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Home , 2010 Senior Bowl, 2012 Senior Bowl, Aaron Hernandez, Junior Hemingway, Nick Toon, Steve Young

Vol. 4, No. 4 January, 2012 SPORTS X-TREME Lafayette Elementary School Washington, D.C. Tebow Time by Josh Taubman, 5JL At the beginning of the 2011-2012 season, wasn’t even supposed to be the starter. But Tebow has emerged into the NFL and has made his way to the big time. But that’s not where we begin… Tim Tebow began his football career at the University of and took over the starting job as a sophomore in 2007. Leading the Gators to a 9-3 record that year, Tebow earned the , becoming the first underclassman to do so. Tebow continued to roll in the 2008 season going 12-1 and winning the national championship over the Oklahoma Sooners 24-14, and was Tim Tebow with his successful in his senior year too. Heisman Trophy In 2010, the selected Tim Tebow with the 25th pick in the draft, and he started the last three games of his rookie season, going 1-2. After the Broncos started off 1-4, 2011 looked like it was going to be yet another disappointing season. The Broncos’ coach decided to make Tebow the starter over Kyle Orton. In his first game as a starter in 2011, he rallied the Broncos in thrilling fashion over the Dolphins. He lost the next week but Tebow-ing then led the team to an amazing 7-game winning streak, putting the Broncos into the playoff mix after such a terrible start. The whole time Tebow had the support of a lot of people. The defense was stepping it up big time as well as the offense which were rallying to Tebow. Tebow’s #1 fan was also helping him out and that was , the greatest Broncos . And then there were the fans. (This reporter is one of these fans). They supported Tebow throughout the entire run filling the stands and buying his jersey. And then there was the Tebow-ing. After Inside scoring Tebow would get down on one knee and pray. As he got more popular fans started doing this, SX Exclusive: Meet ...... 2 too, and it became a media sensation. Best QBs of All Time...... 3 The Broncos ended the regular season with BCS Bowl Game...... 4 three straight losses, and Tebow wasn’t playing so NFL OT Rules: Fair or Not?...... 5 great himself, but the team still made the playoffs. DC Adds 11-year-old team Psats...... 6 Tebow was ready to go. Cont’d p. 6 Superbowl Predictions: Giants or Pat...... 7 SX Exclusive: MEET RUSSELL WILSON! by Jonathan Barnes, 5N

Russell Wilson is one of the most amazing athletes in college sports today. Russell began his college sports career in 2007 at North Carolina State University where he played football and baseball. He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies while in college. After playing and baseball at N.C. State, where he was also graduated, Russell transferred to the University of Wisconsin to finish his college football career. This year, Russell led the Wisconsin Badgers to a record of 11-2 and the Big Ten Championship. He threw for 3,175 yards, 33 , and only four . Russell recently announced that he is pursuing a career in professional football instead of baseball and entering the 2012 NFL Draft. Russell is following his father’s footsteps. Russell’s father briefly played in the NFL before attending law school at the University of Virginia. Recently, while preparing for the 2012 , Russell took the time to sit down and answer a few questions for me. Jonathan Barnes: You played your last year of college football with Wisconsin, but you started playing college football with North Carolina State. Why did you leave N.C. State? Russell Wilson: I left N.C. State because I thought it was in the best interest of me and my family to leave due to being told I could not compete for the starting job any longer.

JB: Why did you choose to play football at Wisconsin instead of playing at Auburn? RW: I chose Wisconsin because of the pro style of offense, the tradition, the coaches, and most importantly the players there.

JB: How did you continue to play college football at Wisconsin after you graduated from N.C. State? What did you get your degree in? RW: Since I graduated in three years, NCAA rules allowed me to transfer and play right away. I got my degree from N.C. State in communications. I’m getting my Master’s degree from Wisconsin in higher education.

JB: You played both football and baseball in college. You were drafted by the Colorado Rockies on June 8, 2010. How did you play both football and baseball in college and then in the minor leagues with the Colorado Rockies? RB: I was blessed and fortunate enough to receive full scholarships and be drafted high. The reason why I was able to do both though was because I was determined to be organized and on time with everything.

JB: You just announced that you are not going to report for training camp with the Colorado Rockies. Why did you give up the opportunity to play in the major leagues to enter the NFL draft, when its more of a contact sport than baseball and you have a greater chance of getting injured, and you could have played with a really good player at the Rockies, Troy Tulowitski? RW: I am focusing on football because I believe this is where my true passion is for sports. I believe I can be a Hall of Fame football player. JB: What was your first favorite sport? RB: Baseball.

