World Bowl XLVI (46) | Everything Thread

by **Banija** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 8:39 am

GFLB Postseason: Wild Card Weekend

GFLB Rosters

A reminder- in the postseason, the GFLB switches from IFAF/CFB overtime rules, to more traditional 'sudden death' overtime rules (aka RL NFL regular season rules, where any score ends the game except for a field goal on the opening possesion).

Saturday 7:30 PM

Lwanga Rhinos 34–31 Rukunbi Wizards

A spectacular start to Wild Card weekend, eh? The Watering Hole was packed- over 63,000 of the Rhino faithful to come watch the Rhinos in what was surely a spectacular matchup, against the Rukunbi Wizards. With this being a playoff game, of course, Kuenda Sello decided to turn back the clock. A running back at 35 years old, starting in a playoff game, is usually a disaster- but somehow, this guy is not only still around, but still producing. He's obviously not breaking tackles quite like he did in his younger days, but he's still about as explosive as they come. And when he took a swing pass, on the game's opening drive, 71 yards for a touchdown, after spinning past the Rhinos safety, well- he couldn't be stopped. A brilliant play, a flashback to show exactly how good this dude is. An early 7-0 lead for the Wizards.

They would add a field goal at the end of Q1 for the visitors to take an early 10-0 lead, heading into the second quarter. But Ebou Hairte is a talented dude in his own right- he was always going to have his say on this game. He threw a 32 yard touchdown to the WR2, Wasa Jewaro, to make it 10-7. And then, Ingrid Botrel would game-wreck on defense. DT tipped a ball at the line of scrimmage, and Botrel intercepted it, returning it to the Wizards 14 yard line. Just two plays later, Hairte was scrambling into the end zone for a touchdown of his own. 14-10 to the Rhinos. They would add a field goal at the end of the half- a 17 point second quarter, to take a 17-10 lead into halftime.

They weren't about to simply cruise, though- no, we were going to see an all-time classic. Remember how young Felix Ström is- a rookie. But after the Wizards forced a three and out to start the third quarter, he would go 6/6 on the ensuing drive, accounting for all of the Wizards 77 yards on that drive through the air. Hauptmann, held without a catch in the first half, would have 3 receptions for 44 yards on that drive, but Thomas Drach would have the 8 yard touchdown reception. 17-17. The teams would then trade huge touchdown plays in the remainder of the third quarter. Felix Ström throwing a 66 yard TD bomb to Khalil Hauptmann, countered by WR Rachel Emerson taking a screen, breaking a couple of tackles, and taking it 71 yards to the house.

24-24 entering the fourth quarter. 15 minutes to end the other's season. Truly getting a treat here. It would actually be the Wizards who would score first in this quarter. They have, of course, one of, if not the singular, greatest CBs in the world- Makang Secka, on their roster. And he would step up, with 8 minutes left in the quarter. Jidere Banateha caught a pass from Hairte, and got a first down. But Secka was brilliant- coming up for the hit, and fist flying, punching out the football. Huge forced fumble, recovered by the Wizards free safety, at the 50. Just two minutes later, Kuenda Sello was leaping over the top in what might legitimately be his last ever GFLB game. 31-24 to the Wizards.

But Ebou Hairte hasn't put himself in this position just by getting out of the way- he would respond, and in a huge way. To the delight of the home crowd, he led an excellent drive to get the Rhinos to tie the game. Ending the drive with a 4 yard TD pass to his tight end, Gidom Dariye, to make it 31-31 with 2:13 left in the contest. And after the Rhinos defense forced a three & out, Hairte would go out and try to win this game, before it got to overtime. And he was successful- the key play, on a 2nd & 10, was a 31 yard corner route to his favorite WR, Rachel Emerson, who made one hell of a tip-toeing catch on the sideline. Got them into field goal range. And on the game's final play, second year kicker Jungkunda Fafi nailed a 46 yard field goal to second the Rhinos into the next round.

Spectacular contest. The future is clearly bright for Felix Ström and the Wizards. They've got some questions about what to do at the skill positions(their RB1, Sello, is 35 and almost certainly retiring, while their WR1, Hauptmann, is 34 and aging) but is there any doubt this Vanorian can bring glory to Rukunbi someday? But the real spotlight is on Hairte- a hell of a contest. He's one of those who has to succeed Isaka Jawara, the last QB for the Rhinos- but he was brilliant today. A few TDs, comeback, game-winning drive- all the hallmarks. Can he win a road playoff game?

Sunday 1:00 PM

Bunyoro RSC 13–6 Umbazi Metropolitan SC

For the Sunday afternoon game! 8v9- Bunyoro RSC against Umbazi Metropolitan SC, at the Eagle's Club. A much more defensive game- with the entirety of the offensive action, surprisingly enough, in the first half. A game that looked like a RFL playoff game. Bunyoro RSC scored two TDs on the day, and both were in the opening half. HB Thaddeus Ouko had a 23 yard TD run for the East Division champs in the first quarter(they missed the PAT afterwards), and then Kajwang Awiti also had a 37 yard TD pass to WR2 Bango Jaru. Meanwhile, Umbazi Metropolitan SC had two second quarter field goals- with rookie kicker hitting from 35 yards, and 27 yards, in the first half.

Neither team scored in the entire second half- the first time that's happened in a GFLB playoff game in over 12 years, where neither team scored in the second half. The defenses really dug in to see this thing out, and neither O, particularly Umbazi's could get anything going. There were probably three key plays that kept this a thing in the second half. One- the obvious, Umbazi's rookie kicker hit the upright on a 44 yard field goal at the end of the third quarter. The second, would be Bunyoro RSC going for it on 4th down, with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, while leading. Up 13-6, 10 left in the game, at the Umbazi 37 yard line, 4th & 2. Probably a good place to go for it, considering that's a 54 yarder- but they were stuffed, their QB getting a sack.

And lastly, was when Umbazi tried their last minute TD drive. Game's only turnover, as NMU alum CB Jahaziah Otiende intercepted a pass with two minutes to go to put the game on ice. Fantastic defensive performance. Can they stop the high-flying Aissa offense next week, on the road? Who knows? But you can't deny Bunyoro's fans the joy of winning a playoff game, this year.

Sunday 4:30 PM

Mynda Gorillas 3–13 Isipongo Wild Boars

The 5v12 matchup. Yet, one that was very intriguing, regardless. Electra Stadium was absolutely packed for this game, as they had high hopes of a deep playoff run. Ezra Odika, their QB, had won the Most Improved Player of the Year award- turning what was not such a heralded roster into one of the best offenses in the GFLB. But look- succeeding in the playoffs is an entirely different story. The Wild Boars came up with a plan to stop the star QB, and executed it to perfection. All sorts of mixing up coverages, but mostly just letting Drew Lia, the free safety, do whatever he wanted. He was lining up everywhere- LB, the nickel, CB, safety, on the D-Line, etc... He ensured that he was the center of attention for the Gorillas offense.

And the Gorillas simply never had a counter. They spent so much time looking for Drew Lia before every play- it opened up all sorts of lanes for the other Wild Boars defenders. Gorillas only managed 144 yards of total offense on this day. They did not convert a single third or fourth down the entire day, and had two interceptions. "Look, people give us shit because we're the last seed- but what a mother fucking game. This TEAM man." Drew Lia said excitedly to reporters after the game. The Gorillas could only manage a field goal, and even that was set up after a brilliant punt return.

Gotta be a bitter ending to the season- many though they'd have a chance to make a run at a title. But instead, the Wild Boars simply said, return to sender. Wandile Magona didn't do a ton- but the QB's 22 yard touchdown run, alongside two more drives that netted field goals, was more than enough to supplement the bottom seeded upset. A massive upset- can they do the same in Igulu next weekend?

Sunday 8:15 PM

Busukuma Suns 42–42 Sisonke Leopards (42–48 OT)

This was always going to be the game to watch this weekend, and oh my- it most certainly did not disappoint.

THe Leopards traveled to Sun Valley Stadium, and these two teams gave us one hell of a game. No field goal attempts in this game, for either team- a game with 13 touchdowns between the two, especially at this level, can only truly be described as a shootout. The Suns had jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, but by halftime, the scores were tied at 21 points a piece. Both QBs were dealing, and even in the second half, we saw more of the same. Hell, Chibuzo led his team on a 14 point fourth quarter comeback even, tying the game with just 13 seconds left, with a 12 yard touchdown pass.

Before we get into the chaos of overtime, let's just go over the stats that each team was putting up on this day. First, the Busukuma Suns. Amazu Chibuzo was amazing- 34/49(?!?!), 412 yards, and a stunning 5 touchdown passes. Let that sink in- 400+ passing yards, in a playoff game, against a team that had Simba Bowl aspirations going into this. And think about the performances from all his receivers. Shockingly, the top two TEs on the NT depth chart are on the Suns, and Chibuzo used them- Akoth and Aoko both had two receiving touchdowns. But Jannik Nadine set a rookie record for receptions and yards in a playoff game- 11 catches, 157 yards. Breaking the record previously held by his compatriot, Khalil Hauptmann.

But was this a passing of the torch? Vallienté Wagner-Young basically matched him throw for throw- going 31/42, for 396 yards, and 5 touchdowns of his own. Of course, Wagner-Young was the only one responsible for a turnover, throwing what ended up being a fairly inconsequential first quarter interception. While Angela Sauber certainly put up numbers(8 rec for 78 yards and a pair of TDs), it was Lafi Senghore who was simply exploding all over the Busukuma Suns. He broke Lamin Kah's total receiving records for a singular playoff game- a ridiculous 14 catches for 245 yards, and 2 TDs of his own. Just an absolutely dominant performance, stunting all over the Suns secondary.

But now, let's get into overtime. The Suns had momentum, with Chibuzo leading the stunning comeback. The Suns would win the toss- choosing to receive. A FG would extend the game- but a touchdown would win it. Dwayne Markseon blasted the ball through the end zone for a touchback. Chibuzo would find Kandita Sari on a crossing route, and the WR looked as if he had an easy path to a first down, for an excellent start to the drive. But the veteran Chromatik CB, Nikolai Dimitrov, put helmet to football when he hit Sari, forcing a fumble. The Leopards 35 year old veteran MLB, Halifa Sawane, recovered the fumble at the Suns 34 yard line. Leopards come out- while Markseon is certainly capable of hitting a 51 yarder, you're not trotting him out for a 51 yarder on first down- that's insane.

They lined up under center- many thought they were just going to pound the ball, center it for their ~~three point cheat code~~ stud Chromatik kicker. But, in 11 personnel(1 HB, 1 TE, 3 WRs), did a hard fake for the handoff, and looked down the field. The safeties had bit on the play-action, and were scrambling- looking for Senghore running underneath. But Wandy Susamboh was WIDE open over the top- completely lost. Wagner-Young lofted the easiest TD pass he had ever thrown in his life, and just like that, in two plays, the Leopards stunned the Suns, on the road, with a walkoff touchdown to move onto the Divisional Round.

The Leopards players poured on the field, to mob their slot receiver(that was actually Susamboh's first target of the entire game, let alone first catch). A passing of the torch, indeed. Moses Busara, the LT, was talking all sorts of shit. "We kicking EVERYBODY's ass! We're gonna be kings of this damn city by the time we're through!" What a win in what is surely the game of the season- at least, so far.

Divisional Round Matchups (All games hosted by the better seeded team)
#1 Aissa Crocodiles(13-4) v. #8 Bunyoro RSC(10-7)
#4 Igulu Bush Elephants(12-5) v. #12 Isipongo Wild Boars(9-8)

Above two winners will play in GFLB Playoff Semifinal, hosted by the best seeded team remaining

#3 Herzegovina City Cobras(12-5) v. #6 Lwanga Rhinos(10-7)
#2 Busukuma Athletic Club(13-4) v. #10 Sisonke Leopards(10-7)

Above two winners will play in GFLB Playoff Semifinal, hosted by the best seeded team remaining

Thomas Hall, at the end of Banija's 14-3 victory over South Americanastan at the World Bowl

Thomas Hall knew that this time was going to be tough. The first two times Banija had met South Americanastan at this tournament, they had been blowouts- offensive explosions by the home team. South Americanastan kickstarted their World Bowl campaign, while Banija's really was a marker to lay down for the turnaround. But this rubber match was going to be anything but. With highs for the game at 21 degrees Fahrenheit before kickoff, and a little flurry of snow, it didn't take a genius to tell that offense wasn't exactly going to feature much.

Of course, for a team like Banija that's built so much on the passing attack, and who's defensive strength is in the secondary, as opposed to the front seven, one could tell that the weather didn't exactly give the tournament's top-ranked team an advantage. But, before the game, Thomas Hall had issued a challenge to his players. "Look- I love this fucking weather. This is what we're built for. We're gonna go in there, hit them in the fucking mouth, and do it repeatedly- all the way until the clocks hit quadruple zeroes. Nobody's gonna fly high today- it's about who's tougher, who's smarter under pressure, who's more calm, cool, and certainly collected."

It was probably the best game Zamandi Ayana, our own star HB, had this tournament. A shocking 31 carries(in THIS day and age, that many carries??) for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns, accounting for the lion's share of our offense. Chineze barely had to throw the football, completing 12/17 passes, for 124 yards. It was not the type of game you'd expect- with our other RBs producing, we had over 200 rushing yards, as a team, for the first time all tournament. A touchdown on the game's opening drive is always a good thing. Of course, the encore was just as good- a 2 yard plunge, on 4th & goal(Hall's aggression!), on the very first play of the first quarter- again, another brilliant move.

But the real story in this one, was the defense. And Hall, as a defensive guy- it almost made him tear up. Three points allowed- just a brilliant gameplan, perfectly executed. It helped if you had a CB pairing as versatile, confident, and talented as Makang Secka & Koman Tabor. There's a reason they have been at the center of Banija's two World Bowl titles. But it's hard to highlight a specific moment that encapsulates the dominance. So let's run it by the numbers.

Banija Defense MD7- By the Numbers
0- The number of times South Americanastan ran a play in the Red Zone
137- Number of yards of total offense for South Americanastan
3- Number of turnovers forced by Banija(Koman Tabor INT, Ozioma Mazzi INT, DE Birom Ogunsola strip sack)
3- The amount of points scored by South Americanastan(1 51 yard field goal by K Allan Shephard)
2- The amount of successful third down conversions by South Americanastan on the day
0- The amount of successful fourth down conversion by South Americanastan on the day(with two attempts)
7- The amount of sacks that the Banijan defense had on this day

Hall had a message to his team. "One HELL of a win today, boys! Game ball to the entire defense- I haven't seen a defensive performance this dominant, in a must-win game, since World Bowl freaking 40!" They all cheered, bellowing. "We've got one more must-win, against the Allamunnic States. It's simple- win and we're in. Lose? I didn't even bother checking, because we ain't losing." The whole locker room bellowed after that. It's been a rough group stage. But we clinch a spot in the KOs with a game to spare? All will be forgotten. It'll be four and won, or one and done- and we've got to be in those playoffs. This time next week, I promise you- we'll be toasting towards our upcoming berth in the World Bowl 46 knockouts!!" The room bellowed again. At least the path was straightforward- win in Week 8, and we're in- no questions asked. Could Banija take that opportunity and get to the next round with a game to spare?

by **TJUN-ia** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 11:17 am

After ending the home-and-away stage at 4-2, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia were finally in Ranoria for the 3rd and final Act of this group stage and any knockout fixture that may come after that. It was certainly nice to finally make it here after the group's struggles, and considering everything we have been through so far, Gus McKerrin was not going to take anything for granted. The mission here is to try and win this group, come hell or high water, and that ambition is one this team definitely wants...but can they do it?

Dynamo Park in Dietrich would host our final showdown with the Boarqupines of Gyatso-Kai and despite everything we have been through, this may have been the most entertaining game of the 3. Both teams are undoubtedly familiar with each other by now but on this neutral site, both teams were supported - leading to a cracker of a tight game. Nabru Re'yem had his team putting two TDs on the board as Mit Wobet found both Atin Uthan and A'den Kato for scores while Tam Prater hit 2/2 on PATs. We would respond in kind, with Allister Ghoulson finding Fremont Whitehorse and Victor Que-et-Vous for the scores while Chi On-Ma went 2/2 on PATs. It was looking like we were heading to a deserved Overtime to decide this contest...but Ghoulson had other ideas and his hail mary with 5 seconds to go would find Gilbert Nyamutsamba in the endzone to walk off the game. Que the pile-on and the celebrations and just like that, we were back at the top of the group.

Things are indeed back on track...but this is far from over. Crusader Arena in Lafayette will host our series decider against Magnecia and now that we have the group lead, we do not want it taken away. 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 W 29-3 (2nd/3-2)
MD6: @Hofn (UR) W 23-9 (2nd/4-2)
--------------NEUTRAL SITE GAMES--------------
MD7: vs Gyatso-Kai (13) - Dynamo Park, Dietrich W 20-14 (1st/5-2)
MD8: vs Magnecia (UR) - Crusader Arena, Lafayette
MD9: vs Hofn (UR) - McNair Memorial Stadium, Memphis

by **Cassadaigua** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 1:41 pm

Fillies Humbled by the Krauts,
by Kenzie Sherman, Concord Heights Times

After such a dominant performance against United Hawkland, where Cassadaigua never had to punt for the entire game, the offense got a quick reminder by their next opponent, Ranoria, that they are not United Hawkland. The result was a 17-3 win by the Krauts, and sent the Fillies to a record of 3-4 and the inability to take a firm hold of the second spot in the group.

When the team went into halftime only trailing 7-3, there was a lot of hope that maybe they would be able to pull this one out, but winning defensive battles are not the Fillies were built to do. However, their defense had done well, including two first half interceptions. This continued in the second half, where the pink and black continued to have solid defensive stands despite the offense's struggles. Brittany Carrington and company were not completely hopeless in this game, but whenever they were able to cross midfield in this game, the Krauts simply buckled down and either forced us to punt, or forced a turnover. Carrington also threw two picks in this game, including one big one in the third quarter when it was still 7-3, and they had marched down to the Ranoria 24. They would not get that close again, and the Krauts put the game away in the fourth with ten points.

Afterwards, Brittany Carrington's frustration was apparent in her post-game comments, "Look, I am not going to tell you anything you don't know. We're not proving anything to anyone when we beat the other two teams in the group, assuming we do, and then keep losing by multiple scores to Ranoria. We're not at that level yet, and whenever we think we're getting closer, something like this happens. I think our preparation was on point for this game. We did a lot of good things, but did they." A Ranorian reporter asked Carrington to comment on another huge game by Gideon Kearse against the Fillies, "I really hate that guy. Oh, and I mean that out of complete respect. He's an incredible football player, and seems like he is a terrific leader. After a couple of the games, he's come up to me and we've shook hands and talked a little bit. Nice guy, so obviously I don't really hate him, I really just wish he did not have do so good against us." Carrington said that even a couple Ranorian teenagers had fun with it after their last game, "Yeah, this kid in a Kearse jersey asked me for my autograph on his game program, so I begin signing, and he knocks it out of my hand, and screams, fumble! He told me he was just playing after and I did sign for him. And I get it, you have to have fun in these games."

Two games left, though if they beat the UTR in the finale, they are probably okay to make the playoffs, but is there any reason to be excited about this team once they are there?

by **Chromatika** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 2:58 pm

Three Reasons Why Chromatiks Lost to Anthor

1. Sheila Pantoja's Injury & Emilee Johansson's Inexperience

In her first start in relief of Sarai Gwenderyn, Sheila Pantoja was sharp in her first three throws before getting sacked by Malcolm Jenkins, which tweaked her ankle. As a mobile Quarterback, Pantoja couldn't go - so Emile Johansson went into the game. Johansson's inexperience was apparent, as she only completed 14 of 21 for 187 yards and 2 interceptions. She did score the Iron Legion's only touchdown, but her inability to maintain drives was a big problem. She'll have one more chance against Dod Rava, before Gwenderyn's return against Torisakia.

2. Anthor's Speed Mattered.

The best player for Anthor was Lewis Davis, who often outran Edith St. Clair and the outside linebackers after getting around the edge. Davis had 161 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns for Anthor, who was simple better at the line of scrimmage on the day. When Chromatika tried to utilize their own running game, it was Finley Morey leading the way for Anthor.

3. Chromatika Didn't Press the Issue.

Part of it is Anthor's doing - they raced to a 14-0 lead and never looked back - but with how secure Chromatika's position as Group Leader was, they eased up in the second half.

"We had too many injured players," commented Eustace Hampton, Jr., "It's okay to lose one now if it means that we get the team back to full health before the playoffs."

