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Home , Craig Heyward, Curvin Richards, David DeCastro, Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams, James Pierre

a special section of The Derrick. / The News-Herald College / Pro Sept. 3, 2021 FOOTBALL

One last run? will lead the in his 18th with the 2 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021 Steelers retool around Roethlisberger Pittsburgh opts to tinker with roster rather than do complete overhaul following an early exit in the playoffs last year PITTSBURGH (AP) — Success came so easily for Ben Roethlisberger early in his career, he could be forgiven if he thought it would last forever. Yet nearly 17 years after his NFL debut, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarter- back can still hear the words of former teammate ringing in his ears. “(He) got up in front of the team and was like, “Listen, I’ve been doing this a long time and there’s no guarantees you’re ever going to make the playoffs Pittsburgh Steelers (22) evades Will Harris (25) again,’” Roethlisberger said. “So, I think on a long run in an Aug. 21 NFL preseason game. The Steelers used the 24th overall pick in the NFL every guy needs to take that approach, draft to take Harris, a star running back from Alabama. that (2021) could be the last chance you Moore Jr.) on players who could con- the arm strength to chuck it deep. He’ll from knee surgery, has been slowed dur- have.” ceivably create space for Harris to do his have plenty of options in a group that has ing camp. If Banner can’t go, there’s a For many of the Steelers, it might be thing. plenty at stake personally, particularly very real chance Chuks Okorafor moves — the now 39-year-old Roethlisberger “All four of those guys are really foot- Smith-Schuster. The four-year veteran from left to right, leaving Moore included. ball guys who have come in and acted and social media star opted to return on a to protect Roethlisberger’s blind side. Pittsburgh resisted the chance to blow like pros,” Canada said. “From a coach- one-year deal rather than leave in free The interior line lacks fewer ques- up the roster during the offseason, tin- ing perspective, we’re very happy with agency, eager to prove his meager 8.6 tions, with Kevin Dotson at left guard, kering with it instead of overhauling it the way they work at it. Very happy.” yards per reception was a product of the Green at center and former Pro Bowler following an embarrassing home playoff The hope is Harris’ arrival and a system, not his own ability. replacing DeCastro at right loss to Cleveland. scheme that will include having guard. Green has spent much of his sum- Roethlisberger opted for a pay cut (on U Roethlisberger line up under center — a All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt mer watching videotape of Pouncey, paper) to come back for an 18th season concept that basically vanished while marveling at Pouncey’s physicality. A even after center and has become one of the NFL’s most Fichtner called the plays — will revive a dominant edge rushers in his four sea- little bit of violence in his own approach tight Vance McDonald both retired, rushing attack that finished last in the to the game could go a long way toward guard David DeCastro was released, left sons. His effectiveness in 2021 could NFL in both yards and yards per carry in depend on how devel- determining whether Green is a long- tackle Alejandro Villanueva left for 2020. term solution. Baltimore in free agency and good friend ops in his first season as a full-time A little bit of balance could go a long starter after headed to A difficult road didn’t return as the way toward helping the Steelers stay in team’s following a Tennessee in the offseason. The Steelers Pittsburgh’s reward for a division title the playoff mix in one of the NFL’s most took a flier on nine-year veteran Melvin season in which the Steelers finished last competitive divisions and make their and the best start in franchise history in the NFL in rushing. Ingram to provide depth on the outside if (11-0) is a schedule that statistically is decision to retool instead of reboot look Highsmith falters. Roethlisberger insists his decision to like a wise one. the toughest in the NFL. return was not driven by vanity or greed, A mid-August trade for Trips to Buffalo, Kansas City and but by his love for the game and the Three-headed monster gives Devin Bush — recovering from a Green Bay as well as visits by Seattle belief there’s still plenty of life left in his In wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster, torn ACL that cut short his second sea- and Tennessee — not to mention the right arm now that he’s nearly two years and , son — an experienced running mate at typical foray into what Tomlin likes to removed from right elbow surgery. Pittsburgh has the talent and the speed to inside linebacker after Vince Williams call “AFC North ball” — will make it Still, Pittsburgh’s mandate over the stretch the field. It’s something the retired and struggled challenging for the Steelers to return to offseason was trying to take some of the Steelers struggled to do last season. during training camp. the postseason. pressure off Roethlisberger to do it all. Roethlisberger averaged a career-worst Five for fighting? Four of Pittsburgh’s first six games The Steelers used the 24th overall pick to 6.3 yards per attempt and had just seven Steelers coach has resist- will be at Heinz Field and the Steelers take former Alabama star running back completions of 40 yards or more. Part of ed anointing specific starters along the will have to take advantage if they want Najee Harris, promoted the blame fell on the running game, offensive line, and with good reason. The a little bit of wiggle room down the from coach to offensive which was so ineffective Fichtner and unit remains very much a work in progress stretch. The final month features four coordinator and used the three selections Roethlisberger turned to short passes in with a Week 1 visit to Buffalo looming. games against teams — the Chiefs, after Harris ( , an attempt to move the ball. , expected to return to the Titans, Browns and Ravens — that all center and tackle Dan Roethlisberger is adamant he still has starting right tackle spot a year removed made the playoffs in 2020. THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021 – 3 4 