Fantasy Football: Week 2 Player News

Since about 8.5 million people participate in fantasy football leagues in North America, I thought I'd pass along some fantasy notes from this past week.

--Peyton Manning passed for 400 yards and three touchdowns as the Colts blew out Houston 43-24. Manning connected on 26 of his 38 passes to pass Johnny Unitas as the team's all-time
leader in completions.
--Marvin Harrison moved ahead of Art Monk for fifth on the career receptions list while catching seven passes for 127 yards.
--Reggie Wayne had six receptions for 135 yards.
--David Carr threw 3 touchdown passes in the loss.
--Eli Manning passed for 371 yards and 3 TD's as the New York Giants beat Philadelphia in overtime.
--Amani Toomer had12 catches for 137 yards and two TD's.
--Plaxio Burress had 6 catches for 114 yards and 1 TD.
--Donovan McNabb threw for 350 yards and two TD's for the Eagles.
--Tight End L.J. Smith was his leading receiver, catching 7 passes for 111 yards.
--Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell had 3 field goals (26,22,19) and extra point and a 16-yard TD pass to Richard Owens in Minnesota's 16-13 OT win over Carolina.
--Vikings running back Chester Taylor had 24 carries for 113 yards.
--Michael Turner ran for 138 yards, including a 75-yard carry as
the San Diego Chargers blasted Tennessee 40-7.
--LaDainian Tomlinson carried 19 times for 71 yards and a TD for the Chargers.
--Rex Grossman set career highs by throwing for 289 yards and 4 TD's in Chicago's 34-7 romp over Detroit.
--Bears TE John Gilmore caught 2 short TD passes.
--Matt Stover hit 4 field goals (25,33,37,23) in the Baltimore Ravens 28-6 rout of Oakland.
--Darrell Jackson had five receptions for 127 yards and a TD in Seattle's 21-10 win over Arizona.
--Terry Glenn grabbed six passes for 94 yards and a TD as Dallas thumped Washington 27-10.
--Cincinnati's Carson Palmer passed for 352 yards and 2 TD's in the Bengals 34-17 rout of Cleveland.
--Bengals running back Rudi Johnson ran for 145 yards and 2 T-D's.
--Drew Brees completed 26 of 41 passes for 353 yards and 2 TD's as New Orleans rallied to beat Green Bay 34-27.
--Deuce McAllister had just 47 rushing yards, but he scored 2 of the Saints TD's.
--Brett Favre threw for 350 yards and 3 TD's in the loss.
--Donald Driver had 153 receiving yards.
--Donald Driver was on the receiving end of 153 yards worth of Favre passes.
--Frank Gore ran for 127 yards and a TD as San Francisco knocked off St. Louis 20-13.
--Antonio Bryant had 131 yards receiving and a TD for the 49er's.
--The Rams Steven Jackson had 103 rushing yards in the loss.
--Larry Johnson had 126 rushing yards and 41 receiving yards in the Chiefs 9-6 loss to Denver.
--Michael Vick broke his own NFL record for quarterbacks by running for 127 yards and a TD.
-- Warrick Dunn finished with 134 rushing yards.
--Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms threw for 313 yards but was intercepted three times.
--Joey Galloway caught 9 passes for 161 yards.
--Chad Pennington threw for 306 yards, 2 TD's and 1 Interception in the Jets 24-17 loss to New England.
--Jerricho Cotchery had 121 yards receiving and a TD for the Jets.
--Laveranues Coles had 100 yards receiving and a TD for the Jets.

New Sponsor For TJC Athletics

Tyler Junior College picked up a big sponsor for their athletic department. AT&T announced today they will sponsor TJC home football, men's and women's basketball, home soccer and home baseball games. They will also be a big part of the highly popular high school basketball tournament, the TJC Wagstaff Holiday Classic.

