NSCF 28 - Everything Thread

[Banija]

Horizon Conference

Conference Championship Game

We're playing for the Horizon! Hoist The Colors!

Horizon Conference Championship Game
Location: Istria Olympic Stadium(cap. 80,000) in Istria, Moravica, Banija

Elanardris Shadow Walkers (NAG) 13–29 Felswyr State University Firehawks (CMT)

Felswyr State are the NSCF 28 Horizon Conference champions, and earn the conference's automatic berth to the NCSF 28 Playoffs.

Congratulations to FSU(Chrom), and comiserations to Elanardris(Nagarythe). Best of luck in OOC play!

[PotatoFarmers]

Sporting Daily
OptaPoaf Analysis: OSPI is about which conference has away kings

Here's a thing about the OSPI - away results is king. Any away result is basically a boost for your team's OSPI, no matter who the opponent is, and how they have been doing thus far.

Predicted OSPI (1)

Predicted OSPI (2)

The OSPI system was designed to with an emphasis on counting win rates of the team, as well as a mini-strength of schedule, calculated by taking into account Win Percentages. But here is one thing not many people have realised - that the weightage given to teams for their solid away performance is much more than a team with a solid home performance. That's inherent in the system - a home win has 0.6 points, and an away win gives 1.4 points. This also extends not only in terms of your own personal record - your opponents' away record would indirectly impact your OSPI reward as well. Case in point? Take a look at the two colleges from Space - The Academy of Space ended with a 2-8 record, 2 home wins in the bag an dnone away. Meanwhile, The Terrestrial Acclimation Academy - just one more win, with the third game an away win. The result? The former slid at the bottom at rank 43 with just 0.245 OSPI, while the latter went all the way up to 36th with a solid 0.329 OSPI. Another example would be Ceneisis Naval Academy from Zephyr - at 3-7, they went up to 30th place. While it was partially due to their opponents' win percentage, it also had to do with their away performance - they won 2 away, while Universidad Pública Reserva Cui-ui, who had all 3 of their home wins at home, fell to 39th place.

Just how much do away wins matter?

Just how much value this brings? We put University of Mancodas and Maximus Rochester Institute into the set-up with this trial. UoM is a solid 3rd place, with a 9-1 record, they surely have potential to gun an playoff spot. Meanwhile, Maximus Rochester Institute is at 6-4, not too shaby, but just a miserable 16th place. We paired UoM to similiar level teams - 2 home games against Richardson and Staramara Tech, and 1 away game at Felswyr State. In this simulation, we just simulated UoM to win just 1 game - against Richardson University, and lose the other 2. Meanwhile, we played MRI against the 3 worst performing teams - Mount Winston, Flosflores-Sea Catarina, and Eastern Ploska. All 3 are 0-10, but here is the thing, MRI is playing all 3 away. And when we simulated MRI wins, the result was stunning - UoM slipped to 8th place, possibly due to their win percentage dropping, but MRI shot up the ladder real quick - in spite of the OWP dropping to 0.332 (from 0.456), the WP went up to 0.785, and it was enough to bring the MRI team up to somewhere closer to the top. And we just had to tilt the opponents to slightly higher bars - when we gave MRI trips to Crown's, Constantinople, and Ironpeak Institute of Athletics, with 3 wins MRI easily overtook UoM. And those 3 teams are just 3-7, 4-6, and 2-8 respectively. This goes to show how much away records are recorded.

So what is a possible solution to this? To avoid a very radical change, we considered 3 main moves. The first was to reduce the weightage of away wins as compared to home wins. 0.6 vs 1.4 currently means you need more than 2 home wins to account for an away win - something that is not good for middle-of-the-tier level teams, because they don't win as frequently, and one away loss would badly affect himself. A good compromise we are suggesting is to change the ratio to a 0.75 for a home win, 1.25 for an away win. This means one home win is around 60% of an away win - as compared to the 30% of an away win in the current formula, wins in general are equally weighted. Of course there are some exceptions, but the ranking is generally more reliant in order of number of wins, followed by strength of opponents.

0.75 home win OSPI (1)

Predicted OSPI (2)

On the same line of thought, we also tabulated a format where home wins are 0.7 and away wins are 1.4. We leave it for reference, but the thought process is similar.

0.7 home win OSPI (1)

0.7 home win OSPI (2)

What we are more interested in is our second and third options. We tried to get rid of the home-away weightage differential in the WP and OWP respectively. In the first example, we got rid of the differential in the WP, but kept the differential in the OWP. That means your opponent's away record is important for you, but not for themselves, so to speak. This resulted in a very pure record - with WP being weighted twice as compared to OWP, teams are rewarded simply for winning, not by having an away record.

Pure WP OSPI (1)

Pure WP OSPI (2)

The other record will be to make OWP pure. This is honestly our preferred version - you still get rewarded for beating others away, but your opponents don't - its simply seeing how many wins your opponents had and basing off it.

Pure OWP OSPI (1)

Pure OWP OSPI (2)

Something about these two formulas is also another thing - you are taking away the weightage of an away win from the entire OSPI calculation. By the original formula, when you lose away, not only you not get the sweet WP, your opponents' OWP is less (as compared to when you won away). This is because your record is still part of their OSPI calculation in the form of the OWP. With these 2 variants, one part of the away weightage has been removed. The difference between these 2 variants is that removing from WP would be a fundemental change - the away wins don't matter as much anymore. Meanwhile, removing from OWP would still give some weight to away wins, but the Strength of Schedule is better reflected as you are only taking into account the number of wins your opponents had.

Just a disclaimer, we are in no way advocating for a change to this formula. We are using this to show how poor the current OSPI formula is, and as compared to various similar alternatives, we could reduce the chances of one college "gaming the system" by using away wins as a springboard. We could also explore alternative formulas, but those might be more technical in nature and for OSPI-supporters, those might be a radical change from the current system.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Celestia & Zephyr

Conference Championship Games

---

Northern Moravica University Cougars (BNJ) 29–26 Upper Westside University Red Pandas (STK)

University of Mancodas Mammoths (PFA) 34–33 Raynor University Rockets (VAL)

Congratulations and Commiserations.

[PotatoFarmers]

Mineral Conference

Conference Championship Game

Is it your turn to spread your wings and soar to greater heights?

Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana Zorrillos (NGS) 13–43 Green City University Royal Eagles (TJU)

Congratulations to the winner, and commiserations to the loser.

[Ranoria]

Joseph Smith Stadium
Minutes Before Big 8 Championship Kickoff

When you successfully bid to host the conference championship at home, you get a clear advantage. You get a packed-like-sardines-full stadium rocking your iconic stadium music, every one waiting with baited breath to witness history in the making. Your players soaking in the calm before the storm of what may be the biggest game of their lives.

"What the absolute hell are they playing?" Linebacker Derek Pierce laughed in the tunnel, his booming voice barely breaking through the perhaps overzealous worship, "Haven't heard this since mama dragged me by my ear to church this summer!"

Benoit, to his right, couldn't help but match his fellow captain's smile, "It's a bit of a classic, but I can't say I hate it." He flipped his helmet between his hands and let it rest atop his head, not quite pulling it down yet, and turned back to Kasozi Batte, "Hey big man! Ready to put on an air show that would make the air force blush?"

Batte's eyes were closed, soaking in the songs he'd spent so much time hearing in his youth, and now when he could make it to church. His lithe shoulders expanded as he breathed it in, and his eyes slowly, dramatically opened as he let the praise-filled air leave his lungs. "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end." Somehow, as low as his voice was, he spoke with such conviction that one couldn't help but heed him over the sound from just outside. "I will allow no such changing of the guard this night."

"Always the drama queen," Benoit grinned, "Ready boys!?"

Just Short Of Striking Gold:
Miners Push Buffalo To Their Limit, But Fail To Usurp Elusive Big 8 Throne
Well, elusive for any non-Ranorian team, that is


Youngblood finally letting his excitement shine after throwing a touchdown to win a second straight Big 8 championship, and a record 7th for the program

Coming into a stadium where you suffered one of your two career regular season losses would be a daunting prospect for most. But Benoit's blood - pun intended - runs ice cold. The quarterback looked loose and jovial in pregame warmups, with several members of this Cold Hill team looking soaking in Brigham Young's welcome if unorthodox stadium music prior to the game. Fans had to be just as ecstatic - getting a matchup between these two quarterbacks twice this season? It's made the last month of Cold Hill's regular season full of must watch games.

Last Night? A Big 8 championship on the line with two of the best quarterbacks in college football under center. Next week, the first meeting of NSCF champion Kadesh Odika and Youngblood as Cold Hill and Felswyr renew their rivalry. A trip to Sadeg State rounds up a road trip from hell in what promises to be another shootout. And then, of course, we get the Youngblood bowl. It'll be a homecoming for our superstar quarterback, as he looks to test his arm against the mind and mettle of his uncle, head coach Eden van Youngblood, who's already a renowned leader of that program in South Bend. With prospective first round pick Ernest Bello suiting up for the Fighting Irish, it'll be a must-watch game between two conference champions.

But before we look to far ahead to the future, remember that we just had an incredible slate of conference championship games. Blake Zuercher and Youngblood shook hands at the coin flip, and when the Miners won, their rising star at quarterback made it very clear - "We want the ball!" He shouted his challenge. That enthusiasm was tangible for most of the game. As viewers saw, he connected with his receivers for big play after big play early, and was just a step short of establishing an insurmountable lead at times.

Case in point - their opening play saw wideout Colter Flentroy motion out to the other side to get him away from cornerback Nicholas Hussain - senior Trey Jones took him in the slot, and that pre-snap move ended the prospects of getting a stop before the drive even started. Flentroy burst like a horse out the gate on the snap, leaving Jones in his dust and safety Aldon Jameson effectively one on one with him - a deep post saw the reeling safety fall to his feet, and Zuercher launched a bomb downfield on as wide-open a throw as you'll see in college football. It was a little behind - no use risking an overthrow - but Flentroy jogged into the end zone as a BYU crowd that had seen this story before went absolutely haywire.

Youngblood and crew tried to respond in kind, but a third down pressure caused an errant throw that resulted in a field goal - one that only narrowly passed inside the crossbars, with the Miners faithful clearly making their impact known with one of the loudest crowds we've seen all season.

Surprisingly, offense was hard to come by in that first half, but not impossible. Down 10-3, Benoit Youngblood shed a sack in the red zone and took off through the middle of the defense, barreling through safety David Ryan at the one to tie it up...or so he thought. The PAT went wide, and Zuercher still had three timeouts and ninety seconds to work with in the half.

The drive looked surgical, and Cold Hill's offense looked overmatched as they gave up big throw after big throw. Over the middle between the linebacker and safety, down the sideline on a toe-tap, it didn't matter. Whether it was divine intervention, destiny, or pure talent, Blake Zuercher had something behind him that wouldn't see anything less than a touchdown. Until third and goal form the eight, of course.

Sick of watching an inept pass rush, defensive coordinator Daniel Booker sent Derek Pierce on a blitz. He went right off big Harvey Klein's hip and Zuercher saw him just in time to cover the ball before he took a veritable battering ram to the chest.

Pierce stood up and roared his defiance to the blue-clad crowd in attendance, and they were silent as they waited to see if Blake would get up. It was the biggest hit he'd taken this season by some measure, but...of course he did.

The quarterback flashed a thumbs up much to the approval of his fans, adjusted his helmet, and then turned to the sideline to get the play...only to see the field goal unit coming out. He raised his arms to the side, then waved them off as the now-confused players looked between their star quarterback and their coach.

They made the right choice.

After the hit, on fourth and goal from the fifteen, Zuercher stepped up into the pocket and dialed up big tight end Johan Stabile, dropping the ball in his outstretched arms in the back of the end zone to take a nice 17-9 lead going into the half, celebrating with his teammates as they looked well on their way to securing a Big 8 championship in their first season.

The Buffalo offense, much like in their first game, was stuck in neutral, failing to produce the lofty totals it promised in almost every outing. Fortunately, you can only hold Youngblood down for so long.

When they got the ball at half, they again managed just a field goal, cutting the lead to five, but their defense once again just looked out of place on the ensuing drive - Blake Zuercher answered with a third-straight scoring drive, this time running the ball in for a wide-open touchdown off a bootleg to take a commanding 24-12 lead as he looked impeccable as the pilot of this offense.

Blake Zuercher scoring his third total touchdown of the game

"I've said it before and I'll say it again," Benoit Youngblood said at the postgame presser, "My measurables and tape are one thing, but I believe my father instilled in me my best traits as a player - I'm tough, and I live for the big moments."

Indeed, it seemed he could sense in the air that if his team didn't score, a second straight conference title could well slip away. When none of his elite wideouts could get open on the next play though, he took it into his own hands, scrambling and cutting towards the sideline. When linebacker Darren Caris nearly got to him, Youngblood showcased once again his so-under-utilized physicality, stiff arming the powder-blue clad defender into the dirt before another hit sent him stumbling - but still on his feet - out of bounds.

The crowd was still loud, but for once the Buffalo sideline was audible after the 23 yard gain. Benoit headbutted Kasozi Batte and clapped hands with Enox Silverman on his way back to the huddle. Seeing their quarterback make such a physical play had instilled some life in a dormant offense and sensing the momentum, Chris Dale dialed one up deep. Kasozi Batte had already reeled in a monster 12 touchdowns during the opening ten games, and they wanted another one here, the big receiver getting a step on his corner and catching the pass in stride. The defender caught up to him, but he shrugged off a desperate attempt at a tackle before succumbing to a the reinforcements at the five yard line - not because he went down, but because three men pulling at him from behind had him running in place until the play was whistled dead.

Close but no cigar - that was alright. The Buffalo came out in what almost looked like a goal line formation - except that it was their three wideouts lining up at tight end. Hell, maybe it could've been one with how big Enox Silverman and Kasozi Batte are at wideout - but that's not their style.

Benoit kicked a leg back, and Enox Silverman motioned out wide, leaving him one-on-one with 6'2" David Bryan, as the rest of the defense was necessary to defend the run. Silverman is 6'7". Need we say any more?

The Chromatik freshman scored without too much hassle, pulling the margin back to one score, 24-19, and had only a modest smile to offer as his teammates raucously celebrated around him.

As the clock ticked down and tensions mounted in the fourth quarter, Youngblood looked on track to complete the comeback. only for disaster to strike. Sensing pressure, he pulled the trigger just a hair too soon, and Silverman hadn't quite gotten out of his break yet. In a streak of blue crossing the field, Ryan got his revenge with a red zone interception, with the elation of the crowd drowning out any of the Buffalo players' dismay. With just six minutes left, it looked as if they could milk the clock and ride this one out to a conference championship in their first season.

They converted a first down. Then another. That burned through Cold Hill's timeouts. Again. And another. Finally, the Buffalo made a stand. Derek Pierce knifed his way through the opposition to secure a second down tackle for loss and force a third and long - Zuercher was going to have to throw. Not that that'd been a problem - the gunslinger was averaging almost ten yards per pass attempt on the day.

He took the snap, rolled out when Kenneth Bray won his pass rush, pulled back, and fired - only Bray just caught up to him in time, getting a hand on the ball and knocking it loose, where Derek Pierce was ready to dive on it.

Pierce again went nuts, squeezing the ball in his hands and shouting after earning his offense one last chance to retain their throne. But play was stopped - had Zuercher's hand been moving forward prior to the hit? The ball had gone forward, after all.

With just a minute and a half left, a solid punt could pin the Buffalo inside the fifteen and force Youngblood to play hero ball to win the game with no timeouts.

Ultimately, while it looked as if it may have been coming forward just a bit, the referees didn't have the evidence to overturn the call on the field, and the Miners took it in stride, regardless, they still had a game to win.

This time it was Youngblood's turn. This time we were getting the explosive matchup we'd wanted out of these two quarterbacks, even if the point totals weren't quite what we projected.

The first strike came to Darin Sundström, the Vanorian veteran getting wide open over the middle when he found a hole in the coverage and running wild for a 37 yard gain. The clock stopped for a bit - they were only going for first downs - and snap. Quick out, again to Sundström, eleven yards, another first down, and time to get into another play as they were sniffing in the red zone.

With just over a minute left now, Enox Silverman's size made him almost impossible to defend on a slant over the middle, but he couldn't quite get the first down after boxing out defenders. They hurried up and - with off coverage - gunned a quick hitch to Kasozi Batte, who pulled the ball into his chest and backed his way past the sticks and out of bounds in what was probably the least electrifying, but one of the most important, catches he's ever made.

It was smart to use off coverage against Batte - he had developed a tendency to bully cornerbacks when they pressed him. When Cold Hill came back out, it was very apparent, very quickly, that they knew what they were going to do. Because BYU had made a mistake of adjusting based on that hitch - Batte was pressed.

