Tricks or Treats...

Happy Halloween to all of you sports fans!!! On the night when little kids dress up and head out to get their candy, several prep teams and individuals dream of treating themselves to a win or great performance in postseason play tonight and tomorrow. On the other side, a championship parade as well as a very busy college football Saturday gives all sports fan a treat.

Prep Report
- There are not that many games tonight on the football playoff docket here in Southern Illinois. Vandalia and the Metro East are the nearest sites for these activities.
- Soccer is holding the Class 1A State Championship this weekend.
- Yes...Monday is the first day that girls can hold basketball practices. One week later, the boys will begin basketball practice as well.

College Sports
- All-American and Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough of UNC is out indefinitely with a shin issue. This is not good for someone who gave up big NBA money to return for a senior season.
- There are so many huge games tomorrow in college football they are too numerous to count.
- SIU also hosts North Dakota Football tomorrow at the Mac.

Pro Sports
- Philadelphia celebrated their World Series championship with a parade of epic proportions today in the city of Brotherly Love.
- The Packers like what Aaron Rodgers is doing so much that they have signed him to a contract extension today.
- Chiefs RB Larry Johnson will be inactive for the 3rd straight week. His off the field trouble is losing him playing time.
- Mike Singletary drops his pants during halftime last week to make a point during the 49ers game. Do what?

Happy Halloween!!! I'm out.

DC

"Philly-in" on Top of the Evening...

We all have to be feeling a little bit of Rocky pride today as the city of Brotherly Love has a championship to celebrate. In a clinching game we hardly knew or even remembered, the 2008 MLB season came to an abrupt end. As we march to the weekend, the prep scene is loaded with many postseason events the next couple of days as well reving up another weekend of college and pro sports.

Prep Report
- As the time nears towards the football games on Saturday, the talk increases about the games.
- How can the IHSA make volleyball teams play 2 games in one night during regional play but won't do that with any other sport?
- The dry and cool weather will mean much better running conditions this week for cross country runners in the Sectionals. We should see much better times than last week with the slick and muddy courses.
- Congrats again to the Marion girls golf team as they were honored for their State Championship last night.
- Finally...I want to give a shout out to WSIL-TV 3 for their outstanding coverage last Friday night with scores from all of the area games as well as the highlights of many games in the area. They go a great job and I look forward to their Playoff Show that will air this Friday night after the 10PM newscast.

College Sports
- Florida/Georgia...biggest cocktail party in the world...what a game this will be!!!
- Texas at Texas Tech...if you like offense then this is the game for you.
- SIU hosts Coach Lennon's former school North Dakota this weekend at the Mac.
- I just remembered this tidbit today. The college basketball 3 point line will be moved back to 20'-6" this year. I wonder how this will change the game.
- North Carolina is ranked #1 in the men's college basketball poll. This won't be the last time they are ranked here this season as they are loaded.

Pro Sports
- The Phillies won their first World Series since 1980 by beating the Rays last night.
- Could their be a happier moment than for Brad Lidge whose career was on the rocks a couple of years ago and now he has closed out a World Series on the mound?
- With the end of the MLB season, we begin the handing out of postseason awards as well as the speculations of trades, free agent signings, and possbile retirements and manager changes.
- Hey...didn't take long for a manager to be announced and the Brewers have hired former A's manager Ken Macha as their new leader. This is an interesting hire as his name was not being floated around last week as a candidate.
- Do we really need one more dose of Obama/McCain before or during a sporting event? ESPN thinks so and the two will be interviewed during halftime of the MNF game. I don't like politics to mix with sports at anytime.

It was a little longer than normal in the making but the post for today is done. I'm out.

DC

Early to Rise...

I am up and at them early today. Due to my late blogging yesterday, I felt I needed to get posting much earlier. Plenty of things going on today as we wrap up last weekend in the prep world while the college and pro sports worlds continue to heat up as the temperature drops.

Prep Report
- Girls Cross Country held regionals last Saturday. Here are the sites, teams that advanced, and where they advance to the Sectionals this Saturday.
Harrisburg Regional - Harrisburg, West Frankfort, and Herrin (SIU-E Sectional)
Mt. Vernon Regional - Mt. Vernon, Carbondale, and Salem (Centralia Sectional)
Chester Regional - Sparta, Pinckneyville, and Murphysboro (SIU-E Sectional)
***The Top 10 individuals in each regional also advance to Sectional.
- Marion boys ended their soccer season yesterday losing to Highland at the Triad Sectional 3-2. Also, South 7 member Althoff also lost 5-0 to Triad.
- The banter on the dot coms about upcoming playoff games is fun to read. As the we go on, the fever will definitely pick up.

College Sports
- SIU has been picked to finish 2nd in the MVC in men's basketball this season.
- It was announced yesterday that one of the reasons that Lute Olson stepped down was that he had a stroke during last season and doctors advised him to retire.
- If you want offense, watch the Texas at Texas Tech game this coming Saturday night.

Pro Sports
- The World Series was cancelled again last night due to weather. The forecast isn't promising once again for tonight.
- If you think the weather is bad this year, the word is that if the 2009 World Series goes the full 7 games, we are looking at a November finish.
- Either Bud Selig has the worst luck making decisions, or just bad judgment completely.
- The NBA opened up last night with a very moving and emotional ring ceremony in Boston. Seeing quality veterans like Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett get a ring is special.
- Greg Oden hurt his right foot in the season opener vs. the Lakers last night. He will get an MRI today as he missed last season with an injury.
- The Dallas Cowboys will have to deal with another injury as TE Jason Witten has a broken rib. He is still undecided on whether he will play Sunday at the Giants.

Wow...I just realized this is done before the sun came up. I'm out.

DC

Late Morning Report...

Winding down October means that another sports season is beginning. David Stern and the NBA will kick off another season tonight. The IHSA has planned the weekends of many with the football pairings, volleyball regionals, and cross country Sectionals while the college and pro worlds continue to turn.

Prep Report
- The times and days for the football playoff games have been released by the IHSA on their website. Locally, there are no games on Friday night which has different than in recent years.
- Cross Country Boys Regionals were held on Saturday. Here are the sites, teams that advanced, and where the Sectional Meet will be held:
Harrisburg Regional - AJ, Eldorado, and Herrin (SIU-E Sectional)
Chester Regional - Sparta, Nashville, and Columbia (SIU-E Sectional)
Mt. Vernon Regional - Mt. Vernon, Salem, and Charleston (Centralia Sectional)
- In these cross country regionals, several individuals advanced out as well.
- Volleyball regionals will begin this week.

College Sports
- Ty Willingham will step down at the end of the year as head coach of the Washington Football Huskies. Tough recruiting and tough scheduling has meant the demise of the once Notre Dame football coach.
- Indiana is very close to hiring a new AD for their athletic department.
- 3 big time recruits who were heading to Arizona to play for Lute Olson have backed out of their verbals.

Pro Sports
- Mother Nature got the best of the World Series last night as Game 5 was suspended after the 6th inning. The MLB was lucky no one got hurt while playing on that sloppy field.
- Tennessee remained the only unbeaten team in the NFL after beating the Colts last night at home.
- It is obvious that the 49ers are in a state of transition with Mike Singletary as their head coach.
- The NBA will tip-off their regular season tonight.

Hey...late like the World Series has been the past couple of nights but I have gotten the post done. I'm out.

DC

Rocking October...

The final week of October is here. As colorful as the leaves are right now, so is the sports scene all around. As you are starting to notice, the IHSA is starting to rev up as we head into November with post season action as well as more sports starting up. Throw in the fact that area junior high basketball is well underway with the college and sports scene things are going to pick up fast.

Prep Report
- The IHSA will release the times for Playoff football games at 3PM today.
- Several rumors abound with teams not getting along on setting a day and time. The IHSA will take care of any issues today.
- Volleyball wrapped up its regular season this past weekend and will begin Regional play this week.
- Here are your volleyball conference champs for the area:
RtR Ohio - Murphysboro and West Frankfort
RtR Mississippi - Nashville
BDC West - SVW
BDC East - Fairfield
South 7 - Althoff
- Nashville also won their 5th straight SIRR Conference Volleyball Tournament this past weekend over Benton. The tournament was played at Murphysboro Middle School on Saturday.

College Sports
- There wasn't much change in the BCS college football standings.
- Texas and Alabama have a much tougher road to go undefeated then does Penn State. At this point, the Nittany Lions have distinct advantage of getting to the National Championship game.
- Lute Olson...please tell us the real reason you have left the Arizona basketball program in such a messy state?
- Several college basketball teams held open scrimmages this past weekend. The exhibition season will kick off this coming weekend as well as next week.