JB: I am an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, but I followed you all year. What was your favorite play of the year? What was your greatest achievement this year? RW: Favorite play was Montee Ball throwing me a pass! Greatest achievement was breaking the NCAA passing efficiency record. (191.8)

JB: What advice would you give to help a kid pursue his dream to play professional football? RW: Never settle. Always strive for greatness.

JB: At what age did you start to play football and baseball? RW: I started playing both sports at around the age of four. JB: Thank you for taking the time to let us learn more about you. Good luck in the draft. 2 Best QBʼs of all Time by Peter Colevas, 5JL

These QBʼs are all Hall-of-Famers and are arguably the best or maybe not the best at this level. Sometimes itʼs a matter of opinion. So. in reverse, order, here are my picks for the best five of all time.

#5. Steve Young is at number five, weighing 215 pounds and standing 6ʼ- 2ʼʼ. He was drafted by Tampa Bay and then picked up by San Francisco to play there the rest of his career. In his career, he had 232 TDʼs, 33,124 yards, 2,667 completions, and 107 interceptions. He was a very athletic QB that could really move in the pocket. His career was 96.8.

Steve Young #4 John Elway weighs 215 pounds and stands at 6ʼ-3.” After being drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the first round in ʼ83, he was traded to the Denver Broncos and played his whole career there. With Denver he threw for 300 touchdowns, 51,475 yards, 8,123 completions, and only 226 interceptions. Johnʼs fantastic trait was his mobility in the pocket. He had a 79.9 career passer rating. John Elway #3 is number three at 224 pounds and 6ʼ-4ʼʼ. He played his whole career with the and actually never won a ! He racked up 420 touchdowns, 61,361 yards, 4967 completions, and 252 interceptions. He broke many passing records that are still waiting to be broken again. His career passer rating was 86.4.

Dan Marino

#2 is number two, weighing in at 200 pounds and standing 6ʼ-2”. In his career he played 13 years with the 49ers and two with Kansas City. He heaved 273 touchdowns, threw for 40,551 yards, tossed 139 interceptions, and completed 3,409 passes. What sets Joe really away from the group is his four Super Bowl wins in ten years. His career passer rating is 92.3.

Joe Montana

#1 is number one, weighing 194 lbs and standing at 6ʼ-1”. In his career with the Baltimore Colts he tossed 290 touchdowns, 40,239 yards, 2,930 completions, 253 interceptions. He also had 34 fourth-quarter comebacks, and that is second best of all time. His career passer rating is 78.2.

I know I put numbers on these guys but no one really can. These are the best of the best, legends in the NFL. They will never be forgotten. Unitas--the best of the best--in his classic passer stance. 3 The BCS Bowl Games 2012 by Timothy Costello, 5N

ALLSTATE BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Alabama 21-LSU 0 This was the match-up that many sports journalists and college football fans didn’t want to see, as LSU had beaten Bama during the regular season. In this game, both teams never got their offenses going. At halftime the score was 9-0. When the third quarter came along, Alabama managed to score another two field goals, making it 15-0. Alabama went on to score a touchdown on the last play of the game, ending LSU’s winning streak and taking home the BCS National Championship. The amazing thing about this game is that the Alabama field goal kicker, Jeremy Shelly, kicked five field goals.

DISCOVER ORANGE BOWL

West Virginia 70-Clemson 33 With many claiming the Big East Conference champ doesn’t deserve a BCS bowl, West Virginia blew out Clemson and made fans and experts wonder whether the ACC Champ deserved a BCS Bowl. The result was a shocker to many people including this reporter. WVU QB Geno Smth threw for 406 yards and six TDs. Tavon Auston was unstoppable with 123 receiving yards and four TDs.

ALLSTATE

Michigan 23 - Virginia Tech 20 Another bad day for the ACC as VT lost a close one. Many fans thought higher ranked Boise State deserved to be in this bowl. Brendan Gibbons drilled a 37-yard field goal down the middle in for the win. Michigan QB threw TD passes of 45 and 18 yards to Junior Hemingway, the game’s MVP. VT had 377 total yards to Michigan’s 184 total yards. VT had 22 first downs while Michigan had to settle for 13.

TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL

Oklahoma State 41-Stanford 38 In maybe the most exciting BCS game, the high-powered Cowboys offense defeated the Stanford Cardinals. The Cardinals had 590 total yards while Oklahoma State only had 412. At the start of the fourth quarter, Jordan Williamson, the sophomore WR for Stanford, scored on a 30 yard pass play. OSU tied the game 38-38 to send the game into overtime. OSU kicked a field goal in overtime to win. Cowboys coach, Mike Gundy, dedicated the victory to the four people who died in the Nov. 17 plane crash, including Kurt Budke, Oklahoma State women's basketball coach, and his assistant Miranda Serna. BCS Bowls Coverage, Cont’d on P. 5 4 New Overtime Rules: Fair or Unfair?

by Josh Taubman, 5JL each team gets a chance no matter what the first team scores. The NFL decided to make a change to In the 2012 playoffs the Broncos and the OT playoff rules. For years the playoff Steelers got the first crack at these new rules. OT system was very unfair. The team that The Broncos won the coin toss and chose to got the ball first would usually drive down the receive. Usually, the team that kicks off is field, kick a field goal, and game over. The looking depressed, but this time the Steelers other team didn’t get a chance. didn’t seem to care as much. They knew that In the 2009 NFC championship game, if all went well, they would actually get a the Vikings and Saints went into OT; the chance. Saints kicked a field goal to win the game They didn’t get a chance. Tim Tebow and go to the Super Bowl. The Vikings didn’t connected with Demaryius Thomas for an 80- even get a chance. The NFL realized that yard touchdown catch and run, and that was they should change the OT rules. it. Even with the new OT rules, Pittsburgh was just shocked. This seemed exactly like The new rules are: the last playoff OT game. The other team *If the team that gets the ball first scores a didn’t get a chance!! touchdown the game is over. This reporter doesn’t like the *If the Defense causes a turnover and scores exceptions the NFL made so the OT could a touchdown or safety, the game is over. still be sudden death. If the rules are *If the team that gets the ball first kicks a field supposed to be fair and let each team get a goal, the other team gets a chance to score. chance, then why add a rule that still doesn’t *If the other team also kicks a field goal, then give the other team a chance? the game continues until one team has This reporter thinks that starting next scored more than the other with both sides season, for postseason OT games, the NFL getting a chance. should go with all of the college OT rules with At first many people believed these no loopholes!!!!! rules were just like college OT rules. If a So you decide. Are these rules fair or game goes into overtime in college football, unfair????? BCS Bowl Games, Cont’d

ROSE BOWL GAME PRESENTED BY VIZIO

Oregon 45 - Wisconsin 38

The last time Oregon won the Rose Bowl they defeated the University of Pennsylvania 14-0 in 1917. Besides the high- powered Oregon offense, the most interesting part of the game for the fans was the mirrored-finish on the Ducks’ helmets. They had 621 total yards, second most in Rose Bowl history. Both teams put out an amazing effort. LaMichael James rushed for 159 yards and an early TD in his college finale. Nick Toon scored a 16-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson that gave Wisconsin a 38-35 lead. But Oregon came right back and scored with Lavasier Tuinei to give the Ducks the lead, 42-38. The game ended with a 30-yard field goal by Alejandro Maldonado.

5 DC Dynasty by Aaron Rosenthal, 5JL

DC Dynasty is a travel baseball organization in DC. This year they fielded a team of 11 year olds. The roster includes four Lafayette students, Oliver Walke, Adin McGurk, Aidan Trinity, and Aaron Rosenthal. It also includes two Lafayette graduates. Sofia Ohanian and Isaac Frumpkin. Tryouts took place on October 17. The final roster went out on October 29. DC Dynasty was founded in 2001 by Antoine Williams. Williams is the president of the organization and is also the head coach of the Murray High School baseball team. Some of the other coaches are Coach Allen Gifford, the director of operations and little league contact, and London Hitchman, the general manager. Williams founded Dynasty because he thought that youth baseball players in DC didnʼt have as many baseball luxuries as kids in other states. Youth baseball players from all different leagues in DC come to play for Dynasty. They come from leagues like Capitol City, Northwest, and BCC. Last season Dynastyʼs 12-year-old team won the championship. DC Dynasty is an extremely-successful baseball organization. The teams range from an 11-year-old team to an 18-year-old team. The season begins in early March. Best of luck to the new 11-year-old team!

