Quantcast
Channel: Tampabay.com: Sports
Viewing all 18574 articles
Browse latest View live

Taking steps toward state championships

0
0

By Rod Gipson, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

CARROLLWOOD — In probably the biggest indication of Gaither's football turnaround this season, the whispers of "same old Gaither" have not been heard since late September.

With coach Jason Stokes in his first year at the school, Gaither opened the season with losses in two of its first three games. Cowboys fans couldn't be blamed if they believed they were reliving the 8-23 stretch Gaither had trudged through in the previous three seasons.

But the Cowboys put together a five-game winning streak, finished the season strong and earned their first playoff berth since 2008 (when the team actually went 4-6 but won key district games).

Now, playing in a region final for the first time since 2000, the Cowboys are riding the wave of two playoff road wins thanks to a dynamic offense.

Carlo Perello's Xbox-type 75-yard touchdown reception — he caught a 15-yard slant, broke two tackles and hurdled a defender before running 60 more yards past two more defenders — sealed Gaither's win against Tampa Bay Tech last week and typified their big-play capabilities.

"I was just trying to make a play," said Perello, who has 300 yards receiving and three touchdowns in the playoffs. "We needed something. Everybody was really excited and we just weren't ready for the season to end.

"We still feel that way. We have done a lot this year but we still want more."

While Gaither's road show continues at powerhouse Lakeland, Plant continues its methodical journey through the Class 8A playoffs. The Panthers play at East Lake, which is making its first appearance in the regional round of the playoffs. Also, Jesuit is in Dade City to square off against undefeated Pasco in the Class 5A region playoffs.

And unbeaten and unchallenged Berkeley Prep is one game away from the Class 3A state championship contest. The Buccaneers (12-0) will be in Delray Beach tonight to face a tough American Heritage team in a state semifinal meeting.

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

CLASS 8A, REGION 2 FINAL

Plant (11-1) at East Lake (9-3)

LAST WEEK: Plant defeated Orlando Dr. Phillips 49-13; East Lake defeated Palm Harbor University 33-26.

THE SKINNY: Plant's playoff march travels to Tarpon Springs to face an East Lake team making its deepest postseason trip in school history. The Eagles are led by RB Tyler Lane, who galloped for 226 yards and four touchdowns in East Lake's thrilling 33-26 win against PHU. The effort was Lane's seventh straight 100-plus yard game. The good news for the Eagles is that they reached the region finals. The not-so good news is that Plant coach Robert Weiner has only lost once in five region final appearances, the last time coming in 2007. Those numbers may improve with the play of Plant QB James Few, who has tossed 10 touchdown passes in the Panther's two 2011 playoff wins.

CLASS 7A, REGION 2 FINAL

Gaither (9-3) at Lakeland (12-0)

LAST WEEK: Gaither defeated Tampa Bay tech 17-14; Lakeland defeated Kissimmee Osceola 20-7.

THE SKINNY: Gaither's wild 17-14 playoff victory against Tampa Bay Tech made amends for its loss to the Titans by the same score during the regular season. Gaither QB Alex McGough likely will be looking for more big plays from WR Carlo Perello, who led the Cowboys with 26 receptions during the regular season. Still, Gaither coach Jason Stokes will need more rushing (just 14 yards last week) and less miscues (two lost fumbles and an interception). Lakeland, meanwhile, is in the midst of a typical run for the powerhouse program that owns six state championships, but none since 2006. The Dreadnaughts have a dynamic QB-WR tandem in Raheem Dumas (1 TD rushing, 1 passing last week) and Ricquan Southward (who switched his college commitment from Miami to Ohio State this week). The last time Gaither visited Lakeland's Bryant Stadium for a playoff game? A 37-0 Lakeland romp in the second round of the 2006 playoffs.

CLASS 6A, REGION 2 FINAL

Gainesville (10-2) at Armwood (12-0)

LAST WEEK: Gainesville beat Sunlake 21-14 and the Hawks defeated Hillsborough 23-0.

THE SKINNY: The Hurricanes defense came up big last week, led by defensive back Cordero Dixon's two big plays. Dixon returned a fumble 49 yards for a score and took an interception back 51 yards for another TD. Gainesville's offense struggled against Sunlake, but showed in the region quarterfinal it was capable of big plays. Trailing 14-13 on their own 9-yard line with 90 seconds to play against Hernando, quarterback Mark Cato led the Hurricanes on a furious drive. He capped it off on a 33-yard TD pass to Chris Bivins with 40 seconds to play. Gainesville is ranked No. 10 in 6A.

CLASS 5A, REGION 2 FINAL

Jesuit (11-1) at Pasco (12-0)

LAST WEEK: The Tigers defeated Robinson 35-20 and Pasco beat north Marion 31-28.

THE SKINNY: Pasco comes in undefeated while the Tigers haven't lost since week 1 against Plant. The Pirates will throw a balanced offense at Jesuit and are led on the ground by tailback David Emmanuel, who has rushed for 1,188 yards and 18 scores on the season. Quarterback Jacob Guy has completed 67 percent of his passes and has an impressive 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Trey Dudley-Giles and Janarion Grant both have more than 700 yards receiving. The Pirates erased an early-14 point deficit against North Marion and got a 21-yard Brandon Ray field goal as time expired to advance to tonight's game.

CLASS 3A, STATE SEMIFINALS

Berkeley Prep (12-0) at Delray Beach American Heritage (10-1)

LAST WEEK: Berkeley Prep defeated Fort Meade 21-0; American Heritage defeated Fort Lauderdale University 31-20.

THE SKINNY: Berkeley Prep has been untouchable this season, blasting opponents by an average of almost 30 points per game. Now that Nelson Agholor (211 yards rushing, two touchdowns) and the Bucs have vanquished an 0-3 recent record against Fort Mead with last week's 21-0 victory, they may finally have a challenge. In its first state semifinal game, the Buccaneers are facing an American Heritage squad that was the state runners up in 1A last season. And just like Berkeley, the Stallions can score (38 points per game) and play defense (five shutouts this season). American Heritage has a standout RB in Greg Bryant, who ran for 175 yards and two scores and returned an interception for a score in their big win against nationally-ranked University. Berkeley will rely on standout LB Schyler Miles and the defense to keep this one close. The winner advances to the Class 3A state championship game on Dec. 10.


High school football teams head to region finals, state semifinals

0
0

Times Staff
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

SEFFNER

The Armwood defense doesn't quite have a split personality.

It's more like an inner demon that occasionally assumes control of the typically stalwart unit.

The Hawks D has turned in six shutouts — including last week's 23-0 victory in a playoff rematch against Hillsborough — and a midseason streak of 27 quarters in which the unit didn't allow a point.

It features talented defensive linemen Sheldon Lewinson (Wake Forest) and Allen Covington, gifted linebacker Eric Striker (Oklahoma) and a secondary led by standout junior safety Leon McQuay III.

But despite all that talent, Armwood gave up 17 points against Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in its season opener and had to hang on for dear life to pull out the win.

That streak of scoreless quarters? It got snapped in a regular-season battle against Hillsborough in which the Terriers blitzed the team for 16 points in the final period.

And two weeks ago, the Hawks offense bailed out the unit after Lakewood Ranch scored 28 second-half points and briefly took the lead late in the fourth quarter.

So when the Hawks host Gainesville High in a Class 6A region final tonight, fans may wonder who will show up — the stout Armwood defense that can grind an offense to a halt, or the schizophrenic unit that suffers the occasional lapse.

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

CLASS 8A, REGION 2 FINAL

Plant (11-1) at East Lake (9-3)

LAST WEEK: Plant defeated Orlando Dr. Phillips 49-13; East Lake defeated Palm Harbor University 33-26.

