By Eve Edelheit, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

LUTZ

Senior Jessica Weatherman attends every single Steinbrenner High varsity football game. • Not as a spectator • Not as a cheerleader. • But as one of the players. • She's one of the kickers on the team. • "The coach asked me to try out when he saw me punting during flag football," she said. "I thought it would be really cool and something different to do."

She has bonded with her teammates and her coaches, as if she's just another one of the guys.

"I definitely changed things up with the team," said Jessica of being the lone girl. "But they are gentlemen and brought me into the team."

Jessica is a four-sport athlete — traditional football, basketball, track and flag football — who balances maintaining good grades, going to see her boyfriend's hockey games and being an integral part of her family.

Jessica's mother passed away from breast cancer when she was a freshman. Jessica and her father have become closer through her athletics.

"Since my mom passed away, it's been a priority to get closer and have a better relationship with my dad," she said. "He's been extremely supportive of my athletics."

Jessica finds ways to honor her mother. Whether it's her mother's birth date on her inner wrist — written in ink before every game — or the breast cancer awareness ribbon she wears around her neck.

"I wanted to do something for my mom," she said. "I wanted something to look at during games, something to keep me going."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

TAMPA — Bucs S Ahmad Black, cited by Tampa police last week for possession of a small amount of marijuana, was disciplined internally but will play Sunday against the Chargers, coach Greg Schiano said Wednesday.

Schiano wouldn't disclose the punishment but said he had "candid conversations" with Black and addressed the team about recent off-the-field issues that have made headlines.

"Rest assured, it's been addressed," Schiano said.

Black was charged with possession of cannabis, less than 20 grams, according to court records. The charge is a first-degree misdemeanor. He was not arrested but given a notice to appear for the alleged offense, which occurred Oct. 30. An arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 3. Black could still face penalties under the NFL's personal-conduct policy ranging from a fine to a suspension.

"It's pending right now. The full story will come out later on," Black said.

"I'm just sorry to disappoint my teammates and be a distraction right now. But everything else will take care of itself."

The Bucs secondary has had other off-the-field problems this season. CB Aqib Talib, traded to the Patriots last week, was suspended four games for violating the league's drug policy, saying he used Adderall. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported last week CB Eric Wright faces a four-game suspension for using Adderall. (Wright played Sunday and continues to practice.)

Schiano said each situation has different circumstances that are considered and discussed with general manager Mark Dominik and his staff. With Black, Schiano believes their "internal action is appropriate right now."

"I'm frustrated, but at the same time, you need to handle every situation independently," Schiano said. "I talked with our team about it, and I really believe they understand. But yet we had another mistake, so we have to get it remedied.

"Now the league still has to make a decision what they're going to do, and the courts have to decide."

MORE MARTIN: Accolades and attention continue for rookie RB Doug Martin, who was named NFC offensive player of the week Wednesday.

Martin, a first-round pick out of Boise State, racked up a club-record 251 yards rushing against the Raiders on Sunday, tied for 10th most in league history. Since then, Martin has been a hot commodity with the national media.

He went on ESPN's Mike & Mike radio show Tuesday morning, chatted with Sports Illustrated's Peter King on Wednesday and is scheduled to tape an interview for ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown this week.

CBS Sports Network's Jim Rome Show and ESPN's Pardon the Interruption also requested him.

Martin also caught the attention of Chargers coach Norv Turner, who is charged with stopping him Sunday.

"It was an incredible performance," Turner said. "When you couple it with the performance he had the week before at Minnesota 214 total yards), you start looking at it and saying … this is who the guy is. There's been some guys who had one game, but he's done it back to back. And he's showing signs of doing it like that in a lot of the games.

"Everyone has their own style. But he's got that thing that some of the great running backs I've been around had. The size, they're compact. They get in behind the offensive line, are hard to find, break a lot of tackles, and he's fast. It's an awfully good combination."

Turner said he hates to make comparisons, especially one with Martin and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. But the one-time Cowboys offensive coordinator acknowledged, "There's no question there are things he does that are Emmitt-like."

MISCELLANY: DE Michael Bennett (left shoulder) did not practice, but Schiano said he believes he'll be fine for Sunday. … The Bucs are hosting a military supply drive outside all Raymond James Stadium gates from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m Sunday. Fans are asked to donate coffee, hygiene items, nonperishable food, CDs and DVDs. They will be shipped to bases overseas.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

One's been swimming since he was 4 years old. • The other never raced competitively until high school. And that was because his sister made him. • Together they're quite a pair. • And now best friends Cole Wisecarver and Zach Kitzis can share a bond that will never leave them: as the first males in Strawberry Crest history to reach the state swim meet.

The duo sealed the accomplishment Thursday by competing in the Class 2A state meet at the Central Florida YMCA Aquatic Center in Orlando. Strawberry Crest sent three individuals, all juniors, to the meet with Angie Gallastegui returning from last season.

Until Wisecarver and Kitzis came up big in last weekend's Region 2A-3 meet in Dunedin, Gallastegui had been the only Charger swimmer ever to reach states.

"These kids are all-around awesome," said Strawberry Crest swim coach Bree Castelli. "I'm so excited for them, they've worked so hard."

Wisecarver has been working at it all his life, starting when he was 4.

Having been at it so long leads to some days where it's tougher to get motivated than others, Wisecarver said, but reaching state with his friend Kitzis brought all the time to fruition.

"Absolutely, Zach and I were talking about it since last year," Wisecarver said. "It felt so great to make it, especially with one of my best friends."

Wisecarver qualified in two events, finishing fourth in both the 50 and 100 freestyle races at regionals.

In correlation with their levels of experience, Wisecarver came a lot closer to state as a sophomore than did Kitzis. At last year's regional meet, Wisecarver was just a few spots away from qualifying.