"We are pleased to add AT&T's sponsorship assistance to the tournament and our home spectator sports for the 2006-2007 season," said TJC's director of intercollegiate athletics Dr. Tim Drain. "Bringing strong corporate sponsors, like AT&T, ensures that growth and innovation remain ahllmarks at TJC sports. We are thankful for their generous assistance to help us emphasize a vibrant student life on our campus."

"The Wagstaff Holiday Classic basketball tournament has brought an atmosphere of excitement and unity to East Texas," said AT&T's Candice Gast. "We look forward to partnerships like this because they encompass what AT&T is all about--connecting families, friends and neighbors."

The Wagstaff Holiday Classic is scheduled for December 27 to 31. More than 15,000 fans are expected to attend this year.

Classic Jerry Jones

Bob Costas in an interview with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones:

"Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Redskins, recently he got in business with Tom Cruise. Who would you like to be in business with?"

Jones: "Well, I think that's really a big starter for the difference in our organizations, our philosophy. Nicole Kidman would be my business partner."

Sooners Expecting More Big Plays From Longview's Malcolm Kelly

As the Oklahoma Sooners look to pass the ball to take some pressure off their running back, Palestine's Adrian Peterson, receiver Malcolm Kelly of Longview is being counted on to produce big plays.

Kelly did that last Saturday against Washington with six catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Coach Bob Stoops says Kelly has a chance to be a great player because of his size, speed and strong hands.

And Kelly says he knows he's being counted on to produce, to help take a defense's total focus off stopping Peterson.

OU plays at Oregon Saturday.

Hunting Tip: Take Good Care of Your Hunting Buddy!

Gander Mountain has been nice enough to provide me periodically with a hunting or fishing tip to pass along. Here's one on taking care of your hunting dog:

If you hunt with a dog make sure when buying an upland game vest you get one with a water bottle pocket (and use it). Your dog is covering a lot more ground than you and his hydration needs are greater. Also a little moisture on his nose will maximize his scenting ability.

Little Morgan and Mike Jackson
Champion Dock Dog Jumper and Elite Pro Staff Member

The Next Tanya Harding?

GREELEY, Colo. — The University of Northern Colorado's reserve punter was arrested Tuesday, accused of stabbing his rival in his kicking leg.

Mitch Cozad, a sophomore from Wheatland, Wyo., allegedly attacked starting punter Rafael Mendoza in a parking lot in Evans on Monday night, Evans police Lt. Gary Kessler said.

Mendoza, the Bears' first-string punter from Thornton, was treated and released from the North Colorado Medical Center Monday night. Coach Scott Downing said Mendoza will not punt for UNC in Saturday's game at Texas State University.

"I don't know how long he'll be out because I haven't talked to the doctor," Downing said.

Cozad, Mendoza and freshman Zak Bigelow had been in a three-way race for the starting punter's job in preseason training. Mendoza has averaged 37.6 yards per punt on nine punts in the two games so far this season.

Cozad is facing second-degree assault charges and was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a bond hearing. He was suspended from the team, evicted from his residence and expelled from school on Tuesday, The Greeley Tribune reported.

KLTV 7 College Football Schedule For Sept. 16

Here is the KLTV 7 college football schedule for Saturday.

Regional Broadcast:

Oklahoma @ Oregon
2:30-6:00

National Broadcast:

Nebraska @ USC
7:00-10:30

Colts Super Bowl Champs: You Can Bet On It

I'm not much of a gambler, but I know enough to know that oddsmakers are right way more than they are wrong. Having said that, Vegas.com has posted it's odds for the 2007 Super Bowl winner. The Indianapolis Colts lead the way at 7/2. Seattle, New England and Carolina are right behind at 6/1. Then, there's the Cowboys. Dallas has 7/1 odds to win it all. That's pretty good! It's the third best odds in the NFC. Many publications are picking the Cowboys to make it to the Super Bowl.

