Finish Strong Podcast: November 29, 2009

No ghosts in the machine this week the podcast is delivered on Sunday night. I give you 26 minutes of bliss. Ok, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but I do fill nearly half an hour.

Topics on FSP #7:

• SIU Salukis dominate FCS Playoff Opener
• Ugly uniforms
• Rams are getting closer (haven't we heard that before)!
• A Request for you the listener
  
  

Finish Strong Podcast: November 29

Previous Finish Strong Podcasts:
November 22
November 15
November 8
November 1
October 25
October 18

EIU Coach Dies In Car Accident

For the second time this month Eastern Illinois suffers the tragic death of an assistant coach.

Effingham county Coronor Leigh Hammer says late Saturday evening following the Panthers FCS playoff loss to Southern Illinois offensive line/assistant coach Jeff Hoover died as the result of a single vehicle accident.

Athletics spokesman Rich Moser says Hoover, strength coach EricCash and five family members were returning from the game whentheir Chevrolet Suburban swerved to miss a deer and rolled over.Moser says two passengers have been released from an Effingham hospital, and the other four transferred to a hospital in Champaign.

Hoover was in his third season as Eastern Illinois' offensiveline coach.

Earlier this month women's basketball assistant coach Jackie Moore died after collapsing as she started a workout. Moore was 28 years old.

Back To Work....

Now the moment I get to "pat-myself-on-the-back". Friday night the UFL wrapped up it's inaugural season with Las Vegas beating Florida to win the Championship.

Hmmm!!! Didn't someone make that prediction back in early October prior to the start of the season!

Oh yeah...That was me!

Here is the link to my (brief) Nostradamus-like vision:

http://frymanfromthesideline.blogspot.com/2009/10/ufl-begins-tonight.html

It's not that impressive since I had a 25% chance of getting it correct...but I'll take it.

It's good to be back to work after five days off spending time with family and eating more turkey than any human being should consume in that short amount of time. If I shovel in any more the tryptophan might knock me into permanent hibernation.

No eay way to get back into the swing of things...There is a ton of stuff going on today. SIU football playoffs, Mizzou hosting Kansas (could be coach Mangino's last game at KU), SEMO & SIU hoops, High School basketball tournaments, the Pepsi shootout and Valle Catholic playing for a MSHSAA Class 1 state title.

Won't be easy trying to cram all that into a 3:30 second sportscast.

Finish Strong Podcast: November 22, 2009

Here you go...Finish Strong Podcast #6. Sorry for the delay I had to deal with a few technical issues.

Topics on FSP #6:

• Valle Catholic heads to Class 1 Championship Game
• Sikeston comes up short but has a tremendous season
• SEMO Football hangs tough with top ranked Salukis
• FCS Playoffs
• Dickey Nutt gets first victory at SEMO

Finish Strong Podcast: November 22

Previous Finish Strong Podcasts:

• November 15
• November 8
• November 1
• October 25
• October 18

I got great response to the question of "What are you thankful for as it relates to sports"?

Most were well written and interesting and some were well written and funny but unable to post to the blog.

I chose one e-mail, from each state we cover on a regular basis, to put on the blog. Keep up the great work and keep the e-mails coming. I hope you don't mind me posting your e-mail.

Dan (Missouri):

I am thankful for SEMO men's basketball. I would sum up my support in the following.

These are the kind of players everyone wants especially since the program has had kids with questionable character lately. Great kids and good students. No matter the W's and L's, I can't not get behind this team and come out and supports them....I am a SEMO Mens BB fan to the core.

Kelly (Illinois):

Thankful as it relates to sports. I am thankful for the administration at my alma mater SIU. A Not long ago we were in a situation SEMO finds itself in - (for the most part) bad athletics programs and little fan support. But the hiring of former Athletics Director Paul Kowalczyk followed by football coach Jerry Kill and men's basketball coach Bruce Weber helped put Saluki spots back on the map. It's longer an athletic wasteland.
Can't wait until they finish Saluki Way! Go Dawgs!

