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SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2008 ’SATLANTA’S WEEKLY SPORTS SPORTS TALK TALK NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPER VOL 4 NO 37

SPORTS PERFORMANCE TRAINING Speed and agility • Strength and Power • Injury Prevention • Self-Confidence PRIVATE AND GROUP INSTRUCTION • Softball • Football • • Soccer • BIRTHDAY PARTIES, BAR MITZVAHS & SPECIAL EVENTS NEW! ADULT FITNESS PROGRAMS 2 GREAT LOCATIONS! EAST COBB – SPORTS A RAMA We Help Young Athletes Get Better ™ BUCKHEAD – TOP DOG SPORTS Fountains of Old Town • 736 Johnson Ferry Rd. 24345 Adams Dr. • Atlanta, GA 30318 Marietta, GA 30068 www.topdogsports.com 404.355.9700 770.977.9789 02 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

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™ STARTING LINEUP IN YOUR PUBLISHER/EDITOR I.J. Rosenberg FACE… MANAGING EDITOR Tad Arapoglou DIRECTOR OF SALES/MARKETING John Duke ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Gaudio GRAPHIC DESIGNER D.J. Galbiati WEBMASTER Alex Ewalt WWW.SCOREATL.COM VIDEO MANAGER/PREP EDITOR Scott Janovitz BUSINESS MANAGER Marvin Botnick SALES Zander Lentz, Brian Pruett 5 I.J. Rosenberg praises Arthur Blank, Thomas Dimitroff and the rest PHOTOGRAPHER Scott Cunningham of the Falcons organization for giving the city of Atlanta something OFFICE MANAGER Nakia Washington to cheer about. BEAT WRITERS Josh Bagriansky (Dream), Stephen Black ______(Silverbacks), Jason Boral (Thrashers), James Butler (UGA), Dave Cohen ( State), Johnny Crosskey 14 790 The Zone’s Chuck Oliver talks Auburn Tigers football. (Tech), Alex Ewalt (Preps), Erik Horne (Falcons), Scott Can the team prove preseason critics wrong and win the Janovitz (Hawks/Recruiting), Fletcher Proctor (Braves) title? STAFF WRITERS Cranston Collier, Joe Deighton, Keilah ______Johnson, Zander Lentz, Andrew McCarron, Corey Mitchell, Jessica Parker, Leighton Savary, Keafer Triplett, Derek Wiley 15 Mike Smith (pictured) and the Falcons emerged victorious in CONTRIBUTORS Dean Zindler, Kevin Dankosky, Mitch Evans, their season opener, so check out our beat page for full results Matt Judy, Tony Schiavone, Richard Diamond, Joe Haines, Brian Katrek, Chris Dimino, Mike Bell, Matt Stewart, Fred Kalil, Nick and photos from the game! Cellini, Phillip Leopold, Dave Marshall, Greg Smith, Steak Shapiro, ______Mike Cather, Beau Bock, Chuck Oliver, Hal Lamar, Chris Cotter, Matt Chernoff, Roy Hickman, Dave Cohen, John Olah, Jeff 22 The Fighting Championship held its pay-per-view Woolverton, Chris Voss, Bob Rathbun, Courtney Capps, Bill event last Saturday at Philips Arena and Stephen Black has Hartman, Chuck Dowdle, Shannon Alderman, Dan Kamal, Dennis all of the results. Scott, C.C., Hal Lanier, Jeff Batten, Micah Hart, Ben Wright, Alan Vasquez, Andrew Vedlitz, Brian Jones A SCORE UPDATE: SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mitch Albom, Dave Kindred, Barry Bloom Score is looking for more interns to handle everything from writing, editing, graphics, web work and webcasting as well as selling advertising. ™ SCHOOL For more information, call Tad Arapoglou at 404-256-1572 or email him LISTING at [email protected]. CHEROKEE/FORSYTH: Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, Forsyth Central, North Forsyth, Sequoyah, South Forsyth, West Forsyth, Woodstock COBB: Allatoona, Campbell, Harrison, Kell, Kennesaw Mountain, Lassiter, TEAM PAGES I COLUMNS Marietta, McEachern, N. Cobb, N. Cobb Christian, Pebblebrook, Pope, S. Cobb, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler BACK HOME: As proud as we were DEKALB: Chamblee, Columbia, Decatur, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, COVER DESIGN BY DAVID GAUDIO; COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF DON JACKSON/PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS. Lakeside, Marist, Miller Grove, M.L. King, Paideia, Redan, St. Pius to see the Falcons take out Detroit last Sunday, X, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Stone Mountain, Tucker there was one opposing player we couldn’t help FULTON: Alpharetta, Blessed Trinity, Centennial, Chattahoochee, but cheer for. Former Tech standout Calvin Douglass, Grady, Lovett, Mays, Milton, North Springs, Northview, 4 BABE OF THE WEEK 6 DUE UP-SCORE LIST 7 SPIN-C.C. Riverwood, Roswell, Tri-Cities, Westminster, Woodward Academy Johnson had a great game in his return to GWINNETT: Berkmar, Brookwood, Buford, C. Gwinnett, Collins Atlanta, hauling in a game-high seven receptions 8 GOLF-YEARS PAST 10 PANTHERS 12 DREAM 15 FALCONS Hill, Dacula, Grayson, Greater Atlanta Christian, Meadowcreek, Mill for 107 yards. We were happy to see Johnson Creek, Norcross, North Gwinnett, Parkview, Peachtree Ridge, South Gwinnett, Wesleyan pad his stats … and even happier that his team 16 BRAVES 17 HAWKS-THRASHERS-’BACKS 18 DAWGS did not win. Photo courtesy of Don Jackson/Photographic Arts. 19 JACKETS 20-21 CALENDAR 22 MEDIA-AD INDEX

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REMEMBER WHEN…

MAN IN CHARGE: Think Chad Johnson legally changing his last name to Ocho Cinco is odd? Don’t forget that former Braves owner Ted Turner (pic- tured) once asked Andy Messersmith, who wore No. 17, to change his last name to “Channel,” so his jersey would read “Channel 17” to help promote Turner’s TBS. Luckily, nixed that idea. Photo courtesy of Scott Cunningham.

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Blank, Falcons prove ‘nightmare is over’ and Johnson was right hire at Tech

hen it was all over Sunday and the tainly looks as though Johnson was the right carried the station when it came to the Hawks WFalcons had finished whipping the pick to replace Chan Gailey. and did so as well through some other tough Detroit Lions, I felt good for the team, espe- times. I hope someone else in town picks up

cially Arthur Blank. AND FINALLY … Leak immediately. He deserves a break. R Last season had been a nightmare for the The Zone will add former Georgia great Falcons’ boss and his franchise. What David Pollack to their afternoon show, putting AND FINALLY ONE MORE TIME … E

Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino put the team the former first-round NFL pick in the studio I just have to point out that I was 3-0 on my V and this city through was despicable. with Mike Bell and Chuck Oliver. Now, this local predictions this weekend, going with the But the cloud has finally lifted and the should be interesting, though Pollack sounded Bulldogs, Yellow Jackets and Falcons. I needed O good in the few auditions he did. The key for that and, by the way, Chris Dimino, one of the pieces Blank has put in place appear to be in C good working order. him is not to sit there and just answer questions morning guys over at 790, spent last week talking but actually be one of the hosts, setting topics about how Detroit was going to come in here and

His new general manager, Thomas E Dimitroff, watched his free-agent signings and certainly giving an athlete’s perspective on kill the Falcons. While Dimino joins Chuck and draft picks help carry the team against what is going on. The move on Pollack is in Oliver as the most knowledgeable hosts over at H the Lions. T His new head coach, Mike Smith, and

his staff devised a gameplan that led to 21 N first-quarter points and then held up against a pretty good passing offense. O His new quarterback, Matt Ryan, not only threw a touchdown on his first official Right now, Atlanta fans are on Cloud 9. NFL pass, but made very few mistakes in a game in which the Lions came flying back in In their first games as Falcons, Michael the second quarter. Turner torched Detroit’s defense for And finally, his big free-agent signing, 220 rushing yards and two touch- the former San Diego backup Michael downs, while rookie Matt Ryan (pic- Turner, looked every bit as good as any back that took the field in the first week of the tured) threw a touchdown to Michael NFL season. Jenkins on his first NFL pass. This While it was just one victory and they Sunday, the Birds the road to face will face a tough Tampa Bay team on the the Tampa Bay Bucs. Can the team con- road this Sunday, I think everyone can see a team that definitely has the blocks in place to tinue its momentum and pick up a key build for the future. Because I do a three- early-season win over an NFC South hour radio show on 790 The Zone during the rival? The above photo of Ryan and Falcons games, I didn’t get to see Blank cover shot of Turner are each courtesy afterwards. But knowing him and reading some of the reports, I heard he was one giddy of Don Jackson/Photographic Arts. man – and he deserves it. A self-made bil- lionaire who has put endless energy and STANDING ROOM ONLY: Falcons fans came out in full force last Sunday to watch Atlanta kick off the season on changes it makes, keeps building up the hopes of money into this franchise (and Arthur, great the right foot with a victory over Detroit. Oddly enough, the game was in danger of missing out on a sellout just its lifelong fans and smashing them to job on the new-look Dome), Blank had to hours before Thursday’s deadline. Luckily, the remaining tickets were purchased and with the energy in the stands smithereens.” Ochten must be an AJC subscriber. On another note, friend Mitch Albom of sleep well Sunday night, perhaps for the first and solid play on the field, expect to see a lot more sellouts this season. Photo courtesy of Don Jackson/Photographic Arts. time in almost a year. He certainly has this the Detroit Free Press was in town Sunday and franchise, an organization filled with good wrote this about his Lions: “Did that really people and no DeAngelo Halls, going in the CATCH I.J. ON SUNDAYS happen? Was it really that awful? Shut it down right direction. before it worsens. It’s a joke. It’s a tragedy. It’s Yes, for all of us that love football in as depressing as the Kwame thing, but not as ‘[Arthur] Blank had to sleep well Sunday night, perhaps for the first time interesting. There are few truisms in the NFL, Atlanta, the nightmare is finally over. but one of them is this: When the Atlanta in almost a year. He certainly has this franchise, an organization filled Falcons put a whupping on you, it’s time to IS TECH FOR REAL? … close shop. Oh, wait. You can’t. That was just The Jackets won a huge game Saturday by with good people and no DeAngelo Halls, going in the right direction.’ the season opener. Somebody knock me out. beating Boston College and, amazingly, under Wake me up when this is over, if this—mean- new head coach Paul Johnson, have a real response to 680 The Fan’s afternoon duo of John the station, I guess he forgot that Detroit is ing the 2008 Lions season—is going to be as chance of going into the Oct. 18 game at Kincade and Buck Belue, another Bulldogs leg- Detroit. I did a little checking and the last time bad as it was in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon.” Clemson at 6-0. The next two games, against end. Kincade and Belue have made a name for they had a winning record was in 2000 when I love Albom and we go way back, but Virginia Tech and Mississippi State, suddenly themselves during the afternoon drive, while the Bobby Ross was their head coach. And by the even the best of them sometimes forget it’s just look winnable and meetings at home against Zone is still trying to find the right mix for the way, check out our box on page 22 about the the first game in a season of 16. Duke and Gardner-Webb shouldn’t present time. I will say that, while 790 is a close partner AJC’s Terence Moore saying D.J. Shockley Rosenberg can be heard every Sunday much drama. It may be asking too much, but of ours at Score, I was very disappointed to see should get his chance at playing time. As usual, during the Falcons game on 790 The Zone, as Virginia Tech looked terrible over the weekend them let Brandon “Hometeam” Leak go. While nice timing Terry. Perhaps you should have taken Score hosts a three-hour NFL Scoreboard against East Carolina and MSU has been slow all radio stations are getting whacked when it that buyout the paper offered you and headed to show. This week the show will go from 4-7 p.m. coming out of the gate. I am hearing that comes to their advertising revenue and many are Detroit where you would fit in great with The and will include NFL scores every 10 minutes Johnson has totally changed the mindset over cutting as a result, the release of Leak was a mis- Grand Rapids Press and writer Brian Van as well as discussion on high school and col- at Tech and is a tireless worker (his staff as take. The kid, while not yet a star, was a work- Ochten, who after Sunday’s game wrote about lege football. Rosenberg can be reached at well) when putting together a gameplan. It cer- horse and constantly did his homework. He also the Lions, “It’s a franchise that, regardless of the [email protected] and 404-256-1572.

