World Bowl XII Roster/RP Thread - Meet Your New Champion!

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Group A
Boronina 13, Trivval 16
Sarzonia 17, Qazox 28

Qazox 7 6 1 0 222 137 +85 0.856 Q
Sarzonia 7 5 2 0 265 184 +81 0.714 Q
Boronina 8 3 5 0 173 206 -33 0.375 E
Dorian and Sonya 7 2 5 0 135 210 -75 0.286 E
Trivval 7 2 5 0 128 184 -56 0.286 E



Group B
Jepstonia 20, Saint-Alexandre 10
Osarius 24, Lycrabon 16

Tarrentum 7 6 1 0 128 102 +26 0.857 Q
Osarius 7 3 4 0 166 150 +16 0.429
Lycrabon 7 3 4 0 152 141 +11 0.429
Saint-Alexandre 7 2 4 1 133 150 -17 0.333
Jepstonia 8 2 4 2 125 170 -45 0.333 E



Group C
Orlkjestad 23, Missourian Rebels 27
Delaclava 26, Rennidan 16

Delaclava 7 7 0 0 253 102 +151 1.000 Q
Rennidan 7 5 2 0 163 141 +22 0.714 Q
Freelasio 7 3 4 0 167 165 +2 0.429 E
Missourian Rebels 7 2 5 0 142 183 -42 0.286 E
Orlkjestad 8 1 7 0 124 258 -123 0.125 E



Group D
Ganjapolis 17, Tarsas 13
Bluth Corporation 9, Karita 17

Bluth Corporation 7 6 1 0 263 106 +157 0.857 Q
Karita 7 5 1 1 168 135 +33 0.833 Q
German Zerabithea 7 4 3 0 127 118 +8 0.667 E
Tarsas 7 1 5 1 105 200 -95 0.167 E
Ganjapolis 8 1 7 0 105 208 -103 0.125 E



Group E
Buffalostan 29, Estnorden 23
Cassadaigua 43, Sibirsky 10

Cassadaigua 7 6 1 0 189 94 +95 0.857 Q
Buffalostan 8 6 2 0 227 144 +83 0.750 Q
Sibirsky 7 3 4 0 164 204 -40 0.429 E
Estnorden 7 2 5 0 102 188 -85 0.286 E
Churchma 7 1 6 0 121 173 -52 0.143 E

Group F
Al-Mumtaz 6, Wonderchicken 13
Whittoria 26, ASMV 13

Whittoria 7 5 2 0 217 152 +65 0.714 Q
ASMV 7 5 2 0 200 186 +14 0.833 Q
Mossulia 7 3 4 0 134 143 -9 0.429 E
Wonderchicken 7 3 4 0 110 160 -50 0.429 E
Al-Mumtaz 8 2 6 0 162 179 -17 0.250 E


Group G
No Games Today

F1 Insanity 5 3 2 0 130 102 +28 0.600 Q
Allumnic States 5 3 2 0 128 137 -9 0.600
Cosumar 5 2 3 0 100 99 +0 0.400
Mytannion 5 2 3 0 125 145 -20 0.400


Group H
No Games Today

Krytenia 5 4 1 0 140 110 +30 0.800 Q
Voltronica 5 4 1 0 140 115 +25 0.800 Q
Tocrowkia 5 1 4 0 116 113 +3 0.200 E
Sucrati 5 1 4 0 80 138 -58 0.200 E

[Buffalostan]

Game Review - Week Nine

LINE  1   2   3   4   F
EST   3  14   0   6  23
BUF   6   7  14   2  29
BOX                                                                  EST  BUF
  1 Jose Manuel Ybarra 35 yard field goal                             3    0
    Tom Harris 10 yard rush (kick failed)                             3    6
  2 Xasvi Kastelanen 1 yard rush (Jose Manuel Ybarra kick)           10    6
    Jhon Eestnordilainen 25 yard rush (Jose Manuel Ybarra kick)      17    6
    Bill Jackson 16 yard rush (Tom Harris kick)                      17   13
  3 Tom Harris 25 yard rush (Tom Harris kick)                        17   20
    Joe Allen 74 yard interception return (Tom Harris kick)          17   27
  4 Emil Kosteinn 25 yard pass from Jykka Rovalainen (kick failed)   23   27
    Safety, Vali Wee snapped ball out of endzone                     23   29

The Buffalostani celebrated a home victory that saw them qualify for the playoff round of the World Bowl on their first attempt, though in truth the win came in less than spectacular style. Hours before kickoff came two potentially related news items: John Dunn would be rested in favour of Tom Harris at starting quarterback; and Cassadaigua had thrashed the pants off Sibirsky to ensure Buffalostani progression regardless of the result against Estnorden.

The complication remained that Buffalostani's eventual seeding would take into account this game, despite its essential meaninglessness to the overall group outcome. A loss, for a 5-3 record, would probably see the team lined up to play one of the top seeds, such as Delaclava (now the only team with a perfect group stage record) or Bluth Corporation (who lost a shock, low scoring game upset game to Karita while Harris was leading his men to victory); a win, for a 6-2 record, could see an easier first round matchup.

As such, Dunn's benching could not be taken entirely at face value, especially given few other front line starters were rested - Samaguki Matsuboyoshi, John Foster, Mike Allen and Jack Snyder were set aside, but everyone else appeared as expected. Harris's start was clearly intended to size him up; Ed Loughlin took some snaps, throwing a better than expected 9 of 14 completions, but Harris was under centre most of the time and produced some mixed results.

He threw no touchdowns and two interceptions, including his very first pass to set up the opening score for the Golden Nordies, and finished 7 from 14; but he marshalled the ground game well, combining with Bill Jackson for plentiful yards and three touchdowns - two himself, including a 25 yard speed burst to cap the opening drive of the second half. The Estnorden defence struggled against their pace, and he did manage a few clever play-action fakes for big gains.

Fittingly, the clincher came on defence, with strong safety Joe Allen ripping home from 74 yards on the team's only interception of the night to extend their lead to 10 points. Jykka Rovalainen fought bravely in the first quarter to pass for a touchdown, but on Estnorden's next drive they were stalled, then driven back, to fourth and long from their own 2. They opted to yield an elective safety for the sake of field position, but could not force a turnover on Buffalostan's final possession.

[Osarius]

Different manager, same story. With one game to go, Osarius find themselves needing a win against group winners Tarrentum in the Benevolence Bowl to progress. Should they manage it, there isnt much hope among pundits or fans regarding the team's prospects in the playoff stage. After some less-than-convincing results thus far -- most notably the home defeat against previously unknown Sainte-Alexandre, following a fourth quarter interception and return touchdown -- new head coach Robert Garbongo must be questioning the wisdom of his accepting the role with the Firebirds.

Leon Saint and Rashad Jackson are doing all they can to carry the team, but the rest of the offense are having trouble converting in the red zone, and the defensive unit doesn't seem to be pulling their weight at all. Statistics are showing that the offense are accumulating a lot of yards, but it is seemingly disproportionate to the number of touchdowns and field goals the team has scored.

