Ohio State and Michigan are on the sideline for the playoff, while one conference gets two teams in.

The Browns and the Bears face off tonight. Follow live updates from the game on cleveland.com's Snapchat account.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -Tonight, the Cleveland Browns face off against the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium. Both teams are 0-3, and this marks the final preseason game of the year.

Want to get some behind-the-scenes action and game coverage? Browns reporter Scott Patsko will be taking snaps on cleveland.com's Snapchat account before, during and after the game. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.

Here's how you can follow along on Snapchat:

Add cleveland.com on Snapchat. Our username is clevelanddotcom

Cleveland Browns vs. Chicago Bears: TV channel, kickoff time and streaming for final preseason game

No SEC, No Big Ten. A new conference will crown a College Football Playoff champ.

Which conference gets left out?

Join the discussion and get updates on Thursday's preseason finale between the Browns and Bears.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns face the Bears Thursday at FirstEnergy Stadium in the fourth preseason game for both teams.

The Browns (0-3) are expected to play their starters in the game after a subpar performance last week against the Buccaneers. The Bears (0-3) are likely to sit their starters, which could mean fans see a lot of former Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Join in the discussion in the comments during the game, where you can chat with other fans and see Tweets from Mary Kay Cabot, Dan Labbe and Scott Patsko. The game will be broadcast live on ABC, Channel 5. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m.

Let us know if you think the Browns are ready for Week 1.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns' starters on offense and defense played just a couple drives on Thursday against the Bears. The offense accounted for a touchdown. The defense gave up a field goal.

The offense had 17 drives in the preseason, resulting in four touchdowns and one field goal. The defense, meanwhile, had some rough games.

The question is, are the Browns ready for Week 1?

Check out the poll below and let us know what you think. You can explain your selection in the comment section.  

In the fourth preseason game, Cleveland Browns receive promising play from Carl Nassib, Joe Schobert and Emmanuel Ogbah.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Cleveland Browns notebook as they face the Chicago Bears in the final preseason game on Thursday at FirstEnergy Stadium:

1. It's really hard to develop any grand themes from the final preseason game. For the Browns, the good news is Robert Griffin III didn't get hurt. He didn't look bad. I have been guardedly optimistic about Griffin for much of the preseason. Nothing in this game changes that opinion.

2. Rookies Carl Nassib and Emmanuel Ogbah are defensive linemen with speed. That's why there is reason for optimism about these selections. Nassib batted down a pass. The stat sheet said it was only his second of the preseason, but I swear he has more than that. Ogbah was credited with his second sack of the preseason. I thought Nassib also had a hand in that.

3. The main point is Ogbah (a second-round pick) and Nassib (a third-round pick) look like NFL players and have not been overmatched in the preseason.

4. One of the reasons -- not the main one -- the Browns cut Paul Kruger is Joe Schobert. The Browns have been impressed by the rookie from Wisconsin. He has had some nice moments on special teams and you do notice him when he's playing outside linebacker.

5. Outside linebacker Nate Orchard didn't start. Not a good sign, given Kruger was cut. The Browns were playing Ogbah and Schobert more. Cam Johnson also saw some action at outside linebacker.

6. The Browns threw a 12-yard pass to Isaiah Crowell. It was the kind of short pass that required a nice touch, and Griffin delivered it just right. Jackson wants to get the backs involved in the passing game. Crowell caught only 28 passes on his first two seasons. Jackson believes he can be a weapon catching balls out of the backfield.

7. Last season, most of the passes to running backs went to Duke Johnson (61 catches). Jackson has some plays where Johnson lines up as a wide receiver. Once the regular season opens, it will be fun to see how Jackson works his backs into the offense. Josh McCown threw four passes to running back Terrell Watson. The Browns are using some screen passes, and that should help against blitzes. In the first half, running backs caught six passes. Fullback Malcolm Johnson caught a 3-yard pass.

8. Corey Coleman caught his first pass. The Browns first-rounder missed the first two preseason games with a hamstring injury. He has looked rusty, dropping a perfect pass on a crossing route. Coleman was targeted four times and had one catch for 10 yards.

9. It's been a disappointing preseason for Coleman. The rookie from Baylor has been hampered by the hamstring injury and since coming back, it's been rocky. He looked very good in the spring minicamps.

10. The Browns anticipate Coleman playing a key role. That means they have to really get him ready in practice.

11. The Browns only threw one pass to Terrelle Pryor. It still appears he will be a starting receiver. I believe Jackson has some plays ready to put the ball in Pryor's hands once the games count.

12. Josh Gordon caught three passes for 29 yards. He was mauled on a long pass, but no interference was called. Gordon looks sharp as he heads into his four-game suspension. Now, the Browns have to work to keep him that way as he sits out. He can be in the practice facility, but is not allowed to practice. He can take part in individual workouts.

13. Former Browns QB Brian Hoyer was 12-of-16 for 112 yards. He is secure as the Bears backup quarterback.

14. Two really bad things in the first half. Patrick Murray missed a 31-yard field goal ... wide right. No rush. No problems with the snap. Nothing but a lousy kick. The Browns defense was flagged for having 12 men on the field. On the next play, they had only 10 as the Bears scored on a 1-yard touchdown.