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HOTTEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO OVER THE SCORE LIST DUE UP NEXT SEVEN DAYS BY TAD ARAPOGLOU BY JOSH BAGRIANSKY

HOT START: I wish Matt Millen was the GM of every team except the Falcons; we’d WEDNESDAY Braves vs. Colorado. 94.9 The Bull/640 AM. FSN South. win the Super Bowl every year. I knew this offense could be explosive and though the The defending NL champs have shown signs of life recently, but it is like- 1 Lions aren’t great, expect more big wins for the Birds. It’s gonna be a fun year. ly too late to reach the playoffs. Can the Braves deliver a blow to last season’s surprise team? First pitch is at 7 p.m. SUPRISE FINISH?: Miami lost by 23 to Florida, Virginia Tech struggled with 10 Furman, Clemson was embarrassed by Alabama in Week 1 … is it that out of the THURSDAY 2 question to think Tech could win the ACC? Not if Jonathan Dwyer keeps up at this pace. Dream at Los Angeles. 1230/1340 AM. NBA TV. The inaugural Dream season is slowly coming to an end. Make sure to STILL TWO: USC jumped to No. 1 after beating Virginia by 45 as Georgia “only” tune in as the team faces Lisa Leslie and the Sparks at 10:30 p.m. The beat Georgia Southern by 24. Then last week, UGA beat C. Michigan by 39 and USC 11 team’s final game is on Friday at Seattle at 10 p.m. 3 didn’t play. Shouldn’t Georgia be No. 1 again? Early-season rankings are ridiculous. FRIDAY FLYING HIGH: Speaking of “jumping” and “Georgia,” Knowshon Moreno’s leap High School Games of the Week. 790 The Zone/GPB. over a Chippewa defender will end up being one of the top five plays of the year. Collins Hill and Chattahoochee face off in 790’s Game of the Week, while 4 Hopefully he and the Bulldogs can equally embarrass Steve Spurrier this Saturday. two defending state champs in Northside-Warner Robins and Carver- 12 Columbus meet on GPB.org. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. SAYING GOODBYE: Chipper Jones takes his final trip to Shea Stadium this week – and he’ll miss it as much any Mets fan. Jones has hit more homers there (19) than SATURDAY anywhere outside of Atlanta and even named one of his sons Shea after the stadium. Bulldogs at South Carolina. 750 AM. CBS. 5 After a couple of “scrimmages,” it’s time for the real games to start. INSTANT CLASSIC: If you can’t make the trip to Columbus on Friday night, make Beating the Ol’ Ball Coach is always a difficult task – UGA realized that sure to tune in to GPB.org when Carver faces Northside-Warner Robins. Two defend- 13 after last season’s defeat. Catch all the action beginning at 3:30 p.m. 6 ing state champs and a boatload of top recruits – does it get any better than that? SUNDAY ROUGH PICKS: I’m the jinxmaster. Not only did I pick “Beanie” Wells to win Falcons at Tampa Bay. 92.9 Dave FM. FOX. the Heisman, I also picked Tom Brady to win the MVP. Both suffered bad injuries If the Falcons are planning on proving the critics wrong, beating a division 7 in their first games. I will now avoid picking anyone in Atlanta to succeed. Ever. foe on the road would be a good place to start. Anything can happen in this 14 bitter rivalry, so you won’t want to miss it. Kickoff is at 4:05 p.m. BIG FLOP: Last week, Alex Rodriguez said people were lucky was “not in the playoff race.” But at press time, Toronto was a half-game ahead of the Yankees. MONDAY vs. Dallas. ESPN. 8 I forget – how many World Series have the Yanks won since A-Rod showed up? Speaking of division rivalries, they don’t get much hotter than this. The Cowboys NEXT TIGER?: Moreno’s aforementioned highlight was a great one, but an even had much more success last year, but these teams have a long history of hating bigger accomplishment took place last week: Illinois native Drew Gray hit a hole- 15 each other. Get ready for some Monday Night Football at 8:30 p.m. 9 in-one on a 75-yard hole. Why is this amazing? Gray is a 5-year-old kindergartner. TUESDAY Braves vs. Philadelphia. 94.9 The Bull/640 AM. SportSouth. NO WINNERS: MTV’s VMAs used to be fun but now it has just become another With just two more series left to play at Turner Field, get out and support 10 lame award show. Last week’s was terrible – why have some British “comedian” the Braves as they try to do some damage to the Phillies’ playoff aspira- no one knows host the show? At least Britney Spears is officially hot again. 16 tions and take them out of the division race. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

Atlanta Falcons Moreno/Dwyer Meadowcreek football What an enjoyable season opener. Matt The sophomore RBs have looked The Mustangs had not won since Oct. Ryan (pictured) threw a touchdown on his great through two games. Georgia’s 31, 2003 – a total of 43 straight loss- Knowshon Moreno has 227 yards es. But the Gwinnett-record skid final- very first pass, the running game broke a and six touchdowns, while Tech’s ly ended last Friday when franchise record with 318 yards and Jason Jonathan Dwyer has 220 yards and Meadowcreek beat Duluth 24-14, THUMBS UP TO Elam nailed two field goals—including a three touchdowns, including the thanks to Sean Frezell’s 313 passing A GREAT START 50-yarder—in a 34-21 win. game-winner against Boston College. yards and two touchdowns.

Mike Mercer Chuck Liddell The former Georgia basketball star was The Ultimate Fighting legend Mike Hampton (pictured) gave up four returned to the octagon last Saturday arrested in Tampa, Fla., last Saturday for home runs on Saturday and the at Philips Arena but it was Rashad Braves lost a heartbreaker in 10 public consumption of alcohol. Mercer was Evans who landed an overhand right innings to Washington. Then on kicked off UGA’s team last November for to drop Liddell and win the match. Sunday, the Braves blew a 4-1 lead to THUMBS DOWN TO being a “disruption” and has since trans- Liddell has now lost three of his last eventually lose in 14 innings. Can it ferred to South Florida. four fights, falling to 21-6. get any more frustrating? LATE LOSSES

CRUNCHING THE SANITY NUMBERS LPGA CAVES; VIJAY EXCELS AT LAST It didn’t take long for the LPGA to at THE TOUR Championship and he will reverse field on its policy to make English a win the $10 million. That is not to say “I always wondered what .861 Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson’s win- must for tour members. The policy last- there won’t be drama at East Lake. it would feel like to break ning percentage at Georgia ed about a week. The TOUR backed Vijay could become the first play- Southern (62-10) down when the policy was heavi- er to win three of the four play- a record. I didn’t even ly criticized, and lawsuits were off events. The win is a lot of threatened. But, why back down official money for whoever know I was close to .644 Johnson’s winning now? Did they not anticipate wins. And I want to see how breaking a record today, percentage at Navy (49-29, five criticism and lawsuits? I would the new greens look. Any golf eight-win seasons) have thought that they would have at East Lake is worth watching. it just happened.” at least put enough effort into the Brian Katrek can be heard on plan to make it last longer than a week. It 790 The Zone’s “On The Green with - Falcons RB Michael Turner .307 Average winning leaves me scratching my head. Brian Katrek” Sundays from 8-9 a.m. after breaking the team’s percentage increase in Johnson’s Vijay Singh has locked up the and can be reached at single-game rushing record second years at GSU and Navy FedExCup. All he has to do is finish last [email protected].

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Braves, Falcons, AMS give back and Phelps to go live on Saturday Night OCHO CINCO: CHECK THIS OUT! A REAL ZERO The Beijing Summer Olympics have He did it. I can’t believe he actually did come and gone, and now you have a it. The football player formerly known as chance to see some of the athletes up Chad Johnson is now legally referred to as close and in person. The 2008 Tour of Chad Ocho Cinco. Gymnastic Superstars offers fans a Chad has gone from a funny, enter- chance to see one-of-a-kind live per- taining wide receiver to an egomaniacal formances from stars of the sport such diva in just a matter of one season. The as Paul Hamm and gold medalists transformation is really amazing when Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson! You you think about it. I’ve never, ever won’t want to miss watching these ath- cared about where the Bengals finished letes, so mark your calendar for Friday, a season, but now I’m whole heartedly Oct. 17, and check them out at Philips rooting against them. I hope they don’t Arena. The fun all starts at 7:30 p.m. win a game. It’s nothing against the Tickets are going fast, so get your tick- team; I just want Ocho Cinco to look ets today by visiting Ticketmaster.com even more ridiculous than he already or calling the Philips Arena box office does. Although at this point I’m not at 404-878-3000. Prices are as low as even sure that’s possible. $29.50, and lower level and floor seats Chad needs guidance or quite possi- CLEARED FOR LANDING: Only two games have been played in Athens and we have already seen what may turn are still available as well! For more bly professional help. What if the out to be the season’s top highlight. In an incredible display of agility, Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno found a hole in the Central Michigan defense and when defensive back Vince Agnew went for the tackle, questions about the gymnasts or the Bengals were to trade him to the Detroit Moreno did his best Superman impression and hopped over him. The Chippewas had trouble with Moreno all tour, visit www.gymnasticssuperstars.com. Lions or the St. Louis Rams? They’ve day, as he tallied 168 yards and three touchdowns. Photos courtesy of Rob Saye. both retired the number 85. I’d love for him to have to go through the trouble of HERE’S THE SCOOP ... changing his name all over again. For Compiled by Scott Janovitz now, we’re stuck with Ocho Cinco. He ith Tropical Storm Hanna affecting last Thursday it was announced that Atlanta POST-OLYMPICS … made his debut under his new surname Wmany along the Eastern seaboard, Falcon Jonathan Babineaux will serve as a Just in case you didn’t get enough of Atlanta Motor Speedway has opened its spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation of Michael Phelps during the 2008 Beijing this past weekend and had a less than doors to help aid those displaced by the hur- America, Georgia Chapter. Babineaux will Olympics, the swimming star will be perform- stellar outing: one reception for 22 ricane-like weather. “We always want to help raise money to treat and awareness for ing for the nation once again when he hosts the yards. That’s not exactly the kind of per- extend a hand to those in need. This is some- lupus, a disease that affects 55,000 season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” this thing simple we can do to payback many Georgians and more than 1.5 million formance you would expect from some- coming Saturday on NBC. Though the sketch who have supported our events and others Americans. On Monday, Sept. 22, the comedy show presents a far different chal- one who had the nerve to change his forced to flee their homes,” said Atlanta LFAGA is hosting its first annual “Drive for lenge than the swimming pool, Phelps says he government name to numbers. I’m sure Motor Speedway president and general Lupus Now” Golf Tournament at Towne is “more excited” than nervous for his debut Ocho Cinco won’t have too many games manager Ed Clark. “We have done this in Lake Hills Golf Club. To get involved or for comedic performance. The 14-time Olympic the past that has been utilized and well more information, call 770-333-5930. gold medalist has also made headlines lately like that one, but I sure hope he does. received by those forced to flee encroaching by lobbying for to win the 2016 Chad changing his name shouldn’t storms.” The Speedway will provide facili- NEW RULES … Summer Games. Phelps recently appeared on bother me as much as it does, but I can’t ties to both campers and RVs, including A big change in the women’s tennis the season premiere of “The Oprah Winfrey shower facilities. For additional informa- rulebook was announced last week, as the Show,” which is taped in Chicago, and help it. It’s just so unbelievably ridiculous. tion, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway coaches of players will now be able to visit Chicago Olympic organizers are banking on On a more positive note, the ticket office at 1-877-9-AMS-TIX. them on the court during WTA Tour match- the athlete’s support of their bid. Falcons looked really good against the The Atlanta Braves will continue their es. The new rule will go into affect begin- In other Olympic news, the Detroit Lions. It’s only one game, but philanthropic ways this Thursday when they ning next year. According to Tour CEO International Olympic Committee is current- hold their Power Lunch at Maggianos in Larry Scott, the main motivation for the rule ly investigating the silver and bronze medal- Falcons fans have to feel a little bit bet- Buckhead. The lunch, presented by Publix, change was television, as fans will now ists in the men’s hammer throw for suspect- ter about the team. If Matt will give Braves fans the opportunity to enjoy receive more insight into the game and its ed doping offenses. Allsport, a Russian news Ryan and Michael Turner lunch with Braves players, coaches and radio many varying strategies. To have on-court agency, is reporting that Belarusian athletes personalities. Guests will enjoy a buffet lunch access to their players, coaches must agree Vadim Devyatovskiy and Ivan Tsikhan test- (who rushed for over 200 and will receive a gift bag with an auto- to wear microphones during the action. For ed positive for traces of testosterone after the yards) can play that well all graphed item from one of the luncheon par- doing so, they will be allowed one visit per hammer final on Aug. 17. According to IOC season long, they might ticipants. The event begins at 12 p.m. and set and will also be allowed on the court spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau, a disci- not be so bad. tickets are $35 for one or $315 for a table of when an opponent is taking a medical break. plinary commission will meet at the end of 10. All proceeds from the benefit will go The new rule is particularly newsworthy in a the month to hear the case. As of now, both C.C. can be reached towards the Atlanta Braves Foundation. sport that, in the past, has greatly limited the athletes are denying all allegations. If found at [email protected]. Keeping with the theme of giving back, roles of coaches during matches. guilty, both will be stripped of their medals.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 08 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

