#The Quarterback Keeper

[bookstattoosandtea]

New Cover for The Quarterback Keeper by Rheland Richmond and Emerson Beckett

New Cover Reveal: The Quarterback Keeper By Rheland Richmond and Emerson Beckett Photographer: Xram Ragde The new Cover goes live on May 10th The Package Deal, Book 1 The first book in the popular Package Deal Series! Alex I’m the starting quarterback for the Portland Pirates, and I have a thing for my son’s teacher. Except I didn’t know the cute blond on the beach with the giant dog was, in…

[thereadingcafe]

[thoughtfulfiction]

Shift in the Routine

Author’s Note: Vibes are up from episode one of Hard Knocks starring Batman but I really wanted to write something angsty.

Part II

The morning started off with an entire 16 oz cup full of coffee spilling all over the kitchen floor. The brown puddle continued to spread and you watched in horror as the caramel frappuccino you’d just spent the last 20 minutes carefully curating to perfection went to waste. Then, your apartment key got stuck in the door, snapping in half so you had to make a call to your lovely landlord who charged you $150 to replace the key, and get the maintenance guy to come in and get your old key out. There went the money that you wanted to use to splurge on lunch.

Just when you thought you’d turned a corner for the better when you got off work early, your best friend Rachel called in a panic, putting an immediate end to the relaxing afternoon you had planned.

“Hi babe! I need you to do me a huge favor.”

You sighed, mentally saying goodbye to the Netflix binge on the couch with a fluffy blanket you were desperately looking forward to. “What’s up?“

She chuckles softly, breathing out a sound of relief that you were willing to help. “You know you’re my favorite person in the world, right?”

“What do you need Rach?” You bite out, your patience mostly nonexistent after such an awful day. Even her best attempt at buttering you up wouldn’t fix it.

“Okay, okay jeez. Who pissed in your cereal this morning? Anyways, I need you to run to my office and grab my other laptop. The one I have with me died and the tablet just isn’t cutting it right now,” you can hear her whispering to someone while you wait on the other end of the line for further instructions, “texting you the address as we speak.”

Your destination was 48 minutes away from her office, much closer to your job. Rachel owed you. Big time. “Fine. Be there in an hour.” You hung up a little in the midst of hearing her say “thank you” for the sixth time.

Rachel was an interior designer, working on some top secret project with a client for the last year, whose identity she refused to reveal, that was until today when she clearly had no choice. She’d apparently asked the client if it was ok for you to come to the house and they were clearly cool with it because the gate opened and the mansion you were faced with was unlike anything you’d ever seen. Every part of you wished you’d worn nicer clothes to work today.

Before you could even knock, your friend opened the door and ushered you in, plugging the laptop into one of the kitchen outlets and pulling up whatever she needed, thanking you again for saving her ass.

You looked around the room, exquisite marble covered the countertops, super cozy looking white swivel chairs and every square inch of the place just screamed luxury. “Who the hell lives here alone? Head of the mafia?”

Rachel snorts out a laugh, typing away without looking up at you.

“Not exactly,” a male voice is heard behind you, scaring you a little. And that makes Rachel laugh even more. “I assume you’re Rachel’s friend y/n.”

No fucking way.

You glance at Rachel before turning around to face him, nodding your head. “I’m so sorry your highness, you’re more…King of the Jungle, right? The mafia is more of a Bills thing.” All the secrecy made sense now and you turn towards her, your eyes full of disbelief.

“You signed an NDA didn’t you? Because I know you’re the world’s worst secret keeper and you’ve worked for the Bengals starting quarterback for a year and I haven’t heard a peep. Wait,” you look at him again, “does this mean I have to sign one?”

“Would you like to?” Joe deadpans, a hint of amusement pokes out behind his rigid exterior. He looks even better in person, you think to yourself.

“I have always wanted to sign one but I’ve never really been in the position to do that. But now…”

“Now you’re being ridiculous,” Rachel cuts in, “he’s not gonna make you sign anything, you don’t even know the gate code.”

Waving her off for ruining your fun, you grab your keys and get ready to head home when Joe’s voice stops you in your tracks for the second time in the last 20 minutes.

“You don’t want water or anything before you go? I have an entire fridge just for Voss water. The glass bottles.” His voice is so relaxed, a calming energy surrounds him and he delivers his words with such a casual tone like it’s not one of the most absurd things you’ve ever heard.

“Are you being serious?”

“No! I’m kidding,” he laughs, a genuine hearty sound that you hope to never forget. You need to leave this fortress as soon as humanly possible before you find yourself attracted to the way the man breathes.

Rachel has long forgotten the two of you are in the room, completely in the zone while deciding between white oak and alder so the gorgeous man walks you out. Has he always been this tall? “Rich and funny. It’s very nice to meet you Joe.”

He’s about to let you leave, but he doesn’t want to regret not going for it. “Would you—maybe want to um, see each other again? When you’re having less of a bad day? I promise there will be no coffee involved, just a little dinner?” This is a stark difference from his earlier nonchalance, you can tell he’s trying to keep the nerves at bay.

“You heard all of that?” You look at him wide-eyed. Of course Joe freaking Burrow heard you complaining about spilling coffee everywhere and damaging your keys, not your finest moments. And somehow, none of that deterred him from asking you out. “I’d love to. Rachel can give you my number and I’ll see you soon?”

“Yes, definitely.”

Dinner turned into dinner and a movie which turned into several nights of ordering in. That became FaceTime dates when he would travel across the country, helping him pick out clothes to wear for his foundation’s golf tournament or getting up at ungodly hours to answer his calls during Paris Fashion Week. Then he came home to lock in for the season but not before giving you a jump scare by randomly buzzing and bleaching his hair. Everything you thought you knew about him from the media or via word of mouth living the city, was nothing compared to actually getting to be with him. He was funny and kind and the most caring person in the world and you really owed Rachel your entire life for asking you to drop off that laptop.

