Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Lavante Page scored twice on 3-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter, including the winner with 2:31 left to lead Florida A&M in a 27-24 win over South Carolina State on Saturday.

After taking the lead, the Rattlers (5-3, 3-2 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) forced a four-and-out and Page, who finished with 27 rushing yards, carried three times as FAMU ran out the clock.

The Bulldogs (4-4, 3-2) led 24-13 after three quarters, but FAMU rallied by holding the ball for 12:23 in the fourth quarter.

The Rattlers' Damien Fleming completed 34-of-40 for 297 yards and a touchdown.

FAMU outgained South Carolina State 439-299 and was 10-of-18 on third-down conversions. The Bulldogs were 2-of-10 on third down.

Jacksonville 56, Davidson 13: The host Dolphins (6-2, 5-0) scored 42 second-half points in their Pioneer Football League-record 16th straight conference victory.

Quarterback Josh McGregor rushed for 104 yards while completing 20 of 27 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns. Three went to Larry Thompson, covering 20, 21 and 32 yards.

"I was just doing what I was supposed to be doing and kept getting open,'' Thompson said.

Tommie Rogers caught a 40-yard scoring pass from McGregor, who has 12 touchdown passes in his last three games.

Jacksonville got long second-half scoring plays from Lacy McDougald and D'Andre Randle. McDougald returned one of his two interceptions 59 yards for a touchdown, and Randle went 94 yards on a punt return.

Jacksonville coach Kerwin Bell took the blame for the slow start in the first half: "That was my fault. I had some bad play calling but we got out of this with a win.''

Davidson's (2-5, 0-4) Lanny Funsten had 11 receptions and one touchdown.

The Dolphins are off next week, then play at Drake.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Seahawks (2-3) at Browns (2-3)

1 p.m.

Browns by 3, 41

This one probably won't be a barn burner when it comes to television ratings, but it will get the winner back to .500. The Browns have played a respectable schedule, beating both of the sub-.500 teams they've played (Colts and Dolphins). Browns RB Peyton Hillis is nursing a hamstring injury, but Montario Hardesty, above, is a capable backup. Yes, the Seahawks won at the Giants two weeks ago, but we think that says more about the flaky Giants than anything else.

Browns 27, Seahawks 20

Falcons (3-3) at Lions (5-1)

1 p.m.

Lions by 3½, 47½

A big game for both clubs. A loss sends the Falcons sliding further behind the Bucs and Saints in the NFC South. The Lions, meanwhile, are trying to shake their first loss, a tooth-and-nail fight with the 49ers. The Falcons have proved this season they have issues up front, so expect the Lions to put some heat on QB Matt Ryan, above. RB Michael Turner, however, still looms. This game turns on the Falcons' ability (or inability) to stop the Lions' passing game and WR Calvin Johnson.

Lions 26, Falcons 21

Broncos (1-4) at Dolphins (0-5)

1 p.m.

Pick 'em, 42

You might never witness a more talked-about game featuring teams with a combined 1-9 record. The Broncos turn their offense over to QB Tim Tebow, above, as now even stubborn coach John Fox recognizes Kyle Orton is not the answer. The Broncos made this decision at the right time: before a bye. This gives Tebow a shot at an impressive day because Denver likely has spent two weeks tailoring a game plan to his strengths. Hey, it worked pretty well for the Gators.

Broncos 24, Dolphins 20

Redskins (3-2) at Panthers (1-5)

1 p.m.

Panthers by 2½, 43½

If you offered Redskins GM Bruce Allen a chance to trade both of his ineffective quarterbacks, Rex Grossman and John Beck, for Panthers rookie Cam Newton, above, how many seconds would it take him to yell, "Done!" Something tells us Newton will show why that deal would be a steal. The Redskins defense is sturdy, and Newton took a step back last week. But Washington's QB inconsistency is an issue. After Grossman's four picks against the Eagles, Beck will start. Yawn.

Panthers 21, Redskins 17

Chargers (4-1) at Jets (3-3)

1 p.m.

Jets by 1, 43½

The Jets are tricky. Are they Super Bowl contenders grossly underachieving? Or are they, you know, not very good? The Chargers look to be the real deal, winning three straight since a loss to the Patriots. They pose a much tougher challenge for the Jets offense than the lowly Dolphins last week. Look for the Chargers to frustrate Jets QB Mark Sanchez. San Diego's pass defense is second in the league, and when Sanchez inevitably makes a poor throw, S Eric Weddle, above, will be lurking.

Chargers 27, Jets 17

Texans (3-3) at Titans (3-2)

1 p.m.

Titans by 3, 44

These are the contenders for the Peyton Manning Trophy, a.k.a. AFC South title. The Texans need this game — badly. A loss puts them further behind, though they have a favorable schedule down the stretch. They will be without injured WR Andre Johnson, above, which makes them less intimidating to Tennessee (or at least to CB Cortland Finnegan, whom Johnson punched to a pulp last season). This could be the overdue breakout game for Titans RB Chris Johnson.

Titans 24, Texans 23

Steelers (4-2) at Cardinals (1-4)

4 p.m., Ch. 10

Steelers by 31/2, 431/2

The last time these teams played, it was a Super Bowl that left everyone in Raymond James Stadium breathless. We can't promise nearly that kind of drama in this afterthought of a game. The Steelers are making a long trip to play a desperate team coming off a bye. Something about this game feels like it could be tougher than it appears, but coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have the top-ranked defense in football. Chances are Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb, above, will find out why.

Steelers 23, Cardinals 17

Chiefs (2-3) at Raiders (4-2)

4 p.m.

Raiders by 3½, 41

The Raiders gave up an eye-popping ransom (possibly two first-rounders) for QB Carson Palmer, above, who has to fill the injured Jason Campbell's suddenly big shoes. You have to wonder how effective a guy can be after less than a week of work. But given the price they paid, it seems the Raiders figure they're going to get their money's worth and possibly start the former Bengal. Can Palmer do this? Yeah, if Darren McFadden runs wild. Though the Chiefs allow only 3.8 yards per carry.

Raiders 21, Chiefs 20

Rams (0-5) at Cowboys (2-3)

4:15 p.m.

Cowboys by 131/2, 43

After a tough loss to the Patriots, Dallas couldn't be happier to see St. Louis, especially with QB Sam Bradford out with an injury. The Cowboys alternate between frustrating and intriguing, but they remain very talented. QB Tony Romo, above, can't figure out how to close out games, but he presides over an offense that produces 409.6 yards per game. Watch LB DeMarcus Ware, whose seven sacks are tied for second in the NFL. The Rams have yielded an NFL-high 22 sacks.

