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OCTOBER 1-7, 2008 ’SATLANTA’S WEEKLY SPORTS SPORTS TALK TALK NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPER VOL 4 NO 40 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 /PREP EDITOR Scott Janovitz BUSINESS MANAGER Marvin Botnick 4 Kevin Dankosky writes about the “long walk SALES Zander Lentz, Brian Pruett home” while leaving the UGA-Alabama game. OFFICE MANAGER Nakia Washington Many fans did not even stick around past halftime. BEAT WRITERS Josh Bagriansky (Dream), Stephen Black ______(Silverbacks), Jason Boral (Thrashers), James Butler (UGA), Dave Cohen ( State), Johnny Crosskey (Tech), Alex Ewalt (Preps), Erik Horne (Falcons), Scott 5 I.J. Rosenberg tells the Bulldogs to pack away those Janovitz (Hawks/Recruiting), Fletcher Proctor (Braves) black jerseys “until at least 2010,” and also offers his STAFF WRITERS Cranston Collier, Joe Deighton, Ricky Dimon, thoughts on the Jackets and Falcons. Rajesh Gupta, Zander Lentz, Andrew McCarron, Corey Mitchell, ______Jessica Parker, Leighton Savary, Keafer Triplett, Derek Wiley CONTRIBUTORS Dean Zindler, Kevin Dankosky, Mitch Evans, 13 Fletcher Proctor recaps the highs and lows of 2008 for Matt Judy, Tony Schiavone, Richard Diamond, Joe Haines, Brian (pictured) and the Braves, and ponders what Katrek, Chris Dimino, Mike Bell, Matt Stewart, Fred Kalil, Nick needs must be met before 2009. 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 Alex Ewalt previews some of the big high school Woolverton, Chris Voss, Bob Rathbun, Courtney Capps, Bill football matchups coming up this Friday, including Hartman, Chuck Dowdle, Shannon Alderman, Dan Kamal, Dennis Northside-Warner Robins vs. Lowndes. 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 We are looking for Web interns to help with our new Web site at Scoreatl.com. If you are interested in getting ™ SCHOOL an all-around Web experience, please email Alex Ewalt at LISTING [email protected] or call 404-256-1572. 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 MELTING THE ICE: As if the DEKALB: Chamblee, Columbia, Decatur, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, COVER DESIGN BY DAVID GAUDIO; COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF ROB SAYE. Lakeside, Marist, Miller Grove, M.L. King, Paideia, Redan, St. Pius MLB playoffs, NFL and NCAA football weren’t giv- X, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Stone Mountain, Tucker ing us enough of a sports fix, the new NHL season FULTON: Alpharetta, Blessed Trinity, Centennial, Chattahoochee, Douglass, Grady, Lovett, Mays, Milton, North Springs, Northview, is only days away! All-Star (pic- 4 MEMORY LANE 6 DUE UP-SCORE LIST 7 SPIN-C.C. Riverwood, Roswell, Tri-Cities, Westminster, Woodward Academy tured) and the Thrashers kick off the 2008-09 sea- GWINNETT: Berkmar, Brookwood, Buford, C. Gwinnett, Collins Hill, Dacula, Grayson, Greater Atlanta Christian, Meadowcreek, Mill son on Oct. 10, but first the team hosts former 8 YEARS PAST 9 GOLF 10 PANTHERS 12 CHUCK OLIVER Creek, Norcross, North Gwinnett, Parkview, Peachtree Ridge, South Gwinnett, Wesleyan Thrasher Marian Hossa and Detroit in preseason 15 FALCONS 16 THRASHERS-HAWKS 17 OWLS-BRAVES action on Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Scott Cunningham. 18 BULLDOGS 19 JACKETS 20-21 CALENDAR 22 AD INDEX