Youngblood called out to his receiver and flashed a sideways four sign at him before the snap. His big wideout replied with a nod. A Cold Hill legend took the snap, and it was almost comical to watch Batte catch the corner's press attempt and toss him literally out of bounds before charging upfield with a full head of steam. Youngblood wasted no time, putting the pass on a rope to thread the needle, and Batte didn't even break stride when the safety barreled into him to try and knock it out, leaving him in the grass while he went untouched the rest of the way into the end zone.

For the first time that night, Joseph Smith Stadium's attendees let out a collective groan - flags flew when Kasozi Batte spiked the ball in his fervor, but fortunately it didn't affect the outcome of the PAT. Their offense celebrated wildly - the game wasn't over at 26-24, with thirty seconds to play, but it was close.

The Miners had all their timeouts, the best quarterback in program history, and thirty seconds. What could go wrong?

Derek Pierce added one thing to the list - he made his fourth splash play of the day, sacking Zuercher for a second time to force a second and forever and a timeout. Nicholas Hussain came up big on the next play, nearly intercepting a pass intended for Colton Flentroy as he'd lurked at the first down mark, but Flentroy knocked the ball out to save their fast-fading hopes.

Zuercher took all the time on the playclock to collect himself - sixteen seconds now to etch himself into NSCF lore.

He took the snap just in time, but looked smooth in his drop back. Scanning the field, he stepped up in the pocket and shrugged off Kenneth Bray's arm, then found his target and launched.

This wasn't a floater- he was going straight for the red zone to give his team a chance at a field goal with that throw. Unfortunately for him, Nicholas Hussain was the better athlete - he'd been overtop Flentroy at first, but with so much time, he managed to stop on a dime and then dive - if he'd have missed, or his timing had been off by any margin of a second, the ball would've floated over him, into Flentroy's hands, and gone for six. But the South Newlandian didn't do any of that - no, he planned it out perfectly. The ball did bounce off what are apparently bricks for hands at first, but he scrambled in his fall and managed to scoop it up before it hit the ground with just seconds remaining to end the game.

Zuercher fell to a knee, head in his hands, and head coach Chris Dale had to hold his rampant team back from celebrating just a bit too soon. After some conversation with Benoit Youngblood, Dale sent freshman Viktor Rowles out to take the snap in victory formation, give the kid just a taste of what he was in for as the team's future starter, and that would do it.

"That kid can ball," Chris Dale said of Zuercher after the game, "We made adjustments on defense based on our first matchup, but we really weren't able to put the breaks on him until the fourth quarter of this one. Special talent - but we've got one of those two."

The Buffalo team embraced in a mad huddle after a game that went down to the wire, and things will get no easier for them as they're off to the Firehawks' Roost next week to take on the Horizon Champion Firehawks and their embattled star quarterback Kadesh Odika. But hell, for now, let the boys have their fun - they're the class of the Big 8, and save a blip on the radar in NSCF 26, they have been for a long time now.

[Schima Bas]

Fans of Crown’s College, Crimson Royal kidnap rival’s coaches, engaged in heated negotiations as on-the-field play suffers

Where have we been?

Schima Bas has been in the midst of a sports-related turmoil for the last few months, as fans of the two preeminent college football programs in the country are embroiled in a vicious conflict. It started when Kai Hillis of Ranoria arrived by plane in Ourelasia International Airport, months before the start of the NSCF 28 season. While waiting for his luggage, the newly-appointed football coach of Crimson Royal University was grabbed by three figures dressed in black, and rushed into an unmarked vehicle waiting outside.

“Ah, the old ‘Getting-my-luggage-and-then-I’m-thrown-into-a-van-by-masked-figures.’ Or as I call it: A Schima Bas Wednesday,” said an Ourelasia resident familiar with the act.

His whereabouts were unknown for two months, and the Mink had to play their Spring game before their head coach even stepped foot on campus. Players lined up on the wrong sides, and fans say that the game was defined by confusion,

“If I kidnapp the coach, it’s a hell of a lot harder for them to win games. You see my logic here?” asked a masked Crown’s College fan. “What I didn’t consider is that they can do exactly the same thing.”

The lack of a police force has left authorities powerless to intervene with the two passionate football armies, who are armed and furious.

“We don’t even know who’s lining up next to us,” said Crown’s College DE Mauricio Oreano. “There’s a whole ton of freshmen that I haven’t met. I’m not even sure if they’re playing this year. There’s no lists, no place where people can go to see who’s playing for the Royal Bears this year. It’s pretty demoralizing to play in an environment like that.”

While both coaches have not made public comments since their kidnappings, their (relative) safety has been verified by third party reporters.

“Both were in good spirits, and even though they had to endure some humiliating ‘challenges’ set up by their rivals, including forcing Will Roger Rutgers to write 23-16 a thousand times,” said sports reporter Aiya Martisi. The numbers were a reference to the Royal Bear’s crushing defeat to the Mink last season that forced them out of the Woodlands title game.

Pictures of Kai Hillis emerged showing him reluctantly hugging a crowned bear, with the words “Crimson Royal Sux” written on his head, and looking like he was quite unhappy to be in Schima Bas.

“Classic foreigner mistake,” chastised 80-year old Murat Abea. “When you arrive in Schima Bas, the first thing you do is hire a private security team. Otherwise you’ll be paying for a hearse and plot before you know it.”

Fans of both teams were energized when the kidnappings happened, delighting in the misfortune of their rivals but have grown tired of the chaos.

“It was fun at first, but now I’m just missing the quality of football we had,” said a Crown’s College fan who asked to be kept anonymous. “The timing’s off, we get fouls almost every play. It’s awful. I hope it ends soon.”

[TJUN-ia]

In Week 11, there was only 1 game we could follow. 1 Game out of 6 that we must focus our attention on - the neutral-site Mineral Conference Championship Game. The Champions of the Boreal Division would face the Champion of the Heartland Division in a 1v1 for the ultimate prize - a Conference title, which would grant you automatic passage into the NSCF Playoffs. The main theme would be black, as both teams shared that colour, but they would not see eye to eye once the game got underway. It would be Los Zorrillos de la Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana vs the Green City Royal Eagles, a contest that went Boca Rana's way in the regular season but that was over in Gran Saguaro and not on neutral turf. There was probably a sense of belief by Bernardo Bojorquez that if they can beat GCU once, they can do it again, and everyone knew that the fate of this game may rest in the hands of QB César Del Rey. But Paul Abdullahi would say otherwise. He wanted revenge for that lost game a MinCon title to cherish, putting his hopes all behind a Freshwoman that has begun to strike fear into the hearts of many...known simply as Alisha Obi Michel.

You could feel the thunderous rapture of the crowd as a natural site game meant both GCU and UPAM-Boca Rana would bring their faithful...and they brought the fucking thunder all game. You could certainly feel the magic in the air and when the game got underway, stars had to be born. Boca Rana managed to score 13 points in this Title game, with Del Rey finding Jario Gallegos and Santiago Correa for the scores, with Ez García kicking 1/2 PATs and missing 0/2 FG attempts. The real thing that highlighted which way this game was going would come when Del Rey was picked off in back-to-back Q2 drives, with both Faith Okobi and Kimbelly Chang-Tak Hue running it back for the pick-6s that would spell the end for Los Zorrillos. AOM did the rest of the damage with 4 TDs, 2 each for Harrison Jeffers and Stella Oshoala, with Batsogile Lovederia catching a 2PC and Glory Oparanozie making 5/5 PATs. Los Zorrillos deserved to be here and they certainly deserve a shot at the playoffs if the OOC is favourable to them...but in the end, TJUN-ia got the MInCon back. The Green City Royal Eagles, Jami'a Garin Kore Mikiya Na Sarki, are the Mineral Conference Champions...and damn, it felt so good.

Now, let's see what the OCC lottery tells for both GCU and TSU. Trent State will start their OOC slate back in the Horseshoe as they take on the 5-5 Elephant Valley Red Elephants in what should be considered a bit of a rivalry game at this point (maybe competing for the Nature Bowl or something?). GCU, on the other hand, faces another Celestia team on the road as they will have to deal with the Sequoia Division Champions in the Upper Westside Red Pandas @UWU Stadium. 6-4 vs 5-5 and 9-2 vs 9-2. Will the Feathercaps tame the Red Elephants or will they get stomped? Will GCU be saying UwU or UmU when all is said and done? Only time will tell...but you can never be certain what this stage of the season will say.

---

TSU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs UCBP (CBP) W 39-36 (1-0)
Week 2: vs Mount Winston (GEM) W 27-7 (2-0)
Week 3: @Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VII L 16-34 (2-1)
Week 4: vs UAlexandropolis (NGS) W 32-7 (3-1)
Week 5: vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) - Homecoming W 17-3 (4-1)
Week 6: @UConstantinople (NGS) W 37-19 (5-1)
Week 7: @UPR Cui-ui (SGU) L 24-41 (5-2)
---------------------Heartland Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @UCBP (CBP) L 17-23 (5-3)
Week 9: @Mount Winston (GEM) W 44-3 (6-3)
Week 10: vs Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VIII L 13-19 (6-4/+74PD)
Week 11: BYE
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: vs Elephant Valley (SNL/5-5/3rd in Savannah/5th in Celestia)
Week 13: @Thereisnogodistan CC (NGD/1-9/4th in Legends/7th in Zephyr)
Week 14: vs Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA,/6-4/2nd in Legends/4th in Zephyr) - Senior Day

GCU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: @Mount Winston (GEM) W 50-6 (1-0)
Week 2: @UCBP (CBP) W 43-22 (2-0)
Week 3: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VII W 34-16 (3-0)
Week 4: vs UConstantinople (NGS) W 41-24 (4-0)
Week 5: vs UPR Cui-ui (SGU) W 34-14 (5-0)
Week 6: @UAlexandropolis (NGS) L 34-19 (5-1)
Week 7: @UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) L 30-7 (5-2)
--------------------Heartland Division Rematches--------------------
Week 8: vs Mount Winston (GEM) - Homecoming W 53-3 (6-2)
Week 9: vs UCBP (CBP) W 37-9 (7-2)
Week 10: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VIII W 19-13 (8-2)
Week 11: Mineral Championship Game vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) W 43-13 (9-2/Mineral Champions)
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: @Upper Westside (STK/9-2/1st in Sequoia/Celetria Runner-up)
Week 13: @Bowerstone (ATH/5-5/3rd in Celestial/5th in Zephyr)
Week 14: vs Felswyr State (CMT/9-2/1st in Starlight/Horizon Champions) - Senior Day

[Chromatika]

Preview, Part 1
Preview, Part 2
Matchdays 1-3
Matchdays 4-5
Matchdays 6-8
Matchdays 9-10, Part 1
Matchdays 9-10, Part 2
Matchdays 9-10, Part 3
Conference Championships

Chromatik High School Gridiron Season 11 - District Championships

Season 1 Champions: Central Heights High School (MVP: QB Harold Jieter)
Season 2 Champions: East Omnio High School (MVP: WR Alessandro Mio)
Season 3 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: QB Sarai Gwenderyn)
Season 4 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: QB Sarai Gwenderyn)
Season 5 Champions: Flames of the Revolution High School (MVP: RB Nyata Antonucci)
Season 6 Champions: Staramara Tech High School (MVP: Edge Nicole Manstrom)
Season 7 Champions: Franscesca Larriet-Cortes High School (MVP: QB Liara Anderson)
Season 8 Champions: Vitoron School of Charge (MVP: QB Anne-Maurice Vivayavich)
Season 9 Champions: Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White (MVP: QB Nicole Estera)
Season 10 Champions: Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White (MVP: CB Lisa Bonsoon)

Rainbow District Championship Game

Rainbow Central High School Cavaliers vs. North Sanar High School Riflemen @ Hawks' Nest, Lanar, Rainbow District

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Rainbow Central High School                 3   3   0   0    6
North Sanar High School                     0   7   6   7   20

1Q
09:33 RCHS FG - Perry Karl 39 yard Field Goal

2Q
11:49 RCHS FG - Perry Karl 42 yard Field Goal
05:21 NSHS TD - Skyler Jazmin 2 yard run (Lilai Xai Kick)

3Q
11:29 NSHS FG - Lilai Xai 43 yard Field Goal
02:19 NSHS FG - Lilai Xai 40 yard Field Goal

4Q
05:01 NSHS TD - Larry Pinmichael 41 yard interception return (Lilai Xai Kick)

MVP: North Sanar High School Junior Cornerback Larry Pinmichael (4 tackles, 2 passes defensed, 1 interception, 1 defensive touchdown)

Summary: In a game featuring two teams that were not expected to be here, the Cavaliers couldn't convert on their chances at touchdowns in the first twenty minutes. Then, the Riflemen took over - Skyler Jazmin finding Ned Pill, Kala Ryokin plugging up the middle, and Larry Pinmichael showing why he's one of the brightest prospects from the cornerback spot.

"He's the complete package," one scout said of Pinmichael, "He has both the aggression and the range, as well as the cerebral aspect of the game, too." Yes, Jazmin has taken a major step this season, but it's because of Pinmichael that this team has a shot to make a run these playoffs.

Mountain District Championship Game

Mt. Niar High School Anacondas vs. Umbar Hills High School Grizzlies @ The Frozen Stadium, Felswyr, Mountain District

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Mt. Niar High School                        7  10  14   3   34
Umbar Hills high School                     7   7   0   7   21

1Q
08:09 MNHS TD - Earl Silverman 81 yard pass from Dante Flowers (Kang Yun-Hee Kick)
03:39 UHHS TD - Hal Darst 38 yard pass from Ewan Pyrehamix (Ka Killik Kick)

2Q
12:37 UHHS TD - Ewan Pyrehamix 3 yard run (Ka Killik Kick)
06:01 MNHS FG - Kang Yun-Hee 52 yard Field Goal
00:11 MNHS TD - Prince Killart 3 yard run (Kang Yun-Hee kick)

3Q
11:48 MNHS TD - Prince Killart 14 yard pass from Dante Flowers (Kang Yun-Hee Kick)
05:01 MNHS TD - Prince Killart 68 yard run (Kang Yun-Hee Kick)

4Q
08:58 MNHS FG - Kang Yun-Hee 38 yard Field Goal
02:03 UHHS TD - Hal Darst 3 yard pass from Ewan Pyrehamix (Ka Killik Kick)

MVP: Mt. Niar High School Sophomore Running Back Prince Killart (21 carries, 197 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 3 catches, 41 yards, 1 receving touchdown)

Summary: Wasn't this supposed to be a down year after Viktor Rowels's graduation? Mt. Niar didn't get the memo. Dante Flowers, the Ranorian prospect, has been killing it - and this game, Prince Killart showed everyone what he can do. Often carrying four tacklers for lots of additional yards. It seems that the rumors of the Anacondas' death have been greatly exaggerated, and they, once again, have one of the eight best schools in the country.

Wouldn't it be so ironic if this is the team that wins it all, when Viktor Rowles could not? No shame to the Grizzlies, who also have a bright future in Pyrehamix and Darst, though Hak will be calling it a great high school career after this game.

Heartland District Championship Game

West Shantarr High School Scorpions vs. Cheonju Korean Institute Red Devils @ Riders' Arena, Pùr, Heartland District

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
West Shantarr High School                   9  14   6  14   43 
Cheonju Korean Institute                   10   7   6   7   30

1Q
13:11 WSHS TD - Jeremy Willard 3 yard run (missed extra point)
10:01 CKI FG - Hwang Ji-Beom 48 yard Field goal
08:05 WSHS FG - Theodore Skylar 44 yard Field Goal
04:17 CKI TD - Kim Jung-Beom 88 yard pass from San Coreen (Hwang Ji-Beom Kick)

2Q
12:49 CKI TD - Reile Dostov 32 yard pass from San Coreen (Hwang Ji-Beom Kick)
08:01 WSHS TD - Jeremy Willard 3 yard run (Theodore Skylar Kick)
01:00 WSHS TD - Draven Killjoy 32 yard pass from Francine Weiler (Theodore Skylar Kick)

3Q
13:21 WSHS TD - Francine Weiler 1 yard run (PAT blocked)
09:59 CKI TD - San Coreen 31 yard run (2pt attempt failed)

4Q
14:01 WSHS TD - Jeremy Willard 14 yard run (Theodore Skylar Kick)
08:52 WSHS TD - Draven Killjoy 47 yard pass from Francine Weiler (Theodore Skylar Kick)
01:18 CKI TD - Reile Dostov 7 yard pass from San Coreen (Hwang Ji-Beom Kick)

MVP: Cheonju Korean Institute Senior Quarterback San Coreen (21-of-29, 318 yards, 3 touchdowns)

Summary: This was supposed to be the year that San Coreen made it big. He finally won the Conference, but the Scorpions proved to be too much. With Draven Killjoy and Jeremy Willard popping off, Francine Weiler didn't need to do too much. Coreen himself had a great game with three touchdowns - good for the MVP - but the Red Devils couldn't keep up.

Weiler. Jroely. Killjoy. Willard. Can the Scorpions handle the bright lights?