In the seven games played by the Firebirds in World Bowl XII so far, the offense has accumulated a total of just under 3000 yards, but only eighteen touchdowns and thirteen field goals. While thirty-one scores from 3000 yards is a reasonable return, the Firebirds offense is surely strong enough to yield more. Paul Atkinson maintains his 100% record kicking, but he is given less chances, as the team have tried -- and failed -- repeatedly to improve on a woeful 8% fourth down conversion rate.

Statisticians are just as baffled as Garbongo appears to be, when it comes to the mystery of the underperforming Firebirds, with their analysis as yet yielding no useful outcome. The head coach admits he is at a loss, but also insists that he feels no pressure, and that he is still confident.

"I don't know why. It's not a big deal, though. The team is talented and I'm sure they'll put it out against Tarrentum, when they have to, and we'll go on to the playoffs... In the playoffs, things are a bit different. Its likely that the team will, for lack of a better term, step their game up a bit."

- Robert Garbongo, Osarius Head Coach

With the World Cup qualifiers starting last night, and GraviBall season soon to resume, most Osarians are losing interest in the national gridiron side. The turnout in Dynapolis tomorrow night is expected to be relatively low, which might make things difficult for the Firebirds to rally and pick up the win they need to progress. However, offensive captain and star quarterback, Leon Saint, has suggested that the team has a new outlook on things under Garbongo.

"The coach doesn't really seem too bothered with how we win or what we're doing to win, as long as we win. We're starting to think a bit more ruthlessly ourselves. He likes to air-it-out, and so do we, but I think a lot of teams are expecting it from us so we tend to use Rashad a bit more lately. I want to throw it, but I want to win even more. We'll play in front of five people or five million people just the same. Its not about anything else now except the win. Too long we've been hovering around the 10th rank in the world, and I still think we, as a team, owe Coach Connors, the fans, ourselves ... everyone. We owe them a win. Not just a win tomorrow, but we owe them a World Bowl championship. We might not look like we're giving it all we got, but I guarantee you we are. If we have to be sneaky, or boring, so be it. But we'll do whatever it takes to win."

- Leon Saint, Quarterback (Utica Bears and Osarius Firebirds)

Well, if Saint's words are to be believed, it sounds as though Garbongo has got rid of the "underdog" culture that had permeated the Firebirds camp under Connors, and that Matterhorn was unable to remove. Based on his comments, the team no longer see themselves as the outsiders who were lucky to be ranked as highly as they were, but as a strong team who now need to prove to everyone that they should be ranked top fifteen, and possibly higher. Saint's comments underline the team's ambition, and its not hard to see where the justification for such tough talking comes from. Last time around, to qualify for the playoffs, the Firebirds had to take down Cassadaigua, which they achieved in some style -- although some will justifiably argue the Dagans had nothing to play for -- and in the past, they have also done the double over the much more heavily favoured Babbage Islands. So, especially given their poor showing so far, its not unfeasible to think that the Firebirds could switch up a gear or two.

[Scandavian States]

..::Imperial News Network::..

All The News You Need

The Unifiers have locked up their playoff spot with a win over the #1 ranked team in the world. Despite only scoring one offensive touchdown and two field goals on special teams, the defense was the story of the night; they picked off Cain Wells four times, sacked him a grand total of ten, held the Bluth Corporation running game to under a 100 yards combined, and contributed two safeties to the score box. Further, despite scoring only one touchdown on a 73 yard play action pass during the opening drive, the offense was able to rack up over 400 yards of combine offense.

Next up for the Unifiers are the playoffs, although exact seeding has not been determined as of yet.

[The Fanboyists]

It Comes Down to This

The Vols will face off against the Mulcaheys of F1-Insanity tonight, in a home game in which everything hangs in the balance; a victory for the Vols means advancing to the playoffs, and defeat means going home. Additionally, victory for the Vols would cast the Mulcahey's qualification in doubt and in jeopardy based on the result of the other group game on the night (where Consumar will face Mytannion).

The Vols managed to beat the Mulcaheys last time they faced each other earlier in the round, but the Mulcaheys will be trying hard to win against the Vols.

Keys to Victory:

1) The pass rush:
The Vols' pass rush put Damon Mable under pressure all night last time, and the Mulcahey's pass offense suffered for it. If they repeat the trend, it will force the Mulcaheys to rely on their rushing attack. The Vols' rushing defense has been very good thus far, so that's a scenario F1-Insanity will want to avoid.

2) The rushing attack:
The Vols have been, quite simply, prolific on the ground this year, as always; Haanryk Stahlburg and Ole Nurdson are both routinely rushing for 100+ yards, and the majority of the team's touchdowns have come on the ground. The Vols' success on the ground will be critical to victory; if the rush gets shut down, the will need to lean heavily on inexperienced passer Victor Dunbar, who, while efficient and effective thus far, shouldn't have too much pressure in a game placed on him, just for safety's sake.

3) Ball-Control:
Keep F1-Insanity from scoring; if the Vols can hog possession time while putting points on the board, it should deny the Mulcahey's fast-scoring offense the opportunities to answer the Vols. If the Vols can limit the Mulcaheys' scoring, victory becomes much more likely.


The game should be an intense, and interesting one; we're not even going to attempt calling the result of this one, as both teams will be desperate to win and secure a playoff berth for themselves. It will probably come down to which team is hungrier; hopefully, it'll be our boys and girls, who missed the playoffs last year.

Get your Blue and Grey, on folks! Get out to Thomasburg, and GO VOLUNTEERS!

[Qazox]

QSPN.com/World Bowl 12

Sharks get by Stars, look to take Group title at home.

It took 2 stands on 4th and short in the 4th quarter, but Qazox held off Sarzonia 28-17 to take over the Group A lead and now head home to face Trivval to clnch the group title. The 3rd of 4 TD passes by Thomas Braddock helped stake Qazox to a 21-17 lead in the 3rd quarter and the Sharks defense held Saronia to only 82 yards in the 2nd half and a combined 0-11 on 3rd and 4th downs. WIth 5:19 leaft and still leading 21-17, Sarzonia went for it on 4th and 1 from the Qazox 39 and Adam Davari stuffed Clark Hennessy's dive attempt. 2 plays later, Braddock found Mike Hammond along the sideline and after out-leaping Brock Ainsworth, Hammond streaked 48 yards for the final points of the night.

As mention before, Trivval comes to town in the finale, and anything but a loss would clinch Group A for Qazox.

BOX SCORE

Qazox     7  7  7  7   28
Sarzonia  7  7  3  0   17

SCORING SUMMARY
First quarter
SAR- 16 yd TD Pass by Gavin Davis to Willie Brooks; Adam Novak PAT good. (8:53) 7-0 Sarzonia
QZX- 11 yd TD Pass by Thomas Braddock to Mike West; Frank Jackson PAT good (2:57) 7-7
Second quarter
SAR- 34 yd TD Pass by Gavin Davis to Craig Langhorn; Adam Novak PAT good. (10:11) 14-7 Sarzonia
QZX- 29 yd TD Pass by Thomas Braddock to Mike West; Frank Jackson PAT good (5:13) 14-14
Third quarter
QZX- 7 yd TD Pass by Thomas Braddock to Jack Hesse; Frank Jackson PAT good. (9:41) 21-14 Qazox
SAR- 45 yd FG by Adam Novak PAT good; (5:02) 21-17 Qazox
Fourth quarter
QZX- 48 yd TD Pass by Thomas Braddock to Mike Hammond; Frank Jackson PAT good (4:16) 28-17 Qazox

[Mossulia]

"So what happened in the world bowl?"

