Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

HUDSON — Fivay continues to roll, and no end is in sight.

The Falcons shut out Hudson 35-0 Thursday, and after the game Fivay coach Chris Taylor harped to his team about "being in the driver's seat" for a playoff spot.

It was hard to imagine the second-year program would be in this position midway through the season, but here Fivay (4-1) is. The Falcons flexed their offensive muscle by mixing up the play calling, rushing for 184 yards and three touchdowns and passing for 138 yards and another two scores.

After senior Kyrie Rodriguez, who came into the game with a tender ankle, rushed for 66 yards in the first half, it was sophomore Bryan Poinsette (13 carries, 89 yards) who got the majority of the carries in the second half, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter.

Fivay quarterback Tyler Degen has been a welcome surprise under center, and that trend continued this week. The junior passed for two touchdowns, one to James Bullock (three receptions, 52 yards) and one to Sean McKillen (five receptions, 66 yards).

"One of our biggest concerns coming into this game was our pass protection, and we improved on that a lot," Taylor said. "I was very impressed with the time that Tyler had to find our receivers."

Although the defense tossed up nothing but zeroes on the scoreboard, Taylor wasn't as impressed with that unit. Hudson (0-5) pounded the ball behind running back Hayden Moyer (21 carries, 95 yards) and ate up a lot of clock.

"Defensively, we didn't show up today," Taylor said. "You can't let (the opponent) get into short-yardage situations over and over again."

In the end, the Cobras were never able to put points on the board despite getting into Fivay territory multiple times.

Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

GIBSONTON — Class 7A, District 8 rivals who combined to go 1-19 last season looked to continue their turnarounds Thursday night. Host East Bay took a step forward with a 38-6 win over Riverview.

A running clock was established early in the third quarter after the Indians took a 38-0 lead on quarterback Tajee Fullwood's second touchdown, a 30-yard run.

"It's exciting for the guys," East Bay coach Frank LaRosa said. "Riverview was our only win last year (37-0)."

East Bay (3-2, 1-1) scored on five of its six possessions in the first half to take a 32-0 halftime lead. Brandon Byrd ran 16 yards for one score and connected with Ben Franklin on a 45-yard halfback pass for another. Fullwood rushed for a game-high 112 yards.

Riverview (2-3, 0-3) made its second-to-last possession count. The Sharks put together a nine-play, 65-yard drive capped by Chase Freeman's 1-yard plunge.

Steve Lee, Times correspondent

Times wires
Thursday, October 6, 2011

CHICAGO — Former All-Star 3B Robin Ventura, who was hired by the White Sox in June as a special adviser, agreed to a multiyear deal Thursday to replace Ozzie Guillen as manager of the White Sox.

A longtime star with the club and then an adviser to director of player development Buddy Bell, Ventura will become the club's 39th manager.

When GM Ken Williams asked Ventura whether he would be interested in replacing Guillen, Ventura admitted he was surprised, especially since he hadn't managed previously.

But after a couple of days of thought, he knew it was a move he wanted to make.

"I think there is a challenge there, getting back into the game," Ventura said. "I do have a passion for it. I do have a passion for this team and this city. I'm not one to really back away from a lot of things."

Guillen was released from his contract with one year left after eight seasons with the White Sox and immediately was hired by the Marlins as their manager.

"That whole thing surprised me as much as anybody. I figured he would be managing here a long time," Ventura said of Guillen, his former teammate.

Ventura, 44, played for a host of managers who could influence his style: Jeff Torborg, Gene Lamont, Jerry Manuel, Bobby Valentine, Joe Torre and Jim Tracy. "I ran the gamut on different styles and smart baseball men," he said.

Ventura was a first-round draft pick of the White Sox out of Oklahoma State in 1988 and spent the first 10 seasons of his 16-year career with Chicago.

Ventura's selection came as a surprise. Most speculation had the White Sox's top candidates as either Rays coach Dave Martinez or Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. Both are former White Sox players.

"We had to explain to him exactly what the support system would be and exactly what are expectations were at the start," said Williams, who said Ventura was apprehensive at first. "I was very clear with him that I do not expect him to be Tony La Russa on Day 1. In our estimation the fit is such that all of that will come together and we will ultimately be better off down the line than we could be if, in my opinion, we went in a different direction."

ONE AND DONE: Tigers manager Jim Leyland is not one to hide how he feels. So when he was asked what he thought about the possibility of adding another playoff round next year, he couldn't help himself.

"I'll get in trouble for this, because I am not in favor of a one-game playoff. I am not in favor of that," Leyland said.

Leyland is a member of Commissioner Bud Selig's special committee for on-field matters. One of the changes being explored is adding a wild-card team in each league, with the two teams with the best records after the division winners in each league meeting in a one-game playoff before moving on to the division series.