Coastal District Championship Game

East Rhoni High School Kayaks vs. J. H. Yadasky High School Heroes @ The Cove, Lhor, Coastal District

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
East Rhoni High School                     14  10   3  10   37
J. H. Yadasky High School                  14  14   3  14   45

1Q
10:33 ERHS TD - Park Min-Seol 33 yard run (Ryka Hal Kick)
07:39 JHYHS TD - Isaiah Candy 27 yard run (Nix Drell Kick)
04:01 ERHS TD - Peter Langloif 49 yard pass from Evan Jerome (Ryka Hal Kick)
00:08 JHYHS TD - Isaiah Candy 8 yard pass from Cade Stases (Nix Drell Kick)

2Q
13:01 JHYHS TD - Heinrik Dessler 38 yard fumble return (Nix Drell Kick)
10:29 ERHS TD - Evan Jerome 3 yard run (Ryka Hal Kick)
07:11 ERHS FG - Ryka Hal 37 yard Field Goal
02:03 JHYHS TD - Dustin Perreault 27 yard pass from Cade Stases (Nix Drell Kick)

3Q
08:11 JHYHS FG - Nix Drell 36 yard Field Goal
01:42 ERHS FG - Ryka Hal 44 yard Field Goal

4Q
14:11 JHYHS TD - Isaiah Candy 41 yard run (Nix Drell Kick)
10:28 ERHS FG - Ryka Hal 48 yard Field Goal
08:12 JHYHS TD - Isaiah Candy 33 yard run (Nix Drell Kick)
02:58 ERHS TD - Peter Langloif 31 yard pass from Evan Jerome (Ryka Hal Kick)

MVP: J. H. Yadasky High School Senior Running Back Isaiah Candy (17 carries, 201 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 4 catches, 31 yards, 1 receiving touchdown)

Summary: The Heroes return to the National Quarterfinals after a huge performance from Cade Stases and Isaiah Candy, their Senior Running Back. Candy was dominant with so many runs going for more than twenty yards. Though Evan Jerome kept up for the majority of the game, the Heroes' offensive core was simply a step ahead of the Kayaks'. It's a shame for one Evan Jerome, who had been their best Quarterback in school history - but the Heroes continue to take steps to establish themselves as one of the better programs in the country.

Myana Island Championship Game

Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White vs. Egren Academy Inquisitors @ The Islander Dome, Myana, Myana Island

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Myana Northwestern High School              7  10  10   7   34
Egren Academy                               0   0   0   0    0

1Q
10:11 MNWHS TD - Jen Hallow 3 yard pass from Nicole Estera (Paul Garnet Kick)

2Q
14:29 MNWHS FG - Paul Garnet 41 yard Field Goal
08:22 MNWHS TD - Alexander Eisenberg 21 yard fumble return (Paul Garnet Kick)

3Q
09:41 MNWHS FG - Paul Garnet 38 yard Field Goal
01:01 MNWHS TD - Jody Kaines 18 yard interception return (Paul Garnet Kick)

4Q
04:38 MNWHS TD - Cho Sang-Wook 33 yard run (Paul Garnet Kick)

MVP: Myana Northwestern High School Freshman Defensive End Alexander Eisenberg (8 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 defensive touchdown)

Summary: A week after leaning on postseason Nicole Estera to escape the shootout, the Blue and White's defense reminded everyone why they are one of the best teams in the country. Egren Academy's Quarterback was harassed all game long by Eisenberg, the Ranorian recruit who had one of the best games of his early career.

With the defense recovering, Estera didn't have to do much, going 14-of-17 for 191 yards and one touchdown, while Cho Sang-Wook did his share, carrying the ball 14 times for 101 yards and the final score of the game.

Carla Vosin went 10-of-19 for 91 yards and one interception, while the Inquisitors' running game couldn't get going at all; they only managed to generate 201 yards of offense in total.

Can anyone really stop this team from the three-peat?

Urrhed Island Championship Game

Staramara Tech High School Battle Angels vs. Tihon Elite Academy Fog Wall @ The United Center, Urrheddiao, Urrhed Island

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Staramara Tech High School                  0   0   7   7   14
Tihon Elite Academy                         0   0   0   3    3

1Q
None.

2Q
None.

3Q
08:33 STHS TD - Freya Odinsdóttir 61 yard interception return (Jin Hayamoshi Kick)

4Q
11:44 TEA FG - Fyra Allison 48 yard Field Goal
04:11 STHS TD - Davis Pill 3 yard run (Jin Hayamoshi Kick)

MVP: Staramara Tech High School Sophomore Outside Linebacker Freya Odinsdóttir (9 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 defensive touchdown)

Summary: In a game highlighted by defensive stalwarts, Sophomore Quarterback Cad Filox was harried time and time again by the Battle Angels' star, Freya Odinsdóttir. Freya, who has been already heralded as one of the better prospects at OLB even while being a Sophomore, had two sacks and an interception return that gave the Battle Angels a lead they would not relinquish.

The Fog Wall's defense did their part. Rostyslav Illich Kysil had fourteen tackles and two sacks, but it simply was not enough.

"This is a different year," remarked Mattieu Hancock, "When we're struggling, the defense picks up, and when the defense has a rough game, we can score. I truly think this is a season where we can win it all."

It'll all depend on the Quarterfinal draw.

Capital District East Championship Game

Vitoron School of Charge Robots vs. Wirr Tsi School for the Gifted Masterminds @ The Shock, Wirr Tsi, Capital District

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Vitoron School of Charge                    3   3   6   7   19    
Wirr Tsi School for the Gifted              6   6   0   0   12

1Q
10:01 VSC FG - Dairon Wetters 38 yard Field Goal
07:26 WTSG FG - Yessen Haim 51 yard Field Goal
01:19 WTSG FG - Yessen Haim 44 yard Field Goal

2Q
12:31 WTSG FG - Yessen Haim 48 yard Field Goal
09:39 WTSG FG - Yessen Haim 47 yard Field Goal
01:43 VSC FG - Dairon Wetters 31 yard Field Goal

3Q
11:32 VSC FG - Dairon Wetters 50 yard Field Goal
01:22 VSC FG - Dairon Wetters 42 yard Field Goal

4Q
05:28 VSC TD - Stephen Marx 88 yard pass from Mtupeni Onwuatuegwu (Dairon Wetters Kick)

MVP: Vitoron School of Charge Freshman Kicker Dairon Wetters (4-of-4 in Field Goals, 1-of-1 in Extra Points)

Summary: How many times did both teams miss out on opportunities for touchdowns? Eight. The Robots couldn't score, but neither could the Masterminds; Rudy Sai and Mtupeni Onwuatuegwu combined for over 610 yards thrown and only one touchdown.

All the kudos go to Dairon Wetters and Yessen Haim. They went eight of eight in field goals, and until Mtupeni Onwuatuegwu found Stephen Marx up the seam for eighty-eight yards, it seemed like it would go to overtime.

"We're so lucky that the defense showed up," remarked Onwuatuegwu, "Give Free Safety Amber Lynne and Middle Linebacker Lilac Vera some credit. If we are to go far, it'll be because we have a complete team."

Onwuatuegwu has at least one game left in her storied career. How far will she go?

Capital District West Championship Game

The Chromatik Institute Dread vs. Franscesca Larriet-Cortes High School Martyrs @ Chromatik City Field, Chromia, Capital District

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
The Chromatik Institute                    14  21  14   7   56
Franscesca Larriet-Cortes High School      13   3   7   3   26

1Q
13:11 FLCHS FG - Evan Wakes 41 yard Field Goal
10:37 TCI TD - Lenny Rhimes 27 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)
08:28 FLCHS FG - Evan Wakes 34 yard Field Goal
05:59 TCI TD - Jacqueline Fofo 47 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)
01:57 FLCHS TD - Yi Xia 22 yard pass from Noah Sellers (Evan Wakes Kick)

2Q
12:11 TCI TD - Briana Heavenworth 18 yard run (Aaron Judge Kick)
09:58 TCI TD - Carmen Dior 39 yard fumble return (Aaron Judge Kick)
07:01 FLCHS FG - Evan Wakes 44 yard Field Goal
02:31 TCI TD - Lenny Rhimes 18 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)

3Q
12:28 FLCHS TD - Isidore Kraut 57 yard run (Evan Wakes Kick)
09:01 TCI TD - Jacqueline Fofo 33 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)
03:48 TCI TD - Briana Heavenworth 41 yard run (Aaron Judge Kick)

4Q
11:11 FLCHS FG - Evan Wakes 51 yard Field Goal
09:41 TCI TD - Briana Heavensworth 2 yard pass from Raul Sébastien Santos (Aaron Judge Kick)

MVP: The Chromatik Institute Junior Quarterback Raul Sébastien Santos (21-of-28, 415 yards, 5 touchdowns)

Summary: The Martyrs have been a part of the high school gridiron elite for many seasons. Everyone expected Sellers and his crew of Seniors to handle the Dread. It didn't come to pass.

Instead, the trio of Jacqueline Fofo, Raul Sébastien Santos, and Lenny Rhimes, combined by Sophomore Running Back Briana Heavenworth and Senior Outside Linebacker Carmen Dior, demolished the Martyrs 56-26 to knock off one of the better schools in the country and cement their status in the Final Eight.

"We aren't here as a decoration," remarked a fired up Carmen Dior, "We're here to win, and we'll make sure to earn the respect we are due."

It's a disappointing end to a storied career in Noah Sellers. The signal caller is expecteed to get signed in the NSCF ranks, alongside one Isidore Kraut. The Martyrs will have some holes to fill.

---

Chromatik High School Gridiron - Season Eleven National Playoffs

Quarterfinals
Staramara Tech High School Battle Angels vs. West Shantarr High School Scorpions @ The Tidal Wave, Tihon, Urrhed Island - A battle-tested program against a team that's finally made the final eight
Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White vs. J. H. Yadasky High School Heroes @ The Islander Dome, Myana, Myana Island - The defending champions against a team that could really take them down
North Sanar High School Riflemen vs. The Chromatik Institute Dread @ The Hive, Sanar, Rainbow District - The most unlikely District Champion against a bona fide Dark Horse
Mt. Niar High School Anacondas vs. Vitoron School of Charge Robots @ The Jewel Dome, Ming, Mountain District - Two high-profile offenses go head-to-head in a rematch of last season - can the Robots get their revenge?

Power Rankings - National Quarterfinals Edition
1. Mt. Niar High School Anacondas - Flowers has helped the team not miss a beat. Can they win it all this season?
2. Staramara Tech High School Battle Angels - With Hancock on one end and Odinsdóttir on the other, this is the best Battle angels team in a while. How far will they go?
3. Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White - They won one game by outscoring, and then the next by shutting out the opposition. On a seven game winning streak, can anyone stop the three-peat?
4. J. H. Yadasky High School Heroes - To become truly recognized as an established program, they need a marquee win. Is this the year they make the Semifinals?
5. Vitoron School of Charge Robots - Onwuatuegwu's last dance. Gone are all the receiving talents she once had. It's all on her now - can she take one step closer to that elusive title?
6. The Chromatik Institute Dread - The biggest Dark Horse of them all, a team with tremendous momentum. What is Sébastien Santos's ceiling?
7. West Shantarr High School Scorpions - Francine Weiler leads this solid but unspectacular team in to the Quarterfinals. Could they be the ones to cause some nose?
8. North Sanar High School Riflemen - Can the existence of Larry Pinmichael carry the Riflemen any further when the rest of the team is still so young?

[South Newlandia]

I hate OSPI and I wish it never existed

The NSCF playoff race is the topic of much discussion, as it is every season. The first six schools have officially clinched spots in the new 16-team bracket now, which leaves ten spots to play for. The Out-of-conference matchups will, as always, be key; but fans are surely also keen to find out how their teams’ chances stand. This is further complicated by OSPI, the way to calculate this normally, being very bad. In an attempt to have a more reasonable way of determining playoff teams, a team of Banijans and South Newlandians have jointly developed a new formula to serve as a possible alternative to this. They have been supported by the Banijan RTC, who also became namesakes of the new formula dubbed “RTC points”, who have helped them to lobby the NSCF commissioner to implement the new formula. However, to really get into the weeds of how good this formula is, we have to see it applied in practise.
For this purpose, college football experts from all over the multiverse have submitted their best guesses for which team will win every single OOC matchup; this data can then be used to calculate the possible results under these circumstances. You can get access to their precise predictions per game per request, but lets cut to the chase – here is their best guess in action, for the moment using the old, OSPI calculation (right).

This is bad. If you like this, its probably because your team benefits, but objectively, this is awful. Things that jump out to me include St. Croix and Koronki at 6 and 7. While they’re both capable teams and should be in the playoff conversation, St. Croix is only this high because they won five road games, and so is Koronki, who have won four; thus propelling both teams to playoff home games despite facing pretty average competition – the question of who had the easiest schedule this season in all of NSCF comes down to Koronki and Elenardris. The latter, meanwhile, teeter on the brink of the playoffs despite a 10-2 record, almost entirely due to only winning two home games (largely since they played eight games at home – winning them all!). Also, UPAM ranks 14th despite losing five games, and are ahead of 10-2 Elenardris for some reason – that reason being winning four games on the road.

Outside the playoff picture, OSPI refuses to even take a second look at Loyola-Istria, despite their winning record in the second-toughest (behind EVU) schedule in all of NSCF, sitting them at the kids table at 23rd, and New Cardonia State would not even be close to a bowl game despite a winning record. In both cases, road wins are the culprit again, with ULI winning only two and New Cardonia just one.


Let’s see RTC points (left) do better.

The only thing that I would like to talk about is that, to likely the horror of their fans, 9-4 Trent State is outside the playoff picture here. One reason for that is TSU having the (tied-for) easiest OOC schedule in NSCF, including two home games, coming together for one of the easier schedules in NSCF – however, this may be a case that the voters need to judge more carefully.

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
Rust or Revision?

One point, the different between the holders of the Zephyr and the Rockets of Raynor University. That the Rockets made it to the conference title game at all is nothing short of a small miracle, given their two losses on the record at the halfway point of conference play, with the back to back road losses to the Raiders and Mammoths. A second half display of grit and determination allowed them to have a fighting chance going into the final week with the rematch against the Raiders in Raynor City, where the Rockets defense stifled the best offense in the NSCF and the offense had one of its better showings in the season. It had been far from a perfect game but it resembled their entire conference record, where they were able to do what they needed to do, even if they did not look the very best when doing so. That mediocre performance, against arguably quite ridiculously high standards one might add, did give some pause as to whether the team was actually ready for the type of game that they were going to have to play in the conference title game. The answer was that they were ready, they just were not ready enough to take the crown back after their season away from the competition.

We move on though, we take the lessons learned from loss and do our studies to find out where exactly it went wrong, and try to become better for it. The Rockets can be proud, they have only lost three times in the season thus far and twice were to the reigning champions of the Zephyr, the other to their in nation rival at their place. Mar Sara Tech is a very difficult to play, with very few people walking away from the Celestial stadium in the last three seasons that Tech has competed with a victory. It has been a fortress for them and that the Rockets continually challenge the Raiders at their place which has been such a difficult place for other teams to try to play at is just another notch in the pride totem. That pride need be ready for their out of conference situation, where they will need to win two games to have a good opportunity of automatically qualifying for the playoffs and not having to rely on having impressed the various voters from across the different media that they have been good enough to earn that place. That third out of conference matchup at Northern Moravica looking all the more critical, but also incredibly difficult.

Tech had the last week off, able to nurse whatever small knocks that the players might have been carrying through the season that perhaps contributed to that heavy defeat that they fell to at Raynor City. It does not get any easier for the squad though as they travel to Ranoria this weekend to take on last year's champions in Richardson. It is a difficult matchup but it is one that will be a big measuring stick for how good the Raiders actually have been this season or if the Zephyr has inflated their impressive offensive numbers. The Rockets have been traditionally the team from the Empire used to putting up the huge numbers, but the Raiders were averaging around forty-five points a game despite having an offense that does slow it down from time to time with the running game. That style of offense however might exactly be the key though, as it does not rely so much on good weather like the more pass happy offenses do. A win at Richardson would be quite a tall ask for the Raiders, but if they can at least put on a performance that is respectable, it will be a big shot in the arm for the Raiders confidence and sense of validity in this recovery season.

[Nagarythe]

Once again, the world around the mages seemed to go quiet as they finished their chanting. Dragging his broken body towards his dying dragon, Atheron climbed into the saddle and the great king of the dragons and the High King soared above the battlefield as Atheron looked to survey further the devastation that the day had wrought. Either the mortal wound that the dragon had suffered or the raging winds around them was making the journey more difficult than it had before, but still the great dragon brought the HIgh King above the battlefield and the weeping he had done prior seemed to pale in comparison to the full might of the destruction that he could now see from the leverage brought by being atop the dragon. Looking back towards the island where the mages had seemingly concluded their ritual, Atheron wondered if it had all gone wrong witnessing the many fallen corpses of the mages who had been unable to withstand the energy unleashed by the ritual. Yet his eyes would witness one more powerful action that the day was bringing to bare. With a terrible flash that all but blinded the onlookers the island vanished behind a raging storm of magical energy.

