NSCF 29 - Everything Thread

[Cardenao]

Cardenao Sports Network

Missy LeCrown: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Cardenao Sports Network, bringing you Cardenao Sports News Now! I'm Missy LeCrown, and I'm here with the captain and quarterback of LeBois Santura University Broncos, Bobby Dials. Tough game out there today, Bobby. 14-6 loss to Bingham Young University, how are you feeling after this?

Bobby Dials: Thanks, Missy. Yeah, it was a tough game, a bit shit from me really so yeah, I'm obviously disappointed with how things went. We didn't execute as well as we could have, and as the quarterback, that’s 100% on me. I take responsibility for my performance and the two interceptions I threw.

Missy LeCrown: You did manage to connect with junior tight-end Antonio Peterson for a touchdown early in the second quarter, but those two late-game interceptions did make an impact. What went wrong on those plays?

Bobby Dials: On the touchdown pass to Tony, we managed to execute the play well, Coach called for a quick slant and Tony hit it perfectly and I threw it even more perfect so that was a great feeling. Which just made those interceptions so much shittier, I just made the wrong decisions. I didn't read the defense as well as I normally do, and it cost us the game. BYU's defense played really well, credit to the boys, and they capitalized on my mistakes.

Missy LeCrown: This rivalry between LeBois Santura and BYU seems to be heating up, especially since BYU has now beaten the Broncos twice in a row, that initial victory must look pretty far away in the rear view mirror. How does this impact the team's mentality moving forward?

Bobby Dials: Absolutely yeah, this rivalry is definitely just getting started and it’s already burning strong, which is a good thing. Losing to BYU stings, but it's also fuel for us. We know the level we can compete at, and we're determined to work harder on the practice field, in the weight room, we’re ready to get after it starting with the Napoli-Zinemar City University Lions. We’re not going to let this one loss define our entire season, we’re gonna get out there next week and show what we got.

Missy LeCrown: Naturally with that rivalry there comes comparisons between you and Blake Zurcher, Bingham Young University’s quarterback who has now won two out of three games against you. What do you have to say about that?

Bobby Dials: What I have to say? Well it's unlucky, that’s how the game goes. I got time, I got the fire in me to improve and I’m determined to be the one celebrating next time out. I’m going to push myself harder than ever, we’ll see what people are saying next time. But I’m not thinking about that right now, Missy. I’m thinking about the Napoli-Zinemar City University Lions. That’s who we play next, that’s who I’m thinking about, that’s the win we need to get.

Missy LeCrown: You had an outstanding season last year, Bobby, but it’s fair to say today's performance did not meet the standard you’ve set. Are you worried about your form moving forward?

Bobby Dials: Of course, I feel pretty shit after a game like this where the loss is on my shoulders. But this ain’t the first time for me, I've been through rough patches before. I believe in myself, I know who I am and I ain’t worried about the hard work I've put in. This isn’t something I’m worried about, this is motivation to hit the practice field even harder and iron out any issues, I’ll be running those two plays a hundred times in the next week to get them perfect. I'm determined to get back to where I was and help my team succeed, that’s on my name.

Missy LeCrown: There's still a lot of football left to be played this season. What's your message to the fans and your teammates as you move forward from this loss?

Bobby Dials: To our fans, thank you for your support. Seeing y’all in blue and orange every week is the hottest thing, we feel your passion and we're just as disappointed as you are. But don't lose faith in us. We rode together last year and accomplished some good things, we’ve got a strong team this year and we're committed to improving every single day. To my teammates, let's use this as a learning experience. We win as a team and we lose as a team. Time to head back to the dorms, get some rest tonight. We'll stick together, work on our weaknesses, and come back stronger than ever.

Missy LeCrown: Thanks, Bobby. Best of luck in your preparations for the upcoming games.

Bobby Dials: Thank you, Missy. We're going to bounce back and make everyone proud. Watch out for the Broncos, Let’s Ride!

---

The Journal of Alabaster Red
Volume One

Had a game today, played those mormons from BYU. Shit game, lost 14-6. Bobby played like ass, threw two picks that they capitalized on. Didn’t get the win but at least I played well, really left it all in the field.

Nine stops, six solo, two sacks, not a bad way to start the season. It feels nice, last season showed me how much I needed to improve and I put in the work over the off-season. I feel faster, I know I’m stronger, my technique’s gotten so much cleaner working with Coach. Love that, love seeing the work come together. Now what can I do next week?

Hope it’s not another loss, even when I play well I still feel like shit after losing. I know I need to pivot, look ahead to next week, but when every game matters, losing one just sucks. So much work and heart and it’s the MORMONS. Hate losing to them, hate losing to anyone. Just gotta pick ourselves up I guess.

Getting a little frustrated at BD, throws two picks and loses the game for us but he’s already on TV 30 seconds after the final whistle. He’s our QB, our captain, he’s the center of the team but my man keeps walking down the celebrity path and that interview just kinda pissed me off. Why are you on national television saying ‘to my teammates’…bro, we’re in the locker room waiting to hear that from you in person where it matters. Not in an interview with that fox Missy LeCrown. I know he’s carrying the loss hard, I know that. I just hope he can pull his head out his ass and channel it better. We need him.

Lot to think about today, peaks and valleys. I guess I can only focus on myself. Time to hit the gym and get practicing again. Gonna do what I can to get us bouncing back with a win.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

OOC: Cutoff window will change from 21h30-23h30 EDT to 22h30-0h30 effective next cutoff window on my end.

Horizon and Zephyr Conference - Week 2

Cutoff.

---

CELESTIA CONFERENCE

Starlight Division
Sadeg State University (DRK) 33–27 Staramara Tech University (CMT)
Felswyr State University (CMT) 52–16 Cavsar University (DRK)

# Starlight Division                                                    Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Felswyr State University                                                2   2  0   94  39 +55
2 Sadeg State University                                                  2   1  1   56  69 −13
3 Cavsar University                                                       2   1  1   53  75 −22
4 Staramara Tech University                                               2   0  2   50  70 −20

Equinox Division
Altai University (OKX) 24–47 Natanians and Nosts Palæontological-Centred Research University (NTN)
Koronki University of Technology and Computing (DOT) 33–6 Frontier Mechanical and Technical University (SAS)

# Equinox Division                                                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Koronki University of Technology and Computing                          2   2  0   64  16 +48
2 Frontier Mechanical and Technical University                            2   1  1   40  43  −3
3 Natanians and Nosts Palæontological-Centred Research University         2   1  1   57  58  −1
4 Altai University                                                        2   0  2   34  78 −44

ZEPHYR CONFERENCE

Legends Division
University of Lacragos (EVI) 17–34 Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA)
University of Mancodas (PFA) 22–7 Crown's College (SHM)

# Legends Division                  Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 University of Mancodas              2   2  0   52  10 +42
2 Maximus Rochester Institute         2   2  0   67  31 +36
3 Crown's College                     2   0  2   21  55 −34
4 University of Lacragos              2   0  2   20  64 −44

Celestial Division
Mar Sara Tech (VAL) 42–28 Bowerstone University (ATH)
University of Akderdair (ATH) 37–55 Raynor University (VAL)

# Celestial Division                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Raynor University                   2   2  0   88  56 +32
2 University of Akderdair             2   1  1   68  82 −14
3 Mar Sara Tech                       2   1  1   69  59 +10
4 Bowerstone University               2   0  2   47  75 −28

[Drawkland]

Big Eight & Mineral
Week 2

Week 2, about to be in the books! Remember people, cutoffs are Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday

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BIG EIGHT
Richardson University 54–10 High City College
Sea Dome University 10–35 Cold Hill University
Küsbon Kollege 15–21 Bingham Young University
Napoli-Zinemar City University 18–44 LeBois Santura University

# Everless Division               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Richardson University             2    2   0   127   31  +96
2 Cold Hill University              2    2   0    58   27  +31
3 High City College                 2    0   2    27   77  −50
4 Sea Dome University               2    0   2    31  108  −77


# Evermore Division               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Bingham Young University          2    2   0    37   22  +15
2 LeBois Santura University         2    1   1    51   34  +17
3 Napoli-Zinemar City University    2    1   1    52   44   +8
4 Küsbon Kollege                    2    0   2    15   55  −40

MINERAL
Green City University 24–32 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park
Royal Naval Academy 20–23 Trent State University
University of Constantinople 43–26 University of Columbus-Prairie
Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana 3–6 University of Alexandroupolis

# Heartland Division                                    Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park            2    2   0    66   30  +36
2 Green City University                                   2    1   1    70   45  +25
3 Trent State University                                  2    1   1    29   54  −25
4 Royal Naval Academy                                     2    0   2    33   69  −36


# Boreal Division                                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of Alexandroupolis                           2    2   0    36   30   +6
2 Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana    2    1   1    22    9  +13
3 University of Constantinople                            2    1   1    46   45   +1
4 University of Columbus-Prairie                          2    0   2    53   73  −20

[Ranoria]

The Stars Align:
With Richardson's Backfield Tandem Entering Their Prime, Can Hunter, Rodgers Deliver a Second NSCF Title? Their First Big Test Comes Against Cold Hill


Starring Rylan Rodgers Jr, this Richardson offense might be in its best iteration since Ifeatu Chineze's historic junior season

Richardson University has had some absolutely legendary running backs recently. Vice Jackson III was the hammer to complement John Garrett's scalpel in our World Bowl 42 and 43 championship runs. Kuenda Sello, his running mate and successor, went on to win NSCF OPOY and earned a pair of world championships himself. The next man up, Elliot Roach, was the Ranorian Football League's MVP just two seasons ago - both he and Sello came within fifty of clearing the two thousand yard mark as Governors. As much as they're called QBU due to Ifeatu Chineze and John Garrett (and technically Astrid Verona) winning the last five World Bowls, they can just as easily lay claim to being a running back factory. And yeah, a monster in Benjamin Merik is an asset, but Rylan Rodgers Jr is the star of the show here - he might be the best back of the NSCF era for these Governors.

In his freshman season, "The Butler" started off as a backup behind big Horace Billing - but once the senior got hurt, he took the starting job and unironically ran away with it. He landed the final blow against Loyola-Istria to take back the Rebel's Cannon Bowl, put up one of the best rushing performances in program history to propel them to their second ever NSCF championship berth, and with a little help from Isaiah Hunter, he scored the winning touchdown to bring win the whole thing. Throw in that 189 yard, hat trick of an opening weekend, and he's only looking more and more electric.

With he and quarterback Isaiah Hunter having won it all as true freshmen with one of the nastiest defenses in the NSCF backing them, there was and is a lot of excitement around this program. Rylan was limited due to a lingering high ankle sprain. Benjamin Merik played well in relief as a guy who's been called the best goal-line option in the NSCF, and Isaiah Hunter continued to be efficient, completing more than 70% of his passes, but it was clear this offense lacked its spearhead. Well, he's back - and if what we saw on the diamond in WBC 57 is any indication, Rylan Rodgers Jr is in the best shape of his life coming into his junior season. If this guy can stay healthy, this offense will be in complete command of the pace of football games with a home-run threat every time they snap the ball. And at quarterback, flying under the radar of all the fanfare around a WBC champion Rodgers is Isaiah Hunter's progress.

The kid who initially struggled with his deep ball has reportedly showcased his offseason work during training camp, showing significantly more zip on his throws and hitting plenty of targets deep down the field. When tasked with leading this offense, he did pretty well last season, racking up nearly fourteen hundred yards and twelve touchdowns against just a pair of interceptions when the team was forced to live life without their superstar running back. And in week one this season, he tossed a trio of touchdowns and picked up a ton of yards, plenty through the air to showcase that arm talent. With all that said - the best offense this team's had in NSCF play was piloted by Ifeatu Chineze in his junior season. Early returns say this edition might be better yet.

And while he hasn't commented on it, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that he's got plenty of personal motivation. As an NSCF champion with a career record of 23-7, he's already had a career most aspiring collegians could only dream of. But he also might not be the most attractive prospect as a pro. He's displayed plenty of elite level traits - short and mid range accuracy, timing, quick reactions, and excellent ability to read a defense for a college quarterback. He's flashed the ability to let loose on the deep ball a few times, and has completed almost 69% of his career pass attempts...but there also just hasn't been that elite-level production that recently successful RFL quarterbacks have had.

Ernest Bello was uber-productive as a dual threat behind Saguenay's construction vehicle fleet of an offensive line, and he's produced enough to tantalize viewers with his potential. Lane Proudfoot - even if he was often leaning on star running back Mike Banks - was a big armed stud in college who helped drag one of the most despised programs in the sport to a semifinal berth. Tim Hunt was the centerpiece of an explosive Red Pandas offense. Sarai Gwenderyn...we're not even digging into that. But you can go back further - Byron Joseph, John Garrett, the list goes on.

As great as Hunter's been, coming into NSCF 29 he'd thrown for a combined 5,568 yards and 34 touchdowns across two seasons as a starter. That's basically 185 passing yards and a score per game. If he wants to secure premium draft position and consequently a legitimate shot with a pro team, he's going to have to step that production up and show that he can take over games when he's asked to, or lead his team to a comeback off his arm when necessary. Whether it's his demeanor, physical build, or arm strength, all reports have the passer trending up, and he's backed it up with production early. But he does have one other, perhaps more glaring, scarlet letter.

He's the first Richardson quarterback to lose to Loyola-Istria twice in one season...or to lose to them in a playoff game. College football's a weird sport - winning an NSCF championship is great and all, but when you can't beat your biggest rivals, fans tend to get upset really quick. In Hunter's debut season, the team beat the Blue Thunder and went on to win it all. Then last season, Loyola-Istria beat them in week thirteen to make the playoffs by the skin of their teeth only to knock off Richardson in Dietrich Stadium. They were also swept - again - by Cold Hill University in the regular season, moving to 1-4 against the Buffalo during Hunter & Youngblood's tenures.

If Hunter wants to prove - as if the championship win didn't - that he can shine under the brightest lights - he's going to have to take back the Rebel's Cannon, and he's going to have to do it in week 13 @ The Elysium. He's going to have to beat Cold Hill

And he should be fresh for the upcoming test - he's played two dominant if abbreviated games going into a week three showdown with Cold Hill University. After exiting stage left in the second quarter in week one, Hunter continued his absolutely brilliant play in High City, racking up a massive advantage in the first half and, again, sitting out in the second half.

