By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

GAINESVILLE — As they filed out of EverBank Field in Jacksonville early Saturday evening, the reality of Florida's 24-20 loss to Georgia — and the three losses that preceded that one — began to set in for UF fans.

Conversation turned to what might once have been unthinkable.

"Could we possibly lose to Vanderbilt next week?" a man decked in orange and blue said. His friend's reply? "A better question is will we ever win again this season?"

And so it is with the Gators now — concern and uncertainty.

At 4-4, Florida faces potentially its worst football season in at least two decades. The Gators host a vastly improved Vanderbilt team Saturday afternoon with the realization that the biggest thing on the line is their pride and salvaging a bowl bid.

"It's about pride now," senior running back Jeff Demps said. "Each and every player, coach, the training staff, I know they've got a lot of pride in this program and in themselves and each other. So it's definitely a pride thing. We're still a family.

"All the offseason work that we did, the good times and the bad times, you've just got to stick together, pull through and just finish strong."

A strong finish isn't just a wish, it's mandatory if the Gators are to become bowl eligible with six wins. After Vanderbilt, Florida plays at South Carolina then hosts Furman and Florida State.

"The only thing that we can do is just keep the team motivated and keep pushing," senior defensive tackle Jaye Howard said. "The season's not over. We can go out and win and get a good bowl game. That's what we're playing for right now."

Vanderbilt also needs wins, and expects the Gators are as eager as they are for a victory.

"I would think that they would be (more motivated)," Vanderbilt sophomore offensive tackle Wesley Johnson said. "I bet they are trying to get the win just as much as we're trying to get the win."

Florida coach Will Muschamp said nobody on the team or staff is throwing in the towel.

"I told them we're going to saddle up and continue to work and continue to press forward and being technical in our approach about the things we did well, the things we didn't do well," he said. "And understand and learn from the film and continue to move forward. … We've got an experienced staff, a staff that's been through tough times before that understands that part of it. It's our job to bring a young team through this, and that's what we're doing. Stay upbeat and be technical about the situation in what you're doing wrong, what you're not doing wrong."

Vanderbilt enters fresh off a 31-28 loss to Arkansas, in which Arkansas rallied from down 14. The Commodores have averaged 427 yards and 33.3 points in their past three games. Florida has averaged 211 yards and 12.3 respectively.

Gator players insist there is still time to rally, but does Florida have the ability? CBS lead analyst Gary Danielson, who has worked several Florida games this season, said the Gators just don't have the talent to compete in the SEC.

"I believe Will Muschamp is doing about as good as he can," Danielson said Tuesday. "To me, I really think Will Muschamp has a butter knife, basically a dull butter knife of talent in a league that everybody else has steak. And you need a steak knife to win in this league. He has no chance. He does not have a team put together to compete at the highest level at this league, especially with an injured quarterback."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com. Follow her coverage at gators.tampabay.com.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

UCF is among six schools the Big East hopes will help solidify its football future.

The league voted Tuesday in Philadelphia to extend invitations to several schools. The Associated Press reported the Big East is inviting the Knights, Houston and Southern Methodist in all sports and Boise State, Air Force and Navy for football only.

"I will be speaking to representatives of those schools shortly and look forward to announcing with them their acceptance into the Big East," said commissioner John Marinatto, not specifying the schools. "The addition of these members will extend our reach, bring us to exciting new markets, strengthen our status within the BCS and lay the foundation for possible further expansion, all while maintaining the high quality and standards our conference is known for."

The reference to "further expansion" suggests the league may seek a 12th member. After the recent defections of Pittsburgh, Syracuse, West Virginia and TCU, the Big East has five members committed to the league in football, including USF. If all six of Tuesday's invitees accept, the league would have 11 members in football.

That would leave one opening to reach the Big East's target of 12 teams, with BYU, Temple and Memphis among the options.

UCF spokesman Grant Heston issued a statement Tuesday, saying the school had not yet received an invitation from the Big East, "however, we understand that things are moving in that direction."

Asked after Tuesday's meeting about the benefits that new conference rivalries would have for a new Big East, Marinatto cited USF-UCF. The teams played from 2005-08, with the Bulls winning all four games.

"The UCF-USF scenario is a good example. Two schools within the same state that obviously have a rivalry going," Marinatto told reporters. "Those kind of rivalries drive value."

According to Conference USA bylaws, UCF, SMU and Houston could not compete in the Big East until 2013, league spokeswoman Courtney Archer said. The schools would have to pay a $500,000 exit fee and give up about $6.13 million in television revenue.

Mountain West bylaws won't stand in the way of Boise State or Air Force leaving immediately, but they would have to relinquish this year's revenue, plus pay either $5 million or double the revenue, whichever is greater. So if Boise State makes the Bowl Championship Series this season — and the Broncos are No. 5 in the BCS ratings — it could cost BSU as much as $21 million to jump to the Big East in 2012.

Navy is an independent in football.

On Friday, UCF's board of trustees voted to give UCF president John Hitt authority to seek a conference shift.

Information from the Orlando Sentinel and Times wires was used in this report.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

TAMPA

The less the running back limps, the better the quarterback feels. Funny how that works.

It was a welcome sight Tuesday morning when LeGarrette Blount moved quickly across the Tampa Bay locker room. There was no hobble, no hitch, no hurt. Once again, Blount appeared to be pain free.

Across the room, darned if Josh Freeman didn't look a little more chipper himself.

There is a corollary here, a co-dependence between one man's legs and another man's arm. The better Blount is, the better Freeman can be, and the more dangerous the Bucs offense can be. They need each other, and if the Bucs are going to make something of this season after all, they need them both.

Of all the what's-wrong-with-Freeman theories that are out there, this one may be closest to the truth. He misses Blount behind him. Like a lot of quarterbacks, particularly young quarterbacks, Freeman requires an efficient running game to succeed consistently. He can take over a drive, and sometimes a fourth quarter, but if you are talking about an entire game, Freeman could use some help.

Most days, help looks a lot like Blount.

"It's huge," Freeman said. "You talk about what a defense is looking at, their run fits and their run reads. If you have a running game going, picking up big chunks every time you run the ball, it opens things up."

It isn't a new formula, of course. Run the ball, and play action works. Run the ball, and the secondary becomes less crowded. Run the ball, and the quarterback doesn't feel as if he has to win by himself.

Joe Montana fed off Roger Craig, and Troy Aikman fed off Emmitt Smith, and Terry Bradshaw had Franco Harris, and Roger Staubach had Tony Dorsett, and John Elway finally won big once he was joined by Terrell Davis. It is a rare quarterback who can win without a good running game behind him.

If any quarterback should know that, it is Freeman. When the Bucs run the ball, people tend to talk about his comebacks. When the Bucs do not, they seem talk about his giveaways. Still, winning is a lot to ask of a quarterback when a team has 30 yards rushing against the Bears or 56 against the Lions.

Consider:

• This year, the Bucs have run for more than 100 yards four times. They are 4-0 in those games. In their three games without 100 yards rushing, they are 0-3.

• In his 17 career wins, the Bucs have rushed for 100 yards 14 times. In his 15 career losses, they have failed to gain 100 yards nine times.

• Since Freeman became a starter, they have run the ball 25 times or more in a game 16 times. The Bucs have won 13 of those.

• In Freeman's victories, the team has rushed 29.1 times for 134.1 yards. In his losses, it has averaged 22.1 attempts for 90.1 yards, almost a half-a-field less.

In other words, Freeman could have summed up Blount's return like this:

Yay.

You know how the Bucs offense is supposed to look? It's supposed to look the way it did last year against Seattle, when Freeman threw for five TDs and had a 144.2 quarterback rating and Blount had 164 yards rushing. Or like it did against Arizona, when Freeman had a 121.7 rating and Blount ran for 120.

