By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 5, 2011

Eckerd Men

Coach: Tom Ryan (294-149, 16th season)

Last season: 22-8 (11-5 Sunshine State Conference)

Notable: The Tritons might have only two seniors returning, but they do not lack experience. Lance Kearse, Walade Wade and Woody Taylor all started last season, and Wayne Sears and Alex Bodney also got plenty of time off the bench. Newcomers Marko Filipovic and Malcolm Brunner are expected to get playing time. And North Florida transfer Josh Snodgrass is eligible after Christmas. Eckerd was picked to finish second by conference officials, so the expectations are high.

Roster

No. Player Ht. Pos. Yr.

10 Woody Taylor 6-1 G Jr.

11 Josh Snodgrass 6-5 G So.

12 Alex Bodney 6-2 G So.

15 Sammy O'Garro 6-5 G Fr.

20 Wayne Sears 6-2 G Sr.

21 Drew Fenstermaker 6-2 G Jr.

22 Derek Domino 5-11 G So.

23 Lance Kearse 6-6 F Sr.

24 Darrien Mack 6-7 F Jr.

30 Dino Tabakovic 6-3 G Fr.

32 Walade Wade 6-7 F Jr.

33Malcolm Brunner 6-5 F Fr.

34 Marko Filipovic 6-10 C Jr.

40 Ray Darnell 6-6 F Fr.

42 Nemo Rmus 6-5 C Fr.

Schedule: Nov. 16 — Southeastern, 7:30; Nov. 19 — Caldwell (N.J.), 7:30; Nov. 25 — Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 7:30; Nov. 26 — Shaw (N.C.), 7:30; Dec. 3 — at Florida Tech, 4; Dec. 10 — Nova Southeastern, 4; Dec. 17 — Tuskegee, 2; Dec. 18 — West Liberty (W.Va.), 2; Dec. 29 — Winston Salem State (at Tampa), TBA; Dec. 30 — Brock (Ontario) University, TBA; Jan. 4 — at Florida Southern, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 7 — at Rollins, 4; Jan. 11 — Tampa, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 14 — at Palm Beach Atlantic, 4; Jan. 18 — Saint Leo, 7:30; Jan. 21 — at Barry, 4; Jan. 25 — at Lynn University, 7:30; Jan. 28 — Florida Tech, 4; Feb. 1 — at Nova Southeastern, 7:30; Feb. 4 — Rollins, 4; Feb. 8 — Florida Southern, 7:30; Feb. 11 — Palm Beach Atlantic, 4; Feb. 15 — at Tampa, 7:30; Feb. 18 — Barry, 4; Feb. 22 — at Saint Leo, 7:30; Feb. 25 — Lynn University, 4

Women

Coach: Paul Honsinger (66-73, sixth season)

Last season: 17-11 (9-7 Sunshine State Conference)

Notable: Three starters return for the Tritons, Kati Rausberg, Krystal Charles and Taylor Young. Rausberg was second on the team with 11.7 points per game. Linsey Niles also got extensive playing time, so Eckerd does have some experience. The bench will be key if the Tritons are going to move up from the middle of the pack in the conference.

Roster

No. Player Ht. Pos. Yr.

3 Danielle Evers 5-5 G Fr.

4 Linsey Niles 5-11 F Sr.

5 Taylor Bestry 6-0 G Fr.

10 Kayla Bowlin 5-5 G Fr.

12 Rana Thomas 5-9 G Fr.

14 Kati Rausberg 5-7 G Sr.

15 Emilie Hesseldal 6-1 G/F Fr.

21 Amy Buccilla 5-11 G So.

22 Taylor Young 5-7 G Sr.

32 Krystal Charles 6-1 F Jr.

33 Katja Kotnik 6-4 C Jr.

Schedule: Nov. 12 — West Florida, 5:30; Nov. 16 — Ava Maria, 5; Nov. 25 — Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 3; Nov. 26 — Queens (N.C.), 3; Dec. 3 — at Florida Tech, 3; Dec. 7 — Northwood, 6; Dec. 10 — Nova Southeastern, 2; Dec. 18 — at Adelphi, 2:30; Dec. 19 — at Southern Connecticut State, 6; Jan. 4 — at Florida Southern, 5:30; Jan. 7 — at Rollins, 2; Jan. 11 — Tampa, 5:30; Jan. 14 — at Palm Beach Atlantic, 2; Jan. 18 — Saint Leo, 5:30; Jan. 21 — at Barry, 2; Jan. 25 — at Lynn, 5:30; Jan. 28 — Florida Tech, 2; Feb. 1 — at Nova Southeastern, 5:30; Feb. 4 — Rollins, 2; Feb. 8 — Florida Southern, 5:30; Feb. 11 — Palm Beach Atlantic, 2; Feb. 15 — at Tampa, 5:30; Feb. 18 — Barry, 2; Feb. 22 — at Saint Leo, 5:30; Feb. 25 — Lynn, 2

Rodney Page, Times staff writer

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

SHANGHAI — Already one of the most festive evenings in golf, the annual Caddies Awards roast was buzzing with talk that Tiger Woods' former caddie might be getting a prize.

One award was called "Celebration of the Year." Everyone knew who would get it and why.

The surprise was how Steve Williams ripped into his old boss with a racial slur that caused even more commotion involving the jilted caddie and golf's biggest name.

"He's a character within the game of golf, and whatever bitterness that exists between him and Tiger should be in the past by now," said Graeme McDowell, one of several players at the party. "It's unfortunate that it's going to rear its head again."

Williams, still angered over getting fired by Woods this summer, was working for Adam Scott when he won the Bridgestone Invitational. That tournament also was the first time Woods played since splitting with his caddie. Williams gave a TV interview on the 18th green and called it "the best win of my life," even though he had been on the bag for 13 majors with Woods.

Friday night, the host called Williams to the stage to collect his award and asked him to explain his enthusiasm. Williams, with a smirk, leaned toward the microphone and said, "It was my aim to shove it right up that black (expletive)."

On a night filled with banter and off-color remarks, this one was a show-stopper.

Williams later issued a statement apologizing to Woods. That was good enough for Scott, who said he had no plans to fire his caddie.

"I think everything in that room (Friday) night was all in good spirits and for a bit of fun," Scott said Saturday at the HSBC Champions. "And I think it probably got taken out of that room in the wrong context."

Woods was in Australia, though it didn't take long for the comments to get to him.

"I was with Tiger (Friday) night when he heard the news," agent Mark Steinberg said. "We got multiple calls from people who sounded like they were leaving the caddie party. Tiger obviously wasn't there. He doesn't know exactly what was said. But if multiple reports — which all seem to be accurate — are true, then it's sad it's come down to this."

PGA: Starting the third round with the lead, Fredrik Jacobson kept his mistakes to a minimum, knocked in long birdie putts on consecutive holes and wound up with 5-under 67 and a two-shot lead at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

Jacobson broke by two shots the 54-hole tournament record and was at 16-under 200 as he tries to win for the second time this year. Two shots behind was Louis Oosthuizen, who birdied his last hole for 68.

CHAMPIONS: Jay Don Blake shot 5-under 66 to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the tour's season-ending Charles Schwab Championship in San Francisco. Blake had five birdies in his bogey-free round and finished at 8 under. Jay Haas shot a 67 to join Michael Allen (69) and David Frost (69) at 6 under.

LPGA: Japan's Momoko Ueda had six birdies on the back nine in an 8-under 64 to take a three-stroke lead after the second round of the Mizuno Classic in Shima, Japan. Ueda finished at 13-under 131, ahead of Japan's Sakura Yokomine.

By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 5, 2011

We momentarily interrupt our regular football coverage for some futbol coverage. As if on tip-toe, soccer season has snuck upon us from behind and free-kicked us to full attention. With eyes wide open, we've discovered most of east Hillsborough is rebuilding, the private-school stalwarts are replenishing and the noise some programs are making in the county's northwest corner is resounding. On the eve of the regular season's commencement, we take a crack at projecting the top sides, strikers, sweepers and story lines of the 2011-12 season.

