World Bowl XXII RP/Roster Thread

by **The Fanboyists** » Sun Jan 12, 2014 11:20 pm

Allamunnic States Daily
World Bowl XXII Coverage

Overhauls Yield Early Results
Regulars dominate Yttribia, 23-0; Face Stretta on Matchday 2; Regulars coaches and players weigh in on King Paulus XV's declaration

Game Recap vs. Yttribia
The defense looked to be in as good form as ever and Baeryk Vaalburger's modifications saw a physical and dominant offense batter Yttribia into submission. The Regulars' dominating win sets up a match with (11th-ranked) 17th-seeded Stretta on the second match-day in the Free Republics.

The offense managed five scoring drives, three of them ending in Justin Connors field-goals of 35, 29, and 41 yards in the first, third, and fourth quarters respectively. In terms of plays run, the Regulars ended up running on approximately three-quarters of their offensive plays, with 44 rushes to 16 passes. While Leif Erikson went 12/16 for 155 yards, his role was largely-limited to converting on long third-downs. However, of greater note was the protection Erikson had: he wasn't sacked at all, and was only hurried twice, resulting in two of his incompletions.

Moreover, most of the eight players who caught passes were effective when thrown to, with only two of the incompletions being really catchable (Devin Smith dropped a very catchable pass, and another bounced off his hands). The team's leading receivers were tight-ends Goedwyn Braanur and Garrett Kelley (3 rec, 32 yds each) and Hael Fokkenmaar (3 rec, 31 yds). Izaak Rolle also had a solid game (2 rec, 30 yds). Daanyl Wyndhorst, Ole Nurdsunn, and Devin Smith all registered one reception for eight yards, and Graagur Baaltrsunn had one catch for six yards.

Most of the offensive load was carried by the offensive line and the running backs, with Daanyl Wyndhorst having the team's biggest play of the game, a 43-yard scoring run in the second quarter that put him en route for a day with 20 carries for 109 yards (5.7 yds/rush) and a touchdown. Having a similarly-big day was rookie Graagur Baaltrsunn, who rushed 20 times for 106 yards (5.3 yds/rush) and a touchdown (off a 2-yard dive in the fourth quarter to put the game away). Rounding out the three-headed backfield monster was Ole Nurdsunn, who carried four times for 21 yards (5.25 yds/rush), meaning that the Regulars rushed for a total of 236 yards on 44 rushes.

"This was exactly what we wanted to do," offensive coordinator Baeryk Vaalburger said after the game. "Huge credit to the offensive line there on blocking and pass protecting at an extremely high level, and letting the offense flow through them."

"Today just felt easy. Everything flowed well, and we didn't really have to struggle to get things done," tailback Daanyl Wyndhorst told reporters. "The boys up front were opening some huge holes for us, and [fullback] John [Kaiser] was on top of his game."

Asked about his first game, tailback Graagur Baaltrsunn also gave the offensive line a glowing review. "I got to have a great first game in a Regulars' uniform courtesy of those guys. All I was getting most of the game was arm tackles. They made everything so easy."

Finally, when reporters asked quarterback Leif Erikson to talk about his limited role in the game, he was both diplomatic and very chipper. "It really doesn't matter that much to me. Having the ball in my hands is fun, yeah, but if we're winning games, I don't see any reason not to feed the beasts. We just went out there and got a great team win, and that's really the best kind of win you can get."

Defensively, the Regulars completely manhandled the Yttribian offense, amassing eight sacks as a team, intercepting three passes and forcing two fumbles, both of which were recovered, all in an effort that ended up limiting the Yttribians to 99 total offensive yards all while never allowing them to pass the 50-yard-line.

Leading the pass rush, of course, was Honorius Waalturs, who tallied two sacks on the night along with three other tackles and three QB pressures. Danley Vicious also made an impact, tallying a sack and a half, two hurries, and three other tackles. Also recording sacks were Steven Lindburg (1.5 sacks, 1 hurry), Henrik Baaldr (1 sack), Waldr Baersvylk (1 sack), Shawn Holmstrom (.5 sack), and Archie Wagner (.5 sack). Steven Lindburgh and Honorius Staalhelm led the team in tackles with 8 and 7 respectively. Andrik Ierunmungur also amassed 3 tackles and an interception. Jarrett Jackson had 6 tackles, while Erik Dahlhorst had 3 tackles and an interception. Belle Marquette also tallied an interception and 3 more tackles. Michael Orton also amassed 3 tackles, as did John Tanner.

Against the run, the Regulars were especially effective, limiting the Yttribians to 38 rushing yards on 24 rushes while Waldr Baersvylk forced two fumbles, one of which was recovered by Steven Lindburgh, and the other by Kyl Waalturs. Meanwhile, the secondary and pass rush limited the opposing passing attack to 16/37 for 61 yards.

Looking Forward to Stretta
All in all, it gives Regulars fans more than enough reason to be hopeful going into the Regulars' game against 11th-ranked Stretta. Although the Strettans figure to be a much stiffer challenge than Yttribia. The Strettans put up a 24-0 win over unranked Anditia, giving them a +1-greater point differential than the Regulars (leading to their drawing one another in the next match). The Regulars will need to be wary of keeping Stretta out of field goal range, given the big leg on kicker Steve Rabjohns. The defense also looks to face a much tougher test against an explosive offense with heavy no-huddle elements.

What else figures to loom large in the match-up? Stretta's 4-3 defense should be focused on applying consistent pressure at the line of scrimmage, which means that the Regulars' offensive line may have its work cut out for it opening holes for workhorse backs Wyndhorst and Baaltrsunn. Meanwhile, the Regulars' pass rush will look to put plenty of pressure on Charlie Hodges by taking advantage of rookie right tackle Nathaniel Dietrich, and there's been talk of moving Honorius Waalturs to the other side of the line to try and take advantage. Either way, they can't afford to give Hodges time to throw after Andrik Ierunmungur, despite a statistically good game, looked somewhat slow and old at times against Yttribia. Additionally, spectators may well see a battle of coaching styles, with Ryan Smart's proven, if orthodox style versus an apparently somewhat unusual approach from George Winters.

Leif Erikson may be asked to do more against Stretta, as it's highly unlikely that the Strettans won't key into the Regulars' running attack after they ran on nearly three-quarters of their offensive plays against Yttribia. If John Hardey figures out how to stifle the Regulars' one-two punch of Daanyl Wyndhorst and Graagur Baaltrsunn (with a healthy dose of Ole Nurdsunn), they may be forced to find their big plays through the air, and if Devin Smith can cure his case of the drops, he may be primed for a breakout game. Expect the Regulars' possession-men (Hael Fokkenmaar, Garrett Kelley, Goedwyn Braanur) to get plenty of looks, regardless, and with any luck they'll be able to take some pressure off the Regulars' big-play threats (Izaak Rolle and Smith).

Of course, when asked about how he intended to deal with Stretta's defense, Vaalburger said what just about everyone expected.

"This is a physical team. We will run the ball on them until they stop us. If they do, we have faith in [QB] Leif [Erikson] to carry this team. But I daresay we have two of the best backs in the world, so if everyone executes the way they're supposed to, that won't even be a necessity."

Preliminary weather reports indicate that the Regulars and Strettans may face somewhat frosty or chilly conditions. While Strettan news outlets have indicated that the Strettans will be hoping for warmer weather, the forecast has had more than a few Regulars excited. For international readers who may be less-familiar with the Allamunnic States, gridiron football is typically a late-fall to very-early-spring sport in the States.

"It'd be like playing at home, almost," Honorius Waalturs said on the subject. "At worst, we're used to playing in the cold. Maybe the weather will give us an advantage," he added with a shrug.

King Paulus XV on The Rules
And then, of course, there's the announcement of a push for stricter enforcement of roughness-related penalties by the King of Saintland, particularly against helmet-to-helmet contact, the hitting of quarterbacks in the pocket below the waist, and pass interference. The announcement, for the most part, has either been met with scorn by Allamunnic coaches, players, and officials alike, with more than a few players having apparently been rubbed the wrong way by the order.

Veteran Allamunnic linebacker Danley Vicious in particular had some harsh words to say on the subject, claiming that King Paulus XV was "just another member of the establishment that's trying to make football into a soft game for soft people."

Across both Allamunnic leagues, AGL and NGL alike, there are no hard-and-fast rules on helmet-to-helmet contact or on legal areas to hit quarterbacks in particular, with the former generally being dependent on the deliberateness of the hit, and in the latter case having quarterbacks treated as every other player is (perhaps explaining why sturdiness is one of the foremost traits AGL teams look for in franchise quarterbacks).

Regulars head coach Ryan Smart also weighed in when asked, saying that referees should "let players play, barring flagrant, deliberate attempts to harm other players," and that "physicality is a key part of what makes gridiron football the wonderful sport that it is." Without further prompting, Smart added "If you're going to suspend players for being rough and physical, you might as well ban tackling and start making them all wear flag belts."

by **Lzherusskia** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 1:43 am

Home -> Gridiron -> World Bowl XXII

The Home Of Lzher Sports Since 2089

Disgraceful Officiating Ruins Opening World Bowl Game
Lzherusskia Denied Two Touchdowns, "Defeated" 40-0

We at Svodlak Zabarinava recognise that officiating any sport is a difficult task and not one we could do ourselves without a lot of difficulty. With that disclaimer in mind, the referees for yesterday's Lzherusskia-German Zerabithea game should and, hopefully, will be shot immediately.

To call the officiating a travesty is to euphemise the word. Throughout the game, the Rams were allowed to hold our defensive line play after play with no calls, manhandle our receivers before a ball had been put in the air without penalty and in one particularly disgusting case, a fabulous one-handed interception by Kusma Podvoyski was run out of bounds at the Rams 26 but the ball replaced seven or eight yards further from the end zone.

There can be few bright spots to take from a game such as this.

Sacks from Niko Kharlampiev and Piotr Kharitonov technically do not exist, as the plays were fatuously ruled to be illegal for "unnecessary roughness". An interception from Ruslan Khasanov was allowed, although possibly only because the score stood at 33-0 and Khasanov was downed inside our own twenty. Anton Spiridonov was kept off the scoresheet, but proved he was more than capable of facing down a top-tier defense without blinking.

