NSCF 29 - Everything Thread

by **Drawkland** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 8:40 pm

Sometimes you just get beat.

It's a tale as old as time. You get down early, your offense is forced to pass because you don't have the time to run the ball, and the opposing defense keys on that and pressures the QB all night long.

Playing at an ungodly hour of the night in South Bend, this was going to be a wild matchup regardless of which team prevailed. The home side got the ball to begin the game, and they pulled off a picture-perfect drive. Jean-Jacques Cinq-Mars pounded the rock, and Hyeong-Seok Gong kept the drive going with some key short passes for first downs. After almost seven minutes, the Irish got on the board with a 3-yard rushing TD from Cinq-Mars.

Cavsar's offense was ready to respond, though. On the first play of offense for the Gladiators, Luke Harlan got the ball on the ground and busted outside the tackles to immediately gain yardage. He slipped past Min-Joo Baek in the middle, and it looked like Harlan was going to start the drive with a bang. That is, until he ran into Louise Guwedekko and immediately coughed up the football. Jae-Seop Shin was trailing behind Harlan and snagged the loose ball immediately, turning both teams around. The change of pace caught everybody off guard, and with the Gladiators so close to the end zone due to the touchback to start the drive, Shin was able to slip by a couple tacklers and score the fumble six. All of a sudden, it was 14-0 Saguenay.

With the crowd already loud and proud, Cavsar stood no chance when they got the ball right back. Harlan didn't go anywhere on his next carry, Oakley completed a short pass for a couple yards, then overthrew a sideline pass to Daniel Beckett that would've gone for a first down. Instead, it was a three and out, and Cavsar was forced to punt.

Now Saguenay's offense got the ball for the second time, already up by two touchdowns, and a shorter field thanks to the punt coming from relatively deep in Saguenay's territory. Cavsar's defense, a little tired early thanks to the long and frustrating opening drive, didn't get much time to rest thanks to the offense only getting 4 plays from scrimmage minus the punt. The Irish went on another tiring drive, with Gong getting the ball more often to keep the Gladiator D from focusing too hard on the run. His quick, accurate passes involved most of the veteran receiving core, which kept the clock and the Irish moving. Cavsar's defense would finally tighten up on the goalline, but Saguenay came away with three points regardless. It was the dying minutes of the first quarter, and it was 17-0 Irish.

Cavsar would finally get something going on the third drive, as Oakley managed to zip a ball over the middle to Declan Rickard for a quick 20 yard gain. The Gladiators drove onto the edge of field goal range, but slowed down to face a 4th and 2 in no man's land. Scott Linhart called for a read option, but Saguenay was ready for it. Wilhelm Cygnus came busting through the middle and knocked down Oakley before he could even think of whether to hand off or not. Once again, no points on the board for Cavsar, and Saguenay proceeded to roll down the field and score another touchdown. 24-0.

At this point it was desperation time for the Gladiators, and all notions of running the ball were pretty much abandoned, besides a few draw plays and scrambles when they could get away with it. Oakley was trying his hardest, but it's difficult to throw the ball effectively when the defense is blitzing almost every play and the secondary is hunting for the pass. Cavsar finally got into field goal range in the last minute of the half, but Percy Westcott missed his kick from 45 yards as the second quarter expired.

Cavsar got the ball following the halftime break, and Scott Linhart had a solid drive drawn up. Receiver Noel Ward managed to burn past an Irish corner, and Oakley hit him right in stride before Guwedekko could get there. Ward didn't manage to score, but Cavsar was quickly working with a short field. Confidence reinstilled, the Gladiators got a couple more first downs to face their first goal-to-go situation of the game. Oakley handed off to fullback Emory Mosconi on 2nd and Goal, and the senior back rumbled into the end zone to put the Gladiators on the board. Oakley's fade pass to Beckett didn't come down for the 2-pointer, but at least they had six.

Saguenay got the ball for the first time in the second half and proceeded to pull off another frustrating time-wasting drive that re-tired the Cavsar D and ended in a red zone field goal. Cavsar had to scratch and claw for a touchdown, only to fall further behind again. 27-6.

Cavsar proceeded to go three and out on their next drive, but they got a lucky break. On the punt from Eddy Parisi, Saguenay's punt returner muffed it badly. Cavsar scooped up the loose ball, and suddenly they had the ball on the edge of the red zone with a chance to steal momentum. Maybe they would've, if their next three plays weren't an incompletion, sack for an 8 yard loss, and another incompletion. You don't really want to kick a field goal while trailing by 21 points, but you don't have many options on 4th and 18. Westcott finally got on the board with a successful FG, but the score was still 27-9.

Cavsar would not score any more points. Saguenay simply rumbled through the gassed Gladiator defense for another touchdown to begin the fourth quarter, and they would add yet another field goal before time expired to reach the final score of 37-9.

Now these teams have a unique opportunity to run it back in the first round of the NSCF playoffs, this time on the Gladiators' home turf in Cavsar. It's not often you get to play a non-conference foe twice in a season here in the NSCF, but Cavsar has a chance to get quick revenge a mere few weeks after being humbled in Quebec. Even stranger, if Cavsar prevails in the revenge leg, they'll travel back to Quebec to take on the other school from their slate, Université St. Croix.

If you looked at Cavsar in the final three weeks of the Horizon Conference season, where they swept both Chromatik schools and blew out Sadeg State by nearly 40 points in Sadeg, you'd think of them as top tier playoff contenders. They rose as high as #3 on the RTC rankings. Then they went 1-2 in out of conference play, with some truly pathetic performances like this one against Saguenay. The Gladiators had sort of fallen back down to the ground, barely getting into the playoffs by ranking.

With how Logan Oakley has played, you can't totally discount the Gladiators yet. Everybody remembers how having an on-fire QB can spark a crazy playoff run by a Drawkian school, like Nick Parks for Sadeg State in 23, or Lane Proudfoot for Cavsar in 27. Well, really, those are the only two examples. But if anybody has the skill and fire to make history repeat itself in that manner, it's Oakley. Hopefully the defense can remain in shape against these tough Quebecois outfits, and the offense remain in sync to keep with them. Good luck to the Gladiators!

Also, Sadeg State is playing in a bowl game or something. Who cares about those losers, though?

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 8:55 pm

As Clement Clarence 'C.C.' Youngblood went into preparation for the final, do-or-die stretch of the NSCF summer football season, he was feeling a slight flashback to his earliest days. It wasn't just something that had come out of his age, even though fifty-eight was considered an old age for college head coaches in Quebec, but perhaps the prospects of the QIS season, one that would kick off just one month after the Championship Game to be held in Banija this year, right around the final week of August.

The thoughts about the international flights, and leading a program as prominent as Saguenay, were no joke in his mind even to this day of growing internationalisation of the game, and to this day he was swallowing the feelings on the every hour he's jotting down notes or discussing with his co-ordinators, in particular Sara Lee Hampton. The Chromatik, who had been there since their arrival at South Bend campus, had been on this ride together for over half-decade, and what they had over the course of their HC-OC partnership, even if the glitter and gold were less displayed out in the public relative to what Hannah McKendry had been feeding out in Joongyeong, were no less memorable.

Now, it did take a great part of the deal to change for the best. No matter his predecessor's fame with six Tiger Bowls to his resume, and a legendary lineage of Hall of Fame quarterbacks and linebackers who have entered the halls of the South Bend field, this wasn't going to be the way Saguenay's going to stay contending. The reality check came fairly early and quickly into his tenure with the former when back-to-back failures in securing Octavien Seo-Brousseau, who went to Raynor on a successful career that contrasted with much of later half of Kweon's career, and Benoit Youngblood had come quickly.

So the plans had to come out differently, with the Irish rebuilding themselves with a brand of stout, front-heavy defence and carefully managed offence. It wasn't going to be pretty, and if anything the recruiting ratings and figures seemed to suggest so, and rose the questions of Youngblood being a 'Brian Kelly', someone who could develop three-stars fine but should be nowhere near a five-star, would be raised. By no less than the media, who was very open with the media-friendly, quirky Youngblood, entertaining the theory as if there's another antithesis to two of their biggest rivals in air-raid USM and gunslinging Queen's College.

Still, things have worked out fine enough. If anything, the Irish was more successful than in the last decade of his predecessor's legacy with the former Yongma College coach adding a couple of Tiger Bowls, and a NSCF semifinals run to add to their name. And while the ghost of both misses would continue to loom for some time, especially with Seo-Brousseau having the number on both Quebecois schools while a Raider, and Benoit quietly setting records with Cold Hill under Chris Dale, Youngblood was able to recover on both occasions, perhaps aided by the impressive development of Ernest Bello, to get over both recruiting misses by the time his nephew would come to play at the Schwartz Memorial Stadium for one last time, as the Fighting Irish would emerge victorious over the Buffalo on the second of back-to-back 'Youngblood Blood' matches against Cold Hill.

Now, the funny part about all of this 'Youngblood cannot make five-stars' is that it's not always been like that. His first coaching job, after all, involved the greatest quarterback to have come out of Quebec. Then straight out of Masters of Education at the UPRI, where he also served as a graduate assistan, 22-year old Youngblood was hired to coach a two-time defending Yoseo-Manitoba state champions Walton High School. It was a rather hurried appointment, and in most cases he would not have received, but with the previous coach having to retire late-summer on health-related grounds, Walton had to scramble quickly on a late-season charge for a successor. With the small town of 3,400 and the student population of 580, Youngblood accepted the offer because of a certain bonafide prospect named Dexter Ahn, whose father Jevaughan had met as an alumnus and a graduate assistant. In his four seasons with the Walton High School Ahn would lead them to three titles, including first two with Dexter finishing the fourpeat, and his final season coinciding with his younger brother, Vontaze, securing the Yoseo-Manitoba Player of the Year title.

One fortunate thing with Youngblood's case, if one's to ask, was that he did his best not to control everything. Youngblood, who played linebacker and safety for the Yoseo University-Montevicio, knew that he a defensive mind first and foremost, and he, even more then than now, did not exactly have a comfort zone in intervening into a rather unfamiliar domain earlier into the career. So when starting out with Walton, CC would be the one first reaching out. While the practices would still be run fine by him and the coordinators, who were quite impressed with the level of intellect he had shown in the strategies and adjustments, Youngblood would actually delegate most of the playcalling to Dexter whose knowledge of both the game and the playbook were unparalleled for the high schooler, and ran a more straightforward, smashmouth football after he had graduated. Both had worked out more or less fine with successes on the line of scrimmage ensured, though the margin for error did get tighter when Dexter had graduated, and that's how he had secured his way out to his southwestern hometown in Pahkatequayang.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

The University of the Commonwealth returns to the NSCF playoffs and will look to get their first win since NSCF 21 when they host Celestia Conference champions and NSCF power Loyola-Istria at Gleason Field.

The Warriors and Blue Thunder have met three times previously, twice during the single season UC spent in the Celestia and once in a bowl, with ULI winning on all three occasions.

Head Coach Ryan Benton knows that a home playoff game--he first in his tenure on College Hill--could be a factor in the matchup between the teams seeded 8th and 9th which look very close on paper

"I wouldn't say that if you looked at our common opponents we are definitely equal, but I like our chances at home in front of our fans. It's a bit funny that we faced Northern and they were up against RU on the last day (both losing by wide margins) so we're both looking to show those results were not reflective of our teams."

The UC Athletic Department freed up an additional 1,000 seats for ULI fans beyond the usual allocation given to away support; Metro PD have established that strict segregation wouldn't be needed given the relationship between Banija and Baker Park.
Metro PD spokesperson Lt. Jane Fontana: "We've said many times that there are more potential problems during domestic rivalry games than we've ever encountered during NSCF games at Gleason (Field). We were comfortable approving the extra ticketing plan."

The winner will face top seeded Felswyr State in the quarterfinals.

by **NSCF** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 9:02 pm

NSCF 29 PLAYOFFS - First Round

Top Half will be scorinated by Quebec and Shingoryeo, while the Bottom Half will be scorinated by Chromatika.

Cutoff.

Top Half
#5 University of Alexandroupolis (NGS) 41–14 University of Mancodas (PFA) #12
#8 University of the Commonwealth of Baker Park (CBP) 47–49 University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) #9

Bottom Half
#7 Cavsar University (DRK) 48–16 Université du Saguenay (QUE) #10
#6 Universidad Politécnica Autónoma del Metro-Boca Rana (SGU) 3–29 Northern Moravica University (BNJ)#11

by **NSCF** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 9:23 pm

Bowl Games

As a reminder, the bowl games will be scorinated at the same time as the first round NSCF Playoff games above (Sunday), though they may ICly have taken place before. [i]It will be scorinated with the first round of playoffs.

The Cannabiscorp Pioneer Bowl
University of Columbus-Prairie (DHE) 43–13 Sea Dome University (MSD)
Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit, Quebec and Shingoryeo

The Drawk Bowl
LeBois Santura University (CAD) 24–23 University of Constantinople (NGS)
Corps University Hub, Drawk City, Drawkland

The Karmin-Falce Auto Bowl
Mar Sara Tech (VAL) 0–24 Staramara Tech (CMT)
Karmin-Falce Superdome, Ranoria City, Ranoria

The Jaguar Bowl
Trent State University (TJU) 6–19 Raynor University (VAL)
Field of Dreams in The Gardens, New Washington, TJUN-ia

The Don Juan Agave Bowl
Sadeg State University (DRK) 27–37 Ratzupalfu University of Nature (SNL)
La Madriguera, Santa Sofia, Gran Saguaro

The Lacfroid Bowl
Elephant Valley University (SNL) 43–7 Bingham Young University (UTA)
Velodrome Nationale, Ville-du-Lac, Lacfroid

by **Banija** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 1:58 pm

Post-game media availability for NMU HC Lance Kabuye

NMU Head Coach strolled up to the podium for his post-game availability. It was, all in all, a strong victory and a strong and dominant defensive performance. While certainly things were not perfect (attempting 6 field goals is generally far too many in a playoff game), Kabuye could be reasonably pleased at the performance.

"You know, San Armando- what a fantastic city, what a beautiful campus here at UPAM-Boca Rana." Lance Kabuye began his opening statement with. "Ultimately, they have been impressive in their first two years in the NSCF- two seasons, two playoff appearances. Its not easy in this competition, especially as they play in a conference with schools like UC-Baker Park, and the schools from New Gesem. So full credit to them for what they've accomplished, and earning the #6 overall seed in these NSCF Playoffs. Those are not small accomplishments. Going unbeaten in non-conference play to earn that home playoff game as well- something that should be lauded."

Coach Kabuye paused, and then he continued. "But we have a mission this season. Show the world what NMU football is all about. We knew that they had a similar style of football to us- control the line of scrimmage, run the football, get the crowd into it. And man... We challenged our players this week. We told them we'd be in for a war. We told them that UPAM-Boca Rana would try to outphysical us. But we were ready, especially on defense. We were more physical. We practiced well, and followed the gameplan. We outhit them. We outfought them. We wanted it more- and when you are as physically dominating as we were at the point of attack, especially on defense, good things are going to happen."

Lance Kabuye then whipped out the defensive numbers on the stat sheet laid down by an intern at his press conference table.

UPAM-Boca Rana Offensive Statistics- First Round Playoff Game
Total Yards- 98 (including nine sacks for a total of 47 yards lost)
Passing Yards- 77
Rushing Yards- 21 (including nine sacks for a total of 47 yards lost)
Time of Possesion- 16:04
1st Downs- 5
3rd Downs- 2/10
4th Downs- 1/2
Total Plays- 38
Turnovers- 5 (Two lost fumbles, 3 interceptions)
Punts- 3

"You see this defensive performance? Obviously, elite all the way around. Six different guys ended up with a sack- six! This is exactly the type of dominance we need if we want to make this from a nice playoff run to a historic playoff run, and I have confidence that this can continue against the greatest of confidence- yes, even in ungodly cold temperatures at Cold Hill.