By contrast, Kitzis had never swam a true race until his ninth-grade year at Strawberry Crest. He joined the Blue Wave out of Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center, and it all advanced from there. At the regional meet, he dropped six seconds off his time in the 500-meter freestyle in the morning prelims, and yet another six seconds in the late-afternoon final.

Gallastegui, who also swims the 500 and also is a Blue Wave member, has been at it since she was 7. And judging by her workload she's bound to be a collegiate swimmer too. She placed third in the 500 and fourth in the 200 to qualify in two events.

"Swimming, and Blue Wave has been a big part of it, has been one of the best learning experiences in so many ways," she said. "The main thing is time management. Having to swim two hours, and juggle AP classes, and a social life, oh yeah and sleeping . . . it's very hard to do. And swimming has helped me with other things like building respect for my teammates and other people."

Blue Wave had nine swimmers make it to Orlando. Several of its swimmers are from 3A power Newsome.

Plant City's Bailey Bowden is headed back to state as well but is racing in today's Class 3A meet. Bowden was seventh in the 500 meters last weekend at the Region 3A-2 event.

That performance has her seeded 11th today in Orlando.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Florida men's basketball Coach: Billy Donovan (386-158, 16 seasons at Florida; 421-178, 18 seasons overall) Last season: 26-11, 10-6 SEC (tied second)

Roster

No. Player Ht./Wt. Pos. Yr.

0 Jacob Kurtz 6-5/208 G So.

1 Kenny Boynton 6-2/190 G Sr.

2 Damontre Harris 6-10/228 F/C Jr.

3 Mike Rosario 6-3/183 G RSr.

4 Patric Young 6-9/249 C Jr.

5 Scottie Wilbekin 6-2/176 G Jr.

10 Dorian Finney-Smith 6-8/205 F So.

11 Braxton Ogbueze 6-0/182 G Fr.

No. Player Ht./Wt. Pos. Yr.

12 Dillon Graham 6-4/179 G Fr.

15 Will Yeguete 6-7/240 F Jr.

20 Michael Frazier II 6-4/200 G Fr.

24 Casey Prather 6-6/208 G/F Jr.

25 DeVon Walker 6-6/191 G/F Fr.

33 Erik Murphy 6-10/238 F/C Sr.

42 Billy Donovan 6-2/203 G Jr.

.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

SCHEDULE

TodayGeorgetown (Jacksonville), 9 p.m.

SundayAlabama State, 3:30

Nov. 14 Wisconsin, 7

Nov. 18 Middle Tennessee (Tampa), 4

Nov. 20 Savannah State, 7

Nov. 23 UCF, 4

Nov. 29 Marquette, 9

Dec. 5 at Florida State, 7

Dec. 15 at Arizona, 10

Dec. 19 Southern Louisiana, 7

Dec. 22 Kansas State (Kansas City), 8

Dec. 29 Air Force (Sunrise), 4:30

Jan. 6 Yale, 5:30

Jan. 9 Georgia, 7

Jan. 12 at LSU, 4

Jan. 17 at Texas A&M, 7

Jan. 19 Missouri, 2

Jan. 23 at Georgia, 8

Jan. 26 at Mississippi State, 8

Jan. 30 South Carolina, 8

Feb. 2 Mississippi, 7

Feb. 5 at Arkansas, 7

Feb. 9 Mississippi State, 5

Feb. 12 Kentucky, 7

Feb. 16 at Auburn, 1:30

Feb. 19 at Missouri, 9

Feb. 23 Arkansas, 7

Feb. 26 at Tennessee, 9

March 2 Alabama, 12

March 6 Vanderbilt, 8

March 9 at Kentucky, 12

March 13-17 SEC Tournament

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Recreation | notebook

The Junior Circuit Tennis Series began its second tournament of the season on Oct. 20 at Southern Hills Plantation in Brooksville, but the final match ended up not being played until last Sunday.

The field drew players from Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and other counties and was split into two divisions: high school boys and high school girls.

After Rishi Gumani of Lecanto defeated Chris Rosser of Spring Hill and Jesse DeWitt of Brooksville knocked out Kyle Everett of Inverness in the semifinals, Gumani and DeWitt were schedule to meet in the finals two weeks ago.

Gumani, however, suffered a wrist injury in his match against Rosser, and DeWitt did not want to settle for the injury default victory, so the match was rescheduled for Sunday.

Fully healed, Gumani dealt DeWitt a straight-set loss, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5). For DeWitt, it was his second consecutive runner-up finish in as many tournaments this season.

The girls division final boiled down to Hernando's Mahima Tatam and Katie Colitz of Crystal River for the second tournament in a row. Tatam won the match by the same score as the September event, 6-1, 6-1. Hunter Pospiech of Inverness won the consolation match over Sarina Singh of Spring Hill.

Tennis professionals Lou Giglio, Rick Scholl and Judy Jeanette were on hand to help organize and coach players. The next tournament is scheduled for Dec. 1 and 2 at Sugarmill Woods in Homosassa. The registration fee is $20; the deadline is Nov. 28.

For information, contact Jeanette at jjeanette3saj@aol.com or (352) 232-0322.

TOYS FOR TOTS GOLF TOURNAMENT: Marine Corps League Detachment 708 will have its Toys for Tots of Hernando County golf tournament Nov. 17 at Hernando Oaks Country Club, Brooksville.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament will consist of 18 holes of golf in a four-person scramble format. Also included with the $75 fee is lunch, dinner coupons provided by Texas Roadhouse, gift bags and prizes. Prizes will be awarded for the longest drive and closest-to-the-pin.

Toys for Tots supports needy children of Hernando County, providing them with Christmas gifts when their parents are unable to afford them.

For information, call Keith Ball at (727) 465-4815, Linda Black at (352) 596-2225 or Woody Marr at (352) 585-0975, or visit mcl708.org to register.

ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Brooksville Rotary Club will have its 35th annual golf tournament Nov. 14 at Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start. Players, hole sponsors and raffle items are needed. The cost is $75 per golfer, which includes dinner, greens fees and cart. Sponsorships start at $150.

Play will be limited to the first 120 entries. Golfers can make their own foursomes or be teamed up by event officials. Registration and sponsorship information is available at brooksvillerotary.com. Proceeds will go toward the charities the club works with and local scholarships.

For information, call Rob Rogoski at (352) 799-6974.

SMART START BASEBALL: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department is holding its Smart Start Baseball program, starting Thursday at the Jerome Brown Community Center.

Smart Start teaches youth ages 3 to 5 the basic motor skills necessary to play organized baseball while they work one-on-one and spend time with their parents. The program focuses on teaching children skills in throwing, catching, batting, running and agility without the pressure of competition or the fear of getting injured.

The cost is $60 per child. The group will meet every Thursday for six weeks until Dec. 13 from either 11 a.m. to noon or from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For information, contact Tiffany Taylor at (352) 540-3838 or ttaylor@cityofbrooksville.us.

VETERANS DAY GOLF: Toscana Crossing Golf Club, north of Weeki Wachee, will have a Salute to Veterans Picnic and Golf Scramble on Saturday.

The event will begin with a golf scramble at 10 a.m. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. The entry fee is $10 for those who plan to walk the course and $14 for those who want to use a cart. Sign-ups can be taken in the pro shop.

The picnic and barbecue will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Heather Community Center. The cost is $10 per adult and $5 per child, which includes hamburgers, hot dogs, refreshments, shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, and other food and games. Tickets are available at the community center.

For information, send email to ToscanaCrossing@tampabay.rr.com.

FIREARMS CLASSES: The Hernando Sportsman's Club, on U.S. 19 north of Weeki Wachee, is offering firearms safety classes.

The next two class dates will be on Wednesday and Nov. 17. All classes run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The course covers lessons about the basics of firearm safety around the home and the fundamentals of pistol shooting. The class includes practice time on the range. Completion of the class provides the required documentation to apply for a Florida concealed carry permit.

Preregistration is required; the fee is $60 per person.

Call (352) 597-9931 or visit hernandosportsmansclub.com for information.

JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS: Ace Performance Tennis is holding registration and open play for the Fall/Winter U.S. Tennis Association Junior Team Tennis season on Nov. 20 at Nature Coast Technical High School, south of Brooksville.

Sign-ups for the 12-and-younger division will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Registration for the 13-to-18 division will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Fees are $60 per player.

Registration forms are available on the website. Players must be USTA members to participate in the sectional tournament in January.

Visit louisedowney.usptapro.com or call Louise or John Downey at (352) 666-0658 for information.

ALZHEIMER'S GOLF BENEFIT: The Alzheimer's Family Organization will have its 12th annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday at Seven Springs Country Club in New Port Richey.

Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The event will consist of 18 holes of golf in a four-person scramble format. Also included with the $80 fee is breakfast provided by IHOP, lunch provided by Argento's Italian Bistro, goody bags, raffles and door prizes.

Prizes will be awarded for the top three teams, the longest drive, closest-to-the-pin and a hole-in-one. A new car and other prizes will be provided by Ed Morse Auto Plaza. Players will also have a chance to win $5,000 or a Woody driver, sponsored by the National Cremation and Burial Society. Full Circle Financial will sponsor a putting contest for a chance to win $10,000.

The Alzheimer's Family Organization serves Citrus, Hernando, northern Hillsborough, Lake, Pasco, northern Pinellas and Sumter counties.

For information, contact community service coordinator Kathy Montero at (727) 848-8888, toll-free 1-888-496-8004 or kathy@alzheimersfamily.org.

Contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

By Darek Sharp, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

TAMPA — Week 11 in high school football is the ultimate mixed bag.

Some teams have checked out, knowing they won't be headed to the playoffs and frankly not having much to play for. Others are headed to the playoffs, but don't want to risk injury to key players, which can result in less-than-scintillating performances.

But the regular season does end with some natural rivalries, such as Jesuit vs. Tampa Catholic. There also is Plant vs. Robinson, a matchup between two playoff-bound — and some might predict, state title-bound — programs. All games kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Plant (8-1) at Robinson (9-0)

Last week: Plant defeated Bloomingdale 51-20; Robinson defeated Middleton 42-21.

Why you should go: Robinson has everything lined up for a state title run, including home field advantage all the way up to the final. But if the Knights lose this one there could be a tiny bit of remorse. Plant should have the advantage in this matchup, with its defense and depth, but as far as the number of big playmakers, that edge goes to the hosts. Oh, if you haven't gotten tickets yet, by the time you read this you might be too late.

Jesuit (6-3) at Tampa Catholic (7-2)

Last week: Jesuit was idle; Tampa Catholic defeated Berkeley Prep 33-7.

Why you should go: How many years in a row did Tampa Catholic seem to have the better team, only to lose to its arch rival? Again, this seems to be one of those years, with the Crusaders hoping for a better result. Jesuit will miss out on the playoffs after a nice three-year run, while Tampa Catholic is heading back. Naturally, the Tigers have motivation, which might give them a slight edge. This is another game that requires early arrival.

Hillsborough (7-1) at Chamberlain (4-5)

Last week: Hillsborough was idle; Chamberlain lost to Steinbrenner 35-28.

Why you should go: Want to see a team play with a BIG load off its shoulders? Try Hillsborough, which during its bye week was in limbo, dreading it would go from having wrapped up a district title to having to play for it again via a three-way tiebreaker. Everything hinged on a ruling involving Jefferson High's use of an ineligible player. But by Monday, the Terriers were still champs, allowing them to put full focus into getting ready for the playoffs. Chamberlain, meanwhile, would have loved to play in a tiebreaker Monday, but lost that chance when Steinbrenner knocked off the Chiefs.

