The Indians notched 11 hits in a 6-2 victory over the Brewers on Wednesday night at Progressive Field. They swept the two-game series.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Kipnis went 2-for-5 with a homer and two-run double as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, 6-2, Wednesday night at misty Progressive Field. Tribe shortstop Francisco Lindor was 2-for-3 with two walks, one run and three steals.

Here is a capsule look at the game:

Broom service: The Indians (60-66) swept the two-game series. They won the season series, 3-1.

The Brewers (53-74) are 25-36 on the road.

That's a wrap: The Tribe concluded interleague competition at 12-8, all against the NL Central.

Homefield advantage, finally: The Indians have won seven of their past nine at Progressive Field, where they are 26-34.

Hit dogs: The Indians held an 11-7 advantage in hits. They have notched 10+ hits in nine consecutive home games -- longest such streak for the franchise since June 27-July 6, 1992.

Talented trio at the top: Leadoff batter Kipnis, No. 2 Lindor and No. 3 Michael Brantley combined to go 5-for-11 with four walks, three RBI and two runs.

Kipnis (.325 season's average) had a streak of home games with three hits end at four. Oh, well.

Lindor (.310) extended his hitting streak to six games. He continued his offensive excellence since the All-Star break.

Brantley (.320) went 1-for-3 with two walks. He has hit safely in four straight and nine of 10.  

Run and stun: The muddy track did not prevent the Indians from stealing second four times against righty Jimmy Nelson and his relatively slow delivery. Lindor did so three times and Abraham Almonte once.

The Indians finished with five steals of second. Almonte ran on righty Tyler Thornburg.  

Tough break: The Indians put runners on first and third with one out in the first. Carlos Santana ripped a 1-0 pitch toward the hole at second, where Scooter Gennett, shaded that way because of the shift, fielded cleanly and triggered a 4-6-3 double play.

Santana has grounded into 18 double plays, but this one, unlike the majority of others, was not necessarily on him.

Out of nowhere: The Indians scored three in the second against Nelson to pull ahead, 3-1. The uprising began with two outs and none on.

Abraham Almonte singled to right-center. With Jerry Sands batting, Almonte stole second. Nelson thought he had struck out Sands with a 1-2 pitch, but plate umpire Tim Welke disagreed. Welke was correct: The pitch was outside.

Sands's good eye paid off in a walk. Jose Ramirez walked in five pitches to load the bases.

Brewers pitching coach Rick Kranitz visited the mound as Kipnis stepped into the box.

Nelson, not wanting to groove a first-pitch fastball to Kipnis, threw a breaking pitch for a called strike. After a fastball inside, Nelson threw a fastball down to the outer third that Kipnis lined past diving third baseman Elian Herrera for a two-run double. A third run scored when left fielder Khris Davis mishandled the ball.

In a blink: Kipnis's homer came in the eighth against lefty Will Smith. Kipnis whistled a 2-2 fastball (92) over the right-field wall.

Gettin' Chizzy Wid It: Lonnie Chisenhall, right fielder >>>> Lonnie Chisenhall, third baseman.

He went 2-for-5 with an RBI and run as part of another full-service performance as the right fielder. He extended his hitting streak to eight games.

With one out in the third, Chisenhall doubled to center against Nelson. Chisenhall advanced to third on a grounder and, with Almonte batting, scored on a wild pitch.

With runners on first and second and two outs in the fourth, Chisenhall delivered an RBI single against Thornburg to make it 5-1.

In the top of the eighth, Chisenhall gathered the carom of Jonathan Lucroy's hit in the corner and made a terrific throw to second. The call on the field was that Lucroy, despite an awkward slide, beat Lindor's tag; the Indians challenged and lost. That Chisenhall even made it close was remarkable.

The Shaw Firm: Tribe reliever Bryan Shaw opened the eighth by giving up the double to Lucroy and a single to Ryan Braun. Lucroy stopped at third on Braun's hit.

Shaw escaped the jam in style, striking out Adam Lind swinging, Davis looking and Domingo Santana swinging.

The Tribe staff finished with 11 strikeouts.

The Browns may have found some relief for Johnny Manziel's sore elbow in the form of free agent quarterback Pat Devlin.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns will bring free agent quarterback Pat Devlin in tomorrow for a workout and physical, a league source told Northeast Ohio Media Group.

If he passes the physical, he'll likely sign a contract to help give Johnny Manziel a chance to rest his sore right elbow. ESPN's Adam Caplan first reported the Browns' interest.

At this time, the Browns have no plans to bring in other free agent quarterbacks, although they have inquired about others.

The Browns are shutting down Manziel's arm for at least a little while to let it heal. Manziel has missed practice the last three days after aggravating the elbow in practice on Sunday. He also sat out Aug. 11 with elbow soreness.

He'll likely sit out the  third preseason game in Tampa Bay Saturday night and also probably the fourth tuneup in Chicago on Sept. 3.

Coach Mike Pettine said if the Browns signed a new quarterback, he likely wouldn't play in Tampa, but could see action in Chicago. Josh McCown and Thad Lewis will split the duties in Tampa, with McCown playing into or through the third quarter.

Manziel underwent an MRI, which showed no structural damage. Pettine said it's "a minor setback'' and that he doesn't expect the soreness to be a long term thing.

Devlin, 27, was originally signed as a undrafted free agent by the Dolphins out of Delaware in 2011. He was spent most of 2011 on the Dolphins' practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in December.

He was inked to the Vikings' practice squad in November of 2014 and waived in April. The Bears signed him in May and waived him in June. He has never played in an NFL game.

Devlin began his college career at Penn State but transferred after two seasons to Delaware, where he threw 38 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his two seasons as a starter.

The Browns also have former NFL quarterback Terrelle Pryor on the roster, but the club wants him to focus on trying to make the team as a wide receiver.

Get scoring updates and join beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes for a live chat as the Indians and Brewers play the second game of a two-game set Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio  -- Get scoring updates and join beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes for a live chat as the Indians and Brewers play the second game of a two-game set Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

Game 122: Indians (59-66) vs. Brewers (53-73).

First pitch: 7:10 pm. ET.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio, WMMS FM/100.7, WTAM 1100

On Day 1 of Ted & Tim's excellent bicycle adventure from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, using the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, we rode 44 miles to Akron and traveled through time on a path whose future still is unfolding. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - We began our journey on Lake Erie's Whiskey Island and finished in the Tuscarawas River valley, covering 101 miles on bicycles and mostly along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

We traveled, in a sense, through time on a historic path whose future still is unfolding.

We met hikers, bikers, fishermen and families making full use of the Towpath and its adjacent parks. It is for them that the historic path is being preserved and extended a little at a time.

Plain Dealer artist Ted Crow and I biked all 84 miles of the current Towpath, plus a few more at either end that connected us from Cleveland where we work, through Akron where I was born, and all the way to New Philadelphia where Ted grew up.

We loved every mile of it.

Ted and I split our ride into two days so we would have time to stop and talk to folks. We're both "century cyclers,'' meaning we've finished 100-mile rides, and we're accustomed to whizzing past scenery and around hikers. We go far, but we miss a lot.

This was a different experience. We took our time to really enjoy some breathtaking sights, learn about the 308-mile canal's crucial role in our history, and to enjoy some of the nicest folks you'll meet in Northeast Ohio. Hikers and bikers are a happy lot.

Ted and I both maintain strong connections to the Towpath. Ted rides the northern section regularly. I grew up hiking and exploring trails around Akron. A bit of my family history is memorialized there.

DAY 1: Cleveland to Akron, 44 miles

Navigating Cleveland

We began our ride by dipping hands into Lake Erie at Wendy Park. Looking out at the old Coast Guard station, we took a selfie and I plucked a soft worn stone out of the water and carried with me the entire ride for good luck.

"What could go wrong?'' I asked as I tucked the stone into a satchel.

Well, a few things, as it turned out. But not many.

Getting started was easy. Getting to where we were going was not, and that is a metaphor for what has kept the Towpath from reaching its natural destination at Lake Erie. For 20 years, officials from a wide range of agencies have been vexed ever since about how to get the Towpath through a maze of scarred industrial land in Cleveland.

"It's a leadership issue. I'm not proud of what we've done here. It has taken longer to build the Towpath Trail than it took to build the canal itself,'' said Cleveland Metroparks Commissioner Dan T. Moore III.

The canal was built between 1825 and 1832.

On paper, there's a planned trail between Wendy Park through Irishtown Bend to Towpath's current, official terminus at Fire Station 21 on the corner Scranton and Carter Roads.

That location heads the Scranton/Flats trail section, which opened last year and cost $9.1 million to build an oasis that is less than a mile long. Granted, it is beautiful, with a swath of flowers and grasses and small trees on either side, and a deck at river's edge that offers sweeping, peaceful views of the Cleveland skyline.

