By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

TAMPA — And then there were five.

The Big East's dwindling football membership took another hit Tuesday with news that West Virginia is expected to join the Big 12, perhaps announcing the move today.

The Mountaineers are the fourth football program in six weeks to announce they're leaving the Big East. Pittsburgh and Syracuse announced moves to the ACC while TCU, expected to join the Big East next year, instead opted for the Big 12. The league might enforce a clause requiring 27 months' notice for the three current schools.

West Virginia has been the best program in the Big East in USF's seven years in the league, with a 60-17 overall record entering this season and at least a 5-2 conference record in every season.

Tuesday's news is a major blow to the Big East's future as an automatic-qualifying BCS league, unless the conference can pull off some major coups in filling out a proposed 12-team reincarnation. The question now is which of the teams the Big East has been courting are still interested in joining the conference without its best asset.

CBS Sports reported that Big East commissioner John Marinatto met this weekend with officials from Boise State, Navy, Houston, SMU and Central Florida; Air Force has also been discussed as an expansion candidate. The site also reported that the western schools are lobbying for the Big East to pursue BYU to replace West Virginia as a 12th member of the league.

One interesting silver lining, if a long shot: The Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy on Monday reported that "there is some quiet buzz … that the Big 12 might be interested in invading the South to select USF" if it expanded to 12 teams. Louisville has been mentioned most as a Big 12 target, with Cincinnati and BYU as the schools also floated as possible additions.

The Big 12 is acting quickly to maintain a 10-member lineup, on the assumption that Missouri leaves for the SEC.

There is no timetable for Missouri to complete its expected departure from the Big 12 — and the league's board of directors expressed "a strong desire" for Missouri to stay.

During an interview Tuesday with KFRU-AM in Columbia, Mo., Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton said it would be "days" or "a week or two" before the school announced its decision.

Interim Big 12 commissioner Chuck Neinas has said he expects Missouri to compete in the Big 12 in 2012, though Deaton has said that if Missouri does move, he'd like the Tigers to be in their new conference next fall.

Missouri would be the SEC's 14th member and join Texas A&M, which made its move from the Big 12 official this month.

The Big 12 is down to 10 members this season after Nebraska left for the Big Ten, which now has 12 members, and Colorado bolted for the now Pac-12.

A report reviewed by Missouri officials and obtained by AP this month stated a move to the SEC from the Big 12 could net as much as an extra $12 million in revenue a year.

West Virginia also likely would make more money with its move. The Big 12 distributed $139 million to its members in 2010 and in April signed a 13-year TV deal with Fox worth $1.17 billion that kicks in next year. The conference also recently agreed to start sharing TV revenue equally. The Big East distributed $113 million to its 16 all-sports members last year and has yet to ink a new TV deal. Separate deals for football and basketball expire in 2013.

West Virginia will be by far the easternmost school in the Big 12, 870 miles from the closest league school, Iowa State.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Times wires
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

ST. LOUIS — The weather on Tuesday afternoon at Busch Stadium was unseasonably warm: about 80 degrees with the sun shining, though there was a brisk wind.

It sure won't be like that for Game 6 tonight.

The forecast is for temperatures in the 40s, with a 50 percent chance of showers. That's actually an improvement over initial forecasts that called for an 80 percent chance of rain.

"We want to make sure conditions are correct, and if we have to wait a day, we'll wait a day," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "But if it's possible to play, I want to play."

Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia said he wasn't aware there was a chance for rain and wouldn't even entertain the thought of Game 6 getting pushed back entirely by a day.

"I didn't even know that," Garcia said, "and even if I did, I don't really care."

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa certainly cares.

Besides having family coming into town, he's also trying to figure out the best way to prepare his team for potential delays. When asked whether postponing Game 6 would allow ace RHP Chris Carpenter to pitch a deciding Game 7 on three days' rest, if necessary, La Russa smiled.

"There isn't any part of me that doesn't want to have a Game 7," La Russa said, "but every other part of me says let's think about Game 6 first."

ACE AT THE READY: Carpenter, who threw 101 pitches Monday in Game 5, said he would "absolutely" be available out of the bullpen if the World Series were to go to a Game 7. RHP Kyle Lohse is St. Louis' scheduled starter.

TV RATINGS: Game 5 matched the television rating from last year, earning an 8.8 fast national rating and 14 share on Fox. The game beat Monday Night Football on ESPN, drawing a 10.0 overnight rating to a 5.8 for the Ravens-Jaguars game.

Times wires
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — Like a pass bouncing untouched on the turf, Bernard Berrian's time in Minnesota fell well short of the expectations he raised after a strong first season.

Berrian was waived Tuesday, halfway into his fourth year with the team.

He met with coach Leslie Frazier on Monday about his status and had another talk scheduled for Tuesday, after his second healthy scratch in three games. Frazier declined to specify on Sunday after losing to Green Bay why he left Berrian on the inactive list again, but the coach hinted this move was coming.

Berrian watched the Oct. 9 game against Arizona in street clothes, too, and Frazier said that was for a disciplinary reason, reportedly because he missed two team meetings. The coach said afterward he didn't "foresee any future problems" and Berrian remained a significant part of the team's plans, but the vote of confidence was conspicuously missing the past two days.

In other Vikings news, cornerback Chris Cook was charged with trying to strangle his girlfriend over the weekend, leaving her with a bloody nose and neck injuries. Cook, 24, was charged with felony domestic assault by strangulation, punishable by up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. His girlfriend said he was angry because she spoke to a former boyfriend.

Also, a construction firm involved in planning a stadium for the Vikings refuted a report that it couldn't be built by the 2015 season. An executive for Mortenson Construction told state leaders that a construction schedule premised on a 2015 opening is "very adequate."

Bucs' Graham on IR

The Bucs officially placed running back Earnest Graham on injured reserve, ending his season two days after he suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon against the Bears.

Graham, 31, faces surgery and rehab from an injury that can result in long recovery times for skill position players.

The Bucs will look to augment the running back position with LeGarrette Blount rehabbing an injured knee. Tuesday, they were leaning toward promoting rookie Mossis Madu from the practice squad.

Also, the Bucs waived long snapper Christian Yount, suggesting that longtime snapper Andrew Economos is ready to be activated from the physically unable to perform list.

MERRIMAN ON IR: Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman was placed on season-ending injured reserve because of a right Achilles' tendon injury. It's the same injury that forced Buffalo to place him on IR last November after he signed as a free agent following his release from the Chargers.

PRO BOWL: Voting for the Jan. 29 game in Hawaii has begun. Fans can vote for players at NFL.com through Dec. 19.

COLTS: Quarterback Kerry Collins went on injured reserve with a concussion.

DOLPHINS: The team placed quarterback Sage Rosenfels, who has a blood disorder, on the reserve-non-football illness list and signed J.P. Losman, who last completed a pass in 2008. Rosenfels, who signed three weeks ago, said he needs rest because of his illness.

FALCONS: Fullback Ovie Mughelli went on injured reserve with a right knee injury.

REDSKINS: Tight end Chris Cooley (knee) and running back Tim Hightower (torn ACL) went on injured reserve.

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.

Times wires

Times wires
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

ST. LOUIS — Bobby Valentine thought about the bizarre events he had seen in Game 5 of the World Series, when 19th-century technology fouled up Tony La Russa and the Cardinals.

"It's kind of stupid, isn't it?" said Valentine, who has managed more than 2,000 major-league games.

