NSCF 28 - Everything Thread

by **Chromatika** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:59 pm

Preview, Part 1
Preview, Part 2
Matchdays 1-3
Matchdays 4-5
Matchdays 6-8
Matchdays 9-10, Part 1
Matchdays 9-10, Part 2
Matchdays 9-10, Part 3
Conference Championships
District Championships

Chromatik High School Gridiron - Season Eleven National Quarterfinals

Quarterfinal #1

Staramara Tech High School Battle Angels vs. West Shantarr High School Scorpions @ The Tidal Wave, Tihon, Urrhed Island

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Staramara Tech High School                  0   3   3   3    9
West Shantarr High School                   3   3   0   0    6

1Q
11:28 WSHS FG - Theodore Skylar 48 yard Field Goal

2Q
06:11 WSHS FG - Theodore Skylar 46 yard Field Goal
01:57 STHS FG - Jin Hayamoshi 57 yard Field Goal

3Q
09:01 STHS FG - Jin Hayamoshi 52 yard Field Goal

4Q
00:02 STHS FG - Jin Hayamoshi 61 yard Field Goal

MVP: Staramara Tech High School Sophomore Outside Linebacker Freya Odinsdóttir (10 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble)

Summary: West Shantarr came to The Tidal Wave with one mission: To slow down Mattieu Hancock, and make it as difficult as possible for the Battle Angels to win. They fulfilled that fully, but Francine Weiler was held in check as well. For the second game in a row, Freya Odinsdóttir was a menace both in the backfield and in coverage, cashing in with an interception; Weiler tried to get things going with Jeremy Willard and Draven Killjoy, but all they could muster were two field goals. Thayer Silt was the Sophomore Strong Safety harassing Hancock all day long - but Jin Hayamoshi had other ideas.

Hayamoshi, the Senior Kicker for the Battle Angels, was perfect on the day - 3-for-3 on 50+ yard field goals - including the game-winner. Hancock had just found Reed Shok on a twelve-yard out route, putting the ball at the 44 yard line for the Scorpions. That made the kick a sixty-one yarder - which would be a national record.

In the crisp, chilled air - 28 degrees and dropping - Hayamoshi's right foot hit the ball clearly. It had distance, and it was accurate. The ball snuck just through the goalposts.

The Battle Angels were through. They'd finally made it to the National Semifinals. What a season, and it's only becoming more and more apparent that this team could go all the way.

Quarterfinal #2

Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White vs. J. H. Yadasky High School Heroes @ The Islander Dome, Myana, Myana Island

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Myana Northwestern High School              0   7  10   7   24
J. H. Yadasky High School                   3   7  10   0   20

1Q
11:28 JHYHS FG - Nix Drell 38 yard Field Goal

2Q
06:58 JHYHS TD - Isaiah Candy 27 yard run (Nix Drell Kick)
01:36 MNWHS TD - Jen Hallow 8 yard pass from Nicole Estera (Paul Garnet Kick)

3Q
13:04 JHYHS FG - Nix Drell 31 yard Field Goal
09:58 MNWHS FG - Paul Garnet 43 yard Field Goal
06:01 MNWHS TD - Cho Sang-Wook 9 yard fun (Paul Garnet Kick)
02:28 JHYHS TD - Dustin Perreault 48 yard pass from Cade Stases (Nix Drell Kick)

4Q
01:21 MNWHS TD - Cho Sang-Wook 19 yard pass from Nicole Estera (Paul Garnet Kick)

MVP: Myana Northwestern High School Senior Running Back Cho Sang-Wook (17 carries, 132 yards, 1 touchdown; 5 catches, 41 yards, 1 receiving touchdown)

Summary: For a half, Myana Northwestern's defense was matched by J. H. Yadasky's. For a half, Nicole Estera was held to 131 yards of total offense, while the Heroes had 211 yards. Isaiah Candy, the Senior Running Back for the Heroes, had 62 of the yards, while Nix Drell had converted the only field goal try. In fact, if it hadn't been for Kiyah Everstrum intercepting Cade Stases and returning it to the Heroes' fifteen yard line - leading to the Blue and White's only touchdown of the half - things would've been worse.

Then, Myana Northwestern woke up in the second half... Or, more importantly, Cho Sang-Wook did. The Senior Running back for the Blue and White, known for being a bowling ball who thrives off of contact, had 101 of his 173 yards, including both touchdowns. It was Cho that gave the Blue and White the lead in the Third Quarter, only to see Cade Stases find Dustin Perreault on a double-move up the left sideline to take a three-point lead. Both teams moved the ball up and down the field for the next Quarter or so, until Myana Northwestern took over at their own 22 yard line with four minutes left.

Estera stepped up, as she usually does. a pass to Laak Gyles. Another to Jen Hallow. Scramble up the middle. Just three plays later, and the ball was on the other side of the field.

On third-and-four from the Heroes' twenty-three yard line, Estera lofted a pass in the flat to Cho, who outran Strong Safety Heinrik Dessler and carried the ball in for the decisive score. Cade Stases would enter to try to engineer a last-minute drive, but Isaiah Candy was stopped on fourth-and-one from the Blue and White's one yard line, as Alexander Eisenberg wrapped him up to end the game.

The Blue and White are two wins away from making history as the first team to three-peat in Chromatik High School Gridiron history. Can anyone really stop them?

Quarterfinal #3

North Sanar High School Riflemen vs. The Chromatik Institute Dread @ The Hive, Sanar, Rainbow District

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
North Sanar High School                     3   7  10   3   23
The Chromatik Institute                     7   9   7   3   26

1Q
08:01 NSHS FG - Lilai Xai 44 yard Field Goal
02:52 TCI TD - Brianna Heavensworth 11 yard run (Aaron Judge Kick)

2Q
14:58 NSHS TD - Larry Pinmichael 22 yard interception return (Lilai Xai Kick)
09:28 TCI TD - Lenny Rhimes 39 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (kick blocked)
02:27 TCI FG - Aaron Judge 49 yard Field Goal

3Q
11:31 NSHS TD - Ned Pill 28 yad pass from Skyler Jazmin (Lilai Xai Kick)
06:55 TCI TD - Jacqueline Fofo 46 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)
01:01 NSHS FG - Lilai Xai 39 yard Field Goal

4Q
08:09 NSHS FG - Lilai Xai 47 yard Field Goal
01:51 TCI FG - Aaron Judge 37 yard Field Goal

MVP: The Chromatik Institute Junior Quarterback Raul Sébastien Santos (21-of-26, 271 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception)

Summary: The Riflemen against the Dread. North Sanar took the opening kickoff deep into Chromatik Institute territory, before Carmen Dior was able to break up a third down pass by Skyler Jazmin; the Dread answered by going on a long drive themselves, Brianna Hvensworth able to punch the ball in from eleven yards out. Though Larry Pinmichael picked off Sébastien Santos for a defensive score, Sébastien Santos would answer with a long pass up the seam to Fofo, and with Lilai Xai cashing in a field goal before halftime, the score stood at 16-10 (a kick was blocked).

North Sanar would simply not go away. It would be Jazmin that found Pill for the go-ahead score, and though Fofo was able to catch the ball and weave its way through the heart of the Institute defense, Xai's two Field Goals in the Third and Fourth Quarters tied the game up.

Raul Sébastien Santos had no designs of going to overtime, though. Fofo and Rhimes were great targets, and Heavensworth could also play her part. They controlled the ball for six whole minutes, getting to the Riflemen's twenty yard line, before Kala Ryokin was able to finally bring down Heavensworth on a third-and-one. Aaron Judge, the Sophomore Kicker for the Dread, was able to convert the thirty-seven yarder, and the Dread had regained the lead.

Jazmin, to her credit, did all right to get the ball to the Dread thirty. Unfortunately, she only had Pill to throw at, and Dior was able to get to her on fourth and three on a standard edge blitz to knock the Riflemen out of the playoffs.

The Chromatik Dread. National Semifinalists.

Quarterfinal #4

Mt. Niar High School Anacondas vs. Vitoron School of Charge Robots @ The Jewel Dome, Ming, Mountain District

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Mt. Niar High School                        7   3  10   7   27
Vitoron School of Charge                    3   3   7   0   13

1Q
12:44 MNHS TD - Earl Silverman 28 yard pass from Dante Flowers (Kang Yun-Hee Kick)
09:41 VSC FG - Dairon Wetters 38 yard Field Goal

2Q
14:01 MNHS FG - Kang Yun-Hee 47 yard Field Goal
06:28 VSC FG - Dairon Wetters 33 yard Field Goal

3Q
13:28 MNHS TD - Prince Killart 18 yard run (Kang Yun-Hee Kick)
07:49 VSC TD - Stephen Marx 47 yard pass from Mtupeni Onwuatuegwu (Dairon Wetters Kick)
01:36 MNHS FG - Kang Yun-Hee 46 yard Field Goal

4Q
05:28 MNHS TD - Jared Ittachi 8 yard pass from Dante Flowers (Kang Yun-Hee Kick)

MVP: Mt. Niar High School Sophomore Quarterback Dante Flowers (19-of-25, 215 yards, 2 touchdowns)

Summary: These two keep going at each other, don't they? Onwuatuegwu taking on the young gun, Flowers; the Charge trying one last time to make a run at the title, while the Anacondas keep their form even through multiple Quarterbacks. Earl Silverman has been a godsend for Flowers, and the two hooked up early; the Robots could only get two Field Goals before halftime. Then, Killart scored in the opening moments of the Third Quarter, and the Anacondas were gone.

Onwuatuegwu, to her credit, went 20-of-27 for 318 yards and the lone touchdown to Stephen Marx. However, the Anacondas' defense - Cornerback Kiyah Everstrum, Middle Linebacker Evan Derder, and Free Safety Valyn Ekler helped the team hold the Charge to two Field Goals and a turnover on downs, which ended up being the difference.

In the Fourth Quarter, when Onwuatuegwu's screen pass to Qamiya Parrine fell flat due to the pressure put on by Roland Kyak on forth down, Flowers led the Martyrs thirty yards in three plays, capitalizing with an eight yard pass up the post to Jared Ittachi to put the lead at fourteen. Vitoron would not be able to contend.

The Robots will be without Unwuatuegwu next season, while Flowers and the Anacondas will carry on... Maybe this time, they can win it all?

Chromatik High School Gridiron - Season Eleven National Semifinals

Semifinals
Staramara Tech High School Battle Angels vs. Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White @ The Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Capital District
The Chromatik Institute Dread vs. Mt. Niar High School Anacondas @ The Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Capital District

by **PotatoFarmers** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 9:17 pm

Sporting Daily
College Watch: Shock loss for MRI puts MRI's hopes of playoff spot at risk

Sarim - Maximus Rochester Institute's hopes of trying to make the playoffs for the first time in their college gridiron career might have been shattered with a shock home defeat to Casvar University.

With the Drawkian college not performing at anywhere near their peak with a 2-8 record during conference play, many expected the Poafmersian side to clinch an easy victory at home to advance their chances of a shock playoff spot. While exact calculations are unknown at the moment due to the proposed changes to the current OSPI scoring system, the team knows that their playoff hopes would likely not make it through given the results. "In short, it was a poor performance. A late comeback win by the Gladiators is a huge blow to our team morale, and ahead of away trips to stronger opponents, I think our playoff chances just slipped out of our hands," said the team head coach Maisha Hulme. "Our players were simply not on form today - I clearly expected more from them after they defeated the Zephyr conference champions 2 weeks ago, but clearly they never replicated those results." He stopped short of saying that the team has no chance, acknowledging that 2 away wins might put them in a place for a wildcard or a borderline playoff spot. "Its tough, we all know that and honestly we as a team need to do more reflection about this performance."

On the other side, newly crowned Zephyr Champions University of Mancodas got hammered back to reality with an away defeat at Staramara Tech University, though head coach Livia Smit continues to remain optimistic about the team's chances. "We made it past 2 really difficult opponents in the Vanorian schools, and our OOC slate gives us a perfect opportunity to take on a larger variety of opponents. Sure, we aren't going to clinch the overall title, but we do have the ability to make it to the top 8 and the team just needs to adjust to the different play styles out there," said the head coach. He points out that the team's morale continue to remain high, adding that the successful defence of the conference title has certainly gave the team enough of a boost for the chances. "We would not compare ourselves against the top colleges overseas, because we simply don't have a mature gridiron setup in our country. Our aim this year is to improve from last year, and that is, make the top 8. Losses will help us find problems in our strategies and allow us to improve, so I don't see why is there a need to take the loss so negatively." Smit also made some of his personal comments on the proposed changes to the OSPI formula, including the RTC formula made by the South Newlandia and Banija counterparts. "I think the goal is to get rid of the huge advantage of an away win. For teams who are similiar in abilities, an away win will really pull the gap open under the OSPI system, and home losses are very punishing. While I don't know how the new systems will turn out, I believe in the people who are analysing the new system, and hopefully they provide a much needed change to the weightage of away wins."

In Week 13 of the NSCF competition, both Poafmersian teams will be playing their matches away. The Mammoths will travel to Saint Kayne to play the Red Pandas from Upper Westside University, while the Gijikyhandasari Yeraiqhospifasas will travel to Nagarythe to play the Equinox Division winners the Elanardris Shadow Walkers.

by **NSCF** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 9:26 pm

Matchday 12 (13) - Out of Conference Matchday 2

Cutoff Time. I'm barely awake so let's make it quick!

Note: As usual, all non-conference scores were scorinated by Chromatika outside of his own schools, which were scorinated by Quebec & Shingoryeo.

Cavsar University (DRK) 6–16 University of Alexandroupolis (NGS)

Sadeg State University (DRK) 38–30 Cold Hill University (RAN)

Raynor University (VAL) 48–10 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP)

Mar Sara Tech (VAL) 40–7 Crimson Royal University (SHM)

Richardson University (RAN) 36–0 Elephant Valley University (SNL)

Bowerstone University (ATH) 23–40 Green City University (TJU)

Université du Saguenay (QUE) 51–16 Hankow State University (UVI)

Upper Westside University (STK) 26–6 University of Mancodas (PFA)

Elanardis (NAG) 27–13 Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA)

Bingham Young University (UTA) 27–30 Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana (SGU)

Felswyr State University (CMT) 27–31 University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ)

Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 30–31 Staramara Tech University (CMT)

Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT) 34–20 Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL)

Thereisnogodistan Community College (NGD) 7–0 Trent State University (TJU)

by **South Newlandia** » Wed Mar 29, 2023 1:37 pm

This was the best chance the Egrets had for a playoff appearance. They will now proceed to start falling apart.

The Egrets are, in a word, in shambles. After season four for EVU last year, they lost a lot of key senior starters, and had a bad year in which they missed the bowl games entirely. This is, of course, because these players all started as newly recruited freshmen in year one of EVU. This is the fourth year of the Egrets in NSCF, and they will be hit even worse.

