Hockey

    Plymouth Whalers hope imports have immediate impact


    Sep 04, 05:20 AM


    By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press

    Sept. 04--The Plymouth Whalers began training camp Wednesday and begin exhibition play today with two players still adjusting to life in North America.

    The Whalers drafted forward Rickard Rakell of Sweden and defenseman Dario Trutmann of Switzerland in the Canadian Hockey League's import draft in June. Both players reported to Plymouth this week and are excited about their new surroundings, which include living with billet families.

    Both players are expected to play key roles for the Whalers this season, with Rakell pegged as a top-six forward and Trutmann expected to be a top-four defenseman.

    "Both like to play in the corner and in front of the net," said Whalers coach and general manager Mike Vellucci. "Trutmann is supposed to be a real tough kid, competes, hits real hard and has a cannon for a shot.

    "Rakell will be in the top six. He played in the under-18 championships with Sweden already. I'm putting them right in right away. We're going to be a young team, and they're going to be key players, for sure."

    The Whalers have had mixed success with their import picks. Their best two were goaltender Michal Neuvirth in 2006 and defenseman Libor Ustrnul in 1999.

    Trutmann said Luca Sbisa, another Swiss defenseman, advised him that it would be good to play in North America as soon as possible.

    "He said, 'If you have the chance to go, you should go, you have to go,' " Trutmann said, adding that he was excited to learn the Whalers had drafted him.

    Rakell said he had hoped to play in the Swedish Elite League this season for AIK but learned he wouldn't play in the men's league for at least another season and decided it would be better to come to North America to get used to the smaller rinks and tougher playing style.

    Rakell said everything seems to be bigger in the U.S., from the homes to cars to hockey arenas.

    "Here, a regular home game gets about 3,000 people, and back home good games might get 400," Rakell said. "Everything's bigger, but I like it."

    It didn't take long for Rakell to have a memory to call home about -- meeting Red Wings captain and fellow Swede Nicklas Lidstrom.

    "That was awesome," Rakell said. "He's a legend back in Sweden. It was very fun to have a talk with him. You can tell by talking to him he's a leader both on and off the ice.

    "I took a picture with him."

    Contact GEORGE SIPPLE: 313-223-4796 or gsipple@freepress.com.

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    Frustrated former Red Wing Andreas Lilja skates and waits


    Sep 04, 05:20 AM


    By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press

    Sept. 04--Former Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja skated at Joe Louis Arena on Friday and admitted it has been a frustrating summer trying to negotiate a contract.

    "It's really frustrating," Lilja said. "The last few weeks have not been fun. Now we just decided to come over here and kids can start school and see what can happen from there."

    Lilja had a chance to return to the Wings, but he wanted more than the one-year, $1-million contract they were offering. General manager Ken Holland eventually signed Ruslan Salei to a one-year deal at $750,000 instead.

    "We talked for a bit, but I don't think anything really came out of it," Lilja said. "I don't know if I was waiting too long myself. I don't really know what happened, and then they signed Salei and that window closed. That's decisions you got to live with."

    Does he regret not taking the deal?

    "Yes and no," Lilja said. "It's a tough question. Of course I regret it. Now that we got here yesterday, got into my house it feels like -- we've been here five years. It feels like home. It's just that I think I was looking for something else, I guess."

    The fact that Lilja was still practicing at the Joe with his former teammates meant that there weren't any hard feelings on either side. Lilja said he kept in touch with the other Swedes on the Wings all summer.

    He said he has put his house up for sale and is hoping to latch on with a team before the season.

    "We're talking to a couple teams, but the market right now is not good," Lilja said. "There's a lot of players in my situation. Just have to try to stay positive and wait for the right thing to come up."

    Lilja said he's determined to play again in the NHL. He said he could go overseas and make more money, but that's not his first choice.

    "If I don't really get what I like, I might have to start looking somewhere else," he said. "That's the situation we have to deal with when that comes along."

    Contact GEORGE SIPPLE: 313-223-4796 or gsipple@freepress.com. Read more in his Red Wings blog at freep.com/redwingsblog.

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    Boys' Soccer: Stags open with a victory over the Rams


    Sep 04, 04:48 AM


    By Portland Press Herald, Maine

    Sept. 04--GORHAM -- Elliot Maker scored two goals to lead Cheverus to a 3-2 victory over Gorham in an SMAA boys' soccer opener on Friday.

    Nick Melville also scored for the Stags, and Connor Bell and Levi Lurvey scored for the Rams.

    Peter Potthoff had 11 saves for Cheverus.

    CAPE ELIZABETH 6, LAKE REGION 0: Blake Barrett had two goals and one assist to pace the Capers (1-0) over Lake Region (0-1) at Cape Elizabeth.

    Tim Takash, Tim Lavallee, Patrick Kelley, and Stefan Larose added a goal each.

    Lake Region keeper Dakota Brown finished with 14 saves. Cape's Cam Brown and Brett Parker combined for six stops.

    GREELY 1, GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER 0: Sean Ross scored on an assist from Matt Ricker with 14:42 remaining, and the Rangers (1-0) shut out the Patriots (0-1) at Cumberland.

    Elijah Leverett had seven saves to earn the shutout, and Ryan Cavallaro had nine saves for Gray-New Gloucester.

    NOBLE 4, BIDDEFORD 3: Noble (1-0) scored four second-half goals to defeat Biddeford (0-1) at North Berwick.

    Kyle Lagasse gave the Tigers a 1-0 halftime lead, but the Knights took a 4-1 lead on two goals by Jake Emard and one each by Josh Davis and Brandon Vigneault in an 11-minute span of the second half.

    Biddeford had goals from Mike Lachance and Kevin Kenneally in the final seven minutes.

    WINDHAM 4, BONNY EAGLE 3: The Eagles (1-0) jumped out to a 2-0 lead and held off Bonny Eagle (0-1) at Windham.

    Brandon Hodge and Brian Soucy scored in the first half for Windham, and Robbie Lentine scored in the 60th minute to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead.

    The Scots scored two quick goals to pull within 3-2, but Ryan Littlefield scored in the 67th minute for Windham.

    YARMOUTH 3, FREEPORT 0: Luke Pierce and Ryan Maguire scored first-half goals to help Yarmouth (1-0) win at Freeport (0-1).

    Sam Torres added a second-half goal. Chris Knaub made two saves for the shutout.

    Josh Weirich made 21 saves for the Falcons.

    MORSE 2, LEWISTON 0: Cody Snyder converted a penalty kick in the 57th minute and PC Ostergaard added a goal with three minutes left to lead Morse past Lewiston at Bath.

    YORK 8, TRAIP ACADEMY 1: Theo Bullock scored four goals as the Wildcats (1-0) downed Traip (0-1) at York.

    Kevin Bond added two goals for York.

    Lucas Costas scored for the Rangers.

    FALMOUTH 5, FRYEBURG ACADEMY 1: Michael Bloom had three goals and an assist to lead the Yachtsmen (1-0) over the visiting Raiders (0-1).

    Sam White added a goal and an assist and Drew Segerstrom also scored for Falmouth.

    Fabian Schoewer scored for Fryeburg Academy.

    WATERVILLE 3, LAWRENCE 2: David Cook scored with 4:11 to play as Waterville (1-0) beat visiting Lawrence (0-1).

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    Penguins sign Comrie for 1 year, $500,000


    Sep 04, 04:45 AM


    By Shelly Anderson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

    Sept. 04--Third-line center, if Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal play on the same line. Top-line winger to replace Bill Guerin. Fourth-line utilityman.

    The list of where Mike Comrie could end up playing with the Penguins is nearly endless -- perhaps anywhere but center on the top two lines, where Sidney Crosby and Malkin and/or Staal figure to hold tight.

    And it matches the list of forward spots Comrie is willing to fill.

    "For me, to be able to come in and try to complement the players the Penguins have, to fit in and be a guy that can make plays and play on different lines and give them different looks on a team that can make a playoff run, that's something I'm excited about," Comrie said Friday after signing a one-year contract with the Penguins for $500,000.

    "If you get your stick open, there's some world-class guys who can get the puck on my stick."

    Comrie, a journeyman who turns 30 next Saturday, could add some scoring punch and maybe a finishing touch from wherever he plays. He has been mostly a right winger in recent seasons but was primarily a center earlier and can play on the left side.

    "Versatility," general manager Ray Shero said, "is what really interested us.

    "We have no preconceived notions about who he's going to play with or where he's going to play, but he's a competitive guy. He's got quick hands in tight. He's a good, talented offensive player. Maybe on our second power-play unit he could be a guy on the half-wall, a position we've had some trouble filling."

    Comrie, 5 feet 10 and 185 pounds, has 167 goals, 359 points in 568 NHL games with Edmonton (twice), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Ottawa (twice) and the New York Islanders. He has scored at least 20 goals five times, at least 30 goals twice. He had 13 goals in 43 games with Edmonton last season, which was cut short by a bout of mononucleosis.

    The Oilers reportedly were interested in re-signing him after he became an unrestricted free agent, but Comrie took a big cut from the $1.25 million he made last season to join the Penguins.

    He and Shero toyed with the idea of Comrie coming to training camp on a tryout basis, but, when Comrie offered to sign for the NHL minimum salary, the Penguins jumped.

    "For me, it was a hockey decision," Comrie said. "I wanted to go to a team that I thought had a good chance to compete every night. It wasn't about how much money I was going to make; it was about how I could help the team.

    "You've got to earn your opportunity to help a good team on the ice, but I'm thrilled about this opportunity."

    It's pretty easy to see why Comrie wanted to hook up with a team that could be expected to reach the postseason and be a contender on a regular basis,

    The Penguins have made the playoffs each of the past four seasons, reaching the final twice and winning the Stanley Cup in 2009. Comrie played for Ottawa when the Senators ousted the Penguins in five games in the first round of 2007 playoffs and marched to the final before losing to Anaheim.

    That was the last time Comrie has appeared in the playoffs, and he was part of an Edmonton club that last season finished last in the NHL.

    He also brings two interesting side stories with him.

    Last month, he married actress and recording artist Hilary Duff. In 1973, an uncle, Fred Comrie, was drafted by the Penguins in the eighth round, although he never reached the NHL.

    --

    NOTE -- About 2,000 single-game tickets for each Penguins home date for the first season at Consol Energy Center will go on sale at 10 a.m. next Friday at www.ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000, Ticketmaster locations and the Consol Center box office.

    For more on the Penguins, read the Pens Plus blog with Dave Molinari and Shelly Anderson at www.post-gazette.com/plus. Shelly Anderson: shanderson@post-gazette.com.

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    Penguins add veteran center Comrie


    Sep 04, 02:34 AM


    By Rob Rossi, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

    Sept. 04--General manager Ray Shero is doing something right in convincing players Pittsburgh is the spot for them.

    Forward Mike Comrie, who signed a one-year contract with the Penguins on Friday, had talked to Shero about attending training camp on a tryout contract.

    Instead, Shero snagged Comrie -- 29 and a scorer of 20 goals in five NHL seasons -- for the league minimum $500,000.

    "He sold us on his willingness to play anywhere in the lineup," Shero said. "This is a guy who played half a season and scored 13 goals. His best hockey was a few years ago with Ottawa when (the Senators advanced to the 2007 Stanley Cup) Final, and he hasn't been to the playoffs since."

    The Penguins have played in four straight postseasons, and they'll be on the short list of favorites for a third trip to the Final in four seasons after Shero's offseason shopping spree.

    It began with re-signing left wing Matt Cooke (three years/$5.4 million) before free agency, picked up on Day 1 of the open period with the signings of defensemen Zbynek Michalek (five years/$20 million) and Paul Martin (five years/$25 million) and wrapped with the recent gatherings of forward Arron Asham (one year/$700,000) and Comrie.

    Not including injured center Jordan Staal, the Penguins will open camp with 12 forwards on NHL contracts -- though perhaps it is time to redefine what that means for this club.

    "Game-to-game," Shero said of lineup spots, adding that this camp will be "probably, most likely" the most competitive of his tenure that dates to 2006.

    Oh, and prospects -- from heralded power forward Eric Tangradi to potential third-line center Mark Letestu to likely sixth defenseman Ben Lovejoy -- should consider themselves on alert.

    Shero insisted there is "still opportunity" for prospects to win a roster spot, but...

    "A young guy has to come in and earn that spot," he said.

    With $1.2 million remaining under the NHL's $59.4 million salary cap, Shero did not rule out the team carrying 14 forwards into the regular season, which opens Oct. 7 against Philadelphia at Consol Energy Center.

    Comrie might have a prominent role in that game. He is one of only three Penguins to score at least 30 goals in a season. He accomplished that task twice, the last time five years ago with Phoenix.

    He could contend for a top-seven spot among forwards given his versatility. He can play either wing position or at center, and his lineup chances are enhanced by his ability to man the half-wall on a second power-play unit.

    The Penguins have lacked that element to their No. 2 power play for several seasons.

    "I've always tried to create chances and think on the ice, make plays," said Comrie, who recently married actress Hilary Duff.

    "Depending on whom you're playing with and the time and score of the game you have to adapt. With the roster the Penguins have you might just have to get your stick open. If you get open there will be a lot of chances."

    In a couple of weeks there will be a lot of players trying to win a select few spots, and Shero knows what to look for from Comrie's attempt to win one.

    "When he's on his game, he's a guy you want to kill," Shero said. "Against us he used to fight Colby (Armstrong), and he fought (Max) Talbot and (Tyler Kennedy) -- I remember all those. He gets under your skin."

    Note: Single game tickets for home games will go on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 10. About 2,000 tickets for each game will be available. The team has cut its season-ticket sales at 15,000 to ensure tickets are available for individual sale. They can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000; also at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Consol Energy Center box office.

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    Leading International Teams Bring Skills to United States


    Sep 03, 11:53 PM


    By MIKE JACOBS

    For those who are looking for a soccer fix now that the World Cup has come and gone, there is plenty of top-level action here in the United States this summer.

    The past couple of summers, some of the top international teams in the world have visited on preseason tour. Most professional leagues around the world run from August to May, and with the Major League Soccer season in play from March through November, teams can play MLS opposition in mid-season form.

    What that all adds up to is a great opportunity for fans to see some of the best players and teams in the world right here in the United States.

    Manchester United is playing matches against MLS teams, other international exhibitions and will be the opposition of the MLS All- Stars. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has left his World Cup stars home to recover from their long summer in South Africa, but the team still has plenty of star power with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher and Dimitar Berbatov.

    Tottenham Hotspur finished in fourth place in the English Premier League, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in 2010-11. This is a big season for the Spurs, so the exhibitions will help prep them for their task at hand. Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane leads the Spurs along with England internationals Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone, Wales international Gareth Bale and Czech Republic playmaker Luca Modric.

    Manchester City had moved up the English Premier League last year to become a contender and was a major player in the transfer market. Rumors abound of City making a potential transfer bid for U.S. star Landon Donovan, which makes their stateside tour that much more intriguing.

    Bolton Wanderers adds to the list of English Premier League teams here for preseason, led by U.S. national team standout Stuart Holden. Bolton defeated Toronto FC, 2-1, in its first match.

    MLS teams have been competitive during these friendlies, showing that there is not a huge gap between our domestic league and the rest of the world. The San Jose Earthquakes had a 0-0 draw gainst Tottenham Hotspur, while the Spurs beat the New York Red Bulls 2-1. Manchester United squeaked by the Philadelphia Union 1-0.

    It seems to be en vogue for American fans of international soccer to bash our domestic league, taking a OEuro snobO approach. For our league to continue to grow and thrive, American fans need to accept the MLS as our league and that the standard is not that far behind the rest of the world.

    Where most of our top players compete abroad, MLS has been a home for some top players while also providing a springboard for top young players. Landon Donovan calls Los Angeles home, where the Edson Buddle team plays the Galaxy. Before Tim Howard and Michael Bradley were international stars, they played for the New York MetroStars (now Red Bulls).

    French international Thierry Henry is now with the Red Bulls and could be followed by Mexico captain Rafael Marquez.

    The MLS All-Stars take on Manchester United on July 28 in Houston (7:30 p.m. CDT, ESPN2).

    As the summer of soccer continues, there are plenty of top players and teams on display right here at home.

    (c) 2010 Evansville Courier & Press. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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    BRIEF: Penguins sign veteran forward Mike Comrie


    Sep 03, 11:04 PM


    By Shelly Anderson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

    Sept. 03--The Penguins today signed veteran forward Mike Comrie to a $500,000, one-year contract, potentially adding some scoring punch.

    Comrie, 29, has played with Edmonton, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Ottawa and the New York Islanders over nine NHL seasons, with 167 goals and 359 points in 568 games. He is a five-time 20-goal scorer and a two-time 30-goal scorer, although he has not had more than 13 since he scored 21 in 2007-08.

