New Zealand have been the team to beat for years now in Dubai, but it appears that the Kiwi's and Fiji will have to keep an eye on England and South Africa in this year's IRB Sevens Series. South Africa hoisted the Dubai Sevens hardware after a thrilling 19-12 victory over England. Its a big boost for the Boks who now move on to their home turf in George with the momentum.
New Zealand and Fiji lost out on their chance for the cup with the Kiwis bowing out to England (19-21) and Fiji losing the eventual victors South Africa, 7-10.
Samoa beat Kenya, an increasingly deadly foe to win the Plate final 12-7.
Jeremiah Masoli and his Oregon teammates won the very heated rivalary contest between Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers. The Beavers, led by another PI QB, Lyle Moevao came into the game with the 17 spot in the polls and a chance to walk away with a conference championship and an automatic bid to the Rose Bowl. Unfortunately for the Beavers, who were without star running back Jacquizz Rodgers, the Ducks had other plans as they absolutely crushed the Beavers 65-38.
Masoli completed 11 of 17 passes and three TD's and had, what I believe to be a career game. He marched his team masterfully down the field on nearly every Oregon possession and even when they didn't manage to put up any points (which was almost never in this game), he looked very cool in the pocket and when he was flushed out. This kid is only a sophomore and this was a very good way to end the season and get some very good in-conference experience against a quality defense.
Moevao was equally impressive, completing 27 of 51 passes, five for TD's but also threw two interceptions. And while the Ducks were putting up solid passing and rushing yards (Johnson 219 yds, Blount 112), the Beavers could not get anything going on the ground and depended solely on the Moevao and his receivers to pick up the slack.
I was sad to see the Beavers go out like that, but they have a relatively young team to build on for next season and they will get another chance to prove their worth with a post-season bowl. Congratulations to the Ducks, but this may have been a better contest if Jacquizz had been healthy enough to test the Beaver run-defense.
Does anyone understand the BCS mess? The bowl picture is so disproportionately out of sync with what should happen, its amazing that anyone can figure out who should be crowned national champion. So far the general consensus is that Alabama and Florida are set to play for the championship.
I’m not sure that I’m excited about this matchup because even though Alabama looks like a dominant team, they struggled to put Mississippi away, they should have crushed Tennessee and they only managed 36-points on Auburn who came into their game with ‘Bama with a 5-6 record.
Florida may have an 11-1 record, but I’m still not convinced that they should be in the title game. I’m not digging that hole any deeper. This whole (toilet) Bowl Championship Series is going down the crapper and fast. I’m going to be just as disappointed as I have been in years past and I’ll say what I always say before the bowl games get underway, its not about the game, its about the money!
Rey Maualuga and his classmates will play their final game for the Trojans today in the Coliseum against longtime rival Notre Dame. I'm pretty sure that this is going to be another lopsided affair so I'll be tuning in at around five minutes before the game is over. Joining Maualuga is Defensive Tackle Fili Moala.
The power teams of the IRB Sevens Series topped their respective pools Day One of the Dubai Sevens competition with New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa, England, Kenya, Australia, Fiji and Argentina all through to the quarterfinals.
Fijian born Isoa Damu is spearheading England's attack but will be up against the 2007-08 Champions NZ who bring back another very experienced team led by IRB Sevens Player of the Year DJ Forbes. Samoa got a scare from France, but are through to the quarterfinals, topping Pool C. Samoa will face Fiji who fell in their first match of the day to England, 5-28.
Deseret News released their All-Region Football teams yesterday. Among the notables are Syracuse Kicker Josh Kealamakia and Peni Maka'afi (Northridge). American Fork's Sam Katoa won Co-Offensive Lineman honors. Tevita Vaitohi (Spanish Fork) and Jordan Pili (Timpanogos) were First Team honoree's.
Isi Sofele (picture courtesy of Deseret News) was named the Region 6 MVP and Highland's Latu Heimuli is Region 6's top Defensive Player. Cottonwood was this year's runner-up in the 4A finals but they ran away with the hardware in regards to Region 6 honors with a number of players on the 1st and 2nd team lists. One name to watch for next season, Granger lineman Manu Mulitalo.