Questions?"

A bunch of reporters threw their hands into the air, and then he called on one from the All-Banija Sports Magazine

ABSM Reporter: "Coach, what do you think you can take from this game to the Cold Hill game?"

Lance Kabuye: "Well, obviously, these are two different style teams- so they require different strategies to try and take down. But there's a lot that we can take from this game. Particularly, our ability to take control of, and take over, the line of scrimmage. On both sides of the ball, especially on defense. We were in the backfield all the time. Almost always beating them at the point of attack, Del Rey always had a dude in his face, and we even got him to the point where he was hearing footsteps before they came. Benoit Youngblood is another beast, of course- but consistent pressure is always a good thing. Good things happen in those situations, which is why we were able to hold them to under 100 yards of total offense. So dominance at the line of scrimmage- let's take that from this game."

Istria Post Reporter: "Coach, Wade Hurley is 5-0 now as a starter, all against high-quality opponents. What does that say about him?"

Kabuye grinned, and then paused, thinking thoughtfully before answering

Lance Kabuye: "Wade, of course, has a ton of talent. The talent of a guy like him was always going to shine through. Combine his arm talent, and then, of course, take his mental approach. Wow- he's just a freshman, 19 years old, as a redshirt freshman. But damn- this Ranorian has a maturity beyond his years. His ability to take things in stride, is incredible. Usually, with freshman QBs, when it rains, it pours. Many need a season to get rid of the streakiness. But he never had it. Today is a case in point. He had a rough pick deep in our own territory, in the first quarter. He'll be the first to tell you that the other successfully disguised his coverages, he read it poorly, and paid the price.

First, it's a team sport- shout out to the defense for coming up with a huge stop after that, and holding them to three. A huge win for the defense- preventing them from getting a massive momentum shift to start off the playoff game. But Wade Hurley stayed up and played extremely well after that. He did not play with fear, which can happen for young guys playing on a stage like this. He stayed aggressive, and although we did not ask a lot- his role was important. Helped keep the defense honest, stretch them, even had a few carries himself.

Think of the guys we have beaten in his unbeaten start. We beat Loyola- a conference champion, and a team who won a Playoff game. Even if they are inglorious bastards. We beat Mar Sara Tech. We went on the road, in a rivalry game, and Wade Hurley led us on a game-winning drive with under 2 minutes left to defeat Staramara Tech, with our playoff hopes hanging by a thread. We rocked our rivals, UC-Baker Park, on home in Week 13. And then, finally, now he has a road playoff win under his belt. The future is bright here at Northern Moravica- but the present is shining, eh?"

More clamor as one more reporter got in a question

Aissa Daily: "Coach, what do you think was the crucial play for the game? What is the pick six?"

Lance Kabuye: "Of course, the pick six was the play that ultimately sealed the deal. You cannot deny that. Malcolm Shelvin is such a talented player, he absolutely deserved to bask in that moment. And every football game has a ton of critical plays. The pick six is an obvious one. But I will talk about two plays- one that is probably under the radar, and one that you guys will think of as obvious. I will start with the obvious one. Let us go to the 3:30 minute mark of the third quarter. We are leading, 12-3, in a game where nobody has scored touchdowns. We have a 4th & 4 at the UPAM 46 yard line. Do you punt there, or do you go? We missed an earlier fourth down conversion. Crowd is really bringing energy for the defense, pumping in noise.

We have a freshman QB, Wade Hurley. 4th down. They bring the house. He knows he's going to get hit. The hot is covered. He rolls right, buying himself an extra second, just enough time for the tight end, Kimi Lundin, to peel open. He hit him for 7 yards and a first down. And we all know how that drive ended- with a 13 yard TD run by Kisero. Big plays, in big moments.

The other one I will talk about is a play on defense. Cesar Del Rey had a play, back in the first quarter, if you remember. He had a receiver releasing free, up the sideline. Abigail Washington missed the jam, and the WR blew by. Del Rey tried to hit the WR long, and he had a step on a play where Washington had no safety help. Would have been an easy touchdown. Instead, Abigail Washington showed incredible ball talent and recovery speed, making up ground with the diving pass breakup. A brilliant play, one that probably saved a touchdown."

Lance Kabuye then broke off the conversation, and left to get to the team plane. They had one hell of a matchup next week...

Head Coach Lance Kabuye, coaching midweek during a practice before the Quarterfinal

Lance Kabuye coaching through a line drill, and then blew his whistle. He saw players jog up to him, their breath showing. Banija, of course, did not have winter weather. Was that fine? Of course it was. Who did not like living in weather that was 60-80, 365? Absolutely nobody, that''s who. But it was a problem for the Cougars when they were going to play cold weather playoff games on the road.

They had a solid record in the cold, actually- the way Kabuye built his teams, they were built to thrive in cold weather. Tough. Physical. Gritty. Something that you absolutely loved to see. But it made practicing for cold weather difficult. Of course, there were enough players from cold weather countries on these teams that the concept was not totally foreign. But for the Banijans, in particular, there were worries. So in the climate controlled indoor portion of the practice facility, the temperatures were dropped drastically.

YOu ever seen someone set a thermostat to 40 degrees? Yup... They were leaning full into the cold. And when Kabuye started speaking, the social media team caught him on tape and posted it.

"Sons and daughters of Moravica!" The head coach exclaimed. "In a few days time, we are off to the Tundra to face Cold Hill. We have won 2 of our last 3 there- including ruining not one, but two separate undefeated seasons by Cold Hill University. Those fucking bastards. They walk around with arrogance, thinking they are flashy. But we all know the fundamentals of that program- no Diamond, no rings! Just one dude had all their team success. Regular season mavens!"

He paused, and then continued. "But they are the home team, and there is so much at stake. A place in the semifinals. And importantly, a chance to show the world that NMU is the premier program. In the Savannah Division, in the Celestia, and most importantly- in Banija. All these media types raving about a shitty ass Loyola team that probably couldn't stop Ranoria City Cathedral HS from scoring on them. I swear to you, the next person who tells me Loyola has a better chance of winning the title then us, will receive a fist to the fucking face. We have done it before- road playoff wins are no stranger to NMU. We are the Cougars prowling through the Forest- we will hunt these Buffalo, and like Old Yeller, we will Put. Them. Down."

The players cheered. Were they freezing? Yes. But they would be ready.

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 2:24 pm

10:30 a.m.
Bleu et Blanc Football Practice Facility
St. Croix, Quebec and Shingoryeo

Hannah McKendry knew she did not exactly have much time.

Maybe few weeks, extend it a bit further and maybe few months, but the time is ticking fairly quickly regardless, Hannah thought, as she talked over the lines of her impending announcement with her assistant, former Bleu et Blanc linebacker Seo Sam-Ryong, back in the coach's office. Monday being the off-day, even more so on a bye week that St. Croix had secured after finishing with a 11-1 record, and the team had needed. While they had filed to win the Celestia conference title, with Loyola proving to have their number all season long, it was apparent their record was more than comfortable enough for second seed in the year that has seen Cold Hill stumble out of the Out-of-Conference, Cavsar looking quite convincing of a darkhorse with Logan Oakley, and Ratzupalfu demolishing their monstrous away trips and winning their bowl. Not bad.

'Are you sure this is the way to go about it, coach?' Sam-Ryong asked, as he tried to give her one more check-up before they would have to head into their practice facility. Unlike Hannah, who was dressed in a red and white suit and doned the sunglasses, Sam-Ryong kept himself to a straightforward blue tracksuit of the Bleu et Blanc, jeans and the whistle. 'You know, you could just come back.'

'No,' was what the coach said. And perhaps this was the best way to go about it with the announcement. The announcement of her departure, one that had been written for the past week in mind, was going to be quick and she, who has seen her predecessor last for three years too long on the job, felt that this was the right time to announce the change. Not only did this mean that the Joongyeongite circles would not get hang of the news before the players - the coaches have been made aware three days ago, under the condition of an embargo) - this would also set them up with ample time to prepare and complete the transition process.

It was a hot, early-July afternoon in Joongyeong, with the campus and the surrounding Quartier Calanien feeling somewhat emptier than during the semesters. While a good number of postgraduates were present on campus per requirements, and some undergraduates attended classes, most students and faculty were busy with their own summer plans. The athletics complex, which was located on the southern end of campus right next to the Fleuve-Saint-Henri, would be mostly attended by members of the athletics community and sometimes, journalists or St. Croix's own media staff.

Having done a walk-around of the facilities, and checking that the grasses were cut exactly to the lengths asked of them ahead of the Stade St. Croix showdown, Hannah entered into the crowd of eighty players and coaches at the practice facility. No family member or the athletics staff were present - she wanted the moment mostly for her and her team - and it certainly felt solemn inside the space.

With the crown having calmed down, Hannah McKendry went straight to what she was going to talk about today. 'Ladies and gentlemen, I am glad having you here, on a rare off-week Monday practice.' She then stopped speaking, fully inhaling the air. 'It has been my absolute pleasure to manage a team this wonderful, that being the finest in this country, as the Bleu et Blanc, and there is no other way to describe that.'

She then stopped once again, while looking at the eyes of a couple of seniors who would be graduating. Those were the first full recruiting class that she had managed to bring to the campus, and they, with many of them due to report to QFL training camps. 'With that said, I have decided to have a meeting with you all in our practice field because I have a news to make.'

The pitch remained silent. 'It is with my regrets that I will be announcing my resignation from the Universite St. Croix football team, effective the end of QIS regulation season in November, to start a new chapter with my family.' It was a well-known fact, one that the team had celebrated, that Hannah McKendry had remarried Sebastian Kabuye, a Herzegovina City-based high school coach and the youngest child of Northern Moravica head coach Lance Kabuye, last Spring. But starting a new family? That was something that had surprised many. Even with the news of the marriage been long fact, it was only months ago when she had faced off against Lance on what's now known as the Snow Day game. And now, thoughts popped into the minds of some from the media over possibilities of McKendry resigning to take time off, and possibly eye on a future coaching vacancy in Moravica...that's coached by her father-in-law? Not a particularly likely possibility, but still one that's gotten them to think right at the moment.

'I still intend to continue my duties as your coach for the upcoming QIS football season, and will be facilitating the transition phase from,' she would check the watch. 'Now until the end of November. Barring absolute disasters, there will be an interim coach running the Bowl match for the New Year's Eve.'

The training ground remained very calm and silent, perhaps made worse by the tremors felt by the players from the inside. It was an announcement that was sudden, somewhat unexpected, and most importantly a big one ahead of what's to come in the due time. Hannah, while having difficulties continuing her words, was adamant that it was not for her players to be worried about. 'Oh, you idiots,' she grinned back at her players. 'It's nothing to worry about. I am not here to ditch the team for our hated rivals overnight. Rather the opposite, and we will make sure to have the blast over next four-month period.'

She then gestured the players to move closer, almost in a full huddle. Once established, she would then go inside the huddle, to give an usual call she would give. 'We'll make it [referring to future success, usually meaning titles -e.d.-], we'll strive for it, and we'll win it.' She said, scoping around the circle. The players, in a wearied effort, did their best to drum the sound with their knees. 'Allez les Bleues, one-two-three...'

'ALLEZ-LES-DOUBLE-BLEUES.'

by **Chromatika** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 8:30 pm

Part 1: Rainbow District
Part 2: Mountain District
Part 3: Heartland District
Part 4: Coastal District
Part 5: Myana Island
Part 6: Urrhed Island
Part 7: Capital District East
Part 8: Capital District West
Part 9: Playoffs, First Round
Part 10: Playoffs, Lower Bracket, Second Round
Part 11: Playoffs, Lower Bracket, Third Round
Part 12: Playoffs, Lower Bracket, Final Round
Part 13: National Quarterfinals
Part 14: National Semifinals
Part 15: National Championship

Chromatik High School Gridiron - Season Twelve, Part Sixteen: Prospects - #16-#30, Honorable Mentions

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)
Season 12 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: Dante Flowers)

HM. WR Dustin Perreault
School: J. H. Yadasky High School
Conference Statistics: 62 catches, 991 yards, 10 touchdowns
Postseason: Losers' Bracket, Third Round
Hometown: Pria, Coastal District
Specs: 6 ft 2 in, 180 lbs
Intended Major: Journalism
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.81
Description: On this list purely due to his speed, Perreault also moonlights as a track star, excelling in the 100M and the 200M. If you can get the ball to him in space, he's brilliant. He isn't the best at getting the ball in the middle of traffic, though - but has the reach to get anything that comes near him.

HM. P Bailey Potter
School: Staramara Tech High School
Conference Statistics: 8 punts inside the opposing 5 yard line, 49.2 yard average
Postseason: National Quarterfinals
Hometown: Staramara, Urrhed Island
Specs: 5 ft 10 in, 165 lbs
Intended Major: Physics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.65
Description: The consensus best punter of this class, Potter is more of a directional punter than a powerful one. She's exceptionally good at the backspin to get the ball to stay barely in bounds; she also has a decent arm, which could be used in trick plays.

HM. K Freya Allison
School: Tihon Elite Academy
Conference Statistics: 17/19, 4/6 from beyond 45 yards
Postseason: National Quarterfinals
Hometown: Tihon, Urrhed Island
Specs: 6 ft 4 in, 200 lbs
Intended Major: Chemistry
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.58
Description: She didn't get to kick much for the Fog Wall, but Freya was rather good at it when called upon. She's also got a cult following in Chromatika for laying out some would-be-scorers on kickoff returns, using her big frame and physicality to lay people out.

30. K Iles Santos
School: Academy of the Jungle
Conference Statistics: 21/26, 5/5 from beyond 45 yards
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Third Round
Hometown: Eyrods, Myana Island
Specs: 5 ft 9 in, 170 lbs
Intended Major: Electrical Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.45
Description: Small in stature, but lethal from range, Santos has a monster leg, going five of five beyond fifty yards in his senior season. He doesn't do the best under pressure, though.

29. QB Merik Hyosal
School: Capital District Academy
Conference Statistics: 3,198 yards, 24 touchdowns, 8 interceptions; 891 yards, 7 touchdowns
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Final Round
Hometown: Chromia, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 1 in, 200 lbs
Intended Major: International Studies
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.88
Description: A capable dual threat with a surprisingly quick release, Hyosal has developed to be a capable Quarterback at the collegiate level. He's got size, he's got some speed, and he's got a good head on his shoulders. Works best rolling out to his right, preferably under center.

28. WR Carson Prince
School: Southern Urrheddiao High School
Conference Statistics: 101 catches, 1,029 yards, 11 touchdowns
Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Hometown: Urrheddiao, Urrhed Island
Specs: 6 ft 3 in, 190 lbs
Intended Major: Linguistics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.92
Description: A YAC (Yards After Catch) threat with surprising agility and turnaround speed, Prince is well known for the play in which he ran about 150 yards to score a 40 yard touchdown. He may have been overshadowed by playing for a school that struggles, but Carson definitely could fit a niche role at the collegiate level.

27. MLB Carrie Reen
School: Myana Southeastern High School
Conference Statistics: 112 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Hometown: Myana, Myana Island
Specs: 6 ft 4 in, 220 lbs
Intended Major: Biology
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.52
Description: A do-everything linebacker who is more of a knife than a hammer, Reen had to do everything for a squad that finished 2-8 in the year. It's hard to get noticed when your team sucks that much, but Reen really stuck out through the tape, and definitely deserves all the hype.

