Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

SYDNEY — The latest comparison between Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus is not about winning majors.

It is about remembering how to win.

Woods took a big step toward putting himself in position Friday in the Australian Open with a second straight day of crisp, controlled shots for 5-under 67 that gave him a one-shot lead over Peter O'Malley (66) going into the final two rounds at the Lakes.

This was the first time Woods was atop the leaderboard since the third round of the Chevron World Challenge in December, where he blew a four-shot lead to Graeme McDowell on the last day. It was the first time he had the lead against a full field since his last win, two years ago in the Australian Masters.

"It comes back," Woods said of knowing how to win. "When Jack won in '86 at the Masters, it came back. You know what it feels like. You know what to do. … I think experience comes with managing myself and my game."

Nicklaus had not won in two years and was thought to be past his time when he shot 30 on the back nine at Augusta National to claim his sixth green jacket and 18th professional major, the benchmark Woods — at 14 majors — is chasing.

The third round today was shaping up to be important for Woods, who was at 9-under 135.

Jason Day, who turns 24 today, spent the opening two rounds playing with Woods and recovered from a few loose tee shots for 68 that left him two behind.

LPGA: Hall of Famer Juli Inkster shot 3-under 69 for a share of the second-round lead with Anna Nordqvist (65) at 8-under 136 in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Guadalajara, Mexico. Inkster, 51, is trying to become the oldest winner in LPGA Tour history. Beth Daniel was 46 when she won the 2003 Canadian Women's Open. Catriona Matthew (68), Meena Lee (69) and Suzann Pettersen (70) were a stroke back. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome shot 75 and was at 3 over.

Singapore Open: James Morrison shot 3-under 68 to take the clubhouse lead by two shots during the suspended second round. Play was delayed for nearly three hours because of the threat of lightning, and eventually the round was suspended because of darkness with 69 players still to finish the event sanctioned by the European and Asian tours. One of them was Phil Mickelson, elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame this week, who was 2 under after 12 holes.

no. 1 dad: World No. 1 Luke Donald and his wife, Diane, became parents of a girl, Sophia Ann, early Friday in a Chicago suburb. The Donalds have another daughter, Elle, born last year.

Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Kyle Busch, contrite and remorseful, promised Friday to change his behavior and conduct himself in a way that will restore the respect he lost with his road rage incident at Texas.

Busch was warned by M&M's that the primary sponsor will not tolerate any more incidents by him, and team owner Joe Gibbs said the driver faces further punishment from the team for purposely wrecking Ron Hornaday in last week's truck series race.

NASCAR suspended Busch from all on-track activity at Texas, fined him $50,000 and placed the driver on probation through the end of the year.

It led to a frantic week of talks with Joe Gibbs Racing and sponsors who viewed Busch's latest incident as the final straw for the polarizing driver.

Firing him was not an option, Gibbs said.

"I want to support Kyle, and feel as if this could have a positive impact on Kyle and I am committed to him as a person," Gibbs said. "I like him. We've gone through a lot together."

Gibbs also promised additional penalties would be levied against Busch, who said he was thankful for JGR's support.

"Was there a point in which I thought, 'Do I have a ride?' Of course there was," Busch said. "Was there a point in which Joe ever told me that, 'Hey, we're looking at terminating this?' No."

Busch added: "I'm apologetic for everyone having to go through this situation."

NHRA: Del Worsham took the Top Fuel lead in qualifying for the NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif. With bonus points in qualifying, Worsham moved two ahead of Spencer Massey; Tony Schumacher led Top Fuel qualifying at the season finale with a run of 3.827 seconds at 321.19 mph. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also led their classes.

CUP TEST: NASCAR Sprint Cup teams will test Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway. Tampa's Aric Almirola, a regular in the Nationwide series, will test a Cup car for Hendrick Motorsports.

LOCAL CONNECTION: Daniella Phillips, a 2008 Clearwater Central Catholic graduate and senior at Florida, was chosen for a marketing program called NASCAR Kinetics. She and four other UF students will compete against other schools.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

TAMPA — Why did the Bucs put out the welcome mat for Albert Haynesworth?

There are several reasons, not the least of which is they are a little desperate for help at defensive tackle.

The season-ending injury to Gerald McCoy left the Bucs with no defensive linemen who can be effective playing the three technique (on the outside shoulder of the guard in the B gap), the centerpiece of Tampa Bay's 4-3, one-gap scheme.

At 6 feet 6, 350 pounds, Haynes­worth still has the quickness to penetrate and beat blockers one on one, meaning opponents can't simply slide protection toward NT Brian Price or double-team the defensive ends.

