By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Times staff writer Antonya English previews the women's college basketball season:

Five players to watch

1. Brittney Griner, Baylor

The most dominant player in the women's college game today, Griner led Baylor to a national championship last season averaging 23.2 points and five blocks. She is only the third player in history to become a unanimous two-time selection to the AP preseason All-America team, receiving all 40 votes — joining former UConn star Maya Moore and Duke's Alana Beard.

2. Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame

Arguably the nation's top point guard, Diggins has led Notre Dame to back-to-back NCAA championship game appearances. The 5-9, left-handed Diggins' pure shooting is what makes her game special. Notre Dame won the Big East championship last season, leaving Diggins only one hole in her resume — a national title.

3. Elena Delle Donne, Delaware

Delle Donne led the nation in scoring last season with 28.1 points per game, and also averaged 10.3 rebounds and shot 52 percent from the field (41 from beyond the arc). Two years ago she missed 12 games with Lyme disease and is currently battling a recurrence of the symptoms.

4. Chiney Ogwumike, Stanford

Along with her older sister, Nneka, she helped lead Stanford to its fifth consecutive Final Four last season. With Nneka gone, Chiney will need to carry more of the load. She averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds and shot 58 percent from the field.

5. A'dia Mathies, Kentucky

The 5-9 guard is the heart and soul of Kentucky's team and has been instrumental in the Wildcats' rise among the elite programs in the SEC. The reigning SEC player of the year, she averaged 15 points and led UK in assists, steals and 3-point field goals.

Five teams to watch

1. Tennessee: For the first time in 39 years Pat Summitt will not be the Vols' head coach. Longtime assistant Holly Warlick begins her tenure as head coach after 27 years as an assistant, and perhaps no coach will be under more scrutiny this season than she, replacing a legend who won 16 SEC titles and 1,098 games.

2. Baylor: Any championship team will tell you it's tough to make it to the top, much tougher to stay there. The Bears are the favorite to win back-to-back titles, but every team in America will be gunning for them. Can they handle the "defending national champion" bull's-eye?

3. Kentucky: In a league filled with powerhouse programs, Kentucky has emerged among the best. The Wildcats have advanced to the Elite Eight twice in the past three seasons and return four starters from last year's SEC championship team that just missed making the Final Four.

4. Connecticut: Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding year, and the Huskies still advanced to the Final Four. Losing the Big East regular-season title to Notre Dame and not making the NCAA championship game will only fuel the desire to be better for this perennial power.

5. Maryland: The Terps return four starters from last year's team that won 31 games and have added the nation's No. 1 post player, Malina Howard.

By Josh Jurnovoy, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

GAINESVILLE —After three weeks out of the spotlight, Mike Gillislee took center stage again on Saturday.

The senior running back ran for 68 yards on 16 carries and caught the winning 45-yard touchdown on a screen pass to lead Florida past Missouri 14-7 in the Gators' final SEC game of the season at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Since rushing for 146 yards on 34 carries in the Gators' 14-6 win over LSU on Oct. 6, the senior running back had gained just 181 yards in his past three games on an average of 3.1 yards per rush.

"I told (offensive coordinator Brent Pease) going into the game we were going to be a little hard-headed with Gilly today," coach Will Muschamp said. "We were going to get him today."

While Florida went scoreless in the first half, Gillislee was effective from the start.

On his second carry of the game, with the Gators backed up on their 11-yard line, Gillislee hit a hole cleared by right guard Jon Halapio of St. Petersburg Catholic and broke into the secondary for a 23-yard gain. The run was Gillislee's longest since his 45-yard scamper in Florida's 37-20 win over Tennessee on Sept. 15.

"Gilly is a phenomenal running back, man," Florida tight end Omarius Hines said. "Whenever he gets the ball, he makes stuff happen."

The Gators rushed for a total of 173 yards, 35 more than the Tigers' defense was allowing on the ground per game before Saturday. Muschamp credited the offensive line with clearing the way for Gillislee in the run game.

"I think the counter game was working very well," Muschamp said. "I think it was blocked extremely well by our offensive line. There were some things open that I think we did a really good job with against a solid front."

Two plays after Frankie Hammond's 43-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was negated by a holding call on Halapio, quarterback Jeff Driskel hit Gillislee with a short screen pass to the right. Gillislee cut upfield, picked up a block from center Jonotthan Harrison and ran into the end zone untouched to break the 7-7 tie.

"I knew it was a touchdown," Hines said. "As soon as he caught it, I already knew because that's Gilly. That's what Gilly does."

In Florida's 17-9 loss to Georgia last week in Jacksonville, Gillislee was responsible for the longest play of the game: a 29-yard completion on a screen. Harrison said that executing screen plays can often be difficult, but once Gillislee gets the ball, things get easier.

"He's dangerous in space," Harrison said. "He's real dangerous in space and I love him for that. When you think he's down, he's really not down. He's still going. He's got a high motor and we love that about him."

Saturday, November 3, 2012

More online: blogs.tampabay.com/gators

Who: South Carolina

Result: UF 44-11

Records: UF 7-0, 6-0 SEC

South Carolina 6-2, 4-2 SEC

Who: Georgia

Result: Georgia 17-9

Records: UF 7-1, 6-1 SEC

Georgia 7-1, 5-1 SEC

Who: Missouri

RESULT: UF 14-7

RECORdS: UF 8-1, 7-1 SEC

Missouri 4-5, 1-5 SEC

Who: La.-Lafayette

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

When: 12:20 p.m.

TV/RADIO: TBA, 620-AM

Who: Jacksonville State

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 620-AM

Who: FSU

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee.

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 620-AM

Who: Bowling Green

RESULT: UF 27-14

RECORDS: UF 1-0, 0-0 SEC;

Murray State 0-1, 0-0 MAC

Who: Texas A&M

RESULT: UF 20-17

RECORDS: UF 2-0, 1-0 SEC;

Texas A&M 0-1, 0-1 SEC

Who: Tennessee

RESULT: UF 37-20

RECORDS: UF 3-0, 2-0 SEC;

Tennessee 2-1, 0-1 SEC

Who: Kentucky

RESULT: UF 38-0

RECORDS: UF 4-0, 3-0 SEC;

Kentucky 1-3, 0-1 SEC

Who: LSU

RESULT: UF 14-6

RECORDS: UF 5-0, 4-0 SEC;

LSU 5-1, 1-1 SEC

Who: Vandy

Result: UF 31-17

Records: UF 6-0, 5-0 SEC

Vandy 2-4, 1-3 SEC

Times wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — Quarterback Michael Vick puts some of the blame for the Eagles' poor start on the media, pointing a finger at the press for its critical approach toward a team on a three-game losing streak.

"You guys create a lot of turmoil for us, sometimes," Vick said Saturday. "It's cool, man. We just got to battle through it. The quieter you all can be, the easier it is for us to concentrate, focus … as a unit, as a team, as an organization."

Vick was on the hot seat after throwing eight interceptions and losing five fumbles in the first six games. He had a turnover-free game in last week's loss to Atlanta. With speculation growing Vick could be benched, coach Andy Reid said Monday that the 32-year-old remains the starter.

