HBU Huskies drop hard-fought contest to New Orleans

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 30, 2017) The HBU Huskies dropped a hard-fought 64-57 Southland Conference game to the New Orleans Privateers at Sharp Gymnasium in Houston on Saturday, December 31, 2017. The loss dropped the Huskies record to 4-11 for the season and 0-2 in conference play. Two Huskies scored in double-figures; Jalon Gates (20 points, shown right) and Ian Dubose (17 points). 

The Huskies were 21-of-58 from the field (36.2%) and 7-of-19 (36.8%) from three-point range. This was comparable to the Privateers' shooting (43.4% and 40.0%). The statistic that made the difference was free throw shooting. The Huskies were 8-of-18 (44.4%) while New Orleans was 14-of-18 (77.8%).  New Orleans. top scorers were forward Travin Thibodeaux scored 18 points with Scott Plaisance coming off the bench to score 10.

Next up for the Huskies is a 7 p.m. home match-up against the Nicholls Colonels on Saturday, January 6, 2018.

Punter Michael Dickson named MVP of 2017 Texas Bowl

Photo by Lou Roesch
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Lou Roesch

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 28, 2017) Since the inception of the Texas Bowl eleven years ago, all ten previous MVP awards went to offensive players including nine quarterbacks. Not until 2017 did someone other than an offensive player make an argument for MVP. Enter University of Texas Longhorns punter Michael Dickson (shown above right and below left)) . Yes, a punter earned the 2017 Academy Sports & Outdoors Texas Bowl MVP award, but rest assured Michael Dickson is not just any ordinary punter.  His right foot has been terrorizing opposing special teams coaches for the better part of two seasons. This is a punter who had 48 of 73 punts sail for more than 50 yards. A punter who led the nation in yards per kick and net yards per kick in 2017 and threatened to rewrite the FBS record for punters. This is Michael Dickson.  The kicker who singlehandedly put Missouri on their heels all night long beginning with his first kick at 10:23 of the first quarter that was downed at the Tigers three yard line.

Photo by Lou Roesch
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

Not many would realize that they were in for a treat from a very special kicker as they watched one punt after another continue to pin Missouri down. Ten of the junior punter’s kicks were downed inside the 20 and the one to the three in the opening quarter was the first of five first half punts inside the 10 yard line. Thanks to Dickson’s foot, the Tigers started six of their 10 first half possessions inside the ten yard line.

Before the Longhorns kicker’s record setting performance, undrafted free agent Florida State punter now NFL placekicker Graham Gano was all alone in the record books. The unanimous All-American kicker (first Longhorns punter to do so) by way of Sydney, Australia had more yards punting (452) then the Tigers had on  offense (390). With eight Missouri’s 17 drives starting on or inside their own 10 yard line, it is a wonder they didn’t lose by more than the count of 33-16. The Longhorns kicker, averaging 41.1 yards per boot, left his final punt of the game at the Missouri four yard line.

Coming into the game, the 2017 Ray Guy Award winner (first for UT) as the nation’s best punter had landed nearly thirty percent of his kick’s inside the opponents 10 yard line. On this record setting night, he would nestle a staggering 47 percent inside the Missouri 10 yard line. It should have come as no surprise that the two-time Big 12 Conference Special Teams Player of the Year (2016 & 2017) would have no touchbacks and no return yards in this contest considering that in 2017 only 12 of his 73 punts coming into the game had positive yardage returns and nine of those were for three yards or less. The numbers are even more staggering when you consider that 32 of his 73 regular season punts landed inside the 20 yard line and then add in 10 of 11 bowl game punts meaning that 50 percent of his punt total for 2017 were downed on or inside the opponents 20 yard line in 2017. The 6-3, 205-pound kicker made sure that the last tape scouts might see of him was memorable as he declared for the 2018 NFL draft six days earlier.

“I’ve never seen one affect the game the way he did tonight, and I’m glad he’s on our team.,” said Longhorns head coach Tom Herman stated following the game.

Florida State downs Southern Mississippi 42-13 in Walk-On's Independence Bowl

FSU TB Cam Akers (3) averaged 7.2 yards
a carry against Southern Miss.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 27, 2017) The Florida State Seminoles jumped out to a 23-6 lead at halftime in route to a 42-13 win over the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in the Walk-On's Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The 33,601 fans in attendance braved temperatures that dipped into the high 30s, to see the Seminoles raise their season record to 7-6, while the Golden Eagles fell to 8-5.

