Recent rains have kicked up steelhead streams, bringing in a fresh batch of trout. Lake Erie walleye fishing has been good, and some yellow perch are also being caught. Punderson Lake in Geauga County will be stocked with trophy rainbow trout around mid-afternoon on Tuesday.

The Plain DealerSteelhead Trout.

Recent rains have kicked up steelhead streams, bringing in a fresh batch of trout. Lake Erie walleye fishing has been good, and some yellow perch are also being caught. Punderson Lake in Geauga County will be stocked with trophy rainbow trout around mid-afternoon on Tuesday.

Cleveland area

Walleye fishing has been very good after dark, both casting minnow-style plugs from shoreline piers and breakwalls and while trolling near-shore waters from Lakewood to Euclid. Fluorescent plugs have been popular, with Reef Runner, Rattling Rogue and Husky Jerks the top lures. Daytime walleye fishing has been mediocre, and some yellow perch are still being caught when the wind and waves cooperate.

Central Lake Erie

Southerly winds have given near-shore Lake Erie fishermen a chance to troll for walleye in 10 to 15 feet of water, especially after dark from Huron to Vermilion. Daytime walleye fishing has been fair in 30 to 40 feet of water when the water isn't too rough. Unless the wind muddies near-shore waters, look for the best fishing toward the end of the weekend.

Night fishermen report the best bite has been from 6 to 9 p.m. Good numbers of walleye have been caught while casting from shore at many of the traditional night fishing hot spots.

Rivers and streams

All of the rivers have been high and muddy, but river levels are coming down. With a fresh run of steelhead trout coming up the rivers, fishing should be good as waters begin to clear this weekend. Spawn bags and jigs tipped with maggots, minnows and nightcrawlers should catch trout. Fly fishers are casting minnow-style streamers and egg patterns, as well as sucker spawn and woolly bugger flies.

Inland lakes, reservoirs

Trophy trout that have been brood stock at Ohio's London Fish Hatchery will be released Tuesday around mid-afternoon at Punderson Lake in Geauga County. The program will be discontinued in 2012. Stocked trout are still being caught at the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation fishing area in Cuyahoga Heights and some channel catfish are still being caught.

A few walleye are being caught at Pymatuning and Mosquito reservoirs on blade baits and jigs tipped with minnows, with anglers targeting the deeper points. Some crappies have been hooked along the old roadbed on the southern end of Mosquito Reservoir on blade baits and small jigging spoons. The walleye bite at Berlin Lake has slowed, where water levels are down significantly.

Atwood Lake has been a good stop for saugeye and some crappie, with anglers casting jigs tipped with nightcrawlers and minnows. Saugeye action has been fair at Leesville and Clendening lakes.

Western Lake Erie

Some yellow perch are being caught around the Niagara Reef complex off Port Clinton. The perch bite is still slow in the muddy waters around Kelleys Island and off Marblehead Peninsula. A few walleye are being caught while casting from shoreline piers and breakwalls.

Fishing tournaments

Fall Brawl Walleye Derby

Brandon Manthey of Oakwood is this week's leader with a 30 7/8-inch, 11.435-pound walleye caught off Cleveland. The Derby runs through Dec. 3.

TODAY Division II

Kirtland's Kyle Torok (7) and Nick Dhondt are hoping they'll be celebrating tonight as the Hornets face Columbiana Crestview in a Division V regional. - (Lisa DeJong, PD)

TODAY

Division II

#1 Walsh Jesuit vs. #3 Aurora

What, when, where: Region 5, 7:30 p.m., Solon High, Stewart Field, 33600 Inwood Road, Solon. Call 440-349-6230.

Records: Walsh Jesuit 10-1; Aurora 11-1.

What to watch: The Warriors have won nine straight since their 48-46 shootout loss to St. Vincent-St. Mary. They have outscored their past six opponents, 233-65, with an 84-14 advantage in two playoff games. Senior RB Brock Jones has rushed for 1,488 yards and 24 TDs, including 405 yards and two scores in the playoffs. Senior QB Nick Wargo (Youngstown State) has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,553 yards and 15 touchdowns. Junior Crissean Caver leads the receiving corps with 36 catches for 581 yards and seven scores. The Warriors' defense has 12 interceptions. The game features two of Ohio's best kickers, Walsh's Ross Martin (Duke) and Aurora's Anthony Melchiori (Kent State). Aurora has won eight straight since an overtime loss to Chagrin Falls, and has outscored those eight opponents, 362-102, and owns a 79-34 advantage in two playoff games. The Greenmen feature physical linemen on both sides of the ball. They run a 4-2 defense that has allowed just six passing TDs while grabbing 11 interceptions, and opposing running backs are averaging just 2.9 yards per carry (113 yards per game). A powerful running game behind tackle Troy Watson (Ohio University) features RBs Zach Quinn and Anthony Opet, who have combined for 1,399 yards and 24 TDs. QB Blake Calcei has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,357 yards and 16 TDs with just three interceptions. He also has seven rushing TDs.

PD pick: Aurora.

-- Tim Warsinskey

#1 Avon vs. #7 Tiffin Columbian

What, when, where: Region 6, 7:30 p.m., Don Paul Stadium, Fremont Ross Harmon Field, 1100 North St., Fremont. Call 419-332-6462.

Records: Avon 11-1; Tiffin Columbian 10-2.

