Times wires
Friday, September 16, 2011
Brewers 6, Reds 3
CINCINNATI — Ryan Braun homered twice and became the second Brewer to get 30 homers and steals (31) in a season (Tommy Harper, 31 homers and 38 steals in 1970). Braun hit one of four homers off former Hernando High star Bronson Arroyo, and the Reds were eliminated from playoff contention.
Times wires
Friday, September 16, 2011
BALTIMORE — The Angels' playoff push was slowed when Tommy Hunter pitched seven shutout innings for the Orioles in an 8-3 victory Friday night.
The Angels started the day trailing the first-place Rangers, who played late, by 3½ games in the AL West. They are now five behind the Red Sox in the wild-card chase.
Mark Reynolds and Nolan Reimold homered for the Orioles, who have become spoilers of late. They took two of three from the wild-card hopeful Rays before easily handling the Angels, who had won eight of 11.
Los Angeles avoided a shutout in the ninth against Kevin Gregg, who allowed a two-run homer to Hank Conger and an RBI double to Alexi Amarista.
Hunter gave up seven hits, struck out five and walked two. He had been 1-4 with an 8.79 ERA in seven career games against the Angels.
Dan Haren yielded seven runs — six earned — and seven hits in five innings.
Bobby Winsler, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
DOVER — Steinbrenner dominated Strawberry Crest on both sides of the ball Friday in a 28-0 rout. The Chargers' offense has yet to find its stride, scoring 12 total points while allowing 145.
On the Warriors' second drive, Kendall Pearcey outran the Chargers (0-3) on a 96-yard race to the end zone. Neither team could do much until the closing minute of the first half when Jake Carroll added yards after the catch for a 45-yard touchdown from Curtis Fitch. The two would connect again later in the game.
Steinbrenner's defense made one critical mistake. On fourth down 10 yards from the goal line, Strawberry Crest tried to force a play that turned into an interception. The pick gave Steinbrenner (2-1) worse field position than an incompletion, leaving the Warriors against their own end zone.
The Chargers' defense held the Warriors to a short punt.
Bobby Winsler, Times correspondent
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 16, 2011
BOSTON — The way 3B Evan Longoria sees it, he's just doing his part.
After an injury in Game 2 of the season that sidelined him a month and a slow first five weeks back as he got healthy, Longoria has been the game's most productive player. With a two-run homer in the first inning Friday against the Red Sox, he has a major-league-leading 77 RBIs since June 11 and an American League-most 24 home runs.
"For us to be able to be in the situation that we're in, in the playoff hunt, and to be feeling the way I'm feeling is huge, because for the better part of the first half, I didn't really contribute anything," Longoria said.
"So it's a big nod of the cap from my side to the rest of the team for doing what they did and not really packing it in and just getting us to where we could contend at this point."
Longoria has 28 homers and 91 RBIs, closing in on his unspoken annual goal of 30 and 100, and is seven RBIs shy of being the 13th player (and first third baseman) to have 100 homers and 400 RBIs in his first four seasons. He made two dazzling plays Friday as well.
The one negative is his average, .240 going into play Friday.
"It's kind of impressive what he's done," manager Joe Maddon said. "His value goes well beyond (his batting average), and also his defense; he's playing his high-level defense.
"He's looking as good as he has in a long time right now. … His struggle was attributable, I think, to the injury because he came back and his mechanics were all messed up. He was not right. Him and (hitting coach Derek Shelton) have worked it out. And he looks like he's supposed to right now."
Farnsworth improving: RHP Kyle Farnsworth's tender right elbow has improved enough for him to get to pick up a ball for the first time in a week, working toward a return next week in New York. He made 25 throws with a ball in a sock — a drill that limits the strain — and the Rays said it went well. "It's a step," Farnsworth said.
Farnsworth said he'd hope to play catch unrestricted in Boston, then throw off the mound in New York on Tuesday with the idea he could be available by Thursday's series finale.
More medical: INF Sean Rodriguez has been limited since his lower back stiffened up Thursday morning, but he hopes to be back in the lineup for today's game vs. lefty Jon Lester. … OF Sam Fuld went for an MRI exam on his sore right wrist; the Rays didn't have the results as of game time. Fuld said he felt a little better; Maddon said he was again limited to pinch-running and defense.
Minor matters: LHP Matt Moore was named to Baseball America's minor-league all-star team. DH/OF/INF Russ Canzler and SS Hak-Ju Lee were second-team selections. Moore was named Double-A pitcher of the year and an all-star, Canzler a Triple-A all-star and Lee an advanced Class A all-star.
