NSCF 24 - Everything Thread

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Celestia and Zephyr Conference - MD4 Cutoff!

Celestia Conference
Green Coast University Bullfrogs (BVR) 19–50 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park Warriors (CBP)
Elephant Valley University Red Elephants (SNL) 17–24 University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder (BNJ)
Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR) 44–14 Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)

P Celestia Conference                                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Salamantic Universities Professors                             4    3   1   159   50 +109
2 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park Warriors          4    3   1   142  102  +40
3 Northern Moravica University Cougars                           4    2   2   111  126  −15
4 University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder                       4    2   2   131  103  +28
5 Elephant Valley University Red Elephants                       4    2   2   101   91  +10
6 Green Coast University Bullfrogs                               4    0   4    42  214 −172

Zephyr Conference
Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT) 26–17 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD)
Trent State University Feathercaps (TJU) 37–13 University of Mancodas Mammoths (PFA)
Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL) 33–30 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)

P Zephyr Conference                                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Raynor University Rockets                                      4    3   1   126   92  +34
2 Trent State University Feathercaps                             4    3   1   137   83  +54
3 Mar Sara Tech Raiders                                          4    3   1   166  111  +55
4 University of Mancodas Mammoths                                4    2   2   111  104   +7
5 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns                                 4    1   3    77  139  −62
6 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists                   4    0   4    81  169  −88

[Drawkland]

Big Eight & Woodlands
MD4

Late Drawk is late again, I'm on a roll

BIG EIGHT
Cold Hill University (RAN) 33–20 Richardson University (RAN)
Rajendragadh College (PRT) 10–10 Green Mountain State (BUF) (10–16 OT)
Kohnhead City University (KND) 51–15 Swisston City University (KND)

  BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Kohnhead City University              4    4   0   178   72 +106
2 Cold Hill University                  4    3   1   124  123   +1
3 Richardson University                 4    2   2    72   86  −14
4 Green Mountain State                  4    2   2   112  117   −5
5 Swisston City University              4    1   3   138  127  +11
6 Rajendragadh College                  4    0   4    58  157  −99

WOODLANDS
Tchust Fhergys University (MAL) 17–44 Université du Saguenay (QUE)
Atheburn National University (GRU) 16–6 Université St. Croix (QUE)
Brat Tech (CDG) 17–10 New Lakeland University (CDG)

  WOODLANDS CONFERENCE                Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 New Lakeland University               4    3   1   100   62  +38
2 Université du Saguenay                4    3   1    86   50  +36
3 Atheburn National University          4    3   1   102  113  −11
4 Brat Tech                             4    2   2   126   89  +37
5 Tchust Fhergys University             4    1   3    75  140  −65
6 Université St. Croix                  4    0   4    28   63  −35

[Banija]

Horizon
MD4

Who really cares about us at the fourth cutoff of NSCF 24?

Horizon Conference
Hoofstra University (KRD) 17–13 Felswyr State University (CMT)
Anasb Central University (STR) 13–29 Cavsar University (DRK)
Adirondack University (SAS) 0–36 Sadeg State University (DRK)

Horizon Conference                 Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Sadeg State University            4    4   0   158   85  +73
2 Hoofstra University               4    4   0   135   69  +66
3 Felswyr State University          4    2   2    82   77   +5
4 Cavsar University                 4    1   3    83  139  −56
5 Anasb Central University          4    1   3   100  125  −25
6 Adirondack University             4    0   4    69  132  −63

[TJUN-ia]

After our first loss came at the hands of a then-undefeated Raynor Rockets, the Trent State Feathercaps were certainly feeling a little bit down but they also knew that their good start to their first year in the Zephyr wouldn't last forever. Johnny Bridgeford still felt like he did brilliantly as, in his own words, "2-1 is a hell of a lot better than 0-3" but he also stressed that "the best team always bounce back and now, we must do the same". That was what he hoped for at least as Sherwood Field hosted the debutants in the Mancodas Mammoths, who entered Notts at the same record as us at 2-1.

To say TSU bounced back would be a clear description of what happened here today as the Feathercaps took stock of Raynor's triumph over them and used it against the Mammoths in some style. The first half was just pure perfection as Gareth Baldwin turned in 4 Touchdowns through his own brilliant passing game (twice to Fremont Whitehorse and twice to Pyrros Papanikolaou via some crafty play) and while Clayton McGee went 2/2 on conversion during that same time, Baldwin went 2/2 on 2-Point Conversions as well to put up a 30-0 lead at the HT Break. The third quarter would see nothing from either side but once TSU's backups came on in the 4th, things certainly got a bit more entertaining. Amyas Bain managed to get something from this game with 2 TDs in the final quarter (one via a run and one via a pass to Cherie Schubert, with Orinda Joyce going 1/2 on conversions) but TJUN-ia got a TD of their own as Leon Gallas threw the ball 23 yards, Peter Borosić caught it and Xander Tiovannen managed to complete the conversion in order complete another dub. The Caps are 3-1 and with Mar Sara Tech beating rivals Raynor in the Battle for the Royal Sabre, TSU now joins the two Valanorian schools at 3-1 at the top of the conference ladder.

Before we can reflect on how far we have come, we have one more game to play in the first half of conference play - at Richard Dawkins Park against the 0-4 Atheists of Thereisnogodistan Community College. No matter your religious status, many in TJUN-ia will be praying to Margaret that we don't slip up here. WE ARE! TRENT STATE!

---

SCHEDULE (ZEPHYR Conference + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT) W 47-17 (1-0)
Week 2: vs Mar Sara Tech (VAL) W 40-20 (2-0)
Week 3: @Raynor U (VAL) L 33-13 (2-1
Week 4: vs Mancodas (PFA) W 37-13 (3-1)
Week 5: @TCC (NGD)
Week 6: @Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT)
Week 7: @Mar Sara Tech (VAL)
Week 8: vs Raynor U (VAL)
Week 9: @Mancodas (PFA)
Week 10: vs TCC (NGD)
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 11: vs Elephant Valley (SNL)
Week 12: vs Cold Hill (RAN)
Week 13: @Swisston City (KND)

[Chromatika]

Notes from The Rebel
Prelude: Sarai Michelle Bradwyn Gwenderyn
Part 1: Birth and Family
Part 2: The Pigskin

GWENDERYN
Part 3: Psychological Profile: What Makes Sarai Sarai?
or, The Mindset of a Competitor
By: Aimée de Pierre, Guest Columnist

Athletes, it's been said, need to have sound bodies full of strength, agility, stamina, and flexibility. However, it can be argued that even more important than the body is the mind. Without a clear mind that is able to focus on the task at hand, a talented body is useless. It has been scientifically proven that one's body can be honed, but if one's mind isn't able to withstand the pressure, there is nothing that anybody can do to overcome that side of things. It's the mind that set aside the great players from the good ones; the legends from the normal players. With that firmly in mind, what makes Sarai Sarai? How is she so good in high-pressure situations?

According to Dr. Jade Barrister, Sarai's adopted mother, Sarai's composure and ability to tune out her surroundings has been with her since before the day that she was taken in by the Barristers. There is a bit of an incredulous look on Dr. Barrister's eyes as she continues with her story: "I remember when we first met - Her eyes were so cold, calculating, distrusting. However, when the people at the orphanage explained to her what Lloyd and I were there to do, her behavior shifted almost immediately - as if she could shut out the outside noise and feelings and focus on what was important - that we were there to take her out of that place. Since then, I've noticed how she's able to compartmentalize, how she's able to pick out the one thing and make it the only thing that matters."

Sports psychologist Jericho Otto-Jones, on staff at the Chromia Center of Psychology, is quick to point out that the ability that Sarai has is born of trauma. "It's likely that losing her birth parents at such a young age led to her developing this method of extreme focus. Some people call it bullet time, others call it hyperfocus. For those people that have this ability, it all comes down to the object of focus, and Sarai has mostly used it on her sport."

"When she's out there on the field, it's like gridiron is all that matters," states her Head Coach at Mt. Nial High School, George Dawson, "She's utterly dialed in and rearing to go. There have been times where things have been happening in the periphery that takes the attention away for everyone else, but she's completely dialed in."

When asked about it directly, Sarai isn't the fastest to comment. "I'm not sure when I first started to be able to focus like that," she replies after a long pause, "It feels like it's been that way forever. The only thing that matters is the game and the situation that I'm in. It helps set the mood in the huddle, get everyone on the same page. The less emotion that we are under, the better in high-pressure situations."

This mindset has really helped Sarai in more than just her gridiron career. A masterful test taker with a 4.0 GPA in high school, Gwenderyn states that if it wasn't for her ability to focus, she would have a much harder time in taking the tests that got her into Felswyr State academically as well as athletically. (Not that she needed to academically, but it helps quiet the naysayers that say that she's only good at sports. More on her career choice outside of football in a future section.

The downside to Sarai being wired in this specific way? She can come off as cold, off-putting, and antisocial. According to Dr. Jade Barrister, this has made cultivating friendships for a long period of time definitely more difficult than it had to be. "It's hard enough to come from the ROYG community to becoming a sportsperson," explains Sarai's adopted mother, "But her personality and the way that she was wired made it so that her only friends in high school were her teammates. Not that that's a bad thing - they were good people and she was playing sports with them, after all - but we wanted her to have a more balanced life. "

Gwenderyn has no regrets. "When I decide that I'm done with my sports career, I will be able to use the same focus on something else - whether that be my after-sports career, family, relationship, whatever. Until then, I'm glad that I can focus on my job, which is my passion."

When asked if she's worried at all about having to split focus later in life, Gwenderyn chuckles nervously before replying that she'll cross that bridge when she gets to it. Not the best response from the FSU Quarterback, but that's a question that a future, non-gridiron playing Sarai can answer. For now, while she is playing the sport? Her ability to see nothing but the play in front of her makes her the ultimate competitor.

"Think of it this way. Everyone else carries the weight of the whole game in front of them. The crowd, the opposition, all the past events leading up to that moment. She doesn't feel any of that. To her, it's just a new play, a new chance to go out there and make a difference. It's one of the most unique things that sets her apart, makes her that competitor that is able to consistently play at such a high level," states Larry Aldwin, the Head Coach of Franscesca Larriet-Cortes High School, the school that lost twice to Gwenderyn and Mt. Nial in the National Tournament.

Now that we have a better understanding of how Sarai ticks, let us get back to what you're here to read about: Sarai and her ongoing story at Felswyr State University. Where did Sarai Gwenderyn end up after winning back-to-back national titles? How did she end up there? What is the story behind how Felswyr State ended up not only getting Gwenderyn but building such a strong program so quickly? We will talk about that and so much more in the very next section of Gwenderyn.

---

The Flame of the Firehawk: Ablaze
Part 4: Humbling Turn

Team   1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q   |  Tot
FSU     0   0   7   6   |   13
HU     10   7   0   0   |   17

1Q
13:29 HU TD - Filigree Fox 21 yard pass from Tzeench Eramarian (Airtime Kick)
05:21 HU FG - Airtime 38 yard Field Goal

2Q
00:01 HU TD - Wensin Armidayo 2 yard run (Airtime Kick)

3Q
09:41 FSU TD - Nyata Antonucci 3 yard run (Michelle Breille Kick)

4Q
10:11 FSU TD - Niles Gwivern 12 yard pass from Jonas Odden (Missed PAT)

LEDBETTER FIELD, FILLYDELPHIA, KARDITAN - In the first two seasons of Felswyr State's history, you could count on three things: Alessandra Mio was going to give opposing defenses matchup problems, Sarai Gwenderyn would keep the Firehawks in games that they had no business being in, and the Firehawks always won road games. Even in a season where they struggled miserably at home, the Firehawks had managed to go perfect on the road in NSCF 23, only losing to Sadeg State in - you guessed it - their home stadium in Reborn from Ashes. The team simply knew how to travel and take care of themselves so that they would be in the right shape for the game.