The Governor offense wasn't quite as insanely dominant as it had been against Sea Dome, with Rylan Rodgers Jr's first carry going for 8 yards rather than 75. But They did score on each of their first four possessions, with three of those coming by way of Hunter's arm despite a depleted receiving corps following the departure of WR Constantina Perrier (2nd round, Ranoria City Falcons) and TE Dustin van Halfensen (1st round, Berlin Snow Bears). Mugisha Mulogo caught his first career touchdown in week two of his debut season, Martin Jagger snagged his second on the season, and RRJ caught one before running in one as well. Up 28-3 going into the half, the second stringers took it the rest of the way. There isn't much wear and tear on this crew.

Meanwhile, Cold Hill's 35-10 victory over Sea Dome shows they're ready to rock. Benoit Youngblood launched four touchdown passes in a cruise of a win as the young man just continues to pile on gaudy numbers. He already owns most of the program's records for single-season passing production, at this point, it's just icing on the cake. Two teams with championship aspirations will meet in the Tundra in week 3 - with generational talent on both sides, who emerges the victor?

When asked if the difference in the competitiveness of their common games told Kasen Harrowitz anything, he was as moot as ever. "No, we're both 2-0, and you are what your record says you are, unless you're located in Istria and have a committee voting with memories of Isaka Jawara playing in their brains."

---

Richardson University @ High City
3rd quarter

Rylan Rodgers Jr. had already removed his pads watching the rest of this one play out. Five touchdowns in two weeks was a pretty solid start to the season he figured - and the coaches agreed, might as well rest his legs for the fight ahead.

He was chewing on his lip now though, when he found his parents - well, one of them - in the extremely limited crowd here. With the sounds of Benji Merik giving people blunt force trauma on the field behind him, he approached. "Hey, where's Dad at?" Klaw the snow bear grumbled a hello and Rylan chuckled - it almost felt like a JV football game, the layout of this place and how close he was to the audience...if a bit more dangerous.

"Doctors didn't want him making the flight," his mom hesitated, "You know he's been having heart issues, just a precautionary measure."

"Alright," Rylan turned back to the field, where Merik had nearly trampled a poor defensive back who'd made the poor decision to get between himself and the end zone, "He's getting better though, right? Taking his medication and all? I figured now that he's stopped working, ya know..?"

"I think he's doing better," she offered a soft smile, "Now quit worrying about us and go be with your team, they're having plenty of fun over there."

[Chromatika]

Part 1: Rainbow District
Part 2: Mountain District

Chromatik High School Gridiron - Season Twelve, Part Three: Heartland District

Season 1 Champions: Central Heights High School (MVP: QB Harold Jieter)
Season 2 Champions: East Omnio High School (MVP: WR Alessandro Mio)
Season 3 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: QB Sarai Gwenderyn)
Season 4 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: QB Sarai Gwenderyn)
Season 5 Champions: Flames of the Revolution High School (MVP: RB Nyata Antonucci)
Season 6 Champions: Staramara Tech High School (MVP: Edge Nicole Manstrom)
Season 7 Champions: Franscesca Larriet-Cortes High School (MVP: QB Liara Anderson)
Season 8 Champions: Vitoron School of Charge (MVP: QB Anne-Maurice Vivayavich)
Season 9 Champions: Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White (MVP: QB Nicole Estera)
Season 10 Champions: Myana Northwestern High School Blue and White (MVP: CB Lisa Bonsoon)
Season 11 Champions: The Chromatik Institute Dread (MVP: QB Raul Sébastien Santos)

This season, the playoffs have changed. Conference Champions head to the District Champions (Round of Sixteen), while Second Place per Conference play each other to decide which team will make it to the National Playoffs on the losers' side. Then, it will be double elimination until there are eight teams left, which will lead to a single elimination bracket.

Reminder: Tiebreakers are H2H Results then H2H PD. For three-way ties, overall PD is used as the first tiebreaker, and then H2H Results come in for the second and third teams. For ties involving more than three teams, overall PD is used.

Heartland District

Breadbasket Conference

Last Season's Results:

Breadbasket Conference                   Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 East Shantarr High School               10    8   2   305  178 +127
2 West Shantarr High School               10    6   4   249  220  +29*
3 Anfanhar High School                    10    6   4   312  314   −2*
4 Dragon High School                      10    4   6   272  289  −17
5 Pùr Heights High School                 10    4   6   241  288  −47
6 Pùr Equestrian School                   10    2   8   242  332  −90

MVP: East Shantarr High School Sophomore Quarterback Daemon Argonaut (3,129 yards, 28 touchdowns, 7 interceptions)

Expected Order of Finish:

1. East Shantarr High School Order
2. West Shantarr High School Scorpions
3. Pùr Equestrian School Riders
4. Dragon High School Flames
5. Anfanhar High School Mystery
6. Pùr Heights High School Destroyers

With the graduation of their rivals' Quarterback, and the keeping of their star Quarterback, Daemon Argonaut, the East Shantarr High School Order look poised to retain their Conference crown despite losing to the Scorpions in the Conference Championship a season ago. Ryo Hikari's team is loaded on the offensive side of the ball, with Junior Wide Receiver Draymond Sting, a big-play receiver, and Lara Simond, a hybrid Tight End who can both block and catch the ball. The defense is very untested, but they won't have to do much, hopefully. As for those Scorpions, they welcome new signal caller Freshman Marcus Aureleus, a diminutive mobile Quarterback who has a surprisingly quick release. Junior Running Back Jeremy Willard will be a good security blanket for Aureleus, as he's physical enough of a runner; they will also have the services of Thayer Silt spying the defensive backfield.

Pùr Equestrian School's looking up, as Junior Quarterback Ollie Ruckstread looks to take the next step in his development of being more than just a rocket arm; Sophomore Wide Receiver Min Jeong-Baek is a good yards-after-catch threat. The days of Dragon High School being an also-ran is also over, especially as their Quarterback, Lee Jung-Hyeon, continues to be a dual threat; it helps that the Flames have a lockdown corner in Edward Morningven as well. Anfanhar High School will rely on the ever-reliable Running Back Miles Yves, while the Pùr Heights High School Destroyers only have one bright prospect - Sean Dorrington, who may be undersized but is very fast.

The Season

Week 1
West Shantarr High School 25–9 Pùr Equestrian School
Pùr Heights High School 67–17 Dragon High School
Anfanhar High School 6–19 East Shantarr High School

Sean Dorrington has four sacks of Lee Jung-Hyeon, including two strip-fumbles that he returns for touchdowns, as the Destroyers hang sixty-seven on the Flames; the Order's defense suffocates the Mystery as Argonaut has a pair of touchdowns to Draymond Sting, and Marcus Aureleus has a great first start, going 14-of-19 for 191 yards and a touchdown as the Scorpions handle the Riders with relative ease.

Week 2
Pùr Equestrian School 13–19 East Shantarr High School
Dragon High School 30–33 Anfanhar High School
West Shantarr High School 36–12 Pùr Heights High School

It takes all four Quarters, but Argonaut's Quarterback sneak in the middle of the Third proves to be the deciding score for the Order; the Scorpions' Aureleus shows promise with three touchdown throws as Thayer Silt has two interceptions in the Scorpions' win over the Destroyers, and Miley Yves has 191 yards and three scores as the Mystery grab their first win of the year.

Week 3
Pùr Heights High School 21–20 Pùr Equestrian School
Anfanhar High School 29–48 West Shantarr High School
East Shantarr High School 42–9 Dragon High School

In the Pùr rivalry game, the Destroyers hold onto a fourteen point lead to win by just a single point; the Scorpions' hot season continues as Aureleus makes it three games without throwing a single touchdown, Jeremy Wallard helping with four touchdowns on the ground, while the Order are led by a five-touchdown day from Argonaut.

Week 4
Pùr Equestrian School 40–20 Dragon High School
West Shantarr High School 37–33 East Shantarr High School
Pùr Heights High School 37–45 Anfanhar High School

Ah, the game everyone is waiting for. Marcus Aureleus throws his first interception of the year, but it's also the Freshman that has the last laugh as he finds Jeremy Wallard in the flat for the winning score. He's amazing in the early going. Ollie Ruckstread dominates the Flames, contributing for four scores, and the Mystery's Miley Yves has another big day - 183 yards and three scores - to lead Anfanhar past the Destroyers.

Week 5
Anfanhar High School 40–28 Pùr Equestrian School
East Shantarr High School 40–17 Pùr Heights High School
Dragon High School 61–30 West Shantarr High School

Oof. Aureleus has the roughest day of his young career, throwing four picks - two to Edward Moringven - and Lee is brilliant on the day for the Flames to upset the Scorpions; the Order has Daemon Argonaut get four scores to dump the Destroyers, and Miley Yves does just enough to put the Mystery ahead for good.

Week 6
Pùr Equestrian School 0–14 West Shantarr High School
Dragon High School 29–19 Pùr Heights High School
East Shantarr High School 22–14 Anfanhar High School

The Scorpions' shutout of the Destroyers show that they are a complete team; the Flames keep churning along as Lee shows improvement, and Argonaut doesn't have the best day, but it's enough for the Order to get past the Mystery.

Week 7
East Shantarr High School 34–10 Pùr Equestrian School
Anfanhar High School 26–40 Dragon High School
Pùr Heights High School 23–30 West Shantarr High School

All the favorites win - Daemon Argonaut and Marcus Aureleus look poised to head to another clash of the minds - while Lee continues her stellar development with another four-touchdown day.

Week 8
Pùr Equestrian School 3–9 Pùr Heights High School
West Shantarr High School 43–13 Anfanhar High School
Dragon High School 36–29 East Shantarr High School

Lee Jung-Hyeon is quite good, isn't she? Ward Cyngus helps along as the Flames take another scalp - a stellar win over the Order - while Aureleus and the Scorpions have another forty-plus point game, and the Destroyers sweep the Riders in a low scoring affair.

Week 9
Dragon High School 50–3 Pùr Equestrian School
East Shantarr High School 41–33 West Shantarr High School
Anfanhar High School 31–21 Pùr Heights High School

The Flames' late run continues as Lee has five touchdowns to give the Riders no chance at all; the Mystery continue to add misery to the Destroyers, and the Order split the season series with the Scorpions, Argonaut outdueling Aureleus this time with three scores to Draymond Sting.

Week 10
Pùr Equestrian School 29–25 Anfanhar High School
Pùr Heights High School 20–19 East Shantarr High School
West Shantarr High School 37–12 Dragon High School

The Riders end their season on a high note, Thayer Silt makes Lee's life miserable as the Scorpions handle the Flames with relative ease, and in the most shocking result of the season, Sean Dorrington sacks Daemon Argonaut on fourth and three from midfield to take the Order away from the Championship.

Final Table

Breadbasket Conference           Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 West Shantarr High School       10    8   2   333  233 +100 Conference Champions, to District Championships (Winners' Round of Sixteen)
2 East Shantarr High School       10    7   3   298  195 +103 to Consolation Championships (Losers' Round of Twenty-Four)
3 Dragon High School              10    5   5   304  326  −22
4 Anfanhar High School            10    4   6   262  317  −55
5 Pùr Heights High School         10    4   6   246  270  −24
6 Pùr Equestrian School           10    2   8   155  257 −102

Despite having a Freshman Quarterback, the Scorpions prevail on the year - while Argonaut and the Order will have to play second fiddle. Lee provides a bright future for the Flames, and the rest is the rest.

MVP: East Shantarr High School Junior Quarterback Daemon Argonaut (4,019 yards, 38 touchdowns, 8 interceptions)

Argonaut fell short on the final day, but had a very good Junior year, showcasing accuracy and speed in tandem. He also improved in his decision making - he just couldn't avoid one Dorrington.

Dairy Conference

Last Season's Results:

Dairy Conference                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cheonju Korean Institute                10    8   2   301  184 +117
2 City of Lorentine High School           10    7   3   287  223  +64
3 Crix Arts Institute                     10    5   5   178  229  −51
4 Crix Technical High School              10    4   6   229  208  +21
5 Cheonju High School                     10    4   6   179  253  −74
6 Lorentine Central High School           10    2   8   129  206  −77

MVP: Brisara Trade School Senior Running Back Tary McLauren (1,521 yards, 17 touchdowns)

Expected Order of Finish:

1. City of Lorentine High School Wizards
2. Cheonju Korean Institute Red Devils
3. Crix Technical School Chameleons
4. Crix Arts Institute Artisans
5. Cheonju High School Condors
6. Lorentine Central High School Majestics

Gone are Jack Niles and San Coreen, two longtime signal callers; that being said, the City of Lorentine High School Wizards bring back one Frank Wing, a dual threat southpaw with a surprising burst of speed, and a bruising back in senior Running Back Randolph Huckleby. Pietr Diovett adds an interesting wrinkle as a hybrid Wide Receiver who can also moonlight at running back, as the Wizards will be utilizing their offense to try to fly high this season. Having to replace San Coreen, the Cheonju Korean Institute Red Devils turn to Sophomore Ailee Jungsten, a six-eight, muscular, physical Quarterback who is willing to lay out defenders to get first downs. Kim Jeong-Beom, the big game Wide Receiver, will be there if Ailee ever wants to throw the ball, as will the ever reliable hands of Tight End Reile Dostov. These are two high-octane offenses ready to go head-to-head.

A step behind them is the Crix Technical High School Chameleons, now turning to the Freshman, Larry Heim. Heim is accurate within forty yards and has a quick release, which he will need to find the ever reliable Rudy Gallagher. The Artisans of Crix Arts Institute will continue to churn yards on the ground, giving new back Sylas Rhuck plenty of carries behind leading tackle Pine Rhucks, while the Condors and the Majestics will be on the outside looking in - Keenan Judson being Cheonju High School's best weapon as a speedy Running Back while Middle Linebacker Lars Benny will quietly have eighteen tackles a game for the Majestics even in a losing effort.

The Season

Week 1
Lorentine Central High School 9–10 Cheonju Korean Institute
City of Lorentine High School 64–23 Crix Technical High School
Cheonju High School 22–9 Crix Arts Institute

Frank Wing wastes no time getting started, throwing for a staggering seven touchdowns as the Wizards concede twenty-three to the Chameleons but still almost triple their point total - Randolph Huckleby doing well to set up Wing in favorable situations. Ailee Jungsten's first start is not the best one, but she does have a five yard romp that hands the Red Devils the win, while the Condors' Keenan Judson scores the game's only touchdown on a eighty-two yard run to beat the Artisans.

Week 2
Cheonju Korean Institute 37–17 Crix Arts Institute
Crix Technical High School 20–7 Cheonju High School
Lorentine Central High School 23–30 City of Lorentine High School

Now that is what Jungsten was supposed to do. One hundred fifty yards on the ground, two hundred in the air, and the Red Devils dominate the Artisans for their second win. The Chameleons' new Quarterback, Larry Heim, has two throws to Rudy Gallagher for touchdowns as Crix Technical wins their first game, while the Wizards struggle with the Majestics until Wing leads them on a nine-play, seventy-two yard drive that ends with a Huckleby touchdown run to put the game out of reach.

