College Football Kickoff.........minus 6.5 hours

Here's a link to my buddy Mike Eisenberg's football preview first of all. He had alot more time to do his than I have mine obviously, so his will take precedence. There is alot there I agree with, and some I don't.

Irregardless, here is my abbreviated preview.

How they'll finish.

1. Florida
I know it is overkill to pick another SEC team, however after glancing at the schedule and looking deep into the dreamy eyes of Tim Tebow, I fell in love with the Gators. Not only do they return the Heisman trophy winner who passed and ran for 4,181 yards and 55 touchdowns, but the Gators also bring back Emmanuel Moody, a Former Parade All-American who is now eligible after transferring from USC, where he started four games in 2006, leading the Trojans in rushing in three of them and averaging 5.8 yards per carry. With Tebow having an improved backfield in the form of Moody, and a the return of all everything man Percy Harvin, the Gators will again roll up the points on SEC opponents. With home games versus LSU, South Carolina, and Miami, and the game in Jacksonville versus Georgia, the Gators need only survive Neyland Stadium on September 20th to secure a spot in the SEC title game.

2. Ohio State
The Buckeyes are loaded again thanks to the return of virtually every person who could have declared for the draft. At the end of last season the Buckeye defense was ranked number one nationally in total defense, scoring defense and pass defense, and third against the run. Surprisingly the the top two tacklers from last season, the 2007 Butkus Award winner James Laurinaitis, and second team all-big ten linebacker Marcus Freeman, are back. The secondary, features the return of All-America cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, as well as headhunter Kurt Coleman and nickel specialist cornerback Chimdi Chekwa. Yielding just 150 yards through the air last season the Buckeyes will again stifle big ten passing offenses. Of course the question isn't whether they can stop Big Ten foes, but their opponent in the BCS title game. With two extremely tough games before the second week of October (Sept 13 @USC, Oct 4 @Wisconsin), if the Buckeyes survive the rest of the season may be a downhill drive to Miami for the Orange Bowl. Fans of the scarlet and grey will again be hoping their opponent isn't playing in the SEC.

3. Missouri
Senior quarterback Chase Daniel turned the Big 12 conference into his own little playground in 2007, passing for 4,306 yards and 33 TD's while also rushing for 375 yards and 7 TD's. Playing in a new years day bowl for the first time 40 years, Gary Pinkel's crew finished the season ranked 4th overall, and garnered plenty of national attention. With the return of 15 starters from last year's squad and the added perk of not having to play the team who beat them twice last season (Oklahoma), Pinkel's group is poised for a return trip to the Big 12 championship game. If the Tigers can defeat Juice Williams and the fighting Zookers in St.Louis in their opener August 30th, the Tigers will likely roll into Lincoln for their Oct. 4th date undefeated. With additional road games at Texas, and versus a depleted but talented Kansas squad in the finale, the road to the national championship game is tough, however with one maybe two losses on the schedule, Missouri fans can start buying hotels in Glendale.

4. USC
Can Mitch Mustain keep the ship afloat until the return of Mark Sanchez? That is the question that has fans of the Trojans head spinning this off-season. With Sanchez returning to practice from a dislocated knee cap this week, there is no official time table for his return, but insiders are targeting the week 2 tilt against Ohio State. Until then Arkansas transfer Mustain will be left the job of going to Charlottesville and taming Al Groh's Cavaliers. With the return of all Pac-10 running back Joe McKnight and linebacker Ray Maualuga, the Trojans have two of the most talent players in the country on the roster. In addition to fellow Arkansas transfer, WR Damian Williams and Patrick Turner, the Trojan recieving corps should be vastly improved. USC's defense will again be fierce thanks to versatile linebackers and a great pass rush, however in addition to their home date versus Ohio State, the trojans must go on the road to Corvallis and across town to UCLA in their finale. With Pete Carrol's last five losses coming by an average of 4.2 points per game, there is no doubt, if the Trojans fall it will be an upset and a thriller to boot.

5. WVU
Coach Bill Stewart inherited quite a football team from Rich Rodriguez, and this writer figures that come November, RichRod will be wishing he had some of the talent he left in Morgantown. Returning Heisman trophy candidate Pat White as well as the electrifying Noel Devine at runningback, the Mountaineers are equally as talented as last year's Fiesta Bowl championship squad. Hoping to take some of the burden off White, Coach Stewart has added emphasis in the off-season to implementing more of a pro-style passing game than the wide open attack that got White dinged in the finale versus Pitt. Receivers Dorrell Jalloh and Jock Sanders hope to give White the targets he needs in order to healthily orchestrate the offense. When combined with the return of virtually the best offensive line in the country, the Mountaineers offense should keep every opponent guessing. Defensively the linebacking corps has been rebuilt, however the return of leading tacklers Reed Williams and Morti Ivy should serve to give the unit stability. Amping up the schedule in 2008 with a roadie at Colorado, and an October 23rd home game versus Auburn, WVU will be battle tested. If WVU can defend the home field against Auburn and Big East foes Cincinnati and Rutgers, as well as win key road dates at Louisville and Pitt, the Eers could again be moving into their December 6th finale versus South Florida with a national title shot hanging in the balance.

6. Georgia
This years preseason number one enters with as much hype as the program as ever had. With Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno in tow, the Bulldogs certainly have the playmakers to make a charge in the SEC east in 2008. With road games at South Carolina, Auburn, LSU and Arizona State on the schedule, the Bulldogs will need to be eternall focused as the SEC home slate includes Alabama, Tennessee, and the World's Largest Cocktail party in Jacksonville, should Mark Richt's group survive the schedule they would likely be two touchdown favorites against any bowl opponent. Given the history of the SEC, odds are that UGA will falter along the stretch at least once, maybe even twice.

