Berkshire RB Jarett Young and Hawken DB Cam Mazzone were the two local members of the Division V All-Ohio first team.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are the local first-teamers on the 2015 Associated Press Division V All-Ohio high school football team.

Berkshire RB Jarett Young made the first team on offense and Hawken DB Cam Mazzone made the first team on defense.

Below is a breakdown of the top Northeast Ohio honorees. Check out all players that made All-Ohio in our separate post about the Division V teams.

Cam Mazzone, Hawken, Sr., DB: There wasn't much Mazzone didn't do for the Hawks, but he was selected as a defensive back. There, he compiled 104 compiled 104 tackles and had five fumble recoveries during the regular season. Hawken finished 8-3.

Jarett Young, Berkshire, Sr., RB: Young set school records for rushing yards in a game and season. The Badgers made their first playoff appearance since 1981 behind Young's regular-season performance of 1,934 yards and 22 touchdowns on 196 carries.

Browns quarterback Josh McCown said not being available for the team "hurts more than the physical things.''

BEREA, Ohio -- Josh McCown suspected that his collarbone was broken the moment Raven's 300-pound Timmy Jernigan drilled him with 2:12 left in the third quarter of Monday night's 33-27 loss to the Ravens.

That's because it wasn't the first time he broke a bone this season -- and kept playing.

McCown, placed on injured reserve Wednesday with the collarbone, revealed that he played with broken ribs suffered in 24-6 loss to the  Rams game Oct. 25, which likely occurred on a hard blow to the chest and chin by safety Mark Barron with 6:08 remaining.

Also remaining face down and grabbing the sides of his head after that play, McCown did what he's done all season: dusted himself off and stayed in the game. He lasted three more plays that day before suffering a shoulder injury on a sack fumble just under a minute later and finally giving way to Johnny Manziel.

Asked how many ribs he broke in St. Louis, he said, "a couple would be fair.''

McCown never revealed if X-rays on the ribs after the game were negative, and didn't admit they were broken until his season-ending press conference Wednesday.

In fact, he started the following week against the Cardinals, and remained in the game even after linebacker Kevin Minter drilled him in the ribs with his helmet to aggravate the injury. McCown came out after one more excruciating drive in the fourth quarter.

"It's part of this game,'' McCown said. "I'm not the only guy in here that's fighting through stuff. You put a lot into this and everybody does so that's what's the hardest thing for me to deal with in this situation.  You just want to be available for your teammates and be there for your guys and so when you can't be it hurts. It hurts more than any of the physical things.''

That's why McCown went back in the game Monday night even after he knew the right collarbone was cracked. He winced and grimaced on the sidelines, then got up and started throwing. The Ravens remained on the field for more than eight minutes on a field goal drive that made it 27-20, , which gave him a chance to try to gut it out.

Ultimately, he lasted only two more plays, a short pass to Malcolm Johnson and a deep incompletion to Travis Benjamin that sent searing pain through the collarbone and forced him out of the game with 8:29 remaining.

"It hurt pretty bad (but) when I threw and I felt like I could get through a throwing motion,'' he said. "I was like, 'Let's give it a go.' Just leaving the field a few times this year, I didn't want to again and so to me it was like I want to just give every shot, every opportunity I could until it completely couldn't do it.

"So I made the first throw and I felt a little something and I made the second throw and felt a little something more then and knew at that point as much as I wanted to be out there, it's probably not fair to everybody else. I didn't know if I could push the ball down field the way I needed to.''

By the time the game was over, McCown knew his season was too. He walked out of the locker room with his arm in a sling and a dour expression on his face.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed with everything kind of it being the way it is. You have a set of goals that you plan on before the season and want to get accomplished and when you fall short of those obviously it's disappointing and so this adds to it for sure."

Related: Mike Pettine wants to see Johnny Manziel start again this season

McCown's injury-riddled season was foreshadowed on the first drive of the season, when he helicoptered into the end zone after marching downfield on his opening drive against the Jets, a 31-10 loss. Who knows what may have happened had he not left that game with a concussion.

McCown, who played at the same high level here that he did in 2013 with the Bears --  when he went 3-2 with 13 touchdown passes and only interception for a 109.0 rating -- is signed through 2017 and has every intention of playing for the Browns again.

"I'm under contract, so I'm here,'' he said. "When your season ends like mine has, your focus becomes 'what can I do to help us be better next year?' Until I'm told otherwise, I'll do everything I can to serve the guys and this team and organization moving forward. That starts with the next five weeks and on into the offseason."

Asked about the Browns' options for him, he said, "You can be cut. That's what we call it. Obviously, I don't control that. My expectation is to be here. If that changes, then it changes. Being a part of this city and organization and understanding how badly people want to get this thing turned around, I'd definitely love to be a part of that. If I get that opportunity I'd love to."

McCown, 36, bowed out as the No. 13th quarterback in the NFL with a 93.3 rating. He completed 63.7 percent of his passes and threw 12 touchdowns against only four interceptions. He went 1-7, but had no supporting cast -- including the 30th ranked defense and a running game tied for 31st in the league. He played so well this season that if he's not the starter here next season, other teams will undoubtedly eye him in a trade.

"I felt good, especially the situation I went through last year (1-10 on a bad Bucs team with no offensive coordinator), just to be back in a system again with veteran NFL coaches that have been in the league awhile,'' he said. "I felt like I did in 2013 with the Bears as far as the rhythm and timing and playing and all that stuff.

"You always walk away thinking you can be even better, so I feel like I can turn that up a notch, too. That's what the offseason is for."

Unfortunately for McCown, he'll get a head start on that.

Kirtland's Joey Bates, Evan Madden and Michael Bragalone all made the 2015 Division VI All-Ohio first team.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are the local first-teamers on the 2015 Associated Press Division VI All-Ohio high school football team.

Kirtland RB Joey Bates, LB Evan Madden and OL Michael Bragalone were all first-team selections.

Below is a breakdown of the top Northeast Ohio honorees. Check out all players that made All-Ohio in our separate post about the Division VI teams.

Joey Bates, Kirtland, RB, Sr.: A third-team All-Ohio selection last year at linebacker, Bates took on the leading rushing role this season for the Hornets. He remained there despite a Week 2 ankle injury during Kirtland's lone loss at Grand Valley. Bates rushed for 1,373 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season. Through the state semifinals, Bates has 1,817 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns.

