The eyes of all of Europe shifted to River City for the game to end all games. Played in the tiny, cramped, but ridiculously loud Ransom Grounds that holds 25,010 fans, the battle of the two undefeated juggernauts took place. The trash had been talked. Who would be the team to walk the walk?
River City's head coach had this to say, "Ryan Rouse? Who the hell is that? Oh you mean #12 for them? Yeah he's not good enough for us to worry about. Really there's no one on their team we really fear. We're way better than them and we'll prove it to everyone today. #12 better have good medical." By the end of the day, all of River City would know Ryan Rouse's name. "His QB rating won't be over 80 against us", "We're going to drive him into the ground," "He's a nobody who hasn't played anyone," "Barcelona isn't overrated because we never thought they were any good to begin with." All these things were said by River City players and coaches prior to the game.
Barcelona started off with the ball and Rouse was eager to lead his team onto the field. "Again, all I can do is laugh off their taunts and insults and play football because that's what men do. They play football. Last time I checked, words can't win you a game. They'll see what I can do by my play today."
Rouse was able to execute a couple first downs on the first drive before River City brought the blitz. Rouse was sacked on two consecutive plays and then lost a fumble on the third to give River City the first strike and confidence. "He ain't got nothing! He's scared! He doesn't want any piece of our defense. We'll be coming all day!" some of the RC defenders were overheard saying on the sidelines. The fumble wouldn't hurt as both teams exchanged punts. But it was the Ransom that got on the scoreboard first after a nice long drive put them up 7-0 with 5:46 to go in the first quarter.
Rouse was again unable to get the Chupacabras into the end zone on their next drive although a couple drops didn't help their cause. With the first quarter almost over however and the defense having held again, Rouse spoke to his offense on the sidelines, "Guys what are we scared of out there? Let's get back to the basics. Look the ball into our hands. Run the same routes as always. Nothing changes. This is just another team in our way of the prize. We are undefeated just like them and teams fear us. Now let's make them fear us and hit them in the mouth!"
And that is exactly what Barcelona did on their next drive. Executing the basics to perfection to build confidence as no play went for over 13 yards and no pass for over 9 yards, Rouse capped off a long drive with a 4 yard touchdown pass to Shoes McGee between triple coverage and the game was tied 7-7.
The game was stopped for several minutes as the intensity on the field spread into the crowd and the fan bases were going at it. Five fans were ejected and order was restored as riot police lined the sidelines in case any other incidents occurred. You know it's more than just any game when the riot police take the field.
River City couldn't let that score go without an answer however, as they took the ball the length of the field and Banana Loaf ran it in for his second touchdown of the game and once again, the Ransom held a 14-7 lead. Coach Stiltz took his men over on the bench and said to them, "Guys, they're not doing anything special. It's nothing we can't stop if we can rattle them a bit. Let's bring up the intensity and the pressure and make that quarterback a little uneasy in the pocket!"
Rouse went back to work in a situation he hadn't been in often in his Barcelona career...trailing in a game. But it was a situation that even early on, he had thrived in and rose up. This would prove to be more of the same as he carved the Ransom defense down the field like a Thanksgiving turkey hitting Gent for 8, Post-Glom for 18, Gent for a couple, Post-Glom for 15 and capping it off with a 9 yard touchdown pass to Flozell Spears to once again tie the game at 14.
With only 46 seconds in the half, the Chupacabra defense broke down and allowed a 49 yard play to set up a field goal as time expired in the first half and River City led 17-14 at the half. "Alright guys, obviously we'd rather be winning right now but we're in a great position. Do you think that River City thought we'd be within one score at the half? Hell no! Those cocky sons of bitches thought this would be their coming out party, their statement game. The only statement they've made is oh crap Barcelona is a little better than we thought. Now let's get out there, give everything we have in the second half and beat these <expletive>," Coach C gave a rousing speech at the half.
River City opened with the ball and after two big gains through the air, Banana Loaf pounded it out on the ground and into the end zone for the third time in the game. MVP chants began to ring out through the Ransom Grounds which were obviously in response to the MVP chants Rouse had been getting the past couple games. Again, Rouse laughed on the sidelines, put on his helmet and got back to work.