15. I thought rookie quarterback Cody Kessler looked a bit overwhelmed in the third quarter.

Ivan Castillo hits a three-run homer and Mike Papi also homers.

Ivan CastilloAkron RubberDucks 

ERIE, Pennsylvania -- Ivan Castillo hit a three-run homer and Mike Papi hit a solo shot, but it wasn't enough as the SeaWolves held off the Akron RubberDucks, 8-7, in a Class AA Eastern League game Thursday night.

Akron right-hander D.J. Brown (8-8, 4.78 ERA) struggled, giving up eight runs, six earned, in 4 2/3 innings. The RubberDucks also had a rough game in the field, committing three errors.

It led to Akron digging a 4-1 hole entering the fourth, but the RubberDucks rallied off SeaWolves starter Tommy Collier. Papi and Luigi Rodriguez started the inning with singles, then Joe Sever brought in a run with a double.

Castillo's homer gave the RubberDucks a 5-4 lead.

Erie tied the game with a run in the bottom of the fourth, but Papi's solo shot in the fifth gave Akron a 6-5 lead.

Kody Eaves hit a two-run homer as the SeaWolves scored three times in the bottom of the fifth to take an 8-6 lead. Akron would score again in the sixth, but could get no closer.

Papi finished 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Castillo, Rodriguez and Jordan Smith each had two hits for Akron.

Go here to see a box score from the game.

Chris Vanzo rushed for 107 yards and three touchdowns, Bubba Arslanian's 15 tackles paced the defense and Aurora notched its first football win of the season Thursday night, 41-13, at Euclid.

EUCLID, Ohio -- Chris Vanzo rushed for 107 yards and three touchdowns, Bubba Arslanian's 15 tackles paced the defense and Aurora notched its first football win of the season Thursday night, 41-13, at Euclid.

Vanzo, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior, scored midway through the first quarter on an 11-yard run. Gavin Blunt caught a 33-yard, second-quarter touchdown pass from Mac Austin, and the Greenmen (1-1) built a 14-0 halftime lead on the Panthers (1-1).

Vanzo added his other two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Arslanian also scored on a 59-yard TD run early in the third quarter.

De'Quan Pruitt scored both Euclid touchdowns, including a 4-yard run early in the third that cut Aurora's lead to 14-7. Arslanian quickly answered on his long jaunt, and the Panthers never got closer.

Pruitt rushed for 118 yards on 23 carries.

Austin, a senior quarterback, finished 6-of-11 passing for 187 yards and three touchdowns in his second start.

Both teams are on the road Friday, Sept. 9 in Week 3. Aurora travels to Twinsburg, while Euclid is at Willoughby South.

Carl Nassib, Emmanuel Ogbah and Joe Schobert each made plays to get the Browns defense off the field on Thursday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Back when this preseason started at Lambeau Field, defensive lineman Carl Nassib told me that he and fellow rookie Emmanuel Ogbah like to get a little competitive in obvious passing downs. 

"I go to Emmanuel, like it's third and long and I'm like, 'Hey, I'll race you there,'" he said. 

The two did just that on the Bears' first drive of the game on Thursday night. It was third-and-5 from the Bears' 36 and Ogbah and Nassib caught up to quarterback Brian Hoyer to bring him down and force a punt. 

It was a combination of many things the defense has been unable to do consistently this preseason. They got to the quarterback. They tackled him. They got off the field on a third down. 

Nassib showed up again on the decisive third down of the next drive, knocking a pass down from Hoyer on third-and-3 from the Browns' 12. Chicago settled for a field goal. He followed it with a finger wag at the former Browns quarterback.

To top it off for the kids, rookie Joe Schobert sacked Hoyer on third-and-6 from the Bears' 24 to force a punt in the second quarter. 

You never want to read too much into any preseason game, especially the last one, when the other team isn't playing its best guys. Still, for a defense that has had a long preseason, it was a plus to see some of the young guys making plays. In a week that started with the release of Paul Kruger and the clear signal that this team was going young - as if a clear signal was needed to begin with - the defense needed this.  

Here are some other observations from the final preseason game. 

* If you're scoring at home, the Browns finally ran a successful screen play with 4:35 left in the first quarter. It was Duke Johnson for eight yards and it was beautiful. 

* The quick pass to Isaiah Crowell inside the red zone for a first down with 2:05 left in the first that moved the ball inside the five-yard line -- that's the type of play Hue Jackson wants to see from Robert Griffin III. It kept the drive moving and Crowell scored three plays later.

* Nate Orchard was playing the fourth quarter of this game. That's "supposed to be starting at outside linebacker" Nate Orchard. That's not ideal.

* Here's my weekly reminder that Taylor Gabriel is still playing well this preseason. He returned a punt 37 yards in the third quarter. It's also my weekly reminder that I'm just not sure he can overcome the numbers game at the position.

* Michael Palardy got off a 14-yard punt. Kasey Redfern responded with a 26-yarder on the next attempt. That's all I'll say about the punting battle.

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The Browns lost 21-7 to the Bears despite playing their starters against the Bears' backups in the first half.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The good news for the Browns in their 21-7 loss to the Bears was that Robert Griffin III and the rest of the starting offense scored a touchdown in their three drives of work.