In the age of email, texting and webcams, baseball remains tied to the traditions established in the Civil War era of flannel uniforms. La Russa conveyed his decisions to the bullpen with a device born the same year as the National League: the telephone.

And when the instructions didn't get through to bullpen coach Derek Lilliquist — twice! — baseball lore was made with St. Louis' 4-2 loss to the Rangers on Monday night.

Now the Cardinals trail 3-2 in the Series and must win two in a row for the title.

La Russa accepted the blame. "It comes down to who has the responsibility when there's those kind of miscommunications," he said. "It's mine."

From the bullpen, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"Every time I heard the phone ring, somebody got going," Jason Motte said. "As far as I know, there wasn't a missed call or anything like that."

And Motte, the reliever who was supposed to face Mike Napoli but never did, was right where he was expected to be. Not away in the bathroom, or back in the clubhouse.

"It's happened before, when you'll be sitting there and feel like you have to pee," said Motte, who emphasized that was not the case in this instance. "But even if it did, I don't think it would affect us from going out there."

After the game, with the ballpark nearly empty, the bullpen phone 400 or so feet away could be heard ringing when the narrow black handset with the gray pushbuttons was picked up in the visitors dugout on the third-base side. But with a crowd of 51,459 a few hours earlier, a meltdown occurred.

With the score tied at 2, right-hander Octavio Dotel replaced Chris Carpenter to start the eighth and Michael Young doubled. Adrian Beltre struck out and Nelson Cruz was intentionally walked.

La Russa said he had told Lilliquist to have the left-hander Marc Rzepczynski and Motte warm up, but Lilliquist only heard "Rzepczynski." La Russa now thinks Lilliquist may have hung up after hearing the first name.

Going by the numbers (lefties hit .163 off Rzepczynski during the regular season, righties .275), La Russa brought in Rzepczynski to face lefty David Murphy.

Murphy hit a comebacker that could have become an inning-ending double play but deflected off the reliever's bare hand for an infield single. Then La Russa noticed Motte was not warming up, and he called the bullpen again. But Lilliquist said he thought he heard "Lynn," for right-hander Lance Lynn, who was supposed to be resting after throwing 47 pitches in Game 3.

With Motte (.162 vs. righties and .270 vs. lefties) still not warming up, La Russa left Rzepczynski in to face Napoli, who sent a slider into the right-center gap for a two-run double.

"I said, man, this is stuff that I hope happens on a Wednesday game on the road someplace that nobody is there. Then of course it wouldn't have happened that way," La Russa recalled.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Lightning's 4-3 victory Tuesday night over the Sabres at the First Niagara Center will not go into Tampa Bay's "How To" manual.

The Lightning was sloppy from the start, not only in its defensive efficiency - it gave up four breakaways, three to Thomas Vanek -- but how it protected the puck.

It also was outshot 39-23.

Give the Lightning credit, though. It kept working, and with some game-saving goaltending from Mathieu Garon, who made ?? saves, pulled out its third straight win and swept a home-and-home series with Buffalo.

Ryan Malone's breakaway goal with 1:23 left in the third period gave Tampa Bay a 4-2 lead. Nathan Kerbe's goal with 49.2 seconds left cut the deficit to one.

Steven Stamkos' fourth goal of the season, on a deflection of Matt Gilroy's shot, snapped a 2-2 tie 4:42 into the second period. Vinny Lecavalier and Nate Thompson also scored as Tampa Bay (4-3-2) overcame a 2-0 first-period deficit after allowing goals in 35 seconds.

But it was Garon's superb goaltending that kept the Lightning in the game and saved the game in a third period in which Buffalo had a 17-7 shot advantage.

The Sabers dominated early and took a 2-0 lead.

Vanek got things going 1:56 into the period with a breakaway goal after stripping Tampa Bay defenseman Eric Brewer in the neutral zone. Thirty-five seconds later Brad Boyes scored from the slot on a backhander.

It would have been worse had not Garon made two tremendous stops on Derek Roy wrist shots at 3:51 and 4:00.

Want to know why the ice was so slanted? Eight minutes into the game, the Sabres had five puck takeaways and Tampa Bay had one other giveaway.

Lecavalier made it 2-1 with 6:57 left when he wrested in his own rebound after Marty St. Louis did great work behind the net to retain the puck and make a pass to Lecavalier, whose fourth goal of the season was his 800th NHL point.

It was 2-2 with 59.1 seconds left, when Thompson's backhand pass from behind the net deflected in off the skate of Buffalo defenseman Christian Ehrhoff.

Buffalo led 7-5 in shots in the second period, but Tampa Bay took a 3-2 lead.

Stamkos got the goal, his fourth of the season, by tipping in Matt Gilroy's shot 4:42 into the period.

Vanek stole an attempted pass by Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina and fired a slap shot from the left wing to the long side that Garon tipped with his blocker with 3:54 remaining.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mathieu Garon said he was so focused Tuesday night, he could not recall any save in enough detail to characterize one as his best.

Let us, then, focus on the big picture because if not for the goaltender's 36 saves, no way the Lightning escapes from the First Niagara Center with a 4-3 victory over the Sabres and a sweep of the home-and-home series.

"He held his ground," left wing Ryan Malone said, "and gave us a chance to win."

It was the third straight win for Tampa Bay (4-3-2) and the third straight for Garon since taking over for the struggling Dwayne Roloson.

But unlike the previous two when the Lightning played suffocating defense, this game was sloppy.

Tampa Bay allowed 39 shots, one more than in its previous two games. It had 18 turnovers on seven giveaways and 11 Buffalo takeaways. It allowed four breakaways.

And when Thomas Vanek and Brad Boyes scored in 35 seconds, both off turnovers, Tampa Bay was down 2-0 2:31 into the game.

But the Lightning slowly built momentum and got goals from Vinny Lecavalier, Nate Thompson, Steven Stamkos and Malone on a breakaway off a Brett Clark block with 1:23 left in the third period for a 4-2 lead.

Nathan Gerbe's goal with 49.2 seconds left made it 4-3, but that did not diminish Garon's game as the Lightning was outshot 39-23 and 17-7 in the third.

"You've got to battle through it," Garon said. "The easiest thing to do is quit. We had a terrible start. None of us played good. But after that, we stuck to the game plan and battled."

The battle, coach Guy Boucher said, was more for the hearts of the players than their minds.

Boucher said there was so little emotion on the bench the game was "one of the toughest I had to coach in the NHL. … Sometimes you have to fight the opponent. Sometimes you have to fight yourself. We definitely had to fight ourselves."

Even so, a couple of fights against the opponent helped turn the tide.

Steve Downie battled Patrick Kaleta in the first after Kaleta ran rookie Brett Connolly. Malone went after Robyn Regehr in the second after he rocked Lecavalier with a check.

"We just did what we had to do," Downie said.

Said Boucher: "It helped the emotional level."

Garon helped level the playing field. He stopped three breakaways, two by Vanek, and made two sensational leg saves on Derek Roy to keep the deficit 2-0.

"That's what it takes," Boucher said, "a goalie who gets you through the tough moments in a game so that you can get your head above water."

Regardless of which save was his best.

First—1, Buffalo, Vanek 7 (Pominville, Adam), 1:56. 2, Buffalo, Boyes 1 (McCormick, Ellis), 2:31. 3, Tampa Bay, Lecavalier 4 (St. Louis), 13:03. 4, Tampa Bay, Thompson 2 (Pyatt, Moore), 19:00. Penalties—Vanek, Buf (hooking), 9:12; Downie, TB, major (fighting), 13:20; Kaleta, Buf, major (fighting), 13:20.

