‘Hoos the ACC Champion?

The Virginia Cavaliers dominated Syracuse in the second half of the March 1 meeting. As they celebrated into the night with the vandalism of their own nets, they also jumped seven spots in the AP rankings.

Tony Bennett, the head coach of the Hoos, wore a face of pride and determination as he knew they were not done yet. Bennett has improved the Cavaliers’ record every year since first joining in 2008.

The ACC tournament begins March 12, where the Hoos will be the one seed and after Syracuse’s upset to Georgia Tech on March 4, North Carolina will be the two seed.

Before the tournament, UVA will play Maryland in a game that doesn’t mean much other than finishing off a one-loss ACC season. UVA will most likely their lower class-men as they will need depth in their squad for the ACC Tournament.

Here is the ACC standing as of March 5:

1. #5 Virginia

2. #7 Syracuse

3. #14 North Carolina

4. #4 Duke

5. Pittsburgh

6. Clemson

7. Florida State

8. North Carolina State

9. Maryland

10. Miami

11. Notre Dame

12. Wake Forest

13. Georgia Tech

14. Boston College

15. Virginia Tech

My prediction on UVA’s future is solely based upon their team’s determination. Superstar Joe Harris and Giant Akil Mitchell are Seniors and know this is their last chance to make a name for the Cavaliers. I think the Hoos will make it to the Semifinals where they will face a team like Duke and be eliminated in Overtime. I predict Duke and North Carolina in an in-state clash of the ACC title. The winner will become the number two in the country.

Redskins’ Name Controversy

Controversy among the Washington Redskins’ team name has recently erupted after NBC Sportscaster Bob Costas came on air to voice his personal opinion during halftime of the Oct 13 football game between the Redskins and the Cowboys.

In a poll of 1,004 adults, taken by the Associated Press in April 2013, 79% of people believed that the Redskins should NOT change their name. Two of these responding individuals were American Indian or Alaska Native although we do not know what their individual opinion was.

I do not think the Redskins should change their name. I agree with the 79% of people that thought the Redskins should not change their name. I think that  there need to be at least 40% of people against the name for the Redskins to spend money on changing their name and logo.

Many people have taken the Native’s opinions into their own hands and have said that the name is offensive to their culture. The term “redskin” refers to both the skin color of the native americans and  the torture of skinning Native Americans for a bounty. However, recent polling of  native tribes proves otherwise.In Sept 2004, the National Annenberg Election Survey polled 768 Native Americans. Of the 768 Native Americans 90% said the term “redskins” was not offensive.

If most actual Native americans don’t see this as a major offensive issue then I don’t believe the Redskins need to change their name. Also I see the name being honored if anything, when you think of an NFL player you think strong, fast, powerful, and fearless. These players also represent the team and name.

Recently Native Americans have taken to social media to voice their opinions. On twitter the hashtag “changethename” has been a link to their voices. Also the twitter account “Change The Mascot” has received 629 followers and houses over 800 tweets calling upon the Redskins to change their name and mascot.

UVA Star Coaches Local High School

Perry Jones,  former running back at the University of Virginia, has become the new running back coach for the Albemarle Patriots football team.

“Teaching  and coaching [are] somethings that I ultimately wanted to get into down the road,” running backs coach Perry Jones said. “I just thought this would be a good place to start and get a jump start on the rest of my life.”

Jones has recorded the ninth most all-purpose yards in UVA history, with over 3,700 yards throughout his career. Jones also became one of UVA’s four captains and earned a spot on the All-ACC third-team in 2012. Furthermore, Jones became one of UVA’s three seniors ever in UVA’s history to be invited to a postseason All-Star game earlier this year.

This year Jones has decided to exchange his helmet for a coaching headset, becoming Albemarle’s Varsity running backs coach and JV’s Offensive Coordinator.

“Perry being a former Running Back, a very good one, has brought in new drills, ideas, and mindset,” head coach Mike Alley said.  “He had instant respect from his backs.”

While  the coaches were excited to get some help, the running backs were excited to get a prominent new mentor.

“I was excited to have someone who is known widely for his skills as a running back to come and coach our varsity team,” junior running back Moses Boamah said.

