Well it was an interesting weekend in the sports world. We had championships won, championship game pairings set, near upsets, plenty of upsets and surprises. Lets review some of the exciting action.
THE HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK had the Dorman Cavaliers winning a hard fought defensive battle with the Gaffney Indians 10 to 0. The Cavaliers scored on their first possession of the 2nd half, to break up a scoreless game, as A.J. Booker threw a 25 yard TD pass to QB Johnny Foster from the Wildcat formation. The Dorman defense forced 4 turnovers and sacked Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris 7 times. The Indians offense had opportunities to score in the game as they were in the Dorman red zone a couple of times and missed a field goal before the half
and had another field goal blocked in the 4th quarter. The turnovers and sacks killed the Indians. The Gaffney defense was very impressive as well as they held the Cavaliers offense to 249 yards. The Indians also sacked Foster 5 times and held highly touted Charone Peake to 3 catches for 30 yards. The Dorman Cavaliers head to Columbia for a rematch with Byrnes for the Division 1 4A State Championship game Saturday at high noon.
BYRNES DEFEATS CINDERELLA SPARTANBURG in the other Division 1 4A Semi-final 51 to 16.
NORTHWESTERN AND BERKELEY won their semi-final games in Division 2 4A.
CLINTON AND MYRTLE BEACH won their semi-final games in 3A.
PAGELAND-CENTRAL AND DILLON won their semi-final games in 2A.
THE CHESTERFIELD RAMS won their 3rd straight Division 1 1A State Championship with a 36 to 6 victory over Lamar.
THE WILLISTON-ELCO BLUE DEVILS won the Division 2 1A State Championship with a 34 to 26 victory over Scott's Branch.
THE COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK had the South Carolina Gamecocks upsetting the Clemson Tigers 34 to 17. The Gamecocks over came Clemson's C.J. Spiller returning the opening kickoff for a TD, by forcing 3 huge Clemson turnovers and turning them into points and the Gamecocks were able to get their running game going as they rushed for 223 yards in the game. It appeared to me that the Gamecocks were more inspired to play this game than the Tigers were. It just looked like they wanted it more. Clemson now must regroup and get ready to play Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game in Tampa on Saturday night. South Carolina awaits a bowl bid in a couple of weeks.
GEORGIA UPSETS GEORGIA TECH in Atlanta by a score of 30 to 24. It appeared that the Yellow jackets were not focused on Georgia, but were looking ahead to their date with Clemson in Tampa for the ACC Title.
THE NFL GAME OF THE WEEK is tonight with New England @ New Orleans.
Until Wednesday.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
SPORTS WEEKEND PREVIEW ( 13th Edition )
Well it is Thanksgiving weekend and what does that mean? Yes it means leftover turkey sandwiches, Black Friday Christmas shopping and some huge football games. You have Upper and Lower State Championship games in High School, State Championship games in Class 1A and rivalry week in College football. While I eat my turkey sandwich, lets look at some of the games for the weekend.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
4A Division 1 Upper State Championship Gaffney @ Dorman..... This is the second meeting of the
season for these two old rivals. The Cavaliers won the season opener back in August 42 to 17. The Indians are a much improved team as their young team has gotten better week to week. They are coming off playoff wins over Stratford in round 1 and a come from behind win at Summerville last week in round 2. The Cavaliers came from behind in the waning minutes to defeat Clover in round 1 and shut out Irmo in round 2. This should be one heck of a game with the winner going to Columbia for the State Championship next Saturday. Dorman will be a huge test for the young Indians and I believe they will pass it barely..... Gaffney 24 Dorman 21
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF GAMES
4A Division 1 Upper State Championship Spartanburg @ Byrnes..... The Spartanburg Vikings have been the Cinderella team of the playoffs, with two huge upsets. The clock strikes midnight on the Vikings this week in Duncan..... Byrnes 35 Spartanburg 14
3A Upper State Championship Clinton @ Daniel..... Clinton has been a surprise in the playoffs thus far. Daniel will not be surprised..... Daniel 21 Clinton 7
4A Division 2 Upper State Championship South Pointe @ Northwestern..... South Pointe is the Division 2 4A defending Champion and they defeated Northwestern earlier this season. My hunch is the Trojans find away to win the game..... Northwestern 35 South Pointe 32
2A Upper State Championship Abbeville @ Pageland-Central..... This will be a physical hard nose battle won by..... Abbeville 27 Central 21
1A Division 1 State Championship Game..... Chesterfield vs Lamar..... The Rams are here for the 4th year in a row and they are trying for their 3rd Title in a row. They will get it..... Chesterfield 26 Lamar 14
1A Division 2 State Championship Game..... Scott's Branch vs Williston-Elco..... Williston-Elco has been rolling all season and they should roll again..... Williston-Elco 34 Scott's Branch 23
3A Lower State Championship Marlboro County @ Myrtle Beach..... Myrtle Beach is the defending 3A Champs and they will get to go back to Columbia to defend their title..... Myrtle Beach 31 Marlboro County 21
COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK
Clemson @ South Carolina..... The Tigers have dominated this series winning 10 out of the last 12 meetings. The Tigers can't over look the Gamecocks with their ACC Title game looming next week. Their next goal is to win the State Championship with a win over South Carolina. The Tigers will find away to get the job done..... Clemson 27 S.Carolina 13
OTHER COLLEGE GAMES
Florida State @ Florida..... The Gators continue their roll toward a date in the BCS Championship..... Florida 34 Florida State 17
Georgia @ Georgia Tech..... The Yellow Jackets take care of business as they get ready for ACC Title game..... Georgia Tech 34 Georgia 20
Alabama @ Auburn..... The Iron Bowl goes to the Crimson Tide of Alabama..... Alabama 23 Auburn 14
Wake Forest @ Duke..... The Blue Devils have a chance to end their season of improvement with a win..... Duke 23 Wake Forest 21
North Carolina @ N.C. State..... A season of disappointment ends in disappointment for the Wolfpack..... North Carolina 24 NC State 16
South Carolina State @ Appalachian State..... This should be a pretty good game with the home standing Mountaineer getting the win..... Appalachian St 33 SC State 24
NFL GAME OF THE WEEK
New England @ New Orleans..... The unbeaten Saints, and their high scoring offense, takes on Tom Brady and the high scoring Patriot. This will be the biggest obstacle between the Saints and an undefeated season. It should be a shoot out and I see the Patriots getting the win..... New England 34 New Orleans 31
OTHER NFL GAMES
Carolina @ New York Jets..... The Panthers are playing better, but they don't have much to show for it. They get a win on the road..... Carolina 23 NY Jets 17
Miami @ Buffalo..... The Dolphins got a big win on the road last week, can they get another this week? Yes..... Miami 27 Buffalo 20
Chicago @ Minnesota..... Brett Favre and the Vikings are rolling right along. They will roll to another victory over the Bears..... Minnesota 31 Chicago 16
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta..... The Falcons have been struggling of late, and they are desperate for a win. They have the right opponent..... Atlanta 28 Tampa Bay 14
Until Monday.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
4A Division 1 Upper State Championship Gaffney @ Dorman..... This is the second meeting of the
season for these two old rivals. The Cavaliers won the season opener back in August 42 to 17. The Indians are a much improved team as their young team has gotten better week to week. They are coming off playoff wins over Stratford in round 1 and a come from behind win at Summerville last week in round 2. The Cavaliers came from behind in the waning minutes to defeat Clover in round 1 and shut out Irmo in round 2. This should be one heck of a game with the winner going to Columbia for the State Championship next Saturday. Dorman will be a huge test for the young Indians and I believe they will pass it barely..... Gaffney 24 Dorman 21OTHER HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF GAMES