Johansson is expected to be the Starting Quarterback against Dod Rava, but many of the players that were day-to-day or on a one-week break should return.

Coastal District: Lhor Horizon

Joining the Chromatika StarLeague North Division is the most obvious choice to represent the Coastal District - Lhor. The District Capital and the biggest city, Lhor had three different people who bid for the franchise, but the winner was a retired Mayor, Martin Carlton. Carlton, perhaps the most successful Mayor in Lhor history, acquired the berth with 28 million NMS - winning partially because of reputation.

The Lhor Horizon will be based at The Cove. Named as such because the sunsets at Lhor are quite spectacular, the Horizon have hired the former Head Coach of the Chromia Cyan, one of the better CFL teams. Lana Giordan ran a pro-style offense with a blitz-heavy defense; it will be interesting to see what she does with this franchise.

by **Ko-oren** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 3:54 pm

You call it 'negative', 'staunch', and 'against the spirit of the game'. We call it 'four time multiverse champions', 'seven time World Bowl finalists', and 'you know what we're doing, how can you not stop it'. Much has been said about the Ko-orenite defence, and it still mostly holds true in World Bowl 46. Second in points conceded - almost three times as many as leaders Ranoria, though - and jumping out to a 7-0 record and first place in the group safe with two games in hand.

What seems to have gone under the radar: we're fifth in points scored (the combo puts us second in point differential, twenty points behind Drawkland). Partially it's just a result of the opposition we were given, partially it's perfect gameplanning to take down exactly the three teams in the group stage, and partially it's a new look Dragonflies squad. The best defence is keeping the ball away from their offence, and having an offence that can 1) run efficiently to eat the clock and 2) prolong drives through calling both pass and run plays while 3) avoiding turnovers will get that done. Running alone won't get you far: it's fun to whittle down time for about two minutes, but after that you're likely still sitting at 4th and 5 and that's punt music, baby.

Nothing against punting, by the way. On that topic: with the Ko-orenite success in the Aussie Rules World Cup, we're also seeing a great number of potential punters coming through. They litterally turned punting into a sport.

Instead of relying on various quarterbacks to play various schemes, we're mostly seeing Masman except in garbage time drives, some trick play situations, or during injuries. That's working out really well for us, and that means that we could be looking at our starting QB for the next decade or so. What it also allowed us to do is focus on a specific type of offence and drill the rest of the team to play that. Specialise instead of generalise. Masman requires a specific type of pass blocking, which is ever so slightly different from the running QBs we've ran in the past, but Masman is much better at feeling pressure and either stepping up or scrambling. He's not the fastest but he can escape a pocket in time and find a quick target a few yards downfield, which is better than a throw out of bounds, which in turn is miles better than a sack.

That also puts a lot more weight on the shoulders of the receivers, who have to show up each and every play instead of spending half their time blocking. Not all were up to the task; Porden is seeing fewer and fewer snaps among an already small receiver room, while Longtin has also struggled to contribute beyond his blazing speed. Voorhorst has been there for Masman in times of need in both blocking and receiving, but Shanigunten is emerging more and more in the various two tight end sets we're seeing. Jurethen and Galway are mostly blocking these days from the backfield. Wilson keeps getting a few catches per game, and Thorebourne is the three-down back we need. But he can't do it alone. That's where the lack of great Ko-orenite offensive skill players shines through: juniors are pushed into defensive positions if they show promise. Speed and footwork? Rather become a cornerback than a receiver. Big and mean? That's a defensive lineman - forget about the offensive line.

At the same time, the coaching staff is confronted by a need to spice things up - keeping the same QB out there at all times hinders our unpredictability and it's up to Hardman to introduce some chaos into an otherwise sterile gameplan. It helps that all players are on the NT 100% of the time instead of playing club gridiron and then having half a week to learn a new gameplan for an upcoming World Bowl group stage game.

Results, from new to old
Quebec & Shingoryeo 23–37 Ko-oren
Ko-oren 20–7 Jacksonboro
Valanora 3–28 Ko-oren
Ko-oren 50–17 Quebec & Shingoryeo
Jacksonboro 20–28 Ko-oren
Ko-oren 39–7 Valanora
Quebec & Shingoryeo 7–20 Ko-oren

That's opening with 20 points, following it up with 39 and 28, then dropping 50 on the Quebecois, then 28, 20, and 37. We've scored 20 points or over in every game, a huge departure from our usual 3-0 and 7-6 scorelines.

All of this aside: we'd love for the Sabres to draw talent from a proper professional league in Valanora. The NSCF is fun - but it's literally gridiron for kids. The World Bowl - now that's stuff for grown ups.

by **Ranoria** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 4:42 pm

Kearse Continues His Demolition Of World Bowl 46,
Krauts Survive Cassadaigua In The Golden-Dome

DT Gudbrand Taurus celebrates with Gideon Kearse after a 3rd down sack

The Four Horseman have lived up to their billing. The Krauts defense is the best in the world and it isn't close - even Ko-oren's notorious (and that's underselling them) Dragonflies have allowed 84 points as the second best unit on that front, more than twice Ranoria's 33. In their defense (pun intended), Cassadaigua's the only viable offense we've had to square off against - they've got to deal with a Vanorian side featuring Felix Ström and then a veritable legend in Donovan O'Mara. The group - overall - is probably the most competitive in this World Bowl so far. (No offense to Blake Zuercher of the Bees, kid's got a ridiculous ceiling, but he's not there yet).

Between Abram Fairbanks, Gideon Kearse, Kontantin Vollmacht, and Gudbrand Taurus, all four members of this starting defensive line have at least three sacks so far, and second-string Albus Vergol has matched that despite only playing 24% of the team's snaps. Kearse has led the team on that front, making highlight worthy plays every week as a wrecking ball off the edge that's shown his ability to beat tackles with speed or power - he looks completely unstoppable, and if there were any questions after his twenty sack season a year ago, they've been dispelled - the son of the RFL's 2nd-place man all time in sacks has fully realized his generational potential. The spearhead of this defense is one of - if not the - best players in the world, and he's in his prime. And with a speed demon opposite him?

There's nowhere to run, no one who can be reliably handled by a single blocker on one of the best front four units ever assembled - and that pressure has resulted in a lot of errant passes, especially when teams get behind the sticks on 2nd and 3rd down. Ball-hawking Akhello Volson and Jabyess Hawkins have feasted with a trifecta of interceptions apiece, while Alexander Ackermann and Sage Sterling have chipped in there on the back end as well.

Throw in brick-walls against the run in the linebacking corps, and it doesn't take much imagination to realize why they've been so obscenely productive to this point. "I've had Park Mi-Hyeon and Jere Rinaldi watching my back the past couple years so I know great linebacker play," Kearse grinned during the postgame interview, "Kaiser [Belfort] and Najee [Isidora] back there? They're awesome - and Kaiser and I played together a long time at RU, he knows my tendencies really well. When I do go back-door on run plays, he sees that and covers the gap that I leave open."

That said, they've been asked to do a bit more since John Garrett took the field again.

Farmboy put up 14 in his first game back, throwing the ball just a dozen times, but against Cassadaigua, he'd have been responsible for the defeat if the Fillies offense had been able to capitalize on his mistakes. Garrett tossed a pair of interceptions in the first half that killed drives and kept the team from putting this thing away early. He made up for it later, throwing a beauty on a rollout to Khalil Hauptmann in the end zone that effectively iced the third matchup between these two in World Bowl 46. Now having put up just 31 points in two scores, there are already murmurs wondering if bringing him back was the best choice. Not only has John Garrett regressed just since last World Bowl, but he's six years removed now from being the driving force behind a back-to-back championship team. Cap that off with his coming off a brutal injury in the semifinals of his last domestic season... plenty of people are suggesting he should be put back on the bench in favor of Valliente Wagner-Young.

The younger man guided this team to a 5-0 start, adapting his gunslinger mentality to more of a conservative passing attack magnificently while mixing in a couple of his trademark game-breaking downfield shots. No surprise, he was third in MVP voting and touchdown passes in the pass-happy GFLB's most recent season and we all know how prolific he was at Northern Moravica. The former top recruit in Ranoria has blossomed into an MVP-caliber gunslinger in Banija from college to the pros - and it very well could be his time in the sun.

That said, he and the coaching staff have been in lockstep here - John Garrett has earned the right to the starting quarterback job for as long as he wants it, and ultimately, they believe that the catalyst between a back-to-back World Bowl championship team has just enough gas in the tank to pull out enough production to give them another chance at gridiron gold.

If the team happens to take a loss in the group stage under his guidance, well, that might be a different conversation.

by **Torisakia** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 5:48 pm

Torisakia shuts out Dod Rava 25-0

TOKAI - Torisakia pitched their first ever shutout in international history with a dominant 25-0 victory over Dod Rava. The Ice Birds limited Dod Rava to only 159 yards of total offense as Aaron Spady and the Torisakia offense lit up the field with a whopping 614 yards to total offense. The +355 yard margin is the largest for Torisakia in a victory, while it is also the first time the Ice Birds have ever scored exactly 25 points in a game.

Quarterback Aaron Spady continued to show off his athletic prowess, going 25 of 33 for 354 yards and tossing two touchdowns. Both Michael Pickett and Justus Reed had great games on the ground, rushing for 112 and 83 yards respectively. Even the special teams had a good outing with three field goals by Jasper Tolmie while punter Callum Mackerras averaged 49.6 yards per punt with 4 of his 7 punts landing inside the 20. It was arguably the most well-rounded performance for the Ice Birds so far in World Bowl 46.

The game began with both teams struggling to make progress, but it was Torisakia's defense that managed to make the first big play of the game. Dod Rava quarterback Bogdan Koper was intercepted by Torisakia's cornerback Cedric Troy which gave Torisakia great field position. The Ice Birds capitalized on the opportunity with a 16 yard touchdown pass from Spady to tight end Irwin Varley, putting Torisakia up 7-0 early in the first quarter.

From that point on, Torisakia's defense dominated the game, preventing Dod Rava from making any significant gains on the field. Middle linebacker Bailey McNeil was a key player in the Ice Birds' defensive efforts, recording 12 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks, overall disrupting Dod Rava's offense at every turn. Meanwhile, Spady continued to impress on the offensive side of the ball, connecting with his receivers for multiple long passes and another scoring touchdown: a 73 yard bomb to Quindel Loris, his longest pass touchdown of World Bowl 46. His performance was a testament to his skill as a quarterback, which was already known to Torisakians as Spady has won four TFL MVP awards plus a McConnell Award, which goes to the most outstanding player in Torisakia college football . Spady's quick decision making, ability to make accurate throws even while under pressure, and overall composure have led to him being one of the most productive quarterbacks of World Bowl 46.

Despite the offensive showcase, Torisakia led just 14-0 at halftime. The low score was not indicative of the Ice Birds' effort however. Dod Rava only had 54 yards of total offense the entire first half, only managing to get past the 50 yard line once which culminated in a missed field goal. The entire Dod Rava offense looked dazed and confused through the entire game, a sight for sore eyes to Torisakia fans who have longed for the Ice Birds to return to their glory days on the gridiron.

From the second half on, the Ice Birds maintained their defensive effort while trying to keep the offensive fireworks going. While Spady had less of an impact in the second half, Michael Pickett and Justus Reed picked up the slack. Both combined for almost 200 yards rushing, albeit with no touchdowns to show for it. Most of the Ice Birds' scoring in the second half came from field goals, two 34 yarders and a 41 yarder by Jasper Tolmie, who has been one of the most consistent kickers in World Bowl 46. Late in the fourth quarter, Bogdan Koper was sacked defensive end Stephen Branson in his own endzone for a safety, bringing Torisakia's score total to 25, the first time they have finished a game with that exact score. A scorigami, as they like to call it. Torisakia won by a final score of 25-0, their first shut out of World Bowl 46.

"[I'm] really proud of our team's performance today," said head coach Greg Debay in a post-game interview. "Our defense played a fantastic game and our offense was firing on all cylinders. It's always great to see Aaron [Spady] have another great game, but this victory was a true team effort."

UP NEXT: Torisakia take son Anthor at Reinhild Aerodynamics Arena in North Ashialan, Ranoria. Both teams have traded wins with each other: Anthor winning the first 34-26 and Torisakia winning the second 29-17. This game holds significance in terms of qualification. The winner will hold sole possession of 2nd place in Group D and control their own destiny at moving past the group stage at World Bowl 46. The Ice Birds are attempting their third straight playoff appearance in the World Bowl, a feat that would bring much enthusiasm to Torisakia fans who have seen so much happen in their sports world over the past few years.

Box Score	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Dod Rava (0-7)	0	0	0	0	0
Torisakia (4-3)	7	7	6	5	25

GAME SUMMARY OF DOD RAVA VS. TORISAKIA

1st QUARTER
6:56 TOR - 16 yard pass from A. Spady to I. Varley (Tolmie PAT)
END OF 1ST Dod Rava: 0 Torisakia: 7

2nd QUARTER
10:36 TOR - 73 yard pass from A. Spady to Q. Loris (Tolmie PAT)
END OF 2ND Dod Rava: 0 Torisakia: 14

3rd QUARTER
12:09 TOR - 34 yard field goal by J. Tolmie
7:15 TOR - 34 yard field goal by J. Tolmie
END OF 3RD Dod Rava: 0 Torisakia: 20

4th QUARTER
6:21 TOR - 41 yard field goal by J. Tolmie
2:08 TOR - Safety
END OF 4TH Dod Rava: 0 Torisakia: 25

by **Ranoria** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 6:00 pm

Cutoff! Just one left to go in the group stage, who’s getting an extended stay in Ranoria?

Group A
Magnecia 7–45 TJUN-ia
Hofn 17–23 Gyatsko-Kai

  Group A                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 TJUN-ia                        8   6  2  219 115 +104
2 Gyatsko-Kai                    8   6  2  184 110 +74
3 Hofn                           8   3  5  124 180 −56
4 Magnecia                       8   1  7   88 210 −122

Group B
Milk Island 14–24 Rouyoute
Saint Kanye 16–24 HUElavia

  Group B                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 HUElavia                       8   8  0  264 126 +138
2 Saint Kanye                    8   4  4  217 139 +78
3 Rouyoute                       8   3  5  123 185 −62
4 Milk Island                    8   1  7   98 252 −154

Group C
Ko-oren 43–3 Valanora
Quebec & Shingoryeo 40–20 Jacksonboro

  Group C                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Ko-oren                        8   8  0  265  87 +178
2 Quebec & Shingoryeo            8   5  3  280 179 +101
3 Valanora                       8   3  5  147 277 −130
4 Jacksonboro                    8   0  8  137 286 −149

Group D
Anthor 13–26 Torisakia
Chromatika 17–7 Dod Rava

  Group D                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Chromatika                     8   7  1  227  94 +133
2 Torisakia                      8   5  3  176 179  −3
3 Anthor                         8   4  4  165 181 −16
4 Dod Rava                       8   0  8  101 215 −114

Group E
The Fanboyists 6–36 Banija
Juvencus 17–25 South Americanastan

  Group E                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 South Americanastan            8   6  2  205 146 +59
2 Banija                         8   5  3  237 168 +69
3 The Fanboyists                 8   3  5  153 186 −33
4 Juvencus                       8   2  6   86 181 −95

Group F
South Newlandia 20–16 Sudilia
Abanhfleft 39–23 Gran Saguero

  Group F                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Abanhfleft                     8   7  1  273 151 +122
2 South Newlandia                8   6  2  193 127 +66
3 Sudilia                        8   2  6  150 244 −94
4 Gran Saguero                   8   1  7  135 229 −94

Group G
Katterimunk 7–33 Sarzonia
The Spartan Dominion 20–20 Drawkland (26–20 OT)

  Group G                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Drawkland                      8   7  1  307 155 +152
2 Sarzonia                       8   4  4  190 161 +29
3 The Spartan Dominion           8   3  5  141 213 −72
4 Katterimunk                    8   2  6  154 263 −109

Group H
United Hawkland 3–19 Ranoria
Utahn Theocratic Republic 30–52 Cassadaigua

  Group H                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Ranoria                        8   8  0  186  36 +150
2 Cassadaigua                    8   4  4  218 166 +52
3 Utahn Theocratic Republic      8   3  5  141 215 −74
4 United Hawkland                8   1  7   96 224 −128

by **South Americanastan** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 7:12 pm

"IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL I WIN" PART 3
Prologue
Part 1
Part 2

CAVILLAC CENTER, NUWABALO, SOUTH AMERICANASTAN
FEBRUARY 19TH, 1999
<<>> - Indicates words spoken in Kuznetzian

Josef sat on the bench in the locker room, staring off into space. The reality of the away locker room in the Cavillac Center, more often used for basketball and hockey, was still setting in. He had been expecting something similar to the musty concrete walls and white-black checkered tile flooring of The Tolsk. Instead, what he had found was something he had never seen before, which had become a theme of his time in South Americanastan. The towering aluminum lockers gleamed the light emanating from florescent lights in the ceiling. The carpeted floor and white-painted ceiling were nothing short of alien to him, and the wooden bench didn't even splinter his ass.

His eyes shifted to a brand-new flatscreen TV on one of the walls, televising one of the undercard matches. Two boxers, one Kwakandolese and the other Americanastanian, had taken each other into the 8th and final round of a NBF Welterweight National Championship fight.

"And Mbuzu, trying to cut off the ring from Griffin... NOW, GRIFFIN! FIGHTING BACK! AND DOWN GOES MBUZU!"

Josef still wasn't quite sure what those words meant, but he heard the bell ring in the arena and knew that meant he was up next. He placed the final layer of athletic tape on his hands, his mouth piece in his mouth, and slipped on his gloves, waiting at the locker room door for the signal for him to go. He gave the losing Kwakandolese fighter a fist bump as the desolate boxer walked into the locker room. The signal for him to leave was given, and out he walked.

His walkout music blared through the Cavillac Center's colossal speaker system. The wool strip lining the bottom of his cotton robe swayed by his legs while his hood clinged onto the top of his side-swept hair. The threads of the Kuznetzian flag embedded in the robe's shoulders glimmered under the spotlight following him down the runway leading to the ring. His opponent bounced from foot to foot inside the ring, staring down Josef as he reached the end of the runway. Josef stopped at the end of the runway and returned the stare. After spending what seemed like an hour, eyes locked with those of his opponent, he finally began making his way towards the ring, climbing up his corners steps.

His Kuznetzian Red robe dragged across the ropes as his boots hit the canvas. The very notion of finally being in a ring again after months of training (The KBO had given him a waiver to train for the fight) gave him a massive shot of energy. He squirted water in his mouth one last time, as the ring announcer prepared to introduce the fighters. Josef had picked up some English during his time in South Americanastan, and was able to follow along with the announcer.

"This main-event fight is sanctioned by both the National Boxing Federation and Kuznetzian Boxing Organization for 15 three-minute rounds. In the ring at this time, the man in charge of this catchweight bout, referee Jack Wrangel of Forrestbury, South Americanastan..."

"Now, introducing the fighters. Fighting out of the RED corner, wearing the red trunks with yellow highlights. This man stands 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 229 and one half pounds. He boasts a record of 27 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws, with 20 knockouts. Hailing from and fighting out of Alkomsk, Kusnetzia. He is ranked No. 1 by the Kuznetzian Boxing Organizaton, ladies and gentleman, here is "KID DYNAMITE" JOOOOOOOOSEF WISNIEWSKI!..."

"And his opponent, fighting out of the BLUE corner, wearing the army green trunks with white lettering. He weighed in at 223 and one 3 quarters pounds, standing at 6-foot-2. This young man has 17 wins, no losses, no draws, with 11 knockouts. From Haletown, South Americanastan, but fighting out of Fralaksai. He is the No. 1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the National Boxing Federation. Ladies and gentleman, here is PATRICK "PAYDAY" GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVENS!"

The two fighters approached the center of the ring, and Wrangel stood between them, one arm pressed against the torso of each boxer holding them apart. He turns to Josef.

"<<I want a good, clean fight. We went over the rules of the locker room. I'm only giving you guys one warning, this is that warning.>>"

He turned to Givens.

"I want a good clean, fight. We went over the rules of the locker room. You get one warning before disqualification. Go get 'em, tiger."