"I might not be on the committee tomorrow," Leyland said.

commish pitches in: Selig, the former owner of the Brewers, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch today before Game 5 of the NLDS in Milwaukee. The commissioner remains very much a part of baseball's history in Milwaukee after he was awarded the Seattle Pilots franchise in bankruptcy court in April 1970 and moved it to County Stadium.

Lincecum suit: Mindy Freile, the former landlord for Giants ace Tim Lincecum, filed a lawsuit against the pitcher seeking $350,000 in damages, claiming he stole and destroyed items in the apartment he rented.

Times wires
Thursday, October 6, 2011

CHICAGO — Former All-Star 3B Robin Ventura, who was hired by the White Sox in June as a special adviser, agreed to a multiyear deal Thursday to replace Ozzie Guillen as manager.

A longtime star with the club and then an adviser to director of player development Buddy Bell, Ventura will become the club's 39th manager.

When GM Ken Williams asked Ventura whether he would be interested in replacing Guillen, Ventura said he was surprised, especially because he hadn't managed previously.

But after a couple of days of thought, he knew it was a move he wanted to make.

"I think there is a challenge there, getting back into the game," Ventura said. "I do have a passion for it. I do have a passion for this team and this city. I'm not one to really back away from a lot of things."

Guillen was released from his contract with one year left after eight seasons and immediately was hired by the Marlins as their manager.

Ventura, 44, was a first-round draft pick of the White Sox out of Oklahoma State in 1988 and spent the first 10 seasons of his 16-year career with Chicago.

Ventura's selection as manager came as a surprise. Most speculation had the top candidates as either Rays coach Dave Martinez or Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. Both are former White Sox players.

"We had to explain to (Ventura) exactly what the support system would be and exactly what our expectations were at the start," said Williams, who said Ventura was apprehensive at first. "I was very clear with him that I do not expect him to be Tony La Russa on Day 1. In our estimation, the fit is such that all of that will come together and we will ultimately be better off down the line than we could be if, in my opinion, we went in a different direction."

ONE AND DONE: Tigers manager Jim Leyland is not one to hide how he feels. So when he was asked what he thought about the possibility of adding another playoff round next year, he couldn't help himself.

"I'll get in trouble for this, because I am not in favor of a one-game playoff," Leyland said.

Leyland is a member of commissioner Bud Selig's special committee for on-field matters. One of the changes being explored is adding a wild-card team in each league, with the two teams with the best records after the division winners in each league meeting in a one-game playoff before moving on to the division series.

"I might not be on the committee tomorrow," Leyland said.

Lincecum suit: The former landlord for Giants ace Tim Lincecum, Mindy Freile, filed a lawsuit against the pitcher seeking $350,000 in damages, claiming he stole and destroyed items in the apartment he rented.

Times wires
Thursday, October 6, 2011

SAN MARTIN, Calif. — Anyone expecting a new and improved version of Tiger Woods saw much of the same old thing Thursday:

An early birdie to raise hopes. A sudden tumble. And he couldn't make a putt.

In his first tournament in seven weeks, Woods went 13 holes between his only two birdies at the PGA Tour's Frys.com Open and had 2-over 73 that put him in danger of missing consecutive cuts for the first time in his career.

"That's probably one of the worst putting rounds I've ever had," Woods said. "I can't putt the ball any worse than I did (Thursday). … The rest of the game was not too bad."

Texas Open winner Brendan Steele opened with 4-under 67 on a cool day with some rain at CordeValle to sit atop the leaderboard in the fall series event with Briny Baird, Garrett Willis and Matt Bettencourt.

The best golf in Woods' group came from UCLA sophomore Patrick Cantlay, the No. 1 amateur in the world, who opened with 2-under 69.

Woods was one shot out of the top 70 and ties that will advance to the weekend.

He had not played since missing the cut at the PGA Championship in August, finishing out of the top 100 for the first time in a major.

Woods said the time off at least gave him time to practice, to nail down the major work in his swing change with coach Sean Foley, and to play 36 holes a day at home in Florida.

But there was nothing special about his game Thursday, though whatever he did right was derailed once he got on the greens.

Korea Open: Defending champion Y.E. Yang shot 4-under 67 to claim a share of the lead with Rickie Fowler after the first round in Seoul. U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy was a stroke behind in a three-way tie for third.

David Rice, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

TAMPA — Freedom narrowly hung on for its win despite racking up a slew of penalty yards, edging Chamberlain 14-7 Thursday.

