Times wires
Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Blackhawks broke a three-game losing streak with their highest-scoring game of the season.

Andrew Brunette, Steve Montador, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa also had goals for Chicago, which lost 3-0 at St. Louis on Tuesday. Montador added an assist, and Nick Leddy and Brent Seabrook both had two assists. Corey Crawford made 27 saves.

The Blue Jackets fell to 2-12-1, by far the worst record in the NHL. They have lost three in a row and been outscored 19-6.

Grant Clitsome had a career-best two goals, and acquired Mark Letestu, acquired this week in a trade with the Penguins, also scored for the Blue Jackets. Captain Rick Nash earned his 500th NHL point by assisting on Letestu's goal. Fedor Tyutin had two assists.

Chicago entered last in the league on the power play, having converted 5 of 57 opportunities. But the Blackhawks scored on two of their three advantages to get out of their rut against the Blue Jackets, among the worst in the league on the penalty kill.

Toews scored twice in the first period, the second on the Blackhawks' first power play. He sent on a soft shot from the left circle on net that somehow eluded goalie Steve Mason.

Brunette opened the second period with another power-play goal at 1:25.

Montador then converted Duncan Keith's pass from the corner while unchecked in the slot. Kane made it 5-1 when he took an errant pass from Columbus' Vinny Prospal, skated in alone on Mason, deked and scored on the backhand.

Hossa scored over a sprawling Mason 32 seconds into the third period.

Clitsome's shot from the left point had tied it at 1. After Letestu scored off Nash's nifty feed from behind the net, Clitsome netted his second with a one-timer.

Rumors have swirled recently that the jobs of Blue Jackets second-year coach Scott Arniel and general manager Scott Howson are in jeopardy, or that Columbus would pull off a big trade to shake up the team.

An announced crowd of 15,048 — it appeared to be closer to half of that — booed loudly when the Blackhawks pulled away in the second period.

game highlights: The host Bruins won their fourth straight, 6-3 over the Oilers, to hit .500 (7-7) for the first time since they were 1-1.

all-star ballot: Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos are the Lightning's representatives on the ballot for the Jan. 29 game in Ottawa. They are among 127 players on the ballot for fan voting, which begins Monday at NHL.com, via text message (text a player's last name to the 81812) and through mobile devices, including phones and iPads. Voting ends Jan. 4. The top six vote-getters by position — three forwards, two defensemen and a goalie — get spots in the game.

Around the league: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, who has missed five games with post-concussion syndrome, said chances were pretty good he would return tonight against the Sabres. … Bruins forward Daniel Paille was improving after Wednesday surgery to repair a broken nose and facial cuts from getting hit by a puck Monday against the Islanders, coach Claude Julien said. He is day-to-day.

First Period—1, Chicago, J.Toews 6 (Stalberg, Seabrook), 6:54. 2, Columbus, Clitsome 2 (Brassard, Prospal), 9:47 (pp). 3, Chicago, J.Toews 7 (Leddy), 17:09. Penalties—Wisniewski, Clm (hooking), 3:20; Montador, Chi, major (fighting), 8:23; Dorsett, Clm, major (fighting), 8:23; Stalberg, Chi (hooking), 9:35; Boll, Clm (roughing), 19:43.

Second Period—4, Chicago, Brunette 3 (Kruger, Montador), 1:25 (pp). 5, Chicago, Montador 1 (Keith, Leddy), 9:07 (pp). 6, Chicago, Kane 5 (Carcillo, Hjalmarsson), 18:54. Penalties—Clitsome, Clm (slashing), 8:25; Carcillo, Chi (high-sticking), 9:29; Bickell, Chi (tripping), 11:46.

Third Period—7, Chicago, Hossa 8 (J.Toews, Seabrook), :32. 8, Columbus, Letestu 1 (Nash, Tyutin), 2:20 (pp). 9, Columbus, Clitsome 3 (Prospal, Tyutin), 16:14. Penalties—Scott, Chi (hooking), 1:21; Olesz, Chi (hooking), 9:40. Shots on Goal—Chicago 16-14-6—36. Columbus 5-14-11—30. Power-play opportunities—Chicago 2 of 3; Columbus 2 of 5. Goalies—Chicago, Crawford 7-4-2 (30 shots-27 saves). Columbus, Mason 2-11-1 (36-30).

