World Bowl XLI Everything Thread

by **Banija** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 4:24 pm

The Turning Points- Analyzing the five most important plays that led to Banija's 3-0 road victory in Equestria

Banijan defenders celebrate a turnover against Equestria

CANTERLOT, EQUESTRIAN STATES- Banija flew west, across and past the edge of the Shango-Fogoa Basin, to take on the Equestrian rivals. Just like our last road game, it was an ugly, low-scoring affair. Banija's offense struggled, while both defenses were lighting it up. Fortunately for fans of the Serpent Eagles, we would be on the right side of a 3-0 game this time, as we came out as victors in Canterlot and rose to first place in the group, at a 2-1 record. It's crazy- we have the least points scored in the group, and the fifth fewest points scored in general in this tournament, and yet, we find ourselves in first place. Still plenty of World Bowl remaining.

We're going to talk about this game's turning points. The five most important moments of Banija's game against Equestria.

5. Possession: Banija. 4th & Goal from the Equestrian 2 yard line, 9:53 left in the first quarter, opening drive of the game

So this was on the game's opening drive. This was really our offense's best drive of the game. We moved the ball down the field, and we pounded the rock. Kept the clock moving, went between the tackles, and were really able to control the line of scrimmage against the Equestrians. We had a 1st and goal from the 9, and Sello had a 7 yard run to take us to the 2 yard line. A fade out to Lamin Kah was broken up, while a short yardage carry by Beluchi Okparro was stuffed. Fourth and goal. Thomas Hall wanted to go for it. Be aggressive on the road, even if we were the favorites. Jawara faked the handoff and rolled right. But the Equestrian defensive end busted the player. He ran straight through our right tackle, and got into Jawara's face almost as soon as he started rolling. Jawara had to run backwards, and simply throw the ball through the end zone. That was the best chance at a touchdown for either team- as you can see by the scoreline, neither team punched it in.

4. Possession: Banija. 3rd & 9 from the Equestrian 17 yard line, 1:11 left in the first quarter.

Banija's third possesion. This possesion had been sparked by a big play- a 45 yard gain by Chinweuba Jelan on a reverse after a 3rd and 3. It flipped the field, obviously, and put us in a position to score. When later in the drive, we had a 3rd and 9, Jawara faked the handoff to Sello and threw a wide receiver screen to Lamin Kah. There was plenty of space in front of the star receiver from UC-Baker Park. He made one man miss, and it looked like he had a clear path to the first down. But Equestria's strong safety, the rangy player, came over and made a great tackle, tripping up Kah a yard short. Considering Hall had missed a 4th and short earlier in the quarter, he didn't go for this one, opting for three points. The 26 yard field goal was certainly good, and it would be the only points of the game- giving Banija their 3-0 lead.

3. Possession: Equestria. 3rd & 5 from the Banija 24 yard line, 0:44 left in the 2nd quarter(one timeout remaining for Equestria).

The two minute drill. This was the first drive where Equestria had really gotten it going throughout the ball game, and they were knocking on the door of the redzone, preparing to score. Their quarterback dropped back on this possession, and disaster struck for the home team. We had called a blitz, and had six rushers going to the quarterback. They had sent out five wide receivers, while Boto Hairte, Isaiah Bryce, and Cyrano Kalivas joined our three down linemen in blitzing the quarterback. One more rusher than blocker, and the home quarterback could not make the read quickly enough. Hairte got to the quarterback just as they were winding up to throw the football, and delivered the strip sack. Big hit with an arm swat, and the ball was jostled free. The defensive captain, Isaiah Bryce, landed on the football. A big-time turnover in a scoring situation for the home team, and a major takeaway from the defense to preserve their shutout.

2. Possession: Equestria. 1st & 10 from the Banija 27 yard line, 2:34 left in the 4th quarter(no timeouts remaining for Equestria).

Equestria was not exactly great with their timeout management in the second half. Had to use one on offense early in the third quarter to try an avoid a delay of game. They had to use another early in the fourth quarter, with Banija driving, to avoid a 12 men on the field penalty on a 3rd and 1 for the Banijans(which worked, they stuffed us for a two yard loss on that play). And then they used their last timeout on a fourth down on this very drive. So it was going to be problematic if they didn't score. They had driven it down the field, and got to the Banijan 27. A first and 10, they saw they had single coverage on the outside, Saihou Fadika against their #1 receiver. Their quarterback threw a line drive, and Saihou Fadika was blanketing the receiver. He leaped up to make a two handed interception, in the end zone, right at the front pylon for a touchback. A huge, game saving play, against a regional rival. Banija's small visiting fan section went absolutely crazy. The players got an excessive celebration penalty when Fadika threw his helmet into the air, but it was obviously a massive turnover at a crucial juncture. An emotional moment.

1. Possession: Banija. 3rd & 3 from the Banija 17 yard line, 1:17 left in the 4th quarter(no timeouts remaining for Equestria).

So remember, after the interception, the touchback would have put us at the 20, but we had half the distance to our goal, so we had 1st and 10 from our own 10 yard line. A first down would win the game. A 1 yard carry on first down took us to the two minute warning. A 6 yard carry on second down gave us a 3rd and 3. We took the clock all the way down before calling a timeout, so we had a 3rd & 3 with just 1:17 left. With Equestria having no timeouts, just 3 yards would end the game. And what did we do? Put the ball in the hands of the legend, Isaka Jawara. A read option. He stuck the ball out for Sello out of the shotgun, who would have been stuffed. So he pulled it back and ran.

When the nickel back for Equestria approached him before the first down, the former NSCF Most Outstanding Player made a spin move and then raced about 15 more yards upfield, before sliding down and giving himself up. But that was it- the win for the Serpent Eagles. Jawara pointed forward to celebrate the first down, and then he took a pair of plays in every person's favorite formation- the victory formation.

So there you have it! The key moments, the Turning Points, of Banija's 3-0 win against Equestria. We'll try to improve to 3-1 for the tournament when we host ~~Gamaliel State University of~~ Tumbra in front of our own fans at the Stadium of the Restoration.

by **Karditan** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 4:53 pm

theplainoltruth.krd

WORLD BOWL OLD BOYS CABAL PLANNING TO RIG SCORES OF FUTURE TOURNAMENTS!!!

After we, the gridiron community, finally received what we ALL want out of the World Bowl—two straight tourneys featuring good ol' DEFENSIVE MIGHT, not those sissy INFLATED SCORELINES to feed the egos of those outrageous foreigners—plans are AFOOT to TAKE IT AWAY FROM US. FOREVER! I have it on GOOD AUTHORITY that behind-the-scenes talks in the back rooms of the World Bowl Assembly will institute a ban on the storied "SQIS" hosting stratagem. I don't really know what a "SQIS" is or what the alternative is, but my sources—whom are VERY reliable, I assure you—tell me it's the secret ingredient to the deliciously defense-fueled matches seen in tourneys organized by the likes of our very own Karditan and current hosts Chromatika. It's a blatant powergrab from the likes of DRAWKLAND and BANIJA who so foolishly believe scoring many points is the key to "good gridiron play" and frankly, it's SICKENING. We CANNOT stand for thiS CORRUPTION IN THE GAME THAT WE LOVE!!!

So that's where we need YOU, DEAR READER, to make your VOICE HEARD! Draft up letters, e-mails, and twiis about how these MISCARRIAGES OF JUSTICE cannot be let stand! Flood the inboxes of the WBA headquarters and the Dagan officials currently in charge! Make sure they KNOW in their BONES that this sort of thing WILL NOT STAND, and us TRUE FANS will make SURE of that!!!

by **HUElavia** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 5:52 pm

Late Comeback gives HUElavia another Loss.

Ranoria 17–14 HUElavia

Coming into Matchday 4, HUElavia was needing an important victory to keep pace in Group A for World Bowl XLI. Their opponents were none other than No. 2 Ranoria, who were coming with momentum on their side. To add on, Ranoria was hosting the match in their stadium, so being on the road was notable for Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos, who were with Alternative 7 for the match. Regardless, here's commentary from Arthur Alves de Assunção and Michael Paradis.

Arthur Alves de Assunção: We're here in Ranoria this afternoon, in a sold-out crowd where Ranoria and HUElavia will face off against each other.
Michael Paradis: It's a tough task for HUElavia today, but like any other sport where they're underdogs, they like to give big teams a tough fight. Certainly, Ranoria will have to work for the victory.
AAA: Sanchez kicks the ball off and it's in the back for a touchback.

AAA: Ranoria has been held to two yards so far on the drive, and it's a big 3rd and 8 for them. Garrett sends the ball in motion, gives a pass towards Terrin... And it's batted down by Miyamoto for an incompletion.
MP: Great coverage by the defense, covering everyone and Miyamoto just was at the right place and time to make the stop for a fairly quick, 4 and out.

AAA: Great drive down by HUElavia's offense as they're in the red zone, 1st and goal from the 4 yard line. Gomez sets the ball in motion, gives a pitch to Silva, he's running open! And he's in for the score! Touchdown HUElavia!
MP: Great play by the offense, Silva is a very well used player for the team and that connection from Gomez to Silva is a real classic. Good play all together to take the 7-0 lead, surprising the favorites so far.

AAA: After another solid stop from the HUElavian defense, Ranoria is going to try a long field goal with Chlorid taking the kick. The ball is up and... It's good! 7-3 and the crowd loved the shot.
MP: Solid kick from Chlorid, he did what he was asked and he went for 3 points.

AAA: Here we are with 15 seconds left in the half, HUElavia have used 2 of their timeouts, and they look hungry for more points. Gomez sets the ball in motion, gives it to Perez, who's going to slide past defenders! Nobody will catch him! Touchdown HUElavia!
MP: What a sneaky run up the middle for Perez, Ranoria thought he'd go for a slant to try to get something on the outside, but boy they gave a punch straight into the mouth, and here we are with the score 14-3. This can be something special this afternoon!

AAA: Here we are in the 4th quarter, and HUElavia needs to chew down the clock. Ranoria is looking for a score here, especially after the missed 49-yard field goal earlier in the 3rd. Garrett puts the ball in motion, dumps it to Schmidt... He's going to truck his way through! Nobody can stop him! He's in for the score! Touchdown Ranoria.
MP: What a quick play to get the score, Schmidt was not looking to get stopped and boy did he put his size to the test. That lead is now cut, 14-10 and time is going by quick.

AAA: It's late in the game, HUElavia needs this stop on 4th and goal to win the match. Garrett sends the ball in motion, quick pass to Schmidt! He's in for the score! Touchdown Ranoria.
MP: Quick thinking for Garrett to put the ball to Schmidt, and it's an easy play for them. Such a shame that HUElavia could not hold out, and it's now 17-14.

AAA: Final Play of the game, Gomez will send a Hail Mary deep... And it's picked by Ellis in the endzone! And that's the game.
MP: Tough loss for HUElavia, but they held their ground for the majority of the match. Good game from the team, and they have to continue learning to grow. The fans can be proud of them today.

The next match will be at home in Estadio Acuático, in Bello Mar against Abanhfleft. The Reversal uniform will be used, along with Endzone 2 being painted. Here's to a better match and to grow and learn.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **South Newlandia** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 6:39 pm

South Newlandia lose third straight game in blowout to Brains

In their second away game of the World Bowl, the Elephants travelled to Chicken King Stadium in Kohnhead City, Kohnhead, to face the 1-1 Brains. South Newlandia has played Kohnhead before, in both football and baseball, but their 30th-ranked football team was favoured against the unranked Elephants. With the Knohnheadian offense hot early in the tournament, it would be difficult for South Newlandia to keep pace.

Highlights:

1st KHD with the ball at the KHD 25
The Elephants have won the toss, and Kohnhead will start the first drive of the game. It’s first and ten, Jackson Watford takes the snap and will look to pass it, looking for Maggie Brown from the slot, there’s a first completion of the game. Brown brought down at the 44, a nice start for the Brains.

1st KHD with the ball at the SNL 17
Kohnhead clearly in the driver seat here, good first drive for them while the South Newlandian defense struggles. Watford, looking for the endzone on first and ten, finds Marco Polisson, touchdown! Brains jump on top early.

1st SNL with the ball at the SNL 29
3rd and 6 for the Elephants, big play, Stein takes the snap, play action, looking deep for Olaf Ramsey, overthrown and Chris Molina comes down with it! Interception for Kohnhead and here Molina goes, evading tacklers, still going, finally brought down by Mark Downs at the Elephants’ 22; this game is starting terrible for the Elephants.

1st KHD with the ball at the SNL 5
Kohnhead deep in the redzone again, Watford has it, looking for someone in the endzone, nobody open, the pocket collapses, Watford scrambles to his left and gets in! Touchdown Brains!

1st SNL with the ball at the SNL 45
South Newlandia on 3rd and seven looking to pick up a first down. Stein hands it over to Mark Downs, he tries to get through but is blown up by Phillip Haney after just two yards gain. 4th and five, here comes Cristian Ballard to punt.

1st KHD with the ball at the KHD 34
Kohnhead with first and ten here, looking to get another good drive going. Kaitlan Deacon takes it, looking for a gap, and he gets crushed by Pascal Melendez, and the ball is loose! Both teams try to get there, looks like Melendez was able to recover it himself! That’s a big turnover for the Elephants!

1st SNL with the ball at the KHD 32
The drive stalls again, South Newlandia has 4th and three at the 32 here. Abdul Corbett lines up for a 49-yard field goal; hold is good, kick is up and misses wide right! South Newlandia still trailing 14 to nothing.

1st KHD with the ball at the SNL 44
Kohnhead with the ball around midfield on 2nd and five, Watford drops back, looking, finds Albie Terry, Taylor Suarez can’t stop him, and Terry is gone, walking it into the end zone! Kohnhead with another score!