Darrell (Kentucky):

I am from Kentucky so I bleed UK blue! Always Thankful for the Wildcats. And thankful for the great high school football I saw this season in western Kentucky. Lone Oak, Mayfield, Tilghman and Murray. My Purple Flash can't stopped! Hope everyone is booking a trip to Bowling Green!
I'm thankful for Coach Haskins, his players and the awesome fan support. Wanna see/feel an electric atmosphere come to one of our home games.

Lance (Tennessee):

Good question...What am I thankful for in sports?
I am thankful we have the ability and freedom to actually be thankful for sports. I can cheer for which ever team/player I want too. I can paint my face, get a tattoo of my team's logo and tailgate with friends before and after a game. I'm thankful to live in the United State and have the opportunity to be a part of our great sports nation.

Salukis Ready For FCS Postseason

The FCS Playoff bracket was released Sunday afternoon. 16 teams begin down the road they hope leads to Chattanooga, TN for the Championship Game December 18th.

The SIU Salukis enter as the third overall seed and will host OVC Champion Eastern Illinois. The Panthers opened the playoffs losing to SIU in 2005 and 2007.

November 28 at Missoula, Montana
South Dakota St. (8-3) at No. 1 Montana (11-0)

November 28 at Nacogdoches, Texas
Eastern Wash. (8-3) at Stephen F. Austin (9-2)

November 28 at Richmond, Virginia
Elon (9-2) at No. 4 Richmond (10-1)

November 28 at Boone, North Carolina (ESPNU/ESPNUHD at Noon ET)
South Carolina St. (10-1) at Appalachian St. (9-2)

November 28 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Holy Cross (9-2) at No. 2 Villanova (10-1)

November 28 at Lake Charles, Louisiana
New Hampshire (9-2) at McNeese St. (9-2)

November 28 at Carbondale, Illinois
Eastern Ill. (8-3) at No. 2 Southern Ill. (10-1)

November 28 at Williamsburg, Virginia
Weber St. (7-4) at William & Mary (9-2)


2009 Playoff Info:
Bracket
Press Release
Championship Results

Sikeston Playoff Game To Be Webcast

This just in...KFVS will webcast the Sikeston semi final playoff game Saturday at Helias (Jefferson City). You can also see highlights and postgame interviews on Heartland news Saturday night.

KFVS12 WebCast to Feature High School Football Playoffs
Helias Crusaders vs. Sikeston Bulldogs

(Cape Girardeau) The Southeast Missouri Hospital WebCast on KFVS12.com is scheduled to present the Helias Crusaders vs. Sikeston Bulldogs varsity high school state semi-final football game this Saturday afternoon (11/21) from Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Missouri. Live coverage is scheduled to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m.

The multi-camera WebCast will be presented live around the world at KFVS12.com, and then archived on the web site for users to watch at their convenience. Both the live presentation and the archived versions will be available free of charge with no subscription needed. The archived version will be posted several hours after the end of coverage.

According to Paul Keener, KFVS12’s Director of Marketing, playoff games are additions to the original WebCast schedule.

“We hope everyone goes to the game, we want the stands full,” said Keener. “But if fans can’t make it, the WebCast is a good alternative.”

Official title sponsor of this WebCast is Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Other sponsors are Morlan GM Superstore in Sikeston; Burns, Taylor, Heckemeyer and Green; Focus Bank; Ponder Funeral Home; Garage Door Company of Sikeston; The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety; Hometown Directories; Quick Chek, New Wave Communications; Alan Wire; Medicap Pharmacy; Animal Health Center; and Sonny’s Solid Waste.

Keener says that quick reaction from all the sponsors helped make this WebCast happen. With additional expenses associated with rights fees, travel and labor, and internet services, he says that additional sponsorship was critical.