7. Clemson
ACC football isn't what it used to be with the recent failures of Miami and Florida State, however C.J. Spiller, Cullen Harper and company have the Tigers poised to break the mold of recent ACC snubs. Tommy Bowden's group finished 9-4 in 2007, including dropping three games in conference. This year Clemson must travel to Wake Forest, Florida State, and Virginia, making the schedule actually a bit tougher than last year. The Tigers however, are a year older, and return virtually all of their 8th ranked defense. When coupled with a bit more motivation for redemption, Bowden's group can't be counted out in 2008.

8. Oklahoma
The Big 12 is the Big 12, and until someone proves they can consistently beat Oklahoma, the league is their's for the taking. Even last year the Sooners squeaked into a BCS bowl, and prior to their demise against WVU, they were being mentioned as a possible National Championship contender. The rise of freshman quarterback Sam Bradford had fans ashewing thoughts of a rebuilding year, and in year two, the Sooners are again preparing for spot in Miami. With home games against Texas, Kansas, and Texas Tech, the Sooners need to do little more than defend the home turf to pick up yet another 10 win season.

9. LSU
Gone is Ryan Perriloux, in is a host of other talented quarterbacks. So is the way in Baton Rouge under Les Miles. Depleted by the draft, there are many questions that surround the Tigers in 2008, however the return of Keiland Williams and Charles Scott in the backfield has Tiger fans thinking repeat. With the final five games of the season at home, LSU has plenty of time to earn momentum in advance of New Year's day. If they can survive road contests at Auburn, Florida, and South Carolina, the final five games could be a run to the crown.

10. Wisconsin
Brett Beiliema's group is as talented as any team in the Big Ten not named Ohio State, and given the scheduling, putting the Badgers here is as much a tribute to their ability to win games as it is an indictment of the horrible Big Ten. The three game stretch in late September early October will tell the tale for the Badgers in 2008. Opening at Michigan, then home to OSU and Penn State, should Wisconsin gain two victories they will be in the running for a BCS bowl, if they get three, they may well end up in Miami.

Week 2 Preview: Marietta @ Cambridge

Week 1 Results
Parma Heights Holy Name (home) defeats Cambridge 24-14
Hilliard Darby (home) defeats Marietta 53-14

Last year: Week 2
Cambridge defeats Marietta 22-19

Last five meetings:
2007- Cambridge 22-19
2006- Cambridge 26-12
2005- Cambridge 41-13
2004- Cambridge 31-7
2003- Marietta 21-7

Info on Cambridge:
Bryan Hardesty is the work horse, and much in the same way Stephen Ford blitzed the Marietta defense in recent years, Hardesty hopes to do so Friday night. Against Holy Name, Hardesty toted the ball 31 times for 193 yards, while his team picked up over 250 total yards, 230 of those coming via the ground game. Were it not for a fourth quarter interception by quarterback Billy Webb, and a fumble deep inside Parma Heights territory, Cambridge may have finished off the Green Wave.

Against Hilliard Darby, the Tigers were worked over in the air and on the ground. The matchup was hardly a barometer for how good the Tigers are this season, as Darby didn't really give teams a chance to get a good look at Andy Schob's group. While still a bit above the norm of southeast Ohio opponents, Cambridge will give the Tigers a chance to show fans and critics just what they can do.

The Tigers haven't yet shown an ability to stop the run this year, and despite his best efforts, gunslinger Cody Westbrook hasn't been able to negate their lack of stops. With Cambridge opening the home schedule against a porous Marietta front seven, things do not look good for Schob's group.

Prediction: Cambridge 24, Marietta 17

Week 2 Preview: Warren @ Philo

Week 1 Results
Warren (home) defeats Belpre 17-10
Licking Heights defeats Philo (home) 27-0

Last year-Week 2
Philo defeats Warren (home) 24-13

Last 5 meetings
2007- Philo 24-13
2006- Philo 56-0
2005- Philo 40-14
2004- Philo 18-13
2003- Philo 7-0

what little info there is on Philo:
coutesy of the Zanesville Times Recorder

Philo was held to just 80 total yards as Licking Heights totaled 10 sacks and three interceptions.

Trevor Scott finished 3-of-13 for 72 yards, Chase Fuller had eight carries for 27 yards, Zach Smith had two catches for 37 yards in the loss. The Electrics had just five first downs on the evening.

Not much is known about the Electrics in 2008, as in previous years opponents could expect near lethal doses of running back Carter Paul and QB Scott Williams. Shifting to the spread prior to last season, coach Pete Woods has transformed this once MVL doormat into a respectable foe. Winning four games last year, and having had two near misses against New Lex and John Glenn, Philo has officially turned the corner.

This year however, Philo is forced to fill those two holes left by Paul and Williams. In early season scrimmages with Belpre and Berne Union, the Electrics filled those gaps with Sophomore Trevor Scott and junior Chase Fuller. Changes however may have been made in light of their home flop against Licking Heights. Sure LH is a division 4 region 15 power, however 80 total yards and 10 sacks yielded suggests there is more to worry about.

Warren will again keep the play calling tame, as the offense is breaking in first time starters at the center and quarterback positions. The fullback Wolfe again figures to be a significant part of the game plan this week, as the Warriors will likely try to pound the football on the smaller Philo front.

Look for this game to be pretty low scoring as both defenses should be able to produce stops. Whomever takes control of the football will likely win, and given Warren propensity to put the ball on the carpet things could get dicey for Pifer's group.

The Electrics have won six straight contests over the Warriors, but much like the contests in the 2003 and 2004, this edition could be quite the toss up.

Prediction: Philo 17, Warren 16

Longtime Pioneer Park supervisor Paul Erb passes away

Here is his obituary, courtesy of the Marietta Times

Paul R. Erb, 80, of Riverview Drive, Marietta, died at his home at 7:55 a.m. Monday (Aug. 25, 2008).

He was born in Marietta on Nov. 17, 1927, to the late Homer H. and Norma Fickeisen Erb.