"He feeds off me with my play-action fakes," Blount said, "and I feed off him with him giving me the ball and carrying off his fakes. There is big-play potential all around us. We're going to have big plays this game. We're going to continue our success as far as our offense goes."

When the running game is not working, the receivers look as if they are running across a busy highway, and Freeman is more likely to try to force a pass. Ah, but let a running game get into rhythm, and suddenly, the traffic clears and Freeman's accuracy improves.

"When the running game is going, it opens everything up," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "People have to do certain things to stop the run. They have to put more men in the box, which opens up more lanes, more windows downfield.

"Other than Tom (Brady) and the quarterback we're playing this week (Drew Brees), all quarterbacks need a little running game to get them going. Here, we want to be able to pound you up a little, and we want to be able to throw downfield a little. We want to spread it out a little."

Against the Saints, that sounds right. New Orleans hasn't stopped the run a lot this year. The Saints have the worst per-carry average (5.5) of any team in the league. Only four teams have given up as many rushing yards.

Can the Bucs beat the Saints on Sunday at the Superdome?

It depends on Freeman, who depends on Blount, and so forth.

Just asking, but does that sound like a game plan to anyone else?

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Southern Hills Plantation Golf Club in Brooksville will host the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce's annual holiday tournament Dec. 1.

The event will feature PGA qualifying school conditions. Registration for the tournament begins at 7:30 a.m., with an accompanying continental breakfast. The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m.

Cost for entry is $400 per four-player team. Hole sponsorships are also available. For those who wish to play as well as sponsor a hole, the package for both is $450. Individual hole sponsorships are $100. The entry fee includes golf, cart and lunch. There will be an auction immediately after play.

For information, call the chamber of commerce at (352) 796-0697 or visit hernando chamber.com.

TOYS FOR TOTS GOLF: Marine Corps League 708 is sponsoring the Toys for Tots Golf Tournament at the Dunes Golf Club, north of Weeki Wachee, on Nov. 30.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The entry fee is $65 per person, including golf, cart and lunch. Hole sponsorships are available for $50. All proceeds will go to Toys for Tots of Hernando County, which provides Christmas gifts to needy children.

For information, call Debbie Forbes at (352) 200-5548.

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 T-shirts going to the first 50 who sign up. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. the day of the run.

In addition to the run, there will be a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and giveaways, entertainment and 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 available. Proceeds will 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 has weekly events.

At 10 a.m. each Sunday at Floral Park in Floral City, players 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 naturecoastdiscgolfclub@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 Monday. 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.

By Rick Frazier, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

What's hot: If you're not targeting king and Spanish mackerel, you should be. This is the time of the year when both species can be caught in the same place while using basically the same tackle, as long as the weather is right. When the winds are coming out of the east, head for the coast off Pinellas County. Recently, Larry Mastry fished off the Don CeSar Hotel and came home with numerous 4- to 6-pound Spanish and kings up to 30 pounds. "Soon as we got out of the pass, mackerel were coming out of the water," Mastry said. "I told my guys we're going to start right here and we ended up staying there all day."

Be prepared: Proper gear, technique, and bait are critical. Mastry spends hours getting his king and mackerel rigs made up ahead of time and stored in separate bags. Rods are rigged. Reel drags are pre-set. Technique usually depends on the tide, but variations can happen. Typically, he'll slow troll his minnows unless he can get it done anchored up and chumming. He'll do that when the fish are hanging over a patch of bottom and not moving. When the tide is slack, slow-trolling is the only way to go.

Bait: Live bait for Mastry normally consists of a live-well full of large greenbacks (threadfin herring) and whitebait (scaled sardines) that fits his rigs. The stinger hook should lay just past the bait's dorsal.

Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 510-4376.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

TAMPA — As the Bucs look for ways to develop offensive consistency going down the stretch, they believe WR Arrelious Benn can help achieve that.

All they have to do now is get him the ball a bit more regularly.

Coach Raheem Morris said Tuesday the Bucs are looking for ways to get Benn more involved, especially after he finished the last game without a catch for the first time in 19 appearances.

"He is certainly one of our big playmakers," Morris said of Benn, who has the season's longest play from scrimmage, a 65-yard touchdown against the Saints.

Benn took on a secondary role against the Bears two weeks ago because the Bucs, as a result of RB Earnest Graham's Achilles' injury, used different personnel groupings than intended. The grouping used for most of the game was the three-wide receiver set, in which Dezmon Briscoe is considered the No. 1 flanker. Because Briscoe had taken the practice reps with that group during preparation for the Chicago game, Benn was a spectator for much of the day.

But the Bucs, who lack speed at receiver, can ill afford to have a game-changing wideout on the sideline, Morris said. Since last season, Benn has catches of 53, 64 and 65 yards.

"He's one of our more explosive players," Morris said. "If you look at our explosive plays this year, he's probably a part of most of them and there's a reason: He's big, he's strong, he's physical and he makes plays down the field. …

"We've been trying. We've been throwing screens to him and (running) reverses. We've been doing a bunch of things. But we have to get him the ball down the field and let him make plays with his catching ability."

HIGH-PRICED PICKS: QB Josh Freeman tried to put his interceptions into context Tuesday, saying a few less picks might have meant more victories.

"You look back and we're fortunate to have some of the wins when we turned the ball over in the red zone," said Freeman, who has 10 interceptions. "But at the same time … you look back and you probably have at least another win, maybe two, if you don't turn the ball over."

Freeman spent the bye week honing in on his turnovers, and he thinks the solution lies in trying to play within himself and not forcing unwise throws.

"It's (about) putting a governor on it, maybe slowing down a little bit," Freeman said. "At the same time, you've got to maintain your aggressive mentality, but you can do that within the confines of your game, the confines of the offense. One of our main philosophies is (being) turnover-free. Protect the football."

THE INJURY FRONT: The Bucs on Tuesday practiced for the first time in five days and made significant progress with their injured players. DT Gerald McCoy (ankle), MLB Mason Foster (ankle), Jeff Faine (biceps) and FS Tanard Jackson (hamstring) all returned to practice on at least a limited basis.

S Cody Grimm made an appearance in the locker room Tuesday after having surgery for a season-ending knee injury. He clarified that doctors did not find a torn ACL but, rather, a badly torn MCL and meniscus. That's considered preferable to an ACL tear, which can involve as much as a year of rehab.

ROSTER MOVE: The Bucs signed former S David Sims to their active roster. The undrafted free agent from Iowa State was on the Giants' roster in the preseason.

Times wires
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

SAN DIEGO — Chargers coach Norv Turner said Tuesday that quarterback Philip Rivers is pressing and at times trying to do more than he needs to do.

The assessment came a day after Rivers fumbled a snap with the Chargers deep in Kansas City territory, positioning themselves for a go-ahead field goal. The Chiefs recovered and won in OT to forge a tie with Oakland and San Diego atop the AFC West.

"It looked to me like Philip got a little anxious and came out early. That's a very unusual way to not win a game," Turner said.

Rivers also threw two interceptions, giving him 11 this season. He's lost three fumbles.

"To blow it on a play — something that never happens, that shouldn't happen — we've got to find a way to bounce back here in a hurry," Rivers said.

vikings stadium: The team isn't abandoning a suburban stadium site despite a tax setback delivered by state leaders. Vikings vice president Lester Bagley said the team won't change course after lawmakers all but ruled out allowing a local sales tax increase without a public referendum. The Vikings oppose a referendum.

browns: Free agent running back Thomas Clayton signed to address a need with Montario Hardesty (torn calf muscle) and Peyton Hillis (hamstring) injured. Clayton, 5 feet 11, 220 pounds, was active in two games for Cleveland last season. Receiver Brian Robiskie, a second-round pick in 2009 out of Ohio State, was waived.

lions: At his request, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh met for two hours with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss reasons for his numerous penalties. Suh said he was "very appreciative'' at the chance to clarify questions about his play.