Cowboys 29, Rams 17

Packers (6-0) at Vikings (1-5)

4:15 p.m., Ch. 13

Packers by 9, 47

Don't be surprised if former FSU quarterback and Vikings rookie Christian Ponder, above, makes some plays in his first start. The Packers defense is not impenetrable, so there are big plays in the passing game for the taking. But Ponder has two things working against him: The Packers and CB Charles Woodson lead the NFC in interceptions, and Ponder's defensive teammates have shown nothing to indicate they will slow QB Aaron Rodgers. These days, they have lots of company.

Packers 31, Vikings 13

Colts (0-6) at Saints (4-2)

8:20 p.m., Ch. 8

Saints by 13½, 48

Another rematch of a recent Super Bowl dandy that won't measure up. The Saints aren't about to lose two straight after a loss at Tampa Bay. And unless the Colts are going to force QB Drew Brees, above, into three interceptions, as the Bucs did, it's going to be a long night for Indy. New Orleans coach Sean Payton will work from a skybox now that he has had surgery for the torn ligament and broken leg he sustained on the sideline in Tampa. This result should ease the pain.

Saints 28, Colts 17

Ravens (4-1) at Jaguars (1-5)

8:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN

Ravens by 8, 391/2

This could turn into one of those proverbial trap games, one in which the superior team acts like it can sleepwalk to victory. But the Ravens don't come off like that kind of team. And they will smell blood in the water. The Jaguars are starting rookie QB Blaine Gabbert, and the Ravens feast on young quarterbacks. You'd like to believe Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew, above, can help, but Baltimore, led by DT Haloti Ngata, allows just 3.3 yards per carry. That's second best in the NFL.

Ravens 29, Jaguars 16

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer, and Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

5 things we learned:

Sunlake is no longer a little brother: Or as Seahawks coach Bill Browning put it, "There's a new sheriff in town." Their 21-10 win over Land O'Lakes likely snapped the Gators' 14-year postseason streak — and might have sealed the Seahawks' first trip to the playoffs. Land O'Lakes' only touchdown came off of a Sunlake turnover, and the Seahawks outmuscled and outplayed one of the county's top teams for four quarters. This rivalry is just beginning.

Don't rule out River Ridge: A 45-0 win over Central was what the Royal Knights needed. In its best season since 1999, River Ridge kept playoff hopes alive. If Ryan Benjamin's team could somehow knock off Sunlake and Land O'Lakes in back-to-back weeks, the Royal Knights would be postseason-bound.

Fivay isn't ready for primetime just yet…: The Falcons were outmatched by undefeated Pasco in the biggest game in Fivay history. The offense struggled, and the defense couldn't stop the Pirate playmakers in a 59-6 loss. Fivay isn't a district title contender, but it can still prove it's one of the county's top teams — if it beats Zephyrhills in this week's must-win game.

…But Zephyrhills might be: The Bulldogs have done what they've needed to do, blocking out controversy to stay perfect in 5A-6 and surpass their win total for the past two years combined. Zephyrhills has scored at least 36 points in every district game, including Friday's 49 in a shutout win over Ridgewood. The next two weeks, games against Fivay and Pasco loom with a playoff spot on the line.

Pasco is a scoring machine: Not even a barrage of penalties could slow down the Pirates. Three 15-yard flags set up first and goal from their 47 — but Jacob Guy led the Pirates back into Fivay territory to set up a field goal. Janarion Grant turned a short punt into a scoring chance, returning it 47 yards for a score. Six of Pasco's eight touchdowns covered at least 27 yards, and Nick Wilson led a defense that proved it might be the best in the county.

Game balls

QB RJ Perciavalle, Bishop McLaughlin: The sophomore was 19-for-24 with 320 yards and three touchdowns — two to receiver Evan Barhonovich — to help the Hurricanes earn their second win in a row.

RB Matt Breida, Nature Coast: The junior speedster rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in a must-win victory over Mitchell.

LB/P Richard Hart, Nature Coast: The tackling machine booted a late punt to pin Mitchell inside its 5, then forced the Mustangs to hold him in the end zone for a safety that provided cushion in a 16-13 win.

WR/DB Eddie Burgos, Sunlake: His 27-yard touchdown catch was one of the best plays of the Seahawks' season, but his interception in the third quarter was as important in a 21-10 win over Land O'Lakes.

QB Jamal Roberts, Zephyrhills: One of the county's leading rushers ran for three TDs and passed for another in a blowout Bulldogs victory.

Hernando offensive line: The front, including T Derek Moore, C Austin Neff, G Connor Foradas, T Jake Johnson, and G True Griffin, manhandled Springstead. No carrier had more than seven rushes, but the team accounted for 480 yards and four TDs on the ground.

River Ridge defense: The Royal Knights held Central to minus-13 yards on 18 first-half plays in a 45-0 win that keeps River Ridge's playoff hopes alive.

ATH Alonzo Pettiford, Anclote: The senior caught six passes for 223 yards and two 80-yard touchdowns against Gulf as the Sharks got win No. 2 this season.

QB Jacob Guy/ATH Trey Dudley-Giles, Pasco: Guy threw for 285 yards and four touchdowns in a 59-6 win over Fivay. Dudley-Giles racked up 166 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. He also had a punt return for a TD called back because of a penalty.

QB Ty Tanner, Wesley Chapel: The freshman signal-caller rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more in a 34-7 win over Hudson.

Looking ahead:

Zephyrhills (5-2, 5-0) at Fivay (5-2, 4-1): The second playoff spot in Class 5A, District 6 is on the line. If Zephyr­hills wins, the Bulldogs will battle with rival Pasco the next week for the district title. A Fivay victory would likely push the Falcons into the playoffs in their first year of all-varsity football.

Nature Coast (4-4, 3-2) at Hernando (6-2, 5-0): Hernando County's biggest game is even bigger this year. The Leopards can seal a district title with a win over their rival. Matt Breida and the Sharks need a win and some help to make it to the playoffs.

Compiled by Times staff writer Matt Baker and Times correspondent Derek J. LaRiviere.

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

ST. LOUIS — The Rams ruled quarterback Sam Bradford out for today's game against the Cowboys, meaning A.J. Feeley will start. Bradford sustained a high left ankle sprain near the end of last week's loss to the Packers and did not practice all week. He had been listed as questionable before Saturday, when St. Louis signed quarterback Tom Brandstater from its practice squad.

Jaguars: After a 24-hour extension, the blackout for Monday's game was lifted. As of Friday, about 3,000 tickets remained. It is not known if they were sold or the team paid 34 cents on the dollar to buy them, which is allowed under league rules.

