By Mark Emmons, Special to the Times
Thursday, December 22, 2011

SAN JOSE, Calif. — When the Lightning gave up the final goal of a 7-2 loss against the Sharks on Wednesday, defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron angrily slammed his stick on the crossbar.

Bergeron's clearing attempt instead had ended up in the back of the net, and it was the final indignity of a long night for Tampa Bay.

"It was frustration," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said. "But you know what? It was frustration that we bring on ourselves, and we deserve it."

Now, Boucher's players have to put it behind them. Tampa Bay completes this two-game road trip in the Western Conference by playing Colorado tonight. That's because the Avalanche presents another stiff challenge for the Lightning.

Colorado (17-17-1) has a young, fast and improving team that is riding a seven-game winning streak at home.

"We have to look at this as a must-win before Christmas," Lightning wing Marty St. Louis said. "We've got an easier schedule after Christmas, being at home a bit more. It's never easy coming out here. But now we have a chance to win in Colorado and come back home 1-1. We just have to answer for this."

By the end of this trip, the Lightning (14-17-2) already will have played 21 road games on the season. It also is an encouraging sign that St. Louis, who made a surprise return to the lineup Wednesday, is back sooner than expected from the facial injuries he suffered Dec. 8.

St. Louis picked up where he had left off in his first game back. He scored his 10th goal of the season and was an active presence all night, logging 20 minutes, 3 seconds of ice time and recording three shots on goal.

"Hopefully that was something that I can personally build on as I get my game back to where it was," St. Louis said. "But it's a process."

Tampa Bay finding its team game continues to be a process.

The Sharks thoroughly dominated the early going, scoring five first-period goals.

"We were soft in the battles," Boucher said. "We lost our races. When we had it, we fumbled the puck. It was a nightmare that you don't want, and it was all there in the first period."

Particularly galling was how the San Jose forwards had their way in the Tampa Bay zone. The fourth goal of the game, for instance, came when Logan Couture was left open after getting past Lightning center Steven Stamkos on a rush.

Starting goaltender Mathieu Garon was chased just 6:21 into the game after the third goal, and replacement Dwayne Roloson didn't fare any better as the Lightning gave up seven goals for the third time this season.

The Sharks, who had 42 shots on goal, constantly were allowed to break free of the Lightning defensive coverage.

Boucher repeatedly came back to the same word to describe the his team's effort: soft.

"It's not that we have a lack of coverage," he said. "It was soft coverage."

Added St. Louis: "You have to be willing to battle in your end. We didn't do that."

Shannon out: Wing Ryan Shannon will be out two to four weeks with a lower-body injury suffered Wednesday, the team said. Shannon will be re-evaluated when the team gets back from Denver. Tampa Bay was already playing without center Nate Thompson and defenseman Matt Gilroy, both with lower-body injuries.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 22, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs drafted cornerback Myron Lewis believing he could be the future of the position.

Now, as Lewis nears the end of his second season, it's reasonable to ask whether the 2010 third-round pick from Vanderbilt has a future in Tampa Bay.

Lewis, 24, has not been a key contributor while the likes of 2011 seventh-round choice Anthony Gaitor have played extensively in the absence of starter Aqib Talib (hamstring). And reading between the lines, coaches believe Lewis hasn't done much to warrant many more opportunities.

His latest comes Saturday at Carolina now that Talib has been placed on injured reserve.

"It's up to him what he does with it," defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake said. "If you don't get it done, you're going to be somewhere else. If you get it done, you're going to be here. Same thing with everybody else."

Why hasn't Lewis shown the play expected of a third-round choice.? The reasons are varied.

At times, small, nagging injuries have been his downfall. He made his first impression on Tampa Bay's coaches during the 2010 rookie minicamp by spending the three-day event on the sideline with an abdominal strain. He went on to become a key part of the rotation after Talib's 2010 season-ending hip injury, serving as the third cornerback for the final four games.

At that point he showed some signs the Bucs had been looking for. He held his own against elite players such as Calvin Johnson of the Lions. Going into the offseason, there was much optimism.

The team considered him to be in a battle with E.J. Biggers for the role of third cornerback entering training camp. But Lewis missed most of camp and the preseason with a hamstring strain. When he returned in the preseason finale, he was injured again. That time, an ankle sprain slowed him and he remained inactive for the first two regular-season games.

Lewis has gained a reputation for being injury prone. Those injuries have effectively negated what little gains he has made.

"Last year he … made some nice plays on balls, showed that he had really progressed," coach Raheem Morris said. "He became a smarter football player. This year he came back into camp and looked sharp, looked good but then started to battle some injuries again."

Those injuries have created chances for others — Elbert Mack and Gaitor, for example —and Lewis has been the obvious loser.

"In training camp, some other players caught up with him and some other players were playing better and kind of jumped in front of him," Lake said. "That's how it works."

After being inactive for six of the 14 games — even last week's against the Cowboys' potent passing game — Lewis should be on the field Saturday.

And he knows full well what's at stake.

"Basically, it's an interview all over again," Lewis said. "Hopefully they give me the opportunity to play. It's been frustrating not being active. But hopefully I get the opportunity and I can take advantage of it.

"It's kind of difficult to show consistency when you're not playing a lot, but I guess they just want me to go out there and be that player that they saw when they drafted me."

It's critical that the Bucs go into the offseason knowing what they have in Lewis. Cornerback is a position that almost certainly needs to be addressed given Talib's shaky status (he faces a felony charge for a shooting in Texas) and ironman Ronde Barber's potential retirement. It's possible Tampa Bay could lose its two starting cornerbacks.

Will Lewis be a part of the solution? That's up to him.

"I love football," the Pompano Beach native said. "It's a game I grew up playing. I've played cornerback all my life, from little league to high school to college, all the way to the NFL. I'm just going to do the best I can do. I really need to finish these two games strong."

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

By Larry Blue, Times Correspondent
Thursday, December 22, 2011

What's hot: Pesky gag grouper are almost becoming a nuisance, especially if you are trying to catch a cooler full of tasty grunts, or maybe legal red grouper. Gag grouper, which are currently off limits in gulf state waters and must be released, seem to be racing to beat the other fish for a tidbit of squid. A recent trip brought several big gags to the surface on light-tackle rods baited for grunts. Many times we had to rerig from our 30-pound-test leaders that were broken off by the larger fish.

In years past, wintertime gag grouper were the mainstay of many local anglers. It was something we looked forward to during the long, hot summer. Winter gulf conditions don't allow for many windfree days, so fishing close to shore was a blessing for small-boat anglers.

Cooperative weather: Recent conditions have been ideal for fishing, with relatively light winds and calm seas. This past week it has been almost calm enough to go fishing in the gulf from a lake boat or even a canoe. (I don't actually suggest that you try that for safety reasons. I'm just making a point about how close the grouper come to shore.) This year because of the closure nearshore gag grouper fishing isn't getting the attention it normally gets. But because fishing is something a lot of us can't live without, catch and release is our only option.

Pro tip: Try fishing in 40 to 45 feet of water to find an assortment of reds, gags and some flounder as well. If you can keep the gags from stealing your tackle, certainly you'll find a good number of larger grunts.