The day we visited, a trio of veteran bird watchers had binoculars and cameras aimed at a peregrine falcon nest under the Hope Memorial (Lorain-Carnegie) Bridge.

The tiny Scranton/Flats section goes nowhere, ending near the Innerbelt Bridge currently under construction.

At the northern tip of what is planned to be the final link, a $6 million bike and pedestrian bridge is planned from Whiskey Island over railroad tracks to the Flats, a link that will prevent the roundabout way we took to get to the Scranton/Flats trail - through Gordon Square and down West 25^th and Franklin Boulevard.

The final two miles to Wendy Park and Whiskey Island is expected to take two years to build and cost $17.5 million. I recently met Moore at Fire Station 21 and asked him, "Why bother?'' That's a lot of money and Scranton/Flats seemed like a good place for the trail to start or stop. He leaned forward and grew somewhat emotional about a cause that is near and dear to his heart.

"Wendy Park is named after my daughter. I love the idea of it ending there,'' he said, choking back tears as he recalled a daughter who was killed in a skiing accident.

Moore then stated firmly something larger is at stake than his personal gratification.

"The Towpath should be viewed as a connection between the Ohio River and Lake Erie,'' he said. "The important thing is to make it an iconic bike ride like the Katy Trail that goes across Missouri, and the C&O Canal Trail that goes from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C.''

More Cleveland gaps

South of the Scranton/Flats trail, two more gaps remain in Cleveland. The next is between the Scranton/Flats and Tremont. After winding our way to East 14^th Street in Tremont, we picked up a nondescript paved path at Quigley Road, which dove down a hill toward the massive ArcelorMittal steel mill. The trail looped behind Steelyard Commons shopping center, then stalled out again at an abandoned lot.

A short jog down Jennings Road was not without peril of traffic and road debris. A left on Harvard took us across the first of many bridges over the Cuyahoga River at the Harvard Trailhead. Here, the Towpath Trail began again.

With the exception of a brief road stretch in Akron and a few streets to navigate in Massillon - both of which are well marked -- the Towpath winds more than 80 miles to Bolivar in Tuscarawas County, where riding becomes dicey once again.

That was a long way off.

History approaches

The grit of the city melted away with astonishing swiftness beyond Harvard Road, but not before one quick hint of the city's industrial core. In the first mile, a small outdoor display offered lessons in the life of a steelworker, including a vintage stamping press and old lockers.

It was an appropriate reminder of what the canal really meant to Ohio, which had only been a state for 22 years when construction began. Northeast Ohio was mostly wilderness and farms when the canal was built alongside and between the northern flowing Cuyahoga River, across the continental divide to the southern flowing Tuscarawas River. The Cuyahoga ends at Lake Erie. The Tuscarawas empties into the Ohio River.

Thus, thousands of tons of agricultural and industrial products and other goods could be shipped to and from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi Delta before the arrival of trains.

Without the canal, Cleveland and Akron might never have become the cities they are today. Had the canal connected instead to the Grand River, as some originally proposed, the Terminal Tower might be in Fairport Harbor.

Hikers, bikers and runners on the Towpath travel in the wake of history. The reminders are sometimes subtle, but always present.

Following the canal

The paved path south first hugs the east bank of the Cuyahoga River in the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation.

The canal first comes into view a couple miles down the path. Just up the hill on a side path is the CanalWay Center on E. 49^th St. in Cuyahoga Heights, which serves as a visitors center and gateway to the 306-acre reservation. The access path offers a nice vista of the valley, and the canal basin itself has enough water to attract fishermen.

As we approached the first of our many crossings under (and over) I-77, a restored lock came into view, offering a surprising perspective on how narrow the old canal boats had to be in order to pass through the locks, which raised or lowered the boats as the terrain changed so the canal could remain relatively level.

It is worth noting the canal boats did not have motors. They were towed on ropes attached to teams of draft horses, which walked on the accompanying path - a towpath. Families lived and worked on the canal boats including, as a young man, President James A. Garfield, who grew up near Orange.

The mostly flat terrain is good news for bikers and hikers, too. But man had other plans for us in Valley View. Two majestic white, cable-stayed bridges over Warner and Granger Roads let Towpath users avoid plenty of traffic, but at the cost of scaling a couple quick inclines. Not helping matters was the smell of lunch cooking at a nearby Big Boy restaurant. The area offers plenty of parking for easy access to the Towpath.

One of two steel-cable Towpath Trail bridges in Valley View, with the I-480 bridge in the distance.Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer 

We encountered so many bridges, few more impressive than the massive I-480 bridges towering over the Towpath. Thousands of daily commuters probably have no idea how peaceful is the valley below.

Much of the towpath survived in various conditions for more than 150 years before area park systems took interest. Richard Miller, 68, of Parma Heights was biking with his daughter, Jill, in Brecksville when he paused to tell us of hiking there 40 years ago.

"A lot of people in the '60s wouldn't use it because it wasn't well known. It was mostly a dirt path,'' he said. "It's so much better now that it's paved and cleaned up. I come down here whenever I get the chance.''

Transportation of another sort is available at the Rockside Road entrance to the Brecksville Reservation. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway's northern terminus offers train rides to Akron and back on a restored passenger train, about 90 minutes each way with numerous stops for hikers and bikers to get on and off.

A popular day on the trails is to bike one way, and take the train back for just $3. Riders can flag the train at various platforms in the parks between Rockside and downtown Akron at 27 Ridge St.

The Towpath along Canal Road hugs the water-filled canal on its west bank. We spotted numerous blue herons perched stoically on branches of fallen trees, poised to stab unsuspecting fish.

Canal Road is home of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Canal Exploration Center, one of the best stops on the Towpath. A fully restored, operational lock sits outside the two-story building that houses a variety of interactive and hands-on exhibits that are kid-friendly. The replica general store has several period items for sale such as hard candies and fruit-flavored vinegar. When we visited on a slow afternoon, Interpretative Ranger Jackie Zevenbergen offered an extensive tour.

Outside the center, Jane Langston of Twinsburg was biking with her children, Madison, 9, and Carson, 6.

"We just picked up brochures for the kids to be Junior Rangers,'' she said. "They like to check out the canal locks and the big bridges and the museum stops.''

In the national park, the Towpath alternates between crushed gravel and pavement, and was well-maintained throughout Cuyahoga and Summit Counties. Despite a wet early summer, the gravel sections were smooth.

Bicycle Boom Town

The deeper we headed into the CVNP, the more woods and rolling terrain we encountered. The feel of a real trail enveloped as we sometimes lost contact with the canal and followed closer to the Cuyahoga River. A beautiful, winding boardwalk approaching a beaver marsh was one of my favorite sights. Bump-outs on the marsh allowed visitors to stop and watch for birds and beavers.

Workers maintain the Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The trail alternates between crushed gravel and paved sections, with a few wood boardwalks. The trail was in excellent condition in Cuyahoga and Summit counties, despite heavy rains earlier this summer. Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer 

The canal at times was little more than a muddy ditch, or a tree-filled depression until, suddenly, a lock would appear. The most stunning lock was Deep Lock south of Peninsula, so named for its enormous size so that it could lift and lower boats as much as 17 feet. It also is a short hike from a quarry that supplied Berea sandstone for the canal that was, in the early 19^th century, an engineering marvel.

The Towpath there is removed from urban life, but still easily accessible and can become crowded in the heart of the CVNP north of Akron. A visitor's center at Boston Mills is a popular attraction, as is Szalay's Farm & Market near Peninsula.

Bike rentals are available at several shops near the park, the busiest of which is Century Cycles in Peninsula, which has more than 50 bikes available. We had not planned to visit the shop until my front derailleur bent out of alignment and was in need of repair, as it happened, just outside of Peninsula.

I have visited the postcard-worthy town all my life and have never seen it more vibrant than in recent years. During most weekends, the streets are full of hikers and bikers who hop off the trail and come into town, or begin their journey there.

"We have seen growth every year because of Towpath,'' Century Cycles manager Doug Charnock said as he straightened my derailleur. Charnock has worked there 17 years. "The Towpath is getting more and more popular.

"It's an easy park to get to. It's safe. You don't have to do an epic, 12-mile hike to see something really cool. Brandywine Falls is a short hike, and so is Blue Hen Falls, but you can do long hikes if you want to.''

Intersecting with home

Adding to the flow are numerous scenic paths originating in the Summit Metro Parks that criss-cross the Towpath.

