Not quite sure what a Baysox is, but the Bowie Baysox ousted the Trenton Thunder on Tuesday.
If you aren't sure of this team, they are the class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League. The team's home ballpark is Prince George's Stadium.
Among the highlights: 1. Bowie won.
2. With the victory, the Baysox improved to 72-52, tied with Akron for first place atop the Southern Division.
3. The fans voted the team the Baysox. Nationals came in second.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
1 P.M. — Vick Bradford Is The Man At Fairmont State
It didn't take long for Frederick Douglass grad Vick (actually Victor) Bradford to become the man at Fairmont State University (a Division II school in West Virginia). And apparently, after being thrust in as a true freshman starter late in the 2007, he is maturing into a bona fide D-II quarterback.
Bradford considers himself the next Tim Tebow: “Coach (Dumont) is working with me doing a lot of the same drills and things that Tim Tebow of the University of Florida does,” said Bradford. “We're working on drops, reads and progressions. That's going to be a big key for me. I know I need to become a better passer for us to be a better overall offense."
And as the recent article profiling the coming season states, Bradford is battling for the starting job with the guy he replaced: "A key to Fairmont’s offensive progression this fall lies in the hands of sophomore quarterbacks Vick Bradford and Derek Taylor. Both started at times last season as true freshmen and both enjoyed moments of success and moments of disappointments."
FSU (it has a nice ring to it) opens the season Thursday, Aug. 28 on the road against Clarion (Pa.) University.
Bradford considers himself the next Tim Tebow: “Coach (Dumont) is working with me doing a lot of the same drills and things that Tim Tebow of the University of Florida does,” said Bradford. “We're working on drops, reads and progressions. That's going to be a big key for me. I know I need to become a better passer for us to be a better overall offense."
And as the recent article profiling the coming season states, Bradford is battling for the starting job with the guy he replaced: "A key to Fairmont’s offensive progression this fall lies in the hands of sophomore quarterbacks Vick Bradford and Derek Taylor. Both started at times last season as true freshmen and both enjoyed moments of success and moments of disappointments."
FSU (it has a nice ring to it) opens the season Thursday, Aug. 28 on the road against Clarion (Pa.) University.
12:30 P.M. — Josh Haden Slated To Be A Star At Boston College
Friendly grad Josh Haden could have a huge year as the featured back at Boston College.
Among the highlights: Haden runs 4.37 40-yard dash and bench presses 350 pounds.
He got the BC logo tattooed on his chest. And his brother Joe has the Florida logo on his shoulder. Hope they don't want to transfer.
Haden admits to not knowing how to block: “It just had to be the number of plays thrown at you that was the toughest part. And the pass protection," he said. "In high school, protection wasn’t that big of a deal as it is in college."
Telling quote: "Man, I never have seen a kid come in with that dramatic of an entrance before, to where he just walked on the field and said ‘Let’s go play,’" said offensive coordinator Steve Logan. "He wasn’t intimidated." Dating back to his days as the East Carolina coach, Logan is a quote machine.
Haden is good too, “There’s a lot of pressure, though. I can’t mess it up now,” he said with a laugh.
Among the highlights: Haden runs 4.37 40-yard dash and bench presses 350 pounds.
He got the BC logo tattooed on his chest. And his brother Joe has the Florida logo on his shoulder. Hope they don't want to transfer.
Haden admits to not knowing how to block: “It just had to be the number of plays thrown at you that was the toughest part. And the pass protection," he said. "In high school, protection wasn’t that big of a deal as it is in college."
Telling quote: "Man, I never have seen a kid come in with that dramatic of an entrance before, to where he just walked on the field and said ‘Let’s go play,’" said offensive coordinator Steve Logan. "He wasn’t intimidated." Dating back to his days as the East Carolina coach, Logan is a quote machine.
Haden is good too, “There’s a lot of pressure, though. I can’t mess it up now,” he said with a laugh.