    He also is known for marrying actress Hilary Duff this summer.

    Comrie, whose uncle Fred Comrie was drafted by the Penguins in 1973 in the eighth round but never played here, has represented Canada in three World Championships and helped his country earn a gold medal in 2003.

    Shelly Anderson: shanderson@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1721

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    Kovalchuk's new $100M Devils deal approved by NHL


    Sep 03, 07:43 PM


    By TOM CANAVAN

    NEWARK, N.J. - The NHL has signed off on Ilya Kovalchuk's latest contract with the New Jersey Devils.

    Five weeks after rejecting the Russian's landmark 17-year, $102 million contract with the Devils, the league approved a revised 15-year, $100 million deal on Friday after reaching an agreement with the NHL Players Association on an amendment covering long-term contracts.

    Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk's agent, confirmed the agreement in an e-mail to The Associated Press. It was first reported by TSN.

    The NHL had rejected the Devils' initial offer because it violated the league's salary cap. An arbiter upheld that decision after the union filed a grievance.

    With 338 goals and 304 assists in 642 career games, Kovalchuk was the biggest prize on the NHL free agent market this season. The 27-year-old left wing had 41 goals and 44 assists in 2009-10, a season he split between Atlanta and the Devils, who acquired him in a multi-player deal in February.

    The new deal will put a $6.67 million annual hit on the Devils' salary cap and put the team roughly $3 million over the league limit ($59.4 million) with only 21 players under contract, two under the league limit.

    With a full roster, Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello probably is going to have to clear about $5 million in cap space before the season starts on Oct. 8.

    While the annual salary breakdown for the deal was not immediately available, Kovalchuk will earn significantly more money in the final five years.

    Arbitrator Richard Bloch had rejected the first contract because Kovalchuk was slated to earn only $550,000 in each of the last five seasons. It would have run through the 2026-27 season, when Kovalchuk will be 44.

    The 15-year deal matches the length of one signed by New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro.

    Kovalchuk went on the free agent market on July 1. He narrowed his final choices to the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, the Devils and SKA St. Petersburg of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League before agreeing to stay in New Jersey, at least until the league objected and extended his job search for about six weeks.

    Kovalchuk was supposed to be the last link in New Jersey's push for a fourth Stanley Cup title since 1995. However, he could not prevent the team from being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Philadelphia.

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    Spotlight on Hub hockey ; Three legends honored


    Sep 03, 06:22 PM


    By STEPHEN HARRIS

    The NHL's Lester Patrick Trophy, which represents outstanding service to hockey in the United States, will be presented next month in Boston.

    It will be, to say the least, an appropriate venue.

    Four men will be honored, and three have the deepest of ties to the sport in Boston: Bruins Hall of Famer and president Cam Neely, and Jack Parker and Jerry York, the longtime and highly successful coaches of Boston University and Boston College, respectively. American Hockey League president David Andrews, a Wilbraham resident, is the fourth honoree. "Every honor I've received playing this great game I've certainly appreciated, and this is no different," Neely said. "You look at the list of people who've received the Patrick, and it's quite a list. I'm honored to be part of it."

    York learned about the award a couple of weeks ago, when he got a phone call from commissioner Gary Bettman.

    "I thought it was my brother, Billy, pulling my leg," York said with a laugh. "When I realized it was for real, I was excited - really excited. This is a tremendous honor."

    Former BC All-America York, the Eagles coach since 1994, is the second most successful coach in NCAA hockey history, with 850 victories and four national championships.

    Parker, the Terriers captain in 1967-68, has been head coach since 1973. He enters his 38th season with a 836-432-104 record.

    Like Neely, York immediately took a look at the list of past Patrick recipients.

    "There is precedent for this, a couple of college guys from Boston getting this award," York said. "In 1972, (BC coach John) Snooks Kelley and (Harvard coach Ralph) Cooney Weiland got it. I think it's great that the NHL recognizes college coaches in this way.

    "Back in '72, Jack and I were both just starting out in our coaching careers as assistant coaches. I don't think either one of us could have imagined that we would have similar careers to those two gentlemen."

    Neely said he knows Parker somewhat better than York, largely because Parker was offered the B's coaching job during the 1980s. But he is delighted to see a pair of Boston legends honored in this way.

    "It's really a good day for Boston hockey," Neely said. "It speaks volumes about what's gone on around here at both the pro and collegiate level for a lot of years."

    Originally published by By STEPHEN HARRIS.

    (c) 2010 Boston Herald. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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    BRIEF: Former Exeter High hockey captain signs with Cincinnati Cyclones


    Sep 03, 05:48 PM


    By Ken Stejbach, Portsmouth Herald, N.H.

    Sept. 03--STRATHAM -- Jonathan Higgins, a 24-year-old from Stratham, has signed a one-year contract to play hockey for the Cincinnati Cyclones.

    The Cyclones is a member team of the East Coast Hockey League and an affiliate of the Florida Panthers and Nashville Panthers of the National Hockey League and the Rochester Americans and Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.

    Higgins, a 6-foot-1, 205 center, who played four years of college hockey at the University of Vermont, was formerly a captain on the Exeter High School boys hockey team.

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    NCAA Football

    Dragons not overlooking Independence


    Sep 04, 04:29 AM


    By Brad Hallier, The Hutchinson News, Kan.

    Sept. 04--Hutchinson Community College football coach Rion Rhoades has seen enough strange things in the Jayhawk Conference through the years to know that no game is a given.

    He remembers going to Highland two years ago, fresh off a 33-14 pasting of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, and getting drubbed 23-10. That was Highland's only win of the year.

    Last year, the Blue Dragons traveled to Independence to play a team that had scored 25 points in its previous four games. Hutchinson led 23-0 early in the fourth quarter before sweating out a 30-20 win as Independence's offense suddenly looked unstoppable.

    On the surface, it looks like the 11th-ranked Blue Dragons shouldn't have any problems with today's 7 p.m. game at Independence. The Blue Dragons (1-0) rolled by Kilgore, Texas 41-10, while Independence took a 51-16 beating at Trinity Valley, Texas.

    Rhoades' take on the matchup, however, is quick and to the point.

    "We're not good enough to overlook anybody," the fourth-year Blue Dragons coach said.

    Probably not wise to overlook the Pirates (0-1), especially given quarterback Brodrick Waters is back. Last year, he was one of the best offensive player in the conference, either throwing or rushing for 10 of Independence's 19 offensive touchdowns last year.

    In the fourth quarter against Hutch last year, Waters almost single-handedly led the Pirates to three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 30-20 defeat. He had two passing touchdowns against Hutchinson, and a third would have been a passing touchdown had a receiver not fumbled at the 1-yard line, but the Pirates recovered the fumble.

    "He's very dangerous," Rhoades said. "He's the guy who makes them tick. He's the heartbeat of the team, so we have to limit his impact on the game because he has a big-play capability running and throwing."

    Hutchinson will try to counter Waters with a defense that held Kilgore to 179 yards of offense and one late, meaningless touchdown.

    "He's a pretty quick player, but we have quick guys on defense, too," freshman defensive lineman Hank Schmedemann said. "We'll see how all that works out."

    Independence, under first-year coach Steve Carson, had a nightmare start at Trinity Valley. The Pirates were down 41-0 before scoring a pair of second-half touchdowns, one of which was on an interception return.

    "It got out of hand before it got started," Carson said. "Our punter shanked a punt that they turned into a field goal. Then we had a negative-yardage punt, and the next thing you know, we're down 17-0 in the first quarter. We never got started offensively."

    Waters didn't complete any of his 12 pass attempts. All 196 yards Independence gained came on the ground. Trinity Valley carried the ball 40 times for 186 yards and had four rushing touchdowns.

    Doesn't seem to make for an interesting matchup, does it? After all, few teams in the nation run the ball as well as Hutchinson does. Last week, sophomore Jamal Womble ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

    But like Rhoades, the Blue Dragons don't want to hear about how easily they won last week or Independence's struggles.

    "We've got to focus on every team, every week," sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Niblock said. "Everything is clicking pretty well right now, but we had good moments and bad moments last week. We need to clean everything up, like our blocking schemes and picking up blitzes."

    Improvement in those areas, and fixing a kickoff-coverage team that Kilgore shredded, would be as impressive to Rhoades as a win would.

    "What I believe in is that every week, it's not about what team we play," Rhoades said. "Yes, we have to study our opponent and what they'll do, but we want to improve on things we did poorly the last week. If we go down and play poorly, we will not be successful. We measure success on getting better each week."

    -----

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    Fischer fuels Buhler to win over Rockets


    Sep 04, 04:29 AM


    By Pat Sangimino, The Hutchinson News, Kan.

    Sept. 04--BUHLER -- Things might have been different for Rose Hill had two plays gone its way Friday night in a season-opening 34-10 loss to Buhler.

    A kickoff returned for a touchdown by DeQua Mayes in the second quarter was called back by an illegal-block penalty. Later, a fumbled ball at the goal line was recovered by Adam Massey, thwarting another scoring chance by the Rockets.

    The Crusaders made the most of it.

    "They were big plays and we took advantage of them," said junior running back Tanner Fisher, who shook off some first-half nausea by expelling his demons -- yes, he threw up right after a 71-yard touchdown run -- and rushing for a game-high 253 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries.

    If there were any doubts about finding a running game after Jorden Oden, they're gone now. In his first opening-night start, Fisher showed the ability to get stronger as the game went on. In the second half, he was the catalyst, constantly moving the chains with steady -- if not flashy -- gains.

    "He did get stronger," said Buhler coach Steve Warner. "I think our offensive line wore (Rose Hill) down and he did a good job of running behind them."

    Fisher said he was feeling ill in the first half. Nothing serious, he said. Probably opening-night jitters. But those came to a head after the Crusaders took the lead for good midway through the second half.

    With Rose Hill leading, 10-7, by virtue of Mayes' 43-yard touchdown run, Fisher gave the Crusaders back the lead on the next play. He took a handoff to the right and rushed and was through a gaping hole. He was at the midfield stripe before anyone got near him and won a foot race over the last 30 yards to complete his 71-yard touchdown run.

    "The blocking was amazing on that play," he said.

    The Crusaders opened the second half with a scoring drive that was culminated by Fisher's 9-yard touchdown run that made it a 20-10 game.

    Late in the third quarter, the Rockets' offense, which had clicked in the early going, found its stride again -- at least momentarily. Mayes, who ran for 167 yards, reeled off four straight first-down runs to put the ball inside the 15-yard line.

    Quarterback Derek Decker then turned the corner on a run to the left. He was hit by Grant Habluetzel at the goal line and Massey jumped on it.

    "I saw the ball pop out and I just jumped on it," Massey said. "There was still some doubt at that point, but we were playing well and we closed it out."

    Perhaps that was the biggest difference in the contest. With each team starting a newcomer at quarterback, Buhler sophomore Chandler Shantz played the closest to error-free football.

    While Decker had the big fumble and the interception that set up another score, Shantz ran for a score and accounted for 111 yards from scrimmage, including 73 on the ground.

    Shantz's 15-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter gave the Crusaders a 7-3 lead.

    -----

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    Trojans trounce bumbling Owls


    Sep 04, 04:26 AM


    By Kelley Smiddie, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.

    Sept. 04--Soddy-Daisy offensive coordinator Josh Roberts may coach football several more years, but he also may never have an easier time calling plays than he did Friday night.

    Roberts called for an inside zone run about 20-something times in the Trojans' District 5-AAA high school game against Ooltewah. Or better explained, running back Cedrick Edwards carried the ball 28 times on the way to 232 yards and three touchdowns in Soddy-Daisy's 19-0 victory on the Owls' homecoming night.

    The Trojans were on their game from the start, beginning with the opening kickoff. The ball was taken into a huddle around the 10-yard line, and Talon Harris emerged with it and took it to the Trojans' 33.

    After an incomplete pass, Roberts called his pet play -- basically a handoff up the middle from shotgun formation -- for the first time.

    Edwards gained 5 yards on that rush and went on to pick up 57 of Soddy-Daisy's 67 yards on its scoring march.

    Edwards finished the first quarter with 108 rushing yards and by the half he was up to 167 on 18 carries. His touchdown runs covered 21, 5 and 7 yards.

    "We didn't think our offensive line was going to be the strength of the team this year, but they're looking like they are," Soddy-Daisy coach Kevin Orr said. "Cedrick had some big holes to run through."

    So dominant was the Trojans' first half, they had a 255-71 advantage in yards from scrimmage and a 15-5 edge in first downs.

    "They punched us in the mouth in the first half," Ooltewah coach Shannon Williams said. "We came out flat. That's on us coaches."

    The Owls turned things around somewhat in the second half. For instance they closed the gap on first downs, which ended up 19-15 in favor of Soddy-Daisy (2-1, 1-0).

    However, Ooltewah's four possessions -- all ending up in the red zone -- ended with a lost fumble, two turnovers on downs and Cody Jones' interception in the end zone.

    "I'm really proud of the way we came out in the second half," Williams said. "We pitched a shutout, and they never stopped us. We stopped ourselves."

    Even though Owls running back Randall Freeman ran for 163 yards last week, Soddy-Daisy's defensive game plan was clearly to focus on containing quarterback Goose Manning. He ended up throwing for 159 yards, but 39 rushing yards was all he produced on 18 carries. The Trojans did that, and limited Freeman to 48 yards on 16 rushes.

    "It was a total defensive effort. We knew we had to stop No. 5," Orr said of Manning. "We had to do a little Goose hunting. I'm glad he's a senior. I don't want to watch him running around anymore."

    The last time the Trojans beat Ooltewah (2-1, 0-1) was in 2003. Orr's son, Gary, now a defensive assistant at Soddy-Daisy, quarterbacked a 37-12 victory.

    The game was the first regular-season home loss for Ooltewah since losing 17-7 to Oak Ridge on Oct. 26, 2007.

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    Physical Trion trips Ramblers


    Sep 04, 04:26 AM


    By Lindsey Young, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.

    Sept. 04--LAFAYETTE, Ga. -- After a sluggish opening-week loss, Trion football coach David Humphreys went Olivia Newton-John on his team during practice this week.

    The veteran coach didn't don leather pants or break into song, but he did get his message across: Let's get physical.

    The Bulldogs used a methodical ground game and suffocating defense Friday night to post an impressive 21-0 win at LaFayette. The visitors rushed for 224 yards and held the Ramblers to 96 total yards. Trion (1-1) ran 56 plays to 27 for LaFayette (1-1).

    "That was our challenge to the kids this week, especially to our offensive line folks," Humphreys said of the veteran starting line of Nick Coker (out last week due to injury), Trevor Flanigan, Dwayne Daggett, Colt Moore and Justin Baker. "We had a lot of missed assingments last week. Those guys have played a lot of football, but I don't think they've played one that intense. We moved the line of scrimmage all night, and that was the key."

    The dominance started early with an 11-play, 64-yard drive late in the first quarter -- including a 19-yard pass from Hayden Tucker to Hunter Ivester on fourth-and-12 at the LaFayette 24. Two plays later, Austin McGraw scored from the 2.

    Trion went 67 yards in 14 plays on its next possession, with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Tucker to Tanner Heyer. Running back Cody Simpson had 20 of his game-high 116 rushing yards on the drive that ate up nearly nine minutes.

    On a play befitting the night for the Ramblers, Jarrod Beamon returned the ensuing kickoff to the Trion 43 but was in the clear for a touchdown before he slipped and fell. The drive stalled after two penalties halted any momentum the team had.

    The Bulldogs put the game out of reach on their only possession of the third quarter. Simpson's 46-yard run started the 92-yard drive, which ended when Tucker and his favorite target, Heyer, connected on a 27-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. The 6-foot-3 receiver outjumped two defenders.

    "Tanner is a great weapon, and he made two great plays," Tucker said. "But our line led us all night. We wanted to go right at them until they stopped us. This is a great win, especially after last week."

    Leading the Trion defense was linebacker Austin McGraw, who had seven tackles, two for loss. LaFayette linebacker Koran Dyer had 15 tackles.

    -----

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    Cougars follow Maxey's lead


    Sep 04, 04:18 AM


    By Greg Swatek, The Frederick News-Post, Md.

    Sept. 04--THURMONT -- There are certain qualities Catoctin's Kellam Maxey has always admired about the way his brother, Nick, plays football.

    "He doesn't take crap from nobody," Kellam said. "He comes out here and hits hard. That's what I call a quarterback."

    And as the Cougars opened defense of their Class 1A state championship Friday night with a 39-0 victory over visiting Liberty, Nick Maxey looked like a quarterback.

    Making his first varsity start, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound senior directed touchdown drives on Catoctin's first four possessions, making timely throws and runs along the way.

    "I was a little nervous at first," Nick Maxey said after completing 5 of 8 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for an additional 58.

