Times wires
Saturday, January 21, 2012

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — If he listened closely, Cory Redding could hear the men laughing.

The sounds, deep and resonant, were coming from around the corner, in the Ravens training room. The defensive end found Ray Lewis on one table and Ed Reed on another, cracking jokes and poking fun at each other. When Lewis offered advice to his younger teammate, Reed interrupted: "He told me that, too, and it didn't work."

"They love each other," Redding, 31, said. "They're just like brothers."

Reed and Lewis grew up living parallel lives: hardscrabble childhoods, stellar careers at the University of Miami, late first-round picks by the Ravens. They train together. They watch film together. They also have yet to win a Super Bowl together, Reed arriving a year after Lewis won his.

And if they listened closely, Reed and Lewis could hear the drumbeat — that if Baltimore loses to New England in today's AFC title game, they might never get this chance again. They are getting older, after all. Lewis is a 36-year-old middle linebacker, Reed a 33-year-old safety, as they are often reminded. They remain imposing and productive. But Lewis missed four games this season with a toe injury. Reed missed some tackles.

When asked about their futures, Lewis, in his 16th season, and Reed react in opposite ways. Reed is resigned, alluding to his advancing age.

"He's like, 'Father Time is catching up with me. I'm starting to feel it here and there,' " Redding said of Reed. "But he doesn't make excuses. He still straps up … whatever to make sure he can play."

A few days before last week's victory over the Texans, Reed told defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano he felt his best in five years, that the week off soothed his aching shoulder. Then he injured his ankle against Houston. In conversations with Randy Shannon, his defensive coordinator at Miami, Reed has said he wants to retire before his body breaks down.

"That's the one thing," Shannon said Reed told him. "I want to enjoy life after this."

Troubled by a pinched nerve in his neck, Reed considered retirement two years ago; because of his injury pattern, "He's more cognizant that his time could be up soon," former Ravens coach Brian Billick said.

But not Lewis.

"Ray's view has always been, 'I'm in the moment. I can always play,' " Billick said of the Bartow native. "He knows he can work through anything."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Ravens safety Ed Reed has seen the evolution of the tight end position firsthand.

No longer considered glorified tackles or safety valves, the new breed of tight end is a matchup nightmare, a dangerous combination of size and speed with the strength of a power forward.

"They're more athletic guys, bigger guys, taller guys," Reed said. "Kind of basketball bodies."

While there have been playmaking tight ends before, from Kellen Winslow and Ozzie Newsome to Shannon Sharpe and Tony Gonzalez, the caliber of athlete at the position — and how he's being used — has changed significantly over the past decade.

Six of the top 17 in receptions this season were tight ends, who are in a golden age and figure prominently in today's conference title games.

In New England, 6-foot-6, 265-pound Rob Gronkowski is a cult hero, leading the league with 17 touchdowns and catching 90 passes for 1,327 yards. His teammate, ex-Florida star Aaron Hernandez, had 79 receptions and, used out of the backfield, was the Patriots' leading rusher in last week's AFC division win over the Broncos.

Vernon Davis lifted the 49ers into today's matchup with the Giants with his 14-yard touchdown catch with nine seconds left against the Saints.

"The tight end position is taking off," Davis said. "It's almost as if you have to start (covering) tight ends with cornerbacks … because they're fast. These guys are strong, and they're making plays. They're making plays like wide receivers."

Just ask the Bucs. The Saints' 6-6, 260-pound Jimmy Graham combined for 202 receiving yards in two games this season against them. The number of tight ends who had more than 500 receiving yards has increased every season since 2006, when 12 eclipsed that mark, until this season. In 2010, an NFL-record 22 achieved the feat, and 20 did this season.

The NFL is all about matchups, and the Grahams, Davises and Gronkowskis give defensive coordinators fits because they're often too fast for a linebacker, too big for a defensive back and can beat tight coverage with leaping catches.

But ESPN analyst and former Bucs quarterback Trent Dilfer said another reason tight ends are more successful is the game has changed. With rules limiting contact around the line of scrimmage and the league cracking down on dangerous hits, Dilfer said it's taking away the defense's ability to dominate the middle of the field.

"No longer is the intimidation factor relevant in the middle of the field," he said. "I've seen routes being called with tight ends and slot receivers that you never even thought about running 10 years ago because you'd get your guys killed. So now you get all this chunk yardage in the middle of the football field with players that don't have to necessarily have top-end speed."

With colleges using spread offenses, tight ends are more prepared to be part of the passing game when they enter the pros, and teams have made them building blocks. Kellen Winslow Jr. has been one of Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman's favorite targets.

But one ex-coach is skeptical of the position's importance in relation to the rest of the offense.