Head coach Dmitry Khudyakov's post-match comments were unsurprisingly blunt: "The fact is, we did about as well as a squad could when playing against an officiating team who obviously wanted their favourites to win. If we play like that against a side that the organisers don't have much of a stake behind, we will trounce them. I'm just disappointed for the team, more than anything. They played their hearts out and they were screwed over."

by **Kinzar** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:16 am

WILDCATS WIN OPENER

After missing out on World Bowl 21, Kinzar returned to World Bowl action in impressive form, defeating the nation of Texacano by the score of 27-17 in a game that saw the Wildcats thrive with efficiency. There were not many Kinzites in attendance, as many were scared off by some of the nuances that come with the nation of Saintland, but it was good to see the white flag with the blue “K” around in scattered places throughout the stadium.

It was a little reminiscent of World Bowl 20, when in the group stage, Kinzar pulled off an upset of Saintland’s favorite nation in the whole world, Cassadaigua, by the score of 10-3. That was infamous game for Kinzar as after “Touchdown” Scottie Brown caught a huge pass on a 3rd-on-15, when the game was still tied at 3, and made an offensive sexual gesture to Cassadaigua’s Shannon Jackson. This got him suspended for one game, the second time he was suspended in a matter of weeks. (He was also suspended for two Baptism of Iron games when he protested a non-call of defensive pass interference by going up to the ref, yanking the flag out of his pocket and throwing it at the ref’s feet. The flamboyant receiver, who plays for the “Saints” in Kinzar had a big game in his return to play, catching 9 passes for 127 yards, and two touchdowns, but was sure to take advantage of his time in Royal Stadium with a couple of exaggerated touchdown celebrations. The first was innocent enough, going down to his knees and doing the sign of the cross. That would be seen as nothing unusual, but it’s not something that Brown has ever done before, so clearly it wasn’t to thank the Lord. The second was a lot more obvious only to people who might follow soccer as well. After the score, Brown took the ball and again appeared to do his “suck it” motion, then placed the ball down and kicked it as if it were a soccer ball, running around and lifting his shirt as if he had scored a goal.

Brown’s two scores gave Kinzar 13-0, and 27-7 leads respectively, when they occurred, and each time following one of his scores, Texacano marched back upfield for a score, taking advantage of the shortened field they had due to Brown being assessed 15-yard penalties for each celebration. Following the game, Brown told reporters, (OOC: bad grammar intentional) “It’s a great field, ya know what I’m sayin’? I like Saintland, they cool, they like my bros, man. They know that if chicks are gonna be on the sporting field they need to wear a short cheerleading skirt, ya know wut I’m sayin’? They be Saints. I’m a Saint. We be one happy family.”

With that we know, Scottie Brown is back and sure to get in trouble again. As for the Wildcats, the next game is against Nassau-Hessen.

OOC: Please consider Scottie Brown for the all-World Bowl team.

by **Ko-oren** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:41 am

(OOC: Whoops, accidentally (socio)linguistics.)

34-0 vs. Quakmybush, Gregoryisgodistan is next

First, we would like you to take a minute to remember Walker, one of the Gregoryisgodistan-Lymantatia officials. He was killed in a Gregoryisgodistani... brawl. He... left a modifier dangling. While this is obviously an offense, especially in such a public place, open for everyone to see, we must note that prescriptivism is not the way. We all know that the prestige dialect that is aimed for at a Gridiron game is the sort of English you could publish in a newspaper, and therefore one should watch out for dangling modifiers, but death is not an appropriate way to deal with all this. We would like to see a more descriptivist approach for the rest of the World Bowl, which could leave Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH out of a job for a while, but proposition stranding, split infinitives and dangling modifiers are all ok in spoken language. Of course, we would like to see a certain prestige dialect enforced, but to err is human, to forgive divine, etcetera. We know that Lord Almighty Gregory decrees everything from temperature to language in his country, but he and his officials should know that such behavior is inappropriate when abroad. Furthermore, us Ko-orenites, and any other self-respecting linguist, will only accept descriptive linguistics, much like physicists are descriptive (the difference? Descriptive physicists would say "Gravity seems not to be working on Tuesdays", while prescriptive physicists would say "From this point on, gravity shall not work on Tuesdays!"). Therefore we would like to keep our modifiers dangling, infinitives split, prepositions stranded, and Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH behind bars for at least the coming game.

Not completely coincidentally, that next game is against the Babelic Meritocracy. We do not have to say that the 'Babelic' stands for the 15 official languages in our country, and that we may choose to be 'ungrammatical' (which is a word that gets thrown around way too much) in whatever language we please.

The first game of the Babelic Meritocracy was against Quakmybush, and it is time to start talking about that. The unranked team did not prepare that well before coming into this game, and the 34-0 win was a pretty obvious consequence of that (see what we just did there? Just try to stop us). This was not the only blowout, and especially the higher ranked nations played some lower ranked or unranked ones. 40-0's, 61-10's, 41-0's, Karditan's 67-14, Darmen's 47-0, or a 56-3... All not unheard of. This places our +34 PD at a 13th place. As for how the game itself went: it looked most like an exhibition game to try out new tactics. Without a proper preparation for the World Bowl, the Greenblues forgot to schedule games against local teams or other national teams that were looking for a good game. The Casaran system will probably make us play some of the bigger teams fast (as long as we keep winning), so we need to know what our team is capable of.

The Greenblues are starting to become an aged team. The starting offense is reaching an average age of 33: not uncommon for a Ko-orenite national team, but certainly something that needs to be adressed. It would not be the first time that an aging Greenblue team gets easily countered and finishes far below the original goal. The substitutions on the other hand are a young group of players, from after the big Linguistic restructuring, and most have a language-specific name instead of a Ko-orenite one.

Quakmybush was an easy prey for the old-timers. Some younger players came onto the field after a while as well, and all in all the team can pass as well as run. Ploraon saw no option other than just running it to the endzone himself with a 3rd and goal situation. He passed it to Bakoan who ran it home after a 45 yard run, and threw the last touchdown in the 3rd period to Jonsson over a distance of 39 yards. We have seen it all, but the most promising thing is the focus on 2-point conversions. Statistically, they are a lot more rewarding than one-point conversions: more often, the 2-point conversions are missed, but the payout is a lot higher. And even one-point conversions miss sometimes, so the average payout is slightly below 1 point, while that of the 2-point conversion is somewhat over 1 point because of the expected value. Against a poor foe like Quakmybush, this was an easy way of getting some extra points. The biggest compliment is for the defense of course, who let nothing slip past them, and Pertrentkuwel returned a punt for 83 yards for a touchdown. No interceptions or sacks for Ploraon as well this game, so overall it was an excellent first game.

For the next game, our tactical squad will take on the 'enemy crushers' of Gregoryisgodistan. We might just try to get a lot more field goals instead of touchdowns, and a lot more one-point conversions than two-point conversions during that game. The defense needs to step it up, and the offense needs to value even a 3-yard terrain win. A tough team, and their antics off the pitch might be a lot more dangerous than their antics during the game.

Scoring summary
1st 14:23 QB Ploraon TD 6-0 (2 point conversion by Ardhonsi 8-0)
2nd 03:17 RB Bakoan TD 14-0 (1 point conversion by Hergurin 15-0)
2nd 08:39 LB Pertrentkuwel TD 21-0 (Punt return) (2 point conversion by Ardhonsi 23-0)
3rd 06:45 RB Jonsson TD 29-0 (2 point conversion by Denis 31-0)
4th 14:55 K Hergurin FG 34-0

by **HopNation** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 9:00 am

Malt Handball –World Bowl XXII– Part 1

Results are in and League Leaders are pleased and annoyed at the same time. They expected better numbers. More concrete proof that Handball was doing better than it looks to be doing. First up is Knowledge of Handball, 500 million out of 1.892 billion citizens of HopNation have knowledge of Handball. Those are not good, not good at all, as they were hoping that after the Baptism of Iron the numbers would have climbed drastically from initial indications. What wait, you thought I was starting with the Malts and their glorious win over 37^th ranked Ati Kaluraya, ha you should know by know that I rarely start with match previews and results. With Handball being so new in HopNation we need to cover some meat before getting to the potatoes, so don’t worry we’ll get to the game results and also cover the Malts next foe as well. First, what am I talking about you say. Well the League Leaders sent a cumpulsary poll out to all Hoptonians to see what they know about Handball and a few other things as well. I’ve been told the results are in and we’ll be going over some of that data so we can hope, from looking at the numbers, improve some of these results after the World Bowl concludes. Here is what was sent, in the prior issue we only were privy to the categories, now we have what else was included in the GAM.

{GAM Announcement End}

Release to all Citizens of HopNation
Knowledge of Handball
Yes | |
No | |
Time spent watching the BOI (in hours)
None | |
1-2 | |
3-6 | |
7-10 | |
10+ | |
Likely hood of watching the World Bowl
Yes | |
No | |
Desire level to watch a live game
Not at all | |
Maybe | |
Yes | |
Room for Handball in {state of residence auto fill}
Yes | |
No | |

Thank you for your participation in this poll.
Enjoy a Brew, enjoy the day.

{GAM Transmission End}

As stated already we are going over the Knowledge of Handball item. Just 26 percent of Hoptonians have knowledge of Handball, not good numbers. The League Leaders were looking for numbers more in the range of 50 percent. Now, I’m being told that certain areas have been returned with much higher than that goal mark, so perhaps the nation needs to do a better job of getting the word out about the Malts and what they are doing, or have done. They are, after all the current champion of the BOI, not an easy feat but perhaps not as noteworthy as some events might be, still it’s a championship for the team. What other steps can League Leaders take to improve knowledge of Handball, not sure, but what ever it is they need to get citizens aware of this sport if they expect it to stay a sport in HopNation for very long. Time Spent Watching the BOI is next up, which we hope looks better than Hoptonian knowledge of the sport. But that will be next time as you're all wondering how the Malts fared in their first Casaran Match Day.

The Malts took on a strong side from Ati Kaluraya and expectations weren’t good going into the game as the Malts were predicted to lose. However, this was not the case once the final whistle blew at RayDome. The Malts managed an upset win, 10-7, as defense ruled once again. The Malt Marauders held the Ati Kaluraya side to just one offensive touchdown and only 245 total yards on the day. Of those 245 yards, 125 were picked up through they air by Romer Roberto Timple and 75 on the ground by Juene Joselito Artates and Guerrero Kim Arana, more so Artates than Arana. The other yards were special team yards. As for the Malts, they got some offense going from the arm of Fran Bradanning who threw for 185 yards and AP Goreyou who picked up 93 yards rushing. However the offense could only manage a field goal for all of their efforts on the day. It was once again the defense that did it’s job and also produced the Malts only touchdown. Linch Tatum Charry, the Malts Free Safetly, and Atwaters Polamalalu, the Malts Strong Safety, each had an interception on the day, but it was the superb play of defensive end Allen Mathistuck Pepper that did it for the Malt Marauders. Pepper had four sacs and two forced fumbles on the day. One of those fumbles was picked up by middle linebacker Singlebert Buttkis and ran 35 yards in for the score, which put the Malts up for good early in the fourth quarter. Hopefully the Malts and their Malt Marauders can keep things rolling as they look to face the #1 team in points for this World Bowl, Karditan. Karditan put up an impressive 67 points against a new below average team of Zeneabo, so the Malts will definetly have some work to do in this next match.

