NSCF XXII (22) - Everything Thread

[Kohnhead]

Mighty Brains upset Richardson in historic win


All smiles for Ezekial Edwards after a great win

Taking on a known powerhouse in the Conference Richardson University no one expected the Mighty Eagles to win. No one expected a 17-6 statement win that showed the Big Eight is so much more wide open that anyone had thought heading into the season. Richardson had just beaten Ranoiran rival 34-6 in a pounding that seemed to prove their dominance over the Conference despite a loss to 1-4 Eirīkssonia University early on.

The Big Eight has been very wacky this year, we lost to Cold Hill 54-17 on opening weekend yet beat Richardson who they beat 34-6. Throw 1-4 Eirīkssonia beating Richardson and you have a crazy conference that hasn't seen anyone pull away at the halfway mark yet.

Anyway this one did not go as expected with a packed Chicken King Stadium witnessing Kohnhead City climbing to a winning record for the first time in team history. This was the defenses time to shine allowing 6 points to a team that had been averaging 28 heading into this one, led by the defensive line who got to Beacon Murray and Angelo Rosin a combined 8 times. In addition they limited Kuenda Sello to just 72 yards while averaging 3 yards a carry. The defense has arrived so to speak with Lyons' unit holding both of our past opponents to 6 points.

Byron Joseph didn't have much to do against a good Richardson defense. They're elite defensive line limited him to just 39 yards rushing on 13 attempts and he threw for 187 on 20 throws. He would throw one score to Benny Devlin on a 17 yard strike that was Devlin's only catch of the day. Joseph hasn't really shown the ability to hold on to the ball for a while and make multiple reads during the play. He will often just throw the quick pass on his first read but he is slowly getting better as a passer.

Herman Whitworth only had 52 yards rushing but the powerful back got the icing on the cake up 10-6 with a 3rd and goal from their 2 yard line putting his head down and scoring through contact. It would prove to be more than we needed in a 17-6 win that just showed how far this team especially the defense have come in just a few short weeks.

BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                               5    4   1   164  100  +64
2 Richardson University                              5    3   2   116   91  +25
3 The Northwest Ballina College                      5    3   2   137  115  +22
4 Kohnhead City University                           5    3   2   118  119   −1
5 Akers University                                   5    1   4   125  150  −25
6 Eirīkssonia University                             5    1   4    86  171  −85

As you can see from the standings, Cold Hill our next opponent sits in first at 4-1 but behind them us, Northwest Ballina, and Richardson sit at 3-2. Last time as you may recall Cold Hill destroyed us 54-17 at their place in our NSCF debut match. Is this a different Kohnhead team that will be hosting them at Chicken King Stadium? We will find out soon enough if we can actually contend this year in the Conference.

[Northwest Kalactin]

Cutoff for Mineral Conference

Mineral Conference
Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR) 27–7 The Academy of Space (SPA)
Université de la Catherine du Nord (RTS) 32–13 The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy (SPA)
Castle Hall University (NAG) 27–22 University of the Commonwealth (CBP)

  Mineral Conference                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of the Commonwealth               6    4   2   226  159  +67
2 Université de la Catherine du Nord           6    4   2   171  142  +29
3 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy             6    4   2   153  135  +18
4 The Academy of Space                         6    3   3   158  135  +23
5 The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy          6    2   4   118  135  −17
6 Castle Hall University                       6    1   5    91  211 −120

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Running Up That Hill

PART 7 (2/3) (35 and 2/3) - Al Otro Lado Del Río

Facing little options available, Janet decided to take a detour out of the situation. ‘Alright, so how long do you expect to be absent?’ She asked, hoping not to make too much of the situation. Daughter of Hannah Mullen, a legendary 90s rocker whose sophomore album Solitude in remained a radio station favourite, she was drinking a glass of gin this early in the morning, but wasn’t sure even with the glass. Janet knew she wasn’t losing her touch, and if anything, the times seemed to have suggested her otherwise. Perhaps it was the April that was giving her all sorts of problems. Or a possibility of having to deal with many possible dynamites, something that the Baker half of the family had to deal with twenty years ago when a notorious EDM-disco album, Solitude in Femboyville, got released.

‘Oh, I am.’ Eileen responded assuringly, her eyes shining. ‘Not a lot of eyes will be there, and if anything, there won’t be as many eyes glaring even.’ She was dressed in a red, flowery blouse, which contrasted with a blue coat and loose pair of sunglasses Janet was wearing.

Between them, the age difference stood particularly so, and that’s something that Janet, as she grew older, couldn’t help but to notice. Someday, she’ll be my age and Eileen of the future will outgrace me, Janet thought to herself, before feeling satisfied at how well she’s done her job. As long as Lundrigan doesn’t cause too many problems down the road.

‘Asher’s still going as entourage right? Heard that he’s on the list...’ Janet dropped the note, having felt the need to say an important mark. After about half an hour, the bottle of gin was about halfway empty, and both sides were amazed at how that was even possible. The beauty of Quebecois alcoholism, or so to put. ‘Of course, as a distinguished guest, being the whole family background in navy and whatnot.’

‘Yeah, he’s coming on his own accord. No more, no less, though it’s quite, ironic, isn’t it,’ Eileen lightly smiled, trying not to make too much of the part. Of course, she wasn’t worried so much about the accompaniment. Unlike five years ago, they were now entering the mid-20s and the clouds that used to represent their uncertainties were more or less now. ‘But you know, it’s not really something he talks about...nor I, to him.’

‘Good. Let’s keep things that way, then or now,’ Janet nodded along, trying not to make too much of her or Eileen’s words on the matter. Feeling her stomach moving up and down to a clumsily-executed bass tune at record studios she’s grown familiar with (usually around five a.m.), she knew the best option right after finishing this drink, would be to go to a beach and sit on a chair for a bit. That, and possibly throwing up a bit more. She fixed her glasses a couple of times and said. 'As long as he doesn't cause himself trouble like how he did until last year...all should be good. You're aware of the risks that come with him, I guess, and that's what we have to remember.'

'I think you know I chose to try restarting things in spite of all the words...that flew while we broke up.' Eileen refuted. 'Maybe we are all looking to start again, and I think it will all be alright. He's well known in foreign press and if anything, that shouldn't cause too much controversy as long as all will be in check.'

True, Janet quietly agreed, giving into the fact that Asher Lundrigan, for however awful of a human being he may have been in past, did somewhat improve. ‘In any case, don’t worry too much about the trip. It’s never easy going to Sicoutimont these days...and I just hope they’ll treat you correctly once there. You never know with those unusual scoundrels.’

‘Aw, don’t worry about me,’ Eileen responded, trying to cheer up her manager in an act of reassurance. Now, her cup was almost all done, and with the way she’s moving, it was all too clear that Janet wanted to drink outside, on the quiet beaches of Saint-John-Upon-Battersea (different place than Saint John, about half an hour northeast of here, in the Twin Cities area), instead of furthering herself here. Coming from even a few lines exchanged, she felt a lot more assurance. Visiting Sicoutimont, for the first time in her own life, was a minor sort of feel-good-factor in her life as of late, and she didn’t want to give up the opportunity that rarely came, and even rarer as a distinguished guest. However deserted and depressing things may have gone there, homeland and finding the traces of ancestry were still something worth being excited over.

[Drawkland]

Big Eight, Woodlands
MD6

Congratulations! You've made it halfway through conference play. Don't stop now!

BIG EIGHT
The Northwest Ballina College 44–17 Eirīkssonia University
Akers University 13–36 Richardson University
Kohnhead City University 17–40 Cold Hill University

  BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                               6    5   1   204  117  +87
2 Richardson University                              6    4   2   152  104  +48
3 The Northwest Ballina College                      6    4   2   181  132  +49
4 Kohnhead City University                           6    3   3   135  159  −24
5 Akers University                                   6    1   5   138  186  −48
6 Eirīkssonia University                             6    1   5   103  215 −112

WOODLANDS
N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University 44–23 Ravencroft Academy
Xannerian Polytechnical Institute 7–38 Université du Saguenay
Provolone University 34–34 Université St. Croix (34–41 OT)

  WOODLANDS CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University    6    5   1   198  128  +70
2 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute                  6    4   2   160  132  +28
3 Ravencroft Academy                                 6    3   3   164  163   +1
4 Université St. Croix                               6    3   3   160  159   +1
5 Université du Saguenay                             6    3   3   186  161  +25
6 Provolone University                               6    0   6   133  258 −125

[Valanora]

Second Verse, Hopefully Better Than The First

It has been a mixed bag for the Vanorian Universities in the first half of the season and they will be needing to get their act in gear and in a hurry if either the Raiders or the Rockets have any desire of winning the conference. Bowerstone of Anthor has managed to put them both to the sword in the first half of the season and has an undefeated record through the first five games of the conference schedule. It is clear that Ceneisis is no longer the dominant power in the conference with the reshuffle that occurred prior to start of the season but where many might have thought that Mar Sara Tech or Raynor University would be the side leading the conference, it is the undersold university from the other side of Atlantian Oceania that has took the mantle of dominance from the Fleftic powerhouse. What was thought to be a far easier path to the postseason for both the Rockets and Raiders now looks to be an excruciating gauntlet of five more games, where they will need to be nearly perfect and hope that there is some sign of weakness from Bowerstone, or all that chirping during the offseason will have been for naught.

