World Bowl XX Everything Thread

by **The Sova Empire** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 3:52 pm

TSE comes up big against Firiminaz, prepares for final WB20 game

So this is it. After several ups and downs, the Hurricanes of New Bethlehem, TSE is going into it's final game in the 20th edition of the World Bowl. With a 7-6 record, the Sovan team has the chance to have a winning record with a chance of victory over the Grandterre game. Grandterre has a similar 6-7 record, and is looking to have a .500 record, and a Grandterre win would give both teams a .500 record. The tiebreaker would go to TSE, but the place is hardly a concern for TSE. Anything higher than last is a win for the Hurricanes, considering the relative new-ness of the team.

Logic dictates that the Sovans will win this game. Grandterre lost the last matchup, and while Granterre just lost in the hands of Powersith, TSE defeated them. TSE offense has scored 50 more points, and TSE defense has let by 117 less points.

TSE's last game was a huge 46-0 win against Firiminaz. 6 TD's, 2 for the 2-point conversion and 1 safety made up the scoring for the game.

1st Quarter:
6-yard TD run, kick made 7-0

2nd Quarter:
1-yard TD run, kick made 14-0
20-yard TD pass, kick made 21-0

3rd Quarter:
Safety 23-0
54-yard TD pass, 2-point is good 31-0

4th quarter:
7-yard TD run, 2-point is good 39-0
Punt Return, kick is good 46-0

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:02 pm

ESPN: Equestrian Sports Programming Network
Suspiciously Swampy Sanctii Stadium Sees Superb 'States Squash Saintland

It could have been cleaner, but the end result was what the Fire Ponies needed. A 20-10 victory over the Sanctii leaves the Equestrian States tied for second in Group 1 after Cyborg Holland fell to seemingly unstoppable German Zerabithea.

The game was to be played at Royal Stadium in the city of St. Petrus. Most expected the Sanctii stadium to be much like the others the Fire Ponies have visited this World Bowl, and past coverage of the Sanctii games suggested the field would be in at least reasonable shape. However, Royal Stadium was an absolute mess when the Fire Ponies arrived in Saintland, the result of military "training exercises" by the locals. Naturally, this flimsy explanation was quickly attacked by the Equestrian media as a "poorly-concocted excuse that reeked of donkey excrement." One common question being asked was "Why, in the name of the Regal Sisters, did the Sanctii military have to hold their training exercises on a gridiron field? Are there no other open spaces in the entire country where Saintland's army could run around like fillies with toy guns?"

Aside from the horrible explanation of the field's condition offered by King Paulus XV of Saintland, the game was relatively straightforward. Saintland came in looking to use their home-"field" advantage to pull off the upset, but were left with nothing after quarterback Prince Petrus was sent off the field in a stretcher.

Petrus' father, the king quoted earlier in this article, was quick to level accusations of dirty play against the Fire Ponies and their staff. Responding to the pompous charges, Equestrian Head Coach Crafty had the following to say: "The injury to the Sanctii quarterback can be attributed to one thing, the terrible state of the field. If my players had a better grip on the grass, maybe the hit would've been higher up instead of low. The field conditions sure looked a bit too perfect for the Sanctii before the game, but after that injury *whistles* I bet they were rethinking having us play on a field where the mud was only really in the area where Blackstone would be kicking from.

Although the Fire Ponies trailed by ten after the first quarter, the Equestrians showed their overconfident and arrogant opposition why they're ranked where they are in the second quarter. First, a fumble by the Sanctii's backup quarterback was returned by Thunderoar for an easy touchdown. Then, following an intercepted pass, Sonic Strike drove through the entirety of the Sanctii defense en route to a 64-yard touchdown. By halftime, it was all Fire Ponies, and the Equestrians continued to put on a show in the third quarter.

After using a few time-consuming runs to take time off the clock, Equestrian quarterback Score launched a quick series of short and medium passing plays that left him in position to thread a liner to Neon Lights. Though the after-point attempt was botched by the placeholder, the Equestrian States held onto their 20-10 lead until the clock hit zero.

The Equestrian States will now need one of three things to happen in order to advance to the Playoffs in the fellow equine-populated nation of Karditan. First, a win over Euskihasalongname by a significantly larger margin than Cyborg Holland's probable one over the reeling Sanctii. Second, the same scenario, but with a loss of a much lesser margin. And finally, a win and a Cyborg Holland loss to Saintland. Expect Crafty Crate to place a much greater emphasis on the offense in the Fire Ponies' next game as a massacre is what the Equestrian States needs to give it the best shot possible at advancing to the playoffs.

Game 13: Equestrian States 20, Saintland 10
Royal Stadium, St. Petrus, Saintland

             1  2  3  4  -  F
SNT (8-5)   10  0  0  0  - 10
EQS (10-3)   0 14  6  0  - 20

Scoring Summary:
First Quarter:
SNT - 13:19 - Philippus Francus 35 yd. FG (SNT 3-0 EQS)
SNT - 8:57 - Prince Petrus 59 yd. Pass to Ioannes Lusius; Philippus Francus Extra Point Good (SNT 10-0 EQS)

Second Quarter:
EQS - 11:24 - Thunderoar 27 yd. Fumble Return; Blackstone Extra Point Good (SNT 10-7 EQS)
EQS - 1:18 - Sonic Strike 64 yd. Run; Blackstone Extra Point Good (SNT 10-14 EQS)

Third Quarter:
EQS - 6:09 - Score 15 yd. Pass to Neon Lights; Blackstone Extra Point No Good (SNT 10-20 EQS)

Fourth Quarter:
None

Current Group 1 Standings (Post-MD13):

  Group 1                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Win %
1 German Zerabithea             13   13   0   378  101 +277   1.000   Q
2 Cyborg Holland                13   10   3   249  104 +145    .769
3 Equestrian States             13   10   3   206   93 +113    .769
4 Saintland                     13    8   5   350  195 +155    .615   E
5 Sibirsky                      13    5   8   207  234  −27    .385   E
6 Ironite                       13    4   9   116  249 −133    .308   E
7 Euskirribakondara             13    2  11   107  325 −218    .154   E
8 Gzbfernigambia                13    0  13    65  377 −312    .000   E

by **Karditan** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:32 pm

MD14: Green indicates the colored team has advanced.