Match Day 2 Preview – Battle of Opposites
Karditan (10) vs HopNation (75)
Location: MilaneseDome, Free Republics | 98,734 cap |
Karditan #1
This team destroyed its latest foe and is currently sitting at the top of the tables in this Casaran format. But what all do we know about them or how they put up those 67 points against Zeneabo, you might ask. Well we don’t know, other than being ranked 10^th in the world for Handball we don’t know much about them. From some research done by the Malts Coaching Staff it looks like they used to be or maybe still are the Ironworkers and used to rely heavily on their defense to win games, much like the Malts do. The team finished second in its group in stage one then went winless in pool play during the last World Bowl.

HopNation #34 - Malts
The Malts seem to be unstoppable, well at lest the Malt Marauders seem to be unstoppable. Holding teams to minimal yards and scoring the teams points. They will be looking to do much of the same in this next game, to stay consistent, to stay in the hunt for moving onto the next stage. The team might need more from Fran Bradanning and the offense, but if the Malt Marauders can keep the other team, any team, from scoring they have an excellent shot at winning, and eventually moving on out of this Casaran stage.

Prediction: Malts 10 – 27 Karditan
Results
MD1: Malts 10 – 7 Ati Kaluraya
Win|Loss
It will be the battle of opposites as Karditan had the largest +- and the Malts had the narrowest +-, so this should be a good game to watch. With both teams coming off of wins the tempo and excitement will be high for this match, however the #10 rank will be just to much for the young Malts to overcome and will suffer their first ever loss.

by **Jeckland** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 9:15 am

DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!

WE LOST!

THIS IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

WE MUST IMPROVE!

IF YOU CARRY ON LIKE THAT, YOU'RE ALL GOING HOME! I'LL PICK A NEW SQUAD!

DAMMIT!

The coach stormed out

by **Cassadaigua** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 9:31 am

OOC: I decided to continue this story here, instead of in the World Cup, where I will likely ne “3 and out”, and I figure the audience here is more familiar with the story.

Most Recent Update

Meghan Kinson was not happy to have heard how quickly her name came up as a primary suspect, and soon expected that the CRIU (Cassadagan Royal Investigatons Unit) would be knocking on her door, and interrogating her. Her anger focused on the two forensic experts that had accompanied her to the Dark Star Republic and make the crime scene look like a suicide. How did they fail her? Why was it being ruled as a homicide? After all, these same two people so brilliantly covered up the Seth Johnson murder to make THAT look like a suicide. It was never even debated that Johnson may have been murdered.

“We didn’t have enough time,” was the response back from the forensic experts. And true enough, there was not a lot of time for them to operate, and some things were missed, such as the game tape prepared for game two still being in Ashley Stokes’ laptop. If Ashley truly believed what had been written on her behalf in the suicide note, then she would not have been preparing to play basketball later that night. She had one saving grace, that she used an assumed name to travel to the Dark Star Republic. There was after all, no record of her ever taking that flight. But still, for the first time in her life she was feeling scared; that things were going to spiral out of control. There would be cameras in the airport. They could be studied, and the authorities could easily see that someone resembling her was on that flight. Which in turn would create an investigation, and they would find out that Danielle Sutterby was not an actual person.

But should she run? She thought about this. It would look very suspicious if suddenly no one knew where she was. No. That was not an option, she was going to have to fight this out, and when CRIU came to talk, she would have to put on her best display of acting yet. The best idea, she thought, was to made a public statement on the matter. Hopefully, that could win her some points in the court of public opinion. From her spacebook page, she wrote:

“My dearest friend, Ashley Stokes is no longer with us. I truly wish for her to rest in peace. We have been through some great times and stressful times together, but I wish that she could still be here. It is terrible that she could work so hard at her craft, but never had the opportunity to enjoy the championship in which our basketball team won in the Dark Star Republic. Everyone is truly saddened.

I cannot comprehend that she could commit suicide, and I know now that detectives believe that she was murdered. How could someone ever do such a great thing to a great woman? Whoever is responsible needs to be arrested and sentenced to death. I do not want to point fingers, but as Ashley and I battled the most false accusations of raping a man, there were men’s rights activists who were very clear and very vocal about not liking her and I. Hopefully CRIU will be able to undertake a successful investigation of the men’s rights activists, interrogating all of them to the most aggressive levels allowed by law, and finding out which of them shot my best friend.

It really pains me that there are some out there that think I did such a thing. Ashley and I were like sisters, I love her to death. Without her, I am empty inside.”

Kinson read it over. Seemed ok, and posted it. Likes and comments began accumulating immediately, and she hoped people would believe it. She went to bed.....

.... and was awakened at 9am by pounding on the door. “THIS IS THE C... R.... I.... U.” shouted a woman on a megaphone. “Open up immediately.......”

So far, so good
by Rachel Sharper, Concord Heights Times

The first game of the World Bowl is underway, and so far we haven’t seen any blatant attempts by Saintland officials to screw us over. But who knows, they may just be waiting until things get further along. Even though Saintland has a strong dislike for our nation, their fans were sure to pack the 38,202-seat Civitate Dei Stadium. Most of them were sure to loudly boo the ladies in pink and black while at the same time, seemingly realizing that it was highly unlikely that Cassadaigua was going to lose MoonBase Fourcannon. The Dagans took care of business, disposing of the debutants, 32-10.

Cassadaigua was admittedly a little sluggish on their first three possessions, but it was there own out-of-sync nature that created the problem. Each time they moved down the field and got just outside the redzone, yet stalled, and could only muster 41, 39, and 44 yard field goals to take a slim 9-0 lead. Thankfully, on the next MoonBase possession, Shannon Jackson returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, and gave Cassadaigua a 16-0 lead, and the teams traded field goals before halftime to make it 19-3. Early in the third, the Cassadagan offense finally found the end zone, on a 6-yard TD reception by Tracianne Christie to make it 25-3. A bad snap on the extra point attempt led to a blocked kick and a failed PAT. MoonBase Fourcannon carried that momentum from the block briefly to get their only touchdown of the game, but Cassadaigua responded with a 13-play 80-yard drive to milk the vast majority of the 4th quarter clock, before Stacie Meehan punched it in from two yards out to make it 32-10, the ultimate final score.

While many in the crowd booed the team, the biggest douchebag award of the day goes to Kinzar’s Scottie Brown, the one-hit wonder from World Bowl 20 who tried to get in the good graces of Saintland fans at their Royal Stadium by re-hashing his childish gestures. When Shannon Jackson was told of it, she simply said, “Oh I see good ol’ Scottie is back. Where were you in the last World Bowl, Mister Brown? Oh that’s right, you’re nation wussed out and didn’t even sign up.” Brown was also quoted as saying, “... if chicks are gonna be on the sporting field they need to wear a short cheerleading skirt...”, to which Jackson laughed off, “I guess our five sport grand slam does the talking there. Has Kinzar even won anything of significance before. Last time I saw something about the nation, they were being steamrolled by Eastfield Lodge in World Cup qualifying.”

Hopefully the Casaran pairs us up again.

by **Anditia** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 11:26 am

O-Fer?
Jim Tubot -- FREE REPUBLICS

"Pittiful! Just... I can't think of words to say how horrible it was." Coach Nestor Gregori of the Anditon Wolves said following their 24-0 loss to Stretta during the first match of World Bowl XXII. "I don't know exactly what happened. On paper, I figured that they would have won, but not by that high of a score."
The Wolves offense couldn't get off of the ground largely due to a lack of running game. Because they tend to focus on the Play-Action, Stretta was able to throw a wrench into the entire offensive works by building an early lead and forcing the Wolves to play catch-up -- a position that they largely fail at. If the Wolves continue with this type of a slide, you can expect Coach Gregori to be watching the next World Bowl from his couch. "Despite the loss, there were some high points to the game, the defense only allowed 24 points to be scored against them, which is only one more point allowed than their upcoming opponent Jeckland has allowed during their first match and is much better than the 51-0 drubbing that German Shepards faced against Nassau-Hessen - so by looking at it from more with more optimism, it could be worse." Defensive coordinator Myles Gallo reasoned. "Jeckland has an offensive style similar to our own, a number of short passes and some running work, so our boys should be able to do something to stop them. We've got to win the line battle to win the war."
Looking ahead at the next game, Jeckland and Anditia face off in the PetroDome. The stadium should provide a decent neutral site for the competition between the two struggling teams. The offense is rather similar between each of the teams, both relying on a balance of short passes and powerful runs. The Wolves offensive coordinator Marc Fangol has decided to switch up their starting running back, allowing the bigger Liam Uberrara to take over as the official starter, though I would still expect to see a 60-40 split on carries. During the last game, Stretta's defense didn't allow the speedy Sherwood Pai to get his game started, with only one completion for 5 yards despite being targeted 7 times throughout the game - look to see Pai see more action early, possibly with a simple end-around or a quick WR-screen to build up QB Darin Barnhardt's confidence. Once again, we should see a fair amount of Play-action passes and pounding runs.

With both of these anemic offenses, I predict a close win: Anditon Wolves 17- Jeckland 16

by **Stretta** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 12:52 pm

Stretta 24 - 0 Anditon Wolves

Post-match Press Conference

"Do you feel the team played well today? Only managing 24 points against an inferior team?"

The sideline was a living beast. Each organ moved in it's own rhythm to create a fully functioning body, and the head coach was the mind. Play after play, it was the coach that made the body walk. At 14-0, it was a conscious decision to rest. To conserve energy. These jackals wouldn't understand. "I feel we played a good game. Anditon are not a weaker team. They're just unproven, but our defense held them to zero points. Our offense put enough on the board for the win," the reporter's face was not impressed with the answer. "It is what we need, first game of the campaign. An extra 50 points on the board wouldn't have made a difference."

Winters hated press conferences.

"With such an easy opponent, was it worth risking injury to the first and second string? Shouldn't you have adopted a protective stance, played your "B-team", so to speak?"

Winters stared down at the reporter from behind the wall of microphones surrounding him. His gaze penetrated deep. If he would apply just a single half-pound more pressure to his already bitten-tongue, it would surely have split in two. "There is no Strettan B-team."

