Columnist offers Super Bowl XLVI overview

Super Bowl Sunday, one of two big days in sports that isn’t a national holiday (the other is MLB’s Opening Day), is just around the corner. This year’s Giant-Patriots rematch at Lucas Oil Stadium looks to produce another close contest.

Many may recall Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Arizona, when the famous “Helmet Catch” led to the Giants’ 17-14 victory, the only loss on 2007 New England’s record. In more recent history, the Giants also won 24-20 over the Patriots back in Week 9. Now with a chance to get back at New York, the Patriots seek revenge in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

A lot about this playoff  looks similar to the one four years ago. Once again, the New England Patriots (13-3 in the regular season) took the AFC’s No. 1 seed (though Green Bay had the best record this time around) and made their way through two playoff games to punch their ticket.

Once again, the New York Giants (9-7) just slid into the playoffs, and then proceeded to knock off everyone in their path. In the NFC title game, Lawrence Tynes again kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime on the road to win another date with the Patriots.

The only injury to report is Rob Gronkowski, tight end for New England. He suffered a high ankle sprain earlier in the week and was limited in practice Thursday. He remains questionable for Sunday’s game.

Both sides have high offensive strengths they need to establish early on. Rob Gronkowski is still questionable for the game (high ankle sprain), but each day his chance of starting looks better. The Pats’ offense was second in the league for passing offense, their primary attack, but second-to-last in pass defense. The Giants were fifth overall in pass offense, but 29th in pass defense. Both teams are not strong rushers as they finished in the bottom half in rushing offense (the Giants were last), so any rushing game that gets off the ground could make the difference.

This showdown looks to produce another close contest. New England loves to stay ahead. New York loves to come from behind. In each game they’ve played to make it and in their overall records. Stick around the whole game since you might miss something otherwise.

My prediction: Patriots 38, Giants 34.

Penn State trustees’ move to fire Paterno good call

On Nov. 9, Pennsylvania State University head football coach Joe Paterno announced his decision to retire at the end of the current football season. He reasoned that the time had come where he felt he needed to call it quits, likely as a result of the scandal surrounding allegations to former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, whose arrest on the charges of child sex abuse sparked controversy around the storied coach. Paterno thought the Penn State board of trustees did not need to deliberate whether they would keep him on staff next season.

The trustees, however, did talk with each other about Paterno’s future with Penn State. Hours after Paterno’s retirement speech, they elected to fire him and PSU president Graham Spanier. Their reasoning: even if Paterno had no idea what was going on, he should have kept a better eye on things. Since he knew, he did all he had to by legal definition, but not all within his power.

The Penn State trustees were well within their minds and rights to oust the university president and longtime head football coach. The actual charges came against a different man, yes, but both knew for nine years about the crimes. They only did what would not land them in prison. They failed to seek true justice. Both now pay for it, and Paterno’s 61-year legacy now shines with what little this stain doesn’t cover. As several casual commentators put it, “The Sandusky scandal is his legacy now.”

I personally respect Joe Paterno and appreciate all he has done for college football and for Penn State University. I’ll still follow Penn State sports. I consider Penn State even more now because of this. I agree with the board because of their reason behind their decision. Joe Paterno, though he did not commit a crime worth an arrest, in a way covered for Sandusky when he heard and only issued a quiet boot to the former defensive coordinator. Sandusky awaits trial at the moment. He denied his crimes and stands innocent until proven guilty, but that does not excuse Paterno.

Earlier that day, Paterno announced his retirement at the end of the season. He wanted to leave on his own terms in light of the allegations. He should have resigned on the spot given his role in the scandal. It doesn’t matter that the Nebraska game was the last home game for the Nittany Lions this season or that it would have broken the record for the most games any head coach played in college football. Special occasions cannot call for special exceptions in these matters where those in position to act need to act fast.

There are many people who believe Paterno should have had the rest of the season as he planned. At the very least, the last home game of the season. They believe he should have gone out as the man who did so much for them in his 61 years with the university. The trustees shouldn’t have forced him out amid such a disgrace. As much as he has helped the Penn State program mature into a contender over time, everything changes over time. Paterno showed in his inaction and his approach that his values changed. The man who took the podium was not the man from the 30 years as head coach before this mess began.

There really was no middle ground. Either the board of trustees let Paterno leave how he wanted or how they thought was best for Penn State. Joe Pa’s decisions showed he was too interested in Joe Pa and not the school that gave him a job and a place to call home for the majority of his life. I love him and still hold a great respect for him, but this is the one place I do not stand with him. While his actions are forgivable, the board had to issue punishment. They were wise in how they carried out that end. If Joe Paterno ever was Penn State, he isn’t now.