"What we entered that?"

"Yes."

"I'll check."

<Five minutes later>

"So?"

"We failed and died in third, just out of the qualifying zone."

"Boycott."

"What?"

"Boycott the team."

"What team."

"The American football one you prick."

"Done."

OOC: I've been a bit RP shy with the world cup and BoF and the world cup of hockey going on as well as this. Sorry this RP was very short, when you've done three in one morning at the start of a weeks holiday you tend to be a bit tired.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

OOC - fixed the erroneeous OT listings from the last MD. The scorinator saiod OT so I just went with that. After review, it is understood that OT games cannot finish with 4 point wins, so the OT has been edited out. Should have caught it to begin with.

Your friendly Yumbo Jumbo RP deadline has arrived.

Featured Flavor: Two Inch Tsunami Terror - inspired by the Tidal Surge of ASMV's lack of production against Whittoria.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Final Match day

Group A
Dorian and Sonya 26, Sarzonia 21
Qazox 42, Trivval 3

Qazox 8 7 1 0 222 137 +85 0.875 Q
Sarzonia 8 5 3 0 265 184 +81 0.625 Q
Boronina 8 3 5 0 173 206 -33 0.375 E
Dorian and Sonya 8 3 5 0 156 231 -70 0.375 E
Trivval 8 2 6 0 128 184 -56 0.250 E



Group B
Tarrentum 21, Osarius 27
Lycrabon 24, Saint-alexandre 14 OT

Tarrentum 8 6 2 0 149 129 +20 0.750 Q
Osarius 8 4 4 0 193 171 +22 0.500 Q
Lycrabon 8 4 4 0 176 155 +21 0.500 E
Jepstonia 8 2 4 2 125 170 -45 0.333 E
Saint-Alexandre 8 2 5 1 147 174 -27 0.286 E




Group C
Freelasio 10, Delaclava 35
Rennidan 16, Missourian Rebels 30

Delaclava 8 8 0 0 288 112 +176 1.000 Q
Rennidan 8 5 3 0 179 171 +8 0.625 Q
Freelasio 8 3 5 0 177 200 -23 0.375 E
Missourian Rebels 8 3 5 0 172 199 -27 0.375 E
Orlkjestad 8 1 7 0 124 258 -123 0.125 E



Group D
German Zerabithea 39, Bluth Corporation 41
Karita 49, Tarsas 7

Bluth Corporation 8 7 1 0 304 145 +159 0.875 Q
Karita 8 6 1 1 217 142 +75 0.857 Q
German Zerabithea 8 4 4 0 166 159 +7 0.500 E
Tarsas 8 1 6 1 112 249 -137 0.143 E
Ganjapolis 8 1 7 0 105 208 -103 0.125 E



Group E
Churchma 27, Cassadaigua 20
Sibirsky 41, Estnorden 0

Cassadaigua 8 6 2 0 209 123 +88 0.750 Q
Buffalostan 8 6 2 0 227 144 +83 0.750 Q
Sibirsky 8 4 4 0 205 204 +1 0.500 E
Estnorden 8 2 6 0 102 229 -127 0.250 E
Churchma 8 2 6 0 148 193 -45 0.250 E

Group F
Mossulia 14, Whittoria 22
ASMV 33, Wonderchicken 12

Whittoria 8 6 2 0 239 166 +73 0.750 Q
ASMV 8 6 2 0 233 198 +35 0.750 Q
Mossulia 8 3 5 0 148 165 -17 0.375 E
Wonderchicken 8 3 5 0 122 193 -72 0.375 E
Al-Mumtaz 8 2 6 0 162 179 -17 0.250 E


Group G
F1 Insanity 21, Allumnic States 21 OT
Cosumar 23, Mytannion 14


F1 Insanity 6 3 2 1 151 123 +28 0.600 Q
Allumnic States 6 3 2 1 149 158 -9 0.600 Q
Cosumar 6 3 3 0 123 113 +10 0.500 E
Mytannion 6 2 4 0 139 168 -29 0.333 E


Group H
Tocrowkia 35, Voltronica 24
Krytenia 13, Sucrati 3

Krytenia 6 5 1 0 153 113 +40 0.833 Q
Voltronica 6 4 2 0 164 150 +14 0.667 Q
Tocrowkia 6 2 4 0 151 137 +14 0.250 E
Sucrati 6 1 4 0 83 151 -68 0.167 E


1 Delaclava vs. 16 Osarius @ Falcione Stadium, Falcione. capacity 110,000
8 F1 Insanity vs. 9 Karita @ Stadii se Sa'una Vega, Sa'una Vega. capacity 96,000
4 Krytenia vs. 13 Sarzonia @ Gahiji Urdinhertal, Radience. Capacity 96,000
5 Cassadaigua vs. 12 Voltronica @ Stadii se Draggonnii Arcea, Errion Vega. capacity 200,000
2 Bluth Corporation vs. 15 Allumnic States @ Yumbo Jumbo Sports Complex, Carrington. Capacity 215,000
7 Tarrentum vs. 10 Buffalostan @ Meldinburg Stadium, Meldinbug. Capacity 80,000
3 Qazox vs. 14 Rennidan @ Tapia Reis Luraii Stadii, Tapia Reis. capacity 87,500
6 Whittoria vs. 11 ASMV @ Viastromin Vega Memorial Stadii, Errion Vega. Capacity 82,000

[Delaclava]

DNBSports.com

Gridball Phoenixes coast into ASMV with top seed

After an 8-0 group stage campaign, Delaclava is once again in the World Bowl knockouts, and they carry the No. 1 seed.

Unlike last World Bowl, held in Delaclava itself, Delaclava is alone in having the undefeated campaign, although dealing with relatively easy opponents in Rennidan, Freelasio, Missourian Rebels, and Orlkjestad. Scoring 288 points in 8 games (36 ppg) and allowing just 112 (14 ppg), Delaclava was second in points scored, trailing Bluth Corporation (304) and leading the competition in point difference and points allowed, the latter being impressive because it includes the two four-team groups, while Delaclava played in a five-team group. Needless to say, Delaclava ran away with the top spot, where they will face Osarius (4-4, 193 PF, 171 PA), who snared the number 16 seed after edging Lycrabon by just one point.

Coming off a runners-up apperance in the previous World Bowl in their home country and heavily favored to win the group, Delaclava opened qualifying with 53 points at Missourian Rebels for a 26-point win. Billy Branten was on form and led the charge with a international personal record of five touchdowns and 502 yards. The offense didn't find the end zone as easily in the next game, the home opener against Orlkjestad, but the defense, led by Omar Bell, played incredibly, allowing just 12 points while forcing five turnovers and two safeties, and Vlady Macalahov's three field goals saved the lackluster offense in a 27-12 win.

