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LA Sparks Drop Their 4th Game After The Break

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks lose again Thursday night to Atlanta Dream 86-81 who was lead by forward Angel McCoughtry at Staples Center.

The Olympic break thus far has not be kind to the Sparks who now fell to record of 3-7 for last stretch of WNBA season. Luckily they had  a great start of season and have already clinched a playoff berth.

So the Sparks stars Candace Parker (3) was 1/4 players who scored in double figures with 16 points, while Nneka Ogwumike (30) 15 points, 8 rebounds.

The Dream broke their four game losing streak with this victory lead by McCoughty and her team high 32 points, 11 rebounds.

One shining light for the Sparks was Chelsea Gray who has strung back to back double digits game of 20 & 16 points.

The Los Angeles Sparks will travel to Seattle to play the Storm on Sunday September 11th, 2016 at 4pm.

 

Lynx too Much for Los Angeles Sparks to Handle

Alana Beard on tight defense of Maya Moore with Kristi Tolver there for help. Photo by Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, CA- Los Angeles didn’t have enough spark left in their tank to hold off an attack from the Minnesota Lynx. Final score Minnesota 77 Los Angeles 74.

If you know anything about the Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx history you’d  know that this game wasn’t destined to be just another run-of-the-mill Tuesday night game. Especially knowing statistically that these two teams more or less were in a dead tie. Tonight would be the third and final face off during regular season. Each team having won game a apiece. And for a bigger picture of tonight win would also launch the winning team into the spotlight for having the best record in the league and placing them in the best position to take the number one seed in the WNBA playoffs. Bottom line this game had a lot riding on it.

Maybe the pressure that came along with tonight’s matchup was too much for the Sparks because they were really struggling to get their shots in the first quarter. Shooting only a 43.8%, and barely registering on the radar for rebounds during this quarter.

The Sparks made an attempt in the second-quarter to pull it together. And it appeared that the Lynx were trying to aid them with their shots dwindling down by 25%. Putting the Sparks within 5 points going into the half. The struggle to gain footing would find the Sparks with a defensive three second technical foul and individual technical foul on Kristi Toliver.

Unfortunately the third-quarter look no better. Christie was able to pull off a 23 foot jumper to chip away at Minnesota’s lead. But in the end it just wasn’t enough to suppress Maya Moore (20 points) Sylvia Fowles (21 points) or Lindsay Whalen (10 points)

 

A spark of light in this game for Los Angeles was Chelsea Gray, who broke 20 points tonight. A pleasant surprise for someone that averages 3.9 points per game. They also had three other players in double digits, Nneka Ogwuike (19 points) Candace Parker (10 points) and Kristi Toliver (11 points).

The Sparks have to quickly recover and regroup from this loss, be ready as they will be host Atlanta on Thursday, September 8. Another team that they have split the winnings with the season.

On a happier note the Sparks Nneka Ogwuike has been chosen for the fourth time this season as the Western Conference player of the week. She is ranked second in the league with 14 double-doubles. And is officially a MVP candidate for the WNBA 2016 season. Congratulations Nneka!

TEXAS A&M’S EVANS IS NAGURSKI NATIONAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

FWAA Player of the Week
TEXAS A&M’S EVANS IS NAGURSKI NATIONAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior’s two interceptions, late breakup help Aggies hold on

DALLAS (FWAA) – Texas A&M defensive back Justin Evans has been named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for his clutch performances in the Aggies’ 31-24 overtime victory over UCLA this past Saturday in College Station.

Evans, a 6-1, 200-pound safety, picked off two Josh Rosen passes in the fourth quarter and also made the game-winning defensive play when he broke up a fourth-down pass at the goal line in overtime. Evans also chipped in eight tackles, two of them unassisted.

The senior from Wiggins, Miss., intercepted his first pass midway through the fourth quarter that stopped a UCLA drive at the Texas A&M 3. His other interception came with 37 seconds remaining in regulation at midfield with the score tied at 24.

Evans will be added to the Bronko Nagurski Watch List for the annual award. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Thurs., Nov. 17. The winner will be chosen from those five finalists who are part of the 2016 FWAA All-America Team.

