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Tag: Florida Sports

  • West Pasco Flag Football is all about family

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    TAMPA, Fla. Flag Football is catching on in West Pasco.

    Kids are introduced to the sport as early as the age of three. For most of the kids who participate it will be a relationship they will take with them for the rest of their lives.

    Kyle Carlson is one of the coaches who has introduced these kids to the sport an an early age.

    “We saw an opportunity to bring NFL flag football to the West Pasco area which is such an awesome thing for kids, says Kyle, not only kids experienced in playing tackle football but kids who have never played a sport in their life”.

    This is the second season for the NFL Flag Football program in New Port Richey and from the coaches to the players, it’s a big success.

     The league has boys and girls ages three to seventeen, three hundred and fifty players are participating in this years winter league.

    “One of our missions when we found this league was to never turns kids away, right? says Carlson,We always want to give kids the opportunity to play, regardless of their ability level, their financial ability, never turn kids away is our motto”.

    League nights also have an even deeper purpose, it’s all about family, from the volunteers who coach the kids to the parents and family that offer their support from the sidelines.

    “were giving kids a platform to change their lives”.

    and these coaches and volunteers are doing that, one play and one practice at a time.

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    Mike Cairns

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  • USF women’s basketball showing some serious puppy love

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Every dog has its day.

    That’s why the USF Bulls are dedicating a game day to the dogs.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The USF women’s basketball team is hosting Temple on Saturday at 7 p.m. for their annual Dog Adoption Game

    •  There will be several local pet rescue and shelter organizations on hand with information about adoption

    •  Fans are also encouraged to bring pet food and supplies to be donated to the various shelters


    The women’s basketball team was treated to some special guests at a recent practice — the Bulls opened up their practice court to pair of puppies.

    At Saturday’s game against Temple, they’re opening up the Yuengling Center to the dogs, to shine a spotlight on several Tampa Bay pet rescue and animal shelters, a cause near and dear to USF head coach Jose Fernandez.

    “I think there’s an incredible need, not only in the Tampa Bay community, but all over the United States to get these guys a nice home,” Fernandez said.

    Coach Fernandez and his wife, Tonya, have opened their home to rescue dogs. They currently have eight dogs.

    Eight dogs that were unwanted and abandoned, until the Fernandez’s opened up their home and their hearts.

    “It’s unconditional love. You can have whatever day that you have, whether it’s good or bad, and when you come home, the excitement,” he said.

    That’s what the Bulls are hoping their annual Dog Adoption Awareness Game on Saturday will showcase — the importance of adopting, not shopping.

    With so many available dogs in shelters all over the Bay Area, especially after back-to-back hurricanes wreaked havoc and landed many more animals in the shelters, the need for forever homes is paramount.

    “Anything we can do to help these guys find a home, these little guys and gals find a home,” Tonya Fernandez said. “There’s just so many. There’s so many dogs out there who need homes.”

    There will be several local shelter and rescues organizations at the game, including:

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    Katherine Smith

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  • 6 former Seminoles suing FSU’s basketball coach over NIL payments

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Six former Florida State basketball players sued Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton on Monday, alleging he failed to make good on a promise to get each of them $250,000 in name, image and likeness compensation.

    What You Need To Know

    • Six former Seminoles basketball players are suing FSU coach Leonard Hamilton

    • Their lawsuit alleges that they were each promised $250,000 in name, image and likeness compensation but did not receive it

    • An attorney was not listed for Hamilton on the lawsuit

    • None of the players listed in the complaint remain on FSU’s basketball team

    The plaintiffs — Darin Green Jr., De’Ante Green, Cam’Ron Fletcher, Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears and Jalen Warley — filed suit in Leon County Circuit Court. Their attorney, Fort Lauderdale-based Darren Heitner, shared the 20-page complaint with The Associated Press. Yahoo Sports first reported the case.

    The former players allege Hamilton promised them the money from his “business partners.” The lawsuit says they walked out of a practice last season over the missed payments and intended to boycott a Feb. 17 game against Duke. They ended up playing — the Seminoles lost 76-67 — amid a guarantee from Hamilton that they would be paid, but they never were, according to the suit.

    No attorney for Hamilton was listed in the lawsuit. FSU hosts Syracuse on Saturday.

    The complaint includes multiple text-message exchanges between players and some between players and Hamilton.

    FSU finished 17-16 last season, including 10-10 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The 76-year-old Hamilton is in the final year of his contract. The Seminoles are 9-4, including 0-2 in league play.

    None of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit remain with the team. Green, who transferred to FSU from UCF, and Nickelberry exhausted their college eligibility last spring, and the four others transferred. Spears is now at UTSA, Fletcher is at Xavier, De’Ante Green is at USF and Warley is at Gonzaga.

    The lawsuit is the latest in a growing number of NIL legal battles.

    Matthew Sluka, a starting quarterback for the UNLV football team, left the program after three games in September, saying he was never paid a $100,000 NIL deal. Former Florida quarterback signee Jaden Rashada, now playing at Georgia, sued Gators coach Billy Napier last year over an unpaid $13 million NIL deal. And several Tulsa players claim they were never paid thousands in NIL commitments made by former coach Kevin Wilson.

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    Associated Press

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  • Florida, Tulane excited about opportunity to end season with Gasparilla Bowl win

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Florida is brimming with confidence after turning its season around. Tulane is looking to regain some swagger.

    The Gators (7-5) and Green Wave (9-4) meet in Friday’s Gasparilla Bowl, with Florida playing just two hours south of its campus and aiming to build on a late surge under coach Billy Napier.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida and Tulane will play in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa on Friday

    • The Gators won its last three regular-season games and signed a strong recruiting class

    • The Green Wave lost their past two games, and their starting quarterback has entered the transfer portal

    • Florida linebacker Shemar James plans to play but says he hasn’t decided whether to the NFL Draft after that

    Tulane, which has lost its past two games, is trying to finish strong against a Power Four opponent after tumbling out of the Top 25.

    “It’s a tough draw. We all know that,” Green Wave coach Jon Sumrall said. “We’re playing Florida in their backyards, and they are playing like one of the best three or four SEC teams the last month of the season.”

    Florida won its last three regular-season games, rallied on the recruiting trail to finish with the 11th-ranked class and has several upperclassmen returning in 2025 — including defensive tackle Caleb Banks, defensive end Tyreak Sapp and All-American center Jake Slaughter.

    All of that happened after Athletic Director Scott Stricklin guaranteed the once-embattled Napier would return in 2025.

    “We’ve gotten to a place where we think we could beat anybody,” Napier said. “This team has a ton of confidence. I think that comes from the work. I think they realize the results that they’ve gotten are because of the mindset and the approach they’ve taken toward the work.

    “So we’ve seen that carry over. Lot of other things have happened in a positive light as well. Signing Day went well. I think we’ve been able to retain a huge portion of our roster for next year.”

    Florida has lost a few key pieces since beating rival Florida State to cap its winning streak, most notably defensive ends Jack Pyburn and T.J. Searcy.

    Still, the Gators seem to have more momentum than Tulane.

    The Green Wave were ranked 18th before dropping its regular-season finale to Memphis, then losing to Army in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game.

    Sumrall’s team will play the Gasparilla Bowl without standout quarterback Darian Mensah, who entered the transfer portal and committed to continue his career at Duke.

    Mensah, though, is one of just a few Tulane starters not expected to play. Thirteen seniors are practicing and plan to play, including wide receiver Mario Williams and offensive linemen Josh Remetich.

    “The last two games have been an emotional roller coaster for us. … Just being able to go down there and play against an SEC opponent is really something I don’t take for granted,” Remetich said. “It’s a great team, a great opportunity for us to prove a point.”

    Undecided

    Florida linebacker Shemar James, who plans to play Friday, said he hasn’t made a decision about whether he will return to the Gators in 2025 or declare for the NFL Draft.

