UCLA extends Kelly Contract

March 5, 2023

PAC-12 Conference Football Media Day 2018 — UCLA head coach Chip Kelly

WESTWOOD, CA – After two straight seasons in which the UCLA Bruins football program has once again become relevant nationally, UCLA has extended Bruins Head Coach Chip Kelly’s contract to lead UCLA until 2027.

Kelly, who led UCLA to a mark of 9-4, concluding with a heartbreaking 37-34 loss in the Sun Bowl, has brought discipline while revamping the Bruins offense over his tenure.

UCLA averaged a scorching 39 points per game last season.

In addition, the 2022 team became the school’s first to average more than 500 yards of total offense. It finished fourth in the nation at 503.6. UCLA was the only FBS team with 3,463 passing yards and 3,084 rushing yards.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 20: UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (1) runs the ball for a gain during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans on November 20, 2021, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

Kelly is 27-29 through five seasons in Westwood, but is 16-8 the past two years. He took over after Jim Mora Jr. was fired in 2017 and had a roster predominantly filled with underclassmen his first two seasons.

The Bruins were 3-9 in Kelly’s first year in 2018 and 4-8 the following season. During the shortened 2020 season, a turnaround began with a 3-4 mark.

Kelly is 72-36 as a college coach, signed a four-year contract last year.

The Bruins averaged 237.2 rushing yards per game, ranking sixth nationally and first in the Pac-12. Charbonnet averaged a conference-best 135.9 rushing yards and an FBS-leading 168.0 all-purpose yards.

Due in large part to the Bruins three-headed monster; Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson Wide Receiver Jake Bobo and Running Back Zach Charbonnet. His winning percentage has increased in each of his five seasons.

UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet (24) finds room to run in the third quarter against Colorado at Folsom Field in Boulder CO on Saturday September 24, 2022. UCLA won by a score of 45 to 17. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Last season was the first time since 2014 that the No. 21 Bruins were ranked in the final AP Top 25 and AFCA Coaches polls.

“Kelly and his talented staff,” UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a prepared statement. “The football program is on an upward trajectory, both on the field and in the classroom. Coach Kelly and his staff have done a tremendous job developing young men as demonstrated by their academic excellence.”

the two-year extension ensures Kelly will make $6.1 million during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before getting bumped up to $6.2 million per season in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Kelly’s greatest accomplishment as the Bruins Head Coach, despite his well deserved reputation across the college football landscape as a bona fide genius on the offensive side on the ball. Ironically, it’s been his presence and coaching prowess transforming UCLA’S defense into a ferocious beast.

Defensively, the Bruins held teams to 130.3 rushing yards per game. Edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who was named a College Football Comeback Player of the Year Award winner in his first year since transferring from Washington, had 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

November 24, 2018 Pasadena CA, UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly during the Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on November 24, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

UCLA will go into its final season in the Pac-12 with plenty of questions. The Bruins were fifth in the nation in total offense, but quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson graduated and running back Zach Charbonnet left early for the NFL draft.

Kelly will also have his third defensive coordinator in as many seasons after hiring D’Anton Lynn.

Chip started with a group of Freshmen, whose to say he can’t mold next year’s underclassman to future success.

Maple Leafs trounce flailing Kraken, 5-1 as Seattle continues to fall in standings

Charles Hamaker

February 26, 2023

NelsonAaron_Seattle_Toronto_2_14_2022-10 — Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – In their final home game of the month of February, the Seattle Kraken were dominated in disheartening fashion by the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite scoring first on a Vince Dunn wrist shot from the slot, the Kraken continue to have their defensive miscues taken advantage of as Toronto skaters were left unmarked. Seattle couldn’t buy a goal today after Dunn’s, with several shots and opportunities just off the mark as if there was a force field protecting the Maple Leafs net. It’s another tough loss for Seattle, the blowout variety after the thrilling fall to Boston, as the Kraken continue to tumble down the standings.

The defensive issues for the Kraken have been around since the team’s inaugural season, and they do not seem to be improving as we head into the final few months of the 2022-23 regular season. The Kraken were able to survive these issues when their offense was pumping out high scoring games, but that isn’t the case anymore. Seattle continues to leave skaters open when they’re in their own zone, and they must be better with the puck. Their passing and puck management has been poor, creating more issues for themselves on top of the poor puck management.