The Deseret News announced their annual High School Academic All-State lists. Congratulations to everyone who made the list including ONE Polynesian, Alta's Kava Afu (football). Let's get more on this list. Its great to run a 4.4 forty, its even better to hold a 4.0 GPA!
After the devastating loss to the Utah Ute's football team, three BYU swimmers decided to kill some time by driving off in a rental car, attempting to withdraw money using the victim's debit card and then proceeded to drive the stolen rental care for another two weeks. Did these guys sign the Honor Code? Probably, but a piece of paper can never enforce honor when you're dealing with a bunch of closet criminals. Classic case of "if its too good to be true, it is!"
Tai Wesley came up big for the Aggies against Weber State last night, narrowly missing out on a triple-double. Wesley is a sophomore and a former Utah Mr. Basketball.
Congratulations to New Zealand for (finally) winning the Rugby League World Cup with an emphatic win over Australia. Another round of applause to Fiji for breaking through to the semi-finals and to the teams from Samoa and Tonga, even though they came up a bit short this time around.
Congratulations to the Utah Utes for their dominating win over rival BYU. As expected, the Utes tested the Cougars both on offense and on defense to cruise to a 48-24 victory to top the Mountain West. Now the Utes wait on the BCS braintrust to decide their fate. CONGRATULATIONS UTES!
The Alta Hawks came back in the fourth quarter to beat the Bingham Miners in the 5A championships while coach Louis Wong and his Timpview T-Birds Ended their perfect season with a win over Cottonwood with a convincing 34-28 victory for the 4A championship. Congratulations to both teams!
Photo: Timpview's Levi Te'o against Cottonwood. Scott G. Winter, Deseret News
Unless you have spent a considerable amount of time in Utah, you cannot begin to understand the deep 'party' lines that divide this State at the close of each football season. Its been called the Holy War and is (in mind) the most heated rivalry in the nation because of the animosity cultivated between both players and fans since the very first meeting between the two universities back in 1922.
Utah still has a sizeable margin in the victory column with 50 wins to BYU's 29 and unless the Cougars can make notable improvements on defense, the Ute's may be celebrating victory number 51 tomorrow night on their home turf.
Though ranked in the top 20 throughout the season, the Cougars have been absolutely lethargic since their big win over UCLA and a follow-up victory over Wyoming a week later. But suspect performances over UtahState and New Mexico in early October and then the embarrassing loss to TCU has Cougar fans wondering what happened to the team that pulled off that (controversial) last second win against Washington early in the season?
The Ute's on the other hand have quietly moved up in the polls and have felt that they have been on a mission to prove that they are a legitimate BCS contender after pulling off a big upset against Michigan in their opener. Since then, they have dominated the teams that BYU has struggled against and they beat another out of conference opponent in OregonState, a team that has a real shot at the Rose Bowl.
Anyone who has been a fan of either team will tell you that this game means more than any other game in the season. If these teams came into this game with a losing season this would still have a Super Bowl atmosphere. But, given the fact that a BCS berth is on the line and at the very least a potential big sponsor, big money bowl for the loser, both teams will have to play their hearts out to walk away with the win.
If BYU’s defense shows the same spirit and effort they did against Washington and UCLA, this will be a defensive battle. Utah’s defense is solid but its their offense that will concern BYU most. With Brian Johnson at the helm of the Utahoffensive attack, you have a very quick, mobile quarterback that can beat you with his arm or his legs. Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack are a potent backfield that will test BYU’s defensive front.
The Cougars have to do more than just rely on Tight End Dennis Pitta and Wide Out Austin Collie. Max Hall has other options and he’d better use them tomorrow to keep Utah’s secondary honest. Fui Vakapuna may need to get the ball more to punish Utah’s talented defensive unit but Harvey Unga needs to finally have that break out game the Cougars have been waiting for all season.
Prediction: Utah 33 – BYU 28
Good video preview here for the game from CBS Sports but where does this fool (Horowitz) get "this may be biggest in the rivalry's history that date's back to 1896." ??? Try 1922!
Tongan International Sililo Martens will replace Fiji's Mosese Rauluni in the Pacific Islanders' starting 15 for their upcoming test against Italy's Reggio Emilia. Martens is currently contracted with Llanelli Scarlets.