Pro Sports
- Breakdown of the World Series...The Phillies are hitting, and the the #3 and #4 hitters for Tampa Bay don't have a hit yet. That leads to a 3-1 series lead for the Phillies.
- Game 5 is tonight with Cole Hamels, hottest post season pitcher, going to the hill to try to lock up its 2nd World Series in 136 years.
- Carl Edwards won the NASCAR race in Atlanta yesterday, but a furious last laps dash by Jimmie Johnson to finish 2nd widened the points lead for Johnson. NASCAR heads to Texas next Sunday afternoon.
- The NFL didn't offer many surprises yesterday. Cleveland beating Jacksonville was a shock as well as the Steelers giving up 9 points late and losing to the Giants.
- Monday Night Football gives us a dandy matchup with the undefeated Titans hosting the Colts.

Like the weather outside, it is time for me to freeze this blog up for another day. I'm out.

DC

Paired off Sunday...

The HS football playoff pairings are officially out. We received those last night from the IHSA and there really were no surprises about who was playing who. There is going to be a couple of monster road trips for teams next weekend and the battle of when to play the games between schools has already begun. College football continues to have great Saturday play with high offensive scoring games as well as many upsets. Finally, the Pro sports world has a plethera of events on the docket today.

Prep Report
Football Pairings
2A
Chester at Macon-Meridian
Alton Marquette at Johnston City
3A
CZR at Decatur St. Teresea
Fairfield at Pittsfield
Staunton at AJ
Piasa Southwestern at Carterville
Pana at Du Quoin
4A
Freeburg at Massac County
Harrisburg at Herrin
5A
Marion at Taylorville
Effingham at Cahokia
6A
Mt. Vernon at Bloomington

College Sports
- Penn State got a huge win at Ohio State last night. This means the Buckeyes have 2 losses and probably are out of the National Championship hunt.
- Speaking of the Nittany Lions, 2 of their last 3 games are against opponents with losing records and 2 of the last 3 games are at home. They have possibly set themselves up to win the Big 10, go undefeated, and play for a National Championship.
- SIU got a last second 51 yard touchdown catch to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat to beat Missouri State on the road 23-17.
- Texas Tech has been an offensive copy for many football teams across the country at many levels. Can you blame anyone after they rolled up 63 at Kansas yesterday.
- Several college football games yesterday took on the "defense missing" with high scores for both teams.

Pro Sports
- Struggling to stay up, Game 3 of the World Series went to the Phillies who now have a 2-1 lead with Game 4 tonight.
- Soapbox time...if a game is going to start and finish so late in the World Series, then why start it after a long rain delay???
- Albert Pujols won the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award before the Game last night.
- NASCAR will race today in Atlanta. Jimmie Johnson is on the pole again since he leads the points standings and since qualifying was rained out.
- Week 8 of the NFL season is this week. Hard to believe we are halfway through the season already.
- Jim Haslett's contract with the Rams has been voided by the NFL since the Rams didn't follow the rule of making sure to interview as many people as possible.

Sunday morning has come which means that the NFL pregame shows are already on. It is time for me to breeze out of here like that cold front today that will swing through the area making it feel like fall. I'm out.

DC

Playoff Fever...

In between errands and going to the Mt. Vernon/Geneseo game, I have time to get in a quick posting on the blog. Needless to say, the topic of the day is high school football.

Prep Sports
- Here are your conference champions:
BDC - Carterville
SIRR Ohio - Massac County
SIRR Miss. - Du Quoin
South 7 - Cahokia
- Herrin, Massac County, AJ, Du Quoin, Marion, Cahokia, Johnston City, and Carterville have all qualified for the playoffs.
- The following teams are on the bubble with 5 wins on the season. They are Harrisburg, Chester, CZR, and Fairfield. The most nervous of those teams is CZR who has 36 playoff points.
- Benton, SVWW, and Hamilton County all failed in their bid to get that 5th win last night and get playoff consideration.
Week 9 Individual Performances
Blake Shelton (Sparta) - He was 16-24 passing for 249 yards and 3 touchdowns in a Sparta win.
Colton Johnson (Johnston City) - He ran for 204 yards and 4 TDs to help beat SVWW.
B.J. Davis (Harrisburg) - He ran for 140 yards and a TD in a win over Carbondale.
Surprises of 2009
Chester goes 5-4 on the season will make the 2A playoffs.
Harrisburg starts the season 0-3, ties for the Ohio Division title, and will make the playoffs.
SVWW starts 0-4 and doesn't get in. They were expected to do much more.
Althoff once again is not in the playoffs and their record got worse at 2-7.
All will agree that the BDC wasn't as strong as it could have been this year.

College Sports
- A full slate of games kicked off at 11AM and will be going on all afternoon and evening.
- Penn State travels to Ohio State tonight on ABC in a game for Big 10 Championship hopes.
- SIU is on the road at Springfield, MO to play the Bears this afternoon. The conference and any playoff hopes ride on every game for the Salukis the rest of the way out.

Pro Sports
- Game 3 of the World Series will be tonight in Philadelphia. The weather may be a factor as thunderstorms are predicted for tonight. The series is tied at 1-1.
- NASCAR will race tomorrow in Atlanta. This my one of my favorite tracks due to high speeds, multiple grooves, and many lead changes.
- Carson Palmer of the Bengals is delaying Tommy John surgery on his elbow according to ESPN.
- The NFL is also confirming that some players have broken the drug abuse policy rule by taking "water pills." There are 4 confirmed names and 4 more to be coming out.
- The NBA awaits its beginning of the season next week as the exhibition schedule is over.
- LeBron James was on ESPN College Football Saturday making picks this morning.

The clock dictates that it is time for me to head to Mt. Vernon. I'm out.

DC

Lining up Week 9...

9 weeks can really go quickly. As it is every year, we are already at the end of the high school football season. Several teams will have their seasons made or broke tonight looking for a 5th win. It is an exciting time with the playoffs and the weather making it feel like pigskin time. As normal, the weekend means the other sports worlds are gearing up for a big weekend.

Prep Report
- Week 9 Key Matchups
Johnston City at SVWW - The Red Devils need a win to get to 5 wins while the Indians look to get to 7-2 and possibly host a first round game.
Carbondale at Harrisburg- The Bulldogs tied for the Ohio Division title but lost in a tie breaker. They must beat a high scoring Terriers team tonight for their 5th win.
E-T at CZR - After a big win at home vs. Fairfield last week, the Bearcats need a win to get to 5 wins on the season.
Hamilton County at Fairfield - This game seems to always have playoff implications. Both teams have 4 wins and the winner will get their 5th and be considered for the playoffs while the loser will not be in.
Chester at Dupo - One of the surprise stories of the year is Chester who with a win tonight would get to 5 wins and playoff consideration.
AJ at Benton - After going 1-8 last season, the Rangers are 4-4 and have to pull of the upset at home over the Wildcats to get to 5 wins.
Other Prep Notes
- SVW wrapped up a 23-3 regular season record in volleyball last night beating Johnston City. The Lady Devils also went 10-0 in the BDC West this year.
- Boys Soccer will be hosting regional championship games today and tomorrow in the state.
- Cross Country will have regionals tomorrow all around the area.

College Sports
- Lute Olson has retired from Arizona as their boys basketball coach. Last year, he stepped down early in the season and Kevin O'Neill took over. Olson returned and axed O'Neill. Arizona is offering the job to assistant coach Mike Dunlap.
- Auburn football is really struggling. The Tigers lost for the 3rd straight game at West Virginia. This was also the Tigers' first road non-conference game since 2003.
- SIU Football is at Missouri State tomorrow in Springfield, MO. This place has not been to kind for Saluki wins over the years.

Pro Sports
- The Rays have tied up the World Series at 1-1 after beating the Phillies last night. The scene shifts to Philly but the weather is going to be an issue tomorrow with a Nor easter coming with much rain.
- Neither team can hit, but the Phillies are 1-28 with runners in scoring position in two games.
- For the first time ever, two #1 MLB draft picks faced each other in the World Series.
- The NFL are looking into the bounty allegedly being placed by the Ravens and Steelers on each other.
- Elite XC...now bankrupt...is fighting off allegations that they fixed fights. It is time for all of the MMA to band together as one so all the fighters will be in one place.