Admittedly, you were nervous going into the season. You’d seen him go down last year in Baltimore, watching on tv like every other fan feeling helpless as his season ended. Now you’d seen first hand how much work had gone into not only getting him back to what he was before but transforming him into a better version of what he once was. And routine was everything. Workouts and meals were scheduled down to meticulous detail, meetings with his nutritionist and strength trainer happened frequently and the closer you got to week 1 the more dialed into the process he was. You just tried your best to navigate the controlled chaos.

Friday evening before you drove home after work, you made a pit-stop at Joe’s to drop something off. Having already decided that you were staying at your place for the rest of the weekend as to not be distraction, you placed your surprise in the fridge feeling proud of yourself before closing the door, meeting your boyfriend face to face.

“Oh my god, you scared the shit out of me!” You playfully smacked his chest as he grabs onto your hands, enveloping you in a warm embrace. “I didn’t think I’d see you. Thought you’d be up to your eyebrows in New England film right now.”

“Took a break to grab a snack,” he sidesteps you to get to the fridge, taking a look inside before he spots the item you just placed in there. “What are these?”

You nod toward the tupperware in his hand, “open it.”

Joe carefully takes off the lid, looking at the contents inside like a kid on christmas morning, recognizing the look of his favorite dessert, with a twist.

“They’re protein pumpkin pie cups. The bottom is peanut butter.”

“Two of my favorite things. Well, three now, including you. Thank you.” You want to pretend to have a toothache at how sweet he’s being but instead you stand on your toes, inching your way up to kiss him on the lips and when you pull away to stand at your normal height he sneaks another kiss, pressing one onto the side of your head. It’s getting late and you really don’t want to leave, but you can’t mess up his routine. The next time you see him is after the loss, he’s understandably disappointed but also a little relieved to shake some of the rust off and come back more relaxed the next game.

Slowly but surely the losses piled up and they added more weight to his often slumped shoulders. You tried to lighten the load by being a constant presence, reminding him of how well he was playing, but the once comfortable, homey atmosphere that Joe created for you became tense. Long conversations about how the team could be better turned into shrugs, “I don’t knows” and exhausted sighs.

And now? The team was 4-8.

You’d been staying at Joe’s since the bye week ended just to make sure he wasn’t isolating himself and completely consumed by football. When he came home after the Steelers game you could instantly tell it was going to be a long night. As soon as he set foot in the door he dropped his bag off and headed up to his office without giving you so much as a glance.

Dinner was cold by the time he emerged again two hours later. You didn’t want to say the wrong thing. And you also didn’t want to just sit there and say nothing. The elephant in the room was doubling in size by the minute. “Joe, you—”

“If you’re about to say I played well you can just…not. I fumbled the ball twice and threw a pick. Three turnovers isn’t exactly a recipe for success.”

You closed your eyes, trying to come up with something that would get him to see things the way you did. “I know that, but you still fought your way back and you guys were so close to completing the comeback.”

His adam’s apple bobs uncomfortably slow as he swallows some of his frustration. None of this was your fault and he knew that. He just, really didn’t want to talk about it anymore today. He’d discussed it with the team, with coaches, the media. The game had ended long ago and he was still having to explain himself. Glancing at the clock, he let you know he was heading to bed and he was just…gone. No hug, no kiss on the cheek or anything. Which usually wouldn’t have bothered you but then you found him fast asleep with his back facing you. You climbed in behind him, treating him like the little spoon as you wrapped your arms around him but he easily removed himself from your grasp, covering himself with the blanket, mumbling something about not feeling like cuddling tonight. You had this overwhelming urge to cry so you turned away from him, squeezing your eyes shut, begging sleep to overtake you.

Waking up the next morning, you decide to shake off whatever that was last night. You texted Joe’s chef and asked him what was on the menu for tonight, thinking that a good meal and some lighthearted conversation was just the thing he needed. The work day was long and frustrating, some random sponsors came in to do some long winded presentation about the new health guidelines which was about as entertaining as watch Geno Stone miss tackles. One thing was motivating you to get through it and that was Morgan, Joe’s chef texting you that he would have everything ready when you got home and all you had to do was put your finishing touches on the evening.

All of the food was prepped, the table was set, candles lit and all you needed was Joe. You wait 45 minutes for him to walk in the door, looking surprised. “What is all this?”

“Nothing special, I just figured we could eat together before watching Monday Night Football in bed.”

The look on his face isn’t promising. “I already ate at the facility,” Joe says regretfully. He’s met with silence and it’s uncomfortable, worrying. “How was work?”

“I texted you,” your voice hardens, “twice. No response.”

“Wasn’t near my phone all day. We had a team meeting, guys said things that were on their minds and we had an open and honest conversation. I’m sorry I didn’t see it.”

You close your eyes, really trying not to cry about something so small. “Right, ok. How did your meeting go?”

“It was fine,” he shrugs, not divulging any other details and it irks you even more. Joe catches you massaging your temples, a clear sign that you’re stressed. “You alright?”

“I’m fine,” you echo his words, hoping he gets the hint, “had a long day.”

The quarterback places his hands on your shoulders, hoping to ease the tension in your posture. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“That’s rich,” you mumble.

“Hm?”

You grab his hands and pry them off of you. “I said that’s rich. You know, coming from you.”

He looks irritated but keeps his voice even, “what is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you want me to open up and talk about my feelings when you’ve been an emotional brick wall the last couple weeks! I can barely get two words out of you. Joe, I’m trying babe. I respect your time and your space, I never stay the night on Saturdays or ask you do anything past 8pm and you still shut me out. Why is that?”

“You don’t think that doing all of this is a little much right now? Everyone wants something from me all the time. I just need a second to think, on my own. And I get it, you’re trying to help but you’re always here, pestering me about little things. I really don’t need you breathing down my neck and smothering me this week.”

You stare at him for a while, processing every word he just said.

You’re pestering him.

You’re smothering him.

Breathing down his neck.

That’s why he didn’t want you to hold him last night. He thinks you’re too needy, too clingy.

You’d done the one thing you’d been telling yourself you wouldn’t do. You had disturbed his peace, messed up his flow. In trying to be helpful and proactive, you had actually gotten more in the way. And he didn’t want you here right now. He’d just made that painfully clear.

