NSCF 23 - Everything Thread

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 9:22 pm

Post-match Media Conference
Time past Matchday Ten: 1 hours, 12 minutes

Schwartz Memorial Stadium
South Bend, Saguenay
Quebec and Shingoryeo

In attendance:

Baek Sang-Joon - Universite du Saguenay Fighting Irish, Beckett-Kelly Family Football Head coach
Mario Chun-Kim - Universite du Saguenay Fighting Irish, Dexter Ahn Offensive Coordinator
Donovan O'Mara - Universite du Saguenay Fighting Irish, Quarterback
Yoo-Ra Seo-Yi - Universite du Saguenay Fighting Irish, Safety
Jean-Henri Prud'homme - Press Officer

Gabriel-Lee Vigneault, Celine Michaud-Yi* - The Taegukgi
Noh Chan-Yeong, Lester Charron* - South Bend Daily
Reanne Tuktamisheva - Le Sagueneen
Jordan Lawless - The Rebel (Chromatika)
Jordan Nabongo - All-Banija Sports Magazine (Banija)

* - denotes that the journalist has not been allocated a question.

Question One (Gabriel-Lee Vigneault) : I'm going to start off with the question on everyone's lips today - Congratulations for the win, coach Baek. How are you feeling about today?

Baek Sang-Joon - I was extremely impressed with what the Fighting Irish was able to come up with tonight. To us, this had meant a lot. It wasn't easy for our lads and lasses after a particularly tough loss in Quebec City a month ago, and we knew that couldn't happen on our home turf again. Fortunately, we've managed to keep their feet slew-footed and blocked when we needed to do so, and we won the game. Plain and square.

Question Two (Noh Chan-Hyeong) : Noh Chan-Hyeong of South Bend Daily here. This question's to Ms. Seo-Yi- Going back to the match, who, out of all the players in our team, would consider as the defensive player of the match?

Yoo-Ra Seo-Yi - Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I do not believe that we have a specific player of the match this time around, especially as everybody have performed well. Still, thank you for your consideration.

Question Three (Reanne Tuktamisheva) : Reanne Tuktamisheva From Le Sagueneen. Has there been updates regarding the injury of Bae Sang-Ho, who was hospitalised following a collision with his teammate Terrence Nelson?

Baek Sang-Joon - Unfortunately we're still waiting to hear back from South Bend General (Hospital). There won't be any updates, but we do believe that it's best idea for him to sit out for a couple of months minimum, especially if we are talking about a potential collarbone injury. But we're taking it a day at a time, and I'll get back to you sooner than later.

Question Four (Will Jackson) : Will Jackson of RSPN, this is a question for Mr. O'Mara. Ahead of next week's match at Richardson and another one shortly after against Cold Hill in South Bend, many are already looking forward to watch you play against Aurel Strathos and Astrid Verona, two of the finest quarterbacks in all of college football. How do you plan to address the question of being underestimated ahead of the nonconference weeks?

Donovan O'Mara - Um....I don't know. You ask me. I believe that we have the right arsenal of players and excellent coaches who can bring out the best in us. Unfortunately, Deondre Rhine, who many have apparently said he's the best, isn't going to be the one I will be facing, so it's quite unfortunate. Still, I believe that the matchup will be great to watch.

Question Five (Aleksander Nordstrom) : Aleksander Nordstrom of Valanora Times here. What are your thoughts on the series of what's widely viewed by many as offensive revolution in the Nationstates College Football this Spring?

Mario Chun-Kim - It's a tricky question for us, especially as the team traditionally known for valuing defence and running game, and the northern climate of South Bend does not favour any pitchers and throwers out there, let's be honest. Still, I believe that for every offensive evolution that works comes with it a clear pattern, and we gotta stay flexible to it. The air raids and no-back offence we have seen over last half-decade aren't just flukes for no reason- the likes of Cold Hill, Felswyr State and Raynor all have made it work. Same goes to those in Woodlands, St. Croix and New Lakeland knew where to exploit our weaknesses. We are doing the same with Donovan and the quarterbacks for our brand of us, surefire thing right there.

Question Six (Jordan Lawless) : Hello, Jordan Lawless from The Rebel. How are you feeling about the nonconference fixtures, especially as the Fighting Irish enter a particularly difficult schedule, facing Richardson, Northern Moravica and Cold Hill?

Donovan O'Mara - We are all nervous, and we should be. Being overconfident about winning all three, without a clear plan and rep, can certainly backfire, so I cannot promise you that. But we will be ready, and we better, because the margin of error is smaller.

Question Seven (Jordan Nabongo) : Good evening. Jordan Nabongo from Busukuma. This is more of a general question about recruiting cycle. So the Universite du Saguenay is rumoured to have four international recruits in what's rumoured to be a large incoming class to start with. How are you feeling, especially with the official recruiting class set to be announced?

Mario Chun-Kim - From offensive standpoint, we are lucky to have landed two of the most exciting offensive line prospects in this world, while also adding an explosive wideout to bolster the passing game. What else is there to say?

Baek Sang-Joon - Well, I guess, one way to put it forward is...yes, also exciting. With the advents of technology and a smaller world, we are always going to expect more movements between prospective recruits across the Multiverse. All I will say is that we have a very good recruiting class that Saguenay hopes to translate into continued traditions of excellence.

The transcript continues right below...

by **NSCF** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 9:58 pm

Nonconference MD1 Cutoff!

Somebody told me that we have our saturday night football back in action!

Felswyr State University 7–14 Cold Hill University

Hoofstra University 24–31 Freedom's Altar University

Lismore Christian College (NWK) 46–68 Cavsar University (DRK)

Raynor University (VAL) 10–16 University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ)

Trent State University (TJU) 29–6 Mar Sara Tech (VAL)

Akers University (NWK) 17–32 New Lakeland University (CDG)

University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) 24–38 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)

Kohnhead City University (KND) 17–9 Sadeg State University (DRK)

Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR) 27–35 Salamantic Universities (KOR)

Swisston City University (KCU) 31–33 Université St. Croix (QUE)

Northern Dinagat State (BAR) 14–23 Vietussia Academy (UNV)

Université du Saguenay (QUE) 21–40 Richardson University (RAN)

* All matches are scorinated by Chromatika, with the exception of those featuring Felswyr State University and Freedom's Altar University.

by **Banija** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 6:45 pm

Blue Thunder defense shines in first ever trip to Valanora as Loyola records a 16-10 road victory over Raynor University

Loyola-Istria defense celebrates the game clinching interception on Raynor University's final drive

RAYNOR CITY, VALANORA- The Blue Thunder had a tough task today- corral the most explosive player in college football, Chinweuba Jelan. It is a job, of course, that is much easier said than done. So much easier said than done, in fact, that nobody's managed to do it. In 10 conference games this year, he has probably blasted a number of league records straight through the window, with games remaining. Twenty touchdown receptions, an insane average of two per game. Add in the fact that he has two rushing touchdowns and a special teams touchdown to add to that, giving him 23 all-purpose scores in just 10 games. There are no doubts as to why the fact he's already the #1 receiver for the national team.

The plan was to contain him. Limit his yards after catch. Don't let him get the ball in the open field. And although he got a large amount of touches(as he should!), the Blue Thunder's game plan seemed nearly singularly focused on slowing him down, and making someone else beat them. And it worked. We showed great faith in our defense. Had those pooch kickoffs, popping it up to the line in front of Jelan. That, and a combination of squib kicks, ensured that he couldn't get going with the ball downhill. And of our five punts? All five went out of bounds. Three truly out of bounds, the other two through the end zone. So don't let him get in the open field there.

The defensive strategy? Like a lot of Banija analysts guessed- double Jelan, blitz the quarterback, man up everywhere else. We continually got to the quarterback, with 12 QB hits. 5 of them were sacks, and redshirt junior Håkon Schau was pressured on both of his interceptions. Lukwago has been here a long time- and truly, it was probably the best game plan he's ever drawn up. The #1 offense? Shut down in its tracks, on its home field. The weather helped- 25 mph gusts of wind do not help any passing game. But this defense played brilliantly. Our opponents were held to just 224 yards of total offense. Their star player? He had 11 catches, but for only 67 yards. A paltry six yards per catch. Take away the 22 yard reception he had at the end of the first half, and he only had 10 catches for 42 yards. He lost a total of 8 yards on two shuffle passes, of course, which helps. Lots of short passes to him, but Uzoma and Ackermann were disciplined. Here is the most telling stat. Targets to Jelan 10+ yards past the line of scrimmage? 1/7 for 25 yards. No matter what they tried- motions, lining him up in the slot, shuffle passes, whatever... Ackermann and/or Uzoma were in his pocket the entire game.

Less gushing over the defensive gameplan, of course. You're all wondering- what the hell happened in the game?

The first quarter, was all defense. While we got a few first downs, it was mostly a series of three and outs for the Rockets. In the second quarter, with the wind at our backs, we were a little more aggressive throwing the football. On a 3rd and 8 from the Raynor 37, however, Ikenna took a bad sack, pushing the Blue Thunder all the way back to the 44. 4th and 15- what to do? Alanso Isa thought about it, and then sent out his kicker. "You know, a 61 yard field goal is insane at this level- but you saw the same wind I did. 2nd quarter, the wind was at our backs." And the kick went up, and the wind certainly carried it a few yards. The sophomore kicker just barely got enough leg, and with 11 seconds left in the first half, it was 3-0.

The next big play happened at the 4 minute mark. We were driving the ball down the field again. A 3rd and 3 from the Rockets 31. Okonkwo Besrat looked open on the slant route- but Ikenna did not see the senior cornerback, Edvard Johansen. Johansen stepped in front of the football, and brought to the Rockets 44. They were served new life. On a 3rd and 1 on that same series, Jelan basically had his own big play of the game, with a 25 yard reception. Eventually, Duke Bennett would punch it in on a 12 yard run with less than a minute left, to make it 7-3 in favor of the home team. And that was the halftime score.

Raynor University basically had their only legitimately long drive of the game coming out of halftime. They converted five consecutive third downs on this drive. They got close in, but our defense stiffened our backs. A sack by Abram Fairbanks on third and goal made Raynor settle for a field goal. But that extended their lead to 10-3. Things nearly went from bad to worse when, on the first Loyola drive after that score, Ikenna threw his second pick of the day. But our team stepped up, with Hassan Obi stepping up big time to block the Raynor field goal attempt, to keep it a one score game.

Both defenses were rolling at this point. Neither offense could do anything, and it was that way as nightfall came, and third quarter turned to fourth. But it would be the defense again that would make a play. On a 2nd and 20 from their own 15, Schau dropped back. But Fairbanks blew by the tackle and got to the quarterback quickly, causing Schau to panic. He threw it as he got hit, and it went right into the hands of Martin de Lafayette. De Lafayette got the ball at the 20, and sprinted into the end zone, leaping over Schau to cross the pylon. Boom. Just like that, with the PAT, it was 10-10.

The next play was controversial. The kickoff, right? But it would have consequences. As they kicked it to the upback, the Raynor upback had blocker. He started to rumble to about the 40. Our kicker, the last line of defense? But Sainey Kabbah plays without fear. He went for the hit, and got the tackle. However, flags came flying. Personal foul- targeting. Helmet to helmet. Kabbah was ejected. So no kicker for the rest of the game, plus no kicker for the first half next week against Felswyr State. But it all worked out in the end. We forced a three and out, and then, with 11 minutes to go, went to work.

We went for it all. A 60 yard bomb to Khalil Hauptmann was caught, and he was brought down at the Raynor 14 yard line. 3 plays later, Ikenna punched it in from 7 yards away on a run for Loyola's second touchdown. 16-10. Our punter missed the PAT, hitting the upright, so it was still 16-10. But we had that nice momentum. Raynor went three and out, and then they punted. Loyola got a few first downs, but eventually punted. Six minutes left. Raynor drove down the field, getting to the Loyola 25 yard line with about 3:57 left. But a strip sack by Kalactanian Defensive end Justin Peterson was recovered by Kohnhead linebacker Marcus Sandoval. And Raynor never got the ball back, as Loyola ran out the clock.

Alanso Isa was pumped after the win. "Look- this was a true battle of elites." The Head Coach said. "Two elite offenses, they've got the #1 weapon in this entire competition. But everybody stepped up. Ikenna had two picks- but never lost faith, kept leading our guys, kept fighting. Game ball has to go to the secondary though. Containing Jelan for under 75 yards of total offense? No scores? Only one big play? And not only that. We asked a lot of our players on D. We asked everybody else to consistently win one on one battles, because were going to leave them on islands. And we did that! We got pressure. Our man coverages largely worked. Outside of their touchdown drive, they never really got into a rhythm, and that is what the goal was. Championship effort by our boys." Amadi Ikenna, in post game pressers, wore a "Beat Richardson" T-shirt while Madue Uzoma, the senior corner, wore a revenge tour T-shirt.

Loyola's next game will be a home game against a 7-4 Felswyr State Firehawks, of Chromatika. It will, of course, be Senior Day.

Northern Moravica fans bullish about their team as they down long-time rivals UC-Baker Park on the road by two scores

Apollo Esther breaks out a big fourth quarter run to put away UC-Baker Park

COLLEGE HILL--BELLE HAVEN, COMMONWEALTH OF BAKER PARK- This may be the best team Northern Moravica has ever had in the NSCF. The most complete team. And this is a program with six conference titles and a NSCF title, so that is absolutely saying something. And Northern Moravica's fans are absolutely bullish over their prospects this year.

NMU has sometimes had a reputation of not being able to win their big games- especially non-conference ones. And that was true, for a while. Their NSCF 19 title run pretty much shot those narratives to pieces, but there is nothing like a Northern fan remembering a slight. Taking after their coach, Lance Kabuye, who seemingly remembers every single time somebody ever said Loyola-Istria had a better program than his. Did he take it personally? Most definitely.

Let's go back to NSCF 17 and 18. Both years, Northern Moravica and Loyola-Istria both finished 9-1 in conference play. Both years, Northern Moravica was ahead on the tiebreaker, and won the conference title. And yet? Both years, Loyola-Istria was widely considered the better team, both in the OSPI and just in conversation. NSCF 19? Northern Moravica won the title it had so long craved. But even the title couldn't rectify the feeling around the program that they did not get as much respect at their rivals to the South. And it was a feeling that bothered them to no end, starting with the head man.

And look- it's probably justified to think Loyola's a better program. I may get my house egged for saying this. And Kabuye might yell at me in his next post game presser. But Loyola's got twice as many title game appearances(4) than Northern does(2), and three times as many championships, 3-1. The fact that Loyola won two championships before Northern even won a playoff game, of course, comes to mind. And those old perceptions, those first impressions? Those die hard. That's one of the reasons why, even though Northern swept Loyola last season, even though they made the playoffs while Loyola went bowling, this season you wouldn't find anyone, outside of Northern radio, who would have put Northern ahead of Loyola.

Lance Kabuye has made it his mission to try and change that perception. How others perceive these two programs, of course, is up to others. But now let's talk Northern. There's always apprehension when it comes from a successful conference season to non-conference play. NMU's got a history of winning the conference, and then bottling it both in non-conference and in the playoffs. It's happened plenty of times before. Even last year, NMU finally had a 3-0 non-conference season, just to lose at home in the first round to Richardson University. Another great conference season. Another 9-1. Another conference title. But... Somehow, for the first time ever in school history this late in the season... #1 in the OSPI? Was it possible? Could they make the road to Busukuma(presumably) go through Herzegovina City?

Northern fans saw how this year could be different. The magic of NSCF 19, brought about again? They saw the way the team scored 27 unanswered at a whiteout in the Istria Lightning Yard. They saw the team win the conference emphatically, destroying their final opponents 53-0. The belief was there. You saw it here in this stadium. Northern Moravica fans came in droves. Some UC-Baker Park season ticket holders got pretty damn rich, probably selling single game tickets for this big game, between two 9-1 conference champions, for the price of their entire season ticket. The excitement of Northern fans, added to the fact that this is probably their favorite away day of the schedule? There was a whole big section of red- maybe a third of the fans? Add in

And you heard it at the end. It was 31-24 with 3 minutes left, when Apollo Esther broke one. His longest run of the season- 63 yards for a score. The red contingent going crazy. And as UC-Baker Park fans started filing out of the stadium, the Northern fans got more and more noisy. Home fans, of course, could try and leave early to beat the traffic once the game was out of reach. But these visiting NMU fans, where would they go? So they stayed and made noise. Partied on the streets throughout the night. Talking to them, you saw confidence oozing. So many nerves before this game, but this is a team that's on an absolute roll.