The bad news is that it came against the Bears' second-team defense, and the drive started at the Bears' 18 after Tank Carder recovered a muffed punt.

If they hadn't scored on that drive, they'd really have to be questioning themselves coming out of this preseason, which ended with an 0-4 mark.

As it is, the offense -- and defense -- will need to grind hard over the next nine days to be ready for the opener Sept. 11 in Philadelphia. The Browns played their starters in the first half, while the Bears rested theirs, including quarterback Jay Cutler. Former Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer played the first half.

The Browns trailed 12-7 at the break.

"They got the work in that I wanted," Hue Jackson said at halftime. "We started slow, though. We have to start a little faster."

Griffin finally puts 7 on the board

Working against backups from the opening drive on, Griffin went three-and-out his first time up after his third-down pass to a leaping Corey Coleman on the left sideline sailed high.

On Griffin's second drive, he moved the chains, but Bears linebacker Sam Acho blew in untouched on Griffin's right side and pressured him into a throwaway on third down. The two possessions were disappointing for an offense with so many weapons in Gary Barnidge, Josh Gordon, Coleman, Terrelle Pryor and Duke Johnson.

Finally, the first-teamers punched it in after Carder recovered the muffed punt to start Griffin inside the 20.  Isaiah Crowell scored from four yards out after losing three yards on a pitchout.

"They were just clogging it up,'' Crowell said of his 1.8-yard average. "It just took more effort. I just felt like they clogged it up a few times. We just had to keep on working to punch it in."

It wasn't the outing Jackson would expect from his starters against second- and third-teamers, but scoring a TD there was better than the alternative.

"It was good to get back out there and get the bad taste out of our mouths from last week because we didn't play the way we wanted to,'' said tight end Gary Barnidge. "We got out there and showed what we could do, and I'm looking forward to the regular season."

Griffin completed four of eight attempts for 31 yards for a 59.9 rating. All told, in 17 quarters this preseason, the first-team offense scored four touchdowns and one field goal.

Coleman still rusty

Coleman missed about two weeks of team drills with a tweaked hamstring and it shows. Coleman is at times struggling to get lined up properly. On the Crowell TD drive, the Browns had to call a timeout at the goal-line because Coleman wasn't lined up right.

Jackson and then Pep Hamilton talked to Coleman, then replaced him with Gordon, who was squeezed out of bounds by Deirdre Hall on the fade. The sequence of events highlighted that Coleman still has a ways to go.

In addition, he dropped a catchable ball from McCown with some heat on it on a crossing route, and caught one of the four passes thrown his way for 10 yards. 

For the next four games, the Browns won't be able to yank Coleman out and replace him with Gordon, who begins his four-game suspension on Saturday. Coleman is the starting X receiver.

Carl Nassib still flashing

The Browns' third-round pick out of Penn State has made plays all preseason, and Thursday night was no different. In the first quarter, the 6-7 Nassib leaped to swat down a third-down Hoyer pass to force the Bears to settle for a field goal. Afterwards, he wagged his finger at the former Browns quarterback. Nassib also pressured Hoyer on the drive before, which resulted in a third-down sack by Emmanuel Ogbah to force a punt.

Nassib was voted the Maurice Bassett Award winner this week for the outstanding rookie in camp.

Josh Gordon with the backups

Gordon got a lot of work in the second quarter. The idea was to get some reps in, but to save the majority of the starting reps for Coleman. Gordon had one pass from Josh McCown picked off by cornerback Jacoby Glenn. It seemed that Gordon may have failed to come back on the route. He caught three of the six passes thrown his way for 29 yards, with a long gain of 11.

Josh Gordon on the the eve of his 4-game ban: 'This is where I belong'

Things to be encouraged about

* Ogbah's sack, Nassib's swat and rookie Joe Schubert's sack of Hoyer were among the highlights.

* Tank Carder's recovery of the muffed punt was a heads up play.

* Crowell's 4-yard TD, albeit against backups, was a good run.

* Armonty Bryant is suspended the first four games for performance-enhancing drugs, but he blocked an extra point attempt and forced a fumble. He could be one of the Browns' best defensive players.

Things to be concerned about

* The first-teamers should've looked markedly better than the Bears backups, and they didn't. There's a ton of work needed to be ready for the Eagles.

* New kicker Patrick Murray sailed a 31-yard field goal attempt wide right. The snap was a little high, and holder Mike Palardy, a punter candidate, tried to get it down in time.

* Neither of the two new punters fared well. Palardy uncorked a 75-yarder but also had a 14-yarder, and Kasey Redfern unleashed a 26-yarder in the fourth quarter. The Browns will probably be trying out punters this week.

* The Browns still had protection problems, including Acho blasting through untouched to blow up a drive.

* Crowell averaged only 1.8 yards on his 11 carries.

* The defense twice had 10-men on the field, including on a TD run and a failed extra point attempt.

* The Browns started out in the nickel, and Danny Shelton wasn't on the field. By now, the Browns hoped he'd be an every down player. When they were in a 3-4, he was the starting nosetackle.

"It is easy to tell that we have players that are showing effort, but we still have to pick it up,'' said Shelton. "We need some turnovers. That is what our defense needs to do to be a top defense. We have to have turnovers and more sacks."