ALTA HAWKS: Dan Adams - Monster defensive end who makes life for QB's absolutely miserable. Brady Davies - Adams' counterpart on defense is lightning quick and very tough on the outside. Ammon Olsen - Leading 5A passer has a great pocket presence and delivers the ball quickly and on target.
BINGHAM MINERS: LT Filiaga - Heart of the defense and a leader on both ends of the ball. Great blocking back and very instinctive on defense. One of the nation's top recruits. Carries a 4.0 GPA. Harvey Langi - 174 yards and two TD's in a rout of Skyline in the 5A semi-finals. Has carried 174 times for 1269 yards this season with 17 TD's. Talai Livai - Quick, agile lineman whose senior leadership has been critical in the tough games up front. Great in space when pulling and solid on the run and pass defense.
Keys to the game: ALTA: Stop the running attack and keep the Bingham defense off the field. On offense they will need to get rid of the ball quickly downfield to keep the Miner's on their heels.
BINGHAM: The exact opposite. Keep the ball out of the hands of Ammon Olsen who leads the 5A passing yards (2,481)and has killer efficiency (.625). He's just as dangerous standing the pocket as he is when he get's flushed out. Contain, contain, contain!
Okay, so if the girl can play, let her play but I have an inkling that these guys needed to put some butts in the seats so they pulled in a 16-year-old to lead the circus. It smacks a little of 'Man races Horse' for me but then again, who doesn't enjoy a little cheering for the underdog now and then? Read it here....
When does a guy whose playing football and going to school FOR FREE (in most cases) decide that the best way to get a little 'cash money' is to rob someone at gun point? The latest victim of "Stupid is as stupid does" is Charleston Southern's T.J. Latimore and his Merry Band of Misfits.
From the "Who Gives a Damn?" dossier, our friendly neighborhood felon Adam "Pacman" Jones is getting more air time than Brittney Spears. This time, he's out of alcohol counseling and is waiting to hear back from NFL brass on his future. My guess is he's going to be back because at the end of the day, its a business and 'Boys owner Jerry Jones wants a returon on his investment.
The Vikings' Bryant McKinnie will be back in court on March 16, 2009 for his involvement in a brawl back in February. When are these knuckle heads gonna learn that when you are a celebrity (even when you're very low on the celebrity totem pole), someone out there wants to make the evening news and they'll find a way to get their mug (and yours) on TV. Stay home! Let the strippers come to you if you need 'em that bad!
Samoa have named an experienced side for the 2008-09 IRB Sevens Series opener in Dubai. Captain Uale Mai is back along with one of the best finishers in the sevens game, Mikaele Pesamino.
Fiji and the United States who were recently added as one of the core teams for this seasons competition after their gutty performances in the 2007-08 series have named their training squads for the event as well. They welcome back their field general, Waisale Serevi but will be without the services of playmaker William Ryder in Dubai. Ryder is currently playing professionally in Japan for Toyota-Verblitz. Fijian Jone Naqica and Tui Osborne are back for the US. Captain Todd Clever is on tour with the USA Eagles so coach Al Caravelli is blooding new players in Dubai.
Gordon Tietjens' NZ Training Squad is once again packed with experience and talent. They are the dominant force in the IRB Sevens Series and look to run the tables again in 2008-09. DJ Forbes, Solomon King and Tomasi Cama are natural finishers and will be the seasoned veterans on the squad but Edwin Cocker and Nigel Hunt are nursing injuries after their country's domestic season.
Teams for Duabi Sevens: Arabian Gulf, Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Georgia, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, USA, Wales, Zimbabwe
How good are the Oregon State Beavers? How about good enough to play in the Rose Bowl if they can get past their final two conference opponents at Arizona and the season finale against Oregon. The Beavers beat the Cal Bears today to maintain pace for the PAC-10 title. They upset then #1 USC and would have beaten Utah if not for a last second Louie Sakoda field goal to steal the win in Salt Lake City. Lyle Moevao was solid again at QB for the Beavers today and except for a few mishaps, the Beavers, with their large Polynesian contingent could be poised to be in the Rose Bowl for the first time in over four decades.
