By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, October 7, 2011

. Tonight

Lightning at Bruins

When/where: 7; TD Garden, Boston

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM

Key stats: Including playoffs, the Lightning lost five of six games in Boston last season and was outscored 22-13. … Tampa Bay G Mathieu Garon, who is presumed to be playing, is 3-1-0 in four games vs. the Bruins with a 1.75 goals-against average, a .947 save percentage and a shutout. … This is the first of 10 sets of back-to-back games for the Lightning.

Friday, October 7, 2011

On the Web: Friday Night Rewind

Hosts John C. Cotey and Joey Knight, as well as the rest of the Friday Night Rewind gang, are back for Season 5 of our award-winning football video series. Check out highlights from the bay area's top matchups at tampabay.com/hometeam.

On the Web: Football bonanza

Miss a game Friday night? No worries, we've got complete coverage from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. Find game recaps, photo galleries, team standings and more at tampabay.com/hometeam.

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Craigie I Am Jak erases deficits with energy, excitement and an enormous surge at the end.

"I've never had a dog like him," Derby Lane kennel owner James Campbell said. "I don't know where he learned to come from way back, but I'll take it. This dog is a monster from the top of the backstretch to the finish line."

Craigie I Am Jak proved that in his stakes debut, winning the $50,000 Fall Sprint on Oct. 1. It was Campbell's first stakes victory since 2005.

Trained by Brandy Glaspey, Craigie I Am Jak has become a hot commodity since he was bought in April for $2,500 at the National Greyhound Association spring auction in Abilene, Kan. He lost seven of his first eight starts, won the next three then dropped eight straight. In the losses, Campbell saw potential.

"He got in a bunch of trouble and still kept coming (and) trying," Campbell said. "You can't train that."

Now, the 21-month-old pup is on a roll. The youngest finalist in the 550-yard Fall Sprint, Craigie I Am Jak used his dynamic closing kick to defeat stakes winners Aerial Battle, Storm Rush, Uss Gazillionair and meet win leader Jw Titleist. He has won four races in a row and eight of his past 14. In 12 career victories, Craigie I Am Jak has beaten only two greyhounds out of the starting box.

"This dog just comes out of nowhere," said Campbell, 38. "Heart and determination are what make him what he is. He's shy and introverted, but 100 percent all business. He is smart, seems to pick and choose his lanes well and not afraid to stick his nose in between two dogs."

Craigie I Am Jak is a male from a litter of Lonesome Cry and Craigie Crimson. Lonesome Cry, a two-time stakes winner, was the Derby Lane win leader in 2003. Craigie Crimson was runnerup in the 2007 Gold Trophy Juvenile. Craigie I Am Jak is owned by Michelle Edgar and her mother, Tammy Edgar. Michelle is Campbell's fiancée. Craigie I Am Jak is expected to enter the $20,000 Fall Juvenile Oct. 29-Nov. 12. After that, Campbell plans to try the dog at 660 yards.

MORE DOGS: Uss Gazillionair sustained a broken hock in the Fall Sprint. Losing the 2010 Fall Juvenile champion is a tough blow to Lester Raines kennel co-managers Ken and Jeanne Lesperance, who raced his parents (Uss Raceway and Greys Torrington). Uss Gazillionair had 32 wins and more than $57,000 in purse earnings. … Aerial Battle (Capabal kennel) earned his 70th victory Thursday, and Flyin Carnoustie (McAllister) got win No. 60 on Sept. 27.

HORSES: Six "Win and You're In" races for the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 4-5 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., head today's national card. Top Grade I events for 2-year-olds are the Champagne and Frizette at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., and Dixiana Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.

Times wires
Friday, October 7, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — No more watching for Justin Verlander. The Tigers ace is back on his normal routine to start the AL Championship Series opener.

Verlander will pitch against defending AL champion Texas on regular rest tonight. It'll be the fifth day after his Game 3 start in the AL Division Series.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland was steadfast in sticking with the decision not to use his 24-game winner in the 3-2 clincher of the ALDS against the Yankees on Thursday, even though Verlander volunteered to pitch.

"It was definitely a little odd situation we ran into. But that's behind us," Verlander said.

The Tigers now look to Verlander for an early boost in the ALCS, where Texas has homefield advantage for finishing one game better during the regular season. He is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career starts at Rangers Ballpark. But he lost his only start against Texas this season, 2-0 with a complete game at home in April.

"He can command the baseball, and the deeper he gets in the game, his velocity gets better and throws strikes," Texas manager Ron Washington said, dismissing what happened six months ago. "Too long ago."

The Rangers, in their second consecutive ALCS after having never won a postseason series before last year, counter with C.J. Wilson.

The left-hander won 16 games in the regular season, but he allowed eight runs (six earned) in five innings in losing the playoff opener against Tampa Bay on Sept. 30.

"That particular game was my first bad game I had in a while. I had of lot of really good games leading up to the playoffs," Wilson said. "It was unfortunate. I had extra rest. … I feel like it gives me a chance to get back in my routine and execute."

Tigers slugger Delmon Young offered few details about his oblique injury, saying only that he was going to try to play tonight. The injury was described as a mild strain.

