Middle Earth- Following the conclusion of the 2019 season, the MCAA (Mythological Collegiate Athletic Association) shakes up the system by announcing the admittance of Elves, Dwarves, and Orcs for the 2020 season.

“Given the name of the program, I think it’s high time for this change,” Syldithas Enven, the Elvish correspondent for the NCAA, said. “For one thing, it will make the games a lot more interesting. Have you seen an Orc QB smash through a squad of linebackers, or two Elves make an 85-meter pass?”

These Tolkien terrors will start playing next fall, but several roadblocks lie ahead. The question of payment is up for debate. Elves have no concept of currency, while the conversion rate between dollars and Dwarfish Silver has stumped U.S. economists. 

There is also a heated debate at the NCAA headquarters in the Black Gate, Mordor, over whether Orcs should have face guards for their tusks, or saw them off completely. Despite these setbacks, there is excitement in the air, particularly with Duvo Battleforge, a Dwarf from the Battleforge Clan. Sitting at four and a half feet, he was drafted as a wide receiver for Shire State last month.

“My ancestors have fought off the Hordes of the Dark Lord for 15 centuries,” Battleforge said. “I’ll be damned if I can’t catch a wee pigskin.” 

Unfortunately for the Battleforge Clan, Duvo has yet to catch a pass, but his perseverance makes up for what he lacks in height.

Whether just a fantasy buff or just entering the football scene, all fans will enjoy the intense play-by-play action courtesy of the dragon-riding reporters.