The Patriots (1-5) committed 15 penalties and saw a clear path to the end zone wasted in the first half when Nate Godwin fumbled as he broke through the defensive backfield. A holding penalty negated a 68-yard touchdown run that could have sealed the victory.

"I'm tired and I have a headache right now," coach Tchecoy Blount said. "The kids battled hard and I know they're tired, too. Twice tonight we saw points get away when we clearly should have scored. It's been a tough year for us but it feels good to finally get a win as we head into a three-day weekend."

Chamberlain (0-5) lost running back and leading scorer Xavier Johnson to a high ankle injury in the second quarter. The Chiefs racked up 241 yards of total offense to Freedom's 197.

David Rice, Times correspondent

Mike McCollum, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

TAMPA — Tampa Bay Tech used a balanced first-half offensive barrage to stomp Wiregrass Ranch 40-7 Thursday night.

The Titans quickly jumped on the Bulls (0-5, 0-2), scoring on five of six of their first-half possessions. By halftime, the Titans held a 33-0 lead.

Senior quarterback Aaron Midthus led the way for the Titans, running for three first-half touchdowns and throwing another. Tampa Bay Tech had 321 total yards in the half.

But as impressive as the Tampa Bay Tech (3-3, 2-0) offense was, the defense was equally as impressive, holding Wiregrass to 75 total yards.

The Titans' next game will be another district matchup against Steinbrenner, which was the popular preseason favorite to win the district.

But Tampa Bay Tech coach Jayson Roberts said he likes that his team is the underdog of the district.

"I think we kind of took it as a slight in the beginning that we weren't named the favorite to win our district," Roberts said. "But now, I think that we kind of like enjoy getting to be the underdog when we play Steinbrenner."

Times wires
Thursday, October 6, 2011

BOSTON — Jaromir Jagr returned after three years in Russia and scored his 1,600th career NHL point Thursday, leading the Flyers to a 2-1 season-opening victory over Boston and spoiling the Bruins' Stanley Cup banner-raising.

Ilya Bryzgalov made 22 saves in his first game for the Flyers since signing a nine-year, $51 million free agent contract in the offseason. Reigning Vezina Trophy (top goalie) winner and playoff MVP Tim Thomas stopped 27 shots for Boston.

Claude Giroux, with an assist from Jagr, and Jakub Voracek scored 47 seconds apart in the final minute of the first period for the Flyers. Brad Marchand scored for Boston.

In a half-hour ceremony before the game, the Bruins turned to their past to celebrate their Cup victory, inviting Bobby Orr and other members of the 1972 champions to help raise the franchise's sixth banner to the TD Garden rafters.

After giving fans a chance to see the Cup passed from player to player — the Bruins won Game 7 in Vancouver — the banner was lowered from a temporary spot beneath the scoreboard. Waiting for it were Orr and a half-dozen teammates, including John "Chief" Bucyk, Pie McKenzie, Ken Hodge and Derek Sanderson.

With help from the current players, they clipped the banner onto the wires that would raise it to its permanent home. The 2010-11 team took turns raising the banner into the rafters.

Boogaard death: A Minnesota judge threw out a felony charge against the brother of enforcer Derek Boogaard for supplying a painkiller that contributed to the player's overdose death in May. Aaron Boogaard, 24, told police he gave his brother an oxycodone pill at the start of a night of partying that led to Derek's death at age 28. Aaron was charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. Hennepin County District Judge William Howard in Minneapolis said the facts of the case didn't support the charge.

First Period—1, Boston, Marchand 1 (Seguin, Corvo), 9:42 (pp). 2, Philadelphia, Giroux 1 (Jagr, Pronger), 19:10 (pp). 3, Philadelphia, Voracek 1 (Meszaros, Simmonds), 19:57. Penalties—Rinaldo, Phi (holding stick), 9:00; Horton, Bos (slashing), 18:43.

Second Period—None. Penalties—van Riemsdyk, Phi (roughing), 7:26; Chara, Bos (roughing), 7:26; Seidenberg, Bos (holding), 13:11; Briere, Phi (tripping), 15:29; Simmonds, Phi (holding), 18:41.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Coburn, Phi (slashing), 7:24; Simmonds, Phi (hooking), 10:13; Boychuk, Bos (holding), 15:39; Marchand, Bos (slashing), 19:40; Giroux, Phi (interference), 19:57. Shots on Goal—Philadelphia 13-12-4—29. Boston 6-6-11—23. Power-play opportunities—Philadelphia 1 of 4; Boston 1 of 5. Goalies—Philadelphia, Bryzgalov 1-0-0 (23 shots-22 saves). Boston, Thomas 0-1-0 (29-27).

First Period—None. Penalties—Liles, Tor (cross-checking), 15:53; Schenn, Tor (boarding), 19:29.

