NationStates

KO-OREN - In a defensive struggle from start to finish, James Dior made all three field goals - including two from beyond forty yards, which is a range that he usually struggles in - and the dual Middle Linebackers of Park Mi-Hyeon and Jere Rinaldi shined as Chromatika took down top seed Ko-oren to remain undefeated in Group D action.

Sarai Gwenderyn struggled against one of the top defenses in the mutlvierse, going 11-of-24 for 148 yards and an interception, as Evert Monaghan made Alessandra Mio's life miserable. Her best target of the day was Niles Gwivern, who caught five of the balls for 65 yards, including three very important conversions that set up two of the field goals.

Thankfully, Chromatika's defense also came to play. The Iron Legion had shifted to a 3-4 front for this World Bowl to take advantage of the emerging Jere Rinaldi to be alongside Park Mi-Hyeon. Park had seven tackles and Rinaldi ten as Chromatika only allowed one trip past the Iron Legion thirty - which Ko-oren cashed in for the only touchdown of the game, a 18 yard pass from Zoruthau Kosmauthaunden to WR Chillarie Yowarie.

One of the biggest stories of this World Bowl for Chromatika has been the loss of Sara McAllister. James Dior, the kicker from Staramara Tech University, has been given the go-ahead; his field goals of 38, 41, and 43 yards would be the only points scored for the Iron Legion - with the last one coming in the fourth quarter, when Chromatika had their best drive.

Starting at their 31 yard line, Gwenderyn ran the ball twice to the 43, and then, after an incompletion, found Gwivern on a post route to the Dragonflies 41. A good play by Ko-oren LB Bwnhewg yBanmhewm set the Iron Legion back five yards, but Gwenderyn would find Alessandra Mio on one of her two catches to the Dragonfly 33 for a first down. Two successive runs by Kimberly Fowler got the ball to the Ko-oren 26. The third down pass fell short, and Dior went out for the leading field goal, which he put in without a problem.

The Dragonflies would have two more chances before the end whistle, but Park, Rinaldi, and company would take care of business to get the victory.

Chromatika will end the first leg of the group stage with two very winnable games - Lisander and Allamunnic States. With the second best defense in the tournament, the Iron Legion are humming - when the offense is falling, the defense is catching them; it's time to finish the first leg strong.

Delaclava         7 - 0 - 3 - 3 -- 13
Buffalostan       3 - 0 - 0 - 7 -- 10

1st Quarter
DEL - Taurus Wright 28 yard pass to Robbie Hahn (Kieran Conley kick), 9:23.
BUF - Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez 42 yard FG, 0:34.
2nd Quarter - No Scoring
3rd Quarter
DEL - Kieran Conley 36 yard FG, 8:52.
4th Quarter
BUF - Tom Ehrlich 8 yard pass to Nathan Kennedy (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick), 14:23.
DEL - Conley 32 yard FG, 6:01.

---

Robbie Hahn was alone in his hotel room, lying on his bed, idly scrolling through news and social apps on his phone. He was pretty tired - they all were. The Buffalostan Janissaries had given the Phoenixes everything they had, and they didn't take the lead for good until Kieran Conley's field goal with six minutes left. A few minutes later, they managed to make their last drive go long enough to run out the clock and sneak out with their third win of the group stage.

Despite the heart the Phoenixes showed in toughing out the victory, Robbie knew the public reaction wasn't exactly going to be positive. He wasn't even sure why he still bothered looking at these things, as there wasn't much original ground being covered, and he got to wake up the next morning and live his life as a league champion, so who cares... but there he went reading anyway:

"A three-point win over that joke of a team? Bronze medal here we go again"
"Um you know all Buff has done is go 0-10 and then get eaten by their team mascot"
"Their quarterback is literally a century old and he nearly beat our so-called Golden Generation... yeah ok"
"Only the Phoenixes could help make the Janissaries look better than the Dragonflies"
"If they're already going to keep pulling this shit, don't even bother coming home for the playoffs. We'll watch some teams who aren't total fuck-ups"

Hahn could only roll his eyes at these. Unnecessarily negative bullshit, right? He'd love to see these fat weeb losers do any better.

But there was another category of comments that stung a lot more:

"Taurus Wright really didn't score a touchdown for the last 50 minutes. Somewhere out there John Garrett is dying of laughter"
"Y'all don't want to admit that Taurus Wright will always be a second-tier QB when it counts"
"*oh he's so fast and is a dual-threat and so innovative wah wah* impress me more bitch"
"Torus hitting the bottle again?"
"Well I guess everyone's got their own pregame ritual before they go to Buffalostan and Taurus Wright's is being a disappointment to himself to everyone counting on him"

Are you serious? Robbie thought. First of all, none of them knew how hard it was to play your best when you're not even sure when you are. But it broke his heart how hard Taurus had worked to improve himself since the last World Bowl, and not only did no one care, some people were just throwing it all back in his face.

Robbie knew part of Taurus' self-improvement was not using the social apps at much, so there was a good chance he wasn't reading these things at the same time, but Robbie didn't want to take that gamble - and he wanted to hang out with his friend, anyway. Robbie got off his bed, slipped on some sweatpants and headed out the door, grabbing a bottle of Plata e Oro tequila on the way out.

Taurus was actually in a separate hotel - the team practice was to book a room for each individual, and they couldn't quite get enough rooms in one. But it was only a short walk until Robbie was entering the lobby of the next hotel. He noticed his heart beating unusually quickly as he rode the elevator up to the fourth floor. Trying to steady himself, he walked to the door of Taurus' hotel and knocked.

Taurus opened the door, and seemed slightly surprised to see Robbie there. "hey... what's up?"

"Just bored, man," Robbie replied. "Wanna hang?"

Taurus hesitated. "Uh, I don't want to be up late."

"Come on, just for a bit?" Robbie pleaded. Smirking, he held up the bottle of tequila, giving it a slight shake. "I need someone to watch me drink this."

Taurus smiled. "Fine. But you know I'm not helping," shaking his head and chuckling as he let Robbie into the room. Robbie sat in the chair in the corner as Taurus sat down on his own bed. Taurus said, "I'm surprised you're not hanging out with Alex and Tyler and those guys back at your hotel."

"I haven't heard from any of them. I think most guys are taking a chill night."

"Well yeah, same," Taurus laughed. "You want me to hit those guys up?"

Acting as casually as possible, Robbie replied, "Nah, that's alright." He uncorked the Plata e Oro, taking a big swig while winking at Taurus. He noticed the TV was still on at a low volume. "Watching anything good?"

"Not really... just highlights of the game."

"Already?" Robbie asked, slightly worried.

"It's fine, I'm not really paying attention, just not much good on. Besides, I know it wasn't the best game for any of us, but we got it done and that's what matters, right? We'll figure shit out tomorrow."

"Yeah, yeah, of course," Robbie replied.

Taurus looked at him. "What are people saying back home?"

Robbie cautiously answered, "Well, they're not thrilled, you know?" He sort of scanned with his eyes, seeing if he could locate Taurus' phone.

Taurus noticed. "It's not just about the team, huh? They're talking shit about me too?"

Robbie really didn't want to answer. "Well..."

Taurus laughed. "It's not like it's surprising. I know people do it. Doesn't mean I have to look, does it? So I'm not gonna."

"Alright, good," Robbie smiled, curling up in the chair and taking another drink.

"You know, it's a bit cold in here."

Well, we've already had a good handful of surprises so far. It's been a stiff competition and any team can ruin your day - or your dreams. So keep working hard and be vigilant.

Day 4 cutoff!

---

Group A
Caliland 27–22 Drawkland
Delaclava 27–9 Kohnhead
Pius Desurongcrandis 9–61 Buffalostan

  Group A                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Delaclava                            4    4   0   115   42  +73
2 Buffalostan                          4    2   2   122   90  +32
3 Caliland                             4    2   2    67  118  −51
4 Drawkland                            4    2   2   118  104  +14
5 Kohnhead                             4    1   3    72   87  −15
6 Pius Desurongcrandis                 4    1   3    82  135  −53

Group B
The Cordian Isles 21–12 HUElavia
Sarzonia 10–7 United Adaikes
Abanhfleft 7–0 Ranoria

  Group B                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Ranoria                              4    3   1   119   47  +72
2 Abanhfleft                           4    3   1    88   42  +46
3 Sarzonia                             4    3   1   120  102  +18
4 The Cordian Isles                    4    2   2    69  111  −42
5 HUElavia                             4    1   3    61   96  −35
6 United Adaikes                       4    0   4    50  109  −59

Group C
TJUN-ia 51–29 Banija
United States of Great America 21–3 New Gesem
Caleonia 0–27 Saint Kanye

  Group C                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 TJUN-ia                              4    4   0   121   45  +76
2 Banija                               4    3   1   100   94   +6
3 Saint Kanye                          4    3   1   143   80  +63
4 United States of Great America       4    2   2    63   69   −6
5 Caleonia                             4    0   4    28   97  −69
6 New Gesem                            4    0   4    47  117  −70

Group D
Lisander 7–28 Chromatika
Allamunnic States 3–23 Ko-oren
StrayaRoos 24–23 South Newlandia

  Group D                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Chromatika                           4    4   0    92   33  +59
2 South Newlandia                      4    2   2    80   71   +9
3 Ko-oren                              4    2   2    64   49  +15
4 Allamunnic States                    4    2   2    74   92  −18
5 StrayaRoos                           4    2   2    84  112  −28
6 Lisander                             4    0   4    51   88  −37

