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Chagrin Falls football team keeps winning despite new faces

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 Most of the names have changed, but the attitude, the intensity and the foundation of speed and versatility remain constant at Chagrin Falls. The team that won its first 14 games and reached the Division IV state finals last year graduated 22 seniors. The team that now patrols C.S. Harris Stadium on Friday nights probably shouldn't be compared to...




 Most of the names have changed, but the attitude, the intensity and the foundation of speed and versatility remain constant at Chagrin Falls.


The team that won its first 14 games and reached the Division IV state finals last year graduated 22 seniors. The team that now patrols C.S. Harris Stadium on Friday nights probably shouldn't be compared to its predecessors, and yet, it's clear they are putting together something special on East Washington Street.


"It's a lot different this year only because we have a lot of younger kids playing -- a couple sophomores starting and a lot of inexperience," said senior tackle Austin Garofolo, a third-year starter. "But they've stepped up. A lot of these kids have older brothers who played and a lot of those mentors from last year taught them everything they know, and they've been prepared."


The Tigers were more than prepared Friday. They were dominant in a 28-0 win against visiting rival West Geauga.


Chagrin Falls (7-1, 4-1) remained a game behind first-place Aurora in the Chagrin Valley Conference's Chagrin Division, and it took a big step toward hosting a first-round playoff game.


Chagrin Falls is on a roll that began after it opened league play with a loss to Aurora, then beat Kenston on the road in overtime the following week. Blowout wins against Wickliffe and Harvey followed. West Geauga (6-2, 3-2) is ranked No. 21 in The Plain Dealer Top 25 and Chagrin Falls is No. 22.


The Tigers set the tone early and often on defense, getting a pair of fourth-and-1 stops, one of which came at the goal line at the end of the first half to preserve a 21-0 lead. They held West Geauga quarterback Joe Drenski in check as an option runner in the first half, and intercepted him twice in the second half. He was sacked three times, twice by Garofolo.


"Their O-line and D-line owned us," West Geauga coach Lou Cirino said. "Our guys just got beat up there. Give them the credit."


West Geauga's first possession ended at the Chagrin Falls' 28 when Joe Ziccardi was tackled for a 1-yard loss on fourth-and-1.


Down 14-0, the Wolverines were headed to the red zone when safety Jack Campbell popped Adam LaRiccia and forced a fumble that Garofolo recovered.


Just before halftime, West Geauga went for it on fourth-and-goal at the 1, but Drenski's quarterback sneak hit a wall of black Tigers jerseys.


A half dozen Chagrin Falls ball carriers pounded out scoring drives of 71, 69, 66 and 88 yards. Fleet seniors Spencer Diedrich and Marc Geraci combined for 136 yards rushing and receiving in the first half and each scored a touchdown -- Diedrich on a 27-yard pass from starting quarterback Timmy Porter, and Geraci on a 7-yard sprint around right end. Backup QB Tommy Iammarino had an 8-yard TD run.


Chagrin Falls' first drive of the second half covered 88 yards in 13 plays and Jack Hinman bulled his way the final 11 yards for a 28-0 lead.


Tigers defensive backs Nathan Lelonis and Everett Dishong intercepted passes by Drenski, who also was sacked three times.


To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskeyplaind.com, 216-999-4661


 


Copley football team rallies for dramatic win over Green

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 Copley's offense came up with its own version of "the drive" and "the immaculate reception" in the closing minutes of a 23-13 come-from-behind victory over Green Friday night. The drive started at the Indians' 4-yard line with 2:55 left in the fourth quarter and Green ahead, 13-10, in a wild Suburban League football game at InfoCision Field at Copley...




 Copley's offense came up with its own version of "the drive" and "the immaculate reception" in the closing minutes of a 23-13 come-from-behind victory over Green Friday night.


The drive started at the Indians' 4-yard line with 2:55 left in the fourth quarter and Green ahead, 13-10, in a wild Suburban League football game at InfoCision Field at Copley Stadium.


The reception came on a fourth down-and-6 play at the Green 37.


Quarterback Lou Gigliotti zipped a pass toward C.J. Chatman, who was slanting over the middle. A Green defender was in position to intercept, but the ball slipped through his fingers to Chatman for a first down.


"You've got to get lucky sometimes and we did on that particular play," Copley coach Ron Viscount said.


It was the second fourth-down conversion in the 16-play drive. Gigliotti capped the drive with a throw to Shawn Taylor in the back-right corner of the end zone. Taylor wrestled the ball away from a defender for the go-ahead score with 30 seconds left.


"The thing is we never quit," Gigliotti said. "Everybody stepped up when we needed them. It was crazy. I don't know how we did it but I guess anything is possible."


Copley is 8-0, 5-0 in the league. Green slipped to 4-4, 4-1.


"The kids kept believing and the kids kept fighting and the kids kept playing, " Viscount said. "We keep telling the kids you have to play for 48 minutes and you've got a chance. We had to play the full 48 minutes tonight."


Copley got a final touchdown when Alexander Garrett intercepted Darryl Corrin's pass on fourth down and returned it 56 yards for a score as time expired.


Much of the first half resembled a soccer game -- no scoring and all the play between the 30-yard lines.


Then on fourth down-and-3 near midfield, Green punter Alex Ciocca took a center snap, faked the punt and darted toward the right sideline. Copley's Lawrence Harris was not fooled. Harris stopped Ciocca after a 1-yard gain, giving the Indians the ball and good field position.


Copley scored on the next play. Chatman grabbed Gigliotti's pass for a 53-yard touchdown with 4:58 left in the second quarter.


On the second play of the next drive, Corrin, the backup Green quarterback, hit Luke Davies for a 73-yard touchdown. Starter Jon Cundiff suffered a knee injury during Green's first possession.


 

Tyrin Williams scores 3 touchdowns in Tallmadge's win over Wadsworth

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It has been a magical season that has seen the Tallmadge Blue Devils find ways to win week after week. But this was uncharted territory. With Wadsworth quarterback Jon Kuss and freshman tailback Martice Jackson eating up huge chunks of yardage, the visitors roared to a 14-0 lead and threatened to end Tallmadge's undefeated season.




It has been a magical season that has seen the Tallmadge Blue Devils find ways to win week after week. But this was uncharted territory.


With Wadsworth quarterback Jon Kuss and freshman tailback Martice Jackson eating up huge chunks of yardage, the visitors roared to a 14-0 lead and threatened to end Tallmadge's undefeated season.


But junior tailback Tyrin Williams gained 175 yards on just 13 carries and scored three touchdowns as the Blue Devils (8-0, 5-0) came storming back for a 28-14 victory Friday.


"When we were down by two touchdowns I heard a lot of guys on the sidelines yelling, 'Believe, believe,' " said Tallmadge coach Joe Vassalotti. "Our seniors chose that as our motto this year. I was really proud to see that and to see how the kids responded to being behind."


In the second quarter the Blue Devils ran only four plays from scrimmage yet scored twice to forge a 14-14 halftime tie.


On Tallmadge's first possession of the period, quarterback Anthony Gotto's tipped pass was intercepted by Nick Seme. That turnover led to Wadsworth's second score, a 13-yard pass from Kuss to Tyler Perry. Kuss had scored earlier on a 1-yard keeper.


On the very next play from scrimmage, Williams took an option pitch up the left side, cutting to the inside of one defender and then outrunning everyone to the end zone, scoring on a 68-yard jaunt to make it 14-7.


It appeared Kuss had the answer when he raced 66 yards to the end zone two plays later, but the play was called back on a holding penalty.


"That was big," said Wadsworth coach Greg Dennison, whose team fell to 2-6 and 2-3. "We thought we got the momentum right back. But that's part of the game."


Eventually the Grizzlies had to punt. On the second play from scrimmage Williams was at it again, bursting up the middle and beating everyone to the end zone on a 56-yard run.


"I was just running hard and trying to do my best to get us back in the game," Williams said of his two long runs. "We needed it desperately."


'Williams scored his third TD midway through the third quarter and the final score was reached when senior Steve McAninch, who was all over the field on defense from his linebacker position, scored from 3 yards out with 10:16 to play.


The Blue Devils now enter what Vassalotti calls "championship time." They travel to Copley next weekend and then end the season by hosting Green.'


 


 

Jason Suggs leads Medina's football rout over Mayfield

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YOU PICK THE GAME Medina -- Medina has regained its mojo.













Medina's Jason Suggs runs for a touchdown in the first quarter of the Bees' 35-7 victory over Mayfield on Friday night.



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(Lonnie Timmons III/The Plain Dealer)









YOU PICK THE GAME


Medina -- Medina has regained its mojo.


Following a Week 6 loss to Strongsville, the Battling Bees (7-1) won their second straight game with a 35-7 rout over Mayfield in Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division football action Friday night in Medina.


The visiting Wildcats (4-4) had no answer for running back Jason Suggs and the Battling Bees' offense, which totaled 359 yards, 221 coming on the ground.


"We needed to finish some drives, but we mixed it up throwing and passing it and got some things done that we wanted to get done," said Medina coach Larry Laird.


"That's a good defense. To score 35 points on a Mayfield defense is something to be proud of. I think with our team speed, we catch a lot of people by surprise."


Suggs was a one-man wrecking ball, finishing with 187 yards on 27 carries and accounting for four of Medina's five touchdowns.


