Captain Kangaroo

Read in today's PD that another Glenville kid is going to Eastern Michigan.

I saw Toledo got two OL's (from Hoban and North). Pitt got the kid from Buchtel. The City Series POTY is from Garfield...haven't heard where he's going? Doen't appear there's a snowballs chance of getting Brinson. Wonder if there will be any Akron-area kids signed by JD in February?

Playoff loss can't erase solid football season By Jim McNamara, Sports Editor Wednesday, November 10, 2004 It took some time before head coach Greg Botta could look at the tape of his Panthers loss to West Mifflin in the opening round of the WPIAL playoffs. "It was a very disheartening loss," said the coach. But it was not a disheartening season for the Panthers and their fans. The Panthers went 7-2 during the regular season despite losing two of their top running backs during the first two weeks of the season. And after suffering a 14-13 loss to Hampton in the fourth week of the year, Franklin Regional ran off five straight wins. The Panthers outscored their opponents 192-16 during that span. "I'm pleased with the work ethic and attitude of this football team," said the coach. And all of those positive qualities started with the Panthers Class of 2004. Leading the way were Scott Uziel and Jim Rockovich. Uziel, a tight end/linebacker, is a legitimate NCAA Division I prospect and was a leader on and off the field. "Scott is the type of kid who can go as far as he wants to," said Botta. "He's going to be missed. He was like a son to me." Uziel started as a sophomore and continued to get better each year. "The other conference coaches couldn't say enough about him," said Botta. "Wherever he goes, he's going to make an impact." Rockovich didn't make his impact until the third week of the season, after two other running backs - Robbie Armstrong and Fran Johns - went down to injury. Rockovich became the team's go-to offensive weapon. "It fell on Jimmy's shoulders and he stepped up," said Botta. But it wasn't just those two. Botta said every senior member of the team contributed. And several underclassmen also turned in solid seasons. Two that jump out are Lenny Gallo and Brad Phillips. Phillips started the season at quarterback and defensive back. Gallo started sharing time at quarterback midway through the season and took the majority of the snaps by the end of the season. The Panthers will also have their entire defensive secondary, both inside linebackers and one inside linebacker back. On offense, Armstrong will return and should be healthy to lead the rushing attack. The key, said Botta, will be rebuilding the offensive and defensive lines and continuing the type of play this year's team started. "We have to stay hungry," said Botta. Having a winning attitude could be especially important because Botta believes the Greater Allegheny Conference will be pretty balanced next year. Hampton, he said, should be the favorite because the Talbots have a host of talented players returning. But the rest of the teams could be about even. There are a lot of talented young players coming back to teams like Keystone Oaks and Highlands, said the coach. "There should be a lot of parity next year."