What to watch: It took some time, but the Eagles got their game together in big-time fashion against Toledo Central Catholic. After trailing, 14-0, they put up 49 points in the 49-28 win last Friday. That gave them 94 points in their two playoff wins, besting Highland, 45-24, two weeks ago. Senior QB Justin O'Rourke was on once again last week as he threw for 347 yards and six TDs. He has completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,492 yards and 32 TDs, with six picks. Five of last week's scoring tosses went to senior WR Matt Eckhardt, on receptions of 6, 8, 62, 83 and 45 yards. Eckhardt boosted his season totals to 57 catches for 1,165 yards and 18 TDs. Senior WR Jacob Mullins has 40 catches for 614 yards and nine TDs. Junior running back Ross Douglas has paced the ground game with 782 yards and 10 TDs. Avon holds a 418-165 scoring advantage this season. The Tornadoes are 21-4 under second-year coach Brian Colatruglio, who took Division VI Bascom Hopewell-Loudon to consecutive state runner-up finishes in 2007 and '08. These teams played in the regional semifinals in 2008, with Avon winning, 13-6. Sandusky defeated Columbian, 35-34, in Week 9, but the Tornadoes avenged the loss with a 25-20 win two weeks ago. Last week they took care of Shaw, 37-12. Junior Jack Jacoby does his damage on the ground, running out of both the quarterback and wildcat slots. He has totaled 1,401 yards and 22 TDs. Senior QB Ben Davis alternates, throwing for 1,816 yards and 20 scores. He has thrown nine interceptions. Senior WR Jonah Boyer is his chief target with more than 800 yards and 11 TDs. Columbian has outscored opponents, 426-186. Turnovers look to be the difference, with the edge going to the Eagles.

PD pick: Avon.

-- Joe Maxse

Division III

#1 Chagrin Falls vs. #6 St. Vincent-St. Mary

What, when, where: Region 9, 7:30 p.m., Bedford High, Bearcat Stadium, 475 Northfield Road, Bedford. Call 216-421-2080.

Live blog: Go to cleveland.com/hssports to participate in a live, interactive blog from the press box at Bearcat Stadium with high school sports editor Kristen Davis.

Records: Chagrin Falls 12-0; SVSM 10-2.

What to watch: SVSM returned three key players from injuries last week and played one of its best games, a 31-14 win over Lake Catholic that featured dominant run defense and blitz-busting passing of QB Kevin Besser (287 yards, two TDs, two interceptions). Besser has completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,274 yards and 23 TDs with seven interceptions. RBs Matt Matusksa and Sae'Von FitzGerald have 1,431 yards and 23 TDs combined rushing. Jordan Hargrove and Franshon Bickley are averaging 18 yards per catch and Hargrove has 13 TDs. Chagrin Falls is coming off a stellar defensive effort against Ravenna and tailback DJ Jones in a 24-6 win. The Tigers have 17 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries. LB/FB Kurt Vidmer, leads the team in tackles (109) and has seven rushing TDs. RBs Jack Campbell (942 yards, 11 TDs) and Bradley Munday (667 yards, 4 TDs) average 6.7 and 7.7 yards, respectively, and both are defensive standouts. QB Tommy Iammarino has completed 71 percent of his passes for 1,519 yards and 16 TDs with three interceptions, and has six rushing TDs. SVSM is in its first regional final since 2004 and Chagrin Falls is 10-2 in the playoffs since 2009.

PD pick: Chagrin Falls.

-- Tim Warsinskey

Division V

#1 Kirtland vs. #3 Columbiana Crestview

What, when, where: Region 17, 7:30 p.m., Harding High, Mollenkopf Stadium, 860 Elm Road N.E., Warren. Call 330-841-2316.

Records: Kirtland 12-0; Crestview 11-1.

What to watch: Crestview beat Columbiana, 30-20, in the regular season and Cuyahoga Heights, 44-20, in the playoffs. Kirtland beat Columbiana, 49-8, in the playoffs, and Cuyahoga Heights, 24-12, in the regular season. Crestview has a pair of dynamic backs in 5-7 tailback Nick Blower (5-7, 136 pounds) and QB Adam Coppock, who have led Crestview to more than 800 yards rushing in two playoff games. Blower had 304 yards on just 22 carries in an impressive, 41-20 victory over Louisville Aquinas last week. Coppock excels at play fakes. Crestview presents an interesting matchup against a Kirtland defense that has been dominant all season, led by standout sophomore tackle Cannon Schroeder, linebacker Christian Hauber (Air Force) and a trio of stellar defensive backs in Zach Santo, Damon Washington and Ryan Loncar. Running backs Hauber and Washington, a highly regarded junior, have combined for nearly 2,700 yards and 47 rushing TDs.

PD pick: Kirtland.

-- Tim Warsinskey

SATURDAY

Division I

#1 Mentor vs. #2 St. Ignatius

What, when, where: Region 1, 7 p.m., Lakewood High, 14100 Franklin Blvd., Lakewood. Call 216-529-4034.

Live blog: Live blog: Go to cleveland.com/hssports to participate in a live, interactive blog from the press box at Byers Field with high school sports editor Kristen Davis.

Records: Mentor 11-1; St. Ignatius 10-2.

What to watch: Wildcats will be out to avenge their 38-24 defeat at Mentor in Week 3. St. Ignatius holds an 8-4 edge in the series, 1-1 in the postseason. The teams match up fairly equally in the trenches but that's where the similarities end. Mentor's no-huddle, no-back offense, which is led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky and receivers Brandon Fritts, Warren Ashton, Conner Krizancic and Cameron Kavan, has made a living scoring a bunch of points early. The Wildcats can avoid that by establishing sustained drives and eating time off the clock with a running game alternated between tailbacks Tim McVey and Dan Grace. Mentor's primary task on defense is to defend the run and get St. Ignatius into as many three-and-out situations as possible. The Cardinals haven't shown much of a running attack through the season and that could catch up with them. St. Ignatius is not one-dimensional on offense because it has improved immensely in the passing department thanks to the development of quarterback Eric Williams and receivers Jake Mooney and Tim McCoy and tight end Blake Thomas. Limiting turnovers are a must for both but especially for Mentor. If the Cardinals turn the ball over like they did in their regional semifinal against Solon, the Wildcats will capitalize as they did in last week's come-from-behind victory over defending Division I state champion St. Edward. St. Ignatius is masterful at making second-half adjustments. Both teams have outstanding kickers.