Haynesworth has about $750,000 left on the $1.5 million contract for 2011. What's more, having lost three of their past four games, the Bucs needed a little boost of confidence.

Acquiring Haynesworth sparked the locker room a bit, and veteran players said they took the move as a sign the Bucs front office was still in it to win it.

"I think we all feel there's still a big second half to this football season," GM Mark Dominik said. "That's eight more opportunities for these guys to really get this thing rolling the way we feel we can play defense. I don't think we've been a complete team all season. I don't want to make excuses. It is what it is. But at some point, we need to play more consistently.

"I'm hoping an addition like Albert Haynesworth, what his contribution can be and what he can do for us on Sundays, could continue to help the rush numbers, the pass numbers and all those numbers defensively and hopefully get more pressure on the quarterback as well because he plays in that three technique as well; to hopefully help us get more interceptions and possibly more turnovers. I hope he can bring that to us, and I've been encouraged by his practices."

As a waiver claim, the Bucs really have nothing invested in Haynesworth. They believe he will be motivated because this is his third team in a year — and first one that will allow him to play the same position he played during his heyday in Tennessee.

START ME UP: Unbelievably, the Bucs have not scored an offensive touchdown in the first quarter this season — eight games and counting.

Whether it has been a lack of execution, penalties or play-calling, the slow starts and frantic finishes are likely weighing on QB Josh Freeman.

"That's not the thought going into the game, and that's certainly an area we've got to continue to evaluate and fix," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "You don't go into the thing thinking, 'Let's not score in the first quarter. That's not the plan going in.

"We've got to get better with our execution. We've got to get better with the play-calling. We've got to get better with a lot of different things. But Josh Freeman, again, he's an NFL quarterback, and he's a good one. We're lucky to have him, and he'll be just fine."

FINE REDUX: Remember Phone­gate? The NFL fined the Bucs $250,000 because coach Raheem Morris made seven calls from his cell phone to players during the lockout even though none of those conversations lasted more than five minutes. However, the league reduced the fine to $150,000, which was paid by the organization, not Morris.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@sptimes.com.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

ST. LOUIS — Lightning defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron could not say exactly when he realized his slap shot was a formidable weapon.

Perhaps, he said, when he was 4 or 5 years old playing in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, and his father told him he had to ease up a bit.

"My dad would tell me to lay off my shots because the goalies are scared," Bergeron recalled. "Most of the kids at the time couldn't even lift the puck off the ice. Every now and then we still talk about that. It's funny."

Bergeron is just one of those guys who can shoot a puck.

A couple of years ago, he said, when he played for the Canadiens, he was clocked during a team skills competition at 104 mph, good enough to win 15 of the 18 hardest-shot contests at the All-Star Game.

"It's hard," goaltender Dwayne Roloson said of his teammate's shot. "Nothing more needs to be said."

Sure, if Bergeron was having an ordinary season. But this one has indications of a breakout.

Bergeron, 31, is tied with Steven Stamkos for the team lead with 16 points, and he entered Friday tied for the league lead among defensemen. His 13 assists were tied for fifth among all skaters, though only one behind the leaders.

And his third-period goal Wednesday, on a blink-or-you'll-miss-it one-timer from the high slot, sent Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Flyers into overtime.

"I knew the lane was open," Bergeron said. "When you shoot one-timers and you feel like you have the lane, you aim for a small area and try to rip the cover off it. I felt like I got it all."

Bergeron, 5 feet 9, 198 pounds, said the power behind his shot is natural: "I don't have that special exercise I'm hiding from everybody else."

Asked to describe Bergeron's shot, coach Guy Boucher joked, "I don't know. I don't see the puck go by."

Seriously, he said, Bergeron has textbook technique.

There is the sharp transfer of weight from back foot to front, the wrist snap when the stick blade meets the puck and an exaggerated follow-through that adds even more oomph.

Bergeron said he dials down the speed sometimes to find better accuracy and give teammates chances for deflections.

Not that getting a big blast on the goalie is a bad thing. As Roloson said, "It's so hard to control, it creates rebounds and chaos down low."

Even so, Bergeron said, "I'm shooting more wristers instead of trying to shoot that big bomb that's going to get me more blocks or missing the net. I'm trying to vary the shot to try to hit the net."

Bergeron has done that plenty against the Blues, whom the Lightning faces tonight at the Scottrade Center. In 15 games against St. Louis, he has four goals and 12 points.

"It's just something that was given to me," Bergeron said of his shot. "It's a tool in the tool box."