* Outside linebacker Nate Orchard, a second-round pick last year, played into the fourth quarter with the third- and fourth-teamers. By now, a second-round pick should be poised for a breakout year.

* Cody Kessler worked with and against all backups in the second half, but showed he has a long way to go. He was under siege a lot and sacked three times. He completed 10 of 17 attempts for 40 yards and a 63.6 rating.

Injuries

Running back Rajion Neal was carted off with a knee injury midway through fourth quarter. Malcolm Johnson left with a biceps injury, but Jackson said he should be fine.

Inactives

The following Browns did not play: cornerbacks Trey Caldwell (hamstring), Justin Gilbert (concussion) and Tracy Howard (hamstring); running back Raheem Mostert (hamstring), and receiver Ricardo Louis (hamstring).

Next:

Browns open the season Sept. 11 in Philadelphia.

Let us know which players you would leave off the Browns' final 53-player roster?

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The preseason is done. Now the Browns are tasked with trimming the roster from 75 to 53 players before to Saturday's 4 p.m. deadline.

Some players will be released, some will wind up on the 10-player practice squad, and the Browns are sure to pursue players cut by other teams. But for now, the roster below is what we have to work with.

Only 20 players need to go because Josh Gordon and Armonty Bryant - both suspended for the first four games - will not count toward the final 53. So who should go? Share your choices in the comment section.

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Robert Griffin III

Cody Kessler

Josh McCown

Running back

Isaiah Crowell

Jahwan Edwards

Duke Johnson

Raheem Mostert

Rajion Neal

Terrell Watson

Fullback

Malcolm Johnson

Wide receiver

Corey Coleman

*Josh Gordon

Taylor Gabriel

Andrew Hawkins

Rashard Higgins

Darius Jennings

Ricardo Louis

Marlon Moore

Jordan Payton

Terrelle Pryor

Tight end

Gary Barnidge

Seth DeValve

Connor Hamlett

J.P. Holtz

Randall Telfer

Offensive line

Alvin Bailey

Joel Bitonio

Shon Coleman

Spencer Drango

Cameron Erving

Dan France

Garth Gerhart

John Greco

Kaleb Johnson

Mike Matthews

Austin Pasztor

Joe Thomas

DEFENSE

Defensive tackle

Chigbo Anunody

Jamie Meder

Danny Shelton

Defensive end

Kenton Adeyemi

* Armonty Bryant

Xavier Cooper

John Hughes

Carl Nassib

Outside linebacker

Cam Johnson

Jason Neill

Nate Orchard

Emmanuel Ogbah

Joe Schobert

Inside linebacker

Dominique Alexander

Tank Carder

Demario Davis

Christian Kirksey

Justin Tuggle

Scooby Wright

Cornerback

Trey Caldwell

Mikell Everette

Charles Gaines

Justin Gilbert

Tracy Howard

Joe Haden

Eric Patterson

Jamar Taylor

Tramon Williams

Free safety

Pierre Desir

Rahim Moore

Jordan Poyer

Strong safety

Ibraheim Campbell

Derrick Kindred

Don Jones

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter

Michael Palardy

Kasey Redfern

Kicker

Patrick Murray

Long snapper

Charley Hughlett

* Gordon and Bryant are each suspended for the first four games of the season and do not count toward the 53-player roster.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The PGA Tour's younger set has used the FedEx Cup Playoffs as a showcase. The past eight players to win a playoff event were under age 30. The eighth, Patrick Reed, 26, won The Barclays last week in New York state. Reed is ranked No. 1 in FedEx Cup points and No. 9 in the world...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The PGA Tour's younger set has used the FedEx Cup Playoffs as a showcase.

The past eight players to win a playoff event were under age 30. The eighth, Patrick Reed, 26, won The Barclays last week in New York state. Reed is ranked No. 1 in FedEx Cup points and No. 9 in the world entering this week's Deutsche Bank Championship in Massachusetts.

The Barclays and Deutsche Bank Championship are the first half of the 2016 FedEx Cup Playoffs. The BMW Championship is next week, followed two weeks after that by the Tour Championship.

The top 125 in the FedEx points standings qualified for the playoffs. The reset top 100 were eligible to advance to the Deutsche Bank Championship.

The Deutsche Bank Championship begins Friday morning. Here are the groupings and tee times. Golf Channel will televise live from 2:30-6:30 p.m. and you can follow along all round on our live leaderboard (below).

Friday's live leaderboard:

PGA TOUR

DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP

Site: Norton, Mass.

Course: TPC Boston. Yardage: 7,214. Par: 71.

Purse: $8.5 million (First prize: $1.53 million).

Television:

• Friday: Golf Channel, 2:30-6:30 p.m.
• Saturday: Golf Channel, 2:30-6:30 p.m.
• Sunday: Golf Channel, 1-3 p.m.; NBC Sports, 3-6 p.m.
• Monday: Golf Channel, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; NBC Sports, 1:30-6 p.m.

Defending champion: Rickie Fowler.

Last week: Patrick Reed won The Barclays.

