By Tyson Wallerstein, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

What's hot: Before the north wind started blowing, we had a long stretch with an offshore breeze, which created excellent conditions for nearshore fishing. Spanish mackerel, kingfish and big sharks have been plentiful within a mile from shore.

Baiting up: Pilchards have been plentiful along the swash channel on the beach. Loading your livewell with 2- to- 3-inchers ensures constant action nearshore and on hard bottoms. A fresh, tournament-grade chum block will help to draw in fish from greater distances.

Tactics: Using light rods spooled with 15-pound braid will give you ample line to land most kingfish. Bring plenty of bait so you can chum aggressively. A 2/0 long shank hook and a 12-inch piece of light wire connected to a few feet of 30-pound fluorocarbon tied to the braid makes up the terminal end of things.

What else: Blacktip and spinner sharks are following the mackerel. Tired of getting beaten by them, we changed to heavy wire and big circle hooks. Sending the remains of a mackerel or bonita on a heavier, conventional rod after the fish has been ravaged by a shark allowed us to bring some sharks boatside.

Tyson Wallerstein runs Inshore Fishing Charters in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area and can be reached at (727) 692-5868 and via email capt.tyson@hotmail.com.

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — The composite list of greyhounds to win the $20,000 Fall Juvenile Stakes has been consistent throughout qualifying, captured titles in tight finishes and paid double digits to its supporters.

Director of racing Jerry Miller expects more of the same in the sixth annual event for pups that begins tonight at Derby Lane. The first of four qualifying rounds takes place in Races 4, 6, 8 and 10.

"There are good, quality puppies, and it is definitely wide open," Miller said. "I think this is going to be a tournament where you won't see someone win more than two rounds. When you get down to the finals, anything can happen … and usually does."

Eight of the 32 greyhounds will advance to the 550-yard championship race Nov. 10. The winner earns $9,000.

The Fall Juvenile has not been a favorite for the favorites. The only dog to win a crown as the wagering choice in the final has been Uss Gazillionair (2010), whose one-length victory matches Career Goals (2009) for the largest margin of victory. Jw Rapid Strike (2011) and Kelsos Hathaway (2008) won by a neck, and Flying Seward (2007) captured the inaugural race by a nose. The average finish of the favorites has been fifth, including two eighth-place showings. The winning dog has averaged a win payout of $15 for a $2 ticket.

It normally doesn't take long to spot potential Fall Juvenile winners. In the past three events, the eventual champion won an opening-round qualifier. And with the exception of Jw Rapid Strike's seventh-place finish last year in the third round, every champion has placed at least third in each qualifying round. Greyhounds earn 16 points for a victory.

"A (first-round) win is certainly going to bump you up (on the leaderboard)," Miller said. "I've got some dogs that are well-seasoned. And I've got some that are very young, but they're hitting their stride."

Lester Raines kennel has dominated the Fall Juvenile, winning three years in a row until Capabal broke through last season. "Lester Raines is just loaded," Miller said.

Lester Raines is one of six kennels with three starters: Kiowa Mad Hatter (Race 4, 8:18 p.m.), Four Onthe Floor (Race 6, 8:55) and Intentionally (Race 10, 10:11). Kennels Floyd & Porter, Mc­Allister, Pauline O'Donnell, meet wins leader Patriot and Red Oak also entered three dogs. Alderson, Capabal and Marsella are not represented.

HORSES: The Breeders' Cup World Championships start Friday with six races at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. The event concludes with nine races Nov. 3, highlighted by the Grade I $5 million Classic. Simulcast wagering will be available both days at Derby Lane, Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar and Tampa Greyhound Track.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, October 26, 2012

TAMPA — In 16 seasons, safety Ronde Barber has been asked to keep games close, create turnovers and score — if possible — to compensate for some pretty anemic Bucs offenses.

But after watching Doug Martin accumulate 214 total yards and Josh Freeman throw three touchdown passes for the third game in a row in Thursday's 36-17 rout of Minnesota, Barber says he knows which Tampa Bay offense is best.

"There's not been one as explosive as this," Barber, 37, said. "And I've been here for a long time. I'm qualified to answer. It makes our job less stressful, put it that way."

Martin, a rookie running back and first-round draft pick, turned the nationally televised game into his debut-taunt party.

He tormented the Vikings by rushing 29 times for 135 yards and a score, and catching three passes for 79 yards, including a screen from Freeman he turned into a 64-yard score.

"The really special backs … they want it," Bucs coach Greg Schiano said. "They get in the groove, and they feel it. I could see that Doug was feeling it. He wanted carries."

Martin said he knew after his 41-yard run in the first quarter — his longest run of the season — he and the offensive line were going to be in a groove.

"I could definitely tell the offense was clicking, and the O-line did an awesome job staying on blocks and moving guys," Martin said Friday. "(Fullback Erik) Lorig did a good job of picking up his guy and blocking him, and I knew it was going to be a good night."

Helping create space for the running game have been explosive passing plays produced by Freeman and receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. Over his past three games, Freeman has passed for 1,010 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. Thursday he was 19-of-36 for 262 yards. But his contributions go beyond stats, Schiano said.