The good news first – Ratzupalfu have their quarterback. In fact, they have two. Kasozi Wampona, the Banijan freshman, came in as a top recruit, and even in a situation that wasn’t always easy, he delivered, with the Egrets consistently a good offense for much of the year. Even if Wampona regresses, the backup QB, Steve Brenoir, showed a lot of promise in mop-up duty, too.
The run game is in shambles. Zamandi Ayana, who was most of the Egret offensive production (and it felt like it was even more), will be graduating with his Public Health degree, and so will his co-pilot Thomas Fantikos. Additionally, both fullbacks on the roster will be aging out as well; at least there, the Egrets seem to have a good recruiting target already.
The receiving weapons are in shambles. While the Egrets can somewhat replace senior Tight End Evelyn Barristan with fellow Chromatik journalism major Sandra Hillock, Romeo Carl is the only wideout on the roster for NSCF29 as of now; with WR1 Jefferson, their speed-weapon Matusz, and reliable fourth option Nicole Irvine all gone.
The offensive line is in shambles. Three starters will be graduating, and so will their main backup. The Egrets have one of those spots potentially replaceable, with backup catcher Ozi Lasker also useable at guard, but they’ll still need a second guard and a new left tackle to replace Justin Doran and Delaclav Christian Eyre.
The defensive line is… actually mostly fine, surprisingly, they’ll only need to account for DT Otoln-Sevet Guv graduating, with the hard-nosed player from Qusmo getting their education degree. The three main players on the line; Dod Ravas Rafal Duda, Banijan Mpoza Kanya, and Nose Tackle Mack Honnack from Chromatika; will all still be around for multiple seasons.
The linebacker room is in semi-shambles. Left Outside Linebacker, Chromatik Edith St. Clair, and backup MLB Milor-Kynda Roz are both gone, but ROLB Karry Pleimoor and MLB Nellie Griffin, both Chromatik, will remain.
The secondary is in complete shambles. All four starters are graduating. The two top corners Li Xuen and Delaclav Desiderata Kelly are graduating, and they’ll be followed by CB4; also, both safeties are gone as well. There are a few replacements waiting, with CB3 KeAndre Lane and FS2 Tom Reynolds, both Hannasean, eager for more playing time – but neither will be major upgrades.
The special teams unit is, you guessed it, in shambles. Kicker Kevin Han? Done with his chemistry degree. Punter Yelto-Lapij Ivo? Communications degree completed. Their main returner, Lukasz Matusz, is gone, as previously mentioned. Even the holder, QB3 Kilian Knight, is graduating.

The Egrets have their work cut out for them, and they’ll need to recruit hard to avoid completely bottoming out from this season, which was already not very good.

by **Chromatika** » Wed Mar 29, 2023 8:54 pm

Preview, Part 1
Preview, Part 2
Matchdays 1-3
Matchdays 4-5
Matchdays 6-8
Matchdays 9-10, Part 1
Matchdays 9-10, Part 2
Matchdays 9-10, Part 3
Conference Championships
District Championships
National Quarterfinals

Season 1 Champions: Central Heights High School (MVP: QB Harold Jieter)
Season 2 Champions: East Omnio High School (MVP: WR Alessandro Mio)
Season 3 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: QB Sarai Gwenderyn)
Season 4 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: QB Sarai Gwenderyn)
Season 5 Champions: Flames of the Revolution High School (MVP: RB Nyata Antonucci)
Season 6 Champions: Staramara Tech High School (MVP: Edge Nicole Manstrom)
Season 7 Champions: Franscesca Larriet-Cortes High School (MVP: QB Liara Anderson)
Season 8 Champions: Vitoron School of Charge (MVP: QB Anne-Maurice Vivayavich)
Season 9 Champions: Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White (MVP: QB Nicole Estera)
Season 10 Champions: Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White (MVP: CB Lisa Bonsoon)

Chromatik High School Gridiron - Season Eleven National Semifinals

Semifinal #1

The Chromatik Institute Dread vs. Mt. Niar High School Anacondas @ The Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Capital District

It's been an interesting time to be an Anacondas fan since Sarai Gwenderyn graduated. For three years, they languished; then, Viktor Rowles appeared on the scene, and almost had back-to-back titles, only losing to the Blue and White of Myana Northwestern in those two years. Many feared a setback year, but then, the Anacondas attracted one Dante Flowers from Ranoria, and the rest was history. They only lost one game in the Conference slate - to Randan High School, but had revenge over the Rapiers, a decent win over the Grizzlies, and then a rather comfortable win over the Robots to get to these National Semifinals.

As for the Institute... Nobody expected them to get here. Sure, there was talk about how the Dread had the core of Santos, Fofo, and Rhimes. However, they were deemed a piece too short, without enough experience, and lacking the big game factor. All that they did to get here was to smash the Knights by twenty points, beat the Martyrs of Francesca Larriet-Cortes High School by thirty (a result that nobody saw coming), and then survive a pesky Riflemen squad that were definitely punching above their weight. The emergence of Briana Heavenworth in the run game was huge, as was the emergence of Larry Pine and Freddy Vicks on the defensive end of things. They were the team on the miracle run, and it would be their hardest challenge to face the Anacondas.

If they had any nerves with playing in the Capitalizt Dome, the Dread didn't show it early. Converting four third downs, they marched down to the Anacondas' 26 yard line, highlighted by Santos finding Fofo and Rhimes two times each. Then, Heavenworth took the handoff on a delayed draw, bursting through the middle of the Anacondas' defense, shredding the tackle of Middle Linebacker Evan Derder, and finding the end zone. The Chromatik Institute had struck first, and made it clear that they weren't just here to be a pushover for the Anacondas.

On the Anacondas' first drive, Flowers would find Earl Silverman on a thirty-yard out route, the first of many hookups for the duo; their drive stalled at the Dread 23 yard line due to a timely sack by Larry Pine, and Kang Yun-Hee would knock in the first of her field goals. Flowers would find Ittachi, his tight end, on a drag route for the Anacondas' first touchdown and the lead in the second quarter, as Ittachi beat Dior for the score. The Anacondas' lead would evaporate, though, as Santos and his two receivers marched down the field for a 49 yard field goal to tie things up.

Right before halftime, Sébastien Santos would find Fofo on a combination route - a stop-and-go that Alessandra Mio would've been proud of - to get by the usually reliable Kiyah Everstrum, giving the Dread the lead going into halftime and declaring their intentions to win this semifinal.

Both teams made adjustments in the second half, and it showed, as both defenses started to clamp down in the second half. The Dread sent Dior, while the Anacondas sent Derder up the middle. It would be the Dread finding the only score of the Quarter after forcing the first turnover of the game, a Freddy Vicks pick of a ball thrown Ittachi's way. Flowers would have a Quarter to complete ten point comeback, and the Ranorian wasn't going to call his first season in Chromatika quits just yet.

The Dread were lucky to stop Prince Killart on third-and-short early in the Fourth Quarter, coupled by the fact that the Anacondas needed the Field Goal. Santos was sacked on third-and-two by a timely blitz from Valyn Ekler, and the ball came back to Flowers. On a play-action pass, Earl Silverman made short work of the Dread secondary, speeding down the left sideline for the tying touchdown. All they had to do now was get the ball back in the hands of their red-hot Quarterback.

Chromatik Institute took over at their twenty-eight. Sébastien Santos found Fofo up the seam, and two plays later, Rhimes down the middle, to midfield. A Heavenworth carry took them into Anacondas territory with less than three minutes remaining. After two incompletions, Rhimes was able to catch a six-yard pass and carry two defenders to the Anacondas' twenty-three yard line, forcing the Anacondas to start using their timeouts.

Two Briana Heavenworth runs later, Santos converted on third down using his legs, carrying the ball to the Anacondas' eight. Then, the Junior Quarterback made the biggest mistake that he had made so far in the game - he scored. To be fair, he wasn't really tying to - the Anacondas were told to let him score - but Santos should've recognized that and stopped short of the goal line. Instead, his instincts took over, and he carried the ball down the left sideline to the end zone.

Flowers would have one more chance. He gave it a great try - finding Silverman twice to cross midfield - but a last-second heave into the end zone from the Dread forty-one yard line fell flat on the turf, sending the Dread to the National Championships.

"I let my emotions get the better of me at the end," admitted Sébastien Santos, who was named the game's MVP, "It would've been better to stop short of the goal line, run off more clock, and kick the Field Goal. I'm glad that the defense was able to step up and get the job done, but I made it hard on them."

"We are a team that's still learning how to deal with success," stated Jacqueline Fofo, "And we're now one win away from a National Title. This team is growing up before everyone's eyes, and they're going to have to get used to us for years to come."

Regarding the other Semifinal to come, Carmen Dior had this to say: "Regardless of who wins, it's going to be hard to beat them. I want the better team to win, and to play a National Championship worth remembering."

This Cinderella run has one more game to go.

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
The Chromatik Institute                     7  10   3   7   27
Mt. Niar High School                        3   7   0  10   20

1Q
10:57 TCI TD - Briana Heavenworth 26 yard run (Aaron Judge Kick)
06:04 MNHS FG - Kang Yun-Hee 40 yard Field Goal

2Q
14:49 MNHS TD - Jared Ittachi 22 yard pass from Dante Flowers (Kang Yun-Hee Kick)
09:29 TCI FG - Aaron Judge 49 yard Field Goal
02:53 TCI TD - Jacqueline Fofo 55 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)

3Q
05:24 TCI FG - Aaron Judge 48 yard Field Goal

4Q
13:28 MNHS FG - Kang Yun-Hee 37 yard Field Goal
04:07 MNHS TD - Earl Silverman 68 yard pass from Dante Flowers (Kang Yun-Hee Kick)
00:58 TCI TD - Raul Sébastien Santos 8 yard run (Aaron Judge Kick)

MVP: The Chromatik Institute Junior Quarterback Raul Sébastien Santos (20-of-27, 241 yards, 2 touchdowns; 4 carries, 31 yards, 1 touchdown)

Semifinal #2

Staramara Tech High School Battle Angels vs. Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White @ The Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Capital District

In the face of the back-to-back titles that the Blue and White have won, everyone's forgotten that back in Season Six, the Staramara Tech High School Battle Angels won the title, led by Nicole Manstrom. This fact has been recently brought up in the leadup to the semifinals - that it'd be a past champion standing in the way of another trying to three-peat. The Battle Angels had struggled in conference play - three losses to their name - before beating their rivals, Staramara Athletics Academy, by thirty-two in the Conference Championship. They then had a defensive clinic against Tihon Elite Academy to get to the National Quarterfinals - where they barely survived against the Scorpions in a defensive slugfest. The star in all of their games has been one Freya Odinsdóttir, the Chromatik of Græntfjaller descent who makes a living in coverage. Mattieu Hancock provides a solid Quarterback to steer the ship and Davis Pill is a workhouse back, but it's Odinsdóttir and the defense that leads the way for this team - and names like Sophomore Defensive End Eden Pontfellier, Junior Strong Safety Lario Xavin, and Sophomore Cornerback Vera Éloit are becoming household names.

Myana Northwestern needs no introduction. Since starting the season 2-3, the Blue and White have not missed a beat, including a shutout win over the Cats and a nice victory over the J. H. Yadasky High School Heroes, everyone's favorite dark horse story. Nicole Estera still has never lost a game in the postseason, while the core of Senior Tight End Jen Hallow and Running Back Cho Sang-Wook have been so instrumental for the Blue and White. With new players like Ranorian Alexander Eisenberg playing Defesnive End and Sophomore Strong Safety Jody Kaines showing up, Northwestern looks poised to try for that third straight national title.

In the first drive of the game, Mattieu Hancock was sacked twice and Davis Pill was stopped as the Battle Angels couldn't even generate a single yard, setting the tone for the Blue and White. On the other side, Estera found Hallow and Gyles to cross midfield, and a timely run by Cho took the ball to the Battle Angels' ten; that would be where they would be stopped, though, as Pontfellier, Xavin, and Odinsdóttir combined to hold the Blue and White to a short Field Goal.

Hancock and company would only gain twelve yards in the next drive for the Battle Angels, leading to yet another long, sustained drive for the Blue and White. Momentum was starting to shift to the two-time defending champions, and something needed to be done. All week long, Freya had been watching film on Estera - specifically, how Nicole would pointedly look the other way before throwing in the flat, usually to Cho or Hallow. She decided to risk it, and jumped the route on an Estera pass to Hallow, catching it in stride and speeding down the right sideline for a sixty-three yard interception return to give the Battle Angels the lead and put a hamper on Estera's plans for the game.

All throughout the Second Quarter, both teams traded drives between twenty and thirty yards as they struggled to get anything going, both Punters getting a workout. Myana Northwestern would be the one to end the stalemate, Cho getting three strong runs and contributing sixty-two yards to get to the Battle Angels' nine. A pitch to the left led to the Senior getting the first touchdown of the game against the Battle Angels, Odinsdóttir being just a hair's length away from stopping him.

In the Third Quarter, the Battle Angels started to lean on the run some more. Pill started to get going, while the Staramara Tech defense continued to give Estera trouble, sacking her four times in the Quarter. The Quarter would end with nothing being scored, but the Blue and White driving - which they would convert into a forty-two yard Field Goal early in the Fourth. Northwestern's lead was up to six, and with the Battle Angels' offense in shreds, it looked like the Blue and White were on their way to their third straight title game, in spite of the problems that Estera was having.

Second and thirteen from the Battle Angels' twenty-three yard line, after Hancock was decked for the fifth time in the game, this time by Eisenberg. Counter left. Davis Pill took the handoff, juked past Eisenberg, shrug off the tackle of Strong Safety Jody Kaines, and was gone - showcasing surprising speed for such a big, bruising back as he outraced the entirety of the Blue and White defense to give the Battle Angels a touchdown that nobody had been expecting. As his teammates dogpiled him on the end zone and the stadium erupted, the crowd began to murmur - was this really going to happen?

Estera's struggles continued in the subsequent drive. Cho would get the Blue and White past midfield on a nice run, but Estera missed a wide open Laak Gyles, causing the Blue and White to punt. The Battle Angels took over at their own sixteen yard line, Pill's one carry having been more than 50% of their total offense so far. Up to this point, Mattieu Hancock had gone 7-of-21 for 68 yards, his only claim to fame having been that he hadn't turned the ball over. However, with the Blue and White being so mindful of Pill's rushing ability, the Battle Angels were confident.

As expected, the Blue and White started to sell out on the run. On a drive starting with barely five minutes remaining, Hancock's play-action fake was perfect, and a pass up the seam to Reed Shok was good enough to get the Battle Angels past midfield. Sure, the Blue and White would stall them out, but the damage had been done. Jin Hayamoshi, the hero of the game prior, made it ten for ten in the postseason, and four out of four in field goals of over fifty yards. The lead was up to seven, and Nicole Estera would need to bail out the Blue and White with a drive to even have a chance at overtime.

With two minutes and four seconds left, the Blue and White had plenty of time. They utilized a combination of Hallow and Cho to get their first two first downs, Cho eclipsing the 150 yard mark with a fourteen yard run to get to midfield. There was a reason why Nicole Estera had never lost in the playoffs, and she was starting to get a handle on the game. Laak Gyles's move on Lario Xavin was disgusting to turn a nine yard pass to a twenty-two yard gain, and the Blue and White were suddenly at the Battle Angels' twenty-eight, with forty-seven seconds left and two timeouts.

On the very next play, Battle Angels Defensive Coordinator Cherry Edmonton sent Freya Odinsdóttir on a rare blitz by the coverage linebacker. Estera's throw was hurried, and the ball bounced off of Jen Hallow's hands. Cho Sang-Wook caught a screen pass on second down, taking it out-of-bounds at the twenty-three with thirty-two seconds left. On third-and-five, Estera's read was perfect, finding Hallow up the seam for ten yards to the thirteen. Myana Northwestern took their second timeout, now with twenty-seven seconds remaining.

With the pressure that the Battle Angels were able to generate from their front four, Estera was having to rely on short passes, with the receiver taking the ball out of bounds. Though it was working, Estera was starting to exhibit her pattern again - and Staramara Tech noticed.

On second-and-seven from the Battle Angels' ten yard line, with twenty-one seconds remaining, Estera tried her left side to Gyles, who was running a post route. For the second time in the game, Freya Odinsdóttir jumped the route, and batted the ball in the air. It seemed to hang for an eternity, but Freya was able to outjump Gyles and scoop it in before hitting the turf. Ballgame. Myana Northwestern's bid at a threepeat was over, and Staramara Tech had clinched their spot in the National Championship.

"This means everything to us," answered Freya when asked what the win meant after the game, "Staramara is a Gridiron town, and you grow up hearing about just how good Myana Northwestern is across on Myana Island. We've been counting the days to play them, and to be the one to hand Nicole (Estera) her very first loss in the postseason is a sweet, sweet thing indeed. I'm so proud of my team, of how we battled, and especially of how the offense hung in there even though they had a rough time."

