The Middle-Earth American Football Tournament - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Sleepy Ranger · 02-24-2006, 12:47 PM

Here are the teams-

Gondor
Shire
Mordor
Numenor
Rivendell
Lothlorien
Bree
Arnor
Angband
Alqualondë
Belegost
Dale
Erebor
Mirkwood
Rohan
Moria
Gondolin
Grey Havens
Nargothrond
Valimar
Valmar
Vinyamar
Woodhall
Barrow-Downs
Old Forest
Fangorn
Isengard
Tol-In-Gauroth
Ephel Brandir
Doriath
Crickhollow
Goblin-town

Division A
Gondolin
Lothlorien
Gondor
Old Forest

Division B
Woodhall
Tol-In-Gauroth
Doriath
Nargothrond

Division C
Arnor
Mirkwood
Alqualonde
Isengard

Division D
Valimar
Numenor
Bree
Fangorn

Division E
Rivendell
Dale
Moria
Rohan

Division F
Vinyamar
Mordor
Gray Havens
Angband

Division G
Ephel Brandir
Shire
Valmar
Goblin-Town

Division H
Barrow-Downs
Erebor
Belegost
Crickhollow

Previous Tournaments & Winners

The Middle-Earth Football World Cup - The Barrow Downs

---

Hello ladies, gentlemen, gentle-hobbits, gentle-elves, grumpy-dwarves, gross-orcs and uh... gravy-trolls... and welcome to the Middle-Earth American Football Tournament, or the MEAFT for short.

The same 32 teams which participated in the Middle-Earth Football World Cup will be displaying their skills in this sport as well. Will the Barrow-Downs be able to produce the same talent in this game or are they only a threat in football? Gondor and Gondolin have been drawn into the same division, in the World Cup they started in the same group with Gondor qualifying ahead of Gondolin but both teams still made it in. This time only one can go through, who will it be?

Stay tuned my dear folk for this tournament promises to be a thriller. Can the tiny hobbits overcome the odds just as they did before or will size really be the difference here? Odds are you'll find out soon enough.

Here is tonights fixture-

Opening Match: The Barrow-Downs vs. Erebor
Match 2: Gondolin vs. Lothlorien
Match 3: Woodhall vs. Tol-In-Gauroth
Match 4: Arnor vs. Mirkwood
Match 5: Valimar vs. Numenor
Match 6: Rivendell vs. Dale
Match 7: Vinyamar vs. Mordor
Match 8: Ephel Brandir vs. The Shire

Sleepy Ranger · 02-24-2006, 01:47 PM

Offence

Center - The Barrow-Wight
Guard - Saucepan Man
Guard - Rimbaud
Tackle - Morai
Tackle - Heren Istarion
Tight End - Meneltarmacil
Reciever - Glirdan
Reciever - Wilwarin538
Halfback - Roa_Aoife
Fullback - THE Ka
Quarterback - Sleepy Ranger

Defence

Tackle - Morai
Tackle - Heren Istarion
End - Hookbill the Goomba
End - Elu Ancalime
Linebacker - Alcarillo
Linebacker - Orominuialwen
Linebacker - Nilpaurion Felagund
Cornerback - Gil-Galad
Cornerback - Anguirel
Safety - Formendacil
Safety - Farael

**The Saucepan Man** · 02-24-2006, 02:12 PM

I have neither any knowledge of, nor any particular interest in, American Football, so I imagine that I will make a dreadful player ...

I thought that it was a strange game, but there are two teams per team ...!!??

Anguirel · 02-24-2006, 02:17 PM

With a bit of overlap. Bizarre...

Ah well, I never excelled in sports coverage anyway. I'll continue to produce human interest stories and transfer rumours...

Sleepy Ranger · 02-24-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

I have neither any knowledge of, nor any particular interest in, American Football, so I imagine that I will make a dreadful player ...

I thought that it was a strange game, but there are two teams per team ...!!??

Don't blame me I got all my information from Roa_Aoife. Besides Sportspan Man, you're an athletic man I daresay you'd be a real help to the team!

**The Saucepan Man** · 02-24-2006, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleepy Ranger

Besides Sportspan Man, you're an athletic man ...