    Chance to make an impression

    Quarterback Ty Thompson, who transferred to Tulane from Oregon in 2024, is expected to make his first college start — and possibly play his final game for the Green Wave.

    Thompson has entered the transfer portal with the intent of finding a team that wants him to start full time. But he remains on good terms with Sumrall and could return to the Wave.

    Homecoming

    Wide receiver Mario Williams played for Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma and USC before spending his final college season at Tulane. Now he’s set to play his final game with the Green Wave in his hometown of Tampa.

    Williams set career highs with 54 catches for 940 yards this season. He needs 60 yards to become the eighth 1,000-yard receiver in Tulane history and the first since Ryan Grant in 2013.

    “I just want to have fun,” Williams said when asked about choosing to play over the option of skipping the game to focus exclusively on NFL Draft preparations. “I’m going to go out there and make plays. It was a great decision for me and my family — and also this team — to come here.”

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Leaving Behind a Legacy At USF

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    TAMPA, Fla. 

    The game of golf is all about routine. It’s doing the little things that could make the biggest difference.

    USF Senior Jake Peacock has separated himself as one of the best golfers in the country. This fall the Georgia native tee’d up his senior year with a win and two top ten finishes to help the Bulls crack the NCAA top 25.

    “I’m just focusing on what I can control, said the Bulls Senior, how I can get better and I think that’s going to give us the best chance of punching our ticket to the national championship”.

    Jake has had a club in his hand since he was 15-months old, sort of, his parents handed him a snorkel and he started swinging it like a golf club and soon he was hitting pennies off the carpet against the wall with it.

    Competing since he was 7 years old, the Bulls senior has become one of the most accomplished golfers in school history. Last year he became just the fifth player in the programs history to capture an Individual Conference title.

    He’s a solid ball striker from tee to green, said his head coach Steve Bradley but on the greens he’s superior and that will be ultimately what he will have success with and making it as a professional golfer”.

    Jake, like the rest of his teammates is using this time to prepare for the big spring season ahead. One which will include defending a conference and individual title with the ultimate goal of a 4th trip to the national championship.

    No matters what happens this fall, Jake Peacock has made his mark on the Bulls Golf program that will be remembered for a long time.

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    Mike Cairns

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  • USF Education Day finds new fans and future players

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The screams were deafening at times.

    This wasn’t your usual basketball crowd.

    What You Need To Know

    • USF women’s basketball team hosted its annual Education Day.

    • Students from all over the Tampa Bay area filled the Yuengling Center. It was the largest home crowd in program history.

    • For Charlotte Ketcham, a fifth grader from Lamb Elementary, it was her first game in person. And now she wants to play basketball.


    The USF women’s basketball team had never had this many eyes on them at home. Students from Tampa Bay area schools filled the Yuengling Center to check out the Bulls in action.

    What happens when you host thousands of school kids? You get the largest home crowd in program history. Education Day at USF filled the stands and hopefully hooked some future Bulls.

    “What you want, is hopefully, some of these kids go home and they talk to their parents and loved ones that they had a great time and they want to come back,” Head Coach Jose Fernandez said.

    That’s exactly what happened to Charlotte Ketcham. She attended her first USF basketball game with her Lamb Elementary School fifth grade class. The trip to the Yuengling Center was a reward for perfect attendance.

    After seeing the Bulls up close and personal, Charlotte isn’t just a USF fan. She’s a basketball fan too. And her first live game has sparked an interest in becoming a participant, not just a bystander.

    “I feel like it will be a really fun sport for me to play,” Charlotte said. “The team, USF, it looks really fun.”

    There’s been a surge in women’s basketball interest. Thanks in part to Caitlin Clark, attendance is up and TV viewership is up. Last year, for the first time, the Women’s NCAA Basketball Championship Game TV audience outdrew the men’s title game – not just by a little, but by more than four million viewers. That interest is trickling down to the youth.

    It’s how the sport can grow, from not just a moment, but to a movement. And that’s why USF hosts its annual Education Day game. Because they might just find a future Bull.

    “Hey, you know what, I want to be a basketball player one day,” Coach Fernandez said. “You know where I want to study, the University of South Florida.”

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    Katherine Smith

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  • Malzahn explains move to Florida State

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    TALLAHASSEE — Near Gus Malzahn’s new office hangs a picture of Kelvin Benjamin hauling in a touchdown pass from Jameis Winston, the play that helped Florida State beat Malzahn and his Auburn Tigers in the 2013 national championship game.

    It’s a daily reminder of Malzahn’s connection to the Seminoles.

    “I’ve got to walk by the picture of the guy catching the ball as I go to the office every day,” Malzahn said Wednesday. “That was a real special game. There were a lot of great players on the field. It went down to the very end. It was probably entertaining or a great game to watch. It was tough, obviously, to be on the losing side.”

    Malzahn is on the opposite side now. He resigned as UCF’s head coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator in Tallahassee. Their link goes back even further than Malzahn’s title-game loss to the Seminoles.

    Malzahn, 59, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by new-age responsibilities. Malzahn walked away from $15 million guaranteed — he was set to make $5 million in 2025 and had three years remaining on his contract with the Knights — for a different coaching lifestyle. He signed a three-year deal with FSU that will pay him $1.5 million in 2025.

    “The job description of a head college football coach has changed dramatically in the last two years with everything — transfer portal to collectives to agents and everything that goes with that,” Malzahn said. “I’m just an old-school football coach.

    “I love coaching football, and head coaches, it’s hard to do that a lot. So that had something to do with it. And then the opportunity and being familiar with Mike and having so much respect for this university, coached against this university in the national championship. I know what this place is capable of doing.”

    Malzahn has been mostly successful during a career that began at an Arkansas high school and included head-coaching stops at Arkansas State, Auburn and UCF. The Knights won nine games in 2021 and ’22 in the American Athletic Conference before making the jump to the Big 12, where they finished 6-7 last year and 4-8 this season.

    Malzahn helped Auburn win the 2010 national title as an offensive coordinator and was a play or two away from winning another in 2013. Now he’s in Tallahassee to help turn around a storied program that’s fallen on hard times.

    Malzahn was part of a Tulsa staff that hired Norvell as a graduate assistant in 2007. They didn’t work together very long but have remained close through the years.

    Malzahn is now tasked with jump-starting an offense that was among the worst in major college football this season, averaging 15.4 points and ranked 131st out of 134 schools.

    “I’m a big believer you got to run the football downhill,” Malzahn said. “It makes everything better as far as pass protection, better on the quarterback, everything. … And we’ll get that done.”

    Malzahn will replace Norvell as the team’s primary play-caller.

    “Our foundation on offense is from the same family,” Malzahn said. “He’s got his own wrinkles, and I’ve had my own wrinkles. But there is a lot more things that are in common. We still have the same terminology, the way we identify things like formations and player alignment, numbers.

    “That’s why it’s a really, really easy transition. We’re going to play fast. I think that’s the No. 1 thing. We’re going to play fast.”

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    Associated Press

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  • Florida lands state’s strongest recruiting class on Early Signing Day

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    FLORIDA — In terms of sheer numbers among Florida’s college football teams, USF came out on top Wednesday, Early Signing Day, with 25 signees, but Florida got 23 players to formally commit and was ranked No. 11 nationally, seventh in the Southeastern Conference and No. 1 among the state’s teams by 247sports.com.

    Miami was close behind, ranked No. 15 nationally and first among Atlantic Coast Conference schools, and Florida State was 27th nationally and third in the ACC by 247sports.com.

    On a national level, USF was ranked No. 62 nationally and No. 2 in the American Athletic Conference.

    UCF, with just nine signees, was No. 72 nationally and No. 16, dead last, in the Big 12. Early Signing Day came just four days after Gus Malzahn resigned as head coach and was named offensive coordinator at Florida State.

    Rankings can be subjective but are based upon the strength of the rankings of individual players as well as the number of recruits signed. 