"She (Freya) is a born killer," remarked Quarterback Mattieu Hancock, "The defense needed to be great with how good theirs was playing, and I daresay that ours bent more, but had flashier plays, too. I just focused on not committing turnovers and sticking with the game plan, and it worked. We are a team that is built on teamwork more than individual stars, and it's really paying off. Davis had a massive run, the receivers had some key grabs, and the defense was spectacular."

For Myana Northwestern, it's a bitter pill to swallow as Nicole Estera suffers her first postseason loss of her collegiate career; no school will have the threepeat in Chromatik High School Gridiron history. The good news for them is that Estera is only a Junior, and the only starter who will be graduating after the season is their running back, Cho Sang-Wook. He will be hard to replace, but the team will still be ready to go for Estera's Senior season.

"It's been an honor to be on this team," remarked Cho, "We won two national titles and had a good run at a third, and I got to play with many, many great teammates. I'm excited to see what the future has for us - both for me in the NSCF but also for the school in the years to come."

As one legendary run closes, another legend rises from the ashes. Will Staramara Tech win its second title, and first in seven seasons?

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Staramara Tech High School                  7   0   0  10   20
Myana Northwestern High School              3   7   0   3   13

1Q
09:58 MNWHS FG - Paul Garnet 29 yard Field Goal
01:27 STHS TD - Freya Odinsdóttir 63 yard interception return (Jin Hayamoshi Kick)

2Q
04:39 MNWHS TD - Cho Sang-Wook 9 yard run (Paul Garnett Kick)

3Q
None.

4Q
14:01 MNWHS FG - Paul Garnet 42 yard Field Goal
13:37 STHS TD - Davis Pill 77 yard run (Jin Hayamoshi Kick)
02:11 STHS FG - Jin Hayamoshi 53 yard Field Goal

MVP: Staramara Tech High School Sophomore Outside Linebacker Freya Odinsdóttir (8 tackles, 2 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown)

by **TJUN-ia** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 8:49 am

Last week, the schools of TJUN-ia entered the 1st Out of Conference week with one team getting a good win and the other a walk-off loss. There is tons of debate about the future of the NSCF Playoffs with the field expanded to 16 and the OPSI system not in effect, but how would both teams fare in the 2nd week?

The Tent State Feathercaps managed to deal with EVU last week and while their place in the playoffs was still a long shot, there was still hope that Johnny Bridgeford could indeed lead this team to at least a bowl game if things didn't absolutely explode. They were heading to Thereisnogodistan in order to play the TCC Atheists...and oh my, was this game fucking disgusting. You know those games where the defence is clutch as all hell but the offence can't score to save their lives? Well, this game was one of those games and literally, no one could get any momentum for like 3/4 of the game. It felt like torture at times and I'm not a player, imagine what those in the stadium must've felt. TCC managed a TD and a PAT in this chaotic game while TSU got nothing...and just like that, TSU's Playoff hopes went up in smoke. 7-0...just how?

Meanwhile, the Green City Royal Eagles were looking to bounce back after losing to UWU in a walk-off last week and while that loss did sting, Paul Abdullahi still had hope his team could show up when it mattered the most. Last year, the Bowerstone Bobcats of -Anthor- was a divisional opponent...now, it was Mineral vs Zephyr at Drummore Downs and both teams knew the other quite a bit indeed. Michael Derrick certainly knew how best to approach this game and Richard Leyton managed 3 TDs in this game (2 for Aldous Royce and 1 for Nicol Quinlan) with Roscoe Underhill going 2/3 on PATs and even hit a 34-yard FG. Alisha Obi Michel, on the other hand, absolutely balled out with 5 TDs (2 each to Carlton McSwane and Stella Oshoala, 1 for Batsogile Lovederia) with Glory Oparanozie managing 4/5 on PATs and 2/2 on FGs in a good day overall to be a Royal Eagle as this 40-23 win was enough to send GCU to 10 wins on the year.

Now...both schools must end with Senior Day, and their opponents couldn't be any different. TSU hosts the 6-6 MRI Gijikyhandasari Yeraiqhospifasas of Poafmersia while GCU has an absolute headline-grabbing contest to come with the Horizon Conference Champions - the Felswyr State Firehawks in a rematch of the title game of 2 years ago. Both schools will be wanting to give their Seniors the appropriate send-off...but how will that turn out?

TSU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs UCBP (CBP) W 39-36 (1-0)
Week 2: vs Mount Winston (GEM) W 27-7 (2-0)
Week 3: @Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VII L 16-34 (2-1)
Week 4: vs UAlexandropolis (NGS) W 32-7 (3-1)
Week 5: vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) - Homecoming W 17-3 (4-1)
Week 6: @UConstantinople (NGS) W 37-19 (5-1)
Week 7: @UPR Cui-ui (SGU) L 24-41 (5-2)
---------------------Heartland Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @UCBP (CBP) L 17-23 (5-3)
Week 9: @Mount Winston (GEM) W 44-3 (6-3)
Week 10: vs Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VIII L 13-19 (6-4/+74PD)
Week 11: BYE
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: vs Elephant Valley (SNL/5-5/3rd in Savannah/5th in Celestia) W 27-14 (7-4)
Week 13: @Thereisnogodistan CC (NGD/1-10/4th in Legends/7th in Zephyr) L 0-7 (7-5)
Week 14: vs Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA,/6-6/2nd in Legends/4th in Zephyr) - Senior Day

GCU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: @Mount Winston (GEM) W 50-6 (1-0)
Week 2: @UCBP (CBP) W 43-22 (2-0)
Week 3: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VII W 34-16 (3-0)
Week 4: vs UConstantinople (NGS) W 41-24 (4-0)
Week 5: vs UPR Cui-ui (SGU) W 34-14 (5-0)
Week 6: @UAlexandropolis (NGS) L 34-19 (5-1)
Week 7: @UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) L 30-7 (5-2)
--------------------Heartland Division Rematches--------------------
Week 8: vs Mount Winston (GEM) - Homecoming W 53-3 (6-2)
Week 9: vs UCBP (CBP) W 37-9 (7-2)
Week 10: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VIII W 19-13 (8-2)
Week 11: Mineral Championship Game vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) W 43-13 (9-2/Mineral Champions)
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: @Upper Westside (STK/9-2/1st in Sequoia/Celetria Runner-up) L 24-26 (9-3)
Week 13: @Bowerstone (ATH/5-5/3rd in Celestial/5th in Zephyr) W 40-23 (10-3)
Week 14: vs Felswyr State (CMT/10-3/1st in Starlight/Horizon Champions) - Senior Day

by **Gran Saguaro** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 6:16 pm

"WONKY" GOES TO GRAN SAGUARO
AIR DATE: 3 NOV 1963
© CROSS-COUNTRY STUDIOS, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
MICCINACK: LICENSE 07B2231-6A

Wonky was a popular children's cartoon character from Miccinack, Gran Saguaro's large eastern neighbor. Wonky was a bumbling but well-meaning ferret-esque creature, a journalist who carried around an old-fashioned camera and wore a porkpie hat. He often tried to engage in various activities — like skiing, acting, cow-tipping, etc. to report on them journalistically, but ended up in comical situations with a rogues gallery of goofy characters. The show ran from 1959 to 1981, when Wonky was incorporated into the "Peanut-Butter Gang" ensemble show to mitigate his declining popularity.

[TITLE CARD: "WONKY GOES TO GRAN SAGUARO"]

OPENING CREDITS:
Len Rothstein, Jack Miller, Otto Hart, T.B. Williams ...
With Jack Landsman as "Wonky", Joe Nolan as "Pip", Eleanor Goth as "Agnes", Jorge Molina as "Saguaran Locals" ...
Created by C. McConnor

NARR: Far from our familiar urban cities ...

A picture of an "urban city" choked with buildings and traffic makes way for a swooping view over the "map" of Miccinack.

NARR: Past the rolling Ozarks ... over the raging Mississippi ... across the empty plains of Dakota ... lie the Rocky Mountains.

The Rocky Mountains poke into the clouds.

NARR: North Amerigo's most defining physical feature, the Rocky Mountains stretch almost to the heavens. Nearly impassable, it seems ... but just on the other side lies a nation quite unlike our own.

We whoosh over the mountains into a stylized "mountaintop" view overlooking Gran Saguaro, with painted mesas, pueblo houses, cowboys, and in the distance an endless coastline. Cheerful corrido music plays.

NARR: Gran Saguaro.

Wonky tries to climb over the rocky mountains, and we see him struggling to surmount a peak.

NARR: Here in Gran Saguaro, they call the Rocky Mountains the Sierra Rocosa — they speak Spanish.

Wonky whistles.

WONKY: Taxi!

NARR: I'm not sure if that'll work—

A rickety bus overloaded with passengers pulls up, Wonky gets on. He finds a seat next to smoking cowboys, an old woman with a poncho, a donkey with its head out the window, there's a chicken on the floor. Wonky takes pictures of the scene.

NARR: We're off to Gran Saguaro's capital ... San Armando.

The bus pulls up into the city. The passengers get off — Wonky is reunited with Pip, his little gopher publisher.

WONKY: Pip?

PIP: I flew heyah, Waonky! They'ze a diweck fliyt from New Yawk to Sayn Awmando.

WONKY: That woulda been nice to know — oh golly nevermind, c'mon Pip, there isn't no time to waste! We gotta document the whole experience of this country — down to what we eat for lunch.

PIP: Well I ayt a tamaleyh at the cayfé ova therze—

WONKY: Pip, that was rhetorical.

The two run off.

NARR: And so the intrepid reporters began their journey in the most Saguaroan of all places — the cigar lounge.

A cigar lounge in San Armando.

WONKY: I hear they do love their cigars, but — Pip?

He looks around for Pip — eventually found in a booth by some palm trees with a bunch of local women, puffing on a cigar.

PIP: I know I cayn't getta nuff'o'dem.

Wonky takes a picture. He turns to the bar, staffed by a peccary.

WONKY: Can I getta —

BARTENDER: Wha' flavor would you like?

He holds out a box full of cigars with a number of eccentric flavors.

BARTENDER: I go' Wet Kiss, Salty Beach, Lemon Meringue ...

WONKY: Oh my goodness.

BARTENDER: Mountain Air, Chorizo, Rice an' Beans, Birthday Cake — oh hold on, I know it. The House Blend. I make it special — I give you this one for free. Welcome to Gran Saguaro.

Wonky takes one puff, and the screen goes woozy ... he wakes up with Pip standing over him, in the middle of the desert.

WONKY: What happened?

PIP: Welkum to the Mohav, Waonky! Only kakti all arownd!

Wonky takes a picture.

WONKY: How did we end up here?

PIP: Well, it'za lon' story...

Suddenly, a stampede of cows and a gang of cowboys comes racing by, firing their pistols and whooping. After they leave, a lasso flies out and snags the two of them. Wonky and Pip are dragged along the desert until sunset, when the cowboys make camp.

COWBOY: ¡Epa! Welcome to our stop for 'da night, compadres!

WONKY: I'm Wonky — that's Pip, an' were journalists from outta town.

PIP: Kan I petcha howrse?

COWBOY: Welcome to the Mojave Desert, amigo — we're taking the cows to market, and we can't drive them during the night. So we settle down for our traditional Saguareño customs ...

The cowboys dance around, shouting and whooping.

COWBOY #1: We dance the corrido!

COWBOY #2: We eat chuckwagon!

COWBOY #3: We tell stories late into la noche!

Wonky is taking pictures — one cowboy begins playing a song on his guitar, and the other cowboys place their hats against their chests and dance a quick waltz. One grabs Wonky, and makes him dance too. Pip eats beans out of a can. The camera slowly pans up.

NARR: And thus ends our first night in Gran Saguaro ...

[CUT TO AD BREAK]

by **Chromatika** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 7:17 pm

Staramara Tech entered their road trip to Northern Moravica on a mission: Take down the Cougars, the class of the Celestia Conference, and make a huge statement in the college football world - that the two interconference losses to unranked teams had been a product of an injured Quarterback, and that the Lava were back to contend for the title once again. They had gone 4-0 against the Drawkian schools, split the series against Felswyr State University, and taken down Elanardis. They had taken down the University of Mancodas by twenty-three points at home. The Lava were hot, and the Cougars were going to be an interesting opponent for them.

Amira Kong, the Chromatik recruit for Northern Moravica, had a big game. Running for 171 yards and two touchowns, the Sophomore surprised the center of the Lava defense, carving them up for chunks at a time and giving Felix Ström another option. The Vanorian Quarterback added a touchdown of his own, and with Kicker Dwayne Markseon not missing a single kick, the Cougars were set, hanging thirty on the Lava.

Thankfully, though, Haruno Masakazu and the Lava offense stepped up. With the dual threats of Gabriele Ziegler and Isaga Duhaga only combining for 101 yards on the ground - give credit to Kang In-Yeung and the core of the NMU defense - Masakazu shined. Fully recovered from his midseason injury, he found Jacoby Grinner for 11 catches, 171 yards, and two touchdowns, along with a touchdown pass to Edison Dotwiler and another to Kuma Sandt - the first four-touchdown game in Masakazu's career as the Starting Quarterback for the Lava.

Even then, it wasn't till the Lava marched down the field and kicked a game-winning field goal off the left foot of James Dior that they would escape NMU with a 31-30 victory.

"We are back," quipped Middle Linebacker Lucius Agot, one of the brighter spots on a defensive effort that was challenged, "We have a tune-up game before the playoffs, and we will hopefully take the field by storm."

With Masakazu's athletic ability now in the wheelhouse of the team, the Lava look more poised than they have been all season long.

by **Valanora** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 7:39 pm

Profile in Focus
Name: Odin Sørbø
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 174 lbs
Handedness: Ambidextrous, prefers left
Bench Press: 220 lbs x 8 reps
Squat: 450 lbs x 6 reps
Leg Press: 250 lbs x 5 reps
40 yard dash: 4.48 seconds

With a name like Odin, it seemed he was destined to be good at whatever he ended up having a fascination for as a young man. That turned out to be gridiron and when it came for the Raynor City born player to begin their secondary education, the famous Magnus Academy was all too ready to offer the hometown prospect a scholarship offer. For the first year Odin was the back up option, as the more talented upper classmen got their turn at the starting position in what many consider to be the most important position in gridiron at quarterback. At a solid six foot flat, Odin was neither short nor was he exceedingly tall, he was just about average for players of the position and had pretty good arm strength as well. There was a lot of potential for him to turn into a star if he was willing to put the work in and develop the obvious natural talent that he had at his disposal. Fortunately for both Odin as well as the coaching staff at Magnus, he was willing to do exactly that his first year at the prestigious academy and learned from the older players and took in the practices with the intent on getting better.

HIs sophomore season, he was ready and primed to be the starter for Magnus and although he had some growing moments through the season, with Magnus actually losing their first game in two seasons in Odin's second game as a starter, they still finished with a nine and one regular season record and won three straight in the playoffs to have both the regular season and post season trophies. During the season Odin threw for 2882 yards and 21 touchdowns with only five interceptions, two of which came in the loss. He also showcase the ability to scramble when necessary, rushing for a total of 678 yards and with 5 touchdowns on the ground as well, earning him the award for the Best New Starter in the academy league. It was not the biggest numbers that Magnus nor the Academy league as a whole had seen in its time, but it was fairly impressive all the same and gave a lot of hope that over the next two seasons that Odin could fine tune his game to the point where he was no longer just a good player but a player who could potentially be among the elite.