Week 3
City of Lorentine High School 23–27 Cheonju Korean Institute
Cheonju High School 7–24 Lorentine Central High School
Crix Arts Institute 34–20 Crix Technical High School

Round one goes to the pesky Freshman who doesn't give two cents what anyone thinks. By getting a forty-two yard run in the Fourth Quarter, she gave the Red Devils a lead they wouldn't relinquish; then, she told everyone that she was here to get her piece of fame in the Chromatik High School Gridiron System. The Majestics' first win of the season comes behind a twenty-two tackle, two-sack, one-interception performance from Lars Benny, while the Artisans win the battle of Crix behind three touchdown runs from Sylas Rhuck.

Week 4
Cheonju Korean Institute 10–50 Crix Technical High School
Lorentine Central High School 9–3 Crix Arts Institute
City of Lorentine High School 34–10 Cheonju High School

That's how you beat Cheonju Korean Institute. Grab the lead early and make Ailee throw. The Chameleons' Sophomore Cornerback, Paula Leem, had four picks of Jungsten, as Crix Technical dominates; Benny shines once more to help the Majestics handle the Artisans, while Wing has another sharp day with 313 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Wizards handle business against the Condors to bounce back from their first defeat.

Week 5
Cheonju High School 30–26 Cheonju Korean Institute
Crix Arts Institute 16–37 City of Lorentine High School
Crix Technical High School 23–13 Lorentine Central High School

That wasn't supposed to happen! Keenan Judson carries the Condors over the Red Devils as Judson had 213 yards and 3 touchdowns, with Jungsten not able to keep up; the Wizards can't be contained by the Artisans, and the Chameleons continue their hot streak with a strong second half over the Majestics.

Week 6
Cheonju Korean Institute 29–13 Lorentine Central High School
Crix Technical High School 39–26 City of Lorentine High School
Crix Arts Institute 17–29 Cheonju High School

Are the Chameleons for real? If Paula Leem continues to play this well, perhaps. Leem picks off Wing twice to lead Crix Technical on a huge upset, while the Red Devils return to form as Jungsten pops off for another 400 total yards, while the Condors' Judson runs wild over the Artisans.

Week 7
Crix Arts Institute 16–20 Cheonju Korean Institute
Cheonju High School 6–14 Crix Technical High School
City of Lorentine High School 23–24 Lorentine Central High School

That is the upset of the year in this conference. Lars Benny has a nineteen tackle, two-sack day to lead the Majestics to the Wizards' second loss in a row, while the Red Devils outlast the Artisans, with Reile Dostov catching a last-second heave from Ailee Jungsten. The Chameleons win their fourth game in a row in another defensive slog.

Week 8
Cheonju Korean Institute 41–44 City of Lorentine High School
Lorentine Central High School 23–21 Cheonju High School
Crix Technical High School 6–0 Crix Arts Institute

The return leg, and the veteran wins this time - Frank Wing simply wouldn't let this team lose to the Red Devils the second time around, finding Pietr Diovett for three scores in the come-from-behind win. The Majestics continue to show their promise as Benny has another good day, and the Chameleons' win streak continues with another big day from Paula Leem.

Week 9
Crix Technical High School 31–0 Cheonju Korean Institute
Crix Arts Institute 13–0 Lorentine Central High School
Cheonju High School 29–12 City of Lorentine High School

Just like that, the Wizards' season may be over. Frank Wing goes down after a routine slide, holding his left knee; he is taken out, and the Condors capitalize to outlast the Majestics. Wing's season is over with a torn ACL. The Artisans shut out the Majestics as Benny can't do anything offensively, and the Chameleons show that they are on an absolute tear, making Jungsten's life miserable in absolute domination.

Week 10
Cheonju Korean Institute 40–23 Cheonju High School
City of Lorentine High School 14–17 Crix Arts Institute
Lorentine Central High School 25–22 Crix Technical High School

Despite Randolph Huckleby's best efforts, the Wizards can't even beat the Artisans as their season ends in abject failure. The Red Devils bounce back to handle the Condors, while the Chameleons finally lose another game, but it doesn't stop them from being the surprise winners of the Conference. Paula Leem, take a bow.

Final Table

Dairy Conference                 Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Crix Technical High School      10    7   3   248  185  +63 Conference Champions, to District Championships (Winners' Round of Sixteen)
2 Cheonju Korean Institute        10    6   4   240  256  −16 to Consolation Championships (Losers' Round of Twenty-Four)
3 City of Lorentine High School   10    5   5   307  249  +58
4 Lorentine Central High School   10    5   5   163  181  −18
5 Cheonju High School             10    4   6   184  219  −35
6 Crix Arts Institute             10    3   7   142  194  −52

Another surprise winner here, as defense-led Crix Technical stabilize the ship and rattle off an impressive series of games to take the title. Despite having a Freshman Quarterback, the Red Devils finish second, while the Wizards and left licking their cops after Wing's injury. The Majestics will have to do better than having just an all-star player, while the Condors and Artisans are a few cards short of a full deck.

MVP: Crix Techincal High School Sophomore Cornerback Paula Leem (13 interceptions, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 6 defensive touchdowns)

A true lockdown corner with massive range, Leem is already getting Lisa Bonsoon comparisons - and she's only a Sophomore! Not quite as mouthy, but has that quiet confidence befitting a shutdown corner.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Warriors hold on for victory, move to 2-0
by Patrick Donahue, UC Football Writer
for The Times

Reporting from Green City, TJUN-ia:

The University of the Commonwealth arrived at The Palace--the home ground for the defending Mineral Conference Champion Green City University--with the knowledge that this game would go a long way towards making an impression on the rest of the conference (and the other top teams across the other NSCF leagues) about their place in the pecking order.

The message sent in the 32-24 victory that pushed UC to the top of standings with 2-0 mark was a bold challenge to the rest of the MinCo that the Warriors were back to reclaim the title they have claimed a record-tying six times.

Jarvis Banks retained the hot hand from the previous contest against Trent State with three touchdown passes and running in for the two point convert after UC went ahead with the score tied at 24.

UC Head Coach Ryan Benton praised his team's resiliency coming from behind to earn the road win.

"It's a testament to the work our guys have put in during the leadup to the start of this season; battling back from 24-21 down in the 4th to pull out a big win against the champs on their home field is just the thing we needed. We've got three home games in a row ahead of us to build upon before we get into the back end of the schedule. We're not quite at 100% in all phases of the game yet, but we're closer than we have been since the start of last year (in UAC play)."

MinCon debutants Royal Naval Academy from Nassovia will be next on the schedule before cross-divisional play, where another newcomer, University of Columbus-Prairie will travel to Gleason Field, followed by the only Sunday Night Football contest of the season versus University of Constantinople.

[Banija]

NMU Head Coach Lance Kabuye, 11 seconds left in NMU v. EVU

It had been an ugly game for neutral viewers in Herzegovina City. Couldn't chalk it up to the weather like you could Loyola's game in Ratzupalfu- nope, the skies were sunny here for this battle of the Sally Trophy. It was particularly hot, yes- 97 degrees at kickoff, which is an unusually high temperature in Banija, where temperatures generally range from the 50s to the 70s all year round. Hottest recorded temperature in the Moravica region in 55 years, actually. Did that slow people down? Absolutely did. But that wasn't why this game was sitting here, at 7-6.

Kabuye had won 9 out of 10 editions of this rivalry. It was the base expectation that NMU beat EVU. That was the base setting everybody operated on around here, in Herzegovina City. Sometimes, you blow them out. Sometimes, it's a close game. But always, you find a way to get into the W column. But this game... This was ugly. 7-6- Northern Moravica had not reached the end zone the entire game. Their kicker, the grad transfer from Utah Valley University, Kyler Blatchford, had gone 2-4 in this game- hitting field goals from 38 and 51 yards, while missing from 28 yards, and having a kick blocked from 47 yards. Not to mention, Ayange also throwing an interception in the end zone on 3rd and goal from the 6 yard line about midway through the third quarter.

When you look at that, when trying to score, absolutely nothing had gone right for the Cougars. And yet, they were only still down by 1 point. 7-6. EVU basically had no offense in this game(not that NMU was much better!) They ended up with just 157 total yards of offense, a pitiful amount- nearly 40% of those yards coming from a 62 yard long pass between a pair of young Chromatiks, DiValles hitting Ned Pill down the sideline, who was eventually tackled by Malcolm Shelvin at the NMU 4 yard line early in the 2nd quarter. It set up a 1 yard TD plunge a couple of plays later from HB Nancy Franco to give EVU 7 points- what would turn out to be their only points of the contest.

Blatchford's two field goals were in the 2nd quarter, hitting from 38 yards with about 5 minutes left in the quarter, and then hitting from 51 as time expired in the half. He had missed a short kick, a 28 yarder, in the first quarter, smashing the ball into the right upright. And, of course, early in the fourth quarter, South Newlandian player DT Christopher Shaw blocking a 47 yard field goal attempt to try and give NMU back the lead. And yet, despite all that, NMU had a chance. A sligth chance, but a chance. They had the ball, clock stopped, 1st and 10 with 11 seconds left, at the EVU 45. Only down one. Needed what- 10 yards to get on the edge of the kicker's range?

That didn't even compare with the key injury suffered in the second quarter. An EVU player got flagged 15 yards and a personal foul for it- but he had ran into the plant leg of the NMU punter. Right onto Tekoa Lukwiya's ankle. Lukwiya was out for the game- the fear was an ankle sprain. But NMU fans shuddered- for this meant Alicia Woodbrough, who hadn't touched the field in 2 years, was back playing. She mostly had a fine game- her holds and her punts were good. But her freshman year... Disastrous.

"Alright, here's what we're gonna do." Kabuye told the offensive players huddled around him. "Obviously, we need a minimum of 10 yards. We have a timeout still- we can use the middle of the field. We'll run crossing routes with the inside receivers. Geese will run a post on the outside, while Okwayi Kyebanja runs a fly. Let's get 'em." Kabuye then stood, looking at his struggling senior QB in the eye. "Come on, Levi- you got this." The quarterback simply nodded back at him. He was locked in. The players jogged back onto the field, and so did the Red Elephants players.

Ayange was lined up in the shotgun. He said his cadence- and then yelled hike. The Red Elephants were bringing pressure- he stepped up to escape the EDGE blitz from Krause. And then, he saw Tyler Geese, open. Ayange threw a dart- Geese leapt up, caught it, took the hit, and went down at the 27 yard line. Kabuye was sprinting down the sideline to call a timeout. "TIMEOUT! TIMEOUT!" The referee gave it to him. 4 seconds left, NMU's last timeout was used. "LET'S FUCKING GO!" Kabuye was yelling, after the timeout was granted. He embraced his QB. Field goal range. This would be Blatchford's 5th field goal attempt of the game.

The FG Unit jogged onto the field. Addo Uster, the other head coach, had no timeouts left. No icing here. It's not the regular long snapping unit, yes- but Alicia Woodbrough was a senior. Surely her problems from freshman year had escaped her, right? They lined up. Blatchford signalled he was ready. She called for the snap. She caught the ball, and placed it. And then.. It slowly started slipping out of her hands. "Ohhhh shit." Kabuye said, his coach's eye catching it live before anyone else did. She tried to get the ball back up, and barely did- ball moving, laces facing the kicker. Blatchford tried to kick that potential game winning 44 yarder, but he never had a chance with a hold that bad- the ball shanking into the left corner of the stadium.

"Son of a bitch." Kabuye said to himself as he slammed the headset on the ground in frustration. He jogged over to coach Addo Uster, telling him good game. As he left the field, he saw the EVU players running to the NMU sideline, and grabbing the Sally Trophy. As they lifted the bronze elephant, and the traveling fans ran down to the first row to celebrate with their heroes, this NMU man knew- his special teams were a problem once again.

---

The Roaring Cougs Podcast, a NMU football podcast the day before the North v. South Showdown. Featuring George and Alyssa Natanda. These are siblings who are both lifelong NMU fans and alumni. George is a former NMU football player from the pre-NSCF days, graduating in the season coinciding with NSCF 10, while Alyssa was a NMU women's field hockey player

George: "Welcome to the Roaring Cougs Podcast! Obviously, it's 24 hours before kickoff tomorrow night in Istria- NMU v. Loyola. And the Blue Thunder- damn the Blue Thunder, by the way- but that school in Istria will close as 4.5 point favorites at the Istria Lightning Yard. We all remember what happened when we faced off last year, in Week 10- a 63-7 blowout loss that we suffered at the Lightning Yard. We still won the conference, and they still finished last in the Savannah Division. But that's what's informing this ridiculous line."

Alyssa: "You know, George, I agree- we should never be underdogs against Loyola. I mean, listen to this quote from Lance Kabuye.

The podcast pauses to play a reel from Lance Kabuye, who told reporters in the beginning of the week that he was 'so disgusted' by last year's 56 point loss at the Lightning Yard, that he actually nearly popped a blood vessel in rage watching that film. He told reporters then that he was going to have his men, and that the patented Loyola whiteout better be prepared for what Loyola was going to throw at them.

Alyssa: "It is ridiculous. We are the better team, the better squad. The only difference last year is that we played FSU first in the playoffs. That's it. But anyways, let's get back to it. First two games at home didn't exactly inspire a ton of confidence. The defense looks mighty impressive. But the offense, and particularly, the QB position..."

George: "Look, let's be real- it was kind of a freak loss against EVU. No disrespect, of course, to the Red Elephants- they recovered nicely and quickly from a home blowout L to Loyola, and found a way to come to Herzegovina City and get a win, in a rivalry game no less. Hats off. But- we attempted 5 field goals, and hit two of them. We threw an interception in the end zone. EVU had, what- 160 yards of total offense? Like 4 total first downs? Absolutely no way we should have lost that one. But we did. And maybe it's a good thing. Because that brings us back to.."

Alyssa: "The Quarterback situation. Levi Ayange is the starting Quarterback. And that much is clear to everybody inside NMU football. A legitimate competition was held, and Ayange won. Kabuye, obviously, has the right to earn the benefit of the doubt here. But.. Did he make the wrong choice? He didn't play particularly well against RUoN. He's got 1 TD and 3 INTs on the year. It's early, yes, but both games were at home... It only gets harder from here.

George: "Wade Hurley, of course, is sitting there, waiting in the wings. Consummate teammate- he's got plenty of time to establish himself. He's just a red shirt freshman, yes. But a five star recruit with a lot of hype. There are some in the fanbase who want us to switch Quarterbacks already. It's not that loud, yet- even though the first two games were rough. We've gotta be patient. But if Loyola blasts the doors off of us again..."