    Here are the recruits signed by each program

    University of Florida signees

    • Vernell Brown III, Orlando Jones, 5 feet 11, 175 pounds, wide receiver
    • Waltez “Duke” Clark, Tampa Plant, 6 feet, 3/4 inch, running back
    • Hayden Craig, Mercier, Quebec, Canada Bridgton Academy, 6 feet 1, 223 pounds, punter
    • Tavaris “TJ” Dice, College Park, Ga., Langston Hughes, 6 feet 3.75 inches, 302 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Chad Gasper Jr., Katy, Texas Katy Jordan, 5 feet, 10.5 inches, 208 pounds, running back
    • Ben Hanks III, Overtown Booker T. Washington, 6 feet 1, 170 pounds, defensive back
    • Lagonza Hayward, Lyons, Ga., Toombs County, 6 feet 1, 200 pounds, defensive back
    • Ty Jackson, Fort Lauderdale Seminole Ridge, 6 feet, 1.5 inches 205 pounds, inside linebacker
    • Myles Johnson, Brewton, Ala. T.R. Miller, 6 feet, 1/2 inch, 213 pounds, inside linebacker
    • Micah Jones, Madison, Miss., Madison Central, 6 feet 4, 252 pounds, tight end
    • Tramell “TJ” Jones Jr., Jacksonville, Mandarin, 6 feet, 180 pounds, quarterback
    • Byron Louis, Miramar American Heritage, 5 feet, 11.5 inches, 206 pounds, running back
    • Joseph Mbatchou, Loganville, Ga. Grayson, 6 feet, 4 inches, 283 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Jeramiah McCloud, Sylvester, Ga., Lee County, 6 feet, 2.75 inches, 289 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Jahari Medlock, Atlanta Charles Drew, 6 feet 5 inches, 281 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Naeshaun “Nae” Montgomery, Miami Central, 6 feet, 1.5 inches, 178 pounds, wide receiver
    • Evan Noel, Bay St. Louis, Miss. St. Stanislaus, 6 feet, 1/4 inch, 154 pounds, kicker
    • Daniel Pierre-Louis, Royal Palm Beach, Seminole Ridge, 6 feet, 4.25 inches, 332 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Stephon “Trell” Shivers, Humboldt, Tenn., Brentwood Academy, 6 feet 4 inches, 384 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Drake Stubbs, Jacksonville Mandarin, 6 feet, 1 inch, 187 pounds, defensive back
    • Muizz Tounkara, League City, Texas Clear Springs, 6 feet, 3 inches, 196 pounds, wide receiver
    • Jalen Wiggins, Tallahassee James Rickards, 6 feet, 4 inches, 257 pounds, edge rusher
    • Jayden Woods, Shawnee, Kan., Mill Valley, 6 feet, 3 inches, 229 pounds, edge rusher

    Miami signees

    • SJ Alofaituli, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 6 feet, 3 inches, 280 pounds, offensive line
    • Jaboree Antoine, New Iberia, La., Westgate, 6 feet, 1 inch, 170 pounds, defensive back 
    • Max Buchanan, Sanford Seminole, 6 feet, 4 inches, 275 pounds, offensive line
    • Demetrius Campbell, Orlando Christian Prep, 6 feet, 6 inches, 300 pounds, offensive line
    • Chris Ewald Jr., Sunrise Chaminade-Madonna Prep, 6 feet, 165 pounds, defensive back
    • Bryce Fitzgerald, Miami Christopher Columbus, 6 feet, 1/2 inch, 172 pounds, defensive back
    • Luka Gilbert, West Chester, Ohio Lakota West, 6 feet, 7 inches, 233 pounds, tight end
    • Hayden Lowe, Los Angeles, Calif. Oaks Christian, 6 feet, 4 inches, 242 pounds, defensive line
    • Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., Miami Central, 5 feet, 11.5 inches, 208 pounds, linebacker
    • Josh Moore, West Broward Miami, 6 feet, 4 inches, 205 pounds, wide reciever
    • Mykah Newton, Gainesville Newberry, 6 feet, 2 inches, 255 pounds, defensive line
    • Luke Nickel, Milton Ga., Milton, 6 feet, 2 inches, 205 pounds, quarterback
    • Girard Pringle Jr., Seffner Armwood, 5 feet, 10 inches, 182 pounds, running back
    • Brock Schott, Leo (Ind.) High, 6 feet, 3 inches, 215 pounds, tight end
    • Herbert Scroggins III, Savannah, Ga., Benedictine Military School, defensive end
    • Donta Simpson Jr., Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Prep, 6 feet, 3 inches, defensive line
    • Malachi Toney, Fort Lauderdale American Heritage, 5 feet, 10.5 inches, 182 pounds, wide receiver
    • Daylyn Upshaw, Phenix City, Ala. Central, 5 feet, 11.5 inches, 180 pounds, wide receiver
    • Amari Wallace, Miami Central, 5 feet, 10 inches, 172 pounds, defensive back
    • Jaden Wilkerson, Orlando Edgewater, 6 feet, 6 inches, 330 pounds, offensive line

    Florida State signees

    • Shamar Arnoux, Carrollton (Ga.) High, 6 feet, 2 inches, 175 pounds, defensive back
    • Jayvan Boggs, Cocoa High School, 6 feet 1 inch, 200 pounds, wide receiver
    • Tyeland Coleman, Terry (Miss.) High/Northwest Mississippi Community College, 6 feet, 4 inches, 285 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Darryll Desir, Miami Norland, 6 feet, 5 inches, 240 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Mandrell Desir, Miami Norland, 6 feet, 4 inches, 240 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Tae’ Shaun Gelsey, Jacksonville Riverside, 6 feet 4 inches, 215 poundsm wide receiver
    • Ousmane Kromah, Leesburg, Ga., Lee County, 6 feet 1, 215 pounds, running back
    • Chase Loftin, Omaha, Neb., Millard South, 6 feet, 6 inches, 215 pounds, tight end
    • Teriq Mallory, New Haven, Conn., Cheshire Academy, 6 feet, 5 inches, 190 pounds, wide receiver
    • Mario Nash Jr., De Kalb, Miss., Kemper County, 6 feet, 4 inches, 280 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Sean Poret, Atlanta Riverwood, 6 feet, 5 inches, 270 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Ethan Pritchard, Sanford Seminole, 6 feet, 2 inches, 205 pounds, linebacker
    • Max Redmon, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 6 feet, 1 inch, 185 pounds, defensive back
    • Brunno Reus, Venice High, 6 feet, 190 pounds, punter/kicker
    • Jordan Scott, Appomattox County High School/Southwest Mississippi Community College, 6 feet, 7 inches, 215 pounds, wide receiver
    • Kevin Sperry, Denton, Texas, Guyerm, 6 feet, 1 inch,  200 pounds, quarterback
    • Zae Thomas Jr., Fort Lauderdale American Heritage, 6 feet, 2 inches, 190 pounds, defensive back
    • Kevin Wynn Jr., Greensboro, Ga., Greene County, 6 feet, 2 inches, 320 pounds, defensive lineman