Noon — Largo Lions Trying to Improve on Undefeated Regular Season
As the month-old article states, Largo's boys basketball team is going to have trouble after losing Maurice Sutton (Villanova) and the majority of their team to graduation.
In the "not a good sign department," even Largo forward Malik Thomas admits they could have a tough season in 2008-2009: " ‘‘Guys just aren’t getting in the gym,” Thomas said. ‘‘The whole time that we’ve been here, our coaches have stressed hard work. As players, we have to reiterate the point to ourselves and get out and work hard. I think we’re real close to being a good team, but it’s been tough. We need the leadership of all of our returning players since we have a lot of guys who have just come up from [junior varsity].”
Another bad sign, "...the Largo ball-handlers struggled to get across the court without a turnover..."
Coach Lou Howard could have his work cut out for him.
In the "not a good sign department," even Largo forward Malik Thomas admits they could have a tough season in 2008-2009: " ‘‘Guys just aren’t getting in the gym,” Thomas said. ‘‘The whole time that we’ve been here, our coaches have stressed hard work. As players, we have to reiterate the point to ourselves and get out and work hard. I think we’re real close to being a good team, but it’s been tough. We need the leadership of all of our returning players since we have a lot of guys who have just come up from [junior varsity].”
Another bad sign, "...the Largo ball-handlers struggled to get across the court without a turnover..."
Coach Lou Howard could have his work cut out for him.
11:30 A.M. — Bowie and Fairmont Heights Hire New Football Coaches
Granted this article is almost three months old, but it still gives insights to the hirings of Pete Barham at Bowie and Derek Deane at Fairmont Heights.
"Barham replaces Jae Jackson, who resigned after last season. Jackson guided Bowie to a 19-12 record in three seasons, which included a 2006 postseason berth."
"Deane replaces Stefan Gansert, who left Feb. 6 to be an assistant coach at Eleanor Roosevelt under its new coach, Tom Green... Deane coached a semipro team in the early 1990s and also has coached youth football, but this is his first varsity head coaching job."
He's got his job cut out for him as "Fairmont Heights was 2-8 last season, only averaging 7 points per game on offense and allowing 32.3 points per game on defense." Ouch.
You almost need a flow chart to keep up with the new coaches: "New coaches since the 2007 season ended include Derek Tyler (Bladensburg), Brian Moore (Laurel), Dameon Powell (DuVal), Chris Davidson (Potomac) and Robert Harris (Surrattsville). Green moved from Surrattsville to Roosevelt and Eric Knight moved from Potomac to Crossland."
"Barham replaces Jae Jackson, who resigned after last season. Jackson guided Bowie to a 19-12 record in three seasons, which included a 2006 postseason berth."
"Deane replaces Stefan Gansert, who left Feb. 6 to be an assistant coach at Eleanor Roosevelt under its new coach, Tom Green... Deane coached a semipro team in the early 1990s and also has coached youth football, but this is his first varsity head coaching job."
He's got his job cut out for him as "Fairmont Heights was 2-8 last season, only averaging 7 points per game on offense and allowing 32.3 points per game on defense." Ouch.
You almost need a flow chart to keep up with the new coaches: "New coaches since the 2007 season ended include Derek Tyler (Bladensburg), Brian Moore (Laurel), Dameon Powell (DuVal), Chris Davidson (Potomac) and Robert Harris (Surrattsville). Green moved from Surrattsville to Roosevelt and Eric Knight moved from Potomac to Crossland."
11 A.M. — MdVarsity Recruiting Update
Probably the best high school recruiting Web site in Maryland (that's why ESPN scooped it up) gives it's latest report. Among the highlights, a couple of links that we already have in the fold, and the fact that "several athletes from Flowers have been receiving collegiate interest, other than stud linebacker Lorne Goree who is committed to Maryland."
And that "6-foot, 199-pound linebacker Brandon Killebrew has an official offer from the Naval Academy and several other colleges are circling.
According the Flowers head coach Mike Mayo, Maryland called the other day to let him know they are very interested in Killebrew. Ohio University has also been in touch to express interest. Mayo added that colleges are waiting on film from the team's first couple of games this season."