"If I'm drafting on offense, you go get your quarterback and your left tackle first," former Ravens coach and current Fox analyst Brian Billick told USA Today. "I'm not sure I wouldn't put that tight end at the next level; even in front of that great impact receiver."

Information from Times wires contributed to this report.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Florida State

Key losses: LB Nigel Bradham, OT Andrew Datko, CB Mike Harris, RB Ty Jones, S Terrance Parks, P Shawn Powell, WR Bert Reed, OT Zebrie Sanders, OL David Spurlock, RB Jermaine Thomas

Oral commitments (13)

Early enrollees (3)

Hot prospects: Depending on who you believe, this class is ranked between third and seventh nationally. But Edwards, whose father played at FSU, has softened on the Seminoles in recent weeks. And Winston is a top-notch baseball player — maybe a first-round pick. Quarterback is a need with EJ Manuel entering his senior season, and that was addressed with Winston and Maguire. On defense, six of the seven commitments received four or five stars from Rivals.com.

Rodney Page, Times staff writer

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

UCF

Key losses: P David Bohner, K Nick Cattoi, QB Jeff Godfrey, WR A.J. Guyton, LB Josh Linam, DE Darius Nall, TE Adam Nissley, T Nick Pieschel, CB Josh Robinson, RB Ronnie Weaver.

Oral commitments (12)

Hot prospects: UCF also has promising additions who sat out last season in former Miami running back Storm Johnson and former Colorado State quarterback Nico Ranieri. The Knights were said to have as many as 10 silent commitments a week ago, so George O'Leary could have considerably more on signing day than what has been made public. UCF flipped Kentucky commitment Jacoby Glenn this week and is still in the hunt for Georgia QB Chris Moody.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Miami

Key losses: WR Travis Benjamin, TE Chase Ford, OL Harland Gunn, QB Jacory Harris, OL Tyler Horn, RB Lamar Miller, DB JoJo Nicolas, DL Adewale Ojomo, DL Vernon Olivier, LB Sean Spence, WR Tommy Streeter, OL Brandon Washington, DB Mike Williams.

Oral commitments (25)

Hot prospects: The Hurricanes remain in the running for several of the top remaining uncommitted recruits. Scottsdale, Ariz., five-star athlete Davonte Neal still has a visit scheduled and won't make a final decision until after signing day. Eddie Goldman, the No. 1 DT from Washington, and No. 5 DT Leonard Williams out of Daytona Beach Mainland also remain strong possibilities for coach Al Golden's program. Also still scheduled to make a visit is four-star DT Darius Hamilton from New Jersey Don Bosco Prep, and OT Avery Young from Palm Beach Gardens will take his final official visit with the Hurricanes before making his decision.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

. TODAY

USF at DePaul

When/where: 2; Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Ill.

Radio: 620-AM

Records: USF 11-8, 4-2 Big East; DePaul 10-8, 1-5

Notable: USF is hoping to build on its best Big East start, and its has won six straight against the Blue Demons. … DePaul's lone conference win came against Pittsburgh (0-7). … The Blue Demons have top solid scorers in 6-8 forward Cleveland Melvin (18.1 ppg) and 6-3 guard Brandon Young (16.8). … USF continues to get strong play from freshman point guard Anthony Collins, now averaging 5.2 assists. … Guard Jawanza Poland leads the Bulls with 11.1 points per game, but watch for Victor Rudd, who had 24 in the second half in USF's win against St. John's.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, January 21, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO

The basketball players of the NFL have all gone home now. They have taken the sprinters and the dancers and the video gamers with them.

Now, it is time for the tough guys to take over.

As usual.

It happens. Every few seasons, there is an offense that has so much sizzle, so much flash, that it fools you into thinking that defenses have no chance. It scores fast, and it scores often, and you suspect it has found a shortcut to the end zone.

Then the playoffs come along, and once again, football is raw and brutal, and it feels like 1958 all over again.

It feels like the Giants, who sent Aaron Rodgers and all his numbers packing.

It feels like the 49ers, who sent Drew Brees and all his records on his way.

Forever, it has been like this, since Air Coryell and Dan Marino throwing to the Marks Brothers and The Greatest Show on Turf. This time of year, the best of the champions, the Steel Curtain and the No-Name Defense and the '85 Bears, are the nicknames to remember. Simple as this: Defense usually wins. That's been true since cliches were new.

Today, it will be true again. You can talk all you want about Eli Manning and his escape from his brother's shadow or how no one will ever refer to Alex Smith as a bust again. But do you know who today's NFC Championship Game is about? It's about the Giants' Jason-Pierre Paul and Justin Tuck and the 49ers' Patrick Willis and Justin Smith.

