stjoelive.com | Stories for September 2008

Royals start planning for next season

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Royals bumbled through August, with poor pitching, weak pitching, even botched popups turning another disappointing season downright ugly. Then came September. The pitching got better, the bats produced hits and runs in bunches and the wins started piling up. The monthlong run wasn't enough to make up for the disappointment of the 14th losing season in 15 years. Losing always hurts, even when you've done it as much as the Royals.

Chiefs hope to build on 1st win of season

KANSAS CITY - A year without winning can play tricks on a man's mind. Just ask Herm Edwards, who had trouble sleeping Sunday night after his Kansas City Chiefs halted a franchise-record 12-game losing streak with a 33-19 victory over Denver. "I kept asking my wife about 1 o'clock, 'We won, right?'" Edwards said Tuesday. "She said, 'Yeah, you won, honey.'"

Bearcats ready for Arrowhead

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The thrill of shocking Nebraska-Omaha 42-0 is over. Now, Northwest Missouri State's football players are looking forward to the thrill of an NFL venue for their next big rivalry game. Defensive tackle Tyler Roach said he's sure he'll have some nervousness again as he walks down the Arrowhead Stadium tunnel and appears before an expected 20,000 fans for Saturday's 5 p.m. kickoff of the Fall Classic at Arrowhead VII.

Tuesday's College sports 09-30-08

Northwest, Pitt St. engage in annual battle for supremacy

KANSAS CITY Â-- A later start but no less interest mark the seventh installment of the Fall Classic at Arrowhead, which pits Northwest Missouri State and Pittsburg State at 5 p.m. Saturday clash of nationally ranked teams. Northwest athletic director Dr. Bob Boerigter said the game time had been moved back because of feedback he had received from young families who indicated it was difficult to juggle youth activities such as soccer and football with the trip to Kansas City for an earlier kickoff. That was not such a problem when the game was later in the season, he said.

Tuesday's prep sports 09-30-08

Bearcat tackle: Born to run

To borrow from a Bruce Springsteen song title, Northwest Missouri State defensive end Sean Paddock must believe he was "Born to Run." The 6-foot-2, 285-pound junior provided a thrilling, yet almost comical 52-yard return of a fumble two weekends ago at Truman State. He tightly clung to the ball with both hands as he rumbled toward the goal line. The Bulldogs closed in on him for the last 15 yards, dropping him at the 6-yard line.

6th District candidate forum postponed

Chamber pushes for find new date for event

The federal bailout deliberations in Congress have generated at least one immediate impact locally. The congressional candidate forum scheduled for Friday by the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce has been postponed.

The Best and the Rest: Week 6

Two weeks ago, a fellow MIAA scribe told me, "Only UNO can beat UNO." On Saturday, about 30 minutes before kickoff at Yager Stadium, another fellow beat writer stopped by to chat about the conference - specifically Nebraska-Omaha's dominance of it. The general consensus seemed to be that the Mavericks were just a few hours away from another statement game.

Chiefs' Gonzalez disappointed not to get chance to break record at home

KANSAS CITY - A disappointed Tony Gonzalez wants to know why Kansas City coaches refused to throw a short pass his way in the final minutes Sunday, leaving him 3 yards short of the career tight end receiving record. Gonzalez did have a 10-yard touchdown catch in a 33-19 victory over Denver that snapped the Chiefs' 12-game losing streak. But he wanted to set the receiving record in front of family and fans at Arrowhead Stadium. "I had my family out there. I wanted to do it in front of the fans, in a home game," said Gonzalez, the most productive tight end in NFL history. "It would have been a great way to do it. I'm disappointed by that, for whatever reason my number wasn't called at times."

Monday's prep boxes

Western's Etu sparks defense

Some of the defensive tackle mentality remains even if the size that helped Soane Etu play that position in junior college hasn't. At 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, Etu has used his speed and agility at defensive end to finish second in the MIAA in sacks last year and leads the conference in that category this season. But the Missouri Western senior still disrupts the middle of the line as well. Last Saturday in Topeka, Kan., Washburn ran Justin Cooper on second-and-goal from the Western 1-yard line. Etu fought through two blockers and threw Cooper for a 1-yard loss. Two weeks ago, Etu burst through the middle of Pittsburg State's line twice to block field goals.

CD Review: Metallica "Death Magnetic"

The lords of thrash metal try to channel their inner "Master."

For Metallica's first album in five years "Death Magnetic," the first sound that you hear is not a distorted guitar or a double bass drum. It's the sound of a beating heart, slow and labored.

High-profile Democrats to help Barnes

The campaign of congressional candidate Kay Barnes gets a boost early this week from a pair of high-profile Democrats.

St. Joseph boxer ready for next step

Heading into his United States Boxing Council bantamweight title bout against Alex Baba, St. Joseph native Andre Wilson knew one thing - stay off of the ropes. But for most of the match, Wilson used the ropes to his advantage and countered Baba well enough for the 25-year old to outlast his older opponent for a 10-round unanimous decision in front of 500 fans at the St. Joseph Civic Arena Saturday evening.

Chiefs break 12-game losing streak

KANSAS CITY - It didn't seem like 11 months to Brian Waters since Kansas City's last victory. "It seemed like 10 years," said the veteran left guard, grinning ear-to-ear. "It's a sigh of relief to be able to have a little bit of joy in your life." Larry Johnson, two weeks after complaining that he was being phased out, ran for 198 yards and two touchdowns to lead the previously winless Chiefs past the previously unbeaten Broncos 33-19 Sunday, snapping a franchise-record 12-game losing streak.

Columbia's Edwards gambles at Kansas Speedway --- and loses

Carl Edwards dove to the inside of Jimmie Johnson going into Turn 3 on the final lap. The crowd at Kansas Speedway responded as the Columbia, Mo., native took the lead from Johnson. But it didn't last long. Edwards' risky move - called a slide job - in the final turn of the Camping World RV 400 landed him against the wall. Johnson went around him for the win in the third of 10 races in Sprint Cup's Chase for the Championship.

Game Blog: Washburn 21, Western 16

I grew up in Colorado and went to college at Mizzou. In short, I've never had a horse in the MIAA race nor cared much about the winners either way . My opinions of each school have been shaped by my interactions with its coaches, SID and athletes. And on the whole, covering this conference has been a great experience, dealing with helpful and friendly people on a daily basis. With that preface out of the way, there are times when your objectivity can't help but give way to your humanity, and we're there with this Missouri Western team.

Wilson wins USBC title

A few local boxers racked up some victories Saturday night at Civic Arena. St. Joseph's Andre Wilson won the U.S.B.C. bantamweight title with a unanimous decision over Alex Baba.

Chiefs hope for some luck against undefeated Broncos

KANSAS CITY - While everybody raves about how lucky Denver's been, Kansas City coach Herm Edwards finds something even more admirable about the unbeaten Broncos. They've been smart, Edwards says. Most of all, they've been steadfast. They put up with the inevitable growing pains of young players, particularly quarterback Jay Cutler, and are now reaping the rewards. It's the sort of thing a coach in Edwards' seat would quickly note. He's struggling with a restive, unruly fan base and an 0-3 team loaded with young players who are experiencing the same fatal errors that Mike Shanahan's Broncos displayed while Cutler and other young athletes were coming around.

Saturday's College Sports

Northwest Missouri State game notes

With its second straight shutout, Northwest had racked up a 106-0 scoring advantage over the past nine quarters. That streak dates back to a 15-point fourth quarter against Missouri Western on Sept. 13. The Bearcats whitewashed Truman State 49-0 last week in Kirksville, Mo.

Saturday's Prep Sports

Western game notes

During fall practice, Missouri Western quarterback Drew Newhart said throwing fewer interceptions was one of his goals for his sophomore season. Last year, Newhart threw for 2,089 yards and 21 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions. With three picks Saturday in Western's 21-17 loss to Washburn, Newhart already has matched that interception total from last year, and the Griffons still have six games remaining.

Momentum propels Biffle into Kansas Speedway

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Greg Biffle is a firm believer in momentum. So the winner of two straight races is feeling pretty good heading into today's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway. "It's right in our wheelhouse," Biffle said. "We won here last year, we're good on mile-and-a-half tracks, and we had a great Charlotte test (earlier this week). Man, I feel good about it." The Roush Fenway Racing driver, hoping to add a Cup title to the championships he won earlier in his career in the second-tier Nationwide - then Busch - series and the third-tier truck series, is the first driver to win the first two races of the 10-race Chase for the championship since NASCAR introduced the format in 2004.

Emporia boy nearly scores in Kansas Lottery 300

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Clint Bowyer wants to come home and win so badly, but the Emporia, Kan., native will have to wait until at least today. Bowyer finished second in Saturday's Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway, moving his string of top-10 finishes at his home track to four straight. But a win again eluded him with Denny Hamlin leading the final 43 of 200 laps for his fourth Nationwide Series win of the season. "When you come back home, all you can ask for is hopefully be fast and run up front," said Bowyer, who also finished second at last year's Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway. "It means so much to me to come back here and have so much support people show me. It's a lot of fun to be able to try to put on a show for them, try to win. You feel like you are winning for them.

Benedictine wilts again in second half

ATCHISON, Kan. - The second half doomed Benedictine again on Saturday, as the Ravens' squandered a narrow lead at intermission and ultimately fell to Baker 35-24 in Atchison. Baker quarterback Mack Brown proved to be the difference-maker. He completed 28 of 39 passes for 365 yards and threw three touchdown passes.

Northwest mauls Nebraska-Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. - Nebraska-Omaha wasn't interested in recruiting Tyler Roach. Northwest Missouri State's junior defensive tackle remembered that on Saturday, blocking a field goal, returning a fumble for a touchdown and recording a sack in the Bearcats' 42-0 shocker against the Mavericks.

Griffons repeat mistakes, fall to 1-4

TOPEKA, Kan. - Heartbreak has a new mascot: the Griffon. Mixing elements of its loss to Northwest Missouri State two weeks ago - the prospect of a road upset that ended on an interception in the end zone - with a last-second defeat to Pittsburg State last week - a game that came down to a final play inside the opponent's 5-yard line - Missouri Western came up just short again Saturday. Washburn's Zack Watkins intercepted Drew Newhart in the end zone on the final play of the game, preserving the Ichabods' 21-17 victory at Yager Stadium.

Nebraska kid stars for Northwest

Tyler Roach made Nebraska-Omaha pay on Saturday for snubbing him back in 2004-05. Roach was an honorable mention All-State Class A defensive tackle in Nebraska, playing for Elkhorn, an Omaha suburb. He also was selected to the all-district and All-Omaha first teams.

Three scouts walk into Caniglia field ...

OMAHA, Neb. -- This may start out like a bad joke, but this actually happened on Saturday in the press box in the moments before Nebraska-Omaha and Northwest Missouri State opened their MIAA clash at Omaha's Caniglia Field:

GAME BLOG: Mound City 52, Worth County 6

Football teams only get three timeouts in a half, as far as I can figure. Maybe Canadian football might be different -- scratch that -- I know it's different. But you still only get three timeouts per half.

Hamilton smacks S. Harrison

BETHANY, Mo. - A strong season and home field advantage weren't enough to bring down the undefeated Hamilton. South Harrison coach Caleb Obert said the team's practices during the week gave him high hopes for Friday's game. "We were focused - better than we had ever been," Obert said. But it didn't pay off as the Hornets overwhelmed the Bulldogs 54-8.

Atchison falls after quick start

After an impressive first drive that resulted in a touchdown, Atchison's offense could not find its footing Friday against Perry-Lecompton. The Kaws responded with three touchdowns of their own before the night was over, and the Redmen dropped their second-straight 21-7 at Amelia Earhart Stadium.

Savages get to 5-0 with comeback

Dust off the record books in Andrew County. The Savages look ready to rewrite them. Savannah moved to 5-0 on Friday - taking advantage of three Bishop LeBlond turnovers in the third quarter - in a come-from-behind, 28-17 victory in front of 1,200 fans at Eagle Stadium. The win also moved the Savages to 2-0 in the Midland Empire Conference heading into another league game against Benton next week. LeBlond falls to 1-4 (0-4 MEC).

Mistakes doom Fighting Irish

SMITHVILLE - There's no denying the Lafayette Fighting Irish has some dangerous weapons when they get the pigskin in their hands. The only problem - and right now it's a big one - is those weapons all too often blow up in their face. The latest example came Friday night when a handful of untimely miscues undid some eye-catching numbers by the Irish offense during a 35-7 loss to Smithville in a Midland Empire Conference matchup at Warrior Field.

Christian rolls over Heartland

St. Joseph Christian pounced quickly Friday night en route to a 64-20 victory against the Heartland Mustangs. Christian's David Welchert scored the first touchdown of the game no more than two minutes into the game, accompanied by a two-point conversion from halfback Luke Mathes. Mathes scored on a 30-yard run only three minutes later, and the Lions never looked back.

Chillicothe's offense bowls over Benton

When Chillicothe braces for the snap, there's no telling who will end up with the ball in the Hornets' crowded backfield. With as many as four black helmets crammed next to each other, the options seem endless. Take your pick. The result often turns out the same - another handful of yards in a slow, steady march to the end zone. Behind a tremendously balanced running attack, the Hornets efficiently bowled over Benton at Spark Field on the way to a 37-6 victory Friday night.

Mound City puts on impressive show while taking apart Worth Co.

GRANT CITY, Mo. - Mound City needed just 12 seconds of game time to score Friday night, and the Panthers didn't even take the opening kickoff. Mound City is just that impressive right now. Worth County quarterback Kyler Hiatt fumbled on the game's opening play, and Mound City's first play went 22 yards for a touchdown, sparking a 52-6 blowout win at Worth County High School. Worth County saw its 16-game winning streak come to almost an unbelievable end with the head coaches agreeing to stop the game at halftime.