That's pretty much about it.
And that "6-foot, 199-pound linebacker Brandon Killebrew has an official offer from the Naval Academy and several other colleges are circling.
According the Flowers head coach Mike Mayo, Maryland called the other day to let him know they are very interested in Killebrew. Ohio University has also been in touch to express interest. Mayo added that colleges are waiting on film from the team's first couple of games this season."
That's pretty much about it.
10:30 A.M. — Bowie Teenager Is A Sweet Angler
Apparently, teenage girls like Bowie's Caroline Sweet are pretty good fishers.
Granted it's hard to find in the ever-exciting Lake Norman Times (what is there other than fishing?), but apparently there is a Junior Girls Championship division of fishing. Wow. We never knew.
The transcript: "Mooresville's Hayley Hammond - the winner of the North Carolina Junior Girls Championship in Greenville, N.C., last June - then lost to Caroline Sweet of Bowie, Md., 3 and 1 in singles during the second day.
However, the Carolinas team won four of eight singles matches and split a fifth to edge the team from Virginia and Maryland 6 1/2-5 1/2."
At least Sweet did her part. Question: How do you win a fishing head-to-head match 3-1? Hmmm.
Granted it's hard to find in the ever-exciting Lake Norman Times (what is there other than fishing?), but apparently there is a Junior Girls Championship division of fishing. Wow. We never knew.
The transcript: "Mooresville's Hayley Hammond - the winner of the North Carolina Junior Girls Championship in Greenville, N.C., last June - then lost to Caroline Sweet of Bowie, Md., 3 and 1 in singles during the second day.
However, the Carolinas team won four of eight singles matches and split a fifth to edge the team from Virginia and Maryland 6 1/2-5 1/2."
At least Sweet did her part. Question: How do you win a fishing head-to-head match 3-1? Hmmm.
10 A.M. — AFC North Blogger is from Hyattsville
This is supposed to be a high school and predominately college blog. Metro understands that. But sometimes locals make it to the big time, as former Hyattsville, Md. native and current ESPN blogger James Walker did.
Good for Walker. But is Cleveland an upgrade? We doubt it.
Some hard hitting analysis, which he must have learned at Temple or the Columbus Dispatch (ESPN in seven years... must be a pretty sweet ride):John (C-Town, OH): Is Sepulveda a body builder? Have you ever seen that guy? He is MASSIVE and he is a punter.
James Walker: I noticed that, too, John. Sepulveda is a workout warrior and pretty muscular for a punter. Good observation.
Thanks for telling us that he's a "muscular punter." I feel better.
Good for Walker. But is Cleveland an upgrade? We doubt it.
Some hard hitting analysis, which he must have learned at Temple or the Columbus Dispatch (ESPN in seven years... must be a pretty sweet ride):John (C-Town, OH): Is Sepulveda a body builder? Have you ever seen that guy? He is MASSIVE and he is a punter.
James Walker: I noticed that, too, John. Sepulveda is a workout warrior and pretty muscular for a punter. Good observation.
Thanks for telling us that he's a "muscular punter." I feel better.
9:30 A.M. — Gary Russell, Jr. Has Four Brothers Named Gary
Congrats to Capitol Heights' Gary Russell, Jr. for making the Olympic team. But he squandered the opportunity, and countless hours in the gym when he didn't make weight. After reading the article, you can't say he at least didn't work hard.
But the real question is why did Gary Russell, Sr. (and his wife) name all five of his sons the same name? How do they reference them? Oldest Gary? Little Gary? Middle Gary? Small Gary? Youngest Gary? At least it makes calling them home for dinner easy.
But the real question is why did Gary Russell, Sr. (and his wife) name all five of his sons the same name? How do they reference them? Oldest Gary? Little Gary? Middle Gary? Small Gary? Youngest Gary? At least it makes calling them home for dinner easy.