"It always stings," Roloson said of getting hit with a Bergeron blast. "It's one of those things, when you see him, you try to get out of the way."

The kids in Trois-Rivieres could have told him that.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

Tonight

USF vs. Vermont

When/where: 7; Bob Martinez Center, Tampa

Radio: 620-AM

Notable: USF's "home" opener is one of three games played at the University of Tampa, and the Bulls will be challenged to keep up with the Catamounts, who lost their top two scorers from last year. The Bulls will have at least two first-time starters, with transfer Victor Rudd expected to start at small forward and a new point guard, either Blake Nash or Lavonte Dority.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

GAINESVILLE — Mike Rosario pumped his first as he walked off, acknowledging a group of students screaming his name.

It was a great feeling. And a long time coming.

Rosario, a former Rutgers standout who sat out last season under NCAA transfer rules, scored 19 in his Florida debut and the No. 8 Gators handled Jackson State 99-59 Friday.

"It's been a long, bumpy road for me, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world," Rosario said. "I wouldn't take back the whole year I sat out. I would trade it for nothing because I'm around a great group of guys and I feel like we have a great, great goal to accomplish this year."

Rosario was 7-for-12 from the floor and 5-for-8 from 3-point range. Fellow guard Kenny Boynton also scored 19, one of six Florida players in double figures.

"Mike shot the ball very, very well from behind the line," coach Billy Donovan said. " … When the floor's spaced like it is, there's so much shooting out there. Mike just happened to be on the receiving end of knocking down a lot of shots."

Touted freshman Bradley Beal added 14 in an off-shooting night. Sophomore Patric Young had the first double double of his career, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Erving Walker chipped in 10 points.

Jenirro Bush led Jackson State with 20 points. He was 6-for-9 from 3-point range.

The Gators extended their winning streak in openers to 21.

Florida built a 30-point lead midway through the first half and started the second half with a 15-0 run. The Gators face No. 3 Ohio State on Tuesday.

Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao acts as though it's personal, then claims it's not. Just another night in the ring, another notch on his belt and another $25 million or so to take back to the Philippines.

It's not that easy for Juan Manuel Marquez. He remains convinced he won both of his previous two fights with Pacquiao, and he will enter the ring tonight as eager for redemption as he is to claim the biggest payday of his long career.

"I hope the judges score what they see, not like the other two fights when they were not impartial," Marquez says.

Marquez has bulked up for the 144-pound fight so he can bring more power into the ring, and Pacquiao, who knocked Marquez down four times in their two fights, is a far more potent puncher than the last time they met three years ago.

Add in the fact these two fighters throw punches almost nonstop, and there's potential for an early ending.

Pacquiao returns to the ring for the first time since he beat Shane Mosley in May. He and Marquez have already gone 24 rounds with each other, rounds so close that judges had trouble figuring out which fighter won.

But the first fight seven years ago was at 125 pounds. The second four years later was at 130.

This one will be for a piece of the welterweight title, though it will be at a catch weight of 144. It's a weight Pacquiao has proven comfortable with the past few years, but Marquez had no success the only time he got past 140 in a lopsided loss to Floyd Mayweather.

"At 144 pounds it's going to be different," said Pacquiao, a 7-1 favorite. "I've improved my boxing and my power."

Pacquiao weighed in at 143 pounds Friday, while Marquez was 142, the same weight he fought at against Mayweather.

Pacquiao, who last lost in 2005 at 130 pounds, risks a 14-fight winning streak against Marquez, a Mexican who has held titles in three different weight classes.

That the first fight was scored a draw and the second a split decision for Pacquiao still gnaws at Marquez, who wore a T-shirt proclaiming he was robbed in both fights when the two boxers were in the Philippines promoting the bout.

That touched a nerve in Pacquiao, though he said there is nothing personal between them. Still, trainer Freddie Roach said there was an added urgency to Pacquiao's training. "I think it was a slap in the face to Manny," Roach said. "They were both good, close fights, but there were no robberies there."

Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Terrance Shannon came off the bench and set career highs with 15 points and 12 rebounds Friday on the way to his first collegiate double double as the Seminoles defeated Jacksonville 79-67 in the season opener for both schools.

The muscular 6-foot-8 Shannon had plenty of help against the Dolphins. Michael Snaer and Deividas Dulkys scored 16 each for Florida State. Both were in good shooting rhythms — Snaer was 5 of 8 from the field and Dulkys finished 4 of 7 from 3-point range.