The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s entire membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists. The committee members then select the winner as the best defensive player in college football.

The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet, presented by ACN, will be held on Mon., Dec. 5, at the Charlotte Convention Center. In addition to the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner’s announcement, the banquet will celebrate the recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award, sponsored by the CTC and Florida East Coast Railway. Navy’s Chet Moeller, a member of the FWAA’s 1975 All-America Team and a College Football Hall of Famer, will be honored. Duke head coach David Cutcliffe will be the keynote speaker at the banquet.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football.

Founded in 1941, the FWAA consists of 1,400 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE TOUCHDOWN CLUB AND ITS SPONSORS

The Bronko Nagurski TrophyThe Charlotte Touchdown Club is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, N.C., region. The club’s activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship, and leadership of area athletes and coaches. For more information, contact John Rocco (704-347-2918 or jrocco@touchdownclub.com). The official website of the Charlotte Touchdown Club is touchdownclub.com.

ACN, Inc.
Founded in 1993, ACN is the world’s largest direct seller of telecommunications and essential services for residential and business customers. ACN provides the services people need and use every day including Home Phone Service, High Speed Internet, Wireless, Television, Home Security & Automation, Computer Support and Natural Gas and Electricity. ACN operates in 23 countries with offices located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information, visit myacn.com. For information on ACN’s home-based business opportunity, visit acninc.com.

Florida East Coast Railway
FECR is a regional freight railroad that extends along a 351-mile corridor between Jacksonville, Fla., and Miami, Fla., with exclusive rail access to the Port of Palm Beach, Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale) and the Port of Miami. For more information, visit fecrwy.com.

Electrolux
Electrolux is a global leader in appliances for household and professional use, selling more than 50 million products to customers in more than 150 countries every year. The company focuses on innovations that are thoughtfully designed, based on extensive consumer insight, to meet the real needs of consumers and professionals. Electrolux products include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, cookers and air-conditioners sold under esteemed brands such as Electrolux, Frigidaire, Kelvinator, AEG, and Eureka. In 2012, Electrolux had sales of $17 billion ($5.1 billion in North America) and 58,000 employees. The Electrolux North American headquarters is located at 10200 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262 in the University Research Park. For more information visit http://newsroom.electrolux.com/us/.

2016 Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Players of the Week
• Weekend of Sept. 3: Justin Evans, Texas A&M

2016 FWAA ALL-AMERICA COMMITTEE
Nick Baumgardner, MLive.com (Big Ten)
Kirk Bohls, Austin American-Statesman (Chairman)
Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News (C-USA)
Clay Henry, Hawgs Illustrated (SEC)
Joey Johnston, TodaysU.com (American Athletic)
Steve Jones, Louisville Courier-Journal (ACC)
Matt Roberson, Jonesboro Sun (Sun Belt)
John Shinn, Norman Transcript (Big 12)
Dave Southorn, Idaho Statesman (Mountain West)
Phil Steele, Phil Steele Publications (Independents/National)
Ryan Thorburn, Eugene Register-Guard (Pac-12)
John Wagner, Toledo Blade (Mid-American)

USC Drops Opener to No 1 Alabama

Advocare Classic USC vs Alabama on Sept 3rd, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)
Advocare Classic USC vs Alabama on Sept 3rd, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

Arlington, TX- Alabama’s miscues couldn’t stop the Crimson Tide after they started going downhill. The No 1 team in the nation Rolled past the USC Trojans 52-6. The Tide were lead by True Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts who came off the bench to make the offense click.

This highly anticipated contest had some many story lines and ways it could go from fired USC coach Lane Kiffin now Alabama offensive coordinator, to who will start at quarterback for Alabama, are they really No 1 team in the nation, can USC 10 returning starters on offensive outscore Alabama?

After the first quarter of play the Trojans hopeful were feeling ok with 3-0 lead and three quarters left to play. By then Alabama coach Nick Saban made his best decision of the night entering in Hurts to replace  Blake Barnett. He fumbled first snap from center but then exploded for 2 touchdown pass & 2 rushing touchdowns for total of 150 yards.

