NSCF 27 - Everything Thread

by **South Newlandia** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 4:06 pm

well, this entire cycle has been an entire chicken’s coop worth of eggs on my face, but I figured I’d get recruits up anyway in case anyone wants one or two, so here’s the

Top Seven recruits out of South Newlandia

7th: Logan Harrison, Right Tackle, Valley Sports School
While Harrison isn’t as tall as some other tackles, he possesses some impressive strength; and will likely put on a bit more weight in the future as well. Already, Logan is showing incredible drive run-blocking, showcasing his natural ability to run over people and drive them back. Playing for one of the better sports schools in the country, he started out playing Right Tackle, but has gotten reps at LT as well. Right Tackle remains his natural position, however. Harrison is not quite as good in pass-protection, as rushers are sometimes able to beat him with speed, and his ability to play in structure can be lacking as well. Nevertheless, the physical upside is there for Logan. Academics have not exactly been his strong suit, though. He’s likely to seek a major in a sports-related field.

6th: Maximilian Pohl, Tight End, New Colk High School
Coming from a small school in New Colk, which is known as a big expat community of people from The Grearish Union, Pohl is a special case. With lots of family there, he would likely prefer to stay in Esportiva if given the option; However, considering the current college football landscape, this seems difficult to get while also playing for a decent school. On the sporting side, Pohl is an extremely tall player, and is able to run-block effectively; his receiving is more questionable. He’s good after the catch, but getting there tends to be the problem. While Quarterbacks will find it easy to target the towering player at what his teammates affectionally call “Max Height”, he struggled with drops throughout his high school career. Despite that, he’s a good route-runner, and notoriously tough to bring down. Pohl excelled in high school, graduating with excellent grades, and a special interest in marine life that could be one path for him academically.

5th: Bruno Clarke, Strong Safety, Malidridad High School
In a regular year, Clarke would be by far the best player out of the small city of Malidridad, found on the Southwestern Islands of South Newlandia. While he is not, Bruno remains a massive talent on the defensive side of the ball. The Safety is an extremely reliable tackler, known to just throw the brakes on would-be touchdown runs, but for all his flair, Bruno is also sure-handed, and was one of the most reliable tacklers in the country. He’s built for just that, but his limitations in pass-protection have to be acknowledged, with a below-average size that his excellent play recognition can’t always make up for. For what it’s worth, Clarke is also a decent blitzer. In school, Bruno was good, but never outstanding. He’s always hoped to leave his small town behind and play in a big city, and wants to travel the world eventually; this will surely play into his decision for where to play and what to major in.

4th: Arlet Garcia, Defensive Back, West Point (Newport)
Arlet answers the question “what if Sai Dutta [now playing for NMU] was female?” The answer is that Arlet is that, and possibly more. West Point, one of the best gridiron programs in the nation (not that that’s saying much) has coached her up extremely well, and made her into one of the smartest players out there. Adept at reading QB’s in specific and plays in general, she can frequently create havoc, making her a fan favourite and very welcome presence in the clubhouse. Additionally, where Sai Dutta was never quite able to pair all that with elite athleticism, while Garcia possesses just that. While she’s not exceptionally tall, especially not for a cornerback, she can keep up with the fastest wideouts and bring down even bigger Tight Ends. At West Point, she was used as both a safety and a cornerback, depending on matchups and stunts, and it’s not entirely clear yet which position would suit her best at the college level. Garcia has been an outstanding student, looking to study medicine. She’s also known to dislike the warm climate of South Newlandia, and will likely look to study in a place that’s more on the cooler side.

3rd: Milo Bauer, Offensive Line, Elephant Valley Southwest High School
Milo Bauer is a jack-of-all-trades on the Offensive Line, having played Tackle and Guard at both sides, and even playing snaps at center as well. Milo is not actually all that tall, but showcases excellent strength anyway, and he’s worked out wherever he has gone, although he is a slightly more natural pass-protector. Bauer is also great at avoiding holding calls, and getting flagged in general. While the upside is certainly there for him, his most natural position defaults to Right Guard, and he’ll need to improve to stick at Tackle long-term. At worst, Bauer can be a valuable swing piece, able to step in wherever he is needed. Bauer is also known to frequently drive out into the countryside of South Newlandia to watch the elephants; and he would prefer to not only major in one such direction, but also play in a country with wild elephants, or at least a nearby zoo featuring Ellies.

2nd: Valentina Dietrich, Right Tackle, Elephant Valley Northern
Dietrich extremely tall, and just as strong, and is a phenomenal anchor in pass-protection. It remains to be seen whether she can play Left Tackle just as well, but at RT, she was an immovable object, able to handily repel even skilled rushers. She’s still working on her run-blocking skills, where she sometimes struggles to get in on the action fast enough and/or finding a man to block, but surely, this can be coached into her easily. She’s probably got the highest upside in this class, and could become a very valuable piece to a great college program; but she will need some solid coaching to get her there. Academically, Dietrich has been good, but partially due to her unusual physique, she struggled to make friends and tends to stick to herself. She’s looking to study something that doesn’t require her to be around people all that much, and preferably play in a smaller city.

1st: Alice Conti, Wide Receiver, Malidridad High School
No one expected Conti to become a top recruit when she started high school, but despite playing in the remote city of Malidridad, she has made it all the way here. Alice is very fast down the sideline, and even speedier corners will struggle to keep up with her. She’s also an excellent route runner and has outstanding hands. While this makes her an excellent deep threat, she isn’t really made to be a #1 wideout; catching contested balls in traffic is simply not her game, as the relatively light and small Conti will frequently be overpowered, risking injury or worse, interceptions. This also makes her a pretty bad run-blocker, and while she’s certainly putting effort into it, it’s just not part of her toolbox. Conti is looking to study Sociology in college, and wants to eventually make it big at the World Bowl stage; for this purpose, she is likely to prefer a college in a country that would enable her to take citizenship in a country that competes at the World Bowl.

by **Ranoria** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 6:36 pm

What's After Diamond? Benoit Youngblood Breaks and Matches Rhine's Program Yards and TDs Records Before Sitting Out Second Half Against Elephant Valley

Benoit Youngblood came into this game with a whopping 39 touchdown passes and 4,824 passing yards through just twelve games as he’s absolutely taken the NSCF by storm in his long-awaited freshman season. He threw the ball just 20 times against Elephant Valley, piling on another 210 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to take a 14-0 lead inthe first half before Buffalo head coach Chris Dale made a rare decision to rest his starters. To their credit, the Elephants scored six points to Cold Hill’s 7 in the second half to make it a competitive late game, but the damage was done.

Benoit Youngblood had already far surpassed Deondre Rhine’s personal best of 4,446 yards in an NSCF season, and with this performance he matched his best passing touchdowns mark with 41, and he’s now the first Cold Hill quarterback to throw for more than 5,000 yards in an NSCF season.

“His production, poise, leadership, it’s all been nothing less than stellar,” Chris Dale heaped the praise on a quarterback who’s been a nice change of pace from past toxic personalities like Rhine or Aurel Strathos, and much more talented than Strathos or last year’s starter, Robin Sterling.

After the Buffalo missed the playoffs for the first time since NSCF 18 last season, some wondered if the program would continue to falter and Chris Dale would take the fall. Instead, he got his guy at quarterback, and he’s taken that and run with it with an offense loaded with top-end talent. All three of Youngblood’s top receivers surpassed 1,000 yards while recording 70+ catches and 10+ touchdowns.

Vanorian junior Darin Sundström was the chain mover, with 86 catches for 1,086 yards, and Kasozi Batte was the guy this team went to when they needed a spark with 70 catches flat, 1,123 yards and eleven scores. But of course it was Nikolas Isaksen who led the way. Another Vanorian, Isaksen had his worst season as a Buffalo last year with Robin Sterling and Hannah Young throwing passes his way. Under Youngblood, he exploded. He’s come a long way from the jump-ball specialist freshman with solid size, and notched an incredible 110 receptions that he took for 1,525 yards and a dozen scores. With running back Alexander Østby clearing 2,000 total scrimmage yards, there’s just too many weapons on this offense to focus on, and the guy pulling the trigger is the best in the business.

The defense has certainly taken a step back overall - without Victoria Mio and co around they aren’t the same stacked unit they have been in recent years. However, they’ve still got a madman on the back end in Proko. The half-Drawkian phenom led the team in tackles and interceptions for the second straight season with 112 stops. He forced 11 total takeaways with his six forced fumbles and five picks, and was involved heavily as a blitzer off the edge occasionally with 5.5 sacks, flashing some of Drawkian legend Leo Cross’s signature pass rush moves after some tutelage under the Grid Corps star in the most recent World Bowl. Cold Hill’s defensive philosophy is to cause enough disruption to make it difficult to keep up with their offense - if you want to point at one man who does that in every conceivable way, it’s Proko.

He wasn’t alone of course - Kenneth Bray was a beast with 9 sacks and Eden Park was a force to be reckoned with in the middle. And Derek Pierce, who was second on the team in tackles, has shown promise along with freshman Nicholas Hussain, who recorded his second interception against EVU’s Red Elephants.

The lone, singular blemish on what’s been an unbelievable season for these Buffalo came against Northern Moravica Cougars, who made it the second time in three seasons that their program has taken down an unbeaten Buffalo team - mind you this one didn’t cost us much. That first time was a semifinal loss, and this one leaves the Buffalo still easily as the top seed in the playoffs.

However, there’s a good chance we’ll meet that team again - Cold Hill will host the winner of the game between Upper Westside University and Northern Moravica, the Cougars’ first home playoff game since all the way back in NSCF 24. The Red Pandas are still new to the NSCF, but they’re a tough team that’s proven they can play against the best teams in the tournament - can they get Cold Hill’s boogeyman from making a second trip in three games to a stadium that’s quickly turning into their snowy vacation cabin?

by **Saint Kanye** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 7:47 pm

The Upper Westside University Red Pandas continue to reach new heights in the NSCF. They've won their division, played in a conference championship, and ended the non-con week with a positive record, things never done by last season's team that was stronger on paper. While that Tim Hunt and Deshawn Fredericks-led team qualified for a bowl game, the current UWU roster had now topped that, as they now see themselves participating in a playoff game. Against whom? Conference foes Northern Moravica U, that is. The Red Pandas beat the Cougars back in Week 6, thanks to running back Dayquan Tramell's overtime heroics, but Yeezie teams, no matter the tournament, are always on the lookout for vanquished foes seeking revenge.

Here's a recap of Upper Westside's last two games, as always. After being destroyed on the road by the Hankow State Honey Badgers 40-17, the Red Pandas rebounded and won by big margins at home over the Université du Saguenay Fighting Irish (49-30) and then a week later, the Summit University Bighorns (29-14). That gave them an overall record of 10-3, enough to be placed as the ninth seed in the playoffs (9-4 NMU is eighth, somehow). "We're happy to have even just made it to the next level," said Red Pandas head coach Fabio Forelli, "but of course we'll be doing our best to survive as long as we can." The Buffalo of Cold Hill University, the only perfect school at the end of the conference schedule, will be waiting for the winner of the UWU-NMU clash. The Cougars will be in red, so UWU decided to do a whiteout (helmets, jersey and pants). Their supporters are advised to wear white as well.

1Q UWU Okoma 46 run (Ingberg kick) UWU 7-0
1Q UWU Abdul Wahad 2 run (Ingberg kick) UWU 14-0

2Q UDS field goal Kim GM 37 UWU 14-3
2Q UWU Laney-Seymour 13 pass from St. Roger (Ingberg kick) UWU 21-3
2Q UDS field goal Kim GM 39 UWU 21-6

3Q UDS Byeon 61 interception return (Kim GM kick) UWU 21-13
3Q UWU Hall 78 pass from St. Roger (Ingberg kick) UWU 28-13
3Q UWU Okoma 40 run (Ingberg kick) UWU 35-13
4Q UWU Cooley 15 pass from St. Roger (Ingberg kick) UWU 42-13

4Q UDS Telford-Goh 25 pass from Bello (Kick failed) UWU 42-19
4Q UDS M. Ghebrekidan 8 pass from Bello (Park run) UWU 42-27
4Q UWU Pilkington 54 interception return (Ingberg kick) UWU 49-27
4Q UDS field goal Kim GM 26 UWU 49-30

1Q UWU Hall 23 pass from St. Roger (Ingberg kick) UWU 7-0

2Q SU Rehmani 17 run (Jumari kick) Tie 7-7
2Q UWU Dobler 33 pass from St. Roger (Ingberg kick) UWU 14-7

3Q UWU Tramell 51 run (Ingberg kick) UWU 21-7

4Q SU Petreli 22 pass from Kupi (Jumari kick) UWU 21-14
4Q UWU Beaulieu 88 kick return (Okoma run) UWU 29-14

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MD | Opponent                                               | Helmet/Jersey/Pants  | Score        | Record | Div | Conf |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1  | Woodstock University Climbers (SRZ)                    | Red/Red/White        | W 12- 3      |  1-0   |     |      |
| 2  | @ Joe Gibbs University Cyclones (SRZ)                  | White/White/Red      | L 20-30      |  1-1   | 3rd | 5th  |
| 3  | @ University of Alcuta Skyhawks (VNM)                  | White/White/White    | W 32-12      |  2-1   | 2nd | 4th  |
| 4  | @ University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder (BNJ)       | Red/White/Red        | L 38-46      |  2-2   | 2nd | 4th  |
| 5  | Elephant Valley University Red Elephants (SNL)         | Red/Red/Red          | W 43-26      |  3-2   | 1st | 3rd  |
| 6  | Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)             | Red/White/White      | W 41-34 (OT) |  4-2   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 7  | @ Ratzupalfu University of Nature Egrets (SNL)         | White/Red/White      | W  7- 0      |  5-2   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 8  | @ Woodstock University Climbers (SRZ)                  | White/White/Red      | W 47-26      |  6-2   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 9  | Joe Gibbs University Cyclones (SRZ)                    | Red/Red/White        | W 34- 3      |  7-2   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 10 | University of Alcuta Skyhawks (VNM)                    | White/Red/White      | W 54-20      |  8-2   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 11 | @ Hankow State University Honey Badgers (UNV)          | White/White/Red      | L 17-40      |  8-3   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 12 | Université du Saguenay Fighting Irish (QUE)            | Red/Red/Red          | W 49-30      |  9-3   | 1st | 2nd  |
| 13 | Summit University Bighorns (HAR)                       | Red/Red/White        | W 29-14      | 10-3   | 1st | 2nd  |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other games:

| CC | @ University of Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder (BNJ)       | Red/Red/Red          | L 34-38      |
| R1 | @ Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ)           | White/White/White    |              |

by **PotatoFarmers** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 8:51 pm

Poafmer Times

Treat every match like a final: Livia Smit
As reported by college sports correspondent, Johnny Jaye

The Mammoths travel to United Vietussia for the second time in a month to play against the Honey Badgers of Hankow State University - this time, for a place in the Quarterfinals of the playoffs, which will be held in Ranoria against Richardson University. Despite the added significance, head coach Livia Smit has brushed away all such thoughts, stating clearly that the team treats "every game as a final".

