Senior leadership is key for East Prairie

High school football kicked off last Friday night in Kentucky. Missouri and Illinois start the season this Friday night.

Let's shine the spotlight on East Prairie, a team with expectations for another great season. Last year they finished 8-3, won the SEMO South Conference with a perfect 5-0 record and ended the year with a loss in the Regionals to Crystal City.

The Eagles lost some leadership to graduation, but head coach Jason Aycock believes a lack of leadership will not be an issue, he believes the team is loaded.

"I don't think we necessarily lost any leadership we have twelve seniors," said Coach Aycock. "This is probably the best group of leader I've had in the thirteen years I have been coaching."

East praire opens the season Friday night at Hayti, a seven o'clock kickoff. After Hayti, East Prairie is back home for two before hitting the road to play Kennett.

Fundamentals are key for Perryville

We are just days from the beginning of the high school football season for Missouri and Illinois teams.

This time of year each team is excited about the season and confident good things will heppen. The Perryville Pirates are one of those teams. They have struggled the past five years compiling just 13 victories and suffering through 38-losses.

The key for Perryville head coach Keith Winkler's team is to simply get back to the basics of the game. He says it's all about the fundamentals.

"Just finding that mental aspect of the game," said Winkler. "We were moving the ball (during Friday nights Jamboree) and then we fumbled and it took us awhile to get focused again and ready to go. There's going to be mistakes in games and we are going to have to fight through those mistakes, fight through those adversities come out and execute and do those fundamentals right."

The first part of the season shapes up to be tough. The Pirates first four opponents finished a combined 31-12 last season.

Matt Stairs Climbs To The Top

Unless you are a Brewers or Padres fan you might have missed a bit of MLB History last night.

We have a new King of hitting pinch hit homers. Drum roll please.......Matt Stairs climbs to the top of the list. (Sorry I couldn't resist...Matt Stairs climbs...)

The veteran journyman knocked out his 21st pinch hit homer run last night in the Padres win over Milwaukee. Stairs passed Cliff Johnson for most pinch-hit homers in league history. Johnson played from 1972-1986.

The most famous homer Matt Stairs as a pinch-hitter came with two outs in the eighth inning of game 4 of the 2008 National League Championship series. He drilled a two run bomb to help the Phillies beat the Dodgers.

Stairs has 262 home runs in a career that began with the Montreal Expos in 1992.

Moving and blogging don't mix

I got into a routine of updating the blog on a regular basis (I will continue), but the past week my wife and I moved into our new house.

Things should get back to normal soon...

Door open for Michael Porter to become a Redhawk

Nothing like starting the week with potentially great new for Southeast Missouri State.

Former Sikeston high school basketball star Michael Porter has been released from his scholarship at Missouri State and is free to transfer.

Wouldn't it be great to see him playing for the Redhawks? It sure would help bring fans into the Show-Me-Center for games.

Porter signed with Missouri State out of high school but suffered through an injury plagued freshman season. He was limited to only six games scoring just 23 points ans pulling down 13 rebounds. He dealt with a hamstring issue, emergency appendectomy surgery in November and hip surgery following a car accident in June.

By Rick Kindhart
Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications Missouri State Univeristy

SPRINGFIELD - Missouri State men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin announced Monday that forward Michael Porter requested and was granted a release from his scholarship.

The redshirt freshman from Sikeston, Mo., cited personal reasons for ending his association with the Bears. His announcement comes just over two months after a serious, single-car accident hospitalized him on June 9, putting his playing future in jeopardy.

"Tomorrow is never promised," Porter said. "The past few months have helped me prioritize things in my life. Whether or not I am able to play basketball again, I want to stay close to home. I love the Missouri State program, but I have a son now, and being a father figure is more important than ever."

Martin said he respects Porter's decision and appreciates his hard work while with the program.

"We wish Mike the best and respect where his priorities are," Martin said. "He has been through a lot this year, and we are grateful for his contributions."

Porter's roller coaster ride of a freshman season also included an emergency appendectomy and a torn hamstring that forced him to miss all but six games, ultimately earning him a medical redshirt. He averaged 3.8 points and 2.2 rebounds in a reserve role that saw him average just over 11 minutes per contest. He scored a team-high 16 points in the team's 75-62 road win at Arkansas Little Rock on December 2, and notched five rebounds against Air Force at JQH Arena on December 5.