USC offense couldn’t find its rhythm against the big front seven of Alabama who held them to 194 total yards. The running game was nonexistent which allowed the Tide to remain in their base defense and not adjust with eight men in the box. So their game plan worked,  shut down JuJu Smith-Schuster with coverage underneath and over the top. Then still had seven in the box to stop the running game.

Saban was still not satisfied with his team big win, ” “We scored a lot of points, made a lot of big plays, but still our consistency in execution needs to be much improved…”

USC big play came from senior wide receiver Darreus Rogers who showed his vertical jump to bring down a critical catch and finish with team high 45 yards. Smith-Schuster was held to one catch for 9 yards. Their offense will have to find away to get their playmakers evolved earlier and frequently to make an impact.

USC will host Utah State back at the Coliseum next Saturday September 10th at 11am pst. This will give the Trojans the opportunity to get this bad taste out of their mouth.

Knight’s Touchdown Run Seals 31-24 Win Over UCLA

UCLA Bruins vs Texas A&M Aggies first half at Kyle Field in College Station, TX on September 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Trevor Knight’s gutsy 4th and goal touchdown run in overtime seals 31-24 win for Texas A&M over No. 16 UCLA.


COLLEGE STATION, TX- After being shut out in the 4th quarter then facing 4th & goal on its first possession in overtime, Texas A&M new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone refused to play it safe and kick a field goal. Instead he kept the offense on the field with a majority of the 100,443 fans in attendance assuming that Mazzone would call a power run play. Instead, quarterback Trevor Knight decided to take matters into his own hands. Faking a handoff to the running back, Knight scored from 1 yard out, in what proved to be the game winning touchdown.

This is exactly the sort of win that Kevin Sumlin needed and envisioned when he poached Mazzone from UCLA after last season.

While the final stat line shows that UCLA outgained Texas A&M 468 yards to 442 yards of total offense under new OC Kennedy Polamalu. Josh Rosen and UCLA’s offense failed to get into any kind of rhythm. The Bruins led 3-0 after the first quarter, but only managed a total of three JJ Molsen field goals. They trailed Texas A&M 10-9 at the half and 24-9 after three quarters.

UCLA managed to score 15 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to force overtime, but the Bruins failed to convert on 4th and 5 to force a second overtime period. Quarterback Josh Rosen’s pass intended for wide receiver Austin Roberts fell incomplete. After the game Josh Rosen admitted that, “If I connected on some of those balls, we would be on the positive side of the score board.”

Indeed, UCLA’s inability to get into a rhythm and find the end zone early proved costly. Rosen went 26-43 for 343 yards, but threw 3 interceptions. Sophomore running back Soso Jamabo – taking over for Paul Perkins who is now in the NFL with the New York Giants – carried 23 times for 91 yards and freshman wide receiver Kenneth Walker hauled in 6 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. The Bruins offense, however, only managed to go 5-18 on crucial third downs and 1-2 on fourth down.

Texas A&M’s defense also looks to be the real deal. Led by Nick Harvey, the Aggies defense registered 5 sacks on the day, broke up several passes and generally kept UCLA’s offense out of end zone when it mattered most. Junior Defensive End Myles Garrett summed it up best, saying, “We were forcing throws and that was our game plan.” “We did our job” and the defense was “pretty stout” against the run. The Aggies will certainly hope to use today’s upset win as a blueprint going forward once it begins SEC play later on this month.

UCLA on the other hand will attempt to rebound next week, when it hosts UNLV at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

Rams Extend WR Tavon Austin through 2021

NFL Preseason Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams 2nf Half action at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca on August 13 , 2016. (Photographer Jevone Moore)

Rams Extend WR Tavon Austin through 2021

 

The Los Angeles Rams have extended WR Tavon Austin to a four-year deal that will run through the 2021 season, the team announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

 

“Tavon has been an integral part of our offense and special teams since we drafted him in 2013,” Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher said. “It is important to our organization to retain players we’ve drafted and invested in, and Tavon is an example of that. We’re excited for him to continue his career with the Rams.”