THE SKINNY: Plant's playoff march travels to Tarpon Springs to face an East Lake team making its deepest postseason trip in school history. The Eagles are led by RB Tyler Lane, who galloped for 226 yards and four touchdowns in East Lake's thrilling 33-26 win against PHU. The effort was Lane's seventh straight 100-plus-yard game. The good news for the Eagles is that they reached the region finals. The not-so-good news is that Plant coach Robert Weiner has only lost once in five region final appearances, the last time in 2007. Those numbers may improve with the play of Plant QB James Few, who has tossed 10 touchdown passes in the Panthers' two 2011 playoff wins.

CLASS 7A, REGION 2 FINAL

Gaither (9-3) at Lakeland (12-0)

LAST WEEK: Gaither defeated Tampa Bay tech 17-14; Lakeland defeated Kissimmee Osceola 20-7.

THE SKINNY: Gaither's wild 17-14 playoff victory against Tampa Bay Tech made amends for its loss to the Titans by the same score during the regular season. Gaither QB Alex McGough likely will be looking for more big plays from WR Carlo Perello, who led the Cowboys with 26 receptions during the regular season. Still, Gaither coach Jason Stokes will need more rushing (just 14 yards last week) and fewer miscues (two lost fumbles and an interception). Lakeland, meanwhile, is in the midst of a typical run for the powerhouse program that owns six state championships, but none since 2006. The Dreadnaughts have a dynamic QB-WR tandem in Raheem Dumas (1 TD rushing, 1 passing last week) and Ricquan Southward (who switched his college commitment from Miami to Ohio State this week). The last time Gaither visited Lakeland's Bryant Stadium for a playoff game? A 37-0 Lakeland romp in the second round of the 2006 playoffs.

CLASS 6A, REGION 2 FINAL

Gainesville (10-2) at Armwood (12-0)

LAST WEEK: Gainesville beat Sunlake 21-14 and the Hawks defeated Hillsborough 23-0.

THE SKINNY: The Hurricanes defense came up big last week, led by defensive back Cordero Dixon's two big plays. Dixon returned a fumble 49 yards for a score and took an interception back 51 yards for another TD. Gainesville's offense struggled against Sunlake, but showed in the region quarterfinal it was capable of big plays. With Gainesville trailing 14-13 on its own 9-yard line with 90 seconds to play, quarterback Mark Cato led the Hurricanes on a furious drive. He capped it off on a 33-yard TD pass to Chris Bivins with 40 seconds to play. Gainesville is ranked No. 10 in 6A.

CLASS 5A, REGION 2 FINAL

Jesuit (11-1) at Pasco (12-0)

LAST WEEK: The Tigers defeated Robinson 35-20 and Pasco beat North Marion 31-28.

THE SKINNY: Pasco comes in undefeated while the Tigers haven't lost since Week 1 against Plant. The Pirates will throw a balanced offense at Jesuit and are led on the ground by tailback David Emmanuel, who has rushed for 1,188 yards and 18 scores on the season. Quarterback Jacob Guy has completed 67 percent of his passes and has an impressive 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Both Trey Dudley-Giles and Janarion Grant have more than 700 yards receiving. The Pirates erased an early 14-point deficit against North Marion and got a 21-yard Brandon Ray field goal as time expired to advance to tonight's game.

CLASS 3A, STATE SEMIFINALS

Berkeley Prep (12-0) at Delray Beach American Heritage (10-1)

LAST WEEK: Berkeley Prep defeated Fort Meade 21-0; American Heritage defeated Fort Lauderdale University 31-20.

THE SKINNY: Berkeley Prep has been untouchable this season, blasting opponents by an average of almost 30 points per game. Now that Nelson Agholor (211 yards rushing, two touchdowns) and the Bucs have vanquished an 0-3 recent record against Fort Mead with last week's 21-0 victory, they may finally have a challenge. In its first state semifinal game, the Buccaneers are facing an American Heritage squad that was the state runner-up in 1A last season. And just like Berkeley, the Stallions can score (38 points per game) and play defense (five shutouts this season). American Heritage has a standout RB in Greg Bryant, who ran for 175 yards and two scores and returned an interception for a score in the big win against nationally ranked University. Berkeley will rely on standout LB Schyler Miles and the defense to keep this one close. The winner advances to the Class 3A state championship game on Dec. 10.

Times correspondents Rod Gipson and Brandon Wright contributed to this report.

2012 Grand Prix tickets go on sale

0
0

Times staff
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Tickets for the 2012 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg go on sale Thursday. Tickets for the March 23-25 event range from $20 to $125. Reduced rate tickets are offered to juniors, ages 12 and under. Check gpstpete.com or call 1-877-283-5385.

Jesuit vs. Pasco: We meet again

0
0

Rod Gipson, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TAMPA

Although they are not regular playoff partners, the Jesuit-Pasco matchup holds plenty of history for both teams.

Nineteen years ago, Jesuit fell to Pasco 28-16 in the Class 3A state championship played at Florida Field in Gainesville. In 2002, Jesuit scored a team playoff record 57 points in a 57-14 rout of Pasco in the opening round of the state playoffs.

Tonight, their seemingly every decade postseason meeting adds another chapter. At stake when Jesuit (11-1) travels to Pasco (12-0): A trip to the Class 5A state semifinals and a move closer to a possible state championship.

Jesuit comes into tonight's meeting on an 11-game winning streak. The Tigers, led by quarterback Tommy Eveld, rolled up 523 yards of offense in last week's win against rival Robinson. In fact, Jesuit's workmanlike approach all season has only been challenged by Robinson and Plant.

The Tigers topped Robinson 35-20 in last week's playoff game, which came after September's 21-7 Jesuit win. Take out the two Robinson games and Jesuit defeated its opponents by an average of almost four touchdowns per game.

Tonight, Jesuit will face Pasco's electric offense with plenty of options and quick-strike abilities. Jesuit's defense will have to slow Pasco QB Jacob Guy (35 TDs) and his trio of playmakers: RB-WR Janarion Grant, RB Emmanuel Grant and WR Trey Dudley-Giles, who have a combined 45 touchdowns.

But history (at least after 1992) isn't on Pasco's side. The Pirates have lost their last three playoff games to Hillsborough County opponents by a combined 147-41.

Meanwhile, in other playoff contests tonight, Gaither's road show continues tonight at powerhouse Lakeland, Plant continues its methodic journey through the Class 8A playoffs. Plant plays at East Lake, which is making its first appearance in the regional round of the playoffs.

And unbeaten and unchallenged Berkeley Prep is one game away from the Class 3A state championship contest. The Buccaneers (12-0) will be in Delray Beach on the east coast tonight to face a tough American Heritage team in a state semifinal meeting.

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

CLASS 8A, REGION 2 FINAL

Plant (11-1) at East Lake (9-3)

LAST WEEK: Plant defeated Orlando's Dr. Phillips 49-13; East Lake defeated Palm Harbor University 33-26.

THE SKINNY: Plant's playoff march travels to Tarpon Springs tonight to face an East Lake team making its deepest postseason trip in school history. The Eagles are led by RB Tyler Lane, who galloped for 226 yards and four touchdowns in East Lake's thrilling 33-26 win against PHU. The effort was Lane's seventh straight 100-plus yard game. The good news for the Eagles is that they reached the region finals. The not-so-good news is that Plant coach Robert Weiner has only lost once in five region final appearances, the last in 2007. Those numbers may improve tonight with the play of Plant QB James Few, who has tossed 10 touchdown passes in the Panthers' two 2011 playoff wins.