The Golden Eagles scored first on a five-yard run by Kwadra Griggs at the 11:05 mark in the first quarter. Florida State responded with 23 unanswered first half points; paced by James Blackman's three first-half touchdown passes. The throws to Auden Tate (20 yards and 10 yards) and Cam Akers (14 yards). Ricky Aguayo added three points with a 29-yard field goal and two extra points. The 20-yard pass to Tate came in the first quarter with the other two TDs and field goal coming in the second quarter. They continued their scoring assault in the second half, adding 10 additional points before Southern Mississippi could score again. The Seminoles added nine more points in the fourth quarter on another Blackman to Tate pass and a Aguayo field goal.

Blackman (shown below) completed 18-of-26 passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns. With the four passing TDs, the freshman, who played his prep ball at Glades Central High School in Belle Glade, Florida, broke the bowl record. In addition, junior running back Auden Tate set a new reception touchdown record with three. For his performance, Blackman was selected the Offensive Player of the Game by a vote of the credentialed media. 

When ask about improving over the last month, Blackman responded:

“It’s been a great month to be honest. Even though we’ve been through a lot, we still were able to come together and play as a team. We reacted as a team, and we were with each other and stuck together. We did what we had to do to become bowl eligible, and now we won this bowl game. I just want to thank everyone that was put around me from the coaches to the players, and everyone had great energy around me. They helped me lift up this team and helped me be in this position.” 

Red shirt senior Nate Andrews was selected the Defensive Player of the Game in his final game of his college career. The free safety for the Seminoles recorded six tackles; five of which were solo. 

“It meant a lot. All year, I really haven’t played a lot. But being back out there with those guys meant a lot. Like a lot of guys, I could have just laid down and gotten mad at all the coaches that I wasn’t playing. But I kept praying and asked God to give me an opportunity. And when the opportunity came, I was ready for it. I want to thank all the coaches, especially (interim head coach) Odell Haggins. He stuck with us, and I’m just thankful for the opportunity to play today.” 

Team-wise, Florida State posted 452 yards of total offense (238 yards passing and 214 yards rushing), while Southern Mississippi had 260 yards of total offense (129 yards passing and 131 rushing). The Golden Eagles were led by senior running back Ito Smith (16 carries for 92 yards) and quarterback Kwadra Griggs (13-of-25 for 86 yards and one touchdown).

Florida State pushed their bowl record to 29-16-2, along with the longest consecutive bowl appearance streak at 36. The 2017 Independence Bowl was their first appearance in Shreveport. The Golden Eagles have made three appearances in the bowl game. Their lost in 2017 was their first loss in Shreveport. In 1980, they defeated McNeese State by the score of 16-14. In 1988, the downed Texas-El Paso 38-18.

Florida State's Blackman named Offensive MVP of Walk-On's Independence Bowl

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 27, 2017) Florida State quarterback James Blackman (shown right) was named the the Offensive Player of the Game at the 42nd Walk-On's Independence Bowl. The 6-5, 169-pound freshman, who played his prep ball at Glades Central High School in Belle Glade, Florida, broke an I-Bowl record with four passing touchdowns. Seven other quarterback have three passing touchdowns. Three of his passing touchdowns came in the first half. He is the third quarterback to throw three scores in one half in I-Bowl history 

He finished the game with 18-of-26 passes for 233 yards; with his longest pass being 27 yards. He also carried the ball six times for 29 yards. He finishes his freshman season, playing is 13 games and completing 173-of 283 passes for 2,230 yards. He tallied 19 touchdowns along with 11 interceptions.

In the post-game press conference, he was asked about the excitement of playing in the Independence Bowl  and being prepared to play after a coaching change: 

“Being able to take the adversity and make it a positive. We had positive energy in the locker room, and we wanted to send our seniors out the right way. We came out to play, and we came out focused.”

 

He added about how much he improved this season and possibly compete for the starting job: 

“It’s a great season to learn from. What happens in the future, happens in the future. I don’t want to speak on the starting job. I want to learn from my mistakes and get better.” 

Blackman was named the starting quarterback for 2017 after a season-injury to sophomore Deondre Francois.