Patriots: Receiver Julian Edelman's agent says his client will "vigorously" fight a charge that he groped a woman at a Boston nightclub. He pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and battery.

raiders: Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, 34, signed. He has been out of the league since playing with the Ravens last season.

texans: The Galveston County medical examiner's office ruled the death of Engram Lamar Crenshaw, 37, at the home of defensive end Antonio Smith an accidental drowning.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA

Buffalo 5 2 0 .714 211 147

New England 5 2 0 .714 202 160

N.Y. Jets 4 3 0 .571 172 152

Miami 0 7 0 .000 107 166

South W L T Pct PF PA

Houston 5 3 0 .625 206 145

Tennessee 4 3 0 .571 139 145

Jacksonville 2 6 0 .250 98 163

Indianapolis 0 8 0 .000 121 252

North W L T Pct PF PA

Pittsburgh 6 2 0 .750 176 139

Cincinnati 5 2 0 .714 171 123

Baltimore 5 2 0 .714 185 110

Cleveland 3 4 0 .429 107 140

West W L T Pct PF PA

San Diego 4 3 0 .571 161 159

Oakland 4 3 0 .571 160 178

Kansas City 4 3 0 .571 128 170

Denver 2 5 0 .286 133 200

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA

N.Y. Giants 5 2 0 .714 174 164

Philadelphia 3 4 0 .429 179 152

Dallas 3 4 0 .429 156 162

Washington 3 4 0 .429 116 139

South W L T Pct PF PA

New Orleans 5 3 0 .625 260 189

Tampa Bay 4 3 0 .571 131 169

Atlanta 4 3 0 .571 158 163

Carolina 2 6 0 .250 187 207

North W L T Pct PF PA

Green Bay 7 0 0 1.000 230 141

Detroit 6 2 0 .750 239 147

Chicago 4 3 0 .571 170 150

Minnesota 2 6 0 .250 172 199

West W L T Pct PF PA

San Francisco 6 1 0 .857 187 107

Seattle 2 5 0 .286 109 162

St. Louis 1 6 0 .143 87 192

Arizona 1 6 0 .143 143 183

Monday

Kansas City 23, San Diego 20 (OT)

Sunday

Seattle at Dallas, 1

Miami at Kansas City, 1

Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1

Cleveland at Houston, 1

San Francisco at Washington, 1

N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 1

Atlanta at Indianapolis, 1

Denver at Oakland, 4:05

Cincinnati at Tennessee, 4:05

Green Bay at San Diego, 4:15

St. Louis at Arizona, 4:15

N.Y. Giants at New England, 4:15

Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 8:20

Open: Carolina, Detroit, Jacksonville, Minnesota

Monday, Nov. 7

Chicago at Philadelphia, 8:30

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

TAMPA — Searching for random omens that USF football's three-game losing streak could end on Saturday at Rutgers?

By the time the Bulls kick off in Piscataway, they will have matched the longest in-season drought without a win in the program's 15-year history at 42 days, going back to a home win against UTEP on Sept. 24.

The last time that happened was 2005, when the Bulls won at home on Sept. 24, then didn't win again until Nov. 5 … at Rutgers.

Both of USF's bye weeks this season have come in the middle of the season, so the Bulls will finish the season the same way they started it, with a blitz of five games in 26 days. That don't-blink finish makes it all the more important that USF find some positive momentum Saturday.

"Let's get it rolling, kind of like we did at the beginning of the season," said coach Skip Holtz, who has never lost four in a row in 12 seasons as a head coach.

USF's past two trips to Piscataway have not gone well. The 2007 loss started USF's fall from No. 2 in the national rankings, and the 2009 loss was the first regular-season shutout in USF's history, a 31-0 loss.

The Bulls won 28-27 in Tampa last season to end a four-game losing streak to the Scarlet Knights.

The main thing USF's players are concerned about is getting back on track and getting bowl eligible — the Bulls need two wins in their final five games to extend their bowl streak to a seventh year.

"Bowl eligible. That's the main thing," RB Darrell Scott said. "We've got to start with this team in New Jersey."

NO RETURNS ALLOWED: USF's best unit this season has to be its punt coverage, which is on pace to set an NCAA record. The Bulls lead the nation in allowing a total of minus-2 yards on punt returns this season — of 30 total punts, opponents have returned just five, losing yards on those efforts.

The NCAA record for fewest punt-return yards allowed in a season? That's 2, set by Miami in 1989. The Bulls could tie the NCAA record for fewest punt returns in a season, set three times, most recently by Florida in 2009.

P Justin Brockhaus-Kann is averaging just 39.3 yards, but his net punting is strong, thanks to the poor returns and just three touchbacks compared to eight punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

THIS AND THAT: Senior 1B Todd Brazeal, a key middle-of-the-order bat for 2012, is recovering from surgery on his right knee, though baseball coach Lelo Prado said he should recover in time for the season opener in February. … Of the 11 teams reported to be in the new Big East football lineup, USF ranks second this season in average home attendance at an announced 44,779. Only Louisville (47,981) is higher. … Holtz should have four January enrollees, USF's most ever — grayshirt Alex Mut, plus three commitments in QB Tyler Cameron, CB Chris Bivins and DT J.T. Hamilton.

Times writer Greg Auman can be reached at auman@sptimes.com and at (813) 226-3346. Check out his blog at tampabay.com/blogs/bulls and follow him at Twitter.com/gregauman.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. — Brett Connolly said he always will remember his first NHL goal, but it would have been better in a victory.

"Absolutely," the Lightning rookie said after Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes. "You always want to win."

The goal, scored from the side of the net with 5:44 left in the third period, made the score 3-2. It was a nice addition to a game in which Connolly needed to re-establish himself after being benched for most of the third period of Saturday's 1-0 win over the Jets after two turnovers.

"I want to be a guy who is reliable the last few minutes of the game," Connolly, 19, said before facing Carolina. "I have to show them they can put me on the ice at any time. I'm looking forward to proving that."

While coach Guy Boucher said Connolly played like his teammates against the Hurricanes — "One goal was good but we needed more before (the third period) just like we needed more from everybody else" — he said before the game the right wing's misstep Saturday seemed a blip in his development.

"He's been reliable 98 percent of the time," Boucher said. "That two percent is experience and it's normal."

"I want to be a complete player," Connolly said. "To do that I have to be good in the defensive zone."

MALONE OKAY: LW Ryan Malone played after what he said was Monday's negative MRI exam on an upper-body injury.

"They were just looking at an injury that is okay," said Malone, who was hurt Saturday but didn't leave the game.

He played 16:05 against the Hurricanes and had an assist.

RITOLA IN: After being scratched in five straight games, RW Mattias Ritola played with what he said was little worry he lost an edge sitting on the sideline since Oct. 17.

"I've been working hard," he said. "I feel like I'm still into it, so no worries."

Ritola, who had two shots in 8:47 of ice time, said, "I feel I can play in this league," but acknowledged, "I have to figure some things out."

He said staying calm in games, making the right decisions and consistency are "what I'm working on every day."

PYATT OUT: Despite earning praise from Boucher and teaming with C Nate Thompson and RW Adam Hall on an effective fourth line, Tom Pyatt was scratched so Ritola could play.

"It's not because Pyatt is not playing well," Boucher said. "It's because I don't want to lose (Ritola)."

Chalk it up to another consequence of carrying 14 forwards with two being scratched per game.

"It's tough with a lot of extra guys but that's the way it is right now," Pyatt said.

STILL WAITING: Boucher has a similar situation with D Bruno Gervais, who was scratched for the eighth straight game.

"Very soon," Boucher said about when Gervais will play.

ODDS AND ENDS: C Steven Stamkos' six-game points streak ended. … The Lightning's winning streak at Caroline ended at three. … Jeff Skinner has six goals and nine points in eight career games against Tampa Bay. … The Lightning's penalty-kill streak ended at 15.