Everything is lined up nice and neatly for Week 9. I'm out.

DC

Thursday Tidbits...

It is an odd time of year with many sports going on, but today there really isn't much happening. A lull has come over the sports world here on this Thursday but never fear there is still some information to talk about.

Prep Report
- Big night in volleyball around the area as many teams will be wrapping up conference schedules and regular seasons.
- The Girls Tennis State Tournament starts today at Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, IL.
- The IHSA has released a time schedule of Playoff Saturday as to when certain things are going to be posted.

College Sports
- Syracuse University has hired a firm to look for a head football coach. A once proud program has really tumbled in recent years.
- As a junior in college football, you know you are having a great year when the rumors of returning for a Senior season start popping up. Colt McCoy of Texas is finding that out now.
- The economic situation in the USA has also stopped the athletic building projects of Oklahoma State University for the time being.

Pro Sports
- Game 1 of the World Series goes to the Phillies. It was an exciting, close game with chances to score and great plays by both teams. Game 2 is tonight.
- Cole Hamels is making a name for himself in the postseason. He has been money on the mound and wouldn't you like to be the Phillies and have him returning for many years to come.
- When will Brett Favre learn to shut up and not put himself into questionable situations?
- Kobe Bryant will miss no time after tweaking a knee in a preseason game earlier this week.

Short...brief...to the point. It is the kind of calm before the storm with the high school football playoffs and pairings just around the corner. I'm out.

DC

A "Classic" Wednesday...

Fall is in the air. We have leaves changing colors and the Fall Classic known as the World Series will begin tonight. This has potential to be an offensive slug fest during this series. Crisp weather in the air and I will go with a crisp posting today.

Prep Report
- Anna-Jonesboro soccer lost to Waterloo Gibault 1-0 in a regional championship.
- Mt. Vernon beat Carbondale 2-1 yesterday for the first time ever to advance in their Regional. That was an 18 game losing streak to the Terriers that was broken.
- The Girls State Tennis pairings are out on IHSA.org.
- The weather for freshmen and varsity games this Thursday and Friday nights doesn't look good. It looks like cold and rainy nights are forecasted.

College Sports
- In an election year, isn't the BCS for college football just as bad?
- ESPN has the bottom ten teams listed in the BCS. It gives the other side of college football.
- Penn State vs. Ohio State this Saturday night will reveal much about just how good these teams really are this season.

Pro Sports
- The baseball Cardinals have parted ways with Mark Mulder and his $10 million dollar contract.
- Without further a due the World Series will begin tonight. The Phillies are in Tampa Bay.
- It looks like the Cubs may be playing the Yankees in the first game (exhibition that is) in their new stadium in 2009 if things can get worked out.
- Jose Canseco now regrets naming people in his book "Juiced." Uh...it is a little late for take backs.
- Tony Romo is going to miss the Cowboys game vs. Tampa Bay this weekend and probably the NY Giants game the next weekend.
- Kellen Winslow Jr. and the Browns just don't see eye to eye on many things right now.

Several hours until first pitch but there is still that aura of the World Series that keeps baseball fans like myself on edge. I'm out.

DC

Tipping it Off...

Last night, I began my 2008-2009 basketball season. For hoops fans like me who want to watch basketball, the game in town is the junior high circuit for about a month before the high school season begins. We are kind of in a lull in the sports world right now as we are building up to a crescendo later in the week with playoff pairings, postseason, and other such things going on.

Prep Report
- The girls State Tennis Tournament will be this weekend.
- Greenville has the chance to go 9-0 in football in the regular season and win all of their games on the road due to construction on their football field. That is an impressive feat to pull off.
- The cut-line for enrollment of the football playoffs is going to be very interesting around here. Even with that, look for the 3A bracket to be loaded with good teams in the area.
- The volleyball conference tournaments will take place this Saturday at many sites.

College Sports
- If you get a chance, take a look at the LSU-South Carolina game where the umpire and QB for USC collide. It is an interesting video clip.
- Colt McCoy of Texas is probably the front runner at this point for the Heisman Trophy.
- FYI...remember that the 3pt. line this year in college basketball is not at 19-9, but 20-6.

Pro Sports
- The 49ers have fired Mike Nolan and replaced him with Mike Singletary. Nolan was the guy who wore a tie while coaching on the sidelines.
- Adam Jones has finally entered an alcohol rehab center. Why did it take this long?
- The World Series begins tomorrow night in Tampa Bay. The Phillies have set their rotation while the Rays will set their rotation today.
- One week from today, the NBA season will tip-off.
- The Cubs have signed GM Jim Hendry to a four year extension.

The extending of this particular posting is over. I'm out.

DC

Rays of Light...

As the sun comes up over the horizon this morning and gives us the first rays of light for the day, Tampa Bay is celebrating a trip the World Series. After a busy, busy weekend the sports world slows down its spinning on the axis just a bit with a short breath before beginning the week.

Prep Report
- Big week for football as some teams will wind up the schedule, some will try to get one more win, and some teams will try to get one more win to be considered for the playoffs.
- The weather, as least right now, looks very cold, wet, and rainy this Friday night.
- Cross Country will run their regional competitions this Saturday.
- Volleyball will be playing the final week of their regular season this week.

College Sports
- Texas is in a traditionally good spot. Being the first team ranked #1 in the BCS historically means that the last 5 years that team has played for a National Championship come January.
- Penn State ended a 9 game losing streak to Michigan with their win Saturday over the Wolverines.
- Isn't it amazing how all of the Madness themes for college basketball have evolved over time into an extravagant yearly event?

Pro Sports
- The Rays are in the World Series after being a team for 10 years in the MLB. They defeated Boston last night 3-1 to win the ALCS.
- Speaking of the World Series, it will open in Tampa on Wednesday when the Phillies come to town.
- Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees has found himself in some trouble over the weekend in Nebraska where he is from. He has apologized already to just about everyone.
- With his winning FG kick, Sebastian Janikowski kicked the longest game winning FG in the overtime history of the NFL yesterday when the Raiders beat the Jets.

It is hard to believe where the weekend went. I guess that is the norm when we are arguably in one of the most busiest times of the sports calendar. I'm out.

DC

The Final Drive...

Late on a Sunday, I report in for one final drive of this current sports weekend. It has been busy with a football game each day for me in which I went too. The cap-off was the Cowboys-Rams game this afternoon. Now back fresh from that event, I have plenty to catch up on after a busy day yesterday and today especially the hardware collected by Southern Illinois in the golf tournaments.

Prep Report
- Marion won the girls golf Class AA State Championship yesterday at Stone Creek beating Homewood-Flossmoor by 2 shots.
- Cassie Rushing of Marion finished 7th and Caroline Kwak of Carbondale finished 10th in the 2A field.
- Massac County finished 4th and Carterville finished 8th in the girls golf Class A State Championship at Hickory Ridge.
- Shaina Rennegarbe of Okawville placed 3rd, Dawn Wientjes of Massac County placed 4th, and Kristin Bayless placed 6th in the individual tournament in Class A.
- Centralia placed 2nd in the Class AA Boys Golf Tournament by 9 shots to 6 time defending champion Normal U High at the Weibring Golf Club at ISU this weekend.
- Michael Fowler and Jeffery Miller of Centralia tied for 5th place in the individual portion of the Class AA tournament.
- Benton finished 2nd in the Class A Boys Golf State Tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington. This is the 2nd time in less than 5 years that the Rangers have finished in 2nd place.
- Dustin Korte of Massac County placed 2nd and Bryce Doughty of Benton placed 8th in the individual portion of the Class A tournament.
- Anna-Jonesboro boys soccer has advanced to a regional championship game after beating Columbia 2-0 at the Columbia Regional.
- Johnston City clinched a playoff berth yesterday going to 6-2 on the season with a 35-7 win over Edwardsville Metro East Lutheran. The Indians are looking at 2A and will play at SVWW on Friday.
- CZR made a furious comeback trailing 14-0 in the 4th quarter to get the lead 16-14 with seconds remaning on a field goal to beat Fairfield on homecoming. The Bearcats must beat Elverado-Trico next Friday night to get to 5 wins and get considered for the Playoffs.
- Speaking of Fairfield, they will play Hamilton County Friday night where the winner will get their 5th win and be considered for the playoffs.