    "But after the first quarter, we started to settle down. We made little mistakes. We can work on them."

    The Cougars won for the 15th consecutive time, but they also looked like a team playing its first game of the season.

    Catoctin fumbled six times, including their first two plays of the game, and, remarkably, fell on every one of them.

    "Usually when you fumble, you lose the daggone ball," coach Doug Williams said. "I would have liked to know what the game would have been like if Liberty recovered the fumbles. It might have been interesting."

    The Cougars were helped by their defense, which allowed fewer than 100 yards, their special teams, which recovered a fumble, blocked a punt and produced a 52-yard kickoff return from Harlan Lawson to start the second half, and their knack for converting third-and-longs in the first half.

    On their first scoring drive, they converted third-and-13 with an 18-yard run from Kellam Maxey.

    Then, on a subsequent drive, they converted third-and-9 with a 41-yard pass from Nick Maxey to Evan Lambert, and third-and-7 with a 35-yard pass from Maxey to Devin Sanders for a touchdown.

    "I don't know how we converted all the third downs," Williams said. "We threw one pass in the corner here and they had it covered like a blanket and (Sanders) just jumped up and grabbed it. Kellam had a big run. The kids made some good plays at the right opportunity. They responded well to adversity."

    The Cougars' offensive attack was balanced.

    Kellam Maxey rushed for 61 yards on 12 carries. He also caught three passes for 42 yards.

    Austin Carter rushed for 64 yards on nine carries and tight end Sean Reaver caught two passes for 27 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown reception that capped the opening drive.

    "There's a lot of pressure on us," Kellam Maxey said. "But this team has to make a statement for (itself). Last year is over with. We came out and played our game."

    -----

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    Michels part of four touchdowns in Knights' rout


    Sep 04, 04:18 AM


    By Stan Goldberg, The Frederick News-Post, Md.

    Sept. 04--MIDDLETOWN -- A year ago, Sam Michels stood on the Middletown sidelines with a broken collarbone as his team barely beat Century in the season opener for both teams.

    On Friday night, the senior running back was on the field and made a difference for his team.

    Michels rushed for three touchdowns, passed for another and set up a score with a 28-yard punt return as Middletown downed Century, 45-14.

    Running behind a veteran offensive line that opened good holes for him, he had 162 yards rushing on 20 carries and added 47 yards passing.

    "It was definitely better than I could have imagined," Michels said. "I was hoping I would have a big game. We were really pumped up for that first game. Last year it was a 6-0 game. This year, we really proved ourselves."

    Last season, Michels missed the first six games with the injury. He came back to rush for 522 yards in the second half of the season and played in big role in getting Middletown into the playoffs.

    "It was hard, not being able to play in my first year of varsity football," he said of standing on the sideline and watching the first game.

    On Friday, Michels threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Chris Pirrone for the first touchdown of the game. It came early in the first quarter.

    "He's been a quarterback before, that's one of his favorite plays," Middletown coach Kevin Lynott said of the halfback-option pass.

    He scored an 18-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter and had touchdown runs of 14 and 45 yards in the second half.

    The game was tied 14-14 at the half with Century scoring in the final minute of the first half on a 75-yard pass from Ryan Throndset to Brandon Soderstrom.

    But the second half was dominated by the home team which scored 17 points in the third quarter alone.

    Century, which had 167 yards passing in the first half only had 25 in the second.

    "There was no Xs and Os changes," Lynott said. "It was just a matter of us hustling and playing together and playing hard. I think we wore them down and we turned it up."

    He also said the Knights cut down on mistakes.

    In the first half, a 14-yard run by Michels that put the ball on the Century 15 was negated by a holding penalty. They also lost a fumble on the Century 5-yard line in the second quarter.

    Hunter Lumley scored on a 14-yard run for Middletown and Tyler Lyons threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Nick Rabat.

    Freshman Zach Welch kicked a 34-yard field goal with plenty of distance to spare. It came against a stiff wind.

    Lyons, who shared quarterback duties with Michael Pritts, was nine of 13 for 89 yards.

    Middletown finished the game with 163 yards passing.

    -----

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    The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Greg Hansen column


    Sep 04, 04:11 AM


    By Greg Hansen, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson

    Sept. 04--TOLEDO , Ohio

    Mike Stoops kicked up so much dust in training camp that he should've been awarded a Ph.D. in psychology.

    Arizona's football coach spent three weeks with such a hangdog look, observing with a critical eye and pouring himself into the day-to-day coaching with such intensity that you almost expected him to put on his old college jersey, No.46, and play a little free safety.

    That's how much he wanted it; the Wildcats received his message and on Friday night played with suitable oomph.

    When Arizona beat the Toledo Rockets 41-2 at the Glass Bowl it was vintage Stoops. He does not know what it is to take a looser grip on a football game, even one played against the Mid-American Conference. His team responded not with a sloppy, opening-night, we-need-a-lot-of-work escape, but by crushing a MAC team the way a team with Rose Bowl aspirations should.

    "I'm not going to beat my chest; we still have a long way to go," he said, "but it's a great start."

    Might we have seen this coming?

    After you get torn up 33-0 by Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl, it's human nature to wonder if those twin 8-5 seasons of 2008 and 2009 were, in some way, flukes. But upon further review, after a suspense-free night near Lake Erie, there was no chance Arizona was going to be complacent at Toledo. And it wasn't.

    The Rockets couldn't solve Arizona's no-huddle, pedal-to-the-floor offense, they couldn't cover Juron Criner, and they couldn't disrupt Nick Foles or put enough stress on him to get him out of rhythm.

    The Wildcats weren't perfect, but their mistakes weren't magnified because Toledo isn't that good. So what. If you schedule judiciously, not opening at TCU or at BYU, you can grow your confidence rather than be forced to rebuild it.

    "I wouldn't say everything was perfect," said Criner, who was dazzling with 11 catches, 187 yards and a touchdown. But my goodness, Criner himself had more yards than the entire Toledo team (183).

    First-game co-offensive coordinator Seth Littrell won the game of X's and O's against Toledo co-defensive coordinators Mike Ward and Paul Nichols. After Foles directed Arizona 68 yards on its first possession, completing all five of his passes to produce a 7-0 lead, never requiring a huddle, Nichols, appeared to flip out.

    With suitable animation, he gathered the Rockets defensive players around him and tried to explain how to get into proper coverages, pointing a finger here, waving an arm there, but it didn't work.

    Arizona averaged 7.5 yards per play, an extraordinary number, and much of it goes back to Littrell and his fellow offensive coaches, especially line coach Bill Bedenbaugh and quarterbacks coach Frank Scelfo, who got the no-huddle offense up and running, humming, actually, in the off-season.

    They were prepared, and it showed. Incredibly, Arizona did not huddle once while Foles was in the game.

    "We didn't have great tempo all night. We had three straight three-and-outs in the first half, and you can't afford those lulls," said Littrell. "But we regained our tempo and played hard. That covers up some mistakes."

    By the middle of the third quarter, Toledo's defense was scattered and spent. The test now is to do something similar against more veteran coaching staffs in the Pac-10 and against Iowa.

    Through the last 30 years, Arizona has had a disturbing tendency of goofing up early games against inferior competition. Those long-ago losses to Fresno State, New Mexico and Colorado State, among others, always seemed to prevent the Wildcats from winning a championship or routinely selling out Arizona Stadium.

    So if nothing else, taking Toledo apart suggests the Wildcats have recovered from the Holiday Bowl debacle.

    Stoops set the tone. Not only did he re-do his staff, promoting Littrell, Bedenbaugh and Tim Kish, and hiring Scelfo, but he reworked his team's self-worth. He was determined that Toledo wouldn't mess up eight months of image control.

    "We had to put pressure on these young guys; the players have to understand what it's going to be like," he said. "We'll get a lot better from this."

    Choosing to play this game on a Friday night, on ESPN, with no other competition in college football, was brilliant. It should gain Arizona some points in its eternal battle with its football identity crisis.

    If you do well on ESPN, even against Toledo, people pay attention. It sells tickets, too.

    Said Stoops, who knew that Friday's victory was worth more than a few customary yawns: "It's a big night. Going on the road; they've put it to some people here."

    Stoops sprinkled the locker room with what seemed to be a record number of game balls. The entire defense got one. Several assistant coaches got others. He even gave one to new athletic director Greg Byrne, who tossed his game ball into the air, caught it and said, "You couldn't have scripted this much better."

    Contact Greg Hansen at 573-4362 or ghansen@azstarnet.com

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    Cats have right stuff


    Sep 04, 04:11 AM


    By Ryan Finley, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson

    Sept. 04--TOLEDO, Ohio -- That defense you were stressed about?

    It dominated.

    Those newcomers who made you worry? They dictated.

    That scheme you doubted? It defied expectations.

    The Arizona Wildcats opened their 2010 season with a blastoff Friday night, defeating Toledo 41-2 in a nationally televised game from the Glass Bowl.

    That Arizona won wasn't a surprise; the Wildcats were two-touchdown favorites against a slower, smaller MAC team. How they won, however, surprised just about everybody wearing a throwback-inspired white helmet -- and the head coach -- on a crisp September evening.

    Arizona's defense was its mutually agreed-upon weak spot throughout training camp. The four returning starters and seven newcomers struggled to stop the Wildcats' offense in drills, and seemed lost, timid and weak during all three public scrimmages.

    Friday's performance was the exact opposite -- sharp, aggressive and, most of all, effective.

    "It was," cornerback Trevin Wade said, "pretty much a surprise."

    Consider:

    --Arizona's defense held Toledo's offense scoreless, the Rockets' only points coming on a safety when UA guard Conan Amituanai was called for holding in the end zone during the second quarter. "I wish that 2 was a zero," Wade said with a smile. "It'd be a lot better."

    --Toledo gained just 183 yards, 250 fewer than its per-game average a year ago. The Rockets averaged just 3.6 yards per play, a plodding pace so boring that most of the 25,907 fans were gone by the end of the third quarter.

    "It was a big disappointment," Rockets coach Tim Beckman said.

    --The Wildcats leaned on their newcomers, transfers, and down-the-depth chart players

    Linebacker Paul Vassallo, playing in his first Division I game following a stellar junior college career, led the team with 10 tackles. Derek Earls, another JC transfer linebacker, turned the game with a second-quarter interception. Justin Washington, an afterthought at defensive tackle, had one of the team's two sacks.

    Reminded of the Wildcats' previous struggles, defensive end Ricky Elmore could only smile and shake his head.

    "From where we were two weeks ago to where we were today -- leaps and bounds," he said. "Our heads were in the right place, we were ready to play, and it showed."

    Toledo only threatened once. Austin Dantin connected with Eric Page for a pass midway through the third quarter that moved the Rockets to Arizona's 9-yard line. The Wildcats stuffed two consecutive runs, then watched as Dantin overthrew his receiver in the end zone. Toledo went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 3; Arizona flushed Dantin to the left and forced him to make a tough pass in traffic. He bounced it.

    "We were up 28-2 at the time, and we came up with more big plays inside the 10-yard line," coach Mike Stoops said. "You always get confidence from that; that's something you need."

    The Wildcats had their offensive stars, of course.

    Quarterback Nick Foles was stellar, completing 32 of 37 passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns. One of the scores went to Juron Criner, who caught 11 passes for 187 yards and ended up on SportsCenter's "Top Plays" -- twice. Tailback Nicolas Grigsby may have turned the game with a 36-yard dash three minutes before halftime. Though he finished with only 53 yards on eight carries, his two touchdowns gave the Wildcats some much-needed breathing room.

    But it was the defense -- criticized mercilessly for weeks in practice -- that stood out.

    The Wildcats planned it that way.

    Wade and the UA defensive starters met repeatedly in the days leading up to Friday's opener. The topic: First impressions.

    "We talked about not re-establishing what we had, but about establishing what we had," co-defensive coordinator Tim Kish said. "It was us defining who we're going to be in 2010. It was our first chance to make a statement."

    The Wildcats' performance Friday spoke volumes.

    What, were you worried?

    "We have a long way to go and we have to make a lot of corrections, but I like what we have out here," Kish said. "We have a chance to be very good on defense down the road."

    Up next

    --What: The Citadel at Arizona

    --When: 7 p.m. next Saturday

    --TV: Channel 58

    --Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM, 990-AM (Spanish)

    WELCOME ABOARD

    Two new Cats made an impact:

    10

    Tackles for LB Paul Vassallo, a transfer from Sierra Community College in Rocklin, Calif.

    1

    Sack in his first play as a Cat for redshirt freshman DT Justin Washington

    -----

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    Signed football cheers deployed Marine


    Sep 04, 04:10 AM


    By Jim Carney, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

    Sept. 04--It was much more than just a football.

    This football, signed by the football coaches at his alma matter, Ellet High School, carried special meaning for a Marine serving in Afghanistan.

    Lance Cpl. Aaron Byard, 20, a 2008 Ellet graduate, was given the football by family friend Mark Thomas last month. Thomas was in Afghanistan on business.

    Byard, a helicopter mechanic in the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, said receiving the football signed by coach Joe Yost and his assistant coaches was significant.

    "I know to most people, those names don't mean anything but to me, those are some of the most influential names in my history," the Marine offered in an e-mail. "Countless defining moments can be attributed to them and their mentorship."

    Thomas, 49, a retired recruiter for the Navy Reserve and the Ohio Army National Guard, now works for Mission Essential Personnel. The company provides translators to the military.

    The Akron man said he delivered the football along with some candy sent by Byard's mother, Sue, to Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan.

    "To see the look on his face when he got the football" was worth a million dollars, said Thomas.

    Thomas' sons also played football at Ellet.

    Byard was a middle linebacker at Ellet and began talking to Marine recruiters at age 17.

    "I have always dreamed of being a Marine," he said.

    With the Marine Corps, he said, he has "found something to believe in" and "found a way to be a part of something bigger."

    The Marine's tour in Afghanistan is expected to be over sometime this month, said his father, Bob Byard.

    He said his son will first spend some time at his base at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and then will likely visit Akron sometime in October.

    "Many people in the area are praying for Aaron and his safe return," Bob Byard said.

    The Marine's brothers, Alex and Andrew, also played football at Ellet.

    Ellet football coach Joe Yost said the football that Thomas took was the second football that has gone to Byard.

    Yost said the first football was sent to Byard early in his tour in Afghanistan.

    Thomas approached Yost a second time and asked if he and his assistants would sign a second one.

    "It was our privilege," Yost said.

    Yost's assistant coaches are John Sarver, Gary Yost, Bill Lehman, Chuck Shuman, Bob Clark, Brian Geer, Craig Dutton, Tyler Dunigan, Vince Ursetti, Ryan and Mike Canavan, and Byard's brother, Alex.

    The Byard family -- particularly parents Sue and Bob -- have been supportive of Ellet football over the years, Yost said.

    Sue Byard was in charge of the two-a-day summer practice lunches for football players for eleven years.

    The family was also part of a group of parents who hosted huge Thursday night meals at their homes for 80 to 100 football players, coaches and cheerleaders during the football season.

    The Byards hosted nearly 40 of those dinners with the help of many other Ellet parents, said Sue Byard.

    "We hope the boys are safe and that they know there are people that care about them," Yost said.

    Thomas said when he saw Byard in late July, the conditions in Afghanistan were baking hot with temperatures about 120. During the visit, Byard showed Thomas the helicopter he works on.

    Byard says he is grateful for such a meaningful gift from home.

    "I could never thank them enough," he said.

    Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.

    -----

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    Elon draws on big-game experience against Duke


    Sep 04, 06:52 AM


    By Adam Smith, Times-News, Burlington, N.C.

    Sept. 04--ELON -- Brandon Ward figures a few meaningful pre-game chats with his football teammates could help Elon University announce its presence in an assertive way tonight at Duke.

    As a veteran of Elon's previous games against higher-level Football Bowl Subdivision opponents, the defensive end believes there's a simplified approach to combating these typically complex challenges.

    His message: Keep it loose.

    "What we've got to do is play like it's Furman, play like it's Chattanooga, play like it's Georgia Southern," Ward said, rattling off some of Elon's fellow Southern Conference members. "That's what I'm going to try to nail into the players' heads.

    "You go into a stadium like we're going to go into and you see all the people, it's definitely hard to say it's just another game. You get excited and then you come out and play tight."

    Consider that sort of circumstance a lesson learned for the Phoenix, which tonight takes on a team from the top tier of Division I for the third time in the school's modern era.

    Elon's prior steps up in competition to the FBS level happened during the last three years.

    Pair those with another recent collection of significant clashes -- last November's debut in the Football Championship playoffs at Richmond, plus two league-title showdowns with Appalachian State -- and Elon's upperclassmen have a bank of big moments to draw on.