Preseason top five

1. Jesuit

Venerable coach Bob Bauman calls it a rebuilding year, which we're not buying for a second. Sure, the Tigers graduated 15 seniors, but prolific forward Brett Durrance is back and the youngsters around him are astounding.

2. Tampa Prep

The talent is in place for the Terrapins to make a run at their fifth state title in eight seasons. Coach Doug Smith welcomed at least two impact transfers who should fortify a returning nucleus led by sleek forward Jordan Hayes.

3. Steinbrenner

The Warriors would rank even higher were it not for standout forward Oli Ortiz's recent move to Texas. Nonetheless, coach Chad Ebright's club possesses the skill and depth to beat out Sickles and Gaither for the title in the newly aligned Class 4A, District 8.

4. Sickles

The Gryphons had only four seniors on last season's team, which stunned Gaither 3-1 in the district final. The most talented returner is senior forward Carlos Rodriguez, who should emerge as one of the county's best players.

5. Bloomingdale

Despite the loss of scorer Tevin Gage, the Bulls may be better than last year's 15-win team. The entire defense is back, led by keeper Austin Spagnola, and the front has balanced scoring.

Scorers to watch ...

Jacob Brumbeloe, Sr., Durant. Top scorer (19 goals) for Class 5A state runnerup

Felipe DeSousa, Sr., Wharton: Scored 15 goals in only 13 games last season

Brett Durrance, Sr., Jesuit. NSCAA all-South selection had 31 goals as a junior

Matt Firestine, Sr., Bloomingdale. 12-goal scorer may have strongest leg in county

Conner Fleming, Sr., Steinbrenner. 16 goals as junior; dazzled in Olympic Development Program action during offseason

Jordan Hayes, Sr., Tampa Prep. Big-time college prospect scored 18 goals last winter

Carlos Rodriguez, Sr., Sickles. Nearly half his 14 goals last year came against high-caliber sides

But defense wins titles, so keep an eye on ...

Chris Conlon, Sr., Jesuit. Could shine at sweeper after scoring nine goals last year

Keenan Kushner, Jr., Wharton. 'Cats keeper tallied 12 saves in district final triumph

Macsen Pritchard, Jr., Tampa Prep. Terps' point guard from right-back spot

Jacob Snidle, Sr., Gaither. Rebounded from two knee surgeries to become team's field general

Austin Spagnola, Sr., Bloomingdale. Six-foot-3 keeper boasted 1.12 goals-against average as a junior

By the numbers

1 Goals that Tampa Prep sophomore Michael Spezza, a move-in from Naples, scored in a scrimmage against the under-17 national team

4 Sets of brothers on Steinbrenner's team

6 Victories needed by Cambridge coach Kevin Hickinbotham to reach 250 for his career

New districts

5A-7: Alonso, Bloomingdale, Durant, Newsome, Plant, Riverview, Wharton

4A-8: Chamberlain, Freedom, Gaither, Steinbrenner, Sickles, Wiregrass Ranch

4A-9: Armwood, Brandon, East Bay, Hillsborough, Plant City, Strawberry Crest, TBT

3A-9: Blake, Jefferson, Jesuit, King, Lennard, Leto, Middleton, Robinson, Spoto

2A-9: Berkeley Prep, Clearwater Central Catholic, St. Petersburg Catholic, Tampa Catholic

1A-7: Academy at the Lakes, Bishop McLaughlin, Calvary Christian, Cambridge, Carrollwood Day, Citrus Park, Indian Rocks Christian, Seffner Christian, Tampa Prep

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Tyler Wilson threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns as No. 8 Arkansas held on for a 44-28 win Saturday over No. 10 South Carolina.

Jarius Wright added four catches for 103 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and Dennis Johnson had a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown for the Razorbacks, who won their fifth in a row.

Arkansas (8-1, 4-1 SEC) outgained the Gamecocks (7-2, 5-2) 435-207, but a pair of missed field goals and dropped passes kept the Razorbacks from securing the win until late.

The Razorbacks led 24-14 at halftime, but South Carolina pulled within 30-28 early in the fourth quarter on a touchdown run by quarterback Connor Shaw.

Arkansas answered with a pair of late touchdown runs by Ronnie Wingo and Broderick Green to keep their hopes alive for a BCS bowl game.

Shaw, playing in his third game since former Jefferson High standout Stephen Garcia was dismissed from the team, struggled throughout against a Razorbacks defense that had five sacks. The sophomore was knocked out of the game late after Jake Bequette sacked him for the third time.

Arkansas moved the ball consistently against the SEC's third-best defense, but it continually bogged down near the goal line.

Murray, Georgia roll

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray threw five second-quarter touchdowns, and former walk-on Brandon Harton ran for 98 yards as No. 18 Georgia won its seventh straight, 63-16 over New Mexico State.

"Our coaches are doing a great job of spreading the ball around and making sure defenses stay fair and conscious that anybody can catch the ball at any given time," said Murray, a graduate of Tampa's Plant High.

Murray, who played only the first half, completed 18 of 23 passes for 238 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Bulldogs hadn't scored 63 points since beating Northeast Louisiana in 1994. Their 627 yards of offense were their most since 1993 against Southern Miss.

Tenn. 24, Mid. Tenn. 0: After struggling on offense in four consecutive losses to SEC teams, Tauren Poole ran for two touchdowns as the host Vols blanked the Blue Raiders. Freshman Justin Worley, who threw for just 105 yards in his first start, finished 23-for-32 for 291 yards and a 47-yard touchdown to Da'Rick Rogers as the Vols went up 14-0. Rogers caught the ball nine times for 137 yards and one score.

Kentucky 30, Ole Miss 13: Maxwell Smith threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns for the host Wildcats. The freshman started for the injured Morgan Newton and gave Kentucky a 16-13 lead with a 38-yard touchdown to La'Rod King 2:38 into the fourth. After a Rebels punt, Smith's 56-yard pass to King set up an 8-yard touchdown pass to Gene McCaskill.

Miss. St. 55, Tenn.-Martin 17: Vick Ballard rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns to lead the host Bulldogs, who posted 570 yards of total offense and averaged 8.3 yards per play. The Skyhawks racked up 454 offensive yards, but struggled on third down. Bulldogs quarterbacks Tyler Russell and Chris Relf each threw a touchdown pass in the first half as Mississippi State led 28-3.

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

ATHENS, Ga. — Even without his top three tailbacks, Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray had plenty of weapons to help the Bulldogs score.

Murray threw five second-quarter touchdowns and former walk-on Brandon Harton ran for 98 yards as No. 18 Georgia won its seventh straight, 63-16 over New Mexico State on Saturday.

"Our coaches are doing a great job of spreading the ball around and making sure defenses stay fair and conscious that anybody can catch the ball at any given time," Murray said.

The Bulldogs turned to Harton after Isaiah Crowell and Carlton Thomas were suspended one game for failing a drug test. Georgia also was without top reserve tailback Richard Samuel because of ankle surgery.

But with Murray, a graduate of Tampa's Plant High, running the offense, Georgia had little reason for concern. Murray, who played only the first half, completed 18 of 23 passes for 238 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Bulldogs hadn't scored 63 points since beating Northeast Louisiana in 1994. Their 627 yards of offense were their most since 1993 against Southern Miss. And nine Bulldogs scored a touchdown.

"It's gratifying to see that many guys who don't normally have an opportunity to get in the game," coach Mark Richt said. "We got to spread it around, so some of them scored for the first time in their career. And that had to be a lot of fun for them."

Harton had not taken a snap since a blowout win over I-AA Coastal Carolina on Sept. 17. He lost a fumble on his first carry, a 9-yard run to the Aggies 3, before redeeming himself with a 4-yard touchdown that made it 14-3 early in the second quarter.

