-Week Two: San Diego Cyclones at Baltimore Bearcats-

"Here he comes." Chris said as the camera shifted off him to show new Bearcats team captain, Lance McCain lead the Bearcats unto the field, followed closely behind by former team captain and running back, Kwazi Mbutabe. The crowd cheered wildly as the Bearcats took to the artificial turf that resided in the Baltimore Dome. "We are here in Baltimore, Maryland for this exciting week two contest, with a pair of unbeaten teams down on the field today. It's the Baltimore Bearcats at 1-0, taking on the also 1-0 San Diego Cyclones. Johnny what you have to say about today's match up?" Chris asked as the camera zoomed out in the booth to show Johnny sitting next to Chris with a big smile upon his face.

"Well Chris, it's rare that I say this about any game, let alone a Division 3 game... but I'm eager to see how these two unbeaten teams thrown down today. Lance McCain had a big debut last week here against the Cincinnati Crusaders: over 200 yards through the air, and 7 tackles from his secondary position as a defensive back. Now we turn our attention to San Diego's rookie running back Avery Ferguson, who also had a big first game in the league: over 150 yards and two touchdowns, tack on an 40 extra yards catching passes out of the backfield. Both teams won in convincing fashion, although I dare say that San Diego's win was more impressive–"

"What makes you say that?" Chris interrupted in a curious tone.

"Well Baltimore beat a Cincinnati team that's been a cellar dweller for many years, and has no offensive or defensive firepower to speak of this season. San Diego on the other hand held the usually high scoring Redhawks out of the end-zone, limiting them to three field goals, while the Cyclones offense put up 38 points, their previous high last season was 22 points. Grant Tanner looked sharp on offense, throwing for over 200 yards and several scoring throws. We already discussed how rookie Avery Ferguson did last week." Johnny said as he paused to take a breath. "The Cyclones defense looked even better than it did last season, Amos Newell is blending in nicely with second year linebacker Robert McNeill. Put bluntly: both these teams are on the rise, but only one can go 2-0..."

-Cyclones Locker Room-

The noise from the dome could be heard all the way inside the visitors locker room, which is where the Cyclones players could be found putting on their equipment and mentally preparing for the game that would start in a few minutes.

"Listen up." Grant said as he let out a whistle to get everyone's attention. All talk in the locker ream ceased as the whole team locked eyes with it's veteran gunslinger. "I wont lie when I say this... last week was a good start. But now it's time to put that win behind us and focus on the task at hand: going 2-0 by beating the Bearcats. We all know about their veteran running back Kwazi, but now we've also got to focus on the young hotshot Lance McCain. Defense: apply pressure, and hit Kwazi the moment he touches the ball. Lance wants to beat us.. Well I want us to win more. Let's prove to everyone that Cyclones football is officially back!" Grant hollered as the whole team stood up and began marching down the tunnel towards the field.

- Visiting Teams Owners Booth-

"Talk about energy." Marty mused as Grant and the Cyclones ran unto the field and quickly made their way to their sideline where they where greeted by Coach Dungy. "The noise here does not seem to faze them." Marty said to Jamal, one of the few higher ups who had made the journey to Baltimore to watch the game.

"Last weeks win brought a lot of attention to our franchise and community. Some collegian seniors and juniors have expressed interest in us drafting them in next years draft." Jamal said with a big smile on his face.

"Really?" Marty asked as he poured himself a glass of water. "Which players are you talking about?" Marty asked his head scout.

"One is a Wide Receiver from the University Of Tennessee: junior Josh Jackson. He's big, and he's got good hands. Speed is a mixed bag, but he does get separation from the defenders." Jamal informed his boss.

"He's only a junior?" Marty asked his friend. "That could hurt his draft stock a bit, not having as much experience as other receivers entering the draft." Marty said in a serious tone.

"I agree. But we'll keep scouting him, and we'll see how he does this collegian season." Jamal reassured his boss as both teams where now read for the kickoff.

-Blitz League Broadcast Booth-

"A lot of game around the league have just gone to halftime ladies and gentlemen." Chris said as he could be found sitting alongside Johnny in the broadcast booth. "Lets go around the league: we go first to Carolina where second year quarterback, Vincent Grimes is lighting up the Riders secondary. Copperheads lead it 23-7 at the half." Chris said as both teams logos and stats where shown. "Gary, what's going on in Cleveland?" Chris asked one of his reporters on the road.

"The Cleveland Steamers are chugging down the tracks right now against the lowly Detroit Devils. Receivers Henry Cho, and Jonas are lighting up the secondary of the Devils. Despite two touchdowns from Devils ace 'Cookie' Wallace, the Steamers lead it 31-15 at the half." Gary's voice said over highlights from both teams in the first half.

"Here in Baltimore, we've got a great first half for both teams. The Cyclones struck first on a 5 yard touchdown pass to their tight end Corbin Clark. But the Bearcats said 'What you do, I can do better' as Lance McCain found the end-zone on a 13 yard touchdown pass to tie the game up at 7 a piece. The Cyclones have shut down Bearcats tailback Kwazi Mbutabe in the first half, bottling him to 17 yards on 9 carries. But the Bearcats have had similar success against Cyclones rookie sensation Avery Ferguson, he's at 23 yards on 10 carries. The Cyclones defense gave them the ball back before halftime as second year defensive back Nate Lewis caught a tipped ball at the Bearcats 12 yard line. One play later Adam Pollard bangs home the kick, Cyclones lead 10-7 at the half..." Chris finished.

-Halftime: Cyclones Locker Room-

"Listen, a 10-7 lead is not even close to being safe." Grant lectured his tired teammates. "Defense keep giving us the ball back. Offense, we need to put the ball across the goal line a few more times to put them down..."


"Ready... set... hut!" Grant yelled as he took the snap from center and rolled away from the blitz by rolling to his left. Seeing nobody open he tucked the ball and used Carter as a blocker to turn the ball down field and run past the first down marker, only to be slammed out of bounds after picking up the necessary yardage needed. Much to everyone's surprise, Grant popped right back up and ran back to his teammates. "Wildcat, pitch, pass left. Ready, break!" Grant said after he had given them the play. The snap went to Grant, who pitched the ball to Avery, who started to run down the field... only to stop and fire the ball back to Grant, who then threw a bullet down the right sideline to Carter Langford who was soon dancing in the end-zone, having beaten Lance in one on one coverage.


"And the extra point is good. Cyclones lead it 17-7 here at the start of the fourth quarter." the Cyclones radio announcer said happily as the offense had finally put together another scoring drive.


After the Bearcats where forced to punt once again. Grant knew he needed just one more touchdown to put this game out of reach for Baltimore. After calling the play in he huddle, he took the snap...


"Grant takes the snap from under center, nothing open down the field, wait he's running down the right sideline, he's got the first.. Carter is blocking Lance McCain, and he's... GONE, TOUCHDOWN SAN DIEGO... WHAT ARE YOU DOING LANCE!?" the announcer screamed angrily over the radio as Lance had tackled Grant in the end-zone a good five seconds after the touchdown was called, and now Grant was down in the end-zone.

-Post Game: Cyclones Locker Room-

"How the hell did this happen?" Avery muttered angrily as the whole team could be found sitting next to their respective lockers. The feeling of the 24-7 victory had been spoiled by the fact that Grant had been rushed to the local hospital.

"A damn cheap shot is how it happened." Carter hissed angrily. "And I though Bruno Battaglia no longer played for Baltimore!" Carter hissed as he slammed his locker door angrily, a sentient echoed by the whole team.

To Be Continued...