Times wires
Friday, October 7, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — No more watching for Justin Verlander. The Tigers ace is back on his normal routine to start the AL Championship Series opener.

Verlander will pitch against defending AL champion Texas on regular rest tonight. It'll be the fifth day after his Game 3 start in the AL Division Series.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland was steadfast in sticking with the decision not to use his 24-game winner in the 3-2 clincher of the ALDS against the Yankees on Thursday, even though Verlander volunteered to pitch.

"It was definitely a little odd situation we ran into. But that's behind us," Verlander said.

The Tigers now look to Verlander for an early boost in the ALCS, where Texas has homefield advantage for finishing one game better during the regular season. He is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career starts at Rangers Ballpark. But he lost his only start against Texas this season, 2-0 with a complete game at home in April.

The Rangers, in their second consecutive ALCS after having never won a postseason series before last year, counter with C.J. Wilson. The left-hander won 16 games in the regular season, but he allowed eight runs (six earned) in five innings in losing the playoff opener against Tampa Bay on Sept. 30.

"That particular game was my first bad game I had in a while. I had of lot of really good games leading up to the playoffs," Wilson said.

Tigers slugger Delmon Young offered few details about his oblique strain, saying only that he was going to try to play.

Yanks await Sabathia: As the Yankees absorb their early exit from the postseason, they must also ponder what CC Sabathia will do. He can opt out of his seven-year, $161 million contract by the third day after the end of the World Series. "I haven't made any decisions," he said Thursday. "I love it here."

Rays radio host exits: Pre- and postgame radio host Rich Herrera has resigned to pursue other opportunities, the team announced.

ALCS: Rangers vs. Tigers

Tonight, 8:05: Tigers (Verlander, 24-5, 2.40) at Rangers (Wilson, 16-7, 2.94) Sunday, 7:45: Tigers (Scherzer, 15-9, 4.43) at Rangers (Holland, 16-5, 3.95) Tuesday, 8:05: Rangers (Lewis, 14-10, 4.40) at Tigers (Fister, 11-13, 2.83) Wednesday, 4:19: Rangers (Harrison, 14-9, 3.39) at Tigers (Porcello, 14-9, 4.75) Thursday, 4:19: Rangers (TBA) at Tigers (TBA) * Oct. 15, 8:05: Tigers (TBA) at Rangers (TBA) * Oct. 16, 8:05: Tigers (TBA) at Rangers (TBA) *

* If necessary; all games on Ch. 13

Scouting report

Season series: Tigers won 6-3.

Players to watch: Rangers reliever-turned-starter Alexi Ogando, who was the starter and winner for all three victories against Detroit, will remain in the bullpen for the ALCS, as he was against the Rays for three scoreless appearances. … Rangers OF Josh Hamilton hit .298 with 25 homers — fifth on the team — and 94 RBIs. … Offensively, Detroit counters 1B Miguel Cabrera, who hit an AL-leading .344, with 30 homers and 105 RBIs. … Tigers closer Jose Valverde has 48 saves in 48 chances.

Times staff, wires
Friday, October 7, 2011

NEW YORK — As the Yankees absorb their early exit from the postseason after a 3-2 loss to Detroit in Game 5 late Thursday, the team's first order of offseason business will certainly be the rotation, one that could be missing ace CC Sabathia.

He can opt out of his seven-year, $161 million contract by the third day after the end of the World Series.

Sabathia was noncommittal in a somber clubhouse late Thursday.

"I haven't made any decisions," he said. "I love it here. There's nothing like pitching in pinstripes. There's nothing like pitching in front of the fans in the Bronx. I've had a great experience."

And team brass began talking about the future.

"I assure you that this disappointment will strengthen our resolve to field a team in 2012 that can bring a 28th championship to the Bronx. That work starts now," co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement.

Rays radio host exits: Pre- and postgame radio host Rich Herrera has resigned to pursue other opportunities in sports broadcasting. Herrera had been with the Rays for seven seasons, also serving as director of radio operations. His on-air role was diminished during the season. Play-by-play broadcasters Andy Freed and Dave Wills are under contract and will return.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report.



ALCS: Rangers vs. Tigers

Tonight, 8:05: Tigers (Verlander, 24-5, 2.40) at Rangers (Wilson, 16-7, 2.94) Sunday, 7:45: Tigers (Scherzer, 15-9, 4.43) at Rangers (Holland, 16-5, 3.95) Tuesday, 8:05: Rangers (Lewis, 14-10, 4.40) at Tigers (Fister, 11-13, 2.83) Wednesday, 4:19: Rangers (Harrison, 14-9, 3.39) at Tigers (Porcello, 14-9, 4.75) Thursday, 4:19: Rangers (TBA) at Tigers (TBA) * Oct. 15, 8:05: Tigers (TBA) at Rangers (TBA) * Oct. 16, 8:05: Tigers (TBA) at Rangers (TBA) *

* If necessary; all games on Ch. 13

Scouting report

Season series: Tigers won 6-3.