In the next game, Rennidan came with hard, tough football, and in fact jumped to a 17-0 lead in the first half. However, Christian Coveney got Delaclava's third safety in two games, and Spike Fryman exploded for three all-purpose touchdowns to salvage the win and the group lead, 23-17. Delaclava then exploded for 57 points against Freelasio, in thanks to five field goals from Macalahov and four touchdowns from Branten, two to Andy Swarzreng, to cap the first half of the campaign with a solid hold on the group.

To start the second half, coach Dillon Dell made a controversial decision to play none of the starters in the second game against Missourian Rebels at home, angering some starters' families, whom had hoped to see their sons playing. However, families of the backups enjoyed a 17-10 win, the best defense that Delaclava had played, starters or reserves. Dewey Brandenberg passed for two touchdowns and 225 yards in his World Bowl debut, but arguably the highlight was Hal Ratcliffe's 57-yard field goal to end the game and set a team record. The starters, antsy to play some football, brought it down hard on Orlkjestad, shutting out their lackluster opponents - a feat not otherwise accomplished so far - and Kent Young capably replaced an injured Branten by throwing for three scores. After that game, the next matchday's Yumbo Jumbo flavor, Beatdown Berry Blitz, was dedicated to the dominance the Phoenixes and Bluth Corporation were displaying against their opponents. Interestingly enough, Delaclava snared a 26-16 win at Rennidan on that day while Bluth Corporation was toppled by Karita 17-9, leaving Delaclava as the only undefeated team. Delaclava finished the campaign with a 35-10 win over Freelasio at home, with a mixture of starters and backups.

Delaclava has a history against Osarius: At World Bowl X in Dancougar, Delaclava defeated Vephrall 31-20, but errors were discovered in refereeing and organization, pitting Delaclava against the Firebirds in a rematch, where the Phoenixes then lost 31-21. Now, Delaclava is flying into the knockouts while Osarius is stumbling.

Should Delaclava defeat Osarius, which should be an easy task, they would face the winner of F1-Insanity and Karita. The Mulcaheys tripped up a little bit once again en route to an eventful group stage win, while Karita should be noted for their upset of Bluth Corporation.

[Buffalostan]

The Karlsruhe Daily Generic Newspaper

Although World Bowl XII did not attract enough newcomers to prevent cancellation of the Baptism of Iron, a fair number of untested nations still dipped their toes into the waters of international handegg. All but one of those have been denied the opportunity to limp to Andossa Se Mitrin Vega on those bruised, battered toes as - for the most part - old powers prevailed in the group stages. The one that remains is to the delight (and incontinence inducing disbelief) of handegg fans across the nation, and in particular at one small bar in Karlsruhe, our very own Buffalostani national team.

The team finished 6-2 in their group, losing two games to former World Champions Cassadaigua but otherwise going undefeated; in fact, a surprise loss to Churchma on the final day (possibly because with, qualification assured, starters were rested) meant the teams finished on identical records. It was good enough to earn the Buffalostanis the #10 seeding - ahead of hosts ASMV (#11) and defending champions Sarzonia (#13), and of the big name nations not to make the playoffs, such as former World Champions Tocrowkia, returning semifinalists Sibirsky, and defending Baptism of Iron champions Churchma, the latter two of whom Buffalostan defeated twice.

In points terms, the team finished 6th in the two major points categories: points per game for (28.4; Bluth Corporation 38) and points against per game (18; Delaclava 14). In other categories, such as turnovers forced and average rushing yardage, they fared competitively, but they ranked poorly in most total offensive categories, and dismally in the special teams stakes. Additionally, their nominally impressive offensive output was significantly bolstered by 50 points from defensive plays (Samaguki Matsuboyoshi 3 INT, 1 FR; John Foster 2 INT; Joe Allen 1 INT; 1 elective safety conceded by Estnorden).

The Buffalostanis lost first choice quarterback Richard Fischer to a fractured elbow early on in their campaign, but have bounced back under John Dunn and Tom Harris. The backbone of the team's offence has been Bill Jackson, who steadily increased his production to finish with a total yards per game average of better than 100. Matsuboyoshi and his fellow Sams have managed to breach the line regularly on defence, while the defensive secondary proved among the most effective.

Aside from Fischer, the team's injury losses include offensive linemen Gerry McCane (groin), Mathew Miller (shoulder) and Spencer Hall (knee), defensive back Hugh Robison (knee), and wide receivers Bill Taylor (neck) and Mike McCreary (knee), although the latter is expected to be fit should the team manage to win their Round of 16 matchup.

That game sees the team take on Tarrentum, who are - after Buffalostan - the least experienced team to make the playoffs. The Falcons went 2-6 in World Bowl XI, fielding a team of collegiate all-stars, but remain an unknown presence in World Bowl XII after graduating out of an exceptionally quiet Group B with a 6-2 record. Their excellent defence (16.125 ppg) ranked 3rd after Delaclava and Cassadaigua; on the plus side, they scored 78 fewer points than Buffalostan.

By all accounts, the game will probably be among the least tantalising for neutrals. Tarrentum and Buffalostan are unknown and unproven, and with little to say about the Falcons, only partisans will have any particular interest in the outcome. But the winner will go on to play the winner of what is perhaps the most exciting Round of 16 encounter, as world number #1 ranked Bluth Corporation take on the Allamunnic States.

Cain Wells and his laser, rocket arm were silenced by Karita's defensive wonders during the group stage, but otherwise the BC passing game has been among the best during this World Bowl. The Iron Tide, meanwhile, will be depending on their big backs such as the returning Haanryk Stahlburg and the breakout Ole Nurdson to use their laser, rocket legs for big gains on runnings plays.

On the other side of the bracket, the closest game in seeding terms concerns F1-Insanity, whose players will need to fuel up on laser, rocket lasagna if they are to fend off the laser, rocket Karitan pass rush that sacked Wells 10 times. And Voltronica's wide receiver corps may find themselves nervously fumbling for their birth control if Cassadagan guard Tommy Jacobs gets going with his laser, rocket penis. Culturally, the standout game may well be Krytenia and Sarzonia, Atlantian Oceania nations that might have expected themselves in reverse seeding order, while Osarius will have to rely on more than just the laser, rocket foot of Paul Atkinson to overcome Delaclava's laser, rocket defence.

Projected lineup for Tarrentum v Buffalostan:

.QB John Dunn
 FB Ron Dahlstrom
 RB Bill Jackson
 TE Jonathan Williams
 WR Jack Snyder
 WR Kyle Caudill
 LT Juuso Kankaanpää
 LG Mike Allen
  C Dave Juergens
 RG Dennis Jones
 RT Johannes Thor Gunnlaugsson

 CB John Foster
 CB Joe Randall
DLE Josh Nebeker
 NT Steve Steward
DRE Jerry Decastro
OLB Samuel Koch
ILB Samaguki Matsuboyoshi
ILB Sam Miller
OLB Sam Irons
 SS Joe Allen
 FS Joe Hill

[Krytenia]

Krytenia's graft and amazing tenacity has been rewarded with...a tie against one of the strongest nations in the tournament. Yes, thanks to one portion of playing out of their skin, and an equal helping of their opponents' creakiness, the Aces' first game in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega will be against none other than the nation that lent us their name for this code of football - Sarzonia.