Their ritual had finally been concluded, but not quite the way that the mages had hoped it would. In a trade to have created this vortex that was sucking into it all the negative magical energies that had been spreading across Althion and the rest of the world, the mages themselves were trapped within the vortex itself for all eternity. The magic within the vortex would keep them alive, even well beyond the years that their elven bodies were meant to take them. Their presence would eternally keep the vortex open, an ever present guardian against those corrupting magical tides that the demons had brought with them from wherever it was that they called their home, yet also keep the mages in a constant struggle against those forces. After the silence, there came a crashing thunder and the seas around the former island were sent into frenzy, as waves as large as buildings crashed and sunk ships that were unfortunate enough to be near the battle. Those who could flee did so, those who could not were helpless as the waves swept across the lands nearest the island and crushed them under wrathful tidal forces. For those with magic or the ability to sense it, it felt like all the world's magical forces were being brought into this storm, a storm that would last several days.

Atheron was brought to one of the new islands by his dying dragon, and the High King of Althion realized that he was dying. Cutoff from the magic of the world, whatever blessings that the elven gods had given him were now no longer connected to him, his godlike weapon no longer giving him near limitless power. As Atheron lay dying on the island, he felt the madness that had occupied his thoughts for many of the last few years begin to recede and he thought of the taunts from the demonic gods when he went to fetch his blade and how the blade itself seemed to have become sentient. He concluded that if anyone else was to take up the sword, they could take over the world if they so desired. He knew he had to return the sword back to where he retrieved it and bade his dying dragon to take him back to that shrine. His great dragon let out a loud, defiant roar before his dying body crashed to the island of the shrine and the last bit of life that had seen the dragon carry on after his devastating wound finally gave out. The king of the dragons like the king of the elves had given his life to secure victory over the demonic hordes. Crawling his way to the altar, Atheron used the last vestiges of his strength and drove the blade deep back into where it came, believing none could ever pull the sword out again. He used what remained of his life to return to the crumpled form of his beloved steed and friend and died next to the dragon that had been with him from the very beginning.

[Utahn Theocratic Republic]

Blake Zuercher PT 8.

After the heartbreaking loss against Cold Hill, Blake sat down at the press conference with a heavy heart. Everyone was feeling the same sadness that was slowly filling up the room, but Blake mustered up his courage to face what came next. He knew he had done his best and that this wasn't the end of his story, yet he couldn't help but feel defeated at this moment in time. The press conference marked a turning point for Blake and it was up to him to decide what path he wanted to take next. A reporter walked up to the mic and then started to speak into the mic, “Blake, quick question.. I know it was a tough loss but what do you think about how do you think Benoit Youngblood played tonight and do you possibly think about facing him again?”

“Respect is an important part of sportsmanship and no one more demonstrates that than Youngblood. While we've faced off against each other, I always had a deep admiration for his skills as a player. Despite our battles, I have come to realize that there are still lessons to be learnt from him in terms of strategy and technique. He certainly has earned my respect as a fellow player and for the times he has beaten us and the times we have beaten them, but I am thankful for the growth opportunity it has provided for us here at BYU.” Blake moved in his seat and looked around at the reporters. With another one speaking up and asking… “Could there have been a way for you guys to come back and win it in the final seconds of the game?”

"Oh well there is no doubt about that, we could have won it and they could have won it. I have respect for Coldhill and their coaching staff for being so innovative and thinking of all the ways to counter our offense and although we lost. ColdHill has nothing but my respect and i am sure if we faced again i would be happy to take another crack at them.” Blake softly smiled and then looked for another reporter and when he found one he pointed them out and this reporter asked “Where do you see your talents possibly going to after senior year?”

“Well that is a good question, honestly i think i could see myself participating in the RFL. Since here in Utah we don’t have a pro-football system fully set up. Also since Youngblood is going there it seems like i should as well if i ever want another crack at him, but we will have to wait and see.” with that the press conference was over and after Blake left his smile dipped as he started his walk to the locker room.

[Banija]

Lance Kabuye, at conference championship media availability after they arrived in Busukuma

The Head Coach had been in a rough mood all week. Being on the receiving end of what can only be called a shellacking, well, was only going to make any coach pissed off. Especially one who had a fuse like Lance Kabuye. The first time his team had been swept by Loyola-Istria ever since he became the team's head coach. 63-7 loss- the worst loss he had ever received as a college head coach(he received a couple of worse in his high school coaching days, but who's talking about those), and the worst loss NMU had ever received in the rivalry. In fact, the worst loss that NMU gridiron had been on the receiving end of, a 56 point beatdown, in 44 years(shockingly, at the hands of the University of Moravica, when NMU lost 70-0 against the greatest Golden Bears team in history).

And until NMU played another game, the questions would keep coming. Lance Kabuye couldn't wait to be rid of them. He even had a rough comment, snapping at some poor reporter. "Man- ain't nobody here to talk about some school that'll be lucky to even be invited to a bowl game." He said in reference to Loyola-Istria, who presently sit with a 5-5 record and find themselves firmly in last place in the division. "We're here to talk about a conference championship game- it's NMU v. UWU, it's gonna be a hell of a contest at one of the greatest stadiums in all of sports. That's all I'm gonna talk about."

There's no doubt about it- getting swept by your despised, in-state, archrivals, especially in a year where they finished in dead last in the division, is a brutal experience to go through. But, as he told reporters- through gritted teeth- there was still a lot to celebrate about this year. "Look, despite our losses to ULI, this has absolutely been a season to celebrate." He told reporters. "First ever division title. We've stopped the ULI run of winning the Celestia Conference. A chance to play for an automatic playoff berth. A chance to win the conference for the first time in four seasons. We brought back the Sally Trophy to Herzegovina City, in route to sweeping the SNL schools. We went 4-0 against the opposing division- which is why we're favorites heading into this game. The whole season builds up to this game- and we will be ready."

And in the locker room, he gave his players another message. "Look, we've been through it forwards and backwards- we got our asses handed to us last week, by Loyola." He grimaced even saying the words- 63 to fucking 7. "But we can't dwell on the past- that's how great seasons fall apart. We've got a chance to do something special. We want to bring the Celestia conference trophy back to Herzegovina City, and we've got dreams to do a lot more than that. We have set ourselves up for a path to accomplish those dreams. That journey starts today. This is what they ask of champions- how do they respond when they get hit in the mouth? When everything goes bad, do they roll over, or do they come, ready to play? We are going to earn that title today- Celestia Conference champions."

---

Northern Moravica triumphs over Upper Westside in last second thriller, 29-26, to win the Celestia Conference


NMU Players celebrate winning with the Celestia Conference Trophy

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- Conference championship week. Despite their beatdown at the hands of Loyola(smack talk is in FULL swing right now), NMU fans will take gratitude in the following- they're playing this week, and Loyola-Istria are sitting at home. We're here, in Busukuma, for the second ever Celestia Conference championship game. Upper Westside University are making their second appearance in the game, after besting Hankow State in their division to be back-to-back division champs. Northern Moravica, on the other hand, are making their first appearance in this game, besting Loyola-Istria and the South Newlandian schools to get back here. UWU lost to ULI last season, so they came in with extra motivation.

The last three seasons, Loyola-Istria have won the Celestia Conference. But this new format had brought around much more equality- it's a lot easier for a new team to win the conference. This NMU senior class, could be the first in school history to not have won the Celestia Conference if they lose this game tonight. Three years in a row of Loyola-Istria- so Upper Westside U could make it four. "Having dudes like Felix Strom, Jannik Nadine, and Okoth Yienya, play here for four years and never win a conference title? That can't happen." Jannik Nadine even told reporters that this game is why he came back to college, after many expected him to go pro after three years.

"We had unfinished business here at NMU." He said in media availability. "I love this school, I love this team- I saw that we have a serious chance to win the conference. I know I'm turning down that sweet RFL money for one more year- but, when I'm old, I'd sit back and think, I never gave it one last shot to win the Celestia with my teammates, with my school." Here we were. Of course, you've got some mega talented dudes on the other side, too. You saw what St. Rogers did to Loyola? A 45-3 beatdown just a few weeks ago. Upper Westside are sitting at 9-1, tied for the best record in all of college football. A win would be hugely meaningful for them- not only would they get their first ever conference title, but potentially an inside track to the #1 seed for the NSCF Playoffs?

So much at stake. Let's dive into how it went! NMU won the toss, and chose to kick. First play from scrimmage, St. Rogers would go for the big play- and hit it. A play-action pass, and a 38 yard post route to junior WR, Sam Dobler, to get to the NMU 35 yard line. Flashbacks to last week- where they allowed big play after big play to the Blue Thunder. But the Cougars defense stiffened up here- after allowing one more first down, they held UWU to a field goal. 3-0 early to the St. Kanye school. After both schools went three and out, the Cougars would then be sparked by a big play. 1st and 10 at their own 24 yard line. A simple toss play to Balinda Kisero- who juked out a defender, and ran for 53 yards, taken down at the 23. They'd only need two more plays from there. Tyler Geese took a WR screen and had some good blocking, and wasn't forced out of bounds until the 1 yard line. Amira Kong then went over the top for the final yard, on first and goal- 7-3 lead for the Cougars.

NMU would add a 41 yard field goal later in the quarter, to take a 10-3 lead into the second quarter. This was a tight game early. You'd see the first serious mistake, by either team, in the second quarter, however. Felix Ström dropped back to pass for the Cougars- but was picked off by Ishrael Carter, a Red Pandas CB. He tried to throw a deep out route to Jannik Nadine, but Carter undercut the throw. A great interception- and he shot like a cannon up the sideline. Said a lot about Nadine's effort that he was able to catch him from behind, at the NMU 24. Ultimately, for naught- the Red Pandas got a couple of first downs, and St. Rogers ended up throwing a 3 yard TD pass to Jonald Cooley. 10-10 after the first turnover of the game. Both kickers would add a field goal- Markseon from 28, and Ingberg on the final play of the half, from a very impressive 47 yards. 13-13 at half.

Nothing to choose between the two teams in this one so far. How to separate them in the second half? A conference championship, and with it, a playoff berth, is on the line here in this game. The third quarter saw a couple of Red Pandas drives get inside the 10 yard line, both golden opportunity for UWU. The first one, they got to the 3 yard line. After being stuffed for no gain on the ground on first & second down, St. Roger was sacked by Okoth Yienya for a 4 yard loss, to the seven yard line. Ingberg hit the chip shot field goal, a 24 yarder. The second one- they got a first and goal at the 9. Pass batted down at the line of scrimmage by NMU DE Josiah Michaels on 1st down, and Karl Sande tackling the HB for a one yard loss on second down. Third down- blitz by Zelotes Aero forcing St. Roger to scramble, tackled after a 3 yard gain by NMU MLB Kang In-Yeung, for another 24 yard chip shot field goal.

Ingberg- 4/4 kicking through three quarters. But what did those two field goals sandwich? An impressive NMU score. We'll give you the radio transcript.

3rd and 1 for Northern Moravica, with just over 6 and a half minutes left in the third quarter- down 16-13. They're at their own 47 yard line, just needing to get to their own 48. They've lined up in a jumbo package- two tight ends, a fullback, Amira Kong as the deep back, and just Jannik Nadine split out wide. The safeties creep up- NMU is absolutely showing run here on what could be a crucial third down. Felix Ström, the senior QB from Valanora, calls an audible. The ball is snapped, he looks to hand it off- oh, it's a play action! He rolls right, his TE, Kimi Lundin, is open in the flat- but instead, he throws a bomb! He's got a man... Jannik Nadine catches it in stride! His double move left the CB, Alonzo Duke, in the dust and he's in the end zone, untouched! TOUCHDOWN, COUGARS!

So with that- 6 points(2 field goals) for the Red Pandas in Q3, while the Cougars got 7 points(one TD). Fourth quarter, up 1 point- 20-19. A conference championship on the line. Another instant classic on our hands?

Let's fast forward a little bit in this quarter. Remember, the Cougars lead, 20-19. 11:30 left, a 4th and 4 for the Red Pandas at the NMU 45 yard line. They trot their offense on the field- down 1, they're going for it. An aggressive decision, but a smart one- you don't win these type of games without taking risks, right? And they've got a baller like St. Rogers as their QB. They did bunch to the QB's left- an awkward throw sometimes. But he's got talent, he rolled that way and hit his senior WR2, Josh Laney-Seymour, on an 8 yard out route to get the first down. 1st and 10 at the 37. They wasted no time after that. Cougars called for pressure, with strong safety Bojana Rasic Kim creeping up to the line of scrimmage and blitzing, but the Red Pandas did a fantastic job of picking it up.

St. Rogers then did a brilliant job of looking off Malcolm Shelvin, keeping his eyes on Spencer Cage on the right side of the field. As Shelvin, the lone safety, creeped that way, he whipped around and threw a brilliant ball to the corner- where Sam Dobler made a stunning, diving catch in the front corner of the end zone after a brilliant throw- Lagum was all over, but had absolutely no path to make a play on the football thanks to perfect placement by St. Rogers. An amazing throw from an elite QB- touchdown for the Red Pandas! 25-20 to the Red Pandas. Keeping with their aggressiveness, they went for a 2 point conversion and got it- Chase Okoma scoring on a HB draw. However, their center was flagged for holding on the play, so they ended up converting the PAT from the 13 instead. Still, the Red Pandas led, 26-20.

After each team punted once after that TD, NMU PR Zayne Navarro had a nice, 33 yard punt return to the UWU 41 yard line. Cougars in business, right? But the Red Pandas defense was here to make plays. The Cougars called for a screen pass. Kisero caught the ball, and turned- but then was immediately hit by Red Pandas MLB, Helmut Jensen. He punched the ball out, and it was recovered by the Red Pandas at their own 43 yard line, by free safety Karl Nazarian. Then, after that, a few first downs, and saw the Cougars use a couple of their timeouts as well. What was nearing a 4 minute drive, saw the Red Pandas have a 3rd and 3 at the Cougars 21 yard line. St. Rogers did the play-action, but nobody was open- and wisely took the sack rather than throwing it away, to run the clock(he is a senior, you know!) The clock did, indeed, run.

4th and 7, at the NMU 25. Red Pandas lead, 26-20. Ingberg making his fifth field goal of the day would make it a two possession game- and probably put things on ice. But in a moment that might haunt the senior for the rest of his life, he pulls the 42 yarder wide left. The Cougars have life! Felix Ström has one last chance to try and win a conference title. And with the matchup being senior QB v. senior QB, we had some excellent QB play. Felix Ström was arguably de-emphasized this year, with the attention given to the running game. But when the moment called for it, he stepped up- he led this team on a 68 yard drive, in under 2 minutes, throwing a 12 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Geese in the corner of the end zone. 26-26!

The PAT should be simple enough to give the Cougars the lead, right? But alas- not a chance. UWU CB Pierre Beaulieu flew off the edge, and actually got the block! The game still tied, at 26-26, and suddenly, St. Rogers has a chance to win this for his team. He starts his own drive. He completed two passes to Sam Dobler- they're running a hurry up, but not some sort of crazy hurry up. It's clear they've still got faith in their kicker- he was 4/5 on the day, after all. St. Rogers would hit WR Josh Laney-Seymour on a curl route, who would break a tackle and turn upfield. But who came flying in? NMU FS Malcolm Shelvin. Out of nowhere, he gets his fist to the ball, as it goes flying- forcing a huge fumble!

What a turn of events. Recovered by Cougars CB Vaniah Lagum at the NMU 38 yard line, the forced fumble was a stunning turn of events. It seemed if St. Rogers was going to get a chance to win the game, and the conference, for UWU- and instead, fate would have otherwise, through no fault of his own. He would be forced to watch the rest of the contest play out from the sideline. As for Felix Ström, getting this chance would prove to be the golden opportunity. Really, he made two big-time throws on this drive. An 8 yard throw to the tight end, Kimi Lundin. And then, a 16 yard out route to his senior slot WR, Nicodemas Abongo. That's as close as they'd get- but of course, NMU's got Dwayne Markseon. We'll take you to the radio call, once again.

There's just four seconds on the clock. The Red Pandas HC has used his last timeout in an effort to ice Dwayne Markseon- although he's truly got ice in his veins. He might be the greatest of a great breed- Chromatik kickers. He's hit so many big kicks in his college career, and the senior has a chance to add one more to his name. The circumstances are tough- 55 yards, a hell of a kick for anybody, especially a college kicker. He's got the wind at his back. The Red Pandas are gonna have Pierre Beaulieu sitting back in the end zone, ready to potentially return the kick- so Markseon needs to make sure, no matter what, he at least gets the leg.