Larry Blue charters the Niki Joe from Madeira Beach Marina. Call (727) 871-1058 or visit CaptainLarryBlue.com.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, December 22, 2011

Making news

got Guts? State needs alligator trappers

If you like living life on the edge and you're looking to make a little extra money, then here's a job for you: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hiring nuisance-alligator trappers to work in Hillsborough and Manatee counties. Applicants do not need special training or experience, though it does help if you plan to tangle with an 8-foot reptile. To qualify, applicants must have a clean criminal record, no fish or wildlife law violations and reside in the county for which they are applying. To apply online, visit www.MyFWC.com/alligator and click on "Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program." For more information, email FWCGator@MyFWC.com. Applications must be received by Jan. 5.

Things to do

Build knowledge base for bird count

Looking for a way to keep the kids busy this Christmas break? Send them out in the back yard to count birds. Florida is a birder's paradise, especially during the winter, when birds from as far away as Canada arrive to sit out the cold weather. If you are lucky, you might see a yellow-bellied sapsucker, a migratory woodpecker that gets its name because it drills holes in trees to suck the sap out of the bark. It doesn't take much to get started in birding. Just grab a pencil, notebook and bird guide. An inexpensive pair of binoculars will also help. You can also sign the kids up for the FWC's Wings over Florida or Junior Birder programs by visiting FloridaBirdingTrail.com. After a couple of weeks of learning to spot chickadees, they will be ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 17-20. The yearly event is the largest bird count in North America. For information, visit birdsource.org/gbbc.

Upcoming

Jan. 11: Start of eight-week saltwater fishing class taught by guide Rick Frazier. Learn all aspects of saltwater fishing. 2014 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Cost: $75. Call (727) 510-4376.

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor

AM AM PM PM minor major minor major

Today 3:35 9:50 4:05 10:20

Sat 4:35 10:45 4:55 11:15

Sun 5:30 11:45 5:50 0

Mon 6:35 12:20 7:00 12:45

Tue 7:25 1:15 7:55 1:40

Wed 8:20 2:10 8:45 2:30

Thu 9:10 3:00 9:35 3:20

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, December 22, 2011

Making news

got Guts? State needs alligator trappers

If you like living life on the edge and you're looking to make a little extra money, then here's a job for you: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hiring nuisance-alligator trappers to work in Hillsborough and Manatee counties. Applicants do not need special training or experience, though it does help if you plan to tangle with an 8-foot reptile. To qualify, applicants must have a clean criminal record, no fish or wildlife law violations and reside in the county for which they are applying. To apply online, visit www.MyFWC.com/alligator and click on "Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program." For more information, email FWCGator@MyFWC.com. Applications must be received by Jan. 5.

Things to do

Build knowledge base for bird count

Looking for a way to keep the kids busy this Christmas break? Send them out in the back yard to count birds. Florida is a birder's paradise, especially during the winter, when birds from as far away as Canada arrive to sit out the cold weather. If you are lucky, you might see a yellow-bellied sapsucker, a migratory woodpecker that gets its name because it drills holes in trees to suck the sap out of the bark. It doesn't take much to get started in birding. Just grab a pencil, notebook and bird guide. An inexpensive pair of binoculars will also help. You can also sign the kids up for the FWC's Wings over Florida or Junior Birder programs by visiting FloridaBirdingTrail.com. After a couple of weeks of learning to spot chickadees, they will be ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 17-20. The yearly event is the largest bird count in North America. For information, visit birdsource.org/gbbc.

Upcoming

Jan. 11: Start of eight-week saltwater fishing class taught by guide Rick Frazier. Learn all aspects of saltwater fishing. 2014 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Cost: $75. Call (727) 510-4376.

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor

AM AM PM PM minor major minor major

Today 3:35 9:50 4:05 10:20

Sat 4:35 10:45 4:55 11:15

Sun 5:30 11:45 5:50 0

Mon 6:35 12:20 7:00 12:45

Tue 7:25 1:15 7:55 1:40

Wed 8:20 2:10 8:45 2:30

Thu 9:10 3:00 9:35 3:20

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, December 22, 2011

My son recently told me that all he wanted for Christmas was a box of matches and a can of lighter fluid. • Should I worry? • Perhaps. But then again, maybe he's just following in his father's footsteps. Believe it or not, as a boy, I too held a fascination with fire. • Fortunately, my father indulged my obsession. When other kids were celebrating the holidays, we were off camping in the snow, just so I could burn some logs. • We'd spend hours gathering wood and cutting kindling. Then, when all our supplies were in place, we'd start off small with shavings and twigs, then sticks and logs, building teepees, pyramids and cabins, any of which could be set afire with a single match.

The fire pit

Hot chocolate and coffee always taste better brewed over an open fire. That's why my dad never thought twice about loading up the station wagon and heading to New Jersey's Stokes State Forest during Christmas break.

We never had trouble finding a site because, as my father used to say, only fools, Vikings and the Tomalin boys camped in December. It was always my job to clean out the fire ring. My father, a deep-woods artiste, would only work with a clean canvas.

That is why today I still sweep out the fireplace or rake the fire pit before I begin stacking wood, a camper's etiquette that seems lost on my pyromaniac offspring.

It's not that I'm a neat freak. In fact, I can go days without a shower as long as I can bathe in the sweet swirl of pine smoke.

But I do like my fires to get plenty of air. Logs can't breathe if they are buried halfway in old, damp ash.

Food for thought

When I am deep in the woods or off on some island far from other people, I scrounge for fallen branches and driftwood. But since most of my camping is with my children in state or county parks, I only burn what I bring.

Most supermarkets and hardware stores sell firewood, dried and aged, for about $5 per 10-piece bundle. I typically go through two bundles in an evening, with a couple of pieces left over for a small, morning fire.

If you don't want to buy your wood, pick through your local brush dump. Look for hardwood, but chances are you will still have to split what you find. But if you have a place to store it, stock up. You might just camp more often.

Many hardware stores also sell kindling. All you need is a few pieces for every trip, so one pack will last you the entire season.

Art vs. science

My father taught me to take my time and think about each twig, stick and piece of birch bark placed on the fire as if they were brush stokes on a painting. As a result, I respect the art of fire building and consider it a challenge to get a blaze going with just one match.

My son, on the other hand, is a boy of science. In his mind, there are only two substances — flammable and nonflammable. So when he makes a fire, he just dumps a pile of logs in the pit and soaks them with lighter fluid. Sure, it will burn, for about two minutes. Then you're left with a stinking, smoldering mass that makes your marshmallows taste like used motor oil.

It is far better to start off small, and gently fan the flames, gradually adding larger and larger material, until you have a full-fledged campfire.

Epiphany

The secret to any good campfire, as previously stated, is oxygen. Sometimes all it takes to get a fire going is a few strokes of a wide-brimmed hat.

I've showed my son a hundred times over the years how to "fan the flames," but he was more interested in lighting palm fronds on fire.

Then one cool December day this past week, he took a few twigs and placed them in the ashes of the previous night's fire. Fresh out of lighter fluid, he knelt down and gently blew on the charcoal until miraculously the wood ignited.

"Look, Dad!" he yelled "I did it!"

The sight warmed my soul. A chip off the old block.

By Rick Stroud and Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writers
Thursday, December 22, 2011

TAMPA — Ronde Barber's greatest play, a 92-yard interception return for a touchdown to clinch the 2002 NFC Championship Game in Philadelphia, came despite playing with the worst injury of his career. Five weeks earlier, Barber tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a game at Detroit.

"I try not to care about injuries, to be honest with you," Barber said Thursday. "If I can go through it, I go through it. I had a few this year that I've played through and dealt with."