What's gone right for the two squads? Well playing at home has definitely seen its advantages, with both teams playing massively better inside the Empire than outside of it, as clearly evidenced by last weeks results where the Raiders sprung the big victory over Ceneisis while the Rockets were completely overwhelmed by Bowerstone in Anthor. The teams both play a style of game that is heavily dependent on good weather that is usually associated with the Empire, so going outside of it can heavily influence how efficient and effective that their passing attacks can be. We saw the teams absolutely dominate CUST from the Jovannic but the offense has been otherwise very hit or miss for this first half and that is something that is going to have to change and quickly with Mar Sara now looking to try and flip the script on Boweerstone. The defense has been good at keeping the teams in their matches but it has not been able to suffocate other teams when it matters most, with CUST being the example of getting points even when the squads had completely pulled the wool from underneath their feet.

It is a four horse race and Bowerstone is two steps ahead of the chasing pack, with either Mar Sara or Raynor having a loss ahead of them, with their matchup in week nine in the Empire. It is a difficult situation and will make it very unlikely that either team is going to be able to win the conference and get that automatic playoff spot that comes with the conference title, meaning the rest of the games and the out of conference are going to be hugely important for both teams. This is the point in the season where the young players on the team will need to look to their upperclassmen to see what work needs to be done and how to focus down to get the job handled. Mar Sara has the bigger ask, with their freshman at quarterback, but the powerhouse of Chasima at running back and an experienced offensive line should be able to provide that boost to get the young signal caller through the difficult terrain should he lean in on that strength. For Raynor, it is getting the cornerbacks to rise to the occasion and play that ballhawking defense that we know they are capable of, that will have everything else fall into place as it all starts from the back.

Five games in conference, three games out of conference. Realistically, both teams can afford just one loss in their remaining eight if they are going to make the postseason play that they so desire and have a chance to once again bring the NSCF trophy back to the Eternal Empire. Learn from the mistakes of the first half and use all that game footage and knowledge to go back all the stronger and wiser, then lay it all out there on the field. A coach can never ask for more than that and hopefully it is enough.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Celestia, Horizon, Zephyr
MD6 Results!

Time to open your eyes.

Celestia Conference
Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS) 27–24 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)
University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS) 16–12 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)
University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU) 21–49 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)

Celestia Conference                                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)                     6    4   2   123   63  +60
2 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)                   6    4   2   121   60  +61
3 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)                         6    4   2   219  109 +110
4 Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS)                    6    3   3   107  142  −35
5 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)    6    2   4   105  166  −61
6 University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU)                     6    1   5    97  232 −135

Horizon Conference
Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP) 7–24 Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK)
New Paradise University Snakes (IEM) 0–39 Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK)
Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS) 10–28 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)

Horizon Conference                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)       6    6   0   185   46 +139
2 Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK)          6    5   1   205  115  +90
3 Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK)             6    4   2   153  129  +24
4 Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP)        6    2   4   110  149  −39
5 Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS)    6    1   5    80  170  −90
6 New Paradise University Snakes (IEM)           6    0   6    57  181 −124

Zephyr Conference
Raynor University Rockets (VAL) 30–13 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)
Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL) 26–17 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)
Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV) 6–33 Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH)

Zephyr Conference                                     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH)                     6    6   0   215   83 +132
2 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)                       6    4   2   176  128  +48
3 Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL)                           6    4   2   148  118  +30
4 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)                  6    3   3   142  137   +5
5 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)    6    1   5   146  180  −34
6 Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV)         6    0   6    49  230 −181

[Squidroidia]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY

---

Welcome to College Football Saturday.

After the loss to University of the Commonwealth to bring an end to the first half of the conference season, the SAFA Squidbreak headed back onto the field to kick the second half of their collegiate journey off against a familiar opponent - The Academy of Space. The Astronauts, who kicked off their season by defeating the Squidbreak at the Extraterrestrial Dome of Sport, were heading back to Earth to take on the Squidroidian collegiate powerhouses (If you could call them that). So how did getting into an atmosphere do for the Academy of Space?

#11 ACADEMY OF SPACE    |7   |0   |0   |0   |7
#20 SQUIDBREAK          |14  |7   |0   |6   |27

Another Top 15 (According to SeventeenThirtySix's Playoff Watch and not the official NSCF Rankings to be published at a later date) team fell at the hands of the Squidroidian Armed Forces Academy. While Academy of Space dominated the first game between these 2 teams, the home advantage the Squidbreak had on the (Again, according to SeventeenThirtySix's Playoff Watch) playoff-ranked team was too strong - And Concrete LaDucka's hands too weak and brittle - For the Academy to get another win under their belt and improve their standings. Noso Faso provided the Astronauts with their only touchdown of the game in the first quarter, while Zlatan Agnellini balled out, and in the first corner alone passed for 2 TDs, one to Hermansson and one to Van Dael. Van Dael would get another TD in the second quarter, and the Squidbreak would get to 27 points off of 2 Flynn De Laurentis field goals.

But the upset of the season, Castle Hall defeating University of the Commonwealth 27-22 to bring them their first win, has the Mineral Conference once again wide open. Commonwealth are ahead of the other 4-2 teams, Catherine du Nord and the Squidbreak, the latter knowing that they have to go through Castle Hall, Terrestrial Acclimation, Catherine du Nord AND Commonwealth on the final day, AND win all of those, to grab the Mineral Conference title and a shot at collegiate glory. Catherine du Nord, of course, got rid of Terrestrial Acclimation 32-13.

PLAYOFF WATCH, presented by SeventeenThirtySix.sqr

 QUARTERFINAL BYE                                   Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Felswyr State University                           6    6   0   185   46 +139
 2 Bowerstone University                              6    6   0   215   83 +132
 3 Sadeg State University                             6    5   1   205  115  +90
 4 Cold Hill University                               6    5   1   204  117  +87

 FIRST ROUND                                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 5 N-N Palæontological                                6    5   1   198  128  +70
 6 Loyola-Istra                                       6    4   2   219  109 +110
 7 University of the Commonwealth                     6    4   2   226  159  +67
 8 Northern Moravica University                       6    4   2   121   60  +61
 9 Salamantic Universities                            6    4   2   123   63  +60
10 Northwest Ballina College                          6    4   2   181  132  +49
11 Raynor University                                  6    4   2   176  128  +48
12 Richardson University                              6    4   2   152  104  +48

 TOP 25                                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
13 Mar Sara Tech                                 6    4   2   148  118  +30
14 Université de la Catherine du Nord            6    4   2   171  142  +29
15 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute             6    4   2   160  132  +28
16 Université du Saguenay                        6    3   3   186  161  +25
17 Cavsar University                             6    4   2   153  129  +24
18 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy              6    4   2   153  135  +18
19 Academy of Space                              6    3   3   158  135  +23
20 Ceneisis Naval Academy                        6    3   3   142  137   +5
21 Ravencroft Academy                            6    3   3   164  163   +1
22 Université St. Croix                          6    3   3   160  159   +1
23 Kohnhead City University                      6    3   3   135  159  −24
24 Academia Politechnica Civitas                 6    3   3   107  142  −35
25 Terrestrial Acclimation Academy               6    2   4   118  135  −17

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
#18 Squidbreak vs Castle Hall

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Benton knows Warriors in a fight
by Aaron Hardison
UC Correspondent for The Times

Following their 27-22 loss to Castle Hall on week 6 of NSCF play, Head Coach Ryan Benton says he fully understands that there are no soft touches in the Mineral Conference.

"We've played so well in the first half of the season, and then we seemed to let down our guard a bit over there (Nagore), which I didn't think would be something we'd have to deal with, as the guys have seen how close the competition is right now at the top."

That picture will get a bit clearer as Universite de Catherine du Nord makes a return visit to Gleason Field for a Sunday night encounter in week 7; on their previous visit in NSCF XXI, they came away with the first victory over UC at home by a conference opponent in the four seasons the Warriors have been involved in multiverse play.

"I know the guys who were here last time we were (in NSCF) have been looking ahead to this game since the schedules came out. It was an enormous sense of pride that the team took in not letting conference teams leave here with a win, and I think with the way the earlier game ended up (a 39-37 loss on the road in week 2), the motivation will be even higher."

Through the first six contests, the Warriors lead NSCF in scoring, averaging over 37 ppg, and Benton said he was happy with the way the offensive unit has performed and improved since the UAC season.
"Well, of course I'm thrilled that everything we've worked on has come together for us at the right moment. I think we're going to need every yard and every point we can get against (the Patriotes) this time. and we need get some momentum back before heading to (University of Space's) the Dome. I'm actually looking forward to that experience, but I hope it ends up a happy experience."

The UC boss also commented upon the recent parity being shown in other conferences, although he admitted that he didn't have a firm grasp of the context in a few instances.
"I know the Banijan and Ranorian teams have been the class of the NSCF the past few seasons and they are all kind of in the same situation we are right now. Bowerstone, who we played twice last time (in non-conference play and 2 weeks later in the playoffs, both UC wins) are cruising along right now. I think our immediate focus is on this game, then the next. Winning the conference for the fifth straight time, which would be an accomplishment no UC team has ever achieved, and then we'll worry about renewing our rivalries with Richardson & Northern (Moravica)--which I'm told are as important in NSCF to our alums and fans as our Metro rivalries are*--then we'll think about playoffs."