Barcelona had a balanced attack up the field with the running game starting off the drive until a big 3rd down and 9 from the 19 yard line left the Chupacabras in a desperate spot. Any time there's a desperate spot is a time when Rouse's number is called. On 3rd and 9 Rouse found Shoes McGee streaking up the right sideline and hit him, as McGee would break a tackle en route to a 19 yard touchdown and once again Barcelona was only down 3 points, 24-21. And the MVP chants rang out in the Ransom Grounds from the Chupacabra fans that had made the trip. It was Rouse's 3rd touchdown pass of the game and he was more than living up to the hype he had received throughout the year.
The defense was called upon to get a big stop and after River City moved the ball a bit, they faced a 3rd and 11 from their own 42 yard line, when Matt Dyer burst through the line taking Rat Tatooie to the ground for a sack. The intensity could be seen on the sidelines of Barcelona as the coaches and players erupted. They knew they had the momentum. Worry set in on the faces of the River City fans. Rouse once again had the ball.
The running backs were huge on the next drive as Rouse targeted them on the ground and through the air. Rouse threw to Gent for seven yards followed by a 13 yard Gent run. Then Spears went out for a pass as he was left uncovered by the Ransom defense on a brilliant playcall by Coach C. He would scamper for 29 yards. Gent would add another 9 but El Stankardo was stuffed twice on 2nd and 3rd downs to force Coach C to bring out the field goal teams and Ross Gates with ice water in his veins drilled a 33 yarder to tie the game at 24.
River City's head coach said to his Quarterback Rat Tatooie, "Cmon now Rat, we know you're better than that stiff Rouse. We're looking to you now to lead us down that field. If Rouse can do it you sure as hell can. We have faith in you and you damn well better not let us down." Rat would drop back on three straight plays but the Barcelona defense stepped up and Rat showed that there is no quarterback like Ryan Rouse in East Europe as he threw incomplete twice and then was taken down by East Europe sack leader Oh Noes for a 3 and out and the defense again gave the ball back to Rouse and the offense.
With River City preparing for the pass, the ground game took over and dominated as they have all year. Cory Gent was the highlight reel on this drive running for 32 yards setting up a 40 yard Ross Gates field goal to give Barcelona the lead. Johnny Johnson, a River City fan, had this to say, "We ain't worried. Watch Rat on this next drive. When this drive is over, you all are going to be saying Ryan Who?"
Rat pitched for a 2 yard loss to Banana Loaf, completed a pass for a negative yard and then was sacked by Vince Gill to once again go 3 and out. Johnny Johnson,"....No comment."
Once again Rouse had the ball and this time he had a chance to pretty much seal the game if he could get his team to the end zone. "This is why we brought Rouse in here. There was not one man on these sidelines who didn't KNOW we were finding the end zone on this drive one way or another. Rouse and Flozell have too much will and are too great not to find a way," Coach C said in high praise to his offense.
Rouse took his spot behind center once more and executed a drive that legends are made of. On the road, rowdy crowd, riot police lining the field, up by 3, late in the 4th quarter, battle of undefeateds, MVP chants ringing out, a great defense wanting to bury him...all those things would be enough to do in the average quarterback. But Rouse is no average quarterback. Rouse hit Ping Pong for 10 yards. Then hit Cory Gent for 24 with Linebacker Billy Bolgna right in his face and the defense closing in. Then on 3rd and 7 from the River City 15 yard line Rouse had the biggest play of the year. A field goal and River City can take the lead with a touchdown. If Rouse could get the first down and find the end zone, Barcelona would be up 10 with little time to play. Rouse dropped back, felt the pressure coming from the back, stepped up in the pocket calmly and hit Post Glom on a crossing route for 10 yards and a first down which led to Flozell Spears busting through the line untouched for 6 yards and a touchdown. Barcelona was up 10 with just over 4 minutes to go. If there was any doubt to Rouse's ability before the game, there is none now.