“No you’re right,” you tell him, in your most normal tone, “I’ll stop with the questions. You probably have stuff to do so I’m gonna clean this stuff up.”

Joe nods simply, heading upstairs to crack open the Dallas film. A few stray tears escape your eyes as soon as he’s gone. You gave yourself 10 minutes to have a little cry and then the leftovers were placed in the fridge, dishes put away, candles blown out and everything back in its rightful place. Then you headed upstairs to Joe’s room to pack your stuff. He clearly needed space from you and you weren’t going to stay anywhere you weren’t wanted. Carefully placing all of your bags in the car, you took a shuddering breath before putting the keys in the ignition.

He woke up out of his sleep around 4am looking for you, feeling the cold space where your body was supposed to be. Chalking it up to you maybe having slept in one of the guest rooms after the tense conversation from earlier, he turned over and went back to sleep. You knew you had a problem, tossing and turning aimlessly, growing accustomed to being next to him, literally proving his point. The honeymoon phase was over and you desperately needed to pull it together.

“You don’t need to freak out, every couple goes through a rough patch,” Rachel tries to reassure you, digging into her bowl of popcorn as you lay face first, mumbling into your pillow. “Babe I can’t understand a word you’re saying.”

It feels like there’s a ton of bricks weighing you down after one disagreement. “Rach you didn’t hear what he said. And the way he looked at me. He hasn’t even called or texted or anything. And I’m not texting him, that would be smothering or pestering or everything else he said. God I just, I don’t know.”

She hated to see you struggling like this. “Just give yourself some time and you’ll eventually know the right thing to do. You two are annoyingly into each other and those genuine feelings don’t go away because of a stress filled heated moment.”

She was right, all you needed to do was give him space. You dove face first into your job, attending every meeting five minutes early and staying later to get ahead on the next day’s to-do list. Joe did eventually text late in the afternoon, asking if you were coming over for dinner but you told him you had a work thing.

By day three of you having “work stuff,” Joe was calling bullshit. All of your responses were either dry, a simple “yes” or “no” or you kept it short and sweet. And he didn’t like it. Even though he prided himself in being able to compartmentalize, at home it felt empty and void of color and joy without you. He’d pushed you away and embarrassingly said some things that he didn’t even really mean, he just lashed out of exasperation and now he hadn’t heard the sound of your voice in almost 80 hours.

He needed to fix this.

“Can open the door? We need to talk.” He sounded out, in between semi frantic knocks on your door.

Slowly cracking it open, you let him in. “What do we need to talk about?”

His hair is messy and still slightly wet, like he ran here immediately after a shower. Seemed like this couldn’t possibly wait another second. “I’m sorry. I said things I shouldn’t have. I was upset because you’re right. The other night,” he sighs, running a hand through his hair, “you called me out and I didn’t want to admit you had a point so I dug myself a hole. And I’m so sorry for hurting you.”

You wanted to melt into his arms and forgive him. You wished it was that easy. But his words just kept playing over and over in your mind. “I appreciate the apology.”

“So…you’ll come home with me?”

“Joe I am home. And you have—a strict sleeping schedule. It’s getting late, I’m sure you’re tired.”

He wonders quietly how long you’ve been like this, giving robotic, monotone responses like you’re just saying things that you think he wants to hear. “It is getting late, but I’ve gotten so used to you being next to me that I don’t sleep as well when you’re gone.”

“Really? Cause I thought I was smothering you. Or what was the other one? Oh right, breathing down your neck.”

“Babe, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Well you still said it! And now I’m wondering if I’m too much for you or how you had to drive over here instead of going home and getting your rest trying my best to be what you need,” you pause, looking at him through watery eyes, “I don’t know if I’m cut out for this.”

He seems visibly shaken, hesitantly steps toward you, reaching out to hold your hand to make your not going to disappear into thin air and leave him on his own. “Wh—what you mean?”

“I just, I really think I’m the one that needs some space. To figure out where the hell I even fit into all this. If I still want to fit into all this. I’m not saying I want to breakup I just think—you’re in a really pivotal time in the season and I don’t want to get in the way.”

Joe gives your hand a squeeze, “you’re never in the way. Actually it’s the opposite, I just wasn’t appreciative enough of everything you’ve done for me this year. But if you want space then, take all the time you need.” He swallows the lump in his throat and presses his lips to your forehead, uttering out that he’ll be waiting until you’re ready.

You take a step away from him as his soft lips linger on your skin whispering, “Joe…can you please go?”

He nods, slowly closing the door behind him. You imagine him walking away, climbing into his Porsche and heading home alone. Maybe this is how it should be, him over there, you here.

Tonight almost hurts more than the last time, so much so that the tears won’t even come. You’re just…numb. But you need this space to see if this life is something you’re ready to commit to. Because the last thing you want to be is another thing on his schedule.

[happygirl2oo2]

Queer Sports Romance Books Recs For Pride Month 🌈 (all are books I've either read or currently have on my own tbr list)

Hockey

Rookie Recovery (Bobcat Boys #1) by Jemma Croft and Lex Veia [mlm]

Vancouver Orcas interconnected series by Amy Aislin [mlm]

Hometown Hero (Whistleport Hockey #1) by Declan Rhodes [mlm]

Hockey Guys interconnected series by Sarina Bowen [mlm]

Prove It by Stephanie Hoyt [mlm]

Fake Boyfriend interconnected series by Eden Finley [mlm]

Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud [mlm]

Chicago Thunder interconnected series by Jodi Oliver [mlm]

Don't Look Down (Best Laid Plans #1) by Jessica Ann [mlm]

Hockey Ever After interconnected series by Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James [mlm]

Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud [mlm]

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid [mlm]

Relationship Goals interconnected series by Brigham Vaughn [mlm]

Light Up the Lamp by Kit Oliver [mlm]

Puckboys interconnected series by Eden Finley and Saxon James [mlm]

Hot Shot (Orlando Storm #1) by Marissa James [mlm]

Breakaway partially-interconnected series by E.L. Massey [mlm]

Delay of Game interconnected series by Hannah Henry [mlm]