Second—5, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 4 (Gilroy, Bergeron), 4:42. Penalties—Malone, TB (roughing), 4:37; Regehr, Buf (roughing), 4:37; Thompson, TB (tripping), 5:12; Hedman, TB (hooking), 9:39; Stafford, Buf (tripping), 11:15.

Third—6, Tampa Bay, Malone 3 (Clark), 18:37. 7, Buffalo, Gerbe 2 (Boyes, Gaustad), 19:10. Penalties—McCormick, Buf (goaltender interference), 6:27; Lecavalier, TB (hooking), 14:07. Shots—Tampa Bay 10-6-7—23. Buffalo 15-7-17—39. Power plays—Tampa Bay 0 of 3; Buffalo 0 of 3. Goalies—Tampa Bay, Garon 3-1-1 (39 shots-36 saves). Buffalo, Miller 4-3-0 (23-19). A—18,690 (18,690). T—2:27. Referees—Jean Hebert, Kevin Pollock. Linesmen—David Brisebois, Scott Cherrey.

Times wires
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU star cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, leading rusher Spencer Ware and defensive back Tharold Simon returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since being suspended a week ago for violating the team's drug policy.

The three missed No. 1 LSU's 45-10 victory over Auburn last weekend, but coach Les Miles said they should be on the field Nov. 5 when the Tigers visit No. 2 Alabama.

"We're practicing, preparing them to play and operating along that way," Miles said. "We're going to plan on using them."

Both teams have this weekend off, giving them two weeks to prepare for the first 1-2 matchup in the regular season in SEC history. Both teams are 8-0, 5-0 in the SEC.

Mathieu has forced four fumbles, recovering three and returning two for scores. He also has two interceptions, 42 tackles (including five for loss) and 11/2 sacks. Ware is the leading rusher for the Tigers with 512 yards and six touchdowns. Simon has one interception and 29 tackles.

KELLY BRUSHES OFF TALK: Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly downplayed claims by some USC players that the Irish "quit" in the final minutes of the Trojans' 31-17 victory Saturday.

"Our guys know what happened. They got their butts beat," Kelly said. "They didn't play very well, and that comes with it. You get what you deserve."

Some Trojan players said they were surprised Notre Dame didn't call a timeout during USC's clock-eating final drive, with linebacker Chris Galippo flat-out saying the Irish had quit. USC quarterback Matt Barkley echoed that on a Los Angeles radio show on Monday, saying it seemed as if the Irish had given up.

Galippo apologized Monday, and USC coach Lane Kiffin also called Kelly.

Also, Notre Dame defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore will miss the rest of the season after detaching the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

And tailback Dillon Baxter is no longer part of the USC program though Kiffin, who wouldn't reveal the reasons for Baxter's removal, refused to characterize it as a suspension or a dismissal. He said Baxter is still enrolled at USC.

MINNESOTA: After working for more than eight months under the terms of an agreement struck when he was hired as coach, Jerry Kill finally signed his contract — getting two more years and a little bit more money than in the original framework of the deal. His contract runs through the 2017 season and will pay him at least $1.2 million annually.

SWAC: The Southwestern Athletic Conference is staggering suspensions from the postgame fight between Southern and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The league said the 40 suspended players will be allowed to serve their one- and two-game suspensions over the next three games.

Times wires
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

tennis

wozniacki rallies for opening-round victory

ISTANBUL — Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki rallied past Agnieszka Radwanska 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 Tuesday in their opening round-robin match at the WTA Championships in Istanbul.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and U.S. Open winner Sam Stosur also began the group stage with a victory at the season-ending tournament. Kvitova beat Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-4 in the Red Group — which also includes Wozniacki and Radwanska — while Stosur defeated Maria Sharapova 6-1, 7-5 in the White Group.

Stosur breezed through the first set without facing a break point against the second-ranked Sharapova, who played her first match since pulling out of the quarterfinals in Tokyo with an ankle injury last month.

Sharapova finished with six double faults and hit only 59 percent of her first serves — compared with 74 percent for Stosur.

Wozniacki wasted a 4-2 lead in the third set, but broke again when Radwanska netted a forehand on the Dane's second match point.

muster's Comeback short-lived: Former top-ranked Thomas Muster's brief comeback ended after a 6-2, 6-3 loss to Dominic Thiem in the first round of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. Muster, 44, returned to competitive tennis in 2010 after 11 years away and had two wins in 26 matches — both on the lower-tier Challenger circuit.

pan am games

U.S. women reach semifinals in water polo with 19-3 win

The defending champion United States routed another opponent in women's water polo at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Americans, who have won two of the three titles in the sport at the games, beat Cuba 19-3 to clinch first place in Group B and set up a semifinal against Brazil.

et cetera

Autos: NASCAR has issued four-week suspensions to the crew chiefs and car chiefs for Martin Truex Jr., David Reutimann and Bobby Labonte. Chad Johnson, Rodney Childers and Frank Kerr also were fined $50,000 each, and the drivers docked 25 points apiece. The penalties are from illegal windshields discovered during Friday inspection at Talladega Superspeedway. NASCAR says they did not have the appropriate thickness. The windshields were never used in competition.

Times wires

Times wires
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

pan am games

sixth-inning double lifts canada past u.s. 2-1 for gold

LAGOS DE MORENO, Mexico — With one swing of the bat, Jimmy Van Ostrand drove in the only two runs Canada needed to beat the United States 2-1 Tuesday and win gold at the Pan American Games.

With two on in the top of the sixth, Van Ostrand doubled down the rightfield line to bring in Chris Robinson and Tim Smith. Robinson and Smith had two-out singles.

Andrew Albers started for Canada and gave up six hits while striking out eight through 62/3 innings. Scott Richmond finished, striking out three with no hits.

Brett Carroll doubled home A.J. Pollock to give the United States the lead in the first.

tennis

Wozniacki rallies in opener at WTA Championships

Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki rallied past Agnieszka Radwanska 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 in their opening round-robin match at the WTA Championships in Istanbul.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and U.S. Open winner Sam Stosur also began the group stage with a victory at the season-ending tournament. Kvitova beat Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-4 in the Red Group — which also includes Wozniacki and Radwanska — while Stosur defeated Maria Sharapova 6-1, 7-5 in the White Group.

Stosur breezed through the first set without facing a break point against the second-ranked Sharapova, who played her first match since pulling out of the quarterfinals in Tokyo with an ankle injury last month.

muster's Comeback short-lived: Former top-ranked Thomas Muster's brief comeback ended after a 6-2, 6-3 loss to Dominic Thiem in the first round of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. Muster, 44, returned to competitive tennis in 2010 after 11 years away and had two wins in 26 matches — both on the lower-tier Challenger circuit.

et cetera

Autos: NASCAR has issued four-week suspensions to the crew chiefs and car chiefs for Martin Truex Jr., David Reutimann and Bobby Labonte. Chad Johnson, Rodney Childers and Frank Kerr also were fined $50,000 each, and the drivers docked 25 points apiece. The penalties are from illegal windshields discovered during Friday inspection at Talladega Superspeedway. NASCAR says they did not have the appropriate thickness. The windshields were never used in competition.

Times wires

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

BUFFALO, N.Y. — There's more to sticking in the NHL than playing the game. Learning it is just as important.

That is why Lightning rookie Brett Connolly, who on Tuesday played his critical ninth NHL game, picks the brains of teammates Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier.