Hoofstra University was coming off of a two-game stretch where their offense had come to life. Hoofstra is another defensively minded squad like FSU, but with scoring more than forty points in back-to-back games, Felswyr State knew that the initial minutes of the game would decide a lot. That inkling of thought turned out to be the truth as Hoofstra not only won the game but also knocked out three Firehawks from the game in a 17-13 victory that kept their perfect season alive and set up a date against Sadeg State for the conference lead after the first round robin.

Tzeench Eramarian was at his best in Hoofstra's opening drive, completing all five of his passes including a twenty-one yard touchdown to highly regarded Filigree Fox. On the ensuing drive, Sarai Gwenderyn went down on a hard tackle by Viktor Shaw; the FSU QB needed to have her left ankle taped while Isaac Kasterman took over, being unable to convert a third down. Airtime was able to add onto the lead in the first quarter, and the Firehawks saw themselves down by ten points after the first stanza.

Though Gwenderyn tried, it became apparent that her mobility would be hampered for the rest of the match. Felswyr State had a noticeably hard time getting anything going in the first half, only obtaining 61 total yards in offense and one third down conversion. Hoofstra's defense was swarming the line on every play, taking advantage of Gwenderyn's state; this led to the Firehawks' defense having to be out on the field for far too long, and a fourth down conversion at the Chromatik 31 led to a last-second score right before the halftime whistle that put the home team up 17-0.

Something had to change in the second half, and it was Gwenderyn herself that pulled the trigger, removing herself from the rest of the match with the high ankle sprain. Knowing that they had to pick up the slack, a rejuvenated Firehawks defense stopped Hoofstra in their first drive after FSU's first drive of the second half ended in a three-and-out. A lucky break occurred when a fumbled snap from Kasterman was picked up by Stan Devlin, with the Kohnheadian Wide Receiver galloping for fifty yards before finally being brought down. A risky call on third-and-three led to Nyata Antonucci taking a direct snap to the Pride's five yard line, and the Sophomore Utility Player scored FSU's first touchdown . They had new life.

After another three-and-out forced by the FSU defense - Sage Sterling coming through on a safety blitz to deck Eramarian - the unthinkable happened to a Firehawks fan's hopes. Isaac Kasterman, who had played decently in relief, hit the ground after a routine handoff, holding his left knee. The non-contact injury, confirmed to be an ACL tear after the match, sidelined the second-string Quarterback, leaving only one QB on the roster: Jonas Odden, the recruit from Valanora that was the heir-apparent once Gwenderyn and Kasterman graduates.

To his credit, Jonas was ready. His first drive saw the Firehawks crack the fifty yard line before being stopped; then, he led them on a twelve-play, 77 yard drive that ended on a nice throw up the seam to Niles Gwivern, who did the rest. Unfortunately for the Firehawks, though, Michelle Breille - who was being given the day instead of Sara McAllister after the star kicker had suffered headaches all week - missed the extra point, leaving the gap at four points. That would come back to haunt the Firehawks later.

Felswyr State had effectively figured out the Pride's offense at this point, having conceded only 42 yards in the second half. However, Hoofstra wasn't about to take the momentum shift sitting down. Three straight first downs not only moved the ball but milked seven minutes off the clock before Mi-Hyeon Park's sack ended the drive; Jonas would have four minutes and change to try to win the game, something that he couldn't have even dreamed of doing when he woke up this morning.

Starting at his own 28, Odden scrambled for seven yards and then found Gwivern in the flat for twelve; the ensuing third down and eleven, he was able to buy enough time to allow Mitchell to get out on the left sideline, leading to a twenty-five yard hookup that took the ball inside Pride territory. With a minute and a half left, Felswyr State was at Hoofstra's twenty with plenty of time left. Victory over a quality opponent through such opposition seemed possible.

That was when Odden's inexperience caught up with him. Holding onto the ball a split second too long, he took a bad sack on second down from Shaw, who really had a great match. After a check-down pass to Gwivern did essentially nothing, FSU had no option but to go for it on 4th and 14 from the Pride 24 yard line. Odden rolled right, looked left, and with Shaw looming all over him, heaved the ball toward the end zone. Yes, Otto Mitchell is over seven feet tall; however, even he has his limits. Boxed out by all the Pride defenders, the ball fell to the ground, incomplete; Felswyr State had suffered its first road loss in program history, and found itself at a 2-2 record, going 1-2 against ranked opponents in this stretch.

All eyes were on Gwenderyn and Kasterman as the players shifted to the locker room. The prognosis on Gwenderyn is good - she should be back in a game or two, as the injury is a high ankle sprain on her dominant foot. For Kasterman, it's the end of his season, which means that Odden's role in the team just changed dramatically.

For the match against Anasb Central University, Odden will be the starting Quarterback with Xanderick Spendlove being the backup. The Firehawks will be hoping that Sarai will be back in time for the big trip to Sadeg State in three matches.

Before that, they have some catching up to do - and they really need to shed the slow starts if they're to have any chance of making another run like they did last season.

For tonight, the field belonged to the Pride.

---

CCGC Checkup: After Four Games

After the University of Myana Vipers won the last CCGC behind the strong arm of Nobuko Matos, how are they faring this season? How about the Comets? Let us find out as we check in with the standings after four games!

Matchday 1
University of Myana 37–3 Staramara Technical University
Sanar University 26–22 Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology
Lanar University 6–23 Chromia Central College University

Matchday 2
Staramara Technical University 37–7 Chromia Central College University
Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology 25–15 Lanar University
University of Myana 36–20 Sanar University

Matchday 3
Sanar University 29–26 Staramara Technical University
Lanar University 33–30 University of Myana
Chromia Central College University 43–36 Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology

Matchday 4
Staramara Technical University 43–30 Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology
University of Myana 51–10 Chromia Central College University
Sanar University 17–13 Lanar University

Chromatik Collegiate Gridiron Conference    Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of Myana                         4    3   1   154   66  +88
2 Sanar University                            4    3   1    92   97   −5
3 Staramara Technical University              4    2   2   109  103   +6
4 Chromia Central College University          4    2   2    83  130  −47
5 Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology             4    1   3   113  127  −14
6 Lanar University                            4    1   3    67   95  −28

From top to bottom:

UoM hasn't missed a beat, averaging both the most points scored and the least points allowed in the season so far. Nobuko Matos has been playing well, scoring fifteen touchdowns in the stretch, and was the reason why they even had a chance at Lanar after the Warriors had taken a twenty-one point lead with eighteen minutes to go. Merrill Gerald has been more of a threat on screen passes than running the ball, catching five touchdown passes. Defensively, Charleen Diehl and Charlott Eckert are two of the best linebackers in the CCGC, both of them having six and a half sacks apiece after four matches. Make no mistake - this is the favorite to repeat.

Despite having a negative point differential, Sanar University has really come to their own this season. When Sammie Flynn and co. beat the Hellcats by four points on opening night, most experts called it a fluke loss; the Spartans weren't able to keep up with the Vipers, which only added to the myth. By beating Staramara Tech on a last-minute field goal and the battle of the Rainbow District, Sanar University find themselves in second place due to that head-to-head defeat at the hands of UoM. Sammie Flynn has been able to find both Nikole Perryman and Margit Ferry in his Junior campaign, while Emmy Mireles leads the CCFA in interceptions with four. It will be intriguing to see if they can keep up this level of play for the rest of the season.

As long as Ardell Moreau is around, the Lava will be in every game. The Senior Running Back is the reason why STU has two wins, having run roughshod over the Comets on the second matchday and then following it up with another multi-touchdown performance against Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology, who could not run their hyper fast offense due to the amount of clock that STU were able to eat up. In their defeats, they've been pushed around in the trenches, leading to Sheilah Pantoja having to throw more than twenty times in a game. They still buck the trend of every other team in the CCFA.

For the Comets, it's been a long season so far. Victim to another slow start, Todd Kreston's arm hasn't been enough to give this team more than a .500 record. First, the Lava trampled through the middle of the Comets's defense in Week 2, where CCCU held the ball for less than twenty minutes; then, in a rematch of the CCGC title game, Nobuko Matos and UoM utterly destroyed the Comets in a 51-10 thrashing where Kreston threw four interceptions. The young gunslinger has been running into turnover issues, having thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns through four games. If the Comets are to recover, they'll need their best player in tip-top shape.

Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology's gridiron Hellcats are meant to rely on finesse and possession to win their games. When you give up a game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter, you get off on the wrong foot. After defeating Lanar, the other hapless team, Teresia Goldman fell just short of winning a barnburner against Todd Kreston, and then Ardell Moreau ran for four touchdowns against the Hellcats. They're far better than their 1-3 record suggests, with the likes of Tory O'Bryan and Frederick Lance.

Last but not least, Lanar University is in a transition season. Bronislava Andrushchenko is in his freshman year, and the line isn't that great. They did come to life in an upset victory over the Vipers where the duo of Dart Wedigo and Teodoro Smart were able to run wild, but that's been it as far as Lanar University goes. They'll be happy if they win three games this season.

Come back after Week 8 to see who is in pole position to go for the CCGC title!

[Ko-oren]

The Salamantic Problem #2 - Players to Call Up

Who gets to be on the Professors? And who gets to decide all that?

Players that have finished their undergraduate degree, and want to advance both in academics as in athletics, get to be on the Professors. Basically, you have to be enrolled in a Ko-orenite university, in possession of an undergraduate degree, and agree that you can attend classes and do coursework fulltime for half the year, while the other half is mostly gobbled up by NSCF duties - but you can sneak in some coursework in between if you find the time as well (most players can, and do). These rules were established by-

So there's no single Salamantic University? Is my whole life a lie?

Yes, and maybe, in that order. They're called the Salamantic Universities for a reason. Every university that is recognised by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science, Culture, and Sports, is automatically a member of the Salamantic Universities - a group of every certified institute of higher learning, of a certain level.

How do they recruit new players?

The Professors are now a very well known thing. So much so, that more and more undergraduates eye a Master's degree just to be on the team, and recruitment has become very easy in the last two years. At the start, it was a tremendously ambitious undertaking by a handful of unemployed gridiron coaches. They asked the ministries and the association behind the professional league (which also oversees the Developmental League, which normally houses all the recent graduates), and did some market research into how many players were willing to balance an athletic and academic career. Those numbers weren't sustainable at the start, but perseverance and persuasion eventually got them enough players, by also offering them help in succeeding academically. Originally, the Professors were a nice mix of players who barely got through university but had something to prove to their families and had to do another degree, but needed help getting there, and the Professors offered them 1) help, 2) getting extra semesters 'for free' from their universities, and 3) a social group to rely on during half the year. The third or so iteration of this group of misfits is what was eventually entered into the NSCF. They filtered out the leeches, retained a core of skilled and ambitious players, and built on top of that.

Can a player be on the Professors indefinitely?

No. After graduating from their Master's degree, they must choose to go to a Developmental League team, affiliated to one of the 12 professional teams, or stay with their university and shoot for a research or teaching position. The players that entered the team as part of their Doctorate must leave the team after four years or at the end of their doctoral programme, whichever comes first. No player can remain on the team for longer than four years... unless they get special extension from their universities to spend more than four years on their degree. Which happens, but is rare.

Can that last thing be cheesed by players?

It could, but why? Athletics and academics are kept far apart from one another, until the Professors came along at least, and it usually was very clear who wanted athletics and who wanted academia. Universities aren't specifically looking for representation on the Professors. They'll tolerate the players, but that's about as far as it goes. They're not going to give any athlete an easy ride just because they're on a sports team.