26. DT Reeka Solphim
School: Cheonju Korean Institute
Conference Statistics: 58 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Second Round
Hometown: Cheonju, Heartland District
Specs: 6 ft 7 in, 250 lbs
Intended Major: Business
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.77
Description: A towering presence up the middle, Solphim is more of a run-stuffer than a pass rusher, though he can get at the Quarterback when the opportunity presents itself. He loves to push offensive linemen around and dictate the flow of play, and is rather good at it.

25. WR Lenny Rhimes
School: The Chromatik Institute
Conference Statistics: 52 catches, 992 yards, 8 touchdowns
Postseason: National Champion
Hometown: D'rea, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft, 190 lbs
Intended Major: Political Science
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.44
Description: The speedster of the receiving core of the Dread, Lenny is good at running by corners, with most of his catches being more than twenty yards. His underneath game can use some work, but if you need a deep threat, he's your man.

24. TE Qamiya Parrine
School: Vitoron School of Charge
Conference Statistics: 62 catches, 810 yards, 7 touchdowns
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Third Round
Hometown: Vitoron, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 7 in, 230 lbs
Intended Major: Forestry
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.62
Description: A linebacker playing Tight End, Qamiya can both run the deep slant, the short out, pass block, or run block. A leader both on and off the field who shows tons of passion, Qamiya is the best friend of Quarterbacks everywhere. Extremely versatile.

23. MLB Larry Pine
School: The Chromatik Institute
Conference Statistics: 92 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 6 interceptions
Postseason: National Champion
Hometown: Alnio, Capital District
Specs: 5 ft 11 in, 185 lbs
Intended Major: Mathematics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 4.0
Description: A human missile who was also the one directing traffic for the Dread, Pine was the mastermind behind The Chromatik Institute's defense. His stats may not jump out at you, but he's highly cerebral, extremely fast, and not shy about making contact.

22. C Theodore Usania
School: Chromatik Army High School
Conference Statistics: 52 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed
Postseason: National Semifinals
Hometown: Chromia, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 5 in, 240 lbs
Intended Major: Computer Science Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.34
Description: A run-blocking Center with the ability to pull out as needed on screen passing plays, Usania was at the forefront of the line that led the Recruits to a surprising run at the National Semifinals. He tends to get stronger as the game goes on, and calls out protection with regularity.

21. SS Conrad Siolla (Schima Bas)
School: North Chromia High School
Conference Statistics: 81 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions
Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Hometown: Chromia, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 1 in, 200 lbs
Intended Major: Psychology
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.71
Description: A Schima Bas international who is like a blunt object, Siolla is known for his physicality and dogged nature. He's gotten better in coverage, but is the best at just aiming himself at the ball carrier with reckless abandon. This leads to brutal tackles, but can also lead to missing the runner altogether.

20. FS Rain Krell
School: Gurshan High School
Conference Statistics: 62 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Second Round
Hometown: Gurshan, Capital District
Specs: 5 ft 11 in, 185 lbs
Intended Major: Accounting
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.82
Description: A physical safety who excels at hand-fighting, Krell knows how to get at the receiver without getting flagged. With long arms, a knowledge of where the ball is, and the smarts to read the Quarterback, Krell is spectacular at shutting down Tight Ends and slot receivers.

19. RB Dallas Packard
School: Urrhed High School
Conference Statistics: 1,112 yards, 13 touchdowns
Postseason: Losers Bracket, First Round
Hometown: Staramara, Urrhed Island
Specs: 6 ft 6 in, 240 lbs
Intended Major: Economics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.75
Description: He's large, he's muscular, and he's in charge. The workhorse for the Sand Vipers, Packard runs tough and often takes multiple people to take him down. Not the fastest, but if you need someone to get that one yard or to send the defense a message, he's your man. Decent at pass-blocking, not the best receiver.

18. DE Harvey Mo'aho (Schima Bas)
School: Staramara Athletics Academy
Conference Statistics: 49 tackles, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Second Round
Hometown: Urrheddiao, Urrhed Island
Specs: 6 ft 2 in, 200 lbs
Intended Major: Biochemical Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.65
Description: A Schima Bas international with great balance and decent speed off the edge, Mo'aho also has tremendous jumping reach to go up and deflect the ball. With a quick first step to get around offensive linemen, Mo'aho also has the stamina to bring it late in the game.

17. RG Christina Paol (Schima Bas)
School: Egren Academy
Conference Statistics: 39 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Hometown: Egren, Myana Island
Specs: 6 ft 3 in, 210 lbs
Intended Major: Molecular Genetics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.81
Description: A Schima Bas international that's more used to run blocking than pass blocking, Paol is surprisingly agile for her size. She can be beat with pure speed, but makes up for it with long arms, a good sense of balance, and the ability to work well with her teammates.

16. C Dwayne Fickle (Schima Bas)
School: Hanai Central High School
Conference Statistics: 42 pancakes, 1 sack allowed
Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Hometown: Hanai, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 4 in, 225 lbs
Intended Major: Medicine
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.81
Description: A Schima Bas international and the best Offensive Lineman in the class, Fickle excels at pass protection and picking up blitzes. With great vision and quickness, he can plug up any hole that opens up. Ready for the challenges of college ball.

by **Chromatika** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 8:51 pm

Our Time is Now

Can you believe that it's only been eight years that Felswyr State has been in the NSCF? It's crazy what we've accomplished in that span of time. We've won three titles, been in four championship games, been in five semifinals, and now, seven playoffs appearances. Only once, in Sarai Gwenderyn's Senior year, did we not make the playoffs. After Gwenderyn left, there was a bit of concern about the Quarterback position - but in one of the most ridiculous postseason runs ever, Kadesh Odika stepped up, and we've never looked back. Odika coined the phrase Odikatime during that fateful title run, and doubled up on it in the last postseason, helping us win our third title, one more than even Gwenderyn did.

This season? It's been a bit more challenging than anyone would've liked. We lost a game to Cavsar, and another to Staramara Tech. We needed to win against Staramara Tech to qualify for the Conference Championship, and then we won that. Thankfully, we've turned it on since then, winning against Cold Hill, Loyola-Istra, and Raynor to arrive at a 11-2 record and the first seed in these NSCF playoffs. The team looks good - the Offensive Line has settled down, Odika is getting plenty of time to find his targets in Vince Cartier, Nero Ramsey, and Essa Kayode. Sydney Thomas and Anne Holmes provide enough of a running game to keep the defense guessing, while Ulrich Jefferson is a beast at Tight End. The defense is led by the secondary - with Lisa Bonsoon being that jawing ballhawk, while Trevon Specter and Theo Nilsen do all the dirty work in the middle of the field. Ivan Homer is taking up the proud mantle of that Special Teams moniker that Chromatika is so fond of, and Coach Curentino has been at the forefront of it all in her first season at the helm.

None of that matters, though, if we don't finish strong. We are going to get to host the next two rounds, provided we win the Quarterfinal. A mile above sea level, in the cold, in front of the home crowd - the place is going to be rocking, the atmosphere will be electric, and this team is ready for the moment. Deep playoff runs? We've done that before. Come-from-behind victories? No problem. Last-minute scoring drives to win? Sure. Hold on to win on the defensive side? Done that, too.

What we haven't been able to do is repeat as NSCF Champions - prove to the pundits that we can build success on top of success and win two in a row. What we haven't been able to do is go through an entire playoff run winning every game at the Firehawks' Roost, our home fans in tow. That's what makes this postseason special. We have an opportunity to put an exclamation point on the Kadesh Odika era. We have an opportunity to continue to show that Firehawks football is just different.

It's an opportunity that is way too good to go to waste - especially not when we have the players, the coaches, and the program to do it all again.

Our time is now.

by **Ranoria** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:04 pm

South Bend, Saguenay, Quebec and Shingoryeo
Following Cold Hill @ Saguenay

Benoit Youngblood wasn't too happy with himself - he'd just put up two of the worst games of his football career, going all the way back to playing in the back yard as a toddler with his father, Pierre. He and the family's beloved mutt had put up more scores in a few minutes on the old man - whether he allowed it or not was a conversation for another time - than he had in the past two games combined.

"Benoit, Benoit!" He turned with Kasozi Batte at his side, eyeing up Will Jackson, an RSSN reporter who'd always been a big personality, but in the wake of their star reporter Vick Hamilton's embezzlement, he'd done an admirable job stepping up and fillingthe power vacuum.

"Sorry to bug you, I'm sure you want to see your family," Benoit shrugged, his uncle Clement Clarence Youngblood at his side and father Pierre on the other hip, long time girlfriend Marion-Diane Murrin with her arms looped around his sweaty bicep - where a bruise courtesy of a Frederic Benn-Kocian wannabe was already starting to form. This game, the "Youngblood Bowl," had been split down the middle between two trips to South Bend, and whether Chris Dale wanted to admit it or not, it had likely been scheduled as a home game for a player who Dale had openly claimed to be the best he'd ever coached. High praise with guys like Angelo Gordon, Diamond Rhine, Thorn Davis, and their ilk among his resume.

"You're alright boss," he flashed a tired but still dashing smile, "What can I do for you?"

"Rumor has it The Benolution has been planning on heading to the Ranorian Football League and Kasozi Batte to the GFLB for some time, but I figured I'd be the guy to ask you if you were comitting to the draft this season - so what's it gonna be, superstar?"

Benoit laughed at the question, running a hand through his matted hair, and met the eyes of each of those closest to him - his parents, his Uncle CC, and Marion-Diane in turn - then a nod to Kasozi Batte.

"I will be playing for the Ranorian Football League next season - I'll finalize all the draft paperwork following the season, but right now, we have a championship to win."

Kasozi Batte - towering over everyone else in their vicinity - echoed his sentiment, "You are in the right, my home is in Banija, and I shall return home with my god-given talent. However - if I may, Benoit and I, each of us is destined for football immortality. Our careers as professionals - and representing our great nations - will be sung in songs for the rest of time. But I have no intention of waiting for time to speak for me, for a lengthy career riddled with personal achievements to testify to our greatness."

Benoit stepped up, nodding as his tired eyes hardened - for his poor showings, he had lost none of his confidence - "We're winning an NSCF championship, that's what we both came here to do, and no one is going to stand in our way."

"We will seize immortality on our terms," confirmed Batte, "I have no intention of awaiting its arrival."

by **NSCF** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:30 pm

NSCF 29 PLAYOFFS - Quarterfinals

Top Half will be scorinated by Quebec and Shingoryeo, while the Bottom Half will be scorinated by Chromatika.

Cutoff.

Top Half
#1 Felswyr State University (CMT) 42–27 University of Loyola-Istria (BNJ) #9
#4 Richardson University (RAN) 33–3 University of Alexandroupolis (NGS) #5

Bottom Half
#2 Université St. Croix (QUE) 39–16 Cavsar University (DRK) #7
#3 Cold Hill University (RAN) 28–26 Northern Moravica University (BNJ) #11

by **Banija** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:34 pm

Loyola Head Coach Dennis Zervos, on the team plane, before the flight takes off home from Rouyoutte after a Rebel's Cannon Bowl drubbing

Dennis Zervos was standing on the team plane, a chartered jet, of course, in the center of it. Everybody was sitting on it, rather disappointed. They had just been at the wrong end of an absolute drubbing at the hands of their archrivals, Richardson U. It had come along with a rough end to the season. Rivalry losses to their three rivals (NMU, Felswyr State, Richardson), all in differing, yet equally painful ways, had left the mood in the locker room feeling quite down. Despite, of course, winning a conference title between those three rivalry losses.

But rivalry losses are emotional. And when you've got the history and passion that you do at Loyola, losing your last three rivalry games are going to hurt, no matter what. The season, which had started so well, was on the brink of being lost. Dennis Zervos could see it coming. He knew, before the plane went into the air for what would surely be a silent car ride home, that he would have to do something, say something.

"Hey men- I know you are not feeling so confident right now." He told players. "Everything was ugly tonight- the offense, the defense, the special teams. We scored early, thanks to our stud offense, and then suddenly, we were outscored 50-9 for the rest of the contest. How does that happen?" The head coach sighed. "We got a lot of dirt in our system right now. We have so much to clean up, everywhere."

"But the season continues. We are in the playoffs no matter what, and that is something that this team has earned. That cannot be taken away from us." He paused, and then continued speaking. "This is a team that is capable of greatness. But we are in the fucking mud. And there is only one way out. We gotta roll in lads. We got to embrace it. Roll in it. Live it. Get the shit out of our system, and starting Monday, we have to practice like we never have in our fucking lives. We have a playoff push to make, and god damnit, over my dead body, this game will not be our lasting impression on the NSCF."

Offensive explosion in Belle Haven as Vavayavich leads stunning comeback against UC-Baker Park to a first round playoff victory

COLLEGE HILL, BELLE HAVEN, STATE & COMMONWEALTH OF BAKER PARK- 96 points. 1,000 yards of total offense. No turnovers until the final moments of the contest. It was a spectacular playoff game, one that everybody loved. Especially if you love offense. "Wow, I don't know if I have ever quite been part of a game like this before." The head coach, Dennis Zervos, told reporters. "The madness at both ends, the up and down nature, the ability of both offenses to just move the football at will. An absolutely amazing contest- a legendary victory for the Blue Thunder."

So let us dive straight into this one, right? The first quarter- no, really, the first half- did not see anything like especially crazy, or out of the ordinary. Besides the entire and complete lack of defense, we suppose. Both teams scored TDs in the first quarter, with UC-Baker Park throwing a TD in front of this black & yellow crowd less than 5 minutes into the contest, while Vavayavich also had a red zone TD pass, but hers to her tight end, as a response. But UC-Baker Park was able to work themselves a nice lead. Hitting a field goal towards the end of the first quarter, they got themselves a nice defensive stop, and then another drive where they slowly drove down the field, mostly via the run game. A 7 yard TD run made it a two possesion game, even as they missed the extra point.

And after that, the teams traded 3 & outs, before trading touchdowns. A 62 yard pass downfield to Marcel Schlachter put Loyola in the red zone, where Darrell Jackson would eventually punch it in from four yards out. And meanwhile, UC-Baker Park punched back, driving down the field to score with 30 seconds left. That left us with a rough halftime score, where the Blue Thunder trailed by 9, 23-14.

"Obviously, the defense was poor in this half." Said the head coach, Dennis Zervos. "We have got to do more, in more phases of the game, to help our offense. This is not the way we can see a legend like Anne-Maurce Vavayavich end her career. Over my damn dead body." Strong words from the head coach, eh? UC-Baker Park entered the third quarter with a 9 point lead, and exited the quarter with a 9 point lead. That does not mean not a lot happened during the quarter. In fact, quite the opposite. Both teams had two touchdowns. Loyola, via a solid TD drive to open the second half, and then Manne Nordström balling out on a 73 yard punt return. But UC-Baker Park had two quality TD drives of their own. 1 was a 64 yard TD run, and the other was a long drive that ended in another red zone TD. And then, shortly before the end of the quarter, Loyola fumbled on their own side of the field.

The Blue Thunder defense finally made a key stop, for seemingly the first time since Week 11, and forced a field goal. Still, a situation where the Blue Thunder could not afford to let any more possesions go to waste. Fortunately, there is not a team in college football with more home run hitters than this Loyola football team. Xaya Larr took a middle screen 71 yards for a touchdown, breaking a pair of tackles along the way. The extra point was good, easily. So the score is UC-Baker Park 40, Loyola-Istria 35. Warriors know they have to chew clock, and they can do that against this defense. They went three for three on third down on the ensuing drive, and honestly, probably thought they had put this game on ice. Scoring a TD on the ground while taking five and a half minutes off the clock. Up 12, 47 to 35, 6 and a half minutes left.