View Damian Cristodero's blog at blogs/tampabay.com/lightning.

Times wires
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

tennis

djokovic wins after six-week injury absence

BASEL, Switzerland — Novak Djokovic returned after missing six weeks with a back injury and defeated Xavier Malisse 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 in the first round of the Swiss Indoors on Tuesday.

The top-ranked Serb (65-3) faced some difficult moments. Djokovic broke his opponent's first service game, but Malisse rallied against the U.S. Open champion in the second set and broke in the ninth game.

Djokovic broke to a lead in the decider but failed to serve out the match at 5-3 and wasted match point in the next game. He quickly closed out the last two games.

Fifth-seeded Mardy Fish retired against Tampa resident James Blake after one game because of a hamstring injury.

Valencia Open: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was given a scare by teenager Javier Marti before rallying to win the first-round match in Spain 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Tsonga trailed early because of unforced errors and the smooth backhand of the 19-year-old wild card, who played his first match against a top-10 player.

Tsonga will play Sam Querrey, who won his first match since June, 6-3, 6-4 over Ernest Gulbis.

Top-seeded David Ferrer opened his title defense by beating Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-2, and third-seeded Gael Monfils beat Albert Montanes 6-3, 6-1.

autos

Hendrick home after plane crash

NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick returned to Charlotte, N.C., a day after he broke a rib and shoulder when his plane ran off the runway in Key West.

Hendrick Motorsports said the brakes failed when the Gulfstream G150 landed Monday night. The plane is co-owned by Jimmie Johnson and normally shuttles the five-time defending NASCAR champion and his family to and from races.

Hendrick, his wife, Linda, and the two pilots were released from Lower Keys Medical Center on Tuesday morning. Linda Hendrick sustained minor cuts and bruises. The pilots were not injured.

Stewart signs deal with sponsor: Tony Stewart signed Quicken Loans to a nine-race deal for Ryan Newman next season, a sponsorship agreement that gives Stewart-Haas Racing its most stable funding package since Stewart became co-owner in 2009.

"We still have some gaps, but this is the best (sponsorship) position we've ever been in," Stewart said. "This was months in the making."

et cetera

Obituary: Thomas McNeeley Jr., a boxer who briefly dropped heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson to a knee and raised a son who took on Mike Tyson in 1995, has died of complications from a seizure. He was 74. Mr. McNeely died Oct. 25 in Weymouth, Mass., according to his son, Thomas McNeeley III. The elder McNeeley once said of his fourth-round loss to Patterson in 1961: "The stories about the fight said I went down nine or 10 times. I have the film. It was more like 12 or 13." Tyson beat McNeely III in one round.

Horses: French-trained Dunaden won the $6.2 million Melbourne (Australia) Cup, beating England's Red Cadeaux by a nose in one of the closest finishes in the 151-year history of the 2-mile turf handicap.

Jurisprudence: Prosecutors dropped a felony gun charge against Pistons center Ben Wallace, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of drunken driving and possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Wallace's Cadillac Escalade was stopped Sept. 24 in Bloomfield Township, Mich.

Times wires

Times wires
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

NEW YORK — His major offseason goal already accomplished after striking a new deal with CC Sabathia, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is seeking more starting pitching as he reshapes the team following its first-round elimination.

Cashman signed a three-year contract worth about $9 million Tuesday, a day after his previous deal expired. The announcement came less than 24 hours after Sabathia chose not to become a free agent and agreed to a contract that gave him an additional $30 million guaranteed for 2016.

"He's certainly the most important piece as we entered this process," Cashman said during a conference call. "CC provides us a lot of security, and that's obviously why he makes what he makes."

A weak free-agent class for pitchers is headed by former Ray Edwin Jackson, C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle and Hiroki Kuroda.

"Pitching, pitching, pitching. That will be the main thrust," Cashman said. "I don't anticipate a bat being of need at all. I anticipate people knocking on our door about the current bats we have."

In other Yankees news, the team released right-handed pitcher Andrew Brackman four years after he received a $3.35 million bonus as the 30th overall pick in the draft.

HIS OWN MAN: Jed Hoyer made it clear he's no yes man to Theo Epstein despite their past working relationship.

Hoyer took over as Cubs general manager, reuniting with Epstein to try to end a 103-year title drought.

"We do a good job of arguing and presenting our points. … We're going to disagree for sure and we're going to have great debates," Hoyer said. "We'll eventually reach a consensus."

DUNCAN HOPES TO STAY: Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, who has worked alongside Tony La Russa since 1982, told a St. Louis radio station a day after La Russa announced his retirement that he plans to return.

O'S REBUFFED: Blue Jays assistant general manager Tony LaCava turned down the Orioles' general manager job, according to FOXSports.com.

BELTRAN DROPS BORAS: Free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran switched agents, leaving Scott Boras and signing with Dan Lozano.

D'BACKS: Club president and CEO Derrick Hall is scheduled to have surgery for prostate cancer next week.

MARINERS: Chris Gwynn was hired as director of player development.

3 SUSPENDED: Former Brooks-DeBartolo standout Reginald Williams was one of three minor-leaguers who received 50-game suspensions for using performance-enhancing drugs. Also suspended with Williams, a Cardinals outfield prospect, were Diamondbacks right-hander Amilcar Arauz and free-agent right-hander Carlos Misell.

Times wires
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia's backfield was left in disarray on Tuesday after three tailbacks were suspended, including star Isaiah Crowell, and top reserve Richard Samuel was ruled out for the rest of the regular season.

Georgia's next opponent is New Mexico State, a nonconference opponent. Crowell, the SEC's fifth-leading rusher, is expected back for a pivotal game Nov. 12 against Auburn.

But for one game the team is left with Brandon Harton, a former walk-on, and Kyle Karempelis, still not on scholarship. Those two figure to get heavy work along with fullback Zander Ogletree and "a couple surprises," offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said.

"There are going to be certain things we're not able to do, and we're going to have to find out what our best personnel is and get them in the game," Bobo said.

Samuel, who scored the decisive touchdown Saturday vs. Florida, could miss the rest of the regular season after surgery on his left ankle. Coach Mark Richt expects Samuel to miss at least four weeks; four games are left this season.

Crowell and fellow tailbacks Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome were suspended one game for what the team called a violation of team policies. Bobo declined comment on the report that it was for positive drug tests.

ARKANSAS: The SEC suspended freshman Marquel Wade one game for his crushing hit Saturday on a Vanderbilt punt returner.

CHARLOTTE: The team's on-campus stadium will be called McColl-Richardson Field, for former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl and Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. The program starts play in Division I-AA in 2013.

INDIANA: Receiver Duwyce Wilson will miss the rest of his junior year with a knee injury, coach Kevin Wilson said.

WEST VIRGINIA: Interim Big 12 commissioner Chuck Neinas said he expects the school to start play in his league next season despite a hard-line stance from the Big East. Neinas attended a reception in Morgantown welcoming the Mountaineers into the Big 12, a day after the university sued the Big East seeking to clear the way to start Big 12 competition next fall.

CONGRESSIONAL SLAM: A congressman compared the NCAA to the Mafia over how it controls student athletes. "I think they're just one of the most vicious, most ruthless organizations ever created by mankind," Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., said at a congressional forum on college sports. "I think you would compare the NCAA to Al Capone and to the Mafia." NCAA spokesman Bob Williams said Rush "obviously doesn't know the NCAA" and cited the $2 billion annually in scholarships, financial aid and academic support.

Basketball

WOMEN: Brittney Griner, the 6-foot-8 star center at Baylor, is the eighth player to be a unanimous choice on the AP preseason All-America team, receiving all 40 votes from a national media panel (for full team, see 2C). … Notre Dame forward/center Natalia Achonwa (MCL, left knee) will miss four weeks and will require surgery.