One of those trails, the hilly and pristine Schumacher Trail, connects with the Towpath near a dramatic foot bridge over the Cuyahoga River. Just beyond the bridge is a bench with a plaque dedicated to my parents, Jo Anne and Erland, who taught their four boys the joys of fishing and hiking and exploring these same parks. My mother was a park volunteer who completed the Summit Metro Parks hiking spree every year, well into her 80s. She was a Towpath regular.

After a brief visit to the bench, Ted and I pedaled toward our Day 1 destination, the Scenic Railway train station on Ridge Street, near the top of a long incline into downtown Akron - the toughest climb of the Towpath.

One of our final stops was to say goodbye to the Cuyahoga River at its southern point in Akron, at the intersection of Portage Path and Merriman Roads. There stands a massive bronze statue of a Native American carrying a canoe above his head. For hundreds of years before settlers ever dreamed of building a canal, Native Americans portaged their canoes eight miles on a well-worn path to the Tuscarawas River and beyond.

We came along for the ride much later.

Tomorrow: Day 2, from Akron to New Philadelphia, plus 10 things to see and do on the Towpath Trail. 

This video is a quick peek at Day 2.

Four-star wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell of Egg City Harbor (N.J.) Cedar Creek announced his commitment to Michigan during a ceremony on Thursday evening.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four-star wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell of Egg City Harbor (N.J.) Cedar Creek announced his commitment to Michigan during a ceremony on Thursday evening. 

Mitchell was down to Michigan and Ohio State before he picked the Wolverines, but there was some question as to whether the Buckeyes actually had a spot for him in their 2016 recruiting class. 

Rated the No. 7 athlete in the 247Sports composite rankings, Mitchell earned offers from Michigan State, Notre Dame, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and others before opting to pick the Wolverines. 

Mitchell was last on Ohio State's campus to try and earn a committable scholarship offer during the Buckeyes' Friday Night Lights camp on July 24. After that visit, he went straight to Ann Arbor for a visit with Michigan. 

Ever since that point, it's been Michigan and Ohio State, but the Wolverines were always in the driver's seat for the 6-foot-3, 206-pound prospect. 

On Thursday, Mitchell's connection to Michigan became official. 

Mitchell's announcement was done in an interesting way: With an aircraft flying over Atlantic City with a banner attached to it that read, "Go Blue." 

Ahmir Mitchell will play for Michigan pic.twitter.com/ByfznB6sMM

-- John Russo (@ACPress_Russo) August 27, 2015

Below is a video of Mitchell with new highlights and a recent interview. 

The Progressive North American In-Water Demo Boat Show has taken over Cedar Point Marina in Sandusky through Sunday, Aug. 30.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Outdoors Calendar for Aug. 28.

Aug. 27-30: Progressive North American In-Water Demo Boat Show, Cedar Point Marina, Sandusky. Show hours: Thursday-Friday, noon-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $10, seniors $8, kids 12 and under free.

Aug. 27-29: Rayovac FLW Series Pro-Am Bass Tournament, Northern Division, Lake Erie at Shelby Street Boat Launch, Sandusky. For information visit flwfishing.com.

Aug. 29: Northern Open Anglers Association bass tournament trail, West Branch Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Aug. 29-30: 3-D Dog Days Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

Aug. 29-30: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Sept. 1: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

Sept. 6: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

Sept. 11-13: Second Pyramid Air Airgun Competition, Tusco Rifle Club, New Philadelphia.

Sept. 12: 2105 Zombie Invasion Archery Shoot, Geuaga Bowmen, 12525 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shooting from 4 p.m. until dark, $5 fee. Second Zombie Invasion Archery Shoot on Oct. 10. For information visit geaugabowmen.com

Sept. 12: KSU LaDO Bass Series, LaDue Reservoir. Two-angler teams, electric motors only. Gas boats now permitted. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Sept. 12: Sportsman's Festival Gun Raffle for the Andover Volunteer Fire Department, noon-7 p.m., Ashtabula County Fairgrounds, 127 N. Elm St., Jefferson. $50 donation. Buffet, free beer and beverages. Call 440-293-7991 or visit avfdrunraffle.com

Sept. 12-13: 3-D Deer Archery Shoot and Corn Roast, Geauga Bowmen Archery, 12575 Sperry Rd. Chesterland. Registration from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Public welcome, youth equipment available. Entry $10, kids $5. For information call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756, or visit www.geaugabowmen.com.

Sept. 12-13: 58^th annual Coon Dog Field Trial, Mahoning County Coon Hunters Protective Association at the Mahoning County Coon Hunters Club Grounds, U.S. 422, 3.5 miles west of Canfield. Signup from 8-10 a.m. For information contact tship40@aol.com

Sept. 12-13: 2-Day Fall Rendezvous 3-D Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17^th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. each day. Entry $12 per day, juniors $6, cubs free. Drawings and door prizes. For information visit lostarrowarchery club.com

Sept. 13: SCSA annual Ox Roast, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Tickets $20 and include beverages. Music by the Geeze Cats, Cleveland Browns on televisions, raffles and games. Kids can enjoy Inflatable Bounce House, fishing. For tickets call Harry Arnold, 440-888-1163.

Sept. 16: Entries open at 10 a.m. for Fish Huron Walleye Challenge, Huron Boat Basin, Huron. Maximum 100 teams, entry $325 per team of 2 to 6 anglers. Enter at FishHuronOhio.com. For details see Oct. 16 tournament listing.

Sept. 19: U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance annual Save Our Heritage Rally featuring Editor Anthony Licata of Field & Stream, Aladdin Shrine Center, Columbus. Tickets $50. Doors open at 3 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. Raffles, games, door prizes. For tickets call 614-888-4868 or visit ussportsmen.org.

Sept. 19-20: 3-D Archery Shoot at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public, crossbows permitted. Registration on Saturday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) Adults $10, kids $5. Breakfast 8-10 a.m., lunch after 10 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or contact Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Sept. 19-20: FLW Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Pro-Am Bass Tournament, Indian Lake, Indian Lake State Park, Lakeview. For information visit flwoutdoors.com.

Sept. 19-20: The X-Series Bass Tournaments Championship presented by Vic's Sports Center, The Long Point Shootout, Chautauqua Lake, N.Y. For information visit thex-series.com or call George Byers, 330-559-6454 (evenings).

Sept. 20: 3-D Archery Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Registration 8-11 a.m. Fee $10, cubs 12 and under free. For information call Jeremiah Champ (216-650-1748) or visit scsasportsmen.com

Sept. 20: Bowhunter Warmup 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, 2276 Seeman St. SW (off Battlesburg Rd.) Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com or call Matt Williams (330-575-0744) or Gary Williams (330-484-6535).

Sept. 24: Monthly meeting of the Chagrin River Salmon Association, 7 p.m., Erie Rd., just north of Lakeshore Blvd., Eastlake. Call President Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

Sept. 24-26: Bassmaster Northern Open, Lake Erie at Sandusky. Weigh-ins on first two days at Shelby Street Public Boat Launch in Sandusky at 3 p.m. Final-day weigh-in at 4:15 p.m. at Bass Pro Shop, Rossford, Ohio. For information visit the Bass anglers Sportsman Society at bassmaster.com.

Sept. 26: Electric Elite Invitational Bass Tournament, Mogadore Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Sept. 27: KSU LaDO Bass Series Championship, LaDue Reservoir. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Oct. 1-4: Lake and Trails Youth Outdoor Camp hosted by the Lake and Trails Organization, FFA Camp Muskingum, Carrollton. Registration opens July 15. Visit lakeandtrails.org or contact President Karen Metzker, Karen@lakeandtrails.org.

Oct. 6: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

Oct. 10: Zombie Invasion Archery Shoot, Geuaga Bowmen, 12525 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shooting from 4 p.m. until dark, $5 fee, costume contest. For information visit geaugabowmen.com

Oct. 11: Electric Elite Invitational Fall Open Bass Tournament, Mogadore Reservoir. Two-angler teams. Visit Franks Bass Fishing Promotions at dobass.com.

Oct. 15: Hunting Film Tour, Chagrin River Little Theatre, 40 River St., Chagrin Falls. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., film begins at 7:15 p.m. Tickets $10 ina dvance at Great Lakes Outdoor Supply, $15 at door.

Oct. 17: Fish Huron Walleye Challenge, Huron Boat Basin, Huron. Maximum 100 teams, entry $325 per team of 2 to 6 anglers. Annual dinner and raffle on Oct. 16 at Mesenburg Hall, 503 S. Main St., Huron benefits Wounded Warrior groups, Outreach Walleye Club and college scholarships. For entry information visit fishhuronohio.com/pds/

Oct. 22-24: Cabela's MWC World Walleye Championship, Masters Walleye Circuit, Huron City Ramp, Huron. For information visit masterswalleyecircuit.com.