First Period—1, Boston, Boychuk 2 (Krejci, Horton), 7:11. 2, Boston, Caron 1 (Hamill), 8:55. 3, Edmonton, Smyth 8 (Peckham, Hemsky), 12:02. 4, Edmonton, Nugent-Hopkins 7 (Hall), 12:31. Penalties—Peckham, Edm (roughing), 18:17.

Second Period—5, Boston, Marchand 3 (Corvo, Seguin), 3:50 (pp). 6, Boston, Seguin 9 (Corvo), 6:24. Penalties—Petry, Edm (hooking), 2:09; Thornton, Bos (hooking), 9:29; Eberle, Edm (interference), 16:48.

Third Period—7, Edmonton, Smyth 9 (Belanger, Hemsky), 15:18 (pp). 8, Boston, Lucic 8 (Corvo, Horton), 17:13 (pp). 9, Boston, Marchand 4, 17:57. Penalties—Potter, Edm (high-sticking), 1:05; Seidenberg, Bos (hooking), 2:08; Campbell, Bos (hooking), 6:15; Bergeron, Bos (high-sticking), 13:25; Barker, Edm (interference), 16:56; Kelly, Bos (holding), 18:42. Shots on Goal—Edmonton 12-5-13—30. Boston 13-9-6—28. Power-play opportunities—Edmonton 1 of 5; Boston 2 of 5. Goalies—Edmonton, Dubnyk 2-4-0 (28 shots-22 saves). Boston, Rask 2-3-0 (30-27).

Tim Porson, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 10, 2011

HUDSON — River Ridge's rushing attack led by Austin Schwarz was too much for Hudson on Thursday night in a 38-0 romp in the season finale for both teams.

The Royal Knights (6-4) opened the scoring when junior Brian Clinkscale took the ball up the middle from 5 yards out just four minutes in.

The Cobras (0-11) fumbled on the ensuing kickoff, giving River Ridge the ball on the Hudson 14-yard line. Five plays later, Schwarz scored the first of his two touchdowns, this one from 2 yards out, extending the lead to 14-0.

With just more than four minutes remaining in the second quarter, quarterback Joshua Maisel added a rushing touchdown from 11 yards out.

Schwarz added his second touchdown with seven seconds left in the first half.

River Ridge took a 35-0 lead with four minutes left in the third quarter when Christian McClure added the Royal Knights' fifth rushing touchdown. The Knights finished with 295 yards rushing on 41 attempts.

River Ridge kicker Phil Molina was 5-for-5 on extra points. When the Knights had a fourth and 1 with just more than two minutes remaining, Molina kicked a 38-yard field goal for the final score.

The Cobras' offense struggled to get anything going. Three of their five first-half drives ended in a three and out; all five drives ended with a punt.

Times wires
Thursday, November 10, 2011

Sprint Cup

What: Kobalt Tools 500

When/where: Today, practice (ESPN2, 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 1:30 p.m.); Sunday, race (ESPN, 3 p.m.); Avondale, Ariz.

Fast facts: Kyle Busch will be allowed to race in the final two Cup races but without main sponsor M&M's. He will drive with Interstate Batteries as his sponsor instead. Although M&M's is Busch's primary sponsor, Interstate Batteries is heavily involved with the team. In a statement released Thursday night, sponsor Mars said the car will not run with the M&M's paint scheme until 2012, "at which time Kyle Busch will be the driver with the expectation that no future incident take place." The deal ends a week of wrangling over Busch's future with his Joe Gibbs Racing team caused by Busch wrecking Ron Hornaday under caution in the trucks race last week. NASCAR parked him for the rest of the weekend. Busch admitted he lost control of his temper and apologized. NASCAR also fined him $50,000 this week and put him on probation through the end of the year. But questions from his sponsors put everything in limbo. …There are two races left in the Chase for the Championship.