It's about bloody knuckles. It's about pain. It's about, as New York defensive lineman Chris Canty predicted, "a bloodbath."

Yeah, it sounds a lot like 1958, too.

Around here, to be honest, it looks that way, too.

The skies are gray and ominous here, and the wind whips and the rain blows. Even if you didn't think the 49ers and Giants were going to spend much of the afternoon pounding on each other, the elements suggest there is no other way to play this one. Not that either team really knows a different way to play. If they did, they might not be here.

"This time of year is about defense," said 49ers safety Donte Whitner. "All year long, we hear about the offenses. That's what people outside the locker room talk about. But inside the locker, we know it's about defense."

Consider this: Out of the last 30 Super Bowl winners, 26 have ranked in the top 10 in defense (so have 16 of the losers). Offense-first teams win every now and then, but only every now and then. It is the defensive teams that have to answer the questions about dynasties. Offense is a piano with a lot of different fingers trying to find the right rhythm. Defense is a drum. All you have to do is pound it.

Remember back when the Bucs played a nasty sort of defense, the kind that won them a Super Bowl for the 2002 season? John Lynch is one of the nicest men to ever play the sport, but even he would chew nails when the questions suggested he and his buddies would be helpless against the offenses of teams such as the Rams and the Raiders.

"We like to think we're pretty good, too,'' Lynch would say.

Usually, some defense usually is. The best advice for an offense? Have a good defense of your own.

"At this time of year, you've kind of shown your bag of tricks," said ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer. "You've shown the 78 formations you've used and the different personnel groupings and the down-and-distance tendencies. You've kind of put everything out there on the table, and now you get a defense that can break you down and go, 'Wait a second, I see what they're doing.'

"I think defense kind of wins out this time of year because they've broken you down to such a degree. They've kind of taken your bag of tricks away from you."

You don't have to convince either the 49ers or the Giants. Not after the 49ers forced five turnovers against the Saints. Not after the Giants sacked Rodgers four times and recovered three fumbles.

Hey, how do you think these guys got here? Last year, the 49ers were 6-10 and irrelevant. It was defense that turned them around, a fierce group of linebackers, a bold set of defensive backs.

This year, the Giants were 7-7 and an afterthought. And again, it was defense that turned them around. New York admits it gets its juice from a hungry front four — starring Pierre-Paul, the former USF star.

They are much the same, these two. They have a little explosion on their own offenses, and they can run the ball a little. But the secret to both has been on the side of the ball that fans don't watch enough.

Today, this defense wins it or that one. This pass rush or that one. This takeaway or that one.

Afterward, of course, the networks will interview the winning quarterback.

That's happened before, too.

Times wires
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Protect the ball or go home.

Turnovers are the great equalizer in the NFL. In three of last weekend's four division playoff games, the team with a huge turnover margin won: the 49ers, Ravens and Giants. The Patriots didn't need takeaways to take away any chance the Broncos had. The talent differential was more than enough.

"Turnovers. Doesn't that go down to every game, though?" Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "What did it boil down to (last week against Houston)? Turnovers. Four to none."

Winning the turnover battle is always essential. Three of the top four teams in turnover margin in the AFC and four of the top five in the NFC made the playoffs.

In today's conference titles, San Francisco and New England would seem to have the edge. The 49ers led the league with a plus-28 turnover margin, including an NFL-high 15 fumble recoveries. The 49ers also had just 10 giveaways.

New England topped the AFC at plus-17 and 34 takeaways.

"We always talk about the turnover margin, and of course that was huge," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said of his team's five takeaways last week against the Packers. "We were plus-3, and we felt very much so, for a team that only had 14 turnovers over the course of the entire season, that was exceptional. They were a team with plus-24 and really had played from the other side of it all year long. The opportunity for us to be a plus-three team — we had one turnover and they had four — was a huge part of the game."

Ochocinco trip: Patriots WR Chad Ochocinco is expected to play two days after traveling to Fort Lauderdale, the Boston Herald reported. Comcast Sports New England reported Ochocinco, a Miami native, made the trip for the funeral of his father, who died last week. In a tweet Monday, he asked for prayers to be said for his "oldest and youngest (brothers). … Our father passed this morning."

Hello again: Today marks the seventh time the Giants and 49ers have met in the postseason, all since 1981, with the winner going on to win the Super Bowl four times. The only other time they met in the NFC title game was Jan. 20, 1991. RB Roger Craig fumbled with the 49ers leading 13-12 late, and the Giants went on to win 15-13 to deny San Francisco a chance at a third straight Super Bowl title. New York then beat Buffalo in Super Bowl XXV in Tampa. San Francisco LS Brian Jennings is the only player left on either side from the last meeting, when San Francisco rallied for a 39-38 victory in January 2003.