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021 Watt will soon be among NFL’s richest By GERRY DULAC yearly average at $27 million and highest Pittsburgh Post-Gazette guaranteed amount at $102 million. It is a big-time investment in a defen- PITTSBURGH (TNS) — There is sive player for the Steelers, but not sur- nothing acrimonious about the relation- prising. They have paid defensive end ship between the Steelers and T.J. Watt. Cam Heyward more than $88 million There is no stare down between the orga- over the life of three contracts, a total nization and their All-Pro outside line- exceeded by only four other defensive backer about the terms of a new contract. linemen in . In 2019, they Nobody was waiting for the other side to signed defensive end to a blink. five-year, $60,001,439 contract that put The whole strange, curious situation him among the top-five paid defensive was an arrangement agreeable by both linemen in the league at the time. parties. Watt’s deal will take him to another Watt didn’t want to be a holdout stratosphere. while waiting for a contract extension. And the Steelers wanted him in training Slotting in Sutton camp. So he agreed to report and the The Steelers’ plan all along was to Steelers agreed to not have him practice have Cam Sutton replace Mike Hilton as until he signed a new contract. the slot corner in their nickel defense. Well, the wait is almost over. But they spent most of training camp With the four preseason games behind leaving Sutton on the outside, which is them and the season opener looming, what he prefers, and using Antoine Watt is expected to return to practice Brooks Jr. and newcomer soon and the Steelers will sign him to a in the slot, hoping one of them would new contract that is expected to make take control of the position. him the highest-paid defensive player in Well, Brooks and Maulet were the league, according to a team source. released, although Maulet resigned with outside linebacker the team on Wednesday, while Tre has the largest contract Norwood, the latest to be tried there, is value for a defensive player in the league too new and inexperienced to play the — $141 million over six years, accord- position. So now what? ing to spotrac.com. Chargers The Steelers have two options: They defensive end has the highest can move Sutton into the slot in their

R.W. Petruso After a long wait, Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. HEARING & AUDIOLOGY Watt is expected to rejoin the team and the Steelers will sign him to Since 1973 CENTER INC. a new contract that is expected to make him the highest-paid defen- sive player in the league, according to a team source. NEVER MISS WHAT MATTERS nickel defense and use on he is much better in coverage. BECAUSE WE CARE! the outside. Or they can check the waiver “He’s probably better suited to cover- wire next week and find a veteran off the ing than he is to blitzing,” Butler said of street who can perform the role. The for- Sutton. “We like that position to be mer is more likely. physical and to be able to blitz a little bit, Sutton would not be as disruptive as and to be able to cover, also. It’s not an Hilton along the line of scrimmage, but easy position to play.”

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1994. Next up is their first division title since 1989, when they played in the AFC 2021 NFL Schedule  Cleveland Central along with the Houston Oilers. WEEK 1 N.Y. Giants at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Continued from Page 5 “That’s the easiest way to get in the Tennessee at New York, 1 p.m. (CBS) playoffs, win your division,” said left Thursday, Sept. 9 Dallas at Tampa Bay, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Kansas City at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (CBS) The virus flattened the 6-foot-4, 275- guard , who was on Arizona at L.A. Rams, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) pound specimen, who required breathing Cleveland teams that went 4-44 from Sunday, Sept. 12 Seattle at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) treatments over the final weeks. After 2015-17. “That’s always a goal.” Philadelphia at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) Baltimore at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) getting 9 1/2 sacks in his first nine Pittsburgh at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) games, Garrett only recorded 2 1/2 over Secondary issues New York at Carolina, 1 p.m. (CBS) Tampa Bayat New England, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Minnesota at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (FOX) his last seven. Cleveland’s defensive backfield Monday, Oct. 4 remains in flux. San Francisco at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) As long as he stays healthy, Clowney Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Las Vegas at L.A. Chargers, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) should help Garrett. Clowney can play Season-ending injuries to safety Grant Seattle at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (FOX) opposite Garrett or slide inside and next Delpit (Achilles tendon) and cornerback WEEK 5 Arizona at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Oct. 7 to him, creating a pick-your-poison (shoulder nerve) in L.A. Chargers at Washington, 1 p.m. (CBS) 2020 had a troubling trickle-down effect L.A. Rams at Seattle, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/NFLN/ matchup issue for offenses to scheme Cleveland at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) AMAZON) against. as the Browns were constantly moving Miami at New England, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 10 players around. Green Bay at New Orleans, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) OBJ is A-OK New York vs. Atlanta (London), 9:30 a.m. Delpit and Williams have again been Denver at N.Y. Giants, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) (NFLN) Turns out speedy Odell slowed by injuries this summer, and cor- Chicago at L.A. Rams, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Philadelphia at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Beckham Jr. is also a lightning-fast nerback and safety Ronnie Monday, Sept. 13 Green Bay at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (FOX) healer. Harrison missed time. Baltimore at Las