The KSRFC have already stated that the team will wear their light blue "rivalry" uniforms against their Cyanean opponents - though given the hotly-contested rivalry between the nations in other sports, this was pretty much a given.

Good job Sarzie Rules has no penalty shootouts...

[The Fanboyists]

Vols Qualify

Well, say whatever else you will about them, Allamunnic teams have a way of making things interesting; rather than simply win the game to win their group, or simply lose it to fail to qualify, the Vols came up with the middle option:

They played the Mulcaheys to a draw. The defenses and offenses of both teams came to play.

Victor Dunbar and Damon Mable were both sacked three times each. Dunbar threw 12 passes for eight completions and 89 yards, but threw two interceptions, one coming at an inopportune moment in overtime.

But the Vols' difference makers were on the ground; Haanryk Stahlburg rushed nine times for 102 yards and a touchdown, Ole Nurdson rushed 14 times for 100 yards and a touchdown, and Myra Dercyk rushed eight times for 89 yards and a touchdown.

After Stahlburg busted a 42-yard run for a tying touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, both team's defenses were stalwart during overtime, preventing scoring by either team, as both were forced to punt repeatedly.

The tie puts the Vols at the 15th seeding for the playoffs; it doesn't do them any favors, as they face the reigining #1 team in the world, the high-flying Bluth Corporation team which has been led thus far by the arm of Cain Wells.

"Haha! You think we're worrying about the pass? We'll deal with the pass; we're used to dealing with the pass. No special preparation necessary, we just need to make sure we execute our usual pass-defense well to keep that under control. No, we're worried about the run."

Worried about the run? We asked Theo Laansur about that.

"Our first playoff game against Sarzonia, we focused too much on the passing by their offense, which had leaned on it fairly heavily, at the expense of our run-defense. When it came time to play 'em, they ran all over us. We're not letting that happen again; we're covering all the bases, and we're gonna be thorough about it."

[Scandavian States]

..::Imperial News Network::..

All The News You Need

The Imperial national team finished up group play by resting their starters and the backups still managed to completely dismantle Tarsas 48-7, avenging a tie in their previous matchup. Next up are the team from F1-Insanity, who come into the playoffs with a 3-2-1 record and a +28 point differential; their most impressive game was a 47-27 victory over World Bowl newcomer Mytannion. It remains to be seen if the Unifiers from the last two games will show up or not, but if they do it should be an easy victory.

Pundits have opined that opening up the playbook has had a great deal to do with the Imperial victories and, presuming the Unifiers advance beyond the first round, there's a significant school of thought that says that each round will be more and more difficult as their opponents acquire more and more game tape. Of course, that supposes the offensive and defensive coordinators have or will quickly reach the limits of their creativity.

[Qazox]

QSPN.com/World Bowl 12

Sharks roll Trivval, Earn #3 seed.

About 10 minutes before kick-off, the score from Dorian and Sonya flashed on the scoreboard (D&S 26- SAR 21); so the Sharks had already clinched the Group A title, but a chance to get a high seed in the playoffs was there for the taking and Qazox took advantage of it rolling up over 600 yards of offense in a 42-3 laugher over Trivval. 6 different Sharks scored TD's in the rout as Trivval barely decided to show up it seemed at times. Only a late Fg drive just before the half kept Qazox from getting its first shut-out in over 6 years.

As we look ahead to the playoffs, Qazox has a rather favorable draw as the opener will be against Rennidan. The Brutes have been in a bigger slump than Qazox has and while it will be a close game, the Sharks should advance. If they do, then a meeting between the winner of Whittoria-ASMV would be next. Qazox, on paper, is better than both of those teams and a win could set-up a semifinal match up with Bluth Corporation. While in the playoffs, nothing can ever be taken for granted, Qazox does look like one of the early favorites to win the World Bowl.

BOX SCORE

Trivval  0  3  0  0   3
Qazox   14  7 14  7   42

SCORING SUMMARY
First quarter
QZX- 36 yd TD Pass by Thomas Braddock to Mike West; Adam Novak PAT good. (7:52) 7-0 Qazox
QZX- 5 yd TD Run by Thomas Braddock; Frank Jackson PAT good (3:30) 14-0 Qazox
Second quarter
QZX- 9 yd TD Pass by Thomas Braddock to Jack Hesse; Frank Jackson PAT good (5:13) 21-0 Qazox
TRV- 30 yd FG (0:06) 21-3 Qazox
Third quarter
QZX- 72 yd TD Pass by Thomas Braddock to Mike Hammond; Frank Jackson PAT good. (14:21) 28-3 Qazox
QZX- 12 yd TD run by Ryan Jackson; (4:09) 35-3 Qazox
Fourth quarter
QZX- 4 yd TD Run by Chris Hanson; Frank Jackson PAT good (10:03) 42-3 Qazox

NEW BRUXEN HOTEL and CASINO playoff lines
1 Delaclava vs. 16 Osarius: Delaclava -12.5
8 F1 Insanity vs. 9 Karita F1 Insanity -4.5
4 Krytenia vs. 13 Sarzonia Sarzonia -3.0
5 Cassadaigua vs. 12 Voltronica Cassadaigua -8.5
2 Bluth Corporation vs. 15 Allumnic States Bluth Corporation -6.5
7 Tarrentum vs. 10 Buffalostan Tarrentum -5.5
3 Qazox vs. 14 Rennidan Qazox -7.5
6 Whittoria vs. 11 ASMV ASMV -1.5

[Voltronica]

Chad Jasso

Chad Jasso
OMG!! We made it to teh rd of 16 in WB 12!!
Jim McLean
Yeah Firestorm FTW!!
Glenn Weller
hey remeber that hot Cassadaiguan girl we played last year??
Chad Jasso
Yeah she was hot...what about her
Glenn Weller
She got preggers!
Jim McLean
Who was the father?
Glenn Weller
Well they say it was someone from the same team...
Chad Jasso
OMG!! I
Glenn Weller
OMG! Wut?
Chad Jasso
I...I...could be a father
Jim McLean
lol...you think your everyones daddy..

[Cassadaigua]

Meghan’s Space

It’s time for the playoffs, and things have gone very well in all games that we have played where we were not looking at Churchma on the other side of the football. It’s one of those statistical oddities I suppose: We were 6-2. They were 2-6, but they beat us twice! We’re all happy with the way things have gone so far and getting the 5-seed is somewhat a reward for our hard work. Naturally, we would like to have a better seed as this matchup puts us into a showdown with a pretty good side from Voltronica. We played them a couple times in qualifying last year, and you could see that they had a lot of potential. This year, they have taken the proverbial next step and got themselves into the playoffs, and probably see us as a vulnerable opponent. I don’t know if that is necessarily the case, and some will tell me that is better to be the 5 and not the 4 because then we will be playing Sarzonia in the first round. Right now Krytenia is the 4 seed. Wait no, that can’t be right. This is football: Krytenia can only be that good at another sport commonly called football. I kid, and before a sudden bump in blog signups from Krytenia occurs solely to chew me out for that. It’s good to see sky blue in the World Bowl again.

