World Bowl XXXIII - Everything thread (Final posted)

[Tenburg]

State of the Vols

As this week is their bye--the ACTUAL bye--and they won't be playing (we think), let's take a look at the current state of the team in the World Bowl.

Currently, the Vols sit at 3-2, tied for third in record with Lisander, but ranked above them on account of points allowed; our defense had allowed 81, as opposed to Lisander's 113. That being said, both teams are still in contention for the second playoff spot.

The defense, despite questions at cornerback, has shown quite well in the early going, especially on the defensive line. Donald black has seven sacks through five games, and it doesn't seem like anyone's found a way to stop him. His fellow Pirate, Tyrone White, has two more, and even standout rookie Morgan Garnett has two. So far, we've picked off three balls; one each to Conor McKellan, Miles Dawkins, and Kevin Mullen.

On the other side of the ball, with exception of one game, the offense has fired pretty much on all cylinders so far--even when two of your receivers and your start RB/SS are completely wasted. QB Damien MacGregor has played decently up to this point, throwing nine TDs and running in for another. Mullen, of course, has been Mullen, running over everybody who tries to tackle him, although he only has two touchdowns; he's contributed better to the defense than the offense, but with Essex Johnson, Patrick Coley, and tight end Michael Floyd catching all of MacGregor's passes, he doesn't need to.

[Vangaziland]

The Vangazi crashed into the wall many thought they would hit, especially with the tough schedule. Cosumar (#6) and Allamunnic States (#7) would make a tough back to back opponents. Add The Kiaser Colonies (#27) the following game and the uphill battle facing the Vangazi was apparent.

Many wondered how the players were coping with stress. It turns out one footballer turned to a little side wagering on other sporting events. The MBO came into play with the records showing two bets registered. The exact player has not been revealed. Company insiders only leaked the gambler's status because they knew they could sell the story. A Vannish gossip magazine picked up the story and put it on the forefront of their online news updates.

The player bet just over $210,000 NSD on the fighter from Wrexwic, Abigail Kaldwell. She lost to Felix Fitzgerald in a hard fought 4-7 result. Kaldwell did well in her first bout and seemed like a solid pick. The anonymous gambler's second bet made his day worse. He picked Linda Henshman, the Vangazi, to lose her fight.

Linda won 9-2, costing the gambler another $178,142.55 NSD. With the story going public and the account being monitored, a new bet was still placed. It was for $420,000.67 NSD. It looked like the player was trying to get their losses back. They tried to be covert, signing in from a randomized ip address. It still registered with the same account.

The story had minor coverage on major networks, but conspiracy theorists had fun with it. People would be watching on the field. It would be especially bad if anyone's performance was affected by gambling. Talks would have to start in the Government Sporting Department about whether they should clamp down on vices like gambling. Footage of their red-eyed quarterback playing air guitar at a hazy concert, was already creating polarizing PR.

The team refused to issue any statement, calling the event "hearsay".

"I guarantee our players are focused on the field, not just on game day... But also during practice." Coach Tillford took his players' side, even when some thought he could give a public warning in the spotlight. Tillford just didn't want to get caught in a soundbite. The Vannish media was proving to be a frenzy of sharks, circling for the next scandal.

The group's two teams ranked in the top 10 were starting to fight for their playoff spots. It would take an extremely focused set of Vangazi to take this roster very far. Unfortunately, the Vangazi were caught up in things like this or TE Fred Loxingsen's 'Catfish Incident'.

[Bongo Johnson]

**MD7 Cutoff**

[Bongo Johnson]

Matchday 7 Results

Group A

Bojikstan 6–9 (F/OT) Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Firebolt 16–3 The Orion Islands
Sibandias 17–29 Bongo Johnson

Group A                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Drawkland                      6    5   0   1   171  109  +62    15
2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec        6    5   0   1   146   89  +57    15
3 Firebolt                       6    4   0   2   125   79  +46    12
4 Bongo Johnson                  6    3   0   3   128  161  −33     9
5 The Orion Islands              6    2   0   4    85  146  −61     6
6 Sibandias                      6    1   0   5    97  146  −49     3
7 Bojikstan                      6    1   0   5    89  111  −22     3

Group B

Barunia 52–10 The Tiber and Wisdom
Mostly Idiots 0–19 Lisander
Tenburg 27–30 Pridnestrovia

Group B                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Pridnestrovia                  6    6   0   0   162   79  +83    18
2 Lisander                       6    4   0   2   132  113  +19    12
3 Abanhfleft                     6    4   0   2   187  163  +24    12
4 Barunia                        6    3   0   3   161  115  +46     9
5 Tenburg                        6    3   0   3   133  111  +22     9
6 Mostly Idiots                  6    1   0   5    80  187 −107     3
7 The Tiber and Wisdom           6    0   0   6    72  159  −87     0

Group C

Cosumar 41–20 New Jarwel
The Kiaser Colonies 17–33 Vangaziland
Buddharia 18–14 Qasden

Group C                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                        6    6   0   0   209  121  +88    18
2 Allamunnic States              6    4   0   2   122   88  +34    12
3 Buddharia                      6    3   0   3   135  130   +5     9
4 Vangaziland                    6    3   0   3   148  151   −3     9
5 Qasden                         6    3   0   3   148  153   −5     9
6 The Kiaser Colonies            6    2   0   4   137  127  +10     6
7 New Jarwel                     6    0   0   6    66  195 −129     0

Group D

Amuaplye 13–9 Hampton Island
United States of Devonta 36–0 Newlands
Equestrian States 20–9 Kaboomlandia

Group D                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Free Republics                 6    4   1   1    94   65  +29    13
2 Kaboomlandia                   6    4   0   2   171   95  +76    12
3 United States of Devonta       6    4   0   2   137   87  +50    12
4 Hampton Island                 6    3   0   3    56   70  −14     9
5 Amuaplye                       6    2   1   3   102  115  −13     7
6 Newlands                       6    2   0   4    73  117  −44     6
7 Equestrian States              6    1   0   5    73  157  −84     3

