Galaxy Ball

CHP18: Reuniting

It had been an all-out grind between the sixteen teams in the Galaxy Football League through the first six weeks. It was during the middle of the week, Luigi contacting his older brother and setting up a place to meet. The two agreed to meet at one of their favorite diners just outside Brooklyn. Both took full advantage of the transportation provided by the League. Awaiting Mario was both Luigi and Daisy; the princess deciding to tag along after consulting with Luigi setting up a time and place.

"I've never been here before...how many times have you and Mario eaten here?" Daisy asked.

Pointing to a section in the corner, Daisy followed Luigi over to one of the booths next to a window. Both took a seat across from each other, taking hold of a menu.

"This has always been one of our favorite spots in town. It's funny, we've never actually been in this place with Princess Toadstool. But I guess is understandable since she doesn't leave the mushroom kingdom much." Luigi said.

Daisy was more than surprised to hear the information, figuring they had done just about everything together. It was no secret most their time in the mushroom Kingdom had been spent with Princess Peach. It took less than a minute for one of the waiters to approach their table.

"What can I get for the two of you today?" He asked.

Both requested a glass of water and had not made their minds up. Putting on a smile, He walked away entering into a back door giving them time to think. Sitting for a while longer, the two discussed the upcoming tennis tournament that would take place the upcoming spring.

"Both you and Mario were the champions in doubles last year, but I've stepped up my game; so hopefully Peach and I will hold up the trophy."

Both laughed together enjoying the moment, wondering if Mario would again rank victorious as number 1 in singles. That was something to think about much later, but in the present their focus was on the event at hand. In the entrance area of the diner the front door swung open, a familiar individual entering wearing a red cap over his head. Both Daisy and Luigi waved getting the attention of Mario. He waved back walking over and taking a seat next to his brother.

"It'sa very good to see you both...my, has it been a long time." Mario emphasized.

"I'm sorry Peach was unable to come, it took me forever to get in contact with her but apparently too busy to travel out. That according to her." Daisy informed.

Both Luigi and Daisy had already decided what they wanted so handed Mario one of the menus. He wasted little time selecting one of his favorite dishes that the restaurant had to offer. It felt good for him to be back in his home town, especially after being away so long.

They enjoyed their entire day together, and at the end Mario parted ways with both returning to the team ship. It took no less than an hour for him to arrive back to Isle Delfino. The next few days passed by relatively quickly, leading up to Sunday afternoon.

Venom

The home team Blood Hounds won the coin toss choosing to kick off to the visiting Primates, who were also a division opponent. Having the ball kicked off, the return man brought it out to the seventeen yard line and no further. Coming out onto the field, Donkey Kong stretched his right arm still feeling sore from a hit taken the previous week.

"Man I'm pumped...let's make this two in a row against the ELC North." Diddy Kong said to himself.

Situating in their positions, Donkey Kong looked over the D calling an audible at the line. He took the snap dropping back and punt faked. DK stepped up throwing across the middle for Willey, but never saw the middle linebacker playing coverage and intercepted the pass at the 26 yard line!

"Wow, and DK's first pass attempt is intercepted...that is a pass he should have never thrown! What a start for the Blood Hounds defense!"

The defender was taken down at the thirteen yard line. Unbuckling his chin strap DK kicked at the turf feeling a chill up his spine, hating to start the game in such fashion. Wolf O'Donnell and his offensive unit took to the field soon after. He stepped back into pistol just behind the 13. Signaling for the ball, Wolf stepped up throwing a fade into the left corner of the end zone intended for Boshi, but knocked away by the cornerback.

"Hey don't worry DK, we'll get another shot at them. The game isn't always going to start off in our favor." The offensive coordinator said.

It was important the quarterback of the team had full confidence and momentum, or things could go south quickly. On 2nd down, Wolf handed the ball off to Dry bones who gained only two yards stopped at the 11 yard line.

"If there is a weakness about this team, it would be their lack of a run game. The Blood Hounds in the last three games have only been averaging around forty point three yards on the ground rushing. They're going to need a little bit more out of their running attack."

On 3rd Wolf stepped under center taking the snap and rolling out to his right throwing a quick pass for his TE Zerk making the catch at the five yard line walking into the end zone untouched for a touchdown! The extra point was put through shortly after. The ball was then kicked back off to the Primates calling for a fair catch back in their own end zone.