Michael Bragalone, Kirtland, Sr., OG: The right guard graded out at 91.2 percent as Kirtland's second-best lineman to center Dylan Choe during the regular season. A two-year starter, the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder helped pave the way for offensive player of the year Joey Bates.

Evan Madden, Kirtland, LB, Sr.: Coach Tiger LaVerde said Madden "reads better than anyone I have coached." His performance spurred the Hornets defense when fellow linebacker Joey Bates was limited because of injury, and Madden finished the regular season with 110 tackles and three sacks from his middle linebacker spot.

Take a look at which football players made the Associated Press Division VII All-Ohio team.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here is the Associated Press 2015 Division VII All-Ohio football team.

DIVISION VII

First Team

Offense

Ends-Beau Beamer, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic, 5-foot-10, 145 pounds, jr; Deonte Wade, Columbus Africentric, 6-0, 158, fr.; Kenton Mickley, Danville, 6-1, 201, sr.

Linemen-Gavin Cupp, Leipsic, 6-5, 290, sr.; Chance Rucker, Caldwell, 6-3, 290 sr.

Quarterbacks-Ridge Durbin, Danville, 6-3, 240, sr.; Tanner Clark, Caldwell, 6-0, 185, sr.; Josh Nixon, Minster, 6-1, 175, sr.

Backs-Bryan Leipply, Vienna Mathews, 5-10, 210, sr.; Justice Jenkins, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 195, sr.; Connor Cotterman, DeGraff Riverside, 5-11, 215, sr.; Mason Galco, Lucas, 5-11, 175, sr.

Kicker-Lane Dailey, Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans, 6-1, 155, sr.

Defense

Linemen-Jacob Burley, Lancaster Fisher Catholic, 6-4, 285, sr.; Michael Vanfossen, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 5-10, 195, sr.; Noah DeLaCerda, McComb, 5-11, 260, sr.; Brandon Magee, Covington, 6-1, 205, sr.

Linebackers-Austin Williams, Mogadore, 6-1, 215, jr.; Tyler Dement, Willow Wood Symmes Valley, 6-0, 195, sr.; Travis Johnston, Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans, 5-11, 185, jr; Sheldon Archer, Caldwell, 6-0, 210, jr.; Anthony Italiano, Jackson-Milton, 5-9, 205, sr.

Backs-Cal Honabarger, Danville, 6-3, 175, sr.; Scott Heydinger, New Washington Buckeye Central 5-7, 150, sr.; Christian Acus, Hamilton New Miami, 5-8, 145, jr.

Punter-Zeddie Pollock, Mogadore, 6-3, 165, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Ridge Durbin, Danville

Defensive player of the year: Austin Williams, Mogadore; Noah DeLaCerda, McComb

Coach of the year: Tim McGill, DeGraff Riverside

Second Team

Offense

Ends-Jacob Coates, Warren John F. Kennedy, 5-9, 170, jr.; Bryce Schmiesing, Minster, 5-10, 175, jr.

Linemen- Matt Cherry, McComb, 6-4, 280, jr.; Mike Cherry, McComb 6-4, 280, jr.; Nate Confere, Mogadore, 6-2, 205, sr.; Trey Long, DeGraff Riverside, 6-2, 230, sr.

Quarterbacks-Hayden Snow, Sandusky St. Mary, 6-2, 170, sr.; Garrett Crall, Hicksville, 6-5, 205, sr.; Mike Assion, Jackson-Milton, 6-0, 180, sr.

Backs-Brad Smith, Norwalk St. Paul, 5-8, 175, sr.; Blake Anderson, 5-11, Monroeville, 170, Jr.; Jared Williams; Covington, 5-11, 175, sr.; Daniel Bangura, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 5-9, 170, so.; Luke Dillahunt, Troy Christian, 5-11, 175, sr.; Akia Brown, Sciotoville Community East, 6-0, 180, jr.

Defense

Linemen-Nathan Mason, Belpre, 6-3, 240, sr.; Adam LeFevre, Fort Recovery, 5-10, 170, sr.; Logan Moffit, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-1, 175, sr., Gunor Doretich, Danville, 5-9, 216, sr.

Linebackers-JaQuan Green, Youngstown Valley Christian, 6-2, 218, sr.; Jake Crouse, McComb, 6-0, 195, jr.; JC Calvert, Troy Christian, 6-0, 195, jr.; Ryan Cook, Lucas, 5-11, 201, sr.; Drew Lowery, Toronto, 6-0, 190, sr.; Cody King, Toronto, 5-9, 170, sr.

Backs-Shawn Crawford, DeGraff Riverside, 5-11, 175, sr.; Curtis Jones, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 5-9, 170, sr.

Third Team

Offense

Ends-Jacob Brown, Troy Christian, 6-1, 170, jr.; Blaze Glenn, Toronto, 5-10, 175, sr.;

Quarterbacks-Andrew Losey, Glouster Trimble, 6-2, 170, sr.

Backs-Joey Burnside, Jackson-Milton, 5-6, 160, sr.

Defense

Linemen-Seth Douglas, Troy Christian, 6-0, 275, jr.; Nate Pleiman, Fort Loramie, 6-0, 185, jr. ; Collin Kelly, Mogadore, 6-1, 220, sr.

Linebackers-Stevie Doughty, Shadyside, 6-1, 185, sr.; Nate Confere, Mogadore, 6-2, 205, sr.; Dylen Eilerman, Fort Loramie, 6-4, 260, sr.

SPECIAL MENTION

Kenton Mickley, Danville; Mike Seeger, Millersport; Austin Coleman, Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy; Nathan Sandusky, Millersport; Gaven Wears, Danville; Quinton Woodson-Levey, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep; Hayden Muckensturm, Lancaster Fisher Catholic; Tavian Sim, Grove City Christian; Isaiah Mullens, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep; Jordan Wilson, Danville; Hunter Hawkins, Danville; Josh Heeter, Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy; Alex Melfe, Columbus Crusaders; Melvyn Thomas, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep; Jared Faulkner, Lancaster Fisher Catholic; Tyler Potts, Columbus Africentric; Duvan Bautista, Morral Ridgedale.