Vick was one of several veterans to speak this week at a players-only meeting. Later in the week, his name surfaced in a report that there was tension between him and the assistant coaches. Vick denied there was trouble and said that relationship was never discussed during his one-on-one meeting with Reid.

"We are trying to block out everything," Vick said. "We are trying to keep everything as low key and mellow as possible."

Reid said "everybody is on board" with Vick heading into Monday's game at New Orleans.

Cowboys: Receiver Dez Bryant was given approval to be out past midnight Friday, ESPN reported. Bryant, who is under guidelines put forth by the team and his adviser stemming from a July arrest for a misdemeanor charge for domestic violence regarding an incident with his mother, was unavailable for comment. One of the conditions he must abide by is to be home by midnight, unless it has been preapproved. Adviser David Wells confirmed he approved for Bryant to hang out at a club to celebrate his birthday, which is Nov. 4.

By Seth Leto, Times Correspondent
Saturday, November 3, 2012

What's hot: Through fall and winter, schools of mullet roam the flats as they prepare to spawn. These schools root around on the bottom and stir up small fish and crustaceans. Larger predator fish follow the "mudding fish" and pick off anything that is stirred up. Fishing these schools will produce a variety of species such as snook, redfish, trout, jacks, sharks and more.

Tactics: Find a grass flat with good moving water, plenty of life and big schools of mullet. Determine the general direction the schools are moving and set up so they pass within casting distance. The schools can be worked with live or artificial baits. Live baits include greenbacks, pinfish, shrimp and even small blue crabs. Any artificial bait resembling a shrimp or small baitfish also will work. Plastic jerk baits or grub tails rigged on a 1/16-ounce jig head or weedless on a worm hook allows to effectively work shallow flats where mullet congregate.

Tackle: When fishing live bait, all you need is a float, a 2-3 foot section of 20-pound test leader and a 1/0 circle hook. The float's depth will vary depending how deep the water is and how fast the current is moving. Start by suspending the bait so it hangs just above the tip of the grass.

Seth Leto runs Pristine Fishing Charters out of Tarpon Springs. Call (727) 385-0382.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Will Muschamp always preaches that an injury to one player is an opportunity for another. Former Lakewood High star Dante Fowler Jr. took that philosophy to heart on Saturday.

Fowler earned his first start at linebacker for the Gators, and along with fellow freshman Jonathan Bullard, the two gave Florida fans a glimpse of a promising future at that position. Fowler had five tackles and a sack and Bullard had three tackles and a key sack on Missouri's James Franklin that resulted in a 9-yard loss and ended a third and 21 on UF's 35-yard line early in the fourth quarter.

"Jonathan Bullard is a young man that's going to be a heck of a football player here, he's just getting started," Muschamp said. "He made a couple of really nice plays, and Dante made some really nice plays in the run game also, and had a nice sack. I'm very proud of those two young guys coming along."

Florida OL Chaz Green, a Tampa native, said he didn't know Fowler before he came to UF, but he knew quickly how good he would be.

"He's going to be a real good player," Green said. "Just blocking him from Day 1, we were like, 'This guy is good.' I'm happy to see what he's going to do the next few years."

INJURY UPDATE: The Gators began the day with injured players, and left Florida Field with more. LT Xavier Nixon (knee) and LB Lerentee McCray (ankle) did not play after being game-time decisions. "I didn't feel like they could go," Muschamp said. WR/KR Andre Debose (knee) and K Caleb Sturgis (ankle) both sustained injuries in Thursday's practice. Sturgis tried a field goal that was blocked (which was low) then had swelling and did not return. OL Jon Halapio, OL James Wilson, RB Mack Brown and S Matt Elam were injured in the game. "I don't know the extent of those injuries at this point," Muschamp said, adding that Elam's was a neck injury but he thought he would be fine.

CO-CHAMPS: Florida will share the SEC East title with Georgia, but Muschamp wasn't all that thrilled to hear the Gators would be receiving a trophy.

"At the end of the day, when I took this job understanding fully that the expectation was to go to Atlanta and win a championship," he said. "I've made my comment on how I feel about your season if that's not accomplished (said it would not be a successful season). We've made strides, but we're not where we want to be."

NOT INTERESTED: The majority of UF players said they had no plans to watch the Georgia-Ole Miss game, despite the implications for the Gators. A Bulldogs' loss would have sent Florida to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game. Coincidentally, Muschamp's wife, Carol, is an Ole Miss graduate.

NUMBERS GAME: Kendial Lawrence's 1-yard TD for Missouri in the first half was the only TD the Gators gave up at home this season in SEC play. … Florida has as many wins in conference play as it had total last season. … The Gators gave up just 24 points in four SEC home games.

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

North Suncoast Super 7

1. Pasco (9-0, 7-0): In a certain offensive formation, DL Joey Ivie lines up in the backfield with RB David Emmanuel and ATH Janarion Grant, a trio with 37 college offers. How many teams have that luxury?

2. Springstead (9-1, 6-1): Now that the dreams of a perfect season are over, the resurgent Eagles can focus on a bigger prize: a deep playoff run.

3. Hernando (6-4, 6-1): The playoff-bound Leopards have three of the North Suncoast's top two-way players: Jeremiah Jackson and Robert Hill Bronson and Tyrail Hawkins.

4. Sunlake (6-2, 4-2): The Seahawks' 39 first-quarter points against Central came on a Matt Watson interception, two Eddie Burgos rushes (and one punt return), a Will Alvarez fumble recovery and a Connor Gilboy field goal.

5. Nature Coast (6-4, 5-2): Not to rub it in, but the Sharks might be playoff-bound had they not picked up a late penalty against Sunlake in the rain.

6. Fivay (6-3, 5-2): RB Justin Erwin came out of nowhere to have one of the best games of Fivay's season: 198 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

7. Anclote (5-4, 5-2): The Sharks have their first non-losing season and a legitimate shot at their first trip to the playoffs.

Do-or-die performances

Willie Barrett, Anclote: The junior running back rushed for 252 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-12 win over Hudson that put the Sharks into the Class 5A, District 6 runnerup tiebreaker.

Janarion Grant, Pasco: The senior athlete rushed for 146 yards and four touchdowns, and returned a kickoff for a score as the Pirates clinched the Class 5A, District 6 title.

Austin Meyer and Willis Reeves, Fivay: The receivers averaged 30 yards per catch, totaling 270 yards and five touchdowns in a 55-28 win over Ridgewood that helped the Falcons secure a spot in the 5A-6 tiebreaker.

Jaylen Pickett, Zephyrhills: The sophomore receiver had more than 100 receiving yards and scored on a 67-yard reception in a loss to Pasco.

Offensive MVP

Matt Breida, Nature Coast: The senior running back rushed for 118 yards and both touchdowns, including the winning 67-yarder, in a 14-7 victory that ended Springstead's hopes for a perfect season.

Defensive/special teams MVP

Kyle Forchion, Land O'Lakes: The senior linebacker blocked River Ridge's attempt at a winning field goal as the Gators escaped 15-14.