MEN: Purdue's Robbie Hummel, who missed last season after re-injuring his right knee in preseason practice, scored 18 to help the host Boilermakers win their exhibition opener, 78-46 over Northern State. It was Hummel's first game action since he tore his ACL in February 2010. … USF opens by visiting Tampa for an exhibition at 7 Saturday, UF hosts an exhibition at 7 Thursday against Catholic University and FSU plays its second game at 7 Monday against visiting Georgia Southwestern. … Auburn suspended guards Josh Langford and Tony Neysmith indefinitely for violating team rules.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. — Lightning coach Guy Boucher was clear to his players how disappointed he was in Tuesday night's 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes at the RBC Center.

Today, he said, he will act on his dismay.

Boucher did not divulge his practice plan, but based on his unusually short and tight-lipped postgame comments, it could be interesting.

"I don't wait for things to change," Boucher said. "We'll make them change."

Rookie Brett Connolly's first NHL goal with 5:44 left made the score 3-2. But 54 seconds later, a bad offensive pinch by defenseman Pavel Kubina created a two-on-one that ended with Chad LaRose's goal that restored the two-goal edge.

What most bugged Boucher, though, was another slow start on the road.

The Lightning, 5-5-2 but 2-4-2 away from home, has been outscored 13-8 in the first period. Boucher emphasized a better start. Instead, Carolina dominated the first with a 19-7 shot advantage.

Thanks to goaltender Dwayne Roloson, the Lightning escaped 1-1. But two Jeff Skinner goals put Carolina up 3-1 in the second with a 27-17 shot advantage.

"We're not shooting the puck enough," defenseman Eric Brewer said. "We're a team that needs to get a little bit of zone time, get some scramble plays to get the guys going. We're very methodical and just trying to see our way through a game. It doesn't happen."

It didn't help that defenseman Victor Hedman, who was minus-3, was outhustled by Skinner, who scored 22 seconds into the second for a 2-1 lead. Or that the Lightning failed to tie the score on a two-minute, five-on-three.

And when Brewer's stick snapped as he shot from the Carolina blue line, the play quickly went the other way and Skinner made it 3-1 with 9:22 left in the second.

"Just one of those nights," said Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier, who had a game-best seven shots, including one off the post and one, during the five-on-three, off the stick shaft of goalie Cam Ward.

If only it looked more like the third period, when Tampa Bay had a 13-4 shot advantage to cut its overall deficit to 31-30.

"We were more desperate," Lecavalier said. "If we came out like that in the first it would have been a different game."

"It bothers the guys," Brewer said. "No one is trying to do it the wrong way. Guys just have to focus on what they need to do and stop thinking their way through the game and just get to it."

That is what Boucher will address today.

"If we don't fight and battle," he said, "we're going to lose against every single team in this league."

First Period—1, Tampa Bay, Purcell 4 (Bergeron, Malone), 15:14. 2, Carolina, LaRose 2 (Harrison, Ponikarovsky), 18:21 (pp). Penalties—Shannon, TB (holding), 12:51; Roloson, TB, served by Purcell (tripping), 16:23.

Second Period—3, Carolina, Skinner 5 (Pitkanen), :22. 4, Carolina, Skinner 6 (Jokinen), 10:38. Penalties—LaRose, Car (hooking), 4:58; E.Staal, Car (tripping), 4:58.

Third Period—5, Tampa Bay, Connolly 1 (St. Louis, Lecavalier), 14:16. 6, Carolina, LaRose 3 (Tlusty), 15:10. Penalties—Harrison, Car (cross-checking), 20:00. Shots on Goal—Tampa Bay 7-10-13—30. Carolina 19-8-4—31. Power-play opportunities—Tampa Bay 0 of 2; Carolina 1 of 2. Goalies—Tampa Bay, Roloson 2-3-1 (31 shots-27 saves). Carolina, Ward 5-2-2 (30-28). A—13,374 (18,680). T—2:24. Referees—Greg Kimmerly, Stephen Walkom. Linesmen—David Brisebois, Ryan Galloway.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

WASHINGTON — Nicklas Backstrom scored the tying goal with 42 seconds left in regulation, then added the winner at 2:18 of overtime to lift the Capitals to a 5-4 comeback victory over the Ducks on Tuesday night.

The Capitals trailed 4-2 with 10:47 left in regulation. It was 4-3 when Washington pulled goaltender Tomas Vokoun in the final minute, and Backstrom hammered home the rebound of a shot by Jason Chimera to force the extra session.

In overtime, Backstrom was to the right of the net when Alex Ovechkin sent the puck toward goalie Jonas Hiller. Anaheim defenseman Toni Lydman let the puck slip past his stick, and Backstrom scored easily to end it.

SHUT YOUR YAP II: Rangers coach John Tortorella, who with the Lightning famously told then-Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock "Shut your yap" during their 2004 playoff series, was at it again.

Tortorella blasted Sharks captain Joe Thornton for calling the Rangers soft after New York beat San Jose 5-2 Monday.

"Joe's a heck of a player, but here's a player popping off about our team, and Joe hasn't won a (expletive) thing in this league," Tortorella said. "… So what he should do is just shut up."

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton was suspended five games for elbowing Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog.

First Period—1, Anaheim, Koivu 1 (Selanne, Fowler), 9:05. 2, Anaheim, Selanne 4 (Koivu, Lydman), 13:39. Penalties—Beleskey, Ana, major (fighting), 6:10; Hendricks, Was, major (fighting), 6:10; Macenauer, Ana (interference), 17:28.

Second Period—3, Anaheim, Selanne 5 (Fowler, Beauchemin), 8:59. 4, Washington, Ward 3 (Laich, Chimera), 13:23. 5, Washington, Wideman 3 (Laich, Ward), 16:33. Penalties—Perry, Ana (tripping), 10:41.

Third Period—6, Anaheim, Perry 5 (Fowler, Selanne), 9:13 (pp). 7, Washington, Brouwer 2 (Erskine, Wideman), 11:42. 8, Washington, Backstrom 3 (Chimera, Laich), 19:18. Penalties—Vokoun, Was, served by Semin (tripping), 8:04; Fowler, Ana (delay of game), 15:36.

Overtime—9, Washington, Backstrom 4 (Ovechkin, Schultz), 2:18. Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—Anaheim 6-5-4-0—15. Washington 9-12-18-1—40. Power-play opportunities—Anaheim 1 of 1; Washington 0 of 3. Goalies—Anaheim, Hiller 4-4-2 (40 shots-35 saves). Washington, Vokoun 7-1-0 (15-11). A—18,506 (18,398). T—2:30. Referees—Paul Devorski, Don Van Massenhoven. Linesmen—Steve Barton, Brian Murphy.

First Period—1, Detroit, Lidstrom 3 (Zetterberg, Datsyuk), 6:00. Penalties—Zidlicky, Min (tripping), 3:59; Miller, Det (interference), 6:52; V.Filppula, Det (tripping), 9:40.

Second Period—None. Penalties—Falk, Min (roughing), 10:51; Holmstrom, Det (goaltender interference), 10:51; Bertuzzi, Det (cross-checking), 12:51; Detroit bench, served by Franzen (too many men), 15:06.

Third Period—2, Minnesota, Koivu 1 (Falk, Setoguchi), 19:00. Penalties—Bertuzzi, Det (slashing), 4:09; Miller, Det (charging), 4:44; Scandella, Min (holding), 11:51; Prosser, Min (slashing), 14:47; Holmstrom, Det (tripping), 15:32.