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UGA’s struggles cause ‘longest walk ever’ Top longball; NBA Store celebrates Year 10 ’ve never seen anything like that before.” SECOND-HALF ‘COMEBACK’ … he battle of the home hitters. We Over 1 million fans from over 150 countries “I“We got our @#$ kicked.” “Another big As I approached my car parked behind Tknow who tops the list, but what collec- visit the NBA Store each year. More info is game and we don’t show up.” “Who kid- Stegeman, the crowds dispersed and I tors are willing to pay for that record-set- available at www.nba.com/nycstore. napped Matthew Stafford?” “How embar- noticed all the tent cities that were so festive ting memorabilia is another story. rassing was that?” “Can I take this black shirt before the game were now deserted and in Check out who’s No. 1 on this week’s FROM THE MAILBAG … back to Target?” “Hey buddy, get away from shambles. Apparently the shock waves of online auction report. Dear Dean: I have an Aluminum 1977 my gas tank with that straw!” what the Dogs on the field had a ripple rookie card. I’m attempting to These are the things I heard while mak- effect through campus, leaving no survivors. • Ken Griffey Jr.’s 600th Home Run Baseball do some research but have had little success. ing the trek back to my car at halftime of the I was happy I didn’t have to clean up the • 1966 Mickey Mantle Autographed What do you know of the item? Georgia-Alabama football game on Saturday Home Run Baseball No. 485/518 Dear Metal Man: The Dale Murphy mess and wondered how Mark Richt would • 760th Home Run Baseball Aluminum Baseball Rookie Card was night in the longest walk ever. Never before clean up the mess on the field. had I left a Georgia football game so early • 1951 Joe DiMaggio Game issued in the early 1980s. Ten-thousand Although I pulled for the Dawgs while 4 Final Home Run Baseball cards were produced and each is numbered. and never before has the walk seemed so listening to Scott Howard’s second-half crowded and sullen. The Bulldog nation • 1973 Home Run Baseball The cards sold out and were originally seemed shocked and saddened as if a sudden play-by-play while I drove home on 316, it No. 656/660 priced at $10 with proceeds from the sale storm had just devastated the campus. The was a moot point. There was no way going to the Huntington’s Disease Crimson Tide had just rolled over Athens. Georgia would come back, as the deficit And the winner is … “The Kid” Ken Foundation. Although the card is a limited Some call me the eternal optimist—and was just too big. To be honest, my concern Griffey Jr., whose 600th home run knocked edition, it doesn’t have as much appeal with I am as a —but with the 31-point wasn’t the second half of that game but the down $35,000. Barry Bonds’s 760th dinger collectors. Your card is worth $40. deficit at the half and with the sped up clock, rest of the season for this Georgia team. All came in second, grabbing $27,000. Bonds’s Dear Dean: I have a ball signed by I felt the odds of Georgia coming back were the hype, all the promise, and all the godfather Willie Mays’s 656th baseball that says “Chicks dig the long pretty slim. A good coach (and Nick Saban dreams of a national championship could grabbed $11,000. Mantle’s 485th signed ball.” That was in an ESPN promo. I also have been shattered in just one night. All is home run baseball pulled in $6,500. Hard to have three photos of Maddux, qualifies as such) with a good running game and . They are each signed with (which Alabama has) would make it impossi- not lost, as Florida also lost earlier in the believe, but Joltin Joe’s last home run base- day, thus giving the Bulldogs hopes of a ball against the New York Giants in Game 4 a gold metal plate with their names below the ble for a comeback. Given the choice of see- of the World Series went for $5,975. All photos and are all framed together with sig- ing a miracle or getting home before 3 a.m., rematch against Alabama in the SEC Championship if both teams win out. If were sold at auctions between May natures. Any idea as to their values? I went with my first option and I was not and July of this year. Dear Glory Days: Your -signed, alone. Somewhere on Sanford Drive I think I that’s the case, there is still a string of hope The NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in New custom-framed autographed piece is worth passed Alabama’s punter making his way for a trip to Miami in January. However, if York will celebrate its 10th anniversary this $300. The original Maddux television com- back to the – they certainly didn’t the Dogs play like they did in the first half year by unveiling its most popular selling jer- mercial was for Nike and was shot with need him in the first half. They say misery of this game against anyone else this sea- seys from the past decade. The store will cel- teammate Tom Glavine. It was a spoof on the loves company and that was certainly the son, those hopes will be destroyed. ebrate with special giveaways and autograph two of them bulking up to become power hit- case as I listened to my fellow refugees. Passing by “gas-less” stations all night seasons with NBA, WNBA and Legend play- ters. Autographed Maddux baseballs sell for “That’s the last time we’ll ever have a long, I made it home before 11 p.m. I know I ers. In addition, the store’s 10-millionth visi- around $200, but with your inscription on it, blackout here.” “Is this going to hurt Stafford’s made the right decision to leave early. I just tor will be honored with an all-expense paid would be worth close to . shot at the Heisman?” “Well, maybe next hope I never have to make that decision again. trip to the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. The Want to know what your item is worth or year.” “Losing this game is bad enough, but to But that’s just my opinion. NBA Store is the first retail establishment have a question about a particular sports do it on national television is even worse.” “Do Dankosky can be reached at owned, operated and merchandised by a item? Email me, Dean Zindler, at you know where I can buy gas around here?” [email protected]. North American professional sports league. [email protected].