Raiders: Kicker Dave Rayner was signed in case Sebastian Janikowski's sore hamstring keeps him from playing today. He has kicked for six teams over five years, most recently the Lions in 2010. Also, Profootballtalk.com reported that the team has installed plays specifically for rookie quarterback Terrelle Pryor and could run them today. He has practiced for only two weeks during the regular season after serving a five-game suspension.

Vikings: Cornerback Chris Cook, who has started the past three games, was arrested Saturday in connection with a reported domestic battery incident, and the team said he won't play today. Police in Eden Prairie, Minn., said they got a call about 2 a.m. to report people yelling and screaming on a street. Cook was being held without bail. A hearing is set for Monday.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays showed considerable faith in Reid Brigac at the start of last year, handing him his first starting job at shortstop.

They had reason to have confidence that, with Brignac's impressive defensive skills, he could take over for former team MVP Jason Bartlett, who was traded to the Padres.

And even after a disappointing season for Brignac, in which he hit .193 and was sent down to the minors mid-year, it appears Tampa Bay is willing to give him another shot to man shortstop. But he's going to have to earn it.

"He'll battle for the spot, absolutely," manager Joe Maddon said. "I thought he made some really good adjustments when he came back up. Defense has never been an issue. I love his defense. It's about making him more of a complete player offensively. I'm not just talking about getting hits, playing the situational game. Base running needs to be worked on a bit, too."

Maddon has raved about Brignac's hands at short, saying he's a good enough shortstop (defensively, speaking) to win a World Series with. But after posting the eighth-lowest average among players with 200 at-bats or more, including just five extra-base hits, Brignac, 25, lost his job and was optioned to Triple-A Durham.

Brignac, as confident as any Rays player, said he grew up a bit in his stint back in the minors, and was very appreciative when he got called back up Aug. 10. He got a start in the American League Division Series.

Though Maddon praised Brignac for how he handled everything, he wasn't ready to give him his everyday job back once he was recalled. Sean Rodriguez and Elliot Johnson got some starts there too against left-handers.

That could be an option again this year, or a veteran infielder could be brought in to compete in spring training (much like INF Felipe Lopez was signed to a minor-league deal last year to push for a bench role).

But it appears the ball will be in Brignac's court. And he'll need to bring his bat.

HOT STOVE: It comes as little surprise the Angels would express interest and interview Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman, like they did last week. And it is far from a shock Friedman would be their top choice for their open GM spot, as Foxsports.com reported. But it also seems like a stretch Friedman would leave the Rays for Anaheim; he hasn't spoken like a man looking to go anywhere. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted, quoting one source, "(Friedman's) not going."

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Among all the interesting revelations in the convoluted compensation package for Theo Epstein, the Red Sox initially wanted Cubs RHP (and ex-Ray) Matt Garza to be included as compensation for Epstein taking over Chicago's GM spot. … Rays 1B Casey Kotchman took a road trip last week with his father, long-time minor league manager and scout Tom Kotchman, and visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. "It was his idea," Casey told baseballhall.org. "He wanted to go and I just said okay. But I'm glad he did." … Among the Rays prospects in the Arizona Fall League this year are former top pick SS Tim Beckham and 2011 first-round pick OF Mikie Mahtook, both with the Surprise Saguaros. … Former Rays RHP Edwin Jackson is scheduled to start Game 4 tonight for the Cardinals against the Rangers. … RHP James Shields (Outstanding Pitcher), RHP Jeremy Hellickson (Outstanding Rookie) and Kotchman (Comeback Player) are finalists for Players Choice Awards, with winners announced Nov. 3.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

TALLADEGA, Ala. — Mike Wallace proved to be a suitable substitute for Elliott Sadler at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, racing to his first trucks series victory since 2000.

Wallace was pushed to the win in the Coca-Cola 200 by Ron Hornaday using a tandem draft.

Wallace was called by Kevin Harvick Inc. last week when Sadler decided to stay home with his wife, Amanda, as they await the birth of their second child.

"Right here, this is an incredibly unselfish individual because he could have worked for the win," Wallace said of Hornaday as they hugged in Victory Lane. "Thank God Elliott Sadler's wife is going to have a baby and gave me this opportunity."

Wallace has five career wins in the series but hasn't run a full season since 2000, when he won his last race in the series. His last win in any NASCAR race was in 2004 in the Nationwide series.

Wallace brought his wife to Talladega on their 32nd anniversary. Harvick joked that Wallace could take his wife into the infamous Talladega infield to celebrate.

"It's been so long since I won, and nobody knows how much this means to me," Wallace said. "It was our anniversary on Thursday, and this is the exotic paradise island — the infield at Talladega."

Clearwater's Ricky Carmichael was fourth.

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

LAKE BUENA VISTA — Justin Leonard chipped in three times in five holes Saturday to salvage a scrappy day at Disney with 2-under 70 that gave him a share of the lead with PGA Tour rookie Kevin Chappell at the Children's Miracle Network Classic.

Chappell was more consistent in shooting 66. He overcame a bogey on the first hole and had a steady diet of 10- to 15-foot birdie putts throughout the day.

They were at 14-under 202, one shot ahead of Bio Kim (71), who needs at least a two-way tie for second to secure his tour card for next year.

Chappell, who tied for third at the U.S. Open and was runner­up at the Texas Open, said he learned a lot from his amateur partners in the first two rounds, former Ray and current Cub Carlos Peña and retired NFL running back Jerome Bettis.

"I've been trying to … pick their brains on how they can stay fresh throughout their season, especially Carlos," Chappell said. "He had to play 162 games. We play 26 to 30 events a year, and I was kind of asking him, 'What do you do to feel fresh every day?' Because that's something I've struggled with all year.

"And Carlos said, 'When I don't try, that's when I have my good games.' "

The race for the tour money took an interesting turn.

Luke Donald, who trails Webb Simpson by $363,029, was tied for fourth, three shots out of the lead and three shots ahead of Simpson, when he reached the par-5 14th. When he walked off the green after a three-putt, he was in a tie for 14th, tied with Simpson and six shots behind.

Donald now needs no worse than a two-way tie for second to win the title. He was tied for 14th, five shots behind.

LPGA: Top-ranked Yani Tseng shot 5-under 67 for a two-shot lead over second-round co-leader Anna Nordqvist (71) going into the final round of the Taiwan Championship at Yang Mei. She was at 10-under 206. Second-round co-leader Azahara Munoz (72) was three strokes back. Tampa resident Kristy McPherson (77) was 7 over and Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse (76) 14 over.

By Ian Lanphier, Times Correspondent
Saturday, October 22, 2011

TAMPA — After two lackluster showings, USF's offense traded punches throughout Saturday's 37-34 loss to Cincinnati.