Brandon (1-8) at Jefferson (5-4)

Last week: Brandon lost to East Bay 7-6; Jefferson defeated Strawberry Crest 35-31.

Why you should go: The Dragons will be looking to finish the season on a five-game roll. Last week's victory was a last-minute thriller.

King (2-7) at Durant (9-0)

Last week: King lost to Armwood 19-8; Durant defeated Riverview 57-27.

Why you should go: To see if Durant can finish 10-0 for the first time. Durant, keyed by a workmanlike defense and a dynamite running back tandem of Jamarlon Hamilton and Chris Atkins, has had very few challenges this season. If you haven't been keeping track, no other Hillsborough County team is undefeated besides the Cougars and Robinson. Meanwhile, King put a big-time scare into Armwood and actually took an 8-6 lead in the fourth quarter on a safety.

TBT (6-3) at Plant City (4-5)

Last week: TBT lost to Gaither 35-32; Plant City lost to Newsome 40-7.

Why you should go: Oh, the Titans will be eager to hit the field for this one. They nearly pulled off an unbelievable comeback against Gaither, down 35-10 and getting down to the Gaither 5-yard line before fumbling with 14 seconds left. A Titans win would have given them the district title, knocked Gaither out (instead the Cowboys are champs) and Chamberlain would've made it as runnerup. Plant City has had a rough go after a 3-1 start and had no luck stopping the run last week, so the Titans should have similar success.

Steinbrenner (4-5) at Middleton (2-7)

Last week: Steinbrenner defeated Chamberlain 35-31; Middleton lost to Robinson 42-21.

Why you should go: To see a Tigers team that has been very entertaining in spots this season. Scoring 21 points against that ferocious Robinson defense last week was not a bad effort.

Associated Press
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Watch out for …

Florida State K Dustin Hopkins, already the ACC's career leader in scoring (429), needs 11 points to become the NCAA's career scoring leader among kickers.

Associated Press

The No. 8 Seminoles (8-1, 5-1) can clinch the Atlantic Division berth in the ACC Championship Game by beating the Hokies (4-5, 2-3) and Maryland on Nov. 17. The Hokies need to win two of their last three to be become bowl eligible for the 20th consecutive season. These teams have split four meetings since the Hokies joined the ACC in 2004, including a pair of ACC title games. FSU QB E.J. Manuel is from Virginia Beach. He ranks second in Division I-A in passing efficiency. Virginia Tech has won 19 of its last 25 Thursday night games.

FSU at Virginia Tech, 7:30, ESPN, 1040-AM, 820-AM

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Bucs safety Ahmad Black getting popped for a little marijuana is no big deal — true or false?

The Bucs won't miss all-world guard Carl Nicks. They definitely have issues stopping the pass. We're making way too much of rookie running back Doug Martin.

All these things — true or false? As the Bucs get ready for Sunday's game against the Chargers, let's decide.

Bucs safety Ahmad Black getting charged with a misdemeanor for pot is no big deal.

False. If Black played for the Broncos or Seahawks, maybe having a doobie in the car would be a-okay given that Colorado and Washington voted Tuesday to legalize recreational use of marijuana. But last I checked, it's still against the law here. (By the way, commissioner Roger Goodell says pot smoking is not on his cool list, either.)

Oh come on, you say. It was less than 20 grams. It's only pot. He isn't the only NFL player who uses it. What's the big deal? Don't be such a prude.

Here's the point: Black was driving around at 2 in the morning on a weeknight. His car was weaving, police said. And, they said, he had an illegal substance in his car.

First, nothing good happens when you're out at 2 in the morning. And if you're going to be driving around at that hour, at least have the good sense to put two thumbs on the wheel and drive inside the lane you're supposed to be in, especially if you have pot on board. Not to condone this stuff, but geez, if you're going to do that sort of thing, stay home!

Black should get a ticket for stupidity. It's the lack of judgment that makes this a problem.

We're making too big of a deal out of Bucs running back Doug Martin.

False. Martin has been all over ESPN the past couple of days. He was on the Mike & Mike radio show. He was featured on Sports Illustrated's website and in SI writer Peter King's popular "Monday Morning QB" column. Martin has been a hot topic on the NFL Network. He is the talk of the NFL.

Too much? Overexposed? Premature? Nope.

Look, I get it. This kid has played only eight games in the NFL. The world is full of Joe Schmoes who had a good half-season. We remember Cadillac Williams started his career with three consecutive 100-yard games and then had only six 100-yard games the rest of his injury-plagued, seven-year career. No one is electing Martin to the Hall of Fame yet.

But Martin is coming off one of the 10 best rushing games in NFL history. His 486 yards from scrimmage in the past two games are the most in two games since legend Walter Payton had 525 in 1977. This is historic stuff, people.

Plus, it's how Martin is doing it. He's getting better every game, stronger every game. He's doing this against decent defenses. He's drawing praise from football people who know what they're talking about.

Is it too soon and too much to suggest he's the next Emmitt Smith? Yeah, sure. Is it too soon and too much to suggest he's a special player? Absolutely not.

You should be concerned about the Bucs' pass defense.

True. Really, really true. The Bucs are last in the NFL against the pass, allowing an average of 321 yards per game. They've allowed at least 300 yards passing in five of their eight games, including Giant Eli Manning's 510-yard game, the 13th 500-yard game in NFL history.

Sunday, the Raiders' Carson Palmer threw for 414 yards. Everyone keeps telling me how good Palmer is, like he's just a notch below Joe Namath or Dan Fouts. Seriously? If you're picking quarterbacks in the NFL right now, Palmer might not make the top 20.

What's really troubling for the Bucs is they still might lose their best remaining cover guy (cornerback Eric Wright) to a league drug suspension. That means they might have to play a month without the two corners who started the season, the other being Aqib Talib, who was shipped off to New England.