CLASS 7A, REGION 2 FINAL

Gaither (9-3) at Lakeland (12-0)

LAST WEEK: Gaither defeated Tampa Bay tech 17-14; Lakeland defeated Kissimmee Osceola 20-7.

THE SKINNY: Gaither's wild 17-14 playoff victory against Tampa Bay Tech made amends for its loss to the Titans by the same score during the regular season. Gaither QB Alex McGough likely will be looking for more big plays from WR Carlo Perello, who led the Cowboys with 26 receptions during the regular season. Still, Gaither coach Jason Stokes will need more rushing (just 14 yards last week) and fewer miscues (two lost fumbles and an interception). Lakeland, meanwhile, is in the midst of a typical run for the powerhouse program that owns six state championships, but none since 2006. The Dreadnaughts have a dynamic QB-WR tandem in Raheeme Dumas (1 TD rushing, 1 passing last week) and Ricquan Southward (who switched his college commitment from Miami to Ohio State this week). The last time Gaither visited Lakeland's Bryant Stadium for a playoff game? A 37-0 Lakeland romp in the second round of the 2006 playoffs.

CLASS 6A, REGION 2 FINAL

Gainesville (10-2) at Armwood (12-0)

LAST WEEK: Gainesville beat Sunlake 21-14 and Armwood defeated Hillsborough 23-0.

THE SKINNY: The Hurricanes defense came up big last week, led by defensive back Cordero Dixon's two big plays. Dixon returned a fumble 49 yards for a score and took an interception back 51 yards for another TD. Gainesville's offense struggled against Sunlake, but showed in the region quarterfinal it was capable of big plays. Trailing 14-13 on their own 9-yard line with 90 seconds to play against Hernando, quarterback Mark Cato led the Hurricanes on a furious drive. He capped it off on a 33-yard TD pass to Chris Bivins with 40 seconds to play. Gainesville is ranked No. 10 in 6A.

CLASS 5A, REGION 2 FINAL

Jesuit (11-1) at Pasco (12-0)

LAST WEEK: Tigers defeated Robinson 35-20; Pasco beat North Marion 31-28.

THE SKINNY: Pasco comes in undefeated while the Tigers haven't lost since week 1 against Plant. The Pirates will throw a balanced offense at Jesuit and are led on the ground by tailback David Emmanuel, who has rushed for 1,188 yards and 18 scores on the season. Quarterback Jacob Guy has completed 67 percent of his passes and has an impressive 35-5 TD to INT ratio. Trey Dudley-Giles and Janarion Grant both have more than 700 yards receiving. The Pirates erased an early-14 point deficit against North Marion and got a 21-yard Brandon Ray field goal as time expired to advance to tonight's game.

CLASS 3A, STATE SEMIFINALS

Berkeley Prep (12-0) at Delray Beach American Heritage (10-1)

LAST WEEK: Berkeley Prep defeated Fort Meade 21-0; American Heritage defeated Fort Lauderdale University 31-20.

THE SKINNY: Berkeley Prep has been untouchable this season, blasting opponents by an average of almost 30 points per game. Now that Nelson Agholor (211 yards rushing, two touchdowns) and the Bucs have vanquished an 0-3 recent record against Fort Mead with last week's 21-0 victory, they may finally have a challenge. In its first state semifinal game, the Buccaneers are facing an American Heritage squad that was the state runnerup in 1A last season. And just like Berkeley, the Stallions can score (38 points per game) and play defense (5 shutouts this season). American Heritage has a standout RB in Greg Bryant, who ran for 175 yards and two scores and returned an interception for a score in their big win against nationally ranked University. Berkeley will rely on standout LB Schyler Miles and the defense to keep this one close. The winner advances to the Class 3A state championship game on Dec. 10.

Aaron Murray aims to bring a title to Georgia Bulldogs

0
0

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Aaron Murray has dreamed of this moment since the day he signed his name to play football at Georgia. His goal from the start was to help bring championships to the Bulldogs. But even Murray couldn't have envisioned a scenario quite this big.

On Saturday, the Georgia sophomore starting quarterback and Tampa native will try to lead the Bulldogs to their first SEC Championship since 2005. But to earn that title, Georgia will have to do what nobody else this season has accomplished: defeat No. 1 LSU.

"It's a huge challenge," said Murray, a Plant High alumnus. "This is something you want to be in. You want to be able to play in these big games and compete against the best. That's the reason the guys on this team committed to Georgia. We want to be able to play in big games like this. And here's our opportunity."

It's an opportunity few outside of the Georgia locker room saw as a possibility three months ago. The Bulldogs opened the year 0-2, but have won 10 straight.

Murray, who was a preseason All-SEC first team selection, struggled early on. But since the Oct. 15 Vanderbilt game, Murray has 19 touchdowns to just six interceptions, and has thrown a single-season school record 32 passing touchdowns.

He also holds the school record for touchdown responsibility by a quarterback in a single season (32 passing, two rushing). Murray is the SEC's leading active player in career total offensive yards (6,035), completions (411), TD responsibility (62), TD passes (56) and passing yards (5,747).

"He's the kind of guy you have to make sure you're responsible for," LSU coach Les Miles said.

Georgia coach Mark Richt likes what Murray has done all year, but knows he'll be facing his toughest challenge this season on Saturday.

"There's been some moments in time when he hasn't played as good as we would like, but I like what he's done all season long," Richt said. "... He does hit some streaks where he's on fire and he'll make a lot of outstanding throws, and he's had a lot of help from his receivers, too. But without question LSU's secondary is fantastic. They are very athletic. They're very aggressive. They play a ton of man coverage. ... So it's going to take everybody to have some success in the passing game for sure."

And if Murray can make the reality match his dreams?

"It would be a great feeling," he said. "This is a goal that, as a team, we set since January — to be able to make it to Atlanta to compete for an SEC Championship. There's no other conference championship game like this. This is the big one. We're really excited. Like I said, it would be an awesome feeling to be able to walk out of that stadium with an SEC Championship."

Antonya English can be reached at aenglish@tampabay.com.

Aaron Murray aims to bring SEC title to Georgia Bulldogs against LSU Tigers

0
0

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Aaron Murray has dreamed of this moment since the day he signed his name to play football at Georgia. His goal from the start was to help bring championships to the Bulldogs. But even Murray couldn't have envisioned a scenario quite this big.

On Saturday, the sophomore quarterback and Tampa native will try to lead Georgia to its first SEC championship since 2005. But to earn that title, the Bulldogs will have to do what nobody else this season has accomplished: defeat No. 1 LSU.

"It's a huge challenge," said Murray, a Plant High alumnus. " … You want to be able to play in these big games and compete against the best. That's the reason the guys on this team committed to Georgia. We want to be able to play in big games like this. And here's our opportunity."

It's an opportunity few outside of his locker room saw as a possibility three months ago. The Bulldogs opened 0-2 but have won 10 straight.

Murray, a preseason All-SEC first-team selection, struggled early. But since the Oct. 15 Vanderbilt game, Murray has 19 touchdowns to just six interceptions, and he has a single-season school-record 32 touchdown passes.

He also holds the school's single-season record for touchdown responsibility by a quarterback (32 passing, two rushing). Murray is the SEC's leading active player in career total offensive yards (6,035), completions (411), TD responsibility (62), TD passes (56) and passing yards (5,747).

"He's the kind of guy you have to make sure you're responsible for," LSU coach Les Miles said.

Georgia coach Mark Richt likes what Murray has done all year, but he knows his quarterback will be facing his toughest challenge Saturday.