"Their last drive ended in a nightmare, but I'm willing to bet Donkey Kong and this offence will bounce back."

Starting out at their own twenty yard line, on 1st DK pitched the ball back to Monty Mole picking up seven yards. On 2nd DK received the ball trying to throw a quick pass, but knocked down at the line of scrimmage. On 3rd and short, DK took the snap stepping forward and throwing for his TE Koopen on a curl route picking up six yards pushed out of bounds at the 33 yard line.

"Great blocking up front guys, keep up the nice work." DK said thanking his offensive line.

Coming up to the new spot on 1st, Donkey Kong worked under center taking the ball and handing off to Diddy Kong on an end around! The trick play picked up seventeen yards up to the 50 yard line.

"Oh Wow, now that was impressive. Diddy Kong just showed why he is so tough to take down in open space due to his small size. There just isn't a whole lot to grab onto."

Confidence was felt between the players, but important they came away with some points on the drive. DK stepped back into shotgun, signaling for the snap and receiving the ball. Due to great protection, focused his attention down field punt faking to the middle before slinging the ball deep up the right sideline. Making an adjustment, Koopa reached out making the catch in the end zone for a fifty yard Touchdown!

"What a great throw and catch by Koopa and Donkey Kong that is a play they needed. Points are hard to come by against the Blood Hounds. Wait but hold on, it looks like there is a flag down on the field."

The ref called Koopa for offensive pass interference, bringing 1st down and a loss of ten yards. The Primates moved back to their own forty, very unhappy with the play. Taking the snap DK threw a RB screen pass for Monty Mole who picked up sixteen yards taking it down to the 44 of the Blood Hounds.

"That was such a well-designed play, now they've turned a first and forever into a second and manageable."

Under center, Donkey Kong took the snap rolling out to his left. Seeing plenty of open grass in front of him, DK used his feet taking off for the first down. Sprinting forward, he made it all the way down to the 27 yard line but stripped of the ball by one of the defenders picking up the ball and taking it the opposite direction for six yards.

"Woooooww yet another bad turnover by the visiting team, if Donkey Kong would have just slid forward instead of taking the hit and losing the ball would have been a perfect play."

"No kidding Jay that play also would have put them in field goal range."

Wolf and company came out onto their own 33 yard line, Wolf sending one of his tight ends in motion. Taking the snap, he threw a quick slant to Walsh almost having the pass intercepted by a safety.

"They've got to be very careful here; they almost gave it back to the Primates."

On 2nd Wolf received the snap taking a few steps back observing the field. Moving out to his left he threw a floater for Boshi making the catch gaining 22 yards up to the 45 yard line of the Primates. Moving up to the new spot, on 1st Wolf handed off to Dry Bones taking it up the right side for a gain of six. With the next play Wolf again handed off to Dry Bones who tried taking it up the middle but stopped at the line.

"As I said before in pre-game; Dry Bones is a good running back out on the perimeter, but between the tackles struggles. Let's be honest, Dry Bones isn't the type of player who will break very many tackles."

On 3rd and 4, Wolf received the ball throwing a screen pass for Zerk who picked up seven yards. Moving up to the 38 of the visitors, Wolf pitched the ball back to Dry Bones but met and dropped immediately in the backfield for a loss of four. On 2nd, Wolf received the snap standing tall and poised in the pocket. Stepping forward, Wolf threw across the field having the pass caught by Turg for eight yards at the 34. On 3rd Wolf tried slinging one up for Boshi but knocked down at the line.

"Whelp that will bring up 4th down, and the Primates have to feel pretty good they're just holding the home team to a field goal attempt."

The field goal unit for the Blood Hounds came out onto the field kicking the ball through the upright making it a 10 to 0 game.

Port Town

The visiting Hammerheads held the lead 9 to 3 over the F-Zero Brutes. The home team scored its first points of the game, kicking back off to the Hammerheads who advanced it out to their 18 yard line.

"Neither team has been able to get into the end zone at this point, this game has been dominated by the defense thus far."

Rubbing his hands together, Jak was ready to try and fix the errors in the team's last few drives. The pre-snap penalties contributed a lot to their failure. Before getting into position, Jak called his team into a huddle.