Jacksonville's Keith McDougald led all scorers with 21 points. Delwan Graham added 16 points and Russell Powell 14 for the Dolphins.

Florida State jumped out to an 8-0 lead on its way to a 44-31 halftime advantage. The Seminoles shot 44.4 percent and led by as many as 22 points.

The Seminoles needed Shannon to come up big and he did, playing 26 minutes with center Bernard James slowed by an ankle injury and former Clearwater High product Okaro White in early foul trouble. The 6-10 James played just 15 minutes and sat out nearly all of the second half.

Led by Shannon and Dulkys, Florida State's bench outscored the visitors' reserves 42-6.

Jacksonville was scoreless for the opening 5:07 before Russell Powell's 3-pointers ended the drought.

FSU hosts UCF on Monday.

Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

MIAMI — Ah, the memories. John Beck's rookie season with the Dolphins stirs images of bumbling, stumbling, fumbling and losing, lots of losing.

When he backpedaled, the entire offense would follow. In four starts, all defeats, Beck failed to lead his team to a single touchdown. He tripped and fell for a sack. One especially hapless fumble was returned for a score. Fans jeered and comedians poked fun until a merciful demotion sent Beck to the bench as a bust.

But there must also be some fond memories of playing in Miami, right, John?

"Not that I can think of, first hand, off the top of my head," Beck says.

Maybe Sunday will be a day to savor. Beck's back in town to play against Miami for the Redskins, who have given him a second chance as an NFL starter.

This could be his last shot. Beck's career record is 0-9, including 0-7 as a starter.

"You never know if you're going to get another opportunity," he says. "I just continue to try to work hard."

WR Johnson still out for Texans vs. Bucs

HOUSTON — Texans star receiver Andre Johnson will miss Sunday's game against the Bucs, his sixth straight game out with a right hamstring injury.

Johnson ran on a separate field Friday as Houston practiced. Coach Gary Kubiak has been saying for two weeks that Johnson is "very close" to returning, but not quite fully healed.

After Sunday, Houston has its bye before playing Nov. 27 at Jacksonville. Kubiak is optimistic Johnson will be ready by then.

BEARS: Wide receiver and returner Devin Hester (ankle sprain) missed his third straight practice. … Rookie right tackle Gabe Carimi, who has missed the past six games, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

BILLS: Leading receiver Stevie Johnson didn't practice because he was sick, but he should play Sunday at Dallas.

BROWNS: Starting strong safety T.J. Ward could miss several games with a right foot injury. Usama Young will start in his place this week against St. Louis.

LIONS: Offensive tackle Jason Fox (knee) went on injured reserve. Punter Robert Malone signed.

TITANS: Receiver Nate Washington, tight end Jared Cook and fullback Ahmard Hall were back at practice but were listed as questionable. So was former Bucs linebacker Barrett Ruud (groin).

FINES: NFL Network reported that the league docked Raiders linebacker Aaron Curry $20,000 for a high hit on Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow on Sunday. From the same game, Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller was fined $15,000 for hitting Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer in the chest with his helmet. Giants safety Antrel Rolle was fined $5,000 for wearing the "U" logo of his alma mater, the University of Miami, on his eye black. The league also confirmed fines to Steelers safety Ryan Clark ($40,000) and Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis ($20,000); both players had revealed the fines this week.

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — USF hasn't taken many fourth-down gambles this season, but the Bulls converted a key one early in Saturday's game at Syracuse, and used a rare three-back backfield to do so.

Leading 3-0 and facing a fourth-and-1 play at the Syracuse 5, the Bulls lined up with three backs — tailbacks Demetris Murray and Marcus Shaw and walk-on fullback Chris Breit — and Murray converted with a 1-yard gain. The Bulls lined up in the same formation on the next play, and Shaw found an opening for a 4-yard touchdown and a 10-0 lead.

The Bulls went into the game just 2-for-7 on fourth downs on the season; only six schools out of 120 in Division I-A had converted fewer this season. The gamble sparked an offense that had only a field goal and was working without leading rusher Darrell Scott, who was held out with concussion symptoms.

WELL-ARMED: After the team struggled on kickoff coverage in last week's loss to Rutgers, coach Skip Holtz made good on a promise to use more of his starters on the unit.

Four defensive starters — LBs Sam Barrington and DeDe Lattimore and CBs Kayvon Webster and Quenton Washington — were on the unit. Washington made a tackle on a second-quarter kickoff.