Speaking at the Mancodas Airport ahead of the trip, the Mammoths head coach has refused to make much comments about the match, despite all the added significance. The Mammoths will be the only representative of the new Zephyr Conference in the playoffs this cycle, with UoM arguably the "weakest" conference champions the playoffs has ever received, that is, according to the Oracle Sporting Performance Index (OSPI), which gives a rating to each team based on their own win rates, as well as the win rate of their opponents. Coming in at 0.411 rating, they were ranked 23rd out of all 40 participating teams, and would have been ineligible for one of the consolation bowls by that metric. This match was also Poafmersia's first appearance in the NSCF playoffs, coming in only at their 4th season in the competition. Not to mention that for the Mammoths, it can be seen as a "revenge" for the defeat on Matchday 12, held in the same location in United Vietussia. However, Mr Smit has refused to consider any of the above pointers, instead arguing that the Mammoths simply can't afford to think about all that. "Why would the weakest team even think about anything else other than doing their best? We have nothing to lose here, a win for us is very huge for the team and our conference as a whole; a loss has absolutely no impact on us given that we weren't expected to be here in the first place," he argued when the reporters continuously asked about the team's views ahead of the match. "Others may have the capacity to think of these matches as a playoff, we just play as though it is a final. If we win this final, we play another final. If we win again, its another final for us. As long as the team does their best, I don't think there is anything else to consider."

It was the small local gridiron community that was voicing their support for the college team at the airport, with the hopes that a good performance in the NSCF playoffs would put Poafmersia on the "gridiron world map". Some of those present weren't even supporters of the Mammoths, yet they chose to come down to show their support for the team. "A win for UoM is a win for the gridiron community of Poafmersia. If anything, this could be a good opportunity for Poafmers to find out more about this sport, and this might be the edge for us in helping us fight for government funding to set-up our local league," said a supportive fan, who added that he will buy tickets to Ranoria should the Mammoths make it to the Quarterfinals. Another said that the current conditions aren't fantastic for development, yet the team being able to make it "shows their determination". "It definitely isn't easy for our college boys and girls. Gridiron has no local league at the professional level, and most of our guys are just semi-professional at the very maximum. Sports isn't their first choice whatsoever - besides they know they have no path for the sport locally. As such, being able to put themselves on a level similar to the youth varsity players from other countries is indeed an achievement."

A win for the team will definitely start to raise questions about whether there can be future for a gridiron domestic league, and soon after, gridiron national team. Outside of football, many sports have had mixed fortunes trying to establish local leagues. Conflicts between the ice hockey and field hockey community eventually led to the collapse of the hockey domestic leagues; while basketball took 5 years to establish the Professional Basketball League & send a team for the International Basketball Championship. Other leagues, such as the Poafmersian Contract Bridge League (for Contract Bridge) & the Glory Pro League (for Glory of Masters) have been successful domestically when there is literally close-to-zero international exposure. It is this conundrum that is likely going to leave the gridiron community thinking for the years to come, regardless of the result this Saturday against Hankow State University.

by **United Vietussia** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 8:54 pm

The Vietussian Inquisitor
Honey Badgers fall in rivalry renewal, looking forward to playoffs

Despite the loss to Northern Moravica, the Honey Badgers now turn their attention to their upcoming playoff run, which will kick off against the University of Mancodas.

In the revival of the Battle of the Golden Axe, Hankow State came up was unable to disrupt the Northern Moravica offense, giving up 55 points en route to a 55-30 loss. The Honey Badgers simply couldn't get any sort of momentum during the game, and the result was never really in doubt at any point in the game. The matchup was perhaps a reality check for the young HSU squad before they enter the playoffs, and they finish the regular season 9-4 (8-2). "It's a tough way to close out the regular season, but there's still more football left to be played," HC Lee Chapman said. "We know we've done enough to get a playoff berth, so it's back to the film room for these guys."

With the loss, the Honey Badgers entered Selection Day hoping to hang on to their first round bye in spite of the NMU loss. Ultimately, the loss cost them just a little too much, as they dropped to the #5 overall seed. With their placement, Hankow State will have the opportunity to host a rematch against University of Mancodas, who they easily dispatched in a 53-3 home victory back in Week 12. "We know we handed it to them last time, but that game has nothing to do with our playoff matchup," QB Willie Gordon said. "It's a whole new 60 minutes, and I know they'll come out wanting it just as much as we will. That said, I know we've got this home crowd behind us, and I think we'll do what we need to do to get the job done."

Indeed, the weakness of the Zephyr conference has produced a weak conference champion in Mancodas, whose OSPI would not have qualified them for a bowl game. While we never wish to take any matchup for granted in our analysis, it seems as though it should be a fairly sure thing for the Honey Badgers, especially given the previous result at the same venue. With a win, the Honey Badgers would get a rematch with #4 Richardson, the defensive stalwarts of the NSCF. In looking ahead, perhaps a win here could be the extent of the Honey Badger success, but a playoff win in their first season on the field would certainly be no small feat by itself.

Looking at the rest of the playoff bracket, we asked a panel of our writers (and other local correspondents) to predict the first round:

#9 Upper Westside University (STK) @ #8 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)

Jeb Ports, Vietussian Inquisitor: Northern Moravica
Borislav Milomir, Vietussian Inquisitor: Northern Moravica
Miron Ruslan, Oigrad Times: Upper Westwide
Dillon Austen, Hankow Post: Northern Moravica
Darrell Benedikt, Hankow Post: Northern Moravica

You're in the minority: why Upper Westside?

In a battle of two offenses, it's gonna be the first team to make a stop that wins this football game. I trust Upper Westside's defense only slightly more than I trust Northern Moravica's, but I'm not sure I would put money on this game either, especially with Northern Moravica hosting. It's certainly an 8/9 matchup, and home field may trump defense ultimately. -Miron Ruslan

Final Tally: NMU 4, UWU 1

#12 University of Mancodas (PFA) @ #5 Hankow State University (UVI)

Jeb Ports, Vietussian Inquisitor: Hankow State
Borislav Milomir, Vietussian Inquisitor: Hankow State
Miron Ruslan, Oigrad Times: Hankow State
Dillon Austen, Hankow Post: Hankow State
Darrell Benedikt, Hankow Post: Hankow State

Is there a scenario where Hankow State goes home this round?

I mean, certainly; it's the playoffs, anything can happen. If it were going to happen, it would start with catastrophe on the offensive side of the football where the Honey Badgers simply don't put up points. It would have to be followed by Mancodas putting points on the board on the HSU defense, and I just don't think I can see both happening at the same time (though maybe one might!). -Jeb Ports

Final Tally: HSU 5, UofM 0

#10 University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) @ #7 Staramara Tech University (CMT)

Jeb Ports, Vietussian Inquisitor: Staramara Tech
Borislav Milomir, Vietussian Inquisitor: Loyola-Istria
Miron Ruslan, Oigrad Times: Loyola-Istria
Dillon Austen, Hankow Post: Staramara Tech
Darrell Benedikt, Hankow Post: Loyola-Istria

You called this potentially the best matchup of the first round. Why?

We've got two conference champions itching for a spot in the quarterfinals, and I simply can't wait for this game. They're both looking to prove the doubters wrong in this game, as they've both got in-conference rivals seeded ahead of them (Felswyr for STU, Moravica for Loyola) despite their champion titles. It's really a coin flip for me in terms of matchup, and it's gonna be must-see television. -Borislav Milomir

Final Tally: UL-I 3, STU 2

#11 Sadeg State University (DRK) @ #6 Felswyr State University (CMT)

Jeb Ports, Vietussian Inquisitor: Felswyr State
Borislav Milomir, Vietussian Inquisitor: Felswyr State
Miron Ruslan, Oigrad Times: Sadeg State
Dillon Austen, Hankow Post: Felswyr State
Darrell Benedikt, Hankow Post: Felswyr State

These two split their season series. Why do you give FSU the edge?

Maybe it's too simple, but I'm just gonna follow the home field trend. The home team won both of these games, so I'll say that the trend holds for game 3. On top of that, those first two OOC games for Sadeg didn't inspire a lot of confidence, and I feel a lot more safe riding with this FSU squad whose been more consistent. Under the right circumstances, Sadeg can pull this one out, but I don't personally see it in this affair. -Darrell Benedikt

Final Tally: FSU 4, SSU 1

Televsions across United Vietussia will tune in for Hankow State's first round matchup against the University of Mancodas, with the Honey Badgers looking to continue their improbable first season run. Time will tell if the pieces continue to fall into place.

Hankow State University 2022 Schedule:
Week 1: vs. Bermia Santura W 17-10
Week 2: @ Panem University W 16-3
Week 3: @ Summit University W 15-14
Week 4: @ Cold Hill L 21-40
Week 5: vs. Kohnhead City W 33-30
Week 6: vs. Richardson University L 3-34
Week 7: @ Swisston City W 42-10
Week 8: @ Bermia Santura W 44-14
Week 9: vs. Panem University W 27-7
Week 10: vs. Summit University W 43-14
Big Eight Conference Championship Game: vs. Cold Hill (neutral) L 3-9
Week 11: vs. Upper Westside W 40-17
Week 12: vs. U of Mancodas W 53-3
Week 13: @ Northern Moravica (Battle of the Golden Axe) L 30-55

Playoffs Round 1: vs. U of Mancodas

by **Chromatika** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 9:10 pm

Preview, Part 1
Preview, Part 2
Matchdays 1-3
Matchdays 4-5
Matchdays 6-9, Part 1
Matchdays 6-9, Part 2
Matchday 10
Conference Championship Games
District Championship Games
National Quarterfinals
National Semifinals
The Championship
Recruits, 21-30

Chromatik Top Recruits - #20-#11

20. OLB Asmodel Propleier
School: Crix Technical School
Conference Statistics: 88 tackles, 11 sacks, 9 interceptions
Postseason: Lost in District Championships
Hometown: Crix, Heartland District
Specs: 6 ft 3 in, 214 lbs
Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.82
Description: A blitzing linebacker by trade, Propleier has really made it his mission to get better in coverage. With eleven sacks and nine interceptions in his senior season, he's made a name for himself - now, it's all about the next step, which will be to get better at tackling out in the open, where he can struggle at. A blunt instrument to be wielded in whatever way that the defense sees fit.

19. MLB Nancy Jackson-Jones
School: Kynxe High School
Conference Statistics: 158 tackles, 9 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in Conference Championships
Hometown: Kynxe, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 1 in, 220 lbs
Intended Major: Statistics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 4.0
Description: A central part of the Monsoon for three seasons, Jackson-Jones's calling card is sure tackling, as she averaged 15.8 tackles per game in conference play. Decent in coverageand on blitzes, she is great at shedding a would-be blocker to get to the ball to bring the carrier to the turf. Strong in all the fundamentally Chromatik aspects (team play, fundamentals, etc.), she could learn to have some more finesse and flair in her game.

18. RT Wang Han-Gyuk
School: Coastal Academy of the Arts
Conference Statistics: 3 sacks allowed, 71 pancakes
Postseason: Lost in Conference Championships
Hometown: Egren, Myana Island
Specs: 6 ft 10 in, 291 lbs
Intended Major: Architecture
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.71
Description: One of the best prospects along the offensive line from Chromatika, Wang is a beast of a man with surprising agility who is best as a pass blocker, allowing three sacks in ten games throughout the season. In the run game, he's best used as the pulling lineman, in motion; he's surprisingly mobile for being so large. As he is still growing - he put on more than forty pounds while remaining fit during his high school career - it remains to be seen just how large he will be once he finally finishes.

17. DT Wilhelm Cygnus
School: Navy Academy High School
Conference Statistics: 55 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
Postseason: Did not qualify
Hometown: Myana, Myana Island
Specs: 6 ft 5 in, 234 lbs
Intended Major: Journalism
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.88
Description: A brutal force up the middle of the line, Cygnus is apt at shedding double teams to get to the ball, averaging five and a half tackles a game as an interior defensive lineman and getting eight sacks from that position. Unselfish, he's also okay with clogging up space to allow everyone else to work; his high school team wasn't that great, so he is hoping to get noticed by a school with a better defensive regimen.

16. DE Kyra Bones
School: Lhor Central High School
Conference Statistics: 71 tackles, 15 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Postseason: Did not qualify
Hometown: Lhor, Coastal District
Specs: 6 ft 8 in, 207 lbs
Intended Major: Linguistics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.81
Description: Leading all linemen with fifteen sacks on the year, Kyra Bones added on from her stellar Junior season with an even better Senior one. Quick off the edge and great at shedding blockers, Jones is the typical pass-first lineman with the ability to add in the running game from time to time. With a decent motor that keeps her fresh throughout the length of a match, she's the stereotypical edge rusher that a team could never have too much of.

15. CB Lyla Pale
School: Pride Academy
Conference Statistics: 51 tackles, 12 interceptions, 4 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in Conference Championships
Hometown: Pria, Coastal District
Specs: 6 ft 9 in, 209 lbs
Intended Major: Quebecois History and Banijan History
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.91
Description: Twelve. Interceptions. Let that sink in. With tremendous reach and ball sense, Pale doesn't take too many risks, using her considerable skills to do the talking instead. Aptly named with a complexion that makes her look like she came out of the snowy mountains, Lyla's gorgeous red mane can be seen robbing many would-be heroes from game-winning drives. Not very physical after the catch, but can be counted on to bring the receiver down. She'd rather bat the pass away or intercept it, though.

14. OLB Rila Kevex
School: City of Larhai High School
Conference Statistics: 82 tackles, 9 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 6 interceptions, 7 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in Conference Championships
Hometown: Larhai, Coastal District
Specs: 6 ft 5 in, 205 lbs
Intended Major: Computer Sciences
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.79
Description: With a combination of physicality, speed, and a nose for the ball, Kevex was at the center of City of Larhai's surprise emergence to contend for the Conference. She made a huge leap from a decent player to a very good one from her Junior to Senior year, which begs the question of just how much more she has to grow. In coverage, she tries to either make a break on the pass or take the receiver out at the point of contact; other than that, she's constantly on the blitz. An intriguing prospect given her upward trajectory.