"(Thursday) was not his most spectacular throwing game, although he made some nice throws," Schiano said. "But some of the things that he did that no one will ever know are what are most impressive: getting us into the right run, redeclaring once we realized what they were doing … getting the whole offense blocking it just a little bit differently. Those are big, big things that no one knows about. But I do, and the coaches do and his teammates do."

The Bucs are tied for ninth in the NFL, averaging 26.3 points per game. Over their past three games, they have averaged 34 points. By comparison, the Bucs averaged 17.9 points in 2011.

And Martin, 5 feet 9 and 223 pounds, is eighth with 543 rushing yards.

"From the beginning, we have been saying I think this guy has got some special abilities," Schiano said. "I think things are slowing down for him a little bit like they do oftentimes for very talented rookies. Between the running game and the vertical passing game … the last couple of weeks it is fitting together better."

The breakout game for Martin set his cell phone ablaze.

"I got a lot of support from back home: family, friends, teammates from college (Boise State) and teammates from high school (in Stockton, Calif.)," Martin said. "You don't realize it until after the game when you look at your phone and see all those text messages and (Twitter posts). It's awesome to have that support. It's nice to be on national TV and showcase our talents."

Barber and the defense did their part. They forced three turnovers, including a fumble caused by Barber.

But the night belonged to Martin and the suddenly potent offense. Schiano — who likens Martin to Ravens running back Ray Rice, who played for him at Rutgers — said the Bucs will closely monitor Martin's workload.

Growing up, Martin copied the moves of some of the NFL's greatest running backs. "What I did was go to YouTube and watch Emmitt (Smith), Walter Payton and Barry Sanders," he said. "It's got to be between Emmitt and Walter Payton."

Barber was asked Friday which running back pops into his head when he watches Martin carry the football.

"He pops into my head," Barber said. "That's good enough."

Times staff, wires
Friday, October 26, 2012

USF senior QB B.J. Daniels needs 38 yards of total offense today to reach 10,000 for his career, becoming just the third Big East player to do so. Daniels passed Louisville's Brian Brohm and Syracuse's Donovan McNabb last week, and he is on pace to pass West Virginia's Pat White (10,529) and USF's Matt Grothe (10,875), the leader, by the end of the year.

With a strong game today, Daniels could take second on USF's all-time total offense list — he needs 382 yards to move past Marquel Blackwell (1999-2002). One more milestone — Daniels' next touchdown pass ties him with Grothe for second place on USF's career list with 52; Blackwell's record of 67 is likely out of reach.

Pretty in pink

USF will have pink accents — cleats, gloves, wristbands, sleeves — on its all-green uniforms today in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Surprising Duke hopes to test Seminoles

For 17 years, the words "good" and "Duke football" weren't used much in the same sentence.

The Blue Devils had losing records each of those years and were so bad in four of them that they couldn't even win a game. During that span, they also had two one-win seasons and maxed out with a lone five-win year.

Many of Duke's losses those years were to FSU. The Seminoles are 17-0 all-time against the Blue Devils.

But before the No. 12 Seminoles (7-1, 4-1 ACC) can ease into next week's bye, they have to get by an unexpectedly hot, tough-to-beat and bowl-eligible Duke (6-2, 3-1) team tonight.

"We realize that if we screw up this week, that bye week's not going to be nearly as sweet. It's not going to matter, rest or no rest," Seminoles K Dustin Hopkins said. "We realize the importance of this game and how good Duke has actually become."

Coley Harvey, Orlando Sentinel

A showdown of past and present

No. 5 Notre Dame will try to get to 8-0 for the first time in 10 years and stay in the thick of the national championship dialogue when it plays tonight at No. 8 Oklahoma. The Sooners will try to stay on the fringes of the race and firm up their status as one of the top one-loss teams in the country.

It's the first meeting between the tradition-rich programs since the Irish won 34-30 in South Bend in 1999, Bob Stoops' first year as Oklahoma's coach. Notre Dame hasn't played in Norman since 1966.

The Sooners' only win in the nine-game series came in 1956, during the school's NCAA-record 47-game winning streak. The Irish snapped that streak the following year in Norman.

Five things

1. In the preseason, current No. 3 Florida was 23rd, No. 4 Kansas State 22nd and No. 5 Notre Dame 26th. Two other unbeatens, No. 7 Oregon State and No. 13 Mississippi State, received one combined preseason vote.

2. Mississippi State's SEC wins were against Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee, which are a combined 0-14 in the conference.

3. Auburn's 1-6 start is its worst since it was 1-7 in 1952.

4. For the first time, Alabama is No. 1 for an eighth straight week. Bear Bryant's teams were first for seven in a row twice (1979 and '80).

5. The only other time Oregon and Oregon State were both in the top seven was the final poll in 2000.

For the love of money

Georgia's student newspaper, the Red & Black, published a full-page ad Friday of Gator trash talk, paid for by Florida supporters, supposedly. (Could it be a Mark Richt ploy?) As you can guess, UGA students and fans weren't happy. The paper's response on Twitter: "Pick up a newspaper today on campus. If you need to put some duct tape over the paid advertisement endorsing Fla., we understand."

Information from the Associated Press and Philadelphia Daily News was used in this report.