1st KHD Kickoff
Wanda Parkinson gets ready to kick the ball off, here it goes, Christian Perry with the catch at the 17, looking to his left, has a block, has a lane, done the sideline, only Parkinson to beat, he is gone! The first score for the Elephants today on the return, nice one by Perry!

2nd KHD with the ball at the SNL 15
3rd and three, looking for the conversion, Watford looking, under pressure, Antony Archer got through, and Watford is forced to throw it away. 4th and three, they’ll likely kick the field goal here to go up 24-7.

2nd SNL with the ball at the KHD 40
South Newlandia, down by 17, now finally has a drive on the way, but it’s 3rd and eight, they’ll need to convert this to get into field goal range. Stone takes it, looking for the pass, throws to the left side, it falls incomplete, but there’s a flag!
[…]
Roughing the passer called on Josef Travis for this late, unnecessary hit on Stone, and the drive stays alive!

2nd SNL with the ball at the KHD 19
And now it’s 4th and goal, no chance to do much of anything now, and the Elephants can only inch closer with a field goal. Corbett missed from 49 earlier, now from 32, kick is up and right through! 10-27.

2nd KHD with the ball at the SNL 22
It’s third down for Kohnhead, they are one yard away from a new set of downs. Handoff to Butler, who has some room, gets a block, and evades a tackler, to the ten, the five, and it’s another touchdown for the Brains, making it 33-10.

2nd KHD PAT
Parkinson lines up for the extra point, hold is good, kick is up and hits the upright! Just a bit too far right, it remains 33-10 for the Brains.

2nd SNL with the ball at the SNL 25
Third and ten for the Elephants, Stone tries to complete a pass this time, looking for Valentine, but batted down by the defense. Time for another punt, Ballard is having a busy day so far.

2nd KHD with the ball at the SNL 24
Kohnhead driving it down the field again, its going to be 3rd and two here; Pass-attempt by Watford, looking for Billy James, but the throw doesn’t connect, just a tad late. Now, they’ll be looking to add three to the scoreboard with a 41-yard field goal for Parkinson to make it 36-10.

2nd SNL with the ball at the SNL 48
South Newlandia after the kickoff out of bounds with solid field position, but only one and a half minutes; it’s already second down and ten. Stein takes the snap, looking up the middle for Valentine again, the pass is tipped up by the defense right into the hands of Lyla Barrera! Another interception for Stein, clearly another bad day for him. At least he got on the board today. The Brains will take a knee to end the half, and we’ll be back right away.

by **Kohnhead** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 8:47 pm

Kohnhead hangs a 50 pointer on South Newlandia

The offense exploded scoring 50 more points than against Ko-oren

Note: This article is the second half of a collaboration with South Newlandian contributors, see their article for the highlights of the first half.

Maybe we were too quick to critisize Jackson Watford who clearly despite not talking to the media was all work over the bye playing his best game ever in the World Bowl and leading us to a dominant 53-27 victory that for the first time this World Bowl unlocked the offense. The lack of confidence anyone had in him quickly disappeared as he tossed two scores many more yards and ran for another score the first time he's done that this tournament.

The Brains absolutely dominated the first half of the game against the Elephants with both sides of the ball working brilliantly and showing the Elephants who the better team was. Our run game was dominant with Deacon, Butler, and a bit of Whitworth all playing well and obviously Watford had found receivers open across the field giving Albie Terry his first career touchdown catch. The defense had stifled the Newlandia offense holding them to ten points although seven of those came from a kickoff return that evidenced the only part of the team not playing well. Parkinson had missed a field goal and an extra point, and we had given up that massive kick return for the touchdown.

Regradless of the woes of the special teams, Kohnhead walked back out onto the field following halftime up 30-10 and were not done just yet as evidenced by the final score of 53-27. While in the first half we had mainly relied on the pass with the run still playing a part just more in the backseat it was clear that up 30-10 we felt no need to push it and ran it a lot mainly with Butler and Whitworth as Deacon was on a pitch count following her injury and up by 20 we didn't really need her.

Watford would throw just three times on the drive and would complete two of those passes including a big one on third and seven at their 47 going 27 yards to tight end Billy James who hadn't done too much this game or for that matter this tournament. In the end following a couple of Butler runs and one by Whitworth on second down and goal it would be Herman Whitworth to score his first ever World Bowl touchdown on a two yard rush just really following Plumbing into the endzone as she mowed a path for him.

Down 37-10, the Elephants were pretty much out of the game however to their credit they fought as hard as they could to the final whistle despite the Kohnhead City crowd as hyped up as possible in Kohnhead's largest blowout ever. Stein now forced to throw a lot more than one would want wouldn't play too bad on this drive with the Kohnheadian defense not playing as aggressive as normal with the large lead. Stein would lead the Elephants into the red zone and to the 12 yard line. However on third down and eight, Brittany Yater would get home with the sack and force them into a 36 yard field goal to make it 37-13.

On the next drive we would go back to the running a lot to waste clock strategy which had worked. We wouldn't get too many chunk plays with this method but despite South Newlandia really knowing what was coming our offensive line still gave Whitworth and Butler space to work with and allowed them to pick up yards. Ultimately however the drive would stall out and on 4th and 1 from midfield, a spot we would almost go for it under normal circumstances we brought out Welsh to punt. Susan Welsh gets limited time normally although she was quite active against Ko-oren as we were punting on almost every drive. Welsh would pin them at their three with a very good punt showing that even special teams was making up for their poor play in the first half.

There was nothing Stein could do against a charging Fox Middleton who got his first career sack for a safety on second down to make it 39-13 Kohnhead and meaning that we would get the ball back because it was a safety. Up by 29 points with the third quarter having come to a close during the ensuing drive the starters came out and while Watford wouldn't leave on this drive all he did was hand the ball off to Whitworth and Hartley with Butler being pulled. Watford's stats would have and could have looked a lot better if we had needed him to pass more but we and he had played so well that it was unecessary.

It would be Hartley on a 17 yard sweep who got into the end zone with a nice juke on Alan Stubbs on his way there. We were up 46-13 and any starter who hadn't been pulled earlier was brought out of the game for good. Due to this Stein decently easily navigated his way into Kohnhead territory on the next South Newlandian drive and on 3rd and 8 they opted with a surprise run with Diego Holland going around some defenders and taking it all the way for a 32 yard touchdown run to make it a 46-20 game in the middle of the 4th quarter, definitely not a real game anymore.

On the next drive Kohnheadians were treated to a glimpse of Byron Joseph who didn't attempt a pass but dazzled with his feet on their drive. It looked like the Kohnhead City offense with Whitworth standing next to Joseph in the backfield and both of them dominating in ways not seen normally across Kohnhead. Joseph's longest run would be for 12 yards where we truly saw him use his speed and moves to get by a defender and on 1st and goal he took the snap on ran the option and just as they had done some many times last year and will do so many more times this year got into the endzone with Joseph having kept it for his first ever World Bowl touchdown. While up 53-20 you shouldn't be celebrating and so he was able to enjoy it less than normal Joseph apparently came back onto the field later to do a full on celebration not wanting to show poor sportmanship.

They managed to score again right after the two minute warning with Stein finally getting a touchdown pass for his efforts with Kiefer Miller getting the catch in the back of the end zone. It would be a 53-27 game and that would be the final score with a YOLO onside kick amounting to nothing for the visitors allowing Joseph to kneel out the game.

Kohnhead had thoroughly dominated and after everything that had been said about Watford and his lack of development this is a major major victory. Watford was willing to speak to the media and apologized for his actions over the bye week in regards to media day saying he didn't want any extra drama really wanting to focus on the game against South Newlandia. Whatever we did this week we will need to use against Saint Kanye who just knocked off 4th ranked Ko-oren 19-10 to give us a three way tie atop of the group standings.

Group E                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Saint Kanye                                       3    2   1    38   19  +19
2 Ko-oren                                           3    2   1    30   22   +8
3 Kohnhead                                          3    2   1    86   57  +29
4 The Dessicated States                             3    1   2    33   43  −10
5 South Newlandia                                   4    1   3    36   82  −46

Saint Kanye beat us both times last year including in a 31-27 heartbreaker midway through the campaign which was pretty much a dagger to our progression hopes as Watford threw a late interception on the goaline to seal the deal. This time maybe it will be different as it looks like our offense could be figuring things out and hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

Injury Report
DT Ellenor Firth D - Head
QB Bella Hollis Q - Arm
WR Dillan Mccarthy - Q Hamstring
WR Kenneth Bradson - DTD Unconfirmed
TE Benny Devlin - O Leg
LB Orion Conway - Q Knee

For the injury report we do have some good news with Firth the only starter on their and after being ruled out for the game with South Newlandia due to a concussion she has been upgraded for this week. While we probably won't have her back for the match against Saint Kanye her return will probably be against TDS where she will be an upgrade over Brush who has been starting in her place. Hollis tweaked her arm in practice and even if she can't go, we probably won't need her as she has moved to third on the depth chart with Joseph overtaking her. Tom Crouch is the emergency quarterback if worst comes to worst although hopefully that won't be necessary.

Mccarthy has suited up for every game although is still dealing with hamstring issues forcing him to be consistently limited in practice. However he should be back up to full strength quite soon. Bradson is dealing with an unconfirmed injury in addition to his extra rest days and he has been ruled day to day. It's a worrying sign for the oft injured wide receiver but hopefully that's all it is and it doesn't get any worse. Benny Devlin has been ruled out the next month with a leg injury suffered in the closing stages of the game against South Newlandia, you do really hate to see it for the rookie. Orion Conway did not play against South Newlandia and will not practice this week however is on track to play against Saint Kanye atlhough if he does his already minimal playing time will be decreased due to the injury.

The biggest news is that starting running back Kaitlan Deacon who has looked really good is no longer on the injury report and the extra half of rest she received against South Newlandia puts her on track to play fully against Saint Kanye, and we will definitely need her.

by **Tumbra** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 10:13 pm

Gamaliel State Campus
World Bowl MD4

The mood was light, the air jovial as the team walked back into their dressing room after their first win in the World Bowl qualifying tournament. It seemed that nothing could stop them, especially not the eighth-ranked Banijans whom they would play in the next match. As the team started celebrating, Brown tried to catch the team's attention. There were various mutterings about the match, especially regarding the newfound amount of supporters. Seems that report in the Campus Daily about the team's participation in the World Bowl had done them wonders, and interest had grown. It was regional, however, but no doubt it would grow as long as the results kept flowing in.

"Ahem," he let out a not too subtle cough.

"Ey, Coach's speakin'," shouted Dan Waters, who was the first to notice. "He's gonna give us the runaround now for only winning by five points instead of twenty."

The team laughed, before they settled down, most of them drying themselves off from the humid air. The hero of the match undoubtedly had been reserve kicker Michael Jones, who had come on for the only field goal to secure the win - securing it from 45 yards out. But it had been a good match for the regular starters as well, with several touchdowns all across the match - one in each quarter, with one even getting converted for two points.

"Alright. I'm proud of us for all we've done. Our defence had it tough today - I saw some very promising signs out there, but the Appalachian attack was just immense. After all, before this match, they were the only ones to go 2-0. Yes, they won against Banija. So for holding them to just twenty-four, I am proud."

"The offence, you guys were on fire. Four touchdowns! And one conversion, not to mention our last minute hero Mikey, who came through with that 45 yard field goal. Take a bow, Mikey, take a bow."

Michael's face went bright red as his two team-mates around him tried to get him to bow. Eventually, he stood up for a quick one, and the entire team applauded for him.

"Alright. Looking forward, we've got one more match in this first half of qualifying, before we begin the second half of qualifying. We'll be on the road against Banija. Our defense has to be tip-top for this, since they've somehow gone two matches with a scoreline of 0-3. Yeah, I'm not sure how they do that either."

"I'll keep this short. See you guys tomorrow for post-match therapy, then we'll get underway again for training - primarily offensive, because their defenses are tough as nuts to crack. But we'll be focusing on defence as well, to keep the match as low-scoring as possible. You got me?"

Muted sounds of "Yeah, Coach," and "Aright" filled the room.

"I said, did you hear me?"

"YES, COACH!" the team shouted in unison.

"WHAT ARE WE?"

"G---S---U!"

by **Chromatika** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 11:34 pm

The Iron Legion in World Bowl XLI
Part 2: Introducing the Chromatik Collegiate Gridiron Conference

CHROMIA - Though Chromatika handled HUElavia with relative ease on the road - Kenner Jones has really rebounded adding two more touchdowns to his total, including a 74 yard bomb to Alessandra Mio - all attention was with Chromia, the Capital City, today as the Chromatik Collegiate Gridiron Conference was officially announced by the Chromatik Football Federation.

Until gridiron football becomes a bit bigger, it's under the purview of the Chromatik Football Federation. There is a Vice President of Gridiron Operations, however, and Mrs. Sandy Greer of Pùr was very excited to announce the formation of the Chromatik Collegiate Gridiron Conference. The six-team conference of some of the major colleges in Chromatika will play in the same time of period as the NSCF, happening on the night before the NSCF. After the ten games in conference, there will be a Championship game between the top two teams in the Conference for the CCGC title.

There is talk about a game between the CCGC champion and Felswyr State after the season, but that hasn't been cemented yet. The hope of the CCGC is that it'll help the growth of Gridiron talent in the nation, especially those players that feel like FSU isn't the best fit for them.

The six colleges in the Chromatik Collegiate Gridiron Conference will be the Chromia Central College University Comets, the Deprí Lanar University Warriors, the Deprí Sanar University Spartans, the Staramara Technical University Lava, University of Myana Vipers, and the Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology Hellcats.

