Honu have advanced tot he playoff round for the second time in as many seasons in the NSCF, the Lei Bowl announced today that big name football will get one more appearance this season at The Plumeria Garden. Lei Bowl Commissioner Sisal Eider announced in a morning press conference that Ramusok Capital University and Army Academy had officially accepted their invitations to represent the game.

NSCF fans and Plumeria Garden officials alike may not be able to ask for a better scenario to emerge outside of home playoff games for the Honu or an additional championship game bid. There is no possible scenario this season wherein the Honu might host a home game, and The Plumeria Garden opted to pass on a championship game bid this season after a successful bid in NSCF 11; still, the bowl game should garner substantial international interest with the two powerhouse schools vying to end their seasons on a positive note.

Both schools entered the season handily ranked in Sporting World's top ten listing, and most college football pundits expected the pair to make deep runs into the playoffs this season. The two have been fixtures in the NSCF elite over the past few seasons, with each representing previous championship matchups. Most recently, Army Academy was the NSCF 11 runner up after losing a tightly contested game to Stoneshore College in the championship venue; Ramusok Capital took all of the accolades as the NSCF 10 champion.

Despite the big name appeal for the two teams, the trip to The Plumeria Garden may be more bittersweet than a trip to paradise in the South Seas Islands might indicate. Ramusok Capital is no stranger to the stadium, having played regular season games against the Honu in the Horizon Conference. Despite the Horizon Conference's standing as perhaps the toughest conference in the NSCF, the Honu edged out Ramusok Capital for the final at-large playoff spot. A return to The Plumeria Garden may be a sandpaper experience for the Dragons, especially as several fans have expressed their disapproval of the Honu's nomination over their Horizon counterparts.

Likewise, The Plumeria Garden has not been friendly territory for Army Academy. The Cadets defeated South Seas University in the first round of the playoffs en route to a championship game appearance last season; however, that tilt was played at East Point in the Federation of Free Republics. Since last season's playoff game, Army Academy has lost twice in as many appearances at The Plumeria Garden—once in the NSCF championship venue and again in the final week of the NSCF regular season. Now, the Cadets must once again return to the stadium that has so far given them troubles.

Working in Army Academy's favor is their stout defensive unit, who enters the Lei Bowl allowing fewer than 8 points per game this season, far and away the best number in the NSCF this year. However, Ramusok Capital enters the match with a juggernaut offense, boasting greater than 32 points on the scoreboard, on average, this season. The Lei Bowl is designed to pit the the highest scoring and lowest scored upon bowl elligible teams in the NSCF. This year's matchup surely will not disappoint in either of those categories.



PREDICTION: As the adage says, offense wins games but defense wins championships. However, neither of these teams is competing for a championship. When Army Academy played the Honu offensive monster, the Cadets fared poorly, allowing several times over their opponent per-game average. Additionally, Ramusok Capital's muscle in the ultra-competitive Horizon Conference will prove to be the better practice, especially given the success the Dragons have had over defensive-minded Stoneshore College. And we can't say enough about Army's inability to win big games in this stadium; expect the Cadets' Plumeria Garden woes to continue as Ramusok Capital hangs on for the win, 20-13.

[Cosumar]

The Daily Bruin
Stoneshore College's Student-Run Newspaper

Bruins edge Archeologists in season finale, draw St. Croix in playoffs
By Mila Jordrök, Editor-in-Chief

SAN LLERA - For Stoneshore coach Walter Hufnagel, who played quarterback for the team 35 years ago and who rebuilt the program in NSCF 10 after a decade without playoff football, last year's NSCF Championship was the culmination of half a lifetime of hard work.

Now that his team has narrowly edged University of Archaeology 10-7 in the final nonconference game to secure a twelfth win and #3 playoff seed in NSCF 12, the school Hufnagel has passionately devoted himself to now has the challenge of sustaining the success. But for now, he is just thrilled to have concluded another brilliant regular season.

''The best part of winning is the aftermath, seeing the kids celebrate and everyone come together. Those moments make it worth all the blood, sweat, and tears,'' Hufnagel said after the game. ''It get more joy from those smiles on everybody in the stands as they pour onto the field than anything personally for me.''

That doesn't mean it came easy for the Bruins against Archaeology (3-10). After a 69-yard, 15-play drive that ended in a field goal to start the game, Stoneshore (12-1) was held quiet for the rest of the half, mustering only 45 more yards.

With their offense struggling as it has many times in the Bruins' history, the "Stoneshore Stonewall" defense rose to the occasion. Led by two-time All-Cosumar defensive end Toby Tancredi, the Cosumarite boys were able to keep their San Lleran opponents from taking advantage by swarming the quarterback. The Bruins finished with seven sacks on the evening, and three from Tancredi.

"Our defensive front is as good as any in the country. Our secondary is as good as any in the country. The fact that we allowed less than two touchdowns per game in the Horizon Conference proves it,'' Hufnagel said. ''Our linebackers played with great passion and got us in the right checks. They worked as a unit today."

Still, you have to score points to win games. A 30-yard touchdown pass gave the Archeologists the lead in the third quarter, and their defense still looked to be more than a match for our sputtering offense.

Locked in a 7-3 stalemate, Bruins offensive coordinator Vince Dill opted for a bit of trickery. Stalled at UA's 37-yard-line with nine minutes to go in the game, Stoneshore faked a wide receiver reverse to Naevius Brooks, who instead pitched the ball back to quarterback Sylvester Marcoux. The senior found tight end Arild Keldan for the go-ahead touchdown.

''We've been practicing that play since we were in high school together,'' Marcoux said. "Coach Dill knows we still practice it, so he called it, he suggested it, and we executed just like we used to do in the backyard. Arild did a great job of getting wide-open. My job was easy.''

The Archaeologists weren't quite done however. Taking to the air, their stellar quarterback marched his squad down into the red-zone with the crowd standing in anticipation. But like most of evening, they couldn't finish off a promising drive. Cornerback Sveinn Sneijder intercepted an overthrown pass in the back of the endzone, cutting short what would be UA's last chance to mount a comeback.

The Lleran team finished 0-for-3 in red zone chances, including a missed field goal and another one that was blocked by freshman backup tackle Agustin Naranjo.

It was the story of the season for University of Archaeology, who have played well despite their poor record but just not been able to pull out games. They amassed 20 first downs and 355 yards and won the time-of-possession battle but still could not finish the upset. Whatever the final statistics say, the only one that matters at the end of the night is the final score. And the fact that Hufnagel and his Bruins are one step closer to defending their NSCF title.