Standings: 1. Carl Edwards, 2,316; 2. Tony Stewart, 2,313; 3. Kevin Harvick, 2,283; 4. Matt Kenseth, 2,278; 5. Brad Keselowski, 2,267; 6. Jimmie Johnson, 2,261; 7. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2,237; 8. Jeff Gordon, 2,235; 9. Kurt Busch, 2,229; 10. Denny Hamlin, 2,217; 11. Kyle Busch, 2,216; 12. Ryan Newman, 2,213

Nationwide

What: Wypall 200

When/where: Today, practice; Saturday, qualifying (Speed, noon), race (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.); Avondale, Ariz.

Fast facts: There are two races left in the season.

Standings: 1. Ricky Stenhouse, 1,138; 2. Elliott Sadler, 1,121; 3. Justin Allgaier and Aric Almirola, 1,039; 5. Reed Sorenson, 1,034

NHRA

What: Auto Club Finals

When/where: Today, qualifying; Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 12:15 a.m. Sunday, taped); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 7 p.m.); Pomona, Calif.

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Spencer Massey, 2,503; 2. Del Worsham, 2,501. Funny Car — 1. Matt Hagan, 2,416; 2. Jack Beckman, 2,415. Pro Stock — 1. Jason Line, 2,592; 2. Mike Edwards, 2,424. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 2,589; 2. Hector Arana Jr., 2,520

Formula One

What: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 8 a.m.), Saturday, practice, qualifying (Speed, 8 a.m.); Sunday, race (Speed, 8 a.m.); Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Fast facts: Sebastian Vettel, who has clinched the season championship, has 21 victories in 79 career starts.

Standings: 1. Sebastian Vettel-x, 374; 2. Jenson Button, 240; 3. Fernando Alonso, 227. x-clinched

Trucks

Next: Ford 200, Nov. 18, Homestead-Miami Speedway

Standings: 1. Austin Dillon, 854; 2. Johnny Sauter, 834; 3. James Buescher, 826

Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 10, 2011

TAMPA — Hillsborough junior running back Trevor Steinke had a career game on a night when Chamberlain coach Joe Severino called it a career.

Steinke set personal highs with his three touchdowns and 143 yards rushing on 19 carries Thursday as Hillsborough (8-2) scored 43 unanswered points in a 43-15 win over Chamberlain (1-9). Steinke led a ground attack that piled up five touchdowns and 289 yards. Steinke scored on runs of 4, 5 and 49 yards. He also ran in a two-point conversion.

It was the final game for the retiring Severino, 58, who finished with a lifetime record of 72-116 at Chamberlain, Gaither, King and Tampa Bay Tech.

"It looks like we got beat by a better team (Thursday)," Severino said, "but not a team who gave any more effort. These guys gave great effort all year. Right now, I might take time off and might show up again somewhere — who knows? — and just coach."

Chamberlain junior running back Xavier Johnson led the Chiefs with 123 yards and a TD. Hillsborough's blitz started after Nick McNeal gave Chamberlain a 7-0 lead on a 10-yard run.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent

Chad Wise, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 10, 2011

WESLEY CHAPEL — Zephyrhills finished a successful season with a 43-14 win at Wiregrass Ranch on Thursday night.

Zephyrhills set the tone by forcing a safety on the first drive of the game, and the Bulldogs totaled 403 yards.

The Bulldogs' Devon Brockington returned a fumble 76 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.

In the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Michael Smith scampered 66 yards for a touchdown. He finished with 94 yards rushing on four carries.

One blemish for the Bulldogs (7-4) was their ball-handling, as Zephyrhills lost two of five fumbles.

Bulls quarterback Jake Day struggled to get the passing game going and was replaced by senior Ricky Weisbrodt in the fourth quarter. Day finished 3-for-12 for 84 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Weisbrodt completed 6-of-10 passes, including a touchdown pass on the last play of the game.

Bulls running back Eli Galvan rushed for 86 yards on 15 carries.

Wiregrass Ranch (0-10) lost all three of its fumbles.

Rod Gipson, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 10, 2011

TAMPA — Senior Greg Windham threw for 209 yards and a touchdown, and the King defense forced seven turnovers to end its season with a 28-20 win Thursday against playoff-bound Durant.

The teams did the bulk of their scoring in the opening quarter, combining for four touchdowns and a field goal as King established an 18-14 lead.

King (4-6) got short scoring runs from Le'Vadre Thomas and George Green, surrounding a 99-yard kickoff return by Durant's Michael Stephens. The Cougars (7-3) got a 5-yard touchdown run from Chris Atkins to stay within four points.