Vegas, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC) New England at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Beckham returned quicker than Tennessee at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Nickel back Troy Hill, who played WEEK 2 expected from a season-ending knee with Johnson in Los Angeles, gives the Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX) injury, and will likely be on the field in Thursday, Sept. 16 Denver at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. (FOX) Browns some insurance, but the group’s N.Y. Giants at Washington, 8:20 p.m. (NFLN) Week 1 against the Chiefs. Beckham overall health could give Stefanski and Miami at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. (CBS) New Orleans at Washington, 1 p.m. (CBS) missed out on Cleveland’s playoff run a Berry some sleepless nights. Sunday, Sept. 19 year ago, and because he is who he is, New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cleveland at L.A. Chargers, 4:5 p.m. (CBS) Chicago at Las Vegas, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) there’s been endless speculation about You, again? Cincinnati at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) Houston at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) San Francisco at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) his future with the Browns. The Browns will start 2021 in the N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) same place 2020 ended: Arrowhead L.A. Rams at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (FOX) Denver at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Buffalo at Kansas City, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) It’s undeniable that he gives Stefanski Stadium. The league’s schedule makers Buffalo at Miami, 1 p.m. (FOX) matched up the Browns and Chiefs in Monday, Oct. 11 — and Mayfield — a weapon capable of New England at New York, 1 p.m. (CBS) Indianapolis at Baltimore, 8:15 p.m. ESPN stretching any defense. What remains to Week 1. San Francisco at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) be seen is whether he can handle a sup- “Hell, yeah,” Browns wide receiver Las Vegas at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. (CBS) WEEK 6 porting role on a team loaded with play- said when asked if that Minnesota at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Thursday, Oct. 14 makers. was a good thing. Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Tampa Bayat Philadelphia, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/ It was Higgins’ costly at the Dallas at L.A. Chargers, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) NFLN/AMAZON) Northern exposure goal line that proved to be pivotal in Tennessee at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 17 The Browns have never won the AFC Kansas City’s comeback win. Kansas City at Baltimore, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Miami vs. Jacksonville (London), 9:30 a.m. North. This could be their year. The Browns want payback. Monday, Sept. 20 (CBS) They ended their playoff drought dat- “It’s a vindictive vibe,” Johnson said. Detroit at Green Bay, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) L.A. Chargers at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (CBS) Minnesota at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) ing to the 2002 season last year and won “We definitely want to get back at those WEEK 3 a playoff game for the first time since guys.” Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) Thursday, Sept. 23 Cincinnati at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at Houston, 8:20 p.m. (NFLN) Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Sept. 26 L.A. Rams at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX) Washington at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (FOX) Kansas City at Washington, 1 p.m. (CBS) Chicago at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (FOX) Arizona at Cleveland, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Baltimore at Detroit, 1 p.m. (CBS) Las Vegas at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Arizona at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (FOX) Dallas at New England, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) L.A. Chargers at Kansas City, 1 p.m. (CBS) Seattle at Pittsburgh, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) New Orleans at New England, 1 p.m. (FOX) Monday, Oct. 18 Atlanta at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX) Buffalo at Tennessee, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. (CBS) Indianapolis at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) WEEK 7 New York at Denver, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Oct. 21 Miami at Las Vegas, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Denver at Cleveland, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/NFLN/ Tampa Bay at L.A. Rams, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) AMAZON) Seattle at Minnesota, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Oct. 24 Green Bay at San Francisco, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (CBS) Washington at Green Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX) Monday, Sept. 27 Atlanta at Miami, 1 p.m. (FOX) Philadelphia at Dallas, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) New York at New England, 1 p.m. (CBS) WEEK 4 Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX) Thursday, Sept. 30 Kansas City at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Jacksonville at Cincinnati, 8:20 p.m. (NFLN) Detroit at L.A. Rams, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Philadelphia at Las Vegas, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Oct. 3 Houston at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Washington at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) Chicago at Tampa Bay, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Houston at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) Indianapolis at San Francisco, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) Monday, Oct. 25 Carolina at Dallas, 1 p.m. (FOX) New Orleans at Seattle, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) Indianapolis at Miami, 1 p.m. (CBS) Cleveland at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (CBS) See NFL SCHEDULE, Page 7 THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021 – 7 New Orleans at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) WEEK 15 WEEK 17 Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Dec. 16 Sunday, Jan. 2