A lack of a pass rush has hurt, too. Tampa Bay's 13 sacks are tied for 26th in the 32-team league. No pressure plus second-string corners plus a slew of elite quarterbacks left on the schedule add up to uh-oh.

The Bucs won't miss Carl Nicks.

False. In its first game without its All-Pro guard, out for the season with a toe injury, the Bucs offensive line went out and opened up enough holes for Martin to have one of the most prolific rushing days in the history of the league. And the line allowed only one sack.

So far so good? More like so far, so lucky. Though credit must be given to subs including Ted Larsen and Jeremy Zuttah, there's a reason those guys are normally backups.

To think that you can plug in just anyone for an All-Pro such as Nicks, as well as Pro Bowl guard Davin Joseph (lost in the preseason with a knee injury), is crazy talk. This isn't to suggest the Bucs will fall apart or offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan can't come up with some schemes to create running room and protect the quarterback.

But that "next-man-up'' philosophy is better in theory than reality. The bottom line is Nicks is just so good. Joseph, too. And that's the truth.

Tom Jones can be heard from 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays on WDAE-AM 620.

Associated Press
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

. Fast facts

This week on tour

PGA: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. TV: Today-Sunday, 1 p.m., Golf Channel.

LPGA: Lorena Ochoa Open, Guadalajara Country Club, Guadalajara, Mexico. Today-Sunday. No TV.

European/Asian: Singapore Open, Sentosa Golf Club. TV: Today, midnight, Golf Channel; Friday-Saturday, 10 p.m., Golf Channel.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Florida women

Coach: Amanda Butler (98-67, sixth season at Florida; 138-89 overall)

Last season: 20-13, 8-8 (eighth in SEC); advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament

Notable: The Gators begin the season with seven newcomers, including six freshmen, so Butler says she has no idea what to expect from this group. However, she said that based on its work ethic in preseason, she believes if the team can jell quickly enough, the Gators will be competitive. Florida will get leadership from All-SEC forward Jennifer George, the team's only senior. George will get help inside from Oklahoma State transfer Vicky McIntyre, a 6-foot-7 junior who can rebound and post up and has good ball-handling skills, and 6-4 Viktorija Dimaite. Junior G Jaterra Bonds, who has played every game since she arrived, brings scoring and the role of floor general.

Roster

No. Player Ht. Cl. Pos.

3 January Miller 5-8 Fr. G

4 Carlie Needles 5-6 RFr. G

5 Chandler Cooper 5-11 Fr. G

10 Jaterra Bonds 5-7 Jr. G

13 Cassie Peoples 5-6 RFr. G

15 Viktorija Dimaite 6-4 RFr. C

22 Kayla Lewis 6-0 So. G

25 Christin Mercer 6-0 Fr. F

31 Lily Svete 6-2 RJr. F

32 Jennifer George 6-0 Sr. F

34 Vicky McIntyre 6-7 Jr. C

40 Sydney Moss 5-11 Fr. G/F

Schedule

FridayFairfield, 4

SundayGeorgia State, 1

Nov. 15 at Florida State, 7

Nov. 19 North Florida, 7

Nov. 23

vs. N.C. State (Las Vegas), 5:30

Nov. 24

vs. Northern Iowa (Las Vegas), 3

Nov. 25

vs. Arizona State (Las Vegas) 3

Dec. 1 at Michigan, 2 p.m.

Dec. 4 Troy, 7

Dec. 7 Pacific, 7

Dec. 16 at LaSalle (Philadelphia), 2

Dec. 20 Savannah State, 7

Dec. 21

Central Michigan or St. Joe's, 7

Dec. 28 Holy Cross, 7

Jan. 3 at Kentucky, 7

Jan. 6 LSU, 2

Jan. 10 at Mississippi State, 8

Jan. 13 Tennessee, 11:30

Jan. 20 South Carolina, 1

Jan. 24 Mississippi, 7

Jan. 27 at Georgia, 1

Jan. 31 at Missouri, 8

Feb. 3 Alabama, 1

Feb. 10 at Auburn, 3

Feb. 14 at Texas A&M, 9

Feb. 17 Georgia, 1

Feb. 21 Vanderbilt, 7

Feb. 24 at Alabama, 3

Feb. 28 Arkansas, 7

Antonya English, Times staff writer

By Neil Taylor, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

What's hot: The shallows are active with trout, redfish and large bluefish. With cooling waters, the action has been steady well into the midday hours. Anglers making long casts will easily locate feeding fish.

Tackle and techniques: Using medium-spinning tackle with a 25-pound fluorocarbon leader, a variety of lures will lead to strikes. Topwater lures have been excellent for all species in 11/2-3 feet. Shallower than 11/2 feet in thicker turtle grass, weedless jigheads with a jerkbait style plastic tail are the best choice. In 3-6 feet, a regular jighead with any plastic tail will get the lure down to where the fish are feeding just above the bottom.

Redfish need to be targeted in 21/2 feet or less. If they are not eating a lure, they will eat a fresh piece of natural bait such as cut pinfish or chunks of ladyfish. Speckled trout are slurping topwater lures with very large fish being caught on every outing. Redfish and trout will be located where there is a mix of seagrass and sand bottom. Bluefish, located in the troughs, have been crushing anything they see and are averaging about 5 pounds. If using a smaller jig, go up in leader size to prevent cutoffs.

Neil Taylor charters kayak fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at strikethreekayakfishing.com and (727) 692-6345.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Tonight

Colts (5-3) at Jaguars (1-7)

When/where: 8:20; EverBank Field, Jacksonville

TV/radio: NFL Network; 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

Line/OU: Colts by 3; 42½

The lightning-fast development of Colts rookie QB Andrew Luck makes the sluggish growth of Jaguars second-year QB Blaine Gabbert even more exasperating. Luck has positioned the Colts, winners of two games in 2011, for a run at the playoffs. He hasn't fared as well on the road as at home. But with some help from his defense against the impotent Jaguars offense — star running back Maurice Jones-Drew is hurt — he pulls this one out.