''It's just big for the team to get this win late going into the playoffs,'' said senior running back Luc LeStanne. ''Honestly, it feels like destiny.''

Stoneshore College (#3) will take on 9-3 University St. Croix (#6) from Quebec in the opening round next week. St. Croix have a storied history of their own and qualified for playoffs through NSCF Committee voting after finishing second behind Utica in the Woodlands Conference.

Box Score	1	2	3	4	F
University of Archaeology	0	0	7	0	7
Stoneshore College	3	0	0	7	10

Scoring Summary

1ST (11:11) - SSC FG - K. Solloway 21 yard kick [3-0 SSC]
3RD (4:28) - UA TD - 30 yard pass [7-3 UA]
4TH (9:00) - SSC TD - A. Keldan 37 yard pass from S. Marcoux


SSC Offense Leaders
QB Sylvester Marcoux - 12/24 for 167 yards, TD
RB Luc LeStanne - 21 carries for 76 yards
TE Arild Keldan - 5 rec. for 49 yards, TD

SSC Defense Leaders
LB Artur Seeger - 8 tackles, 1 sack
DE Toby Tancredi - 3 sacks, FF
CB Sveinn Sneijder - 2 tackles, 2 deflections, INT

SSC and UA Comparison
SSC: 276 total yards, 16 first downs
UA: 355 total yards, 20 first downs

SSC: 0 Turnovers
UA: 2 Turnovers (INT, FUM)

SSC: 3 penalties for 25 yards
UA: 7 penalties for 67 yards

[Saintland]

OOC: Just a quick RP so that I don't have to scorinate next season to maintain my spot on the NSCF Committee

St. Augustinus to play at Utica, again, in Quarterfinals of NSCF 12 Playoffs

(SP) Andreas Polus has had an up and down season in his final season of eligibility for St. Augustinus, but the 4-season starter for the Priests is coming off of his best game of the season. In the final game of the regular season, the Priests paid another visit to Utica University for another chapter in the rivalry between two of the perennial NSCF championship contenders. With home field advantage and momentum seemingly on the side of the school from Osarius, Andreas Polus led his team onto the field to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they deserved a spot in the playoffs.

By the time it was all said and done, St. Augustinus had done exactly that. Their 40 to 27 victory was a thriller that was competitive most of the way through but, in the end Utica's success at finishing drives was not enough to make up for their seeming inability to prevent the Priests from reaching field goal range every time they had a possession. Polus led the charge, rushing for 148 yards and a touchdown while also throwing for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns. Nicolaus Polus, Geronimo Milanesi and Andrew Fizelle each caught a touchdown on the day. Meanwhile, Andreas Flaccus, the cousin of the famous trio of Flaccus brothers from the National Soccer Team, converted 4 out of 6 field goal attempts on the day. Although Polus picked apart the Tiger defense all day long, the game was still a 33 to 27 game with 5 minutes to go. That all changed when Polus found Milanesi for a 59 yard touchdown pass that sealed the victory for the visiting side.

In the hours following the game, the NSCF Office announced that St. Augustinus had earned the sole OSPI spot in this year's playoff field. However, they would have to visit Utica once again in the first matchup. Beating a team of Utica's caliber back-to-back on the road isn't easy but if there's any team that can pull that off, it is the University of St. Augustinus...

[Osarius]

In an odd twist of fate, Utica will play host to St Augustinus for the second consecutive week as they begin their twelfth successive playoff campaign in NSCF. The Sanctii school were the victorious party in last week's clash in The Pit, putting up an astonishing forty points on a shellshocked Anthony Channa's defensive unit. "That was hard to swallow." Admitted Channa. "But the truth is, they outplayed us. We took things a little too easy, perhaps made too many questionable calls, it happens. What's important is that we can pick ourselves up and turn the tables on them when it really matters."

A chance for immediate revenge is something playing heavily on the mind of Utica's Andre Hawkins, one of the leaders of the Tigers' defense. "It's not something we're accustomed to, getting torn up like that in the air. But it's not indicative of a pattern or anything like that, I think they caught us on a bad day maybe." Keenan Gibson, whose reputation as a shutdown corner took a huge hit last week, was at a loss for words. "I don't even know what to say, really. I feel like we let everyone down, and I'm just thankful we have a chance to make it right next week."

Key to the success the Priests had in Martin Connors Memorial Stadium was the effectiveness of the offensive line's protection. Utica's fearsome pass rush had difficulty applying meaningful pressure all game, and it showed. Polus' rushing numbers resembled those of LeDallas de Jeruselem, and his passing -- given the time he was afforded -- were probably the best numbers seen in Utica since Luke Saint was under center. "Normally we've got a speed advantage on the line matchup, but not this time. Effectively it came down to who reacted quickest, and we were second best." Utica defensive co-ordinator Lu'bo Rinaso'lu admitted. "We had a few false starts, too, with guys trying to anticipate the snap and getting it wrong. The kind of mistakes we can't afford to repeat if we want that championship."

After an impressive regular season, it looked like the faith had been restored in Tubriss, and that they could still mount a serious challenge -- especially if it was built on the broad back of their freshman runningback monster, LeDallas de Jeruselem; the Quebecois was in good form against the Priests, closing off two drives with touchdowns -- but this last result will reignite doubts. Much like the general sentiment after their crushing defeat against St Croix last season, it feels again as though Utica might implode. However, Channa dismissed those concerns. "It's a little different this time. We're conference champions, we didn't lose that title at the final hurdle this time. We'll bounce back." He said. And he's probably right. If there is one thing that Utica does well, it's bouncing back. In twelve seasons, the Tigers have lost back-to-back games in NSCF just four times. Combined with their excellent home record, the omens are not good for the Priests, though stranger things have happened.