River City would score quickly on their next drive to make the score 34-31 with just over 2 minutes to go in the game. With River City out of timeouts, Rouse needed just one first down to ice the game. And on the first play, Rouse found Shoes McGee on a perfectly executed curl route for 12 yards and the game was over. Barcelona ran the clock out and the Barcelona Chupacabras had pulled off the upset. The Chupacabra fans rushed the field to celebrate with the team and security didn't even care at that point. Rouse held up his helmet in victory and smiled towards the Barcelona sidelines. No words were needed. That smile said it all as he stood under the scoreboard with the Barcelona 34 River City 31 shining above. But River City was right about one thing. Rouse's QB Rating was not 80. It was 117.1 for the game. Rat Tatooie's? 88.2. Rouse hugged Coach C after the game and later spoke at the podium.
"I told coach thank you so much for having faith in me and bringing me here. This group of guys, there's none like them. My offensive line was phenomenal, Flozell and Gent were their usual unstoppable selves, and as always my receivers just keep getting open for me. And the fans, my God the fans. It's like a family atmosphere with those guys. The cookout last week and to run out and celebrate with us today...just amazing. This win means a lot. And I don't need to say anything to River City...the scoreboard says it all."
Coach C spoke next, "We knew we could win this one and we did. Those guys...they're special. Every last one knows what they mean to me and to this team. But Rouse..man the <expletive> he had to take the last few weeks from those jerks at River City...and to come out and do what he did? What can you say about him that hasn't been said? He's the best QB in the league and Flozell is the best running back. And let's talk about that defense today too please. Two straight 3 and outs at the most crucial moments of the game including two huge 3rd down sacks? They did all we could ask of them. I've never been so proud as a coach. We're going to enjoy this one, trust me."
And they should enjoy it. Rouse finished the game 22/33 with 231 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also took home game MVP honors with Flozell Spears finishing a close second with 87 yards rushing, 4 catches for 39 yards and 2 TD's. Barcelona returns home in 2 days in a game that will be a laugher against the Everett Wildcats. River City falls to 6-1 and has to face the undefeated Boston Piggers next. Meanwhile the perfect season continues for Barcelona back home at Urban Legend Memorial Stadium on Wednesday. Everett Wildcats (0-7) at Barcelona Chupacabras (7-0)
River City's head coach had this to say, "Ryan Rouse? Who the hell is that? Oh you mean #12 for them? Yeah he's not good enough for us to worry about. Really there's no one on their team we really fear. We're way better than them and we'll prove it to everyone today. #12 better have good medical." By the end of the day, all of River City would know Ryan Rouse's name. "His QB rating won't be over 80 against us", "We're going to drive him into the ground," "He's a nobody who hasn't played anyone," "Barcelona isn't overrated because we never thought they were any good to begin with." All these things were said by River City players and coaches prior to the game.
Barcelona started off with the ball and Rouse was eager to lead his team onto the field. "Again, all I can do is laugh off their taunts and insults and play football because that's what men do. They play football. Last time I checked, words can't win you a game. They'll see what I can do by my play today."
Rouse was able to execute a couple first downs on the first drive before River City brought the blitz. Rouse was sacked on two consecutive plays and then lost a fumble on the third to give River City the first strike and confidence. "He ain't got nothing! He's scared! He doesn't want any piece of our defense. We'll be coming all day!" some of the RC defenders were overheard saying on the sidelines. The fumble wouldn't hurt as both teams exchanged punts. But it was the Ransom that got on the scoreboard first after a nice long drive put them up 7-0 with 5:46 to go in the first quarter.
Rouse was again unable to get the Chupacabras into the end zone on their next drive although a couple drops didn't help their cause. With the first quarter almost over however and the defense having held again, Rouse spoke to his offense on the sidelines, "Guys what are we scared of out there? Let's get back to the basics. Look the ball into our hands. Run the same routes as always. Nothing changes. This is just another team in our way of the prize. We are undefeated just like them and teams fear us. Now let's make them fear us and hit them in the mouth!"
And that is exactly what Barcelona did on their next drive. Executing the basics to perfection to build confidence as no play went for over 13 yards and no pass for over 9 yards, Rouse capped off a long drive with a 4 yard touchdown pass to Shoes McGee between triple coverage and the game was tied 7-7.