Breaking down the tiebreaker

Who's involved: Anclote, Fivay, Zephyrhills

What's at stake: Class 5A, District 6 runnerup spot and playoff berth

When/where: 7 p.m. Monday, Fivay

How it works: Anclote plays Zephyrhills for one quarter. That winner plays Fivay for one quarter. The winner is the district's No. 2 seed and advances to the playoffs.

Anclote wins if: It controls the ground game. RB Willie Barrett has rushed for at least 100 yards in four of Anclote's last five games. But Zephyrhills held him to 3 yards per carry, and he mustered only 78 yards in a loss to Fivay. But if the Sharks can churn out yards and chew up the clock, Anclote can make its first-ever playoff appearance.

Fivay wins if: Its defense holds. The Falcons' quick-strike offense won't be a problem. QB Tyler Degen, a loaded backfield and a stacked receiving corps can score on practically any play. But Fivay gave up more than 30 points to both tiebreaker foes in the regular season and allowed 28 first-half points to the Bulldogs. The defense will have to find its groove quickly against a team that has already warmed up.

Zephyrhills wins if: It overcomes distractions. Eligibility concerns forced the school to hold out three players, including leading rusher Willie Williams and Division I prospect Jordan Roberts, in a loss to Pasco. The trio will likely be unavailable Monday, too. Zephyrhills' speed takes a hit, so it will have to make up for it with greater focus and intensity to get to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Late Friday

Weeki Wachee 58, Duval Charter 0: Sophomore quarterback Marcus Allen tossed three touchdowns and ran for another as the Hornets (3-6) ran out to a big lead over the Panthers (1-8). Allen threw a 53-yard score to Jon King and followed with a 14-yard touchdown run. The third Hornets' score came on his 20-yard pass to Hiram Matos.

Weeki Wachee running back Jacob Cimino ran for more than 100 yards and scored a touchdown. Jacey Tarter rushed for two scores as well.

The fireworks didn't end until Willie Peterman scored late in the second half on a 1-yard run. David Tinch kicked his seventh extra point to go with a 38-yard field goal.

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times correspondent

Wesley Chapel 34, Gulf 0: The Wildcats (3-6, 2-5) played one of their best games of the year and shut out the Buccaneers (0-9, 0-7).

"We finished," Wesley Chapel coach Ben Alford said.

Senior quarterback Jordan Primus threw for more than 200 yards and hit sophomore Ty Tanner eight times, twice for touchdowns. Tanner also threw for a score on a reverse.

The Wildcats recorded their first shutout of the season as linebacker Nalu Freticelli led a defense that flew to the ball.

"They did what they had to do," Alford said.

Landmark Christian 81, Bishop McLaughlin 15: The Hurricanes' regular season ended in a blowout loss to an undefeated Patriots team. Bishop McLaughlin (5-5) has already surpassed its win total from all of last year.

Recruiting nuggets

Nature Coast RB Matt Breida will visit Georgia Southern this weekend, his mother, Terry, said in a text message.

Pasco ATH Janarion Grant said he plans to visit Rutgers on Nov. 29 when it plays Louisville. The three-star recruit said he also plans to set up visits to Texas Tech and West Virginia.

Playoff pairings

Class 6A

Ocala Vanguard (5-4) at Springstead (9-1)

Hernando (6-4) at Gainesville (10-0)

Class 5A

Citra North Marion (5-4) at Pasco (9-0)

Fivay/Zephyrhills/Anclote winner at Gainesville Eastside (5-4)

Times staff
Saturday, November 3, 2012

SPRINT CUP SCOUTING REPORT

Texas Motor Speedway

What/when/where/TV: AAA Texas 500; 3 today; Fort Worth; ESPN

Denny Hamlin's mechanical issues at Martinsville all but knocked him out of the Chase for the Championship and left four real contenders: leader Jimmie Johnson, second-place Brad Keselowski (two points behind), plus Clint Bowyer and Kasey Kahne, who both need to get great finishes and help in the next three weeks to win the Sprint Cup. Johnson, whose win last week gave him the points lead, has just one win in 18 starts at Texas, but his average finish of 9.7 is second only to fellow Chase driver Matt Kenseth (8.6 in 20 starts). Keselowski has never finished in the top 10 in eight starts at the 11/2-mile oval; his best finish is 14th in the spring 2010 race.

Times staff

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

As disappointed as the Rays were to not be in the playoffs — and doesn't it seem like months since they played? — there should be some solace that the Giants won it all.

That's because the Giants are built similarly to the Rays: with a foundation of pitching and defense.

"That's been our recipe all along," RHP James Shields said. "Hopefully we'll continue to do that, add some bats, and do what they did this year."

Of course, it's not that simple.

Though there are other similar elements, such as speed and aggressiveness, the Giants did a much better job of putting the ball in play (1,097 strikeouts, with a pitcher in the lineup, compared to the Rays' 1,323) and executing than the Rays.

While acknowledging the value of pitching, Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said his goal in constructing — and in this case, reconstructing — the roster is to maximize the difference between runs scored (they had 697 in 2012) and allowed (577).

"I would sign up for us scoring 400 runs next year if it meant we allowed 100, and I'd sign up for us allowing 1,000 if I knew we'd score 1,400," he said. "So it's the relationship of both, and how we can put together the best 25-man roster we can.

"Our strengths and weaknesses aren't necessarily a philosophical mind-set as much as it is optimizing the guys that we have and the depth we have and trying to put together the best team."

Which starts on the mound.

SHIELDS UP: Whether it's the Dodgers, who were a hot topic last week, or the Angels, Rangers, Royals (who do have several interesting young hitters) or whomever, Shields is ready for another winter of trade rumors.

"Obviously my name's been thrown around a lot," he said. "I'm just going to go about my business and not really worry about it. Obviously I want to be a Ray. I've been here 12 years, this is my home. If it does happen, it'll be a sad day."

FREE FOR ALL: The Phillies' interest in CF B.J. Upton is gaining attention, with mlbtraderumors.com and cbssports.com predicting he lands there. Foxsports.com picks the Nats. … ESPN's Keith Law ranks Upton No. 2 overall among all free agents. … The mlbtraderumors.com forecast also has the Rays signing OF Ichiro Suzuki, with RHP Joel Peralta going to the Mets. … Three ex-Rays on the market worthy of at least consideration: OF Matt Diaz, DH Delmon Young, 1B/DH Aubrey Huff. … Other names to watch initially: OF Melky Cabrera, RHP Manny Corpas, C/DH Mike Napoli, 1B/DH Kevin Youkilis. And via trade, 1B Mike Carp.

RAYS RUMBLINGS: At $10.25 million, Shields will have the highest salary in franchise history, topping 1B Carlos Peña's $10.125 million and Carl Crawford's $10 million in 2010. … Finalists for the BBWAA awards — such as AL Cy Young — will be announced Wednesday night; David Price is sure to be among them. … The online gambling site bovada.lv has the Rays 22-1 to win the '13 World Series. … Two former Rays were named to new Indians manager Terry Francona's staff: Mickey Callaway as pitching coach, Tampa native Kevin Cash as bullpen coach. … Friedman and staff head out this week for the annual GM meetings. … Good luck to communications coordinator Andrew Heydt, who heads off to his home-state Twins. … The Joe Maddon aura apparently now extends to football, CBS announcer Ian Eagle telling the Sun-Sentinel Dolphins coach Joe Philbin "is like the Joe Maddon of football, a highly principled man and an excellent teacher."