[South Newlandia]

At least we made this one a game!

Red Elephants   0  3  7  7   17
Blue Thunder   14  0  7  3   24

1Q: ULI 2 yd TD (Hairte -> Secka) 0-7
1Q: ULI 6 yd TD (Hairte -> Emerson) 0-14
2Q: EVU 41 yd FG (Jackson) 3-14
3Q: ULI 7 yd TD (van Geel) 3-21
3Q: EVU 14 yd TD (Herron -> Pulefaasisina) 10-21
4Q: ULI 23 yd FG (Kabbah) 10-24
4Q: EVU 12 yd TD (Lawson) 17-24

Let’s jump into the last few minutes of the game. (if the timings don’t make sense at some point, please just pretend they do)

4th Quarter, 5:14, Blue Thunder possession, EVU 8, 2nd&Goal
Blue Thunder still ahead by 11, looking to ice the game with another touchdown. Here’s Hairte, who’s playing a good game, takes the snap, handoff to van Geel, over the right side, trying to get by Hutmacher, and is going to be stopped around the three here. Crucial third down coming up for the Blue Thunder with three yards to go.

4th Quarter, 4:31, Blue Thunder possession, EVU 3, 3rd&Goal
Hairte, looking to pass it, here comes blitz, pocket collapses, Hairte scrambling, trying to find room on the right side, and is brought out of bounds by Akongo, great work there by the Red Elephants. This will set the Blue Thunder back to the 6, and Kabbah, the junior kicker, is coming out for a chip-shot field goal to make it a two-touchdown game.

4th Quarter, 4:16, Blue Thunder possession, EVU 6, 4th&Goal
Here’s the snap, good hold, and Kabbah has no trouble adding three points for the Blue Thunder. That makes it 24-10, the Red Elephants will need a miracle to bring this one back with just four minutes left, three timeouts.

4th Quarter, 4:12, Blue Thunder kickoff, ULI 35
Nyaoro is going to have this kickoff for the Blue Thunder. This one is looking good, right down the middle. Lawson picks it up near the 10, tries to get another good return after having one earlier this game. On the right side, escapes a tackle, has a block, is eventually brought down near the 30.

4th Quarter, 3:49, Red Elephants possession, EVU 29, 1st&10
Herron, who only really woke up in the second half, is going to try and lead the Red Elephants on a last gasp drive here. Takes the snap, looking, throws down the middle, and there’s a nice catch by Pulefaasisina, the Tikariotian is having a great game here. First down EVU!

4th Quarter, 3:35, Red Elephants possession, EVU 42, 1st&10
Herron looking, blitz is coming, Herron is scrambling, can’t find anything, has to get rid of it. Great coverage by the Blue Thunder, nice play, and it’s second down.

4th Quarter, 3:21, Red Elephants possession, EVU 42, 2nd&10
The Chromatik freshman QB, after a good start to his season, is struggling a bit in the two games with the Banijan schools now. The fans here at EVU Field may not be many, the stadium isn’t quite sold out, but the support is there. Herron hands it off, down the middle goes Lawson, has a few yards, brought down just shy of the 50, and that’ll be the first timeout for the Red Elephants.

4th Quarter, 3:13, Red Elephants possession, EVU 48, 3rd&4
Crucial third down for the Red Elephants, they’ll be in big trouble if they can’t pick up the yards here. Herron drops back, looks, checkdown for Kim, he’s got a first down. If EVU loses tonight, that’ll put their Banijan coach at 0-2 against fellow Banijans, but his coaching skills are really showing in this game, the Red Elephants are fighting.

4th Quarter, 3:04, Red Elephants possession, ULI 45, 1st&10
Herron with three minutes and two timeouts, still down two touchdowns. They need a big play, and soon. Herron, drops back, blitz coming again, Fairbanks breaks through, and that’s a devasting sack for the Red Elephants, that one really hurt. Here comes another timeout as the red Elephants try to figure out how to get out of this mess.

4th Quarter, 2:50, Red Elephants possession, EVU 46, 2nd&19
Herron after a sack, looking for another pass, there’s a throw, and de Laramie has some room, brought out of bounds near the 40; a nice 15-yard gain for the Red Elephants brings up another 3rd&medium.

4th Quarter, 2:39, Red Elephants possession, ULI 38, 3rd&3
Here’s a handoff, Lawson tries to get through the middle, but he gets stuffed by Diouf, great tackle by the Banijan senior, and that brings up fourth down!

4th Quarter, 2:17, Red Elephants possession, ULI 37, 4th&2
They’ll try to run it again, it looks like; Herron hands it to – no, hands it to Fullback Wyt, and they try to get through the middle, and they have the first down! Great play by the Qusmi senior, keeping the drive alive!

4th Quarter, 2:04, Red Elephants possession, ULI 32, 1st&10
Herron, drops back deep, pocket hold steady, and he tries to throw for the endzone, Parker can’t get there, nicely broken up by Ackermann, incomplete. The Blue Thunder defense is playing a good game so far, and they can clinch the game with a good stand here.

4th Quarter, 1:56, Red Elephants possession, ULI 32, 2nd&10
Looking for another pass, pocket collapses, Herron scrambling, looking out left, finds a target, and a catch by Pulefaasisina, who gets out of bounds near the 20, first down!

4th Quarter, 1:43, Red Elephants possession, ULI 19, 1st&10
Red Elephants looking for the quick touchdown here, still nearly two minutes on the clock, this game isn’t over yet. Herron, scanning, throws, catch – dropped by Klein, that could’ve been about a ten yard gain. Incomplete pass, but the Red Elephants keep trying.

4th Quarter, 1:34, Red Elephants possession, ULI 19, 2nd&10
Herron with a toss out to Jones, gets by a man, another one, he’s looking to get out of bounds, and does with about a seven-yard gain. Red Elephants really bounced back to make this a game late after Herron had two picks in the first quarter; but the defense stepped up to keep the Blue Thunder from getting a game-clinching lead, like they had allowed against NMU.

4th Quarter, 1:24, Red Elephants possession, ULI 12, 3rd&3
Yet another third and three for the Red Elephants – last time they went to Lawson and didn’t get there. Herron, hands it off to Lawson again, down the side, he’s got a block, gets by a man, dodges another tackle, and dives in – for the touchdown! Touchdown Red Elephants, Lawson makes it a one-score game with a nice run!

4th Quarter, 1:15, Red Elephants possession, PAT
Jackson, portraying typical Chromatik kicking excellence, hasn’t missed an extra point attempt yet all season. Good snap, good hold, good kick, and it’s a 7-point game.

4th Quarter, 1:15, Red Elephants possession, kickoff
With only one timeout left, they’re going to try for the onside kick here. Jackson is going to try to get the Red Elephants another possession. Both teams are lined up for it, Jackson kicks it high, Jatta goes up for it, under pressure, but the junior has it safely. Good recovery by the Blue Thunder, and that’s going to end this game. 24-17, the Blue Thunder defeat the Red Elephants in a great game that the fans can certainly be happy with. Next, the Red Elephants will have their first three-game road stint, with games in Baker Park, Beaverriver, and Ko-oren ahead. The Warriors, currently at 3-1, will surely be a tough test for the Red Elephants. Meanwhile, the Blue Thunder kneel it down, the Red Elephants won’t use their last timeout, and the game will run out.

[Valanora]

In almost a mirror situation of when the Rockets went to Mar Sara last season, would it be any surprise that the same result, right down to the same score, was going to happen? The Battle for the Royal Saber often brings out the best in both teams and with the Raiders having that sort of mystical presence that they have in their home stadium, it comes as now shock as the Raiders were able to pull out the victory by virtue of having the ball last in the game. We said before the big game in Mar Sara that the Rockets were going to need to have their defense to play up to their potential if the Rockets were going to have a real shot of taking home a victory in this midseason matchup and although they played fairly well, they were unable to slow down the best offense in NSCF enough to grab the victory. The question for Raynor University now is can they replicate the same sort of form that they had in the second half of the season after their loss to the Raiders again this season, being able to take the lessons of the loss to heart and get better from that experience.

How are the Raiders doing it though? They have a plethora of underclassman at the skill positions, with only a redshirt senior receiver and of course the junior quarterback, Arquímedes Concepción. That is to say that Concepción is truly leading this offense to glory, especially when you consider that the Raiders have a true freshman starter at center, something that is supposed to be a huge detriment to the stability of the offensive line, and yet the team is clicking on all cylinders outside of their trip to Trent State University. The defense definitely needs a bit of work with over a century of points given up through four games, though having played both Raynor and Trent State definitely has contributed to that slightly inflated tally. The winning kick by freshman Bernard Stokke from twenty-seven yards out as time expires looks to solidify a kicking that looked a tad inconsistent through the first three games, having missed a few point after attempts in the first three weeks of the season and another one in the first of the game against the Rockets. Yet when it mattered most, the freshman was able to put it between the posts and bring the Zephyr into a three way tie for first heading into the midseason.

It looks to be a three team race in the conference now and with every team having beaten the other on their home ground, it will be a game of inches and who might be able to pull off that road upset, that truly looks like it is going to be an upset with the way the three teams are playing in their home stadiums. The three teams have only lost on the road and the Rockets will feel like they are in pole position, having taken the Raiders the full length of the game for a second straight season away from the nation's capital but ultimately coming up short for a second straight season. While the last few seasons it has been Bowerstone or Ceneisis, this season definitely looks to be Trent State and the Vanorian schools, though the University of Mancodas has done fairly well and could really spice the conference up if the Fleftic school and the Atheists are going to be completely overmatched in the second half of the season much as they have been during the first half of the season. With the Atheists having failed to record a victory and Cenisis only having a single win, it is a weird season indeed to see the once mighty powerhouse to be so humbled, but such is the way of collegiate sports.

Raynor will host Ceneisis to finish off the first half of the season, a game that looks likely to be a bit of a massacre unless the Fleftic school could find the form that once made them the undisputed champions of the Zephyr. However those years have been in the past, especially since the arrival of the Vanorian schools into the conference and the apparently apathy of the former powerhouse to the state of their team. Meanwhile the Rockets have taken disappointment in stride in numerous seasons and found ways to get better on and off the field, making sure to recruit hard both within the Empire and outside of it, building a program that they think can consistently contend for not only the conference title but also the NSCF. With multiple leaders on the offense and a defense that looks like it can play well enough to let the offense find their flow, the Rockets are definitely a program with a bright future and one that feels like any moment that they can make that deep run that will let them match the Raiders achievements of six seasons ago and add an NSCF title to their trophy case. Although the Raiders themselves would quite fancy adding a second...

[Karditan]

“BREAK ‘ER LEGS!” isn’t an uncommon shout to hear from the rowdier parts of Ledbetter’s bleachers. It’s always a good thing for fans to remind the players what their job is, after all. There’s a lot going on on the field, they must be tired from running around so much, what if they forgot that they’re supposed to hit the other team’s players? And you know, throw a ‘lil aggression into the mix to help them see red and break through blockers with the viciousness you need to get results. Not viscousness, that wouldn’t be useful for getting through the line. You want to flow like water rather than like molasses. Wait, hold on, I think I lost the lede here…

Right, breaking legs. It happens. Sometimes you piss off the Illineigh mob and they cave in your knees with a baseball bat (hurts double if you’re a pony). Sometimes you don’t see a divot in the field you’re jogging through and feel your tibia shoot through your heel. Sometimes Viktor Shaw blasts past your blockers at max speed and utterly cleans you out while you’re one of the best quarterbacks in the entirety of NSCF. Now, seeing a true talent and an artist of the sport have trouble getting to their feet and getting escorted to the physio is never something you’re glad to see. It’s an objectively terrible thing to happen and the game is likely to be worse off for it. But also sometimes you are glad to see it when you’re the opposing defense and now have some chump named Kasterman to clatter.