*Spits cigarette out and splutters beer all over the screen*

the phantom · 02-24-2006, 02:56 PM

I believe in this tournament we will see teams of men rise to the top to challenge the likes of Angband and Tol-In-Gauroth. Gondor, Arnor, and Numenor all have a good shot at winning, though Arnor's chances are severely damaged after learning that their star receivers, Valandil and Aragorn II, will play for Rivendell where they were raised. Because of that, I will name Numenor and Gondor as my good-guy favorites.

The elves can match up at the skill positions (WR, RB, CB, S), but their offensive and defensive lines will lose the battle at the line of scrimmage. Elves simply aren't weighty, where as teams from Gondor and Numenor feature lines of men who average around 6'6" 310 lbs.

Sure, a speedy elf at the rush end position or a safety or linebacker on a blitz might be able to make his way to the quarterback on a slow developing pass play such as a play action pass or a seven step drop, but I imagine the Numenorians and men of Gondor are smart enough to use the advantage they have and run the ball against teams of elves, hobbits, and smaller men. I expect Gondor's running back, Earnur, and Numenor's running back, Ar-Pharazon, to rack up big numbers during the next few weeks.

Teams that could challenge Numenor and Gondor-

Isengard- Saruman has genetically altered his orcs to be larger, so their lines will stand up better than others, but I still think Numenor and Gondor will be able to run the ball on them effectively, not to mention that Isengard's defensive backs will have quite a bit of trouble keeping a handle on Numenor and Gondor's primary wide receivers (Amandil and Tar-Palantir for Numenor, Faramir and Anarion for Gondor).

Valmar and Valimar- Both teams have some good talent, but I think they, as a whole, think and move too slowly to beat a good football team. It's too bad Tulkas, Orome, and Eonwe didn't transfer to a team that could make use of their abilities.

Fangorn- The ents are very imposing, however I don't see them having what it takes. Most of the time they are lethargic, but when they aren't they tend to get penalized. It is illegal to pick up a player and throw him, to restrain him from behind, or to strike him with a limb. Ents are so oversized that they tend to do these things without meaning to, and the refs won't let them get away with it. In addition, the football is so small to them that most ents have difficulty hanging on to it.

Tol-In-Gauroth- Sauron's wolves match up well with Gondor and Numenor. Sauron has a lot of wolves to choose from, and so has found himself a team with an excellent blend of size, strength, and speed. Numenor and Gondor will not be able to dominate them at the line, and will not be able to run past them with speed. Tol-In-Gauroth could very well end up winning this tournament.

Angband- Anband is obviously a heavy hitter. Its balrog offensive line will clear the way for any running back. Though Melkor is the quarterback, expect him to do most of the rushing himself, Michael Vick style. Gothmog and Durin's Bane are the rush ends on defense. Expect them to put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and shut down any running play to the outside.

Roa_Aoife · 02-24-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

I thought that it was a strange game, but there are two teams per team ...!!??

Indeed. Actually there can be three teams- A team specially trained for offense, a team specially trained for defense, and a team specially trained for punting and kicking.

Each team is specially trained for it's task. When our team has possesion, the offensive team is on the field, to do their job of moving the ball to their End Zone. When the other team has the ball, our defensive team comes on the field to stop them from getting to ours. When we need a field goal, the Kicking team comes out. It's almost like a turn based RPG... except faster.

the phantom · 02-24-2006, 03:23 PM

Yes, Sauce, there are far more things to consider in American football. Not only are there multiple teams, but there are different packages of different teams.

For instance, when your team is on defense and it is 3rd down with only one yard to go to gain a first down, you put in your goal line defense, which has perhaps an extra defensive tackle and an extra middle line-backer. However, if it is 3rd down and 15 yards to go, you might put in a dime defense, featuring two extra cornerbacks rather than outside linebackers.

It's all about matchups. If the other team puts certain personel on the field, you must counter them. Also, if the other team shifts from the I-formation to single-back shotgun formation, your defense must quickly make the necessary changes before the play begins or risk giving up a score.

American football is like chess played with bodies instead of chess pieces. That's why I like it more than soccer. It's more complicated and more difficult to completely grasp. It is... more intelligent.