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‘Dogs need discipline, Jackets can take ACC and Falcons will beat Packers

t was a busy weekend, so here are some rible Virginia team back here in Atlanta as defense, allowing more than 157 yards a Ithoughts as the air is starting to get well as Florida State before going to North game. I am calling for a 20-17 win before chillier, the days shorter and football Carolina and finishing up here with Miami the Falcons come back here and beat the games more meaningful. and at Georgia. Could Tech finish 9-3, go to Bears, then head into the bye week at 4-2. • Georgia needs to pack those black jer- the ACC Championship and a good bowl R seys away and write on the box: “Do not open game? There is no reason right now to think AND SPEAKING OF … E

until at least 2010.” Last year when they otherwise, especially considering the ACC is I have to stray from the sports scene for a V needed some type of boost after a slow start, an awful conference this year. Interestingly, second to make a comment on the state govern-

the black jerseys were needed. But now this the Yellow Jackets could have a better record ment in Georgia. I mean, what’s the deal here? O team needs to go out and focus on football, than Georgia when they face each other in This gas shortage situation is ridiculous; I talk and show why it was given that preseason Athens on Nov. 29. to friends all over the country and it seems like C No. 1 ranking. The beatdown the Bulldogs • The Falcons hung in there for three we are the only ones that are having these prob- took from Alabama in the first half Saturday quarters Sunday at Carolina, but like in the lems. I just wonder what our governor and his E night in Athens shocked everyone, including Tampa Bay game, they just don’t have office are doing. Looking for gas? First, we many on the Crimson Tide sideline, though I H will say there were some early warning signs, T one that I have pointed out on several occa- sions. I don’t care who you are; no team can afford to lose its best offensive lineman N (Trinton Sturdivant) and defensive lineman (Jeff Owens) for the season and expect to be O the same. It just doesn’t happen, and it was very apparent against Alabama that they were Last Saturday’s “blackout” in Athens struggling on both fronts. It was also very did not have the same effect as it did apparent that head coach Mark Richt was frustrated with his team’s play, snapping at last year in a win over Auburn. This ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during a halftime time, Nick Saban (pictured above) and interview, though afterwards he did take the the Alabama Crimson Tide jumped out full blame for the loss. The Bulldogs, however, got a huge to a 31-0 halftime lead before holding break earlier in the day when Florida took it on for the 41-30 victory. It’s still early – on the chin against Ole Miss. Otherwise, but did the loss kill the Bulldogs’ another conference loss likely would have taken them out of contention to get to the chances at a national title? Georgia has conference championship game. a bye week to regroup before returning Interestingly, the Bulldogs could still lose a to action against Tennessee on Oct. 11. game, say to Tennessee, and if they then win the rest of their conference games they The photo of Saban and the cover shot would still win the SEC East. But the prob- of Alabama’s defense sacking Matthew lem now is that before the season the Stafford are courtesy of Rob Saye. Alabama game was supposed to be a win, ELEPHANT MAN: The ESPN College GameDay crew has now come to the State of Georgia twice in 2008: and the tough part of the schedule is still ahead with games against the Vols and an once for the Clemson-Alabama game at the on Aug. 30 and again last weekend for the AND FINALLY … undefeated Vanderbilt team in Athens, then Georgia-Alabama game in Athens. Apparently, , Lee