[Saintland]

Bowl/Quarterfinal Results

Lei Bowl
Ramusok Capital University (COS) 7-15 Army Academy (FFR)*

Snakeskin Wars Memorial Bowl
Karl Marx University (BAU) 29–6 Queen's University (QUE)

Pioneer Bowl
Raynor University (VAL) 13–30 Thereisnogodistan Community College (NGD)

Quarterfinals

St. Michael University (IOA) 9–0 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)
Utica University (OSR) 31-7 University of St. Augustinus (SNT)*
Stoneshore College (COS) 23–6 Universite St. Croix (QUE)
Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT) 17–18 South Seas University (ALU)

*Scorinated by 95X

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NSCF Season 12 Playoffs - Semifinals

Utica University @ St. Michael University
South Seas University @ Stoneshore College

[Costa Aluria]

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No Guts, No Goose? Unexpected Last Minute Calls Lift Honu in Playoffs
Story by Abraham Shepherd

Porcusces, Abanhfleft—South Seas University football head coach Goose Carneghy once again made a statement Saturday to the gridiron world that he is not cut from the same fabric as other strategists of the Xs and Os. After a last minute touchdown by his offense brought the game within one point of a tie with Ceneisis Naval Academy, Carneghy defied conventional thinking and opted to attempt a surprise two point conversion. The move put the entire Honu season on the line as the tilt was the first round of NSCF playoffs this year.

To most, it seemed as if Carneghy was simply pressing his luck on the gamble since his team had already overcome great odds on the previous drive. Down 17-10 with less than two minutes remaining in the game, quarterback Ezra Talbot took command of the offense deep in their own territory after a Ceneisis Naval punt had pinned them at the three yard line. On a day when the Honu offense struggled mightily, South Seas University would be forced to sustain their longest drive of the game to see a potential tying score.

Of particular note on the final drive was the Honu's rushing attack; 41 of the final 97 yards were gained on the ground after the Honu could only muster 62 rushing yards for the previous 57 minutes of game time. The Ceneisis Naval defense, which had shuttered the South Seas attack all night, appeared to be ill-prepared for surprising run calls in the two minute drill, allowing gashing rushes of twelve, eight, and twenty yards on the drive. An initial run by Jonas Talbot at the three yard line, designed to give the Honu some small space to work the offense, stalled after a one yard gain.

Ezra Talbot worked the Honu offense down the field like a Rembrandt on the final drive, painting the sidelines and well-timed middle of the field throws for a masterful 6 of 8 completions and adding a twenty yard read option run on the winning drive. The quarterback capped the momentum with 0:20 on the clock, tossing a run-after-the-catch touchdown to wide receiver Barclay Beckett. The Ceneisis Naval defense had lost the infrequent contributor in coverage after double teaming tight end Levi Savage, who had burned the Ensigns for the winning touchdown in a late season Honu victory earlier this year. As Savage took the coverage on the final drive, Beckett took a short pass and rolled right, beating the Ceneisis Naval defenders to the pylon.

Following the score, it appeared even Goose Carneghy had enough sense to kick the extra point and hope to send the game to overtime. The Honu lined up as normal for the extra point attempt, but Carneghy had one more trick up his sleeve. Upon taking the snap, backup quarterback and holder Bishop Pearson stalled just long enough to receive a key block from kicker Ranger Cisterns, and then threw an easy pitch-and-catch conversion to tight end Salvador Sandoval, who had slipped undetected to the back of the endzone. The risky playcall put the Honu on top for the win, 18-17, as a stunned Ceneisis Naval crowd sat in agonizing silence.

Following the win, Carneghy defended his play calling to the media. "We believed it would work," he stated in the post game presser. "You know, they had played us so well in that game, and their fans were really disrupting the rhythm. We just kind of looked at it and said 'Why not? We came to play a game.' We really weren't certain that we could take the Ensigns in overtime, and like the rest of the year, we thought our best option was the unexpected. So we went with it."

With the win, the Honu advance to the final four, playing a familiar Stoneshore College foe who handily defeated Universite St. Croix in their own playoff game. In two seasons in the NSCF, the Honu and the Bruins have met four times; the Honu have yet to win against their Horizon Conference rivals. Also moving on are Utica University and St. Michael University, who will clash in the second round of the playoffs.

One thing remains certain for the Honu as they head to Cape Dutch, Cosumar for the next round: there will be no certainties. What will come in the next episode of "Carneghy's Believe It Or Not?" Nobody knows, and that is perhaps the biggest advantage that the Honu might have. Stay tuned.

Box Score	1	2	3	4	OT	F
Ceneisis Naval Academy	0	7	3	7	N/A	17
South Seas University	3	0	7	8	N/A	18

Scoring summary:
1st Qtr, 10:15 (SSU) Ranger Cisterns 42 yard field goal [CNA 0-SSU 3]
2nd Qtr, 9:51 (CNA) Bennett Keenum 2 yard rush (Shelby Cunningham XP) [CNA 7-SSU 3]
3rd Qtr, 14:44 (SSU) Moses Gervaise 94 yard kickoff return (Ranger Cisterns XP) [CNA 7-SSU 10]
3rd Qtr, 7:37 (CNA) Shelby Cunningham 30 yard field goal [CNA 10-SSU 10]
4th Qtr, 12:49 (CNA) Darrell Sowers 4 yard pass to Kyle Baughn (Shelby Cunningham XP) [CNA 17-SSU 10]
4th Qtr, 0:20 (SSU) Ezra Talbot 6 yard pass to Barclay Beckett (2 point conversion, Bishop Pearson pass to Salvador Sandoval) [CNA 17-SSU 18]

---

Comments:

Mojave Crenshaw | Carver at Paradise Tiki
"All I can say is Whoa! Carneghy has a big set of coconuts!"

Winston Brown | Coordinator at Kaleidoscope Agricultural Co-op |
"Destiny is calling..."

Lonny Montague | Social Worker at Choices, Inc. | Top Commenter
"What in the world is going on here?"

Javier Saucedo | Agent at Mosaic Travel Company
"Everybody knows you kick it there! Don't put the game in the fate of one play! Lucky SOB."

Marco Cervantes | Percussion Specialist at Drums of the Islands |
"Keep showing your guts and pretty soon they are spilled on the floor!

1015 more comments; click here to expand

[Osarius]

A devastatingly effective performance from the Tigers last night over St Augustinus -- the same opponent who had convincingly beaten them on their own turf a week previous -- has put them back among the favourites to claim the NSCF Championship this season. "They executed when it mattered." Anthony Channa said. "We were disappointed last week, and the guys used that frustration to do something really great tonight."

Andreas Polus, the Priests' senior quarterback, had a great game, once again carving up the Utica defense -- completing 29 passes for 240 yards -- but the Tigers seemed to have adapted to his scrambling, limiting him to just 35 yards on the ground. "We usually don't have such success against the run, but we seemed to have the better of them this time." Lu'bo Rinaso'lu observed. "We reacted quicker this time, perhaps."