13. QB Rico Divalles
School: Brisara Trade School
Conference Statistics: 3,504 yards, 24 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
Postseason: Lost in Conference Championships
Hometown: Brisara, Mountain District
Specs: 5 ft 8 in, 187 lbs
Intended Major: Photography
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.82
Description: A surehanded Quarterback who doesn't make mistakes - two of his five interceptions were deflections, while a third was in garbage time - Divalles is best described as a Quarterback who doesn't take unneeded risks and plays it safe. This does mean that at times, the games can be a bit lacking in the entertainment department, but if the passing game is supposed to be an addition to the arsenal and not the aspect that drives your offense, Rico is your man. Keep things simple and keep the pocket clean, and he'll give you your 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Just don't expect him to be the hero whenever the team needs one.

12. WR Romeo Carl
School: Staramara Tech High School
Conference Statistics: 101 catches, 1,125 yards, 17 touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in National Quarterfinals
Hometown: Staramara, Urrhed Island
Specs: 6 ft 5 in, 201 lbs
Intended Major: Geology
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.65
Description: With more than 75% of his touchdowns scored in the second half, Carl was the security blanket for Mattieu Hancock when he absolutely needed a target in the games for the Battle Angels. With enough height to fight with most defenders and great hands, Carl has the ability to really wear down the defense the longer that a game goes. He isn't the best at deep balls, preferring to catch the ball and run instead. Keep that in mind, and he'll be a fine addition almost anywhere.

11. QB Anderson Joseph, Jr.
School: Jerome A. Samuelson High School
Conference Statistics: 3,761 yards, 32 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Postseason: Lost in National Semifinals
Hometown: Lanar, Rainbow District
Specs: 6 ft 5 in, 204 lbs
Intended Major: Chromatik History
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.91
Description: A bit of a wild card with so many interceptions thrown, but Anderson Joseph took a huge step in his game and was one of the players to watch. With an unorthodox throwing motion, he can be very hard to read. Taking the team to the Semifinals before losing to the eventual champions, Joseph showed that his Quarterfinals appearance from the previous season wasn't a fluke, and really put his name out in the limelight. With big game experience, the ability to take risks, and a winning mentality, he's one of a very few that could step in on day one and take control of an offense.

Firehawks, Lava Playoff Preview: How Each May Win Their Playoff Match

Unfortunately, neither the Firehawks nor the Lava obtained a top 4 seed in the NSCF, and will have to play in the Play-In round, with the Firehawks hosting the Skyhawks and the Lava facing the University of Loyola-Istria. Let us see what each team must do to progress to the next round and keep the hopes of a NSCF title alive.

For the defending champions, the Firehawks, this will be their third meeting with the Skyhawks on the season after having the home team win both ties during the conference season. Sadeg State is the team that Felswyr State has played the most, as this will be their fourteenth meeting (six regular seasons, two playoff meetings). Last playoff meeting, Sadeg State won in route to their title; the Firehawks will hope to do the same this time around.

Felswyr State's biggest advantage this season has always been their explosive offense; they'll have to take the lead quickly and early against the Skyhawks and force them to play catch-up in order to force mistakes. Their defense is not good enough to contain the Skyhawks in a close match, they'll need to force Sadeg State to take risks and then pounce on them. Thankfully, Odika and company have had no issue putting up points. The friendly confines of the Firehawks' Roost will also help as they try to advance to the next round.

As for the Lava, facing Anne-Maurice Vavayavich will be a challenge as the Chromatik Quarterback returns home for the first time, though playing in Staramara instead of her native Vitoron. The Lava have a defense that specializes in stopping the run, but the Blue Thunder are happy putting the game in Vivayavich's hands. The Lava must continue to do what they do best - run the ball and eat up clock - in order to keep Vivayavich on the sidelines. Then, players like Vorpen and the secondary can hopefully take over.

There are some that think that both Chromatik schools have a legitimate shot to move on. Realistically, most Chromatik NSCF fans are hoping that one of them will win, and that it will be their school, with the other being sacrificed in tribute.

Will either of them survive?

by **Drawkland** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 9:35 pm

PROKO

It's no secret that one of the biggest factors in Cold Hill University's defensive success this season has been the presence of Prokopios Vortigern Rooijakkers, the half-Drawkian half-Ranorian star who's been tearing it up in his senior year. Of course, he's not the only star on the Buffalo roster (they're #1 for a reason), but his all over the field and both sides of the ball have been on display ever since he was a freshman.

With such a campus legend having his final ride this season, one member of the Cold Hill University drumline decided to write a cadence in his honor. The cadence has been played a few times over the course of the Big Eight season, but with the spare time afforded by Cold Hill receiving a bye to the quarterfinals, it gave the CHU drumline an opportunity to formally record the cadence for posterity. Below you will find a link to the recording synced up to the score.

PROKO (the cadence)

Maybe Cold Hill will keep the cadence around for future years, perhaps with modified callouts, since it seems to be a fan favorite so far. One thing's for sure though, the Grid Corps drumline for Drawkland's national team will be sure to snag this sheet music so they can use it throughout Proko's pro career. Hopefully it can bring luck to both squads as they look to vanquish their playoff woes of the last few cycles, and return to the top of their respective tournaments (all thanks to Proko, right?)!

by **NSCF** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 9:37 pm

Playoff First Round - Bowl Games!

_#8Northern Moravica University (BNJ) 45–27 Upper Westside University (STK)_#9
Winner plays #1 Cold Hill University (RAN)

_#5Hankow State University (UNV) 37–21 University of Mancodas (PFA)_#12
Winner plays #4 Richardson University (RAN)

_#7Staramara Tech University (CMT) 20–17 University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ)_#10
Winner plays #2 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP)

_#6Felswyr State University (CMT) 29–24 Sadeg State University (DRK)_#11
Winner plays #3 Green City University (TJU)

The Cannabiscorp Pioneer Bowl
Imperial University of Pomena (JUE) 12–54 Crimson Royal University (SHM)
Best newcomer teams not in Playoffs
Stade St. Croix, Joongyeong, Quebec and Shingoryeo

The Drawk Bowl
Kohnhead City University (KHD) 23–9 University of Constantinople (NGS)
Top non-playoff team from Big Eight Conference vs. Top non-playoff team from Mineral Conference.
Corps University Hub, Drawk City, Drawkland

The Karmin-Falce Auto Bowl
Cavsar University (DRK) 23–12 Crown's College (SHM)
Best remaining offense vs. Best remaining point differential not in playoffs from any conference.
Karmin-Falce Superdome, Ranoria City, Ranoria

The Leevas Sunshine Bowl
Trent State University (TJU) 14–34 Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL)
Highest scoring non-playoff team vs. AT-LARGE
Heartland Trucking Field in Ameriso, Schima Bas.

The Jaguar Bowl
University of Alexandroupolis (NGS) 7–13 Université St. Croix (QUE)
Top non-playoff team from Mineral Conference vs. AT-LARGE
Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington, TJUN-ia

by **Chromatika** » Mon Oct 17, 2022 8:00 pm

Preview, Part 1
Preview, Part 2
Matchdays 1-3
Matchdays 4-5
Matchdays 6-9, Part 1
Matchdays 6-9, Part 2
Matchday 10
Conference Championship Games
District Championship Games
National Quarterfinals
National Semifinals
The Championship
Recruits, 21-30
Recruits, 11-20

Chromatik Top Recruits - #10-#01

10. FS Kim Byung-San
School: Jerome A. Samuelson High School
Conference Statistics: 77 tackles, 9 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 2 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in National Semifinals
Hometown: Sanar, Rainbow District
Specs: 6 ft 4 in, 208 lbs
Intended Major: Psychology
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.68
Description: A coverage safety through and through, Kim is often used as a spy on the Quarterback, on the Running Back or Tight End, or in pass support on deep coverage. With versatility, speed, and the keen ability to not draw ire from the refs, he's made a name for himself as a player with great technique on the field. This has led to a tendency to avoid risks, but is it really better to go for the turnover when you can make sure to wrap up the player with the ball to limit the damage that they've caused? Nay, says Kim, the best way to play safety is to make sure that the ball doesn't get past where you are. Thankfully, a lot of the gridiron community agrees.

09. FS Liara Gin
School: Mt. Niar High School
Conference Statistics: 82 tackles, 7 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 3 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in National Championship
Hometown: Felswyr, Mountain District
Specs: 6 ft 5 in, 211 lbs
Intended Major: Social Sciences
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.82
Description: Playing on the other side of the ball to Viktor Rowles and the defense can be an easy job, but Gin made the most of her limited opportunities to showcase her skills. A more physical type of safety that can play closer to the line of scrimmage, Gin is good in run support as well as in coverage. Being able to contend with most of the running backs in terms of size, Gin can be akin to an extra linebacker from time to time.

08. MLB Irina Jones
School: Tears of the Revolution High School
Conference Statistics: 125 tackles, 9 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in District Championships
Hometown: Pelar, Rainbow District
Specs: 6 ft 6 in, 219 lbs
Intended Major: Secondary Education
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.91
Description: A home run hitter who likes to take risks, Jones has been lucky in the last season that most of her risks have paid off. With high stamina, a brutal efficiency in generating first contact, and the ability to put fear into her opposition, her major drawback is that sometimes, she overcommits, leading to looking silly. When asked , she's said that it's just a necessary evil, as it's worth it to generate the big plays when she does. A great fit for a defense that has enough good players to pick up the slack when she inevitably tries to do too much.

07. QB Bernice Draymond
School: Southern Urrheddiao High School
Conference Statistics: 2,913 yards passing, 19 touchdowns, 8 interceptions; 1,013 yards rushing, 8 touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in District Championships
Hometown: Urrheddiao, Urrhed Island
Specs: 6 ft 4 in, 229 lbs
Intended Major: Electrical Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.84
Description: The best dual-threat Quarterback to come out of Chromatika this year, Draymond single handedly carried the Gold to the District Championship with a lineup that didn't inspire a lot of confidence. With size and speed, she can truck through contact but also pull up and throw the ball on a dime. She can struggle when throwing the ball deep, but her ability to create plays and carry the offense on her back cannot be understated. A dream find for any college that likes to both run and pass, though some scheming may be necessary.

06. WR Enox Silverman
School: Franscesca Larriet-Cortes High School
Conference Statistics: 105 catches, 1,491 yards, 19 touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in National Quarterfinals
Hometown: Chromia, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 7 in, 201 lbs
Intended Major: Environmental Sciences
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.99
Description: A somewhat controversial figure who changed schools in the offseason, Enox Silverman is the stereotypical possession based receiver with the clutch factor to come through in big games and the potential to utterly take over a game. Willing to take large risks for payoff, Silverman had the misfortune of running into Mt. Niar this time around, leading to his elimination. Wherever he ends up, he'll be the Quarterback's best friend.

05. DE Kang Joseph
School: Vitoron School of Charge
Conference Statistics: 62 tackles, 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in National Quarterfinals
Hometown: Vitoron, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 3 in, 208 lbs
Intended Major: Law
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.82
Description: Vitoron didn't have too many defensive stalwarts during their season, with Kang being one of the best ones. A coverage-oriented defensive end - if there is such a thing - Joseph is almost as good in coverage against tight ends or running backs as he is crashing off the edge to get to the Quarterback. Often times, he was the only one to try to get to the Quarterback, meaning that he did a lot of the defensive work for this squad. Just how much more work could he get done if schemed properly? That is the question for defensive coordinators to answer.

04. QB Viktor Rowles
School: Mt. Niar High School
Conference Statistics: 4,352 yards, 38 touchdowns, 1 interceptions
Postseason: Lost in National Championship
Hometown: Z'ai'ai, Mountain District
Specs: 6 ft 1 in, 206 lbs
Intended Major: Physical Therapy
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.88
Description: Oh how far his stock has fallen. Oftentimes recognized as one of the best high school Quarterbacks since Sarai Gwenderyn, Rowles now has had two championship games that he's lost, and the second one was all on him with so many turnovers committed. He only had one interception in conference play, but the exquisite defenses faced in the postseason proved to be too difficult. He has great command of the pocket, decent maneuverability, good vision, and a rocket of an arm - but he can be caught using the same play too many times, as shown by Bonsoon's play in the Championship game. Rowles has a ways to grow, but he definitely has great potential.

03. MLB Kerron Nicholas
School: Myana Northwestern High School
Conference Statistics: 162 tackles, 16 sacks, 3 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 2 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: National Champion
Hometown: Myana, Myana Island
Specs: 6 ft 8 in, 223 lbs
Intended Major: Zoology (Ornithology)
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.48
Description: What sets Nicholas apart from every other Middle Linebacker on this list? He's already shown his maturity. Communicating a very complex defense with the rest of an elite squad, he averaged sixteen tackles a game while also forcing seven turnovers. It was his presence up the middle that allowed the likes of Bonsoon to play so aggressively, as his range at the snap to get to the ball proved to be far too superior. If he continues to grow in the usual areas that a player develops in during collegiate play, he has the potential to be one of the best - as he has shown to be at this level of the game.

02. RB Anne Holmes
School: Mt. Niar High School
Conference Statistics: 1,771 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 741 receiving yards, 5 receiving touchdowns
Postseason: Lost in National Championship
Hometown: Ming, Mountain District
Specs: 6 ft 1 in, 214 lbs
Intended Major: Accountant
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.95
Description: The most well rounded running back to exit the high school ranks in many years, Anne Holmes is the complete package. With surprising elusiveness, barnburner speed, and precise route-running, Holmes is even quite good in pass coverage. She isn't the best through traffic, but she has decent ball security. Best used in space or hitting holes created by scheming, and a back that has so much more to grow into.

01. Lina Bonsoon
School: Myana Northwestern High School
Conference Statistics: 51 tackles, 15 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: National Champion
Hometown: Eyrods, Myana Island
Specs: 6 ft 11 in, 211 lbs
Intended Major: Communications
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 4.0
Description: She returned three interceptions for touchdowns in the Championship game, against one of the best high school Quarterbacks in the country. Is there anything more to be said? With height, length, reach, and the tendency to turn up in huge moments, Lina Bonsoon is the best cornerback to come out of the high school level in the last five years, and will be hugely sought after. Both Chromatik schools have watched her for years, and after her play in the Championship game, her stock is at a new high. A straight-A student who wishes to be involved in radio, she's looking forward to having a storied career in gridiron first.

by **Banija** » Mon Oct 17, 2022 9:30 pm

Northern Moravica pulls away late to take down Celestia Conference foe, Upper Westside U, in the first round of the NSCF 27 Playoffs

Cougars defense celebrates a game-ending, 4th quarter turnover to give NMU a playoff win

HERZEGOVINA CITY, MORAVICA- "You know- this place, Mugisha II Memorial, Northern Moravica University... This is a freaking special place." Head Coach Lance Kabuye told reporters. Those were his postgame comments, talking about the absolutely raucous home playoff environment NMU fans gave this team, as they played their first home playoff game since NSCF 24. This was a highly anticipated playoff game. These two played before, in the regular season, in a game where Upper Westside U came out on top. Of course, Upper Westside U ended up getting into the Celestia Conference title game as the Sequoia Division champion, while the loss to Upper Westside U ended up being a major hinderance in NMU's search for their first conference title since NSCF 24.

