Straight from the Sports Desk

I wasn't being a prophet — just a realist — in last week's blog when I predicted that our four top H-DNC wrestlers would advance from sections to states. Trent Stevenson (No. 1 at 140), Michael Larson (No. 1 at 189), Jake Young (No. 4 at 215) and Roger McCovey (No. 1 among the heavyweights) ... they all did it. My hat's off to them — they ARE the real deal. So, here's hoping that these guys continue to have the physical endurance, mental efficiency and inner resolve as they take down other elite California prep stars.

Posted by Neil Tarpey at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (778)

A chance encounter at Subway in Eureka on Tuesday turned into an interesting sports tidbit.

Ladies and gentleman, prepare for Greg Allen and DeMarcus Coleman — the tennis players.

After lighting it up on the basketball court, Allen confirmed the pair would be playing on the Eureka High School tennis team this season.

The reason?

Wanting to try a new sport.

It will be interesting to see if both can translate their overall athleticism onto the tennis courts.

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (436)

It's very impressive that three of our H-DNC prep wrestlers are ranked No. 1 heading into this weekend's North Coast Section matches at Newark High School. Arcata's Trent Stevenson (42-1) is tops in the 140-pound class ... Mack's Mike Larson (29-2) is the best at 189-pounds ... Del Norte's Roger McCovey (31-0) is the top-ranked heavyweight. Besides those three guys, Del Norte's Jake Young (24-7) is seeded No. 4 in the 215-pound bracket. Kudos to those young men and their coaches. I have had the pleasure of watching all four guys showcase their skills, power and techniques in January at the North Coast Classic tourney and again last Saturday's at the H-DNC league championships. I think it's highly likely that our three No. 1s will not only win their class at NCS, but have a chance to hit the jackpot at the states in Bakersfield ...

Posted by Neil Tarpey at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (649)

Yes, I know how strange that sounds. Good in Oakland can be identified as any oxymoron these days. However, the Raiders did something that many expected on Wednesday — apply the franchise tag to cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

According to NFL Network's Adam Schefter Profootballtalk.com and Raiders.com not only did the Silver and Black slap Asomugha with the franchise tag, it was of the "exclusive" variety, meaning Oakland has sole rights in negotiations with the former Cal Bear.

The tag comes at a hefty price if Oakland is unable to get Asomugha signed to a long-term deal. The one-year franchise tender could be worth upwards of $9.9 million. The money is guaranteed once Asomugha signs the offer sheet.

There's also an added sense of intrigue with Oakland's decision.

Patriots' corner Asante Samuel, who was franchised last year and won't be this year due to an earlier agreement between player and team, is set to hit the open market. As one of the few marquee players available at a premium position, the deal Samuel will sign come Feb. 29 — when Free Agency is set to begin — will have financial implications for Asomugha and Oakland.

If Samuel landed a big contract with a hefty roster and signing bonus, the $9.8 figure for Asomugha gets a bit larger.

So there is incentive for Al Davis to open the check book and get #21 secured with a long-term deal. And Asomugha has done enough to merit a rich contract.

In related news, another first-round pick cornerback made the headlines for Oakland.

Fabian Washington, was arrested in Flordia for domestic battery.

According to the ABC affiliate in Flordia, Washington was nabbed on Tuesday for allegedly grabbing his girlfriend from behind and backpedaled to keep her away from their baby.

The report stated: "Washington told deputies it all started because he was "Hanging out with other girls", but says it didn't get physical."

According to the Sheriff's report, it did.

It seems when there's good news out of Alameda for the Raiders, bad news is sure to follow.

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 04:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (853)

Stay tuned for an NFL Mock Draft from the T-S sports guys in the coming days.

Stay tuned for an NFL Mock Draft from the T-S sports guys in the coming days.

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (807)

After the Fortuna and McKinleyville girls dispatched St. Bernard's and Hoopa, respectively, on Thursday night, the last four teams standing in the 2008 Dick Niclai Tournament are the same four teams that top the Big 5 standings — the Lady Huskies and Panthers, and the Del Norte and Arcata boys.