With their success limited on the ground, the Priests struggled to convert yardage into points when approaching scoring range, while Brendon Hogan and LeDallas de Jeruselem combined for a devastating offensive output on the other side. "In the end, I think we just had too much for them. Like they were outscoring us last week and we couldn't keep up, we just flipped it back on them this time." Alex Hardison explained. "It's hard to really see why the score was so one-sided really because they played some good ball. Maybe we were just hungrier this time."

On the topic of hunger, Utica's monster runningback LeDallas de Jeruselem was in devastating form. "His first step was superb tonight," said Utica runningbacks coach Ishmael Johnson. "It's something we've worked on all season, it's a problem we know about. And tonight we saw the fruits of his hard work." Two touchdowns and 203 total yards from scrimmage is his best performance -- in terms of sheer numbers, at least -- since his college career started a little over four months ago. "The line was great today, gave me that little extra time needed, and that was it." de Jeruselem said. "And I really wanted to prove a point after last week, you know? I felt like I didn't do enough."

While most of the talk centred on the Quebecois runningback, it's pertinent to note that Brendon Hogan seems to be coming into a rich vein of form at the perfect time. The senior quarterback threw for three touchdowns and 210 yards with no interceptions in one of his best ever performances as a Tiger, setting him up for a shot at exiting on a real high. "We're not there yet." Hogan conceded. "I think I did okay, but I can do better, and I'm going to have to." There has been talk of Hogan's lack of elite talent as a quarterback, and how he doesn't need to be, but there have been flashes toward the tail end of this season. Hints that Hogan might well be the first Utica quarterback to win an NSCF Championship since Saint Luke.

In order for the Utica native to pull that off, however, the Tigers first need to overcome the number one seeded Lions. St Michael University ended the regular season with eleven wins, and just one defeat -- a non-conference defeat at home to St Augustinus, coincidentally -- claiming the Mineral Conference championship with a one-hundred percent conference record. "In the past, it wasn't a strong conference but in recent years it's been a lot more competitive. A lot tougher. For them to come through that undefeated, and take the number one seed just underlines how tough they're going to be." Utica head coach, Anthony Channa said. "But they have weaknesses. Everyone does. We just have to find them, and prod and poke at them."

[Costa Aluria]

Post Game Press Conference (Brief Excerpt)

"Coach, what a courageous call there at the end of the game. The numbers say you should kick it there every time. What led to the two point conversion play call?

"We believed it would work. You know, they had played us so well in that game, and their fans were really disrupting the rhythm. We just kind of looked at it and said 'Why not? We came to play a game.' We really weren't certain that we could take the Ensigns in overtime, and like the rest of the year, we thought our best option was the unexpected. So we went with it."

"Coach, was it really worth the gamble to bet the whole season on one play?"

"The whole season is built on one play, over and over. If you make the right call on one play, you get another chance to make the right call on the next play. There is no vacuum here. One play leads to another which leads to another."

"Right, so why the gutsy call there? Gutsy calls at the wrong time can cost you the game..."

"Let's back up one step, first of all. We hadn't been able to sniff the endzone all day except for that spectacular run back by [Moses] Gervaise at the 3rd quarter kickoff. And our offense had just defied the odds in moving 97 yards in under two minutes. For the first time in a long time, our team had the momentum. And since we took the momentum, we decided to take their spirits as well. Let's not forget that conservative calls at the wrong time will also lose you the game."

"Coach, speaking of moving down the field for 97 yards, could you talk a little about the rushing play calls when you knew you needed so many yards and your team had had so little luck rushing previously?"

"We took what was on the field. Look, they had a sideline and we had a sideline. What happened between was where the game was played. Their defense played a hell of a game. But we figured they would be set up to defend Ezra [Talbot], so we took shots where we thought they would be successful. Clearly, they weren't quite ready for it. Once Ceneisis had adjusted, Ezra caught them off guard with that run of his own...what was that, nineteen or twenty yards? Just a good read. You know, that final drive things really clicked. I thought our offense finally was able to use the pass to set up the run and use the run to set up the pass."

"Coach, can you really base your wins on these types of trick plays? A lot of people think that is just a gadget win."

"First of all, there is no such thing as a trick play, let me be clear about that. When you read the box score stats, those stats still count. They are REAL plays. That they might be unconventional plays might be true, but the fact that this team utilizes them does not make them unconventional. Every other team in the NSCF has just as much responsibility in that as well; I can only call plays for this team, if every other team called these plays they wouldn't be considered unconventional. We have said it all season long, you've got to be prepared for any play that might happen. Maybe we think about things differently than others might. But you have to expect the unexpected."

"That's just it, coach. A lot of old-school NSCF coaches believe you don't need to be tricky to win; they would even say that even if the other teams know your gameplan, you should be able to go in and force them to submit. One doesn't need to unleash deceit; one just needs to be the better team."

"Sun Tzu said that all warfare is based on deception. What do you think of that? And what does it mean to be the better team? Isn't that determined by the scoreboard? There might be 11 players on the field at once, and there might be 54 guys wearing a jersey. But that is not the entirety of this team. Part of our strategy to be the better team is to try to outthink our opponents. Some of the teams we have played have some very big muscles. They work out for hours on end in the weight room so they can have that advantage on the field. But lets not forget that the brain is a muscle too. It gets stronger by working out too. And it likewise can be an advantage on the field."

"Coach, how would you respond to critics who have indicated that your team is not good enough to contend on their own merits, calling the Honu 'All that and a bag of tricks?'"

"Am I missing something here? It seems like I keep fielding the same question here. Did South Seas University lose? I forgot, what were the numbers on the scoreboard? That's what's great about sports. You play to win the game. Hello? You play to win the game. You don't play to just play it. That's the great thing about sports. You play to win. We won. And if you win enough games, you are a contender. That's why we took the damn field!"

"Coach, by now you have no doubt learned that South Seas University will head to Cape Dutch to once again face off with Stoneshore College, whom your team has never beat. What are your thoughts heading into the next round? Does this team have enough firepower to pull off the upset?"

"You know what? Thank you. Thank you for keeping this in perspective. We have lost a lot of games to that team. But how many losses do we have against them in the game that is coming up? Because that is that game that matters right now. Stoneshore is one hell of a team, nobody is doubting that. Now if you want to crown them, then crown their ass! But remember, they get a sideline, and we get a sideline. What happens in between is where the game is played."

