NSCF XXII (22) - Everything Thread

[Northwest Kalactin]

Mineral Conference Cutoff

Mineral Conference
Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR) 40–7 The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy (SPA)
The Academy of Space (SPA) 32–31 University of the Commonwealth (CBP)
Université de la Catherine du Nord (RTS) 45–20 Castle Hall University (NAG)

  Mineral Conference                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy             8    6   2   238  151  +87
2 University of the Commonwealth               8    5   3   307  207 +100
3 Université de la Catherine du Nord           8    5   3   232  212  +20
4 The Academy of Space                         8    4   4   197  176  +21
5 The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy          8    3   5   135  182  −47
6 Castle Hall University                       8    1   7   120  301 −181

[Drawkland]

Big Eight, Woodlands
MD8

I know tonight is stressful, so have a Margarita and relax.

BIG EIGHT
The Northwest Ballina College 13–17 Richardson University
Eirīkssonia University 6–15 Cold Hill University
Akers University 24–59 Kohnhead City University

  BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                               8    7   1   274  155 +119
2 Richardson University                              8    6   2   206  137  +69
3 Kohnhead City University                           8    5   3   254  199  +55
4 The Northwest Ballina College                      8    4   4   210  209   +1
5 Akers University                                   8    1   7   194  300 −106
6 Eirīkssonia University                             8    1   7   129  267 −138

WOODLANDS
N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University 20–37 Université du Saguenay
Ravencroft Academy 9–14 Université St. Croix
Xannerian Polytechnical Institute 31–3 Provolone University

  WOODLANDS CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Université du Saguenay                             8    5   3   269  196  +73
2 N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University    8    5   3   231  195  +36
3 Université St. Croix                               8    5   3   224  191  +33
4 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute                  8    5   3   214  185  +29
5 Ravencroft Academy                                 8    3   5   188  223  −35
6 Provolone University                               8    1   7   166  302 −136

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Celestia, Horizon, Zephyr
MD8 Results!

Today's an election day. We associate elections and parties with colors.

Celestia Conference
Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS) 0–47 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)
Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) 24–21 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)
University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS) 23–33 University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU)

Celestia Conference                                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)                     8    6   2   157   90  +67
2 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)                   8    5   3   174   70 +104
3 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)                         8    5   3   288  150 +138
4 University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU)                     8    3   5   150  261 −111
5 Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS)                    8    3   5   113  209  −96
6 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)    8    2   6   145  247 −102

Horizon Conference
Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP) 31–35 Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK)
Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK) 10–28 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)
New Paradise University Snakes (IEM) 17–13 Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS)

Horizon Conference                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)       8    8   0   230   56 +174
2 Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK)          8    6   2   267  160 +107
3 Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK)             8    5   3   205  212   −7
4 Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP)        8    3   5   168  197  −29
5 Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS)    8    1   7   106  214 −108
6 New Paradise University Snakes (IEM)           8    1   7    74  211 −137

Zephyr Conference
Raynor University Rockets (VAL) 30–10 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)
Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT) 14–14 Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH) (29–21 OT)
Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL) 34–3 Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV)

Zephyr Conference                                     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH)                     8    6   2   271  154 +117
2 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)                       8    6   2   263  148 +115
3 Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL)                           8    6   2   224  156  +68
4 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)                  8    5   3   195  161  +34
5 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)    8    1   7   159  234  −75
6 Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV)         8    0   8    62  321 −259

[Squidroidia]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY

---

Welcome to College Football Saturday.

So, here we are. 3 games left in the conference schedule, and the Squidbreak are somehow in the hunt for a Mineral Conference title. The goal for this Squidbreak team is simple - Win the home stretch. Win against Terrestrial Acclimation, win against Catherine du Nord, and most importantly, win against Commonwealth on the final day of the conference season. Win all 3 and they have lifted the Mineral Conference title and will head to the Playoffs as the Mineral's guaranteed entrant. With the team leaving the SAF Park against Terrestrial Acclimation, how did Step 1 go?

#23 TERRESTRIAL ACCLIMATION    |0    |0    |7   |0    |7
#10 SQUIDBREAK                 |14   |10   |6   |10   |40

Once again, it is a blowout. Once again, the Squidbreak win. But this isn't Castle Hall, Castle Hall are not a good team, and I'm sorry that it was said. Terrestrial Acclimation are ranked, they were built to rely more on Earth than on Space, but they lost... By 4 scores. 33 points. Only 1 touchdown for them, 4 for the Squidbreak, not to mention 4 field goals by Flynn over here. Hell, Zlatan even got himself a rushing TD in the 1st quarter. Now that's what is called a win.

2 games are left in the Mineral Conference season, and with this we're able to make conference championship predictions. There are 4 teams who are mathematically eligible for the Mineral Conference title - The Squidbreak, the University of the Commonwealth, La Université de la Catherine du Nord, and the Academy of Space, the latter an underdog who actually beat the Commonwealth to get the Squidbreak to... Top of the league? Yes it is true. Let's pull up the remaining conference schedule for these 4 opponents.

Matchday 9
Catherine du Nord vs Squidbreak
Castle Hall vs Academy of Space
University of the Commonwealth vs Terrestrial Acclimation

Matchday 10
Squidbreak vs University of the Commonwealth
Academy of Space vs Catherine du Nord

So in the final 2 weeks of the season, there are 5 matches that can determine the conference title. We'll divide this up into scenarios, taking into account all 5 games. There are 2 scenarios that we know of that have the Squidbreak clinch the conference title.

Scenario A
Squidbreak beat Catherine du Nord, Academy of Space beat Castle Hall, Terrestrial Acclimation beat University of the Commonwealth
Squidbreak go 7-2, Commonwealth, Academy of Space and Catherine du Nord go 5-4
Squidbreak win the Mineral Conference title

Scenario B
Squidbreak beat Catherine du Nord, Castle Hall beat Academy of Space, Terrestrial Acclimation beat University of the Commonwealth
Squidbreak go 7-2, Catherine du Nord and Commonwealth go 5-4
Squidbreak win the conference title

PLAYOFF WATCH, presented by SeventeenThirtySix.sqr
NOTE: These aren't the official NSCF Rankings, these will be used for its ranking purposes until the official NSCF Rankings come out

 QUARTERFINAL BYE                                   Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Felswyr State University                           8    8   0   230   56 +174
 2 Cold Hill University                               8    7   1   274  155 +119
 3 Bowerstone University                              8    6   2   271  154 +117
 4 Raynor University                                  8    6   2   263  148 +115

 FIRST ROUND                                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 5 Sadeg State University                             8    6   2   267  160 +107
 6 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy                   8    6   2   238  151  +87
 7 Richardson University                              8    6   2   206  137  +69
 8 Mar Sara Tech                                      8    6   2   224  156  +68
 9 Salamantic Universities                            8    6   2   157   90  +67
10 Loyola-Istra                                       8    5   3   288  150 +138
11 Northern Moravica University                       8    5   3   174   70 +104
12 University of the Commonwealth                     8    5   3   307  207 +100

 TOP 25                                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
13 Université du Saguenay                        8    5   3   269  196  +73
14 Kohnhead City University                      8    5   3   254  199  +55
15 N-N Palæontological                           8    5   3   231  195  +36
16 Ceneisis Naval Academy                        8    5   3   195  161  +34
17 Université St. Croix                          8    5   3   224  191  +33
18 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute             8    5   3   214  185  +29
19 Université de la Catherine du Nord            8    5   3   232  212  +20
20 Cavsar University                             8    5   3   205  212   −7
21 Academy of Space                              8    4   4   197  176  +21
22 Northwest Ballina College                     8    4   4   210  209   +1
23 Surrey Perimeter College                      8    3   5   168  197  −29
24 Ravencroft Academy                            8    3   5   188  223  −35
25 Terrestrial Acclimation Academy               8    3   5   135  182  −47

FORMULA FOR PLAYOFF WATCH
Wins
Point Difference
Points Scored
Head to Head Win Difference
Head to Head Point Difference
Head to Head Points Scored

NEXT GAME
#19 Catherine du Nord vs #6 Squidbreak

[Ranoria]

Cold Hill University
Cold Hill, Ranoria
Chris Dale's Office

"Yeah, coach, I know it looks bad," Rhine groaned, and Chris Dale rubbed his temples as he set his phone down, where the viral picture of Rhine fleeing a police shutdown of a party was displayed.

"Yeah, it does," Dale scolded him, "Deondre, I keep on giving you the benefit of the doubt! I don't give you a leash, I trust you. Last season, you had anabolics on you, even if you didn't take them, and now you're being seen at parties where drug busts took place," the head coach of the Buffalo rubbed his temples. "Do you have any idea how quickly most guys would be off the team, just for publicity's sake? This reflects very poorly on the university, I've got guys coming for my head because I can't reel you in!"

"Go to hell." Deondre Rhine replied.

Chris Dale stopped suddenly, eyes narrowing, and looked up to see a defiant quarterback staring right back at him.

"Reel me in!? Oh, you did that!" He stood, all six foot six and two hundred fifty pounds of him, "Look, I stayed off the juice! But I'm miserable! You cut me off from that stuff that used to keep me going, and look at me dammit! I'm a shell! I'm going to the pros!" He pointed at nowhere in particlar, "And I'm miserable!"

Rhine panted, then shook his head, "Enough bull, man. You won't bench me, and you won't cut me, because you are nothing without me."

Chris Dale crossed his arms and leaned back, lips pressed thin, but trying to maintain some semblence of a calm demeanor. "Look, Rhine, that's the last pass I'm going to give you. Do not ever take that tone w-"

Rhine turned his back on the coach and opened the door, chucking up a deuces as he left, "Like you can do anything about it."

He slammed the door behind him, shoulders hunched over, and giving a dirty look to a few other students who cast a concerned eye his way, before pulling out his phone and calling Magnus. Dale didn't try to pursue him, likely seething at the sting in the truth of the words.

"That bad?" Was the deviant's first response, and Deondre snorted.

"Yeah. I'm coming to yours."

Don't you have a game tomorrow? You're gonna need to re-

"I'll be fine," Rhine stated, more firmly, "I'm coming over. Need to get the hell away from this team right now."