StrayaRoos is proving to be One of the Surprises of The World Bowl 43 tournament after beating South Newlandia Who sit 2nd in Group D But this Pan-Esportivan showdown was an Close one With the Margin being 24-23 and now StrayaRoos sits 5th on 2-2 and Faces Number 2 Ko-oren next and Most pundits are saying StrayaRoos Might Win

Quarter by Quarter
Q1 STR 6-10 SNL
Q2 STR 13-13 SNL
Q3 STR 13-16 SNL
Q4 STR 24-23 SNL

Current Group D Standings

  Group D                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Chromatika                           4    4   0    92   33  +59
2 South Newlandia                      4    2   2    80   71   +9
3 Ko-oren                              4    2   2    64   49  +15
4 Allamunnic States                    4    2   2    74   92  −18
5 StrayaRoos                           4    2   2    84  112  −28
6 Lisander                             4    0   4    51   88  −37

Despite being taken down on the road by Banija, the St. Kanye Surge kept their composure as they prepared for their third game in tbe World Bowl XLIII group stage schedule. "The way we played against the Serpent Eagles, we were very much in the game there," said Surge receiver Bruce Dobler. "Even if there's the obvious negative of us not holding on for the win, there's also lots of positives to be taken from it, such as those moments in the game in which we outplayed them." Back at home against the unranked United States of Great America, the Surge also went back to their winning ways, taking a page from all the things that went right in the Banija game to hammer out a 36-16 win.

---

1Q STK QB1 safety STK 2-0
The Great Americans went backwards on their opening drive, no thanks to a holding penalty and two straight sacks on their quarterback, the first by Robby Edison and the second by Simon Carver in the end zone for a safety.

1Q field goal Rasputin 36 STK 5-0
Both teams went three and out twice, then on the USGA's drive, safety Oliver Law was there to intercept the pass and give the ball back to the Surge, who eventually added three to their tally with a James Rasputin field goal.

2Q STK M. Jackson 7 pass from Linetti (Rasputin kick) STK 12-0
The first touchdown of the contest would not come until the second quarter. with Surge fullback Marco Jackson on the receiving end of a short throw at the goal line by R.J. Linetti.

2Q STK O'Connor 41 interception return (Rasputin kick) STK 19-0
After two consecutive passes for first downs, the USGA quarterback was looking for a third, only for Aidan O'Connor to leap in the way of the ball and record the pick six.

2Q USG field goal K 32 STK 19-3
The visitors got into the scoreboard with three points midway through the second quarter, but it could have been seven. On third and long, the USGA quarterback threw a perfect pass to the left side receiver in the end zone, only for the latter to catch it out of bounds, causing the incompletion and forcing them to bring out the kicker.

2Q STK field goal Rasputin 27 STK 22-3
Later, the Surge were able to get those three points back, Rasputin drilling FG number two of the day with less than thirty seconds remaining until halftime.

3Q USG TE1 13 pass from QB1 (K kick) STK 22-10
The Great Americans' drive to start the second half ended in them cutting the lead to twelve on a short pass to the tight end.

3Q STK Johns 86 kick return (Rasputin kick) STK 29-10
However, it didn't take long for St. Kanye to get back ahead by nineteen, as on the ensuing kickoff, Taylor Johns had a splendid return, getting some good blocking as he took it to the house.

4Q USG WR1 25 pass from QB1 (Kick failed) STK 29-16
Recovering a forced fumble on Gregory Silk gave the visitors good field position, as it only took them one pass play to score early in the fourth. Unfortunately, they would fail to convert the extra point, the kick bouncing off the uprights and out.

4Q STK Linetti 17 run (Rasputin kick) STK 36-16
Finding themselves in the red zone yet again, Linetti faked a handoff to Noah Sherman, only to drop back to throw. However, all his receivers were covered, so he decided to run it in himself, a decision that proved to be the right one as the Kanyeans grew their lead to twenty on the touchdown and the extra point.

The Surge (2-1) remained in third in Group C, behind the TJUN-ia Jags and Banija Serpent Eagles, who both rose to 3-0 today. TJUN-ia won 27-7 on the road against Caleonia (0-3), with Jake Griffin once again recording four TDs (two rushing, two passing). "He's proving his worth," said Yeezie linebacker Justin Varley, "I'm interested to see how he'll deal with the St. Kanye defense." Banija, on the other hand, outlasted the New Gesem Pilgrims 16-9, sending them down to 0-3. The two unbeaten sides will have their first meeting next week, with the Jags hosting the Serpent Eagles. St. Kanye will visit Caleonia, while the USGA (1-2) will play at home against New Gesem.

Elsewhere....

- In Group A, the Delaclava Phoenixes edge the Buffalostan Janissaries, 13-10. The hosts remain a perfect 3-0, while their victims fall to 1-2.
- In Group B, the Abanhfleft Armored Revolutionaries (2-1) win 29-nil against the Cordian Isles North Stars (1-2), in what would only be the second shutout of the tournament (TJUN-ia 16-nil over the USGA on opening day being the other one).
- In Group D, the Chromatika Iron Legion (3-0) take down the Ko-oren Dragonflies (1-2) in a low-scoring affair. Kicker James Dior, the replacement for the now retired Sara McAllister, scored all of the Legion's points in the 9-7 win.

---

A week after defeating the USGA, the Surge travel to Caleonia to visit Group C's other newcomer team. "They [Caleonia] haven't won yet in three outings, that we understand," said St. Kanye's offensive coordinator Dan Shelby. "But they could get into their groove in any point in this tournament, so we can't take them lightly just yet." Not ones to look down on opponents given their rank or record, the Surge players and staff still dutifully did their homework, which paid off to the tune of a 27-nil victory.

The game saw the Surge welcome fullback Nico Jackson and linebacker Alvin Faris back from injury. Nico subbed for his brother Marco in the fourth quarter and will be retaking the starting spot for the remainder of the schedule; Alvin suited up, but did not play, though he will starting next week against TJUN-ia. However, center Gordon Ferguson attended his stepfather's funeral back in St. Kanye and was replaced by Michael Hicks, whereas kick returner Taylor Johns had the flu, causing punt returner Greg Malloy to go double duty and take his place.

---

1Q STK field goal Rasputin 39 STK 3-0
St. Kanye's scoring started off with James Rasputin doing what James Rasputin does best.

1Q STK Sherman 44 run (Rasputin kick) STK 10-0
Faced with third and 2, the Surge leaned on Sherman to get past the first down marker. Which he did, except he didn't stop there, barreling through defenders on the way to six points (seven after James Rasputin did the other thing James Rasputin does best).

2Q STK Moore 24 pass from Linetti (Rasputin kick) STK 17-0
Linetti's pass to Patrick Moore late in the quarter took a lot of reviewing, but ultimately, Moore appeared to catch the ball in the end zone just a couple inches or so above the ground. Hence, the score stood, and the Caleonian coach lost the challenge.

3Q STK Dobler 77 pass from Linetti (Rasputin kick) STK 24-0
The Surge's other receiver would not be left out, "BD12" being the recipient of a deep pass from Linetti on third and 20.

4Q STK field goal Rasputin 60 STK 27-0
The Banijan press included Linetti's name among those of Taurus Wright and John Garrett as some of the best in their position. With Rasputin making a kick from sixty yards out, why shouldn't he be joining the ranks of Kieran Conley and Sara McAllister?

---

The shutout of their unranked opponents improved the Surge to 3-1, though still third in their group. The TJUN-ia Jags were able to pull the home upset on the Banija Serpent Eagles, burying them 51-29; the former remained atop Group C with a 4-0 card while the latter fell to 3-1, with the tiebreaker over St. Kanye (at least for now). Caleonia remained winless at 0-4, as did the New Gesem Pilgrims, losing to the United States of Great America (2-2) by a 21-3 margin. After a week's break across the entire tournament, action will resume with the Pilgrims hosting Caleonia, the Serpent Eagles hosting the Great Americans, and the Surge hosting the Jags. "That Griffin will be one to watch out for," said Kanyean head coach Jeff Delphine. "He can make plays either with his arms or legs, which makes him very similar to our very own Linetti. The rest of the Jags have improved, too. They're not the same guys we crushed [41-7] two editions ago [in the quarterfinals]."

Elsewhere.....

- In Group A, the Buffalostan Janissaries annihilated the Pius Desurongcrandis Phoenixes 61-9. The two teams go 2-2 and 1-3, respectively.
- In Group B, the Abanhfleft Armored Revolutionaries hand the Ranoria Krauts their first loss of World Bowl XLIII in the day's other shoutout, 7-nil. Both teams catch up to each other at 3-1.
- In Group D, the StrayaRoos Taipans, yet another team making their first appearance in the international stage, win their second straight and improve to 2-2 as they slithered past the South Newlandia Elephants (also 2-2) by a 24-23 score.