Markseon lines up, and signals to the holder. The holder gets the snap. Good snap, good hold... Markseon gets his leg through it... It looks long enough... AND IT'S GOOD! AND IT'S GOOD! IT SNEAKS IN RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE, JUST ABOVE THE CROSSBAR- AND NORTHERN MORAVICA UNIVERSITY ARE YOUR NSCF 28 CELESTIA CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS! Oh my, what a kick, what a way to end a fantastic season! The emotions are on full display. Cougars players pour onto the field to mob their kicker in celebration- although Markseon is pretty stoic himself- while the fans in the stands are ecstatic. The Red Pandas are shellshocked- and St. Rogers, especially, is in shock. What a game he played- throwing for over 300 yards and two TDs, making brilliant throw after brilliant throw, in what was ultimately a losing effort.

What a showcase of what the Celestia is all about. A gatorade soaked Lance Kabuye and Fabio Forelli shake hands in the middle of the field, congratulating each other on a job well done.

Hell of a game.

What's next
- Northern Moravica will travel to Cardenao to take on LeBois Santura University, led by the dual-sport superstar at QB, Bobby Dials, to kick off non-conference play. They will finish non-conference play with two home games- hosting Staramara Tech as they reprise their annual rivalry in week 12, while they'll play host to Raynor University of Valanora in week 13.
- Loyola-Istria, after having the week off, will host BYU in the inaugural edition of the Holy War, which features the NSCF's two Mormon schools- and which will also serve as their Senior Day. After that, they'll take on their traditional rivals, traveling to Felswyr State in week 12, before taking on Richardson U at the Stadium of the Restoration in week 13.

Offense
QB- Adrian St. Rogers(St. Kanye, UWU). Senior.
HB1- Zamandi Ayana(Banija, RUoN). Senior.
HB2- Amira Kong(Chromatika, NMU). Sophomore.
WR1- Sam Dobler(St. Kanye, UWU). Junior.
WR2- Gabriel Yafet(Banija, EVU). Senior.
WR3- Jannik Nadine(Ranoria, NMU). Senior.
TE- Jonald Cooley(St. Kanye, UWU). Junior.
OT- Justin Doran(Chromatika, RUoN). Senior.
OT- Hosea Scheniah(Banija, NMU). Junior.
OG- Walter Larson(United Vietussia, Hankow State). Sophomore.
OG- Rhamodre Grier(Ranoria, NMU). Sophomore.
C- Malik Turvey(St. Kanye, UWU). Sophomore.

Defense
EDGE- Ignatius Smith(St. Kanye, UWU). Sophomore. Note: He's a walk-on!
EDGE- Okoth Yienya(Banija, NMU). Senior.
DT- Deandre Kelly(Ranoria, EVU). Senior.
DT- Karl Sande(Valanora, NMU). Senior.
LB- Najee Isidora(Ranoria, Loyola). Senior.
LB- Helmut Jensen(St. Kanye, UWU). Junior.
LB- Nellie Griffin(Chromatika, RUoN). Junior.
CB1- Ishrael Carter(St. Kanye, UWU). Sophomore.
CB2- Li Xuen(Chromatika, RUoN). Senior.
CB3- Akhello Volson(Ranoria, Loyola). Junior.
S- Karl Nazarian(St. Kanye, UWU). Sophomore.
S- Malcolm Shelvin(Ranoria, NMU). Sophomore.

Special Teams
K- Dwayne Markseon(Chromatika, NMU). Senior.
P- Caleb Zimmerman(St. Kanye, UWU). Senior.
KR/PR- Lukasz Matusz(Delaclava, RUoN). Senior.

OOC Note: The offensive and defensive teams each consist of 12 players, not 11, due to varying formations across the conference and varying ways in how teams deploy players

Breakdown By
School
Upper Westside University- 9
Northern Moravica- 8
RUoN- 5
Elephant Valley- 2
Loyola- 2
Hankow State- 1
Royal Navy Academy- 0
Universidade de Soria- 0

Nationality of Player
9- St. Kanye
6- Ranoria
5- Chromatika
4- Banija
1- United Vietussia, Valanora, and Delaclava have 1 each

Class
Senior- 13
Junior- 6
Sophomore- 8
Freshman- 0

[Chromatika]

Lava, Firehawks with Different Aims Heading into Out of Conference Games

Felswyr State Out of Conference Schedule:
Week 11: vs. Cold Hill University (RAN) (9-1) *BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE CHAMPION*
Week 12: vs. University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) (5-5)
Week 13: @ Green City University (TJU) (8-2) *MINERAL CONFERENCE CHAMPION*

Testing the Waters - it wasn't the best of endings to the Conference Slate for Felswyr State, losing to their rivals in Staramara Tech, and rather handedly at that. However, the Firehawks then won the Horizon Conference Championship game against Elanardis to avenge their only other loss of the season, and, more importantly, clinch that automatic playoff berth. Now, it's all about seeding for Felswyr State - and as this edition of the NSCF has no byes, it's going to be tricky. Sure, you want to win, but you also want to not have to face a falling giant. First off is a rivalry that had a year off, the Buffaloes of Cold Hill. Gone are the days of Rhine vs. Gwenderyn; instead, it's Youngblood vs. Odika, and it should be a great game to watch. The most dangerous of these three matches is actually a home tie against Anne-Maurice Vivayavich and the Blue Thunder of Loyola-Istria, as they have nothing to lose and must win out to even have a chance at the postseason. The Firehawks then end their out of conference slate with a rematch against Green City University. The Firehawks beat Green City University at the NSCF 26 Final, but the Royal Eagles beat the Firehawks in the quarterfinals of NSCF 27. This matchup is another rivalry in the making, and should be a great final tune-up before the playoffs.

Staramara Tech Out of Conference Schedule:
Week 11: vs. University of Mancodas (PFA) (9-1) *ZEPHYR CONFERENCE CHAMPION*
Week 12: @ Northern Moravica University (BNJ) (8-2) *CELESTIA CONFERENCE CHAMPION*
Week 13: vs. Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL) (6-4)

Needing Some More - Staramara Tech beat Felswyr State 16-3 to end the regular conference slate, but it was a little too late for the Lava. The two interdivisional losses sustained by the Lava turned out to be too damaging on their record, and Staramara Tech now faces the unenviable task of having to turn in good results in the Out of Conference slate to qualify for one of the At-Large Berths or make a good impression on the Selection Committee. The good news is that Haruno Masakazu should be back in the starting lineup; the bad news is that their schedule is brutal. University of Mancodas are the surprise of the year, having defeated Vanorian schools three times, including in the Zephyr Conference Championship Game, while the Cougars of Northern Moravica won the Celestia, once again. Even the Egrets of Ratzupalfu University of Nature had a pretty good season. The Lava have their work cut out for them - and for the defending runner-up, it's a tough pickle to be in.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

The Mathletes - Scientific, Literary Venue of Sports Journalism

Saguenay head coach Benoit V.E. Youngblood's mixed words highlight expectations

Jorge Antonio Saez

SOUTH BEND, SAGUENAY- It is easy to take things for granted if you are a perennial Tiger Bowl contender. Even more so if your school's known for illustrious alumni, which include dozens of Hall of Famers on collegiate and/or professional side of the ball.

And even more and more if your school has a reputation for outstanding offensive lines. Year in, year out, you would see no shortages of present or future all-Quebecois players entering the gates of the Schwartz Memorial Stadium and the Pierre J. Niska Practice Complex, and the brand of high-calibre offensive linemen produced out of it is well known in the professional ranks as well, including those abroad.

So all of sudden, if you would hear a remark from what Clement V.E. Youngblood said on the press conference ahead of the out of conference section of the 28th NationStates College Football (NSCF) spring season, you would notice it right at that moment that he wasn't as confident as he would have been in past occasions when asked about his offensive line.

'We have a top 5 quarterback in all of the NSCF circuit, one of the best offensive coordinators in the MULTIVERSE, and a strong enough arsenal,' Youngblood said on a light-hearted note. 'But we have yet to reach the heights expected of these guys and we all know it starts on the o-line.'

This is interesting, for it suggests that Youngblood, who has coached this Saguenay squad into a Tiger Bowl and a NSCF semifinals appearances just four years ago, makes the first item on priorities list clearer than what he had ever intended. It is not often that Youngblood, usually known to be a more positivistic, well-mannered of coaches, would single out a positional group that has to improve following the Fighting Irish's 30-26 conference championship game victory over Koronki University of Technology and Computing in Sadeg, Drawkland.

So with the team heading into the tougher stretches of the offseason, and Benoit 'Beno' Youngblood's Cold Hill University set to arrive in South Bend in three weeks' time, there's a bizarre sense of confidence that coexists with attempt to disguise slight worry over the matter. As I have pointed out earlier re: his lack of tendencies to point out a specific positional group, Youngblood isn't known to play much with his words - he is lot more understanding and yet straightforward than that.

In the past years he's made his stances clear on press conferences that he is ready to win on the back of his greatest strength - the line of scrimmage and strong secondary - and that he has praised the linemen, led by guard Helene Lindebaum and centre Hong Gyu-Jin, on multiple occasions as well. But this also means that Youngblood, for all the confidence he has on both his lines, may be nervous in the case they failed to show up, which no doubt makes the call-out interesting, especially on the back of 9-1 season where Ernest Bello, even with a couple of weeks off to recover from a calf injury, looked smooth and efficient, and the team did have a well-functioning running game with its one-two punch of Remy Cournoyer-Belbin and Alexis Yeom.

'I have faith, and I really do, but there were times when we looked slow to kick off the game offensively and we would have to remind ourselves from the very foundation to avoid doing that as much as possible,' Youngblood said. 'There are some high-powered offences out there in this world - whether it be the Raynors or the Cold Hills or the Northern Moravicas - and those programs are going to be very difficult to stop. So we will have to do our best to at least keep up with them, so that our players will be able to come up with a stop or two. Nothing bad, just we have to pull it together on both ends.'

For most part, the offensive line is expected to remain the same, with the squad coming off seven straight wins after their shocking loss in South Bend, where they were outplayed on almost every single metric, on the third week of the season. While four starters, including both the guards, left tackle and centre are expected to stay the same, there will be a minor challenge as Connor McManus, the team's all-rookie teamer on right tackle, is expected to be replaced by redshirt freshman Ludovic Brison-Callagher on the rightback. Neither Youngblood nor Isidora Noles, the team's offensive coordinator, clarified his absence outside of 'personal reasons'.

'We will be doing our own thing, and sticking to our own thing. All-Quebecois players here, fear can only limit us but we can beat them.' He said.

[NSCF]

Matchday 11 (12) - Out of Conference Matchday 1

Cutoff Time. Here We Go!

And yes, it is true that the OSPI formula will be phased out....

---

Note: As usual, all non-conference scores were scorinated by Chromatika outside of his own schools, which were scorinated by Quebec & Shingoryeo.

University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) 16–24 Bingham Young University (UTA)

Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA) 28–28 Cavsar University (DRK) (28–35 OT)

Elanardis (NAG) 69–20 Crown's College (SHM)

Trent State University (TJU) 27–14 Elephant Valley University (SNL)

Hankow State University (UVI) 44–33 University of Frisdrank (NTR)

Staramara Tech University (CMT) 47–24 University of Mancodas (PFA)

Upper Westside University (STK) 26–24 Green City University (TJU)

Richardson University (RAN) 45–20 Mar Sara Tech (VAL)

LeBois Santura University (CAD) 24–58 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)

Koronki University of Technology and Computing (DOR) 38–20 Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL)

Frontier Mechanical & Technical University (SAS) 6–14 Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana (SGU)

University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) 16–7 Sadeg State University (DRK)

Thereisnogodistan Community College (NGD) 14–21 Université du Saguenay (QUE)

Raynor University (VAL) 46–23 Université St. Croix (QUE)

Felswyr State University (CMT) 40–40 Cold Hill University (RAN) (47–40 OT)

[Utahn Theocratic Republic]

Blake Zuercher PT 9.

Blake was up against a tough opponent, ULI, in a game that he thought would be difficult to win. However, he was pleasantly surprised when the game unfolded and it became easier than expected. Despite this luck, Blake didn't let it distract him and instead stayed focused on winning the match. His hard work and perseverance paid off as he achieved a pretty impressive score of 16-24 against ULI. After the game as he was walking back to the locker room to head back to Utah, a couple of men intercepted his path asking if they could talk with him. Blake looked at his coach and with a nod from him, Blake left and with a surprise they informed him that they were from Banija's GFLB. Blake was thankful for the meeting as they said they kept tabs on from after week 4 and that was flattering for the young player, but he kept with the RFL as his main choice.

“Look, i really do appreciate this meeting from you both.. But although I do plan on going pro, I don't think the GFLB would be my final destination" He thanked them for their time, with that he left the room and headed back to the locker room and told them what happened. Blake sighed and looked at his teammate smiling and after changing they all headed out back to BYU, although it was nice to go back it was only one inter-conference game out of the three. He knew BYU was in the playoff hunt. It was nice to know that it was just a matter of winning the next couple games to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Although the pressure was there he ignored it and that made his load a lot lighter and easier to managed such as was only focusing on the game head and that game was against the Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana Zorrillos, the Boreal Division winner but coming up very short and losing 13–43, Blake sat down and then looked up to see.

Their coach stepped up and looked around at everyone on the bus, a proud smile on his face. "Alright boys! Great job out there," he said. "You played with heart and came out on top, winning the game!" Everyone cheered in celebration of their achievement, feeling an immense sense of accomplishment for their efforts. It was a moment that would stay with them forever. “We are BYU! Don’t you ever forget that, we came out on top in the holy war and hell we are Evermore Divisional champs! We came so close to winning the Big Eight Conference Championship, we only came up short to number TWO in college football! We are coming to claim our title as a playoff contender and I don’t care if you have doubts, pray come to church and confide in your teammates because WE ARE BYU!”

[Ranoria]

Couple more recruits for ya folks!

N/A: John “JJ” Garrett Jr
Indianapolis, Ranoria

Quarterback
Size: 6-5, 215 lb
Handedness: R
Attributes: Gunslinger, Unshakeable, Hardy
Other sports: Baseball
Archetype: Pocket Passer

The name’s enough right?

The eldest son of John Garrett didn’t get a chance to break all of his dad’s high school records, growing up in Indianapolis where his father played for the Indianapolis Hogs - we won’t bore you all with his accolades, you’re all aware. That said, he hasn’t quite shone the way his father did. JJ started three games his sophomore year and took over the team his junior year, compiling a combined 21-8 , including a 4-2 mark in the playoffs. He’d finish his career with a total of 6,571 yards, 60 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, with a program record 3,050 yards as a senior.

Sure, all good numbers, but at a glance, he doesn’t have a chance at living up to his father’s legacy. He’s flashed some arm talent, carrying over from his days as a pitcher, but made way too many bone headed plays in high school, he it trying to do everything himself scrambling or throwing interceptions. That said, John Garrett wasn’t exactly stellar prior to his college days either, only getting a scholarship offer from Richardson when his best friend, Johnny Farmer, asked the team to give him a shot… then senior Derek McNair opted out of NSCF 16 due to injury concerns, Garrett beat out junior Jack Clyde for the starting job, and the rest is history.

The Governors coaching staff has offered him a preferred walk on - a guaranteed spot on the team without a scholarship - out of respect for what his father did for the program. But with their faith in him clearly limited and Isaiah Hunter penciled in as the starter for at least two more years, is there a team willing to take a swing on a guy because of his name?

6: Horace Springborn
Ranoria City, Ranoria

Fullback
Size: 6-2, 235 lb
Handedness: R
Attributes: Aggressive, Inspiring, Passionate
Other sports: Wrestling
Archetype: Utility

A second Ranoria City Cathedral grad, the Springborn family has largely made its home here after their patriarch, James, made a fortune for himself in the early days of the Ranorian Football Leage. James was a 3x MVP at running back, and at the time of his retirement held records for rushing yards and touchdowns (1171/14) in an eleven game season. James was the cornerstone of a dynastic Ranoria City Silver team that dominated largely due to its market and a lack of a salary cap in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, and is tied with former Ranoria City Falcons QB Art Torrent and WR Alessandra Mio with a record 4 RFL championship victories to his name.

But anyway! We’re here to talk about his grandson. Horace was the star on offense for Ranoria City Cathedral, recording 203 touches over his final three seasons and proving to be nothing short of a workhorse as a blocker, with his talented running back often just placing a hand on the moose’s back and following behind him for big yardage. The rest of the family never quite picked up on James Springborn’s legacy, but Horace is a similar build and every bit as driven to succeed. Natural leader who gets the best out of those around him with his conviction and his play - he’s not quite as twitchy athletes ally as some guys ahead of him, but all he really needs to do is run people over in a straight line, right?