[Costa Aluria]

The Play, Part II
("The Play" is a famous event from South Seas University football history; despite its notoriety and existence in Costa Alurian culture, no two similar accounts of the details exist. Instead, it lives on in a thousand variations as a bit of local folklore.)

Part I

South Seas University Sideline, 1:58 remaining


"Damn, that was a hell of a kick. 97 yards to go with less than two minutes? We've got our work cut out for us, guys."

Offensive Coordinator Clement Acacia had pulled the team aside, following a Ceneisis Naval Academy punt. If the Honu were going to win this game, they would have to drive the length of the field and sustain the longest drive of the game, all against an incredible defensive performance and in less than two minutes. Acacia stated the obvious to let the weight of the moment hit each of the players. "This is a big deal."

Pink marker in hand, Goose Carneghy joined the team in the huddle. "Listen!" the head coach shouted over the deafening noise of the crowd at Tatuwal Memorial Field. "The odds are against us. We all can see that. But we have been here before. We have come out victorious. And we can be victorious again because we have been there. The odds, my friends, are in our favor! Trust the Xs and Os!"

"Listen! Reemmber what you have heard about! You all have heard about our history, haven't you?" Several players looked at each other with anticipation, leaning in so as to not miss a beat of the action. "Oh you know about the history. You know about "the play." And right now I am going to tell you all about it."

"The year was 1940. In fact, the play happened seventy years ago to this day. South Seas University, which was then known as Aluria College, was locked in a tight battle with Harbor College for the Gridiron Cup. Backed up at their own eight yeard line, the Leatherbacks faced a fourth and forever scenario in an era where most teams didn't have a play in the book longer than five yards. The team lined up in the single wing punt formation, ready to admit defeat on the series and hope for a turnover."

"At the snap, however, center William Miller sent the ball to the right, giving a direct snap to fullback Otis Earhart." Carneghy began diagramming on the whiteboard in his hand. "As Earhart crashed toward the line, the Harbor defense crashed toward him, as they had on countless other plays that season. The Harbor defensive battle cry from that season has been described as 'Buck the buck,' a tribute to the defensive prowess that otherwise dominated teams' fullback runs that year. This buck attempt would be no different!"

Carneghy took a cup of Liquid Sunshine from one of the trainers. His voice had started to go hoarse, and due to the crowd noise, the volume at which he had to address the team only worsened the sandpaper on the back of his throat.

"As Earhart crashed to the line, split end George Carlisle spun away from the left side of the line, reversing course as the Harbor defense converged on the right side of the line where Earhart was headed."

Carneghy began to gesture with the marker in his hand. He continued, his voice starting to waver. "Meanwhile, tailback Clarence Stillwater moved from his post in the middle of the field, motioning against the grain to where Carlisle had been, while the right split end Merle Hayes also cut across the field to the left."

At this point, Carneghy's voice cracked. Still the history of the play must be told and retold. Carneghy doubled down on his resolve. "As Earhart crashed to the line, he waited, and waited, and waited. At the last second, he lateralled left to Hayes as the split end went across the field. By now, much of the Harbor defense, as well as a number of other people in the stadium that day, had lost track of the ball. But the Leatherbacks weren't done yet."

Again, Carneghy started to dance in exceitement as he took another small drink of Liquid Sunshine. "With the rest of the Harbor defense reacting to the switchback, Hayes lateralled once again to quarterbak Samuel Fromby, who had initially gone to block for the fullback before making a cutback of his own. But don't you for a second forget about George Carlisle! Because Harbor did!"

Carneghy cleared his throat. Again, he repeated, "Because Harbor did. Carlisle having freed himself from his post at left split end, Fromby lateralled for a third time to Carlisle. And Carlisle was not the only person on the field who had been lost in the shuffle! You can imagine by now the field was in a pandomonium, with defensive players and referees alike wondering where the ball was." By now, Carenghy had worked into a frenzy, speaking so quickly that the team had had to listen quite intently to understand what he was saying.

"In all of the commotion, Clarence Stillwater had gotten behind the Harbor defensive line, and Carlsile found him for what would be only the fourth completion of the game. And let me tell you this! Let me tell you this! It may have been a throw of just 10 yards, but it was not a completion of just ten yards. With three steps on the still confused defense, Stillwater rocketed up the field!"

By now, Carneghy was jumping with excitement. "With half of the stadium still looking for the ball, and the other half in utter disbelief, Stillwater rocketed up the field as the band stormed the field! At the ten yard line, Stillwater made one last cut between the sousaphones as he ran into the endzone! The stadium went into an absolute frenzy!"

And with a bit of anticlimatic drama, Carneghy took one last drink from his cup of Liquid Sunshine which he had set on the bench. Calmly, he finished. "Trust the Xs and Os; the play was exactly how they drew it up."

[Cosumar]

The Daily Bruin
Stoneshore College's Student-Run Newspaper

Stoneshore stonewall St. Croix, prepare to face hungry Honu in semis
By Mila Jordrök, Editor-in-Chief

CAPE DUTCH - A plaque on the wall behind Universite St. Croix coach Dong Joon Park at their home-game press conferences throughout the year listed the team's goals. The one at the top - Make the NSCF Championship Game - will have to wait until next year. Their NSCF 12 campaign grinded to an abrupt halt after a cold, rainy defensive struggle yesterday evening at Finglass Field.

Sylvester Marcoux hit tight end Arild Keldan for a 55-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to break open a hitherto tense game, Kevin Solloway kicked three field goals, and Stoneshore College beat the Bleu et Blanc 23-6 to advance to the NSCF semifinals for the second consecutive year and only second time ever.

The Stoneshore Bruins (13-1) have not lost since Week 2 when they fell to RCU at Capital Coliseum. Though their offensive execution has been intermittent in the past few weeks, the strong and deep defensive unit led by coordinator Kligar Zadorozny has been more than enough to cover. Holding St. Croix, a recent conference champion, with offensive players the quality of Leon Boutin and local Cosumarite product Bryn Altenbaum, to six points and no touchdowns is a remarkable flex of their proverbial muscle.

It was the third ever meeting between the two programs. Stoneshore College won both meetings in NSCF 11, once in a regular season nonconference game and again in the semifinals, by a combined score of 42-23.

This one was a defensive struggle.

Stymied the entire first half by St. Croix's complexly shifting defensive schemes, the Bruins apparently figured things out after the break.