*[UC has long standing geographic, historical ties to their original foes in the Belle Haven metro area: Baker Park A&M were their first ever opponent; University of Belle Haven is their closest 'neighbor' and has often been a spoiler of undefeated seasons; and University of Baker Park is one of the handful of schools who have as much overall success, but consider the other major state universities--Endover, Osheana, Ezra--as more important than the national university in their hierarchy of "main" rivals. In other words, it's complicated...]

[Ranoria]

Big Wins for Big 8 Powerhouses, But Can Ranoria's Representatives in the NSCF Rediscover Their Consistency?

The switch to Angelo Rosin at quarterback paid immediate dividends, with Richardson's highest points total of the season and 3rd game scoring more than 30 points

The Governors were looking like they would limp their way to a finish this season at 3-2, and, really, we can't say that isn't the case after one convincing win, but their second win over Akers State, and Splinter Woodson, was a much more vital victory at this point in the season.

Last time around, Woodson had his team in the game until late, but in this one, the game seemed to be predetermined from the start. Angelo Rosin took the game's opening drive and lofted in a touchdown pass to Baraka Hali on a beautiful fade route, and then handed the ball off to Kuenda Sello up the gut. Sello had to bounce the run outside, as the Capitals stuffed it beautifully, but he showcased his underrated speed and beat all but one defender to the edge, stiff arming that poor soul to earn a two point conversion.

Splinter Woodson would guide his team down to answer, but linebacker Clancy Gluber came flying up on the Capitals' two point attempt and hit Woodson just as he threw the pass.

From then on, it was all Governors. Angelo Rosin played a clean game, clearing two hundred twenty five passing yards (Beacon Murray averaged just under one hundred eighty) and threw two scores without an interception. His wideouts, certainly, were pleased with the well-placed balls, but of course it was Kuenda Sello who ran the show. His running set up the play action, with one hundred forty five yards on twenty five carries. He would hammer two of those carries home, both inside the five yard line, and he was also the recipient of Rosin's second touchdown pass on a nice angle route out of the backfield.

Saul Thomas Sr, his backup and the father of a newborn, also ran in a touchdown today, and contributed thirty three yards on the ground.

But we knew we had a chance to score on Akers. The defensive unit really stepped up in this one, holding that offensive powerhouse to 13 points is no easy task. The front four would finish with six sacks on the day, and the back end managed to secure a pair of interceptions. Their only real lapse was allowing a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

At this point, the Capitals are 1-5, a quality team that has gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to luck, one could say, in a brutal Big 8.

The other end of that stick? The Buffalo. Against Kohnhead, they were coming in at 4-1, their opponents 3-2, which meant that, should the Eagles win, they would have drawn even in a three way tie with the Buffalo and Governors for the first place slot. That didn't exactly happen.


Rai Swift (pictured), a freshman, had his best game as a Buffalo, with 119 yards and 2 TDs, a nice statement to his recent emergence as a vertical threat

Early on, the Mighty Eagles seemed to be in control though. Their quarterback, Byron Joseph, would lead his team to an opening drive field goal. Rhine looked to answer, but a speedy back seven on defense took advantage of the gunslinger. Just after he had helped drive his team sixty yards into the red zone, they picked him off, and their offense drove all the way back down, this time for a touchdown.

Rhine was out of rythm, and picked up just a couple first downs before the drive stalled out. The Eagles? They just ran it back. Again. The team would hammer in their second rushing touchdown just as the second quarter began, taking a quick 17-0 lead that they hoped they could hold onto for the rest of the game. Obviously, that didn't happen.

Despite the impressive opening, Diamond Rhine was far too talented to be held down like that for long. He took his first sack of the game on the next drive, and that seemed to wake the star quarterback up. Rhine would proceed to pick this defense apart at will, connecting with ten different receivers by the end of the game. That is one advantage of Cold Hill's lack of a superstar wideout: Team's can't take any one guy away.

By the time the fourth quarter rounded up, this game was unrecognizable. Deondre Rhine, whom would finish with five touchdowns passing, also managed to guide his team into field goal range once. And the defense, whom had been having trouble making plays in the backfield, managed three sacks and three tackles for a loss, one of the latter resulting in a safety. Hughe Brown, Cold Hill's best pass rusher, would be the man to get that defensive score. The safety rounds up a nice box score of four tackles, two sacks, and a tackle for a loss.

Now, we don't want to sound as if Kohnhead's potent offensive attack totally shut down. They managed to pick up at least one first down on every drive of the game, and their kicking game was as poor as it could come in this one, with their kicker missing three field goals, one of them being an absolute chip shot. That certainly killed a good deal of hope on both sides of the ball, watching as a special teamster shanked their efforts away.

But truly, it was an impressive performance from Deondre Rhine, who would finish just shy of four hundred yards on the day. Despite the early hole his squad dug themselves into, he never stopped slinging it, and guided his team to what would end up being a blowout victory.

---

Duke Beckett, #5 Recruit in Ranoria
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ranoria
Narwhal Field, Halifax Central High School

Steam wafted from seemingly every player on the field as Beckett stepped into place. As hard as his team had played, it would have been a crime to not hammer this home. He bit down on his mouth guard in preparation, a scowl just visible through his visor.

"Set hut!" On one, like always, and his quarterback turned around, placing the ball squarely in his gut. Beckett charged forward, blasted through the first tackler on the defensive line, and then went down hard when he was hit from the side and down low at the same time, just barely failing to break the goal line.

It will be fourth and goal, on the goal line. Still Falcons' ball.

He pushed himself to his feet, and looked over to the sideline. Most of the guys waited for their quarterback to translate the coach's hand symbols. He knew them himself. Of course it was a standard dive, no fullback. That would only slow him down.

"Richardson dive, Richardson dive!" They broke the huddle with a clap as the clock ticked down to seven seconds, and were lined up by the time it read three. They just barely got the snap off in time, and Beckett took the ball only to be met by a linebacker coming at him like a bat out of hell, going totally unblocked.

Beckett hadn't earned first team all Halifax as a junior for nothing, though. The back shed the tackle and continued on his route, running straight through a couple arm tackles from the defensive line and bouncing off his own linemen, who failed to open much of a hole. One more tackler tried, leaping at him, but he wasn't a big defensive back, and Duke simply carried him into the end zone, tossing the young man off once he had crossed the plain to the delight of his home crowd.

"6-0," he muttered under his breath.

* * * * *

"You know, most of us already have a decision made," his quarterback, leaning back in his chair, took a sip of a blue sports drink, "And you're still twiddling your thumbs with an offer from Cold frikkin Hill on the table! And Ranoria State! Richardson, Vricksinburg State, come on! You've got the four biggest programs in Ranoria vying for your services." The quarterback, characteristically, tossed his empty bottle into a trash can across the room.

"Yeah, well, Cold Hill doesn't really like to run the ball," Duke replied, somewhat lamely.

"Unless they have a stud back," his passer shot back, "Look at Hue Ross. And they love their receiving backs, those Katterfield brothers did really well there. You've been our leading receiver the last three years."

"Okay, but bro," Duke laughed, "Wouldn't it be lit as hell to play in the NSCF? Those Banijan, Quebecois, Valanoran teams? They're no joke! They've got a constant title contender in space!"

"Yeah," the quarterback countered, "Richardson and Cold Hill play in the NSCF as well. Then you get to see all that, while playing for our country, repping our nation."

"Whatever man," the running back checked the time, "We should probably get to bed. Film tomorrow and all."

[Ko-oren]

From the highest highs to the lowest lows! The Celestia conference is wide open, which to any long-time followers of the conference comes as a surprise. Two Banijan programmes had a stranglehold on the conference until the Salamantic Universities joined, and now the triumvirate was joined by two quality Lisandrine teams, creating an open conference with three proven good teams and two dragon slayers.

The highest of highs
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)

A lot has already been said about these games, with low-scoring affairs in which coin flip moments kept falling our way. That 36-0 was a nice reminder, letting us know that the team had all the right being 3-0. This was not a fluke. This is just how good the team in purple is now...

The lowest of lows
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)

Until the next two results. First a draw after four quarters, leading into probably the biggest blunder in Professor history. The University of Saint Michael the Archangel (USMA, I guess) were good on their field goal on 3rd and 12 in their first drive in overtime. The ball then went to Juldhauthaunden and the offence, turning a 1st and 10 into a 2nd and 22 following a bad snap and Suzukaze diving on the ball where it finally landed. The next pass was good (out route to Lindeberg), but the team still stared at a 3rd and 6 when Lambotherindhen again erred on the snap, missing the cue and giving away an 'everyone but the centre' penalty. Juldhauthaunden was visibly frustrated and wanted to give Masafumi Hase an easier field goal attempt. Chances of the team scoring a touchdown here were near zero. That didn't stop the offence from trying, though. Juldhauthaunden sailed a deep ball to Yowarie on the vertical route, sending it straight into the waiting hands of the safety. Juldhauthaunden telegraphed his throw all play and then delivered.