He graduated from Salem Liberty High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Navy for two tours of duty. Paul was retired from 40 years as a painting contractor and owner of Erb Decorating Store. He worked for many years on Hadley Field and then for 17 years as head groundskeeper of Marietta College Pioneer Park. He had been active in many bowling leagues and was a life member of V.F.W. Post 5108 and attended St. Paul's Evangelical Church.

He married Betty L. Kehl Erb on June 7, 1947, in Warner, Ohio, and they just celebrated their 61st anniversary. Three daughters survive, Sue Joy (David), Jo Heldman (Greg) and Norma French (Steve). There are five grandchildren, Shawn Joy (Julie), Kelly Heldman, Jennifer Reed (Ronnie), Cathy Whittekind (Rob) and Beth Wheeler (Dennis). He also has nine great-grandchilren, Alexa, Brady, and Drew Whittekind, Lindsay and Derek Joy, Danielle and Lukas Reed, and Cole and Blake Wheeler. One sister, Sally Schafer; two sisters-in-law, Betty Erb and Margie Morgenstern; and a brother-in-law, Neal Kehl (Alma) also survive.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Claude Erb; and a brother-in-law, Bob Schafer.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Hadley Funeral Home, 500 Fifth St., Marietta Chapel, with Pastor Tom Hendershot officiating. Burial with full graveside military rites will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Home Nursing, 210 N. Seventh St., Marietta, Ohio 45750.

Online condolences may be made to hadleyfuneralhomes.com .

Bengals Jersey Rated Most Awful for Casual Wear

Courtesy of the DeadSpin

Least Awful Jerseys For Casual Wear*:
1. Raiders
2. Giants
3. Bears
4. Steelers
5. Cowboys (NOTE: Does not take into account the fact that wearing a Cowboys jersey declares you a tarded Cowboys fan)

All of these jerseys are, fashion-wise, minimalist. Traditional. They feature one prominent, not-too-garish color. And they don’t have a load of flourishes. Like a Broncos jersey. You really want to wear something that has orange accents? Heck no, you don’t. Here are eight jerseys even Lucy Pinder would look stupid wearing:

Most Awful Jerseys For Casual Wear*:

1. Bengals
2. Panthers
3. Jaguars
4. Ravens
5. Vikings (couldn’t put them higher because I’m totally biased. Hey Ravens fans, you look EXTRA girly!)
6. Titans
7. Chiefs
8. Broncos

(*Rankings subject to change if you're one of those black dudes who can pull off any jersey)

At least the Broncos jersey is dark blue. Purples, oranges, teals, fire engine reds… Nothing enhances goofiness on a man quite like those colors. They’re the cherry on the retard sundae.

So why do grown men wear jerseys at all? Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ve noticed in your life that there is a huge discrepancy between how you see yourself in a mirror and how you see yourself once a picture is taken of you. I had a Vikings Apex One jacket I wore all through high school. I thought it looked awesome. Then someone handed me a photo of me in it, and suddenly the reason no girl ever came within 50 feet of me in high school became glaringly apparent (many other factors also contributed).

Awesome! Glad to hear I am being mocked silently by everyone for wearing my orange and black #85 jersey.

That's me on the right with my Carson Palmer jersey on, and yes that is the front row of the Dog Pound in Cleveland, and yes, Browns fans were as irrational as you thought they were.

Comments Galore On Marietta Marlins Piece

Here's a selection of the messages being left

The swim team at marietta would do better if the younger new swimmers were not going to a labor camp... I myself have talked to some and they all are quitting because they say they dont like to get yelled at

if your child in not in the top 2 or 3 in that age group they are totally ignored by the coaches and looked upon as a total waste of their time,

In turn, the coaches feel the pressure to make the kids succeed. No one is having fun.

The Marietta Marlins will be a thing of the past if the team combines with Pburg. What a shame!!!!!

Bill did not coach to boost his ego, he cared for his athletes and they knew he was always there for them. His teams were big and the kids and parents were happy. Tom Phillips does not have the same philosophy. Tom is only interested in feeding his ego. (Tom's EGO is a hungry BEAST!)

He is even trying to take over WV high school swimming. He is a cancer to the sport and should be removed before the sport dies. It is All about TOM. Al Miller the Marietta CEO is completely supportive of Tom's ways and now wonders why his team has diminished.

Lots of opinions about the status of the program, and some insight into why it is crippling.
Should the Register allow it, I think this story deserves a follow-up.

Parkersburg Catholic Crusaders Preview

Parkersburg Catholic Crusaders
Head Coach: Danny Tennant (23rd Season)
Assistant Coaches: Rick Tennant, Jeff Campbell, Skip Roedersheimer

2007 Record: 3-6 (missed playoffs)
Last 5 seasons: 3-6, 6-5, 8-4, 9-3, 10-2
Last Playoff Appearance: 2006

2007 Results
vs. Wirt County 16-14 W
@ Buffalo 27-8 L
@ St. Mary’s 21-6 L
@ Calhoun 19-6 L
@ Portsmouth Notre Dame 22-20 W
vs. Fayetteville 26-21 W
@ Pocahontas County 37-22 L
@ Wahama 50-30 L
vs. Williamstown 30-0 L

2008 Schedule
09/06/08 vs. Buffalo
09/13/08 vs. St.Marys
09/20/08 vs. Calhoun Co.
09/26/08 @ Wirt Co.
10/03/08 @ Doddridge Co.
10/10/08 @ Fayetteville
10/17/08 @ Bellaire St. John
10/25/08 vs. Pocahontas Co. (Homecoming)
11/01/08 vs. Wahama
11/07/08 vs. Williamstown

Added Depth Has Crusaders Thinking Playoffs in 08
By Andy Kuhn

For Danny Tennant’s Crusaders, 2007 was a roller coaster season of highs and lows.
After notching a victory in the season opener over Wirt County, Tennant’s squad proceeded to drop three straight contests, and in the process suffered a severe bite from the injury bug. Following surprise victories in weeks five and six, the depleted Crusaders fell hard in the season’s final three games, losing by a combined 65 points.