    USF signees

    • Colin Bellomy, Kennesaw (Ga.) Harrison, 6 feet, 6 inches, 260 pounds, offensive lineman
    • DeAngelo Bowden, Washington, D.C. St. John’s, 6 feet, 1 inch, 215 pounds, linebacker
    • Khalil Collins, Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County, 6 feet, 3 inches, 288 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Tayte Crable, Massillon, Ohio, Archbishop Hoban, 6 feet, 5 inches, 215 pounds, tight end
    • Chase Garnett, Argyle (Texas) Liberty Christian, 5 feet, 8 inches, 200 pounds, running back
    • Jermichael Gillis, Lakeland High, 6 feet, 1 inch, 170 pounds, safety
    • Luke Goater, Melbourne, Australia, ProKick, 6 feet, 2 inches, 195 pounds, punter
    • Gerrick Gordon Jr., Tampa Carrollwood Day, 6 feet, 3.5 inches, 270 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Caleb Harris, St. Thomas Aquinas, 6 feet, 4 inches, 260 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Locklan Hewlett, St. Augustine High, 6 feet, 1 inch, 175 pounds, quarterback
    • Gavin Jenkins, Lake Butler County, 6 feet, 2 inches, 168 pounds, cornerback
    • Jeremiah Jones, Riverview Sumner, 6 feet, 1 inch, 185 pounds, safety
    • Eli Jones, Venice High, 6 feet, 4 inches, 245 pounds, defensive end
    • Tray Kinkle, Holly Springs (Miss.) High, 5 feet, 10.5 inches, 185 pounds, running back
    • Jeremiah Koger, Baltimore St. Francis Academy, 6 feet, 4 inches, 190 pounds, wide receiver
    • Brandon Kubay, Oakdale (Conn.) St. Thomas More, 6 feet, 3 inches, 225 pounds, tight end
    • Gavin Leach, Newburgh (Ind.) Castle, 6 feet, 2 inches, 200 pounds, linebacker
    • Christian Neptune, Cantonment Tate, 5 feet, 11 inches, 180 pounds, wide receiver
    • Herlin Perry Jr., Miami Central, 5 feet, 11 inches, 165 pounds, cornerback
    • Kory Pettigrew, Perry (Ga.) High, 6 feet, 2 inches, 180 pounds, wide receiver
    • Christian Smith, Kennesaw (Ga.) Harrison, 6 feet, 3 inches, 230 pounds, linebacker
    • Jabari Smith, Apopka Wekiva High, 5 feet, 10.5 inches, 155 pounds, defensive back
    • Brooks Williams Jr., St. Lucie West Centennial, 6 feet, 6 inches, 220 pounds, defensive end
    • Marcus Williams, Valdosta (Ga.) High, 6 feet, 3 inches, 275 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Khalil Walker, Coffeyville Community College, 6 feet, 5 inches, 310 pounds, offensive lineman

    UCF signees

    • Malakhi Boone, Bushnell South Sumter, 6 feet, 1.5 inches, 235 pounds, linebacker
    • Waden Charles, Somerset Academy Canyons, 6 feet, 2 inches, 185 pounds, wide receiver
    • Santonyo “Kozy” Isaac, Tampa Bay Tech, 5 feet, 11.5 inches, 165 pounds, wide receiver
    • Carl Jenkins Jr., St. Augustine High, 6 feet, 2 inches, 177 pounds, wide receiver
    • Jaquez Joiner, Cocoa High, 6 feet, 3 inches, 260 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Waymond Jordan Jr., Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, 5 feet, 10 inches, 205 pounds, running back
    • RyShawn Perry, Covington (Ga.) Newton, 6 feet 3, 275 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Rukeem Stroud, Tampa Bay Tech, 5 feet, 11 inches, 160 pounds, defensive back
    • Tony Williams, Miami Central, 6 feet, 1 inch, 190 pounds, defensive back

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Miami tries to ACC title game meeting; UF-FSU renew acquaintances

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    FLORIDA — It’s a simple scenario for the Hurricanes: beat Syracuse on Saturday and earn a trip to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game.

    Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) defeated Wake Forest in its home finale last weekend and moved within a victory of facing No. 9 SMU in Charlotte on Dec. 7.

    A Miami loss would send No. 12 Clemson (9-2, 7-1), which has already completed its league slate and hosts No. 16 South Carolina.

    Syracuse (8-3, 4-3) has won two in a row and has started Fran Brown’s tenure with the program’s winningest season since they recorded 10 victories in 2018.

    While Miami has the most to gain, or lose, this week, the statewide spotlight will be in Tallahassee for the suddenly surging Gators playing at the rival Seminoles, who are wrapping up arguably their most disappointing season ever.

    Since Florida’s 49-17 loss at Texas in early November, the Gators have bounced back with impressive wins at home against ranked teams — beating then-No. 21 LSU 27-16 and then-No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17. Both the Tigers and Rebels were in the conference and playoff mix at the time of those games. 

    Florida State has won two in a row against Florida and nine of the past 13 meetings. However, Florida is a double-digit favorite ahead of this meeting as the disappointing Seminoles have just two wins entering Thanksgiving weekend.

    USF (6-5) isn’t in the mix for the American Athletic Conference crown this season at 4-3 in league play, but the Bulls are closing strong, having won four of their past five.

    The Bulls could add more wins with their season finale Saturday at Rice and then its upcoming bowl game.  

    Meanwhile, UCF, in its second Big 12 season, is left looking up as the conference sorts out title-game contenders. The Knights also are among five Big 12 teams (Arizona, Houston, Oklahoma State, UCF and Utah) that won’t be bowling this season.  

    Here’s a closer look at this weekend’s games:

    Friday, Nov. 28

    Utah (4-7, 1-7 in Big 12) at UCF (4-7, 2-6 in Big 12), 8 p.m., FOX

    In its second season in the Big 12, the Knights return to their traditional Black Friday game to close the regular season. UCF will pay tribute to the more than 20 seniors who will be playing their last game for the team, including running back RJ Harvey, wide receiver Kobe Hudson and defensive tackle Ricky Barber. The senior ceremony and pregame show will begin at 7:15 p.m.

    The teams have never played. Neither squad can get to a bowl game this season but are wrapping up their seasons before a national TV audience. The Knights can notch their 300th program victory.

    In some ways, it could be a classic offense vs. defense matchup. The Knights rank in the top five of the Big 12 in total offense (first), rushing offense (first) and scoring offense (fifth), and the Utes are top five in total defense (third), scoring defense (third), fourth in rushing defense and fifth in passing defense.

    With one more score, Harvey can surpass UCF Hall of Famer Kevin Smith for the program’s total touchdown record. He and senior defensive back BJ Adams have accepted invitations to the Senior Bowl, which will be held in Mobile, Alabama, on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.

    Saturday, Nov. 29

    USF (6-5, 4-3 in American Athletic Conference) at Rice (3-8, 2-5 in AAC), 2 p.m., ESPN+

    USF is closing out the regular season strong. Since the Bulls’ Oct. 12 loss to Memphis, USF has won four of five games, qualified for a second straight bowl bid and is looking to close out the regular season with a three-game win streak.

    Freshman quarterback Bryce Archie, who has been solid in place of the injured Byrum Brown, is coming off a 305-yard, three-touchdown (two passing) performance in USF’s 63-30 dismantling of Tulsa.

    Wide receiver Sean Atkins has been hot as well, grabbing at least six catches in four consecutive games, and he leads the Bulls with 61 catches this season.

    Rice, meanwhile, enters the finale with four losses in its past five games.

    No. 6 Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) at Syracuse (8-3, 4-3 ACC), 3:30 p.m., ESPN

    Miami has been at the top or near the top of the ACC standings throughout the season and looks poised to be in the 12-team playoff.

    But the Orange could make things difficult for Miami. The Hurricanes boast a potent passing attack behind quarterback Cam Ward, who is nearing 4,000 passing yards on the season and has 34 touchdowns.

    Syracuse’s Kyle McCord has been prolific in his own right. McCord has a nation-leading 522 passing attempts this season with 341 completions, 3,946 yards and 26 touchdowns (which ranks in the top 5).

    Still, the Hurricanes are a solid favorite in this matchup, despite a defense that has been shaky at times and has given up more than 30 points four times.

    Florida (6-5, 4-4 in Southeastern Conference) at Florida State (2-9, 1-7 in ACC), 7 p.m., ESPN2

    The Gators have had the stronger season so far, but the rivalry features many players who grew up playing against each other so that usually boosts the competition. The game marks the third meeting between Florida’s Billy Napier and Florida State’s Mike Norvell as head coaches.

    The Seminoles’ defense ranks last in the ACC and 106th nationally, and it will take on Gators’ running backs Montrell Johnson (494 rushing yards), Jaden Baugh (522) and Ja’Kobi Jackson (401). The Seminoles are giving up 180 yards a game on the ground. The Gators, meanwhile, have topped 200 yards just once this season.