 NFL Schedule Cincinnati at Las Vegas, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Kansas City at L.A. Chargers, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/ Atlanta at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (FOX) Continued from Page 6 Dallas at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) NFLN/AMAZON) N.Y. Giants at Chicago, 1 p.m. (CBS) Arizona at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh at L.A. Chargers, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Saturday, Dec. 18 WEEK 8 TBD, 4:30 p.m. (NFLN) Arizona at Dallas, 1 p.m. (FOX) Thursday, Oct. 28 Monday, Nov. 22 TBD, 8:15 p.m. (NFLN) Las Vegas at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) Green Bay at Arizona, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/NFLN/ N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday Pool Date/Time/Network TBD Jacksonville at New England, 1 p.m. (CBS) AMAZON) Carolina at Buffalo Carolina at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Oct. 31 WEEK 12 Las Vegas at Cleveland Tampa Bayat New York, 1 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) Thursday, Nov. 25 New England at Indianapolis Miami at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) Chicago at Detroit (Thanksgiving) 12:30 p.m. New York at Miami Philadelphia at Washington, 1 p.m. (FOX) San Francisco at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) (FOX) Washington at Philadelphia Denver at L.A. Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) Las Vegas at Dallas (Thanksgiving), 4:30 p.m. Houston at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Philadelphia at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 19 L.A. Rams at Baltimore, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) L.A. Rams at Houston, 1 p.m. (FOX) Buffalo at New Orleans (Thanksgiving), Green Bay at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (FOX) Detroit at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Arizona at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) Minnesota at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Monday, Jan. 3 Cincinnati at New York, 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 28 New England at L.A. Chargers, 4:5 p.m. (CBS) Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) Tennessee at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. (CBS) Jacksonville at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) New York at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) WEEK 18 Washington at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Cincinnati at Denver, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Tampa Bayat Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (FOX) Atlanta at San Francisco, 4:5 p.m. (CBS) Saturday, Jan. 8 Tampa Bayat New Orleans, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Atlanta at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) TBD, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN/ABC) Dallas at Minnesota, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Seattle at L.A. Rams, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at Miami, 1 p.m. (FOX) New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) TBD, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC) Monday, Nov. 1 Tennessee at New England, 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Jan. 9 N.Y. Giants at Kansas City, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX) Monday, Dec. 20 New Orleans at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) Minnesota at Chicago, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) WEEK 9 L.A. Chargers at Denver, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Nov. 4 L.A. Rams at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) WEEK 16 New York at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) New York at Indianapolis, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/ Minnesota at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Thursday, Dec. 23 Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) NFLN/AMAZON) Cleveland at Baltimore, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) San Francisco at Tennessee, 8:20 p.m. (NFLN) Green Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Nov. 7 Tennessee at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Monday, Nov. 29 Saturday, Dec. 25 Minnesota at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (FOX) Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Seattle at Washington, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) Cleveland at Green Bay, 4:30 p.m. (FOX/ New England at Carolina, 1 p.m. (CBS) New England at Miami, 1 p.m. (CBS) NFLN/AMAZON) Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) Chicago at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX) WEEK 13 Indianapolis at Arizona, 8:15 p.m. (NFLN) Denver at Dallas, 1 p.m. (FOX) Washington at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX) Thursday, Dec. 2 Dallas at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) Buffalo at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Dallas at New Orleans, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/NFLN/ Sunday, Dec. 26 Houston at Miami, 1 p.m. (FOX) Detroit at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX) AMAZON) Seattle at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Atlanta at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Dec. 5 Tampa Bayat Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Las Vegas at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. (CBS) Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) Kansas City at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Tampa Bayat Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) San Francisco at L.A. Rams, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) L.A. Chargers at Philadelphia, 4:5 p.m. (CBS) Arizona at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) L.A. Chargers at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Green Bay at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) L.A. Rams at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX) L.A. Chargers at Las Vegas, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) L.A. Chargers