---

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MD | Opponent           | Rank | Uniform       | Score   | Record | Place |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1  | New Gesem          | 31   | Purple/Purple | W 53-26 | 1-0    | 1st   |
| 2  | @Banija            | 4    | White/Purple  | L 27-38 | 1-1    | 3rd   |
| 3  | USGA               | UR   | Purple/Black  | W 36-16 | 2-1    | 3rd   |
| 4  | @Caleonia          | UR   | White/White   | W 27-0  | 3-1    | 3rd   |
|    | BREAK              |      |               |         |        |       |
| 5  | TJUN-ia            | 13   | White/Purple  |         |        |       |
| 6  | @New Gesem         | 31   | White/White   |         |        |       |
| 7  | Banija             | 4    | Purple/Purple |         |        |       |
|    | BREAK              |      |               |         |        |       |
| 8  | @USGA              | UR   | White/Purple  |         |        |       |
| 9  | Caleonia           | UR   | Purple/Black  |         |        |       |
| 10 | @TJUN-ia           | 13   | Purple/Purple |         |        |       |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

---

Since both St. Kanye and TJUN-ia compete in the Nationstates Stock Car Racing Association, the buzz generated by their upcoming game has reached race fans as well, not to mention drivers themselves:

JEREMIAH BROOKE ✓

@Jeremiah_B

Hey @Stefan07, let's keep that friendly bet going. If we win on Sunday you and @AM64 have to wear purple and lime on Week 10, otherwise @StacieHouston27 and I will come to TJUNia in blue and orange. What do you say?

#WB43 : #STKTJU : #ShockEmSurge

SAGE CALDWELL ✓

@SageTheRacer

@Jeremiah_B @StacieHouston27 @Stefan07 @AM64 Just you four? Hell, why don't we extend that bet to the entire GFR and JR camps? Right? Right?

#WB43 : #STKTJU : #ShockEmSurge

PYOTR LAVRENTIEV ✓

@CeroatLav

@Jeremiah_B @SageTheRacer Count me in guys, I'm up for it

#WB43 : #STKTJU : #ShockEmSurge

(Stacie Houston is Cassadagan, but since she's Brooke's wife, she's part of the pro-Surge crowd in that bet.)

The match for the Sarzonian national gridball team against United Adaikes wasn't about them at all. Gavin Davis wanted to see if his team could bounce back after a crushing defeat to Ranoria.

Just as important, he wanted Ty'Relle Clinton to bounce back from a poor outing against the Krauts. The Sarzonia manager knew some of that had to do with Ranoria, but also some of it had to do with his own play calling.

Davis committed to run the ball against United Adaikes and that was exactly what Sarzonia did. Clinton rushed 38 times for 171 yards and Sarzonia's lone touchdown and the Stars earned a 10-7 victory that brought them level with Ranoria and Abanhfleft for first place in Group B.

"I wanted us to get out there and establish the running game and use up the clock," Davis said. "We were able to impose our will on both sides of the ball."

The much-maligned defence, which had conceded 95 points through three matches after Ranoria ran up 55, limited United Adaikes to just seven points. Kyle Hanley's unit forced three turnovers including two interceptions and sacked Austin Garner five times. Garner also lost a fumble.

"We felt we could get pressure on Garner," Hanley said. "We wanted to show them some different looks, some blitz packages they maybe haven't seen yet." The Stars (3-1) got several hurries and hit Garner just after he threw 11 times. The Stars drew two penalties for late hits, which Hanley said the team need to improve upon.

"We can't afford to let teams extend drives with penalties," he said. "They're 0-4, so we got away with it this time, but we can't afford to make mistakes like that against HUElavia."

Unlike the previous match that saw quarterback Cameron Stallworth throw 46 passes, this time he only attempted 14, completing nine for 97 yards. He threw one interception to cornerback Kike Blanco at the goal line as the Stars were trying to take the early lead. The turnover stopped the Sarzonia drive that had featured a heavy dose of Clinton as he ran eight times on the drive for 62 yards.

The Stars would finally get the lead 3-0 courtesy of a 26-yard field goal by Matt Vargas after another Stallworth pass attempt on third down fell incomplete. Blanco argued that he had another interception, but replay showed the ball hit the ground.

Garner hit Michele Vasquez for a 74-yard touchdown on the next play from scrimmage to put the visitors up 7-3, but Davis called Clinton's number 10 times on the first drive of the third quarter. Clinton rumbled in from a yard out to provide the final margin of victory.

SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
SRZ: FG Matt Vargas 26, 3:21 3-0 Sarzonia
UA: Michele Vasquez 74 pass from Austin Garner (kicker kick), 2:59 7-3 United Adaikes

Second Quarter
No scoring.

Third Quarter
SRZ: Ty'Relle Clinton 1 run (Vargas kick), 6:14 10-7 Sarzonia

Fourth Quarter
No scoring.

After a comfortable 20-point win in Caliland got us to 3-0 in this World Bowl, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia returned to home soil with all eyes on one thing in particular: Week 4 against #4. Gus McKerrin admitted to the press that he was certainly impressed with how his team commended themselves in the first 3 games, scoring 70 points to the opposition's combined 16, but he knew that nothing from those 3 games will matter if our dignity was tarnished in games 4 and 5. Our first true test was going to be a scenario a few could see coming when the groups were announced months ago: 3-0 #13 TJUN-ia Jaguars vs the 3-0 #4 Banija Serpent Eagles, on the Field of Dreams in The Gardens of New Washington, on Blue-and-Orange Night. Many people spoke of how this contest was big for the group, our friends at ABSM recognised this as well, but some here in New Washington felt that this one was the biggest we've ever hosted - even over matches against Cassadaigua, Drawkland, TCNE and Ranoria. How memorable this match would become would be determined over the next few hours.

The atmosphere here in The Gardens was one of the best we've ever had, the message of Blue-and-Orange Night certainly being applied here on TJUN-ian Primetime. The first half would be a very interesting one indeed, where both Jake Griffin and Ifeatu Chineze played their parts in a wacky half an hour of football. Q1 would start with Griffin at his finest, pulling off a 9-play drive while Thomas Hall watched with a 9-yard pass to Hubert Valois and a PAT by Chi On-Ma (7-0). But GBW expected Chineze to try and find ways through our defensive line, a unit that hadn't conceded double-digit points in a game before tonight, and he certainly did that, finding Chinweuba Jelan and Lamin Kah for his 2 scores. (14-7 after 2 PATs from Jelan too).

We entered Q2 a score back but that would change very quickly after a crazy period where Griffin found Chris Davidson for a score, Chi made it 14-14, Chineze went 3-and-out, Travis Galubas punted it, Pedro Marquinios caught it and then proceeded to find a gap no one knew existed and ran all the way to the end zone for a 97-yard Punt Return TD - PAT good, 21-14 Jags. Then things got more chaotic after Chineze threw a rare Interception to Drew McAllister and that became a Pick 6 - the Banijan Nightmare heading to 28-14. Chineze bounced back to score a TD and Jelan made it 28-21, but Griffin responded in turn with a 20-yard rush to the endzone and that would finally end this first half - the Jaguars 35-21 ahead in a game befitting of the chaos the Field of Dreams is known for.

But we still had 30 minutes to go before the result was set in stone and this game was certainly far from over. Chineze scored again via Kah and a 2-Point Conversion to make it 35-29, but the resulting kickoff would be returned by Valois 98-yards to make it 42-29 almost instantly. From here, finally, the offences slowed down and the defences began to control the pace of play here - more 3rd downs, more punts, you get the idea. Both Griffin and Chineze were stifled for a while but Jake (not from 'State Farm', whatever that is) would get the final laugh as he scored on a QB sneak with 5 minutes to go to fully secure this contest. Chi would miss the PAT, ending up 6/7 in that regard, but a late FG with 10 seconds to go would make him 7/8 on the night - certainly a good return from the Korean Kicker. That would be the end of that and as the crowd, as expected, stormed the Field of Dreams, the gravity of it all became quite clear to the team. The crowd certainly made their mark and so did this unit, and that will certainly be felt across the tournament. Banija, the #4 team in the world, had fallen to TJUN-ia in The Gardens - and many could rightly argue it wasn't even close. Banija will always be a great team and we thank them for turning up...but tonight simply wasn't their night. A seismic shift had occurred here tonight...and the Jaguars were now 4-0 with a big 'W' on their cap.

TJUN-ia actually be quite good at this sport after all and now, we had the undisputed group lead heading into another big game - one that could see history repeat itself once more. The last time we faced the Surge of Saint Kanye was the Quarters of WB41 when the Surge struck us down 41-7 in a dominant performance that saw Michael Stefan lose a bet and end up going to a NSSCRA race in Yeezie Purple and Lime. Now, the Jaguars are heading to the Pencurve Electronics Field in Kardashia to face Jeff Delphine in a contest all about avoiding that fate and a 3rd occurrence of the infamous "WB Attack Triangle" (i.e. 1 beats 2, 2 beats 3, 3 beats 1). We've been in 2 before and both saw us miss out on the playoffs via tiebreaker - and no one wants to revisit that nightmare again. Another bet will be on the line alongside TJUN-ia's unbeaten record. Simply put, the early momentum will depend on what happens in Kardashia against our NSSCRA mates. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group C)
MD1: @United States of Great America (UR) W 16-0 (2nd)
MD2: vs New Gesem (31) - The Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington W 27-9 (1st)
MD3: @Caleonia (UR) W 27-7 (1st)
MD4: vs Banija (4) - The Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington W 51-29 (1st)
--------------------------Break--------------------------
MD5: @Saint Kanye (5) - Pencurve Electronics Field, Kardashia
MD6: vs United States of Great America (UR) - The Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD7: @New Gesem (31)
--------------------------Break--------------------------
MD8: vs Caleonia (UR) - The Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD9: @Banija (4) - Istria Olympic Stadium, Istria, Moravica
MD10: vs Saint Kanye (5) - The Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington

---

HARPA GYLFISDÓTTIR ✓

@IsfruinJR

@Jeremiah_B @SageTheRacer You have a deal, Magic 'Miah and Co. Go Jags!