Heading the group of colleges will be the Chromia Central College University Comets. The Comets are anxious to prove that their dominance in Chromatik Collegiate sports encompasses more than just football, being the three-time defending champions of the Chromatik Collegiate Football Association. The squad will employ a shotgun formation, possession-based attack on offense, led by one of the top recruits from last season, QB Todd Kreston. Kreston, who didn't get any bids from other NSCF schools, will have the likes of WR Mark Lett and fellow freshman TE Marquis de Francine in the attack. Francine was someone that everyone was surprised to not see make a run at FSU given his soft hands, but he wanted to go to CCCU due to the fact that his father is a professor at the University. On the defensive side of the ball, coordinator Hillary Giles runs a blitz-heavy package to overcome her weaker secondary, with Freshmen Edith Parrow and Wade Jordan expected to crash from the edge on every down with help from Sophomore OLB Cassandra Edge. CCCU is expected to be one of the contenders to win the entire competition.

One of the biggest developments in the CCGC was the inclusion of both Deprí Lanar University and Deprí Sanar University, continuing the Deprí rivalry to another sport and instituting a "Rivalry Week" of sorts. DLU and DSU will face each other on the fifth and tenth matchdays of the season, with CCCU being paired up with ZIoT and UoM being paired up with STC (due to both schools being housed in the Islands of Chromatika). Deprí Lanar University will be trying to wash the flavor of defeat caused by the recent seasons of the CCFA. Led by a disciplinarian in Clara Venice, the Warriors will employ a dual back set under center, with both Dart Wedigo and Teodoro Smart being directly behind Senior QB Dario Clementine, who will have the luxury of handing it off to either back or dropping back to throw. Passing from Clementine should be mostly via play-action, as the best receiver of DLU may be their Tight End, Ju-Man Kim. On the other side of the ball, the Cornerback tandem of Dillon Benitez and Twila Sruggs will be asked to be stalwart corners on an island as the Warriors try to load the box to stop the short pass and the run. Special Teams Coordinator Julianne McCloskey is known in the scene to be a trick play master; don't be surprised if P Xenia Gunter tries some throws. The Warriors' prospects this season aren't the greatest, but they're hoping for at least a .500 record.

The Warriors' rivals, the Spartans, have a bit more success when it comes to collegiate sports success. Deprí Sanar University has won the CCFA once and finished second twice, and will be hoping to bring that kind of pedigree to gridiron. Offensive Coordinator Brett Dailey is someone that FSU OC Naia Curentino calls on a weekly basis, and that is apparent in the offense that the Spartans run - the spread. Sophomore QB Sammie Flynn has a great touch when throwing the football and is ambidextrous, meaning you can never tell which hand he'll throw the ball with. A receiving core led by Sherley Evers - rumored to already be signed onto the Lynx next season - and Nikole Perryman will mean that Flynn has plenty of targets. On the other side of the ball, the Spartans run a 4-2-5 formation with a nickel back that is allowed to roam all over the field. This year, the honor of that position will fall to Ambrose Zuniga, a Sophomore with a doglike nose for the ball. As he goes, the DSU defense will go. Notably, Kicker Earnestine Castellanos has a rocket of a leg, so don't be surprised if there are lots of long field goals. The Spartans will likely have lots of entertaining games, but it remains to be seen how well they'll do.

The only school to be involved in the CCGC that isn't in the CCFA, Staramara Technical University is located on Urrhed Island near the dead center. Staramara is a Gridiron hub in Chromatika, and it's fitting that the Lava would be here. STU will field perhaps the least FSU-like offense in the sport, putting a jumbo set with only one WR, two TE's, an RB and a HB. QB Sheilah Pantoja's job will be to hand off to workhorse back Adell Moreau most of the time, with his passing attempts most likely to come on third-and-longs and play-action. Thankfully, FB Lashon Upshaw is a beast of a blocker, and STU also has some good blocking tight ends. Defensive Coordinator Candy Vogel is a sour, shrewd woman who employs a Cover 2. SS Ying Taggart sets the tone by hitting like an anvil, and MLB Jere Rinaldi is someone who could try to transfer with a monster season. With such a conservative offense and a solid defense, a good punter is a must - and in Timothy Cleveland, the Lava definitely have one. With a booming leg and a decent ability for coffin corners, Cleveland defines the Lava's playstyle. STU is likely a season or two away from actively contending for the title, but don't count them out.

When the University of Myana was announced to be one of the colleges to participate in the CCGC, most people were surprised. Myana Island is more known as a place where football is prominent, with the presence of the Islanders and all. However, Head Coach Destiny McWhorter and her staff are hell bent on proving that they belong on the field, too. The Vipers will employ a very balanced attack from the shotgun, relying on Freshman shotcaller Nobuko Matos, whose mother, Anamah Omuga, is from Moravica. He grew up watching NMU games, and playing in college is a dream come true. Otherwise, UoM is noteworthy due to the presence of an all-female offensive line, the only college to employ that. Sure, they may not be the biggest, but they are pretty athletic, and when it comes to players like Shella Faison (the Junior Left Tackle and leader), they are very proficient. On defense, the Vipers have a really good secondary but lack proficiency at the Nose Tackle and Inside Linebacker positions. Players like SS Hwa Cano and CB Chu Rucker are noteworthy, but will that hold up if the opposition can run straight up the middle on every down? They'll have to make sure that run support is something that they work on. The Vipers are projected to be one of the weaker teams in the CCGC, for at least this initial season.

Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology, or ZIoT (Zyote) for short, is a household name in Chromatik collegiate sports, having won two CCFA titles and finished second once. The Hellcats scored big in the last recruiting season, landing the services of both RB Frederick Lance and MLB Ned Mustus, which will make them the favorite this season for sure. ZIoT runs a run/pass option focused offense, with dual-threat Quarterback Theresia Goldman at the helm, the aforementioned Lance behind her. In Senior TE Melisa Espion, Goldman will have a reliable target, while Sophomore WR Tory O'Bryan is a speeding deep threat. On the other side of the ball, Mustus might have to do a lot of the work as the Hellcat secondary is a work in progress. Defensive Coordinator Mozell Hedges has one rock in Sophomore CB Roy Nelms, but SS Alphonse Rosenbaum has a tendency to over pursue plays, leading to mismatches down the field. The Hellcats may have to score more than 30 points per game to win, but thankfully they have one of the better kickers in the CCGC in Nydia Leon.

The predicted order of finish is:
Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology
Chromia Central College University
Deprí Lanar University
University of Myana
Staramara Technical University
Deprí Sanar University

A gap is expected between Chromia Central and Deprí Lanar, with the bottom four schools being relatively similar in power level. It'll be exciting, nonetheless.

Meanwhile, the Iron Legion have the dubious task of hosting Ranoria, while hoping for an upset from HUElavia over Abanhfleft. The prospects are not likely... Can a miracle occur?

by **Chromatika** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 11:51 pm

It's time to see where things stand at the halfway point! MD5 Cutoff!

Matchday 5

Group A Bye: Silvedania
HUElavia 17–7 Abanhfleft
Chromatika 16–41 Ranoria

Group A                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Ranoria                                           4    4   0   121   53  +68
2 Abanhfleft                                        4    2   2    68   45  +23
3 Chromatika                                        4    2   2    77   61  +16
4 HUElavia                                          4    2   2    60   48  +12
5 Silvedania                                        4    0   4    26  145 −119

Abanhfleft, Chromatika, and HUElavia are all 1-1 against each other, leading to Points Differential being the tiebreaker.

Group B Bye: Appalachian Nation
Banija 23–0 Tumbra
Squidroidia 13–3 Equestria

Group B                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Banija                                            4    3   1    46    9  +37
2 Squidroidia                                       4    3   1    67   44  +23
3 Appalachian Nation                                4    2   2    57   55   +2
4 Equestria                                         4    1   3    30   50  −20
5 Tumbra                                            4    1   3    54   96  −42

Banija ahead of Squidroidia due to H2H.
Equestria ahead of Tumbra due to H2H.

Group C Bye: Hebitaka
Geektopia 30–10 Allamunnic States
Augusticinia 10–20 Anthor

Group C                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Geektopia                                         4    3   1   107   27  +80
2 Anthor                                            4    3   1    50   37  +13
3 Allamunnic States                                 4    3   1    39   40   −1
4 Hebitaka                                          4    1   3    31   69  −38
5 Augusticinia                                      4    0   4    17   71  −54

Geektopia, Anthor, and Allamunnic States are 1-1 against each other, leading to Points Differential being the tiebreaker.

Group D Bye: Xanneria
BohemiaIV 10–25 Sarzonia
Cassadaigua 44–0 Kriegiersien

Group D                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cassadaigua                                       4    4   0   140   44  +96
2 Sarzonia                                          4    3   1    80   70  +10
3 Xanneria                                          4    2   2    79   54  +25
4 Kriegiersien                                      4    1   3    50   89  −39
5 BohemiaIV                                         4    0   4    33  125  −92

Group E Bye: South Newlandia
Saint Kanye 40–27 Kohnhead
The Desiccated States 0–7 Ko-oren

Group E                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Saint Kanye                                       4    3   1    78   46  +32
2 Ko-oren                                           4    3   1    37   22  +15
3 Kohnhead                                          4    2   2   113   97  +16
4 The Desiccated States                             4    1   3    33   50  −17
5 South Newlandia                                   4    1   3    36   82  −46

Saint Kanye ahead of Ko-oren due to H2H
The Desiccated States ahead of South Newlandia due to H2H

Group F Bye: TJUN-ia
Greater Vakolicci Haven 17–0 United Volcano Isles
Saint-Domingues 13–24 Drawkland

Group F                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 TJUN-ia                                           4    4   0    92   34  +58
2 Greater Vakolicci Haven                           4    3   1    55   23  +32
3 Drawkland                                         4    2   2    66   45  +21
4 United Volcano Isles                              4    1   3    38   87  −49
5 Saint-Domingues                                   4    0   4    37   99  −62

Group G Bye: Smosh games
Karditan 3–10 The Transmodian Commonwealth of New England
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 34–0 Saltstead

Group G                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 The Transmodian Commonwealth of New England       4    4   0    72   31  +41
2 Karditan                                          4    3   1    44   23  +21
3 Royal Kingdom of Quebec                           4    2   2    84   29  +55
4 Smosh games                                       4    1   3    12   72  −60
5 Saltstead                                         4    0   4     9   66  −57

Group H Bye: Sword Island
Northwest Kalactin 7–20 Delaclava
Mapletish 0–3 Newmanistan

Group H                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Newmanistan                                       4    4   0    62   33  +29
2 Delaclava                                         4    3   1    87   57  +30
3 Northwest Kalactin                                4    2   2    72   51  +21
4 Mapletish                                         4    1   3    26   52  −26
5 Sword Island                                      4    0   4    18   72  −54

by **Saint Kanye** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 5:50 am

After a thriller of a win on the road against the Ko-oren Dragonflies, the St. Kanye Surge returned home to Pencurve Electronics Field to take on the Kohnhead Brains, whom they have beaten twice in the previous edition of the World Bowl. The first encounter between the two teams ended in a 40-10 blowout; the second, a much closer 31-27 result. The Brains fought valiantly in their latest encounter, even mounting a comeback in the second half. Third time looked to be the charm. But the Surge would do just enough to stop them, and take the win, 40-27. (Interestingly, this was a combination of St. Kanye's score in their first meeting, and Kohnhead's score in the second.)

1Q STK Safety, Dawson tackled Watford in end zone STK 2-0
The Surge's offense came back to life in this game, as they would score more than they did in their previous three games combined. However, it was their defense who would give them their first two points, as right end Matt Dawson sacked quarterback Jackson Watford after the Brains offense was pinned down at their own three-yard line.

1Q STK Moore 21 pass from Linetti (Rasputin kick) STK 9-0
A few sequences later, cornerback Aidan O'Connor intercepted a pass by Watford and returned the ball to Kohnhead's 21. Just one play later, Watford's Kanyean counterpart R.J. Linetti connected with wideout Patrick Moore to make the score 9-nil in favor of the home team.

1Q KND field goal 26 Parkinson STK 9-3
Wanda Parkinson got the visitors on the board late in the quarter. The Kohnheadian kicker's first attempt sailed right, but after a penalty, she would get the chance to retry it (and succeed).

2Q STK Linetti 36 run (Rasputin kick) STK 16-3
St. Kanye was facing third and long when Linetti dropped back to pass. Finding all his receivers covered, he decided to just get the first down using his legs. However, he didn't stop there. He saw a clear path and kept on running until he reached the endzone.

2Q KND James 13 pass from Watford (Parkinson kick) STK 16-10
Kohnhead cut the deficit to six with their first TD of the day, a short toss from Watford to tight end Billy James.

2Q STK Varley 45 fumble return (Rasputin kick) STK 23-10
Watford had just moved the chains on the Brains' drive when he decided to run on their next first down, as if to show that Linetti isn't the only scrambling quarterback in town. But instead of getting a huge gain, he would get sacked for the second time by Dawson, and cough the ball at that. It was Surge linebacker Justin Varley who would snatch it up and run, putting his team back up by thirteen.

2Q STK field goal Rasputin 57 STK 26-10
James Rasputin strengthened his campaign for "Kicker of the Tournament" by nailing a long distance field goal just before halftime.

3Q KND Watford 11 run (Parkinson kick) STK 26-17
After fumbling in the second quarter, Watford finally got his chance to score a rushing touchdown during the third.

3Q KND field goal Parkinson 34 STK 26-20
Parkinson sank another FG, adding to the one during the opening quarter that gave Kohnhead their first points of the game. The lead is cut back down to one possession.

3Q KND Polisson 30 pass from Watford (Parkinson kick) KND 27-26
An amazing one-handed catch by WR Marco Polisson tied the score, while the resulting extra point put Kohnhead in the driver seat for the first time in this match. It also meant seventeen unanswered points for the visitors.