Oct. 29: Monthly meeting of the Chagrin River Salmon Association, 7 p.m., Erie Rd., just north of Lakeshore Blvd., Eastlake. Call President Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

Nov. 3: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

Nov. 22: Monthly meeting of the Chagrin River Salmon Association, 7 p.m., Erie Rd., just north of Lakeshore Blvd., Eastlake. Call President Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

Dec. 1: Northeast Ohio Walleye Association monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jack's Riverside Grill, 35901 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby. New members welcome. Contact Joe Hrovat, 440-479-2488, walleyejoeh@yahoo.com

2016 EVENTS

March 4-6: The Niles Sportsman's Show, Eastwood Expo Center behind Eastwood Mall, State Route 422, Niles. Visit Fish & Field Report at fish,fieldreport.com.

2015-2016 HUNTING SEASONS

• Mourning Dove: Sept. 1-Nov. 8 and Dec. 12-Jan. 1
• Squirrel: Sept. 1-Jan. 31
• Ruffed Grouse: Oct. 10-Jan. 31
• Woodcock: Oct. 10-Nov. 23
• Youth Small Game: Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1
• Cottontail Rabbit: Nov. 6-Feb. 29
• Pheasant: Nov. 6-Jan. 10
• Bobwhite Quail: Nov. 6-Nov. 29
• Fox, raccoon: Nov. 10-Jan. 31
• Fall wild turkey: Oct. 10-Nov. 29
• Coyote and wild boar: No closed season
• Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.

WATERFOWL SEASONS

• Early Canada Goose: Sept. 1-15
• Early Teal: Sept. 5-20
• Sora, Virvinia rail: Sept. 1-Nov. 9
• Common Moorhen: Sept. 1-Nov. 9
• Common snipe: Sept. 1-Nov. 29 and Dec. 19-Jan. 4

2015-2016 DEER SEASONS

• Archery: Sept. 26-Feb. 7
• Youth Gun Season: Nov. 21-22
• Gun Season: Nov. 30-Dec. 6 and Dec. 28-29
• Muzzleloader Season: Jan. 9-12, 2016

SPRING 2016 SEASONS

• Youth Turkey: April 16-17, 2016
• Spring Turkey: April 18-May 15, 2016

The Big Ten Network announced the college basketball schedule on Thursday evening, so Ohio State now knows its complete 2015-16 slate.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Big Ten Network announced the college basketball schedule on Thursday evening, so Ohio State now knows its complete 2015-16 slate.

The Buckeyes already knew they had some interesting non conference games like the Big Ten-ACC Challenge matchup with Virginia and the trip to UConn, but now they have a better idea of what's facing them in the conference. 

Ohio State kicks off the Big Ten schedule with two home games, the opener on Dec. 30 at home vs. Minnesota. Other tests include a five-game stretch in mid-January that consists of four road games at Northwestern, Indiana, Maryland and Purdue. 

The end of the season always seems to have a good share of drama, too. The Buckeyes are set to play Michigan State twice in its final three regular-season games, including the finale in East Lansing. 

Here's the full Ohio State 2015-16 basketball schedule: 

Nov. 15: Mount St. Mary's

Nov. 17: Grambling

Nov. 20: UT-Arlington

Nov. 24: Louisiana Tech

Nov. 27: Memphis (in Miami, Fla.)

Dec. 1: Virginia (Big Ten-ACC Challenge)

Dec. 5': VMI

Dec. 8: Air Force

Dec. 12: at UConn

Dec. 16: Northern Illinois

Dec. 19: Kentucky (in Brooklyn)

Dec. 22: Mercer

Dec. 27: South Carolina State

Dec. 30: Minnesota

Jan. 3: Illinois

Jan. 6: at Northwestern

Jan. 10: at Indiana

Jan. 13: Rutgers

Jan. 16: at Maryland

Jan. 21: at Purdue

Jan. 25: Penn State

Jan. 28: at Illinois

Jan. 31: Maryland

Feb. 4: at Wisconsin

Feb. 9: Northwestern

Feb. 13: at Rutgers

Feb. 16: Michigan

Feb. 20 or Feb. 21: at Nebraska

Feb. 23: Michigan State

Feb. 27 or Feb. 28: Iowa

March 5 or March 6: at Michigan State

Johnny Manziel will rest his sore elbow for the final two preseason games, and he won't press Josh McCown for the starting job anymore. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- With Johnny Manziel shut down for the final two preseason games, it's finally safe to say that Josh McCown will start the opener Sept. 13  against the Jets.

Or is it?

"I think I've said he's the starter without saying it,'' said Pettine, who's steadfastly maintained all preseason that McCown is firmly the No. 1.

But for some inexplicable reason, even with Manziel resting his sore elbow for the rest of the preseason, Pettine won't utter the magic words.

"Not today,'' he said. "When the league says I have to name a starter, I'll name a starter.''

With two games in five days -- Saturday in Tampa and Thursday in Chicago -- Manziel will rest the elbow for at least the next week or so.

 "Just given the short week and us not wanting to put him out there against Chicago, I could see he'll be down for the next two,'' said Pettine.

New Browns quarterback Pat Devlin, signed Thursday morning, practiced with the team for the first time Thursday afternoon, but will only face the Bucs on emergency basis.

Instead, McCown will start the game and play into or through the third quarter, and Thad Lewis will finish it off. Thursday against the Bears, however, McCown might rest while Lewis and Devlin share the load.

Pettine revealed that Manziel -- coming off his 11-play, 96-yard TD drive against the Bills -- was slated for some work against the Bucs' first team defense. It would've marked his first action against starters this preseason.

 "You would've liked for him to get meaningful reps in the Tampa game,'' said Pettine. "The plan was to get him the work potentially in the second quarter in the Tampa game. That's obviously not going to happen now. He would have played probably a half against Chicago. You can't get those reps back so he'll lose out on all that real-game experience.

"We're very pleased where he's at currently and if we truly felt like, 'hey, he needs to get out there and get some reps,' this is something we could have worked through, but we felt like heading into the season, it's a long year and shut him down and rest it and make sure he's 100 percent once we head to New York."

Pettine acknowledged it was important to get Manziel some reps against starters before the regular season, even though he'll be the backup.

 "Any team wants to get their backup work because at some point during the season you don't want the first time he steps out there with the ones against the live competition to be at that point,'' he said.

 Pettine said Manziel, who hasn't been available to the media since he aggravated the elbow on Sunday,  is upset that he can't play Saturday night in the dress rehearsal game. After the Bills game, Manziel was still talking like he thought he had a chance to win the starting job.

 "He's upset that it got to this point, but he didn't fight us as far as him saying, 'forget this I'm going to go out and do it,'' said Pettine. "He's smart enough to realize that it's the smart thing to do."

 Pettine indicated that the Browns were aware that Manziel has issues with his elbow dating back to high school, which he revealed on Wednesday.

"I'm sure there was something in the medical reports about it, but it had been managed,'' he said. "I think it just got to the point where it flared up. There is no real update on that."

Pettine said it hasn't been determined when Manziel will start throwing again. In practice on Thursday, he didn't even bother tossing in warmups with his left hand like he did on Wednesday. Nor did he hand the ball off to running backs in the early open portion of practice like he did on Wednesday.

 "At some point we'll make the determination, let's see how it feels, and to me that's a training room, doctor's decision: does he pick up a ball and start throwing again?'' said Pettine. "And how many times does he do it? And how do we test it to make sure we're not overdoing it and not rushing him back from it?

Pettine said the Browns are confident with McCown as their starter even though Manziel didn't get a chance to press him another time or two.

"We're confident because we feel good about the roster that we put around him,'' said Pettine. "Josh has proven time and time again that he's a good decision-maker. Outside of the one play against Buffalo where he forced it, he's outstanding with the offense, understanding at the checks, the run game.

"Just the ability to lift the guys up around him to help them out, understanding if he senses the back is unsure of his assignment or there's a little confusion on the offensive line as far as a protection call or a guy's not getting lined up right, he has such a good sense of all of it. He's a very calming influence in the huddle.''

Besides, the Browns determined when they signed McCown that they weren't going to put it all on him.

"To me, he's one of 11,'' said Pettine. "I know it's the most important position, but he's not going to look good if we don't play well around him, but I think that's true of any quarterback. We're very confident in Josh's ability and what he's done from the day he walked in the door here."

And one of these days, Pettine might even state the obvious and name him the starter.

Cleveland Indians first three batters are hitting .360 since the All-Star break, but Tribe still ranks No. 10 in runs scored in the second half.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking to myself about the Indians...

Question: Aren't they a much better team since the All-Star break?

Answer: Depends on how you look at it.

Q: What does that mean?

A: The record is 18-20 since the All-Star break. In the first half, they were 42-46.  Those are the stats, not much difference.

Q: So why do they seem more interesting?