9 A.M. — Syracuse Loves P.G. County Corners
Eleanor Roosevelt grad Nico Scott and Frederick Douglass grad Matt Reid are both vying for the starting corner slots on Syracuse's football team.
Scott, who started two games last season will probably win one of the starting jobs, while Reid, who redshirted last year, should at least see time in nickel and/or dime coverages. At 6-foot-1, 195, don't rule out a possible change to one of the safety slots for Reid.
The real question is whether Syracuse's Greg Robinson will be coaching the Orange next season.
Scott, who started two games last season will probably win one of the starting jobs, while Reid, who redshirted last year, should at least see time in nickel and/or dime coverages. At 6-foot-1, 195, don't rule out a possible change to one of the safety slots for Reid.
The real question is whether Syracuse's Greg Robinson will be coaching the Orange next season.
8:30 A.M. — Dante Taylor Follows Sam Young to Pitt
It's a month old, but power forward Dante Taylor, ranked among the nation's top 30 basketball recruits by some scouting services, gave a verbal commitment to join the University of Pittsburgh's 2009 incoming class.
Taylor, who plays at National Christian (think Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant) in Fort Washington, Md. is actually from White Plains, N.Y., but when yet another five-star recruit spurns the Terps, it's big news. Apparently Charlotte, UConn, along with everyone else in the Big East were all over him.
Taylor, who plays at National Christian (think Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant) in Fort Washington, Md. is actually from White Plains, N.Y., but when yet another five-star recruit spurns the Terps, it's big news. Apparently Charlotte, UConn, along with everyone else in the Big East were all over him.
8 A.M. — Hindsight is 20/20 for Friendly
Heading into last season, everyone thought Friendly was going to beat down the whole state. But did they win the state championship? No.
Granted Lamaar "Flash" Thomas (now at Ohio State) made people forget about Joe (Florida) and Josh Haden (Boston College), but they certainly didn't finish 14-0. Always interesting to see people's thoughts, and how they can drastically change.
Granted Lamaar "Flash" Thomas (now at Ohio State) made people forget about Joe (Florida) and Josh Haden (Boston College), but they certainly didn't finish 14-0. Always interesting to see people's thoughts, and how they can drastically change.
7:30 A.M. — Derrick Williams Needs to Quiet Critics
Leaving Eleanor Roosevelt three years ago, Derrick Williams was considered the nation's top recruit. And then he surprised everyone by going to Penn State. Now as a senior, the once-heralded wideout hopes to finally meet his lofty expectations.
Consider his stats: "Williams had 1,121 all-purpose yards a year ago as a junior, the second-highest total on the team. He produced a team-leading 55 catches for 529 yards, but averaged just 9.6 yards per catch and three touchdowns."
The fact is that if he wants to get to the league, he'll have to do something for the stagnant offense. Plus, he's a co-captain.
"The real Derrick Williams will be there this year," he said."
Where were they the last two years?
Consider his stats: "Williams had 1,121 all-purpose yards a year ago as a junior, the second-highest total on the team. He produced a team-leading 55 catches for 529 yards, but averaged just 9.6 yards per catch and three touchdowns."
The fact is that if he wants to get to the league, he'll have to do something for the stagnant offense. Plus, he's a co-captain.
"The real Derrick Williams will be there this year," he said."
Where were they the last two years?
7 A.M. — DeMatha Junior The Next Tiger Woods?
*Note: Since we've been ignoring Maryland and the District, it's going to be almost exclusively Maryland coverage today. Sorry NOVA.*
DeMatha junior Jerrell Parrish will be the first African American to compete in the Euro Junior Golf Cup, a Ryder Cup-style international competition in St. Andrew’s, Scotland.
Just because Tiger Woods is the only black on tour and Parrish is well, the only black usually competing in golf (which is rather sad), Parrish hates the Tiger comparisons.
“To be honest, that does get a little old,” said Parrish, a resident of Glenn Dale. “I am a Tiger Woods fan. But he’s not the only player I like.”