Alyssa: "Then all bets are off, yes. We understand how this sport works. These type of games, these rivalry games- they can make, or break, a leagcy. Ayange leads us to a road win at the Lightning Yard? Legend territory already. He struggles? Well... Expect the Hurley chants to start coming in."

George: "Lance Kabuye has expressed his 'complete and total confidence' in Levi Ayange to ball out at the QB position. Of course, having to do so after just two weeks is not exactly ideal... You don't see FSU's coach expressing public confidence in Odika. That's just assumed. But let's hope, for his sake. Levi can get it together, and quickly. Or else we're quickly going to be staring at a 1-2 record going into cross-divisional play..."

---

Blue Thunder Daily
Written by Loyola Football Fans

The Tide has officially turned in this rivalry- we'll confirm that with a Week 3 win over those bastards from NMU

For a lot of the last decade or so, you would be hard pressed to say that Loyola's had a better go of it than Northern Moravica. They've been to the title game twice since our last appearance(NSCF 21), and while we went on a six season playoff winless streak, they made the playoffs every year, winning all sorts of playoff games and going on runs. We did win the Celestia three times in a row in that stretch, yes- but with rivalry success in this rivalry, and postseason results, they had a better go of it.

Although, of course, being NMU, they're chokers- so of course they didn't take advantage of that to actually win a NSCF Title. Piss poor bastards.

NSCF 28, however, despite finishing last in the Savannah, we have undoubtedbly turned the rivalry around, and restored natural order in both Banija in general, and the NSCF at-large- we are, without dispute, the best damn college football team in this country. The first time ever we swept them in a season- a stunning upset win at Mugisha II Memorial in Week 3, after a horrific start to the season for us, as well as a beatdown so bad that we caused Kabuye to nearly pop a damn blood vessel. That's how good this team is- our beatdowns are literally bad for opposing coach's health.

We went deeper than them in the playoffs. We beat all of our rivals- including RU twice and FSU once, in the regular season. NMU? They don't even have the G-d damn Sally Trophy- that one going back to Elephant Valley. But, indisputably, we are better across the board. At the WR position, of course, we're so much deeper than Northern Moravica it's disgusting. Geese is their only good dude? And, of course, at the most important position in sports- Quarterback. We've got a world beater, A-MV. They've got... Levi Ayange? Who?

Trash. We know it's going to be crazy. Personally, I thiink we can match that 63-7 beatdown we gave them last year. Not in terms of satisfaction- that was the best time I ever had watching a Celestia conference game. But on the field. It's clear- we're better, and they're much worse. I know most people don't think this, but splitting the away games in South Newlandia is actually a solid result. We lost to Ratzupalfu in a damn monsoon on the road, while NMU lost in a rivalry game at home against EVU, absolutely doing their very best to choke away the contest at every single opportunity.

We swept them last year. Yes. This year, we're going to take back the Celestia, and then take back the whole damn competition. Nobody holds a candle to us. And that starts with turning last year's sweep, into a multiple year winning streak.

BLUE THUNDER FOR LYFE SUCKAS!!!

[TJUN-ia]

The NSCF returned and it came back with contrasting results...with one team starting off strong while the other was made to look like chumps on interdimensional TV. This is sometimes what you expect from any given week in the NSCF, so don't be too concerned, but both teams were looking to push on regardless...especially with the matchup coming up in Week 3.

Let's start with the Trent State Feathercaps, who were in desperate need of recovery after getting schooled in the Commonwealth of Baker Park. Johnny Bridgeford didn't like that start at all, said it was"the wrong tone to start with", and he was in desperate need of something to try and make things feel better in Notts...which is what he hoped the next game would do. The Royal Naval Academy Mariners of Nassovia was hosting for the very first time in the NSCF...and TSU were their humble guests. We knew that RNA was going to be up for hosting their first ever game and so TSU expected a war....and oh boy, was it a war. Entering the 3rd Quarter, both teams had 3 TDs and 2/3 on PATs - with Jason Steels' TDs being caught by Yurilka Zelinskaya twice while the 3rd was a running play by Samantha Gibson. The 4th would be where all the drama took hold and while both teams relied on their defence to keep them in the game, it would be the Caps that got the last laugh as Eleonora "Firefeet" Scafakou would score the FG that would allow TSU to escape with the 23-20 win. It wasn't pretty...but a win was a win.

Meanwhile, the Green City Royal Eagles were 1-0 after a strong start at home against RNA, but everyone in the AU knew that tougher tests would be forthcoming...and Paul Abdullahi knew that he had to be ready for everything. The UCBP Warriors would be coming to Garin Kore and The Palace would be packed to the brim expecting an instant classic. The Royal Eagles were doing all they could under the firepower of Alisha Obi Michel as she managed 3 TDs in this game, 2 to Carlton McSwane and 1 to Harrison Jeffers, while Colleen Fletcher Christian managed 3/3 on PATs and a FG at that. But the Warriors got a taste for TJUN-ian blood last week and Jarvis Banks made sure his hands were still firing, bringing home 3 TDs and a 2PC at that, while the work of Lionel Blackwood ensured that this contest was only going one way. Both of TJUN-ia schools are 1-1...with both losses coming at the hands of the University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park. The Warriors are back.

Now, the 9th Earth Trophy clash in the Horseshoe is more important than some may have realised...as the difference between 2-1 and 1-2 can certainly shift moods entering the Cross-Divisional Slate. This rivalry is usually crazy...but this 9th battle may end up being crazier than ever before.

---

TSU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Mineral Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: @UCBP (CBP) L 6-34 (0-1)
Week 2: @Royal Naval Academy (NAS) W 23-20 (1-1)
Week 3: vs Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy IX
Week 4: vs Alexandropolis (NGS)
Week 5: vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU)
Week 6: @Constantinople (NGS)
Week 7: @Columbus-Prairie (DHE)
---------------------Mineral Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: vs UCBP (CBP) - Homecoming
Week 9: vs Royal Naval Academy (NAS)
Week 10: @Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy X
Week 11: Conference Championship Week
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: vs Elephant Valley (SNL) - Senior Day
Week 13: @Sadeg State (DRK)
Week 14: @High City College (CCO)

SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Mineral Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Royal Naval Academy (NAS) W 46-13 (1-0)
Week 2: vs UCBP (CBP) L 24-32 (1-1)
Week 3: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy IX
Week 4: vs Constantinople U (NGS)
Week 5: vs Columbus-Prairie (DHE) - Homecoming
Week 6: @UAlexandropolis (NGS)
Week 7: @UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU)
---------------------Mineral Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @Royal Naval Academy (NAS)
Week 9: @UCBP (CBP)
Week 10: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy X
Week 11: Conference Championship Week
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: vs Sea Dome U (MSD)
Week 13: @Richardson (RAN)
Week 14: vs Mancodas (PFA) - Senior Day

[South Newlandia]

Egrets win at competitive mud playing

What do you mean – hang on, my assistant is handing me a cue card? Apparently, this was a football game. Huh. I just saw a couple dozen young adults play in the mud for like an hour.

When the weather report came in promising a big downpour over Ratzupalfu for the entire weekend, it was definitely good news for the Ratzupalfu of Nature Egrets. Historically, they’d been stacking up well against the Blue Thunder. They stood 5-3 all-time against them, including (unbelievably) a 4-0 record so far at the Jungledrom. 4-0! I couldn’t believe it either, but I checked – 43-16, 16-13, 10-6, 30-19. Generally, the rainier it had been for those, the better it went for the Egrets – and this game was promising a lot of rain. Like, a lot a lot.
Officials considered postponing the game, or moving it to some other place; but neither was deemed plausible. Moving the game through time would either barely have made a difference, or would have created a major mess for both teams into the future. Moving it in space didn’t give many options; on short notice, no nearby stadium outside of South Newlandia was available. With all of South Newlandia getting rained on (it is a small country, after all), the other stadiums in South Newlandia were also not a good option. Most of those also do not have a roof to keep the elements out, so the decision was made to play the game as scheduled.

It was still raining at kickoff, with the Blue Thunder deferring. The kickoff by Alanyo Musaazi came up pretty short and left, way out of the range of returner Busch. The ball found a mud puddle that had already formed on the field, sprinkling the green and yellow kit of the Egret with some brown spots right at the start. The South Newlandian scooped the ball out of the puddle, tried to cut to the middle of the field, and got an absolute wallop laid on him by Adegoke Omoyeni, changing the colour of most of the rest of the kit. This play ended up being the perfect encapsulation of the game.
Credit has to be given to the grounds crew, which was tirelessly fighting the elements and allowed this game to even take place in the first place. However, they were up against an unstoppable force, and ultimately could only do so much. This was ultimately to the advantage of the Egrets, who possessed a formidable ground game that would thrive in the mud. After a couple of Ragnar Sampson carries moved the chains, the Egrets put the ball into the hands of Wampona for a designed pass play. Wampona tried to find Nancy Arling, but the ball sailed like a wounded duck through the rain, with linebacker Beatrice Hak jumping the route. The wet ball slipped through her fingers, and she ended up taking a dive into one of the mud puddles. Kasozi Wampona ended the day 0 for 1 passing on throws over ten yards, as the Egrets quickly learned from this mistake and abandoned the pass game.

Thankfully, the Egrets had a diverse and deep running room, and frequently started lining up with three running backs. With Marie, Sampson and Brine all strong options to take the ball, not to mention the possibility of Wampona keeping it or pitching to O’Dowling in motion, the Blue Thunder played whack-a-mole and struggled to contain the rush. Later in their first drive, the Egrets found themselves at 4th and 3 from the 23. Trying a 40-yarder, even in the rain, is not ridiculous by itself; but it definitely is if there’s also heavy wind, mostly to the side, and you have Prasad-Ahamad kicking field goals, who isn’t reliable at short kicks in good conditions, let alone this.
Instead, the Egrets gave the ball to William Brine, with Sampson and Marie blocking for the Chromatik; a Ranorian bulldozer paved the way for a six-yard gain to move the chains. Later that drive, Wampona scampered in from three yards out for the opening drive touchdown; going for two, Sampson made it an 8-0 lead.
In theory, the Blue Thunder might’ve been able to keep pace. They have a deep running back room, and some other good pieces that could have made it a closer game. The main difference was the defense – while the Blue Thunder had to adjust out of their 2-4-5 defense that was not equipped to deal with the rush effectively in the base look, the Egrets’ 4-3 defense was able to bring strong pressure against the Blue Thunder’s rushing attempts. Especially the Chromatik linebacker trio (Attison/Griffin/Pleimoor) feasted, with the girls recording tackle after tackle. This forced Vavayavich to throw, which usually went poorly in these conditions, preventing the Blue Thunder from picking on the weak Egrets’ secondary.
The second Egrets’ drive not only already took the game into the second quarter, but also ended in yet another touchdown plunge – this time, it was Sampson going for six, with the following two-point conversion again successful. Throughout the game, the Egrets would go 4-for-5 on those. 16-0 Egrets before the Blue Thunder even really knew what hit them. They would narrow the score on the ensuring drive, with Manne Nordström taking a handoff for 27 yards and a touchdown, one of the only times all day the Blue Thunder would record long rushes. Incredibly, Alanyo Musaazi doinked in the kick off the left upright to make it a 7-16 ballgame.

There was no containing the Egrets, though, who continued driving down the field on the ground. Both Sampson and Brine would finish the day with triple-digit yardage on the ground, but the third touchdown would actually come from wideout Jonah O'Dowling. Wampona received the snap, faked a hand-off to O’Dowling in motion, the faked a hand-off to Sampson, throwing the ball towards the sideline. The Blue Thunder had totally forgotten about the receiver, who went into the end zone untouched. 22-7 Egrets.
After failing to score on the two-point conversion, the Egrets would ultimately get those points anyway after a punt pinned the Blue Thunder deep. Darrell Jackson, who had probably one of the worst games of his entire life, dropped the wet ball on the transfer, with it rolling towards the end zone. Vavayavich fell on the loose ball in the end zone, giving the Egrets a safety and staining her uniform brown as well, matching everyone else on the field.

The next Egrets’ drive didn’t put any more points on the scoreboard, but took the game to half-time with a score of 24-7. The grounds crew, finally able to do proper maintenance, managed to get the field into a somewhat playable state for a brief window, and on the first drive of the second half, Vavayavich led an efficient, nine-play touchdown drive, capped off with a pass to Arnas Rønning. They proceeded to go for two, but the two-point conversion was stuffed by the Egrets to keep the score at 24-13. Yet again, the Egrets were efficiently running the ball, and the Blue Thunder got closer to stopping it, forcing the Egrets into fourth-and-short twice. However, both times, Sampson converted to move the chains; back-breaking plays for the Blue Thunder defense. They were clearly already exhausted from the first half, and this was very much not helping. Wampona picked up his second touchdown on the ground, and a successful two-point conversion moved the score to 32-13.
With a quarter and change left to play, and down by three scores, the Blue Thunder nearly made it interesting. For the first time of the game, Manne Nordström was able to cleanly field a kickoff without the ball falling into some puddle. The Vanorian made use of the opportunity, returning the kick-off for 84 yards, although he was pushed out of bounds at the five-yard line. Four consecutive plays did only yield 4 yards and about 2 and a half feet for a turnover on downs.

If the Blue Thunder’s defense was not already exhausted, they definitely were after the collection of Egrets’ running backs drove the ball for about 80 yards for what felt like half the game. They did stop the Egrets eventually to get the ball back, but a pick midway through the final quarter effectively ended the game. Any resistance by the defense that may have been left was definitely out of the window by now, and Sampson picked up another touchdown and conversion to make the final score 40-13 in a truly bizarre game.

Asked after the game, Sampson called it “one of the best and worst games of football I have ever seen”, summing it up nicely. We may never see such a game again.

This is roughly what it looked like, except the mudhole looked slightly more like a gridiron stadium, and the elephants were Egrets and Blue Thunders.
I would have tried to draw it, but I don’t know how to draw a Blue Thunder. (not my picture, just to be clear)

[Cardenao]

BSU Broncos’ Bounce Back, Win Big Against Napoli-Zinemar City University

LeBois Santura University (BSU) Broncos came charging back with a vengeance as they triumphed over Napoli-Zinemar City University in a resounding 44-18 victory, showcasing a remarkable offensive turnaround and a stalwart defense that refused to yield after conceding two early touchdowns.