“There are so many people to thank for helping us WebCast these playoff games,” continued Keener. “The sponsors, the schools, MSHSAA, our station crews who work so hard to make this content available, so many people have stepped up to help make this happen.”

According to the MSHSAA web site, the class 4 championship game November 27th at 4:15 is scheduled to be shown on the Fox Sports Midwest cable channel.

Since the KFVS12.com WebCast premiered last fall, the on-line video presentation has featured nearly 150 regional events including local high school and college football, basketball, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, and volleyball events, along with softball, parades, and ceremonies.

In an exclusive arrangement with Raycom Media, Inc., parent company of KFVS12, 2080 Media, and PlayOn Sports, the station will stream full coverage, multi-camera events live at www.kfvs12.com. The content will also be archived for on-demand viewing following the end of event coverage. All WebCast content will be available free of charge.

KFVS12 is the CBS Network affiliate serving the Cape Girardeau, Paducah, Harrisburg television market, and is a free broadcast service of Raycom Media, Inc. KFVS12 also operates The Heartland’s CW (WQWQ-TV), KFVS12.com, and The StormTeam Weather Network.

Lauren Lueders Returns To Heartland

Tonight in Carbondale former Saxony Lutheran basketball star Lauren Lueders brings her top 25 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores to the SIU Arena to face the 0-1 Salukis.

Lauren scored 13 points and logged 21 minutes of playing time coming off the bench in the Commodores season opener against Lehigh. In her 83 games at Vandy she has stared 20 (12 of those came during her freshman season of 2006-07). She is is on pace to end her career scoring over 400 points and shoot 49% from three point range.

Lauren was a three year starter on the boys team at Saxony Lutheran. The schooll did not begin playing girls basketball until 2006.

Following her high school career Lauren was a First-team All-State selection and a finalist for Miss-Show-Me-Basketball.

You can see highlights from the game and an interview with Lauren tonight on Heartland News at 10:00 pm.


Notes for tonights basketball game:

Vanderbilt game notes

SIU game notes

It's Official: Johnson Lands In Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bengals officially introduce former KC Chiefs running back Larry Johnson today (Tuesday) at a press conferece scheduled for 2:00 pm central.

I think it's a bold move (and a good move) for Cincinnati and LJ. He goes to an organization known for giving players second and third chances (Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, Cedric Benson). Most importantly he goes to a winning team and a team not expecting to carry the offense on his shoulders.

If LJ ruins this opportunity he might find himself looking for opportunities with the UFL or CFL.

Cincinnati story about LJ.

Kansas City reacts to LJ signing

More Chiefs news:
Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is suspended for four games for violating the league's performance enhancing drug policy. The suspension begins immediately. Bowe will return for the December 20th game against Cleveland.

Larry Johnson Signing With Cincinnati?

It looks as though former KC Chiefs Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson is on the verge of signing with the AFC North leading Cincinnati Bengals.

The embattled back was suspended one week by the Chiefs October 28th for "conduct detrimental to the team". Johnson was cut November 9th after 7 seasons in Kansas City.

There was pressure from Chiefs fans (a petition signed by more than 32,000) for the organization to hand Johnson a pink slip before he became the leading rusher in franchise history. Johnson (6,015) is 55 yards behind Priest Holmes (6,070).

As a Bengals fan I'm in favor of the move. It's a win-win for all involved. LJ can begin to repair his image and the Bengals get a powerful runner to compliment starter Cedric Benson. Benson, who is nursing a sore hip, is on pace for nearly 400 carries this season.

I think Johnson will be a model citizen and stay out of trouble. I don't believe head coach Marvin Lewis and his coaching staff will keep him around long enough to become a "cancer" in the locker room. The slightest problem off the field or in the locker room will send Johnson back to the streets.

Mark your calendar for week 16 (December 27th)...The Chiefs travel to Cincinnati. That could be interesting.