But it is not over until the fat lady sings.

We saw a lot of prevent defense from UC-Baker Park here. That was not a surprise. With it being a two score ballgame, they mostly did not want their opponents to go over the top. Especially with the way the Loyola defense was playing, even if Loyola scored, they would want to force Loyola to chew as much time off the clock as possible. They did exactly that, forcing the Blue Thunder to take more than 4 minutes off of the clock, before Arnas Rønning caught an 11 yard TD pass from Vavayavich with just over 2 minutes left.

After that, well, we will take you to the commentator.

Banijan Radio Commentator wrote:The Blue Thunder are down by 5 here, with 2 minutes and 12 seconds remaining. The home team lead, 47 to 42. Loyola have two timeouts left. Considering how the defense has been playing, and that the Blue Thunder only have 2 timeouts left, this decision is an easy one. One first down wins the game for the Warriors, and their ability to get 10 yards in this one has been impeccable. Now, everybody is lined up for the onside kick. Krause kicks it... It rolls and then hops straight into the air... AND JAXAT TAA IS THERE TO CATCH IT FOR LOYOLA! TAA BRINGS IT IN!

OH MY, OH MY, THE BUMBLEBEE CROWD IS STUNNED! THE BLACK AND YELLOW FAITHFUL ARE IN SHOCK! Indeed, what a play! The first onside kick of the entire season for Loyola, with essentially their season on the line, and executed perfectly. We have life!

And of course, with that, Vavayavich started a drive at her own 45. Onside kick recovered, breathing new life into the star Chromatik QB. She brought them down the field. And well.. Back to the radio guy.

Banijan Radio Commentator wrote:Right now, the Blue Thunder are facing a 3rd & 6 at the Warriors 22 yard line. With 55 seconds left in a five point game, a lot of pressure on her shoulders. This team has been under a heavy amount of criticism the last four weeks. But, at least temporarily, they have a chance to shut up all the haters, and all the critics. The third down snap, Vavayavich takes the snap. The Warriors bring pressure, she steps up to escape the rush... AND THROWS A DART TO SCHLACHTER!

The South Newlandian catches it at the 6 yard line! The window was tight, the senior QB was under pressure. But oh wow, what a throw in the biggest of possible circumstances to potentially save your season. They are going no huddle here ahead of the first and goal. Vavayavich takes the snap. She rolls to her right.. And sees an opening! She sprints and dives for the pylon... TOUCHDOWN ANNE MAURICE! TOUCHDOWN ANNE MAURICE!

OH MY, OH MY! With 41 seconds left, the tough, gritty Chromatik QB has given Loyola the lead with her legs! What a play in the final moments of this contest!

48 to 47, and the extra point would make it 49 to 47. Now, this suddenly porous Loyola defense, needed to find a way to make a stop. You saw one of the most bizarre scenes that you have ever seen. After a joyous scene, you saw Dennis Zervos walk up to his defensive coordinator, and start screaming at him. Suddenly, Zervos himself took the defensive headset. And Uhuru Besigye, the DC, walked off the field. Turns out that Zervos, after celebrating that TD, took the moment to fire poor Uhuru Besigye. I mean, maybe it was coming. Last three games, they had allowed 33, 50, and 47 points. So Zervos, at least temporarily, was both the offensive and defensive play caller.

This was something that ended up working, quite shockingly. Second play from scrimmage, Audrey Neuland pressures the QB, the ball is tipped at the line of scrimmage, and intercepted by a diving Beatrice Hak. Ballgame.

"I don't have much to say." Said DT Samuel Jate. "But hear me when I speak. Felswyr State, we are coming for you. Beware. We are getting revenge for this year, and for last year– we are going hunting in the Mountain District, and we ain't leaving without that dub." It will be Loyola traveling to the house of the top seed, and defending NSCF champion, Felswyr State. Can they get the upset over their hated rival?

by **Cardenao** » Wed Oct 04, 2023 2:27 pm

LeBois Recruitment Focus: Guenther Ellis

It is college football recruitment season and LeBois Santura University is off to the races. Kicking off coach Steve Valentine’s ambitious recruiting drive is the LSU Broncos pursuit of Guenther Ellis, an potentially generational offensive tackle hailing from the rugged landscapes of Ranoria's Isguld territories. At 6'8" and 300 lbs, Ellis is an absolute fridge who not only brings a pro-league ready physicality to the field but also embodies a determined, disciplined, and relentless approach to the game that fits perfectly with the Broncos vision for their football program.

Ellis is a left-handed force of nature on the offensive line who would bring a new standard of quality as a true freshman starter for the Broncos offensive line, hoping that he’ll play a part in opening up their run game. The Broncos have favored a pass-heavy strategy through elite quarterback Bobby Dials but they recognize the transformative potential that Ellis would bring to the team's style of play as a true freshman starter. Beyond that, Guenther has a steely resolve bred into him, with his family's move to Ranoria in pursuit of economic opportunities on the oil rig emphasizing the grit and sacrifice ingrained in the Ellis bloodline.

Further proof of this comes from Ellis overcoming educational challenges due to underfunded schooling to have a respectable GPA. He did this by applying the same ‘never give up’ as he sought out tutoring and extracurricular opportunities. LeBois understands his unique educational journey and is poised to give the hopping man the support and mentorship he needs to unlock his academic potential.

For a player who only discovered football five years ago, Guenther’s rapid ascent in the sport shows just how special of a talent he is. The rawness of his skills presents an exciting prospect for Steve Valentine and the Broncos coaching staff, giving them an opportunity to build Ellis’ into an absolute machine.

LeBois Recruitment Focus: Laura Davis

As the heat is turned on in the recruitment battle, the LSU Broncos have set their sights on Laura Davis, the standout linebacker from South Newlandia could be a star player for LeBois. She’s earned her praise as the linchpin of the second-best defense in the Big Seven, Davis's reputation charges ahead of her as a game-changing defender with an uncoachable ability to shine brightest when the stakes were highest.

Alabaster Red, defensive captain for the Broncos, became a pivotal figure in the effort to recruit a fellow linebacker. He’s seen Davis' prowess in high-pressure situations and Alabaster could envision an incredible pairing between them that could take Broncos defense to the next level. With her quickness, field general approach to the game, and her ability to take down big backs in space will hugely compliment Alabaster’s general all-around ability and be a big step towards building an elite defense.

Bobby Dials, Broncos quarterback and icon, is also heavily involved in the attempt to bring Laura to LSU. Adding a top level talent to the defense made his job with the offense much easier, so Big Dials was keen to bring her in to develop a well-rounded team. A stronger defense would only decrease the pressure put on Bobby while increasing the skill of the defense, meaning everyone could improve if Laura chose to grace the LeBois campus with her presence.

by **Cardenao** » Wed Oct 04, 2023 10:25 pm

LeBois Broncos Recruitment Focus: Marwin Finlayson

Reports from the Blue and Orange of LeBois Santura University quietly whisper of sights set on a gargantuan prospect from the allies of Quebec – Marwin Finlayson. Standing at a towering 6'8 and weighing in at a not too spry 312 pounds, Marwin was more than just a typical recruit who could contribute to the team; he was a possible game-changer for the LSU Broncos offensive line.

The legacy of football flows through Marwin's veins; his father is none other than Bo Levi Finlayson, a former star for the Saguenay Fighting Irish before a Hall of Fame career with Songak Giants. Born from giants of the gridiron, Marwin brought not just a natural physical affiliation for the game but a lifetime of training that could only be gained by growing up in this type of family: a winning family.

So, the recruiting machine for the Broncos jumped at the chance to woo Marwin, as all involved recognized the opportunity that before them. Nobody more so than Bobby Dials, quarterback, captain, and talisman of the Broncos, who saw in Finlayson the kind of protector all quarterbacks dream of – a massive figure with an athletic power who alone would transform any offensive line.

Marwin has an affinity for both offensive and defensive line play, meaning he understands exactly how to fit in as an OL linchpin for LSU. His preference for playing guard, coupled with his versatility to step into the center position, made him someone who coach Steve Valentine would build around from the first day.

Bobby Dials stepped in when needed, knowing the potential partnership between him and Finlayson could lead to special accomplishments, and was actively involved in the recruitment efforts. Personal calls, messages, and the tempting offer of a campus visit were part of the flood-charm offensive to convey how pivotal Marwin Finlayson would be in helping the Broncos reach new heights.

The core of the message was simple, join a storied university with a legacy of success and you become name #274 that’s helped them win some games andLord help you if you don’t win it all. But for the LeBois Broncos, Marwin, you have a rising program with the wind at its back to write your name into history. You could change history.

LeBois Bronco Recruitment Focus: Jaír Judge

In a hopeful recruitment effort, the LSU Broncos are attempting to bring in a rising star from Ranoria, the formidable defensive lineman Jair Judge. As an incoming freshman with a frankly jaw dropping combination of size, speed, and versatility, Jaír Judge has both the ability and, more importantly, the opportunity to be a game-changer for the Broncos from his first day on campus.

Tipping the scales at an incredible 6'8 and 270 pounds, JJ blows away any conventional understanding of physics with speed that seems impossible with his massive frame. Judge’s potential to be a dominant force in a 4-3 defensive scheme is a seamless fit with the Broncos' vision of improving their defense.

The Broncos D, led by linebacker Alabaster Red, would be blind, deaf, and dumb if they didn’t recognize the immediate impact Jair Judge would have on the team. JJ would star at the edge, but the versatility of his quality meant he could bang on the inside for the Broncos when needed. This was the kind of flexibility coaches dream of, and that he would start as a true freshman is a huge point for the Broncos recruiting effort.

by **Ranoria** » Thu Oct 05, 2023 4:14 pm

Swallowed By The Snow:
Cold Hill Survives Northern's Comeback Bid Via Hurley's Blunder

Lance Kabuye's team is never an easy ride - especially for Cold Hill - but the Buffalo got the better of this one

There's a lot of history between these two teams by now. For the two of football's most successful programs since the late teens of the NSCF, of course there's going to be some animosity. There was the time where Chris Dale led an unbeaten version of this team into battle in the Tundra against Northern Moravica and referred to them as "Loyola-Istria's little brother." And then the concurrent double zeroes at the end of regulation followed by the Cougars taking it in overtime.

And that's just the most notorious example, of course. This go round, things are in a different spot. No more Aurel Strathos - instead we've got Cold Hill's program record holder for passing yards and touchdowns in an NSCF season in Benoit Youngblood under center. The kid, after a couple tough but clutch outings to start his career, has looked the part of the generational talent he's been described as ever since, at least until recently.

After a leg injury kept him out of most of the conference schedule this season, he came back and delivered a thrilling performance in the Big 8 championship game to knock off the Lebois Santura University Broncos. Ever since though, it's been a bit rougher. He put up a combined 34 points in the final three games of the season against Felswyr State, Saguenay, and Elephant Valley University, and throw in a loss to Richardson in week 10 under Victor Rowles, the team is 2-3 in it's last five outings. And as incredibly prolific as Benoit Youngblood's career has been to this point, a lot of that falls on him - he threw 147 passes in the out of conference slate and threw for just 781 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a whopping 7 interceptions, as many as he'd thrown in NSCF 28 and 29 combined to that point.

Benoit Youngblood Career Stats
Bold Indicates Program Record In NSCF Play
NSCF   | G   Wins   Comp /  Att   Yards    TD  INT
NSCF 27  13     12  403  /  552   5,034    41  12
NSCF 28  13     10  354  /  506   4,527    44   7
NSCF 29   7      5  165  /  263   1,796    10   7
*Does not include conf. championship or playoff games

So as disrespectful as it may seem at face value, the calls for Viktor Rowles to take back the reigns weren't entirely unwarranted. In 7 games (6 starts), Rowles tossed 2,267 yards and 17 scores with just 5 picks on 286 pass attempts - in other words, he was the far more efficient passer at a glance. That said, he only faced a championship-level defense once, and that came against Richardson University. As impressive as his first season with meaningful action was, Rowles was unable to overcome the Governors. So going into a battle with a bitter rival with a lot of bad blood, some were nervous. With the weather calling for heavy, wet snow starting around kickoff, the conditions weren't exactly going to be ideal for a marquee game either - although that's more a program-wide issue, being an air raid team in the cold.

Discussion for another time though!

Were they getting the guy who'd won two Big 8 championship games and nearly unseated an eventual champion Governors team...or the version of their star quarterback they'd seen through much of this season?

Fortunately, that question didn't take long to answer - Beno went to the team's top target who's served as his sword since they both signed with the Buffalo out of Quebec and Shingoryeo and Banija, respectively - Kasozi Batte had already had a modest season with 115 receptions for 1,425 yards and a baker's dozen in the touchdown department, and Youngblood went to him from just outside Northern's forty on the opening drive of this game to devastating effect, shrugging off a hit from big Josiah Michaels to follow through with his throw, and his arms came up immedietely - he knew damn well that no one was stopping that throw as the crowd roared before the ball even landed in Batte's hands. He made one nasty cut outside to get away from an overmatched Abigail Washington at corner and it was done. As solid a corner as she is, he's done it to others - like projected top 10 pick Takeuchi Ichiko - his whole career. It's almost unfair that a guy this good at throwing the ball and this good at catching it downfield are on the same team, but at this point, it's more forever hold your peace than protest now.

Batte made his intentions known before this game - "I know that through my Lord and Savior I will have life everlasting when I pass, but I have no intention of waiting for the grave to achieve immortality."

This is a team hellbent on winning an NSCF championship - something they haven't done since NSCF 22 under Diamond Rhine. And Batte is their spiritual leader. With that spark, Cold Hill piled it on, taking a 21-7 lead going into halftime.

Balinda Kisero and Amira Kong had gotten their shot, with a combined 16 touches in the opening two periods. It was a sound concept - control the flow of the game, keep the ball out of Benoit Youngblood's hands. Unfortunately, Derek Pierce, fourth year starter and former top ten recruit at linebacker, was having no part of it, with three tackles for a loss to that point as he was firing up this defense to play with everything they had.

So when Northern came back out, it was Wade Hurley's turn. And boy did he put on a show.

Upon Tyler Geese snagging a touchdown from the cannon-armed sophomore over Nicholas Hussain, the Cougars missed a PAT, but they weren't done yet, scoring again late in the fourth quarter to draw it nearly even at 21-20 off another touchdown pass from Hurley. Unfortunately, a story many a non-Buffalo have seen several times too many unfolded - Benoit Youngblood's eyes lit up, and he took his team right down the field. On what was at first a methodical drive, a shovel pass to Heine Stølan picked up thirty yards to flip the field and a floater to big Enox Silverman almost wasn't fair - the 6'7" Chromatik wideout snagged it for what looked like the game winner, and they'd take a 28-20 lead as the snow really started falling.

Forced into a passing situation, the Cougars would have to face Chromatik freshman Erik Kessler off the edge. Due to his coming in at just 210 pounds, his playing time was limited, but he'd recorded a sack against Elephant Valley as the team brought him in to get some sort of pass rush after Kadesh Odika's dissecting of their defense. And on third down, when Hussain forced Hurley to try and go to his second read, Kessler dove at him - it wasn't enough to actually bring down the much larger passer, but Hurley's throw was harried, and Tyler Geese just didn't have much of a shot at it as despite diving, the nose of the ball left a scuff in the snow.

Four minutes left. All Cold Hill had to do was run the clock out. For a team that usually lets it rip until the final bell, this is a unique situation. Usually either they end up going down with the final possession or have established a two score lead by now. But running the ball was the only option here for a team that's barely done that 200 times this season. Against a significantly harder-nosed Northern Moravica front seven, D'andre Fuller managed just three yards on two carries, but he did burn through the Cougars' two timeouts.

