The Maryland Terrible Terrapins were able to fight to a tie against the Cleaverland State Hornets in a game that featured multiple weather changes forcing both teams to adapt. Coming off an impressive streak of three straight wins, the Terrapins were riding a wave of confidence coming into this game, in spite of the knowledge that this would be one of their tougher tests of the season with the Hornets boasting an equally impressive record and an aggressive roster. While there were several chances for the Terrapins to take the lead, both teams seemed equally matched throughout the hard fought and entertaining game.
The game started with the Hornets catching the kick off, after a gust of wind that portended future weather changes pushed the ball, and quickly moving down the field inducing three knockouts of various Terrapin players. While on the back foot, the Terrapins were able to grind the drive to a halt around minefield with some impressive skink dodging while taking advantage of the relative slowness of the necromantic players. The turning point of the drive came midway through the first half when the saurus Raymond Hagerston (major - economics) was able to execute a block on the ghoul ball carrier Travis Fudder despite being surrounded by guarding players on the Hornets side. "I knew I just needed to push him and he'd be trapped between me and Harmony," Raymond was quoted after the game. "I worked hard to get the ball carrier into the position and it looked like we had it in the bag at that point."
Unfortunately, the Terrapins would not be able to 'bag it up'. Harmony One-Love (major - underwater biodegradable container construction) was not able to understand the coaches shouted commands. "Sometimes thoughts no think so good," the Krox was quoted on after the game. "I try, but coach not happy. Must get better." Indeed, despite the coach spending several focused moments trying to coach Harmony in the moment, the inability of the Krox to be able to understand the fundamentals of blocking was her undoing as the nimble ghoul was able to demonstrate to Harmony how a proper block is executed. After Harmony went down the Hornets were able to push through the gap and despite some last minute heroics were able to score at the end of the half. Despite a heroic effort by David Damascus (major - biomechanics), the Terrapins were unable to score by the end of the half.
Harmony One-Love looking clearly confused at the actions of the undead while the Terrapin coaching staff continue to ask what she's going from the sideline
The second half saw the weather turn to rain, with the ball bouncing out of bounds and placed in David's hands. The Terrapins move methodically downfield, despite some confusion by Harmony who was clearly shaken given the first half mistake. A gap in the Hornet's defense allowed David to sneak through and score the equalizer, in spite of the Hornets forcing the ball out through some impressive dodging and blitzing by the wraith Damion Doshack. The final kickoff saw the weather change yet again to sweltering heat, however the game ended with both teams deadlocked at the center of the pitch. After the game coach Lancelott was heard saying, "we got to work on Harmony's block technique. It's been a focus all season and something we've consistently invested in. We know she can get there, it will just take time. In the meantime, we're happy with the way David's progressing and excited to see the development of Tac-oma Park and Hayden Laurel. They'll both be needed in our next game."
With only four games remaining in the regular season, the Terrapins need two more wins to make it to a bowl game. Their next chance comes against a talented U of Louitch-vile Angry Birds squad, we'll see if they are up to the task.