With Gwenderyn’s legs sufficiently broken (well, ankle sprained, tomato tomato), the chants shifted slightly. “BREAK THE STREAK! BREAK THE STREAK!” rang across the crisp Fillydelphia night (all the nights had been crisp this season, excellent gridiron weather). What streak, you might ask? Not Matthias Brown forgetting his pants in the locker room, the disciplinary action made sure he wouldn’t make that mistake twice. No, it was of course the Firehawks’ streak of unbeaten road games. Didn’t drop any in NSCF 22 on their way to a debut second-place finish, those dang overachievers, and we saw their dominance in last cycle’s Horizon for ourselves. Going into the halftime break up seventeen points, having completely kept them off the board? Mwah. Poifect. Now it’s all a matter of not fucking it up.

The first thing to go wrong was Kasterman having the gall to injure himself before the Pride’s line had a chance to. Sure, he’d helped Felswyr score their first TD of the game before that, but really it was insult via injury. Did in his ACL too so we won’t even have a chance to fuck ‘im up in the return leg. Anyway, the Hoofstra offense finally went back to being dogshit after a prolonged period of way overperforming and was, to put it in the most charitable way possible, doing an alright job of pissing away time while in the lead.

The momentum had definitely shifted by this point but it was a pretty viscous flow. It took until five minutes in the 4th for the Firehawks to find the endzone for the second time. The once-third-string-now-second-string QB Jonas Odden, one of them fancy ‘foreign recruits’ from Valanora, put in a strong bid to prove his skills at this level. But then their kicker shanked the extra point so that a field goal couldn’t tie the game. Things were on the rocks for Felswyr, an unthinkable position for them in a road game against a low-ranked team no matter how hot a streak they’re on. And Tzeench even remembered how to play the sport at that juncture! Very convenient timing. Bleed the game to an agonizingly slow death by creeping up the field as slowly as possible, give the other team at best a rushed as hell final drive that the rookie QB is guaranteed to choke on. And of course that happened.

Streak’s broken. Already have more wins this season than we had last season. Bring Sadeg the fuck on.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

UC reaches halfway point of Celestia play
Teresa Bramlage
Daily News Football Writer

The University of the Commonwealth Warriors will host Elephant Valley University at Jacob Gleason Field on matchday 5 of the NSCF season, and find themselves tied with Salamantic at 3-1 in the Celestia Conference, which has been the private domain of the Banijan duo Northern Moravica and Loyola-Istria for many years.

The Professors hold the edge over UC by virtue of their week one win, but will be the next home opponent after the Red Elephants make their first visit to Belle Haven. EVU are 2-2 on the year, the same record as the Banijans, and have played close games in all four previous contests.

The Warrior offense has found it's rhythm after the Salamantic loss, averaging over 40 points per game in their three wins over NMU, ULI and Green Coast.

The defense came up big at the end of the Loyola game and held the Bullfrogs to just 19 points, but it's not yet played to the sort of level that marked their UAC season's success.

[Buffalostan]

Week 4

      1   2   3   4  OT   F
GMS   7   0   0   3   6  16
RAJ   3   0   0   7   0  10
BOX                                               GMS  RAJ
  1 D’Andre Leonard 1 yard run (Callum Ryan kick)   7    0
    K1 43 yard field goal                           7    3
  4 WR1 5 yard pass from QB1 (K1 kick)              7   10
    Callum Ryan 38 yard field goal                 10   10
 OT Robert Nongalaza 26 yard fumble return         16   10

Green Mountain State’s season has been a little heavy on the overtime. Three of their four games to date have gone to a fifth quarter, playing havoc with TV schedules. Here’s a look at some of the quality programming that’s had to be rescheduled because of games overrunning.

The Contraltos

The Contraltos is the hottest new show on Buffalostani television in 1999. A light-hearted family comedy, The Contraltos follows the struggles of Antonia “Toni” Contralto and her big Italian-Buffalostani family. Toni’s hard work running her waste management business while ensuring scrupulous adherence to health and safety regulations are contrasting with the crazy adventures of her zany extended family in this joyous and thoroughly wholesome romp. Toni is lovingly supported by her uncomplaining husband, Carmelo, but their children, Maddox and BJ, prove quite the handful! The framing device of the series features Toni seeking therapy to deal with work-related stress and visiting psychologist Johnny Melfi, although as the series progresses the therapy sessions take something of a backseat. Toni’s loving relationship with her father, Olivier, is particularly noteworthy and is one of the most charming examples of a close parent-child relationship shown on TV.

The East Wing

A very different show from The Contraltos, The East Wing is a gritty, profanity-laced drama set in the Black House, the office of the President of Buffalostan. However, the show concentrates more on the staff of fictional President Jebediah “Jeb!” Bushlett. Depicting an idealized version of a conservative Presidency, the show mixes politics – such as the staff working around the clock to work out how to cut benefits even further, or bravely filibustering voting rights legislation – with personal – including numerous steamy romances between staffers. The show is famous for its ‘walk and talk’ style in which characters walk around while holding conversations on complex subjects such as why banning high-powered automatic weapons is fascism, how to make repealing taxes on billionaire corporate raiders look like it would help small businesses, and the evils of socialized medicine.

Pals

Pals, stylized as P•A•L•S, is a dark and intense drama set in New Reykjavík. It follows six dysfunctional young adults with a range of severe traumas: Phoerble, a young woman whose mother died by suicide leading to her living on the streets, resulting in terrible emotional problems which the show portrays in sincere and realistic depth; Joerble, a talentless young actor whose womanizing ways stem from deep-seated fears of abandonment and intimacy and lead to storylines including contracting infectious diseases and destroying relationships with anyone who gets close to him; Moerble, a tic-ridden obsessive-compulsive poisoned by her toxic mother leading to a lack of self-worth and a harrowing depression; Roerble and Racheorble, the series’s anchor pair, a hatefully dysfunctionally couple, Roerble unpleasantly fixated on Racheorble, whom he first made sexual advances towards when she was just a high school teenager, resulting in an ability to form any meaningful relationships since; and Chandler, who’s still pretty funny.

[Banija]

Anything written only represents the character, not the user behind Banija nor the views of Banijans in general. Accordingly, this is the furthest thing from an unbiased source of information you'll find about the NSCF.

The Coulibaly Corner: Your one stop shop for everything college football!

Hey guys! Welcome back to my corner of the internet for everything college football! I, of course, usually cover the NSCF, especially the two Banijan schools, as well as domestic college football here in Banija. I'm a University of Moravica grad- aka, we don't like either of the Banijan schools. But of course, due to physical proximity, they get the Lion's share of this blog's attention.

So I woke up today and thought- why don't we do a deep rewind? A deep rewind on an event very close to the hearts of Loyola-Istria fans. Northern Moravica fans? I'd advise you to look away.

So what's today's deep rewind? Loyola-Istria's NSCF 14 Championship Run.

Deep Rewind- Loyola-Istria's NSCF 14 Championship Run

Setting the Scene

NSCF 13. The Blue Thunder's first season in the NSCF, alongside Northern Moravica's second season in the NSCF. It had been a fairly strong season for Loyola-Istria, a lot of close but no cigar. In their first season, they started 7-1, were in sole possesion of first place in the Celestia. Back in those days, the Celestia was like it had been for the past few years- a three horse race. Second year competitors Northern Moravica, alongside newcomers Vietussia Academy and Loyola-Istria.

In Week 9, the Blue Thunder lost at home to Northern Moravica by a score of 17-11. Just 11 points for Loyola in a game- something you never see. But despite being swept by Northern, they still controlled their own destiny going into Week 10. Unfortunately for them, they fell to Vietussia Academy on the final week of Conference play to send the Celestia Conference trophy north to Herzegovina City. A Loyola team that would finish 8-5 would go to play Vietussia Academy in the Pioneer Bowl and win, the first of Alastair Jobs 8 career NSCF postseason wins(with no losses!)

A decent finish to a promising inaugural season in this competition. Couldn't complain too much, right?

Conference Play

With all three schools (Northern, Vietussia Academy, Loyola-Istria) returning, the expectations were not a title run. But they were to go one step further than their Pioneer Bowl appearance the year prior- make the playoffs. Led by sophomore starter Dennis Zervos and superstar senior tight end Christos Cosse, a high powered offense leading the Blue Thunder to at least an at-large playoff berth wouldn't be entirely out of the ordinary.

And then- those expectations shot through the roof. Week 1, immediately- a battle against the same Vietussia Academy squad they had played three times in the previous season. And for the third time in four matchups, the Blue Thunder triumphed. A one point week 2 road win over Leopord Central University was followed by a 41-10 blowout home win over Kanza University, and suddenly, Loyola-Istria sat at 3-0. Undefeated, rolling with momentum after the big time win over Kanza University, and the opportunity to pay a visit to Herzegovina City to play Northern.

Unfortunately for them, they lost away in Week 4, being stifled by the Northern Moravica defense in route to a 19-10 loss. But they didn't sink after that. They kept moving forward. A 40-0 blowout in Week 5. Beating Vietussia Academy, their biggest challenger for the conference title, and this time on the road, in Week 6. Followed by another pair of blowout victories. At 7-1, they would host Northern Moravica with a chance to clinch the Celestia. A sellout crowd at the Istria Lightning Yard. Loyola hadn't lost since the last time the two schools had met.

A score you would never expect from a modern day North v. South Showdown- a score of 9-3. But with that being Loyola's first ever victory over their national archrivals, all wins count the same. Conference title- clinched. They would finish conference play 9-1 with the outright Celestia title, and looked to non-conference play to clean things up for their playoff run.

Playoffs

We'll skip straight ahead to the playoffs. Loyola-Istria won their first two playoff games, and lost in Week 13 to South Seas University to finish 11-2, and the #4 overall seed for the postseason. The now former Liberty Stadium (may she rest in peace) was chosen to host the NSCF title game. Where was that located? For those who are unfamiliar with Istria's geography, that was in Istria. Around 6 miles from Loyola's campus. So championship game in the same city as Loyola. Loyola a top 4 seed. Conference champion. Quarterback in Dennis Zervos who had blossomed into a star, with tight end Christos Cosse who was basically uncoverable.

They put up 31 points on the board in their first ever NSCF playoff game, to down Raynor University by a score of 31-20. A strong win at one of the most insane environments we've ever seen at the Istria Lightning Yard. But that led us to the semifinal- against the University of Utica. At the time, the class of the NSCF. Record for title game appearances. First (and at the time, only) team to three NSCF titles. Embodiment of greatness.

It may have been a passing of the torch moment considering Loyola's success following. But that game was on the road. Sophomore QB Dennis Zervos connected with his favorite target, Christos Cosse, for a touchdown, and that's all they'd need, eventually earning a 10-7 road victory to clinch the huge upset and get a title game birth in their own city.

That semifinal upset was a massive moment for Loyola, considering the pedigree of the team they had beaten. Alastair Jobs said it at the time. "We have arrived, and we are here to stay." He told reporters after that win. And that would set the scene for the NSCF Championship game.

Title Game

A soldout, domed Liberty Stadium. A South Seas University side that had beaten Loyola-Istria in Week 13 of the regular season. The entire city seemingly painted in the blue and white of the Blue Thunder, trying to will their team to the NSCF title over a South Seas University side that had already been to this game once before.

The buildup was epic. The City hosted a rally the day before for fans in Downtown Istria- over 50,000 Blue Thunder fans showed up, singing the team's and school's praises, listening to the Marching band and alumni and all sorts of things. Nothing was held back as the college football fans in the city tried to will their boys towards a title.