Picking a good time to play their best ball of the season. Now, they've got another tough trip to Saguenay. But the belief of Northern fans is through the roof. Again, NMU fans are getting ready to travel. Trying to buy tickets in droves- although we'll see if they can pull that off. But of course, there's nothing like the ticketless Banijan to street parties and bars all across the city. This is another huge game. But Northern laid down a marker today in Belle Haven. They believe they are #1. Are they the team of destiny this year?

by **Chromatika** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:31 pm

The Flame of the Firehawk: Rekindled
Part 11: Mutual Respect

Team   1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q   |  Tot
FSU     0   0   7   0   |    7
CHU     0   7   0   7   |   14

1Q
No Score.

2Q
09:11 CHU TD - Deondre Rhine 6 yard run (Harry Swift Kick)

3Q
06:33 FSU TD - Sage Sterling 44 yard interception return (Sara McAllister Kick)

4Q
05:11 CHU TD - Victoria Mio 61 yard interception return (Harry Swift Kick)

REBORN FROM ASHES, FELSWYR, MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, CHROMATIKA - With the deep winter around them and temperature in the twenties, the two teams that had faced each other in the NSCF 22 Title game squared up against each other in Felswyr.

The game ended up featuring six turnovers (three per each side), two pick-sixes (each from the player from the opposing team's nation), and both teams combining for less than five hundred yards of offense, a stat unheard of in the NSCF, let alone the Big Eight Conference. Sarai Gwenderyn was held to 14 of 31 passing for 201 yards and two interceptions and was sacked five times (two by Chromatik Candace Ferret), resulting in another sack-fumble. The Buffalo, on the other hand, also had three turnovers committed by multiple title winner Deondre Rhine, who returned from injury. What ended up being the difference was one heroic drive by Rhine in the Second Quarter and the timing of the interceptions.

With the defeat, Felswyr State drops to 7-4, all four losses occurring at home. The Firehawks can't wait to get out of Reborn from Ashes at this point. Not that their road schedule gets any easier - a game away at University of Loyola-Istria awaits, with the promise of difficult road playoff games in the future.

But enough about that... Football is more than a game. It's also about the relationships being made, the sportsmanship. Let's look at three moments that happened after the game.

SG-DR

The last time that two of them had met each other had been after the NSCF 22 title game in Belle Heaven. She'd promised to face him again, and he'd agreed for the same. Back then, life was good - Rhine had won another title and Gwenderyn was coming off a season in which she'd end up being voted the Most Outstanding Player. They had no idea what would come.

Rhine suffered an injury a third of the way through the season and had to sit on the sidelines while superkid Aurel Strathos lead the Buffalo toward another Big Eight title ahead of Richardson and Kohnhead City. Gwenderyn, on the other hand, had to suffer through stretches of play where the Felswyr State offense would go eight quarters without scoring. Despite having better personnel, Felswyr State actually scored less points than last year while conceding more than twice the amount in conference play.

Now, they were meeting again after a game where both had played rather badly. The Firehawks defense had held Rhine to only 14 points - not many defenses can claim that - while Gwenderyn had three turnovers as well. When a game has three touchdowns and two of them are interception returns, you know that it wasn't really the Quarterback that shined. That being said, Rhine had the one thing that Gwenderyn didn't - a touchdown drive that ended up being the difference.

"Good game," said Rhine as they met at the middle, "I've to say, you have a heck of a defense behind you. Never played against such a group as what you have on the other side of the field. Tell Sage that he got me good, will you?" It was interesting to see Rhine be so humble, but if there was one defense that had earned the praise, it was the Firehawks'.

"Yours isn't half bad yourself," answered Gwenderyn, "Your team is all class. It's always an honor to face you guys. I have to say, though, will you hold off the Chromatik players if we play each other in the playoffs? Candace almost killed me and Victoria... Well, I have words for Alessandra."

Deondre laughed genuinely. "You can say the same to Sage. Yeah, best of luck in your matches against Loyola and Kohnhead City, and maybe we will see each other one more time, right?"

The two continued to talk to each other for a few minutes before leaving with a handshake. Gwenderyn had lost, but Felswyr State had earned Rhine's respect.

AM-VM

When Cold Hill entered the match against Felswyr State, they decided to just let Victoria Mio handle her older sister, Alessandra. Victoria, with three inches on Alessandra, harassed Alessandra all game long. Sure, Alessandra once ran just by Victoria for a thirty-yard bomb, one of the bigger plays that Felswyr State had all game, using her speed and her experience; however, Victoria won the matchup. When Felswyr State was driving in the fourth quarter, Victoria reached in front of Alessandra's face, snatched the ball, and ran it back sixty-one yards for the deciding score.

Afterwards, it was Alessandra that reached Victoria first and drew her younger sister for a hug.

"You got me good," said Alessandra, "I can't claim anything else than that. Good luck against the other opponents, and maybe see you again in the playoffs, right?"

Victoria was stunned, but smiled back and replied, "Thanks. It's been fun competing against you, hope that you make it to face us, too."

It was probably the best post competition conversation the two had ever had.

SM-BAJ-SW

Usually, after every game, Sara McAllister took a shower and then went to speak to her Special Teams Coordinator before leaving. However, this time, the Special Teams Player of the Year had visitors.

First, there was Bo-Ah Jang, the only Kicker to be on the list for recruiting that was going to attend Richardson University. Alongside her was Shirley Woo, the University of Myana Kicker who had won the inaugural Chromatk Collegiate Gridiron Conference the day earlier and was transferring to Richardson the next year.

"I really wanted to watch you kick," admitted Bo-Ah, the mathematically minded architecture student who treated every field goal as an experiment of a math equation, "An extra point wasn't what I came here to see."

"Sorry," said McAllister, the more measured of the three, "Not as many opportunities today. Not really my place to question."

'Oh, c'mon," chided Woo, the more opinionated of the three, "You don't get flustered at all when you don't get to kick often because they're not getting into range nor scoring enough touchdowns? Nonsense."

The two looked at Woo in surprise, but then nodded in silent agreement.

Such was the life of a kicker. You did the best you could in the opportunities that were given to you, and you get blamed if you miss. However, without a good offense or a defense that creates turnovers, you weren't anything more than a kickoff machine.

And on that, all three could agree.

Chromatika will have four kickers in the NSCF next year McAllister, Woo, Jang, and Nydia Leon, who was going to be the kicker for Swisston City. Three Chromatik kickers in the Big Eight.

Chromatika was becoming a Kicker Nation.

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 10:31 am

After Mineral play ended in style with a road barn burner, the Trent State Feathercaps exited their first-ever NSCF conference season at a respectable 6-4. That's a pretty good job by Johnny Bridgeford overall, which saw his team go from 0-3 to be the only team to best the UC Warriors in conference play, but entering the 3-game non-conference schedule, it might be this period that will decide how good this season was for TJUN-ian football overall. Up first in this slate was a big game at Sherwood Field against the 9-1 Zephyr runners-up in the Raiders of Mar Sara Tech, one of the best overall teams in the sport and certainly a team not to be messed with. The crowd here in Notts would certainly be electric as any advantage would've taken by TSU heading into one of the biggest games it had ever played at this level.

This game began as tightly as you'd expect of a showdown of this magnitude, as the obvious advantages of Sander Ivarsson's Raiders were beginning to be nullified by the sheer power and pressure the crowd were putting on this team, especially QB Arquímedes Concepción. Concepción was still in the game at this point to produce some magic and he would score the first points of this contest, a 23-yard throw to Banijan freshman Kawsu Gaye, but starting kicker Ulrik Bakke missed the extra point to make it 6-0 Raiders early on. No one would know it then, but that would be the only points the visitors would score for the entire game.

The great run TSU would complete in this game began in that first quarter with a great response spearheaded by Gareth Baldwin, throwing the 15-yard TD and the 2PC to Victor Que-et-Vous to make it 8-6 Jags. The 2nd Quarter would see that lead extended via a 6-yard run by Baldwin, the extra point by Clayton McGee meaning TSU led 15-6 at half time. Once the teams came back out, things would only get better for the home team as Concepción threw a thing that is becoming a bit common in TSU games: an interception pass to Jessica Farron which would turn into the PIck-Six. McGee got another EP and the momentum was well and truly in the Feathercaps' corner at 22-6, but there was still time for 1 more moment of brilliance. In the 4th, Balwin shot a hail mary down the field not really expecting much but the ball would be miraculously caught in the endzone by Fremont Whitehorse to complete the 54-yard TD pass. McGee would have the extra point again and 29-6 is where this game would end, the crowd storming the field after witnessing one of the most unlikely upsets in the history of TSU football and maybe even the NSCF itself. Even JBBST couldn't believe it!

Balwin kneels it down and that will do it! You think you've seen it all in the NSCF and in Gridiron in general and then, from out of nowhere, a night like tonight happens. The Trent State Feathercaps, a team who started this debut season at 0-3, has beaten the mighty Raiders of Mar Sara Tech by 29 points to 6 in a game no one here in Notts and beyond will ever forget anytime soon!

This team has come so far so quickly in this sport and Notts couldn't be anymore prouder. Up next is the final road game of the season as the Caps head to the Roy Memorial Stadium to play the 7-4 Gladiators of Cavsar U, the 3rd best team in the Horizon conference this time around. This team's arch-rivals in Sadeg State helped the Wallabies of the University of Wisdom-Wollongmatta Bay make the Elite 64 in the NSCAA, so maybe there will be a few SSU fans watching this game and hoping Bridgeford's Caps can stick it to CU next weekend. WE ARE! TRENT STATE!

SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Freedom's Altar (YSP) L 13-20 OT (4th/0-1)
Week 2: @University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) L 9-20 (4th/0-2)
Week 3: vs Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR) L 30-37 (5th/0-3)
Week 4: @Vietussia Academy (UNV) W 33-9 (4th/1-3)
Week 5: vs Syracuse State (CRL) W 57-17 (4th/2-3)
Week 6: @Freedom's Altar (YSP) W 23-13 (3rd/3-3)
Week 7: vs University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) W 20-17 (3rd/4-3)
Week 8: @Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR) L 10-16 (3rd/4-4)
Week 9: vs Vietussia Academy (UNV) W 49-28 (3rd/5-4)
Week 10: @Syracuse State (CRL) W 50-36 (3rd in Conference/6-4)
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 11: vs Mar Sara Tech (VAL) W 29-6 (7-4)
Week 12: @Cavsar U (DWK)
Week 13: vs Swisston City (KND)

by **Drawkland** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 12:27 pm

HORIZON TITLE OBTAINED

Still, Questions Remain

Written by Randall Lucas

Well boys and girls, we've done it. After the unceremonious giving-up of the Horizon Conference title to Felswyr State last season, we've finally regained what's rightfully ours. We sit atop the Horizon Conference, playoff berth in hand, with just a few out-of-conference games remaining to boost our seeding and potentially give us an easier path through the playoffs. Knowing us though, we'll find a way to bottle it and have to go through some ridiculous gauntlet just to get to the semifinals (a place no Drawkian college has ever been).

Kohnhead City

I don't have a lot to say about this game. It was a crazy defensive struggle. KCU was used to playing in the high-flying Big Eight conference were points were more common than defensive stops. I'll admit, Sadeg State's defense is not exactly something to brag about, but at least they're competent enough to prevent the opposition from just throwing long bombs and gashing the interior all day. Kohnhead City would have to work for all their points, and they did. So you may wonder, how could a team with a porous defense that's known for giving up a lot of points but making up for it on offense hold us to merely 9 points?

It's simple: our running game is godawful. The cracks had been showing all season, with our inability to really put games away in conference play against the bottom-feeders. We had some shining moments against the likes of Cavsar and Felswyr State, but a lot of the credit for those wins has to go to Nick Parks' passing ability. Raymond Morgan is a solid back, but he's simply not consistent enough to get the job done. He consistently misses cutback lanes, and he doesn't seem to have that decisive step he had as an underclassman that made him so valuable.

The issue here is that Nick Parks is also a big part of our rushing attack, through the option and his improvisation on passing plays. But now, there's nearly two whole seasons of film on him at the NSCF level. Sure, he's still a good player, and his passing mechanics are what keep him from being a total dud right now, but his running is starting to get too predictable. Teams have started exclusively keying on Parks in the backfield for option plays, forcing him to give the handoff to the less explosive and more inconsistent Morgan. KCU figured the strategy and they used it to perfection. We simply couldn't get anything going on offense, especially in the face of their consistent pressure, and we ended the day with a mere three field goals to our name. It didn't help that the few times we were near the red zone we'd fail fourth down conversions that stunted our drives without points. Had we kicked field goals every time we were in field goal range, we ironically would've won the game 18-17.

The most frustrating part is that we were shutting down a normally destructive Mighty Eagles offense. KCU is noted for their mostly option-based attack, peppered with short and quick passes underneath. This is really effective in the more soft defenses of this season's Big Eight, but against our more hard-hitting and well-spaced defense, it was hard to KCU to really get downfield. The issue was that we couldn't win the field position battle. We held KCU to only three scores, but they had zero turnovers on the day and we never once got the ball on their side of midfield to start a drive. If you had just replayed this game again under similar conditions, we might've won. We just didn't get the lucky breaks we needed, and KCU plainly outplayed us.

Cold Hill Preview

And now, this week, we'll be playing in one of the most anticipated Out-of-Conference matchups coming into the season. In the preseason ranks compiled by the NSCF themselves, Sadeg State was actually listed as the #2 ranked team, #1 being Cold Hill. Now to be fair, Cold Hill was ranked far ahead of us point-wise, while we were just a little bit ahead of #3 (Salamantics), #4 (Loyola), and #5 (NMU). I looked into it, because the concept that our Skyhawks, bless their heart, were ahead of title contenders was completely baffling to me. Apparently, thanks to our consistently good regular season records, as well as making the playoffs every season, really helped us in these ranks. For these, consistency is key, and if there's one thing we're good at, it's being consistent(ly disappointing in the playoffs). For all their skill, Loyola and Northern Moravica have been trading off deep runs. While one plays Cold Hill in the championship, the other misses or loses early in the playoffs.

So, that stage being set, the Skyhawk athletic department made the ingenious decision to make a hyped matchup. We knew that by this point in the season there'd probably be better schools floating around, but the allure of a #1 vs #2 matchup from the beginning of the season is still going to make this a primetime game. While right now it isn't the most hyped matchup by OSPI rankings, it's actually still close. It's a #5 vs #6 matchup, between two 9-2 conference champions. A lot still rides on this game, and at least we have home field advantage going into it. Diamond Rhine is back in the lineup, and though he might not be his old self, recovering from injury, he's going to be a hell of a competitor. This is the game to watch this week, and let's at least hope it's not a gross blowout for either team.

Okay, I might be okay if it's a blowout in our favor. Sorry.

GAMES TO WATCH

As I like to do every out-of-conference stretch, here's the games to watch for this week of out-of-conference play. There's 3 kickoff times each weekend, with games starting at noon, games starting at 4 in the afternoon, and the evening games starting at eight.*

Noon Premier: Cold Hill @ Sadeg State
I hate to say we have the big matchup, because I'm a little biased, but come on! It's Sadeg State vs Cold Hill. The preseason #1 vs #2. The current #5 vs #6. Conference champion vs Conference champion. Both squads 9-2 and needing a win to keep up in the playoff race. Playoff rivals, even. This is the big game for this entire week, in my opinion, much less the noon kickoff slot. Hopefully this game kicks tons of ass and is fun for neutrals. This kind of matchup is what college football is all about.

Afternoon Attraction: Felswyr State @ Loyola-Istria
Let's be honest, the afternoon slate for this week is kinda weak, except for this game right here. According to OSPI, Loyola and Northern Moravica are tied for #1, and many power rankings would put one of these two schools at #1. Both of them play in the afternoon slot, but while NMU plays the currently mid-major Saguenay, Loyola will be taking on the bubble playoff team of Felswyr State. Sure, the Firehawks lost to Cold Hill, but they have a lot of fight in them, and they're somehow better on the road than at home. Expect this to be a crazy close matchup with heavy playoff implications for both teams.