Windham completed 13 of 23 passes, including a 15-yard scoring strike to Taylor Smith-Gonzalez as the Lions went up by as much as 28-14.

Durant narrowed the gap to eight points in the fourth quarter and got the ball back with 3:00 on the clock and a chance to tie. But Chris Murray picked off Zach Stephenson pass (the Lions' fifth interception of the game) to end the threat and hang on.

Durant opens the playoffs next Friday at home against Gaither.

Rod Gipson, Times correspondent

Allie Davison, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 10, 2011

LAND O'LAKES — Despite missing the playoffs for the first time since 1996, Land O'Lakes finished its season with a convincing 32-12 victory over Wesley Chapel on Thursday night.

"I am very happy. The seniors went out on a winning note tonight and finished the season 7-3. They absolutely played their butts off tonight. It was a great win," Gators first-year coach Brian Wachtel said.

After scoring consecutive touchdowns off a 45-yard run by Nico Watts and a 2-yard run by Ryan Bird, Land O'Lakes battled penalties and turnovers on both sides of the ball. However, with a missed field goal and multiple wasted opportunities by the Wildcats, the Gators were able to cash in another touchdown with a 7-yard run by Harrison Wood to stretch their lead to 19 heading into the half.

"I am so proud of everything these guys did, but there is no doubt it was tough as well," Wachtel said.

Wesley Chapel got its first points on the board after putting a six-series drive together and freshman quarterback Ty Tanner running in a 13-yard touchdown early in the third.

The Wildcats' other score came from an 80-yard punt return by Tanner's older brother, Keegan. Wesley Chapel finished with 202 rushing yards on 29 carries.

Gators' TE and University of Florida commit, Kent Taylor caught 6 of 7 passes and ended his last high school football career with a 14-yard touchdown pass from fellow senior Bird late in the fourth. Bird threw for 160 yards on 26 attempts and one touchdown.

"These (seniors) were great. They were special. I came in as the (new) head coach, they embraced what we wanted them to do. They absolutely fought every week and encompassed everything we wanted to do this year," Wachtel said.

Travis Puterbaugh, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 10, 2011

VALRICO — Will Worth accounted for three touchdowns for Newsome in a 55-16 triumph Thursday over Bloomingdale.

In the first half, Worth, a junior quarterback, ran for two touchdowns and connected on a 24-yard strike to Aaron West to stake Newsome to a 28-10 lead heading into halftime.

Worth rushed 29 times for 226 yards and accounted for 335 yards of total offense.

"He's a load to bring down, and a great character kid," Newsome coach Ken Hiscock said of Worth. "We look to him for guidance, and he leads us in the right way."

Newsome (6-4) dominated the game offensively and showed no signs of a letdown after last week's upset victory over Plant City. Although Bloomingdale (4-6) opened the scoring on Cody Crouse's 7-yard touchdown pass, Newsome went on a 34-3 run to put the game out of reach.

Clint Carnell and Keller Powers each had two rushing touchdowns for the Wolves, while John Hendricks capped the scoring with a 34-yard touchdown run with 43 seconds left in the game.

Travis Puterbaugh, Times correspondent

By David Rice, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 10, 2011

TAMPA — Gaither finished a solid first regular season under coach Jason Stokes with a shutout of Riverview.

The Cowboys (7-3) started slow but found their stride on their second possession of the game as Alex McGough threw the first of his three touchdown passes to Shug Ogunleye, this one from 20 yards.

Frustrations grew for Gaither, however, as it turned the ball over on its last three series of the half.

"We left four touchdowns on the field with mistakes," Stokes said. "If we don't get better, we're not going to go far. But this was a good game for us because Alex (McGough) made some nice plays and we were able to rest some of our other key guys for the playoffs."

McGough led the way for the Cowboys as Ogunleye and others took the majority of the night off. McGough threw for 165 yards and rushed for 65, including a 27-yard run that was Gaither's only score on the ground.

Steven Maines surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the season for Riverview (1-9) during the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 104 yards on 25 carries.