Of course, the visitors came with heavy hearts- following Hurricane Jaiden hitting the coastal city of Santa Zendaya in St. Kanye. "When a hurricane hits a city like that, it is always tragic, always a disaster." Said NMU Athletic Director Horace Browning. "We may be rivals on the field, but we all want to help each other off of it." The proceeds from game's 50/50 raffle, a staple at NMU home games, went to victims of the hurricane- which ended up totaling to a donation of $27,542 NSDs. But it went beyond that. Lance Kabuye committed to, in the offseason, bringing the entire team to Santa Zendaya to help volunteer. NMU also held both a food and clothing drive for Hurricane victims at the game, while the NMU Athletic Department announced, alongside famous booster (and Banijan World Cup winning captain) Gitonga Kahara, matching $350,000 NSD donations to hurricane victims. There was also a moment of silence, immediately before the national anthems, for victims of the hurricane.

But then, of course, there was a football game to play. The game kicked off and there wasn't a ton of scoring early on- until the Upper Westside defense decided to make a play. On just a simple 2nd and 2 handoff at their own 46, Amira Kong was brought in for the short yardage situation. She was able to push through and get a first down, but UWU MLB Helmut Jensen was not simply going to let her have it. He came from behind and punched the ball out, as it popped into the air. It went straight to the hands of OLB Alex Grohl, who went down with the football at the 50 yard line. The Red Pandas were able to earn 2 first downs and get into the red zone, but get no further than that. They had both 2nd and 3rd and 6 from the NMU 19, but the Cougars defense held, as St. Rogers was forced by pressure to throw the ball away on both downs. The relatively short field goal was a simple one, as St. Rogers booted the ball through the uprights.

Northern would go three and out on our next drive, and Upper Westside would take the ball at their own 23- and have a long, methodical drive of their own. It went down into the NMU red zone once again, where the defense tried to have a stand. First and 10 at the NMU 23? A screen pass to WR Tyron Hall, that he took for 9 yards. 2nd and 1? Okoma stuffed. 3rd and 1? A pass to Hall over the middle batted down at the line of scrimmage by NMU's 6'6 DT, Jasher Amolo. 4th and 1, from the 14. Kick another field goal? Or go for it. UWU HC Fabio Forielli had a choice to make. And he said go for it. He lined up in a power formation, no WRs- but then, had a gutsy call. Fake the handoff, as the entire NMU defense sold out for the run. Their star TE, Jonald Cooley, just rolled out, and was so wide open he could've crawled into the end zone. St. Rogers simply lofted it over the top, and Cooley caught the touchdown. Just like that, 10-0 to the visitors in their first ever playoff game.

But Northern Moravica most certainly was not going to go quietly. "Look- Jebel Marenah, obviously he's not Apollo Esther." Said a Banijan TV analyst. "But the way he's come on, late in his senior year... He's giving NMU the ability to both run and throw the football. With a perfect backfield combo, with Amira Kong serving as the Thunder, this run game is ready to maul people. And when they get rolling... They are borderline unstoppable." And while the first quarter they could not get rolling, NMU got things going in the second quarter. A 15 play, 75 yard drive that took 5:54 off the clock, mostly on the ground, ended up in a 1 yard touchdown run for NMU's senior HB. Establish the run, good things happen, right? They forced a three and out and went right back to the running game. Doses of Marenah and Kong to spell him, with Felix Ström chipping in with a key 22 yard completion, on 3rd and 12, to Jannik Nadine to keep the drive going. And NMU took the lead for the first time, when Marenah scored from 3 yards out.

14-10. UWU were able to move the ball on their final drive of the half, with Ingberg hitting his second field goal of the half, to ensure that Northern only had a 1 point lead at halftime, 14-13. "You know, we were finally able to establish the run in the second quarter." Kabuye told the sideline reporter before halftime. "Once we're able to do that... I've got a lot of faith in how this game can turn out." Felix Ström's play-action game, with the talent of the WRs he's got on the outside, is some of the best in the business. Receiving the ball to start the third quarter, that's exactly what NMU went to. First down? 6 yard run up the middle by Marenah. Second down? Incomplete pass to Kimi Lundin, the tight end. Third down? Run play-action, as Felix Ström's play fake made UWU true freshman free safety Karl Nazarian freeze. He caught the youngster for long enough, to where Jannik Nadine was blowing by his CB. The Red Pandas didn't stand a chance, as the Vanorian QB connected with his favorite Ranorian target for a 68 yard touchdown bomb.

The art of the big play! The run to set up the pass. Whatever you want to say- this team can be deadly on the play-action, and that was proof. Suddenly, this game was 21-13, and although still a one possession game, the stadium was clearly rocking. The momentum was with Northern, and it would continue to be on the defensive side. Not even 2 minutes in gametime later, the NMU defense would force the game's second turnover- and the first for the visitors. OLB Zelotes Aero hit their HB, Chase Okoma, and punched the ball well, forcing it onto the ground. Ingrid Botrel recovered the ball for NMU at the UWU 33 yard line. And just a few plays later, it was Jebel Marenah, running it in from 21 yards out for his third touchdown of the contest. Over 100 yards rushing with 10 minutes left in the third, and NMU's lead, that 5 minutes ago had been 14-13, was now 28-13.

It was a playoff game, and it was slipping away from Upper Westside. NMU was at home, crowd was rocking, riding momentum- everything clicking. They'd look to their stars, Jonald Cooley and Tyron Hall, to try and get back in this game. They almost had to go to the air, and against the ear-splitting crowd, they were able to put together a solid drive. It did have a 4th and 2 conversion from the NMU 37, probably beyond the field goal range of most college kickers. And St. Rogers threw a 7 yard TD pass to his own star WR, Tyron Hall. 28-20- just a one possession game. And then, NMU would have a near five minute drive of its own, sparked by a 27 yard run by Jebel Marenah. Unfortunately for the Cougars, they couldn't finish it. 3rd and goal from the 5, Felix Ström was sacked by UWU CB Troy Quinn on a corner blitz. He took a 6 yard loss, and Markseon drilled the 28 yard field goal. They had the lead, but UWU were getting closer...

31-20, one minute left in the third. UWU went three and out, and then the Cougars got the ball back- who also went three and out. Once again, it would be Tyron Hall almost single-handedly keeping the Red Pandas in the game. A 46 yard gain on a WR reverse flipped the field, and then, just three plays later, Tyron Hall had an acrobatic leaping catch in the back corner of the end zone, somehow getting a foot down in double coverage. A true star, eh? Unfortunately for him, he made the throat slash symbol when he celebrated- an automatic 15 yarder. Kabuye applied it to the PAT, so that UWU couldn't go for 2 and try to make it a three point game. They kicked the extra point, and now, with over 11 minutes left, it was a nailbiter once again- NMU 31, UWU 27.

But the Cougars are tough- they pride themselves in knowing how to take a punch. They didn't panic, they didn't flinch. Felix Ström came out, ready to lay it on 'em. On this series, it was the three third down plays that really made the difference. 3rd and 2 from the NMU 37? A 12 yard gain by Jebel Marenah on the ground. 3rd and 5 from the UWU 32? A 15 yard scramble from the quarterback who rarely runs, Felix Ström. And on 3rd and 4 from the UWU 9 yard line? Felix Ström throwing the heater, finding his TE, Kimi Lundin, in the back of the end zone. The crowd roared, as the lead, with just over 7 minutes left, was stretched out to 11- NMU 38, UWU 27. UWU was trying their best to try and get another score, and get their defense another chance to get a stop.

But it would be the NMU defense who would call game. St. Rogers, under pressure, tried to force the ball to a covered Tyron Hall- and Malcolm Shelvin, the freshman FS, stepped in front of the pass and picked it off. He flew down the sideline, as the Ranorian high-stepped into the end zone to put the game on ice. 45-27 with under 5 minutes left, that was basically it. NMU were able to get a turnover via a strip sack a few minutes later, before the Cougars running game ran out the clock. After that strip sack, NMU fans started chanting about Cold Hill(OOC: see second spoiler below). Final score- NMU 45, UWU 27.

"What a game, what a sport, what a win." Said Lance Kabuye in the post-game. "It isn't easy to win in the playoffs in this competition- just ask our friends from Loyola. They haven't won a playoff game in any of the last 6 seasons now, if I remember correctly? Anyways, we did a lot of things well today. And most importantly, we kept our composure. UWU's one hell of a talented team. They punched hard, and we were able to withstand it. They took an early lead- we got it back before half. THey had some fourth quarter momentum, and we made big play after big play. This is what playoff football is all about. We smile, we enjoy this one- but we've all got a bed time. The Tundra awaits."

We'll talk about it more in the preview, of course- but there is certainly no love lost between Northern Moravica and Cold Hill, even if they aren't technically rivals. It all stems from Cold Hill smacking NMU around in the NSCF 20 Final with Diamond Rhine, and then, twice in the last three seasons, NMU going to their house and blowing up their undefeated seasons. When the sideline reporter on TV asked Kabuye what his thoughts were on Cold Hill, he simply had two words- "I don't like 'em."

by **TJUN-ia** » Tue Oct 18, 2022 1:41 pm

For Trent State, this season is finally over. A season of ups and downs. Johnny Bridgeford's Feathercaps have certainly had a wacky season, one where the desperation just to make a bowl game was counteracted by finally taking that Earth Trophy back to Notts. As previously stated, this season has been nothing but ups and downs...and this final hurrah would undoubtedly show that off.

The Leevas Sunshine Bowl was going down in Schima Bas and TSU's opponents at the Heartland Trucking Field would be the 5-8 Egrets of the Ratzupalfu University of Nature from South Newlandia. The good news from this game is that Jason Steels scored 2 TDs, both of which were pulled in by Ivan Borosić and paired with a PAT from Eleonora "Firefeet" Scafakou. The bad news is that Walker Sparks wanted blood and his weapon of choice was Tye Stark. Stark balled out with 5 TDs, 3 of which were through Nicole Irvine and the other 2 were via Jeremy Jefferson. Kevin Han only managed 4/5 today, but that didn't really matter here. The Egrets proved they belonged here, took the Leevas Sunshine Bowl and TSU ends their season at 7-7.

7-7. Not the best at all. But some hope does shine through that maybe the Feathercaps can improve to greater things next year. There is hope. There is hope at least.
WE ARE! TRENT STATE!

TSU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, ~~Mineral~~Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: @UCBP (CBP) L 43-60 (0-1)
Week 2: @Gairuwa (ARJ) W 43-13 (1-1)
Week 3: vs Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy V L 30-44 (1-2)
Week 4: vs Bowerstone (ATH) W 46-16 (2-2)
Week 5: @Alexandroupolis (NGS) L 14-33 (2-3)
Week 6: @Waterloo (CDO) W 23-20 (3-3)
Week 7: vs Constantinople (NGS) - Homecoming L 6-13 (3-4)
---------------------Mineral Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: vs UCBP (CBP) L 9-10 (3-5)
Week 9: vs Gairuwa (ARJ) W 39-32 (4-5)
Week 10: @Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VI W 37-29 (5-5/3rd in Heartland/5th in Mineral)
Week 11: Conference Championship Week
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: @Felswyr State (CMT/8-2/2nd in Horizon and Starlight) L 30-41 (5-6)
Week 13: vs Elephant Valley (SNL/5-6/3rd in Savannah/4th in Celestia) W 39-3 (6-6)
Week 14: vs Swisston City (KND/4-8/4th in Everless/5th in Big Eight) - Senior Day W 19-9 (7-6/1 Playoff Vote)
---------------------Post Season---------------------
Leevas Sunshine Bowl: vs Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL/5-8/4th in Savannah/6th in Celestia) L 14-34 (7-7)

The Starlight War went to Felswyr State in the Roost. Therefore, we will have a Title Game Rematch in the Playoff Quarterfinals at The Palace.
For Green City, they want revenge. Revenge for the dream that got snuffed out at the 11th hour. And they will get to try and do that next week.
Paul Abdullahi wants blood. Moses Igbinoghene wants to go out with a bang. And the Royal Eagles are ready to dance with the flames once more.
The Firebirds are coming to the AU.
They beat the Caps by 11 in Notts.
Many here will try their very best to make sure they don't go 2-0 on TJUN-ian soil.
FELSWYR STATE...IT'S TIME TO TANGO ONCE MORE!
G-C-U! WE BLEED GREEN!

SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, ~~Mineral~~Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Gairuwa (ARJ) W 41-33 (1-0)
Week 2: vs UCBP (CBP) L 6-12 (1-1)
Week 3: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy V W 44-30 (2-1)
Week 4: vs Waterloo (CDO) W 38-6 (3-1)
Week 5: @Constantinople (NGS) L 30-30 [30-37OT] (3-2)
Week 6: @Bowerstone (ATH) W 30-25 (4-2)
Week 7: vs Alexandroupolis (NGS) - Homecoming W 27-13 (5-2)
---------------------Mineral Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @Gairuwa (ARJ) W 22-14 (6-2)
Week 9: @UCBP (CBP) L 16-17 (6-3)
Week 10: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VI L 29-37 (6-4/2nd in Heartland/4th In Mineral)
Week 11: Conference Championship Week
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: @Mancodas (PFA/7-4/Zephyr and Legends Champions) W 25-13 (7-4)
Week 13: vs Panem (STR/3-8/3rd in Evermore/7th in Big Eight) - Senior Day W 16-13 (8-4)
Week 14: @Cavsar (DRK/6-6/4th in Starlight/5th in Horizon) W 33-28 (9-4/#3 Seeds)
---------------------Post Season---------------------
Playoff R1: BYE
Playoff QF: vs Felswyr State (CMT/#6/11-3/2nd in Starlight and Horizon)

by **Banija** » Tue Oct 18, 2022 5:01 pm

NMU Head Coach Lance Kabuye, at Thursday press availability, a few hours before the team's flight to Cold Hill. Game in 48 hours

Lance Kabuye was walking into the press conference feeling good. Going to the Tundra was never something that was going to be such a straightforward trip- even though NMU's winning streak there of 2 games was probably approaching a NSCF record for any visitor. To win there as a visitor twice in a season? Against a 12-1 Cold Hill who are throwing out freaking Benoit Youngblood at QB? It was not going to be easy. Kabuye was short on sleep this week- although granted, that was a common theme for him whenever he went to the playoffs. Dissecting film, trying to find some holes in Cold HIll. Obviously, NMU won there just a few weeks ago- but if they didn't change their gameplan at all, Cold Hill would run them out of the building.