Welcome back: Former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo will serve as honorary captain today. Team president and nephew Jed York called him immediately after last week's win over the Saints. DeBartolo owned the team from 1977-98, when the 49ers won their five Super Bowls.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Florida

Key losses: QB John Brantley, RB Jeff Demps, DT Jaye Howard, RB Chris Rainey, , S Josh Shaw, WR Deonte Thompson, OL James Wilson.

Oral commitments (18)

Hot prospects: This was a huge weekend for Florida in its efforts to solidify a top-five class. The biggest names scheduled to visit this past weekend were Olney, Md., athlete Stefon Diggs and Miramar's Tracy Howard, the No. 1 ranked CB in the nation, according to ESPNU. DE Alex McCalister of North Carolina remains high on the Gators' list and is expected to decide Monday among UF, Georgia Tech and North Carolina. Florida had several players who are orally committed to other schools on the visitation list this past weekend, ones the Gators hope to persuade to change their minds — including Lakewood's Dante Fowler Jr. and Pompano Beach Ely's Avery Johnson. The Gators have eight commitments from players in the ESPNU Top 150.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

USF

Key losses: DE Patrick Hampton, C Chaz Hine, DT Keith McCaskill, RB Darrell Scott, OG Jeremiah Warren, CB Quenton Washington, S Jerrell Young.

Oral commitments (7):

Hot prospects: With a big group enrolling this month and a small senior class leaving, USF only has 3-4 scholarships left in play, but it hopes to land QB Chris Moody of McDonough, Ga., who has visits to Vanderbilt and South Carolina remaining. Two possible commitments who have already visited campus are Oakland Park OL Kam Davis and Gainesville LB Tashon Whitehurst, a Syracuse commitment who went to school with early enrollee Chris Bivins. The Bulls might make a scholarship offer to Citra North Marion RB Jamie Gilmore, a teammate of commitment Sean Price who is very interested in USF.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Hunt for a Bucs head coach: Day 19

Top of the list

1. Mike Sherman: Former Packers and Texas A&M coach

2. Mike Zimmer: Bengals defensive coordinator

3. Tom Clements: Packers quarterbacks coach

4. Marty Schottenheimer: Former Browns, Chiefs, Redskins and Chargers coach

5. Brad Childress: Former Vikings coach

6. Jerry Gray: Titans defensive coordinator

On the radar

1. Rob Chudzinksi: Panthers offensive coordinator

2. Perry Fewell: Giants defensive coordinator

What's new

• Colts owner Jim Irsay, via Twitter, says he will hire a coach by the end of this week. Ex-Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has entered the mix.

• Ex-Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer takes the same job with the Rams.

Our take

True to their word, the Bucs won't be rushed. And many of their candidates remain available. There's speculation Sherman will be Miami's offensive coordinator. He has ties to new coach Joe Philbin. Clements is in line to be the Packers' offensive coordinator unless he comes here. The Bucs could pare down their list before going to the Senior Bowl on Monday.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Hunt for a Bucs head coach: Day 21

Top of the list

1. Mike Sherman: Former Packers and Texas A&M coach

2. Mike Zimmer: Bengals defensive coordinator

3. Tom Clements: Packers quarterbacks coach

4. Rob Chudzinksi: Panthers offensive coordinator

5. Marty Schottenheimer: Former Browns, Chiefs, Redskins and Chargers coach

6. Brad Childress: Former Vikings coach

7. Jerry Gray: Titans defensive coordinator

What's new

•. The Colts have interviewed Gray, Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. and former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel. The Indianapolis Star reported they have interest in Zimmer and Childress, both also on the Bucs' list.

• ESPN.com reported Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie will have a second interview with Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen at the Senior Bowl.

• In the Oakland Tribune, McKenzie disputed an NFL Network report that an interview with Packers assistant and former Buc Winston Moss did not go well. "That's far from the truth,'' McKenzie said.

• Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice will not interview for the Raiders job as had been planned.

Our take

The Bucs took a swing and missed on Oregon's Chip Kelly, hoping for a "wow" hire. They might have tipped their hand that they're thinking of someone focused on offense. They seem to be narrowing the list to finalists and notifying the other candidates they are out of the running. This week's Senior Bowl serves as a coaching job market, so the dominoes are likely to begin falling.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Hunt for a Bucs head coach: Day 22

Top of the list

1. Mike Sherman: Former Packers and Texas A&M coach

2. Mike Zimmer: Bengals defensive coordinator

3. Tom Clements: Packers quarterbacks coach

4. Rob Chudzinksi: Panthers offensive coordinator

5. Marty Schottenheimer: Former Browns, Chiefs, Redskins and Chargers coach

6. Brad Childress: Former Vikings coach

7. Jerry Gray: Titans defensive coordinator

What's new

• The Raiders reportedly agreed to hire Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, 39, the first defense-minded Oakland coach since linebackers coach John Madden was hired before the 1969 season.

