PAC 12 Football Media Day Was A First Class Event At Fox Studio

Story by L.T.Willis



Photo by Eric Wade Gems Images.

The PAC 12 Media Day at Fox Studio is event that media dream of being at if you are a college football fan. This allows media to get a sneak preview of the things to come in college football from the PAC 12. Now that Colorado and Utah are here could change the balance of power. Yes we know that probably Oregon may be the favorite to win the PAC 12 Title, but there is something about college football that upsets are always looming around and could bite a college team at anytime. The one thing that won't be missing is

TV coverage for the PAC 12 this season. Commissioner Larry Scott has done a super and marvelous job putting together a TV package deal for this conference.



Utah's head football coach Kyle Whittingham.
Photo by Eric Wade Gems Images.




Now PAC 12 fans can watch all of their favorite schools play without being blackout and really support their teams.The NFL, NBA and MLB will have a great opportunity to see more pro prospect because of this deal. Being able to see teams playing on the same day and maybe the same time in different parts of the country is a college sports fan dream. I know other conferences are asking how did Commissioner Larry Scott pull this deal off, all i can say PAC 12 fans we love it and don't hate.





PAC 12 Commissioner Larry Scott and
T.G. Sports' L.T.Willis. Photo by
Eric Wade Gems Images.

 

PAC 12 Commissioner Larry Scott. Photo by
Eric Wade Gems Images.

                                                                                                                                                

After listening to Commissioner Larry Scott address the media he assure everyone that this conference will set the standard for college sports to follow. I like how he handle questions about the sanction against USC and didn't get caught up with the other sanction on other college programs with the NCAA. After i spent some time talking with him i see why he is the commissioner. Larry Scott is a people person and has great passion for this conference. He is very humble when he talks with people and has a great sense of humor to go along with ability to make things happen for college sports in the PAC 12. 



PAC 12 Football Officials Are In Good Hands

Story by L.T.Willis





Left to right PAC 12 Football Consultant Mike Pereira, T.G.Sports L.T.Willis
and PAC 12 Football Coordinator/Assignor Tony Corrente
Photo by Nick Hamilton.

Media Day for the PAC 12 was awesome for those who attended. The first day a special clinic was held by PAC 12 football assignor Tony Corrente and PAC 12 football consultant Mike Pereira. One of the new rules was Article 6. There shall be no blocking below the waist (Rule 2-3-2) (A.R.9-1-6-I-VII. There are exceptions:1.Against the runner 2.Before change of possession on scrimmage downs that do not include kicks. Blocking below the waist is allowed as followed: A Players on the offensive team who at the snap

are 1. On the line of scrimmage more than seven yards from the middle lineman of the offensive formation.

2. In the backfield with any part of the body outside the tackle box: or 3. In motion: may block below the waist only along north-south line (Rule 2-12-9) or toward the sideline adjacent to them at the snap. B Players of the offensive team who at the snap are completely inside the tackle box or on the line of scrimmage inside the seven-yard limit may block below the waist. C. Players of the defensive team who at the snap are inside the blocking zone extended to the sideline may block below the waist inside the area until the blocking zone disintegrates ( Rule 2-3-6-b) except against a team player in position to receive a backward pass.

Players of the defensive team may block below the waist until the ball has gone more than five yards beyond the neutral zone. They also may not block below the waist against an eligible team receiver beyond the neutral zone unless attempting to get to the ball or the ball carrier.  Now lets talk about the replay official that is in the booth. Having the same the replay equipment that is used in college and pro football gave us a taste of what a replay official have to deal with during a game.

About  four people were ask to  take part and volunteer as replay officials. We would look a several games and then after the ruling on the field, should the call stand or be reverse. Now keep in mind two things some games have more cameras pending on what network is covering the game, and the the replay is not to put down any officials but just to get the play right. Being a basketball official for more than 20 years and a fan of football i have found a new respect for football officials. The replay official has to let the referee know

not only if a catch was good or not,or if a player was inbounds and had control of the ball, but has to also let him know where to spot the ball and how much time should be on the clock. For now on show football officials much love during a game.