Tyler Stampler's 24-yard field goal early in the second for New Mexico State made it 7-3. But Georgia scored touchdowns on its next six possessions to take a 49-3 halftime lead.

Aron White had to jump over and around members of Georgia's Redcoat Marching Band after he caught a 6-yard touchdown with nine seconds left in the first half. After the game, he was still holding a piece of Sanford Stadium's hedges he plucked after the touchdown.

Murray left the stadium feeling rested and excited as if he had played in a scrimmage.

"I don't think I got touched one time by their defense," he said with a smile. "I had the QB sneak, but I just fell on that one. It was a great offensive performance.

"Our guys took the opportunity to get better, and we definitely did that."

Kentucky 30, Ole Miss 13: Maxwell Smith threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns for the host Wildcats. The freshman started for the injured Morgan Newton and gave Kentucky a 16-13 lead with a 38-yard touchdown to La'Rod King 2:38 into the fourth. After a Rebels punt, Smith's 56-yard pass to King set up an 8-yard touchdown pass to Gene McCaskill. "In the beginning of the game, I was a little bit nervous," Smith said. "But Coach (Joker Phillips) told me we have to get a touchdown so we can relax a bit. Fortunately, we got that (rushing touchdown in the second quarter), and then we started having a lot more fun. That opened it up for me."

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, November 5, 2011

GAINESVILLE — To the rest of the world, this was probably worth a few giggles.

The once-proud stadium with empty seats and little expectation. The homecoming victory rescued by the inexplicable cessation of pass interference rules.

The Florida Gators coming oh-so-close to their first five-game losing streak in 32 years and their first potential loss at home to this particular opponent since 1945.

The entire afternoon had a vibe of poetic comeuppance. It just felt like the right time to make fun of a program that wears its arrogance on countless orange and blue sleeves.

Except, sometimes we forget about the young men actually playing the game.

This is what you might have noticed as UF players filed out of their locker room Saturday afternoon. This is what might have stuck with you when they talked about dancing and hollering and celebrating a 26-21 victory against Vanderbilt.

Yes, Vanderbilt.

"Ecstatic," said defensive end Earl Okine. "Everybody was very happy. Relieved. All of the above."

"It was crazy," safety Matt Elam said of the locker room celebration. "We were ready to get that W."

Florida does not need your pity. And Gator fans should not expect any slack.

When you have taken up residence near the top of the mountain as UF has done for the past two decades, you have to expect some pain when you finally lose your footing.

And make no mistake, this is Florida hitting some long forgotten lows. This is worse than the Ron Zook era. This is worse than Urban Meyer's final season. This is far worse than anything that ever happened during Steve Spurrier's watch.

The Gators are too young, too thin, too mismanaged, too something. The offense has no identity whatsoever. It's not a true spread passing attack, and it's not a power running game. The defense rarely forces turnovers and doesn't overwhelm at the line.

There are reasons, or excuses if you prefer. But the bottom line is the Gators are no one's idea of dangerous.

For the moment, they are the bridge between the upper crust and the impoverished in the SEC. They have lost all four times when facing a team with a winning record in the league. And now they have won three times when facing losing teams.

That is pretty much the definition of mediocrity, and that is a description with which the Gators have been largely unfamiliar since 1990.

"We're building our battle scars right now. We've got a bunch," said first-year coach Will Muschamp. "We will benefit from the tough times we're traveling through. People better enjoy it while they've got it."

Vanderbilt, which had lost 20 consecutive games against Florida, did its best to take advantage on Saturday. After falling behind 17-0, the Commodores nearly made up the entire deficit in the final 20 minutes.

Along the way, they were on the wrong end of two fairly obvious pass interference penalties that somehow were not called against UF defenders.

The second, on third and 8 in Florida territory, forced a Vanderbilt punt that eventually led to UF's winning score.

"My job is to coach the team. I'm going to do my job very, very well," Vanderbilt coach James Franklin said when asked about the second noncall. "The other stuff I can't control, and I'm going to leave it at that."

And so, in the end, Florida still has a chance to salvage something from this season. A win next week in South Carolina could even change the tenor of the conversation.

"We needed a win," said linebacker Jonathan Bostic. "We needed to turn everything back around."

This season will never be special, and it will hardly be memorable, but that doesn't make it completely hopeless. Saturday's victory means a bowl game is a near certainty. And a signature victory against South Carolina or Florida State is still a possibility.

Perhaps a long shot but a possibility.

During Friday night's team dinner, the Gators had nearly two dozen former team captains back in town for homecoming.

"They kept stressing that, 'Y'all only have three more times to run out of that tunnel,' " said quarterback John Brantley. "We've got to cherish these moments."

Maybe, in retrospect, that will be the saving grace of this season.

A lesson in appreciation. In understanding empathy.

In humility.

Times staff, wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

Tennis

Djokovic upset; Federer in final

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic was upset in the Swiss Indoors semifinals, losing 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-0 to Kei Nishikori in Basel. In today's final, Nishikori plays Roger Federer, who beat Stanislas Wawrinka.

Colleges

USF beats Tampa in basketball exhibition

TAMPA — USF rolled Tampa 75-43 in an exhibition at the Bob Martinez Sports Center. "I was expecting us to come out ready to go," Bulls coach Stan Heath said. "I think the guys were excited to play somebody else." Augustus Gilchrist led the Bulls with 21 points. Stefon Barfield and Ashton Graham scored 11 each for UT.

CROSS COUNTRY: The Tampa women won the NCAA South Region in Dover, and the men placed second, earning each a spot in the Division II nationals. Senior Heather Nicolosi, a former Seminole High standout, set a course record with her first-place finish in the 6K.

Tennis: Florida's Joanna Mather reached the final of the USTA/ITA indoor nationals in Flushing, N.Y., upsetting No. 2 seed Nicole Gibbs of Stanford 6-3, 6-1. Mather faces SMU's Marta Lesniak today.

et cetera

NBA: Owners and players resumed negotiations with federal mediator George Cohen in New York and met for more than six hours. Charlotte owner Michael Jordan joined them.

Soccer: Manchester United beat Sunderland 1-0 in the English Premier League to mark Alex Ferguson's 25th anniversary as manager.

Greyhounds: Flying Marvelous and Se's Chewie won third-round qualifiers in the $20,000 Fall Juvenile at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg.

Ian Lanphier and Don Jensen, Times correspondents; wires

Boxing

Ex-Champ frazier has liver cancer

PHILADELPHIA — Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier has liver cancer and is under hospice care in serious condition. Frazier, 67, was diagnosed four or five weeks ago, his manager, Leslie Wolff, said Saturday.

"We have medical experts looking into all the options that are out there," Wolff said. "There are very few. … We're looking for some miracles." Wolff said Frazier had been in out and out of the hospital since early October and receiving hospice treatment the past week.

"He's one of the greatest fighters of his generation and one of the best heavyweights in history," leading British promoter Frank Warren said. " … I know everyone in boxing will be wishing him well."

Frazier was the first to beat Muhammad Ali, knocking him down and taking a decision in the so-called Fight of the Century in 1971. He lost two more fights to Ali, including the epic "Thrilla in Manila" bout. Frazier was bitter for many years about the way Ali treated him then. More recently, he said he had forgiven Ali for repeatedly taunting him.

lightweights: Ricky Burns earned his second world title, easily outpointing Michael Katsidis in London for the interim WBO title. Burns relinquished the WBO super-featherweight title to make his lightweight debut.

By Eduardo A. Encina, Laura Keeley and Joey Knight, Times Staff Writers
Saturday, November 5, 2011

What we learned

1. Newsome's ability to adapt is impressive. Granted the Wolves' run of three district titles ended this season, but this might be Newsome coach Ken Hiscock's best coaching job yet. With his team struggling, he tweaked his wing-T offense, putting QB Will Worth in the shotgun and let him carry the Wolves to two straight wins, including a monumental 28-13 victory over Plant City.

