World Bowl 42 [rosters/RPs/results]

by **Newmanistan** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 5:03 am

NEWMANISTAN ROCKETS

WORLD BOWL 42 ROSTER

"~~Proudly~~ underachieving since World Bowl I"

Starters (Offense) (Standard Formation listed, but many formations are used)
QB- #3- Brian Scanlon, 32, Centralia Firebirds (Offensive team captain)
HB- #25- Chase Hartley, 24, Tundra Falls Mariners (Averages 65% of carries)
FB- #40- Justin Pascoe, 26, Loudon Leopards
WR- #84- Stephon Sutton, 31, Pocono City Capitals
WR- #81- Lucas Jackson, 30, Southport Tigers
TE- #88- Geoffrey Poindexter, 31, Olympia Gladiators
LT- #63- Jakub Sedlak, 27, Seminole Bay Gators
LG- #65- Byron Vanetti, 32, Centralia Firebirds
C- #61- Anthony Greene, 29, North Charlotte Wildcats
RG- #60- Royce Samuel, 33, Loudon Leopards
RT- #73- Javon Foster, 29, South Charlotte Condors

Bench (Offense)
QB: #7- Kyle Kreiter, 28, Jessicaville Millionaires
QB: #14- Byron Slater, 27, Dover City Mountaineers (Averages 30% of Carries)
HB: #32- Cameron Currant, 25, South Tier Seagulls (Averages <5% of carries)
HB: #33- Julian Clay, 27, Springfield Thoroughbreds
HB: #34- Trevor Koontz, 29, Pocono City Capitalis
FB: #46- Parker MacAtee, 25, Daytopia Racers
FB: #44- Brett Stanton, 23, South Charlotte Condors (First Time On Team)
TE: #89- Jerome Ortiz, 28, Loudon Leopards
TE: #82- David Freeland, 30, Eastport Falcons
WR: #80- Derrick Broomfield, 27, Olympia Gladiators
WR: #18- Mason Henderson, 32, Centralia Firebirds (Primary KR/PR)
WR: #85- Sterling Nelson, 26, Pocono City Capitals (Secondary KR/PR)
WR: #17- Adam Voorhees, 24, Hampton Bulldogs
WR: #15- Vontae Figueroa, 26, Penthoria Rivermen
G: #62- Sherwin Foster, 27, Olympia Gladiators
G: #64- Antonio Watkins, 25, Tundra Falls Mariners
G: #67- Julius Warren, 26, Loudon Leopards
G: #68- Patrick Eakins, 23, North Charlotte Wildcats
C: #60- Troy Hamilton, 30, Putnam Lake Eagles (Special teams Long Snapper)
C: #69- Isaiah Samuels, 26, South Charlotte Condors
T: #78- Carson Jones, 28, Tundra Falls Mariners
T: #77- Tony Wassick, 29, Seminole Bay Gators
T: #70- Anthony Philcox, 22, Pocono City Capitals (First Time On Team)
T: #79- Michael Duncan, 24, Thumbria Bay Pirates

About The Offense: There was massive turnover prior to World Bowl 41 with this group, so you are not seeing much change now. Many of these players are at or near the prime of their careers, so the new coaching staff is hoping they can build on the last one.

Starters (Defense) (The Rockets Generally Use a 4-3 Base)
DE- #96- Kyle Wilson, 29, Southport Tigers (First Time Starter)
DE- #95- Dontae Riddick, 32, Jessicaville Millionaires (Defensive Team Captain)
DT- #94- Brian Hammond, 27, Nashua Broncos
DT- #90- Cole Whitlock, 30, Jessicaville Mariners
ILB- #59- Matthew Cora, 27, Loudon Leopards
MLB- 58- Cooper Burkart, 28, Jessicaville Millionaires (First Time Starter)
OLB-#53- Dylan Spitzer, 25, Southport Tigers (First Time Starter)
FS- #39- Richard Clayborne, 29, North Charlotte Wildcats
SS- #27- Geoffrey Hale, 27, Pocono City Capitals
CB- #24- Tate Weatherman, 26, Centralia Firebirds
CB- #29- Shane Ferguson, 26, North Charlotte Wildcats

Bench (Defense)
DL: #92- Greg Dressler, 26, Putnam Lake Eagles
DL: #91- Christain Turner, 30, Tundra Falls Mariners
DL: #99- Stanley Connell, 24, Centralia Firebirds
DL: #97- Deandre Calhoun, 31, Loudon Leopards
DL: #93- Anthony Wisbourne, 30, Jessicaville Millionaires
DL: #98- Sylvain Desjardinds, 21, Olympia Gladiators (First Time On Team)
LB: #75- Nathan Jerome, 28, Centralia Firebirds
LB: #57- Michael Washington, 30, Loudon Leopards
LB: #55- Kevin Johnson, 22, North Charlotte Wildcats (First Time On Team)
LB: #56- Andrew Hughson, 22, Springfield Thoroughbreds (First Time On Team)
LB: #50- Matthew Vipperman, 26, Loudon Leopards (First Time On Team)
LB: #51- Edward D’Amico, 24, Dover City Mountaineers (First Time On Team)
DB: #26- Brett Perry, 27, Dover City Mountaineers (First Time On Team)
DB: #28- Gerrit Silvey, 25, Daytopia Racers (First Time On Team)
DB: #36- Derek Riordan, 26, South Charlotte Condors (First Time On Team)
DB: #38- Ronnie Willis, 33, Putnam Lake Eagles (Occasional KR/PR)
DB: #41- Jameson Kennell, 24, Jessicaville Millionaires (First Time On Team)
DB: #20- William Campbell, 29, South Tier Seagulls (Special Teams Gunner)

About The Defense: There was a lot of turnover on the defensive side of the ball as well, so this is another group of primarily returnees. You will notice however that Bryce Miller is no longer on the team. Yeah, there is a reason for that.

Special Teams
K: #4- Justin Morris, 34, Pocono City Capitals
P: #12- Nathan Sullivan, 27, Southport Tigers
Backup K: #6- Chris Mitchell, 28, Dover City Mountaineers
Backup P: #13- Jerome Hines, 26, Centralia Firebirds

Coaching Staff: (First time with team for all)
Head Coach: Scott Cameron, 51, Centralia Firebirds
Offensive Coordinator: Kyle Pearson, 54, Loudon Leopards
Defensive Coordinator: Peter Nelson, 50, Southport Tigers
Special Teams Coach: Robert McSheehy, 43, Pocono City Capitals

About The Coaches: Former coach Bryan Moore has been widely criticized for his handling of the Bryce Miller situation as was not brought back. The rest of his staff paid the price, too.

Misc Important Stuff:
Modifier: +2.5
Home Uniform: Sky Blue with White Trim
Away Uniform: White with Sky Blue Trim
Helmet: Sky Blue with a white center stripe. The rocket in our flag is on both sides of the helmet.

Home Stadiums:
MD1- vs Drawkland @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Tundra Falls
MD3- vs Kriegiersien @ The Jungle, Loudon
MD7- vs Bollonich @ Emperor Michael I Stadium, Pocono City
MD9- vs Kohnhead @ Empress Jessica I Stadium, Jessicaville

by **South Newlandia** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 9:38 am

South Newlandian roster for World Bowl 42

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes, but please do message me beforehand.
Suspend my players: Probably, but please do message me beforehand.
Godmod suspension events: No
Godmod other events: Yes, but please do message me beforehand.
Style mod: -2

Also, as a general thing: This team is not that good. When I claim that a player is good, at something or in general, that means they are good for being on this team; mostly made up of amateur players and a bunch of guys from try-outs. They aren’t a terrible team, but don’t expect any star players here.

Uniforms:

Credit goes to the excellent kit maker Saint Kanye

Stadium:

Elephant Field (7.700)
Loacated a bit outside Elephant Valley, this small stadium is the biggest South Newlandia has to offer. Without a roof, it is open to the elements of both wind and rain.

Coaching staff:

Head coach: Robert Victorino (Drawkland, 54)
Victorino formerly played in the Gridiron League of Drawkland, most notably as the linebacker for the Waxton Pilots. He decided to move to coaching early in his career after an injury, including jobs as linebackers coach or defensive coordinator at various positions with colleges and pro teams in Drawkland. This will be his first head coaching gig, and he'll call the defense and make the game situation calls. He's a conservative as a coach, doesn't want to take a lot of risks, fitting the Elephants’ scheme. Also, being 54 as a Drawkian is like being in your late thirties normally. He led the Elephants to a 2-6 record last time, maybe that success can be repeated.

Offensive coordinator: Corbin Hunt (40)
Hunt will be responsible for the offensive play calling. He emphasizes a strong run game (most likely, a decent bit more than 50% of plays will be runs), and usually avoids trick-plays. He’s also extremely conservative on fourth down. Due to his play calling, all running backs will see some carries, and most likely the fullbacks as well. When it comes to passing, he usually plays short routes; but that’s partially because of the passer he works with.

Defensive coordinator: Jonny Ferry (37)
Ferry will work together with Victorino for the defense. Together, they will be running a 3-4 defense, utulizing a nickel back more often than most teams, and bringing blitz less often than most teams. Most defensive playcalls will be zone defense. The idea is a bend-but-don’t-break defense solid against the pass.

Special teams coordinator: Ian Careful (43)
Careful will take responsibility for the Special teams, and like the other parts of the coaching team, he is rather conservative. Don’t expect any trick plays; but he and the entire coaching team emphasize good tackling. All in all, the Special Teams are a solid unit for the Elephants, probably the best of the three units they have.

OFFENSE: (main starters in bold)

Quarterbacks:
QB1: #7 Robert Stein (26)
QB2: #11 Taylor Lovell (30)
QB3: #9 Leandro Ho (31)
Stein is a pocket-passing quarterback without much mobility, a strong arm, or much general talent at all. Because of that, the Elephants will be running a rather traditional offense, with a strong run game and short passes. Don’t even think about the alternatives, they aren’t any better.

Running Backs:
RB1: #33 Giovanni Read (30)
RB2: #26 Diego Holland (27)
RB3: #47 Mark Power (25)
These are the guys that will do most of the lifting for the Elephants. Read will be the main back, being one of the better players on this offense, with a general talent to read defenses and see lanes and blocks easily. Holland is the main alternative, with a similar set-up, although he is a bit quicker, but less strong. Power will be the power back for short yardage situations, often utilized as a third down back.

Fullbacks:
FB1: #25 Mark Downs (23)
FB2: #38 Simon Plummer (29)
Downs is a pretty solid fullback that will get quite a few carries. Similar to Power, he is pretty decent at getting first downs; and as he is one of the younger talents on the roster, he has time to improve.

Tight Ends:
TE1: #44 Dhruv Valentine (25)
TE2: #82 Dominic Heath (23)
TE3: #41 Fabio Adam (25)
TE4: #87 Lonnie Hurst (20)
Valentine may well be the best offensive player on the roster. He’s pretty good at blocking, pretty good at catching, and pretty good at running routes, and reasonably fast. Heath and Eastwood are both okay options for blocking, but not really viable options as receivers.

Wide Receivers:
WR1: #12 Olaf Ramsey (27)
WR2: #85 Kiefer Miller (28)
WR3: #89 Christian Perry (24)
WR4: #10 Coby Yang (26)
WR5: #13 Diego McGuire (21)
Both Ramsey and Kinney are decent enough starters, neither of them is super fast or very good, but they’re serviceable enough. Perry is the fastest of the receiver, and should there be a deep shot, it’s probably aimed at him.

Centers:
C1: #55 Lincoln Workman (27)
C2: #71 Alexis Brewer (31)
The offensive line is mostly solid, although nothing breath-taking either. Of course, that’s a requirement with a Quarterback like Stein.

Guards:
LG1: #77 Nathaniel Stevens (27)
LG2: #62 Jimi Potts (29)
RG1: #69 Sam Drake (32)
RG2: #70 Matthew Bradford (22)
The Guards are mostly solid, with Stevens definitely the best of the bunch. Getting past him is a decent challenge, passing Drake should be much easier.

Tackles:
LT1: #54 Charley McArthur (24)
LT2: #59 Peter McNeill (27)
RT1: #50 Marius Hawe (28)
RT2: #66 Husnain O’Moore (22)
The Tackles are the O-Lines biggest weakness. If a defender can break through easily, McArthur is probably the one that got overrun.

DEFENSE: (main starters in bold)

Defensive Ends:
LE1: #56 Conrad Pitt (30)
LE2: #98 Nathanael Rowe (23)
RE1: #67 Antony Archer (25)
RE2: #78 Ralph Huffman (27)
The defense is definitely better than the offense. Archer is almost certainly the better Defensive End here; Dunn shouldn’t be too much of a concern for opponents.

Defensive Tackles:
DT1: #93 Matthias Petersen (26)
DT2: #57 Gus Mohamed (29)
DT3: #58 Harry Sosa (22)
Petersen is a pretty decent Defensive Tackle that is solid against the run, but won’t generate much pressure either.

Linebackers:
LOLB1: #45 Alan Stubbs (28)
LOLB2: #99 Jaydon Conner (28)
ROLB1: #40 Josh Rush (26)
ROLB2: #42 Matthew Winn (20)
Rush is a pretty solid player, able to generate pressure, while Stubbs is a much better run defender.
ILB1: #49 Pascal Melendez (26)
ILB2: #52 Izaan Roy (25)
ILB3: #97 Edgar White (27)
ILB4: #48 Jordyn Bean (22)
Roy and Melendez are a very solid duo that isn’t easy to pass. Maybe one of them will even get a pick on a bad pass thrown their way.

Cornerbacks:
CB1: #20 Jayden-James Norton (25)
CB2: #29 Coday Fritz (29)
CB3: #34 Roman York (28)
CB4: #30 Sebastian Jacobson (22)
CB5: #46 Victoir Huber (28)
The corners are definitely the soft spot of the team, with no real role-player here.