Jones brings a work ethic refined through college and a prestigious high school football career.

“Coach Jones brings a higher level of insight and understanding to football, not only from his own personal level, a high school that had a very prosperous football program, but also from a college level. That gives us all an idea of not only what it takes to play at the next level but what it takes to perform better,” Boamah said.

Jones hopes to teach AHS students some principles that he learned while playing at UVA and throughout his previous high school years.

“He has taught us new fundamentals when it comes to running the ball,” Boamah said. “The little things that we thought did not matter, he has improved.”

“I have a lot of years in football with just watching it and knowing the game. I played in high school, got a scholarship, and played in college. I can share with these guys what I have learned over the years,” Jones said. “Something that a lot of high schools don’t have [is] a coach has that played at the college level.”

Along with his collegiate experience, Jones has brought an element of groundedness, helping the players prepare for the future, no matter what it entails.

“Statistics show that most of these guys are not going to go on to play college football,” Jones said. “However, it doesn’t matter if you do or you don’t; it is just a matter of whatever you do in life, go at it 100 percent and you will succeed.”

Regardless of Albemarle’s players’ future, Jones believes that the Patriots could go far this year with hard work, discipline and effort.

“He [Jones] has brought a lot of energy and experience to the team as a running back coach, pushing our running backs to their limits through drills and in game situations,” Boamah said. “He is a phenomenal asset to the team.”

Albemarle have already improved upon last years 0-9 record. The patriots are currently 1-2; however, Jones believes they can go farther than that.

“[Albemarle can go] as far as the team wants to go,” Jones said. “I think they can win the rest of their games. Right now we are 1-1 [as of Sept. 17] but I easily think we could finish the regular season off at 9-1 and go to the playoffs. It’s gonna be up to these guys ultimately, how well they want to play.”

2013 MLB Season Recap

This year’s baseball season wasn’t the most exciting but more emotional. Recently, Mariano “Mo” Rivera, Sandman, played his final home game in Yankee Stadium. With the Yankee’s disappointing miss of the postseason there was more than just heartache over Rivera, there was question of the Yankees future.

The six divisional winners include: Boston, Detroit, Oakland, Atlanta, St. Louis, and Los Angeles (Dodgers). Only one of the wild card slots has been secured [as of Sept. 26] that of which being Cincinnati.

The National League Central (NL Central) can be described as the best division and the worst division of the MLB. While the Chicago Cubs had another hopeless season, three out of the five teams reached the postseason.  The Cincinnati Reds secured one of the NL wildcard slots and the Pirates are competing for the NL Central title, however the loser of the title will still claim a wildcard slot.

Although not the most dominant, the most exciting division this year is the American League Central (AL Central). While the Detroit Tigers have already secured the AL Central, the Cleveland Indians are in a tight race for their wild card with some competition from their division rivals, the Kansas City Royals. Currently the Tampa Bay Rays and the Indians are the front-runners for the AL wildcard while the Texas Rangers are only one game behind the Indians.

Some rumors have been spreading upon the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP). With the outstanding season from the St. Louis Cardinals, many have speculated that Second Baseman, Matt Carpenter or even the All-star Catcher, Yadier Molina. However over in the AL the leading candidate is Miguel Cabrera, previous Triple Crown winner and Detroit’s clean-up kid.

My personal prediction for the World Series is a matchup between the Tigers and the Atlanta Braves. I think there will be six games and the Tigers will win it all.

2013-2014 NFL Season

I know we are more than a month away from opening kickoff of the regular season, but I will make my pre-season playoff predictions.  I will list who I think will be the top ten teams in each conference, only six make the playoffs, and see who is in, and who is out, of the playoffs.  (My order does not compensate for playoff seeding, only records)

                                                                                                                 AFC

10)  Steelers: I do not see how the Steelers can be good this year.  They lost a lot of players on the defensive side, and their star receiver, Mike Wallace.  It also does not help when you have to play the Ravens, Bengals, and up and coming Browns twice a year.