The Broncos' offense was, of course, led by sophomore quarterback and captain Bobby Dials, who came alive in spectacular fashion after a disappointing game against BYU. Bobby D, who faced some deserved scrutiny following the previous week's double-interception performance, responded with an absolute bang, throwing for an impressive four touchdowns with the longest being a pinpoint 63 yard laser. The young man exhibited his leadership on the field, not only connecting with his receiving group led by Junior Tywin Shabeux’s twin touchdown outing but also demonstrating trust in the newer talents like freshman running back Colt Fulton, who contributed a 17-yard rushing touchdown after bursting through three tackle attempts. The flair and confidence Bobby exuded was a welcome contrast to last week’s showing. Overall it was the Broncos' throwing game that dominated Napoli-Zinemar's defense, keeping them on their heels and unable to stop the Broncos’ rhythm.

On the defensive side, it was a bit of a shaky start that saw BSU concede two early touchdowns, one a well-worked 17 yard slant route, the other a gut busting running touchdown, but after these early bruises, the unit quickly recalibrated found a winning strategy as they pressured the pocket, forcing quick throws and quicker stops. For the second week in a row, credit must be given to the young linebacker sensation, Alabaster Red, who demonstrated his emergence as one of the top Cardenaoan defensive players. Red's five stops included four solo tackles and two sacks, which further proves his crucial role in the team's defensive scheme.

Praise must also be given to senior safety Ricky Spanish, known for his larger-than-life persona both on and off the field, who delivered an electric performance that left spectators in awe. Showcasing his incredible physical attributes, Ricky Spanish seized two interceptions, one of which was returned 27 yards for a touchdown, igniting the crowd with every step as he held the ball to one ear and hit the shaka with his other before dive-bombing into the endzone. His elite speed and jumping ability was on full display as he made game-changing plays that reinvigorated the defense and left Napoli-Zinemar scrambling to find a solution.

While the game showcased a cohesive Broncos unit firing on all cylinders, with the offense and defense both showing their strengths, it wasn’t without its challenges either. Napoli-Zinemar City University managed to expose some defensive vulnerabilities early on with those touchdowns in the first quarter, more experienced opponents would use that to put the Broncos’ to the blade, but the defense held strong today and adapted to eventually shut down the opponent’s offense. There will be some chatter as to how the two missed extra-point attempts by Napoli-Zinemar's kicker added a twist to the game’s proceedings, but those two extra points don’t help much when you ultimately lose by 26 points.

This commanding win was much needed for the Broncos’ after their 14-6 loss against BYU and sets the stage for an intense upcoming clash against the Küsbon Kollege Knights. Despite the comparatively underwhelming reputation of the Knights, this match brings the element of rivalry that only geographic proximity can bring out, with the two colleges only a thousand or two miles apart, we’re likely to see quite a bit of passion and intensity that makes these local matches what they are. As the Broncos gear up for another high-stakes encounter, they’ll have to be happy coming in off this win against NZCU.

The LeBois Santura University Broncos’ confident performance against Napoli-Zinemar City University shows how determined and driven the blue and orange is to having a strong statement season. While the upper, or even mid-level of NSCF schools are certainly a far ways away, with Bobby Dials and Alabaster Red picking up the pace, the Broncos are ready to continue this march to victory, unblinking in the face of any challenge that comes their way.

[New Gesem]

Redbirds Edge Out Zorillos to Maintain Perfect Start
Alexandroupolis 6-3 UPAM

For the second week in a row, the University of Alexandroupolis Redbirds have edged out their opponent by one field goal, maintaining a perfect 2-0 record. A goal-line push by freshman running back Richardson as time expired gave the Redbirds their first lead of the game, but it was enough to give them the win.

The rest of the game was as exciting as a defensive stalemate can be, with both teams combining for a third-down conversion rate below 50%. Defenses were categorically lights-out, as may be expected from a scoreline in the single digits.

Next week the Redbirds will make the trip up the River Highway to Constantinople to face the Binturongs.

Island, pt 3
Clara Simmons is a hot-ass mess. Born in Busiris to two powerful members of the Oryxes fraternity, both of whom would take seats on the Oryxes’ national council by the time Clara was in high school, she grew up believing herself untouchable, and there were few in town who would disagree. She and Jordan met during a rare night on the town for him, and soon they were entangled. Her parents encouraged the courtship, paid for both the wedding and the honeymoon, perhaps hoping Jordan could make an honest woman of her.

Their romance didn’t survive the birth of their first child, but the marriage lingered a decade after that, until Jordan made the long drive to Alexandria to seek an annulment. Clara and her parents finally acquiesced, on the condition that he take Jasper and leave town to spare her the “humiliation” of being a single mother. Jordan left without a second thought, made a few calls, and began the process of setting up his business in Island.

All of this is common knowledge in Island, the same as the price of gas at the Kosher Mart or the score of the last Bulldogs game. What is not common knowledge, though not for lack of effort from the town’s resident gossips, is how Clara’s second child came to live with her ex-husband. Walt Gilliam knows, as does deputy town marshal Colt Francis, who was dispatched to conduct a wellness check after the Island marshal’s office got a call from Busiris PD, who got an anonymous call saying Jordan was abusing the boy.

When he’s asked about what he saw that night, which has been a fairly frequent occurrence this summer, Colt always tells whoever’s asking that he can’t say much, but that the young man is well taken care of, sharing a bedroom with Jasper, and that Jordan has a well-prepared binder with all the relevant legal documentation from Busiris. He will then share a detail that the questioner usually hasn’t asked for: the boy’s name, which is Duane.

Lately Duane has taken to appearing at Jordan’s job sites, riding shotgun in the Shepherd, handing out bottles of water to Jordan’s subcontractors. This isn’t entirely a surprise, because Jasper has been a fixture at these since the family arrived in Island, to the point that subcontractors will specially request Jasper to fill in for a worker who's sick or otherwise absent. Duane, however, works differently than Jasper; where the older brother is animated, asking questions about the trades and making halting attempts to banter, Duane keeps his head down and does whatever is asked of him in silence.

[Gran Saguaro]

Escuela Secundaria Martín J. Chambers
Room 703
Waaaay after the bell rang, like 6:40 or something

"Oye. Édgar."

Édgar looked up.

"It's time to get out, buddy."

The hallways of ES Martín J. Chambers smelled of ammonia. The janitors had already gone home (actually they hadn't gone home, they had gone to a bar). It was Friday. Édgar López nodded and closed his notebook.

"Édgar, man, this breaks my heart." Mr. Roldán sat on the edge of his desk. This was his classroom. A bright, young teacher with no plan for mapping out his life, and consequently he felt trapped and suffocated. He taught civics.

"Nah, it's ok," Édgar said. He slid his notebook into his backpack.

"Why do you need to...like...why didn't you go home?" Mr. Roldán checked his watch. "Several hours ago?"

"I don't know, I like it in here," Édgar said. The civics classroom was Mr. Roldán's pride and joy. Contrary to the clusterfuck of his apartment, the room was neatly organized and full of posters and smelled like cinnamon. The vibes were very beige. Very calming.

"It's a Friday."

"Oh c'mon." Édgar smiled at him. "What do you think I'm gonna do?"

"I dunno." Mr. Roldán shrugged. "Party."

Édgar shook his head. "I can't wait to get out." He started cleaning up the mess of textbooks he was taking notes from. "Fucking Yerba Buena."

"Dude, Yerba Buena is an awesome city."

"We don't live in Yerba Buena," Édgar said, "we live in San Marco, which is a suburb of Yerba Buena, and it's shit, and boring."

"So you like it in here more."

"Yeah."

Mr. Roldán waved his hand. "C'mon. Time to get out."

"I know."

"What were you even doing?"

Édgar brought his books to the shelf in the back of the room. "This textbook is from the 90s."

"Oh, McLane–Santos. I used that one when I was your age."

"Yeah." Édgar shrugged. "I'm comparing its curriculum to the textbook we used, which is from 2017."

"Please tell me you at least like sports or something."

"This textbook is pretty alarming." Édgar flipped it over and looked at the back cover.

"It wasn't a great textbook. That's why the school district uses the other one now."

They stood in silence.

"UPAM."

Édgar flashed a really wide grin. "I'm so excited."

"Édgar, that's awesome. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mr. Roldán."

"Hey did they mention any, um...specific...letters of recommendation?"

"Nah," Édgar said. "But I'm sure yours was the deciding factor."

"It was a damn good letter."

"I know it."

"What are you gonna study?"

Édgar waved his hand at the shelf where he had just placed the textbooks. "Guess."

"Hey, maybe you could come back up here. Join me as a teacher."

"Yeah, okay." Édgar laughed "Let me swallow a goat first."

"Not bad pay." Mr. Roldán made his way to the door. "I'll walk you outside."

They walked down the slick hallways in silence.

"Édgar how are you getting home?"

"I don't know."

Resumed silence.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine."

"At home?"

"It—It's fine."

"Oh no...Édgar..."

"Mr. Roldán." Édgar stopped and turned to face him. "Diego's dad beats him with a cane. Juliana's mom kicked her out, she sleeps on a friend's couch. Alvin Vasquez hasn't talked to his parents in a year. He lives in his car." Édgar turned from Mr. Roldán's gaze. "I have two parents who love me. I'm fine."

"I did not know that thing about Alvin."

"There's a lot of yelling, especially at me. That's all. I don't like it. It's fine." He started walking. "I just want to go to UPAM and forget about it."

Mr. Roldán jogged to catch up with him, but he didn't have anything to say. Eventually:

"Édgar, did you get to Chapter 11 in McLane–Santos?"

"Yeah."

"It features Ben Padilla's speech, did you see that?"

"I think so."

"From the Senate floor, in 1965. He was protesting against using public funds to build the largest metal cone on Earth in the middle of the Mojave. It was a popular project, and a big risk to protest it." Mr. Roldán looked up at the ceiling. "'...these Senators who stand before me bear an easy burden. They bear the burden of a worldwide accomplishment. They bear the burden of a world record, which will set their names in steel. I bear a much heavier burden. I bear the burden of the disappointment our grandchildren will look upon us with, and the mockery their contemporaries will make. I see the consequences of erecting a massive steel cone in the desert.' This next part is my favorite." Mr. Roldán took a deep breath. 'It is easy. It is hard. It is easy. It is hard to stand here. It is easy to laugh at me. It is hard to fight this cone. It is easy to walk out of here in ten minutes and applaud yourselves for beating a world record. It is hard to look at the faces of hungry children and tell them that this is why they can't eat lunch, because their funds were reallocated. Go build this cone. Be my guest. Construct a monument to your thick heads.'"

"Mr Roldán, how does this relate to me at all?"

"You're so focused at leaving Yerba Buena. It's your metal cone."

A pause.

"Go enjoy your weekend, Édgar."

"Yes sir."

[Dhemixia]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Columbus Dominion(Est. 1873)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jays fall to 0-2; questions raised over legitimacy

After multiple showings from the Jays, some of which close, some not, alumni and fans alike are getting increasingly frustrated with the team's overall performance. Questions have been raised on the management of this team from the coaching staff, and the team is running out of answers. While this slide may just be a fluke, fans are not so sure of jumping to conclusions. One enraged (and most likely drunk) tailgater, put it this way, "This team's performance has been horrible. They have about the same level of maturity as a group of kindergarteners, and need to pull it together NOW to salvage the season. If the team keeps up like this, (Craig) Kelly's days are numbered. Let me get back to a sport that doesn't make me throw up, and not because of beer. JOHN! GRAB ME ANOTHER BEER FROM THE TAILGATE, GOLF IS ON!"

The Jays lost 26-43 to the other representative of New Gesem, the University of Constantinople, in what was a one-sided game, having the Jays' final 7 be scored as time expired. The Jays red zone offense was cold as ice, only converting 2 of their 5 drives that got there for a TD, finishing the rest off with a trio of short, chip-shot field goals. Had the Jays' converted all of their red-zone chances for touchdowns, they would've lost by only 5, and all scoring opportunities, they would've lost by 1. The Jays' redzone play has to improve if they want a chance at winning games, and winning games is approximately about 94.7382% of the fun in football for both players and fans.

With the next game at UPAM-Boca Rana, both the Jays and Craig Kelly are under large pressure to perform, with the backlash for failing being tremendous. To say the least, this game is the biggest game yet this season for the Jays, having Craig Kelly's job security and the threat of being a national laughingstock at stake. Will they triumph? Will they despair? We'll just have to wait and see what comes of the biggest game all year for the Blue Jays.

=======================
Scoring Summary
=======================
First Quarter
12:36 UCon TD - QB Zachary Cook throws 14 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to WR Matthew Kelly. 2-PT is good (0-8)
9:13 UCon TD - RB Oswald Ford has 9 yard TOUCHDOWN run. PAT is good (0-15)
4:56 UCP FG - K Sam Gustafsson kicks 49 yard FIELD GOAL. (3-15)
0:30 UCon TD - QB Zachary Cook has 3 yard TOUCHDOWN run. PAT is good (3-22)

Second Quarter
13:47 UCP TD - QB Jerry Atkinson throws 19 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to WR Miles Gray-Rasmussen. PAT is good (10-22)
9:35 UCP FG - K Sam Gustafsson kicks 37 yard FIELD GOAL. (13-22)
4:51 UCon TD - QB Zachary Cook throws 32 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to WR Duane Pratt. PAT is good (13-29)

Third Quarter
7:29 UCP FG - K Sam Gustafsson kicks 26 yard FIELD GOAL. (16-29)
1:40 UCon TD - RB Oswald Ford has 4 yard TOUCHDOWN run. PAT is good (16-36)

Fourth Quarter
14:57 - K Sam Gustafsson kicks 28 yard FIELD GOAL. (19-36)
6:02 UCon TD - QB Zachary Cook throws 7 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to RB Oswald Ford. PAT is good (19-43)
0:00 UCP TD - QB Jerry Atkinson throws 18 yard TOUCHDOWN pass to RB Kendrick Diaz. PAT is good (26-43)

Final Score
Blue Jays, 26
Binturongs, 43

Schedule

*blue indicates home games
Week 1: VS. Alexandroupolis L 27-30
Week 2: @ Constantinople L 26-43
Week 3: @ UPAM-Boca Rana
Week 4: @ Commonwealth of Baker Park
Week 5: @ Green City University
Week 6: VS. Royal Naval Academy
Week 7: VS. Trent State
Week 8: @ Alexandroupolis
Week 9: VS. Constantinople
Week 10: VS. UPAM-Boca Rana
------------
Non-conference play
Week 11: @ Frontier M&T
Week 12: VS. Lacragos
Week 13: @ BYU
_{visit https://ucprairiefootball.ns for more ticketing information}

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

The Taegukgi: The Korean-language voice of the Quebecois Commonwealth

Songak Praetorian Sold: Unlikely group of bidder wins, shocks the media world with purchase that accompanies promises of non-intervention

Gilles Halgorsen

CONCORD HEIGHTS, CASSADAIGUA - The most unexpected sale ever.