Times wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Police in the Dominican Republic said they arrested three men suspected of killing former major league pitcher Pascual Perez during an attempted home robbery.

Maximo Baez, the criminal investigations director, said one suspect confessed that he and four others planned to rob Perez's home. Police said they have identified the two other suspects, who remain fugitives.

Perez, 55, last played for the Yankees in 1991. He was discovered by his ex-wife Thursday with severe head wounds in a town west of the capital of Santo Domingo. Police said he had been hit repeatedly with a hammer.

Police said one of the suspects knew Perez and told authorities that they sought to steal his $2,400 monthly pension for his 11-year career in the majors.

Another suspect was identified by police as a low-level drug dealer, while a third suspect was arrested Saturday after police said he sold one of Perez's cel phones for $6.25.

RIVERA'S RETURN: Closer Mariana Rivera will return to the Yankees next season as expected, the New York Post reported. GM Brian Cashman told the newspaper that the all-time saves leader called him Friday to tell him he wanted to play. Rivera, 42, missed most of the 2012 season with a torn ACL.

MCGWIRE TO DODGERS: Mark McGwire intends to resign as Cardinals hitting coach to take the same job with the Dodgers, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported. The former slugger reportedly wishes to be close to his family in Orange County, Calif. St. Louis is expected to promote assistant hitting coach John Mabry to fill McGwire's spot.

ANOTHER CHANCE: Suspended RHP Bartolo Colon is getting a second chance with the Athletics, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract. Colon, 39, was suspended for 50 games on Aug. 22 after testing positive for testosterone. The ban will run five games into the 2013 season.

HAREN ON MARKET: The Angels declined a $15.5 million club option on RHP Dan Haren after a proposed trade with the Cubs fell through, making the 32-year-old veteran a free agent.

INDIANS-BLUE JAYS TRADE: Cleveland traded RHP Esmil Rogers to Toronto for INFs Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes. The Blue Jays dealt Aviles less than two weeks after acquiring him from the Red Sox.

DODGERS: RHP Javy Guerra had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Friday and is expected to be ready for spring training.

MARLINS: INF Kevin Kouzmanoff, 31, who spent all of last season in the minors, agreed to a minor-league contract and will be invited to spring training.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Andy Reid | Eagles coach

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie says he will evaluate the organization after the season, and the general line of thinking is that Reid, who has been coaching the Eagles since 1999, will be fired if they miss the postseason. Even making the playoffs might not be enough to save his job. A first-round exit could get him a pink slip. So could a playoff blowout. Maybe anything short of a Super Bowl won't be enough. That's a shame, because Reid is a good coach. But he's the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL, and Philly might think it's time to turn the page.

Rex Ryan | Jets coach

Things are so gloomy with the Jets these days that their brash coach hardly pops off anymore. His arrogant comments and promises used to be fun. Now, when he even bothers to make them, they're just pathetic. After Ryan took the Jets to the AFC Championship Game in his first two seasons, the Jets have gone 11-13, including 3-5 this season. Perhaps Ryan's use (or lack thereof) of Tim Tebow in the season's second half will go a long way in determining Ryan's future in New York. But nothing will determine it more than wins and losses. If he finishes with more L's than W's, Ryan and his big mouth might be muzzled for good in New York.

Gene Chizik | Auburn coach

Just two years ago, Chizik won the national championship at Auburn. It seems crazy we're now talking about him being on the hot seat. But that's life in the SEC. That's life at Auburn. That's life in college football. The Tigers went into the weekend with a 1-7 record, and that victory came against little Louisiana-Monroe. Saturday they beat one-win New Mexico State to get to 2-7. At Auburn, Chizik, a native of Tarpon Springs, is 18-17 without Cam Newton at QB. Actually, throw out that 14-0 national championship season with Newton in 2010 and Chizik is 22-36 as a college head coach. His job status comes down to two things: Has he recruited well enough the past couple of years to buy another year or two? Does his national title buy him one year more than most coaches would get?

Norv Turner | Chargers coach

Isn't he constantly on the hot seat? I'm surprised Turner was back after last season's underachieving 8-8 season. It's a wonder he wasn't fired last Sunday when the Chargers lost to the lowly Browns by the ugly score of 7-6. The Chargers are in danger of missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, and they seem to have too much talent, particularly at QB with Philip Rivers, for those kinds of results. They have won two of their past six games, both against one-win Kansas City. The sand in Turner's hour glass will finally run out before next season.

Romeo Crennel | Chiefs coach

It's not his fault, but winning two or three games (and that's where the Chiefs are headed) won't cut it.

Ron Rivera | Panthers coach

Rivera had a nice rookie season in 2011. The Panthers went 6-10, but at least QB Cam Newton looked like a superstar in the making. This season the Panthers and Newton have taken a big step backward. The Panthers are 1-6, and barring a major turnaround, they are headed for a last-place finish in the NFC. What hurts Rivera is that GM Marty Hurney was fired two weeks ago. After the season, ownership might be looking for another head to put on the chopping block, and Rivera is next in line.

Jason Garrett | Cowboys coach

For years, Garrett was the unofficial coach-in-waiting in Dallas, the bright young mind who eventually was going to take over the franchise and lead it back to glory. His ascension to head coach was accelerated when Wade Phillips was fired after a 1-7 start in 2010. Garrett led the Cowboys to a 5-3 finish, and hopes were high again. Since then, Garrett has gone 11-12, and the Cowboys don't seem to be getting any better. Worse, QB Tony Romo isn't getting better and Garrett is supposed to be an offensive and QB guru. Knowing the high demands of owner Jerry Jones, Garrett doesn't seem long for the Cowboys job if the team keeps swimming in mediocrity.

Skip Holtz | USF coach

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: I think Holtz deserves an entire team of his recruits before anyone has a meeting about his future. This is his third year, so he deserves at least next season. And when you consider redshirts and so forth, maybe Holtz should even get a fifth season. But if USF doesn't win another game this season, you know some fans and alumni will want a change. Some already want it. This much is certain: When Holtz was hired, no one could have imagined his seat would be this hot within three years.

Gary Bettman | NHL commissioner

Ultimately, Bettman isn't making the final decisions in his league's lockout. He is simply a mouthpiece for the owners. He says what the owners tell him to say. He demands what the owners tell him to demand. He negotiations on their behalf. But eventually, someone has to take the blame for three lockouts during his tenure, including one that wiped out a season. Is it his fault? No, not really. Could he be the scapegoat needed by the owners to win back favor from the fans? That's possible.