Safeties:
SS1: #39 Corban Farmer (27)
SS2: #35 Doug Schmidt (21)
FS1: #28 Taylor Suarez (26)
FS2: #22 Gene Shannon (22)
Farmer is a good safety, able to pick balls off and break up passes if the opportunity presents itself. Otherwise, the Elephants will have some trouble defending very deep passes.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Kicker:
K: #3 Abdul Corbett (27)
Corbett is very solid from within 40, including extra points, but everything beyond that gets difficult for him, he just lacks the strength. That’s why the Elephants will occasionally punt from way up field.
Punter:
P: #14 Cristian Ballard (24)
Ballard is a very underrated player, able to punt balls far and relatively precise. Don’t ask him to throw a pass though, it will not go well.
Long snapper:
C2: #71 Alexis Brewer (31)
Holder:
QB3: #9 Leandro Ho (29)
Returner:
WR3: #89 Christian Perry (24)

If you have any questions or something, please let me know either via TG or on discord.

Schedule:
MD1: @South Americanastan
MD2: BYE
MD3: vs. HUElavia
MD4: @Karditan
MD5: vs. Ko-oren
MD6: vs. South Americanastan
MD7: BYE
MD8: @HUElavia
MD9: vs. Karditan
MD10: @Ko-oren

by **Banija** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 10:25 am

Banijan national team head coach Thomas Hall

Thomas Hall knew that he had to do this right. It was time to settle Banija's long, some may say years long, QB competition. Who would start at World Bowl 42? Chineze or Chibuzo.

He had hammered it out after a full night's discussion with the offensive coaching staff. It was absolutely a close call- but with Matchday 1 just four days away, the decision needed to be made, and publicly. The quarterbacks needed to know. He thought about keeping it in the dark from everyone, but he knew that either quarterback would have all the pressure in the world on their shoulders succeeding Isaka Jawara. Hall may as well give his QB a public vote of confidence a few days before the game.

So, in the QB meeting, he walked into the positional meeting with his offensive coordinator. He gathered the three quarterbacks. He spoke to each of them at length. And then, told [REDACTED] that he would be the Serpent Eagles starter for World Bowl 42. He looked at each of their faces- joy in one face, disappointment in the other. But he saw what he was looking for- unity. The now backup was shaking his rival's hand, congratulating him. It was the type of energy he wanted to see in the room.

Coach Hall then decided to have a meeting with the team, right before his post practice presser. Right before that, he wanted maximum attention- so he leaked that he was going to announce a starter. And when he spoke to the team, he emphasized the message. "It is not about one man. It is about this group of 53 men, all working and striving together for one goal- to have a parade in Busukuma, to bring this nation a World Bowl championship." And then, he announced the starter to the team.

Coach Hall then went straight from that meeting to his press conference. He was, of course, asked about Les Steckhall, Sarzonia's head coach, being fired shortly before Matchday 1. "I don't know the circumstances about why he was fired, so I don't think it's appropriate for me to comment. But I've battled with him for two straight World Bowls now, and I know he can coach with the best of em. We're a fraternity, a small group of men and women who have coached at this level in this tournament- as a coach, seeing another head coach, who has won plenty of games over the last two tournaments, go down like this is disappointing. I hope SCoach teckhall gets the justice he deserves."

And then, Hall got into the meat of his press conference. "I want to congratulate both young men on a stellar QB competition." He told the Banijan media. "This is one of the greatest positional battles that I've ever seen. They both have great habits- working hard, studying the playbook, working well with receivers, and having a great respect for each other. QB competitions in particular can turn nasty- and in an environment like the international game, where you only play once every few years and nothing is guaranteed, it is fierce. Both men were ultra competitive, but in a way that drove both themselves and one another to get better, rather than dividing the locker room."

"So I want to give a hand of applause to both men. Both could honestly start for their fair share of teams at this tournament. But you've got to roll with one quarterback. Two QB systems simply do not work at this level- you need to have one guy in charge. So after long discussions, I've made my choice. We know he has the moxie, the arm talent, whatever is necessary, to lead this squad to greatness. But there's no more beating around the bush. No more evaluations to be made. We have our QB1."

"The Banija Serpent Eagles starting Quarterback for World Bowl 42 is...."

by **Sarzonia** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 10:57 am

While Les Steckhall was in consultation with his attorney over the case surrounding his termination as manager, Incorporated Gridball Federation chief counsel Art Dennehy was sitting in IGF chairman and chief executive Hannah Pearlman's office poring over their own files on the case.

Pearlman looked over the rim of the glasses that set loosely on the bridge of her nose at Dennehy, who was looking at his notes. He had sworn affidavits from Spencer Henderson, Zeke Bradley and Zane Yates. He also had an email from another player, one whose mere presence in the file would likely send shockwaves through the whole process.

"What are you thinking?"

Dennehy was awaiting a reply from Jordan Cavanaugh, the lead attorney on the case. They were currently away from the office attending their younger brother's graduation from art school. Family was of utmost importance to Cavanaugh, so the absence was clearly an excused one. Still, the fact that Cavanaugh managed to get on the record comments from the players actively involved in the case and from the player who would certainly garner massive attention should his name be brought to public light was a feather in Dennehy's cap for sure.

"It's looking like we have a solid chance at winning this," Dennehy said. "Jordan's pretty confident and I think they have every reason to be."

"Wait, why's he so confident?"

"They," Dennehy intoned with a quick flash of anger that caught Pearlman off guard for a brief moment until she realised her mistake.

"Sorry, they," she said after her face briefly flashed embarrassment.

"They have sworn affidavits from the players that Steckhall verbally and, according to Spencer Henderson, physically abused them.

"Physically?" Pearlman never actually played gridball, but the fact that her family consisted of several former players and coaches and various other staffs, and plus the fact that she grew up watching the sport, including time on the sidelines as both her father and uncle were coaches meant she understood the ramifications of physical abuse. Yes, physical abuse was certainly enough to terminate an employee for cause. In fact, had Pearlman chosen to, she could have easily decided to contest Steckhall's claim for unemployment insurance. With Sarzonia's new universal basic income, its lack wouldn't have left him destitute; after all, he'd paid off his mortgage with his last check from the big contract extension he'd signed, but it certainly wouldn't have been pleasant.

"Yes, Henderson's affidavit includes a sworn statement that Steckhall slapped him on the back of his helmet."

Finally, there was a knock on the door.

"Come," Pearlman said. In walked Cavanaugh, who said "sorry I'm late," but Pearlman waved off the apology with a smile.

"We were just discussing the case," Dennehy said. "I understand you have a sworn statement from another player who you believe would garner international attention if his name went out to the multiverse as part of the lawsuit."

"That's correct," Cavanaugh said. "He said when he spoke to Steckhall about Mr. Yates's challenging him in the dressing room, Steckhall told him, 'back in my day, men were men and didn't bitch about coaches riding their asses'. Considering who the player is, if his name gets out, that alone could torpedo this case for them."

"Who's the player?"

Cavanaugh grinned slightly as they looked at both Dennehy and Pearlman. They knew the player's identity would seemingly stop time for the briefest of seconds, and would set up the cataclysmic blow for the rest of the multiverse.

"His name is..."

by **Kohnhead** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 12:15 pm

KSPN Grades the Deitrich Hire

Darren Cope
I have mixed feelings on the decision to hire Eric Deitrich, while I believe that Walker Sparks had to go as we were making no progress and I believe Dietrich is an upgrade it concerns me that no one pursued him. The expectation was for him to stay in college yet no collegiate team wanted to sign Dietrich at Head Coach or even at DC which makes me a bit more hesitant on him. I'm not in the he is a horrible hire camp but I don't think that calling this best case scenarior is right either.
Grade: B-

Haley Brewer
I loved the hire, I think that Dietrich was fired from Richardson too early but I am so glad that we were able to pick up on him. He should be able to improve a defense that has been quite leaky the last few years and he was able to bring with him parts of the Richardson coaching staff in Tim Shaw to be his defensive coordinator. And you think Richie Bell coming to be our offensive coordinator had nothing to do with Deitrich, I believe it had everything to do with him. You might call the coaching staff too college-esque but I have all the faith in the world that the transition will be smooth.
Grade: A+

Liana Wolf
I agree entirely with Haley here, it was a brilliant decision to bring in Eric Deitrich the man once thought of to be the next coach of Richardson who is only 43. While I've heard the argument that Darren raised about the no job opportunities you have to look at the context here. Deitrich isn't going to go to some small time NSCF school to become their coach and what big program was in the hunt for a new DC? There really were none and so the fact that he had no job offers is irrelevant in this situation, I give the hire an A- because I feel that the process behind it as he was the only guy they interviewed or even showed remote interest in and the extremely late firing of Sparks was flawed.
Grade: A-

Ruben Dixon
I hate to be the eternal pessimist here but I'm going to be because I just don't see this move working out at all. Firstly I still hate the decision to move on from Watford, Darren what do you mean no progress in our first World Bowl we went 3-7 and last time we knocked off 4th ranked Ko-oren before barely missing out on the knockouts and I give that credit to Sparks who while by no means perfect was improving the team. Now onto Dietrich himself I am a strong advocate against taking a college defensive coordinator who just got fired and giving him the Head Coach spot on a National Team. He has never been a head coach before and how do we know he had anything to do with Richardson's defensive success, how do we know that wasn't all Steinhel? The move from college to the World Bowl is not often a tread path for coaches because it doesn't normally workout, I hope I'm wrong but I just can't see this move being a win.
Grade: D

Drew Swift
Like Darren I see both sides of this, I see the success that Dietrich had and I belive that a college DC can transition to the National Team Head Coach. But there are a lot of red flags that I see here, namely the fact that he hasn't been a Head Coach, he failed to make adjustments as Cold Hill got better and Kohnhead City's option offense ran wild. I think that this move could work out but if it doesn't I wouldn't be that surprised however I do like the decision to move on from Sparks.
Grade: C+

As you can see the decision to hire Eric Deitrich was a pretty polarizing one and there are cases to be made for both sides. We are all hoping he works out and can lead Kohnhead to glory in the World Bowl.

by **Delaclava** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 9:04 pm

DSGN.com Football

Coaching instability set to define Delaclava's Group 3
Phoenixes, Serpent Eagles, Stars looking for a deep run despite turnover at the helm

The grass is freshly cut and the air is hot and moist, and you know what that means: another World Bowl is upon us. Buffalostan is (eventually, hopefully) the place, now is the time, and the Delaclava Phoenixes are looking to hold steady, or even improve on a surprise third-place finish in Chromatika.

The top three seeds will be Delaclava, Banija, and Sarzonia. No disrespect to Bongo Johnson, host of two consecutive World Bowls, and Mertagne, the hopeful newcomers - but right now the intrigue is all in those three.

It's a group that's rich with history. Cyanea defined the early teens of the World Bowl: Delaclava hosted XI and lost the final to the Stars; the Phoenixes eventually got their first title at XIII over hosts Bluth Corporation. The Stars took XIV, their second title, at home over those snobby capitalists. Then, another classic Cyanea final at XV in Delaclava yielded the Phoenixes their own second championship. Down the road, Banija emerged as a consistent force in the college and senior game, hosting twice and medaling twice, although they have yet to reach the top step in this contest. World Bowl XL saw the Serpent Eagles go on an undefeated run in the group stage, shutting Sarzonia out of the playoffs, before losing a final to Cassadaigua. And in XLI, the Stars made it back to the playoffs before losing to the Serpent Eagles, who promptly turned around and fell to the Phoenixes.

It's also an active landmine. Those three teams all could have made deep runs last time, and simply got in each other's way. This time is full of promise for all three squads, but only two are guaranteed to make the trip to Buffalostan, with a third-place team possibly able to tag along. But there's no room for weakness, and while we can break down the strengths of each team - there are plenty to go around - there's one glaring weakness each team shows.

Typically, an elite team benefits from the stability of a consistent coaching staff. None of these three have it. Sure, teams find a way to get it done with a rookie coach, or a leader on the hot seat, but it's more the exception than the rule. How each team can respond to this test will go a long way in determine who may eventually reach the podium.

Let's start with Banija. They must have had high expectations after that final appearance in Karditan, but the hype train was emphatically derailed with a head-scratcher of a 3-0 overtime loss to their first opponent, Appalachian Nation. They figured out their business well enough and didn't lose again until that quarterfinal against Delaclava. The 27-13 scoreline wasn't too rough, but the Phoenixes second-half defense shut down the "ageless wonder" QB Isaka Jawara and his merry band so thoroughly that Jawara switched to a more low-impact sport, offensive coordinator Mamadi Diene joined a bridge club, and defensive coordinator Addo Uster left for Elephant Valley University just so he could coach a few Delaclavs.

Now, coach Thomas Hall is in a tough spot. His staff has been decimated, and now he faces the unenviable task of choosing the next quarterback, the successor to a national legend. The country watches closely, awaiting the choice of Ifeatu Chineze or Amazu Chibuzo, ready to judge the decision either way. The situation is already tense, and what if Hall makes the wrong choice and it's the Serpent Eagles who fall flat? Banija expects a lot out of all their athletes, and a Round of 16 or quarterfinal loss isn't going to cut it in their eyes. There's no indication that Hall's position is in jeopardy, but if this tournament doesn't go the right way, Hall may well become Jawara's coxswain sometime next year.

Now, Sarzonia. After a long hiatus, their return to World Bowl play came just south of the border in Delaclava for XXXIX, with Les Steckhall appointed as coach. Frankly, it was a tournament to forget for the 4-6 Stars, not including a 67-13 exhibition thrashing from the Phoenixes, and their season was salvaged only by an upset of #1-ranked Free Republics, the defending champions and eventual runners-up. The Incorporated Gridball Federation showed Steckhall patience, and the former Portland Pirates coach rewarded them with steady progress. He followed up with a 6-4 season to miss a trip to Karditan by one game, before qualifying for Chromatika with a 6-2 record before coming up short in a tight battle to Banija. Nevertheless, Steckhall had his team on the right path and all indications were that he'd continue this time.