At 36, Barber is one of the NFL's iron men. On Saturday at Carolina, Barber will prove that again, playing in his 224th NFL game and tying retired LB Derrick Brooks for the most games in Bucs history. Barber could set the record by playing in the season finale on Jan. 1 at Atlanta.

The third-round pick out of Virginia in 1997 was unaware of the milestone until informed by a Bucs staff member.

"It's a reward for consistency, I guess," Barber said. "I do have a high pain threshold."

He said he missed a bowl game at Virginia when he stepped in a hole during practice in Shreveport, La., and broke his foot. He missed three games in high school in Roanoke, Va., with a broken collarbone. But he has never missed a game because of injury in nearly 15 pro seasons.

"Ronde, without a doubt, in Buccaneer history, is one of the greatest — and, arguably, in NFL history," coach Raheem Morris said. "He's an iron man, our Cal Ripken Jr., so to speak."

Barber contemplated retirement after last season but signed a one-year, $4 million deal. He and the Bucs will evaluate his future during the offseason.

"If Ronde wants to play, we're going to likely want to have him back," Morris said. "I put a lot of pressure on (GM) Mark (Dominik) when I say that, but good. It's not like he's slowed down. If he has the ability to play and we can work out a deal, I'm sure we'll do those things. He's just one of those type of guys.

"He told me I should be the first person to tell him he can't play. And when I tell him that, he said he'll walk away. I'm not prepared to tell him that yet because I'm actually finding more roles for him to do."

TAKING IT SLOW: DT Albert Haynesworth hasn't practiced much the past few weeks.

The team continues to try and reduce wear and tear on a bother­some knee that has affected him since he was with the Patriots earlier this season.

Haynesworth arrived with a reputation for not being a hard worker, and he rarely practiced in New England.

Morris said the Bucs' handling of Haynesworth has been prudent. The 10-year veteran hasn't missed any of the six games Tampa Bay has played since he joined the roster last month.

"Right now it's about maintenance and getting him to the game," Morris said. "For the younger players it's about the fundamental core beliefs and getting those guys better. But we're talking about an older player, a veteran type of guy and a guy who is 6-5 and 300-plus pounds who have to be able to deal with."

Said Haynesworth, 30: "I'm just old. They just want me to go run in the race (on game day). I've been in the game long enough to where I know how to do things. If I was a little younger, I'd definitely need more practice. But I've seen it, and I know how I play, so I'll be okay."

INJURY REPORT: In addition to Haynesworth, LB Adam Hayward (foot) missed practice Thursday. DT Brian Price (ankle) is improving, as are LB Geno Hayes (knee) and DE Michael Bennett (toe).

Times wires
Thursday, December 22, 2011

Baseball

A's close to dealing all-star pitcher

LHP Gio Gonzalez, who has won 31 games over the past two seasons, said Thursday that Washington agreed to acquire him from Oakland pending a physical. The teams were not available for comment.

"It's 99 percent done," Gonzalez said. "I'm just waiting to hear from my agent."

Gonzalez , 26, went 16-12 last season, a career high for wins after getting 15 in 2010. He had a 3.12 ERA and was picked for his first All-Star Game.

ESPN.com reported the A's will get: RHP Brad Peacock, RHP A.J. Cole, LHP Tom Milone and C Derek Norris. Peacock, 22, is considered one of the Nationals' top prospects.

Twins: RHP Jason Marquis agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million. Last season, Marquis, 33, went 8-6 with a 4.43 ERA for the Nationals and Diamondbacks.

Luxury tax: The Yankees must pay $13.9 million, their lowest since 2003. The Red Sox are the only other team that must pay ($3.4 million) for having a payroll above $178 million.

Bonds case: Barry Bonds appealed his conviction for giving an evasive answer to a grand jury investigating steroids in sports. Last week, the all-time home run leader was sentenced to 30 days of house arrest, two years of probation and a $4,000 fine. But that won't be implemented until the completion of the appeal, which is likely to take up to 18 months.

Autos

Kurt Busch reaches deal with Phoenix

Kurt Busch will drive the No. 51 car for Phoenix Racing in 2012. Earlier this month, he reached a "mutual" agreement to split with Penske Racing after a tumultuous end to 2011, including a profanity-laced tirade against a reporter.

Busch has a one-year deal to drive the car that finished 30th in points last season with Landon Cassill driving most of the schedule. Because Phoenix Racing gets engines and chassis from Hendrick Motorsports, it is considered among the better rides without a big-time driver.

Busch said he hopes to rebuild his image then drive for an elite team in 2013.

"I want to prove I'm making the right changes," he said. "I've got to … smile at the track, have fun with this building project."

IRL: The series announced 15 races for 2012 but said two could be added. There is no timetable for an announcement on those. The opener will be March 25 in St. Petersburg. Only four races will be on ovals: Indianapolis, Texas, Iowa and Fontana, Calif. The series came under criticism after Dan Wheldon died at Las Vegas' oval track in October. Critics said the cars are too fast for them. Schedule, 6C

Soccer

Halted Dutch game could be replayed

The Dutch federation is considering replaying Wednesday's game between Ajax and Alkmaar, which was stopped after an Ajax fan attacked Alkmaar's goalkeeper. Esteban Alvarado held off the fan but was given a red card for kicking him. Alkmaar, down 1-0 in the first half, left the field in protest. Thursday, the federation rescinded the red card but didn't give a timetable for a decision on a replay.

Et cetera

Media: Two more people, for a total of six, said they were sexually abused by Philadelphia Daily News columnist Bill Conlin during the 1970s. Conlin retired Tuesday, shortly before the story by Philadelphia's Inquirer was published. Conlin, who doesn't face charges because the statute of limitations expired, denies the allegations.

Boxing: Former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik was charged with drunken driving after police in Canfield, Ohio, say he drove an all-terrain vehicle into a lamppost and telephone pole. Pavlik, 29, underwent treatment for alcoholism last year.

Times wires

Times wires
Thursday, December 22, 2011

LOS ANGELES — Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley, who has guided the program through two years of NCAA sanctions and put up big numbers, said Thursday that he will pass up an estimated $20 million in guaranteed NFL money and return for his senior season.

"Our USC football team has been through some tough times, and we have persevered, but the 2012 team has some serious unfinished business to attend to, and I intend to play a part of it," Barkley said. "So yes, I've firmly decided to forgo the NFL draft in 2012 and finish this exceptional and unique journey that I've had here at USC."

At 6 feet 2, 220 pounds and with a game that matured over three years, Barkley was projected as a high first-round pick. But he still had goals to accomplish after leading the Trojans to a 10-2 record and a No. 5 ranking.

Barkley let coach Lane Kiffin know about his decision by inviting him to his house and showing him a homemade ornament on the family Christmas tree. The ornament had a photo of Kiffin and Barkley hugging after Barkley's school-record sixth touchdown pass in Colorado.

Kiffin, befuddled that he would be summoned to trim a tree, said simply, "Cool ornament."

Barkley then told him to turn the ornament over, where it said, "One more year."

Terry Bowden to Akron

CLEVELAND — Terry Bowden was named coach of Akron, taking over a team that went 2-22 and won one conference game the past two seasons.

"I'm so excited to be a Zip," said Bowden, 55, the son of former FSU coach Bobby Bowden. "It's just a matter of time until we build a championship program."