Leading by just a field goal at halftime, Marcoux hit Keldan on a crossing route over the middle on Stoneshore's first possession of the second half, and he slipped out of the arms of Gerry Newman-Kutcher and raced untouched to the end zone for a 13-3 lead. The drive took 3 plays and 42 seconds.

The senior QB also hit Quinton Elwin for 18 yards and Naevius Brooks for 28 on consecutive plays to set up Solloway's 26-yard field goal with 5:12 left before halftime. The skinny freshman kicker also boosted the Stoneshore lead to 16-3 when he nailed a 49-yard field goal midway through the third.

Marcoux secured the victory and final score with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Keldan midway through the fourth quarter.

The Bleu et Blanc managed just two field goals - both from Ingleton, Cosumar-raised Erik Jonatansson. One from 43 yards in the first quarter for a 3-0 lead after an Eddie Pamourou interception of Marcoux on the first series, and another from 46 yards in the third. He sailed an attempt wide right late in the first quarter, deflating some St. Croix momentum that had been building after Richard escaped the pocket and ran for 32 yards.


Stoneshore fullback Major Ackerman looks at the scoreboard nervously after St. Croix take a 3-0 lead in the first quarter.

Stoneshore was more successful through the air than St. Croix, and that edge was critical as neither team was very efficient on the ground.

St. Croix quarterback Spencer Richard was just 3 of 12 for 28 yards passing, whereas Marcoux finished 9 of 13 for 148 yards.

The Quebecois managed 145 yards on the ground, but required a whopping 46 carries to do so (an average barely over 3 yards per carry). Usual star runner Leon Boutin struggled, finishing with 14 yards on 11 carries, leading the coaches to experiment with Hoon Hwang and David Iafrate. Hwang pounced on the opportunity and had a nice afternoon with 101 total yards.

St. Croix became the latest victim of Stoneshore's stifling defense, the pride of Cape Dutch. The "Stoneshore Stonewall" theme has really caught on. It has become a common sight to see students around campus wearing shirts with pictures of badass-looking stone walls. Of course, it helps that the University Store caught on to the marketing potential and suddenly started promoting them last week.

The next team with a chance to take a swing at cracking this wall is South Seas University. The Honu are a familiar Horizon Conference opponent who scored 36 points last time they visited Finglass Field. The Bruins won the early-season game 37-36 in a thriller, but because of that experience the Honu will have plenty of confidence that they perform here and will burst out the gates fearlessly.

The Honu, who are rapidly becoming a legitimate playoff threat before our eyes, evidently have Lady Luck on their side after they edged Ceneisis Naval 18-17 on a late trick play in the quarterfinals. But Bruins fans can take solace in the fact that the Alurian school have never defeated Stoneshore in program history - and such streaks are not easily broken.

Will the infamous Stoneshore Stonewall Defense hold up strong for one more game and see them through to another NSCF Championship, or will Silas Carneghy's Honu finally break the glass ceiling? It should be a great one - we can't wait to find out.

Be sure to get your ticket to the semifinal showdown, being played here at Finglass Field on campus, before they sell out! Pregame festivities will begin on the East Lawn at 3 p.m. and continue for four hours up until the kickoff time of 7:15 p.m. You can also watch the game on CSBN, with former Bruins' defensive coordinator Horace Browning flying in from Banija to provide the commentary.

Box Score	1	2	3	4	F
Stoneshore College	0	6	10	7	23
Universite St. Croix	3	0	3	0	6

Scoring Summary

1ST (11:11) - USC FG - E. Jonatansson 43 yard kick [3-0 USC]
2ND (10:44) - SSC FG - K. Solloway 38 yard kick [6-3 SSC]
2ND (5:12) - SSC FG - K. Solloway 26 yard kick [6-3 SSC]
3RD (12:47) - SSC TD - A. Keldan 55 yard pass from S. Marcoux [13-3 SSC]
3RD (9:24) - SSC FG - K. Solloway 49 yard kick [16-3 SSC]
3RD (3:00) - USC FG - E. Jonatansson 46 yard kick [16-6 USC]
4TH (6:52) - SSC TD - A. Keldan 3 yard pass from S. Marcoux [23-6 SSC]


SSC Offense Leaders
QB Sylvester Marcoux - 9/13 for 148 yards, 2TD, INT
RB Luc LeStanne - 26 carries for 117 yards
RB Alan Aardalen - 10 carries for 52 yards
TE Arild Keldan - 2 rec. for 58 yards, 2TD
WR Naevius Brooks - 4 rec. for 58 yards

SSC Defense Leaders
S Leumas Ren - 6 tackles, 4 pass break-ups
DE Antigonus Jameson - 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
LB Ukko Wilms - 7 tackles, 1 fumble recovery

SSC and USC Comparison
SSC: 391 total yards, 21 first downs
USC: 190 total yards, 11 first downs

SSC: 1 Turnover (INT)
USC: 1 Turnover (FUM)

SSC: 1 penalty for 5 yards
USC: 3 penalties for 40 yards

[Saintland]

Semifinal Results

Semifinals
St. Michael University (IOA) 23–13 Utica University (OSR)
Stoneshore College (COS) 12–23 South Seas University (ALU)

---

NSCF Season 12 Championship Game

St. Michael University vs. South Seas University @ Liberty Stadium, Istria, National Capitol Region, Banija

[Costa Aluria]

---

All That and a Bag of Tricks: Honu Advance to Championship Game
Story by Abraham Shepherd

Cape Dutch, Cosumar—And then there were two. The South Seas University Honu will play in the NSCF championship game after defeating defending champion Stoneshore College 23-12.

Coming into Saturday's tilt with the Bruins, the story that most in the media covered was a constant barrage of whether or not the team could contend with a technically sound team like Stoneshore, with a number of prominent figures calling the team out as "a gimmick." Though loaded with talent, the Honu team had heretofore been unable to take the next leap in beating some of the NSCF elite. With a road win against Stoneshore, it appears the tide has started to turn, and the critics silenced—at least for now.

Despite four previous matches with the Bruins over the Honu's two season in the NSCF, South Seas University had been unable to defeat their Horizon Conference foe before this game. In exorcising the demons in this particular matchup, the Honu hope to silence the critics for one last time by turning in a championship performance against impressive St. Michael University. Should the Honu falter, however, the probable massacre in the media would likely haunt the team for years to come.