    What's more, all of those experiences carry a common denominator.

    Each of them ended in losses for the Phoenix.

    "I think we've proven ourselves to be one of those teams that can hold their own," receiver Sean Jeffcoat said. "We just haven't won one yet. We've proven that we can play in them and we can be right here, but we haven't gotten over that hump."

    In the 2007 opener at South Florida, Elon's first venture against an FBS opponent, Jeffcoat was an 18-year-old true freshman who caught a pass of 5 yards from another 18-year-old true freshman, quarterback Scott Riddle.

    The rangy Ward, who now weighs 232 but then was 30 pounds lighter, contributed three tackles. Brandon Newsome rushed for 11 yards. Lance Camp, a receiver, completed a pass on a trick play. Brandon Wiggins recovered a fumbled punt. John Rubertone started on the offensive line.

    Those players have since evolved into Elon's core of senior leaders entering tonight's season opener.

    "If you truly are a veteran," Elon coach Pete Lembo said, "those experiences should compound on top of each other to where there are no surprises anymore."

    Three years later, Lembo practically shudders at the reminder of the early chances that went awry at South Florida.

    Elon coughed up two first-half turnovers inside the South Florida 18-yard line, had a field goal attempt blocked and instead of perhaps leading, trailed 7-3 at halftime. The Bulls eventually won 28-13.

    "I still have nightmares about the South Florida game," Lembo said. "Well, maybe not so much nightmares, but I'm still amazed that we had as many opportunities as we did have.

    "Everybody looks at that final score and says, 'You were coming off a 5-6 season, you played them really well.' And I still look at it like we blew opportunities. You have to make some plays early on to remind yourself that you belong there. It's absolutely critical."

    So for Elon, seizing any sliver of an opening becomes magnified against FBS teams such as Duke.

    And that concept was reinforced last September at Wake Forest. A potential first-half scoring drive fizzled with Jeffcoat and Camp dropping what seemed to be sure completions.

    Later, Elon's defense delivered a punishing hit that forced a fumble. But the ball bounced directly into the grasp of Wake Forest's Josh Adams, who rumbled a yard shy of Elon's end zone and set up another touchdown in the Demon Deacons' 35-7 victory.

    "We got a little bit outside of ourselves last year againstWake. I know I did," Jeffcoat said. "This year I think if we just stay calm and do exactly what we're coached to do, we can have a chance of winning the Duke game.

    "Yeah, we're going to mess up. But they're college players, too. They're going to mess up, too. We've just got to capitalize on the mistakes that they have and do our thing."

    -----

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    Gibbs, Ventura easily pass the opening test


    Sep 04, 06:42 AM


    By Bob Buttitta, Ventura County Star, Calif.

    Sept. 04--Having a senior quarterback like Keihan Gibbs figures to make Ventura High coach Brad Steward's job a little less stressful this season.

    Now in his third year as the Cougars' starting signal caller, Gibbs was in total control of his game and the Ventura (1-0) offense in Friday night's opener against Pacifica (0-1), leading his team to a 40-10 victory.

    Gibbs threw four touchdown passes, three in the first half, providing his team with the spark it needed to get its season off to a positive start.

    After missing his first attempt of the game, Gibbs put on a clinic, completing 10 of his next 11 passes, including scoring strikes of 9 and 50 yards.

    "He's really coming into his own as a leader and a quarterback," Steward said. "He's out there directing the troops and getting guys into position.

    "Even when he made the bad mistake early (an interception), he didn't let it bother him. He really played well."

    Two of Gibbs' touchdown passes went to junior wide receiver Nick Rudolph, who was playing in his first high school football game.

    Rudolph, who also stars on the Ventura basketball team, caught five passes for 117 yards, giving him a 23.5 yards per catch average.

    "He played a great first game," Gibbs said of his new target. "He's still learning and we're working to get on the same page, but he's a great athlete who adds a lot to our team."

    The game actually didn't start that well for Ventura as the Cougars fumbled away the opening kickoff on their own 27. The Tritons moved the ball to the Cougars 6 before their drive stalled, forcing them to settle for a 22-yard field goal from Luis Preciado.

    Once the Ventura offense got on the field, it made things happen. Starting at his own 35, Gibbs engineered the first scoring drive of the season, capping an eight-play drive with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Kaybrum Evans.

    A few minutes later, Gibbs hit Randolph with a 50-yard scoring strike, giving Ventura a 13-3 lead.

    The next time Ventura got the ball, Gibbs made a poor throw that resulted in an interception.

    Tritons sophomore quarterback Nick Davis made sure his team took advantage of the break, as he connected with Eric Garcia for a 22-yard touchdown play.

    "They are bigger and faster and we made more mistakes, but I was proud of how hard our kids played," Pacifica coach Donnie Rea said.

    Connor Armstrong had a nice night running the ball for Ventura, going for 124 yards and a touchdown.

    -----

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    Thousand Oaks' fast start too much for Hueneme


    Sep 04, 06:42 AM


    By Loren Ledin, Ventura County Star, Calif.

    Sept. 04--Maybe one non-league game is enough for the Thousand Oaks High football team.

    With its season opener doubling as the lone tuneup for the start of Marmonte League play in two weeks, Thousand Oaks looked primed and ready Friday night.

    Rickey Minyard rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns, Avondre Bollar completed 7 of 8 pass attempts for 108 yards and two touchdowns and the Lancers scored TDs on their first five possessions en route to a 51-14 victory over Hueneme at Thousand Oaks High.

    Thousand Oaks opened the first half by marching on touchdown drives of 54, 67, 12, 35 and 34 yards, and tacked on a 31-yard field goal by Jamie Sutcliffe to build a 37-0 lead at halftime.

    The Lancers seemed buoyed by the fast start.

    "I've never played on a team that has come together so quickly and where the chemistry is so strong," said Minyard, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior. "We did exactly what we needed to do in our first game. I was very impressed with the offensive line. The defense played great. I think we're all happy with how we played tonight."

    Thousand Oaks coach Mike Leibin heartily agreed.

    "We came out with a lot of energy and were able to sustain it," Leibin said. "The most important thing for me is that we played with great tempo and great rhythm. We were able to seize every opportunity and didn't back off. Even when we had some penalties, we still kept our drives on track."

    Minyard's sharp outing included scoring runs of 11, 1 and 35 yards. He carried 11 times before ending his night in the first half. Bollar and ace wide receiver Richard Mullaney (five catches for 86 yards and TDs of 33 and 2 yards) also played exclusively in the first half.

    Step 2 for Thousand Oaks is slated to be a doozy. The Lancers will take on defending league and Northern Division champion Westlake in the Marmonte League opener Sept. 16.

    "I'm ready," said Bollar, the Lancers senior quarterback. "I think we're all ready to go. One of the strengths on this team is unity. We've been together since May and I've yet to see one argument or one fight among anybody on this team. We even agreed on the team colors tonight. We all wanted to come out in all green."

    For Hueneme, the evening wasn't a total downer.

    After a first half that featured one first down, 5 yards total offense and five punts, the Vikings rallied for two touchdowns in the second half.

    Quarterback Jonathan Barnfather was 3 of 8 in the first half for 2 yards and was sacked on three consecutive plays. By game's end, he was a respectable 13 of 23 for 128 and TD passes of 12 and 4 yards.

    "It's just one game," Barnfather said. "We've got nine more to go and the most important thing is how we do in league. We felt much better in the second half. When we get the blocking and have time, we're going to score points."

    On his very first carry in the first half, Minyard slashed and dashed his way to a 21-yard gain. Three plays later, he powered left for an 11-yard touchdown run and a 7-0 lead.

    The tone was set.

    Bollar's 23-yard scramble on third and 22 highlighted a 10-play, 67-yard scoring march on the Lancers' second possession.

    Already leading 20-0, Minyard snapped off a 35-yard scoring run on first down to finish off a one-play scoring drive. The next series required just two plays to cover 34 yards, with 33 yards coming on Bollar's scoring pass to Mullaney.

    -----

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    Dazzling debut


    Sep 04, 06:30 AM


    By Greg Lee, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

    Sept. 04--Get used to this name: Ben Goodwin.

    It may not be as familiar as the record-setting quarterback before him -- Connor Halliday -- but the Ferris junior should make a name for himself in time.

    Goodwin had Halliday-like numbers, completing 16 of 20 passes for 254 yards and four touchdowns as the visiting Saxons pulled away from the University Titans 34-7 in a Greater Spokane League and season opener for both teams Friday.

    "Well, what matters is we make a name for the Ferris Saxons," said Goodwin, who is listed generously on the roster at 5-foot-9 but is more like 5-6. "We want to be able to keep that tradition going that we've had the last couple of years. It doesn't matter if I have five touchdowns or zero as long as we get the (win). That's all that matters."

    Goodwin found room to negotiate in the pocket and on roll-outs. His favorite target was Riley Stockton, who caught six passes for 141 yards and two TDs.

    And the number Ferris coach Jim Sharkey will most likely be pleased with the most is zero -- Goodwin threw no interceptions.

    "It's funny, because we'll probably break it (the video) down and say, 'He made mistakes here and there,' but he's such a composed kid for a first start," Sharkey said. "That's unbelievable for a first start. We'll take that every week. He didn't turn the ball over and he ran the team. He was everything we'd hoped. He didn't try to do too much. He'll keep getting better. He works hard. He will make a name for himself."

    The significant difference was Ferris made no turnovers and the Titans had two turnovers and some costly mental mistakes.

    Ferris took advantage of an interception in the first quarter for its first TD -- an 8-yard pass from Goodwin to Stockton.

    Then in the second period, a low Ferris punt that was floating end over end hit a Titan, who had retreated to block for the returner, in the back, and the Saxons recovered at U-Hi's 33-yard line.

    Five plays later, running back Kole Heidinger scored from 9 yards out. Ferris took a 14-0 lead into halftime.

    The Titans pulled within 14-7 early in the third quarter when they took advantage of the Saxons' biggest mistake. A ball was snapped well over the head of Ferris punter Tanner Gerety. Instead of taking his time and trying to get some sort of kick off, Gerety stumbled and was tackled at the Saxons' 4.

    Jory Zettle pulled U-Hi within a TD on the next play.

    Ferris made U-Hi pay for its next mistake. Titans punter Thomas Wasem was tackled 2 yards shy of a first down when U-Hi went for it on fourth down at its 34.

    Three plays later, Goodwin hit Beau Bozett on a 22-yard fade in the end zone, extending the Saxons' lead to 21-7.

    Ferris added two more TDs.

    "It's a first game," Sharkey said. "There's stuff both teams will have to work on. I think they're a quality team. We'll both get better next week. I was really pleased with our ball security and I was especially pleased with our defense. They have a pretty good offensive line and I thought our front seven did a great job on defense."

    Gonzaga Prep 45, Shadle Park 21: Bishop Sankey needed just one game to break the Bullpups' career rushing record.

    With starting quarterback Shane Schmidlkofer out after suffering an injury in the first half, G-Prep snapped the ball to Sankey in shotgun formation and he did the rest. The senior rushed for 235 yards on 23 carries and scored four touchdowns in the game at G-Prep.

    Sankey needed just 212 to break the school record held by Justin Strand (2,197). Sankey's career mark is 2,221.

    He scored on runs of 41, 3, 11 and 3. The Bullpups finished with 366 on 40 carries.

    The Bullpups scored the game's first four TDs before Shadle Park scored. G-Prep led 38-7 at halftime.

    The game marked the debut of coach Alan Stanfield at Shadle.

    Running back Danny Rowton led the Highlanders with 113 yards on 18 carries including a TD.

    Mead 34, North Central 7: The Panthers cruised to a 24-0 lead by halftime and didn't look back in the opener at Joe Albi Stadium.

    Quarterback Andy Wetzel led Mead, completing 12 of 23 passes for 154 yards and two TDs.

    The Indians scored their lone TD in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard run by quarterback Zac Hill. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 170 yards to account for most of NC's offense.

    Running back Forest Cuthbert added 70 yards on nine carries.

    Lewis and Clark 37, Rogers 0: Tigers quarterback Jeff Livingston threw three TD passes and running back Trent Robinson rushed for all 78 of his yards in the first half as LC built a 30-0 lead by halftime.

    Robinson had two TD runs totaling nearly 100 yards called back because of penalties in the first half.

    -----

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    San Jose State's Vince Buhagiar looking forward to facing the best


    Sep 04, 06:25 AM


    By Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News, Calif.

    Sept. 04--To the tens of thousands inside Bryant-Denny Stadium today who are disappointed that tailback Mark Ingram won't be on the field, add the name Vince Buhagiar.

    Except Buhagiar is not an Alabama fan by any stretch. He is San Jose State's starting middle linebacker. He also is a freshman who graduated from high school in June.

    "When I first heard Ingram wasn't going to play, I was upset," Buhagiar said. "I wanted to go against the Heisman Trophy winner."

    Alas, all is not lost for Buhagiar. Even without its star, the Crimson Tide presents a challenge or two -- or 200.

    Sophomore Trent Richardson, who rushed for 751 yards last season, might be even more gifted than Ingram. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with the offensive line responsible for carving the running lanes.

    "They have an unbelievable line; they're so athletic and big and physical," SJSU defensive coordinator Kent Baer said. "A lot of running backs would be that good playing behind that line."

    Buhagiar doesn't much care whether the Crimson Tide starts Ingram, Richardson or the ghost of Bear Bryant in the backfield. He just wants the chance to tackle somebody, preferably knocking them silly in the process.

    "To start your career playing the best will prepare me for whatever comes next," said Buhagiar, a Concord native who emerged as one of training camp's biggest surprises.

    Expected to play tight end or fullback, he was given a shot at linebacker --

    he played the position in high school -- because of injuries to starter Pompey Festejo and reserve Ryno Gonzalez.

    "We said, 'Let's try you on defense,' and his eyes lit up," SJSU coach Mike MacIntyre said. "He was seeing the things you want a linebacker to do, and we hadn't coached him a day."

    It helps that Buhagiar is big (6-foot-3 and 238 pounds). It helps that he runs well and is fearless and confident.

    In combination, those qualities might offset that fact that Buhagiar is an 18-year-old neophyte in the middle of a defense that is about to face the No. 1 team in the country.

    "He even looks like a (middle) linebacker," MacIntyre said. "Hopefully, he'll be the defensive face of the football team for a while."

    -----

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    San Jose State at Alabama


    Sep 04, 06:25 AM


    By Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News, Calif.

    Sept. 04--SAN JOSE STATE AT ALABAMA

    RECORDS: SJSU 0-0, Alabama 0-0.

    KICKOFF: 4 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

    TV: None.

    RADIO: 1590.

    INTERNET: www.espn3.com

    SERIES HISTORY: First meeting.

    THE STORYLINES: The first game for San Jose State coach Mike MacIntyre is as tough as they come. The Spartans, who went 2-10 last season, are a 36-point underdog against a team that hasn't lost since January 2009, going 14-0 last season. "... How will SJSU hold up physically (forecast: 80 degrees and humid at kickoff) against the bigger, stronger Crimson Tide? "... Jordan La Secla will start at quarterback for SJSU, but backup Matt Faulkner is expected to play in the first half "... Alabama will be without Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Mark Ingram, but his replacement, Trent Richardson, rushed for 751 yards last season "... Tide receiver Julio Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower are among the best players in the nation at their positions.

    INJURY UPDATE: SJSU -- Linebacker Pompey Festejo (foot) and offensive tackle Fred Koloto (knee) are out. Alabama -- Tailback Mark Ingram (knee) is out.

    STATS THAT MATTER: SJSU is 0-3 against SEC teams, with an average margin of defeat of 36 points. "... Alabama is 225-46-3 at Bryant-Denny

    Stadium. "... The Spartans have not beaten a ranked team since defeating No. 9 TCU in 2000. "... Alabama has not allowed an opposing rusher to gain 100 yards since October 2007.

    MATCHUP TO WATCH: SJSU's defensive front seven against Alabama's offensive line, one of the best in the nation. If the Spartans can't close off Richardson's running lanes or pressure quarterback Greg McElroy, then it could get very ugly very early.

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Our record last year is pretty irrelevant to what we do this year. Therefore, I think that San Jose (State's) record last year will be totally irrelevant to what happens in this game as well." -- Alabama Coach Nick Saban.

    -- JON WILNER

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    San Francisco 49ers' final cuts include special-teams standout Michael Robinson


    Sep 04, 06:24 AM


    By Daniel Brown, San Jose Mercury News, Calif.

    Sept. 04--In releasing 22 players before the roster deadline, 49ers coach Mike Singletary acknowledged that some cuts hurt more than others.

    The 49ers said goodbye to Michael Robinson, a team captain and a special-teams Pro Bowl alternate for each of the past two seasons.