Bowden coached Akron's quarterbacks in 1986 under Gerry Faust. He has coached Salem College (W. Va.), Samford, Auburn and, after a decades-long absence from the sideline, the past three seasons at Division II North Alabama. He's 140-62-2 in 18 seasons.

Rob Ianello was fired.

Weis gets Quarterbacks: Quarterback Dayne Crist said he would join Kansas for his senior season after losing the starting job early this season at Notre Dame. BYU quarterback Jake Heaps is also transferring to the Jayhawks after losing his starting job. Crist will reunite with Charlie Weis, who recruited him to Notre Dame, and can play next season because he has already graduated. Heaps will sit out under NCAA transfer rules and have two seasons of eligibility.

Nebraska: John Papuchis was promoted to defensive coordinator and Rick Kaczenski of Iowa was hired as defensive line coach. Former coordinator Carl Pelini left to coach Florida Atlantic. … Center Mike Caputo will play in the Capital One Bowl against South Carolina after pleading guilty to reckless driving and fined $100. He was charged with suspicion of drunken driving.

Ohio state: Zach Smith, the grandson of former Buckeyes coach Earle Bruce, was named receivers coach. Smith, 27, is a Florida graduate who spent five years as a graduate assistant and quality control assistant for new Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer at UF.

Penn state: No charges will be filed in connection with Saturday's fight between receiver Curtis Drake and quarterback Matt McGloin, campus police said.

PITTSBURGH: Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst was named coach. Chryst, 46, helped mold the Badgers into an offensive powerhouse since joining the program in 2005. Todd Graham resigned last week. It's unclear if Chryst will stay on at Wisconsin through the Rose Bowl. Pitt plays SMU in the BBVA Compass Bowl on Jan. 7. Chryst beat out Florida International coach Mario Cristobal and interim Ohio State coach Luke Fickell for the job.

Virginia Tech: Kicker Cody Journell has been suspended indefinitely after being charged with breaking and entering.

Western Carolina: Mark Speir, an Appalachian State assistant, was named to his first head coaching job. Dennis Wagner resigned last month.

late wednesday: Casey Pachall highlighted a record-setting game with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Skye Dawson with 4:26 left to lift TCU to a 31-24 victory against Louisiana Tech in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego. It was the third time this season TCU (11-2) overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to win. Pachall set school single-season records with 228 completions, 2,921 yards and a completion percentage of 66.5, breaking Andy Dalton's marks. Louisiana Tech (8-5) had a seven-game winning streak snapped.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

TAMPA — For the second consecutive night, Tampa Catholic found itself ahead by three during the final seconds at the City of Tampa Championships, with its opponent having possession of the ball.

And for the second straight night, the Crusaders caught a break.

With 4.4 remaining, Tampa Catholic sophomore Chivarsky Corbett stripped the ball at the top of the key from Chamberlain's David Cook and TC was able to run out the clock to seal a 72-69 win in the semifinals at Tampa Prep on Thursday.

Tampa Catholic (10-0) will make its first championship appearance in the tournament since 2005 and will face Tampa Prep in the final at 7:30 tonight.

Chamberlain will face Plant, which lost to Tampa Prep 66-38 in the other semifinal, in the third-place game at 6.

Sophomore forward Jio Molina led the Crusaders with 19 points while Corbett added 16 points and five blocks.

"To beat Sickles (on Tuesday), which was undefeated, and to beat Chamberlain, which had one loss, is really big for the guys," Tampa Catholic coach Don Dziagwa said.

Reggie Hart led Chamberlain with 23 points.

Tampa Prep, which won the tournament three straight years from 2007-09, went on a 21-0 run in the first quarter and cruised to victory to remain undefeated at 10-0.

"It's a game of runs," said Tampa Prep junior guard Josh Heath, who finished with a game-high 17 points. "If we can make our runs longer and quicker, it's just better for us."

Six-foot-8 junior transfer Adonis Rwabigwi added 14 points for the Terrapins.

Tampa Prep lost to Blake in the tournament championship game last season.

"It's going to be tough (against Tampa Catholic)," said Heath, son of USF men's basketball coach Stan Heath. "We just have to get off to a hot start."

Times wires
Thursday, December 22, 2011

ST. LOUIS — Phil Pressey had 18 points, five assists and two steals as No. 9 Missouri defeated No. 25 Illinois 78-74 on Thursday.

The Tigers have won three straight in the annual series, which is called Braggin' Rights and is played about midway between the campuses. And they are 12-0 for the first time since 1981-82, when they started 19-0.

Both schools were ranked for the second straight season and eighth time overall in the 31-game series, which Illinois (11-2) leads 20-11.

The Illini trailed by 13 in the second half before rallying and taking a 70-68 lead on D.J. Richardson's three free throws with 2:01 left.

But Missouri answered with seven straight, two inside baskets by Ricardo Ratliffe and a three-point play by Kim English.

No. 1 Syracuse 80, Tulane 61: James Southerland and Brandon Triche made two 3-pointers during a 19-0 run that closed the first half for the host Orange. Syracuse, which is 13-0 for the third straight season, made five 3-pointers during the run that gave it a 41-19 lead.

No. 2 Ohio St. 69, Miami (Ohio) 40: William Buford scored 18 for the host Buckeyes (12-1), who opened the game with an 11-0 run and the second half with a 15-4 run.

No. 3 Ky. 87, Loyola (Md.) 63: Kyle Wiltjer came off the bench to score a career-high 24 for the host Wildcats (11-1). Up five, they went on a 17-2 run early in the second half.

No. 8 UConn 79, Fairfield 71: Sha­bazz Napier scored 24 for the Huskies in Hartford. Fairfield cut a 22-point second-half deficit to three with 2:23 left. But Sean Crawford missed the front end of a one-and-one for the Stags. Then Ryan Boatright made a 3-pointer for UConn (10-1).

No. 10 Marquette 64, Wis.-Milwaukee 50: Junior Cadougan tied his career high with 15 points for the host Golden Eagles. Marquette (11-1) has won 39 straight against the Panthers, the second-longest active streak involving Division I teams (Syracuse 45 straight over Colgate).

No. 16 G'town 70, Memphis 59: Jason Clark scored 18 and Hollis Thompson 17 for the host Hoyas. Georgetown beat then-No. 8 Memphis 91-88 in overtime at the Maui Invitational on Nov. 23. The Hoyas (10-1) closed the first half with a 7-0 run and opened the second with a 19-6 run that made it 54-34.

No. 17 Indiana 89, Md.-Baltimore County 47: Matt Roth, Jordan Hulls and Christian Watford led a 3-point blitz in the second half that carried the host Hoosiers. Indiana (12-0) entered first in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage at 47 percent. It made 2 of 14 in the first half in leading 37-23 then 9 of 13 in the second.

No. 18 Miss. St. 82, N'western St. 67: Arnett Moultrie had 24 points and 14 rebounds for his seventh double double of the season for the Bulldogs in Jackson, Miss. But Mississippi State (12-1) lost star forward Renardo Sidney to a strained patella tendon in his left knee. His status is unknown.

No. 19 Mich. St. 90, Lehigh 81: Keith Appling scored 19, including all 12 of his free throws, and had seven rebounds for the host Spartans (11-2).

No. 20 Michigan 77, Bradley 66: Evan Smotrycz had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the host Wolverines. Michigan (10-2) led 50-49 before going on a 21-7 run. Tim Hardaway highlighted it with an alley-oop dunk and a layup on its next possession.