Projected Record:  8-8

9) Dolphins:  The Dolphins lost some key players through free agency in the forms of Karlos Dansby and Reggie Bush, but they added receiver Mike Wallace from the Steelers which gives an interesting twist to their offense.  With Ryan Tannehill getting another year of experience, look for the Dolphins to be a playoff threat, if not this year, in the years ahead.

Projected Record: 8-8

8) Chargers:  The Chargers were pitiful last year.  I expect them to turn it around this year.  They have a new head coach and a key offseason signing in Dwight Freeney.  They have some problems on offense though, mainly because their running back, Ryan Matthews, can not stay healthy.  Their signing of Danny Woodhead might compensate for that though.  The Chargers will make a push, but ultimately they will miss the playoffs.

Projected Record:  8-8

7)  Colts:  They made the playoffs last year, but they will have a tough time making it again this year.  They lost some big defensive weapons mainly in Dwight Freeney, plus Pat Angerer and Fili Moala were placed on the physically unable to perform list.  They did sign Ahmad Bradshaw who will help their offense when he is rarely healthy.   Andrew Luck will try hard, but I predict they will miss the playoffs by one game at most.

Projected Record: 9-7

6) Patriots:  I think the Patriots will`be very lucky to make the playoffs this year.  They lost almost all of their offensive weapons this season including Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch, and the notorious Aaron Hernandez.  Their starting receivers are Danny Amendola and Michael Jenkins.  If I were Tom Brady I would be sobbing.  They still have Rob Gronkowski, but he is not pprojected to play until late October.  They also still have running back Stevan Ridley, who rushed for over 1000 yards last season, but he has a hard time holding onto the ball.  On top of that, defenses will not be afraid to stack the box against the Pats.  Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will somehow sneak into the playoffs, but the Patriots are definitely on the decline.

Projected Record: 10-6

5) Chiefs:  The Chiefs look to start new with Alex Smith like they did with Matt Cassell a few years ago.  If you recall, Cassell led the Chiefs to the playoffs in his first season.  I think this team can be a threat with offensive weapons like Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe.  Historically, the Chiefs also have one of the best home-field advantages ever.  They also have a very successful new coach running things. All these factors plus a fairly easy schedule which  features games against the Jaguars, Raiders twice, and Browns, will push the Chiefs on the better side of the playoff  hunt.

Projected Record: 10-6

4) Ravens:  I have to say right now, the Ravens won the Superbowl because of three flukes.  The mistimed jump by Bronco’s Safety Rahim Moore, the unusual terrible accuracy of Tom Brady in the conference final, and the no-call on Michael Crabtree in the late minutes of the Superbowl.  They have lost the core of their defense, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.  On the offensive side of the ball they lost starting receiver Anquan Boldin.  Their only big name signing was Elvis Dumervil, a Defensive End from the Broncos.   I think the Ravens will come out overconfident and will not even win the AFC North.

Projected Record 10-6

3) Bengals:  The Bengals have shown gradual improvement since Andy Dalton took over as Quarterback, and I do not believe that improvement will stop this year.  I really like their core of solid young players in Andy Dalton, A.J Green, Tight End Jermaine Gresham,  and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.  Their defense was good last year, and it can only get better with the signing of former Steelers star James Harrison.  I believe that if they have not had one yet, this will be the breakout year for the Bengals.

Projected Record 11-5

2) Texans:  The Texans have not changed almost at all since last season.  The only notable move was the signing of Safety Ed Reed.  The Texans are not a very young team, but they are not an old one either.  I do not see any factors that can change the success of the Texans from last year to this year.  I’m sure this is fine with them though, they had a tremendous season last year and I will expect another tremendous season this season.

Projected Record: 12-4

1) Broncos:  I think the Broncos will have a great season this year.  They acquired Wes Welker from the Patriots, and drafted very promising Running Back Montee Ball from Wisconsin.  These additions paired with their 12-4 record last season make the foundation of what looks like a very promising season.

Projected Record 13-3

NFC

10) Saints:  I think the Saints lost most of their momentum last year, and it will be hard to regain this season.  Sean Payton will come back as head coach, but the skill level on the saints has gone down quite a bit.  Even with Drew Brees being arguably the best Quarterback in the league last year, the Saints could not sneak into the playoffs.  I think the Saints run is fading fast.

