World Bowl XLVI (46) | Everything Thread

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

ENTERTAINMENT ENQUIRER

NSCF? Not so fast, as Ian Lautner's new QBC show announces name, Thanksgiving Sunday debut

Do you remember when you last heard that Ian Lautner's heading to the world of sports administration with NSCF awaiting in the wings?

Not so fast, as the future Hall of Fame quarterback, who has set himself in the chronicles of a half-dozen generational quarterbacks who have come out of the Calanian state in recent memory, has settled on the format of his QBC talk show series. The QBC announced this morning that Good Morning Quebec (with Ian Lautner) will debut at the Thanksgiving Sunday morning.

With Lautner, a five-time Imperial Bowl winner and six-time QFL MVP in sixteen seasons with Joongyeong Voyageurs and Attawapiskat Broncos, Good Morning Quebec will be run as a 90-minute show, airing every Sundays at 9h30 in the morning. To be held right after the morning news at nine a.m., the 90-minute show will be followed by Sing and Dance, the traditional staple of the national broadcaster since the year 1962.

Lautner, who signed a multi-year contract with the QBC after spending most of spring on a post-retirement trip abroad, expressed his excitement with his show, his first full-time foray into entertainment industry. Speaking to the media in front of the Voyageurs Complex where he was present as guest coach for the Voyageurs' training camp, he made quick note of the situation: 'I'm glad to do it. Obviously it will be a challenge, especially considering the nature of the late-morning shows, but I think it's going to be a pleasant challenge.

'Music, Sports, Current Affairs, you name it. Funs will be had, spoils enjoyed, and of course, you will make fun of us and we will too. Let's have a blast.' He said.

The QBC release calls Good Morning Quebec a dynamic, satirical look into current affairs, music and sports, with a wide range of interactions to be made by the national broadcaster's strong, emerging cast and a lineup of guests week in and out. While it carries a certain sense of rebranding due to the profile of its television host, Good Morning Quebec is expected to carry the torch of the longtime morning talk shows, which have traditionally been run by the ex-sportsmen (Bon Matin, c'est le Dimanche!) or a wide mix of entertainers (Saturday Morning Utja) and would feed into elder-friendly Sing and Dance.

Braniff-Cole Television and Entertainment will be producing it for the QBC, with Jean-Christophe Nolet, Sung Yeong-Hyeon and Noh Moon-Sik, the last of whom had transferred from the QBC Kids after a decade as star producer, serving as executive producers. Horace Glenn and Nancy Braniff-Cole will be the producers.

[Ranoria]

Matchday Three Cutoff! How's your team looking after the first third of the group stage?

Group A
Gyatsko-Kai 25–6 Magnecia
TJUN-ia 43–12 Hofn

Group A                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 TJUN-ia                        3   2  1   82  49 +33
2 Gyatsko-Kai                    3   2  1   63  31 +32
3 Hofn                           3   1  2   52  80 −28
4 Magnecia                       3   1  2   42  79 −37

Group B
HUElavia 56–16 Milk Island
Rouyoute 3–40 Saint Kanye

Group B                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 HUElavia                       3   3  0  123  57 +66
2 Saint Kanye                    3   2  1  111  63 +48
3 Rouyoute                       3   1  2   53  74 −21
4 Milk Island                    3   0  3   43 136 −93

Group C
Jacksonboro 20–28 Ko-oren
Valanora 26–45 Quebec & Shingoryeo

Group C                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Ko-oren                        3   3  0   87  34 +53
2 Quebec & Shingoryeo            3   2  1  106  60 +46
3 Valanora                       3   1  2   70 115 −45
4 Jacksonboro                    3   0  3   65 119 −54

Group D
Dod Rava 16–30 Anthor
Torisakia 13–56 Chromatika

Group D                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Chromatika                     3   3  0  123  23 +100
2 Anthor                         3   2  1   64  70  −6
3 Torisakia                      3   1  2   56 104 −48
4 Dod Rava                       3   0  3   40  86 −46

Group E
South Americanastan 24–22 Allamunnic States
Banija 26–9 Juvencus

Group E                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 South Americanastan            3   3  0  104  62 +42
2 Allamunnic States              3   2  1  100  64 +36
3 Banija                         3   1  2   79 106 −27
4 Juvencus                       3   0  3   36  87 −51

Group F
Gran Saguero 0–36 South Newlandia
Sudilia 13–36 Abanhfleft

Group F                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Abanhfleft                     3   3  0  137  50 +87
2 South Newlandia                3   2  1   88  64 +24
3 Gran Saguero                   3   1  2   53 100 −47
4 Sudilia                        3   0  3   40 104 −64

Group G
Drawkland 54–19 Katterimunk
Sarzonia 10–0 The Spartan Dominion

Group G                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Drawkland                      3   3  0  138  44 +94
2 Katterimunk                    3   2  1   65  89 −24
3 Sarzonia                       3   1  2   46  65 −19
4 The Spartan Dominion           3   0  3   24  75 −51

Group H
Cassadaigua 34–6 United Hawkland
Ranoria 29–0 Utahn Theocratic Republic

Group H                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Ranoria                        3   3  0   77  16 +61
2 Utahn Theocratic Republic      3   2  1   46  65 −19
3 Cassadaigua                    3   1  2   66  53 +13
4 United Hawkland                3   0  3   26  81 −55

[Ranoria]

Farmboy Tales, Part IV - Passing The Torch
Shortly After the RFL 2030 Conference Championship
RANPAC Coliseum, Indianapolis, Ranoria

John Garrett had learned by now that there weren't many times that it all came together for him, but this season had been one of those rarities. In 2023, he'd shattered the passing touchdowns record. This time, he'd rewritten the book.

After a cracked vertebra ended his campaign six games in a year ago, the reigning two-time World Bowl champion had finally been able to show off the arm that made the Ranorian National Team such an unstoppable force in the last two World Bowls, throwing for an RFL record 5,227 yards (prior record had been 5,050) and 52 touchdowns - the first time a passer had ever thrown for more than fifty scores in a season, and shattering his own still-standing record of 47.

Healthy all season. Third year wideout Jeremiah Fletcher coming into his prime, and old friend Johnny Farmer coming over to play together one last time as his career came to a close. It was a perfect storm. Sure, they had the sixth worst defense in football, but when your offense is the best the league's ever seen, you can live with that. They'd run the Nashville Sabercats off this same field 55-25 just a week ago. So what the hell was going on?

Here he sat, the clock striking double zeroes as a team that prior to the game, the talking heads had claimed was led out by some second year quarterback(Sarai Gwenderyn) whose defense carried her in college, coached by some offensive coordinator(ULI legend Dennis Zervos) who made a career off of Isaka Jawara, throwing to a wide receiver who's career stats had been inflated by Diamond Rhine(Alessandra Mio), was walking away with a conference championship that should've been his.

Of course, Garrett knew better than to believe all of that. The Hogs as a whole had known better to believe all that - and they still got burned. The two time RFL champion, and soon to be four time MVP, went through the formalities after the game, shook hands and offered what little advice he could to a player he had a feeling would be the best in the world soon, and sleepwalked his way through the postgame.

He hadn’t had the easiest career - best in the game or not, injuries had robbed him of much of his prime. But without that mental crutch of knowing he hadn't been at his peak, this hurt all the more. Not only had he been healthy, he'd just hit his high water mark, his peak - and it still hadn't been enough to overcome a second year quarterback who's trajectory was only going up. And for some reason, his gut told him that was as far as he’d ever go in the RFL playoffs again as long as SMBG was in the conference.

---

"A Step Ahead!? We're Not Even Playing The Same Game!"
Volson, Krauts Welcome Zuercher To The Superdome, Run Outmatched College Star Off The Field


Akhello Volson looked the part of a superstar at cornerback against the Utahns, picking off Blake Zuercher twice and offering all the jaw and angst he could to throw the young passer off

There are a lot of Ranorian fans of Blake Zuercher. The young man helped take his BYU Miners to unprecedented success in his first NSCF season despite battling anxiety issues. Our locals got an extended look at him, he danced twice with Cold Hill and once with Richardson, nearly wresting the Big 8 crown from the former - and plenty of Ranorians watched the NSCF's inaugural Holy War. when he declared he'll be coming into the RFL draft - despite the GFLB's numerous advantages for quarterbacks including health and statistical success - well, a lot of us are already wondering who's gonna be the lucky team to snag him.

But when it was announced he'd be starting for the Utahn team in the World Bowl, reviews were mixed. On one hand, Sarai Gwenderyn did it - but she's one of the greatest players in the history of the sport on the collegiate level, and well on her way to matching that accolade in the RFL at this rate. Some were excited to see if he could prove his mettle against the best of the world, acclimate to the highest possible level of competition. You wanna talk about making your transition to the RFL easy? Get some experience here. Others were worried he'd be beaten up and leave with his confidence shot - it's an outcome far too common with these young quarterbacks.

Early results were good. The Utahns got a nice two score win against an as-of-yet-winless United Hawkland, then stunned the world when they beat Cassadaigua by the skin of their teeth.

Then he had to face Ranoria, and, well, one post from Vick Hamilton on twi.turr before the game - once it was confirmed Zuercher would be starting - sums it up.

@VickHamiltonReporter This is not going to go well for Blake Zuercher. Kid's talented, but this is just a bad idea.

The Superdome was full to the brim and the pre-game festivities were in full effect. RFL commissioner Rolf Annelie would flip the coin for the home debut of the Krauts here, in the second World Bowl hosted by Ranoria. The silver haired Annelie shook Blake Zuercher's hand enthusiastically prior to the flip, excited to meet him in person for the first time - and probably more excited to get such a talented passer into the fold of the RFL.

"I told the young man to be careful out there," Rolf offered Vick Hamilton before the game with a smile, "He's got a bright future, gonna have to get the ball out quick and protect himself."

---

Zuercher's confidence was clear - his shoulders were loose, all smiles in the pregame. He'd seen the NSCF playoffs and a Big 8 championship game already - this was the biggest stadium he'd ever played in, but he was used to the lights and the big stage. So when he got the ball, it was clear that this Utahn team was going to use the same strategy as the BYU Miners to try to overcome their opponent - rely on the arm of the best player on their team.

Zuercher faked a handoff and rolled out - with Kearse double timed and Fairbanks pursuing from the other edge, it was a perfectly designed bootleg. He had just enough time to dial up his wide receiver, and put his whole body into a bomb of a throw just before Fairbanks slammed into him. The crowd shared a collective intake of breath, and Fairbanks was on his feet first. Zuercher got up just as that intake was let loose in a cheer - his eyes went wide when he saw Akhello Volson juke out his receiver and come charging down the field with the ball, but he didn't have time to pursue - Fairbanks decked him again to give Volson a block downfield, and the corner came oh-so-close to scoring a defensive touchdown on the game's opening play before he was knocked out of bounds.

"You're in the big leagues now!" The rookie screamed at the top of his lungs, spiking the ball into the turf, "No more of that NSCF shit, better step up your game!"

A quick handoff to Apollo Esther and this thing was six nothing less than a minute in, with the big back crashing through the line much more violently than he had any need to with how the blocking played out. He spread his arms wide, soaking in the roar of a crowd more than a hundred and twenty thousand strong - this was going to be a good day.

---

The Utahn offense just couldn't get anything going - after that interception on their opening drive, Zuercher nearly tossed a second when he just didn't seem to see Sage Sterling, who couldn't quite finish the catch after an incredibly athletic play to get in front of the receiver, and a run on their next play got blown up by Kaiser Belfort for a loss.

Third and long - in a game where it was becoming all too clear that they needed to stay on schedule with down and distance, it was a recipe for disaster. Zuercher tried to hit a receiver on a slant, but again it was Volson who came up with it - the Loyola-Istria grad baited him perfectly. He was tackled quickly, but when he flipped the ball into Zuercher's face - likely some leftover animosity from Zuercher downing his Blue Thunder in the Holy War - it put his offense back fifteen yards.

Volson was asked after the game what they'd seen in film to make it seem like they were always a step ahead of the Utahn squad, and Volson almost looked insulted - "A Step Ahead!? We're Not Even Playing The Same Game!" He'd protest, "The coverages, the defense we're running, he doesn't even know what to think out here!" And as the game went on that became more and more evident. After starting the game 0/3 with a pair of interceptions, Blake began to hesitate more and more often before he got the ball out - and that would lead to this pass rush looking as ferocious as they ever have. Gideon Kearse and Abram Fairbanks alone tallied a combined five sacks, with the team as a whole recording double digits, never letting the young passer breathe.

And once the score began to run up, it was clear he had no choice but to continue to drop back. No matter what they tried, they couldn't slow down a team that may be fielding the world's best two edge rushers this side of Leo Cross. Extra blockers were tossed aside like paper plates, no one was biting on play action, the I formation only resulted in pressure up the middle, and shotgun gave Kearse and Fairbanks too easy of an angle - or even Vergol, on his limited snaps.

It was pretty clear who the better team was throughout, but the fourth quarter really put a statement on it.

---

The drive hadn't started at the five. No, down twenty seven zip, they'd gotten the ball at the fifteen after a Krauts punt. When Zuercher dropped back though, he hesitated on his initial read seeing Jabyess Hawkins in the area. Maybe it'd have been a connection, who knows? But from experience, his internal clock told him to move - just a half second too late. He scrambled back when he felt contact, only for Konstantin Vollmacht to wrangle him down for a ten yard loss.

So now Gideon Kearse bared his teeth and popped out his chins traps - he'd learned against Kohnhead City that desperate tackles would grab the facemask in these kinds of situations - growled, and started scuffing the dirt with his cleats like some sort of bull. The Utahn tackle was surely a bit off put at the animalistic display, and it showed - on the snap, Kearse faked a jab step to the inside, then launched his arm up through the tackle's outside armpit to hook him. From there it was a flip of his hips to finish a classic hump move, and Zuercher could only cover the ball when one of the best to ever wear Richardson's red clotheslined him.

Kearse clasped his hands over his head to announce the safety, then whipped his helmet off and roared with the Ranoria faithful packing this stadium. 29-0, a shutout to end the first leg of this group stage and kick off a three-game-home stand that potentially- if they could knock off the Fillies a second time - clinch their postseason berth early.

"I'm always excited to play a team as good as Cassadaigua," Kearse told reporters, still panting after the game, "But I want Banija. They got two, we got two, it's time to find out who runs this show here. I want Chromatika, played with Gwenderyn a couple years, always fun to be on the other side, and we gotta get revenge for last time. I think Jack Hoy is calling it "do it for Dusty" over there? That's the way we gotta play. We've got the best damn quarterback to ever do it, and damn if he isn't getting a third ring. Abram, Vollmacht, Taurus and I? We'll lead the way."

Kearse is doing everything in his power so far to keep that promise - he's leading a historically dominant pass rush in sacks and spearheading the best defense in the World Bowl early on. But the Fillies will be the next guests in the Karmin-Falce Superdome, and you can expect a much tighter affair now that they're galloping back into it after an 0-2 start.

[Jacksonboro]

THE JACKSONBORO TORNADOES

It is time for a good ol' griddy cup and that means people in Jacksonboro are frantically looking for the biggest talent concentrated in the nation. From the tornado track-filled plains of the East to the montainous Central region, to the paradise that the West and South may be. People all over Jacksonboro love their griddy and most of all have been paying attention to the World Bowl for the past few iterations of the competition. Without further ado, let us present to you the Jacksonboro Tornadoes!