    Florida is 4-1 with freshman DJ Lagway starting at quarterback. Lagway will be Florida’s fifth true freshman QB to start against FSU. Luke Kromenhoek is the Seminoles’ third true freshman to start at quarterback against Florida in the past 40 years. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 31 rushing yards, in his first college start last week against Charleston Southern.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Florida knocks No. 9 Ole Miss out of College Football Playoff contention

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Coach Billy Napier and his team did something no one at Florida had done in nearly two decades. It could be the turning point for a once-proud program that clearly slipped in recent years.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Gators defeated the No. 9 Rebels 24-17 on Saturday

    • The loss knocked Mississippi out of College Football Playoff contention

    • The victory was the sixth for Florida this season, making the team bowl eligible

    • The Gators, who also upset then-No. 19 LSU last week, knocked off ranked teams in consecutive weeks

    DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes, Montrell Johnson ran for 127 yards and a score, and the Gators upset No. 9 Mississippi 24-17 on Saturday to knock the Rebels out of College Football Playoff contention.

    Florida (6-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference), which topped LSU last Saturday in the Swamp, defeated ranked teams in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008. The victory, the Gators’ sixth this season, also made them bowl eligible.

    “We’re just getting started,” said Napier, who is expected back for a fourth season in 2025. “This is part of the big-picture journey. Belief is the most powerful thing in the world.”

    Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3), which was a 10-point favorite, lost for the first time in four games and will drop out of the 12-team playoff picture. The Rebels ranked ninth in the latest CFP and needed only to avoid a letdown against Florida and lowly Mississippi State to clinch a spot in the playoff field.

    “Obviously a lot was at stake, and we didn’t come through,” coach Lane Kiffin said. “A lot of missed opportunities.”

    The Rebels failed to score in three trips inside the red zone and dropped countless passes in perfect weather, miscues Kiffin called “very unusual.”

    Still, Ole Miss had chances late. But Jaxson Dart threw interceptions to end the team’s last two drives. Bryce Thornton, beaten for a touchdown in the first half, picked off both. The second one came with 17 seconds remaining and set up a raucous celebration by defenders in the end zone.

    Dart completed 24 of 41 passes for 323 yards, with two touchdowns and the two picks. He was sacked four times and also scrambled 14 times for a team-high 71 yards.

    “You look at the way we played, we had a chip on our shoulder for sure,” Gators defensive tackle Cam Jackson said.

    The Rebels probably would have had a comfortable lead had it not been for repeated failures inside the 20-yard line. Defensive tackle J.J. Pegues, a 325-pound wrecking ball out of the backfield, was stopped on two fourth-down runs inside the 20-yard line, and Caden Davis missed a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter.

    Ole Miss’ drops were egregious, including at least three that probably would have been touchdowns. Jordan Watkins (twice), Wells (twice), Dae’Quan Wright and star receiver Tre Harris were among the receivers who dropped passes.

    Florida was much more efficient. Lagway completed 10 of 17 passes for 180 yards, with an interception. He made three throws with defenders draped all over him.

    “Those were the plays of the game,” Napier said.

    Johnson had a few of those, too. His 9-yard scoring run from the wildcat formation was huge and came after he missed most of the past four games.

    “I focused on grinding and trying to work my way back,” Johnson said. “Last week, I got a couple carries, and this week I shot to the moon.”

    Injury woes for Ole Miss

    Days after Kiffin raved about the health of his team, the Rebels had three starters go down with injuries.

    Harris, returning after missing the past three games with a strained groin, reinjured it the second quarter and did not return.

    Safety Yam Banks also was carted off the field after injuring his left knee, and center Reece McIntyre left the game. Right tackle Micah Pettus also was injured on a play but was able to return.

    Senior Day for Florida

    Injured quarterback Graham Mertz got the loudest ovation during Florida’s Senior Day recognition. Mertz’s college career ended when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 23-17 overtime loss at then-No. 8 Tennessee last month.

    The graduating class also includes Johnson, defensive tackle Desmond Watson and cornerback Jason Marshall, who also is out for the season.

    The Takeaway

    Mississippi: The Rebels needed better offensive balance. Playing without running back Henry Parrish Jr. (knee) for the second consecutive game, Ole Miss threw the ball 41 times. Dart also scrambled 14 more. It worked at times against Florida’s depleted secondary but wasn’t a recipe for success.

    Florida: The Gators now have a chance to close the regular season with three consecutive wins, more proof that Napier has the team on the right track.

    Up Next

    Mississippi: The Rebels host Mississippi State in a rivalry known as the Egg Bowl on Friday.

    Florida: The Gators play at rival Florida State next Saturday.

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    Associated Press

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  • USF Beach Volleyball is underway

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    TAMPA, Fla. — To Launch a Sport for the first time you need a leader with passion. Someone who is not afraid to do something that’s never been done before and knows how they want to do it.

    Last June, USF hired Pri Piantadosi-Lima as the first Women’s beach volleyball coach.

    “I’ve always said USF would probably be the only school that I would try to apply if they ever started beach volleyball and Voila”, Said Coach Pri after a recent practice.

    Coach Pri is no stranger to start ups. The Brazilian native played for her country at the Olympic and Pro beach levels, before coming to St.Pete where she helped launch the Eckerd College Beach program and started one of the most successful elite club programs in the country.

    What started on paper came to life this fall when Coach Pri and her 11 recruits from all over the world hit the sand in Tampa to begin getting ready.

    “We’re playing to get better next year, just having this practice year, we don’t have any pressure,the only pressure we have is to apply the things we do at practice in the game”.

    It’s been a year of firsts for these Bulls so far, from walking into their new locker-room for the first time, to the brand new team video room where they get to study and prepare for games.

    It’s a once in a lifetime experience for these 12 girls who come from all over the world to launch the new sport and the adventure begins in February with eight weekends of games lined up for the Bulls.

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    Mike Cairns

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  • No. 20 Florida beat Florida State 87-74 on the road

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Walter Clayton scored 16 of his 25 points in the first half and No. 20 Florida held off a late rally to beat Florida State 87-74 on Friday night.

    Florida’s Todd Golden coached his first road game after allegations of sexual harassment and stalking surfaced last week. Golden was greeted by boos from a sold-out Florida State student section.

    Alijah Martin added 17 points and five rebounds, Alex Condon had seven points and 12 rebounds and Florida (4-0) won its fourth straight rivalry game against Florida State.

    Florida State trailed by 15 with just under eight minutes to go but chipped away and cut Florida’s lead to 77-73 with 2:23 to go. But Clayton and Martin made 3s to help Florida secure the win.

    Jamir Watkins had 19 points and seven rebounds for the Seminoles (3-1). Justin Thomas hit three 3-pointers in the second half, finishing with 11 points.

    Takeaways

    Florida: The Gators had 13 offensive rebounds and produced 16 second-chance points.

    Florida State: The Seminoles forced 19 turnovers, producing 16 points off turnovers, but the defensive effort wasn’t enough.

    Key moment

    The Gators made 3s on back-to-back possessions to punctuate a 14-2 run, extending their lead to 37-19 with 5:36 until halftime.

    Key stat

    Florida shot 26% from 3-point range in its first three games but was 7 of 15 (46.7%) from beyond the arc in the first half and raced to a 44-31 lead at the break.

    Up next

    Florida hosts Florida A&M on Tuesday, the same day Florida State hosts Hofstra.