No. 23 Creighton 87, N'western 79: Doug McDermott scored 18 of his 27 in the second half for the host Bluejays (10-1), who have beaten three Big Ten teams this season (Iowa and Nebraska). Tied at 58, Creighton's Jahenns Manigat made a 3-pointer. Ethan Wragge had a four-point play on their next possession.

State

Miami 76, Charlotte 61: Kenny Kadji had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the visiting Hurricanes. UM (7-4) made five straight 3s during a 21-10 run that put it up 60-43 with 8:06 left. It played without guard Malcolm Grant, its leading scorer, who left the team because of a death in his family.

Harvard 63, FAU 51: The host Crimson used a 16-2 run to pull away in the second half. The Owls (4-8) made just 20 of 52 shots to 21-of-38 for Harvard, whose only loss in 11 games this season came at UConn.

Bowling Green 61, FIU 53: Scott Thomas had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the visiting Falcons. His jumper and 3-pointer 1:10 apart put them up to stay at 46-42. The Panthers (3-9) made 9 of 28 second-half shots.

Bethune-Cook. 61, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 52: Adrian Coleman had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats in the Las Vegas Classic. The Wildcats (4-9), who ended a four-game skid, face Tennessee Tech today.

Women: FSU falls short

NASHVILLE — Christina Foggie scored 18 and Stephanie Holzer 17 to help No. 25 Vanderbilt beat Florida State 64-59. A basket by Chasity Clayton cut FSU's deficit to 62-59 with 20.3 seconds left. But Holzer's two free throws sealed it for Vandy (11-1).

Cierra Brevard scored four for FSU (6-6), ending a streak of 32 games in double figures.

No. 4 Stanford 90, Cal-Bakersfield 48: Joslyn Tinkle had career highs of 20 points and 11 rebounds for the host Cardinal (9-1), who made 10 of its first 14 shots.

No. 11 Ohio St. 79, Wash. St. 57: Samantha Prahalis scored 18 of her 20 in the second half for the host Buckeyes (13-0). Her 3-pointer with 11:38 left sparked a 17-1 run.

No. 13 Georgia 81, App. St. 37: Khaalidah Miller had 23 points and 11 rebounds as the host Bulldogs (10-2) rolled without point guard and second-leading scorer Jasmine James, who sat with a sore right knee.

No. 20 Purdue 73, IPFW 36: Courtney Moses scored 14 for the host Boilermakers (10-3). The Mastodons made 5 of 23 3-pointers.

No. 21 DePaul 93, Southern Ill. 67: Anna Martin scored 21 to lead five players in double figures for the host Blue Demons (12-2), who led by 36 2:37 into the second half.

No. 14 Louisville: Forward Monique Reid, a preseason All-Big East pick, is out for the season with a left knee injury.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 22, 2011

GAINESVILLE — If the play didn't end up on SportsCenter on Thursday night, Florida center Patric Young was going to be highly disappointed.

Young's leaping left-handed block and midair snatch of the ball of what seemingly was going to be an easy layup by Florida State's Bernard James, and his subsequent slam on the other end fueled a second-half run that helped the No. 11 Gators to an 82-64 victory over their archrival in front of 11,125 at the O'Connell Center on Thursday night.

"Can't wait to see that one in the top 10 (plays on ESPN)," said Young, who had 15 points and four rebounds. "Whenever you block somebody's shot and pull it down with one hand, that's making SportsCenter. I just saw him going for the roll, and I was able to time it right.

"That's the best block I've had in my life."

For a team that has been branded as all about offense, it was defense that turned the game around for the Gators, who have won 12 straight at home dating to last season.

Florida, which enters the holi­day break on a five-game win streak, held FSU to 10-of-29 shooting from the field in the first half and 33 percent from 3-point range. FSU committed 19 turnovers that led to 25 Florida points.

"I told our guys the game's not going to come down to whether or not they can stop us or not," Florida coach Billy Donovan said in praising the defensive effort. "It's going to come down to how well we guard."

FSU (8-4) got off to a rocky start, making its second shot of the game then missing 10 in a row.

Florida (10-2) led 32-24 at halftime, and FSU opened strong early in the second half, outscoring Florida 12-6 in the opening 3½ minutes to pull within 38-36.

But Florida responded with a 15-2 run to take a 53-38 lead. Sophomore Bradley Beal scored eight of the 15 and finished with a game-high 21 points and six rebounds.

Luke Loucks, a senior from Clearwater, led Florida State with 15 points and also had four rebounds and four assists.

"They just laid it on us," Loucks said.

"Usually in a rivalry game, you get a 6-0 run or an 8-0 run and you have to get it together. But for some reason, we just couldn't stop them."

Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton said the Gators won't lose many more games playing like they did on Thursday.

"We lost to a very good team, a Florida team that is probably the best team, at least the most difficult team for us to beat since I've been at Florida State," he said.

"They play so well together. They execute their system almost to perfection, and there is very little room for error. It's very difficult to compete at the level that it takes to be successful against a team of this caliber when you're not at your best. I thought they were a lot more physical than we were."

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

Times wires
Thursday, December 22, 2011

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist Monday, doesn't believe the injury will prevent him from playing in the season opener Sunday against the Bulls, ESPN.com reported.

"I should be fine," Bryant said after practice Thursday, though he just received treatment. "It's always been in my nature to try to figure out a way to play. The injuries that I've had, I've been fortunate enough to be able to play through them because I haven't had injuries where they could get worse the more I played on them."

Bryant, 33, had an MRI exam Wednesday after falling during an exhibition loss to the Clippers.

Bryant said there was no risk of damaging the wrist further by playing. "The ligament is gone, so there's nothing I can do about it," he said. "But I've dealt with so many hand injuries. It should be all right."

Nets' Lopez injured; team trades for Okur

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Nets will be without center and leading scorer Brook Lopez for a couple of months because of a broken right foot, so later in the day the team traded a future second-round draft pick to the Jazz for center Mehmet Okur.

Lopez, who did not miss a game in his first three seasons, was injured Wednesday and will have surgery today.

Lopez, who averaged 20.4 points and 6.0 rebounds last season, played in the second half with the injury, a stress fracture to the slow-healing fifth metatarsal.

The Nets would not say how long Lopez will be sidelined, but a medical expert said it could be 6-12 weeks.

After the lockout ended, the Nets had been talking to Orlando about a making a deal for center Dwight Howard, with New Jersey said to be offering Lopez, 23, as part of the package.

Former King's heart okay, rep says: Chuck Hayes, who had his contract voided by Sacramento after he failed a physical, was cleared by Cleveland Clinic doctors after a series of heart tests, his public-relations representatives said. Hayes, 28, had the tests done after the team's stress echocardiogram last week showed an abnormality. The Kings then voided his four-year, $21.3 million deal. The Sacramento Bee reported late Thursday that Hayes is now likely to re-sign with the Kings as early as today for four years and $1 million more than the original deal the forward -center signed on Dec. 9.

By Tim Doherty, Special to the Times
Thursday, December 22, 2011

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — The USF basketball team has had a rough time this season when venturing away from its home courts.

Thursday night proved no different, only more difficult to digest.

Augustus Gilchrist's contested 10-foot jumper from the side of the lane floated into a sea of arms as the buzzer sounded, leaving the Bulls on the short end of a 53-51 decision against Southern Mississippi before 3,037 at Green Coliseum.