Group E

Greater Vakolicci Haven 9–3 New Danican
West Phoenicia 13–46 Gregoryisgodistan
Newmanistan 55–6 Aggrey-Finn Land

Group E                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                    6    4   1   1   173   69 +104    13
2 Greater Vakolicci Haven        6    4   0   2   119   89  +30    12
3 Gregoryisgodistan              6    3   1   2   147   89  +58    10
4 West Phoenicia                 6    3   0   3   162  135  +27     9
5 HUElavia                       6    3   0   3    91  129  −38     9
6 New Danican                    6    2   0   4    84  148  −64     6
7 Aggrey-Finn Land               6    1   0   5   109  226 −117     3

Group F

Chromatika 27–0 Space
Velstrania 7–17 Taeshan
Rhineland Sued 10–53 North Dajao

Group F                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Alpine Union                   6    5   0   1   138   68  +70    15
2 Taeshan                        6    5   0   1   144   83  +61    15
3 North Dajao                    6    4   0   2   177   95  +82    12
4 Chromatika                     6    4   0   2    80   75   +5    12
5 Rhineland Sued                 6    1   0   5    73  134  −61     3
6 Velstrania                     6    1   0   5    67  138  −71     3
7 Space                          6    1   0   5    63  149  −86     3

[Union of Socialist Alpine Republics]

The Alpine Union crushes Space!

Murbley, Bongo Johnson - (NAP) The Alpine Union played against Space and crushed them 53-9. Space won the coin toss and on the first play of the game, Concrete LaDucka's pass intended to Ninasola Estastella was intercepted by DeShawn Lewis-Harris and returned for a touchdown! On their next drive, Space followed with a 44 yards field goal. The Bisons made another touchdown before the end of the first quarter when Demarcus Woods caught Clifford Jenkins' pass into the endzone and the score was 14-3 after one quarter. The Alpine Union made a 39 yards field goal early in the 2nd quarter. With 5:41 remaining, Coconut Riddick ran into the endzone for 21 yards and finally the Reprezentacja Alpejski made a 54 yards field goal with no time remaining and the score was 27-3 at the halftime.

The Alpines started with the ball in the 3rd quarter and Barkevious Hawkins made a touchdown on a 67 yards screen pass. On their next drive, the Bisons made a 28 yards field goal and Space followed with a 35 yards field goal. Finally, the Alpine Union made another touchdown when Jennifer Killebrew caught Clifford Jenkins' 21 yards pass into the end zone. The score was 44-6 after 3 quarters. Space followed with a field goal early in the 4th quarter. On their next drive, the Alpine Union was forced to punt and the ball was down at the 3 yards line. On a 2nd and 9, Concrete LaDucka was sacked into his own endzone for a safety. On the their following drive, the Alpine Union made another touchdown when Barkevious Hawkins ran into the endzone. The final score was 53-9 for the Bisons.

The Alpine Union are now 1st in group F with 15 points in 6 games. All other teams in the group played only 5 games so the Bisons will have a bye today. On matchday 8, the Reprezentacja Alpejski will play against Chromatika.

Space          3   0   3   3  -   9
Alpine Union  14  13  17   9  -  53

1st quarter
14:49 - Touchdown by DeShawn Lewis-Harris (31 yards interception return). Extra point by Crockett Burkhead good.
11:20 - Field goal by Socca WylWyl (44 yards)
1:47 - Touchdown by Demarcus Woods (16 yards pass from Clifford Jenkins). Extra point by Crockett Burkhead good.

2nd quarter
11:33 - Field goal by Crockett Burkhead (39 yards)
5:41 - Touchdown by coconut Riddick (21 yards run). Extra point by Crockett Burkhead good.
0:00 - Field goal by Crockett Burkhead (54 yards)

3rd quarter
13:49 - Touchdown by Barkevious Hawkins (67 yards pass from Clifford Jenkins). Extra point by Crockett Burkhead good.
8:24 - Field goal by Crockett Burkhead (28 yards)
5:33 - Field goal by Socca WylWyl (35 yards)
1:28 - Touchdown by Jennifer Killebrew (21 yards pass from Clifford Jenkins). Extra point by Crockett Burkhead good.

4th quarter
13:26 - Field goal by Socca WylWyl (48 yards)
10:34 - Safety by D.J. Floyd (Concrete LaDucka sacked in his own endzone).
5:51 - Touchdown by Barkevious Hawkins (8 yards run). Extra point by Crockett Burkhead good.

[Lisander]

"Hello, I'm Pia Montez, captain of lisanderian female field hockey team!" a woman said, using a Lisander (gridiron) football jersey in a video shooting at EON Arena.

"Hi, I'm Arno" "And I'm Anaëlle Florian." "We are twins and members of Lisander Rugby National Teams!" the familiar faces of the rugby siblings appeared. They were using jerseys like Pia Montez.

"I'm Juliano Lemos, WGPC Driver! We, some of the better sportspeople of Lisander, are here to show our support for Lisander Gridiron Football Team." Juliano Lemos was holding a football.

"We won against Barunia and Abanhfleft, the biggest forces of the group, and lost tightly to Pridnestrovia, an emergent nation. But we all believe that Lisander can do better and retribute these resuts! We are here supporting you, guys!" Anaëlle Florian said, to the camera.

"If you want to support Lisander teams too, check sport.ls to know how to watch lisanderian teams and athletes defending the lys around the Multiverse!" Lemos finished his line, passed the ball to Arno and the four said, at the same time:

"Go Team Lisander!"