Corso and bring the My friend Jayson Stark, who is not hav- games at LSU, Florida, Kentucky (undefeat- Crimson Tide luck here, as they won both games. No wonder Corso put on the Alabama mascot’s head. ing problems finding gas in Philadelphia, ed) and at Auburn before ending with a Photo courtesy of Rob Saye. calls former Braves Andruw much-improved team. Jones baseball’s least valuable player this Richt and his team have never been test- season. He writes: “I can think of a lot of ed like this. It’s going to be fun to follow but excellent ways to make use of $36 million. here are a few suggestions. Throw the foot- CATCH I.J. ON SUNDAYS In retrospect, depositing it in Andruw ball more. It is obvious that Georgia’s offen- Jones’s checking account probably wouldn’t sive line can’t consistently open holes against ‘Last year when [Georgia] needed some type of boost after a slow start, the make the top 100,000. In fairness to Andruw, good defenses and running back Knowshon he wasn’t 100 percent (although a scope on Moreno (bruised elbow) may miss the black jerseys were needed. But now this team needs to go out and focus on the patella isn’t quite up there with recon- Tennessee game. Also, the Bulldogs need to structive ACL surgery, or possibly even the find a way to put pressure on the opposing football, and show why it was given that preseason No. 1 ranking.’ avian flu). But that doesn’t excuse this man quarterback, which may mean a new blitzing scheme, and this team needs to get more dis- enough right now to win games like this on become the first state in some 40 years to have for coming to camp 25 pounds overweight. ciplined and cut out all these penalties. Those the road. Unlike the Buccaneers game, I felt a school system (Clayton County) lose its And it doesn’t fully explain how he could are my two cents. this was one the Falcons could have won accreditation, and now this gas problem. have a year this disastrous: a .158 average, • At 3-1 and after an off week, Georgia considering the Panthers didn’t play very Sounds like governor Sonny Perdue, who I .249 on-base percentage, .256 slugging per- Tech hosts a surprising Duke team which well. But there were way too many dropped heard is doing something in Europe, needs to centage, three homers, 14 RBIs and an comes in here with an identical record. Now passes as well as missed tackles. I feel that get his act and his office together very quickly. incomprehensible 76-33 -hits this is the type of game Chan Gailey might with a good week of practice, the Falcons I know there are a lot of upset Georgians right ratio.” Good job, Scott Boras. have lost. I feel much differently about cur- may be able to go into Green Bay this now who want some answers. The last time I Rosenberg can be reached at 404-256- rent head coach Paul Johnson and it is realis- Sunday and win. The Packers have lost two looked, the buck in this state was supposed to 1572 or shoot him an email at tic to think that this team will beat the Blue straight and were beaten by Tampa Bay on stop in the governor’s office. Hey Sonny, are [email protected]. Score also contin- Devils and Gardner-Webb, and then go up to Sunday. I don’t think Green Bay is going to you listening? So much for my political soap- ues to look for more writing, editing and Clemson and have a chance to beat what now be able to shut down the Falcons’ running box, but I do invite Sonny to come on my graphics interns as well as help with our appears to be a very average team. If that attack like Tampa and Carolina did. The Sunday show on 790 The Zone and give us Internet site and Webcasting business. Email happens and Tech is 6-1, they then get a ter- Packers are 14th in the league in rush some answers. The number is 404-233-7979. us at [email protected].

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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