At that statement, cameras began to flash more vigorously, and reporters scribbled harder. This needed justification. "It's a strong unit," nobody was listening. "You'd have been a critic either way. 'Why didn't you give your top guys a game' or 'don't the others need more practice before the harder games'. You people disgust me!"

Casaran Day 2
Match Preview
Stretta^#11 - Allamunnic States ^#5
Podvez Field, Yellow Bay, Vorita

Stretta

Rank: 11
WBXXII Record: 1-0
vs Record: 0-1

Casaran 1: Stretta 24 - 0 Anditon Wolves

Story So Far...
After crushing the Anditon Wolves, an expected result, Stretta will face a tough opponent in overall ranked #5, Allamunnic States. A great performance from the stalwart defense in the last game will have them confident against Erikson and his strong receiver corps.

Hodges will need to put in an equal performance to give his defense a chance. You feel that 3-point drives will not have enough of an impact in this game. Touchdowns will be required to edge out The Regular's.

Allamunnic States

Rank: 5
WBXXII Record: 1-0
vs Record: 1-0

Casaran 1: Allamunnic States 23 - 0 Yttribia

Story So Far...
Achieving a similar result in their first game, Allamunnic States will be looking to fend off the Strettan threat and push their way through this first stage of WBXXII. The teams have previously met in the World Bowl during the WBXXI group stage, where they played just one match. This could be a grudge fixture if Stretta feel strongly about it. They may have completely forgotten, though.

The Regular's, it seems, don't just face a threat in the opposition. A recent bombing of the team's practice facility may have them on edge during this game.

The Venue

Cold climates could greet the two teams as they head to one of the "Northern Republics". The Strettan team will be at a possible disadvantage here, rarely seeing such weather in the domestic league. Heaters and winter coats will be on hand, but the training staff will still be praying for warmer weather.

They will hope that they can withstand the weather more than their opponent. This could be a test of wills for the Strettan side more than anything.

Team News and Matchups

Ray Ness has returned from concussion protocol. It is unclear if he will play in this game, and is currently listed only as "did not practice". Rookie right tackle Dietrich held his own during the previous match, but could be a potential weak spot that The Regular's look to take advantage of.

A heavy running team, Stretta may hope to tire Wyndhorst and Baaltrsunn by holding them to minimal yardage. This could push Erikson to the air, where the corner backs will be tested. Unchanged from last year, the group know how to work together with the also unchanged safety unit. AJ Watson, who intercepted 9 balls in the SFL this season (one a pick-six) will likely be paired with one of the quicker receivers in an attempt to neutralise one of the many threats of the Allamunnic States.

Other factors

It would be understandable for the Regular's and their fans to be a little spooked following the news of the bombing of the teams training grounds. This could lead to a greater Strettan fanbase in the stadium lending their support. This is only speculation.

Auteberry Jumps to Defence of Coach
The Insider Report with Gabbie Tapadas

As news headlines fill with Strettan head coach George Winters' outlandish post game comment, one player sought me out.

"It isn't an outlandish statement, it's just been distorted," Auteberry said. "We are a strong team. It's wrong to say there isn't a weaker 'unit', but that doesn't mean they are not capable of achieving the same results. Coach simply meant he didn't see any group of players as incapable."

Auteberry, a normally quiet player, shying away from media, was the unlikliest of candidates for an interview. Despite all attempts, he played down his touchdown in todays game to continue defending his head coach. This is one player who is riled up about the media's treatment of Winters.

Is there more at work here?

by **Karditan** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 1:19 pm

what do you mean late I'm not late

The Karditan Ironworkers

Coming mostly from the rough streets of Detrot and Sinsinatti, the Ironworkers are the biggest and the strongest that managed to bash their way onto the national gridiron. They specialize in stopping the other team cold, delivering quick crushing hits that'll make your jaw rattle just watching. They have no particular preference on how to start drives; some call it a lack of focus, we call it flexibility. Passing and running can and will be used on all downs, forcing the opponents to constantly readjust and guess. (To be honest, the kicker and the defense combined often outscore the offense.) Of course all pegasus competitors play with their wings tied to be fair.

Offensive Starters
(ep) = earth pony || (up) = unicorn || (pp) = pegasus

Pos   #   Name                Age
QB   00   Garret Norris       31
HB   11   Light Step          22 (ep)
FB   12   Robert Hinlind      38
WR   33   Tyrece Gura         36
WR   34   Sticky Hooves       28 (pp)
TE   22   Jerry Pasta         34
RT   01   Jacob Lowell        31
RG   02   Grey Skies          26 (pp)
C    03   Flea Flicker        25 (up)
LG   04   Jesus Urbina        35
LT   05   Slack Line          24 (ep)

Offensive Subs

Pos   #   Name                Age
QB   19   Hale Marry           30
HB   10   Roger Chamin         26
WR   31   Basket Case          31 (up)
C    08   Truck Stephens       34
LT   09   Muffler Diesel       28 (ep)
RG   .5   Bernard Baruch       40

Defensive Starters

Pos      #    Name                Age
RE      40    Boris Keltsin       38
UT      41    Steel Girder        29 (ep)
NT      42    Iron Girder         29 (ep)
LE      43    Herrick Stark       34
ROLB    50    Stormy Skies        26 (pp)
MLB     52    Lead Curtain        37 (ep)
LOLB    53    Brack Harris        33
CB      64    Fly Swatter         21 (pp)
CB      66    Sven Losrav         29
FS      06    Quinn Davis         37
SS      07    Spyro Namesis       35

Defensive Subs

Pos      #    Name                Age
RE      44    Jack Skelington     31
NT      45    Owen Jenkins        36
MLB     51    Torra Barret        41
CB      69    Sex Joke            26 (up)
FS      73    Nickolas Werth      39

Special Teams

Pos    #    Name                Age
K      99   Ricky Ricketts       37
P      98   Raque Aulis          32

Light Step returns kickoffs, Jerry Pasta returns punts.

RP Allowances:
Choose my scorers: Y
Choose scoring events: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Injure my players: Y (Nothing that puts them out of commission for more than a few games; minor concussions likely when we are home, see below.)
Godmod injuries: N
Godmod other events: Y
Style Modifier: -4.3

Home games will be played at the Construction Site, a 107,050-seat "stadium" in Detrot. It isn't a stadium in the traditional sense; it is actually a dirt field with a massive amount of portable bleachers and seated scaffolding that allow for the large capacity. The dirt is forgiving enough that you won't break something every time you land hard, but you're certainly more likely hurt yourself than on a grass/astroturf field.

by **Accardola** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 3:45 pm

Part One.

Jack blearily slammed his alarm onto ‘snooze’ to try and get some respite from the high-pitched beeping noise that was nearly splitting his head open. The daily struggle for a teenager of any age, getting up in the morning at a time you just weren’t ready to get up at. He slowly manoeuvred himself from his front onto his side and then shook his head, to make everything a little clearer. He looked around his room and took it all in, the pennants, the posters, the photos. It was a mixture of football and music and he realised it was his life.

It put things into perspective a little, the things that defined who he was could be summarised with a few photos and it simply described everything. Jack felt a little, well, shallow. Not in the normal sense of the word when describing a person, but more in that he was completely uncomplicated, lacked any depth or nuance. Mila was a little different, she seemed to be quieter than most people at Bridgeport High, she wasn’t a geek though, and she wasn’t that introverted. She just seemed to like certain things and had a certain disdain for a whole lot of people.

Jack was a big fan of Pjotilla State. He had nothing to do with Pjotilla and none of his family was from there as far as he knew or anyone could remember. Everybody was from East Tavastia, but Jack just hadn’t ever established a connection with their football team. For him, it was only ever the Wildcats, if they ever tried to recruit him he’d jump at the opportunity straight away. East Tavastia... less so. When Pjotilla State and East Tavastia never really played each other though, so it didn’t bring him into conflict with his family often.

The amount of pennants and posters featuring Pjotilla State logos and players adorning his walls was probably in the hundreds. There wasn’t an inch on three of the four walls in his room that wasn’t covered with some sort of Pjotilla State memorabilia. It always made him think about his future in the mornings, he saw the red and yellow and thought about what could happen for him. If he was recruited by the team in red and yellow, his future would be incredible. The Wildcats were renowned for bringing through good quarterbacks. They had Mike Pfalz on board at the moment after all.

Jack finally persuaded himself to get up and go into the shower. It would be freezing, but even colder when summer started to turn into winter (yeah there was no autumn or spring in East Tavastia). Jack’s Dad could never get it right when he was in Bridgeport, not that he was all that often, normally he was out in the forest working on the lumber site that he owned. It’s what brought in all the money for the family, Jack’s Mom worked part-time in the local grocery store and understandably that didn’t pay the highest wage. The lumber company was lucrative though and Jack’s family benefitted from it a whole lot.

He shivered as he tried to dry himself. It truly wasn’t a good idea to shower in the morning; it always seemed warmer at night. He quickly got dressed, pulling jeans on and then a t-shirt, jumper and heavy jacket. He was still feeling the cold and raced to pull his socks and shoes on. He thundered down the stairs and nearly bumped into his little sister at the bottom.

“Watch where you’re going Jack!” She squeaked.

“Sorry Kirsten...” He said, sighing. He could already tell he was going to be late for school, but that would probably be down to Mikey and Johnny being really slow in the morning. Johnny would get up, arrive at Mikey’s, Mikey would take ages and then they’d be left late to pick Jack up. He might have to just walk or run part of the way and hope they somehow picked him up on the way, but he didn’t like the look of the rain outside. He raced into the kitchen and quickly poured himself some cereal and milk and then proceeded to start to wolf it down.

“Jack!” His Mom exclaimed. “Slow down eating that, you’ve got plenty of time yet.”

“Mom, I’ve got to get a lift with Johnny!”

“You should forget about getting a lift with that pair of tearaways, they’re no good Jack I swear, both me and your Dad have told you.”

“Mom, they’re my friends.”

“And? They’re bad news. They get in trouble all the time and they aren’t worth it, you have a big future ahead of you and you don’t want them getting in the way.”

“Mom...” Jack complained, trying to fight back.

“Don’t! Jack you don’t understand, you’ve got a big future ahead of you and you really don’t want them to ruin it. You get in trouble hanging around with them once and that’s any shot at a scholarship gone.”

“Just leave it Mom.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“I won’t, don’t worry.” Jack said through gritted teeth. He grabbed a banana and his lunch from the fridge and quickly ran upstairs again to grab his bag from his room. Jack prided himself on being fairly intelligent, but he realised that he was one of the most forgetful people he knew and that was quite worrying. If he wanted to be an elite quarterback he’d have to memorise huge playbooks and play calls so that he could alter plays on the field, if he couldn’t even remember to take his schoolbag downstairs in the mornings how would he be able to look after all that.