The Honu had advanced to the quarterfinal round amid much fanfare over their win against Ceneisis Naval Academy in which head coach Goose Carneghy successfully called a deceptive but winning two point conversion call. Despite the drama that preceded the game against Stoneshore, the quarterfinal match had very little excitement over which analysts could argue. Instead, the Honu offered solid play all around, with good but not great plays that outside a quarterfinal match would likely not make the end of night replays on the top ten list.

Without the big play "wow" factor, perhaps the biggest development of the day was Carneghy's willingness to transfer that philosophy even to settling for lesser scores. Three times the Honu offense faced fourth and short in the redzone, and three times Carneghy sent out the field goal unit without hesitation. For a coach that just last week told us "Conservative calls at the wrong time can lose you the game," the permutation was a bit of an unexpected journey into unfamiliar territory.

The quick witted coach took it in stride in the post game presser. When asked about the apparent lack of flash in the quarterfinal match, Carneghy responded, "You guys are the ones who said we were 'all that and a bag of tricks.' You guys were the ones who said we couldn't win in a conventional fashion. We didn't say that, and luckily we didn't believe you. This team will speak for itself; we don't need you mouthpieces telling us what we can and cannot do. But hasn't this been the story all year? You guys have been so worried about us outthinking and outfooling the opposition all year....well, we sure fooled you all in the media."

In addition to the three Ranger Cisterns field goals, South Seas University put the ball in the painted grass twice, once an Ezra Talbot pass to wide receiver Satchel King, and once a Talbot scamper to the endzone. The two celebration spikes were the only two on the day after the Bruins failed to find the endzone, in an odd twist of fate; it is said that defense wins championships, but nobody expected it to be the Honu defense that held the opponent to just field goals. The Stoneshore offense at times seemed lethagic as the Honu defense played confusion tactics all game, thwarting scoring chances.

Carneghy noted after the game that the deceptions the team has employed on offense throughout the season are not limited to when the team has the ball. "We are a thinking team," Carneghy stated. "We've said it many times that we beleive our advantage is in the Xs and Os. And that goes on defense too. I think Samson [Fisafua] called a great game on that side of the ball. Our offense has received so much attention of late that I think people forgot there was another side at the line of scrimmage. It's high time he gets credit for what the defense has done."

For now, all of the attention turns to Istria, Banija, where the Liberty Stadium championship game venue will be held. Between the Honu and their goal of a championship will stand the Lions of St. Michael University, an upstart team in the NSCF this year who has impressed on all levels. Coming into the game with only one loss, the number one seed Lions hope to continue their success with one last win this season. For Carneghy, fans of the South Seas program hope he can play the role of the lion tamer.

It has been a season of twists and turns for the Honu. What final plot twist remains for the only game left in the season? Only Goose Carneghy knows, and that thought alone might be enough to strike fear in St. Michael's fans. Still, the Lions should enter the game as favorites, so should the Honu win it would be yet another unexpected outcome for the NSCF to witness. But in this Honu season, what else would be new? After all, as Carneghy himself has stated over and over, expect the unexpected.

---

Box Score	1	2	3	4	OT	F
Stoneshore College	3	6	3	0	N/A	12
South Seas University	3	10	3	7	N/A	23

Scoring summary:
1st Qtr, 6:56 (SC) Kevin Solloway 39 yard field goal [SC 3-SSU 0]]
1st Qtr, 0:35 (SSU) Ranger Cisterns 30 yard field goal [SC 3-SSU 3]
2nd Qtr, 10:02 (SC) Kevin Solloway 43 yard field goal [SC 6-SSU 3]
2nd Qtr, 6:22 (SSU) Ranger Cisterns 27 yard field goal [SC 6-SSU 6]
2nd Qtr, 2:16 (SC) Kevin Solloway 45 yard field goal [SC 9-SSU 6]
2nd Qtr, 0:33 (SSU) Ezra Talbot 10 yard pass to Satchel King (Ranger Cisterns XP) [SC 9-SSU 13]
3rd Qtr, 8:40 (SSU) Ranger Cisterns 22 yard field goal [SC 9-SSU 16]
3rd Qtr, 1:15 (SC) Kevin Solloway 33 yard field goal [SC 12-SSU 16]
4th Qtr, 11:19 (SSU) Ezra Talbot 8 yard rush [SC12-SSU 23]

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Comments:

Mojave Crenshaw | Selvin Hyatt | Carver at Paradise Tiki
"Goose with a lot of critics...all he does is win games."

Coral Taramind | Lifeguard at Baywatch Beach | Top Commenter
"One more win. One moe win."

Calais Montserrat | Chef at Hiatus Restaurant | Top Commenter
"Great job coach Fisafua! Defense wins championships! I can't wait until
I get to yell 'Sit Down!' when Calderon sacks Joel Carreira!"

Yoku Hiratsuka | Owner at Bus Stop Shop |
"Championship on the Horizon? Would have loved to see Carneghy take it
to Stoneshore by going for it on those field goals.."

Virgil Livingood | Lead Dentist at Mosaic Tooth Clinic |
"Will pay good money for game tickets...message me if you have any available!"

2185 more comments; click here to expand

[Costa Aluria]

Child's Play, Part Deux
[OOC: Child's Play is the philosophy of Goose Carneghy as told with the help of toys and games and otherwise overlysimplified concepts suitable for a nine year old.]

Part I

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As the Kite Flies: Goose Carneghy Talks Xs and Os and Where the Wind Blows
Story by Alexander Santos

[The following story appeared as a feature article in Island Life Magazine; an abridged version is reprinted here with permission, as a courtesy to our readers-Ed.]

I found him where I expected to find him, but I certainly did not find him in the context I had assumed I would. He was there, on the football field alright, the South Seas University football coach. I had expected he would be diagramming some diabolical play to send chills up the spines of the St. Michael defense, or perhaps tweaking the mechanics of quarterback Ezra Talbot or some other skill player.

Instead, Goose Carneghy stood off to one corner, solitarily keeping to himself. He was looking up, as his team had all season in the NSCF, with a championship game the only thing left to accomplish on the season. But he was not looking up as if to achieve another goal. He was literally looking up. There, in his hand, two hundred fifty feet of string had been lifted into the sky as a green and yellow kite danced above our heads.