The frustration was seemingly not gone yet in the fifth game of the campaign, was close as well, but normally you'd say that scoring 24 points is more than enough for a win. Juldhauthaunden led the team on multiple scoring drives, between a 3-play, 60-yard touchdown, a 16-play, 93-yard score, and a third touchdown on the penultimate drive, an 8-play, 55-yard affair. At that point, the defence had well and truly given the game away to the polytechnical university. It's been a while since a team landed 27 points on us. It's not that much of a problem to lose a single game, but the worst thing that can happen is that it gives the Banijan teams a sliver of hope for the rematch later in the season. There's still not much that can be said about this affair, other than that several errors were professionally exploited by Lisander's team. This was anywhere from drawing fouls to broken coverages, masterfully taken care of by a quarterback that hit his receivers on the smallest of windows. Accuracy over speed and power, and the linebackers especially had no answer. Intermediate routes were a problem all day with the tight ends catching for a combined 121 yards.

Now two consecutive losses should put us a bit lower on the rankings, should it? And yes, the Squidroidian playoff watch has certainly put Salamantic from the top four down at ninth - still top ten, but below both Loyola-Istria and Northern Moravica. Within the conference, however, the Salamantic Universities are still first, leading a three-team contingent that are all on 4-2. That's us and the Banijans, obviously. No team has a fun and easy experience in this five-team mayhem. The Banijans lost their first games to us, and now the Crusaders have taken one off the Cougars. The Blue Thunder's second loss was in the derby game, a 28-24 win for Northern Moravica.

Now, with all of these surprise victories, the Politechnica are 3-3 and in fourth place. The Saint Michael Crusaders (as I certainly don't want to type both schools' names out) are on 2-4, with both of their wins coming versus 4-2 teams. Yes, they gave the Agin Kaya Commanders their first and only win so far.

The Celestia is more open than ever. Can the top three programmes go 3-0 against the newcomers? Can the Professors hold on to the slightest of leads and maintain the H2H?

[Kohnhead]

Are you a Mighty Eagle? An interview with Edward the Mighty Eagle


When not cheering on Kohnhead City University at football games Edward the Mighty Eagle has to go hunt for his food

Reporter: I'm here with Edward the Mighty Eagle, the official mascot of Kohnhead City University who you will find at every game rain or shine.

Edward (speaks like an Eagle would): Hello

Reporter: So I'm going to ask you a couple of questions fans have been dying to know about you and what you do. I'll start off with when not cheering on Kohnhead what do you do with your life?

Edward: Well what am I supposed to do? I have to eat, sleep, drink, hunt, and exercise. Hunting is quite fun and sometimes you might see me flying up and down the coast scanning for any birds, fish, and more. Don't worry though I only eat humans under 5 feet tall, so watch out small children.

Reporter: Uhhhh you're joking right

Edward: You'll find out

Reporter: Yes he's joking and moving on. Edward you seem to have lots of different celebrations for when we score a touchdown, can you tell me some of your favorites?

Edward: Well my favorite is putting my hands up in the air to signify a touchdown but that's also the most boring one and it gets tiring. I like to sometimes run around in circles with my hands up in the air. When I feel like it I might go up into the stands and sit with some fans and have a conversation with them. Unfortunately I only speak Italian and most fans don't understand it.

Reporter: Are you speaking Italian right now?

Edward: No of course not I'm speaking Kohnheadian. Now where was I oh yes, one time I accidentally sat on a fan's hot dog, fortunately he was cheering for Akers so it was okay and I laughed at him. Sometimes I might attempt to do a flip but it will look like I'm rolling around on the ground which works too. I also like to interact with our players and the opposing team's players and most of the time they're willing to talk with me. I made bets with a Cold Hill player in our game against them (can't say who).

Reporter: I hear you're famous for your jokes and puns can we hear one right now?

Edward: Why of course, what do you call a bird so sick it’s breaking the law?

Reporter: I don't know what do you call a bird so sick it’s breaking the law?

Edward: Ill-Eagle
*Cue the bad pun music*

Reporter: Thank you for your time Edward , GO MIGHTY EAGLES!

[Chromatika]

The Flame of the Firehawk
Part 6: Sarai Gwenderyn

Team                          1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q   |  Tot
Aubergine-Bark Sports School   0   3   7   0   |   10
Felswyr State University       0  14  14   0   |   28

1Q
No Score

2Q
11:24 FSU TD - Sarai Gwenderyn 8 yard run (Sara McAllister Kick)
08:19 ABS FG - ABS Kicker 42 Field Goal
00:15 FSU TD - Sarai Gwenderyn 22 yard run (Sara McAllister Kick)

3Q
13:07 ABS TD - ABS Cornerback 55 yard interception return (ABS Kicker Kick)
10:21 FSU TD - Sarai Gwenderyn 31 yard run (Sara McAllister Kick)
04:28 FSU TD - Sarai Gwenderyn 22 yard run (Sara McAllister Kick)

4Q
No Score

Kriegiersien

Sarai Gwenderyn accounted for all of the game's touchdowns (four on the ground, one via an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Aubergine-Bark Sports School) as the Felswyr State Firehawks remained perfect on the season despite an off day for Sarai through the air.

Gwenderyn completed 18 of 35 passes for 149 yards and a pick, easily the worst day of the year. However, she contributed 205 yards on 24 carries as the Firehawk offensive line made easy work of the opposing squad.

One of Gwenderyn's passes was intercepted by the ABS corner who stepped right in front of Alessandra Mio and returned it for the only touchdown that FSU has given up since the game against Sadeg State.

With the Salamantic Universities Professors losing, the Firehawks now possess the best defense in the NSCF ranks. Cara Setri, Jill Lia, and co. are just getting started.

"We understand each other and where to be," commented Mi-Hyeon Park, "And we are very comfortable."

New Paradise University will be the next opponent, with Sadeg State looming.

"If we can handle the Skyhawks once again, we can absolutely look at winning the conference title. That would be amazing," stated Gwenderyn.

Nobody has managed to stop them, yet, at least.

[Tikariot]

The building was impressive, maybe even somewhat intimidating with its high walls and towers. The fact that the dark grey clouds were hanging very low, almost grazing the tops of the spires, and a slight drizzle obscured many of the details did not help the first impression. It was a little surprising that the Academy was not actually in Ravencroft, but a little outside of the city on the edge of a mountain. The drive, while not long, seemed ominous, through a dense forest mostly bereft of its leaves, making the branches seem like skeletal fingers in the hazy gloom, the drizzle almost making them seem to move, reaching out for the car.

As he pulled into a visitor's parking spot near the bridge leading towards the Academy, he looked again at the letter he had received from his editor at the Alcassar Observer, assigning him to a story about the first ever Tikariotian entry into the NSCF, the Ravencroft Academy all the way out east in the Viljamark province. Why his newspaper would pay for a flight across the country to visit a university partipating in a sporting event was beyond him, but who was he to complain? They paid his salary and a trip was better than anything he had on his plate of late in and around Alcassar as a sports journalist. The only league in session right now was the Tikariot Premier League and neither of the two Alcassaran teams had breathed top flight air in over a decade. Seeing this building, or was it several buildings, it was hard to say with these high walls, made it feel a little less inviting than he had expected.

He opened the door of his car and immediately some gusty wind he did not even know was there whipped the drizzle right inside, making his mood even more miserable than it already had been. He pulled his hat down and set out to cross the stone bridge. Despite the rain he could not help himself and looked up at the weathered granite. This did not look like a university, but a castle. As he neared the gate he was half expecting some burning projectiles to be hurled at him from the top of the walls, which obviously was nonsense, but the whole Academy exuded this almost hostile feel.

As he stepped through the gate into the castle proper, he had resigned himself to view it as such, he was surprised to see that there was no medieval market happening or soldiers tending to their swords and halberds, but still did not look like a university campus. Here he noticed an odd thing as well - the signs were not in English! It looked - Nordic.

"Mottagande" - "Kirjasto" - "Storhall" - "Mötuneyti". He was lost. None of the words were even remotely close to anything he could understand and the letter only mentioned the reception he was supposed to sign in at. He looked around at the deserted square, not a living soul in sight. Not surprising giving the weather and the fact that he assumed everybody was in classes at this time. With a sigh he randomly picked one of the words, "Kirjasto" and set off in the direction the arrow indicated. As he proceeded deeper into the castle he was surprised to see how large the whole complex actually was, far bigger than it had seemed on his drive up where it had looked like a tight affair with as many buildings as possible crammed together into a small space. The streets and alleyways were very narrow, though, illuminated by LED lights instead of torches and oil lamps.

After several minutes he arrived at a narrow building nestled against what he thought was the outer wall of the Academy. Its sign actually had a word in three different languages, neither of which were English, however. "Kirjasto - Bókasafn - Bibliotek". As he stepped through the large wooden door it quickly became clear that this was not the reception, but the Academy's library. But at least it also meant people. People he could ask for directions.

[Banija]

'Wide open Celestia' after six conference games, with Banijan schools in the fight of their lives in the NSCF


Northern Moravica QB Mokti Dikot running from pressure in his team's 16-12 loss to the St. Michael Crusaders

HERZEGOVINA CITY- We're officially 60% of the way through conference play. And the next three weeks, the big decisive games will be played. The second edition of the following games. Week 7 will see the Salamantic Universities travel to Herzegovina City, to take on Northern Moravica. Then, Week 8 will see Loyola University make the flight across Atlantian Oceania to Ko-oren, to take on the Salamantic Universities. The Ko-orenite school has already beaten both schools this season, which will make these rematches that much more interesting. And then, of course, in Week 9, the North v. South Showdown. All three schools are tied atop the Celestia Conference at 4-2, with the Salamantic Universities holding a tiebreaker over both schools thanks to their head to head wins over the Banijan pair.