Of course, it is not finalised yet, especially with the sale having to be approved by the Office of Competition under Her Majesty's Government. But if materialised, The Songak Praetorian will be sold to the H&N Media and Sports Group, led by legendary Quarterback and media personality Ian Lautner, Quebecois business executives Ji Gyeong-Wan and Moishe Goldbloom, in a move that is set to shocked the very core of Quebec and Shingoryeo's newspaper and media industry.

The agreement for The Strathcona Trust to sell a near-majority ownership and provide five out of eight board members, excluding the Chair, in one of the flagship Quebecois newspaper brings an intriguing question to the 245-year-old newspaper that has been under the sole control of the Strathcona Trust since 1927, and sees strong, international reputation through its values both as a traditional, left-wing newspaper and also for its opposition to Paywalling trend that some newspapers have brought in various points of contemporary Quebec with limited success.

The historic deal was conducted with high degrees of secrecy, with codenames and overseas meeting held to ensure the privacy and security of the details, and it would not be until the morning of the deal that its own investigative reporter have found out about the news. 'Certainly not a normal deal, and every bit electrifying news,' Archimedes Fagan, former member of the Trust and current Quebecois High Commissioner to Acadiana, told The Taegukgi. 'The way they had handled the proceedings isn't anything like I have seen. But then, why would they want to risk it on a paper with such history?'

It was announced on The Praetorian's own account that the decision came from that of the Strathcona Board itself. Raoul de Strathcona, the trust board member whose family had owned the paper from 1848 to 1926 and is allocated a lifetime position on the Board, explained that the H&N Group was contacted via an investment firm and after months of negotiation, had agreed to a deal.

While the exact details of the purchase was not known, it is rumoured that the sale price for the partial sale was set to be around Q£233 million (NSD $700 million), which consists of approximately the two-third of the Songak newspaper's fund. The figure describes the scale required for a complex family operation in order to purchase an institution as renowned and prestigious as that of Songak Praetorian.

H&N Media and Sports Group is a family-led investment fund that is previously incorporated six years ago by Lautner, Ji, Goldbloom, and multiple members of the Heo Family of sporting fame in recent decades. Chaired by Moishe Goldbloom, investment banker whose brother-in-law is baseball legend and current Bugil College coach Heo Myeong-Shin, the company holds a complex group of companies and sports clubs that suggest diverse interests:

- Ownership stakes: Moishe Goldbloom (30%) - Ian Lautner (25%) - Ji Gyeong-Wan & Maisie Dreyfus-Milliken (25%) - Heo-Goldbloom Foundation (15%) - Montesierra Corporation (5%)
- Stakes: ALORS S.A. (Hotels and Resorts - 30%), Cannabiscorp (5%), Montesierra (Film - 25%), Songak Praetorian (Media - 45% and majority in Board positions)
- Sports Clubs ownerships: Montevicio Lakers (Quebecois Basketball League), Northandryun Rovers (Multiple sports, including Q-League), South Bend Sakers (Quebecois Women's Basketball League)
- Sponsorships: H&N Gallery and Museum (Arts and Culture), National Racing Authority of Quebec (Horseracing), Quebec Foundation (Culture), Queen's College and Universite du Saguenay (Education)

Raoul de Strathcona announced that the decision ensures the newspaper's stability into the future: 'The Strathcona Board has been synonymous with the success of the newspaper, whose foundation begins with prompt, insightful and incisive investigative reporting, as well as its ability to incorporate the interests of the public that becomes ever diverse. When the H&N Group came up with the proposal, we knew that it was a promising one for our future.'

'The H&N Group's proposal is one that we could not refuse considering their interest in not only the integrity of independent journalism, but also that of fields that we have made our names for in arts and culture, and in sports. Their familiarity in business and economics will also add an unique lens to it, and thus we feel that this move allows for further enrichment of The Praetorian.'

According to the announcement made by Moise Goldbloom, the chair of the H&N Group, the operations of Songak Praetorian will remain uninterrupted with the Group members holding little to no interest in intervening the newspaper's operations. 'Life will go on, plain straight forward,' Ji wrote on his letter to the Praetorian employees. 'We have a strong, diverse group of like-minded individuals in the H&N, and we believe that the newspaper's best left in the hands of actual reporters and editors, who we dearly trust. We will aid them in what they need, without taking any.'

The partial purchase of Songak Praetorian no doubt brings an interesting dilemma to Quebecois newspapers who continue to face challenges to retain their readership and ensure consistency in financial survival. Quebecois public continue to remain hostile towards the idea of paywalls, which have no doubt brought little success for multiple outlets that have tried it, and the linguistic division of the newspapers too have made things tricky for certain outlets, such as French-language Le Mazepa or Korean-language The Taegukgi, who enjoy universal trust domestically but sees limited market on primary language of distribution (both has significant English-language outlets).

The H&N acquisition also brings an interesting situation with the Heo Family, whose foundation originates with the St. Croix-educated professors in the Heo siblings' father and grandfather. While their patriarch, Dr. Heo Dong-Soo, remains mostly elusive as the Head of the Royal Archives of Shingoryeo (RAS) and Jacques IX Professor of History and Comparative Literature at his alma mater, his two children and nephew have all enjoyed successful transition into new careers outside of sports and through strong family and friendship terms, which include Ji, whose in-laws Dreyfus-Millikens are unlikely to hold the newspaper's opinions, or Ian Lautner, a longtime friend of Heos dating back to their fathers' college days.

Goldbloom told Songak Praetorian that 'Good times will continue, and that the Songak Praetorian's commitment to the people and the communities across the nation and the world will continue to be upheld.' He insists the ownership will mostly be concerned with ensuring financial sustainability of the newspaper, citing that 'our interests lie in re-investment, and reinvestment does not mean taking your investment account money out of the ATM for blackjacks and hookers because why save money? We are here to aim for the long future.'

The Office of Competition was unable to be contacted for the enquiry.

[Ranoria]

ZYX


Celestia Conference Week 3:


Watch out for the Ellies, they like to play tricks on people!

University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) 27–23 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)

Elephant Valley University (SNL) 25–13 Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL)

Bel-Hes State University (STH) 19–19 Hankow State (UVI) (25–22 OT)

Université St. Croix (QUE) 31–19 Université du Saguenay (QUE)

Savannah

                                         Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ)        3    2   1    79   79    0
2 Elephant Valley University (SNL)         3    2   1    48   58  −10
3 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)       3    1   2    60   44  +16
4 Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL)    3    1   2    63   69   −6

Sequoia

                                  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Université St. Croix (QUE)        3    3   0    73   49  +24
2 Université du Saguenay (QUE)      3    2   1    82   54  +28
3 Bel-Hes State University (STH)    3    1   2    41   86  −45
4 Hankow State (UVI)                3    0   3    59   66   −7

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Horizon and Zephyr Conference - Week 3

Cutoff.

CELESTIA CONFERENCE

Starlight Division
Cavsar University (DRK) 29–19 Sadeg State University (DRK)
Staramara Tech University (CMT) 32–27 Felswyr State University (CMT)

# Starlight Division                                                    Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Felswyr State University                                                3   2  1  121  71 +50
2 Cavsar University                                                       3   2  1   82  94 −12
3 Sadeg State University                                                  3   1  2   75  98 −23
4 Staramara Tech University                                               3   1  2   82  97 −15

Equinox Division
Frontier Mechanical and Technical University (SAS) 44–14 Altai University (OKX)
Natanians and Nosts Palæontological-Centred Research University (NTN) 20–20 Koronki University of Technology and Computing (DOT) (27–20 OT)

# Equinox Division                                                      Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Koronki University of Technology and Computing                          3   2  1   84  43 +41
2 Frontier Mechanical and Technical University                            3   2  1   84  57 +27
3 Natanians and Nosts Palæontological-Centred Research University         3   2  1   84  78  +6
4 Altai University                                                        3   0  3   48 122 −74

ZEPHYR CONFERENCE

Legends Division
Crown's College (SHM) 37–17 University of Lacragos (EVI)
Maximus Rochester Institute (PFA) 19–54 University of Mancodas (PFA)

# Legends Division                  Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 University of Mancodas              3   3  0  106  29 +77
2 Maximus Rochester Institute         3   2  1   86  85  +1
3 Crown's College                     3   1  2   58  72 −14
4 University of Lacragos              3   0  3   37 101 −64

Celestial Division
Raynor University (VAL) 26–38 Mar Sara Tech (VAL)
Bowerstone University (ATH) 32–13 University of Akderdair (ATH)

# Celestial Division                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD 
1 Mar Sara Tech                       3   2  1  107  85 +22
2 Raynor University                   3   2  1  114  94 +20
3 Bowerstone University               3   1  2   79  88  −9
4 University of Akderdair             3   1  2   81 114 −33

[Utahn Theocratic Republic]

KSL Sports Zone

It sounds like Blake has had quite a rollercoaster of a season so far. Winning against the Cardenao schools must have been thrilling, even if the games were nail-biters. However, it seems that Blake is not entirely satisfied with his own performance and acknowledges that he needs to improve, especially when it comes to throwing interceptions .As he prepares for the next game and takes a moment to talk with his wife, it's clear that Blake is seeking both support and calmness before stepping back onto the field. This shows his determination to bounce back from any setbacks and give his best in order to secure another victory. Looking ahead, interconference week poses its own challenges for Blake, with teams like Richardson University Governors and Cold Hill University Buffalo being known as tough opponents. It's evident that this season will be more demanding than ever before. But with a newfound sense of readiness and an unwavering desire to win, I have no doubt that Blake will rise up to these challenges one by one. It's all about focusing on the task at hand, giving each game his all, and embracing the opportunity for growth both as an individual player and as part of a team. With determination and perseverance guiding him forward, I believe Blake has what it takes to overcome any obstacles on this action-packed journey through the season. Good luck and go BYU

[Drawkland]

Big Eight & Mineral
Week 3

WEEK THREEEEEEEE

---

BIG EIGHT
Cold Hill University 26–21 Richardson University
Sea Dome University 49–27 High City College
LeBois Santura University 19–3 Küsbon Kollege
Napoli-Zinemar City University 32–24 Bingham Young University

# Everless Division               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Cold Hill University              3    3   0    84   48  +36
2 Richardson University             3    2   1   148   57  +91
3 Sea Dome University               3    1   2    80  135  −55
4 High City College                 3    0   3    54  126  −72


# Evermore Division               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 LeBois Santura University         3    2   1    70   37  +33
2 Bingham Young University          3    2   1    61   54   +7
3 Napoli-Zinemar City University    3    2   1    84   68  +16
4 Küsbon Kollege                    3    0   3    18   74  −56

MINERAL
Trent State University 14–24 Green City University
Royal Naval Academy 27–53 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park
University of Alexandroupolis 26–12 University of Constantinople
Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana 36–21 University of Columbus-Prairie

# Heartland Division                                    Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park            3    3   0   119   57  +62
2 Green City University                                   3    2   1    94   59  +35
3 Trent State University                                  3    1   2    43   78  −35
4 Royal Naval Academy                                     3    0   3    60  122  −62


# Boreal Division                                       Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 University of Alexandroupolis                           3    3   0    62   42  +20
2 Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana    3    2   1    58   30  +28
3 University of Constantinople                            3    1   2    58   71  −13
4 University of Columbus-Prairie                          3    0   3    74  109  −35

[New Gesem]

Redbirds Rout ‘Rongs, Retain River Highway Trophy
University of Alexandroupolis 26–12 University of Constantinople

The River Highway Trophy may return to Alexandroupolis after the Birds’ decisive win over the Binturongs Saturday in week 3 of Nationstates College Football competition. Freshman quarterback Larry Sanchez demonstrated why he was the program’s number-one target recruit out of high school as he threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

“We’re changing the narrative of this team,” said Coach Curtis Decker of the 3-0 Redbirds. “Last year ‘nople interrupted our momentum and caused us to stutter; this year, we’ve sailed past them, and I don’t think they’re going to be a factor in our season down the stretch.”

Tough words, maybe, but Decker has the results to back them up. At no point was this game ever within a touchdown; UA scored fourteen unanswered points in the first half, both passing touchdowns, one caught by Francis Baker on a deep slant and the other by Sean Martin from a goal-line set.

The teams traded field goals in the second half as Constantinople’s secondary came online, with freshman cornerback Billy Peterson notching a critical interception in the red zone to prevent Alexandroupolis from scoring. Peterson also served as punt returner, returning a Wayne James punt to the end zone, only to have the play called back for holding.

“If there’s one positive to take from this game, it’s the special-teams play,” said first-year ‘Rongs head coach Jenkins. “We got outgunned both sides of the ball, but we were able to play for field position and force them to take bad field goals, so that’s something to build on.”

Senior Redbirds kicker Clyde Head missed two field goals from forty-eight and fifty-one yards in the second half.

Both teams are on the road in TJUN-ia next week against Heartland Division opponents: the Redbirds will travel to Trent State to take on the Feathercaps, while the Binturongs take on the Green City Royal Eagles.

Island, pt 4
Summer wears on in Island, and one day as if by prior arrangement, the whole town’s focus shifts to football. The Bulldogs have always put a respectable product on the field, owing to a robust, if insular, cadre of coaches who remain the same from year to year. There’s a good chance the peewee quarterback will end up as the high school varsity quarterback, assuming no disruptions occur to the normal order of things.

Jasper Freeman is, through no fault of his own, a disruptor. Jordan grew up playing football in Busiris, but he was never a starter, never a star, basketball being more his sport. Jasper went out for the middle-school team the first year he was in Island and proved to have some aptitude for the sport, and by eighth grade, he was splitting starts at quarterback with Bobby King, one of those who’d lived in Island since birth. Bobby’s not a bad kid: his father, Robert Sr., is an HVAC technician in town who sometimes subcontracts with Jordan. But he’s slow on his feet, takes too long to make decisions, and never committed the playbook to memory the way Jasper did, so when the coaches gather in the height of summer to build the depth chart, it’s Jasper’s name that goes behind Victor Jones’s under “quarterback.”

Victor Jones; there’s a name for you. Son of Caleb Jones, one of the few men in Island who’s a member of a fraternity, a handsome small-town boy who charmed and married someone several rungs higher on the social ladder. Caleb and his wife Lynn own–not lease, actually own-- their house on the edge of town, on the way to Busiris, where Caleb sells cars at a Covenant Motors dealership. Lynn’s acquainted with Clara Simmons, Jordan’s ex, Jasper’s mother, from when they were students together at Alexandroupolis and sisters in Omega Omnicron Omega, the Oryxes’ collegiate affiliate. Lynn comes from money, same as Clara, but has a dim opinion of the other woman.