And they were successful. The go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter would be the most dangerous combination in CFB that season- Zervos to Cosse. 20 for the Blue Thunder- just 16 for the South Seas. Alastair Jobs took a gatorade shower. And the sellout crowd, that was virtually a home crowd, celebrated wildly as the Blue Thunder won their first ever title.

Individuals were honored that season. Dennis Zervos ended up being named the NSCF 14 Most Outstanding Player. Christos Cosse was named the NSCF 14 Offensive Player of the Year. But what a season that was. Offensive talent everywhere. Defense stepping up in big moments repeatedly. The legend of Alastair Jobs beginning. One of the marquee moments in sports history not only for Loyola, but for the country at-large.

Next time you see this series, we'll do a rewind for the Northern fans- their NSCF 19 title run. What other moments should we deep rewind? Tell us in the comments below!

[Ranoria]

Buffalo Thrash Governors, Richardson Holding On For Dear Life In Big 8

Elliot Roach had a big day against Cold Hill, but it wasn't nearly enough to close the gap between these two teams

We generally come into these Richardson-Cold Hill games expecting a potential classic, a duel between the nation's two premier sporting programs. But that wasn't what happened - at all. Cold Hill was rolling with senior Austin Golden, who's finally getting his long-awaited first start, and he appeared to be completely unwilling to hand the reigns back quietly.

He came out of the gates showcasing the gas in that arm, keeping Rai Swift, Nikolas Isaksen, and Cooper Cannis well fed throughout. And unfortunately, outside of Makang Secka, the governors had no answer. And with Peterson and Busara anchoring the defensive line, the Governors' pass rush was just a hair too slow. Gideon Kearse in particular, looked incredible frustrated. As big and powerful as he was, Moses Busara appeared to be completely impervious to his talents, tossing the nineteen year old true freshman on his backside multiple times throughout the night. Kasper Ulvested faired not much better when matched up with the Banijan, completely clamped up by a bigger, stronger opposition.

But to her credit, Astrid Verona was keeping her team in the game. Smart, practiced decision and sharp mechanics meant she was a consistent chain mover, and having some guy named Elliot Roach in the backfield helped, of course. Come middle of the second quarter, she dropped back, stepped up in the pocket, and only looked to her target - Elon Forbes - just as she was pulling the trigger. Her third touchdown pass of the season was a perfect toss, and it made the game close, at the very least.

The wideout didn't celebrate much, offering a half-hearted fist pump as the score went from 14-3 to 14-10, but they knew this thing was only one play from being out of reach.

And for all the heat Chris Dale has taken of late, he saw what was happening with the opposing defense. Two young and overeager pass rushers pinning their ears back with big Gudbrand Taurus in the middle frothing at the mouth right along with them. Naturally, a screen pass was the answer.

As was custom, both edge players flew upfield the second they had a chance, and Austin Golden made no effort to do anything besides his job. He wasn't Deondre Rhine and he wasn't Aurel Strathos. He lofted the pass just over the fingertips of Ulvested, and Brannon Hillis was right there. All-Ranorian linebacker Clancy Gluber ran into the living wall of Moses Busara charging downfield, and Kaiser Belfort wasn't much better off. He came in hot, but he was met with all 310 pounds of Kalactinian guard Johnathan Robinson. Yeah, didn't go so well for him.

Once Robinson threw his block, Hillis finally accelerated. In four steps - if that - he had hit his impressive top speed, chugging away yard after precious yard of the Tundra's turf. It looked like he just might go all the way, but forty one yards downfield, there came Makang Secka. For just a moment, time seemed to move slow for a pair of true 4.4 runners. Hillis flipped the ball into his outside arm and extended the other towards Secka just as the defender coiled up to launch.

Yeah, that half-assed stiff arm didn't work, in case you were wondering.

Hillis folded in half after the hit to the ribs, the ball went flying, and his helmet went with it. Fortunately for the Buffalo it all ended up out of bounds, but their back wasn't so lucky.

Makang Secka was slow to get up, and fell back down to a knee much quicker, where Hillis just managed to get on all fours as a flag came out.

"Targeting, Defense number twenty five. Fifteen yard penalty, and number twenty five is ejected from the remainder of the game."

Not that it mattered much. Secka would be confirmed to have sustained a concussion on the hit, and we don't even want to think about the seething Governors staff, who spend a perhaps excessive amount of time on tackling drills. For Hillis, a broken rib, and he'd only come in for a half dozen more snaps in this one. And why would they let him? Freshman Alexander Østby was a hot up and comer, and he'd show why later in this one.

But for now, from the nineteen Austin Golden dialed up another Vanorian freshman - Nikolas Isaksen. Kade Witt, a solid starter by all accounts, was just physically outmatched as this one would go to 20-10. And no, it wasn't Bo-Ah Jang's fault, really. Punter Tommy Berto, the holder, let the ball slip in his hand, which is understandable given the light mist in the air throughout this game. It was the first kick missed by the Chromatik kicker on Richardson or Cold Hill this season.

The Governors of course knew they had to make something happen, and so they went to their best player - Elliot Roach. Astrid Verona would only throw two passes on the drive, both quick completions, while the power back rammed his way to first down after first down. They pushed their way all the way to the forty before finally hitting a fourth and two. Too far to kick - probably even for reigning STPOY Sara McAllister - and a punt wouldn't be worth it from here. Play action? On the table, but Richard Steinheil was old school. Passing here may as well have been admitting his team wasn't tough enough to pick it up.

And once again, Chris Dale and his crew knew that. They knew the Governors had too much pride to do anything but run it right up the gut, and the Buffalo were up for the challenge.

Honestly, the play was too quick for the turning point that it presented. Elliot Roach took the ball and came forward like a bull on parade. Defensive tackle Josh Snell hit the offensive guard while looking at the center the whole way. Once he saw the center coming on the double team, he immedietely ducked to get inside. Barney Federer, nose tackle, shifted to gaps on the snap and blasted the center wide open, leaving everything wide open for Candice Ferrett - the speedy edge rusher came unblocked through the A gap that should've been Roach's daylight. She wasn't bigger than he was and she sure as hell wasn't stronger, but coming from his side, she was able to wrap him up and drag him down. First down Buffalo.

With Hillis down, the run game became a complete afterthought. Østby got a few receptions on the way down, but Jang made up for his earlier miss with a 46 yard field goal to close the first half and make it 23-10.

When the Buffalo got the ball back to start the next period, they didn't let off the breaks. Austin Golden dropped back from the Governor 41 and dialed up Nikolas Isaksen again. Once again, he was covered by Kade Witt, but a well placed pass with plenty of air under it gave the Vanorian wideout just enough time to stop at the goal line, turn, and high point the ball. Witt never had a chance, simply collapsing next to the bigger, stronger player. And Isaksen, with that highlight reel play, notched his first 100+ yard game in the NSCF.

The Governors made a push to take it back, with Roach picking up plenty of first downs, but ultimately with just a few minutes left in the contest, they had only traded field goals with Cold Hill since the intermission. Roach charged ahead for a touchdown run from 21 yards out to cap off his team's final drive, but it was ultimately meaningless along with the rest of his 134 yard performance. Cold Hill's Østby would handle the rest, taking six carries and picking up three first downs in the process before Golden simply kneeled the clock to double zeroes.

At the end of the day, the Buffalo will survive. Richardson, with two losses this early, has likely already fallen out of playoff contention, and Richard Steinheil has to be wondering about the status of his job. This is - without a doubt - his football team for now. But we can't imagine another floundering NSCF season is going to be good for his support from the fanbase.

Anyway, here's some key takeaways from this match.

1: Four games in, CB Victoria Mio still hasn't recorded an interception

Yeah, we're as shocked by this one as you are. Mio was sensational as a freshman and is playing very well this season, including in domestic competitions, but she just hasn't had an opportunity quite yet. However, with how well Koman Tabor is playing, it's only a matter of time before teams are forced to test Mio and pay the price.

2: Aurel who? Austin Golden may just be the man for the rest of this NSCF season

With three touchdown passes and 289 yards on the day, Austin Golden showed he's more than capable of stepping up against an elite defense and making the plays he needs to make. The senior knows the system like the back of his hand and has an arm to make every throw he needs to make. Any chance he'll let the job slip from his fingers? That remains to be seen!

3: Governors' Freshman core has some learning to do

Gideon Kearse, Kasper Ulvested, Kaiser Belfort, and Astrid Verona. Those four are projected to be the next leaders of this unit, but as talented as they all are they have learning to do. Ulvested and Kearse failed to generate any pressure against Cold Hill, and notched just three tackles between them, while Belfort was repeatedly caught out of position and continues to be exposed in pass coverage. Verona, meanwhile, is incredibly accurate but has struggled when forced to throw back into games or off her platform. We'll have to hope the four of them can continue to improve this season, because come next year, they may be playing for their coach's job if not.

[Banija]

Horizon
MD5

They say I'm a rapper, and I say no, I'm a NSCF host trying to cutoff for Matchday 5.

Horizon Conference
Sadeg State University (DRK) 14–3 Hoofstra University (KRD)
Cavsar University (DRK) 52–12 Adirondack University (SAS)
Felswyr State University (CMT) 27–24 Anasb Central University (STR)

Horizon Conference                 Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Sadeg State University            5    5   0   172   88  +84
2 Hoofstra University               5    4   1   138   83  +55
3 Felswyr State University          5    3   2   109  101   +8
4 Cavsar University                 5    2   3   135  151  −16
5 Anasb Central University          5    1   4   124  152  −28
6 Adirondack University             5    0   5    81  184 −103

[Drawkland]

Big Eight & Woodlands
MD5

Slightly less late this time

BIG EIGHT
Swisston City University (KND) 3–21 Cold Hill University (RAN)
Green Mountain State (BUF) 40–20 Kohnhead City University (KND)
Richardson University (RAN) 52–0 Rajendragadh College (PRT)

  BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE                Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Kohnhead City University              5    4   1   198  112  +86
2 Cold Hill University                  5    4   1   145  126  +19
3 Richardson University                 5    3   2   124   86  +38
4 Green Mountain State                  5    3   2   152  137  +15
5 Swisston City University              5    1   4   141  148   −7
6 Rajendragadh College                  5    0   5    58  209 −151

WOODLANDS
New Lakeland University (CDG) 46–9 Tchust Fhergys University (MAL)
Université St. Croix (QUE) 17–7 Brat Tech (CDG)
Université du Saguenay (QUE) 32–38 Atheburn National University (GRU)

  WOODLANDS CONFERENCE                Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 New Lakeland University               5    4   1   146   71  +75
2 Atheburn National University          5    4   1   140  145   −5
3 Université du Saguenay                5    3   2   118   88  +30
4 Brat Tech                             5    2   3   133  106  +27
5 Tchust Fhergys University             5    1   4    84  186 −102
6 Université St. Croix                  5    1   4    45   70  −25

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Celestia and Zephyr Conference - MD5 Cutoff!