"Both guys have Stanley Cups and a lot of experience, so, for me, it's nice to have a couple of guys like that I can talk to," Connolly said. "I'm just trying to take as much knowledge as I can."

We likely will find out today if Connolly, 19, sticks with Tampa Bay or is sent back to Prince George of the junior Western league. If Connolly plays a 10th game, the clock on his three-year, $2.7 million contract begins.

To hedge his bet, Connolly is keeping close to St. Louis and Lecavalier who he said are "easy to talk to."

"We talk a lot," St. Louis said. "You want to make sure you don't give him too much; maybe every day work on a different thing. There are a lot of details to pay attention to, and he's done a great job with retaining a lot of information. At the same time it's not a one-way dialogue."

"Bigger picture," Connolly said of the discussions, "from playing in the defensive zone to being professional to being ready to work out, being ready to practice, being ready to play every game."

Coach Guy Boucher noticed.

"That's also what we're looking at, how he's reacting, not just on the ice but off ice," he said. "He's been real good with the assistant coaches, too, going to them to ask questions."

Added to Connolly's fine play, Boucher admitted the decision on whether to keep the right wing is "very difficult."

"At the end of the day I'm just trying to help the team win as much as we can," Connolly said.

FEW CHANCES: Entering Tuesday, only eight of 29 other teams had fewer power-play opportunities than the Lightning's 27, and Boucher was at a loss to understand it.

"We're awful," he said of drawing penalties. "I'm trying to get a finger on it and it's very difficult. We haven't changed our style or the way we're doing things. We're going through checks. We're using our speed."

Teams, generally, are keeping sticks down, but also are backing up more against the Lightning because "they're afraid of us stretching them," Boucher said.

A positive for Boucher is the team is forced to be better five-on-five, and its 20 five-on-five goals entered Tuesday tied with the Capitals for the league lead.

STICK WITH IT: It is not so much a willingness to sacrifice one's body that had the Lightning second in the league entering Tuesday with 128 blocked shots, but the way players use their sticks.

"It looks like a small detail but to me it's a very important thing," Boucher said. "It's the gap with your stick to the other team's puck. You can still hit guys and it looks good, you hear a pound, but the puck still travels and it becomes a two-on-one or an opportunity in front of the net.

"So, for me it's always stick on puck first. Once the stick on puck is established, then the body."

ODDS AND ENDS: Scouts from 11 teams were at the game. … Forwards Ryan Shannon and Mattias Ritola and D Bruno Gervais were scratched.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Brett Connolly is staying in the NHL. The Lightning's rookie right wing was told by GM Steve Yzerman after Tuesday's victory over Sabres.

"We feel Brett's shown that he belongs in the NHL and makes our team better," Yzerman wrote in a text message. "So, we've decided to keep him."

The decision came after Connolly's ninth NHL game, the most he could have played without the clock starting on his three-year, $2.7 million contract. The other option was sending him back to Prince George of the junior Western league.

Connolly, 19, has not only been playing on a line with C Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis, he has picked their brains as well.

"Both guys have Stanley Cups and a lot of experience, so, for me, it's nice to have a couple of guys like that I can talk to," Connolly said before Tuesday's game. "I'm just trying to take as much knowledge as I can."

"We talk a lot," St. Louis said. "You want to make sure you don't give him too much; maybe every day work on a different thing. There are a lot of details to pay attention to, and he's done a great job with retaining a lot of information. At the same time it's not a one-way dialogue."

What is discussed?

"Bigger picture," Connolly said, "from playing in the defensive zone to being professional to being ready to work out, being ready to practice, being ready to play every game."

Coach Guy Boucher noticed.

"That's also what we're looking at, how he's reacting, not just on the ice but off ice," he said. "He's been real good with the assistant coaches, too, going to them to ask questions."

At the end of the day, I'm just trying to help the team win as much as we can," Connolly said.

FEW CHANCES: Entering Tuesday, only eight teams had fewer power-play opportunities than the Lightning's 27 (it got three more against the Sabres), and Boucher was at a loss to understand.

"We're awful," he said of drawing penalties. "I'm trying to get a finger on it and it's very difficult. We haven't changed our style or the way we're doing things. We're going through checks. We're using our speed."

Teams, generally, are keeping sticks down, but also are backing up more against the Lightning because "they're afraid of us stretching them," Boucher said.

A positive for Boucher is the team is forced to be better five-on-five, and its 20 five-on-five goals entered Tuesday tied with the Capitals for the league lead.

STICK WITH IT: It is not so much a willingness to sacrifice one's body that had the Lightning second in the league entering Tuesday with 128 blocked shots, but the way players use their sticks.

"It looks like a small detail but to me it's a very important thing," Boucher said. "It's the gap with your stick to the other team's stick. You can still hit guys and it looks good, you hear a pound, but the puck still travels and it becomes a two-on-one or an opportunity in front of the net.

"So, for me it's always stick on puck first. Once the stick on puck is established, then the body."

ODDS AND ENDS: Lecavalier's goal was his 800th NHL point. … Forwards Ryan Shannon and Mattias Ritola and D Bruno Gervais were scratched.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

By BRANDON WRIGHT | Times Correspondent

Get your popcorn ready, Seffner.

The yearly tilt against the boys from South Tampa goes down tonight when Plant visits Armwood. Both undefeated and on their way to the postseason, this game should serve as a good barometer of what each needs to work on in the next few weeks before the playoffs begin.

For the first time in recent memory, the Hawks' vaunted defense will not have to face Robert Marve, Aaron Murray or Phillip Ely — all major Division 1 recruits — under center. How first-year starter James Few handles the Hawks' pressure will be the key for Plant.

But the Hawks and Panthers aren't the only ticket in town. Brandon, Durant, East Bay and Newsome are all trying to figure out which one of those four 7A-8 teams will join likely district champ Plant City in the postseason.

Brandon (3-4) at Plant City (7-0)

LAST WEEK: Brandon defeated Riverview 35-14; Plant City defeated East Bay 43-36.

THE SKINNY: At 2-1 in the district, Brandon is still in the playoff hunt. But the Eagles will have to upset the Raiders tonight, beat a surprisingly good East Bay team next week and get some help. Last week's squeaker against East Bay came on the heels of the Raiders 9-7 win the previous week against Alonso.

Plant (7-0) at Armwood (8-0)

LAST WEEK: Plant beat Alonso 48-6, and the Hawks defeated Hillsborough 38-16.

THE SKINNY: Every year, the hype machine gets rolling on Monday, and this season is no different. These two powerhouses don't share the same classification, but this is as close to a playoff atmosphere in a nonplayoff game as possible. Plant has steadily gotten better each week, and first-year starting QB James Few has looked good, but they have not yet seen a defense as dominating as the Hawks'. Venerable Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia called this 2011 unit the best one Armwood has ever had.

East Bay (3-4) at Durant (5-2)

LAST WEEK: East Bay lost to Plant City 43-36; Durant defeated Newsome 33-14.

THE SKINNY: The upstart Indians have all but erased the memory of a 1-9 2010. Yes, the Indians lost last week but more than held their own against a super-talented Plant City squad. East Bay still has an outside shot at the postseason, but it has a tough road ahead with Durant tonight and Brandon up next.

Spoto (3-4) at Lennard (1-7)

LAST WEEK: Spoto lost to Robinson 35-14; Lennard lost to Blake 32-7.