So here Chris Dale made a bold call. Rather than go for the first down to essentially end it, Beno dropped back deep, waited, and then dumped the ball off to Fuller again with Northern's coverage unit all watching the sticks. He didn't pick up the first down, but it was enough to force a third timeout and give Wade Hurley just three minutes to win the game. A sophomore - and a raw one - with less than a full season's starting experience under his belt. It's a lot to ask.

Fortunately, this guy named Tyler Geese exists, and with a new lease on life, the Cougars knew exactly where they were going with this football.

After a scare on the first snap - Harvey Klein sacked Hurley on the most dominant play of the defensive tackle's season - Hurley looked locked in. He connected with Geese three times and with just seconds on the clock, with the third an easy completion as Buffalo safety Aldon Jameson blew the coverage by slipping on the increasingly slick grass of the Tundra, Geese making a beeline for the official following the score and handing the ball to him as the crowd's lamentations drowned out the PA system, Hurley pumping his fists in the air as the offensive line's roars of triumph let out enough frost to make it look like they were breathing fire.

So they had to pick up two yards to make it a second overtime NSCF playoff quarterfinal against the Buffalo, in the Tundra, in the last four years. Derek Pierce and co were staring down the barrel of a loaded gun of that Northern offense with Amira Kong lined up in the backfield behind Horace Springborn at fullback.

Hurley took one step to the left on the snap, Springborn took it, rammed into Klein, and then his legs started churning. Derek Pierce was too late to stop it, and Springbord collapsed into the end zone, got up up, and roared his triumph into the snowy Tundra...only no one else was reacting.

The stadium's PA would break the news to him.

"Prior to the snap, timeout, Buffalo. Replay the point after attempt."

Pierce got to his feet, locking eyes with the true freshman, and Springborn pounded his chest - "I'll do it again!" He called out, turning to the sideline, "Give it to me again! They can't stop me!"

The walls of the Tundra rattled, feet stomped on the bleachers, voices screamed and the winds howled as Lance Kabuye made his most brazen call yet - they were lined up in the exact same formation as last time. And Chris Dale couldn't help but nod an acknowledgement to his counterpart across the paint. Northern Moravica wasn't like his team - they were tough, hard nosed, and brutish. They were making their claim known - even with everyone in the world knowing where the ball was going, there isn't jack shit you can do to stop it.

And he was right.

What he failed to consider was the condition of the field. When Hurley went to make the handoff to Springborn a second time, his back foot slipped out from under him, and all two hundred thirty pounds of him fell to one knee just as Springborn was going to grasp the ball. The fullback stumbled as he tried to adjust, but whistles were already blowing - one slip in the snow was all it had taken. Don't need to touch the runner in college.

Hurley immedietely fell face first in the dirt, and several players on the Cougars brought their hands to their heads as they realized what had just happened. Lance Kabuye covered his own face with his playsheet as the chants began to roll from the Cold Hill faithful - in the most anticlimactic moment ever, and probably most humiliating for Wade Hurley, this game was over.

"Hate it for the guy," Benoit Youngblood said after the game, "But that's life, he'll bounce back. We can't worry about Wade Hurley - spent enough time doing that this week. We're on to play St. Croix. This team has an opportunity to do something special, and I refuse to allow it to slip through my fingertips again."

by **Ranoria** » Thu Oct 05, 2023 7:46 pm

Prior to Richardson University @ Felswyr State

Rylan Rodgers and Isaiah Hunter were out warming up prior to the team's full warm ups of course. The stadium was mostly empty, the chill in the air frosting their breath around them.

"Hut!" Rylan took off - two steps up to the simulated line of scrimmage, dig his spikes into the dirt to plant, out, turn...and then he slowed when he saw Isaiah Hunter standing with a hand on his hip, pointing with the football behind Rylan.

He tilted his head, then turned to see none other than Anna Fleuret, his girlfriend of a year now, standing there bundled up in an almost embarrassing amount of layers.

"I don't think you're supposed to be on the field, sweets," he laughed as she shivered with a mock scowl plastered on her face, "What's going on?"

"Your mom," she started fishing into her pockets, "Your mom..."

Now, considering the news he'd just gotten about his father two weeks prior, Rylan's eyes went wide. "Anna, no, please..."

She kept digging through her pockets, moving from the outside of her coat to the inside heavy fabric rustling as she dug her way through it, "Where is that thing?" Her frustration melted though when her hands stopped moving, and she bit her lip, "There it is!"

In her mittened-hand she held out a thick silver necklace, a cross dangling from it, just a bit of condensation forming across its surface already in the chill air.

"Your mom wanted me to give you this, it was your dad's."

Isaiah Hunter, by now, was whistling and 'acting casual' as he called it - Anna approaching with the necklace, "She'll be here soon, but you know." Rylan ducked his head to allow her to move aside his thick corn rows and clasp the jewelry behind his neck, followed by just a quick peck on his lips. "Go win this one for us, m'kay?"

They stood like that for a moment, but eventually Rylan gently moved her away, shaking his head, "Aight, that's enough of that. Love you to death, but I've gotta be ready for war here in a couple hours, and you are not conducive to my being aggressive."

Madison Gladiators Hitch Their Wagon To Former Krauts Head Coach Raul Nieler With Record-Setting Deal:
What Will He Do With The Number One Pick, And Other RFL Updates!

The three time World Bowl champion head coach, in lieu of the national team, will look to return the Gladiators to their former glory

Raul Nieler had a lot to overcome to come back to coaching. Even at just 49 years old, he was legitimately considering retirement. Having been the head coach since Ranoria first entered a true national team in World Bowl 33 (the RFL's Memphis Steamers entered the 32nd edition to little effect), he accumulated a record of 88 wins, 24 losses, and 1 tie. Entering World Bowl 47, he'd accumulated 100 games as the head coach of that vaunted squad, and he proceeded to rattle off thirteen straight victories despite completely changing the philosophy of his football team, leaning on generational talents on the defensive side and trusting his offensive line and running backs to guide this team to a third gold medal. Along with guys like Kasen Harrowitz or Thomas Hall, he's among the sports' coaching royalty. Arguably one of the best to ever do it.

However, due to concerns over the pull he'd have over the players he coached - and assistants he worked with - on the national team, the RFL-sponsored Krauts head coach's contract included a clause forbidding him from acting as a coach for a Ranorian Football League team within two seasons of serving in that role as the Krauts front man. Not that he minded - he was compensated handsomely. However, much to RFL commissioner Rolf Annelie's distress, it meant that the QFL and GFLB had first dibs at a man who was still younger among the ranks of head coaches. Even the GLD reportedly showed some interest, although due to their being in an entire different solar system we doubt any serious offers were made. According to Nieler, he wasn't sure he'd feel safe coaching in the GFLB either - after going 4-1 against them in the World Bowl, including a playoff drubbing in World Bowl 42 and more recently a victory in The Greatest Show On Turf between the two after the teams had one the last four World Bowls between the two of them - sure, he'd become a hero in one city, but the rest of the nation would have seen him as some kind of monster.

I'm pretty satisfied with my accolades, I can hang up my headset knowing I brought my nation glory and that I did my family name proud. I've gotten some extremely lucrative offers from overseas, but Ranoria is my home, and there'd have to be something that really excited me to get me out of my new position - I'm a great head coach, but Monday Morning quarterback? I'm a generational talent there.

Raul Nieler Quick Facts

Overall World Bowl Record: 88-24-1
Group Stage: 75-18-1
Knockout Stage: 13-6
Championships: World Bowl XLII, World Bowl XLIII
World Bowl XLVI
Third Place: World Bowl XLV

And hell, that's fair. Not everyone cares about racking up three hundred career wins or making as much money as possible - John Garrett and Ifeatu Chineze are great examples there, both players walked away at the top of the sport. Garrett as a World Bowl champion coming off two strong seasons, if not quite the same as he was in his prime, and Chineze walked away winner of two of the last three world titles and the reigning GFLB MVP. Coach Nieler had made his money - and moving into a broadcast position wasn't out of the equation either. But he bided his time, not content to get off the couch just for the sake of being back in the public eye. However, when the Madison Gladiators - who hold the number one overall selection in the upcoming RFL draft - came calling, he answered. Nieler signed a ten year commitment, the richest on a per year or overall basis in the league's history, a man used to leading the class of the sport suddenly leading out a doormat that's won six games in the last two years.

So what could have spurned him out of retirement? Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out why. The 2037 draft is loaded with talent - running back Rylan Rodgers Jr, CB Takeuchi Ichiko, and quarterbacks Benoit Youngblood and Blake Zuercher are all headliner names among the class. But Nieler, despite his ground-and-pound focus in World Bowl 47, is an offensive guy first and foremost. And the name that pops out on that list is obvious to even those who actively try to avoid news about college football. He hasn't made his decision public, but per Raul Nieler, "I knew what I was doing with that pick the second the Gladiators called to interview me."

And he hasn't been shy about going for what he wants either - Nieler made significant investment on the offensive side of the ball, grabbing young first-time free agents in wideout Nikolas Isaksen, a 26 year old Vanorian, and Banija Uzziah Amondi at guard to, presumably, give that future quarterback some protection. Isaksen - despite being stuck with in a hell-frozen-over situation at quarterabck with the Halifax Blizzard, has racked up 355 catches in his young career with three consecutive thousand yard seasons. And better yet, he's a reliable red zone threat with 38 career touchdown catches and two seasons of 10+ scores. If his offense gets into the red zone, he's the spear to punch it in.

For those of you unfamiliar with former footballer of the year and 4x 1st team all pro guard Uzziah Amondi by the way, we'll get you an excerpt from a pre-game show for his old team, the Brittany Walruses.

But nobody cares about them, because the Walruses are here! And they have former Richardson standout DE Malik Sherman as well as the best guard in the RFL in Banijan Uzziah Amondi. Now there's some guy named Roland King in the backfield, but he's mediocre at best. We'll let the midseason interviews do the talking.

With OL Coach Blake McCartny

Reporter: So Blake, what's the secret to your offense this season?
Blake: Well, it was real annoying in the pre season. Everyone was talking about all this fancy crap, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise. They told me "just handle the hogs!" And well, finally, I got mad! So I flipped the table, told the other offensive guys to shut the hell up, and said we're running the ball behind Uzziah Amondi.
Reporter: And how did that go?
Blake: They made me our new offensive coordinator, the old guy's a glorified janitor now.

Amondi will be tasked with anchoring an offensive line that doesn't have a bookend tackle, and should keep the middle of the pocket clean while also giving clear running lanes to thirty year old running back Duke Beckett, a Raynor graduate who served as the Krauts' third down back following Eric van Geel's infamous fumble against Drawkland. He was also John Garrett's teammate on the Indianapolis Hogs in his final years, and he's racked up 471 receptions over his eight year career. At thirty years old, he certainly doesn't have as much juice as he used too, but he'll make a solid safety valve and does present a true rushing threat as well - last year was the first time he had under eleven hundred yards in a season.

For his offensive coordinator, he poached Mandie Evans, longtime QB coach for Sarai Gwenderyn in Ranoria City who served the same role for the Krauts. Her defensive counterpart will be Tim Shaw, defensive backs coach for both the Krauts and North Ashialand Dreadnaughts - although reportedly he did make a futile effort to lure Richard Steinheil away from the Igulu Bush Elephants of the GFLB.

He also brought on Judas Wolfson - who played strong safety for him - as a defensive backs coach and assistant defensive coordinator. Nieler made an attempt to lure Angelo Gordon over as a pass rush consultant as well, but the old timer is reportedly content in his retirement. David Nadine, a trainer for the Krauts, also tags along as the team's head trainer and the Krauts' GM, Caleb Anglican, will be taking on the role for Madison.

If Nieler does what he think he will - and there's really only one alternative, with the signing of Beckett eliminating Rylan Rodgers Jr from the board - the Gladiators could be back to their former glory in no time. Keep an eye out. If this kid who's excited us so much in college was enough to draw out Raul Nieler, and develops under his watchful eye, we could have a new rival growing to the dynasty in Ranoria City.

In other news, the Apollotown Sabers also made some big moves, grabbing big Hector Storolffson to pave the way at guard for star running back Zamadi Ayana and grabbing a backup for him as well in Brooklyn Ghirlandaio. Ghirlandaio, an undrafted free agent for the Falcons, played on two one year contracts for the Ranoria City side, rushing for nearly seventeen hundred yards over two seasons and picking up another thousand through the air. She's far from a superstar, but helped keep their offense from being as one dimensional as their defense, and when they refused to give her a raise, she got one from the Sabers, and will likely serve as a third down option on a team who's offensive success goes where Ayana does.

by **Chromatika** » Thu Oct 05, 2023 8:36 pm

Part 1: Rainbow District
Part 2: Mountain District
Part 3: Heartland District
Part 4: Coastal District
Part 5: Myana Island
Part 6: Urrhed Island
Part 7: Capital District East
Part 8: Capital District West
Part 9: Playoffs, First Round
Part 10: Playoffs, Lower Bracket, Second Round
Part 11: Playoffs, Lower Bracket, Third Round
Part 12: Playoffs, Lower Bracket, Final Round
Part 13: National Quarterfinals
Part 14: National Semifinals
Part 15: National Championship
Part 16: Prospects - #16-#30, Honorable Mentions

Chromatik High School Gridiron - Season Twelve, Part Seventeen: Prospects - #15-#01

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)
Season 12 Champions: Mt. Niar High School (MVP: Dante Flowers)

15. K Kang Yun-Hee
School: Mt. Niar High School
Conference Statistics: 33/34, 8/8 from beyond 45+ yards
Postseason: National Champion
Hometown: Felswyr, Mountain District
Specs: 5 ft 11 in, 185 lbs
Intended Major: Biomedical Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 4.0
Description: A stud whose only missed field goal was a sensational block, Kang is known for her ability to hit clutch kicks under pressure. She's calm, she's collected, and she knows how to lead the rest of her teammates. She deserves this #15 billing due to her consistency in the last three years along with her propensity to perform in the postseason. Charismatic and well-mannered, she'll make any team better with her very presence.

14. OLB Jessika Kyle
School: Ming School of Business
Conference Statistics: 81 tackles, 9 forced fumbles, 6 interceptions
Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Hometown: Ming, Mountain District
Specs: 6 ft 2 in, 200 lbs
Intended Major: Entrepreneurship
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 4.0
Description: An aspiring entrepreneur - she already owns a multi-million NMS business in tech - Kyle sacrificed her playing career for academics. A hybrid Outside Linebacker that can play either side of the field, Kyle is exceptionally good in coverage, handling most Tight Ends with ease. She plays the ball well, wraps up well when making tackles, and steps up in huge moments. Could she have had a much better career with almost any other school in the country? Absolutely, but she won't admit that. Now that the business has taken off, though, she is willing to commit to her gridiron career - and has tremendous potential.

13. RB Randolph Huckleby
School: City of Lorentine High School
Conference Statistics: 1,031 yards rushing, 19 rushing touchdowns; 381 yards receiving, 3 receiving touchdowns
Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Hometown: Lorentine, Heartland District
Specs: 6 ft 5 in, 230 lbs
Intended Major: Pharmaceutical Medicine
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.77
Description: A bruising running back who usually requires more than one defender to tackle him, Huckleby is also a more than capable pass blocker to aid the Offensive Line. Surprisingly fast for such a big man, he's best used in between the tackles to run straight at the defense, though he does have decent speed in the open. He shines the more carries that he gets, with the Fourth Quarter being his playground.