at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (FOX) TBD, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Arizona at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m. (CBS) Buffalo at New England, 1 p.m. (CBS) Tennessee at L.A. Rams, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Indianapolis at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Jacksonville at New York, 1 p.m. (CBS) Monday, Nov. 8 N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) Denver at Kansas City, 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday night games in Weeks 5-17 subject Chicago at Pittsburgh, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) N.Y. Giants at Miami, 1 p.m. (FOX) Chicago at Seattle, 4:5 p.m. (FOX) Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) to change; Week 18 game TBD WEEK 10 Philadelphia at New York, 1 p.m. (CBS) NFL Network and Amazon simulcast subject Washington at Las Vegas, 4:5 p.m. (FOX) Denver at Las Vegas, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Nov. 11 Washington at Dallas, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) to change Baltimore at Miami, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/NFLN/ Jacksonville at L.A. Rams, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) In Week 18, games eligible to be played on AMAZON) Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Monday, Dec. 27 Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and 8:15.p.m. or Sunday San Francisco at Seattle, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 14 Miami at New Orleans, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) at 1 p.m., 4:25 p.m. or 8:20 p.m. Atlanta at Dallas, 1 p.m. (FOX) Monday, Dec. 6 Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) New England at Buffalo, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) Cleveland at New England, 1 p.m. (CBS) Buffalo at New York, 1 p.m. (CBS) WEEK 14 Detroit at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. (FOX) Thursday, Dec. 9 Watch the BIG game New Orleans at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh at Minnesota, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/ IT’S ON! Tampa Bayat Washington, 1 p.m. (FOX) NFLN/AMAZON) Carolina at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) on a BIG Screen TV. Minnesota at L.A. Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Dec. 12 Philadelphia at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Seattle at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) San Francisco at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) Kansas City at Las Vegas, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Baltimore at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) Seattle at Houston, 1 p.m. (FOX) Monday, Nov. 15 L.A. Rams at San Francisco, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN) Las Vegas at Kansas City, 1 p.m. (CBS) New Orleans at New York, 1 p.m. (FOX) WEEK 11 Jacksonville at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Experience the BEST Thursday, Nov. 18 Dallas at Washington, 1 p.m. (FOX) New England at Atlanta, 8:20 p.m. (FOX/ Detroit at Denver, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) NFLN/AMAZON) N.Y. Giants at L.A. Chargers, 4:5 p.m. (FOX) in High Definition! Sunday, Nov. 21 Buffalo at Tampa Bay, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Indianapolis at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) Chicago at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Washington at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Monday, Dec. 13 The Brands You Know Baltimore at Chicago, 1 p.m. (CBS) L.A. Rams at Arizona, 8:15 p.m. ESPN Friedhaber’s Detroit at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (FOX) San Francisco at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (FOX) 14 East First Street • Oil City and The People You Trust. Green Bay at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX) 814-676-5694 Miami at New York, 1 p.m. (CBS) www.friedhaber.com 8 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021 Young Eagles team ready to compete By the time the lights come up at One name to watch on defense is cor- Memorial Stadium on Saturday, and the nerback Jordan Villafane. A graduate first kick of the 2021 season goes air- transfer from South Carolina, Villafane borne, it will have been 658 days since started his football career at Bloomsburg the Clarion Golden Eagles last lined up in 2016, playing a part in both of the against an opponent. To say much has Huskies’ wins over the Golden Eagles changed since that day — a frigid season that year before transferring. He and finale in East Stroudsburg on Nov. 16, Esaie Batoula will provide a veteran 2019 — would be an understatement. hand in the defensive backfield. Thanks to regular attrition, a 2020 Such experience could well come in season that wasn’t, and two years’ worth handy early on. Of all the things affected of aggressive recruiting by the coaching by the COVID-19 pandemic, one that is staff, the Golden Eagle team that will not getting much attention is how it take the field against Lake Erie on affects preparation for opponents in the Saturday will feature nearly 70 student- early part of the year. Gone is the easy athletes putting on the Blue & Gold uni- familiarity some coaching staffs might form for the first time in their careers. Of have enjoyed facing perennial opponents that group, roughly 60 come in with with similar tendencies from year to freshman eligibility, though that number year. In 2021, attrition on the roster and also includes what would have been the in the coaching ranks could create some freshman class of 2020. What they may Wide receiver Quinn Zinobile hopes to bolster the Clarion Eagles’ unexpected results. lack in experience, though, they make up passing game. “You can’t go off the old film, because for in fire. in a lot of instances, there just isn’t any,” “We have a lot of guys that are ready McGriff. Starting receivers Terrell Ford Only right tackle Jake Lindner (nine Weibel said. “It’s going to be a challenge to compete,” Chris Weibel and Quinn Zinobile both return to the starts) and center Matt Charlton (two figuring out how to attack teams, and said. “We lost a lot of guys to the pan- outside and will look to bolster a Golden starts) saw significant playing time in how they