Evening Primetime: SAFA @ Kohnhead City
The "Squidhead Cup", the new tradition of the Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy and Kohnhead City U, kicks off in the evening primetime. Rivalry games are one of the best parts of college football, and this is a new budding rivalry that's sure to impress. SAFA may not have had the sophomore season they had hoped for, as UC-Baker Park retook the Mineral Conference title, but they sit at 7-4 and a turning point in the season. A win here against KCU could mean that they can play with playoff-level teams. KCU themselves ended up sliding down in OSPI thanks to being beat up in the highly competitive Big Eight, so they need all the OOC wins they can get to stay in range for a playoff berth and a more-than-likely deep run. Both teams need a win, both teams want to beat their rival. It doesn't get better than this.

For Skyhawk Screech, I'm Randall Lucas. Screech On, Skyhawks!

by **Drawkland** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 2:07 pm

"How We Let Lismore Score 46"

Lismore Christian Academy ... Northwest Kalactin's newest entry to the NSCF stage. Much-maligned, 0-10 through the brutal gauntlet that was the Big Eight, and they had never scored more than 27 points in a single game, usually being limited to less than 20 points in a conference where defense is "poor" by design. The one exception was their 41-44 loss to Akers University, but Akers went 3-7, with two of their wins coming against their in-nation fellows. That one can be chalked up to a game where the defense was especially ridiculously bad, but on both ends.

Lismore had never scored more than 4 TDs against a "real" team, because usually that team does the smart thing and limits turnovers. Against a team like Lismore, you can run the ball down their throats all game, drain the clock, and still score a shit ton of points thanks to the Panther defense giving up huge plays.

Cavsar University came in prepared. They had the gameplan. Their breakout freshman running back, Mike Banks, was ready to tear up turf. The receiving core was ready to get a ton of touches, and the defense was prepared to feast on an ailing offense. There was just one problem. One person, who didn't seem to be ready for the challenge. Or perhaps, one who thought he was too ready, and thought he would be unstoppable.

Seb Rosario. The super-senior quarterback, three-season starter, and "adored" by the Gladiator faithful. In his final season, he was hallmarked by being able to come up with big plays for the offense, but coming up with too many big plays for the opposing defense as well. Turnovers were his issue.

The punter, Cyrus Taverna, only left the bench to go to and from the tunnel at the end and beginning of the halves. LCU, when they started on their own side of the field, never passed the 50 yard line. They still scored seven times, all of them off of short field turnovers.

With this in mind, the game was close until the end of the fourth quarter, entirely thanks to turnovers, all of which were thanks to Seb Rosario. This is what has led fans to give this game a title.

Cavsar University vs Seb Rosario

CAVSAR DRIVE 1
Cavsar lost the toss, Lismore Christian elects to defer to the second half. Cavsar gets the ball to start. The game opens up with a read option play, a handoff to Mike Banks. Banks makes one man miss, then runs 30 yards to midfield before being tackled. The Gladiators make quick work of the Panther defense, and the drive is punctuated with a Mike Banks 10-yard run for a touchdown. Rosario hits Joe Johan on a quick slant for the two-pointer.

CavU 8-0 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 1
Three and out, Lismore punts after a 1-yard run on first down and two straight incompletions.

CAVSAR DRIVE 2
Rosario looks good to start this drive, hitting Jonathan Kimbrough on a corner route for a big gain to start the drive. Lismore's defense was poorly suited for the formation, so Rosario got the offense into the hurry-up to run a similar play. He tried to fit it to Kimbrough again, but Trace Francis recognized the play and stepped in front of the pass to pick it off. With plenty of momentum and enough speed and shiftiness to juke out Rosario, Francis gets the pick six. A two-point play (quick route to Andrew Chambers from the backfield) ties the game.

CavU 8-8 LCU

CAVSAR DRIVE 3
Lismore's offense has touched the ball a total of four times, and the game is somehow tied. Cavsar needs a rebound, and thankfully they get one. They chunk up the field, getting past midfield before they even face a third down. On third and short just inside field goal range, Banks gets a handoff. Lismore's defense is set in an all-out blitz, but the blocking scheme was just right enough to spring Banks past the line to gain, and suddenly there's nobody in front of him. 35 yard rushing touchdown for Mike Banks, but the two-pointer (read option play) fails.

CavU 14-8 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 2
Lismore's offense improves a bit. They get a first down on a nice curl play from Edwards to Graham on the outside. They then throw three straight incompletions and punt.

CAVSAR DRIVE 4
With the lead back, it would be great for the Gladiators to make something happen on offense to pull ahead against this NSCF bottom-feeder. Instead, on a third down scramble, Rosario fumbles while attempting to reach for the first down marker around midfield. Vicente Dejesus scoops up the loose ball and returns it to the 20 before getting tackled.

LISMORE DRIVE 3
While 20 yards of offense is more than Lismore currently has on the game, a red zone opportunity is something the Panthers couldn't waste. Edwards is more of a field general type, but on a 2nd and 5 with the middle of the field wide open, he scrambles for ten to get first and goal. Gary Torres catches the perfectly-thrown fade route in the end zone to make it a tie game thanks to Cavsar's missed conversion. Taylor Stevens takes the lead with the PAT.

CavU 14-15 LCU

CAVSAR DRIVE 5
At this point every Cavsar fan is saying "what the fuck???? how are we losing right now?" This also appears to be what the Gladiator sideline is saying, so the offense gets to work. Rosario seems to be in more of a rhythm, hitting three straight passes for three straight first downs to get Cavsar across midfield. He throws a incompletion, hands off to Banks for a big gain. Third and short, Cavsar pulls off a pretty play action which springs Joe Johan wide open on a streak. Rosario hits him in stride and Johan cruises into the end zone to retake the lead. The two-pointer unfortunately fails again, as Rosario sailed the fade pass to Bennett Ruskel a bit too high.

CavU 20-15 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 4
Lismore has had trouble getting past midfield when they've received the ball from kickoffs thanks to the field position. This time they didn't have to worry about it, because their kick returner took the kickoff the distance to retake the lead instantly. Another PAT from Stevens.

CavU 20-22 LCU

CAVSAR DRIVE 6
At this point it's becoming madness for Cavsar that they're not trapped in a barnburner. This drive, hoping to eat some clock and tire out the Lismore defense, is more extended and relies on the rushing attack. Banks is nearing 100 yards on the game and it's not even halftime. The Gladiators rumble into the red zone, and Rosario takes the ball in from five yards out on a pass play scramble. A similar play from the same formation is used for the two-pointer, and Rosario runs it in again, rolling out from the other side of the pocket to throw off the defense.

CavU 28-22 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 5
Three and out, short pass, incompletion, run short of the sticks. Punt.

CAVSAR DRIVE 7
Finally, we have the lead again! We got this. Everything is coming up Cavsar. Look at this, a big run from Mike Banks on a screen pass! Sweet, a post route for Kimbrough to get the ball into field goal range! Look at Rosario making a play on his feet! He's rolling out, looking for a receiver, and he's - oh shit, he just got blown up from behind. Jacob Cooper caught him before he could toss the ball. Thank goodness it's just a - wait a minute, he fumbled it? Are you FUCKING kidding me?!

LISMORE DRIVE 6
The Panthers benefit from a decent fumble return, with just enough time left on the clock to score. Edwards manages to get the ball to Corey Davis on a slant, and a missed tackle in the secondary springs Davis free to score. With the PAT and just 10 seconds left on the clock, Lismore once again has the lead going into halftime.

CavU 28-29 LCU

CAVSAR DRIVE 8
With just 10 seconds left, it's likely that we won't be able to score before the end of the half. Ozzy Otten receives the kickoff in the end zone. He ... takes it out? He's looking for a return. My god, what a waste of time, now we won't be able to run a play- oh shit, he just sprung free. Ozzy Otten takes the kickoff for a touchdown with no time left in the half. Two pointer fails because Rosario has forgotten how to throw an accurate slant, apparently.

CavU 34-29 LCU - HALFTIME

LISMORE DRIVE 7
The Panthers get the ball to start the half. On the first play, Edwards' pass is tipped at the line by Trey Beasley. The ball floats for what feels like 40 seconds in the air before Paris Dane runs under it and snatches the ball for the interception. With momentum and most players not even realizing the ball was tipped until it was already picked off, Dane zooms into the end zone for the half-opening pick six. The two-pointer fails, because Deon Beverly seems to enjoy his draft stock tanking and he couldn't even gain two yards.

CavU 40-29 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 8
The Panthers vastly improve this drive. Instead of throwing a pick six on the first play, they instead go three-and-out and punt again.

CAVSAR DRIVE 9
Seb Rosario apparently hates having a two-score lead. His first pass of the half is also intercepted, but instead of being dumb luck thanks to a good defensive play, he just makes the shittiest read I've seen in my life and Trace Francis gets his second pick six of the day.

CavU 40-36 LCU

CAVSAR DRIVE 10
At this point, most people are fed up with Rosario's turnover issues, but he does still have two touchdowns on the day. Mike Banks decides to take matters into his own hands, literally, and Scott Linhart calls eight straight rushing plays for Banks, each one gaining over six yards. They try a read option to Rosario, he's tackled in the backfield. They hand it off to Banks again, he runs in 25 yards for the touchdown, his third rushing TD of the game. This time the two-pointer works, thanks to Banks taking a direct snap from the wildcat and the blocks lining up.

CavU 48-36 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 9
At this point, Lismore is facing an actual deficit, so if there was any time for their offense to get going, it would be now. They oblige, with Edwards leading the way in a quick bang-bang passing attack. At the 49 yard line, facing a third and medium, Edwards is strip sacked by Martin Kay, and the fumble is picked up by the blitzing Al Thatcher. Thatcher scoops it up, and Cavsar has the ball at midfield.

CAVSAR DRIVE 11
Seb Rosario doesn't like the fact that Mike Banks got all the glory last drive, so on third down he tries to take the ball on a read option even though that was kinda the wrong read. Adam Roberts absolutely smacks Rosario, who didn't have a solid hold on the ball, and the ball squirts out behind them. Jackson Gallagher was right behind Roberts, saw the ball, saw the lack of people in front of him, and cashed in on the scoop and score. Let's just put the Panthers back in the game, huh?

CavU 48-43 LCU

CAVSAR DRIVE 12
This time, the Gladiators use a straight rushing attack to keep the ball as far away from Rosario's hands as possible. It works, with Banks and Beverly getting the ball to the red zone. On second and goal, Rosario is entrusted with a stick pass to Kimbrough, and he delivers for the touchdown. The two-pointer uses some weird trickeration which doesn't pay off.

CavU 54-43 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 10
The Panthers finally get the ball back on offense, now in the fourth quarter needing a score to stay alive. They respond by Edwards getting sacked twice in the backfield. The third down pass to Gary Torres is a good start to maybe getting back on track, but on the run he's stripped by Kolton Land and Tristian Wilks is there to snag the bouncing fumble and return it for a fumble six. The two-pointer play is a wildcat jump pass from Banks to Kimbrough to finally, maybe, hopefully, put the game away.

CavU 62-43 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 11
With time waning and now being three scores down, the Panthers were in do-or-die mode. Two straight sacks and an incompletion forces them to punt, because going for it on 4th and 25 inside your own 20 is not a very smart idea.

CAVSAR DRIVE 13
We just need to put this game away. Some runs, some quick easy passes, and we should be good. Rosario, why are you scrambling? Why don't you just throw the ball away or something? Why don't you - oh, his pass was swatted by Kingsley Frank, who tracks the ball in the air and snags it before it hits the ground. Another interception for Rosario.

LISMORE DRIVE 12
Just on the opposite side of midfield, the Panthers do what they do best and barely get the ball going for about 20 yards at best. They actually manage to drive to the red zone, but a sack, incompletion, and sack leave them with too much space to go for it. They're forced to kick a field goal, despite the fact that the game is basically over at this point.

CavU 62-46 LCU

CAVSAR DRIVE 14
This drive is for pride. Rosario needs to prove he's not an absolute piece of shit bum. Unfortunately, Banks and Beverly get the majority of touches, until a play-action pass in the red zone to salt the game away. This time, Rosario hits Kimbrough on a corner route for a touchdown. The two-pointer, a simple read-option, fails.

CavU 68-46 LCU

LISMORE DRIVE 13
With 22 seconds left on the clock and a 24 point deficit, Lismore is boned. They try some deep passing routes, but none of them work, and the crowd (which has mostly dissipated by now) is silenced for good.

CavU 68-46 LCU - FINAL

IN CONCLUSION
Seb Rosario is a fraud and probably won't make the big leagues. I shudder to think how we'll fare against a real team like Trent State, New Lakeland, or (God forbid) a team in the playoffs.

Go Glads, amirite?

by **Banija** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 2:45 pm

Loyola Coaches Meeting, the Monday before their Week 12 home game against Felswyr State

"Well, we have a tough task this week my friends." Head Coach Alanso Isa said. "We saw how potent this Felswyr team was last season. We went to their house, after their first loss of the season, and they recovered to absolutely hit us in the mouth. They repeatedly beat us at the line of scrimmage, and earned a close win over our boys. Now, of course, far different circumstances. This time, we're 10-1, while they are 7-4. Records flipped. But they just went to the title game. They've got the Most Outstanding Player on their squad." He looked around. "This is a game we've got to win. The revenge tour must continue."

"Lukwago." Isa said to the Defensive Coordinator. Lukwago looked up. "What's the gameplan here? How do we stop them on our side of the football?"

Joseph Lukwago had been here a long time- longer than anybody. Longer than the head coach, longer than Zervos. It was always a weird situation when both Coordinators had been at a school longer than the head man, but that's exactly what happened for the Blue Thunder. The 74 year old assistant loved the game. Just like how the Raynor game was a huge challenge for him, he considered the riddle of solving the no split back offense one of his biggest challenges as well.

"Coach, here's what we're going to have to do." Lukwago said. "To give background- The Firehawks have a run'n'gun offense, similar to how we operated while Dennis was still playing." And he nodded at the Offensive Coordinator. "They don't have a single running back on the roster. And Sarai Gwenderyn is at the center of all that. With a trip to the title game in Year 1, they are battle tested. There's already no stage that's too big for them, although it's our non-biased(read as: extremely biased) opinion that they haven't seen anything quite like the Istria LIghtning Yard on a Saturday night. Gwenderyn won Most Outstanding Player as a freshman. She may be young- but she's cool and composed. She's fearless. She's mature far beyond her years. And, she's a southpaw. Here's the question- how do we stop this offense?"

"To stop them, we need to know what they will do. I've already talked about it a little. But what are the foundational components of their offense? First, of course, Sarai Gwenderyn. Everything goes around her. If we all assume Diamond Rhine is #1... She's got to be the next best in the NSCF? Of course, this is obvious- she's the quarterback. But she is tough, with the ability to run the ball as well as distribute it to her WRs. We've got to keep her contained. Second? Spacing. With no running backs, you can imagine. Pretty much always shotgun, four wide with a tight end. They put a ton of speed on the field. And all that speed can burn. They do a great job of scheming short, high percentage passes open with an opportunity to get the receiver into space for those yards after catch. Linemen getting upfield, lots of middle screens, shuffle passes, a lot of pre-snap motion. Everyone, besides Mio, is moving."

"We've got to have a specific strategy towards beating them. The only way to beat them is to get more speed on the field, to account for their edge speed, and make sure we play with a ton of discipline. We played with plenty against Raynor- but this is a different sort of challenge. All the movement will cause eyes to wander. They rely on beating us in those one on one matchups. That's what a lot of this sport comes down to, right? Winning those one on ones. The question is, how do we stop it? We recruited heavily on defense last year for a reason- for games like this. How do we utilize our talent?"

Lukwago looked around, and then continued. "Like I said- we need to get speed onto the field. We normally run a 3-4, of course. For one week only, we're going to test our defenisve versatility. The only way to really stick with them, is to play in the dime defense. That's right- six DBs. We'll play 3 down linemen and two linebackers, but functionally, Fairbanks will be primarily rushing the passer. So from a functional standpoint, we'll play a 4-1-6 base defense. The question, of course, becomes this- how will this work?"

"A lot of man to man, with a short zone/spy and a deep zone- or an extra blitzer. Sandoval and Bona will both sit for basically the entire game, outside of a few plays spelling our man Diouf in the middle." Lukwago then walked over to a whiteboard, diagramming it out. Repping the offense, he drew a traditional 4 wide shotgun set, with 2 WRs on each side, plus a tight end on the . "We have our four down linemen- Peterson, Araya, Getachew, and Fairbanks." He said them from right to left. "We have Diouf, in the middle. We're going to be asking a lot of him. That spy and short zone. Sometimes blitzing."