So he knew he needed to find new weaknesses(spoiler alert- Cold Hill barely had any). Find new wrinkles. He understood that he kicked six field goals against Cold Hill in week 11, as well as Cold Hill both missing a field goal and blocking a field goal. Any game that goes to double overtime could have turned on any number of plays, and that was true for their week 11 contest. Kabuye wanted to shrink that field goal count- six field goals, and just one regulation touchdown, was very unlikely to cut it in the re-match. They needed to find a way to turn more of those drives into touchdowns. Maybe take more risks. He knew he could trust his players- Felix Ström was an elite QB in his own right.

But in his final media appearance, he was ready.

"Coach, there's clearly no love lost between Cold Hill and NMU." Said a Banijan reporter to open the press conference. "Do you like them?"

"Did you just ask me if I like the opponent that we're playing against for a berth in the semifinals?" Kabuye clearly thought this line of questioning was ridiculous. "Obviously not. Look- Cold Hill reminds me of Loyola. A ton of talent. Arrogance abound- you saw them two years ago when we came into town, calling us little brother. Now, we've shown them twice what NMU football is all about. See, they've got the same problem as Loyola. Talent everywhere, so they can win a lot of games. You've seen them get to 14-0, and this year, they went 10-0 with a conference championship game win."

"But, in reality, they're just a better version of Loyola-Istria. Loyola suffers from the same problem every year- they lack mental toughness. They don't have grit. They lack mental edge. So they can blow any team in this competition off the field, yes. But when it gets tough, late in the season, when everything's hurting? When you've got to balance the grind of the playoffs, with final exams, final projects, final papers, etc... They simply cannot do it. They went to three title games in a row with Diamond Rhine. I think went 42-6 in that era, with 2 championships. He's probably the best QB we've had in this competition, an argument with Gwenderyn. But they got soft. Lost their edge. So we know how this will go. If we give them a chance to get going early, they can run us off the field. But we've got to take them deep into the game, into the fourth quarter. Make things difficult for their phenom QB- he's got all the skills in the world, but he's a freshman. There's no simulating a playoff game like playing in one."

"Loyola's even worse. This is their sixth season in a row where they didn't win a playoff game? Despite winning their third conference title. You saw it in the Rebel's Cannon Bowl, they simply don't got it. If the QB play is overwhelming, then they can win it all. But if they slip at that position, even a little bit, even if just for one game? They've got no chance."

The same reporter stood up again and replied. "Coach, you didn't include Jawara there?"

"You think I'm here to talk about Loyola QBs?" Lance Kabuye snapped back. "Look, obviously Jawara was talented. But so many great NMU QBs get underrated here- Chae-Heung Kim, Wagner-Young, etc... Just a pair of examples. Pretty sure Kim ended his career in a NSCF semifinal at his own stadium. But I'm sure we're not here to talk about all-time QB rankings. Next question."

A different reporter stood up. "Coach, you ran all over your last two opponents, Hankow State and Upper Westside. You used the run to establish the pass in both games and the offense was explosive, scoring a combined 100 points in our last two games- against a historic rival and then in a playoff game, to boot. How can you continue that sort of success?"

"Well, I don't expect to come up to The Tundra and put up 50, if that's what you're asking." Coach Kabuye said, laughing. "But we have the foundations for offensive success. We were able to move the ball against Cold Hill last time, if you remember. We had 7 separate scoring drives in regulation. The problem, of course, is that six of them ended in field goals. Of course, we've got a tremendous kicker in Markseon- easily the best kicker in all of college football. Hell, he's a team captain as a kicker, which speaks volumes about him. But it won't shock anybody that we want to use him less, not more. We need to figure out a way to turn more of those drives into touchdowns. Maybe it's going for it more on 4th down. Maybe it's more creativity on 3rd down. Doing more to stay ahead of schedule. We've got the pieces to do so in a variety of ways. We'll definitely be mixing things up to try and get it done."

A third reporter stood up to ask another question. "Coach, how do you plan to slow down Benoit Youngblood? We've all seen what he can do when he gets going, the engine of this team."

Coach Kabuye paused to consider the question, and then answered. "Well, slowing down a talent like that is not an easy thing to do. There's simply many ways he can beat you- he gives the offense a dimension that few can emulate. He's impossible to replicate in practice- so it's hard to scout for him. Our scout team QB, Bango Sonko, is doing his best.. But there's only so much he can do. Unfortunately, there's no real answer. The best answer is to keep him off the field. Easier said than done, of course. But run the football effectively. Stay ahead of the chains on third down. Find creative ways to get to the QB. Disguise coverages. Really, to slow down Youngblood, it takes a monumental team effort- from the players, to the coaches, all being on the same page, all the time. You mess up once, he can kill you. He's got that killer instinct that dudes like Rhine had."

A fourth reporter stood. "Coach, this is now the fifth consecutive season where NMU has won at least one playoff game. What's the secret to your consistency?"

Lance Kabuye grinned at the question. For once, a layup- which was a rarity at these press briefings. "Well, we're not celebrating anything yet. The goal, like everybody's goal in the quarterfinals, is always to win the next one- and we've got a bigger challenge than anyone, going to the house of the #1 seed where we've already played. But that starts with culture and recruiting. We get great players who come here, but who not only fit the system- but fit the culture. We get hard-workers. We get people who grind their nose. Let Loyola get all the flashiness. But we've got the fiercest competitors- on the practice field, in the classroom, in the community. And all of that translates into success on the field."

The press conference went on for about 30 more minutes, before Kabuye called it to a close. He would be ready to get on the plane. The motivation to win a third time at The Tundra was strong. But could he get it done?

@LoyolaFandomSZN Lance Kabuye keeps talking about Loyola and Cold Hill... Is that because we both have something that NMU doesn't? Maybe that's because both of us have had players win the Most Outstanding Player award? Or.. Because both of our schools have multiple NSCF titles? (1/2)

@LoyolaFandomSZN Remember, we won titles both before and after Kabuye got there. Cold Hill beat him 26-0 in a NSCF title game. Both Cold Hill and Loyola have won NSCF championships more recently than NMU. And don't get me started about our 3 consecutive Celestia conference titles... #BeatNMU (2/2)

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Daily 2022
Warriors return to playoffs looking to take final step
by Teresa Bramlage, College Football Writer

The University of the Commonwealth prepare to host their first NSCF playoff game in five seasons, as Horizon Conference Champions Staramara Tech from Chromatika--in their first NSCF season--will look to continue their Cinderella form that saw them pip defending NSCF champions and national rival Felswyr State to the conference crown.

The Lava defeated Loyola-Istria 20-17 in the first round and come to Gleason Field with an 12-3 record that includes a week 10 defeat to Felswyr and a non conference loss against Saguenay, the only common opponent these teams have.

"We know there were some extenuating circumstances when we saw the video in our prep for Saguenay", Head Coach Ryan Benton explained.
"I don't know if we necessarily learned anything we could use, except for an idea of knowing what we'll face--a strong running game and play action off of that. They have some good talent and we'll need to play at 100% of our ability if we want to move on".

Staramara have relied on their defense over the non-conference and playoff run; after their 43-6 loss in Quebec, the Lava gave up 17 to Northern Moravica and 7 to Ratzupalfu University of Nature, before holding the Blue Thunder to 17 in Chromatika.

The Warriors earned a bye into the quarterfinals for the first time in their six appearances in the playoffs as the second seed, as did fellow MinCon rival Green City; the Royal Eagles host Felswyr in what is an all-Horizon/Mineral lower bracket, as numbers 3 & 6 will have a rematch of the NSCF 26 Championship.
Form held across the first round as Northern and Hankow State (formerly Vietussia Academy, UC's first ever NSCF opponent) both advanced where they will face Cold Hill and Richardson, respectively.

Conditions are expected to be in the mid 30's with wind between 8-12 mph, although the rain predicted for late afternoon is expected to clear ahead of kickoff.

Junior QB Neal Antonelli will look to make a statement in support of his candidacy for Offensive Player of the Year as he enters the game with 4,151 yards passing and 1,371 on the ground, an average of 394 yards per game in total offense.
Will Garfield, the junior running back from Middletown, has run for 1,264 yards on the ground and 17 TD's on the campaign to help the UC offense average over 500 yards total offense so far; the Warriors will need to operate on all cylinders to match the Lava's firepower potential.

by **Ranoria** » Tue Oct 18, 2022 8:54 pm

NSCF Week 14
Karmin Falce Superdome Richardson University Governors vs Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder
4th quarter, 4:54 remaining, game tied 3-3

No one could say anything ill of Loyola-Istria's performance in this one. Their offense had been stymied again and again sure, as a matchup of two 1st year starter Chromatik quarterbacks was not quite living up to the touchdown fest that everyone was anticipating. Between Takeuchi Ichiko and Totte Lindberg's dominance on the back end and Kasper Ulvestad owning the Loyola-Istria offensive line for a season-high 3 sacks and two forced fumbles, the Governors' stars were shining on the biggest stage in Ranoria, but their counterparts were matching them step for step.

Halfback Rylan Rodgers Jr, in his third game as a starter, was suddenly having the worst game of his young career. While he'd flashed big play ability throughout the season, today, he'd been met by one of the best linebacking prospects in Ranorian history, in Najee Isidora - the menace of a linebacker had sniffed out Richardson's often intentionally, goadingly simplistic rushing attack again and again, taking their bait and blowing them up for four run stuffs to this point. Rodgers was currently sitting at 21 carries for just 39 yards today, and his partner in the backfield wasn't having much more success - but Isaiah Hunter did have them down at the forty yard line.

The quarterback clapped in the huddle, getting into field goal range would virtually put this thing on ice with the best kicker in program history, Shirley Woo, waiting on the sideline. On 3rd and 3, normally they'd hand the ball off, and he had the chance to check into a dive up the middle, but one look at a rabid Najee Isidora and that was off the table. "Rylan, stay in to block," he said without turning towards the back to avoid tipping anyone off on the change," the running back, who was certainly feeling the physical toll of being a starting running back at just 18, snorted his acknowledgement, and Hunter stepped back. He hadn't gone to Constantina Perrier yet today, and with Akhello Volson playing off coverage, this was likely an easy first down to such a big target.

"Readyyyy, hut!" Isidora came up the middle on a blitz, but even without Rylan blocking he never would've had a chance - Hunter took the snap, spun, and threw without even dropping back, less than one second from snap to release. But he'd been played - Volson was already jumping in front of the ball before Perrier had even gotten out of her break, and he landed in stride with the first Blue Thunder interception of the game.

The Superdome gasped in horror while the 40,000 strong contingent of Loyola-Istria faithful roared - Perrier tripped Volson up just enough for Rylan Rodgers Jr to catch him 15 yards down the field, and Hunter held his head in his hands as the flashy corner ran up and handed the ball to Dennis Servos with an all-too-wide grin.

It wasn't a death sentence - but Rylan Rodgers and Isaiah Hunter, too young men who'd been thrust into huge roles on a flagship college program, walked, limped in Rylan's case, off the field with their shoulders slouched. They'd forced the best defense in football to play like it every snap of every quarter of this game so far, and Kasen Harrowitz to make every call the perfect one to contain a legitimate MoP contender in Anne-Marie Vavayavich the way they had.

"Oi!" With a media timeout pausing the action, defensive tackle Malchiel Lukwiya grabbed onto Hunter's chestplate with fire in his eyes.

"So-" Hunter started.

"No, none of that shit!" Lukwiya's dominating presence silenced the two young bucks, and he sighed, looking onto the field. "We've got one more stop in us. Don't apologize for playing your best game - but I don't want to go to overtime against that offense. I'll get you that ball back, Isaiah, make it count. And keep your chin up, if we didn't believe in you, you wouldn't be here."

They watched as the vaunted Blue Thunder offense went through what would amount to their death throes - one shot to Russell Farmer broken up by a Totte Lindberg and Takeuchi Ichiko double team - almost unfair with the two ranking among the best defensive backs in the game. A Darell Jackson run held to three to force third and long - and then it happened. Malchiel Lukwiya got that big arm up as Anne-Marie went to Russell Farmer one more time, and the ball went ten feet into the air with the gas she'd put on it.

The sophomore quarterback and defensive tackle were the only two who saw it - and you can guess who came down with the ball.

Malchiel clutched the ball close to his chest as one of the most staunch lines in the sport swarmed him, but there was no doubt as to who had the football, much to the delight of the mostly-Ranorian crowd in attendance.

Lukwiya, much as Volson had, ran to the sideline - he wasn't giving up that ball - and embraced defensive line coach Justin Kearse with a grin. He'd kept his promise, and when Isaiah Hunter lined up under center he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Check out of the pass," Rylan Rodgers insisted, "I'm ending this in one shot."

Downtown Richardson, Ranoria

Anyone in any bar worth anything was watching the biggest game of the Ranorian football season - and when they finally saw Rodgers break through Najee Isidora, no one else was catching him - with the delay, they heard the roar all the way from the Karmin Falce Superdome before it became clear that he was going all the way, and everyone in a non-Banijan owned bar in the city went absolutely ballistic when the true freshman dunked the ball into the uprights to make it five wins in their last six showdowns against Loyola-Istria - hell, with Shirley Woo kicking, Harrowitz didn't even mind the 15 yard excessive celebration penalty on the extra point - the coach was too busy screaming in the running back's ear, swarming him with the rest of the team.

Five of the last six Rebel's Cannon Bowls' Richardson had won now, and two straight in the Karmin-Falce Superdome, this one being, arguably, the best defensive showing by any team in any game this NSCF season. Onto the next one - whether it was conference runner-up Hankow State or Mancodas, their opponent will have to march through face the teeth of one of the best defensive units in NSCF history, a unit that had just erased one of the best offenses in the sport, to advance.

by **United Vietussia** » Tue Oct 18, 2022 8:56 pm

The Vietussian Inquisitor
Despite slow start, Honey Badgers press on to quarterfinals

While it wasn't the prettiest of affairs early, Hankow State rallied and secured a 37-21 victory over #12 University of Mancodas, giving them their first playoff victory.

