WPPA/T102 SPORTS Saturday October 28, 2006

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK NINE


POTTSVILLE 21 NATIVITY 35
MOUNT CARMEL AREA 14 CARSON LONG 0

MARIAN 21 PINE GROVE 13
JIM THORPE 14 WILLIAMS VALLEY 9

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN 35 TRI-VALLEY 56
MAHANOY AREA 14 UPPER DAUPHIN 6

NORTH SCHUYLKILL 49 SOUTHERN COLUMBIA 35
PANTHER VALLEY 41 CENTRAL COLUMBIA 12

MINERSVILLE 26 LINE MOUNTAIN 19
TAMAQUA 3 SHIKELLAMY 0

BLUE MOUNTAIN 34 HAZLETON AREA 28
SHAMOKIN 0 E STROUDSBURG SOUTH 12

SHENANDOAH VALLEY 28
PIUS X 7

Latest Pennsylvania sports:

FLYERS-PENGUINS
Flyers jump one hurdle, face another against Pittsburgh

VOORHEES, N.J. (AP) - The Philadelphia Flyers were able to keep the high-scoring Atlanta Thrashers in check in a 3-to-2 shootout win for new coach John Stevens. But an equally daunting challenge faces them tonight (Saturday) when the recharged Pittsburgh Penguins visit. The Flyers broke a five-game losing streak with the victory over the Thrashers. They spent yesterday (Friday) discussing ways to slow Pittsburgh's premier line of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Colby Armstrong. Malkin has scored in each of his first four games since returning from a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason. Crosby is one of the N-H-L's rising young superstars. Stevens likely will use second-year center Mike Richards as a matchup against Crosby.

PENGUINS-STAAL
Penguins expected to make call soon on rookie center Staal

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Pittsburgh Penguins have a decision to make about Jordan Staal's future. Staal, the Number Two choice in June's N-H-L draft, has been impressive in his time with the Penguins, scoring four goals in eight games. But once the center plays in his 10th game, Pittsburgh can no longer send Staal back to his junior team in Peterborough, Ontario, without being obligated to honor his N-H-L contract. One veteran says there should be no debate whether the 18-year-old Staal should stay with the Penguins beyond tonight's game against Philadelphia. While Staal's status this season could cost the Penguins financially and move up the center's eligibility for restricted and unrestricted free agency, Mark Recchi doesn't want to lose his new linemate.

JAGUARS-LEFTWICH
Jags' Leftwich misses practice again; Stroud ruled out

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich missed his second consecutive practice yesterday (Friday), a strong indication that backup David Garrard will start at Philadelphia. But coach Jack Del Rio declined to name a starter for tomorrow's (Sunday's) game. Del Rio did downgrade Marcus Stroud, saying the three-time Pro
Bowl defensive tackle will miss his third straight game with a sprained and bruised right ankle. Leftwich remained questionable on the injury report.

EAGLES-HOLLOW STATS
Great stats don't add up to wins for Eagles

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia Eagles have lit up the stat sheet more than the win column. Led by Donovan McNabb, the offense is ranked first in the N-F-L in total yards, passing yards, overall touchdowns, offensive touchdowns and passing touchdowns. The Eagles also lead the league in number of offensive plays of 20 yards or more, points outside the red zone and average yards on first down. But the most important numbers are wins and losses. A 4-and-3 record is far closer to mediocre than elite. Quick strikes and big plays are fun to watch, but turnovers easily negate those.

STEELERS-MCFADDEN
McFadden, new to Steelers' secondary, challenged by Moss

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Bryant McFadden hadn't been on Florida State's campus for more than a day when he began hearing Randy Moss stories. Moss is the Oakland Raiders receiver who will go against McFadden and the Pittsburgh Steelers tomorrow (Sunday). He had a short but eventful stay with the Seminoles without playing in a game -- leaving after testing positive for marijuana. But he created a lasting impression, often getting 14 points in practice. Even today in the N-F-L, he can easily be good for 14. McFadden, a second-round draft pick in 2005, wants the responsibility of trying to shut down Moss. This has become a more important game to the Super Bowl champions than they might have imagined before they lost four of five games.

