Israel Gutierrez has left 790 The Ticket WAXY-AM after over two months as an afternoon co-host with Ethan J. Skolnick. He was elevated to that position back in September from his role as guest morning co-host with Jonathan Zaslow and Joy Taylor for several months.
Gutierrez, who once worked at the Miami Herald as a Miami Heat beat writer, will continue on ESPN Radio with a weekend NBA show that he has hosted since January along with being a sideline reporter for NBA games on ESPN and an NBA columnist on ESPN.com. No decision has been made by 790 The Ticket management who will co-host the afternoon program with Skolnick. Several likely candidates include Chris Wittyngham, Josh Friedman, "The Beast" Brian London, Alex Marvez, Chris Perkins and Craig Mish.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Panthers Defeat Red Wings In Overtime
Brian Campbell scores an overtime goal just over one minute into the extra session as the Florida Panthers beat the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 at Joe Louis Arena on Sunday. It was his second goal of the season for the Cats. Jonathan Huberdeau and Jussi Jokinen were credited with assists on the play.
In the second period, Dylan Larkin scored his tenth goal of the year for Detroit seven minutes in when he intercepted a pass from Aleksander Barkov in the high slot. He skated through the slot and put the puck by Roberto Luongo.
Reilly Smith evened it up l-l with just under six minutes left in the third period when he redirected the puck from the top of the crease past Petr Mrazek following a slapshot from the right point by Aaron Ekblad. It was the sixth goal of the season for Smith with his new team.
In the second period, Dylan Larkin scored his tenth goal of the year for Detroit seven minutes in when he intercepted a pass from Aleksander Barkov in the high slot. He skated through the slot and put the puck by Roberto Luongo.
Reilly Smith evened it up l-l with just under six minutes left in the third period when he redirected the puck from the top of the crease past Petr Mrazek following a slapshot from the right point by Aaron Ekblad. It was the sixth goal of the season for Smith with his new team.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Panthers Get By Islanders
The Florida Panthers finished a five-game homestand with a 3-2 shootout victory over the New York Islanders at BB&T Center on Friday night. It completed a stretch where the Panthers played seven of eight games at home and did not leave the State of Florida for almost three weeks.
Brandon Pirri put the Panthers on the scoreboard at 8:38 of the first period. He connected a give-and-go pass with Jaromir Jagr in the neutral zone, carried the puck to the right point and blasted a slapshot from top right circle for his fourth goal of the season. Jagr extended his point streak to five games.
In the second period, Florida(8-9-4) increased their margin to 2-0 at 4:42. Jussi Jokinen was in the slot area and beat Jaroslav Halak from close range for his sixth tally this year. Vincent Trocheck was credited with an assist on the play.
The third period was taken over by the Islanders as they scored twice in the first ten minutes of the frame. Ryan Strome put in a wrist shot from the low crease following a feed by Mikhail Grabovski from the right corner. New York(11-8-3) tied the contest when Josh Bailey scored from the top of the crease.
It was a unusual circumstance in the shootout when both squads scored on their first four attempts. Aleksander Barkov converted on the Panthers fifth attempt to get the win.
Brandon Pirri put the Panthers on the scoreboard at 8:38 of the first period. He connected a give-and-go pass with Jaromir Jagr in the neutral zone, carried the puck to the right point and blasted a slapshot from top right circle for his fourth goal of the season. Jagr extended his point streak to five games.
In the second period, Florida(8-9-4) increased their margin to 2-0 at 4:42. Jussi Jokinen was in the slot area and beat Jaroslav Halak from close range for his sixth tally this year. Vincent Trocheck was credited with an assist on the play.
The third period was taken over by the Islanders as they scored twice in the first ten minutes of the frame. Ryan Strome put in a wrist shot from the low crease following a feed by Mikhail Grabovski from the right corner. New York(11-8-3) tied the contest when Josh Bailey scored from the top of the crease.
It was a unusual circumstance in the shootout when both squads scored on their first four attempts. Aleksander Barkov converted on the Panthers fifth attempt to get the win.
Mater Academy At St. Thomas Aquinas Preview
It is a return for Mater Academy Charter Lions head coach Rocco Casullo as his current team will go up to Fort Lauderdale and challenge his former team the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders at Brian Piccolo Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night in a Class 7A regional final. It is his first season in charge of Mater Academy.
Casullo was named the head coach for St. Thomas Aquinas and replaced the legendary George Smith who retired from that post. He was there for four seasons and helped the Raiders win two FHSAA state championships in 2012 and 2014..
After losing their two previous playoff appearances in Palm Beach Gardens as the defending state champions against Dwyer, St. Thomas Aquinas finally defeated the Panthers 24-7 last week in a regional semifinal. STA have not lost a home playoff game since 2003 and will appear in their 12h consecutive regional final.
University of Florida commit Jake Allen returned last week as their starting quarterback. The Raiders will mix their rushing attack with running backs James Charles and Jaxson Kincaide. Wide receivers Sam Bruce, Michael Irvin Jr. and Trevon Grimes are the primary targets for Allen to look for down the field.
Casullo was named the head coach for St. Thomas Aquinas and replaced the legendary George Smith who retired from that post. He was there for four seasons and helped the Raiders win two FHSAA state championships in 2012 and 2014..
After losing their two previous playoff appearances in Palm Beach Gardens as the defending state champions against Dwyer, St. Thomas Aquinas finally defeated the Panthers 24-7 last week in a regional semifinal. STA have not lost a home playoff game since 2003 and will appear in their 12h consecutive regional final.
University of Florida commit Jake Allen returned last week as their starting quarterback. The Raiders will mix their rushing attack with running backs James Charles and Jaxson Kincaide. Wide receivers Sam Bruce, Michael Irvin Jr. and Trevon Grimes are the primary targets for Allen to look for down the field.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Clearwater Central Catholic At American Heritage Preview
The American Heritage Stallions will attempt to make the Class 3A championship game for the second consecutive year as they host the Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders in a state semifinal on Friday night at The Corral in Delray Beach. Both schools have been state finalists in the last two seasons for this classification.
American Heritage was the district runner-up and had to go the hard way to reach this point with two playoff victories on the road. They got revenge from a regular season loss and topped their district champion the Oxbridge Academy Thunderwolves last week 16-11 in a regional final.
The Stallions look to control the ball with their running attack on offense. Running back Devin Singletary will get the bulk of the carries from the backfield while Dwyer transfer Cornelius Smith along with D.J. Davis and Alec Sinkfield can get some rushing attempts. Quarterback Cameron Smith can throw an occasional pass to wide receivers Keenan Duggan, Matt Pica and Micah Leon.
Clearwater Central Catholic enters the contest undefeated following home playoff wins over Holy Trinity in the regional semifinal and John Carroll in the regional final. They played in the state championship game against Trinity Christian two years ago and lost.
American Heritage was the district runner-up and had to go the hard way to reach this point with two playoff victories on the road. They got revenge from a regular season loss and topped their district champion the Oxbridge Academy Thunderwolves last week 16-11 in a regional final.
The Stallions look to control the ball with their running attack on offense. Running back Devin Singletary will get the bulk of the carries from the backfield while Dwyer transfer Cornelius Smith along with D.J. Davis and Alec Sinkfield can get some rushing attempts. Quarterback Cameron Smith can throw an occasional pass to wide receivers Keenan Duggan, Matt Pica and Micah Leon.
Clearwater Central Catholic enters the contest undefeated following home playoff wins over Holy Trinity in the regional semifinal and John Carroll in the regional final. They played in the state championship game against Trinity Christian two years ago and lost.
Atlantic At Flanagan Preview
The Atlantic Eagles will travel to Pembroke Pines and face the Flanagan Falcons in Pembroke Pines on Friday night in a Class 8A regional final. It is the first time that both schools will meet each other in a football game.
Atlantic comes into this game undefeated as they hosted and beat the Wellington Wolverines 34-0 in the regional quarterfinal and the Boca Raton Bobcats 29-14 in the regional semifinal. The Eagles have not been this deep in the FHSAA playoffs for over a decade.
The Eagles have Shawndarrius Phillips who is their top running back and can execute plays as a quarterback in short yardage circumstances. Running backs Lamar Washington and Jerrod Ferguson are expected to run plays from the backfield to the outside. Quarterback Zavion Thompson usually stays in the pocket and intends to find wide receivers Corey Gammage, Maxel Wells, Samuel St. Surin, Cardarius Gadkin and tight end Ron Ulysse for receptions.
Flanagan came close to finish undefeated but they lost two games this season by a combined six points to St. Thomas Aquinas and South Plantation. Last year they fell to Columbus in the state semifinal and look to make a return trip to that round.
The Falcons execute a spread offense and have quarterback Kato Nelson to lead the way. They have previous playoff experience on the team with wide receiver Dredrick Snelson who won two FHSAA Class 5A titles with the American Heritage Patriots in the last two years. Nelson also has wide receiver Jachour Pearson and fullback Tyler Goetz to throw the ball to.
Atlantic comes into this game undefeated as they hosted and beat the Wellington Wolverines 34-0 in the regional quarterfinal and the Boca Raton Bobcats 29-14 in the regional semifinal. The Eagles have not been this deep in the FHSAA playoffs for over a decade.
The Eagles have Shawndarrius Phillips who is their top running back and can execute plays as a quarterback in short yardage circumstances. Running backs Lamar Washington and Jerrod Ferguson are expected to run plays from the backfield to the outside. Quarterback Zavion Thompson usually stays in the pocket and intends to find wide receivers Corey Gammage, Maxel Wells, Samuel St. Surin, Cardarius Gadkin and tight end Ron Ulysse for receptions.
Flanagan came close to finish undefeated but they lost two games this season by a combined six points to St. Thomas Aquinas and South Plantation. Last year they fell to Columbus in the state semifinal and look to make a return trip to that round.
The Falcons execute a spread offense and have quarterback Kato Nelson to lead the way. They have previous playoff experience on the team with wide receiver Dredrick Snelson who won two FHSAA Class 5A titles with the American Heritage Patriots in the last two years. Nelson also has wide receiver Jachour Pearson and fullback Tyler Goetz to throw the ball to.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Miami Ratings November 2015
Miami Sports Radio 56O WQAM-AM stood alone for the third consecutive month and was the highest rated sports format radio station in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale region. It was a month that the margin between all three competitors shrunk.
WQAM matched an accomplishment that they achieved in the same monthly periods from September 2012 until November 2012 when they finished in first place by themselves. The station however dropped from a 1.3 to a 1.2 in November with the disappointment of the University of Miami Hurricanes football season.
790 The Ticket WAXY-AM did see a bump up in their ratings from a 0.8 to a 0.9 as they closed the gap on the market leader. The return of the NBA season with Miami Heat radio broadcasts has definitely helped along with another month of the audience adjustment to the new program lineup.
Miami Sports 940 WINZ-AM remained flat for the month of November with a 0.4 rating. They still kept their highest numbers in a year for a second straight month due to their longtime stable programming and no broadcasts of Miami Marlins games.
WQAM matched an accomplishment that they achieved in the same monthly periods from September 2012 until November 2012 when they finished in first place by themselves. The station however dropped from a 1.3 to a 1.2 in November with the disappointment of the University of Miami Hurricanes football season.