Fishing Tip: Tough Spots

Here's another fishing tip from Gander Mountain, this time from Jason Przekurat on how to CLEAN you fishing boat:

Boat cleaning can be a hassle but here are a couple tips that work for me while fishing the FLW Walleye Tour. Ever had those hard water spots on your boat that you can't get off? Here's the solution. Buy a few medium size spray bottles, a bottle of vinegar, and some water. Mix a solution of 25% vinegar to 75% water in the spray bottles and keep them in your truck. This will take care of those spots.
Another tip is for the areas in and around your motor, hoses, tilt and trim, etc. Spray Armour All tire foam in those hard-to-reach spots. Give it a few minutes to evaporate and they will look like new again.
Jason Przekurat
Gander Mountain Elite ProStaff

Hit The Beach In Downtown Tyler.

The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is now registering teams for the 2006 “Beach Volleyball Tournament.”

The cost per team is $150. Teams consist of up to 8 members. The tournament is part of Festival on the Square and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, at 105 East Erwin.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 13.

Event sponsors include Tyler Parks and Recreation Department, Tyler Morning Telegraph and the Heart of Tyler Association.

For more information, call Van Jordan at 903-531-1377.

TJC Player Earns National Honor

TJC sophomore wide receiver Johnny Knox earned the NJCAA Football Offensive Player of the Week honor for last week's games.

Knox is from Channelview High School. In his second game of the season, Knox caught four passes for 188 yards help lead Tyler Junior College to an upset victory over 2nd-ranked Trinity Valley Community College 26-23 on September 2. His first reception came on the second play of the game and was good for a 75 yard touchdown. Knox again set the offensive tone for Tyler in the second half as he scored on a 66 yard touchdown reception on Tyler's first play of the third quarter.

In Tyler's 2006 season opener against Hutchinson Community College he caught five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Mack Thinking About Tucker

It's been a trying week for University of Texas head football coach Mack Brown. He was forced to suspend two players, including a starter for this weeks game against number one ranked Ohio State. And despite being busy putting together a game plan for the big day, he still found time to think about Tucker Thomison. Tucker is an 8-year-old from Brownsboro who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. We've done several stories on the "Team Tucker" t-shirts being sold to help raise money for Tucker and his family.

This is the thing. Tucker is a huge Longhorns fan. He wanted a Longhorns skull cap to cover his head, because he's starting to lose his hair due to the chemotherapy treatment. The problem is, his family couldn't find a Longhorns skull cap anywhere. Well, word got to Austin, and today a package arrived from Mack Brown, containing an official Longhorns skull cap, as well as a little Longhorns football helmet signed by Tyler native Aaron Ross.

As a member of the media, I tend to remain neutral when it comes to sporting events. But in this case, I'm going to make an exception. Hook 'em horns!

John Tyler and Lee Ticket Information

ROBERT E LEE @ EULESS TRINITY (Pennington Field) – 7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets Purchased in advance- $3.00 Students - $5.00 Adult

All General Admission Tickets at the Gate - $7.00

NOTE: CAMPUS SALE - Tickets will be sold to students and faculty only on the REL campus Wednesday, and Thursday.

ADDITIONAL TICKET OUTLETS

TISD Athletic Office located at the Plyler Complex on 807 W. Glenwood Wednesday and Thursday only from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

T&T Lewis Texaco 903 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. during regular business hours.

Tyler Athletic 5201 S. Broadway Times Square Shopping Center during regular business hours

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JOHN TYLER @ DALLAS CARTER (Jesse Owens Sports Complex)– 7:30 pm
No Ticket Sales in advance

All General Admission Tickets at the Gate - $3.00 Students - $5.00 Adults

DiMikel Shankle Will Play Again This Season

Good news for Spring Hill's DiMikel Shankle. The running back is expected to be able to play again this season. Shankle injured his right knee Friday against Lindale. He missed all but three games last season when he blew out his left knee. Spring Hill head coach Robert Bero told me today, Shankle will rehab the knee for three weeks, then will strap on a knee brace and return to the field.