In both his junior and senior seasons, Odin would throw for over three thousand yards, with the young man getting 3672 yards and 32 touchdowns and only two interceptions in his senior season en route to a perfect season for Magnus. Odin was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the season, having lifted the Academy League trophy for a third straight season last weekend. While he knows he is undersized compared to a lot of his contemporaries around the gridiron scene, Odin does not seem very concerned that he will have trouble finding a school to commit to where he looks to take the next step in his growth as a player. The transition from the Academy League to the NSCF can be a steep one but we have seen other players from Magnus able to make the transition fairly well and even end up starting the first game of their freshman season, something that Odin clearly has the skills for. That pressure does not seem to be phasing the young man as he looks to focus in on the being recruited side of things, with his parents looking to let their son make his own decision when it comes to making that choice.

by **Banija** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 9:06 pm

Dennis Zervos, immediately after A-MV throws a third quarter interception against Felswyr State

All in all, it was the last thing you wanted to see in what was quickly turning into a lost season for the Blue Thunder. It was a second and short, and the Blue Thunder were attacking down the field. The opening drive of the second half, down just 3 against a massive rival- aka, still everything out there to play for. But these pass rushers for the Firehawks- all these upperclassmen. Seniors at both defensive end positions. A junior DT. A senior & junior at the OLB positions. The 3-3-5 was built for this moment, and when Aubin Rouzet burst through the line of scrimmage, A-MV was forced to roll out, and throw early before she would get sacked.

In hindsight(which is 20/20), she should've taken the sack. She was picked off by Lisa Bonsoon, who sprinted down the sideline for a near 30 yard return, before she was brought down by Manne Nordström. As A-MV had been right over there, in the vicinity of the tackle, she made herself heard- "Anne-Maurice, you ain't that good." LIsa Bonsoon told her. A smack-talking Chromatik- almost nobody knew how to deal with that. "We're about to run it up on y'all like you've never seen before!" She then jogged away to celebrate the interception with her teammates.

A-MV walked over to the sideline, feeling nearly crushed. The immense pressure of the season was getting to her. There was, as it had been said before, no pressure cooker quite like playing quarterback at Loyola-Istria. A school that has produced superstar QB after superstar QB(Jawara, Hairte, Chibuzo, Juniper.. Even Zervos, her HC) with adoring fans who loved her- and then got on her back when things were not going well. She hadn't had a bad season, necessarily- but 5-6 was 5-6. The week had been mentally so cooling. Visiting her high school, seeing her family, getting back into her roots, into what had gotten her into this.

But things seemed to be teetering. Especially as Felswyr State responded to her interception a few minutes later, with a short touchdown pass to Nero Ramsey, to make it 20-10. But Dennis Zervos walked up to her, to calm her down. "Anne-Maurice- you've just gotta breathe. You're putting too much pressure on yourself." He told her. "Remember things like they were at Vitoron? This fanbase is dying to support you, to support a winner. See?" Zervos had ensured her parents were placed right by the bench, to bring her confidence. He pointed at them, her Dad waved. "You've got this in you- this rivalry game's far from over."

Radio Commentary of various crucial fourth quarter plays

Loyola Radio Commentator wrote:It's fourth down, with 9:30 left in the fourth quarter- and the Blue Thunder are in trouble. After a big play, A-MV throwing a huge 64 yard TD pass to Arnas Rønning, the Firehawks responded with a long, punishing drive, that ended up with Odika punching the ball into the end zone via a QB sneak. That's what gives us our score as we stand- 27-17, to Felswyr State, under 10 minutes to go. After that score- we went three & out, then they went three & out, and now we've got the ball back. This gives us the ball at the opposing 44 yard line, for a 4th and 3.

Not even NMU, with Dwayne Markseon, woudl kick a 61 yard down 10. Not that we've got much of a playoff shot anyways- but this rivalry's probably on the line right here. If they get the stop, the field's relatively short... Odika's probably burying us. She's got two receivers each side, nobody in the backfield- just a TE on the line of scrimmage. She gets the snap, FSU's bringing the pressure and it's picked up, she's looking long down the sidelne... AND IT'S CAUGHT! OH MY! Fourth and Four, she goes for it all- a 39 yard pitch and catch to Marcel Schlacther, who catches it in stride and is brought down at the 5! First and goal for the Blue Thunder from the 5.

Drive would later end with Darrell "The Ball" Jackson running it into the end zone on 3rd and goal from the 2 yard line.

Loyola Radio Commentator wrote:We, quite literally, just scored. It's 2nd and 10- after an incomplete pass from Odika on first down. The Firehawks have 2nd and 10 from the 32 yard line, their lead sitting at just three points- 27-24. Odika's in the shotgun, they've got 5 wide. He snaps the ball- and we're sending pressure! We sent 6, they've got 5 blockers, there's one more too many as Najee Isidora(of all people!) has an unblocked path towards the QB. She's that good- nobody wants to take a full speed hit from her! Odika, still in the pocket, looks towards his hot route on the outside...

AND HE"S PICKED OFF! Akhello Volson intercepts it at the 27 yard line, and is on the move- until he's brought down at the 15 by Kwang-Sun So! Wow, what a turn of events! Just a couple of minutes ago, the Firehawks led by 10. But after a gutsy fourth down call, physical punch-in, and now clutch defense, the Blue Thunder are potentially on the brink of taking the lead! They've given him the turnover shades, as he's rocking them on the sideline. First down, Loyola!

Dennis Zerovs saw his team was facing a second and 9, after only a one yard run play following the interception. He thought he might try to mix things up- why not? They were 5-6, throw whatever you could out there to try and beat your rival. So he said screw it- let's run the wildcat. Manne Nordström, in a shotgun formation. A-MV at wide receiver. The Vanorian HB snapped the ball, as A-MV was already running in motion. Nordström handed it off to the QB, who saw her tight end, Mugisa Mbuzimulang, all alone in the back of the end zone. She lofted him a beautiful ball, one that he was always going to catch.

"YES!" Zervos yelled, pounding his chest. With 6:58 left, the Blue Thunder had their first lead of the entire ballgame. What a moment it was.

Loyola senior LT, Naomi Ouma, talking to reporters in Busukuma, after the team arrives in the Banijan capitol for the Rebel's Cannon Bowl

Naomi Ouma was a beast as a left tackle. She was a second year starter, a senior- which made her a captain on the offense. None of the skill position players were seniors on this team, although they had three senior starting offensive linemen. This year was NOT how she had imagined her senior year would go. Her first three years, she had won conference titles. While saying that she'd win the Celestia four years running, freshman to senior year, was probably fanciful, she thought that the team would have a chance to get some home playoff games, and make a serious run.

She truly felt, going into the season, that the team could challenge for a title. That was not going to happen. Many made hay out of how the cross-divisional schedule was stacked against Loyola this year. But that was irrelevant, as they went 3-1 in cross-divisional play(although their loss was a 45-3 ass-kicking at the hands of UWU). They went 0-4 against the South Newlandian schools- an unacceptable number. A number that, undoubtedly, has basically ruined their season. Even splitting those games, so much changes- even though they still wouldn't have won the division. It was heartbreaking.

But the past, was the past.

Loyola-Istria was on the outside looking in, when it came to the playoff race. They're sitting at 6-6 right now- they'd need a win over RU, and then chaos. But Naomi was not worried about any of that. Despite the shitshow of a season they had, some good had come out of it. She had been part of the first group to sweep NMU in NSCF play in Loyola history. Their win over FSU was epic, basically jumpstarting a season. The defense had come through with two huge stops in the last four minutes- a 4th down PBU by Akhello Volson, and then, with under a minute left, a fourth down sack by Cornelius Okech to end the contest.

31-27 victory for the Blue Thunder. And now, one last chance to make their mark on Loyola's biggest rivalry. A chance for this team to be the first ever to go 4-0 in the regular season against their primary rivals(Northern Moravica, Felswyr State, Richardson U). So when she was asked about it- she answered.

"Look, I'm not in control of everything around us, regarding the playoffs or the bowl games or any of that stuff. All I know, is that we've got one massive game left on the schedule- the Rebel's Cannon Bowl. A rivalry too big to be played home and home." She paused, and then continued. "At Loyola, we know it's games like these where your legacies are made. I want to do it for this senior class- people like Najee Isidora, who came here and gave everything of himself to this program. Owiti, Brian Bond, Israel Aero, etc... Win one for the seniors."

"But I also want to win this for those who will remain. It's all about leaving the foundation. No matter what outsiders say about our season- if we go 4-0 against our main, historic rivals, that's a championship foundation for Coach Zervos and the staff to build on next year. You know how I feel about those bastards in red... But let's our coach a victory over those boys. Let's show the young-ins what we need to do to win in this rivalry, let's show them how it's done. Richardson had a 4 game winning streak in this rivalry that we snapped two years ago- we must never allow anything like that to happen again.

I don't give a damn that they're the defending champs. I don't care one iota that they're 10-2. Throw the records. The turnaround of this rivalry, the re-establishment of Loyola as the kings of this rivalry, begins on Saturday night, here at the Stadium of the Restoration."

by **NSCF** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 9:09 pm

Matchday 13 (14) - Out of Conference Matchday 3

Cutoff Time.

Note: As usual, all non-conference scores were scorinated by Chromatika outside of his own schools, which were scorinated by Quebec & Shingoryeo.

Flosflores-Sea Catarina University (UVA) 27–30 Bingham Young University (UTA)

New Cardonia State (CAD) 44–31 Cavsar University (DRK)

Université du Saguenay (QUE) 24–33 Cold Hill University (RAN)

University of Mancodas (PFA) 42–23 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP)

Université St. Croix (QUE) 29–0 Elephant Valley University (SNL)

Crimson Royal University (SHM) 10–0 Frontier Mechanical & Technical University (SAS)

Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana (SGU) 44–0 University of Frisdrank (NTR)

Staramara Tech University (CMT) 0–14 Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL)

Green City University (TJU) 3–10 Felswyr State University (CMT)

Trent State University (TJU) 13–14 Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA)

Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 51–31 Raynor University (VAL)

University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) 37–21 Richardson University (RAN)

Mar Sara Tech (VAL) 47–30 Sadeg State University (DRK)

Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT) 0–16 Upper Westside University (STK)

by **Ranoria** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 10:04 pm

The Dilemma Presented By Rylan Rodgers Jr.

Rylan Rodgers Jr carrying the ball during his freshman NSCF 27 season

It didn't take long for The Butler to make waves at Richardson University. Despite garnering only a single offer from a big school, the young man carved his way into the starting lineup as a fan favorite and was nothing short of pivotal for the Governors. Last season, Rylan played most of the season as a change-of-pace back behind the team's more bullish senior running back Horace Billing. However, he eventually won the starting job in week 13 before tearing up the playoffs and helping lead the Governors to their first-ever NSCF championship. And once he got the ball, he never looked back, carving his name into Richardson lore early. Whether it was his game-winning touchdown to take back the Rebel's Cannon from archrivals Loyola-Istria in the Karmin-Falce Superdome, a 247 scrimmage yard, 4 touchdown outburst against national rivals Cold Hill in the semifinals, or his dagger of a touchdown to win the NSCF 27 championship against Staramara Tech, (which may have come on a play that started after the clock expired, but that's a debate for another time), he's already made himself a player that cannot be glossed over when telling the story of Richardson football.

But in addition to his early success on the football field, Rylan is also an accomplished centerfielder on the university's baseball team. During his freshman season, Rylan smacked in 29 long balls and showed out with plenty of highlights in the outfield. He was even named first-team all-conference last season and helped the baseball team win the Northeastern Conference championship - again, we cannot emphasize enough, as a true freshman. Rylan's talents have not gone unnoticed, as he has been accepted to play baseball for the back-to-back semifinalist Ranorian Krauts in the next World Baseball Classic.

However, Rylan's dual-sport success presents a unique dilemma. Should he pursue professional football or baseball? Although Rylan has the capacity to excel in both sports, the options for undertaking such a venture are slim. Of course, fans have made their cases on both sides.

@VickHamiltonReporter Not only is "The Butler" only a sophomore with plenty of time to make a decision, but it's his decision alone to make. None of the arguments regarding what's "best" for sports are going to play into what's best for the young buck and NSCF champion. #Governors #Krauts

@HalfDeadbeatMom Saw the Krauts have agreed to let Rylan Rodgers Jr play outfield next season? With how well EVU WR RJ Hall did last go round, could be a solid move! #GoKrauts

SportsCritical Rylan's exciting on the field but his pursuing anything but baseball as a pro would be a disservice to the game. Kid's a generational talent on the diamond. #SauerkrautSzn

PorkSkinSuperFan Anyone saying The Butler should do baseball over football as a pro is out of their mind - this guy just put the Governors on his back during the playoffs at the highest level of college football - way more impressive than a 1st team all-conference nod in a mediocre Ranorian college baseball circuit. #GoKrauts

While Ranoria boasts one of the strongest and the most running back friendly football league in the world, their Federation of Ranorian Baseball is mediocre at best and would universally be seen as a waste of Rylan's bevvy of talent. While Ko-oren has a strong established gridiron football league, other LPB nations such as South Newlandia, Chromatika, and Super-Llamaland do not. In fact, the first two have sent plenty of talent to Ranoria's RFL - perennial All-Stars in TE Dhruv Valentine, WR Rachel Klein, or CB Carolyn Bray all hail from South Newlandia. And Chromatika? Well, Sarai Gwenderyn is already a 2x MVP quarterback in a run-first league, wideout Alessandra Mio is a 4x champion, and both ILB Park Mi-Hyeon and CB Victoria Mio have taken home the league's DPOY honors. All this just to say - their gridiron superstars play in Ranoria. That makes entering the LPB draft a risky prospect at best, should Rylan want to pursue both sports at the professional level.

Other options include playing abroad in Banija or Quebec and Shingoryeo, which have strong leagues for both sports, or choosing one of the two sports and sticking with it. Banija's GFLB serves as a lucrative option for Ranorian players - be that TE Russell Farmer, QB Valliente Wagner-Young, or a plethora of others. And there Western Banija Baseball League served as the home for starting pitchers Thomas Barnet and Eric Schmidt for most of their careers. In Quebec and Shingoryeo, Ranoria's star slugger Jesse Griffith plays in the QBO, while RU grad QB Astrid Verona suits up in the QFL. The two agreed that Ranoria's motherland was the best destination that allowed them both to pursue their professional sports at the highest level, making it an intriguing option for someone like Rylan.

Perhaps a more outlandish idea that's been tossed around - Rylan could play all the way out in the Gridiron League of Drawkland. On the surface, it sounds a bit crazy to go off-world to play two sports, but the nation's gridiron is at least on par with our own and they're an established playoff contender on the baseball slate - their Professional Baseball League is nothing to snuff at. But you have to go a bit below the surface to find the real juicy bits - the LPB is likely to field a team in Drawkland next season. If that proves to be true, then Rylan would have the perfect avenue - play baseball for the most competitive league in the world and playing gridiron in one of the premier leagues in international (intergalactic?) sports. Not to mention, unlike the GFLB's pass-happy predisposition, the GLD has fielded running backs the likes of Jack Hoy and Mike Banks - thought the former likely sounds a little scarier to Ranorians giving his history with the Krauts. As a runner, it's probably a more lucrative option for him.

The decision is a difficult one, but Rylan still has a couple of years before he has to make it. In the meantime, he continues to impress on both the football and baseball fields. Last season, Rylan rushed for 815 yards on 163 carries and scored six touchdowns. He was also a boon for fellow freshman quarterback Isaiah Hunter, catching 31 receptions for 411 yards and a touchdown to provide an additional weapon in the passing game. And this season despite missing six games, he piled on 110 carries, 653 yards and another 8 scores. Rylan's dynamic playmaking ability and versatility have made him a valuable asset to the Richardson University Governors.

The team's head coach, Kasen Harrowitz, had high praise for Rylan coming into these playoffs. "He's a special player," Harrowitz said. "He's got a unique combination of speed, agility, and power that makes him a tough matchup. Any defense playing across from him may as well be staring down the barrel of a loaded gun. But what sets Rylan apart is his effort and his character. No matter the situation, he takes point, never gives up on a play or a game, and leads by example with his enthusiasm."