It’s late in the summer when Caleb lets it slip that he’s moving the family. He’s been transferred, he says, to a Covenant dealership in Alexandria, but everyone knows what that really means. Caleb’s a decent salesman, and he brings home a decent paycheck, but his real stake in life is his membership in the Oryxes, and he’s been given a shot at lodge leadership. The new job is just gravy. Good for him, really, good for everyone; Victor’s little sister Rachel is ecstatic, gushing to her friends about how much better everything in Alexandria is going to be. Men shake Caleb’s hand when they see him, talk about how much they’re going to miss him, what Victor has meant to the football team all these years.

Victor begs and pleads with his father to let him stay, just for the fall semester so he can play his senior year for the Bulldogs, but to no avail. Caleb may be the first generation Jones to be admitted into a fraternity, but he has no intention of being the last. His plans for his son include the triple-O mother chapter at University of Alexandroupolis, or possibly the colony starting up down in Thebes. Victor’s a good-looking kid, a natural leader, and he’ll do great in the collegiate fraternity world, which is a leg up when he gets to be a full member. It’ll be Caleb’s legacy.

Once the moving van, a modified Covenant Eden, leaves out the Jones’s long, smooth driveway, the topic of conversation in town turns to who is going to start behind center for the Bulldogs. The past two years the position has belonged securely to Victor, who earned the starting job as a sophomore. Opinions vary; some say that Coach Longfellow might try Tyler Duchesne, who was a quarterback in middle school but has mostly played defense since matriculating, while others insist that it’ll be Jasper Freeman to start come September.

[South Newlandia]

Red Ellies extend rivalry streak to 7-2

Despite being the more successful NSCF team in South Newlandia by pretty much every measure, one thing that still eludes the Egrets is a win at EVU Campus. With the most recent win, the Red Ellies extended their streak of home victories to five.

For the Red Elephants and especially coach Addo Uster, it was a vital win to open the homestand. It was the second straight game that saw the defense stepping up big time, holding a hot Egret rushing game to just 15 points. After all, what thing can stop a Snow Bear? The answer, of course, is another Snow Bear. In this case, it was the Krause brothers who managed to contain the rush relatively well, with some major help from the Chromatik players all up and down the defense. Especially Hines and Jackson-Jones, the two freshmen, were able to step up on the left side to prevent big chunk plays.
The Red Ellies’ line-play also deserves a mention, with Hannasean Finn Rogers bullying Left Tackle Dennis Serra all game, ultimately finishing with 1.5 sacks and seven pressures. This forced the Kasozi Wampona to throw a lot, and the Red Ellie secondary was able to contain the undermanned Egret wide receiver unit. WR1 Romeo Carl became a complete non-factor, with Vanorian corner Mustafa Engström completely taking the Chromatik out of the game. This allowed the safeties to shift towards David Patterson, who certainly needed more help. Thankfully, the excellent safety duo was able to provide plenty of that.
With the defense once again stepping up, it was on the offense to just score decently to win the game. For Quarterback Rico Divalles, that mostly meant limiting mistakes, which he did successfully, not turning the ball over once. He frequently attacked the Egrets through the air, especially attacking the matchup between Etan Gadi and Lucas Garcia. The Ha’Yaroki was able to catch seven passes, including a touchdown toss, when facing the Egrets’ senior. Additionally, Samajae Dallas was the safety blanket the Red Ellies needed. On top of that, the Red Elephants succeeded in all other aspects of the game, including winning the turnover battle, having a big return on special teams, and also not making a complete mess on special teams in general. It was a very thorough win in all phases, with the Red Ellies due to face to tough opponents at home next – The Fighting Irish will be coming into Elephant Valley unhappy following losing the battle of Quebec, and Hankow State will surely be looking to bounce back from a poor start. Those two home games will be the last bar one, with the Red Elephants playing seven of their final eight on the road – and the only home game in that stretch will be a very unhappy Cougars team coming into Elephant Valley to take the Sally Trophy back home.


The Egrets, meanwhile, find themselves in a tough spot. They’d lost fairly decisively to their rivals – the ground game was mediocre for the players they have, and Kasozi Wampona threw more picks than touchdown passes. Even that one touchdown pass came in garbage time, to make the score a slightly more respectable 12-point loss rather than an 18-point one. Despite having previously quarterbacked during some strong passing performances, Wampona is increasingly seen as a gimmick player who falls apart without the threat of using his legs. Whether Wampona can actually throw was only one of the questions raised, with the Egrets also struggling to just about anything else right all game.
The pass-rush struggled to penetrate the all-Chromatik O-Line, the receiving targets struggled to get separation, the secondary struggled to keep up with the Red Ellie wideouts. Even on special teams, the Egrets lost; allowing a 60-yard return, and also Prasad-Ahamad missing both of her field goal attempts. They relied on a goal line fumble by Franco and a turnover on 4th and 1 near midfield to even keep the score as close as it was – and it really wasn’t that close.
Now with a losing record and zero wins in games that actually look like football, the Egrets are facing a very hot Bleu et Blanc next at the Jungledrom in what will be an extremely important game to see in which direction this team is headed.

Signature look of superiority

[Chromatika]

Johnston Memorial Stadium, Staramara, Urrhed Island -

"Talk some more! Talk some more!" shouted a riled up Jacoby Grinner at Lisa Bonsoon as he celebrated the game winning touchdown in the midst of cheering Lava fans.

Down 27-25 with forty-three seconds left, the Lava had completely overwhelmed the Firehawks on a play-action play that saw Grinner get Bonsoon to bite on a stop-and-go that would've made Firehawks legend Alessandra Mio proud. In one play, JJ Garrett Jr. had turned a situation where they were going for a Field Goal to a five point lead instead. In one moment, all the trash talking that Bonsoon had been heaping on the Lava for losing to the Drawkian schools, the needling about the legacy of Felswyr State and just how easy it was to beat them, was coming up at him.

It wasn't his fault that the team was breaking in a Freshman at Quarterback. The Lava had been in those matches with the Skyhawks and the Gladiators. They had had a shot, but fallen just short. However, all the players had known that it would just be a matter of time, and they had thoroughly frustrated the Firehawks to bits in this game. Middle Linebacker Lucius Agot was playing like the superstar he was, JJ hadn't made a single major mistake, and now, they had just burned the reigning Defensive Player of the Year for the game-winning score.

Bonsoon, to her credit, took the needling on the chin and didn't retaliate. That was what gave her plenty of respect from even her most hated rivals - that she knew how to take it as much as she dished it out.

"It's a game about passion," Grinner said afterwards after the Lava held off Odika's last half minute of trying to win the game, "She (Lisa) embodies it, and so do I. I'm looking forward to playing them again at the Firehawks' Roost again this season; I know that they'll be coming for us."

For the Lava, it was a win that showed their potential - and that the season was just beginning. For the Firehawks, it was a reality check - that the Offensive Line was still a work in progress and that the Horizon wouldn't be so simply won.

Sometimes, even Lisa Bonsoon was humbled.

Staramara will get the chance to continue their winning streak as the two Chromatik schools take on the four schools of the Equinox Division - the worse division of the Horizon Conference. Historically, the Starlight has been far more successful - and the goal is for both to win at least three of four before they go against the Drawkian schools once more.

"They got us good," admitted Firehawks Head Coach Naia Curentino on her first loss as the head of the Firehawks, "We'll be ready for them when the return game comes. Before that, though, we have some business cross-division to take care of."

Odika and company will move on, as will JJ Garrett Jr. after his first win. Things are becoming tighter in the Horizon Conference.

[Drawkland]

"Begin briefing, please."

Location: Roy Memorial Stadium, Cavsar, Drawkland
Time: NSCF 29, Week 3
Event: Horizon Conference regular season matchup
Contenders: Cavsar University, Sadeg State University
Attendees: approximately 150,000 fans

The first of two matchups between Cavsar's Gladiators and Sadeg State's Skyhawks promised to be an interesting one. Both teams had split their season openers, losing to Felswyr State and valiantly defeating Staramara Tech. The winner of this game would receive a winning record going into the cross-divisional slate. If Staramara Tech managed to defeat their Chromatik counterparts that day, then the winner of this matchup would also be equal with Felswyr State in the conference standings. Much at stake, on top of a half-season's worth of trash talk on the line.

Cavsar had the home advantage in the first leg of this matchup, which some would consider a disadvantage. After all, the second leg would be on the final leg of the conference stage, where the title could possibly be on the line (pending some Chromatik meltdown for a Drawkian school to take advantage of). In this scenario, Cavsar has the bum end of the deal. Regardless, you must play what's on your schedule.

"I understand how home field advantage works. Forward, please."

Sadeg State won the toss and elected to defer for the second half. Thus, Cavsar received the ball to start the game. With the home crowd cheering them on, the Gladiators got off to a hot start. Quarterback Logan Oakley had a couple key passes on third down to extend the drive, eventually throwing a beautiful dart to tight end Declan Rickard on 2nd and Goal to score the first touchdown of the day. As Cavsar always goes for two, the Gladiators once again called Rickard's number, Oakley hitting him in the chest on a quick pass to make the conversion. Cavsar 8, Sadeg State 0.

Sadeg State's offense also came to play. The Skyhawks, led by the senior tandem of QB Anderson Fox and RB Cloud Kelly, moved down the field efficiently. Kelly in particular had an excellent 24 yard run to get the Skyhawks across midfield, and it loosened the Gladiator defense enough to give Fox the space to hit senior WR Henry Huxley on a post route to split the Cover 2. He didn't score, but in the space of two plays, Sadeg State moved from behind midfield into the red zone. A few players later, Kelly punctuated the drive with a touchdown run outside the tackles. To keep pace with the 2-point going Cavsar, the Sadeg State offense attempted a conversion of their own. The pass from Fox to Huxley failed, and thus Sadeg State had to settle for six. Cavsar 8, Sadeg State 6.

This touchdown by the Skyhawks was the last paydirt achieved by either team for the rest of the half. With Cavsar's next possession-

"Ugh. Condense, please."

Cavsar drives down the field but a sack and incompletion cause them to settle for a field goal attempt. Cavsar kicker Percy Westcott misses. Sadeg State takes the relatively short field and only manages a couple first downs, getting to the edge of field goal range before throwing three straight incompletions. Sadeg State kicker Jarvis Langdon converts his attempt, giving the Skyhawks their first lead of the day. Cavsar 8, Sadeg State 9.

"Condense again, please."

Both teams trade punts. Cavsar punts again. Sadeg State drives into the red zone, but a near-interception puts the Skyhawks behind the chains. They settle for another field goal by Langdon. Cavsar 8, Sadeg State 12. Cavsar makes a long drive, taking up over seven minutes of time. They also settle for a field goal following a goalline stand by the Skyhawk defense. Cavsar 11, Sadeg State 12.

"Okay really, what's the point of this thing if you're just gonna do the cliffnotes? You might as well read the box score instead."

"You have a point. Fine, give a little more detail."

Sadeg State needed this drive to keep their lead, and perhaps add some points before halftime. All seemed well, until sophomore kick returner Roger Beckett fumbled the ball during his return, giving Cavsar the ball just outside the red zone with a couple minutes to potentially retake the lead. The Gladiators drove to the goalline, only for Skyhawk defensive back Danube Jackson III to intercept an Oakley pass intended for Huxley. With only a few seconds left, there was no time for a Skyhawk drive, and the half ended. Score remained Cavsar 11, Sadeg State 12.

"I don't know why I commissioned them to make this thing. Why aren't I just watching the highlight video instead?"

"You always complain about how the highlight videos skip around and don't show the 'real flow' of the game. Are you happy now?"

"Remains to be seen."

As mentioned before, Sadeg State won the toss and decided to receive the ball after halftime. This was their chance to extend the lead, and they took advantage. Anderson Fox, known for being a reasonably mobile QB, pulled off a 27-yard run on 3rd and long at the beginning of the drive to keep it alive. The Gladiator defense was caught off balance, and the Skyhawk offense took advantage by getting three first downs in three straight plays. Before long, sophomore running back Tristan Batts broke free on a read-option run to score a 12-yard touchdown run. As Sadeg State was already up by seven before the conversion attempt, head coach Brand Manlio felt no need to continue playing the two-pointer game. Langdon added the extra point without issue. Cavsar 11, Sadeg State 19.

"Why don't they sync this commentary up with the actual plays as they say them?"

"... that's a great point. I can't believe I didn't think of that. Hold on, let me write that down. While I do that, condense, please."

The winds have changed.

"Wait, what?"

Cavsar's offense begins to wake up. Oakley leads a drive to the edge of field goal range before a couple low-yardage runs put them behind the chains. Westcott hits the field goal this time. Cavsar 14, Sadeg State 19. Sadeg State punts. Cavsar repeats the feat, this time getting to the edge of the red zone before a couple incompletions put them behind. Cavsar 17, Sadeg State 19.

"Okay, hold on. Elaborate, please."

The Gladiator defense has clamped down. Kelly isn't getting yards on the ground. Fox is missing his targets, on the brief occasion that they're open. Rory Daniels comes up with clutch third down sacks on back-to-back drives to force punts. Oakley is heating up.

"It's still a little wonky anyway. Why is it in present tense now?"

"Beats me."

It is now the fourth quarter. Logan Oakley, feeding on the energy of Roy Memorial's faithful fans, is in complete command. The Skyhawk defense is no match for him. Danube Jackson III has been a force on the field, completely eliminating whoever he covers, but Oakley always finds someone else open. Luke Harlan and Luca Denman find holes every time they're given the ball. The Gladiators are on the warpath, they will not be denied. The pièce de résistance, Oakley finds Daniel Beckett over the top of Jackson III's head for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Cavsar takes the lead. Harlan is held short on the two-point attempt, but the Gladiator crowd is undeterred, for now Cavsar has the lead again. Cavsar 23, Sadeg State 19.

"Seriously, what is wrong with this thing?"

"Definitely needs more bug fixes. Submitting this in my report along with the highlight syncing thing."

Sadeg State needs a big drive to stay in the game. With little time left in the fourth quarter, trailing by four points, a touchdown is necessary. Anderson Fox makes a couple huge throws, evading pressure and finding sophomore Paul Paxton on a big 3rd and long to keep the Skyhawk hopes alive. The drive continues. The pressure mounts. Roy Memorial Stadium reaches its highest volume of the night as the Skyhawks reach the 8 yard line for 1st and Goal. On 1st down, Kelly is stopped after gaining only one yard. On 2nd down, Fox throws an incomplete pass to Huxley in the end zone. On 3rd down, Fox faces pressure, and springs from the pocket in a last-ditch effort to gain yardage. Cavsar linebacker Marlin Dalton disengages from a block and hits Fox from behind unexpectedly, forcing the ball from his hands. Cavsar defensive back Storm Duval scoops up the fumbled ball and returns it a few yards. The Gladiators have the ball. The game is surely in hand now.