Despite the trials and tribulations that led him to making what he calls ''the most difficult decision'' of his life, Porter says he would not change a thing about his involvement with the Missouri State program.

"Coach Martin is the best coach I have ever had," Porter said. "I owe so much to him and the staff, to my teammates, and to the great fans at Missouri State. I will always be a Bear. With or without me, Missouri State is going to have a great season, and I wish nothing but the best for the team."

Porter said he plans on continuing his education at Southeast Missouri State this fall. Southeast is located about 35 miles north of Sikeston in Cape Girardeau. He also said he plans to take his physical recovery from the accident very slow and rates the chances of ever playing basketball again at 50-50.

"I love the game, and it would be hard to walk away," Porter explained. "That's why I am taking everything very slow."

The Bears are in the process of finalizing their 2010-11 non-conference schedule, which should be available in the next couple of weeks. Martin begins his third season at the helm of the Bears who finished last season with a 24-12 overall record after winning the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

Missouri looks good in scrimmage

The Missouri Tigers took the field this weekend at Farot Field in an intra squad scrimmage as they inch closer to the start of the 2010 season. With rarely a shortage of offense Mizzou put on a display in Columbia, starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert was strong completing 18 of 23 for 162 yards and a touchdown, but says there is room for improvement.

"We have to get more consistent on both sides of the ball," said Gabbert. "There are goods and bad's of the scrimmage, but we'll look at film tomorrow and evaluate it."

Mizzou Offense 56
Mizzou Defense 48

Big plays highlighted the Tigers offensive attack. Derrek Washington got things going on the first play from scrimmage busting loose for 73 yards, he also added a 42 yard run later in scrimmage.

"We got better (Missouri Offense) and the defense just needs to get better too," said Washington. "Both sides of the ball made big plays. Once we bring it together as a team it's going to be hard to stop us."

If Saturday's first scrimmage of fall practice is any indication, this year could be exciting. Kendial Lawrence took a Jimmy Costello pass 60 yards for the first touchdown and Washington took a short reception 47 yards for a score.

"I think we looked ok, but ok isn't good enough." said head coach Gary Pinkel. "We will continue to work hard and we have a chance to be a good football team but we have a lot of work to do."

Freshman James Franklin, the odds on favorite to take over the back-up role, connected on 17 of his 26 pass attempt for a 125 yards.

HFF: Marion Wildcats hungry for more success

I say this each year at this time "I can't believe football season is here." Heartland Football Friday is set and ready to debut in less than a week. We roll it out Friday August 20th during Heartland News at ten.

You can catch me live at Mayfield, KY during the six and ten news. I will cover the Marshall County Marshall's game against Mayfield at, one my favorite places to watch a game, War Memorial Stadium.

Illinois teams open the season a week later on August 27th.

There is a lot of excitement brewing in Marion, IL and i'm not talking about the playoff bound Southern Illinois Miners. Just a few miles away from Rent One Park (behind Marion High School at 1501 South Carbon Street) Kerry Martin and his Wildcats are preparing for what many believe will be a season to remember. Marion finished 9-2 last year (4-1 in the South Seven) and has all the confidence to make a run deeper into the postseason.

"We build on every positive and every negative," said Marion senior Matt Grffith. "If there is something wrong going on in practice we come back and build on it, if there is something positive we give props to it and keep moving on."

A football coach once told me "If what you did yesterday still looks good today, then today you have done nothing". If you take a second and let it sink in, it's a powerful phrase. I have tried to do it justice but it's nearly impossible. Right now the Marion Wildcats will tackle 2010 with that phrase burned into memory.

"This is the time of year when everyone is optimistic," said Marion head coach Kerry Martin. "I think we are just like everybody else, we feel like we have a good bunch of guys returning and some new faces that will help our football team. We are looking for a good season and to be honest right now our focus is on getting better and focusing on that first ballgame."

Marion opens the season August 27 hosting Granite City. The Wildcats only losses last year came in week #4 to Cahokia and Peoria (Richwoods) in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.

HFF Preview: Scott City ready to bring back winning

The Scott City Rams are eager to get the new football season going and driven to bring winning back to the program.

The Rams last enjoyed a winning season in 2007 (finishing 6-4), but the past two have been a struggle just six wins and fourteen losses.

Scott City won't make any predictions of what's to come but they believe the brutal heat they have had to battle through in the first week of practice will pay off during the season.