Players to watch: Rangers reliever-turned-starter Alexi Ogando, who was the starter and winner for all three victories against Detroit, will remain in the bullpen for the ALCS, as he was against the Rays for three scoreless appearances. … Rangers OF Josh Hamilton hit .298 with 25 homers — fifth on the team — and 94 RBIs. … Offensively, Detroit counters 1B Miguel Cabrera, who hit an AL-leading .344, with 30 homers and 105 RBIs. … Tigers closer Jose Valverde has 48 saves in 48 chances.

Times wires
Friday, October 7, 2011

SAN MARTIN, Calif. — The fog finally lifted at CordeValle and revealed a Tiger Woods that looked vaguely familiar.

Woods ran off three straight birdies early, survived a rough patch and kept the stress to a minimum Friday in his round of 3-under 68 in the Frys.com Open that assured he would be around for the weekend.

"I don't like missing cuts, period," Woods said. "If I miss the cut, that means you can't win the tournament. … I've got a shot at it this weekend."

He was seven shots behind Paul Casey, making a revival of his own. Casey, 135th on the money list and in danger of losing his PGA Tour card, has been fighting a foot injury since May. But he won last week in South Korea then shot 7-under 64 on Friday to put him at 134.

Fog delayed the start by 2 hours, 20 minutes, and the round will finish today. Ernie Els, a surprise entry to this Fall Series event, had an 8-foot birdie to tie for the lead on No. 16 but missed to stay 7 under. He will have two holes to play today.

LPGA: World No. 1 Yani Tseng shot 7-under 65 to lead by one stroke after the first round of the Hana Bank Championship in Incheon, South Korea. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome shot 71, and Tampa's Kristy McPherson carded 74.

CHAMPIONS: Michael Allen shot 9-under 63 to lead John Cook by three after one round of the Insperity Championship at The Woodlands, Texas.

EUROPEAN: England's Lee Slattery shot 6-under 66 to lead the Madrid Masters by one shot after the second round.

NEW PLAN: Webb Simpson plans to play next week in St. Simons Island, Ga., giving him a chance to unseat Luke Donald atop the PGA Tour money list. Donald is trying to become the first player to win money titles on the PGA and European tours in one year.

Times wires
Friday, October 7, 2011

Pro basketball

Minnesota sweeps to WNBA title

ATLANTA — Seimone Augustus and Minnesota completed a near-perfect postseason by beating Atlanta 73-67 on Friday night to complete a three-game sweep of the WNBA championship series.

Augustus had 16 points and Maya Moore had 15 to lead a balanced scoring attack as the Lynx won their first title. Minnesota closed the postseason with six straight wins, including sweeps of Phoenix in the Western Conference final and Atlanta in the best-of-five championship series.

NBA: League officials told the players union they would not increase their offer beyond a 50-50 split of league revenues in a new labor deal and the subject was no longer negotiable. The declaration incensed union leaders, who accused the league of setting preconditions for further talks. The standoff guaranteed the NBA would cancel the first two weeks of the regular season when its offices reopen Monday. The season is scheduled to start Nov. 1. No further talks are scheduled.

soccer

England advances to Euro 2012 finals

England clinched its place at the 2012 European Championship despite Wayne Rooney's ejection in a 2-2 draw at Montenegro, and Croatia missed a chance to reach the finals by losing 2-0 to Greece in the next-to-last round of qualifying.

England led 2-1 when Manchester United's Rooney was shown a red card in the 74th minute for kicking defender Miodrag Dzudovic. Rooney will miss at least one match in the group stage of the finals.

"I told (Rooney) he made a silly mistake, and he said he was sorry," England coach Fabio Capello said.

England became the fifth team to qualify for the finals, after defending champion Spain, Italy, Germany and Netherlands. Montenegro clinched a playoff spot.

The Greece-Croatia game in Athens was temporarily suspended less than three minutes in when more than 100 masked individuals entered a stand and attacked Croatian supporters.

The group threw flares and at least one gas bomb. Some Croatian fans responded by ripping off seats and throwing them at their attackers. The game resumed after six minutes, but the Croat supporters, said to number about 700, continued ripping seats and throwing them at riot police, who responded with pepper spray.

tennis

Wozniacki lets lead slip away in China

Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki was knocked out of the China Open quarterfinals in Beijing by Flavia Pennetta 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7-2).

Wozniacki was two points from victory when leading 30-0 in the final game of the third set, but Pennetta won the game then the tiebreaker.

Pennetta faces 11th-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, who advanced after Ana Ivanovic retired with back pain while trailing 6-3, 3-2.

In the men's tournament, top-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga reached the semifinals by beating Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 6-4. He faces third-seeded Tomas Berdych, who beat Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-0.

japan open: Top-seeded Rafael Nadal plays Mardy Fish in one semifinal at Tokyo. Nadal defeated Santiago Giraldo 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, and Fish beat Bernard Tomic 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-1. The other semifinal has David Ferrer against Andy Murray. Ferrer defeated seventh-seeded Radek Stepanek 6-2, 7-6 (7-3), and fourth-ranked Murray defeated David Nalbandian 6-4, 7-5.

et cetera

gymnastics: Defending vault champion Alicia Sacramone is out of the world championships for the United States after tearing an Achilles' tendon during practice in Tokyo. In the first round of team qualifying, Romania took the lead with 227.228 points. Australia was second. The United States, defending champ Russia and China compete in the final round today. The scoring starts over in Tuesday's final.

olympics: The International Olympic Committee said the opening ceremony at next year's Summer Games in London must finish by midnight so athletes will be encouraged to march and get back to their rooms at a reasonable hour. Some athletes at recent Olympics have complained they have to stand for hours as the show runs over the scheduled time.