Those issues were displayed today by the Kraken in four of the Maple Leafs goals. Toronto was able to get open back door on two of their goals (John Tavares and Auston Matthews), left Timothy Liljegren open backside in the faceoff circle unmarked, and failed to clear the puck as Auston Matthews played hack and whack. These issues have been present throughout the course of the season and must be corrected for this team to keep their playoff hopes alive.

“I think that we’re working hard but we could work a little smarter, compete a little harder. It’s the little things that are killing us right now, battles, puck management, blocking shots, not giving up second chances. It’s unfortunate giving up these goals because our goalies are actually playing pretty well for us, unacceptable for Grubi there, there’s not much he can do on many of those goals. We’ll have to look at it, take a step back here and breathe a little bit. A lot of us are maybe being a little too hard on ourselves, clenching our stick a little bit. When the plays are there, we have to make them,” Vince Dunn said when asked about the defensive issues.

Seattle’s offensive attack has been able to put up some big numbers virtually all season long, but in the months of January and February, they’ve seen a drop in production. Obviously considering that playoff races are heating up and the sort of production that the Kraken saw in the month of November was not sustainable, the drop off makes some sense. The Kraken have excellent shot finishers and have gotten some fortunate bounces, and that may have created some bad habits in the offensive zone. While this is true, it’s also true that Seattle got unlucky on a few of their attempts today that just barely missed the mark.

“I felt that we created chances, there were opportunities to score no question. We sustained O-Zone pressure but we couldn’t really find anything inside. The story of the night was that we started off well, obviously got off to a lead, and then we watched them play for 15 minutes. Obviously with the firepower that they have they’re gonna score eventually,” Jordan Eberle on Seattle’s offensive attack in the loss.

The Kraken will now head out on the road for a four-game slate, which begins on Tuesday, February 28^th against the St. Louis Blues. The Kraken will now play nine of the next 15 games for the against teams not currently in a playoff spot. Out of the remaining 23 games, 14 of them are against non-playoff teams. The Kraken will faceoff with the Blues in St. Louis with a puck drop of 5PM PST, as one of the them will have to pick up a victory as they have both struggled in their past ten games.

Kraken battle hard, fall just short of season sweep of Bruins in 6-5 loss

Charles Hamaker

February 23, 2023

_E1A0628 — Seattle Kraken (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Seattle, WA – Similar to their first matchup in January that saw the Kraken march into Boston and shutout the Bruins, the rematch was exhilarating from start to finish. The Kraken and Bruins traded haymakers throughout the 60 minutes, as a total of four response goals were traded between the two teams. Ultimately, Boston was able to take advantage of a few too many mistakes made by Seattle, scoring the game winner on a tip in by Jake DeBrusk in the final minutes. The Kraken, just like in their first matchup with the Bruins, proved that they belong amongst the NHL’s elite, but they must clean up some minor issues to remain in that tier.

Coming off an embarrassing shutout loss to a depleted San Jose Sharks team, Seattle needed to see a drastic change in effort and execution when they faced off against the Bruins. They got just that, pushing the pace against Boston from the very start. Perhaps the primary issue from the loss was that Seattle had too many mistakes on a night that was on par with the Bruins otherwise. Of the six goals that Boston tallied in game, three of them came from Bruins’ skaters who were left unmarked, while another was off a turnover at the blue line while the Kraken were on the power play. Mistakes will happen in virtually every game, but the ones that Seattle made were far too critical and against a team that will make you pay for those errors every single time.

“If you’re gonna score five goals, usually you’re gonna win. I thought that we made a lot of dull mistakes, I had one on my part, I got beat to the net. Marchand had an empty net there, that’s on me, I have to box him out, I have to find him. Grubi was good, but again I thought that we have to pick our sticks up more,” Yanni Gourde said about the loss.

While it’s a loss that doesn’t give the Kraken any help in the standings, they fell to the first wild card in the Western Conference, this game means more than just a notch in a column. Seattle showed once again that they belong with the NHL’s elite and very well can topple a great team on any given night. Yes, the shutout loss to a bottom feeding team like San Jose is embarrassing, but the Kraken at their height have the ceiling of a cup contending team. Displays of selfless defense, versatile offense, and phenomenal goaltending show what this team can be when they click. In addition, all of tonight’s efforts were done without the help of forward Andre Burakovsky who is still week-to-week. This Kraken team, and its franchise, has the wheels of success set in motion and the journey from here is a very promising one. Who knows, these two teams very well could meet again if the stars align just right.

“I thought we played a good game honestly, they did too. I think that we can build some momentum off of this, even though it was a loss we did a lot of good things offensively and defensively. Hopefully we can take the good out of it and keep rolling,” Matty Beniers said about playing his hometown team.