Dean Green, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic; Blaine Rawson, Toronto; Javon Davis, Bellaire St. John's; Austin Snodgrass, Old Washington Buckeye Trail; Ty Taylor, Bellaire St. John's; Dalton Ivey, Caldwell; Max Tice; Nick Camino, New Matamoras Frontier; Austin Mettler, Caldwell; Jaret Majestic, Malvern; Clay Poling, Caldwell; Isaac Dimmerling, Sarahsville Shenandoah; Donnie Meadows, Shadyside; Cole Liggett, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic;

Austin Cobb, Caldwell; Mason Campbell, Shadyside; Nick Gonano, Tuscarawas Central Catholic; Jeff Green, Bellaire St. John's; Tristen King, Old Washington Buckeye Trail; Austin Dick, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic; Kolby Rayner, Caldwell; Jack Ridenour, Caldwell; Logan Cline, Shadyside; Troy Pontius, Old Washington Buckeye Trail; Jason Allen, Caldwell;

Zack Weaver, Southington Chalker; John Gartner, Warren John F. Kennedy; Chris Urchek, Warren John F. Kennedy; Seth Lugli, Ashland Mapleton; Austin Fitch, Lowellville; Bobby Jefferson, Warren John F. Kennedy; James McCullough, East Canton; Justin Bofenkamp, Warren John F. Kennedy; Dylan Glancy, Vienna Mathews; Zack Geer, Vienna Mathews; Floyd Shackelford, Windham; Evan Boyd, Warren John F. Kennedy; Vinnie Giordano, Wellsville; Nate Alexander, Mogadore; Michael Shope, Wellsville; Luke Cramer, Mogadore; Alec Romesberg, Vienna Mathews.

Kaylin Heard, Lutheran East; Johnny Chambers, Newbury; Elvert Jordan, Whitney Young; Verlin Williams, Fairport Harding; Caleb Hites, Fairport Harding; Joe Ule, Newbury; Tre Boyd, Lutheran East; Anthony Durham, Lutheran East; Devon Devezin, Lutheran East; Jaden Cichella, Newbury; Nathan Bagin, Fairport Harding; Rodney Paradise, Lutheran East; Christian Blank, Ashtabula St. John; Will Hartson, Lutheran East; Hunter Garisek, Fairport Harding; Mark McCary, Lutheran East; DaRohn Pryor, Whitney Young.

Wes Wenning, Fort Recovery; Blake Ansley, Ada; Corbin Kantner, Tiffin Calvert; Chase Fetter, Sandusky St. Mary's; Nate Brecht, Leipsic; Nate Meyer, Norwalk St. Paul; Jacob Arnold, Lucas; Andrew Guillaume, Edgerton; Rueben Luna, Lucas;

Andrew Brodman, Tiffin Calvert; Jordan Brown, Leipsic; Trenton Zimmerman, Sandusky St. Mary's; Evan Huelsman, Minster; Caleb Johnson, Toledo Christian; Logan Neidhardt, Hicksville; Jaret Nickoli, Norwalk St. Paul; Jacob Dues, Minster; Chase Sumner, Ada; Caden Schroeder, McComb; Sam Carper, Norwalk St. Paul; Trent Jolliff, Ada.

Deijon Bedgood, Belpre; Jordan Freeman, Manchester; Receivers-Kamron Curry, Glouster Trimble; Montana Brooker, Waterford; Kane Hutchinson, Crown City South Gallia; Garrett Bartley, Corning Miller; Blaine Scott, Sciotoville Community East; T.J. Spears, Glouster Trimble; Joe Beegle, Racine Southern; Ross Keller, Reedsville Eastern; Tavian Miller Belpre; Isaac Huffman, Waterford; Landon Hutchinson, Crown City South Gallia; Isaiah Geiger, Crown City South Gallia; Kody McKinniss, Corning Miller; Sam Kayser, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Cole Fremont, Beaver Eastern; Jacob Stevens, Glouster Trimble; Dakota Watson, Willow Wood Symmes Valley; Cameron Meadows, Willow Wood Symmes Valley; Aaron Bazler, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Eric Worstell, Belpre; Seattle Compston, Corning Miller; Jacob Cruse, Beaver Eastern; Tommy Ramthun, Racine Southern; Ethan Gifford, Sciotoville Community East.

Bailey Powell, Bradford; Lukas Moreland, Miami Valley Christian Academy; Teddy Freeman, Cincinnati College Prep; Stephen Monnin, Sidney Lehman Catholic; PJ Johnston, Hamilton New Miami; Josh Siegel, Fort Loramie; Dalton Geesy, Mississinawa Valley; Gunnar Gearhart, South Charleston Southeastern Local; Tim Weeks, Springfield Catholic Central; Gaven Anderson, DeGraff Riverside; Dan Berning, Fort Loramie; Jacob Kitzmiller, Fort Loramie; Nathan Sheridan, Cedarville; Aaron Banion, South Charleston Southeastern Local; Chase Hayden, Troy Christian; Owen Smith, Sidney Lehman Catholic; Cody Gasson, Fort Loramie.

Mogadore's Zeddie Pollock and Austin Williams are the two local honorees in the AP Division VII All-Ohio first team.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are the local first-teamers on the 2015 Associated Press Division VII All-Ohio high school football team.

Mogadore LB Austin Williams was the Division VI Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and Zeddie Pollock made the first team as punter.

Below is a breakdown of the top Northeast Ohio honorees. Check out all players that made All-Ohio in our separate post about the Division VII teams.

Zeddie Pollock, Mogadore, Sr., P: Added serious value and showed his versatility as a punter giving his team incredible field position, consistently. As a QB, he threw for 1,476 yards, 21 TDs and 4 INTs.

Austin Williams, Mogadore, Jr., LB: Defensive captain and 2015 PTC-County Division Defensive Player of Year. A ferocious tackler who made 65 total tackles and 1 INT in the regular season.

Cleveland State returns home after five games away from Cleveland with a Saturday showdown against Kent State at The Q.

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TOLEDO, Ohio -- Cleveland State ran into too much firepower from the Toledo Rockets and lost, 76-65, Wednesday night in Savage Hall.

Toledo had three players in double figures, led by Nathan Boothe with 17 points, Jon Williams with 17 and Stuckey Mosley with 12.

The Vikings got 15 from freshman guard Rob Edwards and a breakout game with 14 points from Vinny Zollo.

The Vikings (2-5), who have played their last five games away from home, return to Cleveland at 3:30 p.m. Saturday against Kent State (3-2), their first of five games at Quicken Loans Arena this season.

The Vikings fell behind early, 11-4, as the Rockets (5-2) got some quick layups and open 3-pointers to force coach Gary Waters to call his first timeout at the 15:28 mark in the first half.

But a few forced turnovers with the full court press for easy baskets, with some timely 3-pointers, and the Vikings were within a basket, 18-15, with 7:35 to go before the half. The Rockets quickly went on a 7-0 run for a 25-15 lead, then pushed it out at halftime, 36-23.