(Eureka fans, you can save your breath trying to argue that your boys finished second and got to host the Niclai opener. The Tigers beat you twice — make that three times now — and any tiebreaker system that doesn't reward that is ludicrous.)

Not that the predictability of it makes things any less interesting. These two games truly pit the H-DNC's top teams against each other, and should make for great television. (Both games will be on Channel 8, as well as on KWPT FM 100.3 and 102.7.)

Tonight's boys game is tough vs. tough, a heavyweight battle of epic proportions. Most coaches thought that Del Norte would win the Big 5 because they brought the toughness of their football team into the gym. Turns out most coaches were right. But Arcata has been equally gritty, scrapping for every last rebound, and has shown great resilience all year, whether it was trailing Brookings all night before pulling out the win, or after being told that a coin flip was sending them back into Eureka's Jay Willard Gymnasium this past Monday.

Del Norte won both league matchups this year, by a total of 6 points. One of the games was a grueling 35-33 defensive slog. But Arcata's offense looked tack-sharp on Wednesday against St. Bernard's. Look for the Tigers to win their first Niclai title tonight.

Prediction: Arcata 54, Del Norte 49

In H-DN girls, Mack and Fortuna have been in a class of their own this year. The best illustration is that, as my colleague Neil Tarpey noted, third-place Arcata is 18-0 against all other competition, and 0-7 against the Huskies and Panthers. They've lost those games by an average of 10 points.

And both teams have only been getting better as the season has progressed. Drawing inspiration from the memory of their late coach, Brad Warze, Mack rolled through league undefeated, and has won 13 straight since losing its final game at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix. Fortuna has won 14 of 16, with their only losses in that stretch coming to, yup, McKinleyville.

McKinleyville has handed the Huskies three of their four losses this year, and the Panthers are 5-1 against Fortuna since Sage Romberg's name first appeared on the roster. Romberg is why I'm predicting Mack makes it a four-game sweep. Fortuna has a deeper bench, but, well, they don't have Sage.

When the sophomore plays, it's almost like she has to slow down in order to function on the same level as the other nine players on the floor. And Romberg is so smooth, it rubs off on her teammates. You almost never see them flustered. I expect that to be the difference on Saturday. They did get a bit anxious and commit 30 turnovers in the teams' last meeting, on the final day of the Big 5 season a week ago, but Mack still came out on top, both in the game and in the standings. And I think they'll be more in control on Saturday, with Romberg as their guide to a fourth straight Niclai title.

Prediction: McKinleyville 63, Fortuna 60

What a start!

In reaching the championship game, the Panthers dismantled Hoopa 64-27, and started the game on a 17-0 run. Romberg had a hand in all of their first 14 points.

She pushed the opening tip to Aliesha Brown, who converted an easy breakaway. She scored the next two baskets, assisted on two, then scored two more. 14-0 before the spectators' seats were even warm.

Posted by at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (892)

Yesterday's Coast League double-elimination hoop's tourney was a fun event to observe ... I was impressed by the volunteer referees who were quite consistent, making good hand-check, traveling and hacking calls, but letting the kids play ... at least two teams had cores of 3-4 guys who could score and make smart passes....for games with 15-minutes (running clock) halves, teams put up some points and generally looked better on offense than on defense ... as I sat in the stands the parents' comments were just like what you might hear at Big 5 or Little 4 game ... John Calkins and Americorps did a great job BBQ-ing the burgers for so many people on the outdoor grill on a very windy day ... by the way, the title game between Zoe Barnum and Six Rivers Charter, which was to be Friday at Zoe, has been postponed until after their vacation week.

Posted by Neil Tarpey at 05:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Well, at least they're off to the right foot.

With all the controversy and speculation running rampant in terms of the Oakland Raiders' head coaching situation, the organization, the team has gotten a jump start on personnel matters.

Namely, re-signing tail back Justin Fargas to a 3-year deal.

By keeping Fargas in the stable at running back, Oakland has began the process of maintaining continuity, something that has been absent the last four to five years.