JennyHallu · 02-24-2006, 03:48 PM

Sauce, before these sports fanatics scar you for life, I feel I must make clear to you the truth: American football is described as a thinking, strategic game -- just remember. Playing chess is a mental exercise. Watching a chess tournament, unless you're a chess player, is boring.

Offensive American football, unless you are yourself a player, is made up of four basic plays: throw the ball a long way, throw the ball a little way, try to run the ball up through the center of a bunch of men trying to knock you over, and finally, try to run the ball around the side of the bunch of men.

Defensive American football is much simpler. Find the gentleman carrying the ball and knock him over. The sooner you do this, the better. If you injure him and aren't caught, even better, because he's out of the way.

And the universal rule of football: The last five minutes will take longer than the whole of the rest of the last quarter.

Sleepy Ranger · 02-24-2006, 03:48 PM

Alright I've simmed the first few matches, I'll do the rest and type up the summary tomorrow. Until then, here are the scores-

Opening Match: The Barrow-Downs (35) vs. Erebor (13)
Match 2: Gondolin (22) vs. Lothlorien (21)
Match 3: Woodhall (0) vs. Tol-In-Gauroth (14)
Match 4: Arnor (21) vs. Mirkwood (14)
Match 5: Valimar (7) vs. Numenor (7) [Half-Time]

Sleepy Ranger · 02-28-2006, 11:26 AM

Hey since I'm modding WWJ V I'll continue this after that is over.

Tuor of Gondolin · 02-28-2006, 11:41 AM

Since this is American Football shouldn't
offense and defense be spelt with "s"s?

And is it college or professional rules (ex. one foot
or two inbounds for a reception)? And if there are
injuries is there a (salary) cap for replacements?
And what if there's a mid-season lock-out or strike?
Hmmm?

Just had a thought. After the Winter Olympics, will
there be a curling tournament? Or ice dancing?

Formendacil · 02-28-2006, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuor of Gondolin

Since this is American Football shouldn't offense and defense be spelt with "s"s?

American Football doesn't mean American spelling...

Nasty, vile stuff it is, yess preciouss...

Seriously, if that were the case, then oughtn't we to use British spelling throughout Books, seeing how Tolkien was British? Or New Zealander spelling for anything to do with PJ?

If Sleepy Ranger spells the words as "offence" and "defence", then that's fine with me. We know what he's saying. And less of that American spelling contagion.

JennyHallu · 02-28-2006, 02:24 PM

British spelling is so quaint, archaic, and quirky...

How do you guys keep from oohing and aahing at the cuteness of...oh..."advertise" instead of "advertize"?

EDIT: archaic added for Sleepy's especial benefit.

Sleepy Ranger · 02-28-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennyHallu

British spelling is so quaint and quirky...

I just want people to start using archaic again...

02-24-2006, 12:47 PM	#1
Sleepy Ranger Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the field, kissing the 'Downs crest Posts: 1,654	The Middle-Earth American Football Tournament Here are the teams- Gondor Shire Mordor Numenor Rivendell Lothlorien Bree Arnor Angband Alqualondë Belegost Dale Erebor Mirkwood Rohan Moria Gondolin Grey Havens Nargothrond Valimar Valmar Vinyamar Woodhall Barrow-Downs Old Forest Fangorn Isengard Tol-In-Gauroth Ephel Brandir Doriath Crickhollow Goblin-town Division A Gondolin Lothlorien Gondor Old Forest Division B Woodhall Tol-In-Gauroth Doriath Nargothrond Division C Arnor Mirkwood Alqualonde Isengard Division D Valimar Numenor Bree Fangorn Division E Rivendell Dale Moria Rohan Division F Vinyamar Mordor Gray Havens Angband Division G Ephel Brandir Shire Valmar Goblin-Town Division H Barrow-Downs Erebor Belegost Crickhollow *Previous Tournaments & Winners* The Middle-Earth Football World Cup - The Barrow Downs --- Hello ladies, gentlemen, gentle-hobbits, gentle-elves, grumpy-dwarves, gross-orcs and uh... gravy-trolls... and welcome to the Middle-Earth American Football Tournament, or the MEAFT for short. The same 32 teams which participated in the Middle-Earth Football World Cup will be displaying their skills in this sport as well. Will the Barrow-Downs be able to produce the same talent in this game or are they only a threat in football? Gondor and Gondolin have been drawn into the same division, in the World Cup they started in the same group with Gondor qualifying ahead of Gondolin but both teams still made it in. This time only one can go through, who will it be? Stay tuned my dear folk for this tournament promises to be a thriller. Can the tiny hobbits overcome the odds just as they did before or will size really be the difference here? Odds are you'll find out soon enough. Here is tonights fixture- Opening Match: The Barrow-Downs vs. Erebor Match 2: Gondolin vs. Lothlorien Match 3: Woodhall vs. Tol-In-Gauroth Match 4: Arnor vs. Mirkwood Match 5: Valimar vs. Numenor Match 6: Rivendell vs. Dale Match 7: Vinyamar vs. Mordor Match 8: Ephel Brandir vs. The Shire __________________ And tonight we can truly say, together we're invincible... Middle-Earth Football World Cup 2007