"Look guys, I know it is tough playing on the road...but we need this division victory. We'll be seeing these guys again in week thirteen at our house, so let's try and take care of business here on their home turf and that'll set up things beautifully." Jak said.

Before breaking the huddle, informed everyone the first three plays they would run. On first Jak stepped back into shotgun signaling for and receiving the snap. Moving out to his right he threw a pass for his TE Hork but unable to bring it in. Getting back into position, on 2nd the ball was handed off to Hammer Bro who pulled forward for eleven yards up to the 28 yard line.

"Oooh hoohh! What a nice looking run by Hammer Bro, he showed great strength on that one!"

Working from under center at the new spot, Jak looked over the defense noticing something he'd seen before, calling an audible. Receiving the snap, there was a missed assignment on the blocking up front which led to a free defender coming through and taking down Jak for a loss of five losing his helmet in the process! Helping him to his feet, his left tackle handed Jak his helmet.

"Well that sure didn't turn out as planned." Jak said to himself.

On 2nd, Jak took to snap punt faking short to Daxtor looking down field throwing deep for Gloshi who made the catch at the 19 of the F-Zero Brutes for a gain of 54 yards! A flag however was thrown on the play. It was revealed holding on the offensive line; canceling the play plus negative ten yards for the offence, and the down to be replayed.

"Come on guys, we can't hurt ourselves like this." Jak mumbled under his breath feeling a bit frustrated.

The disappointment was shared between all in the huddle setting up for a 2nd and very long. Getting the ball, Jak threw a running back screen to Hammer Bro only picking up three yards at the 16 yard line. On 3rd the pass rush got to Jak right away, him doing what he could throwing out of bounds.

"Again the Hammerheads shot themselves in the foot after putting together what could have been a scoring drive. The penalties are killing this team. Not to mention they're playing out on the road, which makes it that much tougher."

The ball was punted to the F-Zero Brutes calling for a fair catch at their own 42 yard line. Leading his team out onto the field, Captain Falcon leaned taking his place under center. On 1st, Falcon ran out to his right throwing across his body having the pass caught by Jed the cat, picking up Seven yards before taken down by his ankles. On 2nd C-Falcon handed the ball off to Blood Falcon powering forward for a gain of 30 yards down to the 21 of the Hammerheads!

"And that there is why the F-Zero Brutes are one of the best rushing teams in the league. The blocking up front is incredible!"

After the huge run the home crowd finally came to life, making a lot of noise. Coming up to the new spot, Captain Falcon took the snap faking the handoff to Blood Falcon throwing a quick pass for Turant his TE, who was unable to make the catch; the ball bouncing right off his fingertips. On 2nd Falcon threw for Kamek on a curl who made the catch for a gain of five. On 3rd the ball was handed off to Blood Falcon who again took it straight up the middle lowering his shoulders and gaining twelve yards down to the 4 yard line! On 1st and goal the ball again was handed off to Blood Falcon running in untouched for the four yard touchdown!

"I tell you this...Blood Falcon is definitely one of the elite running back's in this league."

The F-Zero Brutes kicked the extra point through upping the score 10 F-Zero Brutes 9 Hammerheads.

Dreamland

The score sat at 21 Bleach Bros to 6 Golden Knights. Out on the field the Knights faced a 2nd and 2 on their own 36. Taking the snap from under center, Ike tossed the ball back to Fly guy fumbling but fell atop the ball. The play resulted in a loss of six. On 3rd Ike stepped back into shotgun giving himself more room to operate. Signaling for the ball received it right away, moving around looking up and throwing for Millard making the catch over at the 45 of the Bleach Bros.

"Finally, we needed something to really get us going." Ike said.

Making their way over to the 45 of the Bleach Bros, on 1st Ike threw a quick pass for Kaed making a one handed catch for 13 yards at the 32 yard line. With a new set of downs, Ike again handed off to Shy Guy who got back to the line of scrimmage. On 2nd Ike threw a quick pass on the line for Skrunk who caught the ball but taken down in the other direction for a loss of three. On 3rd Ike took the snap, but the rush caused him to step up taking off running. He was quickly caught from behind only picking up four yards.