"It gets tougher, I just tell them August 27th it might be hot too so we ain't going to stop the game and take a rest," said Scott City Head Coach Jim May. "We've suffered through it and it's making them better players and more mentally tough."

Scott City senior running back Garett Schaefer says their is a confidence around the team this year and a feeling this may be the year they bring Rams football back to prominence.

"Coach really drilled football into us this year, we are really pumped" said Garett. "We've been working non stop this summer and we are ready to turn this program around."

Scott City opens the season August 27 hosting Malden.

2010 Scott City Football Schedule

8/27 Malden

9/3 @ St. Vincent

9/10 @ East Prairie

9/17 @ Dexter

9/24 Chaffee

10/1 @ Portageville

10/8 Hayti

10/15 @ Herculaneum

10/22 Crystal City

10/28 @ St. Pius X (Festus)

3 EIU football players given the boot

I'm sure this is not they way Eastern Illinois Panthers head football coach Bob Spoo hoped the season would start.

CHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) - Eastern Illinois football coach Bob Spoo has dismissed three players from the team for unspecified rules violations.

The school said in a news release Thursday that senior running back Chevon Walker, senior defensive end Colin Luczynski (loo CHIN' skee) and junior offensive lineman Eric Rettke were kicked off the team.

The school did not provide further details. Luczynski was expected to compete for a starting spot with the team. Walker and Rettke were expected to play as back-ups. The Panthers open their season Sept. 4 at Iowa.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Brawlin' at the ballpark

Ok.... Disclaimer "Chad Fryman is a huge Cincinnati Reds fan"

With that said I loved the bench clearing tussle between the Cardinals and Reds Tuesday night. By no stretch of the imagination do I condone violence. I just like to see emotion and some old-school style rivalry back in the game.

The way the game is today with free agency, huge contracts and players becoming "hired guns" rivalries have softened.

I think Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto should be suspended or at least heavily fined for his part in the scuffle (kicking a Cardinals player).

Jump forward to early October...wouldn't it be must-see-tv if the Reds and Cardinals meet in the playoffs!

If the two teams did face off in the post season it would be in the NLCS. A division winner will not play the Wild Card team in the first round if both are in the same division.

The final 50 games of the regular season should be interesting.

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Jackson must avoid the injury bug

With each new day we get closer and closer to the start of the high school football season. Monday in Missouri all high schools began practice for fall sports.

The Jackson Indians hit the field Monday morning marking the first real chance to distance themselves from last seasons 1-9 record. Like most teams this time of year the Indians have questions, but feel confident about what lies ahead.

"We don't have a lot of depth but we do have some good skill people," head coach Van Hitt said.Jackson looks to forge ahead and a key to their success will be staying healthy.

The Indians can not afford to be bitten by the injury bug especially on the defensive side of the ball.

"We have to replace a lot of people," said Hitt. "We have a whole new linebacking crew, new secondary and a little bit of experience back on the line, but other than that it's going to be a challenge on defense this year."

Cape Central football prepares for new season

Lets shine the spotlight on head coach Rich Payne and his Cape Central Tigers as they begin football practice Monday for the upcoming season.

Coach Payne enters his third season as head coach and is looking for his first winning campaign. The Tigers have struggled for the past few years posting just a 1-19 record under Coach Payne. The last time the Tigers won a game you have to go all the way back to October 10th 2008. Cape Central beat Seckman 28-16 at Houck Stadium.

"Our goals this year need to be that we can play for a conference championship and be in the district championship also," said Coach Payne.

The Tigers are not making any predictions but they will give 100% effort.

"I think we have a group of seniors that can play," Payne said. "They have taken their lumps over the years but there is twenty of them here and hopefully they'll turn the corner for the program."

The Tigers open the 2010 season August 27th hosting New Madrid County Central.

Former Cardinal could haunt Redbirds

I make no apology...I'm a huge Cincinnati Reds fan. This doesn't fly to well living in the heart of Cardinals country. I grew up in Dayton, Oh just 40 minutes from downtown Cincinnati and live, eat, sleep and breathe Reds baseball.

Since winning the World Series in 1990 the Reds have only made the postseason once (1995) and came within a game in 1999. Obviously life has been really tough as a Cincy fan the past 20 years

2010 looks to be the year the organization makes a return to the playoffs and many believe it could be a lengthy stay. A trip to the post season would be great, but to be completely honest I'm just thrilled the Reds are playing meaningful baseball games in August.

