The Eighteenth World Bowl (Rosters|RPs|Scores)

[Yesopalitha]

So far, so good for the Flames, as James and Tom were delighted by the thirty to zero shutout win over the Northern Sunrise Islands.

The defense, led by Julia Carter, stopped all attempts by the Marills to get their rushing attack going. The Marill offense managed just sixty-three yards on the ground on over twenty carries. Their QB threw three interceptions and was sacked five times. The Marills only crossed midfield once, at the end of the third quarter, but a fumble was caused by Carter and returned by her for a defensive touchdown.

The Flames' offense, on the other hand, continued their dominant play. Two touchdowns and three field goals were scored by them, with QB Sandil Ren leading them with two passing touchdowns, over three hundred yards, and three field goal drives. RB Isildil also had over a hundred yards of offense.

It was a great way for the Flames to end the first half of group play, as they finished in first place by virtue of their win over Osarius.

Second half will start, once again, with facing the team from TaQud...

[Taeshan]

"Well we put out the best possible effort, and were found wanting."

"We were so close, the lead changed what five times throughout the game. Then they got that bullshit call on the hail mary."

"Oh well there is nothing we can do, but get better and beat them the second time around."

"But that is the best possible game we could have played overall, and now we have to work once again to come out a surprise them again."

"We had such a good chance, and we played so well, and just failed at the end."

"So close, we could have stayed undefeated and ruled this group in a huge shocker."

"I know we are so much better than i thought we would be."

"Hopefully we can continue to be as good as we have been this whole tournament and maybe prove that we are better than the team who came after the team that was great."

"Yeah they really tarnished the Fitin' Falcon name, and maybe we have been able to bring back the fear that others have seen."

"Yes we shall be feared once again. The Mighty Taeshan."

[Falconfar]

Eight Lines in the Coach's Journal

Fought the group leader to a one-touchdown loss today. Just couldn't contain their offense in the fourth quarter, gave up the score. Great game, though. We're playing well.

Being third in the group is something to be praised, though it is only by virtue of point difference.

Taking business against Tryienne, Crolacia, and Matting should help us finish in third behind Space and Thrilledge. That would be a huge deal in our first World Bowl.

The players are having fun, helping each other out... It's been great.

Playing as a team has been the greatest accomplishment that I have had so far with this group.

We can score, that's no problem. The D is kind of weak, or is it that the other teams are just so strong?

The fans are getting into it in home games. It is nice to see.

I do not regret taking this job.

[Rennidan]

"I don't do this for the money. I do it because the only other way to see a man's life flash before his eyes is murder. And murder is wrong."
___________________________

Quentin Maximiano, Coach and Warriors No. 50, on his reason for playing.
___________________________

As Warriors Win, Authorities Question Crime Trail Left in Wake

Gernsback, Tesla, The Babbage Islands - All is not well in the world of gridiron. Whilst Warriors fans are proud to see their team step into a 3-2 record at third in their group, ordinary citizens and those less concerned about football scores have noticed something unsavoury in the air whenever Rennidan pays a visit. It started as a flood of threats from football hooligans to "pay visit" to the away nations and prove who the strongest fans really are, a typical threat that has been carried on and off since the old Brutes vs. Wings street riots of the second World Bowl. But this weekend, mere minutes before the Bumblebees kicked off against the Warriors, one of the largest banks in Gernsback was the victim of an armed robbery. The three outlaws wore replicas of the Warriors' protective headgear (although initial reports claimed they were Babbage Island helmets due to a confusion between the colour schemes) and held the store up with semi-automatic pistols that, through CCTV footage, the police have confirmed are of Rennidanian manufacturing. Currently Rennidan does not legally export arms to The Babbage Islands, leading police to believe the weapons were either purchased over the black market or brought in from another country, finding a hole in customs.

The robbery lasted no longer than two and a half minutes, and whilst there were no casualties, a loss of almost half a million GK has been reported. As soon as the money was in the criminal's hands they made their way to the top floor of the building and proceeded to escape by crossing rooftops, eventually dipping into an alleyway and blending in with the foot traffic of fans heading to the Matchday 5 game of Rennidan at Babbage Islands.

"It was all over very quickly," told one of the cashiers. "The guard left for lunch, and his relief hadn't turned up, which isn't uncommon. But moments after he left these men stormed in. They already knew the combination to get into the cashing area, which instantly meant we weree all at risk, but they knew where the alarm trips were placed and they were very polite about it all. It was a blink and you'll miss it kind of situation."

When asked for a comment, Mat O'Lok, the Warriors captain, came forwards to speak.

"I'm not proud of our fans, but neither am I disappointed in them. We all hit rock bottom at some point in our lives, and Rennidan is a country that is always at rock bottom. Our people have no hope to cling on to, which is why I do what I do. I try and do them proud. But my pride isn't gonna' feed their family. So I guess a man's gotta' do what a man's gotta' do."

Rennidan are away at Cosumar for Matchday 6, with reports already coming in of increased security at all major banks in and around Cosumar's home stadium.

[German Zerabithea]

Rams push on to victory as an ancient title resurfaces

By Bob Kiplton

As we reach the half way mark, many in the Zerabithean sports community have all noted the same thing. There is something different here with the offense. It's as if everything is coming together. With the exception of KK, the Rams have won every game with 20 or more points making them the highest scoring team in this bowl so far.

Now as every Rams fan knows, the team name and uniform are based off a old earth team whose videos were found in digs. However there was one thing that they did not take and that was the old Rams nickname. That name came back today on signs the fans held during the Rams victory today. The name? "The greatest show on turf."

The reactions for the show of faith have been mixed. Senior Editor at ZSN.com Harry Beed did not approve of it saying "It will only inflate the Rams egos, setting them up for a loss." Coach Rogers however sees it differently.

"We are the highest scoring team so far." Said Rogers during a post game interview. "We have proven these last few weeks that we deserve this title."

Whatever the case, the Rams have made a good showing so far and we should expect them to make it to first in the group.

[The Fanboyists]

Allamunnic States Daily
Special World Bowl Coverage

Better

The Regulars managed to lock up a three-way tie for first place in Group Six by blanking Deandean98 to the tune of 26 unanswered points, while Meaghan Sunderland saw to it that snarky Karditani newscasters saw their team get comeuppance for their mean-spiritedness, as Dagans took down the Ironworkers 10-0.

But we'll leave telling that story to the Cassadagans. The Allamunnic defense, in the meantime, looked as fired-up as ever, and, true to coach Rickenbacker's words, they appeared to have done some refreshers on basics; somehow, the Regulars only saw one of their tackles broken the entire game as they were sure to break down, wrap up, and adequately tackle every player they had to hit. The Deanian quarterback was brought down to the turf seven times, two of them courtesy of Honorius Waalturs, and another by Archie Wagner, while Elias Mourner, Belle Marquette, and Andrik Ierunmungur each came away with an interception. Theo Laansur and Miles Ryan even combined on a stop that turned into a safety, which set up Justin Connors' 21-yard field goal in the third quarter.