[Bongo Johnson]

**MD8 Cutoff**

[Bongo Johnson]

Matchday 8 Results

Group A

Sibandias 10–0 The Orion Islands
Firebolt 10–19 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Bojikstan 16–13 Drawkland

Group A                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec        7    6   0   1   165   99  +66    18
2 Drawkland                      7    5   0   2   184  125  +59    15
3 Firebolt                       7    4   0   3   135   98  +37    12
4 Bongo Johnson                  6    3   0   3   128  161  −33     9
5 Sibandias                      7    2   0   5   107  146  −39     6
6 Bojikstan                      7    2   0   5   105  124  −19     6
7 The Orion Islands              7    2   0   5    85  156  −71     6

Group B

Tenburg 6–9 Lisander
Mostly Idiots 34–10 The Tiber and Wisdom
Barunia 33–36 Abanhfleft

Group B                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Pridnestrovia                  6    6   0   0   162   79  +83    18
2 Lisander                       7    5   0   2   141  119  +22    15
3 Abanhfleft                     7    5   0   2   223  196  +27    15
4 Barunia                        7    3   0   4   194  151  +43     9
5 Tenburg                        7    3   0   4   139  120  +19     9
6 Mostly Idiots                  7    2   0   5   114  197  −83     6
7 The Tiber and Wisdom           7    0   0   7    82  193 −111     0

Group C

Buddharia 16–13 (F/OT) Vangaziland
The Kiaser Colonies 34–33 New Jarwel
Cosumar 3–20 Allamunnic States

Group C                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                        7    6   0   1   212  141  +71    18
2 Allamunnic States              7    5   0   2   142   91  +51    15
3 Buddharia                      7    4   0   3   151  143   +8    12
4 Vangaziland                    7    3   0   4   161  167   −6     9
5 Qasden                         6    3   0   3   148  153   −5     9
6 The Kiaser Colonies            7    3   0   4   171  160  +11     9
7 New Jarwel                     7    0   0   7    99  229 −130     0

Group D

Equestrian States 6–19 Newlands
United States of Devonta 10–6 Hampton Island
Amuaplye 6–23 Free Republics

Group D                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Free Republics                 7    5   1   1   117   71  +46    16
2 United States of Devonta       7    5   0   2   147   93  +54    15
3 Kaboomlandia                   6    4   0   2   171   95  +76    12
4 Hampton Island                 7    3   0   4    62   80  −18     9
5 Newlands                       7    3   0   4    92  123  −31     9
6 Amuaplye                       7    2   1   4   108  138  −30     7
7 Equestrian States              7    1   0   6    79  176  −97     3

Group E

Newmanistan 0–10 Gregoryisgodistan
West Phoenicia 10–0 New Danican
Greater Vakolicci Haven 29–14 HUElavia

Group E                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Greater Vakolicci Haven        7    5   0   2   148  103  +45    15
2 Gregoryisgodistan              7    4   1   2   157   89  +68    13
3 Newmanistan                    7    4   1   2   173   79  +94    13
4 West Phoenicia                 7    4   0   3   172  135  +37    12
5 HUElavia                       7    3   0   4   105  158  −53     9
6 New Danican                    7    2   0   5    84  158  −74     6
7 Aggrey-Finn Land               6    1   0   5   109  226 −117     3

Group F

Rhineland Sued 7–31 Taeshan
Velstrania 3–20 Space
Chromatika 10–28 Alpine Union

Group F                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Alpine Union                   7    6   0   1   166   78  +88    18
2 Taeshan                        7    6   0   1   175   90  +85    18
3 North Dajao                    6    4   0   2   177   95  +82    12
4 Chromatika                     7    4   0   3    90  103  −13    12
5 Space                          7    2   0   5    83  152  −69     6
6 Rhineland Sued                 7    1   0   6    80  165  −85     3
7 Velstrania                     7    1   0   6    70  158  −88     3

[Taeshan]

The strong march forward continues for the Fitin' Falcons of Taeshan with three more strong performances since their lone loss of the campaign against The Alpine Union. The team has managed impressive victories with the most recent coming against Rhineland Sued 31-7, after barely handling Velstrania 17-7, and perhaps their most impressive scalp of the campaign a 33-3 thrashing of third ranked in the group, Chromatika. The matches have all been defensive efforts from the side with the offense scoring much more than they needed. With the group tight thanks to an opening game loss by Alpine Union against Chromatika the Falcons sit only 3 points behind at the top of the table and a game over the other likely playoff contender, Chromatika.

Historically Taeshani Football teams have gotten lots of wins on two things. Defense, and quarterback play. The current tournament is no different with only 90 points against the Falcons, second in their group, and young Quarterback Sam Clentimack proving powerful with the ball at his hands. Clentimack continues to read the game well and while many predicted the side might have some issues after such a strong push in the last tournament, his play leading the team has really made many think this team can not only make a strong push towards the final rounds, but be a big part of who is the champion of this tournament.

[Kaboomlandia]

Phoenix in bad place after second bye

The Kaboomlandia Phoenix did not expect to be in this position going into the second half of the World Bowl 33 group stage. Expected to roll over their opponents, they're instead three points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand, and their last game was an embarrassing 20-9 defeat by the last-place and unranked Equestrian States. "This isn't where we want to be and we can't afford to be overconfident. We need to get back to basics," said coach Ryan MacLeod the results of the Matchday 8 games came in. The Phoenix currently sit third in Group D, three points behind the United States of Devonta for the second playoff spot. While the team would just sneak into the playoffs if the group stage were to end today as the fourth-best third-place team, it's not good enough for the Phoenix. "We don't want to get in the back door. We need to prove ourselves in the group stage," said quarterback Travis Reuben.

The team's next game against Newlands will prove to be critical in the Phoenix's quest for the playoffs. The unranked team is three points back of Kaboomlandia. If Kaboomlandia loses and Devonta wins, they'll be six points out of a divisional spot and that is an extremely difficult barrier to overcome.

[Bojikstan]

Fraternidad, Volume 1: Raquel

PLAYLIST

01/Series Theme: Papercut, Linkin Park
02: The Mole, Hans Zimmer
03: Supermarine, Hans Zimmer
04: Paint it Black, Ramin Djawadi Instrumental
05: The Tide, Hans Zimmer
06: The Intermission

Part Six.

