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Turnovers Doom USC in Second Home Loss

08 Oct. 2015: USC Trojans quarterback (6) Cody Kessler under center pre snap during a game against the Washington Huskies played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo By Jevone Moore/full Image 360)
08 Oct. 2015: USC Trojans quarterback (6) Cody Kessler under center pre snap during a game against the Washington Huskies played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo By Jevone Moore/full Image 360)
  08 Oct. 2015: Washington Huskies running back (9) Myles Gaskin finding a hole during a game against the USC Trojans played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo By Jevone Moore/full Image 360)
08 Oct. 2015: Washington Huskies running back (9) Myles Gaskin finding a hole during a game against the USC Trojans played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo By Jevone Moore/full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – USC made it easy for the Washington Huskies to hand them their second loss of conference play. Cody Kessler’s two first quarter interceptions and a fumble by receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster proved to be costly in a disappointing 17-12 loss for the men of Troy.  

The Huskies made life difficult for the struggling Kessler most of the night.

But USC also stood their ground on the defensive end early.

Washington’s first three possessions began in Trojan territory but they failed to squeeze any points. Freshman CB Iman Marshall tallied his first interception with USC, which lead to a 34-yard field goal and the team’s first points.

Neither team could grab much momentum in the first half. USC would have to settle for a field goal on the last possession of the second quarter and sent the Trojans up 6-3 at the half.

   08 Oct. 2015: USC Trojans running back (23) Tre Madden lowing his shoulder during a game against the Washington Huskies played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
08 Oct. 2015: USC Trojans running back (23) Tre Madden lowing his shoulder during a game against the Washington Huskies played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

USC’s running attack racked up 106 yards on the ground thru intermission.  Washington came in to the contest giving up just under 105 yards in the running game.  But with a hurried Kessler, USC’s offense was never in sync.

The Trojans began the second half the same way they began the game. This time, Smith-Schuster’s fumble would set up the Huskies in USC territory and they wouldn’t spoil their opportunity. On the very next play, with some trickery, the Huskies would score a 27-yard touchdown on a double pass that found TE Joshua Perkins in the end zone uncovered to take a 10-6 lead.

It would just get worse for the Trojans as Huskies RB Myles Gaskin gashed the Trojan defense. He would go in for a 1-yard touchdown on the second play of the fourth quarter.

Washington’s defense kept the Trojans out of the end zone until early in the fourth quarter. RB Ronald Jones answered on the next possession with a 1-yard score of his own to inch USC closer.

But the Trojans failed to mustard any points on their last possession that began with 6:59 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Kessler finished the night well under the 324 passing yards he came in averaging. He totaled 156-yards threw the air on 16 of 29 passing with 2 interceptions.  Jake Browning went 16 for 32 with 1 interception and 137 passing yards.

 08 Oct. 2015: Washington Huskies receiver (1) Jaydon Mickenson slant route catch just behind USC Trojans linebackers during a game played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
08 Oct. 2015: Washington Huskies receiver (1) Jaydon Mickenson slant route catch just behind USC Trojans linebackers during a game played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Gaskin ended with 134-yards on the ground on 22 carries for the Huskies. USC running back Tre Madden also rushed for over 100- yards on 17 touches.

“At the end of the day, we didn’t coach well enough and we didn’t play well enough to deserve to win the game,” said USC head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Sarkision left Washington before their bowl game to accept the head coaching position with the Trojans.

He says it was a big win for the Huskies and he holds no personal remorse.

“I’m proud of those kids. I recruited them, they have good coaches and they are great players,” said Sarkisian.

USC will try to move on from this loss, which left fans giving them the boo-birds at the end of the third quarter. They travel to South Bend next Saturday Oct 17th to play Notre Dame next week.

POLYNESIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2016 ANNOUNCEMENT

Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Finalist 2016
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Finalist 2016 Courtesy of PHOF

POLYNESIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

CLASS OF 2016 ANNOUNCED

 

October 7, 2015 (Honolulu, HI) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2016 today. Five Inductees were selected from a list of 25 Finalists.
The Class of 2016 includes Charles “Charlie” Teetai Ane, Jr. (Samoan ancestry), Rockne Crowningburg Freitas (Hawaiian ancestry), Troy Polamalu (Samoan ancestry), Vai Sikahema (Tongan ancestry) as player inductees and Albert “Al” Lolotai (Samoan ancestry) as a contributor.
The Inductees were chosen by a selection committee composed of past head football coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt, past NFLPA president and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae and Hawai’i sportscaster Robert Kekaula.
The Class of 2016 will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, to be held on January 29 & 30, 2016 in Oahu, Hawai’i. For more information you can visit www.PolynesianFootballHOF.org

 

CLASS OF 2016

 

Charles Teetai Ane, Jr. (Player)

Offensive Line … University of Southern California … All-Coast Selection … All-American Selection … Detroit Lions (1953-1959) … Six seasons … Selected by Lions in 4th Round, 49th player overall (1953 Draft) … Two Pro Bowl Selections … Three-time All-Pro (1956, 1957, 1958) … Led the Lions to three division titles and two world championships (1953, 1957) … Selected to All-Time Detroit Lions Team … Hawai’i Sports Hall of Fame …  Born January 25, 1931 in Honolulu, HI … Died May 9, 2007.