I guess there have been a lot of people talking about Tommy Jacobs and Sarah Douglas, so I will give you a little bit of an update. Sarah has been helping out the scouting staff as much as she can, and that helps to have her point of view there. She will be watching the game the luxury suites (assuming they exist) and Tommy will be out on the field doing his thing. He is very excited as he expects his second child. His first was from a previous relationship eight years ago when he was 22. They are trying to come to terms with how they are going to work this out as they move on in their careers. Lauren Barnett, who took over a WR spot in her absence, did very well in her first official start against Churchma, catching two touchdown passes from Brianna Jameson, who got the start in place of Stacie Powers. I, like most of the starting defense, only played the first half of the game. So now it’s on to play Voltronica, and hopefully get the survivor of the Krytenia-Sarzonia game.

[Osarius]

Written off again. Nobody seems to think the Osarian side even stands a chance when they line up against Delaclava tomorrow. The Firebirds scraped through by a single point, after a fairly good performance against Tarrentum... and are rewarded with the number sixteen seed and a matchup with top seed, and their conquerors and runners up last time round. Far from pessimism running deep through the Osarian camp, spirits are high.

Much has been made of the Delaclav defense, and they are being backed to the hilt. However, this same team gave up twenty-seven points to Missourian Rebels, so there are flaws there. With as much talent behind the ball as Osarius have, it would be silly to think that even an accomplished defense like Delaclava's wouldn't encounter some difficulty. Yes, the shut-out against Orlkjestad was an exhibition of supreme defensive football, but let's put this in perspective. The Firebirds have much more talent on offense than Orlkjestad.

Reports coming out of the Osarian camp tell us that the players are furious at what they perceive to be "disrespectful" and "arrogant" comments from the Delaclav media. DNBSports.com wrote off the Firebirds chances, claiming that a win for Delaclava "should be easy", and were already looking ahead to their prospective quarter final opponents.

"Rashad was P.O'd. Like, really mad. He was steaming after training, and seriously ran some guys over. If one of his blockers didn't... didn't do his job perfectly, he was... he really let loose on them. It was really intense to watch, I think the entire team is really fired up."

- Joseph Hardison

The team physician, Doctor Daniele Senezzi, remarked on the increased physicality in training -- probably a side effect of the team's change in attitude -- and how he has seen the team change over the past ten years.

"There's been a few more niggles in training this week than usual. Nothing too serious, but if this is what I'm getting when they're training and not going one-hundred percent, then I think we could see some pretty brutal shots in the actual game. Hopefully Coach Garbongo can get them to just calm down and focus on the game. [...] Why do I think they're so mad? I think they've come to resent that underdog tag. I remember back when Coach Connors took them to the World Bowl for the first time, they just seemed happy to be there. The next time around, they still didn't seem too upset about the label... This time, they've been really difficult to talk to after each loss. They think they should have won every game this time around, and now, being written off so easily, being taken so lightly... they're really worked up."

- Dr. Daniele Senezzi, Osarius Team Physician

It is expected that there will be another low turnout for the Delaclava game, with the Osarian government reporting low numbers of outgoing flights to Andosse Se Mitrin Vega in the past week, and OSN have noted less viewers watching games as the tournament has progressed. Until now, the Firebirds have enjoyed a relatively small, but staunch contingent of supporters. With their attentions divided by other sports, and perhaps diminished by the team's poor showing in the World Bowl so far, the national gridiron side could feel alone when they step onto the turf to face Delaclava. However, team spokesman Leon Saint showed no signs of concern over such matters.

OSN: Leon, do you feel that the... that a relative lack of support might negatively affect you, and your teammates?
Leon Saint: Like make us play worse? Honestly I'm not sure we can. I.. I guess it might make us angrier. We probably need to know how angry they are with us anyway. There needs to be some kind of wake-up call. We've had one good game so far, and that's simply not good enough. If I were a fan, I probably wouldn't come to the game. If I did, I'd probably boo the team.

OSN: How do you expect the team will overcome Delaclava's formidable defense?
LS: I can't tell you that right now. I honestly don't know. On each individual play, on each down, we can see the gaps, and if I see one, it's my job to make sure the team exploit it.

OSN: What makes you so sure there will be gaps?
LS: No defense is that good. No defense. Not even Kyoshiku's defense is so good they don't make mistakes or leave gaps. If the Delaclav defense was that strong, they wouldn't have given up twenty seven points to Missourian Rebels, either.

OSN: You think you can score more?
LS: Of course I think we can. Doesn't mean we will, but we're stronger offensively than they are. I'd go as far as to say we're possibly stronger than Delaclava offensively, actually. But either way, it is possible. We'll need everyone to bring their A-Game, and we'll all have to be on-point, but it can happen.

OSN: Are you concerned about your apparent lack of cohesion with your receivers on red zone attempts?
LS: If I wasn't I'd be a poor excuse for a sportsman, wouldn't I? But seriously, we've worked hard at it in training, and I can assure you that the chemistry is there, I know them, they know me. We all know what we have to do.

The First Playoff Round of World Bowl XII will kickoff at 6.30pm OOT tomorrow, the build up will start at 5.45pm on OSN 3 with former Firebirds head coach Harold Matterhorn and legendary GraviBall coach Troy Carthy joining us in the studio. A special feature on the Baptism of Iron will air before kickoff, looking at how both sides have developed since their respective victories in the competition, as well as analysis of both current teams ahead of their latest clash.

[The Fanboyists]

[OOC: The following is secret, IC'ly, so please do not have your newspapers/articles/whatever referring to it]

Victor stared intently as the tape rolled through its progression, showing the tendencies and strengths of the Bluth Corporation defense.

There were no weaknesses. Not that he could see. Victor was a solid passer, but in the ways of reading defenses, he was still very much a novice, especially at this level. Maarkus Daalhulm's injury and return to the home front had proven to be a problem, and had forced the team to lean heavily on the rushing attack (not that they wouldn't anyway, but they had to because of this scenario).

Which is why relief flooded through him when Daalhulm walked into the room where Dunbar was watching film.

"Lookin' for weaknesses?"

"Yup. An' I hate to say it, but I'm not seein' any."

"Mind if I take a look for you?"

Victor shrugged. "Fine by me." He noticed that the brace on Daalhulm's knee that had been there the past few weeks was absent.

"Are you--"

"Playin'? Maybe. Coach said whoever starts is a gameday decision after we're through with practice this week. Personally, I think it should be you. I should be backing you up, after the way you've played."

Victor was speechless. He simply turned back to the film.

And they got to work.

[F1-Insanity]

When there is no need for a victory

The Mulcaheys continue their erratic string of results. Against the Vols from the Allamunnic States, the game ended a tie after a scoreless overtime. This means the Mulcaheys qualify for the main bracket of the World Bowl going in with a 3-2 win-loss record, with one tie. Those who like to bet on games usually cannot make a whole lot of money, unless they alternate Mulcaheys victories and defeats. And so it was in the group stage. The last three games were defeat-victory-tie. Can you make any sense of that or put predictions in? We surely cannot.

The game
Before the game, both teams had a 3-2 record but only our beloved Mulcaheys were already qualified because of owning the head to head record against both 2-3 teams. So no matter what happened, our Mulcaheys were through to the main bracket, and the Vols had to avoid defeat at all costs.