Group 1
Gzbfernigambia 10–50 German Zerabithea
Cyborg Holland 9–16 Saintland
Equestrian States 48–0 Euskirribakondara
Ironite 20–9 Sibirsky

  Group 1                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 German Zerabithea             14   14   0   428  111 +317
2 Equestrian States             14   11   3   254   93 +161
3 Cyborg Holland                14   10   4   258  120 +138
4 Saintland                     14    9   5   366  204 +162
5 Sibirsky                      14    5   9   216  254  −38
6 Ironite                       14    5   9   136  258 −122
7 Euskirribakondara             14    2  12   107  373 −266
8 Gzbfernigambia                14    0  14    75  427 −352

Group 2
Cassadaigua 10–0 Catonia Majora
Michael VII 20–27 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Backyard Sports 36–10 Quebecois Acadiana
Kinzar 21–10 The Serbian Empire

  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec   14   13   1   307  142 +165
2 Michael VII                   14   10   4   226   69 +157
3 Cassadaigua                   14   10   4   215   94 +121
4 Backyard Sports               14    8   6   243  177  +66
5 Kinzar                        14    5   9   113  195  −82
6 The Serbian Empire            14    5   9   145  232  −87
7 Catonia Majora                14    3  11   110  259 −149
8 Quebecois Acadiana            14    2  12   119  310 −191
*Michael VII ahead on PD

Group 3
Chunnan 10–16 Thrilledge
Franklin Delano Bluth 22–0 United Warrisons
Ko-oren 17–7 Konariona
Yesopalitha 36–6 The Babbage Islands

  Group 3                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Thrilledge                    14   13   1   293   96 +197
2 Yesopalitha                   14   11   3   346  107 +239
3 Ko-oren                       14   10   4   262  225  +37
4 Chunnan                       14    8   6   225  230   −5
5 Franklin Delano Bluth         14    7   7   211  190  +21
6 Konariona                     14    3  11   109  245 −136
7 The Babbage Islands           14    2  12   142  231  −89
8 United Warrisons              14    2  12   100  364 −264

Group 4
Crysuko 3–17 Lunar Republic Islands
West Guiana 26–10 Catholican Catholica
The Fair Republic 14–0 Kriegiersien
Slembana 7–37 Qazox

  Group 4                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Qazox                         14   14   0   377  119 +258
2 West Guiana                   14   10   4   235  161  +74
3 Lunar Republic Islands        14    9   5   286  149 +137
4 Kriegiersien                  14    7   7   172  245  −73
5 Slembana                      14    6   8   229  254  −25
6 The Fair Republic             14    5   9   150  184  −34
7 Crysuko                       14    4  10   125  223  −98
8 Catholican Catholica          14    1  13    83  322 −239

Group 5
Osarius 34–7 Schmiegelland
Kintratar 3–24 Vettrera
Thatius 14–10 Shadowbourne
Korena 3–40 Northton

  Group 5                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Vettrera                      14   13   1   266  104 +162
2 Osarius                       14   12   2   341  124 +217
3 Thatius                       14    9   5   201  154  +47
4 Shadowbourne                  14    8   6   229  138  +91
5 Schmiegelland                 14    7   7   208  235  −27
6 Northton                      14    5   9   222  218   +4
7 Kintratar                     14    2  12   124  345 −221
8 Korena                        14    0  14    49  322 −273

Group 6
Gaveo 3–25 Cosumar
German American States 6–27 Free South Califas
Demonslove 3–34 Sicoutimont
Estope 6–13 Subramani

  Group 6                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cosumar                       14   12   2   346  134 +212
2 Subramani                     14   11   3   291  158 +133
3 Estope                        14   11   3   242  155  +87
4 Free South Califas            14   10   4   328  165 +163
5 Sicoutimont                   14    5   9   170  215  −45
6 Gaveo                         14    4  10   134  287 −153
7 Demonslove                    14    2  12    99  303 −204
8 German American States        14    1  13   110  303 −193
*Subramani ahead on PD

Group 7
Firiminaz 29–7 Rodard
West Angola 14–21 Karditan
Allamunnic States 13–13 Powersith (13–19 OT)
Grandterre 7–12 The Sova Empire

  Group 7                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Karditan                      14   11   3   286   69 +217
2 Allamunnic States             14   10   4   242  105 +137
3 Powersith                     14    9   5   181  156  +25
4 The Sova Empire               14    8   6   207  110  +97
5 West Angola                   14    8   6   154  146   +8
6 Grandterre                    14    6   8   152  232  −80
7 Firiminaz                     14    2  12   143  291 −148
8 Rodard                        14    2  12    73  329 −256

Group 8
Levivania 14–33 Zeedoom
Darmen 20–0 Bongo Johnson
Democratic States of Fenbar 17–3 Zomni
Taeshan 0–3 Stretta

  Group 8                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Darmen                        14   13   1   290   85 +205
2 Stretta                       14   12   2   403  179 +224
3 Taeshan                       14    8   6   263  123 +140
4 Bongo Johnson                 14    8   6   247  183  +64
5 Democratic States of Fenbar   14    6   8   189  253  −64
6 Levivania                     14    4  10   138  306 −168
7 Zeedoom                       14    3  11   144  307 −163
8 Zomni                         14    2  12    77  315 −238

by **Karditan** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:16 pm

Venue Information can be found in the OP.

Round of 16: Wednesday, May 1st
RS1: German Zerabithea v. West Guiana @ InvestCo Field, Illineigh
RS2: Osarius v. Cosumar @ Starsi Stadium, Ponyburgh
RS3: Thrillege v. Subramani @ Dowd Memorial Field, Saxet
RS4: The Royal Kingdom of Quebec v. Equestrian States @ Redzzon Coliseum, Indianeighpolis
RS5: Qazox v. Allamunnic States @ The Megadome, Sinsinatti
RS6: Stretta v. Yesopalitha @ Red Star Stadium, Moscolt
RS7: Darmen v. Michael VII @ VenderBrew Field, Vender
RS8: Vettrera v. Karditan @ The Construction Site, Detrot

Quarterfinals: Friday, May 3rd
QF1: RS1 v. RS2 @ Starsi Stadium, Ponyburgh
QF2: RS3 v. RS4 @ Dowd Memorial Field, Saxet
QF3: RS5 v. RS6 @ Red Star Stadium, Moscolt
QF4: RS7 v. RS8 @ The Construction Site, Detrot

Semifinals: Sunday, May 5th
SF1: QF1 v. QF2 @ InvestCo Field, Illineigh
SF2: QF3 v. QF4 @ EthanOil Stadium, Kornsas City