“Welcome back, Agent Medich,” says Damian Kozlov, waving the Bojikstan Intelligence officer inside of his office and gesturing for him to close the door behind him. The agent does just that, and sits across the desk from Kozlov, looking over his notes one more time before turning to face the man that he’s come to talk to. “Want anything to drink? Coffee? Tea? I appreciate you coming out here to deliver these findings as fast as you did.”

“Save the thanks for when we get your children back safely,” Medich says, opening the folder and setting it down on the desk. “I’ll have coffee, please. Decaf,” he adds, and Damian nods and stands up to turn on the coffee maker that’s on the shelf behind him. “You see, Mr. Kozlov… The people that are responsible for the Blasista Front kidnapping your children left a few fingerprints, so to speak. Not enough to identify them, but enough to lead us to believe that someone else is in play here, who we haven’t yet seen.”

“What do you mean? Was my guess about the Balandin Corp being involved in this a correct one? Or the Gallians?” asks Damian, sitting back down. “Or has there been some other finding?”

“Your guess turned out to be wrong, but not by much. The Balandin Corp is just a smoke screen, according to our discoveries. We were able to do some digging, and some wiretaps of Blasista communications, and we tracked their contacts back to their source. However, that source isn’t connected to Balandin in any way, and comes from somewhere where Balandin has no presence entirely. That place is Northwest Esportiva, and supposedly, the only thing in this specific part of Esportiva is wilderness and ungoverned wildlands. Ethane is to the northwest, sure, but this area very much isn’t civilized, and Balandin definitely isn’t operating here.”

“So what are you saying? If there is nobody there, then who put the Blasistas up to kidnapping my children?”

“As I said… Because the place is lawless, it looks like it attracts mercenaries and pirates and smugglers and other criminals, because there apparently was a civilization there at one point. Now there isn’t, and lawlessness has set in. There’s a number of groups that you could call ‘factions’ operating there. They range in their purposes, from gangs to smuggling groups to political organizations who are on exile from their home countries. This wilderness isn’t a friendly place, and it appears that one of these groups impersonated Balandin’s officials when contracting the rebel soldiers. And we almost fell for it, and went after them, while this is really caused by a third party.”

“What would a third party operating in the wilderness of northern Esportiva want with us? We don’t do business there-”

“But you do business in Rushmore, and that’s close enough. You have a lot of enemies, at Zhirov. We’re still trying to identify who exactly contacted the Blasista Party, but the truth is that we probably won’t be able to. Our tracing can paint a picture of where the contact is coming from, but can’t tell us everything. We’re going to need help from your side, and more specifically, we’re going to need to know who would have a motive to go after you and your family, and your company.”

“As you said, Zhirov has a number of enemies,” remarks Kozlov, leaning back in the office chair and tapping a pen against the table as he attempts to come up with a list. “Narrowing them down isn’t an easy task, especially if you say that Balandin isn’t involved with this at all. They were our main suspect, and the main company that we’ve clashed with lately, but that’s not to say that we don’t have other enemies. It’s just… Hard to narrow down.”

“One of the companies operating in the wilderness did stand out to us. Are you familiar with GasCorp? They’re the only one in the area that would rival you in your industry, and we believe from our research that they have the capability to impersonate the Balandin Corporation, which would have been how they talked the Gallian Union and the Blasista Party into doing their bidding.”

“So what you’re telling me,” says Kozlov, “Is that the two factions that you just mentioned aren’t involved in this, and that this is an elaborate hoax to mask a third party’s involvement?”

“I think that saying that is removing too much responsibility from Gallia. They still appear to be knowingly aiding an operation against us, even if a different group than they thought is the one who put them up to it.”

“There’s more sides to this than anyone could have known. Thank you for your help, Mr. Medich. I will tell everything that you’ve revealed to me to the Zhirov board, and we’ll work on getting our own investigation started into this. Whether the people behind this are Esportivan pirates or a rival corporation, they aren’t going to get away with their crime against our family. And you’ve been very helpful to pinning down the perpetrator.”

“Just doing my job. Thank me when your own investigation turns into something useful. I promise you that we’ll get to the bottom of this in the coming weeks… And that we’ll come down on the perpetrators with the full power of this country. It’s time for other places to learn that Bojikstan isn’t somewhere to fuck with.”

[Bongo Johnson]

**MD9 Cutoff**

[Bongo Johnson]

Matchday 9 Results

Group A

Drawkland 27–15 Firebolt
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 30–10 Sibandias
The Orion Islands 16–40 Bongo Johnson

Group A                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec        8    7   0   1   195  109  +86    21
2 Drawkland                      8    6   0   2   211  140  +71    18
3 Firebolt                       8    4   0   4   150  125  +25    12
4 Bongo Johnson                  7    4   0   3   168  177   −9    12
5 Sibandias                      8    2   0   6   117  176  −59     6
6 Bojikstan                      7    2   0   5   105  124  −19     6
7 The Orion Islands              8    2   0   6   101  196  −95     6

Group B

Abanhfleft 33–13 Mostly Idiots
The Tiber and Wisdom 13–48 Tenburg
Lisander 10–27 Pridnestrovia

Group B                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Pridnestrovia                  7    7   0   0   189   89 +100    21
2 Abanhfleft                     8    6   0   2   256  209  +47    18
3 Lisander                       8    5   0   3   151  146   +5    15
4 Tenburg                        8    4   0   4   187  133  +54    12
5 Barunia                        7    3   0   4   194  151  +43     9
6 Mostly Idiots                  8    2   0   6   127  230 −103     6
7 The Tiber and Wisdom           8    0   0   8    95  241 −146     0

Group C

Allamunnic States 20–7 The Kiaser Colonies
New Jarwel 7–44 Buddharia
Vangaziland 20–37 Qasden