The Rockets pushed their lead to 40-23 quickly to start the second half. The Vikings would nibble away with their defensive pressure, but never got the deficit under double digits the rest of the game.

CSU now plays five of its next six games at home, starting with Kent State.

Barnidge was named the Browns' recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for community service and football excellence.

BEREA, Ohio - Gary Barnidge began wearing the No. 82 in high school and he's donned it wherever the game has taken him for more than a decade.

It wasn't until the globe-hopping humanitarian of a tight end arrived in Cleveland, however, that he felt pressure to "do the number proud."

Barnidge didn't know much about Ozzie Newsome before signing with the Browns as a free agent in 2013. Fans here quickly educated him on the Hall of Famer who was a local hero before he started drafting circles around his former team with the Ravens.

"A lot of people said, 'You've got a lot to live up to,'" Barnidge said in reference to the Browns' legendary No. 82. "I love expectations. I love the challenge and love trying to rise to it."

The eighth-year pro will never duplicate Newsome's career statistics or his impact on the franchise even as he approaches the Wizard of Oz's single-season bests in receiving yards (1,002) and touchdown catches (nine).

Barnidge's on-field contributions, of course, are only part of the story. He gives as good as he receives, which says a mouthful for someone playing at a Pro Bowl level. The club announced Wednesday that Barnidge is its Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient, an honor presented annually to one member of each NFL team for community service and playing excellence.

His out-of-nowhere season has been one of the few highlights for an organization rife with tumult and negative storylines.

Two days after the Browns (2-9) lost on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown on the game's final play, we are reminded the football gods occasionally get it right. They have blessed the charitable 30-year-old with a terrific season.

Barnidge ranks third among NFL tight ends in catches (55), yards (758), touchdowns (seven) and receptions of 25-plus yards (eight). In his spare time, he travels the world introducing kids to football through his non-profit organization, invites local underprivileged children to Browns games -- giving them the cleats off his feet -- and takes select fans to movies once a week during the season.

Gary Barnidge is a man of eclectic interests

"He's a really caring guy," said center Alex Mack, who's accompanied Barnidge to Brazil and Turkey as part of his American Football Without Barriers' program. "He's got a lot of energy and his ability to give and be active is astounding."

Many athletes lend their names to worthy causes. Barnidge rolls up his sleeves and uses those soft hands that make circus catches to wash the feet of orphans. He also hosts local kids for annual holiday shopping trips to a toy stores and advocates for OhioGuidestone, a non-profit that aids children and families in Cleveland.

Barnidge lacks the name recognition and team success to be considered a frontrunner for the league's Payton award. His play on the field and philanthropic endeavors, however, make him a worthy candidate.

It's a role he takes seriously.

"I think we are in a position where we can give back to so many people," Barnidge said. "Smile at somebody, saying 'hey' to somebody or signing an autograph, anything like that can change their outlook on life or their day. You never know the impact you can have on somebody. That is something that is dear and true to me."

Former tight end Ozzie Newsome is a Hall of Famer and one of the Browns' most revered players. He now serves as the Ravens' general manager, leading them to two Super Bowl titles. AP file 

His career year is generating publicity for AFBW, an organization he co-founded with Jets right tackle Breno Giacomini. Last year, the group ran a women's football camp in Turkey. For the first time in the nation's history, he said, women and men trained on the same gridiron.

At a time Greg Hardy and others are bringing shame to The Shield for domestic abuse, commissioner Roger Goodell should be scheduling photo-ops with Barnidge. Maybe they can talk at the Pro Bowl. If the tight end can maintain his current pace, he belongs in Honolulu regardless of how the Browns finish.

The Josh McCown-Barnidge connection has been one of the league's most potent, especially on possession downs. The tight end leads the NFL in third-down catches (19). With McCown lost for the season due to a broken collarbone it will be interesting to see whether Austin Davis and Johnny Manziel keep feeding the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder.

Barnidge said Wednesday he's not worried about his future targets or Pro Bowl prospects. He also didn't want to discuss his pending free agency other than to say, "I would love to be back."

His contract negations figure to be tricky given the fact he's never caught more than 13 passes in a season prior to this year. Is this campaign an outlier or a sample of production to come for an offense willing to feature him?

You would hope the Browns -- seldom known for exercising good judgment in matters of player personnel -- at least make him a worthwhile offer. It also would be nice to see Newsome reach out and acknowledge his season. In two games against the Ravens, Barnidge has caught a combined 15 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown.

"I'm trying to do the number proud," Barnidge said. "I'm trying to live up to what he did here."

In a Browns' season filled with underachievement, No. 82 has delivered on football fields the world over.

Gilmour girls basketball falls at home against Magnificat, 58-42.

GATES MILLS, Ohio – Magnificat girls basketball coach Meghann Hubach hoped her players on Wednesday would continue their success after jumping out to a 4-0 start this season.

Magnificat, ranked No. 2 in the cleveland.com Top 25, did just that winning on the road, 58-42, against No. 6 Gilmour in a nonleague game.

“In our previous four games we’ve played really hard, done good things on the defensive end and offensively we’ve moved and shared the ball really well,” Hubach said. “I’m really proud of the effort these girls have put forth.”

Check back later for more photos and a video interview with Magnificat’s top scorers and Hubach.

Magnificat’s Elise Keshock led the Blue Streaks to a 34-17 lead at halftime. She scored 14 of her 16 points in the first half. University of Pennsylvania signee Phoebe Sterba was the game’s highest scorer with 19 and four assists.

“We’re really good about passing on our team,” Keshock said. “Everybody was working together and I was just the one able to finish the ball. It was really a team effort.”

Gilmour made some adjustments after halftime. The Lancers' shots also began to drop as they outscored Magnificat 17-9 in the third quarter and forced the Blue Streaks into mistakes on offense.

“It was definitely frustrating for us that our outside shots weren’t falling but we had to keep shooting them,” Gilmour sophomore Naz Hillmon said. “We just had to keep our offense moving.”

Hillmon finished the game with 18 points, 18 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Teammate Emily Kelley finished with 11 points, including three 3-pointers in the second half.

Gilmour played with a small rotation as a result of injuries and the loss of 6-foot-1 post Ariel Smith for the season to a knee injury.

“We were just ice cold,” Gilmour coach Bob Beutel said. “Part of it was that it was us and they (Magnificat) played really good defense. They are a nice ball club. They are a team with all the elements.”