College Report
- Missouri...where has your defense and big game ability gone? It makes the loss by Illinois to the Tigers less glamorous.
- SIU shut out a conference opponent for the first time since 1985 with a win yesterday at Youngstown State. Obviously, the Penguins aren't where they usually are this year in football.
- Texas is the #1 team in the first BCS poll recently released today. This poll endsup setting most of the bowl games come December and February.
- How average is the Big 10 this year? Ohio State and Penn State may be the best teams but really they aren't that good.

Pro Sports
- Jimmie Johnson is starting to gain a strangle hold on the NASCAR points lead after another win today at Martinsville. Their are 4 more races left in the Chase.
- Game 7 of the ALCS is tonight and going on right now in Tampa Bay between the Rays and Red Sox. The issue of doubt has to be creeping into the minds of the Rays right now.
- The World Series will happen this week with the Phillies waiting on the above winner.
- The Brewers say they have 5 candidates on their list they are considering to manage the Brewers next season. My idea would be to get a manager hired if they want C.C. Sabathia to sign with them.
- Did the Bears really score 48 points today vs. the Vikings? Did they really give up 41 with that defense?
- Who are these Rams and where did Scott Linehan keep them at for the first 4 games of the season?
- There is one more week left in the NBA exhibition season. That means not much time left for you fantasy gamers.

That is a large amount of reading there for a late Sunday evening. It is so nice to see Southern Illinois prep teams and individuals do so well in IHSA State Tournament events. With that good news...I'm out.

DC

Moving and Grooving...

I am really on the move today. I got a chance to take in a Saturday afternoon football game. I have just returned from the CZR win over Fairfield. The Bearcats win 16-14 on a FG with seconds remaining to improve to 4-4. So as I maintain my quick moving around today, let's get down to business.

Prep Report
Individual Performances
David Mallow (Herrin) - 77 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns in a win over West Frankfort.
Ethan Healy (Carmi) - 148 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns in a win over E-T.
Steven Wallace (Chester) - 169 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns in a win over Nashville.
Brock Wheatley (SVWW) - 110 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns in a win over Eldorado.
Week 8 Notes
- 6 games next week will feature teams with 4-4 records who need to win to get into the playoffs.
- Johnston City clinched a berth in the playoffs with a win today over E-MEL 35-7. The Indians are a lock for the 2A bracket.
- Massac County wins the tie breaker as champion of the Ohio Division. Du Quoin wins the Mississippi Division, Carterville in the BDC, and Cahokia in the South Seven are your other conference champions.
- Elverado-Trico could give up over 500 points on the season when they play CZR next week.
Other Prep Notes
- The State Golf tournaments are going on right now for both boys and girls. We will have results tomorrow.
- Here is a question. Why does volleyball have to sometimes play 2 postseason games in one night?
- Cross Country runners and coaches have been pleased with the weather change to much cooler weather.

College Sports
- Missouri at Texas highlights the schedule today. It will be on ABC tonigh at 7PM.
- As I type, Ohio State is really shelling Michigan State by 28 points. This is the first real stiff test for the Spartans this year.
- Many college basketball teams have their first official practices of the year today.
- SIU is currently playing at Youngstown State. These two teams normally are a lot better in the record column than these two teams this year.

Pro Sports
- Game 6 of the ALCS will be tonight in Tampa Bay. Can the Rays shake off the Game 5 comeback by the Red Sox?
- The Brewers will not have Dale Svuem back as their manager in 2009. There is no early lead candidate as of this time.
- Speaking of Milwaukee, they are going to make some kind of offer to C.C. Sabathia to try to get him to sign with the team. I don't see them having the money to get that done.
- Jake Peavy says he would waive his no trade clause to be traded from the Padres to the Astros.
- NASCAR will race at Martinsville tomorrow. Jimmie Johnson will be on the poll as qualifying was rained out.
- There is no doubt why the NBA is so worldly popular when they play many exhibition games overseas. That is great publicity for the game.
- Week 7 of the NFL is tomorrow with some very interesting matchups.
- Finally, I have nothing new to report on the Dallas Cowboys today which may be the first day all week.

To keep up with what I started, it is time for me to head to another place. I'm out.

DC

Loaded for Bear...

We are loaded and full of information and ready to get right to things as we begin the weekend. Let's not waste anytime and get right to the busy world of sports.

Prep Report
- The State Golf Tournaments for both boys and girls are today. The Boys will be in Bloomington while the girls will be playing in Carbondale and Makanda. I would highly recommend stopping by either place as we have several individuals and teams participating from Southern Illinois.
- Sparta won both the boys and girls SIRR cross country championships yesterday at Du Quoin. Look for both teams to do well in the postseason.
- Eldorado won the boys BDC cross country championship while Carmi won the girls side.
- Mt. Vernon won both the boys and girls South Seven Championship in Cross Country yesterday as well.
- Week 8 High School Football
Conference championships are on the line tonight and the winners will clinch automatic playoff berths when they clinch.
Nashville at Chester - Both teams sit at 3-4 and the loser is out of playoff contention.
Carbondale at Marion - Carbondale must win at 3-4 to stay in playoff contention while a Marion win would give them 5 wins.
Murphysboro at Benton - Both teams sit at 3-4 and the loser is out of playoff contention.
SVWW at Eldorado - The Red Devils have had trouble winning over the years here but need to win to make Week 9 a possible game to win to get into the playoffs.

College Sports
- #8 BYU went down hard on the road at Texas Christian losing 32-7.
- In watching Florida State play last night, they just aren't the same old Seminoles that I have been used to watching in the past.
- SIU is hosting its Maroon Madness event tonight at the SIU Arena for both their Men's and Women's Basketball teams.
- Many teams around the country will begin basketball practice tomorrow for the upcoming season.

Pro Sports
- Red Sox Revival happened with 7 outs to go in an elimination game last night down 7-0. The second biggest comeback in the history of the LCS happened when the Red Sox came back to beat the Rays 8-7. Tampa Bay still leads 3-2 in the series as it moves back to Tampa tomorrow night.
- Is it just me, or is there too many days off between the LCS and World Series?
- Jake Peavy of the Padres is being shopped around the MLB for a new team. Rumors are the Cardinals are interested. Uh...with $59 million owed to Peavy over the next four years the STL is probably not a destination for him.
- The MLBPA says that they have official evidence that teams have conspired to not sign Barry Bonds this past season.
- Dallas Cowboys...Romo practiced yesterday and could play Sunday and Pacman still hasn't checked in to get help. Hey Dallas...cut Pacman now.

Woooooo...what a busy day and it is only Friday of a weekend. I'm out.

DC

Gonna Fly or "Philly" Now...

The city of Brotherly Love is sky this morning as the Phillies are in the World Series and looking for their 2nd World Series title in 126 years. We role towards another weekend with several prep events starting today and going through the whole weekend. The NFL continues to garner more headlines off the field rather than on which in many cases is not good. Let's get right to it.

Prep Report
- It is a running kind of Thursday as many conferences will host their cross country meets today. Here are the meets and places:
South Seven Conference - Marion
SIRR Conference - Du Quoin
Black Diamond Conference - Farfield
- I read an interesting ruling on IHSA.com. Due to rules infractions, if and when Coal City and Addison Driscoll meet in playoff football, Coal City will be the host.
- Golfers from around the state will be getting their practice rounds in at Carbondale, Makanda, and Bloomington today for the State Tournament tomorrow.
- Carbondale won the boys soccer South Seven Conference championship ahead of 2nd place Mt. Vernon.

College Sports
- Bobby Knight has been quoted as saying his coaching career may not be done.
- SIU is at Youngstown State this weekend. The Penguins have played 2 more games than have the Salukis this season.
- College football has two games on tonight. ESPN will have Florida State at NC State while the VERSUS network will have BYU at TCU.

Pro Sports
- For the first time in 15 years, the Phillies are going to the World Series after beating the Dodgers.
- Rafeal Furcal who is a free agent at the end of the season had 3 errors not only in one game but one inning last night to help the Dodgers lose.
- The Phillies await the winner of the Red Sox/Rays series where Tampa Bay leads 3-1. Game 5 is tonight.
- Tony Romo says he wants to play this Sunday at St. Louis while Pacman Jones is getting treatment for alcohol problem. Just another day in the world of the Dallas Cowboys.
- The rumor is that an Obama ad could delay the start of the World Series game. Why does politics have to play into everything?
- A famous Boston landmark, the CITGO sign, that sits behind left field at Fenway Park took on some smoke and fire damage yesterday.

Fall weather is finally here with the cooler and windier feel today. It is time to blow on out of here as well. I'm out.

DC

Suspension, Signings, Trades, Announcements...