YOUR LEADER, BRIEFLY: Senior DE Claude Davis, used primarily as a third-down pass rusher, took over the team lead in sacks when he got to Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib for his fifth of the season. But later in the second quarter, sophomore Ryne Giddins got his own sack of Nassib, giving him the team lead with 5.5. Both have surpassed last year's best total, as no Bulls had more than four sacks in 2010.

QUITE A FLURRY: USF led 10-0 with four minutes left in the second quarter, but the teams managed to each score a touchdown and field goal in the final 3:52 before halftime.

Special-teams penalties helped a bit. Syracuse had a kickoff out of bounds and a personal foul to set USF up at the Orange 45, and after a touchdown, USF answered with a late-hit flag to set up the Orange at its 44.

USF was able to pad its lead in the final 1:20 as B.J. Daniels drove the Bulls from their 19 to the Syracuse 29. A potential touchdown pass was caught out the back of the end zone with one second on the clock, and Maikon Bonani connected on a 46-yard field goal as the half ended for a 20-10 lead.

THIS AND THAT: The Bulls loosened up their playbook — at one point, Daniels lined up in the slot, but shifted back to quarterback before the snap. The Bulls tried a reverse as well, with WR Victor Marc gaining 5 yards. ... Freshman WR Andre Davis, whose 43-yard catch set up a Daniels touchdown, had a career-high 62 receiving yards by halftime. … Junior Evan Landi, who moved from receiver to tight end before the season, saw action at his old position, catching two passes for 24 yards in the first 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.

Rob Bibelhauser, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Senior running back Kristian Craig stole the show Friday night as Keswick Christian defeated visiting Shorecrest 21-14 in the regular-season finale.

Craig, who carried the ball 22 times, legged out 150 of the Crusader's 277 total yards and provided all three touchdowns.

"He was huge. All year he's been the go-to guy," Keswick coach Rick Sanson said. "That's why he's an all-star. He's kept us in a lot of games this year."

Both teams relied heavily on the run as Shorecrest forged 195 of its 217 total yards on the ground. Senior back Alex Drexler led the Chargers with 14 carries for 105 yards, including a 67-yard TD run.

The pivotal play came late in the fourth quarter on what was threatening to be a tying drive for the Chargers (2-8). After successfully running the ball deep into Keswick (5-5) territory Shorecrest ran back-to-back pass plays, the second of which was intercepted at the Crusaders' 23 by senior defensive back Carl Curtiss.

Rob Bibelhauser, Times correspondent

Phillip Haywood, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Canterbury won its first district championship Friday with a 56-7 victory over Mount Dora.

"This was the best game that we have played all season …," Crusaders coach Bill Jones said. "The defense has played very well over the last three weeks, and I just cannot say enough about Brent O'Neal."

O'Neal ran through the Mount Dora defense as he rushed for a game-high 254 yards and six touchdowns on 16 carries. He also returned a punt for a score.

In the first quarter O'Neal ran untouched for an 18-yard score. Later in the quarter he scored on a 6-yard run to put the Crusaders up 14-0.

O'Neal scored four more times in the second quarter and had 176 yards rushing by halftime.

The stingy defense Canterbury allowed only one first down during the first half.

Mount Dora got on the board when Josef Alleyne caught a Zachary Murphy-Gerling pass that was deflected went 65 yards.

Phillip Haywood, Times correspondent

Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

Bishop McLaughlin's turnaround season ended Friday night in a 55-38 loss at Seven Rivers Christian in the first round of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs.

"At the end of the day, we had opportunities," first-year Bishop McLaughlin coach Derrick Alexander said. "We could have made some stops to win the ball game, but we played a really good Seven Rivers Christian football team. I take my hat off to them."

Bishop (4-6) trailed 35-28 at halftime, but, after needing four consecutive wins to qualify for the postseason, couldn't complete another comeback.

Warriors running back John Iwaniec led Seven Rivers Christian (7-2) with more than 200 rushing yards. He also returned an interception for a touchdown.

"He had a career day out there," Alexander said.

Bishop senior Jordan Betancourt finished his high school career by rushing for two scores and catching another. Hurricanes quarterback RJ Perciavalle threw for two touchdowns and rushed for a third to cap off his strong sophomore season.

"The kids did a good job this year, getting to that point," Alexander said. "Our team accomplished some good things."

On the Web

Have a question for one of our writers? Want to sound off in response to one of our blog posts? Check out scoreboards for all sports? For this and more, visit tampabay.com/hometeam.

Times wires
Friday, November 11, 2011

soccer

united states falls to france in exhibition

SAINT-DENIS, France — The United States remains at a loss for offense under Jurgen Klinsmann.