The 5-10, 179-pound senior tailback ran through Mayfield 3-5 defense, opening the scoring with a 34-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter. He closed the half by reaching the end zone from 6 yards out, giving Medina a 21-7 lead.


Suggs had a hand in the passing game as well, throwing a 35-yard pass to quarterback Mason Schreck down the sidelines on a halfback pass on Medina's first play of the third quarter.


"I told Mason, 'You better catch it,' " laughed Suggs. "I just threw it and he came down with it."


Suggs capped off the night with a 13-yard scoring run in the third quarter, giving Medina a 35-7 lead at the 3:33 mark.


"I felt like we all executed really well," said Suggs. "The line's been blocking great and they've been getting the holes for me."


Without starting quarterback Caden Loew for a second straight week, Mayfield's offense struggled. The Wildcats had just four first downs to Medina's 18.


Mayfield had 123 total yards, 63 on Alex Brooks' touchdown pass to Chuck Zavarella on the Wildcats' first play of the second quarter.


"We just have to continue to move on," said Mayfield coach Larry Pinto. "We have two games left in the season to try to get it fixed."


Medina extended its lead to 14-0 late in the first quarter when Schreck connected with receiver Walter Bailey for a 27-yard touchdown.


Junior running back Leterian Brown had 50 yards on five carries.


 

Amherst tops Brecksville-Broadview Heights to stay undefeated

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They may not be a bunch of sprinters, but the Amherst Comets will tell you that steady wins the race. It's how the undefeated Comets stayed on course for a league title as they won a rugged Southwestern Conference game against Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 28-14, on Friday night at Amherst Memorial Field.













Amherst's Jason Stump picks up a first down in the fourth quarter of the Comets' 28-14 victory over Brecksville on Friday night.



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(Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)









They may not be a bunch of sprinters, but the Amherst Comets will tell you that steady wins the race.


It's how the undefeated Comets stayed on course for a league title as they won a rugged Southwestern Conference game against Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 28-14, on Friday night at Amherst Memorial Field.


Relying on the short passing game of junior quarterback Brennan Hosier and the punishing runs of senior Jason Stump, the Comets (8-0, 5-0) put together four consecutive scoring drives to hold off the stubborn Bees (5-3, 3-2).


"There were a lot of short passes into a lot of open spaces," said Hosier, who passed for 255 yards. "When you hit a couple, you know what you are doing. There is a rhythm."


Hosier, who scored on a 2-yard run in the third quarter, definitely found it as he had only six incompletions in 31 attempts. He found senior Brad Block on 10 of his passes for 100 yards.


Also in a groove was Stump, who ground out 137 yards on 29 carries. He also scored on runs of 1, 2 and 5 yards.


"Give the offensive line credit," said Stump. "We kind of wore them out."


That's what the Comets had to do because the Bees, behind sophomore quarterback Tom Tupa, showed they had the goods to ruin a perfect season. Tupa was 13-of-15 for 140 yards and two touchdowns in the first half as the Bees forged a 14-14 tie.


But Amherst's defense began exacting a toll and the Brecksville offense could not continue to click. Tupa finished with 226 yards on 21-for-31 passing.


"Brecksville had a good plan," said Amherst coach Kevin Fell, whose club was ranked No. 15 in The Plain Dealer Top 25. "They kept our offense off the field. Our guys are kind of strong and kept coming. Offensively, when we can get moving we are pretty good."


The game came alive in the second quarter as each team scored two touchdowns.


The Bees put together a 10-play, 95-yard drive that was capped by a 4-yard rollout pass from Tupa to tight end Ryan Kelly. Tupa totaled 69 yards on six completions.


The Comets answered with a 75-yard drive, Stump going up the middle for the final 2 yards. Stump carried three times for 34 yards on the drive.


Brecksville answered in less than two minutes as Tupa connected with sophomore wide receiver Tyler Tarnowski on a 21-yard scoring play with 1:57 left in the half. The 35-yard drive was set up by a 50-yard kickoff return by junior Brian Colarik.


Amherst then covered 67 yards in nine plays. With the clock running, Stump went over from the 1 with 3.6 seconds remaining.


The Comets continued to move in the second half as they scored the first two times they had the ball, Hosier capping a 58-yard drive on a 2-yard run and Stump getting his third score on a 5-yard burst to complete an 80-yard drive with three minutes left in the third quarter.


The Bees had to play catch-up and the Amherst defense was equal to the task. Tupa threw his only interception late in the game when matters were settled.


Amherst, ranked eighth in the Division I, Region 2, computer standings, finishes on the road at Olmsted Falls and Avon Lake.

Hudson upsets No. 6 Twinsburg: High School Roundup

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  After starting out the season with five straight losses, Hudson finds itself atop the Northeast Ohio Conference River Division football standings with Stow, Elyria and defending champion and state-ranked Twinsburg. The Explorers (2-6, 2-1) pulled off the unimaginable Friday night, scoring all their points in the second quarter, in handing Twinsburg (7-1, 2-1) its first loss with a...




  After starting out the season with five straight losses, Hudson finds itself atop the Northeast Ohio Conference River Division football standings with Stow, Elyria and defending champion and state-ranked Twinsburg.


The Explorers (2-6, 2-1) pulled off the unimaginable Friday night, scoring all their points in the second quarter, in handing Twinsburg (7-1, 2-1) its first loss with a 14-11 victory.


Sophomore Ben Gedeon led Hudson, rushing for 131 yards on 24 carries and the winning touchdown on a 1-yard run. A John Barton touchdown from 2 yards out with 1:39 left gave Twinsburg, ranked No. 6 in The Plain Dealer and 12th in the Division I state poll, a ray of hope until Hudson recovered the onside kick.


Glenville 53, John Adams 0 The Tarblooders (8-0, 5-0), ranked No. 1 in the area, Division I state poll, No. 4 in ESPN and 11th in USA Today, notched their third Senate Athletic League shutout on the strength of three interceptions and quarterback Cardale Jones. Jones passed for 187 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for three scores, while Robert Walton Jr. had 99 yards rushing and two touchdowns.  


Solon 45, Nordonia 0 The Comets (8-0, 3-0), ranked No. 2 in the area and seventh in the Division I state poll, posted their second consecutive shutout, and third overall, in an NOC Valley Division home game. Quarterback Chris Humphrey rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns, and was good on all four on his pass attempts for 32 yards. Kyle Hammonds had 82 rushing yards and a touchdown.  


Maple Heights 38, Canfield 21 The unbeaten Mustangs, ranked No. 4 in the area and Division II state poll, scored a huge nonleague road win as quarterback/Cincinnati recruit Shaq Washington passed for 159 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 77 yards. Andre Stubbs totaled 157 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries, and had three receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.


Devonte Ransom rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown, and also had a 7-yard touchdown reception. Dana Day finished with three receptions for 87 yards and touchdown, and an interception.


Walsh Jesuit 35, Benedictine 7 The Warriors (6-2) , ranked the 10th-best team in the area, had quarterback/Michigan State recruit Connor Cook connect on 13 of 17 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the nonleague game. Seven of those completions and both touchdowns went to Tyler Starkey, good for 114 yards. Ryan Jun rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown.


Aurora 37, Perry 7 The host Greenmen (7-1, 5-0) overcame a 7-0 first-quarter deficit to remain undefeated in Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division play.


Senior halfback/defensive back Nick Sivillo carried the ball 14 times for 87 yards and a touchdown for Aurora, ranked 13th in the area. He returned a punt for a 48-yard TD, and had an interception. Junior receiver Anthony Melchiori had six catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns, and junior Blake Calcei was 7-of-14 passing for 162 yards and two touchdowns.


The defense, which is giving up an average of 12 points a game, held Perry to 46 yards of total offense in the second half and 160 overall. Senior linebacker Brian Wells had 12 tackles, two for loss, and senior defensive end Choe Samba had 10 tackles.


Parma 24, Garfield Heights 16 The 17th-ranked Redmen (7-1, 3-0) got touchdown runs of 6 and 13 yards from Joe Pullman, and a 33-yard scoring scamper by Zak Kelling to stay atop the NOC Lake Division standings with defending champion North Royalton.


Lakewood 20, Cuyahoga Falls 14 Jacob Supinski's 27-yard touchdown run as time expired salvaged the NOC River Division victory for the host Rangers (3-5, 1-2).


Euclid 19, Cleveland Heights 6 Quarterback Chuck Bradford and halfback De'Andre Rollins combined to gain 163 yards to win the Lake Erie League Lake Division game for the Panthers (3-5, 2-1). Heights quarterback Bryce Jones completed 18 of 42 passes for 229 yards and a touchdowns, but was intercepted five times.


East Tech 14, John Hay 12 The Golden Scarabs (1-6, 1-4) got their first victory with the SAL upset win as Aundre Crenshaw gained 92 yards and scored Tech's first touchdown on a 2-yard run. Quarterback Raleigh Forte scored the game-winner from 1 yard out.


Revere 19, Cloverleaf 14 The Minutemen (3-5, 2-3) scored all their points in the second and third quarters in the Suburban League game, led by quarterback Eric Smith's 105 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. Both of those scoring throws went to Mike Ruetty, for 5 and 20 yards.