Note, italics indicate starter

OFFENSE:

Quarterbacks: DeShawn Jeremiah Williams(Age 35)(Captain)
Ewan Dixon(Age 23)
Daevion Copeland(Age 22)

Running backs: Ahmed Johnson(Age 29)
John Stockman(Age 26)
Anjawon Wilkerson(Age 19)

Wide receivers: Kyle Wilkins(Age 21)
Jack Hall(Age 28)
William Perkins(Age 24)
Kolten Figueroa(Age 26)
Jaylen Robinson(Age 23)
Jackson Dillard(Age 22)

Tight ends: Alexander Rice(Age 23)
Robin Clark(Age 27)
DeAndre Jameson(Age 25)

Left Tackles: James Robins(Age 30)
Ryan Sexton(Age 24)

Left Guards: Tate Gill(Age 27)
Charlie Porter(Age 38)

Centers: Avondré Owens(Age 30)
Kevin Mills(Age 22)

Right Tackles: Omar Dawson(Age 19)
Jason Clapham(Age 23)

Right Guards: Damian Simpson(Age 24)
Jeremiah Miller(Age 22)

DEFENSE:

Left End: Landell Borden(Age 22)

Defensive Tackles: Joe Walsh(Age 29)
Phil Rye(Age 24)

Right End: Larry Boxer(Age 33)

Stanley Thorpe(Age 28)
Tobias Willster(Age 27)
Keenan Byrd(Age 27)
George McMahon(Age 20)
JaKhel Stevens(Age 20)

Outside Linebackers: Owen Shaw(Age 31)
Neville Knox(Age 18)

Middle Linebacker: Jeremy Lawrence(Age 24)

Quadell Floyd(Age 39)
Itrez Ferguson(Age 23)
Reece Cole(Age 23)
Sylas Juarez(Age 22)

Cornerbacks: Robert Valenzuela(Age 29)
Brice Dejesus(Age 26)
Ben Harper(Age 24)
Henry Saunders(Age 20)
Cameron Ellis

Strong Safeties: Urick Bennett(Age 33)
Qualeek Muhammad(Age 20)

Free Safeties: Uzzia Freeman(Age 37)
Isiah Spence(Age 22)

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Kicker: Kane Weber(Age 22)
Punter: Farrell Cox(Age 25)
Long Snapper: Darryl Conner(Age 30)

STAFF:
Offense Coach: Leo Holmes
Defense Coach: Luke Ross
Coordinator: Jamal Jefferson

Kits: Red, blue at home. Gold, red away.

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players: No
Suspend my players: Yes
Godmod suspension events: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

Style Mod: +5

[Ko-oren]

It's a whole new league out there with the decision to lift national team players off of club rosters, effectively removing the best 50-or-so players from the league. Most NT'ers were rarely available for teams anyway, and it created a lot of difficult roster rules, and on top of that, players on the national team are now free to train with any team in the league when available. This means that they can stay closer to home and don't have to travel half a country over for a few training sessions in between World Bowl obligations. The World Bowl remains by far the largest thing on the gridiron calendar every year, followed by the league postseason and the league itself. The NSCF enjoys very little popularity and that was only marginally better when the Salamantic Professors were active there.

The schedule is nearly the same every year. You play your division rivals twice (5 teams, 10 games) and the teams in the other division once (6 teams, 6 games). That's 16 games in total. The out-of-division games take place in weeks 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The in-division games take place in weeks 2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. Divisional games are concentrated in the back two-thirds of the season, so if a team starts strong and tapers off, that's usually a sign they've been figured out by their division rivals - and given that the first week of the postseason is West v West and East v East, that's potentially even more reason for concern.

A quick note on weeks 11 and 15: in these weeks, the rivalry games take place. Wolves versus Destroyers. 65ers versus Admirals. Godspeed versus Saints. Dragonflies versus Caspians. Astronauts versus Explosions. Emperors versus Centaurs. There are never byes in these weeks.

Another quick note on weeks 7, 8, and 9: these games take place in a team's alternate home venue: a smaller venue, with a beautiful backdrop - be it ocean, national parks, or skylines - located in the home team's heartland.

With the stars out of the picture, that shakes up the league considerably. The best passing attack in the league is now the one that has the most players ranked 4th-10th in the nation. The best defence might no longer be stacked Sterrenwolde, who see their best players leave. They then spend every single draft pick trying to replace them - resulting in, once again, a pretty stacked defence, but they couldn't spend any resources on their offence which is consequently lacking. Anyway, you get it: the league is wide open.

Aerellen Explosions
Stadium: Northern Arena (32000) in Aevanna, Aerellen
Titles: 1 (Hist. Titles: 4)
Rivals: Noordrug Astronauts

QB Aolif Arerira (37), BQ Adala Aosbure (20)
FB Togai Joshie (35), HB Aogega Alod (24), RB Per Westergroen (32), WR Katsunari Kizu (25), XR Ainia Aolise (29), YR Liriaf Varafin (31), ZR Asna Aimigenna (25), TR Aireme Aimocinia (21), TB Adupe Aimmalin (28)
RT Japa Girault (25), RG Aohevi Aogabella (22), CE Enieris Akailis (26), LG Aerefi Aubben (19), LT Ravel Brahe (27), OL Aidici (f) Aeulen (24)
LE Leon Ahern (28), LD Auite Aonadi (21), NT Aesoba Alelella (25), RD Vavil Verian (32), RE Aivupi Ainve (22)
OB Adiro Aerumara (30), WB Aebopu Aomidinia (22), IB Aerete Aogifenna (24), MB Ludwig Barnett (34), SB Aogbo Aibial (23), BZ Alio Aelasea (21)
LC Aei Aebipure (22), FS Aimidil Amalir (32), SS Ausoru Aemuros (23), RC Aerio Aemino (30), NB Aosidu Aemedise (24), DB Aivapo Aaboma (33)
PK Ama Gachet (29), PU Twan Raatmink (31), LS Aedaba Alomial (24), PR Ainirinda Aiaphaguna (29), KR Aihipo Egitenna (25), JM Ahimi Audas (29), GU Aedace Auhecen (33)

The team to come out of it all in much better shape. Veteran Arerira wasn't selected to the NT, which means that the Explosions are now in possession of the best QB in the league, but it locks them into a certain play style that other teams have been facing for nearly 20 years now. It helps that Aerellen looks stronger than any team at offensive skill positions, spearheaded by Joshie and Varafin, but don't ignore Aolise either. Plenty of receiving outlets. The offensive line is also nothing to scoff at with Aogabella as a high-risk high-reward draft pick. That doesn't mean that the defence has been neglected, but it's not nearly as good. Amalir will be a menace for opposing quarterbacks, and the line has some big names like Verian and Ahern as well. They should be all-in on a title.

Noordrug Astronauts
Stadium: The Glacier (28000) in Launott, Nordoren
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 4)
Rivals: Aerellen Explosions

QB Rem Plasman (34), BQ Sebastiaan Gaaidal (25)
FB Inasa Azegami (23), HB Alle Gagnon (31), RB Sidney Paterson (30), WR Flora (f) Voordewind (28), XR Quatermain Radcliff (29), YR Tormod Karstensen (28), ZR Heinric Westnoot (30), TR Paul Antonsen (33), TB Achi Abadie (31)
RT Llewffrhodd yFfigmwm (34), RG Lent Hoenderman (26), CE Ingvar Hofstad (30), LG Jonas Reishuis (25), LT Morten Isaaksen (31), OL Adelbert van der Heuvel (24)
LE Mahito Okakura (20), LD Mark ter Meulen (33), NT Christiaan Noorddoorn (29), RD Ryōji Yagura (21), RE Yōji Narahara (22)
OB Masakuni Morinoue (24), WB Arvid Holmgroen (33), IB Godfried Amandinspar (25), MB Evert Noorddal (28), SB Woutre Pelzer (22), BZ Takahiko Kayano (33)
LC Aegana Aegerin (29), FS Will Marchal (34), SS Eduard van Straudum (22), RC Evert Monaghan (28), NB Naomasa Kaminuma (33), DB Harm Deemstering (22)
PK Mitsushige Fukumoto (22), PU Gewffnhwd yFochcal (30), LS Oldrik Gaaiberk (22), PR Henery Willis (33), KR Sijvert Donkerheide (24), JM Aegidius Riemaker (29), GU Paulus Veldden (19)

They are also much improved since the offseason situation, making the northeastern rivalry an instant classic for the next 2-3 years already. Though not as stacked as Aerellen, the Astronauts have no truly bad units though some require a bit of work in the draft in the next few years. Looking at Plasman's age, but also the ages of Gagnon, Paterson, Westnoot, Antonsen, and Abadie. All 30+ in a league where 32 seems to be the drop off point. yFfigmwm is back for another year as a top three tackle. The real strength of this roster lies on the other side of the ball, though. The corner duo of Monaghan and Aegerin, supported by Holmgroen, Noorddal, and Pelzer at the three linebacker positions - as long as the line can generate any kind of pressure, the rest of the defence will do the rest. They're close to a title contender - should they win it, that shouldn't be a massive surprise - but most likely they're two good - and young! - offensive skill positions away.

Aminey Caspians
Stadium: Stade sur la Baie (70000) in Aminey, Aminey
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 8)
Rivals: Sterrenwolde Dragonflies

QB Mati Sylvestre (34), BQ Jean-Étienne Chaumont (27)
FB Harre van de Hoogte (31), HB Ernest Justin (22), RB Shunmyo Suzukaze (27), WR Xavier Marineau (24), XR Chillarie Yowarie (25), YR Théagène Eric (22), ZR Thibaut Gallet (19), TR Gaëta Lafaille (28), TB Romuald Duchesne (25)
RT Max Diekman (32), RG Robin Verninac (30), CE Stéphane Joly (19), LG Nathaniel Padish (22), LT Florent Bandemer (21), OL Suhernu Zupuldinthen (28)
LE Roelf Hoefman (24), LD Japeau Bassot (31), NT Émile Lacroix (20), RD Marc Gérald (32), RE Ghyslain Adrien (19)
OB Lou St. Claire (32), WB Luther Batchelor (33), IB Marcellin Rottier (24), MB Henry Barbier (22), SB Kil Moreau (34), BZ Marc St. Claire (31)
LC Néo Basile (20), FS Tokichiro Chiba (25), SS Milo Dellis (22), RC Aeneatai Aothemirila (26), NB Manoel Mella (24), DB Mirabeau Foret (30)
PK Bunta Jebung (32), PU Noël Ducommun (20), LS Filip Bergman (29), PR Ulf Lindeman (28), KR Léopold Pertuit (33), JM Aurélien Rossignol (30), GU Stéphane Thelin (25)

Aminey looked forward to hitting the reset button given their underdog status in the rivalry with Sterrenwolde. Instead, it looks like Aminey might just be a little worse off than most clubs - the roster isn't very inspiring. They've taken a page out of the Sterrenwolde gameplan by building a punishing defensive secondary and while no other unit is outright bad, the lack of specialisation should keep them in games but without winning all too many. The uninspiring special teams unit won't help in keeping these games close enough, either. Some positives: the offensive line isn't bad at most places (namely, Diekman and Verninac), the secondary is really good with Aothemirila, Dellis, and Chiba especially. They also retained Yowarie who's on the level of an NT receiver as well.

Sterrenwolde Dragonflies
Stadium: Het Planetarium (46000) in Sterrenwolde, Intermare
Titles: 2 (Hist. Titles: 2)
Rivals: Aminey Caspians, Mayara Destroyers

QB Oldrik Touwer (22), BQ Hubrecht van April (24)
FB Afton yLleamwig (24), HB Eita Molinaka (20), RB Ray Robineau (28), WR Amelius Heerceder (29), XR Jochem Schoolhendrik (32), YR Fifi Philippon (29), ZR Oldrik van der Linde (24), TR Muria Kagageera (32), TB Sachio Ichihara (28)
RT Aelorith Ainella (35), RG Frans Gerrenplataan (20), CE Teluo Uozumi (21), LG Quentin Santiago (37), LT Benoît Longtin (21), OL Karlu Porenthen (21)
LE Dan de Boer (29), LD Arend Smit (20), NT Leendert Slotdoorn (34), RD Boaz Avink (33), RE Lúa (f) Castelan (21)
OB Gommert Westerkastanje (26), WB Calrary yBwfpon (34), IB Vajao Ōtsubo (24), MB Bernard Voordewind (21), SB Wim Altefeer (30), BZ Caetano Fajardo (22)
LC Ravenoud Groenlinde (22), FS Herewijn Slotmoerbei (20), SS Peter Dollen (34), RC Bernlef Lindal (22), NB Sunao Tsuzuki (34), DB Banli Imajuku (21)
PK Boaventura Camba (30), PU Llanwll yPenmheos (32), LS Paulus Genpeer (24), PR Dielof Veldden (19), KR Tijmen Heerceder (33), JM Michil Argielhout (21), GU Karel Verwer (25)

This couldn't come at a worse time for Sterrenwolde. They lost so many players to the NT, on top of an already mediocre offence that lost the two last players that propped it up, but they really lost a lot of defensive players. They spent their draft picks on building back a bit of a defence and so far they actually might have gotten back most of their strengths. The young team could have the best group of linebackers, and yes, they might once again have the best secondary. A pretty terrible offence and a league-best defence will be something to watch. We could be looking at future stars in corners Groenlinde and Lindal, with rare defensive line help by Fajardo, and the 20-year old safety Slotmoerbei is also a pretty good addition. The ST and offence will harm this team but they should be able to get a few wins.

Schemerdrecht 65ers
Stadium: 65ers Arena (48000) in Schemerdrecht, Intermare
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 2)
Rivals: Schemerdrecht Admirals

QB Kjell Enkwist (32), BQ Tsuneharu Tsuchie (25)
FB Kakichi Shilaki (22), HB Jonuk Barganulden (23), RB Yūshi Yokoi (20), WR Frank Redcay (30), XR Onne Lindeberg (25), YR Gerald Winterburgh (20), ZR Ryōma Ishiwara (24), TR Yoshimoto Shima (22), TB Maxence Mangin (21)
RT Kesao Miyashita (22), RG Mardhun Relathingun (28), CE Jahè Nijmans (33), LG Kōki Matsunami (24), LT Nato Asselineau (25), OL Taketoshi Tominari (29)
LE Rogi Wieringa (25), LD Oldrik Zilvervijg (19), NT Kenshin Kuwamoto (22), RD Mats Ruijtenberg (31), RE Tage Naastland (28)
OB Southwell Arrowfeather (30), WB Louw Hagendoorn (25), IB Irmgard Schemermaat (34), MB Rein Keijser (34), SB Dieboud Smit (20), BZ Lambijn Lepelaar (25)
LC Martijn Ensink (32), FS Magne Binnenmars (30), SS Ron Hulsbergen (30), RC Leendert Schachter (23), NB Reimert Monter (24), DB Bernhard Oostwilg (28)
PK Niels Oordveld (31), PU Aleid (f) van Nieuwgraaf (24), LS Onemah Coogellong (26), PR Bé Budde (27), KR Napoléon Chez (28), JM Leonie (f) Zwanenkroon (33), GU Ninian Wybrier (19)

The 65ers have opted to go for a min-max policy. Amazing offensive line, great linebackers, and a rare focus (for this league, at least) on special teams, but the trade off being a pretty horrible defensive line and we're honestly unsure which offensive skill position players are going to provide yards. Enkwist is back at QB after some rumours of an early retirement. The good thing is that they've got a lot of players in their early to mid-twenties who can stay impactful for a while, allowing them to build a new core while the oldies are getting phased out. This team is somewhat mid-table now, but should only get better with time, even with the eventual drop off for Enkwist. Hagendoorn, Binnenmars, and Lindeberg, behind an NT-level Matsunami, will have to play their best game while the rest shouldn't fall too far behind.