2. Berkeley Prep will contend for a state title. The talent of the Buccaneers offense, led by super athlete Nelson Agholor, is well-documented, but the defense is capable of winning a Class 3A championship, too. Berkeley Prep limited Tampa Catholic, a team that had been averaging 326 offensive yards per game, to only 150, including an average of less than a yard per carry. Agholor said the goal is for this team to keep playing until mid-December, and if the defense can hold up its end of the bargain, we can see this goal being achieved.

Looking ahead

Robinson (8-1) at Plant (8-1). The annual battle for South Tampa is the week's only matchup featuring playoff-bound teams and will be a nice measuring stick for the Knights, a team that flew under the radar for most of the season.

Tampa Catholic (6-3) at Jesuit (8-1). TC fans will wake up in cold sweats this week. Rival Jesuit has beaten them 11 straight years.

Jefferson (5-4) at Brandon (5-4). Despite their rough starts, these are two of the county's hottest teams going into the final week. The Dragons have won four straight and the Eagles four of five.

Plant City (7-2) at Tampa Bay Tech (6-3). Before TBT faces 7A-8 runnerup Brandon, the Titans get this tuneup against the team that looked like a sure bet to win that district just two weeks ago.

By the numbers

11 Rushing yards by Plant City vs. Newsome. The Raiders went into the night averaging 158.7 yards on the ground

0 Number of times Newsome seniors lost to Plant City in their careers

3 Consecutive district titles for Tampa Bay Tech

2 The total playoff berths in TBT history (established 1969) before this three-year streak began

8 Years since Durant won its last district title (2003)

Audibles

"I knew we could put in all 48 minutes. Just four quarters and we have all weekend to rest." — Newsome QB/LB Will Worth, who played every snap of the 28-13 win over Plant City

"There's a lot of youngsters on this team, and there's some really hard lessons being taught, but as long as I've been doing this, I'm learning some lessons, too." — TC coach Bob Henriquez, whose team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2004

Looking further ahead

Now that all the playoff spots are set, we take a look at the region quarterfinal games in two weeks and rank the matchups we're most excited about.

1. Hillsborough at Largo. This will be the third straight year these teams meet in the region quarters. We like the Terriers' chances in the rubber match.

2. Robinson at Orlando Bishop Moore. The Knights will likely go into this matchup with the 9-1 Hornets as an underdog, but that plays right into Robinson coach Mike DePue's hands.

3. Brandon at Tampa Bay Tech. Brandon is a team begging to be underestimated, and the Eagles have snared several upsets in that trap this season.

4. Gaither at Durant. Both these area teams have been waiting for years to end their playoff win droughts — Gaither since 2007 and Durant since 2003, when the Cougars went all the way to the 5A state semifinals.

5. Port Orange Atlantic at Jesuit. As the fifth-ranked team in 5A, the Tigers, winners of eight straight, shouldn't have to sweat too hard to pull out this first-round matchup.

6. Orlando Boone at Plant. The Panthers are unbeaten in the region quarters (6-0) under coach Robert Weiner.

7. Wharton at Orlando Dr. Phillips. The Wildcats have won four straight, but we're not sure they have enough ammo for the sixth-ranked team in Class 8A.

8. Lakewood Ranch at Armwood. Good luck, Mustangs. There will be a lovely parting gift for you at the door.

9. TBD at Berkeley Prep. From our vantage point, there's a three-way tie for the 3A-6 runnerup spot between Lakeland Christian, Frostproof and Sarasota Cardinal Mooney. Few have challenged the Bucs so far this season, so regardless of their opponent, we expect much of the same in this matchup.

Game balls

RB Nelson Agholor, Berkeley Prep. The area's top recruit ran for a season-high 312 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries as the Buccaneers sealed the 3A-5 district title with a 28-0 shutout of Tampa Catholic.

CB Major Bloom, Tampa Bay Tech. This Titan had two of his team's four interceptions in its 17-14 district title-clinching triumph against Gaither.

Jefferson defense. It only allowed 32 yards total offense and no touchdowns to Strawberry Crest in a 48-7 romp.

RB Xavier Johnson, Chamberlain. The junior ran for 262 yards and two touchdown on 32 carries, but it wasn't enough to end head coach Joseph Severino's career with a victory as the Chiefs lost to Steinbrenner 34-27 in overtime.

QB/LB Will Worth, Newsome. The Wolves senior did it all — rushing for 306 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries, throwing for another score, playing every defensive down and booting Plant City from the playoff picture — in Newsome's 28-13 win over the Raiders.

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

Dan Duquette, the former Expos and Red Sox general manager who has been out of baseball since 2002, is close to being named Orioles GM, ESPN.com reported Saturday.

Duquette interviewed in Baltimore on Friday and was traveling to Baltimore on Saturday to finalize a contract, according to the website.

The Orioles had been looking for a new GM since Andy MacPhail resigned in early October. Several candidates had declined to be interviewed, and Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava, who was offered the job last week, decided to stay in Toronto. Baltimore also interviewed Jerry Dipoto, who took the Angels' job.

Duquette, 53, was one of the architects of the Expos team that dominated the National League in 1994, a season cut short during a labor dispute when owners canceled the postseason. He was Boston's GM for eight years until he was fired in 2002.

Since then, Duquette has worked with various minor-league operations and currently runs the Dan Duquette Sports Academy in Hinsdale, Mass. He also interviewed this winter for the Angels' position.

THOME SIGNS: Jim Thome wants his second stint in Philadelphia to come with the World Series title he missed the first time around.

Thome, 41, agreed to a $1.25 million, one-year contract to join the franchise for a second time. As a DH for the Twins and Indians, he hit .256 with a .361 on-base percentage and a .477 slugging percentage in 93 games last season.

"Every player sees the way the Phillies have done things," said Thome, who played for Philadelphia from 2003-05. "They've set the bar very, very high."

MADDUX IN DEMAND: Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux is scheduled to interview this week for the managerial jobs with the Red Sox and Cubs, Fox Sports reported. Maddux, who has worked with Texas for three seasons and was the Brewers' pitching coach from 2003-08, is set to meet with Boston on Tuesday and Chicago on Wednesday.

RAISING CASH: The Mets are trying to sell minority shares of the team in the form of loans, the New York Post reported. An investor who purchases a $20 million or $30 million share of the team would be given 3 percent interest per year for six years, according to the Post. Then the investor would be able to recover his principal and the accumulated interest.

FIGHT OFF: Lenny Dykstra, 48, backed out of a scheduled celebrity pay-per-view boxing match with Jose Canseco, 47. No reason was given.

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

MIAMI — Lamar Miller backed up his words, and ran into the Miami history books.

Days after predicting this would be the weekend he topped the 1,000-yard mark, Miller rushed for 147 yards — giving him 1,016 for the season — and two touchdowns, leading Miami to a 49-14 win over Duke on Saturday.

Miller is UM's first 1,000-yard back since Willis McGahee in 2002.

"Feels very good," Miller said. "… I've been working hard throughout the offseason and the offensive line has been doing a great job of giving me the opportunity to make big runs."

Jacory Harris passed for three first-half scores for Miami and the Hurricanes scored touchdowns on their first five possessions in improving to 7-0 against Duke since joining the ACC.

Sean Renfree threw for 181 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score for Duke, which lost for the 44th time in its past 48 ACC road games.

"I said all week long one word describes Miami — dangerous," Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe said. "They're a dangerous football team."

Miami needed only five plays to march 78 yards for the first score, a 1-yard Harris pass to Chase Ford — capping a drive that got done faster than the officials' review of the scoring play. On their second drive the Hurricanes broke out a slew of offensive surprises, like putting Stephen Morris in briefly at quarterback and running Mike James out of the wildcat formation.

"I thought we played all four quarters and in all three phases," Miami coach Al Golden said. "Real pleased with the effort."