will try to attack you, until the demic that graduated early and moved Eagle passing that will feature a 2019, and they will be joined by a trio of tape starts coming in.” on, but we replaced them with young, new starting quarterback in transfer Kyle relative newcomers, including Division I Of course, the Golden Eagles will athletic players that are ready to get out Knight, who comes to Clarion after a transfer Norman Fox at left tackle. provide that same level of the unknown there and compete.” three-year stint at Lock Haven, and who “Our focus coming into this year was to the opponents they square off against The one area where Clarion will fea- has proven to be a threat running the building depth on the offensive line,” early on as well. ture at least some familiar faces will be football as well as throwing it. Weibel said. “How that unit performs is Clarion opens the 2021 season with on the offense. The Golden Eagles wel- However, Weibel was quick to point going to impact how the rest of the three straight games at home, following come back several starters at the skill out that — as is often the case — the suc- offense is going to look.” up their opener against Lake Erie with a positions, including 2019 first team All- cess of the offense would likely hinge on Though the offense features at least a Sept. 11 clash against Millersville and a PSAC West running back Mylique the development of the offensive line. handful of starters from the 2019 season, Sept. 18 game against Shippensburg. the defense is going to look drastically They will open the Pennsylvania State different in 2021. Athletic Conference (PSAC) West sea- Defensive end Desmond Johnson is son one week later on the road against the only player returning on defense that Gannon. Annually one of the most com- started more than half of the 2019 sea- petitive leagues in the country, the chal- FOR son, with six starts that year. lenge will be to ramp things up in time Amari Johnson (four starts) and Kareem the grueling conference schedule. 40 Hamdan (two starts) are the only other “It’s one of the best divisions in YEARS! returning defensive players to start any Division II ,” Weibel games at all that year. said. 1696 Pittsburgh Rd. Franklin, PA • New & Used Guns 814-437-9570 • Reloading Supplies Buy, Sell & Trade • Huge Fishing • Rifles & Shotguns Department • Handguns • Live Bait • Blackpowder Guns • Camping & Boating & Supplies Supplies • Ammunition • Hunting & Fishing • Scopes & Knives Licenses • Gun Safes • Outdoor Clothing • Youth & Kids • Footwear Hunting Clothes • Pet Food & Supplies • Archery Pro Shop

MON - SAT 9-8 SUN 10-5 WWW.MAUERSTRADINGPOSTINC.COM THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021 – 9 Pitt puts emphasis on running game By JOE SAGER improve and become a leader on the Correspondent defensive line and elevate my game and step up to fill those big shoes. I think I PITTSBURGH — With an experi- am playing at a really high level. I am enced roster back, Pitt is hoping to reach ready to take that step.” the double-digit win mark for the first Devin Danielson and David Green time since 2009 and first under the guid- return as starting defensive tackles. ance of head coach Pat Narduzzi. However, Keyshon Camp and Calijah However, in order to think about Kancey will see significant snaps. The eclipsing the eight wins the Panthers Panthers have depth at linebacker with have reached three times in Narduzzi’s returning starters Phil Campbell, Chase past six seasons, one of the top tasks is Pine and Cam Bright. SirVocea Dennis, establishing a consistent running game. and John Petrishen have The team has struggled to do much on proven themselves in the past as well. the ground the past two years. Cornerback Marquis Williams is the “The biggest thing critical to winning lone returning starter in the secondary. is controlling the turnover game. We Damarri Mathis could emerge at corner have to win the turnover margin every as well. Erick Hallett, Aliquippa’s M.J. game. If we do that, we have a chance to Devonshire and Brandon Hill will all see win,” Narduzzi said. “Defensively, let’s time at safety. get them and, offensively, let’s not give On special teams, Pitt welcomes back it to them. We have to hold onto the ball punter Kirk Christodoulou, but must and get the ball back. When you have the replace kicker Alex Kessman, the pro- ball, you have opportunities to score. head coach Pat Narduzzi’s biggest questions gram’s all-time leader in field goals. When you don’t have it, and you give The Panthers hope to solidify things someone a short field, you’ve got an this season come on defense, which will have to account for the loss of stalwarts like defensive linemen and Patrick by the time UMass visits Heinz Field on issue there.” Sept. 4. Pitt opens ACC play Oct. 2 at Establishing a consistent running Jones, who are now in the NFL. Tech. game will certainly help Pitt with that. “We’ve got to, somehow and some “This isn’t new. This is how college “We’re picked fourth (in the ACC) Traditionally, that’s an area where the way, become a lot better running the football works. There’s always going to going into the season, which is great. Panthers have excelled — see Tony ball. You can look at the tailback, but it’s be somebody to replace and there’s You could pick us eighth, whatever, Dorsett, , Craig Heyward, everybody,” he said. “It starts up front always going to be somebody to replace tenth,” Narduzzi said. “I just see a lot of Curvin Richards and Billy West. More with the offensive line, but it takes 11 them. It’s true that they left some big good competition. I see a lot of good recently, guys like Ray Graham, James guys. We’re not in the Olympics — it’s shoes to fill. But we’re ready for the football programs that keep getting bet- Conner, , Shady McCoy and not a two-man volleyball game or it’s task,” Baldonado said. “I’ve tried to ter. It’s an incredible conference.” Qadree Ollison have flourished in the not the parallel bars by yourself. This is backfield. team football and it takes 11. It’s not just So, who’s going to be the next star one guy. You need 11 guys to do their runner? Many signs point to sophomore job every play.” Israel “Izzy” Abanikanda taking the Having senior quarterback Kenny baton. Abanikanda showed flashes of Pickett back under the center could help ifference. brilliance for the Panthers early last take some