---

Ranoria’s Premier Programs Set for Decisive Matchup in Cold Hill

Kuenda Sello(pictured) has his season totals sitting pretty at 1,101 yards and 11 touchdown runs through 8 games

Well, it was a stressful week for the two squads. Angelo Rosin, for Richardson, finally showed signs of slowing down after two strong weeks. He only tossed one interception, but was held without a touchdown and under two hundred passing yards. The Northwest Ballina College's defense deserves a ton of credit for keeping him down after a strong start, but it wasn’t unexpected, even for the greatest of optimists. Rosin was sitting behind Beacon Murray for a reason, and didn’t perform well in the much softer domestic season. As usual, Kuenda Sello was our lifeblood, putting on a strong performance with 111 yards on 20 carries and our two touchdowns, but he failed to pick up a few key first downs that would have possibly widened the margin.


Malik Sherman (pictured), managed a strip sack in his latest contest, but is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL

Fortunately, our defense came through again. They held The Northwest Ballina without a touchdown, led by Malik Sherman, our defense would total four sacks as they shredded the opposition’s pass protectors. However, fate was not on our side in this one. In the fourth quarter, Malik Sherman was rolled up on by an offensive linemen, purely accidental, but he went down immediately.

Richardson’s defensive captain managed to stand up with his own strength, but he did not return in that game, and an MRI later revealed that he tore his ACL. Sherman’s presence will be sorely missed, as he finishes this NSCF campaign with 9.5 sacks, three short of last season’s total, in eight games. For a Governor team that's strength is its front four on defense, missing their tone setter is a tragedy. However, the team has options at that position.

Robin James, a redshirt Freshman, has 7.5 sacks on the campaign, a fast guy with good bend, and was the #3 recruit two seasons ago. He's a much better run stopper than his 245 pound frame would have you believe, but he's still prone to occasionally getting mauled by a big tackle. After that, we've got the guys who have been spelling Sherman and James until now.

Carlos Schmidt, Ranoria's 5th ranked recruit last season, seemed to take the majority of the snaps once Sherman went down. Schmidt has performed well as a spot rusher, with 3.5 sacks under his belt, and at 260 pounds he's big enough to play the run. Our second option (and likely, the two will rotate a good bit) is Devin River. River, a sophomore, is 6'5", 265 pounds, and a good pass and run defender. He's notched a tackle for loss and two sacks in very limitted snaps, but rumor has it he'll be on the transfer wire next season, as he's buried on the depth chart.

Ultimately, this is going to shift a lot of responsibility onto the interior. Spencer Crutchfield, who was visibly upset when Sherman went down, has six sacks as an interior man, with his understudy and former top Ranorian recruit Gudbrand Taurus following close behind at 5. That interior wrecking crew might have to pick up some slack as our strong, but no longer dominant, production at edge rusher gives out a bit.

Meanwhile, Cold Hill won a nail biter of a 15-6 game over Eirīkssonia. Deondre Rhine didn't play well, he was picked off twice and held without a touchdown for the first time this season. However, he did rack up decent yardage, as Eirīkssonia just couldn't move the ball at all. It was...a weird game.

Brannon Hillis, the Buffalo running back, had his worst outing of the season with sixteen carries for a humbling forty yards, for an average of 2.5 per pop. Eirīkssonia's defense, meanwhile, while allowing a lot of yards, held Rhine's offense out of the red zone for the most part, and stayed in the game until a field goal in the waning moments finally gave the Buffalo their first two score lead.

For the second straight week however, the Buffalo pass rush managed to get some sacks, with Robert Golden, Hughe Brown, Haze Herbert, and linebacker Robert Lewan each adding one to their season totals. That was probably the game's key takeaway, as that pressure helped to produce three Buffalo interceptions, winning the turnover battle despite Rhine's own errors.

But hey, that's not why you're here, is it?

You wanna know: Who's going to win in the second Cold Hill-Richardson showdown? What kind of implications are on the table?

Well, Richardson won at home for a second straight season with a convincing win over the Buffalo, forcing Deondre Rhine into a ton of turnovers. That's likely to be their strategy. However, in the last matchup, Moses Busara, Cold Hill's starting left tackle, went down with an ankle injury. With Malik Sherman against a backup, well, you could guess how that went, and now we don't have Sherman. So Cold Hill has better pass protection, and our rush has dropped down a few notches. Rhine isn't going to throw four interceptions and take twenty hits in the pocket again, sorry, it's just not in the cards. So, let's compare our position groups!

Front Seven
Fortunately the team in the nation's capitol, Cold Hill is never known for their defense, and this season their pass rush has been very, very poor. While they've notched seven sacks in the last two games, they were stagnant in the first six matchups of the NSCF, and Richardson's offensive line is strong enough to likely solidify that trend once again. That means Angelo Rosin will have a clean pocket, something he is better equipped to take advantage of than Beacon Murray was.

Richardson? Despite losing Sherman, they have three top five recruits on the defensive line, not to mention Spencer Crutchfield, an absolute game-breaker at defensive tackle. Bringing up Cold Hill's Robert Lewan, a strong inside linebacker? Guess what? the Governors have a bat out of hell in Clancy Gluber at that spot, and Carl Roman, his running mate, is no slouch either. This goes to the Governors.

Offensive Line:
Good groups on both sides. Cold Hill's Vince Vermillion is a good, strong right tackle and Moses Busara, a freshman out of Banija, has proven his worth already. And the trio of Tanner Highroad at center, flanked by Roran Stone and Baron bell at guard, is a nasty one. But the Governors are better here, too.

Their tackles, Howitzer Peters and Thrane Valentine, are enormous, flexible, technically sound players who maul everyone in their sight, while their interior consists of future RFL players, and possibly starters. Guards Freidrich Klemens and Tucker Abraham clock in at 315 pounds each, and they're the smallest men on this line, with center Chance Horst, a senior, weighing 320. Easy decision, here.

Offensive Weapons:

It's tough to tell how strong a WR room is when they have a two time All-Ranorian quarterback throwing to them

So, which quarterback has better weapons? That one probably goes to the Governors. Big, senior tight end Austin Jackson is over three hundred receiving yards despite the team's low volume passing, and we have a freak athlete at receiver in Baraka Hali, who is over six hundred yards now. These two are talented players, and they'll go pro soon. Then there's Kuenda Sello, over 1,100 yards now on the year and showing no signs of slowing down, and he's been a strong contributor as a receiver, too. If Richardson is to move the ball effectively, he is, as usual, their ticket.

Cold Hill? Well, they've got a bunch of nobodies. Rai Swift and Felix Hamilton are explosive, playmaking freshmen, but they've been inconsistent. Adam Rickiott is the last holdover from last year's wideouts who got playing time, and trust us: No one is excited about him. Cooper Canis? Another freshman, good volume catcher but he isn't going to make any big plays, and then we have Darian Millin. A senior transfer from Ranoria State, Millin was buried on the depth chart on Ranoria's second best air-raid program. Fortunately, Cold Hill just lost its top four receivers! Millin is our best wideout, but the 5'10" pass catcher isn't exactly an athletic stud. Best bet? Dorian Browne-Clarke, who has six touchdowns to his name, at tight end. Brannon Hillis is a decent back, too, a hybrid runner-receiver, but he's young, injury prone, and just displayed that he can, in fact, have a down game.

In short, it's quality over quantity. The Governors certainly have better players at the skill positions, but the Buffalo have enough variety to make up for a lack of top-end talent. We'll call this a tie.

Secondary:
Look, Cold Hill has a few guys who could make a splash in a year or two. Safety Agnor Viridian is already a good player, while corners Katil Jackman and Emil Johnson are showing flashes of solid coverage ability. But Makang Secka, Banija's second best recruit last season, and Jabyess Hawkins are both ball-hawking terrors at corner, backed up by Daquan Carter, a starting calbier guy. No contest here.

Quarterbacks:
But the real difference maker, of course, is Deondre Rhine. He hasn't played a game this season in which he's hit less than eight different targets, and more often than not has gone to ten or more. Angelo Rosin, meanwhile, has peaked at 244 passing yards in his three games starting in the NSCF, and hilariously enough, his week 6 and 7 numbers, combined, were barely over those of Deondre Rhine. But we never would have considered going the other way with this one.

So without further ado, here's your Tale of the tape!

Comparison:        Richardson     Cold Hill 
Quarterback:                          ☑
Offensive Weapons:    ☑              ☑
Offensive Line:       ☑
Front Seven:          ☑
Secondary:            ☑

Okay, that's great, you might say. It looks like last season: A stronger overall team against one with a quarterback that doesn't particularly care. Well, that's true. Totally true, and no matter how hard anyone else tries, this game will likely be decided by whether or not Diamond Rhine has a marquee performance at home.

So what's at stake, exactly? Well, the Governors are 6-2. A 7-3 conference slate would be disastrous, as they play the top-ranked Blue Thunder at a neutral venue in the annual Rebel's Cannon Bowl. Before that? Not much better. We've got both the third ranked Commonwealth to take on as well as Sadeg State's constantly dominant Skyhawks. If we drop this game to Cold Hill, our only shot at a double digit win season is a sweep of our last four contests. Spoiler alert: That's unlikely to happen. This is, of course, also the Governors' last bid at a conference championship, something they've been better at over the years despite Cold Hill's championship contention.

The Buffalo, meanwhile, have to keep winning. Feleswyr's Firehawks, led by Sarai Gwenderyn, are undefeated and showing no signs of slowing down after toppling Sadeg State this week. History is on their side, as the two teams have only swept each other once each (Cold Hill in NSCF 19, Richardson in NSCF 17). But what isn't good is that the teams are, historically, .500 against one another. Cold Hill won in the playoffs a season ago, and as such it's Richardson's turn to be on top for awhile...maybe.

But there you have it! Our prediction? All said and done, a convincing Buffalo victory. Deondre Rhine's had a few down games already this season, another would be not only surprising, but worrying, for the star quarterback. And while the Governors have as strong roster as a whole, once could have said the same in our third duel of champions last season, when the Governors had Ifeatu Chineze, Kuenda Sello, and Vice Jackson III in the backfield. With, arguably, their best player in Malik Sherman done for the year, it's tough to predict a Governor win in The Tundra.

