8/28/11
8/27/11
Blue Ridge Soccer Goes 2-1 in Urbana Uni-High Soccer Shootout
URBANA, Ill. -- The Knights' only loss was a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Illineks, who took first place in the shootout.
Nichols scored Blue Ridge's only goal in the match. Josh Plunk had six saves.
Blue Ridge (4-1) takes the field of Farmer City's South Park Tuesday against Olympia at 4:30 p.m.
For more information on the Urbana Uni-High Soccer Shootout, click on the following links: http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/scoreboard/results/article_5bc087e8-d129-11e0-a66f-001cc4c002e0.html and http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-soccer/2011-08-27/saturdays-prep-highlights-stm-wins-golf-title.html.
Nichols scored Blue Ridge's only goal in the match. Josh Plunk had six saves.
BLUE RIDGE 3, OAKWOOD 0
Conner Builta led the Knights with two goals and McQuade contributed with another one.
Riggs and Dylan Grammer were each credited with an assist. Plunk saved three Oakwood shots.
BLUE RIDGE 6, FISHER/GCMS 2
J.J. Malone scored four goals and Builta and Nichols recorded one as well.
Builta also recorded three assists. Jon Jones was credited with two assists; Malone had an assist as well.
Plunk saved five shots.
What's Next?
Blue Ridge (4-1) takes the field of Farmer City's South Park Tuesday against Olympia at 4:30 p.m.
For more information on the Urbana Uni-High Soccer Shootout, click on the following links: http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/scoreboard/results/article_5bc087e8-d129-11e0-a66f-001cc4c002e0.html and http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-soccer/2011-08-27/saturdays-prep-highlights-stm-wins-golf-title.html.
Lady Knights Finish Second in Blue Ridge Volleyball Invitational, Loses Championship Game to Woodland in Three Sets
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- The last time Blue Ridge's volleyball team played, they lost in the regional final to eventual Class 1A state champion Heyworth.
On Saturday, the high-spirited Lady Knights started the season with a playoff-like atmosphere. They hosted the Blue Ridge Invitational.
For coach Evan Miles, this was an opportunity for the younger Blue Ridge players to get a feel for what it is like to play in a tournament atmosphere.
"We have all four levels contributing [on the varsity team]," Miles said. "I think it's a good tournament to have, especially with these younger girls early on, to play in that type of atmosphere where they get the jitters out so they'll help us out during conference time, and hopefully the postseason."
Championship Game
WOODLAND def. BLUE RIDGE 25-22, 18-25, 25-21
In each set, both teams switched leads at least once.
In the third and final set, Blue Ridge managed to rally from a 16-9 deficit to take a 19-18 lead.
Then Woodland reclaimed the lead at 20-19. After that, sophomore Jessica Schrock tied the set with a kill and senior Jordan Wheeler gave the Lady Knights the lead again with a soft touch that landed on the front of Woodland's side of the net.
Then a bad serve by Schrock tied the set at 21. From there, the Warriors took a lead they would not surrender again.
Despite a diving effort by Wheeler, Woodland junior Josie Walker clinched the set and match with a kill.
In the must-win second set, Blue Ridge trailed only once -- 2-1. Then Jacksonville State-bound senior Kaitlyn Zelhart floated the ball with a soft touch over the net past two Woodland players.
She gave the Lady Knights a 4-3 lead with a spike from Blue Ridge's right side of the net to the middle of the Woodland side. From there, the Lady Knights never trailed in the second set, getting awarded the 25th point when Woodland's Taylor Starkey was involved in an illegal substitution.
In the first set, Blue Ridge's biggest lead was 9-5, the ninth score as the result of a block by freshman Gabby
Pearl.
However, Woodland scored six unanswered points to make the score 11-9. From there, Blue Ridge had leads of 19-17 and 21-20, the latter achieved via sophomore Amber Blazek's (pictured below on left) two-handed touch hit over the net.
The Warriors regained the lead at 23-21 via two straight serves by Walker and never looked back in the first set.
"I knew we'd be up and down and inconsistent at times, but at times I thought we played really well, at a really high level, especially on the second set in this championship match," Miles said. "There's things, definitely, we can work on, but overall, I'm pleased. It's not the result we wanted, but not bad overall."
Blazek finished the match with 11 points, two aces and one block. Kaitlyn Zelhart recorded 12 kills, nine points, four aces, 26 digs and one block.
Wheeler finished with five kills, 13 digs and two blocks. Junior Chandler Morrow (pictured below) had 11 digs while Pearl recorded one block.
Game 1
BLUE RIDGE def. URBANA UNI-HIGH 25-12, 25-21
The Illineks took an early 4-2 lead in the first set.
However, Schrock (pictured below) tied the set at 4-4. Then, with the score tied at 6-6, she got another point to give Blue Ridge a lead from which it would not turn back.
At one point, Schrock got two points for the Lady Knights via back-to-back serves. That increased Blue Ridge's lead to 15-7 and 16-7.
In the second set, Blue Ridge once again found themselves trailing -- 11-8. However, the Lady Kinghts cut the deficit to 12-11 when freshman Emily Zelhart scored. Blazek tied the second set with a two-handed bump that landed on Uni-High's side of the net.
Wheeler gave Blue Ridge the lead with a serve. However, the Illineks took a 20-16. Then it was Schrock who gave Blue Ridge a 21-20 with a hard spike from the left side of the net.
Schrock finished the match with two aces. Wheeler (pictured below) also got two aces and was the team leader in kills with seven.
Kaitlyn Zelhart scored six kills, 10 digs, 13 points and three aces. Pearl had two blocks while Morrow recorded six digs.
Game 2
BLUE RIDGE def. VILLA GROVE 25-8, 25-19
It was all Blue Ridge in the first set, as the Lady Knights raced to an early 10-2 lead.
The 10th tally was scored by Kaitlyn Zelhart, whose spike hit a Villa Grove player in the face and landed on the floor.
Emily Zelhart got Blue Ridge's 25th point in the first set via serve.
In the second set, Villa Grove took leads of 1-0 and 4-3. However, after Pearl tied the score at 5-5, Kaitlyn Zelhart (pictured below) got two consecutive points with her serve to give the Lady Knights a lead they would not surrender.
Then, with Blue Ridge leading 9-5, she scored four straight points via serve. However, she ended the Lady Knights' run of eight unanswered points by hitting a serve out of bounds.
Kaitlyn Zelhart and Pearl each finished the match with five kills. Zelhart recorded 15 aces as well.
BLUE RIDGE def. CALVARY CHRISTIAN 25-13, 25-7
In this joust, it was the Knights in blue that came out on top.
Blue Ridge raced out to an 8-2 lead in the first set thanks in part to a Kaitlyn Zelhart block and a Blazek serve.
Blue Ridge's 25th point of the first set had a family connection, as Kaitlyn Zelhart set up her little sister, Emily, for the set-clinching spike.
In the second set, Calvary never truly contended, as the Blue Ridge Lady Knights took a 9-0 lead. During that run, Emily Zelhart scored four consecutive points via serve.
The match-clinching point occurred when Calvary Christian's Marissa Richards failed to hit the ball over the net.
Kaitlyn Zelhart scored seven kills, five digs and two solo blocks. Emily Zelhart finished the match with eight points and four aces.
Wheeler recorded four kills and a solo block. Blazek had four kills as well while Pearl (pictured below)scored a solo block while Schrock recorded nine points and two aces.
What's Next For Blue Ridge Volleyball
The 3-1 Lady Knights will travel to Maroa-Forsyth this upcoming Thursday. Then they'll start Heart of Illinois Conference play at Ridgeview the following Tuesday.
"We'll start getting the meat and potatoes in our schedule from there," Miles said.
To see which players were selected to the Blue Ridge Invitational's All-Tournament Team and other scores from the Blue Ridge Invitational, scroll down the Sports Thread. You'll need to click on the "Older Posts" link to see scores not shown on the Sports Thread's home page.
Blue Ridge Volleyball Invitational All-Tournament Team
Emily Zelhart, Blue Ridge
Madison Harms, Woodland
Sara Spaniol, Woodland
Josie Walker, Woodland
Megan Beutke, Woodland
Mariah Coleman, Heritage
Jordan Wheeler, Blue Ridge
Kaitlyn Zelhart, Blue Ridge
Madison Harms, Woodland
Sara Spaniol, Woodland
Josie Walker, Woodland
Megan Beutke, Woodland
Mariah Coleman, Heritage
Jordan Wheeler, Blue Ridge
Kaitlyn Zelhart, Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Football Loses Home Opener to Tri-Valley
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- Johnny Bruden kept Blue Ridge in contention with Tri-Valley going into halftime.
The 5-8, 160-pound junior QB/S returned a Vikings fumble for a touchdown in the first quarter and threw a 30-yard TD pass to Kenny Dunn in the second quarter. As a result, the Knights went into the locker room at the half trailing 17-14.
However, Blue Ridge ran into too big a roach -- Tri-Valley's Jimmy Roach, that is.
Roach ran for 112 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw a TD pass en route to leading the Vikings to a 41-22 victory over the Knights.
For more on the game, click on the following link: http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/football/article_195b819c-d06a-11e0-8140-001cc4c002e0.html.
Blue Ridge takes its 0-1 record to Champaign on September 2, where the Knights will play a non-conference game against St. Thomas More.
The junior varsity team, meanwhile, will play at home against Tri-Valley on Monday.
The 5-8, 160-pound junior QB/S returned a Vikings fumble for a touchdown in the first quarter and threw a 30-yard TD pass to Kenny Dunn in the second quarter. As a result, the Knights went into the locker room at the half trailing 17-14.
However, Blue Ridge ran into too big a roach -- Tri-Valley's Jimmy Roach, that is.
Roach ran for 112 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw a TD pass en route to leading the Vikings to a 41-22 victory over the Knights.
For more on the game, click on the following link: http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/football/article_195b819c-d06a-11e0-8140-001cc4c002e0.html.
Blue Ridge takes its 0-1 record to Champaign on September 2, where the Knights will play a non-conference game against St. Thomas More.
The junior varsity team, meanwhile, will play at home against Tri-Valley on Monday.
8/26/11
Blue Ridge Soccer: J.J. Malone's Hat Trick Leads Knights to Win in Home Opener over Iroquois West
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- J.J. Malone scored three goals at Farmer City's South Park en route to leading the Knights to a 4-0 victory over the Raiders.
Conner Builta also scored a goal for Blue Ridge. He also recorded an assist.
Jon Jones and Thompson also contributed an assist each for the Knights, who improved their record to 2-0.
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/scoreboard/results/article_83c7fcb6-cf9f-11e0-827b-001cc4c03286.html.
To see the box score of the soccer game from The Pantagraph, click on the link above. To see Blue Ridge's football roster and a preview of the upcoming season, visit the link below:
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/football/article_b426c678-cee4-11e0-b731-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1W6xAICsf.
Conner Builta also scored a goal for Blue Ridge. He also recorded an assist.
Jon Jones and Thompson also contributed an assist each for the Knights, who improved their record to 2-0.
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/scoreboard/results/article_83c7fcb6-cf9f-11e0-827b-001cc4c03286.html.
To see the box score of the soccer game from The Pantagraph, click on the link above. To see Blue Ridge's football roster and a preview of the upcoming season, visit the link below:
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/high-school/football/article_b426c678-cee4-11e0-b731-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1W6xAICsf.
8/24/11
Blue Ridge Girls Golf: Amber Tsevelekos Reunites with "Neighbor," Leads Lady Knights to Victory over Monticello
MONTICELLO, Ill. -- About three miles of countryside space separate Blue Ridge's Amber Tsevelekos and Monticello's Kaza Combs.
"It's like we're neighbors," Tsevelekos said.
The three-mile distance may have been enough to put the two girls golfers in separate school districts. At Monticello Golf Club on Wednesday, however, there were no degrees of separation as Tsevelekos and Combs teed off together.
Tsevelekos shot a 47 while Combs shot a 58. The Sages' Evelyn Brand, who teed off alongside Tsevelekos and Combs, scored a 52.
"I thought I did all right," Tsevelekos said. "It was just one of those days."
Despite expressing some disappointment with her score, Tsevelekos had the best one among all girls golfers, leading Blue Ridge to a 205-245 victory over Monticello.
Kelsey Baker contributed to the Lady Knights' team score by shooting a 50. Megan Tsevelekos and Jacquelyn O'Neal got on the scoreboard with scores of 52 and 56, respectively.
For Monticello, Brand's 52 was the best among the team. Maddy Diniz shot a 68 while Andrea Easton recorded a score of 67.
For Blue Ridge, Melinda Wilson and Alana Strum scored 75 and 79, respectively.
BLUE RIDGE JV BOYS GOLF
At Monticello
Curtis Ghent 56
Jacob Strutner 56
Tucker Johnson 60
"It's like we're neighbors," Tsevelekos said.
The three-mile distance may have been enough to put the two girls golfers in separate school districts. At Monticello Golf Club on Wednesday, however, there were no degrees of separation as Tsevelekos and Combs teed off together.
Tsevelekos shot a 47 while Combs shot a 58. The Sages' Evelyn Brand, who teed off alongside Tsevelekos and Combs, scored a 52.
"I thought I did all right," Tsevelekos said. "It was just one of those days."
Despite expressing some disappointment with her score, Tsevelekos had the best one among all girls golfers, leading Blue Ridge to a 205-245 victory over Monticello.
Kelsey Baker contributed to the Lady Knights' team score by shooting a 50. Megan Tsevelekos and Jacquelyn O'Neal got on the scoreboard with scores of 52 and 56, respectively.
For Monticello, Brand's 52 was the best among the team. Maddy Diniz shot a 68 while Andrea Easton recorded a score of 67.
For Blue Ridge, Melinda Wilson and Alana Strum scored 75 and 79, respectively.
BLUE RIDGE JV BOYS GOLF
At Monticello
Curtis Ghent 56
Jacob Strutner 56
Tucker Johnson 60
Blue Ridge Soccer Beats Heyworth, Boys Golf Outing Cancelled
HEYWORTH, Ill. -- The Knights' soccer season got off to a dominating start Tuesday as Jonathan Malone scored four goals to lead Blue Ridge to a 6-0 victory over the Hornets.
Conner Builta contributed to the dominating victory by scoring a goal and recording two assists.
http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-golf/2011-08-23/tuesdays-highlights-centennial-scores-bunches.html.
Jon Jones also tallied a goal and an assist for the Knights. Dylan Grammer was also credited with an assist.
Goalie Josh Plunk recorded three saves.
Blue Ridge's next match will be at home on Thursday. The Knights will face Iroquois West at 4:30 p.m.
Boys Golf
Blue Ridge's boys golf team's outing at Ridgeview was cancelled.
The Knights will participate in the Blue Ridge Tri at Woodlawn Country Club against Lexington and Fisher on September 1 at 4 p.m.
Conner Builta contributed to the dominating victory by scoring a goal and recording two assists.
http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-golf/2011-08-23/tuesdays-highlights-centennial-scores-bunches.html.
Jon Jones also tallied a goal and an assist for the Knights. Dylan Grammer was also credited with an assist.
Goalie Josh Plunk recorded three saves.
Blue Ridge's next match will be at home on Thursday. The Knights will face Iroquois West at 4:30 p.m.
Boys Golf
Blue Ridge's boys golf team's outing at Ridgeview was cancelled.
The Knights will participate in the Blue Ridge Tri at Woodlawn Country Club against Lexington and Fisher on September 1 at 4 p.m.
8/23/11
Should Blue Ridge High School Volleyball Players Receive Pay for Play?