Times wires
Friday, October 26, 2012

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Vikings cornerback Chris Cook was diagnosed with a broken right arm and placed on injured reserve Friday. Minnesota did designate him eligible to return after eight weeks.

Cook was hurt helping tackle the Bucs' Doug Martin in the third, one play before the running back took a screen pass 64 yards for a touchdown on Thursday. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier declined to say if Cook's absence led to the score.

Cook, in his third season, was Minnesota's best cover man. He helped limit the Lions' Calvin Johnson to five catches for 54 yards and the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald to four catches for 29 yards. He helped limit the Bucs' Vincent Jackson to two catches for 40 yards Thursday.

LT cleared: A jury in Manhattan rejected a woman's civil suit that former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor assaulted her by not recognizing her distress when he had sex with her when she was 16. Taylor admitted to having sex with a prostitute in 2010 but denied he ignored signs she was a runaway who had been beaten and forced to meet him. Both said she told him she was 19. Taylor previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sexual misconduct and is serving six years probation.

NFL wants Tags: NFL lawyers filed a motion in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, arguing that former commissioner Paul Tagliabue should be allowed to hear appeals on the Saints' bounties case next week. In their motion, lawyers quote defendant Jonathan Vilma's statement to ESPN in which he supported Tagliabue being appointed to the role, saying "I think it's a good first step for Paul to be the neutral arbitrator." The action comes after the players union and the four players suspended in the bounties' case filed a motion asking that Tagliabue recuse himself because of what they say is a conflict of interest.

Hernandez out: Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez will sit out Sunday with a sprained right ankle.

Broncos: Cornerback Tracy Porter, suffering from the same symptoms that preceded a seizure in August, did not practice and remains day to day.

Browns: Linebacker Scott Fujita, 33, is contemplating retirement because of a neck injury that ended his season. … Running back Trent Richardson, dealing with sore ribs, practiced for the third consecutive day and expects to play Sunday.

Colts: Coach coach Chuck Pagano, diagnosed with leukemia last month, will have a second round of chemo­therapy next week.

Jets: Linebacker Bart Scott, who has appeared in 119 consecutive games, is doubtful for Sunday because of a hyperextended toe.

Packers: Leading receiver Jordy Nelson will be a game-time decision Sunday. He injured his hamstring during practice Wednesday.

Redskins: Linebacker London Fletcher, who has appeared in 231 consecutive games but is dealing with a sore right hamstring and a "balance issue," participated fully in practice.

Saints: Tight end Jimmy Graham (sprained ankle) will be a game-time decision.

Steelers: Running back Rashad Mendenhall (Achilles injury) is out Sunday.

Times wires
Friday, October 26, 2012

Tennis

Azarenka wins, Will finish 2012 as world No. 1

ISTANBUL — Victoria Azarenka defeated Li Na 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 at the WTA Championships to clinch the year-end world No. 1 ranking Friday. She also reached the semi­finals of the eight-woman, round-robin event and plays Maria Sharapova today.

"It's really an incredible achievement," Azarenka said. "It's like pretty much touching the sky."

Sharapova had kept alive her hopes earlier of being No. 1, routing Tampa resident Sam Stosur 6-0, 6-3. Azarenka won the Australian Open and has been No. 1 except for a brief period after Sharapova won the French Open.

Agnieszka Radwanska reached the semis by beating Sara Errani 6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 6-4. She faces Serena Williams, who previously qualified, today.

Swiss Indoors: Roger Federer defeated Benoit Paire 6-2, 6-2 to reach the semis of his hometown event in Basel. Federer, 65-9 this year, faces Paul-Henri Mathieu. He edged Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4). The other semi is Juan Martin del Potro against Richard Gasquet.

Cycling

Seven Tours will not have winner

Seven Tour de France titles taken from Lance Armstrong for doping will not be awarded to any riders, cycling's world governing body officially said. The UCI made the preliminary decision on Monday to leave the winner blank from 1999-2005. The UCI also said Armstrong and "all other affected riders" should return their prize money. That's about $3.85 million for Armstrong. Armstrong's attorney declined to comment.

Et cetera

Soccer: Five French players who went to a nightclub the night before a game must appear before the federation's disciplinary commission on Nov. 8. Yann M'Vila, Wissam Ben Yedder, Antoine Griezmann, Mbaye Niang and Chris Mavinga drove two hours to Paris and back between two Under-21 World Cup qualifiers against Norway. France won the first 1-0 but lost the second 5-3 to be eliminated.

Olympics: Police in Lon­don said a 2012 bronze medal stolen from field hockey player Hannah Macleod was returned by mail anonymously. Her medal and rower Alex Partridge's bronze medal were lost Wednesday at a nightclub after a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. Partridge's medal remains missing.

Skiing: Cold weather and snow threaten this weekend's season-opening World Cup women's giant slaloms in Soelden, Austria. Temperatures are expected to drop to 7 degrees, and snow, wind and fog might worsen conditions. Up to 15 inches of snow is expected through Sunday, which could put the men's race in doubt.