So it was a shock when Steckhall was abruptly fired at the end of Stars training camp. The IGF referred to an "internal matter", and although we don't yet know what that means, it's likely not good news. And with Steckhall pursuing a lawsuit against the IGF, it's about to get a whole lot of ugly. The end result that matter is quarterbacks coach Gavin Davis steps up to the plate, hoping to earn the trust and confidence of his team in a matter of days and continue the improvements the program has made. There's every chance that Sarzonia can continue their ascension uninterrupted, but when they're already projected to be the third of three, they can't afford even the slightest frailty on the way to the top.

Then there's the Phoenixes, who hit this from a slightly different angle. Gorka Bielsa, the Bosmond Bears coach who led the Phoenixes through three World Bowls, deserves plenty of credit for getting his team all the way to the semifinals. And yet with the ongoing team drama, the favoritism he showed to his Bears players, and how it began to fall apart with an injury to his golden boy quarterback Trent Goff, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Bielsa would not see another World Bowl despite a remarkable run. So Bielsa and all of his understudies and assistants are gone. And when the Phoenixes are trying to back up an improbable performance, it's hard to have confidence in a winning formula when a good portion of that formula is staying home.

There's good news in the coaching staff though. Kim McClain, then Bielsa's technical director with the Bears and then the Phoenixes, took over as offensive coordinator in place of Shaun Selwyn and did such a remarkable job with Taurus Wright and company that she was named the Offensive Coordinator of the All-World Bowl Team despite her brief interim tenure. Soon after, the Catherina Crushers had a head coach opening for her; as the first female head coach in DGL history, she reunited again with Wright to lead him through his MVP season and a run to the DGL championship game. Now McClain's back as offensive coordinator. And the Corcorran Hammers' Nate Hines remains at defensive coordinator.

It may be contentious that the Delaclava Olympic Committee defaulted to the coach of the champion Mannheim Rockets, for fears of yet another reign of favoritism. But Frank Newman is a calm, level-headed coach equally known for his humility and his strategic proficiency; and he usually puts a quality product on the field regardless of the pieces he's given. He's kept many of the players that shone in Chromatika and added some new talent to fill in the gaps. If too much has changed at once, this group stage could get painful pretty quickly. But if the players don't let success get to their head, remove their egos and trust Newman's system, they'll be ready to fight for the title.

Delaclava, Banija, and Sarzonia may have their internal challenges, but ultimately, they are all elite football teams, at least two of which will be equipped to adjust along the way and get their World Bowl XLII campaigns started.

(Correction: A previous version of this article referred to the Banija football team as the Lions, the national animal of Banija and the nickname for their basketball team. The article has been corrected with the football team's proper nickname, the Serpent Eagles.)

by **Ranoria** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 10:04 pm

Just a few snippets from the 2025 and 2026 Ranorian Football League seasons, keeping up with some of my favorite players (and hopefully yours!

2025 Ranorian Football League Playoffs
First Round, Dynamos at Dreadnaughts

Deondre Rhine marched out in the closing minutes of the second quarter, and the Dreadnaughts faithful responded with more noise than they’d made all day. It was far from a welcoming an environment for a playoff game, but Rhine was all too familiar with loud stadiums after several bouts with schools Richardson and Northern Moravica.

The team huddled around him as he took a knee and let his booming voice take over, “Red right X! Shift to rattler right, X comeback Y stick Z spot! On one!” Nine men clapped their hands and took their positions, and Rhine stood to see Alessandra Mio grabbing him by the facemask to get his attention.

“Perry over there?” She pointed to the corner covering her, earner of four interceptions on the season, “I can get open on him. He’s good, but he’s turning his hips early. I can get him to slow down for just a hair, and you can get me the ball before Rasp can close the distance.”

“Who’s Rasp!?” Rhine called out as Mio was already jogging off. He shook his head, but snapped to attention when he heard the receiver call out.

“Safety! Number 29!”

“Oh right,” Rhine muttered, barely able to hear her over the crowd, and took his place in the shotgun.

“Seeet hut!”

Rhine immediately slid to his right, feeling the pressure from the behemoth that was Emmanuel Miller coming off the edge, and his eyes went to Alessandra Mio. True to her word, the corner turned his hips and she ran right at them, forcing him to curb some of his momentum to shade outside, expecting a fade route, but no dice. Mio had a step and a half on him before he knew what was going on, and Rhine, of course, had never been gun shy.

The ball was a beauty, and Mio caught it in stride, spun around the safety she’d warned Rhine about, and damn near made it all the way to the endzone. The defense managed to bring her down from behind, stopping her a yard short - if that - but it wouldn’t amount to much of a difference really. At 6’5”, she was as good a red zone target as she was a deep threat, and she beat poor Amal Perry for the second time in two plays on a fade route, this time for the first touchdown of the 2025 playoffs.

Rhine celebrated more than the studious receiver, of course, beating his chest and flexing for the not-so-appreciative crowd.

Unfortunately, the rest wouldn’t go so smoothly.

Just four minutes later, Bo Callahan answered with his first touchdown of the day. And the Ranorian Football League’s all-time passing leader didn’t stop there. In fact, that just seemed to open the floodgates for Ranoria’s all-time passing leader. Rhine was stymied time and time again while his counterpart on the other side scored at will throughout the match for a fanbase that was soaking in every minute of the last years of the veteran’s prime.

Eventually - no, mercifully - the beatdown ended. The Dynamos, in their first playoff appearance in a decade, would be sent home with the burden of a 38-10 loss on their shoulders.

Rhine sat on a couch in the team facility’s lobby with his arms crossed, watching a television broadcasting RSSN’s recap of the game as if it couldn’t be real. “On to Quebec City,” he grumbled, watching the old guard at quarterback celebrating across the field. “That sucked.”

“They were better than us,” a voice behind him corrected. Rhine turned in his seat to see his top wide receiver. She was watching the field, same as he was, but rather than dejected, she looked more analytical than anything. “We’ll get better. I know better than anyone what you can do,” she looked down to the quarterback, “And you will show the rest of them next year.”

Rhine turned around and sighed, electing not to respond. Her words sounded more like a thinly veiled threat than any sense of confidence in his abilities. Of course, her implication was right. He’d thrown nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns, and they’d only made the playoffs by the skin of their teeth as a result.

“We’ll see.” He stood up, and grabbed his bags, “See ya next year, Mio.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to,” she trailed off when the door shut behind Rhine, “get some work in before the offseason program starts…”

*The older of the two Mio sisters rubbed her temples to clear the early stages of a headache that she couldn’t possibly determine the cause of, and for the umpteenth time since she’d been drafted, was reminded that there was a reason Sarai Gwenderyn had earned the Most Outstanding Player of the Year award despite Rhine’s lofty statistics. Hell, her sister had warned her not too long before draft day, and she’d never seen it coming.

"Why I almost chose Richardson over Cold Hill? Well, they made the better offer, but really, could you imagine playing at a place where they allow someone like Rhine to be Quarterback? Pray you never have to play with someone like him under center, sis," Victoria had once said. Life had a funny way of doing things, and here she was, trying to make heads and tails of the enigma that was Rhine.

[i]2025 Ranorian Football League Championship:
Ironmen vs Sabercats

“Who the hell do you think you are!?” Vontaze Ahn grabbed a facemask and shoved down the player in question over a bench.

Now you might be asking, over a bench? Is he on the other team’s sideline? Was someone holding him? Well, the answer to the latter question: probably. The former: no.

Now, who did he shove over the bench? Some benchwarmer who forgot his place? A coach who forgot to walk on eggshells? No, no. Angelo Gordon! One of the best pass rushers in the world, the reigning defensive player of the year, who had just ended the last drive with a sack.

Now, Angelo Gordon was no pushover. Before anyone else could break the two up, he had grabbed a handful of his assailant’s facemask in turn, and yanked it to deliver a headbutt that for many, would have caused a concussion. Splittle flew from his mouth as he went right back at the Quebecois-born veteran. “The captain of this team, dammit! Make a play and you can run that mouth!”

“If you’d stay out of the way, I’d have taken that quarterback’s head clean off! Learn to make a hit!” Ahn didn’t back down, grabbing onto Angelo’s shoulder pads with a snarl, “Are you trying to make friends out there, tackling him like that!?”

“Do you want to get to the quarterback, playing like you are!?”

And now that was enough for Ahn to take his first swing. And it would have connected too, had the big defensive tackles not yanked the two apart.

“Can you two hold it together for twenty minutes!?” The head coach tossed a clipboard in the air as he approached, “We are pitching a shutout in a championship game! Get your heads on straight, and finish the game, and you can beat the hell out of each other to your heart’s content once that clock hits double zeroes!”

Both men, their bodies drenched in sweat and enveloped in lithe muscle, glowered at the other.

“Yes sir,” they chanted in unison.”

Vontaze Ahn ignored the pain in his aging bones. It had been a long season. But the wrecking crew had one job left. A glance up to the scoreboard confirmed what he already knew. Up sixteen zip with six minutes remaining. If they could stymie this drive, it was over.

Of course, on first and goal, that was no easy task.

Ahn watched Sabercats quarterback Ballast Queen take his spot under center. Thanks to the relentless pressure of a defensive line with four game-breaking defensive ends, he hadn’t exactly put up a marquee performance.

But this thing wasn’t on ice quite yet, and he leaned down into his stance, muscle tight, ready to pounce. He was moving before the tackle finished the first step of his pass pro, his hand made contact just as the second started, and by then it was too late.

His arms were far too long for the tackle to recover from the perfectly timed and placed stiff arm, and it appeared any extra protection had been delegated the Angelo Gordon on the other side. Maybe it was worse that Queen saw the hit coming and never had a chance. He bean to tuck the ball, but Ahn launched his helmet straight into it, knocking the football loose while his shoulder folded Queen in half.

He let Angelo Gordon take the glory of recovering the fumble, instead putting a hand on the downed passer and pushing himself up off him.

“How the hell did you guys make the championship?” he mocked, “I’ve seen better in college for shit’s sake.”

The passer grunted when one of his linemen helped him up, clearly smarting from the hit, and stared up at the scoreboard.

For all intents and purposes, this game was over.

'

2026 Ranorian Football League Championship:
Hogs vs Ironmen

Revenge was on his mind. That much was certain. But damn if it was going to make it easy on him.

John Garrett surveyed the defense on third down. He’d have no time for long-developing routes. Gordon was too fast to run the protection away from him, he’d catch up to a moving pocket before there was a chance to make a play.

He ducked down to yell in his linemen’s ear as the playclock wound down. With the kinds of hits he was taking in the first quarter, the passer elected to go for it all in one go. “50 Turbo! 50 Turbo!” He jogged backwards, glanced at the playclock, and screamed at the top of his lungs towards Javier Gilmore. “Nine! Nine!” Turned, got set.

“Hit!”

The ball came out and the Hogs offensive line slid their protection right at Angelo Gordon, with their tight end staying in to drive him off the edge. A bold strategy - if it didn’t work, Gordon would win the edge and have a closer shot at Garrett, who was jogging to his right and surveying the field.

Oh, right, did we mention? It didn’t work.

Gordon did beat the protection. He was just too fast off the line, and Garrett saw that the second the pocket began to slide. But he knew how fast Javier was, pulled back, and put everything he had into a true moonball, lofting it deep from just beyond midfield to the end zone, praying his long time target could get under the pass, and behind the defense.

He didn’t have time to find out. Not only did Gordon slam into him, but Vontaze Ahn on the other side had caught up - catching the quarterback of the Hogs and Krauts between two of the hardest hitters in the country.

Ahn stepped over him, or rather on him first, before stalking away, and the crowd’s roar told Farmboy all he needed to know.

He’d been here before. Angelo Gordon had single-handedly torn his dream rookie season apart. Coming in as a rookie MVP, Garrett had taken the league by storm, only for Angelo Gordon’s defense to be too fast, to good, for him to make anything happen. But things were different now. He was better. And this one wasn’t going to slip away so easily.

The Hogs, at the end of the fourth quarter were holding on for dear life to a 12-9 lead. With just under two minutes left though, the Ironmen were out of timeouts.

A first down on 4th and 2, and it would be done. But the Ironmen were fielding all four of their notorious “wrecking crew” of defensive linemen. All technically edge rushers, but the rotation and moving around had been a bane for anyone this season. Hell, they’d only allowed 20 points once all season long, and that was to Deondre Rhine in the second round of the playoffs.

Of course Vontaze Ahn and Angelo Gordon took the edge spots. Malik Sherman, at two hundred seventy plus pounds, at three tech, and Jarrett Hauptmann in the A gap, ready to use his speed to knife through the heart of the offense and wreak havoc.

Garrett surveyed his options. Gilmore was being pressed by a big corner. He was fast, but not athletic enough anymore to beat that quickly enough. No one else was going to beat that press coverage, either. Not before he was turned into mince meat. A run? Maybe, but their running back - Soup Shorts - wasn’t exactly stellar.

“Cougar! Cougar!” He called out his audible, and took his spot with big Soup Shorts at his hip.

“Hit!”

Garrett took the snap and all hell broke loose around him. Vontaze Ahn blasted back his tackle and Angelo Gordon knifed into the inside of his. Hauptmann was working to squeeze into the A gap and Sherman was already working on collapsing the pocket.

Shorts slammed into Angelo Gordon just enough to slow him down, and Garrett began to work his magic. Two steps forward, one right to avoid an arm tackle by Hauptmann, back up to get behind Malik Sherman’s back.

A hand on the back of his jersey, and he knew it was over. John Garrett reached the ball forward as he was dragged into the dirt by Angelo Gordon, and savored the sound of that whistle, prayed what he had done was enough.

He stood up and the officials cleared out the players to bring out the first down chains.

It was only by a finger’s breadth if that, but Garrett was the first to pump his fist in the air. First down. Game over.

After two years of injury-addled campaigns both at home and abroad, Farmboy had overcome the adversity lady fate had woven, and secured his second career Ranorian Football League crown.