He shoved his lunch in and tore into the banana ravenously; he could grab something from school but he need to keep as fit as possible and the food wasn’t always great there. Jack kind of wished he was a senior already, he wanted to leave everything behind, go to college and think about the life he had ahead of him. But nope, two more years of high school and two more seasons of high school football in which he could suffer any number of injuries or concussions which could affect his future forever, for the worse.

There was the sound of a car horn outside. They were here, he’d have to run. He ran down the stairs two at a time again, nearly tripping on the bottom step and therefore nearly going flying into the wall. A laugh came from behind him, it was Kirsten. Jack grinned. He had a good relationship with his sister, when she was older he wouldn’t let any boy treat her the way they sometimes treated girls, he knew that for definite. He had to look after her.

“See you later Mom!” He shouted.

“’Bye Jack!” She replied.

“See you Kirsten.” He mumbled, waving goodbye, she nodded in response and he quickly edged out of the door. He stood on his porch and looked out, the rain was horrendous, it was driving down and it looked like a wall of water. The water pouring down the sides of the road had formed a miniature fast-flowing river, draining off into the drains at the side of the road. Johnny’s car was parked exactly in-line with the path leading down from the porch to the sidewalk. Jack could see Mikey beckoning him to run to the car, but he wasn’t feeling brave enough to walk through the driving rain.

It was disgusting weather, but he’d have to do it at some point. Jack looked left and saw Mila walking out to a car with a man, probably her Dad, she was braving it, why wasn’t he? He imagined that if she had seen him she’d be the sort of girl to laugh at him for it. Jack quickly ran and got to the car, he opened the door and jumped inside and was suddenly met with a greeting of abuse.

“Hey Jack! What you so scared of the rain for man?!” Johnny laughed.

“Yeah Jack! You looked petrified out there, what’s so bad about some rain eh?” Mikey grinned.

“Leave it guys, come on, we’d best go. Don’t want to be too late now do we?”

“I guess not. I didn’t go to the classes last week I was meant to.” Mikey said.

“Hey wait. You had to go to classes last week?” Johnny asked as he started to pull out and drive to school.

“Yeah.” Mikey said, losing all the bravado he had had before. “For people that had fallen behind with some of the work before summer in our sophomore year.”

“You guys are so lucky, all these regulation changes and stuff meaning you can carry on moving up the years even if you don’t do as good as you should.” Johnny said, “I’d have been held back, a few of my pals were.”

“Ah well, I intend to take full advantage of it.” Mikey said, grinning again.

“He’s already got a detention you know, from the homework he got last week.” Jack laughed and Johnny did too.

“Come on guys I’ve already said about that, it’s boring and impossible. It’s pointless really.” Mikey said.

“Yeah, but you’ve already got a detention.” Johnny laughed, concentrating on the road.

“Anyway, we shouldn’t be talking about me having a detention; we should talk about Jack last night...” Mikey said and Jack instantly froze up a bit. Did they know about what had happened with Mila, did they know the real reason was for him not getting a lift like he usually did? He wasn’t sure if he could deal with them at this time in the morning – and he certainly wasn’t sure he wanted them to know about her just yet. Nothing was happening, but she was incredibly attractive, even if she wasn’t the typical cheerleader that everyone expected him to go for.

“What’s up Jack, cat got your tongue?” Said Johnny. “We want explanations man!”

“Yeah come on,” Mikey said, “What’s all this with you and Erik?”

“What?” Jack said, relief sweeping over him. “Oh, that, well he got the wrong end of the stick with something and then said some stuff and I just sort of snapped and punched him.”

“You’re in big trouble dude.” Mikey said, serious for once. “You don’t want Erik Ortiz as an enemy.”

“Yeah, what happens with football as well, isn’t he quite important for you?” Johnny said, with concern.

“I guess, I don’t know. I can’t see him ruining his own success with the football team just over the head of that, though.”

“I don’t know. Erik’s pretty mad.”

“Yeah, he’d be willing to do anything I think.” Mikey said.

“Guys, you’re really not filling me with confidence now.” Jack said, his face dropping.

“It’s alright, you’re probably going to face a lot worse today man.” Mikey replied. “You’ve got Erik’s friends to deal with as well.”

“And what about Lucie? Aren’t you good friends with her?” Johnny said, turning into the road that school was on, every turn was filling Jack with dread now as the realisation hit him that he was going to have to deal with a whole lot of stuff today. Erik, his friends, Lucie, seeing Mila, people making fun because of Mila. All sorts. It was going to be hard – this wasn’t normally the life of a high school quarterback, Jack felt as if he had been sold short.

“I don’t know man, I didn’t really think it all through. He was just saying stuff and I snapped and I punched him and then he pushed me over and that was it.” Jack said without drawing breath.

“I’d be careful today man, don’t go looking for a fight, try and stay out of the way. Don’t go near Erik if you can help it, he always goes and drives to a Burger Stop to get his lunch with his boys, so you won’t have to worry about avoiding him there. But other than that, you’re going to have to stay out of his way.”

“He’s important. He’s a senior, he’s tough and he’s got popular mates. You might be the starting quarterback, but he’s still older and well, cooler, sorry man.” Mikey said, consolingly.

“Come on, it’s gotta look up at some point today Jack.” Johnny said as he parked the car. “Come on, let’s go.”

...

Jack hadn’t had a good day, but he only had one more lesson, English Literature. He hoped he’d be able to get through that without Lucie glaring at him and hopefully without people asking him what had happened. The news had gotten around school, it had spread like wildfire, everybody knew. People were asking him how badly Erik had beaten him and when Jack explained that nothing had really happened other than Erik push him a couple of times, they looked at him in disbelief. When he told them that he had been the only one to throw a punch, they just laughed.

Jack just didn’t want to face the questions anymore. They were getting tiring and he just didn’t want to face them. It was the same old thing repeated and regurgitated over and over. Jack walked into the classroom and was met with yet another set of staring faces, people looking at him from all angles. The seating plan had changed since last year, people had moved around and there was only one seat left empty. Normally this was next to the geekiest person or someone who smelt rather bad, but this time it wasn’t.

It was filled by someone who wasn’t staring at Jack because of what had happened the day before, following school; it was filled by a face that was actually smiling at him. Mila. She was the only person to actually see what had happened the day before and Jack was actually quite glad she was the only one with an empty seat directly next to her. He’d be able to sit next to her and talk to her and block out everything else for a bit. Hopefully it’d take his mind off everything, Jack walked to the seat and slowly sat down, everybody was staring at him still, but he just ignored them.

“Hey Mila.” He said – and suddenly the silence was broken, people were talking, saying things to each other. Jack imagined a lot of it was about him, some probably about this new girl and how Jack knew her name (starting QBs didn’t normally pay attention to new transfer students!), but Jack didn’t really mind. It at least caused attention to be taken away from staring at him. Mila grinned.

“Hey Jack, quiet day for you then, I guess?” She let out a little giggle.

“Yeah absolutely.” Jack said with a deadpan exterior, his sarcasm dripping from his voice.

“Brilliant,” Mila grinned. “I don’t really understand Bridgeport High’s obsession with their starting quarterback, you’re all I’ve heard about today.”

“Well, I am sort of a big deal.” Jack said sarcastically, grinning as she laughed again.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Mila said, then lowering her voice to a conspirational whisper. “That girl, Lucie, she’s still staring at you you know?”

“I thought she might be.”

“Has she got anything to do with what happened with you and that guy or does she just like looking at you?”

“Yeah, that’s his girlfriend. Lucie Theriault. She and I were good friends, but I guess we aren’t anymore.”

“She’s probably not, I’d guess.” Mila said decisively. “Anyway, forget all that, I can’t be bothered talking about it anymore. I made the mistake of saying I’d been there to a really loud girl, cheerleader type if you know what I mean and from then on it was just questions, questions, questions.”

“Yeah, me neither, I just want to go home.”

“I can’t imagine that you’d let it get to you that easily, come on Jack, I had you down as made of stronger stuff than that.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Well come on, cheer up.” Mila punched Jack on the arm lightly and he looked up. “Come on!” Mila ordered.

“Alright, I’ll try.” Said Jack softly.

“My Dad bought some wood from your Dad’s company you know?”

“Oh right?”

“Yeah, he really wants to do this East Tavastia thing properly. He’s got a wood-burning stove, a proper fire, everything. He said that he’s going to get some more and build a big shed just out of timber.”

“Seems like fun.”

“Yeah, it’s really not, I don’t think my Dad is the best at doing that sort of thing.”

“He could surprise you,” Jack said with a slight smile.

“I guess.” Mila said. “Hey, do you know when the first game of the season is for you guys?”

“Yeah, it’s next week against North Elkin High.”

“I might surprise you and come along.”

“I thought you hated jocks.”

“I did until I found one that wasn’t a complete jerk.”

by **Zhenovia** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 4:06 pm

Zhenovia 47–10 Audioslavia

Zhenovia put forth an impressive effort in their first game in the World Bowl, as they dominated Audioslavia 47-10. An astounding 47 points were scored on five touchdowns and four field goals. Not once did Luke Hough have to punt during the course of the game. In fact, the only possession on which the Zhenovians came away without points was the final possession of the game, when backup quarterback Jake Morris took a knee.

The Zhenovia squad scored 14 points on a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter, 17 points in the second quarter, 10 in the third, and 6 in the fourth. Shawn Winthrop had a heck of a game at the quarterback position, completing 29 of 34 passes for 344 yards and 2 touchdowns, and carrying the ball 6 times for 73 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Running back Max Bolton carried the ball 22 times for 126 yards and a touchdown. Audioslavia was shut down by the starting offense and was able to put up 10 points in the fourth quarter including a long touchdown pass as substitute defensive back Curtis Poole was beat by the Audioslavia receiver. Parker Teague was dominant on defense as usual, putting up 10 tackles, including 3 sacks and a forced fumble.

by **German Zerabithea** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 4:21 pm

And what a matchday that was, we'll be right back after this commercial break to talk more about these games, but first we have a sneak peak at the upcoming new documentary about the WB 20 Rams team due to come out at the end of the year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*the camera shows a drive by view of a small snowy town.*

Narrator: Up here in the Northern Provenances, most players would not be caught dead here, much less regular people. But one player calls this place home, and would not want it any way else.

*Scenes of Benarv Cafeno on the field are shown*

For years, Cafeno has been the heart and soul of the team, and it's one this day we got a chance to talk to the man himself and get to know him better.