790 The Ticket WAXY-AM did see a bump up in their ratings from a 0.8 to a 0.9 as they closed the gap on the market leader. The return of the NBA season with Miami Heat radio broadcasts has definitely helped along with another month of the audience adjustment to the new program lineup.
Miami Sports 940 WINZ-AM remained flat for the month of November with a 0.4 rating. They still kept their highest numbers in a year for a second straight month due to their longtime stable programming and no broadcasts of Miami Marlins games.
Tommy Hutton Gone From Marlins Telecasts
Fox Sports Florida and the Miami Marlins have let go television game analyst Tommy Hutton after a reign of 19 seasons. Hutton joined the Florida Marlins television broadcasts in 1997 on SportsChannel Florida and WBFS-TV as he replaced Gary Carter, who worked the first four seasons of the franchise and landed the Montreal Expos television game analyst position.
The Marlins would go on and win their first World Series championship during Hutton's first season in his new post. He would be part of the television crew when the Marlins won another world championship six years later in 2003.
Hutton has worked with several television play-by-play announcers in the broadcast booth during his long tenure here which included Joe Angel, Dave O'Brien, Len Kasper and Rich Waltz. He previously did television analyst work with the Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays before arriving in South Florida.
The Marlins would go on and win their first World Series championship during Hutton's first season in his new post. He would be part of the television crew when the Marlins won another world championship six years later in 2003.
Hutton has worked with several television play-by-play announcers in the broadcast booth during his long tenure here which included Joe Angel, Dave O'Brien, Len Kasper and Rich Waltz. He previously did television analyst work with the Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays before arriving in South Florida.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Kings Beat Panthers
The Florida Panthers remained winless against California teams this season as they fell to the Los Angeles 3-1 at BB&T Center on Monday night. The Cats, who lost their third straight game, are now 1-2-1 in their five-game homestand. The Kings have defeated the Panthers nine of the last 11 times.
Los Angeles(13-8-0)struck fast at 7:47 of the first period. Milan Lucic carried the puck around the Panthers cage and placed a pass to Tyler Toffoli in the right circle for a one-time slapshot by Al Montoya for a 1-0 lead. It was team-leading 11th goal of the season for Toffoli.
In the second period, Florida(8-9-4) bounced back with a goal on their second power-play attempt at 5:07. Jaromir Jagr had the puck on the right-wing wall and fed it to Aleksander Barkov at the top of the right circle. He let go of a snap shot which trickled by Jonathan Quick for his third consecutive game with a tally to tie the contest. Jagr tied Nicklas Lidstrom for 11th all-time with 590th power-play point.
The Kings regained the lead with 2:44 left in the second. Kyle Clifford fired a shot from the right point which was blocked by Jordan Nolan in the right circle. It rolled to Alec Martinez and he scored against Roberto Luongo on a backhand from the slot area for his third goal this season.
The third period belonged to Los Angeles as they extended their margin to 3-1 at 1:06. Anze Kopitar send a long lead pass ahead to Marion Garorik. He raced through the right circle to the slot and roofed home a shot for his third goal this season.
Los Angeles(13-8-0)struck fast at 7:47 of the first period. Milan Lucic carried the puck around the Panthers cage and placed a pass to Tyler Toffoli in the right circle for a one-time slapshot by Al Montoya for a 1-0 lead. It was team-leading 11th goal of the season for Toffoli.
In the second period, Florida(8-9-4) bounced back with a goal on their second power-play attempt at 5:07. Jaromir Jagr had the puck on the right-wing wall and fed it to Aleksander Barkov at the top of the right circle. He let go of a snap shot which trickled by Jonathan Quick for his third consecutive game with a tally to tie the contest. Jagr tied Nicklas Lidstrom for 11th all-time with 590th power-play point.
The Kings regained the lead with 2:44 left in the second. Kyle Clifford fired a shot from the right point which was blocked by Jordan Nolan in the right circle. It rolled to Alec Martinez and he scored against Roberto Luongo on a backhand from the slot area for his third goal this season.
The third period belonged to Los Angeles as they extended their margin to 3-1 at 1:06. Anze Kopitar send a long lead pass ahead to Marion Garorik. He raced through the right circle to the slot and roofed home a shot for his third goal this season.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Rangers Hold Off Panthers
Rick Nash scored a hat trick for the New York Rangers as they outlasted the Florida Panthers 5-4 in overtime on Saturday night at BB&T Center. The Panthers are winless in their last seven games against the Blueshirts and have won twice in the last 13 games versus the Rangers.
Chris Kreider was able to get a penalty shot for New York(15-3-2) following a breakaway at 7:15 of the first period. He let go a wrist shot in which Roberto Luongo made a stick save.
The Rangers took a 1-0 lead at 9:08. The Panthers committed a turnover at the top of their zone, Ryan McDonagh passed it down to Rick Nash at the right side of the crease and he roofed a wrist shot. Mats Zuccarello was credited with an assist on the play.
In the second period, Florida(8-9-3) evened up the contest at 6:46. Jussi Jokinen pushed the puck down the left-wing boards to Brandon Pirri. He sent a cross-ice pass into the high crease where Nick Bjugstad snapped in a shot for his seventh goal of the season.
Nash picked up his second goal of the game at 15:22 of the second for the Rangers to regain the lead. Zuccarello poked the puck from his own end to Nash in the neutral zone. He skated into the Panthers zone, through the left circle and beat Luongo on the short side.
The Panthers bounced back with 2:03 left as they scored a goal on their fourth power-play attempt. Reilly Smith was in the right corner and up to Pirri at the top right circle. He blasted a slapshot which was redirected by Jokinen in the slot area over the right shoulder of Henrik Lundqvist for his fifth tally this season.
Zuccarello compiled his third point of the game when he scored on a one-on-one breakaway with a forehand shot at 10:16 of the third period. Derek Stepan forwarded a lead pass from his zone to Zuccarello at the Panthers blue line.
The Rangers extended their lead to 4-2 less than two minutes later at 12:14. Oscar Lindberg moved the puck with a backhand pass from the end wall to Viktor Stalberg and he blasted a one-time shot from the slot.
Florida pulled out an incredible comeback in the final three minutes of regulation to tie the game. They scored on the power play with 2:28 to go when Aleksander Barkov followed in from the left of the crease on a Aaron Ekblad shot from the left point for his fifth goal. Jaromir Jagr put in a wrist shot from the low right circle when the Panthers had an extra attacker with 1:49 left for his 730th career goal, one behind Marcel Dionne for fourth all-time in NHL history.
Reilly Smith had a chance to win the game for Florida when he was rewarded a penalty shot with 1:42 remaining. He came in slowly and let go a forehand shot which was stopped by Lundqvist.
In overtime, the Blueshirts were given the man advantage when the Panthers got caught with too many men on the ice at 1:12. Nash powered in a slapshot from the top right circle for his third goal of the game at 2:01.
Chris Kreider was able to get a penalty shot for New York(15-3-2) following a breakaway at 7:15 of the first period. He let go a wrist shot in which Roberto Luongo made a stick save.
The Rangers took a 1-0 lead at 9:08. The Panthers committed a turnover at the top of their zone, Ryan McDonagh passed it down to Rick Nash at the right side of the crease and he roofed a wrist shot. Mats Zuccarello was credited with an assist on the play.
In the second period, Florida(8-9-3) evened up the contest at 6:46. Jussi Jokinen pushed the puck down the left-wing boards to Brandon Pirri. He sent a cross-ice pass into the high crease where Nick Bjugstad snapped in a shot for his seventh goal of the season.
Nash picked up his second goal of the game at 15:22 of the second for the Rangers to regain the lead. Zuccarello poked the puck from his own end to Nash in the neutral zone. He skated into the Panthers zone, through the left circle and beat Luongo on the short side.
The Panthers bounced back with 2:03 left as they scored a goal on their fourth power-play attempt. Reilly Smith was in the right corner and up to Pirri at the top right circle. He blasted a slapshot which was redirected by Jokinen in the slot area over the right shoulder of Henrik Lundqvist for his fifth tally this season.
Zuccarello compiled his third point of the game when he scored on a one-on-one breakaway with a forehand shot at 10:16 of the third period. Derek Stepan forwarded a lead pass from his zone to Zuccarello at the Panthers blue line.
The Rangers extended their lead to 4-2 less than two minutes later at 12:14. Oscar Lindberg moved the puck with a backhand pass from the end wall to Viktor Stalberg and he blasted a one-time shot from the slot.
Florida pulled out an incredible comeback in the final three minutes of regulation to tie the game. They scored on the power play with 2:28 to go when Aleksander Barkov followed in from the left of the crease on a Aaron Ekblad shot from the left point for his fifth goal. Jaromir Jagr put in a wrist shot from the low right circle when the Panthers had an extra attacker with 1:49 left for his 730th career goal, one behind Marcel Dionne for fourth all-time in NHL history.
Reilly Smith had a chance to win the game for Florida when he was rewarded a penalty shot with 1:42 remaining. He came in slowly and let go a forehand shot which was stopped by Lundqvist.
In overtime, the Blueshirts were given the man advantage when the Panthers got caught with too many men on the ice at 1:12. Nash powered in a slapshot from the top right circle for his third goal of the game at 2:01.
Friday, November 20, 2015
St. Thomas Aquinas Stops Dwyer
The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders finally walked out of Blum Stadium in Palm Beach Gardens with a 24-7 victory over the Dwyer Panthers on Friday night in a Class 7A regional semifinal. The Raiders had lost as defending state champions in the regional final during their previous two trips there in 2011 and 2013.
Both schools had captured the last three FHSAA Class 7A state titles. The Raiders had not been eliminated prior to a regional final since 2003. The Panthers lost two of their last three games to end the season.
After a scoreless first quarter, St. Thomas Aquinas got a 32-yard field goal by James McCourt at 9:00 of the second quarter and took a 3-0 lead.
Dwyer backup quarterback Eli Mathews fumbled the ball at his 45-yard line and it was recovered by linebacker Patrick Moody midway through the frame . Running back James Charles finished the drive with a three-yard run across the right side of the line at 5:16.
The next drive for Aquinas was set up by defensive back Asante Samuel when he intercepted a pass by starting quarterback Toddy Centeio at the Dwyer 30-yard line. STA extended their margin to 17-0 as wide receiver Trevon Grimes caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Allen in the back right side of the end zone with 2:09 to go in the first half.
Late in the third quarter, Allen lost the ball on a fumble in Panthers territory. Dwyer advanced the ball on that possession into the red zone for the first time in the game. Running back Zach Wilson capped the drive with a touchdown run up the middle from two yards out with 23 seconds left to break the shutout and closed the deficit to ten points.
It did not take long for the Raiders to answer as running back Jaxson Kincaide broke several tackles and dashed through the middle for an 82-yard touchdown on the first play of the drive with no time remaining in the quarter.
The Panthers had one more opportunity to put up points with seven minutes remaining in the contest. They were unable to score on a fourth-and-goal from the five-yard line when Centreio fumbled the ball and it was recovered by defensive lineman Colin Nace.
Both schools had captured the last three FHSAA Class 7A state titles. The Raiders had not been eliminated prior to a regional final since 2003. The Panthers lost two of their last three games to end the season.
After a scoreless first quarter, St. Thomas Aquinas got a 32-yard field goal by James McCourt at 9:00 of the second quarter and took a 3-0 lead.