Offensively, the team looked as well as ever; Danyl Wyndhorst tore off a 44-yard touchdown run to end the game after Leif Erikson found Ryan Myers and Hael Fokkenmaar on touchdown strikes (of 4- and 23-yards, respectively) to put the game out of reach for Deandean98 by half-time. Erikson overall completed 21/30 passes for 301 yards and his two touchdowns, without being intercepted; the young signal-caller has put up some impressive performances thus far, and has been about as efficient and mistake-free as can be expected out of any player, finally taking some of the load off of the team's running game.

"It was great to see everyone go out there and just execute," head coach Ryan Smart said afterwards. "They looked as fired-up as ever, and they played about as well as anyone could ask. They payed attention to the details, took care of the ball, tackled properly, and took care of business. It's a good win."

The win, alongside Karditan's loss to the Dagans, sees all three teams (Regulars, Ironworkers, and Dagans) with 4-1 records at the half of qualifying and tied for first in the group. The Regulars will go home to play against Redaya next.

[Civil Citizenry]

I apologize for my spotty activity. I can only promise you perfection from here on out. Cutoffs will be moved to the mornings, which I think will be better for everyone and also allow everyone 24 hours from now to RP. Game Six is coming up.

Group One
Franklin Delano Bluth 14–21 West Guiana
Civil Citizenry 20–16 Bongo Johnson
Licentiapacisterra 9–17 Camwood

Group One                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 West Guiana                       6    6   0   121   38  +83
2 Civil Citizenry                   6    5   1    78   43  +35
3 Bongo Johnson                     6    3   3    96   90   +6
4 Camwood                           6    3   3    88   81   +7
5 Franklin Delano Bluth             6    1   5    91  134  −43
6 Licentiapacisterra                6    0   6    41  129  −88

Group Two
Vantelira 10–26 German Zerabithea
Camerania 0–16 Khabarovsk Krai
Deep Fried Pickles 0–3 Michael VII

Group Two                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Khabarovsk Krai                   6    6   0   139   26 +113
2 German Zerabithea                 6    5   1   181   63 +118
3 Michael VII                       6    3   3    68   79  −11
4 Camerania                         6    2   4    51   96  −45
5 Deep Fried Pickles                6    2   4    17   81  −64
6 Vantelira                         6    0   6    27  138 −111

Group Three
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 13–0 Darmen
Western Cuba 10–0 Bratoslovoukia
Sicoutimont 6–23 Vamprican-Krumbian Confederacy

Group Three                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Darmen                            6    5   1   100   50  +50
2 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega            6    5   1    73   36  +37
3 Western Cuba                      6    4   2    72   32  +40
4 Bratoslovoukia                    6    2   4    44   80  −36
5 Vamprican-Krumbian Confederacy    6    2   4    52   72  −20
6 Sicoutimont                       6    0   6    30  101  −71

Group Four
Bordurian 10–18 Taeshan
Cosumar 26–27 Rennidan
The Babbage Islands 14–0 Bloodbath Generation

Group Four                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cosumar                           6    5   1   117   69  +48
2 Taeshan                           6    5   1    99   52  +47
3 Rennidan                          6    4   2    91   62  +29
4 The Babbage Islands               6    3   3   104   73  +31
5 Bordurian                         6    1   5    62  124  −62
6 Bloodbath Generation              6    0   6    23  116  −93

Group Five
The Icemark 7–3 Fantoa
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk 10–14 Thatius
Qazox 30–13 Rouge Pioneers

Group Five                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Qazox                             6    5   1   141   67  +74
2 Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk            6    4   2    89   60  +29
3 The Icemark                       6    4   2    53   71  −18
4 Thatius                           6    2   4    76   92  −16
5 Fantoa                            6    2   4    36   49  −13
6 Rouge Pioneers                    6    1   5    56  112  −56

Group Six
Allamunnic States 10–0 Redaya
Vietlambodiamardesh 0–3 Karditan
Cassadaigua 7–0 Deandean98

Group Six                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Karditan                          6    5   1   101   23  +78
2 Allamunnic States                 6    5   1   103   52  +51
3 Cassadaigua                       6    5   1    77   31  +46
4 Redaya                            6    2   4    55   85  −30
5 Deandean98                        6    1   5    30  111  −81
6 Vietlambodiamardesh               6    0   6    29   93  −64

Group Seven
Carmadin 0–0 The Kytler Peninsulae (6–0 OT)
Boyznichov 17–21 Free South Califas
Filopines 14–33 Homelands our

Group Seven                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Homelands our                     6    5   1   114   51  +63
2 The Kytler Peninsulae             6    4   2    66   43  +23
3 Carmadin                          6    4   2    77   72   +5
4 Free South Califas                6    4   2   126   82  +44
5 Filopines                         6    1   5    51  112  −61
6 Boyznichov                        6    0   6    61  135  −74

Group Eight
Falconfar 20–9 Tryienne
Matting 17–3 Crolacia
Space 30–26 Thrilledge

Group Eight                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Thrilledge                        6    5   1   151   74  +77
2 Space                             6    4   2   126   83  +43
3 Falconfar                         6    3   3    95   87   +8
4 Matting                           6    2   4    52   93  −41
5 Crolacia                          6    2   4    48  115  −67
6 Tryienne                          6    2   4    58   78  −20

Group Nine
Chrinthanium 27–6 Meshkete
Whittoria 16–26 Equestrian States
Mirage Paradise 7–0 Flagler

Group Nine                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Whittoria                         6    5   1   137   73  +64
2 Equestrian States                 6    5   1   118   72  +46
3 Chrinthanium                      6    4   2   113   50  +63
4 Meshkete                          6    2   4    54   66  −12
5 Mirage Paradise                   6    2   4    47   72  −25
6 Flagler                           6    0   6    20  156 −136

Group Ten
Northern Sunrise Islands 14–24 Vettrera
Backyard Sports League 10–47 Osarius
TaQud 0–22 Yesopalitha

Group Ten                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Yesopalitha                       6    6   0   118   17 +101
2 Osarius                           6    5   1   144   63  +81
3 Vettrera                          6    4   2   145   73  +72
4 TaQud                             6    2   4    93   94   −1
5 Northern Sunrise Islands          6    1   5    65  172 −107
6 Backyard Sports League            6    0   6    37  183 −146

[Redaya]

Redayan Sport Channel (RSC)
RSC's 18th World Bowl Coverage
Hosted by Sok Liszan

Hey hey hey! You are watching RSC's 18th World Bowl Coverage and tonight, you are going to know things about football that you never did know before. Okay so bite me, I lost a bet and I had to welcome you to the program this way. Anyway, with that out of the way, we will now get to the World Bowl.

The Redayan Team, whilst optimistic at first, were not quite as hopeful as before the game as the Allamunnic States practically rolled them, making Redaya loss the game 0-10. At least they managed to last a little against the Allamunnic States, who has rolled nearly everybody in Group Six by now.