---

RC Fitness
Ranoria City, Wisconsin, Ranoria
Konstantin Vollmacht, #6 Overall Recruit in Ranoria

The nearly graduated defensive tackle roared his support as one of his fellow lifters completed his final attempt on the deadlift. Not nearly as much as his own number, perhaps, but an impressive one nonetheless. Besides, when you see someone in the gym regularly, you can’t help but support them, right?

And Konstantin was up next. He knew he had the competition in the bag, far bigger and stronger than anyone present, but he still glanced over to the owner of the gym, who was organizing this meet. "How much to win the overall?" The hulk of a man, Konstantin, muttered to the judge as he rubbed chalk between his hands.

“Kid, if you pull a one hundred kilogram deadlift, you’ll win the overall. Two hundred and you’ll somehow win pound for pound, even at your size" the judge, a big man, was dwarfed by Konstantin as he glanced up, "Neither of those should be an issue for you, I'd think."

Vollmacht nodded. It wasn't fair, really. He was a state champion powerlifter, and this was an amateur, mostly in-house contest. But he was a regular at this gym, and he intended to win the meet, pointing out the bar and announcing to the entire place, "Help me load this thing up, would you?"

The old iron plates clanged together, filling the room with their symphony, and Konstantin, already warmed up, scuffed his feet on the ground before he got in his stance. He was six foot six, and that, to him, made a sumo deadlift acceptable. Feet wide, arms braced against his lats, he bent down and grabbed the center of the bar, snorting just before his chalked-up hands wrapped around that cold, familiar steel.

Pull out the slack, and...

Clang!

In one smooth, fast motion, the weight came up, plates banging against the bar as their momentum tried to continue carrying them upward. Konstantin exhaled as he let the weight down, holding a fist up in the air. That would do it, a victory in a powerlifting meet that, frankly, he was far overqualified for. Even as celebrated, however, he somewhat regretted not going for a personal record in the deadlift. But he had won the meet in a single attempt, so there wasn’t much of a point in going any heavier.

His little brother cheered from a few yards away, and his parents clapped, respectfully with a low volume, as their son chuckled. A great powerlifter he might be, but a football player? Well, that was his true calling, as evidenced by the T-shirt he wore with the logo of Ranoria City Southern High School’s logo emblazoned across his chest. Now a cutoff, to show off his arms, of course.

---

[Chromatika]

The Flame of the Firehawk
Part 8: The Double!

Team                          1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q   |  Tot
Sadeg State University         0   3   7   0   |   10
Felswyr State University      14   0   7   7   |   28

1Q
11:15 FSU TD - Carson Mettre 14 yard run (Sara McAllister Kick)
05:29 FSU TD - Alessandra Mio 19 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Sara McAllister Kick)

2Q
10:13 SSU FG - Logan Hull 47 yard Field Goal

3Q
13:28 SSU TD - Nick Parks 21 yard run (Logan Hull Kick)
09:17 FSU TD - Cara Setri 64 yard interception return (Sara McAllister Kick)

4Q
14:29 FSU TD - Alessandra Mio 43 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Sara McAllister Kick)

Skyhawks Gridiron Park

Sarai Gwenderyn returned to the field after recovering from a concussion from the previous match, Alessandra Mio caught a pair of touchdown passes, and the Felswyr State Firehawks defeated the Sadeg State Skyhawks 28-10 on the road to improve to 8-0 on the season and all but secure the Horizon Conference Title.

Gwenderyn, who suffered a concussion early in the game against New Paradise University, was on and off through the whole week. However, when she cleared all the concussion protocols set by the CCFA, she made it known that it was her wish to return to the field immediately.

"It was a game against Sadeg State," Gwenderyn stated afterwards, "There was no way I was going to miss that."

Felswyr State eased her into things on their first drive, Carson Mettre getting the ball six times, including the touchdown. All five attempted passes by Sarai were within ten yards, easy completions.

It wasn't until midway through the quarter that Gwenderyn attempted a pass beyond twenty yards, a deep out to Alessandra Mio.

In the second quarter, Sadeg State struck back with a pitch that yielded them a foray into Firehawk territory; they also started to really clamp down on Gwenderyn, making the FSU star dance around without too much time to throw.

When Nick Parks scored on a Quarterback draw in the middle of the third to cut the score to 14-10, and the Sadeg State defense forced a three-and-out, the momentum had shifted.

Then, Cara Setri too the game into her own hands.

The linebacker read a pass in the flat by Parks to Jay Gibson, picked off the pass, and returned it 64 yards to the house.

Gwenderyn added a pass to Mio for good measure in the fourth quarter, and that was that.

With that victory, Felswyr State is a home game against Cavsar and an away game at Surrey Perimeter away from a perfect conference season.

Oh, and that defense? Yielding exactly seven points per game. Pretty good.

[Banija]

With the Salamantic Universities set to win their first Celestia Conference title, Banijan in unfamiliar position towards the end of conference play


The Professors Quarterback scrambles for yardage against the Blue Thunder defense in Week 7

ISTRIA, MORAVICA- The power shift in the Celestia Conference is complete. Ever since the Banijan schools have entered this conference, they have dominated it. NSCF 12, 13, and 14, and then after being out of the NSCF for 2 seasons, consecutively from 17-21. A number of records have stood. In all 8 seasons where Banijan schools have played in this conference, the trophy has come home to Banija. Northern have five Celestia Conference title, while Loyola-Istria have 3, including going back to back in NSCF XX and NSCF XXI. And they were extremely dominant for a while there. But ever since the entrance of the Ko-orenite university coalition, called the Salamantic Universities, there has been some serious competition in this conference. And the Salamantic Universities and their fans have had a rallying cry for the past few years- break the Banijan duopoly.

For these past few years, the Salamantic Universities have taken their best shot at Banija's two biggest universities, and have just barely missed. Even last season, all three schools finished 8-2, but Loyola-Istria won the tiebreaker game, and therefore, won the Celestia Conference crown en route to winning the NSCF outright. They even, in another closely fought battle with the Salamantic Universities in the NSCF semifinals, overcame their conference foes, as a field goal blocked on the last play of the game blocked the Salamantic Universities from taking a flight to Belle Haven. It is an intense three-way rivalry now, with none of these schools liking each other.

This season, the Salamantic Universities came ready to play. And they did what no Banijan college football fan would've ever thought possible at this point- completing the four game sweep of the two Moravica schools. And with their final win against Loyola, they particularly made a number of statements. Not just a winning record against one. Not 2-0 against one. Not even 3-0. And not even beating both once. But going 2-0, against both schools, in conference play. Stunning. We wouldn't be surprised if they made themselves shirts calling themselves the College Regional Champions of Moravica. And hell, the Champions of Banija. What could we say or do about it when they beat us on the field like they have?

And the way that they have done it signals, at least for right now, a power shift in this conference. The Salamantic Universities tying for the conference lead last year showed that they were equal to the Banijan schools. Their run last year to the semifinals, and going snap for snap with Loyola until the very last play, showed that they were a force to be reckoned with throughout the NSCF. It also, of course, showed the Celestia Conference's strength, as we continue to make our claim as the #1 conference in NSCF play. They've done it through the traditional Ko-orenite brand of football- dominate the line of scrimmage on defense, suffocate your offense, force turnovers, and don't let you move the ball. See their first three wins against the Moravica schools. 10-7 in Week 2 over Northern, where they forced Dikot to throw three interceptions. 10-6 at the Istria Lightning Yard in Week 3, where the Blue Thunder didn't score a touchdown in a NSCF game for the first time... Ever? That's a stat that we'll have to check. This same Blue Thunder offense so far is averaging 36 points per game at this point, and they only put up 6 in Week 3?

And of course, another 10-6 victory at Mugisha II Memorial Stadium, making them the first school in NSCF history to beat both Banijan schools, in Banija, in the same season. But this most recent victory was far different. Those were all the same- win the turnover battle, lots of punts on both sides, and grind it out. But Alanso Isa came out with a very different offensive gameplan, one designed to get the ball to his skill players on the outside and aggressively attack space. Going into this game, they had only allowed more than 13 points once, which was their Week 6 27-24 loss to Civitas Soria. In that upset victory by the Lisander school, it was clear that they had made the conference leaders uncomfortable. Get ahead early, force them to open up their offense, force them to play catch-up.

It's the general weakness of a team that is built around a defense. Of course, they're so good, it doesn't matter- they rarely fall behind in such a way where they need to radically change their gameplan. But Loyola's offense came to The Planetarium ready to rock. In the first half, the Blue Thunder really had the ball moving. Chibuzo had three touchdown passes in the half. It was a very simple gameplan- lots of screen passes, pushing the ball to the sidelines and allowing your skilled wideouts to go one on one. And taking a 21-7 lead into the half, the Blue Thunder thought that they were in a position to grind it out in the second half, even though they had largely silenced the Planetarium.

But in the second half, the Professors came roaring to life. Three consecutive drives in the fourth quarter ended in touchdowns. Alanso Isa dared Dagunak Juldhauthaunden to beat him. It was, essentially, a direct challenge. Do what you can to go up early, and then see if the other team's quarterback can beat you. That was the only question about the Salamantics really- could they keep pace in a game like this, where the other offense was playing well, and put up the necessary points to win? And they answered today with an emphatic yes. Juldhauthaunden threw for four touchdowns and no turnovers. Their defense stepped up, and made the necessary adjustments, winning those one on ones and holding Loyola to just three second half points.

While they missed the extra point on their last touchdown, it didn't matter, as they won 27-24. It was a statement victory. And the way they won as well. Everyone already knew that they have one of the top-tier defenses in the entirety of the NSCF. But not everybody knew their offense could really keep up with the elite. Of course, they've logged a 36-0 victory this season. But it's one thing to rack up points against inferior opposition- can you still have high point totals against the league's better sides? The answer, today, was yes. And they are rewarded for it. At 6-2, with both Banijan schools at 5-3, they find themselves on the cusp of a conference title. A win by the Salamantic Universities in Week 9 or 10, no matter what happens elsewhere, would give them the Celestia crown and the conference's automatic playoff berth.