Harris passed for 202 yards for Miami, which rolled up 467 yards.

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — "Battle of the Sexes" was sooooo last year.

"Battle of the Exes" is how this year's Breeders' Cup Classic played out when Mike Smith, dressed in white to ride Drosselmeyer under the lights, appeared out of nowhere and beat his front-running ex to the wire aboard Game On Dude.

"I saw white, and I said, 'You've got to be kidding me. Mike Smith. Ugh,' " jockey Chantal Sutherland said.

Drosselmeyer, a 14-1 long shot, won the $5 million Classic by 1½ lengths Saturday at Churchill Downs, capping a weekend of upsets in the season-ending championships.

A year ago, Smith walked off the track in tears after losing the same race by a head aboard superstar Zenyatta, the horse's only loss in her 20-race career.

"Last year I sat here just devastated, thought my life was over," he said. "Just to come back and have a day like I did (Saturday) and to win the race that I got beat in last year, it's just amazing."

Smith and Sutherland, together on and off for six years and once engaged, broke up in 2010 but remain civil, even taking part in a "Battle of the Exes" match race at Del Mar in August to promote the sport.

Then, and now, Smith was the winner.

Smith was asked how it felt to beat Sutherland, and before he could reply, winning trainer Bill Mott injected, "Hey, it felt really, really good."

Smith said: "I turned the page a long time ago. I wish everyone else would."

Still, Smith congratulated Sutherland as they came off the track. The exacta of exes paid $444.80.

"She should hold her head up," Smith said. "She did a great job and ran second in the Classic first time ever riding in it. I think it's incredible. I think she's pretty proud. She should be happy."

Drosselmeyer ran 1¼ miles in 2 minutes, 4.27 seconds and paid $31.60 to win. Ruler On Ice, this year's Belmont Stakes winner, was third.

"(Drosselmeyer) was mowing them down the last eighth of a mile," Mott said. "I guess his biggest attribute is his stamina, and he showed it (Saturday)."

Filly Havre de Grace, the 4-1 second choice, finished fourth against the boys. Flat Out, the 7-2 favorite, was fifth for 70-year-old trainer Scooter Dickey.

So You Think, the 5-1 co-third choice with Uncle Mo, was sixth. To Honor and Serve, with 2005-06 Tampa Bay Downs riding champion Jose Lezcano on board, was seventh, followed by Ice Box, Rattlesnake Bridge, Uncle Mo, Stay Thirsty and Headache.

Mott swept the weekend's top two races, winning the $2 million Ladies' Classic with Royal Delta and Lezcano on Friday. Smith tied Jerry Bailey with his 15th Breeders' Cup victory after winning the Sprint earlier Saturday.

Sutherland appeared on her way to becoming the first female jockey to win North America's richest race.

"I'm very happy for Mike because he taught me so much," she said. "That's his 15th Breeders' Cup, so he's a pretty good rider."

Bob Baffert, who trains Game On Dude, said, "I can't believe she got beat by Mike Smith."

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Mitchell's Mazie Siddens won the 100-yard butterfly in 59.06 seconds to qualify for state and then placed second in the 200 individual medley to post the best individual performance among North Suncoast swimmers at the Class 2A, Region 2 meet Saturday at the YMCA Aquatic Center in Orlando.

The top finisher in each swimming event at each region meet, as well as the next-best overall times among the four region meets for a field of 24, qualify for the state meet Nov. 12 at the YMCA Aquatic Center in Orlando.

Siddens helped the Mustangs place fifth in the 200 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay. She will be joined at state by freshman Taylor Anderson, who won the 50 freestyle (24.54 seconds). Amanda Maser finished second in diving to help the Mustangs girls finish fifth with 173 points. Gainesville swept the meet titles.

Krystin Demsher was second in the 100 butterfly (1:00.42) for Land O'Lakes, which finished eighth.

In the boys events, Austin Wachsman and Taylor Ellis took third and fourth in diving to help Sunlake tie with Land O'Lakes for fifth place with 149 points. Seahawks senior Austin Van Vliet placed second in the 100 free (48.72) and joined Juan Lopez, Daniel Sarrett and Terence St. Onge on the third-place 200 medley relay.

Gulf's Hunter Swartsel won the 100 freestyle (48.26) to get a state berth and was third in the 100 breast.

Mitchell junior Devin McCaffrey was second in the 100 butterfly (51.99) and third in the 100 breaststroke (1:00.34).

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

BOCA RATON — Ryan Aplin ran for four touchdowns and passed for one as Arkansas State defeated Florida Atlantic 39-21 on Saturday to extend its losing streak to 11 (dating to last season).

The Owls took a 21-18 lead in the third on an 18-yard pass from Graham Wilbert to Derek Moise. But the Red Wolves went ahead 25-21 2:18 later on a 7-yard pass from Aplin to Taylor Stockemer. Aplin added touchdown runs of 3 and 1 yard.

Western Ky. 10, FIU 9: Casey Tinius' 34-yard field goal as time expired lifted the host Hilltoppers. Down 9-7, Western Kentucky took over at its 47 with 1:42 left. On third and 10, Kawaun Jakes hit Bobby Rainey for 12 yards, and a personal foul added 15 yards.

FAMU 26, N.C. A&T 20: Trevor Scott made four field goals for the host Rattlers, who sealed it on John Williams' interception in the end zone on the final play.

Bethune-Cookman 49, Morgan St. 23: Down 10-7 in the second quarter, the host Wildcats scored 35 in a row. Johnathan Moment scored on runs of 28 and 3 yards, Jackie Wilson 4 and 45 and Isidore Jackson 21.

Drake 31, Jacksonville 24: Pat Cashmore rushed for 160 yards and two touchdowns, including a 4-yarder with 21 seconds left, for the host Bulldogs (8-2, 6-1 Pioneer League). The Dolphins (6-3, 5-1) had won 16 consecutive conference games.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 5, 2011

. Today

Lightning at Panthers

When/where: 5; Bank­Atlantic Center, Sunrise

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM

Key stats: Lightning C Vinny Lecavalier entered Saturday with a league-best four winning goals. … D Marc-Andre Bergeron led the league with 13 assists and all defensemen with 15 points. … Florida's power play is an underwhelming 3-for-24 (12.5 percent) in its past eight games. Its penalty kill is a poor 15-for-23 (66.6 percent) in its past nine.

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — An explosive sex abuse scandal and possible coverup rocked "Happy Valley" on Saturday when former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, once considered Joe Paterno's heir apparent, was charged with sexually assaulting eight boys over a 15-year period.

Among the allegations was a 2002 incident in which a graduate assistant for the team said he saw Sandusky assault a boy in the shower at the Nittany Lions' practice center.

Sandusky retired in 1999 but continued to use the school's facilities for his work with The Second Mile, a foundation he established to help at-risk kids.

The state grand jury investigation also resulted in perjury charges against Tim Curley, Penn State's athletic director, and Gary Schultz, vice president for finance and business. The two were accused of failing to alert police — as required by state law — of their investigation of the allegations.

Paterno, 84, the winningest coach in Division I football, was not charged, and the grand jury report did not appear to implicate him in wrongdoing. He will be a prosecution witness against Sandusky, the Harrisburg Patriot-News reported.

"This is a case about a sexual predator who used his position within the university and community to repeatedly prey on young boys," Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly said.

Under Paterno's 46 seasons, the Nittany Lions became a bedrock in the college game and fans packed the stadium in State College, a campus town routinely ranked among America's best places to live and nicknamed "Happy Valley." His teams were revered for winning and largely steering clear of trouble. Sandusky spent three decades at the school. The charges against him cover the period between 1994 and 2009.

Sandusky, 67, was arrested Saturday and released on $100,000 bail after being arraigned on 40 criminal counts. Curley, 57, and Schultz, 62, were expected to turn themselves in on Monday.