Off the field, Rylan is rumored to have a hectic dating life, including his being mentioned in a police report in which a woman left her baby with him, and has been sited with millionaire Richardson entrepreneur Anna Fleuret after a recent breakup. Despite that, he remains focused on his sports career and his studies. His passion and drive for success have inspired many of his teammates, who look up to him as a role model.

"Just trying to help my team and university for now," laughed Rylan Rodgers Jr when asked about his future, his snow bear Klaw in tow on the way to practice, "Appreciate the ask, but Isaiah and I," he nodded over to QB Isaiah Hunter, "have gotta get to practice."

While the questions around his future have sparked plenty of debate, ultimately the decision will come down to Rylan, and until he publicly makes a statement on the matter, anything else is just speculation. So for now - why not sit back and enjoy the show?

by **NSCF** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 10:07 pm

The regular season is over! Congrats to the six conference champs. Those schools have qualified automatically for the NSCF 28 Playoffs:

Big 8: Cold Hill University (RAN)
Celestia: Northern Moravica University (BNJ)
Horizon: Felswyr State University (CMT)
Mineral: Green City University (TJU)
Woodlands: Université du Saguenay (QUE)
Zephyr: University of Mancodas (PFA)

Now, this season has seen major proposals, one proposed by South Newlandia and other Poafmersia, that have been generously raised to replace the pre-existing OSPIs which people have raised over the past several cycles. I have taken looks at both formulas and after hearing from both users, have decided that the RTC points (current version, that is proposed by SNL), as an initial step towards replacing the OSPI, will take an effect for this cycle.

More changes, as proposed, will be discussed by the members of the community, and will be listened to, before further changes were to be made, whether in pre-existing RTC points or an upgraded version of it by another user.

As for the other ten places, six will be allotted to the teams with the highest remaining OSPIs. As per the seeding spreadsheet, these are:

Big 8: Richardson University (RAN)
Celestia: Upper Westside University (STK)
Mineral: Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana (SGR)
Woodlands: Université St. Croix (QUE)
Zephyr: Mar Sara Tech (VAL)
Zephyr: Raynor University (VAL)

The remaining four Playoff spots will be voted on at-large by the NSCF Committee. I will telegram NSCF Committee members to ask for their nominations. The final 16-team Playoff field should be finalised by 11:59 p.m. EDT this Sunday (Toronto-New York Time).

The match-ups for bowl games will also be announced then, with NSCF Championship Game votes to sent on Sunday, to provide separation between the current TG and this one.

Ultimately, this will give everyone 48 hours to RP before the postseason begins this Tuesday. Good luck to all competing schools.

Once again, I'd like to thank everybody for your patience with me this cycle, especially considering how hectic things have been from my end as olympic host, not to mention WC cycle conflicting with much of the season. Additional thank you's to those who have provided crucial feedback re: formulae, this cycle.

For this cycle, the list of active members are: Commonwealth of Baker Park, Banija, Chromatika, Drawkland, New Gesem, Poafmersia, Quebec and Shingoryeo, Ranoria, Saint Kanye, Schima Bas, South Newlandia, TJUN-ia

by **Saint Kanye** » Fri Mar 31, 2023 8:35 am

Parties broke out throughout the Upper Westside University campus in Kardashia, St. Kanye, one Saturday night, as it was then that it was announced that the school's gridiron team, the Red Pandas, are headed for the playoffs of the 28th edition of the NSCF. Just hours earlier, the team took a 16-nil road victory against the Ensigns from the Ceneisis Naval Academy in Abanhfleft to complete a sweep of their non-conference schedule and finish the regular season with a 12-1 record and Celestia Conference runner-up honors. "This may just be the best team we've fielded in the NSCF yet. We've made it this far last season, and now our goal is to get even further. It's not alone to get into the playoffs again, we need to actually win this time around," Red Pandas head coach Fabio Forelli said in a live television interview after the game, that was watched by what must be the entirety of the UWU that weren't in class at that very moment in time

A heartbreaking loss in the Celestia title game to the Northern Moravica University Cougars, the only team that had an answer to them for the entirety of the tournament, was not how the Red Pandas wanted to welcome their three-game non-con stretch. They needed the extra boost in morale and the momentum that would've come with a win, especially given that their first two opponents before the aforementioned Ensigns were the Green City University Royal Eagles and the University of Mancodas Mammoths, champions of the Mineral and Zephyr conferences respectively, But the red-clad Yeezies toughed it out against both powerhouses, squeaking by the former, 26-24, on a last second Matt Ingberg field goal, before demolishing the latter 26-6 on the strength of three touchdowns from two of their running backs. The Ensigns sported a lowly 4-7 record, but UWU refused to underestimate them, and while it was true that both sides played their hearts out, only one was able to actually put points on the board.

Starting off the scoring summaries, here's the one from the GCU game. Adrian St. Roger was almost perfect through the air in this one, completing 30 of 32 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns (QBR 135.42). Sam Dobler channeled his cousin, star receiver Bruce of the St. Kanye Surge national gridiron squad, as he racked up 102 yards receiving and two of those TDs; tight end Jonald Cooley hauled in the other one. For their outstanding efforts throughout the conference portion of their schedule, the three of them were named by the All-Banija Sports Magazine as starting members of their All-Celestia team. (Their reactions to this, as well as those of the other UWU players who have been given this honor, can be read below.)

1Q GCU McSwane 32 pass from Michel (Oparanozie kick) GCU 7-0

2Q UWU Dobler 17 pass from St. Roger (Ingberg kick) Tie 7-7
2Q UWU field goal Ingberg 34 UWU 10-7

3Q UWU Dobler 65 pass from St. Roger (Kick failed) UWU 16-7
3Q GCU field goal Oparanozie 45 UWU 16-10
3Q GCU McSwane 48 pass from Michel (Oparanozie kick) GCU 17-16

4Q UWU Cooley 15 pass from St. Roger (Ingberg kick) UWU 23-17
4Q GCU Lovederia 30 pass from Michel (Oparanozie kick) GCU 24-23
4Q UWU field goal Ingberg 39 UWU 26-24

The next of the Red Pandas' challengers came in the form of the Mammoths, who were actually the last team to lose in NSCF 28. Their record would remain unsoiled until Week 10, being beaten 18-7 by their fellow Poafmersians, the Maximus Rochester Institute Gijikyhandasari Yeraiqhospifasas (whew). Unlike in the previous week, the Red Pandas would end up relying heavily on their ground attack in order to secure victory.

1Q UWU Okoma 51 run (Ingberg kick) UWU 7-0
1Q UM field goal Bowden 27 UWU 7-3

2Q UWU Okoma 25 run (Kick failed) UWU 13-3

3Q UWU Hunter 49 interception return (Two-point conversion failed) UWU 19-3
3Q UM field goal Bowden 35 UWU 19-6

4Q UWU Tramell 42 run (Ingberg kick) UWU 26-6

After notching back to back wins against conference champs at home, it's off to Abanhfleft for the Red Pandas, as they face a team they figured will be "playing for pride, with nothing to lose, which is exactly what makes them dangerous." Still, with a great showing for the defense to make up for a slow day for the offense, UWU kept that danger at bay.

1Q UWU field goal Ingberg 33 UWU 3-0

2Q UWU Laney-Seymour 22 pass from St. Roger (Kick failed) UWU 9-0

4Q UWU Jensen 61 fumble return (Ingberg kick) UWU 16-0

THOUGHTS ON BEING NAMED TO ABSM's ALL-CELESTIA FIRST TEAM:

"I feel it's a huge honor to be named as one of the conference's top players this season, given all I've done and will continue to do in order to help this team succeed." - Adrian St. Roger, quarterback.

"I dedicate this award to my family, especially my cousin [Bruce], who's always been inspired me to do my best not just in gridiron, but in everything I do in life." - Sam Dobler, wide receiver

"Thanks, ABSM! This is one award that I'll never forget, no matter how many more I get.... or hope to, more like." - Jonald Cooley, tight end

"Nothing short of grateful for the recognition. Just because my hard work got noticed doesn't mean I'll stop with it. Our mission is not yet done." - Malik Turvey, center

"Wow, seems to me that trying out for this team is one of the best decisions I've made in my life so far. The award came as a surprise, but it's the good kind, for sure." - Ignatius Smith, defensive end

"Get awards, feel good. Feel good, play good. Play good, get awards. That's one loop I don't mind being stuck in." - Helmut Jensen, linebacker.

"This is a great achievement, but I want more. I'm not saying that out of arrogance though, but because it's always been my mindset to strive for greater success." - Ishrael Carter, cornerback

"Happy and thankful for sure, but it also sparked my curiosity. Like, I wonder how the all-Celestia team would match up against, say, all Big 8? Or All Zephyr?" - Karl Nazarian, safety

"For a player in a position that gets little to no love, I'm just grateful for the attention, that's all." - Caleb Zimmerman, punter

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MD | Opponent                                         | Helmet/Jersey/Pants  | Score   | Record | Div | Conf |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1  | @ Universidade de Soria Bats (LIS)               | White/White/Red      | W 53-19 |  1-0   | 1st | 1st  |
| 2  | Hankow State University Honey Badgers (UNV)      | Red/Red/White        | W 37-29 |  2-0   | 1st | 1st  |
| 3  | Royal Navy Academy Mariners (NAS)                | White/Red/White      | W 32-18 |  3-0   | 1st | 1st  |
| 4  | @ Elephant Valley University Red Elephants (SNL) | Red/White/Red        | W 46-43 |  4-0   | 1st | 1st  |
| 5  | @ Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)     | White/White/White    | L 19-31 |  4-1   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 6  | Ratzupalfu University of Nature Egrets (SNL)     | White/Red/Red        | W 40-38 |  5-1   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 7  | University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder (BNJ)   | Red/Red/Red          | W 45- 3 |  6-1   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 8  | Universidade de Soria Bats (LIS)                 | Red/Red/White        | W 29- 7 |  7-1   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 9  | @ Hankow State University Honey Badgers (UNV)    | White/White/Red      | W 37-20 |  8-1   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 10 | @ Royal Navy Academy Mariners (NAS)              | Red/White/Red        | W 29- 9 |  9-1   | 1st | 1st  |
| 11 | Green City University Royal Eagles (TJU)         | Red/Red/Red          | W 26-24 | 10-1   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 12 | University of Mancodas Mammoths (PFA)            | White/Red/White      | W 26- 6 | 11-1   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 13 | @ Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)           | Red/White/White      | W 16- 0 | 12-1   | 1st | 2nd  |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

by **Banija** » Sun Apr 02, 2023 4:36 pm

Patrick Zervos, the former longtime Athletic Director of Loyola-Istria

Patrick Zervos, the Executive Chairman of the Olympic Committee of Banija, was sitting outside the stadium, in a designated tailgating area for the game. He had his pickup truck- chef's hat on, a fancy grill out in front of him, grilling burgers and dogs for many members of his own family. What a different setup than he was used to- the boxes and luxury suite life that the Athletic Director generally used.

Of course, he was no longer the AD.

Loyola-Istria had always been one of Banija's two primary collegiate sports powerhouses, alongside Northern Moravica. So it's not like he took them from nothing. But still- Patrick Zervos probably had as big of an impact as any AD in ULI sporting history. Pushing the school's extremely controversial move to the NSCF. Leaving the Northern 9 conference, domestically, when Northern Moravica went to the NSCF before Loyola-Istria did, and finding a home in the Upper Coastal Conference- where they are kings there. He successfully transitioned the gridiron program away from legend Alastair Jobs, to Alanso Isa, to his own son, Dennis Zervos. Hell, his hiring at HC for Loyola basketball ended up seeing the school being the first Banijan one to win a NSCAA title.

One of the things about being an AD, of course, was that you were always watching games in suites. Not a thing to complain about, really- rich man's problems, eh? But Zervos deeply preferred the 'regular' fan experience. You always had to hobknob with all sorts of stakeholders- the Regents, University President, Church leadership(since it was a Mormon school), boosters, athlete parents, alumni, etc... Sometimes, he wanted to express his passion in a different way. Running the Olympic Committee was similar, in that way. But a secret good thing? He got to attend games as a regular fan again.

He hadn't been to a ULI game all season yet- his day job kept him too busy. But he wasn't missing the Rebel's Cannon Bowl for the world. Obviously, he could go in a suite. But he declined- he wanted to sit in the stands. Be loud. Be crazy. Tailgate. Drink beer- not wine. And that's exactly what he did. He set up his grill, invited a few of his friends, and got tickets at the 50 yard line(he wasn't going to get bad seats, ofc). But he went all out. Face paint- blue half, white half. Wearing his own jersey from all those years ago. He was gonna be one of the loudest alumni in that stadium.

Loyola-Istria triumphes in the Rebel's Cannon Bowl, 37-21, as Dennis Zervos claims his first win in college football's biggest blood rivalry

Loyola-Istria senior WR Timon Ogweyo scores long fourth quarter touchdown against RU to break the game open

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- When you strip everything surrounding the game away, you have what is, for a neutral, one of the most anticipated games of the season- Loyola-Istria v. Richardson. Usually(but not always!) played at a neutral site, it's the NSCF longest active-running non-conference rivalry, with the two teams having now played for 7 seasons in a row(with RU leading the overall series, 7-4, heading into this game). These two teams hate each other. It spills over into other sports. RU basketball had an elite basketball HC, Markus Vogelstein. He shocked the world by winning his conference tournament, and qualifying for the Ultra 64 against all odds. But two losses to ULI- gone. Dude went on to win a gold medal at the Olympiad with Hannasea men's basketball, and now has Ratzupalfu dreaming of Ultra 64 glory.

Rivalries make schools do crazy things. Should've seen ULI football during their four year losing streak to Richardson. Alanso Isa, who's won so many games, nearly fired. Everybody, and everything, questioned. Couldn't quite win this one. Now let's add the stakes to it. RU's sitting at 10-2, Blue Thunder at 6-6. Blue Thunder on the outside looking in, playoff wise, right? But they've got the strongest strength of schedule in the NSCF. They're 3-0 against conference champions on the year(NMU twice, FSU once). Unsurprisingly, an extremely biased Dennis Zervos told reporters that Loyola's right in the thick of things. "The committee will consider your full season resume, and that resume is not complete yet." An upset here, as a final exclamation point to the season, would not only wash the bad taste out of the mouth of this season- but could potentially see them sneak into the playoffs. And at that point? Anything is possible.

The Blue Thunder, although the designated home team, were wearing their whites- football coaches are superstitious. They upset both FSU and NMU in those whites, why not RU as well? And RU were in their red jerseys. After a pair of first drive punts, the Blue Thunder would...

Article is CONTINUED on page 4 under night sky..

3rd and 10 for RU, 12:04 left in the first quarter, at their own 22 yard line

Akhello Volson was pumping up this capitol city crowd. "C'mon, let's go!" The crowd, per usual, was 2/3s Blue Thunder- around 61,000+ in blue or white, while the glowing red of the 30,000+ Ranorian visitors filled a third of the stadium. He was matched up against Constantina Perrier- the elite Chromatik WR in front of her. He usually didn't smack talk Chromatik players- it was too boring. They didn't say anything back. But this was freaking ULI v RU- he was way too amped to do that. "Hey, Constantina- you ain't catching shit today." She didn't say anything. Classic.

The ball was snapped, Hunter had it in the shotgun. Perrier ran an out route- but Volson recognized it. Film work, eh? He broke on the ball, and make a diving pass break up. "HELL YEAH! Let's go!" Doing the incomplete signal himself as his teammates celebrated the 3rd down PBU. "Hey Constantina- get ready to go 0-fer today!" She was already jogging across the field, there was no way she could hear him. Loyola, on their possesion, actually got a pair of first downs- but eventually had to punt. So Volson back into the game. 1st and 10 for the Governors at their own 35. They did a halfback toss to Rylan Rodgers, and Volson made a beeline into the backfield.