PD pick: St. Ignatius.

-- Bob Fortuna

#1 Toledo Whitmer vs. #7 Wadsworth

What, when, where: Region 2, 7 p.m., Cedar Point Stadium, 2118 Camp St., Sandusky. Call 419-625-3543.

Records: Whitmer 12-0; Wadsworth 11-1.

What to watch: Whitmer is regarded in many circles as the best team in Ohio and it's hard to find fault with that thinking. The Panthers seemingly have it all -- size, speed, skill, experience and a number of key transfers. Their quarterback, Tyler Palka, is the son of coach Joe Palka. Defensive lineman Chris Wormley (6-7, 270) is headed to Michigan. Offensive lineman Storm Norton (6-8, 300) will attend Toledo. Several other Division I prospects dot the roster, including running back Jody Webb (178 carries, 1,248 yards, 22 receptions, 27 TDs), running back Leroy Alexander (50 carries, 598 yards) and receivers Lucas Alonzo (37 receptions, 515 yards, 7 TDs) and 6-8 Nigel Hayes (18 receptions, 333 yards, five TDs). The defense has limited opponents to a little more than one touchdown and 161 yards per game. It has made 91 tackles for loss and intercepted 16 passes. Wormley has nine sacks and Marquise Moore has 19 tackles for loss. Wadsworth is led by Jack Snowball (323 carries, 2,504 yards, 31 TDs) and a defense that has 23 sacks and limited opponents to about two touchdowns a game. The Grizzlies are tough and physical, a well-coached and patient bunch, grinding out yards and touchdowns with well-orchestrated drives. Bret Baughman is an excellent blocking back and a better linebacker, leading the team in tackles. He's also rushed for 420 yards and 13 TDs and has caught eight passes for 107 yards. Quarterback Matt Alic has done a superlative job since replacing injured Jon Kuss in Week 8 but don't look for coach Greg Dennison to fill the air with footballs.

PD pick: Whitmer.

-- Tim Rogers

Listen live Friday night as Walsh takes on Aurora and join in our live chats for Chagrin Falls vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary on Friday and Mentor vs. St. Ignatius on Saturday.

View full sizeMarvin Fong | The Plain DealerBrock Jones and the Walsh Jesuit Warriors face Aurora on Friday night in Solon.

It all starts Friday night as we bring you a live audio webcast of the Division II, Region 5 final between Walsh Jesuit and Aurora from Solon. cleveland.com's Dan Labbe and Glenn Moore of The Dugout Sports Show will bring you all the action beginning at 7:15 p.m. with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Also on Friday night, join The Plain Dealer's Kristen Davis for a live chat during the Division III, Region 9 final between Chagrin Falls and St. Vincent-St. Mary. She'll give you instant updates, analysis and answer your questions about the game.

Then on Saturday night, Kristen will head over to Lakewood Stadium for a live chat during the Division I, Region 1 showdown between Mentor and St. Ignatius.

Follow this weekend's action on cleveland.com with the following links below:

• Live audio webcast: Walsh Jesuit vs. Aurora, Fri. 7:30 p.m. 

• Live in-game chat: Chagrin Falls vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary, Fri. 7:30 p.m. 

• Live in-game chat: Mentor vs. St. Ignatius, Sat. 7:00 p.m. 

• Full statewide scoreboard

• Complete statewide brackets

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

Tim Tebow somehow rallies Broncos again in 17-13 win over Jets after what some in Denver are calling "The Drive II"

View full sizeDenver Broncos' Tim Tebow (15) kneels on the sideline after scoring the game winning touchdown beating the New York Jets 17-13 during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, in Denver. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

Tim Tebow apparently can't get enough of it.

Ever since Tebow took over as Denver's starter, the first three quarters have mainly been an exercise in futility.

That was the case again Thursday against the Jets, but taken to a further extreme. Denver had punted on eight straight possessions.

But once again, the fourth quarter became, to borrow a popular Denver mantra, Tebow Time.

Backed up on his own 5 with 5:54 left, down three points, and without an offensive touchdown to that point, the Broncos QB pulled out the one-liners—and pulled off another miracle finish.

“Tim said a few things,” wide receiver Eddie Royal said. “But it was just kind of a feeling that we could drive down and score.”

But back to that pep talk for a second ….

“I think he said something like, ‘This is where greatness happens’ or ‘This is what you want if you want to be great.’ It was the right thing to say at that moment, because we all wanted to do something special. And if we wanted to do that, we had to go down and score on that drive.”

It wasn’t greatness, necessarily. But it was great theater, for sure.

Tebow on the drive had three completions—a third of his total in the entire game. He had another 58 yards on seven carries, including a 20-yard run on—depending who you talk to—either the Jets' first or second all-out blitz in the previous 59 minutes.

“Maybe that helps that there’s not that much time left,” a bemused Tebow said in the wake of the 17-13 final that pulled Denver to 5-5 and moved his record as starter to 4-1.

It was only a few days ago that the NFL’s official website published a story in which Denver coach John Fox marveled at his quarterback’s unconventional but winning style, but cast public doubts on whether Tebow could thrive as a conventional pocket passer.

Against the Jets, and without the same kind of rushing attack that had produced 1,077 yards in the previous five games (Denver was held to 125 ground yards on 34 carries), Tebow didn’t much look like someone that could thrive in an option or dropback attack.

Four days after completing two passes—one for a 56-yard TD to Eric Decker—in a full game at Kansas City, he went just 9-of-20 for 109 yards.

But statistics can’t do Tebow justice. They can’t measure mojo, which he seemingly has in abundance.

Even when Denver was struggling mightily, and lulling not only Jets Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis to sleep, but a national television audience.

But, as has also been the case recently, Denver’s defense kept the Broncos in the game to allow Tebow to perform his magic again.