4A Division 1 Upper State Championship Spartanburg @ Byrnes..... The Spartanburg Vikings have been the Cinderella team of the playoffs, with two huge upsets. The clock strikes midnight on the Vikings this week in Duncan..... Byrnes 35 Spartanburg 14
3A Upper State Championship Clinton @ Daniel..... Clinton has been a surprise in the playoffs thus far. Daniel will not be surprised..... Daniel 21 Clinton 7
4A Division 2 Upper State Championship South Pointe @ Northwestern..... South Pointe is the Division 2 4A defending Champion and they defeated Northwestern earlier this season. My hunch is the Trojans find away to win the game..... Northwestern 35 South Pointe 32
2A Upper State Championship Abbeville @ Pageland-Central..... This will be a physical hard nose battle won by..... Abbeville 27 Central 21
1A Division 1 State Championship Game..... Chesterfield vs Lamar..... The Rams are here for the 4th year in a row and they are trying for their 3rd Title in a row. They will get it..... Chesterfield 26 Lamar 14
1A Division 2 State Championship Game..... Scott's Branch vs Williston-Elco..... Williston-Elco has been rolling all season and they should roll again..... Williston-Elco 34 Scott's Branch 23
3A Lower State Championship Marlboro County @ Myrtle Beach..... Myrtle Beach is the defending 3A Champs and they will get to go back to Columbia to defend their title..... Myrtle Beach 31 Marlboro County 21
COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK
Clemson @ South Carolina..... The Tigers have dominated this series winning 10 out of the last 12 meetings. The Tigers can't over look the Gamecocks with their ACC Title game looming next week. Their next goal is to win the State Championship with a win over South Carolina. The Tigers will find away to get the job done..... Clemson 27 S.Carolina 13
OTHER COLLEGE GAMES
Florida State @ Florida..... The Gators continue their roll toward a date in the BCS Championship..... Florida 34 Florida State 17
Georgia @ Georgia Tech..... The Yellow Jackets take care of business as they get ready for ACC Title game..... Georgia Tech 34 Georgia 20
Alabama @ Auburn..... The Iron Bowl goes to the Crimson Tide of Alabama..... Alabama 23 Auburn 14
Wake Forest @ Duke..... The Blue Devils have a chance to end their season of improvement with a win..... Duke 23 Wake Forest 21
North Carolina @ N.C. State..... A season of disappointment ends in disappointment for the Wolfpack..... North Carolina 24 NC State 16
South Carolina State @ Appalachian State..... This should be a pretty good game with the home standing Mountaineer getting the win..... Appalachian St 33 SC State 24
NFL GAME OF THE WEEK
New England @ New Orleans..... The unbeaten Saints, and their high scoring offense, takes on Tom Brady and the high scoring Patriot. This will be the biggest obstacle between the Saints and an undefeated season. It should be a shoot out and I see the Patriots getting the win..... New England 34 New Orleans 31
OTHER NFL GAMES
Carolina @ New York Jets..... The Panthers are playing better, but they don't have much to show for it. They get a win on the road..... Carolina 23 NY Jets 17
Miami @ Buffalo..... The Dolphins got a big win on the road last week, can they get another this week? Yes..... Miami 27 Buffalo 20
Chicago @ Minnesota..... Brett Favre and the Vikings are rolling right along. They will roll to another victory over the Bears..... Minnesota 31 Chicago 16
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta..... The Falcons have been struggling of late, and they are desperate for a win. They have the right opponent..... Atlanta 28 Tampa Bay 14
Until Monday.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
GENERAL VIEWS ( 12th Edition )
Well it is that time of the year again, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving means turkey and dressing and all the fixings. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, family dinners and for Christmas shoppers, Black Friday. For the football fans in the Palmetto state this time of year means only one thing and one thing only, CLEMSON VS SOUTH CAROLINA on the football field. I would like to give some facts and opinions on the big in state rivalry.
ALL-TIME SERIES RECORD is 65 wins for Clemson, 37 wins for Carolina and 4 ties.
RESENT SERIES HISTORY-- Clemson won last season 31 to 14 and has won 10 of the past 12 meetings.
FIRST MEETING IN THE SERIES was all the way back in 1896. The game was won by South Carolina 12 to 6.
THE LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY IN THE SERIES was 51 to 0 by Clemson in 1900.
THE HIGHEST RANKED MATCH-UP IN THE SERIES was back in 1987 as the Gamecocks were ranked 12th and the Tigers were ranked 8th. The game was nationally televised by ESPN and South Carolina won 20 to 7.
THE QUARTERBACK THAT WAS 4 AND 0 was Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst. From the 2002-2005 seasons Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst became the only QB in the rivalry's history to post 4 wins in the series.
THE ORANGE PANTS were unveiled by Clemson in 1980. The Tigers had never worn orange uniform pants until Clemson Head Coach Danny Ford surprised fans and players with orange pants for the Tigers to wear against the heavily favored Gamecocks for the 1980 game. The orange pants inspired the Tigers to a 27 to 6 win over the heavily favored Gamecocks.
CLEMSON'S LONGEST WIN STREAK IN THE SERIES is 7 games from 1934 -1940.
CAROLINA'S LONGEST WIN STREAK IN THE SERIES is 4 games from 1951-1954.
GAMES IN SERIES DECIDED BY SEVEN OF LESS POINTS is approximately 40.
MOST POINTS SCORED BY CLEMSON IN SERIES was the 63 points scored by the Tigers in their 63 to 17 victory in 2003.
MOST POINTS SCORED BY SOUTH CAROLINA IN SERIES was the 56 points scored by the Gamecocks in their 56 to 20 victory in 1975.
This has been a fierce and hated rivalry over the years and has become one of the most hated rivalries in Southern College football. This years game should be just as fierce and will probably be won by the Clemson Tigers, yet again.
**********THE ARMCHAIR COACH GAME BALL OF THE WEEK goes to Jimmie Johnson for winning an unprecedented 4th straight Nascar points Championship**********
Enjoy your Thanksgiving.
Until Friday.
ALL-TIME SERIES RECORD is 65 wins for Clemson, 37 wins for Carolina and 4 ties.
RESENT SERIES HISTORY-- Clemson won last season 31 to 14 and has won 10 of the past 12 meetings.
FIRST MEETING IN THE SERIES was all the way back in 1896. The game was won by South Carolina 12 to 6.
THE LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY IN THE SERIES was 51 to 0 by Clemson in 1900.
THE HIGHEST RANKED MATCH-UP IN THE SERIES was back in 1987 as the Gamecocks were ranked 12th and the Tigers were ranked 8th. The game was nationally televised by ESPN and South Carolina won 20 to 7.
THE QUARTERBACK THAT WAS 4 AND 0 was Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst. From the 2002-2005 seasons Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst became the only QB in the rivalry's history to post 4 wins in the series.
THE ORANGE PANTS were unveiled by Clemson in 1980. The Tigers had never worn orange uniform pants until Clemson Head Coach Danny Ford surprised fans and players with orange pants for the Tigers to wear against the heavily favored Gamecocks for the 1980 game. The orange pants inspired the Tigers to a 27 to 6 win over the heavily favored Gamecocks.
CLEMSON'S LONGEST WIN STREAK IN THE SERIES is 7 games from 1934 -1940.
CAROLINA'S LONGEST WIN STREAK IN THE SERIES is 4 games from 1951-1954.
GAMES IN SERIES DECIDED BY SEVEN OF LESS POINTS is approximately 40.
MOST POINTS SCORED BY CLEMSON IN SERIES was the 63 points scored by the Tigers in their 63 to 17 victory in 2003.
MOST POINTS SCORED BY SOUTH CAROLINA IN SERIES was the 56 points scored by the Gamecocks in their 56 to 20 victory in 1975.
This has been a fierce and hated rivalry over the years and has become one of the most hated rivalries in Southern College football. This years game should be just as fierce and will probably be won by the Clemson Tigers, yet again.
**********THE ARMCHAIR COACH GAME BALL OF THE WEEK goes to Jimmie Johnson for winning an unprecedented 4th straight Nascar points Championship**********
Enjoy your Thanksgiving.
Until Friday.
Monday, November 23, 2009
SPORTS WEEKEND REVIEW ( 12th Edition )
TIGERS ARE TAMPA BOUND!!