For the first time in a long time my attention has not completely switched to football. As a Reds fan I hope the yearly tradition of forgetting baseball once the "Back to School" commercials begin to air will finally end.

Today my dream of seeing "my team" climb back into being relevant got a major push with the acquisition of veteran outfielder Jim Edmonds. The best part of the deal is the Reds did not have to give up much to get him. They sent OF Chris Dickerson to Milwaukee for Edmonds.

Talking with Cardinals fans today most did not like the move. It has nothing to do with their like or dislike for Edmonds, they just don't like the fact Cincinnati just got stronger as they battle the Cardinals for the NL Central lead.

Heading into tonights opening game of a three game series the Cardinals trail first place Cincinnati by two games. The two teams have six head-to-head games remaining this season (Aug. 9-11 in Cincinnati and Sept. 3-5 in St. Louis).

This season in 73 games with the Milwaukee Brewers Edmonds has hit .286 with eight homers and 20 R.B.I.

High school football practice begins this week

NFL and college football practice has begun, most kicking off last week. High schools will soon follow....Illinois and Kentucky are set to start later in the week.

The green flag waves for Missouri schools Monday August 9th. Cape Central hits the field Monday afternoon around 5:30.

I talked with Jackson head coach Van Hitt Sunday night and he tells me the Indians will go at nine and again at five but the expected excessive heat could affect the practice schedule.

Both Jackson and Cape Central are looking to put last season in the rear view mirror neither team enjoying much success in 2009. Jackson finished 1-9 last year their lone victory coming in the final week of the season against arch rival Cape Central. The loss kept the Tigers winless in 2009 (0-10).

Looking ahead Heartland Football Friday 2010 begins friday night August 20th

Racers hoops to play Stanford

News from the college hardwood....

After the most successful season in school history (31-5 overall; 17-1 OVC and within a 3-pointer of the Sweet 16) Murray State looks ahead to what many believe could be even better.annouced earlier today... the Racers will play Stanford November 25th in the first round of the 76 Classic in Anaheim, CA.

The Racers and Stanford tipp off at eight o'clock on ESPNU in the first meeting between the two programs. If you are not making the trip westward you will be able to cozy up in front of the tv and watch all 12 tournament games on one of the ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, etc.

76 Classic Tournament Bracket

SEMO hires new pitching coach

The Southeast Missouri State baseball programs adds a familiar face with the hiring of Steve Bieser. The newest addition to head coach Mark Hogans staff will take over pitching coach duties. Bieser, who graduated from SEMO in 1989, brings big league experience to the Redhawks.

by Bo Bunton / SEMOSports Information

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.- Baseball head coach Mark Hogan has announced the hiring of a pitching coach, Steve Bieser.

Hogan had this to say,

"Steve is a great hire for our program and being able to bring one of our alumni back to work with our organization is very exciting. His successes at every level of baseball speak for themselves. His leadership and player development skills are exceptional and we welcome Steve and his family back to Cape Girardeau."

Bieser, a native of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, comes to Cape Girardeau after a very successful coaching career at St. John Vianney High. In seven seasons at the St. Louis school, he compiled a 137-51 record, along with two state championships in 2004 and 2006.

In 2009, he took over the Danville Dans of the Prospect League and currently coaches two Redhawk players, Cole Bieser and Jesse Tierney.

Bieser has coached five players selected in the first year major league player draft (1st, 5th, 22st, 22nd, & 42nd rounds). Over 80% of his high school players have gone on to play college ball with 12 playing at the Division 1 level, 4 attaining freshmen All-American status, and one named a two-time All-American.

As a player, Bieser graduated from Southeast Missouri State in the spring of 1989, and was drafted in the 32nd round of the 1989 June draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. On April 1, 1997, Bieser made his major league debut with the New York Mets. He appeared in 47 games that year, primarily as a utility player.

He is known for his ability to play multiple positions, catching and playing outfield with the big league club. He also spent some time on the mound that year in the farm system.

He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1998, and appeared in 13 games. He ended his major league career with a .250 batting average, a .351 on-base percentage, and a .300 slugging percentage in 80 major league at-bats. Bieser ended his professional career in 2001 in a Memphis Redbirds uniform.