02-24-2006, 01:47 PM	#2
Sleepy Ranger Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the field, kissing the 'Downs crest Posts: 1,654	The 'Downs Team Offence Center - The Barrow-Wight Guard - Saucepan Man Guard - Rimbaud Tackle - Morai Tackle - Heren Istarion Tight End - Meneltarmacil Reciever - Glirdan Reciever - Wilwarin538 Halfback - Roa_Aoife Fullback - THE Ka Quarterback - Sleepy Ranger Defence Tackle - Morai Tackle - Heren Istarion End - Hookbill the Goomba End - Elu Ancalime Linebacker - Alcarillo Linebacker - Orominuialwen Linebacker - Nilpaurion Felagund Cornerback - Gil-Galad Cornerback - Anguirel Safety - Formendacil Safety - Farael __________________ And tonight we can truly say, together we're invincible... Middle-Earth Football World Cup 2007

02-24-2006, 02:12 PM	#3
The Saucepan Man Corpus Cacophonous Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A green and pleasant land Posts: 8,390	I have neither any knowledge of, nor any particular interest in, American Football, so I imagine that I will make a dreadful player ... I thought that it was a strange game, but there are two teams per team ...!!?? __________________ Do you mind? I'm busy doing the fishstick. It's a very delicate state of mind!

02-24-2006, 02:17 PM	#4
Anguirel Byronic Brand Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The 1590s Posts: 2,778	With a bit of overlap. Bizarre... Ah well, I never excelled in sports coverage anyway. I'll continue to produce human interest stories and transfer rumours... __________________ Among the friendly dead, being bad at games did not seem to matter -Il Lupo Fenriso

02-24-2006, 02:56 PM	#7
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	I believe in this tournament we will see teams of men rise to the top to challenge the likes of Angband and Tol-In-Gauroth. Gondor, Arnor, and Numenor all have a good shot at winning, though Arnor's chances are severely damaged after learning that their star receivers, Valandil and Aragorn II, will play for Rivendell where they were raised. Because of that, I will name Numenor and Gondor as my good-guy favorites. The elves can match up at the skill positions (WR, RB, CB, S), but their offensive and defensive lines will lose the battle at the line of scrimmage. Elves simply aren't weighty, where as teams from Gondor and Numenor feature lines of men who average around 6'6" 310 lbs. Sure, a speedy elf at the rush end position or a safety or linebacker on a blitz might be able to make his way to the quarterback on a slow developing pass play such as a play action pass or a seven step drop, but I imagine the Numenorians and men of Gondor are smart enough to use the advantage they have and run the ball against teams of elves, hobbits, and smaller men. I expect Gondor's running back, Earnur, and Numenor's running back, Ar-Pharazon, to rack up big numbers during the next few weeks. Teams that could challenge Numenor and Gondor- Isengard- Saruman has genetically altered his orcs to be larger, so their lines will stand up better than others, but I still think Numenor and Gondor will be able to run the ball on them effectively, not to mention that Isengard's defensive backs will have quite a bit of trouble keeping a handle on Numenor and Gondor's primary wide receivers (Amandil and Tar-Palantir for Numenor, Faramir and Anarion for Gondor). Valmar and Valimar- Both teams have some good talent, but I think they, as a whole, think and move too slowly to beat a good football team. It's too bad Tulkas, Orome, and Eonwe didn't transfer to a team that could make use of their abilities. Fangorn- The ents are very imposing, however I don't see them having what it takes. Most of the time they are lethargic, but when they aren't they tend to get penalized. It is illegal to pick up a player and throw him, to restrain him from behind, or to strike him with a limb. Ents are so oversized that they tend to do these things without meaning to, and the refs won't let them get away with it. In addition, the football is so small to them that most ents have difficulty hanging on to it. Tol-In-Gauroth- Sauron's wolves match up well with Gondor and Numenor. Sauron has a lot of wolves to choose from, and so has found himself a team with an excellent blend of size, strength, and speed. Numenor and Gondor will not be able to dominate them at the line, and will not be able to run past them with speed. Tol-In-Gauroth could very well end up winning this tournament. Angband- Anband is obviously a heavy hitter. Its balrog offensive line will clear the way for any running back. Though Melkor is the quarterback, expect him to do most of the rushing himself, Michael Vick style. Gothmog and Durin's Bane are the rush ends on defense. Expect them to put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and shut down any running play to the outside. __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important. Last edited by the phantom; 02-24-2006 at 03:02 PM.