Finish Strong Podcast: November 15, 2009

Finish Strong Podcast for November 15th is available and ready to download

Topics on FSP #5:

• Hallelujah! SEMO football gets a victory.
• Rams are getting better
• Sikeston & Valle Catholic look to advance to Show-Me-Bowl
• Complain with respect and use some decorum
• What are you thankful for (sports related)
• Cool website: www.footballoutsider.com

Finish Strong Podcast: November 15


Previous Finish Strong Podcasts:

• November 8
• November 1
• October 25
• October 18

Countdown FCS Playoffs

The Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1AA) playoffs are just a few weeks from kicking off. The Southern Illinois Salukis should enter as a #1 seed. Unless you believe in (major gigantic) miracles SIU should end the regular season as the top ranked team in the country.

Dale Lennon's Salukis jumped from #3 to #1 this week following Saturday's win over (at the time) #9 South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits have since dropped to 12th.

The 8-1 Salukis are kings of the top 25 for the first time since Oct. 10, 2005. During the 2004 season SIU spent 11 weeks at #1.

SIU has two regular season games remaining...games they should win. One of them could turn into the most lopsided victory by the Salukis in decades. I'll let you figure out which game that might be.

The remaining schedule of teams of interest in the FCS Top 25.

#1 Southern Illinois (8-1)
Nov. 14 vs Missouri State
Nov. 21 @ SEMO

#2 Montana (9-0)
Nov. 14 vs Northern Colorado
Nov. 21 @ Montana State

#3 Villanova Wildcats (8-1)
Nov. 14 @ Towson
Nov. 21 vs Delaware

#4 Richmond (8-1)
Nov. 14 @ Georgetown
Nov. 21 vs William & Mary

#11 Northern Iowa (6-3)
Nov. 14 vs Western Illinois
Nov. 21 @ Illinois State

#12 South Dakota State (7-2)
Nov. 14 @ Minnesota
Nov. 21 @ Western Illinois

#14 Eastern Illinois (7-2)
Nov. 14 vs UT Martin
Nov. 19 vs Tennessee State

#17 Jacksonville State (6-3)*
Nov. 14 vs Tennessee Tech
Nov. 21 vs Eastern Kentucky

*JSU is not postseason eligible. The Gamecocks are serving a one year ban due to failing to meet standards on the NCAA Academic Progress Report three consecutive years.

Michael Porter Recovering From Emergency Appendectomy

By Rick Kindhart (Missouri State University)

Missouri State freshman forward Michael Porter (Sikeston, Mo.) is recovering at home tonight after undergoing emergency surgery this afternoon to remove his appendix. He may miss as many as four weeks while recovering from the procedure.

He scored a team-high 12 points with five rebounds in the Bears' exhibition opener against UMSL and scored five points with seven rebounds in last night's game against Henderson State.

Andrus & Masthay Get NFL Looks

Just stumbled upon an intereting nugget on a great site for NFL news: Profootballtalk

Mike Florio reports former Murray State kicker Shane Andrus and former UK punter and Murray, KY native Tim Masthay worked out for the NY Giants.

Andrus most recently kicked for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was released November 3rd after being signed October 5th. Andrus kicked in three games for Tampa drilling all six PAT's but missing his only field goal attempt. He has yet to make a field goal in a regular season NFL game.

Andrus has played with the Colts, Giants and Buccaneers.

Former Murray High School and UK Punter Tim Masthay should get a solid shot to make a team. With UK he was a 2008 first team All-SEC selection and finished with an average of 45.3 yards per punt (1st in the SEC, 5th Nationally)

For what it's worth...

Since Wednesday night I have been asked over and over which team I think will win tonights Class 4 Sectional game Poplar Bluff or Sikeston.

As I have written and said many times...I love stats! So, based on the numbers (points scored and points allowed) this is what might happen.