He had a HUGE hit on Rodgers, for the 2 yard loss. "Hey Rylan- you're getting locked up all game long!" A number of RU players walked up to him, and they were separated. The jawing- a common feature of this rivalry. Next play, second and 12. Perrier running an inside slant- but then tried to cut outside. The throw came just a beat early because of pressure, and Volson was all over it. "HELL YEAH BROTHER!" He yelled as he caught the ball. He looked in front of him- all he saw was daylight. He was talking shit as he was running it back. "Y'all SUCK! RU ain't shit- you hear me brother! LOYOLAAAAAA!" He was yelling at a chasing Isaiah Hunter as he dove into the end zone for 6 points.

Continued from cover page

Kick off the scoring with a pick six by their superstar cornerback, Akhello Volson. A way to really bring the house down- jump a route, take it back, and dive into the end zone. What was the name of the game for Zervos today? Aggression. Risk-taking. The FG unit trotted out for the extra point. But it took everyone a minute to realize- was that Arnas Rønning, the team's WR2, as the holder? He wasn't the regular holder. And he wasn't- it was a fake! He got the ball on the snap, and ran left- nobody on RU was ready. An early 2 point conversion, on a trick play, to make it 8-0 to the Blue Thunder.

But the Governors were sitting here with 10 wins for a reason. Rylan Rodgers Jr. was a dominant HB, and with Benjamin Merik next to him, it was probably the most dangerous 1-2 punch in the NSCF at the HB position- although Amira Kong & Balinda Kisero would like to have a word. Regardless, it was Rodgers Jr. who was able to churn a 4 and a half minute drive. The key play? A 3rd and 4 for the Governors at their own 22 yard line, and Hunter hitting crucial TE Dustin van Halfense for a 33 yard gain. Rodgers Jr. would end the drive with a 23 yard touchdown run. PAT was good- so the Blue Thunder led by one, 8-7.

That 2PC looming large early, right? You never know. The Governors next drive was even more methodical. 16 plays, 91 yards, 6:12 off the clock. The Governors have always been at their best when they're running some sort of ball control offense, and it was The Butler powering the offensive show. Hunter made some key third down throws, but Rodgers Jr. was looking to steal the show, like he did so many times last season. He ended that drive with a 13 yard TD off of a screen pass- juking out the strong safety, Issa Ahungena, so bad he nearly broke the dude's ankles. PAT was good again- Horowitz refusing to chase that point. 14-8 to the Governors.

The defenses would trade stops until the Blue Thunder got the ball with about 1:37 left in the half. They hadn't done anything on offense yet here in Busukuma- the only TD coming via a defensive score. But suddenly, with the hurry-up, A-MV's offense came alive. She was throwing quick strikes, and keeping defenders on their toes. Her 33 yard touchdown throw to Xaya Larr was a thing of beauty. Towards the back corner, lofted it perfectly where only the WR could get it, away from the defenders- and still giving Larr a chance to make a play. And a play he made, dragging his foot before going out of bounds. The first touchdown throw for A-MV in nearly 6 quarters of this rivalry(ULI only managed 3 points against them last year), and she was pumped. This time, the Blue Thunder just kicked the PAT. They went into the half with that one 2PC being the difference- 15-14, to the Blue Thunder.

Coaches are known for saving certain looks, certain plays, for rivalry games. And Dennis Zervos, a creature of this rivalry as an assistant coach, is no different. We saw Akhello Volson take an offensive snap- why not? He's got extreme explosiveness. Think about where he stands in this rivalry. He already had a pick-six at this point. Three years ago, coming out of HS, he was an early commit to Richardson- until he wasn't, bringing down CFB twii.tur when Alanso Isa stole his commitment from under the nose of Richardson U. So why not use him on offense? Hilariously, his first play out, he was a decoy. He sprinted across for what looked to be a WR reverse- but A-MV faked the handoff. She tossed a simple swing pass the other way to Manne Nordström, and the Vanorian took the ball 50 yards, to the RU 27 yard line. Who doesn't like themselves a 3 play drive, eh? Volson actually stayed on the field. This time, he got the ball on a reverse, gaining 15 yards on the ground, to give them 1st and 10 at the 12.

Third play of the drive- a post route to Marcel Schlachter for a touchdown. Great throw by A-MV, catch by Schlachter- A1 all around. 21-14 to the Blue Thunder. But instead of kick the extra point, they went for 2 again. Zervos explained his logic. "The analytics say go for it. It was obviously such a close game. We had a chance to get 3 yards to make it a 2 possession ballgame, a 9 point game. They hadn't seen any of our regular 2 point plays- so why not?" And yet again, in a must-win, Zervos was at his best- always on fire when showcasing his creativity. Going back to the wildcat, and back to Manne Nordström. The Vanorian took the direct snap, and went straight up the middle- and the O-Line bulldozed a path for the small HB to score. It was 23-14 to the Blue Thunder, including going 2/2 on 2PCs, and that was a lead they would take into the fourth quarter.

This is when the fireworks really started. A drive that started in the third quarter went into the beginning of the fourth quarter for the Governors, when Benjamin Merik punched it in from 2 yards away. Blue Thunder were up just 2, 23-21- the difference, at the time, being those 2 point conversions. When you're the underdog and got nothing to lose- stay aggressive, right? The Blue Thunder got the ball back, and looked forward to trying to kill this ballgame. A few minutes later, they'd cross midfield, getting a 2nd and 2 at the RU 47. But they'd go over the top- their WR4, Timon Ogweyo, put a double move on the safety who was supposed to be covering him, and left him in the dust. A-MV lofted a perfect ball to the senior WR for a walk-in touchdown.

30-21, to to the Blue Thunder. And they worked to bury this game. They forced a 3 & out- featuring a 3rd and 3 sack on Hunter by Cornelius Okech. The Blue Thunder could only manage one first down, and then punted themselves. Next drive for the Governors? 1st and 10 sack for Najee Isidora, the blitzing 4 year starter at MLB. A huge loss- a 9 yard sack. Set them way behind the chains- 2nd and 3rd down was just Hunter chucking the ball on low percentage streaks to Perrier, both knocked away by Volson.

Blue Thunder then went to putting the icing on the cake. They'd need one more drive, and got it. A-MV was perfect on the drive, 3/3- 13 yards to Larr, 10 to Schlachter, and 15 to Rønning. Darrell "The Ball" Jackson would score from 3 yards out under the 4 minute mark, and it was functionally over after that. 37-21- that's a difficult score to come back from. Still a 2 possesion game, yes. But this Blue Thunder defense was too on point. The Governors did mount one last effort, getting inside the 10, but under huge pressure from Isidora, Isaiah Hunter threw the ball straight into the hands of ULI safety Israel Aero, who simply took a kneeldown in the end zone.

He called game. That would be the final score- Blue Thunder 37, Richardson U 21.

Dennis Zervos was hyped. "Look- we showed the world today, and all season, that Loyola is one of the best 16 teams in the multiverse. We can hang with anybody, and beat anybody. In-conference, out of conference, 10 win teams- we're 3-0 against teams with 10 or more wins." He, naturally, proceeded to make the case to put Loyola into the playoffs. Regardless of how the votes go, a hell of a finish for Loyola. Just 2 weeks ago, the faithful were chanting for his replacement- but today, after beating Felswyr State and RU in back-to-back weeks, big man Dennis certainly has some breathing room amongst the faithful.

Hell of a game, hell of a season. Will it be enough to put Loyola-Istria back into the playoffs? Or will it be a trip to bowl season for the Blue Thunder?

Other News
- Akhello Volson, in post-game, told reporters that he was going to declare for the RFL Draft and forgo his senior season at Loyola-Istria. "I love this place, this school, it will always be in my heart." He said. "But the pros are calling and beckoning- I look forward to playing in the Ranorian Football League." He confirmed that even if ULI did not make the playoffs, he would absolutely take part in the bowl game. "Missing bowl games because you're going to the draft are for fools- the only force that could keep me from potentially playing in my final ever game for Loyola-Istria is God himself, and even he'd have to send in the artillery." He also confirmed that he would be on pace to graduate online in the Summer.

by **NSCF** » Sun Apr 02, 2023 9:03 pm

The results for NSCF Committee voting is here. It was very close, but the votes for the final four playoff spots are as follows:

NSCF 28 PLAYOFFS - First Round

Top Half (First and Fourth Quarters) will be scorinated by Quebec and Shingoryeo, while the Bottom Half (Second and Third Quarters) will be scorinated by Chromatika.

Top Half

FIRST QUARTER
_#16University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) @ _#1Upper Westside University (STK)
_#9Richardson University (RAN) @ _#8Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana (SGU)

FOURTH QUARTER
_#13Staramara Tech University (CMT) @ _#4Northern Moravica University (BNJ)
_#12Green City University (TJU) @ _#5Felswyr State University (CMT)

Bottom Half

SECOND QUARTER
_#15Bingham Young University (UTA)@ _#2Université du Saguenay (QUE)
_#10Mar Sara Tech (VAL)@ _#7Raynor University (VAL)

THIRD QUARTER
_#14Elanardris (NAG)@ _#3Cold Hill University (RAN)
_#11Université St. Croix (QUE)@ _#6University of Mancodas (PFA)

by **NSCF** » Sun Apr 02, 2023 9:49 pm

Bowl Games

For this NSCF, I have received seven bowl games. All are approved, which covered all bowl-eligible teams, as well as the University of Constantinople that fell right short of the mark.

As a reminder, the bowl games will be scorinated at the same time as the first round NSCF Playoff games above (Tuesday), though they may ICly have taken place before. It will be scorinated with the first round of playoffs.

The Cannabiscorp Pioneer Bowl
Koronki University of Technology and Computing (DOR) vs. New Cadonia State University (CAD)
Best newcomer teams not in Playoffs
Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit, Quebec and Shingoryeo

The Drawk Bowl
LeBois Santura University (CAD) vs. Crimson Royal University (SHM)
Top non-playoff team from Big Eight Conference vs. Top non-playoff team from Woodlands Conference.
Corps University Hub, Drawk City, Drawkland

The Karmin-Falce Auto Bowl
Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL) vs. Trent State University (TJU)
Highest scoring non-playoff team vs. Best remaining point differential not in playoffs from any conference.
Karmin-Falce Superdome, Ranoria City, Ranoria

The Mugisha III Memorial Bowl
Hankow State University (UVI) vs. Sadeg State University (DRK)
Top non-playoff team from Celestia Conference vs. Top non-playoff team from Horizon Conference.
New Liberty Stadium, Herzegovina City, Banija

The Jaguar Bowl
University of Alexandroupolis (NGS) vs. Bowerstone University (ATH)
Top non-playoff team from Mineral Conference vs. Top non-playoff team from Zephyr Conference
Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington, TJUN-ia

The Mancodas Bowl
University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) vs. Maximus Rochester Institute for Science and Technological Research (PFA)
AT-LARGE vs. Lowest conceding non-playoff team
MancodasTown Sports Complex, Mancodas, Poafmersia

The Vylet Bowl
Elephant Valley University (SNL) vs. University of Constantinople (NGS)
AT-LARGE vs. AT-LARGE
anta Zendaya Stadium, Santa Zendaya, St. Kanye

by **TJUN-ia** » Mon Apr 03, 2023 10:22 am

Senior Day is always an emotional time as we say goodbye to those who are graduating, no matter your stripes.
But this wouldn't turn out to be a good day...at all.

The Trent State Feathercaps will lose no players on offense but they will certainly be missing pieces as Qing Kainan, Huong Cho Pham, Josephine York, Alexa Helena, Maximillian Helena and Yuji Idekanti were all honoured before the game against the MRI Gijikyhandasari Yeraiqhospifasas of Poafmersia...a game that didn't go to plan at all. Both Jason Steels and Maha Huynh would end up with 2 TDs on the day, with Yurilka Zelinskaya and Jared Armitage getting 2 catches each, but the real difference would be in the PATs as Katy Velaz went 2/2 and Eleonora "Firefeet" Scafakou only got 1/2. That won MRI the game...and that crushed the Horseshoe. It really did.

Meanwhile, the Green City Royal Eagles were also saying goodbye to some stars as Mercy Oshoala, Stella Oshoala, Witness Mussagi, Dayo Mussagi, Izuchukwu Jude, Faith Okobi, Glory Oparanozie, Abdoul Madjid Moumouni and Stephen Ogonji were all honoured today. The game they would play ended up being an absolute cracker as MinCon Champs GCU hosted the Horizon Champion Felswyr State Firehwaks in what turned out to be a defensive showdown for the ages that the crowd absolutely lapped up. The only TD of the game would come in the 3rd Quarter when Kadesh Odika found Vince Cartier from 23-yards out with Ivan Homer hitting the PAT and a 23-yard FG, with GCU's only response being a 34-yard FG from senior Oparanozie. It was only the 4th loss of the season for GCU, but this game certainly was fun...and they'll be a round 2 in the Playoffs to come.

And so, the fates of both teams are set in stone...and they certainly will be interesting.
- TSU earns a bid to the Karmin-Falce Auto Bowl in Ranoria in order to play the better team from South Newlandia in the form of the Ratzupalfu University of Nature Egrets.
- GCU will enter the NSCF Playoffs as the #12 seeds, taking on Felswyr State again - this time at Firehawks' Roost.
Both games will be tough as hell, but both teams know they cannot give up.
Postseason play is always crazy...and now, we will enter it once again.

TSU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs UCBP (CBP) W 39-36 (1-0)
Week 2: vs Mount Winston (GEM) W 27-7 (2-0)
Week 3: @Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VII L 16-34 (2-1)
Week 4: vs UAlexandropolis (NGS) W 32-7 (3-1)
Week 5: vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) - Homecoming W 17-3 (4-1)
Week 6: @UConstantinople (NGS) W 37-19 (5-1)
Week 7: @UPR Cui-ui (SGU) L 24-41 (5-2)
---------------------Heartland Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @UCBP (CBP) L 17-23 (5-3)
Week 9: @Mount Winston (GEM) W 44-3 (6-3)
Week 10: vs Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VIII L 13-19 (6-4/+74PD)
Week 11: BYE
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: vs Elephant Valley (SNL/5-5/3rd in Savannah/5th in Celestia) W 27-14 (7-4)
Week 13: @Thereisnogodistan CC (NGD/1-10/4th in Legends/7th in Zephyr) L 0-7 (7-5)
Week 14: vs Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA,/6-6/2nd in Legends/4th in Zephyr) - Senior Day L 13-14 (7-6)
Karmin-Falce Auto Bowl: vs RUoN (SNL/7-6/2nd in Savannah/3rd in Celestia)

GCU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: @Mount Winston (GEM) W 50-6 (1-0)
Week 2: @UCBP (CBP) W 43-22 (2-0)
Week 3: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VII W 34-16 (3-0)
Week 4: vs UConstantinople (NGS) W 41-24 (4-0)
Week 5: vs UPR Cui-ui (SGU) W 34-14 (5-0)
Week 6: @UAlexandropolis (NGS) L 34-19 (5-1)
Week 7: @UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) L 30-7 (5-2)
--------------------Heartland Division Rematches--------------------
Week 8: vs Mount Winston (GEM) - Homecoming W 53-3 (6-2)
Week 9: vs UCBP (CBP) W 37-9 (7-2)
Week 10: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VIII W 19-13 (8-2)
Week 11: Mineral Championship Game vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) W 43-13 (9-2/Mineral Champions)
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: @Upper Westside (STK/9-2/1st in Sequoia/Celetria Runner-up) L 24-26 (9-3)
Week 13: @Bowerstone (ATH/5-5/3rd in Celestial/5th in Zephyr) W 40-23 (10-3)
Week 14: vs Felswyr State (CMT/10-3/1st in Starlight/Horizon Champions) - Senior Day L 3-10 (10-4)
Playoff R1: @Felswyr State (CMT/11-3/1st in Starlight/Horizon Champions)

by **South Newlandia** » Mon Apr 03, 2023 3:36 pm

How much longer will Addo Uster hold on to his job?