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 XLIII: GROUP STAGE MATCHDAY FOUR

Abanhfleft    0  0  0  7  7
Ranoria       0  0  0  0  0

There are some World Bowl games that are just destined to be classics in the future, and those of us who were there to watch it live could go back and tell our grandchildren that we were there to witness history unfolding right before our eyes. There are some games where, while the score might not look like much, the action that happened between the two teams is still enough for that game to be qualified as a World Bowl classic. The first game between Abanhfleft and Ranoria in World Bowl XLIIi... is not going to be one of those games.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it. This game was mentally boring in the worst sense of the word. There were a lot of flags being thrown, and I believe more yards were gained via penalties than actual plays from scrimmage. I don’t know why, but both teams definitely got a bit more sloppy than their usual standards in this particular game, and not only on the penalty front. Both quarterbacks were sloppy with their passes, and their receivers also looked like they all had butterfingers. Passes were being dropped left and right, and half of the time, it’s actually a player on the other team who actually catches the ball instead of a teammate. Yet another astonishing thing about this match is the fact that nobody was able to get close enough to attempt a field goal too! I guess it stems from the fact that both coaches thought they could get away with going for it on fourth down and, well, they both didn’t. Thus it felt almost anticlimactic when it was through a decent drive uninterrupted by mistakes or flags that Abanhfleft scored the one and only touchdown of the game.

Well, that’s all that there is that we can talk about this particular game. Since I’ve still got some time left, why don’t we talk about some surprising results that went down on Matchday Four? Arguably the biggest one, in terms of potential implications at least, is the stunning upset of the South Newlandia Elephants at the hands of the StrayaRoos Taipans, 24-23. Nobody, not even the craziest analysts out there, would have pegged the Taipans to be serious contenders to get out of the World Bowl group stage at the start of the tournament, but after back-to-back wins against Lisander and the aforementioned Elephants, StrayaRoos may have just emerged as one of the surprise packages of this particular World Bowl. Another big upset is Caliland over Drawkland. Yes, the same Drawkland that has won two World Bowls has been beaten by another team of newcomers in Caliland. I mean, I guess when you don’t know who’s who on the other team, it can be pretty hard to adjust your tactics and whatnot to properly deal with them. And of course there’s Buffalostan absolutely shitting on Pius Desurongcrandis 61-9. Much closer to home, we have HUElavia dropping another game, this time to the Cordian Isles. Part of me feels a little bit sad to see HUElavia having fallen so hard, but a much bigger part of me is happy that they’re down there while, at the moment, we’re up here. Sportsmanship? What’s that? Never heard of it.

We still have one more game to play before we rewind and repeat the whole thing again, and that opponent is United Adaikes. I’ve already mentioned before that they’ve been spreading themselves into more and more sports after succeeding in WGP2 with their driver Aaron Deering, and I find solace and comfort in the fact that sports really can bring people and nations together. Of course, that doesn’t always work out as intended, but when it does, it’s such a beautiful sight to see. But you know what wouldn’t be a beautiful sight? United Adaikes beating the Armored Revolutionaries. So let’s all stand behind our lads so we don’t have to see the worst out of our fanbase (as if we don’t see that every time we win, draw, or lose anyway). It’s the least we could do for the Armored Revolutionaries. They’re doing very well at the moment anyway, so why not reward them with what they deserve after all this? Pylyp Stasiuk, Pylyp Stasiuk, Pylyp Stasiuk...

Due to a personal schedule change, the RP cutoff for group stage days 7, 8, 9, and 10 will be moved from 8pm US Eastern to the 12am-1am (0500-0600 UTC) window of the next day (in other words, 4-5 hours later). The normal cutoff time will resume for the knockout stage.

The schedule from this point forward, therefore, is:

Sunday 1/2 — Gameday 5 at 8pm US Eastern (0100 UTC)
Monday 1/3 — Gameday 6 at 8pm EST
Tuesday 1/4 — "Off"
Wednesday 1/5 — Gameday 7 at 12-1am EST (0500-0600 UTC) (28 hours after Gameday 6)
Thursday 1/6 — OFF
Friday 1/7 — Gameday 8 at 12-1am EST
Saturday 1/8 — Gameday 9 at 12-1am EST
Sunday 1/9 — Gameday 10 at 12-1am EST

Monday 1/10 — Round of 12 at 8pm EST (40 hours after Gameday 10)
Wednesday 1/12 — Quarterfinals at 8pm EST
Friday 1/14 — Semifinals at 8pm EST
Sunday 1/16 — World Bowl XLIII Championship at 8pm EST

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

Excerpts from the Delaclava press conference in the media room at Lake Boston Field, Orton City, following the Phoenixes' 27-9 victory over the Kohnhead Brains.

TW: Taurus Wright - 17/23, 245 yards, 1 TD; 10 rushes, 45 yards; 1 reception, 9 yards, 1 TD
KA: Kevin Alés - 2 receptions, 28 yards; 2 rushes, 20 yards; 1/1, 9 yards, 1 TD
PR: Prince Rose - 7.5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Gentlemen, congratulations on another victory - number four in this competition. Give us your general thoughts about today?

TW: Really promising. I don't we saw the Buffalostan game as a letdown, but it was closer than we wanted. We needed to reset and get back to playing on our own teams. Back at home, we got it done.

KA: Yup, I think a game like today could have been the start of the wheels falling off, if we weren't careful. But after they got the field goal on the opening drive, we asserted ourselves. Our defense made some big plays and that was huge in the third quarter when we started to stall a little bit.

Prince, what was it like getting to play in front of your own home crowd - not just Delaclava, but the Orton City Oilers faithful?

PR: It was awesome, man. We've had some rough seasons, but they've stayed with us and we love them for it. They're passionate and loyal, and they've been starving for some good football. I'm hoping to help give that as an Oiler, but at this time of year, we're all Phoenixes and we know they were enjoying a big Phoenixes win.

Taurus and Kevin, can you break down that touchdown in the second quarter? Not typically the direction we expect the ball to go...

KA: (laughing) Yeah, that was a little something we cooked up. I don't want to give anything away, but we've got plenty of things like that in the bag. But it works because I get put in motion a lot like that and might take a toss on the reverse, so it looks like any of those plays... but you've still got to pay attention to where Taurus is going. They got a little mixed up and we had that wide open.

TW: Yeah, man, too open! I know how to catch a ball, but it was a perfect throw and I swear I was so nervous, like, I cannot mess this up. But I was going to make it happen. I'd have laid out if I had to.

Prince, how significant was that first stop in the third quarter, forcing a field goal in your red zone? And were you surprised that they didn't go for the touchdown so close?

PR: It was huge. We were up 14, so a two-score game? And forcing the field goal meant they had three points, but it was a wasted drive, it was still a two-score game. So they got the next field goal too, but then they needed that touchdown, and they started to rush and make it happen. That's what opened me up to get through to that kid Byron, laid him flat and knocked the ball out, game over. I wasn't surprised they didn't go for it then. It's still early and I think you take that points. Besides, Tate Parker made a huge breakup on that third down to save a touchdown. I think Byron was scared to air out again and get pick-sixed, you know?

The Phoenixes, extending back to the AO Bowl, are on a nine-game winning streak. That includes victories over Banija, Sarzonia, and now Kohnhead and Buffalostan, not to mention actually winning the title for a region that includes four of the top seven ranked teams in this competition. Do you think that makes you the team to beat in this competition?

TW: I think recently, we've often thought of ourselves as the team to beat. I can't speak for the crew that was in Turori, but that squad was absolutely the team to beat, especially beating the Stars and then the Surge not really coming through. And we continue to show the Serpent Eagles who's in charge. And when you come and play us on our turf, we are 100% the team to beat. There are a lot of really good teams who can win games against this team, but they really have to take it from us. But for us it's a state of mind, not some grand plan. We still can only win one game, even one play at a time.

PR: Hell yeah, we are. We're the team no one wants to call out or admit we're at the top. We've been squeezed out of two semifinals by a touchdown, we've already got hardware to show for this season, and around the world they still want to talk about the Dragonflies? Nah, man. You've seen what they're doing now? We broke their asses. Anyone can come get it.

Looking around the competition, top-ranked Ranoria and Banija each suffered its first loss this week. Drawkland dropped a game against unranked Caliland. Ko-oren also sits on two losses. Meanwhile, TJUN-ia and Chromatika are the only other teams still undefeated. What do you think that says about your level in this tournament?

KA: I don't think it says a lot. If anything, just that the competition is really strong. Small but mighty. Most of the top teams who have lost, they've lost to the other top teams. And the Jags and the Iron Legion, they had to beat the top teams to be undefeated. We've been tested too, but we've known this whole time that Drawkland was going to be the big test. No disrespect to the other opponents, but this squad hasn't earned its stripes in this group until we get that win.

Are you expecting a weaker version of the Grid Corps, seeing the form that they're in?

TW: Not at all. I don't know if they're in title form, but we're very familiar with their level. We got that Buffalostan team they lost to, and trust me, we know how tough they are. Caliland is a shock, but it might be a wakeup call for them, get them hungry. Anytime you have to go play them on another planet, you have to respect them.