Celestia Conference
Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ) 12–27 Green Coast University Bullfrogs (BVR)
University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder (BNJ) 43–27 Salamantic Universities Professors (KOR)
University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park Warriors (CBP) 6–12 Elephant Valley University Red Elephants (SNL)

P Celestia Conference                                          Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder                       5    3   2   174  130  +44
2 Elephant Valley University Red Elephants                       5    3   2   113   97  +16
3 Salamantic Universities Professors                             5    3   2   186   93  +93
4 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park Warriors          5    3   2   148  114  +34
5 Northern Moravica University Cougars                           5    2   3   123  153  −30
6 Green Coast University Bullfrogs                               5    1   4    69  226 −157

Zephyr Conference
Raynor University Rockets (VAL) 16–7 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns (AFT)
University of Mancodas Mammoths (PFA) 18–40 Mar Sara Tech Raiders (VAL)
Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists (NGD) 15–24 Trent State University Feathercaps (TJU)

P Zephyr Conference                                            Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Raynor University Rockets                                      5    4   1   142   99  +43
2 Trent State University Feathercaps                             5    4   1   161   98  +63
3 Mar Sara Tech Raiders                                          5    4   1   206  129  +77
4 University of Mancodas Mammoths                                5    2   3   129  144  −15
5 Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns                                 5    1   4    84  155  −71
6 Thereisnogodistan Community College Atheists                   5    0   5    96  193  −97

[TJUN-ia]

After a comfortable bounceback win put the great start back on track, the Trent State Feathercaps were still flying high after their best-ever start to an NSCF campaign. Despite the rough loss to Raynor, the Caps sit at 3-1 and are currently in the midst of an unexpected 3-way fight with the two schools from Valanora for the Zephyr Conference title at the first attempt - a situation that Johnny Bridgeford may have seen coming, but nobody knew for sure. Anyway, we are now in a position that every win counts towards a higher-finish up the table and so, with that in mind, the Caps headed to Thereisnogodistan to take on the winless TCC Atheists in a game many expected us to win comfortably.

But comfort was not something we would find in the first half at Richard Dawkins Park as both TSU and TCC played a tight and twisty first 30 with all the passion you expect from college gridiron. Gareth Baldwin and Wiley Atwater both scored a TD in each of the first 2 quarters, with both coaches going for different strategies when it came to adding more points. Both of Baldwin's TDs were nice passes to Victor Que-et-Vous with Clayton McGee adding 2 conversions as well while Atwater played a bit of a different game, with 1 TD via a nice run while the other was a simple pass to Ashley Vicario. Even the extra points were mixed, as Axel Goddard kicked a conversion while Atwater found Christopher Chong for 2 points, leaving the game at 15-14 to TCC at the break. The tight play continued into the second half, but TSU's defence became a lot tighter overall as both Heldon Culter and Karl von Liechten combined to shut down Atwater's entire output completely. This allowed TSU to score twice more in this contest and seal the victory outright: a brilliant 56yd Balwin pass to Fremont Whitehorse (with McGee getting another conversion) and a nice 34yd Field Gold by McGee himself. In the end, 24-15 wasn't the scoreline everyone was hoping for, but a win is still a win.

With both Raynor and Mar Sara Tech winning their games as well, the 3-way tie at the top of the Zephyr continues to hold. What will break the tie will be the run-in of this conference, the final 5 games that will ultimately shape the season for everyone involved. For TSU, the first step comes up next as they travel to Abanhfleft to play the Ceneisis Naval Academy Ensigns for the 2nd time, in front of a fiery crowd looking to cause an upset for the 1-4 team. From here on out, every single game will count equally to the overall goal. What that goal is depends on who you ask. WE ARE! TRENT STATE!

---

SCHEDULE (ZEPHYR Conference + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT) W 47-17 (1-0)
Week 2: vs Mar Sara Tech (VAL) W 40-20 (2-0)
Week 3: @Raynor U (VAL) L 33-13 (2-1)
Week 4: vs Mancodas (PFA) W 37-13 (3-1)
Week 5: @TCC (NGD) W 24-15 (4-1)
Week 6: @Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT)
Week 7: @Mar Sara Tech (VAL)
Week 8: vs Raynor U (VAL)
Week 9: @Mancodas (PFA)
Week 10: vs TCC (NGD)
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 11: vs Elephant Valley (SNL)
Week 12: vs Cold Hill (RAN)
Week 13: @Swisston City (KND)

[Valanora]

Top Vanorian Prospects

10. Zakarias Håkansson - 6'5" - 220 lbs - DE
Like most Vanorian defensive ends, Zakarias can play a hybrid role of either an outside linebacker or edge rusher at a pretty decent capacity. With good speed for his size and decent awarness, it does allow him to fall into zone coverage and still be useful to the defensive scheme. However he has a tireless pursuit that is best used as an edge rusher looking to cause disruption in the backfield or track down backs trying to get to the outside.

9. Cevin Nyström - 6'2" - 182 lbs - CB
While not a full out shutdown corner, Cevin usually can like up against an opposition's best receiver and can up the better throughout the balance of the game. A lack of good catching is why he plays corner instead of wide out, but with speed to burn and a tall frame that he uses to the best of his abilities, he is the type of corner who is going to make the opposition receiving core dread the whole game of trying to get open looks.

8. Linus Berggren - 6'3" - 214 lbs - OL
Linus has the unique ability to play anywhere along the offensive line, though prefers to be slotted at left tackle when given the choice. Good strength and very good pass protection, but does falter a little when it comes to run blocking or complicated blocking maneuvers. Probably suited best for an air raid or shotgun based offense.

7. Mark Lundin - 6'2" - 209 lbs - MLB/OLB
A hard hitting linebacker that likes to run downfield at opposing ballcarriers and quarterbacks, though do not let that aggression fool you, he can drop back into coverage as well. Prefers the middle linebacker spot but can play on the outside if it suits the scheme or team better and gets him a better chance at playing early. Was the defensive captain for Magnus Academy during this season.

6. Darin Sundström - 5'10" - 177 lbs - WR
Your by the numbers slot receiver who could run track with the amount of pace, agility, and acceleration that he has at his disposal. An absolute nightmare for most nickelbacks to have to try to cover, his only real downside is that his route running can become lackadaisical if he leans too much on his natural speed to try and get open.

5. Nicolas Lindgren - 6'3" - 215 lbs - C
The starting center for Magnus this year and had been one of the best players for the team along the line, having easily transitioned to the starter role. Capable in both the run and pass protection schemes, could likely adapt to any situation and start in their first year. Is looking for a good school for electrical engineering, which will likely be a factor in their recruiting.

4. Matteo Sjögren - 6'4" - 212 lbs - SS/FS
With his speed and size, coaches wanted him to badly play receiver, but Matteo really likes to hit people instead, which leads well into being a ball hawking safety that can plow through both tough ball carriers and strong wideouts or tight ends. What he lacks for in pure size he makes up for his muscle and the ability to more often be in the right place at the right time.

3. Tom Lundgren - 6'6" - 229 lbs - TE
Lundgren is a quarterback's best friend, that security blanket underneath with good hands who is always there as a check down if the play breaks apart and will keep running to get open if it turns into a mad scramble. Above average blocking skills for a Vanorian tight end, as they often prefer to focus on receiving rather than blocking, and with good size so as not to be taken down easily once they do receive the ball.

2. Max Strömberg - 6'3" - 205 lbs - WR
Every year there seems to be a standout receiver at Magnus who has all the tools to be a superstar. Often they come with flaws, like a bad personality or poor work ethic or maybe a bit of bad luck. Not Max, Max has all the tools and then some and without the baggage usually attached to those wide receivers. He is ready to start day one and challenge anyone for the number one receiver spot, yet humble and professional enough not to poison a locker room if the coaches decide he is not ready for that responsibility yet.

1. Felix Ström - 6'2" - 214 lbs - QB
Felix is the engine that is having Magnus so easily roll through their academy schedule this year and he is a jack of all trades style of quarterback that will give defensive coordinators nightmares for the next four years wherever he decides to commit to. Good speed and elusiveness with running back-esque levels of carrying skill. A strong and fairly accurate arm, has hit sixty yard bombs constantly in practice and converted a hail mary from their own forty-five. Could maybe use some extra strength if there was something to work on but Felix is the real deal, a full five out of five star style recruit that should have offensive coordinators lining up outside his door trying to bring him to their school.

[Ko-oren]

OOC: This is nearly a one on one transcript from an IC discord convo between SNL and me.

I'm going to need your opinion on the Power Rankings for unranked teams in the NSCF, but I'm running into one issue. Green Coast and Brat Tech. Who do you think is better? I've got Green Coast over Brat Tech at this point.

- So you literally think that a team [Green Coast Bullfrogs] that is 1-4 and in the bottom spot of their Conference deserves a top 5 spot on your list of new teams?

If that conference is Celestia, and that win is over Northern Moravica, definitely. Especially because Brat Tech sucks, they just lost to St. Croix, they're 2-3, they are not in a good spot momentum-wise! They just lost to St. Croix, how often do I need to repeat myself?

- But they beat New Lakeland the week before! They beat Tchust Fhergys the week before by scoring 60 points!

Yeah, they beat New Lakeland, but they're not even that good right now. If it wasn't for their dumb mistakes, they could've gone 3-2 or better. You're not putting New Lakeland over Northern Moravica, are you? And the Tchust Fhergys point doesn't stand - everyone can score 60 points on them! They're garbage. My point stands. I'm of the firm belief that Celestia is so much better than the other conferences that a 1-4 team there is better than a 2-3 team elsewhere. Also, what good schools are in Woodlands? Name three good schools in Woodlands. Name two bad teams in Celestia, even!

- Literally Northern Moravica and Loyola-Istria.

For real, though.

- Salamantic? They had a down year last year and-

They're 3-2. You're wrong if you say Salamantic is a bad team. That's absolute misinformation. They beat Northern Moravica.

- Yeah, they always beat Northern Moravica. Salamantic and Green Coast are both bad teams in that conference. Your move.

Salamantic is 3-2! They beat Northern Moravica, they're 3-2 in probably the most stacked conference in the history of the NSCF. Give me three good teams in Woodlands then?

- New Lakeland, Atheburn, and Saguenay.

Atheburn is unranked! They have 5 games under their belt in total.

- Imagine what they can do with 50 games of experience then.

That doesn't count, and you know it!

- They're 4-1!

Still! If you say Salamantic is bad but Atheburn is good, that's a double standard right there!

- Ok, Saguenay then.

Right, can't challenge that. I still need a third.

- Ok, Brat Tech. They beat New Lakeland.

Come on dude! We're literally having this discussion because of Brat Tech. They're worse than the Bullfrogs.

- If you didn't want my opinion, why did you call me??

I called you because I wanted you to agree with my points! I think that Brat Tech would be 1-4 in Celestia, at best, and Green Coast would be at least 2-3 in Woodlands.

- But 2-3 in Woodlands doesn't count for anything, you just said that!

I said 'at least'.

- Wow, nice save.

The ammunition to call Woodlands bad literally came from your own work, just a week before the start of the NSCF.

- Sure, but Woodlands are only last because there are only three ranked teams there!

Which means they're a shit conference! Green Coast is better than Brat.

- No, they're not.

Yes they are!

- Nah, absolutely not.

I think we're done here.

---

From: Fern Beaufils (FBeaufils@Gridfocus.kor)
To: Julian Hoffmann (Julian.Hoffmann@EVSM.snl)
Subject: Closing Arguments

Artist: Vdara

[Chromatika]

Notes from The Rebel
Prelude: Sarai Michelle Bradwyn Gwenderyn
Part 1: Birth and Family
Part 2: The Pigskin
Part 3: Psychological Profile

GWENDERYN
Part 4: Felswyr State
or, The Start of Something Special
By: Aimée de Pierre, Guest Columnist

Felswyr is a quaint little town. Having a population of 92,487 of the census that was taken just a few years ago, it's a blue-collar community that grows threefold during the winter months. This means that in the fall, Felswyr State University's student population of 25,217 is more than a quarter of the population. All of this is to say that Felswyr State matters to Felswyr.

The Firehawks, as they are known, won back-to-back championships in CCFA Seasons 5 and 6. That was back when Kristian Non was still around and the player of the year, with a squad that also had the likes of Élie Dembélé. Then, they faded a bit, always becoming one of the better schools in football but not really threatening for the title.