Times wires

Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

SEFFNER — Five Crusaders scored and the defense pitched a shutout as Seffner Christian doubled its 2010 win total, defeating visiting Jacksonville Temple Christian 42-6 Friday night at Armwood's field.

"We're playing so much better than last year," quarterback Tanner Richardson said. "We have great chemistry and our offense has been spreading it around."

The win moved the Crusaders to 4-1 at the season's halfway mark after going 2-7 in their first season of football last year. With a number of players having no prior football experience before last season, Richardson said a year and a half of X's and O's is making a huge difference.

"This team is a lot more knowledgeable about football, much more so than last year," he said. "We have a better idea of what to expect each week."

Richardson threw for a touchdown and ran for another while teammate Seth Lewis (10 carries, 92 yards) added a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs. Garrett Saunders (team highs with 11 rushes and 109 yards) scored from 21 yards out while Brandon Ardley ran off right tackle for a 47-yard touchdown.

"It feels good," Richardson said of their record. "This team is very tight and we have a lot better athletes than last year."

The Soldiers' lone score came on a 76-yard Patrick Nelson second-quarter kickoff return. Seffner Christian's defense didn't allow the Soldiers past midfield until 4:47 left in the third quarter, held them to three first downs, recorded four sacks and intercepted a pair of passes, including Ardley's team-best seventh of the season.

Chad Wise, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

ZEPHYRHILLS — A tale of two halves saw Zephyrhills pull out a 41-14 win against Gulf on Friday night.

Zephyrhills (4-2), which was called for a penalty on its opening kickoff, was flagged 11 times for 80 yards.

Quarterback Jamal Roberts struggled early with four interceptions in the first half. He threw eight passes and completed one before his touchdown pass in the third quarter.

"I put the first half on me," Roberts said. "Quarterback's gotta have a short memory."

Roberts ran for a 1-yard touchdown in the first quarter, but stole the show with three rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown in the second half.

After a slight rain delay before the second half, the Bulldogs erased the first-half mistakes to put the game to rest.

On a broken run by Malik Mutcherson in the third quarter, Roberts found the ball in his hands after Mutcherson had seemingly been tackled in the backfield. Roberts went on to run 25 yards to score.

Malik Mutcherson rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns, and the Bulldogs defense held the Bucs to 122 total yards.

Gulf (1-4) lost 11 yards collectively on the ground, but passed for 133. Chris Klyap was sacked three times, but went 8-for-15 for 82 yards passing.

On a trick play in the fourth quarter, Avery Welch received a pitch, then threw a short pass to Ty'shon Peters, scored his second touchdown.

Times wires
Friday, October 7, 2011

Blood testing for human growth hormone is going nowhere fast in the NFL.

Everyone says they want it — so much so that it was included in the collective bargaining agreement this summer. That, however, is where any agreement ends.

The odds of implementing tests this season dwindled as the union raised objections to detection methods and scientists dismissed those concerns as invalid.

Testing that was to be in place at the start of the season was delayed as the union tried to gather information about a blood test that the World Anti-Doping Agency, which is responsible for the data, isn't willing to provide.

Even if the program starts, the fact that the test in question can only detect HGH in a person's system for about 24 hours means only the sloppiest of dopers would get caught.

"Every test has some sort of politics," said renowned anti-doping scientist Don Catlin, who runs his own lab in the Los Angeles area. "This is the same test they've been using all along. It's not a great test because a great test has more longevity than 24 hours."

Still, Catlin has no problem with using this method — because there's nothing better out there — though he says WADA's reluctance to turn over data on the 7-year-old test, or to have information about it published in peer-reviewed literature, "is a tough position to justify in this day and age."

The union has not agreed to the testing methods, and no meetings are scheduled about it.

COLTS: Curtis Painter will make his second straight start at quarterback Sunday against Kansas City. Coach Jim Caldwell said Painter played well enough in Monday night's loss against the Bucs to earn the job — and Kerry Collins (concussion) has not been cleared.

JAGUARS: Defensive end Aaron Kampman has been cleared to play, but coach Jack Del Rio says he likely will hold him out until next week. Kampman has been out all season after having knee surgery.

JETS: Center Nick Mangold is listed as questionable but will likely start against New England after missing two games with a high right ankle sprain.

PATRIOTS: The team released running back Eric Kettani from its practice squad after he was ordered back to duty with the Navy. Kettani said in a tweet that he had arrived at the USS Klakring, a frigate in Jacksonville. By releasing him rather than putting him on the reserve list, "we have the option to bring him back if other things get worked out," coach Bill Belichick said.