Walk-On's Independence Bowl 2017: Southern Miss vs. Florida State

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 26, 2017) The 42nd edition of the Walk-On's Independence Bowl pits two teams with a historic presence in post-season college football. The Florida State Seminoles (6-6, 3-5 ACC) will face off against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (8-4, 6-2 C-USA) at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. Florida State is making their 36th consecutive bowl appearance, a streak that began with the 1982 Gator Bowl. The Golden Eagles are playing in their third consecutive bowl game and their 25th overall, posting an 11-13 all-time record in post-season contests.

The Seminoles will be led by freshman running back Cam Akers (181 carries for 930 yards and seven touchdowns) , freshman quarterback James Blackman (155-of-271 for 1,997 yards and 15 touchdowns) and junior wide receiver Nyqwan Murray (40 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns). The Golden Eagles will counter with senior running back Ito Smith (232 carries for 1,323 yards and 13 touchdowns), red shirt junior quarterback Kwadra Griggs (1135-of-240 for 1.793 yards and 15 touchdowns) and red shirt junior wide receiver Korey Robertson (72 carches for 1,070 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Defensively, Southern Miss is paced by senior free safety Tarvarius Moore, with 73 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, and three interceptions. Florida State red shirt senior linebacker Matthew Thomas has 85 tackles for the season with 10 tackles for a loss and two sacks.

Florida State and Southern Miss have met 22 times in program history, with the Seminoles holding a 18-8-1 advantage. Their last meeting was in 1996, when the Seminoles downed the Golden Eagles by the score of 54-14. The two teams meet ten times in the 1970s and 1980s with the 2017 Independence Bowl being the first time thay have played in a bowl game.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin post-game press conference 12-25-2017

Video by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 25, 2017) Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addresses the press after their 34-6 win over the Houston Texans on December 25, 2017.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger post-game press conference 12-25-2017

Video by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 25, 2017) Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger addresses the press after their 34-6 win over the Houston Texans on December 25, 2017.

Texans vs. Steelers on Christmas Day, but no Watt vs. Watt

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 24, 2017) On Christmas Day, the Houston Texans will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium in their final home game of 2017. When the season kicked off, this game was viewed by many as a battle between the two of the top teams in the AFC, with both squads headed to the playoffs and hopefully a possible match-up for the AFC Championship and a trip to Super Bowl on February 4, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Injuries and misfortune befell the Texans; dooming them to a sub-par season and the possibility of a 6-10 record. In order to get six wins in 2017, Houston must beat Pittsburgh and conclude the season with a road win against Indianapolis (3-12) on New Years Eve. 

With all that being stated, the main attraction of the Christmas Day game was going to be a battle between siblings. It was, early in the season, being billed as "Watt vs. Watt," Houston defensive end J.J. Watt (No. 99, shown above) versus Pittsburgh outside linebacker T.J. Watt (shown below). Older brother J.J. against kid brother T.J.; that is what the fans from both cities wanted to see. 

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

With J.J. Watt suffering a tibial plateau fracture in the 42–34 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5 of the season; having both Watt brothers on the field became a moot point. Now the younger Watt will try to help the Steelers get to the Super Bowl while older Watt will be relegated to a support role on the sideline.

Before the injury; J.J. was getting back to true form after playing only three games in 2016. Prior to the injury, he recorded 15 tackles; 11 of them solo. T.J., in his rookie season, has tallied 44 tackles, 34 of them solo, six sacks, and one interception.

In any case, the game will still be a great match-up for football fans, whether they support the black and gold or the deep steel blue and battle red. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on NBC. 

Army's Bradshaw, SDSU's Penny impressive in Armed Forces Bowl contest

Army quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw (17) rushed for
184 yards and four touchdowns in the
15th Annual Armed Forces Bowl.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 23, 2017). In a game that saw five unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and only 31 yards in total passing, the Black Knights of the United States Military Academy downed the Aztecs of San Diego State University in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl by the score of 42-35 in front of 35,986 fans at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The win pushed Army's bowl record to 5-2, including their 38-31 win over North Texas in last year's Heart of Dallas Bowl. However, the real story of the game came down to the performance of two seniors; San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny and Army quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw.

Both were selected as co-MVP's of the bowl game and achieved impressive statistics during the give-and-take performance in Fort Worth. Bradshaw became the single-season rushing leader among the three service academies with 1,746 yards. He tallied 3,038 yards in his career and is fifth all-time on the career rushing list at Army, in addition to rushing for his 14th touchdown of the season. The Chicago, Illinois native scored the 27th rushing TD of his career and is now sixth in program history. His four rushing touchdowns was the fourth time in 2017 that he rushed for multiple touchdowns and the fifth time in his career. 