Utah is the real deal. BYU, again narrowly escaped with a win against in-conference foe Air Force, setting up what will probably be the biggest disappoint of the season after being kicked and dragged through the mud by TCU. Utah will run the table on BYU this year in front of the MUSS. As much as I like BYU (Robert Anae is a dear friend and several friends and family members play on the team) I'm just not convinced that they can hang with Utah for four quarters. Especially since Utah has beaten everyone that BYU has struggled against.
How many times are we going to hear the same tired story from New Zealand and Australia in both rugby codes? Samoa's rugby league coach John Ackland is the latest in a string of high profile coaches to step up and ask the rugby elite not to turn a blind eye to the state of island footy. Read his comments here.
Now their talking about creating a Quad-Nations tournament involving Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Tonga in 2010. That's all fine except our teams will still be excluded from playing top level competition because Australia and New Zealand will still be involved in the Tri-Nations between England. Another brilliant idea to keep the poor from feeding at the table of the rich.
Meanwhile, Fiji is the only pacific nation left in the Rugby League World Cup. Joe Rabele's boys will face the might of Australia in the semi-finals and although the Fijian's are expected to crumble under the Aussie pressure, you can rest assured that Fiji will throw everything that have at Australia from the opening whistle until full-time. GOOD LUCK FIJI!
New Zealand played to a 32-22 victory over England in the other Semi-Final to setup what will most likely be a decider between the Kiwis and the Aussies.
In Union news, the Pacific Islanders fell hard once again, this time in a 42-17 spanking at the hands of the French. and the All Blacks are getting set for a friendly on November 18, against Munster in the Zurich Challenge, which fields three former NZ internationals in Lefeimi Mafi, Doug Howlett and Rua Tipoki.
Alright, so the NFL has opened its ballots for this year's Pro Bowl teams. And as you may have guessed, I've selected every Polynesian that I possibly could because in my book they are always deserving of a place on either squad considering they survived all of the poking and prodding at home and on the field to get to the league. So I'm going to be ghetto (fabulous) and ask everyone to take the time and make a difference. Not an Obama-sized difference but a difference all the same. You don't have to sign in, there are not hidden charges and Ed McMahon is not going to show up at your door and hand you a check with your name on it but its still worth your time.
I think Chris Kemoeatu has been BIG for the Steelers this year. His teammate Troy Polamalu hasn't had his name called as much this season but you know when he's on the field. The guy is a maniac. Oh, and how did Arizona manage to get four guys with ties to Polynesia (Aaron Francisco, Travis LaBoy, Taitusi Lutui, Pago Togafau), each of them making major contributions to the team? Indianapolis is not nearly as dominant as their NFL Superbowl team but Freddie Keiaho is every bit as sharp as his rookie season.
There's been an excellent showing by several Polynesian players this season and like I've been saying for years (believe me, I have) we'll just keep on getting better!
Is anyone else sick of Dallas' Terrell Owens? I'd like to say that his complaints about not getting the ball enough is news, but for T.O. its just par for the course. I know he's a 'Go to Guy' and he's definitely entertaining, but how can anyone stand his incessant whining? He’s been an absolute ‘ghost’ on the field since Tony Romo went down with an injury to his pinkie so what does T.O. do to get back into the news? He causes controversy. And the media who, in the past have enjoyed plastering his mug everywhere are finally getting sick of him. Could finally be closer to the days when T.O. joins Deion Sanders at a tent revival and no where near a football field? I doubt it. He’s too addicted to himself to go away quietly.
Kansas City running back Larry Johnson may be running from someone other than a linebacker soon after a woman filed a lawsuit today against Johnson for spitting a drink in her face at a Kansas City bar. That’s not the funniest thing about the story. The funny thing is (at least to me) that the woman and her lawyer are claiming that “this is not about money.” Johnson has been in trouble with women (who in the NFL hasn’t except my man Reno Mahe?) before and I would put money on the fact that he actually did spit in the woman’s face, but REALLY? Here’s a better way to settle the matter: File a restraining order on him, wait until he shows up at the club again and spit yellow dye on his tailored suit and Italian shoes. Athletes hate it when their crap gets jacked!