pressure off the running backs, There is a Di spring and fall, but missed four games, too. He will be a four-year starter and When it comes to serving the financial needs of this area, including the last three due to COVID- could threaten ’s Pitt 19 protocols. He finished the year with career record of 10,913 passing yards. we have the home team advantage. This is our home. 95 yards on 20 carries. Pickett will have some veteran targets, We know the area and the people who live here. “Last season was a learning process, too, in returning starting receivers Jacques- especially mentally. I learned a lot from Louis Shocky and Jordan Addison. Dan all the running backs,” Abanikanda said. Moraga is back at tight end, but Lucas 333 W Main Street “I started listening and buying in to what Krull, who transferred from Florida two Clarion, PA 16214 coach (Andre) Powell was saying. seasons ago, could be a big boost at the 814-226-6000 Freshman year, I wasn’t really buying in position. He was injured last year and fin- and stuff. Right now, I am buying in and ished with one catch in one game. 592 Main Street listening to every little detail and it’s Up front, the team has a veteran line working.” with returning starters Gabe Houy, Rimersburg, PA 16248 Abanikanda is battling returning start- Carter Warren and Butler product Jake 814-473-3000 er Vince Davis, who led the team with Kradel, along with a handful of letter- 632 yards on 143 carries last year, for the men. “They are all fighting there,” 308 Broad Street top spot in the backfield. Narduzzi said. “There’s a lot of competi- New Bethlehem, PA 16242 “Izzy is big; he’s physical; he’s fast tion. Strength-wise, the team is in great 814-275-1806 and he’s consistent. He’s not up and shape. I think our kids are confident. down,” Narduzzi said. “He’s gotten bet- They are stronger, bigger and faster.” ter from last season. He is focused. I Defensively, the Panthers welcome 1272 Elk Street think he is more serious about his game. back six starters. The glaring hole is the Franklin, PA 16323 He wants to be the guy. We’ll see. It’s a need to find new pass rushers now that 814-437-1000 battle. We’ll see where it goes. Vince is All-Americans Rashad Weaver and good, too.” Patrick Jones, who combined for 27.5 Narduzzi stresses that it’s not about tackles for loss, are gone. Deslin Abanikanda or Davis doing all the work, Alexandre, Habakkuk Baldonado and www.clarionbank.com though. John Morgan hope to settle into that role. 10 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021 ‘Brick by brick’ approach continues at GCC By JOE SAGER McFall and Karns City’s Ethan Conto, was coaching at Karns City a long time a lot of veterans returning with some Correspondent Dalton Callihan and Luke Salerno are and had a great relationship with us. I fifth-year guys coming back and a lot of just some of the local players who have think there have been a lot of connec- young guys stepping into key roles. I am GROVE CITY — Grove City College been key components in the program’s tions with school districts and coaches really excited. continues its climb up the Presidents’ rise from a winless 2016 season to a 9-2 that have continually enabled us to get a “Last year was hard. A lot of it was a Athletic Conference standings. The mark in 2019. The team went 2-2 in an lot of guys in each class.” mental game, not knowing if and when Wolverines’ “Brick By Brick” approach, abbreviated spring season after the 2020 Parenti leads the local players this you’d end up on a quarantine list or have instilled by head coach Andrew DiDonato fall campaign was postponed due to season. to get tested, or whether or not you’d get when he took over the program in 2016, COVID-19 protocols. He is a two-year at nose to play and see all your practice time pay has resulted in steady progress. “We have some good veteran guys tackle and started in the spring. He is a off. It was so worth it in the end just to Once again, locals remain important and we brought a very talented class in key part of the Wolverines’ defensive get out and play,” he said. “bricks” in Grove City’s building plans. with local guys. I see that trend continu- front again this fall. Freyermuth started at inside lineback- The Wolverines feature eight area play- ing. They have had a major impact in a “We run a 3-4 defense and you can er as a freshman, but was injured in the ers: juniors Curtis Freyermuth lot of key positions for us,” DiDonato only do that if you have a nose guard spring season. Grove City hopes to get (Cochranton), Hunter Jones (Karns City) said. “I think a big part of it, too, is we you can build around,” DiDonato said. him back in the lineup at some point this and James Parenti (Moniteau), sopho- have a lot of support in the area and local “The way he plays the position allows fall. more Isaak Jones (Keystone) and fresh- alums coaching. us to do what we feel we can be best at Hunter Jones, a sprinter on Grove men Tanner Merwin (A-C Valley) and “Right across the street, we have defensively. He has a great feel for not City’s team, moved from Redbank Valley’s Dalton Bish, Kobe (Titusville graduate) Sam Mowrey at only on how we play our defensive running back to linebacker in the spring. Bonanno and Trenten Rupp. Grove City High School and (Franklin line, but our defensive scheme as a He hopes to compete for time while “One of the things I was told in 2016 graduate) Blane Gold at Redbank whole. He’s had a big impact on our Isaak Jones is battling for the backup when we first started building this pro- Valley, who are both alums,” DiDonato program.” quarterback position. gram, is that you always need to win added. “That’s been a great connection Parenti, a 6-foot, 285-pounder, has Bish, Rupp and Merwin are defensive your home state. Getting more specific, for us as well. To have those local been a track and field standout at Grove backs, while Bonanno is with Parenti at you need to win your local area,” coaches in the area that really have a lot City, too. He was PAC runner-up in the nose guard. DiDonato said. “The amount of local of respect for Grove City and who we weight throw at the 2020 indoor champi- “It’s great seeing all these local guys guys, specifically from D-9 and D-10, are is really great. Going back to how onships and placed third in the here; guys that I remember playing we’ve had has been pivotal to helping many local players we’ve had as cap- at the 2021 PAC outdoor championships. against in high school now on the same us rebuild things over the last couple tains over the last few years, guys like He owns program records in indoor shot team with me,” Parenti said. “I’ve made years.” Ethan Conto, Dalton Callihan and Luke put and weight throw. He’s thrilled to be a lot of great friends and I think it’s just Oil City’s Quinton Reed and Jackson Salerno from Karns City — Ed Conto back to a regular football schedule this really cool. It’s nice to be able to look fall. back and have guys from all these “I am pumped. Just being back in schools on the same team and seeing camp is incredible,” Parenti said. what they are capable of doing. It makes “Our team is looking great. We have it really fun.” Ready For Fall Driving