    "It was very difficult, as you can imagine. Mike has exemplified a lot of the character traits that you want in a team player," Singletary said.

    But after meeting with special teams coach Kurt Schottenheimer, the 49ers concluded that Robinson's work on the return units wasn't enough to justify his lack of overall production. Listed as a running back, Robinson has only 52 rushing yards over the past two seasons.

    "The bottom line is: We wanted more value," Singletary said. "For someone to take up a roster spot, to do those things on special teams, it would have to warrant someone doing something spectacular."

    Receiver Jason Hill and inside linebacker Matt Wilhelm were among the other players bumped from the roster as the 49ers got down to the league maximum of 53 players.

    Hill, a third-round draft pick in 2007, fell behind upstart Dominique Zeigler on the depth chart and had only one catch over four exhibition games. The San Francisco native finishes his four-year 49ers career with 40 catches for 413 yards and four touchdowns.

    Cutting Wilhelm, a seven-year veteran, leaves the 49ers thin at inside linebacker. Rookie NaVorro Bowman is listed as the only backup to

    Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes. Outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks has experience inside and could move there in a pinch, Singletary said.

    "Hopefully, we will get another inside linebacker as we go," Singletary said. "But I said I would not have a player on the football team simply to fill spot. I want a guy who fits the identity of our football team."

    San Jose State receiver Kevin Jurovich was also among the final cuts.

    There was better news for players such as rookie free agent Tramaine Brock. The undrafted cornerback from Belhaven University, an NAIA school in Jackson, Miss., impressed the 49ers in exhibition games and on the practice field.

    "He's a kid that every day he comes to practice, he gets a little better," Singletary said. "He challenges. He competes. He's just one of those guys we really feel has some upside that warranted keeping him."

    Brock made the team ahead of Karl Paymah, a five-year veteran signed as a free agent in March.

    "The thing I've been saying all whole camp is: I don't care how old you are," Singletary said. "I don't care how long you've been here, I don't care how much money you make. The bottom line is what you bring to the team.

    "People look at it and say, 'Oh, it's a youth movement.' No, it's not. It's a football player movement. It's a trying-to-get-better-as-a-team movement."

    During his postgame media session a night earlier, Singletary flirted with the idea of releasing third quarterback Nate Davis. He had previously criticized the second-year passer for failing to study properly for the rigors of playing quarterback in the NFL.

    Davis made the cut, prompting a question about whether Singletary's comments had been designed to light a fire under the young passer.

    "I really don't play mind games through the media," Singletary responded. "The things that I've said to you guys I've said to Nate. ... I think now he understands, 'You know what? I really have to get this stuff down. I really need to have complete control of the offense.' We're going to give him time to do that."

    Tackle Alex Boone also made the roster, a year after spending most of the season on the 49ers' practice squad. Boone reported to training camp in the best shape of his life, and the team believes his best days are ahead. "He's a work in progress," Singletary said. "But he's doing a nice job."

    --The offensive players released were (in alphabetical order): QB Jarrett Brown, FB Jehuu Caulcrick, TE Tony Curtis, G Brian de la Puente, TE Joe Jon Finley, WR Bobby Guillory, WR Jason Hill, WR Kevin Jurovich, T Matt Kopa, FB Brit Miller, RB Michael Robinson and C Cody Wallace.

    --The defensive players released (in alphabetical order) were: LB Mike Balogun, LB Bruce Davis, LB Keaton Kristick, S Chris Maragos, DT Khalif Mitchell, CB Karl Paymah, DT Will Tukuafu, DT Derek Walker and LB Matt Wilhelm

    --Kicker Shane Andrus also was released.

    For more on the 49ers, see Daniel Brown's Hot Read blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers.

    season opener

    SEPT. 12: 49ers at Seattle, 1:15 p.m., FOX

    inside

    49ers roster. Page 2

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    Rocky Mountain High rolls despite turnovers


    Sep 04, 06:17 AM


    By Rachel Roberts, The Idaho Statesman, Boise

    Sept. 04--MERIDIAN -- Sometimes a coach is allowed to love and hate a football game all at once.

    That's how Rocky Mountain coach Jason Warr felt about his team's 35-7 season-opening win against crosstown rival Meridian on Friday at Brighton Stadium.

    "It's always good to get a win. We'll always take that," Warr said. "But we've got a lot of stuff to work on."

    Warr's No. 1 complaint?

    "The turnovers," he said.

    Despite committing five turnovers, the Grizzlies' defense kept the Warriors from gaining much ground. Meridian didn't score until midway through the fourth quarter and only reached Grizzly territory twice during the first half.

    Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain's offense kept chipping away. Quarterback Levi Altringer produced plenty of positive numbers. The 6-foot-4 senior quarterback, who started three games in 2009, completed 10-of-18 passes for 200 yards and three TDs while adding 69 yards on the ground.

    He completed TD passes of 74, 5 and 40 yards and connected with four receivers in all. The only not-so-positive aspect of his game was a pair of interceptions.

    "We have some fast kids and some good receivers and we just took our chances and we got them," Altringer said, "but I'd like to have a couple throws back, obviously."

    While Altringer tested the Warriors through the air, senior running back Jordan Deck sliced his way through Meridian's defense, amassing 129 yards and a TD on 24 carries. His numbers too, were dampened by the loss of two fumbles.

    "I'm a little disappointed by the turnovers that I had," Deck said. "e But I think our line did a really good job blocking. They are the reason that I got the yards. Our defense played awesome."

    Rocky Mountain led 21-0 at the half, but it could have been much worse for the Warriors. Already up 14-0, Rocky Mountain's Dallas Burroughs had a 15-yard TD catch called back because of a holding penalty midway through the second quarter.

    Later that same drive, Deck fumbled the ball at the Meridian 4, which was recovered by Warriors defensive lineman Tanner Hall.

    "I think that we made a lot of good plays, except for our turnovers," said Burroughs, who had five catches for 110 yards and a TD.

    With defending 5A state champion Eagle on the schedule next week, the Grizzlies didn't waste much time looking back.

    "It felt good. There is always room for improvement, but I think it was a great start," Rocky Mountain senior offensive lineman Kevin Belnap said.

    Rachel Roberts: 377-6422

    -----

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    Capital High cruises in season opener


    Sep 04, 06:15 AM


    By Jesse Zentz, The Idaho Statesman, Boise

    Sept. 04--Defense is often said to win championships, but it comes in handy in season openers, too.

    Capital proved that much in a 45-6 victory against Timberline on Friday night at Bronco Stadium.

    "We played physical and made them earn every yard they got, every first down they got," Capital coach Todd Simis said. "I was pretty pleased with the defense. They got us going early."

    The Eagles (1-0, 0-0 5A SIC Division 1) didn't allow a point until the second-stringers took the field in the fourth quarter. They sacked Timberline's quarterbacks four times for a combined loss of 36 yards, tacked on four tackles for loss, intercepted two passes and allowed only 169 yards.

    In fact, the defense was so dominant it helped out on offense. A player known mostly for his defensive play over the past two seasons -- safety Corey Bell -- scored the team's first offensive touchdown in his new two-way role.

    "It's a new team. We want to establish our identity," said Bell, who is one of five returning starters from last year's 5A state runner-up. "We came out pumped up and ready to go. This is the first opportunity of many to prove who we are."

    Capital also got a big lift from special teams, in particular kickoff returner Patrick Carter.

    Trailing 17-0 at halftime, Timberline (0-1, 0-0 5A SIC Division 2) maintained some hope, but it didn't take Carter long to turn that hope into despair.

    He received the second-half kickoff at his own 15-yard line, made his way to the left sideline, then turned upfield and did his best impersonation of Usain Bolt as he scampered 85 yards for a touchdown and a 24-0 lead.

    "It felt great," Carter said. "I read my blocks, they told me sideline, so I took the sideline and I had a free lane."

    Capital never let go of the momentum Carter provided until they scored 21 more unanswered points in the third quarter and sent in the backups for mop-up duty.

    "We were up 17-0, but it didn't have a very good taste and we decided to get physical," Simis said.

    The Eagles opened the scoring 6 minutes into the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal from Stephen Shaw, who also sent all eight of his kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks and was 5-for-5 on PATs.

    Special teamer Harley Davidson helped extend the lead to 10-0 when he recovered a high snap that soared over Timberline punter Cooper Harris' head and into the end zone with 4 minutes remaining in the first quarter.

    About 5 minutes later, Bell pushed the lead to 17-0 with a 2-yard touchdown run.

    Carter's kickoff return was followed by back-to-back TD runs by running back Jordan Storrs -- the second set up by a Carter interception and 20-yard return to Timberline's 12.

    Wide receiver Brandon Foley scored Capital's final touchdown with a 29-yard dash into the end zone.

    Capital's offense, however, wasn't at its best -- rushing for 119 yards and passing for 43.

    "I think offensively, we did a pretty good job, but as the year goes on, we have to play better," Simis said.

    -----

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    Braves take command of MSC


    Sep 04, 06:13 AM


    By John Regruth, The Tribune, Seymour, Ind.

    Sept. 04--BROWNSTOWN -- A tremendous second-half performance lifted Brownstown Central's football team to a 17-14 victory over a hard-nosed Corydon Central squad on Friday night.

    Down 14-7 at halftime, Brownstown limited Corydon to just 36 yards of offense on 18 plays from scrimmage in the second half.

    The Braves, meanwhile, put together a couple of clock-eating, 14-play series that ended with a Steffen Lewis field goal and a Jake Brown touchdown run, giving Brownstown just enough to take -- and keep -- the lead.

    With the win, Brownstown improved to its first 3-0 start since 2004, when it opened 8-0. With last week's win over Charlestown and Friday's victory over Corydon, Brownstown took a commanding lead in the Mid-Southern Conference title chase.

    "I'm surprised it's been that long," Braves head coach Reed May said of his team's undefeated start. "I was concerned because we practiced terribly this week. Our guys played a great second half. We told our kids (after the game), you're in the driver's seat now. This could be one of those magical seasons."

    Brownstown's effort against the experienced and poised Panthers had all the markings of a season-defining performance. Among the eye-opening statistics:

    -Brownstown allowed Corydon just 10 yards of offense in the first quarter. -Of Corydon's 11 possessions, six were three-and-out and a seventh was a single play that ended in a fumble recovered by the Braves. -Brownstown ran 71 offensive plays, while Corydon ran just 39. -The Braves held the ball for 11:02 of the third quarter's 12 minutes. -For the game, Brownstown possessed the ball for 33 minutes, compared to Corydon's 15.

    Untimely penalties, however, prevented the Braves from translating their control of the game into a lead on the scoreboard.

    Evan Eggersman had two touchdown runs nullified by illegal-shift and block-in-the-back penalties. The first recalled TD was followed by a turnover; the second led to Lewis' field goal. Instead of banking 14 points, the Braves managed just three.

    "That just part of it," Eggersman said of the penalties. "It's a team game."

    Eggersman, who ran for 96 yards on 21 carries, broke up a scoreless game when he powered into the end zone on a 1-yard run with 10:08 left in the second quarter.

    Corydon, stymied throughout the first quarter, exploded in the second quarter. Lucas Windell responded to Brownstown's TD with a 69-yard run down the left side, tying the game at 7 with 9:08 left in the first half.

    The Panthers kept up the pressure by engineering a 52-yard, seven-play drive just before halftime. Corydon quarterback Chase Burton capped the series with a 17-yard TD pass to Tyler Ross on a fourth-and-4 with just nine seconds left in the half.

    Brownstown recovered nicely in the second half, however. While the defense was stopping the Panthers on series after series, the offense constructed a 14-play, 67-yard drive that ended in a 26-yard Lewis field goal with 5:40 left in the third quarter.

    Another 14-play drive by the Braves, this time covering 76 yards, led to a 1-yard scoring run by Brown with 10:46 left in the fourth quarter that gave Brownstown a 17-14 advantage.

    With the lead in hand, the Braves relied on their defense the rest of the game. After being forced to punt on two straight possessions, Corydon attempted a fake punt on a fourth-and-12 with 2:56 left in the game -- only to be foiled by Eggersman and Tim Bishop, who brought Panther punter Brandon Dunaway short of the first-down marker.

    Corydon's final possession actually ended on a mistake. On third-and-20, the Panthers picked up 16 yards on a pass play to Brownstown's 41-yard line with 12 seconds on the clock. Hoping to stop the clock but not realizing his team faced a fourth down, Burton spiked the ball on the next snap and inadvertently turned the ball over on downs.

    Defensively, Eggersman finished with two sacks for losses of 16 yards. David Baker added another sack for a 3-yard loss. Wade Toppe and Damian Jackson each recovered a fumble.

    Scott Baker, Braden Scarlett and Taylor Franklin each broke up passes and helped Brownstown limit Corydon to 113 yards on 9-for-19 passing.

    "Our coaches said we could be as good as we want to be," Eggersman said. "Good things happen when you work hard."

    Box score

    At Brownstown Corydon 0 14 0 0--14 Brownstown 0 7 3 7--17 Second quarter BC-Evan Eggersman 1 run (Steffen Lewis kick), 10:08 CC-Lucas Windell 69 run (Brandon Dunaway kick), 9:08 CC-Tyler Ross 17 pass from Chase Burton (Dunaway kick), :09.8 Third quarter BC-Lewis 26 field goal, 5:40 Fourth quarter BC-Jake Brown 1 run (Lewis kick), 10:46 TEAM STATISTICS CC BC First downs 7 17 Passes C-A-I 9-19-0 2-7-1 Yardage 113 48 Rush att-yds 20-118 64-254 Total offense 231 302 Fumbles-lost 4-2 0-0 Punts-avg 4-38.5 5-34.2 Penalties-yds 3-29 6-54 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING: Corydon Central-L. Windell 5-71, Seth Rennirt 4-44, Jeremiah Windell 7-21, Dunaway 1-1, Burton 3-(-19); Brownstown Central-Eggersman 22-96, Jordan Turpin 14-68, Braden Scarlett 19-55, Brown 4-23, Dakota Holman 4-12 PASSING: Corydon Central-Burton 9-19-113-1-0; Brownstown Central-Brown 2-7-48-0-1 RECEIVING: Corydon Central-J. Windell 2-41, Ross 2-38, L. Windell 2-22, Dunaway 2-9, Harrison Rinzel 1-3; Brownstown Central-Scarlett 1-28, Joseph Martinez 1-20

    Player of the game

    On a night when Brownstown's defense shined, Braves senior Evan Eggersman contributed a team-high eight tackles, two sacks for losses totaling 16 yards and helped stop Corydon's fake-punt attempt late in the fourth quarter. Eggersman wasn't too shabby on offense, either, running for 96 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

    Play of the game

    Taylor Franklin broke up a Corydon pass deep in Brownstown territory with just 25 seconds on the clock. Franklin wrestled the ball out of receiver Brandon Dunaway's hands, denying Corydon a first down, a stopped clock and a series of legitimate shots at the end zone in the final seconds. Franklin's play helped preserve the Braves' victory.

    Stat of the game

    3-0. Brownstown is undefeated three games into the season for the first time since 2004.

    -----

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    NCAA Basketball

    UH ready to use summer school lessons


    Sep 04, 02:42 AM


    By Steve Campbell, Houston Chronicle

    Sept. 04--On the first play of his first game as a Houston Cougar, Phillip Steward ran downfield to cover a kickoff. Encountering a wedge of Northwestern State blockers in last season's opener at Robertson Stadium, Steward learned a harsh college football lesson.

    He who hesitates is at the risk of loss of limb. Or dignity.

    "They must have devoured me," Steward said. "They hurt my ribs. I think my helmet came off."

    On the sideline, UH coach Kevin Sumlin told Steward, "Welcome to college football." Sumlin's synopsis of the episode: "Got killed -- just blown up -- and got better as the game went on."

    When the season begins at 7 tonight at Robertson against Texas State, some Cougars undoubtedly will experience similarly rude awakenings. The idea is to win, survive and get better as the season progresses.

    "Football, just when you think you know what you have, something will surprise you," Sumlin said. "There will be somebody who surprises me Saturday. Hopefully, it's good."

    Rude awakenings

    Steward made a team-high 13 tackles in last year's opener, got his special-teams assignments down to a T the next week in an upset victory at No. 5 Oklahoma State and has since emerged as a starting outside linebacker. Teammate James Cleveland caught 104 passes and was the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year last season, never finding the going any tougher than he did in the opener. On top of having as many drops as catches (two) in a 55-7 victory, Cleveland had the indignity of getting knocked off his feet one play by a defensive back he estimates was 5-8 and 185 pounds.

    "He said, 'Welcome to college football,' " Cleveland said. "I was burned up on the other sideline."

    Cleveland and his teammates have done an extended burn over a 10-2 start last season that ended with a 10-4 record. The Cougars finished 111th out of 120 teams in total defense last season, allowing an average of 45 points and 488 yards in their four defeats.