Stow 26, Elyria 19 The Bulldogs (3-5, 2-1) won their second consecutive NOC River Division game behind quarterback Mike Greenwell and tailback Duane Mitchell. Greenwell passed for 133 yards and two touchdowns, and Mitchell rushed for 124 yards. Jim Griggs had 11 tackles, including three for a loss.


Rhodes 34, Collinwood 0 Defensive end Louis Rodriguez had 10 tackles for losses, including five sacks, in leading the Rams (6-2, 4-2) to their third shutout of the season and second in the Senate Athletic League. Tailback Justin Sangster had 132 yards rushing and touchdown runs of 3, 15 and 66 yards, while LaKeith Walls had 133 yards on the ground and scoring runs of 9 and 11 yards.


Cornerback Neil Atwood had a third-quarter interception which led to a Rhodes touchdown.


John Marshall 38, Lincoln West 0 The Lawyers (5-3, 4-2) posted their second SAL shutout behind linebacker Dominique Dickerson's 13 tackles, and two sacks each by ends Curtis Hines and DeAndre Brown. Quarterback Tamaine Chappell completed 5 of 10 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 117 yards.


Brush 39, Normandy 6 The Arcs (3-5, 1-2) got 161 yards rushing from tailback Patric Hannon, who also scored on a 71-yard run. Quarterback Isiah Wilson ran for 172 yard and three touchdowns.


Orange 33, Wickliffe 14 Chase Ullman ran for 318 yards and four touchdowns as the Lions (3-5, 1-4) won the CVC Chagrin Division game.


Independence 25, Cardinal 17 Quarterback Sam Stretar completed 9 of 21 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown and ran for 248 and two touchdowns as the Blue Devils (7-1, 5-0) won the CVC Valley Division game.


Brooklyn 28, Oberlin 7 Gary Manning rushed for 131 yards, had 27 reception yards and 10 tackles on defense as the Hurricanes ( 3-5, 2-3) routed Oberlin in a PAC Stripes Division game.


North Royalton 41, Valley Forge 20 The Bears (7-1, 3-0) got a 141-yard passing night with four touchdowns from quarterback Travis Tarnowski, and Logan Parce rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown in the NOC Lake Division game triumph.


Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 42, Timken 23 Alex Utley ran for 141 yard and two touchdowns and had three receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns as the Royals (4-3, 4-1) won the Principals Athletic Conference game.


Lutheran West 14, Clearview 6 Quarterback James Ranc passed for 76 yards, including the game-winning touchdown in the Longhorns' (4-4, 4-1) Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division victory.


Cuyahoga Heights 34, Hawken 7 Fullback Alec Torgerson and quarterback Alex Zander each had two rushing touchdowns in the CVC Metro Division home victory. Torgerson finished with 166 yards on 17 carries, while Zander had 104 yards on 10 carries for Cuyahoga Heights (7-1, 2-0).


The Hawks avoided a shutout when Matt Burns scored on a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter.


Manchester 67, Fairless 0 Mark Noble and Shawn Dean combined for 308 yards rushing and seven touchdowns in the Principals Athletic Conference home victory. The Panthers (8-0, 5-0), ranked 24th in the area and second in the Division IV state poll, led, 26-0, after the first quarter.


Mogadore 41, Windham 21 Mogadore (8-0, 5-0), ranked third in the Division VI state poll, had Jake McAvinew rush for 127 yards and two touchdowns and a 48-yard touchdown reception in the Portage Trail Conference County Division victory.


Newbury 41, Richmond Heights 12 The Knights (1-7, 1-2) got their first victory and kept Richmond Heights winless as Dan Levesque rushed for 156 yards and caught two passes for 25 yards, including a touchdown, in the CVC crossover-game win. Alex Kania had 145 rushing yards and three touchdowns.


Fairview 38, Bay 14 The host Warriors scored touchdowns on their first two possessions and never looked back in their West Shore Conference win.


Senior running back Nick Williams and junior wide receiver John Doherty each scored twice.


Fairview (5-3, 4-1) dominated the first half, recording 18 first downs to Bay's one as the Rockets fell to 2-6, 2-3.


Cross country


Premier Athletic Conference Despite Riverside junior Zack McBride taking first-place honors with a time of 16:24.6, the Beavers were edged out of the boys' team title by Chardon, 43-44, thanks to the 3-4 finish of juniors Ty Kawalec (16:35.0) and Mike Campbell (17:08.7).


The Chardon girls cruised to the championship with 23 points as sophomore Corrinne Kule (20:20.8), junior Amanda Garlak (20:35.9) and sophomore Allie Diehl (20:44.5) entered the chute in first, second and third place, respectively.


 

Cleveland Cavaliers dumped on in ESPN-Marvel Comics preview of NBA season

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In ESPN the Magazine's NBA season preview, the sports media company teamed with the comics publisher to illustrate story lines for all 30 teams using such popular characters as The Hulk, Iron Man and Fantastic Four. As for the Cavs, they come off as far less than super.

cleveland-cavaliers-espn-marvel.jpgView full sizeMarvel Comics teamed with ESPN the Magazine to write its preview of the NBA season. In it, the only team report not to have an illustration of a current player or owner is the Cleveland Cavaliers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As if "The Decision" weren't brutal enough for Cavs fans, ESPN is throwing another gut punch.

ESPN the Magazine's NBA season preview hits newsstands next Friday. The sports media company teamed with Marvel Comics to illustrate story lines for all 30 teams using such popular characters as The Hulk, Iron Man and Fantastic Four.

Flip to the Cavaliers and what will you see? Two panels reflecting ESPN's low expectations for the Cavs this season.

The first scene is a man walking away from his Spider-Man getup tossed in the trash can. It's accompanied by text: "I was just a young, unthinking teenager when I first became Spider-Man. But the years have a way of slipping by, of changing the whole world about us. And every boy, sooner or later, must put away his toys and become a man!"

Scene two, labeled "Unamazing Cavaliers" and "King James no more!," carries an image of LeBron James in a Miami Heat uniform walking away from his crumpled number 23 Cavs jersey in the garbage can.

It's a twist on Marvel's iconic moment from a Spider-Man issue published in 1967 when Peter Parker quits being a super hero and leaves his alter ego behind.

But Cavs season ticket-holder Brian Barney, a downtown ad executive who saw the images online, was upset at what he considered a cheap shot.

"It's belittling," he said. "It seems mean-spirited."

Especially after ESPN's burn this summer. The network staged James' prime-time revelation that the Akron native and two-time MVP was bolting for Miami, known as "The Decision."

The Cavs are the only team in the preview issue not illustrated by an image of a current player or owner.

Gary Belsky, ESPN the Magazine's editor in chief, said his staff was sympathetic to Cavs fans, but when ESPN writers and editors presented story lines for the season to Marvel artists, they decided this was the way to tell it.

"Honestly," he said, "we talked a lot about that and we didn't see it as kicking the city and Cavs fans while they're down."

In fact, Belsky promised a special-edition image if the Cavs surpass ESPN's expectations.

"Nothing would make us happier if that would be the case," he said. "If they get past 40 wins, I will go back to Marvel and say, 'Dudes, we were wrong.' "

Report: Mariners choose Eric Wedge as next manager

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The Seattle Mariners have reportedly chosen former Cleveland Indians skipper Eric Wedge as their new manager.

eric-wedge.jpgView full sizeEric Wedge is reportedly the new manager in Seattle.

The Seattle Mariners have reportedly chosen former Cleveland Indians skipper Eric Wedge as their new manager.

SI.com first reported Friday the Mariners had selected Wedge to be their manager after their second 101-loss season in three years. Other media outlets had similar reports late Friday. Wedge becomes the team’s sixth manager since the beginning of the 2007 season.

Asked to comment on media reports about Wedge, the Mariners said there would be no official announcement Friday.

Wedge had the Indians within one game of the World Series in 2007 before falling to the eventual champion Boston Red Sox in seven games. The Indians finished with 90-plus wins in two of the seven seasons Wedge managed the club. He earned manager of the year honors in 2007.


Expect the Buckeyes to keep throwing - Ohio State-Wisconsin preview

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Check out Doug Lesmerises' four thoughts on the Buckeyes as they prepare to face the Badgers.

Ohio State defeats Ohio, 43-7View full sizeDeVier Posey and Ohio State's receivers will have their chance to shine on a big stage tonight in Madison.

1. Expect the Buckeyes to keep on throwing

Last year against Wisconsin, Ohio State gained 184 yards the entire game. Last week against Indiana, the Buckeyes put up that many yards in the first 17 minutes.

"This is a game we've had circled on our schedule for a while," OSU receiver DeVier Posey said this week. "As an offense last year we didn't do too great."

The Buckeyes were limited in part by their opportunities, getting only 40 offensive plays compared to Wisconsin's 89 plays in a 31-13 win because Ohio State scored two touchdowns on interception returns and another on a kickoff return.

But Ohio State also got off to a very slow start, gaining 31 yards on its first five drives.

"If we wouldn't have had those two defensive touchdowns and the special teams touchdown, without that they're beating us 13-10," OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor said. "So we need to step it up for sure, and hopefully our defense plays as well as they always do."

The Buckeyes did come out throwing last season, their first 18 plays during that slow start consisting of 12 Pryor throws or runs and six tailback carries.