Notes: The tournament starts Friday and ends on Labor Day. ... The top 100 from the FedEx Cup are eligible, and the top 70 after this week will advance to the third FedEx Cup playoff event. ... The Tiger Woods Foundation is in its 14th and final year as the host organization. Woods has not played at TPC Boston since 2013. ... The last two Americans to win the Deutsche Bank Championship during Ryder Cup years were not selected for the team -- Charley Hoffman in 2010 and Chris Kirk in 2014. ... Sean O'Hair moved up 93 spots with his tie for second at The Barclays and now is No. 15 in the FedEx Cup. He has made it to the Tour Championship only one time, in 2009. ... Jim Furyk is No. 84 and needs to be in the top 70 after this week to advance to the third playoff event. He never has missed the BMW Championship. ... Only one player has made the Deutsche Bank Championship his first PGA Tour victory -- Adam Scott in 2003, playing on a sponsor exemption.

Next week: BMW Championship.

Online: www.pgatour.com

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Hue Jackson slammed the door shut on the preseason and says 'it's time' to go win a game in Philadelphia.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hue Jackson pulled team leaders Joe Haden and Joe Thomas aside on the sidelines late in the 21-7 loss to the Bears in the preseason finale and reminded them it's go-time now.

"It's time,'' Jackson said. "It's the real guys. The grind starts now. What it's truly all about starts next Sunday in Philadelphia. I wanted them to understand it's going to take work, it's going to take their leadership and their ability to rally their teammates to do what we need to do which is we're going to Philadelphia and we expect to win a game."

Jackson stressed that the 0-4 record preseason mark doesn't faze him and that it was all about finding out who his players are this preseason.

"I've had one (0-4) preseason,'' he said. "I've coached one in Oakland (where he finished 8-8 in 2011). I know it can be done. When you're playing so many different guys, you don't get some kind of rhythm with each other. I feel good about where we are. I wish it would've been better. I don't like being 0-4.

"You guys kind of know me a little bit so that part I'll take and file away. Now it's about every week getting ready to play the game for wins and losses. It's not anything else. It's not evaluation period. It's gameplan. It's making sure we cross the T's, dot the I's and get ready to play. Our guys will be ready to play."

Browns lost 21-7 to Bears despite playing starters vs. backups in the first half

In the locker room after the game, one in which his starters worked against the Bears backups in the first half, he delivered the same message to his players: it's time to slam the door in the preseason.

"The regular season is here,'' he said. "We don't blink. The focus of everything changes. Now, it's about finding a way to win by any means necessary, and I think our players understand that."

Jackson is confident he has enough to work with to field a competitive team, despite what it sometimes seemed this preseason.

"They better be (ready),'' he said. "We are going to be. I'm excited about going to Philadelphia next week. We have to put the finishing touches on this team over the weekend, and then we will get ourselves ready for Philadelphia."

Here are four other takeaways from the preseason finale:

1. Tramon Williams tells it like is

How does Williams know that the defense will be better in Philadelphia? They couldn't stop the run against the Falcons, or the pass against the Bucs. They haven't put together a complete game yet.

"Cause it's got to,'' Williams said. "It's got to be different in 10 days. We've been doing a lot of good things throughout the preseason. Not consistent enough, but we do have hope that we can get it to be consistent. The only thing we've got to do is keep working. It's never as perfect as you want it to be, but if you put in the time and the effort, you can get it there. So that's what we're going to do."

2. Robert Griffin III: don't worry about Corey Coleman

The Browns No. 15 overall pick struggled again in his second preseason game, dropping a pass and getting taken out on the goal-line after he lined up incorrectly. He caught one of the four passes thrown his way -- another from Griffin was too high -- for his first reception in his two games. All told, it was six targets, one catch for 10 yards from Josh McCown.    

"You just can't press,'' said Griffin. "I've talked to him about it. It's let your talent show. I know at Baylor every ball got thrown to him and he had many opportunities, and he's going to get that in the league, as well, but teams are going to cloud him. Teams are going to roll coverage to him to try to take the ball out of his hands, along with some of our other receivers.

"He just has to continue to work and put his head down and just keep grinding, keep working. He had a nice catch. On that one, I know the drop that you are talking about, a tough catch for him to make but he can make it, and he knows that. It's just about continuing to work with Corey. He is a phenomenal talent, and I can't wait for everyone to see it on gameday like we have seen it in practice consistently.

3.  Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib are flashing

The Browns' second- and third-round pass-rushers are making plays and gaining confidence as they head into the preseason. The two both started the game -- in the nickel -- and are making a case to start the season. Nassib applied pressure on Ogbah's first-quarter sack to force a punt, and on the next drive, the 6-7 Nassib jumped up over 6-7 offensive tackle Mike Adams to swat down a Hoyer pass. Afterwards, he wagged his index finger at Hoyer, displaying his flamboyant personality.

"Very encouraging,'' said Jackson. "Those are the young guys. Those guys made some plays early. Our defense early did a nice job. Everybody is looking for the consistency. Obviously, when you get to the second and third teams, it is a little different. I think we all get that. I'm so excited about next week. That is where my mind is and that is where this football team's mind is. That is what I just told them is that preseason is over. Whatever it is, it is. Now, it is time to get ready to play some real football."

Rookie Joe Schobert also sacked Hoyer and continues to pop this preseason.