TEXANS: Star receiver Andre Johnson expects to miss a couple of weeks after a minor procedure on his right hamstring.

VIKINGS: Long snapper Cullen Loeffler signed a three-year extension, ensuring that the league's longest-tenured kicking trio will remain intact. He, punter Chris Kluwe and kicker Ryan Longwell have played together for six years. That's longer than any other active trio, according to STATS, LLC.

FINES: The league fined Ravens All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, Redskins linebackers Rob Jackson and Perry Riley and Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour $15,000 for hits on Sunday.

By Lauren Burg, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

CLEARWATER — Calvary Christian (3-2, 2-1) piled up 336 yards en route to its second district win, 48-35 over Cambridge Christian on Friday night.

Warriors junior wide receiver Derrick Barnes had 247 of the team's 316 rushing yards and two long touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Jeremy Wood had 42 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

The Warriors defense was led by senior defensive back Julian Brodie, who had two interceptions.

"This game was a linchpin type of game that could be a turning point for this season. The guys responded well. This is the most complete game played in my year and a half tenure as coach," Calvary Christian coach Dave Bonchy said.

Cambridge was led by junior quarterback Phillip Johnson who was 14-of-20 passing for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Lauren Burg, Times correspondent

Tim Porson, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

NEW PORT RICHEY — Anclote's offense proved to be too much for Ridgewood on Friday night as the Sharks earned their first victory, rolling past the Rams 41-6.

Anclote (1-4) opened the scoring with just more than five minutes to go in the first quarter when second-string quarterback Brevet Killett threw a 20-yard touchdown to Ryan Patterson.

The Sharks extended their lead on Ridgewood's ensuing possession. On fourth and 15, Anclote's Alonzo Pettiford returned the punt 35 yards and the Sharks led 13-0.

They would not let up from there. Two minutes into the second quarter, Ridgewood's Bob Peck was intercepted by junior defensive back Luis Perez, setting up first and 10 on Ridgewood's 37-yard line.

Six plays and 63 yards later, running back Willie Barrett scored from a yard out.

Ridgewood got its only score midway through the second quarter when Peck connected with Max Livingstone on a 28-yard pass, making the score 20-6. The Sharks led 34-6 at halftime.

The second half did not go any better for the Rams (1-5). After a four and out to open the third quarter, it took Anclote only two plays to score as John Forgione threw a 49-yard pass to Patterson.

Patterson finished with four catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, October 7, 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. — Lightning coach Guy Boucher said naming C Steven Stamkos an alternate captain while D Mattias Ohlund is out with a knee injury was not done lightly.

"He earned the respect of the rest of the players on the team with his attention to details and paying the price and being so unselfish," Boucher said Friday. "That's how he earned it."

Wearing an A is another step in Stamkos' intention to, in his fourth season, become more of a team leader. He wore the A during a preseason game. With Ohlund's knee healing slowly, this could be longer term.

"It's obviously an honor when the coaching staff has that confidence and respect factor in you," Stamkos said. "I'm just trying to be more of a leader this year. That was the plan coming in."

Boucher said he considered alternating the A between Stamkos and D Eric Brewer. But Boucher said Brewer "doesn't want to have it."

"He doesn't need an A or a C to show he's one of the leaders on our team," Boucher said.

Said Brewer, "The team has their guys. That's very clear. I'm putting my two bits in like last year and don't want to get in the way. … I'm going to play my game and do what I do, and others will take care of the room."

MEDICAL MATTERS: Ohlund, on injured reserve, said he is disappointed he has not skated since Sept. 30 and is wondering if his painful right knee is worse than first believed.

"We're trying to figure out exactly what's going on," said Ohlund, who had an MRI exam that apparently showed no damage. "Hopefully it won't be serious."

Ohlund will not skate this weekend and said no further tests are scheduled, though he and the training staff will talk in the next few days.

BIG CHANCE: If F Blair Jones is to stick with the Lightning, he has to be more consistent.

"I would say two games (he would be) on, and then it would diminish after that," Boucher said of Jones' play during his callups last season.

As for this season, "What he has shown in camp every scrimmage, every practice, there's no slowing down or diminishing," Boucher said. "He came in on a mission, and he deserves to be in the lineup."

A change: Jones, 6 feet 2, 216 pounds, is in what Boucher called "incredible shape."

"I have stuff to prove to myself and the coaching staff here," said Jones, 25, who in 57 NHL games in five seasons has two goals and seven points.

FOCUS: If the Lightning is seeking revenge tonight against the Bruins, which last season eliminated it from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference final, it is not saying.

"Whatever has been in the past has to be in the past or you create the wrong kind of emotion," Boucher said. "I've always said when you're looking for revenge, you're not looking out for the task at hand."

Still, Stamkos said players have watched video of Game 7, a 1-0 loss at Boston: "I've seen it a couple of times. It's tough. It just gives you extra motivation knowing how close you were."