 

Last season, Austin tied RB Todd Gurley for the most touchdowns among Rams with 10, which gave the club two players in double digits in the category for the first time since 2006 (S. Jackson & T. Holt).

 

Now entering his fourth NFL season, Austin has 19 career touchdowns: nine receiving, seven rushing and three punt returns. That total is tied for third most among all players in his draft class and tied for the most among wide receivers in the 2013 class.

 

–RAMS–

City Council to declare Wednesday ‘Kobe Bryant Day’ in LA

NBA Basketball game action between the Boston Celtics vs the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on April 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Kobe Bryant during last game vs Boston at Staples Center, in Los Angeles, Ca on April 3rd, 2016. (All Photos by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360 / fi360 News)

LOS ANGELES  — Los Angeles isn’t done saying goodbye to Kobe Bryant just yet.

The recently retired Lakers superstar will be honored by the City Council, which has declared Wednesday “Kobe Bryant Day.”

Councilmen Herb Wesson, Curren Price and Jose Huizar who sponsored the resolution say they chose Aug. 24, or 8/24, because it represents the two numbers Bryant wore during his 20-year Laker career, 8 and 24.

Bryant will be honored during Wednesday’s meeting in the council chambers for his storied Laker career and for his local philanthropy in youth sports and homelessness.

Bryant had a season-long farewell tour before scoring 60 points for the Lakers in his last game at Staples Center in April.

New Hollywood Park Casino Set To Open Fall 2016

Media Tour of the new Cary Grant Pavilion Hollywood Park Casino on August 9th, 2016 on site in Inglewood, Ca. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

INGLEWOOD, Calif., July 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Hollywood Park Casino Company announced today that the new Cary Grant Pavilion at Hollywood Park Casino (HPC) will open this Fall. The grand opening of HPC will usher in the city’s aura of glamour and luxury as the first of numerous businesses included as part of the developing retail district in the Inglewood Community.

Sitting on nearly 11 acres in a newly emerging renaissance district and directly facing the expanded Century Boulevard, the new HPC location will be just steps from the former location. As part of an updated art and social community minutes from Downtown Los Angeles and three miles away from Los Angeles International Airport, HPC sets the latest standard for Westside gambling.

“While the complex undergoes a physical overhaul, the staff at Hollywood Park is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible,” said Hollywood Park Casino General Manager Deven Kumar. “HPC is situated both to serve its current player base and draw in a new generation of gamers. The new casino will still have our favorite player perks, like Blackjack and Baccarat, as well as our daily no-limit Texas Hold’em tournaments, but the new property is going to be bigger and better than ever.”

Designed by San Diego-based JCJ Architecture, the new casino will span 110,000 square feet and include the best amenities in gaming and technology. HPC will set a winning stage with 125 card game tables, simulcast wagering, a sports bar and restaurant (Century Bar & Grill), intimate lounge, gourmet café, and a 20 percent increase in high limit play while including traditionally historic elements of HPC.

“This new casino was also designed with luxury and convenience in mind,” said Kumar. “The new property will engage the art and social communities featuring global artists’ work throughout. Signature to Southern California, palm trees iconography will line the drive as guests pull into valet park while a new parking structure are some of the included and updated amenities for incoming guests. Visitors will feel very safe, while enjoying themselves in beautiful surroundings.”

The new HPC property broke ground in July 2015 and is set to host grand opening events beginning Fall 2016.

“This is the first step in our revitalization plan,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts. “HPC and our other projects will breathe new life into our great city. Along with the future home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, HPC and the many new businesses coming to Inglewood will bring with them new jobs, increased revenue and beautiful new properties for residents and visitors to enjoy, while not using any tax dollars or public funding for any of the construction.”

With innovative and forward-thinking initiatives, Hollywood Park Casino is poised to become a leader in the California gaming industry; being adjacent to the City of Champions Revitalization project is simply an added bonus.

HPC has retained a roster of top agencies to support the new casino: Bloom Ads, media buying agency of record (AOR); BRANDed Management, PR AOR; SixteenFifty Creative Intelligence, creative AOR.