Dadara Famil, the coach and manager of the Redayan Football Team, has announced that despite the loss to Allamunnic States, he was sure that the Redayan Team would press on until they won the World Bowl. Something easier said than done but fans are optimistic as well, and took Dadara's words to heart. Anyway,

A recent survey, which garnered a whooping 426 thousand votes, showed that most of the viewers would like to have a part of the program be dedicated to the host, who is me, answering the questions asked by random callers from Redaya so a quick meeting in the RSC office and we decided to do just that!

Ladyfans and gentlefans, if you got a question, give us a ring at the number written in the red banner below. Alright, let's begin!

---

Dark Cave - Ask A Question, Find The Light:

Caller: Hello? Hi! I am Aslunda, from Marga! Just had one question, is Redaya's chances of winning the Bowl that bad? Thanks!

Soz Liszan: Hello to you as well. To answer your question; No, the Redayan team is not particularly skilled when it comes to football but they don't suck either. It will be a challenging road for our beloved team and with the Shepist's Light, they will make it. So, next caller is from the western coast city of Libam. Sandy and warm at this time of the year.

Caller: Hey! I am really happy to be finally talking to one of my favourite hosts! I just have one complaint about this new Dark Cave thing and that is that annoying voice which reminds me I have exactly one minute. I mean, I don't mind the deadline but the voice sounds like it is spewing spit while saying the warning. I am rambling here, so I will just ask my question, is Redaya placed anywhere good in the group? Thanks and um, bye!

Soz Liszan: Why thank you. And that voice is mine... I admit I was eating Cheetos when recording that warning and the management at RSC seemed happier with the result. To answer your question as well, Redaya is currently ranked 4th out of the six nations in Group Six. Will take a while before the team can climb its way up to number three... If they don't slip, that is. Anyway, next one is from the capital of Redaya, Marga.

Caller: Are you Soz Liszan?

Soz Liszan: Well, that is a strange question. Yes I am but the whole point of this additional section of the program is to ask things about football. Our next caller is someone from north western town of Babata.

Caller: Yo dude! Real glad I can speak to you. Listen pal, ain't Redaya the coolest and strongest of the pack? Break the light!

Soz Liszan: Coolest and strongest? Nobody knows, it is up to them, the Redayan Team, to decide whether they are cool or not by winning the World Bowl. And why should we and how would we break the light?

Caller: Just wanted to say whoever recorded that warning had a terrible voice. I am surprised my ear is not covered with spit whilst listening to it as I am sure the voice sounded a lot like it was spitting and talking. Right yes, my question. Is it true that Dadara Famil has had eleven affairs? Thanks!

Soz Liszan: I can only say, wow. From where did you get eleven affairs? And no, unless it has been going on secretly, no affair has been announced and no news agency has reported anything of the kind. Seriously, stop destroy the reputation important people! And more importantly, my voice isn't terrible!

Last Minute:

Sorry for my outburst there. We got some pretty strange folks calling. Eleven affairs means eleven women, right? If so, I highly doubt that any man would have the... power of maintaining himself through... that many affairs. Besides Famil is married and he looks pretty happy when his wife is with him....

Anyway, we are nearly at the end of the program here. Thank you for watching and next time, don't ask absurd questions! If you missed anything, you can watch the recorded version of this program at our official website whose address you can see carelessly sprawled on the red banner at the top of the screen.

See you soon!

[Bongo Johnson]

BongoBeat.net - Sports for the 21st Century

Controversy at the World Bowl; ISBJ falls 20-16 after difficult call

The Incorporated States dropped a third game last night after a game with Civil Citizenry ended in controversy. The winning touchdown was scored by Civil Citizenry after one of their receivers was ruled in-bounds on a catch that was very close to the out-of-bounds line. With 0:02 left in the game and Bongo Johnson up 16-14, Citizenry quarterback Max Rowleigh hurled up a hail mary that was caught by tight end Iram Odell in the endzone. The referee ruled it a complete catch as time ran out, ending any chance of a coaches review by Bongo Johnson head coach Zack Murbley. Here's what our senior analyst Andrew Tranely has to say about it.

"After a close review, it appears that Odell stepped a marginal distance into the out-of-bounds area right before making the catch. Under normal circumstances, this would have invalidated Odell's eligibility to catch the football, as a man cannot go out of bounds and then be the first player to touch the ball. However, as he made the catch, he DID drag his right toe across the endzone. In the heat of the moment, I can see how a referee may have ruled this a touchdown, but it is still a subject of much debate."

Bongo Johnson is now at 3-3, with hopes of finishing top in the group still alive. Stay tuned to BongoVision for the full picture.

[Cassadaigua]

Cassadagan football: What’s Hot/Not


Scorching: Play of the secondary. It’s nothing we haven’t said before, but right now the defensive play is as good as it has ever been. The secondary is a huge part of that, and the team has not allowed a single point in its last three games. And that wasn’t against Larry, Moe, and Curly of Newbielands. One of those wins was against Karditan, who is also 5-1. During these three games, Cassadagan defensive backs have intercepted twelve passes, and the wealth is being spread around, which is the best part of it. What do you do as an opposing quarterback? If you throw away from Courtney Davis, and you have to throw towards Erica Davidson (or vise versa), with the safeties Sarah Chapman and Ashley Mandell presenting just as equal of a problem for the opponent. The depth has been shown too, and the future will still br bright.


Scorching: There are other people out there on the defensive side of the ball, and with the streak the team is on right now, it would not be fair to exclude the front four and the linebackers. Sometimes, team have looked to simply run the ball against us all day, but that’s been dealt with very well by this group. Tara Thompson and Dwight Burns deserve the most credit in smothering the running game of the opponent, and Lawrence Shaver has seven sacks in his last four games. For a team that hasn’t allowed a point in its last three, and not allowed a touchdown since Matchday 2 against the Allamunnic States, you have to credit more then just the secondary. Kudos to the players up front as well, they have done terrific.

Hot: Backup fullback Brett Mays flexing his biceps in a post-game party shot after the win against Karditan.

Hot: Group 6's Top three. With three sides at 5-1, it’s pretty clear that this is the most difficult qualifying group right now.

Warm: TV ratings for the World Bowl in Cassadaigua. The game against Karditan drew a 13.2 share, which is still below the average from past World Bowls in Cassadaigua, but was a welcome number for everyone involved with Cassadagan Football. Only the Allamunnic States game drew a higher market share. The better number may have been 11.1 recorded for the game against Deandean98, since it was against a less-appealing club. Hopefully, some interest is coming back.

Room Temperature: The kicking game. While Cassadaigua did defeat Deandean98, Emily Rutland’s missed 30-yard field goal was a little concerning, and Kayla Mannelly has struggled with getting punts into the “coffin corner”, with a disappointing number going for touchbacks.

Cold: The offense, but in particular quarterback Brianna Jameson who has been unable to move the ball downfield. Cassadaigua has not had a drive longer then 80 yards during qualifying, with most of the points (scored by the offense) coming as a result of getting good field position thanks to the defense getting a turnover. However, it should be noted that the defense has scored more touchdowns then the offense so far.