    ___

    Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here. AP college basketball:  https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll  and  https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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    Associated Press

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  • Injured Gators quarterback DJ Lagway practices for the 3rd day in a row

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Injured Florida quarterback DJ Lagway practiced for the third consecutive day Wednesday, making progress toward a potential return against No. 21 LSU.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ailing Gators quarterback DJ Lagway has practiced for three days in a row

    • Lagway strained his left hamstring in a loss to Georgia on Nov. 2

    • Coach Billy Napier says Lagway is health is improving and he is expected to play again this season

    • Florida must win two of its last three games to become bowl eligible and faces No. 21 LSU on Saturday

    “He is getting closer and closer to being prepared to play,” coach Billy Napier said following practice. “We are creating a game-day environment in terms of the treatment and modifications we’re using to make sure he’s comfortable with that. … He felt better today than he did yesterday. We’ll hopeful that will be the case tomorrow.”

    The highly touted freshman was carted off the field with a strained left hamstring against Georgia on Nov. 2. He returned to the sideline in the second half with his legged wrapped and using crutches.

    Tests revealed his injury was “less significant” than initially feared, and Napier expects him to play again this season. Will it happen against the Tigers?

    The Gators (4-5, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) could use him. They need to win two of their final three games to become bowl eligible.

    LSU (6-3, 3-2) has struggled mightily against dual-threat QBs, including allowing Alabama’s Jalen Milroe to run for 185 yards and four touchdowns two weeks after Marcel Reed of Texas A&M ran for 62 yards and three scores.

    “Given their structure and the way they play defense, one of the ways to neutralize that is to use the quarterback,” Napier said. “So you’ve seen a number of teams do that. Obviously, our situation is a little bit different, but we’re going to do what we need to do to manage DJ in his injury situation.”

    If Lagway can’t play against the Tigers, walk-on and Yale transfer Aidan Warner would make his second straight start.

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    Associated Press

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  • Florida says coach Billy Napier will return for a 4th season

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Billy Napier is getting a fourth season to try to get the Gators back to their winning ways.

    Athletic Director Scott Stricklin made the announcement in a “letter to Gator Nation” on Thursday that said the team is “building a foundation that promises greater success next season and beyond.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida coach Billy Napier will remain in that post next season, Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said

    • Napier is 15-18 so far in three seasons at Florida and some supporters had called for firing

    • But after a tough start to the season, the Gators have played some ranked teams well and improved to 4-4 overall

    • Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway and other young talent have looked promising after the first few games

    The Gators (4-4, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) have made significant strides since lopsided losses to Miami and Texas A&M during the first month of the season. Napier shored up the team’s shaky defense, found a potential star in freshman quarterback DJ Lagway and developed young talent on both sides of the ball.

    It’s the kind of progress that made Stricklin’s decision a relatively easy one, despite Napier’s 15-18 mark in Gainesville ahead of Saturday’s game at No. 5 Texas.

    “UF’s commitment to excellence and a championship-caliber program is unwavering,” Stricklin wrote. “In these times of change across college athletics, we are dedicated to a disciplined, stable approach that is focused on long-term, sustained success for Gator athletes, recruits and fans.

    “I am confident that Billy will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

    The Gators went toe-to-toe with then-No. 8 Tennessee in Knoxville last month and again with second-ranked Georgia last week in Jacksonville.

    Florida lost 23-17 in overtime to the Volunteers after squandering several chances to pull off a stunner. And there are plenty who believe the Gators would have won “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” had Lagway not pulled his hamstring in the second quarter while leading 10-3.

    “Before the season started, nobody expected us to be anything,” running back Ja’Kobi Jackson said Wednesday. “But we’re proving to people day-in and day-out that we can play in the SEC, that we’re capable of beating teams.”

    In September, no one saw that coming. And it appeared Napier wouldn’t even finish the season.

    Florida was inept on both sides of the ball in a 41-17 loss to rival Miami to open the season and showed no improvement in a 33-20 loss to Texas A&M two weeks later. Under first-year coach Mike Elko, the Aggies ran for 310 yards, got three touchdowns from a freshman quarterback making his first collegiate start and ended a 10-game road skid.

    But Napier’s popularity started to turn with a dominant victory at Mississippi State and then a bye week that became a series of ultra-competitive practices — on-field work that players point to as the key to getting on track.

    While some wondered if the Gators would start giving up or opting out, they dug in for Napier.

    “Everything Coach Napier says, everybody’s bought into it,” Jackson said. “We’re playing for each other at the end of the day. We play for everyone that’s in this building.”

    Florida would owe Napier roughly $26 million by firing him in 2024. His buyout drops to around $19 million in 2025, although that figure would be considerably higher with his legion of assistants and behind-the-scenes help.

    Even with Napier remaining in place, he’s still likely to open next year on the proverbial hot seat. And for good reason.

    Florida is 2-12 against ranked teams and 1-10 against rivals Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami and Tennessee. And Napier’s in-game mistakes continue to mount (see Tennessee), although at a much slower pace.

    Nonetheless, growth outweighs growing pains. And with November being a key recruiting month, Florida administrators opted to give Napier a vote of confidence, especially with his team so banged up. The Gators could be down their top two quarterbacks, including Lagway, their top two running backs, two of their top four receivers and four cornerbacks when they take the field in Austin.

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    Associated Press

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  • Tampa to host MLS preseason game between Orlando City, Inter Miami and Messi

    Tampa to host MLS preseason game between Orlando City, Inter Miami and Messi

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Raymond James Stadium in Tampa will be the site of a Major League Soccer preseason version of the Florida Derby between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Orlando City Soccer at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2025, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission announced Monday.

    Orlando City confirmed the match on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    The match will mark the first MLS contest hosted at Raymond James Stadium since 2001 and is anticipated to feature the likes of superstars Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Drake Callender of Inter Miami CF and Facundo Torres, Pedro Gallese and Duncan McGuire of Orlando City Soccer.

    “We could not be more excited to welcome Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC to our community,” TBSC Executive Director Rob Higgins said in a statement. “To have the potential opportunity to see a generational icon such as Lionel Messi take the field in our hometown is truly special. This is something that people will tell their grandkids about.”

    Fans interested in tickets can complete a presale interest form at SoccerInTampaBay.com. The official match presale will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13 for those registered at SoccerInTampaBay.com, before going on sale to the general public on Nov. 14. Season-ticket members for each club should follow their respective club’s email correspondence for details related to priority presale access.

    “We can’t wait to bring the excitement of the Orlando/Miami rivalry down the road to our neighbors in Tampa, and look forward to having the opportunity to showcase our Lions in front of a great crowd at Raymond James Stadium,” said Orlando City SC President of Business Operations, Jarrod Dillon. “We are excited to partner with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission on this event and look forward to it being a great addition to our 2025 MLS preseason calendar.”

    Both clubs are in the MLS Cup playoffs this year and also were last season, and Orlando City is one of two active MLS teams to reach the postseason in five consecutive seasons.

    The teams have met previously 14 times, with Orlando City winning five games and Inter Miami taking five, with four draws. Since Messi signed with Inter Miami in July 2023, the Herons have won two of the four meetings, the Lions have captured one, and the clubs have played to a draw. Messi did not play in the Lions’ 3-1 victory in Orlando in May or in the 1-1 draw in September 2023.

    Messi, the eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or for international soccer’s best player, has not appeared in a matchup with Orlando City in Orlando since he joined MLS.

    Inter Miami played 2004 preseason friendlies in El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Tokyo, looking to boost the team’s and MLS’s profile. Messi played about 64 minutes against FC Dallas, in the first half in El Salvador, for a few minutes in Saudi Arabia and in the second half in Tokyo and missed the game in Hong Kong, citing an injury.

    “While our most important objective is always our ongoing pursuit of bringing titles to South Florida, we’re excited to have set one of our preseason matches for 2025,” Inter Miami President of Football Operations Raúl Sanllehí said in a statement. “Planning ahead will help us prepare for a highly anticipated follow-up to everything we’ve accomplished, and everything we’re still fighting for in 2024. We’re looking forward to a thrilling atmosphere in our first visit to Tampa since our inaugural year in 2020.”

    Messi has been a leader of Argentina’s World Cup champion team in 2022, Olympic gold medal team in 2008, three FIFA Club World Cup title clubs, a Leagues Cup champion squad and two Copa America championship teams.