Interviewer: So, what was it like growing up here in the cold?

It was tough, my mother had to raise me and my siblings by herself, our dad had died serving Zerabithea in the Second Intergalactic War so we never had much of a father figure. But living like that, in this snow, it make us strong, it made us close, it was here I learned how to be a man.

Interviewer: Was their anything else you had considered doing before you got into Football?

For the longest time I was going to go into the Military like my dad, I think my mom was afraid I'd ended up like father, but she told me 'you're father joined the military cause he felt like he had no choice, his father had fought for the losing side of the civil war, felt like he had to wash the shame being a part of that game him, but honey you're different, I won't stop you if this is what you want, but I want you to do what you want to do, and do it cause it's what you love, not because of any sort of shame like your father.' 3 weeks later I was on my way to the University of New Tree City, and the rest is history.

Interviewer: How about a few years ago, you had that injury, people were talking replacement, and you got a little heated. Having highlight on your side, do you still feel you were right in your judgement?

Honestly, I feel that I was wrong, I was afraid, and I let it get to me, I was doing what was best for me, and not for the team. Luckily I talked to (Coach) Rogers and we worked stuff out, and it all worked out in the end. That's what great about Rogers, she sees the worth in all of us, and she believes in us. She calmed me down and made it clear that she had no intention of running me out, and she kept her word. She fights for the team, so we fight for her.

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

by **New West Guiana** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 5:01 pm

Part the first

Audacious, Showing a willingness to take risks.
Obdurate, Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action.
Portent, A sign or warning that something significant is likely to happen.
Virulent, Extremely severe or harmful in its effects. Bitterly hostile or antagonistic; hateful. “Virulent criticism.”
Nescient, Lacking knowledge; ignorant.

I can't say as the head of the main governing sports body in West Guiana that in order to save my job and any dignity that I have left that I must type over these seven hundred odd words using words the Premier pulled at random out of a dictionary, but in order to save this organization and my job i'll do what it takes. I can't say that I have taken audacious acts or gone far enough to show what the WGFC can do, but I suppose that I have been a bit nescient of what my job is supposed to be able to do, so I must take some responsibility over the past actions of what we did and didn't do to uphold the identity of the WGFC and the prestige of the position that I hold, which according to the Premier that I have failed.

Reading the short paper over, De'Cader shakes his head then puts the paper down, getting up from his chair he stares out the window that over looks GU Stadium and downtown Gemsbrook out in the distance, "Mrs. Fukerl, are you serious in attempting to keep your job or do you think I'm joking when i say i'll have you arrested, well guess what I'm not. It seems that I'm not having much luck having you sit here in my office everyday. So in that event, I'm having you placed on the staff of the same team you and your committee over sees, but this time you'll be up and close."

Match Day One
(first person veiw of Mrs. Fukerl)
I can't say Max Jino isn't a bad coach at all, he has done the nations team well, but truth be told many people at the WGFC(West Guiana Football Committee) want to fire him saying that a honored domestic coach should have brought home the gold by now. I am one of only two members who support him despite the misgivings by a few on his staff which have let the team down. Now even though I don't really want to be traveling with the team, I guess the Primer is serious and has threatened me countless times already. Even though I didn't write thet essay at all he expects me to write him a report after every game.

When I arrived with the team in Saintland, many of the players who didn't know who I was basically ignored me however those who did gave a me a few portent looks showing they too weren't happy about my leadership. When I met Max which I commonly do during the offseason and shook his head with disgust saying that once more I shamed the country and I utta be ashamed of myself. I told him that as the head of the WGFC I can get him fired quite easily, though we wouldn't commonly do such a thing during or before the world bowl it would make us look very nescient leaving our players out in the cold.

When the team practiced I walked around mostly out of pure boredom, but as I walked around I got to see some of the equipment the team uses and I was ashamed, we at the office had sepnt so much time brightening the teams image and finding nicer venues to play games in we had ignored the condition of the team I can say we have been nescient of what our job really is about, it is about taking care of our players and their needs what we focused on was virulent and in some ways it has hurt the morals of the team. I asked Max about it and with a glaring eye stare and told me that he had complained several times about it, but the committee ignored his complaints, and several occasions he himself bought equipment. I did apologize, but the way he walked off he didn't see that is was heart felt, how most members of the committee see things are different than that of Max and his coaches, the committee is obdurate. We don't change course on anything and when we do the problem had already been solved by the coach quit or most players left.

The first game cam and Max simply wanted me to be up in the stands, watching and hopefully learning(which he did say to me) so I watched and some what learned. The stands were full with many fans, the game wasn't nearly sold out, but I got to see our people in action and i can say having Max get Dodd as our quarter back was a good deal he was amazing, he threw for 237 yards and one touchdown. I could tell the way the game progressed Max wasn't very happy about the offense saying to me afterwards they were weak, which was true we went down the field and in the redzone, four out of the six times we could only get field goals. The two touchdowns we did manage one was a defensive and the other was Dodds' only one. In terms or yardage we managed only 429 yards while allowing 137.
(Word count 473 words)

I sent the "essay" to De'Cader and about an hour or so latter he e-mailed me back with a short message saying that's a bit better and the five new words.

megalomania: a psychological state characterized by delusions of grandeur
idyllic: 1. charmingly simple and serene 2. excellent and delightful in all respects
exigency: 1. a pressing or urgent situation 2. a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
irreparable: impossible to fix, rectify, or amend
nepotism: favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power

by **Super-Llamaland** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 5:46 pm

Daily Quotes!

Nikcoro World Herald: Taeshan trounces Warriors 40-7, Coaches Furious
New Llama Tribune: Mendelev Throws Five Interceptions, D not much better in 40-7 loss
Llamaland Courier: Casaran rewards Tigers after 40-7 loss with easier matchup

Llamaland Gridiron! The #1 place to be!

We suck.

-Jordan Grilli, Head Blogger

The wildly successful baseball team, WBC champs, have been drawn into Group B at the fourth International baseball Slam. The soccer team destroyed rival club Sangti/Royal Barangay three-zip to advance to the quarterfinals of the Cup of Harmony. The basketball team at the World Hoops Showcase destroyed ex-puppet Hicana 85-58 in the Group Stage.

Oh, and the gridiron team lost to world power Taeshan, forty to seven. That's right, 40-7. I've seen baseball games where Super-Llamaland scored higher.

But, that's how it worked. Controversial QB Darwin Mendelev threw one touchdown and five interceptions, but throwing five touchdowns and one interception wouldn't have gotten us to a win. The defense reminded everyone of the infamous Thanksgiving Blowout decades before on Thanksgiving 1967, when the New Llama Smashers defeated the Ruby Falls Kings 49-6.

Mendelev and defensive coach Tommy Mitchell both agreed the team needed work. Justin Boyd was so furious at his losing team that he nearly suffered a stroke and was unavailable for comment.

Meanwhile, our next opposition, The Knox Valley, should be easier than Taeshan (no duh) but still a tough match to win. One thing's for certain, though: we suck.

by **Free Republics** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:03 pm

This

Cutoff for Casaran Day 2

is brought to you by RepublicSoft.

by **Equestrian States** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:12 pm

My name is Bloodfeather, and I'm here to tell you about the single greatest thing I've ever done.

Before you ask: no, it's not playing for the Equestrian States' national gridiron team, nor is it helping said team reach three consecutive playoffs. In fact, it has very little to do with reaching the playoffs. We've got a fantastic team that has depth at each and every position, and chances are we'd be in the exact same position as we are today even if you took away one or two of our biggest names. And I'd hardly consider myself to be mentioned alongside Lightning Bolt, Score, Graphite, or Blackstone on such a list of some of the world's best players. Sure, I've done my part coming off the bench to replace a tired player, but it pales in comparison to my proudest moment.

I am - of course - referring to ramming His Royal Bigheadedness, Prince Petrus of Saintland into the muddy ground of their Royal Stadium almost two years ago.

Let me tell you, I've had a good career with the Cloudsdale Crushers (and have the championship ring to prove it), but nothing compares to the feeling I had watching the little prick flopping around in the mud. It's not that I'm some messed up psychopath who enjoys others' pain, no, it's just that nothing is sweeter than the taste of revenge, and boy does ol' Petie deserve every second of misery for his antics.

When we got to the Sanctii national stadium, we found the ground completely torn up between the thirties. There was hardly a blade of grass on that field, and the only excuse the ground managers could offer was that their pathetic excuse for an army had gone about doing some drills that morning. "There was nowhere else available," they said, 'The only option was Royal Stadium." Yeah, right... With the amount of bullshit they were spewing, one could resurface the entire field with another layer of mud-like material. Needless to say, Coach wasn't too happy with the smug looks they gave him either.

The Sanctii knew what kind of game we played, and purposefully screwed up the field it so we couldn't use our usual strategies that day. So Coach did the obvious thing and told us to take away their ability to play their style of game. If that involved Her Royal Highness being carted off the field, so be it.

Our target was set. Throughout the first quarter, it was all-out blitz after all-out blitz. I'm honestly surprised the bastard lasted as long as he did.

I was called on to help "speed things up," and so I did what was expected. On my first play that day, I brushed aside the pansy linemen like the twigs they were and dove straight at the Sanctii man-whore's knees, slamming him into the ground as hard as I could. Sure the bitch got a pass off before I could bury him in the mud he ordered created just for us, and sure it was caught for a touchdown. The "unnecessary roughness" penalty didn't do anything to hurt us, and the Sanctii lost the only half-decent player on their entire team.

We went on to win that game because of what I did. The Sanctii raised a storm over the "dirty" tackle of course, but all we could do was point out that they only had themselves to blame. Maybe if the field wasn't so messy, I would have been able to lay a "proper" tackle on the Princess, and the moron wouldn't have been sidelined for a year.

Since then, I haven't laid waste to any other royalty on the playing field, save for the highly-paid players of the Canterlot Crowns in league play. I don't care if the Sanctii hate my guts for what I did, they can't prove a thing; and we've got the better rationale for our actions even if they were to be exposed, along with better evidence to back it up.