A: That may just be true for hardcore Tribe followers, and I'm part of that group. They have been better to watch because Francisco Lindor has been sensational. And Michael Brantley has been Michael Brantley, a classy star and clutch hitter. And Jason Kipnis might win a batting title. And the team just seems to have more spirit.

Q: Did the trades of Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn have something to do with that?

A: They did, but not for the reason some believe. It's not that Bourn and Swisher were highly negative influences. Bourn was well liked in the clubhouse. When Swisher is not playing and producing, he is annoying. But their departure created openings for younger players. Sending them to Atlanta also gave notice the team would not simply stick with Swisher and Bourn because they each had 1 1/2 seasons left on huge contracts. They also traded David Murphy and Brandon Moss. So four veterans were sent elsewhere.

Q: What happened?

A: Players such as Jerry Sands, Abraham Almonte and Lonnie Chisenhall have been getting a chance to play. Will any be starting next season? Only Chisenhall seems to have a chance.

Q: Has moving to right field made Chisenhall a better hitter?

A: Too soon to write anything in ink. But since he returned from Class AAA and moved from third to right, Chisenhall is batting .388 (.991 OPS) with 2 HR and 12 RBI in 67 at-bats. Chisenhall has had hot streaks before. He batted .332 in the first half of 2014. Then he batted .214 in the second half of 2014 and into June -- when he was sent back to the minors.

Q: How is he in right field?

A: He's above average and very comfortable. Manager Terry Francona has been careful to use Chisenhall against right-handed pitchers, so there is no reason to believe he's ready to play 150 games next year. But perhaps he can help answer some of the outfield questions.

Q: Who are the outfielders for 2016?

A: There is Brantley in left field.

Q: That's it?

A: That's the only sure thing.

Q: What about center?

A: Almonte is a backup. Chisenhall has a lot to prove in right. In the minors are Tyler Naquin and Brad Zimmer, but the Tribe must find at least one veteran outfielder who can hit. Naquin was batting .324 in his last 10 games at Class AAA, but went on the disabled list with a strained hip. Naquin is hitting a combined .300 (.828 OPS) with 7 HR and 27 RBI, splitting the season between Class AA and AAA. He is more a leadoff hitter. Zimmer is batting a combined .289 (.867 OPS) with 16 HR and 63 RBI between Class A and AA. He has stolen 41 bases. But he is probably a year away.

Q: So what makes them more interesting?

A: Francisco Lindor and Giovanny Urshela have been fun to watch in the field. Lindor makes too many errors, but he also makes a lot of sensational plays. Urshela is the best defensive third baseman for the Tribe since Travis Fryman, the last Cleveland third baseman to win a Gold Glove. Lindor is not Omar Vizquel, but we've seen some Omar-like magic from him at short.

Q: Didn't the Tribe rank last in defense last season?

A: Sure did, be it in the old-fashioned ratings of committing more errors than any other American League team or the new advanced stats. This season, they are in the upper third in several defensive categories. The jump came with Lindor and Urshela. A healthy Kipnis is much better at second than a year ago. His rib cage injury limited his mobility in 2014 and messed up his swing.

Q: Can Kipnis win the batting title?

A: I hope so because it would be a tremendous comeback story. Kipnis signed a $55 million contract extension as the 2014 season opened. A few weeks later, he pulled an oblique muscle. He came back too soon, wanting to justify the new contract. He batted a career-low .240 (.640 OPS). He now leads the American League with a .325 average.

Q: Do you think they will move Kipnis to the outfield?

A: Certainly not this year. I don't believe it has been seriously discussed for 2016. He was an outfielder at Arizona State and in his first pro season with the Tribe. But if they do that, would Jose Ramirez hit enough to be a regular second baseman? He has been better since coming back from the minors, but he's still hitting a soft .250 (.710 OPS) since the All-Star break. I see Ramirez in the Mike Aviles utility role next season.

Q: Why not drop Kipnis in the lineup to a spot where he can drive in more runs?

A: He is crushing the ball as a leadoff batter -- .339. He hits more to left and center field, rather than trying to pull the ball in the middle of the lineup. The Tribe has something special with Kipnis/Lindor/Brantley batting 1-2-3. They are hitting a combined .360 since the All-Star break. Look, I don't want to do anything with Kipnis. Leave him batting first, leave him playing second. It's really working.

Q: But the cleanup hitter?

A: Has mostly been MIA. Usually, it's been Carlos Santana. He is batting .224 (.734 OPS) with 15 HR and 61 RBI. His batting average and OPS have dropped in  each of the last three seasons. He is so streaky, and the slumps are lasting longer and longer. Yan Gomes (.223, 8 HR, 31 RBI) injured his knee early in the season and he's not the same guy who hit .278 (.785 OPS) with 21 HR and 74 RBI. That 2014 model would look good in the cleanup spot.

Q: Aren't the Indians scoring more runs in the second half?

A: Since the All-Star break, they are tied for 10th in the AL in runs scored. And the team they are tied with? Detroit. Go figure. In the first half, they ranked 12th.

Q: Not a big jump, right?

A: Exactly. Scoring runs remains an issue despite the three guys having incredible seasons at the top of the order.

Q: Doesn't the starting pitching give the Indians a chance to contend next season?

A: Yes.

Q: Why not this year?

A: The pitching overall has been good (3.82 ERA), but not great, ranking No. 6 in the American League. Let's face it, the Tribe has to find a way to score more runs next season if things are to change. That will require some trades for hitters, not easy. Pitching has taken over. Last season, only eight American League players hit at least 30 homers. Santana ranked 12th in the AL with 27 HR.

Q: And this season?

A: Eight players have 30 homers. There are 11 with at least 25. Santana leads the Indians with 15. Then comes Brantley with 11 and Gomes with eight. It's as hard to find a legitimate power hitter as it is a big-time starting pitcher.

Q: So maybe the Indians will have to trade one of their starters for a hitter?

A: They will talk about that in the off-season. That would be painful for the front office, but it may be the only way to acquire a viable power hitter.

Q: Would you do it?

A: I absolutely love the idea of another year of Corey Kluber/Carlos Carrasco/Trevor Bauer/Danny Salazar at the top of the rotation. Between Josh Tomlin or Cody Anderson, they should have a No. 5 starter. But the pressure to score more runs is real. With pitching like this, there is an urgency to score more runs soon and take advantage of all those gifted arms. The Indians must seriously consider it.

Pro Bowl cornerback isn't concerned about naysayers, believes roster is 'very talented.' Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - It's always blue skies and sunshine in Joe Haden's world. The Browns cornerback might live in Cleveland, but his disposition is on loan from Southern California.

Let the outsiders pick apart the roster and question the amount of playmakers, particularly on the offense. Haden doesn't have time for the skepticism, however justified.

"Aw, man, we have a very talented roster," Haden said Thursday. "That's the thing. We don't lack in talent in any position, so I just think that, especially with our wide receivers, they don't get as much credit as they deserve, but I think that group is going to be a good group.

"We're full of talent. We have a lot of young guys that are hungry and thirsty and ready to play. Talent-wise, there's no problem."

That's probably news to prognosticators who are forecasting another below .500 season for the Browns. 

Haden is expected to make his preseason debut Saturday night in Tampa against the Buccaneers. The returns of the Pro Bowl corner, who's been nursing a hamstring injury, and safety Tashaun Gipson (calf) will allow the Browns to have their starting secondary intact for the dress rehearsal game.

Haden isn't worried about the spate of nagging injuries and the impact they could have on the defense's continuity. He believes one preseason game is enough for a veteran group to jell in its second year in Mike Pettine's scheme.

Even as Haden pledged confidence in the offense and its journeyman quarterback -- "I really, really, honestly, love Josh McCown" -- he knows many outcomes will be decided by the success of his unit.

"We just know a lot of it is on us," Haden said. "We have to make plays and make it happen."

The corner believes the run defense will improve thanks to a revamped line, anchored by rookie nose tackle Danny Shelton, as long as players trust the scheme. He became the latest to admit the Browns were often guilty last season of not following assignments against the run.

"The one big thing about our D-line and linebackers is just staying in your gap, not trying to make a play that's not yours," he said. "You're in your gap for a reason."

Haden also knows he must improve. The corner started slowly last season and has no intention of doing it again. He calls Shelton his new "best friend" because of the nose tackle's pocket-collapsing potential and what it could mean to a defense, which ranked first in pass breakups and second in interceptions a year ago. He also sees a little of himself in Shelton.

"Danny is my type of guy," Haden said. "He's always happy, always smiling. He's just a very positive guy and at the end of the day he's a ball player. He knows how to play ball."