In a Rivalry Renewed, Richardson Rolls Through Raiders In Dietrich Stadium



SS Totte Lindberg turned in his best performance of an already stellar season, notching a pair of a tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and an interception to help put the brakes on one of the NSCF’s most explosive offenses

So Mar Sara Tech had the best offense in the NSCF coming into this game. Putting up an ungodly 43.4 points per game is no small feat, especially when they outscored Zephyr conference runners-up Raynor by a significant margin. Fortunately, Richardson's had no shortage of high-flying passing attacks to deal with in the conference slate, facing off with Benoit Youngblood's Cold Hill and Blake Zuercher's BYU. So with a loaded defense and a mastermind of a coach behind them, they came in ready to face off - the best offense in the NSCF against its second best defense.

Surprisingly, the Governors asked for the ball to open the game and they got it - Isaiah Hunter showcased his lethal accuracy as he has so often this season by rifling the ball just outside the field of play where only Constantina Perrier could reach it, capping off a ten play drive with a 17 yard touchdown strike. Mind you, that drive was marred by a pair of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties from the Governor offensive line - an early sign that they were playing angry after that week ten loss to Cold Hill.

Hunter didn't slow down from there - he posted his second four touchdown and third 300+ yard performance of the season, roasting a Raiders defense that's been solid overall throughout the season. And it's been that way all season - through eleven games, he's already passed up his season totals for both passing yards and touchdowns in NSCF 27.

"They probably came in expecting that if they put up a certain amount of points, we couldn't keep up," the sophomore said at the postgame press conference, "We all agreed that it was best to put them on notice early, we can outgun them in a shootout or outgrind them in a slugfest. I'm really glad my first opportunity to play this team went so well, our coaching staff made sure to burn into our brains that this rivalry - even with a brief hiatus - was a big one."

For those of you out of the loop, Mar Sara Tech and their Vanorian counterpart Raynor went back and forth with Richardson in the early days of this program's NSCF participation. The Governors won the conference in their first two tries, but Mar Sara came back in a fury in NSCF 28, not just sweeping Richardson to help keep John Garrett out of the playoffs as a senior, but deciding that it was as good a year as any to win the whole damn thing, too. Overall the Governors are 6-5 against this team, and the way they go back and forth, everyone was probably expecting a Raiders team - who much like the Governors had a chip on their shoulder after losing to their national rival in week 10 to miss out on a conference championship berth - to draw that record even.

But alas, coming into Dietrich Stadium was a bit too much to ask of them, at least this week. As much of a lightning rod as Jericho Swayne has been all season, with only a single interception through week five, he looked completely overwhelmed early. The Governors employed disguised coverages - something hard to do at the collegiate level - early and often, letting their stars up front wreak havoc to move Swayne off his spot and as a result, cause turnovers. On third down after a decent - if hard-earned - drive - Swayne threw just before taking a big hit from Shean Eckert, and Totte Lindberg capitalized on the hurried toss, snagging his fifth interception on the season. He managed to run through the first tackle before he was brought down, and the Governors marched down and managed to put through a Tommy Black field goal to make it 10-0 early.

Of course this offense wasn't going to get shutout - Swayne took a sack on 3rd and long on the following drive, but thanks to a defensive holding call, they got a second chance at life. This time he dialed up Kohnheadian Blake Joyner against freshman Rodney Knight, who's been struggling to get on the field with Tembo and Fortis fighting for snaps, and that was that. Joyner shrugged off the younger cornerback and cut through the middle of the defense to make it a 41 yard touchdown reception, putting his team right back in a game that had looked to be slipping away early.

That'd be as close as it got from there forward though, Isaiah Hunter stacked two more touchdown passes on in the first half alone, while sophomore Totte Lindberg was the man earning the home crowd's approval, recording executing a perfect peanut punch and adding a fourth downs sack to his highlight reel filled season, making himself crucial to Richardson's efforts to establish a lead early. That 24-7 lead looked insurmountable, but the Raiders are a team with legit championship aspirations - they're hoping to make their NSCF return one for the history books.

As such, they went on a run early - Jericho Swayne looked good on a short script, notching his second touchdown pass of the game, and the defense looked inspired for a couple drives, keeping Richardson behind the fifty yard line as their offense stumbled. All of a sudden, it was 24-17, and the Governors had lost any sense of momentum.

Fortunately, they had a guy for that. Whether or not Rylan Rodgers Jr is 100% or not is a question that probably won't be answered until next season, but he looked much better against the Raiders than the Buffalo, taking his second carry of the drive for 51 yards to the five yard line before ceding the ball to Benjamin Merik - his time off had clearly hurt his conditioning. Merik didn't need much - one bullish run behind big Santiago Rae was enough for him to hammer in his fourth touchdown on the year and make it 31-17. The Raiders answered with a field goal, forced a third punt in four Governor drives in the second half thanks to an Alexander Morris pass breakup, and it earned them a second field goal, just enough to keep themselves in this one by a thread.

It should be noted that at this point, any Richardson score would put this thing effectively on ice, but the Raiders defense was fighting like hell, praying that an offense that had carried them all season would kick into gear at just the right time. No such luck - Richardson came out in a two back set for several plays on the drive, handing off either to Rylan Rodgers Jr or Benjamin Merik, all outside zone plays, and milked the clock all the way down to the 21. Do or die time.

This time, they ran a counter out of that two back set, with only Alexander Morris picking up on before he took a step the wrong way. Rylan was faster - much faster - but the safety managed to pin him between himself and the sideline, knowing most backs would at the most take the hit and let themselves go out of bounds. Unfortunately, Rylan wasn't that back - he planted his foot and charged straight into the stalwart tackler, their pads colliding with cringe-worthy force, and then drove straight through him on his way to the end zone.

Morris stayed on all fours for a moment, punching the dirt of Dietrich stadium in frustration as the crowd roared its approval. Rylan on the other hand, whipped off his helmet, tossed the football straight in the air, loaded up, and then swung his helmet in perfect batting form to launch the ball into the stands, a tribute to his prowess on the diamond.

Of course the flags flew - he didn't care. “I really think I could’ve made a run at Most Outstanding Player if I’d stayed healthy,” said Rylanwhen asked about the penalty after the game, “so I got a little emotional after that score. Didn’t end up hurting us.”

Benjamin Merik would be the man tallying the final score in a game who's score didn't reflect how evenly matched these two teams are, but for now, the Governors looked to be on the same warpath as last season - a bit behind the Buffalo early, sure, but no one else had been a match for this team, the top-ranked unit in the NSCF coming in - and they have no intention of ceding their throne.

[South Newlandia]

With Elephant Valley now out of the realistic playoff range, it’s time to take a look at next season

After year 5 wasn’t quite it, it’s time to examine how the Red Elephants might do in year 6. What parts of the team will be changing, and where will they have to target their recruiting in order to maybe win more than seven games next season?

On the offensive side of the ball, EVU might look to add a quarterback for starters. Rico Divalles did enough as a freshman to retain that starting job, but he is the only capable QB on the roster – if he ever goes down, the Red Elephants are in deep trouble, so expect them to target a backup.
For the run game, the Red Elephants are also hoping to add a bulldozing alpha running back, evocative of Gauge Lawson, their Ranorian starter in their first four seasons. Nancy Franco has struggled this season, and this is an area the Red Ellies surely would love to upgrade.
They definitely need to find a new Tight End, too, with both starter Pond and backup van Vliet getting their degrees after the season. Elephant Valley has a third Tight End, freshman Luke Bailey, but he only took about a dozen snaps in year one so far, so he remains quite unproven.
Wide Receiver is definitely one of the most interesting positions. Gabriel Yafet, likely the most talented player ever to spend his entire college career with EVU, has largely been wasted – he’ll graduate without ever appearing in the college football playoffs, and unless EVU pull a rabbit out of a hat, without a bowl game win. Sad, honestly. Also graduating is Jude Matusevitch of Ha’Yarok, who was their kick returner; they still retain the two Ranorians in Hall and Dallas as well as Etan Gadi, who also returns punts and might add kicks to his responsibilities.
Nevertheless, EVU will need a true X-wide receiver. Dallas is a great TE/WR hybrid that’ll cause mismatches, but he’s no WR1, and neither is RJ Hall. The two-sport athlete is likely to play an even more reduced role with the gridiron team, as Hall will hope to focus on his Big 14 senior year and his LPB draft stock, so he definitely isn’t someone who can get 10 targets a game right now, either.
The left side of the O-Line is fine, for now, but they’ll also need to get new bodies on the right side, there, with RG Ajark-Zenon Guv of Qusmo getting their Business degree and Chromatik RT Georgine Pine graduating in Architecture.
All in all, expect a very different group of offensive playmakers next season in what will likely be another weak offensive season for EVU.

On defense, the biggest issue is the defensive line. Fan favourite and leader NT Deandre Kelly, a certified big boy, will graduate, and so will RE Cody Hartman; the latter, at least, might be adequately replaced by Hannasean Finn Rogers. For a Kelly replacement, however, EVU will need to go shopping.
The linebacking group, who’s been a big strength for them, will stick around as is with their starters, as will most of the secondary; that, with the exception of CB Charles Raleigh, another Ranorian key contributor on defense. Nova Anglican David Patterson would surely appreciate a chance to step up as CB2, but getting another good corner into the building will be key.
On special teams, the Red Ellies are also fine, with only the aforementioned Kick Returner Matusevitch graduating; all in all, the Red Elephant defense, if they can replace players like Kelly, might be one of the best for the program so far.

[Banija]

Lance Kabuye, at a NMU coach's recruiting meeting

Lance Kabuye was sitting with his coaches, going over the school's foreign recruiting lists. They had found a prospect that they liked- a fullback, Maximillian Marie, out of Eden High School in Ranoria. The team had been in hot pursuit of him, like they were in hot pursuit of quite a large number of prospects. But this was a surprising one- showcasing the democratization of the Celestia Conference. Kabuye was used to having to get into the grinding recruiting battles with schools like USC, FSU, RU, Cold Hill, etc... But there would be a day where perception would change enough, that he'd get into these with the South Newlandian schools.

And that day had come.

He could thank Loyola-Istria for that. Another reason to dislike them. Their last place finish showed the world what he had known for a while- that South Newlandian schools were probably capable of winning their division. And that recruits were clearly taking notice as well. So when he saw that Maximillian Marie was leaning RUoN in the recruiting process, he was pissed. "Man- the Egrets cannot be allowed to take our target recruits." He told his coaches. "We're going full court press. Somebody call the director. Get me on the next flight."

It was extremely rare for a head coach to conduct a full court press recruitment midseason- especially for a fullback. But that was Lance Kabuye's MO. He studied up on the file- the kid was super into wildlife & conservation. Not something that NMU had a ton of, considering its urban location. So he crossed the campus, on foot(an entire mile!), and walked into the Faculty Chair's office of the NMU Zoology Department. The Chair was scrambling.

"La-la- Lance Kabuye!" He said, startled. "I'm surprised to see you here! Please, have a seat." The Chair was stammering. Clearly starstruck by the Head Coach's visit. Almost no athletes did Zoology here, since NMU's Zoology Department had large partnerships with more rural universities in Moravica, requiring kids to spend a lot of time off-campus. So these two almost never talked. "What do you need, coach?"

"I need you to come with me. Pack your bags- we're going to Ranoria." The head coach said.

"Ranoria??" The Professor exclaimed. "You can't just- I've never even been to Ranoria. Why am I going? What the heck are we doing?"

"Good ol' recrootin', of course!" Coach Kabuye exclaimed. "There's a kid I need from a Ranorian HS. We're going to him- directly. Don't worry, we'll be back in a day."

"Coach-" He stammered. "I''m getting married this week! In 5 days! I can't just haul ass out of the country-"

"Are you getting married today?" Kabuye asked.

"No, but-"

"Are you getting married tomorrow?" Kabuye asked.

"Obviously not, that's a Tuesday-"

So you're not getting married the day after either, right? Meaning your rehearsal dinner isn't tomorrow?" Kabuye said.

"Absolutely, but I've got so much stuff-"

"Fantastic. Here's your ticket. You can bring your fiancee with you, you've got your own hotel room. I'll be back here in 5 hours." With that, he spun around, and left the room. The faculty chair was in shock. But what choice did he have? This was a sports-obsessed uni- if the HC needed him, the HC needed him. He thought about how he'd call his fiancee and tell her, on this Monday, that he was leaving the country 6 days before their wedding, for work...

Lance Kabuye, at Eden High School In Ranoria

Lance Kabuye was in classic attire- a black suit, with a red, NMU logo'd tie, on top of a white shirt. The Faculty chair with him was wearing just a windbreaker, with the NMU football logo on it. Kabuye, after hardballing him into making this trip, had to play nice cop too- didn't want the faculty chair to be too rattled in his presentation to the kid. It was homecoming week at the school, so spirit week for the kids. They were all dressed up as part of a beach theme day- kind of a wild scene to walk into, but a fun one nonetheless.

His people had been in contact with the school administration, so they fortunately knew he was here. He saw the principal, and shook his hand. Eden HS wasn't exactly pumping out NSCF recruits like Ranoria City Cathedral or anything- so the principal, an avid CFB fan himself, was a little starstruck at the visit from the head coach. "Maximillian Marie, can you please come down to the office." He called on the intercom. Maximillian Marie came down, and was surprised to see Coach Kabuye, standing there.

"Coach!" He said. "I didn't know you were coming today. I, uh-"

"That's fine son, sit down." He said. "I know you had some concerns about wanting to be able to work with wildlife, and other conservation, while you were in school. That's your passion. And I wanted to walk you through how you could pursue your academic passions in college- since, of course, we're all student-athletes, not athlete-students. So I brought the faculty chair of the NMU Zoology Department."

The chair stood up. "Thank you coach." The coach nodded. "Max, I just wanted to walk you through the academic options that doing this program has at NMU." And he walked through all of them. He talked about the Zoology department, the ability to work with the Herzegovina City Zoo, one of Banija's most prestigious. He talked about travel opportunity in the Summer- to work in conservation efforts within Banija. He spoke about how Banija was one of the world's premier wildlife places for Big 5 conservation, having the largest known lion populations in AO, as well as their triceratops population.

Max impressed by asking a few pointed questions, ones that the faculty professor was actually able to answer. But at the end, it was clear- the Eden HS grad had made up his mind. He was mature beyond his years at his age- a sign on how well he had been raised. "Look, Coach, thank you so much for coming. But I've made my decision- I know, both on and off the field, Ratzupalfu is a school that is tailor-made for me. The University of Nature is basically a dream school for me, and so I've got to be direct and honest- I will have to decline your scholarship offer. Thank you for the opportunity though- I'll look forward to seeing you, hopefully, on the field in the Fall."

Coach Kabuye frowned. But he knew when the game was up- he stood up and shook the kid's hand. "Best of luck at RUoN, kid- you'll go far." Coach Kabuye let the kid walk out of the room. Extremely rare for the HC to be making a campus visit for a recruit mid-season. Even more rare for it to fail. He'd have to go all in on Springborn. Still, this is what it meant- it seemed as if RUoN had won this recruiting battle before even making this guy an offer. A new day of parity within the Savannah Division had arrived- RUoN were beating NMU, head-to-head, on the recruiting trail.

---

Loyola Head Coach, Dennis Zervos, at a meeting with his QB, A-MV

This season, outside of two glorious games against NMU, had mostly been a season from hell. The Holy War had encapsulated it. The team was sitting at 5-6- well out of the playoff picture, big underdogs in their last two rivalry games. Nobody knew how those games would go, and how they went, of course, would determine a lot on how people felt about this season.

This was not what Dennis Zervos, the prodigal son, expected upon his return.

Dude had achieved success everywhere he had gone. He had been a longtime OC, here at his alma mater, directing stud offenses to champions- he was a two-time NSCF champion as a coordinator. He went to the University of Bunyoro as a HC, and won a conference title. He went to the RFL, to coach SMBG, and brought the greatest quarterback, anywhere in the world today, to a RFL title. Leaving the pro ranks to come back home, to his alma mater, to try and bring Loyola-Istria title #4, had always been the goal. Year 1 had mostly been a success. Despite the 10-3 brutal Rebel's Cannon Bowl loss, and first round playoff loss, things were looking up. Division title. Conference title. Beat NMU. Beat Felswyr State. Plenty to build on.

Until, suddenly, there was nothing to build on. Foundations had become sand. Getting swept by both South Newlandian schools, was a bridge too far for most Loyola fans. They were talking shit at NMU fans, to be sure- what was looking to be Loyola's worst ever NSCF team had swept NMU, and been the only team to beat their domestic rivals- including a 63-7 shellacking. But it's a good thing he had those wins. If he didn't, and Loyola were sitting at 3-8? Or even 4-7 with a home loss to NMU? Zervos might already be fired.

It was hard to define a singular 'worst part' of this season from hell. Probably at the end of the BYU game, when Blake Zeurcher was taking a knee? Loyola fans, in disgust at what they've seen(compared to the skyhigh expectations from the fanbase), started chanting a name of a rival coordinator, who'd been long rumored to want his job-: Naia Curentino, Felswyr State's Offensive Coordinator. The "Curentino" chants did not dominate the stadium, but they were loud enough to be picked up on TV- never a good sign.