Pitching in: The Rays are expected to stay in relative rotation around the upcoming off day and doubleheader in New York, with Wade Davis starting Tuesday, James Shields (likely in the day game) and Jeremy Hellickson on Wednesday, and Jeff Niemann on Thursday.
Miscellany: First-pitch temperature was 60 degrees. … Fox plans to show today's game to 74 percent of the country. TBS is showing Sunday's game, and ESPN picked up Wednesday's night game.
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 16, 2011
BOSTON — The Rays will still be alive in the AL wild-card race if they lose today, but essentially only technically.
They came into the four-game series saying they needed three wins — to ensure they would be no more than two out with 10 left — so that makes today about as close to must-win as there is.
"It's very important," manager Joe Maddon said. "We're going for another version of Meat Loaf. Two out of three's normally when we're going to Meat Loaf somebody (from the song Two Out of Three Ain't Bad, by Meat Loaf). Three out of four may be closer to chateaubriand."
They will put the ball, and basically their season, in the hands of RHP Jeff Niemann, who is up to the challenge.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "The atmosphere is going to be awesome. I'm looking forward to going out there and experience that and feeling those kind of juices."
Longoria rolling: 3B Evan Longoria said he is just doing his part.
After an injury in Game 2 of the season that sidelined him a month and a slow first five weeks back as he got healthy, Longoria has been the game's most productive player. With a two-run homer in the first inning Friday against the Red Sox, he has a major-league-leading 78 RBIs since June 11 and an American League-most 24 home runs. Overall, he has 28 and 91 RBIs.
"For us to be able to be in the situation that we're in, in the playoff hunt, and to be feeling the way I'm feeling is huge, because for the better part of the first half, I didn't really contribute anything," Longoria said.
"So it's a big nod of the cap from my side to the rest of the team for doing what they did and not really packing it in and just getting us to where we could contend at this point."
Farnsworth improving: RHP Kyle Farnsworth's tender right elbow has improved enough for him to get to pick up a ball for the first time in a week, working toward a return next week in New York. He made 25 throws with a ball in a sock — a drill that limits the strain — and the Rays said it went well. "Definitely good," Farnsworth said.
Farnsworth said he'd hope to play catch unrestricted in Boston, then throw off the mound in New York on Tuesday with the idea he could be available by Thursday's series finale.
More medical: INF Sean Rodriguez has been limited since his lower back stiffened up Thursday morning, but he hopes to be back in the lineup for today's game vs. lefty Jon Lester. … OF Sam Fuld went for an MRI exam on his sore right wrist; the Rays didn't have the results as of game time. Fuld said he felt a little better; Maddon said he was again limited to pinch-running and defense.
Minor matters: LHP Matt Moore was named to Baseball America's minor-league all-star team. DH/OF/INF Russ Canzler and SS Hak-Ju Lee were second-team selections. Moore was named Double-A pitcher of the year and an all-star, Canzler a Triple-A all-star and Lee an advanced Class A all-star.
Pitching in: The Rays are expected to stay in relative rotation around the upcoming off day and doubleheader in New York, with Wade Davis starting Tuesday, James Shields (likely in the day game) and Jeremy Hellickson on Wednesday, and Niemann on Thursday.
Miscellany: The Rays stole seven bases, one shy of the team record. … Maddon's ejection was his sixth of the season.
Lauren Burg, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
CLEARWATER — In a game dominated by defense, Calvary Christian shut out Shorecrest 21-0 to notch its first win at its new home, "The Rock."
"It's awesome to get our first win at this beautiful facility. The kids showed a lot of heart," Calvary coach Dave Bonchy said.
Calvary's defense was led by senior free safety Brad Jordan, who had two crucial interception returns for touchdowns, one of 100 yards, both times stripping Shorecrest of a prime scoring chance. As a wide receiver Hordan also caught a 2-point conversion from senior Steven Rice.
Junior running back Derek Barnes led Calvary's offense with eight rushes for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Shorecrest junior Garrett Schulte rushed 11 times for 38 yards and senior Christian Mandula had 16 rushes for 81 yards.
Lauren Burg, Times correspondent
Chad Wise, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
TRINITY — Mitchell continued its perfect start to the 2011 season with a 33-0 home shutout of Ridgewood on Friday night.
Mordell Holley rushed for three touchdowns on his way to 114 total rushing yards, and Dan Barber ran for a 40-yard touchdown to let quarterback Spencer Whittaker off the hook on a disappointing night through the air.