KA: We've played them five times and it's been a great game each time. I remember when we should've been the nail and we weren't. Now they're not going to be the nail unless we go out there and be the hammer.

Kohnhead       3 - 0 - 6  - 0 --  9
Delaclava     10 - 7 - 0 - 10 -- 27

1st Quarter
KHD - Wanda Parkinson 37 yard FG, 10:23.
DEL - Noah Simmons 46 yard run (Kieran Conley kick), 7:25.
DEL - Kieran Conley 24 yard FG, :39.
2nd Quarter
DEL - Kevin Alés 9 yard pass to Taurus Wright (Conley kick), 4:28.
3rd Quarter
KHD - Parkinson 27 yard FG, 9:51.
KHD - Parkinson 38 yard FG, 3:42.
4th Quarter
DEL - Taurus Wright 68 yard pass to Justin Vandaele (Conley kick), 8:04.
DEL - Conley 36 yard FG, 1:13.

Have we been figured out? The days of RSNN.com putting us at first in the power rankings seem well behind us. At 2-2 after four games, this campaign really isn't what we imagined it to be. The pattern of the last few World Bowls has been 'Ko-oren win', 'early exit', repeat, but it's hard to see this team get back to the final, if they make the knockouts at all. That's largely because the entire group seems to be 2-2, with only Chromatika escaping the fray at 4-0 and Lisander managing the same but the other way around at 0-4. The four other teams - which includes record champions Allamunnic States and our favourite bogey team, South Newlandia - can all beat anyone else. Maybe it's just a tough group (it is), but maybe the Dragonflies really aren't the same team as before.

There's, of course, only so many changes you can make before it stops being the original thing. It's the Ship of Theseus (mythology of unknown origin), basically: once you've replaced every single player who has originally been in the original shutout defence, and even replaced the coaching staff, is it still the same defence with the same principles that can compete Bowl after Bowl? Or... have we simply been figured out? Can a pedestrian offence rely on a superb defence to get bailed out, if said defence itself keeps relying on confusing and an excellent secondary? No matter how good that is, it can't work forever... right?

South Newlandia 27–17 Ko-oren
QB
SNL Stein: 10/17 113y, 2 TD 1 INT
KOR Kosmauthaunden: 18/31 167y, 1 TD

RB
SNL Holland: 17c 88y 5.2avg 25lng
SNL Read: 19c 87y 4.6avg 19lng, TD
KOR Jurethen: 15c 93y 6.2avg 10lng, TD

WR
SNL Valentine: 4/4 88y 22avg 29lng, TD
KOR Fineman: 5/6 95y 19avg 21lng, TD

DEF
SNL: 17pa, 299ydsa, 2ff, 2fr, 4sck, 2tfl
KOR: 27pa, 359ydsa, 3ff, 1fr, 1int, 3sck, 1tfl

It was a bad one to open the World Bowl with. You know they'll throw a run-first team at you, which is a natural bad fit for our pass-preventing team, but we can (and must) adjust - and everyone knows we've beaten run-first teams to get to several Bowl finals. This wasn't our first rodeo, and yet the team looked like it was. There are run-first teams in the Ko-orenite league, for god's sake! Stein was conservative as expected, and his tendency not to take hits means you don't exactly have to worry about a dual (or triple) threat - that's one fewer factor. Read, Holland, and Downs, with some end-arounds by Valentine/Heath or even Klein, ran circles around us. Meanwhile Kosmauthaunden couldn't manage to extend drives, with each of the four sacks killing one drive each and two lost fumbles aren't helping. The defence didn't have a terrible day, with a few chances at turnovers, but just not getting enough grip on the running game to make things close. A game very well called by Victorino and Hunt. Ultimately, we expect a more explosive offence on our side that puts up at least 20 points on opponents like these.

Lisander 10–17 Ko-oren
QB
LIS: 23/45 196y, 1 TD 2 INT
KOR Kosmauthaunden: 19/29 192y, 2 TD 1 INT

RB
LIS: 16c 82y 5.1avg 21lng
KOR Jurethen: 17c 105y 6.2avg 27lng
KOR Hinken: 9c 46y 5.1avg 20lng

WR
LIS: 4/6 38y 9.5avg 13lng
KOR Antonsen: 3/3 71y 23.7avg 58lng, 2 TD
WR Yowarie: 3/5 74y 24.7avg 37lng

DEF
LIS: 17pa, 330ydsa, 1ff, 0fr, 1int, 2sck, 2tfl
KOR: 27pa, 287ydsa, 2ff, 1fr, 2int, 6sck, 4tfl

This is more like it. Both teams had remarkably similar stat lines, but Mesjathaunden coming up with an early interception for a 14-0 halftime lead to boost morale with the offence avoiding 3-and-outs and turnovers: this is how the Dragonflies play. A 31-yard pass by the Lisander QB broke the clean sheet but it was too little, too late - even if the Dragonflies added just a field goal in the second half. Kosmauthaunden ran out of steam as the game went on, and maybe it's time to mix up the pocket passing with more experienced, game planning Parkes play? We're sure the coaching staff is on top of things, and the game plan seems fine, but the little details in execution and a few telegraphed throws prevented Kosmauthaunden from putting up bigger numbers. That said, Antonsen won't complain with a catch in traffic that still went for 58 yards and a TD and later getting a jump ball for a second score, while Yowarie connected with the young QB for 74 yards on a mere three catches. It's about finding out which receivers Kosmauthaunden deals well with, but unfortunately he doesn't have any Mayara Wolves teammates with him on the offensive side of the roster.

Farm boy has never been shut up. He has lost plenty of games in high school college NSCF and as a professional. But never, in his gridiron career, has he been shut out. The loss to the armored revolutionaries will mark a third Street season where John Garrett has failed to go undefeated in the group stage. The Krauts, now 3-1, will look to bounce back after the embarrassing defeat, but still hold the top spot in Group B.

How did this happen?

The Krauts racked up a team record 170 penalty yards throughout this game. Unfortunately, while many fans will point to the officials as the cause of the defeat, they would be hard pressed to point out any blatant missed calls. Ranoria was sloppy, the receivers could not get open, and between holdings, offsides, delay of games, and pass interferences, they beat themselves. For team is talented and as well coached as this one, that is often the case when they do drop one. On the other hand, This is only one loss and fortunately Ranoria is still on the top of Group B. While the Armored Revolutionaries do hold the tiebreaker with a win, Ranoria has a significantly better point differential as they have convincingly beaten their opponent in all of their other outings.

      1   2   3   4   F
DEL   7   0   3   3  13
BUF   3   0   0   7  10
BOX                                                                                               DEL  BUF
  1 Robbie Hahn 28 yard pass from Taurus Wright (Kieran Conley)                                     7    0
    Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez 42 yard field goal                                                       7    3
  3 Kieran Conley 36 yard field goal                                                               10    3
  4 Nathan Kennedy 8 yard pass from Tom Ehrlich (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                      10   10
    Kieran Conley 32 yard field goal                                                               13   10

      1   2   3   4   F
BUF  20  35   6   0  61
PIU   0   0   3   6   9
BOX                                                                                               BUF  PIU
  1 Tommy Herschlag 64 yard pass from Tom Ehrlich (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                     0    7
    Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez 35 yard field goal                                                       0   10
    Noah Langerud 3 yard rush (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                                         0   17
    Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez 21 yard field goal                                                       0   20
  2 Nathan Kennedy 29 yard pass from Tom Ehrlich (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                      0   27
    Luke Reyes 36 yard interception return (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                            0   34
    Zebulon Badgerfarmer 3 yard pass from Tom Ehrlich (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                 0   41
    Devajee Hardy 7 yard pass from Tom Ehrlich (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                        0   48
    Krurv 1 yard rush (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                                                 0   55
  3 Vadim Vyacheslavovich 7 yard pass from Ryan Frazer (kick failed)                                0   61
    Jack Porwhich 42 yard field goal                                                                3   61
  4 Anthony Black 27 yard pass from Sam Finnegan (run failed)                                       9   61

The Janissaries followed their upset of Drawkland by very nearly taking down Delaclava, holding the former World Bowl champions to 10 points until Taurus Wright led a fourth quarter drive into field goal range. Any frustrations were then comfortably worked out with a rout of the unfortunate Pius Desurongcrandis, who just happened to catch Tom Ehrlich on one of his 400 yard days. By the end, the Janissaries were letting Ryan Frazer take snaps and Krurv take kicks in a desperate bid to avoid running up the score. As we approach the competition halfway mark, let's have a look at some of the players who've featured for the Janissaries.

Most Improved Player: Aukanai’i Olina (OL/DL)

Aukanai’i Olina is a fearsome warrior from the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi who enlisted in the Janissaries despite gridiron being yet to be invented in his time bubble. Lacking in fundamentals and basic knowledge of the game, and a bit undersized for a lineman (in his own time bubble, he's considered a giant, but that's nothing compared to the likes of the roided-up Free South Beacher Juan Sebastián Navarro Coronil) he's quickly taken to the game. While he has only been used sparingly on D, he's become an integral member of the offensive line as starting right guard. His excellent footwork (honed from wrestling on the Hawaiʻian beaches) has allowed him to block bigger defensive linemen and match their moves with quick reactions. He's very fit and has played every snap on offense, going from conceding 4 holding penalties in the first game, to none in the last 2.