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD PARK CASINO:
Hollywood Park Casino is set to open in fall, 2016 adjacent to the City of Champions Revitalization Project. The casino will be an expansive 110,000 ft., on 10.6 acres, with three beautiful bars, 125 card game tables and multiple dining options. For more information, please visit www.playhpc.com, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter using @playHPC.

LA KISS Fall Short

Cleveland Gladiators vs LA KISS AFL Playoff game August 7th, 2016 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Cleveland Gladiators vs LA KISS AFL Playoff game August 7th, 2016 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

San Diego – The Cleveland Gladiators started off the game fast and hard behind the strong arm of Arvell Nelson. They say it’s always hard to beat a team three times in a season. Unfortunately that was the fate of the LA KISS who lost 56-52 in first round of the playoffs. The KISS never gave up but few key mistakes determined their fate.
Just think if they don’t allow ball to go off net into fair territory that was recovered by Cleveland for late score and lead 49-46 with 30 second remaining in game. KISS scored on last time in a valiant attempt to come back.

Cleveland held a 20-6 lead after the first quarter of play. The second quarter Cleveland allow the KISS to come back and make this game up for grabs in the second half. Nelson went 13/26 for 202 yards, 3 passing and 1 rushing touchdown and the win. Collin Taylor was his main target on the night with 8 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.

LA KISS fullback Rory Nixon scampered in for 9 yard touchdown in 3rd quarter and the LA KISS first lead of the game 32-27. Then the KISS defense responded with interception by defensive back Josh Victorian at 6:04 in 3rd quarter. The emotion in build was swelling for the home team. Three plays later quarterback Nathan Stanley hit wide receiver Donovan Morgan for his third touchdown of the game. Stanley threw a nice 27 yard deep fade pass that allowed Morgan to run right underneath it for the catch 39-27. Just think if the game could have ended after 3 quarters of play.

LA KISS head coach Omarr Smith will still hold his head up high after getting his team in playoffs in his first season as coach. He led his team to (7-9) record and the franchise first playoff berth. Even though Cleveland held the same record the LA KISS had defeated them two times already in regular season.
The LA KISS balance attack with wide receiver Donovan Morgan leading his team with 9 catches 132 yards with 3 touchdowns. Always a top performer for his team and someone every team game plans against but can’t shut down. Nixon was the other big play player for LA KISS scoring 3 touchdowns on the ground himself.
Now the LA KISS will have to watch the Arena Bowl at home but they gained some playoff experience for next year run.

PAC-12 UCLA Bruins Football Outlook 2016

NCAA 2016 UCLA Football Spring Practice on April 13th on campus in Westwood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Head Coach Jim Mora now entering his fifth season at helm for the Bruins. The offense will look a different look and feel behind new offensive Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu. Coach Mora was pleased with new install, “Every day they got a little bit better.”

The Bruins return 12 starters from last year 4 offense, 8 defense (1 IR). At first glance on the Bruins defense starters look strong but handful of these guys we pushed into starting roles due to early injuries. If the offseason weight program holds true to form this group will compete every week in PAC-12. Defensive Tackle Eddie Vanderdoes will be anchor in their front seven to help athletic Linebackers fly around. Their opening game verse Texas A&M will let them see if they are ready to be physical. Jaleel Wadood at Safety will look to lead they “No Fly Zone” when teams resort to the pass trying to catch up to the Bruins.

Now going into his second season under center Josh Rosen will have a better grasp of the speed of the game and his personal confidence in the pocket. His blindside has the two returners on offensive line which is always a plus. The Bruins still need to keep the injury bug away from their lineman so Rosen can have the breakout year all of Bruin fans are waiting for. The running game will bring a great balance to the offense with power of Nate Starks and Soso Jamabo will glide through defense. One big move in spring ball was converted DB Ishmael Adams now at receiver. This move will allow for more probability of explosive plays by Adams who showed off moves previous years on special teams as a returner.

 

UCLA will hold its own fate this year like last year, if Bruins want the PAC-12 South title they must take it! They face Stanford, Washington State, and USC all at home what more could ask for? Maybe not having Oregon or Washington on the schedule, wait they don’t play either team this year until PAC-12 Championship game.

Prediction: 1st PAC-12 South, Holiday Bowl