All credit due to the Salamantic Universities- they've got a tough situation, in terms of their recruiting and who they can recruit. But they've built an elite program quickly. Say what you want about them not being an actual university- their fans will laugh at you for complaining, and since they're winning on the field, they have the right to. But now, let's look at our Banijan schools. With both getting swept, they sit at 5-3 before their North v. South Showdown. A lot of questions will face both programs before they do battle in Istria. With the Salamantic Universities almost guaranteed of the Celestia automatic berth, they've both got a tough road to the playoffs.

But can they make the playoffs? This is absolutely the first year where it's not a guarantee for either school, where it's a legitimate question that won't be answered until Week 3. That's what makes this installment of this rivalry so important. Either school can get themselves one last marquee Celestia Conference win by beating the other, and at least making sure they have a chance at a 7-3 season. That will give non-conference play that much higher stakes- and with both schools having neutral site matchups in Week 13, it will make it that much more interesting.

Who has the advantage in this North v. South Showdown? Of course, the Blue Thunder blew a 24-14 lead in Week 4 in Herzegovina, the last time these two met. But now the Blue Thunder will be playing at home. Both teams will be angry, and both will think themselves capable of winning the matchup. These two schools do not like each other, not even a little bit. Our prediction is Loyola- they've been a bit stronger this season, and they've got one of the toughest home field advantages in the NSCF in terms of the Istria Lighting Yard. Expect it to be loud, and with this whiteout crowd as a backdrop against a beautiful night in Istria, we'll predict the defending NSCF champions to earn a 31-21 victory to improve to 6-3, and give themselves the opportunity to clinch second place in the conference in Week 10.

[Kohnhead]

Kohnhead City University's Offensive Explosion continues


Herman Whitworth had his best game of the season rushing for 183 yards

A week after annihilating The Northwest Ballina College 60-16, Kohnhead City University put up an equally impressive performance against the other Northwest Kalactin school in Akers University winning 59-24 making it the second most points scored on the season by any one team (second to only last week's performance). The win would bump us up to 5-3 on the year, 5-1 in our last 6 and 2-0 against Akers University after beating them at home the first time.

Any critics of Byron Joseph needs to be quiet after back to back weeks in which he was elite on the ground and proved he could do a lot of damage in the air as well. There are many who say in order for the Mighty Eagles to do better Joseph needs to become a better passer, they will be silenced after our offense puts up 119 points in two games which is more points than 4 schools have scored in 8. In addition despite early predictions of 5th place in the Big Eight Joseph has led us to a 5-3 record which is good enough for 3rd in the Conference and within striking distance between two of the top schools in the nation in Richardson and Cold Hill.

The offense this week was led by Whitworth's 183 yards on the ground and 3 total touchdowns although Joseph tossing for 279 and 3 touchdowns along with 84 on the ground and another touchdown there cleary helped. Receiving wise, Ezekial Edwards has continued to play well these past two games although everyone has, Albie Terry has improved but still has had a disappointing Senior campaign, and Jodi Lawrence who missed 4 games with a foot injury has returned and give Joseph a lot of speed on the outside.

Defensively I mean they did their job against an underperforming Akers team limiting them to just 24 points and the D-line was active once again. However of course they are going to be overshadowed when the offense puts up 59 points one week after putting up 60.

BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                               8    7   1   274  155 +119
2 Richardson University                              8    6   2   206  137  +69
3 Kohnhead City University                           8    5   3   254  199  +55
4 The Northwest Ballina College                      8    4   4   210  209   +1
5 Akers University                                   8    1   7   194  300 −106
6 Eirīkssonia University                             8    1   7   129  267 −138

As was alluded to earlier, the Mighty Eagles are still in striking position of the top although our realistic best chance lies with overtaking Richardson as they play Cold Hill this week while we get 1-7 and last place Eirīkssonia University who we whooped 33-6 on the road in our first match with them. Again the big one for us is still our second game against Richardson in week 10 where they look to get revenge for our 17-6 huge upset win.

[Space]

These new squids are not so friendly

The Academy of Space Astronauts finished in second place in the MINERAL conference in the last time the college football season was played and the team from the University of the Commonwealth was the one that had to be at the top. In this regard the result for Space on the 8th round of play would be one of the good results of the season. University of the Commonwealth has the most points scored of all team schools in the mineral conference but they are not able to defeat the Academy of SPACE! It was the most exciting game of all of the games when Space was able to stop a late attempt from the Commonwealth team to convert two points in a victory charge. This defensive stoppage provides the victory into the academy of SPACE and now it is still a possibility for finishing first place for Space. This can happen only for two more victories.

Space also must get at least one victory from this match to finish a record at least 50% for possession of the post season event. Space is still looking for a non conference game to play.

Discussing the MINERAL Conference is very fishy after the surprise arrival of armed squids into the Mineral Conference. It is not expected that these armed squids would be so excellent at football but maybe it is because they have so many arms or other appendages. Leave it to the squids.

The terrestrial acclimation academy could not do a thing about these squids. 40 points scored by squirdoidia armed forces academy and only 7 for the terrans. It was going to be a season not so bad for the terrans but this was a hard defeat to accept. They were looking good on the field with the newest season uniforms but that was only until the coin toss. After that was done they just looking bad and did not play to the same quality as the squids. It will look to be another losing season for the terrans who are proving to not be as good at this sport as the academy of space team.

[Northwest Kalactin]

Cutoff

Mineral Conference
Université de la Catherine du Nord (RTS) 26–37 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR)
Castle Hall University (NAG) 0–0 The Academy of Space (SPA) (6–3 OT)
University of the Commonwealth (CBP) 34–24 The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy (SPA)

  Mineral Conference                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy             9    7   2   275  177  +98
2 University of the Commonwealth               9    6   3   341  231 +110
3 Université de la Catherine du Nord           9    5   4   258  249   +9
4 The Academy of Space                         9    4   5   200  182  +18
5 The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy          9    3   6   159  216  −57
6 Castle Hall University                       9    2   7   126  304 −178

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Celestia, Horizon, Zephyr
MD9 Results!

Ribs hurt, ribs toughen up. Hail!

Celestia Conference
University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS) 16–29 Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS)
University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU) 0–23 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)
Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ) 23–28 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)

Celestia Conference                                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)                     9    7   2   180   90  +90
2 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)                   9    6   3   202   93 +109
3 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)                         9    5   4   311  178 +133
4 Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS)                    9    4   5   142  225  −83
5 University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU)                     9    3   6   150  284 −134
6 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)    9    2   7   161  276 −115

Horizon Conference
New Paradise University Snakes (IEM) 10–29 Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP)
Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS) 14–23 Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK)
Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT) 20–3 Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK)

Horizon Conference                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)       9    9   0   250   59 +191
2 Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK)          9    7   2   290  174 +116
3 Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK)             9    5   4   208  232  −24
4 Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP)        9    4   5   197  207  −10
5 Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS)    9    1   8   120  237 −117
6 New Paradise University Snakes (IEM)           9    1   8    84  240 −156

Zephyr Conference
Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL) 30–36 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)
Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV) 13–21 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)
Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH) 9–10 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)

Zephyr Conference                                     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)                       9    7   2   299  178 +121
2 Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH)                     9    6   3   280  164 +116
3 Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL)                           9    6   3   254  192  +62
4 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)                  9    6   3   216  174  +42
5 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)    9    2   7   169  243  −74
6 Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV)         9    0   9    75  342 −267

[Drawkland]

Big Eight, Woodlands
MD9

With the conference stage ending soon, you might see the walls come down soon.

BIG EIGHT
Akers University 6–26 The Northwest Ballina College
Kohnhead City University 46–10 Eirīkssonia University
Cold Hill University 14–10 Richardson University

  BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                               9    8   1   288  165 +123
2 Kohnhead City University                           9    6   3   300  209  +91
3 Richardson University                              9    6   3   216  151  +65
4 The Northwest Ballina College                      9    5   4   236  215  +21
5 Akers University                                   9    1   8   200  326 −126
6 Eirīkssonia University                             9    1   8   139  313 −174

WOODLANDS
Xannerian Polytechnical Institute 54–13 N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University
Provolone University 16–23 Ravencroft Academy
Université St. Croix 31–38 Université du Saguenay

  WOODLANDS CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Université du Saguenay                             9    6   3   307  227  +80
2 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute                  9    6   3   268  198  +70
3 N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University    9    5   4   244  249   −5
4 Université St. Croix                               9    5   4   255  229  +26
5 Ravencroft Academy                                 9    4   5   211  239  −28
6 Provolone University                               9    1   8   182  325 −143

[Squidroidia]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY

---

Welcome to College Football Saturday.

2 games left. If there is a chance to slip up and award another team the conference title it is now or on the final Saturday of the conference season. For the Squidroidian Armed Forces Academy, they had to beat Catherine du Nord. They had to. Slipping up still meant facing Commonwealth in the conference championship, but a win and a Commonwealth loss against Terrestrial Acclimation meant that they would clinch the conference title. When it comes to winning in the clutch when everything matters...

#6 SQUIDBREAK           |14  |7   |10  |6    |37
#19 CATHERINE DU NORD   |7   |3   |3   |13   |26

...Leave it to the Squids, as Space would say. A late 4th quarter slipup by the SAFA Squidbreak wasn't enough. It was a game to remember for Eindride Weiß, the safety pulling an interception out of thin air in the first quarter to kick off the game with a Squidbreak touchdown by Harouna Kendrick. Catherine du Nord did respond, however, but their responses weren't really backed up with tying the game other than their first touchdown of the game. From there it was no looking back for the conference challenging, yes, CONFERENCE CHALLENGING Squidbreak, as even Zlatan got himself to the endzone, as the Squidbreak got 4 touchdowns and 3 field goals from Flynn De Laurentis. Catherine du Nord only could get 3 and 2, with the last Catherine du Nord TD ending in a missed extra point.

With this the Patriotes are eliminated from the conference title with one game left to go, a game against Academy of Space in the Extraterrestrial Dome of Sport. In the rest of the Mineral Conference, Castle Hall did win another game - A 6-3 overtime thriller against the Astronauts. And as for Commonwealth? They have set up the Conference Championship, beating Terrestrial Acclimation 34-24 at home to force the game with the biggest overall meaning in the Mineral Conference and most likely all of college football before the Playoffs. Whoever wins at the Squidroidia Armed Forces Park wins the Mineral Conference title.