What a busy day yesterday was in the sports world? The NFL and specifically the Dallas Cowboys have taken front and center stage today with both the ugly and the good off the field. However, the IHSA has made an announcement about the host for the Bass Fishing State Tournament which will kick off next spring. With those 2 big things carrying the headlines, the other events in the sports world are kind of the fillers before the main course.

Prep Report
- SVW Volleyball is one win away from running the table in the BDC after beating Elverado last night. They are 9-0 in conference play.
- The weather will be sunny, cool, and breezy in Bloomington this weekend for the boys State Golf Tournaments.
- The weather for the girls State Golf Tournaments in Carbondale and Makanda looks to be the same.
- Carlyle Lake has been chosen as the site of the Bass Fishing State Tournament. The state's largest man-made lake will serve as host and this is an excellent choice.

College Sports
- The first edition of the BCS college football standings will be released this coming Sunday.
- For MVC Mens's Basketball fans, ESPN.com has a big spread and detailed preview of the conference on their website today.
- For those wondering, Bracketology is already out on ESPN.com.

Pro Sports
- Adam Jones of the Dallas Cowboys has been suspended at least 4 games by the NFL for an incident last week. IMO...it is time for Dallas to ship him on his way out the door because even with their extensive help Jones can't stay out of trouble. The Cowboys have already gotten 2 draft picks back through this suspension.
- Dallas remained in the spotlight as they acquired WR Roy Williams from Detroit to help eliminate double teams on Terrell Owens. This will help the offense but won't sure up a very injury plagued secondary.
- Shaun Alexander is back in the NFL after signing a one year deal with the Washington Redskins yesterday. He will be a backup.
- Are the Rays really one game away from the World Series?
- The Red Sox have no pitching and some of their stars are showing signs of aging in this series as Tampa Bay is taking it to them leading 3-1.
- The NLCS will continue tonight in LA with the Phillies leading 3-1.

So much information and so little time to put it down. It is odd to have the sports world be this busy during mid-week in the fall. What will tomorrow bring? I'm out.

DC

Teeing off a Tuesday...

After a huge football weekend, that takes a backseat and we shine the spotlight on the world of prep golf. Both boys and girls teams and individuals qualified for State over the weekend. Southern Illinois will be well represented. Even with this highlight, there are other things going on in the sports world that merits attention.

Prep Report
- Massac County girls golf won a Sectional Championship yesterday and for the first time in 30 years Carterville also advanced to the Class A State Tournament on Friday while the Marion Girls won a Class AA Sectional Championship yesterday as well.
- Speaking of Marion, they won by 30 strokes yesterday in playing the Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course in Okawville yesterday.
- On the boys side, Benton will go to State in Class A as a team after they finished 2nd to Mt. Carmel in the West Frankfort Sectional. Both teams will advance to State this weekend.
- Murphysboro Volleyball finished 3rd at the Mount Zion Invitational on Monday.
- The majority of the prep schedule today is volleyball as we are 2 weeks away from postseason play.

College Sports
- The SIU Men's Basketball team held their media and picture day yesterday at the SIU Arena.
- Tommy Bowden was fired as Clemson head coach yesterday. The team never met the expectations this year especially after Alabama hammered them in the opening game this year.
- College basketball is starting to get like high school basketball a little bit with new and more tournaments starting each year.

Pro Sports
- Albert Pujols had surgery yesterday on his injured right elbow. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
- Matt Stairs...of all people for the Phillies to hit a home run and go up 3-1 in a series vs. the Dodgers.
- Meanwhile, the Rays tore into John Lester going up 2-1 one in the series by beating the Red Sox 9-1.
- Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys will be out a month after breaking the pinky finger on his throwing hand in a loss Sunday at Arizona. Grizzly veteran Brad Johnson will be the starter.
- It seems that as time goes on and more information comes out, Adam Jones latest incident is starting to get a little more strange. The NFL could have a decision on punishment later this week.

Having started the morning with a drive on the blog, the beauty of a 3 day weekend is a 4 day work week. I'm out.

DC

Football Frenzy

The leaves are changing and the football seasons are starting to get into the heart of the schedule. I am amazed at how good the NFL games were yesterday. In about a 10 minute stretch yesterday, you had 4 or 5 games decided in the final seconds. Yes, the beauty of football and the NFL is taking center stage today.

Prep Report
- It is a beautiful day for golf sectionals today. Okawville, Carterville, Pana, and West Frankfort will all be hosting boys and girls events around the area.
- Speaking of golf, the weather looks pretty good down here for the Girls Golf State Tournament at Stone Creek and Hickory Ridge this coming weekend.
- I know it is a few days off, but there are several games this weekend that have playoff implications riding on them.
- The IHSA has released the volleyball pairings for postseason on their website.

College Sports
- 3 of the top 5 college football teams were defeated this weekend. This is the 2nd time it has happened this year.
- Texas became the first team in 20 years to jump from #5 to #1 in the college football rankings.
- I know the SEC gets the pub for being the best football conference in college. However, the Big 12 is starting to make a little statement of their own.
- Count me as one who still believes that the Big 10 is not as strong as many people suggest. I am not buying into the Penn State domination theory as of yet.

Pro Sports
- The NFL has it going and the games on the field are the example. It is what makes this one of the most popular sports going right now.
- For the first time ever, a game ended in overtime on a blocked punt for a touchdown when the Cardinals beat the Cowboys.
- The Rams win on a FG in which no one was picking them to beat Washington, while the Bears had a victory taken from them as the Falcons win on a last second FG.
- In just a year, the Patriots have went from the best to will they make the playoffs.
- The NFC East is the best division in football, but the NFC South is the most competitive right now.

It has dawned on me that I don't have work today. That means time to get ready for the golf course. I'm out.

DC

Sailing with a Full Load...

As I mentioned on Friday, sailing through this Columbus Day weekend would been much information to surf through. Many people have a 3 day weekend and the sports world takes full advantage of this by having events on all three days at all three levels. With that being the case, there is much to talk about.

Prep Report
- Carmi pulled off an upset victory at home yesterday over CZR 12-7 yesterday in BDC football action. This means that CZR must beat Fairfield and E-T to get to 5-4 and considered for the playoffs.
- Centralia Boys Golf won their first ever Sectional Championship yesterday at Salem to advance to the 2A State Tournament next weekend. The other team advancing was the host Salem team.
- West Frankfort will host a very tough Boys Golf Sectional tomorrow. on the girls side, there will be sectionals at Pana, Carterville, and Okawville.
- Althoff won the Girls Tennis Conference title for the 4th straight year yesterday nudging out Mt. Vernon and Centralia.

College Sports
- Oklahoma and Missouri lost yesterday in upset games in the Big 12. The loss by Mizzou at home probably cost them the #1 ranking for this week, but look for Texas to take that spot over after drumming the Sooners.
- Illinois also stubbed their toe yesterday with a homecoming loss to Minnesota and Michigan continued to struggle with another upset loss at home to Toledo.
- Note to LSU Football...if you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk. Florida crushed the Tigers in the Swamp last night.
- Kentucky, Illinois, Marshall, and West Virginia took advantage of a loophole in the rules and had their opening to the college basketball season this weekend. To those coaches who are crying about those schools being smarter than others, do your homework and you would have done the same thing.

Pro Sports
- In the wee hours of the morning, Tampa Bay beat Boston last night in the 11th to tie their series at one game apiece.
- LA and Philadelphia will play Game 3 tonight in LA. Look for all the celebs to be out for this game tonight on FOX.
- How can there be any rumors of players going anywhere already in the offseason when no negotiations can begin until well have the World Series?
- Jeff Burton came back and won the NASCAR race at Charlotte last night. Jimmie Johnson is still your points leader as they head to Martinsville next Sunday afternoon.
- Speaking of NASCAR, is anyone else waiting on Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick to have just a throw down fight after a race before the season is done?
- Week 6 of the NFL kicks off in a couple of hours. Several players are out due to injury already this season.
- Denver beat Phoenix in an NBA Exhibition game last night. It was held outside on a tennis court in Indian Wells, CA which is a site for major tennis tournaments during the year.

The clock has struck 10AM which means the NFL pregame shows are on. I'm out.

DC

New look...same great blog!

We've decided to freshen things up a bit here at SISC. We hope you like the new look of the blog, and we hope you enjoy the same great sports commentary day after day!

tb

7th Heaven for Playoff Teams...