Next? World Bowl 42.

by **Chromatika** » Thu Jul 22, 2021 11:29 pm

Chromatika World Bowl 42 Group Stage Preview

After making it to the playoffs in both World Bowls so far since the team started participating, the Iron Legion are back. Still only a third seed - but with sixteen teams making it to the knockouts, there's a good chance of making it back there. So, who will have to shine, who are they playing against, and just how likely are they to succeed?

The Coaching Staff
Eustace Hampton, Jr., the man who brought Gridiron to Chromatika, is still the Head Coach. He isn't very knowledgeable about the game, but he's a good people person and a great facilitator. On the offensive side is the Offensive Coordinator of the Chromia Cyan, Milo Jones-Smith, whose squad always lights up the scoreboard in the CFL, with the genius of FSU, Naia Curentino, assisting him. Defensively, Urga Jones of the new champions of the CFL, Staramara Angels, takes over as the DC while Kasen Harrowitz is still the assistant despite having gone over to Richardson University. Isidora Noles returns as the secondary coach. Niles Crescent is the Special Teams Coach - Brisara is the CFL's best on set special teams plays - while Vera James returns as the assistant there. It's a rich, diverse group of both professional coaches and college coaches, and with Hampton's vision and leadership, they have a good shot of making things work.

Top Ten Players to Follow This World Bowl from Chromatika:

10. K Sara McAllister
The star kicker and the soul of the Firehawks, McAllister also kicks for the Iron Legion. As long as she can keep her illness in check, she's one of the best kickers in any level - reliable, cool-headed, and with enough range to hit from within fifty-five. It's the health that remains the biggest issue - leading to Michelle Breille being on the roster - but Chromatika will cross the bridge if they need to when they need to.

9. CB Victoria Mio
The lanky corner, having played for a year for Cold Hill already, is one of the best corners this country has ever seen. With aggression off the charts, vision, and skills to boot, she's a menace in the secondary. Listed on the roster as the nickel corner, don't be surprised if Mio is in the game more often against taller opposition - she is the future in this position.

8. RB Kimberly Fowler
The most notable running back in Chromatika, Fowler is a speedster who prefers to run away from contact. She requires the line to start the work for her, but possesses the skills to do the rest once the opportunity is provided. Nearing her thirties, she knows that time is against her, leadnig to this being a very important tournament for her.

7. TE Niles Gwivern
Ever the security blanket, Gwivern plays the position unlike most, being capable against the blitz, blocking for the run, and always being near the first down marker, especially in third downs. He will be representing Chromatika for many more years to come.

6. MLB Mi-Hyeon Park
The Captain of the Firehawks' defense, Park also leads this group despite her age. Her preparation and cerebral prowess leads to her being at the right place at the right time, leading to a high-impact playstyle that leads to the opposition feeling her presence. How is she only a Junior in college? Who knows.

5. OLB Cara Setri
A key part of the team that shocked everyone in NSCF 22, Cara has since made it to Staramara, helping the Angels to their first title. A dynamic rusher who also knows how to play coverage, Setri is a weapon that can be brought across the line on every play. She loves having opposing Quarterbacks test her against screen receivers and Tight Ends before making their lives miserable.

4. FS Niles Mikaela-Jones
This will be the last World Bowl for Mikaela-Jones, a coverage safety who does moonlight as a pure speed blitzer. Being able to handle most Tight Ends with ease, Mikaela-Jones is a key member of the Iron Legion's secondary with a relentless work ethic and decent leadership skills.

3. OT Jack Mance
Jack Mance has been a godsend for the Iron legion's line, being able to play either side of the line. He's best flattening people for the run, but has really filled out as a pass blocker as well. He has a very good first step and will be counted on to keep the Quarterback clean or set up holes for Fowler. This is also his last World Bowl.

2. WR Alessandra Mio
After being the heart and soul of Felswyr State's offense, Alessandra Mio went to the Dietrich Dynamos in the Ranorian Football League and made her name become known to all Ranorian fans. Her speed and prowess as a deep threat has only been filled out by also acquiring the ability to shed tackles, run crisper routes, and get the timing of the ball with the Quarterback. She hasn't reached the peak of her career yet, and this World Bowl is another chance for her to show just how much she's grown.

1. QB Sarai Gwenderyn
After seeing Gwenderyn's progression through the first two years of Felswyr State, the Iron Legion decided it was time. Now given command of the national team as well, Sarai will get to work with the best that the country has to offer. She'll have the veteran Mance guarding her blind side, her favorite targets to throw to in Alessandra Mio and Niles Gwivern, and she'll have the presence of one Kimberly Fowler, something that she doesn't have the luxury of in the Firehawks's system. With her ability to play under pressure and perform well, Chromatik fans are hoping that Sarai will be able to replicate her success in the college level to the national level as well. When she gets in too much heat, she can also turn tail and scramble, which is another dimension to her game. Chromatika will go as far as she takes them.

The Opposition
The Allamunnic States are the first seed in the group, a traditional powerhouse that likes to play conservative, old-school ball; they'll be the toughest opposition. Behind them is Saint Kanye, a nation that's made its home in Gridiron Football; they are within reach, though, and the home game against them will be very important. The Iron Legion occupy the third seed, while little-known Lisander is fourth and unranked Malandrin is fifth.

The Iron Legion will start their World Bowl Campaign by hosting Lisander, then heading to the Allamunnic States before taking on Saint Kanye at home and finishing with Malandrin on the road. After a BYE day, they'll play their second leg. This means that they cannot afford to drop games to Lisander and Malandrin, and that the fact that the Iron Legion finish their games a day before anyone else does means they may have to watch just how the Group Stage ends.

Chromatika are hoping for a Round of Sixteen berth at minimum, with the potential for more.

by **Squidroidia** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 4:05 am

You know how the squids did play out do ya? Once again Squidroidia found themselves in the World Bowl Playoffs but lost, almost like a ritual, in the first round. The core remains the same, the team remains the same, but there is one thing the Flyers want... And that is blood. Perhaps making the last 8 was on the cards for them if they got lucky. Thankfully they were in the host group. A preview of the host conditions of Buffalostan was on the cards. With the Squidbreak taking a weird form of absence it's up to the national team to fill that hole.

THE SQUIDROIDIAN FLYERS

Official National Team Setup

Coaches
Head Coach - Colonel Ebisawa Tanyu
Offensive Coordinator - Colonel Sadow Saikaku
Defensive Coordinator -Colonel Kouumoto Kaii
Special Teams Coach - Colonel Miyamoto Saikaku

Offense
Starters highlighted in bold
Quarterback - Sota Miyamoto, Zlatan Agnellini, Ryūji Yamada
Halfback - Stein Bell, Ryota Hoshino
Fullback - Yousuke Mochizuki, Harouna Kendrick
Wide Reciever - Kouji Nakano, Alexandre Smedley, Kosuke Kubo, Koizumi Shunichi, Wakayoshi Shinzo
Tight End - Kamenashi Keizo, Yashima Kafu, Amachi Yoshitora
Left Tackle - Mikami Kin, Haga Matsuta
Right Tackle - Hase Zeshin, Rokurō Márton
Left Guard - Narita Kei, Uehara Hokusai
Right Guard - Takahara Tashiaki, Anh Rose
Center - Jin Horiuchi, Kinoshita Hanshiro

Defense
Starters highlighted in bold
Left End - Pieter Faulkner, Arima Botan
Right End - Tamanaha Ryutaro, Matsushita Tanosuke
Defensive Tackle - Oye Shohei, Fredric Stainthorpe, Sako Kinzo
Left Outside Linebacker - Fukuhara Rkuemon, Seki Nakamaro
Middle Linebacker - Tsuge Tsuyoshi, Ty Peacock
Right Outside Linebacker - Baisho Sadatake, Sakurano Kazuma
Cornerback - Tamaki Eizan, Stefan Huddleston, Takahata Marise, Fukase Yoshiiku
Free Safety - Yūki Sosa, Sera Shunsuke
Strong Safety - Kuse Kuri, Eindride Weiß

Special Teams
Starters highlighted in bold
Kicker - Flynn De Laurentis
Punter - Kohaku Shimizu
Longsnapper - Kaito Yoshida, Kosuke Hashimoto
Holder - Yūdai Maki, Roddy Phạm
Kick/Punt Returner - Halfback Stein Bell

Jerseys

Designed by a collaboration between Kanyean design firms and Mako Designs^*, the Squidroidian Flyers will debut a new form of jerseys (Complete with helmets) for this World Bowl season. The designs incorporate a considerate amount of detail from the Squidroidian flag, including the nation's motto "Unity in Diversity" inscribed on the helmets.

Home

https://i.imgur.com/omaabwD.png

Away

https://i.imgur.com/OGvwOo7.png

^*These were in fact designed by the wonderful Saint Kanye, and yes you have to click the link to see them.

Home Stadium
[url]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Ibrox_Inside.jpg/800px-Ibrox_Inside.jpg[/urk]

Again, click the link because... Yeah, do I have to go over it at this point?

Inkopolis City Stadium is the biggest stadium in the country of Squidroidia, holding 50,000 people. It's primary focus is association football, but can be reconfigured for gridiron football, lacrosse and rugby union and league if needed. The stadium is home to Inkopolis FC of the Squidroidian Super League and also hosts the Squidroidian Cup Final and rotates the Semi-Finals as well. It has previously served as the home to the Flyers in World Bowl XXXIX, XL and XLI, and will return for a 4th time this edition as the host stadium.

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes, TG me
RP injuries to my players: Yes, 1-2 games
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes, no career-enders, TG me otherwise
Suspend my players: Yes, 1-2 games for 1 player
Godmod suspension events: No:
Godmod other events: Yes, unless it's corona

Style - +1

by **Sarzonia** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 6:47 am

Woodstock Daily Mail

Players accuse Steckhall of abuse

By Chris Clayton
Daily Mail Staff Writer

Former Sarzonia national gridball team coach Les Steckhall verbally and physically abused players during his tenure, according to court documents obtained through a federal public records request.

The accusations detail Steckhall verbally berating players including a reserve offensive lineman and nearly getting into a physical altercation with a defensive back on the team. The accusations led to players filing complaints with the human resources department of the Incorporated Gridball Federation, according to a source familiar with the deliberations. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to pending litigation and the sensitive nature of the deliberations.

"It was physical. It was mental, it was emotional," said the source. "It just didn't make for an environment conducive to winning."

A lawyer for Steckhall declined to comment on the accusations. Steckhall did not respond to voice mails, emails or text messages seeking comment.

The source claims the abuse started following Sarzonia's 67-13 defeat to Delaclava in a midqualifying exhibition during World Bowl XXXIX qualifying with Steckhall challenging the manhood of several players in the dressing room. The source said the abuse continued during the early days of training camp for World Bowl LXII.

Sarzonia fired Steckhall days before World Bowl qualifying kicked off. Sarzonia have a bye on Matchday 1 before hosting Mertagne at Joe Gibbs Stadium in their opener on Matchday 2. Assistant coaach Gavin Davis, a former World Bowl quarterback for the Stars, was named interim head coach when offensive coordinator Khrys Taylor declined the post. Taylor did not provide a reason for declining the head coaching position, but a source familiar with his thinking said he was hired to call plays and he chose to remain in that role. Davis declined to comment about the case, saying his focus was "strictly on gridball."

by **Banija** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 2:52 pm

Roster Information of the Banija Serpent Eagles

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes(please specify the injury and the number of games my players will miss)
Godmod Injuries to my Players: Yes(please specify the injury and the number of games my players will miss)
Godmod Other Events: Yes(no pandemics or anything of the sort in Banija or for any of my players. Also, no killing Banijans or major destruction of Banijan property without my permission. I.e. you can break a bar window or something in Banija without asking me, but can't go blowing up buildings)
Style Modifier: +3.5

General Information
Governing Body: Olympic Committee of Banija
Full Nation Name: Kingdom of Banija
Denonym: Banijan(s)
Team Nickname: Serpent Eagles
Notable World Bowl Finishes: Second Place in World Bowl XL. Third Place in World Bowl XXXVII. 4th place in World Bowl XXIX, World Bowl XXX, and World Bowl XXXI.

All-Time Record
All-Time World Bowl Group Stage Record: 82-40. Winning percentage of 66.13%
All-Time World Bowl Knockout Stage Record: 15-10. Winning percentage of 60.00%
All-Time World Bowl Record: 97-50. Winning percentage of 65.10%
All-Time Competitive Record: 108-60. Winning percentage of 63.53%

Official Depth Chart for World Bowl XLII

The rosters is drawn both from the Gridiron Football League of Banija(GFLB), our NSCF teams, foreign NSCF teams, and other Banijan college teams.

Starters are underlined. Players who are receiving their first national team call-up are italicized. Listed in the order of the depth chart.

Head Coach: Thomas Hall(Ranoria). 56 years old. The Olympic Committee of Banija, frustrated with failure after failure of Alastair Jobs, the legendary Loyola coach, after his World Bowl 37 semifinal run, has finally forced Jobs out. The Banijans believe that they have the talent to get into the knockout stages of major tournaments, prepping to make deep WB runs within a tournament or two- whether they should or not, is another question entirely. They also felt they needed a culture change- a coach with a record at the professional level, rather than a college coach.

After searching long and wide, they looked to Ranoria, one of their football rivals, to find a coach. The opposite of Alastair Jobs. As a player, Hall was the career leader in the Ranorian Football League with 62 career interceptions. He had immediately success. The Banijan national team didn't make the knockout stages at either World Bowl 38 or 39, and it was the group stage elimination at the Istria Olympiad that got his predecessor fired. Thomas Hall, however, hit the ground running. Changing the team's focus from a spread 'em out speed team to more of a power team, he went 10-0 in the group stages of World Bowl XL, and took the Serpent Eagles to their first ever World Bowl final.