Magnificat (5-0), which is off for a week, will host St. Joseph Academy on Dec. 9 in a nonleague contest. Gilmour (2-1) will travel to Cornerstone Christian for a nonleague game on Friday before Saturday's game against Brush.

Magnificat coach celebrates 150 wins

On Saturday, Hubach earned her 150th win in 10 years as head coach at Magnificat. She picked up the win when Magnificat defeated against Africentric Early College, 56-44.

For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact Nathaniel Cline on Twitter (@nathanielcline), by email (ncline@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Check out winter sports highlights from Wednesday including basketball, bowling and swimming highlights.

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

GIRLS BASKETBALL

No. 1 Wadsworth 47, Stow 26: The top-ranked Grizzlies relied on their defense to improve to 4-0 overall. Jodi Johnson had a game-high 25 points, and Sophia Fortner added nine for Wadsworth.

No. 2 Magnificat 58, No. 6 Gilmour 42: Read reporter Nathaniel Cline's recap from the game.

No. 4 Solon 61, No. 10 Euclid 39: Valencia Myers' game-high 21 points led the Comets to the road win in Greater Cleveland Conference play. Solon (2-1, 1-0) had a 15-7 lead after the first quarter and extended its lead to 34-19 at halftime. Rayjon Harris led Euclid (1-2, 0-2) with 18 points.

No. 21 Normandy 54, No. 7 Elyria Catholic 47: The Invaders (3-0, 1-0) had four players score in double figures in their upset win at home in Great Lakes Conference play. Normandy's Kelsey Metlesitz led her team with 19 points and went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. Josie Carandang led Elyria Catholic (3-1, 0-1) with 19 points.

No. 8 Hathaway Brown 55, No. 9 Archbishop Hoban 42: The Blazers outscored the visiting Knights, 37-16, in the second half to overcome an eight-point halftime deficit. Dani Lawson had a game-high 19 points for Hathaway Brown (5-0). The Knights fell to 1-2 this season.

No. 11 Berea-Midpark 62, No. 23 Amherst 38: The Titans had four players score double figures for the home win in Southwestern Conference play. Miranda Otero and Jada Marone each had 14 points to lead Berea-Midpark (3-0, 3-0). Sydney Roule led Amherst (3-1, 2-1) with 12.

No. 13 Twinsburg 46, No. 16 North Royalton 40: The Tigers improved to 2-0 with a win at North Royalton (1-3). Jasmine Bishop led the Tigers with 16 points, and Dasja Anderson added 14. Julianne Lebo and Taiyier Parks each had 11 to lead North Royalton.

BOYS BOWLING

Akron Springfield 2,493, Ravenna 1,988: The Spartans had three bowlers with a series of 400 or better led by DJ Conley's 425. Frank Gerretson had a 421 and Colton Riddle bowled a 407 series.

GIRLS BOWLING

Tallmadge 1,900, Walsh Jesuit 1,595: Jennie Kiss' 351 series helped Tallmadge defeat the Warriors. Tallmadge won all three Baker games against Walsh Jesuit.

BOYS SWIMMING

Walsh Jesuit 191, Chagrin Falls 145, Beachwood 118, Warren G. Harding 77: The Warriors won the quad meet led by Richard Kurluch who helped Walsh Jesuit win the 4x200-meter medley relay (1 minutes, 45.59 seconds) the 100 breaststroke (1:04.88) and the 200 individual medley (2:06.52). Adam Lenz also won in the 100 backstroke (58.40).

GIRLS SWIMMING

Walsh Jesuit 198, Chagrin Falls 173, Warren G. Harding 67, Beachwood 55: Carly Hart was a part of four event wins for the Warriors. She had relay wins as part of the 4x200 medley (1:50.37) and the 4x400 freestyle (3:49.53). Hart also won the 200 freestyle (1:58.94) and the 100 fly (1:00.23).

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.

See Ohio high school girls basketball statewide scores for Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here are Ohio high school girls basketball statewide scores for Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015.

Avon 60, Grafton Midview 20

Beavercreek 80, Greenville 31

Bedford 61, Chagrin Falls Kenston 57

Berea-Midpark 62, Amherst Steele 38

Can. Glenoak 55, Beloit W. Branch 49

Canfield 72, Ashtabula Lakeside 18

Chagrin Falls 62, Orange 20

Chillicothe 51, Washington C.H. 34

Cin. Country Day 36, Cin. Christian 33

Cin. Oak Hills 47, Cin. Colerain 34

Cin. Seven Hills 37, St. Bernard 28

Cin. Turpin 46, Loveland 23

Cin. Wyoming 66, Cin. Indian Hill 46

Clarksville Clinton-Massie 44, Washington C.H. Miami Trace 33

Cle. Hts. 48, Willoughby S. 36

Dresden Tri-Valley 50, Zanesville W. Muskingum 33

Dublin Scioto 49, Cols. Briggs 47

Eastlake N. 66, Parma 45

Greenfield McClain 56, Wilmington 47

Hamilton 76, Cin. Sycamore 23

Haviland Wayne Trace 68, Fairborn 24

Hillsboro 50, Lees Creek E. Clinton 32

Kings Mills Kings 47, Cin. Anderson 31

Kirtland 65, Burton Berkshire 20

Lakewood 48, Avon Lake 34

Lebanon 40, Trotwood-Madison 26

Macedonia Nordonia 63, Hudson 39

Malvern 58, W. Lafayette Ridgewood 35

Mason 57, Liberty Twp. Lakota E. 35

Medina 53, Elyria 46

Medina Highland 55, Richfield Revere 40

Mentor 64, Shaker Hts. 57, OT

Middletown 52, Fairfield 41

Mogadore 48, Hartville Lake Center Christian 25

New Carlisle Tecumseh 113, Lewistown Indian Lake 32

Oberlin Firelands 44, Rocky River Lutheran W. 42

Olmsted Falls 73, N. Ridgeville 62

Parma Normandy 54, Elyria Cath. 47

Parma Padua 73, Parma Hts. Valley Forge 36

Poland Seminary 61, Ashtabula Edgewood 20

Ravenna SE 84, Rootstown 44

Riverside Stebbins 96, Spring. Greenon 32

Rocky River Magnificat 58, Gates Mills Gilmour 42

Shaker Hts. Hathaway Brown 55, Akr. Hoban 42

Sidney 61, Xenia 29

Solon 61, Euclid 39

Spring. Kenton Ridge 66, Bellefontaine Benjamin Logan 58

Spring. NW 70, Bellefontaine 40

Streetsboro 45, Akr. Springfield 24

Struthers 39, Niles McKinley 35

Sullivan Black River 57, Lorain Clearview 43

Thornville Sheridan 64, Philo 43

Tipp City Tippecanoe 68, St. Paris Graham 38

W. Chester Lakota W. 67, Cin. Princeton 49

W. Union 62, Latham Western 58

Wadsworth 47, Stow-Munroe Falls 26

Warsaw River View 41, Coshocton 28

Westlake 47, N. Olmsted 21

See Ohio high school boys basketball statewide scores for Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here are Ohio high school boys basketball statewide scores for Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015.