Whittaker completed 1 of 7 passes for 5 yards, and rushed for 15 yards.
Freddie Jones had eight rushes for 40 yards. Jones was brought down on the 1-yard line after a 33-yard run, then Holley finished the drive.
Codi Folsom missed the first point-after attempt, causing coach Scott Schmitz to call for a two-point conversion after the second touchdown, converted by Whittaker on the ground.
Max Gebler also sacked Ridgewood quarterback Bob Peck in the end zone less than a minute before the half for a safety, putting the Mustangs (3-0) up 23-0.
The rest of the Mustangs defense held Ridgewood to a total of 61 yards. TJ Petrizzi rushed six times for 49 yards, but could not find the end zone. And the Rams (0-3) never got near field goal territory on any of their possessions.
Peck went 3-for-11 passing for 8 yards and lost 16 yards total on the ground. Tyler Vito had 13 rushes for 4 yards.
Mitchell opens district play next week at River Ridge, while Ridgewood travels to Hudson.
Todd Foley, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
SEFFNER — Armwood usually can impose its size and will on just about any team. It just took a little longer than usual Friday.
Leading by only three at halftime, the Hawks wore down Tampa Bay Tech before going on to win easily.
"They also have a group of big, strong guys," Armwood coach Sean Callahan said. "We look uninspired in the first half, and (TBT) played well. But we were able to do a lot of good things in the second half."
Good things that turned a close game into a lopsided win. And another win without the starting quarterback and starting running back playing a snap. Moving from receiver, Wade Edwards did a lot more than just fill in with touchdown runs of 58 and 69 yards.
Though not dominant on offense until the third quarter, Armwood's defense was throughout. TBT moved the ball little and scored its only touchdown on a fumble return.
Todd Foley, Times correspondent
Times wires
Friday, September 16, 2011
Cardinals 4, Phillies 2
11 innings
PHILADELPHIA — Adron Chambers drove in the go-ahead run with his first major-league hit for the Cardinals.
Times wires
Friday, September 16, 2011
TORONTO — With October drawing near, CC Sabathia is struggling.
Sabathia failed to hold a fifth-inning lead and Jose Molina's single in the ninth lifted the Blue Jays over the Yankees 5-4 on Friday night, keeping Mariano Rivera on hold at 600 saves.
Sabathia won seven straight starts and nine of 10 from June 14 to Aug. 1. He's 3-3 with a 4.56 ERA in eight starts since. "My arm feels good; my body feels good," he said. "It's just been not executing pitches when I need to."
New York lost its second straight game on the last at-bat since Rivera got his 600th save Tuesday at Seattle, moving within one of Trevor Hoffman's career record.
The Yankees, whose American League East lead over Boston was cut to 31/2 games, lost for the sixth time in nine games and dropped to 3-5 on a 10-game trip that concludes with these games at Toronto. New York then returns to Yankee Stadium for a homestand that was five games but has swelled to eight — four vs. the Rays — because of rainouts.
Times wires
Friday, September 16, 2011
LAS VEGAS — Victor Ortiz knocks people down, and he has done it every time he has stepped in the ring. He also goes down, twice in his last fight alone.
It's a pattern that can make for exciting fights. It's also a style that plays into the hands of Floyd Mayweather.
Mayweather returns to the ring for the first time in 16 months tonight, facing Ortiz in a fight for a piece of the welterweight title. His experience and great defense make him a big favorite, but Mayweather vows this fight will be entertaining from the opening bell.
"I'm coming straight ahead," Mayweather said. "This fight is not going the distance."
In most instances, Ortiz would be seen as little more than a tuneup for a possible Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight in the spring. But the 24-year-old is young and strong, and coming off a huge win over Andre Berto that not only made him a champion at 147 pounds but, more important, got Mayweather's attention.
Mayweather was there in April when Ortiz came off the canvas twice to win a bruising decision over Berto. "It was such an exciting fight that it motivated me to get back in the ring and display my skills," Mayweather said.
Mayweather, 34, will earn another massive payday — possibly more than $20 million — to try to remain undefeated in his 42nd pro fight.
He also has shown some mastery in the prefight buildup, extending invitations to the estranged brother of the man who trains Ortiz, along with Brandon Rios, a former stablemate at odds with Ortiz.
Times wires
Friday, September 16, 2011
MINNEAPOLIS — Twins C Joe Mauer is likely to miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia.
Mauer received the diagnosis Thursday at the Mayo Clinic, and doctors recommended medication and two weeks' rest. The Twins have 14 games left before the season ends Sept. 28.