After a quarterfinal appearance last tournament, he said it's time to revamp the team's offense. "We've got stars on the outside with Lamin Kah and Chinweuba Jelan on the outside- we can't let that go to waste." Whereas Banija has been ground and pound for the last two tournaments, expect them to lean more towards spreading around the football and lighting up the scoreboard, to take advantage of the star players they have at the skill positions on offense.

Offensive Coordinator & Assistant Head Coach: Adhama Khalfani. 62 years old. Known as one of Banija's chief offensive innovators, he is a former offensive coordinator for the Istria Black Mambas professionally here in Banija. With Mamadi Diene's retirement and Hall looking for a change of philosophy, he wanted to hire a coach that he felt would fit his play style. And boy, did he ever. The complete opposite of what you'd expect from a defensive minded coach. But Khalfani said he's excited for the opportunity.

"This is how the game is going." He told reporters. "Is it an experiment? Yes. And we're going to get tested- we've got to play Delaclava, Bongo Johnson, and Sarzonia in our group. At minimum one of us will miss the knockout stages- and in all likelihood, two of us will. We're simply going to be aggressive about getting the ball to our playmakers in positions where they can do something with it." We'll see if Thomas Hall can stick to the strategy, as we're sure his insides will hate all that offensive football that's incoming.

Other notable Offensive Staff: Former NSCF 14 and NSCF 17 champion, Loyola alum running back Justice Greenspan is the running backs coach. He is 44 years old. 47 year old Ugonna Chioma is the Quarterbacks Coach. 55 year old Uchey Akachi is the Wide Receivers Coach. 54 year old Beluchi Chika is the Offensive Line Coach. And 36 year old Mamadi Diene Jr.(the former offensive coordinator's youngest son) is the Tight Ends Coach.

Defensive Coordinator: David Franklin. 50 years old. David Franklin was a starting middle linebacker on Loyola-Istria's NSCF 14 title team, and he was a defensive captain on Banija's run to the World Bowl XXXVI semifinals. With the defensive coordinator from the last two tournaments taking his talents to South Newlandia to become head coach at Elephant Valley University, Franklin got the promotion. Having a stellar playing career domestically and being a longtime national team assistant, it is seen as his turn. He's never called plays at any level, however. How will he handle his first season ever running a defense at any level?

Other notable defensive staff: Faraji MOyo is the linebackers coach. He is 41 years old. 44 year old Diji Jel is the Defensive Line Coach. 57 year old Chizoba Izuchukwu is the Safeties Coach. And 51 year old Fodazi Manqoba is the Cornerbacks Coach.

Special Teams Coordinator/Strength & Conditioning Coach: Iyoas Motuma. 52 years old.

Stadium of the Restoration
Image
Location: Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija. Capacity: 91,835

The Stadium of the Restoration is the country's national stadium, used primarily for both gridiron and association football. It is located in the northern part of Busukuma, Banija's capitol city. It is built between the "northern hills of Busukuma" where Banija's first independence was declared, an event known as the restoration of the Banijan monarchy. It is a revered and hallowed stadium for sports fans throughout the country.

A number of major events have been held here, including two World Bowl Finals, a Baptism of Fire Final, a Cup of Harmony Final, two AOCAF Finals, an IFCF Champions League Final, and the opening matches of two World Cups, as well as two World Cup semifinals. Furthermore, it has hosted multiple NSCF bowl games, as well as the NSCF Championship game. It is also the site of the annual BGFL National Championship Game. It is the regular home stadium for both national football teams, gridiron and association. The stadium, rebuilt shortly before World Cup 81, which Banija co-hosted alongside the Free Republics, has a turf gridiron field that lies underneath the grass soccer field.

Traditionally, Banija would rotate their home games around the country. However, at World Bowl XL, for the first time in a long time, all the national team's home games were played at the Stadium of the Restoration. With the home success of the national team at World Bowl XL, they will repeat this for World Bowl XLI, playing all four home games at the national stadium.

Group 3 Schedule
Matchday 1: Banija(5) @ Mertagne(UR)
Matchday 2: Banija(5) v. Delaclava(11)
Matchday 3: Banija @ Bongo Johnson(60)
Matchday 4: BYE
Matchday 5: Banija v. Sarzonia(14)
Matchday 6: Banija v. Mertagne(UR)
Matchday 7: Banija @ Delaclava(11)
Matchday 8: Banija v. Bongo Johnson(60)
Matchday 9: BYE
Matchday 10: Banija @ Sarzonia(11)

by **Kohnhead** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 3:52 pm

Watford named starter for World Bowl 42

Jackson Watford will retain the starting job for our 4th World Bowl

With exactly two weeks to go until our match against Bollonich, new Coach Eric Dietrich has come out and publically stated that Jackson Watford will indeed retain the starting job of our National Gridiron Team for World Bowl 42. According to some sources "Dietrich knew his decision weeks ago he just waited to publically reveal it for reasons unclear to many. Maybe he was trying to diguise it or maybe it was something else that we don't know about."

Many had Watford poised for a breakout World Bowl last time in Chromatika but he was unable to deliver upon those expectations as we once again managed to miss out on the knockouts despite a very talented team. Watford has yet to really improve in some key areas like his accuracy and decision making when under pressure which has led to many interceptions for the now 4th year starter on the National Team. In addition many question his dedication to the team and note that his captain's patch was taken away showing that his leadership qualities are not there.

Grover Tucker of KNN went as far as to say "Listen I've heard from numerous souces that Watford is not the guy who they want leading the team, they feel he thinks too highly of himself and is constantly arguing with his coaches. The players specifically chose to not vote him captain for this reason and many wanted the hard working Byron Joseph who while less talented through the air has a much better attitude and character. If Watford wants to be the starter when Kohnhead finally breaks out and gets somewhere he's going to need to change."

Despite this Dietrich has gone ahead and named Watford the starter after a long battle between him and Joseph in the offseason. The thing with Joseph as his first two years in the RFL showed is that he's quite the athletic freak and has extremely high upside and improved from one season to another however they just don't feel he's ready to lead the offense quite yet. Dietrich made sure to emphasize that if Watford were to struggle they were ready and able to pull the trigger and bench him which Watford will need to be aware of.

In addition Dietrich and other members of the team have jumped to Watford's aid dismissing Tucker's report and claiming that the report is only trying to spread dissaray in the locker room. It's possible there's some credibility to Tucker's report as we've seen stuff in the past that suggests as much and articles that spread talking about how your starting quarterback is a bad leader with no work ethic is never a good thing especially when it's from as trusted of a source as KNN.

What matters now is Watford's play on the field at the 42nd World Bowl but if he plays poorly it might be time for Byron Joseph.

by **Buffalostan** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 5:18 pm

MD1 cutoff

Each MD I will be offering a small prompt. These prompts are not required and there is no extra bonus for doing them compared with doing a match report or any other type of RP; they’re simply there because, with a long group stage format and many tournaments competing for attention, inspiration may be running thin. Feel free to respond in whatever format you like – or ignore them entirely.

Today's cutoff is brought to you from the Lower Fargonia time bubble of 1924. This was the time when professional gridiron was first becoming organized with the birth of the Buffalostani handegg league. Does your country have a professional league? When and how did it begin?

Group A
Equestria 35–50 Buffalostan (scorinated by Chromatika)
New Gesem 3–30 Squidroidia

Group B
Ko-oren 12–0 HUElavia
South Americanastan 3–26 South Newlandia

Group C
Mertagne 19–23 Banija
Delaclava 65–10 Bongo Johnson

Group D
Malandrin 38–39 Allamunnic States
Chromatika 9–6 Lisander

Group E
Tumbra 47–19 Xanneria
TJUN-ia 20–23 Ranoria

Group F
Kohnhead 46–6 Bollonich
Newmanistan 30–6 Drawkland

Tables from MD2 on.

by **Buffalostan** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 5:26 pm

Host note: this roster did not count towards MD1.

For this World Bowl, in celebration of Buffalostan’s first hosting effort, rather than have one time bubble represent the entire nation each time bubble has been asked to produce one player: these players vary widely in quality, including professional handegg players, college players, and random guys off the street. The unusual makeup of the team is reflected in the nickname, the Janissaries. With only 33 players available, many will have to feature on both sides of the ball (which those from the older time bubbles gruffly insist is the right and proper way to play).

Roster

Players are color-coded by time bubble.

#59 Will North
#41 Millard Simpson
#64 apollox jordan
#18 Zinc Strangegear
#13 Thaddeus Farr
#9 Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez
#1 Jack Anderson
#79 Eldon Shapter
#71 Ezra Carrington
#22 Xococoehua Tlachihuani
#91 Ghaag
#82 Machakw Mochni
#16 maddax;octapian
#84 Raul Luis Noboa Reyes
#75 Verne Lawrence
#32 Jean-Michel Blaise de le Sueur
#56 Darinell Waterfinder
#25 ve’jol’viam veetarg
#30 Ulf Nyström
#92 Samuel Eriksen
#51 David Juhl
#66 Braedyn Barnett
#63 Hiram Tilcott
#65 amymonei 2938
#68 Jonny Rubio
#12 Evan O’Lonergan
#6 Grexmex Shadowgleam
#98 ShaynX8Sáez
#78 Luke Holmes
#31 Kyle November
#33 “Spots”
#43 Timofey Alesnarovich
#65 Haumakapu’u Keli’i

MD2 v New Gesem
Life Valley Stadium, Calhoun, Atlantic Malaisia [1979]
A ~55,000 capacity stadium, it’s the largest arena on the eastern seaboard of Buffalostan, an era locked in an era of national desperation and humiliation in terms of the domestic economy and affairs overseas. The uninspiring peanut farmer Johnny Carter?-I-Hardly-Knew-’Er! is president, but is facing a tough upcoming election with charismatic actor and conservative darling Ronnie Raygun. The stadium has recently undergone expansion to add 10,000 seats. Traditions include “Frank’s stone”, an exceptionally large kidney stone by former coach Howard “Firehose” Frank and now permanently on display – the home team run past it and touch it for luck; and Running Up That Hill, in which the home team run up to the stadium from their locker room, which is located in a slight depression. The sight of them cresting the hill is often described as “the most exciting 25 seconds in sports”, although that time with the Brazilican rhythmic gymnast exchange student is a close contender.

MD5 v Abanhfleft
The Presidentdome, Si’ahl, The Grunge Coast [1991]
The ~65,000 capacity stadium is the home of the Buffalostani Handegg League team the Si’ahl Ospreys. In the hip northwestern city of Si’ahl, known for its burgeoning tech scene, its coffee bar culture, and its rock music scene including the emerging genre of “grunge”, the Presidentdome is a stadium that doesn’t quite match the cool of its home city. There’s been talk of moving to a new stadium but funding remains a controversy, with the Ospreys talking about relocating if a new arena is not built but the public voting down a bond issue to fund one. The arena is somewhat decrepit and ceiling tiles from the roofed dome have been known to fall down on occasion. The playing surface is AstroTurf laid over asphalt, leading to a difficult experience, hard on the knees.

MD6 v Equestria
Pony Ground, Caddo-Mississippi [1014]
Unused to the demands of hosting non-human sapients, Buffalostani administrators were concerned about the inability to retrofit existing stadiums to accommodate potential equine visitors. Instead, they have marked off a field in Caddo-Mississippi, book-ended by two immense mounds, specially built to accommodate paddocks where ponies can safely mingle. The inhabitants of this time period are, of course, somewhat unused to gridiron. (Nor even, iron.) But such a spectacle is sure to produce a large audience all the same with many tribes declaring a truce so they can safely attend the game.

MD8 v Squidroidia
Pirate Stadium, Body of Christ, Neo-Grande [2125]
The stadium may be small (cap. ~25,000) but physical attendance is not such a concern. Most of those in the stands will be wearing cybernetic augmentations allowing them to stream holoprojections back to an audience in excess of millions. Set in the high-tech future of the southernmost tip of Buffalostan and home to a college team, the stadium is fitted with many modern conveniences such as access ports for recharging cybernetic limbs, feedback buffers to prevent overloads, and a really good taco bar.

RP permissions:

Yes to everything except using photographs and saying they are my players.

Style modifier: 0

by **Saint Kanye** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 8:23 pm

STILL SURGING AHEAD: ST. KANYE'S WORLD BOWL XLII CAMPAIGN

The players and staff of the St. Kanye Surge continue to gel, improve, and impress, going on a deep playoff run in the forty-first edition of the World Bowl. By narrowly edging Newmanistan and thoroughly crushing TJUN-ia, they showed the international gridiron community that they are not to be taken lightly. However, subsequent losses to the much tougher Ko-oren and Delaclava sides prove that they still need to keep working hard in order to be considered elite.

A new edition of the World Bowl in Buffalostan means a new shot at grabbing the title, but also new challengers to get in the Surge's way. Let's meet them.

ALLAMUNNIC STATES
Thanks to their successes in the previous World Bowls, the Kanyeans now have the honor of being considered one of the top ten national gridiron squads in the world - eighth to be exact. However, that doesn't mean that they're the top dogs in their group. The Allamunnic States, ranked fourth and boasting of six titles, have that distinction. Expect one hell of a game - well, two, since the home and away double round robin format continues to be used.

CHROMATIKA
The World Bowl XLI hosts are ten places below the Yeezies in eighteenth, but they are not to be taken lightly. Like the Surge's longtime rivals the Ko-oren Dragonflies (who are thankfully not in their group anymore), the female-dominated Iron Legion pride themselves on their dangerous defense. Their offense isn't left behind though, with the accurate Sarai Gwenderyn under center, throwing bombs to star wideout Alessandra Mio.

LISANDER
Lisander handed St. Kanye their first World Bowl loss, 20-30, in their only matchup back in World Bowl XXXVIII, while in World Bowl XXXIX, the two countries split their series, 20-15 to the purple and lime and 15-6 to the green and gold. They meet for the third time in this edition's group stages - will the pendulum swing in the Kanyeans' favor this time, now that their opponents are ranked just thirty-third, or will the Lisanderians rely on experience and keep their lead in the all-time series?