Fargas -- constantly referred to as "Huggy Bear's Boy" -- had a breakout season after riding the bench for the Silver and Black for the past four years.

A fifth-year man out of USC after being selected in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, it could be argued Fargas was the embodiment of everything positive that was Oakland last season.

Running hard and never backing down, Fargas showed heart and class, after being stuck behind LaMont Jordan for a good portion of his Raider tenure.

Now, with a 3-year deal the 28-year-old back can perhaps enter the 2008 season entrenched as the No. 1 tail back in the Raiders' run attack.

Fargas flourished behind the zone blocking scheme and his one-cut, bruising yet reckless, running style allowed the former USC Trojan to compile 1,009 yards on the ground with four TD's before injuring his MCL with two games left on the year.

With Oakland retaining his abilities, it's now possible for the team to cut ties with Jordan and possibly last year's free-agent acquisition Dominic Rhodes.

Both of the aforementioned players have high cap numbers and with head coach Lane Kiffin -- if he stays -- can retool the roster as he sees fit.

Let's not forget that Oakland did draft former Louisville running back Michael Bush in the fourth round of last April's draft. Once viewed as a first-round talent before shattering his leg, Bush should be an intriguing player to watch as training camp rolls around.

The Fargas signing might also have implications on the 2008 NFL Draft.

Many o' Raider fans have clamored for Oakland to select Arkansas tail back Darren McFadden. With Fargas back in the Silver and Black, "DMC" becomes more of a luxury with the running back position pretty much set for Oakland.

Now, the Raiders can turn their attention to the defensive line and offensive line in the first round of the draft.

With Warren Sapp retiring and former first-round pick Tyler Brayton voiding the final year of his contract, Oakland is in need of a supreme talent on the defensive line.

It's no secret Oakland was atrocious at defending the run -- they finished 31st overall out of the 32 NFL teams.

As it stands right now, minus the free agents, Oakland defensive line currently looks like this:

DE's -- Derrick Burgess, Jay Richardson

*Tommy Kelly who tore his ACL early in the season, and very stout against the run, is a free agent and so is Chris Clemons, who had 8 sacks as a reserve/pass rush down end.

As you can see, none of the names above strike fear in opposing running backs. Oakland missed big on Sands who was given a whopping contract -- starter money -- and the 6-foot-7 d-tackle under achieved.

In the case of Warren, who professed his admiration for Sapp, Oakland sent it's third-round pick in April's draft to to Denver gain his rights. Warren did have a few good games, but not enough to show the Raiders were right sending a first-day pick to the Broncos.

Here are a few of defensive players Oakland should be looking at when it comes to Draft Day:

(In No Particular Order)

In the case of Long, Dorsey, Ellis or even Gholston, all could be gone before Oakland selects with either the No. 3 or No. 4 pick (pick to be determined by a coin flip with the Atlanta Falcons).

If Oakland chooses to go o-lineman, here are two who have top 5 potential:

(In No Particular Order)

Ryan Clady -- OT -- Boise St. -- Quick and effective.

With Fargas back in the back field, Oakland could look to add more weapons for Russell and with WR Jerry Porter looking to land elsewhere in free agency, there isn't a top 5 wide out in the draft --- as of yet.

Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly and Cal's DeSean Jackson come close, but until we see their numbers in the combine or their respective pro-day's, drafting a WR in the top 5 is risky.

However, so was drafting a o-line man (See Robert Gallery) and QB (See Russell), and Oakland is known to take chances on Draft Day (See Nnamdi Asomugha).

But, as the 2008 NFL offseason gets on a roll, Oakland made the right move to keep Fargas. Up next is signing CB Asomugha to a deal or slapping him with the franchise tag.

Then, if the rumors are true, we can all figure out who will run the show -- besides Al Davis of course --- as Oakland's head coach.

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (948)

With the recent struggles of the College of the Redwoods women’s basketball team this season, head coach Kara Newman will be looking to upgrade her roster.

She’s going to have a lot of choices with the bevy of talent leaving the prep ranks at the end of the year.