Disclaimer: Before you read this post, keep in mind that I am not actually arguing that high school volleyball players should be paid for their participation on their respective teams.
I recently watched ESPN's Blueprint for Change, where a panel discussed, among other things, the idea of paying college athletes in exchange for their participation in athletics.
With recent scandals in college football, including recent reports that a convicted Ponzi scheme conductor paid players at the University of Miami, among the biggest headlines in the world of sports, the NCAA rules regarding players' compensation are obviously causing a hot-button debate.
Those who say that players should be paid a stipend for their athletic participation argue that athletes bring a lot of revenue to the school. They argue that it's not fair for the school to collect the millions of dollars in revenue without giving a cut to the players who generate it (beyond the basics such as free tuition, room and board and books).
Well, I just read the following paragraph on Blue Ridge High School's student announcements:
Blue Ridge Volleyball t-shirt order forms are in the office. Support your favorite volleyball player and get a shirt with their name and number on the back. Order forms and payment are due Friday, August 26th to the high school office.
In other words, if you have a little disposable income to spend, you can give money to the high school in exchange for a t-shirt that has the name of a player on the back of it. Obviously, none of the money you spend on that t-shirt will be paid directly to the players whom you "support" by buying it.
Of course, the t-shirts won't generate the millions of dollars in revenue that big-time college athletes produce. And the Blue Ridge players don't have to worry about the cost of attending their high school, at least not as much as college athletes do.
But this is still something to think about when discussing the thought of paying college athletes.
Blue Ridge Volleyball Roster -- 2011 Season
Number and Name
2 -- T'Ann Crozier
4 -- Jordan Wheeler
5 -- Kaitlyn Zelhart
6 -- Chandler Morrow
8 -- Korie Reynolds
10 -- Megan Tsevelekos
12 -- Emily Zelhart
14 -- Jessica Schrock
20 -- Amber Blazek
22 -- Morgan Delaney
24 -- Kasey Sedberry
26 -- Gabby Pearl
28 -- Courtney Cox
I recently watched ESPN's Blueprint for Change, where a panel discussed, among other things, the idea of paying college athletes in exchange for their participation in athletics.
With recent scandals in college football, including recent reports that a convicted Ponzi scheme conductor paid players at the University of Miami, among the biggest headlines in the world of sports, the NCAA rules regarding players' compensation are obviously causing a hot-button debate.
Those who say that players should be paid a stipend for their athletic participation argue that athletes bring a lot of revenue to the school. They argue that it's not fair for the school to collect the millions of dollars in revenue without giving a cut to the players who generate it (beyond the basics such as free tuition, room and board and books).
Well, I just read the following paragraph on Blue Ridge High School's student announcements:
Blue Ridge Volleyball t-shirt order forms are in the office. Support your favorite volleyball player and get a shirt with their name and number on the back. Order forms and payment are due Friday, August 26th to the high school office.
In other words, if you have a little disposable income to spend, you can give money to the high school in exchange for a t-shirt that has the name of a player on the back of it. Obviously, none of the money you spend on that t-shirt will be paid directly to the players whom you "support" by buying it.
Of course, the t-shirts won't generate the millions of dollars in revenue that big-time college athletes produce. And the Blue Ridge players don't have to worry about the cost of attending their high school, at least not as much as college athletes do.
But this is still something to think about when discussing the thought of paying college athletes.
Blue Ridge Volleyball Roster -- 2011 Season
Number and Name
2 -- T'Ann Crozier
4 -- Jordan Wheeler
5 -- Kaitlyn Zelhart
6 -- Chandler Morrow
8 -- Korie Reynolds
10 -- Megan Tsevelekos
12 -- Emily Zelhart
14 -- Jessica Schrock
20 -- Amber Blazek
22 -- Morgan Delaney
24 -- Kasey Sedberry
26 -- Gabby Pearl
28 -- Courtney Cox
8/22/11
Blue Ridge Boys, Girls Golf Beats Iroquois West
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- The Knights and Lady Knights, led by medalists Mason Potts and Amber Tsevelekos, defeated the Raiders by scores of 178-205 and 203-243, respectively.
After medaling in his previous golf outing at Gibson City, Potts took first place among individual golfers at the Woodlawn Country Club with a score of 42. He finished off his day by sinking a long putt on the No. 2 hole.
On the girls' side, Tsevelekos medaled with a score of 44.
Austin Maxwell teed off alongside Potts and finished his day with a score of 43.
"Our shots could have came out better, but I think we did all right," Maxwell said.
C.J. Bishop and Will Duggins contributed to the boys team with scores of 46 and 47, respectively. Justin Jamison also scored a 47.
Kelsey Baker was second among the Blue Ridge girls team with a score of 47. Megan Tsevelekos and Jacquelyn O'Neal ended the day scoring 53 and 59, respectively.
The boys golf team will take its 7-3 record to Ridgeview on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The girls (4-5) will travel to Monticello on Wednesday to take on the Sages at 4 p.m.
After medaling in his previous golf outing at Gibson City, Potts took first place among individual golfers at the Woodlawn Country Club with a score of 42. He finished off his day by sinking a long putt on the No. 2 hole.
On the girls' side, Tsevelekos medaled with a score of 44.
Austin Maxwell teed off alongside Potts and finished his day with a score of 43.
"Our shots could have came out better, but I think we did all right," Maxwell said.
C.J. Bishop and Will Duggins contributed to the boys team with scores of 46 and 47, respectively. Justin Jamison also scored a 47.
Kelsey Baker was second among the Blue Ridge girls team with a score of 47. Megan Tsevelekos and Jacquelyn O'Neal ended the day scoring 53 and 59, respectively.
The boys golf team will take its 7-3 record to Ridgeview on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The girls (4-5) will travel to Monticello on Wednesday to take on the Sages at 4 p.m.
Terrelle Pryor Taken by Oakland Raiders in NFL Supplemental Draft
Who would take a chance on a college quarterback who broke NCAA rules and chose to declare for the Supplemental Draft rather than face the consequences of his actions?
Who else but Al Davis?
The Oakland Raiders selected Pryor in the third round.
The Raiders will have to wait five games to see what Pryor can do. However, he can practice with the team until his suspension is completed.
I just watched a SportsCenter report regarding whether or not Peyton Manning will be ready for Week 1 of the 2011 season. His status is still unclear, but it is reported that Manning thinks his neck will recover in time for the season to start.
During the NFL lockout, Manning was not allowed to rehab from neck surgery with the Indianapolis Colts' training staff. And no players were allowed to have any contact with their coaching staff, let alone practice with them.
All because the NFL and NFLPA could not agree on a collective bargaining agreement until July.
And yet Pryor is allowed to practice with the Raiders.
Where's the justice?
Who else but Al Davis?
The Oakland Raiders selected Pryor in the third round.
The Raiders will have to wait five games to see what Pryor can do. However, he can practice with the team until his suspension is completed.
I just watched a SportsCenter report regarding whether or not Peyton Manning will be ready for Week 1 of the 2011 season. His status is still unclear, but it is reported that Manning thinks his neck will recover in time for the season to start.
During the NFL lockout, Manning was not allowed to rehab from neck surgery with the Indianapolis Colts' training staff. And no players were allowed to have any contact with their coaching staff, let alone practice with them.
All because the NFL and NFLPA could not agree on a collective bargaining agreement until July.
And yet Pryor is allowed to practice with the Raiders.
Where's the justice?
8/21/11
NFL Rule Change Displayed in Chargers-Cowboys Preseason Game (Not on the Kickoff)
Among the many rule changes in the NFL, the most discussed one has been about the new spot on kickoffs.
By putting the kicking tee on the 35-yard line as opposed to the 30, the rule change has resulted in more touchbacks. A downside to this rule change, as greatly discussed, has been that it has decreased the value of a kick returner.
In tonight's San Diego-Dallas exhibition game, however, there was another rule change that caught my attention.
With 12:47 left in the fourth quarter and the Chargers leading 17-7, the Cowboys had the ball on San Diego's 23-yard line. On third-and-1, Phillip Tanner ran 23 yards for a touchdown -- after his helmet got removed from his head by a defender.
Due to a rule change, stating that a runner is ruled down once his helmet is removed, the touchdown didn't count.
Tanner would have had his touchdown called back anyway because the Cowboys committed a five-yard illegal shift penalty. However, the play still caught my attention.
It caught my attention because it shows an unfair advantage that has been created as a result of the rule change. Now, a defender can essentially tackle an opponent with the mere act of taking off his helmet.
I am not arguing against the rule change. Obviously, players' safety is an important issue, and playing without a helmet is definitely unsafe.
And yanking a player's helmet by the facemask is still illegal.
However, it's a little unfair that a defender can tackle an opponent by yanking off his helmet via, for example, one of the earholes. It's something the NFL should look into.
By putting the kicking tee on the 35-yard line as opposed to the 30, the rule change has resulted in more touchbacks. A downside to this rule change, as greatly discussed, has been that it has decreased the value of a kick returner.
In tonight's San Diego-Dallas exhibition game, however, there was another rule change that caught my attention.
With 12:47 left in the fourth quarter and the Chargers leading 17-7, the Cowboys had the ball on San Diego's 23-yard line. On third-and-1, Phillip Tanner ran 23 yards for a touchdown -- after his helmet got removed from his head by a defender.
Due to a rule change, stating that a runner is ruled down once his helmet is removed, the touchdown didn't count.
Tanner would have had his touchdown called back anyway because the Cowboys committed a five-yard illegal shift penalty. However, the play still caught my attention.
It caught my attention because it shows an unfair advantage that has been created as a result of the rule change. Now, a defender can essentially tackle an opponent with the mere act of taking off his helmet.
I am not arguing against the rule change. Obviously, players' safety is an important issue, and playing without a helmet is definitely unsafe.
And yanking a player's helmet by the facemask is still illegal.
However, it's a little unfair that a defender can tackle an opponent by yanking off his helmet via, for example, one of the earholes. It's something the NFL should look into.
8/20/11
Farmer City Raceway: Results from, Point Standings as of August 19, 2011
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- Bloomington native Eric Smith and Kenny Butterfield both made themselves significantly richer with big feature victories at the Farmer City Raceway.
Smith won the NALMS Late Models feature to make himself $2,000 richer. Butterfield won $1,000 by taking the checkered flag in the Hornet Nationals feature.
Other feature racers in the Hornet Nationals feature won some consolation money, as shown below in the feature results along with feature results and point standings in each racing division.
As always, full results and point standings can be seen at http://www.farmercityracing.com/.
LATE MODELS
Feature Results
1. Eric Smith, Bloomington; 2. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood; 3. Kevin Weaver, Gibson City; 4. Mike Spatola, Manhattan; 5. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin; 6. Ryan Unzicker, El Paso; 7. Jimmy Dehm, Lexington; 8. Jim Moon, Zionsville, Ind.; 9. Donny Walden, Towanda; 10. Joe Harlan, El Paso; 11. Steve Lance Jr., Cuba; 12. Chris Dick, DeLand; 13. Mike Glascock, LeRoy; 14. Russ Adams, Princeville; 15. Bill Giannetti, Champaign; 16. Curtis Hobbs, Farmer City.
Point Standings
1. Eric Smith (Bloomington) 453; 2. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood) 394; 3. Joe Harlan (El Paso) 367; 4. Jimmy Dehm (Lexington) 354; 5. Derek Chandler (Pontiac) 322; 6. Chris Dick (DeLand) 287; 7. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso) 233; 8. Don Cisco III (Oreana) 232; 9. Russ Adams (Princeville) 218; 10. Brandon Sheppard (New Berlin) 201.
25. Curtis Hobbs (Farmer City) 114; T-73. Matt Beadles (Clinton) 21.
HORNETS
Feature Results (with money received in parentheses)
1. Kenny Butterfield, Glasford ($1,000); 2. Damin Jones, Chestnut ($500); 3. Joe Reed, Decatur ($350); 4. Brandon Bechen ($250); 5. Matt Maier, Thomasboro ($200); 6. Rob Shaw, Highland ($175); 7. Eric Hall, LeRoy ($150); 8. Justin Jones, Olney ($130); 9. Tyler Benson, Creve Coeur ($120); 10. David Lauritson, Normal ($100); 11. Casey Gernentz, Gifford ($50); 12. Rick Reed ($50); 13. Ben Gernentz, Gifford ($50); 14. Brian Wilson, Colfax ($50); 15. Jim English, Eureka ($50); 16. Jim Wilson, Towanda ($50); 17. Chris Burton, Mansfield ($50); 18. Mike Cusak Jr. ($50); 19. Stephanie Eskew ($50); 20. Mike Cusak, Brimfield (DNF, but still won $50).
Point Standings
1. Matt Maier (Thomasboro) 666; 2. Chris Burton (Mansfield) 558; 3. Casey Gernentz (Gifford) 537; 4. Brian Wilson (Colfax) 485; 5. Jim Wilson (Towanda) 476; 6. Ben Gernentz (Gifford) 472; 7. Larry Hawk (Champaign) 446; T-8. Dion Smith (Bloomington) 433; T-8. Kenny Butterfield (Glasford) 433; 10. David Lauritson (Normal) 397.
11. Trisha Burton (Mansfield) 378; 24. Jim Eads (Clinton) 86; T-72. Willie Alwood (Clinton) 10.
MODIFIEDS
Feature Results
1. Lance Dehm, Chatsworth; 2. Ryan Cary, Catlin; 3. Jeff Leka, Buffalo; 4. Randy Huffman, Maroa; 5. Brian Lynn, Mason City; 6. Cory Schwengel, Oreana; 7. Justin Leka, Buffalo; 8. Justin Gregory, West Point, Ind.; 9. Ray Bollinger, Kewanee; 10. Brent Gregory, West Point, Ind.; 11. Dustin King, Charleston; 12. Don Cox, Glasford; 13. David Henderson, Danville; 14. Jeff Sandford, Gifford; 15. Bill Bates, Paris.
Point Standings
1. Jeff Leka (Buffalo) 657; 2. Lance Dehm (Chatsworth) 551; 3. Justin Delong (Bloomington) 511; 4. Jay Ledford (Pontiac) 467; 5. Ryan Cary (Catlin) 424; 6. Gary Turpin (Bloomington) 389; 7. Jeff Curl (Forrest) 364; 8. David Henderson (Danville) 329; 9. Ray Bollinger (Kewanee) 321; 10. Jeff Sandford (Gifford) 280.
T-109. Matt Wilson (Clinton) 15.
STREET STOCK
Feature Results
1. Brandon Kessinger, Normal; 2. Travis Johnson, Ashland; 3. Jeff Semmons, Pontiac; 4. Joel Funk, Dwight; 5. Jim Quinn, Farmer City; 6. Chris Dick, DeLand; 7. Darrel Dick, Monticello; 8. Terry Miller, Lincoln; 9. Jerrad Krick, Earl Park, Ind.; 10. Greg Rubenacker, Kenney; 11. A.J. Wright, Danville; 12. Doug Berbaum, Monticello; 13. Travis Thrasher, Clinton; 14. Hugh Johnson, Champaign.
Point Standings
1. Travis Johnson (Ashland) 620; 2. Chris Dick (DeLand) 578; 3. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 573; 4. Jim Quinn (Farmer City) 464; 5. Nathan McNeese (Catlin) 377; 6. Eric Wilson (Downs) 373; 7. Jeff Semmons (Pontiac) 299; 8. Troy Dodson (Cerro Gordo) 276; 9. Rick Alwood (Clinton) 273; 10. Joel Funk (Dwight) 268; 11. Brandon Kessinger (Normal) 261.