Everyone talked about physical football this week, but watch for the Buckeyes to come out throwing again, even though OSU coach Jim Tressel balked at the idea of his offense being called "pass-first."

"I would be surprised, we would have to mark it down, October the 12th, that we were called pass-first," Tressel said Tuesday. "I hope that we can be called balanced — you know, that you're not sure on any down [what] we're going to do, and then I think we've progressed."

At the very least, call the Buckeyes "pass most dangerous" then.

And Wisconsin is eighth in the Big Ten and 83rd in the nation in pass efficiency defense. San Jose State's starting quarterback completed 20 of 26 passes for 228 yards against the Badgers. Michigan State's Kirk Cousins was 20-of-29 for 269 yards.

This season, Pryor has thrown for at least 224 yards in five of six games, every start except the windblown, quad-injury win at Illinois.

Last season, Pryor topped 224 yards in just three of 13 games. The weather is expected to be fine today. So watch for the Buckeyes to keep going to the air and do it more effectively than they did against the Badgers last season.

2. Big hits from Jay Valai

Two years ago, the Wisconsin safety gave concussions to OSU running back Dan Herron and receiver Dane Sanzenbacher with big hits. Valai sat out last week against Minnesota with knee and rib injuries but is expected back today.

Back then, in his first year as a starter, the 5-foot-9 Valai was just a little guy with a big attitude. Now as a senior he's one of the Big Ten's best bigplay defenders

"He's like the great eraser back there," Tressel said. "It looks like you're going to make a play, and here he comes and whacks you."

Herron said he'll play with no fear, but he's also smart enough to keep an eye out for Valai.

"I was definitely out before I even hit the ground," Herron said of taking that hit two years ago. "I actually didn't know what happened until I came back and saw it on film. It's football. I didn't really have my head on a swivel and the guy got a pretty good shot on me. It happened, but you've got to keep your head on a swivel so things like that won't happen."

3. UW tight ends that aren't tight ends

Nobody in the Big Ten throws to the tight end more effectively than Wisconsin, with 6-foot-4, 241-pound senior Lance Kendricks coming into today as by far the Badgers' leading receiver, with 25 catches for 391 yards. He's No. 84.

But keep an eye on No. 89.

That's the number that senior Bill Nagy, a former Plain Dealer All-Star at Hudson High, wears when he's at tight end. The 6-foot-3, 318-pound Nagy started the first four games this season at right guard, but the Badgers changed up their line at the start of Big Ten play. Nagy now gets most of his snaps as the second tight end when Wisconsin really wants to pound it.

He threw key blocks on two touchdown runs by James White against Michigan State two weeks ago.

4. Which Badger is in the backfield

While Wisconsin back John Clay has run for 692 yards on 115 carries, a 6-yard average, White has gained 485 yards on 63 carries, a 7.7 yard average.

And in the last three games, White has actually outgained Clay, 361-299. The Badgers don't change their package of plays for the backs, but the Buckeyes have to be aware of which back is in the game — White at 5-foot-10 and 198 pounds or Clay at 6-1 and 250 pounds — because the effect is much different.

"Clay is more of a downhill power back, and White is more a scatback runner who's shifty," OSU safety Jermale Hines said. "They're not going to change their offense. It's just two different styles of running.”

Inside the Vest

The Buckeyes will have starting tight end Jake Stoneburner back today after a high-ankle sprain kept him out the past two weeks. In his absence, the role of running back Brandon Saine changed, as the Buckeyes used Saine in the game with another tailback, splitting him out in the slot and lining him up as an H-back.

It sure looked like one way to make up for the loss of Stoneburner as a pass-catching threat, but Tressel said this week the moves weren't related. Tressel said Stoneburner won't be ready to take his normal number of snaps this week, but watch how Tressel and offensive coordinator Jim Bollman deploy their personnel. Among Saine, Stoneburner and fullback Zach Boren, who is maybe the most consistently effective member of the offense, the Buckeyes can probably only have two of the three in the game at a time.

Done well, Ohio State should be able to keep Wisconsin guessing and allow the offense to take another step.

Cavs broadcaster Joe Tait home, resting

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CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers Hall of Fame radio announcer Joe Tait returned home last night from Houston where he was being treated for pneumonia at The Methodist Hospital. He will continue treatment and rest over the remainder of the Cavs preseason schedule and his status will be updated as appropriate. Tait thanked all the fans for their well wishes.

CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers Hall of Fame radio announcer Joe Tait returned home last night from Houston where he was being treated for pneumonia at The Methodist Hospital. He will continue treatment and rest over the remainder of the Cavs preseason schedule and his status will be updated as appropriate. Tait thanked all the fans for their well wishes.

P.M. Cleveland Cavaliers links: Regular season just 11 days away

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The Cavs play CSKA Moscow tonight in Cleveland. Plus, reports on Mo Williams, J.J. Hickson, Anthony Parker, etc.

mo-williams2.jpgGuard Mo Williams will be counted on to provide much of the offense for the Cavaliers.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Just 11 days until the Cleveland Cavaliers open their 41st NBA season -- on Oct. 27 -- with a home game against the Boston Celtics.

Tonight, Cleveland hosts CSKA Moscow in a preseason game. Moscow's roster includes former a former Cavalier, guard Trajan Langdon, and a potential future Cav, center Sasha Kaun.

Kaun, from the University of Kansas, was picked by the Seattle SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) in the second round of the 2008 draft. This is Kaun's third season in Russia, but he remains Cavaliers' property.

The Plain Dealer's Mary Schmitt Boyer writes about Kaun.

Mo to go?

Guard Mo Williams is one of the Cavaliers top scoring threats. Zach Lowe writes for "The Point Forward" page on Sports Illustrated's SI.com that Williams is also one of the top trade "chips" in the NBA:

Williams has an early termination option for 2011-12, meaning he can opt out of the $8.5 million he is scheduled to make next season and become a free agent. But if he chooses to stay on his current deal, he would have an $8.5 million player option for the 2012-13 season. In other words, Williams could either become a free agent after this season or stay in Cleveland for two years and $17 million.

The Cavaliers, who might hang around the fringes of the Eastern Conference playoff race, might be willing to deal Williams either way. If they think he’s going to leave, why not get something for him? Williams comes at a reasonable price, and a lot of teams could use a scoring point guard with a good three-point shot.

The Cavaliers could also get far under the projected cap if they deal Williams for assets that expire after the 2010-11 season and renounce the massive trade exception they got when LeBron James left for Miami. They could also keep Williams and stay under the 2011-12 cap, but why not get another $8.5 million in cap space if you can?

J.J.'s year?

This season looks to be one of opportunity for several young Cavaliers. Among them is power forward J.J. Hickson, entering his third season after playing one year at North Carolina State.

Brandon Ribak writes for NBAPrimetime.com that Hickson is among the young NBA players who could have a breakout season:

Last season J.J. Hickson posted 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in just 20.9 minutes per contest. With LeBron not around Hickson should be provided with plenty of minutes per game, giving him an opportunity to average close to a double-double every night.

At the age of 22, Hickson has potential to be a top candidate for the Most Improved Player of the Year Award, especially if he can remain healthy and produce with the ample amount of playing time given.

Pick and rolls

On NBA.com/cavaliers, a health update on Joe Tait, the Hall of Fame radio announcer for the Cavaliers.

Playing against CSKA Moscow reminds Cavs guard Anthony Parker of when he was playing overseas, Jason Lloyd writes for the Akron Beacon Journal. 

A report on the Cavaliers from USAToday.com.

And, a report on the Cavaliers by the Sports Xchange on CBSSports.com.

A look at the Cavs going into the season, by Jerry Roche on TheClevelandFan.com.

Sasha Kaun's thoughts about maybe playing for the Cavaliers someday, by Bob Finnan for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

 

 

Does 2011 offer another bumper crop of QBs? Gary Danielson thinks so: NFL Insider

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Former Browns quarterback Gary Danielson believes as many as four franchise quarterbacks should be available in the 2011 draft, and the Browns would be wise not to pass them up.

luck-stanford-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeFormer NFL quarterback Gary Danielson believes Stanford sophomore Andrew Luck is the clear-cut top quarterback in next spring's draft -- if the Stanford star elects to leave school.

THE KICKOFF
I can’t think of a Browns quarterback before Colt McCoy who was forced to make his NFL debut against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
It’s a daunting assignment. But former Browns quarterback Gary Danielson views it from a different perspective.
“The nice thing about it is the expectations are so low that if he just survives this, I think his confidence and the team’s confidence will soar around him,“ Danielson said.
“And if they manage him well, as a long-range project, this could be a blessing in disguise.“
How so?
“It’s better than starting against Buffalo, where everybody expects you to do well, and then you don’t. So if you look at it from the other end, it can be a real plus for Colt. You want to show you can swim in the deep end.“
With the sharks circling.