4. On the lookout for a punter

The punting competition didn't go well. Kasey Redfern, acquired in the trade with Carolina for Andy Lee, dribbled a 26-yarder, and Mike Palardy, signed this week as a free agent, had a 14-yarder just before that. He also boomed a 75-yarder. Palardy also held on Patrick Murray's missed 31-yard field goal, but the snap was a little high.

"Obviously, it wasn't up to our standards tonight,'' Jackson said. "We need to do a little bit better. We will do whatever we feel that we need to do to shore that up. It wasn't as good as any of us liked. We will do whatever, whether we need to go find another guy or see if there was something within the process of those kicking that was an issue."

The Browns wrapped up the preseason on Thursday night. Here are some notes from the game.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Defensive lineman Xavier Cooper laughed when I asked him if there was something we hadn't seen from this defense yet -- if there would be something new when the Browns travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles to open their season.

"Of course," he said. "I can't tell you everything. That's how the game goes. Preseason, we want to try certain things, but I'm sure (head coach) Hue Jackson and (defensive coordinator) Ray (Horton) will have something dialed up for Philly."

Veteran cornerback Tramon Williams knows the clock is ticking on the defense.

"It's got to be different in ten days," he said. "I think we've been doing a lot of good things throughout the preseason. Not consistent enough, but we do have hope that we can get it to be consistent."

Thursday night marks the end of the preseason and the beginning of, well, something. This was a week that started with the Browns sending veteran linebacker Paul Kruger packing and punter Andy Lee to Carolina for a too-good-to-pass-up draft pick. It's appropriate that the team's season will open in the same city that the 2017 NFL Draft will take place.

Until then, though, there are games to be played -- real ones, not those of the preseason variety.

"They better be (ready)," Jackson said after the game on Thursday night. "We are going to be. We will get ready. I'm not worried about next week. I'm worried about us getting through the weekend, practicing and getting ready for Philadelphia."

At some point reality will hit -- it might happen two Sundays from now. Until then, Cooper is just trying to think positive.

"Everything good is going to come from positive vibes," he said. "We've just got to keep pushing. Last year sometimes we got down and sometimes we were high. We've got to stay high all the time and continue to believe."

Young defenders show promise in preseason finale

The waiting game: It wasn't that long ago that Scooby Wright was thought of as one of the best defensive players in college football. Injuries derailed his senior season and he ended up as a seventh round pick by the Browns. Now the rookie inside linebacker has to wait to see what happens.

"I took my shot with everything I could," Wright said after the game. "I have no regrets. It is what it is at this point. I don't make the final decision."

No rush to judgment: The running game was mostly quiet during the preseason. It was probably at its best against Tampa Bay in Week 3. 

There wasn't much emphasis on running the ball with the first team. Isaiah Crowell only carried it 22 times in the four games. Duke Johnson only carried nine times. When the regular season starts, expect to see a lot of running. Jackson's history dictates it. Hopefully, it will also mean Johnson gets unleashed more than what we saw in the preseason.

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It's the first installment of what we, for now, have dubbed the Pennant Race Podcast. In this edition, Meisel and Hoynes converse about Josh Tomlin's removal from the rotation, his mystery replacement, Coco Crisp's addition to the roster, whether the offense can emerge from its recent slumber and whether Corey Kluber has any companions capable of lending him a hand in the rotation.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's September. The Indians stand atop the American League Central, with visions of basking in October glory.

There are about four weeks remaining in the regular season. The Indians have plenty of hurdles to clear before they can prepare a postseason plan.

This isn't exactly a team clicking on all cylinders as it enters the home stretch. There are questions that the lineup and the rotation must answer. There are puzzle pieces that manager Terry Francona must fit together in some fashion.

So, Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes put their heads together -- not exactly a brain trust, but this is what we're working with here -- and discussed how the Indians can hit their stride as they approach the final stretch. 

It's the first installment of what we, for now, have dubbed the Pennant Race Podcast (we're open to suggestions for a new moniker, slogans, sponsors, guest appearances). In this edition, Meisel and Hoynes converse about Josh Tomlin's removal from the rotation, his mystery replacement, Coco Crisp's addition to the roster, whether the offense can emerge from its recent slumber and whether Corey Kluber has any companions capable of lending him a hand in the rotation.

We'll release one or two podcasts per week through the conclusion of the 2016 season. We'll tackle mostly big-picture items, and we'll attempt to get Hoynes riled up so he produces one of his always-memorable rants. 

We'll try to keep this thing moving swiftly. Feel free to leave suggestions for topics, or toss us any questions you might have about the Indians, the American League Central, MLB, sports, life or anything else. 

The STVM defense was up to the task tonight as the Fighting Irish defeated Walsh Jesuit 10-3.

AKRON, Ohio – Defense was the name of the game Friday night as host St. Vincent-St. Mary defeated Walsh Jesuit 10-3.

Neither offense could really get anything going. It was just a matter of STVM (2-0) making more plays defensively than Walsh Jesuit (0-2).

“They are a tremendous team, they are a tremendous defense,” Walsh Jesuit coach Scott Beigie said. “They have a lot of athleticism. Frankly, their guys made plays and that’s what hindered us from making plays.”