T-13. Travis Thrasher (Clinton) 251; 37. Donnie Rhoades (Clinton) 61; T-50. Josh Smith (Clinton) 47.
SPORTSMAN
Point Standings
1. Daniel Flessner (Thawville) 550; 2. Dave Crawley Jr. (Decatur) 497; 3. Dustin Mounce (Flanagan) 460; 4. Rod Rusher (Mansfield) 391; 5. Donny Sublon (Fisher) 372; 6. Richie Rich (Pontiac) 365; 7. Nick Macklin (Oreana) 313; 8. Jason Maier (Thomasboro) 263; 9. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 253; 10. Shawn Diggs (LeRoy) 251.
33. Dan Shoufler (Farmer City) 27.
Smith won the NALMS Late Models feature to make himself $2,000 richer. Butterfield won $1,000 by taking the checkered flag in the Hornet Nationals feature.
Other feature racers in the Hornet Nationals feature won some consolation money, as shown below in the feature results along with feature results and point standings in each racing division.
As always, full results and point standings can be seen at http://www.farmercityracing.com/.
LATE MODELS
Feature Results
1. Eric Smith, Bloomington; 2. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood; 3. Kevin Weaver, Gibson City; 4. Mike Spatola, Manhattan; 5. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin; 6. Ryan Unzicker, El Paso; 7. Jimmy Dehm, Lexington; 8. Jim Moon, Zionsville, Ind.; 9. Donny Walden, Towanda; 10. Joe Harlan, El Paso; 11. Steve Lance Jr., Cuba; 12. Chris Dick, DeLand; 13. Mike Glascock, LeRoy; 14. Russ Adams, Princeville; 15. Bill Giannetti, Champaign; 16. Curtis Hobbs, Farmer City.
Point Standings
1. Eric Smith (Bloomington) 453; 2. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood) 394; 3. Joe Harlan (El Paso) 367; 4. Jimmy Dehm (Lexington) 354; 5. Derek Chandler (Pontiac) 322; 6. Chris Dick (DeLand) 287; 7. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso) 233; 8. Don Cisco III (Oreana) 232; 9. Russ Adams (Princeville) 218; 10. Brandon Sheppard (New Berlin) 201.
25. Curtis Hobbs (Farmer City) 114; T-73. Matt Beadles (Clinton) 21.
HORNETS
Feature Results (with money received in parentheses)
1. Kenny Butterfield, Glasford ($1,000); 2. Damin Jones, Chestnut ($500); 3. Joe Reed, Decatur ($350); 4. Brandon Bechen ($250); 5. Matt Maier, Thomasboro ($200); 6. Rob Shaw, Highland ($175); 7. Eric Hall, LeRoy ($150); 8. Justin Jones, Olney ($130); 9. Tyler Benson, Creve Coeur ($120); 10. David Lauritson, Normal ($100); 11. Casey Gernentz, Gifford ($50); 12. Rick Reed ($50); 13. Ben Gernentz, Gifford ($50); 14. Brian Wilson, Colfax ($50); 15. Jim English, Eureka ($50); 16. Jim Wilson, Towanda ($50); 17. Chris Burton, Mansfield ($50); 18. Mike Cusak Jr. ($50); 19. Stephanie Eskew ($50); 20. Mike Cusak, Brimfield (DNF, but still won $50).
Point Standings
1. Matt Maier (Thomasboro) 666; 2. Chris Burton (Mansfield) 558; 3. Casey Gernentz (Gifford) 537; 4. Brian Wilson (Colfax) 485; 5. Jim Wilson (Towanda) 476; 6. Ben Gernentz (Gifford) 472; 7. Larry Hawk (Champaign) 446; T-8. Dion Smith (Bloomington) 433; T-8. Kenny Butterfield (Glasford) 433; 10. David Lauritson (Normal) 397.
11. Trisha Burton (Mansfield) 378; 24. Jim Eads (Clinton) 86; T-72. Willie Alwood (Clinton) 10.
MODIFIEDS
Feature Results
1. Lance Dehm, Chatsworth; 2. Ryan Cary, Catlin; 3. Jeff Leka, Buffalo; 4. Randy Huffman, Maroa; 5. Brian Lynn, Mason City; 6. Cory Schwengel, Oreana; 7. Justin Leka, Buffalo; 8. Justin Gregory, West Point, Ind.; 9. Ray Bollinger, Kewanee; 10. Brent Gregory, West Point, Ind.; 11. Dustin King, Charleston; 12. Don Cox, Glasford; 13. David Henderson, Danville; 14. Jeff Sandford, Gifford; 15. Bill Bates, Paris.
Point Standings
1. Jeff Leka (Buffalo) 657; 2. Lance Dehm (Chatsworth) 551; 3. Justin Delong (Bloomington) 511; 4. Jay Ledford (Pontiac) 467; 5. Ryan Cary (Catlin) 424; 6. Gary Turpin (Bloomington) 389; 7. Jeff Curl (Forrest) 364; 8. David Henderson (Danville) 329; 9. Ray Bollinger (Kewanee) 321; 10. Jeff Sandford (Gifford) 280.
T-109. Matt Wilson (Clinton) 15.
STREET STOCK
Feature Results
1. Brandon Kessinger, Normal; 2. Travis Johnson, Ashland; 3. Jeff Semmons, Pontiac; 4. Joel Funk, Dwight; 5. Jim Quinn, Farmer City; 6. Chris Dick, DeLand; 7. Darrel Dick, Monticello; 8. Terry Miller, Lincoln; 9. Jerrad Krick, Earl Park, Ind.; 10. Greg Rubenacker, Kenney; 11. A.J. Wright, Danville; 12. Doug Berbaum, Monticello; 13. Travis Thrasher, Clinton; 14. Hugh Johnson, Champaign.
Point Standings
1. Travis Johnson (Ashland) 620; 2. Chris Dick (DeLand) 578; 3. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 573; 4. Jim Quinn (Farmer City) 464; 5. Nathan McNeese (Catlin) 377; 6. Eric Wilson (Downs) 373; 7. Jeff Semmons (Pontiac) 299; 8. Troy Dodson (Cerro Gordo) 276; 9. Rick Alwood (Clinton) 273; 10. Joel Funk (Dwight) 268; 11. Brandon Kessinger (Normal) 261.
T-13. Travis Thrasher (Clinton) 251; 37. Donnie Rhoades (Clinton) 61; T-50. Josh Smith (Clinton) 47.
SPORTSMAN
Point Standings
1. Daniel Flessner (Thawville) 550; 2. Dave Crawley Jr. (Decatur) 497; 3. Dustin Mounce (Flanagan) 460; 4. Rod Rusher (Mansfield) 391; 5. Donny Sublon (Fisher) 372; 6. Richie Rich (Pontiac) 365; 7. Nick Macklin (Oreana) 313; 8. Jason Maier (Thomasboro) 263; 9. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 253; 10. Shawn Diggs (LeRoy) 251.
33. Dan Shoufler (Farmer City) 27.
8/18/11
Georgetown Basketball: Exhibition Game Ends with Ugly Brawl
Georgetown was Kung-Fu fighting.
There was a Mao-lice at the Pao-lace.
Any way you put it, Georgetown's basketball team will not have many kind words about the people of China after playing against the Bayi Rockets, as you can see by reading the following link...
http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2011-08-18/georgetown-game-in-china-ends-in-bench-clearing-brawl?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%7C87550.
...and/or by watching the following video.
There was a Mao-lice at the Pao-lace.
Any way you put it, Georgetown's basketball team will not have many kind words about the people of China after playing against the Bayi Rockets, as you can see by reading the following link...
http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2011-08-18/georgetown-game-in-china-ends-in-bench-clearing-brawl?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%7C87550.
...and/or by watching the following video.
Blue Ridge Golf at Gibson City -- August 17, 2011
GIBSON CITY, Ill. -- It was a busy day for Blue Ridge golf coach Lynn Hawkins.
As well as coaching the Knights' boys and girls golf teams, Hawkins also serves as the president of Blue Ridge School District 18's union workers, who reached a tentative agreement with the district.
Read all about the news regarding the situation on the following link: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/education/article_6b7bcd4c-c93a-11e0-b4be-001cc4c03286.html.
Then he saw his boy and girl girls battle LeRoy and Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on the golf course.
The boys team won with a score of 178. Mason Potts and Austin Maxwell shot 41 and 42, respectively, to earn first and second place among individual golfers.
For more Wednesday prep golf results, visit the following link: http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-golf/2011-08-17/wednesdays-prep-highlights-wisher-shines.html.
As well as coaching the Knights' boys and girls golf teams, Hawkins also serves as the president of Blue Ridge School District 18's union workers, who reached a tentative agreement with the district.
Read all about the news regarding the situation on the following link: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/education/article_6b7bcd4c-c93a-11e0-b4be-001cc4c03286.html.
Then he saw his boy and girl girls battle LeRoy and Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on the golf course.
The boys team won with a score of 178. Mason Potts and Austin Maxwell shot 41 and 42, respectively, to earn first and second place among individual golfers.
For more Wednesday prep golf results, visit the following link: http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-golf/2011-08-17/wednesdays-prep-highlights-wisher-shines.html.
8/17/11
Why the NCAA Should Drop College Football
In case you've been living under a rock in the past 24 hours, convicted felon Nevin Shapiro told Yahoo! Sports that he provided impermissible benefits to football players at the University of Miami.
For those of you who read that last sentence without gasping for air in disbelief, I don't blame you.
Remember when, in a time not so long ago, steroid scandals used to be numbingly rampant in Major League Baseball? Remember when you heard about Manny Ramirez admitting to doing steroids and, instead of falling out of your chair in a state of shock, you let out a sigh of frustration?
"Ugh, you too?" Remember that?
Well, recruiting scandals have become similarly common in college football. To name just a few pieces of news regarding this epidemic, USC, Ohio State and North Carolina have seen players suspended, coaches resigning and/or NCAA sanctions as a result.
And let's not forget about the scandal surrounding the Fiesta Bowl. Heck, the BCS's existence is a scam within itself.
Now we have the Hurricanes, whose accused "benefactors" include big names like Devin Hester, Vince Wilfork, Kellen Winslow and Willis McGahee, to name a few.
Ugh.
David Whitley, AOL FanHouse Columnist, says Miami should get a "death penalty" similar to what SMU's football program received in the 1980's. To see the column, visit the following link: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/feed/2011-08/um-violations/story/miami-football-scandal-nevin-shapiro-only-way-to-save-miami-football-is-to-destr.
Since the recruiting scandal epidemic has clearly spread throughout college football, I am going to one-up Mr. Whitley and suggest this to the NCAA:
Put college football into the electric chair.
Believe me, this is an extreme idea that I did not want to propose. And I know it will kill some fall Saturdays in America.
But you'll thank me when you watch a national championship team holding a glass football without wondering how many players could afford to buy one of their own with improperly-received money.
For those of you who read that last sentence without gasping for air in disbelief, I don't blame you.
Remember when, in a time not so long ago, steroid scandals used to be numbingly rampant in Major League Baseball? Remember when you heard about Manny Ramirez admitting to doing steroids and, instead of falling out of your chair in a state of shock, you let out a sigh of frustration?
"Ugh, you too?" Remember that?
Well, recruiting scandals have become similarly common in college football. To name just a few pieces of news regarding this epidemic, USC, Ohio State and North Carolina have seen players suspended, coaches resigning and/or NCAA sanctions as a result.
And let's not forget about the scandal surrounding the Fiesta Bowl. Heck, the BCS's existence is a scam within itself.
Now we have the Hurricanes, whose accused "benefactors" include big names like Devin Hester, Vince Wilfork, Kellen Winslow and Willis McGahee, to name a few.
Ugh.
David Whitley, AOL FanHouse Columnist, says Miami should get a "death penalty" similar to what SMU's football program received in the 1980's. To see the column, visit the following link: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/feed/2011-08/um-violations/story/miami-football-scandal-nevin-shapiro-only-way-to-save-miami-football-is-to-destr.
Since the recruiting scandal epidemic has clearly spread throughout college football, I am going to one-up Mr. Whitley and suggest this to the NCAA:
Put college football into the electric chair.
Believe me, this is an extreme idea that I did not want to propose. And I know it will kill some fall Saturdays in America.
But you'll thank me when you watch a national championship team holding a glass football without wondering how many players could afford to buy one of their own with improperly-received money.
Blue Ridge Boys Golf: Austin Maxwell Leads Knights to Fourth-Place Finish in Ridgeview Invitational
FILLMORE, Ill. -- Austin Maxwell shot a 91 at the Ridgeview Invitational on Tuesday, helping Blue Ridge take fourth place in the eight-team event.
For more information on the invite and boys golf results from Tuesday, click on the following link:
http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-golf/2011-08-16/tuesdays-highlights-cox-stars-m-s-stm-girls-show-depth.html
For more information on the invite and boys golf results from Tuesday, click on the following link:
http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/boys-golf/2011-08-16/tuesdays-highlights-cox-stars-m-s-stm-girls-show-depth.html
Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians: In Case You Missed It...
Juan Pierre hit the one-out, game-winning RBI single in the 14th inning to score Gordon Beckham from third base to give the White Sox an 8-7 victory over the Indians.
Chicago remains 3.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central, but climbs up to within a half game behind Cleveland.
Chicago remains 3.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central, but climbs up to within a half game behind Cleveland.
8/15/11
Blue Ridge Girls Golf: Amber Tsevelekos Battles Bruised Forearm to Lead Lady Knights to Fourth-Place Finish in Own Invitational
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- A bruised right forearm, an top-10 individual finish and a top-five finish for her team.
For Amber Tsevelekos, this is how her girls golf season at Blue Ridge started.
On her fifth hole in the Blue Ridge Invitational at Woodlawn Country Club, Tsevelekos was hit by an Olympia golfer's shot.
"I got some ice on it really fast," Tsevelekos said. "The coach gave me some ibuprofen."
Despite a bruise on her right forearm, Tsevelekos did not let the injury affect her game. She finished with a score of 94, good enough for eighth place among the individual golfers.
Thanks in part to Tsevelekos' performance, Blue Ridge finished the invitational it hosted in fourth place among a seven-team field.
Team Scores
1. Mahomet-Seymour 350; 2. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 368; 3. El Paso-Gridley 410; 4. Blue Ridge 418; 5. Olympia 462; 6. Tri-Valley 467; 7. Monticello 492.
Top 10 Individuals Out -In -- Gross
1. E. Spangler (GCMS) 41-37 -- 78
2. C. Goss (MS) 41-39 -- 80
3. D. Ellis (MS) 43-41 -- 84
4. M. Hinkleman (EPG) 50-42 -- 92
5. E. Trolia (MS) 43-41 -- 84
6. K. Spangler (GCMS) 50-42 -- 92
7. A. Tabaka (MS) 47-47 -- 94
8. Amber Tsevelekos (BR) 51-43 -- 94
9. B. Hildreth (MS) 49-45 -- 94
10. R. Dernthal (MS) 44-51 -- 95
Other Blue Ridge Results Out-In -- Gross
Kelsey Baker 47-52 -- 99
Jacquelyn O'Neal 61-55 -- 116
Megan Tsevelekos 58-51 -- 109
Melinda Wilson 69-70 -- 139
Alana Strum 85-78 -- 163
For Amber Tsevelekos, this is how her girls golf season at Blue Ridge started.
On her fifth hole in the Blue Ridge Invitational at Woodlawn Country Club, Tsevelekos was hit by an Olympia golfer's shot.
"I got some ice on it really fast," Tsevelekos said. "The coach gave me some ibuprofen."