Tebow Time! cont’d from p. 1

Nobody expected Tim Tebow and the Broncos to beat the …but he did. The game went into overtime, tied at 23, and once again it was Tebow Time! On the first play from scrimmage at the 20, Tebow hit Demaryius Thomas who then ran all the way for the touchdown! So Tebow would live another day, this time to face the Brady-powered, #1-seeded . The first time Tebow faced Brady, the Broncos lost 41-23, but he would get another chance. And it didn’t happen. was boss, winning 45-10 over the Broncos, and Tebowmania was finally over…Or not. The Broncos announced soon after that Tebow would remain starter in the 2012 season. Tim Tebow is a great story that is thrilling and intriguing. This reporter thinks that Tebow will be back for more in 2012, especially if he has more practice time this offseason. Tim Tebow will be a whole lot better next year Tim Tebow chats with and take the Broncos to the next level. Tom Brady after their first meeting

6 Superbowl XLVI Predictions

Aaron Adin Goes Giants Picks Pats

Supermen. G-Men Boston ‘TE’ Party by Aaron Rosenthal, 5JL by Adin McGurk, 5JL

The New England Patriots and the The teams for Super Bowl XLVI have been New York Giants square off in Super Bowl decided. They are the New York Giants and the XLVI. Tom Brady, the Patriots QB, has been New England Patriots. The Patriots had a hard dominant in the Play-Offs, much like the game against the Ravens, but in the end, they won Giants defense. However, with defensive by three points. The Ravens nearly tied the game, monsters like Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre- but missed a last-minute field goal. Many people Paul of the Giants, it promises to be an say that the Patsʼ win was luck, but this reporter interesting match-up. Running back thinks the Pats played well. BenJarvus Green-Ellis of the Patriots has We move to the Super Bowl. This reporter never fumbled in his career. The G-men look believes that the Patriots will pull through without a to change that. repeat of their loss last time to the Giants in Super Coming off a rough game with the Bowl XLII. The first reason is their big-money Baltimore Ravens Tom Brady looks to light up quarterback, Tom Brady. Brady started with the the Giants secondary. After their stunning Patriots in 2001, and the Patriots have won three loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII, the Super Bowls with Brady. Pats will be playing with extreme aggression. Reason number two is . Wes With Pro-Bowler Devin McCourty leading the Welker has an average of 15 yards per play and is Pats secondary, the Giants dynamic duo of an overall great player. Reason number three is Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks will have more the Patriots running back, BenJarvus Green-Ellis. trouble than usual. Green-Ellis is a great running back, and he has This reporter thinks that both of these never fumbled the ball in his life. Even though the teams will rely on their defense in this game. Giants are known for stripping the ball, this reporter Although the Patriots have the most explosive believes that Green-Ellis will keep his record. offense in the league, the Giants are likely to Reason number four is the Boston “TE” stop them. The Pats defense will have to Party. New Englandʼs tight ends have been on fire toughen up. If it doesnʼt, the Pats only hope this season. Their names are Aaron Hernandez of winning the Super Bowl is a man named and . Gronkowski has a total of 20 Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski broke the touchdowns this season, 17 in the regular season record for the most TDs scored in one year by and 3 this post-season. He broke the record for a . He had a break out year, scoring touchdowns by tight ends in just one season. 17 touchdowns. Also, he has already scored Gronkowski is a high light in the Patriots offense three more in the post-season. This reporter and could lead them to winning the Super Bowl in thinks that this Super Bowl will be a defensive 2012. battle and that the Giants prevail, 17-14.

7 2012 Highlights: Sports X-Treme AFC Sets Record, Evens Series a publication of With NFC In 59-41 Win

The AFC set a new record for points by a Lafayette Elementary School single team in a Pro Bowl when they trounced the 5701 Broad Branch Rd. NW NFC, 59-41, at Aloha stadium in Honolulu yesterday. ` Washington, D.C. 2015 The AFC scored 21 straight points in the fourth Phone: 202-282-0116 quarter to break the previous record set by the AFC team that scored in a 55-52 shootout in the 2004 Pro Bowl. Receiver, Brandon Marshall, of the Miami Dolphins was the star of the show, catching six passes for 177 yards Go and scoring four Bears touchdowns to become the gameʼs MVP. (HIs third touchdown catch was particularly spectacular to see). Editor-in-Chief All the quarterbacks selected Josh Taubman for the Pro Bowl, , Ben 2012 MVP Brandon Roethlisberger, Contributors Marshall of the Miami , Philip Dolphins. Rivers, Jonathan Barnes , 5N and Andy Dalton, Peter Colevas, 5JL threw for 100 yards or more and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, Newton also threw three interceptions, Timothy Costello 5JB the last of which was returned for the AFCʼs final Adin McGurk, 5JL touchdown. Aaron Rosenthal, 5JL

Coming Next Issue... Advisors Exclusive interview with Afsheen Benab Lafayette’s three new Kathy Echave B-Ball coaches: Mr. Administrators Jackson, Mr Hover and Lynn Main, principal Michael McCoy, vice Ms. Gearin! Go Bears! principal

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