Second Period—1, Toronto, Lombardi 1 (Brown, Phaneuf), :33 (sh). Penalties—Gorges, Mon (high-sticking), 6:47; Bozak, Tor (goaltender interference), 9:19; Kostitsyn, Mon (hooking), 17:48; Montreal bench, served by Engqvist (too many men), 18:30.

Third Period—2, Toronto, Phaneuf 1 (Kessel, Lupul), 4:42. Penalties—Gomez, Mon (tripping), :48; Armstrong, Tor (goaltender interference), 5:42; Schenn, Tor (holding), 19:24. Shots on Goal—Montreal 14-4-14—32. Toronto 4-8-6—18. Power-play opportunities—Montreal 0 of 5; Toronto 0 of 4. Goalies—Montreal, Price 0-1-0 (18 shots-16 saves). Toronto, Reimer 1-0-0 (32-32).

Travis Puterbaugh, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

BRANDON — Brandon (2-3) ran for 371 yards in a 34-0 upset of Newsome on Thursday.

In a 7A-8 showdown, the Eagles shut out a Newsome (3-3) squad that had been averaging just over 30 points a game. Brandon, which had been giving up almost 37 a game, forced three turnovers and stopped three attempts by Newsome to convert on fourth down.

"That's a hell of a football team right there," Brandon coach John Lima said of the Wolves. "They just had a bad night, but lucky for us we came ready to play."

Momentum swung Brandon's way on the first drive, as Newsome failed to convert on fourth and 1 from its 39. It took only a few plays for Tyrell Garner to run it in from the 7. Cyrus Dooley and Garner scored on each of Brandon's next two possessions for a 20-0 lead heading into the half.

Dooley scored twice more in the second half, including a punishing 31-yarder in the fourth quarter to highlight his 147-yard night.

Travis Puterbaugh, Times correspondent

Todd Foley, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

TAMPA — Quarterback James Few and Plant sped out to a big first-half lead but took their foot off the gas. After storming out to a 34-6 lead, the Panthers coasted to a 37-19 victory.

"When we were good, we were really good in the first half, playing in rhythm," Plant coach Robert Weiner said. "But it was tough sledding in the second."

The offense was in high gear with Few completing eight of his first nine passes with two scores in the first quarter, finding Austin Roberts and Austin Aikens. Plant quarterbacks connected with eight receivers.

The Panthers gave QB Chase Litton fits in the first half, blitzing on almost every play. Once Plant backed into coverage, Litton moved the ball and finished with 217 yards.

Todd Foley, Times correspondent

Times wires
Thursday, October 6, 2011

Four days after presidents of six Big East schools voted unanimously to rebuild through aggressive expansion, the league found itself braced for another defection. On Thursday, the Big 12 invited TCU, which was scheduled to join the Big East next season, to join it instead.

TCU, SMU, Rice and Houston were left behind when the Big Eight merged with the Southwest Conference to form the Big 12 in 1996. And while TCU's acceptance this time isn't expected until today, Big East officials informed current and prospective members of TCU's decision, and TCU chancellor Victor Boschini suggested the move is all but certain.

"These discussions with the Big 12 have huge implications for TCU," said Boschini, whose school currently is in the Mountain West. "It will allow us to return to old rivalries, something our fans and others have been advocating for years."

At Sunday's meeting in Washington, Big East commissioner John Marinatto said Boschini was "very positive" about joining the conference. The commissioner said Boschini told him TCU was "committed. He told us over and over how much he wants this conference to move forward. There was no wavering at all from him."

It will cost the Horned Frogs $5 million, the Big East's exit fee, but they can leave now instead of the required 27 months.

With Syracuse and Pittsburgh announcing Sept. 17 they were leaving for the ACC — their departure date hasn't been determined — the Big East could be reduced to six football-playing members: USF, Connecticut, West Virginia, Rutgers, Louisville and Cincinnati.

That's two shy of the NCAA minimum for I-A (though it permits a two-year grace period). But even Connecticut's status remains murky. Soon after Pitt and Syracuse announced its intentions, multiple media outlets reported the Huskies' desire also to join the ACC.

"Nothing changes much for us," president Susan Herbst wrote in an e-mail to the Associated Press. "The Big East is talking with great institutions, and we'll be very competitive. And UConn is deeply involved in the larger national dialogue."

Navy has been one expansion target for the Big East. But athletic director Chet Gladchuk said it is in no hurry to decide.

"Our position remains comfortable as an independent," he said. "We've had discussions with the Big East about possible membership. We asked the Big East to stabilize. Obviously, this is a step back for them. … The issue is not ours. The issue is theirs."

