Tim Wright rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns as Garfield Heights gave coach Chuck Reisland his 200th win, a 32-13 victory over Valley Forge in a Northeast Ohio Conference football game Thursday night at Byers Field in Parma. Wright, who had 31 carries, scored on runs of 2, 1 and 32 yards as the Bulldogs improved to 3-5,...

Garfield Heights coach Chuck Reisland. - (PD file)

Tim Wright rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns as Garfield Heights gave coach Chuck Reisland his 200th win, a 32-13 victory over Valley Forge in a Northeast Ohio Conference football game Thursday night at Byers Field in Parma.

Wright, who had 31 carries, scored on runs of 2, 1 and 32 yards as the Bulldogs improved to 3-5, 2-1 in the Lake Division.

Reisland, a former Kent State defensive coordinator, has a 99-59 record at Garfield Heights and is 200-149-2 overall, including his stints at Orange and Brunswick.

Bulldogs quarterback James Bennett completed 10-of-17 passes for 151 yards and threw touchdowns to David Wright and Terrell Byrd.

Madison 27, Geneva 0 Billy Skerkavich and Josh March rushed for 100 and 91 yards, respectively, and each scored a touchdown for the host Blue Streaks (6-2, 3-2) in a Premier Athletic Conference game. Madison also scored touchdowns on Mason Kensinger's 56-yard interception return and Evan Mulkey's 62-yard punt return.

Cleveland JFK 25, John Adams 0 Desmond Waden scored on runs of 3 and 42 yards and Antonio Howard scored from 2 and 27 yards for the host Fighting Eagles (7-1, 5-1) in a Senate Athletic League game. Ronald Jefferson helped set up his teammates' touchdowns with 122 yards on eight carries.

Chardon 34, Riverside 28 Alex Muir rushed for 171 yards on 10 carries and scored fourth-quarter touchdowns on dashes of 35, 31 and 47 yards for the host Hilltoppers (3-5, 2-3) in a Premier Athletic Conference game. Reilly Hawkins returned an interception 67 yards for another Chardon touchdown, and Nick Ruckel rushed for 114 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. Riverside (3-5, 2-3) took a 28-22 fourth-quarter lead on John Watson's 36-yard touchdown run before Muir's final two touchdowns forged a 28-28 tie, and then, the game-winner.

Girls tennis

Division I district Kati Mdzinarishvili (Hudson), Emily Witt (Magnificat), Katelyn Hissong (Walsh Jesuit) and defending district champion Lauren Golick (Westlake) each won both of their matches at Oberlin College to highlight the players advancing to Saturday's semifinal and final rounds. The doubles teams that went 2-0 included Mitsuki Fukamachi and Jamie Vizelman (Mayfield), Natasha Birze and Mandy Marchant (Kenston) and Michelle Djohan and Julia Dunbar (Westlake).

The top six singles players and doubles teams advance to the state tournament.

Boys soccer

Western Reserve Academy 1, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 0 Ryan Hassell scored off a Federico Silva assist in the second half for WRA (13-0-1). CVCA, last year's Division III state champ now playing in Division II, falls to 10-4-2. Aurora 3, Orange 2 Mike Melfi scored the game-tying goal with six minutes to go, then tallied the game-winner two minutes later for the Greenmen (10-4-2) in the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division championship game. Cody Miller also scored for Aurora in a wild second half that featured all five of the game's goals.

Volleyball

Medina 3, North Royalton 2 Ally Peters totaled 31 kills and 16 digs, Kaitlyn Witsaman had 15 kills and Mallory Gustincic delivered 51 assists as the host Battling Bees (13-8, 5-5) earned an 18-25, 25-23, 25-22, 22-25, 15-10 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division upset over the Bears (17-3, 8-2).

Manager Jim Leyland is a man of his word. He said he wasn't going to use his best two relievers, Jose Valverde and Joaquin Benoit, Thursday even though the Tigers were facing elimination in the American League Championship Series. Leyland knew it was a gamble, but he also knew it was the right thing to do.

View full sizeLouis DeLuca, Dallas Morning NewsTigers starter Justin Verlander helped Detroit take the ALCS back to Texas for Game 6 on Saturday.

On Thursday, with his Tigers facing elimination in the American League Championship Series, Leyland said before Game 5 that he wouldn't use his two best relievers -- setup man Joaquin Benoit and closer Jose Valverde.

In Leyland's words, "They'd been pitching on fumes and heart," and they needed a day off. Then he went a step further and said he wanted to get through Game 5 by using only Justin Verlander and Phil Coke.

Verlander and Coke -- it sounds like a cocktail. Thursday it was a potent enough combination to buy the Tigers another postseason game against Texas.

In Detroit's 7-5 victory, Verlander went 7 1/3 innings, while Coke pitched the final 1 2/3 for the save.

"We felt we did exactly what we had to do to have any chance of winning the series," Leyland said. "We had to give Benoit and Valverde the day off, and we did. Now we're going back to Texas with [starters] Max Scherzer and Doug Fister and both of the big guys at the tail end of the bullpen ready to go."

The Rangers lead the best-of-seven series, 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Saturday in Arlington, Texas.

But what would have happened if the Tigers had lost with their two best relievers never taking the mound?

"You have to be ready for the criticism and second-guessing," Leyland said. "You have to know you're going to get it. I understand that totally. I don't have any problem with it."

Nice deal: When the Angels traded catcher Mike Napoli to Toronto as part of the Vernon Wells deal in January, Napoli was on a cruise with friends off the coast of Mexico.

"I don't even know why I had my cellphone with me," Napoli said, "but I had it in my pocket, and when the phone rang, I answered it."

He got off the ship and made his way to the Blue Jays spring-training site in Dunedin, Fla., for a physical. Napoli, however, still didn't feel like a Blue Jay because General Manager Alex Anthopoulos hadn't called.

The trade was made Jan. 21. Four days later, Anthopoulos finally called to tell Napoli he had been traded to Texas for reliever Frank Francisco.

"It didn't bother me," Napoli said. "I just wanted to go to a team where I could get a bunch of at-bats."

Napoli hit .320 (118-for-369), with 25 doubles, 30 homers and 75 RBI during the regular season. In Game 4 of the ALCS, he broke a 3-3 tie in the 11th inning with a single and made two nice plays behind the plate to help Texas take a 3-1 lead against Detroit with a 7-3 victory.

He had two more hits Thursday and is batting .300 (6-for-20) in the ALCS, with a homer and five RBI.

"We knew he had power, and he always had that intensity," said Texas GM Jon Daniels. "We did not think he'd hit .320, but what he did was make an adjustment offensively. He went from a dangerous hitter to a complete hitter, in my mind."

Pressure point: Texas is the 15th team to hold a 3-2 lead in the ALCS. Ten of the first 14 went on to reach the World Series. The last ALCS team to blow a 3-2 lead was the Indians in 2007.

Tiger designated hitter Victor Martinez was on that team. Asked what he learned from that situation, Martinez said after Thursday's victory, "Never take anything for granted. Never. Never. Never take anything for granted.

"When you have the chance to finish off somebody, do it. We just keep playing, head down, keep swinging. We'll see what happens."

As for pressure, Martinez said, "They have the control of the series. What kind of pressure can we have? The only thing we have to worry about is coming to the ballpark, ready to play the game."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Joe Sacco is part of a growing NHL trend: promote minor-league coaches rather than recycle ones already in the league.

View full sizeJack Dempsey, Associated PressAvalanche head coach Joe Sacco talks to his team.

Perusing his lineup, the NHL's second youngest, there are times Sacco must feel like he's still coaching at The Q, shepherding the Lake Erie Monsters. He cherishes his two years of raising a family in Westlake and lunching at the Greenhouse Tavern in downtown Cleveland after morning skates.

But standing outside the visitors locker room in Nationwide Arena in Columbus following a 3-2 victory over the Blue Jackets, Sacco acknowledged the stark difference between then and now.

In the minors, his task was to develop kids.

In the NHL, his job is to win with them.

"I've used young guys since I've been here," said Sacco, in the final year of a three-year contract. "That's the direction we are headed in. They get opportunities and, if they perform well, they get rewarded.

"It's such a young league now, it's just incredible. It's just not that uncommon to see 18- and 19-year-old kids getting chances."

The same holds true with young coaches. Sacco's rise to prominence is part of a growing trend in the NHL: Promote coaches from the minor-league and junior ranks rather than recycle ones already in the league.

The NHL has gone green -- on the ice and behind the bench.

The 42-year-old Sacco spent just four seasons in the minors before joining the Avs. The success of Washington's Bruce Boudreau and Pittsburgh's Dan Byslma sparked a flurry of non-traditional hires as organizations searched for coaches who could identify and communicate with increasingly younger rosters.

"It was good timing like with so many things in life," Sacco said. "The [Avs] were going through a transition, going from a veteran team to a young one."

The league's 2005 collective bargaining agreement instituted a hard salary cap and lowered the eligibility age for unrestricted free agents from 31 to 27. High draft picks became cheap labor, and promising youngsters were signed to longer terms on their second contracts so franchises wouldn't risk losing them in their prime.

Sacco didn't produce winning records in his two seasons (2007-09) in Cleveland, but he developed the likes of Chris Stewart, T.J. Gagliardi, Matt Hendricks, David Jones and Ryan Wilson.

The Monsters alums helped the Avs make a surprising 2010 playoff appearance -- many experts pegged them for last in the Western Conference -- and transformed Sacco into an NHL Coach-of-the-Year finalist.

"I think he has adapted well," Gagliardi said of Sacco. "He expects a lot out of players and he gets a lot out of players. If you don't bring it every night, he's going to let you know."

Although part of a new breed, Sacco is decidedly old school. He played at Boston University under legendary coach Jack Parker, who demanded accountability and attention to detail.

Sacco was a freshman at BU when current Monsters coach David Quinn was a senior. The two were teammates on the 1992 U.S. Olympic team.

"Players always know where they stand with Joe," Quinn said. "Players respect honesty and they can see through a phony. If there's one thing Joe Sacco isn't, it's a phony."

But Sacco enters his third year in Colorado with little job security following an epic collapse last season. The Avalanche plummeted from playoff contender in late January to 29th overall in a 30-team league.

Injuries played a big part in the flameout, but Sacco drew criticism for mishandling his goaltenders, lacking patience with his lineup and benching key players like Stewart, whom the Avs traded to St. Louis in a blockbuster deal.

"I've learned I need to remain consistent," Sacco said. "You don't want to change your ways. Even if you are going through a tough stretch, you have to remain true to yourself."

Sacco manufactured a 13-year NHL playing career out of speed and feistiness. His Avs, with an average age of 26, take a similar approach.

While Colorado isn't expected to compete for a playoff spot, forwards such as Duchene, 20, and Landeskog, 18, offer hope.

Sacco played Landeskog, the second overall pick in the June draft, 16-plus minutes against the Blue Jackets. The Swede responded with his first NHL goal in the final 40 seconds of regulation.

The former Monsters coach left Nationwide Arena with an unexpected two points, knowing his team must grow up before his contract runs out.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

Cann performed superbly in season-opening, back-to-back games against Abbotsford, making 29 saves in a 2-1 loss on Friday and 28 saves in a 1-0 loss.

View full sizeTrevor Cann

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Coming out of Colorado's training camp last season, Monsters coach David Quinn told anyone willing to listen that the Avalanche had something in goalie prospect Trevor Cann. Cann was a second-round pick of the Avalanche in 2007.

In 2009-2010, Quinn's first with the Monsters, Cann split time between Lake Erie and lower affiliate Tulsa of the CHL. The shuffle happened again last season primarily because the Monsters featured solid veteran goalies John Grahame and Jason Bacashihua.

Cann went a combined 5-9-1 with a mid-3.00 goals-against average in 20 games for the Monsters in those two seasons. Quinn looked past the stats and saw a player gaining traction.