The allegations against Sandusky, who started The Second Mile in 1977, range from sexual touching to oral and anal sex. The young men testified before a state grand jury that they were in their early teens when some of the abuse occurred; there's evidence even younger children might've been victimized. Defense attorney Joe Amendola said Sandusky has been aware of the accusations for years and maintains his innocence.

"He's shaky, as you can expect," Amendola told WJAC-TV after Sandusky was arraigned. "Being 67 years old, never having faced criminal charges in his life, and having the distinguished career that he's had, these are very serious allegations."

One accuser, now 27, testified that he traveled to Penn State games with Sandusky, even being listed as a member of the Sandusky family party for the 1998 Outback Bowl in Tampa.

Lawyers for Curley and Schultz issued statements saying their clients are innocent of all charges.

Penn State president Graham Spanier called the allegations against Sandusky "troubling" but added that Curley and Schultz had his unconditional support.

He predicted they will be exonerated.

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 5, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — After sweeping the team titles at the district meet last week, Osceola's depth thinned out at Saturday's Class 2A, Region 3 meet at the North Shore Pool, so much that the Warriors focused on individual titles and state berths rather than overall championships.

The Osceola girls were the runnersup with 366.5 points, nearly 100 behind defending champion Academy of the Holy Names. Osceola's boys were sixth with 145.5 points.

"It was going to be tough to win, especially among the boys because we lost so many strong swimmers from last year," Warriors coach Karen Smalley said. "But I thought we still swam well and had some great times."

The top finisher in each swimming event at each region meet, as well as the next-best overall times among the four region meets for a field of 24, qualify for the state meet Nov. 12 at the YMCA Aquatic Center in Orlando.

Osceola's Calvin Bryant won the 200 free in 1:47.67 and the 500 free (4:42.76). He set a school record in the 500 free with his time in the preliminaries.

On the girls side, the Warriors' 200 medley relay of Alexandria Wittman, Nicole Koda, Ashley Wiser and Rose O'Connell won in 1:54.59. Wiser also took first in the 100 fly in a personal-best 59.58 seconds.

Lakewood's Madalyn Golightly won diving (434.05 points) and Rebecca Halfast won the 100 back (1:00.81).

Tarpon Springs' Kelsey Buckley, the defending champion in the 200 individual medley, won the event in 2:09.20 and took first in the 100 free in 52.36.

Jesuit defended its boys title with 348 points. The Tigers had just two individual winners: Chris Swanson in the 200 individual medley (1:59.97) and Thompson Marston in the 100 back (56.01). But Jesuit gobbled up points with plenty of top-eight finishes in each event. They also had each relay place in the top four.

Academy of the Holy Names won the girls title on the strength of its relays, though Clare Fleming won the 50 free (24.56) and Margret Shumake won the 100 breaststroke (1:08.63).

Class 2A, Region 3 at North Shore Pool

Girls team scores: Academy of the Holy Names 466, Osceola 346.5, Lakewood Ranch 265, Tarpon Springs 163, Sickles 156, Harmony 134, Hillsborough 88, Lemon Bay 82, Lakewood 76, King 59, Winter Haven 58, Strawberry Crest 51, Dunedin 50.5, Largo 50, Lakeland 44, Sebring 43, Robinson 39, Spoto 34, Lake Region 32, St. Cloud 31, Boca Ciega 20, Tenoroc 15, Haines City 6, Lennard 4.

Results: 200 medley relay - Osceola (Wittman, Koda, Wiser, O'Connell) 1:54.59, Lakewood Ranch (Panzarino, Baker, Sauer, Vogel) 1:55.08, Academy of the Holy Names (Litschgi, Shumake, Timmons, Cogdill) 1:56.13, Tarpon Springs (Buckley, Shirley, Veheyheweyhen, Fleming) 2:01.69; 200 free - Valley (LR) 1:51.87, Wittman (Osc) 1:55.82, Gallastegui (SC) 1:58.84, Dawson (AHN) 2:02.08; 200 IM - Buckley (TS) 2:09.20, Nuyianes (AHN) 2:14.15, Koda (Osc) 2:16.12, Birk (King) 2:19.94; 50 free - Fleming (AHN) 24.56, Graves (Spo) 24.73, Cattermole (LB) 25.05, Green (AHN) 25.19; Diving - Golightly (Lw) 434.05, Iannello (Osc) 377.70, Emery (357.20, Crall (AHN) 350.05; 100 fly - Wiser (Osc) 59.58, Sauer (LR) 59.68, O'Connell (Osc) 59.92, Vogel (LR) 1:01.36; 100 free - Buckley (TS) 52.36, Graves (Spo) 53.11, Fleming (AHN) 53.61, Litschgi (AHN) 54.14; 500 free - Valley (LR) 4:54.48, Wittman (Osc) 5:07.44, Gallastegui (SC) 5:09.57, Nuyianes (AHN) 5:23.09; 200 free relay - Academy of the Holy Names (Green, Brewer, Cogdill, Fleming) 1:40.92, Lakewood Ranch (Vogel, Sauer, Baker, Valley) 1:42.37, Sickles (Krems, Ocampo, Johnson, Rose) 1:47.53, Tarpon Springs (Buckley, Shirley, Fleming, Veyeyheweyhen) 1:48.92; 100 back - Halfast (Lw) 1:00.81, Litschgi (AHN) 1:02.14, Birk (Ki) 1:02.32, Panzarino (LR) 1:04.85; 100 breast - Shumake (AHN) 1:08.63, Koda (Osc) 1:09.07, Cogdill (AHN) 1:10.67, Baker (LR) 1:10.76; 400 free relay - Academy of Holy Names (Green, Brewer, Litschgi, Fleming) 3:39.50, Lakewood Ranch (Valley, Vogel, Sauer, Baker) 3:43.49, Osceola (Wittman, Wiser, Nesto, Koda) 3:43.49, Harmony (Saute, Missigman, Watson, Davis) 4:06.46.

Boys team scores: Jesuit 348, Harmony 272.5, Lakewood Ranch 267, Winter Haven 215.5, Lakeland 163, Osceola 162.5, King 145.5, Lemon Bay 111, Robinson 91, Lakewood 79, Hillsborough 66, Sickles 61, Tarpon Springs 59, Sebring 31, Dunedin 29, Southeast 28, Strawberry Crest 28, Haines City 27, Bayshore 21, Spoto 19, Boca Ciega 14, Gibbs 14, St. Cloud 11, Auburndale 9, Largo 8.

Results: 200 medley relay - Winter Haven (Kendall, Smons, L. Kendall, Lambert) 1:40.46, Jesuit (Marston, Sellers, Swanson, Jennings) 1:41.26, Harmony (Roberts, Graber, Steele, Howard) 1:42.27; 200 free - Bryant (Osc) 1:47.67, Mungall (Har) 1:51.54, Parker (Jes) 1:53.20, Shindel (Sic) 1:53.65; 200 IM - Swanson (Jes) 1:59.97, Maston (Jes) 2:01.42, Simons (WH) 2:04.32, Chao (King) 2:04.32; 50 free - Lambert (WH) 21.48, Kozokas (LR) 21.79, Nolte (Rob) 21.98, Roberts (Har) 22.18; Diving - Voisard (WH) 471.25, McVicker (Har) 405.15, Smith (Har) 349.90, Hutson (Jes) 344.10; 100 fly - Hanner (LR) 54.22, Chao (Ki) 54.92, Sparbel (Lak) 54.95, Czupryna (LR) 55.42; 100 free - Kazokas (LR) 46.95, Nolte (Rob) 48.20, Lambert (WH) 48.51, Cattermole (LB) 48.60; 500 free - Bryant (Osc) 4:42.76, Swanson (Jes) 4:43.49, Hanner (LR) 4:44.29, Colvin (TS) 4:45.16; 200 free relay - Lakeland (Budd, Contreras, Sparbel, Hart) 1:32.43, Lakewood Ranch (Cho, Berkenbusch, Stasiowski, Cascone) 1:32.71, Harmony (Tetreault, Howard, Kennedy, Roberts) 1:32.94, Jesuit (Herscovici, Beckman, Dwyer, Jennings) 1:33.02; 100 back - Marston (Jes) 56.01, Kendall (56.26, Hoffman (Dun) 56.84, Sparbel (Lak) 57.26; 100 breast - Simons (WH) 1:02.30, Graber (Har) 1:02.51, Sellers (Jes) 1:02.64, Rodriguez (Ki) 1:03.74; 400 free relay - Lakewood Ranch (Kazokas, Cascone, Berkenbusch, Hanner) 3:17.79, Jesuit (Marston, Beckman, Dwyer, Swanson) 3:20.59, Harmony (Roberts, Mungall, Steele, Roberts) 3:22.24, Lakeland (Hart, Tidwell, Contreras, Sparbel) 3:23.84.

