Sports

22

Nov

By Dorothy Brand

Sports

Northwestern aims to keep streak alive vs. Pepperdine

Aiming to extend its winning streak to four, Northwestern closes out its homestand when it faces Pepperdine on Friday night in Evanston, Ill. The Wildcats began the week with a come-from-behind victory against Montana State, 72-69. Northwestern guard Brooks Barnhizer had 20 points and 10 rebounds in his first game this season since returning from a foot injury. Forward Nick Martinelli guided Northwestern’s scoring attack with a game-high 22 points and seven rebounds to preserve the win. According to coach Chris Collins, Northwestern (4-1) showed resiliency. The Wildcats nearly had their second straight overtime game, but the Bobcats missed a…

Read More

22

Nov

By Dorothy Brand

Sports

Madonna’s playoff wait is finally almost over

MASON — The longer-than-expected wait for a playoff return is almost over for Madonna. Earlier this week the West Virginia Supreme Court settled the disputes that caused a one-week delay of the football playoffs and set the rankings back to what they originally were when the regular season ended. When the dust settled, Madonna wound up in its original position at No. 14 and is set for a trip to take on No. 3 Wahama on Saturday afternoon. The opening kick is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. “After a certain point, we didn’t care who we ended up playing, we were…

Read More

21

Nov

By Dorothy Brand

Sportsbasketball match analysis, college basketball, college basketball predictions

Virginia vs. Tennessee Prediction: Analysis of the College Basketball Matchup

Team Overview: Strengths and Weaknesses The upcoming clash between Virginia and Tennessee brings to the forefront two teams with distinct identities and approaches to the game. Virginia is renowned for its exceptional defensive capabilities, often deploying a rigorous pack-line defense that has earned them recognition as one of the toughest units in college basketball. This season, they have managed to limit opponents' scoring opportunities effectively, showcasing their ability to stifle offensive flows. Key players like Reece Beekman have played pivotal roles in maintaining the team's defensive integrity; his on-ball pressure and ability to create turnovers have been instrumental in the…

Read More

21

Nov

By Dorothy Brand

Sports

Caleb Williams, Bears look to rebound, end skid vs. Vikings

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is well aware of his team’s impressive record. O’Connell knows the Vikings have surprised many observers who projected them to finish at or near the bottom of the NFC North. He knows about the praise being directed his way for reviving the career of journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold. However, O’Connell is not satisfied. He wants to see his players take another step forward when the Vikings (8-2) visit the Chicago Bears (4-6) on Sunday along the shores of Lake Michigan. “We’ve just got to continue to get better and prove it,” O’Connell said. “8-2 means…

Read More

11

Nov

By Dorothy Brand

Sports

Saints’ Darren Rizzi Credits Dennis Allen for Helping Him Transition to Interim Coach

Darren Rizzi picked up his first win as an NFL head coach Sunday as the New Orleans Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 20–17, and tasted victory for the first time since September. It was Rizzi's first game in the interim head coaching role for the Saints, who fired Dennis Allen amid the team's seven-game losing streak. That streak was snapped Sunday, in part thanks to the level of help Allen offered Rizzi after his ousting from the organization. Rizzi told SI's Albert Breer that Allen provided plenty of assistance in his transition from special teams coach to interim head coach.…

Read More

27

Oct

By Dorothy Brand

Football

FAMU stays perfect at home, bounces back against rival

Florida A&M (FAMU) bounced back in a big way, securing a 24-6 victory over Southern University at Bragg Memorial Stadium, marking its 22nd consecutive home win. In front of an energized home crowd, FAMU showcased dominance on both offense and defense, controlling the game from start to finish. The game began with Southern striking first. Kicker Joshua Griffin nailed a 50-yard field goal, putting the visitors on the board early. However, FAMU quickly retaliated with a dynamic punt return from Jamari Gassett, who sprinted 43 yards to the end zone, shifting momentum in the Rattlers’ favor. Gassett’s impact continued into…

Read More

27

Oct

By Dorothy Brand

Football

HBCU Football: Norfolk State wins in front of huge crowd

Norfolk State secured a thrilling 21-20 Homecoming win over Howard in front of a sold-out crowd at William “Dick” Price Stadium, showcasing the strength and excitement of HBCU football. This victory, Norfolk State’s (3-6, 1-1 MEAC) first Homecoming win since 2021, came despite Howard’s (3-5, 0-1 MEAC) statistical advantage, with the Bison outgaining Norfolk 371 to 287 in total yards. Howard struck first, as quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins broke free for a 48-yard touchdown, giving the Bison an early edge. Norfolk answered immediately with Jaylen White’s electrifying 97-yard kickoff return touchdown, bringing the crowd to its feet and re-energizing the Spartans.…

Read More

25

Oct

By Dorothy Brand

Sports

COLUMN: Ohio State transfer Carrico brings tough, physical game to Morgantown

MORGANTOWN — There has been so much going on through this first half of West Virginia’s football season that transfer Reid Carrico slipped through a crack with a media that was tied up writing about Penn State and Pitt, about Garrett Greene and Jahiem White and Wyatt Milum, about lost opportunities and lost games and the status of head coach Neal Brown. And that says nothing of a redshirt freshman with the pedigree of a thoroughbred named Josiah Trotter. Under normal circumstances more would have been made of Carrico’s arrival for he came — like Trotter — from football royalty.…

Read More

09

Oct

By Dorothy Brand

Football

Contrasting offenses clash for No. 18 Kansas State, Colorado

No. 18 Kansas State and Colorado square off for the first time since 2010 on Saturday night in Boulder, Colo., in a rivalry that dates back to the Big Eight. The Wildcats (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) run a high-octane ground attack on offense while the Buffaloes (4-1, 2-0) do their damage through the air. Both teams are coming off a bye week. Colorado is one of five teams with an undefeated Big 12 record and is on a three-game winning streak. Kansas State beat then-No. 20 Oklahoma State 42-20 on Sep. 28. The Buffaloes pulled off a 48-21 upset win…

Read More

03

Oct

By Dorothy Brand

Sports

Princeton, Graham and River View remain in the ranks of unbeatens

This week, the River View football team is the second-rated Class A football team in the WVSSAC and one of three unbeaten high school football teams remaining among the local West Virginia and Virginia schools we keep on our radar. Kudos to head football coach Gary Roach. This kind of altitude in the polls is a program first for the Raiders (4-0) who boast an 8.5 rating behind front-running Tug Valley (11.0 rating), which travels to Tolsia (3-1) this week Unbeaten Princeton Senior High is, of course, the highest-rated of all our area programs, ranked No. 3 in the Class…

Read More