The game was stopped for several minutes as the intensity on the field spread into the crowd and the fan bases were going at it. Five fans were ejected and order was restored as riot police lined the sidelines in case any other incidents occurred. You know it's more than just any game when the riot police take the field.
River City couldn't let that score go without an answer however, as they took the ball the length of the field and Banana Loaf ran it in for his second touchdown of the game and once again, the Ransom held a 14-7 lead. Coach Stiltz took his men over on the bench and said to them, "Guys, they're not doing anything special. It's nothing we can't stop if we can rattle them a bit. Let's bring up the intensity and the pressure and make that quarterback a little uneasy in the pocket!"
Rouse went back to work in a situation he hadn't been in often in his Barcelona career...trailing in a game. But it was a situation that even early on, he had thrived in and rose up. This would prove to be more of the same as he carved the Ransom defense down the field like a Thanksgiving turkey hitting Gent for 8, Post-Glom for 18, Gent for a couple, Post-Glom for 15 and capping it off with a 9 yard touchdown pass to Flozell Spears to once again tie the game at 14.
With only 46 seconds in the half, the Chupacabra defense broke down and allowed a 49 yard play to set up a field goal as time expired in the first half and River City led 17-14 at the half. "Alright guys, obviously we'd rather be winning right now but we're in a great position. Do you think that River City thought we'd be within one score at the half? Hell no! Those cocky sons of bitches thought this would be their coming out party, their statement game. The only statement they've made is oh crap Barcelona is a little better than we thought. Now let's get out there, give everything we have in the second half and beat these <expletive>," Coach C gave a rousing speech at the half.
River City opened with the ball and after two big gains through the air, Banana Loaf pounded it out on the ground and into the end zone for the third time in the game. MVP chants began to ring out through the Ransom Grounds which were obviously in response to the MVP chants Rouse had been getting the past couple games. Again, Rouse laughed on the sidelines, put on his helmet and got back to work.
Barcelona had a balanced attack up the field with the running game starting off the drive until a big 3rd down and 9 from the 19 yard line left the Chupacabras in a desperate spot. Any time there's a desperate spot is a time when Rouse's number is called. On 3rd and 9 Rouse found Shoes McGee streaking up the right sideline and hit him, as McGee would break a tackle en route to a 19 yard touchdown and once again Barcelona was only down 3 points, 24-21. And the MVP chants rang out in the Ransom Grounds from the Chupacabra fans that had made the trip. It was Rouse's 3rd touchdown pass of the game and he was more than living up to the hype he had received throughout the year.
The defense was called upon to get a big stop and after River City moved the ball a bit, they faced a 3rd and 11 from their own 42 yard line, when Matt Dyer burst through the line taking Rat Tatooie to the ground for a sack. The intensity could be seen on the sidelines of Barcelona as the coaches and players erupted. They knew they had the momentum. Worry set in on the faces of the River City fans. Rouse once again had the ball.
The running backs were huge on the next drive as Rouse targeted them on the ground and through the air. Rouse threw to Gent for seven yards followed by a 13 yard Gent run. Then Spears went out for a pass as he was left uncovered by the Ransom defense on a brilliant playcall by Coach C. He would scamper for 29 yards. Gent would add another 9 but El Stankardo was stuffed twice on 2nd and 3rd downs to force Coach C to bring out the field goal teams and Ross Gates with ice water in his veins drilled a 33 yarder to tie the game at 24.
River City's head coach said to his Quarterback Rat Tatooie, "Cmon now Rat, we know you're better than that stiff Rouse. We're looking to you now to lead us down that field. If Rouse can do it you sure as hell can. We have faith in you and you damn well better not let us down." Rat would drop back on three straight plays but the Barcelona defense stepped up and Rat showed that there is no quarterback like Ryan Rouse in East Europe as he threw incomplete twice and then was taken down by East Europe sack leader Oh Noes for a 3 and out and the defense again gave the ball back to Rouse and the offense.
