San Diego Chargers Danny scoring a Touchdown. Photo by Jevone Moore
San Diego, Ca – In a close 5 point win at Qualcomm stadium against Detroit Lions. The San Diego Chargers open this NFL season maybe for the last time if they team relocate to Los Angeles. The home fans saw Phillip Rivers throw 42 times with 35 completions for 404 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The 33 – 28 win wasn’t perfect over Detroit but all you need to do is win week after week. So now going on road next week the Chargers know how to win. The running game didn’t fill stat sheets, Danny Woodhead did get on the score board for two touchdowns on 42 yards. The Chargers rookie Melvin Gordon was leading rusher for his team with 51 yards. The Lions rookie Ameer Abdullah was most impressive on his first NFL carry for 24 yard touchdown and left Chargers safety grabbing all air.
The big story line pregame was Lions Calvin “Megatron” Johnson who was held to 2 catches for 39 yards vs Chargers Keenan Allen pulled in 15 catches for 166 yards. Rivers put a lot of pressure on his offensive line having them slow down the Lions rush for over 40 pass plays due to playing from behind most of the game.
Head Coach Mike McCoy was pleased with the overall performance, know that this was game one and team is still going to get better each week. McCoy was the most impressed by team he said, “We stick together and we play as one” . Being one is always helps because the house in not divided. As this team goes through the season they will need something to stand on, Rivers “We are still building our identity”
So the Chargers will thank the Lions for the two turnovers in 3rd quarter that helped get the game back to striking distance. Both of these teams will have an opportunity next week to get better and a win. The Lions will travel to face Minnesota who will be coming off a short week after a Monday night contest. Then the Chargers will face Cincinnati in Ohio in the earlier game back east.
Carson QB Jaja Bellinger back to pass. Photo by Jevone Moore
QB Khalil Tate breaking away from Carson. Photo by Jevone Moore
Long Beach, Ca – The big stadium lights of Vet’s Memorial Stadium were the perfect venue for Khalil Tate Serra’s quarterback to return. The Serra Cavaliers beat the visiting Carson Colts 43-0 once the clock clicked zero. Both programs are trying to get back to their winning ways, and playing sound football.
If you were in attendance at the game you definitely got to know #14 of Serra which is Tate who had 242 yards, 2 touchdowns on night (130 Rush/ 112 Pass). The first quarter was a stalemate filled with fourth down stops by both teams and few turnovers. Then Serra Speed showed up on 90 yard touchdown run up their sideline you could see Carson defenders looking like they were in slow motion. This was first of many touchdown by Serra in second quarter. At the half the score was 23-0, leaving Carson head coach Kevin McCall searching for answers to get his team on track.
Carson quarterback Jaja Bellinger is learning on the fly as true freshman (9th grade) showing pose and maturity. His youth hurt Carson in 1st quarter on 4th & 3 with a quarterback sneak, just didn’t seem like he know where the sticks were. Overall as freshman the performance was good and you can only imagine what Bellinger will look like in few years.
Randy Anyanwu busted open the defensive with a 72 yard touchdown. Photo by Jevone Moore
Randy Anyanwu busted open the defensive with a 72 yard touchdown run in end of third quarter that took score to 36-0. Serra offensive is read option sometimes, which lead to last score because few series before on same play Tate kept the ball scampered in 12 yard score. Serra coach Scott Altenberg was pleased with his team, “We like to play fast, we play better when we play fast..” After the rust was knocked off Tate and crew found their groove.
Next week Serra will play a very good Narbonne team, they were able to pitch a shutout. The defense stepped up missing linebackers Merlin Robertson & Tysyn Parker. Carson will host Paramount next week, Bellinger and running back Adrean Hooper will have to carry the offensive load.
Adrean Hooper finding the edge for a few yards. Photo by Jevone Moore
NFL Kickoff Sept 10th, 2015 Pittsburgh vs. New England
Gillette Stadium – The NFL kicked off it 2015-16 season in prime time with the defending Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The crowd at hand were full of energy being able to celebrate the new season and congratulate it’s Super Bowl winning team. Owner Robert Kraft came running onto the field holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy to roar of the crowd. Then a blast of fireworks to summons the reveal of their Championships banner hung in the raptures. Both Patriots quarterbacks lead the team out to the field with helmets off to show their faces.
After all the pre game hype was over the game was set to began between two of the NFL storied franchises. The Patriots took the victory today over the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers 28-21. Of course this game had to have some controversy involved in it, we are dealing with the Pats. You either love them or hat them, but in end they find away to win more often than some would want. Earlier in the game the Steelers coaches head seats where experience interference with Patriots broadcast playing in their ears. Before we blame the Pats, let’s look at the facts rain, weather play a part plus all communications for both teams are handled by the NFL. So blame Roger Goodell and crew but wait Roger didn’t show up to game due to not wanting to be a distraction. The fans knew it, late in the game you could the fans chanting, “Where is Roger, Where is Roger?”