Conference titles are near at hand and teams are fighting for playoff berths. It is a wonderful time of year in the prep scene with golf sectionals next week as well as a great volleyball season going on. With it being a Saturday, college football takes center stage but don't count out the pros with big events on the agenda tonight and tomorrow.

Prep Report
- Week 7 Individual Performances
Brock Wheatley (SVWW) - four carries for 83 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
Reid Roper (Harrisburg) - 5-8 passing for 113 yards and 3 touchdown passes.
Carbondale Defense - forced 5 turnovers and scored a touchdown in a win over Althoff.
Week 7
- Du Quoin is one win away from winning the Mississippi Division outright after beating AJ 26-13 in The Pit last night.
- Cahokia finished off one of the wildest games in recent memory scoring a TD with seconds remaining beating Mt. Vernon 33-29. The Commanches are only 1 win away next week vs. Althoff to clinch the outright South Seven Conference Championship.
- Carterville has clinched the BDC title with a 43-8 win at Fairfield last night. The Mules continue their mid to late season slide with another home loss.
- Harrisburg is one win away from winning the Ohio Division after beating Murphysboro last night. The Bulldogs have won 4 in a row since losing 3 to start the year.
- SVWW has won their 3rd in a row and remain in the playoff hunt with a 3-4 record.
Playoff Stats
Here is breakdown of teams in Southern Illinois and the Playoffs:
5 teams are in (DQ, AJ, Carterville, Cahokia, and Herrin)
14 teams are in the hunt.
8 teams are out of the Playoffs.
Playoff Ramification Games in Week 8
Murphysboro (3-4) at Benton (3-4) One team will be eliminated from the playoffs.
Nashville (3-4) at Chester (3-4) One team will be eliminated from the playoffs.
SVWW (3-4) at Eldorado (1-6) SVWW must win to make Week 9 mean something.
Carbondale (3-4) at Marion (4-3) The Terries must win to make Week 9 mean something.

College Sports
- Oklahoma vs. Texas and LSU at Florida highlight the college football schedule today.
- Michigan and Illinois are currently trailing at home to teams they are heavily favored to beat.
- Kentucky started their college basketball season with Big Blue Madness last night in front of 24,000 people in Rupp Arena. Yes, this was just a glamorized practice but 24,000 showed up. Also, they have made some changes and have new uniforms this year.
- SIU looks to bounce back at home today vs. Indiana State in a MVFC game.
- ESPNU and the Big 10 Network have come along at the right time for people to enjoy college athletics.

Pro Sports
- NASCAR will race in Charlotte tonight with Jimmie Johnson starting on the poll. He also leads the points standings as well.
- Game 2 of the ALCS will be tonight as well with Boston leading Tampa Bay 1-0.
- Game 3 of the NLCS will be tomorrow night in LA with the Phillies leading 2-0.
- The leading stories for the NFL this weekend is a who's who of being injured. Some major stars are banged up and will miss due to injury.
- It is kind of disappointing that an NBA exhibition game won't be in Evansville, Carbondale, or St. Louis as in past years.
- The St. Louis Blues opened their season with a win in the season opener the other night. The Blues are looking for big things this season.

Well, so many things going on including a HS football game on the radio today that I am going to listen to while I work. I'm out.

DC

Sailing Around Sports...

Week 7 of football is here and several key games are tonight that will determine conference championships. Also, the next 3 weeks will determine whether teams play in November of get a couple of weeks off before basketball starts. As we have known all spring, the golf competition for both boys and girls would be close and the boys regionals played yesterday were no different. Finally, Columbus Day awaits and that means a 3 day weekend and plenty of sports to talk about.

Prep Report
- Massac County boys won their 4th straight regional title yesterday in golf, while Benton boys won their regional at Rend Lake. These two teams along with AJ, West Frankfort, Hamilton County, and Carmi will advance to what will be a very tough West Frankfort Sectional next week.
- Althoff Boys won the Carbondale 2A Golf Regional but Waterloo and Carbondale will advance as teams as well.
- Cobden won the SEC Softball Tournament Championship yesterday beating Goreville 11-1. The Lady Appleknockers look like they will be very tough once again come the spring in defending their 1A State Championships.
- Week 7 Football
Du Quoin at AJ - This rivalry is renewed again for Mississippi Division supremacy.
Carterville at Fairfield - The Lions will try to lock up a tie for the BDC Title on the road while the Mules will try to shake off an upset loss at home vs. JC and stay in the conference race.
Cahokia at Mt. Vernon - The South 7 Conference Championship is on the line tonight in the King City.

College Sports
- Kentucky and Illinois will get a head start on the other basketball teams in the country tonight as they have their Madness practices tonight. Look for this to be a one time thing as the NCAA is already looking to rewrite the rule that these two figured a way around to have their event one week earlier than everyone else.
- SIU will host Indiana State at 1:30PM tomorrow afternoon. It should be a beautiful day for a football game in Carbondale.
- There are some dandy football games tomorrow on the docket that I will get more in depth with tomorrow.

Pro Sports
- The Phillies won Game 1 of the NLCS over the Dodgers. Game 2 will be this afternoon and Game 1 of the ALCS will be tonight.
- So when you send a security guard to protect someone and the security guard starts the fight what do you do? That is the predicament of the Dallas Cowboys and what Pacman Jones dealt with 2 nights ago.
- It will be interesting to see how the Rams look this Sunday after their bye week and a new interim coach in place.
- Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick got into a tussle during what was to be qualifying yesterday for the race in Charlotte tomorrow night. It is about time some personalities come out in drivers to have some rivalry on and off the track.
- Another Championship banner has been raised in the Hockey Town of Detroit as the Red Wings opened up at home last night.

My time is done as my ship is sailing to begin the work day on Friday and get ready for a sports filled weekend. I'm out.

DC

The Drama Returns...

Last night may have been one of the most boring nights of watching sports on TV this year. There was not much of anything on except reruns and the occasional NBA exhibition game. However, the drama of sports returns tonight with baseball and college football being on the docket which means there are many things to write about.

Prep Report
- Massac County, Carmi, and Marion girls golf teams won regional championships yesterday.
- Several regionals will take place today due to being postponed on Tuesday.
- There are several big volleyball games in the area tonight. Many matches have conference implications on the line.
- The IBCA will be hosting a basketball clinic on Saturday at Pinckneyville High School. Ken Crawford, Dick Corn, and Doug Creel will be the headline speakers at the event.

College Sports
- Auburn has fired their offensive coordinator. They have been severely underachieving on the offensive side of the ball all season.
- Marcus Ginyard of UNC will be out 8 weeks of the basketball season due to injury. This shouldn't hurt the Tar Heels as they are by far the best team in the country.
- There is a quality ACC game tonight on ESPN as Clemson travels to Wake Forest.

Pro Sports
- Is anyone unclear on where Tim McCarver stands on Manny Ramirez these days? Ha Ha
- Game one of the NLCS will begin tonight in Philadelphia while Game one of the ALCS will begin tomorrow in Tampa Bay.
- Finding very little to watch last night, I watched a little NBA preseason basketball. Ouch, that wasn't the most entertaining thing to watch.
- Tom Brady has surgery on his left knee that he tore up in a game earlier this season.
- Evander Holyfield, age 45, is on the brink of boxing for a world title.

The drama of this posting is over as well. I'm out.

DC

Cool Breezes...

Staying cool and breezing through the morning here just like the weather as we reach another mid-week point. Weather played havoc with golf yesterday, but things will continue today and tomorrow. Being the middle of the week, there isn't much going on in all sports but still there is something to read.

Prep Report
- Several golf regionals were postponed yesterday due to rainy weather. AJ, Benton, and Carbondale will host boys regionals on Thursday while Centralia will host their boys regional today.
- Look for weather to be a factor today early on in golf regional play. This is probably the coolest day the golfers have had to deal with as well as wet conditions won't be fun to play in.
- Breese Mater Dei clinched a playoff berth in football with a 52-20 win at Red Bud last night. The Knights are going to be a major player in the 4A bracket.
- Tis the season for Homecomings and Senior Nights to be held over the last 3 weeks in high school football. Some Homecomings have already been held.

College Sports
- LSU at Florida has taken on a different twist. A lineman for LSU said they are going to try to take out Florida QB Tim Tebow during their game on Friday night.
- Troy State is a college football team that is exciting to watch. I got to see a little bit of them last night on ESPN.
- SIU hosts Indiana State on Saturday afternoon. The Salukis should be heavily favored if it were not for injuries.