And apparently, Jerrell is the baby. "Older brother, DaLawn Parrish, a football standout at Wake Forest, is head coach at Henry Wise High in Upper Marlboro."
DeMatha junior Jerrell Parrish will be the first African American to compete in the Euro Junior Golf Cup, a Ryder Cup-style international competition in St. Andrew’s, Scotland.
Just because Tiger Woods is the only black on tour and Parrish is well, the only black usually competing in golf (which is rather sad), Parrish hates the Tiger comparisons.
“To be honest, that does get a little old,” said Parrish, a resident of Glenn Dale. “I am a Tiger Woods fan. But he’s not the only player I like.”
And apparently, Jerrell is the baby. "Older brother, DaLawn Parrish, a football standout at Wake Forest, is head coach at Henry Wise High in Upper Marlboro."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
5 P.M. — Digital Sports Football Preview (Mount Vernon)
Digital Sports continues their 20-team football preview, this time highlighting the Mount Vernon Majors.
*Note: I have to give Digital Sports credit. If you check out their videos (hard to find), they are top notch. Personally, there is exactly where sports are going. It's the equivalent of a report on the 5 o'clock news at your whim. Check out the videos. Totally cool.*
This wasn't the hard hitting preview like some of the other schools, but Mount Vernon should be decent in Tom Glynn's fourth season. They run a triple option type offense and aren't fun to watch, but they win. And their line play is excellent (they return four starters).
At 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, Zach Quigley is huge.
I don't think they have enough athleticism to surpass a regrouping Edison team in the National District, but Mount Vernon will go far in the Division 5 playoffs. Metro is believing the hype.
*Note: I have to give Digital Sports credit. If you check out their videos (hard to find), they are top notch. Personally, there is exactly where sports are going. It's the equivalent of a report on the 5 o'clock news at your whim. Check out the videos. Totally cool.*
This wasn't the hard hitting preview like some of the other schools, but Mount Vernon should be decent in Tom Glynn's fourth season. They run a triple option type offense and aren't fun to watch, but they win. And their line play is excellent (they return four starters).
At 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, Zach Quigley is huge.
I don't think they have enough athleticism to surpass a regrouping Edison team in the National District, but Mount Vernon will go far in the Division 5 playoffs. Metro is believing the hype.
4:30 P.M. — Digital Sports Football Preview (Thomas Jefferson)
The nerds actually play football too. DigitalSports continues with their 20-team Northern Region football preview. Up next is Thomas Jefferson.
Tim Puvogel has a hard job. But he's still not doing a great job, going only 3-17 over the past two seasons. It's like being at a smart military academy, where there is high turnover and the kids have other priorities. But T.J. should at least be competitive.
What's with the coach not letting the reporters take video? It's not like you are good enough to big-league anyone. Football coaches are weird.
Telling quote: "When I was a kid and got to go home after summer football practice or between practices I'd go bail hay," said Thomas Jefferson coach Tim Puvogel. "I was from a farming area, so that's what I did. But now these kids say, 'Can I go to my NASA internship between practices?' I'm dead serious: 'My NASA internship.' And I say, 'Well, yeah! NASA? Yeah, I think you should go!'" Wow.
Tim Puvogel has a hard job. But he's still not doing a great job, going only 3-17 over the past two seasons. It's like being at a smart military academy, where there is high turnover and the kids have other priorities. But T.J. should at least be competitive.
What's with the coach not letting the reporters take video? It's not like you are good enough to big-league anyone. Football coaches are weird.
Telling quote: "When I was a kid and got to go home after summer football practice or between practices I'd go bail hay," said Thomas Jefferson coach Tim Puvogel. "I was from a farming area, so that's what I did. But now these kids say, 'Can I go to my NASA internship between practices?' I'm dead serious: 'My NASA internship.' And I say, 'Well, yeah! NASA? Yeah, I think you should go!'" Wow.
4 P.M. — Mia Hamm In New Video Game
How Mia Hamm continues to stay revelant despite not playing an ounce of soccer anymore is mind boggling. She made big-time news twice this week, getting into the umibilical cord blood business and now this: Hamm will be among several celebrities that will be featured in a new video game.