NORTH NUGGETS
The Ravens hope to have Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed back at practice next week. Reed was placed on the physically unable to perform list because of hip surgery in the off-season. Once Reed starts practicing, the Ravens have a three-week window to determine Reed’s status for the season. Obviously, a healthy Reed would improve their Super Bowl chances. ... When the Bengals public address announcer pointed out Carson Palmer surpassed 20,000 passing yards in his career, fans booed. The struggling Bengals quarterback threw his second interception a series earlier in a 24-21 loss to Tampa Bay. ... Steelers kicker Jeff Reed, who missed two field goals in the team’s loss to Baltimore and four of seven overall in Heinz Field this season, said he caught heat from fans while attending a Pittsburgh Penguins game. ... The Steelers admitted they spent a great deal of time preparing for Josh Cribbs in a wildcat role this week. Cribbs’ 37-yard run in the Dec. 10 Browns’ win was the longest allowed by the Steelers last season.

STAT OF THE WEEK
Under defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, the Kansas City Chiefs have held all four opponents, including Indianapolis, under 20 points and rank third in permitting 14.3 points per game.
-- Tony Grossi

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Colt McCoy takes the field Sunday in Pittsburgh and becomes the 16th player to make a start at quarterback for the Browns since 1999. The search goes on for No. 17.

Gary Danielson, the former Browns QB and current No. 1 college football analyst at CBS, subscribes to the theory that the Browns -- or any NFL team -- can not win until they nail down a franchise quarterback.

It was Danielson, then with ESPN, who touted Donovan McNabb as the best of the QB bunch in 1999 when the Browns made Tim Couch the No. 1 overall pick.

In a telephone conversation, Danielson talked about the sport's most important position, said three QBs in college today are "sure-fire top ten picks," and made some observations about McCoy.

• On the No. 1 attribute a quarterback needs to succeed:

"If you talk to 10 quarterback experts, they'll give you 10 different attributes of what a quarterback has to have to be successful, and they're all right. The interesting thing to me is that if you have one attribute that is so good, so highly refined, you can survive by being extremely good at one thing. Bernie [Kosar] had that great touch and his leadership and he survived without having great feet. Drew Brees survived with amazing accuracy. There's different ways to be successful.

"But to me, the most important attribute that a quarterback has to have -- what he can't do without -- is toughness. I define it as in the mental toughness to play the position. Because you are the center of the game. You're the one in the locker room that everyone whispers about when things aren't going right. You're the one that has to answer the tough questions after the game and not indict somebody who ran a wrong route. You're the one that has to work with the ego of the head coach. You're the one that has to look at the game tape on Monday and know that you could've won that game if you had just played a little differently.

"You have to have that mental toughness to look at that and then go back out there Monday and Tuesday and be the leader of the team again. And some guys can't do that."

• On the difficulty in making the right choice:

"You just don't know. San Diego had Brees for four years -- in the meetings, on the practice squad, on the field -- and they didn't think he was their guy. That's how hard it is to know what that guy's going to do when it is actually his team.

"It's a very complicated dynamic. It's only an educated guess. The problem with it though is you have to keep guessing. You can't win without a franchise quarterback. I don't care what the cost is, how many times you've passed. When it's your turn to select a franchise quarterback and there's one there, you have to take it. And you know what? If it costs $50 million, tough. It's the price of [doing business as] an NFL franchise.

"The good thing for Cleveland is there are four franchise quarterbacks coming out, at least, I think."

• On the best quarterbacks projected for the 2011 draft:

"Christian Ponder [of Florida State] is on the edge. Terrelle Pryor [of Ohio State], if he runs the table, he's going to be one of those Vince Young-type guys that may make people choose him in the first round. Ryan Mallett [Arkansas], Andrew Luck (Stanford), Jake Locker [Washington] are sure-fire top 10 picks. That kid from Houston, Case Keenum, is better than Kevin Kolb in the same system. The kid from TCU [Andy Dalton] is a good prospect, too. So you've got six or eight that people are going to have to take a look at."

• On Luck:

"I think Luck is the most sure-fire bet. His background, his coaching in college, his overall ability to handle the position, looks like he's a natural, to me. A natural."

• On Mallett:

"I've watched him in games and in practice. He's too good to pass on. He has some red flags. He tends to make mistakes. But he's the show. If he doesn't play at A game ... he's the one without the chair when the music stops and it always seems to be his fault. I think you have to look past that.

"Sometimes his footwork looks bad, sometimes he throws into coverage, sometimes a bonehead play. He reminds me most of Ben Roethlisberger. Just has got big-play potential. He's got a fabulous arm. He's perfect for the north because he can cut the ball through the wind. That's why I was not a Tim Couch fan. Couch was not a great spiral thrower. He would have been better off going to the south."

• On Locker:

"I think [Washington coach Steve] Sarkisian is really helping him. I think given time, from where he started, he's got great upside. I think his game against Southern Cal showed his upside. He's gonna get better as he gets older. He was an option quarterback without a great team around him. He's still learning how to play the position."

• On comparisons of McCoy to Brees:

"I don't see that. Brees was much more of a pocket passer, he bought time ... I think the spread offense that Colt ran was kind of dink and dunk. He's got to be very careful to be not just a hitch and slant thrower. They'll squat on those and eat him up. Brees was a much more disciplined downfield thrower than Colt showed in his career. But to start at Texas, that's a guy that's used to handling the spotlight. That's not an easy place to play. And he had to follow up Vince Young, too. So he's got a lot of things going for him that a normal guy doesn't.

"It remains to be seen about McCoy. He's got to be like [Jeff] Garcia. He made it. Very effective. He's got to learn not to be just a tough-nosed player ... [but] he's got to learn the NFL game. That's a tough chore."

Brett Favre will meet with an NFL official about allegations on Tuesday, Roger Goodell says

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NFL commissioner Goodell says an official will meet with Brett Favre next week as part of an investigation into allegations the quarterback sent racy e-mails and lewd photos to a Jets game hostess in 2008 when he played for New York.

brett-favre2.jpgWhile Brett Favre is being investigated, his Vikings are 1-3.

South Bend, Ind. -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says a league official will meet with Brett Favre next week as part of an investigation into allegations the quarterback sent racy e-mails and lewd photos to a Jets game hostess in 2008 when he played for New York.

Goodell made his comments Saturday during a sideline interview with NBC at the Western Michigan-Notre Dame game, which he was attending. The commissioner said someone "from our staff" would meet with the Minnesota Vikings quarterback and three-time league MVP.

On Tuesday, Goodell said he had no plans to meet with Favre himself, but added that it's something that he would do if it was warranted.

Favre has been listed as questionable by Minnesota for Sunday's game against Dallas with tendinitis in his right elbow. He has started a record 289 straight games.

Favre, who turned 41 last Sunday, has thrown five touchdown passes and seven interceptions this season.

In The Spotlight: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

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In addition to his 10-1 mark against the Browns, Roethlisberger has dominated at home, going 5-0 with six touchdown passes, four interceptions and a 101.5 rating.

Browns lose to Steelers, 27-14Hearing the cheers from appreciative Pittsburgh fans after another victory against the Browns has been the norm for the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Ben Roethlisberger absolutely owned the Browns with a 10-0 record against them until they crushed the Steelers QB with eight sacks in a 13-6 victory in Cleveland last December.

Can the Browns even come close to that performance Sunday in Pittsburgh, where Roethlisberger is coming off his four-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy?

"We'd like to duplicate that if we could," said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. "That's tough. We're lucky to tackle a guy eight times. I know he hasn't been playing this year but it's unfortunate he had to come back our week. It's great the young man paid his dues and came back to his team. I'm sure they're excited about that and we're looking forward to getting after a good football team and a great player."

In addition to his 10-1 mark against the Browns, Roethlisberger has dominated at home, going 5-0 with six touchdown passes, four interceptions and a 101.5 rating. He's completed 65.6 of his passes (82 of 135).

"Roethlisberger is a fierce competitor and sometimes that gets him in trouble where he'll stay in that pocket and he'll stand up there big and tall and dare somebody to come in there and hit him, but then he'll pump the ball 64 times and then finally throw it," said Ryan. "The guy's phenomenal, the guy's a winner and he came in the league winning and he keeps winning. I know we're going to get their best shot but I know and I really believe they're going to get our best shot too."

The Steelers have relied primarily on their running game while Roethlisberger was out but the Browns aren't expecting that now that he's back.

"This guy is no rookie," Ryan said. "He's been playing a long time, he's been a Pro Bowler for a long time so if they liked something in the passing game, which I'm sure they will, I'm sure they'll be airing it out.

"You can't go to sleep on a Pro Bowl quarterback. They averaged 400 yards a game last year on offense pretty much and I think he had about 500 yards passing the first time they played us. We're ready to go against them we've worked hard and we're looking forward to it."

Roethisberger, a native of Findlay, admitted he struggled against the Browns' multiple looks in December.

"There's a lot of confusion," he said. "They like confusing offenses. They've got guys all over the place. Trying to identify who's a lineman, who's a linebacker, who's a defensive back, a lot of blitzing. It's a very good defense. I don't think they get a lot of the credit they deserve. That's probably what they pride themselves on doing is kind of causing that chaos and getting to the quarterback."

Roethlisberger said he's not sure how emotional the game will be for him, but that he hopes he's warmly received.

"It means a lot," he said. "Second chances are an awesome thing and that's all I've asked for. I want to be a Steeler for life. I love playing for this city and these fans. It's something that's very important to me. I know a lot of people say 'I don't really care about the fans and what people say about me.' Well, I do. I want people to accept me and to embrace me as their quarterback and as a Steeler."

The Browns have no plans to receive him warmly.