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Heart of the team: Hudson High senior delivers plays and inspiration

    Heart of the team: Hudson High senior delivers plays and inspiration

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    HUDSON, Fla. — No Hudson High football game can begin before the head coach and team manager meet up.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cobras head coach Timothy Hicks can’t kick off until he’s taken the handoff from Hudson senior Dakota Schull with the list of winning plays

    • Dakota suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome, a disorder that affects his physical and mental development

    • He is living his best high school life by showing the true meaning of team


    Cobras head coach Timothy Hicks can’t kick off until he’s taken the handoff from Hudson senior Dakota Schull with the list of winning plays.

    Dakota works hard on those plays. He meticulously writes each one down on a piece of paper. And even though he’s never played a down of football, he knows the sport. And he’d give anything to be able to play it. But Dakota suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome, a disorder that affects his physical and mental development.

    “What he’s gaining out of this is memories and experiences,” Dakota’s mom Wanda said. “He knows he can’t play, but he feels like he is.”

    That’s the key, being a part of something. Being accepted by his peers. And being celebrated for the miracle that he is. Wanda Schull was told her son wouldn’t live past the age of 10. His disorder causes low muscle tone and that includes his heart. His rare genetic disorder can cause congenital heart defects. But Dakota has continually shown he’s all heart.

    “They told us he wasn’t going to make it,” Wanda said. “And here we are senior year, gonna graduate and we are blessed.”

    Dakota has never taken a snap and run the football. He’s never made a tackle. But he is just as much a part of the team as every player on the roster.

    “It means the world for a child to be a part of something, any child,” Wanda said. “So we are just blessed because we are accepted whether we can do it or not. And that’s what means a lot. It really means a whole lot.”

    Dakota’s living his best high school life by showing the true meaning of team.

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    Katherine Smith

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  • ‘He was a special person’: USF holds celebration of life for Amir Abdur-Rahim

    ‘He was a special person’: USF holds celebration of life for Amir Abdur-Rahim

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Saturday, the University of South Florida said goodbye to basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who died on Oct. 24 after undergoing a medical procedure at an area hospital.

    What You Need To Know

    • A celebration of life was held for USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who died on Oct. 24 

    • Several speakers of the Yuengling Center spoke of Amir’s impact on them and the university 

    • This season, players will wear patches on their jerseys in Amir’s honor and the student section will be named after him


    Hundreds of people filled the Yuengling Center for a celebration of life, where several speakers honored a coach that was preparing to build off a first year that saw 25 wins.

    “He loved how you rallied behind him,” said Arianne Adbur-Rahim, the wife of Amir, to the crowd. “And what he was trying to build here. I venture to say he built something special.”

    The impact Amir made on his family, players, fellow coaches and the entire Bulls community could be felt through the entire arena.

    “I know what his impact was,” said Ben Fletcher, the USF men’s basketball interim head coach. “I know it. I know where he’s at now. I don’t worry about that part. The people I worry about are the people in the front row. Just know he was a special person. He did some special things and I think you guys know that.”

    Players also took the podium, speaking of the mark Amir left of them in his short time with the team.

    “It’s not about what happens, but it’s how you respond,” said Bulls guard Jayden Reid. “Obviously we all have a ton of emotions built up right now, but I think as a community the way we should respond to this is to honor him with everything we do in life and by loving others the way he did.”

    This season, players will wear patches on their jerseys in Amir’s honor and the student section will be named after him.

    “Amir always said job not finished. But I’m confident when he entered heaven’s gate God said job well done,” said Arianne.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • ‘Canes streaking; ‘mocktail party’ takes center stage; UCF, USF, FSU seek wins

    ‘Canes streaking; ‘mocktail party’ takes center stage; UCF, USF, FSU seek wins

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Quarterback DJ Lagway is the most important Gators player to coach Billy Napier’s future at Florida.

    The fabulous freshman will get a chance to save Napier’s job in November while facing four ranked teams, beginning Saturday against No. 2 Georgia in nearby Jacksonville. If Lagway plays like he did in his two previous starts, the game previously billed as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” could turn into a welcome back celebration for Napier.

    Lagway and the Gators (4-3, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) are trying to end a three-game skid in the series and give Napier a much-needed victory against a ranked team and a rival. Napier is 2-12 against ranked opponents in three seasons and 1-9 against rivals Georgia, Florida State, LSU, Miami and Tennessee.

    Napier’s tenure in Gainesville felt over after lopsided losses to Miami and Texas A&M in the first month of the season. But three wins in his past four games and signs of progress on both sides of the ball have given Napier a chance to alter his fate.

    In other contests this weekend, a favored USF (3-4) will try to get back to .500 on Friday night when it visits new American Athletic Conference opponent Florida Atlantic.

    Florida State and UCF will both try to bounce back after losses to ranked teams.

    The Seminoles’ slide toward the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference continued after last week’s 36-14 loss at No. 5 Miami. FSU (1-7 overall and 1-6 in ACC play) still has to tangle with ranked Notre Dame and Florida after this week’s matchup with North Carolina. FSU also has a November meeting with Charleston Southern.  

    UCF had few answers for No. 11 BYU’s offense, giving up 480 yards to the Cougars in a 37-24 loss. As a result, coach Gus Malzahn fired defensive coordinator Ted Roof, restored last year’s defensive coordinator Addison Williams to the role and handed over offensive play-calling responsibilities to first-year offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. That leaves in question what the Knights (3-5 overall, 1-4 in the Big 12) will look like as they take on Arizona (also 3-5, 1-4) on Saturday afternoon. UCF’s undefeated record in Space Games is on the line.

    State leader Miami, meanwhile, looks to continue its path toward a high ranking and a playoff bid. The fifth-ranked Hurricanes will host a scrappy Duke bunch ahead of next week’s initial College Football Playoff rankings, which will give a first look at who is in the 12-team playoff. At this point, all the rest of the state’s teams cling to hopes they can win enough contests as the season wraps up to go to a bowl game.

    Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

    A closer look at Week 10’s games

    Friday, Nov. 1

    USF (3-4, 1-2 in American Athletic Conference) at Florida Atlantic University (2-5, 0-3), 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

    The Bulls, who lead the all-time series 3-2 in this budding rivalry, should be motivated, not only after last week’s 10-point victory against UAB but especially after the Owls spanked USF 56-14 in Tampa last season. USF coach Alex Golesh has not said whether Bryce Archie will start at quarterback or if Byrum Brown will return from injury. Brown has been out since a leg injury sidelined him Sept.28 at Tulane.  

    Saturday, Nov. 2  

    Duke (6-2, 2-2 in ACC) at No. 5 Miami (8-0, 4-0), noon, ABC and ESPN+

    As the college football season heads into its final full month, the ACC race is coming down to four schools — all without a league loss: No. 20 SMU, No. 18 Pitt, No. 11 Clemson and No. 5 Miami. Miami and Pitt are unbeaten. An unbeaten ACC champion is all-but certain to reach the 12-team College Football Playoff.

    These are all things the Hurricanes will have on their minds down the stretch, starting Saturday against the Blue Devils.

    North Carolina (4-4, 1-3 in ACC) at Florida State (1-7, 1-6), 3:30 p.m., ACC Network

    The Seminoles are coming off a 36-14 loss to the rival Hurricanes, went winless in October, have not scored more than 16 points since its opener against Georgia Tech and lost a commitment from a four-star wide receiver last week. One win will not right this massively wrong season, but the Seminoles desperately seek something, anything, to go their way as the schedule moves into November.