Coach's call

Mike Pettine revealed quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell had a major impact in the decision to sign Pat Devlin, the backup who will provide the Browns with a healthy arm while Johnny Manziel rests his aching elbow.

O'Connell was part of the Dolphins staff in 2011 when the franchise signed Devlin as an undrafted free agent. The quarterback is not expected to play against the Buccaneers unless there's an injury to McCown or Thad Lewis.

Real McCoy

The Buccaneers' defensive front is not as potent as the Bills, but they feature one of league's elite tackles in Gerald McCoy. The three-time Pro Bowler is a major focus - if there's such a thing in preseason - for the Browns on Saturday night. He's registered a combined 18 sacks over the past two years, including a pair last season against the Browns.

"We have a ton of respect for a guy like McCoy," guard John Greco said. "He's capable of destroying a play single-handedly. ... Gerald is extremely quick off the ball and has a great first step."

Funny guy

Greco is one of the team's more underrated quotes. He proved it again Wednesday when asked why the offensive linemen didn't fall victim to the rash of soft-tissue injuries plaguing the Browns.

"I don't think big, fat guys have hamstrings," he said. "I don't think we move fast enough to make that happen."

Staying positive

The Browns haven't proclaimed Greco as the starting right guard, but it's becoming more obvious by the day. That means versatile Cameron Erving, the No. 19 overall pick, is likely to start the season as a reserve.

Pettine said Erving is not moping over his role.

"His attitude's been great," the coach said. "You can tell that's one of the reasons he's here - he loves to play football, loves to be out there, smile on his face. I think he is a team guy through and through. We're very pleased with where Cam is."

Draughn returns

Running back Shaun Draughn, who's missed time with a hand injury, is likely to play Saturday in a special-teams capacity.

"He is going to have to cast it up and cover it up like a big Q-tip looking thing," Pettine said. "We do not plan on him handling the ball, but at least he can still get out there and play some of the phases of special teams, maybe not all of them that he normally would."

The coaching staff likes Draughn and it would surprise few to see him earn a roster spot.

Injury news

Players who did not practice Thursday: OL Michael Bowie (shoulder), DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (knee), DB Justin Gilbert (hip flexor), DL Ishmaa'ily Kitchen (groin), FB Luke Lundy (concussion), LB Barkevious Mingo (knee), DB Robert Nelson Jr. (hamstring), DB Jordan Poyer (concussion), QB Connor Shaw (right thumb), TE Randall Telfer (foot), OL Joe Thomas (rest), DB K'Waun Williams (abdominal) and RB Glenn Winston (knee).

Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed talk all things Browns as the team prepares to play Tampa Bay on Saturday night. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns have a new quarterback, a familiar quarterback appears done for the preseason and a former quarterback is struggling to get on the field as a wide receiver.

Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed look back on Thursday's practice session with the Browns and peek ahead to Tampa Bay on Saturday night. Topics discussed include:

• Johnny Manziel likely to miss rest of preseason.
• Terrelle Pryor struggling to get back on the field.
• Pat Devlin added at quarterback.
• Joe Haden and the secondary getting healthy.

Get complete coverage of Browns practice and this weekend's game at cleveland.com/browns.

See Players of the Week for Aug. 27, 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are the cleveland.com Players of the Week for Aug. 27. Players of the Week win a free SAT or ACT class with College Review. Call 216-831-2557 or visit collegereview.org online.

Scroll to the bottom for information on how coaches can nominate an athlete for this honor.

Also see below for a poll asking which athlete had the most impressive week. Note that the poll is just for fun. It has no expiration and there is no “winner” declared.

Players of the Week are awarded every week in the regular season. Look for the feature Thursdays on cleveland.com and Fridays in The Plain Dealer.

BOYS GOLF

Name: Zac Supelak.

School: Walsh Jesuit.

Year: Junior

Height, weight: 6-2, 145.

College: Undecided.

What Zac did last week: Made his first hole in one as he aced the 192-yard, No. 12 at Brookledge. Earned individual runner-up honors at the Hudson High School Invitational by firing a 72.

Three Questions with Zac

Q: What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game?

A: “I just have a good all-around game with an ability to score.”

Q: Can you describe what happened on that hole in one?

A: "I used a 5-iron. There are trees around the hole and it was shady and I didn’t see it go in. There were a couple of people watching from a hill up on the side and they all said it went in.”

Q: Who is your favorite pro golfer and why?

A: “Jordan Spieth. I can relate to him. I feel like our games are similar and I like how he talks about all of his shots with his caddie.”

GIRLS SOCCER

Name: Abby King.

School: Western Reserve Academy.

Year: Sophomore.

College: Undecided.

What Abby did last week: She scored three goals in her team’s season-opening, 8-0 win over West Muskingum.

Three Questions with Abby

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or routines that help you get hyped before a match?

A: "I always listen to music that pumps me up while I think about the game ahead."

Q: What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game and why?

A: "I believe my strongest part of the game is my focus on the field. I try to stay mentally engaged so I know what to do and where to be during the play." 

Q: Who is your favorite athlete - pro or amateur - and why?

A: "Carli Lloyd (of U.S. Women's National Team) because she is very humble and she puts one hundred percent effort into everything she does. I think that is something a team greatly values."

VOLLEYBALL

Name: Allyson Smith.

School: Walsh Jesuit.

Year: Senior.

Height: 5-10.

College: Undecided.

What Allyson did last week: In a season-opening win over Stow she recorded seven digs and two blocks while recording a hitting percentage of .588 with no hitting errors.

Three Questions with Allyson

Q: What are your team’s goals for the season?

A: “We really want to win state, so we are really working hard at practice to get there.”

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or do anything to get you hyped to play before a game?

A: “We as a team go into the chapel and pray before every game.”

Q: What do you consider to be the strength of your game?

A: “My hitting has been phenomenal the first couple games. I have the highest hitting percentage on the team, so I’d say it’s that.”

How to nominate an athlete for Players of the Week

Players of the Week are chosen every week in the regular season. Coaches can nominate an athlete anytime between the end of all games in a week and Monday at noon. Go to cleveland.com/potw to access the nomination form. Fill in all the blanks, especially the part on what the athlete did that week. Again, the deadline is Monday at noon. Only coaches can nominate an athlete.

For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Michael Fitzpatrick is a freelancer from Lorain.

Chocolate Thunder was a good player trapped in a body that created expectations of greatness. He was also an unforgettable character.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Was it Darryl Dawkins or Memorex?

That was the "lede", as we said in those jargon-filled days, on my game story a long time ago when I worked in Philaldelphia.

Now, you have to be of a certain age to catch the reference to a brand of recording tape made famous by jazz stylist Ella Fitzgerald in a TV commercial. Ellla would hit a high note that might have had dogs howling and a glass nearby would shatter. Then the tape would be replayed and the glass would shatter again.

"Was it Ella or Memorex?" the commercial would ask.

This questioned applied to Dawkins on the night he broke his second backboard in three weeks in 1979. Fines and equipment refinements such as a breakaway rim prevented Darryl from going for three boards or even for some kind of Grand Slam after that.

Dawkins died Thursday far too soon at the age of 58, leaving far too much laughter unheard.

The first LeBron, not the next Wilt

The 6-11 center was the first LeBron James, entering the NBA straight out of high school in Florida in 1975.

The problem was that he was a big man and played in Philadelphia, so he was supposed to be the next Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt averaged 50 points per game in the 1961-62 season, and Dawkins never scored 50 in a single game. But Darryl was about entertainment, not records.

He was always a good player, trapped in a body that created expectations of greatness.

Lovetron

Darryl.

He will always seem to be on a first name basis, or at least a monogrammed basis. The latter would be as in, "Hey, Double D! What's the news from Lovetron."

Lovetron was Darryl's imaginary home planet. Chocolate Paradise was its "suburb." Chocolate Thunder was a name Stevie Wonder bestowed on him. Every crazy, funny, smart, silly, hilarious term you can think of was probably included in some of the names he gave his dunks.

Chocolate Thunder flying

On the night of the first blasted backboard, with a nod to defender Bill Robinzine of the Kansas City Kings, who scurried out of the way, Dawkins dubbed the dunk the "Chocolate Thunder-flying, glass-flying, Robinzine-crying, rump-roasting, bun-toasting, wham, bam, I am jam!"

For extemporaneous wit, it won't be matched.

The first bullet

Dawkins did a column for the old Philadelphia Journal, "The Dunkateer Talks Back."  In it, he referred to the beat writers by his nicknames for us.

I was "Sausage Nose." I have never felt the proboscis was deserving of the name, but I had to live with it.

After a disappointing game against Bob Lanier, then with the powerful Milwaukee Bucks, Dawkins sat at his locker, taking full blame for the defeat, saying the primitive face mask he wore to protect his own broken nose (Column aside: Hah!) had no effect on his poor play, and vowing that he would work through his slump.