Times wires
Saturday, November 5, 2011

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jockey Ramon Dominguez had four words for trainer Michael Maker in the moments after Hansen upset even-money favorite Union Rags by a head to win the $2 million Juvenile: "See you in May."

As in back at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.

The light gray colt's victory solidified him as the winter book favorite for the 2012 Derby and kept him undefeated in three races after two runaway wins by a combined 25½ lengths, including the Kentucky Cup Juvenile.

"I find out no horse has ever been in front of him in a workout, and he's just been playing up until (Saturday)," co-owner and breeder Kendall Hansen said. "Just two races, they didn't really ask him for all he's got. It was nice to see him have to dig down (Saturday) and work for a change, because he's been playing until now, right?"

It was the first loss in four starts for Union Rags, who should remain a Derby contender heading into his 3-year-old season.

The past four Juvenile winners never started the Derby.

Top upset: The biggest upset in two days full of surprises was by 64-1 shot Court Vision, who took down three-time winner Goldikova in the $2 million Mile. Court Vision and jockey Robby Albarado triggered a win payout of $131.60, second-biggest in Breeders' Cup history behind the $269.20 Arcangues paid to win the 1993 Classic. They covered the distance on the turf in 1 minute, 37.05 seconds. Goldikova's bid for a record fourth consecutive Mile win ended in a third-place finish. Turallure was second. This was Goldikova's final race before retiring.

THE SON ALSO RISES: Joseph O'Brien first attended the Breeders' Cup as a boy tagging along with his father, famed Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien. On Saturday, the 6-foot 18-year-old became the youngest jockey to win a Cup race when he guided 6-1 long shot St Nicholas Abbey to victory in the $3 million Turf.

O'Brien is 18 years, 5 months, surpassing Fernando Jara, who was 18 years, 10 months when he won the 2006 Classic on Invasor. "It's a dream come true," Joseph O'Brien said.

Said Aidan O'Brien, "Wonderful race. Incredible. What can I say. He's an amazing rider."

If Joseph keeps growing, he soon will be too heavy to ride thoroughbreds. "I'll keep riding as long as possible," he said.

injury report: A.U. Miner pulled up around the final turn in the Marathon after fracturing the sesimoid bone in his left front leg. He will have surgery this week. … The two horses scratched minutes before post Friday are fine. Announce was unruly in the warmup before the Filly & Mare Turf and hurt a leg. She had stitches and will be fine, Juddmonte racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said. Shotgun Gulch was scratched at the starting gate for the Filly & Mare Sprint because of severe muscle cramping, owner-trainer C.R. Trout said.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 5, 2011

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Perhaps the most frustrating part of USF's last three losses, all with late leads blown, is that every part of the Bulls team has had its turn to take a big share of what went wrong.

At Connecticut, the offense mustered only 10 points. At Cincinnati, the defense gave up 20 in the fourth quarter. And after solid showings on both sides of the ball Saturday, special teams doomed the Bulls with several key mistakes in USF's 20-17 overtime loss at Rutgers.

"I'm really proud of what we did as an offense and what we did as a defense, but special-teams wise … I did not think our punters and kickers did very well," coach Skip Holtz said.

"When you're in a one-score game like that, it can make a difference."

There was much more that went wrong on special teams than two missed field goals and a 32.8-yard punting average. Rutgers' first points came after Victor Marc tried to field a punt after it bounced inside his 20, setting the Scarlet Knights up on the USF 12. After USF took a 17-3 lead in the fourth quarter, Rutgers got back in the game on a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Leto High's Jeremy Deering. And Maikon Bonani's missed kick as time expired in regulation came on a less-than-perfect snap that contributed to him hooking a 27-yard kick wide left.

"If we make an extra point (length kick) with no time remaining in regulation, we win the game, so it's hard to say the kickoff return beat us," Holtz said. "It certainly didn't help. Neither did the deep ball or the fumbled punt that went for three points earlier in the game. There were a lot of things we could go back and change, but we should have done a little better job of coaching."

FRIGID: Saturday night's game has a spot in USF record books among the coldest in the Bulls' 15 years of football. At kickoff, the temperature at High Point Solutions Stadium was 45 degrees, matching the sixth-lowest starting temperature for a Bulls game, and by halftime, it had dropped to 37. The cold weather, combined with Rutgers' two-game losing streak coming in, made for plenty of empty red bleachers.

USF has only won one game in its history played at 45 degrees or colder — a 2007 win at Pittsburgh that was 35 degrees at kickoff.

BEEN A WHILE: When USF scored on B.J. Daniels' 23-yard touchdown pass to Marc midway through the second quarter, it ended a scoreless string of more than six quarters at Rutgers for the Bulls, counting a 31-0 loss in 2009 and the final nine minutes of a loss in 2007.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 5, 2011

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Saturday night's game at Rutgers has a spot in USF record books among the coldest in the Bulls' 15 years of football.

At kickoff, the temperature at High Point Solutions Stadium was 45 degrees, matching the sixth-lowest starting temperature for a Bulls game.

By halftime, the temperature had dropped to 37.

The cold weather, combined with Rutgers' two-game losing streak coming in, made for plenty of empty red bleachers.

Coming in, USF had only won only once at a temperature of 45 or colder — a 2007 game at Pittsburgh that was 35 at kickoff. Including that game, the Bulls came in 1-6 in games played at 45 or colder.

BEEN A WHILE: When USF scored on B.J. Daniels' 23-yard touchdown pass to WR Victor Marc midway through the second quarter, it ended a scoreless string of more than six quarters at Rutgers for the Bulls, counting a 31-0 loss in 2009 and the final nine minutes of a loss in 2007.

DOWNED DEEP: The teams traded four punts each before there was any scoring, but USF got a boost from superior field position, thanks in part to solid situational punting from Justin Brockhaus-Kann. USF downed one punt at the 9-yard line, then had another punt downed at the Rutgers 1 by CB George Baker. USF entered the game having allowed minus-2 yards all season on punt returns, and the Scarlet Knights totaled zero yards on one return from USF's first-half punts.

UP AND DOWN: Marc had an up-and-down game — he caught a 23-yard touchdown pass, but also fumbled (and recovered) on his first carry, then recovered another fumble by RB Darrell Scott. A bigger mistake came in the third quarter, when he tried to field a punt on the bounce inside USF's 20. He muffed the punt and Rutgers recovered at the USF 12, leading to a 33-yard field goal.

THIS AND THAT: Freshman WR Andre Davis (Jefferson) got his first career start, catching a 16-yard pass to convert a third down on USF's second drive. … USF allowed minus-4 rushing yards in the first half, with primary RB Jawan Jamison held to minus-8 on eight carries. … USF opened with both of its primary running backs, Scott and Demetris Murray, in the backfield. Scott got most of the first-half carries, while Murray played well on the first drive of the second half.

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 Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 5, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Bill Shaffer, who coaches the Jesuit and Academy of the Holy Names teams, was not as concerned about his swimmers defending their team titles at the Class 2A, Region 3 meet Saturday.