Dennis Zervos knew that he needed to be able to get more consistency from his mega-talented QB. A-MV had been such an elite HS prospect, vaulting from nowhere up to the top of the recruiting charts in just one season. Zervos should know- he helped recruit her. When things were going well, she was about as good as any thrower of the football in the league. But when they were going bad- well, things were disastrous. You've seen it this season. 63-7 demolition of NMU, she was making every throw- done playing after just 2.5 quarters, after throwing for 300+ and 4 TDs. But just this past week- the normally pinpoint accurate QB was missing previously easy throws.

Zervos deeply felt that Anne-Maurice could be talked about in the same class as Odika, Youngblood, Zeurcher, etc.... But he needed to fix her consistency. The BYU defense had shut her down- two second half interceptions, in crucial moments, as the Blue Thunder were held to just one touchdown, after scoring 9 just two weeks prior against the Celestia conference champs. So he decided to think outside the box.

"Anne-Maurice." He told her. "We're going to go to Chromatika a day early- just you and I. Pay a visit to your family." She looked at him, inquisitively- but she certainly wasn't going to complain. The ability to visit her family wasn't a bad thing. Zervos had felt that she could potentially be hitting a mental wall, considering the pressure she was under. The same wall she had been behind before her senior year of HS. There was no pressure cooker in CFB quite like playing QB at Loyola-Istria, when you constantly had the legacy of those before you, like Isaka Jawara, to live up to(although Isaiah Hunter would love to challenge that).

So her and the head coach took off a day early, from Loyola, to get to Vitoron in the capital district. She was an alumnus of the Vitoron School of Charge. They spent the night with the Vavayavich family- the head coach took them all out to a fancy dinner, and they got along quite well. He then took himself to a hotel- so she could spend private time with her family.

The rest of Loyola's team would arrive in Felswyr at 11 PM that night- so they had a full day before they needed to meet the squad in Felswyr. Coach Zervos had a surprise planned for his QB- one that could help her get her confidence back. He couldn't quite get this Chromatik crowd to dress in Loyola gear- it would be a step too far, for now. But he had called the School of Charge's principal, who was only too happy to oblige. They went back to her HS alma mater- and she got the rockstar treatment. They held a school assembly- and the entire student body was chanting her first name. "Anne-Maurice. Anne-Maurice." They unfurled a banner of her, holding the Chromatik HS MVP award. The current QB, Mtupeni Onwuatuegwu, unfurled it.

She was also able to hang with the football team. Zervos had arranged various alumni that she played with, who didn't make it in CFB, to come back and visit her. All blasts from the past- trying to increase her comfort level. Zervos had a conference title- unless this season finished in abject disaster, he knew that he'd probably get one more season. But Loyola's hopes next season, and his own job, depended on what kind of performance he could get out of the star QB. Would this visit do the trick to get her back on track, and spring an upset on the Firehawks? Or were the Blue Thunder just completely and totally screwed at this point?

---

News Headlines
- Following final approval by Chromatik education authorities, as well as approval from necessary authorities on Urrhed Island, Loyola University has officially broken ground on their fifth campus- the newly established University fo Loyola-Bouveil. "We have been eyeing setting up a campus in Chromatika for a long time, because of the strength of the Mormon community in the country." Dr. Ruhamah Odede, the University System President, told reporters. "It is easier said than done, of course- you can't just show up in a place and start a University. But after years of research, and working on the ground, we fully believe that we are ready to establish a university that will be a strong part of the Chromatik higher education system- and an anchor of Loyola University. We look forward to delivering a world-class, Mormon education in Chromatika." It will be the third country they have campuses in, after Banija(3) and Damukuni(1).
- The BCSG, in a surprising move, has decided to withdraw its bid to host the NSCF 28 Championship Game. They thanked potential supporters, but have decided that, logistically, a bid did not work at this time. They said that they were 'extremely happy' with their hosting of both the Celestia and Horizon Conference championship games this season, and that they heavily look forward to organizing the Mugisha III Memorial Bowl.

Attendance of 16,364 at the Blue Bowl in New Cardonia, Cardenao

First Quarter
11:04 NMU FG- NMU K Dwayne Markseon hits 34 yard field goal (3-0 NMU)
05:11 NMU TD- NMU HB Amira Kong 12 yard TOUCHDOWN run. PAT is good (10-0 NMU)
00:02 BSU INT- BSU QB Bobby Dials pass is INTERCEPTED by NMU CB Abigail Washington, who is tackled at the NMU 40 yard line. (10-0 NMU)

Second Quarter
14:48 NMU TD- NMU HB Balinda Kisero 57 yard TOUCHDOWN run. PAT is good (17-0 NMU)
11:22 BSU TD- BSU QB Bobby Dials throws 24 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to WR Titus Burghearad. PAT is good (17-7 NMU)
04:42 NMU TD- NMU QB Felix Ström throws 71 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to WR Jannik Nadine. PAT is good (24-7 NMU)
00:57 NMU TD- NMU QB Felix Ström throws 16 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to WR Nicodemas Abongo. PAT is good (31-7 NMU)

HALFTIME SCORE- Northern Moravica 31, LeBois Santura 7

Third Quarter
08:44 BSU TD- BSU QB Bobby Dials throws 12 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to TE Nejc Graciano. PAT is good (31-14 NMU)
08:11 NMU FUM- NMU QB Felix Ström is strip-sacked by BSU DE Jon de la Cruz and FUMBLES, recovered by BSU DT Oscar Saez at the NMU 38 yard line (31-14 NMU)
06:01 BSU FG- BSU K Hamash Charelson hits 31 yard field goal. (31-17 NMU)
03:38 NMU TD- NMU HB Amira Kong 6 yard TOUCHDOWN run. PAT is good (38-17 NMU)
00:05 BSU FUM- BSU QB Bobby Dials is sacked by NMU SS Bojana Rasic Kim and FUMBLES, recovered by NMU DE Josiah Michaels at the BSU 34 yard line (38-17 NMU)

Fourth Quarter
14:13 NMU TD- NMU QB Felix Ström throws 17 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to TE Kimi Lundin. PAT is good (45-17 NMU)
13:20 BSU FUM- BSU QB Bobby Dials is strip sacked by NMU DE Okoth Yienya and FUMBLES, recovered by NMU DT Jasher Amolo at the BSU 47 yard line (45-17 NMU)
10:01 NMU TD- NMU QB Levi Ayange throws 5 yard TOUCHDOWN Pass to WR Alice Conti. PAT is good (52-17 NMU)
07:32 BSU TD- BSU QB Bobby Dials 8 yard TOUCHDOWN run. PAT is good (52-24 NMU)
05:11 NMU FG- NMU K Dwayne Markseon hits 38 yard field goal (55-24 NMU)
03:11 BSU INT- BSU QB Bobby Dials pass is INTERCEPTED by NMU OLB Zelotes Aero, who returns the ball to the BSU 40 yard line (55-24 NMU)
01:57 NMU FG- NMU K Dwayne Markseon hits 49 yard field goal (58-24 NMU)

Northern Moravica WINS, 58 to 24

Attendance of 100,000 at the Istria Lightning Yard in Istria, Moravica

First Quarter
07:04 ULI FG- ULI K Haashid el-Mady hits 34 yard field goal (0-3 ULI)
01:11 ULI FG- ULI K Haashid el-Mady hits 48 yard field goal (0-6 ULI)

Second Quarter
09:08 BYU TD- BYU QB Blake Zeurcher 46 yard TOUCHDOWN run. PAT is good (7-6 BYU)
02:07 BYU TD- BYU QB Blake Zeurcher 11 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to WR Colter Grim. PAT is good (14-6 BYU)

HALFTIME SCORE- BYU 14, Loyola 6

Third Quarter
11:13 ULI FG- ULI K Haashid el-Mady hits 28 yard field goal (14-9 BYU)
05:12 BYU FG- BYU K Cullen Cline hits 36 yard field goal (17-9 BYU)
00:01 ULI INT- ULI QB Vavayavich pass is INTERCEPTED by BYU CB David Ryan in the end zone for a touchback. (17-9 BYU)

Fourth Quarter
07:06 BYU TD- BYU QB Blake Zeurcher 4 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to TE Shephard Triche. PAT is good (24-9 BYU)
03:08 ULI TD- ULI QB Vavayavich 13 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to WR Xaya Larr. PAT is good (24-16 BYU)
01:03 ULI INT- ULI QB Vavayavich pass is INTERCEPTED by BYU S Mateo Roach at the ULI 41 yard line. (24-16 BYU)

BYU WINS, 24 to 16

[TJUN-ia]

Last week, one of TJUN-ia's team managed to claim the MIneral Conference title...while the other had to watch on TV. Now, the final 3 weeks of Regular Season play had to be played with the infamous Out of Conference slate about to get underway...with one schedule significantly stronger than the other. But with Playoff seeding and Playoff places on the line, who would rise to the occasion?

The Trent State Fathercaps absolutely hated the fact that they had to watch the MinCon title game on TV instead of actually playing in it and with a playoff spot potentially up for grabs, Johnny Bridgeford was going to try everything within his power to try and get his team in...and up first would be the Nature Bowl(?) against the 5-5 Elephant Valley Red Elephants in the Horseshoe. It seems like a tradition for GCU to play EVU in the OOC and in this contest, Rico Divalles would manage 2 TDs (both via RJ Hall) with Lance Killiks going 2/2 on PATs. But this game would most certainly belong to Jason Steels and he would end up with 4 TDs on the day (2 each from Yurilka Zelinskaya and Samantha Gibson) and while Eleonora "Firefeet" Scafakou only went 3/4 on PATs, it was still enough for a 27-14 victory.

Meanwhile, the Green City Royal Eagles were still in mostly celebration mode after their win in the MinCon title game secured them a Playoff spot and now, the seeding battle was about to begin as GCU headed out to Saint Kanye to face the 9-2 Sequoia Division Champions in the Upper Westside Red Pandas. Paul Abdullahi knew that he had the weapons available to do some magic and Alisha Obi Michel would end up with 3 TDs (2 to Carlton McSwane and one to Batsogile Lovederia) with Glory Oparanozie hitting 3/3 PATs and a 45-yard FG. On the other side of the ball, Adrian St. Roger was also cooking and managed 3 TDs of his own (2 to Sam Dobler and one for Jonald Cooley) with Matt Ingberg hitting 2/3 PATs and a 34-yard FG. The final minute of this game would see a deep drive by St. Roger rewarded as Ingberg hit the 39-yard FG that would walk off this game. GG, UWU - good game.

TSU will head to Thereisnogodistan in order to play the TCC Atheists while GCU heads out to Anthor to play a former MinCon staple in the Bowerstone Bobcats. Both TJUN-ian teams will be favourites in the betting line, but away games can always sting when you least expect it and nobody wants to be caught out anytime soon.

---

TSU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs UCBP (CBP) W 39-36 (1-0)
Week 2: vs Mount Winston (GEM) W 27-7 (2-0)
Week 3: @Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VII L 16-34 (2-1)
Week 4: vs UAlexandropolis (NGS) W 32-7 (3-1)
Week 5: vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) - Homecoming W 17-3 (4-1)
Week 6: @UConstantinople (NGS) W 37-19 (5-1)
Week 7: @UPR Cui-ui (SGU) L 24-41 (5-2)
---------------------Heartland Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @UCBP (CBP) L 17-23 (5-3)
Week 9: @Mount Winston (GEM) W 44-3 (6-3)
Week 10: vs Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy VIII L 13-19 (6-4/+74PD)
Week 11: BYE
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: vs Elephant Valley (SNL/5-5/3rd in Savannah/5th in Celestia) W 27-14 (7-4)
Week 13: @Thereisnogodistan CC (NGD/1-10/4th in Legends/7th in Zephyr)
Week 14: vs Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA,/6-5/2nd in Legends/4th in Zephyr) - Senior Day

GCU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Heartland Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: @Mount Winston (GEM) W 50-6 (1-0)
Week 2: @UCBP (CBP) W 43-22 (2-0)
Week 3: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VII W 34-16 (3-0)
Week 4: vs UConstantinople (NGS) W 41-24 (4-0)
Week 5: vs UPR Cui-ui (SGU) W 34-14 (5-0)
Week 6: @UAlexandropolis (NGS) L 34-19 (5-1)
Week 7: @UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) L 30-7 (5-2)
--------------------Heartland Division Rematches--------------------
Week 8: vs Mount Winston (GEM) - Homecoming W 53-3 (6-2)
Week 9: vs UCBP (CBP) W 37-9 (7-2)
Week 10: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy VIII W 19-13 (8-2)
Week 11: Mineral Championship Game vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU) W 43-13 (9-2/Mineral Champions)
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: @Upper Westside (STK/9-2/1st in Sequoia/Celetria Runner-up) L 24-26 (9-3)
Week 13: @Bowerstone (ATH/5-5/3rd in Celestial/5th in Zephyr)
Week 14: vs Felswyr State (CMT/10-2/1st in Starlight/Horizon Champions) - Senior Day

[Valanora]

A week through the out of conference festivities and Mar Sara Tech is feeling the pressure to have to win their last two out of conference games to have a realistic chance of making the playoff after being so close to having won the divisional crown. The Rockets really seemed to have put a major dent into the psyche of the Raiders as for the second straight game, their otherwise immensely well performing defense failed at any measure to contain the offense of their opposition, as their trip to Ranoria was a complete failure. Even their highly touted best offense in the NSCF could barely do anything against their hosts for the week and the Raiders skidded to an embarrassing twenty-five point loss in the only game that the much maligned OSPI would have cared about in their out of conference schedule, with a pair of games in Mar Sara remaining for the Raiders. Even if Tech does do what they are expected to do and win both of these upcoming out of conference games and comfortably at that, their performances away from the Celestial stadium have likely not been anywhere good enough for OSPI to qualify them and then if Raynor need to be voted in as well, they would be hard pressed to convince voters to vote for them over the victors of the conference series.

On the other hand, the Rockets of Raynor University had a very pleasant first game of the non conference schedule, as they hosted the traditional Quebecois powerhouse school of Université St. Croix in Raynor City. USC boasted one of the very best defenses in all of the NSCF during conference play and they were narrowly denied a spot in their conference championship game, with a week ten lost to their rivals of Université du Saguenay much like Raynor did to Mar Sara. USC is a powerhouse of a program and they have been something of a growing rival for the Vanorian schools, having played one of the Vanorian schools in the out of conference schedule for a few running editions now. Raynor was licking their wounds after coming up short against the Mammoths of Mancodas and their hunger to bounce back was evident from the first snap. USC kept the game close through the first half, with both teams tied at seventeen through the first half of play. Yet the Vanorian endurance and stamina shone through as well as the elite level of the wide receivers, as there was nothing that talented St. Coix defense could do to slow down the Rockets in the second half, as they have a twenty-three point triumph at the final whistle.

These games are being played for more than just pride or playoff jockeying though, as the recruiting battles with the most elite of the recruits really begins to heat up here in the non conference weeks. Mar Sara Tech has a mostly underclassmen roster, so they are not in as much of a need to impress the recruits this season as they have been in some prior seasons, but they are no doubt looking at various prospects who could potentially make them even better than they currently are. Raynor on the other hand has a swath of seniors who will be graduating from their roster, including all three of their much praised receivers and most of their starters on both sides of the ball. The Rockets have already offered scholarships to multiple elite receiving recruits as well as some defensive ends, as star left end Zakarias Håkansson will be graduating. The team will also be losing both starting defensive tackles and will no doubt have their eyes peeled for any that might have a chance of cracking those starters spots day one. They perhaps should have moved faster for Magnus Academy's own Noah Dahle, who was offered by Loyola-Istria and was quick to commit to the Banija school. Hopefully not an omen looking forward to next week when the Rockets will travel to Banija to take on Northern Moravica, but first they have the University of the Commonwealth from Baker Park to deal with as they travel to Vahalla Falls and Tech hosts Crimson Royal.

[Gran Saguaro]

Boca Rana, San Armando
UPAM Main Campus
Portillo Bridge, over the UPAM seismic vault
Evening

César Del Rey stood on the long metal bridge, almost by himself. At the other end, a couple took pictures together — but this was a random Tuesday night, after the campus had been closed to the public, and most UPAM students had better places to go than the metal bridge.

César stared down the chasm. A seismograph installed near the bridge told him that there was some limited tectonic activity.

"César? What the fuck?"

César turned around, and Jasmely was standing there.

"Oh — hi. Hi Jasmely."

"Hi."

"I'm just. Er. I'm thinking."

"Mhm," she said skeptically. "Why are you looking down the fault?"

"I dunno. Apparently it's moving. Tectonically."

"Oh," she said as she read the seismograph. "Yeah."

"I can't feel it." He knew that was a stupid thing to say as soon as he said it.