 

Rockne Crowningburg Freitas (Player)

Offensive Line … Oregon State University … Selected to play in the Hula Bowl, Coaches All-America Bowl and the College All-Star Game … Detroit Lions (1968-1977) … Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1978) … 11 seasons … Selected by the Steelers in 3rd round, 73rd player overall (1967 NFL Draft) … One Pro Bowl Selection … Two-time All-Pro (1970, 1972) … Oregon State University Sports Hall of Fame … Hawai’i Sports Hall of Fame …  Born September 7, 1945 in Kailua, HI.

 

Troy Polamalu (Player)

Defensive Back … University of Southern California … Consensus First Team All-American (2002) … Two-Time All-Pac-10 Selection (2001, 2002) … Pittsburgh Steelers (2003-2014) … 12 seasons … Selected by the Steelers in 1st round,  16th player overall (2003 NFL Draft) … Two-time Super Bowl Champion (2006, 2009) … Eight Pro Bowl Selections … Five-time All-Pro Selection (2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011) … AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2010) … NFL 2000s All-Decade Team … Named to Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team … Born April 19, 1981 in Garden Grove, CA.

 

Vai Sikahema (Player)

Running Back/Kick Returner … Brigham Young University … National Championship (1984) … Arizona Cardinals (1986-1990), Green Bay Packers (1991), Philadelphia Eagles (1992-1993) … 8 seasons … Selected by the Cardinals in 10th round,  254th player overall (1986 NFL Draft) … Two Pro Bowl Selections … First Tongan to play in the National Football League … Born August 29, 1962 in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga.

 

Albert Lolotai (Contributor)

Offensive Line … Weber Junior College … Washington Redskins (1945), Los Angeles Dons (1946-1949) … 5 seasons … Became a pioneer for future Polynesian Football players by being the first Polynesian to play in the NFL … Born June 22, 1920 in Laie, HI … Died September 30, 1990.

October 7, 2015 (Honolulu, HI) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2016 today. Five Inductees were selected from a list of 25 Finalists.
October 7, 2015 (Honolulu, HI) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2016 today. Five Inductees were selected from a list of 25 Finalists.

About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

 

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches and contributors.  As a 501(C)(3) organization, the Hall of Fame preserves and promotes Polynesian football history and awards scholarships for Polynesian student-athletes.

 

Inaugural Class (2014): Kurt Gouveia (Hawaiian ancestry), Olin Kreutz (Hawaiian ancestry), Kevin Mawae (Hawaiian ancestry), Junior Seau (Samoan ancestry), Jack Thompson (Samoan ancestry), Herman Wedemeyer (Hawaiian ancestry) and Coach Ken Niumatalolo (Samoan ancestry)

 

Class of 2015: Luther Elliss (Samoan ancestry), Jesse Sapolu (Samoan ancestry), Raymond Schoenke (Hawaiian ancestry), Mosi Tatupu (Samoan ancestry), Mark Tuinei (Samoan ancestry) and Russell Francis

 

www.PolynesianFootballHOF.org

www.Twitter.com/PolynesianFBHOF

www.Facebook.com/PolynesianFootballHallofFame

FLORIDA IS AUTONATION NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK

FWAA AutoNation Team of the week
FWAA AutoNation Team of the week

FLORIDA IS AUTONATION NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK
Gators dominate Ole Miss to stay unbeaten

DALLAS (FWAA) – The Florida Gators steamrolled Ole Miss in a battle of Southeastern Conference unbeatens, taking a 25-0 halftime lead and then securing the upset with three second-half takeaways to send the Gators to the top of the SEC East Division with a 38-10 win. The Gators (5-0) are unbeaten through five games for the first time since 2012 and have earned the AutoNation National Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Oct. 3.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier tossed four first-half touchdown passes to set the tone early and get the sellout crowd of 90,585 at The Swamp into a deafening roar. Grier continued his hot streak from a week earlier, when he led Florida from 13 points down in the final 10 minutes for a 28-27 win at Tennessee. Against Ole Miss, Grier was 24-of-29 passing for 271 yards.