ODDS AND ENDS: Rookie Brett Connolly had 14:20 of ice time in his first NHL game and was 3-of-3 on faceoffs. … D Victor Hedman had three shots, blocked three and was plus-3. … Tampa Bay blocked 23 shots. … Brett Clark played his 600th NHL game. … Tampa Bay is 11-6-0 with two ties in season openers. … Forwards Mattias Ritola and Tom Pyatt and D Bruno Gervais were scratched.

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

BROOKSVILLE — Early in the season, the Achilles heel for Hernando appeared to be pass defense. But the Leopards have straightened that out and seem to have improved in all phases of the game.

River Ridge experienced the improved Hernando team first hand Friday night at Tom Fisher Stadium in a 61-14 Leopard victory. Hernando (4-2, 3-0) continued its undefeated run in Class 6A, District 6.

Tyrail Hawkins used his elite speed to gain 421 total yards and five touchdowns. He rushed for 230 yards on only eight carries, 35 yards on only one reception, and 156 yards on only three kickoff returns. That's 12 touches. Twelve.

"Tyrail is one of those kids that has a chance to make a big play any time he touches the ball," Hernando coach John Palmer said. "(Our assistant coaches) did a great job of calling the game and giving us an opportunity to move the ball."

Defensively, the domination was not much different.

Though River Ridge (3-2, 1-2) scored two late touchdowns with a running clock, the Leopards were up 41-0 before the Royal Knights got on the scoreboard.

After being criticized for weaknesses in pass defense early in the season, Hernando is thriving on that side of the ball.

River Ridge quarterback Josh Maisel was harassed every time he dropped back to pass, tossing three interceptions and getting sacked five times.

"The struggles you go through early in the season only prepare you for later in the schedule," Palmer said. "It makes us a better team."

Times wires
Friday, October 7, 2011

DETROIT — Rookie Cory Emmerton, who learned this week that he had made the final roster, had a goal and an assist to help the Red Wings beat the Senators 5-3 in the season opener for both teams.

Todd Bertuzzi, Nicklas Lidstrom, Jiri Hudler and Ian White also scored for Detroit. Jimmy Howard made 29 saves.

Milan Michalek scored twice, and Filip Kuba added a goal for Ottawa. Craig Anderson stopped 34 shots.

It was Paul MacLean's first game as the Senators' coach after six seasons as an assistant with the Red Wings.

Detroit kept Emmerton because they wanted a true center on the fourth line so they didn't have to break up Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader on the third line.

"Being in the opening night lineup is pretty special," Emmerton said before the game. He played in two games for Detroit last season.

"It's a tough team to make, let alone make the top 12."

game highlights: Jack Johnson scored on a power play with a minute left in overtime to lift the Kings to a 3-2 victory over the Rangers in the teams' openers at Stockholm, Sweden. After the game, the league fined the Rangers' Mats Zuccarello $2,500 for boarding Kyle Clifford in the first period. Zuccarello got a boarding penalty in the game. … Thomas Vanek scored two power-play goals in the Sabres' 4-1 win over the Ducks at Helsinki, Finland.

capitals: Michal Neuvirth will be the surprise starter in goal in tonight's season opener against the Hurricanes. Free agent signing Tomas Vokoun is expected to be No. 1, but Neuvirth said the coaches were impressed with his performance in the preseason. Vokoun said he expected to play Monday against the Lightning. Coach Bruce Boudreau hadn't planned for the news to leak out and said he wasn't ready to comment on picking Neuvirth for the opener.

First Period—1, Detroit, Bertuzzi 1 (Helm, Kindl), 16:01. Penalties—Lee, Ott (hooking), 1:06.

Second Period—2, Detroit, Lidstrom 1, 1:39. 3, Detroit, Emmerton 1 (Miller), 9:40. 4, Detroit, Hudler 1 (Datsyuk, Ericsson), 10:38. Penalties—Neil, Ott (hooking), 3:16; White, Det (interference), 12:06.

Third Period—5, Detroit, White 1 (Miller, Emmerton), 3:12. 6, Ottawa, Michalek 1 (Spezza, Filatov), 5:49. 7, Ottawa, Michalek 2 (Spezza, Karlsson), 8:22 (pp). 8, Ottawa, Kuba 1 (Alfredsson, Zibanejad), 18:29 (pp). Penalties—White, Det (tripping), 8:03; Kuba, Ott (slashing), 9:09; Neil, Ott (roughing), 15:13; Kindl, Det (interference), 16:37; Butler, Ott (boarding), 18:40. Shots on Goal—Ottawa 9-12-11—32. Detroit 11-16-12—39. Power-play opportunities—Ottawa 2 of 3; Detroit 0 of 5. Goalies—Ottawa, Anderson 0-1-0 (39 shots-34 saves). Detroit, Howard 1-0-0 (32-29).

First Period—None. Penalties—Halischuk, Nas (tripping), 7:42; Hillen, Nas (tripping), 16:21; Prospal, Clm (interference), 19:34.

Second Period—1, Nashville, Suter 1 (Kostitsyn, Legwand), 5:10 (pp). 2, Columbus, Prospal 1 (Carter, Nash), 14:19. 3, Nashville, C.Smith 1 (Weber, Suter), 15:56. Penalties—K.Russell, Clm (delay of game), 2:35; Dorsett, Clm (closing hand on puck), 4:35; Laakso, Nas (slashing), 5:52.