Friday's prep boxes

Sportsmen celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day

What started out as a small, simple way of thanking the sportsmen of Pennsylvania has now turned into one of our country's most effective grassroots efforts to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Today, American sportsmen celebrate the 36th National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Chillicothe's Ducks on Parade takes off on Swiss concept

It started in Zurich, Switzerland and eventually worked its way to Kansas City, Chicago and about 29 other cities throughout the world. The idea was simple: Decorate fiberglass replica cows and place them on display before auctioning them off to raise money for charity. Steve Holt of Chillicothe latched onto this concept and as an outdoorsman decided to alter it a little by using ducks, and more specifically, beautifully decorated decoys.

Northwest Missouri State scouting report

Northwest Missouri State at Nebraska-Omaha

Missouri Western scouting report

Missouri Western at Washburn

Western kicker makes place for himself

Missouri Western still has 20 minutes of practice in full pads remaining on this clear, balmy evening. At each end of Spratt Stadium, the Griffons run through contact drills, trying to pay a heavy enough price in practice to help end their three-game losing streak. Specialists can only kick so much during these two-hour sessions before it becomes detrimental to their health and game-day readiness. At this point in practice, the Griffons' kickers have surpassed that threshold. To pass the time, punter Jamie Hanson - a 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior with a linebacker mentality - does pushups. As for Western's other starting kicker, he is already in the locker room.

Week 5 Pick 'em

On the eve of Missouri Western's next football game, it's certainly time to move on from the events of last Saturday's Griffon-Gorilla matchup at Spratt Stadium. But I wanted to add one more note from my 30-minute conversation with Phil Laurie, the MIAA's director of football officials. Laurie certainly didn't have to talk to me at all, not to mention with the honesty and depth that he used. Laurie has been on the job for less than two months, but he already has a vision to transform the officiating process in the MIAA.

Classical changes

The Saint Joseph Symphony kicks off a new season with a new direction this weekend

Back on April 26, the Saint Joseph Symphony celebrated a century of existence. It was meant to be a joyful occasion that would hopefully bring out an appreciative St. Joseph community to recognize the achievement of this classical institution. But symphony second trumpeter Bill Richardson couldn't help but notice that the Missouri Theater's nearly 2,000 seats weren't even close to being filled. "We had 360 ticket stubs. It's almost embarrassing," Richardson says. Now, with the departure of long-time musical director Dr. Deborah Freedman, the Saint Joseph Symphony will be searching for a new musical director and plotting out a new course with its 2008-09 season, which kicks off with "Of Magic and Myth" at 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Missouri Theater. Tickets are $10 to $35.

The pride of the stage

The smash Broadway musical 'The Lion King' comes to Kansas City next week

In the jungle, the mighty jungle, these lions definitely aren't sleeping. Singing, dancing and performing Disney's "The Lion King," one of the most successful, critically-acclaimed Broadway shows of the past decade, is more like it.

Celebrate Oktoberfest

All ages can enjoy authentic German music, food and crafts at Crown Center

So you can't make it to Munich this year to celebrate their annual Oktoberfest. You can head to the next best thing: Oktoberfest at Crown Center and Washington Square Park in Kansas City.

Having the last laugh

MGMT have gone from college goof-offs to the next big thing

Although they are doing shows with Beck today, Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser never really thought they would be touring worldwide when they met as freshmen at Wesleyan University in 2002. The two started making jams out of dorm room boredom. "We kind of started messing around and making music on Ben's laptop," VanWyngarden says. "But we were just fooling around." Six years later, "fooling around" has given them a booming fanbase and a unique, yet oddly familiar, sound. MGMT's (formerly known as The Management) album "Oracular Spectacular" is often described as psychedelic pop, but the band also incorporates elements of classic rock, funk and R&B in its synth-induced loops.

The shuffle: And the award goes to... who cares?

Last Sunday, television's brightest stars came out for the 60th Annual Emmy Awards. Cast members from today's most popular and critically acclaimed shows were all dressed up for the big night. And guess what? Nobody really cared.

This is: Foul Taste of Freedom

That game we play: Fighting the green-eyed monster

Even for the most even-keeled, non-reactive person, at some time or another it's likely that the green-eyed monster has reared its ugly head. If you've had a relationship, chances are you've been jealous.

Eats: When you want fried chicken, Galvin's is the place to go

You could say Galvin's Dinnerhouse is like the St. Joseph version of Stroud's in Kansas City. Although there are certainly differences in decor and some menu items, they both pride themselves on tender, pan-fried chicken served up family style in a down-home setting. And they've both been around long enough to get pretty good at what they do.

What's in that?: Martini trio flight at Houlihan's

That's cool: Toshiba XDE-500 DVD Player ($149.99)

Briefs for Sept. 26, 2008

Calendars for Sept. 26, 2008

Travel costs, geography complicate local high schools' football scheduling

Compiling a complete football slate presents its share of challenges, to be sure, but Pat Ryan never thought his schedule would come down to a coin toss. The South Holt principal nabbed his team a Week 2 game against Southwest Livingston when his correct call landed the Knights a matchup and left North Nodaway out in the cold with a shortened, nine-game schedule. "I was not prepared for the whole scenario," Ryan said. "Hopefully, we can stay lucky." The unusual instance brings attention to the scheduling abnormalities that high school football teams have faced this year - based on a number of factors stemming from travel concerns.

Thursday's Prep Sports

News-Press 8-man Power 5

The teams in the St. Joseph News-Press 8-man Power 5 are not selected on who could beat whom, but who we believe has the best chance to play for a state championship.

Benton volleyballs tops Savannah in marathon match

After an hour-and-a-half marathon of volleyball at Springer Gymnasium on Thursday, Savannah dropped a back-and-forth match at the hands of Benton in three games. The Savages - winners of the last five conference championships, includgin the last three undefeated - the looked to get back on track after losing to Cameron last week. They appeared successful after fighting out a 25-23 victory in the first game. But Benton clawed back to win the second game 28-26 and rolled to a 25-20 victory in the third.

News-Press 11-man Power 10 Poll

The teams in the St. Joseph News-Press Power 10 are not selected on who could beat whom, but who we believe has the best chance to play for a state championship.

Prep Football Leaderboard, September 26

Top teams/individuals for area 8-man and 11-man schools

Prep Football Standings/Schedule, September 26

Standings/Schedule glance

Area Football Capsules, September 26

A look at top games involving area teams

City Football Capsules, September 26

A glance at games involving city teams

South Harrison finds big-play threat in Knott

South Harrison coach Caleb Obert finds different ways to get Danan Knott the ball. Some of them Obert doesn't even draw up. During last week's 39-20 win against Maysville, Knott scored four touchdowns four different ways and racked up more than 200 all-purpose yards. One of the touchdowns came as a complete surprise to Obert.

St. Joseph baseball team searching for league

The St. Joe Mustangs have formally withdrawn their bid to join the Jayhawk League, clearing the way for the new college summer team to join the MINK League for 2009. Mustangs owner Dan Gerson previously opted to join the Jayhawk League, comprised of seven teams, including Joplin and Nevada in Missouri, as well as five Kansas franchises - Hays, Dodge City, Derby, Liberal and El Dorado. Gerson had opted for that league because plans were to split the Jayhawk into east and west divisions, significantly reducing travel costs. But both Joplin and Nevada indicated recently they intended to apply to the MINK League for membership, citing travel costs.

Chiefs' Huard: Losing gets old

KANSAS CITY - Kansas City's 12-game losing streak "is taking a toll on everybody," says the weary-looking quarterback who'll try to end the streak this week. "It gets old. It's tough," said Damon Huard. "All we need is one win. You start with one." For the second time in three games, Huard will start at quarterback for the winless Chiefs, on Sunday against the high-scoring Denver Broncos (3-0).

Pick 'em blog: Week 4 review, Week 5 picks

In this line of work, mulling over impossibly hypothetical matchups can be half the fun. For example: Who wins the former Midland Empire Conference clash between Platte County's first state championship team in 2000 and the 2005 Cameron squad that rewrote the record book on offense? A do-it-all offense versus the spread. Drew Newhart vs. Brandon Gutshall at quarterback. Epic.

Can you still find Waldo after all these years?

"Where's Waldo" celebrates 21 years of straining readers' eyes

I'm a few days late in wishing our pal Waldo a happy 21st birthday (he turned 21 on Sept. 21), but not to worry. According to his Web site, www.findwaldo.com, the celebration will last for quite a while.

History's not on Bearcats' side

Recent history doesn't inspire much confidence in the chances for a Northwest Missouri State victory this weekend. There, I've said it. But before everyone with a Bearcat paw decal on the back window of their SUV starts slamming me, please let me explain. As an old-school, no-bias-allowed journalist, I must admit I've never been fond of the football pick 'em features or giving lengthy analysis of games. I figure the coaches know better than I, although they're never going to come right out and say it publicly.

Fun in the fall

Summer's over, but there are plenty of reasons to get excited about autumn

It's the first week of autumn, which means it's officially time to put away the beach towels and flip-flops and break out the long sleeves and rakes. You may be mourning the loss of long days lounging by the pool, but think about all of the fun fall activities you have to look forward to, like the ones listed here.

K.C. ROLLS IN MOTOR CITY

DETROIT - Mitch Maier and the Kansas City Royals are trying to end the season on a high note. The Detroit Tigers just seem ready to finish it.

Huard set to resume starting QB duties

KANSAS CITY - Damon Huard will be back under center on Sunday for winless Kansas City, giving the Chiefs a different starting quarterback for the fourth week in a row.

Hometown veterans ready to rumble

Polley, Wilson highlight card

Saturday's boxing card at Civic Arena is built around youth - 25-year-old St. Joseph boxer Andre Wilson's attempt to clinch local, maybe national, prominence. But the old guard will get its share of the spotlight, too.

Prices at pump spilling over into high school athletics

Elevated travel costs force officials to examine issue

Bruce Johnson makes budgets every year. Going on 20 years in fact during stints as superintendent at Osborn and now Stanberry for the past 12-plus years. One line on his budget goes up every year, whether its the addition of sports, the prevalence of nonconference travels or rising gas prices.

Western waits for Elite 8

The NCAA's goal for its championship sites is a work in progress, and Missouri Western figured the best way to stay a part of that ever-changing vision is to be accommodating.

Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia

I don't understand this recent fascination with the Philly Soul sound. Sure it's good music. Who doesn't get a good old school party vibe listening to the O'Jay's "Backstabbers" or The Spinners "I'll Be Around?"

Early predictions for the 81st Annual Academy Awards

As fall has arrived, the wave of Oscar-worthy films has come with it. Here is who I think will be the nominees for the six most recognizable awards. These are not necessarily the nominees I would choose, but the nominees I think the Academy will choose.

Royals stake a tie for 4th in AL Central

DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers have completed a freefall to the bottom of the AL Central. Zach Greinke and Leo Nunez combined for a four-hitter to lift the Kansas City Royals to a 5-0 win over Detroit on Tuesday night.

Hamilton girls, Chillicothe boys win Benton cross country meet

Front-of-the-pack expectations come standard with the mantle of Hamilton's top runner. But after her emergence into a rock-solid No. 2 runner last season, senior Ashley Flook has taken the move in stride. Runner-up on her own team a year ago, Flook finished third overall Tuesday and paced a youthful Hornets team to its customary first-place at the Benton Invitational at Hyde Park.

Chiefs hinting Huard might start vs. Broncos

KANSAS CITY - Saddled with a 12-game losing streak, the rebuilding Kansas City Chiefs may decide they need a win more than a long look at a young quarterback. Without coming right out and saying so, coach Herm Edwards strongly hinted Tuesday that veteran Damon Huard would probably get the nod on Sunday against Denver and that second-year man Tyler Thigpen would return to the bench after one start.

BEARCAT NOTEBOOK: LeFlore ready for homecoming

Both agree, however, that Saturday's MIAA football game at Nebraska-Omaha will play a huge role in the conference championship picture. For LeFlore, this is a homecoming. He hails from Omaha, so he will get the rare opportunity to play before a huge number of friends and family.

Northwest's Pestock honors father in subtle way

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Whenever he wonders if giving that little bit of extra effort is worth it, all Tom Pestock has to do is touch the big, gold ring on the chain around his neck. He knows his biggest fan is watching, urging him on.

College sports 09-23-08

Tuesday's prep sports 09-23-08

Playoff format explained

The long-awaited brackets for Missouri high school football were recently posted on the Missouri State High School Activities Association Web site. As expected, the new format will bring little change.

Monday's prep boxes

Best and the Rest: Week 5

The top four teams this week's poll meet this week. No. 9 Northwest and No. 5 Nebraska-Omaha bring the conference's top two offenses into their matchup in Nebraska, while No. 20 Central Missouri can stakes an early claim to biggest threat to the Mavericks' supremacy with a win at No. 7 Pittsburg State.

MIAA administrator discusses officiating in Western loss

Phil Laurie saw the same things the 5,548 fans at Spratt Stadium on Saturday night. He disliked the way Pittsburg State's controversial 46-40 victory over Missouri Western ended as much as the Griffon fans - just for different reasons. With 14 seconds left, it appeared that Western receiver Andrew Mead stretched the football past the pylon to tie the game with an extra point pending. Officials ruled Mead out of bounds at the 1-yard line, and the Griffons couldn't convert from there.

Griffons coach ready to move past controversial call

Missouri Western fans and coaches made Monday's Griffon Luncheon the best attended of the season. The parking lot at La Dolce Vita was packed despite the fact that the soccer, volleyball and football teams are a combined 5-21-1 this season. Part of the explanation surely lay with football coach Jerry Partridge's comments following Saturday's 46-40 loss to Pittsburg State - a contest that featured a number of questionable calls against both teams.