"I think he wants to torch us after everything that's gone on," said safety Mike Adams. "But we plan on repeating the success we had against him last time. Maybe even top it. Why not try for 10 sacks this time?"

Texas leads Yankees, 7-2, after six innings in Game 2 of ALCS

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The Yankees take a 10-game postseason winning streak against Texas into Game 2 of the ALCS on Saturday.

 Updated: 6:45 p.m.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Rangers, for the second time in as many days, took a quick 5-0 lead against the Yankees in the ALCS. They stretched it to 7-2 through six innings.

The Rangers built their 5-0 lead in three innings Saturday in Game 2. On Friday night, they led 5-0 after four innings only to lose, 6-5, to a Yankee rally.

Texas went to work Saturday in a hurry against Phil Hughes. Elvis Andrus opened the game with a single, took second on a wild pitch, stole third and stole home on a double steal with Josh Hamilton. It was the first steal of home in the postseason since Brad Fulmer of the Angels in Game 2 of the 2002 World Series against San Francisco.

The Rangers made it 3-0 in the second. David Murphy homered off the facing of the upper deck in right field on Hughes' 2-0 pitch to make it 2-0. Then came three straight two-out hits by Mitch Moreland, Andrus and Michael Young to make it 3-0. Moreland scored on Young's double to right.

Texas made it 5-0 with two more runs in the third. After Nelson Cruz hit a leadoff double and went to third on a sac-bunt, Murphy and Bengie Molina hit consecutive singles to score the runs.

The Yankees made it 5-1 on Lance Berkman's two-out single in the fourth. The Ranger responded with two runs in the fifth to chase Hughes. Nelson Cruz opened the fifth with a double high off the center field fence. Ian Kinsler followed with a triple into the right field corner to make it 6-1.

Joba Chamberlain relieved and registered two quick strikeouts with Kinsler standing at third. Mitch Moreland bounced a single into left field to make it 7-1.

The Yankees made it 7-2 in the sixth with Robinson Cano's second homer in as many days. Cano went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI in Friday's victory. Through six innings Saturday, he doubled and homered in three at-bats.

 Ranger starter Colby Lewis didn't make it through the sixth. After Jorge Posada singles and Berkman walked with two out, Clay Rapada relieved and struck out Marcus Thames to end the inning.

Bobbing and weaving: Lewis worked his way through three scoreless innings for Texas, but wasn't sharp.  He faced 13 Yankees in three innings, allowing two walks, one walk and hitting a batter.

He stranded four.

Lewis' best inning was the fifth when he struck out Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira.

The line: Hughes was hooked with no outs in the fifth. He allowed seven runs on 10 hits, three walks and a wild pitch in four innings. He threw 88 pitches, 57 for strikes.

Hughes threw seven scoreless innings in Game 3 of the ALDS against on Oct. 9.

Lewis allowed two runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings.  He walked three and struck out six on 102 pitches, including 67 strikes.

Pre-game notes:

 Ron Washington says the Texas Rangers have rubber souls. It won't take long to find out if he's right or not.

 The Rangers were six outs away from winning Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Friday night when they gave up five runs in the eighth inning to send the Yankees to a 6-5 victory.

 "In a seven-game series, we probably let one get away," Washington told reporters before Game 2 Saturday afternoon. "My guys are resilient. They will show up and they will go out and fight hard. I would like to be in the same position and see what happens."

 The Rangers have lost 10 straight playoff games to the Yankees.

 Lineups:

 Yankees: SS Derek Jeter (R), CF Curtis Granderson (L), 1B Mark Teixeira (S), 3B Alex Rodriguez (R), 2B Robinson Cano (L), RF Nick Swisher (S), C Jorge Posada (S), DH Lance Berkman (S), LF Brett Gardner (L) and RHP Phil Hughes.

 Rangers: SS Elvis Andrus (R), 3B Michael Young (R), CF Josh Hamilton (L), DH Vlad Guerrero (R), RF Nelson Cruz (R), 2B Ian Kinsler (R), LF David Murphy (L), C Bengie Molina (R), 1B Mitch Moreland (L) and RHP Colby Lewis.

 Umpires: H Tony Randazzo, 1B Jim Reyonlds, 2B Angel Hernandez, 3B Fieldin Culbreth, LF Brian Gorman, RF Gerry Davis. Davis, crew chief.

 Quotes: Yankee manager Joe Girardi on the acquisition of reliever Kerry Wood from the Indians at the July 31 trading deadline: "I was excited because I knew Kerry's personality. I knew that the situation would not intimidate him."

 Texas catcher Bengie Molina: "I think we're very good at shaking off a tough loss like Friday's. These guys are very loose. . .they enjoy the game. They forget things real quick. They don't get rattled by anything."

 Pre-game numbers:

 -In the 11 postseason games between the Yankees and Rangers, the Yankees have outscored them, 15-0, from the seventh inning on.

 -The Yankees 10-game postseason winning streak against Texas is the second longest between two teams in history. Boston won 11 straight against the Angels.

 -Shortstop Elvis Andrus and outfielder Nelson Cruz have hit in all six the Rangers postseason games this year.

 -The Yankees entered Saturday's game hitting .324 (12-for-37) with runners in scoring position this postseason.

 -Derek Jeter is MLB's postseason leader with 181 hits, 100 runs and 142 games played.


Rookie Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy will be 'focused, prepared' for NFL debut vs. Steelers

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Those who know Colt McCoy well aren't afraid to send him into the Steelers' lion's den Sunday.

Cleveland Browns lose to Detroit Lions, 35-27Colt McCoy's start on Sunday may be his first opportunity to make an impression in the NFL, but he's got plenty of backers among those who saw him in college and those who have watched him practice this season with the Browns.

TONY GROSSI’S FOUR THINGS
ON BROWNS VS. STEELERS
1. Let your quarterback play: Colt McCoy has no chance in his first NFL start if the game plan calls for him to be shackled and handcuffed behind center. Sure, the running game has to be effective and productive. But no team beats the Steelers on the ground. The Browns have to trust McCoy with a few pet passing plays that he can execute to keep the defense honest and out of the tackle “box.” I would have McCoy throw on first down most of the time. Keep the routes short to get the ball in receivers’ hands quickly. Let their legs make the plays, not McCoy’s arm.
2. The Cribbs factor: Josh Cribbs has three kickoff TD returns in Pittsburgh. In last December’s upset win, Cribbs had two long kick returns and also his best day running out of the wildcat formation. Cribbs has to play an integral part for the Browns to have any chance. Use him in the passing and running games. Short throws right off the line of scrimmage, end-around runs, reverses. Some wildcat. Dust off that Cribbs wildcat pass to the quarterback. I’m sure McCoy can catch the ball. Throw the playbook at the Steelers.
3. Toppling Big Ben: The supreme defensive game plan used to baffle and tackle Ben Roethlisberger in December should be the blueprint for this game. Ben is not the smartest signal-caller in history, so you can flummox him with disguised coverages and rush schemes. The cornerbacks have to come up big. They cannot drop a single interception. A pick six would be nice, no?
4. Visit the Trauma Ward: How many Browns fans would like to see T.J. Ward lay the wood on Steelers receiver Hines Ward? Just make it a legal shot, please.
— Tony Grossi

PLAIN DEALER PREDICTIONS
Mary Kay Cabot (3-2)
Steelers 24, Browns 10: Big Ben’s return trumps Colt’s debut.

Tony Grossi (1-4)
Steelers 16, Browns 3: Phil Dawson breaks Lou Groza’s team field goal record. Rah.

Bill Livingston (2-3)
Steelers 27, Browns 6: Well, at least Ken Dorsey isn’t the Browns quarterback, right?

Terry Pluto (2-3)
Steelers 27, Browns 10: On any given Sunday, any team can win. This is not that Sunday for Browns.

Bud Shaw (3-2)
Steelers 24, Browns 13: Rash of high ankle sprains means Browns die with their boots on.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The folks who know Colt McCoy the best have no fear about throwing the rookie QB into the Steelers' lion's den Sunday.

"Going to Pittsburgh for his first NFL start is a tough deal but I'm sure he'll do everything in his power to be as prepared as possible for the challenge," said Texas coach Mack Brown through the Longhorns' media relations staff. "Playing at Texas, Colt was fortunate to compete in some of the toughest places in college football. He's played against the best teams college football had to offer and competed with and against a lot of players that are now in the NFL.

"I can't speak for what it will be like in the NFL, but he's overcome a lot of adversity in some really challenging college environments. He's a guy that does a great job of staying focused in difficult situations."

Brown knows one thing for sure: McCoy will be as prepared as possible to face the Steelers' fourth-ranked defense, and one that's first against the run.

"Colt is a gym rat who worked as hard as anybody I've ever been around to get ready for a game," said Brown. "He was always the last guy off the practice field and had a passion for studying film and really understanding the game plan. I can't imagine he's not doing the same thing in Cleveland. He's a tremendous leader and will leave everything on the field."

After replacing Vince Young at Texas, McCoy won more games -- 45 -- than any quarterback in NCAA history and set 47 school records. He led Texas to the 2009 BCS title game against Alabama -- a loss in which McCoy left early with a shoulder injury. He also set the NCAA record with a 76.7 completion percentage as a junior.

