Tree of Life

19 Nov

Just Short of a Win by Marissa Dubaich

published in category: Uncategorized on Monday, November 19th, 2012 – 2:14 pm

On Saturday, November 17th, the Robert Morris football team had their last game of the 2012 season at Joe Walton Stadium. RMU made a comeback from a 17-0 deficit at the half. Unfortunately, they lost the game within seconds left in the fourth quarter and had a final score of 26-21 to end this year's football season. It was an emotional afternoon game for the seniors as well as for Joe Walton. There were 18 seniors who were recognized for the last time as a Robert Morris Colonial.

One senior who had one of his best games ever, quarterback, Jeff Sinclair, completed 21 completions on 34 attempts, had 268 yards, and two touchdowns without an interception. Throughout his four years as a Colonial quarterback, Sinclair had a career-high of 322 total yards of offense. Jeff Sinclair moved his team down the field and made the game a tough one for the Monmouth Hawks. There was only a minute left in regulation when Sinclair found DJ Hayes, freshman, for 16 yards. Robert Morris almost took the lead when there was a penalty (illegal forward pass) and the ball was moved back to the 12-yard line, that would be the Colonials last possession of the season.

Sophomore WR Duane Mitchell had both touchdowns for 116 yards. Mitchell had a career-best of 116 receiving yards and marked his longest catch of his career (44-yard catch). As for PK senior Greg Langer, he finished his career as Robert Morris' all-time leader in field goal percentage. Another senior, Nolan Nearhoof, defensive lineman had 10.2 sacks, a career-best and had a total of 213 career tackles.

Monmouth had 418 total yards of offense meanwhile Robert Morris had a total of 440 yards of offense. The Colonials ended their football season with a record of 4-7.

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Posted in Uncategorized

 

19 Nov

Power sign eight more to the 2013 roster by Dominic Errico

published in category: College Sports, Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday, November 19th, 2012 – 11:01 am

The Pittsburgh Power continues to stockpile talent for the 2013 season and have added some interesting players to the mix.

2010 Pittsburgh Power standout linebacker Gary Butler (6'1" 250 lbs, California of Pa.) is back with the team after a year off. Nicknamed "The Bully" by the fans, Butler notched three sacks in his first four games, as well as three fumble recoveries. He was also a presence with seven passes defensed. Injuries slowed him down in the second half, but he was a vocal leader on the defense and should be a strong presence again this year for the Power.

Defensive lineman Dominie Pittman (6'3" 255 lbs, North Alabama) also returns to the Power coming off a solid pass rushing campaign last year. He notched two multi-sack games against Orlando (Week 1) and Iowa (Week 17) and finished with 5.5 sacks overall. He is looking to be a full time starter on the line this year for the Power.

The Power have also signed six rookies to the roster.

Running back Jason Ford is a 5'10 251 lb. bowling ball out of the University of Illinois. Steeler fans will remember him from this year's preseason roster. He had 42 yards on 8 carries against the Colts before injuring his hamstring. Considering he was merely an injury replacement on the roster to begin with, he was a longshot to make the team. His bullying, bruising running style should make him a strong running back in the AFL.

Speedy wide receiver Curtis Walls (5'10", 180 lbs., North Carolina A&T) has impressed the Power coaching staff enough to earn an invitation to training camp. He played five seasons at North Carolina A&T (2003-07) and recorded 98 catches for 1,101 total receiving yards as a member of the Aggies. He has also spent time on the rosters of the Montreal Alouettes (CFL) and the Tulsa Talons (AFL).

Defensive lineman Darius Powell is a 6'3" 245 pound pass rush specialist out of Fayetteville State. He was 2009 Second team All-CIAA. His best game was against St. Augustine where he had career-highs in tackles (7), tackles for loss (5), sacks (3), forced fumbles (3) and fumble recoveries (1).

Defensive back Dee Wolford was signed following his appearance at open player tryouts for the Power. Dee spent two seasons at Geneva College ('04-'05) where he was named an All-MSFA Pre-Season All-American, and two-Time All-MSFA Defensive Player of the Week. He totaled 79 tackles, 27 break-ups, and five interceptions. Wolford finished his college career with two seasons ('06-'07) at Shippensburg University by adding 83 tackles, two sacks, 11 break-ups, and one interception. Wolford also played in 2010 for the Reading Express of the Indoor Football League.