How did such a school gain the attention of one Eustace Hampton, Jr.? It's all conjecture. Eustace Hampton settled in Felswyr after the Rainbow Revolution, and when he started campaigning for gridiron football to be played in the country, he did so with Felswyr State specifically in mind. The CFF decided to acknowledge the sport, and the teambuilding began.

First, Eustace spoke with Felswyr State's Superintendent, Dr. Anyra Joam. They spent months planning and getting an idea of who they wanted to be in charge of the program. They were successful in getting one of the foremost minds in gridiron football, Misha Florentine. Misha was the one to get Naia Curentino, the madwoman who had studied University of Loyola-Istria's schemes and Kasen Harrowitz, who had expressed interest while being a player for the (then) Deprí Sanar Vipers. Nobody knew just how fast this managerial staff would click together.

From the very beginning, the plan was to get Sarai Gwenderyn. "We knew of how well she was doing for the Anacondas," says Naia Curentino, "We were trying to contact Sarai from her Sophomore year, but her High School coach wanted us to wait. By the end of Junior year, we had already made her an offer. She asked for us to wait until the end of the season. After the Anacondas won for the second year in a row, she signed with us. We were so excited."

Sarai remembers the first visit to FSU's campus very vividly. "Though I spent my high school years in Z'ai'ai, I never made it to Felswyr. The campus was beautiful, the people were friendly, and the field was gorgeous. That was also when I met who would become my most notable teammates."

Even before getting Sarai, they'd succeeded in getting quite a roster. Alessandra Mio - the receiver who had defeated Gwenderyn on her sophomore season - was there to greet Sarai. Next to her were Mi-Hyeon Park, whom Sarai had just defeated in the national title game, Sara McAllister, the best kicker in the country that year, Cara Setri, one of the better known outside linebackers in Chromatika, and Nellie Katt, the wily punter.

"It was like an all-star team meetup," exudes Sara McAllister about their first meeting with Gwenderyn, "We were all waiting for our centerpiece to show up, and as soon as she entered the scene, we knew that we had something special."

For the first season of FSU history, Curentino and Gwenderyn decided to keep things simple. Three-second dropbacks, designed Quarterback runs, deep throws to Mio, and letting the defense do its thing. Kasen Harrowitz had his crew on an absolute tear, and FSU really took it to their opponents in that first season, going 10-0 in conference play.

"I was learning the playbook and taking things as they came," admits Gwenderyn, "We had the pieces to hit some big plays, and we took things as they came. It was truly the defense that carried us that season, but we did our part."

Gwenderyn did more than just do her part, according to pundits around the NSCF. Despite losing to Cold Hill University in the title game, Sarai Gwenderyn won the Most Outstanding Player award.

"It was as much of a surprise to me as anyone else," stated Gwenderyn afterwards, "But I'm grateful for the opportunity and the award. It was a total team effort, and if it wasn't for my teammates, I wouldn't have come close."

The year after was a much different story. Felswyr State lost their first match in the Horizon Conference to Sadeg State University when their extra point in overtime was blocked. The Firehawks would go 9-4 in the season, losing to Cold Hill, Rickendor Central, and Cavsar as well. FSU did defeat Kohnhead City and Loyola-Istra twice, though, and as the defense began to falter a bit, Gwenderyn started to take over. She was the reason that the squad even made it to the Semifinals before losing to the eventual champions, Sadeg State.

Gwenderyn has taken to FSU like a fish to water. There isn't a single person on campus that doesn't know her, not that they bother her. She's really achieved superstar status while also being approachable. She's a straight A student in her career field of social work, and she regularly participates in other events while not in gridiron season.

"She's a wonderful presence," states Shani Hayashida, the Manager of the Firehawks' football team, "A true ambassador of the sport to both her fellow athletes and other people around the campus. She has quite an air of confidence and competence around her, which can put people off until they realize that she's a genuinely warm person. You can say that she's the face of Felswyr State."

Being the most famous athlete of a city while still in college may get to the head of any other player, but not Sarai Gwenderyn. "I haven't really done anything substantial," she explains, "I can understand how that could be the case, but to myself, I'm still that little girl trying to make her name in the world. "

Felswyr State is very lucky to have Sarai, and Sarai Felswyr State. What does she want to do after she's done with Gridiron? We will approach that topic next.

---

The Flame of the Firehawk: Ablaze
Part 5: Narrow Escape

Team   1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q   |  Tot
ACU     7   7   7   3   |   24
FSU    10   7   3   7   |   27

1Q
08:22 FSU TD - Niles Gwivern 21 yard pass from Jonas Odden (Sara McAllister Kick)
04L21 ACU TD - Running Back 2 yard run (Kicker Kick)
01:09 FSU FG - Sara McAllister 41 yard Field Goal

2Q
10:33 ACU TD - Wide Receiver 21 yard pass from Quarterback (Kicker Kick)
04:47 FSU TD - Jonas Odden 11 yard run (Sara McAllister Kick)

3Q
11:31 FSU FG - Sara McAllister 51 yard Field Goal
05:51 ACU TD - Quarterback 2 yard run (Kicker Kick)

4Q
12:26 ACU FG - Kicker 48 yard Field Goal
01:33 FSU TD - Otto Mitchell 51 yard pass from Jonas Odden (Sara McAllister Kick)

FIREHAWKS' ROOST, FELSWYR, MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, CHROMATIKA - If this is how life is going to be without Gwenderyn, Felswyr State has some work to do.

Jonas Odden was the best and worst player on the field for the Firehawks, but the Jekyll side of him showed up in the end as the Firehawks escaped their second home game in their new stadium with a last-minute victory.

The Vanorian Freshman Quarterback completed 32 of 45 passes for 281 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first start as a Firehawk. He also added 71 yards on the ground and another score. The two interceptions did lead to two of the three touchdowns scored by Anasb Central, but the Firehawks were able to make up for the difference at the end.

Speaking to Jonas's performance, Offensive Coordinator Naia Curentino stated that he did enough to secure the victory. "He was off on a few throws that our opponents made us pay for, but he did just enough at the end. By the end of the game, I really think that he was coming into his own. Kudos to him for sticking it out."

He will be counted on for one more start as Gwenderyn continues to heal. Felswyr State hosts Adirondack University before heading off to Sadeg State.

"It's good to give Sarai the rest she needs," commented Mi-Hyeon Park, "We'll pick up the slack."

[Buffalostan]

Week 5

      1   2   3   4   F
KCU   0   6  14   0  20
GMS  10  13  10   7  40
BOX                                                                   KCU  GMS
  1 Callum Ryan 31 yard field goal                                      0    3
    Shaun Mitchell 26 yard pass from Josh Moore (Callum Ryan kick)      0   10
  2 Chris Nevin 17 yard pass from Josh Moore (kick failed)              0   16
    Jodi Lawrence 14 yard pass from Emilee Johansson (kick failed)      6   16
    Cash West 57 yard pass from Josh Moore (Callum Ryan kick)           6   23
  3 Keith Gray 80 yard pass from Emilee Johansson (Seth Potter kick)   13   23
    Callum Ryan 23 yard field goal                                     13   26
    Emilee Johansson 9 yard run (Seth Potter kick)                     20   26
    Todd Cayson 23 yard pass from Josh Moore (Callum Ryan kick)        20   33
  4 Cash West 7 yard pass from Josh Moore (Callum Ryan kick)           20   40

Here are some of the top films in the Millennial England time-bubble.

Space Battles: Episode 1 – The Ghostly Menace

Documentary about the evils of sand

The Fifth Sense

Spooky supernatural chiller that made the line “I see deaf people!” a viral sensation.

Toy Story 2: Return of Chucky

The franchise went in a bold new direction for its sequel.

The Rat Mix

Techno-thriller that requires significant suspension of belief from the audience with outlandish concepts such as the idea that robots could farm human consciousness in the future, or that Rian U. Keeves could act.

Jane

Animated film about a woman who lives wild in the jungle, based on an old novel by Edgar Rice Pudding. Following its failure, Buffalostani film executives decided not to make any more soft reboots of existing IPs, ever again.

The Daddy

Deep in the sands of Egypt, an ancient horror awakens! uWu what’s this, a bulge in your bandages?

Nothing Till

Romantic drama set in Britbonglandia. As it features a young man who owns his own house in the Nothing Till borough of Londinium, it is classed as extreme science fiction.

The World Is Enough, Actually, Thanks

Spy thriller featuring the enigmatic James Bonk retiring to take up bird-watching.

American Booty

Artistic movie starring Kenny Spavic as a man making sexual advances on someone much younger than him. This film is going to age really well.

Houston Powers: The Spy Who Shioked Me

Haunting spy drama depicting the gritty realism, moral grey areas, and demanding ethical compromises required to navigate complex Cold War geopolitics.

[Beaverriver]

Disclaimer: The Pond does not officially represent the views and beliefs of Green Coast University and Beaver River. This is just a view of a couple of students at Green Coast University

---

The Pond

Wait. We won?
What a week. I had initially planned on releasing a special project that I have been working on for the past week evaluating the teams in the NSCF and hoped to publish it this week as it marks the halfway point through the conference season. However, Green Coast had other plans as they decided that they want to join in the chaos of Celestia conference after serving as the punching bag of the conference. Green Coast had a slow start to the game as they struggled to score in the first quarter as Vallienté Wagner-Young found Jung Singateh in the endzone to score the first points for Northern Moravica although the attempted two point conversion failed. Fortunately, Rut Foster adjusted the offense to exploit the more inexperienced side of the Cougars defense which allowed Andreas Storm to find his first touchdown of the season with a 21 yard touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter. The two teams traded field goals and ended the half at 10-9 in favor of the Bullfrogs. The third quarter saw another pair of field goals traded before Brynne Teel broke the game wide open with a 36 yard touchdown at the dying minutes of the third quarter. The Cougars did make a final push towards the endzone but were stopped at the Bullfrog 44, setting up for a tough field goal which kick just wide of the uprights to the disappointment of Cougar fans. The Bullfrog ran the clock down on their penultimate drive, leaving 1:37 after Teel's trip to the endzone. The Cougars tried for a quick score but the Bullfrogs denied all four deep pass attempts to get the football back and kneel for their first NSCF victory this season. The small contingency of Bullfrog supporters at Alastair Jobs Field who celebrated their first victory after 4 consecutive blowout losses. This was also the best victory that the program has seen in the NSCF as they defeated preseason #3 on the road. The three victories prior to this victory were against fellow bottom dwellers . However, Northern Moravica is the #3 team in the NSCF prior to the beginning of the season although they have been as dominant in the conference as their rank suggests. Now that Green Coast has joined the bloodbath that is called the Celestia, every team has as least 2 losses while preseason #3 sits in 5th with a 2-3 record. Without Green Coast, Celestian teams are 2-2 making the path to the conference championship run through Oldport.

[Banija]

Horizon
MD6

Considering they were just invited to the SEC earlier today alongside their border state archrivals, it seems appropriate for all of us to acknowledge that the eyes of Texas are upon us during this cutoff.

Horizon Conference
Hoofstra University (KRD) 34–6 Anasb Central University (STR)
Felswyr State University (CMT) 16–6 Adirondack University (SAS)
Cavsar University (DRK) 30–39 Sadeg State University (DRK)

Horizon Conference                 Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Sadeg State University            6    6   0   211  118  +93
2 Hoofstra University               6    5   1   172   89  +83
3 Felswyr State University          6    4   2   125  107  +18
4 Cavsar University                 6    2   4   165  190  −25
5 Anasb Central University          6    1   5   130  186  −56
6 Adirondack University             6    0   6    87  200 −113

[Ranoria]

If you want more information on any of the recruits, feel free to hit me up! Recruits are going in descending order, so from worst to first

Without any further ado: Here are Ranoria's top 10 high school recruits this season! Let the bidding commence!