• San Francisco special teams coach Brad Seely is reportedly scheduled to meet with the Colts about their head coaching job today.

Our take

The only known Bucs finalist is Sherman. Zimmer and Gray are in Mobile, Ala. for the Senior Bowl but hadn't heard from the Bucs on Tuesday. Panthers coach Ron Riviera said he was unaware of the Bucs contacting Chudzinski for a second interview.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

Hunt for a Bucs head coach: Day 23

Top of the list

1. Mike Sherman: Former Packers and Texas A&M coach

2. Rob Chudzinski: Panthers offensive coordinator

3. Mike Zimmer: Bengals defensive coordinator

4. Tom Clements: Packers quarterbacks coach

5. Marty Schottenheimer: Former Browns, Chiefs, Redskins and Chargers coach

6. Brad Childress: Former Vikings coach

7. Jerry Gray: Titans defensive coordinator

What's new

• Bucs reportedly conduct their second interview with Sherman on Wednesday.

• Charlotte Observer reports there was a "buzz" that Chudzinski also is in line for a second interview, but that was not confirmed.

• With the Colts hiring Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano on Wednesday and the Raiders finalizing the hiring of Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the Bucs are the last team with a vacancy.

Our take

The Bucs are said to be progressing, but there's little indication in what direction they are heading.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

By Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Saturday, January 21, 2012

GULFPORT — Palm Harbor University, wrestling with heavy hearts after the recent passing of a team friend, dominated the Pinellas County Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday.

Logan Kushner, a PHU grad who died Jan. 8 after police say the 19-year-old drowned in a creek after smoking a legal herbal incense, had played football and wrestled, so he was a friend of many on this year's team.

Coach Brad Sakevich had his team focused after a tumultuous few weeks. "We've been through a lot in the last two weeks with the death of Logan Kushner, with the funeral and wrestling last weekend," Sakevich said. "We placed 14 kids; all of them in the top five. It's just a testament to how much work the kids put in."

The Hurricanes positioned six wrestlers in the finals, with four of them taking titles — brothers Connor (106 pounds) and Jared (113) Prince, Ryan Myers (138) and Aaron Hartman (145). PHU scored 269 points, followed by Dunedin (186.5), Dixie Hollins (154.5), Countryside (130.5) and East Lake (126.5).

Myers wrestled in the most exciting final, defeating Dunedin's Alex Lebhar in the 138 final. Things appeared grim for Myers, who trailed by two with 20 seconds left in the third period.

"I was just listening to my coaches, and they told me to go," Myers said. "They told me to open it up, so I did. I knew it was close. It was definitely my hardest match yet."

Myers won 8-7 with a late takedown and solidified the tournament's most outstanding wrestler honor as voted on by the coaches.

"Ryan Myers is just a great athlete, and he has worked his butt off, and if any kid deserved it, it's him," Sakevich said.

The evening ended with a rematch from the St. Petersburg City Meet, where Dixie Hollins' Andre Matthews handed Northeast's Chris Roane his first loss of the season. Roane wasn't about to let it happen again in the 285-pound final, winning 4-2.

"I didn't wrestle that great (during the City Meet) and I trained real hard this past week, and I just came out here and tried my best," Roane said. "I was thinking I had to have revenge."

PCAC Tournament

Consolation:

106 - Wolfenbarger (Dixie Hollins) d. Helget-Lainey (Seminole), technical fall 17-0

113 - Brown (St. Pete) d. Schultz (Dixie Hollins), 5-1

120 - Brown (East Lake) d. Mashburn (Countryside), 5-4

126 - Hardwick (PHU) d. Zimmerman (Lakewood), 8-3

132 - Tuohy (Easy Lake) d. Pope (Dunedin), 4-2

138 - Deese (Northeast) d. Halisky (Dixie Hollins), fall 1:59

145 - Renaker (East Lake) d. Korba (Dunedin), fall 4:05

152 - Winowich (Dunedin) d. Vios (PHU), 7-3

160 - Teetor (Lakewood) d. Timpanaro (PHU), 8-4

170 - Petsch (Osceola) d. Fortner (PHU), 12-3

182 - O'Neal (Osceola) d. Laursen (Countryside), 9-2

195 - Kemp (Osceola) d. Stoll (Clearwater), 7-4

220 - Irizarry (Dixie Hollins) d. Madlin (PHU), 6-1

285 - Scott (Gibbs) d. Kitchen (Countryside), fall 2:14

Finals:

106 - C.Prince (PHU) d. Collora (Countryside), 14-1

113 - J.Prince (PHU) d. Galvan (Tarpon Springs), 20-6

120 - Arrington (Dunedin) d. May (PHU), 6-2

126 - Husserl (East Lake) d. Scott (Osceola), fall 3:26

132 - Harrington (DH) d. Kampmann, tech. fall 23-7

138 - Myers (PHU) d. Lebhar (Dunedin), 8-7

145 - Hartman (PHU) d. Dudley (Countryside), fall 1:35

152 - Larivee (Seminole) d. Moser (St. Pete), 4-2

160 - Harriott (Osceola) d. Ebanks (East Lake), 6-0

170 - Goodnow (Dunedin) d. Doyle (Northeast), fall 5:33

182 - Bell (Dixie Hollins) d. Carcalete (Clearwater), 7-5

195 - Doss (Largo) d. Mayhone (Dunedin), 11-3

220 - Vogeney (Largo) d. Luth (Dunedin), fall 3:20

285 - Roane (Northeast) d. Matthews (Dixie Hollins), 4-2

Team scores: PHU 269; Dunedin 186.5; Dixie Hollins 154.5; Countryside 130.5; East Lake 126.5; Osceola 112; Largo 92; St. Petersburg 90; Northeast 75; Seminole 67; Clearwater 65; Tarpon Springs 56; Pinellas Park 55; Lakewood 43; Boca Ciega 30; Gibbs 24

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

TAMPA

Regardless of which coaching candidate is hired by the Bucs, the most important thing he will have to bring is a plan for saving quarterback Josh Freeman.

The Bucs' first-round pick in 2009 still has all the tools and temperament to become one of the league's best at his position. But from a career standpoint, Freeman needs someone to extend a hand and help him to his feet after taking a hard hit.

This season, Freeman's biggest failure was protecting the football. He threw 22 interceptions and only 16 touchdowns.

It would be simplistic to blame his lack of production on a lack of weapons. Running back LeGarrette Blount and receiver Mike Williams did not come close to duplicating their rookie performance. But nearly half of Freeman's interceptions came while forcing the football to tight end Kellen Winslow.

Freeman has demonstrated he can dominate the position. He threw 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions in leading the Bucs to a 10-6 record in 2010.

But it's undeniable the right head coach — and offensive coordinator — can have a dramatic effect on a quarterback. Consider what 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has meant this season to Alex Smith, who has been beleaguered and booed almost since he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2005.

Which of the coaches the Bucs have interviewed have the best chance of helping Freeman? Let's take a look.

Mike Sherman

The former Packers and Texas A&M coach, considered by many in the coaching community to be the front-runner, has an offensive background. At 57, he has experience and success as an NFL head coach, winning NFC North titles with Brett Favre at quarterback.

He also can relate to young passers as evidenced by the sudden rise of the Aggies' Ryan Tanne­hill from converted receiver to possible first-round pick after throwing 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions this past season.

Sherman also has a keen eye for talent on his coaching staff. He gave new Dolphins coach Joe Philbin his start in coaching by hiring him as a graduate assistant at Tulane. He also brought him in for his Packers staff.

There has been talk Sherman might be able to bring in former Vikings coach Brad Childress as offensive coordinator. Childress, who was the Eagles quarterback coach when Donovan McNabb broke in, interviewed for the Bucs head coaching job and also is on the Colts' radar.

Finally, Sherman is a good teacher of fundamentals, and Freeman could benefit from those, including footwork. He also believes in being harder on the team's star players, which also could benefit the quarterback.

Tom Clements

Philbin received a lot of credit for the success of the Packers offense. But Clements, the quarterbacks coach, has done a spectacular job with Aaron Rodgers and backup Matt Flynn.

A former Notre Dame quarterback, Clements, 58, also was the play-caller as an offensive coordinator with the Bills for two seasons. Everybody is familiar with Rodgers' success. He threw 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Digest that for a minute.

When Flynn started his only game this season, the finale against the Lions, he completed 67 percent of his passes and threw for 518 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. When it comes to presentation and preparation with a quarterback, it's hard to do much better than Clements.

Rob Chudzinski

Chudzinski, 43, is going to be a coach one day. The former University of Miami tight end progressed from grad assistant to offensive coordinator with the Hurricanes and coached tight ends with the Browns.

But last season, the job he did with rookie quarterback Cam Newton as Panthers offensive coordinator was evidence of his brilliance, especially considering he had very little of an offseason because of the lockout. The Panthers offense finished seventh overall and fifth in points, and set a franchise record for total yards.

Newton has a unique skill set with his ability to run the football. But he shares a lot of traits with Freeman. They are big men who can keep plays alive, make all the throws and are accurate on the run.

