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Tag: Football

  • Burbank Football Victorious Versus Lancaster In CIF First-Round Game

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    Deshawn Laporte had 321 passing yards, and three touchdown throws in a 52-43 CIF Division VI first-round playoff victory over Lancaster. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    By Rick Assad

    It was up-tempo from the start and it took three hours to compete but every minute was worth it as host Burbank High took on Lancaster which proved a worthy opponent in its CIF Southern Section Division VI opening-round playoff game at Memorial Field.

    Each team scored during the four-quarter affair, and each played with energy and skill and when it concluded, the Bulldogs earned a 52-43 victory on Friday night.

    Burbank will play on the road next Friday at Riverside Roosevelt in a second-round game which knocked off previously unbeaten Crespi 33-24.

    Hector Valencia is Burbank’s head coach and appreciated what he saw during those tense four periods.

    “They had one of the fastest offenses we’ve seen in a while,” he explained. “Their tempo got us off guard and it took us a bit to settle down and start playing at that tempo but once we did the defense held their own.”

    Burbank had six interceptions and sophomore wide receiver/cornerback/safety Diego Plancarte had four and each were a crucial element to the win.

    Elijah Pendleton accounted for 151 receiving yards on eight receptions for the Bulldogs. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    “The interceptions were key,” Valencia added. “We knew that if we got them out of their running game, things would balance out in our favor.”

    The usual suspects were present in the spotlight for the Bulldogs (9-3) as junior quarterback Deshawn Laporte threw three touchdowns and all three went to junior wide receiver Tyler Hudson, who had 10 catches for 143 yards.

    “We played well. We had ups and downs but we all got everything straight and came out with the win,” said Laporte, who completed 20 of 32 attempts for 321 yards and one interception.

    Laporte’s first scoring toss was a 34-yarder and came with 8:52 left in the first quarter and gave the Bulldogs a 7-6 lead.

    Laporte’s second touchdown throw was a 12-yard and occurred with 4:57 remaining in the same frame and made it 14-6.

    Laporte then found Hudson with a 22-yard strike with just under a minute left in the third period for a 45-29 advantage.

    Burbank wide receiver Elijah Pendleton, who had an interception, caught eight passes for 151 yards and also added a 46-yard scoring gallop at 9:00 before halftime as Burbank led 21-14.

    Junior running back/linebacker Troy Wells tacked on a pair of scoring runs for the Bulldogs as the hosts charged ahead 27-21 on his 10-yard run burst with 4:05 on the clock in the second quarter.

    Wells tossed in a one-yard run with 3:19 left on the clock in the third period for a 38-29 lead. Laporte also found senior wide receiver Exodus Freeman (10 yards on one catch) on a two-point conversion pass.

    Diego Plancarte picked off four passes for Burbank which had six overall against Lancaster. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    “Troy had an outstanding game for us at running back and it helped balance our offense so it was not just the pass they had to stop,” Valencia stated.

    For good measure, senior Ryan Mendoza nailed a 30-yard field goal with 2:09 left before the intermission as Burbank marched ahead 30-21.

    Burbank senior wide receiver Chase Miles had one reception for 17 yards and one interception.

    “From the first, we loved running man blitzes against their offense because we believed their quarterback struggled under pressure,” Miles said. “We sent blitzes to neutralize their running game and force their quarterback to make uncomfortable throws.”

    Miles knew that Burbank would be able to move the ball and score points.

    “Offensively as the game progressed, we liked running the ball more and more as it was hard for their defense to stop it,” he said.

    Junior wide receiver/cornerback Ronald Gordon also chipped in with a fumble recovery for the Bulldogs.

    Lancaster quarterback senior Michael Marsenich tossed three touchdown passes and added a scoring run but was picked off six times.

    Marsenich had a 16-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Jaheim Redmond as 10:36 remained in the first quarter for a 6-0 lead for the Eagles (8-3).

    Marsenich then found senior wide receiver Jayson Wilson on a 21-yard rocket late in the first period that evened it as 14-14. Senior running back/safety Jacob Walker added a two-point run and also contributed an interception.

    Marsenich unloaded a 45-yard pass to senior wide receiver Chace Beoranje with 1:28 left in the second frame and sophomore running back Joziah Davis added a two-point run that drew Lancaster within 30-29.

    Marsenich scored on an eight-yard keeper with 7:25 left in the fourth quarter and senior running back Arthur Turner added a two-point run for the Eagles who came within 52-43.

    Lancaster’s sophomore wide receiver Terrance Harper had a 65-yard kickoff return with just under nine minutes left in the second period that evened it at 21-21.

    Turner struck again and this time it was a 55-yard sprint late in the third period that saw Lancaster get within 45-35.

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    Rick Assad

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  • Twin Cities native Sawyer Seidl enjoying breakout season with North Dakota

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    It started with a friendly wager between player and coach.

    “I had to get double digits otherwise he would get my chain,” said North Dakota running back Sawyer Seidl. “That was our bet. So, I don’t have to give him my chain. He owes me a sweatshirt now.”

    That bet will have to be amended because double-digit touchdowns are ancient history this season for Seidl. He’s got 14 total end zone trips. That’s sixth best in the FCS.

    “It’s easy when you know you’re running into big open gaps every single time,” Seidl said. “Most of my runs, with the dominating o-line that I have, they’ve made my life easy.”

    Seidl is a redshirt sophomore. As the season has gone on, he’s become the Hawks’ lead back, and has not looked back.

    “‘Man, if I get more touches I know I can do this,’ and all that,” he remembered saying in previous seasons. “At some point, it’s like, we’ve been talking about it so many times, now that I got the opportunity, I almost had to walk my talk. I’m happy my o-line was able to make it a lot easier for me to walk my talk, as much as I was talking before.”

    Seidl scored four times against Southern Illinois on Oct. 18. But that’s nothing compared to his high school best at Hill-Murray in Maplewood, Minnesota, when he racked up six touchdowns against Benilde St. Margaret’s as a junior.

    “I kept getting asked if that was the most I ever scored in a game, even like through high school,” laughed Seidl. “But I told ’em four was one of the tops, but the most I ever scored was six. But maybe one of these different games, maybe I’ll get there.”

    Seidl’s little brother, Simon, is a defensive back for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. The two were adopted from the Congo as kids. When Sawyer moved to North Dakota three years ago, it was the first time the two had ever been separated.

    “He’s always been by my side. We did everything together, came to the U.S. together. So, it’s one of those things you had to get used to,” said Seidl. “As time went on, you got used to it a little bit. When you go home, visit each other for a little bit, kinda helps the ‘I miss my little bro.’ I always would miss him and it was always fun playing with him. But we’re here now, three years later, we’re still kickin’. We’re doing all right.”

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    Ren Clayton

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  • How to Watch Raiders vs Broncos: Live Stream NFL Thursday Night Football, TV Channel

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    The AFC West-leading Denver Broncos (7-2) ride a six-game winning streak into Thursday night’s prime-time matchup against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) at Empower Field at Mile High.

    How to Watch Raiders vs Broncos

    • When: Thursday, November 6, 2025
    • Time: 8:15 PM ET
    • TV Channel: ABC (KTNV – Las Vegas), ABC (KMGH – Denver) (Local Only)
    • Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

    Will Lutz kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired on Sunday to lift the Broncos to an 18-15 road win over the Houston Texans. The defense kept the Texans out of the end zone, surrendering five field goals, and the offense drove 48 yards in 50 seconds to set up Lutz’s game-winning kick. Bo Nix threw two touchdown passes in an inconsistent showing, as he was just 18-of-37 for 173 yards and threw an interception. On the season, Nix has completed 61.2% of his throws for 1,976 yards and 17 touchdowns with six picks, while J.K. Dobbins leads the ground attack with 695 yards at a 5.1-yard-per-carry clip.

    Las Vegas closed to within a point with 16 seconds left in overtime on Sunday, but Geno Smith’s potential game-winning two-point conversion pass was batted down as the Raiders took their second straight loss, 30-29, to the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith was 29-of-39 for 284 yards and four touchdowns, three to Brock Bowers, who finished with 12 receptions for 127 yards. On Tuesday, Las Vegas traded its top target, receiver Jakobi Meyers, to the Jaguars for two third-day picks in next year’s draft.