    In a related development, they have a new defensive coordinator. Brian Stewart will roll out a 3-4 system that players say allows them to put the opposing offenses on the defensive. Two junior-college transfers who will be key components to the defense -- senior nose tackle Matangi Tonga and junior outside linebacker Sammy Brown -- will make their UH debuts.

    "Every year we have something to prove, " UH junior defensive end David Hunter said. "People want to see our defense, see what our defense can contribute."

    Former UH star Jason Phillips takes over as the coordinator of an offense that led the nation in scoring and yardage last season. With quarterback Case Keenum back, the Cougars are expecting more of the same kind of pyrotechnics.

    Keenum has 12,950 career yards passing, leaving him 15 from passing former Cougar Kevin Kolb for seventh place and 334 from overtaking Texas' Colt McCoy for sixth on the all-time NCAA Division I-A list. One of four trios in history to reach 1,000 receiving yards apiece returns intact: Cleveland and juniors Tyron Carrier and Patrick Edwards.

    'Bounce-back ability'

    Two season openers ago against Southern, in his UH debut, Carrier was blindsided returning a kickoff and fumbled. The Cougars recovered, and Keenum threw a screen pass to Carrier on the next play. Another fumble.

    The way Carrier remembers it, "I didn't see the field again that game."

    He also remembers scoring two TDs the next week at Oklahoma State.

    The Cougars are looking to show more of that kind of bounce-back ability. They got as high as 12th in the national rankings, only to suffer a late-season tumble. One of their quests is to finish a season in the rankings for the first time since 1990.

    "It's a new team," Edwards said. "This year, we know the system. We just have to execute and do the little things right. Little things got us beat four times last year."

    steve.campbell@chron.com

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    KU's Opurum seizing opportunity of move to linebacker


    Sep 04, 02:30 AM


    By J. Brady McCollough, The Kansas City Star, Mo.

    Sept. 04--LAWRENCE -- Newly positioned Kansas sophomore Toben Opurum made one thing clear going into today's season opener against North Dakota State: He is not thinking about transferring.

    "I want a sack," Opurum said. "That's what I want."

    Opurum's move from running back to linebacker was the talk of fall camp. As a true freshman last year, Opurum led the Jayhawks in rushing with 554 yards and nine touchdowns. After KU coach Turner Gill sent Opurum over to the defensive side of the ball, many fans wondered whether that would be the first step in one of the more talented players on the roster leaving for another program. But Gill sufficiently convinced the 6-foot-1, 240-pound Opurum that he could have a future in football playing linebacker.

    "I'm already past the frustrated stage or being mad stage about it," Opurum said. "I've already been through that. Now, it's gotten to the point where I look at it more as an opportunity and a chance to help our team. That will get me more excited about it."

    No question, the Jayhawks need Opurum to step forward and play immediately at linebacker. Kansas does not have much depth at the position behind starters Justin Springer, Drew Dudley and Steven Johnson, and Opurum is expected to play anywhere from 10 to 20 snaps today against the Bison.

    He says he has not made a tackle on defense since the ninth grade.

    "All my tackles have been off interceptions," Opurum said. "We played Oklahoma, and I had a tackle on Jeremy Beal, the defensive end from Oklahoma."

    KU defensive coordinator Carl Torbush said he is keeping things simple for Opurum. He does not want Opurum to have too much to think about early on.

    "The first day, a lot of it was just instinct, looking for the football and running as fast as you can to it," Opurum said. "That's one thing you can't coach is effort."

    It appears Opurum's plan is still to give that effort for Kansas.

    ------

    Other story lines

    -- HOW WILL KU DIVIDE CARRIES? The big and bruising Angus Quigley and the small and quick Deshaun Sands couldn't be more different. KU coach Turner Gill has not said whether he expects one player to emerge as the guy. True freshmen Brandon Bourbon and James Sims could also get time.

    -- WHO WILL EMERGE AT DEFENSIVE END AND CORNERBACK? Position battles are still raging between defensive ends Tyrone Sellers, Kevin Young and Quintin Woods, and cornerbacks Isiah Barfield and Calvin Rubles.

    -- WILL TERRY REDSHIRT? The Jayhawks have spent the last week trying to decide whether true freshman Keeston Terry, a star wide receiver from Blue Springs, can help them this year at safety. Indications so far have been positive.

    ------

    NORTH DAKOTA STATE AT KANSAS -- WHEN: 6 tonight

    -- WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence

    -- TV/RADIO: Fox College Sports; KCSP (610 AM)

    -- J. Brady McCollough, jmccollough@kcstar.com

    -----

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    NCBL League Combines High-Level Basketball, Life-Skills Lessons


    Sep 04, 01:09 AM


    By Mike Anthony, The Hartford Courant, Conn.

    Sept. 04--HARTFORD -- Shawn "Smooth" Bell, executive director of Northeast Community Brotherhood Leadership, is quite busy as his youth summer basketball league's semifinals are playing out in the Kelvin D. Anderson recreation center.

    He's in charge of music. He's doing play-by-play over the loudspeakers. He's enforcing rules. He's part coach, part parent, part friend, part motivator.

    When 6-foot-8 Weaver High forward O'Shawn Bannister comes to the sideline during a break, Bell lowers the microphone, approaches and offers some advice.

    "You've got to stop reaching," Bell says emphatically. "Put your hands up. You're a 7-footer when you put your hands up."

    A few minutes later, he tells a player who had recently misbehaved he would not be allowed to participate in tonight's game. "You know why," he says sternly.

    The NCBL league is affectionately known as the "Baby Pro-Am." Many NCBL players star at local high schools and go on to play in the Greater Hartford Pro-Am, but the league is more than a feeder program, and it's about more than basketball. There are two divisions -- junior varsity for players ages 9-13, varsity for players 14-18 -- for about 250 kids who meet certain standards.

    "If you put on that uniform, you've done the work," Bell says.

    The league runs every August, culminating in a tournament in the final week and a league cookout, which took place last Saturday. Each player is required to participate in life-skills initiatives, highlighted by guest speakers every Tuesday. It's an involved fraternity, uniting kids from various parts of Hartford and beyond. Bell and his players and volunteers also coordinate skill teaching sessions for young children.

    The league offers a safe haven and teaching component at a time "when you can lose kids," Bell said. "We're trying to be there for them during those months when they're between grades."

    Basketball is the draw and the reward, but becoming a better and more prepared person is as much the focus.

    "These kids are developing their basketball skills and their people skills," said Leonard "Champ" Wiggins, a volunteer. "The life skills [component] is the No.1 thing this league offers and the most important reason for them to be here."

    Along the way, there is some good competition.

    "It brings together players from so many different schools, so you get to know everyone and it really prepares you for the [high school] season," said Jaquan Starks, a junior at Classical Magnet.

    Bell brings an equal sense of fun and discipline.

    "He keeps it real with you, and he's tough," said Angel Rodriguez, a junior at Hartford Public. "But I like that. I respect how he is with everybody."

    Bell, 46, is a Hartford native who attended Central Connecticut State. He works as a special police officer at Weaver High, where he is also an assistant basketball coach. He's had a long career in the insurance field and has been an assistant coach at Watkinson and Windsor. He has been running the NCBL, which began in 1979, since 1998.

    Players from every Hartford high school are involved, as well as a few from East Hartford High and Windsor High.

    "We'd like it to grow," Bell said. "Our doors are open to anybody."

    -----

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    Sports Briefs


    Sep 03, 11:53 PM


    baseball

    Pate wins state tournament opener

    Eugene Pate powered past Madison 10-1 in the American League state baseball tournament in Plymouth, Ind. on Thursday. Landon Langley, Matt Wilkinson and Jordan Adams each hit leadoff home runs in the second, fifth and seventh innings, respectively. Reid Haefner, a junior at Bosse High School, came through with a three- hit, three-RBI night to back a complete game by Jacob Hamilton. Hamilton, a rising senior at Central, pitched a 3-hitter, striking out 10. Pate (28-16) earned a bye today in the double-elimination event and will next play in a winnerOs bracket game on Saturday.

    ACADEMICS

    UE tennis, volleyball teams earn honors

    The University of Evansville womenOs tennis and volleyball teams have been honored for academics. For the 15th consecutive year, the womenOs tennis team received the 2010 Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team award after recording a team grade point average of 3.441. Seniors Kate Chybowski and Ashton Schwerin and juniors Aleksandra Dzakula and Payal Sharma were named ITA Scholar-Athletes. Twenty-five schools were honored. The volleyball team was one of 94 in Division I honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. The Aces were included for the sixth time in seven years with a 3.322 team GPA.

    FOOTBALL

    Bearcats will play for HollyOs House

    The Ohio River Bearcats (5-3-1) are hosting a benefit game for HollyOs House on Saturday, with $1 from each $5 ticket to be donated. Kids under 12 with a paid adult are admitted free, as are military personnel with valid identification cards. The Bearcats will play the St. Louis Spirit, a team they defeated 35-8 earlier in the semipro football season, at 6 p.m. at Central Stadium. A Bearcat victory will clinch a Great Midwest Football League playoff spot.

    BASKETBALL

    Lorenzen WrightOs death a homicide

    Former NBA big man Lorenzen Wright, whose body was found in the woods outside Memphis, was shot to death and the case is being investigated as a homicide, police said Thursday. Records indicate that Wright, 34, revered in his hometown as a generous and likable sports hero, was probably carrying a large amount of cash when he disappeared on July 18. Wright had sold two vehicles to a man affiliated with a drug ring thatOs suspected in six deaths. His family filed a missing person report with police on July 22, four days after he was last seen. WrightOs mother said in the report that she was worried because his silence was out of character and Ohe probably has a large amount of cash.O

    (c) 2010 Evansville Courier & Press. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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    Harrison Calls in Stars for Benefit


    Sep 03, 11:53 PM


    By STEVE FORD STAFF WRITER / (812) 464-7511 fords@courierpress.com

    When an inaugural fundraiser like the 2009 HHS Hoops Event and Auction goes well, there's only one thing to do: Have another.

    So the second annual Harrison High School Hoops Event and Auction was announced for Saturday, Aug. 7 at The Pub Banquet Hall.

    The benefit, which goes primarily toward boys' basketball, starts with a social hour at 7 p.m., with emcee Pat Shoulders moving to the microphone around 8. He'll introduce head coach and athletics director Bryan Speer and special guest speaker Walter McCarty. The auction will then follow.

    "Our first effort exceeded all expectations," said Ben Shoulders, a former Warrior and Harrison booster. "Some of the proceeds went straight to the athletic department, but most of it went to the boys for everything from equipment to travel expenses."

    The first event, which featured former Warrior and current Southern Illinois coach Chris Lowery as guest speaker, netted over $5,000.

    "Our goal is $6,000 this year," said Shoulders, who played on the 1996 regional

    champions. "We found this was a great way to bring the Harrison basketball family back together. To have all the players from different eras in the same room, to hear all the talk, was a lot of fun."

    McCarty, a member of Kentucky 1996 National Championship team and a 10-year NBA veteran now an assistant with the Indiana Pacers, is hardly the only storied name from Harrison's past.

    Since the school opened in 1962, Harrison has won nine sectionals and three regionals, and won or shared 13 Southern Indiana Athletic Conference titles.

    Other former Warriors include 1993 national Player of the Year and Indiana's all-time leading scorer Calbert Cheaney, 1970 NCAA finalists Greg Nelson and Vaughn Wedeking (a recent inductee to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame), and Division I coaches Lowery and Brad Brownell, who recently took the job at Clemson.

    So it's no surprise the auction items include SIU and Clemson tickets, in addition to two free passes to all Harrison athletic events, golf foursomes at Evansville Country Club and Victoria National, autographed items by McCarty, Cheaney, Tom Crean, Rick Pitino, Louisville tickets, four main-level seats for IU basketball and more.

    "It was a really fun night last time and will be again," said Speer, himself a former Warrior. "We had representation from every decade of Harrison basketball.

    "Now our hope is to make it better, not just in raising funds, but in raising the interest in Harrison athletics and its rich history. When guys like Chris Lowery say they're coming back just to be a part, it makes you realize just how special Harrison is."

    (c) 2010 Evansville Courier & Press. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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    Basketball

    Injuries a concern for Cal Poly football team


    Sep 04, 05:34 AM


    By Joshua D. Scroggin, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

    Sept. 04--Ryan Taylor might not be playing tonight. He wasn't wearing pads at the upper sports complex this week. Still, the Cal Poly sophomore's attire said it all.

    Unable to practice because of a back injury, the Mustangs receiver sported a green T-shirt with a "CP" logo that read, "Nothing hurts when you win."

    It's an appropriate slogan considering how many Cal Poly players were hurt in the final weeks leading up to tonight's season opener against visiting Humboldt State, the start of year two under head coach Tim Walsh.

    Taylor is among a few Mustangs players that will be held out, but he is part of a bigger injury list that includes several key contributors who will be suiting up with nagging strains and sprains.

    A victory over the Division II Lumberjacks could help everyone forget about them for a while.

    Cal Poly will get its first look at West Virginia transfer running back Mark Rodgers, who did not gain academic eligibility in time to take handoffs in the team's only intrasquad scrimmage two weeks ago.

    Rodgers has track sprinter's speed and a Football Bowl Subdivision pedigree that points to him being a major contributor, just like receiver Dominique Johnson was after transferring from UCLA last season.

    Johnson led the Mustangs with 43 catches for 741 yards despite suffering a shoulder dislocation and partial labrum tear early in the year. He'll be out tonight because of an NCAA ruling rather than an injury.

    Still, the list of offensive players who missed practice time because of day-to-day injuries or were held out for precautionary measures is long.

    Despite joining the team almost two weeks into training camp, Rodgers has looked fast, but he hasn't been running behind Cal Poly's first-team offensive line very often.

    Five of the Mustangs' top six offensive linemen have been banged up. Several didn't play in the scrimmage, during which quarterbacks Tony Smith and Andre Broadous both sustained leg injuries while battling for the starting job.

    Broadous, still hobbling this week with an ankle sprain, took longer to recuperate, and that helped tip the scales toward Smith, who will be starting tonight -- as he did every game in a 4-7 season in 2009.

    Despite the injuries, the only offensive lineman not expected to play tonight, Walsh said, was right tackle Art Munoz, who is still recovering from a broken leg he suffered in the second game last season.

    "I feel strongly that we'll be as good as we can be healthwise (tonight)," Walsh said. "It's a concern from a timing standpoint, but from the experience standpoint, most of the guys that aren't practicing are guys that have 15-16 games that they've played, and they have great game experience."

    They'll be going up against a defensive front made up of three seniors and Oregon transfer Andrew Iupati, the 6-foot-1, 310-pound younger brother of San Francisco 49ers guard Mike Iupati.

    "They're supposed to be real good," Cal Poly senior guard Will Mitchell said. "We're not too concerned with that because it doesn't change our game plan. It doesn't matter who lines up -- you can put eight in the box, whatever -- we're going to run our offense, and we're going to adjust to it on the fly."

    Walsh has continued to run the triple-option offense, a scheme instituted by former coach Rich Ellerson in 2007.

    Coaches have also added a shotgun option package in the offseason that could see its debut tonight.

    His injury caused him to fall behind backup Doug Shumway on the depth chart, but Broadous excelled running the shotgun formation during spring drills. Broadous could still see action against Humboldt State, Walsh said, under one condition.

    "We want to make sure if he plays this week, it's because he's 100 percent," Walsh said. "If not, then Doug's ready and Tony's ready, and we feel very confident that they can do what we need them to do to win the football game."

    -----

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    BRIEF: Hot topics for today's Michigan State game


    Sep 04, 05:21 AM


    By Shannon Shelton, Detroit Free Press

    Sept. 04--The 3-4 defense:

    The Spartans are staying tight-lipped about how often they will veer from the base 4-3 defensive scheme. We just know they have practiced the 3-4 and it could be used at some point. But knowing it's possible could make it difficult for opponents to plan for it, which is exactly how the Spartans want it.

    William Gholston:

    MSU fans and observers have been waiting to see what this highly recruited player can contribute as a true freshman. Expect him to play against Western, as he's listed on the depth chart behind sophomore Tyler Hoover and redshirt freshman Denzel Drone at defensive end. But how significant will his role be?

    The offensive line:

    Can the newly constructed right side develop quickly to help the unit support the run? Right tackle J'Michael Deane, a fifth-year senior, won the job at his position, and sophomore Chris McDonald will handle right-guard duties. It'll be interesting to see how successful the running game is with them.

    Contact SHANNON SHELTON: 313-223-3215 or slshelton@freepress.com. Read more in her Spartans blog at freep.com/spartansblog.