I had interviewed Carneghy earlier in the season, during the heyday of the hype surrounding some of the different things the team was doing with their jerseys and with their player personnel. This day, I had come hoping to have a bit of a follow-up. When many in the media had labeled the South Seas football program as a bit of a gimmick, I had learned the hard way. Carneghy and I played a chess game at our first meeting, and like so many coaches before me, I was forced to come to the hard realization—against my will, nonetheless—that Carneghy knew exactly what he was doing.

"Good afternoon, Coach," I said as I approached. "I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time to discuss the upcoming championship game."

Carneghy simply shrugged and gestured with his hand to his side, an understated welcome but a welcome indeed.

"Wonderful," I continued. "In fact I am a little surprised to have such easy access to you right now. I assumed you would be swamped with reporters..."

"The media is a funny thing," the coach responded, giving a tug on the line. "They've hounded me all season about what I had done in the games. They called it a gimmick. They called it a bag of tricks. They said we couldn't contend. Well, now they've got what they wanted—the Honu are contending for a championship, their dream scenario to see us lose—and they want nothing to do with me. It's either the silence of the masses or the calm before the storm. They must think I am over here scheming up some diabolical play to send chills up the spines of the St. Michael's defense or something."

A few moments of awkward silence followed as I wondered whether or not I had verbalized my thoughts as I walked up. "Um, yes. About that...[i]ARE[i/] you scheming up some amazing plan to surprise St. Michael?"

"I'm just flying a kite."

I wasn't buying it. "You and I both know you have more in mind than what you are letting on. What are you thinking right now?"

His reply was just as grounded as before. "I'm wondering where the wind comes from and where it goes."

I had learned by now that the face value of Carneghy's statements was rarely to be taken at face value. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect a little more..."

"Oh, of course. I meant to say, 'I'm wondering whence the wind comes and whither it goes.'"

At this point, I couldn't allow myself to be fazed. I knew from our chess match that he would talk about what he wanted to talk about, butI also knew he would make his point sooner or later. I pressed in. "Coach, do you think you can beat the Lions and claim an elusive NSCF championship?"

I knew with him there would be some surprises. Still, his response was bewildering. "Have you read Ecclesiastes? Wonderful book in the Bible. Qoholet, the teacher, says that all is meaningless and grasping after the wind as if you can catch it." And then, as he looked to the kite, he added, "Everybody knows you can't catch the wind, right?"

"Can you catch St. Michael? They've looked pretty good this year, and they go into the game favored to win."

Again, Carnegy remained calm. "You know, you would never be able to fly a kite without facing a bit of a headwind brewing."

"Well, St. Michael has made quite a bit of wind this year in the NSCF, that is for sure. Only lost one game."

Carnegy nodded, for the first time underscoring that he and I were in fact engaged in the same conversation. "Sure, they've worked hard all season for their advantage. And we've worked hard all season for ours."

Finally, I knew we were headed somewhere. "Certainly you've got something in mind for the game, something that the media will eat up."

"You know, if you are in a big enough area, it doesn't matter if the wind blows east or west. As long as there is a wide open space, your kite will fly. And when you fly a kite, you can rest assured that people see it."

"So what will we see in the championship game that we are not prepared for? Or better yet, what specifically should St. Michael be prepared for?"

Again, Carneghy nodded, and looked once more to the kite. "You wouldn't know it, but I had a hard time learning to fly a kite. My father had talked it up so eloquently, telling me what a spectacle it was. And he tried to teach me how to fly it by telling me all about it. He told me what to do when the wind shifted, and how to react when the wind suddenly died off. He told me everything I might need to know. But the funny thing is, you can't learn about flying a kite by being told how to fly a kite; the only way to learn how to fly a kite is to go out and fly a kite. I had spent so much time 'preparing' for any possible scenario that I was less prepared for each actual scenario that arose. In the end, I had to go out on my own and let the string out, and let the kite be, let the wind happen."

It felt like I was finally catching on to the lingo. "I heard what you said there. You were so prepared for what might happen that what did happen surprised you. Have you been playing a game with the rest of the NSCF, putting unnecessary fear into opposing coaches?"

"Fear is a funny thing. Did you know that for thousands of years, Costa Aluria went undiscovered because men were too fearful to venture across the ocean to see what was there? When you don't know what you'll find, that is a scary scenario. Of course, you have heard the story of the prisoners who faced the king? You know the story. They were given the choice of two doors. Behind one door, they would find certain, but quick, death by beheading. But behind the second door, the king refused to say what the prisoners would face, instead allowing their imaginations to run wild. The following day, the king asked each of them which door they would like to go through. And each of them chose the certainty of the beheading rather than the uncertainty of the second door. What were they afraid of? They had no idea, and that scared the hell out of them."

"Hmm." The profundity of the statement set me a bit aback. "What was behind the second door?"

The coach shrugged again. "A full pardon and their freedom."

"Coach, your team showed us against Stoneshore that you don't need to be flashy to win. So why the crazy Xs and Os on some of your plays?"

The man at the end of the kite string took in a few feet of line. "I could complain about the windy day, and just sit inside sheltered from it like everybody else. But what would be the fun in that?"

By now, the rest of the media crowd had realized that one of their own was brave enough to disturb the creative genius, and they had started to converge on the scene like buzzards. I knew this exclusive interview would soon be over. I had to move fast. "Coach, what is your prediction for the game?"

With a small tug on the line, Carneghy responded. "I suppose, like this kite, that result is up in the air."

"Before I go, Coach, I've got to have something for this story. What do you recommend?"

Gazing toward the sky, his response really should not have surprised me. "I guess if you want to take a play out of my playbook, I recommend you go fly a kite. As Bob Dylan said, 'The answer my friend, is blowin' in the wind.'"

As I walked away from that interview, I could hear the media descend with the barrage of questions everybody might expect: "Coach, your team is headed to the championship game. What are you thinking heading into the match?"

And once again, the coach responded to let them know they were grasping after the wind. "I'm wondering whence the wind comes and whither it goes."

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Once again, I learned quite a bit from my time with Goose Carneghy. I went in with a world of assumptions, and once again, with a children's toy, Carneghy taught me to challenge my assumptions at the door. Simply put, with this Goose, you go where the wind is blowing. And for those who think they can crack the creative code of this genius, with all due respect, I suggest you go fly a kite.

[Saintland]

Final Cutoff

South Seas University (ALU) 3–3 St. Michael University (IOA) (3–10 OT)

Congratulations to the winner, commiserations to the loser and thanks to everybody for participating.