3PPO: Monday, May 6th
Loser SF1 v. Loser SF2 @ The Megadome, Sinsinatti

Final: Tuesday, May 7th
Winner SF1 v. Winner SF2 @ Redzzon Coliseum, Indianeighpolis

by **Qazox** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:57 pm

Well it's been fun, right? A 14-0 record (team record in group stage) and the #2 overall playoff seed. And what is our reward for having a good season? THE FUCKING ALLAMUNIC STATES! Seriously? All that work this season gets flushed down the drain just beacuse they delibrately lost thier final game against Powersith just so they could get the #15 seed. But do you have proof they threw that game? I don't need any fucking proof. This is just what those trolls do. They need to change the nickname to trolls, instead of regulars. Yes. we know you've beaten us the last 500 times we've met, something their one-note media plays over and over again. You do know there's other teams out there besides us, right? Go beat one of them 500 time in a row and leave us be. We know you're better than us, ok? You don't have to rub it in our faces every fucking World Bowl. Just get our beating done and over with and win yet another world bowl, then take a long walk off a short pier atop a tall cliff.
_________________________________________________

QZX  3 13 14  7  37
SLM  7  0  0  0   7

SCORING SUMMARY:
QZX: 41 yd FG by Oliver Muadh. 8 plays, 43 yards in 3:44. 3-0 Qazox.
SLM: 59 yd TD run by RB#21. PAT by K#2 good. 7 plays, 73 yards in 4:14. 7-3 Slembana
QZX: 42 yd FG by Oliver Muadh. 6 plays, 26 yards in 2:44. 7-6 Slembana
QZX: 48 yd FG by Oliver Muadh. 9 plays, 50 yards in 4:29. 9-7 Qazox.
QZX: 38 yd INT return for TD by Adam Creighton. PAT by Olive Muadh good. 1 play, 38 yards in 0:06. 16-7 Qazox.
QZX: 40 yd TD pass by Jim Zebow to Alan Mordred. PAT by Olive Muadh good. 8 plays, 68 yards in 3:51. 23-7 Qazox
QZX: 11 yd TD run by Ian West. PAT by Olive Muadh good. 9 plays, 61 yards in 4:06. 30-7 Qazox.
QZX: 61 yd TD pass by Jim Zebow to Larry Loring. PAT by Olive Muadh good. 4 plays, 74 yards in 1:46. 37-7 Qazox.

QAZOX STATISTICAL LEADERS
Offense
Jim Zebow: 29/38, 330 yards, 2 TDs
Ian West: 26 carries, 162 yards, 1 TD
Larry Loring: 8 catches, 156 yards, 1 TD
Defense
Adam Creighton: 1 INT, 1 TD, 6 tackles
Sean van der Hann: 15 tackles, 4 for loss, 1.5 sacks
Bruce Neuman: 14 tackles, 3 for loss, 1 INT

by **German Zerabithea** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:22 pm

Billy: Hey everyone, welcome to The Angry Billy Show! Where I tell you what I liked, and HATED about this week of football. So...

*Chad and JR fall from the sky*

Billy: Chad? JR? Is that you?!

Chad: Hey bro! This must mean we are back!

*Chad and JR high five each other*

Billy: So... what happened?

JR: Long story, how'd the season go?

Billy: Well, the Rams went undefeated and have the number one seed, which means they have now done it twice in a row.

Chad and JR: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

*Billy walks away while Chad and JR cheer*

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day after the game, the various players were sent to the meeting room. Things had been a bit tense between Robert and Altozar after the rookie came in and played the last few games of the regular season, making a splash and putting Robert's job in potential danger. Once everyone sat down, Coach Rogers and her staff came in.

"Now boys." She began. "As you all know, we are now not only undefeated, but also the #1 seed going into the playoffs twice in a row, and that is something few teams can say." The room erupted with cheers for a min until Rogers got them quiet. "But we all know what happened last year, we got cocky and ended up losing in the second round. I don't want that happening again, it's time we prove to those other playoff teams that we deserve to be second overall. Which brings me to my next point."

Darren then came forward and turned on the projector and a number of plays came up. Rogers continued to talk while Darren got some papers ready. "Now I know some of you have been wondering what we plan on doing about our little QB situation. Normally this would involve picked one and telling the other to tough up, but we thought of something a little different."

Rogers words earlier came to Darren as he prepared to speak.

"If this fails, it's your head."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

by **Stretta** » Tue Apr 30, 2013 1:41 am

	Period 1	Period 2	Period 3	Period 4	OT	Total
Taeshan	0	0	0	0	-	0
Stretta	0	0	3	0	-	3

Giroux Enquirer wrote:Last nights match-up between Taeshan and Stretta has been dubbed by some "the most boring game of football ever witnessed". With a single field goal in the entire match, the fans were treated to pockets of non-commital offense, stalwart defense, and a general lack of effort. Still, headed into the knock-out stages, this may be exactly what Bobby Stevens was after. With a first team of players now well rested, he will be hoping like so many fans to make it just one stage further.

"7th seed?" Stevens looked at the seeding, slightly perplexed. "I suppose it's only based on tournament record, but still. Who have we got?"

"Yeso... paleetha? Yesopalitha, however you care to pronounce it. No publicly available roster, no information. They went through from group 3 with an 11-3 record and a similar points differential to us." In reality, Timmen knew nothing. He was just spouting figures hoping to avoid future questioning on the next match up. He had a day off to review the opponents on tape, but for now, he was pretty clueless. Stevens was looking at him for more information, and he panicked. "Erm, we're playing at Red Star Stadium?"

Stevens sighed. Deep down, he would at least liked to have known their playing style, but without the time to view their games, he had to admit, he was asking a lot of Timmen. "We're flying out tomorrow morning, and we're going to have a rest day in Karditan before the match."

Stevens was hoping to go one stage further in this competition. That would pay him back the money he had just leant to Pat Kolna, which headed into retirement, would be a pretty nice touch. He had made it clear before the BoI that this would be his last stint as head coach in football. Already retired at the national level, he had his arm twisted into coaching the first ever international side, but enough was enough. His health couldn't carry him much further. He opened up his draft letter to the SSC. He read it over, placed his digital signature at the bottom, and sent it off via email.

Dear Director Rankin and whom it may concern,

While it has been a great honour to coach Strettan college football, the Strettan Football League, and now the first ever Strettan National Team, I will be retiring from all coaching duties at the conclusion of the 20th World Bowl.

My health and my age are not going to permit my continued work for long, and it is for these reasons that I am choosing to graciously leave the game before these issues become too overbearing and affect my success. On a personal level, it has been a great honour to coach in Stretta, and to coach the national side to victory at the Baptism of Iron as well as to coach them through to the knockout stages of the World Bowl, and this has been a highlight of my career, and a memory that I shall cherish for the rest of my life.