Here’s a couple that could come in and help the Lady Corsairs right away, assuming they are willing to attend CR next year:

(In no particular order)

1. Chelsea Roane — McKinleyville High

2. Lydia Banks — Arcata High

3. Amanda Malfatti* — St. Bernard's High

4. Michaela Redner — St. Bernard's High

5. Cara Olsen* — South Fork High

6. Jessica Ammon — Hoopa Valley High

7. Crystal Carpenter — St. Bernard’s High

8. Shylo Wantt — Fortuna High

9. Kristen Johnson — Ferndale High

If Newman can get any of these girls to commit to playing in a Lady Corsair uniform next year, Redwoods might be able to make noise in the Golden Valley Conference.

And that’s not to say the current CR roster doesn’t have talent. Newman is a great strategist and has a sound basketball mind, however, she just doesn’t have enough bodies.

Rumor has it, Newman has already scouted some of the aforementioned players.

* Both Olsen and Malfatti have said they are going to attend CR next season and play basketball for the Corsairs.

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 07:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (380)

After four seasons of holding down the paint and grabbing more than his share of rebounds in a Humboldt State uniform, Cy Vandermeer is hoping to latch onto something more important this week — good news.

The 6-foot-9 senior, who injured his right knee when the HSU men’s basketball squad fell to UC San Diego last weekend, had an MRI to determine the potential damage on Tuesday.

“The doctors are leaning toward an MCL injury,” Vandermeer said. “Whether it’s solely an MCL or not, they don’t know yet. It could be a tear or it could be a sprain.”

The results of the test will be known today, according to Vandermeer, and he’s hoping for good news and possibly a swift return.

“The best case scenario is next week,” Vandermeer said on a potential return to the court, “If it’s just a sprain and not a tear. But this week I’m not going to go.”

However, while he was optimistic on Tuesday, Vandermeer is also realistic, referring to a similar — yet more serious — injury he suffered in high school.

“The same thing happened in high school when I was playing football,” Vandermeer said, “I tore the ACL and MCL in my right knee.”

Vandermeer hurt the knee just six minutes into the contest against the Tritons when a UC San Diego player banged into it fro the side.

He was able to get off the court under his own power but knew something wasn’t right when it happened.

“I was able to walk off, I limped off,” Vandermeer said. “I heard a pop and I knew something was wrong.”

Quickly, he was engulfed with negative emotion.

“It was definitely anger and just being frustrated knowing the knee injury could be my last game. In league at least.”

Since the injury, Vandermeer has received tremendous support from his teammates and he is appreciative of the camaraderie.

“My team is great,” Vandermeer said. “They definitely feel for me. It being my senior year, they don’t want me to go out like this. They’re hoping I get back.”

Regardless if the news is good or bad, Vandermeer’s support and belief in the Jacks won’t wane, no matter what.

“Oh yeah,” Vandermeer quipped when asked if he’d be there to support the Jacks if his injury turned out to be season ending. “Injuries are minor right now compared to the season. It’s not like without me, they won’t survive. I’ll be on the bench cheering them on.”

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 07:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (574)

When his name was called as the 31st pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, analysts and draft pundits alike were left scratching their heads. Even worse, then league commissioner Paul Tagliabue couldn’t even pronounce his last name.

No one knew what to make of 6-foot, 2-inch, safety out of Cal back then. Now, with the NFL's free agency period just beyond the horizon, he’ll be a hot commodity if he hits the open market.

That’s why it’s imperative the Oakland Raiders put the vice grip on No. 21 before he even gets a hint of the free-agent air.

No matter what it takes, they’ve got to keep Nnamdi Asomugha a Raider for a long, long time.

After two years of relative obscurity sitting on the bench, the former Golden Bear flourished in 2006 as Oakland’s top corner back. Once viewed as a one-dimensional defender — big hitter, Stone Henge for hands — Asomugha was a role model thief.

Through tireless practice and workouts — former Raiders’ boss Art Shell noted last year Asomugha stayed well beyond practice to work on his catching — No. 21 nabbed eight interceptions as well as 50 tackles and a sack in 2006 earning a spot in the Pro Bowl.