Cold: Roger Poisson got a start at tailback as coach Rinaldi sat the struggling Meaghan Sunderland. It seemed like a great chance for Poisson, going up against Deandean98, but he could only run for 49 yards on 22 carries, and lost one fumble in the process.

Freezing and slipping on ice: Meaghan Sunderland. Is it her confidence? Against Karditan she only ran for 50 yards on 24 carries, leading to the loss of the starting spot. In the 6 carries that she did get against Deandean98, she only ran for 13 yards, and also put it on the ground once (and was fortunate that Matthew Romano pounced right on the ball). What’s more important though is the confidence of the team in Sunderland. But it’s not all her fault, in general, this team isn't scoring.


But at the end of the day, they are 5-1.

[Taeshan]

"Well isn't that just fantastic."

"I know 5-1 now with that 18-10 defeat of Bordurian. And coupled with Rennidan taking down Cosumar we are now tied with them for first."

"I know, now all we have to do is beat them the second time around and we could win this group."

"Such a shocker, we weren't expected to do much this tournament. 5 wins is three or four more than even i expected to get."

"We could make playoffs, which would bring Taeshan right back to the forefront of World football."

"Yes. Funnily enough you know they didn't even want to enter us into the tournament after we failed that last time. It's so awesome that we have improved so much in such a little amount of time, and such little experience in the international front."

"Yes. We are mightier than any would have believed. Such a shocking team."

"Now we just have to beat the Babbage Islands again, Cosumar, and even Rennidan again."

"Such a hard journey it looks to be. But you know, journey of a thousand miles..."

"Begins with a single step."

"Yep."

[Qazox]

Welcome to Circling the Table, the competitive show of Sports banter and your host John Vitali.

Vitali: "Joining us today are: from the Gothika Globe Bob Luck; Regina Nash of the Fromburg Free Press, from the Bruxen Mail Sonya deAble and finally from the SaxerVilla Sun- Erica Sandoval; 5 topics, 1 winner, let's go!

First Topic: A 30-13 win over Rouge Pioneers, led by a 310 yd performance by Jim Zebow on 21-29 passing with 3 TD's. With another 300+yard game has Zebow shown enough to be made the permanent starter from here on out?

I think he has done enough.After that abberation of a first game, all he's done is put up good numbers and lead this team to back-to-back wins against teams they should beat.(+1) If I were the coach, he's starting until he get injured, which hopefully won't happen.

No. He's put up good numbers against average teams. (+1) I said I'd give him the benefit of the doubt, and so far he's done about what I expected him to do. But until he does it on the road against a team that actually has a decent defense, I can't get behind Zebow being the permanent QB. (+1)(+1)

I'm not going to be the genki Zebow fan-girl I usually am(+1). He's not done anything in these last two games that any other decent QB couldn't have done. But He's a better talent than Eric Reed is and I think he give Qazox the better chance of making a deep playoff run. (+1)

I agree with Regina, almost any other QB from a top 15 team would have put up similar numbers as Zebow over the last two games. (+1). But where I disagree with her is that despite his good numbers, Zebow is not the best choice for Qazox if they want to win the World Bowl. (+1). If he can manage it, Coach Harper should use both Reed and Zebow, with Zebow being a change of pace QB. (+1)(+1)(+1)

Good point there Sonya (+1)(+1), If Reed comes back in time for the playoffs, and currently he is scheduled to, should Coach Harper split the QB's and use Zebow as a change-of-pace QB?

No. he shouldn't. Zebow, presumably, got you there, stick with the hot hand. (+1)
If Zebow gets Qazox to the playoffs, then start Zebow, don't switch every other series or down or whatever. (+1). It messes up momentum.
I don't think so either, but if the team needs a spark then I don't have a problem with it. (+1).

That's it for the first round. here are the scores:

Sonya:  7
Bob:    4
Regina: 3
Erica:  2

Up next: The World Cup qualifying draw was last night; can Qazox make it back to the World Cup and why or why not?

BOX SCORE

RPO  3  3  0  7  13
QZX  7  9  0 14  30

SCORING SUMMARY:
Qazox: 19 yd TD rec. by Ryan King. PAT by O. Ruadh good. 7-0 Qazox.
Rouge Pioneers: 41 yd FG. 7-3 Qazox.
Rouge Pioneers: 33 yd FG. 7-6 Qazox.
Qazox: Rouge Pioneers LT#72 called for holding in endzone SAFETY. 9-6 Qazox.
Qazox: 41 yd TD rec. by Loring. PAT by O. Ruadh good. 16-6 Qazox.
Qazox: 30 yd TD rec. by Mordred. PAT by O. Ruadh good. 23-6 Qazox.
Rouge Pioneers: 97 yd KO return for TD. PAT good. 23-13 Qazox.
Qazox: 2 yd TD run by West. PAT by O. Ruadh good. 30-13 Qazox.

[Yesopalitha]

Scoreless Streak Hits Nine Quarters

The Yesopalitha Flames Gridiron Team defense has set a new national record after their 22-0 win over TaQud. The defense, led by Linebacker Julia Carter, has held their opponents scoreless for a total of nine quarters. In this time, Carter has sacked the other team's quarterback six times, forced three fumbles, and scored two Defensive Touchdowns. The secondary has done their job, pressing on the receivers and not letting them out of their sight. The defensive line has caused so much havoc in the backfield of their opponents that opposing Quarterbacks run for their lives.

Yes, Northern Sunrise Islands and TaQuad aren't the best teams in the world, but Yesopalitha must be able to gobble up the lesser opposition in order to succeed. With Backyard Football League next, Yesopalitha has a chance to keep the record going before better foes in Vettera and Osarius.

According to the Head Coach, Sandil Ren, the Quarterback, has started to make better decisions that helps out the defense. Ren scored no touchdowns today with the only one coming off of a Julia Carter interception return, but he led the Flames offense to five field goals. The fact that they can't really finish drives is kind of scary, but they will have enough time to get that fixed.

The defense is really looking good out there.

[Falconfar]

Eight Lines from the Coach's Journal

Avenged our earlier loss to Tyrienne by a 20-9 win at home today.

Dawson was efficient again, with over 200 yards and two touchdowns. The rushing attack was decent as well, with over seventy-five yards.

The defense has really started to pick it up. At this rate, our goal of finishing in third is very possible.

Ya know, I'm really starting to believe in this team. Yeah, we won't qualify this time, but a few world bowls, and we could be a force out there.

Thrilledge and Space remain the top two teams. Their offenses are nuts!

I love watching all the other games' highlights, too.

Still looking for wins over Matting and Crolacia.

Looking to finish 5-5.

[Falconfar]

Eight Lines from the Coach's Journal

Avenged our earlier loss to Tyrienne by a 20-9 win at home today.

Dawson was efficient again, with over 200 yards and two touchdowns. The rushing attack was decent as well, with over seventy-five yards.

The defense has really started to pick it up. At this rate, our goal of finishing in third is very possible.