"There's been some moments in time when he hasn't played as good as we would like, but I like what he's done all season long," Richt said. " … He does hit some streaks where he's on fire and he'll make a lot of outstanding throws, and he's had a lot of help from his receivers, too. But without question LSU's secondary is fantastic. They are very athletic. They're very aggressive. They play a ton of man coverage. … So it's going to take everybody to have some success in the passing game for sure."

And if Murray can make the reality match his dreams?

"It would be a great feeling," he said. "This is a goal that, as a team, we set since January: to be able to make it to Atlanta to compete for an SEC championship. There's no other conference championship game like this. This is the big one. We're really excited. Like I said, it would be an awesome feeling to be able to walk out of that stadium with an SEC championship."

Antonya English can be reached at aenglish@tampabay.com.

USF Bulls still seek that sixth victory and a bowl game

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TAMPA — The magic number, as it has been since USF football's painful midseason swoon, is six.

Six wins — one more than USF has entering regular-season finale against No. 22 West Virginia — is what the Bulls (5-6, 1-5 in Big East) need to be bowl-eligible, to continue a six-year bowling streak that now looks to be in considerable jeopardy.

"The elephant in the room is that we've got to win this game to become bowl-eligible," coach Skip Holtz said this week. "We want to do that for our seniors, for this football team, for what they've been through, especially as many close games as we've had, where so many losses just take the air out of your lungs. ... We've got to find a way to put this thing together for our final home game of the year."

Six is the number of starting seniors between the offense and defense, a small nucleus that has been challenged to keep a team together through what has been, in terms of wins and losses, the worst stretch of football in USF history, with six losses in seven games. When the season started, this game was seen as a potential Big East championship game, but the Bulls are at the other end of the conference standings.

The idea of West Virginia coming to Tampa reminds the seniors of 2007, when many of them were redshirting freshmen, watching the Bulls' first sellout at Raymond James Stadium, with 67,018 watching as the Bulls won 21-13 on the way to a No. 2 national ranking.

"That was one of the highest, biggest games of my being here," senior defensive end Patrick Hampton said. "Just being in that environment, seeing Raymond James packed ... you could look to the very top of the stadium and see every seat filled. When it got to third down and people started yelling, that's the loudest I've ever heard Ray-Jay. Ever since I've been here, we've tried to get back to that attendance. That was a special day right there."

Six is also the number of years that guard Jeremiah Warren, receiver A.J. Love and safety Jerrell Young have been working toward their final college game. Love earned a sixth year after missing two seasons to injuries, and this final year has been limited by more setback, though he has recovered from a stress fracture in his leg and is expected to play.

Young and Warren signed with USF in 2006 but didn't qualify academically that year, and both were around the program that first year despite not making grades. Young regularly attended practice as a spectator, reminding himself of what he was striving for; Warren moved to Tampa and worked for USF's facilities department, literally mowing the grass fields the Bulls practiced on. Both joined the program in 2007 and finish their careers as three-year starters. Win today, they and their fellow seniors give themselves an encore in a bowl game, a chance to salvage something positive on the way out.

"It happened so fast," Young said. "I can remember Coach (Jim) Leavitt saying "Your freshman year is going to be here before you know it.' You only get 48 (regular-season games). I'm down to one right now. ... It would be tough to be that senior class that didn't go to a bowl game. … It would hurt."

Like so many of their seasons, this one started with promise, with a win at Notre Dame and a 4-0 start that again sent them up into the national rankings. Then came four straight losses to open Big East play, each one seemingly closer and tougher than the one before.

"It's been a long journey for me, a long road. Long, difficult. I've seen the highs and the lows," said senior center Chaz Hine, a former walk-on now in his third year as a starter. "It's going to be powerful. I don't know how it's going to feel. ... Just to end on a positive note, to finish with a good feeling. I want that feeling back. I want that emotion back. This is a game I'll be remembering for the rest of my life."

The hardest part of USF's last five losses is that the Bulls had ample chance to win all five — they led in the third quarter against Connecticut, led by 10 in the fourth against Cincinnati, by 14 in the fourth against Rutgers, lost on a field goal as time expired against Miami and saw another 14-point lead disappear in the fourth quarter against Louisville.

"I feel like we've given away more football games than we've lost," Holtz said.

With that in mind, even against a West Virginia team with a chance to win a share of the Big East title and a BCS bowl berth, the Bulls feel like their postseason fate is still in their hands. The same fingers that have let victory slip away so many times this season and reach up and grab it one more time when the team needs it most.

"We just have to fix the small things and get those right," Hampton said. "We haven't been doing bad; we've just been losing. We have one more opportunity, and we can get it done."

USF Bulls still seek elusive sixth victory, berth in bowl game

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TAMPA — The magic number, as it has been since USF football's painful midseason swoon, is six.

Six wins, one more than USF has entering tonight's regular-season finale against No. 22 West Virginia, are what the Bulls (5-6, 1-5 Big East) need to continue a six-year bowl streak that is now in jeopardy.

"The elephant in the room is that we've got to win this game to become bowl-eligible," coach Skip Holtz said this week. "We want to do that for our seniors, for this football team, for what they've been through, especially as many close games as we've had, where so many losses just take the air out of your lungs. … We've got to find a way to put this thing together for our final home game of the year."

Six is the number of starting seniors between the offense and defense, a small nucleus that has been challenged to keep the team together through what has been, in terms of wins and losses, the worst stretch of football in USF history, losing six of its past seven. When the season started, tonight's matchup was seen as a potential Big East championship game, but the Bulls are at the other end of the conference standings.

The idea of West Virginia coming to Tampa reminds the seniors of 2007, when many of them were redshirt freshmen, watching the Bulls' first sellout at Raymond James Stadium, with 67,018 watching as the Bulls won 21-13 on the way to a No. 2 national ranking.

"That was one of the highest, biggest games of my being here," senior defensive end Patrick Hampton said. "Just being in that environment, seeing Raymond James packed … you could look to the very top of the stadium and see every seat filled. When it got to third down and people started yelling, that's the loudest I've ever heard Ray-Jay. Ever since I've been here, we've tried to get back to that attendance. That was a special day right there."

Six is also the number of years that guard Jeremiah Warren, receiver A.J. Love and safety Jerrell Young have been working toward their final college game. Love earned a sixth year after missing two seasons to injuries, and this final year has been limited by more setback, though he has recovered from a stress fracture in his leg and is expected to play.

Young and Warren signed with USF in 2006 but didn't qualify academically that year, and both were around the program that first year despite not making grades. Young regularly attended practice as a spectator, reminding himself of what he was striving for; Warren moved to Tampa and worked for USF's facilities department, mowing the grass practice fields. Both joined the program in 2007 and finish their careers as three-year starters. Win tonight, and they and their fellow seniors can get themselves an encore in a bowl game, a chance to salvage something positive on the way out.

"It happened so fast," Young said. " … You only get 48 (regular-season games). I'm down to one right now. … It would be tough to be that senior class that didn't go to a bowl game. … It would hurt."

Like so many of their seasons, the Bulls started with promise, beating Notre Dame and starting 4-0. Then came four straight losses to open Big East play.

"It's been a long journey for me, a long road. Long, difficult. I've seen the highs and the lows," said senior center Chaz Hine, a former walk-on now in his third year as a starter. "It's going to be powerful. I don't know how it's going to feel. … Just to end on a positive note, to finish with a good feeling. I want that feeling back."

The hardest part of USF's past five losses is the Bulls had ample chances to win all five. They led in the third quarter against Connecticut, led by 10 in the fourth against Cincinnati, by 14 in the fourth against Rutgers, lost on a field goal as time expired against Miami, and saw another 14-point lead disappear in the fourth quarter against Louisville.