With the pent up frustration almost behind him Tom Brady completed 78% of his passes for 288 yards and 4 touchdowns. Not a bad start after almost not being able to play for four games. Last year at this time we were wondering is this the Patriots. The unstoppable tight end Rob Gronkowski was the difference tonight and year ago. Gronk is healthy this year and torched the Steelers for 3 touchdowns that could have been four but was reversed by replay. It didn’t matter if there was a safety, linebacker, or double coverage Brady was going to find his guy. When time for a first down then there was Julian Edelman who finished the game with 11 catches that kept the chains moving.
Steelers fans won’t go run and hide because there were flashes of greatness, Big Ben Roethlisberger move ball down the field well most of the game. There were times when even his favorite target Antonio Brown was just not enough. Brown was being guarded by Malcolm Butler most of night but still was able to have 9 catches for 133 yards with a touchdown. The big surprise was running back DeAngelo Williams who was filling in due to a four game suspension to Le’Veon Bell. Williams showed off his quickness and power after trimming down 20 pounds for his new roll amassing 127 yards on 21 carries. He looked like a Pittsburgh Steelers running back, big , strong, hard nose, rumbling into the secondary inflecting pain.
This two teams will have few extras days before their next game but the game was all the NFL could ask for on display. The Steelers will work on their defense & kicking game to ensure better results this year. While the Patriots will have to make sure on defense they find away to turn the running backs back inside and not have such a loose edge contain. If both teams stay healthy we will see them in playoffs again maybe AFC championship game.
ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC Begin Second Year of Autonomy Process
Preliminary Concepts have been Submitted; Final Proposals to be Released on Nov. 15; Autonomy Session on Jan. 15 at NCAA Convention
SAN FRANCISCO— Over the past several years, the five conferences of the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC have worked both individually and collectively to create a 21st Century experience for student-athletes. Areas of reform have included enhancements to the health and well-being of students, including liberalizing meal legislation and focusing on sport-related injuries, notably concussions. The five conferences have also adopted protections for athletic scholarships as well as increased the value of a full grant-in-aid to cover the full cost of attendance. Finally, additional benefits incidental to participating in athletics have been made available to student-athletes and their families, which have been in addition to the millions of dollars in direct assistance provided each year through the Student Assistance Fund.
The 2015-16 year marks the second year in which the five conferences have autonomy over certain areas of NCAA rules. Numerous preliminary concepts intended to enhance the student-athlete experience have been submitted into this year’s legislative cycle. These concepts will now undergo a period of preliminary review and refinement, during which time amendments may be proposed and any or all of the five conferences may join together to support a concept through co-sponsorship. Proposals will take their final form by November 15th, at which point they will be published and made available for comment by all of the Division I membership. The proposals will then be voted on during the autonomy session at the NCAA Convention on January 15, 2016.
The commissioners of the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC commented on the importance of the autonomy process: “Our universities have made significant strides to modernize college athletics and improve the student-athlete experience. There is more work to do, but collectively we have sharpened our focus on the overall objective of preparing our student-athletes to succeed on and off the field – in college and in life.”
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2016 Finalists
At a glance:
Finalists have been selected from over 200 nominees.
Finalists represent 17 Pro Bowl selections and 14 NFL & Super Bowl Championships.
The Class of 2016 Inductees will be announced on October 7, 2015.
Inductees will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on January 29 & 30, 2016 in Oahu, Hawai’i.
HONOLULU, HI (September 10, 2015) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today 25 Finalists will be on the ballot for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016. The list includes 20 players and five coaches/contributors.
The Finalists were chosen from a field of over 200 nominees by a Selection Committee which includes Coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride, and Dick Vermeil, past NFLPA President and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL player personnel legend Gil Brandt and Honolulu Sportscaster Robert Kekaula.
The committee will meet again in the coming weeks to select the six members (five players and one coach/contributor) who will be inducted as the Polynesian Football Hall of FameClass of 2016.
“Over the past several weeks the Selection Committee has been deliberating over the 2016 Finalists,” said Dick Tomey. “This is quite a challenge because there are so many great Polynesian players, coaches and contributors that have made an incredible impact on the game of football.”
This year’s inductees will be announced on October 7, 2015. They will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, to be held at the Hawai’i Convention Center and at the Polynesian Cultural Center on January 29 & 30, 2016.
PLAYER FINALISTS
Junior Ah You (DE) Arizona State, Pro: CFL & USFL 12 years, Samoan ancestry
NFL Kickoff Sept 10th, 2015 Pittsburgh vs. New England
The NFL Kickoff is here for the 2015 season, who can knock off the reigning Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots? Roger Goodell had the first crack at slowing them down but the court decided that Tom Brady four game suspension. The world will see a pregame concert in San Francisco to start off with a bang. Then the Champs will host the team with the most championships in NFL the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium.