Stephen F. Holder's pick: Colts 24, Jaguars 20

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays ace David Price is duly impressed by the competition, officially named Wednesday a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award along with Detroit's Justin Verlander and Los Angeles' Jered Weaver.

But Price remains confident in his chances to be honored as the league's top pitcher when the results are announced Nov. 14.

"I feel like I put forth a very good body of work, and I feel like I did do enough," Price said Wednesday night. "I anticipate, hopefully, it will be a good day."

Price led the AL (and was second in the majors) with a 2.56 ERA and shared the AL lead in wins with Weaver at 20, 10 vs. AL East teams. Verlander led in innings, 2381/3, and strikeouts, 239. Weaver had the lowest average against, .214, and WHIP (walks and hit per innings pitched), 1.02.

"Anytime you're in there with Verlander and Weaver, guys like that, that's a good group to be a part of because those are guys that make a push to win this award every year," Price said.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney didn't make the top three, though MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds said on the announcement show that Rodney deserved to be there ahead of Verlander.

Around the majors

ROCKIES PICK WEISS: Former big-league shortstop Walt Weiss was chosen to be Colorado's next manager, replacing Jim Tracy, the Denver Post reported. Weiss, 48, was most recently head varsity baseball coach at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colo.

RIVERA'S RETURN: The Yankees are expected to ask closer Mariano Rivera to take a significant pay cut, cbssports.com reported. Rivera, 43, missed most of last season with a torn ACL in his right knee.

YOUNG PLEADS: Free-agent outfielder/DH Delmon Young, 27, a former Ray, pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment for shouting an anti-Semitic slur and tackling a man outside a New York City hotel last spring.

MCGWIRE HIRED: Mark McGwire was officially named Dodgers hitting coach after three seasons with the Cardinals.

SUSPENSION: Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal was suspended 50 games next season because of a positive test for testosterone. Grandal, 23, was a 2010 first-round pick out of Miami.

MARINERS: The team plans to build a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.

METS: The club terminated outfielder Jason Bay's contract with one guaranteed season remaining on his four-year deal. The deal makes Bay, 34, a free agent and allows the team to spread out the $21 million it owes him.

RED SOX: White Sox bullpen coach Juan Nieves, 47, was hired as pitching coach.

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

Times wires
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Dez Wells, who transferred to Maryland after being expelled at Xavier, was granted an eligibility waiver by an NCAA subcommittee and can play for the Terrapins right away, the school announced.

The sophomore wingman, who averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds for Xavier last season and was the Atlantic 10 freshman of the year, was expelled over allegations of sexual assault. But an Ohio grand jury declined to prosecute, and Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters called Xavier's procedure "severely flawed."

After Wells' transfer, the Terps asked the NCAA to waive the mandatory one-year period where transfers can practice but not play in games.

The NCAA initially denied the request, but Maryland appealed, and the NCAA Division I Legislative Council Subcommittee for Legislative Relief decided to make Wells immediately eligible.

"We're excited for Dez, because at the end of the day, the NCAA made the right decision," said coach Mark Turgeon, according to the university's website. "Our staff did an incredible job in putting this NCAA waiver appeal together on Dez's behalf. Dez has been a welcomed addition, a great teammate, and has made a seamless transition in getting acclimated to our campus."

BOSTON COLLEGE: Sophomore guard Jordan Daniels, who started 25 games last season, will transfer.

MISSOURI: Senior guard Michael Dixon remains suspended and will not play in the team's regular-season opener Saturday against Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Coach Frank Haith did not provide further details. Senior guard Keion Bell, who missed the second exhibition with a bout of pneumonia, will return Saturday.

TENNESSEE: The team expects to open the season without senior forward Jeronne Maymon, who had a setback from offseason knee surgery about two weeks ago. "I don't have an exact timetable, but I know he won't be ready for the first game," coach Cuonzo Martin told the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

TEXAS TECH: Athletic director Kirby Hocutt said the NCAA accepted the school's self-imposed penalties after ex-coach Billy Gillispie exceeded limits on practice time last fall. Hocutt reprimanded Gillispie in January.

VILLANOVA: Sophomore guard Ty Johnson will transfer, the school announced.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

TAMPA — The Bucs defense is a study in contrast, a juxtaposition of strength and weakness so dramatic as to be polar opposites.

Tampa Bay is first in the NFL against the run. It is worst in the league defending the pass.

The Bucs have allowed only 77.3 yards per game on the ground and 3.4 yards per rush. But they have been raided through the air, yielding 321.1 yards per game and 38 completions of 20 yards or more.

Bucs coach Greg Schiano could only grin to hide the grimace.

"I only laugh out of frustration," he said. "We should be better in our pass defense. We're working our tails off. The flip side of that, I'm not apologizing for being No. 1 in rush defense, either. The guys are doing a heck of a job playing the run, and our No. 1 goal in our defensive room is stop the run. I think when you make teams one-dimensional, it gives you a chance. I'm pleased with that.

"We need to do better in our pass defense, and we will. We'll get better. But it is odd. Yes, a little bit."

The Bucs' 42-32 win at Oakland on Sunday was a perfect example of their imperfection.

They held the Raiders to only 22 yards on 11 rushes. But Carson Palmer riddled their secondary for 414 yards and four touchdowns.

"It's a little weird," said safety Ahmad Black, whose fourth-quarter interception — one of three on the day for the Bucs — preserved the victory.

To be fair, three of the Bucs' eight games have skewed the numbers. In Week 2, the Giants' Eli Manning shelled them for 510 yards passing. In a loss to New Orleans three weeks ago, Drew Brees passed for 377 yards. Last week, it was Palmer's turn, and he attempted a career-high 61 passes.

Sixty-one!