With River City preparing for the pass, the ground game took over and dominated as they have all year. Cory Gent was the highlight reel on this drive running for 32 yards setting up a 40 yard Ross Gates field goal to give Barcelona the lead. Johnny Johnson, a River City fan, had this to say, "We ain't worried. Watch Rat on this next drive. When this drive is over, you all are going to be saying Ryan Who?"
Rat pitched for a 2 yard loss to Banana Loaf, completed a pass for a negative yard and then was sacked by Vince Gill to once again go 3 and out. Johnny Johnson,"....No comment."
Once again Rouse had the ball and this time he had a chance to pretty much seal the game if he could get his team to the end zone. "This is why we brought Rouse in here. There was not one man on these sidelines who didn't KNOW we were finding the end zone on this drive one way or another. Rouse and Flozell have too much will and are too great not to find a way," Coach C said in high praise to his offense.
Rouse took his spot behind center once more and executed a drive that legends are made of. On the road, rowdy crowd, riot police lining the field, up by 3, late in the 4th quarter, battle of undefeateds, MVP chants ringing out, a great defense wanting to bury him...all those things would be enough to do in the average quarterback. But Rouse is no average quarterback. Rouse hit Ping Pong for 10 yards. Then hit Cory Gent for 24 with Linebacker Billy Bolgna right in his face and the defense closing in. Then on 3rd and 7 from the River City 15 yard line Rouse had the biggest play of the year. A field goal and River City can take the lead with a touchdown. If Rouse could get the first down and find the end zone, Barcelona would be up 10 with little time to play. Rouse dropped back, felt the pressure coming from the back, stepped up in the pocket calmly and hit Post Glom on a crossing route for 10 yards and a first down which led to Flozell Spears busting through the line untouched for 6 yards and a touchdown. Barcelona was up 10 with just over 4 minutes to go. If there was any doubt to Rouse's ability before the game, there is none now.
River City would score quickly on their next drive to make the score 34-31 with just over 2 minutes to go in the game. With River City out of timeouts, Rouse needed just one first down to ice the game. And on the first play, Rouse found Shoes McGee on a perfectly executed curl route for 12 yards and the game was over. Barcelona ran the clock out and the Barcelona Chupacabras had pulled off the upset. The Chupacabra fans rushed the field to celebrate with the team and security didn't even care at that point. Rouse held up his helmet in victory and smiled towards the Barcelona sidelines. No words were needed. That smile said it all as he stood under the scoreboard with the Barcelona 34 River City 31 shining above. But River City was right about one thing. Rouse's QB Rating was not 80. It was 117.1 for the game. Rat Tatooie's? 88.2. Rouse hugged Coach C after the game and later spoke at the podium.
"I told coach thank you so much for having faith in me and bringing me here. This group of guys, there's none like them. My offensive line was phenomenal, Flozell and Gent were their usual unstoppable selves, and as always my receivers just keep getting open for me. And the fans, my God the fans. It's like a family atmosphere with those guys. The cookout last week and to run out and celebrate with us today...just amazing. This win means a lot. And I don't need to say anything to River City...the scoreboard says it all."
Coach C spoke next, "We knew we could win this one and we did. Those guys...they're special. Every last one knows what they mean to me and to this team. But Rouse..man the <expletive> he had to take the last few weeks from those jerks at River City...and to come out and do what he did? What can you say about him that hasn't been said? He's the best QB in the league and Flozell is the best running back. And let's talk about that defense today too please. Two straight 3 and outs at the most crucial moments of the game including two huge 3rd down sacks? They did all we could ask of them. I've never been so proud as a coach. We're going to enjoy this one, trust me."
And they should enjoy it. Rouse finished the game 22/33 with 231 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also took home game MVP honors with Flozell Spears finishing a close second with 87 yards rushing, 4 catches for 39 yards and 2 TD's. Barcelona returns home in 2 days in a game that will be a laugher against the Everett Wildcats. River City falls to 6-1 and has to face the undefeated Boston Piggers next. Meanwhile the perfect season continues for Barcelona back home at Urban Legend Memorial Stadium on Wednesday. Everett Wildcats (0-7) at Barcelona Chupacabras (7-0)