"Wow."

With the remaining time, Cavsar intends to drain the clock and leave the stadium with a win against their national rivals. They do so, Harlan and Denman finding room and getting first downs to keep things moving. On his first carry of the night, novatim running back Lucas Utkin slips through the defense with an impressive spin move past Jazz Bunker to break free. Utkin uses his elite running speed to outpace the remaining Skyhawk defenders to score the insurance touchdown. Again, the two-pointer fails, but the Cavsar crowd once again does not care. Cavsar 29, Sadeg State 19.

"What the hell is a jazz bunker? Sounds like another glitch."

"Um, apparently that's the name of a State defensive back."

"What's wrong with our nation's parents nowadays? You ought to pass a law about that."

"Really? And yet you didn't even flinch at 'Storm Duval.'"

"The difference is that it's a great name."

"And who decides that? You? I suppose you think I should make you the chair of this 'bad name prevention committee,' hm?"

"Yes. You should. I have great taste."

"Mhm. And thanks to you, we missed the rest of the game recap."

Final Score: Cavsar 29, Sadeg State 19.

"It appears there wasn't much left to miss. Go Gladiators, I suppose?"

"I should divorce you for saying that."

[Utahn Theocratic Republic]

Blake Zuercher PT 15.

Blake was having and off season and it hurt him bad to fail the team like that, they lost too Napoli-Zinemar City University like come on they didn’t even have their roster posted online so the best Blake could do was get sacked multiple times this game and that banged him up for a good while as he had to be looked at for concussion protocol. All though he was cleared they didn’t want to risk anything and they sent out Sophomore QB, Hadley Stabile to finish up the game and well he did the best that he could from what Blake could see from the locker room although Blake was amazed by what Stabile was able to do, taking the low scoring 7-3 game and turning it into a quick 24 points but sadly the defense couldn’t stop the Napoli-Zinemar City University offense and was beaten 32–24. After the game their coach had a word with them although it was quick, and they could tell their was a lot of disappointment coming from him mainly to the defense with that they went back to the university. Before Blake left the University to go home and be with his wife and kid he was stopped by Toma Bawu one of the new freshmen Offensive tackles from Banija which was surprising to him as most people BYU reached out too in the transfer portal didn’t want to come due to the Mormon aspect of the school. But he did so he was not surprised when he asked if Blake wanted to go to the Provo temple later this week or weekend. It didn't really matter. Although Blake does go to the temple every now and then it’s a different feeling every time so he said yes.

Once he was back at his house all he could do was sigh as he gave his wife a hug, and with that Blake was home with his wife and daughter. He enjoyed the time with them both and well he always had time for them and if not he would make time as a part of his faith he would always be a faithful husband. So after telling his wife that he was going to the temple she gave him a nod as it was a sort of bonding activity with the new freshmen, Blake thought it would be a good idea to get to know the young tackle a bit more. After dinner and reading his daughter a bedtime story. Blake ended up outside with the neighbor tossing the ball around just shooting the shit and other things they did during this time of some relaxation. The neighbor asked him about what’s been going on this season and what’s up with BYU as a whole as a response Blake just said “Honestly we haven’t been able to capture the magic of that first run just yet but I know we should be able to get back on course soon enough.. hopefully that is.”

[TJUN-ia]

Gameday. The one everyone was waiting for. Earth Trophy XI had finally arrived...and this one would be big. Both the Trent State Feathercaps and the Green City Royal Eagles would enter Notts with 1-1 records, with both teams managing to take down the Royal Naval Academy Mariners but also succumbing to the UCBP Warriors...and so, this game would set the scene for Inter-Divisional Play. One team would enter 2-1 and 2nd in the Division, while the other would have it all to do at 1-2. Both teams wanted the best possible chance to challenge UCBP for the rights to the division and so, with that in mind, everyone was pumped up for this one. Both Johnny Bridgeford and Paul Abdullahi knew that this game was going to say a lot about how both teams stood entering the rest of the schedule...and so, both men entered Sherwood Field looking to fight.

This game was projected to be a war and in a pack Horseshoe, it certainly was...one where defence was key and advantages were only taken when possible. TSU had a home-field advantage and a will to try and get that fucking Trophy back. They would certainly fucking try with Jason Steels getting two TDs to Catherine Alcaraz-Cortéz and 2 PATs by Eleonora "Firefeet" Scafakou. But those in the away section only had to focus on one woman...and she would deliver in spades. Alisha Obi Michel is HER and she would prove it with 3 TDs in this game, 2 to Harrison Jeffers and 1 via Freeman Namnganda, while Colleen Fletcher Christian managed 3/3 on PATs and a FG from 34 yards out that put the icing on top of the cake. The Trophy would be staying in Green City, 24-14. GCU would leave with smiles on their faces...while TSU had to pick themselves up and move on.

Now it's time to face the Boreal. TSU must stay put to face the 3-0 Alexandroupolis Redbirds while GCU hurries back to face the 1-2 Constantinople Binturongs in the first half of our 4-way series against the schools from New Gesem. NGS can sometimes have our numbers in events such as this one, so we will have to be ready for anything that comes our way. This season is far from over...and yet so much can already be said.

---

TSU SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Mineral Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: @UCBP (CBP) L 6-34 (0-1)
Week 2: @Royal Naval Academy (NAS) W 23-20 (1-1)
Week 3: vs Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy IX L 14-24 (1-2)
Week 4: vs Alexandropolis (NGS)
Week 5: vs UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU)
Week 6: @Constantinople (NGS)
Week 7: @Columbus-Prairie (DHE)
---------------------Mineral Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: vs UCBP (CBP) - Homecoming
Week 9: vs Royal Naval Academy (NAS)
Week 10: @Green City (TJU) - Earth Trophy X
Week 11: Conference Championship Week
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: vs Elephant Valley (SNL) - Senior Day
Week 13: @Sadeg State (DRK)
Week 14: @High City College (CCO)

SCHEDULE (MINERAL Conference, Mineral Division + 3 Non-Conf)
Week 1: vs Royal Naval Academy (NAS) W 46-13 (1-0)
Week 2: vs UCBP (CBP) L 24-32 (1-1)
Week 3: @Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy IX W 24-14 (2-1)
Week 4: vs Constantinople U (NGS)
Week 5: vs Columbus-Prairie (DHE) - Homecoming
Week 6: @UAlexandropolis (NGS)
Week 7: @UPAM-Boca Rana (SGU)
---------------------Mineral Division Rematches---------------------
Week 8: @Royal Naval Academy (NAS)
Week 9: @UCBP (CBP)
Week 10: vs Trent State (TJU) - Earth Trophy X
Week 11: Conference Championship Week
---------------------Non-Conference---------------------
Week 12: vs Sea Dome U (MSD)
Week 13: @Richardson (RAN)
Week 14: vs Mancodas (PFA) - Senior Day

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

OOC: The Londonderry Love House is based on Belfast Love House, a place of tragedy for me IRL in Downtown Toronto. Yes, I do want to demolish that pub one day - I purposefully don't walk anywhere near it to keep myself intact. Hope this helps when understanding Pierre's perspective.

SOCIAL SEASONS OF SHIN-GORYEO: SYNOPSIS

For those wondering about the Social Seasons, an introductory article about it is available here.

Year   Season  Month  City            Function
    1    Small   Oct.  Dongnae-Halifax Festival de Dongnae
Brief synopsis: Raoul-Christophe 'R.C.' Jang-Nolan meets his friend Louise and tells her that there will be a new film project of his that could be his 'finest work', but will likely require assistance from a specific studio. 
With a set plan for the presentation of the project, R.C. heads to the premiere at the Festival de Dongnae, where he lightly drops the notes of Rico Sierra, the Quebeco-Krytenian chair of the Monte-Sierra studio, of 'Barbenheimer'. 
Sierra finds it amusing, but informs R.C. to give about a month before deciding on the project.
Cutoffs to occur: July 1 (Louise) - July 3 (Raoul-Christophe) - July 5 (Festival Review)
---
    1    Small   Nov.  Joongyeong      Bal des Ballons
Cutoff to occur: July 7 - July 9
---
    1    None    Oct.  Mlima Kijani        Testiculos Ceremony
Cutoffs to occur: July 27 - July 31 - TBD (Likely in U18WC)
---
    1    Large   June  Montevicio      Montevicio Emerald Ball
Cutoffs to occur (Likely in U18WC): TBD - TBD - TBD
    1    Large   July  Joongyeong      Grand Prix de Joongyeong
[list][*]Cutoffs to occur: August 31 (Pierre) - September 3 (Laurent)
    2    Small   Oct.  Joongyeong      Final Night of QBC Proms
    1    Large   April Joongyeong      Jongmyo Jerye
    2    Large   May   Songak          Athlone Gala
    2    Large   July  Adelphi Castle  Adelphite Festival

The Social Seasons of Shin-goryeo

PART 11 - Grand Prix de Joongyeong - Pierre van Eeden Youngblood

The Kingston Star

Local pub Londonderry Love given a new lease of life after halt on demolition permit

Jacque Royce-Joo

KINGSTON, MAHAN - The demolition of a locally-known pub has been delayed due to complaints by local organisations that may also see the disruption in issuing the permit in immediate future.

The City of Kingston has recently announced that it plans to allow plans to demolish The Londonderry Love House on Queen Arlene Street West to make way for a new, 34-storey condominium development.

The demolition was originally planned to start in September, provided that the City of Kingston would provide immediate permit to demolish the 4-storey property, but it is expected that permit may take six months to a year to be materialised following the recent spades of complaints over 'destruction of heritage'.

The Londonderry Pub, which was expected to close next week, have received a new sign of life and has currently said that it plans to remain open 'until the nail is spiked to the building's fate'...

'I know it was foolish of me to expect no less of a "local institution" to receive an article about its impending demolition. It's something that my brother (Clement-Clarence, also nicknamed C.C. -e.d.-) and sister had warned about, sure, but it's still a replaceable place, not somewhere like the Acadianan Cafe in the capitol!' said Pierre van Eeden Youngblood, the current Royal Quebecois Olympic Committee president. One of the most powerful man in Quebecois sports he was, and a proven father who had done well, and he was busy talking to his friend, Arsene Kim the former Prime Minister of fourteen years, at the Grand Prix de Joongyeong, the nation's finest horserace at the 'Drome.

'I suppose so,' Arsene lightly nodded to Pierre, the normally charming Prime Minister feeling somewhat gloomy in heart and slow in feet today. Arsene Kim, as someone who was used to the man six years senior of him, held a largely-positive, though intertwined relationship. His original impression of Pierre, when they were suitemates at the IRSEA training campus back in their Saclay campus with Arsene as squash player and Pierre Greco-Roman wrestler, was a man of integrity, perhaps ruthlessness, who loved his family dearly. Fiery, temperamental, and yet understanding, Pierre got along well with those in Joongyeong and Aeropag both, and the calmer, charismatic Arsene stayed close to him from those days to now, where they have started to see the sunset of their respective careers.

Of course, neither of them had much eye for the horses. As pleasant as Grand Prix de Joongyeong may have been, and how useful it was to socialise with like-minded people, largely within but often outside of their own circles, Pierre and Arsene chose to use this opportunity to discuss other, more personal matters. Being the younger and the calmer of the two, Arsene would end up being the one giving advice, which was something that he didn't often do outside of well, advising young Christine II in his Prime Ministerial days, as he would be the decisionmaker based on his ministers and constituents' words.

Still, he had to open his mouth. 'Your father would have been proud of you, in any case,' responded Arsene. 'He really wanted that fucking, The Londonderry Love House, to burn down and be demolished, at least from what I last remembered. It was a Forrest Gump-esque place of traumatic memories, one that even under a happier ending he's had with your late mother, he couldn't just get over and forget.'

Pierre's eyebrows started twitching upon the mention of his late mother. Arsene knew he made an error. 'You know what happened back when my mother died. It was 2034, and there was no boycott of the Republica Games.' He said, remembering how times were really different back then. 'Old man was still the Grizzlies' (local basketball team -e.d.-) GM, and Emma had just started teaching at UofK. Kids were little then.'

Arsene knew he had to intervene right there - memory lane trip's going too far. 'Stop right there,' said he. 'Sometimes, it takes the long way to really get the true intents known, and even without words.' He then continued. 'Your late father was a kind-hearted man who didn't exactly have the heart to execute, but he always wanted to destroy that place because he's made mistakes when it comes to her then. He didn't die the very next day as he hoped the very next morning, but those took blows out of him for five years, no?'

'Yes.' was all that Pierre said. He didn't want to elaborate further. 'And I would have felt the same.'

'And so would I, but it had just meant the long road around. Else you wouldn't have been born, and maybe you would have been born the son of the horrible, horrible cheating bastard your late mother had dated for five years only for him to cheat,' Arsene answered, trying to take a bit more simplistic approach. 'The god has willed us the right pathway, even if may have been painful. It's just that nobody should be going through it again the second time - no wonder your father wanted it demolished for twenty years.'

'Correct,' said Pierre. 'And to demolish it forever into smithereens is the least I could do to respect what he had given to me, Clement and June.'

It was then that Arsene and Pierre's phones both buzzed. Right as the leading pack of horses had gone past them in breeze, they would find themselves scrambling for their phones. After some struggles with their pockets, they would check their phone, only to see the following notification:

TRUE NORTH SPORTS - NSCF: ST.CROIX 31-19 SAGUENAY: Bleu et Blanc victorious in Boulouque-Milliken's 4 TD, 312-yard performance

Pierre's eyebrows were raised immediately. 'For one your late parents would have been proud of them scores, St. Croix faculty they were,' said Pierre.

'Now they would. You know how much it took for my mother to say she was proud of my career.' It was true - due to differing party allegiances Arsene and his late mother, Agnes Pineau, did not exactly have the best of times until halfway into his Prime Ministership. It had only gotten better then, which had incorporated approximately last five years of her life. 'I do miss her now and then.'

'In the spirit of missing one's parent, I think that you should talk to the Daemyeonggoong Palace to perhaps...ease all of this,' said Pierre. 'You, after all, know the Queen and the current Prime Minister well, and I feel like if we could just push for enough of right news, those that could blow positives into the town, then maybe you will be able to quietly and yet happily demolish that place.'

'And what would be your idea?' Arsene asked. 'I know a plenty, as you do know.'

'The Don of the Archives.'