FedExCup has little drama remaining hanks, FedEx. You’ve hung THE TOUR Harrington told the media after The BMW TChampionship out to dry yet again. The first Championship that he didn’t deserve to be in two years of this “Race for the Cup” have been Atlanta after missing two cuts and playing a complete bust – except for Tiger and Vijay, of poorly in St Louis. Sorry you won’t be here, course. All the advertising about your $10 mil- Paddy, but you’re right. lion prize to the winner and the excitement it will bring, and how hard the players will be WHAT’S IN STORE … pushing to win The Cup, comes down to this – So now what? We here in Atlanta, at least it’s over before the Championship round begins. 25,000 of us each day, can go out to East Lake Even a mental picture of $9 million in cash Golf Club and see some really great golf on being wheeled out to the winner’s feet, which one of the best golf courses in the world. won’t happen, isn’t enough to make anybody Brand new greens will be in perfect condi- look past the fact that there is no competition for tion. Reconstruction of several holes will “the big prize” in the final tournament. make for some very interesting play. If you’re not familiar with the format, All the hype, however, has been taken players accrue points over the length of the away before it came to fruition. We already season, then the top 144 are given entry into know that all Vijay Singh has to do is show the first week of the playoffs, and the points up and he will have the prize. He will col- are reset, starting with the No. 1 guy, Tiger lect 2,000 points and will be out of reach Woods, getting 100,000 points. Yes, 100,000 of Camilo Villegas, who, if he wins and points to a guy who hasn’t hit a ball since Singh finishes 30th, will be 101 points out June and nobody was able to overtake his top of first place. spot. The fields were then whittled down to There is no “drama” going into the final 120, then 70, and now 30 for THE TOUR week. There is still $7 million on the table for Championship. The theory being that a num- THE TOUR Championship (presented by ber of the very best and hottest golfers in the Coca-Cola), $1.26 million going to the winner, world would be in contention for the big so these guys will still be grinding it out to win, prize and bring their A-games to Atlanta. but they will be doing it without all the com- Last year, players at the bottom of the mercials and hype that FedEx has promised. 144 complained that the points were too I’ll still be there – and I hope you will spread out and they practically had to win to be, too. East Lake, and THE TOUR move on to the next week. This year, it was Championship, is a treat all its own, and see- the guys at the top complaining because it ing how some of the best golfers in the world was too easy to move up the ladder. Right play it makes it even more spectacular. So away, THE TOUR and FedEx can’t win. forget the hype and enjoy the experience. A quick word to those doing the com- That’s what golf is really about anyway. plaining – play better and the guys below you Capps can be reached at won’t be able to move ahead of you. Padraig [email protected].

Compiled by ErikTad ArapoglouHorne SEPT. 10-16 were outgained in Eddie Plank and Lefty 2007 – Falcons quar- yardage 146-7 in the third 1983 – The Falcons Grove (eight apiece) for terback Joey Harrington quarter in a 33-31 loss to fell in overtime to the New 20-win seasons by south- was sacked seven times, Washington, denying York Giants after a valiant paws. The win was also matching the Falcons’ total Reeves his milestone. The fourth-quarter comeback on Spahn’s 23rd complete points in a 13-7 loss to the man between Reeves and Sept. 11. Quarterback Steve game of the season, Jacksonville Jaguars on destiny was Steve Bartkowski hit Alfred which led the majors. Sept. 16. The offense was Spurrier, the architect of Jackson on an 11-yard strike harassed for only 248 total 310 yards of “fun-and- to even the score at 13-13, 1938 – The Boston yards, and though gun” passing gusto. but the Falcons were done in Harrington was efficient in by a game-winning field Braves/Bees were the pocket, he couldn’t be goal in overtime. As a result robbed of a potential win 1998 – On Sept. 11, on a bogus home call kept upright for long. Five the Braves beat the Florida of three lost fumbles and a different Jaguars players stagnant running game (63 on Sept. 14. In a 6-3 loss Marlins 8-2 but lost one of to the Chicago Cubs at notched sacks, including their own in former yards), the Birds fell to 1-1. former University of Wrigley Field, Bees ace Larry Bradford. The Lou Fette surrendered Georgia defensive tackle Chicago native, who 1958 – Braves Hall of Marcus Stroud. pitched for the Braves from Famer Warren Spahn hit what looked like a grand 1977-81, died of a sudden another milestone in his slam to Cubs catcher 2003 – Sitting on heart attack before attend- illustrious career on Sept. Gabby Hartnett, with the ball curling around the 199 career wins, Falcons UNLUCKY SEVEN: Joey Harrington ing a pre-game ceremony 13. The 37-year-old became head coach Dan Reeves with a Little League team the first lefthander to win 20 FALLING LATE: Steve Bartkowksi left-field pole. The next came two points short of was sacked seven times and the at Turner Field. Bradford or more games in a season threw a game-tying touchdown but it day, however, Chicago 200 on Sept. 14. The Falcons only scored seven points was drafted by the Braves nine times. With an 8-2 win wasn’t enough as the Falcons lost to writer John Carmichael Falcons gave up a 10- in a loss to Jacksonville. in the 19th round of the against the St. Louis the Giants in 1983. wrote that umpire Tiny point halftime lead and Photo courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/. 1973 Amateur Draft. Cardinals, Spahn bested Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. Parker blew the call.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2008 SCORE ATLANTA I 09

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 10 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Volleyball’s Brown earns CAA honors; women’s soccer off to record start reshman Torrie Brown has been named freshman Emily Dover to lead the Panthers left. … In their second game, Stephan basketball schedule. The Panthers open the FColonial Athletic Association Rookie of over Birmingham-Southern 3-0. Stephanie Minyono, Ayokunle Lumpkin and Dathan regular season in the NABC Classic at the Week for volleyball. Brown, from Cuccia scored her first goal of the season in Knott each scored a goal, leading Georgia Minnesota, where they will face host Diamond Bar, Calif., totaled 29 kills aNd 11 the win. The win moves the Panthers to 5-0-0 State past Presbyterian College 3-0. Said head Minnesota, Bowling Green and Concordia- digs in the Panthers’ three matches last on the season. “Birmingham-Southern played coach Kerem Daser, “After the Clemson game, St. Paul in a three-day span, Nov. 14-16. … weekend at the Georgia Invitational. She us better than anyone this year,” said head I wasn’t sure what to expect but I believe that Take part in the Third Annual Golf Classic averaged 3.2 kills per set while hitting .254 coach Domenic Martelli. “They were very the seniors stepped up their game (against and support the Panthers. The event will be for the weekend. … Volleyball has struggled organized, well-coached and composed. It Presbyterian) and showed great leadership.” held on Monday, Oct. 6 at the Eagles out of the gate at 0-6 with losses to Furman, was a battle the whole way.” Harbrueger con- Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Ga. Georgia, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Xavier tinues to lead the CAA in goals scored with AROUND CAMPUS … For more information, call 404-413-4000. … and Arkansas. In Sunday’s loss to the seven, and in points with 17. Georgia State’s fourth annual CAA Keeping an eye on CAA football, after two Razorbacks, the Panthers were led by sopho- The men’s soccer team dropped their sea- Blood Challenge will be held Sept. 23 on weeks of action there are six teams still more Ashley Jones and senior Liz Schaab, son opener at Clemson on Sept. 1, a disap- campus in the Sports Arena. The annual ranked in the FCS Top 25 poll: Richmond, who each accounted for nine kills. pointing loss after jumping out to a 2-0 lead blood donor drive is competition among the UMass, Delaware, James Madison, New when seniors Dathan Knott and Linus 12 CAA universities to get the most pints. Hampshire, and Villanova. SOCCER NOTES … Warendh scored two goals in the first half. Georgia State partners with the American Dave Cohen is in his 25th season as the Women’s soccer is off to a great start. As Georgia State would lead through the 75- Red Cross for this event. For more informa- “Voice of Georgia State Basketball and a matter of fact, it’s the best start in school minute mark before Clemson began its rally. tion, call 404-413-4000. … Non-conference Baseball” on WRAS-FM (88.5) and works history. Senior Kay Harbrueger scored the The host Tigers scored three goals in the final games against Georgia Tech, Florida State on the football radio crew at Furman game-winning goal and added an assist to 11:48, including the game-winner with 4:13 and Minnesota highlight the 2008-09 men’s University in Greenville, S.C.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2008 SCORE ATLANTA I 11 / HIGH SCHOOL TOP TEN Class AAAAA Class AAAA Class AAA Class AA Class A 1. Lowndes (Region 1; 2-0) 1. Tucker (Region 6; 2-0) 1. Cairo (Region 1; 1-0) 1. Buford (Region 6; 2-0) 1. Emanuel Co. Inst. (Region 3; 2-0) 2. Camden Co. (Region 3; 2-0) 2. Chamblee (Region 6; 2-0) 2. Carver-Columbus (Region 2; 2-0) 2. Charlton Co. (Region 2; 2-0) 2. Wilcox Co. (Region 2; 2-0) 3. Northside-WR (Region 1; 2-0) 3. Whitewater (Region 5; 2-0) 3. Stephens Co. (Region 8; 2-0) 3. Brooks Co. (Region 1; 2-0) 3. Lincoln Co. (Region 7; 2-0) 4. North Gwinnett (Region 7; 1-1) 4. Westside-Macon (Region 4; 2-0) 4. St. Pius X (Region 5; 2-0) 4. Fitzgerald (Region 1; 2-0) 4. Bremen (Region 6; 2-0) 5. Newnan (Region 4; 2-0) 5. Sandy Creek (Region 5; 2-0) 5. LaGrange (Region 2; 1-1) 5. Dublin (Region 3; 1-0) 5. Clinch Co. (Region 1; 1-1) 6. Coffee (Region 1; 2-0) 6. Thomas Co. Central (Region 1; 1-1) 6. Dunwoody (Region 5; 2-0) 6. Pepperell (Region 7; 2-0) 6. Brookstone (Region 4; 2-0) 7. Grayson (Region 8; 2-0) 7. Bainbridge (Region 1; 1-0) 7. Flowery Branch (Region 7; 1-1) 7. Westminster (Region 6; 2-0) 7. Athens Academy (Region 8; 2-0) 8. Norcross (Region 7; 1-1) 8. Mays (Region 5; 2-0) 8. Baldwin (Region 3; 2-0) 8. Henry Co. (Region 4; 2-0) 8. Bowdon (Region 6; 2-0) 9. Walton (Region 6; 2-0) 9. Apalachee (Region 8; 2-0) 9. Gainesville (Region 7; 2-0) 9. Thomasville (Region 1; 0-2) 9. Savannah Christian (Region 3; 1-1) 10. Valdosta (Region 1; 2-0) 10. Rome (Region 7; 1-1) 10. Crisp Co. (Region 1; 2-0) 10. McIntosh Co. Acad. (Region 2; 2-0) 10. Miller Co. (Region 1; 2-0) Rankings editor Alex Ewalt can be reached at [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 12 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Dream fall to Liberty and close the season with two Western matchups fter losing at home earlier in the week, majority of the game and then, at the end, they SEASON ENDS FRIDAY … est weakness. Lennox and Ivory Latta will Athe Dream were hoping for a different kind of just put us away,” said Allison Bales. The Dream won’t play at Philips Arena have to take advantage. result when they went on the road last Friday. The win also clinched a playoff spot again until 2009, but two more road games The 2008 season will come to an end Unfortunately, the New York Liberty handed for the Liberty, their ninth postseason remain against top Western Conference com- on Friday in Seattle. The Storm are also bat- them their 28th loss of the season after yet berth in franchise history. Janel petition. Atlanta will face , tling for the top spot in the West with L.A. another poor start. McCarville continued her dominance of Lisa Leslie and the Los Angeles Sparks on and San Antonio. Atlanta dug a hole for themselves in the Atlanta this season with a 21-point outing Thursday. The game will tip off at 10:30 p.m. Seattle’s Sue Bird is one of the third quarter, as the Liberty closed out the on 10-of-15 shooting. She was one of and will be televised on NBATV. WNBA’s best at the point. She gave Atlanta stanza on a 14-4 run to take a 65-55 lead many players who shot a good percentage The Sparks are 19-13 at press time this fits on Sept. 2 when she dropped 21 points, heading into the final 10 minutes. The for New York, as they finished at 52.6 per- season and have clinched a playoff berth, but nine assists, five boards and five steals in Dream refused to go away, however, and an cent from the field as a team. they also have an outside chance to take home- an 83-69 win. 11-2 run closed the gap to 71-68 with 5:17 to Betty Lennox paced Atlanta with 28, court advantage in the Western Conference, so “She’s a terrific player,” said head coach play after a tip-in from Erika Desouza. shooting 6-of-14 from outside the arc. don’t expect them to rest their starters. Marynell Meadors. “She’s just calm. She keeps Then the bottom fell out. New York Desouza finished with 10 points, six boards, Leslie will try to have her way down low her team calm. When you have a point guard responded with an 11-0 run to seal the deal. two assists and two steals. Results of and Parker gives L.A. one of the best 1-2 like that, everyone gets better around her.” The final score was 82-71. Monday’s home finale against Indiana were punches in the league. Many experts have Bagriansky can be reached at “It was a really good matchup for the unavailable at press time. deemed the L.A. backcourt to be their great- [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2008 SCORE ATLANTA I 13