Schemerdrecht Admirals
Stadium: Orange Bowl (54000) in Schemerdrecht, Intermare
Titles: 0 (Hist. Titles: 0)
Rivals: Schemerdrecht 65ers

QB Reinaard Eendspopulier (24), BQ Didier Lutz (19)
FB Eddy Desjardins (24), HB Govert Breedels (33), RB Mees Mannussen (30), WR Fulke Leyberg (27), XR Reinare Spechtkornuit (20), YR Alulura Aidivan (32), ZR Symeon Langamandel (32), TR Kechish Narlash (24), TB Eward Schemering (25)
RT Merten Merseman (22), RG Xesus Millan (22), CE Jus Esmeijer (32), LG Nakazo Mura (34), LT Sibren Schooten (35), OL Adriaan Zomerstaart (33)
LE Ruben Linger (22), LD Abe Bootsma (26), NT Myocya Lucharla (24), RD Ninian Nottle (36), RE Jage Leemkuil (25)
OB Xoán Botello (33), WB Athanase Vallery (22), IB Armel Bandemer (24), MB Hervé Adrien (20), SB Philip Hunniford (30), BZ Takevito Mukōda (25)
LC Ruben Gilson (21), FS Lucas Wheelwright (32), SS Herewijn Slotmoerbei (22), RC Wil Tijbrink (33), NB Esmé Pertuit (33), DB Regarla (f) Koggerla (22)
PK Dielof van Hooival (19), PU Bulgabarn Mullallar (34), LS Sekien Jin (36), PR Symeon Keizerkers (24), KR Bento Varon (26), JM Paddish Runnigana (35), GU Alban Cayer (24)

Across town, the Admirals have taken the same approach to rosterbuilding, but from a different starting point. The Admirals lost a lot of players to the NT, but they retained a lot of their offensive skill players, resulting in a decent offence with a great line helping them. The defence can get a little thin in places and while the overall roster looks pretty lackluster, remember that the league is closer together than ever. There's not much separating the Admirals and 65ers despite the former looking in a far rougher place. We're expecting huge production from Mannussen and Narlash behind Schooten and Mura, and the Bootsma-Linger combo should chip in for a bunch of hurries, QB hits, and sacks.

[Cassadaigua]

Now, that's more like it,
by Kenzie Sherman, Concord Heights Times

When the Fillies returned home to Concord Heights Times after a loss to Utahn Theocratic Republic, they faced the heat from a lot of disgruntled fans. It is easy, after all, to be disgusted when you lose to a nation like that, but one must remember that Cassadaigua is not an elite program at this current point in time. They aren't in a bad spot, and fairly have the aspirations of a playoff team. But like in any competition, there is a fine line between hoping to make the playoffs and hoping to win the whole thing. Every player in the Cassadagan locker room will tell you that the goal of the team is to win World Bowl 46, and if there is anyone that would not say that, then I do not want them on the team. But you and I are not part of the team, and subsequently, we should not be expecting them to win the title. We can, however, expect them to beat the UTR, and that is what had fans worked up.

In the lead up to the game as United Hawkland, the Fillies said all the right things, with quarterback Brittany Carrington telling reporters that, "I would be booing us too. But, this is a nine game group stage, and we play them two more times and have three games against United Hawkland. These are games that we will obviously need to win, especially now that we gave up one. I think we've all taken a step back after being humbled a little bit, and will execute a lot better in our next game." Carrington was also asked if she thought the UTR game was a product of a letdown game after playing Ranoria, "I don't mean to disrespect them, but growing up, I never had dreams about playing Utahn Theocratic Republic. We should never have a letdown game, but when you go into a place like that, with not a lot of interest being shown to the World Bowl, when you just had a game against the hosts of this tournament and when you as nation also made a bid to host the tournament, I mean look, common sense tells you that there is a lot more interest in this whole thing in Ranoria and in Cassadaigua. But, never an excuse, though. Never, ever, an excuse."

The message was delivered, and United Hawkland was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The visitors won the opening kickoff, and right away, we saw that there seemed to be more of an emphasis in this game on being physical. Though the team would have held the opponents to a three and out, following a hard sack by Eric Acosta, the Fillies were flagged for an unsportsmanlike taunting penalty when Austin Monahan got in the face of some poor unfortunate soul serving as an offensive lineman for United Hawkland and evidently said something to them that the referee didn't like. The penalty was not costly, as the visitors still couldn't convert another first down, and would punt. Brittany Carrington and company were set up at their own 33, and would drive the 67 yards down the field in ten plays, culminating in a five yard run by Morgan Phillips. On the next Hawkland possession, a big hit by Kristen Brooke on a United Hawkland receiver had the undisclosed player happy that the rest of the world doesn't know who they are when he fumbled away, and it was recovered by Hannah Chapman. The Fillies were unable to move the ball, but were already in field goal range, and took a 10-0 lead.

This theme continued for much of the first half, with the Fillies looking like the team that they are expected to be over the World Bowl, and they would go into halftime with a commanding 24-3 lead. Carrington threw for two more touchdowns prior to intermission, connecting with Allie Raymond from 18 yards, and Natalie Baldwin from 6 yards out to help with the lead. Defensively, the team forced two more turnovers, including another forced fumble by Kristen Brooke, and an interception by Kelsey Mancini. In some ways, you could make the case that United Hawkland was lucky to only be down by three touchdowns at halftime.

During the second half, the pink and black just worked on running down the clock as much as they could, and a 18-play drive to open up the third quarter that took 10:41 completely accomplished that mission. Slow and grinding ball control, in which sixteen of the plays were on the ground with four different backs getting at least one carry on the drive (this includes fullback Danielle Breslin), left little time for a United Hawkland comeback when they were able to touch the ball again. Morgan Phillips finished this off with a one-yard TD run, giving Cassadaigua a 31-3 lead. After conceding a field goal, that had some people wonder why United Hawkland would never just go for the 4th & 5 from the Fillies 27, given their deficit, Cassadaigua executed another methodical drive to take more time off the clock, before a Jenna Lewis 33-yard field goal made it 34-6, and our eventual final.

Kristen Brooke was named the player of the game thanks to her two forced fumbles and nine tackles on the day. Afterwards, she talked about what this meant for the team, "We needed this (expletive) game! That's the way we can play, and how we need to play. Great effort all around!" I also asked defensive coordinator Sarah Simpson if the team will look to have this sort of physical game plan against the Krauts in their upcoming matchup, "You have to know you're opponent. Big difference going up against a team that has been struggling, coming into your house and the need to remind them that you have something to prove against them, and therefore looking to get that physical edge on them by letting them know from the start that this is going to be another bruising day for their egos and on their bodies. You're not going to do that against Ranoria in their house. We're not going to be soft, but you have to play smart and know you're opponent. That's not how you're going to beat the Krauts."

After three games, the team is 1-2, and an upset win over Ranoria would be nice. However, the Cassadagan Association for Football Excellence has reportedly inquired about the location for their Matchday 7 game*. President Brianna Carroll asked of the organizers, "It's not a neutral site game against Ranoria, if it's in Ranoria. So, we'd like to know how they will ensure a neutral environment will still be present for that contest."

*- This is an IC question, only.

[TJUN-ia]

After we were (obviously) burned by a UR on the road, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia were 1-1 and looking to try and bounce back as quickly as possible. Losing to a UR is never fun but losing to a UR when you already know the dangers of facing a UR on the road is just like punching yourself in the face. Gus McKerrin understood that results like that one did indeed suck, but he emphasised that we still had 7 games left to play and everything can still turn out rosy by the time our neutral site games end in Ranoria. We still have time...so how would we use it this time?

It was finally time to go home as Hofn would be the first to enter Field of Dreams in The Gardens of New Washington and an atmosphere that was screaming for the return of their Jaguars. To be fair to the visitors, they didn't just roll over as they did manage to score 2 TDs in this game (with 0/2 on PATs), but we knew what we needed to do in this game and we executed it to perfection. Allister Ghoulson managed 5 TDs in this game (3 to Gilbert Nyamutsamba and 1 each for Victor Que-et-Vous and Fremont Whitehorse) and Chi On-Ma managed 4/5 on PATs before the backups took over, which saw the legendary QB2 Gareth Baldwin throw to Peter Borosić for his only TD while backup kicker Clayton McGee missed the PAT but made a FG in order to complete the scoring. 43-12 certainly felt like a step in the right direction and the perfect way to end the 1st third of this group stage.

We certainly deserve this break we will now get, one week to be precise, but after that, it will be back to the start once more. Hofn was the start of a 3-game homestand in New Washington - and Gyatso-Kai is up next, looking for revenge for Beijing. Things will understandably be tense, but we hope we have enough to get the dub over the line. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group A, Home and Away with final 3 games on neutral sites)
MD1: @Gyatso-Kai (13) - Stadia Capital, Beijing W 19-10 (2nd/1-0)
MD2: @Magnecia (UR) L 20-27 (3rd/1-1)
MD3: vs Hofn (UR) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington W 43-12 (1st/2-1)
--------------BREAK--------------
MD4: vs Gyatso-Kai (13) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD5: vs Magnecia (UR) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD6: @Hofn (UR)
--------------NEUTRAL SITE GAMES--------------
MD7: vs Gyatso-Kai (13)
MD8: vs Magnecia (UR)
MD9: vs Hofn (UR)

[Torisakia]

Spady-less Torisakia routed by top ranked Chromatika 56-13

TOKAI - In one of their largest defeats in international team history, Torisakia was demolished by 2nd ranked Chromatika by over a six touchdown margin in front of a sold out crowd at Tokai Memorial Stadium. On top of that, this game was marked with importance for several reasons. First, this was Torisakia's first international sporting event held in the country since the implementation of the Kiragate sanctions two years ago. Second, it came in the midst of the largest protests in Torisakia in several decades as hundreds of thousands of protestors entered their second week of demonstrations aimed at the Torisakia government over housing prices, increased taxes, and social justice reforms.

Both circumstances caused for a large increase in security in Tokai on top of the already massive presence of police in the city. While most of the protests have been peaceful, there have been instances of violence and property damage. Many protesters have clashed with police, leading to injuries on both sides and multiple arrests. There have also been reports of looting and vandalism, which have further strained relations between the government and the people, and has led to the increased security around events across the country.

The Ice Birds were without Aaron Spady, who is still recovering from a 'helmet to the face' injury suffered against Anthor. Wystan Fields, quarterback who currently plays for Suffolk in the TFL, was named the starter prior to kickoff. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Fields could never get comfortable and multiple mistakes led to Torisakia ultimately falling to Chromatika 56-13. It was the largest defeat for the Torisakia squad in World Bowl history, and the most points the Ice Birds have ever given up in a single game.

The game began with Chromatika showing their offensive prowess, with quarterback Sarai Gwenderyn leading the way. Gwenderyn threw for 4 touchdowns in the first half alone, while Torisakia's backup quarterback Wystan Fields struggled to find his footing. Chromatika struck first with a 48 yard pass from Gwenderyn to Demitrius St. Pierre on their opening possession. Torisakia's first possession was less fruitful, going three-and-out on three straight incompletions. Chromatika wasted no time in scoring again, this time on a 51 yard pass from Gwenderyn to St. Pierre. From there things just continued to spiral out of control. The Ice Birds would fumble the ensuing kickoff, leading to great field position for Chromatika and subsequently another touchdown: a 3 yard run by Lana Rhodes. The Ice Birds were already on their way to a humiliating defeat and the first quarter was not even halfway complete.

Despite his struggles, Fields was able to connect with his receivers on several occasions, including a 28 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Quindel Loris in the second quarter, but his two interceptions proved costly for Torisakia. The Ice Birds managed only 63 yards of total offense in the entire first half and just one score. Compare that to Chromatika, who had 432 yards of total offense in the first half and five scores. On the defensive side of the ball, Torisakia had a difficult time containing Chromatika's running game, as running back Lana Rhodes was able to rush for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 16 carries. This allowed Chromatika to maintain control of the game throughout, with Torisakia unable to mount a significant comeback. The Ice Birds limped into halftime down 35-7, a deficit that would only get larger.

Chromatika would score three more touchdowns in the second half while limiting Torisakia to two measly field goals for a final score of 56-13. Despite the blowout loss, coach Gregory Debay of Torisakia remained optimistic about the Ice Birds, who sit at 1-2 and in third place in Group D.

"[We] knew it was going to be a tough game, and losing Aaron certainly didn't help, but I thought our guys showed a lot of heart out there," Debay said in his post-game press conference. "I think Fields did about as well as he could given the circumstances and hopeful it gives him the confidence to continue to improve".

Debay was asked during the press conference if the "outside noise" of the protests across Torisakia and the necessary increase in security played a factor in the team's performance, to which he replied "No comment". Several Torisakia players have expressed concerns surrounding their safety in and around Tokai as the protests enter their second week and demonstrators become more restless. The game against Chromatika is Torisakia's only one to be played in Tokai, with the next two games being played in Yasui and Presidents City where the protests have not been as unruly.

UP NEXT: The Ice Birds take on Dod Rava in their second of three meetings in this World Bowl. Torisakia defeated Dod Rava 17-14 on the first matchday, their only victory so far. Dod Rava has had a disappointing performance so far, sitting at 0-3. Despite their record, Dod Rava has a statistic advantage over Torisakia in terms of margin of loss (15.3 to 25.5), points allowed (40 to 104), and point differential (-46 to -48). Even when I expect nothing from Torisakia, I'm still let down. I'm calling my therapist...

Box Score	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Chromatika (3-0)	21	14	14	7	56
Torisakia (1-2)	0	7	3	3	13

GAME SUMMARY OF CHROMATIKA VS. TORISAKIA

1st QUARTER
10:17 CMT - 48 yard pass from S. Gwenderyn to D. St. Pierre (Markseon PAT)
8:33 CMT - 51 yard pass from S. Gwenderyn to D. St. Pierre (Markseon PAT)
7:56 CMT - 3 yard run by L. Rhodes (Markseon PAT)
END OF 1ST Chromatika: 21 Torisakia: 0

2nd QUARTER
14:28 CMT - 20 yard pass from S. Gwenderyn to A. Mio (Markseon PAT)
8:16 TOR - 31 yard pass from W. Fields to Q. Loris (Tolmie PAT)
3:31 CMT - 34 yard pass from S. Gwenderyn to C. Perrier (Markseon PAT)
END OF 2ND Chromatika: 35 Torisakia: 7

3rd QUARTER
11:43 TOR - 28 yard field goal by J. Tolmie
8:17 CMT - 18 yard run by L. Rhodes (Markseon PAT)
1:55 CMT - 1 yard run by L. Rhodes (Markseon PAT)
END OF 3RD Chromatika: 49 Torisakia: 10

4th QUARTER
7:17 TOR - 31 yard field goal by J. Tolmie
3:44 CMT - 5 yard run by R. Hastroff (Markseon PAT)
END OF 4TH Chromatika: 56 Torisakia: 13

[Saint Kanye]

The beatdown handed to them by the HUElavian team on just the second matchday of World Bowl 46 was not something that the St. Kanye Surge wanted, but it turned out to be something they needed. Something to remind them to not get over-confident, as being one of those at the top only serves to make others more motivated in bringing them down. They have to constantly watch their back, whether against lower or higher ranked or even unranked opponents. It also served to show them what parts of their play need improvement, which is crucial if they want to face and beat the Ranorias and Chromatikas and Banijas of the world once the playoffs start.

After playing their first two matches at home, the Yeezies will be traveling to Rouyoute to cap off the first leg of the triple round robin elimination stage. This is a team and a country making their World Bowl debut; other than them apparently being part of the Ranorian sphere of influence, they were a total enigma. Do they prefer to score on the air or the ground? Or maybe off turnovers? Well, it didn't matter to the Surge, allowing their opponents just one field goal to start the game before dropping a forty bomb on them.

R.J. Linetti threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns in the 40-3 victory; he was substituted in the fourth quarter for Tim Hunt who threw for one more. The Surge improved to 2-1, second in Group B behind only their tormentors from last week, while Rouyoute fell to 1-2, third ahead of only winless Milk Island. "It's a good way to start our three-game road trip and give us the momentum to start the second leg of eliminations on the right track," St. Kanye head coach Jeff Delphine told reporters. "We'll need to keep the two unranked sides in our group at bay, as well as get back at HUElavia for beating us."

---

1Q ROU field goal K 38 ROU 3-0
1Q STK Moore 26 pass from Linetti (Rasputin kick) STK 7-3
The home team had the ball first and scored on their opening drive, but they got limited to three points no thanks to St. Kanye's tight defense. Rouyoutean fans were happy for six minutes and 34 seconds, because that's how long the duration is between their kicker scoring on the field goal attempt and the Surge grabbing the lead from them with a touchdown catch by Patrick Moore.

1Q STK M. Jackson 6 run (Rasputin kick) STK 14-3
A short run in the red zone by Yeezie fullback Marco Jackson plus the resulting extra point by James Rasputin gave the visitors fourteen unanswered points, but as the final score shows, they've only just started.

2Q STK field goal Rasputin 52 STK 17-3
Rouyoute managed to stall St. Kanye's drive and force Linetti into three successive bad throws, but the 52-yard field goal attempt was no problem for the team's ever reliable kicker James Rasputin, who made it a two-touchdown lead for his team early in the second period.