The dude accused of shooting Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Richard Collier 14 times said (big surprise) that he’s not guilty. Here’s the thing, if you’re making BANK, don’t drive to the hoes, tell the hoes to come to you! Please read the news. Dudes playing in ANY professional sport are a target. So the safest and most prudent place for you to be partying, is in the safety of your home or your mama’s!
Its really simple: Keep your grades up, do what the coaches ask you to do and in four, maybe five years, you’ll have a degree, maybe more. The opposite just doesn’t get you close to the red zone in the real world. Just ask the latest victim of prep paralysis, Nebraska’s Cody Glenn. No one will spill the beans on Glenn’s suspension but these days, it doesn’t take much to get a swift boot in the backside on any college team.
"He definitely won the fight," ... "I don't know what's next for me. I worked so hard for this fight. I just don't know....." Roy Jones, Jr. on Joe Calzaghe's dominant performance on Saturday.
Is Joe Calzaghe as good as his record? Unfortunately, we may never know. Even after beating Roy Jones, Jr. on Saturday, questions still linger about the Welsh boxer who, after 15 years still maintains an impressive record of 46-0. He's beaten two of the greats, Bernard Hopkins and now Jones, but both fighters are now well beyond their prime and everyone wonders now, would Calzaghe have been the victor in either fight ten years ago?
By beating two of the greats Calzaghe may have sealed his own reputation as a 'giant killer' but should he fight a few more to validate that record or rely solely on his domination of Hopkins, Jones and Jeff Lacy? Let's face it, if you take a glance at the world rankings in any sanctioning body, the Light Heavy department is looking pretty bleak. The only recognizable names on the whole chart are the aforementioned pugilists and Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver, two more fighters that many believe have fallen into the "past their prime" boat.
I don't have much faith that Calzaghe will get back in the ring, especially after he confirmed in post-fight interviews that his ring days are over. The whole fighting world as a whole is in a shambles and scrambling to compete with the growing popularity of mixed martial arts. Boxing is dying and no one, not even Don King has a remedy.
After being lambasted by a new look English side (39-13) this weekend, the Pacific Islanders coached by Quddus Fielea of Tonga, move on to face France on November 15. These Pacific Islanders were absolutely put on their hind quarters by England from the opening whistle and I'm hoping that they will approve against the French who are currently ranked 7th by the IRB.
On paper, this Pacific Islanders squad has the talent to beat any team on the planet. Unfortunately, just like their own home sides and any Barbarians side, its hard for a new team to mesh and conquer the big names in rugby in a two-three week span. I'm trying to be optimistic in saying that the boys and the management have learned their lessons in the build up to France but even hard-core lovers of PI rugby have a hard time staying on the bandwagon when the wheels aren't getting enough grease.
Pacific Islanders 2008 Kas Lealamanua, Kisi Pulu, Census Johnston, Justin Vaa, Sunia Koto, Aleki Lutui, Paino Hehea, Kele Leawere, Hale T Pole, Filipo Levi, Nili Latu, Semisi Naevo, Viliami Vaki, George Stowers, Sisa Koyamaibole, Finau Maka, Mosese Rauluni (C), Sililo Martens, Seremaia Bai, Pierre Hola, Vilimoni Delasau, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Seilala Mapusua, Seru Rabeni, Kameli Ratuvou, Epi Taione, Sereli Bobo, Gavin Williams
Speaking of optimism, Samoa ended their disappointing Rugby League World Cup campaign with a 42-10 win against France.
NZ Herald: Samoa lived up to the same reputation shared by their union brothers as they choked in a critical match against underdog Ireland. I wish I could be a little more optimistic at this juncture but it appears that Samoa will always be the doormat that the rest of the world crosses to play under the bright lights of world dominance! Bring on 2012 and another World Cup disaster. On the bright side, you don't have to be a fortune teller to know what's going to happen in four years time.
Fulmer Ousted and more... With the college football season past its midway point, the weeks will begin to grow longer for coaches who are below the .500 mark. And now, the pink slips for coaches will begin to appear on headlines across the nation. This year's first victim? A guy who led the Tennessee Volunteers to their first championship in 47 years. 17 years of listening to boosters bad mouth him, fans vilify him and players second-guessing his decisions and Phillip Fulmer is back in the unemployment line albeit with a few million greenbacks in the bank to hold him over until the next gig. In his 17 years at the helm, Fulmer amassed an impressive 150-51 record. 150 wins and he still couldn't please the fans in Knoxville, especially after losing to conference opponents Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Never mind the fact that all three of those teams were ranked in the top 10 when the Vols played them. Tough break for a very good coach. He'll land on his feet though. You can't win that many games and be out of job for long.