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 14 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Sizing up Auburn’s defense and offense fter traveling to Auburn this past weekend QUESTIONS ON OFFENSE … Ato watch the Tigers host Southern Miss, Auburn’s offense is stocked with quali- my suspicions are confirmed: Auburn’s ty players. Starting receivers Rod Smith and defense is an elite unit on a national scale, Tim Hawthorne (among others – Auburn while the offense can, at best, be described as will start about six different guys there this a work in progress. Specifically … season), tight end Tommy Trott, Brad Lester The Tigers’ defense this season is built and Ben Tate in the backfield, even new around speed, and has been for most of quarterback Chris Todd and sort of-incum- Tommy Tuberville’s tenure on the Plains. bent Kodi Burns … all of these players were Remember, he cut his teeth as linebackers good enough to receive scholarship offers coach for Jimmy Johnson at Miami. from a school that competes on the level that Undersized, but extremely fast? No problem – that’s how he learned it while the ‘Canes Auburn does. That means they have the req- were playing in multiple national champi- uisite size and speed to succeed in the SEC, onship games when Tuberville was earning a as well as the intangibles that separates them living in Coral Gables. from athletic, but limited, players at Troy, One difference this season is there’s Middle Tennessee, etc. actually some semblance of size on the inte- But the Auburn attack remains an rior. Sen’Derrick Marks tips it at about 295 unfinished product. The offensive players and there’s a host of underclassmen almost that are in the program now, with the excep- that big. Off the edge, it’s business as usual – tion of this year’s freshman class, were Antoine Carter and Antonio Coleman will recruited to line up in an I-formation and bring plenty of heat on opposing quarter- mash the ball down the field, winning games backs, despite each being a biscuit lighter three yards at a time. A group that was than 250. Same for the linebackers, with recruited to be bigger and stronger is now middle ‘backer Trey Blackmon as Exhibit A. being asked to be faster, more precise and Rest assured, he’s the only starting mike line- much quicker out of cuts. The offense WILL backer in the SEC who weighs 215 pounds. improve, but this was a very opportune sea- Blackmon, however, runs better than any son for the Tigers to open against Louisiana- safety I’ve seen in the conference this season Monroe and Southern Miss. Even the con- and he hits with as much power as any ference opener allows Auburn to dip its col- ‘backer on Auburn’s roster. The secondary lective toe in the pool (Saturday vs. lost a starter in Aairon Savage when the jun- Mississippi State) before diving into the ior from Albany ripped up his knee in August deep end (next weekend vs. LSU). With the practice, but the unit will still be a strength Bayou version of Tigers waiting a mere this year. And it’s all based on speed. week away, the clock is ticking for that In short, this squad is at least as good as improvement to kick in. the defense on the 2004 team and probably the Oliver can be heard on 790 The Zone’s best Auburn has had since 1988. On the other “Afternoon Saloon” weekdays from 4-7 p.m. and side of the ball, however, inconsistency reigns. can be reached at [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2008 SCORE ATLANTA I 15

Turner burns to Falcons’ single-game rushing record in win over Detroit

LION HUNTERS: Head coach Mike Smith may OFF THE look angry in the photo THE SCHEDULE below but he was all smiles by Sunday • Sun. at Tampa, 4:05 p.m., FOX. FIELD evening as the Falcons • Sept. 21 vs. Kansas City, 1 p.m., CBS. won their season-opener • Sept. 28 at Carolina, 1 p.m., FOX. Several records fell or were 34-21. Matt Ryan wowed • Oct. 5 at Green Bay, 1 p.m., FOX. matched in the Falcons’ 34-21 win over fans in his first NFL start, throwing for 161 All games will be broadcast on 92.9 Dave FM. Tickets can the Detroit Lions on Sunday. With 220 yards and a touchdown. be purchased at www.atlantafalcons.com yards on the day, running back Michael Photos courtesy of Don Turner broke Gerald Riggs’ single-game Jackson/Photographic Arts. rushing record of 202 yards. Riggs’ record stood for 24 years. … Keith Brooking started his 113th consecutive PLAYER OF game, passing Falcons Hall-of-Famer for second all-time behind THE WEEK Bob Whitfield (123 consecutive starts). Also, Matt Ryan became the first quarter- 22 CAR back to have his first career regular sea- son pass go for a touchdown since 2000, 220 YDS when Michael Bishop did so for the New England Patriots. It was thought that newly signed 10 YPC Domonique Foxworth would be available for the game against Detroit, 2 TD but the fifth-year cornerback was held out; he should be available against MICHAEL Tampa Bay on Sunday. Foxworth was acquired via trade with the Denver TURNER RB Broncos as veteran insurance in the sec- ondary. All the Falcons conceded was a 2009 seventh-round pick, conditional on Foxworth’s playing time this season. THE TWO-MINUTE WARNING ... No one was more starstruck by the rior to the Detroit game, Michael and return it to the plus side of the 50 [yard regular-season pass. “We got a look that running game’s record-setting day than PTurner’s career high for rushing yards in line], we were able to start a 10-0 run that was good for that specific play. Michael Ryan. “Sometimes, as a quarterback, you a game was 147 – “The Burner” eclipsed was pivotal to the game.” Smith said. Jenkins did a great job; he caught the ball find yourself sitting back there watching that by the third quarter. Despite weighing Defensive end John Abraham (three and outran everybody.” some of his runs and you have to snap out in at 244 pounds, Turner showed the break- sacks) was a standout on defense along- of it,” Ryan said of the long runs from away speed that let to a 66-yard touchdown side the corner tandem of Chris TAMPA 2 GOOD? … Turner. “You have to run down there and burst on only his fourth touch of the game Houston and . The two Up next for the Falcons is the try to help out because you realize he in the Falcons’ 34-21 win. diminutive defensive backs were able perennially stout defense of the From the opening kick, the Falcons to withstand the height of Calvin Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week [Turner] might break some tackles.” dominated both lines of scrimmage, setting a Johnson and Roy Williams, conced- 1 against New Orleans, however, franchise record with 318 rushing yards ing only a touchdown between the Bucs were gouged for 337 while holding Detroit to just 62 yards on the them. Two pass interference penal- yards passing, 42 of which came ground. Head coach Mike Smith’s mantra of ties led to scores for Detroit, oth- on a Reggie Bush swing pass winning battles upfront has hit home; includ- erwise the secondary allowed for six. Jerious Norwood (pic- QUOTE OF ing preseason, the team has now rushed for Detroit to hit slot receiver tured) (164 all-purpose yards 100 plus yards in five consecutive games Mike Furrey underneath versus Detroit) could be uti- THE WEEK and held opponents to less than 100 yards for minimal gains. lized in a similar role out of rushing in three consecutive contests. The pre- the backfield “Everybody was excited to “We said from the very beginning that season saw against Tampa, we’re going to be a team that’s going to run the matura- who will be come out with a win today. We the football,” Smith said. “We feel like tion of not cognizant of when you run the football you can dictate only rookie Matt T urner’s wanted to start out fast and to a defense. From way back prior to the Ryan, but under- impact in the we did that in the first quar- draft we spoke about wanting to be a phys- fire receiver Michael Jenkins. Ryan made run game. ical football team that could control both good with his first pass of the regular sea- When asked if the record setting day on the ter. [We’re] really pumped up lines of scrimmage.” son, hitting Jenkins on a 62-yard strike. ground was more indicative of the Falcons’ With the Lions within a touchdown in The tandem’s only connection of the day front line or the tissue-soft play of the about the win, but we know the third, Smith highlighted Lawyer set the pace for touchdowns on the Lions’ run defense, Turner deflected all Milloy’s red zone as the turn- Falcons’ first three drives. credit to his front five. “The Burner” and we have a lot of work ahead.” ing point in the game. “It was a great play call by Mike the Falcons’ front better get ready for far “They were moving the football and Mularkey – something we talked about dur- more of a resistance from Monte Kiffin’s - QB Matt Ryan when Lawyer was able to intercept the ball ing the week,” Ryan said of his first career front seven on Sunday.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 16 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Braves take season series from Marlins, then split weekend series with Nats

WINDING DOWN: Buddy Carlyle (left) helped assist OFF THE the Braves to a victory on THE SCHEDULE Friday, but the team then • Wed. vs. Colorado, 7 p.m. FSN South. dropped the next two in • Thurs. vs. Colorado, 7 p.m. Peachtree TV. FIELD extra innings. Brian • Fri. at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m. ESPN. The Atlanta Braves will hold a special McCann and the Braves • Sat. at N.Y. Mets, 3:55 p.m. FOX. hope to play spoiler this • Sun. at N.Y. Mets, 1:10 p.m. SportSouth. ceremony before Thursday’s game as week against division rivals • Tues. vs. Philadelphia, 7 p.m. SportSouth. part of September 11 Remembrance New York and Philadelphia. All games will be broadcast on 640 AM and 94.9 The Bull. Day. The team will invite 50 members Photos courtesy of Paul Abell/ Tickets can be purchased at www.atlantabraves.com. of the Atlanta Fire Department and 50 Atlanta Braves. members of the Atlanta Police Department to represent all of the Braves “first responders” in an on-field PLAYER OF ceremony. The Robins Air Force Base will present the colors as Dionne Farris THE WEEK sings the national anthem. Following the anthem, four Super Hornets from 5 GAMES Oceana NAS will perform a flyover. This Thursday also marks the begin- 13 HITS ning of $1 hotdog Thursdays at the Ted. Pitcher Tim Hudson was honored last 6 RUNS week as the Braves recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, which 8 RBIS rewards the player who “combines out- standing skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community.” This is Hudson’s third straight year as KELLY the Braves team winner and he is now nominated for the national award, to be JOHNSON 2B given out later this year. Representatives from all 30 teams will be up for the award. THE SEVENTH-INNING STRETCH ... Starting pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes left the team in Miami last week to return to ne day after Charlie Morton (pictured) a double and a triple with a run, and Brian cross. Mike Hampton allowed four solo Atlanta to be with his wife, who was Oand the Braves won a wild game over the McCann drove in a run to give the Braves the home runs in the game. … In Sunday’s expected to give birth is the couple’s Florida Marlins 16-14 on Sept. 2, the two win. … Johnson was at it again in the second finale, the bullpen blew a 4-1 lead as first child. Reyes became a father teams met for a matinee rubber match last contest with a 3-for-5 night and Jair Jurrjens Chipper Jones went 2-for-5 with two RBIs. Wednesday as his wife Jamie gave Wednesday. Jorge Campillo gave up a solo was the beneficiary of a seven-run third In the end, the Braves could not rally from a birth to a girl named Payton, but Reyes home run to give the Marlins an early 1-0 inning, as the Braves cruised to a 10-5 win three-run 14th and the Nationals gained the lead, but the Braves struck back with three on Friday. Brandon Jones also came through split by beating the Braves 7-4. was still expected to make a scheduled fourth-inning runs. Yunel Escobar started the with a pair of RBIs and Josh Anderson home start just 24 hours later. rally with a single, Kelly Johnson struck out scored a run in the win. IN OTHER NEWS … with a two-run triple and Jeff Francoeur … The Braves would With the calendar flipping over to brought Johnson home with an RBI single. receive a bit of bad September, teams could expand Escobar would have to leave the game with luck on Saturday rosters from 25 to 40 players and QUOTE OF an aggravated sore left shoulder. Campillo when in the Braves took advantage. The and the bullpen gave the lead up though, and team added Parr along with previ- reliever Vladimir Nunez’s wild pitch allowed ously recalled Brent Lillibridge, THE WEEK a run to come in as the Marlins held on for a Corky Miller, Jeff Ridgway and Jorge 5-3 win and took the week’s series. The Julio. The new Braves joined the team in “That puts our season in Braves did manage to win the season series, the bottom of Miami. This was Parr’s first taste of the big however, 10-8. the ninth, Johnson leagues, but he comes to Atlanta hot. Over a nutshell right there.” hit a ball that would his last three starts, Parr is 3-0 with a 0.96 SPLITTING WITH WASHINGTON … have driven in three ERA and a 12-7 record for the year - RF Jeff Francoeur after Making his Major League debut at the runs but instead between Triple-A Richmond and Double- age of 22, James Parr went six scoreless was ruled a A Mississippi. … Chipper Jones twist- Saturday’s ground-rule double innings on Thursday, allowing just two hits ground-rule ed his right knee during batting prac- halted a Braves win as the Braves snapped a five-game losing double and tice and was scratched from the streak to the Washington Nationals with a 2- the win- lineup on Sept. 2-3 with what he 0 win. The much-worked bullpen went three ning run was taken called “a little sprain.” The scoreless innings allowing just three hits, off the board. The Braves have missed Jones Tune in to Fletcher Proctor’s and Mike Gonzalez recorded three straight Braves went on to lose the when he is out of the post-game Extra Innings to pick up his ninth save of the game in 10 innings 8-5 after lineup, as the team is Show after each Braves season and his 39th straight. Johnson logged Gonzalez allowed three runs to 9-22 in his absence. weekday game on 790 The Zone.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2008 SCORE ATLANTA I 17