Josef, with his vague grasp of English, exchanged a glance with his corner, as if to say "Did he just say what I think he said?"

by **Cassadaigua** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 6:07 am

Fillies Playoff Bound After Win,
by Kenzie Sherman, Concord Heights Times

It is something that seemed like a foregone conclusion when the groups were drawn, but with the team's inability to defeat Ranoria, and an early loss to the Utahn Theocratic Republic, it got stretched out a little more than we would have thought. Now, it is official, following a 52-30 win over the Bees from the UTR, Team Cassadaigua will be in the playoffs. With a one game lead now over the Bees, and only one game remaining, Cassadaigua would have the tiebreaker if all of the results went against us on the final matchday. Now, we will continue to ask the question of, "Can this team really beat anyone?" From the beginning, I, and most others have been questioning the results of this team in being able to mostly win all of the games against the unranked sides before being firmly defeated by the Krauts. It's a discussion that has two arguments, with most saying that it does indeed mean that the Fillies will simply be first round fodder for any top opponent. Others point out that Ranoria has had a fantastic tournament, and perhaps too high of a measuring stick for us. Any way you want to slice it, at 4-4 now, we will obviously be either 5-4 or 4-5 when the group stage is done, and that will be one of the bottom second place records regardless of which way it goes. While there would probably be an effort to avoid the group stage rematch, we're still looking at someone like Ko-oren, Chromatika or Drawkland, or another dominant first round opponent.

After a dominant offensive display against United Hawkland, and an anemic performance against Ranoria (and by the way, let's bear in mind that Krauts have only allowed 36 points, total, in eight games), once again the Fillies were able to efficiently move the ball. This time, however, Blake Zuercher and company were able to do the same thing. The Bees won the opening coin toss and marched down the field far easier than defensive coordinator Sarah Simpson wants to see, and were off to a 7-0 lead on a Keawe Ollina six yard run, but the pink and black efficiently responded to do that. They would get a great kickoff return by Katelynn Ellis to set the team up at their own 44 to begin, and after five plays, Carrington connected with Allie Raymond to tie up the game.

Defensively, we still could not stop the Bees, as Zuercher was looking the best that we have seen him during this tournament and he had his team playing hard knowing that they too, would clinch a playoff spot with a win here today. The Bees moved down the field once again in rather efficient fashion, with Zuercher's pass to Kaikane Pane'e being the scoring play, and with still 8:32 remaining in the opening quarter, the score was already 14-7, and in favor of the opponents. Afterwards, the next two drives for each team would result in field goals, putting the Bees ahead by the score of 17-10 in the opening minute of the second quarter.

At this point, Cassadaigua would finally get some momentum, and it began when they slowed the pace of the game down somewhat, with more of a ball control attack. Both Morgan Phillips and Ashley Pryor got a lot of usage on this drive, and after 13 plays, and taking eight minutes off the clock, it would be Pryor punching it in from two yards to tie up the game. Surprisingly, this is Ashley's first touchdown of the World Bowl, and even though it is expected that Phillips would get the majority of the carries, and she has several TD's during the group stage, Pryor had not yet made it to the end zone. The score at this time was tied, but the Fillies needed to come up with a defensive stand. They would get better as Brett Wegman deflected a Blake Zuercher pass at the line of scrimmage, and off of that, Austin Monahan was in the right place at the right time to make the interception, giving the team great field position, at the UTR 30. Brittany Carrington made quick work of that, perhaps surprising the Bees defense when she took off on a designed QB run. This is not, at all, Carrington's specialty, and by the time the defense could react, all the blocks up field were set up perfectly for the Fillies to execute, and Carrington made it all the way to the six yard line on her scamper. This energized a lot of the crowd that made their way to this neutral site game, and on the next play, Carrington found Natalie Baldwin in the end zone to make it 24-17, with 4:08 remaining in the first half.

The Bees were able to get a field goal on their next possession, hoping to send it into half time only down by four points, but they still left 1:16 left on the clock in the first half, and the Fillies had all three of their time outs remaining . This was a great opportunity, because Cassadaigua would also receive to begin the second half, so if they could get touchdowns on each side of halftime, they could build themselves up a nice little cushion in a game that really had been close to this point. Carrington and the rest of the offense took advantage of this situation, and executed the two minute drill to perfection, with the scoring play being a TD pass from Carrington to Allie Raymond (her second TD reception on the day) with just a handful of seconds remaining on the clock. To begin the second half, the offense again marched down the field, with Carrington showing the Ranorians in attendance that she really can be an efficient quarterback when the likes of Gideon Kearse are not on the other side of the field, and moved the team 75 yards down field in twelve plays, finding Rachel Williams in the end zone to make it 38-20. Now, this game which had been close, appeared to be broken open.

However, "not so fast", said Blake Zuercher and the Bees. He would keep his team in the game, responding with an efficient 72-yard drive of his own, to cut the lead to 38-27, and his defense would follow that up by forcing the Fillies to punt. For Cassadaigua, this was the team's first punt against a non-Ranorian team since the prior meeting with the Utahn Theocratic Republic. The Bees moved down the field again, but a couple of costly penalties once they got inside the red zone forced them into a 4th & 22 from the Cassadaigua 28. Down eleven, a field goal could still be productive, so Kinslee Ruhl was sent out and connected from 44 to make it 38-30. The momentum would continue for them, as once again, Cassadaigua would be forced to punt, and the ball was back in Zuercher's hands with 1:48 remaining in the third quarter and the opportunity to tie up the game, as long as they successfully executed the two point conversion.

Cassadagans in the stands could only shake their heads as the Bees moved the ball past midfield. Everything seemed to be going against us, unless someone stepped up and made a big play. That would happen, as Kristen Brooke, who's been known for some hard hits in the group stage against United Hawkland delivered a punishing hit to Jax Mortel when he caught a ball in the slot, forcing a fumble. Hannah Chapman was right there to scoop it up, and took it 62 yards for a huge Cassadagan touchdown, spoiling all the momentum that the UTR had been generating, and it was now 45-30. The play would survive an official review, to make sure that Mortel did indeed catch the ball, and it was ruled that he did. That's the type of big plays that the good teams make, and on this occasion, it would Cassadaigua making that big play.

Zuercher and company tried to bounce back, as after all, there was still 11:24 left in the fourth quarter, so it wasn't impossible to make the comeback. They'd move the ball downfield fairly well again, but again the Cassadagan defense came up big, this time with an interception by Courtney Burton to set the team up at their own 17. At that point, we saw the ball control offense that the Fillies have at times executed brilliantly, and it would both eat up 9:34 of game time, and all three of the UTR's timeouts. Morgan Phillips would punch it in from two yards to finish off the drive, making it 52-30 with 1:50 remaining in the game. The Bees tried to be resilient, but could not pick up a first down on their next possession, and the Fillies were able to put the ball on a knee to finish it out and head to the playoffs.

Following the game, there was a sense of relief, and a lot of praise being put in the way of Kristen Brooke, who made the big play of the game. She's shown that likes she to be a punishing safety against the two unranked sides, but has bigger aspirations. "Well thanks, when I saw that ball head in Mortel's direction and with my positioning on the play, I knew I could make a big play. You're not necessarily thinking about a fumble there, as the most important thing there would be to at least force the incompletion and send a message to the receiver that catching the ball in the middle of the field is not a good idea. I just went for the play, went for the hit, and got the fumble. Hannah was there to finish it off. But we have to make these plays against the better teams, too. We're not proving anything to anyone by beating these teams."

Cassadaigua finishes off the group stage against United Hawkland, and the coaching staff was non-committal as to whether or not they will rest starters for the playoffs. If they go to 5-4, they're still facing a juggernaut in the first round, but it's possible their point differential, especially if they had a big win against a team they've already soundly beaten twice, could have them better than a couple other 5-4 teams, which would prevent a match from say, Ko-oren, in the first round. It's unlikely that any potential opening round opponent will be intimidated by Cassadaigua, but making the playoffs is better than not making them.

Now, it's on to play United Hawkland!

by **TJUN-ia** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 7:28 am

After putting away Gyatso-Kai once and for all, the Jagaurs of TJUN-ia knew they had to win both of their remaining games if they wanted to claim victory of this group. Progression into the Playoffs was secured before we set off for Ranoria, but winning the group would give us a greater shout of getting a good position in the playoff seeding. Getting that good seed is a priority for Gus McKerrin and with that in mind, let's see how that is going.

Crusader Arena in Lafayette would host our final duel with Magnecia...though calling it a "deal" is too kind, as this matchup wasn't close at all. Sure, our opponents did manage a TD and a PAT - but only after the backups got on the field. Allister Ghoulson managed 4 TDs in 3 quarters, finding all 3 of Victor Que-et-Vous, Fremont Whitehorse and Gilbert Nyamutsamba for scores while Chi On-Ma made 3/3 on PATs. The 4th would see Gareth Baldwin take the reigns and he would find both Ivan Borosić and Lucky Sithole-Sita for TDs while Clayton McGee would hit 2/2 on PATs and a 37-yard FG for his day. That would mean we won this game 45-7...and with one more to go, things are looking good!

All we have to do is beat Hofn in Memphis, and we will claim the group. If we do that, then potentially the #7 seed is on the cards...and that would be just a reward for all the hard work. One more to go - let's get it done. 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 W 29-3 (2nd/3-2)
MD6: @Hofn (UR) W 23-9 (2nd/4-2)
--------------NEUTRAL SITE GAMES--------------
MD7: vs Gyatso-Kai (13) - Dynamo Park, Dietrich W 20-14 (1st/5-2)
MD8: vs Magnecia (UR) - Crusader Arena, Lafayette W 45-7 (1st/6-2)
MD9: vs Hofn (UR) - McNair Memorial Stadium, Memphis

by **Ko-oren** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 11:01 am

Ko-oren 43–3 Valanora

Scoring: TD (Gasbeek 74-yard catch from 2nd and 8), TD (Gasbeek 16-yard catch from 3rd and 3), TD (Jennings 45-yard INT return), TD (Thorebourne 12-yard run from 2nd and 2), TD (Galway 5-yard catch from 1st and goal), Safety (penalty in endzone), FG (Bennett good from 26 yards), FG (Bennett good from 49 yards)

Quebec & Shingoryeo 23–37 Ko-oren

Scoring: TD (Ramsbotton 15-yard FUM return), TD (Jurethen 17-yard run from 1st and 10), FG (Bennett good from 29 yards), TD (Jurethen 23-yard catch from 3rd and 4), FG (Bennett good from 43 yards), FG (Bennett good from 38 yards), TD (Thorebourne 4-yard run from 2nd and goal)

Ko-oren 20–7 Jacksonboro

Scoring: TD (Duterre 14-yard INT return), TD (Thorebourne 6-yard run from 2nd and 3), TD (Thorebourne 5-yard catch from 2nd and goal - XP No good)

Valanora 3–28 Ko-oren

Scoring: TD (Shanigunten 22-yard catch from 2nd and 6), TD (Jurethen 26-yard run from 3rd and 2), TD (Shanigunten 3-yard catch from 1st and goal), TD (Gasbeek 19-yard catch from 3rd and 6)

Ko-oren 50–17 Quebec & Shingoryeo

Scoring: FG (Bennett good from 11 yards), TD (Thorebourne 5-yard run from 1st and goal), TD (Gasbeek 33-yard catch from 2nd and 3), FG (Bennett good from 25 yards), FG (Bennett good from 44 yards), TD (Costigan 2-yard catch from 3rd and goal), TD (Masman 1-yard run from 4th and goal), TD (Longtin 13-yard catch from 3rd and 10), FG (Bennett good from 31 yards), FG (Bennett good from 49 yards)
Bonus: every drive ended in a score or end of half

Jacksonboro 20–28 Ko-oren

Scoring: TD (Thorebourne 2-yard run from 3rd and goal), TD (Thorebourne 16-yard run from 2nd and 10), TD (Longtin 61-yard catch from 3rd and 10), TD (Longtin 14-yard catch from 1st and goal)

Ko-oren 39–7 Valanora

Scoring: TD (Gasbeek 28-yard pass from 2nd and 3), FG (Bennett good from 42 yards), FG (Bennett good from 28 yards), TD (Aurisea 41-yard INT return), TD (Shanigunten 3-yard pass from 1st and goal), TD (Voorhorst 51-yard run from 1st and 10), FG (Bennett good from 16 yards), Safety (yTaddwadd tackle in endzone)

Quebec & Shingoryeo 7–20 Ko-oren

Scoring: TD (Thorebourne 7-yard run from 2nd and goal), FG (Bennett good from 33 yards), FG (Bennett good from 41 yards), TD (Gasbeek 5-yard pass from 1st and goal)

TD Breakdown:
Catch: 16 (6x Gasbeek, 3x Shanigunten, 3x Longtin, 1x Costigan, 1x Jurethen, 1x Thorebourne, 1x Galway)
Run: 11 (7x Thorebourne, 2x Jurethen, 1x Masman, 1x Voorhorst)
Defence: 4 (3 INT, 1 FUM)

Kicking:
15/19 FG (all Bennett): 11, 16, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 49, 49 (Good), 30, 47, 51, 52 (Failed)
30/31 XP (all Bennett)

Defence:
Safety 2x
Fumble return for TD 1x
Interception return for TD 3x

That's our third game versus Valanora in the books, and if there's ever been a dominant series, this is it. Three games, three wins, 110 points scored, 13 points allowed. The Quebecois also fell to us three out of three times, but two of those were shootouts, and any opponent that can dupe us into joining their offence-fest has the mental victory. The last game remaining is against Jacksonboro, who have been the most tenacious of our opponents score-wise, ignoring the fact that they are one of two winless teams in the World Bowl. Barring any unlucky moments, the ninth and final game also results in a win.

A win is never entirely assured, even in a game between an 8-0 and a 0-8 team. So far, we're with HUElavia and Ranoria as the only 8-0 teams: Banija is 5-3 and second in their group behind 6-2 South Americanastan, and Abanhfleft, Drawkland, and Chromatika are all 7-1. The closest group is Group A, with two teams at 6-2: TJUN-ia and Gyatso-Kai, and that concludes a very short overview of the groups. Pot one teams mostly just laid waste to their opposition, though South Newlandia (eighth), Saint Kanye (sixth), and the aforementioned Banija (first) are having major trouble. We are getting a round of 16, so winning your group is in no way required to advance, but Saint Kanye (4-4) run a very real risk of dropping out of the tournament before the knockouts.

With Banija's sudden collapse, and assuming they're not overtaking South Americanastan for first place, that really messes up the bracket. Assuming we're all playing for a decent seed, this is what the Round of 16 looks like right now:

Ko-oren (8-0 +178) - Sarzonia (4-4 +29)
Ranoria (8-0 +150) - Cassadaigua (4-4 +52)
HUElavia (8-0 +138) - Saint Kanye (4-4 +78)
Drawkland (7-1 +152) - Torisakia (5-3 -3)
Chromatika (7-1 +133) - Banija (5-3 +69)
Abanhfleft (7-1 +122) - Quebec & Shingoryeo (5-3 +101)
TJUN-ia (6-2 +104) - South Newlandia (6-2 +66)
South Americanastan (6-2 +59) - Gyatso-Kai (6-2 +74)

This gives us the tremendously spicy Chromatika-Banija, surprisingly tangy Ranoria-Cassadaigua involving the hosts, zesty Abanhfleft-Quebec & Shingoryeo, piquant TJUN-ia-South Newlandia, and peppery Ko-oren-Sarzonia. Given there can't be a group stage rematch, HUElavia or Saint Kanye will be reshuffled. The Dragonflies shouldn't really want to play Sarzonia in the second round - it's a matchup of teams ranked 5th and 11th, which yells 'quarterfinal' more than 'first knockout round' to us. But imagine Chromatika-Banija in this round. First and second. We'll take Sarzonia if the Iron Legion ends up taking on the Serpent Eagles. Make it happen.

by **Saint Kanye** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 12:15 pm

The third leg of the World Bowl 46 elimination stages is shaping up to be the roughest part of the St. Kanye Surge's campaign, as they absorbed back to back losses to bring their record down to 4-4 with one game left to play. "It's very disappointing to find ourselves at the five hundred mark after spending so long well above it," head coach Jeff Delphine said at the end of the game against HUElavia at the Dietrich Stadium in Richardson (yes, really), Ranoria. The 10th-ranked HUElavians were able to complete a group stage sweep of their sixth-ranked opponents, prevailing 24-16. "I mean, we're probably in the playoffs already, but that would mean a tough first round opponent, and thus way more work for us to try to overcome a huge roadblock in our campaign. Grateful for the fan support though, coming to cheer us on no matter the circumstances, and I feel like we'll be needing more of their help in the weeks to come.

A week before the HUElavia game, the Yeezies recorded their poorest outing of the tournament so far, falling to unranked Milk Island in a 7-3 snoozefest. The game at Fermete Stadium was played in the middle of some very heavy snow, which turned out crippling R.J. Linetti and the rest of the Surge and holding them scoreless for the first three quarters of the contest. "I guess it was too late for the game to get called off," said the Yeezie quarterback. "We all just had to brave it, but despite our best efforts, we just couldn't beat Milk Island.... and mother nature, it seemed like."

1Q MIS RB1 34 run (K kick) MIS 7-0
4Q STK field goal Rasputin 47 MIS 7-3
Yup, that was it for the scoring summary. Nothing to see here, well, quite literally. Except snow.

A week after that freezing fiasco, that snow-covered stinker of a game, the Surge played in a familiar venue to several of their players, the home of the Richardson Fenrirs RFL team that included Tim Hunt and Deshawn Fredericks among its roster. Both of those players scored, but it was not the connection that many Fenrirs fans were used to seeing - Linetti was the one who threw to Fredericks in the first quarter, while Hunt, taking over in the second half, had Bruce Dobler as the receiver when he notched a touchdown pass of his own.

1Q STK field goal Rasputin 40 STK 3-0
1Q HUE Al-Zaman 56 pass from Vilca Chaupin (Schulz kick) HUE 7-3
1Q STK Fredericks 39 pass from Linetti (Rasputin kick) STK 10-7

2Q HUE Demidov 22 run (Schulz kick) HUE 14-10
2Q HUE field goal Schulz 26 HUE 17-10

3Q HUE field goal Schulz 28 HUE 24-10

4Q STK Dobler 63 pass from Hunt (Two-point conversion failed) HUE 24-16

The Surge's last shot to end the eliminations with a winning record will come at the Dynamo Park in Dietrich (seriously, what's going on with these stadium names?) to take on Rouyoute. Usually the final matchday is where St. Kanye decides to rest their starters, but this is a crucial matchup, so Linetti and company will have to remain. "I understand completely," he told reporters. "It may not be for entry to the playoffs itself, given that we beat them twice already and thus have the edge on head to head, but it definitely is for seeding purposes, for pride, and for our morale. If it's a slump, we have to break it and fast. This is not who we are. We're the sixth best gridiron squad in the world, and should be playing like it."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 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    | W 23-10 |  3-1   |  2nd  |
| 5  | @HUElavia       | 10   | White/Purple   | L 20-27 |  3-2   |  2nd  |
| 6  | Rouyoute        | UR   | Purple/Purple  | W 44- 8 |  4-2   |  2nd  |
| 7  | Milk Island (N) | UR   | Purple/Black   | L  3- 7 |  4-3   |  2nd  |
| 8  | HUElavia (N)    | 10   | Purple/Purple  | L 16-24 |  4-4   |  2nd  |
| 9  | @Rouyoute (N)   | UR   | White/White    |         |        |       |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

by **Chromatika** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 1:56 pm

Fermete Stadium, Fermete

It had bee a gutsy win, a hard win, yet a win nonetheless. With Sarai Gwenderyn still out with the injury on her non-throwing hand, the Iron Legion defense knew that they would have to step up. Emilee Johansson was told to play it safe, and the third-string Quarterback did, using her feet more than her arms, contributing 61 yards on the ground on 7 carries. Lana Rhodes scored twice as the Iron Legion managed 181 yards and two scores on the ground.

If it wasn't for a pick-six thrown at Biel Peris, Johansson would've had a passable game. Thankfully, the Iron Legion defense was exceptionally stout, forcing Dod Rava to 191 yards of total offense, including a dismal 2-of-15 on third downs. Dod Rava would cross midfield just once on the match as the Chromatik corners had a field day stopping all passes thrown their way. With Park Mi-Hyeon and Jere Rinaldi patrolling the middle, Dod Rava had nowhere to go.

Chromatika clinches the Group as well, with a 7-1 record. Next up? Gwenderyn's return - and one final chance to get things right before things get real.

"We could've had her start last game," commented Naia Curentino, the Iron Legion's Offensive Coordinator, "But we wanted to be sure. In Ranoria City, in front of the fans that know her the best, Sarai will return."

The Chromatik offense has cooled off as of late - will Gwenderyns' return be the jolt that they needed? Will the defense keep up their intensity?