2Q STK field goal Rasputin 55 STK 20-3
Rasputin followed that up with another try from beyond fifty just as the seconds were ticking before halftime. He would sink all four of his FG attempts of the day, as well as all four PATs. Talk about automatic.

3Q STK Dobler 37 pass from Linetti (Rasputin kick) STK 27-3
Bruce Dobler continued to give proof that he is one of, if not the best wideout in his group, making the one-handed catch from Linetti, who had to throw on the run as he had several guys trying to bring him down.

3Q STK field goal Rasputin 49 STK 30-3
3Q STK field goal Rasputin 29 STK 33-3
Two more kicks, six more points, and the Surge's lead has grown to thirty with just one quarter left to play.

4Q STK Fredericks 36 pass from Hunt (Rasputin kick) STK 40-3
With their score eleven times that of their opponents', several of the Yeezie players were given a rest to allow the substitutes to get some playing time. What was an Upper Westside connection and a Richardson Fenrirs connection now became a St. Kanye Surge connection, with Tim Hunt launching a pass to his college and Ranorian league teammate Deshawn Fredericks that the latter was able to take to the house.

---

After this match is a week-long break, and then two more on the road for the Surge, as they will be flying off to Milk Island next week and then HUElavia the week after that. They will then cap off the second leg with a return to Surge Field against Rouyoute again, after which the three neutral site games will be played, all in the current Bowl's host country Ranoria. "It will be kind of a homecoming for us, which I'm rather excited about," said Hunt, "These are stadiums that Deshawn and I have been to, and at times won at." "Indeed," added Fredericks. "Really looking forward to it myself, but not to the point that I'll lose focus on the other games ahead."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MD | Opponent        | Rank | Uniform        | Score   | Record | Place |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1  | Milk Island     | UR   | Purple/Purple  | W 49-20 |  1-0   |  1st  |
| 2  | HUElavia        | 10   | Purple/Black   | L 22-40 |  1-1   |  3rd  |
| 3  | @Rouyoute       | UR   | White/Purple   | W 40- 3 |  2-1   |  2nd  |
| 4  | @Milk Island    | UR   | White/White    |         |        |       |
| 5  | @HUElavia       | 10   | White/Purple   |         |        |       |
| 6  | Rouyoute        | UR   | Purple/Purple  |         |        |       |
| 7  | Milk Island (N) | UR   | Purple/Black   |         |        |       |
| 8  | HUElavia (N)    | 10   | Purple/Purple  |         |        |       |
| 9  | @Rouyoute (N)   | UR   | White/White    |         |        |       |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Banija]

OOC Note: My apologies for lack of division standings- those will be edited in probably at some point tomorrow. I ran out of time, sorry!

GFLB Weeks 4-7

GFLB Rosters

Week 4
Askatasuna Wildcats 29–26 Busembe Timberwolves
Mynda Gorillas 34–33 Sisonke Leopards
Jinja City Springboks 36–3 Dukuma Dragons
Aissa Crocodiles 33–10 Mar Sara Night Elves
Herzegovina City Cobras 29–14 Rukunbi Wizards
Kosactus Red Vultures 33–20 Istria Black Mambas
Mukeruzi Hyenas 20–17 St. Jakob Honey Badgers
Hoima Zebra 27–20 Bwubanza Ostriches
Busukuma Athletic Club 23–23 Bunyoro RSC (23–29 OT)
Busukuma Suns 24–33 Port Stovine Sea Turtles
Isipongo Wild Boars 37–0 Igulu Bush Elephants
Lwanga Rhinos 55–20 Umbazi Metropolitan SC

Week 5
St. Jakob Honey Badgers 21–27 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Igulu Bush Elephants 13–13 Lwanga Rhinos (19–13 OT)
Port Stovine Sea Turtles 16–16 Isipongo Wild Boars (23–24 OT)
Bunyoro RSC 20–41 Busukuma Suns
Bwubanza Ostriches 16–34 Busukuma Athletic Club
Mukeruzi Hyenas 54–37 Hoima Zebra
Busembe Timberwolves 33–20 Istria Black Mambas
Rukunbi Wizards 20–13 Kosactus Red Vultures
Mar Sara Night Elves 9–30 Herzegovina City Cobras
Dukuma Dragons 37–37 Aissa Crocodiles (40–37 OT)
Sisonke Leopards 17–10 Jinja City Springboks
Askatasuna Wildcats 7–19 Mynda Gorillas

Week 6
Hoima Zebra 41–47 St. Jakob Honey Badgers
Busukuma Athletic Club 42–26 Mukeruzi Hyenas
Busukuma Suns 40–13 Bwubanza Ostriches
Isipongo Wild Boars 37–18 Bunyoro RSC
Lwanga Rhinos 27–7 Port Stovine Sea Turtles
Umbazi Metropolitan SC 13–46 Igulu Bush Elephants
Mynda Gorillas 34–27 Busembe Timberwolves
Jinja City Springboks 36–27 Askatasuna Wildcats
Aissa Crocodiles 43–38 Sisonke Leopards
Herzegovina City Cobras 13–17 Dukuma Dragons
Kosactus Red Vultures 12–19 Mar Sara Night Elves
Istria Black Mambas 22–29 Rukunbi Wizards

Week 7
St. Jakob Honey Badgers 27–21 Igulu Bush Elephants
Port Stovine Sea Turtles 16–16 Umbazi Metropolitan SC (26–23 OT)
Bunyoro RSC 12–50 Lwanga Rhinos
Bwubanza Ostriches 3–42 Isipongo Wild Boars
Mukeruzi Hyenas 11–3 Busukuma Suns
Hoima Zebra 17–23 Busukuma Athletic Club
Busembe Timberwolves 13–30 Rukunbi Wizards
Mar Sara Night Elves 39–19 Istria Black Mambas
Dukuma Dragons 31–30 Kosactus Red Vultures
Sisonke Leopards 41–19 Herzegovina City Cobras
Askatasuna Wildcats 26–16 Aissa Crocodiles
Mynda Gorillas 35–7 Jinja City Springboks

Divison Standings after 7 weeks

North Division                Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Mynda Gorillas              7    6   1   193  129  +64
 2 Aissa Crocodiles            7    5   2   280  199  +81
 3 Jinja City Springboks       7    3   4   147  170  −23
 4 Askatasuna Wildcats         7    2   5   125  185  −60

Moravica Division             Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Herzegovina City Cobras     7    5   2   165  119  +46
 2 Rukunbi Wizards             7    5   2   160  145  +15
 3 Kosactus Red Vultures       7    1   6   140  169  −29
 4 Istria Black Mambas         7    1   6   133  194  −61

West Division                 Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Mar Sara Night Elves        7    5   2   157  150   +7
 2 Dukuma Dragons              7    4   3   148  195  −47
 3 Sisonke Leopards            7    3   4   206  173  +33
 4 Busembe Timberwolves        7    2   5   146  172  −26

South Division                Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Busukuma Athletic Club      7    5   2   239  180  +59
 2 Mukeruzi Hyenas             7    4   3   152  197  −45
 3 Busukuma Suns               7    4   3   203  141  +62
 4 Hoima Zebra                 7    2   5   223  244  −21

Central Division              Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Isipongo Wild Boars         7    5   2   210  121  +89
 2 Igulu Bush Elephants        7    4   3   137  127  +10
 3 Lwanga Rhinos               7    4   3   209  126  +83
 4 Umbazi Metropolitan SC      7    3   4   145  213  −68

East Division                 Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 St. Jakob Honey Badgers     7    4   3   228  184  +44
 2 Bunyoro RSC                 7    3   4   130  197  −67
 3 Port Stovine Sea Turtles    7    3   4   164  210  −46
 4 Bwubanza Ostriches          7    1   6   134  234 −100

The next 4 games! Overview #2, eh?

Game of the Early Mid Season

Aissa Crocodiles 43–38 Sisonke Leopards

The Crocs and the Leopards. Two teams with Simba Bowl aspirations heading into the season- this could reasonably be considered the game of the year. And the country responded- a ratings record for this season, with 22.5 million viewers for this game on Sunday Night Football. And of course it was. You're talking about Ice Chineze v. Vallienté Wagner-Young. What a QB matchup. Two elite teams, trying to gain positioning as they each are trying to gain home field advantage throughout the playoffs. They both desperately want to play in the Simba Bowl- can they make it happen?

This was a spectacular game to watch. Already, in the fourth quarter, to start, it was 29-24- Wagner-Young had thrown three TDs up to that point, whiile Chineze had 4. Hell, The Crocs had even faked a PAT and successfully converted a 2 point conversion. But Wagner-Young really stepped up for the Leopards to start the quarter. A brilliant play-action rollout, looking for Angela Sauber.. Who made a catch in traffic. 50 yards down the field. Next play, he went right back to her- lofting a ball to the end zone that only she could catch. Making the score 31-29, in favor of the Leopards. And then, the Leopards defense even stepped up. A pick six by the Chromatik CB2, Nikolai Dimitrov, making the score 38-29 in favor of the visiting Leopards, with just 9 minutes left.

This game was not only one with massive implications for whoever would be the #1 seed. Also big implications for whoever would end up with the league MVP- Wagner-Young and Chineze are the top two candidates for this award, are they not? But Ice Chineze would prove exactly how good he was with this game as well. He engineered a drive where his halfback, Jebel Marenah, would end up scoring from one yard out by diving over the top. 38-36, 5 minutes left. Could they stop the Leopards O? Would you bet on yourself to stop Wagner-Young. A controversial decision to kick an onside kick- but a brilliant one! Crocs recovery by Akello Kazaala, and Chineze could go back to work.

They would end up scoring another TD with just 1:11 on the clock- Chineze's 5th TD pass of the day going to his tight end, Zachary Lewis. 43-38. Wagner-Young had a chance to respond, but it was taken from him. A dumpoff on the first play to his HB, Buraama Kasama, and Kasama broke a tackle. As he approached the first down mark, unfortunately, he was hit and fumbled- the fumble recovered by Crocs MLB, Alikuraira Ssengaaga. What a play, what a game. But advantage- Crocodiles.

A turning of the tide in Istria

Istria Black Mambas 22–29 Rukunbi Wizards

After an early season injury saw Khalil Hauptmann on the injured list, he came back in week 4 for the Wizards- and just at the right time, as well. He came back in week 4, and played decently against Herzegovina City. But giving the rookie QB, Felix Ström, another elite, veteran target to play with... Suddenly, the Wizards are looking scary. A traditionally hapless franchise, the second team of the country's biggest city, suddenly the Wizards seem to be having some real offensive firepower.

It all came to a head in week 6, when they visited the Istria Black Mambas. The last time the Wizards had defeated their crosstown rivals twice in the same season? 15 years ago. The last time they had won at the Istria Olympic Stadium, the Black Mambas home stadium, in general? 9 years ago. So 9 years since they had beaten their crosstown rivals on the road, 15 since they had beaten them twice in a season. But could the rookie, Felix Ström, deliver that? The answer seemed to be- hell yes. People might say the Black Mambas are tanking for Odika(in fairness, yes), but still, a hell of an effort by Rukunbi. The Black Mambas absolutely abhore losing to their rivals like this.

And Khalil Hauptmann was at the center of this. Weeks 4 & 5, he had a combined 9 catches for 98 yards, and no scores. Not bad for the 34 year old- but not quite up to his standards. But in this rivalry game, the Loyola-Istria grad decided to show the world exactly why he was so high on the depth chart for the Ranoria Krauts for so freaking long. 12 catches, 177 yards, and 3 TDs- including a 2 point conversion. An absolutely dominant performance by every sense of the word. Getting open, breaking tackles, catches in traffic, etc... He even had a 33 yard carry on an end-around. Probably the most dominant WR performance we've seen this season- and not only have the Wizards conquered Istria, but alll sorts of possibilities. Playoffs certainly- could they make a playoff push?

---

Sometimes a Diamond is Just a Rock- Part 4

Things were a disaster for the Bwubanza Ostriches. They were sitting at just 1-6- and things were getting ugly. Diamond, in particular, was having a rough go of things- leading the league with 16 interceptions through just their first seven games. An absolutely insane number. He had a few TDs as well, but the record spoke for itself- the Ostriches did not make Rhine the highest paid athlete in Banijan sporting history just to go 1-6.

Their last loss, which had been their fifth in a row, was seemingly the calling card for this team. The Wild Boars weren't even that good, especially on offense. But Rhine simply was about 3 or 4 steps too slow. Drew Lia, the superstar Chromatik FS, was in the secondary, and seemed to be the actual person controlling everything going on the field. Rhine, all drugged up on cocaine, was sailing throws left and right- overthrowing his WRs straight into the hands of his opponents. His three first half interceptions in that game had been ugly. All of them, on the QB.

THe losing had weighed on him, and combined with losing his owlephant, it had turned into frustration. The week prior, he and his WR1 had to be broken up from starting a fight on the sideline, mid-game. Rhine had called him out for his shitty routerunning(they were down, at that point, 40-0). But this past week had been an even lower low. Down 28-3 in the 3rd quarter, Rhine had thrown his third interception. Drew Lia was in the midst of returning it for a touchdown- and he just ran right by Rhine. Rhine was pissed- immediately turning on his offensive line, and screaming at his left tackle. "Block you mother fucker!!" He told him, as the LT told him he was "absolute trash."

The Ostriches HC had been forced to make a decision- he pulled Rhine from the game. He, of course, said Rhine was the starting QB going forward. "We believe in Rhine- but there was no point in keeping him in that game. We were gonna lose." Rhine had gone ballistic. He went to the locker room early, but then, after talking to his agent, came back out to the sideline and finished the game on the sideline. None of his teammates were talking to him, his coaches hated him, things were going about as disastrously as they possibly could.

Rhine had never been pulled from a game before(that his team weren't winning by at least 30) in his career. Not in high school. Not in college. It fueled the drugs(of course, he had gotten around the embarassingly terrible GFLB regime, managing to keep fake urine with him to pass these tests), and he missed Chewie terribly. The only good thing on the horizon- he had a court date in two days, on Tuesday. An outside chance he could get Chewie back- could he do so? Would it be too late to turn around this disastrous 1-6 start to the season?

[The Spartan Dominion]

Quarterbacks: DeShawn Jeremiah Williams(Age 35)(Captain)
Ewan Dixon(Age 23)
Daevion Copeland(Age 22)

Running backs: Ahmed Johnson(Age 29)
John Stockman(Age 26)
Anjawon Wilkerson(Age 19)

Wide receivers: River ray(Age 21)
Jack Hall(Age 28)
William Perkins(Age 24)
Kolten Figueroa(Age 26)
Jaylen Robinson(Age 23)
Jackson Dillard(Age 22)

Tight ends: Alexander Rice(Age 23)
Robin Clark(Age 27)
DeAndre Jameson(Age 25)

Left Tackles: James Robins(Age 30)
Ryan Sexton(Age 24)

Left Guards: Tate Gill(Age 27)
Charlie Porter(Age 38)

Centers: Avondré Owens(Age 30)
Kevin Mills(Age 22)

Right Tackles: Omar Dawson(Age 19)
Jason Clapham(Age 23)

Right Guards: Damian Simpson(Age 24)
Jeremiah Miller(Age 22)

DEFENSE:

Left End: Landell Borden(Age 22)

Defensive Tackles: Joe Walsh(Age 29)
Phil Rye(Age 24)

Right End: Larry Boxer(Age 33)

Stanley Thorpe(Age 28)
Tobias Willster(Age 27)
Keenan Byrd(Age 27)
George McMahon(Age 20)
JaKhel Stevens(Age 20)

Outside Linebackers: Owen Shaw(Age 31)
Neville Knox(Age 18)

Middle Linebacker: Jeremy Lawrence(Age 24)

Quadell Floyd(Age 39)
Itrez Ferguson(Age 23)
Reece Cole(Age 23)
Sylas Juarez(Age 22)

Cornerbacks: Robert Valenzuela(Age 29)
Brice Dejesus(Age 26)
Ben Harper(Age 24)
Henry Saunders(Age 20)
Cameron Ellis

Strong Safeties: Urick Bennett(Age 33)
Qualeek Muhammad(Age 20)

Free Safeties: Uzzia Freeman(Age 37)
Isiah Spence(Age 22)

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Kicker: Kane Weber(Age 22)
Punter: Farrell Cox(Age 25)
Long Snapper: Darryl Conner(Age 30)

STAFF:
Offense Coach: Leo Holmes
Defense Coach: Luke Ross
Coordinator: Jamal Jefferson

Kits: blue, red at home. Gold, green away.