If we meet again under similar conditions, I would not hesitate one second to do what I did again, even if it would get me thrown out of this joke of a tournament the Sanctii are "hosting".

by **Nassau-Hessen** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:00 pm

Eagles Run Away With It In Blowout

It was quite a sight to see on the first day of Casaran. An unexpected blowout appeared out of nowhere in favor of Nassau. Out of all of the scoring and such in the game, the end result was a fifty one to nothing rampage against the Shepherds at Royal Park Stadium (the home of the baseball team now turned into a gridiron football field). The game started with an impressive run from Kick Receiver Pete Hawick which got to the forty two yard line only to be stopped by the Right End of the Shepherds itself in an act of desperation, (they have roughly the same team as in the BoI that they've posted) of which was Sam McDuck. Trevor Lampman then made a six yard completion to Raymond Swanson only two minutes in. After a spectacular interception by Xavier Viola, of which was returned for a touchdown, the score was fourteen to nothing. Despite a raging offense, the Red and Purple did not score for the rest of the half although gaining ideal position at the end of it. The drive that was left off in the first scored a few minutes into the second with a rush from none other than Walt Tino. The scoring continued with a very close range field goal at twenty two yards kicked by Shean Frost. Another field goal right before the end of the half left the score at twenty seven to nill. The third quarter scoring commenced with a long touchdown pass from Lampman to Elijah McGrane. After a fumble recovery by Left Outside Linebacker Brian Goodyear with an immense hit, Frost kicked in another field goal. A fake punt rush led by Carter Howe led to another field goal to eventually close the scoring in the third. The fourth and final quarter started with a sixteen yard pass touchdown from backup Quarterback Jack Foley to Walt Tino. The final scores came from two consecutive safeties to seal it up (one by Brian Goodyear, the other by second string Left End Jack Rowe). The final was 51-0.

by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:17 pm

Newscaster A8DHABXB Sentenced to Mathematics Reeducation Camp

Newscaster A8DHABXB, of the Gregoryisgodistan Sports Report, was sentenced today to 30 days in a mathematics reeducation camp in District 5. His home was raided this morning by Mathematics Enforcement Officer L00SH and Mathematics Enforcement Officer NS8823DBDB, and he was dragged off to the camp. During a television broadcast, Newscaster A8DHABXB claimed the enemy crushers on the Gregoryisgodistan football team weighed "over four tons" combined. However, their total weight is about 7,800 pounds, just short of the 8,000 pounds required for them to be over four tons.

As a result, Newscaster A8DHABXB was deemed to have made a mathematical mistake and was sentenced to 30 days in a mathematics reeducation camp. He will be forced to learn mathematics 23 hours a day during that time, then will have a one hour break to eat, drink, or sleep. According to Mathematics Reeducation Minister Fran Burton, "Newscaster A8DHABXB failed to do mathematics properly. He must now pay for his sins. Mathematics reeducation camps are places of punishment and reeducation, not fun. He will be forced to learn the proper way to do addition for the next 30 days. I hope when he gets out, he will have learned his lesson and will never make a mathematical mistake again."

Sports Network has not commented on whether Newscaster A8DHABXB will retain his job upon release from the camp, nor on who will replace him in the interim. However, a spokesperson for the network said that his replacement will likely be an existing anchor working an additional show, rather than a new hire. If Newscaster A8DHABXB is deemed permanently unfit to continue in his duties, the network might hire a new host.

Grid Slaves forced to hear forbidden word
OOC: This is in response to this

Today in Free Republics, the fans at the stadium taunted the Gregoryisgodistan national football team repeatedly. At the urging of nationalist supremacist senator Samuel Izmailov, the Republican fans chanted a word which is forbidden in Gregoryisgodistan. Since this journalist very much wants to live, and does not want to accidentally condemn to execution anyone reading this out loud who accidentally repeats the word, this publication will not print it. (OOC: The word is "coconut.")

In any case, the fans, hoping to unnerve the Grid Slaves team, repeatedly chanted this word for the whole game. It is debatable whether it worked. While the team did lose to Ko-oren 17-3, the taunts provoked several enemy crushers to charge into the stands and crush fans to death. Republican authorities declined to release the exact number of fans who were killed, but approximately 150 were attacked by the enemy crushers throughout the game. It is unclear how many died from their injuries. (OOC: It is up to FR to release the exact number who were killed or suffered other injuries.)

Lord Almighty Gregory condemned the Republican faithful for chanting this word. "These fans knew it is a crime in Gregoryisgodistan to speak this word and were obviously attempting to provoke the team and distract them. I also wish to condemn Senator Izmailov severely. If he ever travels to Gregoryisgodistan, he will be arrested and executed for inciting a riot and crimes against Lord Almighty Gregory. We cannot tolerate this behavior. Furthermore, any additional provocations will be met with a full-scale military invasion. We will attack and kill those who did the provoking as well as any Republican citizens who do not assist us in our mission.

"I should point to the war we fought with Alianza Albos during which we killed a sizable portion of the population, including 75 percent of the fasista population. (OOC: This claim is actually true, but Alianza Albos has a much smaller military than Free Republics.) We will not hesitate to do the same to the Free Republics."

The Grid Slaves lost to Ko-oren 17-3 and will face New North Aqmuland next at a venue to be announced later.

by **Saintland** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:20 pm

Casaran Day 3 Schedule

#1 German Zerabithea vs. #16 West Angola @ Gem of the Oceans Stadium, Free Republics
#2 Saintland vs. #15 Kinzar @ Royal Stadium, Saintland
#3 Karditan vs. #14 The Serbian Empire @ RayDome, Free Republics
#4 Darmen vs. #13 Free Republics @ MilaneseDome, Free Republics
#5 Ko-oren vs. #12 Osarius @ Church of Saintland Stadium, Free Republics
#6 Shadowbourne vs. #11 Taeshan @ Royal Park, Saintland
#7 Qazox vs. #10 San Jose Guayabal @ Civitate Dei Stadium, Saintland
#8 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec vs. #9 Stretta @ Via Damascus Stadium, Saintland
#17 Thatius vs. #19 Nassau-Hessen @ Podvez Field, Free Republics
#18 Lunar Republic Islands vs. #50 Emeralds United @ RepublicSoft Stadium
#20 Ati Kaluraya vs. #49 Torisakia @ Nicholls Enterprises Stadium, Free Republics
#21 Texacano vs. #48 New Wolfopolis @ Royal Stadium, Saintland
#22 Chunnan vs. #47 Gaveo @ RayDome, Free Republics
#23 Zhenovia vs. #46 Lzherusskia @ R&K Bank Stadium, Free Republics
#24 Caek of the Wolfen vs. #45 Azurlavai @ Podvez Field, Free Republics
#25 The Fair Republic vs. #44 Yttribia @ PetroDome, Free Republics
#26 West Guiana vs. #43 Baughmerica @ Civitate Dei Stadium, Saintland
#27 Estope vs. #42 HopNation @ Royal Park, Saintland
#28 Cassadaigua vs. #41 New Tebow @ Church of Saintland Stadium, Free Republics
#29 Accardola vs. #40 Anditia @ MilaneseDome, Free Republics
#30 Cosumar vs. #39 The Sova Empire @ Olden Stadium
#31 Equestrian States vs. #38 Lymantatia @ PetroDome, Free Republics
#32 Vettrera vs. #37 Audioslavia @ Via Damascus Stadium, Saintland
#33 Allamunnic States vs. #36 The Knox Valley @ Gem of the Oceans Stadium, Free Republics
#34 Gregoryisgodistan vs. #35 New North Aqmuland @ Olden Stadium, Free Republics
#51 TheStonedSurfers vs. #53 Hamdrew @ Royal Stadium, Saintland
#52 Sjovenia vs. #68 German Shepherds @ Nicholls Enterprises Stadium, Free Republics
#54 Unolia vs. #67 Zeneabo @ Royal Stadium, Saintland
#55 The Glorious Commune vs. #66 Lisander @ R&K Bank Stadium, Free Republics
#56 Anarchist States of America vs. #65 New Koln @ Royal Park, Saintland
#57 MoonbaseFourcannon vs. #64 Juan del Pastel @ Civitate Dei Stadium, Saintland
#58 Jeckland vs. #63 Gloriax @ Via Damascus Stadium, Saintland
#59 Polar Islandstates vs. #62 Super-Llamaland @ Gem of the Oceans Stadium, Free Republics
#60 Independent Digital Systems vs. #61 Quakmybush @ RepublicSoft Stadium, Free Republics

by **The Fanboyists** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:43 pm

Allamunnic States Daily
World Bowl XXII Coverage

Everything Goes Wrong
Smart injured in assassination attempt; Erikson goes down; Regulars fall to Stretta 29-13

Suffice to say things did not go as planned against Stretta, starting from even before the game began when extremists attacked the Regulars' coaching staff. Although the team's Federal Army escort was able to prevent any loss of life among the staff or players (something which the assailants were not so lucky to avoid), the team's head coach, Ryan Smart, was injured in the attack and was subsequently hospitalized. The attack apparently left the entire team shaken and not at their best against opponents who could actually take advantage of the off-day.

Offensive coordinator Baeryk Vaalburger took over as interim head coach after Sanctii officials refused to postpone the game, despite insistence from both sides participating in the match that the game be delayed.

A more minor disadvantage (or lack of an expected advantage) was an unseasonally-warm day.

And then the game started.

Things didn't go well from the off. The running game struggled, with Graagur Baaltrsunn and Daanyl Wyndhorst limited to 14 and 12 carries each, totaling 44 and 39 yards. Ole Nurdsunn added 4 rushes for 26 yards. But no problem, because Leif Erikson would pick up the slack, right?

Well, he nearly did.

Erikson ended up going 16/29 for 254 yards and two touchdowns before he went down with a knee injury on a low hit early in the fourth quarter after leading the Regulars to nearly tie up the game, 13-15 (he went down on an incompletion on the attempted two-point conversion, after getting sacked five times earlier in the game). It was, in fact, exactly the sort of hit that Sanctii King Paulus XV had spoken out against the week before. The Strettan player was flagged with a personal foul, but the Strettan defense stuffed the ensuing second attempt at converting. Of course, of special note was Erikson, who was reportedly livid at the penalty call, reportedly telling the referee as he was helped off the field that the hit had been fair.

Back-up QB John Painter wasn't able to complete the comeback, and he tossed a pick-six that basically put the game away as the Regulars tried to mount one last furious drive after the Strettans had scored to answer the Regulars near-tying effort. But ultimately the rally wouldn't be enough to overcome a Strettan team that was determined to even up the all-time series between the two teams.

Defensively, Andrik Ierunmungur was exposed as Charlie Hodges victimized the veteran corner for 164 yards and two touchdowns off of 9 completions. Rookie right tackle Dietrich successfully held Honorius Waalturs to only a half sack and a single QB hurry, and the defense as a whole only tallied two sacks, without registering a single turnover.

"No excuses, they just went out there and executed better than us. We got beat off the whistle more plays than not, and when you're just getting battered like that, there's not really a whole lot you can do," defensive coordinator Jethro Myers said after the game. "Needless to say, there's some stuff we need to fix."