I ask that you humbly accept my resignation, and accept my thanks for allowing me this coaching position.

Yours faithfully,

Coach Bobby Stevens.

by **The Fanboyists** » Tue Apr 30, 2013 8:19 am

The question was, ultimately, if history would be enough. As the Qazoxian media observed, yes, the Allamunnic National Gridiron team had not lost to Qazox in World Bowl competition since World Bowl 8. Yes, the rivalry had, of late, increasingly swung in the Regulars favor as the two teams met deep in the playoffs repeatedly. For these reasons, many in the Qazoxian media are calling the Round of Sixteen match-up between the Qazoxians (14-0) and the Regulars (10-4) a playoff death sentence.

But, underneath all the wailing and gnashing of teeth, it's really the Allamunnic squad that has reason to be worried. Why? History would seem to favor them.

The reasons were fairly simple. For starters, the Regulars' offense had rapidly become explosive over the last seven games. However, despite Leif Erikson finding his arm and finishing 180/272 for 2715 yards and sixteen touchdowns versus four turnovers (playing in twelve games), the team had been nothing if not inconsistent on offense. The rushing game had declined as Erikson's load increased, and there was legitimate fear that the Regulars were losing their identity on offense as they tried to keep up with other faster, higher-scoring teams. Of course, Danyl Wyndhorst could still be a legitimate playoff weapon (he did run for 1225 yards through thirteen games played in qualifiers with twelve touchdowns and no fumbles), but although it is still somewhat effective, the mystique has been lost; nobody fears the Regulars' rushing attack any longer, it seems.

Meanwhile, the defense had not looked like its old self over the past few games, giving up way more points than coach Smart had been comfortable with. Their inability to stop teams with a short field had reared its ugly head throughout qualifiers as the Regulars lost all three overtime games they played (even if the second-stringers were in during the game against Powersith). Notwithstanding Steven Lindburgh's thirteen-game, 107-tackle performance to lead the defense, the Regulars' defense had some serious trouble stopping teams like Grandterre, West Angola, and Powersith from scoring when it mattered. Ultimately, it will come down to whether or not the Regulars' defense that showed up against Karditan or the unit that showed up against Grandterre comes to Sinsinatti to play Qazox.

The other thing going against the Regulars is that they have been less than impressive on the road, finishing with a 4-3 record on the road. Excluding the throw-away home game against Powersith, all of the Regulars' losses came on the road. Given their constant drubbings of the Karditani national team, the Regulars can expect playing in the host nation to feel just like playing before a hostile crowd, an experience the Qazoxians likely will not have to contend with.

Finally, the Regulars have been less-than impressive in close games this year, with all of their losses coming in close games, and with two (three, counting the throw-away game) coming in overtime. It seems that this year, the Regulars just have not had the juice to pull the trigger on teams that they have down for the count or who they are on the verge of beating.

All of this has combined to give many Allamunnic fans worries that the Regulars will not be able to pull off the upset against Qazox, as the #1 team in the world (ranking-wise) just has not looked like itself this year: counting that throw-away game, they have lost only one or two games fewer this year than they have in the last four. The Regulars' streak of finals appearances is very much in jeopardy.

"I don't know what it will take to win this game, but we're going to have to play better than we've been," head coach Ryan Smart said after the playoff draw was announced. "We have to remember that just because we did not do great in qualifiers does not mean that the target is off our backs. We are still the defending champions, and a team that's dominated Qazox lately. They've got to be salivating right now at the state of us."

ASN's Gus McMahon even gave the Regulars some bulletin board material when, during his segment, he said that "there is no way," the Regulars beat Qazox in Sinsinatti.

So what do the Regulars have going for them? History, and a chip on their shoulder.

Everyone who will be reading this is familiar with that history. It's even elaborated slightly above. But how does the only team to ever make four consecutive finals berths and only the second to win three championships ever have a chip on its shoulder during a title defense?

Simple. Their shoddy qualifying round (they didn't even win the group from a team they swept) where they dropped games to teams that should not have even been in the conversation with them, and being one of the bottom-five seeds. Qazox's record is, quite simply, perfect, at the moment. The Regulars' is far from it. Those three losses made them look very bad, and the Regulars will be out with a vengeance to prove it was a fluke, that they are still the best team in the world, that their reign is not over yet.

But ultimately, it will come down to two things: which team goes out tomorrow and plays better, and wants the win more. And in that discussion, it would be a mistake to count the Regulars out.

by **Equestrian States** » Wed May 01, 2013 5:15 pm

ESPN: Equestrian Sports Programming Network
Fire Ponies Trample Euskirribakondara, Claim Playoff Berth

Things were looking pretty bleak for the Equestrian States heading into the final day of the group stage. Trailing Cyborg Holland on point differential, the Fire Ponies were confident they could defeat their struggling Euskirribakondaran opponents but would have to rely on the Sanctii to upset the fearsome Dutch robots (or at least keep the game close) in order to have any chance at advancing. But unlike so many other days in this World Bowl campaign, everything went right for the Equestrians for once.

The Equestrian States-Euskirribakondara game began as the third quarter got underway in Cyborg Holland. As was to be expected, many at the sold-out Royal Coliseum kept an eye on both the field and the scoreboard, rooting the Sanctii on just one week after the Fire Ponies crushed the hopes of the upstarts from Saintland as well as their star quarterback and Prince’s leg. The Fire Ponies, however, did their best to capture the attention of their fans.

After the Euskirribakondarans opted to receive the kickoff, the final battle of the group stage began at the visitors’ 20-yard line. It wouldn’t stay there for long. Three blitzes later and Euskirribakondara was forced to punt from deep inside their own end zone, giving Score and the Lightning Bolt-less Equestrian offense possession at midfield. But the Fire Ponies came out with their often-silent offensive guns blazing, moving up to the Euskirribakondara 32 on three runs. Score took it from there, and with one pinpoint pass to Harmony, the Equestrian States seized the lead and would never relinquish it.

Two drives later and just over ten minutes into the game, Firestorm lived up to his name, blasting through the Euskirribakondaran line like a red bowling ball en route to the end zone to expand upon the Equestrian lead. Although Crafty Crate would normally have held back his starters, the Fire Ponies were still in need of a large win to advance, with the outcome of the Cyborg Holland-Saintland game still in doubt. Thus, as the second quarter began, the Equestrian States pressed on to extend their lead in the opening minute with another lightning-fast drive capped by a Score quarterback sneak.