THE SKINNY: Spoto's playoff aspirations are dwindling after last week's loss to the Knights. The Spartans, trailing the final postseason spot by two games, would need to win out in district and get some help from Lakewood and Robinson's opposition.

Riverview (2-5) at Newsome (3-4)

LAST WEEK: Riverview lost to Brandon 35-14; Durant defeated Newsome 33-14.

THE SKINNY: The Sharks have lost five in a row, and the Wolves are on a two-game slide of their own. Newsome isn't out of the playoff race yet, but it will need to win tonight (which shouldn't be a problem) and beat streaking Plant City (a much bigger problem) next week to even have a shot.

Sickles (3-4) at Strawberry Crest (1-6)

LAST WEEK: Jefferson defeated Sickles 22-0; Strawberry Crest defeated Leto 37-32.

THE SKINNY: Mark one in the Chargers' win column! Sure, their victory last week came against a dreadful 0-8 Leto team, but after suffering through a 80-0 throttling the previous week against Armwood, the win tasted mighty good. It may prove fleeting, however. Sickles is better than its record indicates.

Times Correspondent Rod Gipson contributed to this report. Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs put the finishing touches on their Wednesday agenda at One Buc Place a bit before noon, and players immediately began looking ahead to a much-needed break during their bye week.

Well, most players, anyway.

Quarterback Josh Freeman instead was headed to a meeting room where he planned to spend much of Wednesday and today working with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt and others in an effort to fix what's gone wrong in recent weeks, leading to his rash of interceptions.

Freeman thinks he knows where to start.

"It's really just peeling back some of the aggressive nature," Freeman said. "When we're dropping back to take a shot, I'm trying to strike a dagger in the defense. More often than not this year, it's kind of backfired. We're going to go back and self-scout the entire season and go back and look at the interceptions."

Freeman threw four interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Bears at London and leads all quarterbacks with 10 picks. It's befuddling given his efficiency in 2010, when he threw 25 touchdowns and a mere six interceptions.

"If we can (prevent) that, you're looking at a team that's 5-2 if not 6-1 right now," Freeman said.

Instead, the Bucs head into their bye 4-3 while trying to crack the mystery surrounding Freeman's play. Coach Raheem Morris has a theory. He says Freeman is locking on to his primary targets — often receiver Mike Williams or tight end Kellen Winslow — and not progressing to his secondary options.

"Last year, he simply did a better job of going through his progressions," Morris said. "Right now, he probably is playing his number in fantasy football. He's trying to throw touchdowns. Sometimes it's okay to throw the checkdown. It's okay to go through your progressions.

"Right now he has a little too much confidence in what he's doing with his arm, and forcing some (throws) in there. … He knows the issue. He's not one of those guys who's more concerned about himself than winning. He's one of those guys who loves winning more than losing."

In addition to his self-inflicted problems, defenses are forcing Freeman to adjust when it comes to his scrambling. After rushing 23 times in the season's first four games, Freeman — one of the better running quarterbacks in the game — has just five rushing attempts for 5 yards in his past three games. Some of the biggest plays in wins over the Falcons and Colts came via rushes by Freeman.

There's a reason for the dropoff.

"If I have an open running lane, I'm going to run the ball," he said. "But I haven't had a chance to get out. … Those lanes just haven't been there. … It's how the league is. You do something successfully and defenses are going to start to do stuff to take it away."

Can Freeman turn it around? Will he regain the impressive form he showed in 2010? If he does, the Bucs believe it'll be because of his character.

"Because of the person that he is, the worker that he is, the self-pride that he has," Van Pelt said. "(It's) the fact that what he did last year is a reflection of what he can do every year. We just have to maintain consistency in our preparation each week and come out with expectations that we're not going to turn the ball over. He'll buy into that. He did last year. We just need him to get back on track."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs put the finishing touches on their Wednesday agenda at One Buc Place a bit before noon, and players immediately began looking ahead to a break during their bye week.

Well, most players, anyway.

Quarterback Josh Freeman instead was headed to a meeting room, where he planned to spend much of Wednesday and today working with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt and others in an effort to fix what has led to his rash of interceptions in recent weeks.

Freeman believes he knows where to start.

"It's really just peeling back some of the aggressive nature," he said. "When we're dropping back to take a shot, I'm trying to strike a dagger in the defense. More often than not this year, it's kind of backfired. We're going to go back and self-scout the entire season and go back and look at the interceptions."

Freeman threw four interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Bears at London and leads all NFL quarterbacks with 10 picks. It's befuddling given his efficiency in 2010, when he threw 25 touchdowns and a mere six interceptions.

"If we can (prevent) that, you're looking at a team that's 5-2 if not 6-1 right now," Freeman said.

Instead, the Bucs head into their bye week 4-3 while trying to crack the mystery surrounding Freeman's play. Coach Raheem Morris has a theory. He says Freeman is locking on to his primary targets — often receiver Mike Williams or tight end Kellen Winslow — and not progressing to his secondary options.

"Last year, he simply did a better job of going through his progressions," Morris said. " … He's trying to throw touchdowns. Sometimes it's okay to throw the check-down. It's okay to go through your progressions.

"Right now he has a little too much confidence in what he's doing with his arm and forcing some (throws) in there."

In addition to his self-inflicted problems, defenses are forcing Freeman to adjust when it comes to his scrambling. After rushing 23 times in the first four games, Freeman has just five rushing attempts for 5 yards in his past three games. Some of the biggest plays in wins over the Falcons and Colts came via rushes by Freeman.

There's a reason for the drop-off.

"If I have an open running lane, I'm going to run the ball," he said. "But I haven't had a chance to get out. … Those lanes just haven't been there. … It's how the league is. You do something successfully and defenses are going to start to do stuff to take it away."

Can Freeman turn it around? If he does, the Bucs believe it'll be because of his character.

"Because of the person that he is, the worker that he is, the self-pride that he has," Van Pelt said. "(It's) the fact that what he did last year is a reflection of what he can do every year. We just have to maintain consistency in our preparation each week and come out with expectations that we're not going to turn the ball over. He'll buy into that. He did last year. We just need him to get back on track."

By Rod Gipson, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

TAMPA — Just call tonight's Lakewood at Robinson game the other big one.

While much of the county will be focused on the nondistrict battle of the unbeatens taking place between Plant and Armwood, Lakewood and Robinson meet in a game that actually has larger implications.

Jesuit topped Lakewood in St. Petersburg 33-19 last week to earn the Class 5A, District 8 championship. That leaves either Lakewood or Robinson in line to grab the district's other playoff ticket, depending on who wins the game tonight.

Robinson's defense will have to contain the bay area's leading passer and receiver in the Spartans' combo of QB Tracy Johnson (21 TD passes) and WR Rodney Adams (25 catches, 742 yards, 10 TDs). But the Knights have their own offensive firepower, having averaged 40 points a game during their current four-game winning streak thanks in part to quarterback Vidal Woodruff.

Other interesting matchups tonight have Alonso, trying to shake off a two-game losing streak, playing at Tampa Catholic, King and Hillsborough in a Class 6A-8 meeting, resurgent Gaither at Chamberlain in 7A-7, Carrollwood Day traveling to Indian Rocks Christian in a 2A-5 clash and Berkeley Prep hosting Orlando First Academy in a nondistrict game.

All kickoff are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Plant (7-0) at Armwood (8-0)

LAST WEEK: Plant beat Alonso 48-6 and the Hawks defeated Hillsborough 38-16.