"I'm really excited and can't wait to get to work. It's great to get back to the place where my baseball career started," said Bieser. "This is something I've been considering for a long time and I look forward to this opportunity."

Bieser and his wife, Diahann, have a son (Cole) and three daughters, Whitley (15), Briley (12) and Carley (4).

Wild Day for Capahas and Daryl Graham

Wild day for the Plaza Tire Capahas playing in the National Baseball Congress World Series Tournament in Wichita, Kanasas.

The Capahas, playing an elimination game, beat Columbia, TX 7-3.

Former Cape Central standout Brad Labruyere was strong on the mound en route to picking up the victory. Infielder Daryl Graham lead the way at the plate with five hits including the game winner.

The day began well for Graham but took a turn for the worse. According to Mary Bolen, wife of Capahas manager Jess Bolen, Graham left the game in the eighth with leg cramps. He was later taken to a local hospital by ambulance suffereing from dehydration. Mary told me he is receiving fluids and is expected to make a full recovery.

Miners helping area youth

Talk to any Frontier League baseball player and most agree the Southern Illinois Miners organization is the class of the league. Most call them the "NY Yankees" of the the Frontier League, and most say it with a little jealousy in their voice.

From the front office staff to the coaching staff the Miners do things the right way making the baseball experience the best it can be for the players and the fans. Now you can help the Miners help area youth leagues.

By Scott Gierman / Southern Illinois Miners Director Of Media Relations

Aug. 4, 2010
MARION, Ill. – Now through the end of the month, the Southern Illinois Miners are accepting donated baseball mitts to be distributed to local youth leagues as part of the Miners Helping Hands glove donation program.

Any fan donating a new or used glove will receive two tickets for the Miners final regular season home game on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Rent One Park. Donations can be made at the Rent One Park box office during normal business hours or on the concourse at the fan assistance center and advance ticket window during Miners home games.

The gloves will be donated to local youth leagues following the season. Leagues must submit a written request to the Miners to receive the equipment.

The Miners are currently in the middle of a six-game homestand which runs through this Thursday, Aug. 5. For the latest news on the Southern Illinois Miners and events at Rent One Park, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.

2010 Missouri Championship Result

Got these race results from Billy Clayton.

2010 Missouri Championship Results

Top 5 in each class

C&C Motor Sports & Racing Pro

#105 Danny Seitz

# 71 Nathan Wolff

# 37 Zach Thweatt

# 2 Colter Loshbaugh

#111 Mike Lanigan

Buffalo Wild Wings Open Am

# 6 Jesse Brown

#55 Bryan Clayton

#14 Kyler Seabaugh

# 7 Freddy Hicks

# 4 Jeremy Wells

Focus Bank 90 Pro

# 09 Reece York

# 00 Dylan Henneboehle

# 11 Madison Arnold

Armstrong Guttering Prod.

# 903 Joe Evers

# 48 Chris Willis

# 55 Bryan Clayton

# 6 Jesse Brown

# 42 Chris Canyon

Pizza Inn 200/4 Stroke

# 14 Kyler Seabaugh

# 77 Lane Brown

# 69 Austin Keck

# 333 Josh Varnado

# 39 Taylor Parish

PC Outdoors Pro Am

# 71 Nathan Wolff

# 37 Zack Thwett

# 2 Colter Loshbaugh

# 9 Rusty Tanner

# 5 Cody Barrett

B&B Boats & Bikes 450 Am

# 111 Jerrett Griffin

# 5 Garry Boyd

# 903 Joe Evers

# 55 Bryan Clayton

# 42 Chris Canyon

Satterfields Auto & Truck Salvage + 30

# 111 Mike Lanigan

# 21 Steve Miller

# 5 Gary Boyd

# 68 Don Marti

# 96 Vince Verando

Sikeston Implement 2-Stroke/400

# 64 PJ Palasota

# 2 Dillon Womack

# 77 Lane Brown

S&K Auto Service Open 4-Stroke

# 48 Chris Willis

# 7 Freddy Hicks

# 42 Keith Dick

Carnell's Collision 50 Pro.

# 04 Dalton Favier

# 12 Paetin Arnold

Nikki Ferrell Insurance Youth

# 14 Kyler Seabaugh

# 15 Clay Bryant

# 333 Josh Verando

# 09 Reece York

# 31 Blake Duncan

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