James Dior, Park Mi-Hyeon, Jere Rinaldi Lead Iron Legion Past Dragonfiles
No McAllister? No problem... So Far
KO-OREN - In a defensive struggle from start to finish, James Dior made all three field goals - including two from beyond forty yards, which is a range that he usually struggles in - and the dual Middle Linebackers of Park Mi-Hyeon and Jere Rinaldi shined as Chromatika took down top seed Ko-oren to remain undefeated in Group D action.
Sarai Gwenderyn struggled against one of the top defenses in the mutlvierse, going 11-of-24 for 148 yards and an interception, as Evert Monaghan made Alessandra Mio's life miserable. Her best target of the day was Niles Gwivern, who caught five of the balls for 65 yards, including three very important conversions that set up two of the field goals.
Thankfully, Chromatika's defense also came to play. The Iron Legion had shifted to a 3-4 front for this World Bowl to take advantage of the emerging Jere Rinaldi to be alongside Park Mi-Hyeon. Park had seven tackles and Rinaldi ten as Chromatika only allowed one trip past the Iron Legion thirty - which Ko-oren cashed in for the only touchdown of the game, a 18 yard pass from Zoruthau Kosmauthaunden to WR Chillarie Yowarie.
One of the biggest stories of this World Bowl for Chromatika has been the loss of Sara McAllister. James Dior, the kicker from Staramara Tech University, has been given the go-ahead; his field goals of 38, 41, and 43 yards would be the only points scored for the Iron Legion - with the last one coming in the fourth quarter, when Chromatika had their best drive.
Starting at their 31 yard line, Gwenderyn ran the ball twice to the 43, and then, after an incompletion, found Gwivern on a post route to the Dragonflies 41. A good play by Ko-oren LB Bwnhewg yBanmhewm set the Iron Legion back five yards, but Gwenderyn would find Alessandra Mio on one of her two catches to the Dragonfly 33 for a first down. Two successive runs by Kimberly Fowler got the ball to the Ko-oren 26. The third down pass fell short, and Dior went out for the leading field goal, which he put in without a problem.
The Dragonflies would have two more chances before the end whistle, but Park, Rinaldi, and company would take care of business to get the victory.
Chromatika will end the first leg of the group stage with two very winnable games - Lisander and Allamunnic States. With the second best defense in the tournament, the Iron Legion are humming - when the offense is falling, the defense is catching them; it's time to finish the first leg strong.