"We're really going to have to control the line of scrimmage. So frequent rotations of our linemen, especially Getachew and Araya on the interior, is key. And we'll have to mix things up. Sometimes, have Fairbanks play the middle spot for a few plays. If we can set the edges on the defensive line, and take away her ability to effectively scramble, she'll have to beat us from the pocket. Our ends can't be flying upfield as she sidesteps them."

"And then, our DBs. de Lafayette will play on Mio. The two Chromatiks should be glued to each other. She doesn't engage in a ton of pre-snap motion, so that should give him a chance to succeed. Mio is quick, big, and strong, but de Lafayette is aggressive, strong, and even larger. Honestly, he could play power forward at this school if he wanted." Lukwago said this last part while chuckling. "We'll start him out with one on ones. If that doesn't work, we'll make sure that there's a lot of safety help in his direction."

"As for the rest? Man to man, but not glued to a particular receiver. Uzoma will play the furthest outside receiver outside Mio. We're gonna move Ackermann back to corner for this game, and he'll play with Ouattara-Fischer. Those two will get the receivers inside Mio and whoever Uzoma is covering. And then with Markos Mesay and Lepolesa Ogaile at safety, Mesay will take responsibility for the tight end/WR5. Once you have a man, stick with him. Don't pass him off. Lots of pre-snap motion, so we'll have to rotate to keep our guys fresh."

"And, of course, we're gonna have to blitz. Lots of corner blitzes. We're going to have to run a lot of those drills this week. Our corners working on their explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. We've got to play contain. But fear not- we're gonna win this game. We've got a thunderous offense. If we can do it against the top offense in the NSCF- then we can do it against the Most Outstanding Player as well." And then, Lukwago sat down. The recruiting coordinator gave a recruiting update, and then the Offensive Coordinator went through his game plan. They were ready- could they get revenge for last year's loss in Chromatika?

by **Valanora** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 3:14 pm

It is safe to say that both of the major schools in the Empire are reeling after a very disappointing first week in the out of conference play, as the Rockets explosive offense was shut down in a combination of excellent defensive coverage and some high winds from an unseasonably strong storm coming from the seas. Meanwhile for the first time in the entire season, the offensive line of the Raiders finally looked like an unit that had not played together before this year and were in a bit of a disarray when traveling away to Trent State. This was supposed to be a game that the Raiders thought were going to be an easy win as they prepare for the more difficult game at the end of the regular season against the rivals of the Skyhawks of Sadeg State from Drawkland. However the team looked completely out of sorts and nothing like they had in the entire year, even in the two games that they had against the Rockets and it makes the analysts around the nation wonder if they can get back into the groove as Université St. Croix will travel to Mar Sara.

For the Rockets, they knew that this was going to be a game that was going to be difficult, going against one of the best teams in all of the NSCF and the Blue Thunder's defense definitely executed their defensive gameplan to a tee, keeping Jelan from getting the touches in open space that the star wideout is used to. It was clear that the Blue Thunder had singled out the wide receiver as the player to keep in check in order to keep the Rockets in check and it certainly came true, with the wind hampering any sort of deep passing game to one of the other receivers or Beckett out of the backfield. Loyola was able to capitalize on their opportunities, getting two touchdowns on the day, though the winds had their effect on the visitors as well as the home team with the second PAT being blown to the side and hitting the upright. An unusual amount of turnovers from the otherwise disciplined team, much like the Raiders in Trent State, ultimately doomed the Rockets attempt at a late comeback to get a signature victory over one of the competition's fellow blue boods.

The Rockets will feel a bit more themselves even if they were disappointed in not being able to get a signature victory over the traveling team from Istria, as they were in the game for the entirety of the contest and feel like they could have taken the Blue Thunder on any other day. The unseasonable weather and the uncharacteristic mistakes from the offense are rare occurrences and no doubt tilted the advantage towards the more defensive minded team. However they will be as troubled if not more by the completely disappointing showing from the Raiders in TJUN-ia, as it raises the big question that has been circling over the two Vanorian schools from roughly the halfway point of conference play, were they just two big fish in a small pond and were going to be found out in the out of conference games that they had scheduled? The Rockets have a relatively easy game on paper in the following week, hosting Akers University in the capital, before traveling to Ko-oren for another challenging game against the Salamantic Universities, one of the notoriously good defensive teams in the NSCF. It will be a second chance for the Rockets to make a statement and erase some of the doubts about the strength of the Zephyr conference and the Vanorian schools as a whole.

The Raiders get to finish their regular season with two home games but neither of them are going to be a game in which they will be the favorites for, especially after the completely morale destroying defeat that they had at Trent State. Both Université St. Croix and Sadeg State are among the blue bloods of the sport and the team will no doubt be reeling hard after that defeat and wondering what exactly happened to have them be so turnover prone when they had done such a good job at taking care of the ball during the regular season. However if there is one thing that can bring up spirits after a defeat where everything that could go wrong does, it is good news on the recruiting front, with the Raiders landing the very heavily pursued Matthias Gunderson, a defensive tackle from Chromatika. Five teams had officially offered the defensive tackle a scholarship, including the two blue bloods of Richardson out of Ranoria and Northern Moravica out of Banija. The tackle looks to be the jewels in the crown that has been a very good recruiting class for the Raiders, who look to have a second consecutive good recruiting class.

With USC having traveling to Swisston City and beat one of the very talented Kohnhead schools, it is clear that the side was not about to let losing the conference title deter them from their pursuit of a playoff spot. Sophmore Arquímedes Concepción will need to get out of his own way and try to put the poor performance behind him and watching the tape of the Swisston City against USC game and see how they were able to dice up the USC defense and try to replicate it. However failing that, the Raiders have the ever reliable Kiggwe Chasima they could rely on to get the squad going, the running back perhaps who should have been given a few more touches in the game against Trent State to try and stop the bleeding. It will be a very telling game to see where the head is at for all of the Raiders, to see if they are taking all the criticisms being thrown at them to heart or if they are buckling down and looking to bounce back from the loss in much the same fashion as they did when the Rockets defeated them in week 9. This team has been very good at overcoming adversity this season, now will be its biggest test if they are able to do so again, making it their calling card for the season.

by **Cassadaigua** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 5:18 pm

Tycoons win first non-conference game,
By Lauren Piscotty, New Lakeland University Student Press

With the conference schedule complete, New Lakeland University embarks on their three game non-conference schedule. It is not easy, and might serve as a reality check for some who are thinking way too big right now, but it always did seem that the first game of the three, against Akers University, would be the easiest. Akers is based out of Northwest Kalactin, and unlike that nation’s other school, Lismore Christian College, who won a grand total of zero games, Akers pulled off three wins. That meant two were over Lismore, and they were otherwise 1-7 in the explosive Big Eight conference.

The Capitals of Akers won the coin toss, but deferred to receive to begin the second half. They would be hoping for their defense, a group that allowed 39.2 points per game, could control the Tycoons on the opening drive. New Lakeland was able to move the ball down the field pretty easily, but a couple holding penalties once they got inside the Akers 30, made matters difficult, and we had to settle for a 50-yard field goal by Bethany Yarwood, that was drilled by the Junior Financial Ethics major. But that Big Eight offense would not get the job done, struggling against the defense of New Lakeland throughout the first half. Erika Traynor hooked up with Shannon Ross on a 46-yard TD reception to make it 10-0 to end the first quarter. This pressure continued as the defense managed to get a safety early in the second, and that was later followed by a Taylor Oakes TD run, from 27 yards, to make it 19-0. Akers did get a TD of their own on a Sherman Dixon run, but conceded a 47-yard field goal with no time left in the first half from Yarwood to make it 22-7 in favor of New Lakeland at halftime, and all seemed well.

Akers could not get their offense going in the second half, either, and soon fell behind 29-7, and 32-10, before the ultimate final of 32-17. It was another strong game for quarterback Erika Traynor, who has really done a stellar job in her first year of NSCF play. This win, by the way, will go down as the 10th in a row for NLU. Traynor said after the game that, “I do feel pretty good, but everyone is playing well around me too. When you have confidence, you are going to make many more right decisions than you will make wrong ones.” The next opponent is Swisston City, out of Kohnhead, and this is a team that despite their record of 5-5 is going to pose a huge challenge for the Tycoons, and it can really go a long way in seeing just how good we may be. I say this because Swisston plays some really good schools there in the Big Eight, and coming away with a 5-5 record is much better than it seems. They aren’t one of the big three of the big eight, but they may be getting closer. Our Tycoons aren’t sneaking up on anyone now, so I expect a battle. I hope it goes well, though!

by **Ranoria** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:06 pm

Diamond Rhine's Return A Victory,
But a Spotty One as The #2 Ranked School in the NSCF Waits

Those in attendance at Reborn From Ashes didn't know how to react when Deondre Rhine, who's return was a tightly kept secret, came running out for pregame warmups

We can say, firmly, that no one expected Deondre Rhine back this season. Even with the injury aside, expecting him to keep his grades up enough to be eligible for football was a long shot, especially with the expectation of his collegiate career being over. And it was a well-kept secret. Cold Hill participated in a media event in Chromatika before the game, an event that Rhine wasn't present for. So when he showed up in pre game warmups, all eyes were on the helmsman.

And we'll be the first to tell you: it's very possible he came back too soon. He threw a triad of interceptions in what was by far his worst game of the season, one an interception to Sage Sterling. The Buffalo seemed content to try and stick with a quick passing game, trying both to not give Felswyr a chance to get the ball and to keep Rhine out of harm's way after he came back so quickly from a brutal injury. Overall? Disastrous. Checkdowns, slants, Rhine can hit them, but that isn't his game. And once the Firehawks figured out what was going on, and recovered from the shock of the best quarterback in the NSCF returning, they had him pegged.

Fortunately, Victoria Mio would be the hero in this one, with a highlight-reel interception against her sister Alessandra in the fourth quarter to break the 7-7 tie. Felswyr has given the Buffalo fits in both our contests, one being a 20-13 slugfest in last year's NSCF championship. The Firehawks held Rhine to just one of his signature, big plays in what was the longest passing play they allowed all season, a touchdown bomb that would be the only difference between two teams who are incredibly evenly matched despite their stylistic differences.

But enough of that. Chromatik media was incredible in covering that game, so check out their summary if you want one. We're on to the next one, arguably the most anticipated non conference matchup this season barring the Rebel's Cannon Bowl. Cold Hill will be traveling to Skyhawks' Gridiron Park, home of the best hawks in the NSCF, at least for the remainder of this season, as they are the Horizon conference champions.

There's a lot of bragging rights riding on this one. First off, coming into the season these were the 1^st and 2^nd ranked schools in the NSCF, which was part of the reason the teams were so eager to lock horns. Second, they're both conference champions, and both riding high at 9-2, despite Sadeg State's recent loss to Kohnhead City. Speaking of which, now we're under more pressure. Remember, the Mighty Eagles beat the Buffalo in the Big 8 championship game. While the game isn't counted per NSCF rules, the conference is sure as hell going to remember it. Since those Mighty Eagles beat Sadeg State, if the Buffalo don't do the same, it'd be a huge letdown.

Of course, don't talk about losing to the Buffalo faithful. A congregation of just under thirteen thousand Ranorians will be traveling to Drawkland, and likely have trouble reaching pretty much anything. Not all of them are going to have seats, some are simply traveling to the great nation for the media frenzy of this game and the experience, but all of them are betting on Cold Hill going in and taking care of business in what should be a shootout between a Nick Parks offense and Deondre Rhine's unit. Should be. The only question?

You know. Deondre Rhine.

Did he come back too soon?

According to statements from players and coaches, the second Rhine walked into the room, there was no question who was taking the field for the Buffalo. Aurel Strathos had been fantastic so far, but Rhine may as well have been king in that locker room, and a veritable god on campus. However, his status didn't seem to help him much, as he passed for just 219 yards on thirty four attempts, and more worryingly was held without a touchdown pass to weigh against three interceptions. Plenty in the media are arguing that not only would Strathos, healthy and fresh, be better for the team right now, but that if Rhine keeps playing like he does, he's only hurting his draft stock.

With Ranoria State quarterback Ricky Cappa flying up draft boards after his pro day performance, Rhine coming out and laying eggs like the one against the Firehawks could see him lose what was a surefire number one selection with the Winnipeg Mountaineers. Of course, some say he should tank intentionally to get away from that disaster of an organization, but the point stands that he was not his usual self. He looked to be playing scared, throwing the ball too quickly on two of his interceptions the second he felt pressure, and he wasn't as confident in his legs to run around with his big frame as he usually is.

So, what's the solution for him?

Some would say to tell the coaches his leg feels too weak to play on. We disagree. If Rhine wants to play through injury, to be perceived as some sort of warrior? For his legacy, to restore his draft stock, he's going to have to come into Drawkland with war on his mind, ready to clip the tongues of the doubters once and for all. Deondre Rhine is going to have to get past the devolution a week ago that made him play like some half assed version of his best. He's going to have to throttle one of the best teams, this season or historically, in the NSCF, and he's going to have to do the same to a John O'Mara led, electric Saguenay team a week after that.

But more than anything? He wants to shake these new injury concerns to rest, well, the man, the best Cold Hill quarterback to ever do it, said it best.

When asked what the next step was, and how he planned on securing his position as the number one overall pick, Rhine was as clear as the gemstone that he's been named after.

"If I want the country to see me like they did, to be reminded of how I caught their eyes and imaginations in the first place, then there is no road left but the one that leads to the end." Rhine stood up, stared the camera dead in its lense, and nodded, "I have to run the table one more time. I have to be a three time NSCF champion."

With that, he left the press conference...and prepared for a game the next day that has been circled in red since it was scheduled before the season.

by **Chromatika** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:20 pm

Felswyr State's Road Record

NSCF 22 Games Played: 6, Games Won: 6, Points Scored: 180, Points Allowed: 66
Week 2: @ New Paradise University, W 28-3
Week 4: @ Cavsar University, W 30-3
Week 6: @ Aubergine-Bark Sports School, W 28-10
Week 8: @ Sadeg State University, W 28-10
Week 10: @ Surrey Perimeter College, W 16-13
Week 13: @ Kohnhead City University, W 50-27

NSCF 23 Games Played: 5, Games Won: 5, Points Scored: 153, Points Allowed: 61
Week 1: @ Rickendor Central University, W 39-12
Week 3: @ Carsar University, W 27-16
Week 4: @ Hoofstra University, W 34-9
Week 7: @ Sadeg State University, W 33-7
Week 10: @ Laneca University, W 20-17

Total Record So Far: Games Played: 11, Games Won: 11, Points Scored: 333, Points Allowed: 127

Next Up: University of Loyola-Istria.

Why is Felswyr State So Good on the Road?

1. Their defense shuts down the home crowd. With the speedsters on the edge, the cornerbacks on islands an an ever-confusing scheme, Felswyr State shuts down any home crowd before they can really get going. Note that the average margin of victory is 18.7 points, and they've only won by less than a touchdown twice, ever.

2. Sarai Gwenderyn is sharp. Last season, she scored 184 points in 9 matches at home while scoring 180 points in 6 matches on the road. This season, she's scored 121 points in 6 matches at home while scoring 153 points in 5 matches on the road. As you can see, somehow, she's much better on the road.

3. Sara McAllister. On the road, special teams matters even more than at home, and McAllister is Ms. Automatic.

But will that be enough to overcome Loyola-Istria?

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Trip to Richardson no easy path
by Aaron Hardison
UC Correspondent for The Times

Richardson University of Ranoria have appeared on the schedule all six seasons that the University of the Commonwealth have taken part in NSCF competition, the only opponent to have done so. Much as Northern Moravica dominate their conference with their in-country rivals, the Governors also battle for supremacy with their biggest rival, Cold Hill, atop the Big Eight. Kohnhead City have stepped in to make it a three way battle now, but RU still have a giant head start in bragging rights over the upstarts.

Richardson come into week 12 off a comprehensive victory over Universite du Saguenay to push their record to 8-3; a season ago, they were one of a handful of schools along with UC engaged in a sort of round-robin elimination to earn one of the final playoff berths, a goal they accomplished spearheaded by a win at Gleason Field.

The Warriors put up a strong showing in the 38-24 loss to NMU, and another output of the same quality will certainly give UC a good chance of stealing a road win in the race for the top seeds in the playoffs.

At the end of the regular campaign, seven teams finished at 9-1; four of those seven (UC, Sadeg St, Raynor City University and Mara Sara Tech) lost their opening non-conference matchup, and the group of teams at 8-2 or 7-3 began to close up in the middle, making the possibility of another traffic jam of strong teams more numerous than spots available likely.