    This is a great NFL football matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

    Live stream Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos on Fubo: Start your subscription now!

    This is a locally broadcast game that can be live-streamed on ABC with Fubo. You can also watch all of the NFL RedZone action with Fubo and catch football all season long on NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, NFL Network, and more.

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  • Nike & LA Rams End “In The Field” Series with Bosco vs. Mater Dei

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    The absolute peak of SoCal high school football rivalries took center stage this past Friday to cap off the amazing slate of electrifying games

    For the final showdown of the “In The Field” series showcasing exceptionally intense high school football rivalries throughout all of SoCal, Nike and the LA Rams deliver the best match-up yet in what is often considered the most cutthroat rivalry in the entire region: the No. 1 Ranked St. John Bosco Braves vs. the No. 7 Ranked Mater Dei Monarchs. These two nationally ranked football titans have both earned esteemed reputations not only in the locally based Trinity League but across the whole country, setting the gold standard of high school football around the Los Angeles area with a remarkable seven Open Division State Titles won between the two programs since 2016. 

    Credit: Nike
    Credit: Nike

    The high-stakes importance of who would leave the renowned Panish Family Stadium in Bellflower as the winner of this match-up could not be understated, as crucial playoff contention hung in the balance between the two elite squads with hopes of being crowned the Trinity League Champion. Gaining the edge on the rival team here wouldn’t just garner bragging rights and a championship title, it would also further fuel the hunger to win in the upcoming postseason, as both teams would likely face each other again in the playoffs.

    Credit: Nike

    This game caps off a month-long saga featuring other various iconic SoCal high school football rivalries, such as Crenshaw v. Dorsey (October 3rd), Long Beach Poly vs. Millikan (October 10th), and Roosevelt vs. Garfield (October 24th). Nike, the LA Rams, and Born X Raised Clothing spared no expense in providing a thrilling atmosphere for the amazing student body athletes and the hometown crowds in attendance. From exclusive signature jerseys, merchandise, and marvelous performances from L.A. native and Grammy Award-winning producer, DJ Mustard, the “In The Field” series was nothing short of monumental.

    Credit: Nike

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    From dynamic heart-stopping plays full of grit, to ferocious energy roaring from the animated crowds, the tense game between St. John Bosco and Mater Dei certainly lived up to the rivalry hype. Future college and NFL prospects on both sides displayed tremendous talent, proving to the city and the rest of the nation why they are labeled as a couple of premiere high school programs in all the U.S. The young athletes laid it all out on the field that day through blood, sweat, and tears, making their families, their schools, and their city proud. The Mater Dei Monarchs emerged victorious over the St. John Bosco Braces, 36-31.

    Credit: Nike

    ​The stage was perfectly set for all the schools that participated in the “In The Field” series, thanks to the passionate support of Nike, the LA Rams, and Born X Raised Clothing. With the series officially over, the next chapter for these superbly talented kids begins now in the postseason, and for some, the next level in college sports. But for Nike, the Rams, and Born X Raise Clothing, their support for high school football talent in the SoCal area has just begun. 

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    Vahe Baghdoyan

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  • Jets’ trades of Gardner, Williams tough now, but big-picture plan focused on hope, high draft picks

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    FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Darren Mougey insisted this wasn’t “a teardown.” Aaron Glenn reiterated that the New York Jets will be a team that makes the fans proud.

    But a day after trading two of the biggest stars in Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, it was clear the Jets are in a major rebuild during which patience will need to precede pride.

    “It was a pretty intense day,” Glenn acknowledged Wednesday.

    And for many of the players, coaches and fans, a stunning and sad one.

    Gardner was traded to Indianapolis on Tuesday for a first-round draft pick in 2026 and another in 2027, along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. A few hours later, Williams was dealt to Dallas for a second-round pick in 2026, a first-round selection in 2027 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

    Gardner and Williams were thought to be key parts of the foundation that both Glenn and Mougey are trying to set for the Jets’ future while attempting to return the franchise to respectability.

    “When an opportunity presents itself for us to be able to build this team, it’s hard to pass it up,” Glenn said. “Listen, those two guys are great players, we all know that. All-Pro players. The one constant in this league is change.

    “And I’ve said that to all our players, not just today but throughout this season, that this is a fluid game. Players come and go. Coaches come and go. But the one thing I do know is with change, there comes opportunity.”

    While both Gardner and Williams are now on teams trying to reach the playoffs, the 1-7 Jets are likely going to miss the postseason for the 15th straight year. And that was clear even before the franchise-altering moves.

    “I wouldn’t call it a teardown,” Mougey said Tuesday, a few hours after the trades.

    When Glenn was hired, he preached patience and the process. That has been a tough sell to the fanbase, though. And now they have to watch their team play out the string of the last nine games without two of their best players, first-round picks who were once symbols of hope.

    “Nothing different than I’ve been saying,” Glenn said of what he’d say to frustrated fans. “Listen, I want this to be a team that the fans are proud of, but again, I never said that we’re gonna be proud of them right now. At some point, I want this to be a team that the fans are proud of and I still stick with that.”

    The big picture view for the Jets is clear: They have two first-round draft picks in 2026, along with two second-rounders, and three first-rounders in 2027. That’s the glimmer of hope in a season that quickly went awry.

    In theory, Mougey will have the flexibility in the next two drafts to remake the roster and, most importantly, find a quarterback who can be the foundational-type piece New York has been craving for decades. But the Jets will need to hit on most, if not all, of those decisions to make the two stunning moves Tuesday look good.

    “The goal is always to win,” Mougey said. “Look, these coaches and players work too hard every day, all day, with the goal of winning on Sunday. And that never changes because that’s what the fans deserve. That’s what the players deserve and that’s what the coaches deserve and that never changes.

    “I understand the trade deadline and different moving parts, but the goal is to always win on Sunday.”

    But that will be tougher to do now, starting Sunday at home against Cleveland, without Gardner and Williams, and even nickel cornerback Michael Carter II, who was sent to Philadelphia last week.

    “I’d be lying if I said I was happy my brothers are gone because I’m not, I’m sick,” edge rusher Jermaine Johnson posted on X on Tuesday. “But, I believe strongly in the organization, staff and my other brothers in the locker room. I said when I got drafted I wanted to be the reason or part of the reason this thing gets changed for the better and that’s going to continue to be my outlook. I love this team and this fan base and y’all will continue to get my all, my absolute best on and off the field.

    “Let’s look onward and upward because better things are coming and I give my word on that. Go Jets always.”

    Glenn said he spoke to the players Wednesday morning when the team gathered for meetings, but said he didn’t “wanna make too much of a deal” about the trades.

    “Man, we are moving forward,” Glenn said. “We have a good amount of draft capital that we’re looking forward to. And when that time comes, we’ll handle that. But right now, we’re focused on Cleveland.”

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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  • Jayden Daniels leaves game after Washington QB’s nonthrowing arm bends gruesomely

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    WASHINGTON (AP) — Jayden Daniels was being dragged down by a defender when he stuck his left arm out and put his hand on the ground.

    That’s when a dismal night for the Washington Commanders turned downright horrifying.

    Daniels’ nonthrowing arm bent gruesomely, and the star quarterback had to leave Washington’s 38-14 loss to Seattle on Sunday night with 7:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. It’s the third — and perhaps the most significant — injury of the season for Daniels, who was in his first game back from a hamstring issue.

    “It’s really tough to see him go down. You just want him to stay positive,” Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “You don’t know what the result is. You just speak a lot of positivity into existence. He’s a very positive person so we’re just praying for the best.”

    AP AUDIO: Jayden Daniels leaves game after Washington QB’s nonthrowing arm bends gruesomely

    The NFL’s reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year exited with a significant injury late during a lopsided defeat. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh reports.

    Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Daniels injured his elbow. That was about the extent of the postgame update. Quinn didn’t have much of an explanation for why Daniels was still in the game. Washington was trailing 38-7 at the time.

    “Obviously like the hindsight, you don’t want to think that way, where an injury could take place,” Quinn said. “Obviously we’re more conservative in that spot to run and hand off and not have reads to go, but just the end result — obviously, I’m bummed.”