12. SS Heinrik Dessler
School: J. H. Yadasky High School
Conference Statistics: 61 tackles, 20 passes defensed, 11 interceptions
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Third Round
Hometown: Pria, Coastal District
Specs: 6 ft 4 in, 210 lbs
Intended Major: Public Relations
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.25
Description: The best coverage safety in this class, Dessler's long frame and ball-hawking skills has him playing almost as a Cornerback in the Safety position. He doesn't shy away from contact, has a nose for the ball, and picks up on the body language of receivers throughout the game.

11. OLB Amy Piltonger
School: Dre'a Elite Academy
Conference Statistics: 97 tackles, 10 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Did Not Qualify
Hometown: Chromia, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 2 in, 205 lbs
Intended Major: Nuclear Physics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.98
Description: One of the only bright spots of Dre'a Elite Academy, Piltonger is a blunt instrument of destruction who loves to rush the Quarterback or tackle the Running Back behind the line of scrimmage. Decent in coverage but best used in tackling the ball carrier, Piltonger's relentless motor makes her an asset to any team that she gets on.

10. WR Laak Gyles - COMMITTED TO STARAMARA TECH UNIVERSITY
School: Myana Northwestern High School
Conference Statistics: 88 catches, 1,013 yards, 14 touchdowns
Postseason: National Runner-Up
Hometown: Myana, Myana Island
Specs: 6 ft 3 in, 190 lbs
Intended Major: Botany
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.81
Description: The best target for the Blue and White, Gyles is one of the fastest players in this class. He knows how to create separation, and isn't afraid to shake his defender to just go deep. Having been scouted extensively by the Lava, he's committed to them to be a weapon for JJ Garrett.

09. SS Lario Xavin
School: Staramara Tech High School
Conference Statistics: 59 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions, 4 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: National Quarterfinals
Hometown: Urrheddiao, Urrhed Island
Specs: 6 ft, 190 lbs
Intended Major: Chemical Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.79
Description: A true roaming safety, Xavin is apt at reading the Quarterback's eyes and shifting to where the action will be. He uses both his brains and his reflexes to nose out where the ball is going, and then closes in like a magnet. He'll need to know how to read pump fakes at the collegiate level, but he is smart enough to do that.

08. CB Larry Pinmichael
School: North Sanar High School
Conference Statistics: 59 tackles, 5 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Second Round
Hometown: Sanar, Rainbow District
Specs: 6 ft 3 in, 205 lbs
Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.80
Description: A physical corner who isn't afraid to lay down the hit, Pinmichael is decent in coverage but does better in run support. He shuts his side of the field down rather well - not really a shutdown corner, but one that can carry his weight. Works better with a safety, but highly touted due to his physicality in tackling.

07. RB Lark Fromis
School: Tears of the Revolution High School
Conference Statistics: 1,328 yards, 15 touchdowns
Postseason: National Quarterfinals
Hometown: Sanar, Rainbow District
Specs: 5 ft 10 in, 180 lbs
Intended Major: Linguistics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.91
Description: Bit on the smaller side, Fromis makes up for his lack of size with a ferocity with which he carries the ball. He is small enough to get lost among the taller players, which he uses to his advantage to squeeze through gaps and hit top speed. He is a bruiser, but don't be surprised by his quickness and speed. He has a great stiff arm, stellar balance, and field vision.

06. MLB Lilac Vera
School: Vitoron School of Charge
Conference Statistics: 131 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Third Round
Hometown: Vitoron, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 4 in, 220 lbs
Intended Major: Psychology
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.68
Description: Tall, imposing, and commanding, Vera is the cerebral heart of any defense who can diagnose most plays before they happen. Averaging double digit tackles a game and setting a school record with 131 tackles in ten games, Vera also forced six turnovers on the season, most of them coming from taking the ball away from Running Backs and Tight Ends. She's one of the rare Chromatiks who don't mind trash talking, too - which makes her an entertaining character to follow.

05. WR Jacqueline Fofo
School: The Chromatik Institute
Conference Statistics: 78 catches, 991 yards, 10 touchdowns
Postseason: National Semifinals
Hometown: Chormia, Capital District
Specs: 5 ft 11 in, 180 lbs
Intended Major: Political Science
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.77
Description: The best route-runner in this class, Fofo's hip-turns, jukes, and spins are amazing to watch for someone her age. She isn't very tall, but has tremendous jumping reach and a feel for the gaps left by the defense, leading to her being open all the time. She isn't the fastest receiver, but she makes up for it with almost always being at the line-to-gain when she catches the ball.

04. CB Karen Michaelangelo
School: Lhor Central High School
Conference Statistics: 77 tackles, 9 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns
Postseason: Losers Bracket, Final Round
Hometown: Lhor, Coastal District
Specs: 6 ft 1 in, 200 lbs
Intended Major: Computer Engineering
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.91
Description: More of a shutdown corner than a true ball hawk Michaelangelo truly takes over a side of the field, taking the receivers out of the equation. She was the least targeted corner in Chromatik High School Gridiron this season, as her reputation preceded her. More of a Mastaya Vorpen or Nikolai Dimitrov than a Victoria Mio or a Lisa Bonsoon, but very good regardless.

03. WR Earl Silverman
School: Mt. Niar High School
Conference Statistics: 104 catches, 1,392 yards, 18 touchdowns
Postseason: National Champion
Hometown: Z'ai'ai, Mountain District
Specs: 6 ft 5 in, 235 lbs
Intended Major: Neurobiology
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.98
Description: The consensus best receiver in the country, Silverman runs routes well, is surprisingly quick, can run by people, makes tough catches in traffic... He can do it all. The #1 target for Dante Flowers during this run, he's done what his older brother Ennox couldn't - win the National Championship.

02. QB Nicole Estera - COMMITTED TO FESLWYR STATE UNIVERSITY
School: Myana Northwestern High School
Conference Statistics: 3,019 yards, 26 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Postseason: National Runner-Up
Hometown: Myana, Myana Island
Specs: 5 ft 10 in, 185 lbs
Intended Major: Economics
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 4.0
Description: A two-time National Champion, three-time National Finalist, and four-time National Semifinalist, many claim that Estera has been carried for most of her carrier by a tremendously strong defense; those that actually watch the games of the Blue and White, though, will notice the accuracy with which she throws intermediate passes, the quickness with which she goes through her progressions, and her cerebral ability to read the defense. She doesn't have the prettiest deep ball, and she isn't really a running Quarterback, but she knows how to win games and make the money throws that are needed. She will have to look at the comeback that they just gave up to the Anacondas in the rear mirror for the rest of her career, but she's impressed the Firehawks enough for them to give her an offer.

01. QB Raúl Sébastien Santos
School: The Chromatik Institute
Conference Statistics: 4,219 yards, 39 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Postseason: National Semifinals
Hometown: D'rea, Capital District
Specs: 6 ft 1 in, 210 lbs
Intended Major: Biochemistry
High School GPA (Out of 4.0): 3.64
Description: The improvement from RSS's Sophomore season to his Junior season was spectacular, leading to the Dread's surprising run at the National Title; then, he doubled down by putting up one of the best seasons in Chromatik High School Gridiron history, having to be knocked out by the Anacondas in a ridiculous game in the National Semifinals. He has a rocket arm to throw the ball deep, is surprisingly mobile on his feet, and has the size to avoid sacks. He's cut down on his interceptions, learned how to go through more than two reads, and has a good head on his shoulders. Raul, or "RSS", is a winner.

Thomas, Firehawks Run Past Blue Thunder

FIREHAWKS' ROOST, FELSWYR, MOUNTAIN DISTRICT - Everyone knows that Kadesh Odika is good - he's the reason why "Odikatime" exists. Everyone knows that the Firehawks have some solid receivers - namely, Essa Kayode, Vince Cartier, and Nero Ramsey. Everyone knows that Lisa Bonsoon and the secondary loves to take away the ball. What people can overlook at times, though, is that this iteration of the Firehawks have a running game that's become more than just viable - Sydney Thomas and Anne Holmes are tired of being also-runs with the team.

With a 24-carry, 201-yard, 4-touchdown day, Sydney Thomas turned in one of the most memorable rushing days of Felswyr State history by gashing the Blue Thunder, often times up the middle, as the Firehawks utilized their ground game and an opportunistic defense to prevail 42-27 over Anne-Maurice Vivayavich and the Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder. 129 of Thomas's 201 yards came after contact, as she made many a Blue Thunder defender miss their tackle, as Kadesh Odika only had to throw the ball nineteen times in the victory, completing fifteen of them for 191 yards and two scores.

Kadesh Odika will finish his career undefeated against Banijan schools in the postseason, while Anne-Maurice Vivayavich will finish her career never having taken down a Chromatik school in the postseason. The Firehawks will now get to host yet another NSCF Semifinal - and this time, Felswyr State royalty will be in attendance. Sarai Gwenderyn, the Mio sisters, Park Mi-Hyeon, Sara McAllister, and Nellie Katt are all rumored to be in attendance for the homecoming of one Kasen Harrowitz, who will bring the Richardson University Governors with him.

"Sydney is a tremendous asset to our game, and we are so excited to the threat she's become," noted Offensive Coordinator Eve "Swoosh" Moraxis, "We aren't afraid of leaning on the run game if it's working."

Can the Firehawks make it to yet another title game, their third in four seasons, in front of the roaring home crowd at the Firehawks' Roost?

by **NSCF** » Thu Oct 05, 2023 8:47 pm

NSCF 29 PLAYOFFS - Semifinals

Top Half will be scorinated by Quebec and Shingoryeo, while the Bottom Half will be scorinated by Chromatika.

Cutoff.

by **Chromatika** » Sun Oct 08, 2023 1:12 pm

Statement: Firehawks Shut Out Governors to Head to Second Straight Championship and Fifth in Eight Seasons

Team                                       1Q  2Q  3Q  4Q  Tot
Richardson University                       0   0   0   0    0
Felswyr State University                   13   7  10   7   37

1Q
10:01 FSU FG - Ivan Homer 40 yard Field Goal
09:11 FSU FG - Ivan Homer 48 yard Field Goal
02:33 FSU TD - Essa Kayode 49 yard pass from Kadesh Odika (Ivan Homer Kick)

2Q
04:29 FSU TD - Sydney Thomas 38 yard pass from Kadesh Odika (Ivan Homer Kick)

3Q
11:49 FSU FG - Ivan Homer 41 yard Field Goal
03:28 FSU TD - Nero Ramsey 71 yard pass from Kadesh Odika (Ivan Homer Kick)

4Q
12:33 FSU TD - Lisa Bonsoon 38 yard interception return (Ivan Homer Kick)

FIREHAWKS' ROOST, FELSWYR, MOUNTAIN DISTRICT - With so many of the best former Firehawks on the roster - Sarai Gwenderyn, the Mio sisters, Park Mi-Hyeon, Nellie Katt, Sara McAllister - the Felswyr State Firehawks put together their most complete game of the season in the match that mattered the most, absolutely manhandling the Richardson University Governors to head to their second straight NSCF Championship and fifth in eight seasons. Since that fateful NSCF 22 season that ended in a loss to Cold Hill University - more on that later - the Firehawks have made it to seven playoffs, six semifinals, and five championship games, winning three of them (with the fourth on the line in Banija very soon). There was some concern for the Firehawks after MIsha Florentine left to take over as the Head Coach of the Iron Legion, but Naia Curentino hasn't missed a beat. Sure, they started the season 1-2, but they haven't lost a game since - and handling Richardson University 37-0 is definitely something that you can label as a statement win headnig to the most important game of the year.

Richardson started with the ball, and Isaiah Hunter stepped foot in a stadium in his home country for the first time. A Trevon Specter sack on third down later, the Governors went three-and-out (they'd do that a lot this game), and the Firehawks marched right down the field to settle for a 40 yard Field Goal. The very next possession, Theo Nilsen stripped Ryan Morris of the ball after a routine slant pass on the very first play, which would lead to yet another Field Goal for Felswyr State. They only had not being able to punch the ball ilnto the end zone to blame for not being up 14-0.

It wouldn't get much easier for the visitors after that. They managed to cross midfield, but had to punt it away; Kadesh Odika capitalized with a shake-and-go to Essa Kayode that harkened back to the Alessandra Mio days - the stop and go is a legacy route in Felswyr State these days - and the Firehawks were in control. Odika would find two other receivers on touchdown passes of more than thirty yards - a wheel route to Thomas in the Second Quarter, then a gorgeous Wide Receiver screen that Nero Ramsey would take to the house in the Third - en route to a 17-for-23, 224 yards, three touchdown day; however, it was the play of the defense that really showed the kind of form that Felswyr State is in.

Ryan Rodgers Jr. carried the ball 19 times for 43 yards. That's an average of just barely more than 2 yards a carry. Isaiah Hunter went 10-of-25 for 101 yards and an interception. Richardson committed two turnovers on downs and two other turnovers - the last one being Hunter's pass in the flat that Bonsoon read all the way, taking it to the house (while drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for high-stepping). The Governors had 171 yards of total offense, and committed nine penalties for sixty-five yards in the process.

"We had a great week planning for this game," stated Specter afterwards about the game against his countrymen, "We thought we knew how they would like to play, and all that preparation paid off. Every unit did their job right - from the defensive line to the backers and of course the secondary. We made them get behind the sticks early, got pressure on their Quarterback, and didn't let their stars take off. It was a performance that showed the level that our team can play at, and we'll work on replicating that when we go to face Cold Hill."

"This is a special team that we have together," commented Vince Cartier, who had three catches for thirty-two yards, "You never know who'll be the star in any given match, but that also means that our opponents won't know either. It could be Kadesh, Nero, Kassa, and me taking over the game. It could be Sydney and Anne running wild. We also have all kinds of killers on the defensive side, and one of the best Special Teams units out there. This is a team built to win, and we have one more game to go."

More on the Cold Hill - Felswyr State matchup later, but how fitting is it that the team that could stop Felswyr State from being the first team to win four titles - and all four of them in eight seasons, nonetheless - will be Cold Hill, whose win would make it three for them?

This is a storybook ending - Beno having one last shot at Odika, with Odika having to take down Youngblood after taking down Vivayavich - the three of them being the Quarterbacks of this class.

It's a good time to be a Firehawks fan.

by **Ranoria** » Sun Oct 08, 2023 4:42 pm

The Sack Of Stade St. Croix!
-
Youngblood, Batte Run Wild To Earn Cold Hill's FIrst Championship Berth In Seven Years

After some downright poor showings in the out of conference slate, Benoit Youngblood has returned to form in the playoffs - and he's earned one more crack at Kadesh Odika's FIrehawks

Coming into Joongyeong to take on the Bleu et Blanc is an unenviable task for most. Even less so when it comes against an 11-1 St. Croix side, 12-2 including postseason showings. But Benoit Youngblood relished in it - and we must assume his family felt the same way.

"Until my last couple years of high school, we always thought I'd be attending Université du Saguenay," he said after the game, "The Fighting Irish are in our blood, and we don't like St. Croix. So getting a chance to end their best NSCF season in recent memory, it's about as good a semi final draw as I could've asked for. " Indeed - his uncle and father certainly shed a single tear of pride in the up and comer watching him pick apart Hannah McKendry's defense.

Despite the final line, the first half was competitive - Youngblood would draw first blood, bouncing outside on a broken passing play and bending to the outside corner of the end zone, shrugging off the only potential tackler who'd managed to get through tangle of bodies. It'd be the Bleu et Blanc answering though - this coaching staff hadn't come in without a plan, and QB Boulouque-Milliken executed it to perfection early, taking advantage of his receiving corps against an overmatched Cold Hill secondary. Their game plan? Avoid Nicholas Hussain - they didn't target the ball-hawking South Newlandian once in the first half and didn't give Derek Pierce a chance to have a huge impact, running the ball just twice. It worked early on - They'd score thirteen unanswered points following that intial score, three straight scoring drives as the Buffalo offense just briefly peetered out.