Marvin Lewis | Bengals coach

The Bengals are a poorly run, cheap organization. That's why Lewis, who is a good guy and perhaps even a good coach, has hung around despite a 72-78-1 record in 91/2 seasons. They are 3-4 this season, and I'll wager right now they will miss the playoffs for the seventh time in what will be 10 seasons under Lewis. But here's the bigger deal: How does this guy keep his job when he has never won a playoff game?

Alex Rodriguez Yankees third baseman

Face it, A-Rod is just another player these days. His power numbers keep dwindling, and this year he had only 18 homers with 57 RBIs in 122 games. More telling, his .430 slugging percentage was the lowest since his debut season, when he appeared in only 17 games. He suffered the embarrassment of being benched and pinch-hit for during the playoffs. The Yankees say he's their third baseman for now, but it feels like the final days of a marriage headed for divorce.

Mark Sanchez | Jets QB

All the numbers put up about coach Rex Ryan are the same numbers used to criticize Sanchez. He has gone 11-13 since taking the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010. The problem is Sanchez seems to be getting worse. Maybe playing in the New York spotlight is too bright for Sanchez. Maybe he would be better off playing in a city where he would get less attention.

tom jones' two cents

We're halfway through the NFL regular season. We're a little more than halfway through the college football season. Already coaches and quarterbacks are on the hot seat. That is, they're dangerously close to losing their jobs. Here's a look at who's in trouble, including a couple people outside the football world, too.

Michael Vick | Eagles QB

There was talk Vick was close to being benched after last week's loss to the Falcons left the Eagles 3-4. But the Eagles are going to stick with him (for now), and don't be surprised if the offense gets going, because Philly's next four games are against the Saints, Cowboys, Redskins and Panthers. Vick could put up some healthy numbers against that foursome, especially the porous Saints pass defense. By the way, Vick hasn't exactly lit it up with the Eagles since returning from his prison stint. He is 18-13 as a starter in Philadelphia.

Times wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota freshman Wally Ellenson has a broken left hand from a freak accident last week and will miss six to eight weeks.

Coach Tubby Smith said Ellenson hurt his shooting hand when it caught in a teammate's jersey during a rebounding drill on Tuesday. Smith said he will consider redshirting Ellenson, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound shooting guard from Rice Lake, Wis., who averaged 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds as a high school senior.

"He was having an excellent preseason practice and doing some good things," Smith said. "He was playing well and probably wasn't going to be (redshirted). But it's something we'll probably consider at this juncture."

Ellenson was being counted on to back up Joe Coleman and Austin Hollins at the wing spots.

Minnesota opens the season at home against American University on Friday.

DETROIT MERCY: The team may have lost its second assistant coach in a week. Carlos Briggs, in his sixth season with the school, did not attend practice Thursday or Friday, the Detroit Free Press reported. Neither Briggs nor school officials would comment. On Wednesday, assistant Derek Thomas, in his fifth season on Ray McCallum's staff, resigned effective immediately.

TEXAS A&M: Freshman guard Shawn Smith was ruled a partial qualifier by the NCAA, meaning he will be able to practice but not play this season. The 6-4, 180-pound Smith will be redshirted.

SYRACUSE: Former Indiana signee Ron Patterson orally committed, according to his former AAU coach Chris Hawkins. The shooting guard signed with Indiana last year and enrolled for summer classes but struggled academically during the summer and lost the faculty sponsorship he needed for admission.

Times wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

DURHAM, N.C. — Tajh Boyd threw for 344 yards and tied a school record with five touchdown passes for the second straight week to help No. 10 Clemson beat Duke 56-20 on Saturday night.

DeAndre Hopkins caught three TDs in the first quarter for the Tigers, who scored 42 by halftime and rolled to their fifth straight win, all by at least 14 points. Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant also had first-half touchdown catches, helping Clemson rack up nearly 500 yards by halftime and 718 for the game.

Clemson tied No. 9 Florida State atop the ACC's Atlantic Division, though the Seminoles beat the Tigers in September for the head-to-head tiebreaker in the division race to reach the ACC Championship Game.

Duke fell a game behind Miami in the Coastal Division.

Duke is already bowl eligible for the first time since 1994 and entered the week tied atop the Coastal with Miami and North Carolina, though the Tar Heels are ineligible for the division crown due to NCAA sanctions. That success had put the long-struggling Duke program in the unusual position of playing meaningful games in November, though some of that momentum has ebbed after a brutal two-game stretch.

First came last week's 48-7 loss at FSU. Then came Saturday night, with the Blue Devils managing more offensive success but finding no way to slow Boyd or the Clemson receivers sprinting downfield for big gains.

It was Duke's first loss in six games at Wallace Wade Stadium this season.

UVA 33, N.C. STATE 6: When the Cavaliers weren't taking the ball from Mike Glennon, they were throwing him to the turf.

Visiting Virginia forced five turnovers after getting four in the previous eight games and added six sacks in a rout that snapped a six-game skid.

"We could've said, 'Screw it,' but we didn't," defensive end Jake Snyder said. "We hung in there and felt that this was the most important game for us."

Phillip Sims ran for a touchdown and threw for another, and Kevin Parks rushed for 115 yards and a late 31-yard score for the Cavaliers.

The defense held N.C. State to 19 yards rushing with three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a safety.

GA. TECH 33, MARYLAND 13: The Yellow Jackets had two healthy quarterbacks and attempted four passes. Terrapins linebacker-turned-quarterback Shawn Petty was forced to throw 18 times.

That goes a long way toward explaining Georgia Tech's romp.

Orwin Smith rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, and the Yellow Jackets amassed 370 yards on the ground against the nation's fourth-ranked defense against the run. After building a 20-0 lead at halftime, Georgia Tech attempted only one pass over the final 30 minutes.

"The way the game was going, there wasn't any need to throw," coach Paul Johnson said.

WAKE 28, BC 14: Michael Campanaro caught three first-half touchdowns from Tanner Price, and the host Demon Deacons took a step closer to becoming bowl eligible. Campanaro tied an ACC record with 16 receptions for 123 yards and became the eighth player in school history to catch three TDs in a game.

By Bob Putnam and Rodney Page, Times Staff Writers
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Five things looking ahead to the playoffs

1. Pinellas Park needed to win to get into the playoffs. Northeast did not. Good thing. The Patriots beat Seminole while the Vikings slipped up against 3-6 Clearwater. Northeast has to play at Bradenton Manatee in the first round of the playoffs in what might be the most lopsided playoff matchup in many years. Maybe ever.

2. Good for coach George Palmer and Osceola. Forced to go to Lakewood Ranch and win in order to make the playoffs, the Warriors scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and hung on to win. They'll likely play at Hillsborough in the first round, although that could change if Jefferson has to forfeit its wins.

3. Indian Rocks Christian got into the playoffs on the same night it lost to Shorecrest. Thanks to Admiral Farragut's stunning 68-45 loss to Cambridge Christian, the Golden Eagles secured the second playoff spot in Class 2A-5. They travel to Naples First Baptist Academy in the first round.

4. Speaking of Admiral Farragut, the Blue Jackets are out of the playoffs after going to the 2A state championship game last season. They clearly missed DB/WR Brad Hyman Muhammad, who is out with an ankle injury. But still, 68 points to Cambridge Christian? The Lancers are coached by former Northside coach Bob Dare, who must have felt pretty good about ruining a rival's playoff hopes.