Dwyer backup quarterback Eli Mathews fumbled the ball at his 45-yard line and it was recovered by linebacker Patrick Moody midway through the frame . Running back James Charles finished the drive with a three-yard run across the right side of the line at 5:16.
The next drive for Aquinas was set up by defensive back Asante Samuel when he intercepted a pass by starting quarterback Toddy Centeio at the Dwyer 30-yard line. STA extended their margin to 17-0 as wide receiver Trevon Grimes caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Allen in the back right side of the end zone with 2:09 to go in the first half.
Late in the third quarter, Allen lost the ball on a fumble in Panthers territory. Dwyer advanced the ball on that possession into the red zone for the first time in the game. Running back Zach Wilson capped the drive with a touchdown run up the middle from two yards out with 23 seconds left to break the shutout and closed the deficit to ten points.
It did not take long for the Raiders to answer as running back Jaxson Kincaide broke several tackles and dashed through the middle for an 82-yard touchdown on the first play of the drive with no time remaining in the quarter.
The Panthers had one more opportunity to put up points with seven minutes remaining in the contest. They were unable to score on a fourth-and-goal from the five-yard line when Centreio fumbled the ball and it was recovered by defensive lineman Colin Nace.
Booker T. Washington At Glades Central Preview
The Glades Central Raiders will host the defending hree-time FHSAA Class 4A state champions the Booker T. Washington Tornadoes at Effie C. Grear Field on Friday night in a regional final. The Raiders fell to the Tornadoes in the previous two years in the FHSAA playoffs.
Glades Central have won their last seven games following two straight weeks of road losses in Delray Beach to American Heritage and Atlantic. They finished the regular season with a Muck Bowl victory over Pahokee for the eighth consecutive year and defeated Gulliver Prep in a regional semifinal last week.
Quarterback James Blackmon will manage the offense and throw the football to all spots on the field. Running back Ja'kevious Vickers is expected to get the abundance of carries for the team. Blackmon looks to connect with wide receivers Devonte Burden, Quantino Allen and Rodney Porter for receptions.
Booker T. Washington attempts to capture their fourth consecutive state title and they have to do it the hard way. They finished as a district champion with just a .500 record in the regular season and did stop University School last week in a regional semifinal.
The Tornadoes come out with a spread offense led by quarterback Daniel Richardson. Running back Craig Nelson will get most of the rushes from the backfield. Wide receivers Raymond Flanders, Tyquan Thornton, Gustavious Dames and Darrius Scott are who Richardson looks for to make catches.
Glades Central have won their last seven games following two straight weeks of road losses in Delray Beach to American Heritage and Atlantic. They finished the regular season with a Muck Bowl victory over Pahokee for the eighth consecutive year and defeated Gulliver Prep in a regional semifinal last week.
Quarterback James Blackmon will manage the offense and throw the football to all spots on the field. Running back Ja'kevious Vickers is expected to get the abundance of carries for the team. Blackmon looks to connect with wide receivers Devonte Burden, Quantino Allen and Rodney Porter for receptions.
Booker T. Washington attempts to capture their fourth consecutive state title and they have to do it the hard way. They finished as a district champion with just a .500 record in the regular season and did stop University School last week in a regional semifinal.
The Tornadoes come out with a spread offense led by quarterback Daniel Richardson. Running back Craig Nelson will get most of the rushes from the backfield. Wide receivers Raymond Flanders, Tyquan Thornton, Gustavious Dames and Darrius Scott are who Richardson looks for to make catches.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Ducks Strike Panthers
The Florida Panthers played the second game of a five-game homestand and were defeated by the Anaheim Ducks 3-1 on Thursday night at BB&T Center. The loss ended a two-game win streak for the Cats while the Ducks won for the second time in their last six games.
Neither club scored in the first period of the game. Anaheim(7-9-4) outshot the Panthers 15-3 in the first 14 minutes of the contest and had a 16-7 edge after one period.
In the second period, the Ducks were able to score on their third power-play attempt at 16:39. Ryan Getzlaf moved the puck from the left circle to Corey Perry in the right circle. He sent it to Cam Fowler in the left circle and he snapped a shot through the pads of Roberto Luongo for his third goal of the season. Anaheim had a 33-14 shot advantage over the Panthers after two periods.
Florida(8-8-3)surrendered a shorthanded goal on their third power play at 14:41 of the third period. Shawn Horcoff laid a cross-ice pass from the right wing to the slot and Andrew Cogliano finished off the play with his second tally this campaign. It was the first shorthanded goal given up by Florida this season.
The Panthers closed the gap to 2-1 with 3:52 to go when Aleksander Barkov blasted a slapshot from the left circle by Frederik Andersen for his fourth goal this season. Jaromir Jagr was credited with an assist on the feed. Jakob Silfverberg scored an empty-net goal with 1:08 left in regulation to clinch the victory for the Ducks.
Neither club scored in the first period of the game. Anaheim(7-9-4) outshot the Panthers 15-3 in the first 14 minutes of the contest and had a 16-7 edge after one period.
In the second period, the Ducks were able to score on their third power-play attempt at 16:39. Ryan Getzlaf moved the puck from the left circle to Corey Perry in the right circle. He sent it to Cam Fowler in the left circle and he snapped a shot through the pads of Roberto Luongo for his third goal of the season. Anaheim had a 33-14 shot advantage over the Panthers after two periods.
Florida(8-8-3)surrendered a shorthanded goal on their third power play at 14:41 of the third period. Shawn Horcoff laid a cross-ice pass from the right wing to the slot and Andrew Cogliano finished off the play with his second tally this campaign. It was the first shorthanded goal given up by Florida this season.
The Panthers closed the gap to 2-1 with 3:52 to go when Aleksander Barkov blasted a slapshot from the left circle by Frederik Andersen for his fourth goal this season. Jaromir Jagr was credited with an assist on the feed. Jakob Silfverberg scored an empty-net goal with 1:08 left in regulation to clinch the victory for the Ducks.
American Heritage At Oxbridge Academy Preview
It will be a rematch between two schools in West Palm Beach on Friday night as the Oxbridge Academy Thunderwolves host the American Heritage Stallions in a Class 3A regional final at William H. Pitt Stadium. The Thunderwolves defeated the Stallions 24-7 earlier this season at The Corral in Delray Beach.
Following two seasons playing as an independent, Oxbridge Academy(9-2) entered the FHSAA this year and captured the District 7-3A championship. They won their first state playoff game with a 32-24 victory over Chaminade-Madonna in a regional semifinal last week.
The focal point of their offense is running back Travis Homer, a University of Miami commit, who can break through for a touchdown at anytime. James Meeks and Antavious Lane are other options to hand the ball off to. The Thunderwolves have Angelo Navaroli at quarterback and he will look for wide receivers Trey Green, Traionn Jones, Cade Socha, Jonathan King along with tight end A.J. Garson down the field.
American Heritage(8-2) lost the FHSAA Class 3A state title game last year to Trinity Christian and finished as a district runner-up this year. They topped Westminster Christian 27-19 on the road last week in a regional semifinal.
The Stallions are a team this season that will emphasize the run. Running back Devin Singletary is expected get most of the carries from the backfield. Cornelius Smith, a transfer from Dwyer, D.J. Davis and Alec Sinkfield will see some rushing opportunities. Quarterback Cameron Smith guides the team on offense and can throw short passes to wide receivers Keenan Duggan, Matt Pica and Micah Leon.
Following two seasons playing as an independent, Oxbridge Academy(9-2) entered the FHSAA this year and captured the District 7-3A championship. They won their first state playoff game with a 32-24 victory over Chaminade-Madonna in a regional semifinal last week.
The focal point of their offense is running back Travis Homer, a University of Miami commit, who can break through for a touchdown at anytime. James Meeks and Antavious Lane are other options to hand the ball off to. The Thunderwolves have Angelo Navaroli at quarterback and he will look for wide receivers Trey Green, Traionn Jones, Cade Socha, Jonathan King along with tight end A.J. Garson down the field.
American Heritage(8-2) lost the FHSAA Class 3A state title game last year to Trinity Christian and finished as a district runner-up this year. They topped Westminster Christian 27-19 on the road last week in a regional semifinal.
The Stallions are a team this season that will emphasize the run. Running back Devin Singletary is expected get most of the carries from the backfield. Cornelius Smith, a transfer from Dwyer, D.J. Davis and Alec Sinkfield will see some rushing opportunities. Quarterback Cameron Smith guides the team on offense and can throw short passes to wide receivers Keenan Duggan, Matt Pica and Micah Leon.
Boca Raton At Atlantic Preview
The Boca Raton Bobcats travel seven miles north on Interstate-95 to Delray Beach for a rematch and take on the Atlantic Eagles in a Class 8A regional semifinal on Friday night. The Eagles held off the Bobcats 21-9 three weeks ago in Boca Raton.
Atlantic(11-0) went undefeated during the regular season and blanked the Wellington Wolverines 34-0 last week in a regional quarterfinal. It is more impressive considering that they moved up to a higher classification this year and captured the District 10-8A title.
The Eagles run an ever balance of running and passing plays on offense. They have three running backs that have different styles of play with Shawndarrius Phillips, Lamar Washington and Gerrod Ferguson. Wide receivers Corey Gammage, Samuel St. Surin. Maxel Wells and tight end Ron Ulysse are targets for quarterback Zavion Thompson to connect with.
Boca Raton(9-2) began the regular season victorious in their first eight games until they fell to Atlantic and Wellington in consecutive weeks. They edged Palm Beach Gardens 27-26 in overtime while on the road in a regional quarterfinal. It was their first FHSAA playoff appearance in six seasons.
The Bobcats have Phillip Santiago at quarterback and he can run along with throw on any occasion. Running back Bryce Miller, a transfer from American Heritage, will be get the bulk of carries from the backfield. Wide receiver Charles Barnes looks to get open down the field for receptions.
Atlantic(11-0) went undefeated during the regular season and blanked the Wellington Wolverines 34-0 last week in a regional quarterfinal. It is more impressive considering that they moved up to a higher classification this year and captured the District 10-8A title.
The Eagles run an ever balance of running and passing plays on offense. They have three running backs that have different styles of play with Shawndarrius Phillips, Lamar Washington and Gerrod Ferguson. Wide receivers Corey Gammage, Samuel St. Surin. Maxel Wells and tight end Ron Ulysse are targets for quarterback Zavion Thompson to connect with.
Boca Raton(9-2) began the regular season victorious in their first eight games until they fell to Atlantic and Wellington in consecutive weeks. They edged Palm Beach Gardens 27-26 in overtime while on the road in a regional quarterfinal. It was their first FHSAA playoff appearance in six seasons.
The Bobcats have Phillip Santiago at quarterback and he can run along with throw on any occasion. Running back Bryce Miller, a transfer from American Heritage, will be get the bulk of carries from the backfield. Wide receiver Charles Barnes looks to get open down the field for receptions.
Hallandale At Ameican Heritage Preview
The Hallandale Chargers will challenge the American Heritage Patriots in a Class 5A regional semifinal on Friday night at Heritage Field in Plantation. They faced each other three weeks ago for the District 15-5A championship and the Patriots were victorious 38-15.