Said Young, in an email response: "Colt is a good guy. He's a hard worker, was always asking the right questions and dedicated to being a good football player. We've kept in touch through the years and I have a great deal of respect for him."

McCoy's close friend is former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick who's now starting for the Rams.

"Colt has all the tools to be a tremendous quarterback," said Bradford in an email. "He can make plays with his feet. When he had time in college, we all saw the kind of player he is. I know that he'll do everything in his power to be prepared this week against the Steelers, I'll be pulling for him and I hope he does well."

Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has been impressed with McCoy this week. He took all of the first-team reps while Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace limped around in their walking boots.

"It's with no live bullets, but he's done a good job in the huddle with the older veterans," said Daboll. "He has an older, veteran offensive line. He's gotten the plays out quickly, he hasn't had any mistakes in that regard."

Daboll said McCoy has been preparing as a starter all season, even though this was supposed to be a "red-shirt" year.

"He's got his shot now," said Daboll. "This is obviously what he's always dreamt of. It didn't seem too big for him out there, where there were stars in eyes. Now he's got to go out and play well."

Daboll said the package installed for McCoy is "pretty expansive, it's not just a little list because he's pretty sharp. Now, it's go time. The lights are on."

Daboll said McCoy's No. 1 asset is his accuracy.

"He's sharp, he works the field, he knows his progressions, he can throw on the move, he can throw in the pocket and I'm excited for him," he said. "It's going to be a tough challenge, no question. He knows this, I know this, everybody knows it."

Eric Mangini said McCoy is not only accurate but efficient, which should help against a team that's first in the AFC with 12 takeaways.

"He has thrown down the field, but it's not going to be a function of forcing the ball anywhere," Mangini said. "You can't force the ball into spots against this defense."

In addition to defenders flying at him from all angles, McCoy will have to be aware of where ballhawk safety Troy Polamalu is at all times. Polamalu has two interceptions this season, 22 for his career.

"You've got to go with what you see and be confident and make sure you're not telegraphing your intentions," said Mangini. "You've just got to be definitive and not hold things."

The Browns are prepared to support McCoy with a power running game, use of the wildcat and a line that's on point. McCoy can also make plays with his feet when he needs to.

"He needs all the time he can get to sit back there and try to read the defense and figure out what they're trying to do," said Joe Thomas. "But he doesn't have to make it bigger than it is. This isn't the Super Bowl. He's a natural back there. The kid's a winner. He knows how to play the quarterback position."

Hathaway Browns wins Div. II girls golf title, University second in boys

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- They gathered on the 18th green of the Scarlet Course, trophies in hand, medals around their necks and smiles on their faces, as family and friends took photo after photo. Some would say it was a perfect picture on a picture-perfect day for golf.




COLUMBUS, Ohio -- They gathered on the 18th green of the Scarlet Course, trophies in hand, medals around their necks and smiles on their faces, as family and friends took photo after photo.


Some would say it was a perfect picture on a picture-perfect day for golf.


It was a group shot of 10 golfers, five girls from Hathaway Brown and five boys from University School, plus coaches and assorted others.


On Saturday, they were the face of Northeast Ohio golf during the final day of the Division II state tournament, played under ideal conditions on a beautiful fall day in Central Ohio.


They had reason to celebrate, as did others.


Hathaway Brown did not play as well as it did during Friday's first round -- when its superb play built a 22-shot lead -- but it stormed to the school's first state championship with ease. The Blazers won by 23 shots -- 658 to Poland Seminary's 681.


University School's attempt at winning its sixth state title fell two strokes short to two-time champ Dayton Oakwood, but senior Scott Smith capped a marvelous four-year career by winning the individual state title with a two-day total of 7-over 149 to win by six shots.


Smith, a Plain Dealer All-Star last year, said it was a bittersweet day while acknowledging that a second-place finish was something to celebrate.


"I'm psyched that I won, but it's not the same as winning as a team," said Smith, who closed his tournament with an even-par 71 to erase a two-stroke deficit after the first 18 holes. "We got here as a team and we lost as a team. I know what the guys are going through. I just had the good fortune of coming out strong individually. It's just not the same. It's still a team sport."


Smith, who trailed Dayton Oakwood's Adam Bogdan at the day's outset, made the turn at 1-under 35 and his thoughts turned to last year when he was in contention through the first 15 holes at Northstar Resort but faded to a tie for seventh.


"I began preparing for this tournament the day after last year's tournament," he said. "I came here with my game top-notch. Last year I was in contention but I choked on 16, 17 and 18. Today, I stood on the 16th tee and I was never going to give up."


After a making a double bogey on the 13th hole, Smith closed with five straight pars to cap a round that included one bogey and three birdies.


Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy senior Jacob Forsythe shot a final round 78 to finish in third place with a score of 157, two behind Waynedale's Grant Weaver, an Ohio State recruit.


While Hathway Brown did not have the individual champ -- the honor went to Columbus Academy's Morgan Ransom, who avenged her runner-up finish of a year ago to win by seven shots with a final-round of 1-under 69 -- the Blazers can boast of posting one of the widest margins of victory.


Just as they did on Friday, sophomore Ashley Yarbrough and senior Sydney Kirby led the Blazers' attack. Yarbrough added a final-round 78 and was the Blazers' low scorer at 155. Kirby, who has an opportunity to win another state title as a member of the school's field hockey team, shot 80 on Saturday. She finished her round with five consecutive pars for a tournament total of 157.


"We played well at the right time of the season," said head coach Paul Barlow, who has won a state title in the third year of getting a team to Columbus, just as he did with the school's basketball team. "We won the Walsh tournament and we won our conference tournament for the first time, but I thought we really started playing well in the post-season. We really played well as a team, not just one or two players."


That certainly was evident in this tournament. On Friday, sophomore Nia Marshall shot 78 to back 77s by Yarbrough and Kirby. On Saturday, it was junior Annie Ames who came through with the solid support. After opening with a 93 on Friday, Ames shot 88 on Saturday.


Kirby, who earned second-team all-Ohio honors with Yarbrough, told Barlow she felt she had let the team down when she reached the 14th tee.


"He said I wouldn't let the team down if I parred the last five holes," said Kirby. "I said 'OK' and I parred them."


Yarbrough was the only team member to shoot both rounds in the 70s. She said the team put Friday's round behind them before they teed it up on Saturday.


"This was my first time shooting in the 70s in a tournament and it feels amazing," she said. "We forgot about what happened on Friday and I think it helped us stay focused and go out and play our game," she said. "It was nice having that big lead."


Orange junior Brynn FitzGerald shot a final-round 79 and finished in a tie for third in the individual competition with a total of 152.


To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: trogers@plaind.com, 216-999-5169

P.M. Cleveland Browns links: Eyes on QBs Colt McCoy and Ben Roethlisberger

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Browns rookie McCoy makes NFL regular season debut. Steelers two-time Super Bowl winner Roethlisberger makes season debut after serving conduct-related suspension. Plus, numerous other links.

colt-mccoy.jpgBrowns quarterback Colt McCoy will make his NFL regular season debut against the Steelers.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in a game that's focused on the team's quarterbacks for the wrong reasons.

The Browns' Colt McCoy, who won more college games at Texas than any other Division I quarterback all-time, will make his first NFL regular season appearance because the two veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, are sidelined with badly sprained ankles.

Meanwhile, the Steelers get Ben Roethlisberger back. The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback is making his first appearance of the season after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's conduct code.

The Steelers are 3-1 and the Browns 1-4. Despite all of the talk of a Cleveland-Puittsburgh rivalry, each team has enjoyed one lengthy era of dominating the other.

Cleveland was 32-9 against the Steelers from the Browns' 1950 entry into the NFL through the first of the two games between the teams in 1970.

Unfortunately for Cleveland, Pittsburgh is 49-24 against the Browns since then, for a 58-56 lead in the series. That doesn't include the Steelers' wins over the Browns in their only two playoff meetings: during the 1994 and 2002 seasons.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Mary Kay Cabot's story on Colt McCoy; Cabot's "In the spotlight," about Ben Roethlisberger; Cabot's Browns notes, highlighting Josh Cribbs' subpar season returning kicks; Cabot's report that running backs Peyton Hillis and Mike Bell expect to be ready for the Steelers game; Tony Grossi's NFL Insider.

Don Delco writes for the Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com about the offense McCoy ran at Texas, and about McCoy's 13-of-13 passing performance in the Browns' final preseason game:

Colt's strengths 

Under McCoy, Texas ran the shotgun spread offense. According to Kevin Flaherty, publisher of Scout.com’s Longhorn Digest, “Texas thrived with a quick game that included an extensive two-man game to make one defender ‘pick his poison’ so to speak. The Longhorns used concepts like stick plays (one receiver sprints to the flat, the other runs about eight yards and options either in or out, depending on the defense) to that end. They used double slants (witness McCoy's Ohio State game winner for an example) to attack man coverage. And they used plays like smash routes (outside receiver runs a curl and the inside receiver runs a corner route over the top) and four verticals (just like it sounds) to stretch the field deep.”

After three preseason games in which McCoy struggled, the Browns offense against Chicago resembled his days in Austin.

McCoy started and played a little more than two quarters before finishing 13-for-13 passing for 131 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Granted, he was playing against the Bears scrubs, but the plays fit McCoy’s strengths.