Third Period—4, Nashville, Halischuk 1 (O'Reilly), :39. 5, Columbus, Nash 1 (Prospal, Carter), 10:19. Penalties—Smithson, Nas (tripping), 5:21; C.Smith, Nas (hooking), 12:33. Shots on Goal—Nashville 10-12-9—31. Columbus 13-9-12—34. Power-play opportunities—Nashville 1 of 3; Columbus 0 of 5. Goalies—Nashville, Rinne 1-0-0 (34 shots-32 saves). Columbus, Mason 0-1-0 (31-28).

First Period—1, Buffalo, Vanek 1 (Adam, Pominville), 4:02 (pp). 2, Buffalo, Leino 1 (Sekera, Boyes), 8:30. Penalties—Gaustad, Buf (interference), 1:08; Koivu, Ana (hooking), 2:21; Perry, Ana (tripping), 10:36; Regehr, Buf (interference), 13:18; Parros, Ana (roughing), 18:37; Regehr, Buf (boarding), 18:37.

Second Period—3, Anaheim, Guenin 1 (Macenauer), 4:32. 4, Buffalo, Pominville 1 (Vanek, Adam), 5:45. 5, Buffalo, Vanek 2 (Ehrhoff, Pominville), 11:59 (pp). Penalties—Koivu, Ana (roughing), 9:56; Stafford, Buf (roughing), 9:56; Cogliano, Ana (tripping), 11:21; Guenin, Ana (interference), 17:01.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Roy, Buf (hooking), 4:09; Ehrhoff, Buf (slashing), 5:25; Ehrhoff, Buf (cross-checking), 13:27. Shots on Goal—Anaheim 6-13-11—30. Buffalo 9-16-0—25. Power-play opportunities—Anaheim 0 of 5; Buffalo 2 of 4. Goalies—Anaheim, Hiller 0-1-0 (25 shots-21 saves). Buffalo, Miller 1-0-0 (30-29).

First Period—1, Los Angeles, Kopitar 1 (Williams), 10:51. 2, N.Y. Rangers, Callahan 1 (Anisimov, Fedotenko), 15:22. Penalties—Zuccarello, NYR (boarding), 3:05; Eminger, NYR (cross-checking), 5:04.

Second Period—None. Penalties—Prust, NYR, major (fighting), 2:24; Clifford, LA, major (fighting), 2:24; Erixon, NYR (delay of game), 2:44; Gagne, LA (roughing), 11:14.

Third Period—3, N.Y. Rangers, Gaborik 1 (Dubinsky, B.Richards), 10:28. 4, Los Angeles, M.Richards 1 (Richardson, Brown), 15:01. Penalties—Boyle, NYR (interference), 17:57.

Overtime—5, Los Angeles, J.Johnson 1 (M.Richards, Kopitar), 4:08 (pp). Penalties—McDonagh, NYR (tripping), 2:51; Dubinsky, NYR, misconduct, 4:08. Shots on Goal—N.Y. Rangers 4-8-13-1—26. Los Angeles 13-6-8-3—30. Power-play opportunities—N.Y. Rangers 0 of 1; Los Angeles 1 of 5. Goalies—N.Y. Rangers, Lundqvist 0-0-1 (30 shots-27 saves). Los Angeles, Quick 1-0-0 (26-24).

Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

DADE CITY — Pasco coach Tom McHugh spent eight seasons as a Wesley Chapel assistant. Wesley Chapel coach Ben Alford is an ex-Pasco quarterback.

But none of that nostalgia affected the outcome Friday as Pasco continued its season-long dominance with a 57-12 win.

Pasco (6-0, 3-0) remained in front in Class 5A, District 6 with Wesley Chapel (2-3, 0-3) all but falling out of the race.

There was no mistaking how much was at stake, the teams combining for 235 penalty yards (165 against Pasco).

"Sometimes, when your blood's up, your blood's up," McHugh said.

Jacob Guy led Pasco's high-powered offense by passing for 190 yards and three touchdowns.

Janarion Grant returned a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown, ran for 48 yards and caught two passes for 49 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown.

David Emmanuel also had two touchdowns, scoring on runs of 2 and 9 yards.

The game was close early. Quarterback Keegan Tanner staked the Wildcats to a 6-0 lead on a 9-yard keeper up the middle, and Devin Piper's 15-yard run put them up 12-7 before Pasco went ahead for good on Guy's 64-yard pass to Trey Dudley-Giles.

Casey Melton blocked a punt and fell on it in the end zone to give the Pirates a 21-12 lead. And J.D. Edwards ran back the second-half kickoff 50 yards for a touchdown.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, October 7, 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. — Teams do not generally throw down the gauntlet to each other before a game, but the Hurricanes did it to the Lightning.

Tampa Bay ended Carolina's 2010-11 playoff hopes, and coach Paul Maurice flat out said, "Payback is due."

It's a nice sentiment, but it fell flat as the Lightning scored a satisfying 5-1 victory in the season opener for both teams Friday night at the RBC Center.