Albany Alexander 42, Chillicothe Huntington 22

Beachwood 70, Cornerstone Christian 56

Gahanna Cols. Academy 87, Patriot Preparatory Academy 43

Ironton 37, Cols. Eastmoor 32

N. Robinson Col. Crawford 54, Crestline 27

The Akron Zips improved to 5-2 after defeating Coppin State on Wednesday, 77-71.

AKRON, Ohio -- Pat Forsythe matched his career high with 20 points and Akron defeated Coppin State, 77-71, on Wednesday night.

Forsythe was 9 of 11 and grabbed eight rebounds for the Zips (5-2). Isaiah Johnson had 11 points and 15 rebounds. Antino Jackson added 10 points despite a 3-of-14 shooting.

Keith Shivers' 3-point play got the Eagles (2-4) within two, 72-70, with 49 seconds to go but Johnson put in a basket, Noah Robotham sank two free throws and Forsythe one to secure the win.

The game was tied at 64-all with 4:13 to go but Johnson scored five straight points and Jackson added a 3-pointer for a 72-67 advantage.

James Sylvester scored 18 points, Shivers 17, Trevon Seymore 15 and Terry Harris 12 points and 11 rebounds for Coppin State. Harris has five double-doubles this season.

The Zips had 16 assists on 26 field goals.

Nick Hagadone was designated for assignment Wednesday night so the Indians could make room for newly-acquired outfielder Collin Cowgill.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians' search for outfielders continued Wednesday night as they acquired Collin Cowgill from the Angels in a cash transaction. Left-hander Nick Hagadone was designated for assignment to make room for Cowgill on the 40-man roster.

Hagadone was the only player among seven Indians eligible for arbitration who was not tendered a contract for 2016. The left-hander, recovering from a fractured left elbow, is a free agent.

Closer Cody Allen, right-hander Josh Tomlin, set-up man Bryan Shaw, right-hander Jeff Manship, right-hander Zach McAllister and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall were all offered contracts for next season before Wednesday's midnight deadline.

The right-handed hitting Cowgill was also eligible for arbitration, but he agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with the Tribe.

Cowgill, 29, played 55 games for the Angels last season. He hit .188 (13-for-69) with two doubles, one homer and two RBI. He missed 84 games with a right wrist injury. The versatile Cowgill played all three outfield positions, including 41 in left field. The Indians need help in left because Michael Brantley is expected to miss part of April while recovering from right shoulder surgery.

Cowgill has played for Arizona, Oakland, the Mets and Angels. He was a fifth-round pick of the Diamondbacks in 2008 and is a career .271 (94-for-347) against lefties.

The Indians, before the addition of Cowgill, have added outfielders Shane Robinson, Michael Choice and utility man Michael Martinez on minor-league deals since the end of the season.

Jumping for Joba: The Indians were excited to sign veteran right-hander Joba Chamberlain to a minor-league deal Tuesday. Chamberlain apparently was just as excited to sign with the Tribe.

"In our conversations with him this winter he's been really committed to preparing as much as possible to have success next year," said Antonetti. "He said one of the reasons he signed early was so he could start working out under a plan we'll help him work through.

"He's even talked about going out to our complex in Goodyear to prepare himself as best as possible for the season."

Chamberlain, 30, had a season to forget in 2015. He went 0-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 36 appearances for Detroit and Kansas City. He struck out 23, walked nine and allowed 15 earned runs in 27 2/3 innings.

"We've seen Joba pitch over a period of time and when he's right, when he's healthy and throwing well, he has the capability of throwing really meaningful innings," said Antonetti. "In our conversations, he's reflected and is really as committed as he's ever been to getting the most out of his ability.

"That potential, that upside is really intriguing for us."

Still talking: Antonetti says the Indians have stayed in touch with their free agents Mike Aviles, Ryan Webb, Gavin Floyd and Ryan Raburn.

"But right now we're concentrating on the position player side of the roster and the bullpen."

Aviles could be re-signed because the Indians sound like they're going to give Giovanny Urshela a chance to keep his third-base job. But they're thinking about adding an infielder to help him. Michael Martinez could also be that guy.

CLE/SF talked about possible Carlos Carrasco deal, with CLE asking about Brandon Belt and Joe Panik. Those discussions then faded.

-- Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 2, 2015

Probably not: It does not sound as if the Indians will bid on Korean third baseman Jae-gyun Hwang, who has been posted by his club. Bids are due Friday.

The Indians did bid on Korean first baseman Byung-ho Park, but the Twins won negotiation rights with a $12.85 million bid. Korean players are all the rage in the big leagues because of the success of Pittsburgh's Jung-ho Kang, but Park is said to be the top offensive player coming out of South Korea this winter.

The Twins signed Park to a four-year, $12 million deal on top of their $12.85 million bid.

Japanese third baseman Nobuhiro Matsuda, 32, is also drawing interest from big-league teams. Matsuda is a free agent and doesn't have to go through the posting process. He hit 32 homers for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, but there are questions about his defense and his ability to face lefties and righties in the big leagues.

Finally: The Pirates have shown interest in former Tribe ace Justin Masterson, who is coming off right shoulder surgery after two years of subpar performances. It could be a good fit because pitching coach Ray Searage has revived the careers of a lot of pitchers by preaching ground balls. Masterson is a ground ball machine when he's healthy. ... Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports, reported that former Indians manager Eric Wedge could be hired by the Blue Jays after their GM is hired. Ross Atkins, Indians vice president of player personnel, is a finalist for the GM job under former Tribe President Mark Shapiro.

We talked all things Cleveland sports and more. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dan Coughlin has stories. The longtime Cleveland journalist joined us on Sports Insider to tell some of them, which can be found in his new book, "Let's Have Another." He told us stories about former Cavaliers owner Ted Stepien, former Indians slugger Albert Belle and even one about Canton McKinley football.