The rest was left to the Gators’ defense. Ole Miss came into the game leading the SEC in scoring (54.8 points per game) and total offense (543.5 yards per game), but left Florida Field with only 328 total yards.

“What a great win for the Gators, for our fans and Gator Nation,” head coach Jim McElwain said. “We have players who have accepted the challenges that we’ve put forth and are really invested in themselves and each other, and I think there were a lot of good things that point to that in this ball game. That stadium was something special and you know, for a kid from Montana, man, I just got to tell you that was pretty cool.”

No. 3 Ole Miss was the highest-ranked opponent to lose at Florida Field in 16 years, dating back to a Florida upset over No. 2 and defending national champion Tennessee in 1999. At 3-0 in SEC play, Florida is the only undefeated team in conference play in the SEC East.

Other AutoNation National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Oct. 3 included:

• Alabama (4-1): The Crimson Tide went into Athens and dominated No. 8 Georgia, 38-10, in a steady rain. Quarterback Jake Coker had a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown, and the defense and special teams each contributed a touchdown. Alabama’s defense contained Georgia’s two quarterbacks to a combined 11-of-31 passing day and 3.2 yards per completion.

• Arizona State (3-2): The Sun Devils held No. 7 UCLA to a season-low 342 total yards and only 62 rushing yards in a 38-23 win at the Rose Bowl. Mike Bercovici threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another. Meanwhile, ASU’s defense scored two safeties, forced eight three-and-outs, and held a second consecutive opponent to less than 100 rushing yards.

• UNLV (2-3): The Rebels snapped a nine-game road losing streak dating back to 2013 by holding off a late Nevada rally and winning its annual Battle for the Fremont Cannon, 23-17, in Reno. One possession after Nevada had climbed to within 13-10 in the fourth quarter, UNLV middle linebacker Ryan McAleenan stepped in front of a pass and returned it 52 yards for a score for provide a cushion.

As part of AutoNation’s history of charitable involvement, AutoNation will donate $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in the University of Florida’s name. This charitable college football initiative culminates with the AutoNation Cure Bowl, a new post-season NCAA football game that kicks off bowl season at the Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., and will be aired by CBS Sports Network. The aptly named AutoNation Cure Bowl also serves as a fund raiser for the BCRF, CharityWatch’s only A+ rated breast cancer organization in the country.

“We want to celebrate the very best of college football, while also helping to raise awareness for the importance of finding a cure for cancer,” says AutoNation CMO Marc Cannon. “This season-long partnership with the FWAA, leading up to the AutoNation Cure Bowl, puts a spotlight on a cause that we’re determined to tackle.”

“In our 75th season of existence, this a marvelous platform to get our players and the team of the week series excellent exposure as well as helping AutoNation in its effort to fight cancer and contribute to the educational funds of deserving student-athletes,” said FWAA 2015 President Lee Barfknecht of the Omaha World-Herald. “It is very exciting to be able to help our organization as well as others in this splendid effort.”

The Football Writers Association of America has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the first season AutoNation has presented the award. Members of the FWAA All-America Committee decide the weekly honor. Each remaining Monday during the 2015 college football regular season, the FWAA will name a National Team of the Week. Members of the FWAA All-America Committee decide the weekly honor.

AutoNation is also the presenting sponsor of the FWAA’s national offensive and defensive players of the week  announced each Tuesday, the 2015 FWAA All-America Team and the 75th Anniversary FWAA All-America Team. The 2015 AutoNation FWAA All-America Team will be announced at the AutoNation Cure Bowl on Dec. 19.

About AutoNation, Inc.:
AutoNation is transforming the automotive retail industry through bold leadership. We deliver a peerless automotive retail experience through our customer-focused sales and service processes. Owning and operating 293 new vehicle franchises, which sell 35 new vehicle brands across 15 states, AutoNation is America’s largest automotive retailer, with state-of-the-art operations and the ability to leverage economies of scale that benefit the customer. As an indication of our leadership position in our industry, AutoNation is a component of the S&P 500 Index.

About the AutoNation Cure Bowl:
The AutoNation Cure Bowl a new post-season NCAA football game whose net proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The AutoNation Cure Bowl takes place December 19 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, and will be broadcast by CBS Sports Network. The bowl is scheduled to involve teams from the American Athletic and Sun Belt conferences.

About the Football Writers Association of America:
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.