The disappointing 3-6 finished ended a thirteen year playoff streak for Catholic, and marked only the third time the Crusaders failed to make the playoffs since expansion. Hopes for a return to the playoffs in 2008 are high thanks to the arrival of eleven freshman and the return of seventeen upperclassmen, including second team all-state players Tommy Brunoni and Cole Cwynar.

Offensively the Crusaders return nine starters, most notably their entire offensive line quarterback and running back. From tackle to tackle the Crusaders should be vastly improved simply because of the year of experienced the group gained last season.

“We were pretty young up front last year, and not having much depth behind them didn’t help. We feel the two Reifsteck brothers (Dylan and Jacob), Walters (Sam), Pat Christy, and Howard (Chris) will be really good for us”, noted Tennant.

In addition to a secure pipeline, Tennant feels his backfield will be in good hands thanks to Senior Tommy Brunoni. The 5’11” 200 pound Brunoni set program records for carries as a sophomore and junior, and despite having an all underclassman line in 2007, still posted all-state numbers. Along with Tommy, Tennant figures to get his brother Jake (5’9” 160) and Richard Christy (5’10” 185) significant touches.

Defensively for the Crusaders, the same players who figure to open holes for backs hope to close them for opponents. Sporting a five man front this season, Tennant hopes his defensive line can force opponents to throw into what is turning out to be a fine secondary. Returning all state defensive back Cole Cwynar (5’11” 185 Jr.) as well as Senior Josh Fahlgren (5’9” 160), the Crusader secondary should play an immediate stopper to aerial attacks.

With this years scheduling allowing Catholic to being the year with three consecutive home games, Tennant’s group has the chance to build a measure of momentum heading into week four at Wirt County. The first of four straight road games, Wirt County figures to be the easiest of the contests as the Crusaders must travel to Doddridge County, Fayetteville, and Bellaire St. John. If Catholic can steal two road victories they could be in position to finish strong as three straight home games put a cap on the 2008 season.

Look for the Crusaders to take a big step forward in 2008, eclipsing the .500 mark, however with contests at St. Marys, home versus Williamstown, and home to Wahama the schedule isn’t any easier this time around.

Storied Swimming Program Struggling To Stay Afloat

For over 25 years the Marlins swim program has served as one of the crown jewels of the Marietta community.

Serving local swimmers age eight to eighteen, the Marlins boast a championship pedigree few programs nationally can rival. Having produced twelve YMCA national top-ten swimmers, ten consecutive YMCA zone championships, countless collegiate swimmers, one U.S. Open qualifier and one medal winning Olympian, the Marlins swim program has experience success few programs nationally can rival.

In a day and age when local athletes struggle to find opportunities to continue their careers at the collegiate level, the Marlins swim program has consistently offered swimmers a quick ticket out. Which is why the recent turn of events is so unbelievable and quite frankly so disheartening.

Last week it was revealed by persons affiliated with the program that due to poor participation numbers, and a failure to retain coaches, local YMCA directors Chad Smith (Parkersburg) and Al Miller (Marietta) met to discuss the dissolution of the individual programs in favor of a singular Mid-Ohio Valley program.

Citing a desire to salvage at least one swimming program from the two crumbling franchises, both Miller and Smith agree that if competitive swimming should continue in the valley a singular program will be the only way.

One can’t help but wonder how these programs have sunk so low?

Just four years ago the Marlins program alone boasted numbers in excess of 100. Under the direction of long time coach Bill Bauer, Marietta routinely fielded squads of 120 or more, this in addition to a sizable field at the Parkersburg YMCA. Today the numbers are shockingly low.

“We keep getting huge decreases in numbers”, noted Miller. “We have struggled to get 30 swimmers out on most nights here the past couple of years. Interest locally has completely tailed off. I am not sure if it is because swimming just isn’t as appealing as other sports, or if people are just busier?”

Busy or not, a program-wide drop of over 70 swimmers in under five years leads one to believe there is more going on than just lack of enthusiasm. One can only postulate reasons for the program’s fall at this point, however given the recent turnover at the coaching position within the program, one can assume stability and enthusiasm has languished as a result.

“We have gone through a couple coaches over the past few years and we keep losing swimmers but we want to keep the program going. We hope that by combining the two we could salvage one program”

Currently, Parkersburg resident Tom Phillips, father of the highly decorated PHS standout Tim Phillips, coaches the Marietta Marlins, but his involvement following the departure of his son after this season is suspect. Which brings us again to the problem of retaining coaches.

Should the program suffer yet another coaching change, one can assume the number of swimmers who remain would be so small a valley-wide program would be absolutely necessary to continue competitive swimming.

As we swell with pride over the recent success of American swimmer Michael Phelps one must take into account his rise to stardom. Phelps wasn’t born into a racing pedigree at one of the nation’s elite programs. Phelps isn’t the product of racing meccas in San Diego, Houston, or Tampa, his success was initiated at a local swimming program in Towson, Maryland.

What we need to remember is that programs such as the one in Marietta are ones that produce greatness. While athletes continue to see their careers dissipate on the soccer and football fields over time, the Marlins have continued to pump out collegiate swimmer after collegiate swimmer. We caught lightning in a bottle years ago with Betsey Mitchell, and the possibility exists that lightning could strike twice. We must have a program however if that should occur, and with fewer and fewer kids seeing the possibilities that exist in the pool the Marlins run dangerously close to extinction.

It would be a tragedy if yet another of of the few avenues kids have to competing at the highest levels closed shop. Something has to be done to rejuvenate this program.

Warren Sports Update and Church Softball Meeting Announcement

Warren High School Alumni Softball Tournament

There will be a Warren High School alumni softball tournament Sept. 6 and 7 at Warren High School.

Game times will be determined based on the number of teams registered.

Entry fee is $100 and players should bring their own ball.

-
For more information: Men's division: Jeff Bradford, 525-8960, Dave
Reynolds, 525-2462, Chad Smith, 989-0353; Women's division: Dawn
Proctor, 336-2411, Morgan Venham, 350-8097, Lisa Spence, 516-9154.