"I feel like we've given away more football games than we've lost," Holtz said.

With that in mind, the Bulls feel like their postseason fate is still in their hands. The same fingers that have let victory slip away so often will try to grab one more win when the team needs it most.

"We just have to fix the small things and get those right," Hampton said. "We haven't been doing bad; we've just been losing. We have one more opportunity, and we can get it done."


College football scouting report: USF vs. No. 22 West Virginia, 8 p.m. Thursday, ESPN2, 620-AM

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

USF needs a win to be bowl-eligible, and West Virginia can earn a share of the Big East crown with a win, and potentially a BCS bowl berth. Expect some points — these two defenses were the Big East's worst in conference play, with USF allowing 28.0 points per game and West Virginia even higher at 29.2. These are also the league's top two offenses in yards in conference play, with WVU at 445.2 and USF at 406.8. Having said that, USF has held WVU to 20 points or fewer five years in a row, with three wins in that span.

Watch out for …

West Virginia QB Geno Smith is somehow the third straight passer from Miami to face the Bulls, and USF must contain him better than it did Miami's Jacory Harris or Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater. That's no easy task, as Smith has thrown for 3,741 yards, with 25 touchdowns against just five interceptions. USF's offensive success may hinge on whether QB B.J. Daniels can return from the shoulder injury that sidelined him last week; backup Bobby Eveld would need a big game — and help from RBs Darrell Scott and Demetris Murray — to keep up with West Virginia's offense.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Tampa Bay Bucs to don throwback creamsicle uniforms

0
0

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

BY STEPHEN F. HOLDER

TAMPA — Adrian Clayborn was all of 9 years old when the Bucs debuted the current pewter and red ensemble they sport on Sundays.

He doesn't really recall much about his predecessors who wore creamsicle orange, which the Bucs will wear for Sunday's throwback day against the Panthers. But there's still a certain appeal to the current Bucs when it comes to donning the Bucs' original uniforms.

"I don't know much about the tradition to be honest," said Clayborn, the rookie defensive end. "But it looks cool."

The Bucs are having a throwback day for the third straight year, honoring former TE Jimmie Giles by enshrining him in the team's Ring of Honor. Previous inductees were the team's original head coach, John McKay and the franchise's lone Hall of Fame selection, Lee Roy Selmon. Small touches such a '70s music also will be a part of Sunday's atmosphere.

Players on Wednesday were already wearing some of the accents they'll use during the game, wearing their white helmets featuring the old Bucco Bruce logo and orange-and-white cleats.

DT Albert Haynesworth, 30, said he does recall the days when the Bucs wore their former uniforms. And he wasn't particularly fond of them.

"I remember them," he said. "I used to think they were really ugly."

And now?

"Well, I'm wearing it," he said. "I can make anything look good."

HOT SEAT?: The Bucs have lost five consecutive games and could fall substantially short of their 10-6 mark of last season.

But coach Raheem Morris said his job security (or lack thereof) hasn't been something he's dwelled on.

"I am not an insurance salesman," Morris cracked Wednesday. "We coach football."

He then added, "We are not in the business of being concerned about job security. They will call you up when they want you to go. They will let you know and you shake their hands and you walk out and you be proud of what you were able to accomplish and what you were able to do. My job right now is to go out there and win football games.

"We got five of them guaranteed left (and) I can't wait to play them."

Morris is under contract through the end of 2012 while general manager Mark Dominik is signed through the end of 2014.

INJURY BUG: The Bucs had a lengthy injury report on Wednesday. Several players were missing from practice because of injuries, including DT Brian Price (ankle), DE Michael Bennett (groin), DE Clayborn (back), LB Adam Hayward (foot) and LB Dekoda Watson (groin).

Clayborn presumably was injured against the Titans Sunday, though he finished the game. Morris did not provide details.

Morris said Price is considered day to day and continues to wear the walking boot he's had all week.

DON'T ASK ME: Haynesworth, who was suspended five games by the NFL for stomping on the head of then-Cowboys C Andre Gurode in 2006, didn't have much to say about last week's similar incident involving Detroit's Ndamukong Suh.

"That doesn't really have anything to do with me," Haynesworth said. "It's the NFL. The NFL does what they want to do."

Suh was suspended two games but is appealing the decision.

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

Tampa Bay Buccaneers get a look at creamsicle uniforms

0
0

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TAMPA — DE Adrian Clayborn was all of 9 years old when the Bucs debuted the current pewter and red ensemble they sport on Sundays.

The 23-year-old rookie doesn't recall much about his predecessors who wore creamsicle orange, which the Bucs will wear for Sunday's throwback day against the Panthers. But there's a certain appeal to the current Bucs when it comes to donning them.

"I don't know much about the tradition," Clayborn said, "but it looks cool."

The Bucs are having a throwback day for the third straight year and will enshrine TE Jimmie Giles into their Ring of Honor. Previous inductees were their original coach, John McKay, and lone Hall of Famer, Lee Roy Selmon. Small touches such as '70s music also will be a part of the festivities.

On Wednesday, players wore some of the retro accents, including the white helmets featuring the Bucco Bruce logo and orange and white cleats.

DT Albert Haynesworth, 30, said he recalls the days when the Bucs wore those uniforms. And he wasn't particularly fond of them.

"I used to think they were really ugly," he said.

And now?

"Well, I'm wearing it," he said. "I can make anything look good."

HOT SEAT? The Bucs have lost five consecutive games and could fall substantially short of their 10-6 mark of last season.

But coach Raheem Morris said he hasn't dwelled on his job security (or lack thereof).

"I am not an insurance salesman," Morris said. "We coach football.

"We are not in the business of being concerned about job security. They will call you up when they want you to go. And you shake their hands and you walk out … proud of what you were able to accomplish and what you were able to do. My job right now is to go out there and win football games. We got five of them guaranteed left, and I can't wait to play them."

Morris is signed through the 2012 season, GM Mark Dominik through 2014.

Injury report: Clayborn (back), DT Brian Price (ankle), DE Michael Bennett (groin), LB Adam Hayward (foot) and LB Dekoda Watson (groin) missed practice. Morris did not say when Clayborn was hurt. He said Price is day to day and continues to wear a walking boot.

DON'T ASK ME: Haynesworth, who was suspended five games for stomping on the head of then-Cowboys C Andre Gurode in 2006, didn't comment on a similar incident involving Detroit DT Ndamukong Suh on Thanksgiving against the Packers.

"That doesn't really have anything to do with me," he said. "It's the NFL. The NFL does what they want to do."

Suh was suspended two games but is appealing.

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

Captain's Corner: Look for redfish on oyster bars

0
0

By Seth Leto, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

What's hot: Small schools of redfish seem to be on every oyster bar along the inland shoreline. This should hold true through the winter because these bars are home to small baitfish and crustaceans — major sources of food for predator fish. The bars also heat up in the sun, which keeps the surrounding water temperature a few degrees warmer. Ladyfish are also schooled up in large numbers along deeper channels. Ladyfish are not known for being good table fare, but they are very aggressive feeders and put up a good fight on light tackle.

Tactics: Find a bunch of oyster bars that are grouped in a small area. This can be accomplished by scouting during the extreme low tides we have throughout the winter months. Fish these bars during the last of the incoming tide and the first of the outgoing tide. Work each bar until the bite shuts down then move on to the next. To find a school of ladyfish, you need to use your bottom machine, look for fish breaching the surface on a calm day or look for diving pelicans. Once a school is located, anchor up and fish with live bait or drift the area with artificials.