Hallandale(9-2) moved down in classification this year and finished as a district runner-up. They easily shut out Suncoast 42-0 in West Palm Beach during a regional quarterfinal last week. Their season ended last year with a close loss in a regional semifinal to the eventual FHSAA Class 6A state champions the Miami Central Rockets.
The Chargers come out in a spread offense and have a well-balanced attack. Quarterback Tyler Huntley can throw the ball anywhere on the field to wide receivers Chris Cotto, Josh Hammond, Korell Evans and Juwan Hardy. Hallandale has two running backs to carry the ball with Zach Moss and Jordan Roberts.
American Heritage(9-1) is the defending two-time FHSAA Class 5A state champions and have dominated their own district for several years. They blanked Fort Pierce Westwood 43-0 last week in a regional quarterfinal.
The Patriots have three options to run the ball from the backfield which includes quarterback Jason Brown along with running backs Kyshaun Bryan and Khalil Herbert. Brown will try to connect with wide receivers Brandon Johnson, Nick Eubanks and Laress Nelson for receptions.
Hallandale(9-2) moved down in classification this year and finished as a district runner-up. They easily shut out Suncoast 42-0 in West Palm Beach during a regional quarterfinal last week. Their season ended last year with a close loss in a regional semifinal to the eventual FHSAA Class 6A state champions the Miami Central Rockets.
The Chargers come out in a spread offense and have a well-balanced attack. Quarterback Tyler Huntley can throw the ball anywhere on the field to wide receivers Chris Cotto, Josh Hammond, Korell Evans and Juwan Hardy. Hallandale has two running backs to carry the ball with Zach Moss and Jordan Roberts.
American Heritage(9-1) is the defending two-time FHSAA Class 5A state champions and have dominated their own district for several years. They blanked Fort Pierce Westwood 43-0 last week in a regional quarterfinal.
The Patriots have three options to run the ball from the backfield which includes quarterback Jason Brown along with running backs Kyshaun Bryan and Khalil Herbert. Brown will try to connect with wide receivers Brandon Johnson, Nick Eubanks and Laress Nelson for receptions.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Joe Bell In Chattanooga
Former Beasley Broadcasting Miami executive Joe Bell has joined Brewer Media Group in Chattanooga, Tennessee as market manager. He was recently released by CBS Radio Miami in late July as senior vice president and market manager.
Bell first arrived in Miami in January of 'O6 as the general manager of Sports Radio 56O WQAM-AM and WKIS-FM. He was later elevated to market manager of Beasley Broadcasting in Miami. Bell was absorbed into CBS Radio when they acquired the three-station Miami cluster in December of last year.
He was once the executive vice president and general manager of WPTF-AM in Raleigh, North Carolina prior to arriving in Florida. Bell then joined Beasley Broadcasting in Fort Myers as the general manager of WJBX-FM before he worked in Miami.
Bell first arrived in Miami in January of 'O6 as the general manager of Sports Radio 56O WQAM-AM and WKIS-FM. He was later elevated to market manager of Beasley Broadcasting in Miami. Bell was absorbed into CBS Radio when they acquired the three-station Miami cluster in December of last year.
He was once the executive vice president and general manager of WPTF-AM in Raleigh, North Carolina prior to arriving in Florida. Bell then joined Beasley Broadcasting in Fort Myers as the general manager of WJBX-FM before he worked in Miami.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Panthers Top Lightning
The Florida Panthers were able to complete the home-and-home sweep with a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night at BB&T Center. Roberto Luongo compiled his 407th career win which tied Glenn Hall for eighth all-time in wins by a goalie. He also collected his 69th career save which leads all active goalies.The Lightning are winless in four of their last five games.
There was no scoring in the first two periods between both squads. Florida(8-7-3) dominated the first two minutes of the game as they kept the puck in the Lightning zone during that entire time and outshot them 3-0. The rest of the first period belonged to Tampa Bay(8-9-3) as they went on a 13-1 run with shots on goal in the last 18 minutes of play.
It would come down to the last minute of the third period when Aaron Ekblad fluttered a shot from the top of the zone which deflected off Victor Hedman and into the top of the net with 20.2 seconds left. It was the latest tie-breaking goal by a Florida Panthers since Kristian Huselias on March 28, 2002. He also became the first NHL player to score a tying or go-ahead goal in the final minute of consecutive games since Dany Heatley did it for the Atlanta Thrashers in March 2003. Ekblad, who now has a four-game point streak, scored a tying game two nights ago against the Lightning with 43 seconds left in regulation.
There was no scoring in the first two periods between both squads. Florida(8-7-3) dominated the first two minutes of the game as they kept the puck in the Lightning zone during that entire time and outshot them 3-0. The rest of the first period belonged to Tampa Bay(8-9-3) as they went on a 13-1 run with shots on goal in the last 18 minutes of play.
It would come down to the last minute of the third period when Aaron Ekblad fluttered a shot from the top of the zone which deflected off Victor Hedman and into the top of the net with 20.2 seconds left. It was the latest tie-breaking goal by a Florida Panthers since Kristian Huselias on March 28, 2002. He also became the first NHL player to score a tying or go-ahead goal in the final minute of consecutive games since Dany Heatley did it for the Atlanta Thrashers in March 2003. Ekblad, who now has a four-game point streak, scored a tying game two nights ago against the Lightning with 43 seconds left in regulation.
St. Thomas Aquinas At Dwyer Preview
It will be a battle between two schools that have won the last three FHSAA Class 7A state championships as the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders head to Palm Beach Gardens on Friday night and face the Dwyer Panthers in a regional semifinal at Blum Stadium. It will be the third time in the last five seasons that they will challenge each other on the same field in the postseason.
The Panthers had previously knocked off the defending state champion Raiders on two different occasions during the Class 7A regional final. Dwyer held on to win 6-3 against Aquinas in 2011 and got by 35-28 in 2013.
St. Thomas Aquinas(10-1) knocked off the Royal Palm Beach Wildcats for the second consecutive year. Last week they routed them with a 29-0 shutout victory in a regional quarterfinal. STA has impressed with wins over playoff teams such as the Booker T. Washington Tornadoes, Hallandale Chargers and Flanagan Falcons. Their only lost this season was on the road against the Deerfield Beach Bucks by the score of 6-3.
The Raiders have been successful despite several injuries to some of their top players. Defensive lineman and Ohio State University commit Nick Bosa will not play due to an ACL injury while their original starting quarterback and University of Florida commit Jake Allen is also out.
Beau Fillichio has stepped out at quarterback and played very well. His main targets are expected to be wide receivers Sam Bruce, Michael Irvin Jr. and James Jenkins. St, Thomas Aquinas are loaded in the backfield with James Charles and Jaxson Kincaide at running back.
Dwyer(10-1) come into the contest with not that much momentum. They barely got by a two-win team in the Blanche Ely Tigers 16-14 last week in a regional quarterfinal. The team was undefeated for their first nine games until they lost their season finale at home to the Atlantic Eagles 32-21.
The great news for the Panthers is that wide receiver and University of Florida commit Isaiah Johnson is returning to the lineup following a one-week suspension by the FHSAA. He will be the primary receiver that quarterback Toddy Centeio will throw to. Centeio led Royal Palm Beach to the regional final against the Raiders last year and lost.
Jakari Moses leads the running attack and is expected to get most of the carries along with Torey Brown. The wide receiver core consists of Noah Mathews, Austin Gold, Wesley Oldham, Oyeh Lurry-Davis and Cameron Jonas.
The Panthers had previously knocked off the defending state champion Raiders on two different occasions during the Class 7A regional final. Dwyer held on to win 6-3 against Aquinas in 2011 and got by 35-28 in 2013.
St. Thomas Aquinas(10-1) knocked off the Royal Palm Beach Wildcats for the second consecutive year. Last week they routed them with a 29-0 shutout victory in a regional quarterfinal. STA has impressed with wins over playoff teams such as the Booker T. Washington Tornadoes, Hallandale Chargers and Flanagan Falcons. Their only lost this season was on the road against the Deerfield Beach Bucks by the score of 6-3.
The Raiders have been successful despite several injuries to some of their top players. Defensive lineman and Ohio State University commit Nick Bosa will not play due to an ACL injury while their original starting quarterback and University of Florida commit Jake Allen is also out.
Beau Fillichio has stepped out at quarterback and played very well. His main targets are expected to be wide receivers Sam Bruce, Michael Irvin Jr. and James Jenkins. St, Thomas Aquinas are loaded in the backfield with James Charles and Jaxson Kincaide at running back.
Dwyer(10-1) come into the contest with not that much momentum. They barely got by a two-win team in the Blanche Ely Tigers 16-14 last week in a regional quarterfinal. The team was undefeated for their first nine games until they lost their season finale at home to the Atlantic Eagles 32-21.
The great news for the Panthers is that wide receiver and University of Florida commit Isaiah Johnson is returning to the lineup following a one-week suspension by the FHSAA. He will be the primary receiver that quarterback Toddy Centeio will throw to. Centeio led Royal Palm Beach to the regional final against the Raiders last year and lost.
Jakari Moses leads the running attack and is expected to get most of the carries along with Torey Brown. The wide receiver core consists of Noah Mathews, Austin Gold, Wesley Oldham, Oyeh Lurry-Davis and Cameron Jonas.
Panthers Escape Tampa Bay
Brandon Pirri was the only player to score during a shootout between both teams on Saturday night as the Florida Panthers edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 at Amalie Arena. Pirri became the first player in NHL history to score a penalty shot along with a winning shootout goal.
Pirri gave Florida(7-7-3) a 3-2 lead on his successful penalty shot by Ben Bishop at 4:47 of the second period. The Panthers has an extra attacker along with a power play when Ryan Callahan was called for a delay of game penalty with 43 seconds left in the third period. Aaron Ekblad took a wrist shot which sailed into the Tampa Bay(8-8-3) cage five seconds into the power play to tie the game at 4-4.
Steven Stamkos was given a penalty shot at 3:09 of overtime. His attempt was stopped by Roberto Luongo and overtime continued. Pirri scored on the first shootout opportunity for the Cast to get the victory.
Pirri gave Florida(7-7-3) a 3-2 lead on his successful penalty shot by Ben Bishop at 4:47 of the second period. The Panthers has an extra attacker along with a power play when Ryan Callahan was called for a delay of game penalty with 43 seconds left in the third period. Aaron Ekblad took a wrist shot which sailed into the Tampa Bay(8-8-3) cage five seconds into the power play to tie the game at 4-4.
Steven Stamkos was given a penalty shot at 3:09 of overtime. His attempt was stopped by Roberto Luongo and overtime continued. Pirri scored on the first shootout opportunity for the Cast to get the victory.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Dwyer Outlasts Blanche Ely
The Dwyer Panthers were able to barely survive with a 16-14 victory over the Blanche Ely Tigers on Friday night at Blum Stadium in a Class 7A regional quarterfinal. The Tigers scored more points in this contest than they did in their previous two playoff trips to Dwyer which was seven. The Panthers will host the defending state champions the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders next week.
Dwyer called all running plays down the field during their first possession in the first quarter. It was capped at 7:01 as running back Jakari Moses went through the middle and scored from three yards away for a 7-0 lead.