Tough to run

It would certainly help McCoy if the Browns can establish their running game. That will be difficult, since the Steelers lead the NFL in rushing defense, allowing just 62.3 yards per game.

Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository analyzes every aspect of the Steelers game, including:

Run defense

Nose tackle Casey Hampton, in his 10th year with the Steelers, has been to five Pro Bowls, and signed a three-year contract extension this year. He can’t be a welcome sight for Mack, who has been nursing a shoulder injury and struggled against Atlanta. The league doesn’t calculate tackles the same as teams do, but either way, 2007 Round 1 pick Lawrence Timmons is a machine. The Steelers say the 24-year-old inside linebacker has 53 tackles, including 15 apiece at Tennessee and at Baltimore. The NFL lists him with 48. The other inside linebacker is James Farrior, 35, who was a No. 8 overall pick by the Jets in 1997. His best days have been in nine years with the Steelers. One thing the Browns love about Hillis is that he won’t back down. Because of injuries, though, he’s not the same Hillis who bulled through Baltimore for 144 yards. Running back Mike Bell, who arrived in the Jerome Harrison trade, is in a tough spot, needing to play with alarmingly little prep time.

Post patterns

The Browns' need to finally get a win in Pittsburgh, by Brian Dulik for the Medina County Gazette.

A game preview by Ryan Kelsey on the Dawgs By Nature blog.

A mention of Browns vs. Steelers on John B. Lopez's "Inside the NFL" for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

Browns notes, leading off with an update on Peyton Hillis and other Browns dealing with injuries, by Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

The challenge facing Colt McCoy, by Michael Martinez on the Orange and Brown Report for Scout.com.

The need for Josh Cribbs and the return teams to excel, by Mike McLain for the Warren Tribune Chronicle.

Some Browns and Steelers discussion, on James Walker's AFC North Blog for ESPN.com.

Browns notes, leading off with Josh Cribbs' return game, by Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a whole new Q for Trajan Langdon in return to Cleveland: Cavaliers Insider

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One-time first-round Cavaliers draft pick Trajan Langdon, who is in his sixth year with CSKA Moscow, sees huge changes in Cleveland since he last played here in 2002.

green-cavaliers-ss.jpgDanny Green is likely dueling Manny Harris for the final roster spot on the Cavaliers as the exhibition season winds down.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A lifetime ago, Trajan Langdon was the future of the Cavaliers, the 11th overall pick in the NBA draft and a 6-4 guard who was supposed to lead Cleveland to handfuls of victories.

The Duke product lasted three seasons for the Cavaliers before heading to Europe, and eventually, to Russia where he has played for CSKA Moscow for the past six years.

Langdon hasn't been to Cleveland since he left in 2002. That means he missed the entire career of a certain No. 1 draft choice from Akron -- a player he is hesitant to bring up by name, but one whom he credits for the differences he sees at The Q and in Cleveland since his time here.

"Obviously, there have been some huge changes when you have a person the stature of Mr. James," Langdon said. "I know a lot of people here don't like you mentioning his name any more. But that's bound to change things in a city and an organization 180 degrees from when I was here. It was a great thing for the city."

The blue seats in the arena have been replaced by maroon ones. There's a new owner in Dan Gilbert. There's an atmosphere of winning still left over from a squad that had back-to-back 60-win seasons. Although The Q had only a smattering of fans Saturday -- much like Langdon's years -- as many Clevelanders watched No. 1 Ohio State play Wisconsin, he still felt a palpable difference.

Langdon led CSKA Moscow team with 15 points last season, but after seven years in Russia, he thinks this might be his final season in Moscow. At age 34, he admits it might be the tail end of his professional career, too. He and his family now live in Arlington, Va., in the off-season.

"I want to go some place I want to be," Langdon said. "I want to go to a good team and a good situation. If that happens, I'll play. If not, then we'll see. ... If it comes along, if it happens, great. If not, I'm not going to be torn by it. It's not something I've been searching for since I was released by the Clippers back in '04."

In the meantime, Langdon has been playing with another Cavaliers draft pick, 6-11 Sasha Kaun. Kaun has one year remaining on his contract with CSKA Moscow.

"Come here, work hard, try to enjoy it -- and bundle up," Langdon said.

Danny vs. Manny: With just two preseason games remaining, it appears coach Byron Scott's final roster cut will come down to second-year guard Danny Green and rookie Manny Harris. Green has struggled through the preseason while Harris has impressed while averaging 10.5 points in four games. Green's contract is not guaranteed this season, which could be a factor in the final cut.

Scott said he will use the final preseason games to work out the rotation he intends to use during the regular season, so it's likely neither player will see significant time to impress. That will have to come during practices.

"I'm a big believer in everything happens for a reason, so whatever happens, happens," Green said. "And whatever's meant to be will be. So either way, I feel like things will work out. I really do want to make the team and I'm pushing really hard. Of course, I'm nervous like everybody else, and there's a lot of pressure on me, but I try not to look at it as added pressure."

Tait update: Hall of Fame radio announcer Joe Tait returned home Saturday night from Houston, where he was being treated for pneumonia at The Methodist Hospital. He will continue treatment and rest over the remainder of the preseason schedule. Tait passed along his thanks and appreciation to all the fans who have asked about him and shared their well wishes.

Mo Williams added his own get-well wishes, Tweeting from his @mogotti2 account, "Joe Tait, welcome home my friend. Love u. Get your rest, we need u for opening night."

Dribbles: Jawad Williams missed Saturday's game after his wife, Angel, gave birth to a daughter Nailah Denise Williams, on Friday evening. ... Scott said Anderson Varejao likely will play Tuesday when the Cavaliers face Philadelphia in Cincinnati.

Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer contributed to this story.

St. Edward overpowers St. Xavier, 20-3

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LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- There's a chicken-and-egg argument brewing at St. Edward this fall. Is the Eagles running game unstoppable because of an offensive line that averages 290 pounds, or is it senior tailback Reggie Terrell who makes the offensive line look so beastly?













St. Edward linebacker Avery Bailey celebrates his second-quarter tackle for a loss against St. Xavier Saturday in Lakewood.



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(John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)









LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- There's a chicken-and-egg argument brewing at St. Edward this fall.


Is the Eagles running game unstoppable because of an offensive line that averages 290 pounds, or is it senior tailback Reggie Terrell who makes the offensive line look so beastly?


Take your pick, because it doesn't really matter. Just ask Cincinnati St. Xavier, a quality team that was run over by Terrell and company in a 20-3 St. Edward victory Saturday afternoon in Lakewood Stadium.


Terrell, who until this season was a backup cornerback, rushed for 212 yards on 36 carries and scored a pair of six-yard touchdowns. It was his fourth consecutive game of at least 100 yards in the wake of a knee injury suffered by tailback Terrell Bates, who should return next weekend.


Terrell (5-9, 170) played like a veteran, waiting for holes to open, picking his way through and accelerating for extra yardage.


"It was beautiful today," he said. Once the line figured out what it had to do against that defense, we just started pushing."


The combination of St. Edward's running game and a dominant defense was too much for St. Xavier (4-4), especially after the four-hour drive from Cincinnati on Saturday morning. The Bombers kicked a field goal on their first possession, then failed to cross midfield the rest of the day. With 175 total yards, they became the Eagles" seventh consecutive opponent to total fewer than 200 yards offense.


St. Xavier quarterback Griffin Dolle passed for 109 yards and ran for 19. Tailback Conor Hundley gained 33 yards on 12 carries.


St. X is really physical," St. Edward defensive end Deonte Gibson said. "We had to match that and kick it up. After the first drive, we got a feel for them. After that, it was pretty much game over."


St. Edward scored 10 points in the second and fourth quarters, and Eagles kicker Mike Dinunzio made a pair of 37-yard field goals. He also was a field-position factor, notching four touchbacks on kickoffs.


The Eagles, who led at halftime, 10-3, had numerous breakdowns in their passing game against St. Xavier's funky 3-3 defense. They struggled to keep at bay outside linebacker Steven Daniels, who had 12 tackles, five of which were at or behind the line of scrimmage.


Sacks of quarterback Kevin Burke on consecutive first-half drives cost St. Edward scoring opportunities. One was followed by a missed 42-yard field goal attempt and another sack knocked the Eagles out of field-goal range. Frequent blitzes contributed to Burke's five sacks and 6-of-17 passing for 97 yards, including a third-down interception by Jake Rumpke at the St. Xavier 6-yard line early in the third quarter.


"They just wear you down," St. Xavier coach Steve Specht said. "That's the most complete football team we've seen this year, top to bottom. For a little over three quarters, we played our hearts out, but it was tough to get anything moving. The field position hurt us and we just couldn't climb out of that hole."


St. Edward outscored its previous five opponents, 202-12, so it welcomed St. Xavier as a barometer heading into next Saturday's game at Cincinnati Moeller and the Week 10 rivalry game against St. Ignatius.


"This was a day to see where we stand," St. Edward coach Rick Finotti said. "We learned that we're tough, and that we're winning and not even playing our best football. We could have played better in all three phases."


St. Xavier has one game remaining, at home next Saturday against St. Ignatius. Specht said if the Bombers win, they are in the playoffs.


"That's a testament to our schedule and how difficult it's been," Specht said.


 


 

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