Despite a bruise on her right forearm, Tsevelekos did not let the injury affect her game. She finished with a score of 94, good enough for eighth place among the individual golfers.
Thanks in part to Tsevelekos' performance, Blue Ridge finished the invitational it hosted in fourth place among a seven-team field.
Team Scores
1. Mahomet-Seymour 350; 2. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 368; 3. El Paso-Gridley 410; 4. Blue Ridge 418; 5. Olympia 462; 6. Tri-Valley 467; 7. Monticello 492.
Top 10 Individuals Out -In -- Gross
1. E. Spangler (GCMS) 41-37 -- 78
2. C. Goss (MS) 41-39 -- 80
3. D. Ellis (MS) 43-41 -- 84
4. M. Hinkleman (EPG) 50-42 -- 92
5. E. Trolia (MS) 43-41 -- 84
6. K. Spangler (GCMS) 50-42 -- 92
7. A. Tabaka (MS) 47-47 -- 94
8. Amber Tsevelekos (BR) 51-43 -- 94
9. B. Hildreth (MS) 49-45 -- 94
10. R. Dernthal (MS) 44-51 -- 95
Other Blue Ridge Results Out-In -- Gross
Kelsey Baker 47-52 -- 99
Jacquelyn O'Neal 61-55 -- 116
Megan Tsevelekos 58-51 -- 109
Melinda Wilson 69-70 -- 139
Alana Strum 85-78 -- 163
8/14/11
Chicago Bears' Offensive Line Fails in Pass Protection, But Allow Marion Barber and Kahlil Bell to Run Free
I am looking at the stats from the Bears' first preseason game via my BlackBerry Torch.
Matt Forte did not get a single carry while Jay Cutler got only one pass off. He was sacked once, while Caleb Hanie and Nathan Enderle went down a combined eight times.
Meanwhile, third-string running back Marion Barber rushed seven times for 45 yards, 6.4 yards per carry. Fourth-string back Kahlil Bell ran for 73 yards on 13 carries and caught two passes for 46 yards.
With this in mind, I have mixed reviews about Chicago's offensive line.
On the one hand, while it is the first time the line is playing in live action since Olin Kruetz left, it still makes fans in Windy City to see the quarterbacks not have any time to throw.
On the other hand, the Bears showed that they can run the football. Therefore, Mike Martz should really start establishing the run with his offense.
By doing so, it can keep defenses honest and give Cutler some more time in the pocket.
Matt Forte did not get a single carry while Jay Cutler got only one pass off. He was sacked once, while Caleb Hanie and Nathan Enderle went down a combined eight times.
Meanwhile, third-string running back Marion Barber rushed seven times for 45 yards, 6.4 yards per carry. Fourth-string back Kahlil Bell ran for 73 yards on 13 carries and caught two passes for 46 yards.
With this in mind, I have mixed reviews about Chicago's offensive line.
On the one hand, while it is the first time the line is playing in live action since Olin Kruetz left, it still makes fans in Windy City to see the quarterbacks not have any time to throw.
On the other hand, the Bears showed that they can run the football. Therefore, Mike Martz should really start establishing the run with his offense.
By doing so, it can keep defenses honest and give Cutler some more time in the pocket.
8/12/11
NFL Preseason History: What if Terrell Davis Didn't Rock on the Kickoff Team for the Denver Broncos?
The following post is merely a satirical prediction of how the alteration of one moment in history changed the world as we know it. There is no such alternate universe as LeChamp James.
What Happened in This Universe
A lot of NFL fans, understandably, get bored when watching the preseason.
They just want to watch the first quarter and, based on what they see of the performance from the teams' starters, predict the success (or failure) of their upcoming season.
Who cares about the sixth-string tailback? There's no way he'll impact the future of the NFL, right?
Well, in a 1995 preseason game in Tokyo between the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, a sixth-round running back named Terrell Davis got the Broncos' attention by lighting up the 49ers' kickoff returner, as shown in the YouTube video below.
Davis was named the starting running back for the 1995 season opener.
In a three Pro Bowl career, he led Denver to a 31-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII by running for 157 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. As a result, Davis was named the game's MVP.
In 1998, Davis became the fourth running back in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards while carrying the Broncos to a second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
What Happened on the Universe LeChamp James
LeChamp James is an alternate universe just like the one on which we live.
Except, due to a few tweaks in past events, it goes through a different course through history.
Why is it named LeChamp James? The name is dedicated to the memory of LeBron James, who by now has won multiple championships in a league that (due to the lockout) shall remain nameless.
And he didn't take his talents to South Beach. But that's another story for another post.
Anyway, in this alternate universe, Davis didn't light up the 49ers' kickoff returner in the 1995 preseason. Instead, he tore his Achilles tendon running on the AstroTurf.
In his senior season at Georgia, Davis missed three games due to a torn hamstring, so his injury was not a surprise.
As a result of it, Davis ended up getting released by the Broncos before the season opener. He was out of football soon afterwards.
With Denver out of the way, the Packers won their second consecutive Super Bowl, beating Kordell Stewart and the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-21 in SB XXXII.
Green Bay, led by Mike Holmgren and Brett Favre, won two more Super Bowls in the next five years. Satisfied with the success of his career, Favre retired in 2003 and never played again.
Never waffling over the decision to return to the NFL. Happily mowing his lawn in Mississippi.
Which is more than I can say about John Elway.
Still burdened by the unfinished business of winning a Super Bowl, Elway retired after the 1998 season -- only to approach Broncos owner Pat Bowlen during the 1999 training camp about the prospect of returning to Denver.
Deciding, instead, to move forward with 1997 second-round draft pick Jake Plummer, the Broncos traded Elway to the Philadelphia Eagles. Influenced by the advice of newly-appointed offensive coordinator Brad Childress, new head coach Andy Reid flew out to California to meet with Elway in March.
After the meeting, the Eagles drafted Ricky Williams (instead of Donovan McNabb) and traded for Elway.
Elway and Williams led the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game, where a costly interception sent the Packers to their third Super Bowl appearance in four years.
In the offseason leading up to the 2000 season, Elway and Williams were arrested for possession of marijuana. Rather than face an inevitable suspension, they both retired.
They now live in Amsterdam.
The Lesson?
Sometimes, a special teams play in the preseason can impact the NFL with more ferocity than a game-winning touchdown in the playoffs.
And the next time you see an unknown rookie lighting up a play on special teams in a preseason game, remember his name.
It may be uttered again in the Super Bowl.
What Happened in This Universe
A lot of NFL fans, understandably, get bored when watching the preseason.
They just want to watch the first quarter and, based on what they see of the performance from the teams' starters, predict the success (or failure) of their upcoming season.
Who cares about the sixth-string tailback? There's no way he'll impact the future of the NFL, right?
Well, in a 1995 preseason game in Tokyo between the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, a sixth-round running back named Terrell Davis got the Broncos' attention by lighting up the 49ers' kickoff returner, as shown in the YouTube video below.
Davis was named the starting running back for the 1995 season opener.
In a three Pro Bowl career, he led Denver to a 31-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII by running for 157 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. As a result, Davis was named the game's MVP.
In 1998, Davis became the fourth running back in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards while carrying the Broncos to a second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
What Happened on the Universe LeChamp James
LeChamp James is an alternate universe just like the one on which we live.
Except, due to a few tweaks in past events, it goes through a different course through history.
Why is it named LeChamp James? The name is dedicated to the memory of LeBron James, who by now has won multiple championships in a league that (due to the lockout) shall remain nameless.
And he didn't take his talents to South Beach. But that's another story for another post.
Anyway, in this alternate universe, Davis didn't light up the 49ers' kickoff returner in the 1995 preseason. Instead, he tore his Achilles tendon running on the AstroTurf.
In his senior season at Georgia, Davis missed three games due to a torn hamstring, so his injury was not a surprise.
As a result of it, Davis ended up getting released by the Broncos before the season opener. He was out of football soon afterwards.
With Denver out of the way, the Packers won their second consecutive Super Bowl, beating Kordell Stewart and the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-21 in SB XXXII.
Green Bay, led by Mike Holmgren and Brett Favre, won two more Super Bowls in the next five years. Satisfied with the success of his career, Favre retired in 2003 and never played again.
Never waffling over the decision to return to the NFL. Happily mowing his lawn in Mississippi.
Which is more than I can say about John Elway.
Still burdened by the unfinished business of winning a Super Bowl, Elway retired after the 1998 season -- only to approach Broncos owner Pat Bowlen during the 1999 training camp about the prospect of returning to Denver.
Deciding, instead, to move forward with 1997 second-round draft pick Jake Plummer, the Broncos traded Elway to the Philadelphia Eagles. Influenced by the advice of newly-appointed offensive coordinator Brad Childress, new head coach Andy Reid flew out to California to meet with Elway in March.
After the meeting, the Eagles drafted Ricky Williams (instead of Donovan McNabb) and traded for Elway.
Elway and Williams led the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game, where a costly interception sent the Packers to their third Super Bowl appearance in four years.
In the offseason leading up to the 2000 season, Elway and Williams were arrested for possession of marijuana. Rather than face an inevitable suspension, they both retired.
They now live in Amsterdam.
The Lesson?
Sometimes, a special teams play in the preseason can impact the NFL with more ferocity than a game-winning touchdown in the playoffs.
And the next time you see an unknown rookie lighting up a play on special teams in a preseason game, remember his name.
It may be uttered again in the Super Bowl.
NFL Preseason: A Sign that the San Diego Chargers Will Win the AFC West?
Last year, the Chargers were the top-ranked team in the NFL in total offense and defense.
That should have made San Diego a Super Bowl contender, right? Wrong.
Special teams cost the Chargers an AFC West title, let alone the Vince Lombardi trophy, as they finished with a record of 9-7 whereas the Kansas City Chiefs won the division by going 10-6.
But this year?
With the NFL changing the rules on kickoffs, putting the tee on the 35-yard line instead of the 30, many thought returning kickoffs for touchdowns would be impossible. They apparently thought wrong.
In the third quarter of the Chargers' opening preseason game, Bryan Walters may have secured his spot as the kickoff returner. He returned a kickoff 103 yards for six points.
I wouldn't go so far as to judge the success of a team's season based on one preseason play. However, this could be a good sign for San Diego.
That should have made San Diego a Super Bowl contender, right? Wrong.
Special teams cost the Chargers an AFC West title, let alone the Vince Lombardi trophy, as they finished with a record of 9-7 whereas the Kansas City Chiefs won the division by going 10-6.
But this year?
With the NFL changing the rules on kickoffs, putting the tee on the 35-yard line instead of the 30, many thought returning kickoffs for touchdowns would be impossible. They apparently thought wrong.
In the third quarter of the Chargers' opening preseason game, Bryan Walters may have secured his spot as the kickoff returner. He returned a kickoff 103 yards for six points.
I wouldn't go so far as to judge the success of a team's season based on one preseason play. However, this could be a good sign for San Diego.
8/11/11
Chicago Bears Preseason, Monday Night Football Schedule
With the preseason underway in the NFL, I thought it would be appropriate to post the Bears' preseason schedule.
So, here it is:
Saturday, August 13 -- vs. Buffalo Bills, 7 p.m. CST
Monday, August 22 -- at New York Giants, 7 p.m. CST (ESPN)
Saturday, August 27 -- at Tennessee Titans, 7 p.m. CST
Thursday, September 1 -- vs. Cleveland Browns, 7 p.m. CST
You might notice that one of those games is a Monday night one on ESPN.
Speaking of which, it should be noted for anybody near the Clinton, Ill., or Robinson, Ill., area that Eagle Theaters will offer free admission to see Monday Night Football on the big screen.
If only you knew the schedule for the 2011 Monday Night Football season. Oh, wait: I posted that as well.
Here it is (and if you attend the Eagle Theaters to see an MNF game, tell them Drew Rosten's Sports Thread sent you):
Week 1
September 12: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, 6 p.m. CST
September 12: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, 9:15 p.m. CST
Week 2
September 19: St. Louis Rams at New York Giants, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 3
September 26: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 4
October 3: Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 5
October 10: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 6
October 17: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 7
October 24: Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 8
October 31: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 9
November 7: Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 10
November 14: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 11
November 21: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 12
November 28: New York Giants at New Orleans Saints, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 13
December 5: San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 14
December 12: St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 15
December 19: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 16
December 26: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, 7:30 p.m. CST
So, here it is:
Saturday, August 13 -- vs. Buffalo Bills, 7 p.m. CST
Monday, August 22 -- at New York Giants, 7 p.m. CST (ESPN)
Saturday, August 27 -- at Tennessee Titans, 7 p.m. CST
Thursday, September 1 -- vs. Cleveland Browns, 7 p.m. CST
You might notice that one of those games is a Monday night one on ESPN.
Speaking of which, it should be noted for anybody near the Clinton, Ill., or Robinson, Ill., area that Eagle Theaters will offer free admission to see Monday Night Football on the big screen.
If only you knew the schedule for the 2011 Monday Night Football season. Oh, wait: I posted that as well.
Here it is (and if you attend the Eagle Theaters to see an MNF game, tell them Drew Rosten's Sports Thread sent you):
Week 1
September 12: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, 6 p.m. CST
September 12: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, 9:15 p.m. CST
Week 2
September 19: St. Louis Rams at New York Giants, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 3
September 26: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 4
October 3: Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 5
October 10: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 6
October 17: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 7
October 24: Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 8
October 31: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 9
November 7: Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 10
November 14: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 11
November 21: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 12
November 28: New York Giants at New Orleans Saints, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 13
December 5: San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 14
December 12: St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 15
December 19: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers, 7:30 p.m. CST
Week 16
December 26: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, 7:30 p.m. CST
8/8/11
Farmer City Raceway Results from, Point Standings as of August 5, 2011
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- The Farmer City Raceway will have a bye week this Friday.
But the following week, they will give away $2,000 to the winner of the NALMS Late Model race and $1,000 to the Hornet Nationals winner.
Just like last week, I listed the results and point standings in the same post.
For a recap of August 5's races, simply scroll down the Sports Thread and you'll find it. For full results and point standings, visit http://www.farmercityracing.com/.
MODIFIEDS
Feature Results
1. Lance Dehm, Chatsworth; 2. Ray Bollinger; 3. Jeff Leka, Buffalo; 4. Arby Burton; 5. Jeb Friedman, Forrest; 6. Cory Schwengel, Oreana; 7. Dave Crawley, Decatur; 8. Ryan Cary, Catlin; 9. Randy Huffman, Maroa; 10. Roger Cary, Catlin; 11. David Henderson, Danville; 12. Blake Buchholz, New Holland; 13. Jeff Sandford, Gifford.
14. Gary Turpin, Bloomington (DNF); 16. Justin Delong, Bloomington (DNF).
Point Standings
1. Jeff Leka (Buffalo) 621; 2. Lance Dehm (Chatsworth) 511; 3. Justin Delong (Bloomington) 493; 4. Jay Ledford (Pontiac) 467; 5. Gary Turpin (Bloomington) 389; 6. Ryan Cary (Catlin) 386; 7. Jeff Curl (Forrest) 364; 8. David Henderson (Danville) 307; 9. Ray Bollinger 295; 10. Dave Crawley (Decatur) 262; 11. Jeff Sandford (Gifford) 259.
T-106. Matt Wilson (Clinton) 15.
CRATE LM
Feature Results
1. Jerry Lierly, Camp Point; 2. Nick Bauman, New Berlin; 3. Evan Fink, Glasford; 4. Matt Beadles, Clinton; 5. Randy Myers, Springfield; 6. John Barnard, Sherman; 7. Logan Moody, Catlin; 8. Chad Evans, Mattoon; 9. Kenny Vandorn.