We also talked with Tom Reed about the Browns' decision to start Austin Davis this week against Cincinnati. Chris Haynes called in to talk Cavaliers.

Watch Sports Insider live every Thursday at noon.

Following his first full practice on Thursday, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving stayed on the practice floor alongside LeBron James and went through some shooting drills. Watch video

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Following his first full practice on Thursday, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving stayed on the practice floor alongside LeBron James and went through some shooting drills. 

The duo went around the three-point line, going station to station, before mixing in some shots off the dribble. 

James, who is very vocal during practice, looked happy to have Irving back as his shooting partner.

James kept shouting, "It's so pretty" while Irving launched from beyond the arc and played the air guitar after making what he referred to as "string music." But James will have to wait patiently for Irving's return to the regular season because there are still some steps he needs to take before he's back in the lineup. 

Based on the post-practice session, Irving looks like he's getting closer and doesn't appear to be too rusty. 

The Browns will don the familiar combination of brown jerseys, white pants and brown socks whey take on the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Eleven games into the season, the Browns have still only worn 6 out of their 9 possible uniform combinations.

Make that 12 games.

Unfortunately, those fans wanting to see them trot out onto the field in orange-on-orange, orange-on-brown or white-on-orange will have to wait at least another week.

The Browns will don the familiar combination of brown jerseys, white pants and brown socks when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday.

The Browns are 0-2 in brown-white-brown this season. The Bengals will wear white jerseys, white or black pants and those hideous wacky tiger stripes all over.

The Browns will be home again next week so it's possible the orange jersey or pants could be in play when the 49ers come to town on Dec. 13.

Reporter Nathaniel Cline takes readers to visit eight girls basketball teams to see during the 2015-16 season.

Cleveland sports fans wonder about Ray Farmer's drafts, the Indians keeping up with big-market signings and what do do with Browns tickets for the remaining three home games -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You Said It is based on the premise that the only thing Cleveland sports fans need more than a championship is a sense of humor...

YOU SAID IT

Bud: Did the Browns have a first-round draft pick this year?  If so, who was it? -- Dave

I may have this confused with the Browns best game-day strategy in 2015 but I'm pretty sure they deferred.

Bud: The Tigers get Jordan Zimmerman, the Red Sox get David Price, and the Indians get (drum role here) Joba Chamberlain!! -- Randy Verner, Chagrin Falls.

Your email came before the signing of outfielder Collin Cowgill. So I took the liberty of adding a second exclamation point.

Hey Bud: Any chance the Ghost of Bobby Bragan was at the Browns game Monday night?  -- Ted, Concord

 Maybe because of the Browns uniform choice, I first read that as fashion designer Bob Mackie, whom - I'm pretty sure -- wouldn't be caught dead in the combination worn against the Ravens.

Bud: Will the Browns' new pre-draft player profile include a behavioral category entitled, 'Has a Tendency to Party Like a County Commissioner'? - Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

Not sure. I just know if the Browns attended more Pro Days they could at least make a note of which players rent a portable beer truck for the occasion.

Hey Bud: Which contributed more to Johnny Manziel remaining on the bench, Austin Davis or Austin Texas?  -- Wayne

You Said It winners throw a party to celebrate their status.

Bud: Is it true that instead of parking tickets the Cleveland Police are putting Browns tickets on the windshields? -- Mike

You Said It winners get what's coming to them.

Needing advice during the Eastern Conference semifinals, Irving reached out to a sage veteran, one who had dealt with his own share of injuries: Kobe Bryant.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The stage was supposed to belong to Kyrie Irving, a carry-over from a brilliant year that included a gold medal at the FIBA World Championships, a new maximum contract and his first winning season. But Irving was visibly discouraged, hobbling up and down the court, struggling just to walk to the showers in the visitor's locker room at the United Center.

Dealing with tendinitis in his left knee and a sore right foot and needing advice during the Eastern Conference semifinals, Irving reached out to a sage veteran, one who had dealt with his own share of injuries: Kobe Bryant.

"During the Chicago series he was the first person I called when I had my knee issues," Irving admitted Thursday afternoon when asked about his relationship with the Lakers star. "I asked him a few things. He knew a little bit about (Tom) Thibodeau's defense and how they are going to corral me and what they are going to do knowing I'm hurt and he just told me how to be more effective in the scoring areas as well as on the defensive end.

"We talked for about 30 minutes and he gave me as great a talk as I needed at that time. I was in a terrible mental space knowing I couldn't be as effective as I wanted to be. He was the first person I called and we've had a great dialogue over the last few years so it's been great."

That admission from Irving helps capture the relationship between the two players and helps explain why Bryant's Sunday announcement -- that this season would be his last -- jolted Irving the same way it did so many other players and devoted NBA fans.

Upon hearing the news, Irving once again grabbed his phone and reached out to his friend, mentor and idol.

"I honestly didn't know he was playing that night against the Pacers," Irving said. "I texted him, I was like, 'Man, you've allowed me to grow in my own space but having guys like you that I can idolize and look up to, I'm going to take your legacy, or try to take your legacy even further and be on the same greatness wavelength as you.' That's something we all strive to do. Whether it happens or not, who knows? But for me, idolizing somebody like that, Kobe and 'Bron, guys that I've been watching for a long time, when Kobe leaves the game, the game will never be the same."

During Sunday's goodbye press conference, a normally steely-faced Bryant got emotional when explaining his decision. Midway through the 25-minute question-and-answer session, Bryant was asked about the younger players, singling out Irving as one he admires and a player who often calls for pointers.

Irving and Bryant started to develop a relationship during the summer of 2012 at the Team USA training camp in Las Vegas.

Irving, 20 years old and fresh off his rookie season, was a member of the select team, helping prepare the national team for the London Olympics. The day's practice session had wrapped up when Irving challenged the future Hall of Famer to a $50,000 game of one-on-one.

"From that point on, every time we played since I was a rookie, I was just trying to earn his respect," Irving said. "Guys that have come before me, I never forget their groundwork. Even guys that have come before Kobe, that allowed him to leave a legacy on this game that will last forever."

The two never had their head-to-head showdown, but Irving, whose confidence and swagger can be taken the wrong way at times, isn't ready to let go of the challenge.

"I think I would do it now though," he said with a smile. "He would still go at me and it would be good."