All sports teams have a certain tolerance for failure. For internationally competing teams based in South Newlandia, that threshold is usually quite high, with expectations in the small country usually quite low, and results usually quite good. In over a decade of international sportage, no South Newlandian coach has ever been fired, and only two have ever left; both on their own terms.
Addo Uster, head coach of the Elephant Valley University Red Elephants, might be the first to break that trend. In five seasons with the team, the Banijan has a 29-38 record with the team, only winning about 40% of games. In five seasons, not only has he failed to ever lead the team to the playoffs, but he has also not managed to win a bowl game yet. In out-of-conference matchups, his teams perform especially awful, having lost their last eight in a row and having a 2-13 record in total; with the two wins a win over UComm by a single point (38-37) and a win against the hapless University of the Hampton Cities. In rivalry games, the team has been consistently poor, sporting an 0-5 record against Trent State and a 1-9 record against Northern Moravica.
This was the case despite having a team that featured, at various points, pretty decent players. Critics will especially note stars like Gabriel Yafet, one of the top recruits from Banija, who got entirely wasted on this team; in particular in back-to-back shutout losses in the last two games. With Ratzupalfu also now officially taking over as the better South Newlandian gridball team, the question is – given that he lost 16 games in the last two seasons, how much longer will Uster be head coach of EVU? Thanks to a tough schedule, they will be playing in the Vylet Bowl with a 5-8 record; one has to assume that a loss there would almost certainly lose him his position, and even a win, the first EVU bowl win in their history, might not be enough to save his job.

by **Chromatika** » Mon Apr 03, 2023 8:28 pm

Preview, Part 1
Preview, Part 2
Matchdays 1-3
Matchdays 4-5
Matchdays 6-8
Matchdays 9-10, Part 1
Matchdays 9-10, Part 2
Matchdays 9-10, Part 3
Conference Championships
District Championships
National Quarterfinals
National Semifinals

Season 1 Champions: Central Heights High School (MVP: QB Harold Jieter)
Season 2 Champions: East Omnio High School (MVP: WR Alessandro Mio)
Season 3 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: QB Sarai Gwenderyn)
Season 4 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: QB Sarai Gwenderyn)
Season 5 Champions: Flames of the Revolution High School (MVP: RB Nyata Antonucci)
Season 6 Champions: Staramara Tech High School (MVP: Edge Nicole Manstrom)
Season 7 Champions: Franscesca Larriet-Cortes High School (MVP: QB Liara Anderson)
Season 8 Champions: Vitoron School of Charge (MVP: QB Anne-Maurice Vivayavich)
Season 9 Champions: Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White (MVP: QB Nicole Estera)
Season 10 Champions: Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White (MVP: CB Lisa Bonsoon)

Chromatik High School Gridiron - Season Eleven National Championship

The Eleventh Chromatik High School Gridiron System Championship

The Chromatik Institute Dread vs. Staramara Tech High School Battle Angels @ Henza Center, D'rea, Capital District

Another season gone. Ninety-four dreams crushed, two hopes remaining. On a clear, cloudless evening in the rapidly approaching Chromatik winter, with temperatures nearing the teens, the Championship game was to take place. A sold-out crowd had been arriving all throughout the afternoon, enjoying the occasion - with tailgate parties going on for miles on end, liquor being consumed in broad daylight - a rarity for Chromatiks - and the entire nation turning its attention to the "other" kind of football for at least the day. Chromatiks loved to party when the occasion called for it, after all - though they sometimes had the reputation of being uptight and reserved, when they wanted to cut their hair loose, they really cut their hair loose.

Everyone that was someone would be at the game. Scouts from all across the NSCF, Ranoria, Banija, and Chromatika. Graduates of both Felswyr State University and Staramara Tech University. World Bowl players for the Iron Legion. Government officials, from Julian Negeleski, the Mayor of Staramara, to Keira Andisori, the Capital District Commissioner, and Hélène Embroise, the Premier of Chromatika. Two teams that had defied all odds - an old giant rising up to throw aside the two-time defending champions against a Dark Horse that had come out of nowhere to earn the right to play for the title.

A rendition of the Chromatik National Anthem, Franscesca's Tears, was played by the combined marching bands of The Chromatik Institute and Staramara Tech High School - a truly beautiful sight. Referee Ren Drier was joined by the guest of honor for the coin toss - one Sarai Michelle Bradwyn Gwenderyn, the Iron Legion's Starting Quarterback. Raul Sébastien Santos and Mattieu Hancock met at midfield - Santos joined by Carmen Dior and Aaron Judge, while Hancock had Freya Odinsdóttir and Jin Hayamoshi on his side. As the away team, Santos got to call the toss - and called heads. The toss ended up tails, and the Blue Angels, in their deep blue and neon yellow, would get the ball first.

Mattieu Hancock had been stymied for most of the playoffs, being helped out by the defense, led by Freya Odinsdóttir, instead. Some had even stated that he had been carried to the finals, and he was bent on making sure that he would shake that narrative. The Battle Angels' initial drive was sublime - Hancock went 7-of-9, including 4-of-4 for 37 yards on third downs, as the Battle Angels carved up the Dread and the clock. Using five minutes and forty-one seconds, Staramara Tech High School cashed in with a two-yard plunge by reliable Running Back Davis Pill to get the lead, causing about half of the stadium to erupt in cheers. It was a well orchestrated, planned drive that worked without a hitch.

Raul Sébastien Santos and the Dread went out to answer, and disaster struck almost immediately. The first play from scrimmage by the Dread was blown up immediately as Eden Pontfellier tackled Briana Heavenworth behind the line of scrimmage. On second down, Santos's pass was batted down by roaming Strong Safety Lario Xavin. On third and thirteen from the twenty-two yard line, Freya Odinsdóttir jumped the pass meant for Heavenworth and returned it twenty-four yards for a touchdown, putting the Battle Angels ahead fourteen-nothing barely more than six minutes into the game.

"It was the perfect storm early," Santos mentioned about the game's beginning, "They hit us fast and hard, and then I messed up in allowing Freya do what everyone knows that she is able to do. We were in over our heads, and it really showed. Thankfully, we've a coaching staff that knows how to bring out the best in us, and four quarters is a long time to play."

With the Dread only generating thirty-seven yards on the Quarter, the Battle Angels dominated. They were lucky to hold Staramara Tech High School to just a Field Goal in the beginning of the Second Quarter. Things started to turn a bit better for the Dread, though, as Carmen Dior started to allow the Dread to keep the deficit at seventeen. Finally, Raul Sébastien Santos and the Dread put together a drive at the end of the game - Jacqueline Fofo and Lenny Rhimes getting their initial catches of the game on a seventy-four yard drive, capping off with Briana Heavenworth catching a simple wheel route to walk into the end zone to end the half only down ten points.

The Dred came out with far more urgency in the Third Quarter, but the Battle Angels could contain them. Their initial drive did last for more than four minutes, but ended at the Battle Angels' twenty-five yard line, closing the gap to seven. Unfortunately, Hancock and Staramara Tech High School came back with one better, Davis Pill getting a neat forty-two yard run to set up a three-yard pass to Reed Shok. 24-10. This would not be the only big carry for Pill on the day, as the Senior would run through the would-be tackle of Dior to cash in a sixty-two yard touchdown run at the beginning of the Fourth Quarter, a carry that would give the Blue Angels a twenty-one point lead with just barely a Quarter to go.

Chromatik Institute never lost their composure. Santos started to hook up with his receivers, and a thirty-nine yard seam route to Fofo cut the lead to fourteen. A three-and-out later, Santos found Rhimes on a go route - the Junior running by Vera Éloit down the left sideline to get it within seven. Suddenly, the ball was on the Battle Angels' court to start to run out the clock, as RSS was starting to really cook. To Hancock's credit, the Battle Angels were able to run off six minutes of clock, relying on Pill and short passes to march the ball down the field. Unfortunately, the drive stalled at midfield, and though Hayamoshi has been one of the best kickers to ever come out of Chromatika, it would be a little too long to put on Hayamoshi's foot.

Two minutes and fifty-three seconds. Eighty-nine yards. Three timeouts. Santos knew when he went to the line, though, that this drive was going to be something special.

"We'd been working up to something great," he stated afterwards, "I was on the same page with Jacqueline and Lenny, and we knew that we were going to be fine."

Drag route to Fofo. Seam to Rhimes. Carry by Heavenworth. Another pass to Fofo, this time an out route, and the ball made it to midfield - with a minute and a half left. The Battle Angels were reeling, and the Dread knew.

"It became more about playing for overtime than just scoring," remarked Fofo, "We knew it would be only a matter of time before we scored."

RSS started to use his feet a bit more, and that added another wrinkle that the Battle Angels had to handle. He carried for 3 carries and 21 yards on that drive, which ended with a Briana Heavenworth 1-yard plunge to tie the game with only thirty-three seconds remaining.

Hancock's play in the clutch had been the one thing that the Battle Angels had struggled with the entire season - and their defense was their strong suit. So, somewhat controversially, the Battle Angels ran the ball twice to send the game to overtime - the first overtime Championship Game in Chromatik High School Gridiron History.

Staramara Tech would get the ball first. Davis Pill would get the call - and be stopped at first down by none other than Carmen Dior. It was the play after that would decide the game, however.

On second-and-ten, Hancock took the snap. Before he could try to find anyone, Freshman Defensive End Isabelle Creer came crashing off the edge, hit Hancock on his throwing hand, and stripped the ball - a massive play for a Freshman.

Two plays later, RSS noticed that everyone was being blanketed, and, using his mobility, ran the ball in himself - rounding Freya Odinsdóttir with a yard to spare - to score the game-winning touchdown and end the game.

A roster with only one starting Senior had won the season. Raul Sébastien Santos had finally proven that he could be a star.

As he shook the hand of Sarai Gwenderyn after being handed the Championship Game MVP trophy, RSS smiled the most genuine smile that he had in his life. He had finally reached the pinnacle - there would be plenty of time to celebrate, to regroup, and to figure out what was next.

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  OT  Tot
The Chromatik Institute                     0   7   3  21   6   37
Staramara Tech High School                 14   3   7   7   0   31

1Q
09:19 STHS TD - Davis Pill 2 yard run (Jin Hayamoshi Kick)
08:41 STHS TD - Freya Odinsdóttir 24 yard interception return (Jin Hayamoshi Kick)

2Q
13:08 STHS FG - Jin Hayamoshi 51 yard Field Goal
01:24 TCI TD - Briana Heavenworth 19 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)

3Q
10:59 TCI FG - Aaron Judge 42 yard Field Goal
04:42 STHS TD - Reed Shok 3 yard pass from Mattieu Hancock (Jin Hayamoshi Kick)

4Q
14:18 STHS TD - Davils Pill 62 yard run (Jin Hayamoshi Kick)
12:41 TCI TD - Jacqueline Fofo 39 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)
08:53 TCI TD - Lenny Rhimes 51 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)
00:33 TCI TD - Briana Heavenworth 1 yard run (Aaron Judge Kick)

OT
1OT TCI TD - Raul Sébastien Santos 17 yard run

MVP: The Chromatik Institute Junior Quarterback Raul Sébastien Santos (23-of-31, 319 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 1 interception; 6 carries, 38 yards, 1 rushing touchdown)

by **Banija** » Mon Apr 03, 2023 9:36 pm

NMU gets ready for playoff rivalry rematch- wants to make the most of their home field advantage

Loyola-Istria senior WR Timon Ogweyo scores long fourth quarter touchdown against RU to break the game open

HERZEGOVINA CITY, MORAVICA- "We wanted to end the regular season on a high note." Coach Kabuye told reporters, shortly after their Week 13 contest against Raynor U. "Not only that, but there's so much to play for. We want to give ourselves all the advantages we can. We've been playing all these road playoff games in recent years- we wanted to, if we could, ensure that we could potentially play a couple in front of the best damn fanbase in all of college football." While a number of fanbases would dispute that claim, what's not disputable is the way Northern Moravica responded. For what has been such an excellent season- division champs, conference champs, 10-3, etc... they've shockingly struggled against their rivals. They lost to Staramara Tech & Loyola both at home. Loyola smashed them 63-7. Fortunately, at this point, NMU's made all sorts of enemies in the NSCF- they went 1-0 against Hankow State and beat EVU twice.

But those rivalry losses did sting. Particularly that second Loyola loss- 63-7. But this season from NMU, with a ton of highs, has been a lot about recovering from the lowest of lows. "College football, particularly, takes these huge emotional swings- because players are so young and energized all the time." Said Coach Kabuye. "That 63-7 loss to Loyola- that could've crushed our spirit and broken our season. But it most certainly has not- we're stronger from it. And hell, we're conference champs while they're barely at .500." Only Kabuye could talk smack about an opponent that beat him by 8 TDs in their last matchup, right? But the same was felt after their loss to Staramara Tech. It always hurt having James Dior walk into your house and win it, basically at the proverbial buzzer.

But the question was- how would they respond? "After we won the conference title, we made it a goal- we need to get as many playoff home games as possible." Said Amira Kong, the HB. "The past few years, we've had some low seeds- the straightest path to our ultimate goal, the NSCF title game, is with the Red Sea at your back." Has anyone ever called Cougars nation the Red Sea? Probably not, but we'll digress. Kong has a point. NMU went on a stunning run in NSCF 25, as the last team into the playoffs that year- beating 5th seeded Staramara Tech, 4th seed Richardson University, and then undefeated #1 Cold Hill all on the road, to reach the NSCF 25 Final. They don't like to think about what happened after- but that has proven a difficult feat to try and repeat.

NSCF 26- an 11th seeded NMU tried to run the road gauntlet again, beating Mar Sara Tech in round 1. But it just showed how difficult of a task that was- they got rocked by Cavsar(of all schools!), by 20, to end their season in the QFs. Last year, they beat UWU 45-27 at home to open the playoffs, only to fall by 6 at Cold Hill. To illustrate it even better. Last year's champ? RU. #4 seed. Only had one road playoff game. NSCF 25 champ? Raynor U- no road playoff games(although the title game wasn't the most neutral, playing NMU in Banija). NSCF 24? Felswyr State, #1 seed- no road playoff games.

Of course, there's Felswyr State in NSCF 26, winning three road playoff games and a title- but that's a story for another day. Those other champs? Combined for one road playoff win. There's no such thing as a straightforward path to the NSCF title game- the level of competition is simply too high. But you don't have to make it harder than it already is. NMU had a golden opportunity to really leap up the seeding table with a quality win over a highly skilled Raynor U side, and they did just that. They had to battle- they were down 11 at one point in the second quarter. But when this team came back, they came roaring back- after going down 21-10, they outscored their visitors 41-10 the rest of the way, with 35 of those points coming in the second half.

Scoring TDs on six different offensive possessions generally means everybody played their part, and today absolutely fit that. They double dipped right around halftime- scoring a TD with 11 seconds left in the first half, and then scoring an explosively long, 72 yard TD on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter. When this NMU team gets going, they really can be tough to beat. A surefire TD drive for Raynor U to take the lead ends in an interception, as Sai Dutta intercepts it in the end zone for a touchback. NMU then marches down the field for 6 minutes, and scores, to make it a 9 point ballgame. The really crucial play, however, comes on what's probably the last play of the 3rd quarter.

It's a 2 point game- 30-28, to NMU. Certainly anybody's ballgame. NMU's defense finding a way to get off the field in the 2 point game, with the 6'6 DT Jasher Amolo knocking down a key third down pass at the line of scrimmage. Rockets punting. But the Cougars rush finds a way to get to the punter- and blocks the punt. The ball bounces straight into the arms of Kabonesa Baali, who scores a touchdown. 37-28, the place is going mad. It was impressive that the Rockets were able to respond with any points at all, as they got a series of first downs to get a field goal in the fourth quarter, to make it 37-31. But that was when the Cougars pulled away. That running game is too strong. Another 6 minute drive put them away, with true freshman WR putting the finishing touches on that drive to make it 44-31.