Ya know, I'm really starting to believe in this team. Yeah, we won't qualify this time, but a few world bowls, and we could be a force out there.

Thrilledge and Space remain the top two teams. Their offenses are nuts!

I love watching all the other games' highlights, too.

Still looking for wins over Matting and Crolacia.

Looking to finish 5-5.

[The Fanboyists]

The Allamunnic States
Special World Bowl Eighteen Coverage

Getting it done

Round two against Redaya did not go quite as smoothly as the first go-round, but it's hard to complain about the results. The offense was rather uninspiring, with Danyl Wyndhorst providing the game's only touchdown on a 9-yard dash, with Justin Connors supplementing it with a field goal in the second quarter to complement a shut-out effort by the defense to lead the Regulars to a 10-0 win.

Instrumental in the win was Steven Lindburgh, who led the team with twelve tackles, and four more for loss, as well as two sacks. Also registering two sacks each were Honorius Waalturs and Archie Wagner, with one other sack split between Ryan Walkerton and Danley Vicious. The secondary put the pressure that the rushers produced to good use; Rikita Bikar tossed up four interceptions (compared to Leif Erikson's one), two of which were caught by Belle Marquette. Markus Josephus and Elias Mourner accounted for the other two.

It was quite enjoyable to watch Danny Rickenbacker, who has steadily grown into his new job as defensive coordinator, as he dialed up blitz after blitz the way Theo Dahlstadt used to do, and then being able to watch the Redayan offense sputter and fall apart. Despite a couple of stinkers, it's quite apparent to everyone that Rickenbacker is the right man for that job.

The Regulars are going to go on the road to face off against a Cassadagan squad that has managed to fare better than they have in quite some time, remaining one of three teams in Group Six to have a 5-1 record going into the match-up, which will be one of the biggest of the night.

Leif Erikson's performance was, once again, unspectacular but devoid of any major mistakes; he threw only his fourth interception in six games in an unremarkable 15/20, 184 yard, one-interception effort. Thus far, Erikson has been inconsistent in the sense that he has largely alternated some truly exciting games with some yawn-inducing performances, much like last night's. Of course, given the Dagan's secondary, it's going to take everything he's learned in the last two years to turn in just an unremarkable performance. The Dagans secondary, as usual, has been feasting on signal-callers in Group Six, and they'll be looking to clamp down on Erikson next week. He was efficient and a good leader in the single-point win earlier in qualifiers, although the Regulars did most of their offensive damage on the ground.

Defensively, for dealing with the Dagans, coach Rickenbacker didn't indicate that there was anything special planned. "Hit hard, tackle properly, play our responsibilities. There's no need for a special game-plan. They're a well-balanced team. It's going to come down to which side can execute the fundamentals and play their responsibilities best, and expect our boys and girls to win that battle next week."

Many can't help but note that it's exactly the sort of game that the Regulars have performed their best in over the last two-and-a-half years. It's not an elimination game, per-se, but it's a high-stakes match-up, and most-certainly not one the Regulars can afford to lose. "Lose this, and we're suddenly in third place and in danger of not qualifying," coach Ryan Smart said. "It's an important game, and as defending champions, we're not only facing some of our toughest rivals, but we're also the team-to-beat, and it's brought out the appropriate effort from a lot of our opponents. It's a testament to our own boys and girls' grit and ferocity that that hasn't made much of a difference."

In AGL news, four games into the season it's being reported that Tripoli Pirates head-coach John Olson is on the hot-seat after the team, which made the playoffs for the first time in team history last year, is 0-4 after being outscored 46-121 in their first four games. Some are questioning whether or not Olson will have a future on the team if they continue to look as unmotivated as they are. Meanwhile, Innsbruck Ravens quarterback Alex Bradley has been absolutely ridiculous pace, throwing fifteen touchdowns in the first four games to lead the Ravens to a 3-1 record. Also of note is the Koenigshalloe Kings' 4-0 record. A number of 4-0 teams are still standing apart from the Kings: Antioch, Wilsonville, Thomasburg (Ironmongers), and Filia are all 4-0.

Be sure to tune in as the Regulars face the Dagans of Cassadaigua next week!

[German Zerabithea]

BRO CALL!

"Hey dudes, it's Chad!"

Chad!

"J to the R, JR bro"

JR!

"And this is..."

BRO FOOTBALL!

Chad: Hey dudes and dudettes, welcome to Bro Football, your number one source of brotastic news in the world of football.

JR: That's right bro, and along with that, we got a bit of selling ou... I mean special gifts we have been working on!

Chad: Indeed, see between the Rams being called "The greatest show on turf", and their most recent win over Vantelira 26-10, we have been thinking of some other nicknames we can use for teams! Show them some examples JR.

JR: Right, so first off we got this shirt that says "Winius Maximus" I have no idea what this means but my uncle took a Latin class for 3 weeks back in junior college and he says it means "Maximum Winning" both of which are great for perfect streak teams.

Chad: Alright JR, but what do you got for those teams that have lost games?

JR: I'm glad you asked Chad. For those teams with power house defenses that like sacks and fumbles, we got this shirt right here that says "Wolf Pack". The opposing offense will cowl in fear when they learn they have to face the "Wolf Pack".

Chad: I'm lovin it man, how do you think up this stuff?

JR: Drugs.

Chad: ...Oh yea, I think you've mentioned this before. Anyways, how can one get these wonderful shirts and more?

JR: Simple dude, just email us at snjk;nvjksnfjkvbs;jk@cat_on_keyboard.com and we will give you an order form and a full list of all of our nicknames.

"The two high five each other"

Chad: Right well we will be right back after this commercial break.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Civil Citizenry]

Questions on Offense Continue to Dog Explorers
DESPITE QUALIFICATION SUCCESS, PUNDITS WORRY IF ROWLEIGH CAN UNITE TEAM IN TIME FOR CHAMPIONSHIP RUN

BNS | Bartewick | Perfection is impossible to attain. That's become evident in the World Bowl qualification process, in which only two teams have managed to win six out of six games. Consider that the eventual champion will have contested fourteen matches.

The competition has proved to be stiff in the ongoing World Bowl. It is so challenging to win every match, even in the group stage, where it can be fairly assumed that two to three opponents are pushovers for the top contenders. Boss Manning is pushing his variegated Explorers squad to not fall derelict - particularly on offense, where success has been abundant in past years but is no longer the team's major threat. Indeed, the Explorers' 10-9 loss at the hands of West Guiana - the team's first defeat since being eliminated from the last World Bowl three years ago - exposed holes in converting possessions to points.

Despite settling into second place in their group, safely in position to advance to the knockout stage, Civil Citizenry has the fifth-fewest points in their group alone. The team is averaging fewer than two touchdowns a game - a sign, perhaps, that Max Rowleigh isn't generating enough red zone opportunities. Many opinion columnists are surmising that Rowleigh isn't gelling with his teammates, on and off the field.