"What's important to remember is this: Goaltender usually takes longer to develop than other positions," Quinn said. "Trevor did well in Tulsa and showed flashes up here in games and practices. It probably would have been asking too much of him to come right out of juniors and play 40 games in the American League."

It is not a surprise to Quinn, then, what took place last weekend at The Q. Cann performed superbly in season-opening, back-to-back games against Abbotsford, making 29 saves in a 2-1 loss on Friday and 28 saves in a 1-0 loss.

Cann, 22, played like he belonged. He made a number of difficult saves and did not allow a goal in an even-strength situation. His misfortune was being matched up against a terrific AHL goalie, Leland Irving. Otherwise, Cann could be 2-0, not 0-2.

"Our organization can feel very good about where Trevor is today," Quinn said. "This kid's come a long way in three years. He's got a lot of career in front of him, and he's only going to get better."

Interestingly, Cann might not have gotten the call to start either game if not for Cedrick Desjardins' continued recovery from a shoulder injury. Desjardins, a proven AHL talent, was signed as a free agent.

The assumption before the season was that Desjardins would be the No. 1 goalie when healthy, which is projected to be some time in November. But Quinn was adamant in saying that, regardless of position or r sum , players earn their ice time with high-level performance in practice and games.

Quinn rarely names his starting goalie in advance, but it is safe to assume it will be Cann tonight when the Monsters play host to Rochester.

Strong in front: Cann credited the skaters in front of him for making his job easier against Abbotsford. One of them is newcomer Mike Brennan, who played 72 games for the Toronto Marlies last season.

"When we faced the Monsters, I knew the games would be tough because of their work rate," Brennan said. "They were tough to play; that's how we are. And I like our 'D.' We're talking to each other, talking to Canner. The communication is good."

The only glitches defensively have come in the form of three power-play goals allowed.

"They were blown assignments," Quinn said, "but they came against what I think will end up as one of the top power plays in the league. We'll fix those mistakes."

If the Monsters had played poorly on defense or if they had their top four centers available, Quinn might be a bit concerned about the 0-2 start.

"We're going to be fine," he said."" He's back: Right winger David van der Gulik is expected to return to the lineup tonight. He played in the opener, but suffered a lower-body injury and missed last Saturday's game.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com; 216-999-4664

Brennan doesn't know how many fights he's won, but he does remember tangling with a much bigger opponent.

View full size

Age: 25.

Position: Defenseman.

Shoots: Right.

Ht/Wt: 6-0, 200.

Acquired: Free agent.

PD: Highlight of career to date?

MB: Winning the NCAA title with Boston College in 2008.

PD: You are a Long Island, N.Y., native who wound up in Boston. How did that play?

MB: My mind was set on Boston College since I was a kid. I didn't even realize how big the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry was. The fall of my first year at B.C., the Yankees blew a 3-0 lead against the Red Sox in the ALCS [2004]. I sat with one other guy wearing a Yankees shirt. It was brutal.

PD: Best hockey city you've ever played in?

MB: Boston is great, of course, but I'd have to say Toronto, where I was last season with the Marlies. The whole city is hockey, hockey, hockey.

PD: Key to being a good defenseman?

MB: Consistency. You want the coach to look down at your number and know what he's going to get out of you every time he puts you on the ice.

PD: This is your fourth season as a pro. Approximately how many times have you dropped the gloves?

MB: More than 30.

PD: Winning percentage?

A: Not sure. As tough as you think you are, there's always someone out there who can take you. I've had my share of victories, but I've lost some, too. I was knocked out once, which wasn't fun.

PD: Knocked out, as in cold?

MB: Not quite. My second year, I ran in to protect a teammate, and in the middle of it, I realized I was fighting a guy 6-7 and about 250. He came over the top with a clean one to the jaw and dropped me.

PD: What happened next?

MB: The guys came over to help me up, and my pride kicked in. I said, "Get away, get away." I tried to stand up and wobbled. I was split open and needed to get stitches.

PD: Best hockey advice you've ever received?

MB: Control the controllables. When you do your job, good things usually happen.

-- Dennis Manoloff

A look at this weekend's NFL games.

View full sizeCarlos Osorio, Associated PressLions running back Jahvid Best.

San Francisco (4-1) at Detroit (5-0)

When: 1 p.m.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Lions by 5.

Teams combined 9-1 after being 1-9 at same point last season. . . . San Francisco has won seven straight in series. . . . 49ers coming off most lopsided win since beating Denver by same margin in 1990 Super Bowl. . . . Lions shooting for first 6-0 start since beating San Francisco to start 6-0 in 1956, one year before their most recent NFL title. . . . Detroit has won nine straight regular season games, NFL's longest active streak. . . . Lions WR Calvin Johnson is first NFL player with nine TD catches in first five games of a season. . . . Vernon Davis, who caught two passes for scores last week for 49ers, leads all TEs with 23 TDs since 2009.

Dallas (2-2) at New England (4-1)

When: 4:15 p.m.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Patriots by 7.

The skinny: Last time teams met was 2007, when both were 5-0. . . . New England has won past three games of series after losing first seven. . . . Rob Gronkowski of Patriots leads AFC tight ends with 22 receptions; Jason Witten of Cowboys is tied for second in NFC with 27. . . . Dallas is 16-6 coming off bye weeks and has won last five road games after bye. . . . LB DeMarcus Ware has five sacks in four games this season and at least one in six of his past seven. . . . Tony Romo trying to rebound from throwing two interceptions for TDs in 34-30 loss to Detroit in which Dallas blew 24-point lead in the third quarter. . . . Tom Brady has won past 30 regular-season home games, an NFL record; Patriots have won their past 19.

Minnesota (1-4) at Chicago (2-3)

When: 8:20 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Early line: Bears by 3.

The skinny: Last time teams met, game was at University of Minnesota because Metrodome roof had collapsed. Jay Cutler threw three TDs and Chicago scored 27 straight points, with Devin Hester's 64-yard punt return capping run on snowy night. Game was last for Brett Favre, who hit head against frigid artificial turf on second-quarter sack by Corey Wootton. . . . Minnesota's Adrian Peterson ran for 122 yards and three TDs -- all in first quarter -- last week. He is fifth player since 1970 to rush for three TDs in first quarter. . . . DE Jared Allen leads NFL with 81/2 sacks. Dating to last season, he has at least assisted on a sack in seven straight games -- one shy of club record shared by Jim Marshall (1969) and Carl Eller (1975-76). . . . Bears got called for nine false starts last week. . . . Chicago's Matt Forte is sixth in the league with 5.4 yards per carry. Forte leads NFL with 785 yards from scrimmage. . . . D.J. Moore has interceptions in two straight games and six in career.

St. Louis (0-4) at Green Bay (5-0)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Packers by 141/2 .

The skinny: Former Green Bay CB Al Harris and LB Brady Poppinga expected to start for St. Louis. . . . Rams RB Steven Jackson has rushed for 100-plus yards in past two games vs. Green Bay. Jackson ran for 260 yards and totaled 333 yards from scrimmage in those games. . . . RB Cadillac Williams rushed for career-high 158 yards vs. Green Bay on Sept. 25, 2005, with Tampa Bay. . . . DE Chris Long has sack in five of past seven games and 11 sacks in past 15. . . . Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers won only start vs. St. Louis, throwing two TDs and rushing for TD in Packers' 36-17 win Sept. 27, 2009. . . . WR Greg Jennings averaged 24.9 yards per catch in three games vs. St. Louis.

Jacksonville (1-4) at Pittsburgh (3-2)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Steelers by 13.

The skinny: Jaguars have lost four straight since beating Tennessee in season-opener. . . . This is Pittsburgh's fourth straight game against AFC South opponents. Steelers are 2-1 so far with wins over Indianapolis and Tennessee and loss to Houston. . . . Pittsburgh WR Hines Ward needs 13 yards receiving to pass Hall of Famer Michael Irvin for 19th on the all-time list (11,904). . . . Jacksonville RB Maurice Jones-Drew hasn't had a rushing touchdown on the road since Nov. 15, 2009. . . . Jacksonville K Josh Scobee has made a field goal in 13 consecutive games, tying own franchise record. Jacksonville QB Blaine Gabbert had 91.5 passer rating last week against Cincinnati, highest of his three-game career. Gabbert turns 22 on Saturday.

Philadelphia (1-4) at Washington (3-1)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Eagles by 11/2.

The skinny: Eagles have first four-game losing streak since 2005. . . . Five teams since 1990 have won division titles after starting 1-4, but none after starting 1-5. . . . Eagles QB Michael Vick already has more interceptions (seven) than all last season (six). . . . Philadelphia's 15 turnovers are most in NFL, and minus-10 turnover differential is tied for worst in the league. . . . Redskins in sole possession of first place in NFC East this late in season for first time since 1999, when they last won division title. . . . Washington's defense leads NFL in stopping teams on third down, allowing 26 percent conversion rate. . . . Redskins CB Phillip Buchanon returns from four-game suspension for violating NFL's drug policy.

Carolina (1-4) at Atlanta (2-3)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Falcons by 6.

The skinny: QB Cam Newton has five of Carolina's six rushing touchdowns, becoming team's primary goal-line weapon. . . . Falcons RB Michael Turner has gone three straight games without rushing for 100 yards. Only once since coming to Atlanta in 2008 has he had four consecutive games without reaching triple figures. . . . Panthers tied with New England for NFL lead in so-called "explosive plays," piling up 33 runs and passes of at least 20 yards. Falcons tied for 26th with 16 big plays. . . . Among receivers with at least 10 catches, Carolina's Steve Smith leads league with average of 22.6 yards per catch. . . . Atlanta has won four of past five meetings against its I-85 rival. . . . Falcons QB Matt Ryan has been sacked 14 times, the sixth-highest total in league. But he has gone down only once in past two games.

Indianapolis (0-5) at Cincinnati (3-2)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Cincinnati by 7.

The skinny: Colts have won seven straight in series and hold 8-2 advantage in games in Cincinnati. Bengals' most recent win in series came in 1997 in Indianapolis. . . . Colts trying to avoid fifth 0-6 start in franchise history. . . . QB Curtis Painter is 33-of-68 for 618 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in two starts and part of another game. Colts have thrown one interception this season, tied for fewest in league. . . . In past two games, Bengals have broken long losing streaks against opponent. Win over Buffalo snapped 10-game losing streak to Bills. Win last Sunday ended seven-game losing streak in Jacksonville. . . . Cincinnati's defense ranked No. 1 for second straight week. Bengals hadn't been top-ranked since 1983.

Buffalo (4-1) at N.Y. Giants (3-2)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Giants by 3.

The skinny: First meeting since 2007. . . . Matches NFL's top teams in red zone touchdown production. Buffalo has converted 75 percent (15-of-20 chances), Giants 71.4 percent (10-of-14). . . . Bills have scored 30 or more points in four games and rank second in AFC with 32.8-point average. . . . QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has spectacular second-half stats -- 55-of-76 for 553 yards, six touchdowns, no interceptions. . . . Giants QB Eli Manning had career-high 420 yards passing last week, and nine TD passes in past three games. His 120.3 fourth-quarter rating is third best in NFL. . . . WR Victor Cruz had career-highs of eight catches and 161 yards vs. Seattle.

Houston (3-2) at Baltimore (3-1)

When: 4:05 p.m.

Early line: Ravens by 71/2.

The skinny: Ravens FB Vonta Leach spent past four years with Texans, and Baltimore S Bernard Pollard played past two seasons in Houston. . . . Houston's Arian Foster most recent player to top 100 yards rushing vs. Ravens (100 on Dec. 13, 2010). . . . Baltimore has outscored opponents, 52-7, in first quarter, but Texans have 47-6 advantage in first quarter. . . . Houston QB Matt Schaub has thrown for 603 yards and five TDs with one INT in last two road games. . . . Baltimore is 10-5 after bye since 1990, 8-1 in past nine and 3-0 under coach John Harbaugh. . . . Ravens have scored a TD in 26 straight games, longest run in franchise history.