The only touchdown of the game came from the defensive side of the ball as senior Brandon Bischof for STVM picked up a fumble in the first quarter and ran it 14 yards for the score. It turned out to be all the Fighting Irish defense would need, as it came up time and time again against the Warriors.

“I told the kids today let’s take it to the next level of being a great defense, let’s go from being good to being great,” STVM coach Marcus Wattley said. “The kids were up to the challenge this week.”

Offensively, STVM, ranked No. 22 in the cleveland.com Ohio Super 25, went with freshman quarterback Luke Lindsay in his first high school start. While the stats aren't impressive, he did enough to make his coach proud and help his team win.

“Luke has earned our trust,” Wattley said. “He has been great all summer and he has been great at the start of the season. You may look at his stat line and it may not look great, but he made crucial plays when he needed to make them."

The win for STVM was its second in a row over Walsh Jesuit and the fifth win in the last six games against the rival.

Plays that changed the game:

In a game decided by the defenses, it was Bischof who landed the first big blow. Walsh Jesuit quarterback Alex Weitman was pressured as he went to flip to the running back on the option and had a bad exchange. With the ball on the ground, Bischof scooped it up and scored from 14 yards out to give the Fighting Irish the first score of the game.

“I just saw the fumble and I had to react,” Bischof said. “We are trained see ball, pick it up and score and I just did what I was trained to do.”

Walsh Jesuit had the ball deep in STVM territory late in the second quarter, but the Fighting Irish defense held strong and forced a 28-yard field goal from Quinn Saluan to take a 10-3 lead into the half.

On Walsh Jesuit’s final offensive possession, Justin Sampson knocked down the third-down pass of Weitman to force the Warriors to punt. The Fighting Irish then ran off the final 4:43.

Who stood out:

As defense ruled the night, the biggest playmaker was Bischof. Not only did he return the fumble for a touchdown, but he intercepted a Weitman pass in the first quarter as well.

What’s Next: St. Vincent-St. Mary will host Canada Prep on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. and Walsh Jesuit will play at Columbus Bishop Watterson on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m.  

Walsh Jesuit will play at Columbus Bishop Watterson on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m., while St. Vincent-St. Mary will host Canada Prep on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

Ryan Isley is a freelancer from Akron. For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Visiting Hudson (2-0) jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and prevailed over host Strongsville at Pat Catan Stadium.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – Hudson (2-0) jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, added two more scores before halftime and never looked back, cruising to a 35-20 football win over host Strongsville at Pat Catan Stadium on Friday.

The Explorers, ranked No. 19 in the cleveland.com Ohio Super 25, dominated the first half, scoring on their first two possessions of the game. Jackson Parker scored rushing touchdowns of four and 58 yards, respectively.

Strongsville (1-1) got on the board in the second half when Christian Williams returned a fumble 38 yards for a score. The Mustangs added a second score when Jony Major hit Nick Caruso for a 2-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 35-12.

Key plays

Hudson dominated the first quarter from the opening kickoff. The Explorers moved the ball with ease on the game's opening possession, driving 62 yards on nine plays, culminating in Jackson Parker's 4-yard touchdown run. The drive featured three plays of 14 yards or more, including a 23-yard run by Kevin Callahan.

After the Hudson defense forced Strongsville into a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, the Explorers needed just one play to extend their lead. Parker broke free for a 58-yard touchdown run and Hudson was up 14-0.

The second quarter started like the first, with Hudson scoring on their second play of the period. Colt Pallay hit Sam Wright for a 26-yard touchdown pass, his first of two touchdown receptions on the night, and the Explorers led 21-0.

A Strongsville fumble near midfield gave Hudson the ball on the Mustangs' 43, and three plays later Wright pulled in his second touchdown pass of the night. This one, a 33-yard strike from Parker, extended the lead to 28-0 and Hudson would take the lead into halftime.

Who stood out

Hudson's offense, paced by their double-headed quarterback monster of Jackson Parker and Colt Pallay, was too much for Strongsville in the first half. The Hudson offensive line gave both QBs time to throw and room to run, and the Hudson quarterbacks took full advantage. Parker ran six times for 90 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, and added 83 yards and a touchdown through the air. Pallay was two-of-three passing for 61 yards and a touchdown in the first half.

Wideout Sam Wright was the biggest recipient of the aerial attack, pulling in three catches for 101 yards and two scores in the first half.

Hudson defense
Not to be outdone, the Explorers defense had several standout performances. Matt Rudy had an interception and sack, Will Orazen had three sacks and Alex Beck had a pair of sacks. The Hudson defense didn't allow a first down until under 10 minutes remained in the second quarter.

No quit

Despite the imposing 28-0 deficit, Strongsville fought to the end. With 9:40 left and the Mustangs down 35-12, Strongsville faced a fourth and 28 at the Hudson 34. Callahan Hinckley threw a long pass to Peter Mocho, who made a leaping, twisting catch in between two Hudson defenders. The play fell 1 yard short of converting for the first down.

The long completion did set up the Mustangs' next score, when Hudson had to punt from its end zone after a three-and-out. The snap sailed out of the end zone for a safety.