The Power have also been assigned defensive tackle Willie McGinnis (three year starter at Rhode Island, five sacks) and defensive end Quintin Anderson from Wagner who as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Posted in College Sports, Pittsburgh Penguins

 

18 Nov

Somebody Please Make a Decision by Ryan Shaffer

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, November 18th, 2012 – 6:47 pm

For two long months, the NHL and NHLPA played with our emotions more than any ex ever did. This emotion roller coaster seems to never end because NHL players and owners refuse to budge on the new CBA. The talks once again ended between Bettman's side and Fehr's side last week, which left fans wondering about the cancellation of the entire 2012/2012 season. We just want a simple "yes" or "no" answer.
On November 3, the two sides seemed to put together a productive meeting that lasted several hours. The get together prompted a series of meeting the continued throughout the week. Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby even attended Tuesday's meeting, which gave fans false hope. After multiple days of meeting, and seemingly productive talks, the sides left New York with no answer. The owners' side claims that they left less optimistic than ever before, and Crosby left mentioning that he pondered leaving to play for a European squad.
This is the third time that owners alienated fans by locking players out, and this time the long strides that the sport took to become popular again in the U.S. seem all for naught. The more I talk to casual fans, the less interest they show in the sport. The Winter Classic cancellation brought heartache to all of the fans in Hockeytown that lost out on an incredible experience. Not to mention, Toronto fans lost the chance to watch their squad in the outdoor spotlight for the first time. At this point, the sides need to consider the fans that pump money into the NHL system, and make a decision soon.
At this point, Bettman already canceled all games up to December 1 and the Winter Classic. Time continues to go against the fans who continue to sit and wait for the season. Soon enough, December's arrival surely stands to prompt a new cancellation of another month of games. Honestly, I just want an answer that secures the season's fate. I check the news and keep up with twitter trying to grab updates that fail to exist on the progress of NHL hockey. More and more players seem to rush to Europe, or the AHL/ECHL daily, which kills my hope a little bit at a time. Heck, I even shaved my lockout beard I sported for two months. It looked quite gruesome, but it needed to disappear. I kept my Movember moustache, though, which means hope still exists in my heart of hearts.
So, NHL and NHLPA, as a lifelong fan who rides the emotional roller coaster, please make a decision on the season. If you collectively decide that a season cannot happen, then I will be completely content with that outcome as long as I do not have to face tomorrow wondering whether or not hockey is coming back. I think fans deserve better than this.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins

 

18 Nov

Not Your Typical Steelers-Ravens Matchup by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, November 18th, 2012 – 6:38 pm

If you were coaching a team that was ranked 28th in total defense, 18th in total offense, and 11th in points allowed, what do you think your record would be? Bet you wouldn't guess 7-2 and yet, that's exactly what the Baltimore Ravens are just past the halfway point of the season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers come into this contest with the top statistical defense and 18th ranked offense, tied with Baltimore. They are 6-3.

The rivalry of the Steelers and Ravens is the best in football today. But, its starting to lose its luster as both teams get older and some of the marquee players retire.

Hines Ward and James Farrior retired last year while Ed Reed and Ray Lewis -not playing because of torn triceps- look to be well on their way out of Baltimore. To make matters worse, Ben Roethlisberger will be out for this game forcing the Steelers to use Byron Leftwich.

While both teams have a winning record and look to be well on their way to a playoff berth, the fact is, they aren't as good as they have been in year's past. The Ravens have zero secondary. Already feeling the pain of missing Ladarius Webb, the Ravens will be without Jimmy Smith after undergoing groin surgery earlier in the week. So, despite missing Troy Polamalu, the Steelers will still have a better secondary heading into this game.

The Steelers, as mentioned earlier, will not have Ben Roethlisberger. Going into a divisional matchup without your top player could spell disaster but, they have a solid backup in Byron Leftwich and an offensive coordinator whose game plan shifts depending on the personnel. Surprisingly, I do not think it will be difficult for the Steelers to put up points. Their struggles lie with stopping the Ravens from doing the same.

The Steelers may have the fifth ranked rushing defense, but they have struggled to stop the run at times this season. Darren Mcfadden ran over the Steelers for 113 yards and a touchdown in week 3 while Jamaal Charles went for 100 last week. Ray Rice is one of the top running backs in the league with a big offensive line in front of him; a line that can easily plow over Ziggy Hood as teams have done all season.

The Ravens also have a deep threat in Torrey Smith to keep the Steelers from crowding the line of scrimmage. There's a case to be made that Smith's production has been the biggest catalyst for the Ravens this season. So far, Smith has 31 receptions for a team high 548 yards. His seven touchdowns are more than all the other Ravens' receivers combined.

And then there's Joe Flacco, self-proclaimed elite quarterback whose 88.3 passer rating is 14th best in the league. Despite having nearly 25 less completions than Ben Roethlisberger, Flacco has racked up more yards meaning bigger plays. It will be interesting to see how Flacco plays in this game. While the Ravens typically struggle on the road, their quarterback has won two of the last three games at Heinz Field.

This should be a great game. It may not feature two dominant defenses like it use to but it is still the best rivalry in professional football. The Ravens have a chance to land a potential knockout blow at the Steelers' chances to win the division, while the Steelers could take a giant step forward without their quarterback if they can beat the Ravens. If you're looking for a low scoring, strong defensive game, look elsewhere. This could be a shootout.

Sunday night can't come soon enough.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

16 Nov

TribLIVE Radio High School Football Athlete of the Week

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Friday, November 16th, 2012 – 3:52 pm

Congratulations to North Catholic's PJ Fulmore for being voted the TribLIVE Radio High School Football Athlete of the Week. Fulmore scored three second-half touchdowns including a 45-yard reception from quarterback Adam Sharlow in 22-15 win over Rochester.