Looking at the other conferences before revealing the Playoff Watch rankings for Week 9, Salamantic Universities and Northern Moravica are going head to head for the conference title while the surprise of college football known as Felswyr State win the Horizon and have a chance to enter the Playoffs at 10-0 or even 13-0, but a game against defending champions Loyola-Istra can change that in non-conference play. The Zephyr is technically a 4 way battle but Raynor has a one game advantage over Bowerstone, Mar Sara Tech and Ceneisis Naval. Cold Hill have won the Big Eight with one game to spare and will be the Squidbreak's opponents on Non-Conference Week 13, and Université du Saguenay and XPI are on top of the Woodlands heading into Conference Championship Saturday.

Now with that all in the books, what does the playoff picture look like before we decide the other 4 conference champions?

PLAYOFF WATCH, presented by SeventeenThirtySix.sqr
NOTE: These aren't the official NSCF Rankings, these will be used for its ranking purposes until the official NSCF Rankings come out

 QUARTERFINAL BYE                                   Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Felswyr State University                           9    9   0   250   59 +191 - Horizon Conference Champions
 2 Cold Hill University                               9    8   1   288  165 +123 - Big Eight Conference Champions
 3 Raynor University                                  9    7   2   299  178 +121
 4 Sadeg State University                             9    7   2   290  174 +116

 FIRST ROUND                                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 5 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy                   9    7   2   275  177  +98
 6 Salamantic Universities                            9    7   2   180   90  +90
 7 Bowerstone University                              9    6   3   280  164 +116
 8 University of the Commonwealth                     9    6   3   341  231 +110
 9 Northern Moravica University                       9    6   3   202   93 +109
10 Kohnhead City University                           9    6   3   300  209  +91
11 Université du Saguenay                             9    6   3   307  227  +80
12 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute                  9    6   3   268  198  +70

 TOP 25                                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
13 Richardson University                         9    6   3   216  151  +65
14 Mar Sara Tech                                 9    6   3   254  192  +62
15 Loyola-Istra                                  9    5   4   311  178 +133
16 Université St. Croix                          9    5   4   255  229  +26
17 Northwest Ballina College                     9    5   4   236  215  +21
18 Université de la Catherine du Nord            9    5   4   258  249   +9
19 N-N Palæontological                           9    5   4   244  249   −5
20 Cavsar University                             9    5   4   208  232  −24
21 Academy of Space                              9    4   5   200  182  +18
22 Surrey Perimeter College                      9    4   5   197  207  −10
23 Ravencroft Academy                            9    4   5   211  239  −28
24 Academia Politechnica Civitas                 9    4   5   142  225  −83
25 Terrestrial Acclimation Academy               9    3   6   159  216  −57

FORMULA FOR PLAYOFF WATCH
Wins
Point Difference
Points Scored
Head to Head Win Difference
Head to Head Point Difference
Head to Head Points Scored

Top 5. Let's win the Mineral.

NEXT GAME
Mineral Conference Championship Game
#5 Squidbreak vs #8 University of the Commonwealth
Squidroidia Armed Forces Park, Takanori Army Base, Squidroidia

[Ranoria]

A grunt escaped Deondre Rhine's lips as another heavy hit from the Governors leveled him, the quarterback pushing himself up as quickly as he could after taking a fifth sack. Once he managed to get back to his feet, he cracked his neck, sighing when he glanced up at the scoreboard. "Bastards," the passer muttered, as he glanced to head coach Chris Dale, who gave him a draw as the play call.

"Yeah, no." Rhine waved him off, looking to his wideouts, "Rai, Felix, I want you both on the outside, just run in a straight line as fast as you can, make the goal post your end point. Rai, do a couple stutter steps before you go You two are fast. Darien," he glanced to the smaller, but certainly better, receiver, "Deep comeback from the slot. We'll keep coach's formation, "Dorian, you'll go with a twenty yard out route, Rai should give you a nice clearout, Darien, Felix should do the same for you." He took a breath and glanced at the play clock, "61 protection, Brannon," he grabbed the top of his running back's helmet, "That means you're staying in to block, and going to pick up anyone who comes free on the left. On two, ready? Break!" The offense ran out to their positions, for the most part knowing what they were doing.

He shot Chris Dale a glance on the sideline, as the coach was bent over, leaning back on his heels with his head in his hands, but he wouldn't call a timeout. This kind of thing had gone well before. Just perhaps not in a 7-3 game.

"Seeet, hut!" Nothing. He sighed. That would have made this pickup on third and nine a lot easier. "Hut hut!"

Rhine took the ball in the shotgun, flipped it in his hands, and then turned it to the laces. Most college quarterbacks would stare down their intended receiver, it was natural. Not him. Rhine first looked to Rai Swift, but Daquan Carter, a senior corner, was in perfect position to make a play. Then Felix Hamilton, but as athletic as the freshman was, Richardson had a veteran who was even more so on him in Jabyess Hawkins.

Next, he turned to Dorian Browne-Clarke. Clancy Gluber, unfortunately in a man coverage look that took away that clearout Rhine had hoped for, never came off his hip. That left Darien Millen in the slot. He looked and pulled the ball back. Makang Secka had picked up on the comeback route, but with a low pass, a perfect ball, he knew he could hit it. Secka was tall, long, and Millen was a shorter pass catcher who had a lead on him.

The ball left his grip, Millen slid, foot first, and the ball seemed like it would catch it right in front of Secka. No such luck. What happened next was a wonder of athleticism that people were going to have to watch a couple times to really believe.

Secka launched himself in a diving motion, right over Millen's head, and snagged the ball with two hands. Before he hit the ground, he managed to bring his feet forward, landing on his toes while the ball, still gripped in two hands, provided a third contact point with the ground. Millen scrambled to get up, but Makang Secka had better position, bounding off his feet and shifting the ball into one hand. After that, he was just too fast. One of the things generally expected to be a strength for him, while he was being recruited, was straight line speed, and he proved it. Deondre Rhine, not an unathletic guy, never had a chance to catch up to him.

Cold Hill's crowd was largely silent as Secka sprinted into the end zone, not even thinking about slowing down until his entire body was across the the goal line.

---

"Rhine." The quarterback could feel the frustration pouring off of his head coach, "You damn well better pull off some kind of miracle this next drive."

The quarterback didn't say anything, frustrated in his own right, but he knew he could, and would, do just that.

With a laser-focused demeanor, Rhine systematically picked apart the Governors' defense, taking advantage of Secka's aggression on a fake hitch route for a twenty yard gain that would be the biggest play of the drive. As a matter of fact, he got them into the red zone, and hit a swinging Brannon Hillis out of the backfield. Hillis made reliable Carl Roman miss, and held out his arm to press Daquan Carter away, but his juke made him stationary for just a moment, and that was all Clancy Gluber needed. Richardson's inside linebacker crashed into Hillis, and the ball came out as the small back landed haphazardly on that extended arm.

Rhine was the one to tackle Daquan Carter, who recovered the fumble, at the ten yard line, but the clock was ticking away, and he knew they might not get another chance. This game had been a defensive slugfest. The Governors' Kuenda Sello, he noted, was not lacking for confidence, and who could blame him? He had played professionally on Banija's World Bowl squad, and had been unstoppable in this game, but that success had been thwarted by Angelo Rosin's four interceptions. By the end of this game, Sello would match his NSCF 21 carries mark of 212, with about ninety more yards than he had in that hallmark season. He would also pass up his receptions mark by one from a season ago, but he has not managed to match that yardage count. Which is fair, Ifeatu Chineze is bound to put him in a better position than Beacon Murray or Angelo Rosin.

And here they went again. It was sickening, watching the football team, up three, driving down systematically. Six yards, seven, five, seven. All handoffs. And why wouldn't they be? Kuenda Sello would take ten carries for seventy five yards on that drive before, finally, the Buffalo were able to force a third and eight in the red zone. Rhine flinched as the defense bit on a play action fake, leaving Baraka Hali one on one on the outside, and Rosin lofted the ball as high as he could, to give Hali an easy touchdown. That, though, was a mistake. Agnor Viridian, Cold Hill's free safety, came out from the middle of the field like a bat out of hell, and leapt into the air to secure the interception, kneeling in the end zone for a touchback.

Rosin held his helmet in his hands. He had been trying to put the game away, with just one minute left on the clock, but that certainly hadn't worked. And Rhine slapped him on the butt as he came onto the field, "Nice toss, you might make a decent future camp arm."

Rosin leapt to his feet and shoved Rhine in the back, "Say that again you son of a-" whistles and flying flags drowned out what came next, but that didn't stop the scrum that came next, Govenors and Buffalo shoving and grabbing facemasks, flinging obscenities. Richardson's offensive linemen who hadn't been off the field yet, of course, went for Rhine, and his guys who were just coming on answered. Skill position players went at it on the fringes of the scrap like jackals, but eventually the referees were able to break it up, and give Cold Hill a fifteen yard advantage for the penalty.

Rhine frowned, he had been expecting twenty yards, but Ranorian rules and NSCF ones did differ slightly. That frown quickly disappeared as he watched Richardson's head coach chewing out Rosin, and turned to his own sideline. Now, this play call, he liked.

"Alright boys, we're winning this thing in one snap!" Rhine got lined up after the break, and took the snap. It was the same tell as last time, flipping the ball in hand and adjusting it to the laces. If one were to study film enough, every time he did it, his mind was already made up: he was going for the home run ball.

And that he did. Makang Secka, rather skillfully, was looking back at Rhine, trailing Darien Millen with a hand just brushing his hip. A pump fake early on the play, and Secka flinched. Millen didn't have the speed that Secka did, but he was still fast, and that abrupt stoppage was all he needed.

The top receiver for Cold Hill caught the perfect pass in stride just before he waltzed into the end zone. A sixty yard touchdown, a ball that traveled fifty eight in the air. Now this time, their crowd was going ballistic, and Deondre Rhine held one fist in the air. It hadn't been a marquee performance for him, but with under a minute on the clock, and Richardson marching out a different quarterback, he had this thing in the bag.