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players: No
Suspend my players: Yes
Godmod suspension events: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

Style Mod: +5

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
Turning Over A New Leaf

We have already addressed the difficulties of creating a new team out of thin air, acknowledging that any chance of tangible success was never on the cards for the Sabres in this first entry into the World Bowl, but rather a goal of being competitive in their games. A pair of away games to start the campaign was a difficult hand to be dealt but the team played the cards and schedule that they were given and returned back to Mar Sara for their home opener in the competition. It is the first time that a team representing the Empire would be doing so at a national level in gridiron on home soil and the Celestial was a packed house that was ready to cheer on the Sabres as they took on Quebec. There was a high amount of belief from the fans that this perhaps the best chance for the Sabres to take a victory against one of the two higher seeds in the group, as Raynor University had a hold over the Quebecois schools for some time in the NSCF. Ko-oren was a monster that could not be slain regardless of where the Sabres where going to take them on, this was the best chance for a real statement.

And the team absolutely did not come to play and were run out of their own stadium in a display that in some ways feels worse than the defeat that they suffered against the Dragonflies in Anaia. There was no signs of tangible resistance from the team and the gulf in talent between the national teams was self evident to anyone who was present in the stadium or who had been watching from the comfort of home. Though we try, try, and try again, the evidence was plain to see that the difference between a collection of players who have not played competitively for some years nor have the experience of playing at a national team level save but a pair of AO Games and those that do is more than just a few magnitudes. Seven professional players are on the roster, a handful of them only just signing or being drafted to their teams just before the announcement of the Sabres inclusion in the World Bowl was confirmed. Less than a handful of professional players and the lack of elite facilities to properly train and prepare these players for the sort of competition that they were bound to be facing in this tournament in short does seem to have them playing against a stacked deck.

These last two performance have done more than just show the gulf in talent and readiness for this competition between the newly created Sabres and the likes of Quebec and Ko-oren, it has made the voices campaigning for the semi-professional gridiron league in the Empire to move to a fully professional standard and a heavy investment into the infrastructure for both it and a national team program. If the the VSC is truly of the mind that they want to be a championship contender in gridiron in a handful of editions, which is quite the ambitious project if there is truth to that rumor, then the ground work need be laid for the fruits of the labor to come at a later point. The success of the team in Mar Sara participating in the professional league of Banija is proof positive that there is a market and a fanbase in the Empire to support a professional league and that it would not do undue harm to the other professional sport leagues in the nation. Whether or not the VSC is ready to commit to that sort of investment is the question and how quickly a plan of action could be made and executed if they were in the mind to do so. Meanwhile the Sabres labor on, hoping to take lessons from their losses and improve on the fly best they can.

[South Newlandia]

After a blowout loss in Abanhfleft, the Elephants were able to bounce back with two wins against weaker teams in their group.
The opening matchup at the Fleftics revealed that this Elephants team still has quite a ways to go. After not playing together for a while and having to integrate quite a few new players into the team, the Elephants struggled to play together as a cohesive unit.
Offensively, Zachary Stevens struggled to get into rhythm with his playmakers, while the Fleftics were able to clamp down on Thomas Fantikos on the ground and Dustin van Halfensen through the air, holding the star TE to four catches. The Offensive Line did Stevens no favours in this game, repeatedly being outplayed by a strong Fleftic pass rush, forcing Stevens to try into bad decisions. Twice in the first half, Abanhfleft capitalised with interceptions.
Defensively, things went even worse. The Elephants struggled to slow down a potent Fleftic rushing attack, which averaged more than eight yards per carry, also opening up play action for Abanhfleft QB Wes Soderlund. The Elephants simply had no answer all game, struggling to get on the same page in zone defense.
In the end, the 50-22 scoreline was almost sugercoating a disastrous Elephant meltdown. They only had that many points thanks to a pair of garbage-time TDs, with the Fleftics up 43-7 entering the final quarter, a dominant position they used to give some key players a little bit of extra rest.

In the next two games, the Ellies improved. Hosting Sudilia, it was still a very mixed bag of a game, but the Elephants came up with a three-score win in the end; before they showed even more improvement facing Gran Saguaro. With especially the defense stepping up, pitching a shutout, the Elephants are now 2-1 with the Fleftics coming to town.

[Chromatika]

Iron Legion Outpace Dod Rava

Team         1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  |  Tot
Chromatika   21  14  14   7  |   56
Torisakia     0   7   3   3  |   13

1Q
10:17 CMT TD - Demitrius St. Pierre 48 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Dwayne Markseon Kick)
08:33 CMT TD - Demitrius St. Pierre 51 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Dwayne Markseon Kick)
07:56 CMT TD - Lana Rhodes 3 yard run (Dwayne Markseon Kick)

2Q
14:28 CMT TD - Alessandra Mio 20 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Dwayne Markseon Kick)
08:16 TOR TD - Quindel Loris 31 yard pass from Wystan Fields (Jasper Tolmie Kick)
03:31 CMT TD - Constantina Perrier 34 yard pass from Sarai Gwenderyn (Dwayne Markseon Kick)

3Q
11:43 TOR FG - Jasper Tolmie 28 yard Field goal
08:17 CMT TD - Lana Rhodes 18 yard run (Dwayne Markseon Kick)
01:55 CMT TD - Lana Rhodes 1 yard run (Dwayne Markseon Kick)

4Q
07:17 TOR FG - Jasper Tolmie 31 yard Field Goal
03:44 CMT TD - Rowena Hastroff 5 yard run (Dwayne Markseon PAT)

TOKAI MEMORIAL STADIUM, TOKAI, TORISAKIA - With Sarai Gwenderyn throwing for four touchdowns in the first half, Lana Rhodes getting 177 yards and three touchdowns, and the Iron Legion forcing two turnovers, Chromatika cruised to a 56-13 win over Torisakia on the road, completing their first round robin with a perfect 3-0 record and a ridiculous +100 Point Differential.

The way with which Chromatika took care of business in the first half against Torisakia was something else. Gwenderyn found St. Pierre twice in the opening frame alone - as the Wide Receiver became only the third in Chromatik history to get over one hundred receiving yards in one Quarter. When Alessandra Mio draws double coverage on almost every play, it opens up the rest of the receiving core; St. Pierre and Perrier really showed that today.

As the Iron Legion head to the second game of their road trip, they will need to continue to keep their hot starts. In all three of their wins so far, they've made a point in coming for it early and often.

Emilee Johansson, the third string Quarterback for the Iron Legion, played the second half of Third Quarter and the entirety of the Fourth Quarter. She didn't have to do much as the running game was really going in the second half, but she showed some promise in reading the defense and checking down on a few passes.

"It's been a fun initial round robin," admitted Naia Curentino, "But we've still things we want to do."

---

Team 3: Felswyr Vargr

When you talk about gridiron football in Chromatika, it's impossible to ignore Felswyr. FSU is one of the premium programs in the NSCF scene, and with the prominence of the Firehawks, Felswyr has really been put onto the map.

With Myana and Staramara revealed as two of the teams in the South Division of the Chromatik StarLeague, it only made sense that Felswyr would be the third - to continue the legacy, to play against the Tyrants twice a year, and to make sure that small cities continue to run the show in gridiron football.

Based out of the Frozen Stadium, the Felswyr Vargr - or the Wolves - are run by Græntfjaller-Chromatik businesswoman Åse Kæjasdóttir-Williams, the owner of one of the biggest ski resorts in Chromatika - The Palace at Tall Mountain. The Vargr reportedly cost 25 million NMS, one of the cheaper franchises; Åse wants to establish a gridiron culture of playing an aggressive, beautiful, crisp style that seeks to punish the opposition's mistakes.

Being so close to Felswyr State also has to help in terms of recruitment, right?

[South Americanastan]

"IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL I WIN" PROLOGUE
ARESIAN MOUNTAINS, FRONTIER PROVINCE, SOUTH AMERICANASTAN
<<>> - Indicates words spoken in Kuznetzian

"<<Keep going, little baby! You want to win? This is how you fucking win!>>"

The old boxer looks like he can still go.

Joseph Wisniewski stands over his son as he grunts and groans through another floor press rep in the cold snow. The scars and leftward-bent nose tell a tale of a life lived to its fullest. Even in his old age, bulging trapezius muscles and log-thick arms persist, still waiting for one final knockout punch. A red-and-yellow beanie is the last memento remaining of his former life, the "KBO" logo fading from its patch.

Bill Wisniewski lays down under him, struggling to push a log off his chest. 6-foot-2-inch, 249-pound defensive end could be mistaken for a child next to his hulking father. In an odd way, that was just how he liked it. From a young age, Bill had always had a certain way about him. He almost enjoyed being viewed as the smaller and weaker of the pair. If Wisniewski was as much of a freight train as South Americanastanian football pundits claimed, then spite was his coal.

His arms began to burn and his face reddened as he lifts the log to its apex once more.

"<<42!>>"

He leaned his arms backward and put the log into the hands of his father, who tossed the log aside with an ease that almost made Bill jealous.

"<<Kiska! Not even halfway to 100! You can't even get through a set! Do you think the Banijans quit their sets?>>"

"<<You know what? I'll do two of them! Do you think the Banijans do two of these?>>"

"<<Yes, I do. I don't think you do, though.>>"

Bill lay back under his father who placed the log into his waiting upright arms.

"<<1!>>"

He cranked out rep after rep, the log moving up and down almost effortlessly. The silence was deafening as Bill worked deeper and deeper into the set. Suddenly, his vocal cords erupt:

"<<50!>>"

"<<Congrats son, you did half of what you're supposed to do. Do you want a cookie or a medal?>>"

Bill dropped back into silence. Joseph counted in his head.

<<72...>>

<<98...>>

<<118...>>

<<132...>>

Joseph lights a cigarette as Bill continues pumping out reps.

<<162...>>

<<187...>>

<<198...>>

<<199...>>

<<200...>>

<<201...>>

As his arms came up for the final rep, Bill launched the log into the air, sailing over the fences surrounding the remote wooden cabin and into the treeline.

<<You were saying?>>

"<<I was saying that you didn't get the log to your chest for that last rep. Do it again>>"

[Ranoria]

Matchday Four Cutoff! Did you enjoy having National English Muffin Day Off?

Group A
Magnecia 0–13 Hofn
TJUN-ia 20–33 Gyatsko-Kai

Group A                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Gyatsko-Kai                    4   3  1   96  51 +45
2 TJUN-ia                        4   2  2  102  82 +20
3 Hofn                           4   2  2   65  80 −15
4 Magnecia                       4   1  3   42  92 −50

Group B
Milk Island 10–23 Saint Kanye
Rouyoute 13–30 HUElavia

Group B                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 HUElavia                       4   4  0  153  70 +83
2 Saint Kanye                    4   3  1  134  73 +61
3 Rouyoute                       4   1  3   66 104 −38
4 Milk Island                    4   0  4   53 159 −106

Group C
Ko-oren 50–17 Quebec & Shingoryeo
Valanora 38–19 Jacksonboro

Group C                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Ko-oren                        4   4  0  137  51 +86
2 Quebec & Shingoryeo            4   2  2  123 110 +13
3 Valanora                       4   2  2  108 134 −26
4 Jacksonboro                    4   0  4   84 157 −73

Group D
Anthor 10–30 Chromatika
Torisakia 31–21 Dod Rava

Group D                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Chromatika                     4   4  0  153  33 +120
2 Anthor                         4   2  2   74 100 −26
3 Torisakia                      4   2  2   87 125 −38
4 Dod Rava                       4   0  4   61 117 −56

Group E
The Fanboyists 16–6 Juvencus
Banija 50–19 South Americanastan

Group E                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 South Americanastan            4   3  1  123 112 +11
2 The Fanboyists                 4   3  1  116  70 +46
3 Banija                         4   2  2  129 125  +4
4 Juvencus                       4   0  4   42 103 −61

Group F
South Newlandia 13–20 Abanhfleft
Sudilia 31–28 Gran Saguero

Group F                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Abanhfleft                     4   4  0  157  63 +94
2 South Newlandia                4   2  2  101  84 +17
3 Gran Saguero                   4   1  3   81 131 −50
4 Sudilia                        4   1  3   71 132 −61

Group G
Katterimunk 33–37 The Spartan Dominion
Sarzonia 9–15 Drawkland

Group G                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Drawkland                      4   4  0  153  53 +100
2 Katterimunk                    4   2  2   98 126 −28
3 Sarzonia                       4   1  3   55  80 −25
4 The Spartan Dominion           4   1  3   61 108 −47

Group H
United Hawkland 24–14 Utahn Theocratic Republic
Ranoria 30–7 Cassadaigua

Group H                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Ranoria                        4   4  0  107  23 +84
2 Utahn Theocratic Republic      4   2  2   60  89 −29
3 Cassadaigua                    4   1  3   73  83 −10
4 United Hawkland                4   1  3   50  95 −45

[Utahn Theocratic Republic]

Utahn World Bowl team (Aka: The bees)

#	OFFENSE	       POS	AGE	HT	WT	COLLEGE (Graduated from or still attending)

Quarter-Back
3	Blake Zuercher	QB	24	6-1	205	Bingham Young University
10	Camren Barbara	QB	28	6-2	200	Utah State University
11	Ethel Colemen	QB	31	6-0	203	Southern Utah University

Running-Back
15	Keawe Olina	RB	27	6-4	239	Weber State University
2	Bobbie Collyer	RB	29	6-3	241	Southern Utah University
4	Ora Manwaring	RB	30	6-1	244	Bingham Young University
7	Royce Machlin	RB	31	6-2	234	Utah State University

Full-Back
19	Miles Davis	FB	26	6-2	245	Bingham Young University
13	Wren Wakita	FB	26	6-3	241	Weber State University
47	Tariua Fepuleai	FB	27	6-1	245	Southern Utah University
80	Russell Stefani	FB	31	6-4	241	Utah State University

Wide-Receivers
83	Kaikane Pane'e	WR	28	6-0	204	Utah State University
1	Nicholas Kupka	WR	25	6-4	195	Weber State University
12	Jax Mortel	WR	29	6-0	209	Bingham Young University
18	Koen Pytel	WR	30	6-2	210	Bingham Young University

Offensive-Tackle [left]
57	Pablo Puebla	LT	29	6-3	311	Weber State University
56	Iona Taueu	LT	25	6-2	312	Dixie State University
60	Andrei Daubert	LT	28	6-2	314	Utah State University
61	Blake Cimeno	LT	26	6-3	315	Southern Utah University

Offensive-Tackle [Right]
59	Louis Barba	RT	30	6-4	309	Bingham Young University
64	Royce Machlin	RT	29	6-3	310	Southern Utah University
67	Reagan Jagneaux	RT	25	6-1	315	Utah State University
65	Toa Siosifa	RT	28	6-3	314	Southern Utah University

Offensive-Guard [left]
66	Milah Hick	LG	30	6-1		Bingham Young University
68	Lafi Safenu	LG	29	6-3		Weber State University
79	Rudy Owston	LG	31	6-4		Utah State University
71	Claude Cheek	LG	28	6-5		Dixie State University

Offensive-Guard [Right]
51	Apisaloma Isaia	RG	29	6-1		Utah State University
53	Nico Wilham	RG	32	6-2		Dixie State University
75	Reece Williama	RG	27	6-2		Bingham Young University
00	Nevin Toca	RG	29	6-4		Dixie State University

---

---

#	DEFENSE	       POS	AGE	HT	WT	COLLEGE (Graduated from or still attending)

Defensive end
44	Fox Jones	DE	29	6-1	279	Utah State University
45	Falaniko Silao	DE	30	6-2	278	Dixie State University
50	Natano Timu	DE	27	6-1	276	Bingham Young University
5	Kevin Eredia	DE	30	6-3	277	Bingham Young University