Loic Remy outmuscled defender Clarence Goodson to score in the 72nd minute, giving France a 1-0 exhibition victory Friday that dropped the Americans to 1-4-1 since Klinsmann replaced Bob Bradley as coach in late July. All four loses have been 1-0.

The loss assures the team of its first losing calendar year since 1997.

"It could have been a draw," said goalkeeper Tim Howard, the best American player on the field. "(France) played really well, and they probably had better chances then we did."

Under Klinsmann, a former German national team star and coach, the Americans have been outscored 5-2 and shut out four times. "Obviously you want to kind of score a couple of goals sooner or later, so I wish there was one or two," Klinsmann said.

The United States has not had Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey on the field together since the 4-2 loss to Mexico in June's final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Dempsey played. Donovan remained with the Los Angeles Galaxy to prepare for the MLS Cup final on Nov. 20.

tennis

Federer gets 800th career victory

Roger Federer became the seventh player to reach 800 career wins, beating Juan Monaco 6-3, 7-5 to reach the semifinals of the Paris Masters.

Federer next plays Tomas Berdych, who edged Andy Murray 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in a match that lasted more than three hours.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic pulled out ahead of his quarterfinal against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, saying a nagging shoulder injury got worse after his third-round comeback win against Viktor Troicki on Thursday. Tsonga next faces Tampa resident John Isner, who defeated David Ferrer 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

The others with 800-plus wins are Jimmy Connors (1,242), Ivan Lendl (1,071), Guillermo Vilas (923), John McEnroe (875), Andre Agassi (870) and Stefan Edberg (806).

"It's just another win, but it's a special one nevertheless, because 800 is definitely a big number," Federer said.

et cetera

hockey: Roger Christian, a U.S. Hall of Famer who helped the United States win the 1960 Olympic gold medal and later help start the stick-making company Christian Brothers, which became one of the sport's most popular, died Wednesday in Warroad, Minn. He was 75.

nba: The union's executive board will meet Monday with player representatives from the 30 teams to consider the league's latest offer. Union leaders have given no indication about what they will recommend. The offer is based on a 50-50 split of league revenues, which the union is resigned to accepting. But it also contains new restrictions on player movement and team payrolls, all of which the union opposes.

swimming: Michael Phelps won the 200-meter freestyle and 100 butterfly at the Minneapolis Grand Prix, but his anticipated matchup with rival and former Gator Ryan Lochte in the events never materialized. Lochte finished third in the freestyle consolation final and was eighth, and last, in the butterfly final. In the women's 400 individual medley, Rebecca Mann, 13, of Clearwater Beach, was third; the winner was 2008 Olympic silver medalist Katie Hoff.

Times wires

Daniel Feingold, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

SEMINOLE — The last game of the season for Boca Ciega and Seminole began with the first 24 points coming off turnovers.

Boca Ciega took an early lead Friday when Antione Benjamin blocked a punt and returned it 6 yards for the touchdown.

It wasn't until the second quarter when Seminole's Brett Phillips ran one in from 5 yards out that either offense put a full drive together for a score. Phillips' TD run put the Warhawks (0-10) up 17-14, their first and only lead of the game.

The Pirates (4-6) took the lead back late in the second via a 34-yard touchdown pass from Bobby Runcie to Diquez Robinson, making the score 21-17. Boca Ciega held the small margin for the remainder of the game.

"We've got a great group of guys that we wanted to send off the right way," Pirates coach Antez Brinson said. "We've had some ups and some downs this season, but I wanted make sure we made a concerted effort as a staff, also as a team, to send our seniors off on a good note."

Daniel Feingold, Times correspondent

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

SPRING HILL — Friday night's game at Booster Stadium featured extremes of competition: the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

Springstead finished its season with a 24-21 win over Anclote, which missed out on its first nonlosing season.

"Some guys stepped up and really made some plays for us tonight," Springstead coach Bill Vonada said. "This will definitely push our expectations up a little bit going into next season."

The Eagles (3-7) took over from the opening kickoff when quarterback Tyler Mahla rushed for two touchdowns (15 and 5 yards) in the first quarter.

Mahla converted a fourth down on the opening drive with a 13-yard pass to Taylor Minter. Defensive back Exavia Montgomery sparked the next drive by picking off Anclote's Brevet Killett in Springstead territory.

"Everyone wants to pass until you throw a bad pass," Vonada said. "We had a lot of success running the ball early on, but they were bringing so much pressure that we needed to do something to slow that down."

Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Anclote (4-6) put up a long drive capped by an Alonzo Pettiford 10-yard scamper. Pettiford, who finished with 90 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns, pounded the Springstead defense along with fullback Willie Barrett (10 carries, 63 yards).

Coming out of the locker room after halftime with Springstead up 17-7, the Sharks continued to roar back. Barrett picked off Mahla to open the half and brought it back 76 yards for a score. Pettiford's second touchdown run gave Anclote a 21-17 lead going into the fourth.

The Eagles pulled out all of their tricks as the game wound down. Mahla (6-for-10, 100 yards, 13 carries, 44 yards) hit a screen to Pedro Estrada, and with a long third down on the Anclote 33, Vonada went for it all.

A reverse pass from Minter was caught by Luke McLeod and brought to the 1. Estrada scored to put Springstead up with five minutes remaining.

Anclote got to the Springstead 9 with time about to run out. A 26-yard field-goal attempt from Tim Shumate was short.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

Tell us what your hometown, Berea, Ky., is like.

Berea is a very small town. It's kind of a college town because there's a little college there called Berea College. That's kind of what Berea's known for. It's kind of an artsy town because of that.

So what's cool about Berea? What kinds of things do you do there?

It's a rural town, so there's a lot of nature there. On the weekend, you're either hanging out with friends or, for me, I'm a pretty avid fisherman. So I'd always do a lot of bass fishing with my buddies when the weather permitted.

Have you been able to take up fishing here in Florida?

Well, we have Tuesdays off. So I bought a boat and, if I can, I try to get out on the water for a couple of hours either in saltwater or in lakes.

What type of fishing have you done down here?

In saltwater, I've caught some redfish and drum and trout. But freshwater is what I know really well and what I grew up with. I like bass fishing, so I've been to Lake Tarpon several times fishing.

I know that Berea is not too far from the University of Kentucky. So how did a Kentucky guy end up at Tennessee?

I grew up a UK basketball fan. And that's what UK is known for, its basketball history. We all know that. Outside my immediate family, all my relatives are Big Blue faithful. They'd always talk when I was growing up about how they couldn't wait for football season to end so basketball could start. The football team was struggling bad, and I kind of grew up with that impressed upon me. So when I got the opportunity to play college football, I wanted to go somewhere that was a football school and had a lot of rich tradition. Tennessee was always somewhere I saw as being on a pedestal in college football. When I got the opportunity, I jumped on it.

Here are my weekly questions. What's playing the most on your iPod right now?

I actually listen to a lot of country, and I listen to some soft rock. So it's probably something like Lady Antebellum, Kenny Chesney or stuff like that.

What website do you visit the most?

Usually I'm shopping or something. But now, since I got the boat a couple of months ago, I'm on some kind of marine website like Bass Pro Shops or something trying to find stuff to add to my boat.

What reality show do you watch most often?

My wife has turned me on to that Real Housewives series. New Jersey is, by far, my favorite. I'm hooked on it, man.

I read that you were an academic all-state selection. It sounds like you were a really serious student.

Oh, no. I don't know how that happened. I graduated high school with about a 3.8 (grade point average). But to be honest, I didn't really have to try for that. I don't want to take any academic credit because I really don't deserve it.

But when it comes to basketball, you were definitely serious about that, right?

Yes. It actually led to my recruitment to Tennessee. There's an interesting story there. I got a little interest from Tennessee (in football) because my high school coach had sent them a highlight tape. Randy Sanders, who's the offensive coordinator at Kentucky now, was the offensive coordinator at the time. He came to my high school but couldn't talk to me because of the (recruiting) rules. But it turns out my school was going to Tennessee for a basketball camp that had nothing to do with football. They found out that I was going to be on campus, so Coach (Phil) Fulmer asked (basketball coach) Bruce Pearl to go check me out and see how I moved around. I guess he told them I looked the part because I was out there dunking the ball and stuff. The very next day, I met with Coach Fulmer, and he had me work out at a football camp they were having that week. I jumped in on the last day and did some seven-on-seven and ran some routes. After that was over, he took me back to his office and offered me a scholarship on the spot. I committed really soon. I pretty much knew.

Funny how life works sometimes, huh?

Yep. And actually, Bruce Pearl asked me to walk-on (the basketball team) at one point. I did think about it. I told him I appreciated it but I wanted to concentrate on football. I kind of knew that my future would be in football and I'd be a practice dummy (in basketball).

Guess you made the right choice?

Yep. It all worked out.

Friday, November 11, 2011

CORONADO, Calif. — The nation's basketball-fan-in-chief appeared to enjoy the first college hoops game on an active aircraft carrier.