Clock management proves costly for Western

If Missouri Western had an extra timeout at its disposal in the waning seconds Saturday night, the Griffons might still be celebrating an upset of No. 7 Pittsburg State. As it was, Western had to navigate a first-and-goal situation with no timeouts and 14 seconds left on the clock. Western finished two yards shy in its 46-40 loss at Spratt Stadium. One first-and-goal from the Pittsburg 1-yard line, receiver Cedric Houston got called for illegal motion, moving the ball back to the 6. Western attempted four straight passes after that - the last of which fell incomplete in the end zone.

Woeful Chiefs ponder quarterback issues

KANSAS CITY - The NFL had four 4-12 teams last year, and two of them in the past two weeks have thrashed the woeful Kansas City Chiefs by a combined score of 61-22. A new offense and a new offensive coordinator would be expected to create occasional confusion, at least early. But the Chiefs, dogged by injuries, have added to their chaos by starting three different quarterbacks their first three games. Rookies and second-year players populate the roster both offensively and defensively, and so do youthful mistakes. The Chiefs aren't stopping anybody and they're not scoring much. On Sunday, the unbeaten, high-scoring Denver Broncos will encounter a winless Kansas City that ranks 28th in total offense and 25th in total defense, and hasn't had a lead since last fall.

Meche keeps Royals rolling

DETROIT - David DeJesus went 4-for-4 and Mike Aviles drove in two runs as the Kansas City Royals beat the reeling Detroit Tigers 6-2 Monday night. The Tigers were minus suspended slugger Gary Sheffield, then lost star Miguel Cabrera in the third inning because of a tight back. Cabrera was listed as day-to-day.

Graves opens lead in 6th District race

Congressman Sam Graves has surged ahead in Missouri's 6th District U.S. House race, according to a poll taken last week by SurveyUSA for KCTV in Kansas City.

White Sox shut down Royals

KANSAS CITY - Now that the Chicago White Sox have dispatched of the last-place Kansas City Royals, the AL Central leaders can turn their attention to a showdown with the second place Minnesota Twins. John Danks and two relievers combined on a four-hitter and Paul Konerko hit a two-run homer as the AL Central-leading White Sox beat the Royals 3-0 on Sunday. The White Sox have won 12 of 18 against the Royals this season.

St. Joseph boxer gets big chance

Andre Wilson and Alex Baba stand on the opposite ends of their boxing careers. Baba's held a world title, competed as a captain on Ghana's Olympic team and weathered 40 professional fights. Wilson's just 25 with a total of 12 fights - a 10-1-1 record - and Baba represents the latest hurdle blocking the St. Joseph man's title ambitions.

Chiefs lose 12th straight game

ATLANTA - The Kansas City Chiefs' defensive plan was obvious: Stop the run. That didn't deter Michael Turner and the Atlanta Falcons. Turner ran for three touchdowns and the Atlanta Falcons scored the first 24 points to beat Kansas City 38-14 on Sunday, handing the Chiefs their 12th straight loss. Turner had scoring runs of 4, 1 and 2 yards, his first game with three rushing touchdowns, while leading the Falcons with 104 yards rushing. Jerious Norwood added 75 yards rushing.

Pittsburg-Western leftovers

I have no idea why Drew Newhart didn't run in for the touchdown on the third-to-last play. From where I was standing, when he scrambled out in the right flat, it looked like he had an avenue to the end zone. Instead, he threw a soft pass that fell incomplete in the end zone. While he is just a sophomore, Newhart needs to make better decisions in crucial moments and carry his team to victory. That's three weeks in a row where his mistakes overshadowed his talent. And, as d2football.com's and friend of the blog Jeff Harlin pointed out, Newhart doesn't look off defenders. Two of his picks came on deflections where linebackers read Newhart.

GAME BLOG: No. 7 Pittsburg State 46, Western 40

"We won the game." That was Jerry Partridge's reaction after he, KQ2's Ryan Menley and I watched the replay of Andrew Mead's dive for the pylon in the closing seconds of this contest. While the Griffons still would have had to make an extra point, cover a kickoff and defend for at least one play the last two of those hypotheticals producing the biggest challenges I agree with Partridge.

Lil' dogs and swords

Artists create sculptures out of balloons

The sky is an ominous gray with the threat of rain, but John Perry isn't worried. For the past five years, he's been coming to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce's Parties on the Parkway and can't remember the last time it was cancelled. Whatever the weather brings, he knows that soon there will be a crowd swarming him. So he carefully puts on his 30-pocket apron filled with all colors of the rainbow and gets ready to work his magic. "He's very requested," says Natalie Redmond, the chamber's vice president. "I always get the question at the beginning of the season, 'The balloon guy's going to be there, right?'"

Davies pitches K.C. to victory

Royals hurler holds White Sox to 3 hits in 7-plus innings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Kyle Davies may have discovered something that he can take into the 2009 season. Davies gave up three hits in seven-plus innings, his third strong outing in his past four starts, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 5-2 Saturday night.

Saturday's prep boxes

Missouri Western game notes

Griffons haven't received a punt since facing Minnesota-Duluth on Sept. 6 a span of 133 minutes, 31 seconds. The Bulldogs' Alex Miller punted with 1:31 left in the third quarter of that game. Pittsburg lined up to punt from its 9-yard line with 12 minutes to go in the second quarter, but Gorillas' punter Jared Witter ran 5 yards for the first down. Pittsburg eventually scored on the drive.

Saturday's area college boxes

Northwest game notes

Talk about a dominant defensive performance. Truman State's largest offensive play of the game wasn't intended to be an offensive play at all. Max Kleckner failed to handle the snap as he lined up to punt deep in his end zone, and his 34-yard desperation pass to Adam Reynolds turned out to be the Bulldogs' only real offensive highlight.

Reesing leads Kansas to triumph

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Todd Reesing threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for another score to lead No. 19 Kansas to a 38-14 victory over Sam Houston State on Saturday night. Kansas (3-1) figured to breeze through its final nonconference game, particularly after the chaos Hurricane Ike had caused Sam Houston State (1-1). The Bearkats had last week's game against Prairie View A&M postponed and couldn't practice until Tuesday because of power outages and cleanup from the storm. Despite the hardships, Sam Houston State didn't make it easy on Kansas, stifling its running game, repeatedly finding seams in its defensive secondary.

Questionable call costs Griffons

In a game where defensive stops were precious commodities, the Pittsburg State Gorillas put together a last-second goal-line stand to end a bizarre - yet entertaining - night of football at Spratt Stadium. Or did they? Pittsburg State cornerback Ferrari Welch tipped quarterback Drew Newhart's throw in the end zone as time expired, the pass falling a couple of feet short of its intended target - Western tight end Billy Babock - to preserve the No. 7 Gorillas' 46-40 victory and end a two-game losing streak to the Griffons.

Northwest defense thwarts Truman

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Much-heralded Truman State quarterback Matt Ticich was never a factor on Saturday night, thanks to Northwest Missouri State's defense. The Bearcat defensive unit, sparked by defensive end Sean Paddock's long fumble return, held the Bulldogs in check all night in a 49-0 rout. After misfires on the Bearcats' first two offensive series, Paddock gave Northwest the opportunity it needed when he picked up a fumble by Truman's Phil Kenney and rambled 52 yards to the 6-yard line.

Mistake-prone Missouri prevails nonetheless

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Chase Daniel was close to perfect in an otherwise sloppy final tuneup for No. 5 Missouri. Daniel passed for a career-high 439 yards and set a Big 12 record with 20 consecutive completions, helping the Tigers overcome a rash of errors in a 42-21 victory over Buffalo on Saturday. "He made some outstanding plays," coach Gary Pinkel said. "That guy brings his 'A' game every time he plays."

Northwest at Truman: pre-game thinking

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. -- Arriving at a site two hours before game time gives sports writers too much time to think. And when they do that, it's likely to produce an offbeat blog or column, which is what you're reading right now. Nevertheless, it's a lovely afternoon in Kirksville, where I'm making the best of a bad situation. Of course, that's exactly what Truman State has been doing all along. For all the gnashing of teeth that has taken place over the new artificial surface that was completed just in time for last week's game here, I have to say the new turf looks nice.

Friday's Prep Sports 09-19-08

Friday's Prep Football Boxes

Friday's Prep Football boxes

Atchison falls in home opener

After an evenly-matched first quarter, Atchison and St. James Academy switched it up a bit. The Thunder erupted for an offensive showcase, and the Redmen flatlined - resulting in a 26-13 home-opening loss for Atchison on Friday night at Amelia Earhart Stadium. Both teams scored seven points in the first period, but St. James scored three touchdowns and held Atchison to 40 yards in the second quarter. Even a 74-yard touchdown run by Redmen senior running back Kyle

Lions smack Indians

St. Joseph Christian overwhelmed Chilhowee on Friday night, and the Lions won 64-18. The first touchdown of the game was scored by Christian halfback Luke Mathes just 54 seconds into the game, followed by a successful 2-point conversion attempt by Cody Cornelius, which started the Lions' touchdown spree.

Maryville's quick strikes down Smithville

SMITHVILLE - Joe Jasinski took his time, making sure he chose the right words so as not to sound cocky. But when asked his thoughts about Maryville scoring four times in a matter of three minutes Friday night, the Spoofhounds' senior quarterback didn't dance around the question, either. "I can't say it honestly surprised me. We have so many great athletes," said Jasinski about a bang-bang sequence of events that kept Maryville unblemished with a 42-14 victory against Smithville in a Midland Empire Conference meeting at Warrior Field. "It's a little bit ridiculous sometimes."

GAME BLOG: Savannah 35, Lafayette 21

Bryston Williams finally looked comfortable as a quarterback, and Savannah coach Mark Cole could see the difference. Lafayette's first-year quarterback was nearly flawless against Cole's Savages. Williams completed 13 of 17 passes for 149 yards, nearly doubling his total from the first three games. At one point, Williams completed 10 straight passes, and the only blemish came on a forced throw, when Brett Smith made a diving interception near Savannah's sideline.

Troy slams McLouth

TROY, Kan. - Things looked were looking up for McLouth. The team took the lead within the first minute against Troy with a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Derrick Crouse to Cody Winborn. The celebration didn't last long. The Trojans responded with back-to-back rushing touchdowns from running back Kenny Tharman and never let up, ending with the Trojans on top 61-19 on Friday night at Troy High School.

Benton sprints past Cameron

Benton's homecoming king and queen nominees and their parents barely got seated after pregame introductions at Sparks Memorial Field before senior Chris Puett reminded them there was a football game to play. Puett returned the game's opening kickoff 74 yards for a touchdown to jump-start the Cardinals in a 21-13 Midland Empire Conference win against Cameron on Friday night.

Plattsburg flattens North Platte

PLATTSBURG, Mo. - With a wealth of weapons at his disposal, Plattsburg coach Andy McNeely prefers to balance his play calling between his ground game and air attack. But running back Erik May didn't give McNeely much of a choice. In a clash of KCI conference teams and offensive philosophies, May and his Plattsburg running mates flattened North Platte, 48-27, with a ferociously punishing ground attack that rolled up 302 yards.

Savages maintain perfect record while running past Fighting Irish

Savannah quarterback Travis Partridge could see the goal line, but not Lafayette's Bryston Williams. Just 6 yards away from a third rushing touchdown, Williams yanked Partridge down from behind, and the Lafayette defense made a stand. The Savages didn't score after Partridge's 82-yard keeper, but with a 14-point lead in the first quarter, they didn't seem in danger. But that stand was the start of a larger momentum shift that put Savannah's unbeaten mark in jeopardy.

Sox slam Royals

Chicago ends Kansas City's victory streak at 7

KANSAS CITY - Alexei Ramirez hit a grand slam, Dewayne Wise homered twice and Mark Buehrle pitched six effective innings as the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Friday night. The victory, coupled with Minnesota's 11-1 loss at Tampa Bay, gave the White Sox a 2Â½-game lead over the Twins in the American League Central. The loss snapped the Royals' seven-game winning streak, their longest since starting the 2003 season 9-0.

Things do go bump in the night in the north woods

Having just returned from an archery black bear hunt in the north woods of Minnesota, I've found a whole new respect for those who choose to scratch their outdoor itch in some of America's more remote and rugged environments. I also discovered through the span of the seven-day hunt that some of these trips are not for the faint of heart. All four of us on this trip were new to black bear hunting and although we were well equipped and physically ready, we hadn't actually envisioned what it was like to be hunting in such a wild, untouched area. This would be a trip filled with moments of pure, heart-stopping excitement along with hours of pure boredom sitting on stands waiting for a shot opportunity to reveal itself.

Trappers' association marks its 50th year

The Missouri Trappers Association are gathering in Cape Girardeau this weekend for a Fall Rendezvous that highlights their 50th Anniversary, according to Karl Rice of the Northwest Chapter (District 8). The association began when a young trapper from Dewitt, Mo., named Walter "Eddie" Stephenson decided to form an association that would follow the remarks he included at the end of all his correspondence, "Yours For Better Trapping."

Northwest receiver completes long journey back

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Raphael Robinson heard a "pop," but he felt no pain. The only thing clear to Northwest Missouri State's wide receiver was that something wasn't right with his foot. "I couldn't move my foot no more," Robinson said of the aftermath of his injury in last season's opener at Nebraska-Omaha. "I just didn't know what was happening. It was like my arch was gone."

Matt wins bass club's final event

Russell Matt of St. Joseph capped off a successful Pony Express Bass Club season with his fifth tournament victory last weekend in the club's season finale at Pomme de Terre Lake. Matt caught five bass weighing 9.46 pounds. He used a quarter-ounce white/chartreuse spinner bait in the Pomme River, tossing to laydowns and pole timber.

Northwest scouting report

Here is a capsule look at the Northwest Missouri State game at Truman State.

Missouri Western scouting report

Here's a capsule look at tonight's Missouri Western vs. Pittsburg State game.