But with the Big 8 taking all the attention as what most people agree is the best conference, the chaos of the Celestia right now has seen our conference stake their claim as the strongest in the NSCF. First of all, the Salamantic Univerisities pulling off a first half sweep against Northern and Loyola is quite impressive. It is the first time since they have joined the conference that they've been able to do that. Their victory over Loyola University was particularly impressive. It was Loyola's first ever home loss in Celestia Conference play to a foreign school. 29 straight Celestia conference home wins against foreign opposition prior to that game, and that streak is now dead.

We'll take a look at both remaining Banijan schools. What do they need to fix to reorient themselves, currently sitting at 4-2, and keep the Celestia Conference title in Banija?

Northern Moravica Cougars

They probably have a better chance than Loyola right now of winning a conference title, and we'll explain why. Let's take a look at what they've done. Their signature win of the season, so far, is undoubtedly their 28-24 victory over Loyola-Istria, the two-time defending Celestia Conference champions and the defending champions of the entire damn NSCF. It was an excellent victory, and easily the best game of the campaign for the embattled Northern starting quarterback, Mokti Dikot. He led them back from a 24-14 fourth quarter deficit to upset their hated rivals, and ensure that they would not be cast aside in this season's title race.

So what gives them the advantage over Loyola? Well, for one, they've already beaten Loyola. It was an extremely close game, of course. But they've obviously shown that they can do it. And have a small, two game winning streak over their archrivals now. And second? The return matchup for the Salamantic Universities is at Mugisha II Memorial. Now, of course, no matter where you play the Salamantic Universities, it is always going to be a battle. But they lost a close game in Ko-oren last time. This Ko-orenite school is more than capable of winning from home, we saw what they did a few weeks ago at the Istria Lightning Yard.

But road trips are always tough in the NSCF, and especially in this conference. If Northern can drop the Salamantic Universities in Week 7, they put themselves in pole position to control their own destiny the rest of the way. But Northern's biggest problem? Is they showed that they can drop games to anyone. They followed up their 28-24 rivalry win over the Blue Thunder with a 34-7 shellacking of Agin Kaya. But they need to maintain that focus. They could not in Week 6, and had a frankly embarrassing loss to a Crusaders squad that was in last place at the halfway point, sitting at just 1-4. The Crusaders had kept them out of the end zone, holding them to just four field goals as they won, 16-12, to drop the Cougars to 4-2.

Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder

And now, for the defending NSCF champions. Loyola-Istria is a blue blood- there's no way around it. One of three schools with a record three NSCF titles, they're a historically dominant program, and have had a stretch in recent years that anybody would be jealous of. So they're always in the race. But in the three horse race for the Celestia, they're currently third. Why? They've shown the ability to take care of business against the conference's underdogs, running up big point totals against Agin Kaya and the pair of Lisander schools.

But they've dropped duds in the big games this year. First, in Week 3, at the Istria Lightning Yard against the Salamantic Universities. The Blue Thunder should have been prepared. This was certainly a revenge game for the Ko-orenite team. The two teams met at the exact same venue in the NSCF XXI semifinals, and it came down to the last play of the game, where the Blue Thunder had to block a game-tying field goal kick from the Professors to advance to a NSCF Final that they would end up winning. After blowout wins in Weeks 1 and 2, putting up 58 and 37 points respectively, they managed just two field goals as they struggled to a 6-10 loss to the Salamantic Universities at home.

They followed that up with a hugely disappointing rivalry loss. A chance to win on the road against your domestic archrival doesn't come often, and up 10 in the fourth quarter, they thought they had a shot. But Mokti Dikot revived his own fortunes against Loyola's defense, and they were left grasping for what might have been. It puts Loyola in an interesting situation- cornered. The underdogs? Not exactly, Loyola is rarely an underdog in these parts. But certainly on the back foot.

To be frank, both schools are lucky they still have a shot. They should both be two games behind the Salamantic Universities. But after a sizzling 4-0 start to the season, including wins against both Banijan schools, the Salamantic Universities have been brought back down to Earth. They also had a tough loss to the St. Michael Crusaders, losing 13-10 in overtime to the Lisander school, who was 0-4 entering their matchup. And then, they lost again, to the other Lisander school, Civitas Soria. If the Ko-orenite school was 6-0, as many thought they would be after winning in Week 3, then we'd be talking about the chances of both Banijan schools earning at-large berths.

But the Banijan schools will catch them reeling. Northern gets em on a losing streak, and Loyola has to travel to Ko-oren to get them the week after. Assuming they can take care of business elsewhere(not automatic considering what we've seen so far!), then those two games will make or break this conference. Know this however- this is as entertaining a year of Celestia football as we've ever seen. And there is still plenty to write on the course of this season.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Celestia, Horizon, Zephyr
MD7 Results!

College football draws us like gravity, n'est-ce pas?

Celestia Conference
University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU) 20–6 Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS)
Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ) 48–17 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)
Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ) 6–10 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)

Celestia Conference                                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)                     7    5   2   133   69  +64
2 Loyola University Blue Thunder (BNJ)                         7    5   2   267  126 +141
3 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)                   7    4   3   127   70  +57
4 Academia Politechnica Civitas Soria (LIS)                    7    3   4   113  162  −49
5 University of Agin Kaya Commanders (IAU)                     7    2   5   117  238 −121
6 University of Saint Michael the Archangel Crusaders (LIS)    7    2   5   122  214  −92

Horizon Conference
Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS) 13–27 Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP)
Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT) 17–0 New Paradise University Snakes (IEM)
Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK) 17–52 Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK)

Horizon Conference                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)       7    7   0   202   46 +156
2 Sadeg State University Skyhawks (DRK)          7    6   1   257  132 +125
3 Cavsar University Gladiators (DRK)             7    4   3   170  181  −11
4 Surrey Perimeter College Redhawks (HAP)        7    3   4   137  162  −25
5 Aubergine-Bark Sports School Toughies (KGS)    7    1   6    93  197 −104
6 New Paradise University Snakes (IEM)           7    0   7    57  198 −141

Zephyr Conference
Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV) 10–57 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)
Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH) 35–42 Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL)
Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD) 3–24 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)

Zephyr Conference                                     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Bowerstone University Bolts (ATH)                     7    6   1   250  125 +125
2 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)                       7    5   2   233  138  +95
3 Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL)                           7    5   2   190  153  +37
4 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)                  7    4   3   166  140  +26
5 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)    7    1   6   149  204  −55
6 Chan University of Sport and Technology (JOV)         7    0   7    59  287 −228

[Northwest Kalactin]

Cutoff

Mineral Conference
Castle Hall University (NAG) 9–45 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR)
University of the Commonwealth (CBP) 50–16 Université de la Catherine du Nord (RTS)
The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy (SPA) 10–7 The Academy of Space (SPA)

  Mineral Conference                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of the Commonwealth               7    5   2   276  175 +101
2 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy             7    5   2   198  144  +54
3 Université de la Catherine du Nord           7    4   3   187  192   −5
4 The Academy of Space                         7    3   4   165  145  +20
5 The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy          7    3   4   128  142  −14
6 Castle Hall University                       7    1   6   100  256 −156

[Drawkland]

Big Eight, Woodlands
MD7

Don't go Heading For The Light just yet! There's still plenty of conference play to go!

BIG EIGHT
Kohnhead City University 60–16 The Northwest Ballina College
Cold Hill University 55–32 Akers University
Richardson University 37–20 Eirīkssonia University

  BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                               7    6   1   259  149 +110
2 Richardson University                              7    5   2   189  124  +65
3 Kohnhead City University                           7    4   3   195  175  +20
4 The Northwest Ballina College                      7    4   3   197  192   +5
5 Akers University                                   7    1   6   170  241  −71
6 Eirīkssonia University                             7    1   6   123  252 −129

WOODLANDS
Provolone University 30–13 N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University
Université St. Croix 50–23 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute
Université du Saguenay 46–15 Ravencroft Academy

  WOODLANDS CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 N-N Palæontological-Centred Research University    7    5   2   211  158  +53
2 Université St. Croix                               7    4   3   210  182  +28
3 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute                  7    4   3   183  182   +1
4 Université du Saguenay                             7    4   3   232  176  +56
5 Ravencroft Academy                                 7    3   4   179  209  −30
6 Provolone University                               7    1   6   163  271 −108

[Squidroidia]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY

---

Welcome to College Football Saturday.

4 games are left in the Squidbreak's debut season in collegiate football. 4 games away from glory in the Mineral Conference or absolute sheer embarassment. They have 2 cupcakes to feast on before their journey gets to the home stretch - The first one against Castle Hall. THE Castle Hall. That one joke that somehow upset Commonwealth last Saturday. If they can beat a good team like them, they can beat the Squid-

#18 SQUIDBREAK    |17   |10   |6   |12   |45
CASTLE HALL       |0    |0    |6   |3    |9

...Break. I know Castle Hall are one of the lol teams in the NSCF (Like Eirīkssonia, Provolone, CUST and New Paradise) but after beating the god damn University of the Commonwealth they should have shown strenght against this Squidbreak team. But nope. They just rolled over like every other matchday and let the Squidbreak get their 5th dub of the season. This Castle Hall defense is so bad it genuinely could make our redshirt freshman Drogo Bengoetxea look good, no joke. How else does a team go from pulling the upset of the season to lose by 4 scores to a bunch of squids. Hell, in the 4th quarter they didn't even get a TD! They just let Flynn De Laurentis kick whenever the Squidbreak got into field goal range. Because Castle Hall weren't scoring at all.