Overtime—3, Minnesota, Setoguchi 4 (Koivu, Bouchard), 1:33 (pp). Penalties—Franzen, Det (goaltender interference), 1:09. Shots on Goal—Minnesota 4-12-10-1—27. Detroit 12-9-11-5—37. Power-play opportunities—Minnesota 1 of 8; Detroit 0 of 3. Goalies—Minnesota, Harding 2-0-1 (37 shots-36 saves). Detroit, Howard 4-2-1 (27-25). A—20,066 (20,066). T—2:26. Referees—Dave Jackson, Frederick L'Ecuyer. Linesmen—Derek Amell, Greg Devorski.

First Period—1, Ottawa, Foligno 3 (Da Costa, Butler), 5:19. 2, Boston, Lucic 4 (Chara, Seidenberg), 7:12 (pp). 3, Ottawa, Da Costa 3 (Foligno, Neil), 7:28. Penalties—Gonchar, Ott (hooking), 1:46; Konopka, Ott, major (fighting), 5:23; Thornton, Bos, major (fighting), 5:23; Gonchar, Ott (hooking), 5:31; Smith, Ott (unsportsmanlike conduct), 7:40; Campbell, Bos (boarding, unsportsmanlike conduct), 7:40.

Second Period—4, Boston, Bergeron 3 (Seguin, Marchand), 4:21. 5, Boston, Kelly 3 (Peverley, Chara), 18:00. Penalties—Spezza, Ott (hooking), 6:30; Horton, Bos (boarding), 11:32; Neil, Ott (goaltender interference), 14:49; Neil, Ott (slashing), 19:14.

Third Period—6, Ottawa, Cowen 1 (Neil, Foligno), 5:04. 7, Boston, Boychuk 1 (Kelly, Peverley), 6:41. 8, Boston, Paille 2 (Thornton, Campbell), 7:18. Penalties—Marchand, Bos (holding stick), 12:03; Smith, Ott, major (fighting), 17:18; Campbell, Bos, major (fighting), 17:18; Neil, Ott (boarding), 19:47; Spezza, Ott (holding), 19:47. Shots on Goal—Ottawa 9-7-10—26. Boston 17-16-8—41. Power-play opportunities—Ottawa 0 of 3; Boston 1 of 7. Goalies—Ottawa, Anderson 6-3-0 (41 shots-36 saves). Boston, Thomas 4-4-0 (26-23). A—17,565 (17,565). T—2:34. Referees—Mike Hasenfratz, Ian Walsh. Linesmen—Pierre Champoux, Bryan Pancich.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

For the fifth time since 2000, those in charge of putting on a PGA event at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor will be looking for a title sponsor.

Transitions Optical informed the PGA it will not renew when its four-year contract expires after the 2012 tournament in March. Tour spokesman Ty Votaw declined to speculate on the bay area tournament's future, but on Wednesday he sounded optimistic the event would find a replacement.

"We are in discussions with several prospects as a replacement sponsor,'' Votaw said. "We have a number of companies we talk to about opportunities all the time. We are in those discussions now. We are fully sponsored for 2012 and we anticipate that to be the case in 2013 and beyond.''

Innisbrook has had a revolving door of sponsors since it became a PGA event in 2000. The PGA Tour sponsored the 2000 and 2002 tournaments (2001 was cancelled due to the terrorist attacks). Chrysler was the title sponsor from 2003-07. Then PODS stepped in for 2008 but exercised an option to back out after one year. Transitions signed a four-year agreement at the last moment and took over in 2009.

Calls to Transitions headquarters in Pinellas Park were not returned.

Now the search begins for yet another sponsor. Transitions Championship tournament director Kevin Krisle said they will look locally and nationally to secure one. Title sponsorship for the tournament has been reported to be around $7 million per year.

"We'll work in synch with the PGA Tour to try to find a title sponsor,'' Krisle said. "The search process has begun. In coordination with the PGA Tour, we are in discussions with prospects at this time.''

While there has been no time frame set to find a sponsor, the next season's schedules come out in the fall. If there is no title sponsor by fall 2012, the local tournament may be in trouble.

Votaw would not speculate on when a sponsor needed to be secured. "That's too premature and hypothetical to even talk about,'' he said.

Krisle said his focus is making sure the 2012 tournament goes off without a hitch. That, and finding a sponsor.

"We're not speculating on the future of any of it,'' Krisle said. "Our primary goal right now, in addition to the 2012 tournament, is finding a replacement sponsor to take the place of Transitions.''

Next year's tournament is March 15-18 at Innisbrook's Copperhead Course.

By Capt. Mike Gore, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

It's that time of the year when we can gear up for back-country and canal fishing.

The water continues to get cooler, and the cold fronts continue to bring stronger-than-normal winds. This will move the inshore species into the deeper-water havens.

There has been a steady trout bite out on the grass flats in Tampa Bay, so expect them to stay there until we see a real drop in temperature. The choice of bait is still greenbacks and small pinfish.

I am using 10- to 15-pound braid with a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader and a No. 1 circle hook. Use different tactics when fishing for trout. Try putting some lines out with a popping cork and some without. Once you figure out which is working better, you can switch up.

You really want to downsize your tackle this time of year because the algae dies off and the water gets clearer. Deploying a wind sock will slow your drift, or you could go old school and drop out a 5-gallon bucket tied to your boat.

In Tampa Bay, the snook already seem to have made the transition into their winter holes. I am seeing and catching a lot of slot fish in back estuaries, canals, and rivers. Light tackle is producing the most hookups on these fish as well. You may lose a few here and there, but your chances of a hook up are much greater.

Redfish are still traveling around with the big mullet schools. You will have the best luck on the lower tides fishing the outside of a flat. Use cut ladyfish or pinfish to get the scent in the water. Just make sure you are where the mullet are, and you should hook up.

A nice bonus this time of year is that you will most likely catch flounder while fishing for trout and redfish. We are getting them on every trip.

Mike Gore can be reached at Mike Gore Charters, (813) 235-9579 or fishing@ captainmikegore.com.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

TAMPA

During the heat of training camp last summer, Berkeley Prep head coach Dominick Ciao said emphatically that his team wanted to be playing for something by the time November rolled around.

Tonight's first contest of November has that element — and then some.

Not only are the undefeated, state-ranked Buccaneers playing to win the Class 3A, District 5 championship, they are doing it against new rival Tampa Catholic.

And Ciao is going up against Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez. The two squared off during the 1990s when Ciao was head coach at Jesuit. Now they bring their chess skills to the Berkeley Prep-Tampa Catholic rivalry.

Ciao's Jesuit squads were playoff regulars in the '90s when the Tigers racked up 10 playoff appearances, including a state runnersup finish in 1992. Henriquez led Tampa Catholic to the postseason eight times from 1990-99 and six more times since returning to the school as coach in 2005.

The Crusaders have reached the state title games on two occasions (2007 and 2009) under Henriquez.

"We're proud to be playing for first, for a championship," Ciao said. "Now we're going up against a great program in Tampa Catholic. They're physical, play hard and are well coached with coach Henriquez. They'll be ready, it will be tough, but it should be fun."

The Bucs, 8-0 and ranked fourth in Class 3A, will match their go-go offense led by do-it-all athlete Nelson Agholor against a youthful Tampa Catholic team that has won two of three since a tough mid-season loss to district foe Clearwater Central Catholic.

So here's what's at stake tonight: If Berkeley wins, it earns the championship and Clearwater Central Catholic is runner-up. If TC prevails, the Crusaders, Buccaneers and CCC would convene Monday for a tie-breaker.

Other important district contests include Gaither and Tampa Bay Tech battling for the 7A-7 crown, and resurgent Wharton playing at Alonso for the 8A-6 wildcard berth.

Meanwhile, Cambridge tries to slow down playoff-bound Admiral Farragut and Carrollwood Day plays host to Calvary Christian.

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

Tampa Catholic (6-2) at Berkeley Prep (8-0)

LAST WEEK: Tampa Catholic lost to Alonso 31-15; Berkeley Prep defeated Orlando First Academy 35-14.