The other game of interest entered its final minutes as the Fire Ponies trampling of Euskirribakondara continued unabated. Just seconds after forcing the visitors to fumble deep in their own territory, the Equestrians went ahead by 28 with Sonic Strike’s 9-yard run. Finally, the Cyborg Holland game concluded, the result being received by wild cheering as it was Saintland, the nation so seemingly bitter towards the Equestrians, that gift-wrapped the Fire Ponies an almost certain trip to Karditan for the playoffs. The Sanctii had won, upsetting Cyborg Holland 16-9 and leaving the Equestrian States with the simple task of winning their own game to advance.

And win the Fire Ponies would. With plenty of showboating and laughter, the Equestrian States cruised onwards to absolutely demolish the Euskirribakondarans 48-0. The last victory of the Equestrians in the group stage would be the Fire Ponies’ largest and highest-scoring win in team history. As the final seconds ticked away, fireworks erupted over Canterlot’s lone gridiron stadium, signaling the Equestrians’ triumph and passage into the playoffs.

After two narrow misses in their first two attempts (both by point differential alone), the Equestrians were heading to the World Bowl playoffs for the second straight time. The surprising semifinalists were on their way back.

Game 14: Equestrian States 48, Euskirribakondara 0
The Royal Coliseum, Canterlot, Equestrian States

             1  2  3  4  -  F
EQS (11-3)  14 17 10  7  - 48
EUS (2-12)   0  0  0  0  -  0

Scoring Summary:
First Quarter:
EQS - 11:06 - Score 32 yd. TD Pass to Harmony; Blackstone Kick is Good (EQS 7-0 EUS)
EQS - 4:57 - Firestorm 13 yd. TD Run; Blackstone Kick is Good (EQS 14-0 EUS)

Second Quarter:
EQS - 14:23 - Score 4 yd. TD Run; Blackstone Kick is Good (EQS 21-0 EUS)
EQS - 6:49 - Sonic Strike 9 yd. TD Run; Blackstone Kick is Good (EQS 28-0 EUS)
EQS - 3:30 - Blackstone 37 yd. FG (EQS 31-0 EUS)

Third Quarter:
EQS - 14:48 - Jet Set 106 yd. TD Return; Blackstone Kick is Good (EQS 38-0 EUS)
EQS - 9:36 - Blackstone 64 yd. FG (EQS 41-0 EUS)

Fourth Quarter:
EQS - 13:19 - Score 26 yd. TD Pass to Harmony; Blackstone Kick is Good (EQS 48-0 EUS)

ESPN: Equestrian Sports Programming Network
Pony Party? Equestrian States to Face Quebec in Pony-Dominated Indianeighpolis

It’s official now. The Fire Ponies will have home field advantage in their first round meeting with the Royal Kingdom of Quebec.

Okay maybe that’s an exaggeration; but with the World Bowl playoffs being played in Karditan it was always expected that the supposedly neutral host nation would at least feel some favor towards the only other nation with a large sapient equine population that competes in many of the world’s top tournaments. The feeling of pony-unity in the face of a world that can sometimes be very hostile towards sapient equines is one that reverberates strongly for many in the Equestrian States and is believed to also have at least a small base in Karditan as well. But the expected crowd of ponies has just seen a sizable increase with the Equestrian States’ first playoff game to be contested in pony-dominated Indianeighpolis.

As the Fire Ponies’ second consecutive playoff appearance has again spiked interest in the sport in the Equestrian States, a large contingent of Equestrian fans is expected at Redzzon Coliseum with a capacity of a stunning 120,000. Combined with the locals, the Equestrians will surely hope to turn the “neutral site” playoff game against the Royal Kingdom of Quebec into a Fire Ponies home game. But regardless of the fan turnout, the Equestrians will look to keep their suddenly red-hot offense blazing through into the quarterfinals.

by **Karditan** » Wed May 01, 2013 7:36 pm

Sinsinatti Sun

Rust Belt shaking off the rust
Luna knows it could use a spit-shine

By Jonathan Umadden

It seems Karditan as a whole--as well as the whole world--finally has a reason to look at the old industrial cities at the nation's heart. We use the products that roll out of their factories every day, but hardly ever give a second thought to the millions of hard working people that make such a life possible. And we still aren't thinking about them, but now that some famous people are near them they might get some periphery attention. Sinsinatti has splurged on a new coat of paint on the Megadome in order to do the historic rivalry set to take place in it justice, as the Regulars try and send the Qazians bombing out of the playoffs for the umpteenth time. On the flip side, there's practically no paint left on Starsi Stadium as the Ponyburgh citizens refuse to restore the 'traditional' stadium in any way--and who can really blame them? Sure, it's cool that the prestigious Osarius team is coming to town, but they'll be playing the mysterious Cosumarans. How can you cheer--either for or against--a team whose players aren't even named? It just reeks of anticlimax. And then there's the Equestrians pulling for a pseudo-homefield advantage in pony-heavy Indianeighpolis to send them over the surprisingly strong Quebec side. That advantage is only temporary, though--should the Fire Ponies make it through to the quarters and semis, they're lined up to play in Saxet and Kornsas City, decidedly human in populace.

Now on to what you all really care about: The Ironworkers! They weren't overly impressive, being the lowest seeded group winner, but it was hardly unexpected. The two losses to the Regulars were certainly forseen (though we dearly wish they hadn't happened), and the loss to Rodard on opening day (while it stung) served as us getting our bad luck out of the way early. On the flipside, the Regulars had much more trouble dealing with the middle of the pack teams--it was stunning how they dropped four of the fourteen games, and it seemed Powersith just had their number in both meetings. Ouch. Up next for us, though, is a fellow participant of our Baptism of Fire: Vettrera, who bombed out in the other semifinal. They surprisingly took the Group 5 title from Osarius, but I think that was just blind luck. Plus, with the entire country behind the Ironworkers in Detrot, we can expect our players to be at their best.