MALANDRIN
No group stages are complete without a newcomer team. Not enough data on these guys mean that the Surge will have to expect, and be prepared for, anything and everything the gridiron gods might throw at them.

Now, let's get to know the Surge themselves. Offense, defense and special teams all play an important role, and in this team, all have their share of standout players. Well, the rest of the team aren't any slouches either - why else would they be picked to represent the whole of the Glorious Free Republic, right?

STAFF
Jeff Delphine, head coach and master motivator, runs the show, together with his trio of genius strategists in Dan Shelby, Kevin Macintyre and Ken Kirby (offense, defense and special teams, respectively). The Surge is a pass-heavy, blitz-happy team, meaning that they want to get things done on the air and force their opponents to do so as well. However, they still work hard to make sure that they don't do badly on the things they focus less on.

QUARTERBACKS
Ralph Joseph "R.J." Linetti remains as the Surge's starting QB and offensive captain. He's a dual threat, being both an accurate thrower as well as a speedy scrambler. Backup Landon Klein is less mobile, but throws longer bombs, while young Harry Santos has also shown some flashes of brilliance in practice.

RUNNING BACKS
Aside from Linetti, St. Kanye's ground attack lies mostly in the hands (or rather, legs) of Noah Sherman, a powerful back who doesn't think twice before bulldozing his opponents on the way to the endzone. He has been named one of the members of last edition's Team of the Tournament. Randall Cole also makes appearances, most notably in third down situations; in contrast to Sherman, he relies on speed and elusiveness to get the job done. Fullback Nico Jackson is a great blocker, but also has the ability to catch passes; the same applies to his new backup, little brother Marco.

RECEIVERS
The receiving corps is where the Surge truly shine. Primary WR Bruce Dobler has the best hands on the team, while in the slot, we have the fast and flashy Patrick Moore. Taylor Johns is used in three WR sets and as the kick return man. The starting tight end is the agile Hussein Jeffers; Greg Malloy, his backup, is perhaps more known as the punt returner.

O-LINE
A bit of a shakeup in this category. Burton Baxter and Derek Horton are new additions to the team, Gordon Ferguson takes over as the starting center, while Clay Conrad and Mitch Grant retain their places to the right of the line.

D-LINE
The three starting defensive linemen have been playing together since Arena Bowl VI, and they have gelled into a fearsome run-stopping unit. Left end Simon Carver is fast and energetic for a big guy, nose tackle Robby Edison is both an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and Matt Dawson is a total sack master.

LINEBACKERS
Gotten past the Surge's front three? Well, your troubles are not yet over. Jasper Heath, Hansel Jones and Alvin Faris are all fast, smart and hard-hitting, but the true standout of this group is Justin Varley - he can tackle, sack, force fumbles and incompletions, and intercept, among others.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Free safety Gary Bradman was the defensive specialist in the Arena Bowl team, and is now the defensive captain of the World Bowl squad. He has a great knack for reading and disrupting the other team's offensive strategies. Opposite him in the strong safety position is Oliver Law, the best tackler among the secondary. Aidan O'Connor, another TOTT member, starts at cornerback opposite Mason Schwartz, with Bernard Van Pelt being used in the nickel package. The three of them are good at covering opposing receivers, but even more so at getting picks.

SPECIAL TEAMS
James Rasputin is a deadly combination of distance and accuracy and is almost always guaranteed three (or one) points whenever he steps onto the field. Rasputin's performance last tournament has gotten many people mentioning his name in discussions about who the best active kicker in the World Bowl would be. The Yeezies rely on punting less than other teams do. but that doesn't mean Chris Florence has lost his importance. He does the kickoffs, and he does it well. Ruben Elroy is an excellent long snapper. Isaak Clearwater, while listed as a wide receiver, doesn't catch any passes. He instead makes his name known as a gunner, hunting down the returner during kickoffs or punts.

The Group 4 schedules have already been released. Here are the Kanyeans', including what uniforms will be used, where, and against whom.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MD | Opponent           | Rank | Uniform       | Score   | Record | Place |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1  | BYE                |      |               |         |        |       |
| 2  | Malandrin          | UR   | Purple/Black  |         |        |       |
| 3  | @Chromatika        | 18   | White/Purple  |         |        |       |
| 4  | Lisander           | 33   | Purple/Purple |         |        |       |
| 5  | @Allamunnic States | 4    | White/White   |         |        |       |
|    | BREAK              |      |               |         |        |       |
| 6  | BYE                |      |               |         |        |       |
| 7  | @Malandrin         | UR   | White/White   |         |        |       |
| 8  | Chromatika         | 18   | Purple/Black  |         |        |       |
| 9  | @Lisander          | 33   | White/Purple  |         |        |       |
| 10 | Allamunnic States  | 4    | Purple/Purple |         |        |       |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

by **Chromatika** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 8:44 pm

Team   1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  |  Tot
CMT     0   3   3   3  |    9
LIS     3   0   3   0  |    6

1Q
05:22 LIS FG - Kicker 41 yard Field Goal

2Q
08:33 CMT FG - Sara McAllister 47 yard Field Goal

3Q
09:41 CMT FG - Sara McAllister 51 yard Field Goal
01:37 LIS FG - Kicker 38 yard Field Goal

4Q
13:22 CMT FG - Sara McAllister 43 yard Field Goal

HENZA CENTER, D'REA, CAPITAL DISTRICT - In a defensive struggle, the Chromatik Iron Legion came through in the end as Sara McAllister's three field goals proved to be the only points needed in a narrow 9-6 victory over Lisander in the first game of the Group Stage of World Bowl 42.

Facing Lisander, the fourth seeded team in the group, the Iron Legion were heavily favored; however, new signal caller Sarai Gwenderyn couldn't crack past the Lisander 40 yard line, and when she did, Lisander's defense stiffened to keep out the Iron Legion from the end zone. Despite Alessandra Mio catching six balls for a hundred sixty yards, the Iron Legion never got past the Lisander 25 as Gwenderyn was pressured just enough to rush her important throws.

Thankfully for the Chromatiks, the Iron Legion's defense was here to play; Lisander only got past the Chromatik forty yard line twice, and each time, Mi-Hyeon Park was the one to stop the drive in its tracks, sniffing out a screen on one drive and sacking the Quarterback on the other. Safety Candice Jones was the one that was struggling as Lisander was able to use the natural timing in route combinations to get past the defender.

However, when the Iron Legion converted on a third-and-fifteen from the Iron Legion 41 by Gwenderyn finding Gwivern on a post route, they would be on their way to the game-winning Field Goal that was the final margin.

They will next head to the Allamunnic States to face the top ranked team in the group, who barely got by Malandrin on the first matchday.

The Chromatik Football League: Who Are the Teams? Part 1

Alnio Pirates
Alnio isn't even a port city, so the name doesn't fit. Apparently, the ownership group thought it'd be a fun name, which is how they got the name. The Pirates aren't a very successful team, going 21-21 in three seasons and never making the Playoffs. However, they've produced some decent players - Running Back James Morreau, Offensive Tackle Giles Candy, Offensive Guard Mea Loom, and Defensive Tackle Parry Mioto. Mioto is the most notable of them, being a FSU graduate, but they are all reserve players. There's talk of the franchise moving to a bigger city - neither Myana, Urrheddiao, nor Z'ai'ai have a squad - but the Pirates are making the best of their stay.

Brisara Juggernauts
Brisara having an gridiron football team makes sense being the blue collar city they are. After finishing in third place for the first two seasons, Brisara finished in sixth place. 23-19 is their overall record, and they're a team that needs to rebound. Kimberly Fowler is their star player, with Lars Kendrick leading the way on most of her runs, Randy Mett crashing down the side in defense, and Rowena Pillar being a very fundamental cornerback. They'll be a contender in future seasons.

by **Banija** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 6:17 am

Ifeatu Chineze, sitting the day before the game in his hotel room in Mertagne

Chineze the other day had heard the words he had been waiting to hear for his entire life.

"Ifeatu- you're going to be the quarterback for the national team." Coach Hall had said those three days ago. What a joyous moment. Coach Hall had told them in the quarterbacks meeting room, the meeting between the two men vying for the position. Ifeatu Chineze, the pinnacle of his career so far, being named QB1.

And he heard those words repeatedly. Coach Hall told the whole team, who celebrated. Coach Hall then told the press. Chineze had his first press conference as the team's starting QB. Nothing surprising was said. Credit was given to Chibuzo, and Chineze talked about his own excitement. And he was excited. The day after it was announced, the team flew to Mertagne. The long slog would start- 8 games in 10 weeks, the race for a top 2 spot in the group and an automatic berth in the Round of 16. The pressure of a fanbase both with championship expectations and championship dreams.

But then, the nerves set in. He really was the starting QB for the national team. And he could not sleep. He was staring at the ceiling. He knew that he had a game at 1 PM the next day, that he should really be asleep- but there was no way that he was going to sleep. After the pressure and the joy of winning this competition, how could he not think about anything else? So he got up, put on his massive headphones, and went for a walk around the hotel.

He thought about what this opportunity meant. To him. To his family. To his career. What kind of an opportunity that would rarely come in a man's life- the one to play for your country in a way such like this. ANd after talking on the phone with his Father, he knew that he was ready to take this opportunity and grab it straight by the horns...

Serpent Eagles earn close away win against Mertagne, now to face Delaclava in World Bowl XLI revenge game

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- Banija's visit to Mertagne was about a couple of things. First- shake off the rust. It's been a while since the national team's played, of course, and while we've had camp and brought in club players as well for scrimmages and joint practices and what not, it's simply not the same. With a road trip to the group's unranked side, it was about getting the kinks out, getting the nerves out, and most importantly, getting the W in what looks to be a brutal World Bowl group.

Fortunately, we were able to get that W. And Ifeatu Chineze's first ever start at the national team level went... OK? Fine enough to where his supporters are not mad, but not so great enough to where those who thought Chibuzo should start for this team never really shut up about it. He threw for 212 yards, a touchdown, and a pick, while Sello carried a lot of the load on offense, running for 137 yards and a score himself. The key to the game? When we were up 23-16 with 3:30 in the fourth quarter, Mertagne had a 3rd and 8 at our 22 yard line. But veteran EDGE rusher Boto Hairte busted into the backfield and sacked Mertagne QB Maenwallon Vane for an 8 yard loss.

So facing 4th and 16 at our 30, even with such little time left, meant that going for it on fourth down truly wasn't an option. If it was 4th and 8, they probably go- but 4th and 16? You've gotta kick and play your defense. And that's what they did. They hit the 47 yarder, but simply never got the ball back. We were able to kill the game on the ground, and get to 1-0. Not a ton to say. Thomas Hall was straight up about it. "A win is a win is a win, even if it isn't the prettiest. We did what we came here to do. Now, we've got the big one in the home opener at the Stadium of the Restoration next week, and that's what we're focused on."

That's right- Delaclava. An up and coming multisport rival for Banija. We beat them in Delaclava in the IBC 31 Final. But most importantly- they eliminated us at World Bowl XLI. Beat us fairly thoroughly as well- by two touchdowns, leaving no doubt to who was the better team on the field that day in Chromatika. Which means they ended Isaka Jawara's career. We've wanted revenge for that game since last year.

"Ever since the group draw, the players have talked about Delaclava." Ifeatu Chineze, the newly enchristened starting quarterback, told the media. "We all remember last year's game. We did not put our best foot forward. We did not show the world what Banijan gridiron was about- instead, the Delaclavs beat us thoroughly in all three phases. Many people think that this is their time to bust through and bring a third title home. But we've worked a long time to recover from the disasters of the late 30s to get back into the top 5. Now that we're here, we need to show the world we belong. And that starts with beating rivals like this one, on our home field."

Delaclava will be a tough opponent. The betting odds are just about even. While we struggled to an away win over an unranked squad from Mertagne, Delaclava just came back from absolutely romping the floor with their opponents, earning a 55 point home victory over Bongo Johnson. Probably the most impressive victory in any group from Matchday 1. "Delaclava offers so many matchup problems." Coach Hall said. "Taurus Wright can do it all. He can beat you from the pocket. He can get on the run and make all the throws out of the pocket. He can deal with pressure. He can beat you with his legs. When he's on a roll and using all facets of his game, he's simply unstoppable."

"We've just gotta take away the extra dimensions to his game, and make him one dimensional. What we'll focus on- well, you'll see soon enough, eh? But if he's beating you with both his arms and his legs, from both inside and outside the pocket, well- you can ask Bongo Johnson what happens. On Offense, we've just gotta stay in attack mode. The Phoenixes defense likes to get after you and get into the backfield, and try and control the line of scrimmage."

A normally blitz heavy Delaclava is expected to stay that way, especially with the inexperience of the Banijan offensive line. They struggled to keep Chineze upright against Mertagne, as he was hit 8 times and sacked on 3 of those. Can they improve against Delaclava? Or will we be constantly liting Chineze up off the turf again? That may be the key to the game. If we can control the line of scrimmage enough to get the ball to our star playmakers on the outside, we'll light anyone up. But if we can't? Then the SotR will go home disappointed.

World Bowl XLI quarterfinal rematch. Banija v. Delaclava, live from Busukuma. Can we exorcise the demons of our past by getting that win on Sunday night?

by **New Gesem** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 6:30 am

New Gesem   0  0  3  0  3
Squidroidia 9  14 7  0  30

Gesemite Football League/Gesemite Football League Players’ Association Statement on the World Bowl
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Friday, both the GFL member clubs and the GFLPA Executive Committee met to discuss the possibility of amending the GFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement to allow active GFL players to participate in international American football competition under the auspices of the World Bowl Committee. Both parties reiterated their commitment to preserving the offseason as a time for athletes to rest and recuperate, as well as attend to family and church obligations which may be neglected during the season.

At this time, the CBA remains unamended, and GFL players who play in the World Bowl or any ancillary competitions will be judged in breach of their playing contracts. The CBA is scheduled to be reviewed following the 2014 season, at which point the matter may be brought to a vote by the general membership of the GFLPA. The GFL policy, as written, mirrors the policies of the Gesemite Basketball Association, Gesemite Baseball Federation, and the Gesemite Soccer Premiership.

