Firehawks Lose More than Just the Game as Hopes Fall
DRAWKLAND - In one play, the Felswyr State Firehawks lost more than just the game against Cavsar University. No, they lost far more that that, as Park Mi-Hyeon suffered a strained calf that will take her out for the next four games in the middle of Felswyr State's 24-30 loss that pretty much sealed their fate in the Horizon Conference.
The loss puts the Firehawks at a record of 5-4; they do not own the head-to-head against Staramara Tech, as the Lava have swept them; they do have the head-to-head against Hoofstra, meaning that things can get very interesting if Staramara Tech loses to Cavsar and Felswyr State defeats Hoofstra. Felswyr State does have, by far, the highest point differential in the Horizon Conference; the 83-9 victory over Cavsar absolutely made sure of that.
After Park's injury, Cavsar was able to run the ball up the middle, leading to the go-ahead score; Gwenderyn was not able to get one last drive with the inexperience of the offensive line.
"It's a season of transition," admitted Curentino, "But we still think that we have a lot to give, and that there is a chance for us to make a difference."
The Firehawks will need to play almost perfect football the next four weeks without Park - against Hoofstra, a red-hot Cold Hill, the best-looking Loyola-Istria squad in recent memory, and a Kohnhead City squad that is trying to break their losing streak.
"Adversity brings forth character," quoted Gwenderyn, "You haven't heard the last of us yet."
Lava Trips Up Late Against Skyhawks
DRAWKLAND - As a desperation heave into the end zone fell flat, the Staramara Tech Lava suffered their first sweep against the Sadeg State Skyhawks as they fell short, 27-34, to fall to 6-3 and not quite capture the Horizon crown.
Staramara Tech had controlled most of the game on the ground, winning the time of possession battle by more than ten minutes in the first half. However, Sadeg State was able to use their height advantage on a pair of long touchdown throws as the Lava cornerbacks were really tested for the first time.
The score was 17-17 at halftime, and after that, things really changed. The Skyhawks returned the second half opening kickoff the whole way for a score, and after a rare Sheila Pantoja interception, the Skyhawks cashed in for a 31-17 lead that they would not relinquish. Lana Rhodes was able to get one score back, but the Lava would not get any closer to the end zone than the four yard line the rest of the way through.
"We had a chance and blew it," admitted Pantoja, "I had three our four throws today that I know that I could have placed better."
The Lava will still be the favorites to win the conference as long as they defeat Cavsar in the final matchday. If they are to falter, and Felswyr State to defeat Hoofstra, there would be a three-way tie, the best chance for the Firehawks to gain a share of the title.
"It's time to get it done," stated Jere Rinaldi, who was still all over the field with twelve tackles, "And show that we can take care of the end of a season as well as the beginning."