You know what? Since the Squidbreak are already 5-2 heading into the home stretch of the season, I wonder what Commonwealth and Catherine du Nord were up t- Jesus Christ, Commonwealth did WHAT?

Yeah, they did that. Also won by 34 points against Catherine du Nord. But of course, they decided to drop a 50 bomb. That totally did wonders for their Playoff Watch (Powered by SeventeenThirtySix.sqr) rankings, huh?

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                           7    7   0   202   46 +156
 2 Sadeg State University                             7    6   1   257  132 +125
 3 Bowerstone University                              7    6   1   250  125 +125
 4 Cold Hill University                               7    6   1   259  149 +110

 FIRST ROUND                                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 5 Loyola-Istra                                       7    5   2   267  126 +141
 6 University of the Commonwealth                     7    5   2   276  175 +101
 7 Raynor University                                  7    5   2   233  138  +95
 8 Richardson University                              7    5   2   189  124  +65
 9 Salamantic Universities                            7    5   2   133   69  +64
10 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy                   7    5   2   198  144  +54
11 N-N Palæontological                                7    5   2   211  158  +53
12 Mar Sara Tech                                      7    5   2   190  153  +37

 TOP 25                                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
13 Northern Moravica University                  7    4   3   127   70  +57
14 Université du Saguenay                        7    4   3   232  176  +56
15 Université St. Croix                          7    4   3   210  182  +28
16 Ceneisis Naval Academy                        7    4   3   166  140  +26
17 Kohnhead City University                      7    4   3   195  175  +20
18 Northwest Ballina College                     7    4   3   197  192   +5
19 Xannerian Polytechnical Institute             7    4   3   183  182   +1
20 Université de la Catherine du Nord            7    4   3   187  192   −5
21 Cavsar University                             7    4   3   170  181  −11
22 Academy of Space                              7    3   4   165  145  +20
23 Terrestrial Acclimation Academy               7    3   4   128  142  −14
24 Surrey Perimeter College                      7    3   4   137  162  −25
25 Ravencroft Academy                            7    3   4   179  209  −30

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

Oh hey, we got to the Top 10. Nice.

NEXT GAME
#10 Squidbreak vs #23 Terrestrial Acclimation Academy

[Ranoria]

Buffalo Come out on Top in Shootout, Richardson Pulls Away Against Erikssonia With Second Strong Offensive Performance

Deondre Rhine has thrown a whopping ten touchdowns (and a worrying three interceptions) in his last two contests

As a preface: Splinter Woodson showed up against the Buffalo. Not really a surprise. At 1-6 now, the quarterback certainly has a chip on his shoulder by this point, and must be looking to at least turn in a strong finish.

His Capitals, now sinking to a paltry 1-6, came out strong, and their offense scored at least once in every quarter thanks to their quarterback, but it didn't end up being nearly enough. Deondre Rhine put on a clinic, going 32/43 with 448 yards and 5 touchdown passes. Of course, being the gunslinger that he is, he wasn't quite perfect. Rhine would toss two interceptions to mar his otherwise strong day passing, interceptions that allowed the Capitals to stay in the game until late in the third quarter.

Cold Hill's defense, meanwhile, has some questions to answer. They allowed 32 points. Rhine gave Akers State strong field position with his pair of interceptions, but they still allowed that team to drive down to score after each turnover. Our pass rush, normally a strong unit, was seemingly hamstrung at some point before this season. Brock Golden, who had 10 sacks flat in his last NSCF campaign, has just a quarter of that number to his name so far this year. Travis Jenner, the team's depth pass rusher, has not earned a sack, and our trio of starting interior linemen have just 5.5 between them. The only player who's been decent this season at generating pressure has been Hughe Brown, with four quarterback takedowns to his name.

What's odd about it is that the Buffalo secondary is relatively strong as compared to the last couple of years. Our starting corners, Katil Jackman and Emil Johnson, aren't shutdown men by any stretch, but they are decent in coverage and solid tacklers, while Agnor Viridian is an emerging star at safety. Speaking of Viridian, he actually grabbed his first NSCF interception against Akers.

Chris Dale may have to come up with a solution at some point, but we doubt it, with Deondre Rhine on the field, although that may not be the case for long.

Thursday night, Ranorian police shut down a party, and discovered recreational drugs galore in the fraternity home. According to the report, there were were "at least seventy" students participating at the time the police arrived. Rumors are swirling that Rhine was involved, and student social media accounts certainly depict him in some photos as being present, while a blurry photograph appears to show him fleeing the scene.

'Diamond' Rhine has a history with drug use dating back to high school, where he missed two seasons due to performance enhancing drug use and getting busted with meth. If he's dipping his toes into that scene again, well, it can only be bad news.

So, we'll change the subject! Good news: Richardson seems to be doing better. With Angelo Rosin at quarterback, they've hit an NSCF season high for points for the second week in a row. Rosin did even better than last week, tossing three touchdowns and 244 yards with just three incompletions. Rosin is certainly making a case to keep the starting job over junior Beacon Murray, who is nowhere near as efficient of a passer as his replacement. Of his twenty one passing attempts, ten of them came on play action, made possible by the team's engine: Kuenda Sello.

One of Kuenda Sello's three catches yesterday ended up being a twenty nine yard touchdown grab

Sello churned out another strong performance, 22 carries and 161 yards, with a touchdown both rushing and receiving. He's turned himself from a pure power runner to a weapon in every facet of the game, and may yet turn out the best rushing season we've ever seen for a Governors back in the NSCF. His former running mate, Vice Jackson III holds two of the top three marks on that front, with 1,348 yards in NSCF XX and 1,301 yards in NSCF XXI. But the record? In NSCF XXVIII, Melvin Strong churned out 1,447 on 340 totes, an average of 26 per game. Sello, for reference, sits at 990 rushing yards this season on 170 carries. So he's a bit behind Strong's pace for carries, at 23.7 per game, but yardage? He's on pace to smash that record with more than eighteen hundred yards, and let's be honest: Last season, when Sello turned in eleven hundred, he had a couple explosions of performances including a two hundred yard outing. We have yet to see one of those from this back, and that will only inflate his production further for an offense that desperately needs it.

Meanwhile, Richardson's top pass catcher, Baraka Hali, certainly seems happy with the arrangement. When questioned about the change in quarterback, he had this to say:

Look, we're winning games, so I'm happy. Getting the ball more is a solid bonus, but it's just that, a bonus. I'm not gonna bash either of those dudes we've got at Q.

Now, the downside? The team let up twenty points to Eirīkssonia, a 1-6 squad that had averaged just over 17 on the season. Our guys still got a few sacks, with Malik Sherman forcing a fumble that would be recovered by Clancy Gluber, but that side of the ball will have to do better. If Eirīkssonia scored 20 on us, I shudder to think what will happen when we run into Baker Park, Sadeg State, and Loyola-Istria in the final three contests of the regular season.

How are those teams doing? Well, it's been a crazy year for everyone else, too, apparently. Loyola-Istria is at an uncharacteristic 5-2, at second in the conference with the Salamantic Universities giving everyone everything they want and more. The team is averaging almost forty points per match, but they're going to have to do a little better, on either side of the ball, to secure an automatic bid.

Sadeg State is 6-1, one game behing Felswyr's Firehawks. They still have a shot at the conference title, but the Firehawks' quarterback, Sarai Gwenderyn, has been on a tear all season, and may be the favorite for Most Outstanding Player at this point.

And now, the Raiders. The Commonwealth's university is looking strong this season, with the best offense in the NSCF and a new, fresh head coach, the Raiders will gash the Governor defense again and again if they play like they did today. After hanging fifty on Catherine du Nord, they're riding high, and who's to say we're the ones to stop them?

---

JT Everhart and Abram Fairbanks, #2 and #1 Recruits in Ranoria, Respectively
Ranoria City, Ranoria
Wisconsin State Quarterfinals

Big JT Everhart took his spot in the second quarter, lined up against the prospective number one overall recruit in Abram Fairbanks. Everhart normally played guard, but today, he was lined up at right tackle to contend with this freak.

"You aren't too big," Everhart rumbled, despite being down 27-20, "I'm gonna take that slot when I run you over."

Fairbanks didn't say anything, and when the ball was snapped, Everhart lost him. Everhart, the best offensive lineman in Ranoria, got caught. His hand darted out, just barely getting a hold of the defensive end's jersey, but no flag was thrown, because it wouldn't matter. The jersey slipped from his fingertips, and his quarterback was crushed under the weight of a two hundred twenty five point lineman.

Fairbanks stood up, not even celebrating, and glaring at Everhart. "First sack you let up this year, big man. You so sure about taking that number one spot?" The two lined up again on the punt, and Everhart growled.

"First time you're gonna be held to just one this season." The two collided again, with Everhart tossing the smaller man, for no real reason, just before the whistle blew.