Bait: The best choice would be a live shrimp, fresh cut bait or your favorite redfish lure (shrimp imitation jig, gold spoon or topwater plug).

Seth Leto charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at capt.seth@yahoo.com or (727) 385-0382.

Tom Jones' Two Cents: Year's most disappointing teams

0
0

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

USF Bulls football

If the Bulls lose tonight — and they are a slight underdog at home to West Virginia — they will not qualify for a bowl game. That's nuts. There are 35 bowl games, meaning 70 teams make a bowl. 70! And USF might not be one of them? No one expected USF to contend for a national title, but a run at the Big East championship and a top 25 ranking were legitimate goals. Instead, the Bulls could finish last in the Big East.

Philadelphia Eagles

Before the season, backup QB Vince Young, above, called his Eagles a "dream team.'' Even then, most chuckled because the Eagles, while talented, weren't the '85 Bears or '78 Steelers. Still, Philadelphia seemed to be the best bet to challenge the Packers in the NFC. However, the Eagles enter tonight's game against Seattle with a 4-7 record, which puts them three games behind the Cowboys in the NFC East as well as three games out of the wild-card race. It looks like this dream will end when the regular season does.

Miami Heat

There are different levels of disappointment. Normally, reaching the championship round is considered a smashing success. And, if you're the Miami Heat, you can proudly say that only one team in the NBA last season had a better season than you did. But the 2010-11 version of the Heat was on a championship-or-bust journey after putting together a "dream team'' that included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The story was not supposed to end with a six-game loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox, by far, are the most disappointing sports team of the year and, really, of recent memory. What appeared to be a World Series shoo-in turned into a team that will forever be known as having one of the biggest collapses in baseball history. The Sox went 7-20 and blew a nine-game AL wild-card lead over the Rays in September to miss the postseason. Then came stories about pitchers drinking beer and eating fried chicken during games. What a mess.

Florida Gators football

Did anyone think a 6-6 season was coming in Will Muschamp's debut? Plus, they came this close to losing to Vanderbilt, which would have left the Gators sitting at home during bowl season with a 5-7 record. Even still, a loss in a bowl game and the Gators finish with their first losing record since 1979. Heck, even Ron Zook never had a losing season at Florida.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Before this season, I predicted the Blue Jackets would be a "team on the rise'' in 2011-12. They won two of their first 15 games and six of their first 23 and already are on their second coach of the season. Oops.

Fox NFL Sunday

What used to be the best NFL pregame show on television has turned into the most disappointing because of all of the horsing around and goofball humor that is not nearly as funny as the cast thinks it is. It's like amateur night at a comedy club.

NBA Players Association

Who was running the show for you guys? You don't do a deal with the NBA owners and the season ends up being delayed by two months. When a deal is finally struck, it was you who made most of the concessions? If this were a basketball game, the owners would've won by 30.

tom jones' two cents

Tonight, two of the most disappointing teams of the year are in action. That would be the USF Bulls and the Philadelphia Eagles. To commemorate the occasion, here are our choices for the most disappointing teams of 2011.

Bobby Ramos healthy, sorry to be let go as Tampa Bay Rays bullpen coach

0
0

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Several of the Rays' returning coaches were pleasantly surprised they got new two-year deals even though manager Joe Maddon has only one year left on his current contract.

Bobby Ramos was disappointed to be the one not rehired, but he said he felt good to be healthy again after missing part of last season due to illness, including a throat infection and bronchitis.

"I'm feeling great," said Ramos, known as Sugar Bear. "The Bear is back."

Ramos, 56, spent six seasons as the Rays' bullpen coach, coming with Maddon from the Angels, plus three previously as a minor-league manager. Ramos is waiting to hear if he will be offered another position in the organization; if not, he plans to seek a coaching job elsewhere.

"Of course you're disappointed after all these years," he said. "You put a lot of time in, you like to think you helped. Unfortunately I got sick. If I had my way I wouldn't have gotten sick and I would have stayed there."

The Rays confirmed Wednesday that Stan Boroski, who filled in for Ramos, will take over as bullpen coach. Also that Dave Martinez (bench coach), Jim Hickey (pitching), Derek Shelton (hitting), Tom Foley (third base/infield) and George Hendrick (first base/outfield) would return, along with senior adviser Don Zimmer, for his 64th season in pro ball.

There has been no progress yet on a Maddon extension.

Also:

• Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson and outfielder Desmond Jennings were named to the 10-man Topps rookie all-star team.

• Three front-office officials were promoted: Chaim Bloom and Erik Neander to directors of baseball operations; James Click to director of baseball research and development.

• The Rays are among 13 teams eligible for the new Competitive Balance Lottery for an extra pick in the 2013 draft.

A new attitude

BOSTON — Players eating fried chicken and drinking beer in the clubhouse during games. If it didn't bother Bobby Valentine as a baseball lifer, it would certainly offend his sensibilities as a self-proclaimed gourmet chef.

"He won't let that happen. There's no way he's going to let that happen," said Tommy Lasorda, Valentine's manager in the minors in the Dodgers' organization and a mentor who encouraged him to try for the Red Sox job.

"There's times, in all phases of life, when you've got to kick them in the (rear) when they need it, and there's times when you need to hug them if they need it. Your livelihood depends on those guys."

Valentine will be introduced as Boston's manager today. The former Mets and Rangers manager replaces Terry Francona, who let his players police themselves and never said anything negative about them in public.

In New York, Valentine at times criticized his players and bickered with them, his boss and the media.

"You give loyalty, you'll get it back. You give love, you'll get it back," Lasorda said. "And that's the way it has to be."

HALL BALLOT: Former AL batting champions Bernie Williams and Bill Mueller and former Jesuit High standout Brad Radke are among 13 newcomers on the Hall of Fame ballot. A relatively weak field of first-timers could give hope to Barry Larkin, the former Reds shortstop who last year received 62.1 percent of the vote.

DODGERS SAGA: A federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware said Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and MLB commissioner Bud Selig do not have to testify at a hearing next week on the team's plan to sell media rights to future games. Fox Sports currently has the team's media rights contract. In other Dodgers news, infielder Adam Kennedy agreed to a one-year, $800,000 contract.

ROCKIES-ANGELS TRADE: Los Angeles acquired catcher Chris Iannetta from Colorado for right-hander Tyler Chatwood.

CUBS: Outfielder David DeJesus agreed to a $10 million, two-year deal with a 2014 club option.

RANGERS: First baseman Mitch Moreland had arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist and will need 8-12 weeks to recover.

TIGERS: Shortstop Ramon Santiago remained with the team, agreeing to a two-year contract worth about $4 million.

Information from Times wires was used in this report. Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

2012 Hall of Fame ballot

Jeff Bagwell1B
Jeromy BurnitzOF*
Vinny Castilla3B*
Juan GonzalezOF
Brian JordanOF*
Barry LarkinSS
Javy LopezC*
Edgar Martinez3B/DH
Don Mattingly1B
Fred McGriff1B
Mark McGwire1B
Jack MorrisRHP
Bill Mueller3B*
Terry MulhollandLHP*
Dale MurphyOF
Phil Nevin3B/1B*
Rafael Palmeiro1B
Brad RadkeRHP*
Tim RainesOF
Tim SalmonOF*
Ruben SierraOF*
Lee SmithRHP
Alan TrammellSS
Larry WalkerOF
Bernie WilliamsOF*
Tony Womack2B/SS*
Eric Young2B*

* First year on ballot

NFL game preview: Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 Thursday night

0
0

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TONIGHT

Eagles (4-7) at Seahawks (4-7)

8:20; NFL Network, 1010-AM

Line/over-under: Eagles by 3; 43

QB Michael Vick is out again for the Eagles, and WR Jeremy Maclin won't play either. RB LeSean McCoy is questionable with a toe injury. In other words, things could go from bad to worse for the Eagles, who at 4-7 remain one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Still, you'd like to believe the talent difference between Philadelphia and Seattle is big enough to make this a game the Eagles can't botch. Right?