________________________________________
Round of 16 Cutoff

by **Karditan** » Wed May 01, 2013 7:38 pm

Round of 16:

German Zerabithea 30–13 West Guiana

Osarius 19–3 Cosumar

Thrillege 16–13 Subramani

The Royal Kingdom of Quebec 10–20 Equestrian States

Qazox 21–30 Allamunnic States

Stretta 10–26 Yesopalitha

Darmen 19–3 Michael VII

Vettrera 0–19 Karditan

Quarterfinals: Friday, May 3rd
German Zerabithea v. Osarius @ Starsi Stadium, Ponyburgh
Thrillege v. Equestrian States @ Dowd Memorial Field, Saxet
Allamunnic States v. Yesopalitha @ Red Star Stadium, Moscolt
Darmen v. Karditan @ The Construction Site, Detrot

by **Qazox** » Wed May 01, 2013 7:54 pm

@ Allamunnic States:

by **Stretta** » Thu May 02, 2013 12:08 am

	Period 1	Period 2	Period 3	Period 4	OT	Total
Stretta	0	3	7	0	-	10
Yesopalitha	7	6	14	0	-	26

Giroux Enquirer wrote:World Bowl Hopes Come to An End; Stevens Retires

Despite a valiant effort from the Strettan side against Yesopalitha, it is time for the team to make their way back to Stretta. After a phenomenal performance in the group stages, managing to beat teams above and beyond their own level to make it through to the round of 16, they just couldn't muster another win, losing out 10-26.

This result comes along with the news that Bobby Stevens has officially retired from all coaching duties. The coach sent his letter of resignation to the SSC during the rest day between the group and knock out stages. With a career spanning 51 years, he has a lot to look back on. His Landstown Lions are a team that will not be forgotten, securing their place in the SFL Hall of Fame, and the Strettan Baptism of Iron victory and subsequent World Bowl success is the perfect final swan-song accolade on this distinguished coach's career.

For a team that had just lost and crashed out of an international competition, the Strettan side were surprisingly happy. There were more champagne bottles than would be expected, too.

Obviously, the small team from the island that nobody had really heard of stepping out and winning a Baptism of Iron and making a big impact in the World Bowl was something to celebrate, but that wasn't the reason. This was a retirement party. They had 3 months of intense work under their head coach, and now had a little respite before getting back into domestic football, so it was the perfect time to hit the town.

"I'm standing outside the courtroom of the Pat Kolna murder trial, where the jury has today delivered a verdict of guilty on two counts of murder. Sentencing will proceed tomorrow. This was after three intense days of court, which saw evidence from the defence, obtained by private investigator Billy Freedom, deemed inadmissable in court due to improper process.

"Many are saying that this evidence had the power to free Kolna of charges, as it both showed his presence at the first address, but also showed the presence of one other individual at both addresses. Regardless, the jury was asked to disregard any evidence bought into court mid-trial, and made their decision on the basis of the prosecutors evidence alone."

by **German Zerabithea** » Thu May 02, 2013 12:06 pm

Rams one step closer to Championship

The Rams came into the game against West Guiana with a little surprise for their defense. The Rams alternated between their two QBs, and while no one could of guessed how it would go, it appears to work just fine.

West Guiana never knew what exactly to do against the Rams offense as they scored 3TD in the first half. Despite this, the Rams only held a slight lead 21-13. However, a INT returned for a TD and a safety insured that all the Rams had to do was run the ball and the clock. Coach Rogers was pleased herself during the post game interview. "I'm happy to see the guys be able to pull this different type of offense off. Now we just have to see how long they can keep this up."

Next up is Osarius which has been met with mixed responses. On one hand, a game against a rival is always good for getting butts in seats, on the other hand, the Rams have basically taken control of this rivalry, and seeing how few and between the two teams actually meet, This writer feels that the Rams/Firebirds rivalry is the one all the other rivalries laugh at. Still, they have always proved to be good games, and everyone is looking forward to seeing how far they can go using this two QB strategy.
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by **Osarius** » Thu May 02, 2013 1:51 pm

Continued from Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

SOMEWHERE ON THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST OF IKUTURSO, OSARIUS :: 735 days after the event

"Beta Wolf has broken from the pack." The man spoke plainly, showing no sign of speaking into any form of transmitter. The implanted microphone in his molar was feeding everything back to base.

"All clear Beta Wolf, proceed as planned. Stay alert, birds in the air."

"Understood."

The man swept forward under the cover of night. The soft, heavy sand sapped his energy with every step, but he plowed forward. Once making it to the numerous sand dunes dotting the beachside area, he crouched and began deploying various technologies and mysterious instruments.

Last of all, he took out some goggle-like headwear and put them on.

CHIK-WHIRRRRRR

"Systems online," a low, male voice from the goggles spoke. "Connecting to Wolfpack stream."

The man continued forward, toward the nearest settlement as indicated by the bright green highlighting and information text he could see with the goggles. He briefly thought about how useful Reaper Division's "Augmented Reality" kit actually was, now that he was using outside of battle, where he found it a distraction.

"Beta Wolf. You made it."

"Of course, Commander."

"I expected nothing less. Are you able to detect the beacon Agent Granath Three left active in the area?"

"Nothing on the scanner yet, sir. I'm working my way inland."

"Good. It is imperative that you recover or destroy that beacon. We cannot afford to risk the southies uncovering the entirety of the plan, and the true nature of Operation Annihilus."

"Understood, Sir."

"Remember, Beta... you cannot afford to be detected. If your presence is detected, you know what you must do..."

"For the Empire, Sir."

"For the Empire."

UNKNOWN LOCATION ON KYOSHIKU ISLAND, OSARIUS :: 735 days after the event

"Goddammit Glitch!" A table flipped over, and went flying past the man's head. "How the hell did he get out?!"

"I have no idea s-"

"Of course you have no goddamn idea, you fool!"

"Sir, I can trace the bio-"

"I know what you can and can't do!"

"General, a problem?" A man's voice came from the monitor behind him. The face was obscured, but the voice clear. Familiar.

"Alpha. Sir." The General identified the man.

"I'll take that as a no." Alpha spoke slowly, deliberately. "I fully expect to see this former R.D. Agent broken when I arrive."

"That... could be problematic, sir."

"So there is a problem?"

"...Sir." The General nodded.

"I will arrive within the hour. If you have not resolved the problem, I will."

OUTSKIRTS OF KYOBE, KYOSHIKU ISLAND, OSARIUS :: 735 days after the event

Doctor Jermaine Marko was running full speed down a dark, dusty road. He had long since lost track of distance, and his breathing was not yet labored. He had no means of communication, he was bruised and aching from his ordeal, and wasn't even sure where he was.

In the distance, the dim light of a vehicle.

'Maybe I can hitch a ride to the city... get to the University.' he thought to himself. He began to slow his run, giving himself time to compose his appearance. And come up with a convincing story.

The car -- it was almost certainly a car, too small to be anything else -- was perhaps half a mile away now. It would be close enough to see him soon, and he had to make sure it saw him.