And then, of course, there was Leif Erikson's place at the post-game press-conference, where he again reiterated that Andy Elwin was not to blame for the hit that took the signal-caller out of the game. "You get thirteen guys in the pocket and tackle box like that, [stuff]'s going to happen. He was aiming to wrap me up and I stepped back to try to escape. Sometimes stuff goes wrong, it's not a good reason to start penalizing defenders for accidents like that." And, before anyone could stop him or turn off the mic, he added "And King Paulus and his son are still soft piles of [expletive], trying to ruin the sport."

An MRI should indicate whether Erikson will be able to return, or if his absence will be prolonged.

Of great relief to the staff and players was the announcement during the game that Ryan Smart's injuries were not serious and that he would be able to return for the Regulars' next game, against the Knox Valley, although his left arm would be in a sling.

"I hope the federal government can make some headway in finding and eliminating these wackos," Honorius Waalturs said on the subject. "Beyond the fact that people are getting hurt, and prayers with coach, please, these people are perverting the message of Christ, and it's reflecting badly on all good Christian citizens of the States."

Even coming from a different angle, the sentiment was the same. Linebacker Maarkus Staalhelm (who is a practicing Allamunnic pagan) told reporters, after being asked about the subject that "it reflects badly on an entire faith, when in reality our country and faiths are all about loving neighbors and peaceful coexistence. Hopefully these Soldiers of Christ folks will see the error of their ways. And if not... I'm sure the General will sort them out."

by **Texacano** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:47 pm

The company first sergeant, as always, was the voice of reason, screaming from the sidelines, "Get down! Everybody get the fuck down!" All the soldiers and airmen hit the deck, hands over their heads, faces in the dirt, and Cosworth had to smile as he remembered how many times at basic they'd been told to hit the deck at random, and how bitterly they'd complained that it had no purpose. How many other places would a hundred and some odd people all dive to the ground at once, just because someone told them to? They lay still for a minute in a heavy, tense silence as they waited for whatever it was to go overhead, or else crash into the helicopters and kill them all in the subsequent explosion.

There was a hollow thud overhead, and Cosworth twisted his head to look up and saw that it was right overhead, bright enough that he couldn't see anything, and his eyes burned like he'd stared into the sun.

"Cosworth!" he heard Alvarez's voice shout, "Keep your fucking head down!"

Even through his eyelids, Cosworth could tell where it was and when it had passed them by based on the intensity of the light. To his left, he heard the Air Force captain tell whoever was listening that the thud they'd heard was a sonic boom, that the thing had been moving at supersonic speeds. Once the light situation had returned to normal, the oppressive silence was replaced with a cacophany of voices:

"Chalk up! Chalk up!" "First platoon, on me!" "Third platoon, right here! Let's go!"

Cosworth got to his feet and followed the massive form of Alvarez, the only thing he could make out now that his vision had gone fuzzy. He caught up to him, grabbing his collar so that he wouldn't be left behind, and the two of them pushed their way to where their platoon was forming up. Their chalk, fourth chalk, was in the rear, and Alvarez fell in on the far left with Cosworth next to him. Cosworth felt like something was off, and he realized that they were missing a member of their fire-team.

"Shit," said Alvarez, apparently realizing the same thing, "Where's Ash?"

"Right here," came a voice further down the line. There was a shuffling of feet, and a figure took the spot next to Cosworth. At the end of the chalk, he heard the familiar voice of the chalk sergeant counting them; ten soldiers present, the full chalk accounted for. Fourth chalk was the weapons chalk, three M240T machine guns with a gunner, a loader, and an ammo bearer each. Alvarez was the gunner and team leader for charlie team, Cosworth was the loader, and Ash was the ammo bearer. Alvarez was large enough that the machine gun looked like a rifle next to him, and he could use it like one, holding it to his shoulder and spitting hot lead with rapidity, velocity, and accuracy. It was a sight to behold.

The platoon sergeant called for accountability, and each of the chalk sergeants announced that they were "up." He put them at ease, and started to pace in front of the formation, the way he did when they'd had a particularly rough weekend, or someone had got injured doing something stupid.

"We don't know much, gentlemen," he said, "But whatever that thing was, it did not have a flight plan, and we have no idea what it is. The lieutenant is indoors getting briefed; we will fall in on our bunks, get our gear on, and wait for him to tell us what we're doing. Any questions?"

The platoon stayed silent, so he turned around and faced the front of the formation. Down the line, three other platoons were doing the same thing, taking accountability and learning what there was to be done.

"You ready for this?" Alvarez asked Cosworth quietly.

"Ready for what?" Cosworth replied, "We don't know what it was."

"Doesn't matter," said Alvarez, "We're about to make its day a lot worse, no?"

"Hooah."

by **San Jose Guayabal** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:56 pm

TOUCHDOWN MAGAZINE

Guayabalense Eskimos started excellently with a 2-0 record

Free Republics

The national team of San Jose Guayabal football has started good way to keep a perfect record of 2 wins and no losses.

In the first game, the Eskimos defeated Baughmerica with an excellent game of Juan Cruz, who performed a set of 310 aerial yards and 32 rushing yards, including a rushing touchdown when there were 3:10 in the first quarter.

In the second quarter John Quiteño, managed to arrange a two-point conversion to make the score and a 9-0 in the first half.

In the third quarter, as the fear instilled Baughmerica defense led by San Jose Guayabal Terenti Sunsin failed to stop the great return of the carrier from the opposing team who scored the touchdown, then the field goal making the score 9-7.

Missing 7:45, Juan Cruz made a great pass to Leonel Sermeño who ran without difficulty and scored the touchdown that gave a more comfortable 16-9 advantage.

After that, missing 5:40 in the third quarter, Sverki Poliser intercepted a pass and ran to the area scoring to make the score 23-7, then another pass interception, Rafa Hirezi things began to sentence another touchdown , and the match was 30-7.

Throughout the last quarter but that nothing happened Baughmerica unwelcome attempts at trying to reverse the score, and to put the icing on the cake, Orlando Pineda scored the final touchdown before the break of two minutes and put the end of 37 -7 with the San Jose Guayabal flattered and sought to gain momentum to face Cassadaigua who's a strong opponent.

Against Cassadaigua, things were different because only in the first quarter, the quarterback Jessica Minor made atrocities in defending San Jose Guayabal, doing 125 aerial yards, including two touchdown passes in which they failed to score goals from field, so the match was 12-0, after that Trevor Kincaid made a field goal of 45 yards, bringing the score to 15-0 against the Eskimos.

The Defensive coordinator decided to make adjustments to implement a more offensive team, something achieved through Luis Jimenez made a total of 185 yards and three touchdown passes.

In the fourth quarter, when there were specific in 0:15 seconds the score was 15-21 in favor of SJG, Yermolai Lainez custom make a field goal from 32 yards and define the final 15-24 in favor of San José Guayabal.

And the difficulty begins

After these victories that have helped gain confidence to San Jose Guayabal will serve you for a real challenge that will require resilience and strength to play against Qazox, winner of no less than 2 World Bowls, which is characterized by using a totally offensive team , this game is likely to be a feast of touchdowns as both teams are very offensive trends and seek to do their best in the field, the expectations are high but the concentration is, like the calm and serenity of the team that is aware of what to do.

by **Lunar Republic Isands** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 9:52 pm

LRI SHOCKED 20-10!!

The LRI came fired up, but Thatius had other plans for the LRI, and it left many in shock. It seemed at the offense couldn't get it done in the end. Quick Drift scored on a 25 yard touchdown run and Art Carmody kicked a field goal.

"It's disappointing. I think we gotta settle down and look at what we need to improve on. It isn't easy but now we have to regroup and go out there and play better in the next game." Billy Back said.

"We can do way better. I think we got a little heated in the moment at times and it cost us. That mistake won't happen next time." James Fraizer commented.

"It's not easy. Does it suck? Yes. Do we worry? No! We're gonna win this next game, we learned from our mistakes. Now we move forward." Quick Drift said.

by **Ko-oren** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 5:42 am

Another win, Greenblues climb up to #5

But of course, those numbers don't mean anything until the last day of the Casaran stage is over. Ko-oren, with two large wins, is nicely in fifth place behind German Zerabithea, Saintland, Karditan and Darmen (not bad for a 16th ranked team), but there is still a long way to go (namely six more days). With every loss, the Greenblues fall a bit further down, but that also allows us to play an easier opponent (on paper, at least). But with every win, your chances of going through to the group stage increase. So there is the problem. Some good teams lose, some bad teams win, and somehow you'll always end up with a weird bad team in the group stage in six days and some good teams dropping out. The Equestrian States alreadly lost as a third ranked team, so the team that plays them won't be happy and hopefully expected an easier target on match day three (condolences, Lymantatia).

So back to the Greenblues. A happy team with two wins, a balanced roster with old and young players (ok, a bit more old than young), and just a field goal conceded. It all could have been worse... with us playing Gregoryisgodistan and all. There were some incidents, but with Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH behind bars for the duration of the game, and some other necessary precautions by the tournament officials, the game went on without too many distractions. The Enemy Crushers were powerful enough to keep our defense away from Zookeeper ZNZ949AHX, their QB, but he just didn't get the ball where it was needed, and six interceptions after three quarters had him replaced with Gruelmaker SBZBZB. By that time, the fragile 3-0 lead from a field goal was turned into a 14-3 lead for the Greenblues. As said, just kicks as conversions, no two-pointers. Their defense was still intimidating enough to prevent us from trying that, at least.

No interesting language features either. With the threats to violate proper Gregoryisgodistani grammar, Grammar Enforcement Officer SLS399SSH was kept away from our team. The Ko-orenite fans liked to use their creativity in language (with each and every single Ko-orenite speaking four languages, at least) to piss off the Gregoryisgodistan fans and team, with chants like "Show them what you're made of!", "Come on" etcetera, and it took a while before they were answered by booing from the Gregoryisgodistan side (when they found out these were all sentences ended with a preposition). Or, around Zookeeper ZNZ949AHX's six interceptions: "After throwing this bad, the ball is ours" which was a particularly bad one to the other fans (dangling modifiers, not even once). "Playing football, you suck at" was a clever one with a preposition at the end, a dangling modifier (or just a complete mess).

Scoring summary
2nd 10:04 Mathematics Teacher 2737ASH FG 0-3
3rd 05:53 A. Ardhonsi TD 6-3 (S. Hergurin K 7-3)
3rd 08:05 A. Denis TD 13-3 (S. Hergurin K 14-3)
4th 13:59 S. Hergurin FG 17-3

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