The Kraken will get a day off and a practice day prior to their next contest, a showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Like their contests against Boston, the Kraken marched into Toronto last time around and stunned the Leafs, now looking to do the same in Seattle. The Maple Leafs and Kraken will face off against each other for the second time this season on Sunday, February 26^th with a puck drop of 4PM PST. Seattle will aim to get some positive momentum rolling before they head into a four game, eight-day road trip.

Rahm pushes through for 2 shot victory

Jevone Moore

February 19, 2023

7D4A0503 — (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

Pacific Palisades, CA- Even after a tuff turn to the back 9, your 2023 Champion Jon Rahm muscled through to win the Genesis Invitational with a final round of -2 under par and -17 under for the tournament.

The top two golfers in the world paired up all day battling back and forth feeling the pull and tug from each other pushing for the chance to raise the trophy.

Rahm enjoying the victory on 18th green. (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

“It was a tough week and tough Sunday.” said Rahm

Both Max Homa and Rahm lying in the right bunker on the 17^th hole, Rahm jumped out while Homa chilly dipped it as it rolled right back into the sand. Homa was able to save par and stay 15^th under, while Rahm left the door open by missing his birdy attempt.

Rahm on 3rd tee. (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

As they stood on the 18^th tee box Rahm tee off knowing par wins with two shot lead. Smooth off the tee while Homa had to push to try and add the last bit of pressure on him.

Homa’s caddie wore a bib that read 2021 Champion to see the whole round. Even down to the second to last shot on 18 he hit the flagstick trying to push and add pressure to Rahm who held two shot lead on 18^th.

“Well I kept telling myself after 12 it’s a difficult course to finish, and I just needed to finish under par,” said Rahm.

Max Homa watching his shot out of the sand. (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

Just think if he didn’t dig deep after a bogey on the 10^th hole that let Homa get to with in one stroke, later to give up the lead after another bogey on 12^th that was a self-inflected mistake.

Tournament Host Tiger Woods had a respectable Sunday with a final round of +2 over par but -1 under par for the four days. Woods finished 45^th but gave his fans some great memories and birdies over the last few days.

“It was progress, but obsessively I didn’t win,” said Woods, “Overall it was a successful weekend for the foundation and the fans.”

Tiger Woods chipping out of the sand. (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

After today win Rahm has won 5 of the last 9 starts just being on fire on the courses he has played. Now increased Fedex Cup points leads by 426 points better then none other then Homa who is over Kegan Bradley by 568 points (994)

“It’s a tremendous amount of turnover,” said Woods “A lot of new face that will be the future of our Tour.”

Champion Rahm and host Tiger. (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

The PGA Tour will now switch coast to Florida for the Honda Classic.

Kraken able to make timely plays in 4-2 victory over soaring Red Wings

Charles Hamaker

February 18, 2023

Seattle Kraken vs Minnesota Wild 4-2 11/13/2021 — Period 3

Seattle, WA – On a night where the organization celebrated Black Hockey History, the Seattle Kraken pulled out a tight, gritty victory against the Detroit Red Wings. With the teams’ fathers/mentors in attendance, the Kraken made the most of their opportunities in a closely contested matchup with a Red Wings team that had won their last five games coming into the February 18^th battle. Kraken alternate captain Jordan Eberle scored two goals through two periods and Seattle goaltender Philipp Grubauer put out another excellent performance in the win. Every point matters for the Kraken, amidst a race in the Pacific Division where the margin for error is razor thin.

Kraken alternate captain Jordan Eberle has been on a tear as of late, totaling seven points in last four games including tonight’s three-point effort. Eberle began the games scoring, a goal that went five hole on Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso. With speed out of his defensive zone, Eberle nearly took the puck coast to coast before firing a shot away from the slot. Despite having three Detroit skaters surrounding him, Eberle’s shot barely caught Husso before he could get into his butterfly, clipping his inside leg leaking through for the goal.

Eberle’s second goal of the night was beautifully set up by linemate Matty Beniers following a Detroit turnover in the neutral zone. Beniers entered the Red Wings zone with Detroit forward Dylan Larkin on his hip, drawing the attention of another skater in the process. Beniers’ effort gave Eberle just enough time and space to receive the pass and fire away at a tiny window between Husso’s shoulder and the pipes, scoring for the second time in the game. With little opportunity being given by a hot Detroit team, Eberle and the Kraken took advantage of what was given. Eberle discussed his team’s ability to strike at the right time, postgame.