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The Sports Den can be accessed anytime by going to 119 Grant Street, Franklin PA 814-432-8016 TheDerrick.com and clicking on The Sports Den under the Sports menu. In addition, free live updates will appear Friday “Where The Guys Are Great And The Service Is Better” nights on the home page of TheDerrick.com. www.tiresinfranklin.com Tire Shop: Mon. - Fri. 8am to 5:00pm Sat. 8am to Noon, Closed Sun. 432-8016 THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021 – 11 Penn State’s Dotson focused on improving UNIVERSITY PARK (AP) — When Simply put, he wasn’t fast enough. he lines up to cover teammate Jahan When asked who the fastest player on Dotson, Penn State cornerback Tariq the team is, Dotson is always quick to Castro-Fields goes through a mental respond. checklist. “Brisker,” he said. Dotson is faster now. He’s stronger. But Dotson is close. He’s always been intelligent. And after Since the Minnesota game, he’s made an offseason fueled by last season’s dis- it his mission to add speed. Body control appointment, Dotson believes he’s and quickness have never been an issue improved in all areas. for the former high school long jumper “He’s gonna have a big year,” Castro- and hoops star, but he’s shaved a few Fields said. “What makes him special is, tenths of a second off his 40-yard-dash yeah, he has speed, but he controls his time by working with Penn State staff on speed and his routes. He knows how to his technique and conditioning. manipulate and get in blind spots. You He ran a 4.33 this summer and has mix speed with craftiness, that’s when described camp as the best one he’s had you make a great receiver.” yet. Dotson — who as a freshman remind- “What really pushed me to be honest ed coach James Franklin of young Jerry was guys on that team,” Dotson said. Rice — believes he can be greater. It’s “When KJ (Hamler) was here, he never part of the reason he opted to return for let me live down the Minnesota moment, his senior year. so literally getting faster, being faster, Although he led the team with 52 that was always something I was trying catches for 884 yards and eight touch- to prove to everyone.” downs, he was stung by Penn State’s 4-5 Dotson will line up to attack a season. Dotson, Castro-Fields and safety Wisconsin defense that was ranked 31st Jaquan Brisker decided together they nationally against the pass last year, wanted their time in the program to end flanked by teammates Parker Washington differently. and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. They’re The 19th-ranked Nittany Lions open sophomores who, because of COVID-19 Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson can mix speed with crafti- the season Saturday at No. 12 Wisconsin. restrictions, haven’t experienced a home ness and “that’s when you make a great receiver,” said teammate “We know we have a great challenge crowd yet, much less one as hostile as Tariq Castro-Fields. in front of us Week 1 from the jump and what Wisconsin will pack into Camp we’re excited to take it on,” Dotson said. Randall Stadium on Saturday. “We’ve got a lot of guys this year who “Our coaches have been preparing us Your Fall Driveway are ready to prove to the world that that in a tremendous way,” Dotson said. team last year at Penn State was not us.” “When we get in those moments, we’re It’s not a new feeling for Dotson. not flustered, our minds not racing and & Home Needs He’s been motivated to improve before we’re going to be cool, calm and col- and points to an embarrassing moment in lected and we’re going to resort back to Agway® 2019 when then-unbeaten Penn State our training.” $ 49 lost to Minnesota and fell out of the He’ll likely get more opportunities to Driveway Sealer race. quiet the crowd on punt returns, where 17. With his team driving with less than Franklin has deployed him with great •Designed to protect and 5 Gal. four minutes left, Dotson hauled in a success. Dotson set a program record for beautify sound asphalt surfaces. pass over the middle but was caught punt return average last year with 24.6 Agway® Driveway from behind by a pair of Gopher defend- yards per game. Agway® Fill ‘N Seal ers. Dotson all but tackled himself as he “Sometimes you don’t think he’s Sealer-5 Gal. Driveway Sealer-5 Gal. Blended from high quality refined looked over his shoulders on what running very fast because he’s just so For filling hairline cracks and could’ve been a go-ahead score. fluid in the way he does it, but no one asphalt and fortified with polymer. providing increased traction Easy stirring and increased “What I learned from that moment is catches him. He’s subtle kind of with (090-00092) you’ve got to be ready whenever your his moves,” Franklin said. “But now durability (090-00093) number is called,” Dotson said. “That that he’s more explosive and stronger $20.99 $23.99 game, I think I had like maybe two and bigger, I think that’s got a chance catches toward the end of the game and I for him to translate into more explosive Agway® Wasp was kind of cold during the whole game. plays for us, which I think is really Agway® All-Purpose I hadn’t got my feet wet.” important.” & Hornet Killer Ecolobag •Provides instant knockdown, 2 Packs of 5 For quick kill and residual action $ 98 that takes out the entire 7. nest and prevents $ 99 •All-purpose bag that re-nesting 4. is environmentally friendly. (121-05112) Sale ends September 18, 2021 550 N. Seneca St., Oil City 677-2031 • Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. 8-2 12 – THE DERRICK. / The News-Herald: Friday, September 3, 2021