Group C                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                        7    6   0   1   212  141  +71    18
2 Allamunnic States              8    6   0   2   162   98  +64    18
3 Buddharia                      8    5   0   3   195  150  +45    15
4 Qasden                         7    4   0   3   185  173  +12    12
5 Vangaziland                    8    3   0   5   181  204  −23     9
6 The Kiaser Colonies            8    3   0   5   178  180   −2     9
7 New Jarwel                     8    0   0   8   106  273 −167     0

Group D

Free Republics 6–30 United States of Devonta
Hampton Island 36–10 Equestrian States
Newlands 0–27 Kaboomlandia

Group D                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 United States of Devonta       8    6   0   2   177   99  +78    18
2 Free Republics                 8    5   1   2   123  101  +22    16
3 Kaboomlandia                   7    5   0   2   198   95 +103    15
4 Hampton Island                 8    4   0   4    98   90   +8    12
5 Newlands                       8    3   0   5    92  150  −58     9
6 Amuaplye                       7    2   1   4   108  138  −30     7
7 Equestrian States              8    1   0   7    89  212 −123     3

Group E

HUElavia 6–22 West Phoenicia
New Danican 0–27 Newmanistan
Gregoryisgodistan 61–3 Aggrey-Finn Land

Group E                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Gregoryisgodistan              8    5   1   2   218   92 +126    16
2 Newmanistan                    8    5   1   2   200   79 +121    16
3 Greater Vakolicci Haven        7    5   0   2   148  103  +45    15
4 West Phoenicia                 8    5   0   3   194  141  +53    15
5 HUElavia                       8    3   0   5   111  180  −69     9
6 New Danican                    8    2   0   6    84  185 −101     6
7 Aggrey-Finn Land               7    1   0   6   112  287 −175     3

Group F

Alpine Union 15–10 Velstrania
Space 40–3 Rhineland Sued
Taeshan 24–7 North Dajao

Group F                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Alpine Union                   8    7   0   1   181   88  +93    21
2 Taeshan                        8    7   0   1   199   97 +102    21
3 North Dajao                    7    4   0   3   184  119  +65    12
4 Chromatika                     7    4   0   3    90  103  −13    12
5 Space                          8    3   0   5   123  155  −32     9
6 Rhineland Sued                 8    1   0   7    83  205 −122     3
7 Velstrania                     8    1   0   7    80  173  −93     3

[Kaboomlandia]

Phoenix pull off shutout victory to stay in playoff race

The Kaboomlandia Phoenix gridiron football team kicked off the second half of their World Bowl campaign in a big way, shutting out Newlands 27-0 to stay in a tight playoff race with Free Republics and the United States of Devonta. The team is now one point out of the second playoff spot in Group D with one game in hand on the top two teams. "We did what we had to do to stay in the playoff race, it hasn't been exactly the group stage we're looking for but we're happy with the result," said running back Andrew Michaels after the game. The team adjusted some of their strategies after a 20-9 loss to lowly Equestrian States, and this was shown in the shutout win, as the team went back to the power back approach that has suited them so well in the past. Michaels absolutely tore apart the Newlands defense in this game, rushing for 158 yards and two touchdowns. "Our run-focused approach has worked well in the past, so since we were struggling a bit against Equestrian States we wanted to go back to what we know works," commented head coach Mike McCarty on the offensive change. Travis Reuben, in his reduced role, was still effective, throwing for 237 yards and a touchdown while providing a change of pace on offense from Michaels' powerful style. "I didn't mind the change. Andrew's a huge competitor and we needed to change things up a bit. I'm just happy the team is succeeding," said Reuben afterwards. The defense was no slouch either, recording five sacks and two interceptions.

Next up for the Phoenix is another huge game against Hampton Island, one of the only teams behind Kaboomlandia that is still in playoff contention, at just three points behind the Phoenix.

[Bongo Johnson]

**MD10 Cutoff**

[Bongo Johnson]

Matchday 10 Results

Group A

Bongo Johnson 16–13 (F/OT) Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Sibandias 13–30 Drawkland
Firebolt 17–22 Bojikstan

Group A                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Drawkland                      9    7   0   2   241  153  +88    21
2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec        9    7   0   2   208  125  +83    21
3 Bongo Johnson                  8    5   0   3   184  190   −6    15
4 Firebolt                       9    4   0   5   167  147  +20    12
5 Bojikstan                      8    3   0   5   127  141  −14     9
6 Sibandias                      9    2   0   7   130  206  −76     6
7 The Orion Islands              8    2   0   6   101  196  −95     6

Group B

Pridnestrovia 26–23 The Tiber and Wisdom
Tenburg 6–43 Abanhfleft
Mostly Idiots 7–29 Barunia

Group B                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Pridnestrovia                  8    8   0   0   215  112 +103    24
2 Abanhfleft                     9    7   0   2   299  215  +84    21
3 Lisander                       8    5   0   3   151  146   +5    15
4 Barunia                        8    4   0   4   223  158  +65    12
5 Tenburg                        9    4   0   5   193  176  +17    12
6 Mostly Idiots                  9    2   0   7   134  259 −125     6
7 The Tiber and Wisdom           9    0   0   9   118  267 −149     0

Group C

Qasden 31–30 New Jarwel
Buddharia 9–30 Allamunnic States
The Kiaser Colonies 10–26 Cosumar

Group C                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                        8    7   0   1   238  151  +87    21
2 Allamunnic States              9    7   0   2   192  107  +85    21
3 Buddharia                      9    5   0   4   204  180  +24    15
4 Qasden                         8    5   0   3   216  203  +13    15
5 Vangaziland                    8    3   0   5   181  204  −23     9
6 The Kiaser Colonies            9    3   0   6   188  206  −18     9
7 New Jarwel                     9    0   0   9   136  304 −168     0

Group D

Kaboomlandia 9–23 Hampton Island
Equestrian States 10–29 Free Republics
United States of Devonta 19–37 Amuaplye