THE COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK had the Clemson Tigers becoming ACC Atlantic Division Champions after a 34 to 21 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday at Death Valley. The Tigers over came a slow start by their defense in the 1st half, to shut out the Cavaliers and hold them to 40 yards in the 2nd half as they punched their ticket to Tampa. Jacoby Ford had a big day for the Tigers with 6 receptions for 106 yards and 1 TD. Kyle Parker continued his improved play as he went 19 of 26 for 234 yards and 2 TD passes. C.J. Spiller had 58 yards rushing and scored 1 TD. The Tigers defense had 8 sacks, all in the 2nd half. The Tigers record improves to 8 and 3 over-all and 6 and 2 in the ACC after their 6th consecutive victory. The Tigers have the State Championship game with the Gamecocks on Saturday in Columbia. The Tigers will have a rematch with Georgia Tech for the ACC Championship in Tampa on December 5th.
THE HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK had the Gaffney Indians coming from behind to defeat the Summerville Green Wave 35 to 28 on Friday night at John McKissick Field in Summerville. The Tribe fell behind 14 to 0 about 5 minutes into the game after two turnovers. The Green Wave then added another score to go ahead 21 to 0 in the 2nd quarter. Gaffney made the score 21 to 7 at the half after an 80 yard TD pass from Burris to Quinshad Davis. The Indians defense came up big in the 2nd half intercepting Summerville QB Dalton Saunders 4 times and holding the Wave's offense to 7 points. Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris scored the winning TD on a 19 yard run in the 4th quarter. Gaffney linebacker Jaquan Barnes intercepted a Saunders pass at the Indians 10 yard line with 30 seconds left to preserve the win for Gaffney. The Gaffney Indians now travel to Dorman on Friday night for a Division 1 4A Semi-final match-up with the Cavaliers.
DID YOU KNOW? With his 124 yards rushing Friday night against Summerville, Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris went over 1000 yards for the season. Burris is the 1st Gaffney QB to rush for more than 1000 yards since 1993 when Tyrone McGill did it.
THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP TITLE was won on Sunday by Jimmie Johnson. It was an unprecedented 4th Title in a row for Johnson. Mark Martin had to settle for 2nd place again.
THE ARMCHAIR COACH went 15 and 5 in game predictions this past weekend. Record for the season is 178 and 58 for a percentage of .754.
Until Wednesday.
Friday, November 20, 2009
SPORTS WEEKEND PREVIEW ( 12th Edition )
TO MUCH RICKEY WILLIAMS FOR PANTHERS!
THE NFL GAME OF THE WEEK was played last night, as the Miami Dolphins got an outstanding game from Rickey Williams as they defeated the Carolina Panthers 24 to 17. Williams rushed for 119 yards and two rushing TDs and he also had a receiving TD. The win by the Dolphins pulls their record even at 5 and 5. The Panthers record falls to 4 and 6 and their playoff hopes took a serious blow.
DID YOU KNOW? Last nights game against the Panthers was the first game in Rickey William's career that he had a rushing and receiving TD in the same game.
Well we have another week of High School playoffs to enjoy. There were a few surprises last week and they're some very good games tonight. Lets look at some of them.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
Gaffney @ Summerville..... This second round Division 1 4A playoff game features the two most storied programs in South Carolina High School football history. Gaffney with 16 State Championships and Summerville with 11. Summerville is still coached by legendary Coach John McKissick. McKissick has more coaching wins than any coach at any level of football. This is the third year in a row that Gaffney has had to go to Summerville in the playoffs. Two years ago the Indians dropped a one point decision to the Green Wave in the State semi-finals. Last year Gaffney defeated the Wave 40 to 10 in the first round. All you really have to say about this game is Gaffney vs Summerville. I believe the Indians will come home with a victory..... Gaffney 31 Summerville 23
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF GAMES
Mauldin @ Byrnes..... When these two met a few weeks back Byrnes put 72 points on the board. They will win big again..... Byrnes 48 Mauldin 17
Dorman @ Irmo..... The Cavaliers will have to play better this week than they did last week. They will do just that..... Dorman 27 Irmo 14
Spartanburg @ Sumter..... The Vikings surprised the state last week with their upset of Rock Hill. The Vikings come back to reality this week..... Sumter 21 Spartanburg 17
Calhoun County @ Chesterfield..... This should be Chesterfields toughest test of the playoffs so far. The Rams pass with flying colors..... Chesterfield 31 Calhoun County 16
Hartsville @ Northwestern..... The Trojans have been rolling along. The roll continues..... Northwestern 34 Hartsville 17
Daniel @ Greenville..... The Daniel Lions got the Chester monkey off their backs last week. They get a Red Raider monkey on their backs this week..... Greenville 17 Daniel 14
Batesburg-Leesville @ Abbeville..... This battle between two teams of Panthers will be a hard physical battle. I see Batesburg-Leesville getting a second consecutive upset on the road..... Batesburg-Leesville 20 Abbeville 16
COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK
Virginia @ Clemson..... The Clemson Tigers need this win to be crowned ACC Atlantic Division Champs. The Tigers have been close to a Division Title before only to fold. This appears to be a new breed of Tigers. Which Tiger team shows up, the old Tigers or the new breed of Tigers? The Tigers can book their trip to Tampa for the ACC Title Game..... Clemson 37 Virginia 10
OTHER COLLEGE GAMES
North Carolina @ Boston College..... The Tar Heels are on a roll, but the Eagles need this game to stay in the Division race..... North Carolina 20 Boston College 13
Ohio State @ Michigan..... The Wolverines desperately needs this game. They won't get it..... Ohio State 27 Michigan 17
Duke @ Miami..... The Blue Devils are vastly improved this season. They will play well but come up short..... Miami 34 Duke 20
Kentucky @ Georgia..... The Georgia Bulldogs win one for UGA who passed on Thursday..... Georgia 28 Kentucky 20
Kansas @ Texas..... This would be a heck of a basketball game. Football, not so much..... Texas 36 Kansas 14
North Carolina State @ Virginia Tech..... The Wolfpack's slide continues..... Virginia Tech 34 North Carolina State 24
OTHER NFL GAMES
Cleveland @ Detroit..... This should be a tightly contested game between two 1 and 8 teams going nowhere..... Detroit 17 Cleveland 13
San Francisco @ Green Bay..... This game has serious playoff implications. Both teams need this game to stay in the race..... Green Bay 24 San Francisco 20
Washington @ Dallas..... The Cowboys should bounce back against the rival Skins..... Dallas 28 Washington 10
San Diego @ Denver..... This battle for the AFC West Division lead goes to..... San Diego 24 Denver 17
Enjoy your Sports Weekend.
Until Monday.
THE NFL GAME OF THE WEEK was played last night, as the Miami Dolphins got an outstanding game from Rickey Williams as they defeated the Carolina Panthers 24 to 17. Williams rushed for 119 yards and two rushing TDs and he also had a receiving TD. The win by the Dolphins pulls their record even at 5 and 5. The Panthers record falls to 4 and 6 and their playoff hopes took a serious blow.
DID YOU KNOW? Last nights game against the Panthers was the first game in Rickey William's career that he had a rushing and receiving TD in the same game.