Times wires

Joe Polito, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

TAMPA — After scoring 39 unanswered points in the first half, Jefferson coasted to a 39-6 road win over Leto. The Dragons (4-4, 3-2) were led by Deiondre Porter, who threw for 196 yards and four touchdowns on 10-of-14 passing — all in the first half.

Jefferson defensive back Chavez Pownell also had a productive night, finishing with one interception and a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown. Leto (0-9, 0-5) saw starting quarterback Kyle Johnson go out with an injury early in the second half. Adner Grajales finished in his place and scored the Falcons' only touchdown.

"This team has come so far from the adversity they faced at the beginning of the season, to the tough schedule," Jefferson coach Jeremy Earle said. "We've learned so much together, and it's really been a pleasure coaching this team."

Joe Polito, Times correspondent

Chad Wise, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

WESLEY CHAPEL — Anclote survived a late scare from Wesley Chapel to remain in postseason contention with a 21-14 win Friday night.

The Sharks (4-4, 4-2) started efficiently with a touchdown on their first possession. On third down, quarterback John Forgione found Trent Crawford for a 45-yard scoring pass.

Wesley Chapel (2-6, 1-5) went four-and-out on its next possession, and Anclote took advantage. Center Terry Linton recovered a fumble and went 27 yards to increase the lead to 14-0.

Anclote recovered an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff, but was stopped on fourth down at the 6-yard line.

Wildcats quarterback Jordan Primus ran 2 yards for his team's opening score with less than a minute left in the first half, and had another touchdown run in the third quarter to tie the game.

Anclote's CJ Peppe had two blocked field-goal attempts in the fourth quarter, but Crawford put the Sharks in front with an 18-yard touchdown run.

The Wildcats got the ball back with less than a minute left but failed to find the end zone. Anclote held Wesley Chapel to 125 total yards.

"I've got to give it up to the defense," Anclote coach Matt Wicks said. "They stepped it up tonight."

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

LITHIA — Golf is a mental game, a sport predicated on hair-trigger nerves and oodles of gumption. Add the pressure of a state tournament to the mix and many a talented golfer has been known to slink into the middle of the pack.

Newsome coach Jim Govreau, however, doesn't think that will be a problem for his team when they enter Tuesday's Class 2A boys state tournament in Tavares.

"I think what happens is you see guys shoot higher than they normally would because the nerves involved with the tournament often take over," Govreau said. "I don't see that happening with this team."

That's because the Wolves are a seasoned group. This season marks the third year in a row Newsome has reached the state tournament after qualifying with a second-place finish at last week's 2A-4 regional.

"They don't have to do anything spectacular," Govreau said. "If they just go out and shoot their averages, they'll be fine."

Brian Allen and Colin Julian will be making their third appearance at states and teammates Tyler Bakich and John Michael Coultas their second.

"Having been there before," Govreau said. "Is big."

The Wolves finished 10 strokes behind St. Petersburg at the regionals. Newsome beat St. Pete by 18 strokes in a September tournament the Wolves won.

"I don't think they necessarily shot the lights and I don't think we were all that bad," Govreau said. "It was two good teams and it shows you on any given day anything can happen."

Newsome's players went over to Deer Island Golf and Lake Club in Tavares on Saturday to get accustomed to the state tournament course. Govreau said the Wolves got a chance to work on various shots in multiple situations in the fairway then read the variety of slopes on the greens.

There will be a practice round Monday prior to the two-day tourney beginning Tuesday.

"They were able to anticipate where they thought the holes would be for the tournament, so it was good for them to get a feel," Govreau said. "These guys are ready."

Prep volleyball teams enter regional play

Sixteen Hillsborough County teams survived district tournament play to advance into this week's playoffs (see box).

Plant, Steinbrenner, Riverview, Sickles, Robinson, Berkeley Prep, Tampa Prep and Cambridge won their respective district tournaments and host games on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Wharton, Freedom, Plant City, Strawberry Crest, Lennard, Tampa Catholic, Seffner Christian and Bayshore Christian finished as district runners-up and go on the road for playoff matches.

The winners will play in regional semifinals on Nov. 6.

Tampa tennis team fares well at nationals

A team based out of Hillsborough Community College recently placed third at the United States Tennis Association national championships in Tuscon, Ariz.

"Everybody wants to go out there and win it," team captain Rick Beardsley said. "But the fact of the matter is everyone out there is a champion already and you have the best players in the country all wanting the same thing."

Team HCC, with ages ranging from their late 20s to 50s, competed in the 4.0 flight. The flights, based on age and ability, range from beginner (1.5) to the most advanced (7.0). The HCC team won all three pool matches against California, Texas and Indiana, advancing to the semifinals before losing to Utah.

"Traditionally the strongest teams come from Texas, California and Florida," Beardsley said. "Out of all the teams, I never expected Utah to be there. But they were very deserving."

Team HCC then won the consolation match against Hawaii to finish third. The squad also had a chance to get in some sightseeing, taking a day trip up to Mt. Lemmon.

"I got a chance to take some pictures up there and it was just a beautiful place," Beardsley said. "We didn't win it, but you take what you can get and I think we did pretty good."

Traditional Taekwondo does it again

A group from the Tampa-based Traditional Taekwondo Center recently won the Championship Cup at the United States Open Exhibition Championships at the Isagenix Cup in Richmond, Va. It's the second straight year the award-winning demonstration team has captured the title.