Group D                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Free Republics                 9    6   1   2   152  111  +41    19
2 United States of Devonta       9    6   0   3   196  136  +60    18
3 Kaboomlandia                   8    5   0   3   207  118  +89    15
4 Hampton Island                 9    5   0   4   121   99  +22    15
5 Amuaplye                       8    3   1   4   145  157  −12    10
6 Newlands                       8    3   0   5    92  150  −58     9
7 Equestrian States              9    1   0   8    99  241 −142     3

Group E

Aggrey-Finn Land 30–20 New Danican
Newmanistan 23–20 HUElavia
West Phoenicia 41–23 Greater Vakolicci Haven

Group E                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                    9    6   1   2   223   99 +124    19
2 West Phoenicia                 9    6   0   3   235  164  +71    18
3 Gregoryisgodistan              8    5   1   2   218   92 +126    16
4 Greater Vakolicci Haven        8    5   0   3   171  144  +27    15
5 HUElavia                       9    3   0   6   131  203  −72     9
6 New Danican                    9    2   0   7   104  215 −111     6
7 Aggrey-Finn Land               8    2   0   6   142  307 −165     6

Group F

North Dajao 24–0 Space
Rhineland Sued 7–3 Alpine Union
Velstrania 22–27 Chromatika

Group F                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Alpine Union                   9    7   0   2   184   95  +89    21
2 Taeshan                        8    7   0   1   199   97 +102    21
3 North Dajao                    8    5   0   3   208  119  +89    15
4 Chromatika                     8    5   0   3   117  125   −8    15
5 Space                          9    3   0   6   123  179  −56     9
6 Rhineland Sued                 9    2   0   7    90  208 −118     6
7 Velstrania                     9    1   0   8   102  200  −98     3

[Bongo Johnson]

**MD11 Cutoff**

[Bongo Johnson]

Matchday 11 Results

Group A

Bojikstan 37–17 Sibandias
Drawkland 10–21 Bongo Johnson
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 30–0 The Orion Islands

Group A                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec       10    8   0   2   238  125 +113    24
2 Drawkland                     10    7   0   3   251  174  +77    21
3 Bongo Johnson                  9    6   0   3   205  200   +5    18
4 Firebolt                       9    4   0   5   167  147  +20    12
5 Bojikstan                      9    4   0   5   164  158   +6    12
6 Sibandias                     10    2   0   8   147  243  −96     6
7 The Orion Islands              9    2   0   7   101  226 −125     6

Group B

Barunia 20–0 Tenburg
Abanhfleft 29–24 Pridnestrovia
The Tiber and Wisdom 3–34 Lisander

Group B                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Pridnestrovia                  9    8   0   1   239  141  +98    24
2 Abanhfleft                    10    8   0   2   328  239  +89    24
3 Lisander                       9    6   0   3   185  149  +36    18
4 Barunia                        9    5   0   4   243  158  +85    15
5 Tenburg                       10    4   0   6   193  196   −3    12
6 Mostly Idiots                  9    2   0   7   134  259 −125     6
7 The Tiber and Wisdom          10    0   0  10   121  301 −180     0

Group C

Cosumar 47–33 Buddharia
Allamunnic States 14–6 Qasden
New Jarwel 30–22 Vangaziland

Group C                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                        9    8   0   1   285  184 +101    24
2 Allamunnic States             10    8   0   2   206  113  +93    24
3 Buddharia                     10    5   0   5   237  227  +10    15
4 Qasden                         9    5   0   4   222  217   +5    15
5 Vangaziland                    9    3   0   6   203  234  −31     9
6 The Kiaser Colonies            9    3   0   6   188  206  −18     9
7 New Jarwel                    10    1   0   9   166  326 −160     3

Group D

Amuaplye 6–21 Equestrian States
Free Republics 25–37 Kaboomlandia
Hampton Island 16–13 Newlands

Group D                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Free Republics                10    6   1   3   177  148  +29    19
2 Kaboomlandia                   9    6   0   3   244  143 +101    18
3 United States of Devonta       9    6   0   3   196  136  +60    18
4 Hampton Island                10    6   0   4   137  112  +25    18
5 Amuaplye                       9    3   1   5   151  178  −27    10
6 Newlands                       9    3   0   6   105  166  −61     9
7 Equestrian States             10    2   0   8   120  247 −127     6

Group E

Greater Vakolicci Haven 23–0 Newmanistan
HUElavia 3–17 Aggrey-Finn Land
New Danican 3–14 Gregoryisgodistan

Group E                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Gregoryisgodistan              9    6   1   2   232   95 +137    19
2 Newmanistan                   10    6   1   3   223  122 +101    19
3 West Phoenicia                 9    6   0   3   235  164  +71    18
4 Greater Vakolicci Haven        9    6   0   3   194  144  +50    18
5 HUElavia                      10    3   0   7   134  220  −86     9
6 Aggrey-Finn Land               9    3   0   6   159  310 −151     9
7 New Danican                   10    2   0   8   107  229 −122     6

Group F

Chromatika 24–17 Rhineland Sued
Alpine Union 21–6 North Dajao
Space 6–30 Taeshan

Group F                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Alpine Union                  10    8   0   2   205  101 +104    24
2 Taeshan                        9    8   0   1   229  103 +126    24
3 Chromatika                     9    6   0   3   141  142   −1    18
4 North Dajao                    9    5   0   4   214  140  +74    15
5 Space                         10    3   0   7   129  209  −80     9
6 Rhineland Sued                10    2   0   8   107  232 −125     6
7 Velstrania                     9    1   0   8   102  200  −98     3

[Bongo Johnson]

**MD12 Cutoff**

[Bongo Johnson]

Matchday 12 Results

Group A

The Orion Islands 7–34 Drawkland
Bongo Johnson 30–26 Bojikstan
Sibandias 3–36 Firebolt