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    Ex-NBA star Barkley dishes out an assist at C.C. of Scranton


    Sep 04, 05:18 AM


    By Marty Myers, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.

    Sept. 04--CLARKS SUMMIT -- His NBA career earned him induction in to the Naismith Hall of Fame. He was an 11-time all-star and one of only five men to score 20,000 points, grab 10,000 rebounds and hand out 4,000 assists.

    Charles Barkley knows what it is to be blessed, and he was at the Country Club of Scranton to give back on Friday.

    A round of golf with Barkley was auctioned off at last year's Par for Parkinson's tourney at Scranton. Club member Mike Conflitti Sr. won the live auction for the chance for him, his son Mike Jr. and Brian Bell to play golf with Barkley.

    "I've exceeded all my expectations, and to play basketball for a living, if you get to play a sport for a living, it's really, really awesome," said Barkley, a famed pupil of the Hank Haney Project on The Golf Channel. "I've exceeded every goal of mine in my life. I'm just blessed.

    "As good as basketball was, getting paid to watch it is ridiculous, I tell people. Especially as a man."

    Barkley's appearance couldn't come at a better time for the Marian C. Bell Foundation, formed by her husband Brian, daughter Bridget and other family members to raise funds and awareness of Parkinson's.

    Their tournament is next month at Scranton.

    "We support the Michael J. Fox Foundation because they do the most for Parkinson's research at the moment," said Bridget Bell. "It will be our fifth annual Par for Parkinson's golf event."

    Barkley is glad to help out a charity that helps a friend like Fox.

    "Michael is a good friend and it just takes a little bit of time out of my day," Barkley said. "I'm really excited to be here with these guys." Barkley, a TNT network analyst, recently dropped 40-some pounds. His weight may be where he likes it, but his golf swing isn't.

    "I never know what to expect when I come out here," Barkley said. "I've been working hard on my game, three or four hours a day, working on some different things. I haven't found anything yet. I'm working on something new right now and hopefully it will work." That's playing left-handed, which he's tried for the last three weeks. But not Friday.

    "I flipped a coin and right-handed won today," Barkley said.

    Not that golf is easy from either side, but for anyone who's ever wondered, Barkley makes it clear which is harder to master.

    "Basketball is a lot harder than golf," Barkley said. "Young, old, fat, skinny can play golf, but they can't play basketball. Golf is just a learned technique. If you put a little time and effort into it, you can't play on tour but you can be a good player."

    Contact the writer: mmyers@timesshamrock.com

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    It's stop-the-rush week at UNH: 'Cats open today with Central Connecticut


    Sep 04, 04:54 AM


    By Al Pike, Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, N.H.

    Sept. 04--DURHAM -- For a defense committed to stopping the run, there's no better challenge than facing an opponent determined to establish it.

    That's what the University of New Hampshire football team will see in today's season opener at Cowell Stadium (noon) against Central Connecticut, which was ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing the last two years.

    "The premise of our defense is stopping the run," said UNH coach Sean McDonnell, "and there's no better test than going against a team that likes to do it and does it very, very well."

    The Blue Devils aren't the same pushovers they were seven years ago when the Wildcats romped, 70-20, the last time the teams met. They're coming off a 9-3 campaign and a Northeast Conference title, their third since 2004 and their first outright championship.

    And they're picked to repeat in a league that gets an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs this season for the first time.

    "They're a pretty good team," said senior cornerback Dino Vasso. "They won their conference last year. They had nine wins. They've got a new guy playing quarterback. They're a two-back team. Coach Mac said they're top 10 in the country in rushing offense the past two years.

    "So that's what they're going to try to do. They're going to try to run the ball. Defensively, we've got to stop the run and then make some plays (in the secondary). They're kind of similar to some of the teams we play and a little bit of what our offense does. The work our offense gave us all camp is going to help us out for the first game."

    The Blue Devils have scored at least one rushing touchdown in 45 straight games.

    "They want to establish the run," McDonnell said, "and then use play-pass and the short passing game after that."

    UNH allowed 3.4 yards per rush last season to rank fourth in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Wildcat run defense will be under even more stress next week at Pitt, which features dynamic sophomore Dion Lewis, who ranked third nationally in rushing last season at the FBS level.

    But for now the focus is on the Blue Devils, who gained an average of 219.4 yards per game last season on the ground with featured back James Mallory getting a large chunk of that. Mallory was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award in 2009 but has since graduated.

    Senior Brian Fowler averaged almost seven yards a carry last season and is the Blue Devils' leading returning rusher. The offensive line is anchored by senior Mike Allison, a preseason all-conference pick.

    "They come off the ball," McDonnell said, "and they like to run it downhill."

    Offensively, the Wildcats averaged 31.8 points a game last season to lead the CAA. Although quarterback R.J. Toman returns, they lost their top two receivers and leading rusher.

    Plus senior running back Sean Jellison is questionable for the opener with turf toe. So Toman might have to find new weapons.

    "We need to be mentally focused each and every week," Toman said.

    The offensive line hopes to jell early.

    "We have to stay calm and sit back and take what they give us," said sophomore center Chris Zarkoskie. "We know the schemes. They've coached us up well. They'll show us a couple fronts. We've just to be able to do a good job and not get frazzled if they show us a different look or two here or there."

    "It is a young group," said junior tight end Chris Jeannot, "but I think they have enough experience. They know the calls. They know what we're doing. I think we'll be fine."

    In addition to Jellison, offensive tackle Seth Price (shoulder), cornerback Tyler Sargent (foot) and defensive tackle Lance Mailloux (shoulder) are questionable for today's game.

    Receiver Mickey Mangieri is out for the season with a broken leg suffered in last week's scrimmage. He fractured both the tibia and fibula in his right leg while blocking on a running play.

    He had surgery last Friday, and McDonnell hopes he'll be back in time for winter workouts.

    "Great kid," McDonnell said. "That's why everybody was so shook up. He's as good a kid as there is in the program. It's a bad break. He's extremely disappointed. The outpouring from the kids to him has been special. He's that kind of kid."

    Today's game will include a sibling rivalry. Londonderry's Sean Ryan is a backup guard for UNH while older brother, Casey Ryan, is expected to make his first career start at left tackle for Central Connecticut.

    "Our family is very excited," said Sean Ryan, a redshirt freshman. "My dad ordered like 60 tickets. It'll be a big thing for our family. They've been talking about it for a while."

    North Hampton's Mike MacArthur, a graduate of Winnacunnet High School, will handle the kickoffs.

    "He's been a pleasant surprise," McDonnell said.

    The placekicker's job between MacArthur, a redshirt freshman, and A.J. DeLago, a sophomore, was still up for grabs as of midweek.

    Punter Ryan Glasgow and safety Mike Perkins have been suspended for the opener for breaking team and athletic department rules. That means tight end Kyle Auffray will do the punting today.

    "He gets the ball off pretty quick and he locates it pretty well," McDonnell said.

    New CC offensive coordinator Tim Stowers was the head coach at Rhode Island from 2000 to 2007 where his defensive coordinator was Jeff McInerney, now in his fifth season as the head coach at Central Connecticut.

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    Duke has the fewest questions; others face many


    Sep 04, 04:51 AM


    By Luke DeCock, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.

    Sept. 04--Who exactly will be on the field for North Carolina today against Louisiana State may be the biggest mystery of the entire football season. This was supposed to be the year the Tar Heels had all the answers. Instead, they may face the most questions.

    In a surprising twist, the team facing the least might just be their long-suffering rivals from down the highway, Duke.

    The confusion over the state of the North Carolina football program is the most significant contributor to the state of confusion when it comes to football in North Carolina, but the Tar Heels are hardly alone when it comes to posing questions no one can answer.

    No one knows what to expect from N.C. State, or Wake Forest, or East Carolina. There's one program left among the state's FBS teams, and Duke faces the fewest questions of all going into tonight's game against Elon.

    Offensively, they bring back nine starters, if not the most important -- quarterback, where the prolific Thad Lewis is gone -- but Duke coach David Cutcliffe has the utmost confidence in sophomore Sean Renfree's ability to get the ball to experienced wide receivers Donovan Varner, Conner Vernon and Austin Kelly. If Desmond Scott can pop a few runs, the Blue Devils should be able to put some points on the board.

    "Well, let's hope there is one," Cutcliffe said this week in response to a question about Duke's running game, which managed only 762 yards last season, almost a third of that coming in the rain against N.C. Central. But it should be noted that Mississippi's two all-time leading rushers -- Deuce McAllister and Joe Gunn -- both played under Cutcliffe.

    Defensively, they have to break in five new starters while playing a completely different scheme. Cutcliffe is a little less certain about this side of the ball, but the bar isn't set very high for improvement, especially if his recruits continue to close the speed gap that has long existed between Duke and the rest of the ACC.

    "I have great confidence that we're going to play hard, and great confidence that we'll chase the football and play as hard as we can possibly play," Cutcliffe said. "I think when you're going into your first game with so many unknowns, that's one of the areas I'm anxious to see how we respond."

    There have been seasons where Duke was a known commodity, but typically it was known that the Blue Devils would finish last in the ACC. That probably won't happen this season, not with Virginia in the Coastal Division. Unfortunately for Duke, the rest of the Coastal is stacked, but solid improvement in the form of a 7-5 or 6-6 season -- and that elusive bowl bid -- is a distinct possibility.

    Elsewhere, it's hard to pin down the prospects. Defense was supposed to be the key for N.C. State this season, but the surprising and stealthy move of Dean Haynes from cornerback to halfback raises questions about the Wolfpack's running game as well. Everyone knew the Wolfpack was short of depth at defensive back; how dire must the situation be at running back to steal a player from one problem position and make him an immediate starter at another?

    There is no uncertainty about the rest of N.C. State's offense, with Russell Wilson at quarterback and talented wide receivers, but Tom O'Brien is at a point in his tenure when he needs to provide the right answers if N.C. State is going to avoid a fifth straight losing season.

    If O'Brien is under the most pressure to produce in his time with the Wolfpack, Ruffin McNeill couldn't be under less pressure at East Carolina. Coming off back-to-back Conference USA titles under Skip Holtz, a rebuilding year isn't going to sting too badly -- particularly if the crazy new schemes McNeill is bringing with him from Texas Tech are entertaining.

    Wake Forest, which opened the season with a 53-13 rout of Presbyterian on Thursday, has the most known commodity of all in coach Jim Grobe, whose work at Wake is nothing short of miraculous. The Deacons' defense should be better, as should the ground game, but replacing four-year starter Riley Skinner at quarterback won't be easy.

    And then there's North Carolina, a team that two months ago was poised to make a run at the ACC title and is now instead practicing more damage control than football. Whether the Tar Heels can move past this and perform is anyone's guess.

    Across the area, across the state, the football season that fully opens today is one of very few certainties and very many mysteries. The program with the least questions just happens to be the one that has typically faced the most: Duke.

    luke.decock@newsobserver .com, twitter.com/LukeDeCock or (919) 829-8947

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    Temple takes wild, 31-24 Mayor's Cup win over Villanova


    Sep 04, 04:24 AM


    By Kevin Tatum, The Philadelphia Inquirer

    Sept. 04--A mass of red-and-white jerseys had massed near the 20-yard line on Friday evening at Lincoln Financial Field. There, players from visiting Villanova and Temple were exchanging handshakes and hugs after another nailbiter in the second annual Mayor's Cup.

    With three seconds remaining, Temple's Brandon McManus -- a sophomore who in the first half had nailed a career-best 53-yard field goal -- hit a 43-yarder and the Owls took a 31-24 victory in a nonconference battle that was the season opener for both squads.

    "We had our opportunities to win the game," Villanova coach Andy Talley said. "That was a fantastic game that could have gone either way. People in Philadelphia should really embrace college football, because if you have two teams that can put on a game like this, it's tremendous for the people who came and both programs."

    The final margin was established when Temple defensive back Justin Gildea ran 26 yards with a fumble for a touchdown with no time remaining. After McManus' last three-pointer gave the Owls a 25-24 edge, Villanova took the kickoff and tried to keep the game alive with a series of laterals before losing control of the ball.

    Last year, 'Nova took the trophy home after securing a 27-24 victory with a last-second field goal. The rematch drew a crowd of 32,193.

    "I thought Brandon would hit it," Temple coach Al Golden said about the game-winner. "You've got to believe in the guys, and then you have to let the guys win the game."

    Villanova, which had a 14-10 edge at halftime, was up by 21-13 with 14 minutes, 47 seconds to go. Temple went ahead, 22-21, before the Wildcats' Nick Yako kicked a 41-yard field goal with 1:51 showing on the clock. Yako's kick, which put his team ahead, 24-22, came after Temple quarterback Chester Stewart fumbled a snap at his own 24-yard line.

    Villanova, which won the Football Championship Subdivision national title last year in a 14-1 season, is the preseason favorite to do it again and also was designated as the team to beat in the Colonial Athletic Association.

    Temple was coming off a 9-4 finish that gave the program its first winning season since 1990 and is the favorite in the Mid-American Conference. The Owls tied for first place in the East Division last fall and then lost to UCLA in the EagleBank Bowl in Washington, where Temple played in a postseason event for the first time since 1979.

    Yako, who booted the game-winner against Temple last fall, missed on a 38-yard field goal on Villanova's first possession. A 43-yard return of the opening kickoff by the Wildcats' Matt Szczur had set up 'Nova at its own 48.

    Szczur nearly went all the way, but he stepped out of bounds while being pursued up the right sideline.

    When the Temple offense took over, it was 5-foot-5, 170-pound Matt Brown who lined up behind Stewart. Brown got the nod over Bernard Pierce, the team's leading rusher last season who missed valuable practice time after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit late in the team's preseason camp.

    Pierce, who is under consideration for a few of the postseason awards that go to the nation's top running back, made his first appearance against 'Nova on a third-down play during the Owls' first series. But it was Brown who scored the first points of the game when he later took a pitchout from Stewart on an option play that appeared to be snuffed out -- until the quarterback got rid of the ball at the last second.

    Brown reversed field and raced 17 yards, diving at the pylon in the right corner of the end zone. Temple led, 7-0, with 1:18 remaining in the first period.

    Villanova knotted the score, 7-7, in the second quarter when quarterback Chris Whitney hit Szczur with a 3-yard scoring pass. A 9-yard run by running back Aaron Ball put the Wildcats ahead, 14-7, with 3:37 to in the half, and McManus ended the pre-intermission scoring with 15 seconds left with his personal-best kick. Contact staff writer Kevin Tatum at 215-854-2583 or ktatum@phillynews.com.

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    Temple gains revenge with victory over Villanova in Mayor's Cup


    Sep 04, 04:22 AM


    By Mike Kern, Philadelphia Daily News

    Sept. 04--TEMPLE FOOTBALL had waited a year for this.

    It almost got even longer.

    Before 32,000-plus last night, the largest non-Penn State crowd to watch the Owls at Lincoln Financial Field, they did indeed exact their revenge. Barely.

    A year ago, a Villanova team that went on to win the Football Championship Series national title beat Temple in the opener, by three, on a last-play field goal by freshman Nick Yako that capped a 13-point fourth-quarter rally.

    This time, the Owls got their hands on the Mayor's Cup when sophomore Brandon McManus, who'd made two long field goals before missing another from medium-range, drilled a 43-yarder with 3 seconds to go for a victory that officially became 31-24 on the ensuing kickoff after Villanova desperately tried to throw the ball around and Justin Gildea returned an illegal forward pass 26 yards for a touchdown.

    Less than 2 minutes earlier, Yako, who'd missed twice himself, put his side ahead by converting from 41 yards out, a career best.

    But Villanova, which didn't punt until the fourth quarter but failed to make a first down the last three times it touched the ball, left a little too much time on the clock. One minute, 51 seconds, to be precise, thanks to incompletions on second and third down. That drive had been set up by a John Dempsey fumble recovery of a Chester Stewart bobbled snap, Temple's only turnover, four fewer than it committed last season. Twelve months ago, it had been Dempsey's interception that led to Yako's game-winner.

    Stewart took the Owls 46 yards in nine plays, completing four passes, including his last two, to get them to the 'Nova 26. He also scrambled for a first down along the way. McManus came on and became the hero, after former starting quarterback Vaughn Charleton did a great job of getting a high snap down.

    "We had the poise and confidence to stay with it, and we finished," said Temple coach Al Golden, whose team will host defending league champ Central Michigan in Thursday night's Mid-American Conference opener. "I thought Brandon would hit it. I was really surprised he missed the other one [from 36].

    "You've got to believe in the guys, to let them win the game. We put ourselves in position to do that."

    The Owls, who trailed, 14-10, at halftime, were down by eight very early in the fourth period, following a 21-yard scoring pass from Chris Whitney to Norman White. But Temple got to within five with 6:28 left, when McManus hit from 40. And they went in front at 4:07 on a 62-yard toss from Stewart to Michael Campbell.