    In addition to the hamstring injury, Daniels also missed two games earlier this season with knee issues.

    Although an injury to Daniels’ non-throwing arm isn’t necessarily career altering, Commanders fans could hardly be blamed for immediately fearing the worst. It was on this same field about 13 years ago — against the same opponent — that Robert Griffin III went down with a severe knee injury at the end of his sensational rookie season for Washington. He never reached those heights again.

    The Commanders fell behind early Sunday and trailed 31-7 at halftime, and Daniels had to do plenty of scrambling. He ended up running for 51 yards on 10 carries, and the injury underscored the risk in doing that.

    “I think that’s his nature. He wants to be aggressive and make plays,” Quinn said. “He’s got confidence in the other players. I do know that. So it’s not like, ‘I have to do more, I have to do things that are outside of playing in that way.’ We also have to have everybody. Injuries happen and you hate it.”

    As a rookie last season, Daniels led Washington to the NFC championship game — its best season since 1991. Now the Commanders are 3-6 after four straight losses. If the season can be salvaged, it may have to be with Marcus Mariota at quarterback.

    During those moments when Daniels was slow to get up, however, it was the long-term future that seemed like the bigger issue.

    “I didn’t see what happened exactly. I just heard a pause and I kind of put my head down and prayed for him,” Commanders guard Sam Cosmi said. “You just don’t want to see that happen.”

    ___

    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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  • Marvin Harrison Jr. Converts Long 3rd Downs and Scores TD for Cardinals in 27-17 Win Over Cowboys

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    ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — All three catches Marvin Harrison Jr. had in the first quarter converted long third downs for the Arizona Cardinals, and that certainly helped set an early tone against the Dallas Cowboys.

    Harrison went on to a career-high seven catches for 96 yards, including a 4-yarder from backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett for the game’s first touchdown, and the Cardinals finished 7 of 9 on third-down conversions in the first half of a 27-17 win Monday night that ended their five-game losing streak.

    Maybe this game was a bit easier to watch for Marvin Harrison Sr., the Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver and father of the second-year Cardinals receiver who was the fourth overall draft pick in the 2024 draft.

    The elder Harrison told ESPN.com in a story posted before Monday’s game that it has been “very hard” for him to watch Arizona’s offense.

    The eight-time Pro Bowl pick who had 1,102 catches and 128 TDs said he “just can’t relate” to watching the current style of offenses that are so different from his 13 NFL seasons with Indianapolis from 1996-2007. He won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2006.

    On the opening drive for Arizona (3-5) against the Cowboys (3-5-1), the younger Harrison had a 13-yard catch on third-and-8, and gained 15 on a third-and-10. The first quarter ended with his 20-yard reception to convert third-and-14, on the same drive that ended with his TD catch that put Arizona ahead 10-0.

    Brissett started his third game in a row with Kyler Murray out again because of a foot injury. In the previous two games, Harrison caught four of the eight passes thrown his way for 90 yards.

    Harrison now has 31 catches for 492 yards and three TDs this season. His previous single-game high for receptions was six, once this year and twice during his rookie season.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

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    Associated Press

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  • OSU Football Player Arrested On Abuse Charges – KXL

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    Oregon State football player arrested on 18 charges. MGN image.

    BENTON COUNTY, OR – An Oregon State University football player has been arrested and faces multiple domestic violence charges.

    According to several media accounts, Sophomore defensive back Exodus Ayers was booked into the Benton County Jail on 18 separate charges, including a felony charge of coercion and strangulation.

    Court documents reportedly show the charges all pertain to a woman identified only as Ayers ex-girlfriend, who is also an OSU student. The alleged abuse is said to have happened in early September of this year.

    Beside contacting law enforcement, the woman also says she let OSU football coaches know what had happened.

    The university issued the following statement: “The university is aware of the pending charges involving Exodus Ayers, is gathering information and is addressing this with the seriousness and care that it warrants.”

    Beavers interim head coach Robb Akey has declined to talk about the charge, though he admits he is aware of the situation.

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    Tim Lantz

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  • Keeler: Broncos QB Bo Nix needs to run more. Broncos Country needs to doubt him less.

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    HOUSTON — I don’t believe in Santa Claus. But, by golly, I believe in Bo Chapman Nix.

    The Easter Bunny? Fuzzy-wuzzy fraud. The Tooth Fairy? Fake chews. But if a game is within 19 points at the start of the fourth quarter, just watch the Bo-ller Coaster go to work. Just watch him find a way.

    “I think a really good issue to have is when you’re finding these ugly wins, because I don’t think it’ll always be like that,” the Broncos’ tow-headed quarterback said Sunday after rallying Denver to an 18-15 victory at Houston — a game he trailed 15-7 at the start of the fourth quarter.

    “For right now, the ugly wins are how we’re doing it, so that’s just what we’re gonna continue to find ways to do. Now, obviously, we’ve got to improve in many different areas. But the ugly wins, they’re important. They’re important down the stretch. And if you can find them and you can win these one-possession games, it helps you in the future … you gotta learn how to win those.”

    Broncos analysis: Zach Allen, Denver defensive front dominate Houston, help cover loss of star CB Pat Surtain II

    The Broncos are 5-2 in one-score games. They were 1-6 a year ago. Among Broncos quarterbacks, only John Elway and Peyton Manning have accounted for more fourth-quarter/overtime comebacks than Nix has in orange and blue. Seven rescues in 26 NFL starts. Tim Tebow, by the way, managed six.

    Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

    But fool me seven times?

    You either got it. Or you don’t.

    Bo’s got it.

    “Nothing fazes him,” Broncos fullback Adam Prentice told me in the locker room after Denver’s sixth straight victory and second walk-off win in three weeks. “You think about the Giants game, we’re down a bunch (19-0 after three quarters), and (from him) it’s, ‘Hey, next play, let’s score and go to the next one.’ Which helps us in the huddle, and it keeps everybody even keel and just lets you focus on the job.

    “It’s kind of the unspoken word. Like, we know we can do it, and we’re gonna do it. We’re gonna answer the call when we need to.”

    Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos throws deep against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

    The stats were uglier than the scoreboard — 17 completions on 36 throws, 170 passing yards, two scores and an interception.

    Context: The Texans rolled in with the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL for a reason. The 49ers managed 175 passing yards here last week. The Titans collected 93. Tampa Bay managed 191.

    In Week 8, Nix scored 44 points against Dallas, the best offense in the NFL. In Week 9, he walked off the NFL’s best defense, a desperate bunch trying to avoid five losses, in its backyard.

    Nix went into the fourth quarter having completed nine passes in 21 attempts for just 97 yards. Over the next 15 minutes, he made good on 9 of 16 attempts for 76 yards and a score, along with three rushes for 36 yards. His 25-yard scramble to daylight set up Wil Lutz’s game-winning kick.

    “Describe Bo today in a word,” I asked Prentice.

    He tilted his head for a second.

    “Competitor,” Prentice replied.

    “Why?” I wondered.

    “Because, regardless of the situation, he’s going to come out and make plays and compete,” the Broncos fullback continued. “Like I was saying with the Giants game, it doesn’t matter what situation we’re in, he’s going to go out there and sling it or run it or hand it to the backs, do whatever he’s got to do. And we’re going to go make a play. It just doesn’t matter. We’re going to go out there and execute.”

    Eventually. Yes, beating Houston backup QB Davis Mills on the road has a different aftertaste than beating C.J. Stroud, who left early with a concussion.

    Yes, Nix needs to run more. Selectively. Wisely. On at least two fourth-quarter throws, No. 10 elected to stay in the pocket, step up and force the ball downfield instead of tucking and running. Both throws were fired long.

    “Listen, don’t talk about that,” Broncos coach Sean Payton countered when I asked about Nix chucking when he should be tucking. “In other words, his eyes are within the progression.

    “You don’t tell that player too much when it comes to something like that, you know what I mean? Like, ‘Do you inhale or exhale when you’re backswinging (in golf)?’ I don’t want anyone asking me that question, all right?