But with just minutes on the clock in the second quarter, Benoit had his answer - he's always been at his best in two minute and do-or-die type situations and that didn't change here as the career eleven thousand yard passer made his way down the field. Chris Dale mixed in a couple run plays to ensure the other side wouldn't have much time to do anything with the ball, but it'd end with Enox Silverman boxing out the safety in the end zone, taking advantage of his 6'7" frame and getting his team the lead back.

Little did anyone watching know, that was as tight as this thing would get.

After a disciplined first half, Boulouque-Milliken finally made a mistake by giving wideout Saindon-Ferrier a chance against Hussain, and the cornerback made him pay. He'd trailed him on a post, baiting the throw, and once it came, he closed the gap. It was a perfect break, and he dove to snag the football just as Sandon-Ferrier's hands were closing around its nose. Hussain's hands were a heartbeat faster, and he locked onto it in a mid-air dive, clutched it to his chest and skidded into the turf with the first turnover for either side. Up 14-13 with the ball in good field position, head coach Chris Dale and company knew they had a chance to take a decisive advantage early, and they did. This time it'd be Kasozi Batte, beating press coverage in dominant fashion to get a free running lane on a vertical, blasting through the safety, and passing go with room to spare.

Including the final series of the second half, Cold Hill would go on to score on six consecutive drives while shutting out St. Croix the rest of the way. Mind you, to the Bleu et Blanc's credit, that streak went well into the second half and they never stopped fighting - Batte's score would be the last Buffalo touchdown of the day as they posted five second half field goals, completely unable to put the nail in the coffin when their opposition clamped down in the red zone despite the game being effectively lost. Having subbed in freshman pass rusher Erik Kessler, they had some semblance of a pass rush at times, and the Bleu et Blanc just couldn't get back into their early rhythm.

Youngblood would finish the game 34/48 for 407 passing yards and a pair of scores through the air on top of his touchdown on the ground - shockingly his first four hundred yard outing this season. After his rock-bottom performances - certainly the worst presentations of his collegiate career - against Elephant Valley, Saguenay, and Felswyr State, there was concern. Had he re-injured his leg in his explosive performance against Lebois Santura in the Big 8 championship? Was he ill? Was something off the field affecting his play?

Whatever it was, it's over, and with any luck, he'll bring this version of himself, the dominant, world-beater, 2x OPOY edition to Banija for the NSCF championship, not the guy who put up 13 against the Firehawks defense and 35 over the entire course of the out of conference slate. Not the guy who watched as his team got thrashed by a team that's outscored the Ranorian NSCF teams by a combined 65-13 between their two games - absolutely stunning considering their vaunted status as perennial championship contenders.

"Those were some tough outings," Benoit admitted in a brief interview earlier this week, his pads and helmet dangling from his fingertips briefly after practice, "I'm not proud of how I played, but I'm hoping that was our healthy dose of adversity this season. I've got one more game left as a Cold Hill Buffalo, and I came here to win a championship for this program. Everything I have is what you're going to see on Saturday night."

At the beginning of this season, we asked what the big three quarterbacks of the NSCF would bring to the table in their final season. AMV didn't disappoint, wresting a Celestia conference crown and leading an offense that scored just under 400 points in regular season play this season - easily one of the best units in the NSCF. Kadesh Odika? He's only guided his Felswyr State side to yet another conference title and championship appearance on top of two victories already as he looks to cement his already strong claim as the greatest quarterback in the history of the NSCF.

So Benoit Youngblood, he's the oddball here.

In seven regular season starts (though one was limited to just one snap), he didn't look himself. Sure, he started the season strong, but his out-of-conference games were downright alarming, and he'd finish the campaign with just under eighteen hundred yards and ten passing touchdowns to seven interceptions. For a guy who'd come into the season with several single-season records for the program in NSCF play, it would have been a whimper of an exit in his collegiate swan song. Fortunately, he's at least bounced back hard in the playoffs with electric showings against both St Croix and Northern Moravica, breaking the back of the Celestia conference in the process.

It's his first NSCF championship appearance - it's Cold Hill's first in seven seasons - that's NSCF 22's Diamond Rhine team, for those who aren't aware. They've been bounced twice in the playoffs - once in the infamous fourteena and done showing when Aurel Strathos was exposed for the fraud he was and the other in Rylan Rodgers Jr's electric outing to propel his squad to an NSCF championship.

An appearance is good, but no one wants to go out as the guy who made it to an NSCF championship. "I'm as familiar with the Firehawks as anyone," Chris Dale said yesterday at media day, "They're not the same team they were in NSCF 22. They're not taking anyone by surprise and stylistically they've adapted remarkably throughout their tenure without losing a beat. Three things that haven't changed - both of our teams are incredibly talented, both teams believe we're fielding the best quarterback in the NSCF, and the team that makes the fewest mistakes will be the one to win this. We have a standard of greatness to uphold though - the opponent influences how we'll execute, but they do not change our mission."

"We want to win it all," Benoit made it clear in that same aforementioned interview, "Kasoi [Batte] said it before these playoffs, but our goal is to seize football immortality in these playoffs, and the only way to do that is to win the whole thing. They're talking about these Firehawks as one of, if not the, best teams in NSCF history with how much of a mainstay they've become in the championship game. But if they're the best to ever do it, and we beat them...then what does that make us?"

Kavuma Field
Herzegovina City, Banija
Moments before kickoff

The quarterback for the Cold Hill Buffalo and prospective number one overall pick in the RFL draft locked eyes with his counterpart - both as FSU’s passer and the GFLB’s top prospect - for just a moment from across the field.

"Benoit," the quarterback jumped a bit at the deep if monotone voice beside him as Kasozi Batte seemed to appear out of thin air at his side. "You're nervous." The kicking units took the field as they watched, and he adjusted his headband, the stoic man at his side seemingly a pillar.

"A bit - this is my legacy here," a corner of his lip pulled up as the kicker's hand raised, the lights and music of the stadium reaching their apex just before the kick. "This is the game to put my family name into the halls of NSCF lore forever. And it's going to be all over so fast, regardless of the result."

Batte hmm'd a response, hanging his hands from the collar of his pads as the kicker made his approach, "It is written, 'Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go," Benoit's next breath felt a little easier, and he looked up to Kasozi Batte only to be immedietely disconcerted - a full smile had broken out on the wideout's face, "The work is done, my friend. This is the fun part. Play loose, play with all your heart, and do not fear defeat."

He extended a hand, Benoit clasped it, and the two briefly embraced as the kick was sent flying, the noise of the stadium dying out as the game of their lives finally began.

The grin on Batte's face fell to a soft smile, as if he were an executioner resigned to bringing down the axe on an unsuspecting victim. His arms fell to his side as he shook out his legs one last time, and his eyes narrowed. "To war."

by **Chromatika** » Sun Oct 08, 2023 9:08 pm

Top Ten: Players to Decide the NSCF Championship Game

10. OLB Trevon Specter (RAN), Felswyr State University

A key player often calling the shots for the Firehawks, Specter's play has stepped up in quality massively this year, having career performances against Cold Hill the first time these two teams faced each other as well as the game against Richardson. A well-rounded player, his ability to take away the Running Back or Tight End running through the middle of the field has allowed other players of the Firehawks defense to have more freedom in their play. He may not be the one to always get recognized on the stats sheet, but his impact cannot be undermined.

09. C Dhairya Taylor (SNL), Cold Hill University

Felswyr State with Quarterback pressure and Felswyr State without Quarterback pressure are two very different defenses, as the Firehawks' secondary can be exposed by just how aggressive they like to play if they don't have pressure in the Quarterback's face. That means that Dhairya Taylor has the unenviable task of calling out all the protective details that the Firehawks will throw at him, assisted by Benoit. If Taylor and his fellow linemen can keep their Quarterback upright, that will go a long way in helping the Buffaloes win this game.

08. DE Connor Clay (RAN), Cold Hill University

Kadesh Odika doesn't beat you with his legs, meaning that if you manage to get pressure on him or force him out of the pocket, he becomes more of a mortal player. Ranoria's best bet (that doesn't come off of corner blitzes or linebackers) is one Connor Clay. If he can take advantage of the inexperience of the players on Felswyr State's offensive line (especially in the playoffs, as four of them didn't play in the last title game, then he has a good chance of impacting Odika, and through Odika, the Firehawks' offense.

07. WR Essa Kayode (BNJ), Felswyr State University

The target that has been with Odika all throughout the four years of the duo's tenure in Felswyr State, Kayode has built such a camaraderie with Odika. He may not be the true #1 Wide Receiver that Alessandra Mio was in the past - Vince Cartier and Nero Ramsey are rather good as well - but when Odika needs a clutch catch, Kayode is where he looks to. He's big, he's smart, and he's physical - and he knows how to step up in big moments.

06. WR Kasozi Batte (BNJ), Cold Hill University

The best receiver for Cold Hill, Kasozi Batte is not only Benoit Youngblood's best target, but the biggest asset that the Buffaloes have in the passing game. Being the #1 receiver for an air raid team means that you are expected to make huge catches every game, and Batte has done that time and time again. He'll have a true battle with Lisa Bonsoon expecting to be shadowing him the whole game, but winning that individual matchup would go a long way for the Buffaloes.

05. CB Lisa Bonsoon (CMT), Felswyr State University

Love her or hate her, but Lisa is a baller. The hyper-aggressive, hyper-instinctive ball hawk has had her growing pains this season, but remains true to who she is - someone who will always try to get that interception or that deflection to shut down the play. She's expected to shadow Batte throughout the whole game, knowing how to play either side of the field or in the slot - and the Firehawks have good reason to think that she has the option to shut him down.

04. CB Nicholas Hussain (SNL), Cold Hill University

The counterpart to Bonsoon's matchup with Batte is Hussain with Kayode - with the importance taken up a notch because if Kayode gets going, Odika has his security blanket unlocked. Cold Hill's secondary will have to get their tackling on lock to have a shot at taking down the Firehawks, and Hussain will have to lead that charge.

03. RB Sydney Thomas (RAN), Felswyr State University

Sydney Thomas has made such a statement this year that Felswyr State may actually have a Running Back section of their Roster in the NSCFs to come. The owner of the single-game record for most rushing yards in Felswyr State history in the Quarterfinal win over Loyola-Istria now looks to take down a third Ranorian team this season to her second title. It always takes more than a single person to take her down, and she has elusive speed to boot. If she gets going, Felswyr State also gets to unlock their play-action - which could lead to fireworks. This is the best Running Back that Felswyr State has ever had.

02. QB Kadesh Odika (BNJ), Felswyr State University

Is it fair to put Odika on this list, even though Felswyr State has shown it can win even if he doesn't play well? Yes, if for no other reason than the fact that if he does play well, Felswyr State really goes on all cylinders. Having had an up and down season, Odika has really picked it up during the playoffs run, though it could be argued that the Firehawks' running game won the Quarterfinals against Loyola-Istria and the defense won the Semifinals. Having great chemistry with Essa Kaydoe, Vince Cartier, Nero Ramsey, and Ulrich Jefferson, but being in front of an offensive line that hasn't been in this big of a game in the past, Odika's ability to handle the pressure from the Buffalo and manage the game while making the necessary clutch throws will be important.

01. QB Benoit Youngblood (QUE), Cold Hill University

There is no questioning the fact that the Buffalo's offense lives and dies by their Quarterback - even more than the Firehawks' reliance on Odika. Kasozi Batte and Enox Silverman are stellar targets and Tony Fuller is reliable from the Tight End position, but the Buffalo have always been an air raid. Benoit didn't fare so well in the first meeting against the Firehawks this season, but Felswyr State remains the biggest scalp that he hasn't taken in a storied career. If the Buffalo win, it'll be because he led them offensively - and if they lose, it'll be because he was stymied by the Firehawks.

by **NSCF** » Sun Oct 08, 2023 9:27 pm

NSCF 29 PLAYOFFS - Championship Final

Cutoff.

by **NSCF** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 10:14 am

Better late than never. Another phenomenal cycle is done, thanks to you all. Many thanks as always.

Now, it's time to start thinking about the awards. Please nominate your NSCF 29 Awards to NSCF.

Most Outstanding Player of the Year
Offensive Player of the Year
Defensive Player of the Year
Special Teams Player of the Year
Coach of the Year

After a few days of accepting nominations (let's say Sunday night for those in North America), the NSCF Committee will vote on the winners.

You may nominate your own players or coaches that you feel are worthy or others that stood out to you from the season's RPs.

by **Ranoria** » Sat Oct 14, 2023 2:48 pm

Anointing The King Of The Hill:
Buffalo Usurp Felswyr State In Fourth Quarter Stampede To Seize Their Third NSCF Crown

After a hard to watch first three periods for Buffalo fans, Benoit Youngblood and Kasozi Batte sparked the most electric comeback of their storied career

"Great players make great plays at the right moments," Chris Dale said of Cold Hill's fourth quarter rally to take down the vaunted Firehawks, "And no one has embodied that principle more than Benoit Youngblood."

Ever since he introduced himself to this fanbase, Benoit has displayed a tendency to elevate his play in the most crucial moments. Even when he was acclimating to the speed of the collegiate game after a year off after high school, he found a way to come away with victories - coming into this championship game he'd accumulated a starting record of 32-7 including championship and playoff games. No easy task when you're in the Big 8 (with Kohnhead City his freshman year) play Felswyr State three times and Saguenay twice. But even then, the first three quarters of this football game had the entire football world writing off the Buffalo. And in the doubters' defense - the Firehawks running away with it 28-13 in week 12 made it seem like this one would go much the same way.

Cold Hill asked for the ball to kick things off, ever aggressive and always wanting to establish a fast tempo. But things didn't go well - Trevyon Specter was the one to set the tone, nearly going unblocked off of Youngblood's blindside and blasting him for a seven yard loss to kick things off. That didn't dissuade the Buffalo offense from being aggressive though - Benoit went for the sticks on the next play on an in route to Kasozi Batte...and that's when things got hairy. Lisa Bonsoon matched the superstar stride-for-stride and leveraged her elite frame to do what she does best and take the ball away. Batte managed to bring her down after a short return, but giving a man who's arguably the best quarterback in NSCF history the ball inside his own thirty? There was only one way that was going to end.

Even covered by CB Nicholas Hussain, that ball was always going to Essa Kayode - Odika went for it all. Kayode snagged it on the four and shot out a sloppy stiff arm to buy himself some time, but Hussain still managed to wrap him up at the two. Kayode kept fighting though, and spun with the ball extended as he was dragged down, just managing to get it over the plane to take a six-zero lead with this thing under three minutes into it. The third score Hussain had allowed this season came at the worst of times as the Buffalo started this game off on the back foot.

And Felswyr State kept their foot on Cold Hill's throat throughout the first half - they'd run it up 21 to nothing as they approached halftime, and they looked to put the nail in the coffin early. Rather than hand it to Sydney Thomas - a young man who'd already racked up 41 rushing yards for himself in this one - and get out of the half, they wanted to end it. Odika connected on three consecutive passes, hitting Ulrich Jefferson, Nero Ramsey, and Vince Cartier in turn to push his team inside the forty, but everyone knew they'd go to Kayode sooner or later.

With Nicholas Hussain trailing though, it was a gamble and this time a poorly advised one. The South Newlandian corner got full extension, one-handing the ball and falling back, but with Kayode under him, his shoulders hit first and in an incredible show of his instincts, he rolled up onto his shoulders and did a backflip over Kayode to land on his feet. Now, with Kayode being the sole go route on the play, that meant Hussain had a lot of green grass in front of him and only fellow defender Aldon Jameson nearby, so he took off.