"I am extremely proud of this group of young people," Grand Master and Dojang owner Gerhard Brunner said. "Once again they rose to the challenge and demonstrated the true power of tae kwon do, focusing your mind to achieve success."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Friday, October 26, 2012

MIAMI — LeBron James won a title and nothing changed.

Sure, there were a few events. The obligatory champagne shower in the Heat locker room. The parade through before an estimated 400,000 fans. A pep rally at his high school. And Tuesday night brings the ultimate capper, the ring-and-banner ceremony just minutes before the start of a new season.

Then it begins again, another year, another quest for a title.

Having one title is not completely satisfying for James, who put the he-can't-win notion to rest when the Heat beat the Thunder for last season's title. It was a perfect run for the perennial All-Star: Besides getting engaged and winning his second Olympic gold, James walked away with the NBA's three most coveted trophies: MVP, Finals MVP and the championship.

For an encore, he wants more: "I want to be the best of all time. It's that simple."

He expressed similar sentiment last year, and the year before that, and probably all the way back to high school in Akron, Ohio. He always wondered if a championship would change that perspective.

He now has his answer.

"Not really, honestly," James said. "I haven't had much time to really just think about what actually happened. At the end of the day, there's still going to be people that say, 'Well, he's not going to be able to win two. He's not going to be able to do it again.' "

Time will tell.

At 6-8, 260 pounds and blessed with a speed-and-strength combination — "he's a freak," Pistons coach Lawrence Frank said — James is widely considered the best player today. He has won three MVP awards and some say he might keep winning those until voters get tired of selecting him.

But the best of all time, that title will take some work.

So this summer, James took very little time off. He went straight from the Finals to the Olympics, then rested briefly before getting back in the gym. He arrived at camp in essentially the same shape as he ended last season. "The best thing about last year is we got … to the mountaintop and then we crossed over," James said. "So now I know what it takes to get there and actually get over the top of that mountain."

Knicks: Rookie guard Chris Smith out of Louisville was waived, cutting the roster to 19.

Mavs: Owner Mark Cuban said no decision has been made about Delonte West's future with the team after the guard was suspended for the second time in 10 days. Cuban said he will make the final call on whether West will return.

Times wires
Friday, October 26, 2012

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. disliked the attention caused by his two concussions and nearly three-week departure from NASCAR, but he said Friday he returns to racing glad he took steps to make sure he is okay.

NASCAR's most popular driver, who had a hard crash Oct. 7 at Talladega that left him with headaches and his second concussion in six weeks, returns at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. He missed the past two races.

He was examined and cleared to return by neurosurgeon and NASCAR consultant Jerry Petty on Tuesday, one day after running 123 laps at a test.

"I'm glad I did what I did. I'm glad I took the time off and made the choices that I made," said Earnhardt, who qualified 20th for Sunday's Sprint Cup Tums Fast Relief 500. "I didn't have a choice. I knew something wasn't right."

Earnhardt said the time away provided an education he appreciates. He learned the difference between a concussion he sustained during a tire test Aug. 29 in Kansas that left him foggy and fuzzy, and the one at Talladega that left him emotional, filled with anxiety and "a mess." A trip to see concussion specialist Dr. Michael Collins at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center helped alleviate the anxiety.

"They put me on a physical and mental exercise program that I did every day. That really made the biggest difference. It was really crazy because I went to Pittsburgh a mess. I was just mentally a mess," he said. "The doctors up there, we talked for the whole day and went through these exercises and did a lot of stuff, and in 12 hours, I felt really good. I felt completely different."

Earnhardt guessed he has had between four and six concussions in his career. This time he learned to respect their potential harm. "I'm definitely going to be honest with myself and honest with the doctors," he said. "I'm going to do whatever they tell me to do."

JOHNSON ON POLE: Jimmie Johnson earned the pole position for the Tums Fast Relief 500, and points leader Brad Keselowski qualified 32nd. Johnson, a five-time series champion who is seven points out of first, gained the top starting spot at 97.598 mph as well as the stall at the front of pit road, giving him unimpeded access to the tight, 0.526-mile track. "Track position is important, and then that pit stall is so important," said Johnson, the only Chase for the Championship driver to make the top two rows for the race.

NHRA: Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) led the first day of qualifying at the Big O Tires Nationals in Las Vegas.

Colby Cole, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

TARPON SPRINGS — Denzal Dillard ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns for the Pirates.

Boca Ciega took an early 14-3 lead. But the game turned in the fourth.

The Pirates, up 21-13, recovered a botched snap at the Spongers 30, leading to Trey Bennati's field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, Kenyatta Merriex was tackled at the 10. Then he bobbled a snap and fell on it in the end zone for a safety.

The Pirates returned the free kick to the Spongers 24 and sealed it on Dillard's 15-yard touchdown. His first score came from 38 yards.

"I am happy for the seniors. They have worked hard and bought into the program," Boca Ciega coach Antez Brinson said. "I said before the week if we eliminated avoidable penalties and mistakes, the only team that can beat Bogie is Bogie"

Colby Cole, Times correspondent

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

SPRING HILL — Despite less than ideal conditions at Booster Stadium on Friday night, Springstead finished the game the same way it entered — undefeated.