East Carolina, currently in Conference USA, already has applied for membership. And athletic director Terry Holland said TCU's departure doesn't deter its interest.

Other candidates previously reported are Air Force of the Mountain West, Central Florida of C-USA and Temple, formerly of the Big East now in the Mid-American Conference. Officials from those school were not available for comment.

USF athletic director Doug Woolard declined to comment.

For the Big 12, TCU gives it 10 members — for now. The league lost Nebraska (Big Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) last season. Texas A&M (SEC) is leaving after this one. And Tuesday, Missouri's board of curators gave its chancellor permission to explore other conferences.

The Kansas City Star previously reported the Tigers had agreed to join the SEC. But while the Birmingham News reported Thursday that a majority of SEC schools favor them joining, the required nine votes aren't there. It reported Alabama is worried Mizzou's entry would send Auburn to the East Division, meaning Alabama's annual interdivision game would become the Iron Bowl instead of Tennessee. It wants to face both Auburn and Tennessee every season.

The Big 12 made two other moves to strengthen itself Thursday. First, it voted to equally share revenue from its most lucrative TV deals, currently ESPN/ABC and Fox Sports, for six years with any school leaving forfeiting its entire six-year earnings. The vote was 8-0 with Missouri saying it abstained on the advice of legal counsel.

Second, the schools agreed the Longhorn Network (Texas' 20-year, $300 million venture with ESPN for which revenue won't be shared) will show neither high school games nor highlights. Conference coaches said both would give the Longhorns a recruiting advantage.

But the big news was TCU's impending arrival.

"We're proud that TCU has been invited to join the Big 12," Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds said. "Their close proximity to all conference institutions makes for a comfortable travel situation."

North Carolina: Kicker Casey Barth, out since pulling a groin Sept. 17, will sit Saturday.

South Carolina: Stephen Garcia, replaced as the starting quarterback this week, missed practice to attend his grandfather's funeral in Tampa. And coach Steve Spurrier said the Jefferson High graduate might not be available to back up Connor Shaw because of what he called a minor elbow injury.

Syracuse: Defensive end Chandler Jones will miss his fifth game Saturday with what the school has called only a lower-body injury.

Tree poisoning: Glennon Threatt, the lawyer for the man accused of poisoning Auburn's Toomer's Corner oak trees, asked to withdraw from the case. He cited the comments by Harvey Updyke, an Alabama fan, on a radio show Sept. 28, when he apologized to Auburn fans "for the damage I have done." He stopped short of confessing. Threatt said he advised Updyke against calling but didn't comment further pending a judge's decision on his status. Updyke's trial has not been scheduled.

Times wires
Thursday, October 6, 2011

Four days after presidents of six Big East schools voted unanimously to rebuild through aggressive expansion, the league found itself braced for another defection. On Thursday, the Big 12 invited TCU, which was scheduled to join the Big East next season, to join it instead.

TCU, SMU, Rice and Houston were left behind when the Big Eight merged with the Southwest Conference to form the Big 12 in 1996. And while TCU's acceptance isn't expected until today, the Big East informed current and prospective members of TCU's decision, and TCU chancellor Victor Boschini suggested the move is all but certain.

"These discussions with the Big 12 have huge implications for TCU," said Boschini, whose school currently is in the Mountain West. "It will allow us to return to old rivalries, something our fans and others have been advocating for years."

At Sunday's meeting, Big East commissioner John Marinatto said Boschini was "very positive" about joining the conference. The commissioner said Boschini "told us over and over how much he wants this conference to move forward. There was no wavering at all from him."

It will cost the Horned Frogs $5 million, the Big East's exit fee, but they can leave now instead of the required 27 months.

With Syracuse and Pittsburgh announcing Sept. 17 they were leaving the Big East for the ACC — their departure date has not been determined — the Big East could be reduced to six football-playing members: USF, Connecticut, West Virginia, Rutgers, Louisville and Cincinnati.

"It's one of the most disappointing things I've seen in 35 years in the game to see this thing break up like this," Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino. "We've stayed loyal to it all along. We've stayed loyal, and by staying loyal, we're not sure what's going to happen to us."

USF athletic director Doug Woolard declined to comment.

The NCAA requires at least eight schools for a I-A conference (though it permits a two-year grace period). But even UConn's status remains murky. Soon after Pitt and Syracuse announced its intentions, multiple media outlets reported the Huskies' desire to join the ACC.

"Nothing changes much for us," UConn president Susan Herbst told the Associated Press. "The Big East is talking with great institutions, and we'll be very competitive. And UConn is deeply involved in the larger national dialogue."

Big East presidents will hold a conference call this morning to discuss expansion, the New York Times reported. Navy has been one target, but athletic director Chet Gladchuk said it is in no hurry to decide.