Heartland District: Pùr Herons

Lhor Horizon. Wirr Tsi Miracle. Chromia Embers. Joining them from the Heartland? The Pùr Herons, named so for nearby Egalatie Park, where a huge population of local herons live. Protected by a number of ecological laws that prevent them from being endangered, the flock at Egalatie Park number past 400; the 20 square mile park is notable for being the biggest bird preserve in the country.

Though Anfanhar also bid to host the Heartland District's club, it was Pùr, and Liam Borealis, a retired Outside Linebacker for the Brisara Juggernauts, that won the bid, paying 30 million NMS. Heron may not be the most sexiest of mascots, but it's one that has very good vibes; Borealis has named himself the Manager, and wants to play a very physical game that lets the other team feel it.

In a Division opposite that of Felswyr and Staramara, that may be a good call to get to the title game.

by **Ranoria** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 3:29 pm

On RSSN's most-viewed program, Jerry Maginot and Vick Hamilton discuss the Fiston Redwolves' signing of Gideon Kearse

"Look, he's a hot name right now," Jerry threw his arms out wide, "He's had an incredibly world bowl! Looked amazing last season! But he was a good-not-great pass rusher his first two seasons! You're telling me he's worth being the highest non quarterback in Ranoria!?"

"Good not great!?" Vick leaned back in his chair, "He was playing an ungodly amount of snaps thanks to Aurel Strathos turning the ball over at an unprecedented rate and was the only threat on that defense! He was double teamed on 34% of his pass rushes, a record for RFL edge rushers, in that second season, and still posted consecutive ten sack seasons! Oh right, and he had the best pass rushing season in RFL history a year ago. This defense had teeth in Proko - they've got fangs with Kearse. This move makes them the league frontrunner."

"All he's got is a name," Maginot said, "This team was a flash in the pan, they're no-"

"Shut up a sec," Vic turned his head and held a finger to his ear piece. His eyes went wide, pupils dilated a bit, and he looked at Jerry.

"Hold up, I've gotta place a bet before Ranoria City gets wind of this and changes the odds."

Jerry's head shot up, confused, "What are you talking about?"

"Nah man, I just doubled my salary, you gotta get better sources." Vick smirked, leaned back in his chair, and kicked his feet up on the desk. "We've only got about thirty seconds left in today's show folks, but let me leave you off with one of the biggest headlines in RFL history - the Fiston Redwolves just signed a future first-ballot GLD hall of famer, Grid Corps star, and the bane of the Krauts' existence - they're bringing on Jack Hoy."

Quick Free Agency Recap

So we’ll cover the most active teams first.

The Pittsburgh Ironmen have been floundering since the retirements of cornerstone pass rushers Vontaze Ahn and Angelo Gordon, and they clearly decided to be aggressive in getting their team right. The momentum started with Brittany Walruses quarterback Leonardo Torrent signing in the opening minutes of free agency, a high ceiling guy who’d played well but not quite in a dominant level. With him in the fold, Brian Shipman and Jakob Engelhaft both enthusiastically signed big contracts to keep him upright, and Apollo Esther - who’s consistently in the MVP mix - rounded out a new look offense.

Then came Rouyoute. Rebranded from Colts to “Aurora Knights” after building a new stadium, The Elysium, they wanted to take this team to the next level. They offloaded QB Jay Garrian, who’s helped them get to the playoffs multiple times, and shelled out big money to bring over Nashville Sabercats star Ballast Queen. They managed to snag him a burner of a wideout in Isaak Rodriguez to complement his cannon for an arm, and lured Clancy Gluber - a former All Ranorian with the Governors - over from Baker Park to pair with Alder King at linebacker.

Jay Garrian in particular was an impactful move. Picking #2, the Crusaders were expected to take a quarterback. With a guy who has perennial playoff experience under center, that may be off the table.

Oh right, and for anyone who hasn't followed - the Ranoria City Silver managed to bring in a boat load of Chromatik players, literally. Nicole Manstrom and Jill Lia will immedietely provide a nasty duo off the edge for a team that's been stuck in neutral since Thorn Davis retired, while tackles Dierdre Gott and Izaya Hanzo will fortify the line along with guard Pomeroy Lockhart - they'll pave the way for none other than Rowenna Hastroff, who any NSCF fan is familiar with. DT Gérard Bullion gives them some interior pressure to help out two stud defensive bookends, and FS Vi Nia-Kaid will come in as a free ranging centerfielder to capitalize off mistakes. The deep pockets of the Silver ownership, some of the best facilities (including the Superdome) and some friends across the stadium playing for the Ranoria City Falcons influenced the massive influx. Meanwhile, RB Kaytlyne Sellers will head to Dietrich to play with fellow Swisston grad Diego Rodriguez.

The Mariana Tigers were also active. After losing superstar and national team starter Apollo Esther to free agency, they went to a well of untapped South Newlandian talent, signing a bevvy of national team starters in QB Zachary Stevens, wideout Adam Parker, left tackle Lonnie Moran, and cornerback Valentin Pruitt to revamp what was looking to be a depleted roster - all on fairly reasonable contracts, too. They look to be immediate playoff contenders - Stevens of course is the big signing, and while he may not be in the conversation of best quarterback in the world, he's certainly above average in Ranoria's run-first league.

Ryan Blake left the Yellowknife Wraiths - where he was an understudy under longtime NT starter Zach Skinner early in his career - and has joined Surge comrades Deshawn Fredericks, Tim Hunt, and Tyron Hall. The hope was that they’d be able to retain Candace Ferrett as well, but they didn’t have the cap room left to make a respectable offer.

Sage Sterling meanwhile joins the Victoria Mio to form a nasty secondary for the Fermete Marauders, where Konstantin Vollmacht also took a big contract to lead the front seven when Berlin just didn’t quite have enough to pay him. The New Quebec Fighters, anticipating selecting a quarterback at #1 overall, nabbed Eric Modin in free agency to keep the next face of the franchise upright.

Leonardo Torrent also heads to the Memphis Steamers after having not panned out the Paladins, while Gudbrand Taurus and Candace Ferrett were both brought in to complement the recently announced highest paid defensive player ever in Abram Fairbanks on the Apollotown Sabers.

And the best player in the FA class? Everyone knew pass rusher Gideon Kearse wouldn’t be retained by the Falcons from the moment they signed him. They’ve got too much money tied up in too many superstars. They paid a hefty premium for a two year rental of another superstar on their defense and it paid off with a DPOY award from him and a championship. Kearse will be on his third team in his five year career so far, but he admits that this, hopefully, is the last stop on the road. He joins the Fiston Redwolves, runners up in two of the pas three season, to give the front seven some teeth while Proko roams the centerfield.

And even more shockingly, the Redwolves may have found an even bigger impact player - one of, if not the, greatest running backs to ever play in Jack Hoy left the GLD to play with a man who he’s betting is the future of the Grid Corps at quarterback, citing a desire to maximize his chemistry with the young man early.

They lost a stud up front in defensive tackle Gudbrand Taurus, and in return got reigning defensive player of the year Gideon Kearse. Top wideout Isaak Rodriguez walked, and many expected some regression as a result, but the Redwolves made one of the biggest free agency signings in the league's history to cap off one of the best offseasons ever - the Grid Corps world-beater running back Jack Hoy has filled the gap as an even more lethal weapon. With their pedigree and Lane Proudfoot under center, these Redwolves might be the favorites to go the distance. They've got the best running back in the world - perhaps the best to ever do it - and a quarterback who's proven he can put up big numbers with a generational talent at safety in Proko and a man who might be the best Ranorian in the game in Gideon Kearse on the other side.

Quick Notable Prospects Preview:

Please note that the most recent RFL season was 2034, and the upcoming season is 2035

RFL Draft Night, First Round, hosted by Vick Hamilton, Stacy Klein, and Jerry Maginot

“Here we are again with my co-host and broadcasting legend Jerry Maginot!” Celebrity reporter Vick Hamilton announced to open the show. “We’ll be covering the first round of the draft for the premier football league in the world.”

“Crazy season last year - a few teams that are typically right in the mix had very disappointing seasons. The Berlin Snow Bears are picking at #13 after missing the playoffs just one season after bringing home the gold, and the Pittsburgh Ironmen are in the top ten, still spinning their tires after losing Angelo Gordon and Vontaze Ahn a few years back.”

“They're a team to watch - they've signed a lot of talent this offseason, a good move here could put them right back in contention for a title. And what a load of prospects we have -we've got two intriguing quarterback prospects in Gracelyn Jackson and Ernest Bello.” Jerry stopped to whistle, reminiscing, “Bello's my guy here - Jackson was the Mcnair-Torrent runner up and a champion, but Bello's won a Tiger Bowl and has consistently pushed deep into the playoffs in a more competitive NSCF.”

Vick snapped and pointed to his older colleague, “Have to agree, the record, the numbers, he compiled at Saguenay have earned him a place in Fighting Irish lore - and the coaching staff there really helped him grow from a pure runner to a true dual threat at the position. But let’s not forget the other guys. Akhello Volson, Malchiel Lukiwiya, Najee Isidora, and of course Goliath Castellan are all going to be off the board early. Those first three will be anchors at their respective levels of any defense - and Castellan? He is - appropriately - a Mighty Eagles alumn. Guy clocks in just over 6’10”, he’s the tallest Ranorian to enter the league in a decade, and 355 pounds. How many reps did he throw up on the bench press again?”

Jerry shook his head, “Somewhere in the high thirties, enough that they gave him a second drug test the second he finished his combine workout. I worry the kid’s gonna blow a shoulder out lifting like that. Moving that much weight is one thing at five ten, six two, whatever, but six foot ten? With arms that long? It's terrifying”

“Aaaand New Quebec is on the clock.” Hamilton cut in, “This pick's between two players - they’re going to go get their franchise quarterback.”

“I hate to say it,” Jerry tilted his head back and forth with a grimace, “But you never know with these guys. Remember Highport got burned taking Strathos at two, and there were legitimate questions about his getting picked up before Sarai Gwenderyn. She’s a two time MVP and he’s out of a job. You never know with these passers.”

“Jerry,” Hamilton laughed, “Comparing Bello to Strathos is just disrespectful. C'mon now.”

“They are letting the clock wind down,” Hamilton steepled his fingers, “Unlike when the Sabers snagged Abram Fairbanks before the phones could even ring four seasons ago. I wouldn’t blame them for trading down- there’s a lot of holes to fill and Bello won’t hide them all. Anyone who stands out as a candidate to trade up, Jerry?” The elder of the two sat down his drink and looked to the side.

“Port Kruger jumps out first. They’re one of the teams in this league that’s recognized that an elite passer can do things for you that no other position can, they tried to capitalize on that with Aurel Strathos, they tried to defend against passers with Gideon Kearse. They’ve got a bit of draft capital left from dumping Kearse off to Ranoria City, but I don’t see them pulling the trigger here. After that, the Ironmen have already got their guy in Leonardo Torrent - so I’d say Berlin maybe? Mason Warford was exposed as a complete fraud at the position last year, but at 13 they’re a bit out of reach unless they completely break up a championship-winning core.”

“Right. You have to think they’d be giving up two of their four top guys in Dhruv Valentine, Carolyn Bray, Rachel Klein, and Gauge Lawson along with picks to make that move.”

“Pick’s in, looks like the Fighters didn’t have enough incentive to move off their guy.”

“They did say weeks ago that they’d decided what they were doing with this pick the second they clinched it,” Hamilton laughed, “Guess they just wanted to make us sweat it out.”

Jerry and Vick both watched as RFL commissioner Rolf Annelie - looking suspiciously sober with his silver hair combed back to perfection - announced the pick. “With the first overall selection of the 2035 Ranorian Football League draft, the New Quebec Fighters select…Ernest Bello. quarterback, Cold Hill University.”

The Fighters have a pretty strong fanbase. You can imagine they lost their minds - even if it was a foregone conclusion, to have it set in stone elicited nothing short of elation. If you’ve ever seen a mosh pit, it was something like that - and when Benoit came to the stage it only got louder - cries of “we love you” and “marry me” were audible breaking through the cacophony, but the young man was oblivious to them, grinning ear to ear.

The announcers didn't even try to speak over the applause, as Bello embraced Rolf Annelie, slid a Fighters cap onto his head, and pumped a fist into the air to even more applause.

"I'm going to do everything in my power to help this franchise win a championship!" He shouted into the microphone, pointing out into the crowd, "This fanbase and this team has done their time, now it's our time!"

A renewed applause and Vick Hamilton shook his head, "That kid's gonna be electric, he was a monster for the Fighting Irish, and the Fighters are gonna have to hope that carries over."

"Really excellent coaching over there at Saguenay," Jerry chimed in, "Clement van Eden Youngbood already has one coach of the year award and that's with good reason. For those of you who follow recruiting, you know Bello was a shoddy passer coming out - Youngblood deserves a ton of credit for helping him out of that rut quickly. Bello understands the values of coaching and he was incredibly receptive in pre-draft meetings with his teams. I'm really excited to see how this goes for him."

"Lafayette is up next, and I'm willing to bet they trade down," Vick added, "Word is they like the quarterback they brought in this offseason, Jay Garrian, and he's still got a bit of upside at 28 years old. Grabbing a couple picks to build around him would really show if they can keep him around. I don't see it panning out, but they don't have much of a supporting cast. The Fighters already have Modin, a starter on the Krauts, at tackle and a solid receiver at Burks, so it wasn't a full rebui- oh, the pick is in?"

"With the second pick of the 2035 RFL draft, the Lafayette Crusaders select...Goliath Castellan! Left tackle, Kohnhead City University!"

Castellan was a little less civilized - the brute roared and flexed like some sort of gorilla, literally popping the shoulder seams of his suit as he did. The man had damn near taken the left tackle job on the Krauts this season, but it was decided that it was best to stick with a known quantity on that front with John Garrett's injury history.

"That's bold," Jerry cringed, "Generational talent, but do you really want to bet that Jay Garrian and Terry Ming can become a prolific connection with added protection? There's a reason they're picking at number two."

"And we have our first trade up at number three!" Jerry exclaimed, "The Apollotown Sabers have traded the twelfth overall pick along with a second rounder this year and next year's first to move into the top three, and the pick is already in! They've been aggressive to get Abram Fairbanks some help this offseason. Candace Ferrett coming over from the Richardson Fenrirs to come off the other side and Gudbrand Taurus at defensive tackle? That's a national team caliber defensive line. Agnor Viridian and Leon Elliot on the back end are both Krauts players - this is one hell of a defense."

"They needed to - after Abram Fairbanks exploded for seventeens sacks as a rookie, a record for first year players, teams have effectively completely run their gameplan around him and he's slowed down since. I wonder what they're doing here. Grabbing Najee Isidora at linebacker would fill out the defense. Gracelyn Jackson would be a bold swing, but I don't see them gambling that defense on a rookie quarterback. My bet? Zama...well, here we go."

"The Apollotown Sabers have traded with the Edmunton Eagles for the number three selection in the RFL draft," Rolf Annelie smirked seeing the selection, "And with that pick, they take Zamadi Ayana, running back, Ratzupalfu University of Nature!" The Sabers faithful, not having expected such an aggressive move, of course went wild.

"Love that pick!" Vick slammed the table, knocking over his microphone and chuckling as he brought it back up, "Highest a player from a South Newlandian school has been drafted if I'm right - that's the move. He's undoubtedly the best running back in the draft, he'll allow this offense to dictate the pace of the game and maximize the impact of this defense."

"Look I get a few teams have quarterbacks, but someone tell me how Gracelyn Jackson just put up 805 yards and nine touchdowns between the semifinal and the championship game and is still on the board."

"We've got a trade!" Vick Hamilton stuck his tongue out, "Wanna guess who it is?"

"Uh," Jerry glanced at his laptop, "We don't have anything announced yet?"

"Get better sources. The Snow Bears are sending quarterback Mason Warford, two fourths, and the thirteenth overall pick to move to the tenth. I think, based on their shipping off their quarterback, we know exactly what they're doing here."

"The Berlin Snow Bears have traded with the Balafre Bootleggers for the tenth overall pick. With that pick, they've selected... Gracelyn Jackson! Quarterback, Ranoria State University!"

No stranger to the big lights coming out of an Ashialand Coastal team that had just won its first ever title, Jackson strode onto the stage with a certified red carpet walk, gladly accepted a cap that she had no problem messing up her hair to throw on, and took the mic, "Nine great players were taken in front of me tonight, but I'm the best quarterback in this draft - I proved it in the most competitive college football tournament in the world, and I guess I'll have to prove it again next season."

The Snow Bears fans in attendance made their approval known - win a championship, watch your quarterback get exposed on a down year, and then get the best pure passer in this class? Yes please. Not a bad ride for them.

"Clears up a lot of cap room for the Snow Bears too - they had to let big Konstantin Vollmacht walk already this offseason. An upgrade at quarterback who can take advantage of a championship caliber roster, that's a strong move."

"And with the sixteenth pick of the 2035 RFL draft, the Herot Paladins select Darin Sundström, wide receiver, Cold Hill University!"

Vick Hamilton nodded, "Savvy pick, I like it, probably the best player on the board at this point. Sundström will probably take over the wide receiver one role from Richard Hopkins, and it'll open up a lot of running room for a fellow Vanorian and former Cold Hill teammate in Alexander Ostby - but they still don't have a quarterback!"

"Sammy Rios is an alright distributor," Jerry countered, but the shaking of his head told the story of his thoughts, "Sundström will be able to make it happen after the catch and on extended plays, he'll find holes in the coverage. But you won't be able to really unlock this offense with him under center. That said, they had to be laughing in their war room when the Dynamos took Dax Mueller over this guy."

"And we have another trade!" Vick raised an eyebrow, "Snow Bears again, this time they're shipping this year's second rounder, next year's first, and all star tight end Dhruv Valentine to take the number seventeen pick from the Mariana Tigers!"

"They telegraphed their last pick hard Vic," Jerry nodded, "I love this."

"I'd have liked to see him be an understudy to a guy like Valentine, but after their time together on the Elephants I guess he'll get that regardless - if they're going the way I think."

"With the seventeenth pick in the 2035 RFL draft, the Berlin Snow Bears select - Dustin van Halfensen! Tight end, Richardson University!"

If the Snow Bears fans had been raucous before, they were rioting here. Lots of South Newlandian fans of the team for obvious reasons, and grabbing another homer, a guy universally recognized as the best player on a playoff caliber Elephants squad, well, that was worth giving up a home town hero in Dhruv Valentine.

"I like Bray there," said Vick, "The Yeti have a lot of holes for a team that performed as well as they did, but Bray gives them a cornerstone for years to come, oh? Pick's in already."

"With the twenty second pick in the 2035 RFL draft, the Rouyoute Aurora-Knights select...Josh Laney-Seymour! Wide Receiver, Upper Westside University!"

The newly-minted Aurora Knights' fans went wild.

Vick whistled, "This team looks insane on paper. they were already a playoff team, then managed to lure away former Stoneshore legend Ballast Queen from the Nashville Sabercats. They signed Isaak Rodriguez to a massive deal. Dude's a speed demon who's been the top target and a huge boon for Lane Proudfoot over the past four seasons - he also happens to be the highest on the Krauts WR depth chart among guys playing in Ranoria. They grabbed Albatross Vergol, the best Ranorian defensive end not named Kearse or Fairbanks, and signed veteran Clancy Gluber away from Baker Park. Richardson fans will remember him, former All-Ranorian in college. With their new stadium, The Elysium, this team is looking to make some massive waves, and this guy is as big home run threat at receiver as there is in this draft. With cannon-armed Ballast Queen under center and Isaak Rodriguez taking up most of the attention in coverage - he's going to be an incredible addition out wide.

Gotta say though, I was expecting Constantina Perrier here. Get a big wideout to complement Rodriguez's speed?"

Jerry shrugged, "You didn't see the allegations of Perrier being pulled over for felony speeding just outside Ranoria City? Coupled with the hamstring injury last year...I guess I can understand it. She was training with Alessandra Mio and Sarai Gwenderyn leading up to this World Bowl there, it adds up."

Vick glared, "No way anyone believes that. First of all, she's been a class act throughout her tenure with the Governors. And more than that, she ticket we have was written before she arrived in Ranoria City, and the bodycam footage clearly shows a man getting out of the driver's seat. Anyone going off a 'C. Perrier' on that and losing their minds is making a massive mistake."

"Marauders don't surprise anyone by grabbing Chris Grey - big burly lineman from Richardson, safe pick, he'll be an immediate tone setter." Jerry noted, "But can we go back to the Steamers snagging Max Strömberg? I just love that pick."