Projected Record: 8-8

9) Vikings:  On paper the Vikings should be better than they were in their playoff-run 2012 season, but I think a few things hold them back this year.  The first is Christian Ponder.  They did acquire Greg Jennings from the Packers, but I’m not sure Ponder can consistently get him the ball.  Defenses can also play up on Peterson because of Ponder’s inability to accurately throw the ball.  I think it all comes down to this.  If Adrian Peterson rushes for 2000 yards again, the Vikings make the playoffs.

Projected Record: 9-7

8) Buccaneers:  I think the Buccaneers will be the surprise team of the season.  I think Quarterback Josh Freeman will have a breakout year.  The signing of Darrelle Revis was huge, it single-handedly made the Buc’s defense Elite.   This is huge because now their offense will not have to play from behind as much and can play more conservatively.  Look for the Bucs to be right in the thick of the playoff chase by the end of the season.

Projected Record: 9-7

7) Lions:  The Lions will deserve to be a playoff team.  I think the only thing holding them back is their schedule which makes them play the Packers, Bears, and Vikings twice.  Along with the Bengals, Giants, Ravens, and Washington.  They have to play ten teams that finished 10-6 or higher last season.   This is just a little bit much to overcome for a young team with a new Running Back.

Projected Record: 9-7

6) Redskins:  With RG3 looking to be ready to play by week one the Redskins season looks bright.  I do not think they will be as good of a team as the Lions, they will just take advantage of an easier schedule.  Alfred Morris looked amazing last year, and I’m not sure if defenses will have figured him out by the beginning of next season.   Overall I think the Redskins will make the playoffs, but just barely.

Projected record: 10-6

5) Giants:  The Giants are just another of those teams that have not changed much since last season.  They did lose starting Halfback Ahmad Bradshaw though.  They did not improve their defense which was one of the worst last season.  Overall I think the Giants will barely sneak into the playoffs, but not do much when they get there.

Projected Record: 10-6

4) Packers:  The loss of Greg Jennings will really hurt the Packers.  Now they only have Jordy Nelson and the wildly inconsistent James Jones as their receivers.  They still do not have a very reliable running back either.  Nevertheless, the Packers have Aaron Rodgers as their Quarterback, and with him, anything is possible.

Projected Record:  11-5

3) Seahawks:  The Seahawks look primed for a great season.  Russell Wilson looked amazing last year, but this year he will actually have a decent receiver to throw to in the form of Percy Harvin.  Marshawn Lynch is a big part of their offense, and I think he is fitting the job quite nicely.  Their defense is pretty much impenetrable.

Projected Record: 12-4

2) Falcons:  The Falcons are better than they were last year.  Improving is hard when you go 13-3, but I think the Falcons will do it.  They signed perennial all-pro Halfback Steven Jackson who will improve the Falcons rushing attack which ranked 29th in the league last season.  Overall I think the Falcons will be a force to be reckoned with.

Projected Record: 14-2

1) 49ers:  As long as Colin Kaepernick proves he is no a fluke, I see no one who can stop the 49ers.  Their defense is amazing, and their offense is catching up very fast.   Anquan Boldin will be a big part in the passing game.  Overall I think the 49ers will be a force to be reckoned with.

Projected Record: 14-2

These are my predictions for the 2013-2014 season.

P.S The new pro-bowl format looks tight.  The two leading vote-getters will get to draft their own team.

Go Broncos

Is the MLS on the Rise?

The United States has always been dominant in sports. Well all of which except soccer. However, soccer’s popularity in the U.S. has greatly increased. This brings up America’s wimpy soccer league, the MLS. The MLS, Major League Soccer, has 19 teams, 10 of which are in the Eastern Conference and the other nine are in the Western Conference.

In the past years the MLS has gotten some big name players, although older in age. David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Robbie Keane are a few of the big name international players that have found a home in the MLS. These players, especially Beckham and Henry, have drastically increased the popularity of the MLS.