"He's really, really not happy about the situation," manager Ron Gardenhire said before Friday's game against the Indians. "He wants to be out there. He wants to be here with the guys, so he's pretty upset."
Mauer developed an upper respiratory infection Sept. 2. He started medication, but the symptoms persisted, then Mauer developed a cough this week while with the team in Kansas City, prompting him to visit the Mayo Clinic.
The 2009 MVP has played just 82 games this season while dealing with various injuries.
Mauer's illness adds to the Twins' health issues.
1B Justin Morneau has been dealing with a reoccurrence of concussion symptoms and has caught a stomach bug, and 3B Danny Valencia had the flu and was scratched Friday.
Meanwhile, LHP Francisco Liriano, who has been out with a strained shoulder, was activated from the disabled list and available out of the bullpen.
Collins: Mets' problem execution, not effort
ATLANTA — Terry Collins softened his criticism of the Mets a day after saying his team "folded it up" in an ugly homestand.
The manager now says the problem is execution, not effort.
The Mets lost eight of nine in a homestand that ended with Thursday's 10-1 loss to the Nationals. Collins said Thursday that he was "disgusted" with how his team has been playing.
"The perception I have right now: We folded it up. And I won't stand for that," he said after being routed by the Nationals.
Asked Friday if his outburst was planned as a motivational tool, Collins said, "No, it was spontaneous. They have to know that I care. They need to know that I care how the game is played."
Collins wants his players to "suck it up, get ready, get to the park" and compete despite being a distant fourth in the NL East.
A-Rod still out: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez sat against the Blue Jays and has now missed six straight games. Rodriguez hasn't played since Sept. 9 because of a sprained left thumb, an injury that has hindered him since Aug. 21, but he is expected to return to the lineup today.
Meanwhile, C Francisco Cervelli is still bothered by concussionlike symptoms stemming from a collision at home plate with Nick Markakis in a loss Sept. 8 at Baltimore. Cervelli saw a neurologist Friday and will have more tests next week.
Blue Jays: LHP Brett Cecil was scratched from his start against the Yankees and listed as day to day after cutting his left index finger while cleaning a blender.
Dodgers: Closer Jonathan Broxton, out since May with a bruised elbow, will have arthroscopic surgery Monday to reduce a spur on his right elbow and remove loose chips. LF Tony Gwynn Jr. (left shoulder) will be out a few days. … In a 37-page motion filed in Wilmington, Del., U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross was asked to approve procedures for the team to auction its local TV rights for the 2014 season and beyond. Baseball and others have until Sept. 30 to file objections, and a hearing is scheduled for Oct. 12.
Indians: OF Shin-Soo Choo will miss the rest of the season after aggravating a left rib cage injury Thursday.
Phillies: 1B Ryan Howard wasn't in the starting lineup against the Cardinals because of a left ankle injury and might get a cortisone shot but is waiting until it gets closer to postseason.
Rockies: INF Hector Gomez was recalled from Double-A Tulsa.
Travis Puterbaugh, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
VALRICO — East Bay stifled a Bloomingdale rally with under a minute left to capture a dramatic 28-26 victory. The Bulls missed a chance to go 3-0 for the first time.
Down by two with less than four minutes left, the Bulls forced a quick three-and-out. With star running back Eugene Baker sidelined by cramps, quarterback Cody Crouse led the Bulls from their 46 deep into East Bay territory. Crouse gained 17 yards on third and 1 to reach the Indians' 1 with less than a minute to play. One play later Crouse tossed the ball to Kameron Faile, who fumbled while fighting for yardage.
"It looked like we put a helmet right on the football," East Bay coach Frank LaRosa said. "That thing popped straight back and we had a couple guys there to make the recovery."
Baker had three rushing TDs despite missing most of the second half.
Travis Puterbaugh, Times correspondent
David Rice, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
TAMPA — Brandon coach John Lima felt a little bit older at the end of Friday's game.
His Eagles overcame five fumbles, a slew of special teams errors and an inability to complete a pass to beat Freedom thanks to Tyrell Garner.
Brandon pitched the ball to him time and time again. By the end of the night, Garner had carried the ball 40 times for 336 yards and four touchdowns.
"He rose up and became the man for us," Lima said. "Everything I feared could happen in this game did happen. But when you have a player like that who can make plays, you can still win."
On defense, the Eagles allowed the Patriots to run for just 5 yards.
"It came down to fundamentals," Lima said. "We're a young team. But we have nine linemen, so we were able to keep our guys fresh. And they went in there, got low and kept their offensive line from pushing us back."