Stephen F. Holder's pick: Eagles 27, Seahawks, 17


Carolina Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton defying expectations heading into game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers

0
0

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TAMPA

Scandal could not stop him, and controversy could not slow him down. The skeptics could not touch him, and the critics never had a chance.

He has just gotten here and already Cam Newton has arrived.

It has been a very, very long time since the NFL has seen a newcomer like the Carolina Panthers quarterback, in town to face the Bucs on Sunday. He is a rookie who carries himself as if he has been here for a decade, a beginner who has been in so many highlight reels he deserves a production credit.

Already, it seems, Newton is in a hurry to get to stardom.

And for the defenseless defenders of the Tampa Bay Bucs, the next challenge is to try to get in the way.

There have been easier assignments, you know. Newton can throw, and the Bucs have not rushed the passer very well. He can run, and the Bucs have not been a good tackling team. He ends up in the end zone a lot, and the Bucs have struggled to keep teams out.

Now, here the Bucs are: ready to see Cam a lot.

Time was, this would have been the best news possible for the Bucs defense. Those guys loved young quarterbacks the way Hannibal Lecter loved fava beans. The best Bucs defenses were too fast, too physical, too relentless for newbies to have a chance. Ask Donovan McNabb. Ask Michael Vick. Ask Matt Ryan. Ask the others who got spankings when they were kids.

On the other hand, this is a different Bucs defense, and Newton is a different type of rookie, and if the Bucs are going to be successful Sunday, they are going to have to remind a quarterback of his age.

Not many have done that this year. Newton has made the Panthers a little more dangerous, a little more credible than the team that finished 2-14 a year ago. Put it this way: Wouldn't you like the Bucs chances a lot more if, say, Jimmy Clausen got a promotion between now and Sunday?

The thing is, nobody saw this coming. Remember all the questions about Newton before the draft? People wondered about his character, and about his accuracy, and about how long his transition to the NFL game might take, and about how much the NFL lockout might slow the progress of the No. 1 overall pick out of Auburn.

Instead, Newton has been terrific. Consider this: Only three rookie quarterbacks in history have thrown for more than Newton's 3,093, and he has five games left to collect the 647 yards he needs to pass Peyton Manning's rookie record. He has 10 rushing touchdowns, two short of the NFL record for quarterbacks of any age.

Ask yourself, then. How many passing yards do you think Newton gets Sunday? How many rushing yards?

The answers, of course, will probably decide the game.

"Cam has done a nice job," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "He's playing very confident. He's throwing the ball downfield. He's going through his progressions well. He's run the ball well. He's a good football player.

"He's young, he's still growing. He makes some mistakes. He throws some balls into coverage. He gives you some chances."

The thing is, Newton pretty much agrees with Morris. For all the praise he has received, Newton acts as if his rookie year hasn't been all that, after all. He suggests that if he hadn't thrown so many interceptions (14), his team might have won more than three games.

"Absolutely," Newton said. "I don't think I've played up to my standards. I haven't had that game I could be satisfied with yet. I'm still striving to be the elite quarterback I can be.

"Look at my stats. I'll be the first person (to say) that I'm not 100 percent satisfied with what I've done. The turnover rate is one thing I'm not proud of. I have to do a better job of protecting the ball. If I had done that, we would have won more."

For the Bucs, and for the Panthers, this could be the start of a series of pretty good quarterback duels. Josh Freeman is 23; Newton is 22. Before they are done, these guys could face off 20 times or more.

So far, the difference is this: Newton has exceeded his expectations; this year, Freeman has not. Still, their numbers as far as touchdowns, interceptions and completion percentages are pretty much the same. The debate over who is the better quarterback has just begun.

As it turns out, the Bucs defense is going to get a vote in that argument, too.

It starts by making Newton look like a rookie.

And avoid letting him have the same effect on them.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman could sit out Sunday with shoulder injury

0
0

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TAMPA — The hits on quarterback Josh Freeman — a sprained thumb, a mishap at a gun range that required five stitches to the same finger eight days later — have only caused him to miss receivers.

But the latest blow could force him to miss a game.

Freeman missed a portion of practice Wednesday and is day to day with a right (throwing) shoulder injury, coach Raheem Morris said. Freeman was hurt after dropping the snap on the final offensive play of Sunday's loss to the Titans, a failed sneak on fourth and 1.

Backup Josh Johnson took reps with the first team Wednesday. Morris said Freeman probably could have thrown, but trainers believed it was best to give him a day off.

"He went out there, handed the ball off, executed our run plays, did all that stuff in the run game, and he watched J.J.," Morris said.

What will determine if Freeman plays Sunday against Carolina?

"If he can go out there and execute the game plan and give us the best chance to win, then he'll play," Morris said. "He's just got to go out there and practice.

"(Freeman's situation) is one of those that will go all the way up until Saturday … potentially even Sunday. He's one of those guys who's going to get all the mental reps, the mental capacity, all that type of thing. And if he can throw it, then he can throw it. And if he can't, then he can't."

Freeman stood on a podium Wednesday at One Buc Place fielding more questions about his decision-making. Nothing unusual about that for a quarterback who has thrown 16 interceptions this season.

"In hindsight, it wasn't the smartest decision, but you've got to learn from it," he said.

But rather than describing a bad read or wayward pass, Freeman was contrite about his choice of weapons off the field.

Freeman sustained a cut Oct. 31 to the thumb on his throwing hand at a shooting range when the Desert Eagle semiautomatic pistol he was firing recoiled. Freeman said the injury, which occurred eight days after he sprained the same thumb during a 24-18 loss to Chicago in London, required five stitches but did not affect his ability to grip or throw a football.

Freeman said he had fired the weapon "countless" times and been to the shooting range during an off day two weeks before the mishap. But after meeting with general manager Mark Dominik, he said he will no longer go to the range during the season.

"With a little free time during the bye week, I like to use the gun range," Freeman said. "It's a bit of an escape. I grew up shooting guns with my dad, and I've always enjoyed shooting guns as a recreational thing.

"Obviously, it was a poor choice of judgment doing it in season. But at the end of the day, I've got to live with the consequences, and I'm moving forward."

The Bucs have lost five games in a row and six of their past seven while Freeman's passer rating has dipped from 95.9 in 2010 to 74.6 this season.

Since spraining his right thumb, Freeman has thrown five touchdowns and six interceptions and lost four straight as the Bucs have fallen to 4-7.

"It's definitely been rough," he said. "We have a lot of competitive guys, and we've lost some close games. You hate to see them turn out like they have been when you look at this (Titans) game, you look at the New Orleans game, the Chicago game. If you're looking back, there were just a few plays if you'd executed a little bit better, maybe done something a little different, you'd have a chance to win. Really, the outlook would be different."

Instead, by bobbling a simple snap, it could be Freeman's last for awhile.

"That's the shame of it," Morris said. "Executing the simplest play of football, the quarterback-center exchange, we didn't execute it and got our quarterback hurt, potentially."

Cutler says year might be over

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said Wednesday that he isn't sure if he will return this season.