    “But I think there are certainly designed runs you saw. Again, we gotta keep working with his clock, because it gets quick. There’s someone open, and there’s some throws he’s gonna want to correct. But that’s a good problem to have.”

    Head coach Sean Payton locks into the action during the third quarter of the Broncos' 18-15 win over the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
    Head coach Sean Payton locks into the action during the third quarter of the Broncos’ 18-15 win over the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

    Meanwhile, if you’re going to accuse the Broncos of head-hunting because of Payton’s history, put the tin foil hat away. Kris Abrams-Draine’s hit on Stroud was legal, if a tad late. Watch it again: The Broncos cornerback was making a point, at full speed, to strike well below Stroud’s head. The concussion was from the QB’s noggin hitting the turf on a late slide, not from Abrams-Draine attempting to decapitate the guy. Game of inches, kids. Game of inches.

    “Winning’s fun,” Prentice said. “It’s contagious. When you want to keep doing it, it’s contagious. You just want to keep getting after it and keep getting those wins and stacking them. But yeah, it’s a lot of fun.”

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    Sean Keeler

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  • Patriots Hang on to Beat Falcons 24-23 After Late Extra Point Miss by Atlanta

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    FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Drake Maye threw two touchdown passes and had a pair of turnovers in an uneven performance, and the New England Patriots held on for their sixth straight victory, 24-23 over Atlanta on Sunday after Parker Romo missed a potential tying extra point for the Falcons.

    Terrell Jennings had his first career rushing touchdown for the Patriots (7-2).

    New England led 24-17 in the fourth quarter when Michael Penix Jr. connected with Drake London for a 40-yard gain along the sideline with Christian Gonzalez in coverage. Gonzalez was injured on the play after being landed on the play, leaving the Patriots without their best cornerback with the Falcons in the red zone.

    The Patriots forced a fourth-and-goal on the 8, but London outstretched Carlton Davis III on a jump ball for a toe-tapping touchdown to get the Falcons within a point.

    But Romo’s extra point attempt missed wide right.

    New England went three-and-out on its next possession, giving the ball back to Atlanta with 3:30 remaining.

    The Falcons drove to the Patriots 48 before an intentional grounding penalty on Penix pushed them back and forced them to punt.

    New England faced another third down, but this time Maye completed a pass to Hunter Henry for a 17-yard gain that allowed the Patriots to run out the clock.

    Maye finished 19 of 29 for 259 yards, but was sacked six times. He also had an interception and was strip-sacked just before halftime to set up a touchdown by Atlanta.

    The Falcons have lost their last eight meetings with the Patriots. Atlanta hasn’t won in Foxborough since 1998.

    Penix passed for three touchdowns and finished 22 of 37 for 222 yards. Bijan Robinson rushed 12 times for 46 yards as the Falcons dropped to 0-5 when he rushes for fewer than 75.

    Falcons: LG Matthew Bergeron left in the first quarter (ankle). … Edge rusher Leonard Floyd exited in the second with a hamstring injury.

    Patriots: WR Kayshon Boutte was ruled out after leaving in the second quarter with a hamstring issue. … LB Christian Elliss left in the second with a hip injury. … Gonzalez didn’t return after his late injury.

    Despite missing running back Rhamondre Stevenson, the Patriots tried to establish the run at the outset by employing multiple tight end sets to the ball on early downs. It helped open the field for Maye and the passing attack.

    First, Maye connected on a fade to receiver DeMario Douglas for a 16-yard touchdown pass on the Patriots’ opening drive.

    With the game tied at 7 in the second quarter, Maye linked up with Douglas again, this time finding him near the sideline on a post route. Douglas stumbled initially after pulling in the ball, then evaded a few tacklers before falling to the turf after a 58-yard gain to set the Patriots up in the red zone.

    Maye found Stefon Diggs two plays later for an 11-yard TD pass to stretch New England’s lead to 14 points.

    But a Patriots miscue helped the Falcons get it back to single digits just before halftime.

    The Patriots had the ball near midfield with 32 seconds remaining when Maye was strip-sacked by Jalon Walker. The ball was recovered by James Pearce Jr. who returned it to the Patriots 6 before being dragged down by Will Campbell.

    Atlanta scored two plays later via a 2-yard touchdown pass from Penix to London.

    Falcons: Host Indianapolis next Sunday.

    Patriots: At Tampa Bay next Sunday.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

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  • Auburn Fires Coach Hugh Freeze Following 12th Loss in His Last 15 SEC Games

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    Auburn fired coach Hugh Freeze on Sunday, moving on after the Tigers lost for the 12th time in their last 15 Southeastern Conference games.

    The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.

    Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin will serve as interim coach for the team’s remaining four games.

    “Coach Freeze is a man of integrity, and we are appreciative of his investment in Auburn and his relentless work over the last three years in bolstering our roster,” athletic director John Cohen said in a statement. “Our expectations for Auburn football are to annually compete for championships, and the search for the next leader of Auburn football begins immediately.”

    Freeze became the eighth Power Four coach fired this season, following moves at Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma State, Penn State, UCLA and Virginia Tech. Stanford also has a vacancy after firing Troy Taylor in March.

    Freeze, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February, received much of the blame for the skid. He missed on hand-picked portal quarterbacks Payton Thorne (Michigan State), Arnold (Oklahoma) and maybe even Daniels (Stanford). Freeze also went 1-12 against ranked teams.

    The Tigers owe Freeze $15.8 million, with no mitigation, from a six-year, $39 million deal he signed to replace Bryan Harsin in 2022. Harsin was fired eight games into his second season. He was 9-12 overall and 4-9 in league play.

    Freeze got the boot at 15-19 overall and 6-16 in the conference. The last five losses included more offensive woes. The Tigers scored 17, 10, 10, 17 and 3 in losses to Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia and Missouri and Kentucky.

    Now, the “Auburn Family” is looking for its fourth football coach in seven seasons. The Tigers fired Gus Malzahn in 2020, Harsin in 2022 and now Freeze in 2025. Together, the school will end up paying $52.5 million in buyout fees.

    Freeze and the Tigers showed promise by winning at Baylor to open the season. They were 3-0 and tied with Oklahoma when the season started to unravel.

    The SEC acknowledged that officials missed what should have been a flag before John Mateer connected with wide-open receiver Isaiah Sategna for a 24-yard touchdown in second quarter.

    The following week at Texas A&M, Auburn managed just nine first downs, 177 yards of total offense and went 0 for 13 on third down in another one-possession loss.

    It was more of the same against Georgia, which controlled the game after forcing a questionable fumble at the goal line late in the first half. A touchdown would have given Auburn a 17-0 lead. Instead, the turnover sparked the Bulldogs, who allowed just 40 yards in the second half and won 20-10.

    Nonetheless, Auburn trailed 13-10 until Georgia scored in the waning minutes. So it was another close loss for Freeze, who ended his tenure 2-10 in one-possession games.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

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  • Photos: NC State battles Georgia Tech in ACC college football action

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    N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (11) scores on a 11-yard touchdown run during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.

    N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (11) scores on a 11-yard touchdown run during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.


    Ethan Hyman

    ehyman@newsobserver.com

    The Wolfpack (4-4, 1-3 ACC) came into the game on a two-game losing streak against hot Georgia Tech. N.C. State is without two of their major offensive weapons with injuries to Justin Joly and Hollywood Smothers.

    The Wolfpack had a 24-17 lead at the half.

    Check back after the game for more action photos.