After the punt, Everhart stalked off the field and flopped into the bench, hanging his head and neglecting to take his helmet off.

"Hey kid, chin up," his coach's voice broke through the clamor, "You'll get another shot at him. You've done incredibly well tonight, and I'm going to give you a chance to go win this thing."

Everhart nodded, eyes narrow and fists clenched, "Yes sir."

* * * * *

And so he would. A chance to tie it up came, and they ran the ball, despite the clock running short every play. And every play, it went right behind Everhart. It was almost comical, as the running back was not much of a factor. Either Fairbanks got off and made a tackle for almost no gain, or Everhart mauled him with pure size and they got a nice pickup. For any true football fans, it was an incredible matchup, one of the best a high school game could produce. Everhart at tackle was mauling Fairbanks more often than not, but the defensive end was at least holding his own despite the massive size differential, and slowing the offense down with a tackle for loss when his speed off the line could beat the mountain of a tackle.

Fairbanks cracked his knuckles before settling into his two point stance, "Checkmate, number two." Everhart fired out with every bit of exertion he could muster, but it wasn't enough. Fairbanks was just faster, clubbing Everhart's hands down with one arm while his other went over the shoulder in a classic swim move. Normally, that was a pass rush move, but here, he employed it as a run stopping technique, one he only pulled out when he had some mammoths lined up against him, but it worked. The opposing running back was hit with a train as Fairbanks launched his shoulder through the ball, knocking the wind out of the runner and forcing the ball to come out.

Fairbanks, as big and strong as he was, was also the fastest player on the field. He sprinted down, and, once he was sure he had enough of a cushion, turned to check the clock.

"Three seconds," he muttered, slowing down to a jog, and then simply standing by the goal line and waiting until the double zeroes made their presence known. "Game over," he said, quiet once again, and held the ball over the line before rushing to meet his teammates. In the commotion, the referees wouldn't remember to take the ball, and he was fine with that.

Everhart, meanwhile, buried his head in his hand, and cursed loud enough for most everyone to hear. He'd had his chance to take the top recruiting slot, a perfect opportunity, but he hadn't been nearly good enough. Each man had made his plays, but in the end, Abram Fairbanks was the one who came out on top.

[Ranoria]

Near Cold Hill University's main campus

“This kid thinks I’m his dad big brother or something, I swear,” Cold Hill’s quarterback tossed another dart, cracking the board with the on-target throw.

“Who, that Aurel kid?”

Rhine nodded, ignoring the buzz of the party around them, “Yeah, Strathos. Don’t get me wrong, kid’s gonna be a great one, but he’s just constantly pestering me. It’s obnoxious.” Rhine put his blunt to his lips and breathed in.

“Bro,” Magnus, Rhine’s high school friend whom he’d recently become reacquainted with, chuckled, “You’re like a god to a high school quarterback. He’s probably worshipping the damn air you breathe, much less drinking in every second of interaction he gets from a dude like you.” Magnus’s dart clattered off the wall to the right of the board, and he cursed.

Deondre shot him a look, “Yeah, and god doesn’t have time to deal with every poor sap who has a prayer.” Not even looking, he tossed his last dart, once again hitting the middle circle, “Rests on the seventh day...or something.”

His friend shrugged, “Whatever man. Look, the boy don’t mean you any harm, and I’m starting to think this,” he snatched Rhine’s weed out of his hand. The larger man protested, but Magnus planted a hand in Deondre’s chest, “isn’t quite doing it for you anymore.”

With that, Magnus pulled a glass bottle out of his coat pocket, “Come on bro, you know you miss the good stuff.”

“Yeah,” Rhine pushed him away playfully, “And I’ll be missing that RFL paycheck one hell of a lot more.”

Magnus grunted as he hit the wall, but shrugged, “Whatever man, you do you.” He uncorked the bottle and began spreading it on the table, “There’s honestly a bit too much for me here, so I’ll have to find someone to share it with.”

Rhine didn’t say anything, crossing his arms and clenching his fists as he gazed at the white powder. Magnus began forming a line with a razor. It was almost professional, how fast he pulled it off, and soon he brought out a straw. His mouth was just opening when they heard the sirens.

Both of them cursed simultaneously, hearing the police order everyone to stay where they were, but the two looked at each other and, once again, matched each other’s thoughts.

“Hell no.”

Magnus was fast, but Rhine was faster, beating his friend to the window and helping the admittedly shorter student out before both of them made a run for it. Rhine noticed someone with a camera out of the corner of his eye and tossed up his hood, knowing damn well he couldn’t slow down.

---

The two closed Magnus’s door and started laughing even while they breathed heavily. “Well, that was too damn close.”

“I’ve gotta stay away from crap like that,” Rhine groaned, “This is my one shot, I can’t screw it up.”

Magnus rolled his eyes, “Right, and make yourself miserable the whole time?”

Deondre looked up, “The hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Look,” Magnus flopped down on his bed, “You keep talking about the League, about how you can’t get caught with crap in your system, but listen to yourself, you need it, and you’re going through hell cutting yourself off. You’ll be miserable as long as you’re playing, because you won’t let yourself slip up.”

“That’s…” The quarterback averted his eyes, clamping his mouth shut.

“Yeah, I know. ” Magnus grabbed a remote, and turned on the television, before glancing over at Rhine, “What the hell do you still have your shoes on for?”

Deondre glanced at him with a raised eyebrow, “I was high as a kite last time I stayed here. Besides, I got walkthroughs tomorrow morning, I should get back so I’m not a zombie in the morning.”

“You’re high as a kite now.” Magnus checked his watch, “And it’s already four in the morning.”

Rhine conceded his point with a nod, “Fair enough.”

[Chromatika]

The Flame of the Firehawk
Part 7: The Goose Egg

Team                          1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q   |  Tot
Felswyr State University       0   3   7   7   |   17
New Paradise University        0   0   0   0   |    0

1Q
No Score

2Q
03:28 FSU FG - Sara McAllister 48 yard Field Goal

3Q
09:28 FSU TD - Amber Li 51 yard fumble return (Sara McAllister Kick)

4Q
12:41 FSU TD - Vi Nia-Kaid 31 yard interception return (Sara McAllister Kick)

Reborn from Ashes, Felswyr, Chromatika

For one minute, in the first quarter of the game between New Paradise University and Felswyr State University, the world seemed to stop. A hush reverberated throughout the stadium, and both teams took a knee.

Sarai Gwenderyn, the Firehawks' star quarterback, had taken the ball out on a designed QB keeper, and been tackled by NPU's linebacker. Then, unbeknownst to them, Ezekiel Lamia ran into Sarai, and she fell to the ground, clutching her head.

After what seemed like an eternity, she was able to get up and get off the field under her own power. However, that was the last of Sarai Gwenderyn for the day.

As a team that operates without any running backs or fullbacks, life gets hard when your starting Quarterback goes down. Isaac Kasterman came in on relief, but he doesn't have the... familiarity like Sarai does, and it showed. He only attempted 31 passes and completed 19 of them for 134 yards, most of them being easy checkdowns. He also added 38 yards on 7 carries, while Carson Mettre had the busiest running day of his career with 15 carries for 34 yards.

Thankfully, they didn't have to do much. The Firehawk defense is no joke, and in this game, they pitched a complete-game shutout, even contributing fourteen points by virtue of a fumble return and an interception return. New Paradise University gained a total of 194 yards, and seemed stymied at every turn.

"It was a monumental effort," admitted Misha Florentine after the match, "And we are so glad that they stepped up. Isaac didn't have to do much. As for Sarai, we will be going through all the concussion protocols, and only be playing her if she passes."

Though Sarai's health will be the biggest talking point, another will be just how good the Firehawk defense is playing, and whether or not they'll be able to stymie the Sadeg State attack.

If Felswyr State is able to pull off this victory, going undefeated through the Conference is more than possible...

[Terre Septentrionale]

OOC: I'm RPing MD 6 vs Terrestrial Acclimation Academy because RPing a 50-16 loss is kinda boring.

Catherine du Nord wins against The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy

Prévost, Catherine du Nord - Following a 36-27 win against The Academy of Space, Catherine du Nord played against another university from the nation called Space. This time against The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy. It seems like Space is trying to invade the Earth and they put an academy on here to acclimate themselves or whatever. Anyway, Catherine du Nord beat them 32-13 on week 6. The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy started off with the ball in the 1st quarter, and, on his first throw, quarterback Mark Brown was intercepted by Charles-Antoine Juneau who returned the ball into the endzone for a pick six. The score was 7-0 after 15 seconds. Catherine du Nord added 3 more points midway in the 1st quarter and took a 10-0 lead. TAA answered back with a touchdown before the end of the quarter when Mark Brown passed to Brendon Morgan in the endzone and the score was 10-7. The Patriotes answered in the 2nd quarter with a 29 yards passing touchdown from Tristan Piquette-De Bordeaux to Marianna Ramírez on a perfectly executed flea flicker play. Catherine du Nord added 3 more points before the end of the 2nd quarter on a 49 yards field goal and it was 20-7 at the halftime.