The main stat which we can use to describe this game is that both quarterbacks got sacked three times in total. And the respective defensive prowess of each team showed in how few passes were attempted by each. Dunbar, the Vols quarterback, attempted 12 passes for 8 completions and 89 yards, also two interceptions. Mable, our Mulcaheys quarterback, had a similar record, attempting 15 passes with 10 completions for 114 yards, also two interceptions, though he did get one touchdown pass through to his favorite receiver, Mazzucco. All three Vols touchdowns were rushes, and for the Mulcaheys it was one good catch in the endzone (Mazzucco), one 34 yard rush and one punt returned for a touchdown.

And in overtime, both teams were apparently able to read eachother like an open book, because the number of first downs secured could easily have been counted on the fingers of one human hand. One punt followed another. And eventually, time ran out.

The Mulcaheys now face the Empire of the Twin Thrones of Karita (apparently, somewhere in the past they were known as Scandavian States), or simply Karita. The game will be played at the Stadii se Sa'una Vega (Sa'una Vega, capacity 96,000). Some have claimed Karita think this will be an easy victory for them, either that or we misinterpreted a news report from their nation.

Overall, F1-Insanity football fans have reason to be disappointed. A big score only materialized once, and expectations were that the team would score far more than it actually has. Instead, whenever a big score was expected, a collapse followed.

Should the Mulcaheys beat Karita, the next opponent would likely be the #1 seed Delaclava. In other words, lights out no later than the quarter final game. Unless miracles happen.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Round of 16 Scores

Delaclava 17, Osarius 13
F1 Insanity 20, Karita 19
Krytenia 23, Sarzonia 21
Cassadaigua 19, Voltronica 7
Bluth Corporation 47, Allumnic States 23
Tarrentum 20, Buffalostan 23
Qazox 32, Rennidan 20
Whittoria 19, ASMV 16

Quarterfinals
Delaclava vs. F1 Insanity @ Yumbo Jumbo Sports Complex
Krytenia vs. Cassadaigua @ Falcione Stadium
Bluth Corporation vs. Buffalostan @ Stadii Se Draggonii Arcea
Qazox vs. Whittoria @ Stadii Se Sa’una Vega

[Qazox]

QSPN.com/World Bowl 12

Sharks beat Brutes, Whittoria is next.

For 3 quarters, Rennidan and Qazox battled back and forth, but a blocked punt turned the match in the Sharks' favor mid-way through the 4th quarter and they advanced to the quarterfinals. 3 TD passes from Thomas Braddock and 113 yards on the ground from Ryan Jackson were enough to see Qazox through. While Rennidan's QB passed for over 300 yards, the Sharks' defense kept the Brutes to only a Field Goal and 0-for-5 on 3rd downs in the 2nd half.

Up next Qazox faces Whittoria, who went 6-2 in group play and defeated the hosts Andossa se Mitrin Vega 19-16 in their 3rd meeting of the World Bowl. The winner of this match will face the winner of Bluth Corporation-Buffalostan.

BOX SCORE

Rennidan  7  10  3  0   20
Qazox     10  7  6  9   32

SCORING SUMMARY
First quarter
REN- 36 yd TD Pass by QB to WR1; PAT good. (11:03) 7-0 Rennidan
QZX- 48 yd FG by Frank Jackson (7:18) 7-3 Rennidan
QZX- 16 yd TD run by Ryan Jackson; Frank Jackson PAT good. (0:19) 10-7 Qazox
Second quarter
REN- 14 yd TD run by RB, PAT good. (9:03) 14-10 Rennidan
QZX- 39 yd TD Pass by Thomas Braddock to Mike Hammond; Frank Jackson PAT good (3:43) 17-14 Qazox
REN- 42 yd FG (0:00) 17-17
Third quarter
QZX- 39 yd FG by Frank Jackson. (11:33) 20-17 Qazox
REN- 44 yd FG (7:55) 20-20
QZX- 49 yd FG by Frank Jackson. (2:12) 23-20 Qazox
Fourth quarter
QZX- SAFETY- Rennidan punt blocked through end-zone (7:02) 25-20 Qazox
QZX- 17 yd TD run by Ryan Jackson; Frank Jackson PAT good. (4:03) 32-20 Qazox

NEW BRUXEN HOTEL and CASINO playoff lines
1 Delaclava vs. 8 F1 Insanity Delaclava -8.0
4 Krytenia vs. 5 Cassadaigua Cassadaigua -1.5
2 Bluth Corporation vs. 10 Buffalostan Bluth Corporation -8.5
3 Qazox vs. 6 Whittoria Qazox -5.0

[Buffalostan]

Game Review - Round of 16

LINE  1   2   3   4   F
BUF   3   0   0  20  23
TAR   0  10  10   0  20
BOX                                                                  BUF  TAR
  1 Tom Harris 22 yard field goal                                   3    0
  2 K 30 yard field goal                                            3    3
    TE 12 yard pass from QB (K kick)                                3   10
  3 K 55 yard field goal                                            3   13
    FB 18 yard pass from QB (K kick)                                3   20
  4 Bill Jackson 9 yard rush (Tom Harris kick)                     10   20
    Tom Harris 20 yard field goal                                  13   20
    Jack Snyder 10 yard pass from John Dunn (Tom Harris kick)      20   20
    Tom Harris 37 yard field goal                                  23   20

The Buffalostani national handegg team won their first World Bowl playoff game in an exciting encounter at the small Meldinburg Stadium. The win gives the unranked Buffalostanis a surprise quarterfinal matchup with world #1 ranked Bluth Corporation, who scored 47 points against the Alamunnic States.

The win was by no means the biggest upset of the day - that came with the Krytenian "Sarzie rules" team beating defending world champions Sarzonia - but it was still against the odds (one Qazoxian sports bookmaker putting the spread at -5.5), which only lengthened after Tarrentum entered the fourth quarter in possession of both the ball and a 17 point lead.

But sparked by a brace of interceptions, strong running from Bill Jackson and some cool clock management from John Dunn, who recovered from a disastrous, 7/18 first half showing, the Buffalostanis scored 20 unanswered points, Tom Harris kicking a 37 yard field goal with 8 seconds left for the win. The drama was not quite over - Buffalostan risked an onside kickoff and failed to recover it, but Tarrentum - with no timeouts left - had time for only one play and, out of range of their kicker, had their Hail Mary attempt easily defended.

The excitement of the comeback notwithstanding, it was not a game that inspired a great deal of confidence for the upcoming fixture against Bluth Corporation. Buffalostan failed to convert a single third down in the first half, and only one in the third quarter, while allowing Tarrentum to rack up 20 points and over 300 yards on offense.

[Krytenia]

SARZIE RULES? NOT ANY MORE!

Well, that was unexpected. The Aces travelled to the Vegan city of Radience, with the neutrals fully expecting them - at best - to give their all, go down fighting, and come back to Krytenia as heroes in their own small world.

Turns out the Krytenian team hadn't read the script.