Junior B.J. Daniels led the way by throwing for a school-record 409 yards. They included a 10-yard touchdown to freshman Andre Davis that put the Bulls ahead with 1:27 left in the game.

"It felt good. Our backs were against the wall," Daniels said of the go-ahead drive. "The offense needed to do something to get the job (done) and make a play. A lot of guys on offense made plays and got us down the field."

Daniels went 31-for-47 for three touchdowns and completed passes to 10 receivers.

Davis caught four passes for 60 yards and the touchdown.

But the breakout player was redshirt freshman Deonte Welch, who caught five passes for 130 yards, both career highs. He caught four passes of longer than 22 yards, helping the Bulls on their final scoring drive with receiver Sterling Griffin sidelined due to an ankle injury.

"I'm proud of (the young receivers)," Bulls offensive coordinator Todd Fitch said. "That's what we thought Andre Davis was going to do for us; go up and make some vertical catches.

"And Deonte has shown flashes of being a really good player, and now his role has kind of jumped out a little bit more. I thought both of them played really solid games overall."

Griffin caught eight passes for 73 yards and the touchdown that gave the Bulls an early 7-0 lead. Victor Marc caught four passes for 33 yards.

USF, however, left points on the board with mistakes, including an interception by Daniels on a deep ball in the fourth quarter.

"I've just got to keep working to get better," said Davis, a standout at Tampa's Jefferson High. "I had an okay day. But as a team, we got the loss. So we've got to come back and do better next game."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

5 questions RW Adam Hall

How big was your offseason wedding to Dina?

About 130 people.

How is it going?

So far no surprises; we're a good team.

What is one thing you do that annoys her?

I'm sure there's a bunch of things. I can be better helping out around the house.

What does she do that annoys you?

She likes to be exact, so I'll put the milk away and she'll open the fridge and turn it so the label is facing a certain way. Now I do it on purpose to give her a hard time.

Dumbest argument?

It's little things. Five minutes later we're saying, "Were we arguing about that?"

Gabriel's win No. 1

Two days after Vinny Lecavalier and wife Caroline had their second child — Gabriel Vincent, 7 pounds, 5 ounces — the Lightning captain scored in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Islanders.

To mark what he considered Gabriel's first victory, Lecavalier took home his stick and propped it up near the crib.

"I'm going to write on it that it's his first game," Lecavalier said, "and I scored."

Unruly behavior

There stood coach Guy Boucher on Friday on a landing above the Ice Sports Forum rink in Brandon, waving and yelling at players to get off the ice. Practice had been done for a good 10 minutes, but players were still taking shots or working on faceoffs or just fooling around. It was kind of like kids ignoring a parent.

"I know if I'm not on the ice with a whistle, it's going to take another five minutes," Boucher said. "It just shows they have a lot of fun and enthusiasm here."

That said, Boucher believes keeping players off the ice makes them eager to get back, which is why, in part, he limits morning skates.

"But it's all good," he said. "It's positive. It means they are having fun at their job. This can't be just a job."

Quote to note

"I talked about eating an elephant, and what we're trying to do is we're all trying to chew on that one leg, and that one leg is discipline."

Coach Guy Boucher explaining, kind of, how fixing all the Lightning's problems cannot happen at once

Number of the day

1,318 Games for Capitals D Roman Hamrlik, 37, the Lightning's first draft choice in its first draft in 1992, who has played more NHL games than any Czech player.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

tom jones' two cents

A Two Cents celebration of today's Bucs-Bears game in London has a Q&A with the producer of today's broadcast on Fox, our picks for the best stadiums in the world, and our five most memorable Tampa Bay sports moments that occurred outside the United States. Enjoy, ol' chap.

Five coolest sports stadiums outside the United States

1. Wembley Stadium

The host of today's Bucs-Bears game is considered by many to be the finest sports stadium in the world. It's a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2007 to replace the old Wembley, the classic stadium that hosted such memorable events as the 1948 Olympics, the 1966 World Cup and 1985's Live Aid concert. The new stadium — England's national stadium — holds 90,000, making it the second-largest stadium in Europe. Today is the fifth NFL regular-season game at Wembley.

2. Camp Nou

This is the home of the soccer team FC Barcelona (roughly translated, the name means "new ground''). It holds 99,354, making it the largest stadium in Europe. Aside from hosting one of the world's premier soccer teams since opening in 1957, Camp Nou also has hosted two UEFA Champions League finals, the 1992 Summer Olympics and countless concerts.

3. Beijing National Stadium

Better known as the Bird's Nest, the national stadium of China was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The $423 million stadium is considered the world's largest steel structure. These days it hosts soccer and track and field events.

4. Old Trafford

This is perhaps the most legendary stadium in English soccer. It's English soccer's version of Wrigley Field or Fenway Park. Opened in 1910, Old Trafford has been the home of Manchester United, the most famous soccer team in the world, for more than a century, except when it was under construction after being bombed during World War II. Even the cool name invokes special memories.

5. Qi Zhong Stadium

Our pick for the most unique stadium in sports. This Shanghai stadium has a steel roof made up of eight sliding petal-shaped pieces that make the roof look like a magnolia when it is open. But it also closes to keep spectators and athletes dry and comfortable during unpleasant weather. It holds only around 15,000. And what is played there? Mostly tennis and a little bit of basketball.

Five biggest Tampa Bay sports moments occurring outside the United States

1. St. Louis saves the season

Marty St. Louis' goal in double overtime of Game 6 the 2004 Stanley Cup final in Calgary saved the Lightning's season. Literally. With the Lightning down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, St. Louis' goal 33 seconds into the second overtime sent the series back to Tampa Bay for Game 7, which the Lightning won 2-1.

2. Haislett strikes gold

St. Petersburg native Nicole Haislett had a great high school (Lakewood) and college (Florida) resume, but the highlight of her swimming career came when she captured three gold medals, including the 200-meter freestyle, at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

3. Bennett strikes gold

Plant City native and Brandon resident Brooke Bennett won a gold medal in at the 800-meter freestyle at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but she pulled in two golds (400 free, above, and 800 free) at the 2000 Sydney Games.

4. Cully's return

Lightning center John Cullen made an emotional, triumphant return to the ice after overcoming cancer during an exhibition game in Innsbruck, Austria, on Sept. 18, 1998. The Lightning trained in Austria that year, and Cullen, playing his first game in more than 18 months, scored in Tampa Bay's 3-1 victory against Buffalo. Cullen appeared in only four regular-season games before retiring and becoming a coach, but his return to the ice remains one of the most dramatic moments in Tampa Bay sports history.