David Rice, Times correspondent

Times wires
Thursday, November 10, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State president Gordon Gee expressed disappointment in athletic director Gene Smith for not properly monitoring the actions of a booster who got several football players in trouble with the NCAA.

Thursday, the university agreed to reduce its scholarships by five over the next three years as its latest self-imposed punishment. The NCAA allows football programs to have 85 scholarship players.

The NCAA also accused Ohio State for the first time of a "failure to monitor" — a step below "lack of institutional control" — for permitting the booster, Robert DiGeronimo, to continue to have contact with players even after he was involved in NCAA problems earlier in the year.

In the letter to Smith dated Thursday, Gee wrote, "I am disappointed that this is where we find ourselves. You know I find this unacceptable."

As part of its report, Ohio State also disclosed DiGeronimo hid in a locker in order to try to hear a game-day speech by then-coach Jim Tressel after Tressel had banned outsiders from the locker room.

The NCAA handed Ohio State a second letter of allegations covering all violations that have occurred since it sent the initial letter last summer. The NCAA anticipates the latest allegation will be heard by the Infractions Committee on Dec. 10.

The first letter dealt with violations stemming from players taking cash and discount tattoos from a Columbus tattoo-shop owner and a subsequent coverup by Tressel, who resigned. The latest letter covers violations not covered during Ohio State's hearing before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions on Aug. 12. Those self-punishments included vacating bowl money and wins, two years of probation and suspension of players

The university previously said DiGeronimo arranged cash payments of $200 to four current or former players this year. It also said he overpaid five players by $1,605 while they worked for businesses owned by his family.

Ohio State said Thursday it should've done more to monitor DiGeronimo's activities.

"On a personal note," Smith said in a statement, "I deeply regret that I did not ensure the degree of monitoring our institution deserves and demands."

Hokies edge Jackets

ATLANTA — Logan Thomas threw for three touchdowns and ran for two as No. 10 Virginia Tech took a step toward the ACC title game by beating No. 20 Georgia Tech 37-26.

The Hokies (9-1, 5-1 ACC) sit 1½ games ahead of Virginia and two ahead of Miami in the Coastal Division. The Jackets (7-3, 4-3) were eliminated from the division race.

Down 26-21, Thomas was sacked on third and 19 from the Hokies' 17-yard line. But linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu punched Thomas' helmet, leading to a penalty and an automatic first down. Thomas capped the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run.

No. 11 Houston 73, Tulane 17: Charles Sims rushed for 207 yards, including scores of 72 and 52 yards, as the visiting Cougars remained one of five unbeatens in Division I-A (Boise State, LSU, Oklahoma State and Stanford). Case Keenum passed for 325 yards, including touchdowns of 66, 23 and 8 yards to Patrick Edwards, who also scored on a 70-yard punt return. Tulane (2-9, 1-6 C-USA) held Houston scoreless in the first quarter. The Cougars (10-0, 6-0), averaging 52.7 points, scored 35 in the second.

Times wires
Thursday, November 10, 2011

SAN DIEGO — Carson Palmer threw two touchdown passes and Michael Bush ran 30 times for a season-high 157 yards and one touchdown to lead the Raiders to a 24-17 win over the Chargers on Thursday night, San Diego's fourth straight loss.

The Raiders broke a two-game losing streak and took a half-game lead over the Chiefs in the AFC West.

Palmer looked much better in making his second start and third appearance since being acquired in a trade with Cincinnati, throwing touchdown passes of 33 and 26 yards to Denarius Moore. He'd been semi-retired and living in Del Mar, just north of San Diego, before being traded. Palmer was 14-for-20 for 299 yards, with one interception.

With the Chargers threatening to tie it in the fourth quarter, Rivers was intercepted in the end zone by Matt Giordano with 3:22 left. It was Rivers' NFL- and career-high 15th interception.

Rivers was sacked on consecutive plays near midfield to end the game. He fumbled on the final play, giving him an NFL-high 19 turnovers.

The Chargers lost left tackle Marcus McNeill, right guard Louis Vasquez and linebacker Takeo Spikes to injuries.

HGH TESTING: The players union proposed a study of players that accurately reflects the natural level of HGH in their systems. The union said its players might have a higher natural level of human growth hormone than the general population.

nickelback to play: Canadian rock band Nickelback will play at halftime of the Lions-Packers Thanksgiving Day game. Critics have said they want a group with stronger local ties.

