1.   The survey suggests that all of this competitive fervor is taking a toll, and that financial pressures are paramount.

2.   A few leagues have quit keeping score, hoping to tamp down competitive fervor.

3.   A lack of self-assurance and competitive fervor has left his career tumbling like a bungled triple axel.

4.   He went after the starting role with a competitive fervor that impressed the coaching staff all the more.

5.   Both editors are promising bigger and better newspapers, daily and on the weekends, and no letup in their competitive fervor.