Asomugha finally proved critics wrong, becoming a shut down corner.

Just how good has Asomugha become?

He’s bee only thrown to 22 times this year with only 11 passes completed on him — one for a touchdown — and an interception.

During the Denver and Oakland broadcast last Sunday, former NFL quarterback Steve Beuerline asked Bronco’s signal caller Jay Cutler before the game if he was going to challenge Asomugha. Cutler responded with a quick and abrupt “No”.

Asomugha has validated Al Davis’ belief the safety-turned-corner could become a top-flight defender.
After undoubtedly reading the harsh criticism laid upon the Raiders for making such a reach when Asomugha was drafted, Davis had probably one of the biggest grins when the 2006 season ended. Asomugha is one of a handful pet projects that has actually panned out for the wily owner.
That right there may be the biggest reason Asomugha lands a big contract at the end of the year.

Keyword may.

This isn’t the first time a high-profile corner has reached the end of his contract terms in Oakland.

Two words — Charles Woodson.

Like Asomugha, Woodson — a first round pick in 1998 — was an Al Davis selection through and through. With unparalleled size, speed, tackling ability, hands and a Heisman Trophy to boot, the former Michigan star was a Davis fantasy come to life.

Through his first four seasons as a Raider, Woodson — a four-time Pro Bowler — was indeed as good as advertised, shutting down receivers and picking off passes. But as soon as he neared the end of his term, injuries, questionable work ethic and grumbling about money eroded the Woodson aura.

Instead of a long-term deal, he was slapped with the franchise tag and at the end of the 2005 season, Woodson was no longer a Raider.

Oakland would be wise to avoid another disaster when it comes to dealing with Asomugha.

While Asomugha's and Woodson's on-the-field performance has been almost parallel the last two years, there’s one thing Oakland’s current shutdown corner has over the former.

Asomugha strives to get better. Woodson on the other hand thinks he’s the best there is.

If that alone isn’t enough for Davis to open up his wallet and pay the man, Oakland will probably be in the market for the next best thing at corner come April.

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (762)

Before we begin, yes, I used the word "cross-town" incorrectly when describing Eureka and Arcata, sorry folks, that's what happens when humans write stories, mistakes happen.

Now back to the topic at hand ...

Wow, now that was what I call a quality first round of prep hoops action on Monday night.

While many fans filling the Jay Willard Gymnasium in Eureka on Monday night were telling their friends and other fans that the Arcata vs. Eureka contest in the first round of the 2008 H-DN Dick Niclai Basketball Tournament was the place to be, that wasn't quite true folks.

Yes, the Tigers vs. Loggers matchup was indeed as good as advertised, so was the Hoopa vs. Ferndale game out in Wildcat Gymnasium.

If you were lucky enough to get out to either Eureka or Ferndale, then you were treated to a great show put on by all four teams participating in the event.

After writing a column previewing the NIclai Tournament in Monday's paper, I was pleased to see both games turned out to be "barn burners".

Since I was at the Eureka game, here's some insight I couldn't get in Tuesday's paper.

Watching Greg Allen take his team on his back in the fourth quarter to bring the Loggers within striking distance was a sight to see.

Watching Jordan Bianco slash his way through Eureka's interior defense was also spectacular.

However, the player I was most impressed with was Tim Couch.

After watching Couch injure his ankle earlier in the season, I immediately asked colleague Neil Tarpey how that would affect the Tigers and he didn't give me a good prognosis.

But against Eureka, it was the Couch of old.

Outrebounding several other Loggers in the vicinity and making instrumental baskets, Couch tore through the Eureka defense time and time again.

And yet, when I asked him after the game how he was able to get all those boards and points, he immediately gave credit to his teammates. That is a class act.

Stand-out performances

Arcata boss Eric Vollmers gave tremendous credit to D.J. Hancock for guarding Greg Allen all by himself. Indeed, credit must go where it's due.

Allen may have abused Hancock on some plays, but DJ didn't hang his head and kept on coming back. Allen dropped 34 points, but with Hancock's ability to stay close to Allen didn't force the Tigers to float another defender in, allowing Arcata to stay with their assignments in the man-to-man defense.