Blanche Ely responded immediately following the kickoff from their own 20-yard line as they scored on the first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Zachery Purdue threw a long pass down the right side to wide receiver Thomas Geddis who pulled away from the defense for the touchdown. It would set up a bad omen for the Tigers as they missed the extra point and were down by one point.
The Panthers extended their margin to 13-6 with 1:24 left in the quarter as Moses caught a l6-yard swing pass on the right side from quarterback Toddy Centeio. He dashed to the front pylon in the end zone and dived in for the score. Dwyer followed by missing their extra point attempt.
The Tigers cut the deficit to one point with 1:06 remaining in the second quarter. Purdue connected with wide receiver Jeremy Taylor on a slant pattern up the middle for a touchdown from ten yards out.
Midway through the third quarter, Blanche Ely got a great punt by Arthur Forrest to the Dwyer one-yard line. Centeio was sacked in the end zone for a safety on the next play and Tigers had their first lead of the game 14-13 at 5:26.
The final quarter was decided by the kickers of both teams. The Tigers were stopped on a 4th-and-5 from the Panthers 20-yard line. Wide receiver Noah Mathews caught a 30-yard catch for Dwyer on the first play of the possession at the 50-yard line. It led to a long field goal by Patrick Trepcos with 8:26 to go in the fourth quarter for a 16-14 lead.
Blanche Ely had two more opportunities to regain the lead. The first was a missed field goal attempt from 36 yards out with 4:10 remaining. Their final drive was ended when cornerback Kenih Lovely intercepted a pass at his onw 35-yard line with 1:34 left.
Dwyer called all running plays down the field during their first possession in the first quarter. It was capped at 7:01 as running back Jakari Moses went through the middle and scored from three yards away for a 7-0 lead.
Blanche Ely responded immediately following the kickoff from their own 20-yard line as they scored on the first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Zachery Purdue threw a long pass down the right side to wide receiver Thomas Geddis who pulled away from the defense for the touchdown. It would set up a bad omen for the Tigers as they missed the extra point and were down by one point.
The Panthers extended their margin to 13-6 with 1:24 left in the quarter as Moses caught a l6-yard swing pass on the right side from quarterback Toddy Centeio. He dashed to the front pylon in the end zone and dived in for the score. Dwyer followed by missing their extra point attempt.
The Tigers cut the deficit to one point with 1:06 remaining in the second quarter. Purdue connected with wide receiver Jeremy Taylor on a slant pattern up the middle for a touchdown from ten yards out.
Midway through the third quarter, Blanche Ely got a great punt by Arthur Forrest to the Dwyer one-yard line. Centeio was sacked in the end zone for a safety on the next play and Tigers had their first lead of the game 14-13 at 5:26.
The final quarter was decided by the kickers of both teams. The Tigers were stopped on a 4th-and-5 from the Panthers 20-yard line. Wide receiver Noah Mathews caught a 30-yard catch for Dwyer on the first play of the possession at the 50-yard line. It led to a long field goal by Patrick Trepcos with 8:26 to go in the fourth quarter for a 16-14 lead.
Blanche Ely had two more opportunities to regain the lead. The first was a missed field goal attempt from 36 yards out with 4:10 remaining. Their final drive was ended when cornerback Kenih Lovely intercepted a pass at his onw 35-yard line with 1:34 left.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Sabres Lance Panthers
The Buffalo Sabres held on to defeat the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Thursday night at BB&T Center. Buffalo have won five of their last six games as they snapped a three-game losing streak to the Cats. The Panthers are winless in six of their last seven games. Jaromir Jagr appearance in the contest tied Nicklas Lidstrom for tenth all-time in NHL history with 1,564 games played.
Buffalo(8-8-0) waited until late in the first period to get on the scoreboard. Matt Moulson was able to connect a pass from the end wall to Brian Gionta inside the right circle. He snapped a shot by Roberto Luongo with 31.5 seconds left for his first tally of the year.
In the second period, the Sabres had a goal disallowed at 6:33. Tyler Ennis went around Dave Bolland in the low right circle and stuffed in a shot from the side of the crease. The Panthers challenged the goal because Ennis was offside when Buffalo entered the offensive zone.
Florida(6-7-3) continued the momentum as they scored on their third power-play attempt at 9:35. Jagr had the puck on the right-wing wall and centered it to Nick Bjugstad in the low left circle. He passed it to Jonathan Huberdeau at the top of the crease and he scored his first goal of the season by Linus Ullmark. Jagr passed Teemu Selanne for 12th place in NHL history with his 589th power-play point on the play.
The Sabres scored a goal in the final 70 seconds for the second straight frame. Cody Franson buried a shot from the slot area with 1:07 remaining for his second goal with his new club to give them
Buffalo got their first chance with the man advantage early in the third period and they made the most of it and extended their margin to 3-1. Ennis waited for a long time on the right wing before he fired a slapshot which was deflected into the Panthers cage by Sam Reinhart in the crease area at 3:38. It was the third career NHL goal by Reinhart.
The Panthers cut the deficit down to 3-2 with four minutes left. Aaron Ekblad rocketed a slapshot from the top of the zone and it was redirected by Vincent Trocheck in the low slot for his seventh goal.
Buffalo(8-8-0) waited until late in the first period to get on the scoreboard. Matt Moulson was able to connect a pass from the end wall to Brian Gionta inside the right circle. He snapped a shot by Roberto Luongo with 31.5 seconds left for his first tally of the year.
In the second period, the Sabres had a goal disallowed at 6:33. Tyler Ennis went around Dave Bolland in the low right circle and stuffed in a shot from the side of the crease. The Panthers challenged the goal because Ennis was offside when Buffalo entered the offensive zone.
Florida(6-7-3) continued the momentum as they scored on their third power-play attempt at 9:35. Jagr had the puck on the right-wing wall and centered it to Nick Bjugstad in the low left circle. He passed it to Jonathan Huberdeau at the top of the crease and he scored his first goal of the season by Linus Ullmark. Jagr passed Teemu Selanne for 12th place in NHL history with his 589th power-play point on the play.
The Sabres scored a goal in the final 70 seconds for the second straight frame. Cody Franson buried a shot from the slot area with 1:07 remaining for his second goal with his new club to give them
Buffalo got their first chance with the man advantage early in the third period and they made the most of it and extended their margin to 3-1. Ennis waited for a long time on the right wing before he fired a slapshot which was deflected into the Panthers cage by Sam Reinhart in the crease area at 3:38. It was the third career NHL goal by Reinhart.
The Panthers cut the deficit down to 3-2 with four minutes left. Aaron Ekblad rocketed a slapshot from the top of the zone and it was redirected by Vincent Trocheck in the low slot for his seventh goal.
Blanche Ely At Dwyer Preview
The Blanche Ely Tigers will travel up to Palm Beach Gardens and face the Dwyer Panthers on Friday night at Blum Stadium in a Class 7A regional quarterfinal. Both schools have met in the FHSAA playoffs on two other occasions in recent years. The Panthers had two home victories which included a 28-0 shutout win in 2011 during a regional quarterfinal and a 49-7 rout during a regional semifinal in 2013.
After missing the postseason last year following their Class 7A state championship in 2013, Dwyer won the District 13-7A title this year. The Panthers were undefeated through nine games until they lost at home last week to the Atlantic Eagles 32-21.
Quarterback Toddy Centeio will lead the way for the Panthers on offense. He was the starting quarterback for the Royal Palm Wildcats the previous two seasons and helped that school win the District 13-7A last year. They lost in the regional final on the road to the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders. He transferred to Dwyer during the off-season.
Centeio has adjusted his style from a pass first, run second quarterback with the Wildcats to a pocket passer with the Panthers this season. The team has a capable backup quarterback in Eli Matthews who filled in as a starter for several games.
Dwyer will have only one running back in the backfield as Jakari Moses will be on almost all rushing opportunities. The main target for Centeio to connect with is wide receiver Isaiah Johnson, who is a University of Florida commit. Wide receivers Noah Matthews, Austin Gold, Oyeh Lurry-Davis and Wesley Oldham can make an occasional reception. The Panthers play a five-man offensive line with no tight end involved.
Blanche Ely had a underachieving regular season with just two wins and finished as District 14-7A runner-up. Their two victories came down to the wire. They intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown in the final minute against the Fort Lauderdale Flying L's for a district win. They captured the Soul Bowl last week at Lockhart Stadium against longtime rival Dillard 18-12 on the final play of the game when they stopped the Panthers on an incomplete pass in the end zone.
The Tigers run a similar spread offense as Dwyer does without a tight end in formation. Quarterback Zachery Purdue will guide Blanche Ely with running back Arthur Forrest to get most of the carries from the backfield. Wide receiver Thomas Geddis will be hard for Dwyer to contain and will get his share of receptions. Demeterice Bellamy converted from running back to slot receiver this season and has helped on short plays while wide receiver Jeremy Taylor can make some catches.
After missing the postseason last year following their Class 7A state championship in 2013, Dwyer won the District 13-7A title this year. The Panthers were undefeated through nine games until they lost at home last week to the Atlantic Eagles 32-21.
Quarterback Toddy Centeio will lead the way for the Panthers on offense. He was the starting quarterback for the Royal Palm Wildcats the previous two seasons and helped that school win the District 13-7A last year. They lost in the regional final on the road to the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders. He transferred to Dwyer during the off-season.
Centeio has adjusted his style from a pass first, run second quarterback with the Wildcats to a pocket passer with the Panthers this season. The team has a capable backup quarterback in Eli Matthews who filled in as a starter for several games.
Dwyer will have only one running back in the backfield as Jakari Moses will be on almost all rushing opportunities. The main target for Centeio to connect with is wide receiver Isaiah Johnson, who is a University of Florida commit. Wide receivers Noah Matthews, Austin Gold, Oyeh Lurry-Davis and Wesley Oldham can make an occasional reception. The Panthers play a five-man offensive line with no tight end involved.
Blanche Ely had a underachieving regular season with just two wins and finished as District 14-7A runner-up. Their two victories came down to the wire. They intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown in the final minute against the Fort Lauderdale Flying L's for a district win. They captured the Soul Bowl last week at Lockhart Stadium against longtime rival Dillard 18-12 on the final play of the game when they stopped the Panthers on an incomplete pass in the end zone.
The Tigers run a similar spread offense as Dwyer does without a tight end in formation. Quarterback Zachery Purdue will guide Blanche Ely with running back Arthur Forrest to get most of the carries from the backfield. Wide receiver Thomas Geddis will be hard for Dwyer to contain and will get his share of receptions. Demeterice Bellamy converted from running back to slot receiver this season and has helped on short plays while wide receiver Jeremy Taylor can make some catches.
Wellington At Atlantic Preview
The Atlantic Eagles will host the Wellington Wolverines on Friday night at Delray Beach in a Class 8A regional quarterfinal. Both schools faced each other on the same field during opening week and the Eagles blasted to Wolverines 49-7.
Atlantic remained undefeated last week as they went on the road and stopped Dwyer 32-21 in a battle of the only unbeaten teams in Palm Beach County. The Eagles moved up to a higher classification this year and captured the District 10-8A championship.