Oh yeah, joining Fulmer is Toledo coach Tom Amstutz who led the Rockets to four bowl games in eight seasons. Tyrone Willingham was shown the door after his Washington Huskies were throttled by USC. That brings the Huskies' 2008 record to 0-8 and Willingham's coaching sojourn continues. Coaches that should have been served walking papers? Notre Dame's Charlie Weis (how have the Irish and Regis Philbin put up with this guy for so long?); Joe Paterno (his knee's have had more surgeries than Penn State has had national championships); Florida State's Bobby Bowden (NCAA sanctions have really hurt his ability to recruit). On the hot seat: Dennis Erickson (Arizona State). He was hot in 2007 when his Sun Devils went 10-2 in the regular season but they were horrible against Texas in the Holiday Bowl to end the season and haven't recovered since.
Oden sidelined...Again In the category of overpaid, overhyped and under utilized, Portland Trailblazer Greg Oden is back on injured reserve for two-four weeks after injuring his foot in the first quarter of the first game of his NBA career. Oden was out for the entire 2007-08 (rookie) season (he played briefly in the pre-season) when he suffered a knee injury that required season-ending surgery. At this rate, Oden, who has a guaranteed contract for two years at a meager $8.5M with options on his third and fourth year, could end up playing just a few games in his entire stay in Portland. And in Oregon, everyone who was cheering when Oden was signed a year ago is now yelling BUST!
No 'Urban Jungle' in Florida I'm glad that some coaches are putting their priorities ahead of a win. Coach Urban Meyer served noticed today when he kicked Sophomore cornerback Jacques Rickerson off the team. It appears 'Ques now has more than just how he's going to braid his hair tomorrow morning or which pair of jeans he's wearing to the courthouse after slapping, choking and then smothering his girlfriend with a pillow. Coach Meyer responded in a statement saying, "Jacques Rickerson is no longer part of our team -- that is not what our program is about." I always liked coach Meyer, but now I'm a huge fan.
Samoa prop Kylie Leuluai has accepted a one-game suspension as a result of his dangerous tackle of Tonga's Fetuli Talanoa in the Rugby League World Cup last weekend. Leuluai will miss Samoa's pool match against the Irish Wolfhounds but it will give a chance for powerful young forward Wayne McDade to showcase his abilities for Samoa. The only other change for Samoa will be Misi Taulapapa who will replace Alby Talipeau.
A fiercely contested match between Samoa and Tonga ended with Samoa limping away with the victory. The match between the two rivals has already been hailed as the most entertaining thus far in RLWC 2008.
Samoa blew a 10-0 lead after talented young Michael Jennings got his hands on the ball. There was as was expected a good deal of ill-discipline on both sides, but the game ended without any major distractions to sully the otherwise exciting display of Pacific Island passion on the pitch.
Meanwhile, two of Samoans Rugby League World Cup stars could miss a crucial qualifying match against Ireland. Huddersfield Giants hooker David Faiumu is due in court for an alleged assault from a year ago. Samoa's Kylie Leuluai's show of unsportmanship will put him on the bench against Ireland while Tonga will most likely be without the services of Etu Uaisele after being cited.
With both teams displaying very crisp and world class skills, the Pacific is already sounding the cry for more quality tests.
Tevita Leo-Latu was brilliant again for Tonga while the ageless Nigel Vagana who scored a try for Samoa was inspirational as he rallied his troops against a tireless and very talented Tongan squad.
Tonga's fate is now in Ireland's hands as the Wolfhounds will attempt to derail the Samoan train.
New Zealand have been the team to beat for years now in Dubai, but it appears that the Kiwi's and Fiji will have to keep an eye on England and South Africa in this year's IRB Sevens Series. South Africa hoisted the Dubai Sevens hardware after a thrilling 19-12 victory over England. Its a big boost for the Boks who now move on to their home turf in George with the momentum.