Week 4 Pick 'em

Week 4 Pick 'em Pittsburg State enters Saturday's game with Missouri Western having lost two straight to the Griffons for only the second time ever. Prior to 2006-07, the last time the Gorillas lost back-to-back games to Western came in 1983-84 when the Griffons won 61-14 in St. Joseph and 42-34 in Pittsburg the following season. The Gorillas never have lost three in a row to Western, though, and went 18-3 against the Griffons following those two losses.

Missouri Democrats hope Obama resources stay put

A state Republican official calls a Democratic U.S. senator "annoying." The senator thanks him for the compliment. It's election season in Mudville. But a larger question about the Obama campaign looms.

Prep Football Leaderboard, September 19

A look at top team and individual performances from the area

Area Football Capsules, September 19

A look at top games involving area teams

City Football Capsules, September 19

Glances at games involving city games

Goin' South

Local music of several genres highlights the Southside Fall Festival

When Brenda Walsh, the entertainment chair for the Southside Fall Festival, was laying down plans for this year's festivities, she knew the entertainment would have to match the excitement of the 20th anniversary of the festival. "We wanted it to be different," she says. "The festival is going to be bigger and better this year, so we wanted to get more variety in it. We wanted something for everyone so they can all come out and see something that they like."

Hammer time

'Misery' opens at Robidoux Landing Playhouse

Anyone who has seen the movie "Misery" or read Stephen King's novel of the same name is familiar with one Annie Wilkes. She is the sledgehammer-swinging cuckoo who tortured romance writer Paul Sheldon because he planned to kill off her favorite character.

From 12 to 12

Magoonstock II provides a dozen hours of Woodstock-era tunes

In 2007, Barry Woodhall wanted to bring a Woodstock-like atmosphere to Magoon's, so he decided to have an outdoor music festival featuring musicians inspired by songs from the era. When the time came, the musicians played mostly acoustic sets on the flat bed of a truck outside of the bar in downtown St. Joseph. And many people came to listen while sporting tye-dyed shirts.

The future freaks me out

Motion City Soundtrack grows up but keeps the bittersweet

Most current emo and pop punk bands tend to wrap their guitar riffs around very personal, open-hearted lyrics. Then there's Minneapolis indie rock/pop punk-quintet Motion City Soundtrack, who separate themselves by...well, actually, they don't differ that much lyrically, given guitarist/singer Justin Pierre's write-what-you-know take on songwriting. "Doubled with the fact that I'm a pessimistic narcissist, I tend to write anything about me," Pierre says.

The shuffle: Critically predictable

Since I have dedicated a part of my job to dissecting music minutia, I have found myself playing a dorky little game. It's not a board game. It's not "World of Warcraft." It's a contest that I have between myself and critics at music publications.

That game we play: Celebrate singledom

Next week, Sept. 21 to 27, is National Unmarried and Singles Week. That's right, there's a whole week dedicated to single people. In honor of this, I've decided to come up with a list of things that are good about being single, things that can give single people a reason to celebrate. (What's this, the girl who always whined about being single for almost two years now has something positive to say about being single? Surprising, I know.)

This is: "Chaco Canyon" by Tracy Miller

What's in that? Fuzzy Cajun at Boudreaux's

Briefs for Sept. 19, 2008

Stall power: The American Idol AM/FM shower radio

Calendars for Sept. 19, 2008

Central can't keep up with Blue Springs South

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Central coach Tony Dudik managed a smile at Larry Stewart Memorial Stadium, even though his Indians dropped a 49-14 Suburban League Big 7 contest to Blue Springs South. "That is a very good football team," Dudik said of the Jaguars, who totaled 498 yards of offense and saw Winston Wright rush for 146 yards and four touchdowns and quarterback Blaine Dalton add two scores and 190 yards on the ground. "People might look at them and think they're 1-2 - but look at who they lost to - Rockhurst and Raymore-Peculiar. Our kids played hard, and we scored a couple of touchdowns."

NBA fines Heat's Michael Beasley $50,000

NEW YORK - Miami Heat rookie Michael Beasley was fined $50,000 by the NBA on Thursday for his involvement in an incident at the Rookie Transition Program this month.

Chiefs ask Thigpen to clean up QB chaos

KANSAS CITY - The pride of Coastal Carolina is stepping up in class. Injury, uncertainty and Kansas City's fervent desire to develop young players have thrust Tyler Thigpen from third-team quarterback to starter for Sunday's game at Atlanta. To some fans of the Chiefs (0-2), it's a welcome sign that management is serious about biting the bullet and building for the future.

Mustangs could switch leagues

A pair of defections from the Jayhawk League could significantly change the landscape of summer college wood bat baseball and the league alignment of St. Joseph's new team as well. The board of directors of the Nevada Griffons voted to formally apply for membership to the MINK League on Wednesday night, citing financial reasons. It is the second team this summer to make that decision, following the Joplin Slashers in that exodus.

Central tennis nearly sweeps dual

Central might have slipped at the top, but only slightly Thursday at Noyest Tennis Complex. Coming off their first loss of the season, the Indians lost the No. 1 singles' match in a tiebreaker to Lee's Summit but were able to sweep the other five singles matches and the three doubles contests for an 8-1 win.

Selig likes K.C.'s All-Star chances

KANSAS CITY - Flying in for a meeting in Kansas City, baseball commissioner Bud Selig wondered how long it would be before he was asked about renovated Kauffman Stadium holding an All-Star game. One question. "I made a bet with myself on how long it would take to ask, and you didn't disappoint me," Selig said Thursday before a Royals-Mariners day game.

Red Cross is Reaching Out

Red Cross is asking residents in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Missouri to help raise $113,000.

Prep Football Standings/Schedule, September 19

Standings, Results and schedules for area teams

Top 10 greatest movies starring 'Saturday Night Live' alums

"Saturday Night Live" kicked off its season with a big show this past weekend. So here are the top 10 movies starring actors who were once part of the cast of "SNL."

Kind of Blue 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition

If a space alien wanted to know what jazz sounded like you'd play him "Kind of Blue." This 1959 modal jazz masterpiece is widely esteemed as the definitive jazz album. It should be the first piece of music to start any serious jazz collection.

Home sweet celebrity

Not the same as Hollywood, but you can see where the famous once lived in Missouri and Kansas

In Hollywood, you can buy a map of the stars' homes and drive by the palatial mansions of the stars. If you're lucky, you might be able to see through their gate and catch a glimpse of their driveway. In our area, not only can you see the homes of famous people, you can walk right up to the door and into the places these people once called home.

Wednesday's prep sports 09-17-08

Pick 'em blog: Week 3 review, Week 4 picks

Opening with a pair of 6-4 performances was not exactly what I had in mind as an ideal start to the season. At least my picks couldn't get worse, though, right? Errrrr...

City Game of the Week: Central at Blue Springs South

CENTRAL at BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH

Savannah native not cited in NASCAR pit crew fight

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - NASCAR fined David Starr $10,000, suspended three crew members and penalized several others Wednesday for fighting on pit road following a Truck Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Guillen has key hit in return

KANSAS CITY - Jose Guillen hit a key two-run single after being sick the night before, helping the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night.

Guillen: I was sick

KANSAS CITY - Jose Guillen said he was sick. Despite some cryptic comments the night before, his manager corroborated his account.

Chiefs name Thigpen starter against Falcons

KANSAS CITY - Tyler Thigpen, the first player from Coastal Carolina selected in the NFL draft, will be the first to start at quarterback. The 24-year-old Thigpen will be under center Sunday for Kansas City when the Chiefs go to Atlanta. It will be exactly 11 months after the struggling young Chiefs (0-2) last won a game.

Braymer's Brown took long route to Missouri's O-line

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Had Colin Brown taken a different path, he might be blocking basketball shots rather than pass rushers.

FORE THOUGHT: Savannah's Gallagher gives up volleyball to concentrate on golf

Kate Gallagher stalked around Fairview Golf Course last Thursday muttering to herself and occasionally glancing up at the sky for answers. The Central Invitational won't mark the highlight of the Savannah junior's season. Yes, she won the tournament - by two strokes - but a 9-over 82 doesn't suffice. Not when you're the defending Class 1 state champion, not when you gave up volleyball to concentrate on the links.

Western selects architect for stadium project

When Northwest Missouri State fans visit Spratt Stadium next year, they can expect an experience that feels a little more like Maryville. Missouri Western selected Ellison-Auxier Architects for its $5 million renovation of Spratt Stadium - the same group that upgraded Bearcat Stadium. Western athletic director Dave Williams hopes to have the visiting side done in time for next season when the Bearcats visit St. Joseph again.

K.C. uses long ball in win

Ryan Shealy, John Buck and David DeJesus homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3 Tuesday night to extend their winning streak to five games. The Mariners are 0-6 to start an 11-game three-city trip and have lost 10 of their past 13.

Gridiron-style tackle aids Savages

Savannah prevails, 2-1, on road

In what would prove to be a pivotal, if not controversial, play in Tuesday night's soccer game between Lafayette and Savannah, Irish forward Juan Ramirez rushed forward to pressure the ball as the Savages keeper, Joren Trimble, tried to scoop it up.

Benton emerges in MEC volleyball race

Benton's volleyball team needed all of last season to reach the nine-win mark. With a slew of returning talent and a balanced attack, the Cardinals rattled off just as many victories to open the season and upended a dangerous Cameron team in their Midland Empire Conference opener last week.

Edwards shakes it up

Chiefs will start rookie cornerbacks at Atlanta

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs will start two rookie cornerbacks Sunday at Atlanta, a potentially troubling situation that coach Herm Edwards insists will not cost him one minute's sleep. "Not at all. Not those two kids," Edwards said Tuesday.

Bearcats will take to new turf against Truman State

Northwest Missouri State's Bearcats are looking forward to their first action on Truman State's recently installed artificial turf at Stokes Stadium, where they do battle at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Bulldogs.

Quick Learner

Council's hard running earns MIAA award

It was fourth down with just a couple of inches to go on Northwest Missouri State's opening drive last Saturday when LaRon Council got the call. Council's dive into the line went nowhere, the Bearcats gave up the ball on downs, and coach Mel Tjeerdsma clearly was unhappy.

Tuesday's prep sports 09-16-08

Northwest's Wright breaks out despite injuries

He has two bad ankles, bursitis in one knee and various bumps and bruises, but no one would have guessed it the way Kendall Wright returned kickoffs on Saturday in Northwest Missouri State's 42-35 victory against Missouri Western.

'TRL' is soon to be MIA

After 10 years, MTV's music countdown is being retired

It's the end of an era at MTV. In November, 'TRL' will conclude its 10 year run. How long before music isn't a part of MTV at all?

Fed leaves key rate unchanged

The Federal Reserve kept a key interest rate unchanged Tuesday, saying that strains in financial markets have "increased significantly" but the inflation outlook remains uncertain. The Fed's action was a disappointment to investors who were hoping that severe stress in financial markets that surfaced in recent days would prompt the central bank to resume cutting interest rates.

The Best and the Rest: Week 4

In the post-apocalyptic landscape that is the MIAA sans Missouri-Rolla and Southwest Baptist, it's becoming clear teams are just fighting for survival every weekend. Only the conference's newest member has thus far avoided the quagmire of this season something I think changes this week at Missouri Southern. In the meantime, the Mavericks retain their stranglehold on the top spot in our weekly power rankings.

Davies looks sharp as Royals roll again

KANSAS CITY - Kyle Davies picked up the tempo in the final three innings of his last outing, finding a rhythm as he got Minnesota's hitters to swing at pitches out of the zone. It worked then, so he tried it again. Davies matched a career high with eight strikeouts in eight innings and combined with closer Joakim Soria on a four-hitter, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 3-0 victory over the struggling Seattle Mariners on Monday night.

Missouri shows defensive improvement

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Perhaps lost in the offensive fireworks from No. 5 Missouri's 69-17 romp over Nevada on Saturday, the defense also made strides. Nevada entered averaging 540 yards in total offense, and Marko Mitchell's 42-yard touchdown catch at the end of the first half cut the deficit to 38-17. In the second half, the Wolfpack was scoreless and held to 125 yards. "That last play was a breakdown but a good throw," coach Gary Pinkel said Monday. "But overall, they're getting better and doing good things."

Griffons struggle to get ground game going

Entering the season, Jerry Partridge felt that from guard to guard, Missouri Western had as much talent as any other MIAA school. It made sense considering Roger Allen - one of the top Division II pro prospects in the country - anchors Western's offensive line, center Nathan Martin and left guard Todd Shelton return from last season, and Allen's specialty is run blocking. The Griffons football coach remained optimistic his two new tackles - Steven Jones and Corey Halderman - would develop as the season went along. But the Griffons' rushing attack has yet to find its stride three games into the season. Western ranks ninth in the MIAA rushing yard average - per game (104.7) and per carry (3.1).

Chiefs' quarterback problems continue

KANSAS CITY - Who says the Kansas City Chiefs don't have a quarterback? They have one with an injured shoulder and one with a sore neck, one with low expectations and one with high hopes. The one with low expectations is probably headed back to reserve wide receiver status. Or is he?

Mistakes costing Missouri Western defense

What's eating the Missouri Western defense? Plenty, it turns out. Perennially one of the MIAA's best units, the Griffons haven't lived up to that tradition through three games this season. Western currently ranks last in the MIAA in total defense (428.7 yards a game) and scoring defense (38.7 points). On Monday, coach Jerry Partridge spread the blame: The Griffons' defensive tackles aren't putting consistent pressure on the quarterback, the ends are rushing too far up field, leaving scrambling lanes open, the linebackers aren't covering underneath routes well and aren't tackling, either, once the receiver catches the football. And the secondary is putting itself in bad positions.