5. Winky wins a title

St. Petersburg's Winky Wright had to go to Europe early in his career to find someone to promote his fights. He ended up fighting a string of matches in France, including a loss to Julio Cesar Vasquez in his first title fight. But on Feb. 4, 1995, in Beziers, France, Wright defeated Tony Marshall by unanimous decision to win the NABF middleweight championship.

Barry Landis has been with Fox Sports since its inception in 1994 and will produce today's Bucs-Bears broadcast, which will be called by broadcasters Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa. Landis spoke with St. Petersburg Times staff writer Tom Jones last week about the broadcast.

Is there a difference between doing a game in London and a game in the United States?

In the end, it is a football game, and fans of the Bucs and the Bears and of the NFL are watching the game. Obviously, we are going to recognize that the game is in London and that it is special. But it's still a football game. That is our priority.

What's the hardest part to doing the game?

Just getting acclimated. The schedule is thrown off because the teams are not on their normal routines. But once the game arrives, it should be normal.

Does the NFL ask you to push the game being in London?

No. I guess you could say it's implied. But we would recognize that the game is in London anyway. It is special to be there. It is a different atmosphere. Our job, however, is to produce the best football broadcast we can.

What is Wembley Stadium like to do a game?

State of the art. It's like doing a game at the new Cowboys Stadium. It's a state-of-the-art facility, for sure.

Do you have a normal crew for the game?

Pretty much. We will have 13 cameras overall, most run by our people, and all by people who know the game of football. … And we're all used to the equipment we will use over there. There's a bit of conversion to be done in terms of measurements of tape and so forth, but it's not a problem. I expect the game to go off without any issues.

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

BATON ROUGE, La. — It didn't matter who was throwing the ball to Rueben Randle, it didn't matter who was covering him, and it certainly didn't matter that LSU was missing three key players.

Randle caught a 42-yard touchdown from Jordan Jefferson and a 46-yard touchdown from Jarrett Lee, and No. 1 LSU once again overcame off-the-field distractions with a 45-10 victory over 19th-ranked Auburn on Saturday.

LSU was without star cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, leading rusher Spencer Ware and defensive back Tharold Simon — all suspended one game for violating the team's drug policy.

LSU continued to make team history with its eighth double-digit win in as many games this season, a streak that started with a triumph over Oregon without the then-suspended Jefferson and receiver Russell Shepard.

Off next week, LSU will be unbeaten entering its showdown at No. 2 Alabama on Nov. 5.

The Crimson Tide played a late game against visiting Tennessee.

"I almost feel like everybody else makes a bigger deal about it than we do," LSU center T-Bob Hebert said of the lineup upheaval. "It's not distracting to us.''

"That is the mark of a great team," LSU coach Les Miles said of the Tigers' resolves.

The beneficiary of Ware's absence was freshman Kenny Hilliard, who scored the first two touchdowns of his career while rushing for 65 yards on 10 carries.

Randle finished with five receptions for 106 yards. Lee was 14-of-20 for 165 yards and two touchdowns, while Jefferson completed 2-of-3 for 54 yards.

With Michael Ford leading the way (12 rushes, 82 yards), LSU gained 174 yards on the ground.

"We knew we couldn't give up big plays coming into the game, and we did," Auburn defensive coordinator Ted Roof said.

LSU held Auburn first-time starter Clint Moseley to 145 yards passing, sacked him six times and Mathieu's replacement, Ron Brooks, returned an interception 28 yards for a score that made it 42-3 halfway through the third.

"I have definitely never been under that kind of heat before," Moseley said. "I thought Sweet Water (Ala.) in high school was bad.''

Auburn was held to 87 yards rushing in its worst loss since a 51-10 demolition against then-No. 1 Florida in 1996.

"It all unraveled fast," defensive end Corey Lemonier said. "And we just weren't ready for that."

arkansas 29, mississippi 24: Tyler Wilson threw for 232 yards and rushed for two touchdowns and the visiting Razorbacks rallied from 17 down in the second quarter. Arkansas continues its best start under fourth-year coach Bobby Petrino. Eric Bennett's late interception sealed it. "I'm on about the 10th deep breath I've taken," Petrino said.

Kentucky 38, Jacksonville St. 7: Third-string running back CoShik Williams ran for 148 yards in the host Wildcats' most productive offensive day of the season — 340 yards rushing and 445 total. UK's Raymond Sanders left in the first quarter with an ankle injury and its other top tailback, Josh Clemons, is out for the season with a knee injury.

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

BATON ROUGE, La. — College football's version of a regular-season Super Bowl is set.

Top-ranked LSU beat Auburn 45-10 and No. 2 Alabama beat Tennessee 37-6 on Saturday to set the stage for the most anticipated game of the season — a Tigers-Tide undefeated showdown on Nov. 5 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Both teams are off this week.

In Baton Rouge, La., the second-largest crowd in Tiger Stadium history chanted "We want 'Bama!" as the final seconds ticked off the most lopsided outcome in the 46-game series between LSU and Auburn.

"Our guys will enjoy it,'' LSU coach Les Miles said of facing Alabama. "We've always enjoyed those games."

LSU was missing three key players — star cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, leading rusher Spencer Ware and defensive back Tharold Simon — who were suspended one game for violating the team's drug policy.

LSU has double-digit wins in every game.

The beneficiary of Ware's absence was freshman Kenny Hilliard, who scored the first two touchdowns of his career while rushing for 65 yards on 10 carries.

LSU held Auburn first-time starter Clint Moseley to 145 yards passing, sacking him six times.

"I have never been under that kind of heat before," Moseley said. "I thought Sweet Water (Ala.) in high school was bad.''

It was Auburn's worst loss since a 51-10 demolition against then-No. 1 Florida in 1996.

In Tuscaloosa, Ala., AJ McCarron passed for 284 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score to lead Alabama to a second-half surge. The "LSU" chants began late in the game.

Alabama had either first downs or touchdowns on its first 10 plays of the second half to bust open a 6-6 game. The Tide outgained the Vols 280-41 in the second half.

The last time two top-ranked teams in the Associated Press poll faced off in the regular season was Nov. 18, 2006, when No. 1 Ohio State beat No. 2 Michigan 42-39.

arkansas 29, mississippi 24: Tyler Wilson threw for 232 yards and rushed for two touchdowns and the visiting Razorbacks rallied from 17 down in the second quarter. Arkansas continues its best start under fourth-year coach Bobby Petrino. Eric Bennett's late interception sealed it. "I'm on about the 10th deep breath I've taken," Petrino said.

vandy 44 army 21: Zac Stacy set career highs with 198 yards rushing and three touchdowns and quarterback Jordan Rodgers — the brother of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers — won in his first career start as the host Commodores snapped a three-game slide. Rodgers rushed for 96 yards and a score and passed for 186 yards and a touchdown.