Despite a slow start on the offensive end of the football, Hankow State was able to turn it around in the second half to secure a 37-21 victory over University of Mancodas, setting them up for a quarterfinal road date against #4 Richardson University. Fans were a bit antsy early on in the game, as the Honey Badger offense simply couldn't string together consistent drives early and went into halftime with a 14-10 deficit. The halftime locker speech by head coach Lee Chapman certainly lit a fire under this team, as Hankow State would outscore U of Mancodas 27-7 in the second half en route to the first playoff win in school history. "I definitely think the hangover effect was really affecting this team," Chapman said. "That's understandable, especially coming off of such a successful regular season and never being in a playoff scenario before. I think this game helped us kick some of the rust off, and that's certainly gonna help us against a team that's coming off of a bye."

On the defensive side of the football, it was DE Hector Banks holding down the line, registering 4 sacks and causing massive disruption in the pocket throughout the game. While Mancodas QB Stella Sierra was able to notch a couple of touchdowns, she generally never got comfortable in the pocket and was often hurried into making a quick pass or having to scramble out of the pocket. "That's exactly what you hope for out of the guys come playoff time," DC Caleb Franks said. "We probably gave up a few more points than we would have wanted too, but overall, that's exactly what I want to see on the field when it's time to step up and embrace the moment."

QB Willie Gordon lit it up again, passing for 4 TDs on the day. His success story is virtually interconnected with the success story of the team as a whole, as he has spearheaded the offensive turnaround of the squad following their abysmal start in the first half of the season. Gordon, however, is quick to thank his teammates, saying, "I can't take all the credit for this turnaround; I'm just the guy that's throwing the football. I've got 10 other guys that help me do that by giving me time to throw it and by hauling in these passes. If I didn't have them, I'd just be some guy chucking a hunk of rubber and air 30 to 40 times a game."

Standing in their way is a Richardson team that, to put it mildly, steamrolled Hankow State on their own turf back in Week 6. Nothing seemed to go right for the Honey Badgers then, so should we expect anything different? "I think most people have written us off in the next round, but that's nothing we're not used to," RB Mark Dyer said. "We were underdogs coming into the season, underdogs during the season, and we're underdogs now as we get ready for our next game. We've got nothing to lose, so I think we're gonna lay it all out there and do everything we can to produce a victory."

If there's a glimmer of hope for Hankow State, it may be the lack of offense for Richardson. In their most recent matchup against a weak Loyola-Istria defense, they only managed to put up 10 points, a low mark even for Richardson's standards especially given that they played the matchup on their own turf. The defense will undoubtedly be stout, and the Honey Badger offense will have to be on their A game to have any shot of putting up enough points to be competitive. That said, if they're able to get points past such a stringent defense, perhaps the lack of production on the other side of the football for Richardson could provide an avenue for the upset.

Regardless of the outcome, however, this Hankow State squad has already etched their names in the history books after a historic season that saw them win a conference division title and earn their first playoff win during their first season. Even in spite of the weak division, nobody expected the season we saw out of the Honey Badgers, and win or lose, fans will not soon forget the winning legacy established by this first set of players, who defied the odds at every turn and now stare down their most improbable task so far: avenging a loss to the best defense in football during a critical playoff matchup.

Hunt 'em, Honey Badgers!

Hankow State University 2022 Schedule:
Week 1: vs. Bermia Santura W 17-10
Week 2: @ Panem University W 16-3
Week 3: @ Summit University W 15-14
Week 4: @ Cold Hill L 21-40
Week 5: vs. Kohnhead City W 33-30
Week 6: vs. Richardson University L 3-34
Week 7: @ Swisston City W 42-10
Week 8: @ Bermia Santura W 44-14
Week 9: vs. Panem University W 27-7
Week 10: vs. Summit University W 43-14
Big Eight Conference Championship Game: vs. Cold Hill (neutral) L 3-9
Week 11: vs. Upper Westside W 40-17
Week 12: vs. U of Mancodas W 53-3
Week 13: @ Northern Moravica (Battle of the Golden Axe) L 30-55

Playoffs Round 1: vs. U of Mancodas W 37-21
Quarterfinals: @ Richardson University

by **NSCF** » Tue Oct 18, 2022 9:14 pm

Note: All the scores were scorinated by Quebec and Shingoryeo per Chromatika's request for this MD, due to the latter's RL situation.

Quarterfinals Cutoff

The Time Is Now.

_#1Cold Hill University (RAN) 23–17 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)_#8

_#4Richardson University (RAN) 26–0 Hankow State University (UNV)_#5

_#2University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) 0–15 Staramara Tech University (CMT)_#7

_#3Green City University (TJU) 27–27 Felswyr State University (CMT) (30–27 OT)_#6

by **TJUN-ia** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:44 am

After a bye week where the Starlight Division duelled to face them, the Green City Royal Eagles were ready for anything. They knew that their opponents were going to be a tough cookie to face no matter which team it was going to be, but Paul Abdullahi knew they had to be ready no matter what. He knew that hosting playoff football at The Palace was going to be an advantage, but he didn't care. The only thing he cared about was beating whatever came out of the visiting locker room and making it to a 2nd straight NSCF Final Four. That was all...and no matter what the fuck this "National Reawakening" was, he was going to fight for this school.

The opponents on the other end turned out to be the Felswyr State Firehawks of Chromatika. The team that beat Sadeg State in the Roost to make it here. The team who got played pretty tough by TSU in a 41-30 win. The team who were the opponents for GCU's first-ever title game...and the ones who ended the dream. Abdullahi knew that one day, he might face Misha Florentine one more time (even despite rumours of an exit for the FSU legend) but here? At the Palace? It was almost unthinkable. But here he was, entering the Nest of the Royal Eagles to face a Championship Game rematch in front of a crowd desperate for revenge. The rematch would go down in the AU...and a lot of eyes would be on Green City tonight.

Many expected that Round 2 between these teams would produce a classic and a classic is what we got, with both Moses Igbinoghene and Kadesh Odika absolutely wanting nothing more than to get this win and producing performances that may stand the test of time. Everyone was determined to try and win this game - Head Coaches, Coordinators, Players and Fans alike - and my word, did we get a showdown. Odika managed 4 TDs in this contest through Otto Mitchell (twice), Stan Devlin and Kwang-Sun So. Igbinoghene, on the other hand, managed 4 TDs of his own through Gilbert Nyamutsamba, Lucky Sithole-Sita, Batsogile Lovederia and himself via a nice rushing play. The kickers would both go 3/4 on PATS, but when they did it would play into the storyline of this contest. Glory Oparanozie missed hers at the end of Q4. Michelle Breille, usually clutch as fuck, missed here at the end of Q2. That meant that this game would go to Overtime...and GCU had the ball first. They couldn't really do much against a hyped-up FCU D-Line and Oparanozie made a FG, meaning FSU could walk off the game with a TD. Odika certainly tried to do that but in the end, a 3rd and 2 on the 10-yard line ended up in the waiting arms of Joy Alozie in the endzone, who nealed down to both end the play and the fucking game. Pandemonium ensued. The fans stormed the field. Revenge was secure. GCU had beaten FSU in a classic, 30-27 in OT. Football, eh? Fucking hell.

One Chromatik team is down...and now, the other comes. The Starmara Tech Lava, Champions of both the Starlight and the whole Horizon Conference, went to UCBP and shut them out 15-0. That was a result fitting of a defensive guru like Laverna Getz and QB Haruno Masakazu but now, they must enter The Palace themselves looking to avenge their rival and finally make a debut NSCF Title Game. A team from Ranoria will await no matter who wins, so this game is gonna be a big one. Firehwaks down...Lava remains. If GCU wants to make a 2nd title game in a row, then they will have to beat the Lava back into the ground. This will not be easy but in this dual of 10-4 vs 12-3, GCU cannot give up. Not with the whole of the AU behind them. Not now. Not ever.
G-C-U! WE BLEED GREEN!

SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, ~~Mineral~~Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Gairuwa (ARJ) W 41-33 (1-0)
Week 2: vs UCBP (CBP) L 6-12 (1-1)
Week 3: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy V W 44-30 (2-1)
Week 4: vs Waterloo (CDO) W 38-6 (3-1)
Week 5: @Constantinople (NGS) L 30-30 [30-37OT] (3-2)
Week 6: @Bowerstone (ATH) W 30-25 (4-2)
Week 7: vs Alexandroupolis (NGS) - Homecoming W 27-13 (5-2)
---------------------Mineral Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @Gairuwa (ARJ) W 22-14 (6-2)
Week 9: @UCBP (CBP) L 16-17 (6-3)
Week 10: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VI L 29-37 (6-4/2nd in Heartland/4th In Mineral)
Week 11: Conference Championship Week
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: @Mancodas (PFA/7-4/Zephyr and Legends Champions) W 25-13 (7-4)
Week 13: vs Panem (STR/3-8/3rd in Evermore/7th in Big Eight) - Senior Day W 16-13 (8-4)
Week 14: @Cavsar (DRK/6-6/4th in Starlight/5th in Horizon) W 33-28 (9-4/#3 Seeds)
---------------------Post Season---------------------
Playoff R1: BYE
Playoff QF: vs Felswyr State (CMT/#6/11-3/2nd in Starlight and Horizon) W 27-27 (30-27OT) (10-4)
Playoff SF: vs Starmara Tech (CMT/#7/12-3/Horizon and Starlight Champions)

by **Chromatika** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 6:27 pm

Firehawks Falter; Odika Shines as Felswyr State Prepares for Next Season

Felswyr did well by taking care of business against Sadeg State at home. Odika went 31 of 39 for 418 yards and four touchdowns, while they also had a two point conversion. Sure, the Firehawks conceded twenty-four points against the Skyhawks, but the game was never really close. All throughout the season, the defense has bent but not broken, trying to generate sacks and turnovers while conceding the fair amount of points. It was all golden heading into the Quarterfinals against a familiar foe - Green City University, the team that they defeated in last season's Championships.

They ended up losing in Overtime. Odika wasn't able to generate the game winning drive in overtime, and the Firehawks fell short. It was a transitionary season for Felswyr State as they moved from being a very defensive team to a more offensive one; they did miss having so many upperclassmen in their roster, but Odika showed that he could carry games on his own, as the offense continued to roll.

A few more holes to fill for the next season, but Felswyr State has truly cemented themselves as one of the premier programs in the NSCF, reaching the Quarterfinals in five of the six seasons of the program's existence (and semifinals in four of those times). They still have two seasons of Odika left, and they will be looking to cash those in.

Anderson, Lava Move to Semifinals

The first round in the playoffs saw Staramara Tech University hosting the University of Loyola-Istria and their Quarterback, Anne-Maurice Vivayavich. Having taken care of Northern Moravica a few weeks back, the Lava knew Banijan teams to be stout in heart and stature, and this was no different. It was a close, tight game, won by three key plays - Liara Anderson's ten yard run at the end of the Second Quarter, right before halftime, to extend the lead to 14-10; a fumble recovered by Lucius Agot to stop a key drive by the Blue Thunder; and, at the end, a leaping interception by Mastaya Vorpen that stopped the Blue Thunder's bid to take the game to overtime, another play that established Vorpen as one of the best Cornerbacks in the game.

Loyola did its best to contain the might of the ground attack of the Lava, holding Staramara Tech to less than a hundred and fifty yards; Anderson needed to make some plays through the air, and she did, completing eleven of fifteen passes for a hundred and sixty-eight yards. It was a stingy, defensive affair, a game in which Staramara Tech won the time of possession, 37:22 to 22:48, and did just enough at the end to hold on.

Heading to Baker Park for the Quarterfinals, the Lava had one mission: Slow down UCBP's attack and continue to establish the ground game. They did just that, holding UCBP to just two hundred and thirteen yards of total offense as the Lava's defense forced three turnovers. On the offensive side, a touchdown run by Anderson and two field goals did the job along with the lone safety forced as Staramara Tech completed the first shutout victory in the postseason in program history to move onto the Semifinals.

Mastaya Vorpen continued his stellar play, having two interceptions, three tackles, five passes defensed, and allowing one catch for eight yards when thrown at his direction. Lucius Agot led the way with fourteen tackles as the Banijan Middle Linebacker stepped up his play, and UCBP never really could get anything going, only crossing to the Lava side of the field once before punting. They also sacked the opposition eight times, making life difficult for Antonelli.

Their opponent in the very first semifinal in team history will be Green City University, a team that just defeated Felswyr University in overtime. This isn't sitting very well with the Lava. Vorpen offered when asked, "We don't like anyone taking down the Firehawks unless it's us. They may be our most bitter rival, but they are also Chromatik. Green City took them down, and now, we will take down Green City in turn so that the title will have a chance to remain in Chromatik hands."

Green City may have taken down Felswyr State, but they'll find Staramara Tech to be a different monster altogether.

A different power had risen from Chromatika, and it was just getting started.

by **Ranoria** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 8:50 pm

Cold Hill, Ranoria
The Tundra
4th Quarter, Cold Hill Ball, 16-17 bad guys

Benoit Youngblood wiped the blood from a cut on his arm after a hit on second down forced an incomplete pass, and accepted the help up, once again standing tall against winter winds that would have driven away lesser fanbases. "They're playing hard, he strapped his helmet back up, "Just like last time."

Kasozi Batte nodded, and watched as Proko subbed in for their tight end, "Nothing ever goes as planned in this accursed world. But so long as there is a concept of victory, the vanquished will also exist. I will not be counted among them this night."

Youngblood got the playcall and grinned his affirmation towards the receiver, "Under no circumstances is our season ending tonight. Let's send these guys back to Moravica."

Youngblood got the snap, the whistling from the air drowning out any murmur of the crowd, and locked on his man. Sure, he had more chemistry with the other three guys, his wideouts who were running routes - but Proko was just too big, and he reminded everyone with a surprisingly savvy route that he was still the best athlete on the field.

The pass wasn't a dart, it was a layup even from this range - no one was catching Proko and there was no need to make it a tough ball to catch. The 6'10" menace, who'd later go on to make a 4th down tackle to end the game as well, put Northern Moravica to bed with the roar of the crowd, and the approval of Cold Hill's second-only-to-Drawkian-drumlines, who broke out his cadence from the sideline just for him.

For the second time since NSCF 22, the Buffalo were advancing in the playoffs. And for the first time since NSCF 21, it'd come against their most hated rivals.

"They Can Have The Regular Season Win - Unlike The Cougars, We Aim For Championships."
Chris Dale, Buffalo Outlast Their Devil In The Cougars

Kasozi Batte dazzled with 6 catches for 123 yards in his playoff debut as NMU's defensive backfield couldn't keep up with Cold Hill's depth at receiver

Some were distraught when Northern Moravica triumphed over Upper Weststide University and advanced to play in the Tundra for the second time this month. After the Cougars disrupted what could have been the first perfect season in NSCF history in NSCF 25 and then dropped the 10-0 Buffalo in overtime in week 11 this season, it's a team that draws more fear from this fanbase than Richardson, Felswyr, or any of them.