David Rice, Times correspondent
Times wires
Friday, September 16, 2011
TOLEDO, Ohio — Kellen Moore was just about perfect again, throwing for 455 yards and five touchdowns to lead No. 4 Boise State to a 40-15 victory over Toledo on Friday.
Moore misfired on his first two throws but didn't miss many after that, connecting on 32 of 42 passes.
Still, the Broncos' offense sputtered early after not playing for nearly two weeks after a season-opening win against Georgia.
It looked for a while as if Toledo (1-2) might give Boise State a scare six days after it came within a play or two of knocking off No. 17 Ohio State. But the Rockets couldn't stop Moore.
The Broncos (2-0) were leading 13-6 when they got the ball back with 1:22 left in the first half and marched right down the field for a touchdown. Moore connected on six consecutive passes to get down to the 1-yard line. He then lofted a throw to Tyler Shoemaker.
Iowa St. 24, UConn 20: Darius Reynolds had 128 yards receiving and two second-half touchdowns to lead Iowa State over the host Huskies and a 3-0 start for the first time since 2005. The Cyclones overcame a 10-0 UConn lead and a slow start from quarterback Steele Jantz, who threw interceptions on three of his first four passes. Jantz completed 18-of-29 for 200 yards. His 20-yard touchdown pass to Reynolds with just over 9 minutes to play that provided the winning margin.
Big East exits? Syracuse and Pittsburgh are in talks with the ACC and are considering leaving the Big East, the New York Times reported. Syracuse is a founding member of the Big East, and Pittsburgh joined in 1982. ACC associate commissioner Amy Yakola said she couldn't comment on speculation.
Texas talking: University of Texas regents called a meeting for Monday to discuss and take "appropriate action regarding potential legal issues related to athletic conference membership and contracting," the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. On the same day, Oklahoma regents will "discuss potential legal ramifications of conference realignment options" and "take any appropriate action," the newspaper reported.
Texas officials began examining options other than remaining in the Big 12 after a meeting last week with Oklahoma officials.
Oklahoma is said to prefer a move to the Pac-12, and Oklahoma State has said it would try to remain aligned with Oklahoma.
LSU: A motion filed by attorneys for suspended quarterback Jordan Jefferson contends that several alleged victims in a bar brawl involving Tigers players incited the melee with a racial slur and that Jefferson's only role was pulling teammates away.
The motion, filed Friday, asks a judge to rule police had insufficient evidence to arrest Jefferson for second-degree battery last month. It also says the injuries to Andrew Lowery, who accuses Jefferson of kicking him in the face, were not serious enough to warrant a felony arrest.
Defense attorney Lewis Unglesby said 25 witnesses, including several LSU football players, have provided statements for the motion.
Minnesota: Coach Jerry Kill, who suffered a seizure on the sideline in a loss to New Mexico State last week, received a clean bill of health from doctors and is expected to be on hand today against Miami (Ohio).
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 16, 2011
Rays at Red Sox
When/where: 4:10 today; Fenway Park, Boston
TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)
Starting pitchers:
Rays
RH Jeff Niemann (10-7, 3.97)
Red Sox
LH Jon Lester (15-7, 3.07)
Watch for …
Standing tall: Niemann is coming off a solid start at Baltimore, having lost his previous two to Texas. He is 1-0, 1.06 in two starts vs. Boston this season, allowing just a .089 average (5-for-56), and 3-2, 3.24 overall.
Leaning left: Lester lasted only four innings vs. the Rays on Sunday, throwing 111 pitches, and two starts before that five innings/114 pitches vs. Yankees. He is 1-2, 4.00 against the Rays this season, 10-5, 3.83 for his career.
Key matchups
Rays vs. LESTER
Johnny Damon 9-for-30, 2 HRs
Evan Longoria 8-for-35, HR
B.J. Upton 9-for-47, 2 HRs
Red Sox vs. NIEMANN
Jacoby Ellsbury 1-for-11, HR
David Ortiz2-for-9, HR
Marco Scutaro3-for-18
On deck
Sunday: at Red Sox, 1:35, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (12-12, 3.34); Red Sox — Tim Wakefield (7-6, 5.13)
Monday: Off
Tuesday: at Yankees, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (10-9, 4.41); Yankees — TBA
Wednesday: at Yankees, 1:05 and 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (15-10, 2.70) and Jeremy Hellickson (13-10, 2.91); Yankees — TBA
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer
Good luck charm of the day
Rays LHP David Price — who clearly has too much free time — has taken to placing one of the small promotional figurines of his dog Astro on the dugout roof. "He's a good (luck) charm," Price said. "I hope he gets us about 25 more wins this year." When it rained Thursday, Price used a cup to make a "doghouse" for him. "Can't have him get sick," Price said.