Atchison romps in delayed game

ATCHISON, Kan. - It's always nice to get a win on the road. Atchison's win against Kansas City Wyandotte on Monday may not have been the far of a drive - about 5 minutes to the Larry Wilcox Stadium on the campus of Benedictine College - but with a score of 48-6, it was definitely nice. "It's never perfect in the coach's eyes, but we played well," said coach Jim Smith, whose team improved to 1-1 following the rout, which was postponed after heavy storms in Kansas City on Friday.

Let candidates' military heroism stand

In a political season where almost every statement touches off an argument or a wave of partisan spin, can Americans at least agree that serving in a foreign war and being held as a prisoner by enemies are worthy of a nation's respect?

Vande Velde wins Tour of Missouri

ST. LOUIS - Christian Vande Velde won the Tour of Missouri on Sunday, finishing with the main pack in the rain-shortened final stage. Vande Velde, the 32-year-old Illinois rider competing for Garmin-Chipotle, edged Australia's Michael Rogers (Team Columbia) by 18 seconds. Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) of Canada was third, 48 seconds back.

Royals blast Indians

CLEVELAND - Brian Bannister finally got a win as his Kansas City teammates kept piling up hits and runs. Bannister won for the first time in nearly three months and Ryan Shealy homered twice and drove in five runs as the Royals totaled 17 hits to defeat the Cleveland Indians 13-3 Sunday. Bannister (8-15) gave up four hits and three runs in the first inning, then settled down and won for the first time in 14 starts to snap his nine-game losing streak. He had not won since beating Colorado in an interleague game June 23. His last win over an AL club was June 1, a 6-1 triumph in Cleveland.

Chiefs lose yet another quarterback

KANSAS CITY - Tyler Thigpen rolled to the left to avoid the rush, then fired a pass in the direction of Dwayne Bowe. The ball caromed off an Oakland defensive back's helmet and flew 15 yards back to Thigpen, who just missed catching his own pass. It was that kind of day for Kansas City's quarterbacks. The Chiefs tried three quarterbacks in place of injured starter Brodie Croyle against Oakland on Sunday. None was any better than the next, leading to boos from the home crowd.

Chiefs' Larry Johnson expresses his anger --- again

KANSAS CITY - Early in the third quarter, Larry Johnson rumbled up the middle for a 2-yard gain, his 12th carry against the Oakland Raiders. It turned out to be Johnson's last - and he didn't like it. Unhappy with his role in a dismal offense, Johnson lashed out at Kansas City's coaching staff and front office Sunday, saying he didn't see himself being a part of the team in the future.

Raiders humiliate Chiefs in K.C. home opener

KANSAS CITY - If Lane Kiffin does get fired by the Oakland Raiders, he might want to apply for employment in Kansas City. Amid escalating reports that Kiffin was in trouble with owner Al Davis and could be dismissed almost any time, the Raiders rushed for 300 yards Sunday and handed their harried young coach a 23-8 victory over the mistake-prone Chiefs. Kiffin has only five wins in 18 games with the Silver and Black, but two have been at Kansas City's expense. "I don't worry about things I can't control. That's not my decision whether I'll be here," said the 33-year-old Kiffin. "I'm going to prepare my staff for the game next week."

Grudge match lives up - or down - to reputation

You don't have to tell senior offensive lineman Reid Kirby that Northwest Missouri State vs. Missouri Western games are hotly contested. On Saturday, Kirby paid the price for the heat of the moment. Kirby was flagged for a personal foul and ejected by the officiating crew after taking a swipe at a Western player in the first half. Coach Mel Tjeerdsma wasn't happy about it, but he agreed with the call.

GAME BLOG: Northwest 42, Western 35

The 2008 football season has its star, and his name is Moe Dampeer more than 400 pounds of Bearcat and even more in entertainment value. He only had three tackles Saturday and didn't provide a game-changing play like Myles Burnsides' late interception of of Drew Newhart or LaRon Council's 41-yard run to seal the victory. But he was the most entertaining element in a game that was pretty darn entertaining throughout, though pretty sloppy. In the spirit of being fashionably late, the Bearcats ran through their inflatable helmet and the fog prior to kickoff to a roar from the crowd. The coaches and trainers followed the team, and bringing up the rear came Big Moe, huffing and puffing to the sideline. Who wants to the first one to a party, anyway?

Cavendish wins Tour of Missouri's 6th stage

Vande Velde retains overall lead

ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Mark Cavendish of Great Britain won his third stage of the Tour of Missouri and American rider Christian Vande Velde retained his race lead for the fourth day Saturday.

Saturday's college sports 09-13-08

Friends to foes: Triad of former LSU players meet in today's Chiefs-Raiders game

KANSAS CITY - For three years they were teammates and good friends. One starred on offense while the other supplied championship-caliber defense for one of the most successful college football programs in the land. Now they're very young and very promising players at a higher level, seeking their niche on two of the worst teams in the NFL.

Griffon-Bearcat notebook: Large crowd turns out

The standing room only crowd of 9,346 represented the second largest attendance ever at a Northwest home game. The record is 9,500, which occurred in the Old Hickory Stick game against Truman State in 2001.

Western coach: 'Defensively, we stunk'

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Of the 56 players listed as starters on the depth chart for Saturday's game, Michael Stadler's afternoon was the most uneventful by far. The Northwest Missouri State punter dressed for the Bearcats annual rivalry matchup with Missouri Western and had one of the best standing-room-only spots at Bearcat Stadium. But he did little else - relegated to a cheerleader role with no punting to be had - in Northwest's 42-35 victory.

Saturday's prep sports 09-13-08

Qauod strikes twice as Bearcats surge past Griffons

Abe Qaoud had been waiting nearly two years for a day like this. The Northwest Missouri State wide receiver survived a Jan. 27, 2007, apartment fire and surprised everyone just by getting playing time last season. On Saturday, Qaoud found the end zone - twice, in fact - as he helped his teammates survive a 42-35 thriller against Missouri Western in the MIAA opener for both schools. "I didn't score last year," said Qaoud, who caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Joel Osborn, including the game-winner with 7 minutes, 1 second remaining. "The whole summer I'd been working out really hard and was just waiting for a game to score my first touchdown. Against our big rival, it means a whole lot to me, and it makes me want to go out there and work even harder."

Deja vu all over again for Benedictine

ATCHISON, Kan. - Benedictine's formula last year: taking good teams to the wire, only to falter and lose a lead - ultimately the game - just before the clock expires. So far in 2008, that same formula applies. The Ravens carried a nine-point lead into the fourth quarter on Saturday at Larry Wilcox Stadium and watched it evaporate at the hands of MidAmerica Nazarene.

Royals claim doubleheader sweep of Indians

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Indians probably wish the rain had never stopped. After a 2-hour, 14-minute delay to start the first game, Kansas City's Mark Teahen got five of the Royals' 31 total hits in a doubleheader sweep over the Indians on Saturday. Teahen had three hits in an 8-3 win in the first game, then homered twice in an 8-4 victory in the nightcap. The outfielder had four RBIs in the sweep.

Vande Velde retains lead at Tour of Missouri

ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Mark Cavendish of Great Britain won his third stage of the Tour of Missouri and American rider Christian Vande Velde retained his race lead for the fourth day Saturday. Cavendish (Team Columbia), a four-stage winner in this year's Tour de France, pulled away from the field in the final 50 yards of a long, straight finish to claim the 96.9-mile Hermann to St. Charles road race in 3 hours, 32 minutes and 25 seconds.

Maryville rolls over Benton

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Benton football coach Matt Tabor refused to use the weather as an excuse for his team's 28-0 loss at Maryville on Friday. But 14 fumbles from both sides and a complete lack of passing offense made it pretty clear that the rain changed the game. "Sinking into the mud, there's nothing more difficult," Cardinal lineman A.J. Wysling said. "Trying to pick your feet up when you're stuck is like playing in quicksand. There's no way to move."

Irish stop Eagles

With the spread offense taking over football programs throughout the country, Lafayette senior quarterback Bryston Williams and his Fighting Irish got in on the act. Lafayette used Williams' dual-threat capability to go along with a stingy defense to drop Bishop LeBlond 21-7 in a Midland Empire Conference game Friday night at Eagle Field. The win moves the Irish to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in the MEC race. Bishop LeBlond falls to 1-2, 0-2 in league play.

Turnovers prove costly for Wathena

WATHENA, Kan. - On his second rushing attempt of the game, Wathena running back Colton Bauman planted his foot, slipped and tumbled to the soggy turf. It would be that kind of night for the Wildcats. In a steady drizzle, Wathena's waterlogged offense struggled to generate any momentum against Pleasant Ridge and dropped the Delaware Valley League matchup 26-0.

Sylvia says: Grill Daddy is not the answer for dirty grills

By end of summer, the barbecue grill can look pretty nasty if you haven't been vigilant about cleaning it. Wouldn't it be nice if you had a tool that could quickly clean it up without using a lot of muscle? The Grill Daddy is the answer, or so the infomercial says. The "revolutionary" new grill cleaning tool claims to steam clean and sterilize your grill with just a few strokes of the brush. They sell for $19.95 plus shipping and handling on grilldaddy.net.

Christian steals INTs to seal victory

OREGON, Mo. - St. Joseph Christian recorded interceptions on both of South Holt's overtime possessions, including David Welchert's victory-sealing pick, to win 30-24 in double overtime Friday. The Lions (2-1) started the first overtime on offense but fumbled possession away. The Knights (2-1) were unable to capitalize as an apparent game-winning touchdown catch for Robert Quimby was ruled an interception for Christian's Luke Mathes.

Central looks soggy

Indians turn ball over 4 times while getting manhandled by Lee's Summit North

Maybe the pop group Milli Vanilli can "Blame it on the Rain." But Central coach Tony Dudik said to blame the team's gaping 27-0 setback to Lee's Summit North on him. "I am totally confused and somewhat shell-shocked right now," he said, "I want to apologize to everyone that came out tonight to see this game."

ACCHS gets taken down in overtime

EFFINGHAM, Kan. - There were so many potential game-changing plays in ACCHS' game against Valley Falls on Friday night that the two teams needed overtime to set up a game-winning play. Unfortunately for the Tigers, it was the Dragons who made it.

Wathena gets bogged down

WATHENA, Kan. - On his second rushing attempt of the game, Wathena running back Colton Bauman planted his foot, slipped and tumbled to the soggy turf. It would be that kind of night for the Wildcats. In a steady drizzle, Wathena's waterlogged offense struggled to generate any momentum against Pleasant Ridge and dropped the Delaware Valley League matchup 26-0. "We just got stuck down here in the mud and couldn't quite get out," Wathena coach Scot Koranda said. "It was really frustrating."

South Florida holds off furious Kansas' comeback

TAMPA, Fla. - Freshman Maikon Bonani kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired Friday night, giving No. 19 South Florida a 37-34 victory over No. 13 Kansas. Matt Grothe threw for 338 yards and two touchdowns for USF (3-0) which overcame a 17-point deficit to take a two-touchdown lead before Kansas' Todd Reesing tied the game with two fourth-quarter TD passes.

Friday's prep football boxes

Friday's football boxes

Van Poppel wins Tour of Missouri's 5th stage

Vande Velde retains leader's yellow jersey

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Boy Van Poppel of the Netherlands earned the first win of his pro career and American rider Christian Vande Velde retained his race lead for the third consecutive day Friday in the fifth stage of the Tour of Missouri. The 20-year-old Van Poppel, son of nine-time Tour de France stage winner Jean-Paul Van Poppel, claimed the 109.2-mile St. James to Jefferson City road race in 3 hours, 48 minutes and 42 seconds.

Lee wins No. 22, beats Kansas City

CLEVELAND - Another victory under his belt, Cliff Lee emerged from his postgame shower, walked to his locker and began getting dressed. He slipped on a T-shirt that said: Ace of Spades. Right now, he's the ace of baseball. Lee won his 11th straight decision and moved a remarkable 20 games over .500 with his 22nd win, leading the Cleveland Indians past the Kansas City Royals 12-5 on Friday night.

Kansas City looking for another big game from Jarrad Page

KANSAS CITY - The recent history of the Chiefs-Raiders rivalry might be different if two years ago Kansas City hadn't drafted safety Jarrad Page. Page altered three of four games against Oakland with interceptions, two coming in the final minute to close out narrow Chiefs victories. He didn't get one when the Raiders came to Arrowhead Stadium last November, and Oakland snapped a nine-game losing streak in the series.

Tigers' coach wary of wolf pack

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Back when he was climbing the coaching ladder at Toledo, Gary Pinkel was 3-0 against Nevada. Now Pinkel is at Missouri, leading one of the nation's best teams. Still, he is wary of the Wolf Pack. "They do things that can cause us problems on both sides of the football," Pinkel said. "They'll be prepared."

Missouri Western-Northwest Missouri scouting report

When Western has the ball Six turnovers effectively stymied the Griffons' offense last week against Minnesota-Duluth. Western should be more focused this week and is facing the MIAA's second-worst defense in terms of points allowed and pass efficiency.

Allen and Kirby: Talent for the NFL

The News-Press talked with the men who will spend at least a couple of weeks this season game planning for how to beat Roger Allen and Reid Kirby to get their take on the pair's standing in the conference and pro potential. The general consensus seemed to be that Allen is the more physically gifted of the two.

Kirby connects at Northwest

MARYVILLE, Mo. - A Division I football dream turned into a nightmare for Reid Kirby. But inactivity didn't sit well, either. Thank goodness for Northwest Missouri State. Now Kirby rests easy in Maryville, Mo. Kirby left Oak Park High School and its successful football program in the summer of 2003 with high accolades and winning seasons under his belt. He was Kansas City All-Metro and Missouri All-State on the defensive line after making the all-state team on both sides of the ball the previous season.

NFL comes calling for Allen

By 2006, Roger Allen's NFL aspirations were a distant memory, the dreams of a naive elementary schooler who didn't understand the cold reality that odds and statistics brought with them. Then during spring practice in 2007, tight end Billy Babcock found Allen's name on NFLdraftscout.com and made sure to pass along the information. A few months later, former teammate Gijon Robinson landed on the Colts practice roster.