Cowboys: Quarterback Tony Romo believes his broken rib is healed and he may be ready to shed the protective vest he has been wearing for nearly two months. In other news, kickoff specialist David Buehler went on injured reserve because of a right groin injury.

jets: Receiver Plaxico Burress, kick returner Joe McKnight and safety Brodney Pool did not practice for the second straight day. Burress (sore lower back) expects to play against the Patriots. The status of McKnight (toe) is less clear. Antonio Cromartie would return kickoffs if McKnight is out. Pool has a minor left knee sprain.

packers: Defensive end Mike Neal, who injured a knee in training camp, practiced on a limited basis for the first time.

Redskins: Right tackle Jammal Brown is likely out Sunday at Miami because of a groin injury.

Vikings: Owner Zygi Wilf said the team would spend significantly less than the $400 million it has pledged to help a build a stadium if the stadium is not located on the team's preferred site in suburban St. Paul. Some political and business leaders favor the team staying in downtown Minneapolis.

Todd Foley, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

TAMPA — Brandon is a playoff team this year and its opponent Thursday night — Jefferson — was not.

The Dragons wanted to send a message that they deserved to be playing next week. It was delivered loud and clear in a 47-19 victory to end Jefferson and first-year coach Jeremy Earle's season 6-4.

"It was a great first season for me, magical," Earle said. "We wanted to show tonight that we were good enough and deserved to be a playoff team. We were motivated by this game and wanted to send a message that they got the wrong team."

Brandon got on the board first when Tyler Clark returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. It was clear pretty quickly the Eagles would not hold the lead for long.

Power running by Jefferson's Shaquille Speights tied the score on the next possession for the Dragons when he ran up the middle for a 7-yard score.

Speights would soon add another score and Jefferson used its defense to score 33 unanswered points to close out the half. Two touchdowns came in the final minute when Charles Booth ran in a 6-yard fumble recovery for a score and Marquell Jackson ran an interception back 42 yards on the last play of the half.

Mike McCollum, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

TAMPA — Sickles used a 60-yard strike in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter to defeat Alonso 20-14 Thursday.

In the first half the Sickles offense started strong. On their first drive, the Gryphons marched 70 yards down the field, capped by a 9-yard TD run by senior running back LaDondra Crittenden. Then, with 23 seconds remaining in the half, junior quarterback Nate Mills connected with junior wideout Bilal Salat to take a 13-0 lead.

The Alonso offense finally woke up in the fourth. Junior quarterback Brandon Hawkins threw two TD passes to give the Ravens the 14-13 lead with less than five minutes remaining. But down to its last possession, with under 40 seconds to go, Sickles responded. Mills dropped back and found junior wideout DeAndre Mathis on a deep post route for the improbable winning 60-yard TD.

Alonso got the ball back, but was unable to convert as time ran out.

"It was a great play by Mathis," Sickles coach Brian Turner said. "We ran that play a couple of times prior and noticed that they weren't really covering the post route. So I just told Nate to throw the post to DeAndre and it worked."

Mike McCollum, Times correspondent

Mark Chisholm, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

RIVERVIEW — Spoto's seniors were determined to keep their winning streak alive in their final game Thursday. Running back Brandon Williams led the Spartans to a 35-28 victory over Wharton, their third straight win, totaling more than 200 yards from scrimmage.

Spoto (7-3) answered Wharton's early score off a turnover with two touchdowns one quarter later.

After struggling most of the first half, Wildcats sophomore Chase Litton completed all of his attempts during a 78-yard drive he capped with a 24-yard strike to Deon Samson right before the half. Darius Page's conversion run tied the game.

Williams then took over. He scored on runs of 53 and 8 yards on the Spartans' first two drives of the second half. After Litton's 31-yard scamper and a Vernon Hargreaves conversion run pulled the Wildcats (5-5) within seven late, Williams iced the game with a first-down carry.

"I get stronger as I go. I told Coach the more you feed me, the stronger I get," he said of his career-high 23 carries.

Mark Chisholm, Times correspondent

Michael Paonessa, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

LUTZ — Steinbrenner rolled on senior night, defeating Middleton 43-0 Thursday.