Questions surrounding Hawks in 2008 Bogosian signs; important dates in 2008 ith news slowing and training camp NBA have at least one, and often two, super- n what was becoming a highly anticipated season. The team will follow that with road Wrapidly approaching, now seems as stars. And in a conference that’s home to the Imove, the Thrashers finally came to an games at St. Louis and Detroit, before com- good a time as any to take a close look at likes of LeBron James, Dwight Howard and agreement with 2008 first-round draft pick ing home to play the same three teams again. some of the bigger questions surrounding the Dwyane Wade, the future of the Hawks Zach Bogosian. The defenseman, selected Friday, Oct. 10: The Washington Hawks heading into the 2008-09 season. depends on Smith reaching that next plateau. third overall by the Thrashers, is now offi- Capitals come to Blueland for the season Below I have addressed three unknowns How can he do this? For starters, Smith must cially eligible to take part in all of the team’s opener for both teams. The Thrashers wel- whose answers will likely dictate the level of become a more versatile scorer, which means activities, including the Prospect come the newly crowned Hart Trophy winner success the team experiences this season. developing a reliable jump shot. Though his Tournament in Traverse City, along with the Alexander Ovechkin and the rest of the post game still needs work, it has improved team’s training camp, which begins in a Southeast champions. WINNING ON THE ROAD … over the last few years while his jumper has week and a half. Over the summer, Bogosian Last year, 25 of the Hawks’ 37 wins remained pedestrian at best. More importantly, has been training in various capacities in a TV SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED … came at Philips, meaning they lost 71 percent his attitude must become more aligned with Thrashers uniform and outside of it. Last The Thrashers recently released the local of their road affairs (29 of 41). Even when the that of a true leader and winner. month, Bogosian attended the U.S. Junior television schedule for the team featuring 61 team got to the playoffs and pushed the even- Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y., scor- of the team’s 80 games not already chosen for tual NBA champion Boston Celtics to seven BENCH SCORING … ing two assists in four games. national television. Two of the team’s games, they did so without a single road vic- The loss of Josh Childress hurt the team games—Oct. 28 vs. Philadelphia and March tory, winning all three of their games at home. not just because it exposed their front-office DATES TO REMEMBER … 16 vs. Washington—were already chosen as a And for proof of the importance of road effi- deficiencies, but also because it represented Atlanta announced multiple dates part of VERSUS’ “Game of the Week.” ciency, consider that the top three teams in the loss of their most talented and effective regarding the schedule of the team’s upcom- The schedule features 28 home games both conferences last year won more than 50 player off the bench. In addition to his near- ing preseason: and 33 road affairs, broadcasted locally on percent of their contests away from home. ly 12 points per game, Childress was a good Saturday, Sept. 13: The team’s SportSouth. The broadcast season begins Better yet, the Magic was an eight-seed in rebounder, solid defender and exceptional prospects participate in their first game of with the team’s opening game at home 2007 before earning the third seed in ’08. The teammate. The team moved to replace the Traverse City Prospect Evaluation against Washington on Oct. 10. It also fea- difference? Orlando won just 15 road games Childress by signing guard Maurice Evans Tournament. The tournament will be played tures both contests against the Stanley Cup in 2006-’07 compared to 27 last year. And as and, while Mo is a comparable player to in Traverse City, Mich., and will conclude Champion Detroit Red Wings, and four the eighth seed in last year’s playoffs, the Childress, the Hawks may be better suited for the Thrashers on Sept. 17. The team will against the Eastern Conference Champion Hawks can experience a similar “Magical” bringing Marvin Williams off the bench. play Tampa Bay, the N.Y. Rangers, Detroit Pittsburgh Penguins. turnaround with a little more toughness and Though Williams has been largely inconsis- and one other team yet to be determined dur- With the change in the NHL’s scheduling consistency away from home. tent in his three years in the league and will ing their five-day stay in Michigan. policy, SportSouth will be able to broadcast never be forgiven for going ahead of Chris Friday, Sept. 19: Selected prospects, more contests versus out-of-conference SMITH STARDOM … Paul on draft day, the one thing we know he along with players already signed with the opponents. The schedule also features much There is little doubt surrounding his talent can do is score in bunches. If instead team, will report to Duluth for physicals of the same from last year, as 19 of the team’s or the fact that he has close to as much upside Williams remains a starter, the team will rely prior to the beginning of training camp. The televised games will be against teams from as just about anyone in the league, but for the on a mediocre group highlighted by Evans, following day the team will begin on-ice the Southeast Division. All of the broadcast- Hawks to become a true contender, Josh Smith Acie Law, Ronald “Flip” Murray and Zaza workouts as training camp begins. ed games can be found on the team’s website must raise his game to new heights. Save the Pachulia for relief. Thursday, Sept. 25: Atlanta will travel at atlantathrashers.com. Detroit Pistons’ memorably team oriented Janovitz can be reached at to Nashville, Tenn., to take on the Predators Boral can be reached at 2004 championship run, winning teams in the [email protected]. for the first exhibition game of the 2008 pre- [email protected].

Kandji to return for match against Seattle he Atlanta Silverbacks were off during the “It was kind of a 50/50 thing,” Kandji Tpast week after a tough 1-0 loss to explained. “Coach [Jason] Smith wanted Rochester on Saturday, Aug. 30. The team will me to be ready for the upcoming games. We be back in action this Saturday at Seattle. wanted to avoid (reinjuring it) and missing Atlanta has lost both matches against the the rest of the season. I should be good to Sounders this year, which were played in May. go by Seattle.” The talented 21-year-old is excited to Seattle has won their last two and currently get back out on the pitch with his teammates. holds fifth-place in the USL with 36 points. “I am very, very excited (to return), The Silverbacks now stand at 8-11-8 you know? Yesterday was three weeks since with 32 points at press time. They would be my injury and my feet are itching to play,” in the playoffs if the season ended today, as Kandji said. “So I am very excited to join they currently stand seventh. The playoffs [my teammates].” include the top eight teams in the league. Kandji has been the center of some con- Atlanta is only one point ahead of eighth- troversy lately, as the New York Red Bulls place Minnesota in the standings and three attempted to sign him from Atlanta but were points ahead of Miami and Portland, who are reportedly blocked by the MLS. The Red Bulls were ready to pay Atlanta $200,000 for tied for ninth. the Kandji transfer, a hefty amount for a The Silverbacks are looking to get back USL player. The MLS was said to block the on the winning track, as they have not won transfer because it would have set a bad since winning three in a row during the first precedent for the league. MLS deputy com- week of August. The slide has coincided with missioner Ivan Gazidis and Red Bulls sport- the loss of Mac Kandji, who suffered a high ing director Jeff Agoos have come out since ankle sprain on Aug. 16 against Charleston. and denied the reports, however. Southern Derby rival Charleston was KANDJI COMING BACK … defeated 2-1 by MLS franchise D.C. United Superstar forward Mac Kandji will in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final last return to action for Saturday’s game at Wednesday. The Cup is a competition Seattle. The Dakar, Senegal native will be between all United States Soccer Federation back practicing with the team on Wednesday. teams, which include both amateur and pro- Kandji was thought to have been back by last fessional clubs. Saturday’s game against Rochester, but was Black can be reached at held out as a precaution. [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 18 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Penalties a concern despite big win and another freshman kicker may play

SECOND BEATDOWN: Reshad Jones (left) and AROUND the Georgia defense flexed THE SCHEDULE their muscles, holding FOOTBALL CAMPUS Central Michigan to just 59 rushing yards. And in • Sat. at South Carolina, 3:30 p.m. CBS. Last week was not a fun one for the his first NCAA start, fresh- • Sept. 13 at Arizona State, 8 p.m. ABC. No. 22-ranked soccer team, as the man A.J. Green caught Bulldogs lost a pair of games. First, the three passes in a 56-17 • Sept. 27 vs. Alabama, TBA. Bulldogs were blanked by No. 7 Virginia win for the Bulldogs. All games will be broadcast on 750 AM. Tickets can be purchased at www.georgiadogs.com. 1-0 last Friday. Goalkeeper Michelle Photos courtesy of Rob Saye. Betos stopped 10 of 11 shots on goal, but Georgia’s offense could only muster one shot on goal and had four shots total. Two days later, 10th-ranked IN THE Stanford shut out the Bulldogs 2-0. Betos made 12 saves against the SPOTLIGHT Cardinal, and this time, the Bulldogs (2- 2) did not have a single shot on goal. The volleyball team finished second 18 CAR at the Duke Invitational last week in Durham, N.C., going 2-1. The Bulldogs got by Colgate 3-1 in their first match 168 YDS and then blanked Seton Hall 3-0 in match No. 2. Georgia fell to Duke 3-2 in 9.3 YPC their final match of the Invitational. The Bulldogs won the first two sets 26-24 3 TDS and 25-19 to take a 2-0 lead. They could not close out the Blue Devils, however, as Duke won the final three sets to get KNOWSHON the victory. Georgia dropped to 5-2 on the season. Maria Taylor led the MORENO RB Bulldogs with 32 kills. Georgia honored several of its out- standing student-athletes of the 2007- NEWS FROM THE DOGHOUSE ... 08 school year at this past Saturday’s football game against Central Michigan. n their 56-17 domination of Central thing we’ve got to make sure doesn’t hap- about Green. “He’s a guy that has a bright Among them were track and field stand- IMichigan last Saturday, the No. 2-ranked pen,” Richt said. future. He’s going to be able to do a lot of out Chris Hill and gymnast Katie Bulldogs displayed a lot of positives. great things for us.” Heenan, the 2008 Honda Award winner Tailback Knowshon Moreno rushed for 168 GREEN LIGHT … Green will look to keep up his momentum for her sport. yards and scored three touchdowns, quar- True freshman A.J. Green started in Georgia’s next game when the terback (pictured) com- his first collegiate game at flanker in Bulldogs travel to face his home-state pleted 64 percent of his passes and tossed the contest against the Chippewas. school, the University of South two touchdowns, and the defense held Green finished the game with Carolina. Also, fellow true freshman Central Michigan to just 59 rushing yards. 40 yards on three catches. “It Tavarres King caught the first pass QUOTE OF Still, Georgia head coach Mark Richt was felt really good,” Green said of his career against the unhappy about one thing: penalties. “That’s about making his first start. Chippewas, hauling in a 25-yard the No. 1 issue with me right now,” Richt “[Practicing] everyday is throw from Joe Cox. THE WEEK said. “We have to be more disciplined.” paying off.” The Bulldogs committed nine penal- Going hand in hand JUST FOR KICKS … ties for 70 yards on Saturday. A week earli- with practice for Green is Richt said after the game “That’s a lot of pres- er against Georgia Southern, they were also the task of learning a that Jamie Lindley, a freshman guilty of 11 penalties, which cost them 70 new playbook. But when a walk-on who prepped at yards. Some of the penalties against the team has a wide receiving Savannah Christian, might han- sure off me when you Chippewas were impactful. A Corvey Irvin corps as experienced and dle some of the Bulldogs’ kickoff offside penalty put Central Michigan into deep as the Bulldogs, it can duties. Despite Georgia’s kickoff Georgia territory for the first time before make the learning process coverage team holding Central got different receivers the Bulldogs were able to force a punt. easier for a newcomer. Michigan returner Antonio Brown in Also, Asher Allen was flagged for taking “The older guys are help- check, the coaches feel freshman his helmet off after a Demarcus Dobbs ing me out,” Green said. Blair Walsh did not do a good job that can make big interception and touchdown put Georgia up He specifically men- of kicking the ball to where it was 28-0. That penalty forced Georgia to kick tioned Michael Moore, designed to go. Walsh had nine off from deep on their side of the field. Mohamed Massaquoi and kickoffs on Saturday and one of plays at any time.” After the kickoff and subsequent return, Tony Wilson as three of those went out of bounds. “Right Central Michigan started at the Georgia 40- the veterans that are giving now we’re not consistent,” Richt yard line and went on to score their first him tips and pointers. said about the placement of the - WR A.J. Green points of the game right before halftime. “He’s a guy that’s develop- kickoffs. “We’ve just got to “The unsportsmanlike [conduct], that’s a ing well,” Massaquoi said get better at that.”