Week 3 Pick 'em

Even for the low standards of message boards, Missouri Western-Northwest Missouri brings out a whole other level of fan banter. As of this writing, the thread on d2football.com is seven pages long and growing. It's truly been a terrific week for trash talk, and in honor of Saturday's game, here are some of the printable highlights - most of it coming from the Northwest fans.

Northwest-Western: Deep thoughts by Rick ...

Things that make me go "hmmmm" on the eve of the Northwest vs. Missouri Western football game: 1. I don't know how this can be such a heated rivalry when Northwest has won 10 of its last 12 games against Missouri Western. Generally, rivalries are more even than that, although the overall series is a bit closer at 17-10.

Mutual inspiration

A teacher, his students and a photographer will be featured in new Albrecht-Kemper exhibits

There are many Midwest artists who draw creative inspiration from the landscape where they reside and the stories that live within it. This land is what fueled the creative energy of the artists whose work will be displayed at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art beginning Sept. 13. First, there is "A Prairie School: Robert Sudlow and His Students," which will feature the work of impressionistic painter Robert Sudlow, along with works from 16 artists who have studied under him.

Bringing back the heyday

Pioneer Days kicks off a weekend of fun today

The Pioneer Days Arts and Crafts Festival in Edgerton, Mo., has been around since 1971. For years, it was the town's hot event for family fun and entertainment.

A trip to a more innocent time

Five By Design takes audiences back to the '50s and '60s

If you ever had a crush on Bobby Darrin, a love for Frank Sinatra or if Carol Burnett made you laugh hysterically, then this is the show for you. Five By Design presents its variety show "Stay Tuned" at 8 p.m. tonight at the Missouri Theater.

Coming up quick

The Cab have gone from high school to high billing in a flash

As high school students in Las Vegas four years ago, Alex DeLeon and Cash Colligan hated each other. The two battled for the same girl and emotions ran deep. With such animosity between the two teens, no one would have thought that they would bury the hatchet and bring their musical minds together.

That game we play: Pay up, guys

There are certain things they say not to talk about on first dates. These include sex, religion, politics and money. The first three can be easily avoided, but the fourth always comes up. Someone has to pay for dinner, the question is who. When you think about it, there are quite a few different ways it could play out:

The Shuffle: New political pop: An endangered species

In the past few weeks, the nation has been saturated with coverage of both the Democratic and Republican national conventions. And both conventions had a musical presence, whether it's the supportive acts on the convention's stages or concerts specifically organized in opposition of a political party's beliefs.

This is: "Untitled" by Megan Wyeth

Style watch: Political T's

What's in that? Long Island iced tea at Ground Round

Briefs for Sept. 12, 2008

Calendars for Sept. 12, 2008

Friday's Prep Sports

DeJesus keys Royals' win

MINNEAPOLIS - In the end, Minnesota's bullpen blew another one - after the latest strong start by Francisco Liriano. This was a bad time for the Twins to stop hitting, though - not to mention make one big mistake on the bases. David DeJesus hit the winning single in the 10th inning for the Kansas City Royals in a 3-2 victory at Minnesota on Thursday, keeping the Twins in second place for at least another day and wasting eight impressive innings by Liriano.

Chiefs turn offense over to Huard --- again

KANSAS CITY - Like the cavalry, Damon Huard always arrives just in the nick of time. The always-agreeable career backup will once again put down his clipboard and pick up his helmet Sunday when Kansas City hosts Oakland. With Brodie Croyle sidelined by a shoulder injury, Huard will be coming in for an injured Chiefs quarterback for the third time in three years. He'll do so after getting almost no practice snaps throughout spring and summer drills. Huard played so sparingly in the preseason, many people assumed the 12-year veteran had dropped to third-string behind Tyler Thigpen amid the youth-oriented rebuilding movement that's turned the Chiefs into the youngest team in the league.

Hornets ready to make a statement

Chillicothe enters Week 3 unbeaten, ranked No. 5 in the AP's most recent Class 3 poll and possibly just a bit off the state championship map. Why? The Hornets travelled to Marshall in Week 1, then hosted out of area Odessa. Tonight's matchup at Class 4 No. 9 Grain Valley marks a third straight nonconference game and another chance to prove Chillicothe's mettle.

World of Outlaws invades Osborn

OSBORN, Mo. - The third annual Missouri High-Banked Nationals is slated for tonight at U.S. 36 Raceway, but Hurricane Ike might have other plans for the sprint car race. The World of Outlaws event originally scheduled for early May could face inclement conditions with weather forecasts calling for large amounts of rain - the same conditions that forced the original postponement. Track owner/promoter Mike Franks said Thursday night the track was in solid condition and had been sealed to promote drainage. A decision should be made by early this afternoon as to the race's status

Lafayette's McMurray throws 3rd perfect game

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, no one on base and a five-run lead, Kelcey McMurray just wanted to close out the win. The Lafayette junior fell behind 3-1 to Bishop LeBlond's Stephanie Garver. McMurray's perfect game was in jeopardy, and she didn't even know it. "No, I wasn't even thinking about it," she said. "I don't pay attention to those things, I just try to take one batter at a time and focus on what I have to do." After the next pitch was fouled off, Garver struck out - McMurray's 13th of the game. Lafayette's 5-0 victory Thursday at Eagle Field represented the third perfect game of McMurray's career.

Just for kicks ...

Playing, practicing football different for place-kicker

Standing on his own goal line, Austin Barnes waits. He licks three of his fingers, then his pinkie, then his thumb. Motionless now, his inactivity belies the churn of nerves that lingers just below the surface. The wiry Central senior already has bit the turf once this day against a ferocious Blue Springs rush. His stare is transfixed at the ball that soon will be launched his way. Moments pass. He waits. Even during his brief stints on the field, Barnes spends the majority of his time standing, waiting. Such is life as a high school kicker.

Is the new Speedo suit a device

Controversy swirled around Speedo's LZR Racer suit during last month's Olympics in Beijing, where its wearers set world record by the dozen.

8-Man Football Leaderboard, September 12

Statistical Leaders for local 8-man football teams

11-Man Football Leaderboard, September 12

Top teams and individuals statistically

Prep Football Standings/Schedule, September 12

Standings, Results and Schedules for local teams

Topsy's in Mall is Closing Soon

After 40 years of operation, Topsy's is closing its doors.

"Celebrities" are now trying to become "authors"

Lynn Spears and Lauren Conrad have books in the works: Is anyone going to read them?

"Celebrities" Lynn Spears and Lauren Conrad have books in the works: Is anyone going to read them?

New Kanye West, whether you like it or not

Hip-hop visionary/egomaniac rumored to release new album Dec. 16

Hip-hop superstar Kanye West may have started as a likeable new artist who helped bring hip-hop back to its roots with what have now become his signature soul samples. But now, he has become a love-him-or-hate-him kind of performer.

From a foreign land

Foreign Film Night offers a chance to escape to another place and time

Traveling to foreign lands and experiencing other cultures doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, you don't even have to leave St. Joe to do so. You can get away for a few hours simply by watching a foreign film. "It's a chance to, in essence, travel to another place and time and become familiar with customs and ideals of other cultures," says Central High School teacher Jennifer Callow.

Royals officially out of AL Central race

MINNEAPOLIS - Kevin Slowey allowed four hits over seven innings and kept the Twins in step with the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central, pitching Minnesota past the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Wednesday night.

Thursday's Prep Sports

Vande Velde wins Tour of Missouri's 3rd stage

BRANSON, Mo. - Christian Vande Velde won the time trial Wednesday to take the overall lead after the third stage of the Tour of Missouri.

Prep Football Notebook: Troy impressive in Week 1 win

Facing a defending league champion and top contender in Week 1, Troy responded with a nearly flawless performance against Pleasant Ridge.

Croyle's injury leaves Chiefs with QB quandry

K.C. picks up Ingle Martin from Tennessee

KANSAS CITY - If anything happens to Damon Huard the next couple of weeks, Kansas City will be about as green as green can be at the most vital position in football.

Signs "Spider-Man 4" may be doomed like other sequels

It was recently reported that Tobey Maguire would reprise his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man for two more installments of the "Spider-Man" franchise. Was this a good move?

Chick-fil-A looking to land in St. Joseph

The site at the Shoppes at North Village just wasn't working. That's what a Chick-fil-A spokesman said. The spot, right at the entrance near Chili's, has had a troubled life.

Newhart sits out Tuesday's practice

Missouri Western quarterback Drew Newhart did not participate in practice Tuesday, watching drills in a hoodie and shorts instead.

Farmers' markets for Sept. 10, 2008

Bannister's struggles continue

MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Twins started a must-win series against Kansas City in convincing fashion. Denard Span had three hits and scored two runs, and Justin Morneau homered to lead the Twins to a 7-2 victory over the Royals on Tuesday night to close within a game of Chicago in the AL Central race.

Missouri burns top recruit quarterback Gabbert's redshirt

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Gary Pinkel knew the question was going to be asked before it actually was. Why, coach? Why play true freshman Blaine Gabbert as your No. 3 quarterback? Why waste a full season of eligibility for a player who is only a small part of Missouri's present but may be such a huge part of the Tigers' future?

Parity still defining MIAA slate in 2008

With five MIAA teams in the latest Top 25 poll, Northwest Missouri State football coach Mel Tjeerdsma sees 2008 as a great season for the fans, though it could be a roller-coaster ride for the coaches. Conference preseason favorite Nebraska-Omaha is the top-ranked team of the MIAA bunch at No. 5, one spot behind Abilene Christian, which defeated the Bearcats 44-27 in the season opener. Pittsburg State is No. 7, followed by Northwest at No. 9, up three placed from last week's poll.

Benton soccer powers past Maryville

Benton muscled its way to its second win of the season Tuesday night at home against Maryville. Both coaches admitted after the game that the Cardinal's physical play seemed to be the difference in the 6-3 game.

Cavendish wins 2nd straight Tour of Missouri stage

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - While Mark Cavendish sprinted Tuesday to his second consecutive stage win at the Tour of Missouri, the British rider's continued dominance was overshadowed with the confirmation of Lance Armstrong's return to cycling. Cavendish (Columbia), who won four stages of the Tour de France in July, claimed his 16th win this season with about a bike-length victory in the 126.3-mile Clinton to Springfield road race in 4 hours, 53 minutes and 19 seconds.

With Croyle out, Edwards weighs 2-QB system

KANSAS CITY - Coach Herm Edwards is hinting that the Kansas City Chiefs may go with some sort of two-quarterback system while Brodie Croyle is sidelined with a separated shoulder. Backup Damon Huard will start this week against the Raiders, relieving an injured Kansas City quarterback for the third time in three years. But Edwards made clear that third-teamer Tyler Thigpen, who was waived by Minnesota last September and has attempted only six passes in the NFL, will also get on the field in the next few weeks.

Tuesday's prep sports 09-09-08

Crane Company Fined in Fatal Crane Accident

Crane company is fined for two serious violations.

Prep Pick 'em (Week 2 Review, Week 3 picks)

While Andy's picks stunk for a second straight week, I was right there to look terrible with him. A few confusing big school matchups left both of us looking like Chris Berman as "The Swami." (That is not a compliment.) A 6-4 performance wasn't a killer for me. Andy, well, he might be replaced in this column with a few more weeks of barely above the .500 mark picks.

Man Found Dead in Rest Stop Bathroom

Authorities continue to investigate the death of a man found in a rest stop restroom.

Brown proves forceful voice for McCain campaign

Platte City legislator heads veterans group backing Republican candidate

Jason Brown met Sen. John McCain in Iraq in the spring of 2007. The state representative from Platte City had just returned to the war zone after healing from a combat wound. Mr. McCain impressed the Army Reservist with his support for the troop surge in Iraq at a time when media pundits, and even lawmakers of his own party, ridiculed the idea.

The Best and the Rest: Week 3

Xavier Omon didn't play Sunday. Ditto for Dave Tollefson. Trey Lewis is on the physically unable to perform list. The Cardinals cut Jamaica Rector. The Chargers waived Germain Race. Offensive linemen Seth Wand and Allen Barbre don't play until this evening. So there wasn't a whole lot of MIAA talent on display during the NFL's opening weekend. Roderick Green - a former Central Missouri Mule - defended a pass. Brian Moorman, a Pittsburg State graduate, punted nine times for an average of 40.6 yards for the Buffalo Bills.

Chiefs' safety says his hit was clean

KANSAS CITY - The man who delivered the hit that ended Tom Brady's season insists he was not trying to hurt last year's NFL MVP. "It was really an accident," said Kansas City's Bernard Pollard. "I can't change what happened. I can't do anything but pray for him and hope he has a speedy recovery." Early in the Patriots' 17-10 victory, Pollard came on a safety blitz and was fighting through the block of running back Sammy Morris. Crawling forward, he got hold of Brady's left knee just as Brady was planting to make a long throw to Randy Moss.

Griffons try to figure out defensive problems

The best pass defense is a strong pass rush, as conventional football wisdom goes. However, it hasn't worked that way for Missouri Western through two games. Defensive ends Soane Etu and Bradley Davidson put plenty of pressure on quarterbacks, recording five and a half sacks between them. The Griffons have nine sacks total, but Northern State and Minnesota-Duluth still passed for six touchdowns and 615 yards the past two weeks. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 75 percent of their passes against the Griffons, while averaging 12.1 yards a completion.

Local golfers eliminated at U.S. Mid-Amateur

After advancing to match play, a pair of St. Joseph golfers saw their shot to play in the Masters tournament evaporate Monday. Playing in a steady rain, Brad Nurski and Brian Haskell both came up short during the first-round matches at the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in River Hills, Wisc. "It was a tough day. It really was," a downtrodden Nurski said. "Hopefully, I can build on this and get a little further into it next time."