Most Disappointing Player: Willie “No Teeth” Turner (RB/DB)

Willie seems like he should be a good two-way player, as a solidly built plainsman with fast hands. Unfortunately, it seems that hit to the head he received from a bison has dislodged more than a few incisors. Willie is... a special one. Complete with his anti-drool bib, it takes him far too long to work out what's going on on the field to be of much use: he never follows his routes on offense, while on defense he's as likely to tackle his teammates or intercept a pass only to flip a lateral to an opponent as he is to do anything useful. To contain his tendencies for running around wildly he's mainly been used on special teams, and he even blocked a PAT. Unfortunately it was Krurv's PAT (though given the scoreline, it didn't really matter, the caveman was understandably angry).

Team Spirit Award: Krurv (FB/DB/KOS)

Speaking of Krurv, the caveman may not have much in the way of natural football instincts nor concept of basic bodily hygiene, but you can't say he hasn't tried. As a big blocking fullback he's blazed the way for Noah Langerud, and as a strong safety he hits as hard as a linebacker. He's not much of a threat in pass coverage as his hands aren't very good, and he's not tremendously kick, but his willingness to pitch in has even seen him take over kickoff duties from Jaessa so she can avoid injuries. His attempts at placekicking have fared less well: his PAT attempt hit Willie “No Teeth” Turner in the face, and he really put his boot into an optimistic field goal attempt, "it" being the head of holder Vadim Vyacheslavovich.

LISANDER - Don't look now, but the Chromatika Iron Legion are playing some of their best football ever since the nation entered the gridiron scene.

At Quarterback, they have Gwenderyn - who's only had the one interception in the first four games of this World Bowl, completing 17 of 24 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Lisander. Her favorite target? Alessandra Mio, with 131 of those yards on 6 catches, including 1 touchdown that was a beauty split between two defenders. Niles Gwivern caught 8 balls for 71 yards and the other touchdown as the two favorite targets of Gwenderyn shone once again.

The defense continued to do their part, holding yet another team to less than 10 points. In fact, Chromatika's 33 points allowed in 4 games - good for an 8.25 pa/g average - leads all teams in the World Bowl. Lisander's only touchdown of the game came in garbage time, where Chromatika were playing a mixture of starters and reserves, giving both Park Mi-Hyeon and Jere Rinaldi a break after they suffered minor foot injuries during the game.

However, the star for this game was Kimberly Fowler, the veteran running back for the Iron Legion. As Felswyr State University doesn't use a running back, they've not had much time in the spotlight in Chromatik gridiron. Fowler, though, is a huge asset to have - contributing 182 yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries as Chromatika went with a more balanced approach, with 33 carries and 24 passes on the day (as Gwenderyn herself had 7 carries, too).

With James Dior completing all 4 PATs without a problem - he's been prefect in the space left behind by McAllister so far - Chromatika remained perfect. They're one of three teams to be perfect, with TJUN-ia and Delaclava. Out of the undefeated teams, the Iron Legion have the worst offense but the best defense.

Gwenderyn isn't too worried about the offense of the Iron Legion. When asked, the star Quarterback answered, "We play a more time-of-possession intensive style, with the knowledge that our defense will be there for us if we struggle. It's a complete team, not one that leans on one side of the ball more than the other."

Chromatika will look to stay perfect as they host the Allamunnic States at the Henza Center in D'rea before the second half of play begins.

According to Head Coach Eustace Hampton, Jr., the biggest challenge the team is facing is complacency.

"We know that we're playing good ball," he commented, "We just need to stay consistent and play our own game, without worrying about anyone else. As long as we do that, we can go far."

Here we are, reaching the halfway point! By now, all the groupmates have gotten to know each other - so no more playing nice. Get out there and be the bad guy.

Day 5 cutoff!

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Group A
Buffalostan 68–3 Caliland
Kohnhead 40–6 Pius Desurongcrandis
Drawkland 20–26 Delaclava

  Group A                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Delaclava                            5    5   0   141   62  +79
2 Buffalostan                          5    3   2   190   93  +97
3 Caliland                             5    2   3    70  186 −116
4 Drawkland                            5    2   3   138  130   +8
5 Kohnhead                             5    2   3   112   93  +19
6 Pius Desurongcrandis                 5    1   4    88  175  −87

Group B
Ranoria 40–7 The Cordian Isles
United Adaikes 20–33 Abanhfleft
HUElavia 40–12 Sarzonia

  Group B                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Abanhfleft                           5    4   1   121   62  +59
2 Ranoria                              5    4   1   159   54 +105
3 Sarzonia                             5    3   2   132  142  −10
4 The Cordian Isles                    5    2   3    76  151  −75
5 HUElavia                             5    2   3   101  108   −7
6 United Adaikes                       5    0   5    70  142  −72

Group C
Saint Kanye 13–26 TJUN-ia
New Gesem 56–23 Caleonia
Banija 60–17 United States of Great America

  Group C                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 TJUN-ia                              5    5   0   147   58  +89
2 Banija                               5    4   1   160  111  +49
3 Saint Kanye                          5    3   2   156  106  +50
4 United States of Great America       5    2   3    80  129  −49
5 New Gesem                            5    1   4   103  140  −37
6 Caleonia                             5    0   5    51  153 −102

Group D
South Newlandia 20–7 Lisander
Ko-oren 21–10 StrayaRoos
Chromatika 20–6 Allamunnic States

  Group D                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Chromatika                           5    5   0   112   39  +73
2 South Newlandia                      5    3   2   100   78  +22
3 Ko-oren                              5    3   2    85   59  +26
4 Allamunnic States                    5    2   3    80  112  −32
5 StrayaRoos                           5    2   3    94  133  −39
6 Lisander                             5    0   5    58  108  −50

StrayaRoos' Recent Run of Victories Came to an end with an 21-10 Defeat by Ko-oren and Have to win Most of their games to stay in touch of the Second Round

LUKE BROWN ✓

@LukeBrownGFR

GG @IsfruinJR! Since your friends here at GFR respect bets and are good sports, here's what we'll be wearing to our Week 10 clash at the Field of Dreams in TJUN-ia!

#WB43 : #STKTJU : #ShockEmSurge

GFR: St. Kanye's team in the NSSCRA top tier and AOCAR
Skip Stiller Speedworks: St. Kanye's team in the NSSCRA second tier
1st row: GFR president Luke Brown; GFR VP Eunice Radetsky; SSS co-owners Skip Stiller and Max Gannon
2nd row: GFR top tier driver Jeremiah Brooke; Brooke's wife Stacie Houston; GFR top tier drivers Sage Caldwell and Thea Alvarez
3rd row: SSS drivers Daryl Calhoun, Pyotr Lavrentiev and Lexi Patterson
4th row: GFR AOCAR drivers Gavin Ogden, Glen Reid and Jill Singletary

With 0-5 in Arena Bowl, FLFA announces the disbandment of the "Amateur Lynx"
...and finally hands over National Team rights to NAFL.

@FLFA_lisander_football_19: Deeply grateful and with a sense of accomplishment, but somewhat annoyed by the situation itself, we ended our walk. We wish @NAFL_ls luck for the future.

@NAFL_ls: After three years of irrationality, it looks like the schism will finally come to an end. It's a shame it's this way, but we already knew it would be this way.

@fumblersunited:Finally.

Two tweets that marked the night, and our kind contribution.

Finally, dear friends. It was taking too long... Finally, the obsolete (and corrupt) FLFA decided to drop the bone and close this shameful page, and hand over the organizing rights of the national team to the NAFL. The information was confirmed by FLFA director of public relations, Bruno Souto. Once they arrive from South Newlandia, the "Amateur Lynx" will be dissolved. The term of waiver of FLFA rights will be signed this Monday morning, and the NAFL must file the request for authorization to represent the country with the National Court of Sport immediately afterwards.

It is still unclear which team will play against the Allamunic States in the modest stadium of the Metropolitan University, with a capacity for 3600 people, 2000 of them seated. It is possible to have one more game with the amateurs who have played so far, in case it is not possible for the federation to assemble this team in a hurry. However, with the effort that the League and its sponsors have gone into to develop the sport locally, the team is more likely to be a mix of college students and "subsidized" NAFL team players available. It would be a new and somewhat uplifting sight. It's already impossible for Lisander to make it to the postseason, so at least getting positive results would be a good start.

Perhaps, the most viable, at the moment, is to think about the medium-term plans. The NAFL has been trumpeting its plans to host the next Arena Bowl with national teams from all over the world for some time, so the effort to build the team that will finish this World Bowl be punctual. It's time to devote yourself to governance and, why not, give FLFA a definitive blow. After all, this happens at the time of the FLFA's greatest unpopularity of all time, after five straight losses for the "amateur" team that was being fielded in the World Bowl.

In time, if you know Fumblers United, you will know that we are not impartial. Since the beginning of the blog, years ago, we were always in favour of the NAFL and professionalization, we were in favour of opening the sport to necessary investments and we advocated against the FLFA and its "amateurism culture" (or as we call, shamateurism) still so present among the people from our country. We are in favour of all players being able to play without financial worries, being paid or subsidized for their game, regardless of the amount. That the costs paid for games and training do not necessarily have to come out of our pockets.

Our country has a strong economy and there are jobs in all areas, what is the problem with allowing people to earn money or leave their formal jobs to play football? Remember that most players come from colleges. Even if these people don't do well in the sport... it's not the end of their lives. They can always be doctors, teachers, lawyers, after all, they studied for that.