Recently the MLS has decided to add a few new teams such as New York City F.C. (NYCFC) and perhaps a Miami team. British powerhouse, Manchester City, has endorsed the creation of NYCFC along with the baseball dynasty, New York Yankees. NYCFC will be an official team next season. Along with NYCFC a Miami team is being concocted. Ex-Galaxy star David Beckham plans to form an MLS team after adding a clause in his final contract with Galaxy allowing him to create an MLS team at a discounted price of $25 million after his retirement. Beckham has been scouting the sporting facilities in and around Miami.

EPL Manager Mess

With all the management changes affecting the top teams next season’s English Premier League promises to be the most interesting in many years. Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement for a second time, this time though he appears to mean it. For 26 years he has monopolized the silverware, winning 25 trophies for the Red Devils – almost half of the honors they have achieved in over 100 years of football.
His replacement, David Moyes seems to be cut from the same cloth at least in temperament, however in his 10 years managing Everton he has not yet won any trophies, unlike Ferguson who had much success in Scotland before arriving at United. Although a good manager Moyes has some of the largest boots in football to fill. He now has access to a lot more money and far superior players but the expectations are also higher and his challenge will be to attract the top players and keep them motivated. In his defense he knows the English game very well and being friends with Ferguson will give him invaluable insights, but I still feel they will struggle to win the league next year.
The noisy neighbors Manchester City will also have new blood for next season. Mancini has finally been sacked after a disappointing year. After the spectacular last minute title grab of the previous season it was a surprise not to see them dominate this year. The team is still strong but the style of play is too unhurried for the premiership. You can’t wait for things to happen, you have to make them happen, Ferguson proved this time and time again, grabbing victory from the jaws of defeat so many times. Manuel Pellegrini is to replace him, unlike Moyes however he is new to English football so he will need some time to adapt, this may limit City’s success over the short term.
Chelsea will also change managers at the end of the season, Benitez’ caretaker role has almost ended and if the rumors are to be believed Jose Mourinho will be coming back to the club. If this proves true, Chelsea will be a serious threat, they are still one of the strongest teams in the league and Mourinho is respected around the world, as long as Abramovich stays away from the dressing room and allows Mourinho to manage I think they will be the champions next year.
As for the other teams I think it will be business as usual. Arsenal will play well but fall short as Wenger’s refusal to buy great players will cause them to lack the final punch when they need it most. Spurs had a great season under their new manager, we’ll now find out if he can maintain it. Brendan Rodgers is improving at Liverpool but there is much rebuilding to do there. I expect them to improve but not to mount a realistic challenge any time soon.
Next season can’t come soon enough!

Why Bosh?

Have you ever wondered why the Miami Heat signed Chris Bosh. Chris Bosh has a 6-year $99 million dollar deal greater than the deal of former NBA Finals MVP, Dwayne Wade. Chris Bosh is barely 7 foot, 200 LBS, and no physicality to match the centers of the NBA. Therefore, the Heat should trade Chris Bosh. Chris Bosh is not in his prime any more. Some of these deals could offer the Heat cap space and a future draft pick:

Option 1: Trade with Rockets

Chandler Parsons, Marcus Morris, Patrick Patterson, and a future 1st round pick for Chris Bosh and Mike Miller.

Option2: Trade with Cavaliers

2 Future First round picks, and Anderson Varejao for Chris Bosh and Mike Miller.

Option3: Trade with Pistons

Andre Drummond, 1st round pick for a Chris Bosh, and a 2-round pick.

2013-2014 NCAA Basketball Outlook

After a phenomenal year of college buckets to Kevin Ware’s horrendous injury, the outlooks for the 2013/2014 season seems to be changing rapidly. Big Ten will lose key power players, such as National Consensus Player of the Year in guard Trey Burke, projected lottery pick; Tyler Zeller, and a freak athlete in Victor Oladipo. The usual champions in Kentucky Wildcats will be stronger than ever, and the ACC will form a stronger conference to argument the Big Ten. As we advance through this article, I will project the seasons for the top 3 teams of NCAA landscape.