LATE MODELS
Point Standings
1. Eric Smith (Bloomington) 413; 2. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood) 356; 3. Joe Harlan (El Paso) 342; 4. Jimmy Dehm (Lexington) 326; 5. Derek Chandler (Pontiac) 305; 6. Chris Dick (DeLand) 264; 7. Don Cisco III (Oreana) 217; 8. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso) 203; 9. Russ Adams (Princeville) 197; 10. Kent Robinson (Bloomington, Ind.) 177; 11. Scott Bull (Fairbury) 176.
25. Bill Giannetti (Champaign) 98; 26. Curtis Hobbs (Farmer City) 95.
T-72. Matt Beadles (Clinton) 21.
STREET STOCK
Feature Results
1. Joel Funk, Dwight; 2. A.J. Wright, Danville; 3. Darrel Dick, Monticello; 4. Chris Dick, DeLand; 5. Kevin Crowder, Argenta; 6. Nathan McNeese, Catlin; 7. Travis Thrasher, Clinton; 8. Jim Quinn, Farmer City; 9. Eric Wilson, Downs; 10. Doug Berbaum, Monticello; 11. Darrel Lehigh, Fisher.
12. Travis Johnson, Ashland (DNF); 17. Jeff Semmons, Pontiac (DQ).
Point Standings
1. Travis Johnson (Ashland) 582; 2. Chris Dick (DeLand) 548; 3. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 545; 4. Jim Quinn (Farmer City) 432; 5. Nathan McNeese (Catlin) 359; 6. Eric Wilson (Downs) 358; 7. Troy Dodson (Cerro Gordo) 276; 8. Rick Alwood (Clinton) 273; 9. Jeff Semmons (Pontiac) 263; 10. Wayne Orrick (Bloomington) 257.
11. Darrel Lehigh (Fisher) 235; 12. Joel Funk (Dwight) 234; 13. Travis Thrasher (Clinton) 229.
17. High Johnson (Champaign) 209; 18. A.J. Wright (Danville) 200.
36. Donnie Rhoades (Clinton) 61; 49. Josh Smith (Clinton) 47.
HORNETS
Feature Results
1. Kenny Butterfield, Glasford; 2. David Lauritson, Normal; 3. Jim Wilson, Towanda; 4. Ben Gernentz, Gifford; 5. Casey Gernentz, Gifford; 6. Chris Burton, Mansfield; 7. Brian Wilson, Colfax; 8. Bob Althouse, Bloomington; 9. Trisha Burton, Mansfield; 10. Luke Althouse, Paxton; 11. Rack Eads, Beason; 12. Dion Smith, Bloomington.
16. Matt Maier, Thomasboro (DNF).
Point Standings
1. Matt Maier (Thomasboro) 634; 2. Chris Burton (Mansfield) 540; 3. Casey Gernentz (Gifford) 513; 4. Jim Wilson (Towanda) 457; 5. Brian Wilson (Colfax) 454; 6. Ben Gernentz (Gifford) 450; 7. Larry Hawk (Champaign) 436; 8. Dion Smith (Bloomington) 423; 9. Kenny Butterfield (Glasford) 393; 10. David Lauritson (Normal) 372; 11. Trisha Burton (Mansfield) 368.
21. Jim Eads (Clinton) 86.
SPORTSMAN
Feature Results
1. Joel Funk, Dwight; 2. Daniel Flessner, Thawville; 3. Troy Clark, North Vernon, Ind.; 4. Richie Rich, Pontiac; 5. Mike Staggs; 6. Lance Johnson, Decatur; 7. Tony Clinton, Dawson; 8. Dan Shoufler, Farmer City.
10. Jason Maier, Thomasboro (DNF); 11. Donny Sublon, Fisher (DNF); 12. Rod Rusher, Mansfield (DNS); 13. Dustin Mounce, Flanagan (DNS); 14. Alan Crowder, Elwin (DNS).
Point Standings
1. Daniel Flessner (Thawville) 550; 2. Dave Crawley Jr. (Decatur) 497; 3. Dustin Mounce (Flanagan) 460; 4. Rod Rusher (Mansfield) 391; 5. Donny Sublon (Fisher) 372; 6. Richie Rich (Pontiac) 365; 7. Nick Macklin (Oreana) 313; 8. Jason Maier (Thomasboro) 263; 9. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 253; 10. Shawn Diggs (LeRoy) 251; 11. Joel Funk (Dwight) 204; 12. Alan Crowder (Elwin) 191.
33. Dan Shoufler (Farmer City) 27.
But the following week, they will give away $2,000 to the winner of the NALMS Late Model race and $1,000 to the Hornet Nationals winner.
Just like last week, I listed the results and point standings in the same post.
For a recap of August 5's races, simply scroll down the Sports Thread and you'll find it. For full results and point standings, visit http://www.farmercityracing.com/.
MODIFIEDS
Feature Results
1. Lance Dehm, Chatsworth; 2. Ray Bollinger; 3. Jeff Leka, Buffalo; 4. Arby Burton; 5. Jeb Friedman, Forrest; 6. Cory Schwengel, Oreana; 7. Dave Crawley, Decatur; 8. Ryan Cary, Catlin; 9. Randy Huffman, Maroa; 10. Roger Cary, Catlin; 11. David Henderson, Danville; 12. Blake Buchholz, New Holland; 13. Jeff Sandford, Gifford.
14. Gary Turpin, Bloomington (DNF); 16. Justin Delong, Bloomington (DNF).
Point Standings
1. Jeff Leka (Buffalo) 621; 2. Lance Dehm (Chatsworth) 511; 3. Justin Delong (Bloomington) 493; 4. Jay Ledford (Pontiac) 467; 5. Gary Turpin (Bloomington) 389; 6. Ryan Cary (Catlin) 386; 7. Jeff Curl (Forrest) 364; 8. David Henderson (Danville) 307; 9. Ray Bollinger 295; 10. Dave Crawley (Decatur) 262; 11. Jeff Sandford (Gifford) 259.
T-106. Matt Wilson (Clinton) 15.
CRATE LM
Feature Results
1. Jerry Lierly, Camp Point; 2. Nick Bauman, New Berlin; 3. Evan Fink, Glasford; 4. Matt Beadles, Clinton; 5. Randy Myers, Springfield; 6. John Barnard, Sherman; 7. Logan Moody, Catlin; 8. Chad Evans, Mattoon; 9. Kenny Vandorn.
LATE MODELS
Point Standings
1. Eric Smith (Bloomington) 413; 2. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood) 356; 3. Joe Harlan (El Paso) 342; 4. Jimmy Dehm (Lexington) 326; 5. Derek Chandler (Pontiac) 305; 6. Chris Dick (DeLand) 264; 7. Don Cisco III (Oreana) 217; 8. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso) 203; 9. Russ Adams (Princeville) 197; 10. Kent Robinson (Bloomington, Ind.) 177; 11. Scott Bull (Fairbury) 176.
25. Bill Giannetti (Champaign) 98; 26. Curtis Hobbs (Farmer City) 95.
T-72. Matt Beadles (Clinton) 21.
STREET STOCK
Feature Results
1. Joel Funk, Dwight; 2. A.J. Wright, Danville; 3. Darrel Dick, Monticello; 4. Chris Dick, DeLand; 5. Kevin Crowder, Argenta; 6. Nathan McNeese, Catlin; 7. Travis Thrasher, Clinton; 8. Jim Quinn, Farmer City; 9. Eric Wilson, Downs; 10. Doug Berbaum, Monticello; 11. Darrel Lehigh, Fisher.
12. Travis Johnson, Ashland (DNF); 17. Jeff Semmons, Pontiac (DQ).
Point Standings
1. Travis Johnson (Ashland) 582; 2. Chris Dick (DeLand) 548; 3. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 545; 4. Jim Quinn (Farmer City) 432; 5. Nathan McNeese (Catlin) 359; 6. Eric Wilson (Downs) 358; 7. Troy Dodson (Cerro Gordo) 276; 8. Rick Alwood (Clinton) 273; 9. Jeff Semmons (Pontiac) 263; 10. Wayne Orrick (Bloomington) 257.
11. Darrel Lehigh (Fisher) 235; 12. Joel Funk (Dwight) 234; 13. Travis Thrasher (Clinton) 229.
17. High Johnson (Champaign) 209; 18. A.J. Wright (Danville) 200.
36. Donnie Rhoades (Clinton) 61; 49. Josh Smith (Clinton) 47.
HORNETS
Feature Results
1. Kenny Butterfield, Glasford; 2. David Lauritson, Normal; 3. Jim Wilson, Towanda; 4. Ben Gernentz, Gifford; 5. Casey Gernentz, Gifford; 6. Chris Burton, Mansfield; 7. Brian Wilson, Colfax; 8. Bob Althouse, Bloomington; 9. Trisha Burton, Mansfield; 10. Luke Althouse, Paxton; 11. Rack Eads, Beason; 12. Dion Smith, Bloomington.
16. Matt Maier, Thomasboro (DNF).
Point Standings
1. Matt Maier (Thomasboro) 634; 2. Chris Burton (Mansfield) 540; 3. Casey Gernentz (Gifford) 513; 4. Jim Wilson (Towanda) 457; 5. Brian Wilson (Colfax) 454; 6. Ben Gernentz (Gifford) 450; 7. Larry Hawk (Champaign) 436; 8. Dion Smith (Bloomington) 423; 9. Kenny Butterfield (Glasford) 393; 10. David Lauritson (Normal) 372; 11. Trisha Burton (Mansfield) 368.
21. Jim Eads (Clinton) 86.
SPORTSMAN
Feature Results
1. Joel Funk, Dwight; 2. Daniel Flessner, Thawville; 3. Troy Clark, North Vernon, Ind.; 4. Richie Rich, Pontiac; 5. Mike Staggs; 6. Lance Johnson, Decatur; 7. Tony Clinton, Dawson; 8. Dan Shoufler, Farmer City.
10. Jason Maier, Thomasboro (DNF); 11. Donny Sublon, Fisher (DNF); 12. Rod Rusher, Mansfield (DNS); 13. Dustin Mounce, Flanagan (DNS); 14. Alan Crowder, Elwin (DNS).
Point Standings
1. Daniel Flessner (Thawville) 550; 2. Dave Crawley Jr. (Decatur) 497; 3. Dustin Mounce (Flanagan) 460; 4. Rod Rusher (Mansfield) 391; 5. Donny Sublon (Fisher) 372; 6. Richie Rich (Pontiac) 365; 7. Nick Macklin (Oreana) 313; 8. Jason Maier (Thomasboro) 263; 9. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 253; 10. Shawn Diggs (LeRoy) 251; 11. Joel Funk (Dwight) 204; 12. Alan Crowder (Elwin) 191.
33. Dan Shoufler (Farmer City) 27.
Former Fighting Illini Running Back Mikel Leshoure Out for First Season with Detroit Lions
Boy, the Lions can't catch a break, can they?
Just when Detroit looks like an up-and-coming Super Bowl contender. Just when the Lions have a decent draft.
Injuries happen.
First, Nick Fairley injures his left foot in a Monday practice.
Now, Mikel Leshoure has torn his Achilles tendon. As a result, he will miss his entire rookie season.
Only the Lions.
Just when Detroit looks like an up-and-coming Super Bowl contender. Just when the Lions have a decent draft.
Injuries happen.
First, Nick Fairley injures his left foot in a Monday practice.
Now, Mikel Leshoure has torn his Achilles tendon. As a result, he will miss his entire rookie season.
Only the Lions.
8/7/11
Reports: DeSean Jackson to End Holdout, Report to Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp Monday
According to reports from ESPN, as read on their ticker during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Jackson will be in camp on Monday.
The Salt Lake Tribune published a report that the Eagles have not renegotiated a new contract for Jackson, who will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2011 season if they don't agree to an extension by that time.
For more details, read the article in the following link: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/52339738-77/mason-saturday-camp-eagles.html.csp.
Speaking of the Hall of Fame ceremony, didn't anybody else seem to feel slighted by the fact that the inductees were introduced via video clips instead of the presenters?
I can understand it in the case of Ed Sabol. It is, after all, only fitting that the founder of NFL Films was introduced by an NFL Films presentation.
But wouldn't you have liked to see Sterling Sharpe introduce his brother Shannon in person?
Instead, the people of Canton witnessed Chris Berman being his pompous self, introducing us to video presentations that introduced the Hall of Fame inductees. Something they could have more easily witnessed on television.
As if the people of Canton weren't slighted enough by the cancellation of the Hall of Fame Game.
The Salt Lake Tribune published a report that the Eagles have not renegotiated a new contract for Jackson, who will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2011 season if they don't agree to an extension by that time.
For more details, read the article in the following link: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/52339738-77/mason-saturday-camp-eagles.html.csp.
Speaking of the Hall of Fame ceremony, didn't anybody else seem to feel slighted by the fact that the inductees were introduced via video clips instead of the presenters?
I can understand it in the case of Ed Sabol. It is, after all, only fitting that the founder of NFL Films was introduced by an NFL Films presentation.
But wouldn't you have liked to see Sterling Sharpe introduce his brother Shannon in person?
Instead, the people of Canton witnessed Chris Berman being his pompous self, introducing us to video presentations that introduced the Hall of Fame inductees. Something they could have more easily witnessed on television.
As if the people of Canton weren't slighted enough by the cancellation of the Hall of Fame Game.
8/6/11
Farmer City Raceway (August 5, 2011): Joel Funk Wins Double Features, Including Controversial Street Stock Race
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- Anyone who wins two features in one night at the Farmer City Raceway can consider it a good night of driving.
But for Joel Funk, his Street Stock Division feature win required more than decent driving.
With two laps to go, A.J. Wright held what he thought was a comfortable lead. Jeff Semmons, however, had other ideas.
"I slacked off a bit because I felt like I didn't want to push it too hard," Wright said.
The slowdown proved to be a costly move, as Semmons pulled what Wright called a "banzai" move, crashing into Wright near the finish line.
The move left a huge dust bowl for the attendees in the grandstand. Since the crash occurred so close to the finish line, Farmer City Raceway officials had to look at the video replay to determine who won the race.
To the disapproval of many of the attendees, it was ruled that neither Wright nor Semmons crossed the finish line. Therefore, Funk was rewarded with the trip to victory lane.
"I was a little bit more lucky than good," Funk said. "Semmons took a chance to win the race, and I got the dumb luck out of it."
To Funk's credit, he did manage to win his second feature race without any controversy. In the Sportsman Division, he took the lead from Daniel Flessner with eight laps to go and held off a furious rally en route to the victory.
Flessner entered the race with the lead in the point standings not only in FCR's Sportsman Division, but in the UMP national point standings as well. However, that was not always the case, as he chased Dave Crawley Jr. all season long.
But Crawley Jr. blew his motor the week prior to August 5 and was absent as a result. Therefore, Flessner entered the Sportsman feature hoping to add to his lead in the point standings.
"For a while, I was having to play catch-up," Flessner said. "I've had to race really consistently to catch him. [Crawley Jr.] is a powerhouse."
Regardless of Funk's victory, Flessner still gained some insurance points.
In the Street Stock Division, meanwhile, two Dicks (Chris and Darrel Dick, that is) had a chance to gain some ground on points leader Travis Johnson.
Due to some car trouble, Johnson (No. 95, pictured above) couldn't finish the feature. Darrel Dick (No. 38, pictured below) and Chris Dick (No. 1) finished in the top five.