The Eagles execute a well-balanced offensive attack of running and passing. Running back Shawndarrius Phillips is expected to get a larger amount of carries and can step in as quarterback in short-yardage situations. Lamar Washington, Jerrod Ferguson and Dontavius Monroe are his cohorts in the backfield who all like to break runs to the outside. Quarterback Zavion Thompson will have a slew of wide receivers to throw to which includes Corey Gammage, Samuel St. Surin, Maxel Wells and Cardarius Gaskin along with tight end Ron Ulysse.
Wellington finished as a runner-up to Palm Beach Gardens in District 9-8A and did edge Boca Raton 24-21 a week ago. Last year was the best season in school history as they advanced all the way to the regional final led by quarterback Shannon Fitzpatrick, who had transferred from Forest Hill.
The Wolverines had a duplicate strategy this year on offense when quarterback Blake Dever transferred from St. Thomas Aquinas during the off-season. Wide receiver Ahmmon Richards can score from anywhere on the field should he make a reception. Other wide receivers for Dever to connect with includes Austin Gilman and Chris Atkinson. Running back Marc-Antony Richards looks to advance the ball from the backfield.
Atlantic remained undefeated last week as they went on the road and stopped Dwyer 32-21 in a battle of the only unbeaten teams in Palm Beach County. The Eagles moved up to a higher classification this year and captured the District 10-8A championship.
The Eagles execute a well-balanced offensive attack of running and passing. Running back Shawndarrius Phillips is expected to get a larger amount of carries and can step in as quarterback in short-yardage situations. Lamar Washington, Jerrod Ferguson and Dontavius Monroe are his cohorts in the backfield who all like to break runs to the outside. Quarterback Zavion Thompson will have a slew of wide receivers to throw to which includes Corey Gammage, Samuel St. Surin, Maxel Wells and Cardarius Gaskin along with tight end Ron Ulysse.
Wellington finished as a runner-up to Palm Beach Gardens in District 9-8A and did edge Boca Raton 24-21 a week ago. Last year was the best season in school history as they advanced all the way to the regional final led by quarterback Shannon Fitzpatrick, who had transferred from Forest Hill.
The Wolverines had a duplicate strategy this year on offense when quarterback Blake Dever transferred from St. Thomas Aquinas during the off-season. Wide receiver Ahmmon Richards can score from anywhere on the field should he make a reception. Other wide receivers for Dever to connect with includes Austin Gilman and Chris Atkinson. Running back Marc-Antony Richards looks to advance the ball from the backfield.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Heat Beat Kobe-Less Lakers
The Miami Heat had no problems in their 101-88 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at American Airlines Arena. They were short a number of players on the roster due to the Mario Chalmers trade to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the day. The Heat have now gone 11-1 in the last 12 games between both clubs.
The game will probably be more remembered for Kobe Bryant not being dressed for the contest. It is expected to be his final season in the NBA. He did not play in the last two games held in South Florida. Bryant last played in Miami back in February 2013.
The game will probably be more remembered for Kobe Bryant not being dressed for the contest. It is expected to be his final season in the NBA. He did not play in the last two games held in South Florida. Bryant last played in Miami back in February 2013.
Kevin Rogers Returns To WQAM
Kevin Rogers has rejoined Miami Sports Radio 56O WQAM-AM as of this week. He will be assigned as a backup studio host for University of Miami basketball and Florida Panthers game broadcasts.
The station needed an additional host for Alex Donno who has been the main studio host for both teams. There has been several conflicts over the two months because both University of Miami and the Florida Panthers games have shared the same broadcast time periods.
Rogers had a long reign at WQAM from 2008 until August 2014. He was the evening host on the station and added duties as the studio host of the Florida Panthers Radio Network in September 2010.
He still continues as a writer and handicapper for VegasInsider.com. Rogers did hold positions as a weekend news anchor on News Talk 6lO WIOD-AM and a fill-in sports host on Miami Sports 940 WINZ-AM from October 2014 to January 2015 between his two stints with WQAM.
Rogers, a Florida State University grad, began his professional broadcasting career at KCSP-AM in Kansas City as a sports host before he moved to Miami. Rogers joined Sports Talk 790 The Ticket WAXY-AM in the mid-2000s. He worked as a late night host, evening host, late morning host and Florida Panthers studio host during his reign there.
The station needed an additional host for Alex Donno who has been the main studio host for both teams. There has been several conflicts over the two months because both University of Miami and the Florida Panthers games have shared the same broadcast time periods.
Rogers had a long reign at WQAM from 2008 until August 2014. He was the evening host on the station and added duties as the studio host of the Florida Panthers Radio Network in September 2010.
He still continues as a writer and handicapper for VegasInsider.com. Rogers did hold positions as a weekend news anchor on News Talk 6lO WIOD-AM and a fill-in sports host on Miami Sports 940 WINZ-AM from October 2014 to January 2015 between his two stints with WQAM.
Rogers, a Florida State University grad, began his professional broadcasting career at KCSP-AM in Kansas City as a sports host before he moved to Miami. Rogers joined Sports Talk 790 The Ticket WAXY-AM in the mid-2000s. He worked as a late night host, evening host, late morning host and Florida Panthers studio host during his reign there.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Panthers Fire On Flames
The Florida Panthers began a stretch of seven of their next eight games at home with a 4-3 victory over the Calgary Flames at BB&T Center on Tuesday night. The Cats snapped a five-game winless streak in the process. The loss ended a season-long two-game win streak for the Flames.
Florida(6-6-3) scored on their second power play of the contest at 5:16 of the first period. Jussi Jokinen fired the puck on net from the left wing and Vincent Trocheck swept in and popped in the rebound over Karri Ramo for his sixth goal of the season.
Calgary(5-10-1) answered quickly at 7:13 to tie the game l-l. Joe Colborne raced in on the right side and attempted a snap shot which was blocked by Aaron Ekblad. David Jones followed up on the bounce and scored on a slapshot from the high slot against Roberto Luongo.
The Panthers regained the lead at l5:43 of the first. Jokinen won the faceoff in the left circle and it was passed back to Alex Petrovic at the left point. His shot was saved and Reilly Smith scored on a backhand shot in the low slot for his fifth tally this year.
The Cats made it a two-goal margin at 3:53 of the second period. Jonathan Huberdeau cycled the puck from the end wall to Jaromir Jagr at the right-circle dot. He sent a cross-ice pass to Ekblad in the left circle and he finished it off with a one-time shot into a half-empty net.
The Flames fought back to close the deficit at 6:35. Matt Stajan connected a lead pass to Jones for a one-on-one breakaway. He skated in and released a wrist shot from the slot area for his second goal of the game.
Calgary would score on their first power-play attempt with 1:28 left in the second. T.J. Brodie lifted a slapshot from the right point which was stopped. Jiri Hudler tried to whack the puck in from the crease then Sean Monahan followed in with a goal.
In the third period, Jagr got the game-winning goal at 8:11 for his seventh of the season and 729th of his NHL career. Nick Bjugstad passed the puck from high in the zone to Jagr who slipped it off the right post and into the Flames net. Jagr compiled his 130th career game-winning goal which is first all-time in NHL history.
Florida(6-6-3) scored on their second power play of the contest at 5:16 of the first period. Jussi Jokinen fired the puck on net from the left wing and Vincent Trocheck swept in and popped in the rebound over Karri Ramo for his sixth goal of the season.
Calgary(5-10-1) answered quickly at 7:13 to tie the game l-l. Joe Colborne raced in on the right side and attempted a snap shot which was blocked by Aaron Ekblad. David Jones followed up on the bounce and scored on a slapshot from the high slot against Roberto Luongo.
The Panthers regained the lead at l5:43 of the first. Jokinen won the faceoff in the left circle and it was passed back to Alex Petrovic at the left point. His shot was saved and Reilly Smith scored on a backhand shot in the low slot for his fifth tally this year.
The Cats made it a two-goal margin at 3:53 of the second period. Jonathan Huberdeau cycled the puck from the end wall to Jaromir Jagr at the right-circle dot. He sent a cross-ice pass to Ekblad in the left circle and he finished it off with a one-time shot into a half-empty net.
The Flames fought back to close the deficit at 6:35. Matt Stajan connected a lead pass to Jones for a one-on-one breakaway. He skated in and released a wrist shot from the slot area for his second goal of the game.
Calgary would score on their first power-play attempt with 1:28 left in the second. T.J. Brodie lifted a slapshot from the right point which was stopped. Jiri Hudler tried to whack the puck in from the crease then Sean Monahan followed in with a goal.
In the third period, Jagr got the game-winning goal at 8:11 for his seventh of the season and 729th of his NHL career. Nick Bjugstad passed the puck from high in the zone to Jagr who slipped it off the right post and into the Flames net. Jagr compiled his 130th career game-winning goal which is first all-time in NHL history.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Kings Roll Over Panthers
The Florida Panthers ended a three-game west coast road trip with a 4-l loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday at Staples Center. The Panthers were winless on the road swing and have not won a game in their last five.
Florida was able to get their only lead of the contest with less than one minute left in the first period. Jonathan Huberdeau beat Jake Muzzin to the puck at the top of the Panthers zone and sent a breakout pass to center ice. Nick Bjugstad skated into the Kings zone, went to the top right circle and snapped a shot by Jonathan Quick for his fifth goal of the season and made it l-O.
The second period belonged to Los Angeles and they rallied with three goals in a four-minute time span. Jeff Carter got his seventh goal this year as his one-time slapshot from the left circle beat Roberto Luongo following a pass from the high slot by Tyler Toffoli.
The Kings added a power-play goal as they cycled the puck around the Panthers zone. A Toffoli pass from the right circle went to Muzzin on top and relayed it to Drew Doughty in the top left circle for a one-timer and his first tally this season. LA made it a two-goal gap when Dustin Brown carried the puck through the slot area, pushed it ahead to Anze Kopitar and he scored from the top of the crease.
In the third period, Milan Lucic picked up his third goal with his new club midway through the frame. Carter stopped the puck at the right-wing boards, quickly moved it to the Lucic in the slot and he redirected it into the Panthers cage.
Florida was able to get their only lead of the contest with less than one minute left in the first period. Jonathan Huberdeau beat Jake Muzzin to the puck at the top of the Panthers zone and sent a breakout pass to center ice. Nick Bjugstad skated into the Kings zone, went to the top right circle and snapped a shot by Jonathan Quick for his fifth goal of the season and made it l-O.
The second period belonged to Los Angeles and they rallied with three goals in a four-minute time span. Jeff Carter got his seventh goal this year as his one-time slapshot from the left circle beat Roberto Luongo following a pass from the high slot by Tyler Toffoli.
The Kings added a power-play goal as they cycled the puck around the Panthers zone. A Toffoli pass from the right circle went to Muzzin on top and relayed it to Drew Doughty in the top left circle for a one-timer and his first tally this season. LA made it a two-goal gap when Dustin Brown carried the puck through the slot area, pushed it ahead to Anze Kopitar and he scored from the top of the crease.
In the third period, Milan Lucic picked up his third goal with his new club midway through the frame. Carter stopped the puck at the right-wing boards, quickly moved it to the Lucic in the slot and he redirected it into the Panthers cage.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Blanche Ely Holds Off Dillard In Soul Bowl
It came down to the final play of the game for the Blanche Ely Tigers to survive the Dillard Panthers 18-12 in the annual Soul Bowl held at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night. The Tigers have won six of the last seven Soul Bowls against the Panthers.