2015 AutoNation National Teams of the Week
• Weekend of Sept. 5: Temple Owls
• Weekend of Sept. 12: Toledo Rockets
• Weekend of Sept. 19: Ole Miss Rebels
• Weekend of Sept. 26: Utah Utes
• Weekend of Oct. 3: Florida Gators

PAC-12 Football Players of the Week

Pac-12 Logos of Pac-12 North, Pac-12 South
Pac-12 Logos of Pac-12 North, Pac-12 South
03 Oct. 2015: Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback (2) Mike Bercovici in action during a game against the UCLA Bruins played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
03 Oct. 2015: Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback (2) Mike Bercovici in action during a game against the UCLA Bruins played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

PAC-12 ANNOUNCES FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Pac-12 Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO – Quarterback Mike Bercovici of ARIZONA STATE, safety Stefan McClure of CALIFORNIA and punter Matt Haack of ARIZONA STATE have been named offensive, defensive and special teams Pac-12 Players of the Week in football.

Bercovici, a senior quarterback from Calabasas, Calif., led the Sun Devils to a 38-23 road win over No. 7 UCLA on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Bercovici accounted for three touchdowns, including two passing and one rushing, and 310 total yards, including 273 passing yards and 37 rushing yards. He was 27-for-44 passing and connected with seven different receivers. His career-long 34-yard touchdown run in the third quarter pushed ASU’s lead to 12, 22-10, with just over 11 minutes to play in the quarter. It was the Sun Devils’ longest touchdown run this season. Bercovici converted 17 first downs in the win, including four first downs in the final 10 minutes of the game. The win marked ASU’s first road win over an AP Top-25 team since 2002 and was the second win over an AP Top-10 team in head coach Todd Graham’s four seasons at ASU.

McClure, a senior safety from Vista, Calif., helped California to a 34-28 win over Washington State and marked the Golden Bears’ fifth-straight victory. McClure recorded six tackles including his first career sack for nine yards. He also ran a 45-yard fumble return for a touchdown on fake punt in the third quarter that was Cal’s first fumble return for a score since the 2011 season opener. Both his fumble return and sack came in the third quarter at key moments of the game, as the fumble return cut the Washington State lead to 21-20. McClure’s third-down sack moved the Cougars back nine yards to attempt a 40-yard field goal that was missed which would have increased their lead to 31-20.

Haack, a junior punter from West Des Moines, Iowa, dropped a career-best five of his eight punts inside the 20-yard line and finished with 345 yards (43.1 average), including a long of 63. His previous career-high was three punts inside the top-20. Haack’s final kick of the game was one of the key plays of the game, as he pinned UCLA at its own one-yard line with five minutes remaining in the game. ASU picked up a safety on UCLA’s ensuing drive, and the Sun Devils scored the final touchdown of the game on their next drive. The only punt of Haack’s eight that was returned was his first of the game, and netted a negative of three yards.

Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Jared Goff, QB, CAL; Bralon Addison, WR, ORE; Christian McCaffrey, RB, STAN; Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA; Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Alex Balducci, NT, ORE; Blake Martinez, LB, STAN; Isaako Savaiinaea, UCLA; Also nominated for Special Teams Player of the Week: Stefan McClure, S, CAL; Matt Wogan, KO, ORE; Conrad Ukropina, STAN; Ka’imi Fairbairn, PK; UCLA

2015 Pac-12 Players of the Week

Week                           Offensive                                 Defensive                                Special Teams

Sept. 7                        Josh Rosen, UCLA                  Justin Thomas, UTAH             Dante Pettis, WASH

Sept. 14                      Luke Falk, WSU                      Gionni Paul, UTAH                  Bralon Addison, ORE

Sept. 21                      Kevin Hogan, STAN                Kenneth Olugbode, COLO       Cory Butler-Byrd, UTAH

Sept. 28                      Travis Wilson, UTAH               Kyle Kragen, CAL                    Tom Hackett, UTAH

Oct. 5                          Mike Bercovici, ASU              Stefan McClure, CAL              Matt Haack, ASU

Chargers Get The Win On 2nd Kick

04 Oct. 2015: San Diego Chargers running back (39) Danny Woodhead in action during a game against the Cleveland Browns played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
04 Oct. 2015: San Diego Chargers running back (39) Danny Woodhead in action during a game against the Cleveland Browns played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
October 4, 2015 - San Diego Chargers Place Kicker Josh Lambo (2) connects on a 34 yard game winning field goal over Cleveland Browns at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
October 4, 2015 – San Diego Chargers Place Kicker Josh Lambo (2) connects on a 34 yard game winning field goal over Cleveland Browns at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

San Diego, Ca –  The Chargers believe in second chances, due to a penalty rookie Josh Lambo kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired, after missing that similar kick the play before. Lambo’s kick lifted the San Diego Chargers (2-2) to a 30-27 victory against the Cleveland Browns(1-3) on Sunday, snapping a two-game losing streak.