Offsides interconnected series by J.J. Mulder [mlm]

Roughing (Portland Seabirds #1) by Michaela Grey [mlm]

Stick Side interconnected series by Amy Aislin [mlm]

Let's Do This (IFU Hockey #1) by Loren Leigh [mlm]

CU Hockey interconnected series by Eden Finley and Saxon James [mlm]

Back to Center (Mohegan U Hockey #2) by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood [mlm]

Penalty Box interconnected series by Ari Baran [mlm]

Shenanigans (Brooklyn Hockey #6) by Sarina Bowen [m/f with a bi mc]

The Inside Edge by Ashlyn Kane [mlm]

Icebreaker by A. L. Graziadei [mlm]

Hockey Bois by A.L. Heard [mlm]

Three Is The Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud [mlm]

Not Over You by Samantha Wayland [mlm]

Wake Up, Nat & Darcy by Kate Cochrane [wlw]

It's a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson [wlw]

Off the Bench Duet Series by Kimberly Knight [mlm]

Twincerely Yours by Eden Finley [mlm]

Car Racing

Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery [mlm]

Lights Out Series interconnected series by various authors [mlm]

Fast Love (Fast Love #1) by Kerry Lockhart [wlw]

Driven By Passion (Gamble Racing #2) by Renee Dahlia [mlm]

Redline (Redline #1) by Emma Barlowe [mlm]

Furious by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos [wlw]

Bowling

The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee [wlw]

Baseball 

The Prospects by KT Hoffman [mlm]

Batting Style by Louisa Masters [mlm]

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian [mlm]

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes by Danielle Dawsen [mlm]

Volleyball 

We Got the Beat by Jenna Miller [wlw]

Always More (Sports #1) by Nicole Pyland [wlw]

Roller derby

Mighty Millie Novak by Elizabeth Holden [wlw]

False Start by Santana Knox [wlw]

Basketball 

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly [wlw]

Love and Sportsball (Atlanta Cannons #1) by Meka James [wlw]

Zone Defense interconnected series by Becca Seymour [mlm]

Fencing

Fence comic series by C.S. Pacat and Joanna the Mad [mlm]

Football

One Last Play by E.B. Neal [mlm]

Coming Out on the Sidelines by Dev Hahn [wlw]

Forward Entry (Sydney Swallows #1) by Aurora Crane [mlm]

The Game (Charleston Condors #2) by Beth Bolden

Atlanta Lightning interconnected series by Riley Hart [mlm]

Fumbled Past (San Diego Seals #2) by Cecelia Storm [mlm]

Onside Kiss (Domingo #1) by Octavia Jensen [mlm]

You Started It (Fan Service Series #3) by Hinsel Meyer [mlm]

Tigers and Devils (Tigers and Devils #1) by Sean Kennedy [mlm]

Roosevelt College interconnected series by Christina Lee [mlm]

You & Me by Tal Bauer [mlm]

Crushing on the Quarterback by Baylin Crow [mlm]

Tennis

Deuce (Tennyson Bend #2) by P.T. Ambler [mlm]

Soccer

You Don't Have a Shot by Racquel Marie [wlw]

Everything for You (Bergman Brothers #5) by Chloe Liese [mlm]

Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner [wlw]

Pull Me Under by Zarah Detand [mlm]

The Game Changer (Denver Defiant, #1) by Finley Chuva [wlw]

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber [mlm]

Finding a Keeper (Sports #4) by Nicole Pyland [wlw]

Don't Hate the Player by Shelby Elizabeth [mlm]

Endgame by Zoe Reed [wlw]

Hotshot by Clare Lydon [wlw]

Rugby

Attractive Forces by Jax Calder [mlm]

The Tighthead (Lincoln Knights #1) by Charlie Novak [mlm]

Softball

The Unexpected Dream (Sports #3) by Nicole Pyland [wlw]

Chess

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill [trans boy x boy]

Wrestling 

Alondra by Gina Femia [bisexual girl mc]

Lacrosse 

Catch and Cradle by Katia Rose [wlw]

Swimming

Tears in the Water Margherita Scialla [LGBTQ+]

Badminton

Shy by Ashish Rastogi [mlm]

[cloudedmoonofficial]

I have a question about Talon, we don’t really know much about him other than that his brother Falcon hangs out with him more than the other new claws. I’m wondering how Talon feels towards his brother, does he appreciate the attention, is he annoyed with Falcon, or does he just tolerate it to make his brother happy. Same thing with Falcon,does he feel annoyed at the other new claws attaining with him, does he enjoy it,Is Falcon even aware of the their crushes on him Sorry for all the questions.

Talon and Falcon are some of my favorite guys, so I'm glad you asked! The two of them are very close and kind to each other. Talon is a bit of an introvert that the other new-claws see as "weird", he likes to make up stories and listen to the Keepers tell myths and legends. He is good at keeping kittens busy and loves telling them stories, everyone says he would make a good Keeper himself, but he has ambitious intentions and wishes he could be more like Falcon. Falcon is a competitive guy and loves a good friendly competition; he is like the school quarterback, ya know? He is fully aware that so many cats have a crush on him, but he is doesn't mind, he laughs about it with Talon a lot. The brothers are like a nerd and jock duo, they don't have a lot in common, but they love each other and Falcon always defends Talon.

-Snap

[ask-bbieal-highschool-au]

Hi! Welcome to Hereschool High, your average high school full of ignorant teenagers and shit loads of rumours. Honourably one of the best high schools around at least!

Characters you can ask(but are not limited to):

Logan Baldimore- math teacher and school councillor, never seen frowning, best teacher

Daniel Thing- Principal, strict, stressed

Penelope Thing- Sophomore, weird kid, pro jump roper Arther Crafter- Sophomore, quiet kid, Artist

Nathan Bars- Sophomore, Former bully, Quarterback

Matthew Canes(MC)- Sophomore, Local punching bag, can do parkour

Warren Sweeps- Janitor, high, knows how to make a nuclear weapon for some reason.