Lance Dehm, who entered August 5's races race third in the point standings of the Modifieds Division, won a long-overdue feature. But the victory didn't come without casualties.
Justin Delong, who held the lead for a few brief moments, collided while battling Jeff Leka for third place. He didn't finish the feature.
Leka, the points leader, ended up off course while in second place with less than three laps to go, but finished in the top five.
Perhaps the most horrific crash suffered in the Modifieds Division (well, in any division, anyway) on August 5 occurred in one of the heats. Alan Crowder took a nasty spill on the third turn.
He came out of it without any serious damage, but the same cannot be said about his car.
In the Hornets Division, it was a good day for Kenny Butterfield, who won the Trophy Dash as well as the first heat and the feature.
But for Joel Funk, his Street Stock Division feature win required more than decent driving.
With two laps to go, A.J. Wright held what he thought was a comfortable lead. Jeff Semmons, however, had other ideas.
"I slacked off a bit because I felt like I didn't want to push it too hard," Wright said.
The slowdown proved to be a costly move, as Semmons pulled what Wright called a "banzai" move, crashing into Wright near the finish line.
The move left a huge dust bowl for the attendees in the grandstand. Since the crash occurred so close to the finish line, Farmer City Raceway officials had to look at the video replay to determine who won the race.
To the disapproval of many of the attendees, it was ruled that neither Wright nor Semmons crossed the finish line. Therefore, Funk was rewarded with the trip to victory lane.
"I was a little bit more lucky than good," Funk said. "Semmons took a chance to win the race, and I got the dumb luck out of it."
To Funk's credit, he did manage to win his second feature race without any controversy. In the Sportsman Division, he took the lead from Daniel Flessner with eight laps to go and held off a furious rally en route to the victory.
Flessner entered the race with the lead in the point standings not only in FCR's Sportsman Division, but in the UMP national point standings as well. However, that was not always the case, as he chased Dave Crawley Jr. all season long.
But Crawley Jr. blew his motor the week prior to August 5 and was absent as a result. Therefore, Flessner entered the Sportsman feature hoping to add to his lead in the point standings.
"For a while, I was having to play catch-up," Flessner said. "I've had to race really consistently to catch him. [Crawley Jr.] is a powerhouse."
Regardless of Funk's victory, Flessner still gained some insurance points.
In the Street Stock Division, meanwhile, two Dicks (Chris and Darrel Dick, that is) had a chance to gain some ground on points leader Travis Johnson.
Due to some car trouble, Johnson (No. 95, pictured above) couldn't finish the feature. Darrel Dick (No. 38, pictured below) and Chris Dick (No. 1) finished in the top five.
The Farmer City Raceway gave away a $2,000 prize to the winner of the NALMS Crate Late Models feature.
The prize went to Jerry Lierly. He beat out Nick Bauman (pictured below), who had the lead with two laps to go.
Lance Dehm, who entered August 5's races race third in the point standings of the Modifieds Division, won a long-overdue feature. But the victory didn't come without casualties.
Justin Delong, who held the lead for a few brief moments, collided while battling Jeff Leka for third place. He didn't finish the feature.
Leka, the points leader, ended up off course while in second place with less than three laps to go, but finished in the top five.
Perhaps the most horrific crash suffered in the Modifieds Division (well, in any division, anyway) on August 5 occurred in one of the heats. Alan Crowder took a nasty spill on the third turn.
He came out of it without any serious damage, but the same cannot be said about his car.
In the Hornets Division, it was a good day for Kenny Butterfield, who won the Trophy Dash as well as the first heat and the feature.
8/5/11
Blue Ridge High School Fall Sports Schedules
On August 10, practices for all fall sports teams will officially begin.
On August 19, Farmer City's Blue Ridge High School will hold its preview event for all high school athletics at 7 p.m.
Here are the schedules for each fall varsity team in Blue Ridge:
FOOTBALL
Friday, August 26 -- vs. Tri-Valley, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 2 -- at Champaign St. Thomas More, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 9 -- vs. Ridgeview, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 16 -- at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 23 -- at Heyworth, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 30 -- vs. LeRoy (Homecoming), 7 p.m.
Friday, October 7 -- vs. Deer Creek-Mackinaw, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 14 -- at Fieldcrest, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 21 -- at Fisher, 7 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Saturday, August 27 -- Blue Ridge Invitational vs. Woodland, Urbana Uni-High, DeLand-Weldon, Champaign Judah Christian, Normal Calvary Baptist Academy and Heritage, 9 a.m.
Thursday, September 1 -- at Maroa-Forsyth, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 6 -- at Ridgeview, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 8 -- vs. Tremont, 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 10 -- at Clinton Invitational with Heyworth, 8 a.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- vs. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 -- at El Paso-Gridley, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 20 -- vs. Deer Creek-Mackinaw, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 -- at Tri-Valley, 6 p.m.
Monday, September 26 -- vs. LeRoy, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 -- vs. Paxton-Buckley-Loda, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 29 -- at Fieldcrest, 6 p.m.
Monday, October 3 -- vs. Champaign St. Thomas More, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 4 -- at Heyworth, 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 6 -- vs. Lexington, 6 p.m.
Monday, October 10 -- at Fisher, 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 13 -- vs. Flanagan, 6 p.m.
Monday, October 17 -- at McLean County Tournament vs. Lexington and Tri-Valley, time TBA
Monday, October 24 -- at DeLand-Weldon, 6 p.m.
BOYS' GOLF
Tuesday, August 16 -- at Ridgeview Invitational with GCMS and Tri-Valley, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17 -- at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley with LeRoy, 1 p.m.
Monday, August 22 -- vs. Iroquois West, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 23 -- at Ridgeview, 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 1 -- Blue Ridge Triangular vs. Fisher and Lexington, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 6 -- at Clinton, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, September 7 -- at Olympia, 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 8 -- at Heyworth, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 10 -- Blue Ridge Invitational vs. Tri-Valley, Heyworth, Fisher, Ridgeview, El Paso-Gridley and Lexington, 8 a.m.
Monday, September 12 -- at Monticello, 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- at Heyworth Invitational in Normal with El Paso-Gridley and Tri-Valley, 2 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 -- vs. El Paso-Gridley, 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 -- at Ridgeview, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 26 -- Blue Ridge Triangular with Fisher and LeRoy, 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 -- at Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament, 9 a.m.
Monday, October 3 -- vs. Heyworth, 4 p.m.
GIRLS' GOLF
Monday, August 15 -- Blue Ridge Invitational vs. Tri-Valley, Prairie Central, Mahomet-Seymour, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, El Paso-Gridley and Olympia, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17 -- at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley with LeRoy, 1 p.m.
Monday, August 22 -- vs. Iroquois West, 4 p.m.
Monday, August 29 -- at El Paso-Gridley, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 12 -- vs. Tri-Valley, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- vs. Olympia, 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 -- vs. El Paso-Gridley, 4 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 -- at LeRoy Invitational with Tri-Valley, 8 a.m.
Monday, September 19 -- vs. Monticello, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 26 -- vs. LeRoy, 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 -- at Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament, 9 a.m.
Thursday, September 29 -- Blue Ridge Quad with Prairie Central, Tri-Valley and LeRoy, 4:15 p.m.
CO-ED SOCCER
Tuesday, August 23 -- at Heyworth, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 25 -- vs. Iroquois West, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 27 -- at Uni-High Soccer Shoot Out in Urbana with Fisher and Oakwood, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 30 -- vs. Olympia, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 1 -- at Tolono Unity, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 3 -- vs. Danville Schlarman, 11 a.m.
Tuesday, September 6 -- at Champaign Judah Christian, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, September 12 -- Bloomington Central Catholic, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- at Normal Calvary Baptist, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 -- vs. Champaign St. Thomas More, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, September 16 -- at Hoopeston Cornjerker Classic vs. Olympia, 4 p.m.
Friday, September 16 -- at Hoopeston Cornjerker Classic vs. Watseka, 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 -- at Hoopeston Cornjerker Classic vs. Iroquois West, 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, September 17 -- at Hoopeston Cornjerker Classic vs. Hoopeston, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, September 20 -- at Mount Pulaski, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 -- at Watseka, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, September 26 -- vs. Heyworth, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 -- at Monticello, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, October 3 -- at Georgetown-Ridge Farm, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 4 -- vs. Fisher, 4:30 p.m.
On August 19, Farmer City's Blue Ridge High School will hold its preview event for all high school athletics at 7 p.m.
Here are the schedules for each fall varsity team in Blue Ridge:
FOOTBALL
Friday, August 26 -- vs. Tri-Valley, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 2 -- at Champaign St. Thomas More, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 9 -- vs. Ridgeview, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 16 -- at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 23 -- at Heyworth, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 30 -- vs. LeRoy (Homecoming), 7 p.m.
Friday, October 7 -- vs. Deer Creek-Mackinaw, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 14 -- at Fieldcrest, 7 p.m.
Friday, October 21 -- at Fisher, 7 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Saturday, August 27 -- Blue Ridge Invitational vs. Woodland, Urbana Uni-High, DeLand-Weldon, Champaign Judah Christian, Normal Calvary Baptist Academy and Heritage, 9 a.m.
Thursday, September 1 -- at Maroa-Forsyth, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 6 -- at Ridgeview, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 8 -- vs. Tremont, 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 10 -- at Clinton Invitational with Heyworth, 8 a.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- vs. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 -- at El Paso-Gridley, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 20 -- vs. Deer Creek-Mackinaw, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 -- at Tri-Valley, 6 p.m.
Monday, September 26 -- vs. LeRoy, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 -- vs. Paxton-Buckley-Loda, 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 29 -- at Fieldcrest, 6 p.m.
Monday, October 3 -- vs. Champaign St. Thomas More, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 4 -- at Heyworth, 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 6 -- vs. Lexington, 6 p.m.
Monday, October 10 -- at Fisher, 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 13 -- vs. Flanagan, 6 p.m.
Monday, October 17 -- at McLean County Tournament vs. Lexington and Tri-Valley, time TBA
Monday, October 24 -- at DeLand-Weldon, 6 p.m.
BOYS' GOLF
Tuesday, August 16 -- at Ridgeview Invitational with GCMS and Tri-Valley, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17 -- at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley with LeRoy, 1 p.m.
Monday, August 22 -- vs. Iroquois West, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 23 -- at Ridgeview, 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 1 -- Blue Ridge Triangular vs. Fisher and Lexington, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 6 -- at Clinton, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, September 7 -- at Olympia, 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 8 -- at Heyworth, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 10 -- Blue Ridge Invitational vs. Tri-Valley, Heyworth, Fisher, Ridgeview, El Paso-Gridley and Lexington, 8 a.m.
Monday, September 12 -- at Monticello, 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- at Heyworth Invitational in Normal with El Paso-Gridley and Tri-Valley, 2 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 -- vs. El Paso-Gridley, 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 -- at Ridgeview, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 26 -- Blue Ridge Triangular with Fisher and LeRoy, 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 -- at Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament, 9 a.m.
Monday, October 3 -- vs. Heyworth, 4 p.m.
GIRLS' GOLF
Monday, August 15 -- Blue Ridge Invitational vs. Tri-Valley, Prairie Central, Mahomet-Seymour, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, El Paso-Gridley and Olympia, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17 -- at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley with LeRoy, 1 p.m.
Monday, August 22 -- vs. Iroquois West, 4 p.m.
Monday, August 29 -- at El Paso-Gridley, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 12 -- vs. Tri-Valley, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- vs. Olympia, 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 -- vs. El Paso-Gridley, 4 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 -- at LeRoy Invitational with Tri-Valley, 8 a.m.
Monday, September 19 -- vs. Monticello, 4 p.m.
Monday, September 26 -- vs. LeRoy, 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 -- at Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament, 9 a.m.
Thursday, September 29 -- Blue Ridge Quad with Prairie Central, Tri-Valley and LeRoy, 4:15 p.m.
CO-ED SOCCER
Tuesday, August 23 -- at Heyworth, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 25 -- vs. Iroquois West, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 27 -- at Uni-High Soccer Shoot Out in Urbana with Fisher and Oakwood, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 30 -- vs. Olympia, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 1 -- at Tolono Unity, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 3 -- vs. Danville Schlarman, 11 a.m.
Tuesday, September 6 -- at Champaign Judah Christian, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, September 12 -- Bloomington Central Catholic, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13 -- at Normal Calvary Baptist, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 -- vs. Champaign St. Thomas More, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, September 16 -- at Hoopeston Cornjerker Classic vs. Olympia, 4 p.m.
Friday, September 16 -- at Hoopeston Cornjerker Classic vs. Watseka, 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 -- at Hoopeston Cornjerker Classic vs. Iroquois West, 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, September 17 -- at Hoopeston Cornjerker Classic vs. Hoopeston, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, September 20 -- at Mount Pulaski, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 -- at Watseka, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, September 26 -- vs. Heyworth, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27 -- at Monticello, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, October 3 -- at Georgetown-Ridge Farm, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 4 -- vs. Fisher, 4:30 p.m.
7/31/11
Plaxico Burress Returns to New York, Signing with the Jets
P-L-A-X-I-C-O...
...is now with the J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS!
A couple of days after losing the Nnamdi Asomugha Sweepstakes, the Jets gave Burress a one-year deal, teaming him up at the wide receiver corps with Santonio Holmes.
As my brother Brian says (jokingly, of course), "It just goes to show you that, when you shoot someone in the leg, and that someone is yourself, good things can happen."
...is now with the J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS!
A couple of days after losing the Nnamdi Asomugha Sweepstakes, the Jets gave Burress a one-year deal, teaming him up at the wide receiver corps with Santonio Holmes.
As my brother Brian says (jokingly, of course), "It just goes to show you that, when you shoot someone in the leg, and that someone is yourself, good things can happen."
Chicago Bears Sign Marion Barber, May Let Olin Kruetz Leave
In the 2010 regular season, the Bears had a third-down conversion rate of 33 percent and a fourth-down success rate of 29 percent.
As a result, they ranked 27th and 31st in the NFL in third and fourth-down conversions, respectively.
A lot of NFL fans will remember Chicago's Week 1 meeting with the Detroit Lions for the Calvin Johnson touchdown catch that, by technicality only, wasn't. One memory that etches a sketch into my mind was the Bears' inability to get the ball into the end zone on third and fourth-and-goal when they had the ball at the one-yard line.
Signing Marion Barber should give the Bears a short-yardage back that could help them move the chains or cross the goal line. That is, if Chicago either reaches an agreement with Kruetz or finds a reliable replacement for him.
As a result, they ranked 27th and 31st in the NFL in third and fourth-down conversions, respectively.
A lot of NFL fans will remember Chicago's Week 1 meeting with the Detroit Lions for the Calvin Johnson touchdown catch that, by technicality only, wasn't. One memory that etches a sketch into my mind was the Bears' inability to get the ball into the end zone on third and fourth-and-goal when they had the ball at the one-yard line.
Signing Marion Barber should give the Bears a short-yardage back that could help them move the chains or cross the goal line. That is, if Chicago either reaches an agreement with Kruetz or finds a reliable replacement for him.
7/30/11
Farmer City Raceway Results From, Point Standings as of July 29
FARMER CITY, Ill. -- Whether they're watching the St. Louis Cardinals or Chicago White Sox in a pennant race or NASCAR's Chase for the Cup, fans' enjoyment of sports is enhanced greatly when they can watch their favorite team (or individual athlete) compete for a first-place finish.
Therefore, with the Farmer City Raceway heading into its final month of the racing season, I felt it would be appropriate to list the point standings and this Friday's feature results in the same post.