With an early passing game there for the Warriors, quarterback Curtis Fitch threw for touchdowns of 26 and 33 yards in the first quarter to help send Steinbrenner into halftime with a 23-0 lead.

Running the ball was the motto for Steinbrenner (7-3, 3-2) in the second half. Senior running back Brian Gainer controlled the ground as he rushed for touchdowns of 20 and 37 yards. Gainer finished with 10 carries for 102 yards.

"I'm glad I stayed healthy throughout the year and we got the win in our last home game." Gainer said. "Our offensive line did an amazing job tonight so I have to thank them for helping me out tonight and all season."

The Steinbrenner offense compiled 377 total yards while the Warriors defense held Middleton (0-10, 0-8) to 130 total yards.

Middleton's Kenyatta Young entered the game as the quarterback in the third quarter and threw for 102 yards, completing three passes over 25 yards.

Michael Paonessa, Times correspondent

Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

SEFFNER — Calvary Christian coach Dave Bonchi feels his team's final record isn't indicative of the success it should have had. Close losses to Cambridge Christian, Keswick Christian, Bradenton Christian and Carrollwood Day knocked Calvary out of playoff contention, but Bonchi's team persevered when it could have quit on the season.

"We had a couple of close games that got away from us, and in our minds we should probably have a better record," Bonchi said. "In this district, it's a pretty good improvement from last year."

Calvary (5-5) finished its season on a high note, defeating Seffner Christian 23-20 on Thursday.

Seffner (6-4) couldn't slow Calvary's potent ground attack, which gained 306 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Derek Barnes led the Warriors with 39 carries for 169 yards and two touchdowns.

"We controlled the clock and played Calvary football," Barnes said. "My line blocked well and they allowed me to go out and do it."

Up 10-7 in the second quarter, Calvary orchestrated a four-play, 40-yard drive with Barnes punching it in from 9 yards out. Stephen Rice scored from the 4-yard line to put Calvary up 23-14 after an unsuccessful two-point try.

Seffner quarterback Tanner Richardson found Brandon Ardley for a 59-yard touchdown pass on the following possession, making the score 23-20. The Crusaders had a chance with 12 seconds remaining, but Alex Leonard intercepted a pass to end the game.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

The stories always grow bigger — and the facts change a bit — as the years go by. Such is the case with Florida coach Will Muschamp and former Florida and current South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier.

During his spring booster tour, Muschamp liked to tell the story that as a high school player living in Georgia, but hoping to walk-on at Florida, he drove down for a scheduled meeting with Spurrier — who instead blew him off for a game of golf.

However, this week, Muschamp jokingly said he may have embellished that story a bit.

"I drove down here, lookin' at the university there," Muschamp said. "Of course, being from Gainesville, my folks had a lot of friends over here that are still here. Naw, coach Spurrier, I kind of exaggerated that there when I got asked that question (about Spurrier not being around when he arrived). Jamie Speronis (former UF director of football administraiton) was probably supposed to be here. Maybe he wasn't here. I don't know. I blame it on Jamie. I exaggerated a little bit. … Not that Florida missed anything as a player."

Spurrier doesn't have a great memory of Muschamp trying to walk-on at Florida, but said at least one part of it might be true.

"I think he was jiving you people," Spurrier said. "But I could have been playing golf that day if it was some time in April, May or June. He certainly may be right on that part."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

The stories always grow bigger — and the facts change a bit — as the years go by. Such is the case with Florida coach Will Muschamp and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, also a former Gators coach.

During his spring booster tour, Muschamp liked to tell the story that as a high school player living in Georgia but hoping to walk on at Florida, he drove south for a scheduled meeting with Spurrier, who instead decided to play golf.

However, this week, Muschamp jokingly said he may have embellished that story a bit.

"I drove down here, looking at the university there," Muschamp said. "Of course, being from Gainesville, my folks had a lot of friends over here that are still here. Naw, … I kind of exaggerated that there when I got asked that question (about Spurrier not being around when he arrived). Jamie Speronis (former director of football administration) was probably supposed to be here. Maybe he wasn't here. I don't know. I blame it on Jamie. I exaggerated a little bit. … Not that Florida missed anything as a player."