According to Tebow, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy told the QB just prior to the winning drive, ‘Keep believing. Let’s go get this thing done.’”

And when the Jets brought the house, in the end, Denver’s QB brought the house down.

“We were kind of expecting it,” Tebow said of the Jets’ all-out blitz. “They were going to be aggressive.”

New York had an inkling what was coming, too, but couldn’t hold contain on the outside.

Safety Eric Smith was assigned to the tight end on the left side of the offensive formation and was guarding against an inside release into a pass route. Smith was a step slow once Tebow took off, shedding the safety's ankle-tackle attempt.

“You know he’s going to keep it in that situation,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “That’s what he does. You’re going to keep the ball in your playmaker’s hand. We thought he was going to carry it and he did. He didn’t disappoint us and he ran for a touchdown. He’s a competitor and makes big plays with the game on the line.”

In Tebow’s eight starts dating back to last season, four have now been comeback victories.

“I like winning, but I wish it wasn’t quite that stressful,” the QB said.

There’s a fine line between stressful and blissful. And after a 1-4 start to the season, Broncos fans are closer to the latter. In the back of many of their minds, and even those within Denver’s organization, there continue to be doubts whether the ugliness can continue, even while producing results.

Is Tebow the long-term answer as Broncos quarterback? There’s plenty of proof that he isn’t.

But he has seven passing TDs vs. just one interception. He now has three rushing TDs. And he’s helped bring the franchise into the national spotlight—and a half-game behind Oakland in an up-for-grabs division.

Denver outside linebacker Von Miller—part of a group that limited New York to 3-of-14 on third down, produced three sacks and seven QB hits and notched a scoring interception by cornerback Andre Goodman—maintained that Tebow went out and “shut up some critics.”

Not likely. Tebow remains one of the most polarizing figures in the league, with his loopy throwing motion and 44.8 completion percentage on the season.

He’s certainly going to have people talking, though, as he always does.

“This is my opinion, but being a quarterback, it’s not about throwing for 400 yards, throwing for 300 yards,” Miller said. “It’s about managing the game well and putting your team in situations to win games. And that’s what he does. Tonight he did it. Last week he did it. The week before he did it. Two weeks before that he did it.

“I’m just happy for him. And I’m fully confident he’s going to keep getting better and better. That’s the type of guy he is. He’s going to keep on working. I think we’ve yet to see the best Tebow.”

-- Lee Rasizer, Sporting News

For more Cinesport video, go here.

Are the rookies hitting the wall?

PDBrowns defensive line Phil Taylor.

WFNY discusses what the Cleveland Browns will need to do to break their current thre-game losing streak.

Thomas B. Shea/Getty ImagesWill Pat Shurmur's creativity carry over to this week's game?

Well, these continue to get more interesting with each additional week...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 in turn 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 10 edition of The Browns Will Win If...

**

Rick: ...they can break some trends by limiting the Jaguars' running game and getting more touchdowns than field goals this week. It may be a bit too much to ask, but anything is possible. Gabbert is a rookie, so let's put some pressure on him and force mistakes. Scoring early would help put that pressure on as well, but let's not hold our breath. Last year, the Browns beat the Saints due in part to Scott Fujita's familiarity with their system. Let's hope the same doesn't hurt the Browns this week as Matt Roth and Brian Robiskie will be on the Jaguars' sidelines. Robiskie has yet to play for the Jags, but he could still be a fly in the ointment by helping Jacksonville know what plays might be coming up. Then again, teams seem to have known those all season long.

DP: ...they can stop [insert opposing running back x], make [insert opposing crappy rookie QB y] beat them, and get some production from [insert practice squad running back z]. Seriously, it's the same stuff each week. Stop MJD, make Blaine Gabbert beat you, and get some offensive production from your running game. Score some points in the first quarter. Don't make your defense keep you in the game until you can figure out how to score/move the ball. What else needs to be said... again?

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

Tony Grossi talks about Peyton Hillis and Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright, and Bill Lubinger, who comes off the bench for Chuck Yarborough.

In today's Hey Tony edition of the show, Grossi answers questions about Peyton Hillis' future, Brown jerseys, and the team's future in the NFL draft.

SBTV will return on Monday with Mary Kat Cabot who will talk about the Cleveland Browns' and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

And don't miss the Browns Insider show, which streamed live at 10 a.m. on Thursday. It is archived now for your viewing pleasure.

Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi had no setbacks from his concussion this week and expects to play Sunday versus the Jaguars.

Joshua Gunter | The Plain DealerMohamed Massaquoi plans to play Sunday versus the Jaguars after recovering from his concussion.

BEREA -- Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi made it through the practice week with no concussion symptoms and expects to play Sunday against the Jaguars.

"I'm real optimistic right now,'' said Massaquoi. "It's Friday. I feel real good, and I'm just looking forward to Sunday.''

Coach Pat Shurmur confirm that he expects Massaquoi to return to action after missing most of the last three games with the concussion he suffered Oct. 23 against Seattle. He returned for the Texans game Nov. 6, but came out after feeling ill.

"It feels good to get back out there running around with the guys,'' said Massaquoi. "I had fun out there. I'm excited about Sunday.''

Massaquoi took plenty of reps with the first-team offense today and is ready for a full load or whatever the Browns have in mind.

"If I'm active, I'll feel comfortable,'' he said. "I'm not going to play restricted, I'm not going to play cautious.''

In other Browns news:

* Running back Montario Hardesty ran again today, but didn't participate in team drills. Coach Pat Shurmur said he'll come down to a gametime decision. But right now, it looks like he might need another week.

* Defensive end Jayme Mitchell (chest/ankle) returned to practice today after missing Thursday for a personal reason. Shurmur said he expects Mitchell to play.

* Safety T.J. Ward is out of his cast and into a walking boot.

The lake water levels are so low at Berlin Lake this week that the fishing can be frustrating. The scouting, however, is just perfect.