New Orleans (4-1) at Tampa Bay (3-2)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Saints by 5.

The skinny: Since New Orleans swept season series between NFC South rivals in 2006, Tampa Bay has won five of eight meetings between teams, including two last-second wins directed by Josh Freeman at Superdome. . . . Saints QB Drew Brees has completed at least 20 passes in NFL-record 25 consecutive games. . . . New Orleans TE Jimmy Graham has topped 100 yards receiving in three consecutive games. . . . Bucs S Tanard Jackson reinstated by NFL after being suspended more than a year for violating league's substance abuse policy. He began practicing Wednesday and coach Raheem Morris has not ruled out the possibility of Jackson playing against Saints. . . . Freeman, in his third season, has led game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in eight of 16 career victories.

Miami (0-4) at N.Y. Jets (2-3)

When: Monday, 8:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Early line: Jets by 8.

The skinny: Both teams trying to rebound from shaky starts, with Dolphins looking for first win of season and Jets hoping to end three-game skid. . . . Dolphins have won four of past five meetings, including three in row on the road. . . . Miami in danger of starting 0-5 for first time since Dolphins lost first 13 in 2007, en route to 1-15 season. . . . Matt Moore will be 16th QB to start for Dolphins since beginning of 2000, most among NFL teams in that span -- one more than Cleveland. . . . Rookie RB Daniel Thomas has rushed for 202 yards in two games, second to New Orleans' Mark Ingram (216) among NFL rookies. . . . Jets' 2-3 start is worst in Rex Ryan's three seasons, and team has never lost four straight under him. . . . RB Joe McKnight leads NFL with 45.6-yard kickoff return average on nine returns, helped by 107-yard TD two weeks ago vs. Baltimore.

Ohio State faces No. 16 Illinois, while Toledo faces MAC rival Bowling Green.

View full sizeNati Harnik, Associated PressBraxton Miller is expected to play for Ohio State on Saturday despite suffering a sprained ankle last weekend against Nebraska.

Big Ten Conference

Ohio State at No. 16 Illinois

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Ill.

Radio/TV: WKNR AM/850; WEWS Channel 5.

Notable: The Illini will try to avoid a ninth consecutive home defeat to the Buckeyes in this Leaders Division game. Illinois (6-0, 2-0) is in position to open with seven straight wins for the first time since 1951. The Buckeyes (3-3, 0-2) expect freshman quarterback Braxton Miller to play after he suffered a sprained right ankle in the third quarter of Saturday's loss at Nebraska. Miller was 5-of-8 for 95 yards with a TD, and rushed for 91 yards on 10 carries before the injury. Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase has thrown for 601 yards with six touchdowns and one interception in the past two victories over Northwestern and Indiana. Illinois' defense ranks 17th in the country, allowing 17.8 points per game, and has forced a turnover in 21 straight games -- the longest stretch in the nation.

Next for OSU: Oct. 29 vs. No. 4 Wisconsin, 8.

-- From wire reports

Mid-American Conference

Kent State vs. Miami

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium, Kent.

Radio: WNIR FM/100.1.

Notable: Kent State (1-5, 0-2) has relied on its defense all season to stay close in games, but one thing it has not done is sack the quarterback. The Flashes have only seven this season vs. a MAC-high 35 in 2010. The Flashes will need to get to Miami QB Zac Dysert to have any chance at an upset over the RedHawks (1-4, 0-1). Dysert is starting to heat up, coming off a 342-yard, four-TD passing game vs. Army. Kent's offensive line continues to be the root of its offensive problems.

Next for KSU: Oct. 29 vs. Bowling Green, 1.

Next for Miami: Oct. 22 at Toledo, 7.

Ohio vs. Ball State

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. at Peden Stadium, Athens, Ohio.

TV: SportsTime Ohio.

Notable: The Bobcats (4-2, 1-1) have a huge test on their hands with Ball State (3-3, 1-1), which has become the surprise team in the league. An upset by the Cardinals would put them on track for a bowl-eligible season; a second straight setback for OU could reverse what looked to be a potential MAC championship season. The Bobcats' defense, which has been hit by injuries, has given up 38 points twice in its past three games. BSU is averaging 19.3 ppg.

Next for OU: Oct. 22 at Akron, 3:30 p.m.

Toledo at Bowling Green

Kickoff: Noon at Doyt-Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, Ohio.

TV: WEWS Channel 5.

Notable: BG (3-3, 1-1) will need to get a lot out of tailback Anthon Samuel (487 yards, four TDs) to keep its defense off the field and to slow down Toledo (3-3, 2-0). The Rockets' offense is averaging 35.8 ppg and 425.7 ypg. If Samuel can run against the Toledo defense, then its proficient passing game with WR Kamar Jorden (35 rec, five TDs) should be able to score. Toledo QB Austin Dantin (895 yards passing, nine TDs) is in a midseason groove.

Next for BG: Oct. 22 vs. Temple, 3:30.

Next for UT: Oct. 22 vs. Miami, 7.

-- Elton Alexander

Division II

Lake Erie vs. Grand Valley State

Kickoff: 7:05 p.m. at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium, Painesville.

Radio: WFUN AM/970.

Notable: Grand Valley State is 3-3, 2-3 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Lake Erie is 1-5, 0-5. After winning its opener, the Storm has lost its first five GLIAC games. Last week, LEC closed within seven points of No. 6 Wayne State on the road before the Warriors scored two big-play TDs to pull away for a 45-24 win. LEC senior QB Sean Bedevelsky (Brunswick) threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the loss. One of those TD passes was to freshman Aaron Lindgren (Willoughby South) -- the first of his career. Last season, the then top-ranked Lakers outscored LEC, 30-0, in the second half of a 57-23 win.

Next for LEC: Oct. 22 vs. Findlay, 1.

Notre Dame vs. Ave Maria (Fla.)

Kickoff: 11 a.m. at Palmetto Ridge Stadium, Naples, Fla.

Radio: KNR2 AM/1540.

Notable: Notre Dame has scored 109 points over a program-record three straight wins in the past three weeks. Sophomore RB Pedro Powell has four consecutive 100-yard games in helping the Falcons to a 4-2 record in just their second season. Powell scored three TDs last week in a 45-14 rout of St. Joseph's, a game that saw NDC set program records for passing yards (232) and points scored. Quarterback Rob Partridge threw an NDC-record three TDs. The Massillon product has thrown seven TDs without an interception over the past three weeks.

Next for NDC: Oct. 22 at Urbana, 12.

-- Compiled using information from the colleges' sports information departments.

Division III

Baldwin-Wallace vs. Ohio Northern

Kickoff: 2 p.m. at George Finnie Stadium, Berea.

TV/radio: SportsTime (delayed, Saturday at 7:30 p.m; Sunday at 3 p.m.); WBWC FM/88.3.

Notable: B-W (4-1, 3-1) is in a four-way tie for second place in the Ohio Athletic Conference and needs a win to stay ahead of Ohio Northern (3-2, 2-2). Junior RB Tyler Lohr (Kent Roosevelt), this week's OAC Offensive Player of the Week, leads the team with 504 rushing yards and six TDs. Sophomore WR Gabe Adams (Hudson) emerged as a "go to" guy last week with four catches for 96 yards. Senior DE Derron Hamilton (Euclid) leads Division III with 10 sacks in five games, including 81/2 in the past three weeks. ONU has a balanced offense that is spearheaded by QB Tyler Rue, who has completed 73-of-132 passes for 722 yards and eight TDs. RB Justin Bueger has a team-high 374 yards and four TDs to top all runners. The defense is led by Joe Powell's 44 tackles.

Next for B-W: Oct. 22 at Wilmington, 1:30.

Case Western Reserve vs. Hiram

Kickoff: 1 p.m., Case Field, Cleveland.

Notable: It's Homecoming for Case Western Reserve (4-1). Nationally, CWRU ranks 14th in tackles-for-loss per game (8.8), 20th in rush defense, 24th in scoring defense, 27th in turnovers forced and 29th in sacks per game (three). Junior safety Dan Calabrese (NDCL) was named to the D3Football.com National Team of the Week after tying a school record with three interceptions against Oberlin, and returning two for touchdowns. Junior QB Erik Olson has earned three straight UAA Offensive Player of the Week awards. For the season, Olson has completed 77-of-131 passes for 913 yards and five touchdowns. Senior WR Bryan Metlesitz (North Royalton) leads the team with career-highs of 26 receptions, 349 yards and two TDs. Senior defensive tackle Dale English (Holy Name) has 28.5 career sacks and is two shy of tying Brian Calderone (2005-08) for the school record.

Next for CWRU: Oct. 22 at Wooster, 1.

John Carroll vs. Muskingum

Kickoff: 1:30 at Don Shula Stadium, University Heights.

Radio: WJCU FM/88.7.

Notable: Two teams that favor the run will collide in a battle of second-place teams in the OAC. JCU is 3-2, 3-1; Muskingum is 4-1, 3-1. John Carroll's 238 ypg on the ground rank 21st in Division III. RBs Casey Vogl, Devin O'Brien and Anthony D'Aurizio each have one 100-yard rushing effort the past three games. The Muskies lead the nation in sacks per game (5.20). The Blue Streaks allow 0.60 per game, which is tied for 13th-best in Division III. Muskingum has yet to allow a rushing TD this season. JCU's defense features preseason All-America LB C.J. Seitzinger and leading sacker Dan Valore. Muskingum QB Dalton Smith has at least 275 yards in each game this year. The past three games in this series have been decided by a total of 11 points.

Next for JCU: Oct. 22 at Ohio Northern, 1:30.

No. 2 Mount Union at Heidelberg

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. at Mayer Field, Tiffin.

Notable: Mount is 5-0, 4-0 in the OAC; Heidelberg is 4-1, 3-1. Mount Union has 10 sacks, and held Marietta to 107 total yards in a 62-0 rout last week. The offense was led by junior RB Jeremy Murray, who had 112 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown. Junior WR Jasper Collins had 106 yards on five catches with a touchdown and also returned a punt for a score. Heidelberg knocked off then undefeated Muskingum, 17-7. Germany Woods (St. Edward) rushed for 136 yards for the Berg.

Next for Mount: Oct. 22 at Capital, 1:30.

Oberlin vs. No. 12 Wabash

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Savage Stadium, Oberlin.

Radio: WOBL AM/1320.

Notable: Wabash is 5-0, 2-0 in the North Coast Athletic Conference; Oberlin is 2-3, 1-1. The Yeomen are 1-13-1 all-time against the Little Giants. Oberlin enters this game with some positives, as it is second in the NCAC in time of possession (32:23) and third-down conversions (42.2 percent). Oberlin also has been the least penalized team in the conference (22.2 ypg). Wabash won last year's meeting, 42-21, and this season is averaging 33.8 points per game, while giving up just 4.8.

Next for Oberlin: Oct. 22 vs. Washington (St. Louis), 1.

-- Compiled using information from the colleges' sports information departments.

HINCKLEY, Ohio — Reaching the state golf tournament is one thing. Going as a district champion is another.

St. Ignatius senior Beau Titsworth tees off Thursday on No. 9 at Pine Hills Golf Club in Hinckley. Titsworth, a Plain Dealer All-Star and Oklahoma recruit, won his first district title. - (Peggy Turbett, PD)

HINCKLEY, Ohio — Reaching the state golf tournament is one thing.

Going as a district champion is another.

The boys team from Stow and St. Ignatius senior Beau Titsworth will be playing in their third consecutive state tournaments, but the feeling will be different this year as both will be playing as district champions following Thursday's Division I tournament at Pine Hills Golf Club in Hinckley.