Eureka's Trevor Hash has an excellent night on the defensive end, blocking several shot attempts by the Tigers. Using his rangy body and very long arms, when an Arcata player went to the basket or took a jump shot against Hash, more likely that not it was blocked.

But that brings me to my next play ...

With Hash blocking anything even near him, Arcata's Jordan Bianco was driving from the left wing and to the basket with Hash anxiously waiting for the Tigers' star.

Bianco went up and so did Hash expecting he would.

However, that's when something Hash didn't expect happened.

Jordan went up and hung in the air, going underneath the basket, for a smooth reverse lay up, 2 points Arcata.

How can I have a stand-out performance nugget without mentioning Greg Allen.

Early in the first Allen hit an NBA distance 3-pointer to tie the game and later on, he would strip the ball and make Tim Couch regret ever trying to chase him down as he slammed the ball through the hoop.

Arcata's southpaw guard Sam Rimson had a very good night coming off the bench. With agressive and quick back-to-back drives to the lane that culminated in smooth finger rolls, Rimson made Eureka pay for not guarding him more carefully.

Eureka's Kyle Carbis also had a great outing. Finding himself on the receiving end of several passes from teammates who found him wide open, Carbis made the most of his night by scoring 14 points.

Arcata's interior defense, namely Ryan Dehart, crippled Eureka's post game. Dehart's defense on the Loggers' Levi Jones translated into superior rebounding by Arcata.

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (695)

Hey, I know the Western Conference is stacked with great players, but Baron Davis being left off the All-Star team? That's an injustice and a mistake. I hope that Baron — similar to what Al Harrington said — will prove that he should have been selected by taking it out on the Warriors' foes in the second half.

Posted by Neil Tarpey at 12:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (713)

Sean Quincey

Patriots 55, Giants 17

Vegas was right to set the line the way they did. Giving the Patriots 12 points got millions to say, “What?! I’ll take that!” No, they’ll take you.

New England’s going to run away with this one. At whatever party you’re at, get your fill before the half because they’ll be up by three touchdowns by then.

Eli won’t move the ball against Belichick and his defensive genius, while Brady’s weapons, now thawed, will be on a fast track. Watch out, more records will today.

MVP — Tom Brady

Ray Aspuria

Patriots 42, Giants 10

The pursuit of perfection or the perfect upset?

I usually root for the underdog but I’m going with common sense on this one.

New England is just too strong offensively and while they are susceptible to the run on defense, quarterback Tom Brady and Co. will more than make up for it.

Eli Manning’s great run in the postseason comes to a crashing halt today.

MVP — Wes Welker

Tracy McCormack

Giants 34, Patriots 31

As a Cowboys fan I’m going against my natural instincts and I’m going to root for the New York football Giants to sack the Patriots.

If you believe that defense wins championships, then I think the Giants have a decent chance.
The Giants will have to play perfect football in order to win though. No turnovers, no costly penalties will keep the Giants in it. They’ll also have to keep pressure on Tom Brady and not allow him any time to throw the deep balls.

The Giants secondary was great in the playoffs and Eli Manning didn’t throw any interceptions — this will have to happen again today in order to keep the Pats from going 19-0.

MVP — Amani Toomer

Neil Tarpey

New England 31, New Jersey 19

Even though San Francisco is not involved, I will be wearing my 49ers shirt and hat.

My natural NFC loyalties will emerge and, combined with the verbal promise I made to my brother Terry (a Noo Yawker who bleeds Giant blue), I will be rooting for the Jersey Giants. (They play in another state, for crying out loud.)

But no matter whom I root for, no matter how many kups of kawfee I drink, no matter how much I want those Patriots to fall from grace, and no matter how much I yell at the TV, New England will win XLII.

Giants will score two TDs, miss an extra point, and get two field goals. The AFC boys will score 4 TDs and a field goal.

John Driscoll and Brian Goldman will be happy.

MVP — Randy (”It’s all about me and T.O.”) Moss

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (711)

The hiatus between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl just wore on us here at the Times-Standard.