"The two were on the Rockets together for two seasons," Vick chimed in, "Strömberg was a true freshman during that first year, but earned a starting role about halfway through the campaign when they were on an absolute tear, and he was a contributor to Luani's MoP winning campaign, and their championship. Luani of course had a rocky senior year following that magical run, but if there's going to be a way to get his pro career on track, this is the guy. Strömberg's big, fast, physical, reminds me of a track-star version of Nikolas Isaksen, really. Oh? Another trade."

"The Richardson Fenrirs - last year's runners up - have traded up five spots, giving up a second rounder this year and next year. They've got someone they're targeting, clearly."

"With the twenty sixth pick of the 2035 RFL draft, the Richardson Fenrirs select," Rolf Annelie paused for effect, "Chase Okoma, running back, Upper Westside University!"

"What a stacked offense," Hamilton muttered.

"Okoma comes into a unit featuring Tim Hunt, who's won at least ten games in each year he's started and had back to back four thousand yard seasons, along with former offensive player of the year Deshawn Fredericks and a stud number two in Tyron Hall. They're gonna put up some fireworks."

Draft Day 2 -
Round 2, Pick 33 - 66th overall selection and first pick for the Ranoria City Falcons due to trading multiple first rounders to acquire Gideon Kearse three seasons ago

Vick looked at his co-hosts expectantly. All the fanfare was gone from the podium, they were back in their usual production studio for this, but he had lost none of his flair. "Ranoria City Falcons on the clock. Now tell me, out of the entire league, who has the easiest access to the Ranoria City police department?"

Jerry scowled. "Enough, Vick."

"Who do you think is about to be catching passes from Sarai Gwenderyn on an ungodly cheap deal because she fell to the last pick of the second round?"

"And with the final selection of the night - and the sixty sixth overall selection of the RFL draft - the Ranoria City Falcons select Constantina Perrier, wide receiver, Richardson University!"

RSSN News Network, Interview with Ranoria City Falcons head coach Jack Halifax

"Yeah Vick, this was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen," he shook his head, "Look, I feel for Perrier, but this didn't sit right with me from the get go. She was high on our board and we tried so hard to get into the first round, I didn't think anyone else was dumb enough to let her slide that far. The fit is perfect, a big slot receiver to complement the best receiver in RFL history. Unfortunately," he waved behind him in his office, where a silver Mammoth Statue awarded to the team for their recent championship was on full display, "Having SMBG under center just isn't conducive to drafting early, I've told her that's something she has to work on this offseason."

"So did you ask Constantina about the incident prior to selecting her?" Vick questioned.

"Nah, left that to her teammates on the Iron Legion." He shrugged, "I got into contact with Alessandra and Sarai, they were literally with Constantina at the time of the arrest, so she couldn't have been anywhere near the speeding. And, just to do my due diligence, I and..." he grabbed the team's general manager and dragged him into the video's frame, "This bozo personally went into the police station to ask. They were surprised that this kind of thing had even happened, and explained that it was not, in fact, Constantina Perrier on the ticket. How the hell are these other general managers not making these kinds of queries? Don't ask me."

"Wow, so you guys had a hunch on this from the get go," Vick Hamilton laughed, "I got into it pretty good with plenty of other analysts defending Perrier, having a player of that caliber slide down to a pick away from the third round is nigh-unhead of."

"Yeah, and man oh man you should've seen us in the war room. We called asking about every single pick between number twenty five and sixty six, when we were on the board." The GM nodded his agreement, and Halifax haphazardly pushed him back out of the camera, "God has favorites, I guess. Gotta run Vick, I'm gonna be watching a lot Legion film to draw up some more plays for this offense. And probably suing them if Gwenderyn takes any hits, she's my job security."

by **Banija** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 3:44 pm

GFLB Postseason: Divisional Round

GFLB Rosters

A reminder- in the postseason, the GFLB switches from IFAF/CFB overtime rules, to more traditional 'sudden death' overtime rules (aka RL NFL regular season rules, where any score ends the game except for a field goal on the opening possesion).

Also, sad note, none of Banija's international expansion squads made the second round of the playoffs- although a number of them look ready to make a run, soon in the future.

Saturday 4:30 PM

Igulu Bush Elephants 14–10 Isipongo Wild Boars

The Bush Elephants, hosting at home, the surprise of the season- playing against the last time in. The Wild Boars had one upset powered by their defense- this game promised to be an old-school, small-market, defensive battle- with a lot of physicality, hitting, and smack talk- and that's exactly what we got. Just 24 total points between the two teams, as both defenses stepped up time and time again to smother the opposing offense. But the Bush Elephants, operating at home, only needed a pair of second quarter drives to defeat the Wild Boars.

Just two scoring drives yes- but Steinheil's defense was nasty enough to made sure those count. Hassan Jaeye got a lot of work for the hosts between these Central Division rivals, as the halfback had a 3 yard touchdown run with 7 minutes left in the second quarter, as well as a 12 yard touchdown reception with 45 seconds left in the second quarter, to put Igulu up 14-0 before halftime. The best defense in the league loves getting out ahead- it allows them to pin their ears back, and forces an offense to be predictable.

While they shut out the Wild Boars in the first half, Isipongo came out slinging in the third quarter. Sometimes, it's all about the long methodical drive. But sometime, it's about a player making a play. Iispongo QB Wandile Magona- 24 years old, freaky fast, making a spin move and sprinting 75 yards down the sideline for 6 points, midway through the third quarter, made the score 14-7. Then, they had a nice, long drive to get them three more, to 14-10. But they simply could not break through in the fourth quarter. Four possesions in the fourth quarter for the Wild Boars- three of them ended in three & outs, punting, The last, desperately trying for a dramatic drive, ended up with Magona throwing the game-clinching INT straight into the hands of 22 year old CB, Majorr Manneh. Bush Elephants- somehow, off to the Playoff Semifinals!

Saturday 8:15 PM

Aissa Crocodiles 38–24 Bunyoro RSC

Of course, the winner of the early game on Saturday would play the winner of the Saturday night game- and the Crocs were heavily favored. They have the league MVP, and the NT starting QB, Ice Chineze- surely one of the best 3 QBs in the entirety of the multiverse right now. And in his first playoff game, following last week's bye, he showed exactly why many consider him to be one of the best QBs in the sport.

While the score ended up being 38-24, that is honestly a flattering score in favor of the visitors. Ice Chineze was absolutely dominant in the first half against Bunyoro RSC, to the delight of the fans out here in the eastern edges of Banija. In the first half, Chineze was a staggering 17/21, for 244 yards- and 4 touchdowns. Dominant in every facet of the passing game, Chineze really looked like a quarterback who knew he was MVP. How much longer can he perform at this level? You're talking about a QB who won the World Bowl at ages 32 and 35, remember. He may be old(him and Garrett, the senior citizens!) but with players, especially QBs, playing longer than ever, he certainly hasn't lost a step.

That meant the Crocs took a 28-10 lead into halftime, and at that point, against a team this talented(the Crocodiles are the #1 seed for a reason, of course), Aissa were simply too strong for Bunyoro RSC. Bunyoro RSC did score a touchdown in the third quarter to make things interesting, as the Crocs entered the 4th quarter with an 11 point lead, 28-17. But they really put it away in the fourth quarter. An 11 yard TD run by Jebel Marenah made it 35-17, and then INT by Akello Kazaala put the Crocs in position to hit a field goal, to make it 38-17. A garbage time score by Bunyoro RSC gave us our Final Four.

We've got one matchup for next Sunday- Igulu @ Aissa for the right to play in the Simba Bowl. What about the other?

Sunday 2:00 PM

Herzegovina City Cobras 28–31 Lwanga Rhinos

The Cobras have had a spectacular season. Led by the rookie of the year, Baka Webo, he has led them to 12 wins, a division title, and a first round bye in the playoffs. You can't ask for much more from a rookie, can you? And the playoff stage has the brightest lights- were the Cobras ready for it? They'd go up against a surging Lwanga Rhinos team- with veterans entering their prime, like Ebou Hairte and Rachel Emerson. Many thought it would be a spectacular game, and the Sunday afternoon kickoff most certainly did not disappoint.

Baka Webo showed us all why he was taken #1 overall by Herzegovina City this year. He's got the ability to razzle dazzle- with his arm, with his feet, just impressive no matter what he's doing with the football. Hitting former NT HB Philip Apondo for a touchdown on a screen pass, and hitting WR Faraba Condeh for two touchdowns in the first half, allowed the Cobras to take a 21-7 lead into halftime, at home. A commanding lead- the home side, at a packed Star Field in Herzegovina City, were firmly in control. The offense was consistently moving the ball, Webo was in full control of the game. He's 21 and making his playoff debut- that kind of calmness, under pressure, is why he won the Isaka Jawara Player of the Year Award in college.

But alas, this sport- sometimes, it is a tale of two halves. And this game fit that descriptor. Ebou Hairte is certainly no slouch either, and playing with a favorite college WR, Rachel Emerson, he is certainly a player who is eager to showcase his talents to the entirety of the multiverse. And he did just that. Home playoff win last week, but this week- he's doing these things on the road. The Rhinos knew they needed to start the third quarter strong, and they did just that- an 8 minute drive, well balanced, 16 plays, that ended in a 2 yard TD pass from Hairte to the TIght End, Gidom Dariye. 21-14. And then, at the end of the third quarter, they did some more damage- Houn Kunge had a 54 yard punt return, being taken down at the Cobras 22 yard line. Just three plays later, HB Jibou Bokate was scoring from 7 yards out on a draw play. End of 3- 21-21, and the Rhinos had all the momentum.

The Rhinos, on defense, had adjusted well in the third quarter, to shut down Baka Webo. But sometimes all it took was one mistake- he was capable of the big play. And he did just that, with 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. On second & short- the Cobras ran a flea flicker. Handoff to Apondo, pitch back to Webo, who threw a bomb to Musisi Ssemunja- who was wide open in the end zone. Caught the ball for a 65 yard score, to make it 28-21 to the Cobras. But besides that one play(admittedly, a touchdown), the Rhinos D had the rookie under wraps in the fourth quarter.

The Rhinos were not fazed by the score. They responded well, with a 5 minute drive of their own. The drive had two fourth down conversions- on 4th & 2 at the 50, Hairte hit Emerson on a 7 yard out route for a first down. And on a 4th & 6 at the Cobras 26 yard line, Hairte hit veteran WR Jidere Banateha, on a post route, for a 14 yard gain and a fresh set of downs. The drive would end with Philip Apondo leaping over the pile for a touchdown, to score the game-tying TD with three minutes left. And then- catastrophoe for Herzegovina City. Baka Webo wanted to stay aggressive, go for the win. But he's a rookie- he was slightly over aggressive. Facing pressure from Botrel, he overshot his WR and threw a pick straight into the waiting arms of his strong safety, Karamba Jafara. Jafara went down at the 35. A couple of first downs allowed the Rhinos to kick a chip shot, 21 yard game-winning field goal with 1 second left.

Hairte- we haven't talked about him much this postseason, but what a run. Can he get to the Simba Bowl?

Sunday 5:45 PM

Busukuma Athletic Club 28–24 Sisonke Leopards

Last, but certainly not least- the Sisonke Leopards are playing in the Sunday evening matchup, once again. Busukuma AC, the 2nd seeded team in this competition, led by veteran QB Ezekiel Bantoba, against the Leopards. What an opportunity for Vallienté Wagner-Young to take the torch from the old class, right? He already beat Chibuzo on the road, in the playoffs, just last week. Bantoba's from that generation as well, at 35 years old. There are heavy rumors that Amazu Chibuzo is probably going to retire- is Bantoba a little young to retire at 35?

But first, Vallienté Wagner-Young would have to beat him. See this quote he said about himself, showcasing his confidence. "I'm not only the future of this league- I am the present." Said the ultra-confident Ranorian. "And Sisonke, this city- it's about to be the Leopards era in the GFLB." No huge comebacks in this game- it was simply a lot of back and forth football, between two talented teams who had legitimate ambitions to not only reach, but win, the Simba Bowl. Everytime one team did something- the other responded in kind. Ezekiel Bantoba's first quarter QB sneak was responded to by a 3 yard TD pass to Angela Sauber.

Wagner-Young's second quarter 17 yard touchdown run on a scramble was responded to as well, with Bantoba's 32 yard touchdown pass to WR Koro Kutate with just 22 seconds left in the first half. An extremely tight game all around, as everytime one team threw a punch- the other threw one straight back. 14-14 at half, with each team having a touchdown in each quarter. The same trend would continue in the third quarter. A one yard TD run by Busukuma AC halfback Abdou Bibu was responded to in kind by the Leopards, with Wagner-Young hitting his TE, Numu Bokate, for a 14 yard touchdown towards the end of the third quarter. 21-21- we already knew that we were in for an all-timer.

The Leopards, certainly, know how to win these games. They won in OT, just last week, against the Suns- with Wagner-Young leading the way. In the fourth quarter, they looked like they were in the process of having a TD drive. With 8:30 left, in a tie ballgame, they faced a 4th & 2 at the Busukuma 31 yard line. They've got Mr. Automatic, Dwayne Markseon, as their kicker- but just 2 yards. A chance to continue on, and get a touchdown? They went for it. They went jumbo, everybody at the line. Wagner-Young faked it to the FB and threw a swing pass to his HB- absolutely nobody was out there, Busukuma had sold out for the run. IT would've been a walk-in touchdown, but of course, the play was whistled dead- the Leopards had a false start.

Pushing them back 5 yards to a 4th & 7 changed the calculus- the rookie kicker Dwayne Markseon stepped up and drilled the 53 yard field goal. 24-21, to the Leopards. Busukuma AC had a decent drive of their own, to try and get into field goal range themselves. They did, with their drive stalling at the Leopards 15. No problem- 32 yard field goal, right? Wrong. Parry Mito, the Chromatik DT, busted through the line and blocked the kick, from up the middle. Massive play. Leopards had a chance to bury this. Unfortunately, they went three & out- a strong response from the Busukuma AC defense.

Busukuma AC stepped up and moved the ball down the field, again. With 2:40 left, they faced a 4th & 3 at the Sisonke 34 yard line. 51 yards, that's a long way- Busukuma decided to go for it. But the capitol club was denied- their Chromatik DE, Mykhajlo Vyacheslavovych Kozlov, sacked Ezekiel Bantoba on the play. An insane play. Busukuma only had one timeout. All Sisonke needed was a first down. Fast forward a few plays later, after the timeout and the two minute warning. 3rd and 4 for the Leopards, at their own 45 yard line. A first down ices the game. They give the ball to the halfback, Buraama Kasama- and he was stripped by the DT, Karl Sande, at the line of scrimmage! Not the first time he's fumbled in a huge moment this season for the Leopards- but of course, in a playoff game, brutal. Mulogo Lugaaga recovered the fumble for Busukuma, and suddenly, they had life.

The game was on. Bantoba had no timeouts, but basically 2 minutes, and already on the plus side of the field. He kept moving them down the field, eventually throwing the game-winning touchdown pass with just 13 seconds left- no time for the Leopards to respond. A brutal loss for Sisonke to end the season- all that talent, and they can't get to the last 4. But what a game, what a win for Busukuma AC. Off to the GFLB Playoff Semifinal, and Ezekiel Bantoba will have a chance to potentially have an insane late career highlight- to make a playoff run, and win the Simba Bowl. Can he do it? Solidify his legacy as a Hall of Famer with that ring?

GFLB Playoff Semifinal Matchups (All games hosted by the better seeded team)
#1 Aissa Crocodiles(13-4) v. #4 Igulu Bush Elephants(12-5)
#2 Busukuma Athletic Club(13-4) v. #6 Lwanga Rhinos(10-7)

Above two winners will play in the Simba Bowl, played at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma

Quick Summary- Banija clinch playoff berth at the World Bowl with dominating 36-6 victory over the Allamunnic States in Ranoria

RANORIA CITY, RANORIA- In front of a crowd that looked like it was Busukuma, Winterfell, a capacity, partisan Banijan crowd filled the house at the Karmin-Falce Superdome as the Serpent Eagles blew out the Allamunnic States, 36-6, to clinch a playoff berth at the World Bowl. Thomas Hall, the head coach, thanked the fans for showing up. "This is one of the best traveling fanbases in the multiverse, and I was not surprised that we took over this stadium- we made noise, we made it feel like home, the fans really drove the team to victory." While there's no official numbers, estimates from crowd view looked like almost 80% of the stadium was wearing the green & white, as the fans had completely taken over Ranoria City for this one.

You could tell- the Allamunnic States had 7 pre-snap penalties, the most ever for a Serpent Eagles opponent at a neutral site game, including 5 false starts(they also had two delay of games). The defense, is also really rounding into form. They are on a hot streak- they haven't allowed a touchdown in the past three games, just conceding 5 field goals(the Juvencus TD against Banija was a pick-six), getting hot at the right time. Thomas Hall's delight was clear- he got a 15 yard penalty and an 'undisclosed fine from the World Bowl Organizing Committee' for sprinting onto the field to chest bump CB Makang Secka after a particularly impressive interception. He told a sideline reporter that he 'regretted none of it', and would 'absolutely do it again', although he apologized for doing so in post-game- likely had a stern talking to from the big bosses about that.

by **Sarzonia** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 4:20 pm

"OK, just make sure the contract meets with COC approval. Listen, I've got a 3:30 conference with the Incorporated League about their decision to do away with the DH."

It was a busy day for Vice President for Health and Athletics Carter Marshall between a Cabinet meeting and discussions with various sport commissioners and the other responsibilities he had. Plus, he had to take his daughter Priscilla to her football match and his offspring Jazz to their dance recital.

He had the latter activity on his mind because of the fact that Priscilla's match was kicking off a half hour later than usual, meaning his chances of seeing his child's recital without missing a big chunk of it were slim.

Democracy can be a pain in the assI, he thought grimly as he set down his phone. He had a few minutes to take a much-needed breather after so many in-person and virtual meetings. He drew in his breath and exhaled. He rolled his eyes when the phone rang not one minute after he'd hung up.

"Goddamnit," he shouted, pounding his right fist on his desk. He gave the phone some Rihanna-calibre sideeye before picking up the receiver. It was all he could do to simply say, "Marshall," instead of bellow "What?!"

It was Harlan Cyrus, the chief counsel of the IGF Board of Governors on the other end.

"Mr. Vice President, I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."

Marshall clenched his fist and glared at the monitor in front of him as if he could knock Cyrus on his keister by punching the monitor. If looks could kill, Cyrus would've been in intensive care at the local hospital.

"You did," Marshall said in a low tone that made clear the enormous effort it took to avoid adding "fucking" between the two words he spoke. "What is it?"

"Bart Andrews denied the Board's termination of Mr. Davis as manager of the national team," Cyrus said. "It is our view that Mr. Andrews did not have standing to make that decision."

"Hold on, let me get the paperwork," Marshall said, realising his annoyance was seeping through his words by now, but he was all out of fucks at this point. He saw the denial by Andrews, but he also saw the backing by Andrews's boss. She had the authority to override the Board, and the justification both signed was convincing. Marshall looked at the letters and began to open his mouth to resignedly offer to review the file. However, he didn't see the standard appeal which would've been heard by an arbitration panel that was supposed to be chaired by his deputies.

He waved his fingers through the files and his suspicion was correct. Cyrus hadn't initiated the standard process to appeal the decision. It meant he could declare that the Board did not have standing to appeal. This was an end-around, which might be legal for Davis to run on the gridball pitch, but wasn't permitted in this instance.

He also had one more card he could play, and dadgumit, he was pissed off enough to play it.

"Harlan, your petition is denied based on lack of standing," he said. Cyrus began to argue, stating that he was requesting a formal appeal through the proper channels. It would involve a labourious process to even get to Marshall, but that would involve essentially kicking the can down the road. However, before Cyrus could get his point out, Marshall played his final card. It would result in a frustrated Cyrus hanging up the phone in disgust.

"With prejudice."

When he heard the line go dead, Marshall shook his head before hanging the receiver up. He only had one more precious minute of down time before the next video conference. But at this point, he didn't care.

Davis was back, and so too was Stallworth. And let the Board be damned.

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 5:41 pm

'280 points, that should say enough,' Ian Lautner said to his close friend, Hall of Fame baseballer Heo Myeong-Shin, in his hotel room after the Quebecois 40-20 win over Jacksonboro. There was a huge sigh of relief in the locker room when he visited, as the Grim Reapers' secured themselves a spot to the second round of World Bowl proper with a game to spare, and Ian Lautner couldn't help but to still feel the excitement.

'Yes. All three quarterbacks have looked good all the way up to this point.' Myeong-Shin answered on the other side of the phone, him was currently on the coach's suite of the dormitories at Bugil College, a famous private school located in Anaia City, a small city of 200,000 people halfway between Joongyeong and Songak. 'But none of them, really, have reached the level of Ian Lautner, I don't think.'