While fans may have considered the 14-10 lead a nail biter, with Beacon Murray replacing Angelo Rosin, Rhine never had any doubt, and for good reason. Murray dropped back one, stared down his receiver, and uncorked a pretty accurate pass. But this time it was veteran safety Cooper Hart that caught on, watching the passer's eyes and jumping in front of it for his first pick of the year. One kneel down, and Rhine secured a victory, and a Conference Championship, for his Buffalo.

---

"You know if you keep acting out, I could lose my job, right?" Dale muttered to Deondre Rhine, sitting next to him on the team bus. Rhine ducked his head down, and didn't respond. "Look kid, I'm trying. I'm trying to help you. You have to be better, you have been until recently. I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but it has to stop, or someone is going to take action, be that me or the higher ups."

"I know," Deondre said almost inaudibly.

"Listen," his coach put a hand on his shoulder, "Whatever it is that's gotten into you, you have to cut that out. I know you're a better quarterback than the way you've been playing the last couple of weeks. You're staying out late, you're doing things you shouldn't be, you aren't locked in." Dale paused, let him absorb that, before he finished. "I need you to be locked in. And you have to be, too, if you don't want to go back home, with nothing but four years of partying to show for it. Can you do that? For me? For you and your family?"

The quarterback didn't respond immedietely, a tear running down his cheek before his eyes narrowed against the moisture threatening to flood over, "Yeah."

---

Morgantown High School
Morgantown, West Virginia, Ranoria
Apollo Esther, #7 Overall Recruit in Ranoria

It wasn't the kid's fault, really. From his film study, Apollo knew the linebacker charging him with murderous intent was a senior, maybe an all-conference kind of guy.

Adorable.

He launched himself to Esther, and he was met with the massive running back's hand planting in his chest, then tossing him backwards. His victim was dumbfounded as Apollo charged, running straight through a good form tackle by a safety before he was home free.

He heard a 'scoreboard' chant from his student section, and handed the ball to the referee with a chuckle. As awesome as it was to be running straight through everybody, he had to admit, not having any competition? It was getting boring.

He pulled his helmet off slowly once he got onto the sideline, flopping down onto the bench. His quarterback gave him a playful punch and laughed, "Hey! You keep running like that, and I'm not gonna be able to rack up anything for my highlight reel!"

Apollo returned the gesture, "Can't wait to go play in college. Get some competition, because really, these guys just don't have it." He gestured towards the other team, who appeared to be licking their wounds after what some would later describe as a brush with death.

"Hey, not all of can squat four hundred pounds," his teammate chuckled, "Come on man, enjoy it while you can. Soon, the stakes are going to be a lot higher.

"Four oh five," Apollo argued, "But yeah, maybe you're right. Either way, we're about at the end of it now. Playoffs should at least make us work for it."

[Ko-oren]

Champions!

With a game to go, the Salamantic Universities Professors cannot be overtaken by either Banijan school on head-to-head record. While it's unlikely that the Professors will score enough points to take the point differential, that's not even needed anymore with the purple team moving to 4-0 over their Banijan rivals for the first time since entering the NSCF three seasons ago, moving to a 4-2 record all time against Northern Moravica and 3-4 versus Loyola. With the title, Salamantic snatches an automatic playoff berth - which is a big improvement to the last two seasons, which relied on OSPI after the non-conference games. The team also goes three for three on postseason appearances. It's safe to say that the Banijan programmes haven't encountered resistance quite like this in the conference, winning the Celestia every single time since both teams entered.

About halfway through the conference games, Celestia was wide open as Salamantic handed both the Cougars and Blue Thunder a loss, and meanwhile going 1-2 against Lisander's teams. In the second half of the conference stage, order was very much restored. The Agin Kaya Commanders lost its games to the top three of the conference, while the Lisandrine teams couldn't continue their dragon slaying ways:

Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS) 0–47 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)
Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ) 48–17 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)

Still, the Professors, Blue Thunder, and Cougars aren't guaranteed to go 6-0 against the lower half of the Celestia conference anymore. And the same seems to go for the 30 other teams in the NSCF. Only one team managed to win its nine games so far (Felswyr), and one other team lost just once (8-1 Cold Hill). Good teams underperforming? No. We've just never seen this level of play from all 36 teams before. That said, there are some teams that are at risk of relegating to NSCF division two (had it existed), including the Aubergine-Bark (??), the New Paradise University Snakes (a name deserving of a better record than 1-8), the Jovannic's Chan University (as the NSCF's only 0-9 team), Akers and Eirikssonia University from the Big Eight (both 1-8), and Provolone University (which, turns out, is cheese).

With a win on the final day, the Salamantic Professors still need some other results to go their way in order to claim a quarterfinal bye. Only Felswyr and Cold Hill are ensured to start their postseason adventure a week later than the rest. Raynor, Sadeg State, Squidroidia Armed Forces, and Salamantic are all 7-2 - and we have the lowest point differential of the lot. That means that we either need two of these teams to lose or win by far fewer points than us - which likely won't happen - and that means that as Celestia champions, we have to deal with the fact that we'll be playing in the first round of the playoffs. In which we might just encounter either Loyola or Northern Moravica, ready for revenge. The only inter-conference playoff game we've played so far was a loss (in last season's semifinal), so we're just trying to keep that from happening again.

Salamantic's last conference game will be a home affair versus the University of Saint Michael the Archangel (USMA), which yielded one of our two losses. Revenge, championship celebrations, and a small hope to sneak into a bye, all great reasons to watch this game. In person, if possible - but that hasn't been possible for weeks, as the Hertfield in Mawrystwyth sold out its final tickets minutes after the end of last week's game.

For next season, the Professors' staff are looking for venues in Ko-oren again. The team started out well in Sterrenwolde, Mayara, and Mawrystwyth, but have probably outgrown these venues. They're all located in the north-west, so to truly bring gridiron football at the university level together, they will have to operate in other areas as well.

Extensive player stats will follow after the tenth conference game.

[Squidroidia]

A SQUIDHEAD TO PLAY FOR

---

Episode 1 - The Mineral Conference Championship Game

#8 University of the Commonwealth at #5 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy.

The Squidbreak had come so far to get here. In a cutthroat group containing Astronauts, Patriots, Terrans and Chargers, the Mineral Conference was dominated by an old guard and a new guard.

The University of the Commonwealth Warriors are the defending Mineral Conference champions and last season they made the Semifinals of the NSCF Playoffs, only losing to the runners-up Cold Hill. Brandon Bullins was their quarterback this season, and if it weren't for a couple slipups you would have thought they would be among the ranks of Cold Hill and Felswyr State and absolutely dominate the Mineral Conference schedule like the stalwarts they were. But, after a embarrassing loss to one of the fodder teams in college football, the Castle Hall Chargers, the Warriors had to put their face on the grindstone and win as much as they can. With the Castle Hall loss they had found a rocky base to sit on. A base that forced them to get up and fight. And here they are, 2nd in the Mineral and finding themselves with a do or die game to secure their 5th consecutive Mineral Conference title under the lights...

...Of Squidroidia Armed Forces Park. Sure, the Squidbreak started off the season with an embarrassing loss against the Academy of Space at the Extraterrestrial Dome of Sport, but these Inklings, much to the shock of the rest of college football that didn't see what Felswyr State were up to in the Horizon, had won 7 of their next 8 games afterwards. They were unstoppable to some, feared by many, and now they have a chance to head into non-conference play with a chip on their shoulder. A big chip on their shoulder. A Mineral Conference championship, dynasty ending, big glance at the future of Squidroidian gridiron sized chip on their shoulder. Some said that it couldn't be done, but Zlatan Agnellini pushed his team to heights that just couldn't be possible when they embarrassed themselves at the Extraterrestrial Dome of Sport.

Of course, these 2 teams have been here before. Down at Jacob F Gleason Field, on the 5th matchday of the conference season, Commonwealth played host to the Squidbreak. At the time it was #16 vs #7 according to the Playoff Watch NSCF rankings provided by SeventeenThirtySix.sqr, and Commonwealth came into the game leading the conference, with Academy of Space close behind. The Squidbreak were sitting in 3rd. It ended in a 29-13 win for the Warriors, Bullins and Cornwell stringing the 4 TDs to give the SAFA their 2nd loss of the season. And it still is their second loss of the season. There hasn't been a third since, having gone and ate the rest of the conference for breakfast, including hearty wins against Academy of Space (27-7), Castle Hall (45-9) and Terrestrial Acclimation (40-7). Only Catherine du Nord gave them even something close to a hard time, but lost 26-37 at home to the Squidbreak to be eliminated from contention.

Now here the 2 teams are. The titan. The minnow. 4 time consecutive conference champions versus the ones who want to win it for the first time in program history, under their own lights with their own crowd. If the Squidbreak could pull this off, they are likely to hit the Playoffs running as conference champions. If that isn't the case, it's off with the scrubs in the Pioneer Bowl. And one of those supposed scrubs was the Kohnhead City University Mighty Eagles.

Their upcoming rivals in the first edition of the Squidhead Cup.

A cloud of smoke goes up in one of the tunnels at the Squidroidia Armed Forces Park. Out comes Zlatan and his posse, for the final time on home soil before non-conference play. There they would play 1 more game, the Squidhead Cup, against the Mighty Eagles. Both of their remaining away games would be against high ranked playoff opposition, the Zephyr Conference's Bowerstone Bolts and Big Eight champions Cold Hill.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Mineral Conference Championship Game home opponents. Your Squidbreak.

[Chromatika]

The Flame of the Firehawk
Part 9: Champions!

Team                          1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q   |  Tot
Felswyr State University       3   7   7   3   |   20
Cavsar University              0   3   0   0   |    3

1Q
13:39 FSU FG - Sara McAllister 47 yard Field Goal

2Q
09:21 FSU TD - Sarai Gwenderyn 29 yard run (Sara McAllister Kick)
05:29 CU FG - Lenox Upton 41 yard Field Goal

3Q
06:42 FSU TD - Carson Mettre 21 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Sara McAllister Kick)

4Q
08:48 FSU FG - Sara McAllister 39 yard Field Goal

Reborn From Ashes, Felswyr, Chromatika

When it was determined that Felswyr State University would be the first school to enter the NSCF from Chromatika, there were a few raised eyebrows.