Warren Athletic Boosters Picnic

The
Warrior Athletic Boosters will be sponsoring the annual Big Blue Picnic
on Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Warren Pavilion. Fans and
residents are invited to come out for a free meal and to meet the
football players, coaches, cheerleaders and boosters.

2009 Church Softball Planning Meeting

There
will a planning meeting for the 2009 Marietta Church softball league at
6 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 2, at Hadley Field. Election of officers for
2009 will take place and other league business will be handled.

- For more information: Steve Murphy, 336-8774, or Mark Duckworth, 525-2376.

DeSalvo Struggles But Survives in Braves Debut

Worked the 8th inning of the Braves 11-5 win Saturday in Atlanta

Desalvo faced 7 batters, gave up three hits, one run, walked one and struck out one.
Commentators for Peachtree TV talked ad nauseum about DeSalvo being a voracious reader, just as the Yanks announcers did last summer.

It is unfortunate for us that TBS no longer carries Braves games, would have been nice to watch #33 every now and again.

here's an old DeSalvo interview I found on YouTube,
this was after his first start as a yank. Nothing yet on his braves debut

2008 Parkersburg Register Football Preview: Top Ten Games of 2008

While some of you are loyal to your alma mater alone, others consider themselves fans of the game itself. For those of you who spend the week waiting to see which matchup will be the most enticing, this list is for you. Here’s a look at which games we think will be the most intriguing in 2008.

Week 1:
8/28/2008
PHS @ Cabell Midland

The Big Reds title defense gets a serious test in week one as the Knights hope exact a bit of revenge for their narrow 47-41 defeat in 07. Losing all six games by a combined 34 points, Cabell Midland hopes this year’s senior dominated squad, led by WVU signee Cole Bowers, will finish down the stretch where last year’s squad could not.

Week 2:
9/5/2008
Williamstown @ Magnolia

Williamstown may have had “the streak” stopped last season, but the winning streak against in-state opponents during the regular season endures. The Blue Eagles from Magnolia hope to give the Yellow-Jackets their first loss in-state regular season loss since 2001: the opponent Magnolia.

Week 3:
9/12/2008
PHS @ South Charleston

Just as Cabell Midland struggled to finish in 2007, South Charleston brought it to new lows. Finishing a disappointing 5-5, few teams could rival the heart-breaking losses the Eagles suffered. Losing by a combined 20 points in the 5 contests, South Charleston’s 30-26 loss to PHS in week three was especially hard, as Deion Spurlock’s record setting night became but a footnote.

Week 4:
9/19/2008
South @ Marietta

In Jon Bolen’s debut the Patriots stumbled in the second half, yielding big play after big play to Cody Westbrook and the Tigers aerial attack. Entering their second year, Bolen hopes the Patriots can put the 2007 campaign in their rear view, with three winnable games to open the season, South could be looking at benchmark victory against Marietta.


Week 5:
10/3/2008
Williamstown @ St. Marys

The rivalry has reached new highs in recent years thanks to several post season meetings, sadly for the Blue Devils the results have all been the same. Last year the Yellow Jackets shut out St.Marys on the road 22-0 then at home in week 2 of the playoffs 23-0. St.Marys has plenty of motivation for the first meeting of 2008.

Week 6:
10/10/2008
Catholic @ Fayetteville

One of the Crusaders three wins in 07 came thanks to Fayetteville, as in week 7 Catholic hung on for a 26-21 victory. The loss was especially stinging for Fayetteville, as the loss was their third of the season and nearly ruined their season. Using the defeat as motivation, the Pirates then reeled off four straight victories including an opening round playoff victory over Greenbrier West.

Week 7:
10/17/2008
George Washington @ PHS

The only thing that stood between coach Bernie Buttrey and a perfect season was the Big Reds’ week 8 setback at the hands of GW. Falling 19-14 to the Patriots, PHS yielded 12 third quarter points, both scores coming on passes by quarterback Drew Kindler. Kindler may have departed but Hunt Award winner Rodney Hudson returns, and figures to be a force in opposing backfields.

Week 8:
10/24/2008
Tolsia @ Williamstown, Capital @ PHS

Williamstown went on the road in 07 and escaped with a 21-14 victory over the Rebels. After falling in the AA state championship game in 06, Tolsia had a brief hiccup in 07. The Wayne county group figures to rebound in 08 as a large group of Seniors return.

Capital was all but gutted at the skill positions, however some in Charleston are saying the this year’s squad may be a better team overall. Returning starting tailback Keion Wright, the Cougars figure to carve up opposing defenses yet again.

Week 9:
11/1/2008
Catholic @ Wahama

The White Falcons bowed out of the playoffs early in 07 thanks to a stout Yellow Jacket defense, however the 9-1 campaign gave plenty in Mason County to cheer about. Returning the bulk of the offense, including quarterback Bill Zuspan. Catholic could be building its resume for a playoff berth, and a win over Wahama would go a long way in securing a bid.

Week 10:
11/7/2008
Catholic @ Williamstown

Tommy Brunoni struggled to get going in the season finale last year, and Williamstown quarterback Drew Townsend threw early and often against the Crusader defense. This year the blue and white figure to run the ball with a bit more consistency. This could play into the season finale as last year’s 30-0 final was far closer than the score indicated.

Parkersburg Rundown 8/13

Local Football Scrimmage schedules--

Parkersburg Big Reds
August 16th at Morgantown High School 10 A.M.
August 23rd at Laidley Field in Charleston vs. Spring Valley 1 P.M.
August 23rd at Laidley Field in Charleston vs. Princeton 2 P.M.

Parkersburg South Patriots
August 16th at Buckhannon Upshur 11 A.M.
August 22nd at Bridgeport 6 P.M.

Parkersburg Catholic Crusaders
August 16th at Stadium Field vs Paden City 10 A.M.
August 20th at Bishop-Donahue 6 P.M.