"Obviously, I'd want to play next week if they'd allow me," said Cutler, speaking for the first time since breaking his right thumb against the Chargers on Nov. 20. "I don't think that's going to be in the cards. It could be I'm done for the season. I just have to be smart about it and realize that there is a long-term picture here."

Cutler, hurt trying to make a tackle on an interception return, added he's not sure when he can start throwing, let alone play.

Coach Lovie Smith acknowledged the possibility that Cutler won't return. But just as he did the day after the injury, he said he expects him to return.

"Until someone tells me he's not, we're going along like he will be able to come back," he said. "And nothing was said otherwise."

Suh appeal reportedly today: Ndamukong Suh's appeal of a two-game suspension for stomping on Packers guard Evan Dietrich will be today, the Associated Press reported. The Lions defensive tackle will talk with former star offensive lineman and Raiders coach Art Shell, who was appointed by the players' union and owners for such cases.

Bills receiver reportedly fined: Buffalo's Stevie Johnson was fined $10,000 by the league for mimicking shooting himself in the thigh during Sunday's touchdown celebration that mocked Jets receiver Plaxico Burress, the Associated Press reported. Johnson declined to confirm the fine, saying only he had an envelope from the league at his locker but hadn't opened it yet.

More Bills: Sunday's home game against the Titans likely will be blacked out. The team said about 12,000 tickets were available as of Wednesday afternoon.

Broncos: Rookie linebacker Von Miller had surgery for a strained ligament in his left thumb but is expected to play Sunday.

Cardinals: Quarterback Kevin Kolb, who has missed four games with turf toe and a bruise on his right foot, went through a full workout. But coach Ken Whisenhunt said the team will see how he feels today before determining his status for Sunday.

Dolphins: With kicker Dan Carpenter back from a strained groin, Shayne Graham was waived.

Falcons: Cornerback Brent Grimes will have what coach Mike Smith called only "minor" surgery on his right knee today and miss at least two weeks.

Jaguars: A day after being named interim coach, Mel Tucker fired receivers coach Johnny Cox. The team is last in the league in offense. Quarterbacks coach Mike Sheppard moved to receivers, a position he held the previous four years in Cincinnati. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter also will serve as quarterbacks coach. Also, starting receiver Jason Hill was waived. He caught 25 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns.

Jets: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson and receiver Jeremy Kerley practiced for the first time since each sprained the medial collateral ligament in their left knees against the Patriots on Nov. 13. Coach Rex Ryan said he expects both to play Sunday.

Packers: Linebacker Erik Wal­den is expected to start Sunday despite his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence. He was arrested Friday and spent the weekend in jail but has not been charged. Coach Mike McCarthy said only the situation is "under review" by the team and league.

Rams: Quarterback Sam Bradford took only about half the snaps at practice because of a high left ankle sprain he aggravated Sunday. His status hasn't been determined.

Seahawks: Receiver Sidney Rice will go on injured reserve. He sustained his second concussion of the season on Sunday.

Washington State hires Leach

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

SPOKANE, Wash. — Mike Leach is bringing his high-powered passing offense to long-dormant Washington State.

The school said Wednesday that the former Texas Tech coach agreed in principle to a five-year contract. He will be introduced Tuesday.

Leach, 50, will be paid a base annual salary of $2 million, with supplemental income of $250,000 a year, plus performance incentives, athletic director Bill Moos said.

Leach was 84-43 at Texas Tech, leading the Red Raiders to 10 bowl appearances in 10 seasons. He was fired in 2009 amid allegations he mistreated a player with a concussion.

"I have always admired the tradition of Washington State," Leach said in a statement. "It's a university on the move that is experiencing growth."

Ex-'Cane remorseful: Former Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson says the NCAA told the Hurricanes it would not restore his eligibility for what would have been his final season. Johnson told a Miami sports-talk radio station that the NCAA determined his story "wasn't adding up" during an investigation into the actions of a former booster. Johnson acknowledged making a mistake by dealing with the booster, and for Twitter messages that got him into trouble with coach Al Golden. Johnson was suspended for a violation of team rules.

Stanford assistant dies: Cardinal assistant coach and four-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Chester McGlockton died Tuesday night at age 42, the school announced. The cause of death was not announced. He starred at Clemson before being selected 16th overall by the Raiders in 1992. He played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos and Jets. He made all four of his Pro Bowl appearances with the Raiders.

Penn State search: School president Rod Erickson said the Nittany Lions hope to hire a head coach by the end of the year.

Fine for Kentucky: The SEC said it will fine Kentucky $50,000 after fans rushed the field after its 10-7 victory over Tennessee, the Wildcats' first victory over the Vols in 26 years to cap a 5-7 season.

UCLA eligible for bowl: The NCAA decided UCLA can accept a bowl invitation even if the Bruins lose the Pac-12 title game to drop to 6-7.

Baylor: QB Robert Griffin III practiced and said he has no lingering effects from concussionlike symptoms that knocked him out of the last game.

Fla. Atlantic: Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee is in talks for the Owls' head coaching vacancy, FAUOwlAccess.com reported.

Tampa Bay Lightning signs defenseman Victor Hedman to five-year extension

0
0

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

DETROIT — Signing D Victor Hedman on Wednesday to a five-year, $20 million contract extension was one thing. But having two young cornerstone players in the fold — the team signed C Steven Stamkos to a five-year deal over the summer — is what really excited Lightning GM Steve Yzerman.

"It's great for our organization," Yzerman said. "It's important that there's stability in our organization and we've got our young players."

The contracts don't quite mesh. Stamkos' five-year, $37.5 million deal kicked in this season and runs through 2015-16. Hedman's extension begins next season and runs through 2016-17.

It pays $1.5 million next season; $3 million in 2013-14; $4 million in 2014-15; $6 million in 2015-16; and $4 million in 2016-17. He also received a $1.5 million signing bonus.

"I love it in Tampa Bay," Hedman said in a release. "I will do all I can to help this organization be successful on and off the ice."

For Yzerman, the Lightning's long-term success might just be tied to Stamkos, 21, and Hedman, who turns 21 on Dec. 18.

Stamkos' 112 goals since 2009-10 are a league best. Hedman, at 6 feet 6, 229 pounds, is turning into a defensive force.

"There's been some games early here in the season when just his skating, his reach and his strength — I don't know about you — but I sat there and said, 'That's pretty impressive' " Yzerman said.

The best part, he added about Hedman and Stamkos, "Their best years are ahead of them. As long as they continue with the work ethic that they have and the drive that they have, they're just going to get better and better."

HOMECOMING: Yzerman got a standing ovation at Joe Louis Arena when he was shown on the scoreboard after a first-period video tribute. It was his first trip to Detroit with the Lightning since leaving the team for which he played for 23 years and won three Stanley Cups.

"I appreciated it," he said of the reception. "It was short and sweet and let's get on with the game."

DOWNIE RETURNS: RW Steve Downie would not clarify the upper-body injury that kept him out of three games and forced him to see an outside doctor. He did say it was "good to be back" in the lineup.

MILESTONE: Head athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan worked his 1,000th pro game Wednesday. What is the most gruesome injury with which he has dealt?

"It had to be when I was with Providence," Mulligan said of the AHL Bruins. "Two players collided behind the net, and the heel of one stick — it was a wooden stick at the time — became like a spear."

The stick punctured one player high in the groin, Mulligan said, and nicked the femoral artery: "It was pretty nasty. I used my belt as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding."

Mulligan, 37, has been with the Lightning for 10 years.

ODDS AND ENDS: Vinny Lecavalier's assist on Stamkos' second-period goal gave the captain 450 in his career . … W Ryan Shannon and D Bruno Gervais were scratched.

Viewing all 18574 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images