“We responded, anytime you get scored on late in the period it can be tough and a little deflating. We got one early in the second, the one at the end of the second was big, and then early in the third. Timely goals are always key to put teams away, especially when you’re up two going into the third… you wanna try and stay on your toes to get that next one to put the game out of reach,” Eberle said.

Since the calendar year began, Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer has been excellent between the pipes. Since his first start of the year Grubauer has a save percentage of .926, and that success continued tonight against a Red Wings team that had scored at least four goals in their last four games. Despite a heavy Red Wings attack with numerous near miss opportunities, Grubauer remained locked in and ready for the next shot throughout the entirety of the game. Grubauer, with the help of a teammates block here and there, was able to stay active in the crease and make the necessary freezes and stops to help his team get the winning edge. Grubauer discussed how his team has played in front of him, postgame.

“It’s been incredible, I think that it started a couple of games ago. We’re doing the right things and it looks more like playoff hockey. We’re making the right decision in the moment for the team, and we’re not making any selfish plays. We just get the job done, and we’ve got to continue that. There’s not much hockey left, our division is pretty tight, so we need every point,” Grubauer reflected.

The Kraken will head down to California for a quick one game road trip before returning home for two major matchups to end the month of February. On Monday, February 20^th, the Kraken head to San Jose for a Presidents Day battle with the Sharks. Puck drop for the divisional battle of the aquatic teams is at 1PM PST, as the Kraken will look to collect their third win in a row against a Sharks team that has lost their last three.

Homa beats the darkness to hold 36 hole lead

Jevone Moore

February 17, 2023

Homa_15 — Max Homa (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

Pacific Palisades, CA – Even with a sunny but chilly first two days of the Genesis Invitational 36 hole leader Max Homa at 10-under 132. The question is who will make the cut, due to darkness play was halted and several players will finish Saturday morning with a projected cutline +1.

The field is right on Homa’s heels with Keith Mitchell, Jon Rahm, and Lee Hodges just one shot behind. The golfers who have had best scores today have been good on the greens putting.

On 13^th hole Homa hit a laser on the green to drop another birdy keeping his round going strong on the back nine.

“I’m not really sure why I play so well in California. Obviously there’s some comfortability with the grass and how far the ball goes,” said Homa, “I can rest on the fact I’m playing great golf and I’m just going to try and do that for two more days.”

Jon Rahm (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

Rahm got a big break on 17^th hole with his second shot going wide get the perfect bounce off the grandstands back towards the green passing the sand trap to within 3 feet from the hole. He dropped his eagle to move him temporarily tied for the lead at 10 under but gave one back on 18^th.

“Obviously I got very fortunate to get that bounce not only to go on the green, but to have
basically three feet straight up the hill. That’s arguably the best bounce I’ve seen in person
my whole golf career and it would be hard to beat in the future,” said Rahm, “For those wondering, no, did I not call bank. I don’t think anybody calls bank in that situation.”

Even with familiar faces on the top there are 10 players with 5 shots of the lead so this next 54 leader can change.

Tiger Woods (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

Tournament host Tiger Woods has been feeling the heat on and off the course. With the cut line right on his number of +1. Either way he would be around for the weekend but he will tee it back up Saturday and look to get his putter back on track.

“I did not putt well today, I blocked a lot of putts early and this is probably the highest score I could have shot today,” said Woods, “Just didn’t make the putts early and the middle part of the round when I had those opportunities.”

Xander Schauffele (Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News)

One of the other exciting shots was on 17^th Xander Schauffele holes it if off the pole for an eagle on the par 5 to hang around for a great weekend with a great field for the Genesis.

Kraken don’t show Flyers any brotherly love in 6-1 blowout

Charles Hamaker

February 16, 2023

NelsonAaron_Seattle_Arizona_2_9_2022-28 — Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken sent the home crowd at Climate Pledge Arena home happy, as they easily glided to a blowout victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The win gives Seattle a season sweep over the physical Flyers team that they had faced just days ago and puts Seattle back in the win column at home for first time in 18 days. The Kraken scored in several different ways, including power play goals, a shorthanded goal, and a score on an advanced penalty in addition to some five-on-five. The win pushes Seattle back to second in the Pacific Division, as the Kraken fight their way through a thick playoff race.

While Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol declined when asked to highlight an individual performance, forward Yanni Gourde played an excellent game on both ends of the ice. Gourde is the definition of an all gas, no brakes player, consistently outworking teammates and opponents on the ice. While that doesn’t always necessarily translate to points on the stat sheet, Gourde was able to find success tonight as he tallied three points (two goals and an assist) in the win over the Flyers. Gourde was excellent in front of the night, recording a tip in goal and screened Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart for Justin Schultz’s goal, while assisting on Oliver Bjorkstrand’s breakaway goal. Kraken forward Matty Beniers discussed Gourde’s effort and drive.

“He’s awesome, every night. No matter whether he’s scoring two goals or no goals. Everyone sees that he’s just as effective and plays every single night. He’s been playing great,” Beniers stated.

A key aspect to tonight’s victory for the Kraken was their defensive effort throughout the first two periods. While they sagged a bit in the final 20 minutes, allowing two goals and multiple sloppy turnovers, the first two frames were a clinic in disrupting the Flyers attack. Seattle’s stout defensive presence and shot blocking resulted in only one shot on goal for the Flyers after the first period, a franchise record for fewest shots allowed in a period. The Kraken blueliners stayed focused and sacrificed their bodies to ensure that the Flyers didn’t get off to the start that happened in their early meeting on the 12^th of the month. Seattle forward Jared McCann discussed his team’s effort on the defensive end.

“Everybody was in lanes, we were blocking shots, we were making them miss the net when they had to. I feel like that speaks to our character in the room, guys stepping into lanes and blocking shots,” McCann said.

The Kraken will have a quick turnaround practice before their Saturday, February 18^th matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. The Kraken will be celebrating “Black hockey history” that day, donning specially designed warmup jerseys for the “Hockey is for everyone” night that will be auctioned off for charity. Puck drop is at 7:30PM PST for the battle between the Red Wings and Kraken, the first time that the two teams have faced each other this season. Despite a mediocre overall record, Detroit has won seven of their last ten as of tonight.

Georgia Tech takes down Virginia Tech 77-70

Kwame Kang

February 16, 2023

EXPORT-3281 — Photo by Kwame Kang / fi360 News

Atlanta, GA- Five Yellow Jackets scored in double figures Wednesday night in a 77-70 win over Virginia Tech. Sophomore Dallan “Deebo” Coleman led the team, putting up a career high 21 points.

Finding success from behind the arc early and often, Georgia Tech went 8 of 15 from deep. The Hookies managed to control the paint, scoring 24 of their 31 points down low, but they couldn’t match the Jackets from behind the arc, shooting 1 of 9. Tech held a 10 point lead going to the second half.

Grant Basile led the Hookies with 13 points followed by Miles Kelly with 11 points and three made three pointers going into the break..

“Good Win for the Jackets,” said GT coach Josh Pastner

The start of the second started with more of the same, with Georgia Tech building a 52-36 lead. But, with under ten minutes left, Virginia Tech responded with a 13-2 run to come within five points.

Despite the Hookies’ comeback effort and the Jackets’ poor free throw shooting down the stretch, the Yellow Jackets walked away with a much needed conference win. Their second in three games but only their third win since the new year.

After the game, Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner commented on the team’s victory, “That was a high level character win for our young men. I think coach Young is one of the best coaches not just in the ACC but in all of college basketball.” Georgia Tech will want to take this momentum into the final games of ACC play.

Mahomes Earns MVP As Chiefs Win Super Bowl LVII

Christopher Floch

February 12, 2023

GLENDALE, AZ– The stage was set as Super Bowl XLII began on a picture postcard beautiful day. The champions of the AFC the Kansas City Chiefs, and the champions of the NFC the Philadelphia Eagles squared off on Sunday, February 12. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38 -35 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

It is Kansas City’s second Super Bowl victory in the last 4 years. Patrick Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP for the second time in his career. His legacy is both cemented and at the same time continues to. He becomes the first player in the NFL to win both the regular season and Super Bowl MVP since Kurt Warner achieved the feat in 2000.

A Harrison Butker 27-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining in Super Bowl LVII. Once again, it was a dazzling second half display of offensive brilliance provided by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Co.

Mahomes finished 21 of 27 for 182 yards with three touchdowns. Kansas City scored a touchdown on its first three drives of the second half after trailing at halftime 24-14.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was 27 of 37 for 304 yards passing, it masked the first time in NFL history two black quarterbacks started in the Super Bowl. It was a fantastic quarterback duel.