WWW.SCOREATL.COM SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2008 SCORE ATLANTA I 19

Dwyer helps football team pick up key ACC victory at Boston College

BIG WIN: Quarterback Josh Nesbitt (pictured left) AROUND got it done through the air THE SCHEDULE and on the ground, leading FOOTBALL CAMPUS the Jackets to a 19-16 win • Sat. at Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m. over Boston College. Paul ABC/ESPN. The volleyball team blasted Arkansas, Johnson, now 2-0 as head coach, will try to go • Sept. 20 vs. Mississippi State, TBA. 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-14), in the first for win No. 3 at Virginia match of the 2008 Regency Suites Classic. • Oct. 4 vs. Duke, TBA. Tech on Saturday. All games will be broadcast on 790 The Zone and WREK. The Jackets got 10 kills from Callie Miller Photos courtesy of Don Tickets can be purchased at www.ramblinwreck.com. and 18 digs from Michelle Kandell in the Jackson/Photographic Arts. first-round victory. Tech got similar results in their matchup against Xavier. This time Miller and Talisa Kellogg had nine kills apiece and Kandell eclipsed 20 digs for the IN THE first time this season as Tech swept Xavier 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 26-24). SPOTLIGHT Unfortunately, the volleyball team could not carry that momentum into the 6 CMP finals where they lost 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 25-27, 25-20, 15-13) to No. 25 Michigan. 73 YDS Tournament MVP Lexi Zimmerman notched 51 assists, 17 digs, six kills and four block- 15 CAR assists in the game to undo the Jackets (5- 50 YDS 1.) Tech had several good performances of their own in the five-set marathon, includ- 1 TD ing Kellogg’s team-best 14 kills. However, Michigan surged to wins in games four and five to capture the match. JOSH Tech men’s and women’s cross coun- try teams fell to Georgia in the Georgia- NESBITT QB Georgia Tech Dual meet, the first meet of the season for the Jackets. Despite the loss, Tech received a strong performance from Mary Kate DuBard who was running NEWS FROM THE FLATS ... in her first collegiate race and finished s the first ACC game too early to make a After a couple of weeks of looking their ACC matchups, Tech will take on 2008 third in the women’s individual 3,200- Istatement? The football team made not toward a matchup against one Virginia Tech WNIT finalist Michigan State in the second meter run with a time of 11 minutes and just one but several statements in their 19- quarterback—you know, the less mobile annual women’s ACC/Big Ten Challenge. 17 seconds. On the men’s side, junior 16 victory over Boston College. The first is one—now the football team will have to take The Jackets will also host Georgia on Dec. Garad Soderman (19:31) finished third in that they can win a sloppy game. Both on the two-QB system that burned them last 5 and travel to Oregon on Dec. 13. the 6,200-meter run, while senior E.C. teams had three turnovers in the game, season. Frank Beamer’s change of heart Gibbs (19:33) came in fifth. including Tyler Melton’s turnover on a punt about Tyrod Taylor’s redshirt means that IN OTHER NEWS … that set up a BC field goal, yet the Jackets Dave Wommack’s defense will have to game The groundwork for what could be a were able to overcome that with great plan for Sean Glennon’s passing and Taylor’s tremendous season is being laid now as the defense and timely offense. With 8:26 running. Lucky for the Jackets, they won’t baseball team began individual workouts remaining in the game, Jonathan Dwyer have to deal with Brandon Ore’s running. last week. Tech returns 22 players from a QUOTE OF (pictured) torched the Eagles with a 43- While young backs Kenny Lewis, Jr. team that advanced to the Athens yard touchdown that proved to be the game- and Darren Evans are talented, Regional final of the NCAA THE WEEK winner. Dwyer finished the game with 108 Tech’s defense is easily the Baseball Tournament last sea- yards, his second 100-yard performance in bestthey will have faced son. … Offensive tackle as many games. this season. Andrew Gardner was Tech’s defense made the statement that named the ACC Offensive they can shut down a conference opponent WOMEN’S HOOPS on the road. The Jackets gave up 262 total SCHEDULE … Lineman of the Week for “It only takes yards. They also got two , a The women’s bas- Week 1 of the NCAA sea- fumble and a sack from Michael Johnson. ketball team’s 2008-09 son. The senior was instru- Late in the game, Vance Walker sacked BC schedule was announced mental in helping the Jackets quarterback Chris Crane in the end zone for this week and will fea- accumulate 349 rushing one play to a safety. Crane ran for two touchdowns in ture matchups against yards against Jacksonville his season opener, but his only touchdown three No. 1 seeds from State. … It has been a against Tech came when Ifeanyi Momah last season’s NCAA tremendous start to the col- snatched his pass away from Jahi Word- Tournament, with per- lege career for Allison score.” Daniels in the end zone. Josh Nesbitt made haps the biggest being a Campbell, who was selected as a statement as well. Thirty of his 50 rushing trip to the University of the ACC Volleyball Player of the yards came on a critical play on the last Connecticut on Nov. 16. Week last week. Campbell post- - QB Josh Nesbitt series of the game that moved Tech out of Tech will also play two games ed 20 kills on 30 attempts with its own territory. He then converted on against North Carolina and six errors during the Georgia fourth-and-inches to seal the victory. will host . Along with Bulldog Invitational.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 20 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

BASKETBALL TNT Sports. Ongoing. Baseball pitching and hitting lessons School season in football. We hold weekly training Dream. September 11 at Los Angeles 10:30 PM. by Rob Blair, former college coach, Snellville. To set up meetings. For more information, contact Irvin September 12 at Seattle 10 PM. a free pitching or hitting analysis call 678-344-5876. Seabrook at 404-957-3331 or e-mail Top of the Key. Ongoing. Personal basketball lessons Jack City Baseball. Ongoing. Baseball pitching and hit [email protected]. with Olympian Debbie Miller-Palmore, boys and girls ting. Instruction with former pro Keith Whitner. 18-y ages 8-18. For information call 770-465-1502. looking for high school players. The new location is HOCKEY Southern Xposure. Ongoing. Cobb County Christian inside Velocity Sports in North Gwinnett. For more Peachtree Booster Club. Ongoing - Pickneyville Roller School - Marietta. AAU and YBOA tryouts for 9-and- information call 770-633-0948 or visit jackcity.net. Hockey Rink. Fees: $95 for 12-game season, $30 under and 8-and-under teams. For information call Fall 12U Wooden Bat Tournament. September 19-21. out-of-county fee. For information visit www.pbc 404-447-3992 or email [email protected]. Age group 12U. Registration deadline Sept. 15. All sports.org. Peach State Basketball. Ongoing. Basketball skill Tournament Players Park, 3910 Canton Hwy, SOCCER development training for college caliber high school Marietta GA 30066. Register at www.alltournament Silverbacks. September 13 at Seattle 10 PM. players throughout the off-season. Players can use playerspark.com or (678) 384-6500. September 19 at Puerto Rico 8 PM. September 21 these sessions to continue improving all year long. Triple Crown Last Chance Face-off Baseball at Miami 6 PM. Contact Brandon Clay at 404-422-3946 or visit Tournament. Sept. 5-8. Age Groups 8U, 9U, 10U Challenged Soccer. Ongoing. For mentally and physically www.peachstatehoops.com for more information. Teams. All Tournament Players Park, 3910 Canton disabled youngsters. For information call Ken Higgins Suwanee Sports Academy. Ongoing. Basketball training Hwy Marietta, GA 30066. Register at www.alltourna at 770-985-0434. and development for boy and girls grades K-12. Rising mentplayerspark.com or (678) 384-6500. Fair Play Sports Center. Ongoing on Saturdays. Indoor Stars, Future Stars, Suwanee Basketball League, On soccer for ages 4-7. 30- to 60-minute classes. For Court Player Development, nationally-recognized year- FOOTBALL information call 770-831-3210. round comprehensive player development program. Falcons. September 14 at Tampa Bay 4:05 PM. Hall of Fame soccer clinics. Ongoing on Fridays - For more information contact Mike Brown at 678-541- Georgia. September 13 vs. South Carolina 3:30 PM. Clarkston Community Center. For under-6 through Georgia Tech. September 13 at Virginia Tech 3:30 PM. under-12 players. Fees: Free. For information call 0176 or visit www.ssasports.com. Collins Hill Athletic Association. Ongoing. Accepting Mark Price Shooting Lab. Ongoing: Personalized profes applications for qualified coaches in all age groups. 404-508-1050 or visit www.clarkstoncommunity sional shooting instruction through one-on-one For information email Craig Deneau at center.org. 5:30-7 PM. coaching and state-of-the-art technology at Suwanee [email protected]. Competitive Amateur Soccer in Atlanta For more Sports Academy. For more information, contact Mike Grayson Athletic Association. Ongoing. Football coach information, visit www.majesticsoccer.com. Brown at 678-541-0176 or visit www.ssasports.com. es needed for eighth grade and all age groups. For SSA’s On Court. Check out Suwanee Sports Academy’s information call Duane Davis at 678-300-0282 or TENNIS On Court, the nation’s premier off-season develop visit www.gaasports.org. Technique Clinics. Ongoing - Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. ment program at the nation’s premier basketball train Tuesdays (serve/volley) and Saturdays ing facility right here in Gwinnett County! For more (forehand/backhand). Fees: $18. For information call information, contact Michael Brown at 678-541-0176 404-790-4772 or email [email protected]. 2 or visit www.ssasports.com. PM on Saturdays, 6:30 PM on Tuesdays. Open Recreational Basketball. GSL -- Georgia Sports Tennis camps for kids. Ongoing weekly. Lost Mountain Leagues. Georgia’s Best Sports Leagues. Tennis Center. For information call 770-528-8525. Registration ongoing. We offer “Top Gun,” “B,” “C” and Co-Ed styles of play around Atlanta. We play LACROSSE ALL year round. For more information please con Lacrosse. Ongoing. Registration for 1st-8th grades. For tact (678)799-0159 or email mark@georgiasport information call 404-216-5870, email sleagues.org. Visit www.georgiasportsleagues.org. [email protected] or visit Just Skills Of Atlanta. 8-week basketball fundamentals www.bagatawaylacrosse.com. program for boys and girls ages 5 to 17 at Bogan PlayLaxGwinnett. Ongoing. Players, coaches, referees Park in Buford and Lenora Park in Snellville. Spring needed for play at Gwinnett Sports Center. For infor programs start the week of March 24th, Summer mation call Chris Chico at or 678-429-0094 or email programs start the week of June 3rd, Fall programs [email protected]. start the week of August 11th. Please visit www.just Double Stixx Lacrosse. Ongoing - Leagues, Travel skillsofatlanta.com for more information or call 770- Teams and Tournaments for youth, high school and 296-2580. Sessions are filling up now for spring, adult’s boys and girls. More information about the summer and fall. Ask about our free introduction day best lacrosse programs in Georgia can be found at to see what Just Skills Of Atlanta is all about. www.doublestixxlacrosse.com or by contacting Chris Monday Night Basketball Clinic with Corretta Brown. Smith at [email protected] or Mondays through Oct. 6. 9-16 year old boys & girls. 404-550-5322. 6-7:30 PM. All Tournament Players Park, 3910 Canton Hwy, Marietta GA 30066. Register at RUNNING www.alltournamentplayerspark.com or OCP Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K & Fun Run. (678) 384-6500. Sep. 13. Decatur, 8 AM. www.rungeorgia.com/lit Super Hoopz “Tournament of the South” Elite Travel tlefeet5k.html. Team Event. October 3-5. NCAA Certified Events. Red Devil Dash 5K. Sep. 13. Atlanta, 9 AM. www.run Age groups 13-17. Deadline September 29. All georgia.com/devildash.html. Tournament Players Park, 3910 Canton Hwy Marietta, ATC Singleton 5M/10M. Sep. 13. Stone Mountain, 8 GA 30066. Register at www.alltournamentplay AM. www.atlantatrackclub.org. erspark.com or (678) 384-6500. Harvest Run 5K/Mile. Sep. 13. Waycross, 7 PM. Open Basketball League – Teams Only. November 8 - LATTA SKILLS: Though it has been a rough inaugural 912-283-5757. February 22, 2009. Age groups 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th & Run for Research 5K/10K/1K. Sep. 13. Atlanta, 9:15 8th Grade Boys and Girls. Deadline November 2. year for the Dream, point guard Ivory Latta continues AM. 404-253-3958. Mandatory Coach's Meeting November 2 at 3 PM. All to improve in her second WNBA season. Latta leads Covington Police Fuzz Run 5K/Mile. Sep. 13. Tournament Players Park, 3910 Canton Hwy Marietta, Covington, 8 AM. 706-769-6593. GA 30066. Register at www.alltournamentplay the team in assists per game (3.4) and was second in points per game (11.7) at press time. The Dream play Gilda’s Gang 5K Fun Run. Sep. 13. Atlanta, 8:30 AM. erspark.com or (678) 384-6500. 770-862-9160. their final game of the 2008 season at Seattle on Hot Lips Hustle 5K. Sep. 13. Marietta, 8 AM. BASEBALL Friday at 10 p.m. Photo courtesy of the . 404-934-3214. Braves. September 10 vs. Colorado 7:10 PM. Suwanee Day 5K & 10K Classic. Sep. 13. Suwanee, September 11 vs. Colorado 7:10 PM. September 7:30 AM. 770-614-6140. 12 at New York Mets 7:10 PM. September 13 at Flag Football. GSL -- Georgia Sports Leagues. Hoof & Woof 5K Run/Walk. Sep. 13. Roswell, 10 AM. New York Mets 3:55 PM. September 14 at New 770-993-7877. York Mets 1:10 PM. September 16 vs. Philadelphia Georgia’s Largest Flag League. Registration ongoing. We offer 7-Man, 8-man, Youth and Co-Ed styles of Roman Rumble 5K/2Mile. Sep. 13. Rome, 8 AM. 7:10 PM. September 17 vs. Philadelphia 7:10 PM. 706-676-2858. September 18 vs. Philadelphia 7:10 PM. September play around Atlanta. We play ALL year round. For information please contact (678)799-0159 or email FiredUp 5K. Sep. 13. Atlanta, 8:30 AM. 770-928-6515. 19 vs. New York Mets 7:35 PM. September 20 vs. [email protected]. Visit www.geor Gunny Mile 5K. Sep. 13. Duluth, 8:30 AM. New York Mets 7:10 PM. September 21 vs. New giasportsleagues.org. 678-475-3514. York Mets 1:35 PM. September 22 at Philadelphia Georgia Force Home School High School Football 7:05 PM. September 23 at Philadelphia 7:05 PM. Program. If you are a home school student or a CAMPS September 24 at Philadelphia 7:05 PM. student that attends a Christian school in the Nike Basketball Camps. Camps located in Snellville, Prospect Watch. Ongoing - Buckhead. Baseball pitching Gwinnett or Hall county region and would like to par Roswell, Kennesaw, Oxford and Jonesboro. For more and hitting lessons by a former college and minor ticipate in high school football, please contact Scott information or a free brochure, visit 1-800-645-3226 league coach. For information call 404-869-7966 or Willis at 770-531-1499 ext 401 or email at app or visit www.ussportscamps.com. visit www.eteamz.com/tryouts. [email protected] The Georgia Force High School Georgia Tech MaChelle Joseph Basketball Camp. Adult Baseball League Metro Atlanta. Ongoing. MSBL football program participates in the GFL (Georgia Ages range from 7-17. Day camps, overnight camps Football League) and is accepting players from the and team camps available. Visit www.ramblin 18+, 28+, 38+, and 48+. Sunday League contact wreck.com or call 404-894-4297 to find out which info is 770.785.2588, e-mail [email protected]. ages of 13-18 years old. We currently offer a JV dates suit your campers best. MSBL 18+ Saturday League contact info is 770-436- and Varsity program. For more information, please Harlem Legends. The Harlem Legends have scheduled 8114, e-mail [email protected]. MSBL 18+ go to our web site at www.forcehighschoolfootball.com. their 2008 Shoot for the Stars Basketball & Physical Arena Indoor Football. Ongoing. Youth and Adult Fitness Camps. The "Shoot for the Stars Youth Midweek Wood bat league contact info is 770-436- Leagues. Youth 7 vs. 7; Adult 6 vs. 6. For informa 8114, e-mail [email protected]. MSBL 18+ Fall Basketball Camps and Clinics" are a unique form of tion, call 678-714-7454 or e-mail learning experiences geared towards young basket League contact info is 770-436-8114, e-mail [email protected]. ball players of all skill levels. There are two Gwinnett [email protected]. For more information about www.atlantasilverbacks.com/indoor. County camps this year. Please visit our website our Atlanta Adult Baseball League, please visit our Capitol City Officials Association. CCOA is accepting (www.harlemlegends.com) or call 404-837-6719 for website at www.AtlantaMSBL.com. ongoing registration for the upcoming GHSA High additional camps. THE BEST COACHING STAFF AND TRAINING IN ATLANTA!