Frank Prize- Senior, disabled kid, good hugger

Johnny Keap- Senior, shop keeper, chill dude

Cloudy Copter- Freshman, airhead, really fast

Kennith Reflex- School nurse, friendly, “broken arm? Use ice!:D”

(More characters but these are some of them.)

Rules!:

-no nsfw, dirty jokes are ok just don’t get too comfortable.

-If you are a zoophile, pedophile, racist, homophobe, transphobe, sexist, etc DNI.

-Shipping stuff is fine but don’t expect your ship to be in here.

-You can ask as much as you want

-I’ll take art requests but it has to be related to the au.

-Most important rule! Have fun! :)

Now come on, don’t be shy, leave an ask for someone!

[bearterritory]

Bears Beat WSU In Thrilling Home Finale

Cal Forces 4 Turnovers, Scores 2 Defensive TDs

BERKELEY – Hosting Washington State on Saturday in the final home game of California Memorial Stadium's 100th anniversary season, the Golden Bears came away with a 42-39 victory behind a handful of key defensive plays and 181 scrimmage yards from running back Jaydn Ott.

It was probably the last time these two teams, who have faced off every season for decades, will play each other in the forseeable future. It was their last Pac-12 game vs each other, and the last conference home game for the Bears. Next year they will be playing in the ACC.

The Golden Bears' defense forced four turnovers for the second time this year and set a season high with six sacks. Outside linebacker David Reese led all players with three sacks and two forced fumbles.

"I'm really proud of how the guys fought and competed. We made enough plays to win the game, and we certainly can learn a lot from plays that weren't quite as good," Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox said. "We made it much harder than it needed to be, to be honest. But I commend the guys for continuing to compete and finding a way to win. You have to stay in the moment and do what you need to do to win." Inside linebacker Cade Uluave recovered two fumbles, the first of which he also forced and took 51 yards to the house on the Cougars' first possession of the game. Uluave finished with a team-high nine tackles to go with a game-ending interception.

The Bears staved off a second-half WSU rally with back-to-back touchdowns early in the fourth quarter. Holding on to a 28-24 lead, Ott carried the ball for all five plays on a 75-yard scoring drive, highlighted by a 52-yard burst through the left side. He capped the possession with a 5-yard scamper into the end zone which saw him become the first Bear since Patrick Laird in 2017 to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season. "Jaydn Ott is spectacular. I've said it many times - he's going to play on Sundays," Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza said. "At the end of the day, whether it's messy or beautiful, a win is a win. I'm grateful to be able to learn from our mistakes today. These are experiences that you learn from. I can't appreciate our defense enough."

Less than two minutes later, Reese blindsided Cougar quarterback Cameron Ward just as he was about to throw. The ball was picked up in the secondary by defensive back Nohl Williams and returned 52 yards to paydirt, giving Cal a commanding 42-24 advantage with 9:26 remaining.

WSU was quick to respond, scoring a pair of touchdowns and converting a two-point conversion to make it a three-point game. After forcing a Cal punt, the Cougars moved the ball into Bear territory with under a minute left but weren't able to connect on a 48-yard potential game-tying field goal. It was their second missed field goal of the fourth quarter.

Washington State had one last chance to steal the game on a Hail Mary pass from 53 yards out, but Uluave came away with his first interception of the season as time ran out.

The Bears finished with three fumble recovery touchdowns in total, as offensive lineman Brian Driscoll fell on one in the end zone in the second quarter.

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza did most of his damage in the first half, when he was 11-of-15 through the air for 129 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears' first offensive possession of the day went 65 yards on 12 plays. Mendoza capped it off on 3rd-and-goal by rolling left in a fake quarterback keeper and finding Endries sneaking out to the corner for a 6-yard score to put Cal up 14-0.

Mendoza later found a wide-open Ott coming across the middle for a 13-yard touchdown to make it 28-14. It was the second time in three weeks the Bears put up 28 points in the first half.

With the win, Cal remains eligible for bowl game competition. The Bears will be on the road for the final two weeks of the regular season. They travel to face Stanford at 3:30 p.m. PT next Saturday in the 2023 edition of the Big Game. "Winning a bowl game is the goal, and in order to win a bowl game, you have to get to a bowl game," Wilcox said. "It's OK to acknowledge that. The bowl game is a big deal."

[silhouettecrow]

365 Days of Writing Prompts: Day 194

Adjective: Eternal

Noun: Keeper

Definitions for those who need/want them:

Eternal: lasting or existing forever, or without end or beginning; (of truths, values, or questions) valid for all time, or essentially unchanging; (informal) seeming to last or persist forever, especially on account of being tedious or annoying; used to emphasise expressions of admiration, gratitude, or other feelings; used to refer to an everlasting or universal spirit, as represented by God

Keeper: a person who manages or looks after something or someone; a guard at a prison or a museum; short for zookeeper; short for gamekeeper; short for goalkeeper or wicketkeeper; a fish large enough to be kept when caught; (informal) a person or thing that is valuable and to be cherished; a plain ring worn to keep a more valuable one on the finger; a bar of soft iron placed across the poles of a horseshoe magnet to maintain its strength; a food or drink that remains in a specified condition if stored; (American football) a play in which the quarterback runs with the ball instead of handing it off or passing it

[trendynews2025]

Ravens Soar in Harbaugh Bowl Showdown

A Night of Grit, Strategy, and Sibling Rivalry

On Monday, November 25, 2024, football fans were treated to a thrilling showdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 30–23 in a high-stakes game under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. The game not only showcased the Ravens’ depth and determination but also added another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between head coach John Harbaugh and his brother, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Here’s an in-depth look at the game, the key moments, and its implications for both teams moving forward.

Ravens’ Ground Game Dominates

The Ravens’ offensive performance was defined by their powerful and relentless ground game. Running back Derrick Henry, who has revitalized Baltimore’s rushing attack this season, turned in another stellar performance, rushing for 140 yards on 24 carries. Henry’s ability to pick up tough yards and keep the chains moving proved critical in wearing down the Chargers’ defense.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson complemented Henry’s efforts with his dual-threat ability. Jackson threw two touchdown passes, ran for another, and added 60 rushing yards, keeping the Chargers’ defenders guessing all night. His connection with tight end Mark Andrews, who had six receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown, was instrumental in securing Baltimore’s offensive rhythm.