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

Penny (No. 20, shown left) carried the ball 14 times for 221 yards; averaging 15.8 yards-per-carry. He set a career high with four rushing touchdowns and matched his career high with four touchdowns overall. He passed Donnel Pumphrey for the most rushing yards in program history (2,133 yards in 2016). In addition, he became the fourth player in FBS history with at least 200 yards rushing is five straight games; joining Marcus Allen (USC 1981), Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State 1988) and Jamario Thomas (North Texas, 2004) on the elite list.

Team-wise, both schools established notable achievements in their historic match-up. Army raised their bowl game record to 5-2 with the win; with three of them coming in Texas. The Black Knights won back-to-back bowl games in consecutive season for the first time since 1984 and 1985. They also tied a program record with wins in a season with 10, tying the 1986 squad. Head coach Jeff Monken became only the second Army coach to earn two bowl victories, joining coach Jim Young. Monken is also the only Army coach to have two bowl victories in his first four seasons at West Point. The Aztecs finished the season with a 10-3 record while ending the season by scoring in 20 consecutive quarters. They also have gone 144 games with suffering a shutout which is the second-longest streak among current Mountain West schools. 

What does the future hold for the Houston Texans?

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 17, 2017) The Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars have faced off 32 times in regular season and postseason games with the Texans winning 19 games and the Jaguars winning 13 games. Today's 45-7 lost by Houston was the worse to their AFL South rival since they began playing each other in 2002. The Jaguars held on to their lead in the AFC South with two regular season game to  go in 2017. On the other side of the coin, Houston dropped to 4-10 and are on-track to their worst season since 2013. In 2012, they went 2-14 in Gary Kubiak's last season as the Texans' head coach. Kubiak was fired with three games to go in the season. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips took over the final three games; losing all three before Bill O'Brien was hired to bring the Texans out of the cellar.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

2017 will go down as the worst season under O'Brien's leadership. Many blame him for their lack of success, but many of the misfortunes that hindered Houston in 2017 came from outside forces; DeShaun Watson (shown above) and J.J. Watt (shown left) injuries and Brian Cushing's suspension, to name a few.

What is obvious is that the Texans need to make some changes and they need to begin making changes on January 1, 2018. The two remaining games for Houston are a December 25 match-up against the AFC East Champion Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium and a New Years Eve game against Indianapolis on the road. Pittsburgh comes to Houston as the overwhelming favorite while the Colts are having a season similar to Houston.

No matter what happens in the final two games, changes need to be made. Will O'Brien be around to lead the Texans in 2018? Who knows. Will Watson recover from his injury and return to his early season form? Only time will tell. Will J.J. Watt return to the active roster or will he retire? I do not know. What I do know is this. Some people on the Texans' roster; players, coaches, and front office personal will not be around in 2018. That IS the nature of professional sports.

Katy Tigers punch ticket to UIL state semi-finals with 31-3 win over North Shore

Photo by Houston Sports Images

Kristina McKay and Tommy Boatman

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved 
Used with permission.

By Kristina McKay

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 10, 2017) Katy celebrates their regional championship after defeating North Shore on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, in the Class 6A D1 quarterfinal game at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Katy Tigers defeated the North Shore Mustangs 31-3. North Shore won 20-17 against Katy in the regional semifinals last year, but this year Katy ran away with the game.

Both teams punted during their first position, and North Shore held Katy to a field goal in their second go but after the kick off and in their first play of their second possession, North Shore fumbled. Katy recovered the football and Jordan Patrick scored off a 6-yard pass from Austin Marshall soon after.

Photo by Houston Sports Images

Kristina McKay and Tommy Boatman

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved 
Used with permission.

It was all downhill for North Shore after that as John Villalobos scored a 27-yard field goal before half-time, and that was it for the Mustangs. North Shore’s quarterback Dematrius Davis finished 10-of-23 for 153 yards and was held to negative-4 rushing yards.

Photo by Houston Sports Images

Kristina McKay and Tommy Boatman

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved 
Used with permission.