THE 9TH ANNUAL 101 NFL ALL-ACCESS GIVES L.A. FANS HOPE

Story By L.T.Willis



Photo by Eric Wade Gems Images.

 

The 9th Annual 101 NFL All-Access hosted  by the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission is really a great event that helps fans connect with the NFL. This events works to increase the economic growth and tourism by attracting major sports and entertainment events to Los Angeles. Fans from all over paid 500.00 dollars just for the experience of being part of the NFL. Former coaches and players have a chance to touch so many lives who attended the event by taking part in several of the activities that were schedule for the event.

Photo by Eric Wade Gems  Images

Photo by Eric Wade Gems Images.







                                                                                                                  



One of the events is play like a pro that gives fans a chance to compete just like a pro football quarterback in the quarterback distant challenge, the quarterback accuracy challenge, the wide receiver challenge and the extra point kicking challenge. The fans had a chance to suit up like a pro with Gordan Batty equipment manager for the Super Bowl XLV Green Bay Packers right in a locker room feeling excitement getting ready to walk down that hall into the stadium. Whatever fantasy as a football fan you had a chance to live that dream at the NFL 101 All-Access.



Photo by Eric Wade
Gems Images.



Photo by Eric Wade Gems Images



                                          























  



The big buzz about the event was having a football staduim built right next to the Staple Center Farmers Field. Many fans from Los Angeles spoke how they want to have their own football team back here in their own city and hope that the city council do the right thing and get the stadium approve to be built. Fans met with several Super Bowl Champions during the event. Greg Townsend from  Super Bowl XLIII The  Los Angeles Raiders, Kurt Warner MVP/Super Bowl XXXIV Champion from The St Louis Rams and Clay Matthews Jr. from the Super Bowl XLV Champions The Green Bay Packers.

Clay Matthews Jr .& Kurt Warner photo
by Eric Wade Gems Images.



Greg Townsend photo by Eric
Wade Gems Images.



My favorite part of the event was to listen to some of the panelist who were on hand to set down and discuss several issue about the NFL. Will there be football in 2011 and how will this hurt football if they don't reach a agreement . Sports Illustrated Senior Sports Writer Peter King was ask  what teams do he think will make it to the Super Bowl in 2011 if there is football this season. This is what Peter King had to say about  the Super Bowl.





                     

Slow Start For Sparks' Cost Them The Game

Story by L.T.Willis



Sparks' Natasha Lacy driving to the basket at will.
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE
via Getty Images.

The Los Angeles Sparks came out the gate slow and trail The San Antonio Stars by the score of 15-2 as Beck Hammon and Sophia Young was on fire and it seems that a rout is in the makings. By the time the first quarter had ended the Sparks' were down 29-17 as the starters just  couldn't get their offense going. Natasha Lacy, Jantel Lavender and Jenna O'Hea came in the game and you could see the energy level was starting to pick up for the Sparks. What seem to be a blow out in the makings the bench came in and cut the into the lead and only trailed The Silver Stars 42-32 at the half. Becky Hammon finish the first half with 12 points and Sophia Young had 10 points.



Jenna O'Hea had a big night with 12
points and 11 rebounds. Photo by
Andrew Bernstein/NBAE via
Getty Images.






Coach Bryant decided to go with the bench in the third quarter and have on the floor Natasha Lacy, Kristi Toliver, Jantel Lavender, Delisha Milton-Jones and Jeena O'Hea.That squad responded well as the Sparks 'defense begin to clamp down on the Silver Stars and the offense begin to show some life. With Natasha Lacy with her speed was able to get to the rim and this would set up the passing lanes for their outside shooters. Jenna O'Hea was having a good night shooting the ball and helping on the boards along with Toya Pringle and Jantel Lavender blocking shots and crashing the boards. At the end of the third the bench got the Sparks back in the game only trail The Silver Stars 57-55.