BEARS-RIVER RATS
Hershey 4, Albany 3

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Joey Tenute scored the tie-breaking goal in the third period to lead Hershey in a 4-to-3 victory over the Albany River Rats. Tomas Fleischmann scored two second-period goals for the Bears, who also got a goal and an assist from Dave Steckel. Goaltender Frederic Cassivi made 31 saves, 16 coming in the first period when Albany had all six of its power-play chances. The Rats converted just one, Jesse Boulerice's first of two goals of the night, in the first period. The Bears answered with three goals in the second to take a 3-to-1 lead. The Bears and River Rats play again tonight (Saturday), this time at Hershey.

PENGUINS-MOOSE
Wilkes-Barre 4, Manitoba 3

UNDATED (AP) - Erik Christensen scored two goals in the third period, then Kyle Brodziak scored the game-winner as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins beat the Manitoba Moose 4-to-3. Jeff Deslauriers stopped 23-of-26 shots for Wilkes-Barre.

Update on the latest in sports:

MLB-WORLD SERIES
Cardinals close the deal in five...Eckstein named M-V-P

ST. LOUIS (AP) - The St. Louis Cardinals are celebrating their first World Series title in 24 years. The Cardinals eliminated the Detroit Tigers in five games, winning 4-to-2 last night. Diminutive Cardinals shortstop David Eckstein was named series M-V-P. He had two hits, drove in two runs and scored a run. For the series he had eight hits and batted .384. Cards manager Tony LaRussa joined Sparky Anderson as the only managers to win a World Series in both leagues. Jeff Weaver pitched eight strong innings for the win. He allowed two runs on four hits while striking out nine. Adam Wainwright closed out the Tigers in the ninth, striking out Brandon Inge (ihnj) with two runners on base for the final out. Detroit was doomed by lack of offense and poor fielding. The Tigers scored just eleven runs and committed eight errors in the five-game series. Five of those errors were by Detroit pitchers, one in each game. The Tigers allowed eight unearned runs, the most allowed by a team in the World Series since 1956. Parity is alive in major league baseball -- the Cards are the seventh different team to win the series in the last seven years.

MLB-NIEKRO-OBIT
Former major leaguer pitcher Joe Niekro dies

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Former major league pitcher Joe Niekro (NEE'-kroh), Houston's career leader with 221 wins, died yesterday at 61. The two-time 20-game winner suffered a brain aneurysm Thursday. Astros President Tal Smith says Niekro's death was a shock. Niekro was the father of San Francisco Giants first baseman Lance Niekro. Joe won 221 games in his career but never became as well known as his Hall of Fame brother Phil. Like his older brother, Joe Niekro found success after developing the knuckleball and pitched into his 40s. They had a combined 539 major league victories, a record for brothers.

MLB-GIANTS/BOCHY
Giants get new skipper

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Bruce Bochy (BOH'-chee) is the new manager of the San Francisco Giants. He and the Giants' brass came to terms on a three-year deal Thursday night. Bochy recently completed his 12th season as manager of the San Diego Padres. He led the club to back-to-back National League West titles and leaves as the winningest manager in franchise history. L-A Angels pitching coach Bud Black is a leading candidate to replace Bochy with the Padres.

MLB-GIANTS/BONDS
Bonds to test the marketplace

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Look for Barry Bonds to file for free agency soon. Agent Jeff Borris says "The only thing that would stop Barry from filing for free agency would be if a deal was in place from the Giants." But Borris says no negotiations have taken place with the club.

NHL-FINAL SCORES
Going Wild in Minnesota ... Blue Jackets blank the Kings

UNDATED (AP) - On N-H-L ice, Mikko Koivu (MEE'-koh KOY'-voo) scored the lone goal in a shootout to give the Minnesota Wild a 3-to-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks in a matchup of two of the top teams in the Western Conference. It was the third shootout loss for Anaheim, which is 7-0-and-3. The Wild are 5-and-0 in overtime and 9-and-1 overall. The Wild's lone loss was a 2-to-1 decision to Anaheim on October 20th.

In the rest of the N-H-L:
-- Pascal Leclaire stopped 38 shots for his first N-H-L shutout to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets past the L-A Kings, 2-to-0. The Blue Jackets end a four-game losing skid.
-- Detroit defenseman Niklas Lidstrom scored his first two goals of the season to help the Red Wings hand the Dallas Stars their first home loss, 4-to-3. Jiri Hudler and Pavel Datsyuk (dat-SOOK') added goals for Detroit.
-- Vancouver beat Washington in a shootout, 3-to-2. Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison scored shootout goals for the Canucks, who've won four of five.