President Barack Obama sat courtside and watched No. 1 North Carolina beat Michigan State 67-55 Friday in the Carrier Classic on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson.

Harrison Barnes scored 17 and former Sickles High standout John Henson had 12 points and a career-high nine blocks as the Tar Heels put their size advantage to good use.

Obama watched intently, chatted with wife Michelle and service members seated near him. When the game ended, he applauded and then shook hands with coaches Roy Williams and Tom Izzo.

"He said, 'Good luck.' I told him, 'Good luck.' He's got some pretty important things coming up in the next year, also," said Williams, the Tar Heels' coach.

Izzo "absolutely loved it. The military was so good on this whole deal, from when we got here to when we're leaving. I thought it was awesome," he said.

Fitting with the Veterans Day theme, the Tar Heels and Spartans had U.S.A. rather than their names on the back of their jerseys. At dusk, the game was paused for the lowering of the American flag. Afterward, the players gave their jerseys to servicemen.

"It took a while, but at some point you didn't even realize you were outside until the play slowed down," Henson said.

"It was fun. My excuse was sometimes I felt like the boat moved a little bit when I shot," he joked. "That's why I missed."

North Carolina led by double digits from late in the first half on.

The Tar Heels' biggest lead was 59-38 with 10:42 left before Michigan State closed within 10 points with 5:43 left.

Michigan State's Draymond Green had a career-high 18 rebounds, including 11 on the defensive end, and scored 13. He said it was great getting to play in front of the president.

"That was phenomenal," he said. "It's not every day anyone gets to do that."

Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 11, 2011

TAMPA — Berkeley Prep senior Nelson Agholor's rushing stats Friday night didn't match the gaudy PlayStation numbers he's posted all season.

His grip on the football early on wasn't the same either.

But the three-way threat still led Berkeley Prep to its first perfect regular season since 2004, scoring four touchdowns in a 35-7 win over Arcadia DeSoto County on Berkeley's senior night.

"The comeback tonight was special," Berkeley coach Dominick Ciao said. "We hadn't been down before and our kids rallied and played great four quarters of football. We weathered the storm and played a great second half."

Agholor, one of the nation's top recruits, scored on offense, defense and special teams and overcame a first-quarter fumble that gave the Bulldogs an early 7-0 lead — marking the first time this season Berkeley trailed in the first quarter.

"We're prepared for a lot of things," Agholor said. "Sudden change is one of the things we're coached about and that's all it was, sudden change. You make mistakes and somebody capitalizes on your mistakes you just bound back."

But Agholor shook off the fumble — just his third in 150 carries — scoring on a 55-yard punt return to tie the score early in the second quarter. Two minutes later he put Berkeley up on a 15-yard run after a punt block gave the Bucs possession in the red zone.

Agholor, who rushed for 74 yards on 17 carries (his second-lowest output of the season), added two second-half touchdowns — including a 44-yard interception return — to put the game away.

The Berkeley defense, which forced eight DeSoto County turnovers (including five interceptions), held the Bulldogs scoreless — not a bad pre-playoff effort for the Bucs.

Bucs senior safety Vic Pellegrino intercepted two DeSoto County passes and junior Jake Marfise has two fumble recoveries. Senior Christian Hardegree scored on a 37-yard interception return.

"I'm really proud of our football team," Ciao said. "We had a great season but we have a whole new season. You can throw the records away and it starts all over."

Just as he did Friday night, Agholor said he will be able to quickly turn the page.

"We wanted to get Game 10, especially the senior class," Agholor said. "We all wanted it. Now it's time to start the new season and handle business."

Colby Cole, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 11, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Dunedin defeated Dixie Hollins 44-28 in the season finale for both teams.

Dunedin was led by Anthony Diviney and Tramaine Batten. Diviney accounted for five touchdowns, throwing for 249 yards and three scores and rushing for 72 yards and two TDs. Batten rushed for 149 yards and caught two passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Dunedin opened a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on a 57-yard touchdown run by Diviney and a 22 yard touchdown from Diviney to Batten. Dixie Hollins responded with Brandon Bell's 95-yard kick return. On their next possession the Rebels scored on a 13-yard pass from Dana Harrington to Andy Haines to tie it.

After back-to-back Falcons touchdowns, Dixie got within nine on Bell's 48-yard touchdown run. But the Rebels failed on the 2-point conversion and Dunedin put the game away on two TD passes by Diviney, 63 yards to Chris Askew and 27 yards to Doug Forman.

Colby Cole, Times correspondent