5. Largo has a good shot if it has to play Armwood in the first round. The Packers are clearly the best team in Pinellas County, and Armwood seems to be a little off this season.

Breakout player

Rodney Adams, Lakewood: Adams had to play quarterback because Tracy Johnson was out with a concussion. He ran nine times for 111 yards and two touchdowns, and threw a touchdown to Marquez Valdes. Not bad for a wide receiver.

Super 7

1. Largo (9-0, 4-0): Win over Tarpon Springs was the sixth straight week the Packers scored 30 or more in a game.

2. Countryside (4-6, 3-2): Rolled to a convincing victory over St. Petersburg that capped the careers of 24 seniors.

3. Lakewood (8-1, 7-1): Exacted revenge against Spoto with 34-17 victory in Class 5A, District 8 finale.

4. East Lake (8-1, 3-0): Big plays and strong defense highlighted victory over Palm Harbor University that clinched Class 8A, District 7 title for Eagles.

5. Clearwater Central Catholic (8-1, 3-0): Closed out Class 2A-5 schedule with eighth straight victory in shutout over rival St. Petersburg Catholic.

6. Palm Harbor University (7-2, 2-1): Playing from behind against East Lake, the Hurricanes struggled to get back into the game.

7. Osceola (7-3, 3-1): The Warriors' sixth straight victory clinches their first playoff appearance since 2006.

Offensive MVP

Jordan Leston, Clearwater: The Tornadoes quarterback threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns, including a 12-yarder to Devijion Smith for the eventual winning score. He also ran for two touchdowns in an upset of Northeast.

Defensive MVP

How about a unit MVP? Countryside's defense held St. Petersburg to 42 total yards, only 6 rushing. DE Mike Love was in the St. Petersburg backfield most of the night and Bryan Czop had a first-half interception. The Cougars did not allow an offensive touchdown.

The fearsome foursome

Four county teams — Clearwater Central Catholic, Countryside, Lakewood and Largo — could finish the regular season allowing fewer than 100 points overall. The Cougars, whose season ended this weekend, have already accomplished that feat and set a school record for points allowed. The four schools have recorded a combined 13 shutouts:

•Lakewood, 62 points allowed, four shutouts

•Largo, 67, two shutouts

•Clearwater Central Catholic, 71, five shutouts

•Countryside, 86, two shutouts

First-round playoff matchups

Class 8A

Treasure Coast at East Lake

Palm Harbor University at Vero Beach

Class 7A

Venice at Pinellas Park

Northeast at Bradenton Manatee

Class 6A

Armwood at Largo*

Osceola at Hillsborough*

Class 5A

Lakewood at Orlando Bishop Moore

Class 3A

Frostproof at Clearwater Central Catholic

Class 2A

Indian Rocks Christian at Naples First Baptist Academy

* If Jefferson has to forfeit wins, these matchups are not set and there will be a tiebreaker between Sickles, Hillsborough and Armwood.

By Joel Anderson and Joey Knight, Times Staff Writers
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Super 7

1. Plant (8-1): Congratulations to coach Robert Weiner, latest in the 100-victory club.

2. Robinson (9-0): TECO doesn't possess the electricity that Jack Peters Field will have Friday (Plant-Robinson).

3. Hillsborough (7-1): Idle Terriers still uncertain of playoff fate as they await player-eligibility investigation outcome.

4. Durant (9-0): A win Friday at home against King clinches the Cougars' first undefeated regular season.

5. Wharton (7-2): We're not certain of this, but we think RB Jeff Keil just scored again.

6. Armwood (7-3): We understand a loss at Plant, but letting King hang around for four quarters?

7. Jefferson (5-4): Eligibility issues aside, this is a team no one wants to play right now.

In the conversation: Tampa Bay Tech (6-3), Sickles (6-3), Tampa Catholic (7-2), Gaither (7-2)

7-on-7 revisited?

For whatever reason, several county quarterbacks posted sandlot-type statistics Friday:

Aaron Banks, Sr., Plant. In his regular-season home finale, Banks threw TD passes of 49, 73, 30 and 26 yards against Bloomingdale.

Deon Cain, So., Tampa Bay Tech. Limited to 55 total first-half yards, the lanky 10th-grader finished with 260 as the Titans nearly knocked off Gaither.

Curtis Fitch, Jr, Steinbrenner. On a night when teammate Kendall Pearcey dazzled (227 total yards), Fitch was efficient, 8-for-13 for 204 yards. His TD passes covered 72 and 64 yards, the latter one to Pearcey.

Chase Litton, Jr, Wharton. Content to play the rare supporting role while RB Jeff Kiel carried the offense, he was 16 of 24 passing for 157 yards and a touchdown. He spread the ball to six receivers and completed his final three passes for 70 yards.

Alex McGough, Jr., Gaither. We're calling his five TD passes against Tampa Bay Tech a school record until someone refutes us. McGough (14-for-31, 295 yards, two interceptions) exploited blown coverages for scoring strikes of 8, 25, 49, 80 and 73 yards.

Will Worth, Sr., Newsome. In his final homecoming game, the two-way anchor totaled three TDs, ran for 121 yards and completed 5 of 6 passes for 70 more.

Garrett Young, So., Cambridge Christian. He threw for 419 yards, seven TDs and helped nudge reigning Class 2A state runnerup Admiral Farragut out of playoff contention.

Playoff matchups

Class 8A: Orlando Freedom (7-2) at Plant (8-1); Wharton (7-2) at Orlando Dr. Phillips (10-0)

Class 7A: Tampa Bay Tech (6-3) at Durant (9-0); Newsome (5-4) at Gaither (7-2)

Class 6A: Armwood (7-3) at Largo (9-0); Osceola (7-3) at Hillsborough (7-1)

Class 5A: Atlantic/Lake Nona/Eustis winner* at Robinson (9-0)

Class 3A: Tampa Cath. (7-2) at Fort Meade (7-2)

Class 2A: Moore Haven (7-1-1) at Carrollwood Day School (9-1)

*Will compete in a tiebreaker Monday

Audibles

"We finally showed a sense of urgency this week in practice, and it translated right to the field. Then of course, us being us, we got too happy, we took our foot off the pedal and next thing you know, they have a (22-point) run in about 10 minutes."

— Jason Stokes, Gaither coach, moments after his team held off a Tampa Bay Tech rally to win 35-32

"Every last one of them was a blown coverage."

— Jayson Roberts, Tampa Bay Tech coach, on Gaither QB Alex McGough's five TD passes

"They have been with me the whole time and have been a great group. When we got to the team, we thought we could get the players to buy into the program, and they have."

— Robert Weiner, Plant coach, crediting his assistants when asked about his 100th career victory

"He was a bulldozer out there tonight; that (cornerback) was afraid of him. I decided I'd get on top of that pony and ride it."