Jameson laid a block on Nero Ramsey to hold up the wideout, and Hussain arced his run away from Ulrich Jefferson, spreading outan offensive line that wasn't exactly great with pursuit given a lack of plentiful turnovers over the past few years, then knifed back in straight through their ranks, like a running back going the wrong way. Odika was the last man with a shot, and he'd be tripped up on a quick juke - Hussain had no one within twenty yards of him by the time he raised his closed fist in the air to put his Cold Hill team on the board tonight. He'd mimic an elephant's trunk with his arm- a tribute to his homeland of South Newlandia - but despite the electrifying score that saw him run more than a football field and a half in total, the score was still a dismal 21-7. And when Kadesh Odika found Essa Kayode for their second touchdown connection of the game on just the third play of the second half, it only looked more bleak.

With their second 21-point lead of the game, Felswyr State looked downright comfortable, and they'd begin to hand the ball off following another lost drive by this Buffalo offense, Benoit Youngblood smacking his helmet when he missed Enox Silverman on a deep third down shot, then hanging his head down when a field goal attempt when wide left. It just wasn't looking like their night - if the football gods existed, they had determined that Felswyr State deserved their throne once again.

Benoit Youngblood though - finally - woke up.

End of the third quarter, Cold Hill sideline

"Hey," Chris Dale knelt down in front of Benoit, "We're still in this thing," he said as Sydney Thomas ran in for his first touchdown of the day, "But we're out of room for mistakes." The coach looked - as opposed to his frustrated sideline - calm. Perhaps a bit exasperated, but nonetheless he was a pillar.

"Right," Benoit said, "Gonna have to take the leash off."

"Well if I have a suggestion," Dale smirked and pointed a thumb over to Kasozi Batte, "You've only looked his way twice today. I know Lisa Bonsoon is on him, but if you aren't the best player on the field, then he is."

Benoit looked over to Kasozi, who loomed, hands gripped to his pads, stoic as ever, "That can't be...no, no you're right."

"Like you said son," Dale clapped him on the shoulder, "You're off the leash now. I need the best fifteen minutes in the history of Cold Hill University football, and that starts with the best player in the history of Cold Hill University Football."

Benoit stood, snapped on his helmet, and nodded. "Immortality, right?"

The offense took the huddle, and Kasozi Batte lined up with Lisa Bonsoon across from him, her fingers twitching as she awaited the upcoming snap, only for her focus to be momentarily broken.

"Hey you!" Her head snapped over to Benoit, who soon confirmed just who he was calling out, "Yeah you, freakishly tall dark and ugly! This thing's coming straight downfield!"

"You're welcome to hand me the championship MVP!" she shot back, and when the ball was snapped, she trailed Batte, hand extended to just barely feel his hip to keep his whereabouts in check. This wasn't her taking a gamble and missing - she just didn't realize until a step too late that she wasn't as fast as the man going against her. Batte didn't call for the ball, he didn't need to and he couldn't slow down. With Bonsoon playing inside leverage, he knew Benoit would shade his throw towards the sideline, and he made a small adjustment to his path, cheated one glance up, one more step, spun, extended his hands, and backpedaled to a stop after a smooth reception in the middle of the paint. The only celebration he offered was to point to the sky - they hadn't earned elation quite yet.

While that scorching 75 yard touchdown may have offered the Buffalo a spark, it seemed inconsequential with a still 21 point deficit hanging over their heads. However, Felwyr State had made one mistake. While they'd have one smooth drive rushing, linebacker Derek Pierce was a run stopping menace for the Buffalo - and as hard as Sydney Thomas could run, Pierce was the perfect tool to take them from clock-churning to just stuck in the mud. They'd go three and out, giving their defense no time to recoup after such a massive play against them, and the Buffalo looked like they had no intention of slowing down.

After driving inside the forty, Cold Hill threw a little wrinkle in. With Heine Stølan in the slot, he motioned out, then quickly cut laterally to run behind the offensive line. With Annika Rhine in the slot, she couldn't keep up in the first place before the snap. When the Buffalo faked a handoff to Stølan, Rhine tried to cut towards what looked like an open gap, and didn't have the wherewithal to go after Youngblood when she realized Stølan was running a wheel route with all the momentum in the world. She tried to recover and catch up, only to slip up, leaving Stølan alone downfield. It wasn't the prettiest throw because it didn't have to be - the Vanorian true freshman slowed to a stop to snag the ball at the five and trotted into the end zone with room to spare as this thing was, all of a sudden, getting just a little bit hairy for the Firehawks.

Their second drive of the fourth quarter wouldn't go much better. A holding call got them behind the sticks early, and it looked like freshman DE Erik Kessler would get a sack on third down - but there's a reason he's a third down rusher. At just a little over 200 pounds, there's not a lot of weight there, and Odika shrugged him off casually. It still bought enough time for big Harvey Klein to get close and bat the third down pass though - and Cold Hill would get the ball once again.

We won't bore you with too many details, but Cold Hill made it three straight touchdown drives as this game drew closer to its conclusion on a four minute drive, Benoit Youngblood lofting up a fourth-and-goal prayer as Trevyon Specter began to bring him down and Enox Silverman snagging the ball and Cold Hill's championship hopes when he climbed the ladder and reached over Alani Sörens to scoop the ball away. With five minutes to play, this thing was a 35-28 football game.

A lot of people in these situations feel like it's just up to the offense to score and win it - they forget that Kadesh Odika was leading out the Firehawks, and that the Buffalo defense would no longer have the priveledge of only defending the run. This guy had racked up 63 total points on this team between their two contests this season - it was a big ask to keep him from making it a back-breaking 70, much less a just-as-damning 66.

He'd kick things off with a checkdown to Sydney Thomas, and he'd pick up a first down when he broke to the outside and was knocked out after sixteen yards. Make it two straight when Essa Kayode continued making life difficult for Nicholas Hussain on a seventeen yard reception - though the two have certainly been a great matchup.

Then Derek Pierce made himself known again - a four year starter and former #4 recruit in Ranoria blitzed off Harvey Klein's hip. The big defensive tackle hadn't lived up to the hype his rare frame had built in high school, but his bull rush commanded a double team, and Pierce was smart enough to find the open gap that created, swallowing up Kadesh Odika on a seven yard drop to make it a ten yard loss.

After his second down pass fell harmlessly into the dirt, Odika looked to Nero Ramsey deep only for Nicholas Hussain to be locking him up downfield, then came down to Essa Kayode on a slant. He snagged it seven yards downfield and turned upfield - he'd spin around an oft-harassed safety in Aldon Jameson, but it slowed him up enough for the rest of the defense to swarm, holding him to just another yard as he tried to churn forward with three tacklers holding on for dear life to hold him to fourth and four.

All that said - it was close enough for a field goal. 51 yards - no enviable task but it was doable for a guy like Ivan Homer.

Benoit Youngblood had thrown a towel over his head prior to the drive - he couldn't watch.

The crowd noise wasn't terrible - with about a fifty fifty split of support and opposition and neutral viewers to boot, that wasn't much of a factor. So Herzegovina City waited, Homer lined up, homer kicked, and Benoit Youngblood was still blind as the ball sailed.

All that, and the crowd's collective gasp would tell the story as the ball dipped just beneath the uprights. Homer winced as it hit the ground, and it'd be Kasozi Batte pulling the wool - literally - from over his quarterback's eyes. They exchanged a nod, and Benoit looked up to the booths of Kavuma Field. He couldn't see his father - not from down here, but he knew that he was meeting his gaze, and he shot the old man a thumbs up.

"Gentlemen!" He called out as the offense huddled around himself and head coach Chris Dale, from wide eyed freshmen to upperclassmen with fire in their gaze, "This is everything we prayed for as kids, these were our dreams. We didn't want to win this thing forty to nothing, we wanted a chance to go get that game winning drive. This!" He pointed to the scoreboard, with just over two minutes left on the clock, "This right here is the moment we've been waiting for our entire lives. We have fought like hell to bring it to reality, our fathers have pushed and our mothers guided us towards it! You will not slip up now, when it's finally in your hands! We are going to go down, we are going to score a touchdown," his arm swung to indicate their opposition, "and we are going to pick up three more yards to send these Firehawks back with their tails between their legs!"

He looked to Chris Dale, asking silently, and Dale nodded. "Men, I couldn't have said it better myself. Family on three!"

They actually managed to break through the crowd noise with their break. They took the playcall, and the Cold Hill Buffalo took the field.

The first shot came on a post to Batte, who skipped out of a diving attempt at a tackle from Lisa Bonsoon, and raced upfield before Adora Hightower managed to bring him to the turf. On the second, Kira Jones broke through the line, but Benoit began to scramble just in time - no one was bringing down the former wrestler with an arm tackle. He escaped the pocket and broke another tackle before it was, again, Adora Hightower making the tackle to stop in just in front of the first down marker.

After a second down incompletion, he threw a quick fade to Enox Silverman - they weren't worried about time. Let the big man box out the corner to move the sticks, pick up an easy first down.

Benoit's fingers were twitching before the next snap - almost jittery as he shot a quick glance to Kasozi Batte, one that did not go unnoticed by Lisa Bonsoon. So when he reached out and Batte sold hard on the curl, Lisa jumped, only comitting more when Benoit pump faked - but with Batte behind her, and Beno's eyes trained on the corner, she didn't know until he pulled the ball back that she'd been caught. The Firehawks' cornerback was a double edged sword, and the two had brilliantly turned her on her wielder here.

Saya Okayato's a big strong safety, but a one-on-one with the best receiver in college football - and no, it isn't close - wasn't something he was equipped to handle. Both players jumped for it, but Batte's timing was just a bit better, he was just a bit stronger, and with a better handle on it, he tore the football from Okayato's hands, landing hard and catching himself with his free hand as he stumbled forward in the end zone - against all odds, the Buffalo were within one point of completing the comeback.

But Okayato didn't have much time to recover himself. They weren't done yet.

The Buffalo offense took their time approaching the line, and made no attempt at disguising what they were doing. Rather than risk a kick from an impressive but still Ranorian Rio Bocan, they were going to leave the best players on this roster on the field and cross their fingers.

Trevyon Specter rallied the troops, grabbing Lisa Bonsoon and offering his quick, confident encouragement to help lift her back up after the disastrous play, and there wasn't much time left.

Specter had a great get off, but a tight end chip cost the speed rusher his momentum. Benoit looked to the tight end, but he wasn't far enough downfield, couldn't be trusted with their championship on YAC yards. He flipped - Batte wasn't getting anywhere against Bonsoon this time, and then he looked down to the rush. Karwana Kimaka was getting a push, but with both defensive tackles rushing the B gap, it left the A wide open, and cetner Dharya Taylor had the wherewithal to stick to Kimaka's inside hip to keep it that way. Benoit tucked the ball and sprinted forward, but realistically he'd have been able to speed walk in with how wide open of a hole he had - and Kasozi Batte was the first man to him as the score became official and the Buffalo embraced their leader.

36-35.

A stunning 28 point comeback in the fourth quarter with under a minute on the clock. It wasn't over - but damn if it wasn't close.

Kasozi Batte capped off his Cold Hill career with the go-ahead touchdown
of the NSCF 29 Championship at Kavuma Field

Arguably the best quarterback in the history of this competition had one more shot riding off into the sunset on top though, and Naia Curentino was going to give him the best chance to hit.

The first ball came on a dime to sophomore Nero Ramsey twenty yards downfield. An immediate timeout provided a break in the action before Essa Kayode picked up another first down. Another timeout, and an incompletion courtesy of a Nicholas Hussain pass break up stopped their onslaught at least somewhat with just nineteen seconds left on the clock.

Kadesh Odika would hit Vince Cartier on a quick out, but thanks to a heads-up play by Derek Pierce, Cartier was knocked out of bounds and it would've been a sixty yard field goal - way too far to really take that shot.

But with a timeout and a good kicker, ten yards would basically seal this thing. Unfortunately for them, that didn't happen.

Defensive tackle Harvey Klein hasn't had a prolific career - but his talent is undeniable, and he found his next gear on that down, smashing through the Firehawks front, and Odikatime ran out of time before it began, tucking the ball and taking the sack as Currentino quickly called her third and final timeout.

With only a few seconds left - they only had one choice, and that was a Hail Mary. Kasozi Batte ran out there in the secondary - but they did elect to rush four. No reason to let Odika be too relaxed back there after all.

So he took the snap. The offensive line held up and the pocket developed perfectly. Odika got into his full drop, took a big step up and put everything he had into the throw - it was a bomb.

With a ton of loft, somehow Odika managed to hit Essa Kayode perfectly in stride at the ten- no one else had a shot at a ball that couldn't have been placed better if you walked up and handed it to the receiver. With full steam, Kayode tried to keep himself moving, but with eight defenders in the secondary, there just wasn't anywhere to go. He was forced to stop and juke by Aldon Jameson in front of him, and then Kasozi Batte latched onto an ankle. He tried to hop free, but without all his focus on carrying the ball, Nicholas Hussain ripped it away and immedietely took a knee.

Ballgame.

Kayode sat down with a plop as the Buffalo sideline went wild - immedietely drenching Chris Dale with a Kavuma Supermarkets-sponsored sports drink, the coach cringing prior in anticipation. And then they did it again, and again, and again until they'd emptied every cooler on the sideline, because everyone wanted to be able to dunk their head coach.

Benoit Youngblood and Kadesh Odika shook hands in centerfield - two prospective top selections in their respective drafts showing their mutual respect after bowing out with a shootout just as legendary as their prolific careers.

So when the Buffalo finally took the podium to lift their first championship trophy since NSCF 22, Chris Dale and Youngblood embraced prior, and raised it together, one carrying each handle to trigger an uproar from the surrounding crowd.

For a lot of players, this was the final step of their incubation in the collegiate ranks - they'd have to leave the nests of Cold Hill and Felswyr State for the pro ranks. But for one more night, the upperclassmen on this roster were Buffalo, and it had never felt so sweet.

by **NSCF** » Tue Nov 21, 2023 2:11 pm

End of Season Award Winners

Most Outstanding Player:
** QB Kadesh Odika, Felswyr State University (Chromatika) -- 4 points
Runner-ups: QB Benoit Youngblood, Cold Hill University (Ranoria) -- 2 points
RB Rylan Rodgers Jr, Richardson University (Ranoria) -- 2 points

Original round of vote was casted with a three-way tie. Two rounds of tiebreakers were used - first the removal of player from their own user, and then the commissioner's vote. The order would come as Odika - Youngblood - Rodgers Jr.

Offensive Player of the Year:
** RB Rylan Rodgers Jr, Richardson University (Ranoria) -- 4 points
Runner-up: QB Anne-Maurice Vivayavich, University of Loyola-Istria (Banija) -- 2 points

Defensive Player of the Year:
** OLB Trevon Specter, Felswyr State University (Chromatika) -- 4 points
Runner-up: ILB Alabester Red, LeBois Santura University (Cardenao) -- 2 points

Special Teams Player of the Year:
** K Ivan Homer, Felswyr State University (Chromatika) -- 4 points
Runner-up: K Marie-Madeleine Guilloux, Staramara Tech University (Chromatika) -- 2 points

Coach of the Year:
** HC Hannah McKendry, Universite St. Croix (Quebec and Shingoryeo) -- 4 points
Runner-up: HC Chris Dale, Cold Hill University (Ranoria) -- 2 points

NSCF 29 - Everything Thread

Gladiators vs Irish, run it back!

Who is online