The key matchup should be the UC defense against the Governors offense; the NMU game was only the third time UC has given up more that 24 points this season, and the unit has been tough quarterbacks especially, with 34 sacks and 27 interceptions. RU fired their longtime coordinator Eric Dietrich following the 51-17 defeat to Kohnhead City.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Warriors DE Albus Vergol, who has had a spectacular first season, and a chance for one of BP's own, Governors LB Clancy Gluber to show his talents to his fellow countrymen.

by **Kohnhead** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:37 pm

The defense finally showed up when the offense faltered

Maybe our offensive stats were inflated by playing in the Big Eight

It was the first week for Kohnhead City to try and prove that the Big Eight is as tough as everyone has been hyping it up to be and that we are better than a 7-3 record suggests. It also gave our offense a chance to try and show that they can win and score against teams with better defenses that we find in the offensive centered Big Eight.

When two of the better offenses in the NSCF (Kohnhead City was #1 at 45 ppg and Sadeg State has a respectable 28 ppg) meet including the elite Kohnhead City unit a 17-9 scoreline is not one that you would think would happen. We have known for a long time about how good our defensive line is and it shut down a Sadeg State team trying to establish the run with quarterback Nick Parks normally a big part limited in his efforts and Raymond Morgan couldn't anything going against River&co.

Offensively it was our worst output on the season a testament to how dominant we've been with our second worst offensive game being the 34-24 loss to Richardson in week three. The big thing is the adjustment to better defenses in the Big Eight, last year the adjustment was easier with Richardson like normal being a top three defense but this year with their regression and falling off the face of the earth defensively our offensive line which had been so dominant just had a hard time blocking a much stronger Sadeg State defensive line.

In addition Herman Whitworth as we know has been dealing with a back injury (as it's been confirmed) and it will require surgery in the offseason however he's playing through it. Whitworth was limited against Cold Hill in the Conference Championship and this continued against Sadeg State where he only rushed for 42 yards against a very stiff defensive line, Whitworth however says he is at full strength and that it was more of a reflection on the Hathaways and the rest of the defensive line as well as the linebacking corp who while not the best at coverage helped a lot in rush defense.

Joseph played decent through the air throwing a touchdown to Edwards and he also rushed for one juking out multiple defenders on a 34 yard touchdown run that has become a staple of his game. Overall the offense really struggled and this is concering however the defense stepped up big time and we scored when we needed to and our defense played especially well on the crucial fourth downs limited Sadeg to three field goals and preventing crucial points against an agressive team that was not always inclined to settle for three going 0-3 on 4th down attempts in field goal range.

Next Saturday Night we host the 7-4 Squidroidian Armed Forces Academy Squidbreak whose defense continues to show cracks after allowing 35 to Salamantic of all teams, however our rivals in the Squidhead Cup will be seeking revenge after last season and it has gotten to the point where every game matters for them in their hunt toward the playoffs after losing the Mineral Conference out. While I think we are going to win, it will not be an easy feat as we learned last year but hopefully Kohnhead City will improve to 9-3 and host the Squidhead Cup for the second straight year.

Swisston fall to 5-6 in shootout with St. Croix

A two point loss to one of the top defenses and upper class teams in the NSCF is nothing to shake your head at

Swisston City was trying to help prove that the Big Eight is good in more than name only and a two point loss to the Université St. Croix a team with one of the best defenses (6th ranked heading into the out of conference schedule) in the NSCF. St. Croix sat at 8-2 following a heartbreaking loss to their rivals in Quebec and Shingoryeo with the Université du Saguenay beating them by 13 to give the Woodlands to newcomers New Lakeland University out of Cassadaigua.

St. Croix came into the game at Patterson Oil Arena ready to make up for last week's loss and looking for one more win to confirm their place in the playoffs and it wouldn't come easy. Diego Rodriguez would throw for 351 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions against as we outlined earlier a very good defense. All three of those touchdowns would go to Sophia Ball who dominated on the inside hauling in 8 passes for 179 yards and as mentioned previously three scores.

We would take a 21-3 lead at halftime with our offense doing quite well and Rodriguez throwing for two of his three scores and Nobles taking one in from 17 while our defense had absolutely shutdown Jong-Yeon Han and the offense of the Bleu et Blanc forcing two turnovers and three punts while limiting them to one field goal.

However our defense which has been quite weak this season although playing in the Big Eight doesn't help and allowed a 7 play 83 yard drive by their offense to score to start out the second half meaning it was 21-10. Four plays later Rodriguez would throw a 62 yard pick six and St. Croix were right back in the game. The next points were a field goal from us to make it 24-17 and they responded with three points of their own making it 24-20. Swisston City would look to answer right back driving into the redzone but then Rodriguez underthrew William Carey and LaMarcus Alonso would record his second interception of the game denying us the score.

St. Croix would take the poor flow from Rodriguez and turn it into points with Vincent Faïnicka taking a pitch and scoring from seven yards out to give St. Croix the lead with 4:22 remaining, however Rodriguez and the offense were not perturbed and would calmy march down the field. In the end Rodriguez rolled right and found Ball in the endzone for a 33 yard touchdown with 2:19 remaining and we celebrated making the PAT to go up 31-27 however the question we were all asking was had we left them too much time?

St. Croix would execute a pefect two minute drill getting to a first and goal with time to spare allowing them to punch it in if they could get past our defense. First down would be a quick pass to Kuczynska on a fade but Gordon was there to prevent the score. On 2nd down Han had an open Raphael Bentinck in the endzone but he overthrew the tight end bringing up third down. Following a false start they were suddenly 11 yards away and Han would fire to Hunter Iyotake on a slant over the middle but a quick tackle from Natalie Fuller the freshman prevented the score and St. Croix would burn their finally timeout with three seconds left on the clock.

Let's set the scene, three seconds left on the clock and it's 4th down and goal from our three. At this point the clock doesn't matter because all that's left is time for one play and it's 4th down so even if it takes less than three seconds they need to score. It's a 31-27 game meaning that St. Croix cannot kick a field goal and need to go for a touchdown even though it's fourth down, let's go into the mind of announcer Mike Hartell.

"4th down and goal here for the Bleu et Blanc, three seconds left. The ball is snapped to Han who rolls right, fakes and fires back of the endzone and it is caught by Raphael Bentinck and there's the signal, they've done it. Touchdown! The comeback is complete, and it's over what a game, what a game St. Croix defeats Swisston City 33-31 in one remarkable game. The crowd is in a stunned disbelief and I don't blame them, Carlson was inches away from knocking that pass down but Raphael Bentinck is a hero for St. Croix tonight."

While the loss has to hurt for Swisston City they were not supposed to win this game and while it eliminates all real hope of a playoff birth it's still been quite a successful season for the newcomers, and with New Lakeland going to the playoffs as winners of the Woodlands it means the likely Pioneer Bowl matchup will be Trent State-Swisston City coincidentally the matchup we will see next week. Trent State started out the season 0-3 but went 6-1 to finish conference play at 6-4 before they upset Mar Sara Tech in the first out of conference week to improve to 7-4. We will be traveling to Sherwood Field to play them on the road in what could be a preview of the Pioneer Bowl. However it must also be noted that Trent State are still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot and might not end up playing us in the Pioneer Bowl. Swisston City fought well and now we must move on to Trent State, Army Knives Vs. Feathercaps let's get it.

by **NSCF** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 9:29 pm

Nonconference MD2 Cutoff!

When you're young, you're always going to feel like you are at the Edge of Seventeen.

University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) 15–31 Felswyr State University (CMT)

Northern Dinagat State (BAR) 23–41 Freedom's Altar University (YSP)

Raynor University (VAL) 41–20 Akers University (NWK)

Sadeg State University (DRK) 24–20 Cold Hill University (RAN)

Richardson University (RAN) 33–9 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP)

Vietussia Academy (UNV) 33–23 Fair Haven State (BAR)

Salamantic Universities (KOR) 73–30 Lismore Christian College (NWK)

Université du Saguenay (QUE) 22–20 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)

Kohnhead City University (KND) 13–7 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR)

Mar Sara Tech (VAL) 27–16 Université St. Croix (QUE)

New Lakeland University (CDG) 31–23 Swisston City University (KCU)

Cavsar University (DRK) 40–17 Trent State University (TJU)

Hoofstra University (KRD) 27–3 Stevan Vaalburger Academy (ALS)

* All matches are scorinated by Chromatika, with the exception of those featuring Felswyr State University and Freedom's Altar University.

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Sat Apr 03, 2021 7:01 am

Final: Cavsar Gladiators (DWK) 40-17 Trent State Feathercaps (TJU)

Scorecard
Q1
CU TD - Rosario to Ruskel (23 yards, Upton EP Missed)
TSU TD - Baldwin to Whitehorse (14 yards w/ McGee EP)

Q2
CU TD - Rosario to Johan (34 yards w/ Upton EP)
TSU TD - Baldwin to Whitehorse (8 yards w/ McGee EP)
CU TD - Rosario to Johan (14 yards w/ Upton EP)

Q3
CU TD - Rosario to Sanders (21 yards w/ Upton EP)
TSU FG - McGee (34 yards)

Q4
CU FG - Upton (35 yards)
CU FG - Upton (23 yards)

Welp. Cavsar U were certainly the better team here at Roy Memorial Stadium and TSU's slim playoff hopes might be down the drain, but no matter anyways. Johnny Bridgeford's done an incredible job just to be in a position like this in the first place and considering where we started, 7-5 is surely taken indeed. But we still have 1 more game: Senior Day, the final home game for our graduates in the Class of 23, and against the Army Knifes of Swisston City, we hope to end our first regular season on a high. WE ARE! TRENT STATE!

SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Freedom's Altar (YSP) L 13-20 OT (4th/0-1)
Week 2: @University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) L 9-20 (4th/0-2)
Week 3: vs Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR) L 30-37 (5th/0-3)
Week 4: @Vietussia Academy (UNV) W 33-9 (4th/1-3)
Week 5: vs Syracuse State (CRL) W 57-17 (4th/2-3)
Week 6: @Freedom's Altar (YSP) W 23-13 (3rd/3-3)
Week 7: vs University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) W 20-17 (3rd/4-3)
Week 8: @Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR) L 10-16 (3rd/4-4)
Week 9: vs Vietussia Academy (UNV) W 49-28 (3rd/5-4)
Week 10: @Syracuse State (CRL) W 50-36 (3rd in Conference/6-4)
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 11: vs Mar Sara Tech (VAL) W 29-6 (7-4)
Week 12: @Cavsar U (DWK) L 17-40 (7-5)
Week 13: vs Swisston City (KND)

by **Ranoria** » Sat Apr 03, 2021 1:28 pm

Richardson Crushes Baker Park, Extends Win Streak to Four With Rebel's Cannon Bowl on the Horizon

Saul Thomas Sr takes the handoff on a touchdown run

In their last game in Dietrich Stadium this season, Richardson University throttled a long time rival in Baker Park, a 33-9 bludgeoning that showcased just what this team can do when they're dialed in. The Warriors run-first approach was rendered helpless as the Richardson front four were able to consistently reset the line of scrimmage, and give Clancy Gluber plenty of time to produce the most dominant performance of his career against his home nation's premier football program. Gluber would finish with a career high 16 tackles, with three tackles for loss and a sack for good measure.

For a brief moment, UCP had an opportunity to take absolute control of the fifth showdown between these two programs.

Leading the 8-3 Governors 6-0 after 12 minutes and fielding a punt at the end of the first quarter, the Warriors started to look like the championship-level program we know they are. Senior quarterback Brandon Bullins threw a beautiful pass on the first snap of the drive, a high-arching lob to senior wide receiver Matt McDonald down the far sideline for 33 yards, and the passer hit a 16 yarder on an ensuing third down to get his squad inside the red zone.

But a few plays later, Bullins lobbed it up to the 6'4" McDonald again on a goal line fade. This time, unfortunately, he was covered by Governors star Makang Secka. We won't argue that the Banijan Ballhawk has been perfect this season - no one on this defense has been - but when he beat McDonald with an athletic reeling in of that interception, the roar of the Richardson faithful may have been just what we needed to turn momentum in our favor.

UCP’s chance to stun a stumbling Governors team was lost. And Richardson immediately capitalized. After that big play, Secka's 6th interception of the season, Ezekiel Bantoba wasted no time, driving down the field in a hurry and dialing up big play threat Baraka Hali from twenty four yards out to score the game's first touchdown.

From that point on, the Governors were a symphony— fast, distinct and aggressive. The Governors would sack Brandon Bullins five times in this matchup alone, including a strip sack from All-Ranorian defensive end Carlos Schmidt. Ezekiel Bantoba and Saul Thomas Sr went from struggling on their first couple of drives to being on a warpath through the end of the third quarter, racking up points until they went up 28-6, with three touchdown passes from Bantoba himself.

So, what came next?

On the goal line to start the fourth quarter, Richardson handed the ball off to Saul Thomas, who's been an absolute red zone vulture this season with well over a dozen scores. However, Albus Vergol broke through the line, pulling an arm over maneuver on big right tackle Thrane Valentine to break through and get to Thomas. With the running back not expecting the hit, he was defenseless when Vergol punched the ball out, which was quickly buried under a pile of 260+ pound young men.

After plenty of wrestling, pushing, shoving, and the refs potentially putting themselves in harms way, it was the Commonwealth that came away with it on the two yard line. This was their chance, down 28-9, to mount a drive and get some momentum back in their favor. They started with the run game, only to be met by Clancy Gluber, who charged into the gap to stop the play for no gain. With that in mind, the Warriors tried to pass. Bullins never got a chance to throw it.

Gudbrand Taurus blasted through the line with ease, making a grown man of an offensive guard look like he didn't belong on the field with a classic hump move, and swallowed Bullins whole in the end zone.

The monstrosity of a defensive tackle stood up with a roar, stepping over the passer and reveling in the chants the safety elicited from the Governor crowd.

By that point, the game was well in hand. Richardson let backup quarterback Beacon Murray take the reigns, and Elliot Roach handle the carries. While they would only be able to notch another field goal, both looked sharp. Murray finished 3/3 passing for 29 yards and Roach handled eleven carries in the fourth quarter for fifty six yards.

With the win, Richardson moves to a respectable 9-3 record. Last season, they would finish 9-6 overall, including a 1-1 playoff run, going 8-5 in the regular season. So we've already beaten that metric, thank god. However, with a playoff berth possibly coming down to a committee vote, Richardson was able to defeat both their rival warriors and that team that nobody likes to talk about, but will be all week: Loyola-Istria.

Rebel's Cannon Bowl Preview: Best of Seven?

Richardson and Loyola have squared off plenty of times by now in the NSCF. Dating back to that 34-30 thriller of a victory in Dietrich Stadium, these two have been fierce rivals, with plenty of spectacular moments for both teams. In that first one of course, John Garrett would toss five touchdowns, and clear five hundred yards against his school's rivals.Loyola snapped back in the second matchup, holding John Garrett and crew to 24 points in that win, with a 71 yard touchdown run from Isaka Jawara being the exclamation point on that one, with Corrin Fairless sealing it on a walk-off interception.

A 20-17 overtime win for Richardson in NSCF 19, with Banijan freshman Ifeatu Chineze under center, with a game-tying touchdown run in the endgame by Isaka Jawara being the highlight there. NSCF XX, a defensive slugfest, a 16-7 Blue Thunder victory in which Loyola held the Governors to just 2.1 yards per carry.

Oh, right, then came NSCF 21, a true slap in the face. Amazu Chibuzo came into the national stadium - the Karmin-Falce superdome, led his team in hanging 51 points on their rivals, and then left to prepare for a playoff run that would see them in the championship game.

Fortunately, the Governors were able to bounce back with a 7-16 victory, the same margin as Loyola had over them two years prior in Teusland, in NSCF 22. Holding legendary Blue Thunder quarterback to that kind of a point total is a feat in and of itself, and now, well, here we go.

Both squads have three victories against the other, and in the Karmin-Falce Superdome, one can only hope that we can take the advantage from Richardson's biggest rival. Richard Steinheil, at a press conference this week, was his usual reserved self. Perhaps to be expected after Kohnhead City came in and humiliated Richardson, but disappointing nonetheless as we don't get quite as much spice for the headlines.