WWW.SCOREATL.COM SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2008 SCORE ATLANTA I 21

Open practice on Saturdays and games on Tuesdays, Football - Lanier Football Officials Association. VOLLEYBALL Wednesdays, or Thursdays. For information call Ongoing. GHSA member accepting applications with Gwinnett Sports Center. Registration ongoing. For infor Gary Mastrodonato at 770-266-7042 or visit weekly training meetings. For information call Tom mation call Jerry Robison at 678-491-0203 or visit www.atlantaseniorsoftball.com. www.gscfun.com. Tipton at 770-967-3197, ext. 239 or visit Open Recreational Softball. GSL -- Georgia Sports www.lanierofficials.org. Suwanee Sports Academy. Ongoing. Volleyball training Leagues. Georgia’s Best Sports Leagues. and development for boys and girls grades 3-12. Metro Atlanta Officials Association. Registration ongoing. We offer "Men's" and "Co-Ed" Ongoing. Needs officials. For information call Bud VolleySkills, VolleyStars, VolleyTraining, and On Court styles of play in Doraville/Dunwoody area. Monday, Player Development, a year-round comprehensive Hennebaul at 770-338-0705 or email [email protected]. Wednesday & Sunday league play available. Next 9RCorp Sports Officials. Ongoing. Provider of sports player development program. For more information, season starts in February. We play ALL year round. contact Mary Carnell at 770-614-6686 x108 or visit For more information please contact (678)799-0159 officials for multiple sports including basketball, www.ssasports.com. or email [email protected]. Visit flag football, & softball. Looking for additional officials. VolleyStars. Beginning February 7 @ Suwanee Sports www.georgiasportsleagues.org. For information call Dennis Reagan at Academy for girls & boys grades 6-8 teaches individ Capitol City Officials Association. CCOA is accepting 404-213-0588 or email [email protected]. ual skill development and team concepts through ongoing registration for the upcoming GHSA High Georgia Lacrosse Officials Association. Needs youth instruction and game play. For more information, School season in fast-pitch softball. We hold weekly and High School officials for 2007-2008 season. contact Christy Howard at 770-614-6686 x106 or training meetings. For more information, contact Irvin Training and mentoring provided for free. Great way visit www.ssasports.com. Seabrook at 404-957-3331 or e-mail to earn some extra money and get some fun aerobic High School Volleyball League. Beginning February 7 [email protected]. exercise. For more information, visit @ Suwanee Sports Academy for girls grades 9- Softball Camp for Cherokee Fall Break. September 15- www.GALAXREF.com or call Jim Westbrook at 12. This league is designed for athletes who want 18 (Monday –Thursday) 9 AM-12 PM. Age groups 770-753-9059. to get in the gym but don’t want to commit to club 9-14 years old. All Tournament Players Park, 3910 volleyball. For more information, contact Christy Canton Hwy, Marietta GA 30066. Register at ATLANTA SPORTS COUNCIL Howard at 770-614-6686 x106 or visit www.ssas www.alltournamentplayerspark.com or Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Dec. 31, 2008. Georgia Dome. For ports.com. (678) 384-6500. tickets, call 404-444-4444. Georgia Challenge. Varsity Volleyball Tournament To reach the Atlanta Sports Council call 404-586-8510 Saturday, September 13. JV Volleyball Tournament Saturday, September 20. The Tournaments are full, or visit www.atlantasportscouncil.com. but the public is invited to attend. All Tournament MISC Players Park, 3910 Canton Hwy Marietta, GA Senior Horseshoe Pitching League. Ongoing - 30066. Register at www.alltournamentplay Gwinnett Senior Center - Bethesda Park. Includes erspark.com or (678) 384-6500. instructional coaching. Games will be played under NHPA rules. For men and women seniors. Meets SWIMMING & DIVING Tuesdays. For information call 770-972-2434. 10 AM. Swimming lessons. Ongoing - Alpharetta City Pool - Pool Tournament. Every Monday - Ongoing - Alpharetta, Ga. - 1825 Old Milton Parkway. For infor Motorheads Bar ‘n’ Grill - Henry County. Cost: No mation call 678-297-6107. cover. For information call 770-898-0008 or visit Gwinnett Aquatics. Ongoing - 2800 Quinberry Drive and www.motorheadsbarandgrill.com. 7 p.m. Bethany Church Road. For ages 5-18. Swim team Pool Tournament. Nightly - Ongoing - Sean Patrick’s and lessons available. For information call Bar & Grill - Buckhead. Fees: No cover. For infor- 770-972-4055. mation call 770-650-5723. 8 PM. Senior Water-Exercise class. Ongoing - Mountain Park East Cobb Bass Club. Ongoing - Ryan's Family pool - Lilburn, Ga. Fees: $1 per class. For information Steakhouse - Canton Road - Marietta, Ga. Boaters call 770-546-4650. 10-10:50 AM. and nonboaters welcome. Meets the first Tuesday SwimAtlanta Sugarloaf at Kid’s Village. Ongoing. Swim of each month. For information call 770-364-3036 team, lessons, lap swimming, master’s program, or email [email protected]. 7 PM. water aerobics and scuba available. For information Cohutta chapter of Trout Unlimited. Ongoing - call 678-442-7946. Delkwood Bar and Grill. Meets the fourth Thursday of each month. For information call 770-425-5364 YOUTH REGISTRATION or email [email protected]. 6:30 PM. Soccer - Soccer Alley. Ongoing - 3265 Roswell Road - GEORGIA BIKES! Membership. Ongoing. The effec- Atlanta. For information call 404-266-0762 or visit tiveness of GEORGIA BIKES! is dependent on vol- www.starsoccerclub.com. unteers, supporters, and members, like you, who Tucker Youth Soccer. Ongoing - 2803 Henderson Road - are willing to make a and Club/Small Business: $100. Tucker, Ga. For information call 770-414-0538 or Condor Handball Organization. The Condors feature visit www.tysa.com. current Men’s National Team members and past Track and Field - Peachtree City Flash Youth Track National Team members and Olympians as well as Team registration. Ongoing - Riley Field - Peachtree the greatest American to ever play the sport, City, Ga. For ages 6-14. For information call EVIL GENIUS?: Last season, South Carolina head Darrick Heath. We have weekly leagues and train 770-631-3552 or email [email protected]. coach Steve Spurrier took a shot at Georgia since ing opportunities for men, women, and youth. For Gymnastics - Georgia Gymnastics Academy. Ongoing. they had lost to Vanderbilt in 2006. Well, karma more information, contact Jeb Bell at For registration in Lawrenceville call 770-962-5867; hurts, doesn’t it Steve? Since his comment, Vandy [email protected]. in Suwanee call 770-945-3424. has beaten the Gamecocks twice, including a 24-17 Performance Training Inc. at Suwanee Sports Academy. Gym Elite. Ongoing. Registration for ages 2 and older. upset last Thursday. UGA will try to shut Spurrier Ongoing. Offers speed, agility, and quickness training Cheerleading for ages 6 and older. For information for athletes across multiple sports. For more call 770-242-0678. and his Gamecocks up when the teams meet this information, contact Dustin Wolf at 770-614-6686 x121 Youth Soccer Training. Ongoing. Start age 3 and up. For Saturday. Photo courtesy of the University of South Carolina. or visit www.ssasports.com. information, call 678-714-7454 or e-mail Suwanee Sports Academy. Pre-K Athletics for 2, 3 [email protected]. www.atlantasil and 4 year-olds introduces the basic skills needed verbacks.com/indoor. to play basketball, soccer, and t-ball. Also, there is Flag Football. GSL -- Georgia Sports Leagues. Georgia's GYMNASTICS a unique after school program that provides stu- Best Sports Leagues. Registration ongoing. We Gymnastics Classes at Gymnastics Academy of dents with a weekly sports curriculum along with offer Youth Flag Football for ages (6-8) and (9-12) Atlanta. Ongoing - 3126 Cobb Parkway Kennesaw, the after school classroom setting. For more infor- year olds for both Boys & Girls. Games are played in Ga. For information call 770-975-8337 or visit mation, call 770-614-6686 or visit www.ssasports.com. the Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody area. Next sea www.gymnasticsacademyofatlanta.com. Club Sport. Club Sport opens registration for summer son starts in February. For more information please Gymnastics Classes at Gwinnett Gymnastics Center. leagues on May 1st with league play beginning in June. contact (678)799-0159 or email mark@georgias Ongoing - 927 Killian Hill Road Lilburn, Ga. For infor Club Sport is Atlanta's recreational sports and social portsleagues.org. Visit mation call 770-921-5630. group with over 10,000 participants each year on 1200 Atlanta School of Gymnastics in Lawrenceville. teams in 120 leagues. Each season Club Sport offers www.georgiasportsleagues.org leagues in flag football, softball, soccer, sand and indoor Atlanta Junior Golf. Boys and girls, ages 7-18, can enjoy Ongoing. Classes for tots through teens. Cheerleading classes for ages 5 and older. For infor volleyball, basketball and more. Club Sport is where summer and fall tournaments throughout Metro Atlanta comes to play! For more information about Club Atlanta and Middle and North Georgia (from Dalton to mation call 770-277-9434. The Little Gym of Snellville. Ongoing. Noncompetitive Sport, upcoming events, photos or interviews with the Macon and from Carrollton to Athens) in one the owner, please contact Rich Alvarez at 678-994-0793 ext. nation’s premier junior golf associations. All skill lev gymnastics and motor-skills development classes and camps. For ages 10 months-12 years. For 818 or visit www.usclubsport.com. els are welcome, from beginner to experienced play Stout Irish Sports Pub Events and Specials. Monday: ers, with more than 8,000 rounds of golf available information call 770-982-0901 or visit www.tlgsnellvillega.com. Dart League and Free Pool from 11 p.m.-close; during the summer program alone. For more informa Tuesday: Texas Hold 'em; Wednesday: Trivia Night tion, log on to www.atlantajuniorgolf.org or call and Free Pool from 11pm-close; Thursday: College 770.850.9040. RACING Legends Racing. September 12 at Atlanta Motor Night with DJ All Night; Friday: Happy Hour Food SOFTBALL Speedway. Specials; Saturday: Game Day all day long on Stout's AYSA Spring Season. Ongoing - North Park - Cogburn and Richard Petty Driving Experience. September 12-14 big screen plasma TVs; Sunday: Game Day all day Bethany - Alpharetta. Fees: If Alpharetta Residential at Atlanta Motor Speedway. long on Stout's big screen plasma TVs. Miller High Property Tax IS NOT PAID at the primary residence of 11th Annual Petit Le Mans. October 1-4 at Road Atlanta. Life Beers are always $1. Beer Club: Guests join for the player, then the Non-City Resident Fee must be paid. $120 and receive a prestigious Stout Club Mug After Jan. 13, $10 late fee is charged. OFFICIATING engraved with their name on it. Each visit over the Senior Softball League. Ongoing - Best Friend Park, Basketball - Duluth basketball association. Ongoing. course of the year, members enjoy their first beer of Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross, GA. All Skill levels Looking for youth officials with training provided. For choice on the house. For more, call 404.869.1151 or welcomed. Men age 45+ and women age 40+. information call Barry Sullivan at 770-623-1750. email www.stoutirishpub.com. CAMPS - CLINICS - ONE-ON-ONE & TEAM INSTRUCTION - EQUIPMENT