THE SKINNY: Every year, the hype machine gets rolling on Monday and this season is no different. These two powerhouses don't share the same classification, but this is as close to a playoff atmosphere in a nonplayoff game as possible. Plant has steadily gotten better each week, and first-year starting QB James Few has looked good, but they have not yet seen a defense as dominating as the Hawks. Venerable Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia called this 2011 unit the best one Armwood has ever had.

Lakewood (6-1) at Robinson (6-1)

LAST WEEK: Lakewood lost to Jesuit 33-19; Robinson defeated Spoto 34-14.

THE SKINNY: With Jesuit wrapping up the district crown, this game will be for the Class 5A, District 8 runner-up spot and accompanying playoff berth.

Alonso (5-2) at Tampa Catholic (6-1)

LAST WEEK: Alonso lost to Plant 48-6; Tampa Catholic defeated St. Petersburg Catholic 70-7.

THE SKINNY: A break from district games for both teams still battling for playoff spots. Alonso needs to look sharper after two straight blowout losses. TC may be eyeing its huge district showdown with Berkeley Prep next week.

King (3-4) at Hillsborough (6-2)

LAST GAMES: King lost to Jefferson 29-16 on Oct. 14; Hillsborough lost to Armwood 38-16 last week.

THE SKINNY: Despite Hillsborough's loss to powerhouse Armwood last week, the Terriers still own the second playoff berth in 6A-8. Tonight, Hillsborough's defense will try to defend one of the area's top passers in King QB Greg Windham (19 TDs).

Blake (3-5) at Wharton (3-4)

LAST WEEK: Blake defeated Lennard 32-7; Wharton defeated Bloomingdale 49-24

THE SKINNY: Despite his team's struggles this season, Blake QB Zain Gilmore is among the bay area's leaders with 1,300 yards and 12 TDs. Wharton's Darius Page is coming off a 251-yards rushing, three-TD performance in the Wildcats' win against Bloomingdale.

Dunedin (2-5) at Middleton (0-6)

LAST GAMES: Dunedin lost to Jesuit 48-21 on Oct. 14; Middleton lost to Gibbs 20-17 last week.

THE SKINNY: Two struggling offenses in the lower half of Class 5A, District 8. Middleton's defense, which has yielded almost four touchdowns per game, will try to defend its turf enough to get the Tigers their first win of the season.

Gibbs (3-4) at Jesuit (7-1)

LAST WEEK: Gibbs defeated Middleton 20-17; Jesuit defeated Lakewood 33-19.

THE SKINNY: After dropping their opener to undefeated Plant, the Tigers have been on fire. Winners of seven in a row, sentiment was tempered a bit after a sloppy win against Lakewood last week. Either way, Jesuit managed to overcome 18 penalties against the Spartans and clinch a playoff berth.

Leto (0-8) at Jefferson (3-4)

LAST WEEK: Leto lost to Strawberry Crest 37-32; Jefferson defeated Sickles 22-0.

THE SKINNY: Jefferson has looked more like the Dragons of old in recent weeks, evening its district mark to 2-2. Make that 3-2 after tonight's tilt with the Falcons.

Tampa Bay Tech (4-3) at Freedom (1-7)

LAST WEEK: Tampa Bay Tech defeated Steinbrenner 35-25; Freedom lost to Gaither 37-0.

THE SKINNY: Tech is coming into this Class 7A, District 7 game with two straight wins for the first time all season. Tech will host Gaither next week to settle the 7A-7 title. Freedom is looking to close out a miserable season with strong efforts.

Times correspondent Brandon Wright contributed to this report. Rod Gipson can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs are optimistic their worrisome running back situation is about to improve.

Coach Raheem Morris said he expects starter LeGarrette Blount to return to the lineup after this week's bye, saying Blount likely will be ready when the Bucs travel to New Orleans for a Nov. 6 game. Blount has missed two games with a knee injury, a problem compounded Sunday when his replacement, Earnest Graham, was lost for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon.

"I'm really confident about Blount," Morris said. "We've got two weeks off. He looked good running last week. He looked better (Wednesday). He'll have another week of rest and he'll be able to come back (next) week, get a bunch of treatment and be ready to go."

The Bucs also addressed the running back position with a roster move, promoting rookie Mossis Madu from the practice squad. Madu caught the eyes of coaches during the preseason but was not kept on the final roster because the Bucs opted to retain sixth-round pick Allen Bradford. Bradford was released two weeks ago.

The Bucs also made a move at fullback, signing former Oklahoma Sooner Matt Clapp to the practice squad. Graham was also the backup fullback to starter Erik Lorig.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Morris expressed optimism about most of the club's injured players. LB Mason Foster (ankle) and DT Gerald McCoy (ankle) practiced Wednesday while S Tanard Jackson (hamstring), C Jeff Faine (biceps) and OL Jeremy Zuttah (ankle) have shown progress and have a legitimate chance to play against the Saints.

SEEING'S BELIEVING: Morris subjected his players to a film session Wednesday featuring all of this season's preventable penalties, as he described them.

Of the team's 59 penalties, Morris estimated 47 could have been avoided. The Bucs average 8.4 penalties per game, second-most in the NFL.

"I showed my team the (penalties) that we can affect and the ones that we can control and be a little bit better on," Morris said. "You're talking about holding, you're talking about false starts — whether they be offense or defense — you're talking about procedural issues, with wideouts or with tight ends."

SPEAKING OF PENALTIES: Morris was asked Wednesday whether he had a better idea of what happened during CB Aqib Talib's dustup with Bears WR Roy Williams. The play resulted in Talib being flagged for a costly personal foul in the closing minutes of Sunday's game that gave the Bears a first down and ate precious time off the clock.

Officials said Talib stuck his hand inside Williams' face mask. Morris said Talib denied that.

"Aqib Talib came to me and was (professing) his innocence," Morris said. "I don't know (what happened). I didn't see it directly. I wasn't on the scene. Obviously he did something and he got a flag. If he did anything wrong, he certainly didn't feel like he did anything wrong. He went out there and played his butt off and played hard in order to get us another stop. I know if he would've done something wrong it would've been all over SportsCenter this week. There's a lot of cameras out there."

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs are optimistic their worrisome running back situation is about to improve.

Coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that he expects starter LeGarrette Blount to return to the lineup after this week's bye, saying Blount likely will be ready to play Nov. 6 at New Orleans. Blount has missed two games with a knee injury, a problem compounded Sunday when his replacement, Earnest Graham, was lost for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon.

"I'm really confident about Blount," Morris said. "… He looked good running last week. He looked better (Wednesday). He'll have another week of rest and he'll be able to come back (next) week, get a bunch of treatment and be ready to go."

The Bucs promoted rookie RB Mossis Madu from the practice squad. Madu caught the eyes of coaches during the preseason but was not kept on the final roster because the Bucs retained sixth-round pick Allen Bradford. Bradford was released two weeks ago.

The Bucs also made a move at fullback, signing former Oklahoma Sooner Matt Clapp to the practice squad. Graham was also the backup to starter Erik Lorig.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Morris expressed optimism about most of the club's injured players. LB Mason Foster (ankle) and DT Gerald McCoy (ankle) practiced Wednesday while S Tanard Jackson (hamstring), C Jeff Faine (biceps) and OL Jeremy Zuttah (ankle) have shown progress and have a chance to play against the Saints.

SEEING iS BELIEVING: Morris subjected his players to a video session Wednesday featuring all of this season's preventable penalties, as he described them.