3Q STK Johns 92 kick return (Rasputin kick) STK 33-27
However, that lead was short-lived. After Polisson's TD, the Brains kicked off, only for Taylor Johns to take it to the house.

4Q STK Cole 62 run (Rasputin kick) STK 40-27
Neither team would score for much of the fourth quarter. That is, until the 2:08 mark, when Linetti handed the ball to running back Randall Cole, who zipped past everyone else to seal the deal for the home team.

"This is great. This is how we should be, scoring at will, not struggling to do so like we did early in this tournament," said Linetti after the game. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown (for a rating of 107.29), and ran for 87 yards with a rushing touchdown. "I still feel like we shouldn't have let them [Brains] come back in the third quarter, though. Point being, both the offense and defense need to step up for the second half of the group stages, and preferably beyond. Oh, and the special teams too, even though James [Rasputin] has been nothing but great."

The win kept St. Kanye in the Group E lead at 3-1. Ko-oren have the same record, but they lose on head to head because their one loss is to the Surge. Kohnhead drop to 2-2, followed by a pair of 1-3 teams. The Desiccated States have the tiebreaker on the South Newlandia Elephants, also on head to head. There will be a tournament-wide break, after which the Surge will be hoping to avenge the only blemish on their record as they battle the Elephants for a second time.

Other groups also deserve some love, so let's take a look:

- The Ranoria Krauts also dropped a forty bomb, blasting the Chromatika Iron Legion 41-16. The Krauts remain spotless at 4-0 while the hosts drop to 2-2.
- The Banija SerpentEagles (3-1) also did the same as the Yeezies. No forty bomb, but they made it three straight wins after an opening day loss, sending Tumbra tumbling down to 1-3 with a score of 23-nil.
- Yet another forty bomb, as our defending champs the Cassadaigua Fillies obliterate Kriegiersien 44-nil. The 4-0 Fillies have the most potent offense of anyone in the tournament, with 144 points scored (that's 36 a game). Kriegiersien drop to 1-3.
- Not quite a forty bomb, but a shutout nonetheless. Quebec (2-2) win over Saltstead (0-4), 34-nil.
- And for those who prefer low-scoring affairs, there's the 3-nil win by the Newmanistan Rockets (4-0) over Mapletish (1-3).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MD | Opponent               | Rank | Uniform       | Score   | Record | Place |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1  | @South Newlandia       | UR   | White/White   | L 6-9   | 0-1    | 3rd   |
| 2  | BYE                    |      |               |         |        | 5th   |
| 3  | The Desiccated States  | UR   | Purple/Purple | W 13-0  | 1-1    | 2nd   |
| 4  | @Ko-oren               | 4    | White/Purple  | W 19-10 | 2-1    | 1st   |
| 5  | Kohnhead               | 30   | Purple/Black  | W 40-27 | 3-1    | 1st   |
|    | BREAK                  |      |               |         |        |       |
| 6  | South Newlandia        | UR   | Purple/Black  |         |        |       |
| 7  | BYE                    |      |               |         |        |       |
| 8  | @The Desiccated States | UR   | White/White   |         |        |       |
| 9  | Ko-oren                | 4    | Purple/Purple |         |        |       |
| 10 | @Kohnhead              | 30   | White/Purple  |         |        |       |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

by **The Desiccated States** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 7:06 am

Group E – MD5

      1   2   3   4   F
KOR   0   0   0   7   7
TDS   0   0   0   0   0
BOX                                                        KOR  TDS
  4 Alastair Thorebourne 1 yard rush (Abner Bennett kick)   7    0

Captain’s Log, Stardate 20210301.1345

I have little good news to report and in truth have been troubled by recent events that have cast an ill light on my decision to remain here and engage with the primitives. Their ritual is, to be frank, not the moral booster I had hoped for: it is a dreary affair, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Lt. Chiasson’s attempts to explain its intricacies to me are grateful received but sadly little understood. I cannot comprehend what enjoyment the primitives derive from a game featuring so little decisive action, and some of the children attending our second home game grew listless and board.

Lt. Chiasson has discovered a word in the primitive canon, “karela”. She is unable to translate its meaning directly, but says that the most recent group of primitives to play us, Ko-oren, engage in a very “karelan” style and this may have accounted for the relatively boring game. Lt. Chiasson has taken to the primitive way of life, adopting many of their mannerisms and expressions. She described the latest game as “slani”, but refused to translate further.

Injuries also appear to be a major component of the game, to the horror of the Chief Medical Officer. Dr. U-Mod-79c and Commander Xian have clashed fiercely on this issue: the CMO believes the game is too dangerous and, after our honored guest Ms Dreralt’s unfortunate injury that saw her suffer an intragranular crack to her arm, again requested I remove all non-essential personnel from the roster. Commander Xian by contrast seems to have enjoyed playing the game (his true emotions remain as inscrutable to me as ever) and defended the players’ right to participate. It culminated in a lengthy exchange of them telling each other to bite each other’s shiny metal asses.

The most serious casualties have been Lt. Hendra and Lt. Cdr. Muskkukki. Lt. Hendra suffered a broken leg during a clash in the Ko-oren game; Dr. U-Mod-79c skilfully treated ħis injuries but fears ħis other five legs may need further surgical treatment given the fine motor-control linked to balance issues essential to Insector-Desiccants. Lt. Cdr. Muskkukki’s injury is much less severe, only a broken spine, fractured skull, and 7 minutes of clinical brain death, so he only needed a quick HealBot infusion and then a day of light duties to recover, but seeing the security chief being carried off was an unsettling sight for the children in attendance.

In search of more positive tidings, I am happy to report that Mr Rudd and Ms Greystark, two of the players I was most concerned about, have been among the brightest prospects for the team. Mr Rudd claimed yet another ‘interception’ against Ko-oren, Ms Greystark had yet another large ‘punt return’ called back because of blocking penalties by other players. Both seem to relish being out in the fresh air of Hangar Bay 1, playing on the purple grass. (Dr. Thormodsson’s experiments continue in search of refinement.)

Ensign Mornwulf has done a valiant job of trying to hold the team together, even if his own play has not always been of the highest caliber. Against Ko-oren he played poorly, it must be admitted, not helped by Lt. Cdr. Muskkukki’s absence. My friend Sundew has done her part but keeps missing kicks, which is very disappointing to her personally and to the rest of the team. I am considering turning over her duties to Specialist Nakamura and having her leave the team, for fear her immense weight of emotional sorrow will drag down the rest of the team.

Repairs continue apace but the search for unobtainium remains stubbornly barren. We will persevere, both in our quest to repair the Hyper-Drive and return to our galaxy – and to score some ****ing points.

Computer, end log.

by **TJUN-ia** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:34 am

After a Field Goal from resident-hero Chi On-Ma beat the Grid Corps at the Field of Dreams, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia were in one of the best positions they've ever been in the history of the program. 3-0 with 1 game left before the break and with a bye on MD5, MD4 would be the true end to their first-half no matter what happened. But before we could sit back and take in everything we have done so far, we still had a game to play - on the road at the United Volcano Islands, formerly known as "La'ahana" or something like that, a team who, at 1-1, weren't the worst team in this group...but they were certainly close.

This would be proven in this contest tonight as the Jags in Black produced their best points of the campaign so far. The gameplan for the Isles in this contest, led by head coach Haumakapu'u Kanoa, was to never punt the ball. Like, at all. This meant that no matter the situation, QB Kapua'ula Kamehaha would go for it on 4th down - which would be beneficial in developing the scoreline that was produced tonight. All you really need to know about this contest is when we scored the TDs - All 6 of them and the sole safety - so here is the breakdown for ya!

Q1
TJU TD - 21 yards (Griffin to J. Davidson) - Chi Conversion - 7-0

Q2
TJU TD - 2 yards (Griffin run) - Chi Conversion - 14-0
TJU TD - 43 yards (Johnson INT off Kamehaha) - Chi Conversion - 21-0
TJU Safety - 23-0

Q3
TJU TD - 14 yards (Griffin to Valois) - Chi Conversion - 30-0

Q4
TJU TD - 4 yards (Ghoulson run) - Chi Conversion - 37-0
TJU TD - 34 yards (Nakamura INT off Kamehaha) - Chi Conversion - 44-0

That summed up this contest and that sent us into the bye and off week at 4-0 and looking like one of the teams to beat right now across the groups. Both Greater Vakolicci Haven and Drawkland would win their MD5 contests, but the big story was on MD4 as GVH upset the Grid Corps 7-6 in the Metro Arena. Thus, it is GVH in 2nd and not Drawk - certainly a surprise to many in the sport. Therefore, somehow, our meeting on MD6 with GVH will be 2nd vs 1st in this group and a big-time game indeed. Hold onto your lucky charms, folks, because this road to the Playoffs ain't over just yet. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group F)
MD1: vs Greater Vakolicci Haven (24) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington W 10-7 (2nd)
MD2: @Saint-Domingues (UR) W 13-3 (1st)
MD3: vs Drawkland (6) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington W 25-24 (1st)
MD4: @United Volcano Islands (UR) W 44-0 (1st)
MD5: BYE (1st/4-0/+58PD)
--------------------------BREAK--------------------------
MD6: @Greater Vakolicci Haven (24)
MD7: vs Saint-Domingues (UR) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD8: @Drawkland (6) - Metro Arena, Metropolon
MD9: vs United Volcano Islands (UR) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD10: BYE

by **Sarzonia** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 10:53 am

For the first time in the entire first half of World Bowl XLI qualifying, the Sarzonian national gridball team finally got a chance to breathe.

They earned a workmanlike 25-10 victory over unranked BohemiaIV in front of 69,699 fans at Joe Gibbs Stadium in Woodstock, seeing their team in second place in Group D, one match behind world No. 1 Cassadaigua.

The Stars defence was what shined for Les Steckhall's Sarzonia team. It limited BohemiaIV to one touchdown that scored in garbage time as reserve defenders got playing time. With the Stars leading 23-3, Steckhall decided to go for a two-point conversion to give his offence a chance to try on a new play as Sam Rosen lined up wide with running back Ty'Relle Clinton taking the direct snap. He threw a wobbly pass that Rosen somehow secured before hitting the turf to make the score 25-3.

"I'm not a quarterback and I haven't been one since Pop Warner," Clinton said with a mock groan. He immediately smiled and patted the reporter on the shoulder after answering, making it clear to other reporters that he was joking about being offended by the question. "It was a play Coach Steck wanted to run and we might keep in our back pocket for the future."

Rosen completed 21-for-27 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 11 times for 58 yards and showed an elusiveness in the pocket he said came from a conversation with Clinton.

"Ty'Relle worked with me on my footwork in the pocket," Rosen said. "He noticed some things that made me less mobile in the pocket and outside the pocket, and I tried to put those things to good use."

Steckhall inserted punter Evelyn Sutter at quarterback late in the fourth quarter, giving Rosen a breather after he caught the two-point conversion. She worked one series, handing off to Clinton twice before she fired an incomplete pass intended for tight end Edison Burkett.

"I wanted to see her get some experience in the unlikely event we need her under center," Steckhall said.

The Stars (3-1) will face southern neighbours and multi-sport rivals Delaclava at Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock with an overflow capacity crowd of over 120,000 in attendance. Rosen said he was looking forward to the energy of the larger stadium pulsing with excitement from both Sarzonians and Delaclavs. Joe Gibbs Stadium has a capacity of 75,900.

"It's going to be fun," he said.

by **Ranoria** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 11:45 am

Iron Legion vs. Krauts Final Score:
Chromatika Picked Apart at the Halfway Mark in 41-16 Blowout

John Garrett on the sideline during the fourth quarter of his four touchdown performance

Chromatika had a great opening drive to open up this pivotal matchup, but it was all downhill after that. A few key penalties certainly didn't help, with Alessandra Mio certainly growing frustrated at the bracket coverage she was facing all game long between Darnell Sleight at corner and guys like linebacker Johnson Ellis and safety Kenny Leinden coming to help out on almost every snap. But even when the Iron Legion managed to draw it closer at the end of the second quarter, the Krauts responded with three touchdowns to open the third, tossing any hope Chromatika had for a comeback out the window.

Chromatika got the ball to kick things off (haha, puns). Quarterback Kenner Jones hit a few easy underneath routes while Kimberly Fowler sliced and diced her way through a burly Ranoria front seven. Curiously, he hadn't looked Alessandra Mio's way even after three completions, which the announcers didn't fail to point out. She was in being covered solely by Darnell Sleight, and the team was only just able to stay on schedule offensively even after picking up four first downs.

After the game, head coach Raul Nieler didn't seem to upset about what happened next. "We know Mio's a world beater, but Darnell's one hell of a corner, he showed that with a couple dominant stretches last World Bowl. We figured he might get beat eventually, but we figured it'd be you know, her being six foot five." Nieler would pause to rub his temples, "Nope, that was all route running."

You might be wondering what we're referring to. Well, after an Angelo Gordon sack set up third and 9, Mio was once again lined up with Darnell Sleight. Anticipating a quick curl or out to pick up the first down, our top corner bit and bit hard on Mio's quick double move, and after that there was nothing but green grass ahead. Kenner Jones found her deep downfield on a pass that she had to slow down to grab, but none of the Kraut secondary was fast enough to even threaten a tackle, and Mio would waltz untouched into the end zone.

For our part, there had to be an answer. In Chromia, letting things get out of hand would have been a death sentence. Fortunately, Vice Jackson III was well aware of the best way to silence a home crowd: run the ball. We started the drive backed up in our own territory, but Jackson managed a fourteen yard gain on the first play, and then QB John Garrett found Johnny Farmer for a 47-yard pass on a play action immedietely following it. Three plays later and the Krauts were at the goal line. With their larger line, Jackson was able to plow forward and break through the line of scrimmage still standing to tie the match up midway through the first.