Titsworth, a Plain Dealer All-Star and Oklahoma recruit, shot a sparkling 5-under 67 to win his first district title, while Stow, with sophomore Ian Holt and senior Ryan Foster firing matching 73s, won the school's first district title with a stunning score of 297 in the play-five, count-four format.

Walsh Jesuit and St. Ignatius tied for second place at 304, and defending champion Medina won the final qualifying spot at 306, despite absorbing a two-stroke penalty for a rules infraction. Walsh Jesuit, under veteran coach Joe Denton, was deemed the second-place winner by virtue of its fifth player's score.

The top four teams and the top four individuals not on qualifying teams will play in next week's state tournament on the Scarlet Course in Columbus.

Despite damp conditions, the team scores were considerably lower than last year, when Medina's 306 won the championship and Uniontown Lake's Jake McBride was the medalist with a score of par-72. This year, a 306 earned the Bees fourth place, comfortably in front of fifth-place Jackson's 311.

Aurora senior Bud Radis (70), St. Edward senior Brian Bir (72) and Strongsville senior Paul Minko (75) qualified as individuals. Massillon Jackson's Nick Colangelo won the final qualifying spot by making par on the first hole of a three-man playoff with Tallmadge senior Matt Shomo and St. Edward sophomore Joey Krecic. All three shot 76 in regulation.

Veteran Stow coach Ken Miller deferred all questions to his players.

"Talk to the kids," he said. "They're the ones who performed today."

Holt, one of the top sophomores in the state, said he wasn't surprised by his team's performance or by that of Foster, a first-year varsity player.

"This is awesome, but we've been playing well as a team lately," Holt said. "We've been pretty consistent all season, and we're all capable of going low. Ryan played well here in the practice rounds, so his score wasn't surprising, either."

Titsworth had six birdies and one bogey, but his best hole might have been the 402-yard 13th, where he pulled his second shot to the left of the green. He was able to chip it to 20 feet and made the putt to save par.

"That was pretty big," he said. "I hope today is just a foreshadow of what's to come. I was due. I can't remember the last time I went really low. Winning the district is nice, but we're all going to the same place [Columbus], and winning a state title would be better."

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

On Twitter: TimRogersPD

Some kids profess they simply would not be able to live without their iPod, function without their cellphone or manage their lives without a laptop. Jessica Porvasnik can't do without golf. It is her love, her life. Her dream is to become a professional.

Highland junior Jessica Porvasnik has a love affair with golf, and why not? The Plain Dealer’s reigning girls Golfer of the Year is great at it. She has played in 12 tournaments this fall and won 11. - (Gus Chan, PD)

Some kids profess they simply would not be able to live without their iPod, function without their cellphone or manage their lives without a laptop.

Jessica Porvasnik can't do without golf. It is her love, her life. Her dream is to become a professional.

The Highland junior loves the game and everything about it. She has a boyfriend. He's a golfer. And she has girlfriends, mostly her teammates. But golf is her BFF. She throws her arms around it as if it were a stuffed animal. The game is never out of sight, out of mind.

"I start thinking about it as soon as I wake up," Porvasnik said Monday, one day before shooting a 4-under 68 to win the Division I district tournament at the Legends of Massillon for the second year in a row. "If I could play golf every day and not have to worry about anything else, that would be awesome."

From the competition to the clubs to the clothes, from the shoes to the shots to the swings. To the ribbons she wears in her hair. Everything revolves around golf. She dutifully takes time in selecting her wardrobe for the next round. She wanted a pair of pink Paula Creamer shoes but ruled them out because they clashed with Highland's green and black school colors.

Porvasnik, The Plain Dealer's 2010 girls Golfer of the Year, would rather challenge a golf course than watch television. Her idea of fun is playing 18 holes from the men's tees and then practicing for a couple of hours.

She can describe every hole at every course she has played. She can recall every shot she has hit in major competition. Not only that, she said she can recall every shot her playing partners have hit.

"That really comes in handy when there's a scoring issue right after a round," she said, laughing. "If there's a problem, I can tell them, 'Well, you hit it here and then you hit it there, and then you hit it here and then you hit it there and got it on the green and three-putted for a 7.' I wish I could do that with schoolwork, you know? Like read something and have it memorized right away."

She said she can remember the shots of a playing partner easier than she can remember her name.

"Yeah, it's like, 'Hey, I remember that shot you hit during that tournament in Florida but I can't remember your name,' " she said, laughing.

Highland coach Mary Becker was asked if she feared Porvasnik would crumble under the strain of burnout, the malady that drives teenaged athletes away from the games they love to play.

"Never," she said. "That is the furthest thing from my mind. Jess just loves the sport, she is consumed by it and I don't mean that in a negative way. She is totally committed. She is very reserved and she has her own plan. I think she decided very early on that golf was something she wanted to do and she is willing to do what it takes to do it well."

The American Junior Golf Association ranks Porvasnik 33rd in the country overall and 13th in the Class of 2013.

Despite playing in 24 tournaments since January and diving right into the start of the high school season in early August, Porvasnik said she does not fear growing tired of the game. She cherishes every minute she has a club in her hand, whether it's during a match or one of her five-hour practice sessions. She said it helps that she does not come from a golf-playing family. She said her mother and father, Stacey and Ron, have been nothing but supportive.

"If I was one of those kids who had parents like some I've seen I would say, 'If that guy was my father, I'd just quit,' " she said, recalling incidents she has witnessed. "But my parents are not like that. They just always offer me support and encouragement."

Watching Porvasnik play golf will offer no insight into her total personality. There are two Jessica Porvasniks, really, the one you see on the course and the one you see away from it.

She is almost trancelike on the course, seldom acknowledging a good shot or lamenting over a rare bad one. You can see her visualizing how she will play her next shot. The wheels are constantly turning. She is focused, usually staring straight ahead. If she makes talk with her playing partners, it doesn't last long.

Off the course, her eyes sparkle when she smiles, which is often. More happy-go-lucky than drama queen, she is humble but very confident in her skills. She said her favorite playing partner is her 12-year-old sister, Alicia. She said she will deeply miss longtime teammates Stephanie Horvath and Lauren McKinzie, the two seniors on the team.

"I can't tell you how much I will miss them when they graduate," she said. "We have played together for four years. We're all very close, like a big family. It will be sad. They're my teammates and they are my friends."

Come tee time, what helps set Porvasnik apart is her mental approach.

"She thinks," said swing coach Pam Stefanik, who has been the guiding light since Porvasnik returned from a vacation in Michigan at age 12, having been bitten by the golf bug. "Most people play with emotion and they think they are thinking. But, they're only reacting. Jessica thinks and then reacts. There's a difference. Jessica is like a machine."

Do not think Porvasnik is golf 24/7. She carries a 3.8 grade-point average, favoring math and science courses. Her favorite subject is chemistry. She fretted over missing three days of school next week to play in the state tournament in Columbus. She wishes schoolwork came to her as easily as golf.

"School is a lot harder for me than golf," she admitted. "I work hard at it."

Her athletic and academic talents have colleges in constant contact. On the first day colleges were permitted to make direct contact with high school juniors, Porvasnik received 19 emails, all from Division I schools. The first, from Ohio State, arrived at 12:01 a.m. Most of the Big Ten followed, as did several schools from the South. While a decision is a par-5 away, Porvasnik said she is leaning toward a school in the South.

Next week, Porvasnik and her teammates will make their third straight appearance in the state tournament. As a freshman, Porvasnik shot 81 and finished in a tie for 17th in the rain-shortened event, the best showing in the tournament by a ninth-grader. Last year, she finished second by five shots with rounds of 70-77, the best showing in the tournament by a sophomore. She would love nothing better than to win it all as a junior.

That would be the best showing ever.

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

On Twitter:@TimRogersPD

Jessica Porvasnik by the numbers

Mathematics is one of Highland junior Jessica Porvasnik's favorite subjects and golf is her favorite activity, so here she is -- by the numbers -- for this high school season, which ends next week at the Division I state tournament. Porvasnik believes nine-hole matches are "silly" so all numbers are based on 18-hole events.

Tournaments entered: 12.

Tournaments won: 11.

Rounds in the 80s: 0.

Rounds in the 70s: 6.

Rounds in the 60s: 6.

Low score: 66, Sweetbriar's Legacy Course, Aug. 16, Blue Streak Invitational.

High score: 78, Legends of Massillon, Aug. 17, Legends Invitational.

Average score: 70.8.

Greens hit in regulation: 81 percent.

Fairways hit: 69 percent.

Average putts: 31.3.

Pars: 131.

Birdies: 50.

Eagles: 3.

Bogeys: 27.

Double bogeys: 3.

Other: 2.

Distance with driver: 220-230 yards.

Distance with 3-wood: 200-210 yards.

-- Tim Rogers

OSU coach Thad Matta is eager for Sullinger to be more versatile and mobile, potentially able to avoid some of the pounding he took in the post last season.

View full sizeTerry Gilliam, Associated PressOhio State's Jared Sullinger has dropped about 20 pounds since last season.

One is a photo of Kentucky's Brandon Knight hitting the shot that knocked the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes out of the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament last season. Sullinger put the photo where he could use it to drive him every day.

"I think about how this could have been different," Sullinger said. "It was a tough shot, and he made it. It's a motivational thing for me."

The other is the reflection of a sophomore, who, after averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman, looks like a new man.

Sullinger dropped 20 pounds to get down to 265 and lowered his body-fat percentage from 16.7 to 12.1. OSU coach Thad Matta is eager for Sullinger to be more versatile and mobile, potentially able to avoid some of the pounding he took in the post last season.

Point guard Aaron Craft joked that Sullinger is more apt to walk around in cutoffs now, and Sullinger said he did buy a few new clothes but hasn't changed his entire wardrobe.

"As long as I have a belt, I'll be fine," Sullinger said.

That should be the case with his game. Expect some more jumpers, a little more ballhandling and the chance to show off his passing skills when facing the basket. But he will still do much of his work down in the post, where he said he still has the rear end needed to clear space.

"That's still there. I didn't lose my best friend," Sullinger said.

He just added to it by taking some weight away.

"It's just the simple fact of what type of moves I'm going to use," Sullinger said. "It's not always going to be body-type stuff. It's going to be more finesse moves, sometimes. I'm going to switch it up this year."

Not like football: Senior William Buford said Ohio State will always be a football school first, but a few other Buckeyes recognize that the troubles with the football team may leave more OSU fans craving another outlet for winning. Especially one sure to be ranked in the top five in the preseason polls.

"I know people are depending on us, with the football team having a lot of problems," Sullinger said. "As far as everyone putting everything on us, it will really give us the motivation to get us going."

Craft added: "It's a good and a bad thing, I think. We have some of the greatest fans in the nation, and anticipating the excitement because the football team isn't doing as well as they usually do, that's definitely cool to see. It can also be a bad thing for us. It's the kind of thing we don't need to worry about right now. We need to worry about trying to make ourselves the best team we can."

Ohio State opens the regular season against Wright State on Nov. 11.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

A recent survey found escalating coaches' salaries were the single largest contributor to the unsustainable cost of college athletics. Unsustainable, as in, sports and scholarships get cut. So who are the real winners in college athletics?

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III, The Plain DealerAkron men's soccer coach Caleb Porter brought the school its first national title, and now the university is willing to pay Porter a generous salary in order to keep him with the Zips.

Then, Caleb Porter and his University of Akron men's soccer team won the NCAA Division I national championship -- the first ever at Akron.

Predictably, Porter's phone rang off the hook with job offers for higher pay and profile.

To keep him, Akron made him one of the highest-paid soccer coaches in the country. Getting the university president and board to approve the reward wasn't a tough sell.