Pro Sports
- Elgin Baylor is out as GM for the NBA Clippers. Really, is there any doubt this franchise may be in more disarray than any other in all sports.
- Speaking of the NBA, the first exhibition games of the season were played.
- Tiger Woods says he wants to be better when he comes back from knee surgery. Should we count the Ryder Cup as ours the rest of his playing career when he plays or when he doesn't play?
- One more day without MLB Playoff Baseball...I will be scraping around the TV tonight for something to watch.

Looks like the chore for me today is to find something to watch tonight that is sports. That is looking to be tough to do. I'm out.

DC

Take Two Days...

MLB fans...take two days and then turn on your TVs. The LDS is over and now we have 2 days off waiting on the LCS to start. The city of Chicago is out of the Playoffs after the White Sox were eliminated. It gives us two very interesting series to watch though. Golf takes center stage in the IHSA world with regionals today and tomorrow while the college scene takes a break until the weekend. However, never fear, college basketball is just around the corner.

Prep Report
- Breese Mater Dei will try to clinch a playoff berth tonight with a win at Red Bud in boys football. Due to scheduling conflicts, the game had to be played on a Tuesday.
- Benton picked up a big win over South Seven Conference team Carbondale on the road in volleyball last night.
- Several golf regionals will be going on around the state today and tomorrow. The ones set for today will probably have to battle wet weather most of the day.
- Plano Molding Company has signed on as the official sponsor of IHSA Bass Fishing.

College Sports
- New Indiana head basketball coach Tom Crean is already saying this upcoming season for the Hoosiers will be very difficult.
- Billy Donovan finally has signed a new contract with Florida.
- The Battle of the Red River is this Saturday when Texas plays Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.
- CBS is going to televise some Division II basketball games this winter.

Pro Sports
- Beach Volleyball and Olympic Gold Medalis Misty May-Treanor has torn her achilles tendon while participating on Dancing with the Stars on ABC.
- Why when the Angels lose a game in the Playoffs is there always controversy?
- Red Sox/Rays and Dodgers/Phillies highlight the LCS coming up in the MLB. The first series will give us at least 4 more close games like the regular season while the 2nd series will bring back highlights of the late 70s and early 80s when these teams battled in the LCS.
- Brandon Backe of the Astros has some splaining to do. You will see the wedding video he was in where he was involved in a brawl at a wedding reception.
- Kurt Warner has pondered retirement after leaving Anquan Boldin out to dry on a pass and then Boldin taking a major hit that knocked him out of play for awhile.
- Aaron Rodgers, Brian Griese, and Trent Edwards are NFL QBs who are questionable for their NFL games this weekend.
- Detroit, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Houston remain the final four winless teams in the NFL while the Titans and the Giants are the only undefeated teams left after 5 weeks of the season.

As I take two days, I will be looking for something to watch on the TV until the MLB Playoffs come back on. I'm out.

DC

Busy Time of Year...

Name the sport...and it is probably either in full swing, winding down, or beginning with training camp. It is such a busy time of year with all these sports going on a sports fan can have no problem finding something that you can watch.

Prep Report
- Marion girls golf finished 2nd in a tournament over the weekend in Champaign. They have played one of the most difficult schedules in Southern Illinois.
- Weather could be a factor tomorrow in the playing of golf regionals around the area.
- Breese Mater Dei is playing a football game at Red Bud tomorrow night. There was a scheduling conflict for the schools and that is why they are playing at that time.
- For those that don't know...Columbia is a very good football team in 3A that will probably make a deep run in the Playoffs.

College Sports
- Missouri is a pretty darn good football team that can flat out score. I was very impressed with their win at Nebraska.
- Ball State is ranked for the 1st time in the Top 25 poll in football in their history.
- Kentucky and Illinois will open their Basketball practice this Friday night one week before everyone else. Credit their programs for finding a glitch in the rule and being able to have the event at this time.

Pro Sports
- We would like to thank the NL Central teams for participating in the MLB Playoffs. Both the Cubs and Brewers are now sitting at home.
- It will be an old school NLCS when the Dodgers and Phillies play starting this week.
- The AL still has Boston leading the Angels 2-1 and the Rays leading Chicago 2-1.
- Tony Stewart broke his long race winless streak with a win yesterday at Talladega.
- The NFL didn't provide a bunch of upsets yesterday. Indianapolis came back from 17 down in the 4th to win and Washington had a great win at Philadelphia yesterday.
- For those not aware, the Detroit Shock beat the San Antonio Silver Stars to win the WNBA Championship.

Monday means a busy start to the week. I'm out.

DC

Just Like That...

How quick can something come to a screeching halt in sports? Just like that, the Cubs are out of the Playoffs. It was short, sweet, and to the point as the Dodgers completely outplayed the Cubs in all phases of the games. Even with that, we have other exciting things going on in the sports world.

Prep Report
- The fall sports season is winding down. The SEC is holding their baseball and softball tournaments.
- Golf regionals will be on Tuesday.
- CZR will play at Carmi next Saturday at 12PM in an afternoon football game.
- Your guess is as good as mine as to which boys soccer team will win the South Seven Conference.

College Sports
- One year ago...Jerry Kill was the head coach at SIU coaching in McAndrew Stadium that on its best day would hold 13,000. He took his NIU team into Knoxville, TN to take on Tenneessee in a stadium that holds over 110,000. What a difference a year makes!
- How good is QB Chase Daniels of Missouri? By far, the odds on favorite for the Heisman right now.
- SIU squirrled away a huge lead and lost on the road at SDSU yesterday to drop to 2-2.

Pro Sports
- Travis Kvapil is on the pole today for the race at Talladega on the NASCAR circuit.
- Week 5 of the NFL provides us with several good matchups. The drama game with all kinds of players with dramatic backgrounds is Cincinnati at Dallas.
- The NHL has begun their regular season. The first game was held in Europe. Why does the NHL continue to find ways to not promote their sport and gain popularity with sports fans?
- The Cubs are out and the Angels, Brewers, and White Sox will all have to stave off elimination to continue their series to Monday.
- Shock...awe...disappointment...fill in the adjective to describe everyone with an interest in the Cubs. The lack of making plays and being aggressive took the Cubs quickly out of the series. Leadership and play makers will be the only ways the Cubs get back to the Postseason and brake their 9 game playoff losing streak.
- 7 times in 13 years of the Wild Card, the team with the best record in the AL or NL has been swept in the NLDS. The Cubs have joined that list.

The NFL pregame shows have begun so it is time to buckle down and take in all the latest NFL news. I'm out.

DC

Saturday is Slippin' Away...

Yeah I know it is late into the evening for a Saturday, but it was such a beautiful day outside I wanted to enjoy the fresh air. As we all know, these kind of days are starting to be numbered the deeper we go into fall. With that, let's get started.

Prep Report
Week 6 Individual Performances
Ryan Biggerstaff (Hamilton County) - 188 yards rushing and 2 TDs
Ryan Mays (Anna-Jonesboro) - 9 rushes 110 yards 1 TD
Terranius Stanley (Marion) - 21 rushes 202 yards
Week 6 Notes
River to River Conference
Harrisburg after starting 0-3 is now 3-0 in the Ohio Division.
Murphysboro beat West Frankfort for their first road conference win in a very long time.
Benton had 3 interceptions on 6 pass attempts last night vs. Harrisburg.
Black Diamond Conference
SVWW got its first win ever over Carmi in BDC play last night to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Carterville is 6-0 and they have short-gamed all 6 opponents.
6 of 9 teams in the conference still has hope of making the playoffs.
South Seven Conference
Marion won for the first time at Althoff last night.
Mt. Vernon and Cahokia will meet with 3-0 conference records at MTV next Friday night.
Centralia continues to have the longest losing streak in the state after Cahokia beat them last night.

College Sports
- Illinois struggled early but impressed the rest of the way to handily defeat Michigan on the road for the first time since 1999.
- Alabama got all they could handle from an undefeated but less talented Kentucky team at home today.
- The Big 12 Conference began play today. Texas at Colorado and Missouri at Nebraska highlights the schedule.
- With 2:16 to go, Vanderbilt is leading Auburn. Are you serious? Vandy is that close to beating Auburn. Vandy football players have to have a 1300 on their SAT to even get into the university.
- What happened to the aura and drama that surrounded the Miami/Florida State game?