"It's just tough to come to somebody else's house and win, that's all there is to it," said Gilchrist, a senior forward who became the 18th player in USF history to reach the 1,000-point mark in a career. "But we played hard, we came together and we were right there. We're going to win one of these."

The Bulls (7-6) struggled to find any consistent shooting. USF made just 1 of 15 3-pointers and went 10-of-16 from the free-throw line.

"We just have to go and get better from this. It certainly was a game that was a winnable game for us," USF coach Stan Heath said.

The Bulls remained winless on the road and lost for the 12th time in 14 visits to their former conference rival.

Southern Miss (10-2) won its sixth consecutive game, a run that includes victories over teams from the SEC (Ole Miss), Pac-12 (Arizona State) and Big East (USF).

"We survived it," Golden Eagles coach Larry Eustachy said. "It wasn't pretty, but we survived it."

Southern Miss had led by as many as 11 in the first half, and after coughing up the lead early in the second, it found itself sitting with an eight-point cushion with less than two minutes to play.

But USF ripped off a 6-0 spurt with Gilchrist sandwiching two free throws around the Bulls' lone 3-pointer of the game, a shot from the deep corner by Jawanza Poland, to get within 52-51 with 6.7 seconds to play.

Southern Miss guard Rashard McGill hit the second of two free throws for a two-point lead. But with 5.4 seconds to play, USF had more than enough time for one last shot for a win or tie.

On the final play, the Bulls had planned to inbound the ball to Anthony Collins, but Toarlyn Fitzpatrick was pressured and passed to Hugh Robertson, who got it to Gilchrist for the final shot.

Gilchrist got the ball two steps inside the 3-point arc on the right side of the basket and started a move toward the lane against point guard Angelo Johnson, who was giving up 9 inches to the USF big man.

Gilchrist pulled up with about two seconds left, leaned over Johnson and let it fly, but it found nothing but air.

"It just seemed like when we needed to make a big play, we couldn't do it," Heath said. "We just didn't get a play out of it."

Forward Ron Anderson led USF with 12 points, while Gilchrist added 11 points and seven rebounds, and guard Hugh Robert­son had 10 points and five rebounds.

Two Golden Eagles scored double doubles. Guard Darnell Dodson scored 12 with 12 rebounds, and forward Maurice Bolden added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Neither team shot the ball well, USF making just 38.5 percent of its shots and Southern Miss 34.6 percent.

"We just couldn't buy a basket, and we shot too many from out there," Heath said. "Our advantage was on the inside, and we didn't play to it."

Thursday, December 22, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Shorecrest played tough inside defense during overtime and made free throws in the game's final seconds Thursday to defeat Pinellas Park in the Shorecrest Holiday Tournament 72-69.

The Chargers led for most of the game, thanks in large part to outside shooting. In the first half Rick Quiroz made four 3-pointers, helping stake Shorecrest to a 35-29 lead at halftime. Strong rebounding, led by center Jay Joyer, gave the Chargers second chances.

Most of the Patriots' points came from the inside. With the team's outside shooting not working, Brandon Jones and Iman Smith repeatedly drove to the basket and kept the Patriots close.

In the fourth quarter, the Patriots' Nik Preradovic hit a 3-pointer that tied the game at 54. A layup by Jarey Brown then gave Pinellas Park its first lead since early in the opening quarter.

The Chargers' Luke Blume scored two big 3-pointers back to back, the latter of which tied the game at 64 with 90 seconds remaining. On the ensuing Patriots possession, Corey Edwards passed to Smith, who was unable to sink the layup.

After Pinellas Park inbounded with 5.3 seconds, Shorecrest rejected a 3-point attempt by Preradovic from the baseline.

In overtime, the Patriots had trouble getting to the basket as the Chargers tightened their defense.

"We backed off the press and tried to contain Corey," Shorecrest coach Daryl Blume said.

Joyer, who had 20 rebounds, was named the tournament MVP. Edwards and Smith took all-tournament honors for the Patriots, while the Chargers' Quiroz and Blume also were named to the all-tournament team.

Even though Pinellas Park overcame a 10-point deficit, Daryl Blume didn't let it alter his team's game plan.

"We just kept trying to beat the pressure up top," he said. "Our saying is, 'Do what we do.' "

Times wires
Thursday, December 22, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — Reggie Wayne caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Dan Orlovsky with 19 seconds left, giving the Colts their only lead of the game in a 19-16 victory Thursday over the AFC South champion Texans.

It's the second straight win for the Colts (2-13), who now have to fight off St. Louis and Minnesota for the No. 1 overall draft pick. Orlovsky, who played the past two seasons with Houston, won his second straight after losing his first nine NFL starts.

The Texans looked anything but playoff-ready. They settled for two field goals in the red zone, didn't convert a third down until getting a lucky bounce late in the fourth quarter, its running game was stymied late, and the defense helped the Colts with three penalties on the decisive drive. Houston is 0-10 in Indianapolis and still hunting for a first-round bye. The Texans haven't scored more than 20 points in a game since Nov. 27.

Linebacker Brian Cushing broke through the line on the game's first play, sacking Orlov­sky and stripping the ball. Arian Foster ran for 8 yards on the next play, then scored on a 9-yard run off the left side to give Houston a 7-0 lead.

Nobody got into the end zone again until Orlovsky took the Colts 78 yards in the final two minutes. In between, Neil Rackers and Adam Vinatieri traded field goals.

Before the game, Colts owner Jim Irsay said that if quarterback Peyton Manning plays in 2012, it will be in Indianapolis.

"If the situation is where he's back and he's healthy, then I see him coming back and playing here," Irsay said. "I think there is a lot of speculation about the draft pick and those sorts of things, but I think what you have to realize is this — is the likes of Peyton Manning going to be seen again?"

Manning, 35, is showing progress in recovering from a third neck surgery Sept. 8. He is due a $28 million bonus in March.

Bills: The team and Rogers Communications have held talks to renew an annual series of games in Toronto, leaving owner Ralph Wilson optimistic an extension will be reached before the current deal expires after next season. Wilson said one of Rogers' key conditions for renewal is lowering ticket prices, which average about $180.

Browns: Safety T.J. Ward went on injured reserve with a sprained right foot.

Dolphins: Tight end Anthony Fasano is questionable for Saturday at New England because of a low-grade concussion.

raiders: Running back Darren McFadden is likely to miss an eighth straight game, against the Chiefs on Saturday, because of a right midfoot sprain.

ravens: Receiver Anquan Boldin will miss the next two games after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He is expected back for the playoffs.

Redskins: Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said quarterback Rex Grossman has "way too many turnovers, which is not acceptable." The ex-Gator, whose 22 giveaways are tied for the NFL lead with the Chargers' Philip Rivers, shrugged them off. "It may stick in the papers afterwards," he said, "but it doesn't really stick in my head."

Warrant issued for agent: A bench warrant was authorized for sports agent Leigh Steinberg after he failed to appear in court in a case involving a $1.4 million debt. An Orange County (Calif.) Superior Court commissioner authorized the warrant after Steinberg failed to attend court last week, court records show. Court papers show Steinberg was ordered to pay $1.4 million last year to the Irvine Co. in a default judgment for office space he leased in Newport Beach. Steinberg stopped paying under the terms of his lease in 2009, according to court papers filed by the landlord.