When play begins, it's easy to see where conflicts of interest arise. Rowleigh, a headstrong quarterback used to being the leading force in the huddle, can't be as temeritous with this star-studded squad as he can as the Patriots' QB. The eldest by virtue of experience is Merritt Parkin, the fullback who guided a revolutionary offense to a surprise quarterfinal run nine years ago. The Boss and his offensive coordinator, Harry Elden, often like to transmit instructions via Parkin; he becomes the de facto playmaker, meaning Rowleigh no longer calls all the shots. The other returning star is wide receiver Wes Corliss, who has made no bones about his strong preference for the legendary Saxon Haugard in the huddle. Corliss - along with many of his older teammates - believe Manning was pressured into starting the T.U. star three years ago, while Haugard was still in his prime. And even at thirty-four, Haugard is still the best choice to take the snap in pressure situations, Corliss says. Rowleigh has also struggled to connect with Devon Morton: Rowleigh likes to ask Morton to run deeper plays, but Morton naturally tails in too early, being a former tight end. To cap off this disjointed offense, Boss Manning continues to favor Parkin over generic halfback Kelvin Somerset; although a fullback-dominated running game has proven to be successful, a half-fullback-half-halfback strategy is decidedly less imposing.

All in all, Rowleigh has fewer opportunities to generate scoring chances than he did in his first stint at the helm in Michael VII. He had three top wide receivers, along with Morton as a joint TE and wideout. Now he has few options, and fewer still, options that he can control. The current drop in scoring has nothing to do with a decline in skill, but rather the development of an independent coalition of strong-headed superstars, each with an opinion on just about everything. It feels like this offense is just as sui generis as was that of the fifteenth World Bowl: the key difference being that the team of old was emotionally bonded and was willing to buy into Manning's revolutionary strategies, while this one can't seem to agree on the right direction.

"We shouldn't have put ourselves in that situation in the first place.
We can't play like this at home against Bingo Bango Bongo and
expect to win a world championship."

Palmer "Boss" Manning, Explorers head coach

Indeed, perhaps detracting relationships are worsening the team's play over time. The team debuted with a shutout win over debutante Bongo Johnson, but was on the brink of defeat yesterday. Down by two with two seconds to play and thirty-three yards to cover, Rowleigh chucked up a hail mary on a four-wideout cross play, somehow connecting with Iram Odell, the bulky tight end, with half a foot down before the right sideline of the end zone. It was an extremely fortunate moment for the Explorers, but as amazing as the experience was, Boss Manning wasn't pleased about it. The Explorers are 5-1, but it could just as easily be worse. And with only four more games to play before the top teams coagulate in Civil Citizenry to compete for the World Bowl title, there's not much time for Civil Citizenry to turn it around.

[Civil Citizenry]

Doesn't look like anyone's RPing now, so let's move on to Game Seven.

Group One
Licentiapacisterra 3–13 Franklin Delano Bluth
Camwood 3–3 Civil Citizenry (3–6 OT)
Bongo Johnson 16–27 West Guiana

Group One                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 West Guiana                       7    7   0   148   54  +94
2 Civil Citizenry                   7    6   1    84   46  +38
3 Bongo Johnson                     7    3   4   112  117   −5
4 Camwood                           7    3   4    91   87   +4
5 Franklin Delano Bluth             7    2   5   104  137  −33
6 Licentiapacisterra                7    0   7    44  142  −98

Group Two
Deep Fried Pickles 3–20 Vantelira
Michael VII 10–0 Camerania
Khabarovsk Krai 6–30 German Zerabithea

Group Two                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 German Zerabithea                 7    6   1   211   69 +142
2 Khabarovsk Krai                   7    6   1   145   56  +89
3 Michael VII                       7    4   3    78   79   −1
4 Camerania                         7    2   5    51  106  −55
5 Deep Fried Pickles                7    2   5    20  101  −81
6 Vantelira                         7    1   6    47  141  −94

Group Three
Sicoutimont 0–20 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
Vamprican-Krumbian Confederacy 7–27 Western Cuba
Bratoslovoukia 0–22 Darmen

Group Three                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Darmen                            7    6   1   122   50  +72
2 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega            7    6   1    93   36  +57
3 Western Cuba                      7    5   2    99   39  +60
4 Bratoslovoukia                    7    2   5    44  102  −58
5 Vamprican-Krumbian Confederacy    7    2   5    59   99  −40
6 Sicoutimont                       7    0   7    30  121  −91

Group Four
The Babbage Islands 22–3 Bordurian
Bloodbath Generation 0–13 Cosumar
Rennidan 27–34 Taeshan

Group Four                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cosumar                           7    6   1   130   69  +61
2 Taeshan                           7    6   1   133   79  +54
3 Rennidan                          7    4   3   118   96  +22
4 The Babbage Islands               7    4   3   126   76  +50
5 Bordurian                         7    1   6    65  146  −81
6 Bloodbath Generation              7    0   7    23  129 −106

Group Five
Qazox 13–3 The Icemark
Rouge Pioneers 0–17 Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk
Thatius 10–7 Fantoa

Group Five                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Qazox                             7    6   1   154   70  +84
2 Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk            7    5   2   106   60  +46
3 The Icemark                       7    4   3    56   84  −28
4 Thatius                           7    3   4    86   99  −13
5 Fantoa                            7    2   5    43   59  −16
6 Rouge Pioneers                    7    1   6    56  129  −73

Group Six
Cassadaigua 13–14 Allamunnic States
Deandean98 20–37 Vietlambodiamardesh
Karditan 17–9 Redaya

Group Six                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Karditan                          7    6   1   118   32  +86
2 Allamunnic States                 7    6   1   117   65  +52
3 Cassadaigua                       7    5   2    90   45  +45
4 Redaya                            7    2   5    64  102  −38
5 Vietlambodiamardesh               7    1   6    66  113  −47
6 Deandean98                        7    1   6    50  148  −98

Group Seven
Filopines 14–33 Carmadin
Homelands our 0–3 Boyznichov
Free South Califas 20–19 The Kytler Peninsulae

Group Seven                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Homelands our                     7    5   2   114   54  +60
2 Free South Califas                7    5   2   146  101  +45
3 Carmadin                          7    5   2   110   86  +24
4 The Kytler Peninsulae             7    4   3    85   63  +22
5 Filopines                         7    1   6    65  145  −80
6 Boyznichov                        7    1   6    64  135  −71

Group Eight
Space 3–21 Falconfar
Thrilledge 47–7 Matting
Crolacia 0–27 Tryienne

Group Eight                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Thrilledge                        7    6   1   198   81 +117
2 Falconfar                         7    4   3   116   90  +26
3 Space                             7    4   3   129  104  +25
4 Tryienne                          7    3   4    85   78   +7
5 Matting                           7    2   5    59  140  −81
6 Crolacia                          7    2   5    48  142  −94

Group Nine
Mirage Paradise 0–6 Chrinthanium
Flagler 0–7 Whittoria
Equestrian States 29–14 Meshkete