Chromatika's next offensive drive didn't go so well. Julius Volt and Kevin Gerhart totally collapsed the middle of the line from their defensive tackle spots on the first snap, and linebacker Ross Monarch folded runner Kimberly Fowler on the next snap. With the next play being an obvious pass, it was Angelo Gordon's turn to tee off, and he brought down Kenner Jones for his second sack of the quarter.

Ranoria would resort to ground and pound over the next to drives, which would bleed late into the second, with a pair of field goals to show for it and separate themselves just a bit at 13-7. It was clear that the much larger Kraut offensive line, and Vice Jackson III's own bulk, were beginning to take their toll on the opposition, but Mi-Hyeon Park managed to stop the Ranorian runner on third down on both drives to force the chip-shot field goals.

With the game just starting to slip, the Iron Legion didn't panic, mounting a quick drive of their own that was highlighted by a thirty yard reception from, you guessed it, Alessandra Mio. While it stalled out shortly after, McAllister nailed the three pointer from 49 yards out to stop the bleeding.

For the Krauts's part, Jill Lia never bit on the next play action attempt, and came screaming off the edge for a strip sack of John Garrett that would lead to another long field goal for the Iron Legion's kicker to end the half tied up.

That would be the end of this game's being competitive, however. Ranoria came out of the half in a heavy set, with Johnny Farmer, Vasily Schmidt, and Joey Giordano all on the line of scrimmage, and Chromatika's squad looked sold out to stop the run. The first snap managed just four yards, and both teams lined up in almost the exact same fashion once again. Only this time, Garrett sold the fake, hard. Johnny Farmer sold his blocking assignment hard, and caught the coming ball in stride. A pair of broken tackles for the 260 pound tight end later, and he was spiking the ball in the end zone to make it 20-13, nearly matching Alessandra Mio's own big play in terms of raw yardage.

After that, it appeared to be a total collapse. Kenner Jones looked a statue in the pocket before he was hit as he threw, the ball falling into the waiting arms of undersized corner Donnie Mandarin. Donnie wasn't able to make much of a return, but the Krauts took advantage of the sudden change situation and immedietely went to the end zone, Calvin Hale reeling in the touchdown grab this time. Just like that, in just over two minutes, the game had gone from tied to one with a score of 27-13.

Jones managed to get something going on the next drive as pressure really began to pick up, and was forced to take checkdown after checkdown. He did manage to steadily pick up yards, however, and it was enough for the team to notch its final score of the day from 40 yards out, McAllister certainly can't be held accountable for this one after going 4/4 on kicks.

But it wouldn't matter. The Krauts had all the momentum by now and had taken the crowd out of the game earlier in the quarter. Vice Jackson would take ten carries on the following drive for fifty yards. Once he got gassed out, Elijah Sampson subbed in to finish it with a twenty five yard touchdown on a screen pass.

When the Iron Legion took the ensuing kickoff, things were practically over, with the Krauts doing well to milk the clock by that point, and their problems only compounded when Zach Skinner broke through the protection to knock the ball out of Kenner Jones's hands just after he had managed to get the team into the red zone. Once again, a heavy dose of Vice Jackson III bled the clock, and once again, John Garrett ended the drive with a touchdown pass, this one from nine yards out on third and three, Mario Terrin notching his first score of the campaign.

Though he only had one touchdown, Jackson III bounced back from a shoddy performance against HUElavia to roll through the Iron Legion

Chromatika would get just one more drive, with Kenner Jones taking another sack to mark six for the Krauts on the night before he would throw a second interception. We can't blame him for that one. Not only was he under constant duress all day, but he was at a point in the game where he had to take a shot, and this time it was Darnell Sleight who came up with the turnover to put this one on ice. Vice Jackson III would pick up a pair of first downs on four carries to run down the clock, and the Ranorian sideline erupted in celebration.

And you know what, they're allowed to. Yes, it ended up being a blowout, yes there were some crucial miscues that could have swung the game a bit, but it's not every day a team can say they managed to bring down the vaunted Iron Legion at home.

With a bye coming up, our staunch head coach Raul Nieler still never blinked at his press conference following the game.

Great execution from our guys, but we have to be better game planning next time around. It was the coaching staff's decision to put Darnell on an island against Mio, and that led to an easy touchdown. We also struggled calling plays in and around the red zone. That's why John had so many touchdown passes, he was able to cover for our screw ups down there. Which is great, but that's two aspects of our gameplan that we had to go back on. We'll do some self scouting this week and see what we can dig up.

Well, he doesn't seem quite as optimistic as we do. But you all know how we're going to end things after such an impressive performance from our squad!

Go Krauts!

Player Stats; Through MD4:

by **Ko-oren** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 2:20 pm

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by **HUElavia** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 3:35 pm

HUElavia Upsets Abanhfleft for Historic Victory!

HUElavia 17–7 Abanhfleft
(Estadio Acuático, Bello Mar)

Coming into Matchday 5, HUElavia was facing a daunting task of taking on No. 11 Abanhfleft. This was daunting due to the close call against No. 2 Ranoria, where the team imploded in a 17-14 defeat. Coming back home to HUElavia, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos were playing at a sold out Estadio Acuático in Bello Mar, in the eastern home opener for the team, debuting in the Reversal Uniform, all while the Endzone 2 Scheme was being used. Without further ado, here's highlight commetary by Arthur Alves de Assunção and Michael Paradis.

Arthur Alves de Assunção: Welcome everyone to Bello Mar, where Estadio Acuático is sold to the brim and the fans are very excited for this one.
Michael Paradis: I'm excited as well and if HUElavia plays like they did against Ranoria, they really can make some noise.
AAA: Sanchez kicks the ball off and Elgin runs it out... And he's taken down at the 23 yard line.

AAA: It's a 3rd and 3 from the 28 yard line, Soderlund sets the ball in motion. Looks for a receiver... Throws it down... And it's caught by Morel! Touchdown Abanhfleft!
MP: Solid blocking from the offensive line, Soderlund had plenty of time to make the pass, saw a wide open Morel, and easy throw.
AAA: With the extra point taken by Bass, it's now 7-0.
MP: And boy, this crowd is silenced, and it's only halfway into the 1st quarter.

AAA: Big 3rd and 5 from the 33 for HUElavia with 1:05 left on the clock. They're in range for Sanchez, but a 1st down or more would be great right now for the team. Gomez sets the ball in motion, passes it to Moreno... And he's taken down by Manaham, just a yard short.
MP: Nice try by HUElavia, it looked like they could get something through, but fall short for the 1st.
AAA: Sanchez will take the kick... And it's and easy kick, he's made it 7-3.
MP: Easy shot for Sanchez, no worries for him, and at least the team has gotten a score to their name right now.

AAA: We're half way into the 3rd, 1st and 10 for HUElavia on the 27 yard line. Gomez sets the ball in motion. He's moving around... Sees a man open... Throws it deep... And... It's caught by Gallegos! It's a foot race to the endzone! Nobody will catch him! Touchdown HUElavia!
MP: Great play by the offense to gain some time, and Gallegos just sped through the secondary to get deep, Gomez sends the ball through, and it's an easy catch for the receiver. 10-7, and this crowd is loving it!

AAA: Big 3rd down and 7 for Abanhfleft. They need to gain these yards to get to field goal range. Soderlund sets the ball in motion... And he's sacked by Smirnov! Look out! The ball's loose! Picked up by Perez! And it's first down for HUElavia at the 48 of Abanhfleft!
MP: Wow, what a great pressure from the defense of HUElavia, Smirnov just made it through with ease, took out the ball, and Perez managed to get to the ball in time.

AAA: It's early in the 4th quarter, 1st and 10 for HUElavia from the 41 yard line. Gomez sets the ball in motion, gives it off to Silva... He's sliding past defenders! He's down to the 40! The 30! The 20! The 10! Touchdown HUElavia! And the crowd goes wild, you can feel the rumble in the stadium!
MP: What a run by Silva, just slanted to the left, nobody could reach him, despite efforts from Clemente and Stollings, and he just ran it to the house. 59 yards and Sanchez's extra point makes it 17-7.

AAA: It's late in the game, Abanhfleft need to make a push and get a score, along with an onside kick if they want to get something out of this. Soderlund sets the ball in motion. Looks for a receiver out deep. Big throw... And it's intercepted by Lao! What a diving catch! The crowd goes crazy for the turnover!
MP: What a play from the defense, they held their ground, covered players as needed and Lao came in clutch to cover over Warne to get the interception.

AAA: And with that knee down, the crowd roars and jumps in joy, as Gomez puts the game away, what a historical victory for HUElavia.
MP: This is one of the best games ever done by HUElavia, the crowd loved this match, great atmosphere and great performance overall from the team. These are the games you live for and learn from.

Next game will be at home vs Silvedania at Estádio Costeiro, in HUEsilia. The Alternative 12 Uniform will be worn, with the Endzone 3 being painted onto the field for the match. Fans will be flocking for what can be a big game for the team.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Delaclava** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:56 pm

DSGN.com Gridiron

Wright replaces injured Goff, leads to Phoenixes win
Delaclava shuts down Northwest Kalactin, moves into shotgun position

The first quarter had just expired, Northwest Kalactin led 7-0 at home in a crucial group stage game, and Trent Goff was now being carted off the field with a knee injury. The Phoenixes desperately needed a hero. He had to be strong, he had to be fast, he had to be fresh for the fight...and it was Taurus Wright, the Catherina Crushers dual-threat quarterback who wasn't expected to align with Shaun Selwyn's Goff-centered pass-heavy attack, who was larger than life, and swept Delaclava off their feet and to a 20-7 victory, lifting the Phoenixes to second place in Group H at the halfway point.

"Taurus was awesome today," running back Dexter George said. "We hate having Trent get hurt, but once you get past that, the next man up has got to step in. With the competition, it was a kind of elimination game, so what he did was clutch." What Wright did was throw for 165 passing yards and run for 75 more, including a 38-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that put the Phoenixes decisively ahead. George contributed 83 of his own rushing yards, including an 8-yard touchdown run that opened the Delaclav scoring in the second quarter.

The offensive was again aided by a sterling performance from the defense, who did not allow a point after Jack Nelson's 31-yard touchdown pass to Devin Reece 2:43 into the game. Nelson has been hailed as "one of the smartest quarterbacks to ever play the game, but was simply too dumbfounded to solve the puzzle of the blitz-heavy Phoenixes. Nelson forced mistake after mistake, and the secondary routinely had the better reads over the likes of Reece and Jordan Williams. Nelson threw five interceptions - gifting one each to Dave Dobren, Tate Parker, Tasunka Coleman, Ben Dorman, and Dee Penns - and never seemed to settle in front of his home faithful. "Composure, that's the name of the game," George added. "Taurus had it, he's got the experience, the pressure of generating offense and making good decisions, Jackie didn't. There are levels to this."

For what it's worth, it was the Bosmond Bears' Goff who seemed lacking for composure at the start, throwing an interception of his own after getting crossed up with Crushers tight end Robbie Hahn, and fumbling on the second drive before the team punted away. But thanks to the yardage of punter Oliver Kurzmann and Northwest Kalactin's careless deep-ball execution, Goff and the Phoenixes started with excellent field position, at their own 43, as the first quarter wound down. But Peter Angeh and TJ Taylor managed to both break through the offensive line, and as Goff tried to escape Taylor, his right leg got rolled up under the diving Angeh." "It was really an 'oh shit' moment," wide receiver Kevin Alés described. "You're in the start of a tough game, trying to adjust on the fly and find a way to win, all of a sudden you throw that wrench? We haven't had the best poise at times, and honestly? That could've been bad, as recently as a few weeks ago."

It was a surprise to see coach Gorka Bielsa opt for Wright instead of Michael Willis, the Manchester Pirates quarterback who plays much in the same vein as Goff. But pundits have long been clamoring that the offensive lineup, with several of Wright's Crushers teammates in the mix, would be far more comfortable with the fourth-year signal caller out of Lansing State. Willis was also listed as "questionable" on the injury report with an elbow injury, so it was not surprising that Bielsa turned to Wright as Goff went down. But when Wright entered to start the second quarter, he had no offensive coordinator and no QB coach by his side - Selwyn and Thomas Goff had both gone to the hospital to be with Trent. Asked about that development, Wright said, "I get coach Goff leaving, it's his son, you know? And coach Selwyn... well, it's whatever. Those of us on the field, we figure out how to get it done no matter what."

Indeed they did, as George was high-stepping into the endzone one minute and 38 seconds later; Wright immediately hooked up for a series of slants and screens with his teammates, tight end Hahn and running back Mark Mayfield, before getting flushed out on a third down and picking up 12 yards of his own. The Kalactanian defense adjusted somewhat to Wright's style and forced him to remain in the pocket longer, but the yardage gained was enough to put Kieran Conley well in his strike zone for the 10-7 lead. In the second half, with Selwyn and Goff absent, Bielsa largely left Wright to his own devices, and Wright drew up many of his Crushers option plays with George and Mayfield. The variety was simply too much for the opposing defense to handle, and with a little over four minutes remaining in the third quarter, the pass rushers bit on George, allowing Wright to cut back into the middle and sprint through the defense for the 38-yard score. Nursing a 10-point lead, and as his counterpart Nelson failed to find his range on the long shots, Wright continued to work with George and Mayfield to wind down the fourth quarter, earning an insurance field goal to reach the final line of 20-7.