Well we have another week of High School playoffs to enjoy. There were a few surprises last week and they're some very good games tonight. Lets look at some of them.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
Gaffney @ Summerville..... This second round Division 1 4A playoff game features the two most storied programs in South Carolina High School football history. Gaffney with 16 State Championships and Summerville with 11. Summerville is still coached by legendary Coach John McKissick. McKissick has more coaching wins than any coach at any level of football. This is the third year in a row that Gaffney has had to go to Summerville in the playoffs. Two years ago the Indians dropped a one point decision to the Green Wave in the State semi-finals. Last year Gaffney defeated the Wave 40 to 10 in the first round. All you really have to say about this game is Gaffney vs Summerville. I believe the Indians will come home with a victory..... Gaffney 31 Summerville 23
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF GAMES
Mauldin @ Byrnes..... When these two met a few weeks back Byrnes put 72 points on the board. They will win big again..... Byrnes 48 Mauldin 17
Dorman @ Irmo..... The Cavaliers will have to play better this week than they did last week. They will do just that..... Dorman 27 Irmo 14
Spartanburg @ Sumter..... The Vikings surprised the state last week with their upset of Rock Hill. The Vikings come back to reality this week..... Sumter 21 Spartanburg 17
Calhoun County @ Chesterfield..... This should be Chesterfields toughest test of the playoffs so far. The Rams pass with flying colors..... Chesterfield 31 Calhoun County 16
Hartsville @ Northwestern..... The Trojans have been rolling along. The roll continues..... Northwestern 34 Hartsville 17
Daniel @ Greenville..... The Daniel Lions got the Chester monkey off their backs last week. They get a Red Raider monkey on their backs this week..... Greenville 17 Daniel 14
Batesburg-Leesville @ Abbeville..... This battle between two teams of Panthers will be a hard physical battle. I see Batesburg-Leesville getting a second consecutive upset on the road..... Batesburg-Leesville 20 Abbeville 16
COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK
Virginia @ Clemson..... The Clemson Tigers need this win to be crowned ACC Atlantic Division Champs. The Tigers have been close to a Division Title before only to fold. This appears to be a new breed of Tigers. Which Tiger team shows up, the old Tigers or the new breed of Tigers? The Tigers can book their trip to Tampa for the ACC Title Game..... Clemson 37 Virginia 10
OTHER COLLEGE GAMES
North Carolina @ Boston College..... The Tar Heels are on a roll, but the Eagles need this game to stay in the Division race..... North Carolina 20 Boston College 13
Ohio State @ Michigan..... The Wolverines desperately needs this game. They won't get it..... Ohio State 27 Michigan 17
Duke @ Miami..... The Blue Devils are vastly improved this season. They will play well but come up short..... Miami 34 Duke 20
Kentucky @ Georgia..... The Georgia Bulldogs win one for UGA who passed on Thursday..... Georgia 28 Kentucky 20
Kansas @ Texas..... This would be a heck of a basketball game. Football, not so much..... Texas 36 Kansas 14
North Carolina State @ Virginia Tech..... The Wolfpack's slide continues..... Virginia Tech 34 North Carolina State 24
OTHER NFL GAMES
Cleveland @ Detroit..... This should be a tightly contested game between two 1 and 8 teams going nowhere..... Detroit 17 Cleveland 13
San Francisco @ Green Bay..... This game has serious playoff implications. Both teams need this game to stay in the race..... Green Bay 24 San Francisco 20
Washington @ Dallas..... The Cowboys should bounce back against the rival Skins..... Dallas 28 Washington 10
San Diego @ Denver..... This battle for the AFC West Division lead goes to..... San Diego 24 Denver 17
Enjoy your Sports Weekend.
Until Monday.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
GENERAL VIEWS ( 11th Edition )
Well we are getting close to the holiday season, High School football is in their playoffs, College football is getting close to the end of their regular season, the NFL has started the second half of their regular season, the NBA and College basketball seasons have begun. I have some opinions and observations about the Sports World that I would like to blog about today.
C.J. Spiller has to be the best all around player in College football this season. If he don't win the Heisman trophy the voters would have to be crazy or on drugs.
Steve Spurrier is still the coach that he was at Florida. When he was at Florida he had an offense that College football had not seen and didn't know how to defend. Defensive coordinators today have adjusted and know how to defend Spurrier's type of offense. Steve Spurrier's problem is he is stubborn and is not willing to make the adjustments needed to be successful in today's College football.
Joe Montgomery Head Football Coach at Rock Hill High School showed this past Friday night that he still can't beat the Spartanburg High School Vikings. Montgomery's Rock Hill team went into Friday night's playoff game against Spartanburg 11 and 0 and nationally ranked at NO. 21. Spartanburg came into the game at 3 and 8. The Spartanburg Vikings won the game 41 to 28. Before going to Rock Hill, Joe Montgomery spent 12 years at Gaffney High School where he won two State Championships but only beat the Spartanburg Vikings three times in 12 years. One of the seasons at Gaffney he lost to them three times! Two more of the seasons he lost to them two times in the same season.
Peyton Manning is the best QB in the NFL today, bar none. He will probably go down as the best ever by the time he retires. All he needs to do is win at least one more Super Bowl Championship.
The Florida Gators offense is not nearly as explosive this season as it has been the previous few seasons. Where the Gators offense use to over shadow their defense they are winning with defense this season.
Allen Iverson didn't take long to show the Memphis Grizzlies that he is a team cancer and he wasn't worth the money they signed him for, as they released him after only three games.
The Oakland Raiders are without a doubt the worse run franchise in the NFL. This once proud franchise has turned into the laughing stock of the NFL. The game has past Al Davis by, and he should sell the team to someone that knows what they are doing.
The Clemson Tigers appear to be another breed of cat under the leadership of Head Coach Dabo Swinney. Things looked bad after the debacle at Maryland left the team at 2 and 3. Dabo Swinney and the team were not satisfied to be mired in mediocrity, they decided to do something about it. They have won five games in a row and they find themselves one win away from an Atlantic Division Title. The Tigers and their fans should probably look back at the Maryland loss as the turning point in the programs future.
*********THE ARMCHAIR COACH GAME BALL OF THE WEEK goes to the Spartanburg Vikings for their big upset win over Nationally 21st ranked Rock Hill on Friday night*********
THE NFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Miami @ Carolina..... This game takes place on Thursday night and it is a huge game for both teams and their potential playoff runs. The Dolphins and Panthers stand at 4 and 5 on the season after 0 and 3 starts. The Dolphins lost Ronnie Brown to injury Sunday and he probably will not play. The Panthers lost the anchor of their offensive line Jordan Gross for the remainder of the season. This should be a very entertaining game and I see the Panthers defense and home field making the difference..... Carolina 27 Miami 24
Until Friday.
C.J. Spiller has to be the best all around player in College football this season. If he don't win the Heisman trophy the voters would have to be crazy or on drugs.
Steve Spurrier is still the coach that he was at Florida. When he was at Florida he had an offense that College football had not seen and didn't know how to defend. Defensive coordinators today have adjusted and know how to defend Spurrier's type of offense. Steve Spurrier's problem is he is stubborn and is not willing to make the adjustments needed to be successful in today's College football.
Joe Montgomery Head Football Coach at Rock Hill High School showed this past Friday night that he still can't beat the Spartanburg High School Vikings. Montgomery's Rock Hill team went into Friday night's playoff game against Spartanburg 11 and 0 and nationally ranked at NO. 21. Spartanburg came into the game at 3 and 8. The Spartanburg Vikings won the game 41 to 28. Before going to Rock Hill, Joe Montgomery spent 12 years at Gaffney High School where he won two State Championships but only beat the Spartanburg Vikings three times in 12 years. One of the seasons at Gaffney he lost to them three times! Two more of the seasons he lost to them two times in the same season.
Peyton Manning is the best QB in the NFL today, bar none. He will probably go down as the best ever by the time he retires. All he needs to do is win at least one more Super Bowl Championship.
The Florida Gators offense is not nearly as explosive this season as it has been the previous few seasons. Where the Gators offense use to over shadow their defense they are winning with defense this season.
Allen Iverson didn't take long to show the Memphis Grizzlies that he is a team cancer and he wasn't worth the money they signed him for, as they released him after only three games.
The Oakland Raiders are without a doubt the worse run franchise in the NFL. This once proud franchise has turned into the laughing stock of the NFL. The game has past Al Davis by, and he should sell the team to someone that knows what they are doing.
The Clemson Tigers appear to be another breed of cat under the leadership of Head Coach Dabo Swinney. Things looked bad after the debacle at Maryland left the team at 2 and 3. Dabo Swinney and the team were not satisfied to be mired in mediocrity, they decided to do something about it. They have won five games in a row and they find themselves one win away from an Atlantic Division Title. The Tigers and their fans should probably look back at the Maryland loss as the turning point in the programs future.
*********THE ARMCHAIR COACH GAME BALL OF THE WEEK goes to the Spartanburg Vikings for their big upset win over Nationally 21st ranked Rock Hill on Friday night*********
THE NFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Miami @ Carolina..... This game takes place on Thursday night and it is a huge game for both teams and their potential playoff runs. The Dolphins and Panthers stand at 4 and 5 on the season after 0 and 3 starts. The Dolphins lost Ronnie Brown to injury Sunday and he probably will not play. The Panthers lost the anchor of their offensive line Jordan Gross for the remainder of the season. This should be a very entertaining game and I see the Panthers defense and home field making the difference..... Carolina 27 Miami 24
Until Friday.