Some clubs have excelled in openers. Here is a sampling of notable active NFL Kickoff streaks:
The Super Bowl XLIX-champion NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, who host Pittsburgh in the spotlight Kickoff 2015 game on Thursday night, have a 15-1 record at Gillette Stadium over the past two seasons. The Patriots have the fifth-most Kickoff Weekend wins among AFC teams (30).
The AFC North champion PITTSBURGH STEELERS, who travel to New England on Thursday night of Kickoff Weekend, have the most wins (41) among AFC teams on Kickoff Weekend.
The NFC North champion GREEN BAY PACKERS, who travel to Chicago on Kickoff Weekend, hold the record for the most wins in road openers (53) in the NFL and the fourth-best winning percentage in openers on the road (.576, 53-39-2).
The AFC West champion DENVER BRONCOS, who start the season at home against Baltimore, have posted a 41-13-1 (.759) record in home openers, the top mark in the NFL. Denver has won 18 of its past 20 home openers.
The NFC East champion DALLAS COWBOYS begin the year by hosting the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football with a 37-17-1 (.685) record in openers at home, the fourth-best winning percentage in NFL history.
The AFC South champion INDIANAPOLIS COLTS start the season at Buffalo with a 33-29-0 (.532) record in road openers, the second-best winning percentage in the AFC.
The ARIZONA CARDINALS, who host New Orleans on Kickoff Weekend, have the third-longest current winning streak among NFC teams in home openers (five).
The ATLANTA FALCONS and SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS start the season at home against Philadelphia and Minnesota, respectively, during a Monday Night Football doubleheader. Atlanta has won its past seven home openers – the longest active streak in the league – while San Francisco has won 14 of its past 20 home openers.
The PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, who visit Atlanta to open the 2015 campaign, have won six consecutive road openers, the longest active streak among NFC teams.
All 32 teams will play this weekend with two Monday night games to start the season. The three teams eyeing an NFL stadium in Los Angeles will host home openers Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams, and Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders. Just think in few years we could have a game in Inglewood, & Carson if the owners approve. The cites would be buzzing and then a Super Bowl as well, life would be perfect for the Angelenos.
After this weekend the fantasy football leagues will be buzzing while head coaches will be looking for their 53 man rosters to stay intact. This year teams will be able to have 5 extra guys on the practice squad for total of 10.
Enjoy the next 18 weeks of regular season football before the road to Super Bowl 50…
DALLAS (FWAA) – The Temple Owls gave their school-record home crowd of 69,176 at Lincoln Financial Field a win for the history books in a 27-10 upset over in-state rival Penn State. The Owls beat the Nittany Lions for the first time since 1941, snapping a series winless streak that spanned 39 games. The momentous start earned the Owls (1-0) the AutoNation National Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Sept. 5.
Temple Owls
Quarterback P.J. Walker scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter for a 17-10 lead, and a Temple defense that registered 10 sacks held Penn State scoreless for the final three quarters after yielding 10 points on PSU’s first two possessions. An interception by Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich set up Walker’s touchdown. Matakevich also had a career-high three sacks and a team-high seven tackles. Jahad Thomas rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns.
“I am very proud of Temple, our fans, our students, our trustees, our president. Everybody that stuck with us and hopefully this won’t be the only highlight of the season,” Temple coach Matt Rhule said. “The reason I believe we won is because we focused on ourselves and the players bought into that and only worrying about the next play. After the game I said, ‘We won.’ It’s not about Penn State; it is about us. For our guys to do that and focus on themselves shows great maturity.”
Other AutoNation National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 5 included:
• BYU (1-0): The play doesn’t have a name yet, but stay tuned. What for now will be called a Hail Mary pass may soon be the dubbed Mangum-to-Mathews Miracle after the Cougars scored on a 42-yard heave on the final play of a stunning 33-28 win at Nebraska. Tanner Mangum came in at quarterback in the first quarter after starter Taysom Hill went down with a season-ending injury. On BYU’s final drive following a Nebraska missed field goal, Mangum led BYU just past midfield with no timeouts left to set up the winning play. Mitch Mathews caught the ball just over the goal line, and the play stood up to video review. The loss ended Nebraska’s a 29-year streak of home-opening wins.
• Illinois (1-0): The Illini scored 45 points on their first 42 plays and routed Kent State 52-3 after a one-day weather delay and only days after their head coach was fired. Illinois just missed its first shutout since September 2012. Short fields in the first quarter and Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt’s four touchdowns on 11-of-19 passing helped open up a 38-0 halftime lead for Bill Cubit’s team.