On the flip side, Katy’s quarterback Austin Marshall was 5-of-10 passing for 92 yards and two scores. Their star running back Deondrick Glass missed this game last year due to an injury, so it meant a lot to him to be able to get out there and show what he was made of and so he did. Glass rushed for 93 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.

With this win the Katy Tigers face Lake Travis in the State Semifinals who themselves beat San Antonio O’Connor 38-17 to advance. 

UIL Football State Semi-Finals Games Set

Photo by Houston Sports Images

Kristina McKay and Tommy Boatman

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved 
Used with permission.

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 10, 2017) The dates, locations, and times for the UIL state football semi-finals have been set and football fans around the state will have another chance to support their favorite team prior to the state championships on December 20-23, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The games are scheduled as followed:

6AD1
Allen vs. Cedar Ridge , Sat, 12/16, 2:00pm, McLane Stadium, Waco
Katy vs. Lake Travis , Sat , 12/16 , 3:00pm , Alamo Stadium , San Antonio

6AD2
Hewitt Midway vs. Longview , Sat , 12/16 , 2:00pm, Eagle Stadium, Allen
Cy Fair vs. Westlake , Sat , 12/16 , 3:00pm , NRG Stadium , Houston

5AD1
Denton Ryan vs. Highland Park , Fri, 12/15, 9:00pm, AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Manvel vs. Angleton ,Fri, 12/15, 7:30pm, NRG Stadium, Houston

5AD2
Aledo vs. Mansfield Legacy , Sat, 12/16 , 2:00pm, Pennington Field, Bedford
College Station vs. McCallum , Sat , 12/16, 7:00pm, NRG Stadium, Houston

4AD1
Stephenville vs. Kennedale , Fri , 12/15 , 5:00pm , AT&T Stadium , Arlington
Carthage vs. La Vega , Fri, 12/15 , 7:30pm , Ford Center , Frisco

4AD2
Graham vs. Pleasant Grove, Thu, 12/14 , 7:00pm , Ford Center , Frisco
West Orange-Stark vs. Wimberley, Fri, 12/15, 7:30pm, Legacy Stadium, Katy

3AD1
Brock vs. Kemp , Thu , 12/14 , 7:00pm , AT&T Stadium , Arlington
Rockdale vs. Yoakum , Fri, 12/15, 7:00pm , Cy Fair FCU Stadium, Cypress

3AD2
Canadian vs. Gunter , Fri, 12/15, 7:00pm, Lion Stadium, Vernon
Newton vs. Boling , Fri , 12/15 , 7:30pm , Texan Drive , Porter

2AD1
Stratford vs. Mart , Thu, 12/14, 7:00pm, Tiger Stadium, Snyder
San Augustine vs. Refugio , Thu, 12/14, 7:00pm, Cy Fair FCU Stadium, Cypress

2AD2
Wellington vs. Muenster , Thu, 12/14, 7:00pm, Lion Stadium, Vernon
Tenaha vs. Burton , Thu , 12/14 , Driskell Stadium , Crockett

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Baker Mayfield wins 2017 Heisman Trophy

Photo by Karl Anderson
University of Oklahoma Athletic Communications
Used with Permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (December 9 , 2017) Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield was awarded the Heisman Trophy for 2017 during ceremonies at the New York Marriott Marquis. Mayfield began his college football career as a walk-on player for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He is notable for being the first walk-on true  freshman quarterback to start a season opener at a BCS school. The senior, who played his high school ball for Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, has previously won the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, and Walter Camp Award in 2017. He was also named the 2017 Associated Press Player of the Year.

Mayfield is the fifth Oklahoma Sooner to receive the award. He received 2,398 votes, in addition to 78.8% of first-place votes. Previous Sooner players to receive the award include Billy Vesssels (1952), Steve Owens (1969), Billy Sims (1978), Jason White (2003), and Sam Bradford (2008).

Mayfield and his Oklahoma teammates will face Georgia in a CFP semi-final game in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018.

Sammy Watson breaks Texas A&M 1,000m school record in debut race

Photo by Errol Anderson
Used with Permission

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (December 9, 2017)) In her debut race for the Aggies, freshman Sammy Watson broke the Texas A&M school record in the 1,000 meters and defeated the previous record holder in the process during the Reveille Invitational at Gilliam Indoor.

“It was a great performance by Sammy,” noted Texas A&M head coach Pat Henry. “She looked good and was pushed for part of the race, but has a lot more in the tank.