"Our position remains comfortable as an independent," he said. "We've had discussions with the Big East about possible membership. We asked the Big East to stabilize. Obviously, this is a step back for them. … The issue is not ours. The issue is theirs."

East Carolina, currently in Conference USA, already has applied for membership, and its athletic director, Terry Holland, said TCU's departure doesn't deter its interest.

Other candidates previously reported are Air Force of the Mountain West, Central Florida of C-USA and Temple, formerly of the Big East now in the Mid-American Conference. Officials from those schools were not available for comment.

For the Big 12, TCU gives it 10 members — for now. The league lost Nebraska (Big Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) last season. Texas A&M (SEC) is leaving after this one. And Tuesday, Missouri's board of curators gave its chancellor permission to explore other conferences.

The Kansas City Star previously reported the Tigers had agreed to join the SEC. But while the Birmingham News reported Thursday that a majority of SEC schools favor them joining, the required nine votes aren't there. It reported Alabama is worried Mizzou's entry would send Auburn to the East Division, meaning Alabama's annual interdivision game would become the Iron Bowl instead of Tennessee. It wants to face both Auburn and Tennessee every season.

The Big 12 made two other moves to strengthen itself Thursday. First, it voted to equally share revenue from its TV deals for six years, with any school leaving forfeiting its entire six-year earnings. The vote was 8-0 with Missouri saying it abstained on the advice of legal counsel.

Second, the schools agreed the Longhorn Network (Texas' 20-year, $300 million venture with ESPN for which revenue won't be shared) will show neither high school games nor highlights. Conference coaches said both would give the Longhorns a recruiting advantage.

But the big news was TCU.

"We're proud that TCU has been invited to join the Big 12," Texas AD DeLoss Dodds said. "Their close proximity to all conference institutions makes for a comfortable travel situation."

South Carolina: Stephen Garcia, a graduate of Tampa's Jefferson High who was replaced as the starting quarterback this week, might not be able to back up Connor Shaw because of what the school called a minor elbow injury.

Syracuse: Defensive end Chandler Jones will miss his fifth game Saturday with what the school has called only a lower-body injury.

Tree poisoning: Glennon Threatt, the lawyer for the man accused of poisoning Auburn's Toomer's Corner oak trees, asked to withdraw from the case. He cited the comments by Harvey Updyke, an Alabama fan, on a radio show Sept. 28, when he apologized to Auburn fans "for the damage I have done." He stopped short of confessing. Threatt said he advised Updyke against calling but didn't comment further pending a judge's decision on his status. Updyke's trial has not been scheduled.

Times wires
Thursday, October 6, 2011

Four days after presidents of six Big East schools voted unanimously to rebuild through aggressive expansion, the league found itself braced for another defection. On Thursday, the Big 12 invited TCU, which was scheduled to join the Big East next season, to join it instead.

TCU, SMU, Rice and Houston were left behind when the Big Eight merged with the Southwest Conference to form the Big 12 in 1996. And while TCU's acceptance isn't expected until today, the Big East informed current and prospective members of TCU's decision, and TCU chancellor Victor Boschini suggested the move is all but certain.

"These discussions with the Big 12 have huge implications for TCU," said Boschini, whose school currently is in the Mountain West. "It will allow us to return to old rivalries, something our fans and others have been advocating for years."

At Sunday's meeting, Big East commissioner John Marinatto said Boschini was "very positive" about joining the conference. The commissioner said Boschini "told us over and over how much he wants this conference to move forward. There was no wavering at all from him."

It will cost the Horned Frogs $5 million, the Big East's exit fee, but they can leave now instead of the required 27 months.

With Syracuse and Pittsburgh announcing Sept. 17 they were leaving the Big East for the ACC — their departure date has not been determined — the Big East could be reduced to six football-playing members: USF, Connecticut, West Virginia, Rutgers, Louisville and Cincinnati.

"It's one of the most disappointing things I've seen in 35 years in the game to see this thing break up like this," Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino. "We've stayed loyal to it all along. We've stayed loyal, and by staying loyal, we're not sure what's going to happen to us."

USF athletic director Doug Woolard declined to comment.

The NCAA requires at least eight schools for a I-A conference (though it permits a two-year grace period). But even UConn's status remains murky. Soon after Pitt and Syracuse announced its intentions, multiple media outlets reported the Huskies' desire to join the ACC.

"Nothing changes much for us," UConn president Susan Herbst told the Associated Press. "The Big East is talking with great institutions, and we'll be very competitive. And UConn is deeply involved in the larger national dialogue."