— Robert Davis, Carrollwood Day RB, (246 rushing yards) on the blocking of Adam Morse in a victory at Calvary Christian

By the numbers

1 Career playoff berth for Carrollwood Day. The Patriots clinched their first in five years of 11-man football after a win at Calvary Christian

2 Rushing yards for Alonso in its 37-20 loss at Wharton, about 157 below its average

5 Takeaways by Freedom in its 41-0 victory at Wiregrass Ranch

6 Wins in six games for Wharton against Alonso, in a series that dates to 2001. The Wildcats have scored at least 35 points in five of those games.

26 First downs by Newsome in its 40-7 romp of Plant City

200 Total penalty yards amassed by Tampa Bay Tech and Gaither

2007 The last year Gaither won a district title

RIGHT: Gaither QB Alex McGough throws for five TDs against TBT.

Times wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

SHENZHEN, China — Lee Westwood made 11 birdies in a round of 61 on Saturday to grab a share of the lead with Louis Oosthuizen after the third round of the HSBC Champions.

Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion, came into the weekend with a five-stroke lead over the field but struggled with his putting and shot 70.

The South African had a chance to retake the lead with a 15-foot birdie putt on 18 but missed, the last of many near misses for him on the day.

Westwood and Oosthuizen were at 18-under 198. Phil Mickel­son (66) made seven birdies and was three back.

Ernie Els briefly surged into a share of the lead on the back nine before dumping his ball into a reservoir on the tricky 15th en route to double bogey. He finished with 69 and was tied for fourth with Bill Haas (66) and Ian Poulter (65) at 202.

Westwood has played in more World Golf Championships events than any other golfer (41), but his best result is second on three occasions, most recently at the HSBC Champions in 2010 when he lost to Francesco Molinari by one stroke.

"It does surprise me that I've played more than anyone else. I didn't realize I was that old," the 39-year-old Englishman said.

But as good as his score was Saturday, it wasn't even the low round of the day. That belonged to American Brandt Snedeker, who had a chance at 59 but just missed a birdie putt on 18 and settled for 60 — a new course record — and a 203 total.

Champions: Tom Lehman took the lead in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship and moved closer to becoming the first player to win the season points title two straight years. Lehman birdied the final hole for 8-under 62 and a total of 17-under 193 for a one-stroke lead over Fred Couples in the tour's season-ending event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Couples also shot 62, making two eagles.

LPGA: South Korea's Lee Bo-mee shot 8-under 64 to take a four-stroke lead at 10-under 134 after the second round of the Mizuno Classic in Shima, Japan. Rikako Morita of Japan was second after shooting 68 in the event, co-sanctioned by the LPGA and Japan LPGA tours

Masters for teen?

BANGKOK — Guan Tianlang of China is one round away from becoming the youngest player to play in the Masters.

The 14-year-old overcame early nerves and a difficult course at Amata Spring, shooting par 72 for a two-shot lead over Oliver Goss of Australia going into the final day of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion­ship.

"Everybody looked a little bit nervous to start with, and there was not much talking," said Guan, who is at 14-under 202. "I then started to focus on my own game and felt pretty relaxed on the back nine."

The winner gets an invitation to play in the Masters, along with an exemption to the final stage of qualifying for the British Open. The youngest competitor in Masters history is Matteo Manassero of Italy, who was 16 in 2010.

Goss, a quarterfinalist in the U.S. Amateur and winner last week in the Western Australia Open, shot 69 in tougher conditions. He has a big advantage in distance over the 125-pound Guan. The Australian was impressed with the slender schoolboy, who hits it about 250 yards off the tee.

"Guan did well because the course was playing a lot tougher than the first two days. He doesn't hit it as far as other players, so I think he did really well," Goss said. "I think he's too young to be intimidated."

Times staff, wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Winter sports

Vonn denied chance to race in men's event

Lindsey Vonn's request to compete in a men's World Cup downhill race was rejected by the International Ski Federation on Saturday.

The governing body's council met in Oberhofen, Switzerland, and "confirmed that one gender is not entitled to participate in races of the other" and exceptions won't be made," it said.

Vonn, a four-time overall Cup champion, wanted to enter the men's downhill Nov. 24 at Lake Louise, Alberta, six days before the women race on the course. Vonn can request to be a forerunner for the race, the federation said. Forerunners do prerace safety and visibility tests.

"We're disappointed … but also respect (the council's) direction," said Bill Marolt, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association president and council member.

Speed skating: Heather Richardson added a second 500-meter victory and a 1,000 win for a sweep of the first four women's races at the U. S. long track championships in West Allis, Wis. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Shani Davis took the men's 1,000.

Tennis

Qualifier makes Paris Masters final

Jerzy Janowicz became the first qualifier in eight years to reach the Paris Masters final, where he meets David Ferrer today.

Janowicz bids for his first career title against Ferrer, who is tied with Roger Federer for the most tour titles this year at six.

Ferrer, the only seed in the semifinals at No. 4, beat Michael Llodra 7-5, 6-3. The 69th-ranked Janowicz, who has beaten five top-20 players in Paris, topped No. 20 Gilles Simon 6-4, 7-5.

Tournament of Champions: Top seed Caroline Wozniacki beat Tsvetana Pironkova 6-4, 6-1 to reach the final in Sofia, Bulgaria. She faces second seed Nadia Petrova, who defeated Roberta Vinci 6-7 (6-8), 6-1, 6-4.

Fed cup: The host Czech Republic was one win from retaining the championship after sweeping the opening two singles against Serbia.

Et cetera

Soccer: Manchester United moved to the top of the English Premier League with a 2-1 win over Arsenal, ending Chelsea's 10½-week stay. Chelsea tied Swansea 1-1. Manchester City stayed third after tying West Ham 0-0. … In MLS, New York tied host D.C. United 1-1 in an Eastern Conference semifinal first leg. The second of the two-match semi is Wednesday. Real Salt Lake and host Seattle tied 0-0 in the first leg of their West semi late Friday. The second match is Thursday.

greyhounds: Flying Soriano and Intentionally won third-round qualifiers in the $20,000 Fall Juvenile Stakes at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. Qualifying concludes Wednesday night.

Colleges: In women's soccer, top seed Florida plays No. 6 Auburn today for the SEC tournament title in Orange Beach, Ala. (3:30, ESPNU). Second seed Tampa faces No. 1 Rollins for the Sunshine State championship at 1 in Winter Park. … In men's soccer, No. 4 Eckerd plays No. 3 Rollins for the SSC title at 1 in Boca Raton.

Olympics: The Indonesian Badminton Association lifted a ban of its top women's doubles pair issued over a play-to-lose scandal at the London Olympics. The pair was one of four kicked out of the Games for trying to lose group-play matches to get easier ones in later stages.

FISHING: Capt. Jack Vasilaros and Team Squidder won the Old Salts King of the Beach tournament out of Madeira Beach with a king mackerel catch of 36.98 pounds.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent; Times staff, wires

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Nature Coast boys swept the top four spots at the Class 2A, District 6 cross country meet and the Sharks cruised to the team championship Saturday at Mount Dora Bible.