“This track meet used to be a good workout to wrap up fall training. That’s what we had it for, just to get the cobwebs out. All of a sudden it has turned into a pretty serious track meet. This meet allows us to find out what our fall training has done for us. That’s the value of having this meet.”

The highlight on the men’s side was a performance by Donavan Brazier, a former NCAA 800m for the Aggies, as he won the mile in 3:59.30 to become the 493^rd American to produce a sub-four-minute mile. An hour and a half later, Brazier supplied an unattached 4x400 relay with a 46.00 split on the third leg.

“Donavan is just a big time athlete,” said Henry. “After his mile, he comes back on a 4x400 relay and splits 46 flat. He lined up and did a really great job today.”

Watson’s time of 2:42.12 ranks No. 7 on the collegiate indoor all-time list. Her personal best in the event, a 2:40.72 from March of last year as a senior in high school, is better than the current collegiate record of 2:40.79 set by Oklahoma State’s Kaela Edwards in 2017.

“I’m very happy, but not complacent where I’m at right now,” stated Watson. “We’ve been training hard all fall, so I know the hard work is paying off from my results today. Knowing that I didn’t get down to this time until last March, and it’s only December, it shows that I’m a lot stronger than I was last year and I’m capable of so much more this season. It’s exciting and I know big things are coming this season.”

Splits for Watson included 30.33, 32.51 (1:02.83), 33.72 (1:36.54), 33.12 (2:09.66), 32.46. Her split at 800m, a 2:09.66, places her No. 7 performer on the Aggie all-time list. Watson moved into the lead at 600m and cruised to the finish.

Aggie junior Jazmine Fray, who set the school record of 2:43.15 a year ago in this meet along with facility and meet records, finished second to Watson in 2:45.81, which is the No. 3 performance on the Aggie all-time list. Fray split 1:36.67 at 600m and 2:09.93 at 800m, just a stride behind Watson.

Placing third and fourth in the race were Aggies Brittany Parker (2:51.22) and Jean Jenkins (2:54.24), who became the No. 4 and No. 9 performers on the Texas A&M all-time list.

Finishing behind Brazier in the men’s mile was 2012 Olympic 1,500m silver medalist Leo Manzano (4:03.49) and Aggie Alex Riba (4:04.15). The performance by Riba, who has an indoor best of 4:03.29, ranks as the No. 7 performance on the school’s all-time list.

Another Texas A&M freshman with an impressive debut was Tyra Gittens, who claimed the high jump at 5-10 ¾ (1.79) and also won the 60m hurdles in 8.51. Her high jump effort ranks No. 10 on the school’s all-time list.

In the men’s 4x400, the Aggie men clocked 3:07.03 with the foursome of Ilolo Izu (46.99), Robert Grant (46.65), Mylik Kerley (46.20), and Richard Rose (47.19). They bettered an unattached crew that posted a 3:07.80 with a line-up of Jackson Davis, Bralon Taplin (45.00), Brazier (46.00), and Carlton Orange (47.52).

In the women’s 4x400 relay, the Texas A&M crew of Jaevin Reed (53.38), Glorilisha Carter (55.20), Watson (55.41), and Brenessa Thompson (55.71) won in 3:39.70 over a second Aggie squad that ran 3:39.97 with a foursome of Amber Ivy (55.22), Fray (55.59), Danyel White (53.68) and Jarra Owens (55.48).

An unattached relay squad of Kanika Beckles (55.38), Phyllis Francis (53.18), Kamaria Brown (58.96 [dropped baton]), and Shamier Little (55.00) clocked 3:42.52 for third place.

Winning performances for Texas A&M included Garrett Cragin (6-11 ½ | 2.12) in the men’s high jump, Valerie Bradley (5:03.79) in the women’s mile, Austin Cook (64-7 ¾ | 19.70) in the weight throw, Celine Markert (47-1 ½ | 14.36) in the shot put, Amber Ivy (23.98) in the women’s 200m, as well as Jacob Wooten (17-6 ½ | 5.35) and Sara Kathryn Stevens (12-8 ½ | 3.87) in their respective pole vault competitions.

Army downs Navy 14-13 to win Commander-in-Chief's Trophy

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA (December 9, 2017) The Army Black Knights came from behind in the fourth quarter to down the Midshipmen of Navy by the score of 14-13 and take possession of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for the first time since 1996. It also marked the first time the Black Knights have won consecutive games over Navy since 1995-96.

