Ultimini Bowl XXV
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| Stadium | The Dog House, Dallas USA | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Offensive MVP | Joliet Christ Jr., Quarterback (DBD) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Defensive MVP | Siege Cameron, Cornerback (KCC) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ultimini XXV was an American football game played to determine the champion of the Developmental Simulation Football League (DSFL) for 2042 (S27).
The Southern Football Conference (DSFL South) champion Dallas Birddogs defeated the Northern Football Conference (DSFL North) champion Kansas City Coyotes, 21-23, to win their first Ultimini Bowl championship.
The game was played at The Dog House located in Dallas USA.
Contents
Background
Teams
The DSFL North was represented by the Kansas City Coyotes (7-7), and the DSFL South was represented by the Dallas Birddogs (11-3).
Kansas City Coyotes
The Coyotes had posted their worst record in franchise history the previous season (1-13) and sneaked into the playoffs in season 27 (7-7) following dominant seasons by the Pythons (11-3) and Birddogs (11-3). Xander Creed had accumulated 1,196 yards to make him the number three running back in the league whilst Eleven Kendrick-Watts and Luke Quick both posted 1,000 yard seasons. The Coyotes' defense stats were middling but they found a 5-game winning streak to end the season on a hot run to make the playoffs.
Dallas Birddogs
See Also: Dallas Birddogs 2042 Season
The Dallas Birddogs had narrowly missed the playoffs the previous season (7-7) but in 2042 saw Sirdsvaldis Miglasķēms lead the DSFL in rushing yards (1,280) and touchdowns (15), Joliet Christ Jr. lead the league in passing touchdowns (21) (and second in passing yards (3,560)) whilst Chunt Badger led the league in receiving yards (1,405). The Birddogs equalled their longest regular season winning streak (7) and enjoyed their best record in franchise history (11-3)
NFC Championship Game
Main Article: 2042 NFC Championship Game
Kansas City Coyotes (7-7) vs Portland Pythons (11-3) - 31-21
Portland begun the game strongly going up 0-13 before their momentum faltered late in an undisciplined second quarter which allowed the Coyotes to get back into the matchup with a touchdown reception from Luke Quick. The second half continued to be a tense and even affair but Busch Goose's score to open the half put the Coyotes 14-13 ahead. The Portland immediately responded on the next possession with a 59 yard touchdown pass by LeBron James III to Quavious McGrady to give the Portland's the lead 14-21 after a successful two point conversion.
Neither teams were able to capitalise on the next six possessions until Dexter Hall made a game changing interception on a LeBron James III pass to give the Coyotes possession at around half way. The Coyotes ran 5 minutes off the clock before Luke Quick hauled in another touchdown to draw the game level at 21-21. The Portland went three and out on their next possession which allowed the Coyotes's Armando Galarraga to kick a 33 yard field goal to put them ahead 21-24. With 21 seconds to go on their own 11 LeBron James III tried to force a pass which was picked off by Guy Gibson effectively icing the game.
The Coyotes's Xander Creed rather unsportingly then crashed it in for a one yard touchdown for a final score of 31-21 to the Coyotes.
Troy Abed went for 41/60, 373 yards, 3 TDs and no INTs with a 101.7 rating.
SFC Championship Game
Main Article: 2042 SFC Championship Game
Tijuana Luchadores (6-8) vs Dallas Birddogs (11-3) - 27-28
In a nail-biting showdown for the SFC Championship, the Dallas Birddogs emerged victorious in a thrilling 28-27 victory over the Tijuana Luchadores, securing their ticket to Ultimini XXV in dramatic fashion.
The game kicked off with a back-and-forth first quarter, marred by penalties on both sides. The Luchadores missed a field goal attempt from 46 yards, giving the Birddogs an opportunity to strike. Capitalising on the Luchadores' misfire, the Birddogs orchestrated a swift 64-yard drive, culminating in a 23-yard passing touchdown to Bayley Cowabunga, igniting the Birddogs' offense and putting them ahead early.