Preparations for Half-Marathon nearing completion--The city of Parkersburg is bracing for yet another monster field, as registrations for the News and Sentinel Half Marathon continue to roll in. Already having entered 47 elite marathoners from around the globe, this year’s field figures to be the best in the history of the event.

For those who are unfamiliar with the race itself, in addition to the $3,000 cash prize for open entries, and $1,000 for U.S. runners,this year’s half-marathon winner will be crowned a national champion. With the course beginning in downtown Parkersburg and migrating south to Gihon Road, much of the cities regular traffic will be diverted. Closures to Camden Avenue, Gihon Road, Avery Street, and Market Street run from 7 A.M. Saturday to after completion.

South Makes Morris First Female Golf Coach--After winning back to back state championships in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, the Patriot golf program is considered by many to be the class of West Virginia’s AAA division. Which makes their recent hiring even more impressive. Last week new South athletics director Rick Leach announced that former Edison Jr. High coach and ex-Patriot standout Sherry Morris would be named the newest head coach. Morris, the mother of South senior Daniel Palmer and former South swinger Ben Palmer, has long been associated with the program as over the past four seasons many of her junior high prodigies have migrated into the varsity ranks. Citing a desire to earn a state championship ring of her own to rival the two her eldest son Ben has, Morris is eager to help the Patriots program. Morris credentials include varsity experience at South from 1979-1981 as well as a tour with Marshall University’s golf team.

Marietta Rundown 8/13

Tigers Spread Option Showcased in Scrimmage--Judging by the number of scouts in attendance Saturday night, it stands to reason that teams with Marietta on the schedule are working hard to game-plan for the Tiger attack. Showcasing some of the same offensive fireworks that prompted his 2000 plus yard passing season, senior Cody Westbrook again demonstrated a firm grasp of the offense, getting the Tigers in an out of the huddle quickly and into one of their myriad of formations. Marietta did a great job of exploiting match-ups, often finding receivers Sean Munfield and Morgan Wynn for large gains. This bodes well for upcoming games as it seems Marietta may again have to utilize their speed in order to move the football.

Defensively the Tigers secondary looked rough at times, on several occasion yielding easy catches in the secondary. Running similar sets to that of Marietta, Bellaire moved the ball via the pass. While a cause for concern, fans should bear in mind that when it comes to football in the southeast, with the exception of Portsmouth, there aren’t many teams capable of running a spread formation.

Kidder’s Work Ethic Rubbing Off On Lady Tigers--By all accounts Ron Kidder’s first camp as Marietta volleyball coach has been a huge success. Bringing with him the tireless work ethic that helped make Warren a SEOAL power over the past decade, Kidder has the Tiger netters working harder than ever. Entering the 2008 season Marietta figured to be in contention for a league title even without the change in coaches. Now that Kidder graces the Tiger bench, early predictions are that Marietta and Warren will battle for the league’s north title, with the Tigers being an early favorite. Early bragging rights won’t have to be waited on long thankfully, as Marietta hosts rival Warren at Sutton Gymnasium in the season opener Tuesday September 2nd.

Marietta Marlins On Brink of Extinction?--Word has circulated that due to declining participation over the past three seasons, the Marietta Marlins swim program may be absorbed by the Parkersburg YMCA’s program. This would be a fatal blow to the once storied program, as few swim teams nationally can boast the success the Marlins experienced under long time coach Bill Bauer. Since his departure it seems that interest has waned prompting discussion about the future of the program. Stay tuned for a feature on this issue next week.

New MC Grid Coach Anxious For 08 Campaign

Jeff Filkovski built a name for himself by conquering the X’s and O’s as both a quarterback and offensive coordinator. So forgive the first year head coach if the semantics of running a division three program might at first feel a bit monotonous.

“It has been a mad rush if you will, getting stuff together, figuring out how things works here at the college; admissions protocol, housing procedures, the way meal plans are set up. Last week was the first time myself and the staff got to sit down and actually talk football.” said Filkovski. “The day when we can finally get our guys here and can start playing football will be a great day.”

Since taking the helm at Marietta in March, the former Heidelberg coordinator and Allegheny standout has immersed himself in all things Marietta hoping to get a feel for his new digs.

“I have jumped in and have been trying to learn as much as I can about the how things work here, and how we as a program can best win football games and also be visible and serve the community.”

With players scheduled to report on August 13th, the newest Pioneer head coach is eager to showcase some of the skills that helped him win OAC-assistant coach of the year in 2007. With coaching stints at the University of Cincinnati, Thomas More Collge, Holy Cross, and the Cologne Centurians of NFL Europe in addition to Heidelberg, Filkovski hopes to bring some of the same offensive success those teams have achieved to Marietta.

“We have evaluated the players we have, and we are going to put the best eleven guys out there that we can. Our scheme is going to be dictated by how well our athletes adjust. We are always cognizant of putting guys in a position to succeed, and we are going to get our guys to a point where they feel comfortable.”

In addition to helping players feel comfortable in the offensive scheme, and within the program, Filkovski notes a desire to help players feel comfortable within the community. Hoping to get players to establishing themselves within the community, Filkovski appears to be righting some of the wrongs that were made under previous regimes.

“Along with community relations and alumni involvement, what I want is for our guys to be out there and be visible. I don’t know how things have operated in the past, but I know that this is one area where if there is anyone out there that needs anything, if there are opportunities for our guys to assist on friday nights we want as many of them out as we can. We understand that our guys are here for more than just football. This is a growing experience, a learning experience, and anytime they can get around persons in the community and can help them, their experience will be that much better.”

With just a few days before players report, Filkovski and staff are working hard to make the 2008 season a great one for the Pioneers. Given the coach’s pedigree for success and work ethic, home dates at Don Drumm this fall are something everyone can look forward to.

Dunn and Gone

WOW

Reds send Dunn to Dbacks for Dallas Buck and two prospects

didn't think this was happening today, but so is life. The Reds have the future in mind, and thanks to the Diamondbacks organization, the future just got brighter.