Home cooking always seem to do a team good coming of two game losing streak on the road. The Chargers being able to have normal game week with no travel gave this team the slight edge that was needed. Today was Phillip Rivers 148th consecutive starts, ties a franchise record and the 2nd longest streak in NFL to Eli Manning.

Oct. 4, 2015: Cleveland Browns quarterback (13) Josh McCown and San Diego Chargers quarterback (17) Philip Rivers on the field after the Chargers defeated the Browns 30 to 27 in a game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Oct. 4, 2015: Cleveland Browns quarterback (13) Josh McCown and San Diego Chargers quarterback (17) Philip Rivers on the field after the Chargers defeated the Browns 30 to 27 in a game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

After the game in the press conference Rivers spoke, ” this game was scrappy. It was a big one.” The Browns just would go away, they just continued to fight for their head coach Mike Pettine. Rivers had good day passing 23/38, 358 yards and 3 touchdowns compared to Josh McCown 32/41, 356 yards with 2 touchdowns. These quarterbacks showed up today and it’s not a surprise why this game was such a nail biter. This game was tied at 27-27 just before two minute warning, neither team could break away from the other.

04 Oct. 2015: San Diego Chargers wide receiver (11) Steve Johnson catches a pass and makes a move on Cleveland Browns corner (21) Justin Gilbert during a game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
04 Oct. 2015: San Diego Chargers wide receiver (11) Steve Johnson catches a pass and makes a move on Cleveland Browns corner (21) Justin Gilbert during a game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Brown’s head coach Mike Pettine talked to media and refused to make excuses. “The guys were out there battling at the end…I’m proud of them. It’s a loss. We’re 1-3. We own that.” One of the teams were going to be in hole while the victors would be back at .500 ball. The offensive line for the Browns were bending but couldn’t slow down that rush enough  allowing 4 sacks. Running back by committee only rushed for 100 yards.  Manti Te’o led the Chargers with 13 tackles, while fellow outside backers kept pressure on McCown.  Jeremiah Attaochu had two sacks with 3 tackles, and from the other side was Melvin Ingram who recorded 1.5 sack with 3 tackles, 2 assist.

04 Oct. 2015: San Diego Chargers linebacker (54) Melvin Ingram about to sack Cleveland Browns quarterback (13) Josh McCown during a game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Oct. 4th,  2015: San Diego Chargers linebacker (54) Melvin Ingram about to sack Cleveland Browns quarterback (13) Josh McCown during a game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The Chargers now will have to get ready to face a touch Pittsburg Steelers(2-2) team on October 12th, Monday night at 5:30pm. The Steelers are coming off a Thursday night tough loss 23-20 to the Ravens in overtime.

Cleveland will have to heal their wounds quick and get ready to face divisional rival Baltimore Ravens(1-3) who have same record. In the black and blue AFC North any week you can get beat if don’t come in prepared and the loser of this game will be in big hole.

UCLA Gets Burned By Sun Devils

WR Stephen Johnson III on catch with ASU Saftey Jordan Simone on his tail. Photo by Jevone Moore
WR Stephen Johnson III on catch with ASU Saftey Jordan Simone on his tail. Photo by Jevone Moore
 ASU QB Mike Bercovici kept just out of reach of Bruins. Photo by Jevone Moore
ASU QB Mike Bercovici kept just out of reach of Bruins. Photo by Jevone Moore

Pasadena, Ca – The Arizona State Sun Devils game to the Rose Bowl on a mission from their demeanor and the uniforms they picked for this prime time Fox game. They continue to dominate in tackles for loss, averaging 9.3 per game this season, good for first nationally and first in the Pac-12.

This game had its main plays but in the end ASU scored 38 points to UCLA 23. Led by quarterback Mike Bercovici who lit the Bruins up passing for 27/44,  273 yards and 2 touchdowns. He kept the Bruin defense honest by also running read option with dynamic backfield. Bercovici had 11 rushes for 59 yards and none bigger than 23 yarder he broke off for key first down and a touchdown. 5th year senior Devin Lucien former Bruin had  3 catches for 34 yards but his big catch was confirmed by replay for key first down in the second half of play. After the game Lucien spoke about how this win feels, “I not really sure how I feel right now.”(I guess still Bruin at heart)

 Demario Richard shaken Bruin Aaron Wallace. Photo by Jevone Moore
Demario Richard shaken Bruin Aaron Wallace. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Sun Devils controlled this game by having ball 37:47 compared to 22:13 of the Bruins. Much of that clock was eaten up tailback Demario Richard who carried ball 23 times for 79 yards and running back Kalen Ballage 11 carries for 59 yards with a scum push in touchdown. Richard made it five games this season with 100+ all-purpose yards with 134 total (55 receiving).