Muschamp eventually ended up playing for Georgia.

Spurrier doesn't have a great memory of Muschamp trying to walk on at Florida but said at least one part of it might be true.

"I think he was jiving you people," Spurrier said. "But I could have been playing golf that day if it was sometime in April, May or June. He certainly may be right on that part."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

The Gators (5-4, 3-4 SEC) play their SEC-finale with a chance to spoil the Gamecocks' shot at an SEC East title. South Carolina (7-2, 5-2) needs a win, then a Georgia loss to Auburn to clinch the division. Florida needs a win to become bowl eligible as it continues to try and salvage the season. The Gators have made some changes on the offensive line in an effort to get better protection for QB John Brantley. Gamecocks QB Connor Shaw will play exactly one week after suffering a concussion, so how effective he'll be remains to be seen.

Watch out for …

Florida will have key offensive players back, including RB Chris Rainey, which is important for the Gators because they'll be facing one of the toughest defenses in the league. The Gamecocks have been impressive all season, outside of giving up 44 points last week against Arkansas. South Carolina has an SEC-leading 17 interceptions this season, including 13 in the past five games — two for touchdowns. And they've matched their best season under coach Steve Spurrier with 27 turnovers forced in nine games. The Gators conversely have struggled to force turnovers, a point of emphasis all season.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

If you had told South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier a few weeks ago that he would lose his All-SEC starting running back Marcus Lattimore to a season-ending knee injury midseason, his starting quarterback would be dismissed and his sophomore backup would be knocked out of a big game with a concussion — and he'd still be in contention to win the SEC East — he might have thought you were crazy.

It has all happened to the Gamecocks, and yet Saturday afternoon they will host Florida still vying for the title and holding things together despite a growing number of injuries and some struggles on the field at times.

"It's a little unusual," Spurrier said. "Again we're 7-2 and 5-2 in the conference with the chance to win more conference games than ever around here in 20 years of ball. So we can't sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. Even though we haven't played spectacular, we have won a bunch of games. We'll try to play our best this week with the players we have. That's what we'll try to do."

Florida coach Will Muschamp echoes that sentiment. His Gators also have been hampered all season by injuries, but with much different results in the win-loss column.

Senior quarterback John Brantley missed 10 quarters for the Gators with a high ankle sprain, and although he has played in the past two games, he has not been at full speed.

Since his return two weeks ago, Florida hasn't been able to operate out of its normal offense. Against Georgia, the Gators operated primarily out of the shotgun because Brantley's injury hindered his mobility. And last week, in an effort to compensate for the injury and rediscover their running game, the Gators installed their own version of Nevada's "pistol" offense against Vanderbilt, which Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis said he'll use more of again this week.

"It was kind of natural," Weis said. "Going into Georgia, the kid (Brantley) was still pretty hobbled. So he really couldn't even have done that in that game. He wouldn't have been (able). I thought about doing it, putting it in for the Georgia game, but other than dropping straight back, he really wasn't good enough to do that. You know, he got better. So all we did was kind of took out the first three steps and that helped us. You end up with (Brantley) back 5 yards and the halfback, instead of being back 7 yards, he's back 8 yards, so you don't run into each other. It just fits with what we do."

The loss of Lattimore and quarterback Stephen Garcia could have been catastrophic, but Spurrier said the Gamecocks have managed to maintain much of their offense with the players who have stepped in — particularly quarterback Connor Shaw who enters thegame one week after sustaining a concussion and missing several days of practice.

"It's pretty much the same, pretty much the same," Spurrier said. "Obviously with Marcus we wanted to make sure he ran about 20 to 30 times a game. But we have two tailbacks playing now, Kenny Miles and freshman Brandon Wilds playing, so it's changed a little bit but not a whole bunch."

Florida, which struggled offensively during the month of October, is no longer in the hunt for a title, but in need of a victory to become bowl eligible. Muschamp said he hopes the Gators can play pressure-free, and believes a healthy Brantley means a world of difference for Florida.

"Having John back makes us that sort of offense that we want to be, and simulates the type of team that we want to be offensively," Muschamp said. "And that's where we're headed, and that's what we're looking forward to just playing there in Columbia."

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