As fullback/linebacker Joe Tuzze goes, the Lakeland Chiefs go By Joby Fawcett TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER 11/26/2004 Just as the cramped Lakeland team bus was about to move out of the parking lot, someone noticed coach Dan Case wasn't on board yet. Right on cue, Case climbed the steps, found a seat, and sat down. "Hey coach," a player yelled, "we almost left without you." "That's all right if you leave me," Case retorted. "Just don't leave Number 32." Number 32 is Joe Tuzze. The Lakeland Chiefs go nowhere without him. A mild-mannered high school senior on the outside, Tuzze is a throwback on the inside. He terrorizes offenses with his ferocious tackling. He sends chills through defenses with his bruising running. Throughout a remarkable Lakeland career, Tuzze has established himself as the area's finest football player. He has intimidating size at 230 pounds, to go along with freakish speed. His instincts are spot on, his desire is fierce. Number 32 is the heart and soul of this team. He'll be the focus of Lansdale Catholic's schemes as the two teams meet tonight in the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals at 7:30 at Wissahickon High School. "Obviously, as a player, he's had an impact," Case said. "But as an example, with his work ethic, his determination, and his character, he makes the other guys work hard. He's a natural leader." In fourth grade, Tuzze's legend began as a fiery player for the Junior Chiefs. Quiet and short on words, early on he showed a propensity to make game-changing plays. That success motivated him and fueled his love for the game. "Every year, I tried to play with a lot of heart," Tuzze said. "It always seemed like I could make some plays. I just hustle around and try to make plays. "I remember coming up and seeing everybody during track season lifting. After eighth grade, I got serious about lifting after the coaches told me I'd be on the varsity." Only 14-years-old at the time, Tuzze took the field for the varsity Chiefs as a freshman. Starting at fullback, then only 205 pounds, he played a vital role in one of the most productive offenses in area-history. Then, the Chiefs were led by quarterback Evan Kraky, who went on to set the state record for passing yards in a career. That season, Tuzze rumbled through defenses for 320 yards and five touchdowns and learned about character. "I didn't think I was going to make it," Tuzze said. "I toughened up and made it through the year." The rest has been a story of dominance and destruction. In his sophomore season, he helped lead the Chiefs to the District 2 Class AA championship. He ran the football with power, but it was on defense where he became a force. Tracking down runners trying to go outside, or overpowering those trying to move in the middle, Tuzze earned a berth on the All-Region team and left fans wondering just how good he could be. As a junior, his speed and strength were no match for offenses. Tuzze collected 132 solo tackles, had five interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Another All-Region berth followed and a first-team honor on The Associated Press Class AA all-state team. All that, and he was the Times-Tribune Defensive Player of the Year for a Chiefs team that went 13-1, losing to Northern Lehigh in the PIAA semifinals. Offensively, he ran for 1,196 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. Naturally, recruiters swarmed to see him. At summer camps, he shocked on-lookers with 38 repetitions with 185 pounds on the bench press. So impressed were University of Akron coaches that they offered Tuzze a scholarship. This season, with new faces around him, the silent leader has helped the Chiefs roll to a 12-0 record. That's 46 wins in the 50 games Tuzze has started. "It feels good when you have a guy like him lined up next to you," senior linebacker Jonathan Allegrucci said. "He's always got your back. He's always there with you. He motivates you in any way he can. If you aren't doing things right, he let's you know. He wants everybody to work like he works." That's a lot of work considering Tuzze has more than 10 tackles a game, another 1,000-yard season and 20 touchdowns. He'll end his career as the school's all-time leader in career tackles, career rushing yards and career touchdowns. "He's really humble," backfield-mate Colin Striefsky said. "He doesn't get caught up in all the hype. He's a great leader and someone we look up to. "It's real nice to have the best fullback leading the way. I just follow him." More accolades are in the future for this 17-year-old. For now, his focus is on Lansdale Catholic. One thing is for sure, the bus won't be leaving without him.

"HEY BIG ZIP...THOSE OVERSEAS PLAYERS COST A LOT OF MONEY!!!!"

Fort Hays candidate wants to be head coach again By NABIL SHAHEEN Hays Daily News Kevin Verdugo has been around the game of football for a long time. He has played or coached it on just about every level possible. The current assistant and running backs coach for NCAA Division 1-A University of Akron was the third candidate to meet and greet with Fort Hays officials and supporters this morning in the Tiger room at Cunningham Hall. "I don't think there is a better time to be here than right now," Verdugo said. "With the move into the new conference, the influx of resources being put into the program. The MIAA is probably one of the top Division II conferences in the country." Prior to Akron, Verdugo was a head coach at Fort Scott Community College for three years. He has also had stints as assistant, running backs or quarterbacks coach at Southern Illinois University, the University of Northern Michigan and Southeast Missouri State University. "I miss being a head coach," Verdugo said of his interest in the Fort Hays job. "I miss the challenges you face every day. It's a great time to come aboard and start something fresh and something new." The 35-year-old Verdugo is a native of Pittsburg and played quarterback at the University of Kansas for one year - "I was born and always will be a Jayhawk" - before finishing out his collegiate playing career at Colorado State University, where the team was Western Athletic Conference co-champion his senior year. Professionally, Verdugo spent two years in the New Orleans Saints training camp and also played for the Shreveport Pirates of the CFL. "I've just had an opportunity and been fortunate in my career to be around a lot of good people and see many different aspects of the game," Verdugo said. "I think it's something that tends to be a great resource. It makes you understand and appreciate a lot of things. I know many guys I work with in Division I that couldn't fathom some of the things you have to do at the Division II level. And that's OK, it may not be for them, but it's something that is a great brand of football." With his wife Jennifer and 5-month-old son Kaleb present at today's event, Verdugo said his priorities have shifted and thus a greater interest in a return to Kansas. "When you're a kid you spend your whole time trying to get away and out to bigger and better places," he said. "Then you grow and you've been all over, you find out that maybe home is not such a bad place. There's a lot of things you have to take a look at in your life and prioritize things. The opportunity to be close to home and close to family and work at a program like this is a great combination." Sports reporter Nabil Shaheen can be reached at (785) 628-1081, ext. 127, or by e-mail at nshaheen@dailynews.net.