In the fourth quarter with 8:27 left in the game the Sparks pulled within one point and that was close as they would get after Natasha Lacy layup The Silver Stars had started to pull away because of the turnovers and the miss layups from the Sparks and Kristi Toliver going 0-12 shooting in the game The San Antonio Silver Stars defeated The Los Angeles Sparks 79-69. Even though the Sparks lost the game a lot of good things happen in the game. Natasha Lacy showed she could run the offense and be aggressive attacking the basket finish with 14 points and 7 assist, Jantel Lavender had 14 points and 7 rebs, Jenna O'Hea with her hustle play finish with 12points 11 rebs and 1 block shot and Toya Pringle 11 points and 4 block shots. The Sparks; turnovers dropped to 10 so that is a great sign for the team. For The Silver Stars Becky Hammon finish with 26 points 5 assist, Sophia Young had 18 points 10 rebs and Jayne Appel finish with 14 points.

Sparks' Players Must Understand the Game Within The Game

Story by L.T.Willis

Photo by Eric Wade Gems Images.



The Los Angeles  Sparks' were showing signs of new life Sunday at the Staple Center hosting the Washington Mystics. In the first half the Sparks' look like  they were going to mail the game watching them run there offense with a smooth flow of crisp passing and precise shooting. Kristi Toliver, DeLisha Milton-Jones came out smoking as they both had 7 points  and Ebony Hoffman had just scored 4 points the route is in the makings. The Sparks' defense was even more impressive with energy on the floor from the players and the crowd of 10.398 was having a good time being at home and supporting their team. The Mystics' Matee Ajavon was doing all she could do to keep them close with 7 points along with Kelly Miller and Crystal Langhorne both scored 5 points and trailed the Sparks 47-25 at the half.

 



Photo by Eric Wade Gems Images.



The funning thing about a  basketball game it has two halves and which what team will show up in the second half. Well that question was answer as the Sparks who showed up in the first half didn't show up in the second half. They ran into a totally different Mystics team as they clamped down on defense and Matee Ajavon and Crystal Langhorne went to work on offensive side and the Sparks defense couldn't slow them down. The Mystics' defense pushed the Sparks' further away from the basket and they had to start settling for jump shots instead of the great ball movement they had in the first half. To make things worst The Sparks had 17 turnovers which led to 22 points for the Mystics that help erase a 24 point lead. Kristi Toliver was foul with seconds left and made her free throws and the game was going into over time. In overtime nothing change as the Sparks' couldn't make layups and continue to have turnovers and the Mystics stole a game from the Sparks by defeating them 89-95. Kristi Toliver scored 21 points, Jantell lavender had 13 points and Tina Thompson had 11 points.

 

Joe Bryant Takes Over Coaching Job For The Sparks

Story by L.T. Willis

Sparks' new head coach Joe Bryant.
Photo by Eric Wade
Gems Images.

Joe Bryant stares at another opportunity to make history again with Sparks as their new head coach when loses were piling up the Sparks' front office had to make a change that they felt was best for their team to try to make a run at the WNBA Title lurking down the road. With Candace Parker going down with a knee injury this team still has too much talent to have a record of 4-6. The one thing that has killed the Sparks is the lack of focus during games with turnovers piling up and the no mental toughness on the floor. Joe Bryant is a no nonsense coach who will hold each player accountable for their play on the court. Another problem they were having  was a rotation of players  during the game. The facts speaks for them self when certain players are on the floor together the Sparks are a better offensive and defensive team.



Sparks' Natasha Lacy.
Photo by Eric wade
Gems Images.



Sparks' Jantel Lavender
Photo by Eric Wade
Gems Images. 