Monday, November 16, 2009
SPORTS WEEKEND REVIEW ( 11th Edition )
SPILLER TIME IN RALEIGH!
THE COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK had the Clemson Tigers, behind another strong performance from C.J. Spiller defeated the NC State Wolfpack 43 to 23. Spiller threw a TD pass, had a rushing TD and caught a pass for a TD in the game. Spiller also had 97 yards rushing in the game as well. The Tigers jumped to a 24 to 7 halftime lead and never looked back as they moved one step closer to wrapping up the ACC Atlantic Division Title. Freshman QB Kyle Parker had another very good game as he continues to improve as the season progresses. It was probably the most efficient offensive game of the season for the Tigers as they executed flawlessly and work man like with no turnovers. The Tigers need to get the kicking game fixed as they missed two more extra points. After hitting 116 straight extra points they have missed five the last two games. The Tigers now get ready for their home game Saturday against Virginia on Senior Day with a chance to wrap up the Atlantic Division Title with a win over the Cavaliers.
DID YOU KNOW? Against NC State on Saturday, C.J. Spiller became the first player in Clemson football history to throw a TD, rush for a TD and catch a TD in the same game.
THE HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK had the Pageland-Central Eagles getting a controversial fumble by the Chesnee Eagles that they turned into the winning points in a 20 to 13 victory in their second round playoff game Friday night. The fumble in question was called when Chesnee's Zack Miller appeared to have a first down at the Central 20 yard line late in the 3rd quarter as the play appeared over. The ref said it was a fumble saying that he was on top of a defender and not on the ground. Central scooped up the fumble and returned it deep into Chesnee territory and completely changed momentum in the game. Chesnee's season ends in heartbreaking fashion at 7 and 5. Central, the defending 2A upper state champion, goes to 10 and 2 and will host Strom Thurmond Friday.
SURPRISING UPSETS OF HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFFS had the Spartanburg Vikings, that went 3 and 8 during the regular season, going to Rock Hill and defeating the 11 and 0 Rock Hill Bearcats 41 to 28.
The unbeaten 11 and 0 Woodruff Wolverines lost to the 7 and 4 Batesburg-Leesville Panthers 24 to 17. So we will not have a Woodruff and Abbeville round two this Friday as expected.
THE NFL GAME OF THE WEEK had the surprising Cincinnatti Bengals going into Pittsburg and beating the World Champion Steelers at their own game 18 to 12. The Bengals used a strong physical defense that kept pressure on QB Ben Roethlisberger and held the Steelers to four field goals. The Cincinnati Bengals are now sitting all alone at the top of the AFC North Division at 7 and 2.
THE ARMCHAIR COACH went 15 and 5 in game predictions this past weekend. Record for the season is 163 and 53 for a percentage of .755.
Until Wednesday.
Friday, November 13, 2009
SPORTS WEEKEND PREVIEW ( 11th Edition )
Well we have reached the playoffs in High School football and College football is getting down to positioning for Conference Championships and Bowl game match ups, while the NFL has reached the halfway point in its season. We have lots of very good match ups to look at this weekend, so lets get started.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
Chesnee @ Pageland- Central..... The Chesnee Eagles got a big playoff win on the road last week at Pendleton. Pageland-Central has been a big nemisis for Chesnee over the years and presents a very big challenge tonight as they possess a potent running game and a very strong defense. The Chesnee Eagles have a strong passing game and a good running game that they will use to attack the Central defense. At times Pageland-Central has had some trouble with passing teams. Chesnee has had some trouble with strong physical running games. This should be a very good game and I see Chesnee coming up a little short on the score board..... Pageland-Central 24 Chesnee 21
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF GAMES
Stratford @ Gaffney..... This will be a very interesting 1st round 4A playoff match up as these teams have a playoff history against each other. The first playoff game in The New Reservation goes to the Indians..... Gaffney 34 Stratford 27
White Knoll @ Byrnes..... This game should be over by the second quarter..... Byrnes 56 White Knoll 13
Spartanburg @ Rock Hill..... This old Region 2 4A rivalry is revisited and the Vikings wish that it wasn't..... Rock Hill 27 Spartanburg 13
Clover @ Dorman..... The Cavaliers will have to face the Blue Eagles Wing-T offense. It will take awhile to adjust but they will, and the Cavaliers will get the win..... Dorman 31 Clover 21
Batesburg-Leesville @ Woodruff..... This could be a trap game for the Wolverines with a possible match up with Abbeville looming. Batesburg has been a Woodruff nemesis in the past but..... Woodruff 34 Batesburg-Leesville 28
Buford @ Chesterfield..... This is round two between these two teams and this round also goes to the Rams..... Chesterfield 48 Buford 13
Chester @ Daniel..... The Cyclones have knocked the Lions out of the playoffs the last two years. Daniel is looking for revenge and they will get it..... Daniel 23 Chester 20
COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK
Clemson @ North Carolina State..... The Tigers took another step toward the ACC Atlantic Division Title with their big win over Florida State. The Tigers travel to N.C. State for the ultimate trap game. The Wolf pack are last in the Atlantic Division and have had several key injuries this season. Their defense is giving up over 40 points a game in ACC play. The Wolf Pack is capable of scoring points in bunches as they are led by the preseason all ACC QB Russell Wilson. The Clemson offense has been on a roll as well the last four games as they have scored 38 points or more during their 4 game winning streak. The Tigers defense has been playing well during the streak also. The question is, will Clemson play well and take care of business or will the old Clemson show its ugly head and lose a big game against an inferior team? I believe that new Clemson will show up and get the job done..... Clemson 43 N.C. State 27
DID YOU KNOW? The Clemson Tigers have scored at least 38 points in four straight games. That is a Clemson school record.