Pro Sports
- 2 MLB Playoff games dot the schedule this evening. The first one going on right now has the Brewers leading the Phillies 3-1 in the 6th at home.
- The 2nd game will be the Cubs at the Dodgers. The only real question in this series is will the Cubs finally start making some plays.
- K-Rod has 62 saves on the season, but JD Drew hits a HR last night to put the Red Sox up 2-0 in that series. The math equation says Red Sox > Angels.
- NASCAR will race tomorrow at Talladega. Restrictor plate racing with crazy fan base always makes this race very exciting.
- Week 5 of the NFL is tomorrow. On the docket, the games of most intrigue are Washington at Philadelphia, Buffalo at Arizona, Tampa Bay at Denver, and Cincinnati at Dallas.

It has been great and as I type Vanderbilt has upset Auburn. Cinderella has at least a 1300 SAT and can play football. I'm out.

DC

Touch of Fall...

2/3 of the high school football season will be over after tonight. Teams can clinch playoff spots tonight as well as have playoff dreams shattered. Several good games on the docket tonight in the area for your viewing pleasure. Also, the MLB Playoff Series each have their own little stories and none bigger than the Cubs. I for one didn't think that everyone was going to roll over and let the Cubs win and those fans need to realize that.

Prep Report
- Week 6 Preview
Herrin at Massac County - Supremacy of the Ohio Division is on the line in this game in a game that could produce an offensive point fest.
Mt. Vernon at Carbondale - The Rams look to continue their win streak at a tough place to play while the Terriers look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Johnston City at Fairfield - The Indians look to keep their playoffs hope alive while Fairfield tries not to look ahead to a match up with Carterville next week.
Benton at Harrisburg - The injury riddled Rangers head to Saline County to try to get back on the winning track while the Bulldogs look to continue their good play in the Ohio Division.
Other Tidbits
- Centralia won the Boys Golf South Seven Conference Championship at Rend Lake by 17 strokes.
- Cobden lost their first game of the fall season to Cape Notre Dame yesterday 2-0 but came back to win the 2nd game 5-0.
- Goreville baseball is having a good fall season with an 11-4 record and a win over Meridian yesterday.
- Tomorrow morning at the Benton City Park, there will be a huge cross country meet.

College Sports
- Georgetown at Colgate football game has been cancelled due to a rampid case of Norovirus.
- Wow...I just noticed that Vanderbilt football is 4-0 this season.
- One week from today, one college basketball team will open with a little "Midnight Madness." Details will come later on who that team is that gets to start a week earlier than everyone else.

Pro Sports
- When you don't pitch, hit, or field well you aren't going to win games at any level of baseball. The Cubs have not done this and unless something changes they will have a "Hollywood Ending" to their season tomorrow night.
- C.C. Sabathia showed the wear and tear and pitching several starts in a row on 3 days rest. He looked tired, no zip on his pitches, and it showed with the Shane Victorino Grand Slam.
- Evan Longoria of the Rays made a big statement with 2 home runs to help beat the White Sox. - The AL takes center stage today with White Sox at the Rays and Red Sox at the Angels.
- Warren Sapp has joined the crowd of wierd and wild stories about how Al Davis runs the Raiders from near and far. This story gets more weird with each person we hear from.
- Helio Castroneves, the IRL driver, has been rung up on tax evasion charges. This is not good for the 2 time Indy 500 Champion and Dancing with the Stars winner.
- Tommie Harris of the Bears won't play this Sunday due to violating team rules.

With a touch of cool and crisp weather in the air, it finally feels like high school football season. I really like this time of year. I'm out.

DC

Must be October if...

It must be October with Playoff baseball starting and the unexpected happening. 2 of the 3 home teams were beaten yesterday and this is only the first day. This is another reason why baseball is such a wonderful game to watch. When you think you have things figured out, things change the question.

Prep Report
- Fairfield won the boys and Carterville won the girls at the Black Diamond Conference golf tournament held yesterday at Green Hills Golf Course in Mt. Vernon.
- Week 6 of the high school football season is tomorrow night and some teams are going to be battling to stay in the playoff hunt as well as battle injuries to key players.
- Marion is hosting a big boys basketball shootout on December 13th.

College Sports
- For a RB who has played very little, has nagging injuries, and very little production, Chris Wells of Ohio State is getting much more media publicity then he deserves. Now, the latest is he thinks he still can win the Heisman Trophy.
- I am excited to see the SEC and Big 12 football teams get into the heart of their conference schedule. This means that we will see some great matchups.
- Mike Tisdale of Illinois Basketball will miss at least a month of court time after having surgery for a muscle hernia in his right leg.

Pro Sports
- 2 of the 3 teams at home yesterday in the MLB Playoffs lose to open their series. 24-28 teams that have won the opening game of the NLDS series have won. On paper at least, it doesn't bode well for these losing teams yesterday.
- Cole Hamels of the Phillies pitched a gem yesterday vs. the Brewers in a win. However, Brad Lidge reverted back to his 2005 playoff form almost giving up a run and stranding runners at 2nd and 3rd to end the game in the 9th.
- Ryan Dempster had a bad outing and the Dodgers took advantage. 7 walks, a grand slam, and then 2 home runs off of Cubs relief pitching lifted LA to a 7-2 win. There were 4 home runs in the game on a night when the wind was blowing in off of Lake Michigan.
- The Red Sox continued their domination over the Angels with a 4-1 win in LA last night. Jason Bay, former Pirate and acquired at the trade deadline, hit a 2 run HR off of Angels' ace John Lackey in the 6th inning.
- Today, the White Sox will be playing in Tampa Bay in the afternoon. How weird does "Playoff Baseball" and "Tampa Bay" being in the same sentence sound?
- Phillies/Brewers and Cubs/Dodgers will play their 2nd games of the series last night.
- Ben Sheets of the Brewers has a torn muscle in his pitching elbow. He will not pitch in the Playoffs and is a free agent at the end of the season.
- Former Raiders head coach now Denver head coach Mike Shanahan has much sympathy for the way Lane Kiffin was treated by Raiders owner Al Davis.

Baseball fever has taken over and we are mere hours away from the start of the White Sox/Rays game in Tampa Bay. I'm out.

DC

Chicago: Baseball Capital of the World

For the first time in 102 years, both the Cubs and the White Sox are in the MLB Playoffs. It is an amazing time of year in Chicago and you can imagine how electric the city is right now. October Baseball starts today with 3 games starting at 2PM. The MLB doesn't get any better. Mid-week does have other big headlines in the other levels of sports so let's get right to it.

Prep Report
- Benton won the Ohio Division and AJ won the Mississippi division yesterday in the SIRR Conference Golf meet at Stone Creek in Makanda, IL yesterday. This is the 2nd year in a row for AJ to win the title, while Benton ended the 3 year streak of Massac County.
- The Black Diamond Conference is hosting their golf match today in both boys and girls.
- The latest AP football polls are out. Cahokia is #3 in Class 5A. Breese Mater Dei is #3 and AJ #10 in Class 4A. Colombia is #1, Carterville is #6, and Du Quoin is #9 in Class 3A.
- There has been a change as far as teams feeding into the Centralia Boys 2A Cross County Sectional. You can see the changes on the IHSA website.

College Sports
- Is anyone really shocked that NFL draft bust Tony Mandarich used steroids in college?
- Kelvin Sampson says that Indiana University knew every legal and illegal thing he did. This gets story gets more crazy and interesting each day.
- SIU football has to be careful of a letdown when playing at North Dakota State this weekend after a big win at home vs. NIU this past weekend.

Pro Sports
- The White Sox are in the MLB Playoffs after beating Minnesota last night. They will play Tampa Bay.
- October Baseball starts today with 3 games...2PM - Milwaukee at Philadelphia 5:30PM - Los Angeles at Chicago 9:00PM Boston at LA Angels.
- The Cubs have picked up the option on Lou Piniella's contract for 2010.
- Jim Haslett, new head coach of the Rams, has put Marc Bulger back in the starting QB position.
- The upcoming Super Bowl will feature Bruce Springsteen as this year's halftime entertainment.
- Al Davis, owner of the Raiders, fired Lane Kiffin and then took shots at ESPN's Chris Mortenson. Not sure, but the Raiders are in disarray and it doesn't look like it is going to turn around anytime soon.
- The Cowboys are making sure that Adam Jones and Tank Johnson are walking the line and keeping a low profile away from the field. This will only help these two do good things both on and off the field in the long run.

Hey...October has arrived and Playoff Baseball is here. I am a little nervous and a very excited and it is hard to concentrate on the work at hand today. I'm out.

DC