Sports: A healing power

I'm not trying to be a "downer" or darken the mood on a Friday...Not by any stretch.

I'm sure most have been touched by cancer in some way..a friend, relative, co-worker, etc. For me it was my grandmother losing a battle to breast cancer. There is not a day that passes when she is not in my thoughts.

Each time I sit at the desk in my home office I catch a glance of the Reds thermos she got me as part of a promotion at a Reds minor league game in Tampa, FL.  It brings back memories of spending summers with her and my grandfather at their home in Florida.  She was one of the driving forces behind me becoming the person I am today. I miss her greatly.

I can empathize with anyone dealing with a loved one stricken by any form of cancer.

I stumbled upon this article in the Orlando Sentinel of a family fighting...A fathers wish to see his daughter play varsity lacrosse.

Orlando Sentinel: Dying wish fulfilled

Scott City preps arch rival Chaffee

Yesterday I put the spotlight on the Chaffee Red Devils as they prepare for arch rival Scott City.

Now it's the Rams turn.

Scott City has had a roller coaster first four weeks of season winning only once and suffering through three losses. Two of their three losses were by less than a touchdown. They picked up their lone victory in week two.

Week #1

Malden  47  (OT)
Scott City 41

Week #2

Scott City  42
St. Vincent  21

Week #3

Scott City  23
East Prairie  37

Week #4

Scott City  7
Dexter  43

The Rams feel they are on the verge of putting it all together and righting the ship.

"I was disappointed last week in our performance," said Scott City head coach Jim May.  "Before that we lost a couple games to Malden and East Prairie that we had chances play in but last week it was never truly a contest.  We were beaten early and soundly and that disappointed me. Our spirits are up and we are working and hopefully going to get this turned around right now"

Chaffee preps arch rival Scott City

It's hard to believe this Friday marks the mid point of the high school football season in Missouri (week number five of the regular season).

One of our key match ups this week on Heartland Football Friday features arch rivals Scott City and Chaffee. The Red Devils travel down the road to road to Scott City a place they have won only once in the past three trips.

Both teams have struggled to start the season and both sport identical 1-3 records. Chaffee knocked off St. Pius X 20-6 last week to end a three game skid to open the year. By no stretch of the imagination is Chaffee in a position they hoped to be, but they believe all is not lost.

"We are all on the same page," Said Chaffee Senior Cody Enderle. "We are all acting like brothers in the locker room and definitely on the practice field. We just carry that over every Friday night and for the past two weeks and that's what has really helped us a lot."

Come Friday night the atmosphere in Scott City will be electric for the annual rivalry. Red Devils head coach Charlie Vickory it's more than just a fun night for the players.

"It should be fun for the town and the kids you know If you can't get up for that game you can't get up for any of them," said Vickory. "I think we have kind of renewed the rivalry a little bit (winning in 2008 & 2009). I have always said there is not much of a rivalry if one team wins all the time and that was the case for a while and I think it's a pretty good rivalry and they (Scott City) have a pretty good football team. They have played some tough opponents as well, so we are looking for to Friday night."

Congrats to SEMO

I must admit I'm still in a little shock Southeast Missouri State was able to fight back (down 21-3 in the 3rd Qtr) and upset fifth ranked SIU 24-21. What a huge win for head coach Tony Samuel, his staff, players and the University.

Going into Carbondale and not only standing toe-to-toe with the number 5 Salukis but punching them in the mouth is utterly monstrous!

I'm really happy for Coach Samuel...This is a victory he desperately needed and should weigh heavily in his favor come contract renewal time. Coach Samuel is in the final year of his current contract.

The Redhawks now have legit expectations. Can they keep it going? Will they buckle under pressure? Who knows, but it should be a interesting remainder of the season.

VIDEO: The victorious Redhawks return to Cape last night after beating #5 SIU.

8-Soldiers and a Jeep!

8-Soldiers and a Jeep!

No it's not part of the new fall lineup on CBS. Although it could be the basis for a M*A*S*H (like) sitcom.

This is absolutely incredible.

NASCAR pit crews should feel nervous after watching this video. Wish I could get service this quick at my local auto shop. Would be great to have my car fixed and ready to go before I sit down in the waiting room and flip through an old copy of Sports Illustrated.

To borrow and modify the slogan from Jimmy Johns...This is "Service so fast you'll freak".

Sam Bradford era begins

52,440 at the Edward Jones dome in St. Louis witnessed the beginning of rookie QB Sam Bradford's NFL career. Despite the 17-13 loss I think it's safe to say the vast majority will agree the future looks bright for Bradford and the Rams.

Bradford finished with 32 completions (55 attempts) for 253 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions and a quarterback rating of 53.1.

"Obviously I'm disappointed about the loss, I though we had a chance to win the football game,' said Bradford. "I thought I handled some things well and didn't handle some things so well but I think when I get in tomorrow and look at the tape there is going to be some things to learn from."

Bradford spread the the ball to eight different receivers....his go-to-guy in game one was the newest member of the team Mark Clayton. He caught 10 of the 16 passes thrown his way for a total of 119 yards. Thirty-nine coming on one reception. The veteran joined the Rams after being released from Baltimore.

Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo was as upbeat as one could be after a loss.

"We are going in the right direction, we are doing the right things. Guys are doing what they are supposed to we just need to make a play," said head coach Steve Spagnuolo. "The only thing we didn't get today was the reward."

If I had to give Bradford a grade for his (real) debut...He gets a solid C+. I thought he was composed, showed he has some command and didn't appear to be "shell shocked". I think the interceptions will decrease once he becomes more familiar with the offense and Bradford gets the timing down with his receivers.

The Rams (0-1) travel west to play the Oakland Raiders (0-1) Sunday at 3:05.

Countdown to Selection Sunday

I know football has taken center stage but it's never too early to look ahead to basketball season. Saw this story at Yahoo! Sports about the upcoming (expanded NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament). NCAA Selection Sunday (March 13th, 2011) is only 184 days away.

The first four opening round games will be played at the UD Arena in Dayton, OH March 15 & 16. Great move by the NCAA top brass for awarding UD the extra games. The boost in extra revenue for the Dayton economy will be welcomed and it's a well deserved accolade to basketball fans in the Miami Valley.

No matter how good or bad the Flyers are on the court (lately they have been solid - 2010 NIT Champs) 10-12 thousand pack the arena for each game. UD Arena (home of the University of Dayton Flyers) is a great place to watch a game and a definite home court advantage for the Flyers. They are 509-183 at home.

The Flyers have only made the NCAA Tournament seven times since 1979.

And some not-so-good-news for the the Tennessee Vols basketball program.

According to the Associated Press the NCAA has contacted head coach Bruce Pearl and a assistant about possible recruiting violations. Combine that with players arrested on guns and drug charges, football players involved in a brawl and a separate investigation into former head football coach Lane Kiffin for possible violation... you get (not-so) good times on Rocky top.