The Eagles stuck to the ground attack while dealing with 25 mph winds and toppled Mitchell 35-0 in a homecoming victory.

Although the team didn't know it when the game ended, the Eagles clinched the Class 6A, District 6 title because of Hernando's win over Nature Coast.

The game did not start in the best way for Springstead (9-0, 5-0) as new kick returner Curtis Cadwalader slipped on his 2 while receiving the ball. However, three first downs later, the Eagles had put a dent into the field position. The defense, like it has all season, handled things from there.

Mitchell (6-3, 3-3) struggled to move the ball. The Mustangs had the same number of first downs (10) as their opponent, but the offense never got into the red zone.

"Our defensive coaches looked at a bunch of schemes like they do every week," Springstead coach Bill Vonada said, "but in the end, they decided to stick with what got us here."

With leading rusher Christian Trinidad out with a broken nose and concussion, junior Nate Boler handled the bulk of the carries. He entered with only 23 carries for 120 yards on the season but toted the ball 21 times Friday for 82 yards.

The conditions also hurt special teams. The Mustangs didn't bother bringing out the placekicker when they did get deep into Springstead territory. Springstead's Luke McLeod registered an 11-yard punt, while Mitchell's John Schwindt booted punts of 9, 16 and 7 yards into the wind.

Eagles quarterback Tyler Mahla had a career-best performance while carrying the load as leading rusher Daniel Wright spent most of the game on the sidelines. He suffered through the week with flu-like symptoms and missed most of practice.

"The option offense is all about making the right read," Vonada said. "Sometimes that means keeping the ball, and Tyler does a good job of doing that most of the time."

Mahla had career highs of 15 carries for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He also did damage through the air, going 3-of-5 for 48 yards and one touchdown. Latavious Hannah, who saw the majority of the time at running back, had 101 total yards and a touchdown.

David Rice, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

TAMPA — Tampa Bay Tech took another step toward a district title.

The Titans struggled with penalties throughout and led only 6-0 after the first quarter on field goals of 22 and 27 yards by Austin Miller. But their defense stifled the Patriots, holding them to 71 yards of offense, until the offense got going.

"We had a big night on the defensive side of the ball," said TBT coach Jayson Roberts, whose offense put up 410 yards. "We've gotten better on defense every week. And (Friday), we were able to rely on that to keep them off the board and help give some of our offensive guys a rest for the week."

Deon Cain threw for 88 yards and two touchdowns. On his first, Donzell Polite turned a short pass into a 17-yard score to make it 12-0. He hit Tajee Fullwood for a 9-yard score on the next possession.

Senior Richard Benjamin ran for 132 yards on 19 carries for TBT.

David Rice, Times correspondent

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, October 26, 2012

DETROIT — Giants manager Bruce Bochy has several options for a DH tonight against Detroit RHP Anibal Sanchez, including veteran lefty Aubrey Huff and regular 3B Pablo Sandoval, with better defender Joaquin Arias in the field.

But instead for Game 3 he was leaning toward backup C Hector Sanchez, a 22-year-old rookie who hit .280 with three homers and 34 RBIs in limited duty over 74 games (49 starts).

"That's the way I'm leaning," Bochy said Friday after the team's late-afternoon arrival in Detroit. "I could change my mind, but to be honest, that's how I'm thinking right now. He's a switch-hitter, he's had a pretty good year with the bat when he's been out there."

Though Sanchez has been the DH in one big-league game, he does have DH experience in the minors. And he has made 25 pinch-hit appearances, going 8-for-24 with a walk.

LEANING RIGHT: With the DH back in play and the Giants starting RHP Ryan Vogelsong tonight and RHP Matt Cain on Sunday in Game 4, the Tigers' lineup will have a different, more productive and speedier look. Quintin Berry and Andy Dirks will be in the corner outfield spots, Delmon Young goes back to DH and Avisail Garcia goes to the bench.

During the season, the Tigers went 62-49 (.559) against right-handed starters and hit .275 with a .771 on-base-plus-slugging percentage against right-handers (third best in the AL) and were 26-25 (.509) against left-handers and hit .253 with a .724 OPS.

"Sometimes you just can't explain it," Tigers C Alex Avila said. "We've had trouble all year with left-handed pitching, which is strange because we have a lot of good hitters on the team."

LEAD? WHAT LEAD? The Giants made a point to not make a big deal about being up 2-0 in the Series. "They're going about their business as usual," Bochy said. "There's no change in them, and there won't be. It wouldn't matter if they were down 0-2 or 2-0."

And manager Jim Leyland said his Tigers are able to handle being down, especially the way he sees it. "Well, I like to simplify things," he said. "I think I can simplify this one pretty easy: The way I look at it, we're two games back with five to play, but we're playing the team we need to catch, and I think that's the best way to approach it."

CHILL LOUNGE: After two perfect nights in San Francisco, the Series will be chilled a bit this weekend, with weather.com forecasting temperatures in the mid to low 40s tonight and a feels-like in the high 30s.