Group A                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Drawkland                     11    8   0   3   285  181 +104    24
2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec       10    8   0   2   238  125 +113    24
3 Bongo Johnson                 10    7   0   3   235  226   +9    21
4 Firebolt                      10    5   0   5   203  150  +53    15
5 Bojikstan                     10    4   0   6   190  188   +2    12
6 Sibandias                     11    2   0   9   150  279 −129     6
7 The Orion Islands             10    2   0   8   108  260 −152     6

Group B

Lisander 33–17 Abanhfleft
Pridnestrovia 40–12 Barunia
Tenburg 48–13 Mostly Idiots

Group B                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Pridnestrovia                 10    9   0   1   279  153 +126    27
2 Abanhfleft                    11    8   0   3   345  272  +73    24
3 Lisander                      10    7   0   3   218  166  +52    21
4 Barunia                       10    5   0   5   255  198  +57    15
5 Tenburg                       11    5   0   6   241  209  +32    15
6 Mostly Idiots                 10    2   0   8   147  307 −160     6
7 The Tiber and Wisdom          10    0   0  10   121  301 −180     0

Group C

Vangaziland 13–44 Allamunnic States
Qasden 7–45 Cosumar
Buddharia 21–34 The Kiaser Colonies

Group C                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                       10    9   0   1   330  191 +139    27
2 Allamunnic States             11    9   0   2   250  126 +124    27
3 Buddharia                     11    5   0   6   258  261   −3    15
4 Qasden                        10    5   0   5   229  262  −33    15
5 The Kiaser Colonies           10    4   0   6   222  227   −5    12
6 Vangaziland                   10    3   0   7   216  278  −62     9
7 New Jarwel                    10    1   0   9   166  326 −160     3

Group D

Newlands 0–10 Free Republics
Kaboomlandia 36–20 Amuaplye
Equestrian States 7–66 United States of Devonta

Group D                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Free Republics                11    7   1   3   187  148  +39    22
2 Kaboomlandia                  10    7   0   3   280  163 +117    21
3 United States of Devonta      10    7   0   3   262  143 +119    21
4 Hampton Island                10    6   0   4   137  112  +25    18
5 Amuaplye                      10    3   1   6   171  214  −43    10
6 Newlands                      10    3   0   7   105  176  −71     9
7 Equestrian States             11    2   0   9   127  313 −186     6

Group E

Gregoryisgodistan 3–6 HUElavia
Aggrey-Finn Land 0–24 Greater Vakolicci Haven
Newmanistan 33–3 West Phoenicia

Group E                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                   11    7   1   3   256  125 +131    22
2 Greater Vakolicci Haven       10    7   0   3   218  144  +74    21
3 Gregoryisgodistan             10    6   1   3   235  101 +134    19
4 West Phoenicia                10    6   0   4   238  197  +41    18
5 HUElavia                      11    4   0   7   140  223  −83    12
6 Aggrey-Finn Land              10    3   0   7   159  334 −175     9
7 New Danican                   10    2   0   8   107  229 −122     6

Group F

Taeshan 7–3 Alpine Union
North Dajao 3–17 Chromatika
Rhineland Sued 3–13 Velstrania

Group F                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Taeshan                       10    9   0   1   236  106 +130    27
2 Alpine Union                  11    8   0   3   208  108 +100    24
3 Chromatika                    10    7   0   3   158  145  +13    21
4 North Dajao                   10    5   0   5   217  157  +60    15
5 Space                         10    3   0   7   129  209  −80     9
6 Velstrania                    10    2   0   8   115  203  −88     6
7 Rhineland Sued                11    2   0   9   110  245 −135     6

[Taeshan]

It continues to be a strong tournament for the Fitin' Falcons behind the continued impressive performance of Quarterback Sam Clentimack and the defensive style that now tops group F with only 106 points against to a now second place 108 from Alpine Union. The most recent game was an impressive defensive affair between the two sides tied for the group lead, Taeshan and the Alpine Union. A final score of 7-3 to the Falcons pushes them into first place both in the table, and in the defensive rankings of their group. This puts them second in the whole tournament behind only Gregoryisgodistan who remarkably third in Group E after a loss to Huelavia. And they may not even advance past the Group Stage with current standings.

The defensive affair between the Fitin' Falcons and the Alpine Union was the exact opposite of their first Group stage meeting in which the Bisons managed a thrilling 37-22 win. The resiliency of the Falcons to come into this game fully understanding that they had lost, and to play so well for the full 60 minutes really was impressive. The 3 points against was rather impressive, and it means the Falcons are the Group F winners. Only three other teams on 9 wins, and one of them already with a loss it looks like the Falcons will be one of the highest rated teams going into the next round. With general playoff matchups based on a seeded system in the World Bowl this has many Taeshan fans excited about the prospects of a long run in the tournament. That said the team also very well remembers their cinderella run in the last tournament and that their previous foes Alpine Union won that tournament as the 15 seed over the 11 seed. Don't get complacent and you have a chance to win for the first time in decades.

[Tenburg]

Vols Might Not Be Ready for World Stage

Despite the recent win over Mostly Idiots, the Vols have been on an unfortunate slide recently in World Bowl play, with many of the biggest concerns they entered with rearing their ugly heads.

While some players have been consistently good, particularly on the defensive line, it seems to violence of the Tennish iteration of the game has gotten the club into trouble more than not, with two of the recent losses seeing a combined 100+ yards in penalties each for what are apparently overly-violent hits and other such grievances.

Additionally, while they showed strong to begin with, the cornerbacks are beginning to show their lack of speed, as many of the faster wideouts they've been facing have toasted them for td's recently.

The offense, too, while starting strong, has fallen ill, being unable to overcome the more challenging defenses they've faced.

It seems, unlike the national baseball Mets, that the Volunteers simply aren't ready for the world stage.