But the rest? They were frothing at the mouth. This was exactly what they wanted. Two overtime games hadn't gone their way - these teams, as devastating as the results had been, were evenly matched as long as the game was played in the Tundra... and, well, in Benoit Youngblood's words...

"It's hard to beat a team twice in a season, and Kabuye is gonna find that out pretty quickly. Well, unless it's Richardson, we're never too worried about them." The quarterback never broke a grin, and fielded the next question.

"Do you think your offense can keep up with Felix Ström and the Jannik Nadine? You haven't put up 30 points since week 10."

"Sorry, but who's Felix Ström?"

Youngblood has been nothing but a stabilizing presence in this locker room from day 1 - helping to cement a less chaotic culture that had planted its roots despite last season's disastrous finish. But even he couldn't avoid a bit of trash talk for Northern Moravica - and he backed it up. Youngblood passed for 269 yards in the contest, one that saw both teams fighting tooth and nail for every inch of grass, but eventually he'd have to make a play. And for all of Lance Kabuye's accusations - lacking mental toughness, grit, you name it, this is what Benoit Youngblood lived for.

He could put up all the gaudy numbers he wanted - the most prolific passing season a Cold Hill quarterback had produced at the NSCF level was one thing, but it was these clutch scenarios that make a great player. These moments that get highlighted, and these instants in his long life that would be remembered by the throngs of Cold Hill faithful. He'd throughout this campaign, especially early when the numbers weren't there, that this was when he was at his best.

So throw the x's and o's out - Youngblood managed to put together a game winning drive in the end, hitting Kasozi Batte on third and long for a soul-crushing 41 yard game down 16-17, but when Northern forced another third and long, things were looking a bit desperate. Time was running out - and so Cold Hill pulled out their greatest weapon. None other than Prokopios Vortigern Rooijakkers lined up at tight end, just a step from the line, from 31 yards out. While he'd been sparsely used on offense this season, no one could accuse Lance Kabuye of being unprepared - safety Malcolm Shelvin and linebacker Ingrid Botrel showed a double team from the get-go once the half-Drawkian senior ran out onto the field, the tallest of Northern's starting defensive backs and a bigger linebacker.

But it didn't matter - Proko wasn't just bigger, he created a ton of seperation with a quick jab-step at the top of his route to break into a post, and Benoit Youngblood hit him in stride from 31 yards to make it Proko's second career game-winning touchdown in the playoffs, with the first coming as a true freshman against Richarsdson in the domestic national championship.

And who else comes next on the schedule...but those same Governors, led by Kasen Harrowitz with a defense reminiscent of the NSCF 22 Felswyr State unit that brought him to the forefront of the sport's defensive minds. Felswyr State University allowed 113 points in their first 14 games, and the Governors have allowed 114 in the same number, with now five shutouts and plenty of games seeing their opponents held to just a field goal.

With Totte Lindbgerg, Kasper Ulvestad, and Takuechi Ichiko leading the way on the field, the mastermind has now orchestrated two of their greatest defensive seasons in NSCF history, including holding off the storm of the Blue Thunder to a field goal and Hankow State's explosive offense, led by an electric up-and-comer in Willie Gordon, to 3 points between the two showings. The shutout in their second meeting - coming in their first playoff game, also echoes of the Firehawks' 13-0 win over the Fighting Irish in their own first playoff game of the season.

This matchup between Richardson and Cold Hill is a grudge match - the two teams are 2-2 against each other over the past two seasons, with Harrowitz claiming a sweep in his 12-1 run a year ago and the Buffalo taking the 2 wins and the same record this season - the Big 8 is decided by how these two teams fair against each other, and now, in their first playoff matchup since NSCF 21's third "Duel of Champions," it will be one of the best defenses in history against an all-gas offense led by a generational quarterback.

The Buffalo faithful can only hope that, like that legendary debutant Firehawks squad, Harrowitz's defense jis just a half-step away from being able to triumph.

by **NSCF** » Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:02 pm

Semifinals Cutoff

Who will punch the tickets to Joongyeong? Let's find out...

_#1Cold Hill University (RAN) 42–53 Richardson University (RAN)_#4

_#3Green City University (TJU) 10–26 Staramara Tech University (CMT)_#7

by **TJUN-ia** » Sat Oct 22, 2022 10:52 am

FT: #7 Starmara Tech 26-10 #3 Green City

And that will do it.
Beating one Chromatik team was great. Beating two just wasn't to be.
Starmara Tech shall face Richardson in a 4v7 Title Game. NSCF continues to produce the chaos we all love.

Moses Igbinoghene may have lost today, but he will leave with his head held high.
An icon of the team, he will always be remembered as their first NSCF QB - and the one that got them to a title game.

Now...what about the future?
Think about it.
Trent State made the title game, then fell in the semis the next year.
Green City made the title game and now has also fallen in the semis.
What the fuck is going to happen next season then?
I guess the format may decide it.

This isn't over. TJUN-ian football shall return.
But for now...one last cry...

G-C-U! WE BLEED GREEN!

SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, ~~Mineral~~Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Gairuwa (ARJ) W 41-33 (1-0)
Week 2: vs UCBP (CBP) L 6-12 (1-1)
Week 3: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy V W 44-30 (2-1)
Week 4: vs Waterloo (CDO) W 38-6 (3-1)
Week 5: @Constantinople (NGS) L 30-30 [30-37OT] (3-2)
Week 6: @Bowerstone (ATH) W 30-25 (4-2)
Week 7: vs Alexandroupolis (NGS) - Homecoming W 27-13 (5-2)
---------------------Mineral Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @Gairuwa (ARJ) W 22-14 (6-2)
Week 9: @UCBP (CBP) L 16-17 (6-3)
Week 10: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VI L 29-37 (6-4/2nd in Heartland/4th In Mineral)
Week 11: Conference Championship Week
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: @Mancodas (PFA/7-4/Zephyr and Legends Champions) W 25-13 (7-4)
Week 13: vs Panem (STR/3-8/3rd in Evermore/7th in Big Eight) - Senior Day W 16-13 (8-4)
Week 14: @Cavsar (DRK/6-6/4th in Starlight/5th in Horizon) W 33-28 (9-4/#3 Seeds)
---------------------Post Season---------------------
Playoff R1: BYE
Playoff QF: vs Felswyr State (CMT/#6/11-3/2nd in Starlight and Horizon) W 27-27 (30-27OT) (10-4)
Playoff SF: vs Starmara Tech (CMT/#7/12-3/Horizon and Starlight Champions) L 26-10 (10-5)

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Sun Oct 23, 2022 12:41 am

OOC note: Without any site bid up to the deadline, the championship game will be hosted at the Stade St. Croix in Joongyeong, Quebec & Shingryeo. As I've found out recently, this would be the first time the game itself will be hosted on Quebecois soil!

NSCF 27 Championship Game: Short Bid Info

Stade St. Croix (Cap. 102,000)
Joongyeong, Quebec & Shingoryeo

Since its construction 45 years ago in 2011, Joongyeong’s Stade St. Croix is constantly in motion. While it is best known to host to both the Univ. St. Croix’s Bleu et Blanc football team, and the Quebecois Football League’s Joongyeong Voyageurs, both teams known for being among the winningest teams on their respective leagues, it also sees constant use for concerts, public events and even a couple of World Bowls hosted many decades ago.

Interestingly enough, however, the stadium has never seen used as an NSCF championship venue. In the past editions, there have been multiple parties from all across the Multiverse who would bid early, and often they would come up with the best ways possible to promote the game. One year it’d be in the state-of-art Karmin-Falce Bowl in Ranoria, which would then be followed by a world-renowned Seven Stars Stadium in Drawkland or a creative, circular domains of Ruwani Motor Speedway in Banija. This, combined with NSCF commissioner Dexter Ahn’s preference to avoid Joongyeong or any other Quebecois city to host the championship game as a matter of ‘spreading the game’, has meant that the NSCF Championship game, until this year, was not in anybody’s particular plans.

Anyways, Stade St. Croix is one of the most impressive stadiums one could ever visit to watch a sport. Once the technological marvel - it still is, just not at the same calibre as its newer, savvier comparables - the Stade St. Croix has added additional history to the historic venue with the successes of both the Voyageurs, who have won five Imperial Bowls from Hall of Fame QBs Dexter Ahn (wait, the NSCF Commissioner right?) and still-active Ian Lautner, and the Bleu et Blanc, who has made it to two championship game and two semifinals appearances since their arrival at the SSC.

On outer appearance, it is best remembered for two, upholding arches. An architectural feature that goes back to the old Stade Bleu et Blanc, which has since been used as a permanent athletics and association football stadium under a smaller capacity of 15,000, SSC has a clear, modern identity that fits well with the ever-evolving institution of Univ. St. Croix. It is further complemented on the inside, with spacious seating, two-hundred luxury boxes and many more amenities on top including two-dozen food outlets. The intimacy of the stadium is emphasised by how close the courtside seats are located, almost to the point where one could whisper directly to the players or the coaching staff. While safety barriers, installed out of genuine concerns that were raised about twenty years ago, would mean that the fans would not be able to directly jump at the fans, the stadium remains loud and buzzing for those present at the stadium, giving it a unique experience that is rare among newer of stadiums.

While technically part of the mid-town city of St. Croix, just 15 minutes west of Joongyeong’s heart by metro or bus ride, the stadium is directly south and thus not part of what generally constitutes as the St. Croix’s Seonggyoongwan University College campus. This means that the fans, while not exactly part of the on-campus experience other stadiums would provide, would be able to enjoy the surrounding areas more. The Quartier Calanien, the historic district known for student housing, bistros and many small-scale live venues, is open 24/7 with sound coming from the locals and visitors alike. Due to the high volume of student and the local population, it doesn’t really cater to the tourists, but the wide range of options available from tiny bookstores to restaurants where menus change each and every day…. means that there’s always going to be something that satisfies a daily customer. With convenient access to the rest of Joongyeong area, including the Reneegrad Airport, via public transport, fans will be able to make their voyage from all across the nation’s capital.

by **Ranoria** » Sun Oct 23, 2022 11:58 am

Richardson Returns To The Promised Land!
Governors' Second NSCF Title Appearance Comes In Harrowitz's Second Season!

Rylan Rodgers Jr exploded when he was needed most - on a day that this historically dominant Richardson defense collapsed, "The Butler" carried the load with 247 scrimmage yards

Every analyst in the world had come to a consensus - a 12-1 Cold Hill team led by the best quarterback in the NSCF was the favorite. If this game became a high-scoring one, then the Buffalo would run away with it. Richardson's only chance was to dominate time of possession and ride one of the best defenses in the NSCF history to a championship game.

Crazy how when two teams that are this good, this motivated clash, all the predictions get thrown to the wind so quickly.

When Cold Hill won the coin toss and got the ball, they wanted to blow their national rival out of the water from the get-go, and they showed it. Benoit Youngblood opened the game with a five step drop and launched the ball outside the numbers to Kasozi Batte, who started in the slot and took a wheel route down the sideline. It was a beautiful ball thrown from a surprisingly clean pocket, but sometimes great players just make great plays, and Richardson's Totte Lindberg is just that. The safety, who logged a team-high six interceptions in the regular season, flashed his sideline-to-sideline speed on this one and high-pointed what would have been a huge gain for the Buffalo on the first play from scrimmage to immedietely change the flow of this game, and with great field position just outside the fifty.

"As early as it was, that was the biggest play of the game," Kasen Harrowitz would later say at the postgame presser, "Not only did we get an extra possession against that caliber of quarterback, but we effectively started both halves with the ball."

And they would capitalize - after a 26 yard strike from Isaiah Hunter to Constantina Perrier over the middle, Rylan Rodgers Jr took his first carry of the day for another 26, cutting outside to get away from Proko and waggling his finger at the massive safety as he high-stepped his way to a 6-0 first quarter lead.

Cold Hill sideline

"Even against the mightiest of our foes, I will enjoy fighting with you as we walk towards our dream." Kasozi Batte strapped up his helmet on the sideline, with Benoit Youngblood at his hip, and the quarterback flexed his hand a bit - a rough start, sure, but there was plenty of football left to be played.

As gut-wrenching as that start was for the home crowd, this game only continued to defy all expectations. Between these two teams, they recorded four straight scoring drives - with Richardson's notorious defense surrendering a pair of passing touchdowns while their offense, the Governors were able to get the score to 17-14 when Isaiah Hunter hit Rylan Rodgers Jr from 17 yards out for the running back's second touchdown on the day. This Richardson offense, which had been unremarkable if occasionally flashy all season, was suddenly taking the load off a defense that was looking completely hapless after that first successful play against the Benolution, with Rylan Rodgers Jr as the catalyst - the uber-talented true freshman had taken off running with the starting job once he got his shot, and he's not turning back any time soon. By the end of a wild first half, he had recorded 81 rushing yards and another 21 receiving as the Governors held a 24-21 lead going into halftime.

And as Harrowitz said, it was getting the ball to start both halves that would be the story of this game - Rylan "The Butler" Rodgers Jr was already having a monster game. When they got the ball at the 23 for the first drive of the second half, he ran out of patience. After cutting his run outside the line and running down the sideline, he was encountered by fellow freshman Nicholas Hussain, many running backs would take the hit and accept getting knocked out of bounds for a first down. Not Rylan.

"I feel like a lot of guys assume they're gonna get tackled," Rylan explained after the game, "I've said it before, but that mentality costs them a lot of breakaway runs."

And he may be right - the runner turned upfield and smashed through Hussain just inches from the sideline, and it looked like he never broke his stride slamming through the cornerback. Rylan's strong, and has room to grow there, but even as young as he is - no one was gaining ground on him. Rylan made it clear he was the fastest player on the field with his third score of the day, and in a tribute to his other sport, swung the football like a bat once he crossed the plane, held a hand over his eyes to watch the imaginary home run go the distance, then flipped the ball towards the dejected Buffalo faithful.

Hey, if Richardson had to be heartbroken in their 12-1 season, then they were gonna make damn sure that Cold Hill suffered that pain, too. Now down 31-21, time was running out for Benoit Youngblood to get his team back into this game. The superstar quarterback, a true freshman, certainly made his effort, driving down and throwing a fourth touchdown pass, this one to big Nikolas Isaksen, who caught it in a battle over Takuechi Ichiko on what was the first touchdown the cornerback's allowed all season.

The Governors were at least keeping pace to make it a two-score win, and Isaiah Hunter continued to look surgical as he took care of the ball and kept the defense honest. He hit Martin Jagger on a second down slant though, and finally Cold Hill had a play go their way. Proko had seen it coming, and started running in from the opposite side of the field, and leveled Jagger just as the young wideout turned upfield, and the ball went flying. Chromatik junior Kenneth Bray jumped on it, and that would be the first Buffalo takeaway of the game.