Both did that with ease. The Tigers scored 348 points to win the boys meet by 66.5 over Harmony. The Jaguars scored a whopping 466 points to win the girls meet. But those titles were more a byproduct of the ultimate goal of getting as many individuals and relays to next week's state meet.

"I think everything came together for us in that respect," Shaffer said. "We have a lot of kids going, and we have a real good shot at getting all six relays among boys and girls to the state meet."

The top finisher in each swimming event at each region meet, as well as the next-best overall times among the four region meets for a field of 24, qualify for the state meet Nov. 12 at the YMCA Aquatic Center in Orlando.

Jesuit had just two individual winners: Chris Swanson in the 200 individual medley (1 minute, 59.97 seconds) and Thompson Marston in the 100 back (56.01). But the Tigers gobbled up points with plenty of top-eight finishes in each event. They also had each relay place in the top four.

Osceola's Calvin Bryant won the 200 free (1:47.67) and the 500 free (4:42.76).

Academy of the Holy Names' strength is its relays. The Jaguars' 400 free relay of Mary Green, Konner Brewer, Tori Litschgi and Clare Fleming won in 3:39.50. Green, Brewer and Fleming also teamed with Julia Codgill on the winning 200 free relay in 1:40.92.

Fleming won the 50 free (24.56) and teammate Margret Shumake won the 100 breast (1:08.63).

Tarpon Springs Kelsey Buckley, the defending state champion in the 100 individual medley, won the event in 2:09.20. She also took first in the 100 free (52.36).

Osceola's 200 medley relay of Alexandria Wittman, Nicole Koda, Ashley Wiser and Rose O'Connell won in 1:54.59. Wiser won the 100 fly in 59.58.

Lakewood's Madalyn Golightly was the diving champ (434.05 points) and teammate Rebecca Halfast took first in the 100 back (1:00.81).

Class 2A, Region 3 at North Shore Pool

Girls team scores: Academy of the Holy Names 466, Osceola 346.5, Lakewood Ranch 265, Tarpon Springs 163, Sickles 156, Harmony 134, Hillsborough 88, Lemon Bay 82, Lakewood 76, King 59, Winter Haven 58, Strawberry Crest 51, Dunedin 50.5, Largo 50, Lakeland 44, Sebring 43, Robinson 39, Spoto 34, Lake Region 32, St. Cloud 31, Boca Ciega 20, Tenoroc 15, Haines City 6, Lennard 4.

Results: 200 medley relay - Osceola (Wittman, Koda, Wiser, O'Connell) 1:54.59, Lakewood Ranch (Panzarino, Baker, Sauer, Vogel) 1:55.08, Academy of the Holy Names (Litschgi, Shumake, Timmons, Cogdill) 1:56.13, Tarpon Springs (Buckley, Shirley, Veheyheweyhen, Fleming) 2:01.69; 200 free - Valley (LR) 1:51.87, Wittman (Osc) 1:55.82, Gallastegui (SC) 1:58.84, Dawson (AHN) 2:02.08; 200 IM - Buckley (TS) 2:09.20, Nuyianes (AHN) 2:14.15, Koda (Osc) 2:16.12, Birk (King) 2:19.94; 50 free - Fleming (AHN) 24.56, Graves (Spo) 24.73, Cattermole (LB) 25.05, Green (AHN) 25.19; Diving - Golightly (Lw) 434.05, Iannello (Osc) 377.70, Emery (357.20, Crall (AHN) 350.05; 100 fly - Wiser (Osc) 59.58, Sauer (LR) 59.68, O'Connell (Osc) 59.92, Vogel (LR) 1:01.36; 100 free - Buckley (TS) 52.36, Graves (Spo) 53.11, Fleming (AHN) 53.61, Litschgi (AHN) 54.14; 500 free - Valley (LR) 4:54.48, Wittman (Osc) 5:07.44, Gallastegui (SC) 5:09.57, Nuyianes (AHN) 5:23.09; 200 free relay - Academy of the Holy Names (Green, Brewer, Cogdill, Fleming) 1:40.92, Lakewood Ranch (Vogel, Sauer, Baker, Valley) 1:42.37, Sickles (Krems, Ocampo, Johnson, Rose) 1:47.53, Tarpon Springs (Buckley, Shirley, Fleming, Veyeyheweyhen) 1:48.92; 100 back - Halfast (Lw) 1:00.81, Litschgi (AHN) 1:02.14, Birk (Ki) 1:02.32, Panzarino (LR) 1:04.85; 100 breast - Shumake (AHN) 1:08.63, Koda (Osc) 1:09.07, Cogdill (AHN) 1:10.67, Baker (LR) 1:10.76; 400 free relay - Academy of Holy Names (Green, Brewer, Litschgi, Fleming) 3:39.50, Lakewood Ranch (Valley, Vogel, Sauer, Baker) 3:43.49, Osceola (Wittman, Wiser, Nesto, Koda) 3:43.49, Harmony (Saute, Missigman, Watson, Davis) 4:06.46.

Boys team scores: Jesuit 348, Harmony 272.5, Lakewood Ranch 267, Winter Haven 215.5, Lakeland 163, Osceola 162.5, King 145.5, Lemon Bay 111, Robinson 91, Lakewood 79, Hillsborough 66, Sickles 61, Tarpon Springs 59, Sebring 31, Dunedin 29, Southeast 28, Strawberry Crest 28, Haines City 27, Bayshore 21, Spoto 19, Boca Ciega 14, Gibbs 14, St. Cloud 11, Auburndale 9, Largo 8.

Results: 200 medley relay - Winter Haven (Kendall, Smons, L. Kendall, Lambert) 1:40.46, Jesuit (Marston, Sellers, Swanson, Jennings) 1:41.26, Harmony (Roberts, Graber, Steele, Howard) 1:42.27; 200 free - Bryant (Osc) 1:47.67, Mungall (Har) 1:51.54, Parker (Jes) 1:53.20, Shindel (Sic) 1:53.65; 200 IM - Swanson (Jes) 1:59.97, Maston (Jes) 2:01.42, Simons (WH) 2:04.32, Chao (King) 2:04.32; 50 free - Lambert (WH) 21.48, Kozokas (LR) 21.79, Nolte (Rob) 21.98, Roberts (Har) 22.18; Diving - Voisard (WH) 471.25, McVicker (Har) 405.15, Smith (Har) 349.90, Hutson (Jes) 344.10; 100 fly - Hanner (LR) 54.22, Chao (Ki) 54.92, Sparbel (Lak) 54.95, Czupryna (LR) 55.42; 100 free - Kazokas (LR) 46.95, Nolte (Rob) 48.20, Lambert (WH) 48.51, Cattermole (LB) 48.60; 500 free - Bryant (Osc) 4:42.76, Swanson (Jes) 4:43.49, Hanner (LR) 4:44.29, Colvin (TS) 4:45.16; 200 free relay - Lakeland (Budd, Contreras, Sparbel, Hart) 1:32.43, Lakewood Ranch (Cho, Berkenbusch, Stasiowski, Cascone) 1:32.71, Harmony (Tetreault, Howard, Kennedy, Roberts) 1:32.94, Jesuit (Herscovici, Beckman, Dwyer, Jennings) 1:33.02; 100 back - Marston (Jes) 56.01, Kendall (56.26, Hoffman (Dun) 56.84, Sparbel (Lak) 57.26; 100 breast - Simons (WH) 1:02.30, Graber (Har) 1:02.51, Sellers (Jes) 1:02.64, Rodriguez (Ki) 1:03.74; 400 free relay - Lakewood Ranch (Kazokas, Cascone, Berkenbusch, Hanner) 3:17.79, Jesuit (Marston, Beckman, Dwyer, Swanson) 3:20.59, Harmony (Roberts, Mungall, Steele, Roberts) 3:22.24, Lakeland (Hart, Tidwell, Contreras, Sparbel) 3:23.84.