Ultimini XXIX
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stadium | Rockstar Stadium, Hollywood USA | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive MVP | Ricky Stanzi, Quarterback (DBD) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Defensive MVP | Sakeem Webb, Cornerback (DBD) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ultimini Bowl XXIX was an American football game played to determine the champion of the Developmental Simulation Football League (DSFL) for 2046 (S31).
The Southern Football Conference (DSFL South) champion Dallas Birddogs defeated the Northern Football Conference (DSFL North) champion Kansas City Coyotes, 21-30, to win their second Ultimini Bowl championship.
The game was played at Rockstar Stadium located in Hollywood USA.
Contents
Background
Teams
The DSFL North was represented by the Kansas City Coyotes (7-6-1), and the DSFL South was represented by the Dallas Birddogs (9-5).
Kansas City Coyotes
The Coyotes were middling in all categories across the season after missing the playoffs when recording the same record (7-6-1) the previous season. The Coyotes had beaten the Birddogs away from home 42-21 and lost in the reverse fixture 41-27. Andy Fantuz had 1,248 yards and 10 touchdowns whilst Jaycee Higgins had 1,196 yards and 13 touchdowns - both of whom the Coyotes would be seeking to rely on in the biggest game of their season.
Dallas Birddogs
See Also: Dallas Birddogs 2046 Season
The Dallas Birddogs were the top seed and had been on excellent form (barring a 5-9 losing season in 2043 (S28)) since winning Ultimini XXV and had lost in the SFC Championship Game in the last two seasons. Ricky Stanzi led the league in both passing yards and touchdowns, Ivan Toastovich led the league in receiving yards (1,606) whilst Orpheus Czargyros led the league in tackles as the Birddogs brought a league leading offense (464 points scored in the regular season) and a strong defense to Ultimini XXIX.
NFC Championship Game
Main Article: 2046 NFC Championship Game
Kansas City Coyotes (7-6-1) vs Minnesota Grey Ducks (8-6) - 30-27
SFC Championship Game
Main Article: 2042 SFC Championship Game
Norfolk Seawolves (9-5) vs Dallas Birddogs (9-5) - 34-37
In a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams, the Dallas Birddogs emerged victorious over the Norfolk Seawolves in the SFC Championship Game, clinching a nail-biting 37-34 win in an epic battle that showcased the best of football.
The Birddogs wasted no time making their mark on the game, with wide receiver Ivan Toastovich igniting the scoreboard on the team's first possession, hauling in a spectacular 58-yard receiving touchdown from MVP Ricky Stanzi. Their momentum carried into the second possession, as John Riggins punched in another touchdown after a formidable drive down the field, propelling the Birddogs to an early 14-0 lead.
However, the Seawolves quickly answered in the second quarter, with Malcolm Savage orchestrating an impressive comeback. Savage connected with French Fries for a 13-yard touchdown before French Fries unleashed a breathtaking 50-yard punt return touchdown, to level the score and ignite the crowd.
The Birddogs regained the lead before halftime, courtesy of Anthony MacGuire's touchdown, but the Seawolves' Jack Lewis narrowed the gap with a stunning 53-yard field goal as time expired, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
A tense third quarter saw both teams exchange blows, with Lewis adding another field goal to make it a one-point game. However, the Birddogs exploded into action in the final quarter, with MacGuire and Escanor Sama finding the end zone to extend their lead.
With just over three minutes remaining, the Seawolves rallied, as Malcador The Hero snagged a crucial touchdown pass from Savage, keeping their hopes alive. Yet, Stanzi's uncharacteristic interception on the next possession with only 2:36 left on the clock breathed new life into the Seawolves' comeback bid, leading to a game-tying score and sending the game into overtime.
In a dramatic overtime period, the Seawolves' Malcolm Savage through an interception on the first play of the first possession to Sakeem Webb. The resilient Birddogs then answered with a methodical drive into field goal range. With the game on the line, Spooky Bazz sealed the victory for the Birddogs with a clutch 33-yard field goal, propelling them to Ultimini XXIX in a heart-stopping conclusion.
Stanzi's stellar performance earned him MVP honours, throwing for 370 yards and four touchdowns, while Toastovich's explosive playmaking ability, with 137 yards receiving and a touchdown, proved pivotal in securing the Birddogs' chance at Ultimini XXIX.
Ultimini Bowl XXIX
In a thrilling showdown at Ultimini XXIX, the Dallas Birddogs clashed with the Kansas City Coyotes in a battle for championship glory. The Coyotes started strong, converting a 40-yard field goal through Izuku Campbell, followed by a touchdown from Jaycee Higgins, giving them an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
However, the Birddogs quickly responded, with Spooky Bazz kicking a 49-yard field goal to put points on the board. Campbell added another field goal for the Coyotes, but Bazz once again showcased his kicking prowess with a successful 44-yard attempt.
Lot Smith VIII extended the Coyotes' lead with another touchdown, but the resilient Birddogs managed to narrow the gap before halftime, as Bazz nailed another field goal with just 19 seconds remaining on the clock.
The third quarter saw a flurry of penalties and changes in possession, with neither team able to add to the scoreboard. However, in the fourth quarter, Birddogs' quarterback Ricky Stanzi took control of the game, connecting with Ivan Toastovich and John Riggins for touchdown passes, giving the Birddogs a narrow lead.
With the game on the line, Riggins sealed the victory for the Birddogs with a gamebreaking 49-yard touchdown run, putting them ahead with just 1:39 left on the clock.
Stanzi was named the MVP of the game, finishing with an impressive stat line of 360 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. On defense, Sakeem Webb delivered a standout performance with 6 tackles and a crucial interception, helping secure the Birddogs' victory in Ultimini XXIX.
Game statistics
Statistical comparison
| Statistic | Kansas City Coyotes | Dallas Birddogs |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 14 | 21 |
| Third down efficiency | 3/11 | 3/10 |
| Fourth down efficiency | 1/2 | 0/0 |
| Net yards rushing | 96 | 123 |
| Rushing attempts | 25 | 17 |
| Yards per rush | 3.8 | 7.2 |
| Passing (Completions/Attempts) | 25/42 | 24/43 |
| Interceptions thrown | 2 | 1 |
| Net yards passing | 350 | 360 |
| Total net yards | 446 | 483 |
| Fumbles-lost | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Penalties-yards | 5-55 | 4-19 |
| Time of possession | 32:14 | 27:46 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