This was a genuine belief that Myeong-Shin, who played rover - a mix of strong safety and linebacker - and inside linebacker all the way up to Universite du Saguenay, held. While longtime teammates and friends outside of it, whose fathers were close friends back in the Queen's College days forty years ago, their paths as football players had gone the other way. Myeong-Shin didn't want to go to Jolbonopolis Raiders or Oakwood Siberias, had baseball as fallback option, and his high-school sweetheart Naomi was a star setter for their hometown team. Ian loved the idea of going to Joongyeong Voyageurs, stayed true to gridiron football, and met his fiancee Odette at college. Still, Myeong-Shin read the game well and with his sons, Seung-Geon and Seung-Roh, playing the game in high school level, had to keep a close enough of eye on the game.

'I'm happy to stay retired, you know that,' Ian chuckled. 'You know that you would rather not see the repeat of what T.A. had gone through.' Both of them had known well enough that it was right for Ian to retire two years ago in 2058. Age 37 was early enough for the five-time Imperial Bowl winner and the QFL MVP, sure, but Ian had seen plenty coming from those around him:

One of his friends, a famous submarine pitcher, lost his mother in his senior year of high school. His wife nearly passed away and had to retire from a budding career due to a Marfan's a month after their wedding. After retirement, he's away from his kids and wife due to his current job.
The other friend, a power hitter, was involved in a spiral of misunderstandings and habitual problems with his wife that almost led into divorce. They would eventually get back together but only after three years of neverending saga.
Third friend, a prominent writer, is retired in a small town outside Twin Cities with his wife and three kids. His wife nearly died on childbirth, but has since recovered - it is known to both of them that the Daemyeonggong Palace keeps regular correspondences with that friend.

Yeah, no wonder Ian preferred to move on, stay with his wife, and have their own businesses (and his talk show, Good Morning Quebec with Ian Lautner!) running.

'Yeah, you did,' Myeong-Shin replied while nodding along. 'Among four of us, you were the luckiest in that department. How's Odette and the kids doing?' Odette Boulouque, a former forward at the Universite du Saguenay, was working as an investment banker after a decade with the Bank of Quebec. Their kids, Mikael and Jacqueline, were ten and eight, somewhat younger than either Lundrigan or Heos' children and right around Theo-Alexandre Pinson's daughter, who was also coincidentally named Odette.

'They are well last I heard - obviously I'm not with them right now.'

'Right, so we are even pretty much.' Myeong-Shin answered. 'Heck, all four of us are alone or dying, the difference being that you have to travel, I work at a prep school and kids are already in high school, the third one nearly saw his marriage disintegrate, and the last one happy but we all know he's dying.'

'Poor state of it all we all share in.' Ian nodded, before deciding to head back into the original topic of conversation. 'But anyways, we are through and that's what matters isn't it? Grim Reapers have scored the second-most number of points at a quite impressive rate to keep in mind.'

'Yes, but you got to make sure that they can sustain. Scoring 47 in three games against Ko-oren, even with a somewhat close matchup on the neutral turf the third time around, suggests two sides of the coin - that the team is scoring at a very good rate when discounting those losses, and that the team has yet to really match the level of the competition.'

'That's also the problem, yes,' Ian answered back. 'I think that Theo Galstian has right ideas, don't get me wrong, but scoring 50 on Jacksonboro and 40 on Valanora won't matter if we cannot convert. It's a top-heavy competition where we know that this trio of guys, while very good, will have to go on head-to-head, though not directly of course not, against the likes of Sarai (Gwenderyn), Valliente (Wagner-Young), or Ifeatu (Chineze). Not sure which of the three can step up.'

'That part we will have to wait and see.' Myeong-Shin sighed before speaking again. 'Killer instincts like that don't come easily. I know you like Donovan O'Mara a lot and that's fine. But let's be honest here. While O'Mara's done well with the Irish, of course, but at the pros has he been able to come close to Commish (Dexter) Ahn or you? No. And have there been better quarterbacks since? Octavien Seo-Brousseau's won an NSCF title, and Beno Youngblood gets comparisons to both you and Commish Ahn. Goddamnit, no wonder people are having trouble deciding.'

'Wish I knew the answer to that, aye.' It was at that moment that Ian decided to hang up the phone. 'Anyways I do have to go outside and meet a FAS TV journalist so if you are fine we could call tomorrow morning or so, if that's fine with you.'

'Sure, the kids have their day off training.' Myeong-Shin nodded. 'Call at 22h my time, I will be up and I know you never eat breakfast late anyway.'

by **Torisakia** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 5:53 pm

Torisakia defeats Anthor 26-13; claim hold on 2nd place in group

TOKAI - Torisakia defeated 18th ranked Anthor 26-13 to claim sole possession of 2nd place in Group D, inching further towards moving past the group stage at World Bowl 46. It would be Torisakia's third straight appearance in the World Bowl playoffs, albeit in non-consecutive editions.

Aaron Spady had another outstanding day, going 22 of 32 for 238 yards and throwing a touchdown pass. Michael Pickett also had a strong outing, rushing for 110 yards and a touchdown before leaving in the third quarter with an injured knee. Backup running back Justus Reed finished out the game on the ground with 11 carries for 67 yards.

Like so many others before, the game started out with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, with neither team able to put up any points in the first quarter. Both squads mounted immovable defenses that, when combined, forced four turnovers and nine punts. Despite the effort, the Ice Birds still allowed Anthor to score 13 points and amass 336 yards of total offense compared to Torisakia's 429. After trading field goals, both teams began to find their groove in the second quarter. Torisakia struck first with Spady connecting on several key passes to move the ball downfield, which eventually led to the first touchdown of the game, a 12-yard pass from Spady to wide receiver Jay Abaroa.

Anthor would tack on another field goal at the end of the first half as Torisakia went into halftime with a 10-6 lead. Despite the low scoring, Coach Greg Debay was happy with what he saw from his offense in the first half.

"[We're] moving the ball effectively and we're able to get into scoring position, but we keep shooting ourselves in the foot at the absolute worst moments". Debay said at halftime. "All the pieces are there, we just gotta finish"

Anthor pushed the tempo in the third quarter, quickly scoring on their opening possession with quarterback Dirk Wallace throwing a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Johan Solomon to claim a 13-10 lead. The Ice Birds would stagnate on offense and were forced to give the ball back. However Torisakia's defense stepped up, forcing a interception that put the Ice Birds is perfect field position to score. Michael Pickett finished the gifted drive with a 5 yard touchdown run to give Torisakia back the lead. Pickett would later leave the game late in the third quarter due to a knee injury, something that has plagued his career since college. In his post-game presser, coach Debay stated that Pickett's injury was not serious and that he would "healthy within a few days" and likely play in the Chromatika game. Backup running back Justus Reed would step in, rushing 11 times for 67 yards. The Ice Birds would head into the final quarter clinging to a 17-13 lead with a second place spot in Group D on the line.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Torisakia would be knocking on the door at the Anthor 7 yard line with a chance to go up by two scores. Unfortunately the Ice Birds would face another miscue as Spady mishandled the snap from center Juwan Polk, with Anthor's defensive end Malcolm Jenkins recovering the fumble and giving Anthor new life. Thankfully the Ice Birds, the defense was able to keep Anthor in check and out of scoring range.
The Ice Birds would get back inside the Anthor goal line on their next possession, but two dropped passes and a missed block led to yet another Tolmie field goal that kept the game within one possession, much to the dismay of Spady & company. The Torisakia defense would hold however, and Spady had another chance to put the game away starting from his own 25 yard line and time winding down.

The Ice Birds' big break finally came with just under three minutes left in the game. Facing a 3rd & 21, Spady scrambled around the pocket for at least 10 seconds, avoiding numerous Anthor defenders before he threw a 43-yard pass to a wide open Lucas Dunbar to all but seal the victory for Torisakia. Anthor would attempt a quick score to catch up but Dirk Wallace ended up throwing an interception to safety Asim Hawkins to give Torisakia the 26-13 victory.

The win gave Torisakia sole possession of second place in Group D, which would allow the Ice Birds to move onto the World Bowl 46 playoffs and mark their third straight appearance in them in their last three World Bowl appearances, a rather surprising result for many Torisakia fans who largely expected the Ice Birds to struggle mightily in the wake of the Kiragate sanctions.

UP NEXT: Torisakia take son Chromatika on the final matchday of World Bowl 46. The Ice Birds have dropped both of their previous games with the 2nd ranked Chromatika: a 56-13 thrashing and a 24-9 slugfest. While a monstrous feat, a win would all but guarantee Torisakia's spot in the World Bowl playoffs where they would likely receive a lower seed, making the Ice Birds' hopes of a deep playoff run much more difficult.

Box Score	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
Anthor (4-4)	0	6	7	0	13
Torisakia (5-3)	0	7	10	9	26

GAME SUMMARY OF ANTHOR VS. TORISAKIA

1st QUARTER
No scoring
END OF 1ST Anthor: 0 Torisakia: 0

2nd QUARTER
11:56 TOR - 29 yard field goal by J. Tolmie
8:16 ATH - 33 yard field goal by K. Tyler
6:22 TOR - 12-yard pass from A. Spady to J.Abaroa (Tolmie PAT)
0:04 ATH - 36 yard field goal by K. Tyler
END OF 2ND Anthor: 6 Torisakia: 10

3rd QUARTER
12:35 ATH - 35 yard pass from D. Wallace to J. Solomon (Tyler PAT)
8:57 TOR - 5 yard run by M. Pickett (Tolmie PAT)
END OF 3RD Anthor: 13 Torisakia: 17

4th QUARTER
7:38 TOR - 22 yard field goal by Tolmie
2:50 TOR - 43 yard pass from A. Spady to L. Dunbar (PAT missed)
END OF 4TH Anthor: 13 Torisakia: 26

by **Ranoria** » Sun Apr 30, 2023 6:02 pm

Last cutoff for the group stage! Is your team en route to establishing future hall of famers or going home tonight?

For those who didn't make it to the knockouts - excellent work, really loved reading everyone's RP during this tournament, thanks for that! For those that are, this is where the fun begins.

Group A
Gyatso-Kai 27–13 Magnecia
TJUN-ia 14–10 Hofn

  Group A                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 TJUN-ia                        9   7  2  233 125 +108
2 Gyatso-Kai                     9   7  2  211 123 +88
3 Hofn                           9   3  6  134 194 −60
4 Magnecia                       9   1  8  101 237 −136

Group B
HUElavia 48–0 Milk Island
Rouyoute 0–24 Saint Kanye

  Group B                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 HUElavia                       9   9  0  312 126 +186
2 Saint Kanye                    9   5  4  241 139 +102
3 Rouyoute                       9   3  6  123 209 −86
4 Milk Island                    9   1  8   98 300 −202

Group C
Jacksonboro 14–19 Ko-oren
Valanora 17–29 Quebec & Shingoryeo

  Group C                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Ko-oren                        9   9  0  284 101 +183
2 Quebec & Shingoryeo            9   6  3  309 196 +113
3 Valanora                       9   3  6  164 306 −142
4 Jacksonboro                    9   0  9  151 305 −154

Group D
Dod Rava 7–28 Anthor
Torisakia 10–23 Chromatika

  Group D                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Chromatika                     9   8  1  250 104 +146
2 Torisakia                      9   5  4  186 202 −16
3 Anthor                         9   5  4  193 188  +5
4 Dod Rava                       9   0  9  108 243 −135

Group E
South Americanastan 9–10 Allamunnic States
Banija 23–13 Juvencus

  Group E                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Banija                         9   6  3  260 181 +79
2 South Americanastan            9   6  3  214 156 +58
3 Allamunnic States              9   4  5  163 195 −32
4 Juvencus                       9   2  7   99 204 −105

Group F
Gran Saguero 17–16 South Newlandia
Sudilia 20–30 Abanhfleft

  Group F                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Abanhfleft                     9   8  1  303 171 +132
2 South Newlandia                9   6  3  209 144 +65
3 Sudilia                        9   2  7  170 274 −104
4 Gran Saguero                   9   2  7  152 245 −93

Group G
Drawkland 16–3 Katterimunk
Sarzonia 33–14 The Spartan Dominion

  Group G                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Drawkland                      9   8  1  323 158 +165
2 Sarzonia                       9   5  4  223 175 +48
3 The Spartan Dominion           9   3  6  155 246 −91
4 Katterimunk                    9   2  7  157 279 −122

Group H
Cassadaigua 36–19 United Hawkland
Ranoria 32–3 Utahn Theocratic Republic

  Group H                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Ranoria                        9   9  0  218  39 +179
2 Cassadaigua                    9   5  4  254 185 +69
3 Utahn Theocratic Republic      9   3  6  144 247 −103
4 United Hawkland                9   1  8  115 260 −145

1: B1 HUElavia                       9   9  0  312 126 +186
2: C1 Ko-oren                        9   9  0  284 101 +183
3: H1 Ranoria                        9   9  0  218  39 +179
4: G1 Drawkland                      9   8  1  323 158 +165
5: D1 Chromatika                     9   8  1  250 104 +146
6: F1 Abanhfleft                     9   8  1  303 171 +132
7: A1 TJUN-ia                        9   7  2  233 125 +108
8: E1 Banija                         9   6  3  260 181 +79

9:  A2 Gyatso-Kai                    9   7  2  211 123 +88
10: F2 South Newlandia               9   6  3  209 144 +65**
11: C2 Quebec & Shingoryeo           9   6  3  309 196 +113**
12: E2 South Americanastan           9   6  3  214 156 +58
13: B2 Saint Kanye                   9   5  4  241 139 +102
14: G2 Sarzonia                      9   5  4  223 175 +48*
15: H2 Cassadaigua                   9   5  4  254 185 +69*
16: D2 Torisakia                     9   5  4  186 202 −16

*Sarzonia and Cassadaigua swapped to avoid a group stage rematch between Ranoria and Cassadaigua
**South Newlandia and Quebec and Shingoryeo swapped to avoid group stage rematch between South Newlandia and Abanhfleft

World Bowl 46: Round of 16 Bracket:

(1) B1 HUElavia vs (16) D2 Torisakia @CannabisCorp Field of Green (64,420), New Quebec

(8) E1 Banija vs (9) A2 Gyatso-Kai @Constance Airlines Field (60,400), Fiston

_____
(4) G1 Drawkland vs (13) B2 Saint Kanye @Reinhild Aerodynamics Arena (70,400), North Ashialand

(5) D1 Chromatika vs (12) E2 South Americanastan @ RANPAC Coliseum (69,900), Indianapolis

(2) C1 Ko-oren vs (15) H2 Cassadaigua @McNair Memorial Stadium(57,007), Memphis

(7) A1 TJUN-ia vs (10) F2 South Newlandia @ National Harvester Golden-Dome (64,000), Sierraville
_____
(3) H1 Ranoria vs (14) G2 Sarzonia @Silberkraft Stadium (64,000), Nashville

(6) F1 Abanhfleft vs (11) C2 Quebec & Shingoryeo @Specter Industries Stadium (64,050), Highport

Top half semifinal venue: Adelhard Dynamics Dome (80,300), Pittsburgh
Bottom half semifinal venue: Karmin-Falce Superdome (121,450), Ranoria City
Championship venue: The Elysium (82,450), Rouyoutte

Reminder that tomorrow is off for Save The Rhino day! There will be an off day between each playoff game, expect cutoff to be on the earlier end of the window.

by **Ko-oren** » Mon May 01, 2023 8:03 am

Week 4 EX Jaranethan 17 19:00 - Greencaster Godspeed 10-0 Schemerdrecht 65ers (Surbourneshire Square, Greencaster att. 61155/65000, 22C Clear)
ToP: 32:12-27:48 / Total Yds: 318-288 / 1st Downs: 20-22 / 3rd %: 44-35 / Pass Att: 41-34 / Pass Comp: 26-25 / Pass Comp%: 64-73 / Sacks: 2-1 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 1-2 / Pen: 3-4

Week 4 EX Jaranethan 17 19:00 - Willowbourne Saints 3-3 Sterrenwolde Dragonflies (Willowbowl, Willowbourne att. 55000/55000, 20C Cloudy)
ToP: 31:53-28:07 / Total Yds: 324-302 / 1st Downs: 20-26 / 3rd %: 41-51 / Pass Att: 35-43 / Pass Comp: 27-32 / Pass Comp%: 76-75 / Sacks: 0-0 / Fum TA: 1-0 / Int TA: 0-0 / Pen: 7-7

Week 4 EX Jaranethan 18 19:00 - Aerellen Explosions 38-21 Mayara Destroyers (Northern Arena, Aevanna att. 32000/32000, 12C Overcast)
ToP: 33:48-26:12 / Total Yds: 438-357 / 1st Downs: 17-24 / 3rd %: 37-48 / Pass Att: 34-19 / Pass Comp: 28-12 / Pass Comp%: 81,4-63,6 / Sacks: 0-4 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 0-0 / Pen: 3-9

Week 4 EX Jaranethan 18 19:00 - Noordrug Astronauts 6-21 Mayara Wolves (The Glacier, Launott att. 28000/28000, 11C Overcast)
ToP: 28:17-31:43 / Total Yds: 297-333 / 1st Downs: 11-21 / 3rd %: 50-53 / Pass Att: 26-32 / Pass Comp: 15-24 / Pass Comp%: 58-75 / Sacks: 6-0 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 0-0 / Pen: 6-3

Week 4 EX Jaranethan 18 19:00 - Aminey Caspians 6-22 Eaglebury Emperors (Stade sur la Baie, Aminey att. 62762/70000, 21C Cloudy)
ToP: 28:45-31:15 / Total Yds: 299-347 / 1st Downs: 19-16 / 3rd %: 44-44 / Pass Att: 43-12 / Pass Comp: 21-10 / Pass Comp%: 49,8-81,2 / Sacks: 5-1 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 3-0 / Pen: 6-4

Week 4 EX Jaranethan 18 19:00 - Schemerdrecht Admirals 13-9 Mawryshire Centaurs (Orange Bowl, Schemerdrecht att. 48606/54000, 13C Overcast)
ToP: 31:15-28:45 / Total Yds: 343-322 / 1st Downs: 13-26 / 3rd %: 48-48 / Pass Att: 32-40 / Pass Comp: 20-21 / Pass Comp%: 62,8-53,2 / Sacks: 7-6 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 3-2 / Pen: 5-9

With the initial takes and reactions out of the way, we now go into the main part of the season. We know which teams are roughly good and roughly not as good, some early playoff contenders have emerged, but it's not too late for any team to turn it around and get up there in the top six - with half of our teams making the postseason in some capacity. We start off with a low-scoring day one for just 16 points across two games. The Godspeed blank the 65ers, a game that should've seen a wider margin, followed up by a 3-all Willowbourne-Sterrenwolde matchup. The offences were efficient, but running was almost completely stopped, and both teams kept running into disciplinary issues that prevented them from getting anything more on the board. The next day we saw a relative shootout between Aerellen and the Destroyers, where the Destroyers basically ended their own hopes via nine penalties and allowing an 80+ percent pass completion percentage. The only thing that kept Aerellen from running up the score was failing to convert more third downs. That problem didn't exist in Noordrug-Wolves, which was a very run-heavy, slow game, but with meticulous offences driving down the field consistently, resulting in the game with the fewest amount of drives of the season, and yet the Wolves got sacked 6 times, recovered most of the terrain anyway, and scored three touchdowns for a fairly easy win. Aminey and Mawryshire lose and don't even score ten points, with the Admirals and Mawryshire's quarterbacks spending more time on the ground than in the pocket at 13 combined sacks on the game.