D'Arcy Egan, The Plain DealerBerlin Lake is a popular place in Northeast Ohio to fish for walleye, bass, crappie and catfish. At this time of year, lake levels in the flood control reservoir have been radically lowered by the U.S. Army Corps, giving anglers a good look at the fish-attracting structure that is well under water during the summer fishing season.

 DEERFIELD, OHIO
 The lake water levels are so low at Berlin Lake this week that the fishing can be frustrating. The scouting, however, is just perfect.

 Just bring along a camera, a note pad and some wishful thinking.

Many area lakes go through a drawn down period in late fall or early winter. At Berlin Lake, where Stark, Portage and Mahoning counties join together, the draw down is more dramatic. On Thursday, the water here was 16 feet below summer pool, far more than the other U.S. Corps of Engineers lakes nearby, which include West Branch, Milton and Mosquito.

There was just enough water to float a small boat and enough walleye, crappie and white bass swimming in the shrunken lake to entertain a fisherman. A good reason to make the cruise, though, is to see just what you've been missing if you only launch in summer.

At low pool, much of the fish-attracting structure well hidden in summer is exposed. The big rocks and subtle reefs, the wide flats and even a few wooden cribs and lots of stumps. At this time of year, fishermen can take photographs of the exposed shoreline and to use as a summer guide on what will again be a 3,650-acre reservoir.

 From a distance, the exposed bottom of the lake appears to be smooth and flat. A closer inspection in areas like Mill Creek reveals long, sometimes spindly gravel reefs. Bait fish will be attracted to the humps and bumps on the rocky structure, and game fish will be cruising those areas for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The long, shallow flats between the gravel bars and shoreline will attract catfish roaming after dark in summer.

Most of the fishermen on the lake at this time of year are regulars who know where to fish when lake levels are low.  Walleye are what most are after and a late-season tactic at Berlin Lake is to cast blade baits like Vib "E" lures off the points and shallow-running diving plugs along the shorelines. The Ohio 224 bridge that cuts across the lake and the railroad trestle to the southwest are popular fishing holes.

As Berlin Lake shrinks, predators and bait fish can't help but come together, especially the large numbers of gizzard shad that help walleye here to grow fat over the winter. 

 "Walleye have been doing very well in recent years at Berlin Lake," said Phil Hillman, the fisheries management supervisor for the Division of Wildlife in Northeast Ohio. "We've been stocking walleye fingerlings here for many years with some success. But over the last three years the natural reproduction has been outstanding. We've had good natural spawning success in the past, but never three years in a row."

The draw downs, said Hillman are a part of the reason. When the lake is low, the current removes a lot of the silt from the lake, exposing gravel areas that are prime for spawning walleye.

Constructed by the Corp of Engineers in 1942 for flood control and to supply water, Berlin Like is a long, skinny reservoir. It doesn't have much storage capacity, so the Corp starts dropping water levels in late summer.

"Right now is a good time to look at the structure you'll be fishing in summer," said Hillman. "I've done the same thing for years on the Northeast Ohio steelhead trout streams, but in reverse. When the rivers are low in summer, I'll walk the banks to see where the big trout might be gathering in winter."

Les's Bait celebrates 50th anniversary at Berlin Lake

 DEERFIELD, OHIO Walleye are the most popular fish to catch from Berlin Lake, and anglers can't hook them without first stopping at Les's Bait Marcko Landing on Cobb Road, a stone's throw from the Bonner Road Launch Ramp.

"We're the place to get the nightcrawlers and minnows you'll need to catch walleye, and have been for 50 years," said owner Martha Cobb.

More importantly, for half a century Cobb has been telling anglers where the walleye, crappie, white bass and catfish are biting.

"Fishermen here are pretty friendly, and they'll share information," said Cobb, who is now closed for the winter and will reopen in March. "I just pass along the information on the best lures and the hot spots."

 Les and Martha Cobb opened the shop in 1961, and shared the work until Les died in 1979. Martha kept plugging along, unwilling to close the bait shop and marina they worked so hard to build. These days her daughter, Leslie Steele, is also behind the counter and so are a pair of Labrador retrievers, Jack and Charlie.

"I still enjoy opening up each morning, and dipping minnows out of the tank my husband and I built 50 years ago," she said.

The Oklahoma State University women's basketball coach and his assistant were killed when the single-engine plane transporting them on a recruiting trip crashed in steep terrain in Arkansas, the university said Friday. Story includes video.

This Nov. 9, 2011 photo shows Oklahoman State women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna during an an exhibition women's NCAA college basketball game against Fort Hays State, in Stillwater, Okla. Budke and Serna were killed when the single-engine plane they were riding in during a recruiting trip crashed near a wildlife management area in central Arkansas. The university said the pair died in the crash Thursday night, Nov. 17, 2011. (AP Photo/The Oklahoman, Bryan Terry)

STILLWATER, Okla. — The Oklahoma State University women's basketball coach and his assistant were killed when the single-engine plane transporting them on a recruiting trip crashed in steep terrain in Arkansas, the university said Friday.

Kurt Budke and Miranda Serna died in the accident Thursday afternoon in the Winona Wildlife Management Area near Perryville, about 45 miles west of Little Rock.

The pilot, 82-year-old former Oklahoma state Sen. Olin Branstetter, and his 79-year-old wife, Paula, also died when the plane spiraled out of control and nosedived into the forest.

There were no survivors.

"This is our worst nightmare. The entire OSU family is very close, very close indeed," OSU President Burns Hargis said at a news conference. "To lose anyone, especially these two individuals who are incredible life forces in our family, it is worse beyond words."

The crash is the second major tragedy for the sports program in about a decade. In January 2001, 10 men affiliated with the university's men's basketball team died in a Colorado plane crash.

"When something like this happens and, God forbid it happened again, we have to pull together as a family. We've got to try to do that," Hargis said, as he broke down in tears.