Senior Kevin Ciccone won the boys race in 17 minutes, 47 seconds, 10 seconds ahead of teammate Cody Van Natter. Junior James Harkless (18:16) and senior Stephen Murphy (18:22) finished third and fourth, respectively. Nature Coast had two more runners in the top eight — Austin Mulyck and Joseph Clark — to finish 52 points ahead of runnerup Mount Dora.

Pasco's boys placed third behind a team-best ninth-place finish from Kevin Hernandez (19:36). Freshman Tyler Pantley placed 11th for fourth-place Hernando.

The Sharks girls completed a sweep of the meet, scoring 25 points to top Tavares (48). All six of Nature Coast's runners finished in the top 11, led by Brielle Perlingierei (third, 21:55), Alexa Lacy (fourth, 22:13) and Crystal Burchhardt (fifth, 22:18).

Senior Victoria Baker was Pasco's top runner, placing ninth, and Cindy Caceres was 12th for third-place Hernando.

A-3 swimming: Tampa schools dominate

SARASOTA — Tampa Prep and Shorecrest had the star power among the boys teams at Saturday's Class A, Region 3 swim meet, collecting multiple individual titles. But neither team could match the collective depth of Berkeley Prep.

The Buccaneers put their numbers to good use to win their fourth straight region team title, scoring 356 to beat Shorecrest (326.5) and Tampa Prep (296).

"We just have a really full and strong team," Berkeley Prep coach Kevin Rosepapa said. "We're about as deep a team as there is. And every one of my kids had their best time of the season. That's all you can ask for."

Despite not having a champion in individual events or relays, the Buccaneers gobbled up points by having multiple swimmers place in just about every event.

Ridgewood was tops among the North Suncoast boys teams, finishing fifth, as Emir Muratovic took second in the 50 free (22.06) and 100 free (49.35). Hudson was eighth, Fivay 10th. Individually, Academy of the Lakes' Dillan Villavisanis took third in the 100 breast (1:03.77).

Tampa Prep won the girls team title with 351 points, outscoring Berkeley Prep (230) and Shorecrest (196). The Terrapins' 200 medley relay of Anne Myers, Savannah Savitt, Carylyn Waite and Caroline Alexander won in 1:53. Alexander and Waite teamed with Caroline Brown and Hannah Fredlake to win the 200 free (1:42.81).

Bob Putnam, Times staff writer

Times wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Less than 24 hours after the cancellation of the Winter Classic, the NHL's signature regular-season event, the league and the players union negotiated Saturday for the first time since Oct. 18.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly and union lawyer Steve Fehr met for talks at an undisclosed location to avoid media distractions, they said. Neither side issued a statement characterizing the talks, and Daly declined to comment in an email to the New York Times.

The meeting started in the afternoon and lasted into the night, reports said.

The core issue remains splitting league revenue. Both agree the revenue split will be 50-50. But the league wants it implemented immediately. The players, who last season received 57 percent, prefer it to be gradually phased in so existing contracts to be honored in full. They have agreed to an immediate drop to 50 percent if all existing contracts are fully paid.

The other big topic of conversation Saturday was a report that in informal talks between Daly and Fehr last week, Daly said the league would be willing to change its position on covering players' salary reductions that would occur with the immediate drop to 50 percent.

Called the "make whole" provision, the league originally proposed that essentially the players end up paying back themselves in a formula stretched over a few years. Daly said in the informal talks the league would be willing to shift the payback to the owners, Canada's TSN network reported.

Union executive director Donald Fehr said in a memo to the players they should not "read too much into media reports about informal phone calls" and no formal proposals has been made by either side since the previous negotiating session Oct. 18.

"In informal conversations with the NHL (last) week, we have continued to explore how we can get back to the table and discussed with the NHL the issues we need to resolve, including the 'make-whole' provision," Donald Fehr said. "We will continue to keep you updated and will let you know if anything concrete comes from these discussions."

If a revised league proposal on existing contracts is met favorably by union negotiators, it would be a sign of real progress.

That Saturday's talks were held in an undisclosed location — the first time that has happened since talks began during the summer — would seem an indication of how serious both sides are about reaching a deal.

The lockout reached its 49th day Saturday. The league Friday canceled its annual outdoor game, which had been scheduled for Jan. 1 with the Red Wings and Maple Leafs playing at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

The loss of the NHL's biggest regular-season event is disastrous to a league that vastly improved its image in recent years. Now the overriding impression of the NHL is not that of the league that presents a snow-globe outdoor rink surrounded by 100,000 fans, but of a league in its third lockout since the 1994-95 season, all during commissioner Gary Bettman's tenure.

Games previously had been canceled through Nov. 30, and the league has said it's no longer possible to play a full season if an agreement is reached. Daly said Friday no further cancellations were expected "in the near term."

Times wires
Saturday, November 3, 2012

FORT WORTH, Texas — Brad Keselowski was teammates with Jimmie Johnson for a handful of races a few years ago, and he once drove a car owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Johnson won an unprecedented five consecutive Sprint Cup championships from 2005 to 2010. Keselowski is in only his third full season at NASCAR's highest level and should have plenty more title chances.

They arrived at Texas Motor Speedway with Johnson leading Keselowski in the championship by two points with three races to go. They race today in the AAA Texas 500 on the 1½-mile, high-banked track where Johnson has 13 top-10 finishes in 18 starts with a win, and where Keselowski has never finished better than 14th.

Okay, Mr. Earnhardt, how would you handicap the chase between your Hendrick Motorsports teammate in the No. 48 Chevrolet and the friend who once drove your Nationwide series car to consecutive third-place season finishes (2008-09)?

"Obviously, I want to see Jimmie win the championship between the two," Junior said. "But I'm really happy for Brad to be experiencing the season he has had. He has earned it. … He is a great asset to the sport."

Keselowski, 28, agrees with the notion that he should have plenty of other chances, but the driver of Roger Penske's No. 2 Dodge responded with a slight chuckle: "That doesn't mean that I want to waste them," he said.

Keselowski is trying to get the first Sprint Cup for Penske, who owns 15 Indianapolis 500s and 23 national titles in different series. That includes Keselow­ski's Nationwide crown, the first in NASCAR for Penske, in 2010. Keselowski had moved from Earnhardt's JR Motorsports, a stint during which he also ran nine Cup races for Hendrick.

"He was pretty new in the sport, eager and talented. He showed a lot of speed, a lot of potential," Johnson said.

Keselowski remembers meeting Johnson when they were both running a Nationwide race for JR Motorsports in North Carolina late in the 2008 season.

During a rain delay that night, Keselowski went to Johnson for advice — "because he was outrunning me" — and Keselowski felt he could spin out at any time. Johnson told him to slow down and make sure to finish.

"We went back green and there was a wreck and I slowed down to see who it was. I came back around and it was Jimmie," Keselowski said. "And that was my first real racing memory of him. It was him telling me to slow down and not wreck on my own. And that happened."

Four-time champ Jeff Gordon, Johnson's Hendrick teammate and a co-owner of his car, said that based on speed and performance, the edge goes to Johnson.

"Brad has put up a good fight. If you're putting money down on it, it's hard to go against that No. 48 team," Gordon said.