Based on offensive scoring averages the final will be:
Poplar Bluff_34

Sikeston_40

Based on points allowed averages the final will be:
Poplar Bluff_6
Sikeston_19

I will stick with the numbers which suggest Sikeston will win... I like the Bulldogs 24-14.
Would I be surprised if the Mules win? Not really. Poplar Bluff's backfield duo of Zach Ferguson and Eljie Johnson (if not contained like the last meeting) are potential game breakers.

You can see the game webcast on www.KFVS12 beginning tonight at 7:00 pm.

Finish Strong Podcast: November 8, 2009

Just rolled through the audio booth and cut this weeks "Finish Strong Podcast".
Enjoy.

Topics this week on FSP #4:

• Congrats to Scott City - Class 2 volleyball Champs
• Rundown of MSHSAA Sectional Football games. The two top flight games are rematches... Poplar Bluff @ Sikeston in Class 4 and Potosi @ NMCC in Class 3
• SIU football continues to roll

Finish Strong Podcast: November 8th

Previous Finish Strong Podcasts:

November 1st

October 25th

October 18th

EIU Assistant Coach Dies

Horrible news from Charleston, Illinois. Condolences to the Moore family and Eastern Illinois women's program.

Charleston, IL (AP)—Jackie Moore, a 28-year-old assistant women’s basketball coach at Eastern Illinois, has died.The university says Moore died Wednesday night at a hospital after collapsing as she started a workout.

School spokesman Rich Moser says doctors said Moore’s heart “just stopped.” Moser says an autopsy is planned.Moore was in her third season at the school. She graduated from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn., in 2005, and was from Windsor, Ontario. EIU canceled all sports events this weekend.



Photo: Eastern Illinois University

MSHSAA Playoffs Week #1: Fredericktown @ NMCC

Tonight Missouri high school football teams open the postseason. Aways a fun night. I love the intensity and the finality of the games. All the hard work which began back in the summer will pay off for some teams as they move one step closer to a state title...For others the season comes to a screaching halt.

I get Fredericktown at New Madrid County Central. On paper it looks to be a fairly balanced game.
For what it's worth.... I like NMCC to win 37-21.

I'm a huge fan of stats and taking a closer look inside the numbers. Enjoy.

NMCC (7-3)

Offense: 34.4 ppg
Defense: 23.9 ppg

Current streak: Won 3
Record in league play (SEMO Central): 4-0

Fredericktown (6-4)

Offense: 25.2 ppg
Defense: 22.0 ppg

Current streak: Won 2
Record in league play (Mississippi Area White): 3-2

Last time three times NMCC and Fredericktown played:
*All regular season games
2007: NMCC 30 Fredericktown 20
2005: NMCC 47 Fredericktown 28
2004: NMCC 28 Fredericktown 23

This season the two schools have played 3 common opponets (Potosi, Charleston, Perryville) and both lost to Potosi.

NMCC vs common opponets:

September 11th: (L) NMCC 39 Potosi 7
September 18th: (W) NMCC 54 Charleston 12
October 30th: (W) NMCC 34 Perryville 6

Fredericktown vs common opponets:

October 3rd: (W) Fredericktown 21 Perryville 0
October 9th: (W) Fredericktown 14 Charleston 8 (ot)
October 16th: (L) Fredericktown 6 Potosi 44

Finish Strong Podcast: November 1, 2009

The third Finish Strong Podcast is recorded and ready to roll. It clocks in at a hefty 19 minutes. Hope you give it a listen.

Topics for FSP #3:

• Mark McGwire hired as hitting coach
• Rams get first victory...End 17 game regular season winless streak. Over a year without a victory.
• SIU football continues to play well...even with new QB...Controversy brewing for 2010?
• SEMO football...What can be done? Is there a fix?
• MSHSAA Football Playoffs...St. Vincent ready to play
• IHSA Football....Anna-Jonesboro likes the addition of Carterville to SIRR-Mississippi Conference for 2010

Finish Strong Podcast: November 1st

Previous Finish Strong Podcasts:

October 25th

October 18th