After the 2001 crash, the university required that planes used by the school's sports team undergo safety checks before travel. Hargis said coaches were not bound by the same rules and that the school left such decisions to their discretion.

Hargis called Budke "an exemplary leader and man of character," and credited him with elevating the team in a tough program. Serna, he said, was "an up-and-coming coach and an outstanding role model" for the players. Former Assistant Coach Jim Littell will serve as interim head coach.

Perry County Sheriff Scott Montgomery said hunters called emergency officials about 4 p.m. Thursday after they heard the plane apparently in trouble, then saw it nosedive into a heavily wooded area.

"The plane was spitting and sputtering and then it spiraled and went nose first into the ground," Montgomery said.

"It went straight into the side of the hill," he said.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending investigators, and that it could take nine months to determine the cause of the crash.

FAA records showed that the plane was built in 1964 and registered to Branstetter.

On Jan. 27, 2001, a Beechcraft King Air 200 carrying players and others connected to the OSU men's basketball team crashed in a field 40 miles east of Denver as the Cowboys returned from a game at Colorado. The crash occurred about 35 minutes after the plane took off in light snow.

An NTSB report cited a power loss aboard the plane and said the pilot suffered disorientation while flying the plane manually with still-available instruments.

The weather near the crash site Thursday was clear with temperatures in the upper 30s to mid-40s.

The university hired Salina, Kan., native Budke from Louisiana Tech seven years ago and the coach compiled a 112-83 record at the school. This year's team was 1-0 after defeating Rice on Sunday.

Budke coached Serna and Trinity Valley to a junior college national title in 1996. Serna went on to play for Houston before returning to the community college to become an assistant coach under Budke. He kept Serna on his staff when he went to Louisiana Tech and Oklahoma State. She was the recruiting coordinator for the Cowgirls.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

On Friday, Oklahoma State said it was canceling its women's college basketball home games set for Saturday and Sunday. The school's second-ranked college football team plays Friday night at Iowa State.

The head coach of Baylor, Kim Mulkey, said the deaths would have a wide impact.

"There's a bigger picture out there and it's not a basketball game, it puts life in perspective." Mulkey said. "I feel for the Oklahoma State community. How many more tragedies can they endure?"

After the news conference, tearful Oklahoma State staff members and supporters comforted each other in the hallway of Heritage Hall. A banner was laid out for students and faculty to sign with messages for Budke, 50, and Serna, 36.

Former Cowgirl Taylor Hardeman left a message: "I will never forget how much better you made me as a person, player and alum. Thanks for the memories. God bless you both. You will be missed."

Outside the gym, a bouquet of orange daisies and two large orange flowers were left near the statue of a kneeling Cowboy, part of the memorial to those lost in the 2001 crash. OSU Director of Communications Gary Shutt said a memorial was being planned for Monday.

"I don't know a lot about what happened or about how it happened, but I know they are gone," Hargis said. "But I know they're here in our hearts."

Mel Dragich was a charter captain and teamed for second place in a fishing tournament in Sweden.

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Dragich, 73, died Monday, Nov. 14, at home in Northfield after struggling with liver disease and a staph infection.

D'Arcy Egan, Plain Dealer outdoors writer, called the outspoken charter captain "one of the legendary characters of the Great Lakes.... He had the ability to figure out a fishing problem and what would entice a trophy fish to bite."

Dragich sometimes coated bait with WD-40 or Preparation H, which fish seemed to like.

He was part of the only American team in the Laxcup Vattern International Trolling Tournament in southern Sweden in 1993. The teammates wore survival gear and shoveled two feet of snow off the boat. They finished second.

He also caught prize-winning marlins near Walker's Cay in the Bahamas, won prizes at sports shows and won races in a Camaro at Thompson Raceway Park.

Dragich was the youngest of 11 children in Clarksville, Pa. He played football in the Marines, moved to Cleveland in the 1950s and became a painter. He specialized in finishing moldings.

He and an old friend, Ron Johnson, who died earlier this year, ran Fish-On Charters for years in the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico and more. Dragich sometimes borrowed deep-water tactics to catch many local trout and salmon in shallow Lake Erie.

Survivors include his wife, the former Joan Rosinski, three children and a grandson. Ferfolia Funeral Home is arranging a service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. Barnabas Catholic Church.

Tom Crowe's basketball team won six conference, six sectional and two district championships.

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Crowe was found dead at home in Mentor on Nov. 10 at age 84.

He used to urge players to pass to the "towers of power." But don't pass too often. "We're not going to play that girls' basketball!" Or mess up. "You might as well get a horn and join the band."

A win might not be good enough. "We looked like snowmen out there," he told The Plain Dealer after a tournament victory in 1991.

Bob Beutel played for Crowe and became his assistant coach before leading girls' basketball at Eastlake North and Gilmour Academy. "He was a legend," said Beutel. "Tom was a great teacher as well as a coach. He brought out the best in you."

Crowe grew up in Magnolia, Ohio, south of Canton, next door to Vince Costello, a future Cleveland Brown. He graduated from the University of Dayton. He taught biology and coached at Delroy and Massillon Washington high schools, helping the latter's storied football team in the 1950s.

He worked at Eastlake North from 1958 to 1984, leading the basketball team, assisting the football team and serving as a starter in cross-country and track.

Crowe later became assistant coach at Hawken and University School. A couple of descendants and several players went on to become local coaches.

This year, the Greater Cleveland Basketball Coaches Association gave him a Golden Deeds Award.

He outlived his wife, the former Evelyn E. Van Voorhis, by four months. Survivors include seven of his eight children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Brickman Brothers handled his arrangements.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Follow tonight's football regional final between #6 St. Vincent-St. Mary and #1 Chagrin Falls with a live, interactive blog from the press box with Plain Dealer high school sports editor Kristen Davis. Click here to join the blog, which will start around 7:15 p.m.