We didn't play too well tonight. Very sloppy throughout Made some FT's! Hallejulia! Peterson had a nice overall game. CSU defended well. They took Bubba and McFadden out of the game by taking away the 3-point shot Wasn't one of Dru's better games. He seemed to be frustrated on the court? Collins played well defensively. Clutch steal at the end. How many shots would Futch take if he played 40 minutes? 40? More? Wood remains half man, half amazing. He never takes a second off. Per a fan (behind me) in the stands: "I don't miss Tarver at all." Seems to be a popular concensus. Can Preston adjust to such a limited role? I'd like to see him start, just because I think he gets "into the game" that way. I don't think he's at his best coming off the bench. Maybe he's just rusty? Middleton continues to impress. A pretty solid Fr. Gansey can shoot the rock. Frustrating, but fun game to watch tonight. In general, CSU looks like they'll improve greatly over last season...but they lost 23 straight last year, so that's no big whoop. They look to be a 10-12 win team this year. Miami beat Wright State in OT tonight. Tough one Saturday for the Zippers. WSU favored by 8, I'm guessing.

Unfortunately, there is no science to the decision to delete threads. I go by the "gut feeling" theory, and my gut feeling was...erase them. Why? Clutter... The topic has run it's course... Griping about officials is ok for a few days after the game...but it makes us look like whiners if it stays on the board much longer... Too many vapid posts from non-Zips fans intermingled within decent posts to systematically remove...it was easier to do a wholesale delete. Again, no science to it. In general I try not to delete much. This board is a highly visible representation of Zips athletic's fans. My unpaid job (and that of the other mods) it to keep it as classy, fun, informational and organized as possible while juggling work, family and life in general. Most people seem to enjoy the board thusfar, but we're always looking to improve too. Your comment is duely noted. In the future, maybe such threads can be moved? We'll see. Regards, CK

Amen, Brother. Your preaching to the choir with that one...

Williams' college future uncertain Wednesday, December 08, 2004 Speculation that former Benedictine High tailback Raymond Williams -- recently convicted and then given probation for his role in the death of former teammate Jon Huddleston -- will wind up at one of the open enrollment universities in the MAC (Akron or Toledo) is very, very premature. Yes, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold has given him six months to enroll in a four-year college or be sent to jail. According to Williams' confidants, Akron, Toledo and Florida State have inquired about his status. But they also note Williams has to first secure his high school diploma or GED. It's understood he finished the required workload last summer, but it has yet to be approved. Then, considering each university has its own admission criteria regarding felons, Williams must pass those guidelines and be ready for the potential restrictions that go with them. Williams must be able to pay for his education, because he can't get a football scholarship until he is eligible. Felons are restricted in what kind of government aid they can receive. In a best-case scenario, Williams gets his diploma/GED within the next eight weeks, is cleared by a university to enroll, then pays for his education while he gets his eligibility. He can then get a scholarship in 2006. Any misstep along the way, including failure to maintain a 2.0 GPA, and the judge can still send Williams to jail.

Miami has wins vs Xavier and Purdue...Can't is 6-2, and beat Creighton soundly on the road last night. Can't beat Florida State too. Toledo beat Nevada and EMU beat some D3 school by 60 points last night...OU seems improved...Buffalo is 4-2...etc. Our Non conf after CSU (3-0 at the moment, I believe?) is Wright State, Dayton and Oakland. Wright State has a win vs. Tulsa under their belt already...Dayton is again solid...and although Oakland lost to Kansas State the other night, they had the lead for most of the game. These are the games that help the conference's Power Ratings. Zips need to at least split the next 4. It would be really heartening to see 3-1. Other MAC schools are coming up with some big OOC wins. Do the 2004-5 Zips have what it takes to join the club?

What's done is done. Time to move on. Here's hoping the MAC goes 5-0 in their bowls, and the public takes notice of the quality of football we play. Dividends will hopefully be seen in 2005.

I'm a VERY passive follower of women's hoops...but after 3 seasons...if you can't beat an 0-6 CSU team...you're at rock bottom. Can't's scrubs beat them by 20....easily. After 3 seasons...how can things be this bad? It wouldn't be so bad if ESPN didn't run those scores across the bottom ticker all night. You can't help but notice it.

HEY! David Falknor was TWICE the player Bubba Walther will ever be! By the way...I caught up with Dave the other day. He's found the perfect gig for this time of year:

You're right about the results of the defense. We're giving up big points. However, we're getting a lot more turnovers and easy baskets. I'm hopeful we'll continue to improve. Wood has an inside game. Travis...wish his offensive progress was better. He struggles anywhere from 2ft out. I wouldn't worry about being below .500...there's still 17 games remaining? NIU is a tough road game to start off. Wonder what changes Dambrot will make for CSU? Time to shorten the bench a bit?