Group Nine                        Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Whittoria                         7    6   1   144   73  +71
2 Equestrian States                 7    6   1   147   86  +61
3 Chrinthanium                      7    5   2   119   50  +69
4 Meshkete                          7    2   5    68   95  −27
5 Mirage Paradise                   7    2   5    47   78  −31
6 Flagler                           7    0   7    20  163 −143

Group Ten
TaQud 17–10 Northern Sunrise Islands
Yesopalitha 13–0 Backyard Sports League
Osarius 22–31 Vettrera

Group Ten                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Yesopalitha                       7    7   0   131   17 +114
2 Vettrera                          7    5   2   176   95  +81
3 Osarius                           7    5   2   166   94  +72
4 TaQud                             7    3   4   110  104   +6
5 Northern Sunrise Islands          7    1   6    75  189 −114
6 Backyard Sports League            7    0   7    37  196 −159

Top Offenses
German Zerabithea -- 30.14 ppg
Thrilledge -- 28.29
Vettrera -- 25.14
Osarius -- 23.71
Qazox -- 22.00

Top Defenses
Yesopalitha -- 2.43 ppg
Karditan -- 4.57
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega -- 5.14
Western Cuba -- 5.57
Cassadaigua -- 6.43

[Cassadaigua]

Hold up! No redemption for Sunderland

Down 14-13 with less then a minute to go and the ball 68 yards away from the end zone, team Cassadaigua was trying to get a last-second victory against the Allamunnic States. Brianna Jameson dropped back, and could find no receivers open downfield, and since it was 3rd and 6, she opted for a screen pass to Meaghan Sunderland. The opponent did not expect this, and while Sunderland intended to just get out of bounds after getting the first down, she had nothing but open field ahead of her, assuming she got a couple blocks. She would get them, and she sprinted to the end zone, and the crowd went nuts. Partially in jubilation of the go-ahead touchdown, and partially because it was Sunderland, being the dramatic hero after the frustrating loss earlier in qualifying.

But no. Cliff Stanford, away from the play, was whistled for holding. The infraction, correctly called, was to the right, and the screen went to the left. It was all for not: the would-have-been amazing story of redemption. And on 3rd-and-16, Jameson was intercepted, and victory was sealed for the Allamunnic States.

[Redaya]

Redayan Sport Channel (RSC)
RSC's 18th World Bowl Coverage
Hosted by Sok Liszan

Hello and welcome to the exciting and exclusive RSC coverage on the Eighteenth World Bowl. I am Sok Liszan, and together we will explore the world of football although you must know me by now! Anyway,

Today was not a good day for the Redayans. They started MD7 with an unveiled enthusiasm and they were optimistic after the successful offense launched on the Karditan players but as the old saying goes, nothing lasts forever, and the Karditan managed to destroy the Redayan offense, making the Redayan players focus on their defense as Karditan easily broke through their defense, ending the game 17-9 with Redaya losing the match.

Although they played impressively against the Karditan team, who were and still are at the top of Group Six and very skilled, the manager and coach of the Redayan Football Team Dadara Famil still did not expect the Redayan team losing. In his interview with the Shabzane Melli newspaper, he stated that although the training gave the Redayans a chance against their opponent today, they need to train even harder if they want that chance to be something more.

Fans also were disappointed upon hearing the news of Redaya's loss. Hopefully, though, that will be our last loss in the World Bowl. Next game, MD8 if you will, we will be playing against Deandean98 who we had defeated before in the World Bowl. Analysts predict it will be an easy win. Let us look at what our best analyst, Jolo Mardanezad, has predicted himself.

How Will The Game With Deandean98 End?

Redaya's Chances:
Win	Draw	Lose
83%	13%	4%

So according to Jolo, we have an 83% percent chance of winning the game against Deandean98. Sounds good but does not exactly boost the morale of Redayan players, as the Deandean98 team is not really a strong team in the World Bowl.

Alright, for today's special section, we decided to omit the now popular Dark Cave for today and instead, we will have an interview with a well-known man. The manager and coach of the Redayan Football Team, and the innocent victim of the Eleven Affairs rumour. Ladies and gentlemen, we present you...

Dadara Famil!

---

Interview With Dadara Famil:

Sok Liszan: Hello and welcome to RSC, Mr Famil.
Dadara Famil: Thank you. Been a while since I was last here.
Sok Liszan: Yes, yes. So Mr Famil, sate our curiosity, do you think Jolo's is right in assuming the Redayan Team has a very strong chance of winning in MD8?
Dadara Famil: Jolo? Don't know the guy. And yes, our team will almost certainly win the match against the Deandeans.
Soz Liszan: So you see no challenge?
Dadara Famil: Other than besting our own record? No.
Soz Liszan: What about the recent game we lost to Karditan?
Dadara Famil: I admit I was impressed. Last time we played against them, we were practically pummeled by them. Now, though, we managed to last for a bit, in my opinion.
Soz Liszan: You mean in Game Two? Where Redaya lost 3-34 to Karditan?
Dadara Famil: Don't remind me. It was a horrible loss.
Soz Liszan: That it was. So are you guys really serious about training harder?
Dadara Famil: I believe I already said this in the Shabzane Melli paper. Yes, we are serious.
Soz Liszan: Won't the players tire out from so many training sessions?
Dadara Famil: They might, they might not. We may not win this World Bowl, the least we can do is to train for the next one.
Soz Liszan: Strange logic but okay. Are you actually involved in affairs with eleven women?
Dadara Famil: What the -CENSORED-? No!
Soz Liszan: Knew it.
Dadara Famil: Why would you even think that?! I am married!
Soz Liszan: Not my thought. Someone, in yesterday's Dark Cave, called asking if the eleven affairs rumour is right or not. Is it?
Dadara Famil: No. I can't stress this enough!
Soz Liszan: Okay... What is your thought about Game Nine and Ten. You think the Redayan Team is going to win any?
Dadara Famil: We can win Game Ten, that is a given. The real challenge is Game Nine, which if I remember correctly pits us against Cassadaigua.
Soz Liszan: Just a challenge?
Dadara Famil: No. Game Nine is the ultimate test. If we are not able to defeat Cassadaigua in that game, then we obviously, as someone creatively put it, suck at football.
Soz Liszan: I am pretty sure experience plays a part in all this.
Dadara Famil: We only started training heavily now! We weren't even doing anything seriously during Game One and Two! From where would we get experience?
Soz LIszan: True but the next World Bowl will certainly be a little... easier to win, even if we loss this World Bowl.
Dadara Famil: Good point.
Soz Liszan: Anyway, we are running out of time. Any last words for those at home?
Dadara Famil: Nope, none.
Soz Liszan: Okay. Thank you for being with us tonight, Mr Famil.
Dadara Famil: Was a pleasure.

---

Last Minute:

And so, we have arrived at the end of the program. Keep watching RSC if you want to be informed about the latest happenings in the world of sport. If you missed anything from today's program, you can watch a recorded version at our site, whose address you can find written on the banner above. And if you want to participate in tomorrow's Dark Cave, then call us with the following number.

Thank you for watching and see you soon!