    N.C. State tight end Dante Daniels (87) pulls in a reception in the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
    N.C. State tight end Dante Daniels (87) pulls in a reception in the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    N.C. State linebacker Caden Fordham (1) tackles Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (10) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
    N.C. State linebacker Caden Fordham (1) tackles Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (10) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren has words with an official during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
    N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren has words with an official during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    N.C. State wide receiver Noah Rogers (5) makes a long reception as Georgia Tech tight end Connor Roush (44) defends during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
    N.C. State wide receiver Noah Rogers (5) makes a long reception as Georgia Tech tight end Connor Roush (44) defends during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    N.C. State running back Duke Scott (4) escapes Georgia Tech linebacker E.J. Lightsey (2) as he gains yards during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
    N.C. State running back Duke Scott (4) escapes Georgia Tech linebacker E.J. Lightsey (2) as he gains yards during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (10) runs for yards as N.C. State defensive back Asaad Brown Jr. (26) follows during the first half of N.C. StateÕs game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
    Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (10) runs for yards as N.C. State defensive back Asaad Brown Jr. (26) follows during the first half of N.C. StateÕs game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    Georgia Tech tight end J.T. Byrne (88) celebrates scoring on a two-yard touchdown reception in front of N.C. State defensive back Devon Marshall (6) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
    Georgia Tech tight end J.T. Byrne (88) celebrates scoring on a two-yard touchdown reception in front of N.C. State defensive back Devon Marshall (6) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren talks to running back Hollywood Smothers (3) before N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
    N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren talks to running back Hollywood Smothers (3) before N.C. State’s game against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

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  • Minnesota denies Michigan State first Big Ten win with 23-20 victory in overtime

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    Drake Lindsey scored on a 3-yard run in overtime and Minnesota denied Michigan State its first Big Ten Conference win of the season with a 23-20 victory on Saturday.

    Michigan State (3-6, 0-6) had the ball first in OT but had to settle for Martin Connington’s 36-yard field goal for a 20-17 lead.

    A pass interference call on third-and-4 kept the drive alive for Minnesota (6-3, 4-2) and Lindsey capped the rally when he scored on a third-and-goal rush to the left.

    It was a wild finish after the Golden Gophers took a 10-0 lead into halftime.

    Fame Ijeboi gained 49 yards on a first-down rush up the middle and then capped a five-play, 63-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give Minnesota (6-3, 4-2) a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. The Golden Gophers sacked Alessio Milivojevic three times in the period, but the redshirt freshman completed seven of his first nine passes for 71 yards in his first start.

    Michigan State junior Aidan Chiles had made 20 consecutive starts, but coach Jonathan Smith turned to Milivojevic after a rough start in conference play.

    Brady Denaburg kicked a 30-yard field goal in the second quarter but missed one from 33 with 17 seconds left as Minnesota built a 10-point lead at halftime.

    Milivojevic found Rodney Bullard Jr. along the right sidelines for a 71-yard touchdown three plays into the third quarter to get the Spartans within 10-7.

    Michigan State took its first lead of the game at 17-10 with 1:52 remaining. Elijah Tau-Tolliver gained 85 yards on a first-down run and Brandon Tullis ran it in from a yard out two plays later.

    Lindsey used nine plays to move the Gophers 65 yards, scoring on a 2-yard run with 29 seconds remaining to send it to OT.

    Lindsey completed 26 of 39 passes for 197 yards, while Ijeboi totaled 108 yards on 17 rushes.

    Milivojevic finished with 311 yards on 20-for-28 passing. Bullard had four receptions for 102 yards and Tau-Tolliver rushed for 127 yards on 11 carries.

    The takeaway

    Michigan State: The Spartans are off to a 0-6 start in the Big Ten for the first time since 2016 when they lost their first seven and finished 1-9. Their only conference victory came when they shut out visiting Rutgers 49-0.

    Minnesota: The Golden Gophers, who set a program record with nine sacks in a 24-6 victory over then-No. 25 Nebraska two weeks ago, had six in the first half against the Spartans and finished with seven.

    Up next

    Minnesota: Travels to play No. 6 Oregon on Nov. 14.

    Michigan State: Will host Penn State on Nov. 15.

    Note: The above video first aired on Oct. 30, 2025.

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  • No. 5 Georgia Rallies and Escapes ‘Cocktail Party’ With a 24-20 Victory Against Florida

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    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Gunner Stockton threw two touchdown passes, Chauncey Bowens scored on a late 36-yard run and No. 5 Georgia escaped the rivalry known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” with a 24-20 victory against Florida on Saturday.

    It was the Bulldogs’ fifth consecutive victory in the series and their eighth in the last nine meetings. But this one was closer than any of those others.

    Georgia stopped Florida on a fourth-and-1 at the Bulldogs 18-yard line with a little less than eight minutes to play, a momentum-turning moment in a back-and-forth game. Stockton and Zachariah Branch took over from there, putting Georgia (7-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) in position for its fourth come-from-behind victory in six league games.

    Bowens darted up the middle following the duo’s second connection and scampered untouched to the end zone.

    Florida (3-5, 2-3) had a chance late, but DJ Lagway’s deep pass short-hopped intended receiver J. Michael Sturdivant. Sturdivant got behind the defense and probably would have scored had the pass not been badly underthrown.

    Stockton, a noted alligator hunter in the offseason, completed 20 of 29 passes for 223 yards. Branch caught 10 passes for 112 yards.

    Bowens and Nate Frazier combined for 115 yards on the ground.

    Florida played inspired football in its first game since firing coach Billy Napier. Receiver Eugene Wilson III was the biggest benefactor of Napier’s departure. He more than doubled his receiving yards on the season, finishing with nine catches for 121 yards and a touchdown.

    Interim coach Billy Gonzales made an aggressive call to go for it on fourth down, but giving the ball to Jadan Baugh up the middle was as predictable as anything Napier did in his four seasons with the Gators.

    Georgia avoided becoming another top-10 team to lose Saturday and should stay put in the top five of the next AP College Football Poll. No. 9 Vanderbilt and No. 10 Miami lost on the road, with the Commodores falling at Texas and the Hurricanes dropping a game at SMU.


    Georgia loses two defenders

    The Bulldogs lost two starting defenders in the first half.

    Defensive lineman Jordan Hall injured his right knee on Georgia’s first defensive series. Hall’s leg got slammed into when teammate Raylen Wilson tackled Eugene Wilson III over the middle. Hall was helped off the field and into the locker room. The team quickly ruled him out for the game.

    Defensive back KJ Bolden was ejected for targeting in the second half. He was penalized 15 yards for leading a tackle with his helmet.


    Florida receiver watches second half in a walking boot

    Florida freshman receiver Dallas Wilson came out of the locker room after halftime wearing a walking boot on his right foot. Wilson caught one pass for 7 yards in the first half.

    He missed the first four games this season with a left foot injury. He scored three touchdowns in his first two college games but has been relatively quiet since.

    Georgia: The Bulldogs have too many holes to be considered a threat in the playoffs. Branch is the team’s only offensive star, and the Dawgs rank last in the SEC in sacks.

    Florida: Trey Smack set a school record with his ninth career field goal of 50 yards or longer, breaking a tie with Caleb Sturgis. Smack’s 54-yarder in the fourth put the Gators ahead 20-17.

    Georgia plays at Mississippi State next Saturday.

    Florida plays at Kentucky next Saturday.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

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  • Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown Help No. 16 Louisville Rush Past Virginia Tech in 28-16 Victory

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    BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Isaac Brown rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown before leaving late with a leg injury and Keyjuan Brown scored twice in the second half to lift No. 16 Louisville to a 28-16 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday.

    Miller Moss added a touchdown pass for the Cardinals (7-1, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), who rallied from a 16-7 halftime deficit to win their third straight game. Louisville also kept alive its hopes of making it to the ACC championship game.

    Moss threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Caullin Lacy early in the third quarter to pull the Cardinals within two points at 16-14. Lacy’s 65-yard punt return minutes later then set up Keyjuan Brown’s 2-yard touchdown run that gave the Cardinals a 21-16 lead.

    Keyjuan Brown put things away for the Cardinals late in the fourth, scoring on a 25-yard run with 2:16 to go. Keyjuan Brown finished 94 yards, part of a day during which Louisville rushed for 235 yards.

    Virginia Tech (3-6, 2-3) was led by Kyron Drones, who rushed for 85 yards and a touchdowns and also threw for a score. But the Hokies were shut out in the second half and amassed less than 100 yards in the final 30 minutes.

    Louisville: The Cardinals showed championship mettle on the road, scoring three second-half touchdowns and shutting out the Hokies. But the win possibly came with a cost as Isaac Brown, who entered as the ACC’s second-leading rusher, left with a lower leg injury with less than six minutes remaining.

    Virginia Tech: The Hokies simply didn’t do enough offensively in the second half to pull off the upset. They only had seven first downs and got into Louisville territory just twice in the second half.