NFL-NEWS
Locklear suspended ... Jags' and Chiefs' q-b's are ailing

UNDATED (AP) - The N-F-L has suspended Seahawks starting right tackle Sean Locklear for tomorrow's game at Kansas City for violating its personal conduct policy. Locklear was arrested January 15th on a charge of assaulting his girlfriend outside a downtown Seattle nightspot. Tom Ashworth will make his first start for the Seahawks in Locklear's place. He started 30 regular-season games over the previous three seasons for the New England Patriots, 27 of them at right tackle.

In other pro football news:
- Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich missed a second-straight practice yesterday due to an injured ankle. That makes it likely that David Garrard will get the call Sunday against Philadelphia.
- Kansas City signal caller Damon Huard missed yesterday's practice with a groin problem suffered in Thursday's practice. Number-one q-b Trent Green is still recovering from a concussion, so coach Herm Edwards says if Huard can't start against Seattle, rookie Brodie Croyle will get the nod.
- Cincinnati has activated wide receiver Chris Henry, meaning he'll be available for Sunday's game with the Atlanta Falcons. Henry had been benched by the Bengals for one game and suspended by the N-F-L for two more for violating the league's personal conduct and substance abuse policies. He has been arrested four times since December.
- San Francisco defensive tackle Bryant Young will play Sunday at Chicago despite missing today's practice with a sore back. The 49ers also expect left guard Larry Allen and left tackle Jonas Jennings to be back after missing most of the season with injuries.
- Browns center LeCharles Bentley was recently hospitalized with a staph infection following season-ending knee surgery, raising concerns of contamination at Cleveland's training facility. Bentley's infection is the fifth known case of staph for a Browns player in the past three years.
- The attorney for Jacksonville defensive end Bobby McCray says a drug possession charge against his client was dropped.

PRO FOOTBALL-HALL
Nominees named

CANTON, Ohio (AP) - The Pro Football Hall of Fame has released the initial list of nominees for the class of 2007. Among the group of 111 are Terrell Davis, Bruce Matthews, Randall Cunningham, Michael Irvin, Thurman Thomas and former N-F-L commissioner Paul Tagliabue (TAG'-lee-uh-boo). The list will be reduced to 15 before the final vote next February third -- a day before the Super Bowl in Miami.

NBA-PRESEASON NEWS
Grant K-O'd by bad knees...Sonics' Fortson suspended for opener

UNDATED (AP) - Chronic knee problems are forcing Brian Grant to retire from the N-B-A after 12 seasons in the league. The 34-year-old Grant played for the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. Grant averaged ten and a-half points and almost seven and a-half rebounds over his pro career.

In other N-B-A news:
-- The N-B-A has slapped Seattle SuperSonics forward Danny Fortson with a one-game suspension. It's for a flagrant foul on Ron Artest during Wednesday night's preseason game against Sacramento. He'll sit out when the Sonics open the season on November First against Portland.
-- Seattle SuperSonics center Robert Swift will miss the entire 2006-2007 season. He suffered a torn A-C-L in his right knee two nights ago during an exhibition game with Sacramento.
-- New Orleans Hornets backup center Marc Jackson will miss the start of the regular season because of a strained left hamstring. He's out indefinitely.

PGA-WOODS
Woods to skip Tour Championship

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (AP) - Tiger Woods won't be playing in next week's Tour Championship. This marks the first time in his career he's skipped the event. Woods says he's mentally and physically tired from a long stretch of golf through the Ryder Cup. Masters champion Phil Mickelson had previously said he'll be skipping the tournament as well.

PGA-CHRYSLER CLASSIC
Choi has the lead in Florida

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (AP) - K.J. Choi is the second-round clubhouse leader at the P-G-A's Chrysler Classic. He shot a 5-under-par-66 today and stands 8-under-par for the tournament. Ernie Els also shot a 66 and is minus-seven after 36 holes. This is the P-G-A Tour's final full-field event of the year.

CHAMPIONS TOUR-SCHWAB CUP
Kite halfway home

SONOMA, Calif. (AP) - Tom Kite eagled the par-four eleventh hole for the second straight round and finished with a 4-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead over Jay Haas and Jim Thorpe after two rounds of the Champions Tour's Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Haas shot a 66 to match opening-leader Thorpe, who shot a 70.

GOLF-DUBAI
Sorenstam leads after two

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Annika Sorenstam remains on top of the Dubai Ladies Masters at the midway mark. She followed her opening round 65 with a 4-under-68 today and leads by five shots. Karrie (KAHR'-ee) Webb is alone in second place.