We hope that from now on, those responsible are held responsible for their wrongdoings. However, as we already knew, and we had revealed firsthand, that the NAFL is not going to file a lawsuit against the FLFA for all the legal obstructions promoted by the latter. In the words of Sebastian Garnier, Wide Receiver-turned League Commissioner, "It would be much ado about nothing. Overkill."

EDITOR'S NOTE: This post will be updated along the day with the details on this case.

Sometimes, in the middle of a gridiron game, you just need to improvise.

You can call the perfect play - trips left, tight end to the right, single back, with the middle receiver running a dig route that should be open with the other two running crossing routes to clear space. You can diagnose that the A-gap linebacker will blitz, and let your offensive line know that pressure will be coming. You can even take the time to stare the would-be blitzer in the face, as if to say, "I know you're coming."

Then, you snap the ball, and everything falls apart.

To be fair, Mikel Kingston is a very good center, and Kingston has played with Gwenderyn played for many a season - bad snaps just happen from time to time. Or, even Sarai Gwenderyn can mishandle a snap. Regardless of who was at fault, the ball sailed over Gwenderyn's head, and she had to juke around to get to it before it could be handled by the defense. Sure enough, that A-gap blitzing linebacker was making a beeline for it, and she could tell she was in huge trouble.

Thankfully, the Iron Legion uses running backs, and Amber Feeley is one of the best at catching passes out of the backfield. Knowing that Gwenderyn was in trouble, Feeley peeled to the left, and rounded the edge. Gwenderyn noticed her, and doing a pirouette, threw a dime to the running back.

Feeley did the rest, making two defenders miss as she raced down the sideline for one of the craziest touchdowns of Gwenderyn's career.

"She (Feeley) really bailed me out," admitted Gwenderyn after the game, "That play had disaster all over it."

Or, another day at the office called playing the most important position in the game - one of the two touchdowns that keeps the Iron Legion perfect at 5-0, two games ahead of everyone else in their group.

World Bowl XLIII, Matchday 5 of the group stages. The St. Kanye Surge versus the TJUN-ia Jaguars at the Pencurve Electronics Field, Kardashia, St. Kanye. A highly hyped matchup between two very competitive teams, both with their own passionate fanbases. The Yeezies and Jags have met just once prior, in the quarterfinals two World Bowls ago, with the former rolling over the latter 41-7. But just as St. Kanye continued to play at a high level, TJUN-ia also improved by a lot, and even find themselves at the top of the group in this edition, with four wins in as many games. The Surge looked to reassert their dominance over their visitors. Would history repeat itself? Sorry to say, that would not be the case, with the visitors exacting revenge as sweet as a Jungle Fever cocktail, 26-13.

Many expected this match to be a shootout between St. Kanye's R.J. Linetti and TJUN-ia's Jake Griffin, both rising stars in the quarterback position who can run the ball just as well as they can pass it. That was not to be, however; the Jags' touchdowns were scored by the ground unit, whereas the home team's came from the defense. "Honestly, that was an ugly performance from me which led to this ugly loss," said Linetti, who completed just 12 of 32 passes for 98 yards and an interception (giving him a disgusting 33.07 passer rating). "But we gotta move on. The group stages are just halfway done - there's still time for revenge, not only against the Jags but also the [Banija] Serpent Eagles [who beat the Yeezies 38-27 in Matchday 2]. We need to make a late push in order to keep our playoff and title hopes alive."

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1Q STK field goal Rasputin 47 STK 3-0
TJUN-ia failed to draw first blood, their opening drive stopped cold by a strip sack on Griffin by Simon Carver on just the second play of the game. Then came St. Kanye's chance to score, but they would only go up three-nil after Linetti fell prey to two consecutive Prince Brown sacks on second and third down.

1Q TJU field goal Chi 40 Tie 3-3
Griffin's potential go-ahead touchdown pass to wideout Hubert Valois was batted down by Gary Bradman. The Jags too would end up settling for three after their next two plays went tackle for loss, then incompletion.

2Q STK field goal Rasputin 35 STK 6-3
A second James Rasputin FG put the Yeezies back in the driver seat. When the Jags' ensuing drive stalled and they once again brought out Chi On-Ma, some were expecting what was supposed to be a quarterback battle to turn into a kicker duel. But Chi's attempt at an equalizer sailed right, and the Surge prepared to grow their lead.

2Q TJU Mac 28 run (Kick failed) TJU 9-6
Except they wouldn't get the chance to, Pedro Marquinios picking off Linetti's throw. Though the TJUN-ian safety was pushed out at the St. Kanye 28, it only took the next play for Vinny Mac to break through the defenders on the way to six points (just six, Chi with the miss once again).

2Q TJU Mac 11 run (Kick failed) TJU 15-6
Though the Surge appeared to have shackled Griffin, the Jags still have their ground attack with Mac. The running back made it a two-possession game before halftime as he found the end zone with a minute to go.

Back at the lockers, St. Kanye's head coach Jeff Delphine was an unhappy camper. "We're getting neutralized out there!" he said. "If not for James [Rasputin], we'd be dead meat. You guys are #5 in the world, right? Then play like it!" Linetti recalled that moment. "Coach may have gotten a little harsh there, but he was right. We all tried our best, but our opponents seemed to be playing a bit better. Yeah, sometimes it just ain't your day, but you gotta make it so that it is. And we didn't manage to do that there."

3Q TJU Tyrell 23 run (Mac run) TJU 23-6
Things continued to look down for the Yeezies as TJUN-ia's other running back, Klaveon Tyrell, dodged several white-clad defenders and made it a fifteen-point lead (seventeen after the Jags went for two - still on the ground - and succeeded).

4Q STK Bradman 90 interception return (Rasputin kick) TJU 23-13
Midway through the final period, Bradman recorded an interception against Griffin to go with his pass deflection in the first quarter. But incredible as the pick six may have been, the TJUN-ians were still ahead by ten. "If only it happened in the first quarter or so," lamented Bradman. "That would have swung the momentum in our favor."

4Q TJU field goal Chi 32 TJU 26-13
The Jags doubled up on the Surge's score as Chi made up for his three misses, putting the nail in the coffin just a little past the two-minute mark.

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TJUN-ia continue to lead Group C with a perfect 5-0 record, whereas St. Kanye fall to 3-2, still third. "We're still in the playoffs at this point, but do we really want to go against tough opponents instead of skipping the Round of Twelve with a bye?" said Coach Delphine. "No team worth its weight in rubber chickens would prefer the former." Next up for him and the rest of the boys is a rematch against the New Gesem Pilgrims (1-4), the team they clobbered 53-26 during the tournament opener. Having played at the Pencurve Electronics Field then, the Yeezies become the away team next week, as the second leg of the group stages flips home field assignments. TJUN-ia and Banija (4-1) will host the United States of Great America (2-3) and Caleonia (0-5), respectively. The Serpent Eagles flattened the Great Americans 60-17, whereas the Caleonians remain winless after being hammered by the Pilgrims, 56-23.

Elsewhere......

- In Group A, the Buffalostan Janissaries (3-2) drop back to back sixty bombs, this week's being against Caliland (2-3), 68-3.
- In Group B, the Ranoria Krauts (4-1) take out their frustrations from last week's loss onto the Cordian Isles North Stars (2-3), taking them down by a 40-7 score.
- The StrayaRoos Taipans' two-game winning streak comes to an end at the hands of the Ko-oren Dragonflies, 21-10. The Dragonflies improve to 3-2 while the Taipans fall to 2-3.

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MD | Opponent           | Rank | Uniform       | Score   | Record | Place |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1  | New Gesem          | 31   | Purple/Purple | W 53-26 | 1-0    | 1st   |
| 2  | @Banija            | 4    | White/Purple  | L 27-38 | 1-1    | 3rd   |
| 3  | USGA               | UR   | Purple/Black  | W 36-16 | 2-1    | 3rd   |
| 4  | @Caleonia          | UR   | White/White   | W 27-0  | 3-1    | 3rd   |
|    | BREAK              |      |               |         |        |       |
| 5  | TJUN-ia            | 13   | White/Purple  | L 13-26 | 3-2    | 3rd   |
| 6  | @New Gesem         | 31   | White/White   |         |        |       |
| 7  | Banija             | 4    | Purple/Purple |         |        |       |
|    | BREAK              |      |               |         |        |       |
| 8  | @USGA              | UR   | White/Purple  |         |        |       |
| 9  | Caleonia           | UR   | Purple/Black  |         |        |       |
| 10 | @TJUN-ia           | 13   | Purple/Purple |         |        |       |
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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.

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Gaelic Gamers
Presents...

Gabbing on Gridiron
with Dara Keane

WORLD BOWL XLIII: GROUP STAGE MATCHDAY FIVE

United Adaikes    7  3  7  3 20
Abanhfleft       10  6 14  3 33

After that messy affair that was the first game between Abanhfleft and Ranoria in World Bowl XLIII, the game between the Armored Revolutionaries and the United Adaikes Unknown Nicknames feels almost like a panacea. If watching the game between the Armored Revolutionaries and the Krauts was enough to make you swear off of gridiron for life then I recommend watching the first game between Abanhfleft and United Adaikes in the World Bowl, because it’s guaranteed to bring your love for gridiron right back to your soul. I mean, the result notwithstanding, both sides put up a very good display of football, and while they will have walked away from this with a bad result, United Adaikes will surely feel encouraged that they were able to hang it with some of the best that the World Bowl has to offer. I mean, these are all collegiate football players, for crying out loud! If this is the future of gridiron in United Adaikes then I can rest easy because their future is in good hands. Oh, I sure hope that that doesn’t come back to bite me in the arse like it usually does, but who am I kidding? The day will come when United Adaikes will beat us in gridiron, and I will have been the unwitting prophet who predicted it against the protestations of every single Fleftic gridiron fan in the land.