Of the team's 59 penalties, Morris estimated 47 could have been avoided. The Bucs average 8.4 penalties per game, second-most in the NFL.

"I showed my team the (penalties) that we can affect and the ones that we can control and be a little bit better on," Morris said. "You're talking about holding, you're talking about false starts — whether they be offense or defense — you're talking about procedural issues, with wideouts or with tight ends."

SPEAKING OF PENALTIES: Morris was asked Wednesday whether he had a better idea of what happened during CB Aqib Talib's dust-up with Bears WR Roy Williams. The personal foul on Talib, after Chicago was stopped on third down in the closing minutes Sunday, gave the Bears a first down and allowed them to take time off the clock before kicking a field goal.

Officials said Talib stuck his hand inside Williams' face mask. Morris said Talib denied that.

"Aqib Talib came to me and was (professing) his innocence," Morris said. "… I didn't see it directly. Obviously he did something and he got a flag. If he did anything wrong, he certainly didn't feel like he did anything wrong. He went out there and played his butt off and played hard in order to get us another stop.

"I know if he would've done something wrong it would've been all over SportsCenter this week. There's a lot of cameras out there."

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The High Point Ladies Golf League is back in full swing, and the women had their first day of competition Oct. 10.

After their season-opening meeting, members played a nine-hole scramble with Cecile Abbott, Joan Kaloustian, Cindy Williams and Sharon Volmer each carding a 35 for the low round of the day.

The following week, on Oct. 17, nine-hole and 18-hole golfers were split up and competed separately. The worst two holes were dropped.

The nine-hole winners were Helen Reynolds (Flight A), Grace Perkins (Flight B) and Sandra Cairns (Flight C), while the 18-hole champions were Nancy Reeves (Flight A) and Kaloustian and Katie Russell, who tied for the Flight B title.

Reynolds was among four competitors who scored birdies on their Week 2 rounds, but she was the lone nine-hole player to do so. She carded the score on the par 4, 200-yard 10th hole. Russell also had a birdie on that hole, while Reeves and Anna McGovern each had theirs on the par 4, 203-yard third hole.

HERNANDO HIGH HALL OF FAME: Hernando High School will induct the second class of athletes into its Sports Hall of Fame in early November.

The oldest high school in Hernando County will add eight members to the list of athletes and athletic contributors: Fred Abbott (former Florida football captain), Ernie Chatman (longtime baseball, track and cross country coach), Ricky Feacher (former Cleveland Browns receiver), George Floyd (member of the College Football Hall of Fame after attending Western Kentucky University), Buster McGee (member of 1967 Hernando state championship baseball team), Kristi Poore (second-leading scorer in Hernando girls basketball history), Frank Vohun (Florida State football standout) and Tyrone Woods (led the Korean League in home runs with 42 in 1998).

Last season, Jerome Brown (former NFL All-Pro), Bernice Mosby (former WNBA player and all-time Hernando leading scorer), Bronson Arroyo (MLB all-star), Tom Fisher (Tennessee football standout), Maulty Moore (two-time Super Bowl champion), Kevin Fitzpatrick (Olympic discus thrower), Jason Sartor (all-time leading scorer in Hernando boys basketball history) and Tom Varn (coach of the 1967 Hernando state championship baseball team) made up the inaugural class.

Hernando will host a Sports Hall of Fame Banquet at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Michael A. Imhoff Gymnasium on campus. Tickets are $20 for the banquet and are available at the school.

The inductees will also be introduced during halftime of the varsity football game Nov. 4 at Tom Fisher Memorial Stadium when the Leopards play Mitchell High at 7:30 p.m.

For information, call Joy Nagy at (352) 797-7015, ext. 410.

RIDE UNITED BIKE RUN: The United Way of Hernando County is sponsoring the Ride United Bike Run for Early Literacy at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 19.

The event will start and finish in the parking lot of United Way headquarters at 4030 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. The registration fee is $20, with free T-shirts going to the first 50 who sign up. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. the day of the run.

Among the festivities will be a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and giveaways, entertainment, special guests. Food and beverages will be available. Those who register before 9:30 a.m. will receive an additional chance for a door prize.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. All proceeds go to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. All donations of canned goods will go to Hernando County food pantries.

For information, call (352) 688-2026 or visit unitedway hernando.net.

NATURE COAST DISC GOLF: The Nature Coast Disc Golf Club holds weekly events.

At 10 a.m. each Sunday at Floral Park in Floral City, players can compete in a 19-hole handicap round. Members also gather at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville at 3 p.m. each Saturday.

For information, call club president Buz Ryalls-Clephane at (352) 584-5078 or club treasurer Brandi Laudermilch at (352) 263-4475. The club can also be reached by e-mail at naturecoast discgolfclub@hotmail.com.

FIRST TEE GOLF: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department is preparing to host another session of First Tee Golf for children looking to learn how to get onto the links.

The First Tee Golf/Life Skills is for youth ages 7 to 17 and starts Nov. 7. The instructors teach the First Tee Nine Core Values through the game of golf. Students have the opportunity to work on basic life and golf skills, including putting, chipping, driving and golf course etiquette. The sessions will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays at the Quarry Golf Course in Brooksville.

For information, call Mike Groff at (352) 540-3835.

ALZHEIMER'S CHARITY GOLF: The Alzheimer's Family Organization, which serves Hernando, Pasco, Citrus and other counties on the Suncoast, will have its 11th annual charity golf tournament Nov. 12 at Seven Springs Country Club in New Port Richey.

Registration is scheduled for 6:30 a.m.; breakfast will be provided by IHOP. The shotgun start is set for 8 a.m., with lunch provided by Argento's Italian Bistro at the conclusion of play. The tournament is 18 holes with a four-person scramble format.

There will be awards for the top three teams, as well additional prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin and a hole-in-one (a car provided by Ed Morse Auto Plaza). Full Circle Financial is sponsoring a putting contest, with a chance to win $10,000.

The registration fee is $80 per player. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For information, call Kathy Montero at (727) 848-8888 or toll-free 1-888-496-8004.

Contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

Times staff
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Berkeley Prep grad up for Fan's Choice award

Princeton College rower Steven Cutler, a 2008 graduate of Berkeley Prep, is among the finalists for the 2011 U.S. Rowing Fan's Choice Awards — Collegiate Rower of the Year.

Despite suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome, Cutler continued to fight for his team, juggling time between hospitals and practices. Fans of Cutler can vote for him by going to U.S. Rowing's page on Facebook and searching for the Fan's Choice Awards.

Great West Chase 5K to benefit school

The Great West Chase 5K will be Saturday at 8 a.m. beginning at Village Plaza in West Park Village. It will be followed by the children's fun run at 9 a.m.

Proceeds go to support literacy programs at Just Elementary. For more information, go to westchasewow.com.

Martial arts team takes first place

A martial arts demonstration team from Traditional TaeKwon-Do Center in Tampa took first place in the U.S. Open Exhibition Championships at the Isagenix Cup 2011 in Richmond, Va., this month.

The Tampa team was considered an underdog in the event because it received a wildcard invitation.

The team included 15 participants ranging from preteens to young adults: It consisted of Ezra Hayter, Jeffrey Charles, Tyler Rooks, Daniela Mancuso, Unique Wilson, Jessica Cummings, Jessica Hall, Daryn Steelman, Jeffrey Wingo, Steven Martinez, Sabrina Brunner, Daniel Riley, Evan Sadwick, Rafael Vaello and Andrew Cummings.