Rebel's Cannon Bowl Results

Edition:   Victor        Score
NSCF 17: Richardson     34-30
NSCF 18: Loyola-Istria  29-24
NSCF 19: Richardson     20-17
NSCF 20: Loyola-Istria  16- 7
NSCF 21: Loyola-Istria  51-34
NSCF 22: Richardson     16- 7

"Seems like these days Loyola-Istria is universally regarded as the best team in college football. If not them, it's Cold Hill. Well, all of that is about to get thrown out the window. We've shown we can beat Cold Hill, and we're going to go out there and try to show everyone that, yes, we can bring down the Blue Thunder as well." Steinheil rubbed the back of his neck, "Our goal is the same as always: An NSCF championship, but I'd be lying to you if I said we haven't been looking forward to this one all year. The Rebel's Cannon Bowl is the biggest that Ranorian college football gets outside of the playoffs, and if we win this game, no matter what happens, we can say we had a successful season, and we can say we can play with the best."

This season, expect it to be a shootout, a massive one. Richardson was no slouch on offense this season, with 343 points in the conference slate, and they haven't slowed down, hanging up another 73 between their trip to South Bend and hosting of Baker Park, good for an average of 34.6 per game. Loyola-Istria, meanwhile, cleared 379 in the Celestia Conference, although they've slowed down a bit since, with 16 in their victory against Raynor before they were shut down in a 31-15 loss against Felswyr State. No shame there, and they're currently sitting at 34.2 points per game.

In other words: Our offensive units are almost dead even. Amadi Ikenna and Ezekiel Bantoba should be coming in raring for a shot to beat their rivals in what is perceived to be each quarterback's only year as the starter. The problem: Loyola's defense has played significantly better than our own. Granted, the Big 8 was insanely offensive this season, but the Blue Thunder allowed just 18.3 points per game and held Raynor to ten as recently as two weeks ago. As such, we're going to have to give the edge to Loyola-Istria, here.

Our advantage? Well, we have home field. And while our defense has been poor this season, we have gone 4-0 since the firing of defensive coordinator Eric Dietrich. Head coach Richard Steinheil has promoted linebackers coach Kai Hillis to interim defensive coordinator, and the two have been splitting the duties of running the defense. Doing quite well, too, if holding Baker Park to 9 and John O'Mara to 21 are anything to go off of. With homefield advantage, and that in mind, we're going to give the edge to Richardson University here in the biggest game on the schedule.

PS: And yes, we're taking into account the 41,000 seats that have been allotted to Banijan fans of Loyola-Istria in the superdome, and the fact that said seats were sold out more than a week ago. Homefield is homefield, ladies and gentlemen.

by **Banija** » Sat Apr 03, 2021 3:28 pm

Loyola-Istria Quarterback Amadi Ikenna

"CORNERS! CORNERS! ON 2!" Amadi Ikenna yelled as he sprinted up the field. There was 35 seconds left, and the clock was temporarily stopped. They had no timeouts. He had just hit Khalil Hauptmann on a post route for 20+ yards as they drove down the field against Richardson. The game was tied 31-31, not a single butt was in a seat in this entire stadium. Corners was the play they'd call. As he got up the field, he waited a few seconds for his offensive linemen to get set in the hurry-up.

Ikenna looked up, and saw the chains set and the clock start running. "HUT! HIKE!" Ikenna bellowed as the center snapped the football. The snap was a little bit high, but Ikenna brought it down. Ikenna saw Lafi Senghore break outside, and he threw it. Just then, Richardson cornerback Makang Secka jumped in front of the route, from out of nowhere, and picked it off. "SHIT!" Ikenna yelled as he started to give chase. And as Ikenna tried to make the tackle, Secka bowled over him and high stepped it into the end zone. The PA announcer's voice bellowed throughout the stadium, the words 'Ikenna pass intercepted' bellowing throughout the stadium.

Ikenna had done it. Thrown a game losing pick six in the NSCF's biggest rivalry. Coach Isa was shaking his head. His teammates wouldn't even look at him. The worst moment of his career. Worst Loyola QB ever? Everything was-

"FUCK!" Amadi Ikenna said, jolting awake. It was their first night in Ranoria. For this game, they always flew on Wednesday morning of game week rather than Friday. That big of a game- make sure no sorts of jet lag or anything like that. It was always a party when they came to Ranoria City- with the huge stadium, and fans bussing in from Richardson and then the 40,000 strong Loyola contingent flying from Banija, there was always a metric ton of fans getting ready to throw a fiesta here. And when Loyola came to town for this game, not only did they get there three days early, but they stayed in a hotel 90 minutes away from the city. Mostly so they could rent out the entire hotel, and avoid fans for the rest of the week.

Last week, Felswyr State's defense had absolutely tore the Blue Thunder apart. This historically elite offense was once again humbled by their opponents, this time, the visitors from northeast A.O. Ikenna could not do anything, as Felswyr State delivered Loyola their worst ever home loss in their time as a member of the NSCF. He was under pressure all night, they did all sorts of things to disrupt his rhtyhym and timing. They won all those one on one battles, and really, dominated at what Loyola fans liked to call the toughest place to play in the NSCF. It was not sitting well with Ikenna. He wasn't an all-world superstar like Jawara or Chibuzo- so his confidence could be shaken more easily than those two.

"Bro," Said the backup quarterback Ebou Harite, his roommate for the trip. "Go back to sleep. You'll be fine." And Hairte rolled over. Ikenna was sweating beads. He knew- these were the games that would decide his legacy. Did he beat Northern? Did he beat Richardson? How'd he do in the playoffs? The only three questions anyone would ask looking back at his career. Big time game ahead.

Family Dinner Night

The Thursday before the Richardson game, they always held a dinner with the families. It wasn't a banquet- but with the team renting out the entirety of the hotel, the Athletic Department viewed putting one on as both a thank you to the hotel that housed them and nobody else for five days, as well as good bonding for the players with their families. The place had a huge hall, fortunately, and there was enough for each player who had travelling family to join their son for dinner. Which meant Amadi Ikenna was with his own parents.

"Hey Mom, hey Dad." Amadi said. The Ikennas had talked about a whole host of subjects leading up to the dinner. How classes were going, etc... And then, Amadi was able to bring up the game. "You know- I'm so nervous for Saturday." He was whispering- he didn't want his teammates, or even coaches, to overhear this. "It's Loyola-Richardson. This is the game where a Loyola quarterback can etch himself into the memory books for this school, or simply be cast aside."

"Son." His mother said. "You're going to be fine. Look at you. You've got Loyola blood in your veins. I went to Loyola. I won here, in volleyball. Nerves before big games makes sense. You felt them before Week 4. Don't let the last weeks get to you." She looked at him and smile. "I know my son. I have seen you play quarterback since you were a wee child. Two bad games cannot shake my son. You've got that Ikenna blood flowing through you. Forget those games- you were made for this moment."

"My son." Amadi's old man said. "These are the games you have dreamt of playing in your whole life. Big time rivalry. If we win- we can clinch a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and a top 3 seed. The stakes, yes, are very high. But you can play up to it. I've seen you make big plays your whole life. Istria Public School Championship? I saw you scramble for 27 yards on a 3rd and 25 to win the city title. I saw you win a state championship while throwing five touchdowns. I saw you in Week 4, when you lead a comeback victory over Northern in their house. I saw you in Week 11, scoring the game winning touchdown against Raynor University in the fourth."

"This is who you are, Amadi." His mother said. "Don't think of the noise, distraction, anything- just you and the game. 60 minutes. Leave it all on the field. We're all proud of you no matter what happens." Amadi nodded. There were right. There was no time to be nervous. In two days time, it would be time to play football. Championship football. And he was more determined than ever to ensure that when he stepped on that plane home, it would be with the Rebel's Cannon Trophy in hand.

by **Valanora** » Sat Apr 03, 2021 11:51 pm

In a week where both Vanorian schools needed a major bounceback to get themselves ready for the playoffs that are soon to come, both teams were playing in front of their home crowd and were able to use that to their advantage. Last weeks loss at the hands of the Blue Thunder of Loyola-Istra was the first time that either team had lost a game in front of their home fans the entire season, with both teams turning their home fields into a fortress that was almost impossible for opponents to come into and get a result. This is one of the reasons why both the Rockets and Raiders were hoping for very impressive showings in the non-conference schedule, that way they would be able to procure the high seeds for the playoffs themselves and be able to use what has been a very formidable home advantage for the pair of them to its fullest extent. While that possibility still remains even after both teams had their struggles in the first week of the non conference schedule, the odds of both of them managing to procure multiple home games had diminished significantly.

The Rockets rekindled their emerging rivalry with Akers in the Empire capital after having played against Akers in the non conference of last season and had won fairly comfortably in the end. With the team coming out of the very competitive and offensively explosive Big Eight conference, the team had been doing quite a bit of tip drills and defensive drills in the dime and even quarter formation to try and keep the opposing offense corraled. Meanwhile the unseasonable storm that had held sway over the capital the previous week had dissipated in the midweek with clear skies and warm temperatures having been predicted for the game. When Chinweuba Jelan was able to take the opening kick off for a hundred three yard return touchdown, head coach Andy Magnusson knew that his game was going to have a far different feel from the defensive grindhouse that had been the game the week prior. A three and out stop on the defensive end gave the team the ball right back. Five quick throws later and the Rockets had gone from the thirty-three yard line in their half to the elven of Akers before a toss sweep allowed Duke Beckett to scamper into the endzone.

Lucas Johnsen got loose on the second play of the next drive for Akers and forced a fumble on a strip sack that senior Noah Haavik was quick to fall on and give the Rockets good field position once again, on the Akers' twenty-one yard line to start the drive. However they were able to force a field goal opportunity when they stopped Beckett from getting the first on a third and three run, with Fredrik Mundal extending the lead seventeen to nothing. The defensive hold brought some momentum to Akers into the second quarter and they put together a drive that ended with a five yard slant catch and their first seven points. Kicking the ball out of the endzone, Jelan was not gifted the chance for another return and instead Håkon Schau had to lead a methodical drive up the field, taking the underneath and giving the ball to Beckett on a few option-pass plays as the quarter was winding down, making the team have to settle for another field goal from Mundal, keeping the score within two touchdowns at twenty to seven at the half.

The second half turned into a romp, with the defense forcing a three and out on Akers first possession before Schau and Jelan took the team down the field easily for a touchdown connection between the two. Akers responded with a touchdown on their next drive but it was taking far too long for them to score, especially when the Rockets turned around and scored again in less than two minutes with Didrik Thu being the recipient this time of Schau's toss. With less than ten minutes left in the game, it was clear the game was over and Akers was trying to save face and was able to score one more touchdown but Nicolai Østebø was able to rush in off the edge and block the PAT. Even with the second string offense in, the Rockets still were as efficient as you'd like and Tobias Moen rushed in on a quarterback sneak with less than ten seconds left to pad the stats and the game ended forty-one to twenty. It was a big morale booster before a difficult trip to Ko-oren for the Rockets and one last chance to impress the pollsters and try to get one of the prime seeds that will keep them in the Empire for the majority of the playoffs.

Meanwhile to the west in Mar Sara, the Raiders had a big game against Université St. Croix, needing a win and in impressive fashion after being dusted by Trent State in TJUN-ia the week prior. USC was coming off a massive away win against Swisston City in Kohnhead and likely felt fairly confident about their chances of pulling the upset in Mar Sara. However after a game where they had failed to take control of the ball, the Raiders had practiced all week in keeping control of the ball with ball possession tactics, a heavy emphasis on the run was put as the gameplan. Kiggwe Chasima chewed through the USC defensive line and got the second level at will as the Raiders churned the game away. Methodical scoring drive after drive, while keeping USC contained to field goals was playing as the Raiders had hoped. Though they allowed a touchdown in the second half and missed on one of their extra points, they had worn through the USC defense with a steady diet of Chasima runs, with the redshirt senior ending the day with a hundred forty-two rushing yards and two scores as Tech posted an impressive twenty-seven to sixteen victory over the Quebecois school.

Tech now has the difficult task of trying to be a school that can figure out how to clip the wings of the Skyhawks over Sadeg State, after the Skyhawks once again won their conference and then were able to bully a Cold Hill team in Sadeg, taking the victory twenty-four to twenty over last years champions. Having beaten both the champions and runners up of last years competition, it shows that the Skyhawks have come into this season with the solitary goal of winning the championship game themselves. The Raiders will like to get into the second round of the playoffs once more, after being beat by their rivals in the first round last year in a season where both teams had down years. In last years game in Sadeg, the Skyhawks had just enough firepower to get past a reeling Raiders team, which had been worn down and could not sustain it the following week in the playoffs. The Raiders will be looking to their perfect home field record to instead give them that edge they will need over a formidable foe and rival, where a victory not only helps their playoff chances but will also be so sweet coming over a team they would love to beat.

by **Drawkland** » Sun Apr 04, 2021 12:15 am

SADEG STATE STANDS TALL

WE PULLED THE UPSET AAAAAAA

Written by Randall Lucas

WHAT! WHAT?! That's right, ladies and gentlehawks, your Sadeg State Skyhawks have just pulled off perhaps the upset of the century! Okay, maybe not that drastic, but Sadeg State has managed to come away with a win against the defending NSCF champions in Cold Hill University. I don't think I can overstate how important this win was, especially after dropping the ball on the road against Kohnhead City last week. Not only has this vastly improved our chances of a first-round bye in the playoffs, but this was a huge win for team confidence and proving that we truly can play against the big boys in the NSCF. How's that feel, haters?

Without further ado, let's get into this game. Boy, was it a fun one. It came right down to the final seconds. Gah, I'm getting ahead of myself!

Cold Hill

This was the biggest game of the year for Sadeg State, at least in the regular season. This would be the biggest home game, as well as being senior night, so there were already tons of festivities going into the game. The tailgating around campus was insane, and Skyhawks Gridiron Park was already swarming hours before the game was going to begin. Even though we weren't really expecting to come away with a win, we knew it was gonna be a fun game, and it was going to be the highlight of the season regardless of result.

Going into the game, the biggest question would be about Deondre Rhine. Coming off of a serious injury, Diamond Rhine surprised the NSCF world by starting in Cold Hill's eventual win against Felswyr State. Against the Firehawks' stellar defense, and seeming to be a little more tentative than his usual brash self, Cold Hill's offense didn't seem quite so potent, despite the fact that they ended up coming home with the W in hand. Everybody was wondering ... could Sadeg State keep Rhine at bay, something they couldn't do last season in the playoffs? As for the Skyhawks ourselves, a lot of us had questions about our maddeningly inconsistent offense, especially our shoddy run game.

All those questions wouldn't matter until it was time for the game itself. Once the pregame pageantry was over and the teams stormed the field, it was time for the game to truly begin. Sadeg State won the toss, so we elected to defer to the second half, giving Cold Hill the ball to start. I think this was the best choice, since we'd get the chance for points right out of halftime when the score was likely to be tight still, and the really loud and excited crowd would be able to sustain the hype with a defensive drive to start the game. This ended up working directly in our favor. A couple incompletions on first down set up a third and long situation which had the Skyhawk faithful roaring in The Park. Even so, Diamond Rhine managed to get a solid pass to Rai Swift to get a first down and some more for the Buffaloes. This would be the last first down of the drive though, as the next series of plays would result in a punt to start. Not the crazy start that the fans wanted, but keeping Cold Hill off the board was a victory in itself.

The first offensive drive for Sadeg State would be similarly stunted. A mediocre run by Raymond Morgan to begin, a better run by Nick Parks to set up a third and short, and then a short slant from Parks to Navis got the Skyhawks their inaugural first down of the game. The next few incompletions and short scramble forced the Skyhawks to bring out their punt team as well, and the score remained deadlocked at zero.

This is where the first real action of the game would happen. After racking up a couple first downs and nearing midfield, Cold Hill looked to be getting some momentum, and the crowd was starting to tail off a little bit. That is, until Rhine tried to fit a pass to Cooper Canis on a touch pass to the outside. However, he failed to account for the lurking Godfrey Bonner. After all, the average touch pass is thrown to just get it over the linebacker's reach and then drop before the safeties can get to it. The average touch pass isn't designed for the average Drawkian though, and Bonner took advantage of this by crouching as the play developed, and suddenly springing to his full vertical to snatch the ball out of the air before anybody knew what was happening. Bonner took off the other way, but Rhine at least pulled him to the ground before he could score.

The damage was done, though. Sadeg State now had the ball on the fifteen yard line and a prime opportunity to put the first points on the board. They would succeed, after a couple running plays (notably an eight-yard read option run by Parks) got the ball to first and goal at the three yard line. A handoff to Raymond Morgan went nowhere, and on the next play Parks got the ball to tight end Jay Gibson in the end zone to score the first touchdown for the Skyhawks.