"I think," said Athletic Director Tom Wistrcill, "they recognized the impact that a national champion has on a campus."

Impact, as in value: the value of visibility, positive exposure and pride -- especially for alumni called on for donations.

But investing in coaches and their staffs comes at a cost. A recent Knight Commission survey of 95 college presidents found escalating coaches' salaries were the single largest contributor to the unsustainable cost of college athletics. Unsustainable, as in, sports and scholarships get cut.

View full sizeKen Marshall, The Plain Dealer

So who are the real winners in college athletics?

A Plain Dealer analysis of 2009-10 records filed with the NCAA found that 10 of the 11 Division I public universities in Ohio spent more on salaries and benefits for coaches and other athletic department personnel than on scholarships for their student-athletes.

The lone exception -- Ohio University -- spent about the same on each.

And Ohio's two largest universities -- Ohio State and Cincinnati -- topped the amount invested in scholarships just on coaches.

Ohio State spent more than $16 million on coaches in 34 sports -- about $4 million more than on athletic scholarships for students.

Cincinnati spent almost $2 million more on coaches than scholarships.

View full sizeKen Marshall, The Plain Dealer

Chagrin Falls takes it's 7-0 record on the road tonight to face off against division rival, 6-1 West Geauga. You can hear that game live as well as get live Twitter updates from other area games.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerChagrin Falls puts their undefeated record on the line tonight at West Geauga.

Click here to listen to the game live. An archive will be made available shortly after the broadcast's completion. 

• Cardinal Mooney at St. Vincent-St. Mary

• Benedictine at Walsh Jesuit

• Tallmadge at Wadsworth

• Maple Heights at Lorain

• Beachwood at Kirtland

• Mayfield at Hudson

• Cuyahoga Heights at Hawken

Don't forget to follow The Plain Dealer's writers on Twitter for updated scores and more:

Kristen Davis: @CleveHSsports
Joe Maxse: @JoeMaxse
Tim Warsinskey: @TimsTakePD
Tim Rogers: @TimRogersPD
Bob Fortuna: @BobFortuna

Lake Erie’s massive algae problems have shut down yellow perch fishing from Toledo to Cleveland, although some trophy walleye are being caught around Kelleys Island and jumbo perch are biting northeast of Fairport Harbor. Big winds will be a major problem on Lake Erie during the weekend. Fall bass, crappie and perch fishing has been good on inland lakes,...

D'Arcy Egan, the Plain DealerYellow perch fishing has been very slow because of a blanket of algae that stretches from Cleveland Harbor to about 10 to 12 miles offshore.

Lake Erie’s massive algae problems have shut down yellow perch fishing from Toledo to Cleveland, although some trophy walleye are being caught around Kelleys Island and jumbo perch are biting northeast of Fairport Harbor. Big winds will be a major problem on Lake Erie during the weekend. Fall bass, crappie and perch fishing has been good on inland lakes, catfish are still biting and weekend rains should kick off another run of steelhead trout into Northeast Ohio rivers.

Cleveland area

Yellow perch fishing has been very slow because of a blanket of algae that stretches from Cleveland Harbor to about 10 to 12 miles offshore. Some perch are being caught by anglers making the long trip to cleaner waters. Walleye fishing has been poor this week, but the night bite should heat up as the waters cool and the algae disappears.

Central Lake Erie

Yellow perch fishing has been good to outstanding off Fairport Harbor. Trophy walleye catches have been surprisingly good northeast of Kelleys Island and north of Huron, along the Ohio-Ontario border.

Yellow perch fishing has been slow west of Cleveland because of algal blooms. Good catches of perch are being reported northeast of Fairport Harbor, in 41 to 44 feet of water where it is fairly clear, but has been slower off the hump a couple of miles northwest of the mouth of the Grand River. Walleye fishing off Fairport Harbor has been slow.

Some perch are being caught off Eastlake in 50 feet of water.

Rivers and streams

The Rocky River has been at the top of the steelhead trout fishing list, with fair to very good catches reported all week. The forecast is for a good shot of rain today and Saturday, which should lure a fresh run of trout. A few stray chinook salmon have been caught from the Rocky River this week.

All other Northeast Ohio rivers are giving up steelhead trout as well. Anglers are casting small spawn bags, jigs tipped with maggots, Little Cleo spoons and in-line spinners. Kwikfish lures in the K9 and K10 sizes worked close to the river bottom below the riffles and rapids have been catching trout. Fly fishers are casting baitfish-colored streamers, egg patterns and Woolly Buggers with success.

Inland lakes, reservoirs

Catfish and trout are still being caught from the canal at Cleveland Metroparks’ Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights. Anglers have been catching trout on PowerBait and small spinners and taking catfish on night crawlers and chicken livers.

Largemouth bass fishing has been good just about everywhere, as bass move to shoreline structure, weed beds and points. For weed-bed bass, cast topwater lures, spinnerbaits, jigs or plastic worms. Fish the points with diving plugs and jigs. Top bass lakes include Mosquito and Nimisila and the Wellington Upground Reservoir.

Crappie have moved to near-shore brush piles and around docks. Work jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms under a float, with Pymatuning, West Branch and Mosquito good choices for crappie. Catfish are still taking night crawlers, chicken livers, shrimp and prepared catfish baits, with Mosquito, Berlin, West Branch and LaDue reservoirs all reported good.

Blade baits are a top choice for walleye at Pymatuning, where the best depth has been 12 to 17 feet of water. Perch fishing has also been good along the causeway on hooks and jigs baited with pieces of night crawler.

Western Lake Erie

Walleye action has picked up around Gull and Kelleys island shoals and northeast of Kelleys Island, with anglers casting small spinners tipped with pieces of night crawler and weight-forward spinners tipped with night crawlers. Some walleye are also being caught in deeper water, while trolling Reef Runner diving plugs in pink and purple colors. Yellow perch fishing has been fair off Ballast Island, east of Kelleys Island and off Marblehead Peninsula.

Fishing tournaments

Fish Huron Ohio Walleye Tournament

(Lake Erie at Huron)

1. Team T-Bone (Chad Schilling, Jimmy Whitehair, Jason Schatzel), five walleye, 46.95 pounds, $4,300; 2. Team Kullet (Scott Geitgey, Jason Kopf, Jay Gullett), five walleye, 42.55 pounds, $3,000; 3. Team Erie Storm (Michael Zaborski, Francis Ball, Ronald Bradway), five walleye, 40.59 pounds, $2,000; 4. Team Got Het Rattler (Stephen Puruczky, Steve Borowski, Kevin Lukehart), five walleye, 40.54 pounds, $1,500; 5. Team Medina Plating (Shawn Ritchie, John Wagner, Jim Swick), five walleye, 40.3 pounds, $1,800. Big walleye: Team Medina Plating, 12.31 pounds.

Big Eye Classic Walleye Tournament

(Lake Erie at Huron)

1. Team Sea Biscuit (Joe Leighton, Michael Petruska), five walleye, 43.52 pounds; 2. Team Slow Boat (Dave Jenco, Tim Gwynn), five walleye, 43.26; 3. A Team (Dan Bishop, Kara Grissinger), five walleye, 42.32 pounds; 4. Team T-Bone (Chad Schilling, Jimmy Whitehair, Seth Schitzel), five walleye, 42.01; 5. Team Cross Eyes (David Conant, Jason Kopf, Scott Geitgey), five walleye, 41.57 pounds. Big walleye: Team Show Boat, 10.88 pounds.

Bad Bass Champs Tournament Trail Championship

(Mosquito Reservoir)

1. Keith Baker (Uniontown) and Bob Laird (Cuyahoga Falls), 10 bass, 29.03 pounds, $3,896; 2. James Wright and Tyler Wright (Stow), 10 bass, 24.19 pounds, $1,948; 3. Ed Hankins and Bret Hankins (Clinton), 10 bass, 24.08 pounds, $1,836; 4. Mike Pierce and Dave Loucka (North Royalton), 10 bass, 22.43 pounds, $1,l05; 5. Mike Stohovitch (Akron) and Jeff Hahn (Alliance), 10 bass, 20.50 pounds, $612. Big bass: Hankins and Hankins, 4.50 pounds, $450.

LaDO Bass Series Fall Open

(LaDue Reservoir)

1. Ray Halter Sr. and Ray Halter Jr., five bass, 12.95 pounds, $340; 2. Brandon Crusan and Ron Bailey, five bass, 10.32 pounds, $205; 3. Matt Byrnes, four bass, 9.52 pounds, $110. Big bass: Mike Bunner, 6.62 pounds, $120.

A large number of Ohio anglers qualified for the Cabela's MWC World Walleye Championship on the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien, Wis., including last year's team of the year, Mike Knippenberg, of Hiram, and Ryan Buddie, of Lakewood. The three-day tournament runs through Saturday.

Masters Walleye CircuitThe Cabela's MWC Masters Walleye Circuit Team of 2010 Ryan Buddie (left) of Lakewood and Mike Knippenberg of Hiram show off a pair of trophy walleye.

Many of Ohio's top walleye fishermen have headed west for the week.

A large number of Ohio anglers qualified for the Cabela's MWC World Walleye Championship on the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien, Wis., including last year's team of the year, Mike Knippenberg, of Hiram, and Ryan Buddie, of Lakewood. The three-day tournament runs through Saturday.

Other Ohioans in the field include the teams of Dan Johnson (Fayetteville) and Larry Rhoades II (Oregonia); Mike Zaborski (Sheffield Lake) and Charlie Robinson (Perrysburg); Gary Zart and his son, Nicholas (Brunswick); and Matt Davis (Marion) and Dan Gies (Huron). A former Ohio tournament pro, 2010 MWC champ Johnnie Candle, of Devils Lake, N.D., and partner Dave Noble, of Dixon, Ill., are defending their title.

Knocking heads: This is the time of year that white-tailed deer are getting ready for the breeding season. The bucks are fighting one another for the attention of the does, and Plain Dealer videographer David I. Anderson caught two young males in a spirited duel. Check out the antler-to-antler action at cleveland.com/outdoors.

Coming up: The fall turkey season opened this past weekend, the Lake Erie Marsh Zone and North Zone waterfowl hunting seasons begin Saturday, and the special six-day black-powder deer hunt at areas in southeastern Ohio begins Monday.

Fall Brawl: Walleye fishermen can sign up for the new Fall Brawl walleye derby Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Erie Outfitters, 5404 Lake Road, Sheffield Lake. Entry fee is $25. Hosted by Frank Murphy, the Fall Brawl runs through Dec. 4.

Family fishing: Cuyahoga Valley National Park has a Family Fishing Day today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with catch-and-release fishing for sunfish and bluegill at Horseshoe Pond. Park officials are providing bait. The fishing outing is also a Junior Ranger event for children age 7 and older.

Deer forecast: Ohio's 2011-12 deer harvest should be a good one, with Ohio deer project leader Mike Tonkovich reporting a healthy deer herd after an abundant mast crop last fall. Ohio ranked eighth in the nation after hunters killed 238,683 bucks and does in 2010-11.

Kasich lauds sportsmen: Gov. John Kasich released a video applauding Ohio hunters, especially their generosity in donating 125,150 pounds of venison to local food banks. Kasich said Ohio hunters generated more than $859 million and anglers $1.1 billion for Ohio's annual economy.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

degan@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

Algae is a big problem for Lake Erie fishermen, but yellow perch and walleye are being caught in some areas. The steelhead trout bite is very good on Northeast Ohio streams. Fall bass, crappie and catfish are in the spotlight on inland waters.

The recent rains have encourage steelhead trout to run the Northeast Ohio rivers and streams after spending the summer feeding on Lake Erie.