The Chargers’ defense, led by star edge rusher Joey Bosa, struggled to contain the Ravens’ dynamic rushing attack, particularly in crucial moments when Baltimore leaned heavily on their ground game to control the clock.

Read More in Google News

John Harbaugh’s Bold Fourth-Down Call

One of the defining moments of the game came late in the fourth quarter when the Ravens faced a critical fourth-and-2 from the Chargers’ 28-yard line. Rather than settling for a field goal, John Harbaugh made the daring decision to go for it.

The gamble paid off spectacularly as Lamar Jackson executed a well-timed quarterback keeper, gaining the first down and setting up a touchdown pass to Zay Flowers two plays later. This pivotal sequence shifted momentum entirely in Baltimore’s favor, putting them up by two scores with just minutes left in the game.

Harbaugh Bowl III: A Sibling Rivalry Renewed

The game marked the third meeting between the Harbaugh brothers as NFL head coaches. Known colloquially as the “Harbaugh Bowl,” this sibling rivalry dates back to their iconic showdown in Super Bowl XLVII, where John’s Ravens narrowly defeated Jim’s San Francisco 49ers in a 34–31 thriller.

This time, the stakes were not as grand as the Lombardi Trophy, but the intensity and competitiveness were palpable. John Harbaugh’s Ravens improved to 3–0 in head-to-head matchups against his younger brother, a point of pride for the elder sibling. After the game, both brothers embraced, exchanging smiles and congratulatory words, though the fire of competition was evident in their demeanor.

The Harbaugh rivalry continues to captivate fans, not just for its familial intrigue but also for the high-stakes games it consistently delivers.

Read More in Google News

Chargers’ Fight Falls Short

While the Ravens ultimately emerged victorious, the Chargers were far from pushovers. Quarterback Justin Herbert delivered a valiant performance, throwing for 325 yards and two touchdowns despite relentless pressure from the Ravens’ defensive front.

Herbert’s connection with wide receiver Keenan Allen, who recorded eight catches for 120 yards and a touchdown, kept the Chargers within striking distance. However, untimely penalties and struggles in short-yardage situations hampered their ability to capitalize on key opportunities.

Defensively, the Chargers showed flashes of brilliance, including a critical goal-line stand in the third quarter, but they lacked the consistency needed to stop Baltimore’s multi-faceted attack. The loss dropped the Chargers to 7–4, tightening the playoff race in the AFC West.

Playoff Implications for Both Teams

The Ravens’ victory improved their record to 8–4, solidifying their position at the top of the AFC North. With divisional rivals like the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns struggling to find consistency, Baltimore is now in the driver’s seat as they push for a first-round bye in the playoffs.

For the Chargers, the loss adds pressure as they look to secure a Wild Card spot in the tightly contested AFC playoff picture. With upcoming games against the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos, Jim Harbaugh’s squad will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further behind in the standings.

What’s Next for Baltimore?

Baltimore’s schedule doesn’t get any easier, with a critical matchup against the Miami Dolphins looming in Week 13. The Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, present a formidable challenge for the Ravens’ secondary, which has been inconsistent at times this season. However, if Baltimore can replicate their balanced offensive attack and maintain their aggressive mentality, they will remain a top contender in the AFC.

Read More in Google News

[newsssc]

Party like it's 1999: Arkansas football fans storm the field following upset of No. 4 Tennessee

FAYETTEVILLE — A redshirt freshman quarterback and a true freshman running back delivered for Arkansas in crunch time Saturday and led the Razorbacks to a stunning upset of the fourth-ranked Tennessee football team. Filling in for injured starter Taylen Green, quarterback Malachi Singleton scored on an 11-yard keeper with 1:17 remaining to put Arkansas ahead and the Razorbacks won 19-14 in front…

[sandythereadingcafe]

REVIEW TOUR:

QUARTERBACK KEEPER (Fall Lake Ballers ) by Isla Vaughn Author at The Reading Cafe:

'definitely a win in my book.'

[joyffree]

Hit the grid iron with Quarterback Keeper by Isla Vaughn! Snag the first in the Fall Lake Ballers Series now!

🏈Sports Romance 💛Alpha Hero 🏈Dark Secrets 💛College 🏈Fake Relationship 💛Secret Identity 🏈Woman on the Run

Hosted by Chaotic Creatives

[bongaboi]

South Dakota State: 2023 NCAA Division I FCS National Champions

FRISCO, Texas -- Mark Gronowski ran for a touchdown and threw for another after halftime as South Dakota State won its second straight Football Championship Subdivision title, beating Montana 23-3 on Sunday.

The Jackrabbits (15-0) extended their overall winning streak to 29 games, including their win over North Dakota State in last year's FCS game for their first national title.

South Dakota State had an impressive game-opening drive, but led only 7-3 at halftime. Gronowski, the quarterback starting his third FCS title game, then bulled into the end zone for a 10-yard score midway through the third quarter, and on the next possession threw a 23-yard TD to Jadon Janke.

Gronowski finished 13-of-21 passing for 175 yards and ran eight times for 62 yards. The Jackrabbits outgained Montana 372-273.

Montana's 27 playoff appearances are the most in the second tier of Division I football. National champions in 1995 and 2001, the Grizzlies (13-2) have now finished as the runner-up six times, four under coach Bobby Hauck.

This was the Grizzlies' first title game since 2009, when they were the runner-up for the third time in Hauck's first seven seasons. Hauck then left for FBS team UNLV and also was on staff at San Diego State before returning to Montana in 2018.

Less than two weeks after South Dakota State was crowned champions last year, John Stiegelmeier retired after 26 seasons as head coach. He was succeeded by defensive coordinator Jimmy Rogers, a former Jackrabbits linebacker who was captain of their first playoff team in 2009 -- when they lost to Montana after blowing a 27-point lead.