Jasmely laughed. "Well, you probably wouldn't be able to. Most of these tectonic movements you can't feel. But they're happening constantly."

"Yeah."

"Well."

"Did you see our game against Frontier M&T?"

"Wasn't that away?"

"No, like, did you see it on, like, television or something."

She made an apologetic face. "Oh César, I'm sorry. I couldn't. I was — busy. You know?"

He shrugged. "It's no big deal. We won. We can still make the playoffs."

"That's good!" Jasmely said. "That's a big deal, right? And this is you guys's first tournament too! Next year, oh boy..."

"We won't have Sandy next year. Or Grubbs. Or Posada, or Chich, my center."

"Euch," she said. "I'm sorry César, I kinda fuckin' hate Sandy. He's terrible."

"What are you talking about?"

"He cheated! On Jenny!"

César laughed.

"It isn't funny César. That's a terrible thing to do to his girlfriend."

"I would know, wouldn't I."

Jasmely rolled her eyes, but didn't leave. The two fell into awkward silence.

"How's psychology?" she asked after a while.

"Good."

"That's all you're gonna give me."

César smiled shyly. "I'm starting a lab tomorrow on the effects of different colored prison cells on violent inmates."

"Oh — wow."

"I'm going down to the municipal prison with my partners."

"I — good luck."

"Yeah. Thanks." A long pause occurred, during which the other couple at the opposite end of the bridge left, and César and Jasmely were left totally alone. "What about you?"

"Same old."

"How is — erm — your major — I forget what it was — ooh, something unimportant —"

"Shut up."

" — what was it? — pain-in-the-ass studies?"

She playfully smacked him on the arm. "You are such a dick. I hate you."

"Yep."

"Seriously."

"That's what it'll say on my tombstone. César Del Rey — a dick."

Jasmely shook her head, smiling. Another silence.

"Ugh, Laura would kill me if she saw me talking to you."

César didn't respond, he just turned back towards the chasm and looked down again.

"She thinks it's unhealthy for me."

"I bet she does."

"She thinks you're toxic."

"She's toxic! I'm a psychology major, I know."

"She's protective of me."

César's turn to roll his eyes. A beat. "Gone to any frat parties?"

"What?"

"With — whatever it's called, Delta Delta something."

"Delta Kappa Delta. And no. I don't really do those."

"I thought it wasn't a choice."

"Of course it's a choice. Well. I've been to a couple."

"Mhm."

"Like, house parties. Nothing big, or — wait, why am I defending myself to you?"

"I don't know."

"I go partying every single night."

"Good for you."

"I'm a party animal."

"Y'know..." César looked up from the gorge. "I always thought you were too smart to be in a sorority."

Jasmely took a step back. "Oh-kay."

"That's not what I mean."

"Well, what do you mean?"

"Like —" César thought for a moment. "Okay, Sandy's in a fraternity. He tells me about it a lot. He's in one with Jairo Gallegos and — and Retungas, do you know who he is? Whatever. It doesn't matter. Like Alpha Pi or something. And it's so..." César turned around to look at her. "Brainless. It's so stupid. Like, I get it if people want to do frats, it's whatever, drink and party and have fun and shit. Cool. But the people that do them are like ... not you."

Jasmely crossed her arms and gave César a stare. "I'm gonna change the subject for your sake," she said.

The two of them stood in silence again, looking at each other. "Are you going to win this next match?"

"I don't know, Jasmely."

"Is it home?"

"It's away."

"I'll try to watch."

"Thank you."

"I don't really get gridiron though, like 'downs' and stuff. And when you kick? I think I get the kicking thing, kinda, like when you're about to lose possession because you got tackled ... and you still want to score points ..."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that thing about you and being smart and being in a sorority."

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry."

"It's ok. And, okay, wait, so sometimes kicking is more points — even though it's the same amount hard? — is it like how far away you are from the field goal? Or like—"

"You got into the Honors College!"

"I..."

"You could have gone to the UPAM Honors College, and you turned that down!"

"César, what?"

"I never got that, Jasmely. I never understood how you passed up such an opportunity."

"César, this is a science school! I'm studying science! I know myself, okay, and I know I don't want all that pressure and stuff, I know it would be bad for me, I turned it down. There were, like, other reasons, y'know, but that was the main—"

"You had such a great opportunity. You're so smart that you got into the Honors College of one of the best science schools in the country because you're so good at science. You could have lived in that Tudor house and been with the Honors College people who are all as smart as you. And now you live in that dingy sorority house and you're — you're an average student, and Sandy said he saw you at a party — and it doesn't make sense to me."

"What the hell — ?"

"When I was 12 —"

"Okay, César, I really don't care. I don't know what's wrong with you today."

"Listen, Jasmely. When I was 12, I got into this camp for gridiron. At San Basilio. My parents couldn't pay for it, obviously, but the camp people decided I had enough potential that they gave me a scholarship. And it changed my life. I saw gridiron as a legit possibility. I saw people who believed in my talent. I was — I was the star quarterback in high school, the star point guard, the star midfielder. I was popular. I had shit grades. I dated all sorts of people. I was cool."

"Congrats."

"But I didn't go to any parties. I blew off dates. Instead of going with my friends I practiced — because that camp told me I had something I should cultivate. I got an athletic scholarship. I'm here now. I'm at the NSCF."

"Your head needs to be checked out."

"You don't make sense to me, Jasmely."

"I apologize?"

"I gotta go. It was nice seeing you. I hadn't seen you in a while."

"Yeah, okay. Um. It was nice seeing you too, César."

"Yeah. Well, bye." César continued to stand there. He turned around and looked down into the chasm again.

"César?"

"I'm doing homework. My Acting 202 teacher wants me to 'notice something people overlook'. I'm trying to do that."

Jasmely shook her head. She tried to choke down a smile, but she couldn't.

"I — ok. Good luck."

"Thanks."

"I am actually going to leave though. I have things I gotta do. I'll see you around. Say hi to Sandy for me. I guess I'll say hi to Laura for you too, if you're saying hi to Sandy for me, to balance it out. You know."

César remained silent, staring into the pit.

"Can I help you?"

"What?"

"Can I help you notice your thing."

"Um — sure."

"Okay." Jasmely walked next to César and looked down too. They stood next to each other in silence for a while. At one point, campus police drove by curiously, but decided it wasn't worth stopping to investigate. Some foreign exchange students babbled in Mandarin as they walked over the bridge. The sky turned completely dark. The sidewalks through the adjacent quad emptied.

"it's nice that the fault is illuminated. They put lights up."

"Yep."

Some more silence.

"I kinda miss this."

"Jasmely, I guarantee that we've never looked down this tectonic fault before."

"No, but like ... remember when they were going to euthanize all those rats the Biology students had given genetic defects to, and we adopted them?"

César chuckled. "Yeah. They didn't live very long."

"Or when we dug trenches at the beach to prank my friends, and that Anthropology professor fell in?"

"I got suspended."

"We've done a lot of shit."

"Do you remember," César said, "when my mom died?"

Jasmely was totally taken aback. "Um..."

"I was super devastated. And we had to travel all the way to Moab for a griddy match. The next day. I couldn't miss it. And I was ... sobbing. I was so upset. I didn't know how I could play. I almost didn't show up. I almost quit the team."

"I remember that."

"And you took me ... by the hand, and, I remember this part specifically, you took me to this children's science museum in San Juan Bautista, and we just spent the morning before the game going through the exhibits ... and having fun ... and playing with water features and wooden blocks and stuff that we hadn't done for years. And then — then I got on the plane, and we flew to Moab, and that night ..."

Jasmely smiled really wide. "I knocked on your door, didn't I?"

"No, you fucking knocked on my window. You scared the shit out of me. We were on the ground floor and you came up to my window, 'cause you had flown all the way from UPAM on your own money. And I climbed out the window, and we talked, and then we won."

"And you bought me a t-shirt."

"I love that t-shirt. It's so funny."

"It's the ugliest t-shirt I own by far."

"We've done a lot of exploring."

They stood in silence again. "Y'know," Jasmely said, "I think I've overlooked that."

[Chromatika]

Odika Shines as Firehawks Outscore Buffalo

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  OT  Tot
Cold Hill University                        7   7  12  14   0   40
Felswyr State University                   10  10  13   7   7   47

1Q
11:49 FSU FG - Ivan Homer 48 yard Field Goal
09:27 CHU TD - Enox Silverman 41 yard pass from Benoit Youngblood (Kicker Kick)
05:33 FSU TD - Vince Cartier 18 yard pass from Kadesh Odika (Ivan Homer Kick)

2Q
07:05 FSU TD - Sydney Thomas 33 yard run (Ivan Homer Kick)
05:11 CHU TD - Darin Sundström 27 yard pass from Benoit Youngblood (Kicker Kick)
00:02 FSU FG - Ivan Homer 46 yard Field Goal

3Q
13:28 CHU TD - Enox Silverman 51 yard pass from Benoit Youngblood (Kick Blocked)
10:11 FSU FG - Ivan Homer 44 yard Field Goal
08:28 CHU TD - Kasozi Batte 37 yard pass from Benoit Youngblood (Missed PAT)
04:21 FSU TD - Essa Kayode 71 yard pass from Kadesh Odika (Ivan Homer Kick)
01:24 FSU FG - Ivan Homer 44 yard Field Goal

4Q
13:27 CHU TD - Kenneth Bray 17 yard fumble return (Kicker Kick)
08:01 CHU TD - Benoit Youngblood 3 yard run (Kicker Kick)
00:58 FSU TD - Ulrich Jefferson 7 yard pass from Kadesh Odika (Ivan Homer Kick)

OT
1OT FSU TD - Sydney Thomas 3 yard run (Ivan Homer Kick)

FIREHAWKS' ROOST, FELSWYR, MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, CHROMATIKA - It had been a great game, a tense game, an evenly matched game between two of the best teams in the NSCF. Cold Hill, the champions of the Big Eight, alongside Felswyr State, the champions of the Horizon. Benoit Youngblood and Kadesh Odika leading two high-powered offenses, and neither quarterback disappointed.

Sure, Cold Hill's kicker - their first since having Chromatiks for many years - struggled with a missed extra point and another blocked. However, Youngblood was on fire, finding four touchdowns through the air, including two to Ennox Silverman, the Chromatik receiver and older brother of Earl. Kenneth Bray added a sack-fumble of Odika that was the sixth touchdown of the game for Cold hill, and it was a field day for the Quebecois Quarterback.

Thankfully for Felswyr State, Odika shined when it mattered. Sure, Sydney Thomas had a score, but Odika fit in long touchdown passes to Vince Cartier and Essa Kayode and then a game-tying drive with a pass up the post to Ulrich Jefferson that sent the game to overtime.

The Firehawks would get the ball first, and that was when Odika used his mobility. Converting on third-and-three with a scramble up the middle on a delayed draw, Odika found Jefferson in the flat to move to the Buffalo five. Two plays later, Sydney Thomas, the Ranorian Running Back, carried three defenders with him into the end zone to put the Firehawks up by seven points.

It was two plays after that the play of the game happened. The Firehawks had stopped Tony Fuller after a three yard gain. On second and seven, Youngblood looked Silverman's way again - and had all the right to, given how Silverman had torched Lisa Bonsoon for two long touchdowns in the game. This time, though, the Chromatik freshman had other plans. Freshman-on-Freshman violence happened as Bonsoon jumped Silverman's route, going for the ball instead of the receiver. It was risky, but it worked, as Bonsoon picked off Youngblood and raced to the Firehawks' sideline to end the game.

"Nobody, and I repeat nobody, gets me three times in one game!" screamed Bonsoon emphatically after the game, "They got me twice, sure - good for them - but when it mattered, they came my way again, and this time, I made sure they paid. We're flying high, baby!"

The boisterous freshman aside, it was a great win for the Firehawks. They will have Senior Night next against the University of Loyola-Istria in what's become a bit of a rivalry. The Blue Thunder, however, are in the middle of their worst season in years, sitting at 5-6. Anne-Maurice Vivayavich returns home to try to save face.

"We can't look too far ahead to Green City," remarked Naia Curentino about the upcoming matchup against the TJUN-ia squad, "We need to make sure to take care of the Blue Thunder before looking too far ahead."

With Odika finally starting to unlock the offensive potential of the squad, the full potential of the Firehawks may, finally, be starting to be realized.

---

Lava Dominate Mammoths to Send Clear Message to Rest of the Field

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
University of Mancodas                      7  10   7   0   24
Staramra Tech University                    6  17  17   7   47

1Q
11:52 STU FG - James Dior 52 yard Field Goal
09:01 UoM TD - Taina Buonarroti 3 yard pass from John-James Mcknight (Hammad Bowden Kick)
01:33 STU FG - James Dior 47 yard Field Goal

2Q
12:47 UoM TD - Star Hill 28 yard pass from John-James Mcknight (Hamma Bowden Kick)
10:11 STU TD - Gabriele Ziegler 51 yard pass from Haruno Masakazu (James Dior Kick)
08:29 UoM FG - Hamma Bowden 37 yard Field Goal
04:22 STU TD - Isaga Duhaga 17 yard run (James Dior Kick)
00:11 STU FG - James Dior 42 yard Field Goal

3Q
13:21 STU TD - Isaga Duhaga 42 yard run (James Dior Kick)
10:21 UoM TD - Star Hill 39 yard pass from John-James Mcknight (Hamma Bowden Kick)
06:47 STU TD - Gabriele Ziegler 38 yard run (James Dior Kick)
01:24 STU FG - James Dior 41 yard Field Goal

4Q
07:31 STU TD - Ingrid Gustaffston 29 yard interception return (James Dior Kick)

JOHNSTON MEMORIAL STADIUM, STARAMARA, URRHED ISLAND, CHROMATIKA - For a half, the Zephyr Conference Champions in University of Mancodas hung around with the Lava. The Poafmersians' Quarterback, John-James Mcknight, was hitting deep passes in tandem, and though Gabriele Ziegler and Isaga Duhaga were getting good carries, the score read 23-17 at halftime.

Then, the Lava defense showed up, and the running game of the Lava truly took off. Outscoring the Mammoths 24-7 in the second half, the Lava showed that when they are operating on full throttle, they can be like the team that made it to the Championship game last season. Duhaga and Ziegler combined for 271 rushing yards as Masakazu didn't have to do much in his return back from injury.

"We are still the same team," stated Masakazu when asked about the disappointing season the Lava has had so far, "And we can get back to that level."

Staramara Tech will have the best chance to show that they've recovered from their slow start by taking on the Northern Moravica University Cougars in Week 12. NUM, who won the Celestia Conference, is one of the best teams in the NSCF, and a prime opponent to test the Lava's current level.

After taking down Felswyr State and Manconas, this is the best chance the Lava have.

[Nagarythe]

Despite the victory and the creation of the vortex, seemingly closing the magical portal that had allowed the demons to enter into the world, the cost had been high for the elves of Althion. Their king was dead, countless warriors and mages who had been at the forefront of their defense and society had also perished at the battle or during their war, and magic was barely able to be utilized by the few surviving mages who had not been part of the vortex ritual. A council of the surviving princes of Althion was called shortly thereafter and they decided to vote among themselves who would take up the mantle of High King in Atheron's absence. All of the princes who had survived the war and were able to attend the council made their case as to why they should be the new High King, each believing their case to be the best among their peers to lead the people moving forward. After days of deliberating and inconclusive votes, Bas Shathom, a distant cousin of Atheron, was voted as the next High King over that of Atheron's own son, Malathar.

Malathar had proven himself more than an adept mage, a fierce warrior, and a naturally talented general during the war. He had said he desired the throne of the High King not in any pursuit of power but in order to honor the memory of his father who had been the King before him and had lead the elves through the two demonic invasions of Althion and that if the council failed to choose him, he would swear fealty to whomever the council chose. Sure enough, when Bas Shathom was named as the new High King, an elf who had distinguished themselves as an excellent warrior and tactician as well during the war but was seen as a choice of peace and rebuilding, Malathar was the first to kneel and swear his allegiance to his distant kin. Morgath however was distraught that her son had not been chosen, believing him to be the heir to the throne, not respecting the voted nature of the High King position as Atheron had set out. Malathar had to calm his mother and assure her that this was the most wise choice and what Atheron would have wanted.

Astronomers and geomancers studied the portents to decide the best time for Bas Shathom's coronation, so that he would be blessed by the gods in the same way that Atheron had been. It was decided that one year and a day after Atheron's disappearance and presumed death would be the right time for the new king to begin his reign and go through the various ceremonies that would bestow him the blessings of the gods the mages and priests believed that pantheon had bestowed upon Atheron before him. One such ritual warded the new High King against fire, making him nearly entirely resistant to the element, able to walk on coals and through a collapsing burning building on his way to the priests waiting to complete his coronation. As a new crown forged of gold and silver with embedded emeralds was placed upon his head, his reign began and a time of rebuilding and exploration was set to begin under what the elves would call the Explorer King.