Tired of waiting, some of us decided to simulate the Super Bowl, through a video game, Madden 08 for the Xbox 360.

Excited to see how it would play out on the video game incarnation of the gridiron, we set out the parameters for the game and the first experiment didn’t quite go out right.

Set at 15 minute quarters and on the All-Madden setting, New England ripped the Giants 90-46.

We wanted to keep it realistic so we cut the quarters to 8 minutes and we got some better results.

Keeping the All-Madden setting and up-to-date rosters (as well as playing in the same stadium the game will be held in today), it was the New York football Giants who prevailed by a score of 48-23.

The Giants’ Brandon Jacobs, the simulated Super Bowl’s MVP, was the star of the game, steamrolling the Patriots defense to the tune of 222 yards and three touchdowns.

Averaging 6.3 yards per carry, the tail back was nearly unstoppable running through defenders and even adding a few nice spin moves.

Jacobs was supported by fellow running backs Ahmad Bradshaw (25 rushes for 116 yards) and Ruben Droughns (5 rushes for 22 yards and a touchdown).

However, from the opening kickoff, Jacobs was the man.

After losing the opening coin toss, New York halted the Patriots vaunted offense.

Jacobs’ two-yard plunge in the first and second quarter, coupled by Ruben Droughns three-yard scamper, put New York on top 28-0 going into the half.

However, Tom Brady (44-for-67, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions) would get the Pats on the board with a 68-yard catch and run by running back Laurence Maroney.

After stuffing the Giants on the ensuing kickoff, Jacobs would cap off his day with a 90-yard gallop to give New York a staggering 35-7 lead.

But, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork would come up huge for New England.

After breaking through the line and destroying New York QB Eli Manning (injuring his collarbone during the collision), forcing the fumble, Pats safety Eugene Wilson smothered Droughns in the end zone for the safety, swinging momentum to the New England.

Brady marched the Pats down the field and connected with tight end Ben Watson for an eight-yard TD to make the score 35-16 at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

After halting the Giants to a Lawrence Tyne field goal, Brady once again found the end zone this time with a 34-yard strike to wide receiver. After a 2-point conversion, New England was within striking distance at 38-24.

Brady spread the Giants’ defense thin finding Randy Moss (6 catches for 62 yards), Jabar Gaffney (8 catches for 101 yards) and Welker (10 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown) to march the Pats up the field once more.

But New England’s drive would come to an abrupt halt at the hands of the Giants’ Michael Strahan.
The defensive end, who had terrorized Brady up to this point (10 tackles and four sacks), came barreling into Pats’ running back Kevin Faulk.

Faulk, who has been a hero for New England many times on their championship runs, fumbled the ball as he was obliterated by Strahan.

New York recovered and even without Manning at the helm, the Giants held on behind the arm and legs of backup Anthony Wright, who plunged into the end zone on a one-yard run.

Tynes would add another field goal late in the quarter to give the Giants the upset win over the once perfect Patriots.

Posted by Ray Aspuria at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1031)

What is HSU really going to do for him?
Will the administration make sure he gets enough scholarship dollars to compete? If they promised him that, where are they going to get the money from? A.D. Dan Collen has told me several times that the community is "tapped out." Where else can HSU go?
Then there's the issue of whether HSU was honest with Smith before hiring him. A former coach told me Doug Adkins was promised the world — six recruiting scholarships from the school and he could fund raise to maybe 12. Turns out the admin, according to the coach I spoke with, meant he could fund raise to SIX TOTAL SCHOLLYS. Big difference.
Would Adkins have taken the job if he was under that impression the whole time? Who knows. Who knows if the coach is even telling me the truth.
One thing is certain, though. Considering the way HSU has handled the hiring process — from taking nearly 2 1/2 months to shutting out the media after taking some critricism to forming a search committee that was nothing more than the good ol' boys network — there is a disconnect between administration and athletics. The administration has shown they do not know, or have not been serious about doing what it takes to make football a serious contender at the D2 level.
Please share with me your thoughts and experiences.

Posted by Sean Quincey at 12:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1087)