 Lake Erie's massive algae problems have shut down the yellow perch fishing from Toledo to Cleveland, although some trophy walleye are being caught around Kelleys Island and jumbo perch are biting northeast of Fairport Harbor. Big winds will be a major problem on Lake Erie over the weekend. The fall bass, crappie and perch fishing has been good on the inland lakes, catfish are still biting and weekend rains should kick off another run of steelhead trout into Northeast Ohio rivers.

 CLEVELAND AREA
 The yellow perch fishing has been very slow because of a blanket of algae that stretches from Cleveland Harbor to about 10 to 12 miles offshore. Some perch are being caught by anglers making the long trip to cleaner waters. The walleye fishing has been poor this week, but the night bite should heat up as the waters cool and the algae disappears.

 CENTRAL LAKE ERIE
 The yellow perch fishing has been good to outstanding off Fairport Harbor. Trophy walleye catches have been surprisingly good northeast of Kelleys Island and north of Huron along the Ohio-Ontario border.

 The yellow perch fishing has been slow west of Cleveland because of the algal blooms. Good catches of perch are being reported northeast of Fairport Harbor, in 41 to 44 feet of water where the water is fairly clear, but has been slower off the hump a couple of miles northwest of the mouth of the Grand River. The walleye fishing off Fairport Harbor has been slow.

 Some perch are being caught off Eastlake in 50 feet of water.

 RIVERS AND STREAMS
 The Rocky River has been at the top of the steelhead trout fishing list, with fair to very good catches reported all week. The forecast is for a good shot of rain today and Saturday, which should lure a fresh run of trout. A few stray chinook salmon have been caught from the Rocky River this week.

 All of the other Northeast Ohio rivers are giving up steelhead trout, as well. Anglers are casting small spawn bags, jigs tipped with maggots, Little Cleo spoons and in-line spinners. Kwikfish lures in the K9 and K10 sizes worked close to the river bottom below the riffles and rapids have been catching trout. Fly fishers are casting baitfish-colored streamers, egg patterns and wooly buggers with success.

 INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS
 Catfish and trout are still be caught from the canal at the Cleveland Metroparks' Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights. Anglers have been catching trout on Powerbait and small spinners and taking catfish on nightcrawlers and chicken livers.

 The largemouth bass fishing has been good just about everywhere as bass move to shoreline structure, weed beds and points. For weed bed bass, cast topwater lures, spinnerbaits, jigs or plastic worms. Fish the points with diving plugs and jigs. Top bass lakes include Mosquito and Nimisila lakes and the Wellington Upground Reservoir.

 Crappie have moved to near-shore brush piles and around docks. Work jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms under a float, with Pymatuning, West Branch and Mosquito good choices for crappie. Catfish are still taking nightcrawlers, chicken livers, shrimp and prepared catfish baits, with Mosquito, Berlin, West Branch and LaDue reservoirs all reported good.

 Blade baits are a top choice for walleye at Pymatuning, where the best depth has been 12 to 17 feet of water. Perch fishing has also been good along the causeway on hooks and jigs baited with pieces of nightcrawler.

 WESTERN LAKE ERIE
 The walleye action has picked up around Gull and Kelleys Island shoals and northeast of Kelleys island, with anglers casting small spinners tipped with pieces of nightcrawler and weight-forward spinners tipped with nightcrawlers. Some walleye are also being caught in deeper water while trolling Reef Runner diving plugs in pink and purple colors. The yellow perch fishing has been fair off Ballast Island, east of Kelleys Island and off the Marblehead Peninsula.

 TOURNAMENT FISHING
 Fish Huron Ohio Walleye Tournament (Lake Erie at Huron): 1. Team T-Bone (Chad Schilling, Jimmy Whitehair, Jason Schatzel), 5 walleye, 46.95 pounds, $4,300; 2. Team Kullet (Scott Geitgey, Jason Kopf, Jay Gullett), 5 walleye, 42.55 pounds, $3,000; 3. Team Erie Storm (Michael Zaborski, Francis Ball, Ronald Bradway), 5 walleye, 40.59 pounds, $2,000; 4. Team Got Het Rattler (Stephen Puruczky, Steve Borowski, Kevin Lukehart), 5 walleye, 40.54 pounds, $1,500; 5. Team Medina Plating (Shawn Ritchie, John Wagner, Jim Swick), 5 walleye, 40.3 pounds, $1,800. Big Walleye: Team Medina Plating, 12.31 pounds.

 Big Eye Classic Walleye Tournament (Lake Erie at Huron): 1. Team Sea Biscuit (Joe Leighton, Michael Petruska), 5 walleye, 43.52 pounds; 2. Team Slow Boat (Dave Jenco, Tim Gwynn), 5 walleye, 43.26; 3. A Team (Dan Bishop, Kara Grissinger), 5 walleye, 42.32 pounds; 4. Team T-Bone (Chad Schilling, Jimmy Whitehair, Seth Schitzel), 5 walleye, 42.01; 5. Team Cross Eyes (David Conant, Jason Kopf, Scott Geitgey), 5 walleye, 41.57 pounds. Big Walleye: Team Show Boat, 10.88 pounds.

 Bad Bass Champs Tournament Trail Championship (Mosquito Reservoir): 1. Keith Baker (Uniontown) and Bob Laird (Cuyahoga Falls), 10 bass, 29.03 pounds, $3,896; 2. James Wright and Tyler Wright (Stow), 10 bass, 24.19 pounds, $1,948; 3. Ed Hankins and Bret Hankins (Clinton), 10 bass, 24.08 pounds, $1,836; 4. Mike Pierce and Dave Loucka (North Royalton), 10 bass, 22.43 pounds, $1,l05; 5. Mike Stohovitch (Akron) and Jeff Hahn (Alliance), 10 bass, 20.50 pounds, $612. Big Bass: Hankins and Hankins, 4.50 pounds, $450.

 LaDO Bass Series Fall Open (LaDue Reservoir): 1. Ray Halter Sr. and Ray Halter Jr., 5 bass, 12.95 pounds, $340; 2. Brandon Crusan and Ron Bailey, 5 bass, 10.32 pounds, $205; 3. Matt Byrnes, 4 bass, 9.52 pounds, $110. Big Bass: Mike Bunner, 6.62 pounds, $120.

 
 DOG TRIAL RESULTS

 Earl Williams Appreciation Day All-Breed Hunter's Trial
 Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, Hinckley

 Dogs of the Day - Flushing: Del Reckart, English cocker spaniel (ECS), Lola. Pointing: Gary Thozeski, Brittany (Brit), Ember.

 All-Age - Flushing: Dave Rydzinski, Labrador retriever (Lab), Amber. Pointing: Joe Kusmierczyk, English pointer (EP), Ed; Gary Thozeski, Brit, Chili; Dick Motz, English setter (ES), Abby.

 Open - Flushing: Del Reckart, ECS, Lola; John Masseria, English springer spaniel (ESS), Coriander; Dave Rydzinski, Lab, Hailey. Pointing: Dave Farell, EP, Sandie; Dave Farell, GSP, Ziggy; Dick Motz, ES, Sam.

 Derby - Flushing: Tom McCraw, ESS, Ace; Shawn McCraw, ESS, Duke; Dave Wallace, ESS, Pepper. Pointing: Gary Thozeski, Brit, Ember; Shane Farell, EP, Bee; Lou Dell'Osso, Brit, Tatonka.

 Puppy - Flushing: Bruce Rager, Lab, Jasmine. Pointing: Art Jones, GSP, Oliver.

 Senior - Pointing: Joe Kusmierczyk, EP, Mac. Flushing: No awards.

The Northern Ohio duck and goose hunting seasons begin this weekend, topping this week's Outdoor Calendar. The annual Chill Feast and Gun Raffle and weekly turkey shoots and field dog trials are also on tap.

D'Arcy Egan, The Plain DealerRetrieving dogs and decoys are in the fields this weekend as hunters head out for the opener of the duck and goose seasons.

Hunting and trapping seasons listed at end of Outdoor Calendar

Oct. 15: Opener of the duck and goose hunting seasons in Lake Erie Marsh Zone, Lake Erie Canada Goose Zone, and both the duck and goose North Zones. Lake Erie Marsh Zone duck season through Oct. 13 and nov. 12-Dec. 25. North Zone duck season is Oct. 15-30 and Nov. 19-Jan. 1. Lake Erie Canada Goose Zone season through Oct. 30 and Nov. 12-Jan. 8. North Zone Goose Season through Oct. 30, Nov. 19-Jan. 1 and Jan. 9-22. Visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Oct. 16: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Fin Fur Feather Outfitters, 8 a.m., 652 U. S. 250 East at I-71, Ashland. Adult and youth ompetition. Entries close Thursday night. Bird fields across from store. Call Mike Hearn, 216-440-3810 or email: dogman@core.com. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Oct. 16: Turkey shoots - SCSA Fall Turkey Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. First shoots at 9 a.m., breakfast 6-9 a.m. Call 440-888-1163; The Streetsboro Sportsman Association, 10 a.m., Peck Rd. in Shalersville Twp., a half-mile south of Ohio 303. Call Martin Smeal, 330-221-7757; Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295. 

Oct. 17: Opening day of the special area muzzloading hunting season through Oct. 22. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Oct. 19: Ohio Wildlife Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Oct. 19: Fly tying seminar with Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., free, Gander Mountain Lodge Room, 5244 Cobblestone Rd., Sheffield Village. Call 440-934-8222.

Oct. 20: Chili Feast 21 Gun Raffle to support disabled youth, adult fishing and hunting programs, 5:30-10 p.m., Wagner's Country Inn, 30855 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake. Tickets $25. Visit www.slabmseasonings.com.

Oct. 21-22: 14th annual Walleye Central Get Together Walleye Tournament, Huron Boat Basin, Huron. Friday dinner and charity raffle at Mesenburg Hall, 545 Cleveland Rd. West, Huron, 5 p.m. No-fee, trophies-only tournament on Saturday.

Oct. 22: South Zone duck and goose seasons open. Duck through Nov. 6 and Dec. 17-Jan. 29. Goose through Nov. 20 and Dec. 17-Jan. 29. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Oct. 22-23: Youth upland game hunting weekend for kids 17 and under, which continues Oct. 29-30. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com. Pheasants to be released at Resthaven, Oxbow, Berlin, Killdeer Plains, Camp Belden, Grand River, Spencer, Wellington, Delaware, Dillon, Caesar Creek, Rush Run, Fallsville, Tiffin River and Darke public hunting areas, as well as Charlemont Metropark in Lorain County and Ring Neck Ridge in Sandusky County.

Oct. 23: Sporting Clays Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. For reservations, call Ed Coyne, 330-667-2973.

Oct. 23: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 U.S. 224, Sulivan Twp. Adult and youth competition. Entries close Thursday night. Call Ginny Reznik, 330-723-1679. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Oct. 23: Turkey shoots - SCSA Fall Turkey Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. First shoots at 9 a.m., breakfast 6-9 a.m. Call 440-888-1163; The Streetsboro Sportsman Association, 10 a.m., Peck Rd. in Shalersville Twp., a half-mile south of Ohio 303. Call Martin Smeal, 330-221-7757; Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295. 

Oct. 26: Fly tying seminar with Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., free, Gander Mountain Lodge Room, 5244 Cobblestone Rd., Sheffield Village. Call 440-934-8222.

Oct. 29-30: Youth upland game hunting weekend  for kids 17 and under. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com. Pheasants to be released at Resthaven, Oxbow, Berlin, Killdeer Plains, Camp Belden, Grand River, Spencer, Wellington, Delaware, Dillon, Caesar Creek, Rush Run, Fallsville, Tiffin River and Darke public hunting areas, as well as Charlemont Metropark in Lorain County and Ring Neck Ridge in Sandusky County.

Oct. 29: Electric Elite Invitationals Mogadore Open Bass Tournament, two-angler teams, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mogadore Reservoir, Mogadore. Entry $85. Visit www.dobass.com.