Chagrin Falls coach Mark Iammarino celebrates last Friday's 24-6 win over Ravenna. The Tigers face St. Vincent-St. Mary tonight for the Division III, Region 9 championship. Follow the game with a live, interactive blog on cleveland.com/hssports. - (Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Follow tonight's football regional final between #6 St. Vincent-St. Mary and #1 Chagrin Falls with a live, interactive blog from the press box with Plain Dealer high school sports editor Kristen Davis.

Click here to join the blog, which will start around 7:15 p.m.

The blog allows participants to keep up with what's happening in the game, interact with other fans and get their questions answered. Kickoff from Bedford Stadium is 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, The Plain Dealer will offer a live blog from the Division I, Region 1 final between #2 St. Ignatius and #1 Mentor. That game starts at 7.

And get updates from all regional finals involving local teams tonight and Saturday on Twitter (seach #pdvarsity hashtag).

Examining the idea of the former Florida coach leading the Buckeyes.

APUrban Meyer prepares his Florida team for the Outback Bowl last year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - In the last 40 years, nine college coaches have won national titles and, at some point, gone on to coach another college program:

* Johnny Majors at Pitt in 1976, went to Tennessee the next year

* Danny Ford at Clemson in 1981, left Clemson eight years later, wound up at Arkansas in 1993

* Howard Schnellenberger at Miami in 1983, left for a proposed gig in the USFL that fell through, landed at Louisville in 1985, then made several other stops

* Lou Holtz at Notre Dame in 1988, then after leaving South Bend and broadcasting for two years, took over at South Carolina in 1999

* Dennis Erickson at Miami won titles in 1989 and 1991, then while mixing in two stops in the NFL, coached at Oregon State, Idaho and now at Arizona State

* Bobby Ross at Georgia Tech in 1990, later took over the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions and finished his career at Army.

* Steve Spurrier at Florida in 1996, tried the NFL with the Washington Redskins, now back at South Carolina

* Larry Coker at Miami in 2001, after being fired at Miami after the 2006 season, landed at Texas-San Antonio

* Nick Saban at LSU in 2003, left after one more season for the Miami Dolphins, then back to Alabama in 2007 and won a title there in 2009

And now, maybe Urban Meyer.

As soon as Meyer stepped away from Florida after last season, following national titles in 2006 and 2008, he became a logical candidate as the next coach of the Buckeyes. If Meyer was ever going to coach again in college, only Ohio State and Notre Dame fit his profile, personally and professionally, as logical next steps.

At the time Meyer left, both schools had head coaches. Several weeks later, the tattoo scandal became public that eventually brought down Jim Tressel and created an almost too ideal situation for Meyer.

Here's what I know, for the moment:

* No one has written a story that Urban Meyer will be the next coach at Ohio State.

* Several Ohio State websites that cover the team thoroughly and have sources in and around the program - like BuckeyeSports.com, BuckeyeGrove.com and Bucknuts.com - have discussed the Meyer topic on their message boards and believe he will be the next Ohio State head coach. None have said the deal is 100 percent finalized. The intent here is to credit their work without stealing it.

* Eleven Warriors, which I think is the best Ohio State blog going, hasn't written a Meyer story, but has written on Twitter that it has multiple sources saying Meyer has agreed to a deal, and they are 99.7 percent confident of that. Eleven Warriors has been on top of some other OSU stories in the past.

* Other false rumors on Twitter - involving specific money amounts - were made up by someone and then passed along by at least one supposedly reputable member of the national media. As Meyer rumors exploded on Twitter Thursday night, they led me to tweet that an Ohio State source said there was "nothing to it." I also took that to mean there was nothing to it at this time, as in a deal being done.

* I reported earlier this week that Meyer was at the top of the OSU list along with Luke Fickell and Nebraska coach Bo Pelini. There absolutely was and is mutual interest between Meyer and Ohio State, and the school believed then that if he coached next season, it would be at Ohio State. Lots of people - including his friend and ESPN colleague Chris Spielman - believe Meyer does want to get back into coaching sooner rather than later.

* Ohio State is still waiting on a final ruling from the NCAA, while believing it will not receive a bowl ban and hoping its self-imposed loss of five scholarships, which is based of past precedent, will be enough. Ohio State isn't expecting that ruling before early December, and perhaps mid-December. Even if Ohio State would get a one-year bowl ban, I don't believe that punishment, in and of itself, would be enough to scare off a coach who is otherwise interested.

* Luke Fickell took over a very difficult situation and has, at the very least, succeeded in holding the program together. Regardless of Ohio State's record this season, I believe it would be difficult to pass on a candidate with a resume like Meyer, who is relatively young; an Ohio native with a passion for Ohio State; and a two-time national champion as a head coach. Fickell has those same qualities, without the two national titles.

* If you asked who I believe will be the best Ohio State head coach, it's Urban Meyer. As of right now, that's still only a belief, not a report.

And if it is Meyer, only Saban's arrival at Alabama would match his impact among previous national champions.

Certainly, there are worthy questions, including about the health issues that he said helped drive him away from Florida after last season. One former college coach believes Meyer would be somewhat of a risky hire because of those issues. Others, including former OSU center LeCharles Bentley, have pointed out the more than 30 Florida players arrested during Meyer's six-year tenure. Certainly, he would have to answer some questions about that.

But there's a lot about Meyer to Ohio State that makes sense. And a lot of talk about it.

Freshman linebacker should start on Saturday against Penn State.

PD FileRyan Shazier

Linebacker Ryan Shazier is expected to start for the first time on Saturday for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Shazier is in for starter Andrew Sweat, who is out with a concusion.

Reporter Tim May of The Columbus Dispatch writes how Shazier, a freshman, should hold his on Saturday.

There might be a price to pay, considering he is a freshman, but Haynes said the expectations won’t be compromised.

“We’re expecting him to go out there, know what he’s doing and be productive,” he said. “You know also, he’s a confident kid. Some guys get out there and get rattled, and that’s not Ryan.”