This way, fans of the Farmer City Raceway can follow each racing division's championship chase.
Enjoy the ride, race fans.
As always, full results and point standings can be found at http://www.farmercityracing.com/.
SPORTSMAN
With Thawville's Daniel Flessner leading Decatur native Dave Crawley Jr. by a mere two points in the point standings prior to July 29's feature, the chase for the Sportsman Division title seemed to be the closest.
However, Crawley Jr. was unable to start the feature and would up in 14th place. Meanwhile, Flessner finished fourth as Shawn Diggs of LeRoy took the checkered flag.
As a result, Flessner currently stands at 15 points above Crawley Jr.
Feature Results
1. Shawn Diggs, LeRoy; 2. Rick Thomas, Dwight; 3. Rod Rusher, Mansfield; 4. Daniel Flessner, Thawville; 5. Dustin Mounce, Flanagan; 6. Kevin Allen; 7. Jack Booth, Springfield.
14. Dave Crawley Jr., Decatur (DNS).
Point Standings
1. Daniel Flessner (Thawville) 512; 2. Dave Crawley Jr. (Decatur 497; 3. Dustin Mounce (Flanagan) 438; 4. Rod Rusher (Mansfield) 368; 5. Donny Sublon (Fisher) 348; 6. Richie Rich (Pontiac) 331; 7. Nick Macklin (Oreana) 313; 8. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 253; 9. Shawn Diggs (LeRoy) 251; 10. Jason Maier (Thomasboro) 238.
MODIFIEDS
Denny Schwartz of Ashmore made himself $1,000 richer by winning the Douglas Dodge Modifieds feature race.
He also moved up to 26th in the point standings with the win. Buffalo's Jeff Leka leads with 585 points, with Bloomington native Justin Delong in second place, trailing by 111 points.
Feature Results
1. Denny Schwartz, Ashmore; 2. Gary Turpin, Bloomington; 3. Justin Delong, Bloomington; 4. Ray Bollinger; 5. Ryan Cary, Catlin; 6. Lance Dehm, Chatsworth; 7. Jeff Curl, Forrest; 8. Jay Ledford, Pontiac; 9. Roger Cary, Catlin; 10. Mark Tullis, Macon; 11. Bryan Zulauf; 12. Dustin King, Charleston; 13. Blake Buchholz, New Holland; 14. Matt Goulden, Springfield.
Point Standings
1. Jeff Leka (Buffalo) 585; 2. Justin Delong (Bloomington) 474; 3. Lance Dehm (Chatsworth) 471; 4. Jay Ledford (Pontiac) 467; 5. Gary Turpin (Bloomington) 368; 6. Jeff Curl (Forrest) 364; 7. Ryan Cary (Catlin) 359; 8. David Henderson (Danville) 283; 9. Ray Bollinger 257; 10. Dane Tilstra.
T-106. Matt Wilson (Clinton) 15.
STREET STOCK
Feature Results
1. Joel Funk, Dwight; 2. Darrel Dick, Monticello; 3. Eric Hail, LeRoy; 4. Terry Miller, Lincoln; 5. Jeff Semmons, Pontiac; 6. Nate Zimmer, Mattoon; 7. Matt Maier, Thomasboro; 8. Travis Johnson, Ashland; 9. Doug Berbaum, Monticello; 10. Eric Wilson, Downs; 11. Wayne Orrick, Bloomington; 12. Travis Thrasher, Clinton; 13. Hugh Johnson, Champaign.
14. Jim Quinn, Farmer City (DNF); 15. Chris Dick, DeLand (DNF); 21. Donnie Rhoades, Clinton (DNS).
Point Standings
1. Travis Johnson (Ashland) 559; 2. Chris Dick (DeLand) 514; 3. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 509; 4. Jim Quinn (Farmer City) 405; 5. Eric Wilson (Downs) 332; 6. Nathan McNeese (Catlin) 329; 7. Troy Dodson (Cerro Gordo) 276; 8. Rick Alwood (Clinton) 273; 9. Wayne Orrick (Bloomington) 257; 10. Jeff Semmons (Pontiac) 245.
14. Travis Thrasher (Clinton) 201; 36. Donnie Rhoades (Clinton) 61; 49. Josh Smith (Clinton) 47.
HORNETS
Feature Results
1. Matt Maier, Thomasboro; 2. Kenny Butterfield, Glasford; 3. Casey Gernentz, Gifford; 4. Ben Gernentz, Gifford; 5. David Lauritson, Normal; 6. Chris Burton, Mansfield; 7. Jim Wilson, Towanda; 8. Brian Wilson, Colfax; 9. Larry Hawk, Champaign; 10. Trisha Burton, Mansfield; 11. Jim Eads, Clinton; 12. Nathan Hail; 13. Mary Baize.
Point Standings
1. Matt Maier (Thomasboro) 615; 2. Chris Burton (Mansfield) 510; 3. Casey Gernentz (Gifford) 481; 4. Brian Wilson (Colfax) 426; 5. Jim Wilson (Towanda) 421; 6. Ben Gernentz (Gifford) 416; 7. Larry Hawk (Champaign) 415; 8. Dion Smith (Bloomington) 400; 9. Kenny Butterfield (Glasford) 353; 10. Tanner Tibbs (Pontiac) 346.
11. Trisha Burton (Mansfield) 342; 21. Jim Eads (Clinton) 86.
LATE MODELS
The Late Models Division did not race on July 29.
However, the drivers in that division will return on August 5 to race in the Northern All Stars Late Model Series (NALMS). The winner of the feature race will be $2,000 richer.
Point Standings
1. Eric Smith (Bloomington) 413; 2. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood) 356; 3. Joe Harlan (El Paso) 342; 4. Jimmy Dehm (Lexington) 326; 5. Derek Chandler (Pontiac) 305; 6. Chris Dick (DeLand) 264; 7. Don Cisco III (Oreana) 217; 8. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso) 203; 9. Russ Adams (Princeville) 197; 10. Kent Robinson (Bloomington, Ind.) 177.
26. Curtis Hobbs (Farmer City) 95; T-72. Matt Beadles (Clinton) 21.
Therefore, with the Farmer City Raceway heading into its final month of the racing season, I felt it would be appropriate to list the point standings and this Friday's feature results in the same post.
This way, fans of the Farmer City Raceway can follow each racing division's championship chase.
Enjoy the ride, race fans.
As always, full results and point standings can be found at http://www.farmercityracing.com/.
SPORTSMAN
With Thawville's Daniel Flessner leading Decatur native Dave Crawley Jr. by a mere two points in the point standings prior to July 29's feature, the chase for the Sportsman Division title seemed to be the closest.
However, Crawley Jr. was unable to start the feature and would up in 14th place. Meanwhile, Flessner finished fourth as Shawn Diggs of LeRoy took the checkered flag.
As a result, Flessner currently stands at 15 points above Crawley Jr.
Feature Results
1. Shawn Diggs, LeRoy; 2. Rick Thomas, Dwight; 3. Rod Rusher, Mansfield; 4. Daniel Flessner, Thawville; 5. Dustin Mounce, Flanagan; 6. Kevin Allen; 7. Jack Booth, Springfield.
14. Dave Crawley Jr., Decatur (DNS).
Point Standings
1. Daniel Flessner (Thawville) 512; 2. Dave Crawley Jr. (Decatur 497; 3. Dustin Mounce (Flanagan) 438; 4. Rod Rusher (Mansfield) 368; 5. Donny Sublon (Fisher) 348; 6. Richie Rich (Pontiac) 331; 7. Nick Macklin (Oreana) 313; 8. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 253; 9. Shawn Diggs (LeRoy) 251; 10. Jason Maier (Thomasboro) 238.
MODIFIEDS
Denny Schwartz of Ashmore made himself $1,000 richer by winning the Douglas Dodge Modifieds feature race.
He also moved up to 26th in the point standings with the win. Buffalo's Jeff Leka leads with 585 points, with Bloomington native Justin Delong in second place, trailing by 111 points.
Feature Results
1. Denny Schwartz, Ashmore; 2. Gary Turpin, Bloomington; 3. Justin Delong, Bloomington; 4. Ray Bollinger; 5. Ryan Cary, Catlin; 6. Lance Dehm, Chatsworth; 7. Jeff Curl, Forrest; 8. Jay Ledford, Pontiac; 9. Roger Cary, Catlin; 10. Mark Tullis, Macon; 11. Bryan Zulauf; 12. Dustin King, Charleston; 13. Blake Buchholz, New Holland; 14. Matt Goulden, Springfield.
Point Standings
1. Jeff Leka (Buffalo) 585; 2. Justin Delong (Bloomington) 474; 3. Lance Dehm (Chatsworth) 471; 4. Jay Ledford (Pontiac) 467; 5. Gary Turpin (Bloomington) 368; 6. Jeff Curl (Forrest) 364; 7. Ryan Cary (Catlin) 359; 8. David Henderson (Danville) 283; 9. Ray Bollinger 257; 10. Dane Tilstra.
T-106. Matt Wilson (Clinton) 15.
STREET STOCK
Feature Results
1. Joel Funk, Dwight; 2. Darrel Dick, Monticello; 3. Eric Hail, LeRoy; 4. Terry Miller, Lincoln; 5. Jeff Semmons, Pontiac; 6. Nate Zimmer, Mattoon; 7. Matt Maier, Thomasboro; 8. Travis Johnson, Ashland; 9. Doug Berbaum, Monticello; 10. Eric Wilson, Downs; 11. Wayne Orrick, Bloomington; 12. Travis Thrasher, Clinton; 13. Hugh Johnson, Champaign.
14. Jim Quinn, Farmer City (DNF); 15. Chris Dick, DeLand (DNF); 21. Donnie Rhoades, Clinton (DNS).
Point Standings
1. Travis Johnson (Ashland) 559; 2. Chris Dick (DeLand) 514; 3. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 509; 4. Jim Quinn (Farmer City) 405; 5. Eric Wilson (Downs) 332; 6. Nathan McNeese (Catlin) 329; 7. Troy Dodson (Cerro Gordo) 276; 8. Rick Alwood (Clinton) 273; 9. Wayne Orrick (Bloomington) 257; 10. Jeff Semmons (Pontiac) 245.
14. Travis Thrasher (Clinton) 201; 36. Donnie Rhoades (Clinton) 61; 49. Josh Smith (Clinton) 47.
HORNETS
Feature Results
1. Matt Maier, Thomasboro; 2. Kenny Butterfield, Glasford; 3. Casey Gernentz, Gifford; 4. Ben Gernentz, Gifford; 5. David Lauritson, Normal; 6. Chris Burton, Mansfield; 7. Jim Wilson, Towanda; 8. Brian Wilson, Colfax; 9. Larry Hawk, Champaign; 10. Trisha Burton, Mansfield; 11. Jim Eads, Clinton; 12. Nathan Hail; 13. Mary Baize.
Point Standings
1. Matt Maier (Thomasboro) 615; 2. Chris Burton (Mansfield) 510; 3. Casey Gernentz (Gifford) 481; 4. Brian Wilson (Colfax) 426; 5. Jim Wilson (Towanda) 421; 6. Ben Gernentz (Gifford) 416; 7. Larry Hawk (Champaign) 415; 8. Dion Smith (Bloomington) 400; 9. Kenny Butterfield (Glasford) 353; 10. Tanner Tibbs (Pontiac) 346.
11. Trisha Burton (Mansfield) 342; 21. Jim Eads (Clinton) 86.
LATE MODELS
The Late Models Division did not race on July 29.
However, the drivers in that division will return on August 5 to race in the Northern All Stars Late Model Series (NALMS). The winner of the feature race will be $2,000 richer.
Point Standings
1. Eric Smith (Bloomington) 413; 2. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood) 356; 3. Joe Harlan (El Paso) 342; 4. Jimmy Dehm (Lexington) 326; 5. Derek Chandler (Pontiac) 305; 6. Chris Dick (DeLand) 264; 7. Don Cisco III (Oreana) 217; 8. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso) 203; 9. Russ Adams (Princeville) 197; 10. Kent Robinson (Bloomington, Ind.) 177.
26. Curtis Hobbs (Farmer City) 95; T-72. Matt Beadles (Clinton) 21.
7/29/11
New Eagles Have Landed in Philadelphia: Nnamdi Asomugha and Vince Young Reach Deals in City of Brotherly Love
Friday may be a day of the week ruined for some by Rebecca Black.
The Philadelphia Eagles, however, will remember this Friday to be a fruitful one.
Landing the most coveted free agent on the market (Nnamdi Asomugha) with a five-year, $60 million contract, including $25 million in guaranteed money, might be enough reason for Eagles fans to "get down on Friday" and have "fun, fun, fun, fun."
Together with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (and possibly Asante Samuel), the Eagles' defense has playmakers that could match their offensive counterparts.
Philadelphia wasn't done, however, with their shopping spree. The Eagles still needed a quarterback to back up Michael Vick.
And they got one, acquiring Vince Young with a one-year contract worth up to $5.5 million.
Good job, Eagles. Now you can look forward to the weekend.
The Philadelphia Eagles, however, will remember this Friday to be a fruitful one.
Landing the most coveted free agent on the market (Nnamdi Asomugha) with a five-year, $60 million contract, including $25 million in guaranteed money, might be enough reason for Eagles fans to "get down on Friday" and have "fun, fun, fun, fun."
Together with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (and possibly Asante Samuel), the Eagles' defense has playmakers that could match their offensive counterparts.
Philadelphia wasn't done, however, with their shopping spree. The Eagles still needed a quarterback to back up Michael Vick.
And they got one, acquiring Vince Young with a one-year contract worth up to $5.5 million.
Good job, Eagles. Now you can look forward to the weekend.
Roy Williams Reaches Agreement with Chicago Bears, According to Tribune
The Chicago Tribune recently reported that the Bears have found their go-to receiver: Roy Williams.
A day after the Dallas Cowboys officially released Williams, he agreed to terms with Chicago.
Some Bears fans may be a little discouraged by Williams' last two seasons with the Cowboys: 75 receptions for 1,126 yards and 12 touchdowns.
However, don't forget that Mike Martz was the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator from 2006-07. In 2006, Williams caught 82 passes for 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns; 2007 stats: 64 catches, 838 yards and five TDs.
And that was with Jon Kitna at quarterback.
Not only is Williams reuniting with Martz, but he also gets back together with Darryl Drake, who was Williams' wide receivers coach at the University of Texas and holds the same position in Chicago.
For more details on the Bears' acquisition of Williams, click on the following link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-07292011-bears-reach-deal-with-williams,0,5317779.story
A day after the Dallas Cowboys officially released Williams, he agreed to terms with Chicago.
Some Bears fans may be a little discouraged by Williams' last two seasons with the Cowboys: 75 receptions for 1,126 yards and 12 touchdowns.
However, don't forget that Mike Martz was the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator from 2006-07. In 2006, Williams caught 82 passes for 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns; 2007 stats: 64 catches, 838 yards and five TDs.
And that was with Jon Kitna at quarterback.
Not only is Williams reuniting with Martz, but he also gets back together with Darryl Drake, who was Williams' wide receivers coach at the University of Texas and holds the same position in Chicago.
For more details on the Bears' acquisition of Williams, click on the following link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-07292011-bears-reach-deal-with-williams,0,5317779.story
Chicago Bears Didn't Get Better End of Greg Olsen Deal with Carolina Panthers
From the Carolina Panthers' perspective, the trade for Greg Olsen makes perfect sense.