    Villanova, which visits Lehigh on Saturday, played much of the second half without two starting defensive linemen. It already had lost one in preseason camp. But the Wildcats got one more chance, when Eric Loper stripped the ball from Stewart (16-for-27, 200 yards) on the botched third-and-1, starting at the Temple 22. But Whitney lost 2 yards on first down, then missed on two throws, his sixth consecutive miss after hitting 17 of his first 19 (with a pick). Yako made sure it didn't matter, but the seconds the Wildcats didn't use up made all the difference.

    Still . . .

    "I think Philly can be proud," said Villanova coach Andy Talley, who also beat the Owls here in 2003 in overtime. "It just slipped away from us. We had our chances to win. We played about as well as we could at this point. There's no excuses.

    "For two teams to put on a game like this is tremendous for both programs. I can't say enough. That's just the way it went today. We didn't lose the game. Temple did what it had to do. You could tell the difference between them and us. They played a lot of guys, we got a little tired. I think that's what you always have when you have a I-A playing a I-AA."

    Bernard Pierce, who didn't start, carried 20 times for 75 yards for the Owls. Matt Brown gained 54, in 10 tries. Campbell had career highs of eight receptions and 127 yards.

    "It was an awesome environment to play in," said Villanova's Matt Szczur, who caught five passes, completed three passes, had five carries and ran seven kickoffs back for 165 yards, but never was able to produce a game-changer. "But losing is just a terrible feeling. I haven't lost a lot with this team, at all."

    He might not lose much with this one, either. Villanova is ranked No. 1 in FCS.

    It's a long season. This is one step. Last year's loss didn't stop Temple from going to a bowl for the first time in three decades. Just as this win doesn't ensure that the Owls will will the MAC. Yet for a lot of obvious reasons, some maybe even tangible, the Owls needed it. Just because.

    "I'm excited this is becoming a tradition, in only its second year," Golden said. "It shows the courage of both institutions and administrations to play this game. So many people will say you shouldn't. There's a lot of irrelevant games in college football this weekend. This was not one of them. I think both teams are sore right now.

    "A lot of skeptics will say, 'You beat a I-AA team.' Wrong. We beat a champion. It's hard to beat a champion . . . I could hear all the old-time Temple people shaking their head, saying 'Here we go again.' But we're starting to learn."

    And it still came that close to being another painful lesson.

    Temple drew first blood, on its opening possession, after Villanova had held the ball for 8 minutes before Yako missed a 38-yard field goal. The Owls went 79 yards in 11 plays, with the help of a third-down pass-interference penalty on James Pitts, and scored on a 17-yard run by Brown, who took a late option pitch from Stewart on the left flank and improvised. Catching the ball just before it hit the ground, he immediately reversed field and found a bunch of room, eventually beating the last (only?) defender to the pylon with 1:18 to go in the period.

    Following an exchange of punts, Villanova put together a 72-yard drive of its own, culminating in a 3-yard pass from Whitney to Szczur on third-and-goal at 8:11 of the second quarter.

    The Wildcats, who never led Temple a year ago until the final play, went ahead by seven some 5 minutes later. After Temple went three-and-out, they went 74 yards in eight plays (five of which produced first downs). Aaron Ball got the last 9, on a run up the middle.

    But the Owls cut it to 14-10 just before intermission, when McManus converted a 53-yard field goal, his career long and the second longest in Temple history (behind Don Bitterlich's 56-yarder in 1975). It was also the program's longest in 16 years.

    The last one, though, will be the one everyone remembers most. *

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    Seacoast Roundup: York's Bullock nets four goals in win


    Sep 04, 03:48 AM


    By Portsmouth Herald, N.H.

    Sept. 04--YORK, Maine -- Theo Bullock made Mike Masi's debut as the head coach of the York High School boys soccer team one to remember.

    Bullock scored four goals, while Kevin Bond added two as the Western Maine Class B Wildcats opened their season with an 8-1 win over Western Maine Class C rival Traip Academy.

    Pierce Twohig and Ryan Lusty each scored a goal for the Wildcats. Lucas Costas scored for Traip.

    BOYS SOCCER

    St. Thomas 2

    Windham 1

    DOVER -- Ed Conroy scored the game-winning goal and assisted on the other for the Saints in this Division II contest.

    Connor Bailey gave the Saints a 1-0 lead, and Andrew Civiello assisted on Conroy's goal.

    Sheldon Cook had six saves for STA (2-1), while Mike Kubiczki played well defensively.

    Oyster River 5

    Milford 1

    DURHAM -- Alex Hennessy scored two goals and had an assist, leading the Bobcats to this Division II win.

    Mike Bilynsky (goal, assist), Austin Alphonse (goal), Alex Johnson (goal) and Ethan Druskat (assist) all figured in on the scoring.

    Adam Goodwin and Asher Booz shared the goal-tending duties for the Bobcats.

    GIRLS SOCCER

    St. Thomas 5

    Windham 0

    WINDHAM -- Michaela Cowgill scored two goals and had an assist for St. Thomas (2-1) in this Division II contest.

    Lauren Williams, Jill MacDonald and Ashley Milliken all scored goals for the Saints. MacDonald also had two assists. Kayelynn Bernier had five saves for St. Thomas.

    North Yarmouth Academy 2

    Traip Academy 1, OT

    KITTERY, Maine -- The Panthers scored the game-winning goal three minutes into sudden-death overtime in this Western Maine Class C contest.

    Chole Gaudissart gave Traip (0-1) a 1-0 lead with a goal 10 minutes into the second half. NYA tied the game at 1-1 with five minutes left in regulation.

    Kennebunk 2

    Marshwood 1

    KENNEBUNK, Maine -- Jilliam Gori scored Marshwood's lone goal with five minutes left in this Western Maine Class A contest.

    Salem 3

    Winnacunnet 2

    HAMPTON -- Kirsten O'Neil and Haley Arsenault each scored a goal for Winnacunnet (1-1) in its Division I loss on Thursday.

    O'Neil and Kaitlyn Osborne each had an assist for the Warriors, while Anna Sullivan (defense), Ally Morrissey (defense) and Carly Gould (goalie) all played well.

    FIELD HOCKEY

    York 2

    Wells 1

    YORK, Maine -- Cari Posternak scored both goals for York (2-0) in its Western Maine Class B win.

    Hannah Keating, Becka Sarson and Catie Keenan all had assists for the Wildcats.

    Marshwood 3

    Windham 1

    SOUTH BERWICK, Maine -- The Hawks scored two goals in the first five minutes and held on for this Western Maine Class A victory.

    Sam Crosman, Ashley Tice and Natalia Bachelder each scored a goal for Marshwood, while Tice and Hattie Stiles had assists.

    Marshwood goalie Jacque Tworkowski had 12 saves.

    Volleyball

    Oyster River 3

    Coe-Brown 1

    DURHAM -- Brianna Datti had 28 digs, 10 aces and was 24-for-24 serving as Oyster River won this Division II contest, 25-16, 24-26, 25-10, 25-10.

    Leah Janelle (15 kills), Katie Sylvia (13 kills, five aces), Hanna Finch (19 assists) and Kyla McCabe-Corrow (17 assists) led the Bobcats.

    St. Thomas 3

    Somersworth 1

    DOVER -- Regina Mastrobattista had seven kills and four aces as St. Thomas pulled out its season-opening Division II contest, 25-17, 13-25, 25-21, 25-19.

    Cecilia Chrisom (15 digs, six kills), Gabbi Ouellette (16 digs) and Liz Groover (11 assists) led the Saints.

    CROSS COUNTRY

    York teams sweep four-team meet

    YORK, Maine -- Mitchell Finitz, Silas Freeman and Ben Young placed second, third and fourth, as the York High School boys scored 26 points, beating Freeport (52), Merriconeag (54) and Wells (no score) in a Western Maine Class B meet.

    Finitz covered the 2.9-mile course in 16 minutes, 01 seconds, Freeman finished in 16:11, while Young crossed in 16:47.

    York's Alec Jordan (seventh, 17:14) and Nick Eaton (10th, 17:29) both placed in the top 10.

    In the girls race, York's Heather Evans won in 19:12, pacing the Wildcats to victory. York had 25 points, while Merriconeag (35), Freeport (85) and Wells (no score) placed second through fourth, respectively.

    Nina Boutin (third, 20:19), Brianna Eaton (fifth, 20:56), Liz Ferland (seventh, 21:41) and Mallory Evans (ninth, 21:49) all finished in the top 10.

    Golf

    WHS goes 2-1 on day

    AMHERST -- The Warriors won their first two matches of the season in a four-team Division I match at Souhegan Woods Golf Club.

    Aaron Connolly shot a 1-over-par 37, leading the Warriors (210), who beat Merrimack (212) and Manchester West (240), and lost to Bishop Guertin (199).

    Brandon Ciaramitaro (42) and Tyler Whitten (43) also shot well for Winnacunnet (2-5).

    freshmen

    Field hockey

    Portsmouth 2

    Exeter 1

    PORTSMOUTH -- Lauren Melanson and Emma Levin each scored for Portsmouth. Portsmouth goalie Hannah Blockis had eight saves.

    -----

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    Copyright (c) 2010, Portsmouth Herald, N.H.

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    Slugfest: Bulldawgs hold off Cougars, move to 2-0


    Sep 04, 03:24 AM


    By Jason Groves, Las Cruces Sun-News, N.M.

    Sept. 04--LAS CRUCES -- And then there was one.

    Las Cruces High is the lone 2-0 team in the city after a 21-14 victory over Cibola on Friday at the Field of Dreams.

    "It feels good to be 2-0," Bulldawgs coach Jim Miller said. "(The Bulldawgs' Week 1 opponent) El Dorado is a good physical club and Cibola is a good team. It's good competition and I'm happy about coming out with wins."

    But it wasn't easy against a physical, yet one-dimensional Cougars' club.

    After the teams put up 28 points in the second quarter, the Bulldawgs outgained Cibola 140-32 in the second half, salting away the last 6:24 of the game as neither team scored in the final 24 minutes.

    "We were not in a good flow offensively, but I knew the defense was playing well," Miller said. "Fortunately we put it together for the last 6 and 1/2 minutes."

    The Bulldawgs ran 35 plays in the second half and racked up 10 first downs while Cibola had two first downs on 16 plays.

    "In a game like that where there was no offensive continuity, we missed some deep balls and they were manning us up pretty good," Miller said. "We could have done a better job passing the ball."

    The Bulldawgs missed their fair share of chances to put more points on the board. Quarterback Jeremy Buurma looked off, throwing a first-half interception and missing receivers.

    But Cibola didn't give Miller any reason to go away from the running game with Buurma and sophomore running back Xavier Hall.

    "We have a power running game," said Hall,

    who carried 25 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

    Hall carried eight times on the Bulldawgs' final drive, which started at their own 20 with 6:24 to play and Cibola with all three timeouts.

    The Cougars didn't see the ball again.

    "I look forward to that as a running back," Hall said. "I want to hear the coaches call my number. It feels good that they have confidence in me to run the ball and waste the clock."

    The first half made it seem like Friday's contest was going to be a shootout.

    LCHS drove 80 yards on its first drive of the game, but it was merely an opening act for the second quarter that saw the teams move up and down the field and put 28 points on the scoreboard in the first 5:13 of the quarter.

    The Bulldawgs went up 14-0 on a 3-yard plunge from Hall.

    Hall's first score was set up after Cougars punter Skyler Smith fumbled inside the Cibola 20. Three players later it was 14-0 with 11:21 left in the first half.

    Cibola's Fred Castaneda put Cibola on the board with a 90-yard kickoff return that made it 14-7 with 11:06 left in the first half. Castaneda caught the ball at the CHS 10, switched fields and beat the Bulldawgs to the opposite sideline near midfield.

    "That kickoff return gave them a lot of momentum and if we don't throw that pick in the first half, those things can put the final nail in the coffin," Miller said. "I give Cibola a lot of credit."

    The Cougars tied the score at 14-14 on an 18-yard run from Ramon Garcia. Garcia's run was set up with a 41-yard Mark Tapia run, but long runs were few and far between for the Cougars.

    "Defensively, they weren't going to run on us," Miller said. "They hurt us once on a zone play, but that gave me the luxury of going for it on fourth down a few times."

    After starting the second with a TD, Hall's second score of the night proved to be the game-winner. Hall scored from 72 yards out, picking up a key block from LCHS receiver Josh Watson at the Cibola 40 and then shed a tackle at the 15 and stumbled in with 7:47 left that gave LCHS a 21-14 halftime lead.

    "It was important (re-gaining the halftime lead)," Hall said. "We had to regroup. Those two scores, they felt like they had the momentum."

    The Bulldawgs first drive of the game erased any momentum the Cougars could have built from a 61-yard pass off play action on the first play from scrimmage.

    Cibola quarterback Mike Kozemchak dropped back and hit Joe Martinez wide open down the sideline. Martinez was stopped at the Bulldawgs' 11, but the LCHS defense pushed Cibola back to the 25 where Brody Botz missed a field goal attempt.

    It was the only offense the Cougars showed on Friday night, but it wasn't enough to deny the Bulldawgs a 2-0 start.

    Jason Groves can be reached at (575) 541-5459

    Cibola 0 14 0 0 -- 14

    Las Cruces 7 14 0 0 -- 21

    LC -- Tanner Shoemaker 12 run (Mark Ortega kick) 4:38

    Second quarter

    LC -- Xavier Hall 3 run (Ortega kick) 11:21

    C -- Fred Castaneda 90 kickoff return (Brody Botz kick) 11:06

    C -- Ramon Garcia 18 run (Botz kick) 8:04

    LC -- Hall 72 run (Ortega kick) 7:47

    -----

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    Copyright (c) 2010, Las Cruces Sun-News, N.M.

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    GWU notches men's soccer win


    Sep 04, 02:58 AM


    By The Star, Shelby, N.C.

    Sept. 04--BOILING SPRINGS -- Gardner-Webb scored three goals, including two in the second half, for a 3-0 win over the Mercer Bears in non-conference action Friday night at Greene-Harbison Stadium.

    GWU improves to 1-1 on the year, while Mercer falls to 0-1.

    Gardner-Webb got on the board in the first half with some help from the Bears, as freshman Nicolas Wrobel was fouled in the penalty box and then went on to convert the penalty kick in the 10th minute.

    Junior goalkeeper Adam Garcia was solid in goal for the Runnin' Bulldogs recording four saves in the opening half to keep GWU in front 1-0.

    In the second half of play, GWU's Wrobel struck again. The freshman midfielder found a loose ball about 15 feet out in front of the net and scored in the 51st minute.

    The Runnin' Bulldogs added an insurance goal in the 85th minute, as sophomore Jordan Day played a cross from right to left which found the head of teammate Marius Hammersmark to give the home team a 3-0 lead.

    Gardner-Webb (1-1) travels to Nashville, Tenn., to battle both Lipscomb and Belmont next weekend.

    Runnin' Bulldogs fall in double OT

    WILMINGTON -- Elon's Brittany Hallberg scored the game-winning goal in the 106th minute to put the Phoenix over Gardner-Webb by a 2-1 score Friday in the opening game of the UNC Wilmington Hilton Garden Inn Invitational.

    Elon (2-1-0) got on the board early in the first half when senior midfielder Winsper put a chip shot in off of the inside right post. It was the first goal of the season allowed by GWU junior goalkeeper Chelsea Hearne.

    The Runnin' Bulldogs (2-1-1) best chance to score in the first half came in the 39th minute of play when freshman Meagan Reynolds put a shot on goal, but was unable to get the ball past Phoenix keeper Kristen Haney

    With time running out in the second half, Gardner-Webb got a break in the 89th minute when an Elon defender sent a header over Haney to the back of the net, giving the Runnin' Bulldogs the 1-1 tie at the end of regulation.

    Friday's match marks the third consecutive double overtime match for the GWU women. GWU now plays Sunday at 1:30 p.m.a gainst host UNC Wilmington.

    No. 11 Cal drops Runnin' Bulldogs

    SAN DIEGO -- Gardner-Webb volleyball had a tough night Friday as the No. 11 California Bears were too much for the Runnin' Bulldogs, defeating Gardner-Webb in three straight sets.

    Gardner-Webb falls to 1-4 on the season, while the Bears' remain undefeated at 3-0.

    .In the first set, a 20-4 run gave the Bears control en route to a 25-9 win. The next two games went 5-8 and 25-5.

    GWU middle blocker Laura Wilcox Wilcox led the way with five kills, while sophomore Molly Rhyne had three kills, a service ace and four digs.

    Gardner-Webb (1-4) faces No. 25 San Diego today at 3 p.m. as the western trip continues.

    -----

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