DOGGONE IT: I don’t think we’ll see black jerseys in Athens for awhile. I respect WEDNESDAY Thrashers vs. Detroit. the Bulldogs for fighting back in the second half but there’s nothing positive to take Before the season officially begins on Oct. 10, fans can get an early look 1 from Saturday’s loss. An SEC title is possible, but national title hopes are all but over. at the Thrashers at Philips in preseason action against ex-Thrasher Marian Hossa and the defending champion Red Wings. Face-off is at 7 p.m. DÉJÀ VU: Wait, let me backtrack. No. 1 USC, No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Florida all 1 lost … in the same week … didn’t something similar happen last year? Didn’t LSU THURSDAY 2 lose twice and still win it all in ’07? Maybe the Bulldogs still have a shot … hmmm. 11th Annual Petit Le Mans. Watch some of the world’s best racers at as they race 1,000 DOWN SOUTH: Two losses in the Falcons’ first four games isn’t much of a sur- miles over four days in one of the most grueling events in motorsports. This prise, but starting 0-2 in the NFC South is rough. This team has to learn to get the 2 will be Day 2 (it starts Wednesday) and the race continues through Saturday. 3 ball moving downfield on the road. Only 56 yards for Michael Turner? Come on. FRIDAY NEW THREAT?: On the Flats, Tech returns to action on Saturday against Duke. High School Games of the Week. 790 The Zone/GPB.org. Should be a pushover, right? Well, maybe … but the Blue Devils did beat Virginia 31- Midway through the prep football season, the action is heating up! 4 3. Think before the season the Jackets felt threatened by an upset against Duke? Douglas County and Lithia Springs face off on 790 The Zone, while 3 Westside-Macon and Lee County battle on GPB.org at 7:30 p.m. THIS IS IT: The weekend truly starts on Friday, when Northside-Warner Robins meets Lowndes on Friday night. Two defending champs, two double-digit win SATURDAY streaks, two powerhouses – it’s a state championship-caliber matchup in October. Yellow Jackets vs. Duke. 790 The Zone. ESPNU. 5 The Jackets have been much better than the pundits predicted, but David LOOK AT ’09: After 14 straight division titles, the Braves are now on Year 3 of their Cutcliffe’s new-look Duke team is not a squad Tech can look past. Get out postseason drought. Some are scared to shake things up too much, but as long as 4 to Bobby Dodd and support the team! Kickoff is at 12 p.m. 6 we keep Chipper, McCann, Smoltz and Jurrjens, I say destroy and rebuild from there. SUNDAY OFF THE TEE: Quite an exciting end to THE at East Lake, Falcons at Green Bay. 92.9 Dave FM. FOX. and congrats to Camilo Villegas. Still, you have to feel bad for Anthony Kim, who The schedule isn’t kind to the Falcons early, as they are in the midst of a 7 blew a lead to fall to third and hit a shot that nailed a fan in the head (he’s OK). stretch of four road games in five weeks. And there’s no tougher place to 5 play than Lambeau Field. This will be a true test starting at 1 p.m. BREW CREW: About two weeks ago, I thought the Brewers were nuts for fir- ing Ned Yost in the midst of a playoff push. After earning the wild card, I clearly MONDAY Minnesota vs. New Orleans. 680 The Fan. ESPN. 8 was wrong. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when you’re battling the choke-artist Mets. It’s time to do a little scouting, as the Falcons’ NFC South rivals host a FLYING HIGH: But don’t be too sad, New Yorkers: you still have Brett Favre. True, Vikings team with big expectations on . Watch the Arizona Cardinals aren’t good – but raise your hand if you thought Favre, who 6 Reggie Bush and Adrian Peterson square off beginning at 8:30 p.m. 9 turns 39 next week, had a six-touchdown performance left in him. Anybody? Hello? TUESDAY 2008 ALDS/NLDS. TBS. NEW SHERIFFS: I remember my parents not allowing me to watch “The Simpsons” Welcome to October, baseball fans. It doesn’t get any better than this. So be 10 due to its content. The show opened its 20th season last Sunday, tying it with sure to watch a double-dip of great divisional series action from both the “Gunsmoke” … with Marge working at an erotic bakery. Ah, some things never change. 7 American and . The fun begins at 4:30 p.m.

Chipper Jones Camilo Villegas Mathieu Schneider Even through all of the Braves’ struggles, After failing to win in 85 PGA Tour The new NHL season is just days the veteran still had an out- starts, Villegas has now won two away, and the Thrashers made a key straight after last week’s victory at move last week by acquiring standing season, coming away with the THE TOUR Championship in Atlanta. Schneider from Anaheim. The 19- National League batting title. His .364 aver- Villegas defeated Sergio Garcia in a year veteran defenseman is a two- THUMBS UP TO age was seven points better than runner- playoff to pick up the victory with a time All-Star and should serve as a BIGTIME HITS up . score of 7-under 273. mentor to rookie Zach Bogosian.