Defensive tackle
51	Kyler Gonazlez	DT	27	6-5	309	Utah State University
53	Dudley Blackard	DT	30	6-2	300	Bingham Young University
55	Siaki Suega	DT	29	6-4	302	Utah State University
56	Peni Tilo	DT	31	6-4	308	Dixie State University

Middle line backer
57	Izaac Ferderer	MLB	29	6-6	245	Weber State University
59	Apa Tufele	MLB	27	6-5	247	Dixie State University
62	Robyn Sustaita	MLB	29	6-4	249	Utah State University
58	Ty Zuhlke	MLB	30	6-6	245	Bingham Young University

Inside line backer
90	Pati Leoso	ILB	30	6-3	229	Bingham Young University
92	Isaako Niu	ILB	29	6-5	230	Bingham Young University
91	Levon Garrean	ILB	27	6-4	245	Weber State University
93	Kaisara Fa'amoe	ILB	29	6-1	226	Dixie State University

Inside line backer
90	Pati Leoso	ILB	30	6-3	229	Bingham Young University
92	Isaako Niu	ILB	29	6-5	230	Bingham Young University
91	Levon Garrean	ILB	27	6-4	245	Weber State University
93	Kaisara Fa'amoe	ILB	29	6-1	226	Dixie State University

Center back
95	Aydin Gomoll	CB	28	6-3	302	Bingham Young University
94	Omeri Suega	CB	29	6-4	310	Weber State University
96	Louis Schebler	CB	30	6-4	309	Bingham Young University
97	Tolani Fepuleai	CB	27	6-2	307	Weber State University

Free Saftey
82	Tapu Faiivae	FS	30	6-4	203	Weber State University
45	Puka Tapu	FS	29	6-6	207	Weber State University
99	Etena Tameifuna	FS	29	6-2	206	Bingham Young University
98	Ofo Faamoana	FS	27	6-1	204	Weber State University

Strong Saftey
33	Gene Millberg	SS	27	6-3	208	Bingham Young University
66	Trystan Rogne	SS	30	6-2	206	Weber State University
69	Jasen Nobel	SS	29	6-4	205	Bingham Young University
70	Esera Savea	SS	30	6-6	207	Weber State University

Other
85	Kuresa Nanai	KR	30	6-2	200	Bingham Young University
87	Fox Holladay	PR	29	5-11	197	Weber State University
77	Kinslee Ruhl	K	28	5-10	192	Bingham Young University
70	Amosa Tuala	P	32	6-3	200	Weber State University
73	Drake Chadick	LS	27	6-2	198	Bingham Young University

---

---

STAFF

Kyron Ansley [Head Coach]
Eldon Staheli [Defensive Coach]
Riaz Thayne [Offensive Coach]

---

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The Zion Resort & Spa in Tooele, Utah

---

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The Utah Bees helmets

---

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Joseph Smith Stadium (No pro arena has been made yet)

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod Injuries to my players: Y
Suspend my players: Y
Godmod suspension events: Y
Godmod other events: Y

Style Mod: +4

[TJUN-ia]

Did you enjoy your break? Good, because it was time for the 2nd Act of this World Bowl Group Stage. Last time out, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia made it to 2-1 with a convincing win in their homecoming against Hofn as Gus McKerrin could only praise the game that his team placed at home. Now, the rematches were going to tell a lot about the pecking order of this group and everyone knew that things were going to get tough...but how would we do as the home stand continued?

It was time for Round 2 vs Gyatso-Kai in the Field of Dreams and while the fans expected another close encounter, they knew that Boarqupines were going to be gunning for revenge...and that showed in this game. Allister Ghoulson was certainly trying his best in this game and he ended up with 3 touchdowns for his efforts (2 for Victor Que-et-Vous, 1 for Fremont Whitehorse) while Chi On-Ma when 2/3 on PATs. But the real star of the show today would be Mit Wobet, who came into this hostile atmosphere and scored 5 touchdowns within it (2 reach for Atin Uthan and A'den Kato, one running play via Tachibana Huang) and while Tam Prater could only manage 3/5 on PATs, that certainly wasn't enough to sink the visitor's charge to the 33-20 win. We were just outclassed...and just like that we were back to 2-2.

Our final home game of this World Bowl will be up against Magnecia...where an entire nation will be hoping for both revenge and a bounce-back win. We really need this win...as we don't know what Neutral Site football would bring. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group A, Home and Away with final 3 games on neutral sites)
MD1: @Gyatso-Kai (13) - Stadia Capital, Beijing W 19-10 (2nd/1-0)
MD2: @Magnecia (UR) L 20-27 (3rd/1-1)
MD3: vs Hofn (UR) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington W 43-12 (1st/2-1)
--------------BREAK--------------
MD4: vs Gyatso-Kai (13) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington L 20-33 (2nd/2-2)
MD5: vs Magnecia (UR) - Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington
MD6: @Hofn (UR)
--------------NEUTRAL SITE GAMES--------------
MD7: vs Gyatso-Kai (13)
MD8: vs Magnecia (UR)
MD9: vs Hofn (UR)

[Ranoria]

Ranoria City, Ranoria
Kaiser Belfort's team-provided apartment
About three hours before Ranoria's game against Cassadaigua - an insight to Kaiser Belfort's hectic but we promise strong marriage to Claudia!

Kaiser Belfort burst back into his apartment, sweat pouring down his face after having run up the ten flights of stairs. "Babe, can I take your car? Some looney slashed my tires!"

Claudia, Belfort's...fiery wife of three years and a former Delaclav Hybrid ring girl, shot to her feet. "You want to take my car!? I slashed your tires you dimwit!"

Belfort paused, and shook his head, then met her fiery gaze, "You did what!?"

"I think you heard me!" She screeched, "You didn't respond to my texts for three whole hours yesterday! I texted you that I loved you, like a gazillion times! You should always respond to me quickly! I'm your wife!" She pointed a finger at him accusingly and threw a ridiculously oversized throw pillow at him, "I'm the mother of your children! I should be your top priority, and you don't even have the decency to reply quickly!"

Belfort flinched at the pillow, but scratched the back of his head, confused but not surprised - he didn't raise his voice to match hers, "But Claudia, I was at practice. I can't just text you back while I'm training."

"You would if you actually cared about me!" She tossed another pillow, which again bounced harmlessly to the ground, Belfort actually caught this one. Claudia leaned down on her knees, panting and out of pillows. "And what's with these dead plants you leave everywhere, they're freaking me out!" She gestured towards an ornate bouquet of flowers he'd left on the kitchen table.

Kaiser watched, exasperated, as she flopped back down onto the couch, "Just have one of your stupid teammates pick you up, you can't take my car." He waited a moment longer, then asked tentatively.

"Youuuu all done?"

She peaked her head over the back and glared, "You're lucky you're cute."

---

Fortunately, Kaiser Belfort still had some friends, and one of them happened to have spent way too much money - much to the protests of her entire family - on one of the fastest Ranorian produced cars ever made. Astrid Verona snickered as Belfort walked out of the hotel, spinning her keys in hand, "Man, real keeper you got there."

"She means well," he rubbed the back of his head, "Think we can make it in time?"

"Is that a challenge? Get in."

Kaiser started, then felt his phone buzz, and held it to his ear as he pulled down the wing door down, "Hey babe!"

Astrid deadpanned him as he nodded along.

"I know, I know, love you too. I'll see you tonight."

He hung up with a beaming smile that showed his entire heart, "She gets emotional sometimes, but like I said, she means well."

---

The Fearmonger:
Gideon Kearse Has Been A Terror Through The Opening Month Of This World Bowl


Gideon Kearse notched three tackles for loss in another dominant showing for this defense

The second duel between former champion teams came in the Superdome, and Ranoria clearly carried over their momentum from a home-opener shutout against the Utahn Theocratic Republic's Bees. Brittany Carrington got the ball to start though, and credit Fillies head coach Jennifer Colef and OC Amanda Norwood for designing an excellent play script to open the game. The offensive line held up against a devastating pass rush and Carrington went 4/5 on the drive, hitting mostly mid range routes over the middle and taking advantage of the linebacking corps' coverage deficiencies. Allie Raymond was true to her word earlier this season when she said that teams like the Krauts are the most exciting to play, she came out ready to rock. She'd cap off the drive with a quick out route against Jabyess Hawkins, toe tapping and extending the ball out over the goal line before she fell out of bounds.

The quick score was enough to hold the lead through the first quarter - the Krauts put through a Barry Chlorid field goal but were stopped hard on Valliente Wagner-Young's first interception of the campaign.

That said, it'd be Kearse coming up huge again to keep momentum on our side.

The reigning RFL defensive player of the year's hot streak has extended into the World Bowl. His dominant showings against teams like United Hawkland or the Bees may not impress as much, but dominating against a former World Bowl champion who we're all too familiar with is far from trivial. Kearse's power at two hundred and eighty pounds is well documented, but what really sets him apart in the run game is his willingness and ability to go "back door" and blow up runs with a swim move in the run game. It's a risky move - it puts a player out of their gap and leaves the offensive line a clear shot at the linebackers. If Kearse were to miss that play, it could cost the defense big. Fortunately, he doesn't miss very often. The game breaker made two tackles for loss like that today. The first was rather inconsequential on that first drive, but the second was huge.

Still up 7-3 in the second quarter, the Fillies had managed to drive all the way to the one yard line thanks in part to a field-flipping forty yard catch and run by Raymond. But with Konstantin Vollmacht and crew on the front they'd been stuffed on two runs and Sage Sterling had batted down a potential touchdown pass. On that fourth run - an aggressive play but the right one, Kearse swam over right tackle Devante Boyd and ran straight through Morgan Phillips before the runner had even secured the handoff. Brittany Carrington had the wherewithal to jump on the loose ball, but the drive was dead, and Kearse was the culprit.

"He's one of the best players in the world regardless of position," boasted DC Richard Steinheil after the game, chest swelling with pride over his former star pupil at Richardson University, "We're incredibly fortunate to have him on the team." Kearse, at this point, has clearly established himself as the leader of this defense, which to this point has proven to be the most staunch unit in the world - although one would be credited for pointing out that the long-standing Dragonflies defense has a much deeper group with a Quebec & Shingoryeo squad led by none other than Donovan O'Mara and Valanora in their group while the Krauts have only really been challenged by Cassadaigua.

With the momentum completely shifted, Raul Nieler went deep into the playbook - like many coaches he has a tendency to be aggressive in sudden-change situations, and like any good coach he's got shot plays ready to go when he wants them. Wagner-Young faked a handoff to Apollo Esther and the offensive line sold the play action well to keep the defensive line occupied, and rolled out. With Khalil Hauptmann and Isaak Rodriguez both running deep crossers to that side, Russell Farmer was left one-on-one on the other side, running down the sideline after crossing the field in the opposite direction.

Wagner-Young looked to Hauptmann first, then shifted quick and launched the ball to Farmer. Even with a big arm, it's too much to ask most quarterbacks to make a pass that deep downfield across the entire field. Fortunately, Wagner-Young doesn't have an arm, he has a veritable cannon. Russell Farmer snagged the ball over safety Gabrielle Mercer on the deepest connection you'll ever see between a Northern Moravica and Loyola-Istria alumn, then tossed her to the ground before she regained her balanced, waltzing into the end zone to the tune of a hundred plus thousand fans chanting his name. He tossed the ball in the air, jumped and smacked it back down to spike it, letting that flashy demeanor that his legend of a brother never quite had.

Eighty nine yards. Wagner-Young has let loose several long balls through his four starts to this point, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that he'll be ready to take over this team when the time comes. And with momentum on his side, the Krauts piled it on quickly. Wagner-Young hit Khalil Hauptmann for a second touchdown prior to the end of the half to go up 17-3, and the team leaned on the run game to take them home before the superstar gave way to Astrid Verona in the fourth quarter.

Up 27-3 by then, she'd finish 3/3 for 23 yards with another eleven on the ground, and was grinning ear to ear after the game. "The Fillies were a huge reason I decided to pursue gridiron in the first place. Obviously my dad helped a lot once I decided to go that route, but I'd have never thought I had a chance if I hadn't seen a team full of girls beat the brakes off an undefeated burly bunch of Krauts in World Bowl forty. So getting my first action in the World Bowl against them? It's pretty special."

Astrid didn't start playing gridiron until high school, where she proceeded to light it up in her final two seasons, earning her a spot on the Richardson University roster, where she served as a three year starter and went 2-1 against the Blue Thunder. Her growth as a passer was crucial to a 12-1 campaign in her junior year that saw them sweep a Cold Hill team that had used the Governors as a whipping boy for years prior. She's not the only one either - Loyola-Istria edge rusher Audrey Neuland and North Ashialand Coastal University alumn Gracelyn Jackson, a projected top five selection in the upcoming draft, would likely echo the same sentiment. Like Kearse, John Garrett, and linebacker Kaiser Belfort, she's also played under defensive coordinator Richard Steinheil at Richardson, and it gives that group a bit of a rock on a coaching staff that most players don't spend a ton of time with.

Speaking of Garrett - Farmboy has confirmed he'll be back on the active roster next week, though with how well Wagner-Young's played, he'll be on the sideline for the most part as a precautionary measure. The superstar has reportedly been present and active in meetings and practice ever since the team came, but the team wanted to give him an extra week or two to recover after a hit from Kearse and Iron Legion star Jere Rinaldi led to a broken collarbone. "No harm no foul," he told the media, "Gideon didn't mean to break me, and this'll be my last action regardless. I'm good to go."

[Rouyoute]

QB Julian Girard Looks Hapless, Defense A Sieve as Demolition By Saint Kanye Leads to Back-to-Back Blowouts for Rouyoute

Unlike our Drawkian neighbors, the other teams from Sonnel haven't faired so well in this World Bowl. In their debut, Rouyoute was an unknown, but we appear to have been exposed now against the true playoff-caliber teams in this group. With Julian Girard posting a 1/4 TD:INT ratio over the past two games, the offense has looked lost under the hand of Henrik Johansson. His exotic schemes led to his firing in the GLD for a reason, and Girard seems to have no grasp of this offense.

"We run some pretty exotic stuff," the offensive captain and quarterback claimed, "But I think I'm making progress." Meanwhile, while the defense wasn't terrible throughout the first couple games, teams have clearly figured out how to play around their more talented players. Saint Kanye and HUElavia put up a combined seventy points over the past two matches, and with only two more prior to heading back to Ranoria, they're realistically out of time to figure it out - Rouyoute is two games behind a juggernaut Saint Kanye team with just five left to play.

At this point, getting to a winning record would take a miraculous four and one run - we don't see that happening on a team that's looked so soft to this point.

Wait, you want to know about the playoffs? You're asking about the playoffs!?