Both teams had only one possession in the first quarter Sunday. Montana's opening drive spilled into the first play of the second quarter, when on its 15th play, running back Eli Gillman was stuffed by Jackrabbits linebacker Adam Bock for no gain on fourth-and-goal from the 1.

South Dakota State had opened the game with a 75-play, 11-play drive. Gronowski completed his first five passes for 55 yards and converted a third-and-4 with a 9-yard keeper right before Isaiah Davis' 6-yard TD run.

That put the Jackrabbits ahead to stay, though they had a couple of costly mistakes before halftime.

A few plays after Bock's stop, one of his 11 tackles, Gronowski had a pass intercepted by Corbin Walker that Montana turned into a field goal for its only points. South Dakota State also had a turnover when punting, as the ball ricocheted off one of its players and recovered by the Griz, though they punted it back.

THE TAKEAWAY

Montana: Playmaking quarterback Clifton McDowell, who had been 11-0 as the Griz starter, was under increased pressure, especially after halftime. He completed 22 of 39 passes for 165 yards, but was sacked four times. After he was stripped of the ball when being sacked late in the third quarter, 295-yard defensive tackle Ryan Van Marel came up with it.

South Dakota State: In their third title game appearance in four seasons, the Jackrabbits became the first team since North Dakota State (2017-19) to repeat as champions. It was another stellar defensive performance in this playoff run for South Dakota State, which had two lopsided shutout victories (41-0 and 59-0) in its previous three games.

UP NEXT

Montana: The Big Sky champion Grizzlies take on one of SDSU's Missouri Valley Conference rivals in their 2024 opener. They host Missouri State on Aug. 31.

South Dakota State: The Jackrabbits open next season on the road Aug. 31 at Big 12 team Oklahoma State, the first major conference team they will play since a 7-3 loss at Iowa of the Big Ten in the 2022 opener that was their last loss.

[mirecalemoments01]

Packers lose lead and game to Falcons, 25-24

In a game that had us on the edge of our seats, the Green Bay Packers faced off against the Atlanta Falcons on September 17, 2023, and it was a rollercoaster ride. At first, it seemed like the Packers were cruising, building up a 12-point lead in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But hold onto your cheese hats because things took an unexpected turn. The fourth quarter turned out to be a bit of a struggle for the Packers. They couldn't manage to secure a single first down on three offensive possessions, and the Falcons capitalized on this, clawing their way back into the game, drive by drive. It all came down to a chip-shot field goal by the Falcons with just 57 seconds left, and that's when they stole the lead. Running back Bijan Robinson was a standout for the Falcons, racking up an impressive 124 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback Desmond Ridder did his part too, throwing for 237 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Meanwhile, for the Packers, Jordan Love had a pretty good day, tossing three touchdowns and no interceptions, earning himself a solid 113.5 rating. Rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed had a memorable day with four catches for 37 yards and two touchdowns. It was an intense match, and both teams left it all out on the field. The Opening Quarter: A Flea Flicker and a Big Defensive Play The game kicked off with a bit of trickery from the Packers. On their first offensive snap, AJ Dillon tossed the ball back to Jordan Love in a flea flicker play. Dontayvion Wicks made an incredible 44-yard gain, forcing a defensive pass interference penalty for another 44 yards to the Falcons' 31. Talk about a flashy start! But, as we know in football, things can change quickly. The Packers faced some challenges moving the ball from there, and they even initially tried a 51-yard field goal but ended up sending out the punt team. Atlanta took over at their 20. Then came a memorable moment on defense when Rasul Douglas picked off Desmond Ridder deep. It was Douglas' 10th interception as a Packer, and he joined a select group of players with 10-plus interceptions since 2021. Second Quarter: Packers Take the Lead The second quarter saw the Packers take the lead. Jayden Reed scored his first NFL touchdown with a nifty 9-yard push pass from Jordan Love. It was a game-changer, and Packers fans were on their feet! But the Falcons didn't give up easily. They picked up the first down with a 22-yard pass to Drake London. It was a nail-biter, but Packers' defense held strong, and the Falcons turned the ball over on downs. Third Quarter: Packers Extend Their Lead The third quarter had its share of drama. Love's connection with Dontayvion Wicks for a 32-yard touchdown extended the Packers' lead to 17-9. It was a moment that had fans cheering. But the Falcons weren't ready to throw in the towel. A 29-yard pass to Robinson set up a field goal, cutting the Packers' lead to 17-12. The game was far from over. Fourth Quarter: Falcons Stage a Comeback And then came the heart-stopping fourth quarter. The Falcons made a stunning 45-yard pass to Mack Hollins, putting them in a prime position. They scored on a fourth-and-4 keeper, bringing them within five points at 24-19. The Packers, unfortunately, couldn't add to their total, going three-and-out. Atlanta seized the opportunity, and a field goal made it 24-22. The game was hanging by a thread. The Packers' last-ditch effort fell short as Love's pass to Malik Heath fell incomplete. The Falcons took the lead with a 25-yard field goal, leaving Packers fans with a mix of emotions. So, in the end, the Packers dropped to 1-1 for the season, while the Falcons soared to 2-0. Football is full of surprises, and this game was no exception. Stay tuned for more action-packed games in the NFL What were the standout plays of the game? Get a detailed breakdown of the most exciting moments.Who were the key players for the Packers and Falcons?Learn about the star performers on both teams.Was there controversy during the game? Find out if there were any controversial calls or disputed plays Read the full article

[kakfightingring]

Week 1 Recap

High Score

bluemonkeyballs - The defending champs picked up right where they left off, destroying Tricks Named Jim in their Week 1 matchup. It was a balanced attack, with Brandon Aiyuk (8/129/2) leading the receivers and Austin Ekeler (117/47/1) commanding the running game. After this dominant start, it looks the only thing potentially cockblocking the balls could be a looming quarterback controversy after Tua Tagovailoa thoroughly outplayed Jalen Hurts.

Player of the Week

Tyreek Hill made some news this offseason when he mentioned that he uses Madden to scout opposing CBs. It clearly worked out for him in week 1, as he dominated the Chargers with 11 catches for 215 yards and 2 TDs. Reached for comment on his couch, coach Craig Wickersham paused his game to say, "I agree, Madden knows all," before returning to trash talking a 12-year old on XBox Live.