Blanche Ely had the only score in the first quarter when defensive end Trevor Goodwin intercepted a pass by Dillard quarterback Anthony "Mo" Hasam and returned it 5O yards for a touchdown and a 6-O lead.
Early in the second quarter, the Panthers tied the contest at 6-6 when running back George Golden rolled up the middle with a two-yard touchdown run.
Tigers linebacker David Blanchard recovered a fumble when Panthers punt returner Jordan Merrell lost the ball near midfield. Blanche Ely capitalized on the situation with just a couple of minutes left in the first half as running back Arthur Forrest busted through the right side of the line for a touchdown from one yard out.
In the third quarter, Forrest extended their margin to a twelve-point gap with 5:55 to go as he rushed into the middle of the Tigers defense for a two-yard touchdown.
Dillard dominated the final quarter and almost came back to win. Golden scored his second touchdown of the game on a three-yard run with under ten minutes remaining and closed the deficit to six points. The Panthers had one final shot on the last play of the game when Hasan threw an incomplete pass into the end zone from inside the eight-yard line.
Both schools will be on the road for the first round of the FHSAA playoffs on Friday. Blanche Ely travels up to Palm Beach Gardens and face the Dwyer Panthers at Blum Stadium. Dillard heads for Traz Powell Stadium in Miami to challenge the Carol City Chiefs.
Blanche Ely had the only score in the first quarter when defensive end Trevor Goodwin intercepted a pass by Dillard quarterback Anthony "Mo" Hasam and returned it 5O yards for a touchdown and a 6-O lead.
Early in the second quarter, the Panthers tied the contest at 6-6 when running back George Golden rolled up the middle with a two-yard touchdown run.
Tigers linebacker David Blanchard recovered a fumble when Panthers punt returner Jordan Merrell lost the ball near midfield. Blanche Ely capitalized on the situation with just a couple of minutes left in the first half as running back Arthur Forrest busted through the right side of the line for a touchdown from one yard out.
In the third quarter, Forrest extended their margin to a twelve-point gap with 5:55 to go as he rushed into the middle of the Tigers defense for a two-yard touchdown.
Dillard dominated the final quarter and almost came back to win. Golden scored his second touchdown of the game on a three-yard run with under ten minutes remaining and closed the deficit to six points. The Panthers had one final shot on the last play of the game when Hasan threw an incomplete pass into the end zone from inside the eight-yard line.
Both schools will be on the road for the first round of the FHSAA playoffs on Friday. Blanche Ely travels up to Palm Beach Gardens and face the Dwyer Panthers at Blum Stadium. Dillard heads for Traz Powell Stadium in Miami to challenge the Carol City Chiefs.
Cosmos Eliminate Strikers
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers were eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Cosmos 2-1 in an NASL semifinal on Saturday at MCU Park in Brooklyn. The Strikers still have not beat the Cosmos in the current NASL era. They had gone winless in nine games during the last three seasons. The Cosmos were playing just their second home game ever on Coney Island.
Fort Lauderdale struck first during the l6th minute to lead l-O. Midfielder PC got the ball on the right side near the edge of the penalty area. He took a l5-yard ground shot that went through the legs of a Cosmos defender, past goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer and into the far side of the net.
It took a while for New York to tie the game late in the first half. Forward Gaston Cellerino scored from close range after goalkeeper David Meves made a glove side on a direct kick from the left side by midfielder Marcos Senna.
Legendary forward Raul gave the Cosmos their first lead of the game during the 6lst minute. Midfielder Daniel Szetela tapped a pass to his left and Raul put a left-footed shot from l6 yards off the right post and into the net.
Fort Lauderdale struck first during the l6th minute to lead l-O. Midfielder PC got the ball on the right side near the edge of the penalty area. He took a l5-yard ground shot that went through the legs of a Cosmos defender, past goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer and into the far side of the net.
It took a while for New York to tie the game late in the first half. Forward Gaston Cellerino scored from close range after goalkeeper David Meves made a glove side on a direct kick from the left side by midfielder Marcos Senna.
Legendary forward Raul gave the Cosmos their first lead of the game during the 6lst minute. Midfielder Daniel Szetela tapped a pass to his left and Raul put a left-footed shot from l6 yards off the right post and into the net.
Atlantic Tops Dwyer
The only two undefeated schools in Palm Beach County faced each other in the final week of the regular season as the Atlantic Eagles defeated the Dwyer Panthers 32-21 on Friday night at Blum Stadium in Palm Beach Gardens. Both schools captured district championships last week.
Both teams were in the same district last year when Atlantic finished ahead of Dwyer for second place and a postseason spot. The Eagles were upped to a higher classification this year while the Panthers waited over a year for payback.
There was almost no scoring in the first quarter. Atlantic[lO-O] had a touchdown catch by wide receiver Corey Gammage negated midway through the period due to a holding penalty on their second possession. They did get up 6-O when cornerback Datrone Young intercepted a pass and returned it for a score with l.6 seconds remaining.
In the second quarter, it looked like the Eagles had another touchdown when running back Shawndarrius Phillips fumbled the ball near the goal line and it was recovered by Dwyer. Atlantic was assessed numerous penalties on the play and the Panthers began the next drive at the 5O-yard line. Three plays later, running back Jakari Moses ran through the middle and cut to the left sideline for a touchdown to give Dwyer the lead.
The Panthers extended their margin to eight points with l:ll left when safety Levon Barnett intercepted a pass at his own 6-yard line, circled into own the end zone, came out and stormed through the middle of the gridiron for a touchdown.
The Eagles would finish the quarter strong as running back Lamar Washington cracked through the left side of the line for a four-yard touchdown with ll.6 seconds to go. Gammage caught a two-point conversion pass on the left side of the end zone to tie the game.
Both teams scored late in the third quarter. Atlantic safety Maxel Wells intercepted a pass which led to Phillips scoring on a quarterback sneak around the left end on a fourth-and-three from the Dwyer seven-yard line at the four-minute mark.
The Eagles moved out to a twelve-point lead with under thirty seconds left in the third as quarterback Zavion Thompson found tight end Ron Ulysee on fly pattern for a 6O-yard touchdown pass.
Dwyer cut the deficit down to five points with ll:OO remaining in the fourth quarter when quarterback Toddy Centeio connected with wide receiver Isaiah Johnson, a University of Florida commit, on a nine-yard touchdown to the left side.
Atlantic wrapped up the contest with 6:56 left as defensive end Dion Goldburne recovered a fumble in the Dwyer backfield and ran it back 6O yards for a score. The Eagles host the Wellington Wolverines in a regional quarterfinal next Friday. They met during the first week of the regular season which turned out to be blowout by Atlantic on their home field.
The Panthers will play at home against the Blanche Ely Tigers in the first round next week. Dwyer had success with playoff routs at home against the team from Pompano during the regional semifinal two years ago and the regional quarterfinal four years ago.
Both teams were in the same district last year when Atlantic finished ahead of Dwyer for second place and a postseason spot. The Eagles were upped to a higher classification this year while the Panthers waited over a year for payback.
There was almost no scoring in the first quarter. Atlantic[lO-O] had a touchdown catch by wide receiver Corey Gammage negated midway through the period due to a holding penalty on their second possession. They did get up 6-O when cornerback Datrone Young intercepted a pass and returned it for a score with l.6 seconds remaining.
In the second quarter, it looked like the Eagles had another touchdown when running back Shawndarrius Phillips fumbled the ball near the goal line and it was recovered by Dwyer. Atlantic was assessed numerous penalties on the play and the Panthers began the next drive at the 5O-yard line. Three plays later, running back Jakari Moses ran through the middle and cut to the left sideline for a touchdown to give Dwyer the lead.
The Panthers extended their margin to eight points with l:ll left when safety Levon Barnett intercepted a pass at his own 6-yard line, circled into own the end zone, came out and stormed through the middle of the gridiron for a touchdown.
The Eagles would finish the quarter strong as running back Lamar Washington cracked through the left side of the line for a four-yard touchdown with ll.6 seconds to go. Gammage caught a two-point conversion pass on the left side of the end zone to tie the game.
Both teams scored late in the third quarter. Atlantic safety Maxel Wells intercepted a pass which led to Phillips scoring on a quarterback sneak around the left end on a fourth-and-three from the Dwyer seven-yard line at the four-minute mark.
The Eagles moved out to a twelve-point lead with under thirty seconds left in the third as quarterback Zavion Thompson found tight end Ron Ulysee on fly pattern for a 6O-yard touchdown pass.
Dwyer cut the deficit down to five points with ll:OO remaining in the fourth quarter when quarterback Toddy Centeio connected with wide receiver Isaiah Johnson, a University of Florida commit, on a nine-yard touchdown to the left side.
Atlantic wrapped up the contest with 6:56 left as defensive end Dion Goldburne recovered a fumble in the Dwyer backfield and ran it back 6O yards for a score. The Eagles host the Wellington Wolverines in a regional quarterfinal next Friday. They met during the first week of the regular season which turned out to be blowout by Atlantic on their home field.
The Panthers will play at home against the Blanche Ely Tigers in the first round next week. Dwyer had success with playoff routs at home against the team from Pompano during the regional semifinal two years ago and the regional quarterfinal four years ago.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Soul Bowl Preview
The annual Soul Bowl game between the Blanche Ely Tigers and the Dillard Panthers will be held on Saturday night at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Both teams finished as district runner-ups and will be on the road next Friday in the FHSAA playoffs.
This rivalry between both schools is one of the biggest rivalries in Broward County high school football. Blanche Ely has won five of the last six Soul Bowls including a 5O-O wipeout two years ago.
A problem for the Tigers is that they have won only one game this season. It was a district win against the Fort Lauderdale Flying L's which was not decided until the final minute of the game when they got some insurance and returned an interception for a touchdown from lOO yards away. They lost the district title game at home against the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders last week.
Blanche Ely are led on offense by quarterback Zachery Purdue, running back Arthur Forrest and wide receiver Thomas Geddis. They will travel to Palm Beach Gardens next Friday and challenge the Dwyer Panthers at Blum Stadium in a regional quarterfinal game.
Dillard finished in second place for their district following a do-or-die home victory last week over the Boynton Beach Tigers. They face Carol City next week at Traz Powell Stadium in the first round of the playoffs.
The Panthers play a spread offense and quarterback Anthony "Mo" Hasan will pass the ball all over the field. His most likely targets are expected to be wide receivers Jordan Merrell and Bryce Oliver.
This rivalry between both schools is one of the biggest rivalries in Broward County high school football. Blanche Ely has won five of the last six Soul Bowls including a 5O-O wipeout two years ago.
A problem for the Tigers is that they have won only one game this season. It was a district win against the Fort Lauderdale Flying L's which was not decided until the final minute of the game when they got some insurance and returned an interception for a touchdown from lOO yards away. They lost the district title game at home against the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders last week.
Blanche Ely are led on offense by quarterback Zachery Purdue, running back Arthur Forrest and wide receiver Thomas Geddis. They will travel to Palm Beach Gardens next Friday and challenge the Dwyer Panthers at Blum Stadium in a regional quarterfinal game.
Dillard finished in second place for their district following a do-or-die home victory last week over the Boynton Beach Tigers. They face Carol City next week at Traz Powell Stadium in the first round of the playoffs.