It won't get easier for the Bucs on Sunday against San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers. Since becoming a starter in 2006, Rivers ranks second in yards (26,003) and third in touchdowns (174).

"There are some big plays that have been made on them in the past few weeks. But at the same time, it's a defense that is attacking and fast and takes the ball away," Rivers said Wednesday. "They've given up some plays, but they do a good job of creating turnovers and negative plays. You look at how they've been No. 1 in rush defense. They create a lot of negative plays."

Stopping the run is Job 1 for any defense. Normally, it helps the pass defense by creating predictable down-and-distance situations, allowing linemen to pin their ears back and rush the quarterback.

There are two primary reasons why the Bucs keep beating the odds by getting beat deep downfield:

• The loss of end Adrian Clayborn to a season-ending knee injury has allowed opponents to slide protection toward defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and use a running back or tight end to chip block on end Michael Bennett. As a result, the Bucs rank 25th in sacks with 13.

• The suspension of Aqib Talib for four games took away, arguably, their best cover corner — although he was the culprit in many of Manning's bombs. It forced the Bucs to use Brandon McDonald, who was waived Tuesday, at nickel corner. He was replaced two weeks ago by former Largo High quarterback Leonard Johnson, an undrafted rookie from Iowa State who has produced two interceptions in as many starts. In addition, cornerback E.J. Biggers, who missed all of training camp and the first three games with a broken left foot, has been burned deep several times since returning.

All told, the Bucs have allowed eight completions of more than 30 yards, five of more than 40 and three of 50-plus.

"I think it would be naive to say there's any one thing," Schiano said. "We can make some better decisions, maybe help guys a little bit better, maybe coach guys better. By the same token, we get in those one-on-one situations, we've got to make a play.

"The good thing about this group, the coaches and the players, there's not finger-pointing. Everybody feels we'll get this thing fixed. It's all of us. We've got to coach better. We've got to call better. We've got to play better, and we'll get it going in the right situation."

By Josh Jurnovoy, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Florida LB Jelani Jenkins has had trouble staying on the field this season, but he is not letting that get him down.

The redshirt junior, who has started the last three games, missed four games this season with a broken thumb and a pulled hamstring. He has left two other games early because of the hamstring.

"It's been tough, but I trust the athletic training staff," Jenkins said. "They got me back on the field as quickly as possible. … I'm happy the way the season is going."

Jenkins recorded a sack Saturday against Missouri, and in his limited time this season he has one interception, 18 tackles and two sacks.

Injury Update: DT Leon Orr is still working back into playing shape after being hospitalized last week with the flu. He is unlikely to play Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette, coach Will Muschamp said. … Junior WR/KR Andre Debose has yet to return to practice. Debose, the primary kickoff and punt returner, hyperextended a knee in practice last week and missed the win over Missouri. TE Omarius Hines returned kicks against Missouri and S De'Ante Saunders returned punts.

USF: Testing QBs

TAMPA — Open weeks offer an opportunity to experiment, and as Matt Floyd and Bobby Eveld compete to be USF's starting quarterback next week at Miami, the Bulls are giving another player a look, too.

Senior WR Victor Marc, who played quarterback in high school and for part of his freshman year at USF, took snaps Wednesday in a wildcat look.

"Learning experience," Marc said. "Just trying to do everything the coaches want me to do, just trying to provide help that we need right now."

Senior QB B.J. Daniels is out for the season with a broken bone at the base of his left leg. Last year, when Daniels missed a game due to a shoulder injury and Eveld started against Louisville, Marc made a cameo, converting on a fourth-and-short play out of a direct snap.

"We have to go back to the drawing board, learn everything I can during the off week," said Marc, who has 12 catches for 125 yards as a slot receiver this year.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Miami: DB Bush out

CORAL GABLES — Starting S Deon Bush, who aggravated a shoulder stinger in the victory against Virginia Tech, will miss Saturday's game against Virginia, coach Al Golden announced.

LB Denzel Perryman, who has been battling an ankle injury, practiced with limited contact. Golden said he was "between probable and doubtful" for this week.

Golden also said freshman WR Malcolm Lewis (dislocated right ankle) was granted a medical redshirt and will have four years of eligibility.

South Florida Sun Sentinel

UCF: Quick study

ORLANDO — It's not easy to stay somewhat under the radar when you've got the nickname "Speedy" and run a 4.45-second 40 yards, but Knights sophomore WR Rannell Hall remains a quiet threat with huge potential.

He earned All-Conference USA first-team honors with his kick-return abilities as a freshman, but he has been limited by a shoulder injury and overshadowed by Quincy McDuffie's record-setting efforts this season.

Still, players and coaches say Hall has made significant progress. He leads UCF in receiving touchdowns with four and is averaging a team-high 18.1 yards per catch.

"He learned the system, so he understands the scheme now and knows how to attack coverage," WR Rob Calabrese said.

Orlando Sentinel

Times wires
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Brady Quinn waited three years for another chance to be a starter. He wouldn't let a concussion put him back on the sideline.

That's why, the Chiefs quarterback admitted Wednesday, he tried to play through his second concussion of the season. He believes it happened when a defender's knee struck the back of his helmet against the Raiders on Oct. 28.

Quinn remembers having vision problems and being dazed. But he stayed in the game even though he put on the wrong helmet on the sideline between possessions.

Soon after, Quinn said, he didn't see linebacker Rolando McClain before getting sacked by him, had "tunnel vision" and couldn't see the defensive backs when he threw an interception. He left the game after the pick.

"It was the first opportunity for me in a while," said Quinn, speaking for the first time since the injury. "That's my fault for not being smart about it."

Quinn has been ruled out for Monday. Matt Cassel will start for the second straight game.

Quinn, the 22nd overall pick in 2007 and playing for his third team, sustained his first concussion while scrambling against the Packers during the preseason.