Coming off a game where UCLA scored 56 points in the desert, today they just could get things going in right direction. The offense and defensive lines didn’t control the line of scrimmage to give themselves a chance. Josh Rosen was rushed most of the night, not being able to get settled in the pocket. So much so that the game first points was a safety due to intentional grounding call. Rosen playing from behind managed to throw for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Paul Perkins saw little day light on this run. Photo by Jevone Moore
Paul Perkins saw little day light on this run. Photo by Jevone Moore

Running back Paul Perkins never really got started today amassing only 63 yards on 11 carries and touchdown. The Sun Devils defense just seemed a step ahead of the Bruins on the ground and the air. Running back coach Kennedy Pola tried to use backup Nate Starks who had 6 carries for only 23 yards.

The Bruins now will have a week off and time to prepare for tough road game in Palo Alto verse their nemesis Stanford Thursday October 15th, at 7:30pm on ESPN.

Narbonne Squeezes by Los Alamitos

HSFB Narbonne Gauchos vs Los Alamitos Griffins
HSFB Narbonne Gauchos vs Los Alamitos Griffins
Narbonne Gauchos Sean Riley making Los Al miss. Photo by Jevone Moore
Narbonne Gauchos Sean Riley making Los Al miss. Photo by Jevone Moore

Long Beach, Ca – The Narbonne Gauchos need all four quarters to come out with a strong victory over its last non-conference opponent. They had a touch front half of the season to prepare them for the Marine league and a deep playoff run.

Narbonne won this slug fest 35-28 over Los Alamitos at Vet’s Stadium on this Thursday Night Lights high school game. Running back Sean Riley grinded out some key first downs on and chewed up the clock before busting through on 18 yard touchdown run.  This score put the Gauchos up 35-21 with only 3:02 left on the game clock.

Griffins' Running Back Schuyler Whitehead in the hole picking up yards. Photo by Jevone Moore
Griffins’ Running Back Schuyler Whitehead in the hole picking up yards. Photo by Jevone Moore

Not too much different than last year game when Los Al allowed Narbonne to come from behind to take the lead and not relinquish the lead. Roman Ale made sure he kept his team calm and made good decisions when Narbonne was on offense. He finished the game throwing for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Ale favorite target on the night was DeVaughn Cooper who caught 5 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.

Los Alamitos had a balanced game plan to move the ball in the air and on the ground. Quarterback Jack Telenko kept calm most of the night completing 21/37 passes  for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns with 2 costly interceptions.

 Los Al A.J. Gonzalez crossing the Goal line. Photo by Jevone Moore
Los Al A.J. Gonzalez crossing the Goal line. Photo by Jevone Moore

Schuyler Whitehead and R.j. Gonzalez proved to be good duo for the Los Al running game. Whitedhead found most of his success on the edges off tackle while Gonzalez fought inside and sneaked out backfield to catch few passes. The biggest catch for Gonzalez 23 yard touchdown that gave his team 21-14 lead in second half.

Narbonne’s backfield had a new star emerge on play action passes to Kameron Denmark who scored two touchdown with his feet and hands. Denmark was able to make some plays today due to a game time decision to hold out backup running back Justin Franks after watching him during warm ups. It proved to be a good move in gaining rest and finding depth to assist Riley carry the load.

 Receiver Devaughn Cooper using his field vision to pick up more yards. Photo by Jevone Moore
Receiver Devaughn Cooper using his field vision to pick up more yards. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Narbonne Gauchos now (3-2) will host The Washington Prep Generals(2-3). Los Alamitos Giffins now (2-3) will travel to play Edison Chargers (2-3)

Game Photos can be viewed at Full Image 360

Utah is AutoNation National Team of the Week

FWAA AutoNation Team of the week
FWAA AutoNation Team of the week

 Utah Utes RB Devontae Booker & LB Jared Norris at Pac-12 Media Day. Photo by Jevone Moore
Utah Utes RB Devontae Booker & LB Jared Norris at Pac-12 Media Day. Photo by Jevone Moore

UTAH IS AUTONATION NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK
Utes blast Oregon in Eugene  

 DALLAS (FWAA) – The Utah Utes won their first Pac-12 opener since joining the conference in 2011 in a big way, and made a national statement as well in a dominating 62-20 win at No. 13 Oregon. The Utes are 4-0 for the first time since 2010, and have earned the AutoNation National Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Sept. 26.

Quarterback Trevor Wilson threw for 227 yards on 18-of-30 passing with four touchdowns, and also tallied 100 rushing yards and another touchdown as Utah (4-0, 1-0) racked up the most points its scored against a Pac-12 opponent in its five-year league history, and it was also the most points the Ducks have ever allowed in Eugene. Devontae Booker had 98 rushing yards on 22 carries and also threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Britain Covey.

