Ep 18. Pride of the Useless

Eyeshield 21 season 1 episode 18, titled "Pride of the Useless," follows the Deimon Devil Bats as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Taiyo Sphinx. With their recent victories, the Devil Bats have gained some confidence, but they soon realize that their opponents are much stronger than they anticipated.

In this episode, we see the team struggling to come up with a strategy to defeat the Sphinx. Sena, Monta, and Kurita discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, but they are unable to come up with a plan. Meanwhile, Hiruma is seen watching the Sphinx's games and analyzing their strategies.

As the game approaches, Hiruma decides to put his trust in the Devil Bats' "useless" players. He believes that each member of the team has their own unique strength, and if they work together, they can win the game. He orders them to practice their individual skills and focus on their own strengths, rather than trying to copy their opponents.

This episode also introduces a new character, Riku Kaitani, a former player for the Sphinx. Riku is now a freelance reporter, and he approaches Hiruma with information about the Sphinx's tactics. Hiruma sees an opportunity to exploit their opponents' weaknesses and agrees to work with Riku.

During the game, the Devil Bats put Hiruma's plan into action and utilize the skills of their "useless" players. Monta's speed, Kurita's strength, and Sena's agility prove to be valuable assets, and they manage to keep up with the Sphinx. However, they quickly realize that the Sphinx's star player, Agon Kongo, is extremely strong and difficult to tackle.

Despite the obstacles they face, the Devil Bats maintain their pride and determination. They continue to fight until the very end, refusing to give up. Through their hard work and teamwork, they manage to surprise everyone with their performance.

Overall, "Pride of the Useless" is an exciting episode that highlights the importance of trusting in one's own abilities and working together as a team. It also emphasizes the value of perseverance and determination and shows how these qualities can lead to success even in the face of adversity. The episode sets the stage for future matches and leaves viewers eager to see what will happen next.