Big East presidents will hold a conference call this morning to discuss expansion, the New York Times reported. Navy has been one target, but athletic director Chet Gladchuk said it is in no hurry to decide.

"Our position remains comfortable as an independent," he said. "We've had discussions with the Big East about possible membership. We asked the Big East to stabilize. Obviously, this is a step back for them. … The issue is not ours. The issue is theirs."

East Carolina, currently in Conference USA, already has applied for membership, and its athletic director, Terry Holland, said TCU's departure doesn't deter its interest.

Other candidates previously reported are Air Force of the Mountain West, Central Florida of C-USA and Temple, formerly of the Big East now in the Mid-American Conference. Officials from those schools were not available for comment.

For the Big 12, TCU gives it 10 members — for now. The league lost Nebraska (Big Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) last season. Texas A&M (SEC) is leaving after this one. And Tuesday, Missouri's board of curators gave its chancellor permission to explore other conferences.

The Kansas City Star previously reported the Tigers had agreed to join the SEC. But while the Birmingham News reported Thursday that a majority of SEC schools favor them joining, the required nine votes aren't there. It reported Alabama is worried Mizzou's entry would send Auburn to the East Division, meaning Alabama's annual interdivision game would become the Iron Bowl instead of Tennessee. It wants to face both Auburn and Tennessee every season.

The Big 12 made two other moves to strengthen itself Thursday. First, it voted to equally share revenue from its TV deals for six years, with any school leaving forfeiting its entire six-year earnings. The vote was 8-0 with Missouri saying it abstained on the advice of legal counsel.

Second, the schools agreed the Longhorn Network (Texas' 20-year, $300 million venture with ESPN for which revenue won't be shared) will show neither high school games nor highlights. Conference coaches said both would give the Longhorns a recruiting advantage.

But the big news was TCU.

"We're proud that TCU has been invited to join the Big 12," Texas AD DeLoss Dodds said. "Their close proximity to all conference institutions makes for a comfortable travel situation."

South Carolina: Stephen Garcia, a graduate of Tampa's Jefferson High who was replaced as the starting quarterback this week, might not be able to back up Connor Shaw because of what the school called a minor elbow injury.

Syracuse: Defensive end Chandler Jones will miss his fifth game Saturday with what the school has called only a lower-body injury.

Tree poisoning: Glennon Threatt, the lawyer for the man accused of poisoning Auburn's Toomer's Corner oak trees, asked to withdraw from the case. He cited the comments by Harvey Updyke, an Alabama fan, on a radio show Sept. 28, when he apologized to Auburn fans "for the damage I have done." He stopped short of confessing. Threatt said he advised Updyke against calling but didn't comment further pending a judge's decision on his status. Updyke's trial has not been scheduled.

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

TAMPA — Alonso lost its starting quarterback, five fumbles and even a down. But those issues didn't keep the Ravens from tying the 2003 team for the best start in the school's 11-year history.

With running backs Brandon Holloway and Ish Witter combining for 259 yards rushing and two touchdowns, Alonso (5-0) held off Bloomingdale (3-3) 20-14 in a Class 8A-6 opener Thursday.

Alonso quarterback Brandon Hawkins was sidelined after the second series with a right shoulder injury. After that, Holloway ran the wildcat and backup quarterback Ethan Winget provided the deciding points with a 43-yard scoring pass to Eddie Castillo to give Alonso a 20-0 lead.

Alonso fumbled seven times and was denied a down with four minutes remaining when the down marker was erroneously changed when it had the ball.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent

Kyle Beckett, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

TAMPA — From the first play of Thursday's game, King (3-3) was on fire. The Lions' first three passes resulted in touchdowns and the 73-8 rout of Leto was on.

Though quarterback Greg Windham played only one half, he finished 7 of 8 passing for 208 yards and five touchdowns. Tight end Kim Jackson was Windham's favorite target, reeling in five passes for 85 yards and three touchdowns.

King's rushing game was equally impressive, compiling 198 yards and five touchdowns.

Leto (0-6) gained just 118 yards on the night, with the Lions defense recovering six fumbles, including four in Falcons' territory.

Leto quarterback Michael Serra felt the pressure all night, completing just two passes for 7 yards and throwing three interceptions.

Kyle Beckett, Times correspondent

Rod Gipson, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

TAMPA — Steinbrenner quarterbacks Curtis Fitch and Logan LaPace combined for 16 completions against Gaither on Thursday. Unfortunately, five went to Gaither defensive back Ed Pastrana.

The senior set a school record with five interceptions, giving Gaither short fields as the Cowboys thumped Steinbrenner 37-7 in a key Class 7A, District 7 game.