02-24-2006, 03:23 PM	#9
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	Yes, Sauce, there are far more things to consider in American football. Not only are there multiple teams, but there are different packages of different teams. For instance, when your team is on defense and it is 3rd down with only one yard to go to gain a first down, you put in your goal line defense, which has perhaps an extra defensive tackle and an extra middle line-backer. However, if it is 3rd down and 15 yards to go, you might put in a dime defense, featuring two extra cornerbacks rather than outside linebackers. It's all about matchups. If the other team puts certain personel on the field, you must counter them. Also, if the other team shifts from the I-formation to single-back shotgun formation, your defense must quickly make the necessary changes before the play begins or risk giving up a score. American football is like chess played with bodies instead of chess pieces. That's why I like it more than soccer. It's more complicated and more difficult to completely grasp. It is... more intelligent. __________________ the phantom has posted. This thread is now important. Last edited by the phantom; 02-24-2006 at 03:35 PM.

02-24-2006, 03:48 PM	#10
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	Sauce, before these sports fanatics scar you for life, I feel I must make clear to you the truth: American football is described as a thinking, strategic game -- just remember. Playing chess is a mental exercise. Watching a chess tournament, unless you're a chess player, is boring. Offensive American football, unless you are yourself a player, is made up of four basic plays: throw the ball a long way, throw the ball a little way, try to run the ball up through the center of a bunch of men trying to knock you over, and finally, try to run the ball around the side of the bunch of men. Defensive American football is much simpler. Find the gentleman carrying the ball and knock him over. The sooner you do this, the better. If you injure him and aren't caught, even better, because he's out of the way. And the universal rule of football: The last five minutes will take longer than the whole of the rest of the last quarter. __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

02-28-2006, 11:26 AM	#12
Sleepy Ranger Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the field, kissing the 'Downs crest Posts: 1,654	Hey since I'm modding WWJ V I'll continue this after that is over. __________________ And tonight we can truly say, together we're invincible... Middle-Earth Football World Cup 2007

02-28-2006, 11:41 AM	#13
Tuor of Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, WtR, passed Sarn Gebir: Above the rapids (1239 miles) BtR, passed Black Rider Stopping Place (31 miles) Posts: 1,548	Since this is American Football shouldn't offense and defense be spelt with "s"s? And is it college or professional rules (ex. one foot or two inbounds for a reception)? And if there are injuries is there a (salary) cap for replacements? And what if there's a mid-season lock-out or strike? Hmmm? Just had a thought. After the Winter Olympics, will there be a curling tournament? Or ice dancing? __________________ Aure Entuluva!

02-28-2006, 02:24 PM	#15
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	British spelling is so quaint, archaic, and quirky... How do you guys keep from oohing and aahing at the cuteness of...oh..."advertise" instead of "advertize"? EDIT: archaic added for Sleepy's especial benefit. __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles! Last edited by JennyHallu; 02-28-2006 at 02:33 PM.