Oct. 29: Catch of The Day, 1-3 p.m., Silver Creek Metro Park / Boathouse, 5171 S. Medina Line Rd., Norton. Cast a line with Naturalist Sarah Putnam. This program is for all ages, and participants will learn about the fish in Silver Creek Lake that will put up a good fight. A limited number of poles available during the program. Live bait provided. Adults will need a valid fishing license. Call 330-865-8065.

Oct. 30: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Water Trial, Crooked Creek Conservation Club, 8 a.m., 4323 Ohio 534, Hartsgrove. Entries close on Thursday night. Call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Oct. 30: Turkey shoots - SCSA Fall Turkey Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. First shoots at 9 a.m., breakfast 6-9 a.m. Call 440-888-1163; The Streetsboro Sportsman Association, 10 a.m., Peck Rd. in Shalersville Twp., a half-mile south of Ohio 303. Call Martin Smeal, 330-221-7757; Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295. 

Nov. 2: Fly tying seminar with Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., free, Gander Mountain Lodge Room, 5244 Cobblestone Rd., Sheffield Village. Call 440-934-8222.

Nov. 4: Opening day of the cottontail rabbit, ring-necked pheasant and bobwhite quail hunting seasons. Rabbit hunting season runs through Feb. 29; pheasant season runs through Jan. 8; quail hunting runs through Nov. 27. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Nov. 5: Kids Fly fishing class, Firelands Fly Fishers and Lorain County Metroparks, 1-3 p.m., Mill Hollow Park, Vermilion Rd. and North Ridge Rd., 4 miles south of Vermilion. Introduction to fly fishing and fly casting. Registration needed. Contact Bill Grake, bahiapark@yahoo.com.

Nov. 6: Reb Bostwick Memorial All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, 8 a.m., West 130th St. at Sleep Hollow Rd., 1 mile south of Rt. 303, Hinckley. To enter pointing or flushing dogs call Regis Cantini, 440-582-4896. For complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Nov. 6: Turkey shoots - SCSA Fall Turkey Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. First shoots at 9 a.m., breakfast 6-9 a.m. Call 440-888-1163; The Streetsboro Sportsman Association, 10 a.m., Peck Rd. in Shalersville Twp., a half-mile south of Ohio 303. Call Martin Smeal, 330-221-7757; Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295. 

Nov. 9: Firelands Fly Fishers meeting featuring John Rochus on fishing the Clear Fork river, 6:30 p.m., French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. Visit www.firelandsflyfishers.org.

Nov. 10: Hunting and trapping seasons open for fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum and weasel through Jan. 31. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Nov. 12: Lake Erie Marsh Zone duck season and Lake Erie Canada Goose Zone seasons re-open. Ducks can be hunted through Dec. 25; Canada geese through Jan. 8. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Nov. 12: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 8 a.m., Honeytown Rd., Wooster. Adult and youth competition. Entries close on Thursday night. Call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Nov. 13: SCSA Fall Turkey Shoot and Trap Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. First turkey shoots at 9 a.m., breakfast 6-9 a.m. Call 440-888-1163. Trap shoots include 10-bird and Protection Shoots.

Nov. 13: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Huron Township Conservation Club, Huron-Avery Rd., Huron. Entries close Thursday night. Call Sherri Fischer, 419-626-2884. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Nov. 13: Turkey shoots: Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295.

Nov. 16: Fly tying seminar with Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., free, Gander Mountain Lodge Room, 5244 Cobblestone Rd., Sheffield Village. Call 440-934-8222.

Nov. 19: North Zone duck and goose seasons re-open through Jan. 1. Third part of North Zone season is Jan. 9-22. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Nov. 19-20: Youth deer gun season for kids 17 and under. Must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Nov. 20: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Water Trial, Crooked Creek Conservation Club, 8 a.m., 4323 Ohio 534, Hartsgrove. Entries close on Thursday night. Call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Nov. 20: Turkey shoots - SCSA Fall Turkey Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. First shoots at 9 a.m., breakfast 6-9 a.m. Call 440-888-1163; The Streetsboro Sportsman Association, 10 a.m., Peck Rd. in Shalersville Twp., a half-mile south of Ohio 303. Call Martin Smeal, 330-221-7757; Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295. 

Nov. 23: Fly tying seminar with Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., free, Gander Mountain Lodge Room, 5244 Cobblestone Rd., Sheffield Village. Call 440-934-8222.

Nov. 27: Sight-In Day for Deer Hunters, noon-4 p.m.,Lake Milton Fish & Game Club, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Open to the public. Call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795 or Red Wheeler, 330-654-4599. Fee $5.

Nov. 27: Turkey shoots - Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295.

Nov. 28: Opening day of the statewide deer gun season through Dec. 4 and Dec. 17-18. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Nov. 30: Fly tying seminar with Firelands Fly Fishers, 6-9 p.m., free, Gander Mountain Lodge Room, 5244 Cobblestone Rd., Sheffield Village. Call 440-934-8222.

Dec. 4: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, 8 a.m., West 130th St. at Sleep Hollow Rd., 1 mile south of Rt. 303, Hinckley. Entries close Thursday night. Call Regis Cantini, 440-582-4896. For complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Dec. 4: Turkey shoots - Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295.

Dec. 11: Jack Davis Memorial All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Water Trial, Crooked Creek Conservation Club, youth and adult competition, 8 a.m., 4323 Ohio 534, Hartsgrove. Entries close on Thursday night. Call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Dec. 11: Turkey shoots - Lodi Bird Club, Franchester Rd., 2 miles south of Lodi, Ohio, 10 a.m. Call Dick Anderson, 330-948-1295.

Dec. 13: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Pine Crest Shooting Preserve, 1042 Novak Rd., Grafton. Entries close Thursday. Call Tim Reznik, 440-236-9131. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Dec. 17: Second half of the South Zone duck and goose hunting seasons open through Jan. 29. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Dec. 17-18: Special weekend of the statewide deer gun hunting season. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Dec. 18: All-Breed Hunter's Trial for pointing and flushing breeds, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Assocation, 5370 Erhard Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. To enter, contact trial chairman Mike Kristof (216-663-6427, maktheqwk@wowway.com).

Dec. 31: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Pine Crest Shooting Preserve, 1042 Novak Rd., Grafton. Entries close Thursday. Call Tim Reznik, 440-236-9131. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Jan. 7: Dave Maiwurm Appreciation Day All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 8 a.m., Honeytown Rd., Wooster. Entries close on Thursday night. Call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Jan. 7-10: Statewide muzzleloader deer hunting season. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Jan. 9: North Zone goose season re-opens through Jan. 22. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

Jan. 15: George Sullivan Memorial All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Assocation, 5370 Erhard Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Entries close Thursday. Contact trial chairman Mike Kristof (216-663-6427, maktheqwk@wowway.com).

Jan. 19-22: Cleveland Outdoor Adventure Show, I-X Center, Cleveland. Visit www.clevelandsportshow.com.

Jan. 20-21: Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show, Buckeye Event Center, 624 Henry St., Dalton, Ohio. Contact J.W. Promotions, 740-397-7788.

Jan. 22: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 U.S. 224, Sulivan Twp. Entries close Thursday night. Call Ginny Reznik, 330-723-1679. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Jan. 27-28: Dutchland Hunting & Fishing Show, Middlefield. Show promoter is the Fish & Field Report. For information visit www.fishnfieldreport.com, call 330-544-8951 or email info@fishnfieldreport.com.

Jan. 29: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Huron Township Conservation Club, Huron-Avery Rd., Huron. Adult and youth competition. Entries close Thursday night. Call Sherri Fischer, 419-626-2884. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Feb. 3-5: Great Akron Sportsman's Show & Sale, Summit County Fairgrounds, Tallmadge. Show promoter is the Fish & Field Report. For information visit www.fishnfieldreport.com, call 330-544-8951 or email info@fishnfieldreport.com.

Feb. 5: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Fin Fur Feather Outfitters, 8 a.m., 652 U. S. 250 East at I-71, Ashland. Adult and youth ompetition. Entries close Thursday night. Bird fields across from store. Call Rex Messner, 419-938-6026 or email: dogman@core.com. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Feb. 12: Gus Ferencak memorial and Del Shamp/Chuck Weber Classic All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 U.S. 224, Sulivan Twp. Entries close Thursday night. Call Ginny Reznik, 330-723-1679. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

Feb. 16: Steelhead Workshop presented by the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders, 7:30 p.m., Ampol Club, 4737 Pearl Rd., Cleveland.

Feb. 19: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Assocation, 5370 Erhard Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Entries close Thursday. Call trial chairman Mike Kristof (216-663-6427, maktheqwk@wowway.com).

Feb. 26: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 8 a.m., Honeytown Rd., Wooster. Entries close on Thursday night. Call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

March 2-4: Niles Sportsman's Super Show & Sale, Eastwood Expo Center, Niles. Show promoter is the Fish & Field Report. For information visit www.fishnfieldreport.com, call 330-544-8951 or email info@fishnfieldreport.com.

March 11: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 U.S. 224, Sulivan Twp. Entries close Thursday night. Call Ginny Reznik, 330-723-1679. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

March 18: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and youth Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Assocation, 5370 Erhard Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Entries close Thursday. Call trial chairman Mike Kristof (216-663-6427, maktheqwk@wowway.com).

March 18-20: 34th Ohio Decoy Collectors & Carvers Association Wildlife Art & Decoy Exposition, Westlake Holiday Inn, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake. Admission $6 for both Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.odcca.net.
 
March 25: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, 8 a.m., West 130th St. at Sleep Hollow Rd., 1 mile south of Rt. 303, Hinckley. Entries close Thursday night. Call Regis Cantini, 440-582-4896. For complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

March 31: Bo Thompson Classic All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Fin Fur Feather Outfitters trial held at Columbia Game Club, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 U.S. 224, Sulivan Twp. Adult and youth competition. Entries close Thursday night. Call Rex Messner, 419-938-6026 or email: dogman@core.com. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

April 14: 45th annual Invitational Winners Trial of the All-Breed Hunter's Trial Circuit, hosted by the Fin Feather Fur Club at the Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 8 a.m., Honeytown Rd., Wooster. Entries closed. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

April 21-22, 2012: Youth spring wild turkey hunting season for kids 17 and under. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

April 23: Opening day of the spring wild turkey hunting season through May 20. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

OHIO HUNTING AND TRAPPING SEASONS

2011-2012 DEER, TURKEY HUNTING SEASONS

Archery Deer Season - Sept. 24-Feb. 15
Fall Wild Turkey Season - Oct. 8-Nov. 27
Special Area Muzzleloader Hunts - Oct. 17-22
Youth Deer Gun Season - Nov. 19-20
Statewide Deer Gun Season - Nov. 28-Dec. 4 and Dec. 17-18
Statewide Muzzleleader Season - Jan. 7-10
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Season - April 21-22, 2012
Spring Wild Turkey Season - April 23-May 20, 2012

2011-2012 SMALL GAME HUNTING SEASONS

Squirrel Season - Sept. 1-Jan. 31
Dove Season - Sept. 1-Oct. 23 and Dec. 17-Jan. 2
Virginia and Sora Rails, Common Moorhen Seasons - Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Common Snipe Season - Sept. 1-Nov. 27 and Dec. 17-Jan. 4
Ruffed Grouse Season - Oct. 8-Jan. 31
Woodcock Season - Oct. 8-Nov. 21
Youth Upland Game Season - Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30
Cottontail Rabbit Season - Nov. 4-Feb. 29
Ring-necked Pheasant Season - Nov. 4-Jan. 8
Bobwhite Quail Season - Nov. 4-27
Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum and Weasel Seasons - Nov. 10-Jan. 31
Crow Season - June 3, 2011-March 12, 2012
Coyote, Woodchuck - No closed season

2011-12 WATERFOWL SEASONS

DUCK HUNTING
Lake Erie Marsh Zone - Oct. 15-30 and Nov. 12-Dec. 25.
North Zone - Oct. 15-30 and Nov. 19-Jan. 1
South Zone - Oct. 22-Nov. 6 and Dec. 17-Jan. 29

GOOSE HUNTING
Lake Erie Canada Goose Zone - Oct. 15-30 and Nov. 12-Jan. 8
North Zone - Oct. 15-30, Nov. 19-Jan. 1 and Jan. 9-22.
South Zone - Oct. 22-Nov. 20 and Dec. 17-Jan. 29

YOUTH HUNTING SEASONS

Youth Small Game Season - Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30
Youth Deer Gun Season - Nov. 19-20
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Season - April 21-22, 2012

TRAPPING SEASONS

Mink, Muskrat Trapping - Nov. 10-Feb. 29
Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum and Weasel Seasons - Nov. 10-Jan. 31
Mink, Muskrat, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Weasel Trapping/Lake Erie Marsh Area - Nov. 10-March 15
Beaver, River Otter Trapping - Dec. 26-Feb. 29

END OUTDOOR CALENDAR

A slimy coating of bright, green algae blanketing Western Lake Erie this summer has now reached the Cleveland area, spoiling the fishing and big-water boating.