Army struck first with a  three-yard run by Darnell Woolfork (Maine Endwell - USMAPS, Endwell, New York) to cap an 11 play, 68-yard drive to kickoff the first drive of the game. Blake Wilson booted the extra point to put the Black Knights up 7-0 at the 8:06 mark of the first quarter. Navy came back with 55 seconds left in the first quarter with a Bennett Moehring (Bentonville High School, Bentonville Arkansas) 28-yard field goal. The score was Woolfork's twelfth TD of the year. He is scored touchdowns in eight of the nine games he has played this season.

The Midshipmen took the lead 3:32 into the second quarter when Malcolm Perry (Kenwood High School, Clarksville, Tennessee) rambled 68 yards on a third and four play for the touchdown. Moehring tacked on the extra point to put Navy up 10-7. Both teams headed to the locker room with Navy leading by three. Army took back the lead when Ahmad Bradshaw (Gwendolyn Brooks High School - USMAPS, Chicago, Illinois) scored on a one-yard rush with 5:10 left in the game.

Bradshaw rushed for 94 yards on 21 carries while Woolfork tallied 57 yards on 12 carries. Perry carried the ball 30 times for 250 /of Navy's 294 yards.

2017 marks 118th editon of classic football rivalry: Army vs. Navy

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA (December 9, 2017) Today marks the 118th edition of one of the most classic and historic match-ups in college football; Army vs Navy. The Black Knights (8-3) of Army will be facing the Midshipmen of Navy (6-5) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Navy has won the past 14 of the past games, dating back to 2002. Last season, Army broke Navy's 14 years streak, downing the Midshipmen 21-17 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Navy hold the all-time record; 60-50-7. The 14-year win streak, from 2002 to 2015 is the longest in the series. Navy won the initial game in 1890 by the score of 24-0 at "The Plain" at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In 1891, Army won their first game 32-16 at Worden Field on the campus of 
the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Navy will be led by quarterback Zach Abey with 1322 yard rushing and 805 yard passing, while Army will counter with quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw. The 5-11, 205-pound senior from Chicago, Illinois  rushed for 1472 yards for the Black Knights. Both teams rely heavily on their ground game, but both teams can also pass if the need arises. Both teams average over 30 points a game (Army: 31.2, Navy: 30.4) with Navy giving up more points per game (29.2 - 21.6).

No matter the outcome today, both team are headed to a bowl game. Navy is headed to the Military Bowl on Thursday, December 28 against Virginia, while Army will face-off against San Diego State on Saturday, December 23 in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Will Bruin sends the Seattle Sounders to the MLS Cup game again

By Lou Roesch

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (December 1, 2017) Just as he did a week ago in helping the Seattle Sounders to a convincing road win in the first leg of the Western Conference Finals, Seattle forward Will Bruin did in his former team netting a goal and an assist as the defending MLS Cup champions defeated the Houston Dynamo 3-0 and advanced to a second straight MLS Cup title game.

Bruin, traded in the offseason to Seattle re-energized his career, and once again claimed his dominance as one of the top scorers in MajorLeague Soccer. His goal in the 73^rd minute and Seattle’s third of the game marked his third goal in as many games against his former team.

Seattle took the lead in and the series for all intents and purposes in the 22^nd minute on a perfectly weighted touch pass to Victor Rodriguez from Bruin.

Tomas Martinez was flagged for a red card in the 66^th minute just nine minutes after Clint Dempsey had pushed Seattle to a 2-0 lead.

Playing a man down, the Houston Dynamo defense could not contain the Seattle offense as Harry Shipp found Will Bruin racing into the box and tapping home a chip shot to seal Seattle’s win.

Bruin added two goals and an assist in four playoff starts in 2017 and returns to the title game for the third time in his career. The St. Louis native’s first two appearances came as a member of the Houston Dynamo.

Seattle finished off the Western Conference Finals the same way they had their previous four matches at Century Link Field. shutting out with a goal differential of plus 15.

Sounders keeper Stefan Frei extended his scoreless minutes streak to 557 most in MLS history.

Frei summed up the Sounders playoff attitude saying “Bringing home a trophy (MLS Cup title) is our focus.”

The defending champions travel to Toronto FC for a rematch of the 2016 title game at BMO Field on Saturday December 9, 2017. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m. ET.