"That will bring up 4th down, and another shot for the kicker of the Golden Knights to put up more points. The offensive line of the Knight's has to do a much better job of blocking up front."

The kicker came out onto the field kicking the ball upward but traveled too far to the right, the field goal attempt no good.

"Wow...Are you serious!" Dingodile said over on the sideline, hating that his team came away with no points.

Waluigi led his offensive unit out to their 33 yard line, ready to try and add to their lead. On 1st the ball was thrown to Kirby on a WR screen; the pink individual only able to pick up three yards. On 2nd the ball was given to Vector the Croc who tried taking it up the left side but unable to gain yardage.

"Darn, I knew I should have cut that further outside." Vector complained.

On 3rd Waluigi took the snap rolling out to his left and throwing to a wide open Frank the Iguana, who sprinted down field for a gain of 18 taken down at the 46 of Golden Knights. On their first play, Waluigi handed the ball off to Vector out of Shotgun catching the defense off guard expecting a pass. Dodging a lot of defenders and breaking a few tackles Vector was brought down after a gain of 24 at the 22 yard line of the Knights.

"Wooooohhhh, that's what I'm talking about boooooyyy!" Waluigi yelled out running down field next to Vector.

All on the Bleach Bros staff were excited with what happened out on the field getting great production from both sides of the ball. On 1st from the 22, Waluigi took the snap throwing a strike for Thokan who ran across the field making the catch taken down at the fifteen yard line. On 2nd Waluigi threw a fade for Frank who made the catch in the left corner of the end zone!

"Touchdown Bleach Bros, and one has to think this team might finally be hitting its stride."

The extra point was put through making the score 28 Bleach Bros to 6 Golden Knights.

Cloud Spires

The home team Cheetahs forced the Lylat Birds to a three and out getting the ball back with four minutes and thirty two seconds left to play in the 3rd quarter. The score sat at 28 Cheetahs to 17 Lylat Birds, the game a back and forth battle. Taking a seat over on the sideline Falco removed his helmet setting it off onto the bench.

"Don't worry guys, we'll find a way to get out of this place with a win, hopefully our D can stop them here." Falco said.

"Win or lose, I need to get something to eat after this is all over. I didn't have anything for breakfast." Knuckles said feeling completely drained.

Coming out onto the field with his offence Jet the hawk let all his players around know they needed to score more points. He went on reminding them of their film study on the Lylat Birds, and how they led the league in 4th quarter comebacks! It was crucial they try and put them away!

"So what's the plan Jet, are we going to try and milk some of this clock while we and do this? I don't know about you, but I sure like seeing Falco and that offence sitting over on the sideline than out here against our defense." Hunter said.

"There is too much time left in the game to worry about the clock, as of now...let's just worry about burying these guys." Jet the hawk replied.

Over on the Cheetah's sideline Wave the Swallow couldn't help but look across the way. There was a specific individual she couldn't take her eyes off of. A single of her teammates noticed the dazed look in her eyes.

"Whatsup, you ok?"

Wave sort of jumped altering her posture, her cheeks turning red.

"Yeah I'm perfectly fine." She grinned.

With one leg crossed over the other and her chin in the palm of her hands looked back across the field.

"He's so, so…hhmm hot." She blushed finally looking away from the Lylat Birds star QB.

Calling their set of plays Jet broke the huddle with the team getting into their positions at their own 35 yard line. On 1st, Jet handed off to Captain Qwark who took it up the right side gaining two yards. On 2nd Jet faked the handoff to Qwark throwing a post for Hunter who was unable to make the catch.

"Those are the type of passes the Cheetahs can't miss, had Hunter been able to hold onto that one I'd say they would have gained at least twenty yards on that completion."

On 3rd Jet received the ball from under center stepping off to the side and throwing a spiral to Chaim the Eagle, who spun off tackler for a gain of eleven yards up to the 48 yard line. On the next play, Jet handed off to Captain Qwark running up the middle for a gain of four yards. On 2nd Jet took the snap moving back to give himself room to observe the field. Moving forward he threw up the right sideline for Jay Flash making the catch for thirteen yards and taken down by Lucario. Jet and crew made their way over to the 35 yard line of the Lylat Birds.

"Let's keep this going guys, tempo is key." Jet said.