That may never come to fruition, but the two players are scheduled to match up twice in team competition before Bryant retires. The first game is set for Feb. 10, 2016, as Bryant's farewell tour makes its only stop in Cleveland. Then comes a March 10 meeting in Los Angeles.

Soon, Bryant will no longer be in the NBA. He won't be out there on the court draining late-game daggers and talking trash the same way he did on that summer day in Las Vegas three years ago, a memory Irving considers "priceless." But the bond the two have formed means the five-time NBA champion, one of the greatest players of all time, will only be a phone call away -- just as he has been during Irving's maturation into a three-time All-Star and one of the best point guards. 

"His words of encouragement throughout the year, just checking up on me and making sure I'm OK and seeing where I was health wise," Irving said. "Just giving me advice constantly throughout the year, it's helped me tremendously throughout my career."

Bryant has left his legacy.

"With 17 NBA All-Star selections, an NBA MVP, five NBA championships with the Lakers, two Olympic gold medals and a relentless work ethic, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in the history of our game," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement Sunday night. "Whether competing in the Finals or hoisting jump shots after midnight in an empty gym, Kobe has an unconditional love for the game."

Bryant's competitive fire burned for years, the emotion poured out every night no matter the stakes.

Irving, an enthusiastic pupil, has been watching since he was a teenager. And he's hoping to follow the lessons learned the last few years, to mimic Bryant's most discernible trait.

"That emotion he comes with during the game and that seriousness that everyone is sort of afraid to have," Irving said when asked what stands out to him. "Going at everybody and anybody, that mentality on any given night, whether it's a two-guard or whether he's playing against another great team, he's coming with that same mentality every, single game. That's something that we all would try to emulate. That competiveness comes with that emotion and it translates out on the floor.

"When he went down with his Achilles injury, you could just tell in his face that we weren't there when he was shooting or running up and down the court to get 35 per game, but he was putting his team in position to win and doing everything possible that no one was even aware of. All we could do was guess what he was doing, putting greatness out there on the floor. To me that was something great to see. I try to emulate that and take things from his game and turn it into my own. But he's Kobe Bryant. There's not going to be anybody like him."    

Browns coach Mike Pettine knows that he's perceived to be on the hotseat after losing 14 of his last 16 games. He knows he'll talk to Jimmy Haslam soon about his job security.

BEREA, Ohio --  Things could be a little tense Friday night at the Browns' company Christmas party.

The team is 2-9, they've lost six straight, coach Mike Pettine has gone 2-14 in his last 16 games and jobs are on the line.

"Thank you for reminding me of that by the way,'' Pettine said Thursday.

The subject of job security probably won't come up over eggnog with Jimmy Haslam Friday night, but Pettine knows the conversation is coming soon. If the Browns lose Sunday to the 9-2 Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium, they will have lost to to AFC North foes in four straight games: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati again for a 1-4 mark in the division.

"Anybody that knows me and anybody that knows Jimmy Haslam, our conversations are always blunt,'' said Pettine. "Time is so valuable during the season that we get into a conversation and we deal with topics head on. There's no dancing around them.''

Haslam, who met with Pettine one-on-one in the days after the 31-10 loss to Cincinnati Nov. 5, challenged the coaching staff to "do a little soul-searching and come up with some answers and make sure that when we come out of this break, we're ready to go and ready to snap this streak,'' Pettine said then.

Instead, the Browns lost 33-27 on national television to an injury-riddled Ravens team that was playing without its starting quarterback in Joe Flacco, its starting running back in Justin Forsett, it's starting receiver in Steve Smith and it's premier pass rusher in Terrelle Suggs.

And not only did they lose, they lost in embarrassing fashion in front of the whole country -- on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown as time expired. The end of the game featured some clock mismanagement and the second huge special teams gaffe of the night.

The Browns -- and the city -- were one big Cleveland joke all over again. So when Haslam vowed on Aug. 1 not to blow things up, this wasn't the season he was expecting.

Related: Jimmy Haslam vows not to blow things up

"I feel very upset about the record,'' said Pettine. "I've talked about this before that that's on us. We own it. This is a bottom line business and where we are isn't good enough. The question is: do we have a plan to fix it? Is it fixable? I feel like we do, but we'll have to wait and see.''

Pettine stressed that he can't concern himself with his future when he's trying to win football games.

 "I can't get wrapped up into all of that,'' he said. "As the season winds down, that potentially could come up between the two of us (he and Haslam), but I'm full speed ahead committed to getting this fixed here in Cleveland. I know the results aren't anywhere near where they need to be but that doesn't mean that we're not making strides, that we're not getting it set up.

"It can be done. To me, it's a belief that we can. I know we have five games left and we're going to go out and wear the Cleveland logo proud and try to win football games."

Pettine acknowledged on his regular radio show on Sirius XM Thursday that folks perceive him to be on the hot seat.

"It's out there and of course it's out there when you have the results that we've had," he said. "And ultimately it falls on the head coach."

If Pettine can convince Haslam that the team's problems are centered around the lack of a franchise quarterback, it might help his case.

"If you're ranking your positions of priority, if I'm starting a franchise, quarterback is going to be one through five,'' he said. "Just the nature of the position and all that goes with it. If you look at the entire league, it's the haves and the have-nots. That is what teams are looking for.

"We felt that we had a good answer this year in Josh (McCown). Unfortunately, he has had some injury issues. Like I referenced earlier, we have two young guys (in Manziel and Austin Davis) that are more than talented enough to play in this league and we're going to see what they can do."

 When he's dealing 'head on' with Haslam, here are some topics that will undoubtedly come up: the Browns are 31st in run defense and tied for 31st against the run; They're 28th in points scored and 31st in points allowed.  Their 'franchise' quarterback is in the doghouse for lying to the coaches about his partying over the bye weekend, and their 2014 No. 8 overall Justin Gilbert started one game this season -- Monday night again as the Ravens before suffering a concussion.

In the meantime, Pettine will try to enjoy some Christmas cheer with his fellow employees.

Andrew Hawkins and Joe Haden to IR?

Pettine indicated that receiver Andrew Hawkins and cornerback Joe Haden could end up on injured reserve with their concussions. Haden has missed five of the last six games with a concussion and Hawkins has missed three of the last four.

"When you deal with a topic as sensitive as concussions, the longer guys are out, I think those conversations will come up,'' he said. "We're not there yet. With the season winding down, those are potential discussions to have. Like I said, it's a sensitive topic and something that ultimately has to come to the table."
Taylor Gabriel and Gilbert are also still both in the concussion protocol.