Grand Master Gerhard Brunner guided the team, and it received a $5,000 grand prize for winning.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

By ROD GIPSON | Times Staff Writer

TAMPA

Just call tonight's Lakewood at Robinson game the other big one.

While much of the county will be focused on the nondistrict battle of the unbeatens taking place between Plant and Armwood, Lakewood and Robinson meet in a game that actually has larger implications.

Jesuit topped Lakewood in St. Petersburg 33-19 last week to earn the Class 5A, District 8 championship. That leaves either Lakewood or Robinson in line to grab the district's other playoff ticket, depending on who wins the game tonight.

Robinson's defense will have to contain the bay area's leading passer and receiver in the Spartans' combo of QB Tracy Johnson (21 TD passes) and WR Rodney Adams (25 catches, 742 yards, 10 TDs). But the Knights have their own offensive firepower, having averaged 40 points a game during their current four-game winning streak thanks in part to quarterback Vidal Woodruff.

Other interesting matchups tonight have Alonso, trying to shake off a two-game losing streak, playing at Tampa Catholic, King and Hillsborough in a Class 6A-8 meeting, resurgent Gaither at Chamberlain in 7A-7, Carrollwood Day traveling to Indian Rocks Christian in a 2A-5 clash and Berkeley Prep hosting Orlando First Academy in a nondistrict game.

All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Plant (7-0) at Armwood (8-0)

LAST WEEK: Plant beat Alonso 48-6 and the Hawks defeated Hillsborough 38-16.

THE SKINNY: Every year, the hype machine gets rolling on Monday, and this season is no different. These two powerhouses don't share the same classification, but this is as close to a playoff atmosphere in a nonplayoff game as possible. Plant has steadily gotten better each week, and first-year starting QB James Few has looked good, but they have not yet seen a defense as dominating as the Hawks. Venerable Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia called this 2011 unit the best Armwood has ever had.

Lakewood (6-1) at Robinson (6-1)

LAST WEEK: Lakewood lost to Jesuit 33-19; Robinson defeated Spoto 34-14.

THE SKINNY: With Jesuit wrapping up the district crown, this game will be for the Class 5A, District 8 runner-up spot and accompanying playoff berth.

Alonso (5-2) at Tampa Catholic (6-1)

LAST WEEK: Alonso lost to Plant 48-6; Tampa Catholic defeated St. Petersburg Catholic 70-7.

THE SKINNY: A break from district games for both teams still battling for playoff spots. Alonso needs to look sharper after two straight blowout losses. TC may be eyeing its huge district showdown with Berkeley Prep next week.

King (3-4) at Hillsborough (6-2)

LAST GAMES: King lost to Jefferson 29-16 on Oct. 14; Hillsborough lost to Armwood 38-16 last week.

THE SKINNY: Despite Hillsborough's loss to powerhouse Armwood last week, the Terriers still own the second playoff berth in 6A-8. Tonight, Hillsborough's defense will try to defend one of the area's top passers in King QB Greg Windham (19 TDs).

Gibbs (3-4) at Jesuit (7-1)

LAST WEEK: Gibbs defeated Middleton 20-17; Jesuit defeated Lakewood 33-19.

THE SKINNY: After dropping their opener to undefeated Plant, the Tigers have been on fire. Winners of seven in a row, sentiment was tempered a bit after a sloppy win against Lakewood last week. Either way, Jesuit managed to overcome 18 penalties against the Spartans and clinch a playoff berth.

Tampa Bay Tech (4-3) at Freedom (1-7)

LAST WEEK: Tampa Bay Tech defeated Steinbrenner 35-25; Freedom lost to Gaither 37-0.

THE SKINNY: Tech is coming into this Class 7A, District 7 game with two straight wins for the first time all season. Tech will host Gaither next week to settle the 7A-7 title. Freedom is looking to close out a miserable season with strong efforts.

Gaither (5-2) at Chamberlain (1-6)

LAST WEEK: Gaither defeated Freedom 37-0; Chamberlain defeated Wiregrass Ranch 32-0.

THE SKINNY: Gaither's defense (72 points allowed this season) is a huge reason why the Cowboys will be playing for a district crown next week. First, Gaither has to get by Chamberlain and standout RB Xavier Johnson, who scored four touchdowns last week.

Blake (3-5) at Wharton (3-4)

LAST WEEK: Blake defeated Lennard 32-7; Wharton defeated Bloomingdale 49-24

THE SKINNY: Despite his team's struggles this season, Blake QB Zain Gilmore is among the bay area's leaders with 1,300 yards and 12 TDs. Wharton's Darius Page is coming off a 251-yards rushing, three-TD performance in the Wildcats' win against Bloomingdale.

Steinbrenner (4-3) at Wiregrass Ranch (0-7)

LAST WEEK: Steinbrenner lost to Tampa Bay Tech 35-25; Wiregrass Ranch lost to Chamberlain 32-0.

THE SKINNY: Steinbrenner can't win the district but still can finish strong in the Class 7A, District 7 race. Wiregrass Ranch has struggled on offense all season, shut out four times in seven contests.

Dunedin (2-5) at Middleton (0-6)

LAST GAMES: Dunedin lost to Jesuit 48-21 on Oct. 14; Middleton lost to Gibbs 20-17 last week.

THE SKINNY: Two struggling offenses in the lower half of Class 5A, District 8. Middleton's defense, which has yielded almost four touchdowns per game, will try to defend its turf enough to get the Tigers their first win of the season.

Sickles (3-4) at Strawberry Crest (1-6)

LAST WEEK: Jefferson defeated Sickles 22-0; Strawberry Crest defeated Leto 37-32.

THE SKINNY: Mark one in the Chargers' win column! Sure their victory last week came against a dreadful 0-8 Leto team, but after suffering through an 80-0 throttling the previous week against Armwood, the win tasted mighty good. It may prove fleeting, however. Sickles is better than its record indicates.

Leto (0-8) at Jefferson (3-4)

LAST WEEK: Leto lost to Strawberry Crest 37-32; Jefferson defeated Sickles 22-0.

THE SKINNY: Jefferson has looked more like the Dragons of old in recent weeks, evening its district mark to 2-2. Make that 3-2 after tonight's tilt with the Falcons.

First Academy (Orlando) (6-1) at Berkeley Prep (7-0)

LAST WEEK: First Academy defeated Melbourne Holy Trinity 41-7; Berkeley Prep defeated Clearwater Central Catholic 21-0.

THE SKINNY: First Academy has won six contests in a row and outscored its opponents 131-12 during the last three weeks. Berkeley, meanwhile, has pitched three shutouts during its last four games as it moves toward the postseason.

Carrollwood Day (5-3) at Indian Rocks Christian (5-3)

LAST WEEK: Carrollwood Day defeated Cambridge 54-35; IRC defeated Northside Christian 54-20.

THE SKINNY: A battle of squads that have come up just short in the Class 2A, District 5 race. This still should be a good matchup between IRC's defense and CDS running back Robert Davis, who leads the bay area with 1,488 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Seffner Christian (5-2) at Cambridge (5-3)

LAST WEEK: Seffner Christian lost to Community School of Naples 20-7; Cambridge lost to Carrollwood Day 54-35.

THE SKINNY: Seffner Christian had won five games in a row before last week's setback. Cambridge's offense is among the best in the area, as is WR Robbie Robertson, whose 42 receptions, 527 yards and seven TDs ranks in the area's top ten.

Brandon Wright contributed to this report. Rod Gipson can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.