Week 5 DIV Jaranethan 23 19:00 - Schemerdrecht 65ers 16-16 Noordrug Astronauts (65ers Arena, Schemerdrecht att. 48000/48000, 17C Overcast)
ToP: 31:37-28:23 / Total Yds: 347-327 / 1st Downs: 20-18 / 3rd %: 52-37 / Pass Att: 36-24 / Pass Comp: 22-15 / Pass Comp%: 60-63 / Sacks: 2-7 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-0 / Pen: 3-8

Week 5 DIV Jaranethan 23 19:00 - Sterrenwolde Dragonflies 13-14 Aerellen Explosions (Het Planetarium, Sterrenwolde att. 46000/46000, 15C Overcast)
ToP: 30:13-29:47 / Total Yds: 338-355 / 1st Downs: 14-22 / 3rd %: 49-56 / Pass Att: 32-27 / Pass Comp: 23-19 / Pass Comp%: 70,8-69,2 / Sacks: 1-2 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 3-0 / Pen: 6-10

Week 5 DIV Jaranethan 24 19:00 - Aminey Caspians 0-17 Schemerdrecht Admirals (Stade sur la Baie, Aminey att. 52515/70000, 17C Partially cloudy)
ToP: 29:57-30:03 / Total Yds: 318-338 / 1st Downs: 24-20 / 3rd %: 41-42 / Pass Att: 56-27 / Pass Comp: 43-21 / Pass Comp%: 76,6-76,4 / Sacks: 4-3 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 0-2 / Pen: 4-6

Week 5 DIV Jaranethan 24 19:00 - Eaglebury Emperors 26-13 Mayara Destroyers (The Palace, Eaglebury att. 34000/34000, 11C Overcast)
ToP: 32:11-27:49 / Total Yds: 399-312 / 1st Downs: 13-15 / 3rd %: 56-39 / Pass Att: 23-23 / Pass Comp: 14-14 / Pass Comp%: 59,6-60,4 / Sacks: 1-3 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 0-0 / Pen: 10-5

Week 5 DIV Jaranethan 24 19:00 - Mayara Wolves 0-17 Willowbourne Saints (Wolves' Lair Stadium, Senoren att. 37000/37000, 15C Partially cloudy)
ToP: 28:04-31:56 / Total Yds: 279-348 / 1st Downs: 18-13 / 3rd %: 40-38 / Pass Att: 28-35 / Pass Comp: 19-27 / Pass Comp%: 67,6-77,4 / Sacks: 2-2 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 0-1 / Pen: 4-4

Week 5 DIV Jaranethan 24 19:00 - Mawryshire Centaurs 14-3 Greencaster Godspeed (Hertfield, Mawrystwyth att. 33000/33000, 12C Overcast)
ToP: 33:26-26:34 / Total Yds: 376-296 / 1st Downs: 14-28 / 3rd %: 36-48 / Pass Att: 37-47 / Pass Comp: 22-23 / Pass Comp%: 58,2-48,8 / Sacks: 2-5 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 0-0 / Pen: 4-9

The week starts with another tie: 16-16, we see two 17-0 shutouts, and only one other game that is in any way close, and it's not the one you expected. Sterrenwolde lost by a point to Aerellen, in a season where Aerellen looks like a 16-0 candidate and Sterrenwolde is worse for wear. The Dragonflies do pick off the Explosions three times which explains 90% of why this game was so close. Not nearly as many turnovers in other games, but the horribly disciplined Explosions find a friend in the Emperors who were also cautioned ten times. For both, it didn't matter too much as they both won their games, and Eaglebury did it by quite a margin as well, with other stats counting against them (fewer first downs, fewer sacks). Then our 17-0 games: Admirals and Saints winning, Aminey and the Wolves losing. The Admirals did it purely off of turnovers, the Saints did it off a good pass defence and not allowing a lot of long drives. Lastly, two inconsistent QBs faced off in Mawryshire and we saw a lot of dropbacks and not very many completions. Still, Centaurs win it off of a few miraculous long runs - 14 first downs, half of the Godspeed, and still winning by a bunch.

Week 6 DIV Jaranethan 29 19:00 - Aerellen Explosions 19-21 Aminey Caspians (Northern Arena, Aevanna att. 32000/32000, 10C Partially Cloudy)
ToP: 31:23-28:37 / Total Yds: 354-338 / 1st Downs: 19-31 / 3rd %: 45-46 / Pass Att: 30-35 / Pass Comp: 15-18 / Pass Comp%: 50,6-50,4 / Sacks: 2-6 / Fum TA: 1-0 / Int TA: 2-2 / Pen: 8-8

Week 6 DIV Jaranethan 29 19:00 - Noordrug Astronauts 13-0 Sterrenwolde Dragonflies (The Glacier, Launott att. 28000/28000, 10C Partially Cloudy)
ToP: 34:32-25:28 / Total Yds: 337-265 / 1st Downs: 19-16 / 3rd %: 45-32 / Pass Att: 34-20 / Pass Comp: 22-14 / Pass Comp%: 64,6-72,4 / Sacks: 6-6 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 2-1 / Pen: 7-4

Week 6 DIV Jaranethan 30 19:00 - Greencaster Godspeed 14-7 Eaglebury Emperors (Surbourneshire Square, Greencaster att. 61155/65000, 20C Overcast)
ToP: 32:19-27:41 / Total Yds: 317-308 / 1st Downs: 20-23 / 3rd %: 46-45 / Pass Att: 49-16 / Pass Comp: 28-9 / Pass Comp%: 56,4-57,6 / Sacks: 3-1 / Fum TA: 1-0 / Int TA: 0-0 / Pen: 5-3

Week 6 DIV Jaranethan 30 19:00 - Willowbourne Saints 18-7 Mawryshire Centaurs (Willowbowl, Willowbourne att. 31057/55000, 13C Clear, Hail)
ToP: 33:09-26:51 / Total Yds: 384-320 / 1st Downs: 17-20 / 3rd %: 52-36 / Pass Att: 44-25 / Pass Comp: 32-12 / Pass Comp%: 73,2-48,8 / Sacks: 0-2 / Fum TA: 2-0 / Int TA: 0-2 / Pen: 5-2

Another short week. Two close games, with Aerellen running into a mediocre Aminey team and we're confronted with the fact that the teams really are a lot closer together this season. Normally we wouldn't see the best team losing to the worst one, but it's honestly a very well earned win for the Caspians. A very equal game with the Explosions banking on chunk plays while Aminey just get a little more offence out of shorter, simpler plays. Sterrenwolde lose to the other northeastern powerhouse in Noordrug, 13-0. Sterrenwolde's conservative offence is no match for a superior Noordrug squad. The other close game was a one-score affair in Greencaster with 21 points scored on the day - the Ko-orenite league remains not one for fans of offence, it seems - and it's the little things that decide it for Greencaster. Very well gameplanned to limit Eaglebury's high octane passing attack. The Saints win another one, with two fumbles going their way but giving away two interceptions at the same time. Willowbourne just generated a lot more offence and the Centaurs' passing game was very out of rhythm.

Week 7 DIV Rural Jaranethan 36 19:00 - Schemerdrecht 65ers 14-7 Sterrenwolde Dragonflies (Duivelsveld, Helburg, Schemerdrecht att. 13700/13700, 12C Sunny)
ToP: 32:46-27:14 / Total Yds: 331-298 / 1st Downs: 25-20 / 3rd %: 46-55 / Pass Att: 37-33 / Pass Comp: 19-23 / Pass Comp%: 52,4-68,6 / Sacks: 3-1 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-1 / Pen: 3-8

Week 7 DIV Rural Jaranethan 36 19:00 - Aminey Caspians 0-3 Noordrug Astronauts (Stade sur Écurie, Soibourg, Aminey att. 9000/9000, 17C Some rain)
ToP: 31:43-28:17 / Total Yds: 289-300 / 1st Downs: 27-10 / 3rd %: 42-43 / Pass Att: 38-34 / Pass Comp: 21-25 / Pass Comp%: 56,4-74,6 / Sacks: 3-0 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-0 / Pen: 2-4

Week 7 DIV Rural Jarakha 19:00 - Schemerdrecht Admirals 0-14 Aerellen Explosions (Vleugelbergerveld, Vleugelberg, Schemerdrecht att. 9600/9600, 11C Partially Cloudy)
ToP: 28:00-32:00 / Total Yds: 306-390 / 1st Downs: 20-22 / 3rd %: 47-41 / Pass Att: 27-32 / Pass Comp: 15-18 / Pass Comp%: 55,2-55,8 / Sacks: 5-8 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 3-0 / Pen: 5-5

Week 7 DIV Rural Jarakha 19:00 - Eaglebury Emperors 3-13 Mayara Wolves (Woomera Ground, Tarrashall, Eaglebury att. 7500/7500, 10C Clear)
ToP: 29:05-30:55 / Total Yds: 320-327 / 1st Downs: 24-26 / 3rd %: 37-49 / Pass Att: 19-30 / Pass Comp: 14-23 / Pass Comp%: 72-78 / Sacks: 2-1 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 3-1 / Pen: 7-8

Week 7 DIV Rural Jarakha 19:00 - Mawryshire Centaurs 3-16 Mayara Destroyers (Ddefchosted Stadiwm, Feddhaw, Mawrystwyth att. 7700/7700, 11C Clear)
ToP: 28:11-31:49 / Total Yds: 323-367 / 1st Downs: 17-23 / 3rd %: 42-41 / Pass Att: 30-15 / Pass Comp: 22-9 / Pass Comp%: 74,4-60,6 / Sacks: 1-5 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-0 / Pen: 4-7

More divisional games this week before we head into another out-of-division stretch. The playoffs are on the line for a few teams here, but Sterrenwolde and Aminey clock out once again as their season looks over before we're even halfway. The Dragonflies score a touchdown but give up a fumble return for a TD and they can't recover from that. The 65ers were vulnerable and beatable but they hang on to the 7-point lead across the entire fourth quarter. Aminey are shut out and the Astronauts need just a single field goal to win. The game plays out in midfield most of the time, between the turnovers and sacks, and the horrible accuracy in Aminey's passing, though they get a lot of yards on the running game, recording 27 first downs. The Astronauts need only 10 by taking over in midfield a bunch. Another shutout: the Explosions are back to winning ways and in great fashion stealing the win in Schemerdrecht over an Admirals team that had hoped to show they deserve a spot in the playoffs with a decent chance of getting anywhere. The last two games saw losing teams scoring just a field goal, with Eaglebury getting three interceptions and two sacks and it resulted in their opponents scoring as low as thirteen points but if you're not answering back with more than a field goal - that's a loss. The Destroyers get a fairly easy win in Mawrystwyth needing just 15 pass attempts, 9 completions, and somehow getting 23 first downs out of that. The insanely strong defensive line and the blitzers get five sacks but it still feels like a very strange result.

Week 8 EX Rural Tharathju 5 19:00 - Sterrenwolde Dragonflies 7-10 Greencaster Godspeed (Waterveld, Ossendal, Sterrenwolde att. 6100/6100, 14C Gloomy)
ToP: 31:23-28:37 / Total Yds: 322-297 / 1st Downs: 15-21 / 3rd %: 43-44 / Pass Att: 36-31 / Pass Comp: 20-18 / Pass Comp%: 54,4-59,6 / Sacks: 2-5 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 2-1 / Pen: 4-7

Week 8 EX Rural Tharathju 5 19:00 - Willowbourne Saints 27-24 Aerellen Explosions (The Ovation Station, Huthwich, Willowbourne att. 9000/9000, 14C Clear)
ToP: 32:35-27:25 / Total Yds: 409-384 / 1st Downs: 25-20 / 3rd %: 60-44 / Pass Att: 44-25 / Pass Comp: 25-16 / Pass Comp%: 57,6-64,4 / Sacks: 1-2 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 2-0 / Pen: 4-2

Week 8 EX Rural Tharathju 6 19:00 - Mayara Destroyers 23-22 Noordrug Astronauts (Rikalathen Arena, Maethoru, Mayara att. 32813/39000, 20C Clear, Hail)
ToP: 30:56-29:04 / Total Yds: 372-383 / 1st Downs: 22-26 / 3rd %: 44-45 / Pass Att: 18-25 / Pass Comp: 14-15 / Pass Comp%: 77,2-58,8 / Sacks: 1-0 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 0-2 / Pen: 8-6

Week 8 EX Rural Tharathju 6 19:00 - Aminey Caspians 0-10 Mayara Wolves (Stade sur Écurie, Soibourg, Aminey att. 9000/9000, 17C Clear, Hail)
ToP: 30:32-29:28 / Total Yds: 290-330 / 1st Downs: 20-20 / 3rd %: 39-53 / Pass Att: 46-29 / Pass Comp: 31-18 / Pass Comp%: 68-61 / Sacks: 0-6 / Fum TA: 1-0 / Int TA: 1-0 / Pen: 4-8

Week 8 EX Rural Tharathju 6 19:00 - Schemerdrecht Admirals 13-10 Eaglebury Emperors (Vleugelbergerveld, Vleugelberg, Schemerdrecht att. 9600/9600, 13C Gloomy and rainy)
ToP: 31:21-28:39 / Total Yds: 355-346 / 1st Downs: 17-14 / 3rd %: 39-36 / Pass Att: 25-14 / Pass Comp: 17-8 / Pass Comp%: 67,6-58,4 / Sacks: 1-1 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-2 / Pen: 5-6

Week 8 EX Rural Tharathju 6 19:00 - Schemerdrecht 65ers 7-24 Mawryshire Centaurs (Duivelsveld, Helburg, Schemerdrecht att. 13700/13700, 11C Gloomy and rainy)
ToP: 29:23-30:37 / Total Yds: 317-357 / 1st Downs: 22-18 / 3rd %: 47-46 / Pass Att: 42-20 / Pass Comp: 20-16 / Pass Comp%: 47,6-80,4 / Sacks: 7-3 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 1-0 / Pen: 6-6

Another three-game out-of-division stretch. Sterrenwolde lose again, getting sacked five times in a game with no real offence to speak of. The Saints beat Aerellen in a close one - perhaps this was even the best game of the regular season so far, with plenty of offence without showing two hopeless defences: there was a bit of everything and it was fun as can be. More close games: Noordrug lose to the Destroyers on a last-second field goal as the home side's dominant passing game is both rare and effective. The Wolves shut down Aminey - a team that that keeps happening to - while Eaglebury lose to the Admirals who keep their hopes alive, and lastly Mawryshire do get a win as the 65ers stumble to another headscratcher of a result. They get seven sacks, but the offence falls apart completely.

Week 9 EX Rural Tharathju 11 19:00 - Aerellen Explosions 13-37 Greencaster Godspeed (Aeresa, Arboren, Aevanna att. 12500/12500, 5C Partially Cloudy)
ToP: 27:38-32:22 / Total Yds: 330-375 / 1st Downs: 27-11 / 3rd %: 38-36 / Pass Att: 21-38 / Pass Comp: 13-23 / Pass Comp%: 60,2-60,8 / Sacks: 3-2 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-1 / Pen: 7-3

Week 9 EX Rural Tharathju 11 19:00 - Noordrug Astronauts 39-34 Willowbourne Saints (Hazel Arena, Straudum, Launott att. 25400/25400, 4C Partially Cloudy)
ToP: 32:24-27:36 / Total Yds: 430-356 / 1st Downs: 18-24 / 3rd %: 53-53 / Pass Att: 34-39 / Pass Comp: 22-29 / Pass Comp%: 66-74 / Sacks: 0-1 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 0-1 / Pen: 3-6

Week 9 EX Rural Tharathju 12 19:00 - Mayara Destroyers 19-22 Aminey Caspians (Rikalathen Arena, Maethoru, Mayara att. 39000/39000, 15C Gloomy)
ToP: 30:38-29:22 / Total Yds: 376-363 / 1st Downs: 19-24 / 3rd %: 35-55 / Pass Att: 15-30 / Pass Comp: 8-23 / Pass Comp%: 50,4-77,6 / Sacks: 1-3 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 0-1 / Pen: 5-5

Week 9 EX Rural Tharathju 12 19:00 - Mayara Wolves 17-31 Schemerdrecht Admirals (Lothaudhna Stadium, Gakhithrau, Senoren att. 9200/9200, 16C Gloomy)
ToP: 30:09-29:51 / Total Yds: 341-356 / 1st Downs: 14-19 / 3rd %: 49-55 / Pass Att: 25-24 / Pass Comp: 17-15 / Pass Comp%: 69,2-60,8 / Sacks: 3-5 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-1 / Pen: 5-9

Week 9 EX Rural Tharathju 12 19:00 - Eaglebury Emperors 10-14 Schemerdrecht 65ers (Woomera Ground, Tarrashall, Eaglebury att. 7500/7500, 10C Gloomy)
ToP: 31:26-28:34 / Total Yds: 355-320 / 1st Downs: 19-26 / 3rd %: 54-47 / Pass Att: 19-49 / Pass Comp: 14-37 / Pass Comp%: 72,2-74,8 / Sacks: 2-1 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-1 / Pen: 7-9

Week 9 EX Rural Tharathju 12 19:00 - Mawryshire Centaurs 20-10 Sterrenwolde Dragonflies (Ddefchosted Stadiwm, Feddhaw, Mawrystwyth att. 7700/7700, 10C Gloomy)
ToP: 33:41-26:19 / Total Yds: 374-288 / 1st Downs: 10-8 / 3rd %: 28-43 / Pass Att: 26-35 / Pass Comp: 15-19 / Pass Comp%: 58-55 / Sacks: 2-6 / Fum TA: 1-2 / Int TA: 1-0 / Pen: 5-3

Greencaster are putting things together in their win streak - can they be the western answer to the eastern Aerellen/Noordrug duopoly? They beat the contenders by 24 points and are sitting on a 3-game win streak that could be vital to decide the narrow western division. They do so via a handful of plays that go for incredible yardage, while also keeping the ball away from Aerellen's offence. The other northeasterners are also involved in a big score, but Noordrug manages to win on a walk-off touchdown: 39-34 over the Saints. They rudely hand the Saints their second loss, and Willowbourne now sit on 5-2-1 and comfortably await the second half of the season. Point of worry: Noordrug breaches 400 yards of offence which typically happens about once a week, and it's usually a good offence 'dunking' on a bad defence. The Caspians stumble to a fourth win on the season by beating the Destroyers, whose season is pretty much over with their 0-5 start and running into walls every other week or so. It's just not a great team anymore, no matter how close this game was. Converting 35% of third downs isn't the sign of a winning team either. The Admirals are putting together a playoff bid after starting 0-2-1 as they beat a very competitive Wolves squad, via sacks, first downs, and otherwise avoiding big mistakes... they still committed a lot of stupidities, though. The 65ers win while attempting 49 passes and the short pass game works out, and the clock controlling Emperors can't get a winning drive together in time. The Centaurs have broken .500 with their win over Sterrenwolde, who limp to five straight losses as their season is basically over. Even if Mawryshire can't convert more than 28% of their third downs - which is fairly normal for the Sterrenwolde defence - they just can't reliably score more than 14 points.

Week 10 EX Tharathju 17 19:00 - Greencaster Godspeed 0-10 Noordrug Astronauts (Surbourneshire Square, Greencaster att. 62611/65000, 17C Cloudy)
ToP: 30:14-29:46 / Total Yds: 292-333 / 1st Downs: 12-18 / 3rd %: 38-41 / Pass Att: 55-28 / Pass Comp: 39-20 / Pass Comp%: 71-73 / Sacks: 4-3 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 2-1 / Pen: 6-5

Week 10 EX Tharathju 17 19:00 - Aminey Caspians 3-37 Willowbourne Saints (Stade sur la Baie, Aminey att. 58279/70000, 10C Sunny)
ToP: 26:36-33:24 / Total Yds: 301-426 / 1st Downs: 15-21 / 3rd %: 30-60 / Pass Att: 43-41 / Pass Comp: 31-33 / Pass Comp%: 73,2-79,8 / Sacks: 5-2 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 2-1 / Pen: 4-9

Week 10 EX Tharathju 18 19:00 - Mayara Destroyers 16-10 Schemerdrecht Admirals (Exhibition Centre, Mayara att. 41000/41000, 16C Sunny)
ToP: 31:21-28:39 / Total Yds: 373-327 / 1st Downs: 20-21 / 3rd %: 48-55 / Pass Att: 10-28 / Pass Comp: 7-16 / Pass Comp%: 65,2-58,8 / Sacks: 4-9 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 2-0 / Pen: 9-9

Week 10 EX Tharathju 18 19:00 - Mayara Wolves 7-6 Schemerdrecht 65ers (Wolves' Lair Stadium, Senoren att. 37000/37000, 18C Sunny)
ToP: 30:30-29:30 / Total Yds: 335-297 / 1st Downs: 16-11 / 3rd %: 41-49 / Pass Att: 29-40 / Pass Comp: 23-28 / Pass Comp%: 80,2-70,8 / Sacks: 1-3 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 1-1 / Pen: 7-7

Week 10 EX Tharathju 18 19:00 - Eaglebury Emperors 10-0 Sterrenwolde Dragonflies (The Palace, Eaglebury att. 34000/34000, 15C Partially Cloudy)
ToP: 31:46-28:14 / Total Yds: 332-266 / 1st Downs: 20-17 / 3rd %: 46-44 / Pass Att: 21-29 / Pass Comp: 12-17 / Pass Comp%: 58-57 / Sacks: 4-3 / Fum TA: 1-0 / Int TA: 0-0 / Pen: 6-4

Week 10 EX Tharathju 18 19:00 - Mawryshire Centaurs 13-27 Aerellen Explosions (Hertfield, Mawrystwyth att. 33000/33000, 14C Partially Cloudy)
ToP: 28:38-31:22 / Total Yds: 342-422 / 1st Downs: 26-25 / 3rd %: 37-56 / Pass Att: 33-22 / Pass Comp: 21-14 / Pass Comp%: 63,2-63,8 / Sacks: 4-0 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-2 / Pen: 4-4

More low scores as offences are really struggling to put together consecutive drives in the post-NTers-on-clubs era. It'll get more entertaining, we swear! Noordrug picks apart Greencaster, Willowbourne continues their quiet dominance in the western division with a 34-point win over Aminey, two teams that were recently dominant stumble to 16-10 with the Destroyers getting a necessary win, the Wolves are at least as good as Willowbourne and win 7-6 with another run-first, weird-stat game. The Dragonflies fall to six straight losses and even get shut out by the Emperors, but at least Aerellen does what it needs to do and get a comfortable win. The West are 4-2 over the East this round, but it feels way worse. We blame the 3-37. The Destroyers attempt just 10 passes for a season-low, the Godspeed drop back 55 times for a season-high, the Saints convert 60% of their third downs, and we have two teams over 400 total yards. In between the low scores, the level of play is still pretty damn good - dare we say top 5 in the multiverse - and a lot does happen.