One Vs. Two

Whether an effort to build hype, or a legitimate ranking change, Texas has moved up a spot to number two on the Associated Press college football poll released today. With Ohio State number one, that sets up one versus two Saturday when the Buckeyes travel to Texas. It seems kind of convenient Notre Dame would fall two spots in the rankings, despite a win on Saturday. I guess voters felt either Texas or Ohio State would fall after this week, allowing them to move Notre Dame back up, assuming the Fighting Irish beats #19 Penn State.

It's just interesting to see all of the movement this week. USC jumped from #6 to #3, Tennessee jumped from #23 to #11, and Michigan #14 to #10. Notre Dame, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Nebraska, TCU and Arizona State all FELL in the rankings despite a win.

Nothing (Head) Butt The Truth

Soccer fans now know why French star Zinedine Zidane head-butted Italy's Marco Materazzi in the World Cup. During an interview in Rome, Materazzi admitted to holding Zidane's jersey, which prompted the Frenchman to tell the Italian, "if you want, I'll give you the jersey later."

In response, Materazzi said he, "preferred his sister."

That was enough for Zidane who responded with his well-known head-butt. He was booted from the game and the Italians won on penalty kicks.

Big Win For Alba-Golden

Alba-Golden beat Cumby Friday night 7-6. It has been brought to my attention, that was Alba-Golden's first win in more than four years. Good job to the Panthers for starting the new season on a good note. There's a good vibe surrounding this team and it appears as if this won't be their only win.

DiMikel Shankle Injury Update

Spring Hill running back DiMikel Shankle is expected to find out tomorrow morning how bad he injured his knee in Friday's loss to Lindale. It is not the same knee he injured last year. Spring Hill head coach Robert Bero told me today Shankle had an MRI done on the knee on Saturday and will learn the results tomorrow.

Tyler Tennis Player To Be Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Tyler tennis player Bill Lust is one of four outstanding Texas tennis players chosen for induction to the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame. Bill Lust is a native of Minnesota, but he moved to Texas in 1947. His many tennis accomplishments include winning the 1953 Dallas Open, going undefeated in tournament play from 1956 to 1958 and winning the Sectional Doubles Championship in 1958 with partner James Schulze (a 1989 Hall of Fame Inductee), scoring the Men’s Singles 55 National Grass Championship in 1985 and retiring a East Texas Open trophy in 1966 after winning the tournament three times. He continues to be a champion player, winning both the Men’s 75 Singles and Doubles (with Ray Beall) tournament in 2005. Despite this, Lust notes that his most favorite tennis memories center around the people he has met while starting, and growing the East Texas Open into a major Adult Zone tournament, planning the Tyler Tennis and Swim Club, acting as President of the Tyler Area Tennis Association and hitting balls with junior tennis players to help develop their game.

The Induction ceremony is scheduled for November 4, 2006 at the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame in Waco. Tickets for the event are available to the public by contacting Maria VanVreede at the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame at 254-756-2307, or txtennismuseum@earthlink.net.

Fishing Tip: Back Bay Bass

Here is another fishing tip from Gander Mountain Pro Staff member Jake Dammarell:

As summer slips away and the nights begin to chill the water temperatures, bass start their migration back to the shallow waters of backwater bays and skinny shorelines. At this time of year, bass can be found in shallow water chasing shad that have migrated to the backs of these creek arms. The shallow movement is no secret, but catching them can be hard at times. Keep in mind that the bass will be traveling in schools and trapping baitfish either against the shoreline or a perhaps a shallow water break, such as a sandbar. Remember that these fish are highly motivated and are likely to travel large distances in a short time, so keep your eye on the electronics for baitfish. As soon as you see those arches, the bass are not too far behind.

Jake Dammarell
Gander Mountain Pro Staff
Merrillville, IN