Benoit Youngblood, just as he had with the opening play of the game, went deep with the sudden change situation - there was no conservative influence this offense, no patience - they wanted to put as many points on the board as fast as possible, and with Darin Sundström wide open over the middle, there was never any doubt where he was going. With no one around him, the Vanorian dashed upfield and juked out Karl Fortis on his way to the end zone to make it the first Buffalo lead of the day, now 35-31 for the home team as the crowd was suddenly back into it, with a veritable avalanche drowning the Tundra in its sound.

Now midway through the fourth quarter, an offense that had been playing better than they had all season was suddenly stuck in the mud. After Derek Pierce and Eden Park blew up back-to-back runs for a total of one yard on Richardson's next drive, Kenneth Bray came flying in off the edge and leapt onto Isaiah Hunter's back. The quarterback tried to shrug him off, but before he went down the junior Chromatik reached in and tore the ball out, leading to a frenzy of a pile from both teams.

Fortunately for Richardson, veteran Horace Billing, who'd been the team's starting running back for most of the season, recovered the fumble. It still resulted in a long field goal, but Kasen Harrowitz's frustration was shown as Benoit Youngblood, coached by an incredibly offensive mind in Chris Dale, continued to dice up his defense. The Richardson head coach whipped his headset down the sideline when Kasozi Batte caught a quick spot pass at the 2 and simply backed his way into the end zone, reaching back over his head to make it a 42-34 ballgame with just six minutes left to play. Youngblood embraced his favorite target as the Banijan sensation's rejoicing matched the excitement of the fans all around them - for such a horrible start, they had fought their way back and found a way to win. An 8 point ballgame at this stage, with a team that was matching Richardson's small, fast defensive back 7 with a trio of big, physical receivers?

Well, they may as well have started gameplanning for Staramara Tech, who'd won earlier in the day.

In such desperate straits, the Governors went back to the air, with Constantina Perrier really being their only viable threat here - TE Dustin van Halfensen was being covered primarily by Proko. But fortunately, she delivered. The Chromatik senior recorded 3 catches for 41 yards on the 75 yard drive to make it her first touchdown of the game, but when her squad failed to convert on the 2 point try, the Buffalo faithful's energy never relented.

Chris Dale had no intentions of slowing down his attack however, and dialed up the deep ball. After back-to-back 20+ yard completions, Takuechi Ichiko finally got his payback for the first touchdown thrown on him this season - he stepped in front of Nikolas Isaksen on a deep post to make it Benoit Youngblood's second interception on the day, and returned the ball to the 37 before he was brought down.

Now, Rylan Rodgers Jr had been having a monster game to this point - the budding star already had 210 total yards to his name, and three touchdowns. So Kasen Harrowitz decided to ride the hot hand, and Rodgers paid him back. On a straight dive, he blasted through the line and shrugged off Eden Park's attempt at an arm tackle, and ran through a diving attempt by Derek Pierce as he ran for another long touchdown to make it four on the day for a guy who's showing that Richardson's future is bright at the position - Rylan's fourth touchdown of the game made it 46-42 Governors...even if Proko blocking the extra point dampened their spirits just a bit.

Once again, the Tundra was silent. In a matter of minutes, they'd seen salvation at the hands of their superstars, and damnation by some freshman who hadn't even been listed as a five-star recruit coming out of high school.

And this, this is what they wanted. Everyone. Sure, a defense that had allowed 114 points in their first fourteen contests had absolutely collapsed, but these were the units both teams would have said they wanted on the field to go win the game. Cold Hill their offense and Richardson their defense. A potential MOP quarterback against a defense only surpassed in recent history by the NSCF 22 Firehawks.

Of course it was tense - Benoit hit a pair of big passes to get to midfield as time became scarce, but it wasn't to be. With forty seconds left in the game, he stepped back and dropped the ball off to Alexander Østby, who'd had an incredibly productive season, on a screen. But before he could quite secure the catch, Totte Lindberg was there, putting his helmet through the ball and blasting it back...right in the running path of Kasper Ulvestad, who'd flown upfield after being let through on the screen.

No whistles to signal incomplete, no stopping - the senior Ulvestad ran the ball back in a dagger of a defensive touchdown to put this thing away with under fifteen seconds remaining, 53-42.

Benoit Youngblood and Chris Dale both argued with the officials passionately, and the play was shown repeatedly on Cold Hill's big board as it was being reviewed. The argument was whether or not Alexander Østby had secured the catch, but as a result of a sidestep after reeling in the ball and prior to his attempt to tuck the ball, the ruling on the field was not confirmed, but signaled to stand regardless.

Once it was final, the ever-stoic Kasen Harrowitz fell to his knees in relief...just before the Richardson team dumped the contents of their coolers on the second-year head coach, their sideline going absolutely ballistic as they dragged down their biggest rival outside of Loyola-Istria.

It hadn't been the best regular season. They'd been swept by Cold Hill, after all, leading to many skeptics claiming that Harrowitz or Steinheil, it made no difference - these Governors are the same as ever.

But as it is, they took back the Rebel's Cannon from the Blue Thunder, they got revenge against Cold Hill here in the most painful of ways, in the Tundra, a second semifinal loss in three seasons for a 12+ win Buffalo team. And they'd be traveling to Ranoria's motherland, Quebec and Shingoryeo, to dance with Staramara Tech in Stade St. Croix. True freshman quarterback, second year head coach, and injuries to some key starters, and here they are on the precipice of their first ever NSCF title.

One more final effort is all that's required - and with two gritty, tough teams, expect nothing but hard-nosed football for sixty minutes. This will be a battle of wills, of two teams who pride themselves on their physicality. Whether it'll be the Governors or the Lava coming out on top, well, that's anyone's guess.

by **Chromatika** » Sun Oct 23, 2022 8:49 pm

Staramara Tech vs. Richardson Preview: Five Lava Players to Watch as Staramara Tech Guns for First Title

Since losing to the Felswyr State Firehawks in the last game of conference play (but still winning the title) and then winning the Conference Championship handedly, the Lava had a blowout defeat at Université St. Croix that put the program in jeopardy when Haruno Masakazu had to leave with an injury. However, that was followed with wins over Northern Moravica University and Ratzupalfu University of Nature, followed by a narrow win at home over the University of Loyola-Istria and Anne-Maurice Vivayavich. The Lava then went to Baker Park and shut out their hosts 15-0 in the Quarterfinals, before facing Green City University, a team that had just defeated the Firehawks. By controlling the time of possession (39:10 to 20:50), kicking four Field Goals (James Dior hasn't missed a kick all year), running the ball well (Isaha Duhaga had 149 yards and a score while Gabriele Ziegler caught eight passes for seventy-three yards and a score), and not letting a touchdown through till the closing moments, the Lava made it to the first title game in program history, something that nobody had expected from them this early. Always the younger brother to Felswyr State, they've really come together even after Masakazu's injury, and this battle at Joongyeong, Quebec will have a chance to cement the legacies of five key players. Let us take a look at them.

5. WR Layna Cinder is the best surehanded receiver on this team, which is to say that she is the best at running routes and holding onto the ball through contact when the ball isn't just dumped off on screens or jet sweeps. The life of a Wide Receiver on the Lava is not glamorous - often times, you're just setting edge or taking little screen passes, unless the team falls behind. She's led the team with 71 catches for 491 yards and 5 touchdowns this season, adding 291 yards on the ground - but she plays a key part of the team in being the only receiver out there in sets where they use multiple tight ends or backs. A master of motion, Cinder could be a wide receiver that won a title on a team whose leading receiver (that isn't a running back) has less than five hundred yards through seventeen games.

4. RB Gabriele Ziegler added a wrinkle to the Lava offense as soon as she joined the roster. More of a receiving back that can go through the line as long as there is speed, the Junior has become the best option in the passing game for the Lava, with 1,103 yards and 12 touchdowns. With Ziegler to one side and Duhaga on the other, the Lava can really disguise what they are going to do with the ball, and the fact that Ziegler runs the ball enough (and Duhaga catches the ball enough) to confuse the defense makes it so that with all the motion and the tight ends doing what they do, it is impossible to gauge what the Lava are aiming for. This is her third year, and now that the pundits are seeing just how much she's freed up the offense of Staramara Tech University, they are no longer questioning the Chromatik university's decision to recruit her. In a way, Teisha Wagoner proved her own offensive genius by getting Ziegler.

3. MLB Lucius Agot is a bona fide hero already, despite it just being his second year for the Lava. After the departure of one Jere Rinaldi, the Lava had a huge whole to fill, and they grabbed Agot, an absolute tank of a man that is known as an elite tackler that can shed through all sorts of blocks. With a defense that prioritizes stopping the run, he's been the fulcrum in the middle of it all, averaging in double digits in tackles throughout the whole season, and being the one to stop fellow countryman Kadesh Odika in the fateful play that could've changed the Division Champion. It remains to be seen if he is a big game player - this upcoming game will solidify that - but he is an absolute stud and will be the key piece for the defense going forward. Imagine just how much winning a title could develop him even further.

2. CB Mastaya Vorpen was unheralded coming into this season despite being a senior. Although eight inches shorter than his opposite counterpart in Anira Hoss, Vorpen has made up for it with his ability to stay with the receiver, distort his body into ridiculous angles, and lay out for the ball. In the playoff stretch, he's conceded only four catches for sixty-four yards and no touchdowns, while snagging three interceptions. In a defense like the Lava's, you often get no safety help and have to be on the island; if he can be the eraser against Richardson and Constantina Perrier? Vorpen's stock will only go up higher, and he may start challenging the likes of Victoria Mio and Paul Mattieu in the Iron Legion to start alongside one Nikolai Dimitrov. Who knew that Staramara Tech could churn out cornerbacks?

1. QB Liana Anderson lost the starting job, fair and square, to Hasanu Masakazu last season. This season, she was just supposed to wait on the bench and only play garbage minutes. Then, the St. Croix game came, and Masakazu was knocked out for the rest of the year. She came in, the hybrid passer/rusher that she is, and has absolutely taken over. Sure, most of the time, all she has to do is dump the ball off to Ziegler or hand it off to Duhaga, but Anderson has been great on designed runs and run-pass-option plays as well, showing her knowledge of the playbook. If she wins this championship game, does she get to start next season? What if she doesn't? Just how much of this success does the Lava decide is on the player and not the system? What becomes of Masakazu? It's a delicious question to ponder, one that can only be made harder if she has a say in how this contest against Richardson ends.

Five Things Staramara Tech Must Do to Beat Richardson

1. Make Isaiah Hunter beat you. Not that the Freshman Chromatik Quarterback is a bad Quarterback - he just outdueled Benoit Youngblood, for goodness' sake. No, it's just that if you limit Richardson's attack to be just one dimension - Horace Billing and Rylan Rodgers Jr., aren't the best of backs, but they'll suffice - you can let the safeties help Vorpen and Hoss in the passing game, allow the line and Agot to go at Hunter, and see if the Freshman can handle being put under so much scrutiny in a Championship game. With Vorpen blanketing Perrier the whole game (which will be a fantastic matchup, by the way), Hunter will have to find other targets, and though Dustin van Halfensen will be a handful for Rona Candice or whomever gets placed on him, it'll be better than if Richardson has their whole playbook open.

2. Be creative with Liara Anderson. The best part of Richardson is their defense - there is a reason they're bringing forth memories of the legendary Felswyr State University defense from NSCF 22. You can't throw at them - Takeuchi Ichiko has really developed, Totte Lindberg and Anton Acker are both solid contributors, and Connor Hartford and Shean Eckert will love chasing you all game long - and the interior defense of Malchiel Lukwiya, Kaaspar Ulvestad, and Morian Jackson eat up running backs for breakfast. Anderson will need to both be smart with when she utilizes her backs of Gabriele Ziegler and Isaha Duhaga while also utilizing her own legs or throwing to Cinder/Callheart. It may be useful to use Min-Gu Byuk at times for his speed, while Jacoby Grininer can also be counted on to tear down the field on a sneak go route as needed. There is no scoring on Richardson using base plays - if the Lava do that, they'll win outright. No, they'll likely need to be a bit more creative than that while making sure to not turn the ball over.

3. Don't fall behind early. The Lava are not a team built to come back from large deficits. Sure, their backs can score long touchdowns, but this is a team that is built to control the time of possession and play ugly, ground-and-pound football. Richardson has shown that it can outscore anybody - just see what they did against Cold Hill - and it will be of the utmost importance that Staramara Tech don't fall into a huge hole early. Thankfully, the Lava defense has conceded twenty-seven points in three games this postseason - and seventeen of those came against Anne-Maurice Vivayavich and the high-powered Blue Thunder offense. If it's an ugly, defensive matchup that Richardson wants, it's an ugly, defensive game that they'll have.

4. Be smart with the ball. Kasen Harrowitz is, first and foremost, a defensive minded genius that preaches going for the ball at all times when the risk is good enough to take. The players learn what is good risk and what is bad risk, but they become innate ball hawks. There will come times in this game where the Lava players will have to choose between earning more yards and protecting the ball. They must protect the ball and trust that their defense will hold, or this game will be over in a heartbeat. The Governors do not relent, they do not back down, and they love to rub their opponents to the ground and pound them into dust. There will be no mercy, and it'll be up to the Lava to show up and prove that they know how to handle that level of intensity when it comes to ball security. If the Lava win or tie the turnover differential battle, they will have a great shot at winning the title.

5. Embrace the moment. Felswyr State fell short in their first trip to the title game - they fell to the other side of the Ranorian duopoly, Cold Hill. Now, Staramara Tech have the unique opportunity to win the title in their first trip to the title game, in their second playoffs run, the first in which they won a game at all. This is a team that has shown that it has tremendous grit and personality, overcoming adversity and injury to continue to overperform their expectations. All of Chromatika and most of the NSCF view Felswyr State as an elite program, and for good reason - they've made the Semifinals in four of the six years that they've existed, made it to three finals, and won it twice. This is a golden opportunity for the Lava to put themselves on the map and to make it clear that Chromatika, too, has two elite programs that they have to keep an eye on in the future. It's all there for them to take - they just have to prove that they are worth it.

by **NSCF** » Sun Oct 23, 2022 8:55 pm

The Final Cutoff

The Time Is Now. For the last time this season.

Congratulations and Commiserations. I would like to thank everybody for making this an excellent season. See you again...very soon!

NSCF 27 - Everything Thread

NSFB-CF: Final Stand/Opponent Known

NSFB-CF: One Down, One To Go

NSFB-CF: End Of An Era In The AU

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