#10: Kristen Werther, CB/K, South Edmunton High School
6'1", 165 lb
Edmunton, Ranoria

Kristen's only been playing football (of the gridiron variety, anyway), since her freshman year, but she's excelled on the turf. Very much a cover first corner, she's a willing tackler but a lack of brawn is the only weak point in her game. Expect a disciplined player who'll stick to her assignment and try to pick out any weaknesses in an opponents' game and generally go for locking down a receiver rather than attempting to bait a QB into interceptions.

While she didn't start as a freshman, she was an immediate impact player as a sophomore. She recorded four interceptions while completely shifting the dynamic of her team's defense by generally being able to erase a number one wideout. She followed that performance up by packing on fifteen pounds over the next two years and recording another 9 interceptions in those seasons.

Demonstrated her elite athleticism as by winning all-county twice in basketball and is an exceptional student, coming in with a 3.81 GPA. Intends to pursue a major in the medical field.

Oh, and if you need a kicker, she's not half bad. Kristen broke a couple high school records set by current National Team starter Barry Chlorid, so she's got a leg. Worst case, you've got an athletic backup.

#9: Deandre Kelly, DT, Matthensville High School
6'3", 285 lb
Matthensville, Ranoria

Kelly's not your prototypical, 310 pound nose guard. Hell, some programs might see him as more of a defensive end. But that's not his game.

Kelly's is a 3-tech specialist and a potent run stopper who's excellent at getting penetration at the line of scrimmage, be that through his quick first step or his excellent lateral mobility on stunts. While his strength alone was more than enough to dominate in school, that quickness and excellent leverage is his selling point. Don't expect any missed tackles from this beast of a playmaker, who recorded 17, 21, and 24 TFL in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, respectively. If you've got a scheme that likes to run stunts, he's your man. Also recorded 37 career sacks, so he's a potent threat in the passing game as well.

Kelly didn't participate in any sports besides gridiron football, and was average in the classroom with a 3.1 GPA. He has not declared a major.

#7: Gabriele Ziegler, HB, Mooreville High School
5'9", 145 lb
Mooreville, Ranoria

Receiving back through and through. Ziegler has excelled throughout high school both as a runner and on the gridiron, racking up a ton of catches and serving as the lead back for one of the nation's stronger high school programs. She's not fantastic in between the tackles simply due to her size, but she can make it work by weaving her way through defenders and excels once she's out on the edge with some room to work. Screens, punt, and kick returns, are where she'll really shine, situations that allow give her room to work in the open field. Racked up 2,801 yards just through the air in her final two seasons, and is capable of running routes out of the slot as well.

Excellent student, she'll be the first to tell you that the only reason she wasn't the top honors student in her class was because she ticked off her biology teacher just before a big project. Obviously, she'd fit best in a high volume passing offense that would use her as both a checkdown and a weapon in the passing game while contributing as a runner, too.

#6: Michael Burleson, HB, Eastville High School
6', 225 lb
Eastville, Ranoria

Burleson is your other option here. The guy's plenty fast, but he's more of a traditional power back...clearly. Regardless of the running scheme, Michael's going to excel, and is generally going to break some tackles before he goes down. Always falls forward. Didn't contribute much in terms of catching the ball, and his routes are sloppy, but do you really need him to be able to do all that when you have this kind of a goal line hammer?

Also played baseball and basketball, earning 3 all conference awards between the two sports, and was excellent with getting rebounds, surprisingly enough. One would think that could translate well to turning him into a receiving weapon if he has the right coach...

Sub par student with a 2.78 cumulative GPA, and may need some assistance in that area. Intends to major in sports management. He'd prefer to play for a hard-nosed program that values toughness.

#5: Rolan Monroe, Edge, South Richardson High School
6'4", 255 lb
Richardson, Ranoria

Imagine being a high school defensive end in Ranoria and not being the top recruit in the country. Shameful really, but Monroe's still an absolute animal. Capable of dropping into coverage (but not happily), and getting the job done there, but of course Monroe makes his money (intends to) with his hand in the dirt. Rolan would rack up some ridiculous game tape in his final two years of high school, single handedly winning a playoff game against the #1 offense in his district when he led his team to a shutout win behind a performance in which he tallied 4 sacks, 3 TFL, 3 forced fumbles, and 9 total tackles.

Otherwise, he's excellent in the classroom! Graduating with a 3.64 cumulative, there'll be no worries on that front. Rolan's biggest concern is playing somewhere where he's got a shot to see the field early and make the playoffs somewhat consistently.

#4: Trent Herbet, OG, Vricksinburg Central Catholic
6'4", 305 lb
Vricksinburg, Ranoria

Herbert is the lone offensive line prospect of this crop. Younger brother of former Cold Hill defensive end Haze Herbert, he's got a bit of insight as to the requirements of the college game at its highest level, and he's prepared himself accordingly. Herbert's about as lean as an 18 year old can be at 305 pounds, and is constantly lifting to try to slim out more. He's displayed excellent footwork both in pass protection and the run game, but of course his raw strength is his calling card.

He has stated he hopes to pack on another ten to twenty pounds while in school, but that'll depend on the program he selects. Herbert's main concern is simple: winning a ton of football games and contributing to that. Above average student who posted a 3.38 GPA with no intended major.

#3: Angela Sauber, WR, Matthensville High School
6'2", 190 lb
Matthensville, Ranoria

Out on the boundary, Sauber has enough size to beat cornerbacks on a jump ball should it be necessary, and the speed to outrun the slower ones. Capable volume receiver who hasn't dropped any of the 300+ targets she's gotten since her less storied freshman year. Incredibly bold going over the middle and perhaps a bit too carefree with taking big hits, she did miss a game senior year with a broken rib after all.

Sauber's best trait though is her route running. She has a complete route tree that, aside from quick screens and hitches, will look almost the exact same no matter what she's running through the first couple of steps. She comes out of her breaks fast and creates separation there, with a long frame to give just a bit more of a window for her quarterbacks. Also racked up 61 career touchdowns, so there's that, along with a 3x all county basketball career on her resume. Rebounds, like her jump balls on the gridiron, were her specialty.

Sauber finished high school with a 3.01 GPA and hopes to study sports management.

#2: Najee "Lightning Rod" Isidora, ILB, Mount Jane High School
6'3", 250 lb
Mount Jane, Ranoria

Here he is. The baddest man in Ranorian high school football. Isidora is a one man wrecking crew, recording 387 tackles, 34 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions in the last two seasons. Isidora brings energy on every snap and was given the priveledge of calling defensive plays in the final few games of his senior year, after the team's defensive coordinator - and his father - was forced into an extended hospital stay due to heart issues. There isn't a facet to the game he can't dominate at. He's lightning fast, clocked at a sub 4.5 yard 40 at multiple camps, he's a shredded 250 pounds, and he can cover or come down on 3rd down to provide an additional edge rusher.

People are already talking about this kid as the next great Ranorian inside linebacker. Care to spoil our dreams on that front?

#1: Jannick Nadine, WR, Ranoria City High School
6'3", 225 lb
Ranoria City, Ranoria

Freak, absolute physical specimen. Jannick is nothing less than that. The kid - who has nigh a shred of fat on his body - routinely roasts opposition with his speed (which also secured a runner up podium finish in the 4x400 and 100 meter sprint in track and field his senior year), and when he can't get behind the entire defense, well, he was the biggest guy on the field, and you can guess what happened next.

Nadine recorded just 63 receptions his senior year, perhaps not what you want to see out of a recruit like this...but he recorded 1,989 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. Excellent after the catch - of course he was, averaging 31.5 yards per reception - his size allows him to break plenty of tackles, and he uses his long arms to stiff arm those who would go for his upper body. Incredible stamina, started 2 ways for 3 straight seasons as a defensive end.

2.89 GPA in high school, nothing thrilling but not particularly alarming either. Nadine would like to pursue a degree in exercise science.

And transfers, if anyone's interested!

QB Kualu Luani, Junior
Former Team: Dietrich Snow Bears
6'2", 210 lb.

Kualu Luani was a 5 star quarterback just a few seasons ago, but as become disenchanted with a conservative offense that, if he's being honest, never had a chance to win the championship. He started 8 of the final 9 games of his freshman season, leading the team to an 7-1 record in those games -including a playoff win - before going down with a hamstring injury before the team's second playoff game. He finished that season 156/208, with 1,845 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions along with 55 carries for 244 yards and another pair of scores.

As a sophomore, he was better. He went 10-2 in the regular season - including a tragic week one loss to the team's rival, Richardson, but again went 1-1 in the postseason, falling to the Cold Hill Buffalo in the quarterfinals. This go round, he connected on 279 of 371 throws, and managed 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He'd throw in nearly 400 rushing yards and 5 scores on the ground for good measure, but was dissatisfied with his standing on the team.

His 3,290 yards and 25 scores were both just shy of the program's records (3,345 and 27, respectively), and Luani believed he deserved a greater share of the offense, and that his talent merited a more aggressive attack. The coaching staff disagreed. Compounded with the fact that he knew he'd never get a chance at a domestic title with Ricahrdson and Cold Hill looming, he's decided to transfer. Luani is open to most offensive systems, but wants to win some games and wants to be able to throw the ball down the field when necessary.

CB/S Leon Elliot, Redshirt Senior

Former Team: Dietrich Snow Bears
6'2", 210 lb.

Second-team all Ranorian as a junior, Elliot also played for Dietrich and is hoping to make a splash at a larger program and make a run at a championship at the least to cap off his college career. Interested in heading to Richardson. Very much realizes he could go in the first round of the draft, but feels there's something missing in his collegiate career. If he does go outside of Richardson, Elliot's intention is to go somewhere he can compete for a championship.

Elliot is fully capable of playing any position on the defense. He's best at free safety, but he can rack up tackles in the box or provide a standout performance at nickel corner if need be. He's serviceable as an outside corner as well, and with that kind of skill set, he's a true swiss army knife that anyone could have fun playing around with. The only real knock on his game is that he's not a particularly adept blitzer.

Stats:
Redshirt: 0 starts, 4 tackles
Freshman: 4 starts, 21 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PDef
Sophomore: 14 starts, 81 tackles, 4 INT, 9 PDef
Junior: 14 starts, 91 tackles, 5 INT, 12 PDef

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

A Funny Thing Happened on the way to First Place
By Aaron Hardison
UC Correspondent for The Times

Most fans were looking forward to the matchup between the visiting Professors from Salamantic University and the University of the Commonwealth Warriors under the lights at Gleason Field to open up the second half of conference play, sure that the top of the standings would be the reward at the conclusion of the night on College Hill.

That's why they play the game in football, as the entire Celestia Conference race was thrown wide open by the results on the fifth game day; Elephant Valley upset the Warriors 12-6, while the Professors were thrashed in Istria by the Blue Thunder and winless Green Coast upset Northern Moravica, leaving the Cougars at 2-3, a game behind UC, Loyola, SU and EVU all tied at 3-2.

The Warrior offense remained stuck in neutral on a night when the defense held the Red Elephants out of the end zone, with only four field goals to show for the visitors' efforts; it was enough to allow the South Newlandians to notch their third win of the campaign and throw the season into a weekly lottery to establish an automatic qualifier for the reduced playoff field being used in NSCF 24.

It will require a reawakening for the offense over the next couple of weeks if UC wants to be in the conversation following the visit of SU and the subsequent trip to the Mugisha II Memorial Stadium for the return against NMU; the Banijan schools will be squaring off in week 6, meaning the losers on the day might find themselves virtually eliminated without a strong finish.