OTHER COLLEGE GAMES
Florida @ South Carolina..... The late season swoon continues for the Gamecocks..... Florida 30 South Carolina 10
Georgia Tech @ Duke..... This is a huge game in the ACC Coastal Division. A Tech win and they book a trip to Tampa. Duke puts up a good fight but..... Georgia Tech 35 Duke 23
Virginia Tech @ Maryland..... The Hokies keep on rolling right along toward a good bowl game..... Virginia Tech 31 Maryland 10
Boston College @ Virginia..... The Eagles need this game to stay in contention in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. I see Virginia finding away to win the game at home..... Virginia 17 Boston College 13
Iowa @ Ohio State..... After their big win over Penn State, the Buckeyes have a chance to take control of the Big 10..... Ohio State 26 Iowa 10
Auburn @ Georgia..... This game between the hedges could be a shoot out. I see the Bulldogs finding away to win in the 4th quarter..... Georgia 34 Auburn 31
NFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Cincinnatti @ Pittsburg..... The Bengals have been one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season. The World Champion Steelers got off to a slow start but they are on a roll the past few weeks. The battle for first place in the AFC North Division should go to the team with more big game experience..... Pittsburg 27 Cincinnatti 20
OTHER NFL GAMES
Atlanta @ Carolina..... This is a must win for the Panthers if they want to try to salvage the second half of their season..... Carolina 24 Atlanta 21
Tampa Bay @ Miami..... Tampa Bay got their first win last week against the Packers. They will have to wait at least one more week to get win NO. 2..... Miami 31 Tampa Bay 17
Dallas @ Green Bay..... The Packers laid an egg last week against Tampa Bay. They need this game very bad if they want to hang around in the playoff chase..... Green Bay 27 Dallas 23
New England @ Indianapolis..... This game should be a classic. Brady vs Manning. Need we say more..... New England 26 Indianapolis 21
Until Monday.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
Chesnee @ Pageland- Central..... The Chesnee Eagles got a big playoff win on the road last week at Pendleton. Pageland-Central has been a big nemisis for Chesnee over the years and presents a very big challenge tonight as they possess a potent running game and a very strong defense. The Chesnee Eagles have a strong passing game and a good running game that they will use to attack the Central defense. At times Pageland-Central has had some trouble with passing teams. Chesnee has had some trouble with strong physical running games. This should be a very good game and I see Chesnee coming up a little short on the score board..... Pageland-Central 24 Chesnee 21
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF GAMES
Stratford @ Gaffney..... This will be a very interesting 1st round 4A playoff match up as these teams have a playoff history against each other. The first playoff game in The New Reservation goes to the Indians..... Gaffney 34 Stratford 27
White Knoll @ Byrnes..... This game should be over by the second quarter..... Byrnes 56 White Knoll 13
Spartanburg @ Rock Hill..... This old Region 2 4A rivalry is revisited and the Vikings wish that it wasn't..... Rock Hill 27 Spartanburg 13
Clover @ Dorman..... The Cavaliers will have to face the Blue Eagles Wing-T offense. It will take awhile to adjust but they will, and the Cavaliers will get the win..... Dorman 31 Clover 21
Batesburg-Leesville @ Woodruff..... This could be a trap game for the Wolverines with a possible match up with Abbeville looming. Batesburg has been a Woodruff nemesis in the past but..... Woodruff 34 Batesburg-Leesville 28
Buford @ Chesterfield..... This is round two between these two teams and this round also goes to the Rams..... Chesterfield 48 Buford 13
Chester @ Daniel..... The Cyclones have knocked the Lions out of the playoffs the last two years. Daniel is looking for revenge and they will get it..... Daniel 23 Chester 20
COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK
Clemson @ North Carolina State..... The Tigers took another step toward the ACC Atlantic Division Title with their big win over Florida State. The Tigers travel to N.C. State for the ultimate trap game. The Wolf pack are last in the Atlantic Division and have had several key injuries this season. Their defense is giving up over 40 points a game in ACC play. The Wolf Pack is capable of scoring points in bunches as they are led by the preseason all ACC QB Russell Wilson. The Clemson offense has been on a roll as well the last four games as they have scored 38 points or more during their 4 game winning streak. The Tigers defense has been playing well during the streak also. The question is, will Clemson play well and take care of business or will the old Clemson show its ugly head and lose a big game against an inferior team? I believe that new Clemson will show up and get the job done..... Clemson 43 N.C. State 27
DID YOU KNOW? The Clemson Tigers have scored at least 38 points in four straight games. That is a Clemson school record.
OTHER COLLEGE GAMES
Florida @ South Carolina..... The late season swoon continues for the Gamecocks..... Florida 30 South Carolina 10
Georgia Tech @ Duke..... This is a huge game in the ACC Coastal Division. A Tech win and they book a trip to Tampa. Duke puts up a good fight but..... Georgia Tech 35 Duke 23
Virginia Tech @ Maryland..... The Hokies keep on rolling right along toward a good bowl game..... Virginia Tech 31 Maryland 10
Boston College @ Virginia..... The Eagles need this game to stay in contention in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. I see Virginia finding away to win the game at home..... Virginia 17 Boston College 13
Iowa @ Ohio State..... After their big win over Penn State, the Buckeyes have a chance to take control of the Big 10..... Ohio State 26 Iowa 10
Auburn @ Georgia..... This game between the hedges could be a shoot out. I see the Bulldogs finding away to win in the 4th quarter..... Georgia 34 Auburn 31
NFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Cincinnatti @ Pittsburg..... The Bengals have been one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season. The World Champion Steelers got off to a slow start but they are on a roll the past few weeks. The battle for first place in the AFC North Division should go to the team with more big game experience..... Pittsburg 27 Cincinnatti 20
OTHER NFL GAMES
Atlanta @ Carolina..... This is a must win for the Panthers if they want to try to salvage the second half of their season..... Carolina 24 Atlanta 21
Tampa Bay @ Miami..... Tampa Bay got their first win last week against the Packers. They will have to wait at least one more week to get win NO. 2..... Miami 31 Tampa Bay 17
Dallas @ Green Bay..... The Packers laid an egg last week against Tampa Bay. They need this game very bad if they want to hang around in the playoff chase..... Green Bay 27 Dallas 23
New England @ Indianapolis..... This game should be a classic. Brady vs Manning. Need we say more..... New England 26 Indianapolis 21
Until Monday.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
GENERAL VIEWS ( 10th Edition )
Well it is time for The ArmChair Coach's mid season report card on the Carolina Panthers. Last season was a pretty good season for the Panthers as they went 12 and 4 and won the NFC South Division and a 1st round playoff bye. The season ended in disappointment with a surprising playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals. So after last season the expectations were very high in Charlotte that the Panthers had a team that could make a Super Bowl run this season. So far this season the Carolina Panthers have a 3 and 5 record at the seasons halfway point. So lets look at why.
PANTHERS QB PLAY
Jake Delhomme ended last season with the worst game in his NFL career against the Cardinals, as he had 5 turnovers in their playoff loss. This season has not gotten any better for Jake as he has only 5 TD passes to 13 INTs, which leads the NFL. Interceptions is not a stat that you want to lead the league in. Delhomme's QB rating is 61.7 for the season, which is not good. So I give the Carolina Panthers QB play a mid season grade F
PANTHERS OFFENSE
The Carolina rushing offense is rated NO. 3 in the NFL averaging 153.0 yards a game. The Panthers passing offense is rated NO. 24 in the NFL averaging 172.1 yards a game. The Panthers are tied for 31st in the NFL in Turnover margin at -9. So Carolina's total offense is rated 21st in the NFL averaging 325.1 yards a game. So I give the Panthers offense a grade of C-
PANTHERS DEFENSE
The Panthers defense got off to a bad start this season but they have started playing better. The Carolina passing defense is rated NO. 6 in the NFL giving up an average of 181.8 yards per game. The Panthers rushing defense is rated NO. 23 in the NFL giving up an average of 122.1 yards per game. The Panthers are giving up an average of 24.5 points per game. The overall total defense rating of the Carolina Panthers is NO. 9 in the NFL as they give up an average of 303.9 yards per game. So I give the Carolina Panthers defense a mid season grade of B
PANTHERS OVERALL HALF SEASON
The Carolina Panthers have an overall record of 3 and 5 playing the NFL's NO. 2 toughest schedule. They were considered one of the NFC's best teams coming into the season but bad QB play, one of the league leaders in turnovers and some injuries on defense has plagued the Panthers through the first half of the season. The Panthers have also had some questionable coaching decisions as well. I give the Panthers an overall mid season grade of D
****************THE ARMCHAIR COACH GAME BALL OF THE WEEK goes to the Clemson Tigers for their big win against Florida State****************
DID YOU KNOW? This season is the first time in Clemson history that they have beaten both Miami and Florida State in the same season.
Until Friday.
Monday, November 9, 2009
SPORTS WEEKEND REVIEW ( 10th Edition )
TO MUCH SPILLER FOR THE NOLES!
THE COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK had the Clemson Tigers coming from behind to defeat the Florida State Seminoles 40 to 24. Clemson star RB C.J. Spiller had a record-setting night as he had a career high 165 yards rushing and two TD's and he broke his own all-purpose yardage record, that he set two weeks ago against Miami, as he had 312 all-purpose yards against the Noles. The Tigers Freshman QB Kyle Parker had a big night, after throwing an INT for a TD in the 1st quarter, to pass for 18 of 30 for 242 yards and four TD's. The Tigers trailed 24 to 21 entering the 4th quarter but flexed their mussels out scoring the Noles 19 to 0 to get the win and keep destiny in their own hands to win the ACC Atlantic Division Title. The Tigers now get ready to travel to Raleigh to face North Carolina State.
DID YOU KNOW? Clemson's C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford broke the NCAA record for all-purpose yards by teammates as they passed the 10,253 yards of San Diego States 's Marshall Faulk and Darnay Scott from 1991-1993.