The beat guys stood in a semi-circle, waiting until he was finished.

"Well, c'mon, Sausage," Dawkins said to me. "You usually shoot the first bullet."

The cowlick

He was the eternal big kid who bonded immediately with former Cavalier World B. Free back when he was just known as Lloyd and the pair were 76ers rookies.

Darryl had a cowlick as a rookie. I remember this because the editors at the now defunct "Black Sports" magazine, for whom I did a story about him, were fascinated by that.

Time for Darryl to fight

In the second game of the 1977 NBA Finals at the Philadelphia Spectrum, Dawkins and Portland's ferocious Maurice Lucas squared off to fight at center court as fans surged from the stands and stormed the court, creating a dangerous scene.

A fan leaped on the courtside press table and left the muddy imprint of the sole of his shoe on my notebook, then sprang onto the court.

Dawkins bobbed and weaved and ducked and all but Ali Shuffled while Lucas stood waiting, his fist cocked. When Julius Erving tried to grab Dawkins from behind to pull him away, the big center reflexively jerked out his elbow and popped Dr. J in the mouth.

Erving calmly walked to the foul circle and sat down, while fans stampeded around him. "Doug Collins tried to break it up. I tried to break it up," Erving said after the Sixers took a 2-0 lead. "When that failed, it was time for Darryl to fight."

Darryl wasn't a fighter, though. He was a dunker.

The Sixers lost the next four games and the series.

Never before or since

Finally, there was a dunk he missed during a game in Denver, I think it was, although it might have been Seattle. Open on the baseline, Darryl took a pass, wrapped both huge hands around the ball, drew it back behind his head, then threw down what should have been the stuff of his dreams.

The ball did not touch the rim, but hit the net and somehow, I swear I am not making this up, perhaps because of some freak of tension in the net strings, bounced right back out, as though it had struck a trampoline.

The Sixers lost that one. Obviously, it was not going to be their night.

I never saw anything like it. Not before. Not since.

Darryl was like that, in what he said and what he did. Stunned as I am by his death, like the others who covered him, I will smile when I think about him. There are worse things to leave people who knew you.

Hoban linebacker Jack Griffith scores on two botched punts as the Knights roll past the Bulldogs.

AKRON, Ohio -- Archbishop Hoban senior linebacker Jack Griffith's touchdown return off a deflected Canton McKinley punt in the first quarter highlighted a brilliant opening-night performance for the Knights, who went on to defeat the visiting Bulldogs, 49-0 on Thursday at Dowed Field.

Hoban, 1-0, got two rushing touchdowns and 91 yards from junior Todd Sibley and a pair of Danny Clark-to-Jonah Morris TD passes as it built a 28-0 halftime lead.

But it was Griffith's first-quarter touchdown on a crazy McKinley punt that got the crowd buzzing.

When McKinley's opening drive stalled, Bulldogs quarterback Dominique Robinson dropped back to punt. His kick deflected off the backside of a Bulldogs lineman and hung in the air long enough for Griffith to snatch it out of the air and streak up the left sideline for a touchdown and a 14-0 Knights lead.

"My teammates filled the gaps and the ball took a lucky bounce," Griffith said. "I was just thinking 'Please outrun the punter.'"

Sibley, who committed to Ohio State after his sophomore season, capped a second-quarter drive with his second score of the night on an eight-yard run midway through the period.

But minutes later, he was on the Hoban bench with his jersey off and his shoulder wrapped in ice after landing awkwardly on the turf.

"Todd's fine," Hoban coach Tim Tyrrell said. "The doctors were just being cautious with him with the score of the game. It's just a bruised shoulder."

Sophomore RB Will Collier played the second half in relief of Sibley and scored on a 30-yard run in the third quarter.

Clark, starting his first game for the Knights after transferring from Massillon, guided the Hoban offense methodically down the field on Hoban's opening possession. He threw for 91 yards in the first half, including a 24-yard strike to Morris with less than a minute remaining.

"He's a pretty quick dude," Clark said of Morris. "I've got a cannon for an arm, and I can't out throw him or Nate Bauer. When I get back there and I get some kind of cover zero look, I'm throwing it as far as I can because I know they're going to get under it."

Sibley's four-yard touchdown run with less than two minutes gone by in the first quarter capped a 69-yard opening drive for Hoban.

For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact high school sports reporter Joe Noga on Twitter (@JoeNogaCLE), by email (jnoga@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

A look at local high school sports scores on Thursday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are high school sports highlights from Thursday. See below for information on how you team’s accomplishments can be recognized in these daily roundups.

BOYS GOLF

Brecksville 166, Nordonia 173

Jimmy Henyey led Brecksville to the win with a 37, while Brandon Pearl of Nordonia finished with a 39.

Firelands 181, Brooklyn 209

Hudson 162, Cuyahoga Falls 204

Nolan Laughlin led the Explorers with a 38, while his teammate Dave Sexton finished in second place with a 40.

Independence 166 ,Cornerstone Christian 201

Nick Brunsman led Independence by shooting a 38, while teammate Tyler Wilson was right behind him at 40.

Lutheran West 180, Wellington 205

Sam Everson helped Lutheran West get the win with a 42.

Madison 188, Brush 221

North Royalton 161, Wadsworth 164

Tyler Snyder led the Bears with a 36.

Rocky River 155, St. Edward 160

Ben Brej led the way for Rocky River with a 36.

Westlake 146, Avon Lake 149, Olmsted Falls 160

Jules Blakeley led the Demons to the victory by finishing the day with a 33. Brandon Bodis of Avon Lake finished second with a 35, while Olmsted Falls was led by Adam Skutt's 38.

GIRLS GOLF

Avon 170, Westlake 207, Olmsted Falls 236

Sarah Warnkin led Avon with a 40 to help the team get the victory.

Brunswick 204, Medina 214, Strongsville 216

Kaitlin Merholz helped the Blue Devils get the win with a 48, while Strongsville's Alyson Wohlleber won with a 46.

BOYS SOCCER

Berkshire 3, St. Martin de Porres 1

Cleveland Heights 5, Riverside 1

Hudson 2, GlenOak 0

Drew Saxer scored both goals for the Explorers.

Fairview 7, Rhodes 1

Lutheran West 11, Cuyahoga Heights 1

Westlake 1, Olmsted Falls 1

GIRLS SOCCER

Amherst 2, North Ridgeville 0

Taylor Moore had a big night for the Comets, scoring both of the goals.

GIRLS TENNIS

CVCA 5, Bay 0

Cate Mellot was a part of a terrific performance by the Royals, as she won her singles match, 6-0, 6-0.

Brush 3, Eastlake North 2

Hannah Peterson helped the Arcs get the victory by winning her singles match, 6-0, 6-0.

Magnificat 3, Hudson 2

Tess Moran was great in her singles match for Magnificat, winning 6-1, 6-0.

Orange 5, Hawken 0

Marcela Mack helped lead a dominating performance for Orange by winning her singles match 6-2, 6-1.

VOLLEYBALL

Amherst d. Midview 25-18, 23-25, 25-8, 25-12.

Avon d. North Olmsted 25-12, 25-11, 25-14.

Domenica Marino had 11 kills in the victory.

Geneva d. Orange 13-25, 25-15, 25-19, 19-25, 15-12.

Hawken d. Kirtland 25-15, 18-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-13.

Bailey Hagedorn had 16 kills in the win.

Holy Name d. Normandy 25-10, 25-14, 25-19.

Carly Stepic had 13 assists for the Green Wave.

Independence d. Beachwood 25-19, 25-12, 25-19.

Lexi Prokopius had four aces on the night to help Independence get the win.

Revere d. Copley 25-12, 25-8, 25-19.

Chole Stile did a good job of directing the Revere offense, as she finished with 25 assists.

Wadsworth d. Cuyahoga Falls 25-1, 25-11, 25-19

Kacie Evans had seven kills to help the Grizzlies to the victory.

How your team can be included in these roundups

These roundups are based on box scores and game notes entered in cleveland.com’s database by school or team representatives. If your team is not participating in the box score program please contact your athletic director or coach and encourage them to do so. They can obtain instructions and database login information from High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis at kdavis@cleveland.com.

The RubberDucks have won two in a row after dropping seven straight.

Eric Stamets' solo homer and an RBI double from Yandy Diaz rallied the RubberDucks in the eighth inning Thursday night, giving them a 6-5 victory over the Richmond Flying Squirrels in Akron.

Yandy DiazAkron RubberDucks 

The RubberDucks entered the eighth inning leading, 4-2, but the Flying Squirrels scored three times in the top of the inning to take a 6-5 lead.