Falcons offense Georgia Bulldogs The loss wasn’t necessarily unexpected – For the second straight year, our NL Last Saturday, Mark Richt (pictured) East rivals collapsed in September. Carolina’s defense has always been stellar. and the No. 3 Bulldogs saw their The Mets led the division as late as national-title hopes take a huge hit Still, the Birds have to find someone other Sept. 19, and were tied for the wild when Alabama won 41-30 in Athens. than Jason Elam who can score away card before a loss to Florida and a The Tide had never scored more than THUMBS DOWN TO from home: Atlanta has zero touchdowns Milwaukee win on Sunday. Not the 36 against Georgia in a series that in two road games. best finale for . started in 1895. BAD BLACKOUTS

CRUNCHING THE SANITY NUMBERS NEW POINT SYSTEM AT LAST The PGA TOUR playoffs have just thought-out and the differentials are very finished up for the second year, and it is important, but there are too many digits. 5.0 Runs per game for time to start talking about changes I think they should move the decimal “We still have control of the Braves in 2007 (third in the again. I have heard lots of differ- point over three spots. Leave the National League) ent suggestions, and there is tenths, hundredths and thou- our destiny in the (SEC) only one change I think is real- sandths in the equation so the ly important: I think there are system still works, but make it Eastern Division. It’s still 4.6 Runs per game for too many points. easier to understand. the Braves in 2008 (seventh in the I have thought this since If the system makes wide open. … All hope is National League) the system was unveiled two more sense to the players and years ago. Vijay Singh just won fans, more people will pay atten- not lost by any means.” the FedExCup with 125,101 points. tion. Seems like a good reason to 3 NL East teams which Camilo Villegas had 124,550. Wouldn’t change to me. - Georgia head coach scored more runs per game than it have looked closer if the scoreboard Brian Katrek can be heard on 790 The the Braves (Phillies, Mets, Marlins) read 125-124 instead of 125,101- Zone’s “On The Green with Brian Katrek” and Mark Richt 124,550? The point structure is well can be reached at [email protected].