[Kaboomlandia]

Phoenix win critical game to stay in playoff hunt

Kaboomlandia Phoenix quarterback Travis Reuben attempts a pass against Amuaplye.

The Kaboomlandia Phoenix have uncharacteristically struggled to win games with their usual verve this World Bowl cycle. Despite their #2 rank in the world, the team has put up a mortal 7-3 record in Group D, with two of those losses coming against unranked teams. But the team showed what they can really do on Thursday, crushing Amuaplye easily with a 36-20 win to stay ahead of United States of Devonta for the final playoff spot in Group D. "Every game is a battle now, and now that we all know what's at stake I think it's brought the guys together," said head coach Ryan MacLeod after the game. "Everyone knows what they need to get done. Everyone's coming together."

The star of this game was Andrew Michaels. Returning to the tried-and-true method of giving the ball to the Tank and letting him power through, the veteran back tore apart Amuaplye for 158 yards and three touchdowns. "The big thing with our offense is that it's a dual threat," said Michaels after the game. "We can get 100 yards on the ground, 300 yards on the air, or even both. Trav's got a great arm and he sees the field really well." Indeed, despite the Kaboomlandians having lost three games, only three teams have scored more points than the Phoenix in this group stage.

The next two games are absolutely critical for Kaboomlandia. Their next game is against the United States of Devonta, who they are tied with in points. If the Phoenix lose the next game, they will likely not have the tiebreaker when all is said and done. Thankfully, the Devontans have historically been a punching bag for Kaboomlandia when the two meet in international competition, but nothing is guaranteed. If the Phoenix didn't have a playoff spot right now, they'd barely squeak in the back door as a wildcard team. "We don't want to get in the back door. We want to be in safely," emphasized MacLeod.

[Bongo Johnson]

**MD13 Cutoff**

[Bongo Johnson]

Matchday 13 Results

Group A

Firebolt 21–32 Bongo Johnson
Bojikstan 13–6 The Orion Islands
Drawkland 23–9 Royal Kingdom of Quebec

Group A                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Drawkland                     12    9   0   3   308  190 +118    27
2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec       11    8   0   3   247  148  +99    24
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Bongo Johnson                 11    8   0   3   267  247  +20    24
4 Firebolt                      11    5   0   6   224  182  +42    15  
5 Bojikstan                     11    5   0   6   203  194   +9    15  
6 Sibandias                     11    2   0   9   150  279 −129     6  ELIMINATED
7 The Orion Islands             11    2   0   9   114  273 −159     6  ELIMINATED

Group B

Mostly Idiots 16–34 Pridnestrovia
Barunia 37–33 Lisander
Abanhfleft 27–20 The Tiber and Wisdom

Group B                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Pridnestrovia                 11   10   0   1   313  169 +144    30  QUALIFIED
2 Abanhfleft                    12    9   0   3   372  292  +80    27  QUALIFIED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Lisander                      11    7   0   4   251  203  +48    21  
4 Barunia                       11    6   0   5   292  231  +61    18
5 Tenburg                       11    5   0   6   241  209  +32    15
6 Mostly Idiots                 11    2   0   9   163  341 −178     6  ELIMINATED
7 The Tiber and Wisdom          11    0   0  11   141  328 −187     0  ELIMINATED

Group C

The Kiaser Colonies 24–36 Qasden
Cosumar 27–10 Vangaziland
Allamunnic States 33–42 New Jarwel

Group C                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                       11   10   0   1   357  201 +156    30  QUALIFIED
2 Allamunnic States             12    9   0   3   283  168 +115    27  QUALIFIED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Qasden                        11    6   0   5   265  286  −21    18
4 Buddharia                     11    5   0   6   258  261   −3    15
5 The Kiaser Colonies           11    4   0   7   246  263  −17    12
6 Vangaziland                   11    3   0   8   226  305  −79     9  ELIMINATED
7 New Jarwel                    11    2   0   9   208  359 −151     6  ELIMINATED

Group D

United States of Devonta 41–49 Kaboomlandia
Amuaplye 0–23 Newlands
Free Republics 9–3 Hampton Island

Group D                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Free Republics                12    8   1   3   196  151  +45    25  QUALIFIED
2 Kaboomlandia                  11    8   0   3   329  204 +125    24
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 United States of Devonta      11    7   0   4   303  192 +111    21
4 Hampton Island                11    6   0   5   140  121  +19    18
5 Newlands                      11    4   0   7   128  176  −48    12
6 Amuaplye                      11    3   1   7   171  237  −66    10  ELIMINATED
7 Equestrian States             11    2   0   9   127  313 −186     6  ELIMINATED

Group E

West Phoenicia 35–13 Aggrey-Finn Land
Greater Vakolicci Haven 20–19 Gregoryisgodistan
HUElavia 10–3 New Danican

Group E                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Greater Vakolicci Haven       11    8   0   3   238  163  +75    24
2 Newmanistan                   11    7   1   3   256  125 +131    22
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 West Phoenicia                11    7   0   4   273  210  +63    21
4 Gregoryisgodistan             11    6   1   4   254  121 +133    19
5 HUElavia                      12    5   0   7   150  226  −76    15
6 Aggrey-Finn Land              11    3   0   8   172  369 −197     9  ELIMINATED
7 New Danican                   11    2   0   9   110  239 −129     6  ELIMINATED

Group F

Velstrania 24–15 North Dajao
Chromatika 13–6 Taeshan
Alpine Union 0–0 (F/OT) Space

Group F                      Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Taeshan                       11    9   0   2   242  119 +123    27
2 Alpine Union                  12    8   1   3   208  108 +100    25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Chromatika                    11    8   0   3   171  151  +20    24
4 North Dajao                   11    5   0   6   232  181  +51    15
5 Space                         11    3   1   7   129  209  −80    10  ELIMINATED
6 Velstrania                    11    3   0   8   139  218  −79     9  ELIMINATED
7 Rhineland Sued                11    2   0   9   110  245 −135     6  ELIMINATED