Along with Jeremy Shockey, Olsen should provide an inexperienced (Cam Newton) or so-far inept (Jimmy Clausen) quarterback a safety net. A go-to receiver either quarterback can count on to get open.
From the Chicago Bears' perspective, I can understand (somewhat) why they would make this trade. Mike Martz has made it very clear that his system requires a blocking tight end rather than a receiving one.
That's why the Bears agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth.
I get that the go-to receiver in Martz's offense (apparently) needs to be, well, the wide receiver. And I'll feel better about the trade if the Bears can land a big-name receiver like Plaxico Burress or Braylon Edwards.
What I don't get is Chicago's blatant attempt to get rid of Olsen.
Olsen caught five touchdown passes in 2010, tied for the team lead. He was second on the team in receiving yards (561) and fourth in receptions (41).
You don't just give away a commodity like Olsen for a mere third-round pick. Unless he complained about playing in a 3-4 system and couldn't get himself into shape (Albert Haynesworth) or constantly demanded a trade and displayed a me-first attitude (Chad Ochocinco).
By the way, remember when the New England Patriots made Super Bowl history by introducing themselves as a team in Super Bowl XXXVI? What happened?
First, Randy Moss. Now Haynesworth and Ochocinco?
Unless the Bears could have gotten something truly valuable for Olsen, they should have kept him. And Martz should have realized what kind of team he had and adjusted his offensive system accordingly.
The adjustment got them to the NFC Championship Game in 2010.
Along with Jeremy Shockey, Olsen should provide an inexperienced (Cam Newton) or so-far inept (Jimmy Clausen) quarterback a safety net. A go-to receiver either quarterback can count on to get open.
From the Chicago Bears' perspective, I can understand (somewhat) why they would make this trade. Mike Martz has made it very clear that his system requires a blocking tight end rather than a receiving one.
That's why the Bears agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth.
I get that the go-to receiver in Martz's offense (apparently) needs to be, well, the wide receiver. And I'll feel better about the trade if the Bears can land a big-name receiver like Plaxico Burress or Braylon Edwards.
What I don't get is Chicago's blatant attempt to get rid of Olsen.
Olsen caught five touchdown passes in 2010, tied for the team lead. He was second on the team in receiving yards (561) and fourth in receptions (41).
You don't just give away a commodity like Olsen for a mere third-round pick. Unless he complained about playing in a 3-4 system and couldn't get himself into shape (Albert Haynesworth) or constantly demanded a trade and displayed a me-first attitude (Chad Ochocinco).
By the way, remember when the New England Patriots made Super Bowl history by introducing themselves as a team in Super Bowl XXXVI? What happened?
First, Randy Moss. Now Haynesworth and Ochocinco?
Unless the Bears could have gotten something truly valuable for Olsen, they should have kept him. And Martz should have realized what kind of team he had and adjusted his offensive system accordingly.
The adjustment got them to the NFC Championship Game in 2010.
7/28/11
Philadelphia Eagles Trade Kevin Kolb to Arizona Cardinals
For the Arizona Cardinals, this is a move that could (and should) put them back into contention.
In their first year after Kurt Warner, the Cardinals proved that a potent group of wide receivers led by Larry Fitzgerald means nothing without a competent quarterback.
If your QB smiles (Derek Anderson) as he performs miserably in a crucial Monday Night Football game, your team will finish last in a division where the champion (Seattle Seahawks) finishes 7-9.
Ouch.
With Kolb under center, Arizona should be able to go back to being the high-powered scoring machine it was when Warner was around.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, there's good news and bad news.
The good news is they get Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick in exchange for Kolb, which should fix a defense that, as Aaron Rodgers proved in the playoffs, needs some help.
The bad news is it leaves the Eagles without a proven backup for Michael Vick. If Vick gets injured (which is anything but unlikely), Philadelphia will be left with one of two rookies under center: Jerrod Johnson or Mike Kafka.
Or Andy Reid could fly out to Mississippi to...
...buy some Wrangler jeans.
In Other News, Plaxico Burress...
...could return to one of his former teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants.
According to a recent report on ESPN's SportsCenter, Burress has narrowed his list to those two teams, leaving the Chicago Bears to, once again, look elsewhere on the free-agent market for a go-to receiver.
In their first year after Kurt Warner, the Cardinals proved that a potent group of wide receivers led by Larry Fitzgerald means nothing without a competent quarterback.
If your QB smiles (Derek Anderson) as he performs miserably in a crucial Monday Night Football game, your team will finish last in a division where the champion (Seattle Seahawks) finishes 7-9.
Ouch.
With Kolb under center, Arizona should be able to go back to being the high-powered scoring machine it was when Warner was around.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, there's good news and bad news.
The good news is they get Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick in exchange for Kolb, which should fix a defense that, as Aaron Rodgers proved in the playoffs, needs some help.
The bad news is it leaves the Eagles without a proven backup for Michael Vick. If Vick gets injured (which is anything but unlikely), Philadelphia will be left with one of two rookies under center: Jerrod Johnson or Mike Kafka.
Or Andy Reid could fly out to Mississippi to...
...buy some Wrangler jeans.
In Other News, Plaxico Burress...
...could return to one of his former teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants.
According to a recent report on ESPN's SportsCenter, Burress has narrowed his list to those two teams, leaving the Chicago Bears to, once again, look elsewhere on the free-agent market for a go-to receiver.
Chicago Bears Need to Start Making Move for Wide Receivers
According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Bears are in the top five among NFL teams in terms of salary cap space.
The new collective bargaining agreement requires teams to spend at least 99 percent the cap on players. And Chicago could use a go-to receiver such as Plaxico Burress or Braylon Edwards.
I would also mention names such as Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice and Steve Smith. However, Holmes chose to stay with the Jets, Rice signed with the Seahawks and, according to a recent Sporting News report, Smith plans to stay with the Panthers.
So here's my point: the Bears' opportunities to land a much-needed, big-name wide receiver are dropping like flies. They need to start getting into attack mode.
Yes, they still need to re-sign center Olin Kruetz. Without his leadership, Chicago's offensive line is in an uncomfortable position, a position in which they are way too familiar.
However, the Bears have, according Clayton's estimates, $37 million of cap space to work with. And work, they should.
The new collective bargaining agreement requires teams to spend at least 99 percent the cap on players. And Chicago could use a go-to receiver such as Plaxico Burress or Braylon Edwards.
I would also mention names such as Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice and Steve Smith. However, Holmes chose to stay with the Jets, Rice signed with the Seahawks and, according to a recent Sporting News report, Smith plans to stay with the Panthers.
So here's my point: the Bears' opportunities to land a much-needed, big-name wide receiver are dropping like flies. They need to start getting into attack mode.
Yes, they still need to re-sign center Olin Kruetz. Without his leadership, Chicago's offensive line is in an uncomfortable position, a position in which they are way too familiar.
However, the Bears have, according Clayton's estimates, $37 million of cap space to work with. And work, they should.
7/27/11
Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans to Acquire Veteran Quarterbacks Donovan McNabb, Matt Hasselbeck
Anytime a team wins a championship, other teams will copy its formula.
For those of you who forgot what the NFL looked like before the lockout, the Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl XLV with a quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) they kept on the bench for his first three years while they waited for Brett Favre to, uh, retire.
After three years, and Favre's first "retirement," the Packers decided to give Rodgers a chance under center. And the rest is history.
Unlike the Packers in 2005, the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans did not have an veteran starting quarterback in hand when they picked Christian Ponder and Jake Locker, respectively, in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
So what are they doing about it? Are they going to just throw their rookie quarterbacks onto the gridiron only a few months after finding out that there would be a full season in 2011?
No. Instead, the Vikings and Titans each went out and took a quarterback. Each with three years, more or less, left of their prime years.
According to sources taking to ESPN, the Vikings reached a tentative agreement to trade two sixth-round picks in exchange for Donovan McNabb and Matt Hasselbeck has agreed to sign with the Titans.
Now, even with the newly-imposed rookie wage scale, some first-year players may still be overpaid.
New York Jets Sign Santonio Holmes, Talking to Nnamdi Asomugha
With more than $34 million of cap space to spend, the Chicago Bears should be expected to go after a big-name wide receiver in the next few weeks.
Well, it won't be Santonio Holmes, as he agreed to stay with the Jets.
Now, with Darrelle Revis already patrolling their backfield, one may assume that the Jets would not be one of the teams interested in signing Nnamdi Asomugha.
However, with Antonio Cromartie hitting the open market, the Jets are in discussions with the most coveted free agent on the market.
Imagine it: Wide receivers trapped on Revis Island and in Nnamdi's Jungle.
I hope wideouts love trees.
For those of you who forgot what the NFL looked like before the lockout, the Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl XLV with a quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) they kept on the bench for his first three years while they waited for Brett Favre to, uh, retire.
After three years, and Favre's first "retirement," the Packers decided to give Rodgers a chance under center. And the rest is history.
Unlike the Packers in 2005, the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans did not have an veteran starting quarterback in hand when they picked Christian Ponder and Jake Locker, respectively, in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
So what are they doing about it? Are they going to just throw their rookie quarterbacks onto the gridiron only a few months after finding out that there would be a full season in 2011?
No. Instead, the Vikings and Titans each went out and took a quarterback. Each with three years, more or less, left of their prime years.
According to sources taking to ESPN, the Vikings reached a tentative agreement to trade two sixth-round picks in exchange for Donovan McNabb and Matt Hasselbeck has agreed to sign with the Titans.
Now, even with the newly-imposed rookie wage scale, some first-year players may still be overpaid.
New York Jets Sign Santonio Holmes, Talking to Nnamdi Asomugha
With more than $34 million of cap space to spend, the Chicago Bears should be expected to go after a big-name wide receiver in the next few weeks.
Well, it won't be Santonio Holmes, as he agreed to stay with the Jets.
Now, with Darrelle Revis already patrolling their backfield, one may assume that the Jets would not be one of the teams interested in signing Nnamdi Asomugha.
However, with Antonio Cromartie hitting the open market, the Jets are in discussions with the most coveted free agent on the market.
Imagine it: Wide receivers trapped on Revis Island and in Nnamdi's Jungle.
I hope wideouts love trees.
7/25/11
Farmer City Raceway Point Standings as of July 22
Sportsman
1. Daniel Flessner (Thawville) 478; 2. Dave Crawley Jr. (Decatur) 476; 3. Dustin Mounce (Flanagan) 406; 4. Rod Rusher (Mansfield) 332; 5. Donny Sublon (Fisher) 323; 6. Nick Macklin (Oreana) 313; 7. Richie Rich (Pontiac) 311; 8. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 253; 9. Jason Maier (Thomasboro) 215; 10. Shawn Diggs (LeRoy) 211.
Late Models
1. Eric Smith (Bloomington) 413; 2. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood) 356; 3. Joe Harlan (El Paso) 342; 4. Jimmy Dehm (Lexington) 326; 5. Derek Chandler (Pontiac) 305; 6. Chris Dick (DeLand) 264; 7. Don Cisco III (Oreana) 217; 8. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso) 203; 9. Russ Adams (Princeville) 197; 10. Kent Robinson (Bloomington, Ind.) 177.
26. Curtis Hobbs (Farmer City) 95; T-72. Matt Beadles (Clinton) 21.
Modifieds
1. Jeff Leka (Buffalo) 585; 2. Lance Dehm (Chatsworth) 441; 3. Jay Ledford (Pontiac) 440; 4. Justin Delong (Bloomington) 438; 5. Jeff Curl (Forrest) 336; 6. Gary Turpin (Bloomington) 330; 7. Ryan Cary (Catlin) 327; 8. David Henderson (Danville) 273; 9. Dane Tilstra (Onarga) 242; 10. Dave Crawley (Decatur) 234.
T-98. Matt Wilson (Clinton) 15.
Street Stock
1. Travis Johnson (Ashland) 532; 2. Chris Dick (DeLand) 494; 3. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 471; 4. Jim Quinn (Farmer City) 384; 5. Nathan McNeese (Catlin) 312; 6. Eric Wilson (Downs) 307; 7. Troy Dodson (Cerro Gordo) 276; 8. Rick Alwood (Clinton) 273; 9. Wayne Orrick (Bloomington) 233; 10. Jeff Semmons (Pontiac) 213.
15. Travis Thrasher (Clinton) 178; 45. Josh Smith (Clinton) 47; 46. Donnie Rhoades (Clinton) 46.
Hornets
1. Matt Maier (Thomasboro) 575; 2. Chris Burton (Mansfield) 480; 3. Casey Gernentz (Gifford) 445; 4. Brian Wilson (Colfax) 399; 5. Jim Wilson (Towanda) 393; 6. Larry Hawk (Champaign) 389; 7. Ben Gernentz (Gifford) 382; 8. Dion Smith (Bloomington) 379; 9. Tanner Tibbs (Pontiac) 346; 10 Trisha Burton (Mansfield) 317.
26. Jim Eads (Clinton) 62.
1. Daniel Flessner (Thawville) 478; 2. Dave Crawley Jr. (Decatur) 476; 3. Dustin Mounce (Flanagan) 406; 4. Rod Rusher (Mansfield) 332; 5. Donny Sublon (Fisher) 323; 6. Nick Macklin (Oreana) 313; 7. Richie Rich (Pontiac) 311; 8. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 253; 9. Jason Maier (Thomasboro) 215; 10. Shawn Diggs (LeRoy) 211.
Late Models
1. Eric Smith (Bloomington) 413; 2. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood) 356; 3. Joe Harlan (El Paso) 342; 4. Jimmy Dehm (Lexington) 326; 5. Derek Chandler (Pontiac) 305; 6. Chris Dick (DeLand) 264; 7. Don Cisco III (Oreana) 217; 8. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso) 203; 9. Russ Adams (Princeville) 197; 10. Kent Robinson (Bloomington, Ind.) 177.
26. Curtis Hobbs (Farmer City) 95; T-72. Matt Beadles (Clinton) 21.
Modifieds
1. Jeff Leka (Buffalo) 585; 2. Lance Dehm (Chatsworth) 441; 3. Jay Ledford (Pontiac) 440; 4. Justin Delong (Bloomington) 438; 5. Jeff Curl (Forrest) 336; 6. Gary Turpin (Bloomington) 330; 7. Ryan Cary (Catlin) 327; 8. David Henderson (Danville) 273; 9. Dane Tilstra (Onarga) 242; 10. Dave Crawley (Decatur) 234.
T-98. Matt Wilson (Clinton) 15.
Street Stock
1. Travis Johnson (Ashland) 532; 2. Chris Dick (DeLand) 494; 3. Darrel Dick (Monticello) 471; 4. Jim Quinn (Farmer City) 384; 5. Nathan McNeese (Catlin) 312; 6. Eric Wilson (Downs) 307; 7. Troy Dodson (Cerro Gordo) 276; 8. Rick Alwood (Clinton) 273; 9. Wayne Orrick (Bloomington) 233; 10. Jeff Semmons (Pontiac) 213.
15. Travis Thrasher (Clinton) 178; 45. Josh Smith (Clinton) 47; 46. Donnie Rhoades (Clinton) 46.
Hornets
1. Matt Maier (Thomasboro) 575; 2. Chris Burton (Mansfield) 480; 3. Casey Gernentz (Gifford) 445; 4. Brian Wilson (Colfax) 399; 5. Jim Wilson (Towanda) 393; 6. Larry Hawk (Champaign) 389; 7. Ben Gernentz (Gifford) 382; 8. Dion Smith (Bloomington) 379; 9. Tanner Tibbs (Pontiac) 346; 10 Trisha Burton (Mansfield) 317.
26. Jim Eads (Clinton) 62.
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