Kentucky 38, Jacksonville St. 7: Third-string running back CoShik Williams ran for 148 yards in the host Wildcats' most productive offensive day of the season — 340 yards rushing and 445 total. UK's Raymond Sanders left in the first quarter with an ankle injury and its other top tailback, Josh Clemons, is out for the season with a knee injury.

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Conference USA and the Mountain West, set to form a football-only conference as early as next season, have asked the Big East to join them in what could be a 32-team league, the Boston Globe reported Saturday.

The proposal would allow the Big East to keep its automatic BCS qualifying status while giving the other two leagues access.

No conference officials were available for comment.

With Syracuse and Pittsburgh off to the ACC, the Big East has six schools. Several reports say it plans to invite Boise State, Air Force, SMU, Houston, Central Florida and Navy.

According to the Globe, the megaconference would comprise four divisions.

• West: Boise State, Hawaii, UNLV, Nevada, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State (from the WAC) and San Jose State (from the WAC).

• Mountain: Air Force, Wyoming, Colorado State, New Mexico, UTEP, SMU, Tulsa and Houston.

• Central: Marshall, Memphis, Southern Miss, Tulane, UAB, Rice, Temple (from the MAC) and Louisiana Tech (from the WAC).

• East: USF, Louisville, UConn, Rutgers, Cincinnati, UCF, East Carolina and Navy.

A 28-team version would not include San Jose State, Temple, Louisiana Tech and Navy.

West Virginia is not included because it's expected to go to the Big 12 to replace Missouri, which reportedly is set to join the SEC.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Pavel Kubina, Marty St. Louis and Victor Hedman scored and Mathieu Garon posted a shutout to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres Saturday at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Garon stopped 21 shots in his second consecutive victory.

Kubina put the Lightning ahead in the second period, scoring off assists from Steven Stamkos and Teddy Purcell.

St. Louis scored his third goal of the season in the third period with assists from Vinny Lecavalier and Brett Connolly.

Hedman's goal was an empty-netter toward the end of the game.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

TAMPA — It is way too early to say the Lightning has a goaltending controversy, so let's just say it has a decision to make: whether to start Mathieu Garon for a third straight game Tuesday against the Sabres.

It's a toughie. Garon, signed to be Dwayne Roloson's backup, is staking a claim. On Saturday night it was with 21 saves in a 3-0 victory at the St. Pete Times Forum over previously high-flying Buffalo.

It was Garon's second straight win and the second straight for Tampa Bay (3-3-2), and it is no secret coach Guy Boucher doesn't like tinkering with a winning lineup.

"I don't know," Boucher said when asked the question. "(I'll spend today) with my family and think about it all day, and then we'll go back Monday on the drawing board and figure out what we're doing with everybody."

Right now everybody is doing what's right for the Lightning.

Team defense was superb. Buffalo, which had won five of its first six games, was limited to 21 shots and was slowed to a crawl through the neutral zone.

Boucher called Steven Stamkos' defensive awareness "unreal," and the line of center Nate Thompson, Tom Pyatt and Adam Hall, with support from defensemen Victor Hedman and Eric Brewer, limited Lightning killer Thomas Vanek to three shots.

"They collapse really well (in front of the net)," Buffalo's Jason Pominville said, "probably more than any team in the league."

Pavel Kubina scored in the first period, Marty St. Louis in the third and Hedman, who had five of Tampa Bay's 22 blocked shots, had an empty-netter.

But Garon, who has stopped 37 of 38 shots in his two wins, stole the show with his 20th career shutout.

Boucher said Garon was "very aggressive and poised," and added, "It would be hard to say I didn't like him."

Garon, though, was subdued.

"I made a lot of mistakes," he said. "I was in trouble, and the guys took care of that. There were shots I didn't see, and the guys took care of it. They blocked all the shots and cleared the rebounds.

"Even though I had a shutout, I didn't feel like it was my best game."

Perhaps, but compared with Roloson's past three in which he allowed 17 goals, Garon's game, with little wasted movement, was exactly what Tampa Bay needed to help break a five-game losing streak, which it did Thursday against the Islanders.

That said, Roloson didn't have the luxury of the defensive shield the Lightning has constructed.

"I don't think about it," Garon said when asked about Tuesday.

"We have two great goaltenders we can count on," Hedman said. "It's a tremendous feeling for us."

Whatever the decision.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com. Follow him on Twitter at @LightningTimes.

First Period—None. Penalties—Kaleta, Buf (roughing), 6:21; Downie, TB (roughing), 6:21.

Second Period—1, Tampa Bay, Kubina 1 (Stamkos, Purcell), 4:51. Penalties—Jones, TB (interference), 6:38; Adam, Buf (delay of game), 10:25.

Third Period—2, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 3 (Lecavalier, Connolly), 8:30. 3, Tampa Bay, Hedman 2 (St. Louis), 18:33 (en). Penalties—St. Louis, TB (hooking), 4:46; Hedman, TB (delay of game), 12:07. Shots on Goal—Buffalo 8-8-5—21. Tampa Bay 7-10-9—26. Power-play opportunities—Buffalo 0 of 3; Tampa Bay 0 of 1. Goalies—Buffalo, Miller 4-2-0 (25 shots-23 saves). Tampa Bay, Garon 2-1-1 (21-21). Referees—Mike Hasenfratz, Dan O'Rourke. Linesmen—Derek Amell, Darren Gibbs.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2011

TAMPA — Lightning assistant coach Wayne Fleming likely will not be with the team this season, GM Steve Yzerman said Saturday.

Fleming, 61, has brain cancer. Though those who have seen him and spoken to him say his mind is sharp — he sends text messages and e-mails to Yzerman and the coaching staff with suggestions and observations during games — he uses a wheelchair and undergoing another round of chemotherapy and radiation. Living in Calgary with wife Carolyn, Fleming has had one weeklong treatment every month since April's surgery.

"He's determined to beat this disease," Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson said. "He loves watching Tampa Bay games. He lives for his family and hockey and the Lightning."

Fleming, in an e-mail, said he appreciated the cheer from the St. Pete Times Forum crowd before Monday's home opener when his picture went up on the scoreboard.

"I'd like to thank the fans for their warm support," he wrote. "Carolyn and I both miss Tampa and the Lightning organization dearly, but we know being in Calgary is what's best for us right now as I work through this battle here."