1. Kentucky Wildcats: Even before the letters of intent were signed, Kentucky had a caliber or potential to one of the most dangerous, and intimidation posing teams in the history of  college ball. Despite the fact that this roster will be incredibly young, John Calipari is a maestro of getting these super athletes to share the ball, and commit themselves to defense. Kentucky got a huge boost when solid sophomore in Alex Poythress announced his return for 2013. Lets discuss the incredible recruiting class of 2013. The Harrison brothers bring incredible size to the backcourt of the Wildcats. They are respectively listed at 6’4 230 lbs, and 6’5 220 lbs, bringing amazing athleticism that can transfer to the next level. Not only that but these guys are incredibly effective at penetrating to the paint and drawing fouls. Julius Randle is the headline of this recruiting class. Listed at 6’10 on ESPN’s Top 100 recruit list, he shot up the rankings, as he exemplified excellent atheleticism, and the ability to fight down low. Randle has the motor that constantly keeps running. Last of all, James Young, from the state of Michigan chose the Spartans over this NBA-class team. James Young has a tendency to linger away from the rim, but has the ability to drive, and pull up when necessary. If Kentucky can separate itself from injuries, teamwork issues, and upsets, they should be the clear favorite to win the tournament.

2.Michigan Wolverines- Call me a biased writer, but Michigan is just that good. Michigan had two unfortunate, yet bright stories, as Trey Burke, the Wooden Award Winner left for the NBA, and junior veteran Tim Hardaway Jr. declared for the draft. But let’s not forget the excellent, young team that is still in Ann Arbor. Nik Staukas, a freshmen was a clear top-10 perimeter shooter. Glenn Robinson is an  NBA-Bodied, forward that could finish dunks, and pull up occasionally at the three. Of course we cannot forget the great Mitch McGary. McGary was ranked no. 2 in his class, but due to his poor weight management, and knee injury, he dropped down the list. But near the end of last season, we saw why he was the prospect that he was. Mitch McGary had the ball handling of a decent forward, rebounding abilities of a center, vision of a point guard, and the motor of any superstar. Mitch McGary will live up to be the heart and soul of this team. Jon Beilein has several cut choices to make this offseason. Michigan have an excellent point guard coming in at Derrick Walton, who has the ball handling of Trey Burke yet a slightly less dangerous shot. Along with a lengthy swingman in Zak Irvin, both will have a great chance to contribute. Nonetheless, Beilein will have to decide whether or not to keep this perimeter, high-octane offense. Last Year, this team made up for lack of size in quickness. But with this freshman class, they can do the exact same, however, as we saw Jon Horford’s ability to rebound and defend the paint, Michigan can play a more traditional lineup. Despite the fact that this team cannot match the individual skills of Kentucky, Michigan has the groove and teamwork to be a 2014 tournament favorite.

3. Duke Blue Devils: Duke performed extremely well last year, with a incredibly shaky bench. Duke have an excellent class with the third Plumlee brother coming in along with the next Lebron, named Jabari Parker. Duke has a chance to prove its case as a powerhouse once again. Jabari Parker is 6’9, 250 lbs, with a 7’0 wingspan. Parker has the abilities to finish at the rim, elevate on jumpers, rip cross-court assists, and preform in the clutch like any superstar. In light of this superstar power, veteran ship, and experience all combined with the work ethics of Coach K, Duke has a very positive upside.

Keep in mind, the decision of number one overall player, Andrew Wiggins, will significantly influence this poll. He is considering UNC, Kentucky, and Michigan State. Other teams that have a significant upside include; Wichita State, Florida, VCU , UNC, Michigan State, UCLA, Arizona, Indiana, and many other great teams of the NCAA.

Copyrights:Feature Sports

BOSTON BOMBING UPDATE

After releasing the pictures of the suspects yesterday Boston police have already come into altercation with the two suspects who have been confirmed as being brothers. Last night police got in a shoot out with the brothers, killing one of them. The other described as “suspect number 2” or the suspect with the “white baseball cap” got away. Currently in Boston a manhunt has ensued for suspect number two. All of Boston is in lockdown and citizens are told to stay locked in their houses. The suspect is considered armed and “extremely dangerous”.