Chudzinski is probably a long shot to land the Bucs coaching job, but his impact on Freeman could be great.

Times wires
Saturday, January 21, 2012

MELBOURNE, Australia — Just before she walked on court, Greta Arn said she was looking forward to the "privilege" of playing her first match against Serena Williams. Some privilege.

The 13-time Grand Slam champion overpowered Arn 6-1, 6-1 in 59 minutes late Saturday for her 17th straight win at the Australian Open.

Arn double-faulted twice to end the match. As the players shook hands at the net, Williams, 30, looked briefly taken aback and smiled.

"I told her it was an honor to play against you," Arn, 32, said. "And she told me, 'Oh, you are so sweet.' I'm a big fan of hers. She's the real No. 1."

Vania King's loss to Ana Ivanovic left Williams as the only American player left in either singles draw. The last American man, John Isner, lost Friday.

"I really don't think when I go out there that I'm the last American," she said. "I just think I'm trying to come in here and win this match, play this girl. That's all I really think about."

Coming off an injury-ravaged 18 months, Williams is seeded 12th. She hasn't held the top ranking since 2010, the year she won the last of her Grand Slam titles. She won back-to-back Australian titles in 2009 and 2010 and was unable to defend the title last year while she recovered from two foot surgeries.

"I'm nowhere near where I want to be," said Williams, who came in nursing a sprained left ankle. "… A little rusty, just trying to play through my rust."

Next up for Williams is unseeded Ekaterina Makarova.

Because of her ranking, Williams can't take the No. 1 spot with a win here. However, No. 2 Petra Kvitova, No. 3 Victoria Azarenka and No. 4 Maria Sharapova could if they were to win the tournament.

Azarenka was a winner early today, beating Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals.

On the men's side, No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic routed Nicolas Mahut 6-0, 6-1, 6-1 in 1 hour, 14 minutes. The defending champion has won 24 straight sets here.

"I always played well in Australia. This is the only Grand Slam I won twice," he said. "The conditions are great. They're very suitable to my style of the game, day and night."

Djokovic next faces Lleyton Hewitt, who beat Milos Raonic 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.

Times wires
Saturday, January 21, 2012

LA QUINTA, Calif. — When the wind knocked a big scoreboard into a lake and ripped a few trees out of the ground Saturday, Mark Wilson realized he really didn't mind if he couldn't finish his third round at the Humana Challenge.

Wilson and his fellow pros were more than happy to wait out the windstorm and just come back today, when Wilson will attempt to maintain his momentum for what might be a marathon finish to the erstwhile Bob Hope Classic.

Wilson held a three-stroke lead over Ben Crane at 21 under when play was suspended midway through the third round. Ferocious wind reaching 35 mph caused damage on all three courses, even interrupting former President Bill Clinton's round with Greg Norman.

"I think they made the right call," Wilson said. "You don't want to see anybody get hurt."

The pro-am tournament will resume third-round play this morning without the amateurs. They'll also attempt to finish the fourth round, which could be tough after the event's first wind delay since 1999 and the first on the PGA Tour since 2009 in Houston.

Nobody was hurt at the Humana Challenge, even after an awning collapsed in the Bob Hope Square fan area. Conditions weren't terrible on two of the three courses, but several trees were toppled at the La Quinta Country Club course, making the decision easy.

"It's really bad," said Slugger White, the tour's vice president of rules and competitions. "They've got a lot of trees down. It's a real mess."

La Quinta didn't even get the worst of the Coachella Valley craziness: A 66-mph gust was recorded at the Palm Springs airport.

White said he believes they can finish the four-round event today "in a perfect world." Wilson doubts it after vicious gusts interrupted a previously perfect weekend.

Wilson got through the first eight holes at La Quinta under ideal conditions, but the light winds suddenly turned into gales. He battled to five straight pars before a birdie on his 15th hole of the day, but play was suspended moments later.

CHAMPIONS: Dan Forsman had six back-nine birdies for 7-under 65 and a two-stroke lead after the second round of the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii. Forsman was at 12-under 132. Brad Bryant shot 8-under 64 to match 2010 champion Tom Watson (65) and Jeff Sluman (66) at 10 under.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 21, 2012

GAINESVILLE — On a night when the outside shots didn't fall, Florida proved what it has been trying to convince everyone since the season began: There's a lot more to its team than just its top-notch 3-point shooters.

Five Gators scored in double figures, despite shooting 33 percent from beyond the arc, as No. 17 Florida extended its home winning streak to 16 (10 this season) with a 76-64 victory over LSU on Saturday night.

Florida (15-4, 3-1 SEC) made only 7 of 21 3-pointers but still shot a season-high 56.3 percent from the field and has now shot better than 50 percent in three consecutive games. Since dropping its SEC opener at Tennessee, Florida has won three straight league games.