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 22 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Evans KOs Liddell to shock Philips, UFC SAID ON THE AIR

n a light heavyweight mixed martial arts two minutes later he received a hard left kick to “It’s a scary thought for NFC South Ibout between Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell the ribs and fell in a heap on the canvas. Franklin and “Sugar” last Saturday, the pounced, landing several blows before the refer- and AFC West foes this year – [Michael] fight progressed and ended the way most ee stepped in and started the fight. heavyweight boxing matches do: slow action After the fight, Franklin explained his Turner toting the rock 25-30 times per and a hard knockout. Evans took down reluctance to enjoy his win. game, while running behind perhaps the Liddell with a hard right 1:51 into the second “Victory, in this case, is kind of bitter- round, sending the former light heavyweight sweet,” he said. “It’s a difficult thing.” league’s best young tackle-guard combo, champ to the canvas. The Iceman was out An interesting twist occurred during one cold and the bout was stopped immediately. of the earlier fights prior to the main card. Kurt in rookie left tackle Sam Baker and sec- Evans pranced around the ring and even Pellegrino (18-4) appeared to have submitted ond-year left guard Justin Blalock.” did a Fred Sanford heart attack imitation dur- opponent Thiago Tavares (17-3). Tavares ing his celebration. Liddell, the Atlanta looked to have tapped Pellegrino’s shoulder, crowd favorite, stayed on the canvas for sev- but referee Yves Lavigne did not see it. SI.com’s Jay Clemons on first-year Falcon eral minutes before finally being revived. Pellegrino said while still in the running back Michael Turner after his Evans had entered The Octagon to a cho- Octagon, “I know [the armbar] was super 220-yard performance last Sunday rus of boos while Liddell enjoyed a hero’s wel- duper tight.” And then, after watching the SCORE ATLANTA come. Even after the knockout, the pro-Liddell replay, “Yeah, he tapped.” ADVERTISING INDEX crowd still did not seem to accept Evans, boo- Another controversial moment occurred ing as the victor was officially announced. during the following fight, which featured 790 The Zone ...... 10, 18 Liddell’s knockout reminded many of Matt Brown also of Cincinnati (10-7) and his loss to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson dur- South Korean Dong Hyun Kim “The Human KEEPIN’ AN EYE ON Atlanta Braves ...... 2 ing UFC 71 in 2007. Liddell went in for the Stun Gun” (11-0-1). The fight lasted the full uppercut and was caught with a straight right three rounds and required a decision from Atlanta Dream ...... 10 in both matches by his opponent. Liddell has the judges. To the dismay of the pro-Brown now lost three of his last four matches and crowd, a split decision gave the victory to The Wednesday before the Falcons’ Atlanta Falcons...... 14 will likely have to think about retiring. The Kim. The crowd booed lustily and even UFC Week 1 battle with Detroit, Terence Moore UFC legend denied any thoughts of retiring announcer Joe Rogan commented that he chose to bring up the always-popular topic of Atlanta Motor Speedway ...... 9 in the days leading up to the fight, however. believed Brown won the fight. D.J. Shockley: “All the younger Shockley “Like I keep telling everybody, I’ve got UFC veteran Dan Henderson (23-7) won a needs is a chance … This isn’t a maybe: BP Sports ...... 17 two to four years, and hopefully in two years unanimous decision over Brazilian Rousimar Shockley will do well for somebody in the Comcast ...... 23 I’m still saying two to four years,” the Palhares (17-2). Henderson had lost his last two NFL. It could be for the Falcons, and sooner Iceman remarked. “I still love fighting, I still fights to a couple of the best MMA fighters love training, and I still love what I do, so I’ll ever – and Anderson Silva. than you think.” But here’s what we want to CSS ...... 16 be here as long as my body lets me. I’m still The lack of action in the fight gave the crowd know: Who cares about D.J. Shockley? Don’t here to prove that I’m the best at 205. That’s more reason to disapprove and Henderson apol- the Falcons have more pressing needs than Eagle Eye ...... 13 what I’m here for, so I’m going to have to do ogized in a post-fight interview. who their backup or third-string quarterback it against the young guys. It’s great that these “It’s been a while (since he has fought). is? Terence, find a topic that actually matters. Georgia State ...... 12 guys are coming up, and proving that I can This opponent was as tough as anybody I’ve On Sunday, Mark Bradley wrote, “The GPB ...... 8 still beat ‘em is fun for me.” faced. I wanted to try to keep it on my feet. Braves, who are 222-239 since Opening Day The Evans-Liddell bout ended a night Normally, I’m more aggressive, so I apolo- 2006, no longer have many real players, nor Infinite Energy Atlanta Slam...... 11 of MMA action at Philips Arena in down- gize about that.” are they much of a team. The ‘great, grand town Atlanta. In all there were 10 fights, In another middleweight bout, Nate Man’s Best Friend ...... 19 each ending a different way. After five fights Marquardt (29-9-2) was all over Martin organization’ is just another mediocrity. started the night, the pay-per-view feed Kampmann (13-2) from the get-go. Referee Restoring its luster will take years.” Bradley Metro PCS ...... 14 kicked in and “UFC 88 - Breakthrough” was Mario Yamasaki stopped the fight with 1:22 is absolutely correct about the lack of talent on live across the globe. remaining in the first round on this year’s team, though he may overplay Mikael’s Auto Spa ...... 8 A boisterous and vocal crowd of 14,736 his hand concerning the years to come. The attended the affair. UFC President Dana A RETURN? … future, especially in baseball, is impossible National Guard ...... 12 White remarked to an amused post-fight The event appeared to be a success for press room, “Do you know who beat us here to predict. For proof, just look a few hours North River Tavern ...... 15 (at Philips Arena)? Barbara Streisand. And Atlanta. White will likely want to return to south at the Tampa Bay Rays. that sucks. We want a rematch with Barbara.” Atlanta for a second time, possibly for a Personal Touch Lawncare ...... 7 card featuring local favorite Forrest Griffin, OTHER RESULTS … the current UFC Light Heavyweight cham- Punchline ...... 22 In the fight just before the main card, pion. Griffin, a UGA grad, had trained out MEDIA defeated former training part- of Athens for some time prior to a recent Rhodes Bakery ...... 17 ner Matt Hamill in another light-heavy- move to . HALL OF FAME weight tilt. The crowd seemed to favor The big news, however, was Evans’s upset Road Atlanta ...... 1, 4, Back page Franklin in the bout, but the hearing- of Liddell. The former Michigan State wrestler “The hottest Heisman Trophy candidate right impaired Hamill seemed to have his support- has earned a title shot, according to White. now in the SEC isn’t Florida quarterback Tim Ron Veal QB Instruction ...... 22 ers as well. It was a 20-pound jump for Franklin who recently left the middleweight “Yeah, he deserves the next shot,” White Tebow. Nope, it’s Knowshon Moreno, who Sesame Street ...... 13 rank after three losses to Anderson Silva, the said. “How could you say he doesn’t deserve ripped off a couple of runs for the ages UFC middleweight champ. the shot after tonight?” Saturday in Georgia’s 56-17 drubbing of Taco Bell...... 4 Early on, it seemed almost as if the two White would not disclose the date or site of the impending title bout, but the world Central Michigan,” writes ESPN.com’s Chris TGS Media ...... 17 friends were hesitant to strike each other. During Low. Specifially, Low highlights Moreno’s 52- the second round, the referee stopped the fight of MMA eagerly awaits the occasion. Top Dog Sports...... 1 and asked the ringside doctor to examine a cut The photo of Evans and Liddell on the yard touchdown run as well his already over Franklin’s right eye. The Ohio native passed cover is courtesy of Josh Hedges/UFC. famous 29-yard run in which he hurdles Tour Championship...... 2 the exam and the bout was allowed to continue. Black can be reached at Central Michigan safety Vince Agnew. And That turned out to be bad news for Hamill, as [email protected]. while we agree with Low on Moreno’s spec- Trident Lacrosse...... 5, 20, 21 tacular play to date, it’s probably a bit pre- Volkswagen ...... 3 CATCH ALL THE BRAVES ACTION mature to begin the Heisman debate. Zindlers.com ...... 17

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