Team Columbia rider wins rain-soaked Tour of Missouri stage

At the tender age of 23, Mark Cavendish looked a little uncomfortable getting all the attention on the podium Monday afternoon at the end of the first stage of the Tour of Missouri. Cavendish, of Great Britain, picked up his first-ever stage win in America when he outlasted Tyler Farrar in a final sprint to take the yellow jersey heading into today's second stage between Clinton and Branson. But Cavendish had plenty of time to get used to the attention - and the kisses on each cheek from the podium girls - before he called it a day. Not only did he cover the nearly 90 miles in a winning 3 hours, 15 minutes, 14.6 seconds, but he took the jerseys for best young rider and best sprinter as well.

Chiefs' Croyle out for at least this week

KANSAS CITY - Brodie Croyle has a separated shoulder, and Damon Huard will start at quarterback this week against Oakland. "He's not done for the year," Chiefs coach Herman Edwards said Monday. "It's week to week. "They're still looking at it, and they're going to send it off to some other (medical experts), but that's what it looks like."

Indians handcuff Royals

KANSAS CITY - Cliff Lee said he does not pinch himself about the dream season he is having. Lee won his 10th straight decision, the longest winning streak in the majors this season, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday. Lee, who leads the majors with 21 wins, is 10-0 in 11 starts since a July 6 loss at Minnesota. In those 11 starts, Lee has a 1.84 ERA. He lowered his major league leading ERA to 2.28.

Top riders converge on St. Joseph for Tour of Missouri

The Tour of Missouri has gotten the attention of professional cycling's top teams and riders. The second-year stage race, which begins today in St. Joseph, isn't just an end-of-the-year fun event. "We will be back to win," said Jonathan Vaughters, director of the Garmin-Chipotle team, which competed successfully in last year's race with the team title, second overall finisher (Will Frischkorn), and stage winner (Danny Pate). "This is a serious objective for our team. It's a major event."

Caffeine buzz: Rider makes most of coffee fixation

Tom Danielson likes coffee. A lot. When he's not spending time in the saddle during seemingly endless training sessions, Danielson keeps busy with his own line of coffee.

Cycling terms you'll need to know

Here are 20 cycling terms that you'll need to know to become a knowledgeable fan of the Tour of Missouri:

Road race winner gets a little encouragement

Nolan Froese has surprised his father with his dedication to the sport of cycling. It was a little over three years ago when Sunday's St. Joseph Road Race winner and a friend, Jan Bradford-Watts, now 17, came to the Ethan Froese with the request to help them get started.

A hard climb back for injured cyclist

It's been a long climb for Tom Danielson, who's no stranger to making climbs on a bicycle. Danielson hopes to reach the pinnacle starting today, just one week and one day after suffering a serious shoulder injury in a 60 mph crash, when he opens the Tour of Missouri in St. Joseph. "I've been a little bit of an unknown, with injuries," said the Durango, Colo., rider, who crashed in the first stage of the Vuelta Espana while riding for the Discovery Channel team.

Patriots stymie Chiefs

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Tom Brady screamed. The fans went quiet. The seemingly indestructible star of the New England Patriots lay on the ground, clutching his left knee. The NFL's reigning MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion was done for the day - at least. "He was in a lot of pain. When you hear a scream, you know that," Kansas City safety Bernard Pollard said after hitting Brady on the left leg midway through the first quarter.

Columbia teen wins road race

With a little help from his father and a support vehicle, not even a flat tire could deter Nolan Froese from winning Sunday's USA Cycling St. Joseph Road Race. Froese, an 18-year-old from Columbia, Mo., finished the 42.86-mile course in 1 hour, 47 minutes, 1 second, taking a 17-second victory over Mark Smelzer of Manhattan, Kan. But this victory didn't come easily. When he got the flat, the support vehicle driven by Gary Schermerhorn was along within a few seconds with a new front wheel. As the other racers widened the gap, Froese methodically swapped out the wheel.

St. Joseph golfers advance in U.S. Mid-Amateur

RIVER HILLS, Wisc. - Brian Haskell stood at the top of the leaderboard after the first day of the 2005 U.S. Mid-Amateur and seemed to be in great position to advance. But things fell apart the second day. Back this year at the same tournament, the St. Joseph golfer worried for a moment that this history might repeat itself. After shooting in the top seven of 264 golfers on the first day, Haskell started Sunday with bogeys on three of the first six holes at the Milwaukee Country Club. "My caddie, Matt Thrasher, was with me last time, and at that point we just talked about how we were in the same position," Haskell said. "I started out last time on the second day with a few bogeys, it snowballed and I let it get away from me. We both said we weren't going to let it get away from us this time. "I just kept my composure. It wasn't a low score, but it was good enough to get in the top 64."

GAME BLOG: Duluth 47, Western 18

"You can't think of too many things we didn't do wrong." Griffons coach Jerry Partridge Coaches often point to the progression between weeks one and two as the most significant during a college football season. Only one team embodied that Saturday. Drew Newhart certainly was the poster boy for the Griffons' futility with five turnovers, but this was a poor effort all around. With Northwest Missouri State, Pittsburg State and Washburn up next on the schedule all ranked as well the Griffons betted get it figured out fast, or they will be 1-4 with no problem.

Duncan Hills Club Championship Saturday's Results & Today's Tee Times

Saturday's college sports 09-06-08

Northwest wrap: Defense looking better

Northwest Missouri State's defense continues to be a work in progress. But there's some cause for hope. Against Southwest Baptist on Saturday night, the defense was able to put some pressure on elusive quarterback Steve Gachette.

Saturday's prep sports 09-06-08

Meche's gem leads Royals to win

KANSAS CITY - Gil Meche got his ERA under 4.00, set a season high for strikeouts and won for the first time in more than a month. Not a bad night for the Kansas City right-hander. Meche pitched three-hit ball for seven innings and struck out 10, pitching the Royals past Cleveland 3-1 on Saturday night to snap the Indians' 10-game road winning streak. Cleveland hadn't lost away from home since Aug. 6 at Tampa Bay.

Bearcat notes

Baptist had a couple of great opportunities to gain possession - and momentum - in the second quarter that were thwarted by its own mistakes. Baptist's Willie Johnson intercepted Northwest quarterback Joel Osborn near midfield, but instead of having the ball in Northwest territory, a roughing-the-passer call let the green Bearcats keep possession on Baptist's side of the field.

Griffon notes

Missouri Western's best offense against No. 17 Minnesota-Duluth on Saturday night was its kick returners - Cedric Houston and Ferrell McGhee. That duo accounted for 243 return yards and had plenty of opportunities thanks to the Bulldogs scoring 47 points. Western's offense mustered just 257 total yards.

Missouri rolls over Southeast Missouri St.

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri's offense was nearly perfect in the first half against outclassed competition. Chase Daniel said it was good practice for the bigger games to come, when the sixth-ranked Tigers will need the points. "We played exactly like we should have played," Daniel said after a 52-3 romp over Southeast Missouri on Saturday night. "I think we scored almost every single time we touched the ball and that's what we expect no matter the opponent.

Northwest thrashes Baptist

MARYVILLE, Mo. - With Missouri Western and the MIAA season looming next week, Northwest Missouri State tuned up by teeing off on Southwest Baptist on Saturday night. LaRon Council scored three touchdowns, and three quarterbacks combined for three more scores and 525 yards through the air in a 63-28 thrashing of Baptist. "Obviously it's a lot better to win than last week," Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma said, referring to last Saturday's season-opening loss to Abilene Christian. "Putting everything in perspective, I think there were some things that we did a lot better."

Miscues cost Griffons

Searching for a solution to its struggles, Missouri Western's offense huddled around line coach Jay Eilers on its sideline - except for one Griffon. Quarterback Drew Newhart sat on a different bench, by himself, as a few teammates periodically wandered over to say some quick words - as if they were visitors at a wake giving their condolences. It sure felt that way Saturday night at Spratt Stadium.

Chiefs say they start new season with high expectations

KANSAS CITY - When Tony Gonzalez says the rebuilding Kansas City Chiefs might surprise everyone, even the people who love him most start rolling their eyes. "My own family - they're like, 'Yeah, right, whatever,'" the nine-time Pro Bowl selection said. "But we're a lot better team than last year. I'm telling you; these young guys can play." With all due respect to one of the game's great tight ends, it's hard not to be skeptical.

Chiefs must face healthy Brady, Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - It's hardly a surprise that Tom Brady will start in the New England Patriots' season opener on Sunday. The shock could come when the Kansas City Chiefs' young secondary sees how hard it will be to stop last season's NFL MVP. "It's going to be a tough task, but I think my young fellas back there are ready. They're ready for a challenge," said cornerback Patrick Surtain, an 11-year veteran.

Time trials kick off weekend of cycling in St. Joseph

Saturday was a day of firsts in St. Joseph for USA Cycling's St. Joseph Team Time Trial. The Bicycle Shack Racing team of Phillip Todd, Jeremy Pych and Jeff Winkler took first in the event, which was being held for the first time here. That Category 1/2 team finished the course in 38 minutes, 32 seconds (the time is determined by the second rider crossing the finish line), averaging 25.86 miles per hour.

World-class cycling teams hit town

ST. LOUIS - Defending champion George Hincapie's greatest challenge in the second Tour of Missouri might come from his own team. The 13-year veteran of the Tour de France is surrounded by world-class talent on the Columbia team entering the 623-mile week-long race that starts Monday in St. Joseph and ends next Sunday in St. Louis. Among the notables are Mark Cavendish of Great Britain, who has four career stage wins in the Tour de France, and time trial ace Michael Rogers of Australia.

Local men in contention at U.S. Mid-Amateur

Haskell, Nurski in top 25

RIVER HILLS, Wisc. - St. Joseph golfers Brian Haskell and Brad Nurski finished in the top 25 after Saturday's first round of the U.S. Mid-Amateur. Played on two separate courses, Haskell fired a 1-under 69 at Milwaukee Country Club and will start today's second round tied for seventh with three other golfers. Nurski's even-par 70 at Brown Deer Park has him in a 12-way tie for 11th. The top 64 after two rounds of stroke play advance to single-elimination match play.

When it's man vs. bear, I need backup weapon

While preparing for an upcoming bowhunting trip for black bear, the owner of the lodge informed us that we may wish to carry a legal firearm along as a backup weapon, as we'd be hunting predominately on our own in very remote areas. Call me naive, but as a newcomer to the world of bear hunting, in a worst-case scenario, the thought of going toe to toe with a 300- to 500-pound black bear with only a bow and arrow to defend myself didn't sound too appealing.

On your marks, get set, bow

Mother Nature sent a clear message that summer is coming to an end by dropping a nice little cold front into Northwest Missouri. With recent daytime temperatures dropping down into the upper 50s, stepping out of the house into the crisp, wet, cool morning air made many bowhunters yearn to be in their favorite tree stand overlooking a heavily used deer trail. Those who experienced similar sensations can rejoice in the fact that the 2008 archery season opener begins in just over a week.

Spoofhounds overpower Fighting Irish

Lafayette coach Paul Woolard wanted to set the tone early on Friday night. But John Farmer and the Maryville Spoofhouds set it for him. Farmer returned a first-quarter punt 70 yards for the game's first score, and Maryville never looked back in a 42-7 victory against the Fighting Irish at Alumni Field.

Central's Big 7 debut marred by Blue Springs

When running back Ghaali Muhammad starts sprinting down the sideline, the end zone normally is a foregone conclusion. Not anymore. Not against the big boys of Blue Springs. The Wildcats gave Central an unfriendly welcome to the Suburban League's Big 7 Conference at Noyes Field on Friday and cruised to a sloppy 32-3 win. "When I hit that edge, I saw the end zone and thought I should have scored on it," Muhammad said. "I just couldn't get there."

Tribe halts Royals' streak

KANSAS CITY - Victor Martinez reached base four times in his return to catching, helping the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 9-3 Friday night for their 10th straight road win. The Indians had been bringing Martinez along slowly after the two-time All-Star catcher had elbow surgery on June 13.

Benton spoils LeBlond's return to the MEC

Dalton Helm kept tracking down loose balls and waiting for his offense to pick him up. Benton's senior linebacker recovered three fumbles Friday night against Bishop LeBlond, the second setting up a decisive 85-yard touchdown run from Jake Kretzer. Benton forced four LeBlond turnovers but converted them into only seven points during a 35-0 victory at Sparks Field. That didn't bother Helm, who kept believing in the power of turnovers.

It's all about sacks for Chiefs' defensive end Hali

KANSAS CITY - Everyone keeps telling him to wait his turn and the sacks will come, but Tamba Hali can't. Not any longer. Hali went four preseason games with no sacks, and that simply will not do. Not in Hali's world, and not when he's been tabbed as Jared Allen's successor, the defensive end who will fill Allen's spot on the right side, and the man expected to at least pick up some of Allen's 15 1/2 sacks last year.

Week 2 poses less-challenging threat for No. 6 Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. - For Southeast Missouri State, the $250,000 payday will help finance the athletic program. For sixth-ranked Missouri, victory No. 2 is bought and paid for. A week after being pushed in a 52-42 victory against No. 20 Illinois, the Tigers enter a three-game stretch where they should do all the pushing.

Northwest-Southwest Baptist scouting report

WHEN BAPTIST HAS THE BALL Steve Gachette likes to throw the ball early and often, as evidenced by his 51 attempts last week. But he's also mobile enough to make things happen when the receivers aren't open. Covered receivers were rare last week in Northwest's game against Abilene Christian, but these receivers won't have the same speed as those in the season opener. Northwest didn't have much success putting pressure on Gachette in last year's game, but the purple-clad Bearcats made enough miscues on offense, defense and special teams for Northwest to go on a roll.