"I think we're more focused on a day-to-day basis," said junior forward Erik Murphy, who had a team-high 15 points. "We try to come in and get prepared for teams, do what we've got to do, make sure we do all the little things it takes to win. And we can do a lot of different things. If somebody's off, we look for somebody else to fill in. Really anybody on our team can score."

Saturday night, it was guards Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton who were off. The two combined to go 1-of-10 from 3-point range, and Boynton's 34-game streak with at least one 3-pointer came to an end. Yet it was Walker's clutch 3-pointer with 2:29 remaining in the game that extended Florida's lead and halted an LSU comeback.

Florida trailed 10-4 early but eventually outscored LSU 26-12 to close the half with a 38-26 lead. Down by 16 at one point in the second half, LSU (12-7, 2-3) went on a 10-2 run to pull within 58-50 with 7:45 remaining but could not get closer.

Down the stretch the Gators had no answer for LSU junior center Justin Hamilton, who scored 18 of his career-high 27 in the second half. Hamilton made 13 of 22 shots; the rest of the Tigers made 15 of 41. Anthony Hickey was the only other LSU player in double figures with 10 points.

"Hamilton was really, really hurting us," Florida coach Billy Donovan said. "But I didn't mind. The last four minutes we were going to try to double him, but I was so fearful of giving (other players) 3s, because when you double team the low post like that with their offense, the ball is going to find itself on the perimeter and give those guys some pretty decent looks. So we lived with him having a huge night."

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

Times wires
Saturday, January 21, 2012

DURHAM, N.C. — Michael Snaer acknowledged that he never felt comfortable playing in one of college basketball's most hostile environments, from the rowdy fans perched on the sideline to the way Duke tried to pressure the Seminoles out of their offense.

One shot changed everything, and ended Duke's long reign on its famed homecourt.

Snaer hit a 3-pointer as time expired and Florida State beat the fourth-ranked Blue Devils 76-73 Saturday, snapping Duke's 45-game home winning streak.

With the score tied, former Clearwater High standout Luke Loucks sprinted up the middle of the court before zipping a pass to Snaer on the right side in front of the FSU bench. Snaer quickly launched the shot over Andre Dawkins that dropped through at the horn, stunning the once-rowdy crowd at Cameron Indoor Stadium and sending the Seminoles' bench spilling onto "Coach K Court" in celebration.

"When it went in, I didn't know what to think," Snaer said. "It was amazing."

Snaer's basket gave the Seminoles (13-6, 4-1 ACC) a fourth straight win, which includes last weekend's 33-point home rout of preseason No. 1 North Carolina. It marked the second time the Seminoles have beaten both Duke and North Carolina in the same season, the other coming in 2002.

It marked the first home loss for the Blue Devils (16-3, 4-1) since they fell to the eventual national champion Tar Heels in February 2009. It also ended Duke's 64-game home winning streak against unranked opponents, which began after a one-point loss to FSU five years ago.

"There's not too many times teams can come in and win at a hostile environment like Duke and a great team like Duke," Loucks said. "We just kind of saw an opportunity here and went ahead and seized it. After the jubilation and jumping around in the locker room, the whole speech was that we're not finished. We only have four ACC wins right now, and that's not going to get us into the (NCAA) Tournament."

Xavier Gibson led FSU with 16 points. Snaer scored 14, including a banked-in 3 to beat the buzzer on the final play of the first half.

Duke led by nine in the first half and eight midway through the second, but the Seminoles wouldn't let the Blue Devils pull away to tie a school and ACC record for the longest home winning streak. Instead, they kept attacking and knocking down tough shots.

In fact, Snaer hit two clutch shots in the final minute. On the first, he drove into the paint and sank a pull-up for a 71-70 lead with 55.8 seconds left. Then — after Austin Rivers tied the score on a driving basket with 4.9 seconds left — Snaer answered with an even bigger one, putting him at the center of a celebration that migrated all the way across the court to stand in front of a stunned group of Cameron Crazies.

"The kid hit a beautiful shot," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said the shot looked good to him, prompting a reporter to ask him if he had any doubts it would go in.

"None whatsoever," Hamilton said as he playfully looked to the ceiling. "That's my story and I'm sticking to it."

Duke went in ranked last in the ACC in field-goal percentage defense, an unusual stat for Krzyzewski's program. FSU finished the game at 54 percent, including 67 percent (18-of-27) in a tense second half. The Seminoles scored 50 after halftime.

Duke had won 46 straight at home from 1997-2000, and most of the wins in the current streak had come by double digits. Duke overcame 40 percent shooting by hitting 10 3-pointers.