[Banija]

GFLB Weeks 8-11

GFLB Rosters

Week 8
Busukuma Athletic Club 20–16 St. Jakob Honey Badgers
Busukuma Suns 48–29 Hoima Zebra
Isipongo Wild Boars 3–14 Mukeruzi Hyenas
Lwanga Rhinos 40–10 Bwubanza Ostriches
Umbazi Metropolitan SC 24–26 Bunyoro RSC
Igulu Bush Elephants 29–30 Port Stovine Sea Turtles
Jinja City Springboks 42–43 Busembe Timberwolves
Aissa Crocodiles 19–0 Mynda Gorillas
Herzegovina City Cobras 23–20 Askatasuna Wildcats
Kosactus Red Vultures 21–30 Sisonke Leopards
Istria Black Mambas 33–14 Dukuma Dragons
Rukunbi Wizards 37–20 Mar Sara Night Elves

Week 9
St. Jakob Honey Badgers 26–12 Port Stovine Sea Turtles
Bunyoro RSC 20–26 Igulu Bush Elephants
Bwubanza Ostriches 12–19 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Mukeruzi Hyenas 6–37 Lwanga Rhinos
Hoima Zebra 59–17 Isipongo Wild Boars
Busukuma Athletic Club 13–24 Busukuma Suns
Busembe Timberwolves 6–40 Mar Sara Night Elves
Dukuma Dragons 7–34 Rukunbi Wizards
Sisonke Leopards 41–23 Istria Black Mambas
Askatasuna Wildcats 30–40 Kosactus Red Vultures
Mynda Gorillas 32–22 Herzegovina City Cobras
Jinja City Springboks 16–29 Aissa Crocodiles

Week 10
Busukuma Suns 27–24 St. Jakob Honey Badgers
Isipongo Wild Boars 20–27 Busukuma Athletic Club
Lwanga Rhinos 34–35 Hoima Zebra
Umbazi Metropolitan SC 26–13 Mukeruzi Hyenas
Igulu Bush Elephants 20–7 Bwubanza Ostriches
Port Stovine Sea Turtles 6–9 Bunyoro RSC
Aissa Crocodiles 33–7 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina City Cobras 36–17 Jinja City Springboks
Kosactus Red Vultures 27–14 Mynda Gorillas
Istria Black Mambas 13–22 Askatasuna Wildcats
Rukunbi Wizards 14–17 Sisonke Leopards
Mar Sara Night Elves 36–37 Dukuma Dragons

Week 11
St. Jakob Honey Badgers 41–24 Bunyoro RSC
Bwubanza Ostriches 14–23 Port Stovine Sea Turtles
Mukeruzi Hyenas 14–34 Igulu Bush Elephants
Hoima Zebra 36–14 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Busukuma Athletic Club 23–19 Lwanga Rhinos
Busukuma Suns 27–25 Isipongo Wild Boars
Busembe Timberwolves 14–30 Dukuma Dragons
Sisonke Leopards 31-21 Mar Sara Night Elves
Askatasuna Wildcats 24–12 Rukunbi Wizards
Mynda Gorillas 55–17 Istria Black Mambas
Jinja City Springboks 29–30 Kosactus Red Vultures
Aissa Crocodiles 17–16 Herzegovina City Cobras


Divison Standings after 11 weeks

North Division                Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Aissa Crocodiles           11    9   2   378  238 +140
 2 Mynda Gorillas             11    8   3   294  214  +80
 3 Askatasuna Wildcats        11    4   7   221  273  −52
 4 Jinja City Springboks      11    3   8   251  308  −57

Moravica Division             Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Herzegovina City Cobras    11    7   4   262  205  +57
 2 Rukunbi Wizards            11    7   4   257  213  +44
 3 Kosactus Red Vultures      11    4   7   258  272  −14
 4 Istria Black Mambas        11    2   9   219  326 −107

West Division                 Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Sisonke Leopards           11    7   4   325  252  +73
 2 Dukuma Dragons             11    6   5   236  312  −76
 3 Mar Sara Night Elves       11    6   5   274  261  +13
 4 Busembe Timberwolves       11    3   8   216  317 −101

South Division                Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Busukuma Suns              11    8   3   329  232  +97
 2 Busukuma Athletic Club     11    8   3   322  259  +63
 3 Hoima Zebra                11    5   6   382  357  +25
 4 Mukeruzi Hyenas            11    5   6   199  297  −98

Central Division              Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Igulu Bush Elephants       11    7   4   246  198  +48
 2 Lwanga Rhinos              11    6   5   339  200 +139
 3 Umbazi Metropolitan SC     11    5   6   228  300  −72
 4 Isipongo Wild Boars        11    5   6   275  248  +27

East Division                 Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 St. Jakob Honey Badgers    11    6   5   335  267  +68
 2 Bunyoro RSC                11    5   6   209  294  −85
 3 Port Stovine Sea Turtles   11    5   6   235  288  −53
 4 Bwubanza Ostriches         11    1  10   177  336 −159

Reminder for the general playoff table... All 6 division winners make the playoffs. However, only division winners can get the top 4 seeds and earn that first round bye- the 5th & 6th division winners don't get priority seeding, even if they are in the playoffs. The below table reflects that dynamic.

If Season ended today, they would be a division winner and earn a first round bye
If season ended today, they would be a wild card
If Season ended today, they would be a division winner and not earn a first round bye

GFLB                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
 1 Aissa Crocodiles           11    9   2   378  238 +140
 2 Busukuma Suns              11    8   3   329  232  +97
 3 Sisonke Leopards           11    7   4   325  252  +73
 4 Herzegovina City Cobras    11    7   4   262  205  +57
 5 Mynda Gorillas             11    8   3   294  214  +80
 6 Busukuma Athletic Club     11    8   3   322  259  +63
 7 Igulu Bush Elephants       11    7   4   246  198  +48
 8 Rukunbi Wizards            11    7   4   257  213  +44
 9 Mar Sara Night Elves       11    6   5   274  261  +13
10 Dukuma Dragons             11    6   5   236  312  −76
11 Lwanga Rhinos              11    6   5   339  200 +139
12 St. Jakob Honey Badgers    11    6   5   335  267  +68

13 Hoima Zebra                11    5   6   382  357  +25
14 Bunyoro RSC                11    5   6   209  294  −85
15 Umbazi Metropolitan SC     11    5   6   228  300  −72
16 Mukeruzi Hyenas            11    5   6   199  297  −98
17 Isipongo Wild Boars        11    5   6   275  248  +27
18 Port Stovine Sea Turtles   11    5   6   235  288  −53
19 Kosactus Red Vultures      11    4   7   258  272  −14
20 Askatasuna Wildcats        11    4   7   221  273  −52
21 Busembe Timberwolves       11    3   8   216  317 −101
22 Jinja City Springboks      11    3   8   251  308  −57
23 Istria Black Mambas        11    2   9   219  326 −107
24 Bwubanza Ostriches         11    1  10   177  336 −159

Let's jump on Overview #3! Just Six games left as this season is not so young anymore!

Game of the Mid Season

Igulu Bush Elephants 29–30 Port Stovine Sea Turtles

Let's talk about this matchup between the Bush Elephants and the Port Stovine Sea Turtles- two teams who are, probably surprisingly, winning their divisions. Especially the Sea Turtles- taking advantage of a completely unprecedented collapse by Diamond Rhine's Bwubanza Ostriches. But this week 8 game, between two teams who are now slightly ahead of it within their own divisions, was fierce. The Sea Turtles, especially, knew the importance of this one- considering how close the race is out in the East Division.

When this game hit the fourth quarter, it was an extremely close one already- with a 23-20 score, in favor of the Bush Elephants. A lot of field goals in this one at this point in time, with the Bush Elephants hitting 3 field goals and scoring 2 TDs in the first 3 quarter, whiile the Sea Turtles had 2 TDs and two field goals. But a large part of the fourth quarter would be all about the Sea Turtles. They would put together a 7 minute drive- anchored by the running game, although they were trailing. Kemo Jolae was finding gaps opened by RG Lewis Whitfield, and bursting through them at a fantastic rate. Scoring with 7 minutes left to put his team up, 27-23, was huge. And when the Sea Turtles got a 3 & out, many thought they could run out the clock.

They did not quite have that opportunity- but not for lack of trying. A 44 yard Jolae run kinda bursted the whole 'running out the clock' thing, but they had an opportunity for a backbreaking score. 1st & goal at the 8- 7 yard run to the 1 yard line. Second down- stuffed. Third down- stuffed. 4th & goal, do you go for it? They lined up for the kill punch- either make the Bush Elephants drive 99 yards, or make it an 11 point game with under 2 minutes left. But they could not- a false start meant that they had to kick it. The Bush Elephants got a chance, and Lindisizwe Mthobeni led them down the field. Scored with 22 seconds left, a 15 yard TD pass to their Tight End. 30-29. Simple PAT for OT- but they went for the win, going for 2.

The aggressiveness of that is why they are leading the Central Division, shockingly, over Lwanga. But they could not convert the two- an Aubin Rouzet sack sealed the game for the Sea Turtles. Insane game, insane ending- why we love this sport!

Comeback of the Mid Season

Busukuma Suns 27–25 Isipongo Wild Boars

Sometimes you talk about comebacks, and how insane they can really be. But for a game that finished 27-25, this was really one of the best we've seen in a while. The Wild Boars were major underdogs heading into a road game in Busukuma, and pulled out all the stops to try and earn the win. After not just one, but both of their first half touchdowns, they went for two- and they converted both times. Hilariously, their third quarter touchdown, they missed their PAT, with a bad snap(how these things tend to go, lol) but they also converted a field goal. They entered the fourth quarter in upset territory, up 25-7, seemingly in control against one of the best QBs in the league, Amazu Chibuzo.

But never say die. There's a reason Chibuzo is the last QB to lead a Banijan school to a NSCF title. There's a reason he was a NTer for so damn long. He's got two NT Tight Ends on his team, as well as Jannik Nadine that they traded up for. He treated the fans at Sun Valley Stadium to an absolutely doozey of a comeback. He threw a long TD to Jannik Nadine- one play, 78 yards, the Ranorian's speed and skill just being too much for the Wild Boars cornerbacks. 25-14 at this point. But that happens when you're playing a team as good as Busukuma sometimes, right? But not what happened next. A surprise onside kick- recovered by Suns WR Kandita Sari. They had life! Another big play- this time, a pass to the veteran tight end, Zedekiah Akoth- got them down into field goal range, where their kicker booted a 33 yard field goal. 25-17 game.

The Wild Boars, formerly cruising, were suddenly in a one possesion game with about 8 minutes left. And they did about the absolute worst thing that you could do in that situation- turn it over. A huge hit from Marcus Sandoval that forced the fumble, one recovered by CB Falla Jobateh. It gave them life. Chibuzo would involve the other veteran tight end, as Corban Aoko caught a TD pass at the end of the drive for a touchdown. He dunked on the FG posts- automatic unsportsmanslike conduct penalty. 15 yards applied to the PAT, so they could only go for one. 25-24, to the Wild Boars. The Suns would get one more stop and another drive, inspried by a 22 yard pass to Nadine, and a 13 yard scramble by Chibuzo. Game's final play, 44 yard field goal to win it.

The Wild Boars have iced our kicker here, calling a timeout. Tam Kurubali hit a great one, but it won't count. Here we all, to line it up all over again. Tam Kurubali- to complete the 25-7 fourth quarter comeback. Is this a final legendary moment for Amazu Chibuzo? The snap is good, the kick is up, it's long enough... AND IT'S GOOD! AND IT'S GOOD! THE SUNS HAVE COMPLETED AN 18 POINT FOURTH QUARTER COMEBACK TO STUN THE WILD BOARS!

Holy Moly Here come the Leopards- 5 wins in a row

Week 7: Sisonke Leopards 41–19 Herzegovina City Cobras
Week 8: Kosactus Red Vultures 21–30 Sisonke Leopards
Week 9: Sisonke Leopards 41–23 Istria Black Mambas
Week 10: Rukunbi Wizards 14–17 Sisonke Leopards
Week 11: Sisonke Leopards 31-21 Mar Sara Night Elves

After week 7, the Sisonke Leopards sat at just 3-4. And many of us sat there, wondering- why? They've got too much talent. Wagner-Young. Senghore. Sauber. And on defense... Both Nikolai Dimitrov & Kowtame. A brutal, high profile, national TV loss in a shootout to the Crocs, where their running back fumbled away an elite game by their superstar QB. But Wagner-Young had told stressing fans after falling to 3-4, that things were coming together. "Look- I understand the pashion by Leopards fans. They love this city, they love this team. But we're getting it together- we're on the brink of turning a corner. I can feel it." That loss against the Crocs had dropped them to 2-4.

But look at what they've done since then. Wagner-Young had possibly the most dominant performance of the season by anyone in week 7- 26/32, 344 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, as they smoked the Herzegovina City Cobras, 41-19. And look at what they've done since then. Contributions from everybody. A 30-21 road win over the Red Vultures. They kicked 3 field goals in that one, a wonky game where Wagner-Young didn't throw a TD, but they had a couple of short TD runs from their HB, and a punt return TD. A blowout win over Istria(in fairness, everybody seems to be beating up on the GFLB's most historic franchise these days, the Istria Black Mambas). Get your licks in now before they get Odika, eh? (Although the Ostriches are SO bad, they might get Odika)

They went to Rukunbi in Week 10, and in a tight, defensive game, won 17-14. What made that one special? Wagner-Young struggled. Easily his worst game of the season. 12/25, 174 yards, 0 TDs, 2 interceptions. But despite that, the team lifted him up. Lafi Senghore had a 37 yard touchdown run on a WR reverse. A Nikolai Dimitrov interception set up the Leopards other TD, a QB sneak. And a dominant second half by the defense, where the host Wizards got just one first down the entire half, showed that the Leopards are a complete team. Adding their 5th in a row with a comfortable 31-21 victory over the Night Elves, who's to say that the Leopards can't win this thing? The Crocs are the #1 seed right now, and it'd be nearly impossible for the Leopards to catch them there- but does Wagner-Young have them looking like Simba Bowl favorites?

---

Sometimes a Diamond is Just a Rock- Part 5

The Ostriches team owner was sitting in a courtroom, relaxed. The season that was supposed to be so exciiting, bringing Diamond Rhine over from the RFL, had turned into the season from hell. They had lost 9 in a row(a GFLB high), and sat at a league worst 1-10, without any major injuries. "This is, by far, the absolute worst I've ever felt." He thought to himself. He couldn't even bring himself joy at the court verdict- Diamond Rhine had just finally won back custody of Chewie, after a months-long, protracted legal battle between the star QB and the city, that had a direct cause in tanking the Ostriches season.

The season was too late to salvage. Sitting at 1-10, not even finishing at 7-10 could make the playoffs. But could they inspire confidence in fans? Unlikely they could do that, either. It was toxic on the Bunyoro coastline. Diamond Rhine was getting booed by home fans whenever his name was announced on the PA. This team owner, who thought he could deliver a championship to his city just like that, unfortunately was not going to do so. And he was stuck. He knew the numbers- he could never take a dead cap hit on Diamond Rhine. He might just be stuck with the Cold HIll grad.

"How the fuck did this happen to me." He wondered. He thought back to the Ostriches last game, a home game against the Port Stovine Sea Turtles. They had actually started off well- he had thrown two first quarter touchdowns. Rhine had thrown one to Olaf Ramsey, and another to the tight end, Serrekunda Dodu. Many thought that, for once, good things were about to happen in Bunyoro. "I thought that this was the start of a turnaround by our squad." The owner had told the media. But apparently, not. The offense completely stalled out after that- not scoring a singular point in the last three quarters of the game.

And it wasn't that Rhine was throwing interceptions. That was actually his first turnover free game of the season. He just had no chemistry whatsoever with his receivers. In Week 11. Terrible. Miscommunication everywhere. Sailing throws. Not getting any of the timing down. It didn't help that Rhine spent most of his free time in this damned courthouse, trying to get Chewie, refusing to let his lawyer do the work by himself.

And so as the team owner saw Diamond Rhine in tears, overjoyed at getting his owlephant back, he simply looked on. Blank stare. He had lost all faith in his star signing. Would the end of the owlephant troubles bring results on the field?

---

World Bowl Short News
- After a disastrous start to the World Bowl, where the Banijan defense allowed a combined 97 points in two road games, they changed up their staff, firing their defensive coordinator and hiring Addo Uster, the current EVU HC, as the interim D. Coordinator. Of course, he's a former defensive coordinator for the NT- which is how he got the EVU job in the first place. But they've gotten things fixed. Only allowing three field goals in a 26-9 victory in Week 3, the Serpent Eagles exploded in Week 4, by putting up 50. But the biggest highlight is the defense- allowing 4 field goals and just one touchdown- meanign they've allowed 7 FGs, and just one TD, over the last two games
- Addo Uster said he can thank a 'renewed focus on the basics'. "This defense has talent, even if it's not necessarily the greatest Banijan Defense of all-time." That title, of course, would belong to the World Bowl 40 runner-ups. "But it's all about getting everyone on the same page. Simplifying things, making things stronger." Makang Secka & Koman Tabor trend closer to a return. He said neither would play in Banija's final home game against the Fanboyists on MD5, but that they were both 'questionable' for Banija's visit to Sonnel, to take on Juvencus, on Matchday 6.
- Ice Chineze blew up in week 4, in a key game for a Serpent Eagles trying to kickstart their World Bowl campaign after falling flat on their own face in weeks 1 & 2. The team scored 50 on South Americanastan, with 7 total TDs- including a 2 point conversion after the first one, an aggressive move that was designed to 'send a message' to the rest of the World Bowl that Banija was, indeed, back. Chineze threw 4 TDs, Ebou Hairte threw one in mop-up duty, and both Zamandi Ayana and Kuenda Sello each ran for one.
- Despite seeming to right the ship at home, there is still a long way to go in this group stage for Banija. We still sit a game behind both South Americanastan and the Allamunic States, so their final home game, against the Allamunnic States, is turning into a 'must-win' for this team. "Look, if we lose this- the tiebreakers really come to hurt. We'd be down 2 games to both them and South Americanastan with 4 to go. Our hopes at winning this group might be shot- but we think we can beat anybody this tournament has to offer in the knockouts. But we've got to get there first- and to do that, we take things a game at a time. All eyes are on the Allamunnic States." Said the head coach, Thomas Hall.