    Louisville: Hosts California on Saturday.

    Virginia Tech: Plays at Florida State on Nov. 15.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

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  • Texas QB Arch Manning Available to Play Against No. 9 Vanderbilt After Clearing Concussion Protocol

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    AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas quarterback Arch Manning is available to play for the No. 20 Longhorns on Saturday against No. 9 Vanderbilt after clearing concussion protocol.

    Manning was not listed on Texas’ injury report filed Friday night with the Southeastern Conference. Manning had been listed as questionable on Wednesday, but coach Steve Sarkisian also said his quarterback was practicing and making “good progress” during the week.

    Manning was injured in Texas’ 45-38 overtime win over Mississippi State when he led a 17-point fourth-quarter rally. Matthew Caldwell entered the game in overtime and threw the winning touchdown pass.

    Manning has passed for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns. A preseason favorite for the Heisman Trophy, Manning struggled for much of the early season but played his best game against Mississippi State with 346 yards passing and three touchdowns. He passed for 169 yards in the final quarter.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

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  • The week in photos captures NC through the lens of News & Observer journalists

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    Rachel Ross and her mother Debra Riley bow their heads after placing a teddy bear and four balloons on the porch of the home of Wellington Dickens III in Zebulon, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Dickens faces four charges of murder in the deaths of his children 6-year-old Leah Dickens, 9-year-old Zoe Dickens, 10-year-old Wellington Dickens IV and 18-year-old Sean Brasfield, his stepson.

    Rachel Ross and her mother Debra Riley bow their heads after placing a teddy bear and four balloons on the porch of the home of Wellington Dickens III in Zebulon, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Dickens faces four charges of murder in the deaths of his children 6-year-old Leah Dickens, 9-year-old Zoe Dickens, 10-year-old Wellington Dickens IV and 18-year-old Sean Brasfield, his stepson.


    Ethan Hyman

    ehyman@newsobserver.com

    Here’s a curated selection of moments across North Carolina as captured through the lens of The News and Observer visual journalists. This feature can be seen in Sunday’s newspaper, as well as in our online Edition. See it at eedition.newsobserver.com.

    North Carolina wide receiver Kobe Paysour (8) fumbles the ball as he crosses the goal line, turning the ball over to Virginia on a touchback, in the first quarter on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
    North Carolina wide receiver Kobe Paysour (8) fumbles the ball as he crosses the goal line, turning the ball over to Virginia on a touchback, in the first quarter on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

    N.C. State Chancellor Kevin Howell speaks after he took the oath of office during his installation ceremony at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025.
    N.C. State Chancellor Kevin Howell speaks after he took the oath of office during his installation ceremony at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025.
    The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com

    North Carolina’s Kyan Evans and Winston-Salem State’s Jaiden Thompson scramble for a loose ball during the first half of the Tar Heels’ exhibition game on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
    North Carolina’s Kyan Evans and Winston-Salem State’s Jaiden Thompson scramble for a loose ball during the first half of the Tar Heels’ exhibition game on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

    The moon peeks behind riders on the State Fair Flyer at the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
    The moon peeks behind riders on the State Fair Flyer at the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

    The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025.
    The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com

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  • High School Playbook Show: Watch Week 11 recaps, highlights and game scores

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    High School Playbook Show: Watch Week 11 recaps, highlights and game scores