D'Arcy Egan, The Plain DealerSammy Cappelli of Poland, Ohio, nets a Lake Erie walleye off Huron, Ohio on Saturday through algae-covered waters. The blanket of algae found along the Lake Erie shoreline has plagued boaters and anglers this summer and fall.

 A slimy coating of bright, green algae has blanketed Western Lake Erie. In recent weeks the algae has spread eastward to smother Cleveland Harbor and the once-clear waters offshore.

The toxic bloom has kept people from swimming, boating and fishing - but not from wondering if this is the future of Ohio's great lake. Optimistic experts are hoping new agricultural programs and clean water rules can solve the algae problem, but no one seems sure. 

 A few old-timers remember the Lake Erie algae infestations a half-century ago that gave Cleveland's drinking water a distinctively musty taste. Mike Fedorka, Cleveland's fishing historian, said this year's algae is far worse.

"In the 1960s, we didn't have algae 10 to 12 miles offshore like this," said Fedorka, who owns Shine's Bait and Tackle on East 55th St. "The lake was dirty because of pollution back then, but we caught a lot of fish. Right now, it's hard to hook a yellow perch."

 Finding an answer to the algae problem, which has also hit Grand Lake St. Marys in western Ohio and other inland reservoirs, has state and federal officials working overtime.

The most common belief is that agriculture is to blame, with phosphate-rich farm fertilizer flowing into rivers and streams - and eventually into Lake Erie - to provoke algal blooms. There is also a problem with sewage treatment plants dumping raw sewage into Lake Erie during big rains and high-water events, a common occurrence this year. More than 30 billion gallons of raw sewage and storm water have been dumped into the Detroit River and Lake Erie this year alone from a huge Michigan sewage plant.  Dredging operations in places like the Maumee River also dump phosphorous-rich river bottom muck into Lake Erie.

The explosion of quagga mussels, phosphate-spewing mollusks that arrived in the Great Lakes in the ballast of ocean freighters, is also a culprit.

 All of those sins against Lake Erie were compounded this spring by monsoon rains and intense storms, a trigger for the massive algal bloom. While global warming may be discounted, the bitter winters and thick ice cover on Lake Erie that helped control algal blooms has not been seen in recent years.

Scientists know the algae will soon die as Lake Erie cools down. As the algae decomposes, bacteria feeds on it. In the process, the bacteria rob the lake of dissolved oxygen, creating so-called Lake Erie "dead zones" where fish can't live.

Oddly enough, in the National Wildlife Federation's new report, "Feast and Famine in the Great Lakes: How Nutrients and Invasive Species Interact to Overwhelm the Coasts and Starve Offshore Waters," other Great Lakes are suffering from a lack of nutrients that support organisms that game fish need to thrive. Lake Huron prey fish have declined 95 percent in 15 years. Tiny freshwater shrimp that are the base of the Lake Michigan food chain are down 94 percent in 10 years.

 The head of Lake Erie management for the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Roger Knight said this year's spring rains may have brought about this year's especially offensive algal bloom, but there have been plenty of warnings in recent years of a phosphorous overload.

"We had storms come through in spring that were extremely intense, with major spikes in the flow of the Maumee and Sandusky rivers," said Knight. "That washed a lot of nutrients, including agricultural fertilizer, into Lake Erie. Now we're in a situation where nutrients are way above desirable levels."

A variety of state and federal agencies are doing the research, trying to figure how to reduce the phosphorous overload in Lake Erie. The Ohio effort is spearheaded by the Ohio EPA's Ohio Lake Erie Phosphorous Task Force, which published a major report on the impending woes back in April, 2010.

"State and federal programs have been created to battle the problem," said Knight. "Solutions won't happen very quickly, but I believe where there's a will, we'll find a way. We have to move forward with controls. This is not just about tourism or catching fish. The toxins (in the algae) are a potential human health risk."

At Maumee Bay State Park, visitors have been told to stay out of the water. People have complained about suffering from a rash after exposure to Lake Erie algae, which seems to be everywhere this year.

While fishing off Huron last weekend, there were few places that did not have a blanket of algae. Walleye were being caught in the area by anglers, but algae was the main topic of discussion.

"We can't do a thing about the weather, or the invasive species such as zebra mussels and quagga mussels that are already here," said Knight. "We have to work with farmers and sewage treatment plants to combat phosphorous overloads. We are seeing companies like Scott's producing an environmentally-friendly lawn fertilizer that doesn't contain phosphorous."

Knight said it's time to make changes in farm policies, moving away from subsidy programs for growing crops and use that money to fund conservation practices.

 "I'm optimistic we can make the changes, as we did with the Clean Water Act of 1972 when we instigated better sewage treatment and banned phosphates in laundry detergent," said Knight. "That gave us a better balance of Lake Erie nutrients from the 1970s to the mid-1990s."

Lake Erie regained its status as one of the finest fishing lakes in the world in that era, producing trophy walleye, record-setting smallmouth bass and coolers filled with delectable yellow perch. In the past decade, walleye production has been in a major slump. Unless rigorous controls are put in place, and soon, the fishing future of Lake Erie is grim. 
 

Health of Lake Erie Conference in Port Clinton to focus on algae problems

 The Health of Lake Erie Conference is spotlighting the algae problems on Lake Erie and Ohio reservoirs on Nov. 8 at the Moose Lodge, 1105 W. Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton.

"We need Ohioans to be aware of the problems caused by phosphorous overloads, especially the Lake Erie algae problems that have an effect on everything from fishing to tourism," said Rick Unger, president of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association. The 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. conference will feature Director Jeffrey Reutter of Ohio Sea Grant; Lake Erie Manager Roger Knight of the Ohio Division of Wildlife; Steve Davis of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resources Conservation Service; Sandy Bihn of Lake Erie Waterkeepers and Executive Director Larry Fletcher of Lake Erie Shores & Islands.

 For conference information and registration visit the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association.

Plain Dealer Browns reporter answers your questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and his special pre-Halloween guest, Brutus Buckeye.

The Browns play Sunday at the Oakland Raiders. Which team do you think will win the game, and by how many points? That's today's Starting Blocks poll.

It's Friday, which means Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi is calling in to answer fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

Tony gives his take on questions about how much time QB Colt McCoy has to show he's the franchise's quarterback of the future; the pass-catching ability of former Brown Lawrence Vickers; what the Browns' final record will be; and what will happen with running back Peyton Hillis' contract.

SBTV will return Monday with Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff breaking down the Browns-Raiders game.

And remember to catch the Browns Insider show that streamed live Thursday at 10 a.m. and is archived for your viewing pleasure.

WFNY disects what the Browns need to do to get back on the winning track as they head to Oakland to take on the Raiders.

Matt Sullivan/Getty ImagesCan Colt McCoy move the ball against the big, quick Raiders front seven?

Every Friday leading into a Sunday contest for the Cleveland Football Browns, WFNY provides a roundtable-like discussion featuring each writer and his feelings on what the Dawgs need to do in order to leave the contest victorious.  On the flip side of the coin, we aim to feature at least one voice from the opposing team who aims to provide a bit of a contrast; a devil's advocate if you will.

This season, we will share some of our thoughts with the loyal readers of cleveland.com while inviting you all to continue the conversation with your fellow fans. 

Without further ado, this season's Week 6 edition of The Browns Will Win If...

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Scott: ...Move the ball methodically while keeping Oakland's running game in check. While I do think that the Raiders may try to exploit the absence of Joe Haden, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush remain a solid one-two tandem in the backfield. And while I also think that Pat Shurmur may try to prove a point by running the ball a bit more this week due to the outcry surrounding Peyton Hillis, I'd much prefer he put that strategy off for one more week and air it out against the suspect Raiders secondary in a quality over quantity scenario; Sixty-one attempts for a five-yard average will not win this game, but 30 tosses for 10 might just do the trick. If there's any silver (and black?) lining, Oakland doesn't seem to focus much on their tight ends in the passing game - Kevin Boss has six receptions on the year - and as we've seen, eliminating the big, atheltic pass-catchers is half of the battle for this Browns' defense.

DP: ...they can score points, and take their sweet time doing it. Let me rephrase that: score points on time-consuming drives. I'd rather not have to wait until the second quarter to see the offense get going, as it has seemed to be in their first four games. To me, this game is won or lost on the Browns' ability to put together time-consuming drives that end in points, preferably seven points. The Raiders' strength is their running game, and the best way to neutralize that is to keep it on the sidelines. The Browns have played fairly well against the pass this season defensively, and the Raiders haven't been great passing; those should cancel out. What concerns me is Darren McFadden and the Raiders running game. For the Browns, a steady diet of BOTH running backs is necessary, both to get them going but also to eat some clock along the way. Colt McCoy needs to be sharp, and to make solid decisions. To me, though, the Browns can only win this game if they can use the running game to get ahead, and force the Raiders to throw the ball more. If the Browns' offense starts slow again as it has all season, and they can't move the ball, Oakland will get several chances to exert their will to run on the Browns' defense early, it could be a long day.

Click Here to Continue Reading "The Browns Will Win If..."

Browns center Alex Mack practiced today and might be ready to play Sunday in Oakland -- less than two weeks after an appendectomy.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerAlex Mack may give it a go Sunday in Oakland.

BEREA -- Browns center Alex Mack and cornerback Joe Haden are both questionable for the Oakland game and both will make the trip today.

Mack (appendectomy) returned to the practice field and worked some with the first team offense today, meaning  there's more of a chance he'll play.

Haden (sprained left knee) still trained inside, meaning he's more likely to sit out. Haden has not been seen by the media all week.

Coach Pat Shurmur  acknowledged that Mack is closer "although both could play, neither could play. I think that's where we're at.''

Mack underwent an appendectomy on Oct. 3, but said this week he wants to play Sunday  -- less than two weeks after the surgery. He said it would depend on how much pain he was in and how the small incisions have healed.

Mack worked with the first team during the short period of practice open to the media. If he can't go, Youngstown native Steve Vallos will replace him. Vallos also took some first-team reps during the open part of practice.

"(I'm feeling) better everyday,'' said Mack. "We'll take it one step at a time. This is where we wanted to be right now. The final decision will still be Sunday. Whether I play or not, I want to make sure it's the best choice for our team and the best choice for me.

"We want to make sure the person who can do the best job can play Sunday.''

Mack started feeling sick on Saturday Oct. 1, but played in the Titans game the next day. He threw up the morning before the game and needed I.V. fluids to be able to play.

If Haden is ruled out, he'll be replaced by Dimitri Patterson, who started 10 games for the Eagles last season. Patterson will then move inside on passing downs, with rookie Buster Skrine stepping in on the outside.