The Panthers play a spread offense and quarterback Anthony "Mo" Hasan will pass the ball all over the field. His most likely targets are expected to be wide receivers Jordan Merrell and Bryce Oliver.
Oxbridge Academy Destroys Everglades
The Oxbridge Academy Thunderwolves had no problem with the Everglades Gators on Thursday night at William H. Pitt Stadium as they beat them 30-8. Oxbridge Academy will host their first FHSAA playoff game next Friday.
The Thunderwolves did not score on their first drive, however the next two drives were set up on takeaways. Safety C.J Smith intercepted a pass on the Gators first possession and the team scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback Angelo Navaroli to running back Antavious Lane.
For the second straight week, Oxbridge Academy would get an interception by safety James Meeks. It led to running back Travis Homer, a University of Miami commit, sprinting down the left sideline untouched for a 56-yard touchdown run. He would not play for the rest of the game.
Meeks replaced Homer in the backfield and Oxbridge Academy would get great results as he rushed around the right side for a 65-yard touchdown run with l:OO left in the first quarter.
The second quarter started with a bad snap by Everglades deep in their own end as defensive end Kyle Rochefort recovered the ball at the Gators five-yard line. The Thunderwolves would cash in immediately thirty seconds into the quarter when Navaroli threw a high arcing pass toward the back left corner of the end zone to wide receiver Cade Socha. Kicker Noah Singer added a field goal with one second remaining in the first half.
The Thunderwolves did not score on their first drive, however the next two drives were set up on takeaways. Safety C.J Smith intercepted a pass on the Gators first possession and the team scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback Angelo Navaroli to running back Antavious Lane.
For the second straight week, Oxbridge Academy would get an interception by safety James Meeks. It led to running back Travis Homer, a University of Miami commit, sprinting down the left sideline untouched for a 56-yard touchdown run. He would not play for the rest of the game.
Meeks replaced Homer in the backfield and Oxbridge Academy would get great results as he rushed around the right side for a 65-yard touchdown run with l:OO left in the first quarter.
The second quarter started with a bad snap by Everglades deep in their own end as defensive end Kyle Rochefort recovered the ball at the Gators five-yard line. The Thunderwolves would cash in immediately thirty seconds into the quarter when Navaroli threw a high arcing pass toward the back left corner of the end zone to wide receiver Cade Socha. Kicker Noah Singer added a field goal with one second remaining in the first half.
Muck Bowl Preview
The Glades Central Raiders will host the Pahokee Blue Devils in the annual Muck Bowl game at Belle Glade on Friday night. The Muck Bowl, considered the most famous high school football game in Palm Beach County, has great anticipation this season because both schools finished as district champions for the first time in many years. The Raiders have won the previous seven confrontations.
Glades Central won their district and have lost two games this season to strong Palm Beach County non-district opponents. They were defeated in two consecutive weeks on the road by the American Heritage Stallions and the Atlantic Eagles in Delray Beach.
The Raiders are dictated by their many weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Ja'kevious Vickers can burst through the line of scrimmage at anytime while quarterback James Blackmon has the height and range to threw the ball to any portion of the field.
Pahokee was moved to Class lA this season and were able to finish in first place. They last made the FHSAA playoffs two years ago when they were a district runner-up as they pulled a miracle comeback in a one-quarter three-way tiebreaker game against American Heritage at Cardinal Newman.
The core of that team at that time were sophomores and freshmen, but now they enter this game as upperclassmen. They will be led by two-way player McArthur Burnett who can play on offense as a running back and defense as a defensive back.
Glades Central won their district and have lost two games this season to strong Palm Beach County non-district opponents. They were defeated in two consecutive weeks on the road by the American Heritage Stallions and the Atlantic Eagles in Delray Beach.
The Raiders are dictated by their many weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Ja'kevious Vickers can burst through the line of scrimmage at anytime while quarterback James Blackmon has the height and range to threw the ball to any portion of the field.
Pahokee was moved to Class lA this season and were able to finish in first place. They last made the FHSAA playoffs two years ago when they were a district runner-up as they pulled a miracle comeback in a one-quarter three-way tiebreaker game against American Heritage at Cardinal Newman.
The core of that team at that time were sophomores and freshmen, but now they enter this game as upperclassmen. They will be led by two-way player McArthur Burnett who can play on offense as a running back and defense as a defensive back.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Sharks Bite Panthers
The Florida Panthers continued their California road trip as they fell to the San Jose Sharks 5-2 at SAP Center on Thursday night. The Cats, who only lost once to the Sharks in the last seven seasons prior to this contest, are now winless in their last four games.
San Jose capitalized on a giveaway by Dmitry Kulikov deep in his own defensive zone. Brent Burns ripped a wrist shot from the right point that went by Al Montoya six minutes into the first period.
The Sharks extended their margin to two goals near the halfway mark of the frame. Another Kulikov pass in the middle of the Panthers zone was intercepted by San Jose. The puck moved to Joe Thornton on the right wing and he set up Joe Pavelski with a one-time slapshot from the high slot. Montoya made the save, however a big scramble ensued in the blue paint until Joonas Donskoi knocked it in from close range.
Florida pulled to within one goal at lO:55 from a face-off in the left circle. Vincent Trocheck won the draw against Chris Tierney, skated the puck through the low slot, delayed and then released a wrist shot past Alex Stalock for his fifth goal this season.
Early in the second period, Patrick Marleau gave San Jose another two-goal cushion on a backhand shot as he went around Alex Petrovic in the left circle. Joel Ward and Tomas Hertl were credited with assists on the play.
Brandon Pirri would score on the power play opportunity that the Panthers had with 5:55 left in the second. Jussi Jokinen drew the puck back following a left circle face-off with Tommy Wingels, Campbell guided it from the left point to Pirri and he blasted a one-time slapshot from the top right circle for his second tally this year.
San Jose regained a two-goal margin with l:OO remaining in the second period. They had a two-on-one into the Panthers zone. Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Nicolay Goldobin did a back-and-forth pass and Vlasic completed the play with his first goal of the year into the top shelf of the net.
The Panthers put out an extra attacker with three minutes left in the third period with no success. The Sharks were able to get an open-net goal with l:O6 to go as Tierney hit the twine with a shot from the Panthers blue line.
San Jose capitalized on a giveaway by Dmitry Kulikov deep in his own defensive zone. Brent Burns ripped a wrist shot from the right point that went by Al Montoya six minutes into the first period.
The Sharks extended their margin to two goals near the halfway mark of the frame. Another Kulikov pass in the middle of the Panthers zone was intercepted by San Jose. The puck moved to Joe Thornton on the right wing and he set up Joe Pavelski with a one-time slapshot from the high slot. Montoya made the save, however a big scramble ensued in the blue paint until Joonas Donskoi knocked it in from close range.
Florida pulled to within one goal at lO:55 from a face-off in the left circle. Vincent Trocheck won the draw against Chris Tierney, skated the puck through the low slot, delayed and then released a wrist shot past Alex Stalock for his fifth goal this season.
Early in the second period, Patrick Marleau gave San Jose another two-goal cushion on a backhand shot as he went around Alex Petrovic in the left circle. Joel Ward and Tomas Hertl were credited with assists on the play.
Brandon Pirri would score on the power play opportunity that the Panthers had with 5:55 left in the second. Jussi Jokinen drew the puck back following a left circle face-off with Tommy Wingels, Campbell guided it from the left point to Pirri and he blasted a one-time slapshot from the top right circle for his second tally this year.
San Jose regained a two-goal margin with l:OO remaining in the second period. They had a two-on-one into the Panthers zone. Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Nicolay Goldobin did a back-and-forth pass and Vlasic completed the play with his first goal of the year into the top shelf of the net.
The Panthers put out an extra attacker with three minutes left in the third period with no success. The Sharks were able to get an open-net goal with l:O6 to go as Tierney hit the twine with a shot from the Panthers blue line.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Ducks Edge Panthers In Shootout
The Florida Panthers began a three-game road trip on the west coast Wednesday night as they lost to the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in a shootout at Honda Center. The Cats, who swept the Ducks twice last season, are winless in their last three games and play against the San Jose Sharks tomorrow.
Neither team scored in the first period, but Rocco Grimaldi scored his first goal of the season and second career NHL goal at 5:Ol of the second to give the Cats a l-O lead. Quinton Howden checked the puck away from Hampus Lindholm in the Ducks defensive zone. Derek MacKenzie skated in on net, dropped a pass to Grimaldi who trailed the play and he snapped a shot from the slot area.
Chris Stewart would help Anaheim pull even at l-l with ll:lO to go when he took a wrist shot from the low left circle which sailed over the left glove of Roberto Luongo and off the right post into the cage.
The Panthers regained the lead with just over three minutes left in the frame. Nick Bjugstad took a shot from the left circle which was stopped. Erik Gudbranson got the long rebound and floated a slap shot from the right-wing wall over the left arm of Frederik Andersen.
The Ducks had a power play and an extra attacker in the final minute of the third period and took advantage of the situation. Corey Perry scored his first goal this year with 5.l seconds remaining in regulation.
Both teams were tied after three rounds of the shootout. Stewart scored in the fourth round with a backhand shot past Luongo while Andersen made a blocker save on a Jonathan Huberdeau snap shot.
Neither team scored in the first period, but Rocco Grimaldi scored his first goal of the season and second career NHL goal at 5:Ol of the second to give the Cats a l-O lead. Quinton Howden checked the puck away from Hampus Lindholm in the Ducks defensive zone. Derek MacKenzie skated in on net, dropped a pass to Grimaldi who trailed the play and he snapped a shot from the slot area.
Chris Stewart would help Anaheim pull even at l-l with ll:lO to go when he took a wrist shot from the low left circle which sailed over the left glove of Roberto Luongo and off the right post into the cage.
The Panthers regained the lead with just over three minutes left in the frame. Nick Bjugstad took a shot from the left circle which was stopped. Erik Gudbranson got the long rebound and floated a slap shot from the right-wing wall over the left arm of Frederik Andersen.
The Ducks had a power play and an extra attacker in the final minute of the third period and took advantage of the situation. Corey Perry scored his first goal this year with 5.l seconds remaining in regulation.
Both teams were tied after three rounds of the shootout. Stewart scored in the fourth round with a backhand shot past Luongo while Andersen made a blocker save on a Jonathan Huberdeau snap shot.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Strikers Playoff Bound
It took until the final day of the regular season for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers to qualify for the NASL postseason as they defeated the Jacksonville Armada FC l-O on Sunday at Community First Park. Martin Freitas scored the winning goal with three minutes left in the second half.
Fort Lauderdale clinched their fourth postseason berth since the NASL was reformed. Minnesota United FC is the only club to make the same amount of playoff appearances in league history.
The Strikers will play a one-game playoff game which is a league semifinal on Coney Island against the New York Cosmos at MCU Field in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday. The winner of that game will compete in the Soccer Bowl for the NASL championship the following weekend.
Fort Lauderdale clinched their fourth postseason berth since the NASL was reformed. Minnesota United FC is the only club to make the same amount of playoff appearances in league history.
The Strikers will play a one-game playoff game which is a league semifinal on Coney Island against the New York Cosmos at MCU Field in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday. The winner of that game will compete in the Soccer Bowl for the NASL championship the following weekend.
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