The game opened with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, scoring by sneaking the ball in after an 11 play, 74 yard drive culminating in an opening drive touchdown. The Chiefs answered right back as Patrick Mahomes marched down the field with a precise touchdown throw to his favorite target Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs responded quickly, and the offensive track meet was on.

Opening up the second quarter, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts hurled a deep bomb downfield to wide receiver AJ Brown making the score 14 to 7. All season Hurts was the Eagles phenomenal. and regular season NFL MVP Runner Up.

The Chiefs made a game changing moment when linebacker Nick Bolton recovered a 36-yard fumble, tying the score at 14 apiece in a thrilling Super Bowl early on.

On the critical 4th and six, Jalen Hurts used his lightning speed while using his legs to gain a pivotal first down. Kansas City made mental errors going offside giving the unstoppable Hurts an opportunity to dash four yards for a simple gallop finding the end zone , taking the lead 21-14 at halftime. Philly’s dominant run offense absolutely dominated the way they have all season long. Two rushing touchdowns in the first half alone gave them early momentum.

As Hurts rumbled in the end zone the fans at State Farm Stadium loudly shouted MVP. Tragedy struck for the chief when Patrick Mahomes was shoestring tackled by T.J. Edwards, aggravating his high ankle sprain. He noticeably limped off the field.

Mahomes made a heroic come back in the second half, as the Chiefs trailed by 10 points at halftime.

The action on the field really heated up as Rihanna took the stage in a beautiful red outfit with her dancers dress dressed as if they were ready for a snowstorm. Rihanna’s set focused on her massive global radio hits.

Her brief set was wildly popular, as the crowd cheered their approval. Fireworks exploded over the beautiful Glendale sky as Rihanna launched into her two signature hits umbrella and diamonds. And after 13 minutes during halftime, she was done and the football resumed. Before she left she ran off the stage and blew a kiss to television and football personality Michael Strahan.

As the second half opened Mahomes showed no signs of injury. The Chiefs marched down the field and scored a touchdown on a one yard Isiah Pacheco touchdown. Then another defensive touchdown by the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the play was ruled as an incomplete pass as the Eagles dodged a bullet.

Tight End Dallas Goddert caught a big 3rd and 14 setting up a 33 yd field goal, making it 27-21. The Eagles relied on controlling the ball, while keeping Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs explosive offense on the sideline.

For all the endless conversation and debate leading up to Super Bowl LVII, it was inevitable that the outcome was going to come down to Patrick Mahomes and the Chief’s success in the final quarter of the NFL season.

KC wide receiver Kadarius Toney became the X factor of the Super Bowl, first he caught a touchdown reception giving the Chiefs their first lead of the game. After an Eagles three and out, Toney return of a punt to the Eagles 5 yard line.

This set up a Skkky Moore 5-yd touchdown catch, the Chiefs were flexing their second half muscle. Although Philadelphia has an incredible defense, the Chiefs offensive line did not give up a sack.

This Whirlwind Super Bowl would just not end. Trailing by 8:00, Hurts found DaVonte Smith and caught a huge pass inside the Chiefs five. After scoring a touchdown, Hurts converted the two point conversion on a run. This classic Super Bowl was tied 35-35 with five minutes left in the game.

Mahomes drove the Chiefs down the field, including a dramatic run setting up the Super Bowl winning field goal. He threw three TD touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs are officially a dynasty.

Love & Football in the Desert

Jevone Moore

February 10, 2023

Phoenix, AZ – The Laughs kept rollin’ like a tumbleweed in the desert at the Herberger Theater for Chocolate Sunday’s “Love & Football” Comedy Show Edition.

Host Deray Davis kept the crowd on the edge of their seats with the jokes the audience could relate too. He spoke about how he used to beg for more appearances just to get more work and in front of the people to get his material out.

He gave credits the great John Singleton for allowing him to get more exposure on the big screen as an actor.

The promoters had some great local Arizona vendors for the two shows to enjoy on the patio and the second floor. On the patio Broom Brush Tea was serving hot teas and dried tea to enjoy at home.

Up stairs the hall had a silent auction and host of venders that included it So Fresh Smells selling all natural products.

DJ Side Kick worked the ones & twos spinning the records get the crowd hyped and ready in true fashion. Pre-opening act was comedian Torance.

The full lineup included D’Lai, Just Nesh, CP and Michael Blackson.

This was the right mix of comics with varies styles that kept the crowd laughing and the vibe.

Love & Football packed out both the 7:oo pm and 9:30 pm shows. Arizona showed up and received the stress relief and a great time of laughter on a Friday night.