With the win, Delaclava improves to 3-1, sitting in the second qualifying spot ahead of Northwest Kalactin (2-2) but behind Newmanistan. "We're in an awesome spot," Alés said. "The media were hyping up this very matchup for who'd get to Chromatika, and we went into their house and just took it. And we almost did that to the Rockets too. We'll see how they like us with our crowd next time, but even without that, we can take care of business and we're home free." Certainly questions remain about the offensive personnel - Trent Goff's long-term health, and the team dynamic between his Bears coaches - Bielsa, Selwyn, Thomas Goff - and the rest of the players, who have anonymously expressed their frustration at their favoritism - but in this kind of qualification round, playing from ahead is far preferable to playing from behind.

Before Delaclava resumes World Bowl action in Mapletish, they're headed not far from Northwest Kalactin, and not far from home either; to Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock, Sarzonia for an exhibition against the Stars. Bielsa is confident that forgoing a longer break in favor of more game experience is the right move: "We're still coming together, only just now hitting our best fitness. We lost our top quarterback today and our offense has to adapt. We have to keep making progress and that means staying active and getting more reps." Bielsa also pointed to the matchup itself as a key factor in the game's utility, referencing the teams' latest meeting, where the Phoenixes demolished the Stars 67-13 in Catherina in the middle of World Bowl 39. "We completely embarrassed them the last time out. The Stars will be looking for blood, and even though a lot of these guys are new, they're going to have to answer to it. Facing that kind of ferocity and hunger, and responding in kind, will be a valuable test for us... I know that last game was a learning experience for them, and their team has completely turned around since. Maybe it's our turn to learn something from this matchup."

Brian Mathis, the quarterback who led the Delaclav offense to its best ever performance, is gone, and the team will be struggling to replace Goff, and the decidedly Goff-centric game plan. Bielsa has yet to commit to the traditional pocket-passer Willis or the more hybrid game of Wright - but George, a common denominator between the two teams, still likes the matchup. "Whatever plan we come up with, we have a lot of offensive options they'll be hard pressed to stop. They're in good form right now, so it'd be a nice feather in our cap before the group starts again - or we'll have some things to fix. Either way, it's a great opportunity."

Scoring Summary

Delaclava               0 - 10 - 7 - 3 -- 20
Northwest Kalactin	7 -  0 - 0 - 0 --  7

1st Quarter
NWK - Jack Nelson 31 yard pass to Devin Reece (Jason Sanders kick), 12:17.
2nd Quarter
DEL - Dexter George 8 yard run (Kieran Conley kick), 13:22.
DEL - Kieran Conley 40 yard FG, 5:08.
3rd Quarter
DEL - Taurus Wright 38 yard run (Conley kick), 4:10.
4th Quarter
DEL - Conley 22 yard FG, 6:39.

by **Newmanistan** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 6:48 am

THE ROCKET REPORT

NEW ACCUSER STEPS UP

By Taylor Larson,

Two more games are in the books with the Rockets playing Bryce Miller at starting outside linebacker despite massive disapproval from Newmanistanian fans. The game against Northwest Kalactin, played in Loudon, gave a glimpse of what the fans are feeling about this team. Bryce Miller was booed, even when he sacked Jack Nelson in the first quarter. It was an interesting scene as Miller did his usual pose following a quarterback sack as other members of the defense congratulated him. Congratulating is an overstatement, as Miller got some high fives and friendly taps on the helmet, but not what you would expect to see. Miller was booed, booed by the fans that are supposed to be cheering him on. He didn’t seem to care, and remarked on social media after that he is used to hearing that from fans in Loudon so it didn’t seem any different to him. Head coach Bryan Moore was also booed. Interesting, we thought Marvin Dineen should be fired for his boring play calling, and the new coach is being booed in just his second home game. We all know why Moore is playing Miller. Miller is part of his team in Putnam Lake.

Not everyone on the Rockets congratulated Miller or showed interest in Bryce being a part of the team. Richard Clayborne, who notably refused a high five from him in the Sword Island game following an interception, did not seem to acknowledge him at a personal level. This seemed to be extending to other members of the team, including wideout Stephon Sutton, who openly posted on social media that he felt that Miller’s presence on the team was a distraction now. Sutton’s reward for this was to be benched for the road snoozefest in Mapletish that the Rockets won, 3-0. Also benched was starting right tackle Javon Foster, simply for “liking” Sutton’s post. Who wasn’t benched for the Mapletish game? You got it! Bryce Miller.

Jessica Schaefer, his ex-girlfriend that was allegedly (and I hate attaching that word to it, but I am obligated too) beaten by Miller in a Putnam Lake hotel thanked fans for support, but also says another group of fans have been giving her death threats. Regardless, a protest is scheduled to happen in Pocono City today, near the Palace, to speak out against domestic violence, with a focal point on Miller’s actions and questioning why he is still able to play World Bowl football. This group is demanding the resignation of head coach Bryan Moore for his refusal to punish Miller in any way. Stephon Sutton, who plays for the Pocono City Capitals, announced that he will be on hand and attend the protest as the team has an extended period off with the mid-period off week and then the matchday six bye. Sutton posted that, “I want to do the right thing. I don’t care if I get kicked off the team because of it. You’re damn right if you believe the clubhouse is divided right now, but I am a person first and a football player second.” Some critics of Sutton point out that he plays for Pocono City, which is coached by Marvin Dineen, the former World Bowl coach who was fired after World Bowl 40.

If all this was not enough, early this morning, 19-year old Hannah Ramsey, a sophomore and cheerleader at Southport University, posted on social media that, “I attended an autograph signing in September with some of my friends, and we got a lot of autographs. But I remember Bryce Miller, I wanted to get a picture of me and him so we did and while we were standing there, he placed his hand on my buttocks and firmly grabbed it. I was stunned. I didn’t know what to do. I just wanted the picture so I awkwardly stood there. When it was done, I started walking away and he said, “Guess not then.” I mean, I didn’t really process all of it at that time. I talked to my friends about it and they just kinda laughed about it at first. It wasn’t until a couple days after when we were looking at the pictures and you could see the weird facial expression I was making that I remembered why I had made it. That’s when I started talking to my friends more seriously about it. That’s when I realized how uncomfortable I was but we thought it was too late to do anything even if we knew what to do in the first place. In hearing what happened to Jessica Schaefer, I have had recollections of that day and I just wanted to say and share my story too. I don’t think he is a good person.”

Ramsey’s post went viral very quickly and it is possible that she will attend the protest in Pocono City, but the more likely alternative would be that a separate protest occurs in Southport, as Ramsey posted that it costs a lot of money to fly from Southport to Pocono City for a college student. Miller has not addressed this complaint yet, and coach Bryan Moore simply said that, “sure they will all come out of the woodwork now.” Moore said that he would like to start Stephon Sutton again after the bye but will have to wait and see, as for Miller, he continues to say that he will play, and he hopes that the rest of the team realizes how valuable he is to the team.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:08 am

DISCLAIMER: Gaelic Gamers is an independent sports blogging website created by four cousins with a common liking and passion for sports of all kinds and is in no way or form affiliated with or organized by any official news organization in the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft. All statements and opinions posted here are our own and not anyone else's.

Gaelic Gamers
Presents...

Gabbing on Gridiron
with Dara Keane

WORLD BOWL XLI RECAP: MATCHDAY FIVE

HUElavia        3  0  7  7  17
Abanhfleft      7  0  0  0  7

Well, now. Where the fuck did that one come from? No, but seriously. Where the fuck did this defeat come from? Not gonna say that I didn't expect it, but I probably indeed did not expect it. Why are Abanhfleft so good at lulling their fans into a false sense of security before letting everything collapse before our very eyes?

Now, seriously seriously, there were warning signs that something like this was about to come. The loss to Ranoria notwithstanding, Wes Soderlund was already nursing a bum shoulder starting from just our first game. He underwent surgery right after the FNLAF offseason so he would have time to recover before the start of the World Bowl, but looks like whatever they did there, it's not healed up well enough. And now after the end of the game the staff confirmed that he's going to be out for at least the rest of the group stage and maybe longer, dependent on if we actually get out of this group. Which I don't actually rate us doing.

Man, I don't envy poor Glenn Poore at all. I know that being the backup quarterback for a national team is basically saying that you're the second-best quarterback in the country, at least in the eyes of whoever picked the team, but even then. You're asking the starting quarterback of the Port Thimpodopoulos Constructors, one of the most inconsistent teams in the FNLAF, to start putting in not only a good shift but also do it consistently against the best the rest of the world has to offer. Like I said, I would hate to be in his position.

But back to the subject of Wes Soderlund. You can actually see the degradation of his right shoulder all throughout the game against HUElavia, but I doubt that's something I would recommend to anyone. At the start things were still going fine, with Soderlund finding Palmer Morel from 28 yards away. You almost couldn't tell Wes has just come from shoulder surgery. But then things started to unravel, and that moment was when Wes started throwing incomplete passes. Starting from the second quarter, whenever Abanhfleft had the ball, Wes would rotate his shoulder just before lining up for the snap. And it would only get worse. Getting sacked by a certain Evren Smirnov most probably did not help matters at all, especially when the #79 of HUElavia right in that right tricep area.

Really, they should have brought Glenn Poore on after that. But Wes wasn't having it, said that he was going to play through the pain. And he still kept throwing the ball despite that. You would think a quarterback with a bum arm would start leaning more towards running plays, but then again, we were at a slight disadvantage. We needed to turn a 10-7 game around and there was only one more quarter left to play. Also, that home crowd was loud as fuck. Not bashing them in any way, I'm just saying that it would have been tough for any player to even hear a cadence in that place. I would be surprised if anyone walked away from that place without hearing problems. Well, long story short, Abanhfleft couldn't get anywhere close to even field goal range, and then HUElavia delivered the killing blow. Oh, and there was a game-ending interception, but you don't need to know more about that, do you?

So that's the end of the sad, sad tale of Matchday Five, and the start of Glenn Poore's baptism of fire in a competition that used to be preceded by the Baptism of Iron. Christ above, that was a long, long time ago. My age is starting to show since I actually still remember what the fucking Baptism of Iron is. But despite our literal rollercoaster form in the groups, we are somehow still in second place thanks to plain old points differential because we're 1-1 against the other teams in our group not named Ranoria and Silvedania. What a weird world we're living in. Ah, the joys of being an Abanhfleft fan. Agata Kosaryova, Agata Kosaryova, Agata Kosaryova....

by **Squidroidia** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 1:51 pm

This is an excerpt taken from an episode of "Gridiron Plights", Squidroidia's main gridiron football podcast.

"And welcome back to Gridiron Plights at the halfway stage of the World Bowl season! Soda's right next to me, and my name is Pops. It has been a long time since we broadcasted from our little microphone storage center here in an Inkopolis apartment, but here we are. 3 games have been played for the Flyers since the Gamaliel Stat-"

"It's Tumbra, Pops!"

"Right, the Tumbra opener, and we will play them in Inkopolis City Stadium this upcoming Sunday. As for the games, we had a good win against Appalachian Nation, 13-3 at the home opener for the Squidroidia Flyers. These were the guys who beat Banija in overtime in the first game, so expectations were high for the Mountaineers."

"I have to agree with you, and even though Appy Nation didn't capitalize on it, it was a good game for Squidroidia, a QB sneak at the line for Miyamoto and a field goal for the Inkling De Laurentis. The Mountaineers were playing hard, hard defense and we were lucky just to get a TD in, Pops."

"That's how they won against Banija in the first place! You can't JUST waltz in and face the runner-up from XL and come out with an elusive win! Their defense is the hardest I have ever seen in the World Bowl!"

"Well, Banija were PISSED at that loss to Appy Nation and decided to take their Week 2 break to prepare for, well, us. One long Sunday at Busukuma, a 20-6 win for the Serpent Eagles."

"Pops, I was there in Busukuma to watch the game, oh boy oh boy. It was LOUD out there! The Banijans were on their best and it showed in their defensive line. It was a rough night for the Flyers, but Pops? Tops to them!"

"And yet again De Laurentis got some field goals for himself, but that was mainly due to the offense not being, well, suited for the Serpent Eagles. Hopefully they'll take that to Week 8 in Inkopolis, with likely a Playoffs berth on the line."

"That meant WE had a break of our own before Equestria, Pops."

"You got that right, Soda! It was ANOTHER 13-3 slugfest against the Ponies at Inkopolis. Could you believe it? The same scoreline has been repeated twice for us this tournament and we haven't reached the Playoffs! How DEFENSIVE is this Squidroidia team anyway?"

"A far cry from World Bowl XL, I have to say. We have the best offense in our group but even then it pales in comparison to the likes of Ranoria, Kohnhead and the defending champions Cassadaigua, who had fantastic offenses so far! Kohnhead's was due to the South Newlandian Fitty Bomb, aka the SNFB, but the defenses in this group have us... Scratching our heads, Pops."

"Well at least the Golden Bowl's in good hands, Soda. Very good hands."

by **Banija** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 3:08 pm

Head Coach Thomas Hall walked up to the podium for his press availability for the day. The break was over, the second half of the World Bowl group stage was about to begin. The Serpent Eagles, after a bad 3-0 overtime road loss to start the tournament, were now getting in form, having won three in a row to reach a 3-1 record, and a tie for first place atop the group. To come out of the mid-group stage break, the Banijans would face the team they lost to in Week 1, the Appalachian Nation.

All-Banija Sports Magazine: "Coach, the second half of the double round robin is approaching. How do we approach this game against the Appalachian Nation to get a different result this time?"

Thomas Hall: "You know, a lot of people talk about weather, but I don't see that as an excuse. It was wet, rainy, and muddy, yes, but it was that for their offense as well. And they managed to make just barely enough plays to score and beat us in overtime. We simply need to make a change in approach for this contest. The weather will be a little bit better in Busukuma, of course. But we are going to open it up.