Another 4th quarter TO led to another 4th quarter TD, to end the game. The scoreline was certainly misleading- this game was extremely close for huge portions. But the Cougars pulled away. And doing that was huge- they flew up from the 9th seed to the 4th seed in the RTC Points system. What does that mean? They're playing at home. Of course, the draw was anything but kind to them- they've got to run the Chromatik gauntlet. Tech coming to town. "We're playing them where we want to play them- that's a good thing." Said Coach Lance Kabuye. "But that guarantees nothing- they beat us here just two weeks ago. We've really got to empty the cupboard if we want to beat a team like Staramara Tech."

An unlucky draw, eh? Tech surprised many by dropping one on the last day of the season, getting shutout at home by Ratzupalfu, 14-0. But that result doesn't matter. "We already know what happens when Tech & NMU play." Kabuye told reporters. "It's going to come down to the final 5 minutes- who's gonna have the energy, the talent, the hunger, the will, to outlast the other?" And he has a point. NMU v. STU is certainly a different type of game. It doesn't quite have the history of some of the other NSCF big rivalries, like Loyola v. Felswyr, or the pure hate or theatrics of the Rebel's Cannon Bowl. But this is probably the most competitive rivalry in this compettion. Every time this two teams meet, it's an instant classic- except last year, when Tech put a good licking on NMU.

Northern v. Tech- A History

NSCF 25 Playoffs- 1st Round: Staramara Tech (CMT) 7–10 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)
NSCF 26: Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ) 32–26 Staramara Tech University Lava (CMT)
NSCF 27: Staramara Tech University (CMT) 27–17 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)
NSCF 28: Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 30–31 Staramara Tech University (CMT)

They're 2-2 against each other. Three of the four games ended in the final minute. NSCF 25- Dwayne Markseon walks it off with a 48 yarder. NSCF 26- Tech is less than 25 yards away from taking the lead, and throws an INT to end the game. This year- James Dior walking it off for Tech. Kabuye is going to have to pull out all the stops to beat a team like Tech. He's got the crowd behind him, yes- but a school like Tech isn't worried about that. The Cougars will certainly need to make adjustments in the secondary, as they got torched for four passing TDs, and WR Jacoby Grinner torching them for 11 catches & 171 yards. "What makes it so interesting is this- they can beat you in all sorts of ways." Said Northern's D Coordinator. "But RUoN found something that worked- we'll certainly be studying the tape."

The offense is certainly humming along, averaging just over an eyeball popping 46 points per game in non-conference play. If they can keep up the electricity of their offense right now, especially with their ground attack? They can beat anybody that this postseason throws at them. NMU v. Tech. Will this be the start of Tech's redemption arc from losing the title game last season? Or will NMU stake its claim and advance to their sixth consecutive NSCF Quarterfinal?

by **Saint Kanye** » Tue Apr 04, 2023 10:06 am

With a sweep of their division and non-conference schedules on the way to a 12-1 record, the Upper Westside University Red Pandas have secured the first seed in the NSCF 28 playoffs. While this is not their first taste of the postseason in their young history of participation in the tournament, they hope to go even further than last season and actually win a game this time. Unfortunately for them, a familiar foe awaits, one that is fueled by vengeance after being obliterated the last time they met. We're talking of course about the three-time NSCF champs, the University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder, who snuck into the playoffs with a 7-6 slate.

Taking into account the two teams' records and the result of the Week 7 game between them (a 45-3 UWU domination at home), it looks to be an easy win on paper for the boys in red. But head coach Fabio Forelli doesn't care. "Sure, that's what it says on paper. But are we playing our game on paper? Thought so."

"Look," he continued, "as much as we want a repeat of that result we had against the Blue Thunder, remember that this is still a high caliber side we're going up against. They'll have learned from their mistakes. They'll be ready for us. But we'll be ready for them. Bring it on." The Red Pandas break out their head to toe reds during important games, and this one is no exception. Many of those following this budding rivalry are expecting ULI to come decked out in all blue, but nothing yet has been officially announced.

"I think I speak for the whole team when I say I'm very much looking forward to this game," said Adrian St. Roger, starting quarterback for the Red Pandas. "A lot, if not all of us played our hearts out against ULI several weeks ago, and I can assure you we'll continue to do so in our upcoming first round matchup," he continued. St. Roger will be leading the charge for the Celestia Conference's top offense, alongside primary receiver Sam Dobler and star tight end Jonald Cooley. Meanwhile, anchoring the defense will be the likes of cornerback Ishrael Carter, safety Karl Nazarian and linebacker Helmut Jensen, who told reporters: "Crush them by sixty or edge them by one, it doesn't matter, our goal is simply to win and we'll try our best to see it through by any means necessary." He later added, giving a wink, "Within the rules, or course."

Last season, St. Kanye's hopes of hosting its first ever NSCF bowl game were dashed when Hurricane Jaiden passed through the city of Santa Zendaya, leaving millions of Coinyes in its wake. But now, having risen from the ashes of natural disaster, the city is proud to announce that the inaugural Vylet Cyber Bowl will be taking place this coming Saturday, three in the afternoon Yeezie time, at the 65,536-seater Santa Zendaya Stadium. Blending two of St. Kanye's beloved pastimes of stock car racing and gridiron, it is a unique facility wherein a full-sized field is built in the middle of a half-mile oval track, inside a stadium with retractable roof allowing for both races and games to take place no matter the weather.

The two participants in the Vylet Cyber Bowl are the Elephant Valley University Red Elephants from South Newlandia and the Constantinople University Binturongs from New Gesem. The Red Elephants won only five games in total throughout the season, but three of those were decided by seven points or fewer. The Binturongs, on the other hand, won only four, but scored 48 and 53 points in two of those wins, and defeated their opponents by a whopping 24 in another. "We wish both Constantinople and Elephant Valley luck in what would be the last game of the season for both of them," said a representative from Vylet, the internet service provider that serves as the title sponsor and namesake of the bowl game.

by **Utahn Theocratic Republic** » Tue Apr 04, 2023 11:01 am

Blake Zuercher PT 10.

A quick and easy loss was not the way Blake’s team wanted to end their second to last regular season game, but despite the result, they still had a good chance of making it to the playoffs. With his post-game interview, Blake made it clear that they would be coming back with a vengeance in the playoffs. Although this game was lost, their determination to make it far in the postseason was still strong. The reason BYU was so strong was Blake’s ability to play a dual-threat of quarterback. He had multiple touchdowns, including a running play from the 5 yard line. This running play is often overlooked in BYU’s play book, but Blake found success there in the second half of the season. The way he was able to evade defenders by using quick cuts allowed him to find more open lanes for his receivers and an easier running lane if it was needed.

His athleticism made it close to impossible for the defense to stop him throughout this game, even though they tried different formations and adjustments throughout the entire game. Although this was a loss on the score sheet the Miners found a decent rhythm in the ending part of the game, so heading into the game with the Flosflores-Sea Catarina University football team it was filled with high hopes and if this game was won it could lead into a BYU Playoff berth in their first season in the NSCF 28.

After the game Blake stepped off the bus, feeling the weight of a humiliating loss on his shoulders. He wanted to forget the entire experience and put it behind him, so he decided to head straight to his dormitory and take a long, hot shower in order to relax and renew. He knew that he had to shake off this loss quickly if he was going to focus on making sure his team could bounce back and perform better in the upcoming game. It was a do or die game against Flosflores-Sea Catarina University and well they were going to put the hurt on FSCU.

Blake Zuercher PT 11.

An easy game that led BYU into the playoffs, Blake put up decent numbers in the game but in the end. BYU's regular season ended 9-4 and this booked themselves a ticket to the NSCF playoffs through a wild card pick, and Blake noticed that they were against Université du Saguenay, one of the best defenses in NSCF. He did the math in his head which wasn’t really math and well this playoff run was going to be harsh but Blake believed in his crew and with that they got on the bus headed for the airport as they were going to Quebec and Shingoryeo. From The South Pacific to Anaia, the team knew it was going to be a long ride so the buckled up and prepared for Saguenay worse by making up some new plays.

by **Cardenao** » Tue Apr 04, 2023 2:04 pm

“Now let’s take a look at how the New Cardonia State Bulldogs approach the game of football.”

Coach Zag Filadecka sends his team out playing a slow-tempo, short-play style designed to recycle possession and steadily move the ball down the field. Their game revolves around star running back Jiggy Johnson and his ability to absorb hits and gain extra yardage after contact with the junior constantly turning minimal gains into long ones. Running the ball is the foundation for the Bulldogs who use it as a tool to set the next play up, usually they go through the center on first down, making the most of the large lads on the O-line, while running the option is a popular fall-back on 2nd or 3rd down for Da Dawgs as true freshman QB Alton Delroy has proven to be quite the rapid runner himself. The Delroy-Jiggy Johnson combo could be a dangerous problem for Koronki University to deal with, especially when dual-threat TE Lemoyne Marley is added to the mix. Lemonye alleviates some of the pressure by being a great runner himself, especially on an end-around playcall, but is also used as a fake runner to slip to the outside and catch a short pass from Alton Delroy to push the ball up-field. The Bulldogs aren’t afraid to throw the football either, preferring either out routes or slants that cut across centerfield. Blache Dacroix is the wide receiver to watch, with the senior being a fantastic route runner with long arms and big, soft hands that make him a slyly elite level talent. The game plan against Koronki will be to get two bodies on Dylan Ariza, the standout freshman left end whose impressive physical attributes underpin his ability to impact the game in a variety of different methods, and let Jiggy Johnson go to work against the rest of the defense.

On the defensive side of the game, the Bulldogs typically line-up in a 4-3 formation which might suit them quite well against a Koronki University frontline that primarily relies on freshman right tackle Logan Harrison of South Newlandia. The lad’s got great strength and advanced technique that could prove difficult to deal with, but putting two bodies on him and having rushing linebacker Jshawn McGravy crash the pocket from the outside could be a winning formula. Of course, the big threat to deal with is quarterback Bogdan Koper who has led his team to some amount of touchdowns all while showing exactly what you want from a winning quarterback, solid arm strength, can throw the ball right where he wants it, and can read the field and make the correct decision like a tried and true veteran. It will be a tough ask for a Bulldogs defense that’s conceded presumably a large share of the 224 points the team has given up as a whole.

Overall, the key to victory for the New Cardonia State Bulldogs will be to score more points than Koronki University of Technology and Computing does.

'Sometimes you have to keep things loose, sometimes you have to keep things light.'

The sound of the waves breaking onto the shore filled the ears while the bright sun baked warmth into the skin. A cool breeze blew in off the Ocean of Ayes and kept the worst of the heat off, though the sand radiated warmly through the beach towel.

'Yeahhhh, sometimes you gotta just take it easy and that’s exactly what the LeBois Santura University Broncos were doing.'

Bobby Dials opened his eyes to see the rest of his football team enjoying the beach day in a variety of different ways. You would think they would be hard at work, hitting the practice field, hitting the gym, reps reps reps all day long in preparation for their match against Crimson Royal University in the Drawk Bowl but no. When Bobby and the rest of the team showed up for early morning practice they were loaded up onto the team bus, driven to one of a few functional airports in Cardenao, and were corralled into an airplane with no final destination given. He’d thought they were getting sent to the Ochre Islands to participate in the seemingly never ending invasion and started to get a little freaked out, he was a football player who threw the ball far or ran it with his legs, he wasn’t a soldier. So he started panicking a fair bit which prompted head coach Steve Valentine to reveal the big surprise.

No practice for the day! Nope, it was time to take a load off and hit the silver beaches of Juacuacanos on the island of San Guialo to get some rest and relaxation.

‘You see, you gotta have your mind in alignment with your body,’ Coach Steve had said, ‘You gotta be relaxed to think right and thinking right means playing right, which means getting wins, it’s allllll through relaxation.’

Well the Broncos were certainly relaxing now. Bobby looked across the beach to see his offensive line, a bunch of massive men who slammed their considerable weight against other men of equally considerable weight in a grueling fight to the death, were more like boys as they collaborated on an elaborate sand castle. The defensive line had opted instead for a sand city, though negotiations between the two seemed likely to result in war.

Nejc Graciano, the tight end who blew onto the scene with his great route running and freakishly long arms that quickly made him one of Bobby’s favorite throwing targets, was wrestling with left tackle Gabriel Santos Dos Liminas de Varacruz Manuel y Miguel in the silvery sand while the safeties watched from a distance. Pau Michael DeWitt, the team’s outrageously jacked running back, and Alabaster Red, their elite-level linebacker, were doing a bodyweight workout. The pair were always doing this sort of stuff, always working out, always doing pushups or practicing routes or watching OurTube videos of historically great players to learn a thing or two, their work ethic was tremendous.

None of this was for Bobby Dials though, he was content to relax, lay in the sun, and have not much on his mind save for every single mistake he had made over the course of the entire season. There was now one game left, one final match for him to show his worth, for him to win. Bobby Dials was determined to bring glory to LeBoise Santura and to bring honor to himself.

He needed to beat Crimson Royal, he needed to beat himself.

by **Valanora** » Tue Apr 04, 2023 6:26 pm

Valanora Times
The Grudge

Despite neither Vanorian team earning the Zephyr Conference title nor either team winning all three of very important and pivotal Out of Conference games, both the Rockets and Raiders qualified for the playoffs by virtue of ranking points. While I am far from the right person to begin to describe the ranking formula or how it is that the two teams have managed to earn their spot in the playoffs despite mediocre performances by their own previously high standards, it is a boon for both of them as well as the sport in the Empire as a whole. The continued success by these two flagship programs has convinced the people in the VSC that it is time for the Empire to send a team to represent it in the World Bowl. The logistics of that is going to be very interesting considering that there is not a professional gridiron league in the Empire and most of the best players from the Rockets and Raiders have ended up merely graduating and going into their chosen professions, while a very select few Vanorians have made a move to Ranoria or Banija to play the game professionally.

The playoff field for this edition of the NSCF is a vast one, with there being sixteen participants that puts all of those who have earned their berth through conference championships, the ranking points, or being voted in by the committee into action in the first round of the playoffs in a Round of Sixteen. It will be a very familiar format for Vanorians who are very fond of the World Cup, very much the same as the Final' knockout stages and it will be a field that already has its determined path as decided by the seeding. Make no mistake though, there is no easy game starting now, for even the number one seed in the tournament in Upper Westside University will have its hands full with traditional Banija powerhouse of Loyola-Istria, though the former does have the advantage of playing at home. Zephyr conference champions in the University of Mancodas will be vying off against nearly champions St. Croix and it will be a real test to see if the Mancodas are for real or if they just happened to hit lucky twice in this jackpot that we are all involved in. No one here has not earned their right to be here and no one should be shocked if any of these games result in an "upset" with the quality of the competition at hand.

For our two schools, it will be a grudge match, as there will be a third Battle for the Royal Saber in a rubber match between the Rockets and the Raiders. Due to the seeding, the game will be played in Raynor City at the Falls. While the Rockets had the upper hand the last time these two faced off in Raynor City, playoff games are a whole different sort of experience compared to the regular season and deciding who was going to the conference title game. The Rockets come in off the hand of a heavy loss and will be wanting to try to get that bitter taste of defeat out of their mouth with their elite skill positions. Yet it was Tech not Raynor that had the best offense in the NSCF and they are perhaps the more complete team with the better defense, with the added incentive of trying to avenge that embarrassing loss last month that robbed them of the chance to play in the conference title game. Whether you support the navy of Raynor or the red and black of Mar Sara, their match will be quite the battle and ensures that there will be a Vanorian presence in the Quarterfinals.

NSCF 28 - Everything Thread

NSFB: Yeah, TSU Is Fucked

NSFB: Senior Day Blues Sets The Future

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