Pastrana's dream night started in the second quarter with the Cowboys holding a 16-7 lead and the Warriors (3-2, 1-1) driving. That's when he intercepted the first of three Fitch passes in just the second quarter. Gaither (3-2, 2-0) turned two of those into points, adding a 7-yard Shug Oyegunle run and a 21-yard pass from Alex McGough to Demarcus Sexil.

The Cowboys' defense forced five fumbles, recovering four.

Rod Gipson, Times correspondent

By Patti McDonald, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

TAMPA — Blake (2-4) scored 22 points in the third quarter to break open a tie game and defeat Middleton (0-6) 41-19 Thursday in a Class 5A-8 matchup.

Blake junior quarterback Zain Gilmore threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as the Yellow Jackets kept the Tigers winless. Gilmore hit Deandre James for a 49-yard score and Earvin Williams for a 30-yard score in the first quarter.

Middleton tied it at 13 by halftime behind Richard Benjamin's 70-yard touchdown run.

But James added a 4-yard touch down run in the third quarter, then Gilmore, who was 14-for-22 for 246 passing yards, scored on a 9-yard keeper and linebacker Javon Kitchen recovered a fumble in the end zone. The Yellow Jackets had 390 yards of offense.

Patti McDonald, Times correspondent

Anthony Salveggi, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — A three-touchdown performance by Diomi Roberts propelled Countryside to a 37-6 victory over host Northeast on Thursday night.

The Cougars (6-0) opened a 21-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to a Roberts 3-yard score and 30-yard interception return for a touchdown by Marrieo Taylor. Joe Ganci also found the end zone after he received a short pass from Gray Crow and took it 60 yards down field.

In the third quarter, the Vikings (2-4) and Cougars had back-to-back one-play drives for touchdowns. After Roberts ran 49 yards to give Countryside a 35-0 lead, Keith Harrington took the handoff 75 yards to finally get Northeast on the scoreboard. Harrington finished with 165 yards on five carries, the majority of which came on two long runs.

Countryside's defense was extremely tough, holding the Vikings to just 271 total yards with excellent tackling.

Countryside coach Jared Davis said the team emphasized good tackling during the week.

"We want to make a name with our tackling ability," Davis said.

Equally impressive was Roberts, who carried the ball 10 times for 119 yards. The senior was very quick, hitting the openings his offensive line created.

"He's a tremendous running back," Davis said. "He has a combination of speed, vision and acceleration. He's a big difference maker."

Phillip Haywood, Times Correspondent
Thursday, October 6, 2011

SEMINOLE — Boca Ciega's defense came up big in a 32-6 district win over Osceola on Thursday.

Quarterback Bobby Runcie engineered a 10-play, 64-yard drive on the Pirates' opening possession, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Antoine Benjamin.

Courtney Burge, who had two interceptions, helped the Warriors (1-4, 0-2) get on the board with his first pick in the second quarter. It resulted in a 17-yard run by Josh Townsend that evened the score at 6.

In the third, Denzal Dillard scored on a 23-yard run and Benjamin added another touchdown on an interception return to put the game out of reach.

Boca Ciega freshman Derrick Cook came in during the fourth quarter and led the Pirates (2-3, 1-1) to a score. He went 5-for-5 for 83 yards with one touchdown.

"I was very proud of the way the defense played throughout the game and we should have shut them out," Pirates coach Antez Brinson said.

Colby Cole, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Largo celebrated coach Rick Rodriguez's 100th career victory and the Packers rolled past Dixie Hollins 63-10 Thursday.

Jon Bodrog gave the Rebels a 3-0 on a 35-yard field goal, but Largo took the lead for good less than a minute later on an 8-yard run by Jarvis Stewart. After forcing a punt, the Packers (4-2, 2-0) scored again on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Juwan Brown to Raheem Harvey. Harvey finished with three catches for 89 yards.

In the second quarter Largo's special teams took over. Midway through the quarter, Largo blocked a punt and Shawn Barker landed on the ball for a touchdown. On the ensuing kickoff Largo touched the ball first at the Dixie 15 to regain possession and scored on a 12-yard run by Brown.

The defense got into the act on Dixie's next possession, with Lakief Daniels intercepting a Dana Harrington pass and taking it back 26 yards.

Special teams struck again on the kickoff when Dixie (2-4, 0-2) fumbled at its 31 and Largo recovered. Claxton Boykins capitalized on a 2-yard run for a 42-point first half.

"It's a great honor," Rodriguez said of his 100th victory. "Thing is all of the kids that I've coached at Largo in the last 11 or 12 years, it's a part of them and they worked awfully hard not only in football but in life."

In the third quarter Largo added to its lead on an 82-yard run by Derrick Doss. He led the Packers with 97 yards.