Not-so-good luck charm of the day
On deck in the eighth inning Thursday, Rays 3B Evan Longoria was chatting with fans when a college-age woman handed him a small figurine of a returning sailor that was supposed to bring him good luck. Longoria put it in his back pocket then the dugout, but he struck out when he led off the next inning. "It wasn't very good luck for me," Longoria said, "so I gave it back to her."
Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
After the opening drive of Hernando's game at South Sumter, it looked like the Leopards were ready to bounce back from their home loss last week.
That was before an avalanche of points was piled on by the Raiders, who strolled to a 55-28 win.
On the Leopards' (1-2) opening drive, they went 80 yards before running back Tyrail Hawkins capped it off with a 28-yard sprint for the touchdown.
South Sumter (2-1) answered with a solid drive, but the Raiders were about to be stopped by the Hernando defense when a third-and-long offside penalty kept the home offense moving. From there, South Sumter scored 35 unanswered points in the first half.
"We played a balanced and well-coached team," said Hernando assistant Tom Bronson, who again filled in for head coach John Palmer. "The real story is they made some big plays on special teams and moved the ball well on us."
Some halftime adjustments from helped the Leopards offense mount some scoring momentum, but it was too little too late.
Tim Porson, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
HUDSON — Clearwater Central Catholic proved to be too much for Hudson on Friday in a 42-0 rout.
The Cobras totaled only 103 and had five first downs. They have yet to score a point this season.
Clearwater Central's opening drive started on Hudson's 49 yard line after the Cobras attempted an onside kick to start the game. CCC recovered the kick and concluded the seven-play drive with an 8-yard run from Justin Goodloe.
Next, it was the defense's turn. The Marauders stuffed Hudson's three opening runs and forced a three-and-out.
CCC (3-1) struck again on a 28-yard pass from Jake Hood to tight end Troy Olmo. It took CCC four plays to make the score 21-0 with just more than nine minutes left in the second quarter as Blair Vaughn ran in from a yard out.
The second half was not any better for Hudson (0-2). On its third play from scrimmage in the second half, Will Fulmer was intercepted by Diquan Walker, who went 40 yards for the score.
CCC wrapped up the game with two more rushing touchdowns. The first was from running back Michael Stevenson from 51 yards out, and the other was Eric Davis from 52 yards. Stevenson finished with 85 yards rushing on seven carries. Davis had 74 yards rushing.
The Marauders had 217 yards rushing.
Anthony Salveggi, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 16, 2011
PINELLAS PARK — The Patriots had a homecoming to remember, overcoming an early 14-point deficit to top Dixie Hollins, 32-17.
Pinellas Park QB Brandon Hames quickly led a first-half comeback from a 14-0 deficit, running for a 46-yard TD and throwing for another to bring the Patriots within 17-12 at halftime.
Hames, who was 12-of-16 for 168 yards, gave Pinellas Park (2-1) the lead for good in the second half, completing a 16-yard TD to Iman Smith. He later added a 15-yard score to Tahrelle Mosley.
Patriots coach Kenny Crawford said he was confident his team could handle the Rebels' potent offense.
"We thought we matched up well," Crawford said. "They play a spread offense, and we've got some pretty good cover guys." Pinellas Park intercepted Dana Harrington three times.
Anthony Salveggi, Times correspondent
Taylor Provost, Special to the Times
Friday, September 16, 2011
LECANTO — After a 94-yard kickoff return to start the game, Central never scored again. Lecanto, on the other hand, took the ball to the end zone five times in the first half, winning 35-6 at home Friday night.
The game got off to a quick start with a Central touchdown by Quadavis Battle in the first few seconds, but Lecanto responded just as quickly, blocking Central's extra point attempt and taking the lead in six plays and just under four minutes.
The Panthers (2-1) scored again three minutes later with a 68-yard touchdown run by junior quarterback Scott Stearns, for whom the Bears seemed to have no answer. Before the end of the first quarter, Lecanto scored again with a 10-yard rush by Nile Waters.
The Bears (0-4) stopped Lecanto in the red zone twice in the second half, but failed to mount a successful drive.
"I don't care what the scoreboard says, we won the second half in my book," Central coach Mike Einspahr told his team after the game.