THE HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK had the Northwestern Trojans defeating the Gaffney Indians 30 to 23 at The Reservation on Friday night. It took a state record receiving performance from Northwestern's Robert Joeseph, as he had 22 receptions, for the Trojans to win the Region 3 4A Title. Trojans QB Justin Worley had a big night throwing the football as he went 36 of 45 for 378 yards which was one completion away from a state record of his own. The Indians tried to rally in the 4th quarter behind QB DeEdward Burris but fell a little short as the last Indians drive was stopped by an interception by the Trojans Denetri Hemphill. The Indians will go into the Division 1 4A playoffs as the NO. 7 seed and will host Stratford on Friday night. The Trojans will go into the Division 2 4A playoffs as the NO. 2 seed and will hast South Florence.
THE NFL GAME OF THE WEEK had the Carolina Panthers playing pretty well, but they fell to the New Orleans Saints 30 to 20. The Panthers DeAngelo Williams had 149 yards rushing and two TD's. Saints QB Drew Brees overcame two early turnovers to pass for 330 yards and a TD to lead the New Orleans comeback. The Panthers lost three fumbles in the game after not turning the ball over last week in their victory over Arizona. The Saints remain undefeated at 8 and 0 while the Panthers fall to 3 and 5.
DID YOU KNOW? The New Orleans Saints are off to their best start in the 43 year history of their franchise at 8 and 0.
THE ARMCHAIR COACH went 17 and 3 in game predictions this past weekend. Record for the season is 148 and 48 for a percentage of .755.
Until Wednesday.
Friday, November 6, 2009
SPORTS WEEKEND PREVIEW ( 10th Edition )
Well we have reached the end of the regular season in High School football. The 4A schools end their regular season tonight, while 3A , 2A and 1A ended last week and they start playoffs tonight. So lets look at this weekend's action.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
Northwestern @ Gaffney..... The battle for all the marbles in Region 3 4A takes place tonight at The Reservation between the Gaffney Indians and the Northwestern Trojans. The Trojans have rebounded after a 1 and 5 start to the season to win their last four games to be tied with the Indians for first place in the Region at 4 and 0. The Indians have won five in a row after their loss at Byrnes. The Trojans like to pass and pass some more on offense, while the Indians like to try to be balanced. The Indians defense will have to prepare for a totally different look this week after going against Clover's Wing-T last week. In the biggest game at The New Reservation to date, I see the Indians getting the win and the Region Title..... Gaffney 34 Northwestern 30
DID YOU KNOW? The series between Gaffney and Northwestern started in 1972. Northwestern leads the overall series 22 wins to 20.
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL REGULAR SEASON GAMES
Dorman @ Spartanburg..... This is the second time this season these two rivals will have played. Dorman won the first meeting and will win the second... Dorman 27 Spartanburg 13
Byrnes @ Boiling Springs..... This will be the Boiling Springs Bulldogs state championship game, since they are banned from the playoffs..... Byrnes 45 Boiling Springs 20
York @ Clover..... The battle for the third playoff spot in Region 3 4A between two heated rivals. Clover should win going away..... Clover 42 York 19
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF GAMES
Chesnee @ Pendleton..... Chesnee's explosive offense against Pendleton's stingy defense. I have a hunch that the Eagles will find away to win this game..... Chesnee 23 Pendleton 21
Crescent @ Woodruff..... This game will be a warm up for the Wolverines, as they win big..... Woodruff 48 Crescent 12
Greer @ Chester..... Surprisingly these two teams haven't met since 1963. The 1963 game was won by Chester. The Cyclones will win this one as well..... Chester 26 Greer 17
Landrum @ Bamberg-Ehrhardt..... This years playoff run by the Landrum Cardinals will be short and bitter..... Bamberg-Ehrhardt 31 Landrum 14
COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK
Florida State @ Clemson..... This game is no longer called the Bowden Bowl. It has been awhile since the Florida State and Clemson game has had as much riding on it. The Seminoles have gotten back in the ACC Atlantic Division race the with wins the last two weeks. The Tigers have put themselves in a position to control their own destiny to the Atlantic Division Title. The Seminoles have the ACC's most explosive offense but the ACC's worst defense. The Tiger's have the country's most electrifying player in C.J. Spiller and an improving offense. The Tigers also have the ACC's NO. 1 defense. The Tigers will have to control Noles QB Christian Ponder and the Noles will have to control C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford. The Tigers will continue to prove that they are a different team, than Clemson teams of the last ten years, and they will find away to win this game..... Clemson 38 Florida State 28
OTHER COLLEGE GAMES
Connecticut @ Cincinnatti..... How good are the Cincinnatti Bearcats? They are good enough to stay unbeaten this week..... Cincinnatti 34 Connecticut 20
Wake Forest @ Georgia Tech..... The Yellow Jackets continue to roll along towards an ACC Coastal Division Title..... Georgia Tech 36 Wake Forest 25
Northwestern @ Iowa..... The Iowa Hawkeyes will win another ugly game and remain unbeaten..... Iowa 27 Northwestern 21
South Carolina @ Arkansas..... I probably should pick Arkansas in this one, but I have a strange feeling that the Gamecocks will win this one..... South Carolina 34 Arkansas 32
Duke @ North Carolina..... I would like to pick Duke in this one, but I just can't do it..... North Carolina 20 Duke 17
Central Florida @ Texas..... The Longhorns continue to stake their claim to NO. 1 with a big win..... Texas 49 Central Florida 14
NFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Carolina @ New Orleans..... This game between last seasons NFC South Champion and this seasons likely winner could be more interesting than most people expect. The Saints are rolling right along scoring plenty of points and staying undefeated. The Panthers had their most complete performance last week in a win over Arizona. The Panthers have the ground game to keep the Saints high powered offense on the sidelines. If the Panthers can keep from turning the ball over they can win this game. I believe that the Carolina Panthers can keep this game close with a chance to win in the 4th quarter, but I believe the New Orleans Saints will pull it out in the end..... New Orleans 27 Carolina 23
OTHER NFL GAMES
Detroit @ Seattle..... Two teams in need of a win. I believe the home team gets it..... Seattle 24 Detroit 13
Dallas @ Philadelphia..... This should be an entertaining game. Tony Romo in a big game usually means a Cowboys loss. I have a hunch that this game will be different..... Dallas 27 Philadelphia 21
Miami @ New England..... I would love to pick the Dolphins after their big win over the Jets last week. But I can't..... New England 34 Miami 31
Kansas City @ Jacksonville..... Which Jacksonville team will show up for this one? The one that wins the game..... Jacksonville 20 Kansas City 17
Enjoy your Sports Weekend.
Until Monday.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
Northwestern @ Gaffney..... The battle for all the marbles in Region 3 4A takes place tonight at The Reservation between the Gaffney Indians and the Northwestern Trojans. The Trojans have rebounded after a 1 and 5 start to the season to win their last four games to be tied with the Indians for first place in the Region at 4 and 0. The Indians have won five in a row after their loss at Byrnes. The Trojans like to pass and pass some more on offense, while the Indians like to try to be balanced. The Indians defense will have to prepare for a totally different look this week after going against Clover's Wing-T last week. In the biggest game at The New Reservation to date, I see the Indians getting the win and the Region Title..... Gaffney 34 Northwestern 30
DID YOU KNOW? The series between Gaffney and Northwestern started in 1972. Northwestern leads the overall series 22 wins to 20.