"We weren't worried about last year," center Steven Stamkos said. "If they wanted to talk about that, that's great. This is a brand new season. This year is about us."

"A great win," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "We believe in what we can do."

What the Lightning did was wrestle a game away from a team that in the first period had Tampa Bay on its heels. Carolina had a 16-12 shot advantage, 14-3 in the final 12:26 when the Lightning stopped skating.

Thanks to goalie Dwayne Roloson, the deficit was only 1-0. And after a semiharsh between-periods reminder from the coaches to, as Stamkos said, "utilize our speed and smarts," momentum shifted.

Marty St. Louis and Lecavalier scored in the second period. Steve Downie and Adam Hall scored within 10 seconds in the third, tying a team mark for the second-fastest goals. Ryan Malone scored, Stamkos had two assists, and Roloson made it stand up with 32 saves.

It was quite a progression for the Lightning, which Thursday got a tongue lashing from coach Guy Boucher for a lax practice. Then came Friday's first period, and then the resurgence.

"We needed a real NHL game for our guys to decide to play at their top," Boucher said. "I can understand it. It's not something you want as a coach because it's all about habits."

Good habits were on special teams. The Lightning scored twice on the power play, including Lecavalier's baseball-swing tally off a rebound on a five-on-three with 2:10 left in the second to make the score 2-1.

Tampa Bay killed off all five Carolina power plays and allowed just three shots.

Some bad habits: loose defensive zone coverages and awkward positional play on defense, especially from Matt Gilroy, who was burned on Carolina's goal.

"Not a perfect night," Boucher said, "but a pretty good night.

Especially considering how much the game meant to the Hurricanes. "It's a lot more fun on the losing side," Boucher said, noting the light turnout at his postgame meeting with reporters. "More emotion, right?"

First Period—1, Carolina, Skinner 1 (Gleason, Ruutu), 8:07. Penalties—Allen, Car (interference), 16:17; St. Louis, TB (goaltender interference), 17:10; Stamkos, TB (boarding), 19:58.

Second Period—2, TB, St. Louis 1 (Stamkos), 5:19. 3, TB, Lecavalier 1 (Stamkos, St. Louis), 17:50 (pp). Penalties—Allen, Car (roughing), 6:07; Lecavalier, TB (hooking), 6:37; Connolly, TB (hooking), 8:54; Faulk, Car (holding), 10:21; Jokinen, Car (unsportsmanlike conduct), 17:31; Faulk, Car (interference), 17:31.

Third Period—4, TB, Downie 1 (Bergeron, Shannon), 12:22 (pp). 5, TB, Hall 1 (Thompson, Jones), 12:32. 6, TB, Malone 1 (Purcell, Brewer), 16:58. Penalties—Malone, TB (interference), 7:36; E.Staal, Car (interference), 10:29. Shots on Goal—TB 12-10-12—34. Carolina 16-8-9—33. Power-play opportunities—TB 2 of 6; Carolina 0 of 5. Goalies—TB, Roloson 1-0-0 (33 shots-32 saves). Carolina, Ward 0-1-0 (34-29).

Matt Baker, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

Bishop McLaughlin's offense came through with its best game of the season but couldn't hang with Landmark Christian in the Hurricanes' Sunshine State Athletic Conference opener.

"We gave up some long plays," first-year Bishop coach Derrick Alexander said. "We've got to do better on that."

Two long touchdown passes by Landmark turned a close game into a runaway victory.

Bishop (0-5, 0-1) got a good night from sophomore quarterback RJ Perciavalle, who rushed for two touchdowns and ran for two others. Running back Jordan Betancourt had another good game out of the backfield behind an offensive line that had one of its best games of the season.

Junior Austin Meyers added a touchdown catch and an interception for the Hurricanes.

Injuries continued to pile up for Bishop, which has lost left tackle Shane Mendoza and senior receiver Evan Barhonovich (neck).

Bishop will look to get its first win of the season next week at Vanguard.

"I think it's coming together," Alexander said. "I think the kids are confident, and they're buying in that we're going to turn around."

Matt Baker, Times staff writer

Phillip Haywood, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 7, 2011

DUNEDIN — Spoto overcame a tough week to record a 14-7 win over Dunedin on Friday.

"Our defense totally dominated the entire game," Spartans coach Dale Caparaso said.

Spoto (2-3, 2-2) marched down the field after a blocked punt by Darrian Harris. On the ensuing play the Spartans got a little fancy to put their first points on the board. Jaylon Davis threw to Geronimo Allison, who in turn threw a pass to Bryan Barr for a 30-yard score to go up 7-0.

Dunedin's Chris Askew had two interceptions in the first half but the Falcons (2-4, 2-3) could not capitalize.

Early in the third quarter, Dunedin's Douglas Forman scooped up a fumble and returned it 45 yards to even the score at 7.

Spoto later capitalized on a short punt by the Falcons. A few plays later Davis hit Allison with a 2-yard pass to make it 14-7.

The Spartans were without four starters, who were suspended for disciplinary reasons.

Phillip Haywood, Times correspondent