Western-Minnesota Duluth scouting report

When Western has the ball: The Griffons stopped themselves last week with a rash of penalties. Look for a more disciplined offensive line to give quarterback Drew Newhart plenty of time to dissect the Bulldogs' secondary tonight. Newhart burned Duluth for three touchdowns last year, including strikes of 30 and 75 yards to Cedric Houston.

Long time coming for Gibson

Western's senior safety stands out as full-time starter

The road to redemption was 25 yards long. Sylvester Gibson needed just a few seconds to cover that distance en route to the end zone and covered a myriad of emotions along the way - validation, pride, fulfillment, relief - for himself, his teammates, his deceased father, his mother and six sisters. Last Thursday was 15 years in the making for Gibson - a senior safety for Missouri Western.

Friday's Prep Football Boxes

Friday's prep football scores

Week 2 Pick 'em

Missouri State coach Terry Allen staked himself out to an early lead for best football rant this season following his team's upset loss to Washburn on Thursday. He told the Springfield News-Leader that, "We looked like a very poorly coached football team. We made more stupid mistakes that cost us the football game. But we spread it out. "You can't leave guys uncovered in man coverage, you can't have 12 guys on the field, you can't fumble kickoffs, you can't have 12 guys in the huddle offensively, you can't have poor snaps ... the list goes on and on.

Seinfeld and Microsoft: Not so funny

New ads confuse more than entertain or inform

Microsoft is hoping that its new, $300 million ad campaign featuring Jerry Seinfeld will give those Mac ads a run for their money. So far, it's not working.

One smooth ride

Bikes and Blues Festival combines tunes and tires this weekend

When the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society was planning its 2008 blues festival earlier this year, members probably didn't have bicycles on the brain. Motorcycles, maybe. But definitely not bicycles. That all changed when St. Joseph was given the opportunity to host the opening day of the Tour of Missouri. With one of the biggest athletic events in the state and one of the city's biggest annual music festivals taking over downtown St. Joseph on the same weekend, it was easy to see what would happen.

Only himself

Adam Pascal's show doesn't have any characters, just him and the music

You might know him as Roger Davis, the songwriter who was recovering from heroin addiction in the Broadway spectacle "Rent." You might also know him as Theo, the guy who kicked Jack Black out of his band in "School of Rock." But at Northwest Missouri State University on Sept. 11, you will know him as Adam Pascal, the performer. Not a character, a performer.

Bridging the gap

The Bypass plans CD release party at Word of Life Church Saturday

Any Christian-based group has a few hurdles to jump when seeking a wider popularity. How do you create music that can appeal beyond a Christian audience without taming your overall message in fear of alienating the secular music fan?

Veering off course

Vampire Weekend dresses indie rock up with Afro-pop and cardigans

It seems like the hot indie rock band of the moment comes along every few months or so. And for the most part, they don't sound or look that much different from one another. Then, New York's Vampire Weekend came along in 2007 and pretty much screwed all that up in the most audibly enticing ways possible. The band's music was the buzz of the blogosphere at the end of 2007. Before its self-titled debut album was released in Jan. 2008, Spin Magazine did a cover story on the group calling them "The Year's Best New Band... Already!?" These critical and musical accolades are enough to go to anybody's head, but drummer Chris Tomson isn't quite sure he's felt that effect.

Try it, you'll like it

A trip to the Kirkpatrick Cafe in downtown St. Joseph is worth a visit, if not just for the unique decor. The weathered barn paneling, stained-glass lamps, folk art paintings and unusual wood furniture are one of a kind. But even if you've been there before, you need to return to try the menu. In July of this year, Vincent Daunay became the new owner and Matthew Langford, the manager.

The Shuffle: Get up, stand-up

While covering St. Joe's arts and entertainment scene, I have come to realize what the general public tends to come out for and what it steers clear of. But in St. Joseph, the popularity of stand-up comedy is in some crazy kind of middle ground.

That game we play: The pick-up artist

If you're single, you've experienced one. Maybe it was amusing. Maybe it was crude. Maybe it had you going "What?" But no matter what, it likely made an impression. It's the pick-up line. And although it's a staple of singles scenes everywhere, it's kind of like the loud, obnoxious uncle who gets too drunk at Thanksgiving and cracks dirty jokes: You know it's part of the whole thing, but you'd really rather avoid it altogether. Chad Hammontree says he personally stays away from using pick-up lines for one reason. "They're cheesy as hell," he says.

Drink of the week: Mexican car bomb at Palma's

Briefs for Sept. 5, 2008

This is: John Goolsby

That's cool: Water Powered Clock ($12.99)

Calendars for the week of Sept. 5, 2008

Thursday's Prep Sports

Prep Football Standings/Schedule, September 5

Standings and schedules for area teams

Prep Football Leaderboard, September 5

The prep football leaderboards are put together weekly by assistant sports editor Ross Martin from coaches' submissions and box scores. If you see inaccurate or incomplete information, please contact Ross at (816) 271-8553 or e-mail at rossmartin@npgco.com. All submissions for leaderboard should be in by Wednesday afternoon. The full leaderboard, including those not listed below can be viewed at www.stjoesports.com under the Prep heading every Friday morning right after midnight.

Area Football Capsules, September

A look at today's top area football games

City Football Capsules, September 5

A look at games involving St. Joseph teams

LeBlond's Shinn combines his religion with coaching

With rain blanketing St. Joseph on Wednesday afternoon, Drew Shinn's first task after school was to check the status of Bishop LeBlond's practice field. Conditions weren't perfect. But with no puddles forming, he brought his squad of Golden Eagles outside for 2 1/2 hours, enduring intermittent downpours. His players shivering and freezing, Shinn brought them together at the end, went over plans for Thursday's practice and then asked for them to join in a benediction.

Rockets take off a little late

Trailing 42-8 in the second quarter, Matt Messick knew his West Nodaway squad would respond in one of two ways. Fold the tents on a season-opening loss or take a stab at an unlikely comeback. He was thrilled to see the latter. "They could've just cashed it in right there," Messick said. "Instead, we caught a spark, caught a couple breaks and all of a sudden, things started clicking." Quarterback Cody Moore led the way by tossing five touchdowns in the final 2 1/2 quarters and finished with 280 yards through the air on 41 attempts. He hooked up with Kolton Jones and Connor Nicholas for two scores apiece and amassed 93 yards rushing on a combination of scrambles and busted plays.

Five things you don't know about Benton coach Tabor

Everyone knows Matt Tabor coached four years at Bishop LeBlond, and he graduated from Benton, where he returned as head coach this season. Everyone also knows he's following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Don, who coached at both LeBlond and Benton. But what don't you know about Matt Tabor? Known for his football prowess, he was a two-sport athlete in college, playing No. 1 singles on the tennis team.

Central swimming opens with loss

Central started off its season with a not-so-disappointing loss against Liberty, at least that's the way Indians coach Marnie Lucas saw it at the St. Joseph YMCA. A 212-99 loss on Thursday to a team known for top performances at state can't be all bad. "We have a lot of things to work on," Lucas said, "but I saw a lot of really promising swims, and I feel confident that a lot more state times are yet to come."

What we don't know about Matt Tabor

I was tasked with coming up with interesting facts about Benton head football coach Matt Tabor, one of the most visible coaches in Northwest Missouri. While I knew some fun stuff would come up, I didn't realize how much. We included five items in Friday's edition but thought we would flush it out with some additional information here. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did asking people.

Prep Pick 'Em (Week 1 review, Week 2 picks)

Playing devil's advocate has its merits. Just not when it comes to picking high school football games, apparently.

MIAA Power Poll: Week 2

The AFCA released its Top 25 poll Tuesday, and while it surely can't last past this week, nine of the MIAA's 10 schools are either ranked or receiving votes. Washburn moved from receiving votes into the No. 22 spot, while Central Missouri and Missouri Western could break into the Top 25 with wins this week.

Is "Disaster Movie" the worst film of all-time?

"Disaster Movie" is currently the lowest rated movie of all-time on www.imdb.com. But does it deserve the dubious distinction?

New replaces old in convention floor introduction

Hulshof likens himself to McCain, another reformer

They are mockingly called Chamber of Commerce introductions, those short, laudatory passages about home-state glories given before the casting of roll call votes at political conventions. The recitations are time-honored and harmless, if not always brief. And they are sometimes illustrative of an individual state's political climate.

Kansas city game wiped out by rain

Ex-Royal Mike Sweeney looks to come off DL against old team, but weather doesn't cooperate

KANSAS CITY - Mike Sweeney was eager for a chance to play against the Kansas City Royals, who he spent his first 11Â½ seasons with. He'll have to wait another day. Sweeney signed with the Oakland Athletics just before the start of spring training after spending his entire career with Kansas City. He was activated Wednesday off the disabled list, but the game was rained out and has been rescheduled as a doubleheader today.

Weatherspoon bright spot for Mizzou D

Sulak also shines in Tigers' season-opening victory

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Without two fourth-quarter interceptions by Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri might have lost a shootout to Illinois in its opener instead of prevailing 52-42. Without three sacks and five total tackles for a loss by Stryker Sulak, what happens? That illustrates just how shaky the sixth-ranked Tigers' supposedly much improved defense, featuring 10 returning starters, was while surrendering 31 second-half points in Saturday's win over then-No. 20 Illinois.

Mario Chalmers, Darrell Arthur sent home from rookie program

RYE BROOK, N.Y. - Former Kansas stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were sent home Wednesday from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program for violating unspecified league rules. Both the Miami Heat, who drafted Chalmers, and agent Sam Goldfeder confirmed to The Associated Press that the guard left the program.

Chiefs rookies face baptism by fire at New England

KANSAS CITY - First, Branden Albert is moved from the guard position where he's comfortable to left tackle, where he's not. Then, with a vital new position to learn, he hurts his foot just five days into training camp. So instead of spending the summer learning how to play left tackle in the NFL, Kansas City's first-round lineman could only stand around and try to stay in shape. Then he finally gets clearance to practice this week, and guess who awaits him and a raft of other Chiefs rookies for their NFL debut on Sunday?

Colts' Robinson set to make history for Griffons

He might need months or even years to fully appreciate what is about to happen in his life. For Gijon Robinson, this Sunday won't be about fulfilling dreams or making history. It will simply be about "taking care of business," as the former Missouri Western tight end likes to say.

Riding the Wave: Olympics boosting interest in swimming

Two and a half weeks have passed since Michael Phelps and his teammates swept America up in a golden blur, and the Olympic tidal wave of success still is making a splash in pools across the country. Youth swimming programs - the local Pony Express Swim Team among them - have received a significant Beijing bump and are expected to grow at record rates. But at St. Joseph's Downtown YMCA, Central High School - Northwest Missouri's only boys swim team - hasn't seen many ripples of interest.

In a world...where the voice of movie trailers is no longer with us

Don LaFontaine, the voice of over 5,000 movie trailers, died at the age of 68.

Tuesday's prep sports 09-02-08

Grudz done for year; Royals make call-ups

KANSAS CITY - The season is over for Kansas City second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, who was moved from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL on Tuesday to make room on the 40-man roster.

Butler, Shealy homer for Royals in win

KANSAS CITY - Billy Butler homered and drove in four runs to lead Kansas City past Oakland 5-2 on Tuesday night in a game between teams that combined for 40 losses in August.

BEARCAT NOTEBOOK: Northwest tries to find timing after opener

They've studied it; they've practiced it, and now, they've experienced it in a game situation. The new 40-second play clock presented a few challenges for Northwest Missouri State on Saturday night against Abilene Christian.

GRIFFON NOTEBOOK: Defense needs to catch offense

On one occasion, Missouri Western's defense jumped offsides and then quit on the ensuing play. On another, a defensive end lost containment on the quarterback, who got loose on a bootleg. And then a Western linebacker botched a blitz, picked off a safety, freeing up a receiver. Those were just a few of the mistake Western's defense made in its season-opener against Northern State last Thursday.

LeBlond volleyball rolls Mid-Buch in opener

FAUCETT, Mo. - The youth of Mid-Buchanan's volleyball team stood in stark contrast to Bishop LeBlond's upperclassmen experience in their match Tuesday night. The Golden Eagles overwhelmed the Dragons 25-5, 25-6 in consecutive sets at Mid-Buchanan High School in the season opener for each team.

Chiefs' Albert could start vs. Patriots

KANSAS CITY - Even though he missed almost all of training camp, rookie Branden Albert may start at left tackle Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs open their season as 16Â½-point underdogs at New England.

Atypical Abilene

Abilene Christian isn't your typical Lone Star Conference team. That's the assessment of one Northwest Missouri State player following Saturday night's 44-27 season-opening loss to the Wildcats in Bearcat Stadium. Northwest came out hot, going up 14-0 on a pair of LaRon Council touchdown runs.

GAME BLOG: Maryville 34, Hickman Mills 25

A few extra thoughts running through my brain after perhaps the best Week 1 matchup in the area:

Stories for September 2008

Tuesday, September 30

Chamber pushes for find new date for event

Monday, September 29

The lords of thrash metal try to channel their inner "Master."

Sunday, September 28

Saturday, September 27

Friday, September 26

The Saint Joseph Symphony kicks off a new season with a new direction this weekend

The smash Broadway musical 'The Lion King' comes to Kansas City next week

All ages can enjoy authentic German music, food and crafts at Crown Center

MGMT have gone from college goof-offs to the next big thing

Thursday, September 25

"Where's Waldo" celebrates 21 years of straining readers' eyes

Summer's over, but there are plenty of reasons to get excited about autumn

Wednesday, September 24

Polley, Wilson highlight card

Elevated travel costs force officials to examine issue

Tuesday, September 23

Monday, September 22

Sunday, September 21

Artists create sculptures out of balloons

Saturday, September 20

Royals hurler holds White Sox to 3 hits in 7-plus innings

Friday, September 19