[Yesopalitha]

Scoreless Streak Hits Thirteen...

Can anybody score on the Flames defense now? Led by Julia Carter and Viccini Hansu, helped along by Red Brune, the Flames' defense romped over another game against a weak foe, this time, Backyard Sports League. Three whole games and one quarter, they haven't given up nary a point! Quite amazing the feat, but with two hard games coming up, one that will most likely end.

Sandil Ren and the offense, overshadowed by their defensive counterparts, did score thirteen points, with the touchdown coming from Ren's rushing TD, and Van Allen continuing his perfect game from the Field Goal mark.

The Flames, surprising all, are one of the two remaining undefeated squads in Group Play, the other being West Guiana of Group One. The next two matches, however, have potential to be losses, as they are against Vettera and Osarius. Vettera surprised many by actually upsetting Osarius by nine points, meaning that Vettera might actually be the team to watch.

Yesopalitha does have a two-game lead in the group with three to go, meaning that as long as they defeat one between Vettera and Osarius, they will most likely advance. The defense would love to continue their streak, but it's the win that really matters.

Coach Chelak stated, "We're really starting to come into a groove, and I am loving the momentum that we are having right now. The next two games will be tough, no doubt, but it should also be fun, eh?"

[Falconfar]

Eight Lines in the Coach's Journal

Wow! What a performance! Led by the defense, and LB Jack Hart stopping the Space offense cold, we actually trumped over them, 21-3!

It also helped that Dawson could lead the offense to so many time-consuming drives that all ended in touchdowns! It was awesome!

Gosh! We are actually in second place at the moment! Things are tight though, and we will need to take care of business, but it is an amazing feeling!

Three games to go now. Crolacia. Matting. Then Thrilledge. Should be able to win two out of three and finish 6-4! Not sure if that's going to be enough, but that's better than we thought!

Many kudos to the entire squad. They've hung through the rough, and now are playing some damn brilliant gridiron. Could not be more prouder.

I do wonder how we'd do if we made it to the playoffs.

Eh, gotta remember that we're not even ranked. This is better than we've thought we'd do.

Yeah. That's the way to view this.

[Osarius]

((OOC: obvs this is before the other loss, lol... ))
Firebirds Regain Focus

After their defeat at the hands of Yesopalitha, the Firebirds came in for some pretty stiff criticism. They had been complacent, people said. Garbongo had made bad calls, they said. The OGC needed to step in, they said. As it turns out, pretty much everyone had underestimated the Flames. They've gone on to record two shutouts, and look like a strong contender to make waves in the playoffs, while Garbongo's side are finally finding their offensive rhythm under Elliot Johnson. The Firewood quarterback has never had his ability questioned outright, though many have questioned whether he was best suited to run the Firebirds' offense ahead of Tommy Rhodes. His past two performances will have silenced many of those doubters, however.

Backyard Sports Leagues were on the receiving end of a torching as "El-J" -- as he is known to Firewood fans -- threw four touchdowns and completed 23 of his 34 passes for a total of 244 yards in Osarius' dominant forty-seven point display on the road. "I hope the fans will get behind us, me specifically, after that." Johnson admitted. "It's been tough, knowing that a pretty large number of people out there felt that the loss to Yesopalitha was, on some level, my fault." The Firewood man is visibly hurt by the perceived absence of love from his countrymen, but understands. "I'll admit that I felt I could have done better in that game, so I understand to a degree, but I thought the loss was more down to their brilliance on defense than our failings on offense."

Johnson will be looking forward to the return game, where he will surely fancy the Firebirds' chances, knowing who the Flames' key players are likely to be. The Osarius defense will also be fired up, knowing that they'll be up against a less-than-impressive offense, and coming off the back of two defensive scores against Backyard Sports Leagues. With Rigo Kopumava forcing his way back into the starting lineup after the Vettrera game, even the experience of Sandil Ren might have trouble completing any passes. The Islander's knack for interceptions is well-known, and after returning one for a 45 yard touchdown in his last outing, he'll almost definitely be hungry for another.

"I take it personally when a quarterback thinks he can make a pass when I'm there. It's like he doesn't believe I'm good enough to stop him." Kopumava explained. "And I think that fires me up and just gives me this... energy, and I make those kind of plays." The former Utica University standout suffered a decline in form last season, but has stepped in at crucial moments during this World Bowl campaign, forcing Robert Garbongo to re-think the decision to drop him down the depth chart. "I always knew I'd be back in the starting lineup." Kopumava reveals. "I've never had any doubt in my ability, and I never will."

Another name who has climbed back up the depth chart is Rashad Jackson. The former golden boy of Osarian gridiron found himself languishing in third place on the depth chart this time around, but some strong performances as a third down back have seen him elevated to near-parity with his former understudy, Sheldon Taylor. Head coach Robert Garbongo explained the change as "a tactical thing", which many have interpreted to mean he intends to run a split back system again. Jackson seems unfazed by it all. "If I have to run, I'll run. If I have to block, I'll block. I don't care what the coach asks me to do, I'll do it. I just want my country to be the best." He told us. "Personal glory doesn't mean anything when your team isn't winning, as I found out at Shanak. I picked up awards, but we couldn't win anything as a team, and it made my achievements seem less."

On the other end of the form spectrum is the aforementioned Tommy Rhodes. The Utica quarterback is suffering for his team's terrible personnel decisions in the off-season last summer. Allowing half of their offensive line to leave the organisation was a huge mistake from the normally very astute Utica front office, and left Rhodes largely unprotected. Without protection from the league's fearsome pass rushes, Rhodes was sacked frequently, and his rhythm disrupted. The Bears slumped to their worst record in years, and many speculated that their star quarterback was "over the hill". Rhodes has maintained a dignified silence through it all, however. He finally spoke up after making a fourth quarter appearance against Backyard Sports Leagues, to throw the sixth and final Firebirds touchdown, picking out Kyle Alexander for a thirty yarder. "That felt good." He grinned. "I didn't get much time out there tonight, but I just wanted to remind everyone that I can still work a little magic, perhaps. I've not had to sit on the bench since my rookie professional season, under Leon Saint, so this is a new experience and I'm gonna learn from it. If I can improve, then we'll all be better off." When pressed for his opinion on whether he should be starting, Rhodes was candid. "Hard to say. Elliot did better than I did last season, so it makes sense he's starting ahead of me. Everybody wants to believe they're the best, though."

[Taeshan]

"How in the hell did we pull that one out. We real had a barn burner of a game against the Rennidan team."

"Especially considering the first game we won 6-3, but now we go out and win 34-27. What an extreme turn of scoring."

"It's like the on switch was flicked, and both teams just thundered back and fourth down the field."

"So Now we are 6-1, and Bloodbath Generation is next again. We should look to easily take them down. They aren't as good as we are, and they haven't shown much of anything that they could beat us with."

"Yes, but we can't look past them. We musn't get trapped by this game."

"Yes, we can not look ahead to the second game against Babbage and Cosumar."

"One game at a time, one game at a time."

"Right you are."