In Charleston, we tried to ground & pound- that's the name of the game. In fact, that is our game. We're good at running the football. But we couldn't do so there. The rain didn't help, but their defensive line, primarily, beat ours at the point of attack almost every single time. I don't even want to look at the offensive stats for that game- because they were ugly. You all saw it. But we are going to change it up. They're going to make adjustments, too. But we've got talent in a lot of places- with Kah and Jelan as our wideouts, you know we're explosive outside the numbers. We've got to do a better job of getting them involved, and we plan on doing so."

Busukuma Post: "Coach, this is a game that could end up being important in the final standings. With the Week 1 loss to Appalachia, a loss here would move Appalachia into a tie with us in the group standings at 3-2, as well as the all-important head to head tiebreaker with three games left. Do you think this game is a must win, to avoid that scenario?"

Thomas Hall: "I always say this- it's too early to really pay attention to the standings and all those possible scenarios at this point in the tournament. We know our record- we don't need to worry about all the possibilities. After we've played six games, yea, you can talk to me about all the possible playoff scenarios. But when it's too early for anyone to have been eliminated yet, none of them matter. There are an infinite number of scenarios. We've gotta focus on planning a gameplan for our players, and our players have to focus on executing. None of the tiebreakers matter right now- all that matters is being able to add one to the win column."

Istria Eagle: "Coach Hall, your offense has had up and down performances. We've scored 3 total points in two games on the road, and yet at home, the offense looks strong. 20 points at home against Squidroidia, 23 against a tough Tumbra side. Can that home success continue against Appalachia? And can we fix the road struggles?"

Thomas Hall: "Well, of course, at our home games, our offense is playing at their best. There's no magic wand that explains our road struggles on offense, or else we wouldn't have them. I will say this. We don't want too many more 3-0 games. We've split two 3-0 games already, and a game that is that low scoring leaves a lot up to chance. We want to take control of games and keep attacking, rather than barely squeaking them out.

Against Appalachia, seeing how we've practiced, I'm confident we can improve on the donut hole we put up in Charleston. Of course, that wouldn't be that hard. But you are going to see an offense, I think, that you can tell is rejuvenated and focused on doing their part to put us in the next round."

Istria Eagle: "Last question, Coach Hall. Our defense has been the best in this tournament so far. We've only allowed 9 points, including back to back shutouts in our last two games. What makes this defense play at such a high level?"

Thomas Hall: "There are, of course, many factors. We have a lot of elite players on this defense. That helps- talent matters a lot. And not only do we have elite players, but we have players who are willing to buy into the system, and outwork everyone. A good defense is more than just 2 or 3 great players- it'll 11 guys, all buying in, all staying on top of every play. And it matters in more ways than just on the field. It's how you conduct yourself off the field. I've heard very little complaints over the little things- like breaking curfew, or something. Everyone's getting to film on time. Everybody's taking notes judiciously."

"WE simply need to keep up that energy. The moment we start slacking in that department, the moment we say, 'oh we can take a day off', any of the offenses in this group, especially Squidroidia's, can take us for a ride. A good performance in tomorrow's game is not guaranteed because of a good performance's in yesterday's game. It's effort in practice that will shine through in games. We're going to keep bringing the intensity at our opponents as we try to keep winning and getting closer to the next stage."

by **Cassadaigua** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 3:14 pm

Halfway home,
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

The group stage for World Bowl 41 reached its halfway point, and for Cassadaigua, that came following a dominant 44-0 win over Kriegiersien. Put that in perspective, and you can see that there are 14 teams in the World Bowl who have not even accumulated 44 points over their four games. Now, there is a feel throughout the competition, mainly in games not involving Cassadaigua thus far, that this has been a low scoring World Bowl. The 140 points that the Fillies have scored are leading the World Bowl competition thus far, so it is pretty safe to say that for the moment all is well for this team.

Analyzing a team’s performance will always start with the quarterback, and Taylor Crimmins has been on fire. She threw for three more touchdown passes against Kriegiersien, giving her 13 for the World Bowl right now. In this game, two of them were to Alexa Schultz and the other to Brooke Talley. I swear, watching these three on the football field is such a treat, and they are being very consistent game in, game out. Schultz has caught five of Crimmins’ 13 TD passes so far, and there have been three for Talley. Crimmins has spread the ball around a little more than those numbers might seem to apply, she simply knows who her favorite targets are in the end zone. Taylor has only been intercepted thrice in the four games so far. Helping these numbers are the play of the offensive line, who did not surrender a single sack against Kriegiersien, and have only allowed four thus far. Crimmins is also not being knocked down very often, and that is important when you are primarily a pocket passer as she is. Halfback Stacey Carlson has run for two scores and caught one, and has been averaging 110 yards per game. Those aren’t the most eye-catching numbers, but they are certainly reliable.

Defensively, the play of the secondary has simply been smothering. Teams are still trying to throw the ball against us, and this was a bad idea for David Chippendale, the Kriegiersien QB. The Fillies undressed him with five picks, including two that were brought back for touchdowns. Each of Hannah Rafferty and Ashley Wilbanks were able to do so. If we look at the interceptions breakdown, you will first wonder why teams throw against us still, and then secondly, surely become impressed with these numbers.

Hannah Rafferty: 4 (two for TD’s)
Kelsey Rocker: 3 (one for TD)
Ashley Wilbanks: 2 (one for TD)
Sierra McMurray: 1
Brianna Englehardt: 1
Meghan Landis: 1

We’ve been hearing some of Hannah Rafferty’s blogs where she talks about the competitive battles of the defensive backs to end up with the most interceptions. It is the kind of competition that makes everyone better by default. You will notice there are no linebackers on that list, and maybe you would like to see that, but I would imagine that we will see one or two, if not more, before the World Bowl is over. Eventually, teams are going to realize that they need to keep it away from our biggest ballhawks.

That’s where we stand right now. All looks good now for the champs.

by **Drawkland** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 3:41 pm

CORPSGUY725'S BLOG

World Bowl XLI Group Stage Halfway Review
Life is Suffering

....

......

I'm not sure how I'm supposed to start this post. People have been clowning me all over social media and the comments of my posts, begging me to talk about the World Bowl. "Hey corpguy725, did you see the game against Greater Vakolicci Haven? Hey corpsguy725, how do you feel about our current form? We're worldbeaters right now!"

Har de har har. Laugh it up, chucklenuts. Do you think this is a game? Do you think my pain and suffering is a joke to you? Maybe it's my fault for expecting literally anything from this team. Maybe I was right when I predicted that all Drawkland sports are taking a complete turn for the worse. Maybe I was right when I was jokingly saying that we'll never win another title in anything.

Whatever, let's recap this thrilling set of games.

United Volcano Isles

Alright, so we got the bye on MD1, and then we got to have the home opener. All things considered, this is pretty convenient. We get to start the campaign at home, we don't have to deal with the pain of sitting out the last matchday (IBC ringing any bells?), and our second half bye comes directly in the middle of the group stage. I'm pretty satisfied with that.

For this World Bowl, it's clear that Quentin Averfel wanted to press the gas pedal with our gameplanning. From my non-expert eye, it seems that we're going for it on 4th down a lot more, and almost exclusively going for 2 after touchdowns. This was on full display in this game. What's interesting is that, for how aggressive we are, our opponents in the United Volcano Islands were even more aggressive. I only saw their kicker once in the game (kicking off the second half), and I'm not even sure if they have a punter on their roster.

This game was dominated by the ground game for both teams. Jack Hoy, starting to age a little bit, was still zipping around and through the defense. They ran the 46 Bear, which is interesting because literally nobody runs 46 Bear anymore. It proved a bit effective. Dustin Beck has been around the block a bit now, maybe not old enough to be a veteran presence but enough to be skilled, but he hasn't ever played against 46 bear to my knowledge. It wasn't enough to really keep us down, but it did prevent us from running up the score.

Jack Hoy scored on a long 30-yard touchdown run early in the second half. We went for two, tried an option play, but it didn't work out. Speaking of the option, that was most of UVI's offense. They seemed like a pretty basic collegiate option scheme, which for our pro level defense, was easy to stop. There was a chance for UVI to kick a field goal a couple times throughout the game, but their never-kick philosophy relegated them to turnovers on downs, all game. Our defense blanked them, but unfortunately they couldn't come away with any concrete turnovers.

On our first drive in the third quarter, Beck connected with Toby Miller on a goalline slant to cap off a long, grinding possession that took over half the third quarter. Once again we went for two, this time to break even on our touchdown possessions, but this pass was excellently defended by Keani Iona, and Rich Covington couldn't hold on. The score was only 12-0, but thanks once again to our defense, this would remain the score until the final whistle blew.

Final Verdict: Great defense, did what they needed to do. Offense had a tendency to stall out, but Hoy had a great game, over 150 yards on the ground.

TJUN-ia

This was the hardest game of the campaign: away against the second seed. If we were gonna lose a game, this would be it. And we lost it.

We scored three touchdowns, a Beck pass to Miller, a Beck scramble, and a Beck pass to Madison. All of them featured successful two-pointers, an upgrade from last game, but our defense was much more suspect. It was to be expected, after all, we were playing a midmajor squad with a real offensive scheme rather than unknown newcomers with an arguably self-destructive and ultimately easy to stop.

This game was back-and-forth all the way, into the fourth quarter. With 7 minutes left we scored our third touchdown, and led 22-24 thanks to our two-pointer strategies. TJUN-ia needed to come up big, but our defense shut them down and forced the punt. With the lead and just needing to run out the clock or score to win, the Corps got to work grinding down the field. Disaster struck though, when TJUN-ia's Graham Polison perfectly read a rollout Beck pass intended for Hoy, and instead snatched it out of the air for the pick and the first turnover of the game.

TJUN-ia would manage to drain the rest of the clock and kick the game-winning field goal.

Final Verdict: Defense mostly did their job. Beck was on fire, besides the game-losing pick, but I don't blame him. Hoy was contained relatively well, unfortunately. Almost clutch, until the end. Hopefully this doesn't come back to bite us.

Greater Vakolicci Haven

I'm not giving you motherfuckers the fucking satisfaction. Go watch the game yourself. Go see how we had 4 turnovers on the game. Go look how we had countless failed 4th down conversions. Go watch the most shitty, smoothbrained, boneheaded two point conversion playcall I've seen in my entire life. Really? The game on the line, the only two pointer play we'd have to run all game, and that's what you come up with? Ridiculous. Averfel outcoached himself this game. If we lose the return leg to I might curse off this team forever.

Final Verdict: Averfel better have his resume lined up if he keeps calling games like these.

Saint-Domingues

At this point, 1-2 on the campaign so far, we needed a win to stay in contention. A road game against the other unranked team in the group was pretty much exactly what we needed. A win here would be huge for multiple reasons.

Our defense held up pretty well. We allowed a touchdown on Saint-Domingues's first possession, but that was to be expected. It was a pretty well-scripted drive and it was clear they'd done a little homework. We instantly responded on the next drive with a touchdown of our own (thanks Jack Hoy), and after that it was pretty much all Corps. The defense caught a hold of their scheme pretty quickly and managed to keep them on their own side of midfield for most of the rest of the game.

They scored two more times, a field goal with no time left in the half, and then another field goal late in the third quarter when they had no choice thanks to a fourth and a mile. We scored in the second quarter on a long bomb pass by Beck to Madison, and we scored again in the early 4th (Antonio Anders plowing through the pile on the goalline) to put the game away. Once again, all our two-pointers were successful. It's weird, we went 0/2, then 3/3, then 0/1, then 3/3 again. Hot and cold, personified.

Final verdict: Good play all around, but we were playing a bottom feeder. Our offense still isn't clicking on all cylinders.

Closing Remarks

There's no chance we win this World Bowl. I'd honestly be surprised if we even reach the quarterfinals. I'm glad I didn't buy tickets for the playoffs in Chromatika, because I hate going through refund processes. Let's look at teams who actually have a chance:

Cassadaigua: The Dagans are out here Cassblasting fools. I wouldn't be surprised if they go undefeated for a fourth title. Allamunnic States is starting to get sweaty.
Newmanistan: They're 4-0 at the halfway point and look to be in good form (on the field at least), but at least we don't have to worry about them winning the title.
Banija: Besides the two(?!) games that ended in 3-0 scorelines, they still look impressive and scary.
Ranoria: I think their college success is starting to pay off at the pro level. They look really good so far.

In conclusion, we are probably going to go 4-4 and miss the playoffs.

corpsguy725 out

by **Kohnhead** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 3:58 pm

Brains come close but it isn't enough in loss to Saint Kanye

Despite a valiant effor that saw us take a 27-26 lead we just couldn't get it done

Against Saint Kanye last World Bowl was a tale of two Kohnheads as some have described it, the first game Saint Kanye dominated the entire time en route to a 40-10 blowout victory. The second time with Kohnhead improving big time in the second half of the 40th World Bowl we came yards short of the upset with Watford throwing a late interception on the goaline to seal a much more competitive 31-27 loss.

With a 53-27 shellacking of South Newlandia our offense finally came alive after a poor three point outing against Ko-oren and Jackson Watford had his best game to date. While the defense showed a couple of holes in that one, it was mainly garbage time points that they let up with the backups in. However the struggles at the end of that game most definitely carried over into this one with us allowing 40 points to a Saint Kanye offense that hadn't really put up good numbers yet.

On the other side of the ball however, Jackson Watford and the offense played well in the yards and points department however too many turnovers really put too much pressure on a defense that was already struggling to contain Saint Kanye's attack. This type of loss while a decent one where we showed we could compete with a 12th ranked Saint Kanye squad isn't the type of loss we are looking to take with our hopes of a group stage birth very real this time as opposed to the last two times. This is a loss we would have been happy with last season, it is not one we are happy with this season as our expectations are a lot higher.