Sure, it started well for the Sarzonians, as they restricted the Krytenians to three-and-outs on their first two drives; however, the men in white and navy blue could only muster a punt from halfway and a (missed) fifty-one yard field goal attempt from their first two. On their third drive, Krytenia finally managed a first down thanks to a 22-yard play to Wayne Vingtetun; the man who named himself after his number has been the man to watch in the Aces' team, and proved it again here with a stunning one-handed catch before being steamrollered by Travis Werner. Krytenia could only get to their opponents' twenty-two yard line before facing a fourth-and-six; step forward Liam Jessop. He may be forty, but he can still kick a pigskin like no-one's business, and Krytenia had the first points of the game. Three-nothing it remained until the turnaround.

Sarzonia, though, got their heads in the game in the second quarter. A twisted knee for Chris Tiesto didn't help either, and with the defensive cohesion faltering, the Stars hit the ground running. Rushing. Whatever. Clark Hennessey seemed almost magnetically attracted to the gaps as the Sarzonians charged downfield; just as the Aces seemed to have the measure of him, though, a playaction pass to Dave Coles produced the game's first touchdown, followed by its first extra points. It then went from bad to worse for the Aces, with Jerome Robson fumbling on their next drive; Lou Wilson emerged from the fracas with the ball, and Hennessey got Sarzonia's second sixer just a few plays later. 14-3 the score, and Sarzonia looking in total control. Jessop managed another field goal with seconds left on the clock, but as the players made way for the band, the Aces were down by eight, and common consensus was that they were lucky to be that close.

The Stars went for the jugular in the third quarter, but the Aces, shuffling the defensive pack, were holding firm once more. Though their opponents were doing well with short yardage plays, Krytenia were restricting them well, and Sarzonia's initial drive, clocking in at eight minutes, ended with a great catch in the endzone. Unfortunately for quarterback Gavin Davis, said catch was by Ryan Volz of the Aces; it was Krytenia's first turnover of the game.

Could they make the most of it? Could they hell. Their next drive ended with a punt, however they forced a three-and-out back from Sarzonia. There was enough time for another Jessop field goal before the final change of ends, but with Sarzonia on the ball and 14-9 to the good going into the final corner, things were looking less than rosy for the Krytenians.

Things were about to get worse. After a couple of fruiless drives for both sides, Sarzonia grabbed another touchdown - a nine-yard pass to Coles in the corner - and that, seemingly was that. Especially as they'd taken their sweet time about it. Six minutes on the clock, and twelve points to make up. Against the reigning champions. Lesser men, at this point, would have resigned themselves to the inevitable. Krytenia, though, are not lesser men. Mark Kingdom, hunger in his eyes, fire in his belly, and with a missile launcher bolted onto his shoulder, fired passes left, right, and centre. Mainly right and centre, thanks to the Sarzonian defence's rather wise decision to double-cover Vingtetun. Krytenia made headway, inch by inch, foot by foot, yard by yard, but still the clock ticked against them.

As the two minute warning sounded, Krytenia finally had first-and-goal; and then it came. Kingdom shotgun. Quick pass to Lopez, beats one tackle, steps aside another - TOUCHDOWN! One extra point later, and it's suddenly close again. Sarzonia twenty-one, Krytenia sixteen...and there was only one thing for it. Krytenia knew it. Sarzonia knew it. The fans knew it. Onside kick. The ball travelled the requisite ten yards, bounced along the ground twice, popped back up into the air....and straight into the arms of Alex Alexandrou. Game on.

And so it continued. Knowing a field goal was not enough, the Aces scrambled every yard they could. With the game clock at 0:14, no timeouts left, and only at their opponents' twenty-two, Coach Schemmel made the historic call that would change the course of the game.

Chevron Fifteen.

A quick pass out to Lee Blofeld...and the Aces hung back behind him. They'd placed themselves, rugby-style, behind the man on the ball, and lateral followed lateral, a few yards in between each one. Matthew Saunders' knee almost - almost - hit turf halfway along, and then, suddenly, it was Mark Kingdom, twelve yards out, and practically hugging the sideline. One last desperate tackle followed from Donnie Carter, but Kingdom was over the line. Liam Jessop converted the point - though at this stage it hardly mattered - and the game was over.

Sarzonia 21.
Krytenia 23.

And there was much rejoicing.

Krytenia, once they return from Cloud Nine, will face Cassadaigua in the quarter-finals, after the Dagans eliminated the Aces' groupmates Voltronica.

[Whittoria]

WHITTORIA ONLY A FEW ROUNDS AWAY

Mayors face Qazox in the quarterfinals, should be toughest matchup yet

Story by Jimmy LePage


Whittoria has plowed its way into the playoffs, defeating everyone they played en route to the Group F title in World Bowl XII. The undefeated year fans were hoping for will have to wait, but fans are still excited about the team's performance, particularly a season opening blowout of Wonderchicken, 81-16. After defeating Andossa Se Mitrin Vega three times (a 49-42 shootout in Whittoria, a 26-13 slugfest in ASMV, and then again in the first round of the playoffs, where the 6th seeded Mayors just barely edged out ASMV 19-16 after a late surge by ASMV was stifled by the Whittorian defense), Whittoria will face #3 Qazox in the round of eight.

The East Coast Offense exploded early on in the year, but as the group stage progressed the Mayors began producing less and less, relying on their defense more and more. Coach Whitt was asked how he felt about this week's matchup during the weekly press conference, but the only thing anyone could get out of him was that he and the staff were doing their best to prepare the team for a tough opponent in Qazox.

Tim Webb has had a record year for the Mayors, throwing for over 1500 yards and 20 touchdowns. Justin Doyle leads the team in rushing with 836 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Marvin Walton has 768 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Mayors are led by Marcus Boyd, who has managed to rack up 66 tackles, with Jacob Marks close behind with 49 tackles. Boyd has picked off two passes and collected two sacks throughout the year. The D-Line has combined for 14 sacks this year, most of them coming in the Wonderchicken blowout. In the secondary Kenny Hutcherson leads the team with 6 interceptions, three of them coming in the Wonderchicken blowout; the secondary has combined for a total of 17 interceptions on the year. Trey Glover and Caleb Massingill are tied for second on the team with four apiece.

Whittoria will certainly have its hands full this weekend with Qazox, but we wish Coach Whitt and his Mayors the best of luck! As usual the game will be televised on WSPN live.

* * * * * *

David Willis stood next to his teammates, suited up, helmet on, ready to run out on the field. He was ready to play for certain, mentally and physically. Still though, he was always a little antsy before games; not nervous, so to speak, but just a little...anxious. As he began to shake his head, trying to pump himself up, he looked down and caught a glimpse of the patch on his jersey, on everyone's jersey, the black circle with a 21 emblazoned on it in white numbers.

Suddenly David was no longer in the tunnel about to run out onto the field. It was dark, almost too dark to see, and he could remember the way it felt, being slung back and forth in the backseat as the car swerved down the road: the screeching tires, the shouting, the tree--

And then David snapped back to reality, just in time to see Coach Whitt turn around and give the signal to take the field. David shook his head, as if the sheer force of the motion would sling the memory out of his head, and regained his concentration as he and his brothers hustled out of the tunnel into the mayhem that would ensue.