Chad Johnson to legally change his name to Ocho Cinco

ProFootballTalk.com - JOHNSON WANTS TO BE OCHO CINCO, LEGALLY

Seriously.

This is both the dumbest thing I have heard, and it hilarious.

American Peso Sends NBA Players Overseas

I know the NBA is way off the radar of most persons here in Marietta, but this is my last article before football season takes over my life, so indulge me if you will.

Did anyone else notice that scores of NBA free-agents are bucking one-year basement deals with the Hawks in favor of multi-year multi-million euro deals with teams in Europe and abroad?

As of Sunday night, eight NBA players have made the jump from “the association” to teams across the pond. Instead of donning the Laker blue and gold, players are sporting their CSKA Moscow red white and blues or their Maccabi Tel-Aviv yellows.

I can’t help but laugh at David Stern and his non-issue approach to the “problem” that is NBA defections. It used to be that the NBA was so vastly superior to that of anything else in the basketball world, that playing overseas was more akin to a death sentence that a privilege. During the late 90’s I grew tired of the endless jokes concerning former Duke players such as Trajan Langdon, Chris Carawell, and Jeff Capel and their european league exploits. Trajan may be the one laughing now as it seems the Euro leagues are even more prestigious than we imagined.

Stemming from the demise of USA basketball over the last eight years, and the ritual beatings Maccabi Tel-Aviv has put on the Toronto Raptors in exhibition play, the place of world leagues on the global stage has elevated in recent years. Instead of playing backup to Jameer Nelson in Orlando, Carlos Arroyo will earn roughly 2.5 million USD starring for a talented club in Israel. Former Stanford star and then Atlanta Hawk, Josh Childress took a similar route, opting to decline a 3 year extension deal in favor of a 5 year-20 million dollar deal with a Greek professional team, the same one who produced NBA all-star Peja Stojakovic. It seems that for the cash and carry denizens of the NBA, the smart money looks less like Benjamins and more Monopoly tender.

Consequently, a new phenomenon has also surfaced due to NBA mismanagement and NCAA exploitation. McDonalds All-American and University of Arizona signee Brandon Jennings stuck it to Lute Olsen this fall when he announced that instead of attending Arizona for his mandatory service year of pre-NBA eligibility, he would sign with Pallacanestro Virtus Roma, a professional team in Greece. Instead of milking the citizens of Arizona for his year of debauchery in Tucson, Jennings took the high road signing a one-year professional contract. For the first time, a prep athlete has denied Myles Brand and the NCAA their ritualistic right to exploit one and done players (see Greg Oden, Kevin Durant).

With the NBA free-agent signing period ending in a couple of weeks, there will probably be a few more players signing lucrative deals with teams in Europe. Whether they will turn down millions in the U.S. in favor of fame and endorsements in Greece is up in the air. However, should the dollar continue to decline, the European leagues could quickly become a thorn in the side of the NBA.

**special note, Lebron announced today that if a team from Europe would put together a 50 million USD per year offer, he would consider playing overseas**

Marietta Rundown 8/6

MHS Football Breaks Camp With 65--Life in today’s SEOAL is more comparable to a meat grinder than a cake walk. With the addition of southern Ohio powers Portsmouth, Ironton, and Chillicothe in recent years, depth has become an absolute must if coaches hope to finish the season with playoff aspirations.

Just days into his first training camp, new Tiger signal caller Andy Schob has to be pleased with his early season prospects. Fitting 65 players for helmets and pads this weekend and more expected to follow in the coming days, the Tigers will likely begin the season with numbers greater than that of last season. The improvement in call out numbers is an encouraging sign as it seems most programs would languish following a dismal three win season and the replacement of a head coach.

With two-a-days running since last Thursday, the Tigers will be chomping at the bit for their first scrimmage of the season, a 6 P.M. tilt against the Big Reds of Bellaire this Saturday. Bellaire has long been one of the more storied programs in the state, boasting over 600 wins in their program’s history, the Big Reds rank 7th in Ohio and 67th nationally. Last season, the Big Reds finished a surprising 0-10 as a meningitis outbreak in early season robbed them of several players, and the departure of long time head coach John Magistro.

MHS Holding Alumni Soccer Game--On Saturday August 16th, The Marietta High School boys soccer team will be hosting their alumni game. All former MHS soccer players are encouraged to attend as the game itself and post-game cookout allow past Tiger greats to meet the newest alums and this year’s team. Game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

For more information: Todd Morris at toddmorris@suddenlink.net or 373-5592.

Distance Camp at Camp Hervida Scheduled--Anyone interested in learning more about the art and science of distance running is invited to attend the Valley Distance School at Camp Hervida on August 6th and 7th from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M..Cost of the camp is $30 and includes daily lunch, snacks, and a camp T-shirt. Runners should bring acceptable running shoes and clothing (T-shirt, shorts and socks, two sets each) as well as swimming trunks or swim suit, a water bottle and notebook and pencil.

Coaches for the camp include current Marietta College cross country coach Derek Stanley, former Marietta College coach and current Warren High School cross country coach Rich Hoffman, Caldwell High School cross country coach Dugan Hill and former Redskin state record holder and runner for Alabama, Brian Hesson.

For more information contact Fort Frye cross country coach Alana Lupardus at 558-9962 or Waterford cross country coach Mark Holland at 410-1013.

Parkersburg Rundown 8/6

OVU Athletic Director Pavan Resigns--For 15 years Ron Pavan has served as the face of OVU athletics. Helping pave the way for the school’s move from a junior-college to a viable member of the Division II West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Pavan’s place at the Vienna institution will long be remembered. It was announced on Friday that Pavan will leave his post at OVU and will become the athletics director at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn.

The decision was a tough one for Pavan, but it seems the attraction from a larger school was too good to pass up. Citing the school’s 50 million dollar fundraising campaign and athletic program prestige for his decision to accept the job, Pavan will now manage an athletic program that boasts 15 varsity sports and over 20 full-time athletic department staff.