Without a moment's thought, he stumbled into the middle of the road and began holding his ribs. As the car neared, he staggered for effect and fell to one knee.

As he had hoped, the car slowed and pulled over.

KA-CHIK

"What're you doing out here?"

Doctor Marko glanced up, and saw a rifle barrel aimed directly at him from the driver side window.

'Shit.' He thought.

by **Equestrian States** » Fri May 03, 2013 7:09 pm

ESPN: Equestrian Sports Programming Network
Fire Ponies Handle Quebec, Advance to Quarterfinals

As was predicted, the Karditanis in Indianeighpolis turned out in full force to cheer on their fellow equines from the Equestrian States. With the combination of locals and visitors from the Pony Lands, Redzzon Coliseum was packed full of ponies that easily outnumbered the human fans from the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Knowing fully that the fans were going to have high expectations for the defending semifinalists, the Fire Ponies put together one of their finest games of the campaign against a team that lost just once en route to topping a competitive group.

The Equestrians opened the game with a long run-dominated drive that ate up an impressive six minutes before Score fired off a short pass to Hoops near the sideline, who then danced the last few yards into the end zone to put the Fire Ponies ahead. It was a drive that would characterize the entire game, with the Equestrian States grinding away at their once mighty-looking opponents on both sides of the ball. Although the Royal Kingdom of Quebec would put 10 points on the board, it was already too late to make a difference as the Fire Ponies finished the game with a defensive stand at midfield that kept the crowd roaring well after the final second ticked off the clock.

Now the Equestrians will advance to face Thrilledge in the much less pony-filled Dowd Memorial Field. Despite their hot streak, the Fire Ponies will likely be considered the underdogs heading in their quarterfinal battle. But Head Coach Crafty Crate has promised that the Equestrians will do their best to make it back to the semifinals for the second straight World Bowl. If the Fire Ponies do advance, the obvious pick for their opponent would be the all-to-familiar German Zerabitheans, who twice steamrolled the Equestrians en route to a perfect 14-0 group record despite being in what many considered to be the most fiercely-contested group in the tournament.

Quarterfinals: Equestrian States 20, The Royal Kingdom of Quebec 10
at Redzzon Coliseum, Indianeighpolis, Karditan

             1  2  3  4  -  F
RKQ (13-2)   0  3  0  7  - 10
EQS (12-3)   7 10  0  3  - 20

Scoring Summary:
First Quarter:
EQS - 8:58 - Score 4 yd. TD Pass to Hoops; Blackstone Kick is Good (RKQ 0-7 EQS)

Second Quarter:
EQS - 12:17 - Lightning Bolt 8 yd. TD Run; Blackstone Kick is Good (RKQ 0-14 EQS)
RKQ - 1:33 - PK#1 41 yd. FG (RKQ 3-14 EQS)
EQS - 0:00 - Blackstone 66 yd. FG (RKQ 3-17 EQS)

Third Quarter:
No Scoring

Fourth Quarter:
RKQ - 9:45 - Luc Arvineau 39 yd. TD Pass to Adrian Meriwether; PK#1 Kick is Good (RKQ 10-17 EQS)
EQS - 4:29 - Blackstone 36 yd. FG (RKQ 10-20 EQS)

by **The Fanboyists** » Fri May 03, 2013 10:55 pm

Jim Zebow could lead Qazox to a perfect qualifying round, putting up strong numbers. But nothing could stop Honorius Waalturs from coming out in Sinsinatti and terrorizing the Sharks' quarterback for the third straight meeting, notching three and a half sacks, a strip-sack, and a recovered fumble for a touchdown.

Qazox came out strong, putting up a 21-14 lead midway through the third quarter. The Sharks ended up registering one rushing touchdown, one passing touchdown, and a special teams touchdown (they had returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown). For the Regulars, on the other hand, Leif Erikson was efficient, going 21/26 for 255 yards and two touchdowns. The first came on a 28-yard dump-and-run to Haanryk Stahlburg late in the first quarter, and the second came midway through the third quarter, a 51-yard touchdown pass to Izaak Rolle.

Early in the fourth quarter, Waalturs' strip-sack for a touchdown swung the game's momentum, with the score tied and everything favoring the Regulars in front of a loud and wild crowd in the Rust-Belt city. Later in the fourth quarter, a safety forced by Maarkus Staalhelm (taking down the Qazoxian running back in his own endzone) gave the Regulars the lead that they would never relinquish, and a possession from which they ran out the clock and put the game away, with Ole Nurdsunn pounding in a 2-yard touchdown run with a minute left in the game.

The win gives the Regulars a rematch of the World Bowl XIX Championship game, where the Regulars defeated Yesopalitha. The Yesopalithans are looking like the better team this time around: the Regulars will have to come out and play their absolute best to escape the Flames with a win.

by **THRILLEDGE** » Sat May 04, 2013 5:01 pm

The Thrilledge Dreadlocks National Football Team

Offensive Style: Pistol
Defensive Style: 4-3; nickel and dime packages are both run with 4 on the defensive line

Style Modifier: +3

by **Karditan** » Sat May 04, 2013 5:50 pm

Quarterfinals:

German Zerabithea 20–16 Osarius

Thrillege 20–13 Equestrian States

Allamunnic States 0–14 Yesopalitha

Darmen 0–3 Karditan

Semifinals: Monday, May 6th
SF1: German Zerabithea v. Thrillege @ InvestCo Field, Illineigh
SF2: Yesopalitha v. Karditan @ EthanOil Stadium, Kornsas City

by **German Zerabithea** » Sun May 05, 2013 2:04 am

Rams One step closer to championship with a come back game.

Some people like to laugh at the Rams/Firebirds rivalry.

This is because they don't watch the games.

The Rams showed an impressive end game as they managed to just pull off a win 20-16 over Osarius. With this win they will face Thrillege in two weeks time in the semifinals.

For the first half, the Rams just seemed tired. Nether QB could make much progress, while Luke Saint and the Firebirds ran over the defense. Before they knew it, 4 mins remained in the half and Osarius was up 16-0. Shoemaker however managed to make something happen and the first half ended 16-7. One Robert pass to Valenty and a Altozar run later, the Rams held the lead and never looked back.

Now however, they have to beat Thrillege in the semifinals, a team that only recently released their schedule. One can only hope the Rams can get that one last win that they need to get another shot at the championship. And maybe with this new "12th man offense" as fans have come to call it, they just might be able to pull it off.