New Gesem Collegiate Athletic Association Statement on the World Bowl
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In a meeting on Friday, the NGCAA Executive Committee ruled that participation in international competition, including but not limited to the World Bowl, International Basketball Championships, or any competition organized by the World Cup Committee, constitutes a breach in the Athletes’ Code of Conduct, specifically paragraph 3-2a (1), which reads as follows:

(1) Athletes, here defined as anyone on the varsity roster of an NGCAA-sponsored team, are prohibited from traveling abroad during their college careers, including but not limited to vacations, “study abroad”, “exchange programs”, and visiting family. Exceptions for approved mission trips may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Per NGCAA guidelines, any athlete found in breach of the Code of Conduct must be expelled from their host institution, or the institution risks fines and sanctions from the NGCAA. Student-athletes are reminded that their purpose in pursuing higher education is to give glory to their God, not their country or themselves.

by **TJUN-ia** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 9:52 am

After the playoff curse was broken last time out, it was finally time for the TJUN-ian Gridiron Jaguars to return home...to the Field of Dreams in The Gardens of New Washington. When they last saw Gus McKerrin and his team in the flesh, they sent them off to the playoffs with a 7-1 Group Stage record and the 4th seed overall. They returned from their journey as a Top 10 team and as a team who could win playoffs games on their day. It certainly could've been a lot better but TJUN-ia had broken their playoffs duck anyways and that was what everyone had hoped for. Now, they are back and looking to return to that theatre once again but a string test awaited them for the homecoming game - the #3 Krauts of Ranoria.

This contest would be very tight right till the end as both McKerrin and Raul Nieler fought it out for a huge win to kick off WB42 in one of the most electric atmospheres in the sport right now. Jake Griffin and John "Farmboy" Garrett would invoke this duel through the contest, trading 3 TDs each in a memorable performance in the NAU Capital in a formula that kept the neutrals in tune to this epic showdown. When Griffin found Hubert Valois, Garrett fought right back through Khalil Hauptmann. When Griffin retook the lead through his own run, Garrett would level things up again through the same method. When Griffin found Chris Davidson late on to pike pressure on the Krauts, Garrett responded in turn via Javier Gilmore to level things up again. It was pure spectacle at the highest order and in the end, this one would be decided by the special teams, with both Chi On-Ma and our Ranorian counterpart going 2/3 on conversion to leave the game on a tightrope at 20-20. The Ranorian kicker would get one final chance to end the game and he would certainly take it from 43 yards, walking off the game for the Krauts and sinking New Washington in the process. TJUN-ia is good...but not THAT good, at least just yet.

It's such a shame, but we still have 7 more games to try and bounce back from this over the following weeks. Hopefully, our road trip to #21 Xanneria doesn't end with a similar conclusion. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group 5)
MD1: vs Ranoria (3) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington L 20-23 (0-1)
MD2: @Xanneria (21)
MD3: vs Arjunnagar (UR) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD4: @Tumbra (27)
MD5: BYE
--------------------------BREAK--------------------------
MD6: @Ranoria (3) - The Karmin-Falce Superdome, Ranoria City
MD7: vs Xanneria (21) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD8: @Arjunnagar (UR)
MD9: vs Tumbra (27) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD10: BYE

by **Kohnhead** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 11:25 am

Watford goes down early as Joseph leads Kohnhead to historic rout of Bollonich

If Byron Joseph was nervous about being thrust into action he certainly didn't show it

Chicken King Stadium was electric as Kohnhead prepared to host Bollonich for our opening game of the 42nd World Bowl, a game we were certainly expected to win. Jackson Watford looked poised in warmups ready to lead the offense and Eric Dietrich looked confident chewing gum on the sidelines in a Kohnheadian windbreaker ready to coach his first international game. You could tell right from the start that this offense meant business with Watford hitting Marco Polisson on the first play from scrimmage for a 34 yard gain after a fake.

Herman Whitworth was starting a game for our National Gridiron Team for the first time in his career and his first handoff would go for 16 yards thundering up the middle behind a block from Jonathon Jodan at center. Unfortunately however a drive that started off with so much promise would just end in three points after a holding penalty on second and goal sent us back. Parkinson would kick it in to make it 3-0 Kohnhead and our defense took the field against the Bollonich offense for the first time.

One thing that Dietrich has emphasized is the importance of getting to the quarterback something that we have struggled with in past World Bowls. On Bollonich's 4th play from scrimmage quarterback Willard Petit dropped back and facing diress from Josef Travis threw it way behind intended target Addy Gilliam where Shane Holman got one of the easiest interceptions of his life and a solid return with it to set Kohnhead up in amazing field position.

Two plays later it happened, Watford rolled out to his right on a third and four under pressure from Tyron Willard and while he managed to get out a laser to Edwards who made a spectacular one handed catch with his left hand and got the first Willard got to Watford right as he threw it. Watford landed hard on his collarbone breaking it and ending his fourth World Bowl extremely prematurely. In came Byron Joseph ready for action and on his first play in he took a QB keeper for 16 yards to the house showing how explosive he was.

Joseph dominated mainly on the ground but he had some dimes in the air as well including a 42 yard throw to Bradson down the sidelines or placing a 19 yard touchdown perfectly to William Carey on a fade who got his first ever touchdown for the National team. Herman Whitworth as he usually is was a beast getting 109 yards on 21 carries with two scores as we absolutely routed Bollonich 46-6 as part of our biggest win in team history.

It was such a big win that Diego Rodriguez even got to come and play his first snaps in the fourth quarter where most of what he did was hand the ball off to Deacon and Butler as our backups. The defense played amazing getting four takeaways including three interceptions of Petit with Holman getting one, Gordon getting one, and Barrera getting one while Espinosa strip sacked Petit before Yater fell on it.

Whether or not you wanted him to win the camp battle Byron Joseph is our new starter with Watford having been ruled out for the rest of the World Bowl. And no one can deny it, Joseph played amazing rushing for 113 yards and throwing for 193 as the dual threat quarterback went off. If he can keep this up for the rest of the tournament we have a chance to finally make it to the knockout stages in Dietrich's first year at the helm.

Next week we travel to take on Kriegiersien who had a bye over the first matchday which would allow them to focus exclusively on this matchup although they were not anticipating having to face Joseph as opposed to Watford which could help us out. While we are riding high following the victory Dietrich stressed not taking our opponent lightly because a 2-0 start heading into the bye with big games against Drawkland and Newmanistan approaching would be phenomenal.

Also of note is that 26 year old Bella Hollis who was our third string quarterback on last years team has been called onto the roster with Watford having been sent to IR and probably being out for the rest of the tournament.

Injury Report
OOC: I will try to get one of these up after every game although it may be impossible, follow the last one recorded please if RPing the game.

QB Jackson Watford - IR Collarbone
WR Albie Terry - Q Ankle
LG Mildred Plumbing - D Shoulder
OT Nicholas Love - Q Wrist
SS Chris Molina - Q Hamstring

by **Sarzonia** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 12:24 pm

The rare Saturday afternoon meeting was not originally on either former Sarzonian national team coach Les Steckhall's or attorney Jason McCamb's planned schedule. Not by a long shot.

However, the development was too important to risk waiting until Monday, or until after the first half of the World Bowl qualifying group stage came to an end.

"He really submitted an affidavit?"

"Yes, Les. He really did."

Steckhall leaned back in his chair with his eyes widened and mouth slightly agape. He wasn't even trying to show bravado now. Not when by far the most high profile player on the team went on record for the court in saying Steckhall had, in fact, abused his players.

He couldn't believe it. Why? How? And why was he willing to risk so much? After a few seconds, McCamb looked at his client.

"Do you need a few minutes to think things over?"

"Yuh- uh, yeah."

After a few minutes, Steckhall walked back into McCamb's office holding a water bottle in his right hand. He took a sip of water after he sat back at the seat in front of McCamb's desk.

"What are you thinking?" McCamb asked. It was a question that was often loaded, but Steckhall understood what his attorney meant. Pursue the case, even though discovery was starting to blow up in his face? Try a long shot motion to dismiss? Withdraw the lawsuit, and essentially admit that he, in fact abused his players?

"I don't think we have much choice now," Steckhall said softly, staring at McCamb's desk. "If this gets to light and he testifies, it's over."

"I could cross examine him and see if I can create reasonable doubt," McCamb said. "But I think it's best if we withdraw the lawsuit. Your best hope will be that nothing comes to light and you might get a head coaching job again somewhere. But if I could offer you one piece of advice," McCamb said, "you can't go old school with your coaching methods or this will be brought to light."

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

Breaking news

Steckhall drops lawsuit
Rosen affidavit seen as sinking former coach's case

Former Sarzonia national gridball team manager Les Steckhall has dropped his lawsuit against the Incorporated Gridball Federation, according to a statement from Steckhall's attorney Jason McCamb.

McCamb said the decision was mutual after Stars quarterback Sam Rosen delivered a sworn affidavit indicating Steckhall abused players on the Stars over the course of his tenure as Sarzonia coach.

"We reviewed the particulars of the case and we determined that the evidence simply didn't point to our being able to win this case," McCamb said.

Steckhall issued a statement apologising to his players.

"I regret any pain, physical or emotional, I inflicted on you," he said. "My motives were for the best, but the way I went about things wasn't. I wish everyone in a Stars uniform the best of luck as they face Mertagne tonight at Joe Gibbs Stadium."

Current interim coach Gavin Davis hailed the decision to drop the lawsuit.

"It was uncomfortable for everyone involved, Sam included," he said. "We hope the end of this litigation will give us the opportunity to focus on the task at hand, which is to bring a World Bowl title back to Sarzonia."

by **Tumbra** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 12:42 pm

second chances
a documentary series

"...perhaps one of the biggest controversies in sports since the Bencoolen City title match in 1990..."

"...Gamaliel State football programme...winner of three University Gridiron Championships..."

"...head coach Charlie Brown allegedly sending a team of university students to far-flung countries..."

"...arrested after the match against Squidroidia..."

"...entering World Bowl 41..."

"...illegally masquerading as a civil servant to enter his team of university students..."

"...sparking interest in the game...largely seen as the province of gung-ho university students..."

"...4-4 record and finishing third in a contested group..."

"...suspension of the programme at GSU indefinitely..."

Two years ago, Gamaliel State University head coach Charlie Brown was arrested. His crime? Impersonating a public servant to enter a team — his team — into the 41st edition of the World Bowl. He was found, unsurprisingly, guilty — and was given an eight month prison sentence. The GSU football programme was suspended; all of the students involved returned to their studies or, in the case of a few, dropped out.

Charlie Brown was released a broken man. Now unemployed, he fell into alcoholism; but managed to get out of it and found a job coaching at a gym. Until he suddenly returned. Six months away from the beginning of the 42nd World Bowl, he was presented to a crowd as the head coach of a unified Tumbran gridiron team. Unsurprisingly, he went for the batch of fifty-three which accompanied him to the 41st edition of the tournament. Some were eager, easy to track down; some less so, having dropped out of university or graduated

Here are their stories.

JOHN SOPLES
STARTING FULL-BACK

"I wasn't doing well. Simple as. University was...more a way for me to get noticed by scouts, hopefully, go pro somewhere else. So when the programme was suspended, I dropped out at the end of the year. Yeah, several members of the team tried to talk me out of it, but my mind was made up. No gridiron...no point in staying on."

"So I went back home. To Nantwich. And began working. My dad works on a boat; goes out on a trawler to catch fish ever so often. Were they disappointed? Yeah, sure. But I was never academically inclined. They understood. So I joined my dad. And for about a year, I forgot all about university, more about what I'd be trying to do as a career now that I'd quit."

"Never quite got away from me, however; when Coach turned up one day in Nantwich at the stall, and just asked me whether I wanted to go to the 42nd World Bowl. Couldn't say no. Not to gridiron, not to Coach. If it was anyone else there asking me to go be full-back for them, I would've refused. But it was Coach."

Always renowned as a charismatic leader, Charlie Brown was known for his pep-talks before the start of every match; the speeches he made were known to rouse his players. It was a big part of how he managed to secure himself his three University Gridiron Challenge trophies; it was part of his distinct coaching style. At the same time, he rather much preferred to let the quarterback make most of the decisions on the field, believing that they, on the field, would have a better grasp of what was going on than him.

Unsurprisingly, when the quarterback on offence was as talented as Dan Waters, it went well for them.

DAN WATERS
STARTING QUARTERBACK

"On the pitch, yeah, he mostly deferred to me. At the beginning of each quarter was when I was typically strongest — I would suggest plays, and 80 to 90 percent of the time he'd concur. In our opening match against Xanneria, where we smashed them 47-11, I made a majority of the offensive calls. Safe to say, with seven touchdowns, it paid off."

The opening match marked a triumphant return to the Gamaliel State field for Charlie Brown. Now officially sanctioned, the team could play for the first time in Tumbran colours — red, blue, black. But they stuck to GSU's colours of blue and gold, partly as a...

DAN WATERS
STARTING QUARTERBACK

"Largely a middle finger to the people in the government who'd so cruelly torn our run to us. No, Coach had no say in the decision, but I get the feeling he was quite happy we'd chosen to play in blue and gold. We were now the Tumbran gridiron squad, but we were Gamaliel's gridion squad first and foremost. The Misfits, our old nickname was."

The World Bowl 42 group the Misfits found themselves in would have three tough opponents. Xanneria, TJUN-ia and Ranoria, the world number two. Not an easy group by any means — to make it to the playoffs in far-off Buffalostan would be a miracle in and of itself. But they'd try; and hopefully this would have the same impact on the Tumbran psyche that their previous run had.

Seven touchdowns, a field goal and a two-point conversion after that first touchdown proved to be too much for Xanneria — a country with presumably a professional gridiron league but was probably a bit too disorganised to let people know of its existence. For the Misfits — coming from a country with no professional gridiron league whatsoever — it was a massive achievement.