Swisher Relishes Opportunity to Play Alongside Griffey--For Nick Swisher, sharing an outfield a line-up with Ken Griffey, Jr. is a dream come true. In case you missed it, on Thursday the Reds dealt the future hall of famer to the White Sox in exchange for minor league second-baseman Danny Richar and reliever Nick Masset. When asked about the club’s most recent acquisition, Swisher told Chicago Tribune reporters, “I think it’s going to be an awesome thing to have him here, not because of the way he plays the game but his leadership abilities.” Noting the fact that posters of Griffey graced his walls as a boy, Swisher was happy to give up his #30 jersey to the newest member of the 600 homerun club. Thankfully Griffey wasn’t so interested in a holdover from his Cincinnati days as the slugger opted to wear the number 17 instead of 3 or 30. In addition to the fact fans of Swisher won’t have to go out shopping for his jerseys under a different number, it seems they may well get to see more of their man this October as the chances the White Sox make the post-season got a shot in the arm.

WVU’s Mazzula and Thoroughman Arrested In Scuffle-It summer, and when coach is away the athletes will play. So appears the case this week when two WVU basketball players were detained by Pittsburgh police following an altercation with PNC Park security. The two players were both charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and underage drinking. In addition to those charges, Mazzula was charged with aggravated assault. The assault charge stemmed from a report citing that Mazzula attempted to throw a punch at the officers, who according to sources were off-duty policemen not in uniform. Mazzula was released the following morning, while Thoroughman was held a day longer. WVU coach Bob Huggins issued a statement saying; “We are aware of the situation. We will let the judicial process take its course and the matter will be handled internally."

Future is Now for OVU

As the architect behind OVU’s move from junior college to member of the WVIAC, Ron Pavan’s name has long been circulated among university sports directors circles.

For those who assume the departure to be abrupt, consider the fact that in February Pavan’s name was bandied about in Laredo, as it was announced that he was one of the final four candidates for the athletics director opening at Texas A&M International. The same school who plucked baseball coach Chad Porter, TAMIU engaged in serious talks with Pavan and considered him one of the final two candidates for the position. Already possessing experience in helping schools move out of the NAIA ranks and into Division II, Pavan appeared a shoe in, as TAMIU went as far as as asking Pavan to participate in a town-hall question and answer hour at the school’s trade center. Despite losing out on the job to Dr. Debbie Snell, even back in February it appeared as if the writing on the wall signaling Pavan’s exit.

Fast forward to August, and the circumstances in Cumberland aren’t much different.
Holding an NAIA classification and also being a member of the Mid-South Conference (the same as WV Tech), Cumberland University is in a similar situation to that of TAMIU. Desiring to compete at the Division II level by the end of the 2010 school year, Pavan was likely tabbed to do the same things he did at OVU.

So what does this mean for OVU and the current state of its athletics programs?

Just as Pavan’s exit seemed inevitable, it now seems inevitable that OVU will bring in an athletic director with experience at building small programs into large ones. As a member of the WVIAC, OVU has had brief brushes with greatness (WVIAC baseball champs in 2006, regional qualifiers in golf) but the success has been few and far between. Easily being the smallest member of the conference in terms of enrollment, and also being one of the three evangelical association schools, OVU faces problems most member schools do not. Roadblocks in recruiting, facilities management and upgrades, school code, and religious observances are all contributors to OVU’s current status as WVIAC also-ran.

Resolving issues such as these and creating a more accommodating environments for athletes are just two of the many hurdles the new athletics director must navigate. Bringing even more viability to the university’s burgeoning programs is something trustees and administration will likely consider when examining a pool of candidates in the coming weeks, and coincidentally is something we in the valley hope will happen in the coming years.

When OVU wins, local athletes win. If OVU can build on what Pavan started at OVU, and can manage to gain a measure of respectability within the WVIAC, local athletes will see that same respectability and may actually pour back into the university. Just as the newest hire Mike Snell reiterated in his first press conference, “We want to be Parkersburg’s team”, we in the valley want OVU to be our team.

If you build it OVU, we will come.

Bad news for voters who are Michigan Fans

Ohio Politicians Use Campaign War Chests to Buy Buckeye Tickets - Chronicle.com

J. Curtis Mayhew, Ohio’s campaign-finance administrator, says the purchases are legal. “There’s no doubt that the statute is pretty lenient with regard to how they can spend their money,” he says. “Really, the big prohibition is on converting it to personal use.”

Griffey Bids Adieu and Says He's Sorry

Courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer

Ken Griffey Jr. released this through the Reds:

I would like to thank the Cincinnati Reds organization for allowing me to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing for my hometown team. I will always value the lasting friendships I have with the Lindner, Castellini and Williams families.

While my nine seasons there were filled with personal highlights - like hitting my 400th, 500th and 600th home runs in a Reds uniform - and the negatives of having to fight through too many injuries, my biggest regret is that we were not able to win a world championship while I was there.

I also would like to thank my many teammates, managers, coaches and Reds employees for their help and support and to acknowledge the many friendly relationships I had with most of the members of the local media. I will miss the banter.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank Reds fans for their support. I really do understand that the overwhelming majority of fans wanted so badly for me to succeed. Additionally, I would like to sincerely apologize to those fans offended by my wrongful actions last Saturday night. It was an overreaction on my part to what I felt was a series of public inaccurate and unfair remarks about me.

I wish nothing but success for the Reds both on and off the field.

Sincerely,

Ken Griffey Jr.

OVU Athletic Director Pavan Resigns

A few months back I caught heat for saying that baseball coach Chad Porter was, "Latest in a line of departures". Getting phone calls from school president James A. Johnson was something unexpected to say the least. After being lectured that there was not a "line of departures" and that all was well in Fighting Scot-land, I woke up to this.

Athletic Director Ron Pavan resigns, national search underway

More on this in Wednesday's edition of the Parkersburg Register