Following a bad intentional grounding penalty on Jackson Watford that pinned us back deep before a big loss on a Deacon run, Kohnhead sat with a third and long on their own three. Instead of cutting their losses and running it for the probable few, we went risky and dialed up a deep pass to Bradson who was indeed playing. It would end with Jackson Watford down in the end zone sacked by right end Matt Dawson for our opponents to give them a 2-0 lead.

Later in the quarter with our offense having been a bit stagnant Jackson Watford would throw his first interception of the day looking for tight end Billy James over the middle except Aidan O'Connor was there to intercept it and take it all the way to the 21 where Butler pushed him out. On the very next play, Anne Boyer would get lost in coverage on Saint Kanye's #2 reciever Patrick Moore who scored the 21 yarder to make it 9-0 to our opponents.

Despite a Wanda Parkinson field goal on the very next drive, Kohnhead were in deep desperation when on a third down and 12 we would give up a 36 yard rushing touchdown to the quarterback R.J. Linetti who got the first and just kept going not even touched on his way in an embarassing display of defense if you can call it that. On Kohnhead's ensuing drive miscommunication between Watford and the intended Terry led to an almost interception and forced us to punt. However Sparks felt like he needed to spark the offense and he told them to stay out there for the 4th and 3 where Watford backpedaled and found Polisson open for a 27 yard gain. Polisson is having his best World Bowl to date and it isn't even close, he has definitely proven himself to be our best reciever.

That risk would pay off even more when Watford hit Billy James in the big of the endzone from six yards out to give us our first touchdown of the game which was a huge one. The lead was no longer a 16-3 one now it was 16-10 and some good defense and another score could give Kohnhead the lead. We would get the good defense from a defense that was being forced to deal with offensive ineptitude through the first half.

A big three and out led by a sack from Josef Travis who is having an absolutely dominating rookie campaign gave Kohnhead the ball in decent position for their next drive. After a four yard pass to Polisson on first and a run for no yards by Deacon it brough up 3rd and 6 where Watford after seeing no one open decided to take it himself scrambling for the first down and sliding down right after as to avoid getting hit knowing he could cough up the ball or fumble.

Maybe inspired by his rush for a first down or maybe not Watford audibled to a designed QB run on the next play and was stuffed behind the line of scrimmage by Dawson for a loss. Except it wasn't just a big loss because unlike the last play in which he had slid Watford coughed up the ball due to the hit and it bounced right to Justin Varley who returned it the 45 yards to the house to make the game 23-10 turning the game worse and worse for us who had started to look like we could make a comeback. To make matters worse with time winding down instead of running out the clock to go into halftime, Sparks called three straight deep passes all of which resulted in incompletions and gave Saint Kanye ample time to mount something before halftime.

Sure enough after three plays they got into field goal range and right before the halftime whistle blew James Rasputin nailed one from 57 yards out to make it a 26-10 game technically two possessions but looking like a rout. If we wanted to win the game or even compete in it, a different team in particular the offense who were at fault for at least nine points and gave up the interception which put them basically in the redzone as well.

It was indeed a different team that walked out of the tunnel following halftime or at least that's what it felt like for the next quarter. Saint Kanye received the opening kickoff but could do nothing with Espinosa and Yater getting tfls on runs on first and second down before Knox in for Whitehead who went down a play earlier immediately got picked on but managed to get a deflection playing great coverage.

We tried to open up the run game in the second half with it having amounted to nothing in the first as Deacon just looking ineffective. The second half would see a lot more of Butler and Whitworth which worked a lot better on this drive but it would be Watford partially making up for his fumble on a designed run who tucked the ball and dove into the endzone for an 11 yard touchdown run that made it 26-17 a lot more manageable than before.

Our defense actually had played pretty well in the first half and this continued in the second half completely limiting the Saint Kanye offense on all of their drives. This would allow us to make it a six point game with Parkinson converting from 34 on a 4th and inches to make it 26-20. Some questioned Sparkses decision to not go for it but he wanted the surefire points and had confidence that our defense had some more stops in them.

That confidence would pay off when the defense forced a fumble with Molina ripping it out of Noah Sherman's hands and Brush who is starting in place of Firth who is currently injured dove on the loose ball to give us possession once again. Four plays later Watford launched one to the corner of the endzone for Polisson with O'Connor all over him perhaps even too dangled up with him as the flag was thrown for dpi. It didn't matter as Polisson made a ridiculous one handed catch to tie the game at 26 and a Parkinson field goal made it 27-26 Kohnhead. Could the comeback happen, could the team keep the way they had been playing in the quarter?

The answer of no would come very quickly with Saint Kanye responding with fire as Taylor Johns returned the short kick from Parkinson all the way to the endzone to make it 33-27 Saint Kanye a lead they would not give up. Our offense who had gone on a tear to start off the second half collapsed although our defense held for a little longer keeping it a one possession game.

Late in the 4th however Randall Cole would ice the game for Saint Kanye with a major 62 yard run where he stiff armed Holman into oblivion and gave Saint Kanye 40 points that on the surface looks like an awful game for the defense. However one has to remember that literally 16 of those were not scored by the Saint Kanye offense and another touchdown was the result of a Watford interception. The defense played better than suggested but with only one turnover to their name and a failure to stop Saint Kanye when it matters they didn't play too well.

Watford and the offense were poor for the first quarter however he picked it up in the second half ending with 264 passing yards with a 59% completion percentage, two touchdowns, and one interception along with a rushing touchdown although he also fumbled away a touchdown and took a sack for a safety. It was a mixed bag for Watford however the performance will slide in as his second best of the tournament so far a lot worse than the South Newlandia one however a lot better than the one against TDS or the one against Ko-oren where he threw a combined seven interceptions.

This loss is a massive one for Kohnhead as they now fall a game behind both Ko-oren and Saint Kanye who sit at 3-1 and look to be in a two way battle for first. If Kohnhead want to qualify for the knockout rounds they probably need to go undefeated but if they don't the important thing will be beating both Ko-oren and Saint Kanye. South Newlandia and TDS (our next opponents) appear to be dueling each other for the bottom two spots leaving us squarely in the middle as a 500 team.

Group E                                           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Saint Kanye                                       4    3   1    78   46  +32
2 Ko-oren                                           4    3   1    37   22  +15
3 Kohnhead                                          4    2   2   113   97  +16
4 The Desiccated States                             4    1   3    33   50  −17
5 South Newlandia                                   4    1   3    36   82  −46

Injury Report
DT Ellenor Firth D - Head
CB Percy Whitehead IR - Neck
SS Chris Molina Q - Knee
QB Bella Hollis DTD - Arm
WR Kenneth Bradson - Q Ankle
TE Benny Devlin - O Leg
OT Shreya Duffy DTD - Illness

The injury report is starting to fill out some more with more being added this week to it. Firth is still dealing with her concussion and hopes to be back for the Ko-oren game although will probably have limited practice before it. Whitehead has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament which pushes Anne Boyer into our #1 slot and will put Ariel Knox back as a starter. Whitehead suffered a scary neck injury and had to be stretchered off, many Saint Kanye players reached out to wish him the best of luck and telling him they know he will be back.

Molina suffered a knee injury against SK as well but given that he's a warrior played through it playing every snap as he's done for every game. Molina will sit out of practice this week but is on track to play next week, this might become more of a thing as we go through the tournament with his age and the stress that his role on the defense puts on his body.

Hollis missed the game against SK but it doesn't really matter because she never plays, she'll be back for TDS though if that matters. Bradson shows up on the injury report once again although this time it's disclosed as an ankle injury. He did only play a couple of snaps against Saint Kanye, hopefully he can stay healthy. Benny Devlin is still a few weeks away from playing however is making good progress. Duffy is out of practice today with an illness but will be on track to suit up against TDS.

by **Mapletish** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 6:58 pm

3 points away

3 points ablazed

Saw the light of some horrible pass

Waged his orchard with a bow of grass

Hung on a tree beside the house for shade;

Next the bright day, with dusky branches led,

Will we then sought for the victory of light

After the foam and a relentless night?

Or I shall leave the lantern in your view

Expires our prospect of pictures and flowers?

Were that our fields a path to glory?

Was it that our ambition might stand

Made us end all heart in head?

Or so we brought the one to the one

First as our men put toward the end;

Yet think that they could last again.

by **Delaclava** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 8:06 pm

DSGN.com Gridiron

Phoenixes galvanize for win in front of record Woodstock crowd
Willis, Wright tandem leads Delaclava to key rivalry victory, continues momentum

With the Delaclava Phoenixes at 3-1, and in position to qualifying for the World Bowl Round of 16 - provided they take care of the rest of their schedule, of course - critics, fans, and the team alike must be wondering now how well the Phoenixes can compete in the crucial stages of the tournament. And if coach Gorka Bielsa was looking for a sign that his team was ready, he got one at Dave Wilson Stadium in Woodstock, Sarzonia.

In front of a crowd of over 120,000, a Sarzonian national record for gridiron, and missing a starting quarterback, an offensive coordinator, and a quarterback coach, backups Michael Willis and Taurus Wright teamed up with a passing touchdown each - Wright's as time expired - to lift the Phoenixes over the Stars 24-20, in a battle of current contenders and former two-time World Bowl champions.

"This is the kind of game we saw what we're capable of," Bielsa said. "To go in against an evenly matched team on their turf, play a complete sixty minutes and turn around a fourth quarter deficit, that's a good level of skill and mental toughness for us right now." Bielsa opted to give Willis and Wright a half each, and the Manchester Pirates' signal caller Wright led the Phoenixes to the better start, working an 84-yard drive that concluded with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mateus Eldridge. After the Phoenixes and Stars traded punts and field goals through much of the remaining first half, Willis strung together another long drive, with short and medium passes to the tight ends Robbie Hahn and Hesam Karimloo, before Dexter George capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown to give the team a 17-6 lead, and the Delaclav portion of the crowd plenty to cheer about. "But we knew the Stars weren't done, not by a long shot," Bielsa said. "Les Steckhall is a fine coach and play-caller, and the team's been great at making second-half adjustments. We knew they'd do the same here."

Indeed, the Phoenixes lead suddenly looked tenuous as a Taurus Wright interception, caught by the free safety Cliff Longoria on a well-timed route jump, gave the Stars the ball at midfield after the Stars defense had been pushing the field gradually forward in the third quarter. Ty'Relle Clinton's bruising three-yard runs up the gut were suddenly becoming four and five yards, and it provided the right distraction for Sam Rosen to roll out in the red zone and find his tight end, Al Langston, who outmuscled Ben Dorman a few yards upfield and pivoted into open space. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the defensive line, particularly Allan Tolliver, was beginning to again give trouble to Rosen and Clinton, but on third and 15, with the Stars crowd willing their team on, Rosen dropped back and found Matt Largent downfield, one-on-one with Tasunka Coleman. Largent shook Coleman loose and danced home with the ball, pulling the Stars even at 17. Although Wright began to free up in his run game, he couldn't capitalize on a Tate Parker interception of Rosen as the Phoenixes offense punted away twice, the latter of which resulted in a Matt Vargas 44-yard field goal that gave the stars the first lead.

"We weren't panicked," Wright said of the moment when the Stars moved ahead. "It was a wake-up call, if anything, now we had to get it done." And indeed they did, as Wright put together the drive of his career, rolling out for five and six yards at a time, finding Karimloo and George for dump-offs and screens and putting the Stars defense on the backfoot again. Even with time running out, the Stars defense was anticipating a play where Wright would have time to work out of the pocket, even escape for a lateral play if need be. So it was a surprise when Wright dropped back from the Stars' 37 yard line and immediately lofted the ball into the endzone, and Kevin Alés beat Quinn Bowles down the side to catch the offering in the corner and put the Phoenixes back ahead as the clock flipped to all zeroes.

George, a veteran of this team by now, put the win among the Phoenixes' best recent victories - even above the 67-13 lashing in the last meeting in Catherina. "Don't get me wrong, you always want to win big on teams, But you never learn anything winning 67-13. Tonight? We got dragged into deep waters and managed to keep swimming. That's huge for us, to go against Newmanistan and Northwest Kalactin and whoever else again, and for the young guys like Michael and Taurus to have that feeling."

Alés praised both quarterbacks as well as the offense as a whole, and pointed out, "Even though we put up fewer points in the first half, by the end of the game we were stringing together plays more consistently, everyone was ready to go quickly, we weren't wasting as much time getting set. Even through the adversity, we got to focus on playing the game right and getting better as a team."

As for the Stars, Alés - receiver of two touchdowns in the previous exhibition - was impressed with their development, claiming: "If we make it to Chromatika, I wouldn't be surprised if we run into them, and that would be another classic."

For now, it's Mapletish next on the docket - and although there are no guarantees, the Phoenixes collectively feel that they are in better form than when they started the season. "We're ready to get back into this World Bowl now," George said. "We're fresh, we're ready for this to get real."

Scoring Summary

Delaclava      10 - 7 - 0 -  7 -- 24
Sarzonia	0 - 3 - 7 - 10 -- 20

1st Quarter
DEL - Michael Willis 25 yard pass to Mateus Eldridge (Kieran Conley kick), 10:04.
DEL - Kieran Conley 36 yard FG, 5:19.
2nd Quarter
SRZ - Vargas 25 yard FG, 7:42.
DEL - Dexter George 7 yard run (Conley kick), 3:05.
3rd Quarter
SRZ - Sam Rosen 8 yard pass to Al Langston (Vargas kick), 5:59.
4th Quarter
SRZ - Rosen 54 yard pass to Matt Largent (Vargas kick), 13:22.
SRZ - Matt Vargas 44 yard FG, 1:27.
DEL - Taurus Wright 37 yard pass to Kevin Alés (Conley kick), :00.

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