Char-Houston lineman commits to Akron By John Grupp <mailto:jgrupp@tribweb.com> TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, December 7, 2004 Chartiers-Houston senior Elliott Bates made another fast move in Ohio. Bates, among the quickest offensive linemen at the Nike Camp at Ohio State, took his first official visit this past weekend, and saw enough to give a verbal commitment to the University of Akron. "It was a great campus; the people were nice," he said. "I felt that's where I needed to be." Bates (6-2, 275), who also had an offer from Pitt, is the second offensive lineman to pick Akron from the WPIAL Class of 2005. Left tackle Keith Huebner (6-7, 275) of Baldwin High School committed in September. Bates, a two-time first-team all-Black Hills Conference selection, visited Akron this weekend and committed to the Zips' coaches before he returned home on Sunday. "At first, I thought I was going to Pitt," he said. "I went to Akron with an open mind and I realized it was a great place." Interest in Bates picked up after he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.08 seconds at the Nike Camp in April, tops among all offensive linemen. He also ranked No. 5 in the shuttle (4.84) and No. 6 in the vertical leap (25 inches) among offensive lineman. Bates, who will play either guard or center, could be protecting Pitt transfer Luke Getsy somewhere down the road for former Pitt offensive coordinator and first-year Akron coach J.D. Brookhart. Bates admitted he was "split down the middle" between Akron and Pitt when he left for Ohio, but pointed to the coziness of Akron's campus and a quick bonding with his future teammates. He said uncertainty regarding coach Walt Harris's future at Pitt "played a little bit of a role" in his decision. "There's nothing against Pitt," he said. "I love their staff and the people down there, but the campus was a little too big. I wanted a smaller campus."

Titans Cut Jake, Drew Cancels Move to Tennessee

A few quick searches revealed he was offered a scholarship by Pitt. "Chartiers-Houston clinched a playoff spot with last week's 28-24 victory over Fort Cherry, and hopes to prolong an up-and-down season that included a 4-0 start before a mid-season slide. The Buccaneers feature a pair of big-time players, senior OL Elliott Bates (6-4, 290), who has an offer from Pitt, and TE/LB Jason Janov, a sculpted 6-1, 225-pounder."

Everyone is happy there are no more Hipsher's roaming the JAR. My blood pressure this season is 20 points lower this December than last December...I attribute that soley to lack of Hipshers @ The JAR. BTW: I wish none of the Hipsher's any ill-will. Mrs. Hipsher taught one of my friend's kids in Tallmdage and he couldn't say enough good things about her. Andy and Bryan were solid students. But...Andy's back robbed him of the skills to merit the PT his dad gave him...and Bryan never had the skills to merit the PT his dad gave him. Dad's coaching style wore on the fans as well as the players over the course of 9 years. Ooops...blood pressure just went up 10 points! Dambrot...Dambrot...now its down 2 points...no Hollingsworthless...no Tarver...two more points down...Futch and Wood lost a combined 80 lbs of fat...two more points down...Dambrot doesn't say "Well exactly, Steve" after every interview comment...down two more points...team is playing fun-to-watch, hard-nose defense...ahhhhhhhh back to normal blood pressure.

Bill Livingston's column today mentioned Akron is "considering" Williams. Must be true then...

Oh well.

Tulane is going to get crushed.

My only comments on the game: This was alluded to by the TV game announcers...the Zips put good free throw shooters in the game and slowed things down once they had a sufficient lead. Unlike Drake, where we kept up the run-n-gun although when we were up by 6 late in the game. Lessons were apparently learned by the team and it's "young" coach. Oh yeah...Jeff Phelps did a very nice job. He said a few strange comments...like "The Zips are going to rely heavily on Nick Myers to combat Duquesne's size"...but I think by his next TV game...when he's more familiar with the players...he'll be very good. He worked well with Mike. Click me or else

That is good news! I hope we aren't in the Rubber Bowl in 2009, however. Kentucky would be a great opener in the new stadium! Also interesting that they singed up to play home-home with Temple? Temple is getting booted from the Big East? They might be 1-AA by that time?

Lots of teams win the MAC without criminals. Lots of teams compete at the highest level of NCAA D-1 football without criminals. When I bring my son to "Meet the Team Day" I want him to meet guys like Cherry, Sparks, Frye, Basch, Blackburn, Payne, etc. I don't want him meeting thugs. I saw John Clarke selling crushed aspirin as cocaine at Super America...Marcus Reliford breaking into off campus housing...Mack Warren selling crack out of his dorm room. Faust took in plenty of suspect guys. It's taken 9 years to shed that image, and I have no desire to watch history repeat itself. No one has really had to worry about what the guys recruited over the past several years were doing Sunday through Friday. You start recruiting guys that face manslaughter charges and that will change. If JD takes on the guy, I have to have faith that he did exhaustive homework beforehand. And, I still won't like it.