Although a freshman, May writes how Shazier has the proper mentality. Shazier made this point last week after he was asked what he thought of a roughing-the-passer penalty called on him.

“I feel it wasn’t a roughing-the-passer call, but that’s what every defensive player is going to think when they hit the quarterback,” Shazier said.

When asked whether he was ready for the responsibility of being a starter, he replied succinctly.

“Yes, sir.”

Around the Horseshoe

Christian Bryant makes an impact, writes Doug Lesmerises on Cleveland.com.

No ordinary time for Penn State and Ohio State (Lima News).

What should be Penn State's game plan against the Buckeyes? (PennLive.com).

MansfieldJournal.com: Two programs, two surprise endings.

There's a game in Columbus on Saturday between OSU and PSU (Fox Sports).

Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot hosts News and Notes with Mohamed Massaquoi, Ben Watson, Alex Smith and Scott Fujita as they prepare for the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns Stadium Sunday. Watch video

Paterno's son, Scott, says in a statement that his father is undergoing treatment and that "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery." Diagnosis was made last weekend.

Associated PressJoe Paterno was fired as Penn State's football coach last week as a result of sexual assault charges against a former assistant coach, then learned he has a "treatable" form of lung cancer.

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania -- Former Penn State coach Joe Paterno has a treatable form of lung cancer, according to his son.

Scott Paterno said in a statement provided to The Associated Press by a family representative on Friday that the 84-year-old Joe Paterno is undergoing treatment and that "his doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery."

"As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment," Scott Paterno said in a brief statement.

Scott Paterno said the diagnosis was made during a follow-up visit last weekend for a bronchial illness.

Earlier Friday, the Standard-Speaker newspaper of Hazleton, Pa., reported that Paterno had been seen Wednesday visiting the Mount Nittany Medical Center and was treated for an undisclosed ailment and released.

Paterno was fired last week in the aftermath of shocking allegations against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, charged with sexually abusing eight boys over 15 years. He initially announced his retirement effective the end of the season the morning of Nov. 9 before university trustees fired him about 12 hours later.

The lurid scandal tarnished the reputation of a football program that once prided itself on the slogan "Success with Honor." The Hall of Famer's 409 career victories are a Division I record.

Urban Meyer would work wonders with the talented Braxton Miller if he becomes the coach at Ohio State, Bill Livingston writes.

Associated PressOne of these statues could be in Braxton Miller's future if offensive wizard Urban Meyer becomes the next coach at Ohio State.

If Urban Meyer becomes the coach at Ohio State next season, quarterback Braxton Miller will win the Heisman Trophy before he is done.

Miller's quickness and improvisation have been the lone spark -- OK, Dan Herron you have helped too -- in this season of injuries and suspensions. But Jim Bollman, the holdover offensive coordinator from the staff of the deposed Jim Tressel, has no clue how to use Miller. When Bollman stumbled onto the pistol formation with Miller and Herron to good effect against Wisconsin, he just as quickly abandoned it.

Also quarterback coach Nick Siciliano, a crony of Tressel's, had no discernible impact on Terrelle Pryor in three years. The only effect of the current regime's coaching on Miller, a true freshman, seemed to be to make Miller reluctant to run against Michigan State, when he became a non-entity.

Meyer is a spread formation genius. He depends on misdirection, trick plays and quick hitters, in the air and on the ground. He would be perfect for Miller. With Meyer, fans should expect option plays designed to get Miller to the edge and to create cutback lanes by scheme and not by Miller's incredible lateral mobility.

It is hard to believe Miller is a worse passer that Tim Tebow, with whom Meyer won two national titles at Florida. The only longer windup than Tebow's can be seen on the Bob Feller statue outside Progressive Field. Yet Tebow is a winner in the NFL.

I am not going to suggest Miller will win multiple Heismans, for that way lies Beano Cook's ridiculously unfulfilled prediction for Ron Powlus at Notre Dame. But OSU fans should hope the rumored marriage of Meyer and OSU happens at shotgun speed.

Hope to have deal signed by next week. Part of deal includes adding a wild card team to each league, with one-game wild card playoffs to further advance in each league's postseason.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerHappy teammates wait around home plate for the Indians' Carlos Santana, who had just slugged a walk-off grand slam home run, giving Cleveland a 9-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on April 29. Could such dramatics help the Tribe to the 2012 postseason, especially since each league is expected to add one wild card to the playoff field?

NEW YORK, New York -- Baseball players and owners have reached a tentative verbal agreement on a five-year labor contract and hope to have a signed deal by next week.

Negotiators reached an understanding when they met late Thursday at the InterContinental O'Hare in Rosemont, Ill., a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the agreement still was being drafted.

The sides hope to sign a memorandum of understanding in time to announce the agreement Monday or Tuesday. The last item to fall into place was the luxury tax on high payroll teams.

The agreement, the first for the union since Michael Weiner succeeded Donald Fehr as head last year, would replace the deal expiring Dec. 11 and would give baseball 21 years of labor peace since the 1994-95 strike.

Under the agreement, there will be a new restraint on the amount of money a team spends each year to sign selections from the amateur draft, with teams going over a threshold being penalized with a type of luxury tax.

In addition, there will be a separate restraint on the amount of money spent to sign international amateur free agents from nations such as the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Cuba. There also will be a committee established to review the system for international signings, leaving open the possibility of a new system during the term of the deal.

Negotiators also worked to lower the percentage of major league free agents who require the highest form of draft pick compensation for the teams losing them.

As part of the deal, players and owners are agreeing to add an extra wild-card round to the playoffs. The extra round will be one game, winner take all.

Watson, who scored 48 on the NFL's Wonderlic test, has a degree in finance and says he might want to pursue a career in that field after football.

Chuck Crown, The Plain DealerBen Watson has proven to be a good catch for the Browns.