By John Romano, Times Columnist
Friday, December 23, 2011

This column was inspired by an angel. To be precise, an angel second class.

Clarence Odbody is the angel who takes Jimmy Stewart's character on a Christmas Eve tour of what the world would have looked like without him in It's A Wonderful Life.

That idea got me thinking about how different the sports world might have been if different decisions had been made in 2011.

So let's consider some possible versions of an alternate Tampa Bay this morning, but don't let Mr. Potter know.

The signing of Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez by the Rays

This one blew up in the team's face less than a week into the regular season. Ramirez tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, and retired while facing suspension.

So would you do it again?

Without a doubt. Andrew Friedman would not have signed one without the other, believing the Rays had to have both bats in order to contend.

As it turns out, Damon was enough. The Rays were stretched to the final inning of the final day of the regular season, and wouldn't have gotten that far without Damon.

Ramirez was an utter bust, except for his role in bringing Damon to town.

The Bucs extend the contracts of Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik

The Glazers picked up the two-year option on Morris' contract a week after the 2010 season ended, and then signed Dominik to a four-year extension just before the draft.

So would you do it again?

Yes and no. The Morris deal may look like a mistake today, but it was a no-brainer in January. The Bucs were overachievers in 2010, and that is often a reflection of good coaching. At the time, Morris was looking like one of the hottest coaches in the league.

Dominik's extension is another story. There was no reason to extend the GM's deal two years beyond the head coach. It's the same mistake the Glazers made in 2008 when they re-signed Jon Gruden for four seasons instead of two. They've been paying ever since.

The Lightning invests in Dwayne Roloson

On the first day of 2011, the Lightning dealt minor league defenseman Ty Wishart to the Islanders for a then-41-year-old goaltender. They later re-signed him to a one-year deal.

So would you do it again?

Getting Roloson for the final few months of the season was a sharp move. Counting on him again for the next season is looking more and more like a mistake.

Roloson, along with defenseman Eric Brewer who was acquired a month later, changed Tampa Bay's fortunes and led to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. Even if Wishart turns into a player — and he's still in the minors at 23 — the move was worth it.

On the other hand, it now seems like wishful thinking to expect a 42-year-old Roloson to continue carrying a team with a shaky defense for an entire season.

The Bucs letting middle linebacker Barrett Ruud walk

After leading the team in tackles for four consecutive seasons, the Bucs made virtually no effort to re-sign their defensive captain and he went to Tennessee on a one-year deal.

So would you do it again?

No, no, no. And furthermore, no.

Ruud may not have been a Pro Bowl linebacker, but he was a steadying influence on a defense that was populated by a bunch of 23 and 24 year olds. His departure is not the only reason the defense is having its worst season in 25 years, but it did have an impact.

Stu Sternberg suggests the Rays will be vaporized

In the clubhouse following Tampa Bay's elimination from the playoffs, the Rays owner talked about the team's future in the market.

While answering direct questions, Sternberg suggests Major League Baseball will vaporize the franchise if a new stadium and revenue streams are not in the near future.

So would you say it again?

Not then, not there and not him.

Impassioned rhetoric is a part of every stadium debate, and so it is not entirely unexpected. The question is whether it was the right messenger at the right moment.

Typically, team owners allow MLB officials to be the bad guys in this type of squabble. Sternberg, who should be celebrated for his incredible work with this franchise, instead set himself up as a villain regardless of whether you believe his message.

The Matt Garza trade? Absolutely. Drafting Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers? Good moves. Giving Quincy Black a guaranteed $11.5-million? Yikes!

Paying Jim Leavitt $2.75-million to disappear? Necessary. Signing Steven Stamkos to a five-year, $37.5-million deal? Also necessary. Bringing Aqib Talib back after yet another accusation of violence off the field? Ridiculous.

Signing Wade Davis and Matt Moore to extensions? Smart, and smarter. Starting Moore in Game 1 of the playoffs? Brilliant. Failing to get another bat for the Rays lineup at the trade deadline? Regrettable.

Of course there were other do-over possibilities in 2011. I wrote in September that the Rays were probably not going to catch the Red Sox. A few days later, I suggested the 2011 Bucs might have the best offense in franchise history.

Turns out, we all make decisions we end up regretting.

I suppose that's life. Isn't it wonderful?

John Romano can be reached at romano@tampabay.com

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 23, 2011

When you played for Lakeland High, you won two mythical national championships. What do you remember about that ride you guys had?

Well, we didn't lose a game my junior or senior year (2005-2006). Before I transferred there, they didn't lose the season before either. So it was a 45-0 streak. We had lost a lot of guys going into my senior year, and we were going to be playing a lot of backups. But those guys had played a lot because every game we played was a blowout by the third quarter. And we just kept on blowing people out with that team. We had great athletes, man. Seven of us signed with Florida. We had one kid go to Alabama, one to LSU. And we had guys go to smaller schools, too.

I hear you made the game-winning tackle in the state championship game your senior year. Is that true?

Yes. We were beating (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) by 21 points. They couldn't stop Chris Rainey (currently a standout running back at Florida). But they came back, and it went to … a third overtime. It was third down. We were on the 5-yard line, and Rainey comes out of the backfield wide open. Our quarterback underthrew him, though, so we kicked a field goal. St. Thomas gets the ball. They finally get down to the 1-yard line, and it's fourth down. They were down three, but it was for a national championship. So they ran their offense back out there. I'm thinking, man, we're about to give up a 21-point lead. So we adjusted, and we put the Pouncey brothers (Maurkice and Mike) in the game. We blew the play up in the backfield, and I was unblocked. Our defensive tackle knocked their guard into the running back, and he stumbled. When he stumbled, I came through free and got him. There was a picture in the newspaper the next day with me hanging onto his legs. It was one of the best high school games ever.

Did you think then that so many of you would have a chance to play at this level?

You know, it was weird. The Pouncey brothers didn't even start until their junior year. And they were one of the first ones to get scholarships offers. We figured we'd play in college. And everybody thinks they're going to the (NFL), but you don't really think it's going to happen.

Here are our weekly questions: What's playing most on your iPod right now?

I listen to music all the time. I probably listen to (rapper) Webbie the most, though.

What website do you visit most?

I'm on Twitter all the time.

Who's the most interesting person in your timeline?

Probably (cornerback Elbert Mack). Either him or (injured safety) Devin Holland. They're always saying crazy stuff.

Finally, what reality show do you never miss?

Man, I watch Cops all day long. It's on all the time. In fact, truTV might be my favorite channel. You have this show, Bait Car, Operation Repo, all that stuff. And to be honest, I'll sit there and watch that stuff all day long. Bait Car is my favorite, though.

I know that your aunt used to be a Bucs cheerleader years ago. What are some of the memories you have from those days?

I remember going out to the old One Buc Place. They used to have these family and friends days after games. They would set up tents, and all the kids would run and play, and we'd get to meet the players. I actually keep in contact with (former receiver) Reidel Anthony. My mom showed me a picture one day of him (autographing) my shirt. I was like 11 years old. I told him, "Dang, you're old!"

You were a big fan, so who was your favorite Buc back in the day?

I can't tell you just one, but I can tell you a lot of names. Oh, man. I remember (John) Lynch, Jeff Gooch, Hardy Nickerson. I met (Warren) Sapp a couple of times, Joe Jurevicius, Keyshawn (Johnson).