LPGA-SOUTH KOREAN STOP
South Koreans top leaderboard in homeland

GYEONGJU, South Korea (AP) - South Korean's have the top two spots after the opening round of the L-P-G-A's Kolon-Hana Bank Championship, being played in South Korea. Joo Mi Kim shot a 6-under-66 to lead countrywoman and defending champion Jee Young Lee by one stroke. Paula Creamer and Koreans Hee-Won Han and Jeong Jang are among a group of six tied for third, two shots off the lead.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NICKLAUS
Another honor for Jack

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Another honor for Jack Nicklaus. When the Ohio State band does its famous Ohio script at halftime of today's game against Minnesota, the "I" will be dotted by Ohio State graduate Nicklaus, only the fourth non-band member accorded that honor.

NASCAR-RAIN
Qualifying rained out

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) - Rain washed out yesterday's qualifying for Sunday's Bass Pro Shops 500 Nextel Cup race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. NASCAR set the field by using season points and that means series leader Matt Kenseth will start from the pole.

RACING-CHAMP CAR
Rice replaces Allmendinger

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Veteran Buddy Rice, the winner of the 2004 Indianapolis 500, has signed on to replace A.J. Allmendinger on the Forsythe Racing team for the Champ Car finale in Mexico. Allmendinger left the team earlier this week when he signed a multi-year contract with Team Red Bull on the NASCAR circuit. Allmendinger won five of nine races for Forsythe this season.

OBIT-McKEEVER
Former Southern California star dies at 66

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Marlin McKeever, a two-time All-American at Southern California who played 13 years in the N-F-L, died yesterday of head injuries from a fall at his home earlier this week. He was 66. McKeever headed the Trojan Football Alumni Club. McKeever fell at his home late Tuesday, and was hospitalized Wednesday with a
blood clot on his brain. His twin brother Mike McKeever died in 1967 of head injuries from an automobile accident after spending 22 months in a coma. He also had a blood clot on his brain.

Top-25 College Football Schedule



Today's Games
( 1) Ohio State vs. Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.
( 2) Michigan vs. Northwestern, Noon
( 3) Southern Cal at Oregon State, 3:30 p.m.
( 5) Texas at Texas Tech, 7 p.m.
( 7) Auburn at Mississippi, 3:30 p.m.
( 8) Tennessee at South Carolina, 7:45 p.m.
( 9) Florida vs. Georgia at Jacksonville, Fla., 3:30 p.m.
(11) Notre Dame vs. Navy at Baltimore, Noon
(13) Arkansas vs. Louisiana-Monroe at Little Rock, Ark., 7 p.m.
(17) Wisconsin vs. Illinois, Noon
(18) Boston College vs. Buffalo, 1 p.m.
(19) Oklahoma at (23) Missouri, Noon
(20) Nebraska at Oklahoma State, 3:30 p.m.
(21) Georgia Tech vs. Miami, 3:30 p.m.
(22) Texas A-and-M at Baylor, 7 p.m.
(24) Wake Forest at North Carolina, 3:30 p.m.
(25) Oregon vs. Portland State, 7 p.m.

Sunday's Game
(16) Rutgers vs. Connecticut, 8 p.m.

N-H-L scores and schedule (all times EDT)

Friday's Scores
Columbus Blue Jackets 2 Los Angeles Kings 0
Minnesota Wild 3 Anaheim Ducks 2, SO
Detroit Red Wings 4 Dallas Stars 3
Vancouver Canucks 3 Washington Capitals 2, SO

Today's Games
Atlanta Thrashers at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
Ottawa Senators at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m.
Florida Panthers at New York Islanders, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at New Jersey Devils, 7:30 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m.
Los Angeles Kings at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.
Anaheim Mighty Ducks at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m.
New York Rangers at Phoenix Coyotes, 10 p.m.
Washington Capitals at Edmonton Oilers, 10 p.m.
Nashville Predators at Calgary Flames, 10 p.m.

N-F-L schedule (all times EDT)

Sunday's Schedule
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m.
Baltimore Ravens at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m.
Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.
St. Louis Rams at San Diego Chargers, 4:05 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Cleveland Browns, 4:15 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos, 4:15 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders, 4:15 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers, 8:15 p.m.
Open: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions

Monday Night Game
New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings, 8:30 p.m.