“This is great momentum for us going into the bye week. For right now, this is where we want to be,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said. “This should definitely give us some confidence and buy-in. They really controlled the game from start to finish. It really speaks well to how our guys prepared and the type of personnel we’ve been able to assemble. This program is not easy. It’s a tough program to be a part of, but if you do it the right way then you’re going to have good results and tonight is one of those nights.”

Utah scored on five consecutive drives to gain a 27-13 halftime lead, then scored on its first four series of the second half to tally 42 unanswered points and a 62-13 lead. The Utes held Oregon to 18 rushing yards in the second half.

Other AutoNation National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 26 included:

Michigan (3-1): The Wolverines earned their first shutout win since 2012 with a dominating defensive showing, holding BYU to just 105 total yards and eight first downs in a 31-0 win. Michigan scored on five consecutive drives in the first half for all of its points.

UCLA (4-0): The Bruins won their Pac-12 opener in convincing fashion, 56-30, at Arizona. True freshman Josh Rosen threw for 284 yards and accounted for three touchdowns, and Paul Perkins added 85 rushing yards and three first-half touchdowns to put UCLA in control by intermission, 42-14.

As part of AutoNation’s history of charitable involvement, AutoNation will donate $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in the University of Utah’s name. This charitable college football initiative culminates with the AutoNation Cure Bowl, a new post-season NCAA football game that kicks off bowl season at the Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., and will be aired by CBS Sports Network. The aptly named AutoNation Cure Bowl also serves as a fund raiser for the BCRF, CharityWatch’s only A+ rated breast cancer organization in the country.

“We want to celebrate the very best of college football, while also helping to raise awareness for the importance of finding a cure for cancer,” says AutoNation CMO Marc Cannon. “This season-long partnership with the FWAA, leading up to the AutoNation Cure Bowl, puts a spotlight on a cause that we’re determined to tackle.”

“In our 75th season of existence, this a marvelous platform to get our players and the team of the week series excellent exposure as well as helping AutoNation in its effort to fight cancer and contribute to the educational funds of deserving student-athletes,” said FWAA 2015 President Lee Barfknecht of the Omaha World-Herald. “It is very exciting to be able to help our organization as well as others in this splendid effort.”

The Football Writers Association of America has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the first season AutoNation has presented the award. Members of the FWAA All-America Committee decide the weekly honor. Each remaining Monday during the 2015 college football regular season, the FWAA will name a National Team of the Week. Members of the FWAA All-America Committee decide the weekly honor.

AutoNation is also the presenting sponsor of the FWAA’s national offensive and defensive players of the week  announced each Tuesday, the 2015 FWAA All-America Team and the 75th Anniversary FWAA All-America Team. The 2015 AutoNation FWAA All-America Team will be announced at the AutoNation Cure Bowl on Dec. 19.

About AutoNation, Inc.:
AutoNation is transforming the automotive retail industry through bold leadership. We deliver a peerless automotive retail experience through our customer-focused sales and service processes. Owning and operating 293 new vehicle franchises, which sell 35 new vehicle brands across 15 states, AutoNation is America’s largest automotive retailer, with state-of-the-art operations and the ability to leverage economies of scale that benefit the customer. As an indication of our leadership position in our industry, AutoNation is a component of the S&P 500 Index.

About the AutoNation Cure Bowl:
The AutoNation Cure Bowl a new post-season NCAA football game whose net proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The AutoNation Cure Bowl takes place December 19 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, and will be broadcast by CBS Sports Network. The bowl is scheduled to involve teams from the American Athletic and Sun Belt conferences.

About the Football Writers Association of America:
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.

2015 AutoNation National Teams of the Week
• Weekend of Sept. 5: Temple Owls
• Weekend of Sept. 12: Toledo Rockets
• Weekend of Sept. 19: Ole Miss Rebels
• Weekend of Sept. 26: Utah Utes

Los Angeles Lakers Media Day 2015

Kobe Bryant at Los Angeles Lakers Media Day 2015 Photo by Jordon Kelly
Kobe Bryant at Los Angeles Lakers Media Day 2015 Photo by Jordon Kelly
Head Coach Byron Scott at Los Angeles Lakers Media Day 2015 Photo by Jordon Kelly
Head Coach Byron Scott at Los Angeles Lakers Media Day 2015 Photo by Jordon Kelly

El Segundo, Ca – The lights were shining bright at the Los Angeles Lakers training center at Health South. The media frenzy was normal on the Lakers practice court set up for the controlled chaos that took place. Every player had time to be under the bright lights and have some fun thinking how will this upcoming season be….