Late in the fourth quarter Strongsville defensive back Colin Kern picked off a Hudson pass at the Mustangs 6-yard line and returned it to the Hudson 30. That set the stage for the final Strongsville score of the game, a 31-yard Callahan Hinckley-to-Dan Nagel touchdown pass.

What’s next

Both teams play home games next week with Hudson hosting Canton McKinley and Strongsville hosting Brush. Both games are Friday night at 7 p.m.

The STVM defense held Walsh Jesuit to three points and scored a touchdown to defeat the Warriors 10-3.

AKRON, Ohio – Host St. Vincent-St. Mary defeated Walsh Jesuit 10-3 behind a stellar defensive performance.

Senior Brandon Bischof for STVM picked up a fumble in the first quarter and ran it 14 yards for the only touchdown of the game and the defense made it hold up. Walsh Jesuit quarterback Alex Weitman was pressured as he went to flip to the running back on the option and had a bad exchange. With the ball on the ground, Bischof scooped it up and scored from 14 yards out to give the Fighting Irish the first score of the game.

The rest of the game was highlighted by defensive plays from both teams and timely first downs for STVM to run out the clock at the end. 

Freshman QB Luke Lindsay with a good run for STVM #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/xA7Au3FBgl

— Ryan (@Isley23) September 2, 2016

Walsh Jesuit holds as the 4th down pass is broken up. 0-0. #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/3DzHUBvRGA

— Ryan (@Isley23) September 2, 2016

Jamie Martucci with a FG to give STVM a 10-0 lead over Walsh Jesuit with 6:55 left 2Q. #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/9wo2YblHV5

— Ryan (@Isley23) September 2, 2016

A Quinn Saluan FG for Walsh Jesuit cuts the STVM leads tob10-3 with 39.5 seconds left 2Q. #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/ug6wu0erWZ

— Ryan (@Isley23) September 2, 2016

Steven Walko with the Walsh Jesuit interception. #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/C90xlutmhB

— Ryan (@Isley23) September 3, 2016

Justin Sampson with the pass deflection for #STVM to stop the Walsh Jesuit drive. 10-3 with 4:43 left. #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/JWLDzXM3V9

— Ryan (@Isley23) September 3, 2016

Luke Lindsay with a big 3rd down conversion. #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/a2u6TuNJd1

— Ryan (@Isley23) September 3, 2016

This first down run by Myles Williams should do it. #STVM #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/O5dappNzzY

— Ryan (@Isley23) September 3, 2016

An Avon blocked punt turned the momentum as the Eagles scored 31 straight points.

AVON LAKE, Ohio — Avon's football team struggled in the first quarter of its rivalry game against Southwestern Conference rival Avon Lake, trailing, 7-0.

The Eagles then blocked a punt early in the second quarter, and rattled off 31 straight points on their way to a 31-7 win on Friday.

Avon (2-0, 1-0 SWC) senior corner Ian Zollos blocked the punt of Avon Lake's Jacob Krukowski less than a minute into the second quarter. Sophomore QB Ryan Maloy rushed four yards for a TD to tie the game at seven.

Here's the blocked punt as Avon's Ian Zollos comes in unblocked off the edge. #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/WL75eYwzSK

— Tim Bielik (@bielik_tim) September 2, 2016

"I definitely felt the momentum shift," Zollos said. "But we just kept pushing after that and got the win."

The Eagles added a 30-yard field goal from Mitch Cooper to take a 10-7 halftime lead. Avon scored three third-quarter touchdowns to secure the win and retain the Silver Rail Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Avon-Avon Lake game each year.

Senior QB Matt Kelly and junior RB Tony Eberhardt each rushed for touchdowns in the third quarter. RB Mason McLemore caught an 11-yard TD pass from Maloy for the game's final points.

"High school football is so big about momentum," Avon coach Mike Elder said. "I told our guys, 'You've got to weather the storm when it's against you. And you've got to grab it and run with it.' And our guys did that."

Tony Eberhardt runs for 82 yards, including a 16-yard TD, in a 3-play drive. Avon leads, 24-7, 8:22 3Q. #NEOVarsity pic.twitter.com/sqUyebdeD4

— Tim Bielik (@bielik_tim) September 3, 2016

The Shoremen (1-1, 0-1) took a 7-0 lead on the opening drive on a Carson Toy 1-yard TD run. With the score tied late in the second quarter, Avon Lake had fourth-and-goal at the Avon 1. But Avon's defense stopped the Shoremen.

Avon responded with a 2-minute drive highlighted by a long third-down conversion from McLemore to set up Cooper's field goal.

"It was huge. Mason made a really good play, read all of his blocks right and got us into a really good position to make a field goal at the end of the half," Maloy said. "That really carried over into the second half. And we just fed off that momentum and never let up from that point."

The Shoremen were not able to recapture momentum after Kelly rushed for an Avon touchdown 53 seconds into the third quarter.

"In the second half, the air just went out of us. Everything started to snowball, and they controlled the football," Avon Lake coach Dave Dlugosz said. "They looked very similar to Avon Lake teams of the past where they rely on their offensive line and just grinding out four or five yards at a time, and gaining first downs and eating clock."

What's next

Both teams continue SWC play next Friday when Avon hosts 1-1 North Olmsted, and Avon Lake travels to 2-0 Westlake.