On 1st jet took the snap throwing a screen pass for Qwark who received good blocking up front gaining fifteen yards down to the 20 yard line. The home crowd cheered enjoying what they saw from the home team. With another 1st Jet took the snap throwing for Hunter on a quick slant who made the catch tackled at the eight yard line!

"If the Cheetah's can put up a touchdown here, they'll be in great position to try and put this game out of reach."

On 1st and goal, Jet handed off to Captain Qwark who took it all the way down to the one yard line driving a few defenders forward with him. On 2nd the ball again was handed off to Qwark who went nowhere stood up at the line. On 3rd the Cheetahs went with the same formation, but ran to the left side getting nothing!

"What a great defensive stand by the Lylat Birds, Their defensive line over powered the O-line of the Cheetahs. There was absolutely zero penetration by the offensive line, and now the Cheetahs will have to try for a field goal."

"Wait Tom...it looks like the Cheetah coaching staff has elected to keep their offence out on the field."

A large portion of the fans stood yelling and cheering at the tops of their lungs. Taking the snap on 4th Jet faked the handoff to Captain Qwark running out to his left in an attempt to take it in himself! But was stopped short of the goal line taken down by Charizard for a loss of three! The audiences throughout the stands booed hating that the Cheetahs elected to go for it.

"Whelp buckle down and have a seat...I feel a shift in momentum. This is around the time in games where the Lylat Birds take over."

Putting on his helmet, Falco was happy to see the defensive stop. But it was now up to him and the offence to cash in and march down the field and go score. Seeing they were at their own 3 yard line had a long way to go. On 1st the ball was handed to Tiny Tiger bouncing off a few tacklers falling forward for a gain of six at the nine yard line.

"Tiny smash all in path!" Tiny Tiger yelled.

On 2nd Falco Lombardi stepped back into shotgun looking over the defense and taking the snap as the play clock hit zero avoiding a delay of game penalty. He threw the ball into a tight window, the pass caught by Espio for a gain of seven yards up to the 16 yard line. On 1st the ball was given to Tiny on the outside, who tossed it back to Knuckles. The Echidna was able to pick up four yards before gang tackled.

"Nice hard fought yards Knuckles that is exactly what we need." Falco patted him over the side of his helmet.

Tossing the ball to one of the refs, Knuckles got lined into his position. On 2nd Falco handed off to Tiny who powers forward for five yards on 3rd and 1. Calling an audible, Falco stepped back into shotgun signaling for and receiving the snap. Standing tall in the pocket, the O-line gave him a lot of time. Buying a little more, Falco stepped up launching the ball deep down field. One on one against the cornerback Eloshi reached out making a catch way down field taken down immediately at the 27 of the Cheetahs; the play resulting in a gain of 48 yards!

"Incredible, what a breath taking throw and catch. That is the scariest thing about this Lylat Bird offence. They can stretch the field so easily with their huge athletic and fast receivers!"

Coming up to the 27 of the Cheetahs, Falco took the snap handing off to Tiny who was taken down for a loss of three. On 2nd Falco took the snap with a defender coming free through the middle grabbing hold of him. Showing his elusiveness and strength Falco spun out of the sack sprinting forward down the right sideline, the audiences booing as he made his way down to the three yard line for a gain of twenty seven yards!

"Amazing...absolutely amazing...that's what Falco is!"

"I'd have to agree, not only does Lombardi stand at six foot two inches tall, but he's so quick and fast that he's so hard to bring down or even get a hand on. This team has so many dynamic players, and he's one of them."

Standing over on the sideline the coaching staff for the Cheetahs couldn't believe how things were unfolding. They worked all week on how to contain Falco during the film study, and let up a big one. Within the league might be the single toughest player to game plan for, due to being a top four passer; and also the dimension to run!

"Come on D, hold them to a field goal at least." Jet the hawk said, sitting over on a bench.

Getting into their positions on the three yard line for 1st and goal, Falco took the snap throwing into the left corner of the End zone for Redy the Red Yoshi who easily jumped over the defender making the catch with his 6'5 height!

"Touchdown Lylat Birds...and they made it look easy on that drive!"

The extra point was put through, knocking the score up 28 Cheetahs to 24 Lylat Birds. Kicking the ball off to the Cheetahs the 3rd quarter came to an end.

To Be Continue