Chromia Central, Deprí Lanar, and Eyrods Tech are other schools who are starting to establish Gridiron programs. There is hope that six schools might be playing it in the next year or so that there can be a Collegiate Football Championship within Chromatika itself.

However, Felswyr State - with its unorthodox philosophy of having no running backs on the team and running a 3-3-5 base defense - is overperforming. Sarai Gwenderyn has become a bona fide star, and the team boasts the best defense in the NSCF ranks.

Against Cavsar University, there were no exceptions. Gwenderyn added a score on the ground and another through the air, the Firehawk defense added seven sacks while only conceding 250 total yards and a lone field goal, and Felswyr State University became Horizon Conference Champions after yet another solid outing.

They are one victory over Surrey Perimeter College from an undefeated season within their conference.

The nonconference games loom large - Salamantic Universities are Celestia Conference Champions, University of Loyola-Istria remains one of the marquee programs in the history of the NSCF at large, and Kohnhead City University remains a tough out.

As far as they're concerned, though, they can do anything they put their mind to. And so far, nobody has proven them wrong.

[Kohnhead]

Kohnhead City University rout Eirīkssonia University to advance to 6-3


Jack Neville stiff arms a defender into oblivion

After we saw the offensive explosion of the Mighty Eagles against Northwest Kalactin schools dropping 60 against Northwest Ballina and 59 the following week against Akers the offense cooled off just a tiny bit "only" putting up 46 against 1-8 Eirīkssonia University to win 46-10 and clinching a top three spot in the Big Eight in our debut season in NSCF.

Hosting them at Chicken King Stadium will be our last conference home game of the year and second last home game period as we play @Richardson, @Ravencroft, and @Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy before hosting undefeated Felswyr State on Senior Night. Byron Joseph continued his streak of very good play as he rushed for 176 while only passing for 149 as our offense reverted back to our normal approach.

Freshman star running back Herman Whitworth who was well on his way to 1000 rushing yards on the season (he's at 906) would go down early with a hamstring injury that will probably keep him out of the rest of the season. While this is a large loss, Brandon Potter is a more than suitable replacement although he is more of a speed, receiving, and third down back as opposed to Whitworth's power. Jack Neville will take over as the primary power back although Potter will play for most of the time.

Defensively unlike last time we allowed Eirīkssonia to score a touchdown (last time we beat them 33-6). The defense continues to show up each and every week giving the offense the ball with good field position lots of the time. Albie Snow had a big game getting two sacks to bring his season total up to five. Joseph Travis was held without a sack keeping his season total at 8.5 as he looks for double digit sacks in his Senior season. Zion Irving had a pick in this one, his third on the season as did Jonas Klein our starting free safety who despite being Freshman has had a very good season picking up his second interception on the season.

In the other Big EIght game of note for us Cold Hill defeated Richardson 14-10 in an extremely close matchup between the two powerful Ranorian schools. That result means Cold Hill has officially clinched the Big Eight and will be heading to the playoffs, and that our week 10 showdown against Richardson at Dietrich Stadium will mean a lot for both team's playoff aspiration and second place in the conference. We have the advantage heading into this one after having beaten them 17-6 in our first meeting at Chicken King Stadium, that means we will need to either win or lose by less than 11 points to earn second place in the Conference.

It will be a meeting of two very different teams in this one. The Mighty Eagles are coming off of 60, 59, and 46 point performances in their last three weeks and have scored 300 points exactly on the season which is good enough for 4th in all of the NSCF. Richardson by comparisonhas only scored 216 on the season, however their defense has only allowed 151 points on the season good enough for 4th place in NSCF. We have allowed a respectable 209 by comparison which makes this matchup the 4th best offense vs the 4th best defense.

BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                               9    8   1   288  165 +123
2 Kohnhead City University                           9    6   3   300  209  +91
3 Richardson University                              9    6   3   216  151  +65
4 The Northwest Ballina College                      9    5   4   236  215  +21
5 Akers University                                   9    1   8   200  326 −126
6 Eirīkssonia University                             9    1   8   139  313 −174

As you can see from the standings we are second in the conference for the first time all season, will we be able to hold it with the Richardson game coming up to round out conference play.

[Ranoria]

St. Joseph's High School
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ranoria
Sage "Bricks" Sterling, #9 Overall Recruit in Ranoria

"Sagittarius Maya Sterling, turn off that television, and get into the kitchen!" Sage laughed pointing at the screen as he looked towards his mother.

"Mom! It's the World Baseball Classic! Come on, you know I can't miss a pitch!" His plea, however, went unheard.

Sage's mother shot a glare into the living room, towards her eldest son and his four younger brothers, "Then you better eat this spaghetti quick young man, it's gonna get cold here soon!" She raised the wooden spoon, shaking it towards the five boys.

---

St. Joseph's best player, without question, took his place as the lone deep safety, standing tall for a bit too long, his confidence unshakeable. But he took his place sooner than later, watching the center, waiting for that ball to be snapped.

---

However, the St. Joseph's star's attention was drawn back to the television when his brothers let out a collective "ooooh!"

"What di- No way!" Sage's jaw dropped as Ranoria's pitcher, Erin Phelps, backpedaled from an advancing duck, who was a player for Tha Great Pond's squad. The camera quickly cut to a shot of the Krauts' fielders, and dugout, practically howling in lafter, before cutting back to the fight. Phelps attempted to shoo the duck away, but instead he received multiple pecks to the shin, and then tripped over the smaller animal.

The camera shifted once again, showing a replay of one of Phelps's pitches hitting the duck square in the wing, and the avian shrugging the fastball off completely. And now, Phelps was on his back. The duck marched up onto his head, pecked him on the forehead, squawked authoritatively, and then waddled away, shaking its butt feathers in victory.

---

The safety got into his backpedal, eyes initially on a tight end who looked as if he was coming deep, but then shifting to the quarterback, watching the passer's eyes.

---

"Boys!"

They dared not defy their poor mother any longer, and the brothers all huddled into the kitchen, and immedietely began wolfing down their food. Sage, at least, mouthed a "Thanks mom," halfway through his bowl, and she rolled her eyes.

The older woman, more refined in her own eating, pointed her fork across the table. "If you like baseball so much why don't you take the Sluggers up on that draft selection they used on you?"

"Football's more fun," Sage stuffed his face with a garlic roll, "And it pays better. Gotta make me some money."

---

Sage was moving before the ball was thrown, the quarterback had made it too easy staring down his target. With his speed, he was there fast enough, leaping into the air and bowling the target over as he secured the interception

---

"Well, as long as you're keeping up with school. And you better make a decision soon, that little girlfriend, I mean, fiancee, of yours seems like she's getting impatient. She seems pretty dead set on going wherever you do."

"Thank god," he added, "Do you remember my grades before she came along?"

"I do." His mother shook her head, "So figure out where you're going soon. But your poor old mama would like it if you stayed close."

---

No one was nearly fast enough to catch him, hell, only a few would have been strong enough to bring him down regardless. Sage took the interception the other way for a score, reveling in the fanfare he received. The student section poured onto the field following the extra point that sealed a decisive victory over their rival.

Sage, after wading through the crowd, snagged a small box from the equipment manager, nodded his thanks, and ran up to meet his girlfriend of two years. Was he crazy? Maybe a little bit. But that may have been a bit of the draw of the whole situation.

She grinned as he walked up, opening her arms for an embrace, but Sage, instead, took a knee and revealed the contents of the box. The events that followed? Well, we're sure you can guess. Tears, smiles, hugs, all of it.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Conference title on the line
by Aaron Hardison
UC Correspondent for The Times


The University of the Commonwealth will face a tough test when they line up against the Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy with the Mineral Conference title on the line.

The Squidbreak have only lost once since opening day—that being a 29-13 UC win at Gleason Field—and will have the advantage of a large home crowd in anticipation of knocking off the Warriors from the top of the conference throne.

The game will certainly come down which side of the ball will be the difference for each team; UC remain the highest scoring team in all of NSCF, which has helped cover up for liabilities on the defensive side. SAFA allows just a shade under 20 points per game while still managing to put 30 on the board for themselves through nine weeks.
Head Coach Ryan Benton has stressed the importance of following through on the little details to the team in practice this week.
"We can't afford to make mistakes on things we can control, like lining up incorrectly or missing an audible, or using bad technique. These gu-...um, squids, are in military training, and we certainly understand from facing our own (academies) that you have to be disciplined if you want to win."

A defeat in the tenth game of the season could loom larger than just the MinCon table; several other conferences are seeing upheaval in the standings, most notably in the Celestia, where Salmantic has knocked off both Banijan powers to clinch the title; the Big 8, where Richardson are in a duel with Kohnhead City University for the runner-up spot; and the Woodlands, where the Quebec schools (Saguenay & St Croix) are in a fight against Xannerian Polytechnic and Natanian & Nosts' PCU. Only Cold Hill and Felswyr have fewer than two losses ahead of the non-conference slate, where teams can push themselves in playoff contention, or see their chance slip away within the course of a 60 minute contest.

Brandon Bullins has a chance to set a UC record for total offense over a 10 game season in the game should he keep up his current pace; with 26 yards on the ground he'll become the first QB to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since 1957 and with 183 yards will become the first player in UC history with 1,000 rushing and over 2,000 yards passing.

Quick slants: the UC Athletic Department announced that the Commonwealth Day game against Richardson University will kickoff at 16:30, while the finale against Cavasar will begin at 18:00...for the second time in three seasons, the Warriors will have at least three losses away from Gleason; in NSCF 20, UC lost twice in conference play in addition to both RU & Northern Moravica...speaking of NMU, tickets are still available for general sale for the week 12 game in Herzegovina City...Benton said he expects campus visits from a couple of prospects from Ranoria for the RU game.

[Banija]

Week 9, Northern Moravica @ Loyola-Istria, 4th quarter

Northern Moravica had just taken the lead. All the field goals that the Blue Thunder offense had spent the day kicking finally had come back to bite them in the ass. Earlier in the day, the Salamantic Universities had clinched the conference title, earning a win that gave them their seventh win, an automatic playoff berth, and denied Loyola one of their goals- a threepeat as Celestia Conference champs.