The Birddogs continued to build momentum in the second quarter, with Dallas Dole extending their lead with a 45-yard field goal. However, the Luchadores responded with a rushing touchdown from Preston Parker, making the most of penalties that plagued the Birddogs' defense. Nevertheless, the Birddogs closed out the half with another field goal from Dole, heading into halftime with a narrow lead.
In the third quarter, the Luchadores surged ahead with a field goal followed by a breakout 77-yard rushing touchdown from Lonnie Jackson, swinging the momentum in their favour and putting them ahead 17-13. Jackson added another touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter, giving the Luchadores a seemingly unassailable 24-13 lead.
Undeterred, the Birddogs rallied back, with Erik Gaare rushing for a crucial touchdown on the next possession. Sirdsvaldis Miglasķēms converted the two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to make it a one-score game at 24-21 with 9:43 remaining on the clock. However, the Luchadores managed to extend their lead with a 34-yard field goal, leaving the Birddogs with just over three minutes to mount a comeback.
With time winding down, Joliet Christ Jr. led a determined 60-yard march downfield, culminating in a dramatic game-winning touchdown pass to Chunt Badger with only 16 seconds remaining. Cowabunga's standout performance, amassing 157 receiving yards and a touchdown, earned him the offensive player of the game honours, highlighting the Birddogs' resilience and clutch playmaking ability in securing their spot in Ultimini XXV.
Ultimini Bowl XXV
In an electrifying showdown for Ultimini XXV, the Dallas Birddogs clawed their way to a thrilling 23-21 victory over the Kansas City Coyotes, to secure their first championship title in a remarkable come-from-behind triumph.
The Birddogs wasted no time making their mark on the game, as Joliet Christ Jr. connected with Bayley Cowabunga for a sensational 34-yard touchdown reception on the opening possession, propelling them to an early 7-0 lead.
However, the Coyotes quickly responded in the second quarter, with Xander Creed punching in a 3-yard touchdown to even the score. A nervy missed field goal by Dallas Dole was capitalised on by the Coyotes, who executed a methodical drive downfield, culminating in a Lane Quick 7-yard touchdown reception, followed by a devastating pick-six by Siege Cameron on the very next play, swinging the momentum decisively in the Coyotes' favour to lead 21-7 at halftime.
Undeterred by the deficit, the Birddogs rallied in the third quarter, with the ever-reliable Sirdsvaldis Miglasķēms finding the end zone from two yards out, narrowing the gap and igniting hopes of a comeback. Despite the Coyotes' struggles to generate offense, penalties continued to haunt the Birddogs until Miglasķēms delivered once again with another crucial touchdown. However, a missed extra point by Dallas Dole left the Birddogs trailing by one point.
In a tense fourth quarter, the Coyotes faced adversity with penalties putting them in a difficult position, ultimately leading to a pivotal punt back to the Birddogs. With the championship on the line, Christ Jr. orchestrated a remarkable drive, connecting with Chunt Badger and leaning on Miglasķēms for crucial rushing yards. With the game hanging in the balance, Dallas Dole, who had previously missed an extra point and a field goal, stepped up and redeemed himself, clinching victory with a clutch 23-yard field goal with just 1:07 remaining on the clock.
Christ Jr. delivered a stellar performance, going 25-of-36 for 333 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, while Miglasķēms' two touchdowns proved vital in the Birddogs' championship triumph. Additionally, standout performances from Badger and Cowabunga, both surpassing 100 receiving yards, further fueled the Birddogs' remarkable comeback victory.
With this thrilling win, the Dallas Birddogs etched their names in DSFL history as champions, capping off their record setting season across the board.
Game statistics
Statistical comparison
| Statistic | Kansas City Coyotes | Dallas Birddogs |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 14 | 21 |
| Third down efficiency | 6/13 | 4/10 |
| Fourth down efficiency | 0/0 | 0/1 |
| Net yards rushing | 101 | 128 |
| Rushing attempts | 17 | 30 |
| Yards per rush | 5.9 | 4.3 |
| Passing (Completions/Attempts) | 20/40 | 25/36 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Net yards passing | 249 | 333 |
| Total net yards | 350 | 461 |
| Fumbles-lost | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Penalties-yards | 14-87 | 9-72 |
| Time of possession | 27:21 | 32:39 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