One game in the bag; with a capacity crowd, too, the future was looking bright.

by **Delaclava** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 1:45 pm

Post-game press conference in the press room at Sullivan Stadium, Quinniville, following Delaclava's 65-10 victory over Bongo Johnson. Players made available are:

Taurus Wright (TW) - 12/14 for 169 yards, 1 TD; 10 carries for 107 yards in first half
Kevin Alés (KA) - 7 receptions, 134 yards, 1 touchdown; 3 rushes, 18 yards
Tecumseh Mallard (TM) - 2 interceptions, 1 return TD, 5 pass deflections

Gentlemen, congratulations on an outstanding victory. Give us your take on what happened today?

KA: Thank you, and it was pretty straightforward. Our offense ran pretty clean, even with rotating some guys in. The defense made great plays and wouldn't let them get their rhythm. Special teams was smooth, no problems. First test passed, you know? I think they were overmatched and sometimes, as a favorite, you accidentally play down and the game gets closed. We didn't do that today, we kept our heads forward and got it done.

TW: Yeah, pretty much what he said. At least the first half for me, running the offense, it felt natural, like we had a lot of options working well. It's nice to have games where we can get everyone reps too. Most important, one and oh!

TM: I think the defense would admit we had some lapses in the second half that we want to clean up. But I don't want to sound too harsh on ourselves, we had a great performance that gives us some things to build on.

Tecumseh, this is your first game in your first World Bowl - what's it been like working with this team and getting to take the field internationally?

TM: It's awesome, man. This team has accomplished so much - not just from, like, decades ago, but the past few years. And I think for a lot of the new guys on this team, it's a recognition of our skills, but there's a little bit of nerves trying to click with a team that's already third in the world. But the veterans of this team have been really welcoming, and we all know we have the pieces to have another good run. The defense has been awesome to work with, you know a bunch of our guys are from A State (Arana State), so it's almost a bit of a brotherhood in that way. So many legends on this team already who are still at the top of their game. Taking the field today, I don't know if it was too different. I line up with my team and we got another team on the other side of the ball. I'm sure it'll hit me harder when we go against the world's best, no disrespect. But I'll always take a W to start.

Taurus, what's your assessment of your own play, and how about Michael Willis and Stafford Thomas?

TW: I felt physically really sharp, like I was moving well on the ground. Through the air, I was seeing things pretty clearly and making good reads. So I'm all happy there. Michael and Stafford both looked awesome. Remember, Michael and I split time last year for a bit after Trent (Goff) went down. We went more in my direction, but Michael can absolutely carry this offense if he needs to - and he did when we beat Saint Kanye for bronze. Stafford's a great kid, he's really quick and has a good arm, and what he did beating us in the championship as a rookie was pretty special. (Note. Thomas' Mannheim Rockets defeated Wright's Catherina Crushers to win the DGL title.) He and Michael were teammates at Dewitt too, they get along well and Stafford learns quickly. I think they really showed the depth of our team.

Next you travel to face Banija in Busukuma. What do you think a game like today shows about your readiness to face them?

KA: On the surface, not a whole lot, I guess? Clearly they're a different level of team. We'd be dumb to think we could beat them by 55. We need to be ready to go in a completely different way. That said, you always have to shake out the rust as a team, and ideally you do that before you get your toughest test. Mission accomplished there. Whatever happens there, it won't be because we weren't ready to give it our best.

Delaclava and Banija last played in the quarterfinal of World Bowl XLI - since then, Banija has played just one game, you have played three. What do you think both teams have learned about each other in that short time?

TW: Well, I'm sure they've looked at plenty of tape at that game. A lot of our skills and our strategies were very new to them, so at the very least, they'll know more of what to see the second time. And not to be immodest, but I think they had trouble containing me and the different options I offer. Our offensive style has so many facets and I think they'll try to at least limit some of those. As for us, we're now used to their physicality and power. But they have some offensive talent we're going to see for the first time. Should be interesting.

KA: I wouldn't get too worried about what we have and haven't learned yet. I think we're in pretty good shape. After that game, we lost a semifinal to Drawkland and there's no shame in that (Note: There is actually great shame in that), won a medal against Saint Kanye, and did what we did today. Also, you know, we beat Banija last time. I'm sure they've evolved and they'll give it right back to us, but I think we can handle it.

Speaking of evolving, and with regard to their offensive talent, Banija only just announced that their starting quarterback would be Ifeatu Chineze. Do you have any thoughts on him so far?

TM: The secondary's watched a lot of film on him to get ready for this group stage. He's well-rounded, a good deep threat who can move. Style-wise, I see him a little similar to Taurus although I don't know if he wants to run as much as Taurus. But it's enough that we feel we've gotten a good look in practice and seen what he might do. Once we get in there, we'll find out for sure.

TW: I haven't seen a lot from him, but I've been impressed. He's got a great arm and moves pretty well, has some championship credentials, and clearly he has the composure to win a QB battle. I think he's a good successor to the QB role there. He just better keep in mind, we beat the last guy so bad he switched to rowing. So I'm sure he's confident but if he gets too cocky, we will destroy him too. In front of his own fans, no less.

Banija's first game was a 23-19 win in Mertagne. Mertagne is unranked but hung in for most of the contest. Does that give you a sense at all that they might be vulnerable?

KA: Not at all. Like I said earlier, it's just shaking off the rust. Sometimes it's not easy and it's a bit painful. Plus, with a team like Mertagne, they're an unknown quantity. It's their first tournament, so they could really suck at this, or they could be a team we'll have to watch out for. I get a sense it's more the latter. That said, it would be in Banija's best interest that they've gotten that out of their system.

Before we let you go, we did want to get your reaction to another story that's been developing in your group - and just up north. Les Steckhall, the Sarzonia head coach, was recently fired, and there have been allegations from former players of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Thoughts?

KA: I saw that. I mean, first of all, we don't really know - there's been ongoing litigation, is what's being reported, and so you get whispers of things and don't really know what's happening. I gotta say I'm surprised. Steckhall had that team on a good track, getting better each season. You can maybe have a good season with that pattern, but not that sustained progress like that, I don't think I would've expected something to be wrong. I think as players, you expect you're going to get your buttons pushed a little bit, things are going to get heated, not everything will be 100% above board. But yeah, there's just shit you can't say and do. Not just because "that's the way it is now", but because it doesn't help anyway. But it'll be really interesting to see how this all affects the team going forward.

An anonymous source cited that the start of the abuse was after your mid-season exhibition back in World Bowl XXXIX.

TW: (laughing) Yeah, I bet it would...

The source said Steckhall challenged their manhood after the game.

TW: Dude, I'd challenge my own manhood if we lost 67-13!

KA: (softly) Come on, man...

TW: ...look, I'm not condoning anything. If he did things to get fired, I'm sure he deserved it. But after we kicked their asses, they went and beat the #1 team in the world. Last year, it took us everything to put them away, and they made their way to Chromatika. The team got better because of what the coach said and did. So do they care more about getting better and winning or do they just want to feel safe? We play them pretty soon so we'll find out what they bring to the table. But I guarantee it'll be our toughest game yet against them. And it'll be because of how their old coach helped them improve, not because of some new muppet who hasn't even coached them yet.

KA: (to himself) For fuck's sake. (out loud) To be clear, no level of success actually justified mistreatment of players. (looks at Taurus) Just want to make sure there's no doubt about that.

The difficulties your team had last year with Gorka Bielsa and many of his staff from the Bosmond Bears, particularly Shaun Selwyn and Thomas Goff, are well-documented, particularly after the injury to Trent Goff. Do you see any parallels between that situation and this with the Stars?

KA: Well, it's not the same. I know Coach Bielsa made things difficult at times, and there were definitely complaints that he had his favorites, that he didn't resolve some of the tensions between players. I think he could have done a better job of bringing us together at times, but at no point was he abusive at all. He didn't go overboard, if anything it wasn't enough guidance from him. Now, I think we figured those things out and he led us to the third-place playoff, and he deserves credit for that.

We've had staffing changes too, ones I think made sense. So I think both teams are going to find out pretty soon if the coaching changes really were for the better.

That's all the questions we have today. Congratulations again on the victory, and good luck against Banija.

Bongo Johnson         0 -  0 -  7 -  3 -- 10
Delaclava            21 - 17 - 13 - 14 -- 65

1st Quarter
DEL - Taurus Wright 14 yard run (Kieran Conley kick), 12:18.
DEL - Tecumseh Mallard 41 yard interception return (Conley kick), 9:57.
DEL - Ryan Finney 2 yard run (Conley kick), 5:40.
2nd Quarter
DEL - Kieran Conley 25 yard FG, 14:36.
DEL - Taurus Wright 38 yard pass to Kevin Alés (Conley kick), 9:00.
DEL - Taurus Wright 65 yard run (Conley kick) 4:25.
3rd Quarter
DEL - Michael Willis 7 yard pass to Robbie Hahn (Conley kick), 10:45.
BGJ - Jimbo Jangles 25 yard pass to Cringle McBerry (Roberto vas Deferens kick), 6:39.
DEL - Conley 30 yard FG, 4:05.
DEL - Conley 48 yard FG, :32.
4th Quarter
BGJ - Roberto vas Deferens 37 yard FG, 11:38.
DEL - Stafford Thomas 10 yard pass to Andre Michel (Conley kick), 6:25.
DEL - Prince Rose 54 yard fumble return (Conley kick), 3:53.

by **Buffalostan** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 3:56 pm

MD1

      1   2   3   4   F
BUF   7  14  15  14  50
EQS   7   7   7  14  35
BOX                                                                                               BUF  EQS
  1 Millard Simpson 7 yard run (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                                        7    0
    WR1 7 yard pass from QB1 (K1 kick)                                                              7    7
  2 Machakw Mochni 5 yard pass from Jack Anderson (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                    14    7
    WR1 45 yard pass from QB1 (K1 kick)                                                            14   14
    Kyle November 67 yard pass from Jack Anderson (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                    21   14
  3 maddax;octapian 74 yard pass from Jack Anderson (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)                  28   14
    Jean-Michel Blaise de le Sueur 1 yard run (Thaddeus Farr run)                                  36   14
    WR3 59 yard pass from QB1 (K1 kick)                                                            36   21
  4 Grexmex Shadowgleam 2 yard pass from Jack Anderson (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)               43   21
    HB1 3 yard run (K1 kick)                                                                       43   28
    WR2 6 yard pass from QB1 (K1 kick)                                                             43   35
    Jean-Michel Blaise de le Sueur 37 yard pass from Jack Anderson (Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez kick)   50   35

Offensive play of the game: In a game where quarterback Jack Anderson threw for 5 TDs and 511 yards, somehow the longest pass of the game wasn’t a scoring play. Zinc Strangegear pulled off a 94 yard catch, but was chased all the way and dragged down just a yard from scoring by the free safety. Lineman Sam Eriksen had pulled down an interception on the Buffalostan 4-yard line to set up the drive: Millard Simpson was driven back for a 1 yard loss, but on second down Anderson read the blitz and hit a strike to Strangegear, whose telescopic arm attachments helped xir reel in the catch and sprint nearly all the way, only for xir battery-pack to start to power down as xe nearly reached the goalline. It didn’t matter, as power-back Jean-Michel Blaise de le Sueur came on to drive in the score from 1 yard out.

Defensive play of the game: Braedyn Barnett had no sacks, but still made his presence felt. The enormous nose tackle proved too much to handle for the interior linemen, and the edge rushers were free to pile up the pressure as Barnett’s size forced the Equestrian blockers to double him and leave gaps. A perfect example came when Hiram Tilcott burst through to strip-sack the quarterback and force the key turnover in the fourth quarter, leading to the game-icing drive and Buffalostan’s 50th point. Tilcott may have earned the gaudy stats, but the play was set up Barnett overpowering the center and left guard. Pity the poor half-back left to pick him up, who had to be scraped off the field.

Special teams play of the game: Backup lineman Ezra Carrington’s quick thinking helped the team bail out on a busted play, and actually score 2 points. Holder Evan O’Lonergan fumbled the snap from Haumakapu’u Keli’i on an extra-point attempt. Jaessa Kimimoto-Chávez handed the ball off quickly to Thaddeus Farr, and Carrington bruised a path through the defense to open up a running lane and convert a missed kick into a 2 point play. Given the 15 point margin of victory the play proved inconsequential, but in a closer game such improvisation could prove valuable.

by **Newmanistan** » Sat Jul 24, 2021 4:25 pm

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS TAKE OPENER

By Taylor Larson,

Playing Drawkland to open up World Bowl qualifying was a tough task, but following the 30-6 win by Newmanistan at the Proving Grounds, it is only the Drawks that will leave wishing they played someone else to start things off. Michael Starre, the Drawkian manager of the Newmanistan World Cup soccer team flipped the coin to start the game as fans hoped to see the team play a strong game.

With the distractions gone of the last World Bowl, and no needing to talk about Bryce Miller anymore (except for the inevitable questions about how things might be better without him in the locker room and all the added drama), the Rockets had one of their better opening to a World Bowl in quite some time. Brian Scanlon was 17-for-26 for 255 yards and two touchdown passes, not necessary eye opening numbers, but they serve the purpose. Stephon Sutton caught the opening touchdown of the game, from 11 yards; and Lucas Jackson had a 19-yard reception. Mix in a 3-yard TD run by Chase Hartley and three Justin Morris field goals, and the team was well on their way to the 30-6 win. Newmanistan did not surrender a touchdown in the match, only conceding a couple of second half field goals to the visitors.

“I think we all see this as a fresh start,” Scanlon said after the match, “It’s not easy to play Drawkland so early, but we were up for the challenge. Still, it is only one game.”

World Bowl 42 [rosters/RPs/results]

World Bowl 42 - Part 1

World Bowl 42 - Part 2

NSFB: Walk Off Defeat Sinks The Field of Dreams

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