But Loyola head coach Alanso Isa wasn't thinking about that. He was thinking about their hated domestic rivals. And things were not going particularly well. While the Blue Thunder offense had been able to move the ball this half, putting together three seperate drives that had gone over 60 yards, they had simply lacked that finishing touch in the second half. That red zone defense for the Cougars- they would bend, but they hardened as they got their backs closer to their own goal line. It was the sort of persistence that would keep the visitors in the game.

And so, with 6:47 left in regulation, the Blue Thunder had led 23-21. But the Cougars were driving. And they faced a 2nd and 3 from the Loyola 37 yard line. It was the absolute perfect time to let it rip, and Alanso Isa could only shake his head. Kalen Rhodes, the Ranorian wideout, beating his cornerback and catching the ball over the shoulder. Thankfully, the Blue Thunder safety was there and made the hit, but not until Rhodes had brought them down to the 8 yard line. The very next play was an 8 yard touchdown run by Amanuel Tegene, to make the score 28-23.

"Fuck." He said. He went to gather his offense as soon as Tegene crossed the goal line, and the stadium went silent while those in white jerseys on the opposite sideline cheered loudly. "Hey boys, it's time to make the big play here." He told the offensive unit. "This is the last time that our seniors will get a crack at Northern Moravica- we've got to put it all on the line for them. See this capacity, filled to the absolute brim with everybody wearing white shirts? They're ready for it. We are ready for it. Visualize it- Make your plays, make your checkdowns."

Amazu Chibuzo, the NSCF XXI title winning quarterback, went out there, with a chance to try and win the game. Alanso Isa's first play call was one of his go to plays- four wide, slot corners, with the outside receivers running crossing routes. Chibuzo tossed it to the true freshman Lafi Senghore, who ran across the field and got 12 yards. He had a couple of other completions, until he got to the Northern 25 with about 4:45 to go. A 20 yard carry on the read-option by Amazu Chibuzo was wiped out by a holding penalty, giving them first and 20 at the 35. Three straight incompletions at that point saw Isa have a 4th and 20 with about 4 minutes left on the clock. Nobody wants to kick a field goal down 5 with four minutes left- but what are the odds of a fourth and 20?

So the true freshman, Sainey Kabbah, had a lot of weight on his shoulders. Trying to make his fourth kick of the second half in this incredible rivalry, he was kicking with the wind, but from 52 yards out. Alanso Isa clapped the clearly nervous freshman on the back. "We should get this one Amazu- and then get a stop." He said. The quarterback simply nodded at the head coach. The kick went off the kicker's leg, it went up towards the uprights... and was no good! The Northern Moravica visiting section started cheering, and Isa was clearly frustrated. But it was what it was.

"C'mon boys- let's go get a stop!" He yelled. He tried to pump up the crowd himself. Unfortunately, on the first play, The Cougars crossed midfield with a twelve yard carry by their running back. First down, churn the clock- couldn't afford to use their timeouts just yet. Isa communicated with the Defensive Coordinator, instructing him to ensure that extra focus is given to the run. On the first play of the next set of downs, they got a stop for no gain. The clock kept running- Isa wanted to keep those timeouts. And after a 5 yard carry on second down, he used his first timeout. 2:30 left, 2 timeouts, Northern had a 3rd and 4 from the Loyola 40.

Isa would dial up a blitz, and they'd get to the quarterback sacking Dikot for 7 yards. Isa pumped his first, screaming, and high-fived his players on their way back to the sideline. He'd use his second timeout as well. Northern was not able to pin the Blue Thunder inside their own 10, as the ensuing punt bounced into the end zone for a touchback. "Let's get this win boys!" Isa yelled as the offense came onto the field. The men in dark blue felt this was their day, felt that this would be their moment. Amazu Chibuzo in the two minute drill was truly a wonder. Making reads, making throws, organizing the defense and the huddle.

But it would be with 58 seconds left, where the game would be ended. The Blue THunder had the ball at the Northern 22 yard line. Chibuzo had everything lined up. But they had missed a blocking assignment on the edge. Northern defensive captain Sean Morgan-Horne had a free path to the quarterback's blind side- Chibuzo didn't stand a chance. Isa yelled as soon as he saw him, even though there was no chance Chibuzo would hear him. "NOOO!" He yelled. Morgan-Horne got to the quarterback and stripped the football. Buwa Colley, the redshirt senior at defensive end, recovered the ball for the visitors.

Isa took a knee himself- exactly what Dikot would do when he jogged on the field. He wasn't happy. 5-4. Swept by both the Salamantics and Northern. A 3 game losing streak to Northern Moravica. He knew he'd have to whip this team into shape if they want to make the playoffs this year and have a chance to defend their title...

[Northwest Kalactin]

Mineral Conference Cutoff

Mineral Conference
Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR) 41–20 University of the Commonwealth (CBP)
The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy (SPA) 30–17 Castle Hall University (NAG)
The Academy of Space (SPA) 50–41 Université de la Catherine du Nord (RTS)

  Mineral Conference                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy            10    8   2   316  197 +119
2 University of the Commonwealth              10    6   4   361  272  +89
3 The Academy of Space                        10    5   5   250  223  +27
4 Université de la Catherine du Nord          10    5   5   299  299    0
5 The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy         10    4   6   189  233  −44
6 Castle Hall University                      10    2   8   143  334 −191

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Celestia, Horizon, Zephyr
MD10 Results!

Smurfs.

Celestia Conference
Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS) 16–47 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)
Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ) 28–0 University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU)
Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) 27–7 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)

Celestia Conference                                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)                    10    8   2   207   97 +110
2 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)                  10    7   3   230   93 +137
3 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)                        10    6   4   358  194 +164
4 Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS)                   10    4   6   158  272 −114
5 University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU)                    10    3   7   150  312 −162
6 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)   10    2   8   168  303 −135

Horizon Conference
Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP) 13–16 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)
Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK) 40–14 Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS)
Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK) 29–26 New Paradise University Snakes (IEM)

Horizon Conference                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)      10   10   0   266   72 +194
2 Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK)         10    8   2   319  200 +119
3 Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK)            10    6   4   248  246   +2
4 Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP)       10    4   6   210  223  −13
5 Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS)   10    1   9   134  277 −143
6 New Paradise University Snakes (IEM)          10    1   9   110  269 −159

Zephyr Conference
Raynor University Rockets (VAL) 16–16 Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH) (23–16 OT)
Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD) 44–7 Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV)
Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT) 6–16 Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL)

Zephyr Conference                                     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)                      10    8   2   322  194 +128
2 Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL)                          10    7   3   270  198  +72
3 Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH)                    10    6   4   296  187 +109
4 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)                 10    6   4   222  190  +32
5 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)   10    3   7   213  250  −37
6 Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV)        10    0  10    82  386 −304

[Drawkland]

Big Eight, Woodlands
MD10

Well, for many of you, it's the End of the Line for your NSCF hopes. Thanks for being around!

BIG EIGHT
The Northwest Ballina College 13–31 Cold Hill University
Richardson University 13–17 Kohnhead City University
Eirīkssonia University 7–26 Akers University

  BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                              10    9   1   319  178 +141   Conference Champions
2 Kohnhead City University                          10    7   3   317  222  +95
3 Richardson University                             10    6   4   229  168  +61
4 The Northwest Ballina College                     10    5   5   249  246   +3
5 Akers University                                  10    2   8   226  333 −107
6 Eirīkssonia University                            10    1   9   146  339 −193

WOODLANDS
N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University 13–10 Université St. Croix
Université du Saguenay 35–14 Provolone University
Ravencroft Academy 22–17 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute

  WOODLANDS CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Université du Saguenay                            10    7   3   342  241 +101   Conference Champions
2 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute                 10    6   4   285  220  +65
3 N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University   10    6   4   257  259   −2
4 Université St. Croix                              10    5   5   265  242  +23
5 Ravencroft Academy                                10    5   5   233  256  −23
6 Provolone University                              10    1   9   196  360 −164

[Ko-oren]

Game list
Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) 33–10 Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS)
Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) 10–7 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)
Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ) 6–10 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)
Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) 36–0 University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU)
University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS) 10–10 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) (13–10 OT)
Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS) 27–24 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)
Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ) 6–10 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)
Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) 24–21 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)
University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU) 0–23 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)
Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) 27–7 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)

Team stats
Points scored per game: 20.7
Points allowed per game: 9.7

Scored:
Touchdowns: 23
- Defensive: 4
- Rushing: 10
- Passing: 8
- Special teams: 1
Conversions: 22/23 (1pt) 0/0 (2pt)
Field goals: 15 (from 19 attempted)
Safety: 1

Allowed:
Touchdowns: 10
- Defensive: 1
- Rushing: 5
- Passing: 4
- Special teams: 0
Conversions: 10/10 (1pt) 0/0 (2pt)
Field goals: 7 (from 9 attempted)
Safety: 0

Offensive yards per game: 431.5
Yards per game allowed: 289.2
Turnover +/-: +9 (12 ints, 6 fumbles recovered vs 5 ints thrown, 4 fumbles lost)

Player stats
Offence:
Passing: Juldhauthaunden: 2967 yards (Aesinare: 392 yards)
Passing touchdowns: Juldhauthaunden: 8 (-)
Rushing: Suzukaze: 815 yards (Leloup: 487 yards)
Rushing touchdowns: Suzukaze: 6 (Juldhauthaunden: 3)
Receiving: Lindeberg: 1044 yards (Yowarie: 772 yards)
Receiving touchdowns: Yowarie: 3 (yMaellceoff: 3)
Fumbles: Juldhauthaunden: 4 (Leloup: 3)
Sacks: Juldhauthaunden: 22 (Aesinare: 4)
Interceptions: Juldhauthaunden: 4 (Aesinare: 1)

Defence:
Tackles: King: 81 (Yashima: 74)
Solo tackles: King: 59 (Yashima: 44)
Sacks: De Boer: 9 (Fitzgerald: 6)
Interceptions: Aurisea: 4 (Aothemirila: 2)
Fumbles forced: De Boer: 7 (Bootsma: 5)
Fumbles recovered: De Boer: 2 (Lanelthinden: 2)
Passes defended: Snape: 16 (Aothemirila: 10)

Special teams:
Field goals: Hase (15/19), lng 50