But Stamets started the bottom of the inning with a homer to left field. Justin Toole singled, then went to second after a pitch from Richmond reliever Tyler Mizenko got past catcher Jackson Williams.

With one out, Carlos Moncrief drew an intentional walk, then Diaz brought in the winning run with a double to right field.

Richmond managed to get the tying run to third in the ninth inning, but Akron closer Jeff Johnson got Squirrels batter Mitch Delfino to ground out to end the game, giving Johnson his 25th save of the season.

Diaz finished 2-for-4 with two RBI, Moncrief was 2-for-4, Ronnie Rodriguez was 2-for-2 with two walks, and Toole was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Akron reliever Louis Head (3-3, 4.31 ERA) got the win despite pitching only a third of an inning. Starter Adam Plutko allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits with six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. 

See Ohio high school football statewide scores for Thursday, August 27.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Here are the Ohio high school statewide football scores for Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015.

Akr. Hoban 49, Can. McKinley 0

Bainbridge Paint Valley 36, Lancaster Fisher Cath. 6

Columbiana 44, Berlin Center Western Reserve 37

Defiance 20, Napoleon 14

Lucasville Valley 33, Portsmouth 0

Marion Elgin 49, Morral Ridgedale 13

Massillon Washington 41, Massillon Perry 37

Niles McKinley 50, Girard 41

Olmsted Falls 31, Parma 28, OT

Pickerington N. 37, Grove City Cent. Crossing 23

Poland Seminary 31, Alliance Marlington 20

Reading 53, Newport, Ky. 6

Rocky River 49, Fairview 0

Steubenville 53, Cle. JFK 0

Tol. Woodward 44, Oregon Stritch 6

Troy 42, Day. Chaminade Julienne 31

Zanesville Maysville 41, Crooksville 15

A look at the high school football games in the area on August 27.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here is a look at how local high school football teams fared on the first night of the 2015 season.

No 13 Archbishop Hoban 49, Canton McKinley 0

See Joe Noga’s recap on the Knights victory.

Olmsted Falls 31, Parma 28

The most competitive game among local teams on Thursday night was at Byers Field as Olmsted Falls defeated Parma in double overtime.

The Bulldogs were able to get off to a 14-0 lead early after quarterback Aaron Zawadzki scored on a three-yard touchdown early in the second quarter.

Trailing by 14 points at the half, the Redmen used big plays in the second half to take a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter.

However, Josh Jaeckin made a big play of his own for Olmsted Falls, as he scored a touchdown in the final minute to tie the game and send it to overtime.

Both teams would score in the first overtime, but in the second, Parma fumbled the ball on their first snap. The Bulldogs won the game on a 34-yard field goal by Ricky Castrigano.

Rocky River 49, Fairview 0

The Pirates offense was in mid-season form on Friday night, as the Pirates defeated the rivals, Fairview, 49-0.

Rocky River got things going with a 78-yard pass from Eric Jones to Brendan Conners to get things going. Jones connected with Evan Nugent on a 71-yard touchdown in the third quarter, while running back Dameon Crawford scored on runs of 51 and 17 to help Rocky River pull away.

The win was the first for head coach Josh Wells, who took over as job as Rick Adams went to Independence.

Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor understands that he's on the bubble to make the roster because of his strained hamstring, but is confident he can make big plays for the team. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor is as frustrated by his hamstring as the Browns are, but he's as determined as ever to make the team as a receiver.

"It's not discouraging me,'' he said. "I wouldn't use that word. But I think it's putting that fire in me. I see my teammates grinding, and it's like 'man I want to be out there with them so bad' and I see guys make great catches and I'm like, 'man I can do that.'

"I want to be out there making those plays. I've just got to take it one day at a time. Hopefully we can play Saturday. If not, hopefully I make the cut and then I can play next week's game and then make the team. I don't know."

Pryor returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis after aggravating the hamstring in the first joint practice against the Bills Aug. 17th. On Thursday, he kicked it up a notch, participating in some 11-on-11s after practice was closed to the media. If he wakes up and feels fine on Friday, he might debut against the Bucs Saturday night.

 "If he comes and says it's sore or if it stiffened up on him at the end, then there is a chance he doesn't go,'' said Pettine.

If it was up to Pryor, he'd suit up and play in the dress rehearsal game.

"I'd love to,'' he said. "It depends on (Friday). I caught about four or five balls in practice, so I felt good today, but it just really comes down to coach (Mike Pettine)  and what our trainer Joe (Sheehan) comes up with. To me, I want to go, but it's not my call.''

Pettine said the Browns aren't expecting miracles from Pryor if he plays.

"Just do his job,'' said Pettine. "We know he's a project. We understand that. We're not expecting him to go out there and light it up and catch 10 balls for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Just continue to get better. Our expectations weren't real high for him by the end of training camp to be a viable player at wideout. We understand it's a process.''

At the same time, the Browns have tough roster decisions to make beginning with the first cut to 75 on Tuesday and the final cut to 53 on Sept. 5.

"Even if he had stayed healthy and gotten every single snap, to go from a quarterback who has never played wideout a snap, to go through an NFL training camp when we have other players to get ready as well,  to announce that 'Hey, the project is complete. He can do this,' I think that would've been unrealistic,'' said Pettine. "It is a projection and the projection is we have less information to make that projection based on how training camp went for him."

Despite Johnny Manziel's sore elbow which will keep him out of the final two preseason games, the Browns aren't thinking about Pryor as a quarterback.

"I don't think they can even talk to me about anything right now because I've been hurt,'' he said.

Pryor understands offensive coordinator John DeFilippo saying there's a sense of urgency for him to play and for Pettine to say the window is narrowing on his chances.

"You don't want to see your guys in the cool tub and not practicing and stuff like that,'' said Pryor. "So I take it as the urgency when I get back out there to make the most of it and play hard and make some plays. I don't take it as any negatives. At the end of the day we all have to make decisions.''

 Pryor admitted that the strained hamstring, which he first suffered Aug. 4, has taken a toll.

"This injury has taken two things away from me,'' he said. "It's taken so many things away from me in terms of my love for the game. There are times I haven't seen my (one-year-old) son in three weeks. Not to be able to travel back (to a suburb of Pittsburgh) because I had to stay here - I'd only see him once a week. So it's not just on the field. It's off the field for me as well. ...Everything I do, I do to the best of my ability. I try to outwork the next man, but I know it's an iffy situation.''

Pryor clarified his remarks, explaining that the injury has robbed him of a chance to compete and to spend time with Terrelle Jr., but that he's as driven as ever to succeed in his new endeavor.

"My competitive spirit's at an all-time high,'' he said. "I see (my teammates) coming in, sweating. They have to get in the cool tub because they're tired. I've got to be in the cool tub because I'm hurt. But I have that burning desire to get out there. And it's taken that away from me. It's taken away from that day I get to see my son. Family's important to me. ....(but) I'm dedicated to coming back 100 percent and trying to get back as fast as possible.''

He said coaches and teammates have been supportive.

 "It kind of puts some fire in you when people tell you they want to see you come out and practice and be with the team and stuff like that,'' he said.

Pryor explained that he was feeling a little better before the hammy tightened up on him at St. John Fisher College, and that he may have rushed back.

"I practiced here for two days, then we rode the train,'' he said. "I have that competitive edge. We're going against a different team. These guys are trash talking or whatever. I just wanted to go out there and it was hurting and I didn't want to put myself in a terrible position. I tried to fight it out as much as I could. I tried to make great catches for the quarterbacks, which I made a couple. I tried to tough it out. I know I can't look back and say I didn't try."

Although it was painful, Pryor's been through much worse.

"I've played with a Lisfranc (foot injury) before at Ohio State,'' he said. "I broke my foot and played almost a quarter with it.  It was painful because I couldn't be explosive. I can't be the receiver and really attack the defense like I wanted to.''

He said the MRI in Buffalo looked better than the one after the initial strain in Cleveland. He added that his frustration will dissipate once he starts playing.

"I'll be fine because that's what I believe I'll be is a playmaker,'' he said. "That's the tough situation right now is that I haven't been on the field.''

He acknowledged however, that he has no idea if he'll make the team.

"Not everybody's going to be here for the Browns,'' he said. "I've been cut three times, four times. I know what it feels like and it is what it is. Would I like to be here? Absolutely. I know I could help this team and make plays for this team but at the same time I can't control the decisions they make. That's kind of on them and I'm going to move forward whatever happens."

The Orange football team defeated East Tech, 37-0, on Friday night.

PEPPER PIKE, Ohio -- The Orange football team started the 2015 season with a 37-0 win Friday night against East Tech.

Lamar Dixon opened the scoring with a 58-yard touchdown, while Dajuan White added touchdowns of 53 and 4 yards to help Orange pull away.