When Natasha Lacy is in the game at the point guard position along with Kristi Toliver with their speed the Sparks' offense scores more points and both guards are good rebounders as on defense. Jantel Lavender have shown when she gets playing time she can produce  by scoring when she had 21 points and played defense in her last game.

with these three players on the floor with  Tina Thompson, Ebony Hoffman and DelishaMilton- Jones have shown when they are playing together there is more intensity on the court. There have been to many times where players got you back in the game  and took the lead back, wouldn't see them in the third or fourth quarter. By doing this is one of the reason the Sparks have lost leads and momentum late in games and i know the frustration had set in with players who work hard to get the team back into the game and later would had to sit on on the bench and watch the game. All this will change because i do know one thing about Joe Bryant  if you  work hard and play smart you will play.

Angels Shut Down King Felix And Mariners - By Nick Hamilton



Angels' pitcher Dan Heran



                                                                              

ANAHEIM - On a warm sunny Sunday in Southern California, a great day for baseball and a great opportunity for the L.A. Angels to finish up strong right before the All-Star break. Standing in their way is 2010 Cy Young award winner Felix Hernandez (3.22 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners.

Angels pitcher Dan Haren (2.64 ERA) gave up a base hit to the Mariners' Brenden Ryan in the first inning.  Ryan then goes on to steals second base which allowed runners in scoring position at second and third base. Next at bat was Adam Kennedy who hit a two run single allowed Seattle to take the lead 2-0.

The Angels continued to put themselves in scoring positions but were unable to capitalize on it thanks the no holds barred pitching of Hernandez and the defense of the Mariners.
The Angels played solid defense themselves in the third inning thanks to a spectacular dive and catch by center fielder Torii Hunter to end the inning.

In the fourth inning the momentum shifted the Angels way as first baseman Mark Trumbo off the first pitch hit a two run homer to tie the game 2-2.

After a great pitchers duel, Hernandez was pulled in the seventh inning on 109 pitches, and 6 strike outs by manager Eric Wedge. He was replaced by reliever David Pauley who allowed the Angels a great opportunity in the eight inning as Hunter and first time all-star Howie Kendrick were on first and second base. Alberto Callaspo hits a double in the center gap that scored Hunter and Kendrick to take the lead 4-2.

Haren was prepared to go the distance in the ninth inning, as he struck out Justin Smaok, forced a pop up by Adam Kennedy to bring the Angels within one out of the victory. As the crowd of 39, 505 cheered and stood on their feet, manager Mike Scioscia walked to mound, and that would be the last we would see of Haren for the afternoon. He left with 8 strike outs, on 113 pitches.

Haren was replaced by closer Jordan Walden (who is also headed to All-Star Game in place of Yankees Mariano Rivera). Walden struck out Franklin Gutierrez on nine pitches for his 20th save, giving the Angels the win. The Angels have won 11 out of their last 13 games and are red hot heading into the All-Star break.

Haren gets the victory and goes to (10-5), while David Pauley get the loss and drops to (5-3) on the year.

"It's very disappointing. That homer was a mistake that I made, and they [Angels] made me pay. They're playing good baseball right now." as a disgusted Felix Hernandez talked about the loss.
Despite the loss Seattle manager Eric Wedge spoke about Hernandez' effort "I thought Felix was good. He let one get away from him, but overall I thought he had good stuff today."

Dan Haren was asked about how much he wanted to complete the game "any pitcher wants to finish. But I respect the manager's decision and its not a bad option to go to. I mean I'm off of about 120 pitches or something, so we can go to Walden who's fresh and throwing a hundred mph balls. So we got the win, and I'm happy about it."

An upbeat and joking Torii Hunter described how he made that spectacular catch in the third inning " that was just stupid man, I'm just competitive. I saw the ball coming over my head, and I dove for it. I'm just glad that fence wasn't there."

As we approach the All-Star break as manager Mike Scioscia describes as "it couldn't have come at a better time", the Angels have something to look forward to and build on going into the second half of the season. Angels trail Texas by just 1 game in the AL West.

*It was announced on Sunday just a few hours before game time, that All-Star Game pitcher Jared Weaver would be the American League starter. Weaver who has an outstanding 1.86 ERA and an impressive (11-4) record.

*Bobby Abreu got his 1400th walk on Sunday along with Mark Trumbo who recorded his 17th HR so far this season.