The Los Angeles Lakers missed the NBA playoffs last season which allowed them the pick in the lottery, this year newest pick was D’Angelo Russell of Ohio State. There will be a lot of youth on this year team that should results in some fast paced exciting basketball. Second year lottery pick Julius Randle coming off broken leg in his rookie campaign has been working closely with Metta World Peace.

For the last 20 seasons media day has had the presence of the Kobe Bryant aka the Black Mamba. Kobe looked excited for this season with all the youth on his team. He felt that this year he knows what his body can do and how to be the most effective. Most reporters wanted to know if this will be Kobe final year, he said “I’ve got enough to think about other than retirement” So don’t count out Kobe be back for his 21st media day next year with head coach Byron Scott.

Brandon Bass PF                       Tarik Black C                     Vander Blue SG
Carlos Boozer PF                       Anthony Brown SF           Jabari Brown SG
Kobe Bryant SG                         Dwight Buycks PG            Jordan Clarkson PG
Michael Frazier II SG               Roy Hibbert C                    Jonathan Holmes F
Marcelo Huertas PG                 Ryan Kelly PF                    Larry Nance Jr. PF
Julius Randle PF                       D’Angelo Russell PG        Robert Sacre C
Robert Upshaw C                      Louis Williams SG            Metta World Peace SF
Nick Young SF

All Photos by Jordon Kelly

PAC-12 FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Pac-12 Logos of Pac-12 North, Pac-12 South
Pac-12 Logos of Pac-12 North, Pac-12 South

PAC-12 ANNOUNCES FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Pac-12 Press Release 

 

SAN FRANCISCO – Quarterback Travis Wilson of UTAH, defensive end Kyle Kragen of CALIFORNIA and punter Tom Hackett of UTAH have been named offensive, defensive and special teams Pac-12 Players of the Week in football.

Wilson, a senior quarterback from San Clemente, Calif., had 327 yards of total offense (227 passing, 100 rushing) in his return to action after missing last week’s game due to injury. Wilson recorded five total touchdowns, four passing and one rushing, in then-No. 18 Utah’s defeat of then-No. 13 Oregon, 62-20, at Autzen Stadium. The senior quarterback went 18-of-30 passing to nine different receivers with no interceptions, and had a career-long rush of 60 yards. After Utah punted on its first offensive possession, Wilson led the Utes on five-straight scoring drives to take a 27-13 halftime lead. Coming out from halftime, Utah scored on its first three offensive possessions to go up 48-13. Utah’s 62 points were the most scored against a Pac-12 opponent since joining the Conference in 2011, and the most the Ducks have ever allowed in Eugene.

Kragen, a senior defensive end from Danville, Calif., registered career highs of six tackles and 1.5 sacks (-16 yards) as well as a career-high-tying 1.5 tackles for loss (-16 yards) in California’s 30-24 victory over Washington. Kragen marked his first forced fumble and pass break up of the year, assisting in Cal’s first win over Washington on Montlake since 2005. The undefeated Golden Bears (4-0, 1-0) return to the top 25 (No. 24 AP/T24 Amway Coaches) for the first time since 2010.

Hackett, a senior punter from Melbourne, Australia, had three punts for 181 yards (60.3 average), dropping all three punts inside the 10-yard line (8, 1 and 4-yard lines) in Utah’s 62-20 win over Oregon. Hackett had a career-long punt of 76 yards, which ranks seventh in program history, of which landed on Oregon’s 8-yard line. Hackett corralled a high snap on fourth-and-13 on a called fake punt and turned it into a 33-yard rush to the Oregon 39-yard line. Utah went on to score a touchdown on the possession to take a 48-13 lead. With the statement win, the No. 10 Utes received its first ever first-place vote in the regular season AP Poll.

Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Kenny Lawler, WR, CAL; Seth Collins, QB, OSU; Christian McCaffrey, RB, STAN; Jordan Payton, WR, UCLA; JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC; Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Blake Martinez, LB, STAN; Chris Hawkins, CB, USC; Jason Fanaika, LB, UTAH; Also nominated for Special Teams Player of the Week: Matt Anderson, PK, CAL; Devin Fuller, WR, UCLA; Adoree’ Jackson, CB/WR/RET, USC

 2015 Pac-12 Players of the Week

Week               Offensive                                 Defensive                                Special Teams

Sept. 7            Josh Rosen, UCLA                  Justin Thomas, UTAH             Dante Pettis, WASH

Sept. 14          Luke Falk, WSU                      Gionni Paul, UTAH                  Bralon Addison, ORE

Sept. 21          Kevin Hogan, STAN                Kenneth Olugbode, COLO       Cory Butler-Byrd, UTAH

Sept. 28          Travis Wilson, UTAH               Kyle Kragen, CAL                    Tom Hackett, UTAH