Could you appreciate back then how good some of those guys were? There were a few possible Hall of Famers.

You can't see that at the time. You think, well, every team has great players. But I look at it now, and it almost looks like it was stacked, man. We probably could've had another Super Bowl if it wasn't for the Rams. I hated the Rams, and I hated Green Bay.

You should be the team historian.

I'm telling you, I could be. Man, I know the Bucs.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 23, 2011

TAMPA — The low point for Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman might have come last week, when he attempted only four passes during the first half against the Cowboys.

While the NFL has never been a more pass-happy league, with records seemingly falling from the sky, there's no sign the air raid will come to Tampa Bay any time soon.

"It's definitely frustrating," Freeman said. "You want to go out and have an impact on the game. But … four passes in the first half? You're kind of limited in that situation.

"Part of that is moving the chains. If you move the chains, you get more opportunities. But it's definitely frustrating in that sense not really being on the field or having a chance to change the game."

It wasn't until their hand was forced — after trailing 28-0 in the first half — that the Bucs spread the field with three and four receivers and Freeman and the Bucs offense got untracked.

Freeman passed for 128 yards in the second half, including a 13-yard touchdown to Dezmon Briscoe. He looked decisive, accurate and in rhythm as opposed to the ground-and-pound attack that produced four three-and-outs among five first-half possessions.

The league's most successful franchises over the past decade — New Orleans, New England, Green Bay, Indianapolis — get the ball out of their quarterback's hand and spread it around in multiple receiver sets.

Freeman believes the Bucs could do more of that, perhaps beginning today at Carolina.

"We've had success with that, and I think it's because we all have a lot of confidence going into those situations," Freeman said. "When we get into a three-receiver set, we can go out there, spread it around, distribute the ball to different guys and really get the ball in our play-makers' hands."

The problem is because of his limitations as a route runner and in pass protection, running back LeGarrette Blount comes off the field when the Bucs add a third receiver.

Blount led all rookies with 1,007 rushing yards last season and was a big part of the formula that helped the Bucs win 16 of 24 games prior to the current eight-game losing streak. But when Blount is in the game, the Bucs telegraph the fact he's running the ball.

"I just feel like in the National Football League, you're going to try to design your offense and defense around the personnel you have," Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "We felt strongly our chances of winning football games and putting points on the board with this team was to establish a running game with LeGarrette Blount, and we did that a season ago. We have not done that this season, and that's been the frustrating part for everybody."

Nobody is more frustrated than Freeman, whose 18 interc eptions are tied for second in the league and three times as many as he threw in 2010. While it's true Freeman is guilty of trying to force some throws, especially to tight end Kellen Winslow, coach Raheem Morris simply believes the Bucs receivers need time to catch up to reading defenses as well as their quarterback.

"I kind of look at it as a Ben Roethlisberger deal," Morris said. "You remember when Ben Roethlisberger first got into the league? Now the difference for Ben Roethlisberger is that you had the Pittsburgh Steelers defense and they were unbelievable. Nobody was young. They were all old, grisly guys and they forced people to punt every five seconds, and they ran the football. They'd run the football, throw a 2-yard pass to Hines Ward and watch him turn it into 8 then every once in awhile hit a big play.

"Then all of a sudden, Ben was in the shotgun 90 percent of the time and he started to get comfortable and in rhythm with the offense. That's kind of what has to happen with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

But it's also hard to play smashmouth football by asking your quarterback to convert every third down. Running backs, especially Blount, draw six and seven defenders. A receiver can sometimes make one player miss and find a clear path to the end zone.

Freeman isn't a finished product. He needs to become a more accurate passer and not hold onto the ball as long. But he believes he can do more. Under the circumstances, he said maybe the Bucs should find out if he can.

"Obviously, as a quarterback, you want to do as much as you possibly can, and I just want to do whatever it takes to win, regardless of what that is," Freeman said. "Being the quarterback, you want to be in a position to make the plays to win the game."

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 23, 2011

TAMPA — The low point for Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman might have come last week, when he attempted only four passes during the first half of a 31-15 loss to the Cowboys.

While the NFL has never been a more pass-happy league — with records seemingly falling from the sky — there's no sign the air raid will come to Tampa Bay any time soon.

"It's definitely frustrating," Freeman said. "You want to go out and have an impact on the game. But … four passes in the first half? You're kind of limited in that situation.

"Part of that is moving the chains. If you move the chains, you get more opportunities. But it's definitely frustrating in … not really being on the field or having a chance to change the game."

It wasn't until their hand was forced last Saturday — trailing 28-0 at halftime — that the Bucs spread the field with three and four receivers and Freeman and the offense got in gear.

Freeman passed for 134 yards during the second half, including a 13-yard touchdown to Dezmon Briscoe. Freeman looked decisive, accurate and in rhythm as opposed to the ground-and-pound attack that produced four three-and-outs among five first-half possessions.

The league's most successful franchises over the past decade — New Orleans, New England, Green Bay, Indianapolis — get the ball out of their quarterback's hand and spread it around in multiple-receiver sets.

Freeman believes the Bucs could do more of that, perhaps beginning today at Carolina.

"We've had success with that, and I think it's because we all have a lot of confidence going into those situations," Freeman said. "When we get into a three-receiver set, we can go out there, spread it around, distribute the ball to different guys and really get the ball in our playmakers' hands."

The problem is because of his limitations as a route runner and in pass protection, running back LeGarrette Blount comes off the field when the Bucs insert a third receiver.

Blount led all rookies with 1,007 rushing yards last season and was a big part of the formula that helped the Bucs win 16 of 24 games prior to the current eight-game skid. But when Blount is in the game, the Bucs telegraph the fact he's running the ball.

"I just feel like in the National Football League, you're going to try to design your offense and defense around the personnel you have," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "We felt strongly our chances of winning football games and putting points on the board with this team was to establish a running game with LeGarrette Blount, and we did that a season ago. We have not done that this season, and that's been the frustrating part for everybody."

Nobody is more frustrated than Freeman, whose 18 interceptions are tied for second most in the league and three times as many as he threw in 2010. While it's true Freeman has been guilty of trying to force some throws, especially to tight end Kellen Winslow, coach Raheem Morris believes the receivers simply need time to learn how to read defenses as well as their third-year quarterback does.

"I kind of look at it as a Ben Roethlisberger deal," Morris said. "You remember when Ben Roethlisberger first got into the league? Now the difference for Ben Roethlisberger is that you had the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, and they were unbelievable. They were all old, grisly guys, and they forced people to punt every five seconds. And they ran the football. They'd run the football, throw a 2-yard pass to Hines Ward and watch him turn it into 8, then every once in a while hit a big play.

"Then all of a sudden Ben was in the shotgun 90 percent of the time and he started to get comfortable and in rhythm with the offense. That's kind of what has to happen with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

But it's also hard to play smashmouth football by asking your quarterback to convert every third down. Running backs, especially Blount, draw six and seven defenders. A receiver can sometimes make one player miss and find a clear path to the end zone.

Freeman, 23, isn't a finished product. He needs to become a more accurate passer and not hold onto the ball as long. But he believes he can do more. Under the circumstances, he said, maybe the Bucs should find out if he can.

"Obviously, as a quarterback, you want to do as much as you possibly can, and I just want to do whatever it takes to win, regardless of what that is," Freeman said.

"Being the quarterback, you want to be in a position to make the plays to win the game."