Now with an intro so big and bombastic, the game recap itself must live up to the hype, must it not? Well, I’ll try, but be warned: I have often been told that reality is often disappointing. But in any case, here goes. The Armored Revolutionaries got the coin toss right and chose to receive, and they made short work of the field to march in the first touchdown of the game. But United Adaikes weren’t afraid of no first possession touchdown. No sir, they weren’t. In fact, to show that they weren’t afraid of giving up a touchdown on their opponents’ very first possession in the game, they went and did the same with their own first possession. I mean, if there’s one thing that college footballers are, it’s daring. They want to be seen, be noticed, so they’re willing to pull some very crazy things in order to get noticed. I mean, running for first down on 3rd and 7 as a quarterback would certainly count as crazy in many of the circles I know.

And it could have become a sort of quarterback dick measuring contest had there been a little more time left on the first quarter clock, but instead it turned into a dick measuring contest for the kickers. It seemed like every time a kicker went out to kick a field goal, they were always just a little bit further away from the posts.I mean, hey, if that’s the way that they want to do it then be my guest. Just don’t involve me in all of that because everyone who knows me knows I can’t kick worth a damn. But good thing Roland Bass has found his magic touch once again because it would have been a real bummer if he missed one of those field goals (or even one of those one-point conversions for that matter). But come the third quarter, the spotlight was back on the quarterbacks, and they performed as admirably as they could. Well, maybe except for that one time that Austin Garner got picked by Leon Vrieze. That’s not really probably fair to hold up against Garner. But that pick did give Wes Soderlund the motivation that he needed to finally get that arm of his firing bullets into his receivers, and while United Adaikes did have a little bit of a response to Soderlund, it wasn’t enough to steer the game anywhere near their favor come the fourth quarter. They just got outclassed in the third quarter, plain and simple. It could even be said that that Leon Vrieze pick was the moment that United Adaikes well and truly lost this game. But the good thing (from their perspective anyway) is that this is only the first time that they’re playing us. There’s still some time left for the young ones to learn from this game and turn the tables on us the next time we play them. Not sure I’m really looking forward to seeing that though. Hmm…

And now the first half of the World Bowl group stage is done! That’s the good news. The bad news is that we have to do this all over again. We have to play against HUElavia, Sarzonia, the Cordian Isles, Ranoria, and United Adaikes all over again, and if we want to have a shot at the playoffs, the Armored Revolutionaries will have to maintain this form that they are on right now. This means we can ill afford any losses to any teams, be it against Sarzonia or Ranoria or the new guys. Heck, even a loss against HUElavia next time around won’t be acceptable because, aside from the obvious international sporting rivalry implications of the whole thing, we just can’t let them regain the upper hand on us after we’ve taken it away from them in this particular competition. But saying that, I won’t really be surprised if HUElavia somehow managed to come back from the dead and beat us just when it looked like the Armored Revolutionaries were finally getting back on the warpath to the playoffs. It may sound far-fetched at the moment, but this is Abanhfleft. As long as anything that can screw us over sporting-wise can happen, it [i[will[/i] happen. Just beware of what could happen in the next few days because of this. Gregory Mankiller, Gregory Mankiller, Gregory Mankiller…

Ko-oren 7–9 Chromatika
QB
KOR Kosmauthaunden: 20/29 186y 1 TD 1 INT
CMT Gwenderyn: 11/24 148y 1 INT

RB
KOR Paterson: 13c 51y 3.9avg 9lng
CMT Feeley: 12c 72y 6avg 22lng

WR
KOR Costigan: 8/8 133yds 16.6avg 51lng
KOR Yowarie: 2/4 31yds 15.5avg 18lng, 1 TD
CMT Gwivern: 5/6 65yds 13avg 26lng
CMT Mio: 2/6 68yds 34avg 54lng

DEF
KOR: 9pa, 305ydsa, 1ff, 0fr, 3sck, 8tfl, 1int
CMT: 7pa, 328ydsa, 2ff, 1fr, 7sck, 5tfl, 1int

Two teams with great defences. Two offences that try to kill the clock as much as possible. We always knew this game wouldn't be a very high scoring one, but with the way the Iron Legion has been powering through this group, it'd be hard to beat their momentum. That said, both teams do have their weaknesses. The Dragonflies rely on a solid secondary in a defence that is otherwise showing a lack of resolve against the run and is having trouble getting to the quarterback while employing a slow offence with good pass protection and a fine running game but without necessary big plays. The Iron Legion relies on a 22-year old NSCF quarterback, an older receiving corps, a somewhat one-dimensional offensive gameplan (personnel-wise, at least), with a fantastic defence that is vulnerable if you can quickly get the ball out of the QBs hands to a receiver at or beyond the depth of the linebackers. The special teams of both teams aren't very different: reliable, good, aware of field position, and know how demoralising it is to consistently start drives with a very, very long field to go.

The punting battle and the subsequent fight for field position was maybe the most interesting thing about this game if you ignore the 'top two seeds' thing. Neither team really got their offence going at the start, with both QBs aiming for their deeper receivers but not really getting their calls answered, the cornerbacks made sure of that. Gwenderyn threw an ugly interception to Monaghan, while Kosmauthaunden - still the starter despite rumours to the contrary before the game - returned the favour en route to a surprisingly efficient 20 completions from 29 attempts otherwise. The short passing game might always move the sticks, but it was the only way. The running backs played a small yet important role to extend drives. Costigan played an insane role with eight short gains, getting almost half of his yards on the day on a 51-yard reception to set up the 18-yard completion to Yowarie for the only TD of the game. The deep threats (Yowarie, Mio) had a tough day getting separation in the first place, and getting deep enough for a chunk play second, but Mio also escaped for a long gain on one of the two catches. The defences, obviously, were getting it all done, with the Iron Legion getting to the quarterback more, but the Dragonflies sniffing out dump passes behind the line of scrimmage more. Neither defence could really force a major mistake: Gwenderyn and Kosmauthaunden are experienced enough to know not to go for a brand of heroball (or yoloball, armpunting, etc) and to simply go for what the defence gives you, even if that's not much.

Allamunnic States 3–23 Ko-oren

QB
ALL: 21/38 177y 2int
KOR Kosmauthaunden: 28/34 290y 1td 1int

RB
ALL: 7c 27y 3.9avg 18lng
KOR Kurandinthen: 6c 25y 4.2avg 8lng 1td

WR
ALL: 2/3 55y 27.5avg 36lng
KOR Yowarie: 3/5 59y 19.7avg 24lng 1td

DEF
ALL: 23pa, 386ydsa, 2sck, 1tfl, 1int
KOR: 3pa, 250ydsa, 5ff, 2fr, 5sck, 9tfl, 2int

This is what we hoped to see all Bowl. A solid showing by the offence, long drives with few mistakes, scoring a few TDs and otherwise scoring points on multiple drives, while the defence can use the long fields enforced by the special teams to concede a single field goal on the day. The Allamunnic States stared at a deficit all game, so they tried to force the ball downfield, while the Dragonflies didn't rely on a running game too much - they still gave three different backs 5 or more carries though, no matter how small the gains they amassed.

The Allamunnic States, down 17-0, got their points on their last drive before halftime. They wouldn't cross into enemy territory until the fourth quarter, where their two decent drives ended in an interception (at the 28 yard line) and a lost fumble (at the 19 yard line) - that drive was the States' only appearance in the redzone. Kosmauthaunden took it easy with modest playcalling in the second half, which led to two more field goals for the Dragonflies: everything to kill the clock - at that point, it's almost better to extend a drive for 10 plays or so, take off a good few minutes, then punt to the 10 yard line. Let's pretend that was the plan rather than drives stalling out around midfield when a run inevitably fell short a yard or so beyond the line of scrimmage and one incompletion later you're staring at 3rd and 8 which you're not always going to convert.

This game - or rather, the last three games, counting the win over Lisander - is a much better starting point. You can lose to Chromatika, it happens. But to keep South Newlandia beneath us we have to string together wins, for which you need a functioning defence (which we have) as well as an offence (which is looking better every game).

James Helster the Manager of the Pius Phoenixes walked into work today saying "Today there is going to be drastic change". After putting things down in his office he made his way to the Coach's Office. "Reid, Farnwell with me" he says.
"what's up" says Sean Reid
"Well you are being fired, look at our record and how this team is playing, Farnwell will be taking over as Head Coach."
"wait what" replies Sean Reid
"You heard me, get your stuff and get out of here, Ryan before you go I have some things for you to do."
"What do you need?" asks Ryan Farnwell
"Well I want you to tell David Webb he is being promoted to Offensive Coordinator and I also want you to bench Finnegan, he hasn't looked very good, I'll even come with you."

One Hour Later

"Hey Sam, I have to talk to you about something." Says Ryan Farnwell
"what's up Coach" replies Sam Finnegan
"We are going to have to bench you, Gates will take the starting job for now."
"YOU CAN'T DO THAT" says Finnegan
"He can and just did" says James Helster
"YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE" says Sam Finnegan as he swings and punches Ryan Farnwell