GM: Payton will stay

NEW ORLEANS — A day after returning from an eight-game bounty suspension, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said he's confident Sean Payton will remain as coach.

Loomis wasn't available for comment Tuesday. His first item of business likely involves Payton, whose 2011 contract extension was voided by the league. As a result, Payton, suspended for the season, can become a free agent.

"I absolutely expect Sean to be our coach next year and going forward," Loomis said. "These contract issues will be resolved."

Chargers fined: The league fined San Diego $20,000 because a member of its equipment staff failed to immediately surrender towels when ordered to do so by a game official against Denver on Oct. 15. The league also investigated the towels, which included an adhesive substance but, it said, did not violate any rules.

Ex-Buc claimed: The Dolphins claimed corner Brandon McDonald off waivers from the Bucs. He replaces corner Richard Marshall, who went on injured reserve with a back injury.

Bears: Star corner Charles Tillman might sit Sunday because of the birth of his daughter, who is due this week.

Packers: Linebacker Nick Perry, the 28th overall pick in April, went on injured reserve with a torn ligament in his wrist. He had two sacks in six games.

Titans: Jake Locker will start at quarterback Sunday. He has missed five games after injuring his nonthrowing shoulder Sept. 30 against the Texans.

Vikings: Coach Leslie Frazier said receiver Percy Harvin's ankle injury sustained Sunday is improved. His status has not been determined.

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Negotiations between the owners and the locked-out players association ended after nearly six hours Wednesday night in New York. Just as they did a night earlier, the sides agreed to get right back to the bargaining table.

Representatives were scheduled to resume talks today, marking the third straight day the sides would meet face to face. They met for a total of about 13 hours over Tuesday and Wednesday at an undisclosed location. The league said in a statement after talks ended Wednesday it wouldn't comment on substance. The union said in a statement only that key issues were discussed.

Cautious optimism continued to come from the meetings as tension seems to be rising from all corners of the sport. Pockets of owners and players are believed to be exerting pressure on their leadership to get a deal, the Canadian Press reported, and Molson Coors CEO Peter Swinburn, whose company is a major NHL sponsor, said Wednesday the brewer would seek compensation from the league when the lockout, in its 54th day today, ends. The financial impact is difficult to tabulate, he said, but the company's most important cold-weather driver of sales has disappeared.

The sides Wednesday discussed revenue sharing among teams and the "make-whole" provision, which involves full payment of current player contracts. Those hot-button topics were scheduled to be on today's agenda, too.

Honoring current contracts is one of the most important issues for the players. "You sign a deal, the honorable thing to do is keep your word," Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier said after he and six teammates skated at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon. "That was something that was a huge discussion (among the players) and with everybody."

The league's proposal that cuts the players' share of revenue from last season's 57 percent to 50 percent also reportedly would immediately reduce player salaries by 12 percent. The league originally proposed a "make whole" program in which players would be reimbursed over the term of a new labor deal for immediate salary rollbacks. Players objected because the reimbursement would come out of their revenue share; in other words, players would be paying themselves. The league last week indicated it would absorb part of or all the reimbursement, reports said.

That's only fair, Lightning defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron said: "When you sign a contract, it's a mutual decision. They didn't have a gun to their head when they gave us what we have."

Times staff writer Damian Cristodero contributed to this report.

Times wires
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Boxing

Member of first hall of fame class dies at 85

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Carmen Basilio who split two matches with Sugar Ray Robinson and was part of the first Hall of Fame class, died Wednesday. He was 85 and was hospitalized with pneumonia.

With a crouching style, the 5-foot-6½ slugger bored relentlessly into opponents, wearing them down with body blows in going 56-16-7 with 27 knockouts.

"I gave them action," Mr. Basilio said in 2007. "They loved to see action."

Reluctant to deal with mobsters, it took Mr. Basilio five years to get a title shot, losing by split decision. It took two more years to get his second, winning the welterweight title from Tony DeMarco in 1955 (the first of trainer Angelo Dundee's 15 world champions).

In Round 11 on Sept. 23, 1957, at Yankee Stadium, Mr. Basilio hit Robinson with 34 straight punches and won the middleweight title by split decision. Mr. Basilio lost the rematch in March 1958 by split decision, after which his eye swelled to the size of a baking potato.

In 1990, he entered the Hall of Fame with Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis and Jake LaMotta.

Soccer

Man U moves on; Barcelona upset

Visiting Manchester United beat Braga 3-1 to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League. The club, owned by Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer, failed to reach the knockout round last year. Also, Barcelona's 12-game unbeaten streak in all competitions ended with a 2-1 loss at Celtic. Barcelona still leads the group.

World Cup: Wednesday's draw left the United States playing three of its first four final-round qualifiers on the road. Schedule, 2C

MLS: Seth Sinovic's goal gave host Kansas City a 1-0 win. But Houston ousted the East's top seed and reached the conference final by winning the two-game aggregate series 2-1. It faces D.C. United or New York. Game 2 was postponed by snow in Harrison, N.J., and will be played tonight. It's tied at 1.

Et cetera

Tennis: Novak Djokovic broke for a 6-5 lead then served out the match to beat Andy Murray 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 at the ATP Finals in London. Later, Tomas Berdych beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 to keep all four alive for semifinal berths in the round-robin tournament.

Action sports: A plea deal lets charges of intoxication and vandalism against snowboarder Shaun White be dismissed if he completes alcohol treatment and community service and pays restitution. Police say White, a gold medalist in 2006 and 2010, destroyed a phone and pulled a fire alarm at a Nashville hotel Sept. 16.

Skiing: Lindsey Vonn will skip the first World Cup slalom of the season in Finland this weekend. The Colorado native will focus on preparing for the Nov. 24-25 races in Aspen, Colo.

Greyhounds: Kb's Epic Win and Kiowa Jordan Doc won final-round qualifying races for the Fall Juvenile Stakes at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. The final is Saturday.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent; Times wires