    STARTS NOW. THOSE TWO HELMETS CAN MEAN ONLY ONE THING. WELCOME TO KCRA 3’S HIGH SCHOOL PLAYBOOK SHOW. I’M DEL RODGERS. TONIGHT WE WILL SHOWCASE EVERY ASPECT THAT MAKES UP THE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE. FROM THE BANDS, THE FANS, CHEERLEADERS, GAME OFFICIALS, EVEN THE PARENTS IN THE STANDS. TONIGHT IS THE FINAL FRIDAY OF THE REGULAR FOOTBALL SEASON, WHERE SOME TEAMS MUST WIN TO PUNCH THEIR TICKET TO THE PLAYOFFS. WE START IN STOCKTON FOR THE BIGGEST GAME IN THAT CITY. IT WAS SENIOR NIGHT AS SAINT MARY’S PLAYED AT THE LINCOLN TROJANS FOR LINCOLN. KYLE MUNOZ, HE TAKES A HANDOFF AND THEN WATCH NUMBER FOUR COME HIGH, STEPPING OUT OF THE PACK BUSTING WOULD BE TACKLERS. KYLE MUNOZ HITS ANOTHER GEAR OUTRUNNING EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE GAME OFFICIAL, AS A 40 YARD TOUCHDOWN FOR THE TROJANS. BUT SAINT MARY’S IS THE REAL DEAL. JAYDEN GALVIN HE DROPS BACK WITH PLENTY OF TIME AND CONFIDENCE AND PATIENCE, FIRES A 75 YARD BOMB TO CARTER WILLIAMS. CW GETS IT, TAKES IT IN FOR A TOUCHDOWN. SAINT MARY’S WOULD HANG ON TO WIN AT LINCOLN OF STOCKTON. FINAL SCORE 54 TO 41. IN SACRAMENTO. PLEASANT GROVE WAS AT LAGUNA CREEK CARDINALS. THIS WAS PLAYED YESTERDAY. 25 GAMES PLAYED YESTERDAY. SO WE HAD TO GIVE SOME OF THESE TEAMS SOME LOVE TONIGHT. LAGUNA CREEK STRIKES ON THEIR OPENING DRIVE. JAYDEN DEBS WITH A KEEPER FOR THE SCORE. EXTRA POINT IS BLOCKED BUT THE CARDINALS LEAD SIX TO NOTHING. PG&E EAGLES WOULD RESPOND IN A GOOD WAY. KELLY HERNANDEZ TAKES THE HANDOFF RIGHT UP THE MIDDLE. TOUCHDOWN. PLEASANT GROVE. LATER IN THE FIRST HALF LAGUNA CREEK DOWN. THEY GET TO WORK KYLE DRAPER TAKES THE PITCH, BREAKS, TACKLES, FIGHTS HIS WAY INTO THE ENDZONE. BUT IT WOULDN’T BE ENOUGH. PLEASANT GROVE WOULD HANG ON TO UPSET LAGUNA CREEK. 3128 IS THE FINAL SCORE AND ANOTHER HUGE BATTLE TONIGHT. THE GRANITE BAY GRIZZLIES. THEY FACED THE FOLSOM BULLDOGS. KCRA 3 MICHELLE DAPPER HAS THE OUTCOME OF THIS SIERRA FOOTHILL LEAGUE BATTLE, WHERE THE WINNER BECOMES THE LEAGUE CHAMPION. I’LL HAVE WATT AVENUE FOLSOM SHOWING UP LIKE SMOOTH OPERATORS ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT ON THE BLUE AGAINST GRANITE BAY. UP 28 SEVEN. IN THE THIRD. BULLDOGS DRIVING AGAIN. RYDER LYONS AND JAMESON POWELL ALREADY WITH TWO TOUCHDOWNS ON THE NIGHT HE HITS HIM AGAIN. HE’S DOWN AT THE ONE YARD LINE. THEY’D SCORE ON THE NEXT PLAY TO THE FOURTH QUARTER. STARTERS WERE OUT. THE BACKUPS DIDN’T SKIP A BEAT. BRODY RUDNICKY CONNECTS WITH ARIANNA KUEHNE. THE GREAT CATCH DOWN AT THE 15 YARD LINE. AND THEN RUDNICKY FINDS A BOLTON FOR THE ONE YARD TOUCHDOWN. TOUGH NIGHT FOR GRANITE BAY. ELIJAH WILLIAMS WITH THE MONSTER SAC FOLSOM WINS THE SFL TITLE 4214. JUST BECAUSE YOU DID IT LAST YEAR, JUST BECAUSE YOU DID THE YEAR BEFORE THAT, LIKE WE HAVE NEW KIDS. WE HAD A LOT OF WE’RE REALLY YOUNG PEOPLE MIGHT THINK WE’RE OLD BECAUSE THE QUARTERBACK’S BEEN THERE, THE RECEIVERS HAVE BEEN THERE, BUT TWO SOPHOMORE LINEMEN, TWO SOPHOMORE RUNNING BACKS, TWO SOPHOMORES ON THE D-LINE, UNDERCLASSMEN, JUNIORS ALL ACROSS THE BOARD. LIKE, WE’RE REALLY, REALLY YOUNG AND WE’VE HAD TO WORK TO GET TO THIS POINT. THERE’S A LOT OF EMOTIONS, BUT I’M HAPPY ABOUT THIS TEAM. OUR DEFENSE PLAYED AWESOME TONIGHT. LOTS OF STOPS. SO YEAH, JUST JUST PROUD AND HAPPY. SO WITH THAT SFL TITLE THE BULLDOGS NOW GET A FIRST ROUND BYE. AND THE NUMBER ONE SEED IN DIVISION ONE IN FOLSOM MICHELLE DAPPER FOR HIGH SCHOOL PLAYBOOK. ALL RIGHTY. IN EL DORADO HILLS OAK RIDGE TAKING ON ROCKLAND. ON THE FIRST PLAY OF THE GAME, OAK RIDGE GOES DEEP. CHECK HIM OUT. NICK JOHNSON TO A JACK RUNNER UP FOR A 50 YARD RECEPTION. THAT ENDS UP WAIT FOR IT AT THE 15 YARD LINE. GREAT THROW AND CATCH. A FEW PLAYS LATER, JASON WOMACK PUNCHES IT IN. AND JUST LIKE THAT, OAK RIDGE, THEY LEAD SEVEN TO NOTHING. AND GUESS WHAT? THEY WOULD NEVER TRAIL. IN FACT, THEY WOULD GO ON TO POUR IT ON NICK JOHNSON AGAIN. THIS TIME HE FINDS BRAXTON. BRAXTON MARTINEZ FOR ANOTHER OAK RIDGE TOUCHDOWN. TROJANS WIN. FINAL SCORE TONIGHT, 34 TO 14. NOW TO OUR KCRA 3’S HIGH SCHOOL PLAYBOOK. ENVISION MOTORS MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GIRLS VARSITY FLAG FOOTBALL FEATURED GAME OF THE WEEK, WHERE A SHOT AT A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IS UNDERWAY. NOW. EARLIER THIS WEEK, THE PLAY IN TEAMS BATTLED FOR A SPOT IN THE PLAYOFFS. HIRAM JOHNSON TOOK ON THE ROCKLAND THUNDER. NOW THE JOHNSON WARRIORS PLAYED GREAT DEFENSE AT TIMES LIKE THIS. SHEILA VANG INTERCEPTION ON THE ROCKLIN THUNDER PASS ATTEMPT, BUT ROCKLAND’S OFFENSE WOULD HAVE AN OVERALL GREAT NIGHT. RENEE HAS PLENTY OF TIME TO FIND ASHLEY FULLER. THAT’S A 30 YARD ROCKLAND THUNDER TOUCHDOWN PASS AND CATCH FOR THE THUNDER. THEN ON DEFENSE, SAME TEAM ROCKING WITH US. PLAYS LIKE THIS TO KEEP JOHNSON OUT OF THE END ZONE ALISON QUAN WITH A PICK SIX FOR THE THUNDER ROCKLAND DEFENSE PUT POINTS ON THE BOARD AND PITCHED THE SHUTOUT. ROCKLAND WINS 27 TO NOTHING AND IS HEADED TO THE PLAYOFFS. FIRST PLAY PLAYOFF GAME AND SO. JOHNSON WAS LIKE, PRETTY SCRAPPY AND OUR GIRLS REALLY PLAYED A NICE GAME. AND SO ONE THING THAT WE HAVE IS WE HAVE OUR LEAGUE IS REALLY GOOD. AND SO WE’RE KIND OF BATTLE TESTED. YOU KNOW, EVEN THOUGH MAYBE OUR RECORD DOESN’T DOESN’T REFLECT HOW GOOD WE ARE. WE’VE BEEN IN A LOT OF CLOSE GAMES. SO I THINK THAT’S GOING TO HELP US GOING FORWARD. I THINK WE HAD REALLY GOOD CONTAINMENT TODAY. DIDN’T LET ANYTHING OUTSIDE BREAKING DOWN A LOT, HAD A LOT OF GOOD FLAGPOLES IN THE BACK. ALL RIGHT. AS WE DO EVERY WEEK, IT’S TIME TO SHOW OFF OUR HIGH SCHOOL PLAYBOOK. GREAT CLIPS, CATCH OF THE WEEK. AND FOR THE FINAL WEEK OF THE REGULAR SEASON, OUR GREAT CLIPS KEPT TO THE WEEK WAS TURNED IN BY CHAVEZ HIGH SCHOOL IN STOCKTON. ELIJAH WALKER GOES TO THE AIR, LOBBING IT INTO THE CORNER OF THE END ZONE WHERE JOEL DONNELL IS THERE FOR THE BRING IN OUR KCRA 3’S HIGH SCHOOL PLAYBOOK. GREAT CLIPS CATCH OF THE WEEK. AND BY THE WAY, IT’S A 25 YARD CHAVEZ. TITANS TOUCHDOWN. ALL RIGHT. TO BRING AND TO KEEP OUR PROMISE OF BRINGING YOU EVERY ASPECT OF FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL. IT’S TIME TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR SHRINERS CHILDREN’S OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEER TEAM OF THE WEEK. LISTEN TO WATCH THESE BECAUSE THEY’RE GREAT. 16 MEMBER VARSITY CHEERLEADERS FROM LINDEN HIGH SCHOOL IN LONDON. THEIR HEAD COACH, SERENITY HARDCASTLE, SAYS HER VARSITY LONDON LIONS CHEERLEADERS LOVE TO MAKE THE FANS IN THE STANDS STAND UP AND CHEER EVERY GAME, SHE SAYS THEY LOVE CONTROLLING THE EMOTIONS OF EVERYONE DURING THEIR HOME AND AWAY GAMES. THAT DOES IT FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE PLAYBOOK SHOW COMING UP AFTER A QUICK COMMERCIAL BREAK. I’VE GOT OUR FANS OF THE WEEK PLUS OUR GAME OF THE WEEK, BUT FOR NOW, IT’S TIME TO MEET OUR HIGH SCHOOL PLAYBOOK GAME OFFICIALS OF THE WEEK FIVE PERSON. THEY’RE THE VARSITY CREW, THE CREW CHIEF. HE’S COMING UP IN THE WHITE CAP. HIS NAME IS MIKE. RIGHT. SO MR. RIGHT HAS REFEREED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES FOR 12 YEARS. WHEN HE’S NOT THROWING HIS YELLOW FLAG, MIKE, RIGHT, IS A SHEET METAL WORKER IN THE BAY

    High School Playbook Show: Watch Week 11 recaps, highlights and game scores

    Updated: 11:40 PM PDT Oct 31, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    KCRA 3’s High School Playbook show is sharing the highlights from Friday Night Lights.Watch Del Rodgers give a recap of the 11th week of games across the Sac-Joaquin Section in Northern California on Halloween.Part 1 of the show is in the video above with several action-packed game recaps, Catch of the Week and more.You can watch part 2 with Game of the Week coverage and more in the video below.See more high school football scores below:Did you miss week 10? Catch it here.

    KCRA 3’s High School Playbook show is sharing the highlights from Friday Night Lights.

    Watch Del Rodgers give a recap of the 11th week of games across the Sac-Joaquin Section in Northern California on Halloween.

    Part 1 of the show is in the video above with several action-packed game recaps, Catch of the Week and more.

    You can watch part 2 with Game of the Week coverage and more in the video below.

    See more high school football scores below:

    Did you miss week 10? Catch it here.

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  • Vikings QB Max Brosmer continues to mentor former teammate, Gophers QB Drake Lindsey

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    For both Max Brosmer and Drake Lindsey, the first day they met at the University of Minnesota marked the beginning of a new chapter.

    “I was like, ‘this kid’s huge. I wish I was that big,’” Brosmer said. “That was back when (Lindsey) weighed 250.”

    Brosmer, four years older and Minnesota’s starting quarterback in 2024, quickly became a mentor to Lindsey, a true freshman, as they navigated the Golden Gophers QB room together.