Cold Hill doesn't go down without a fight, though, and neither does Diamond Rhine. While the senior had a little less pep in his step and a little less zip on the ball, he was still slinging the ball with command and making things hard for the Sadeg State defense. The Skyhawks are used to bringing a lot of pressure, but the high-level Buffalo O-line was more than up for the challenge, especially with Brannon Hillis and Dorian Browne-Clarke helping out with pass blocking. The next drive of the game finally showed the offensive strength of the Buffaloes, and Rhine led his squad down the field. It wasn't easy, as they had to face third down four times over the drive, but it was eventually punctuated with Rhine hitting Adam Rickiott on an out route in the front corner of the end zone to tie the game.

The next couple drives would be pretty uneventful, with both teams trading a few punts. Both offenses just seemed a little out of sync, and the defenses were standing tall to make it a busy day for the punters. The next big moment of the game came midway through the second quarter, where Sadeg State were just outside of field goal range and facing a fourth-and-short. Feeling confident enough in the offense, Brand Manlio kept them out on the field to try and get the conversion and keep the drive going. The playcall just wasn't smart though, as Cold Hill brought the all-out pressure and the Skyhawks were stuck in an option play. Parks had just enough time to flick the ball away, hoping it would find someone, but it fell to the turf and it would be a turnover on downs.

With their ensuing drive, Cold Hill made sure to make the most of the somewhat shorter field, starting almost at the 50 yard line. A lot of the Buffaloes' struggles were due to the defense the Skyhawks employed. With the height advantage on their side, the secondary was mostly content to sit back and prevent the deep shots. Passes which are normally 50/50 balls for talented receivers become heavily favored for the defense, forcing teams who rely on the deep ball and the shot play to work underneath instead. This approach worked (once) against Felswyr State and is the bread and butter for Sadeg State (and now, Cavsar as well), since we have the personnel advantage thanks to Drawkian biology. Even so, the first play of this drive was a shallow post route to Rai Swift, who juked past Samson Abel and managed to get inside the 25 yard line before he was caught. A first down and a few plays later, Cold Hill found the end zone again with a rollout pass from Rhine to Browne-Clarke.

Now facing a deficit, and time starting to be a factor in the second half, Sadeg State needed to have a solid drive. The one advantage to Sadeg State is that when our running game is on, it really helps to waste some time and keep the opposing offense off the field. The time-wasting tactics aren't as potent as, say, a Karditani outfit, but in situations like these, they come out in spades. Nick Parks was tossing the ball around in short and quick passes, and just enough runs were thrown in to keep Cold Hill's D on their toes. With less than two minutes left in the half, the Skyhawks were knocking on the door of the end zone, and Cold Hill had their backs against the wall. First down and second down were both runs stopped short, and the Skyhawks desperately wanted to avoid having to make a fourth down decision. Thankfully, this wouldn't be necessary. Parks got the ball out of the shotgun and high-pointed a pass to Abram Navis on a fade route in the corner of the end zone. Koman Tabor simply didn't have enough vertical, and Parks put the ball right where Navis needed it to come down with the catch and the game-tying touchdown.

Cold Hill would fail to get into at least field goal range with the remaining time, and both teams went into the locker rooms tied 14-14.

The second half would, by and large, be mostly like the first. Both offenses continued to be just a bit too inconsistent to sustain long drives, and points were a little too hard to come by. The half at least got to a strong start with Nick Parks leading the Skyhawks past midfield, but a sack and a couple incompletions left us with a fourth and long. It was too long of a distance to consider going for it, so thankfully Manlio had Nat Knox come out for his first field goal attempt of the game. He knocked it through, thankfully, and brought us back into the lead at 17-14.

The next two drives ended in punts for Cold Hill and Sadeg State. It was clear Rhine was beginning to become frustrated at his inability to make the plays he could usually make. At this point, some fans and even the commentators were wondering if Chris Dale would consider putting in Aurel Strathos to finish the second half. Clearly, this was the kind of push Rhine needed, and Cold Hill's offense found a new life that sent them moving quickly down the field. It would bring them all the way to the goalline, but the Skyhawk faithful were determined to make things as difficult as possible. The crowd roared, the defense stood tall, and on third down, Rhine was sacked before he could get the ball off. Facing fourth and goal from the nine yard line, Cold Hill simply couldn't afford to go for it and miss out on the points. Harry Swift came out and made it a 17-17 ball game, and the Sadeg crowd had lit a new fire under themselves.

The Skyhawks needed points and set out to replicate their first drive of the second half. They almost got the job done. The running game was once again having trouble, and Nick Parks had to bear most of the drive with the pass, and a couple times scrambling to keep the drive alive. This time, the Skyhawks got to the red zone, though three runs and a solid stop by the Buffalo D on third down left the Skyhawks with a fourth and inches on the sixteen yard line. It was too short of a distance to NOT go for it, so Manlio kept the offense out on the field. Nick Parks tried a QB sneak, but the Cold Hill D-line went low and managed to stall the push and keep Parks short. The spot was a little controversial, but the refs confirmed the ball was short and it would be a turnover on downs.

With a bit of momentum on their side from getting a crucial defensive stop, as well as Rhine trying to prove he was still good enough to stay on the field over Strathos, the Buffaloes once again came out on offense to try and take the lead. Once again, they'd drive all the way down the field, but the Skyhawk defense stood strong on the goalline and kept Rhine at bay. On second and goal, Rhine took a massive sack from Bruce Barr, and it looked for a moment like it could've been serious. Thankfully for Cold Hill fans, Rhine popped right back up and seemed fine, though he did sail his pass on the next play to lead to another fourth and goal from too far to try. Once again, Swift trotted out, and once again, he connected. The score was now 17-20 with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

This was going to be the last chance, in all likelihood, for Sadeg State to score. A field goal would at least tie the game, but would depend on the defense stopping Rhine again. A touchdown would put them four points up and force Cold Hill to try for a touchdown as well. Either way, they needed points on the board to keep the game alive. A quick-hitting offense was necessary, it was too early for time-wasting tactics. Nick Parks started the drive off well with a pretty out route to Navis, and then followed it up with a corner route to Gibson. Already, the Skyhawks were past midfield, and the crowd was starting to get hyped up. Parks delivered an incompletion, and then a slant pass to Brandon Brown where he was tackled short of the line to gain. Third and short from a bit outside field goal range. A conversion here was crucial. The next play was supposed to be a quick spot play, but the Cold Hill defense converged in a blitz. Parks had just enough time to fling the ball out, and it thankfully landed in the grasp of Jay Gibson. The first down was massive, and now the Skyhawks had the Buffalo on their heels.

The next play would be a slant passing pattern, where all the receivers ran to one side of the field. The coverage was tight, though, and the defense brought another blitz at Parks. With no time to get a pass off, Parks split from the pocket, and suddenly realized half the field was wide open thanks to the passing pattern. He turned on the jets and accelerated downfield, and the whole crowd was brought to their feet. Too late, the Cold Hill secondary realized what was happening, and Parks had just enough time to zoom into the end zone untouched. The crowd went absolutely insane, as Sadeg State had just taken the lead with less than three minutes in the game. Nat Knox hit the crucial PAT to make it a four-point game, and then it was time for the final drive.

Invigorated by the huge play to punctuate the last drive, as well as the fact that they were on the precipice of pulling the upset, the Sadeg crowd was the loudest it had been all season. Diamond Rhine had one last chance to put his school back in the lead, and a chance to prove he was still the star of the show. Three minute drill, needing a touchdown, the Diamond got to quick work. Working the sidelines and the sticks, Cold Hill's offense hurried down the field one more time. The deep ball was still being shut down by the Skyhawks though, even coming down to a dangerous incompletion on a streak route. The Buffaloes were once again forced to play underneath, which led to some plays falling short of the line to gain and burning more time off the clock. It seemed that Cold Hill weren't going to get to the end zone in time to score, until Rhine unleashed a perfect precision deep out pass to Rickiott on the 8 yard line.

Now Rhine and the Cold Hill offense had the ball first and goal, with a bit over 20 seconds left on the clock. If the time was managed right, they'd have four straight shots at the end zone.

First down, Rhine aims for Brannon Hillis on a halfback angle route, but Nico Michaels was there to bat the ball away.
Second down, Rhine's first two reads are covered, and he manages to break out of the pocket for a few yards before being tackled. Cold Hill uses their final timeout, with 10 seconds left on the clock.
Third down, Rhine looks for Rai Swift on a slant route, but Swift couldn't get the step on Samson Abel and Rhine tosses the ball out the back of the end zone to give them one last shot.

Fourth and goal, the four yard line. Four seconds on the clock, four point deficit. A final chance for Diamond Rhine and Cold Hill to come out of Drawkland avoiding the upset. The crowd in Skyhawks' Gridiron Park is an absolute asylum, with the front row banging on the walls and fans stomping on seats and bleachers to make as much noise as possible. The Skyhawk band is doing a chant, pleading for an incomplete pass. Rhine looks as cool as ever, though. In the shotgun, ready to add yet another victory to his name and another chapter to his legacy as the greatest Ranorian football player of all time.

The ball is snapped, Rhine fakes a handoff left to Brannon, then rolls out to his right. Bruce Barr isn't fooled by the play-action and springs off his block to chase Rhine on the outside. Rhine's receivers are struggling to get separation, Barr is suddenly zooming to blanket Rhine, and he has a split second to make a decision. With Barr starting to wrap his arms around him, Rhine flings one last pass to the end zone. There's a sea of hands all vying for control of the ball. One hand, we don't know whose, and it doesn't really matter, gets in the path of the ball and deflects it straight up into the air. It seems to float, suspended in midair, before coming back down. A half dozen players, Drawkian, Ranorian, all leap up to get a second chance at the ball. Johnny McCray is the first to get to it, and he slaps the ball out of the back of the end zone. The referees blow their whistle.

The pass is incomplete. It's a turnover on downs, but it ultimately doesn't matter, because time is up. Game over. The Skyhawk bench is emptied as the crowd goes into a frenzy.

Sadeg State wins, baby.

Mar Sara Tech Preview

A lot can be said about this game. Both Sadeg State and Mar Sara Tech are gearing up for playoffs runs in this NSCF. We're at least qualified for the playoffs thanks to our Horizon Conference title, while Mar Sara surrendered the Zephyr title to their in-nation rivals of Raynor. This match will be meaningful for both teams: a win here will virtually guarantee a first-round bye for Sadeg State and our Skyhawks, while a win for the Raiders will virtually guarantee a playoff berth via OSPI (as well as a good seeding). This one will be hosted in Valanora, so Tech will have the home field advantage as well.

This rivalry has been relatively "average" as far as hype goes, at least in its early history. Last season, though, things really started to heat up. Week 13 of NSCF 22 featured Sadeg State winning 37-35 at home thanks to a last-second score by Nick Parks, making it the closest margin and highest-scoring game of this untitled rivalry's history. What made this result so much more potent was the very next week, when both teams had to take each other on for a rematch in the first round of the playoffs. The Skyhawks won a little more convincingly, though we went on to be smacked around at Cold Hill in the quarterfinals.

We also now have to consider the Skyhawk vs Raider saga playing out on the hardcourt in NSCAA basketball. Both schools were placed in the Five Star Conference, which led to a home-and-home series between the two rivals. Though we've never played in basketball before, the newly-hot rivalry thanks to the NSCF was placed on a much higher pedestal, making the SSU/MST matches the games to watch in the Five Star Conference. The series was split, with Sadeg State winning the first game on the road but Mar Sara getting revenge in the second half. The rubber match came in the most important game of the conference, in the Five Star Championship. Our Skyhawks came away with the conference silverware, and Mar Sara had to settle for getting into the Ultra 64 via At-Large.

All this does is bring more bad blood into this matchup. What was once just a yearly fixture on the OOC schedule for both gridiron squads is now a highly-anticipated rivalry matchup, and this season shouldn't disappoint. By the OSPI rankings, this is a #4 vs #6 matchup, and one with big playoff implications. Mar Sara Tech has gotten the short end of the stick recently, and they're desperately craving an upset win to get some much-needed revenge on our Skyhawks. Can Arquímedes Concepción lead his team to the vital victory in front of the home crowd? Or will the Skyhawks, fresh off a landmark win, have the momentum to roll through the Raiders on their way to a deep playoff run? Either way, this game is going to be crazy, and I'm glad I saved up the money to travel to the Eternal Empire to watch the game in person.

GAMES TO WATCH

As I like to do every out-of-conference stretch, here's the games to watch for this week of out-of-conference play. There's 3 kickoff times each weekend, with games starting at noon, games starting at 4 in the afternoon, and the evening games starting at eight.*

Noon Premier: Cold Hill @ Saguenay
The early slate of games, in my opinion, is a little weak. Sure, Northern Moravica is hosting Ceneisis Naval Academy, but the Ensigns haven't played any out of conference games yet and will be lucky to make a bowl game this season. The other games are matchups between bottom-half conference teams with no stakes besides sneaking into a bowl berth. Cold Hill @ Saguenay is the only game with real stakes at play. Cold Hill may be in the playoffs since they won the Big Eight title, but their loss to us last week has sent them sliding down the OSPI ladder. They need a win to stay competitive, although a first-round bye may be out of the question unless something really strange happens this week. Meanwhile, Saguenay is on the outside of the playoff bubble looking in ... a win against Cold Hill plus a couple losses in front of them could be enough to sneak into the playoffs, plus they'd prove they have what it takes to win a playoff game or two at that.

Afternoon Attraction: New Lakeland University @ Cavsar University
As much as I'd love to put the Rebel's Cannon Bowl in as the big 4 o'clock matchup, and as much as I hate to give Cavsar any recognition at all (besides bad recognition), this is actually a sleeper game I think some people are ignoring. New Lakeland is the only one-loss team remaining in the NSCF, and currently sit at #1 by OSPI. Being a newbie school, they have a lot of questions to answer. Are they the second coming of Felswyr State? Are they going to make a title run in their first appearance? They may be the only Top 10 school to have gone 2-0 in the out of conference slate so far, but they also played Akers and Swisston City, two bottom-half Big Eight squads that are just struggling to get into a Bowl berth at this point. Somehow, the Cavsar Gladiators are going to be the toughest opponent of the Tycoons before they head to the playoffs. If they win (on the road, no less), NLU can prove that they are ready for the playoffs, and even clinch a bye. If they lose, then it'll be obvious they benefitted from a weak conference and early out-of-conference schedule.

Let's be honest though, Cavsar is probably the worst team NLU is going to play this season. Expect a blowout.

Evening Primetime: Sadeg State University @ Mar Sara Tech
Okay really, I truly do hate to put us in the primetime slot, especially after we were involved last week, but come on! The Game With No Name (yet) was crazy last year, and then it was amped up to 11 when the very next week the Skyhawks and Raiders had to do battle again in the first round of the playoffs. Now add on the fact that Sadeg State and Mar Sara Tech had the rivalry christened on the hardcourt in the NSCAA's Five Star Conference, and this matchup has the makings to be an instant classic. Or, it could be a sort-of blowout like the earlier editions of this NSCF rivalry. In any case, it's between two basically guaranteed playoff teams, with Sadeg State at #4 by OSPI and Mar Sara Tech at #6. This is the only matchup in the evening slot which is a potential playoff matchup, and that's why I have to say it's the big game to watch. Momentum going into the playoffs is huge, and these are two sides that could really use momentum for these playoffs.

For Skyhawk Screech, I'm Randall Lucas. Screech On, Skyhawks!

by **Chromatika** » Sun Apr 04, 2021 7:42 pm

The Flame of the Firehawk: Rekindled
Part 12: Climbing

Team   1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q   |  Tot
ULI     8   0   0   7   |   15
FSU     7  14   3   7   |   31

1Q
10:11 ULI TD - Dustin Andreas Jerome IV 12 yard pass from Amadi Ikenna (Amadi Ikenna run)
05:28 FSU TD - Sarai Gwenderyn 3 yard run (Sara McAllister Kick)

2Q
13:28 FSU TD - Alessandra Mio 73 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Sara McAllister Kick)
02:33 FSU TD - Niles Gwivern 21 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Sara McAllister Kick)

3Q
08:21 FSU FG - Sara McAllister 41 yard Field Goal

4Q
12:31 FSU TD - Alessandra Mio 48 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Sara McAllister Kick)
08:31 ULI TD - Eric van Geel 11 yard run (Teshale Roni Kick)

ISTRIA, MORAVICA, BANIJA - Knowing that a loss would place their playoff hopes in jeopardy, the Felswyr State Firehawks traveled to the University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder and played one of their better games in their season, leading by as much as 31-8 before a late score closed the gap to 31-15 in Nonconference action.