Elsewhere, there is a ting of disappointment as the Regulars lost to Yesopalitha 0-14. On one hand, for the last 4 years, the Rams have had but one wish, to get another chance at beating A.S in the World Bowl. On the other hand, Yesop is a team the Rams have yet to face, and if they can blow out the defending champs, then I'm sure Rogers is drooling at the chance to face and beat them, proving that the Rams deserve the number one overall rank next year. And if I am to believe the Internet (which granted is not the smartest thing you can do) most people in the Zerabithean football community want this match up too.

As for who Thrillege beat to get this far, it seems that being in another land inhabited by ponies was not enough for E.S who lost 20-13. After losing twice to the Rams in the regular season, everyone knew they would of loved one last try before their season ended. But alas it did not happen, there is always next year.

As for the other game... congratulation to Karditan I suppose? I really don't have much to say about it, they were the better team, so they move on. I do know though that if the Rams faced them, it'd be one hell of a home field advantage. That could be a problem for the team if they get to face them, but really, none of this matters till we see if the Rams win two week from now, so I'll shut up for now.

Anonymous ZSN writer.

by **The Fanboyists** » Mon May 06, 2013 7:44 am

Ultimately, as the offense sputtered and the special teams gave up two touchdowns (on a punt return and the second-half kickoff), the Regulars lost an otherwise-defensive slug-out in a rematch of the World Bowl XIX Finals, losing 14-0 to Yesopalitha, ending an 11-5 year that saw the Regulars undergo some serious rebuilding, defeat Qazox once again, and saw head coach Ryan Smart notch his 100th win. It also, perhaps, determined that the Regulars really have achieved excellence. How?

Simple: When an 11-5 season and a playoff win is not just considered "disappointing" but an outright failure, one knows that the bar has been set very high. And that, the Regulars have done. Even after having both the offense and defense decimated by departures leaves you expected to contend for a championship, one knows that your team is considered among the best in the world, bar none.

So a pity, of course, that after this team spent a disappointing year rebuilding and discovering new talent, they would end up losing even more of it. There would be another rash of departures after World Bowl XX as players retired or left for the domestic league, leaving the Regulars with still more holes to fill.

But all that was in the future as the Regulars prepared for the agonizing experience of sitting in the stands for the remaining games in the World Bowl playoffs, with the recognition that as soon as they returned home, it would be right back to work.

by **Karditan** » Mon May 06, 2013 7:46 pm

Sinsinatti Sun

Field GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Does anyone have a throat lozenge?

By Jonathan Umadden

They had to make it interesting, didn't they? Can't make it easy. Our special teams are going to give me a heart attack, I swear, I thought we were going to go the way of the Regulars and give up the ship on kickoffs. It didn't help that Garret Norris' arm was cold all day and Light Step swapped out his hooves for bricks. The Darmeni defense was tighter than usual for the normally aggressive squad, and our lackluster offensive line enabled them to disable us. The Ironworkers didn't even get into the redzone until the gitdamn fourth quarter! Thank Luna the defense showed up in full force. Lead Curtain had his boys in tip-top shape and kept the Greens on their half of the field for the first half, and managed to stave them off and out of field goal range for almost the entirety of the game. Everyone in Karditan was on the edge of their seat as Chander Kaur stepped up to try the for the winning field goal with just a minute left in the fourth quarter. It was a tad on the long side, Darmeni backup quarterback Arastoo Yi setting up just shy of the fifty to catch the snap, and the scaffolding around the Construction Site was rattling with a vengeance as a strong wind crossed the field to the west. The wind proved too much for the kicker, as even his heavily eastward-compensated aim ended with the ball passing to the left of the western upright. With the ball in shallow enemy territory and a first down with just under a minute to go, the Ironworkers managed to just barely get into reasonable fieldgoal range, do entirely to two miraculous catches by Jerry Pasta (save two terrible passes by Norris). As often happens with our hyper-defensive strategy, it was all left up to Ricky Ricketts--who nailed the fifty-yard fieldgoal dead between the uprights, even with the howling wind still blowing. The clock ran out with the ball in the air, so once the refs signaled 'good', I was off to Kornsas City to get ready for our match against another fellow team from the eleventh Baptism of Fire, Yesopalitha.

________________________________________
Semifinal Cutoff

by **Karditan** » Mon May 06, 2013 7:50 pm

Semifinals:
German Zerabithea 34–20 Thrillege

Yesopalitha 14–20 Karditan

3PPO: Tuesday, May 7th
Thrillege v. Yesopalitha @ The Megadome, Sinsinatti

Final: Wednesday, May 8th
German Zerabithea v. Karditan @ Redzzon Coliseum, Indianeighpolis

by **Karditan** » Tue May 07, 2013 7:41 pm

3PPO:
Thrillege 7–6 Yesopalitha

by **German Zerabithea** » Wed May 08, 2013 12:50 am

Rogers, for the second time in her life, stood in front of her team as they got ready to enter the world championship for a second time. She got the team's attention and began to speak. "Now guys, I know you all have heard these speeches before, about greatness and the ability to achieve it. The time to prove yourselves, to show the world what you got. But you all know that, there is nothing more that I can tell you. So perhaps it's time for a player to speak for once."The Coach moved out of the way and stood next to the door as Benarv Cafeno got up and faced the team. For years Cafeno has been the most respected of all the team members, so for him to come up and speak, everyone was going to listen.

"I'm going to be honest with you guys." He began. "I'm tired."

"I've been playing this game for a long time. 12 years, a lot of people can't say that, and I have loved being here, good times and bad. But as much as I hate to admit it, I can't keep this up forever. And I'm not the only one." Cafeno looked to Donald and Oscar who simply stared back. "If I'm lucky, I got maybe two or three years left in this uniform, same goes for all of us left from that first team. I remember the day before that BoI game when Jerry came to us even though he was dieing. It was then we all decided we were going to win a championship, we had to, not for the glory or fame, but for him." He sighed and closed his eyes. "It's a promise we have yet to keep."

He opened his eyes again and looked at the players looking more determined than ever. "This is where you guys come in. This may be our last chance to keep our... my promise. I want to retire knowing we won it all, like we said we would all those years ago." He looked almost as if he was going to cry. "Remember this as you go out there, no more bickering, or not giving it your all, this once, just this once, look deep inside and find the strength to give it your all. Cause we have something they don't, something worth fighting for, and I'm not going to stand back and lose without a fight. So who's with me?!"

The players all got up at once, jumping and cheering, they knew how important this game was, and they knew it was time, after 12 long years of disappointment, time to fulfill that promise.

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World Bowl XX Everything Thread

Why? Maragaret Why???- an editoral

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