Leyland said the players will be prepared, many using hand-warmers and new high-tech undergarments. "We have got heaters in the dugout for both teams, obviously," he said. "It's cold for everybody. It's cold for the fans, the beer is cold, everything is cold. It's great, enjoy it."

MISCELLANY: Leyland said RHP Doug Fister, who was struck on the head by a line drive in Game 2 on Thursday, was scheduled for tests but appeared to be fine during the flight. … Game 2 drew 12.3 million viewers. The 7.8 national rating (percentage of TV homes tuned in) was a record Game 2 low, surpassing the 2008 Rays-Phillies game at the Trop.

Today's matchup 2012 Team 2012 Vs. Opp.

Team Pitcher Time W-L ERA Rec. W-L IP ERA

San Francisco Vogelsong (R) 8:07 16-9 3.19 22-12———

Detroit Sanchez (R) p.m. 10-14 3.70 14-19 1-1 12.1 4.38

Bradley Schenk, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

NEW PORT RICHEY — After previous winless seasons, Hudson continues to distance itself from the past, beating Gulf 30-0 on Friday night.

Junior running back Noah Siegrist carried 25 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns — on 3-, 20- and 4-yard runs — as the Cobras (3-5, 3-3) dominated on Gulf's (0-8, 0-5) Homecoming night.

The offensive line opened holes all night for the Cobras. Owen Derksen, filling in under center for the injured Joey Caruso, opened scoring with a 19-yard TD run and finished with 56 yards on six carries.

"I just felt good tonight and this being my first year on varsity it was nice to score three times. It just felt really good," Siegrist said.

On defense, C.C Schroder had a late pick to keep the Buccaneers scoreless on a windy night.

Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Friday, October 26, 2012

DADE CITY — Pasco's Tom McHugh became the winningest coach in school history, thanks to Friday's 45-0 shutout of Class 5A, District 6 rival Ridgewood (1-8, 1-5), but all he could think about was the next game.

Being that next week's matchup is widely known as the 9-Mile War against Zephyrhills and is the county's oldest rivalry, he had a valid reason.

Not one to reflect on any milestones during a season, Pasco's sixth-year coach, who improved to 59-11, offered a perspective on passing Perry Brown (58-22 at Pasco from 1989-1995).

"I look at it as one game at a time," McHugh said. "I think it's for the kids. I want them to do the best that they can do. That's what coaching's all about."

Five-time district champion Pasco (8-0, 6-0) earned its sixth shutout this season. Although they racked up 190 yards in penalties, the Pirates offset that with 355 yards on offense and ballhawking defense that forced five turnovers. Two of those — interceptions by Phillip Wilson and Jajuan Henry — were returned for touchdowns.

Ridgewood quarterback Will Fulmer struggled, throwing three interceptions, including a pick by Janarion Grant in his second game back from a broken hand.

Grant also had touchdown runs of 4 and 33 yards for seven in two games since he returned to the lineup. Pasco's other scores came on a 15-yard pass from Ben Chandler to Brandon Ray, who also kicked a 36-yard field goal, and a 59-yard run by James McClinton.

Times staff, wires
Friday, October 26, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Dodgers OF Carl Crawford said he felt pressure to play hurt in Boston after signing a big contract and he regrets that he waited to have reconstructive elbow surgery, he said at his introductory news conference Friday.

Crawford, who left the Rays in 2010 and signed a seven-year, $142 million free agent deal with the Red Sox, had ligament-replacement surgery two days before the Aug. 25 trade that shook up clubhouses in two cities.

He never suited up for the Dodgers in the regular season and went home to Houston to rehabilitate.

He realized he was seriously injured in April when he could barely throw, he said.

"I tried to push it a little bit. With the Boston fans, you've got to try. A big deal was made about my money and stuff, so I tried to prove it and play for the team," said Crawford, 31, who played in 31 games this season. "Maybe I shouldn't have done that. I should have taken care of myself when the doctor told me to."

Crawford is expected to join the Dodgers outfield in April or early May. He is not cleared for batting practice or throwing.

"You felt the pressure (in Boston) from the outside to have to play in that atmosphere. If you don't play, it's like you're soft or somebody who's just trying to take money from them or something like that," he said.

"I wanted to prove that that wasn't the case."

Rays Roster: OF Rich Thompson, dropped from the 40-man roster last week, elected free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Durham. Thompson appeared in 23 games for the Rays, hitting .091, after being acquired from the Phillies organization, his first big-league action since 2004.

Rivera considers retiring: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera informed Brian Cashman this week he is not sure if will play again or retire, the GM told ESPN.com. "He wasn't certain on what he is going to do," Cashman said. Rivera tore a knee ligament shagging balls in batting practice in May and at the time said he would return in 2013. He turns 43 next month.

Marlins: Larry Bowa, the MLB Network analyst who last managed the Phillies in 2004, joined Reds pitching coach Bryan Price and Blue Jays Class A manager Mike Redmond as those who have been interviewed to replace fired manager Ozzie Guillen, the Associated Press reported.

White Sox: Longtime GM Ken Williams was promoted to executive vice president, and Rick Hahn, who has been with the team since 2000, was promoted to general manager.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, October 26, 2012

DETROIT — Delmon Young tends to find his way into the headlines.