EA Canada's will produce Celebrity Sports Showdown (Wii) featuring an array of stars like Reggie Bush, Nelly Furtado, Sugar Ray Leonard, Kristi Yamaguchi and Avril Lavinge among others.
Among the 12 activities you can do with your little Avatar athletes: Beach Volleyball, Inner-Tubing, Rapid Fire Archery, Joust Duel and Curling. Now I can be Fergie and challenge Paul Pierce to a dodgeball match. I can now die.
EA Canada's will produce Celebrity Sports Showdown (Wii) featuring an array of stars like Reggie Bush, Nelly Furtado, Sugar Ray Leonard, Kristi Yamaguchi and Avril Lavinge among others.
Among the 12 activities you can do with your little Avatar athletes: Beach Volleyball, Inner-Tubing, Rapid Fire Archery, Joust Duel and Curling. Now I can be Fergie and challenge Paul Pierce to a dodgeball match. I can now die.
3:30 P.M. — Bitancurt Embarrasses Local Reporter
Recent West Springfield grad and likely the next kicker at West Virginia Tyler Bitancurt challenged a DigitalSports writer a game field goal kicking contest. You can guess who won.
First of all, we have to hand it to Phil Murphy, which got drilled in a H-O-R-S-E challenge with the best high school kicker I've ever seen.
Among the higlights:
1. This apparently was a two-day event. Why? Metro isn't sure.
2. It last 90 minutes. Even more puzzling.
2. Bitancurt drilled a 60-yarder. And missed another one that reportedly had five-plus yards to spare.
3. Murphy is a decent kicker and almost drilled a 50-yarder. Though he did whiff one.
4. West Virginia kicker Pat McAfee received death threats and had his car vandalized after missing two field goals against Pitt.
First of all, we have to hand it to Phil Murphy, which got drilled in a H-O-R-S-E challenge with the best high school kicker I've ever seen.
Among the higlights:
1. This apparently was a two-day event. Why? Metro isn't sure.
2. It last 90 minutes. Even more puzzling.
2. Bitancurt drilled a 60-yarder. And missed another one that reportedly had five-plus yards to spare.
3. Murphy is a decent kicker and almost drilled a 50-yarder. Though he did whiff one.
4. West Virginia kicker Pat McAfee received death threats and had his car vandalized after missing two field goals against Pitt.
3 P.M. — Gays Sweat Justin Spring
Metro happened to stumble upon this link (trust us), but apparently this gay blog has a hard-on for Lake Braddock grad Justin Spring.
Our favorite part of this blog. Definitely the pretty straight-forward poll question. Wow.
I wonder what Spring, and more importantly his mom (a school teacher) would think. Even though we do admit that gymnastics is a pretty homosexual sport, Spring a'int spotting his teammates for that reason. He has a girlfriend.
Our favorite part of this blog. Definitely the pretty straight-forward poll question. Wow.
I wonder what Spring, and more importantly his mom (a school teacher) would think. Even though we do admit that gymnastics is a pretty homosexual sport, Spring a'int spotting his teammates for that reason. He has a girlfriend.
2:30 P.M. — Vinall Heading To Richmond
Recent W.T. Woodson graduate Sarah Vinall will play lacrosse at the University of Richmond.
We know that it isn't exciting news, but girls lax needs some love every once in a blue moon. Highlights from the release:
1. Richmond has won the past three A-10 lax titles.
2. Vinall was amongst the top 100 High School Lacrosse Players by Sports Illustrated.
3. She was W.T. Woodson's 2008 Female Athlete of the Year.
We know that it isn't exciting news, but girls lax needs some love every once in a blue moon. Highlights from the release:
1. Richmond has won the past three A-10 lax titles.
2. Vinall was amongst the top 100 High School Lacrosse Players by Sports Illustrated.
3. She was W.T. Woodson's 2008 Female Athlete of the Year.
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