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL REGULAR SEASON GAMES
Dorman @ Spartanburg..... This is the second time this season these two rivals will have played. Dorman won the first meeting and will win the second... Dorman 27 Spartanburg 13
Byrnes @ Boiling Springs..... This will be the Boiling Springs Bulldogs state championship game, since they are banned from the playoffs..... Byrnes 45 Boiling Springs 20
York @ Clover..... The battle for the third playoff spot in Region 3 4A between two heated rivals. Clover should win going away..... Clover 42 York 19
HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFF GAMES
Chesnee @ Pendleton..... Chesnee's explosive offense against Pendleton's stingy defense. I have a hunch that the Eagles will find away to win this game..... Chesnee 23 Pendleton 21
Crescent @ Woodruff..... This game will be a warm up for the Wolverines, as they win big..... Woodruff 48 Crescent 12
Greer @ Chester..... Surprisingly these two teams haven't met since 1963. The 1963 game was won by Chester. The Cyclones will win this one as well..... Chester 26 Greer 17
Landrum @ Bamberg-Ehrhardt..... This years playoff run by the Landrum Cardinals will be short and bitter..... Bamberg-Ehrhardt 31 Landrum 14
COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK
Florida State @ Clemson..... This game is no longer called the Bowden Bowl. It has been awhile since the Florida State and Clemson game has had as much riding on it. The Seminoles have gotten back in the ACC Atlantic Division race the with wins the last two weeks. The Tigers have put themselves in a position to control their own destiny to the Atlantic Division Title. The Seminoles have the ACC's most explosive offense but the ACC's worst defense. The Tiger's have the country's most electrifying player in C.J. Spiller and an improving offense. The Tigers also have the ACC's NO. 1 defense. The Tigers will have to control Noles QB Christian Ponder and the Noles will have to control C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford. The Tigers will continue to prove that they are a different team, than Clemson teams of the last ten years, and they will find away to win this game..... Clemson 38 Florida State 28
OTHER COLLEGE GAMES
Connecticut @ Cincinnatti..... How good are the Cincinnatti Bearcats? They are good enough to stay unbeaten this week..... Cincinnatti 34 Connecticut 20
Wake Forest @ Georgia Tech..... The Yellow Jackets continue to roll along towards an ACC Coastal Division Title..... Georgia Tech 36 Wake Forest 25
Northwestern @ Iowa..... The Iowa Hawkeyes will win another ugly game and remain unbeaten..... Iowa 27 Northwestern 21
South Carolina @ Arkansas..... I probably should pick Arkansas in this one, but I have a strange feeling that the Gamecocks will win this one..... South Carolina 34 Arkansas 32
Duke @ North Carolina..... I would like to pick Duke in this one, but I just can't do it..... North Carolina 20 Duke 17
Central Florida @ Texas..... The Longhorns continue to stake their claim to NO. 1 with a big win..... Texas 49 Central Florida 14
NFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Carolina @ New Orleans..... This game between last seasons NFC South Champion and this seasons likely winner could be more interesting than most people expect. The Saints are rolling right along scoring plenty of points and staying undefeated. The Panthers had their most complete performance last week in a win over Arizona. The Panthers have the ground game to keep the Saints high powered offense on the sidelines. If the Panthers can keep from turning the ball over they can win this game. I believe that the Carolina Panthers can keep this game close with a chance to win in the 4th quarter, but I believe the New Orleans Saints will pull it out in the end..... New Orleans 27 Carolina 23
OTHER NFL GAMES
Detroit @ Seattle..... Two teams in need of a win. I believe the home team gets it..... Seattle 24 Detroit 13
Dallas @ Philadelphia..... This should be an entertaining game. Tony Romo in a big game usually means a Cowboys loss. I have a hunch that this game will be different..... Dallas 27 Philadelphia 21
Miami @ New England..... I would love to pick the Dolphins after their big win over the Jets last week. But I can't..... New England 34 Miami 31
Kansas City @ Jacksonville..... Which Jacksonville team will show up for this one? The one that wins the game..... Jacksonville 20 Kansas City 17
Enjoy your Sports Weekend.
Until Monday.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
GENERAL VIEWS ( 9th Edition )
You know how you get up some mornings and you know it's going to be one of those days. Yesterday was one of those days for me. My day started when I came down to the office to do the Wednesday blog. NO INTERNET! I had Internet problems all day. So I am doing my Wednesday General Views blog today.
Well it is about 8 or 9 weeks into the College Football season and you have seen the Coaches Top 25 College Football Poll. You have seen the BCS Poll for 3 or 4 weeks, and now it is time to see The ArmChair Coach's Top 5 College Football Poll. So here it is.
THE ARMCHAIR COACH'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 5 POLL
(1) Florida Gators..... The Gators are the defending champs and they are still undefeated. They have perhaps the best defense in the country. Yes, they still have Tim Tebow. They are my NO. 1 team, until they get beat.
(2) Texas Longhorns..... The Longhorns have been pretty good all season, but they seem to be getting stronger as the season goes along. They have beaten Oklahoma and they also avenged last seasons loss to Texas Tech. They are my solid NO. 2 team.
(3) Alabama Crimson Tide..... The Tide has remained undefeated, mainly because of their great defense and their powerful running game. They have struggled at QB this season, but RB Mark Ingram has carried their offense at times this season. Strong defense and a great running game makes them my NO. 3 team.
(4) Oregon Ducks..... Here is where I differ from the major polls. The Ducks have one loss, but they are probably the hottest team in the country. Their blow out of U.S.C. was very impressive and I believe if they played again this week they would win again. With the one loss I can't put the Ducks in the Top 3 but they are my solid NO. 4 team.
(5) Georgia Tech..... The major polls have the Yellow Jackets at NO. 10 or 11. They have one loss against a good Miami team. The Jackets offense has been almost unstoppable at times. The Jackets like Oregon are one of the hottest teams in the country. They control their destiny in the ACC. So I am very comfortable putting them ahead of three more unbeatens as my NO. 5 team.
THE WORLD SERIES had the New York Yankees defeating the defending Champs the Philadelphia Phillies last night 7 to 3. The Yankees won the World Series 4 games to 2. Hidecki Matsui got the Yankees offense off and running with 6 RBIs in the first 5 innings. The Yankees won their 27th World Series Championship.
**********THE ARMCHAIR COACH GAME BALL OF THE WEEK goes to the New York Yankees for winning their 27th World Series Championship**********
Until Friday.
Monday, November 2, 2009
SPORTS WEEKEND REVIEW ( 9th Edition )
WOODRUFF STAYS PERFECT!
THE HIGH SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK had the Woodruff Wolverines jumping on Chesnee early and often in beating the Eagles 45 to 23 to stay perfect on the season and wrapping up the Region 2 2A crown for the second straight season. The Wolverines scored on their first possession of the game to lead 7 to 0. Then 17 seconds later, after recovering an onside kick, Woodruff extended their lead to 14 to 0. The Wolverines rolled to a 38 to 8 3rd quarter lead and never looked back. Woodruff QB Jake Lambert finished the night 22 for 39 for 354 yards and 3 TD passes. Lambert also added 2 rushing TDs in the Region Championship clinching victory. Chesnee QB Walt Miller was 11 for 18 for 165 yards and 3 TDs and he added 97 yards rushing. The loss drops Chesnee to the third spot in the final Region standings.
DID YOU KNOW? With their win over Chesnee this past Friday night, Woodruff completed their first unbeaten regular season since 1984.
THE COLLEGE GAME OF THE WEEK had the Tennessee Volunteers scoring 24 points off of four South Carolina turnovers as the Volunteers rolled to a 31 to 13 victory over the 21st ranked Gamecocks. The Gamecocks lost three fumbles in their own territory setting Tennessee up for scoring drives of 43, 27 and 22 yards. Stephen Garcia also tossed a 4th quarter interception. South Carolina out gained Tennessee 365 yards to 341 yards, but lost the all important turnover battle 4 to 0. The Gamecocks fell to 6 and 3 overall and 3 an 3 in the SEC. The Volunteers improved to 4 and 4 overall and 2 and 3 in the SEC. South Carolina travels to Arkansas while Tennessee hosts Memphis this Saturday.
DID YOU KNOW? The South Carolina Gamecocks have never beaten Tennessee in consecutive seasons.
DID YOU KNOW? South Carolina has a 1 and 14 record all-time at Tennessee.
THE NFL GAME OF THE WEEK had Brett Favre returning to his old stomping ground in Green Bay as QB of the rival Minnesota Vikings. Farve completed 17 of 28 passes for 244 yards and 4 TDs in leading the Vikings to victory over the Packers 38 to 26. The Minnesota defense sacked Packers QB Aaron Rodgers six times. The Vikings are now 7 and 1 and holds a 2 game lead in their Division over the 4 and 3 Packers and Bears.
THE ARMCHAIR COACH went 17 and 3 in game predictions this past weekend. Total for the season is 131 and 45 for a percentage of .744.
THE WORLD SERIES has the New York Yankees winning the last three games to take a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in the series. The Phillies have a must win situation tonight if they are to stay in the series and send it back to New York.
Until Wednesday.
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