Catherine du Nord started off with the ball in the 3rd quarter and made a 24 yards field goal on their first drive. The score was 23-7. The Terrans answered back with their 2nd touchdown of the game on their next drive when Paul Mintz ran in the endzone for 5 yards. The two points conversion attempt failed and the score was 23-13 Patriotes. Catherine du Nord had the ball but they were stopped at the 50 yards line and Ryan Sauriol punted the ball at the 2 yards line in TAA territory. Paul Mintz ran for no gain on a 1st and 10. Then, on a 2nd and 10, Mark Brown was sacked in his own endzone by Nikolaj Kokelj and the score was 25-13. Catherine du Nord started their next drive at their own 41 yards line and on the 1st play of their drive, Pascal Di Giacomo find a breach in the Terrans defense and ran all the way to the endzone for a 59 yards rushing touchdown. The score was 32-13 at the end of the 3rd quarter. No one scored in the 4th quarter and the final score was 32-13 for the Patriotes.

Catherine du Nord                10  10  12   0  -  32
Terrestrial Acclimation Academy   7   0   6   0  -  13

BOXSCORE

1ST QUARTER
14:46 - Touchdown by Charles-Antoine Juneau (33 yards interception return). Extra point by Félix Lanthier.
8:13 - Field Goal by Félix Lanthier (36 yards).
4:45 - Touchdown by Brendon Morgan (17 yards pass from Mark Brown). Extra point by Kevin Brundage.

2ND QUARTER
6:34 - Touchdown by Marianna Ramírez (29 yards pass from Tristan Piquette-De Bordeaux). Extra point by Félix Lanthier.
0:11 - Field Goal by Félix Lanthier (49 yards).

3RD QUARTER
9:15 - Field Goal by Félix Lanthier (25 yards).
5:24 - Touchdown by Paul Mintz (5 yards run). Two points conversion attempt failed.
1:28 - Safety by Nikolaj Kokelj (Mark Brown sacked in his own end zone)
1:06 - Touchdown by Pascal Di Giacomo (59 yards run). Extra point by Félix Lanthier.

4TH QUARTER
No score

University of the Commonwealth

With this win against the Terrestrial Acclimation Academy combined with the University of the Commonwealth loss against Castle Hall University, Catherine du Nord is tied in 1st place with the Commonwealth and Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy. Next week will be a very important game on the road at Baker Park against the Warriors. Catherine du Nord is 2-1 against the University of the Commonwealth and on week 7 it will be our 4th game against them. Hugo Prézeau is still quastionnable with a foot injury and will likely miss the game against the Commonwealth. He'll likely be back in the line up on week 8 against Castle Hall.

Bogusław Desgroseilliers,
La tribune Septentrionale

[Kohnhead]

Kohnhead City University the first to drop 60 in route of Northwest Ballina



Many teams have been close this year, we even saw 5 other 50 point performances this week with Cold Hill destroying the other Kalactin school Akers University 55-32. Before we did it this week, Loyola University the powerhouse from Banjia had been the closest in reaching 60 with a 58-17 win against the University of Agin Kaya all the way back in Week 1. However they failed to reach 60, unlike us the Mighty Eagles who here at Chicken King Stadium stormed to a 60-16 annihilation of Northwest Ballina a team that had sat before at 4-2 deep in playoff conversation.

Last time we had met back in week 2 we had traveled to Cartertown where the Mighty Eagles would fall to the Redhawks 33-13 to drop us down to 0-2 having played a difficult beginning schedule. Since that game we are 4-1 having outscored our opponenets 165-88 as our offense exploded on numerous occasions and our defense played lights out.

Also Byron Joseph can throw the football. He's still a run-first quarterback who isn't going to beat you with a 300 yard passing day where he throws dots the entire time. He's a quarterback who loves the option, scrambling, designed QB runs, and short passes. However when all of those things work the defense must adjust to account for this, by now the defense starts out ready for our offense and so Joseph passes it over their heads in a stacked box. He does this enough to open up running lanes for himself and the plethora of good running backs on our roster. This was how our offense did against Northwest Ballina as Joseph threw for a career high 307 passing yards while rushing for 104.

By the start of the 4th quarter we had taken our starters out of a 46-10 ball game after we had run circles around them for three quarters. Defensively our D-line which has been our strength so far managed 7 sacks with Josef Travis getting 1.5 bringing him up to 6.5 in 7 games. Our secondary also played extremely well which is comforting after having been absolutely torched last week by Deondre Rhine and it was great to see us recover from blowing a 17 point lead and allowing 40 unanswered in the Cold Hill game.

Brooke Reese also took his first snaps in a Kohnhead City University uniform and he looked pretty good. I mean a lot of the nerves from your first snaps go away if you're leading by 30 points in the 4th quarter so we saw him mainly hand it off but he did complete a few passes. Reese like Joseph is uber athletic but Reese has more arm talent that Joseph. Despite this he has accuracy questions and doesn't know the offense as well. Considering how well Joseph is playing, Reese might have to wait a little while before he can challenge for the spot but he only is a freshman.

BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                             Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University                               7    6   1   259  149 +110
2 Richardson University                              7    5   2   189  124  +65
3 Kohnhead City University                           7    4   3   195  175  +20
4 The Northwest Ballina College                      7    4   3   197  192   +5
5 Akers University                                   7    1   6   170  241  −71
6 Eirīkssonia University                             7    1   6   123  252 −129

Our next game is on the road where we travel to Gold Coast to take on the very underwhelming Akers University the second of the two Northwest Kalactin schools. Our next two games should be wins as we beat Akers back in week three and they sit at 1-6, and in week nine we host Eirīkssonia University who we smashed 33-6 on the road. Our final match against Richardson University could determine a lot as if we go 2-0 as projected against Akers and Eirīkssonia we would have a similar record to them who have to travel to Cold Hill and Northwest Ballina. We beat Richardson the first time around in an upset, we most likely need to beat them again if we want to finish second.

[Ko-oren]

The Salamantic Professors have done it! They have beaten Northern Moravica twice this season - two ugly, low scoring victories, but that doesn't matter. The purple squad holds on to first place in the Celestia Conference for another week, as unlikely as that is sitting at 5-2, but the conference continues to be an 'anyone can beat anyone' affair. Normalcy might have been restored a little in week seven, with Blue Thunder has beating the dragon slayers of Saint Michael 48-17. Now follows a game versus Loyola that will play a huge part in deciding the conference title race. The winner will go to 6-2 while the loser likely joins the Cougars at 5-3. One good side to that is that the Professors now hold the head to head advantage over one of the Banijan teams at least.

With the success of the Professors, the debate over skill gaps between the top league, the second division, and the development league. Originally, the Professors were seen as a thirteenth development team, effectively, having players of the same age and years of experience as most development team players. However, as the Professors have less effective practice time with players all over the archipelago, development on the Professors should have been noticeably slower than development in the designated league. As we see, however, the Salamantic players face better opposition, with more varied styles, and players that have 'graduated' from the Salamantic team have been very decent on their second division teams.

Kjell Enkwist, the quarterback for the first two seasons, moved to the Aminey Caspians as a starter, but hasn't entirely convinced the doubters. He did lead the team to their highest finish in a while, but many feel the Caspians could have gone much further. Linebacker Ludwig Barnett went to the Aerellen Explosions and their brutal, physical defence, has conquered the role of defensive captain, and even earned a spot on the national team. Apart from these success stories (and we shouldn't forget Bruce Suthmeer as tight end on the Eaglebury Emperors or Arvid Holmgroen on the Noordrug Astronauts either), some other graduates haven't been as successful. Ron Fortuin barely made an impact in the Willowbourne Saints secondary, Max Diekman has been mediocre as a right tackle, never really adjusting to the stunts pulled by Ko-orenite defences. No matter what, past Professors easily earn a spot on top league rosters and haven't really been put on their associated second division teams yet. Maybe the experiment isn't old enough yet, maybe we've only seen the better players opt for professional sports.

Maybe it's just time for a few friendlies to start the season, between the Professors and professional teams at various levels. Is the NSCF team really as good as the best Development League team? Can they match a second division team (which are by and large better than the Development League squads)?

So far, however, all that matters is if they can hold themselves in the NSCF. And so far, that's been a resounding success. Let's see if the good results hold, and if they can make the Championship Game.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Warriors moving towards another conference title
Teresa Bramlage
Daily News Football Writer


University of the Commonwealth took a giant step to securing their fifth consecutive Mineral Conference crown after defeating Universite de Catherine du Nord 50-16 at Gleason Field on a windy night before 43,582 fans.

The players had pointing to this game since a year ago, when the Patriotes snapped the Warrior's 18 game Mineral Conference winning streak. Coach Ryan Benton pointed to the focus of the team on this game as one of the factors that led to defeat in the previous game at Castle Hall.

"That was kind of a trap game for us, coming off a win and looking ahead to this one. Make no mistake, they won on merit, but we should have been paying more attention to the business at hand. As for tonight, the score makes it look like we tried to pour it on, which wasn't the case at all."

UC will now take to the road for two of their final three contests, starting with University of Space, followed by the final home game against Terrestrial Acclimation Academy before traveling to take on Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy.

Through seven weeks, UC is the highest scoring team in NSCF, averaging just a shade under 40 points per game. The spread attack has been the strength of the Warriors through Benton's first season, both in the UAC and now in NSCF. The defense has shown massive improvement during the current Mineral campaign, in spite of giving up 39 & 40 points in back to back games.