He did so with his words several times after the Rays made him the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft and before reaching the majors in 2006, most prominently when he blasted the previous team administration for being cheap, inconsiderate and bad businessmen.

And with his actions, most famously in 2006 when he was suspended 50 games for throwing his bat at an umpire in a Triple-A game, and, most troubling, in April when he was arrested in New York on a misdemeanor hate-crime harassment charge after a drunken encounter in a hotel lobby that produced a Nov. 7 court date.

But this October, anyway, he has been making news on the field, leading the Tigers with a .317 postseason average and eight RBIs, and collecting the AL Championship Series MVP award along the way to his dream-fulfilling first World Series appearance.

"I'm just playing, trying to do whatever you can to win ball games," he said. "It's October, I'm not really worried about me."

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Young, who hit .267 with 18 homers and 74 RBIs during the season, has shown, in his own way, how good and smart a hitter he is.

"Delmon kind of just beats to his own drum," Leyland said. "We have a very good relationship, but I kind of stay out of his way because he knows much more about hitting than I do, and he knows what pitchers are trying to do to him. And I respect that. … He has a real good plan about how to go about it."

Young, 27, faces an interesting juncture in his career. Having been traded twice (by the Rays to the Twins in November 2007 for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett, then to the Tigers last August for middling prospects), he is headed to free agency limited primarily to DH duties and with only one 20-homer season on his resume. But, he is confident his best seasons are still to come.

Though he can come across as surly and standoffish, Young can also be funny. Asked about the ALCS non-rain rainout, he said, "I don't have tarot cards."

The Yankees coming back on them? "Things are going to happen; the other team wants to drive Mercedes Benzes and eat Morton's, too."

Series Game 2 starter Doug Fister being struck in the head by a line drive? "I felt sorry for the ball."

Really? "You know I'm a brilliant guy when I decide to talk," Young cracked.

Times wires
Friday, October 26, 2012

Indiana is ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press preseason basketball poll, a first for the Hoosiers since 1979-80, when they were coached by Bob Knight and the 3-point line was in the experimental phase.

Florida is ranked 10th in the poll released Friday, coming off a run to the Elite Eight last season, and Florida State, which won the ACC tournament in March, is 25th. Two powers close to Indiana fill the top three: Louisville is second, and defending national champion Kentucky, despite losing nearly everyone to graduation, is third.

The Hoosiers, who return all five starters including 7-foot sophomore Cody Zeller, got 43 first-place votes from a 65-member national media panel. Louisville was No. 1 on 20 ballots, and Kentucky got the other two first-place votes. No. 4 Ohio State and Michigan joined Indiana as Big Ten teams ranked in the top five.

GATOR TRANSFERS: Sophomore forward Cody Larson will transfer from Florida. Larson was stripped of his scholarship in the spring after he failed to meet rules coach Billy Donovan put in place for him. He had said he would remain with the team while paying his own way and participated in UF's media day two weeks ago. Larson plans to complete this semester. "After a lot of careful thought, I have decided that I need to place my focus on my personal life and my academics," Larson said. He scored 12 points in his career.

DEPAUL: Freshman DeJuan Marrero (torn ACL, right knee) is out for the season.

IOWA STATE: The school signed former USC point guard Maurice Jones. He will be eligible in 2013-14, when he'll be a junior.

MINNESOTA: Assistant Saul Smith will return next month after a DUI arrest got him put him on unpaid leave for five days. Athletic director Norwood Teague said Smith returned to the payroll, but coach Tubby Smith's son will be on administrative leave until Nov. 13.

Football: No. 16 Cards prevail in overtime

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — John Wallace kicked a 30-yard field goal in overtime to lift No. 16 Louisville to a 34-31 victory over Cincinnati on Friday night after an attempt to ice the redshirt kicker went horribly wrong for the Bearcats.

Cincinnati got the ball first in OT, but cornerback Terrell Floyd intercepted Munchie Legaux in the end zone and the Cardinals drove 12 yards to set up Wallace's kick.

Bearcats coach Butch Jones called timeout right before the field-goal try — nullifying the play in which a high snap went through the holder's hands.

Teddy Bridgewater hit DeVante Parker on a 64-yard catch-and-run score with 1:56 left for Louisville (8-0, 3-0 Big East), but the Bearcats (5-2, 1-1) tied it at 31 on Legaux's 26-yard TD pass to Damon Julian with 1:03 left.

SEVENTH BIG BOWL: Support for adding a bowl to the new postseason system has not waned, Big East commissioner Mike Aresco said. ESPN.com reported this week the chances of a seventh game being added to the rotation that starts in 2014 had decreased because of various concerns, ranging from TV rights to game location.

'HONEY BADGER' RELEASED: Former LSU standouts Tyrann Mathieu, a 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist, and Jordan Jefferson were released from a Baton Rouge jail after their arrests with two other ex-Tigers on marijuana charges. Former safety Derrick Bryant also was released. Ex-linebacker Karnell Hatcher remained in jail.

NEBRASKA: The program will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its NCAA-record sellout streak. Tonight's game against Michigan will be the 323rd sellout in a row at Lincoln's Memorial Stadium.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.