    “He earned my respect really quick because he was always in the building,” Lindsey said, now the Gophers’ starting QB. “Once you earn that respect, you’re gonna listen to somebody that’s older than you and that’s had success. It kind of felt like we were both in a new place together at the same time. Which also really helped. We were both learning things about Minnesota together.”

    Now, 22 months since that first Gophers report day. Brosmer has moved on. He impressed the Minnesota Vikings so much in training camp that he made the team as an undrafted free agent.

    “When I saw he was going to the Vikings it was obviously a blessing because you have one of your close friends back in the city,” Lindsey said. “I had 100% faith the whole time because I’ve seen him work. I’ve seen his consistency, day in and day out. So, there was no doubt in my mind. Ultimately, it’s just really cool the situation he’s in now and just happy for him.”

    On a fall Monday night, the pair signed autographs at a Minneapolis restaurant, the friendship continuing. The mentorship never stopped. Brosmer requests the Gophers film from Lindsey every week.

    “There’s gonna be mistakes. There’s gonna be some amazing plays. And everything in between,” said Brosmer. “I just do my best to pick through the film with a fine-tooth comb. As long as I’m doing my job with the Vikings, I have a few minutes to do what I can with Drake.”

    “I really do try and talk to him as much as I can,” said Lindsey. “Just because of the friendship we have but also, he’s super, super smart. And that’s something I’ll always try to keep feeding off of because you always try to find one thing that can get you better throughout the week that maybe you can apply to your game on Sunday, and for him on Sunday.”

    Brosmer has captured the attention of a specific subset of Minnesota football die-hards that root for both the professional and collegiate. With the quarterback injuries the Vikings have had, it’s common to see his supporters on social media lobbying for many more snaps in purple. But is Brosmer aware of this?

    “To be honest, not to the extent that you’re speaking on,” Brosmer answered as Lindsey laughed to his right. “I do my best to get off social media throughout the year. It’s more of an offseason thing. So maybe I’ll go back after the season and ‘oh this is pretty funny.’”

    Two quarterbacks who have come a long way — and are still just a few miles apart.   

     “Sometimes I’ll text Drake, ‘hey, what coverage do you think this is?’” said Brosmer. “Test him with stuff that I’m seeing. So eventually down the road, he can be like ‘oh, I saw that text three years ago, I know exactly what defense that is.’”

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    Ren Clayton

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  • North Carolina drills Syracuse for Bill Belichick’s first ACC win :: WRALSportsFan.com

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    By Brian Murphy, WRAL News

    North Carolina Tar Heels 27
    Syracuse OrangeSyracuse Orange 10
    Final

    North Carolina coach Bill Belichick earned his first Atlantic Coast Conference victory and first win over a power-conference opponent Friday night behind a dominant second-half performance by his Tar Heels at Syracuse.

    Freshman running back Demon June had two third-quarter touchdowns for the Tar Heels, who snapped a four-game losing streak in a 27-10 victory over an overmatched Syracuse team that started a freshman walk-on at quarterback.

    The NFL coaching legend won six Super Bowl titles as head coach of the New England Patriots, but success eluded him early in the season. UNC (3-5 overall, 1-3 in the ACC) had been 0-5 against power-conference opponents in Belichick’s first season in Chapel Hill.

    “The guys just keep grinding,” Belichick said on ESPN after the win. “I thought our conditioning really helped us. We were able to take over in the fourth quarter. Kind of ran the ball when they knew we were going to run it.”

    North Carolina has looked better in recent weeks after suffering three blowout defeats in their first three games against power-conference foes, but the Tar Heels came up just short in losses at Cal and at home against a ranked Virginia team.

    UNC trailed 10-6 at halftime, despite outgaining Syracuse 208-71 in the first two quarters, but June scored on a 73-yard screen pass on the Tar Heels’ first play of the second half to put them ahead. It was the first time all season that UNC has led in the second half against a power conference opponent.

    June scored on a five-yard run late in the third quarter, capping a 12-play, 80-yard drive where UNC established itself on the ground against Syracuse’s poor run defense. June finished with 101 yards rushing and 81 yards receiving.

    “We made a lot of plays with the ball in our hands,” Belichick said during his on-field postgame interview. “We made some yards after the catch and after we had the first hit.”

    The Tar Heels added another touchdown on a 21-yard pass from quarterback Gio Lopez to receiver Jordan Shipp early in the fourth quarter. The score came after defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude chased down Syracuse quarterback Joe Filardi and forced a fumble that was recovered by UNC’s Smith Vilbert.

    The defense allowed just three points and had three sacks.

    “Good team win,” Belichick said. “Good to be on track.”

    UNC dominated statistically in the first half, but still trailed at halftime thanks to red-zone issues and a costly fumble that was returned for a touchdown.

    The Tar Heels, plagued by trouble near the opposing end zone all season, settled for a field goal after moving the ball to the Syracuse 1 in the first quarter. UNC committed a false start penalty on fourth-and-goal, forcing the Tar Heels to settle for a 24-yard field goal from Rece Verhoff. Receiver Kobe Paysour had a 50-yard catch-and-run to get UNC to the Syracuse 3.

    On UNC’s next drive, wide receiver Shamar Easter fumbled on a hit by Devin Grant. Syracuse’s Anwar Sparrow picked up the ball and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown to give the Orange a 7-3 lead.

    Syracuse added a field goal early in the second quarter, and Verhoff answered with a 43-yard field goal in the final minute of the half.

    Syracuse (3-6, 1-5) has lost five consecutive games, coinciding with a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Steve Angeli. Filardi, a lacrosse standout, struggled badly in his first start. He completed 1-of-11 passes in the first half and finished 4-of-18 for 39 yards.

    Lopez passed for a season-high 216 yards and had two touchdowns. He completed 15-of-19 passes and rushed for 33 yards.

    “I thought Gio picked up some key third downs for us with his running, even though it wasn’t for big numbers,” Belichick said on ESPN. “It was for five [yards] when we needed four.”

    The Tar Heels don’t leave North Carolina for the final four games of the regular season. UNC hosts Stanford before finishing at Wake Forest, vs. Duke and at NC State. The Tar Heels need three victories to achieve bowl eligibility in Belichick’s first season.

    Scoring summary

    First quarter

    UNC – Rece Verhoff 24 kick, 7:59. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:20. Key play: Quarterback Gio Lopez connected with receiver Kobe Paysour on a 50-yard catch and run, moving the ball to the Syracuse 3. But UNC couldn’t convert and had a false start on fourth-and-goal from the 1. UNC 3, Syracuse 0.

    SU – Anwar Sparrow 51 fumble return, 4:38. No drive. Key play: Sparrow picked up a fumble by North Carolina receiver Shamar Easter after a two-yard catch across the middle and returned it for a touchdown. Devin Grant forced the fumble. Syracuse 7, UNC 3.

    Second quarter

    SU – Tripp Woody 31 field goal, 12:17. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 5:41. Key play: North Carolina committed a face mask penalty on a sack on third-and-10 at the UNC 17 to give the Orange another chance. Syracuse 10, North Carolina 3.

    UNC – Verhoff 43 field goal, 0:36. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:05. Key play: Running back Demon June rushed for 44 yards up the middle to move the Tar Heels into Syracuse territory. Syracuse 10, North Carolina 6.

    Third quarter

    UNC – June 72 pass from Gio Lopez (Verhoff kick), 13:26. Drive: 1 play, 72 yards, 0:13. Key play: June took a screen pass from Lopez, and Syracuse couldn’t tackle him. North Carolina 13, Syracuse 10.

    UNC – June 5 run (Verhoff kick), 0:08. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:10. Key play: Lopez completed a 14-yard pass to Paysour on third-and-15, and June picked up a first down on fourth-and-1. North Carolina 20, Syracuse 10.

    Fourth quarter

    UNC – Jordan Shipp 21 pass from Lopez (Verhoff kick), 10:35. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:18. Key play: Defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude chased down Syracuse QB Joe Filardi and forced a fumble that was recovered by UNC’s Smith Vilbert at the Syracuse 34. North Carolina 27, Syracuse 10.

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