Nicholson watched Tampa Bay's season-opening victory over the Hurricanes with Fleming. He said when Fleming, with notepad in hand, communicated with the coaches, "you could see the sparkle in his eyes."

"It gives him a jolt of something to worry about other than what he's worrying about," coach Guy Boucher said.

Yzerman said he will not add an assistant this season. "We'll sit down at the end of the year and assess everything," he said. "At the same time, if in eight weeks, 10 weeks, if (Fleming) comes to me and says, 'Hey, I feel good,' he can come back."

That seems a long shot.

"He's working hard on his rehab as far as improving his motor skills," Yzerman said. "He feels like he is making slow, gradual progress, and he is encouraged by that. All things considered, he's doing okay."

"I'll continue to help Guy, the coaches and players any way I can," Fleming wrote. "But I need to focus on my health first."

SIDELINED: For the second straight game, LW Ryan Shannon was scratched despite playing what Boucher called his best game Monday against Florida.

"It's circumstances," said Boucher, who is juggling 14 forwards. "There are players we need to see. There are experiments we're not done with."

Still, "If (Shannon) had been racking it up since the beginning of the year, then somebody else would have to sit," Boucher said. "He's doing better every day, but you've got to look at the overall picture … and some other players have been more consistent."

Shannon, 28, with three assists in five games and averaging 12:32 of ice time, said he is using the down time to better learn how to play in Tampa Bay's system. "It's not wasted time at all," he said. "If I think about it as being a victim, yeah, it (stinks), but that doesn't get you anywhere. … I'm going to work to get to the point I'm a tough guy to take out of the lineup. That's where my head is at."

LIGHTNING STRIKES: The Tesla coils at the Times Forum finally were operational and fired during introductions before the game with the Sabres, prompting a big cheer from the crowd. The coils, which shoot "lightning" about 20 feet, ultimately will celebrate goals. "Any perceived delays were incurred because we wanted to be properly in compliance with all necessary city and building codes," team spokesman Bill Wickett said.

ODDS AND ENDS: Jim Craig, goalie for the U.S. 1980 gold medal team, was at the game. … LW Ryan Malone played his 500th NHL game. … RW Mattias Ritola and D Bruno Gervais also were scratched.

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

Alpine skiing

Vonn gets first giant slalom win

SOELDEN, Austria — Lindsey Vonn used a blistering finish to win the season-opening World Cup giant slalom Saturday and become the fifth female skier and first U.S. woman to win a race in all five Alpine disciplines.

The three-time overall Cup champion was fourth after the opening run before an impressive finish to win in a combined time of 2 minutes, 24.43 seconds. She is the second American overall to complete the discipline sweep, after Bode Miller.

"I came into this race with not much confidence," said Vonn, who skipped most training sessions last week after hurting a hip in a practice crash. "I just tried to have two good runs, to ski fast but not to do something special."

Vonn edged 2010 Olympic champion Viktoria Rebensburg by 0.04. Elisabeth Goergl was 0.40 behind in third.

Tennis

Moscow gets first all-Serb ATP final

Defending champion Vicktor Troicki and top seed Janko Tipsarevich advanced to the Kremlin Cup final in Moscow to set up the first all-Serbian final on the ATP Tour. Tipsarevic beat Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 7-5. Troicki defeated Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-4. "We don't just have (top-ranked Novak) Djokovic. We also have other good players," Tipsarevic said of Serbia. In the women's semis, Dominika Cibulkova beat Elena Vesnina 6-0, 6-2 in her chase for a first WTA title, and Kaia Kanepi ousted Lucie Safarova 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-3.

stockholm open: Top seed Gael Monfils beat Milos Raonic 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 6-3 to set up a final against Jarkko Nieminen, who beat Tampa resident James Blake 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-2.

Et cetera

Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat trick in 15 first-half minutes as Real Madrid thrashed Malaga 4-0 in the Spanish league.

Swimming: American Missy Franklin, 16, set a short-course world record in the 200-meter backstroke, clocking 2 minutes, 0.03 seconds at a World Cup meet in Berlin.

Boxing: German cruiserweight Marco Huck (34-1) retained the WBO title for the eighth time, stopping Argentina's Rogelio Rossi in the sixth round in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

Times wires

By Joey Knight, Eduardo A. Encina and Laura Keeley, Times staff writers
Saturday, October 22, 2011

What we learned

Armwood is at least half-mortal. While the Hawks' defense could shut down a few Conference USA teams, the offense has some issues. TB Matt Jones' surgically repaired knee still isn't 100 percent, the run-blocking had issues against Hillsborough, and the passing game sputtered. Sure, defense wins championships, but can it win next week against Plant?

East Bay is on the up and up. No one would have predicted the Indians — 1-9 last year — would rally to tie Plant City in the final minutes Thursday before falling to the Raiders 43-36. East Bay must defeat Durant and Brandon the next two weeks, but the fact the Indians still have a fighting chance in 7A-8 shows the great strides they have made under new coach Frank LaRosa.

Looking ahead

Plant (7-0) at Armwood (8-0). Our annual game of the millenium warrants no less hype this year. As we expected, Plant progresses week to week to week. Can't say the same for Armwood's offense, which makes this one a toss-up.

Alonso (5-2, 1-1) at Tampa Catholic (6-1, 1-1). After years of hearing about how his teams didn't play anyone, Crusaders coach Bob Henriquez scheduled tougher county competition this season. The contest offers the Ravens a chance to reverse a two-game skid after starting the season 5-0.

Lakewood (6-1, 5-1) at Robinson (6-1, 5-1). Knights coach Mike DePue said his team "might be the quietest 6-1 team on the planet." That won't be the case if Robinson can beat out fellow district foe Lakewood for the second playoff spot in Class 5A-8.

By the numbers

3 Interceptions returned for TDs in the fourth quarter of Hillsborough's loss at Armwood

6 Points surrendered by Berkeley Prep's starting defense, according to LB and team captain Schyler Miles

2004 The last time Plant lost a district game — Oct. 29, 2004, to be exact — when the Panthers lost to Armwood 49-0. Plant has won 20 district games since.

27 The scoreless-quarter streak posted by Armwood's defense. It was snapped in the fourth quarter of its 38-16 win against Hillsborough, on a TD pass set up by a long kick return and a Hawks personal-foul penalty

1 Times Durant has beaten Newsome in the Wolves' eight-year history

Audibles

"We're playing with house money. Those are the guys who have all the national recognition, so what's the big deal? We're going to play a football game.

— Plant coach Robert Weiner on facing rival Armwood next week in Seffner.

"I don't see any weaknesses. We always scout scheme, and then we go back and scout personnel. We can always find a (weak) corner or a linebacker or a lineman, but man, they're all tough.

— Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia, who called Armwood's 2011 defense its best ever

"That's why we train real hard in the offseason, in January, all summer in the heat, you know, we're training for a big game like this."

— Durant coach Mike Gottman leading up to his team's 33-14 win over Newsome.

Game balls

WR Travis Johnson, Jesuit: The Tigers' biggest name stepped up in their biggest contest (six catches, 138 yards, one TD) Friday.

RB/DB Robert Davis, Carrollwood Day: Don't give us any tripe about the level of competition. Running for 250 yards and snagging a 60-yard pick-six — all of which Davis achieved against Cambridge Christian — would be tough to do in Madden football.

LB Josh Scarberry, Gaither: The senior has four sacks in a 37-0 win over Freedom, the Cowboys' second shutout in four weeks.

RB Darius Page, Wharton: Page carried the offense and kept the Wildcats in the playoff hunt with 251 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a 49-24 district win over Bloomingdale.

RB Xavier Johnson, Chamberlain: The unheralded Chiefs junior amassed 191 total yards, ran for three TDs, and scored on an 87-yard kick return in a 32-0 rout of Wiregrass Ranch.

RB Jamarlon Hamilton, Durant. The junior workhorse racked up 172 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries in the Cougars' 33-14 win over rival Newsome.

RB Kendall Pearcey, Steinbrenner. Valiant in a losing effort, Pearcey ran for 127 yards and a TD, and scored on an 85-yard kick return in a 35-25 defeat against Tampa Bay Tech.

QB Will Worth, Newsome. With the Wolves' season on the line, Worth touched the ball on all but one of Newsome's fourth-quarter plays. He finished with 258 total yards and a touchdown in a 33-14 loss to Durant.

K Carlos Ruiz, Jefferson. The stout 5-foot-10, 240-pound Dragons kicker made three field goals -- more than he's made the last two years combined -- from 42, 33 and 22 yards in Jefferson's 22-0 win over Sickles

LB Schyler Miles, Berkeley Prep. While Bucs TB Nelson Agholor was being, well, Nelson Agholor (24 carries, 177 yards, three TDs), Miles was camping in Clearwater Central Catholic's backfield Friday. "I don't know that we blocked him all night long," Marauders coach John Davis said.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Cardinals' Allen Craig had no chance of getting another pinch-hit RBI off Rangers reliever Alexi Ogando in Game 3.

Craig pulled off that feat to win Game 1, then did it again for the first run in Game 2. He started Saturday night, batting second and playing rightfield, with Lance Berkman moving to DH.

His great roll continued with a solo homer in his first at-bat Saturday.

Craig is the first player to have two pinch-hits in a single World Series. For them to come off the same pitcher and on virtually the same pitch in the same spot is "kind of weird," Craig said.

"I've never seen anything like it," he said.

DIRK'S TOSS: Mavericks star and NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki threw out the ceremonial — and slightly controversial — first pitch of Game 3. It was low and slower than the 80 mph he predicted on Twitter. Still, he celebrated with the elbow-duck gesture the Rangers use to punctuate great plays and savored the cheers.

Nowitzki threw out the first pitch during the summer. Everyone told him not to bounce it, so he kept the ball up — so far up that Michael Young "almost pulled a hamstring" trying to catch it, Nowitzki said jokingly.

"This time they told me to throw a four-seam fastball," he said, laughing. "I still don't understand what that means. But I think that's the grip I had. Or was it a two-seam fastball? I forgot."

Nowitzki initially was told he couldn't throw out the pitch, supposedly because of something to do with the NBA lockout. When that decision was roundly panned, baseball officials relented.

The explanation Nowitzki got for the reversal, then the reversal of the reversal?

"Kind of wishy-washy," he said. "Nothing really that made sense. I'm glad it worked out and I got to represent. I just wanted to be here and watch the game. Even if they wouldn't have let me pitch I probably would be here and support the boys."

GRIDLOCK: The Rangers and their NFL neighbors, the Cowboys, are doing all they can to spread the word to people with tickets today — leave early.

The Cowboys kick off almost four hours before Game 4 of Rangers-Cardinals, just a few blocks away.

Each team uses the others' parking lots. They can't this time, and roughly 80,000 football fans will be leaving around the time 50,000 baseball fans will be arriving.

"We encourage everyone to be patient and arrive early," the Cowboys wrote in a news release issued Friday.

Times wires
Saturday, October 22, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — Edwin Jackson's time on the mound during his three postseason starts has been trending downward to the point that if the sequence continues, the Cardinals right-hander and former Ray will be out of tonight's Game 4 virtually before he starts it.

In order, Jackson pitched six innings, giving up two runs in a 5-3 victory over Philadelphia in the NLDS; worked 4⅓ innings, allowing two runs in a 12-3 win at Milwaukee in the NLCS; and was lifted after two innings last Sunday at Milwaukee, having given up three homers and four runs in a 12-6 Cardinals victory.

On the down side, Jackson has given up eight runs and 16 hits in 12⅓ postseason innings. The upside is the Cardinals have won all three of Jackson's postseason starts.

"The last one was just a matter of not being aggressive enough," said Jackson, 28, who in the 2008 World Series was taken out of Tampa Bay's rotation and worked two innings of relief, giving up one run.

Manager Tony La Russa, who made the quick hook last Sunday, said Jackson "was trying too hard. He went out there and tried to be too perfect. It's hard to be perfect. I think it's a good experience for him."

Hamilton injury: Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton says he might be playing with a sports hernia. He will worry about it after the World Series. Hamilton said before Game 3 that he is speculating he has a sports hernia based on how it feels.

He missed a month during the 2009 season after surgery for what was eventually diagnosed as a sports hernia.

Hamilton says it's a nonfactor and that he is "going to get through it." The tests and any medical needs can wait until after the World Series.

His injury this postseason had been described as a groin injury.

DIRK'S TOSS: Mavericks star and NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki threw out the ceremonial — and slightly controversial — first pitch of Game 3. It was low and slower than the 80 mph he predicted on Twitter. "They told me to throw a four-seam fastball," he said, laughing. "I still don't understand what that means. But I think that's the grip I had. Or was it a two-seam fastball? I forgot."

GRIDLOCK: The Rangers and their NFL neighbors, the Cowboys, are doing all they can to spread the word to people with tickets today — leave early. The Cowboys kick off almost four hours before Game 4 of Rangers-Cardinals, just a few blocks away. Roughly 80,000 football fans will be leaving around the time 50,000 baseball fans will be arriving. "We encourage everyone to be patient and arrive early," the Cowboys wrote in a news release issued Friday.