Week 11 RIVAL Tharathju 29 19:00 - Aminey Caspians 6-7 Sterrenwolde Dragonflies (Stade sur la Baie, Aminey att. 64107/70000, 8C Intermittent rain)
ToP: 32:32-27:28 / Total Yds: 317-299 / 1st Downs: 19-20 / 3rd %: 34-41 / Pass Att: 38-30 / Pass Comp: 22-22 / Pass Comp%: 56,8-72,2 / Sacks: 5-1 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 2-0 / Pen: 3-2

Week 11 RIVAL Tharathju 29 19:00 - Greencaster Godspeed 31-51 Willowbourne Saints (Surbourneshire Square, Greencaster att. 65000/65000, 11C Overcast)
ToP: 29:41-30:19 / Total Yds: 350-428 / 1st Downs: 26-23 / 3rd %: 39-48 / Pass Att: 54-35 / Pass Comp: 28-20 / Pass Comp%: 51-56 / Sacks: 2-1 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 3-1 / Pen: 4-6

Week 11 RIVAL Tharathju 30 19:00 - Schemerdrecht Admirals 7-13 Schemerdrecht 65ers (Orange Bowl, Schemerdrecht att. 48970/54000, 9C Partially Cloudy with rain)
ToP: 29:19-30:41 / Total Yds: 322-351 / 1st Downs: 29-16 / 3rd %: 42-47 / Pass Att: 29-31 / Pass Comp: 14-23 / Pass Comp%: 48,8-75,2 / Sacks: 0-5 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 1-0 / Pen: 3-9

Week 11 RIVAL Tharathju 30 19:00 - Mayara Destroyers 19-20 Mayara Wolves (Exhibition Centre, Mayara att. 41000/41000, 8C Clear)
ToP: 32:13-27:47 / Total Yds: 383-341 / 1st Downs: 24-19 / 3rd %: 47-39 / Pass Att: 24-28 / Pass Comp: 18-15 / Pass Comp%: 74,8-53,2 / Sacks: 2-1 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 0-2 / Pen: 7-7

Week 11 RIVAL Tharathju 30 19:00 - Eaglebury Emperors 0-17 Mawryshire Centaurs (The Palace, Eaglebury att. 34000/34000, 5C Cloudy)
ToP: 27:48-32:12 / Total Yds: 313-334 / 1st Downs: 23-25 / 3rd %: 36-50 / Pass Att: 21-30 / Pass Comp: 14-20 / Pass Comp%: 64,6-67,4 / Sacks: 4-5 / Fum TA: 0-1 / Int TA: 1-2 / Pen: 7-7

Week 11 RIVAL Tharathju 30 19:00 - Aerellen Explosions 26-10 Noordrug Astronauts (Northern Arena, Aevanna att. 32000/32000, 0C Cloudy)
ToP: 35:06-24:54 / Total Yds: 406-305 / 1st Downs: 19-19 / 3rd %: 45-38 / Pass Att: 21-25 / Pass Comp: 11-19 / Pass Comp%: 54,2-74,8 / Sacks: 5-4 / Fum TA: 1-1 / Int TA: 1-0 / Pen: 5-8

It's rivalry week!
1) The Dragonflies end their 6-game slide with a win over Aminey - that's rivalry week! Scores are settled, history is both more important than ever yet results from weeks ago are irrelevant, and despite the Caspians' turnovers, the Dragonflies only need one scoring drive if Aminey can't put together an offence at all.
2) The big cities combine for 82 points in a #GoodGame internationally, with lots of passing, lots of yards, a bunch of turnovers and sloppy ball security, but the Saints win the first part of the rivalry by 20. It took them a while to pull away but the Godspeed never played like they were way down.
3) The Schemerdrecht derby is a 20-point affair... combining both teams' productions. The entire margin of the previous game is the total scoring in this one. Five sacks yet five penalties for the 65ers who do nearly everything by themselves and the Admirals just can't catch them on enough mistakes, no matter how many were made.
4) The Capital derby ends in a one-point difference, reflecting how these teams are doing in the standings with the Wolves just a tad ahead of the Destroyers. The Wolves probably deserved to win this by a fair bit more...
5) This is what we need in these games: a shutout. Fuel on the fire. Mawryshire dominate Eaglebury as both teams are trying to make it to the postseason, and the Centaurs tell the Emperors to reconsider this season entirely.
6) The northeastern rivalry is the one we were all waiting for, the two teams first and second in nearly every power ranking since week one. The Explosions are back to winning in a somewhat slow game: running is the adage and the Astronauts can't figure out a way to stop exactly what they knew was coming.

by **Ranoria** » Mon May 01, 2023 8:14 am

Let Chaos Reign:
Krauts Look Strong, But As Playoffs Begin, The Law Of "Any Given Sunday" Will Be In Full Effect

Raul Nieler is arguably the most decorated Ranorian coach ever on the international stage - can he separate himself from Thomas Hall with a third World Bowl title?

For the first time in more than a decade - an embattled World Bowl 40 to be exact - Ranoria has escaped the group stage unscathed. It's the first time they've managed it since Derek McNair's passing, the former Memphis Steamers legend having achieved that feat twice. Mind you, they never won a championship after one of those undefeated stretches - and last time we hosted the World Bowl, a cooperative effort with South Newlandia - things didn't go so well either.

"None of that matters here," said Nieler in a post-practice presser, "No one in this building came here to make the playoffs, or bring home another bronze medal - I'd melt that thing down if Rolf Annelie [RFL commissioner] would let me. If we don't win the whole thing, this has been a lost season. It's that simple." Nieler's never wavered on that point - now with an 87-29-1 overall record on the biggest stage in the sport - he's a man who sets his sight on the pinnacle. But he's not the only one.

If the Krauts' back-to-back championship campaigns were a statement to the gridiron world, the Serpent Eagles doing the exact same thing immedietely following one was an explanation point. "Anything you can do, we can do better," and in the grand scheme of things, Banija as a whole has been the most dominant nation in recent sporting history. They're the reigning World Cup, World Lacrosse Championship, World Baseball Classic, and back-to-back World Bowl champions. Thomas Hall, their Ranorian head coach, is a part of that, and he's the only other Ranorian coach to have multiple titles on the professional level. In his seven seasons, he's got a pair of World Bowl titles and a runner up in World Bowl 40.

There are a lot of teams with two World Bowls. But three? That's a different echelon, and would create some separation between two of the better coaches of the modern era. At 9-0 with the most vicious defense since Ko-oren's World Bowl 42 unit, the Krauts are one of the favorites - but is anyone really going to count out the Serpent Eagles? With the reigning MVP of the GFLB - an award who's threshold is nothing less than historic production - at the helm, counting them out is foolish, let alone their credentials from the last two tournaments. A rocky group stage that started with poor showings from their dinged up superstar corners is behind them.

But there are two other monsters lurking. While first-seed HUElavia is seen by many as a potential paper tiger, Ko-oren and Chromatika are two sides with the star power and the pedigree to go all the way. The Dragonflies defense ranked as the second best in this tournament despite playing against an offensive-minded Jacksonboro and Valanora along with a Quebecois offense led by a legend in Donovan O'Mara. They're in the rare echelon of four time World Bowl champions, and with veteran Alastair Thorebourne still taking handoffs their offense has enough pepper to put up a highlight reel when they need it.

And Chromatika, of course, is fielding Sarai Gwenderyn. A reigning RFL champion and MVP - perhaps an even harder honor to achieve than the GFLB's as a quarterback - with the old guard in the Grid Corps' Cropduster, John Garrett, and Ice Chineze all likely to exit stage right following this Bowl, her case as the best quarterback in the world is largely uncontested. Couple that with the best receiver to ever grace Ranoria in Alessandra Mio lining up on the outside, two monsters at linebacker who need no introduction, and a former defensive player of the year at corner in Victoria Mio, they're loaded across the board.

Of course as we're well aware, Saint Kanye's Surge are always threats to go the distance, South Americanastan's been good for a long time and is a team gunning to finally break out, and Quebec and Shingoryeo always has a chance with O'Mara taking snaps. The World Bowl playoffs are always chaotic - perhaps no example being greater than our first round loss to Jeckland in World Bowl 39 or Chromatika's stunning semifinal exit at the hands of Drawkland in World Bowl 43.

That's all great, this thing's going to be pure chaos - but what about the Krauts?

First of all - they're fielding the best defense in the tournament, no question. They pitched two shutouts in just nine games and allowed just three touchdowns on the campaign, including just nine points over the final four outings. Last time a defense was this good was the World Bowl 42 Dragonflies, who allowed 33 points in eight contests, about two tenths of a point better than this group on a per game basis. The defensive line as been as good as advertised, fielding four players with game-wrecking potential. Abram Fairbanks has been incredible, but at least during this run, Gideon Kearse has been the star of the show. Averaging more than a sack and a tackle for loss per game, he's torn apart the competition and is a huge reason why even Cassadaigua's offense couldn't get much going against us. Having such a strong supporting cast around him helps of course - leaving any of these defensive linemen single blocked is a huge gamble. With Najee Isidora playing linebacker at a level we haven't seen on this team since Ross Monarch's inspired World Bowl 40 season and a secondary that's been playing to its exciting upside rather than its alarming downside, exposing them to this point just hasn't happened.

Couple that with an offense more than willing to hand the ball off forty times to a group of big backs, and they're kept fresh late in games. If John Garrett is needed, the hope is that his arm will be enough to lift the team past whoever does manage to finally score on that unit. The quarterback is in the death throes of professional career, already having retired from domestic play - and it's very likely he'll be asked to drop back a lot in the first round.

The Krauts are fielding a monstrous unit on the offensive line, but the smallest of Sarzonia's starting front four clocks in at 280 pounds. The heaviest at a mammoth 360. With two linebackers behind them at 265+ pounds and another clocking in at 255, this is a front seven built to dare opponents to pass the ball. They won't shy away from power backs or any kind of hard-nosed football team - they're built to swallow those kinds of teams whole. And if Farmboy can't find his legs after putting up 20+ just once in his four group stage starts, this could end up as a very bad matchup for a very good team.

"We're going to run the football," Nieler insisted in a press conference, "It's the identity of this team and no team with that identity is going to shy away from it just because of some guys that look good on a scale. Jack Hoy found success on the ground against the Stars, and we will as well."

Bold words - but are the Krauts on upset watch? They could be the first team to fall victim to the sport's inherent randomness - it'd be a tragic way to go for Garrett's swan song.

by **TJUN-ia** » Mon May 01, 2023 9:47 am

After dealing with Magnecia one final time, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia were almost across the finish line when it comes to trying to win Group A. Everyone knew that the only thing we had to do was win in order to claim the group and a Top 8 seed in the upcoming playoffs. That was the goal Gus McKerrin wanted to claim, come hell or high water...but could we get it done? That was the question everyone wanted answering...but could we get it done?

McNair Memorial Stadium in Memphis would host this game against Hofn and we knew what we wanted to do...but it wasn't going to come easy. This game actually ended up being a tight affair as Hofn wanted to go out with a bang and we simply had a tough time of it overall. They managed to score 10 points on us in a tight-ass game, with a TD (w/PAT) and 45-yard FG certainly putting us under threat. Allister Ghoulson knew he had all the pressure on his high tail to get the job done and while things were tougher than expected, he just got that job done with 2 TD throws to Fremont Whitehorse and 2/2 on PATs from Chi On-Ma. It was a tough job but in the end, it was completed...TJUN-ia won the group on Head-to-Head. By god, does it feel good to say that.

We are seeded #7 for the playoffs and due to some avoiding of group rematches, we will go to the National Harvester Golden-Dome in Sierraville to play....Pot 1 South Newlandia in a an 8v9 showdown that is 7v10 in the seeding. The Elephants finished 2nd in Group F on 6-3 but the real interest in this fixture will be on SNL QB Zachary Stevens...who is half TJUN-ian, passport and all, but opted to play for the Elephants due to the lighter competition at QB compared with us. That makes sense in my book...but it does mean that, by technicality, two TJUN-ian QBs will start this game. Will Stevens show us he is the one that got away, or will Ghoulson continue his swansong with a good performance? Only time, and blood, will tell...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 W 29-3 (2nd/3-2)
MD6: @Hofn (UR) W 23-9 (2nd/4-2)
--------------NEUTRAL SITE GAMES--------------
MD7: vs Gyatso-Kai (13) - Dynamo Park, Dietrich W 20-14 (1st/5-2)
MD8: vs Magnecia (UR) - Crusader Arena, Lafayette W 45-7 (1st/6-2)
MD9: vs Hofn (UR) - McNair Memorial Stadium, Memphis W 14-10 (1st/7-2/+108PD/#7 Seed)
------------------------------------------
Ro16: vs South Newlandia (8/#10/F2) - National Harvester Golden-Dome, Sierraville

by **Cassadaigua** » Mon May 01, 2023 1:33 pm

Fillies Finish Strong,
by Kenzie Sherman, Concord Heights Times

You can get out the brooms when it comes to Cassadaigua against United Hawkland, as the pink and black once again found a way to defeat the group's bottom feeder. It will not go down as a fun first World Bowl for United Hawkland, as they would finish just 1-8 in the group stage, with a feeble point differential of -145. They were not the worst team over this stretch, but they certainly have a lot of work to do, should they decide to come back again. Fortunately, their players can deny that they were a part of a team, because there is no formal record of it. Cassadaigua had everything wrapped up, and would give many players a chance to play in the game. As a matter of fact, every player that is a part of the roster and that had not been in a game up to this point, as well as those who had only been in for a handful of snaps, had a chance to play on this occasions.

Brittany Carrington and the regular starters would play only the first series before getting the rest of the game off. After receiving to begin the contest, and having Katelynn Ellis take the kick off all the way to the United Hawkland 43, there was not a lot of work that they had to do. They would only need five plays to find the end zone, as Carrington connected with Allie Raymond for 13 yards to make it 7-0. Defensively, the starters would also only get one series before the reins were handed to the second and third strings, and they would force a three and out. Now, a bunch of other players were going to have an opportunity, and on the first series with Chrissy Berkman under center, the Fillies did not miss a beat, going 77 yards before Chrissy hooked up with Monica Harrington to make it 14-0. The defensive backups were not as fortunate, as they would surrender a scoring drive, and oddly, United Hawkland lined up to go for two. Why in the world they were doing this, I really have no idea, but they would not be successful, as an attempted QB sneak was swallowed up Shane Pizano, keeping the score 14-6. On Cassadaigua's next possession, they would again methodically move down the field, and would find the end zone again, thanks to Rachel McGregor's five yard run. Then, the Fillies lined up to go for two, in what coach Jennifer Cole told me, "Well, they tried in an odd situation, and didn't make it, so we just wanted to show them how it was done, to go for two when there was really no reason too, and to be successful with it". They were, with Berkman tossing it to McGregor on a screen pass, and the score was 22-6. UH hit a field goal before the end of the first half, but still, Cassadaigua seemed to be in control of the game, with the 22-9 advantage.

United Hawkland did receive to begin the second half, and moved the ball down the field reasonably well, helped up by a 33-yard pass interference penalty on Sierra Halliday that was marginal, at best. With that, another field goal was hit, and it was 22-12. Perhaps, if this was a game that had meaning, there would be concern, but the Fillies still seemed relaxed on their sideline, and swifty responded to the score when Ashley Pryor broke free on a run, taking it 60 yards for the score, and making it 29-12. At that point, the third stringers were put in, including Tori Grasso at quarterback.

Tori also looked good on her first possession, and led the team downfield, getting a TD pass of her own, connecting with Maria Oliveras for 17 yards, to make it 36-12. It was also the first such catch for Oliveras, and the two of them will have to find a way to share the keepsake that this will be (first World Bowl TD pass for Grasso and first World Bowl TD reception for Oliveras). The defense played well to the end, though a meaningless touchdown was scored by the opponent with just 1:33 left in the game. Cassadagan fans chanted "go for two! go for two!", which may have made sense if they thought they could successfully field a couple onside kids and move down the field, but they did not try the conversion. It wouldn't matter, as their onside kick attempt was also fielded cleanly by the Fillies, making 36-19 the final.

Cassadaigua finishes the group stage with a 5-4 record, and will be the #14 seed in the opening round. Traditionally, this would have meant a game against #3 Ranoria, but as there are no group stage rematches in the first round, it was adjusted to have us play the #2 seed, Ko-oren. The Fillies have really not done anything during the group stage to make us get too excited about this, but they are going to give it their best shot. Brittany Carrington does not want to hear any doubters, either, "Anything can happen on the field. These games are not played on paper or on some funky computer program. We're going to go out there, give it our all, and look to execute our game plan. I believe in this team!"

As she should. At least, for now, when you are in the role of a big underdog, you don't have a lot of pressure on you.

by **Sarzonia** » Mon May 01, 2023 3:07 pm

Gavin Davis barely had time to think about the crazy journey he and quarterback Cameron Stallworth took to get here.

It was more than just the current World Bowl XLVI qualifying cycle, one that saw Sarzonia stumble out of the gate with an embarrassing 0-2 record. It was one thing losing the opening match away to No. 4 Drawkland. The Grid Corps were always going to be a tough nut to crack. Drawks are never a fun opponent regardless of sport, so losing by three possessions to a team harbouring designs of an unblemished 9-0-0 record simply would be chalked up to the high level of competition.

However, dropping a 22-14 decision to unranked Katterimunk? Even one of the most consistent "stay the course" voices among Sarzonia gridball media talking heads began calling for Davis's head on a silver platter. Even the 10-0 victory over The Spartan Dominion to get the Stars back in the win column did little to quell the anger.

Ironically, the team began to show its true strength in a loss, as the Drawks kicked five field goals in a 15-9 result at sold out Joe Gibbs Stadium in Woodstock. A team that hithero led all qualifying teams in points scored (138 in three matches, 44.5 points per match) during the first leg with margins of victory in the mid-upper 30s against the unranked teams was suddenly kept in check by Sarzonia.

"There are no moral victories at this level," a sombre Stallworth said after the Drawkland loss at home. "We had our chances against them." Sarzonia wrapped up its home schedule with a 36-14 win over Katterimunk as the middle leg of a three-match win streak that would set it up as the favourite to join Drawkland with extended hotel reservations in Ranoria.

The first time in Ranoria, the Stars offence finally had a match worth giving a second look at. It may be true that there are no moral victories, but in a Drawk-Stars battle that saw 85 combined points, the Stars were responsible for 42 of then in a one-point setback. The Stars held serve in their final two matches whilst The Spartan Dominion pulled off what might be considered an upset with a 26-20 overtime win over Drawkland.

The end result was Sarzonia would face hosts Ranoria in a true away contest. Had standard playoff seeding not been in effect, the Stars would face ultra defensive Ko-oren. Instead, they battle a Krauts team hell bent on establishing the run and playing smashmouth gridball.

Suits Sarzonia just fine.

"We're looking to counter their run packages, might play eight in the box, run some stunts, throw a couple run blitzes at 'em," defensive coordinator Tyler Paige said. "If they're looking to run on us, they're going to have to push our bags out the way."

As for Sarzonia's offence, Davis said he planned to show Ranoria a couple of wrinkles, but wouldn't specify what they were.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret, would it? Davis said with a wry smile.

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