THE SKINNY: QB Destin Nichols and WR Christian Hardegree were as impressive as Nelson Agholor in the Bucs' 35-14 win against First Academy, hooking up on two first-quarter touchdown passes. Now the Bucs are looking to win the district and avoid a dangerous three-way tiebreaker.

Gaither (6-2) at Tampa Bay Tech (5-3)

LAST WEEK: Gaither defeated Chamberlain 27-20; Tampa Bay Tech defeated Freedom 69-0.

THE SKINNY: It's Jason vs. Jayson. Gaither enjoys a resurgence under coach Jason Stokes, who came over from Middleton, while Tech continues its string of postseason appearances under new coach Jayson Roberts. The Cowboys will look for more big plays from versatile Shug Oyegunle while Tech will counter with a balanced attack that saw nine different players score against Freedom last week. Although both teams will advance to the playoffs, tonight's game will decide which is the district champ. This is significant because the district winners play at home in the region quarterfinals while the runners-up hit the road.

Armwood (9-0) at King (3-5)

LAST WEEK: Armwood defeated Plant 21-0; King lost to Hillsborough 28-0.

THE SKINNY: Armwood will be looking to run its regular-season winning streak to 26 tonight. Go ahead and put it in the books now.

Calvary Christian (4-4) at Carrollwood Day School (5-4), 3:30 p.m.

LAST WEEK: Calvary defeated Bradenton Christian 14-13; CDS lost to Indian Rocks Christian 58-55.

THE SKINNY: CDS running back Robert Davis is looking to close out the regular season strong and earn his second straight rushing title. Davis is closing in on 1,700 yards and has 24 touchdowns.

Cambridge (6-3) at Admiral Farragut (8-1)

LAST WEEK: Cambridge defeated Seffner Christian 45-31; Admiral Farragut defeated Northside Christian 56-0.

THE SKINNY: Cambridge coach Bob Dare has posted his best season since taking over the Lancers in 2009. A win tonight will ensure a winning mark in Class 2A, District 5 play.

Wharton (4-4) at Alonso (6-2)

LAST WEEK: Wharton defeated Blake 18-6; Alonso defeated Tampa Catholic 31-15.

THE SKINNY: This is pretty simple: The winner of this game earns a playoff spot. Alonso has been to the postseason three straight years. Wharton, which has won three straight to enter the playoff picture, hasn't been to the postseason since 2008.

Leto (0-9) at Sickles (5-3)

LAST WEEK: Leto lost to Jefferson 79-0; Sickles defeated Strawberry Crest 37-0.

THE SKINNY: Leto's struggles have continued this year in a brutal district. The Falcons will try not to give up 10 touchdowns tonight. Sickles, meanwhile, is trying to get to .500 in Class 6A, District 8 play.

Wiregrass Ranch (0-8) at Freedom (1-8)

LAST WEEK: Wiregrass Ranch lost to Steinbrenner 56-0; Freedom lost to Tampa Bay Tech 69-0.

THE SKINNY: For two teams with a combined record of 1-16 and 76 points scored all season between them, tonight is their district title as the teams try to avoid the Class 7A, District 7 cellar.

Steinbrenner (5-3) at Chamberlain (1-7)

LAST WEEK: Steinbrenner defeated Wiregrass Ranch 56-0; Chamberlain lost to Gaither 27-20.

THE SKINNY: A 7A-7 matchup of teams that may be better than their records. Chamberlain may be the best 1-7 team around as four of its losses came by an average of five points. And what was supposed to Steinbrenner's breakout year was torpedoed by early season losses to Sickles and Gaither.

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

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

TAMPA

During the heat of training camp last summer, Berkeley Prep head coach Dominick Ciao said emphatically that his team wanted to be playing for something by the time November rolled around.

Tonight's first contest of November has that element — and then some.

Not only are the undefeated, state-ranked Buccaneers playing to win the Class 3A, District 5 championship, they are doing it against new rival Tampa Catholic.

And Ciao is going up against Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez. The two squared off during the 1990s when Ciao was head coach at Jesuit. Now they have brought their chess skills to the Berkeley Prep-Tampa Catholic rivalry.

Ciao's Jesuit squads were playoff regulars in the '90s when the Tigers racked up 10 playoff appearances, including a state runnersup finish in 1992. Henriquez led Tampa Catholic to the postseason eight times from 1990-99 and six more times since returning to the school as coach in 2005.

The Crusaders have reached the state title games on two occasions (2007 and 2009) under Henriquez.

"We're proud to be playing for first, for a championship," Ciao said. "Now we're going up against a great program in Tampa Catholic. They're physical, play hard and are well-coached with coach Henriquez. They'll be ready, it will be tough, but it should be fun."

The Bucs, 8-0 and ranked fourth in Class 3A, will match their go-go offense led by do-it-all athlete Nelson Agholor against a youthful Tampa Catholic team that has won two of three since a tough mid-season loss to district foe Clearwater Central Catholic.

So here's what's at stake tonight: If Berkeley wins, it earns the championship and Clearwater Central Catholic is runnerup. If TC prevails, the Crusaders, Buccaneers and CCC would convene Monday for a tie-breaker.

Other important district contests include Gaither and Tampa Bay Tech battling for the 7A-7 crown, and resurgent Wharton playing at Alonso for the 8A-6 wildcard berth.

Meanwhile, Cambridge tries to slow down playoff-bound Admiral Farragut and Carrollwood Day plays host to Calvary Christian.

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

Tampa Catholic (6-2) at Berkeley Prep (8-0)

LAST WEEK: Tampa Catholic lost to Alonso 31-15; Berkeley Prep defeated Orlando First Academy 35-14.

THE SKINNY: QB Destin Nichols and WR Christian Hardegree were as impressive as Nelson Agholor in the Bucs' 35-14 win against First Academy, hooking up on two first-quarter touchdown passes. Now the Bucs are looking to win the district and avoid a dangerous three-way tiebreaker.

Plant (7-1) at Bloomingdale (4-4)

LAST GAME: Plant lost to Armwood 21-0; Wharton defeated Bloomingdale 49-24 Oct. 20.

THE SKINNY: Bloomingdale had an extra week to prep for the Panthers but with Plant wanting to bounce back after a tough loss to Armwood, it won't matter.

Jefferson (4-4) at Strawberry Crest (1-7)

LAST WEEK: Jefferson defeated Leto 79-0; Strawberry Crest lost to Sickles 37-0.

THE SKINNY: The Chargers have been outscored 378-56 this season, with 37 of those points for coming in a victory against winless Leto two weeks ago. It's another easy win for the Dragons.

Armwood (9-0) at King (3-5)

LAST WEEK: Armwood defeated Plant 21-0; King lost to Hillsborough 28-0.

THE SKINNY: Armwood will be looking to run its regular-season winning streak to 26 tonight. Go ahead and put it in the books now.

Gaither (6-2) at Tampa Bay Tech (5-3)

LAST WEEK: Gaither defeated Chamberlain 27-20; Tampa Bay Tech defeated Freedom 69-0.

THE SKINNY: It's Jason vs. Jayson. Gaither enjoys a resurgence under coach Jason Stokes, who came over from Middleton, while Tech continues its string of postseason appearances under new coach Jayson Roberts. The Cowboys will look for more big plays from versatile Shug Oyegunle while Tech will counter with a balanced attack that saw nine different players score against Freedom last week. Although both teams will advance to the playoffs, tonight's game will decide which one is the district champ. This is significant because the district winner plays at home in the region quarterfinals while the runnersup hit the road.

Steinbrenner (5-3) at Chamberlain (1-7)

LAST WEEK: Steinbrenner defeated Wiregrass Ranch 56-0; Chamberlain lost to Gaither 27-20.