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Dream win Challenge, tennis pros at KSU and specials for hockey fans DAWGS AND CHECK THIS OUT! BREW CREW The National Barrel Horse Association is Last weekend confirmed what I’ve the best collection of barrel racers already known for several years: col- around, and it is making its way to lege football rankings don’t really mean Augusta in just a few weeks. But this anything. Three top-five teams went isn’t just any event – it’s the 16th Annual down, two of them to unranked oppo- NBHA World Championships! It all hap- nents. I had the pleasure of watching pens at James Brown Arena in Augusta the Alabama-Georgia game at a restau- from Oct. 27-Nov. 1, and you can watch rant among diehard Dawg fans. I’m or even participate in one of NBHA’s from Alabama, so naturally I was many divisions based on skill level. pulling for the Tide. Believe it or not, I Purchase a weeklong Gold Pass for $29 wasn’t very popular with the majority and take in one of the fastest and most of the people surrounding me. unique sports around today! For tickets, Alabama didn’t waste any time make sure to visit Ticketmaster.com or pouncing on Georgia. They led 31-0 at call the James Brown Arena Box Office the half, but if you listened to the Dawg at 706-724-2400. Box office hours are fans you would have thought the score from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through was 31-0 Georgia. You have to love their enthusiasm! By the end of the Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on KICK IT: The Falcons head to Lambeau Field this Sunday to face the Green Bay Packers, so let’s make sure Saturdays. For more information on bar- night, most of them felt as though their the Birds don’t forget to bring kicker Jason Elam. After all, the 16-year veteran is the only Falcon to score national-title hopes died with that loss, on the road this season, converting three field goals against Tampa Bay in Week 2 and another three rel racing and the event, visit the NBHA’s against Carolina last Sunday. As much as we appreciate his accuracy, here’s hoping he’s kicking more PATs website and www.nbha.com. but I tried to reassure them that all is this week instead. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/. not lost. They need only look to Florida (in 2006) and LSU (in 2007) for inspi- HERE’S THE SCOOP ... ration. Georgia is still very much alive Compiled by Jason Boral at this point, although the schedule lthough wins were hard to come by the parents of players—will set up outside man was witnessed to have a large welt on doesn’t get any easier moving forward. Afor the in their first of Bobby Dodd Stadium asking for dona- his hand as medical staff attended to him. The clinched season, the team managed to get one win tions for the program. At the end of the sea- Kim went over to check on the man and the final spot in the National League that will make a youth organization in son, the players will take all the money col- even left a signed golf ball. The man was Atlanta very happy. It was announced last lected and shop for gifts. After purchasing said to be okay later in the day. playoffs behind C.C. Sabathia pitching week by the WNBA that the Dream had the gifts, the players will wrap and deliver on three days rest. That final game was won the 2008 Discover Card Home Court the gifts themselves. BACK ON THE ICE … actually the third game he had pitched Challenge. As a result of Atlanta’s victo- It may not quite feel like fall yet out- in nine days. If you do the math, that’s ry, one area youth group will receive a COMING UP … side but if you’re looking to cool down new court sponsored by While most tennis fans have been there will be plenty of free hockey events one game every three days. There are Spalding. Last month, a group of youth awaiting December’s Infinite Energy around town for any puck-head to enjoy. On not many players who would even basketball players from Atlanta competed Atlanta Slam, there is another event going Saturday, the Thrashers will host an open attempt to do something like this. And against other youths from Chicago, on in the next few weeks, with the proceeds practice before the team’s game against the there are even fewer managers who Detroit, Houston, Sacramento and benefiting a great cause. Tennis legend St. Louis . The doors at Philips Arena Washington to win the new basketball Billie Jean King and musical artist Elton will open at 9:30 a.m. and the skate will end would allow it. Sabathia is going to court. The groups were divided into two John will host the Advanta WTT Smash around 1 p.m. The first 50 fans will receive ask for a king’s ransom this winter – teams designated by age group, and com- Hits on Oct. 12 at the Kennesaw State a free ticket to the Thrashers preseason and he deserves it. He has been bril- peted in a variety of basketball skill com- University Convocation in Kennesaw. Andy game against St. Louis that night. petitions. The group from Atlanta fin- Roddick, Anna Kournikova, Martina If you’re north of the city and too low liant since joining the Brewers and he ished with the fastest overall time in the Navratilova and other pros are scheduled to on gas to make it down to Atlanta, you can got them into the playoffs for the first competition. Now an area youth group participate. The event will benefit the Elton check out the Thrashers’ minor-league time since 1982. He’s probably going will receive a brand-new basketball court, John AIDS Foundation and the Atlanta affiliate, the Gwinnett Gladiators, on to ask for a Barry Zito- featuring a pair of Spalding 72-inch AIDS Partnership Fund. Since its inception Saturday as well. Beginning at 3 p.m., the arena-view backboards and 24 Spalding in 1993, the Advanta WTT Samsh Hits has Gladiators will hold an open house at the type contract. Hopefully NEVER FLAT . raised over $8.5 million. Arena at Gwinnett Center. The open house after signing it, he won’t Beginning two weeks ago with the Last week’s TOUR Championship at will be the first chance for season ticket start to pitch like Barry game against Mississippi State, Georgia East Lake featured plenty of excitement on holders to pick up their tickets, and will Zito. Nothing good can Tech launched its annual “Jackets Give the course, but unfortunately there was a lit- also allow fans to find and purchase ticket Back” program in an effort to raise money tle two much excitement in the gallery in packages right then and there at the Arena. come of that. to buy Christmas gifts for underprivileged one harrowing moment. An errant Anthony A few of Gladiator players and mascot C.C. can be reached Atlanta-area children. During each home Kim tee-shot struck a spectator in the head Maximus will be on hand to sign auto- at [email protected]. game this season, volunteers—including during Saturday’s third round. The gentle- graphs for fans in attendance.

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

Compiled by ErikTad ArapoglouHorne OCTOBER 1-7 included beating four-time on the mound. 2007 – In a game winner Greg 1983 – On Oct. 7, This time, however, that saw more defensive Maddux. The win put the the Braves bid farewell to touchdowns (two) than (10 Braves in a 2-1 hole and a legend as Hall-of-Famer , six strikeouts) offensive (one), the Falcons signaled the end of