It was the Blue Thunder that struck first in a ten play, 77 yard drive that featured three different third down conversions. Amadi Ikenna looked on point and the pass rush just wasn't getting to the Banijans. Whatever plan Dennis Zervos had struck up was working, at least in the early going, and Kasen Horrowitz had his work cut out for him. Due to their kicker being suspended, the Blue Thunder even went for the two point conversion and got it.

It was then that Sarai Gwenderyn decided to take over the game. The Sophomore Quarterback had one of her best games this season - yet another one on the road somehow - going 21 of 29 for 313 yards, three touchdowns, and another one on the ground. The biggest mismatch on the field was Alessandra Mio on Martin de Lafayette. De Lafayette, one of the players that left Chromatika to play gridiron even before there was a FSU, was tasked with handling Alessandra Mio. The issue was that despite his height, he hadn't spent half his life running routes with Alessandra like Victoria Mio had. The Chromatik senior caught five catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns and showed de Lafayette how it's done.

Starting the second quarter, Kasen Harrowitz won the coaching battle as well. For the middle two Quarters, every time that Ikenna looked to run, Sage "Bricks" Sterling was shadowing him. This contained the Banijan in the pocket after a few plays, and Katie Sawyer added two tackles for loss and a sack, mostly on third downs. On the edges, Mattieu and Giala shut down the Banijans' routes and made Ikenna hold the ball for longer than he wanted to.

By the time the Blue Thunder scored again, the game was out of reach. Felswyr State had kept their undefeated record on the road, improving to 12-0.

So here's the question: Do we hope that Felswyr State loses so that they get a playoff game on the road? Or do we hope that the Firehawks defeat Kohnhead City in order to keep momentum going?

Felswyr State vs. Kohnhead City: Senior Night

Yes, this is going to be Senior Night, and this team has had its fair share of impactful Seniors. Let's go over them one by one, from least impactful to most:

Reserves
#84 WR Mi-Yeon Kim
#41 TE Mina Lott
#68 OT Mario Li
#58 NT Cane Millon

These players didn't play much. Kim was in on five-WR formations at times, but was mostly a leader in the locker room from other players. Mina Lott had a few snaps late in games or when Gwivern or Pont needed a break. Mario Li was mostly on during punting or kicking formations, while Cane Millon only played sparingly.

Off-and-On
#22 SS Aria Konen

Why does Konen get his own category? This category belongs to those who consistently played as a substitute, and Konen was the only one to fit that billing. Though she had to cede the starting job to Sage "Bricks" Sterling, she was a good sport who did what was best for the team. There were some times when Konen and Sterling were both on the field at the same time, and other times when Sterling needed a breather. She didn't hit as hard as Sterling but she's a bit better in coverage, meaning when the Firehawks needed to be in prevent, she was on the field. Her versatility and team play will be missed.

Starters
#69 LG Pomeroy Lockart
#40 OLB Matthew Segwick
#24 FS Vi Nia-Kaid
#37 CB Benjamin Gerard

Pomeroy Lockhart has been the left guard for Felswyr State for two seasons. Traditionally, that'd be the blind side, but with Gwenderyn being a leftie, this isn't the case. Regardless, he's been rather good at the job, possessing field vision, strong leadership, and a good first push. He's better at pass protection than run blocking, but that's fine with the way FSU runs things.

Matthew Segwick is overshadowed by Amber Li's brilliance from the other OLB position. He's a good run stuffer and the ace on special teams for the Firehawks. He's been the linebacker coming to the line to stuff the run, and he's been pretty effective.

Vi Nia-Kaid was supposed to have a rather good season before he got injured. He gets put here because it wasn't his fault that he got hurt. Thankfully, FSU has found his replacement in Ozioma Mazzi.

Benjamin Gerard stepped up this season to be the team's nickel back and was the defensive back coming across more often than not this season.

Irreplaceable Superstar
#11 WR Alessandra Mio

Tall, fast, with a very quick first step and the ability to lose Corners, Alessandra Mio has been the reason why FSU has taken the NSCF by storm. She caught eleven touchdown passes the previous season and is on pace to get at least that much this season. She's the one getting double-teamed on almost every play, the one that's being looked up to come up with the huge clutch passes. Her loss will be felt keenly. There have been some players brought in to try to emulate her role, but it will be interesting to see if any of them will be able to do what she has.

by **Kohnhead** » Sun Apr 04, 2021 8:14 pm

Kohnhead City takes the second Squidhead Cup in a surprising defensive battle

For an entire season it's been our offense absolutely carrying this team and a suspect defense holding us back. And while I thought that the narratives about our defense were quite overblown despite the 68 allowed to Swisston City, our defense was not that bad the rest of the team and we played in an offensive centric Big Eight. Our defense still managed to be in the top half allowing 24 points per game despite what many would have you think about them, our defense was by no means good but they were not the monstrosity they were often portrayed as.

However even I was no expecting the defensive resurgence that has occured in the out of conference slate, holding Sadeg State to nine was one thing but then holding SAFA a team that reached 300 points in the conference part of the season and averaged 30 points a game to a measly touchdown is a different story entirely. While the defensive line with transfer Devin River from Richardson, freshman standout Robert Lawrence, and star Albie Snow has been dominant all season, the secondary especially the corner group has struggled. While Zion Irving is a playmaker and once again leads the team in interceptions with six his smaller frame has led to a tendency to get beat on jump balls and he often gets beat on double moves due to his aggressive tendencies. Gill and Steele have both been pretty poor although both are young and Steele has shown a lot of potential in the slot.

This defense has completely changed in the out of conference section, it was a dominant performance against Sadeg State from the defensive line limiting their rushing attack and while the secondary played well it was against SAFA that they really showed out with the entire defense playing lights out really preventing the Ernesto Jankowski attack of the Squidbreak. Last year when the lights were bright at The Squidroidian Armed Forces Park we walked out with a thrilling 41-38 win over the Mineral Conference champs that showcased two of the best offenses in the NSCF. This year at Chicken King Stadium under the lights on our Senior Night two of the best offenses once again did battle this team however it was still a close one possession game yet the combined score was 20 points a completely weird game when the over/under was set at over 50 points.

Part of the reason for this is that while our defense has responded to critiscism from all over with Addison Lyons proving the doubters wrong the offense has shut down. Part of it has to be the injury to Herman Whitworth and while he continues to battle through it valiantly racking up 71 yards and a score (which would prove to be of vital importance) many are wondering if just shutting the star down for the season would be the best decision with Rowena Hastroff doing damage in limited action.

In addition Byron Joseph is in a funk, while he has a much better season through the air surpassing 3000 passing yards just this week and has almost 700 on the ground, he has not looked good the last two weeks. Part of the reason for this is Alazar his true number one receiver having suffered a wrist injury that his limited in recent weeks, he missed week 10 against Cold Hill and while he has played every game since like Joseph he's been limited. In addition another limiting factor has been the previously dominant offensive line playing worse than normal especially against Sadeg and to some extent against SAFA not providing Whitworth with the 5-6 yards before contanct he often would receive in the Big Eight and giving Joseph less time when he's in the pocket although Joseph is quite good at improvising.

Ultimately I think Joseph and the offense will break out of it but FSU next week is not the type of defense you break out of a funk against as despite their regressions since a season ago they just held Loyola to 15 a week after beating holding Cold Hill to 14. However the team will be motivated because of the embarassments suffered last season on Senior Night and the hard loss in the semifinals last year and I'm hoping we can get it done at Reborn from Ashes a place the Firehawks notoriously are mediocre at best.

Kohnhead City Vs SAFA Game Recap
Q1: @SAFA 32 B. Joseph pass intercepted by J. Garrastazu returned for 15 yards
Q1: @KCU 31 E. Jankowski pass intercepted by F. Steele returned for 6 yards
Q2: KCU 21 yard field goal is GOOD - S. Potter
3-0 KCU
Q2: SAFA 46 yard field goal is NO GOOD - S. MacLean
Q2: @SAFA 27 E. Jankowski pass intercepted by A. Little returned for -2 yards
Q2: KCU 49 yard field goal is GOOD - S. Potter
6-0 KCU
Q3: E. Jankowski pass 3 yards to K. MacDonald for touchdown - PAT is GOOD - S. MacLean
Q3: @SAFA 20 C. Landi fumble - recovered by H. Gill for 6 yards
Q3: H. Whitworth 9 yard touchdown run - PAT is GOOD - S. Potter
13-7 KCU
Q4: @SAFA 48 B. Joseph pass intercepted by A. Bachman returned for 0 yards
Q4 (1:10 remaining) @KCU 32 - 4th and 7 E. Jankowski pass incomplete for O. Herczog
Final Score: Kohnhead City University 13-7 Squidroidian Armed Forces Academy

Swisston City lose another close one to top newcomer New Lakeland

Despite the fact that we were playing New Lakeland not Trent State as I had suggested last week as Trent State are actually our week 13 opponents, Swisston City still performed well against a top newcomer and a top team in the NSCF in now 11-1 New Lakeland University out of Cassadaigua. You just had a feeling that a school from Cassadaigua entering the NSCF could spell doom for the rest of us.

Overall just like against St. Croix it was a close loss for Swisston City against a very good playoff team, losing by eight points in a game where we just didn't have enough firepower to win. Diego Rodriguez had another one of his classic games, a lot of yards and touchdowns however multiple interceptions including one to junior Gabriella Payne that ended up ceiling the game for the Tycoons.

We fell behind 14-0 quickly but Rodriguez helped bring us back into the game with a 17 yard touchdown pass to Kristy Swift who hasn't really done much this year, as per usual unfortunately Wells missed the PAT. Thank goodness we are bringing in Nydia Leon from Chromatika next season, and while Leon is no Sara McAllister, it will be a big upgrade from the inconsistent Wells.

New Lakeland added a field goal to make it 17-6 heading into halftime, it wasn't the worst but we were to receive the second half kickoff and so there was definitely hope. Tariq Robinson who has barely seen carries this season took it to the house a few plays into the second half for a 67 yard touchdown to make the score 17-13, Swisston City were right back into it.

The Tycoons were stopped on their next drive but Swisston couldn't take advantage of it with Rodriguez throwing an interception to Sterling Meyer the sophmore linebacker and five plays later Taylor Oakes punched it in for a New Lakeland touchdown to make it 24-13 and it was looking grim for Swisston. All we could manage on our next drive was a 32 yard field goal that Wells fortunately made although it was close to a miss.

However the defense which had not performed too well the entire game came up with a big fumble forcing Oakes who had just scored to cough the ball up which Woolen dove on. Swisston CIty had a glint of hope and David Rodriguez's seven yard touchdown to Silas Ballard in the back of the endzone brought it to 24-23, so close.

New Lakeland however responded with a touchdown of their own with Traynor throwing a score to Shannon Ross from 12 yards out to make it a 31-23 game with 2:28 remaining more than enough time for a two minute drill from Rodriguez and the offense. However when targeting Carey, Gabriella Payne got the interception that we talked about earlier on a 3rd and 12 which clinched the win for New Lakeland.

Overall it was a good effort from Swisston however we came up just short against New Lakeland just like how we came up just short against St. Croix a week prior. Hopefully we can beat Trent State in the next one on the road to try and earn ourselves a trip to the Pioneer Bowl where we would probably play against that same Trent State team unless OSPI (which for some reason doesn't like Kohnhead teams) decides that the 3-7 Universidad de Barvard team that does not have an out of conference game is more worthy which could spark protests from the team that has beaten KCU, Richardson, and lost by a combined 10 points to New Lakeland and St. Croix. However a win against Trent State should end all doubt completely about this.

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Sun Apr 04, 2021 9:29 pm

OOC: A section of a much bigger piece, done because I do need to speed things up narrative-wise. Let's call it a demo.

So Asher resumed walking, thinking more about what his newfound duties with words had meant. In the early months, after his graduation from St. Croix with an upper second-class honours, Asher had to remind himself every so often when he would lose his ways with his literary and journalistic efforts, about what mattered to him now: 'no matter what happens between no and in future, whatever the blushes I have now and whatever the sufferings I suffer right now shall be rewarded with lemon juice and sweet cherry wine. But all that requires time will take time, and may require initiative and let's just get to it.'

Then, like that next ten minutes had past, as he descended to the B4 floor and waited on the train. The brick walls of the Koreana Line, all so colourful in blue, black and grey, were reminiscent of his mind. Since the scandal, a full year had passed and he was unable to lose his grip on the pedal of what's a really fast automobile, and he couldn't look behind what has been a series of painful memories and indecisiveness, no matter how much they had recovered. No matter how much the fanfare had driven, his stomach was still rocking with anxiety and nerves because after such a long period of time gradually recovering from the styx, and his surroundings started to change from the tree leaves coloured green to brown and orange (wait, how? this is June).

Those around him, especially those closest to Asher and Eileen, were starting to find settle down- Myeong-Shin already has two children with Naomi Goldbloom, whom he had married after six years of dating the summer he graduated from Saguenay, while the Queen was the next to go, and HRH Alexandre, his future king, had just celebrated his first birthday. Soon came along several of his friends and her friends, and now Asher and Eileen were still as distant as ever from what many had suspected of certainties.

This bothered him. Even as the train, a 1991 Samhak Engineering stock used for the line, approached and he hopped on for what's a short, 3-stop ride, Asher was becoming painfully conscious of the fact that something had to give in, as all things that his life were involved in had to be, and this wasn't giving Asher slightest bit of comfort. He could not find himself at peace, even with the news of a great St. Croix victory over Swisston City or a Saguenay loss to Richardson, because the equation between what brought him happiness and what he had hoped to bring happiness did not match so much. Asher remembered how before leaving Eileen's flat, he had phoned his mother, the Vdaran princess whom he was starting to have better relations with, that all was getting better: 'I hope there can be peace found in the glory,' and how Princess Athena had promptly answered, 'Service and servitude shall bring you happiness, but don't overdose.' No matter how much Princess Athena had disagreed with her elder son, she wasn't wrong in any bit- and the soiree's excitement was not taking him to that equilibrium. He felt that it would be impossible to expect it as such.

by **NSCF** » Sun Apr 04, 2021 9:33 pm

Nonconference MD3 Scores!

I like this song enough to have it as cutoff piece, I guess.

Felswyr State University (CMT) 13–10 Kohnhead City University (KHD)

Freedom's Altar University (YSP) 20–3 Akers University (NWK)

Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 29–3 Cenesis Naval Academy (AFT)

Université du Saguenay (QUE) 24–51 Cold Hill University (RAN)

Lismore Christian College (NWK) 36–16 Hoofstra University (KRD)

Richardson University (RAN) 40–33 University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ)

Cavsar University (DRK) 10–10 New Lakeland University (CDG) (10–17 OT)

University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) 47–13 Northern Dinagat State (BAR)

Salamantic Universities (KOR) 34–17 Raynor University (VAL)

Mar Sara Tech (VAL) 30–26 Sadeg State University (DRK)

Université St. Croix (QUE) 55–19 Squidroidia Armed Forces Academy (SQR)

Trent State University (TJU) 16–26 Swisston City University (KCU)

by **NSCF** » Sun Apr 04, 2021 9:58 pm

The regular season is over! Congrats to the six conference champs. Those schools have qualified automatically for the NSCF 22 Playoffs:

Big 8: Cold Hill University (RAN)
Celestia: Northern Moravica University (BNJ)
Horizon: Sadeg State University (DRK)
Mineral: University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP)
Woodlands: New Lakeland University (CDG)
Zephyr: Raynor University (VAL)

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

Celestia: University of Loyola at Istria (BNJ)
Horizon: Felswyr State University (CMT)
Woodlands: Université St. Croix (QUE)
Zephyr: Mar Sara Tech (VAL)

The remaining two Playoff spots will be voted on at-large by the NSCF Committee. I will telegram NSCF Committee members to ask for their nominations. The final 12-team Playoff field should be finalised by my time on Tuesday night. The match-ups for bowl games and NSCF Championship Game venue will also be announced then. That will give everyone 48 hours to RP before the postseason begins this Thursday. Good luck to all competing schools.

NSCF 23 - Everything Thread

NSFB: Absolute Shock And Awe In Sherwood!

Skyhawk Screech: Horizon Title Obtained

Cavsar vs Rosario

NSFB: Oof. Onto Homecoming, I Guess

Skyhawk Screech: Sadeg State Stands Tall

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