• Northwestern (1-0): The Wildcats out-rushed Stanford 225-85 and got their first victory in the series since 1958 with a 16-6 home win. Justin Jackson ran for 134 yards for Northwestern, which opened its season at home for only the second time since 2009. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald is now 9-1 in season openers at Northwestern, and the Wildcats are 16-5 in their last 21 opening games.
As part of AutoNation’s history of charitable involvement, AutoNation will donate $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in Temple’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
SAN FRANCISCO — Quarterback Josh Rosen of UCLA, defensive back Justin Thomas of UTAH and wide receiver Dante Pettis of Washington have been named offensive, defensive and special teams Pac-12 Players of the Week in football.
Rosen, a true freshman from Manhattan Beach, Calif., impressed in his collegiate debut, leading the No. 13 Bruins over Virginia, 34-16 at the Rose Bowl. He became the first true freshman to start in a season opener at quarterback in UCLA history. Rosen went 28-for-35 for 351 passing yards and tossed three touchdowns, all UCLA true freshman records. His longest TD pass was a 30-yard hurl to WR Thomas Duarte in the second half to put the Bruins up 14-6. The rookie quarterback found three different receivers in the end zone. Rosen’s performance named him the Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week.
Ucla Josh Rosen throwing a bullet in first half. Photo by Jevone Moore
Thomas, a junior from Orange, Texas, helped Utah take down Michigan at home, 24-17. Thomas made a momentum-shifting, 55-yard interception off the Michigan quarterback for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, effectively ending the Wolverines’ drive. Along with Thomas’ first-career interception, the junior defensive back made four tackles on the night with one coming solo. With the win, Utah is now 3-1 all time against Michigan.
Pettis, a sophomore from San Clemente, Calif., was the only Husky to find the end zone with his third quarter, 76-yard punt return in the 16-13 road loss to Boise State. Pettis, a starter at wide receiver and Washington’s primary punt returner, captured his second-career punt return for a touchdown (at Colorado, 2014). Only in his second year, Pettis became the first Husky since Charles Frederick (2002-03) to return more than one punt for a touchdown during his career.
Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Jared Goff, QB, CAL; Royce Freeman, RB, ORE; Seth Collins, QB, OSU; Tre Madden, TB, USC; Travis Wilson, QB, UTAH; Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Devonte Downs, LB, CAL; Derek McCartney, DE/OLB, COLO, Rommel Mageo, LB, OSU; Blake Martinez, LB, STAN, Kenny Clark, DL, UCLA, Chris Hawkins, S, USC; Also nominated for Special Teams Player of the Week: DaVonte’ Neal, CB, ARIZ; Matt Rockett, WR, CAL; Byron Marshall, KOR, ORE; Garrett Owens, PK, OSU; Alex Robinson, P, STAN; Randall Goforth, DB, UCLA.
Candace Parker driving on Plenette Pierson of the Shock. Photo by Jevone Moore
Los Angeles Sparks Candace Parker in open court of Staples Center. Photo by Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks shock Tulsa right out of the city with their win today, final score Sparks 92 Tulsa Shock 73. With this being the final home game of the regular season, the fans of Los Angeles really came out to the Staple Center to send the Sparks on their road trip with a bang. The Los Angeles Sparks take care of business on their home court.
The Sparks and Shock have had 5 meetings this season with the Sparks proudly claiming 3 wins out of those 5. The Sparks looked oh to ready for this match up today. Determined not to fall down in the 4t h quarter like they did back on August 28.
Ana Dabovic about to squeeze by Nneka Ogwumike screen. Photo by Jevone Moore
The Sparks took hold of the reins and set the speed of the game of which Tulsa didn’t look bothered in the least bit with Jordan Hooper sinking a beautiful 3 point shot and Tiffany Jackson-Jones with her turn around jumper. The Sparks then took their game to the NASA level when Kristi Toliver sent a driving layup to the hoop and Jantel Lavender with a 17 foot jump shot. Candace Parker clearly hadn’t forgotten that she gave Oklahoma her 10th double double without bring home the W and she wasn’t to make the same mistake twice. Tonight Parker had 33 points 8 rebounds and 5 assist.
In the 3rd quarter the Shock thought they had found the defensive answer to the Sparks offense combo pack of Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker, but Tulsa forgot the Sparks had depth. Jantel Lavender (10 points), Ana Dabovic (10 points) and Kristi Toliver (7 points) kicked in like a turbo booster. It turned into a street ball exhibition after that. Temeka Johnson at one point told the Shock defender what her next move was about to be and before you know it she did a shake, a shimmy and then she drove the ball straight to the hole. It was mind blowing. The crowd went wild! Tonight is definitely the moves and energy the Sparks would want to patent for their playoff trek.