Turd of the Week

Game of the Week

Brown Wives Matter vs. The Six - After finishing 2nd and 3rd last year, both squads were eager to make a statement in their week 1 matchup. Coach Tilley continued to ride the wave of Justin Jefferson (typically the #1 pick in most leagues, but a 9th round keeper for the Wives) to the tune of 9 receptions and 150 yards. But coach Desai had more than enough firepower among his receivers, with both Stefon Diggs (10/102/1) and Calvin Ridley (8/101/1) surpassing Jefferson's point totals. In the end, it came down to Josh Allen shitting the bed on Monday night with 3 costly interceptions.

What 2 Watch 4 Week 2

cheetalive vs. Kaepernicklin - After a disappointing week 1 in which his bench literally outscored his starting lineup, we'll see if coach Joyce gets really bold this week and starts Tyler Allgeier and Rashid Shaheed over Derrick Henry and Keenan Allen. On the other side, coach Lin will have to figure out something to jumpstart his passing game after none of his receivers managed a double-digit fantasy day in week 1. A good place to start might be remembering that JuJu Smith-Schuster no longer plays with Patrick Mahomes.

Brown Wives Matter vs. Turdburners - Every season WHL fans wait with bated breath for the moment. But this year it only took 1 week for the Turfburners to complete their glorious transformation into the Turdburners. Coach Africa's squad pulled off the rarely seen double zero, with both Drake London and Dallas Goedert registering no fantasy points. In week 2, they draw a motivated Wives squad looking to avoid their first 0-2 start since 2019.

Power Rankings

bluemonkeyballs

32 Inch Apex Strikes Back

The Six

Use Your Hand

Brown Wives Matter

Kaepernicklin

Out With the Old Hoe

Kak Fighting Ring

Breakin' T-Law

Tricks Named Jim

cheetalive

Turdburners

[anthonybialy]

Post-Preseason Scrutiny for the Buffalo Bills

Slackers mooched free water on the sideline despite not playing.  Benched preseason players just don’t care.  Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs wearing their uniforms will remain this month’s funniest moment.  Engaging in cosplay is their own form of gaming.

Infinity percent fewer snaps than last preseason works out.  We saw that Buffalo’s king remembered how to throw with no need to work on timing around this time last summer.  Yelling at coaches to yank him was the most drama during the previous preseason.  Those repetitions still apply.  These games are there if teams need them.  Many on this particular team do not.

Getting Kyle Allen jokes out of the way is easier based on a performance that didn’t quite wow.  Worries about his play distract from how he doesn’t have his first name’s initial on his jersey. I guess the equipment staff figures we can tell apart Allens. The players with the same family name are unlikely to be on the field simultaneously.

The Bills knew who they were before the real pretend kickoff.  I mean, they sort-of have it down.  Defining ourselves is always tricky even with established behavioral patterns.

At least, they knew more than their foe.  Indianapolis tried much more urgently to determine their identity.  They have to show more than the Isaiah McKenzie resentment agenda.  Striving to make his previous employer rue not continuing their work agreement took the form of returning a quite deep kickoff.  A desire for revenge can affect decisions.

Watching a quarterback debut during organized scrimmages is a relief when your favorite side is facing him.  Those associated with the Colts have spent the week diagnosing confirmed starter Anthony Richardson’s handful of snaps in a glorified exhibition as if they’re new commandments.  Coaches must spend the rest of the month fretting that an early interception is a bad sign.  An understandably rocky start in an imitation outing will be forgotten forever if he was just adjusting.

Either way, teams like the Colts should minimize their greatest hope’s exposure to danger.   Seeing their top choice tackled on a read option to start his second series and later on a keeper in the red zone called back on a penalty adds unnecessary stress to a preseason that’s already packed with stress.  You can feel bad for them in a detached way.

Looking for signs of progress becomes more urgent with desperation.  Preseason is the time for haruspicy.  Practitioners aren’t even professionals, although that may not affect the accuracy percentage.  Check the entrails again.

The easy way to guess what will happen is to look at what’s already happened.  I boldly predict many teams that experienced success last season will achieve similarly welcome results during upcoming games.  I’ll see if I also know Powerball numbers.

Keep wagering success is indefinite just like how every stock always goes up in value.  Don’t bring me down with examples that note success could possibly do anything but necessarily increase indefinitely.  Netflix is trying not to match Blockbuster’s performance.  Still, some trends may continue.  Teams that seemingly make the postseason by custom don’t have to place faith on glimpses the announcers might not have bothered to catch.

Some younger guys took advantage of opportunities for us to excessively analyze.  James Cook’s touchdown featured a nice bounce matched by speed.  Finding a replacement for Devin Singletary is as tricky as remembering to keep using a running back in this offense; such an impression may make it easier.  And O’Cyrus Torrence bowled over enough defenders to inspire optimism he could remedy interior line concerns from his first NFL game.

The biggest test came for someone who also didn’t play.  Sean McDermott must get used to managing every situation while managing to call the defense.  He doesn’t get to take it leisurely while Buffalo has the ball.  That’s even with his starting quarterback keeping busy while watching.  The endlessly impressive Josh Allen compensated for not taking snaps by calling plays.  The biggest competition is for the offensive coordinator position.

Get overreactions out of the way.  Pretend games offer fans a chance to adjust, too.  Going from cheering for a guy making the team to sighing that he’ll get cut in a second is as natural as making playoff projections during the summer.  You don’t have to tell anyone what you claimed would happen during a rash summer moment.

One player found a way to make it matter.  Damar Hamlin making plays will serve as the preseason’s biggest moment.  That’s not just for Buffalo.  Watching from a suite would have been an incredible accomplishment.  Participating in action again even in preseason means the comeback player of the year race is for second place.

Three inconsequential games are our reward for waiting since the Super Bowl.  It’s natural to embrace any fragment of positive anticipation from a tackle for loss or concerted third down.  True fun commences in September.  The faux season opener was at least a little exciting,