[Cassadaigua]

Where do we go from here?
by Kenzie Sherman, Concord Heights Times

After four games, Team Cassadaigua is not looking all that great, managing to win just one contest and being in jeopardy of failing to make the playoffs. There was hope and even expectation that this team would be able to finish in the top two, with second being the most likely option. Beating Ranoria out in the group would take a massive effort, but topping the two unranked sides would be enough for the Fillies to finish in a playoff position. This is not a championship caliber team quite yet, but the playoff experience that our team would be able to obtain could be very beneficial. Whether or not this team is able to advance, there are some questions that need answering. Here we go!

Naturally, when looking at the success, or lack thereof, of a football team, it is all going to start with the quarterback. 27-year old Brittany Carrington has proven herself as the top signal caller in the Matriarchy, but is she the one that is going to take us to bigger and better things? The two other quarterbacks on the roster are 29-year old Chrissy Berkman and 26-year old Tori Grasso, so there is not that one "quarterback of the future" that is a part of this roster. We can speculate who those people are by looking at the Cassadaigua Football League and looking at the more recent players to have entered, but I am not going to get into that right now for the main reason that if any of them were at the international stardom role right now, they would be a part of the team. Instead, we have a group of three players on this roster who are between 26 and 29 years of age. That's prime territory, but when Carrington is ineffective, as she was against the defense the Krauts, does it really make sense to enter Berkman? She's older than Carrington, so all you would be doing is creating a quarterback controversy for the rest of the group stage. Playing a team like the Krauts, and the likes of Gideon Kearse, is a pretty tough way to make your debut on the field and to have to do it in the middle of the game when the team is already losing. Therefore, it's not the best time to evaluate Berkman, so you need to just keep Brittany Carrington in there. In the long run, it might be good for the team to get a more mobile quarterback. It's not as if Brittany is a statue back there, and she can run at times, but the mobile quarterbacks are the ones that can dominate a game, and when you are playing at this high of a level, that's an asset that you want to have. Chrissy Berkman isn't a scrambler, either. Tori Grasso would be the best at it, but she has other trade offs to consider. I would love for Brittany Carrington to prove me wrong, but I don't think she's the one that's going to lead us to a title. For now, though, she can be serviceable.

I believe that the weapons that Carrington has around her are fine for this level. Allie Raymond is a great big play threat, and Rachel Williams is very productive as well. The explosive speed of Katelynn Ellis will be here for a while, and there are plenty of receivers not on this team who very well could be in the near future. Our future is also good at tailback, but for now Morgan Phillips can shoulder the load. We have not been seeing these players get involved as much as we would like quite yet, but I do believe that over the long haul, we have what it takes at these spots. There may be more questions with the line, as I feel their play as been inconsistent as a whole thus far. That may just be a product of the schedule though, with two games against Ranoria and dealing with their excellent defense, and then two games against unranked sides. The next couple games are pretty important for them. It can be harder for an offensive lineman to dominate at a younger age, but we do have some younger people to watch right now that in a couple of World Bowls can potentially lead us to a championship.

The area I am not as sold on is our defense. Throughout the years, we have prided ourselves on excellent play by the secondary, and shutting down the passing game of the opponent. In spots, they have played well, especially when you look at the thoroughly dominant game that Kristen Brooke had against United Hawkland. But that has been the exception and not the rule up to this point in time. It may be the some of the people on the sidelines for most plays now, like Courtney Burton and Paige Bennett are the ones that we look upon to take the next step with. Up front, I feel our line has been pretty solid and that is promising.

Another question to ask is whether or not Jennifer Cole is the right coach to take us to a title. Right now, she is doing a good enough job, and I would not call for her to be removed. But you have to look at what happened in other sports recently. It was a man from Peisandros who led us to our World Cup 50 and 51 titles. It was Maddie Polanco, from Super-Llamaland, who led us back to prominence, and eventually a World Baseball Classic title in that 50th edition. The World Cup team, in it's current era, gave Stephanie Sweeney and Brittany Byers plenty of opportunity to turn it around, and they did great things for our program, especially within the Copa Rushmori. But the team did not qualify for two of the last three World Cups, and that cost Byers her job. Now, it is a man from Yuezhou who will be looking to lead the soccer team. Do we have to do this in the sport that we call football, and find an international person for this job? Right now, this is not the plan, and I do think that Jennifer Cole will get a couple chances to show what she can do, even if this team right now did fail to make the playoffs. CAFE wants her to be the long term answer to coach the team, but don't be surprised if this becomes another sport where eventually, we look for other international candidates to be our leader.

If the nations in the World Bowl were teams in a domestic league instead, you would be looking at Cassadaigua as playoff caliber, but needing a couple years of solid draft picks to take the next step on joining the powerhouses. They've won two World Bowls, in two very different eras, so we have shown that we can win one, build it back up, and then win another one. We don't have to overhaul this team in it's current state, but we still need a few more parts. For now, we have two big games against unranked opposition that if we were to win, we can climb to 3-3. You don't want to go 1-1 in these games, and 0-2 is unacceptable.

[South Americanastan]

"IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL I WIN" PART 1
Prologue

VLADIMIR TOLSKOY MEMORIAL ARENA, SLAVINGRAD, KUZNETZIA
DECEMBER 31ST, 1996
<<>> - Indicates words spoken in Kuznetzian

"<<...Fighting out of the BLUE corner, boasting a record of 14 wins and 0 losses, with 12 knockouts, the challenger, "KID DYNAMITE" JOOOOOOSEF WISNIEWSKI!>>"

The voice of the ring announcer bellowed through the arena. Seating approximately 21,000 people, Vladimir Tolskoy Memorial Arena, or, as it was often affectionately referred to, "The Tolsk", had been packed to the brim for the New Year's Eve card. An exciting first few matches had gotten the crowd riled up and drunk.

Josef hit his gloves together in his corner, bouncing from one leg to another to try to get a sweat going. Truth was, though, he didn't need a warmup to start sweating. He had been sweating bullets ever since he walked in the arena.

"<<...And fighting out of the RED corner, boasting a record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and a draw, with 26 knockouts, the KBO, KBC, and ABO heavyweight CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, VLADIMIR "THE STEAMROLLER" VAAAAAAAALLLLISTINOV!>>"

The reigning champion seemed almost disturbingly cool and collected as he paced back and forth in front of his corner. The Tolsk had become something of a second home for Vladimir. He cracked a subtle smile across the ring towards Josef as they approached the center.

"<<Let's have a clean fight, obey my instructions and protect yourself at all times. Touch gloves if you want to, and go back to your corners.>>"

Josef held his gloves out, but the champion backtracked towards his corner.

DING DING DING!

ROUND 2, 1:02

"<<OH! A STRONG RIGHT HOOK FROM VALISTINOV CATCHES WISNIEWSKI!>>"

Josef stumbled backwards towards the ropes, and ducked left just in time to avoid a cross from Valistinov. He quickly escaped away from the ropes, and did a small crow hop as he got back into his stance, shuffling his hands and moving around the ring in an attempt to feign healthiness. He struggled to make out where Valistinov ended and air began, but as his vision refocused, he stood firm and approached Valistinov.

The champion led with a jab, clipping Josef's left ear, followed up by another right hook. Josef weaved under it, and countered with a cross, hitting the chin of Valistinov at an upwards angle, snapping his head backwards, if only for a moment. A moment was all Josef needed.

"<<WISNIEWSKI TAKING THE FIGHT TO THE CHAMPION NOW! AND VALISTINOV'S HURT!>>"

Josef followed the cross with a left hook to the body, and followed the left hook with a right hook, catching Valistinov on the temple. The champion retreats backwards towards the ropes, and manages to initiate a clinch, which is quickly broken up by the referee. Josef approaches again, but is forced away from the pocket by a series of jabs. The bell signaling the end of the round finally sounds.

ROUND 7, 2:00

"<<Hey, hey. Look at me. He's hurt. Keep pounding away at that left side of his head, keep throwing that hook. You've got him right where you want him. Look at him>>"

The coach gestured across the ring. Through the ice bag and cotton balls, Josef could make out the bruised and battered body of Vilistinov, head leaned back against the corner pad as trainers virtually covered his face in ice packs.

"<<This is when you finish him>>"

Vladimir and Josef stood up as their respective corners pulled their stools out of the ring, and the bell sounded to start the round.

The champion shuffled towards Josef, and threw a hook to the body, catching Josef in the ribs. He followed with an uppercut, but Josef was too quick, and slipped it, barely grazing the edge of his left cheek. A yell came from his corner.

"<<LIGHT HIM UP, JOSEF>>"

It didn't matter. Josef had already saw his opportunity.

"AND A BIG LEFT UPPERCUT CATCHES VILISTINOV! AND THERE'S THE RIGHT HOOK! THE CHAMPION GOES DOWN!"

Vilistinov fell flat onto the mat, face down. The dull thud punctuated of face hitting canvas punctuated a brief moment of silence. It seemed as if the entire arena held their breath, in disbelief of what had just happened.

1...

2...

3...

The champion hauled himself onto all fours.

4...

5...

He brought a knee up.

6...

7...

He stood up onto his feet, slightly wobbled, and took a step backward.

8...

The champion crashed back onto the canvas.

9...

10...

"<<RING THE BELL!>>"

[Chromatika]

Team 4: Knetyohai Revolution Round out the South Division

The Chromatika StarLeague, South Division. The Myana Tiger Sharks. The Staramara Tyrants. The Felswyr Vargr. With the Rainbow District bringing up the rear, many imagined that Lanar or Sanar would host the team from the District changed the most by the Rainbow Revolution. Many tried to guess which one of the sibling cities in the Rainbow District would get the honor.

Instead, a Knetyohai venture fund by the name of Raewon Ventures won the bid for the Rainbow District Team, paying 32 Million NMS to purchase the franchise. Calling the Warriors' Arena in Knetyohai their home, the Revolution will be the fourth and final team of the South Division, trying to contend with the likes of two gridiron-crazed cities like Staramara and Felswyr and the second biggest city in the country in Myana.

Those hailing from the three siblings will have to make quite a drive to get to Knetyohai, but the city already has a history of having successful franchises, being home to the Destroyers in the LPB.

Raewon Ventures has pledged to field an "Air raid offense that will catch the opposition by surprise and result in plenty of goals." There is talk that they've landed one of three previously CFL Quarterbacks.

Knetyohai, Felswyr, Staramara, Myana. Only one huge city, but four locales that love sports. Should be an exciting watch.

[Torisakia]

Spady's 3 TDs lift Torisakia past Dod Rava 31-21

TOKAI - Aaron Spady continues to shine in the World Bowl as Torisakia surged past Dod Rava 31-21 to move to 2-2 in Group D of World Bowl 46.

Spady, who missed Torisakia's previous game against Chromatika due to a "helmet to the face" injury, went 24-of-35 for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 43 yards in a career day for the Ice Birds. Spady becomes the first quarterback in Torisakia national team history to throw for 3 or more touchdowns in multiple games. Spady is also the first Torisakian to account for more than half of the team's total points this early in the World Bowl.

The game started off slow for both sides, with no one able to score in the first quarter. Torisakia gained some momentum early in the second quarter, with Spady connecting with wide receiver Bredon Bullard for a 21-yard touchdown pass to give Torisakia a 7-0 lead. Dod Rava responded on the ensuing drive with a touchdown of their own as quarterback Bogdan Koper hit wide receiver Grzegorz Ściana from 14 yards out to tie the game.

With both teams trading touchdowns, Torisakia began playing with a downhill run approach, a system that running back Michael Pickett has thrived in during his time in the TFL. Unfortunately, this scheme didn't have the outcome that Coach Gregory Debay had hoped. A rare fumble by Pickett early in Torisakia's drive put Dod Rava is great position to take the lead. They rose to the occasion as running back Joel Ramos plunged it in from 3 yards out to give Dod Rava the 14-7 lead.

Torisakia responded ferociously with 21 unanswered points over the next two quarters. Near the end of the first half, Spady tossed his second score to tight end Lucas Dunbar. The game was deadlocked at 14-14 going into halftime. Despite a few miscues, the Ice Birds played a clean first half. In particular, the penalties were drastically reduced. Torisakia has been one of the most penalized teams in the World Bowl so far, with 42 penalties called against the Ice Birds, an average of 10.5 per game. Despite this stat, Torisakia only committed 4 penalties the entire game.

"[We] came out a lot more disciplined, more focused, and organized tonight." Coach Gregory Debay said in his post-game press conference. "Cutting down on the penalties, the turnovers, the miscues, it all paid off this time around. But we gotta keep it up if we want to advance in the group".

Torisakia practically took control in the second half. On their first drive of the half, Michael Pickett more than made up for his earlier fumble with 7 straight runs that culminated in a 12 yard touchdown run, giving the Ice Birds the lead back. On Dod Rava's ensuing drive, the Ice Birds' defense got their first turnover of the day when Bogdan Koper was intercepted by Rodney McFarlane near midfield, giving Spady and company excellent field position. They made the most of it as Spady hit wide receiver Quindel Loris for a 33 yard touchdown to put Torisakia up 28-14.

The pace of the game slowed down after this as the Ice Birds focused on preserving their lead. The fourth quarter saw little offensive action, with both teams trading punts four straight drives. The Ice Birds finally broke the mold with a 44 yard field goal from Jasper Tolmie with 3 minutes remaining to all but clinch the win for Torisakia. Dod Rava would score a late touchdown to bring the game within 10 points, but they simply ran out of time as Torisakia held on for the 31-21 victory.

UP NEXT: The Ice Birds take on Anthor in their second of three meetings in this World Bowl. Anthor defeated Torisakia on the second matchday, a game where Torisakia had multiple opportunities to win but failed to deliver, primarily due to the aforementioned penalties and turnovers. Anthor currently sits at 2-2 in Group D, sitting at 2nd place in front of Torisakia. Anthor recently lost to Chromatika 30-10, a much better challenge for the 2nd ranked team in the world that whatever that was Torisakia gave them the other day. SAD!

Box Score	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Dod Rava (0-4)	0	14	14	7	56
Torisakia (2-2)	0	14	3	3	13

GAME SUMMARY OF CHROMATIKA VS. TORISAKIA

1st QUARTER
No scoring
END OF 1ST Dod Rava: 0 Torisakia: 0

2nd QUARTER
13:01 TOR - 21 yard pass from A. Spady to B. Bullard (Tolmie PAT)
8:45 DOD - 14 yard pass from B. Koper to G. Ściana (Sułek PAT)
6:26 DOD - 3 yard run by J. Ramos (Sułek PAT)
1:53 TOR - 25 yard pass from A. Spady to L. Dunbar (Tolmie PAT)
END OF 2ND Dod Rava: 14 Torisakia: 14

3rd QUARTER
12:37 TOR - 12 yard run by M. Pickett
10:52 TOR - 33 yard pass from A. Spady to Q. Loris (Tolmie PAT)
END OF 3RD Dod Rava: 14 Torisakia: 28

4th QUARTER
3:03 TOR - 44 yard field goal by J. Tolmie
0:29 DOD - 5 yard pass from B. Koper to J. Kwiecień (Sułek PAT)
END OF 4TH Dod Rava: 21 Torisakia: 31