    Florida (4-3, 2-2 in SEC) vs. Georgia (6-1, 4-1 in SEC), in Jacksonville, 3:30 p.m. ABC

    The past three meetings between the teams have essentially been over by halftime, 24-0 in 2021, 28-3 in 2022 and 26-7 last year. A couple key Bulldogs, safety Dan Jackson and defensive back Joenel Aguero are suspended for the first half after ejections for targeting against Texas. Jackson is the team’s second-leading tackler with 37, and Aguero ranks eighth with 19. Florida will be without receiver Eugene Wilson III because of what the team was saying is a lingering hip injury and its top cornerback, Jason Marshall Jr., who will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Receiver Tre Wilson will not play either. Georgia running back Trevor Etienne will face his former teammates for the first time. Etienne left Florida after last season and landed with the Bulldogs, where he saw an opportunity to become a starter. He spent two years in Gainesville playing behind Montrell Johnson. Etienne leads the Bulldogds with 422 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. “I’ve got nothing but love for those guys,” Etienne said.

    Arizona (3-5, 1-4 in Big 12) at UCF (3-5, 1-4), 3:30 p.m., FS1

    The Knights could have their fourth starting quarterback since the beginning of the season after redshirt sophomore Dylan Rizk took over for a struggling Jacurri Brown last Saturday and moved the ball well. So far this season, running back RJ Harvey out of Edgewater has literally carried their offense, rushing for 1,017 yards and 13 touchdowns. Its offense ranks 11th among 16 teams in the Big 12, and its defense is 13th. Both have dropped since the start of the season. Arizona’s offense ranks 14th, but its defense is 11th. No launches are planned from the Space Coast during this week’s game, but a flyover is scheduled before the game. The Wildcats average 260.3 passing yards per game. UCF’s top receiver, Kobe Hudson, left last Saturday’s game after injuring his leg on UCF’s first offensive play last Saturday. The team had not revealed any other details about the injury by early Thursday afternoon.

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Banchero scores 33 as Magic pound Heat 116-97 on teams’ opening night

    Banchero scores 33 as Magic pound Heat 116-97 on teams’ opening night

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    MIAMI  — Paolo Banchero scored 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Franz Wagner scored 23, and the Orlando Magic rolled past the Miami Heat 116-97 on Wednesday night in the opener for both teams.

    Gary Harris added 18 for Orlando, all on 3-pointers. The Magic shot 18-for-49 from 3-point range.

    Terry Rozier scored 19 for Miami, which celebrated “Pat Riley Court” night with a halftime ceremony. Nikola Jovic scored 15 and Tyler Herro added 14 for the Heat.

    Orlando led by as many as 32 in the second half.

    Takeaways

    Magic: Orlando’s high for 3-pointers attempted in a first half last season was 23. The Magic tried 27 before halftime on Wednesday, a clear sign that they see the 3-pointer as more of an option this season. The Magic made a league-low 903 3s last season.

    Heat: Jimmy Butler was 1-for-8 from the field and scored three points. It’s the fifth time in his career that he played at least 24 minutes and scored three points or less.

    Key moment

    The whole third quarter was a moment for the Magic. Orlando outscored Miami by 21 points in the third, 39-18. It was the most lopsided third quarter on the road for the Magic since Feb. 7, 2010, when they outscored the Boston Celtics by 25 on the way to a 96-89 win.

    Key stat

    Banchero had the sixth instance of an Orlando player scoring at least 30 in a season opener. Tracy McGrady did it twice, and Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Anderson and Anfernee Hardaway did it once. Anderson (1992) and O’Neal (1993) each scored 42 for the Magic opening night record. Banchero is now No. 3 on that list with his 33-point effort.

    Up next

    Orlando plays its home opener Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets. Miami goes to Charlotte to play the Hornets on Saturday night.

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    Associated Press

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  • Unbeaten Miami not overlooking disappointing Seminoles

    Unbeaten Miami not overlooking disappointing Seminoles

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida State-Miami showdown is no stranger to the brightest of college football spotlights.

    The rivals spent the 1980s, ’90s and early 2000s chasing national championships while battling for state domination.

    Not only has the matchup routinely pitted Top 25-ranked teams against each other, it has featured some of the biggest stars in college football.

    This year’s version….not so much.

    While the unbeaten Hurricanes come in at No. 6 nationally, the Seminoles are struggling through a season that was supposed to feature an FSU run to a playoff spot.

    Whether it be high expectations, poor quarterback play, average offensive and defensive line or a lack of big play ability, the Seminoles (1-6 and 1-5 in Atlantic Coast Conference play) are spinning their wheels.

    Still, it is a rivalry game, and UM (7-0 and 3-0) is taking its conference rival seriously.

    “You know, we have tons of respect for those guys, defending ACC champions, a really, really talented football team,” Miami receiver Xavier Restrepo said. “You watch their defense, all five DBs (defensive backs) can line up in your face and play man, they run around, have great ball skills.

    “We have to be as prepared as we can be.”

    Consider last season, when the Hurricanes were a 14- and 17-point underdog when it went to Tallahassee to take on the then-undefeated Seminoles. Miami had the ball with a chance to tie in the final minutes, before losing 27-20 in a game that was much closer than oddsmakers expected.

    This year, Miami is a 21-point favorite for the 7:30 p.m. matchup Saturday.

    “Obviously, this is a huge week for our football program,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “I mean, this game is a game that we have an emphasis on 365 days a year because we’re fortunate to be at a place that you get two rivalry games every single year that mean a ton to our football program.”

    In Orlando, UCF will face a Top 11 team, and a top two team in the Big 12, for the second time in two weeks when BYU comes to town — for Homecoming, no less.

    After getting the starting nod last week in a last-minute 38-35 loss then-No. 9 Iowa State, Jacurri Brown has been named the starting quarterback for the rest of the season, coach Gus Malzahn said. He took over for KJ Jefferson, a fifth-year transfer out of Arkansas who began the season as the starter.

    “I liked the way he (Brown) handled himself,” Malzahn said.

    The team will look to balance the offense more going forward, he said.

    “We’ve got to find a way to take that next step,” Malzahn said. “I will say we did improve, played one of our best games (against Iowa State).”

    THIS WEEKEND’S GAMES:

    FSU (1-6, 1-5 in ACC) at Miami (7-0, 3-0), 7 p.m., ESPN

    While FSU’s disappointing season would receive a huge boost with a victory, this would be just another step toward a playoff spot for the streaking ‘Canes. Miami is coming off an impressive win at Louisville, taking shots from the Cardinals before pulling away for a wild 52-45 win. The Seminoles’ downtrodden season reached another low last week with its first loss to Duke in 22 years of being ACC foes. Miami quarterback, and potential Heisman finalist, Cam Ward has thrown for 2,538 yards, 24 touchdowns, leading the country in both categories, throwing for over 300 yards in every game played. Meanwhile, FSU will again be led by QB Brock Glenn, a redshirt freshman. Glenn, who has appaeared in the Seminoles’ last three games only completed nine of 19 passes last week in the loss to Duke, was sacked three times and threw two interceptions. FSU offense has not scored more than 16 points in its last six games.

    No. 11 BYU (7-0, 4-0 in Big 12) at UCF (3-4, 1-3), 3:30 p.m., ESPN

    The season has not gone as the Knights or their fans expected, and the team heads into this week’s matchup with another ranked team hoping to end its four-game losing streak. There were some positives, however, as Brown stepped in as starting quarterback to pass for 62 yards and rush for 154 yards and two touchdowns. As a team, the Knights rushed for 354 yards, led by RJ Harvey with 196 yards and two touchdowns. UCF’s Brandon Adams returned an interception to close to the goal line against Iowa State. Malzahn said early in the week that defensive end Nyjalik Kelly, who got knocked out of the loss to Iowa State, might be able to return Saturday. However, Malzahn also disclosed that defensive tackle John Walker, who was hurt in the preseason, underwent surgery and will miss the rest of the season. BYU came in on the opposite side of a 38-35 score last week, defeating Oklahoma State. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 81 yards and another score. The Cougars’ Tanner Wall, who was recruited as a wide receiver before switching to safety last year, has made interceptions in each of the past two games.

    (USF is off. Florida is off)

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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