North Catholic takes on #2 Sto-Rox in the semifinals tonight.

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Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 

15 Nov

Open Letter to Big Ben by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, November 15th, 2012 – 9:41 am

Dear Ben Roethlisberger,

Let me first apologize for jinxing you and your offensive line with my previous post. I mistakenly touted your offensive line for being tough, gritty, effective for running the ball and protective of your life. Seeing as you sustained an injury that apparently threatened your life and your running backs only managed 77 total yards on 27 carries Monday night, it is clear I acted irrationally on giving the big guys up front "props".

With that being said, let me get straight to the point. Do not, under any circumstances, return to the field until you are 100%. That means a fully healed dislocated rib and sprained shoulder. Yes, you have a reputation for being the toughest quarterback in the league and yes, you make a huge difference in the game when you're running around slinging the ball; however, do not come back until you are completely recovered.

This team has seven games left with five of those games against terrible teams. In fact, the combined record of the Chargers, Bengals, Cowboys and Browns (twice) is 16-29 and none of those teams has a winning record. The Ravens pose the biggest threat but maybe Byron Leftwich can steal a win with a more systematic offense than what the Steelers typically have. If that happens, you're looking at a record of 12-4 or 11-5. That's probably a home game against a team like the Indianapolis Colts.

This team is good enough to make the playoffs without your help for the rest of the season. It is not a compliment to them but more of a byproduct of playing in a bad conference with an easy schedule. They can survive with Byron Leftwich at quarterback. They cannot win playoff games without you being healthy and if you decide to try and tough it out, you'll do more harm than good.

If you come back too early from a shoulder injury -I'm assuming you wont come back from the rib injury until it is 100%- you risk putting your team in the same situation as last season. Remember how bad the offense looked against the 49ers and Broncos? Imagine trying to find an open receiver when the defense knows you cant throw the ball further than 30 yards because of a bad shoulder.

You're a tough player, Ben. And you're definitely the man here in Pittsburgh when it comes to leading championship teams. So be a championship player. Come back when the pain dissipates, not when "it doesn't hurt as much as before." Learn your lesson from last year.

Sincerely,

Jon

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

13 Nov

Ike Taylor Show

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, November 13th, 2012 – 3:23 pm

Ike on the OT win over the Chiefs, all the injuries for the Steelers and the game against the Ravens.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

12 Nov

Steelers O-Line Leading the Way by Jon Pennline

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, November 12th, 2012 – 8:30 am

Many have made a case for Ben Roethlisberger to be the team's MVP in the first half of the season. It's easy to see why with over 2,200 yards, 16 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Not to mention the fifth best quarterback rating in the league at 101.1.

Make no mistake, if the Steelers want to win the division and compete for a seventh Super Bowl, they'll need Ben Roethlisberger to be his best.

And the group responsible for protecting Ben has been equally as good through the first eight games of the season. To me, the offensive line is the team MVP so far. They've been interchanged and they've certainly shown some struggles from time to time, but when the team wins, they're usually a big part of the reason.

Consider this, Ben Roethlisberger is on pace to shatter his single season passing attempts mark with 596. This would also place him 28th all-time in attempts, tied with Jon Kitna in 2006 and yet, he's only been sacked 17 times all season. That number is good enough for 13th in the league and it would mark the lowest totals since 2010 when Ben only played in 12 games. Obviously, the less Roethlisberger gets hit, the harder it is for him to get hurt. From a performance standpoint, it also leads to fewer turnovers as the four interceptions and two lost fumbles suggest.

The season statistics for the Steelers rushing offense look hideous compared to the rest of the league. Through the first six weeks of the season, Pittsburgh didn't have a running back register 100+ yards in a game. Even worse, four of those weeks saw running backs failing to register 30 yards.

In week seven, everything changed.

Jonathan Dwyer rattled off 122 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals and then followed up with 107 yards against the Washington Redskins in week eight. When Dwyer was out in week nine with a leg injury, Isaac Redman returned and put up 146 yards against the defending Super Bowl champs. Redman and Dwyer may have talent, but they're a fair cry from the likes of Arian Foster or Adrian Peterson.

Many believe the offensive line started run blocking when Willie Colon slammed Bengals' linebacker Vontaze Burfict into the turf at Paul Brown Stadium. It reminded people of the old Pittsburgh Steelers offense: tough, mean. It also gave the Steelers an ability to run the clock out and win games, something that's been missing over the last few seasons.

The offensive line has been the most improved group over the first half of the season and, as a result, the team has tremendously improved, going from a 2-3 start to three straight victories. With the Baltimore Ravens on the schedule twice in the next four weeks, it is critical to have a cohesive group of big offensive linemen who can move the pile. It is equally important to have that same group protect the quarterback against a hungry defense.

One thing is for certain, if the offensive line continues to show this kind of improvement, the sky could be the limit for the Steelers' offense.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 



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