THE SKINNY: A 7A-7 matchup of teams that may be better than their records. Chamberlain may be the best 1-7 team around as four of its losses came by an average of five points. And what was supposed to Steinbrenner's breakout year was torpedoed by early season losses to Sickles and Gaither.

Robinson (7-1) at Middleton (0-8)

LAST WEEK: Robinson defeated Lakewood 20-13; Middleton lost to Dunedin 29-20.

THE SKINNY: Robinson has won five straight and basically clinched a playoff berth by knocking off Lakewood. The Knights have to finish the deal tonight, however, by handing winless Middleton another loss. They'll suceed if they again get big games from running backs Martin Ruiz and Michael Duclos.

Blake (3-6) at Gibbs (4-4)

LAST WEEK: Blake lost to Wharton 18-6; Gibbs lost to Jesuit 31-0.

THE SKINNY: Despite its struggles, Blake has one of the area's better QBs in Zain Gilmore, who has completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,500 yards and 14 TDs. Tonight gives both teams a chance to move away from the bottom of the bunched-up Class 5A, District 8 standings.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

It seems like the high school football season just started, but the regular season is coming to a close with some critical games on the slate tonight. ¶ After Brandon's huge victory against previously unbeaten Plant City last Friday, Class 7A, District 8 might need a tiebreaker to determine which teams reach the postseason. Heading into tonight, Plant City, Brandon and Durant all share 3-1 district records, but only two of those teams will advance to the playoffs. Should all three win tonight, there will be a three-way, one-quarter tiebreaker Monday.

Gaither (6-2) at Tampa Bay Tech (5-3)

LAST WEEK: Gaither defeated Chamberlain 27-20; Tampa Bay Tech defeated Freedom 69-0.

THE SKINNY: It's Jason vs. Jayson. Gaither enjoys a resurgence under coach Jason Stokes, who came over from Middleton, while Tech continues its string of postseason appearances under new coach Jayson Roberts. The Cowboys will look for more big plays from versatile Shug Oyegunle while Tech counters with a balanced attack that saw nine different players score against Freedom last week. Although both teams will advance to the playoffs, tonight's game will decide which one is the district champ. This is significant because the district winners play at home in the region quarterfinals while the runnersup hit the road.

Newsome (4-4) at Plant City (7-1)

LAST WEEK: Newsome defeated Riverview 52-6; Plant City lost to Brandon 48-36.

THE SKINNY: After a pair of narrow wins against Alonso and East Bay, the Raiders were hammered by Brandon last week, trailing 35-0 at one point during the third quarter. Plant City's defense struggled to stop the Eagles' running attack, and you can bet the Wolves will run right at Plant City tonight.

East Bay (3-5) at Brandon (4-4)

LAST WEEK: East Bay lost to Durant 35-28; Brandon defeated Plant City 48-36.

THE SKINNY: Running backs Tyrell Garner and Cyrus Dooley each topped 100 yards against Plant City, and quarterback Alan Knippel was a perfect 10 for 10. The only blemish on a dominating offensive night was three fumbles. Otherwise the margin of victory against Plant City would have been larger.

Riverview (2-6) at Durant (6-2)

LAST WEEK: Riverview lost to Newsome 52-6; Durant defeated East Bay 35-28.

THE SKINNY: Durant has to do its part by beating Riverview in order for that three-way playoff to happen. Quarterback Nick Fabrizio tossed two TDs and ran for another against the Indians as Durant recorded its fifth win in the past six games.

Armwood (9-0) at King (3-5)

LAST WEEK: Armwood defeated Plant 21-0; King lost to Hillsborough 28-0.

THE SKINNY: Armwood will be looking to run its regular-season winning streak to 26 tonight. Go ahead and put it in the books now.

Spoto (4-4) at Lakewood (6-2)

LAST WEEK: Spoto defeated Lennard 44-2; Robinson defeated Lakewood 20-13.

THE SKINNY: Spoto got a pair of punt return TDs from Geronimo Allison on its way to a big win against Lennard, but the team didn't get the help it needed, ending its playoff hopes. Lakewood also is out of the running, but this Spartans vs. Spartans battle should be a good one.

Plant (7-1) at Bloomingdale (4-4)

LAST GAME: Plant lost to Armwood 21-0; Wharton defeated Bloomingdale 49-24 Oct. 20.

THE SKINNY: Bloomingdale had an extra week to prepare for the Panthers, but with Plant wanting to bounce back after a tough 21-0 loss to Armwood, it won't matter.

Lennard (1-8) at Dunedin (3-5)

LAST WEEK: Lennard lost to Spoto 44-2; Dunedin defeated Middleton 29-20.

THE SKINNY: Tonight's season-ending game can't come soon enough for the Longhorns.

Seffner Christian (5-3) at Oviedo Master's Academy (3-5)

LAST WEEK: Seffner Christian lost to Cambridge Christian 45-31; Master's defeated Leesburg First Academy 22-14

THE SKINNY: This should be the week the Crusaders secure their school record sixth win of the season. Seffner Christian and Master's Academy do have three common opponents. The Crusaders have beaten two teams that beat Master's Academy.

Jefferson (4-4) at Strawberry Crest (1-7)

LAST WEEK: Jefferson defeated Leto 79-0; Strawberry Crest lost to Sickles 37-0.

THE SKINNY: The Chargers have been outscored 378-56 this season, with 37 of those coming in a victory against winless Leto. It's another easy win for the Dragons.

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

Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

BRANDON

Brandon has long been associated with tradition.

One of the oldest schools in the county, Brandon High opened in 1914 and boasts of legions of famed alumni, including Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Earl Lennard and former state Sen. Tom Lee.

"It's one of those traditions where everyone knows a relative or a family member who went to Brandon," Brandon High Football Club member Cheryl Stanbro said. "It's always been very much a family tradition."

Tonight, the current players will get a glimpse into the past before the biggest game of the season.

"It will be a special night," Stanbro said.

Brandon will recognize the state-runnerup 1969 football team before the current crop of Eagles faces East Bay in a game with major playoff implications. Should Brandon win, the Eagles would be guaranteed a spot in Monday's three-way tiebreaker. If Brandon wins tonight and either Durant or Plant City lose, the Eagles will be in the playoffs.

"It's great to be doing this (Friday), especially after we beat Plant City last week," Stanbro said.

This year's Eagles will have to do more than just make the playoffs to match the '69 team. That squad went 10-1-2, and held eight opponents scoreless. It advanced in the postseason with a 20-6 win over Clearwater and a 7-6 victory against Miami Jackson.

However, it came up short in the Class 2A championship game against Tallahassee Leon, which was led by legendary coach Gene Cox and future NFL player Buddy Brown. The Lions downed Brandon 24-14 but that Eagles squad is still held in high esteem.

Mike Burnett, who started at quarterback before breaking his leg in the Clearwater game, will be one of the players honored tonight.

"I think that's it's great that they are recognizing us," said Burnett, who played at the University of Tampa and went on to become Armwood's first football coach in 1984.

Burnett's family has a steep tradition at Brandon. His father, James, was the president of the Brandon Booster Club and the field house was named in his honor. Brother Ken went on to play at Florida State and his other brother Brian would have also played football for the Seminoles, but he tragically lost his life in a car accident the summer before his freshman season.

As part of the pregame festivities, the booster club will present the Burnett family with Brian's framed No. 40 jersey and varsity jacket that will hang in the field house.

"Brian was a great athlete," Mike Burnett said of Brian. "He also played varsity basketball and ran track. My mother will be there tonight and it's very special for out family."

Former coaches and administrators, including Johnny Owens, Dr. Orland Bryant, Linwood Nelson and Lyle Flagg are expected to attend the ceremony, which begins at 6:45 p.m. Stanbro said there are some other special presentations planned, but she wouldn't reveal those.

"Friday is going to be about the great history and tradition that has always been a part of Brandon," she said. "The '69 team epitomizes what we're all about and where we want to be again."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.