Eagles end season in 45-14 loss to Lake Dallas

The varsity football team competed against the Lake Dallas Falcons in Wichita Falls on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The Eagles fell behind in the first quarter, down 17-0 after 12 minutes. Senior quarterback Travis Cosby connected with senior wide receiver Isaac Williams for a touchdown to close the gap to 17-7 with 9:35 left in the second quarter. The Eagles stopped Lake Dallas in two consecutive possessions when senior cornerback Will Toliver intercepted a fourth-down pass and the defense won a turnover on downs from within 10 yards of their own goal line. However, the offense did not capitalize on opportunities to gain ground on the Falcons and went silent. Lake Dallas senior quarterback Dalyn Williams rushed for two more touchdowns before halftime, 31-7 Falcons at the half.

Lake Dallas running back and punt returner Dontonio Jordan rushed for a 49-yard touchdown to increase the difference to 38-7. Williams connected with receiver Tyler Vance for his fifth and final touchdown of the day, third passing. Cosby rushed for a one-yard touchdown, the only Canyon score on the ground, but without enough time to come back, the final whistle blew on the Eagles’ season as they lost 45-14.

The Eagles end their season in the bi-district round of the 4A Division II playoffs at 5-6. This includes a district season where they earned fourth in District 3-4A and claimed the final berth in the playoffs.

Varsity football advances to playoffs with win in Plainview

The varsity football clinched the last playoff spot in district 3-4 A with a 21-7 victory over the Plainview Bulldogs last Friday night.

The first points of the game were scored by junior Graeson Cook with a 39-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Travis Cosby. A good PAT by senior Austin Weaver made the Eagles up 7-0 with 1:38 left in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs tied the game at 7-7 with 54 seconds remaining in the half after Canyon’s four penalties, including three facemasks, helped propel Plainview down the field.

Canyon was ahead 14-7 by the end of the third quarter after a three-yard run by Cosby. They scored again with 9:57 left in the game with a catch by sophomore Blake Weaver, coming to the final score of 21-7.

The Eagles face Lake Dallas Saturday at Wichita Falls Memorial Stadium. A final game time is yet to be determined.

Varsity football defeats Dumas on senior night

The varsity football team defeated the Dumas Demons last Friday 34-14 at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium on senior night.

The first points of the game were scored by senior quarterback Travis Cosby at the 8:14 mark of the first quarter. Senior Austin Weaver’s extra point was wide, making the score 6-0.

With 1:27 left in the quarter, the Eagles were up 14-0 after a quarterback sneak for a touchdown and a two-point conversion by sophomore Blake Weaver and junior Graeson Cook.

After a handoff from Cosby, senior Ben Wentz ran the ball 44-yards for another Canyon touchdown. Austin Weaver’s extra point was good, putting the Eagles up 21-0 with 3:53 left in the half.

The second half started with an interception by junior Dak Olson, giving the Eagles possession on their own 38 yard line. With a pass to Cook and Austin Weaver’s PAT, the Eagles were up 28-0 with 8:09 to play in the third quarter.

Canyon’s defense caused the Demons to punt yet again and the Eagles were up 34-0 with 2:08 remaining in the third quarter after a six-yard run by junior Steven Hansen and a blocked PAT.

Dumas made a quarterback change to Rylan Gerber after Clayton Baker was sacked by sophomore Trey Barrentos. After only one completion, Gerber threw an interception to Olson and Canyon had the ball on their 28 the end the third quarter.

The Demons scored with 3:33 remaining in the game with a 36-yard touchdown and a good PAT. Their defense caused the Eagles to go three and out and Dumas used the last minute of the game to score a four-yard touchdown pass to end the game 34-14.

The varsity team will close their regular season out in Plainview this Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Varsity football defeats Hereford, 36-7

The varsity football team scored their first district win Friday night against the Hereford Whitefaces, defeating them 36-7.

The first points in the game didn’t come until 2:52 left in the first half when Hereford’s D. J. Garcia found Brian Hill for a 20-yard touchdown pass. Edgar Tobias’s extra point was good, putting the Whitefaces up 7-0.

The Eagles caught fire in the second half of the game.

A carry by senior Ben Wentz put Canyon on the board. The Eagles then faked a kick for the extra point and sophomore Blake Weaver found sophomore Dylan Douglass in the end zone for a two-point conversion. With 8:55 left in the third quarter, the Eagles were ahead 8-7.

In only 37 seconds and two plays, the Eagles had their next six up on the board with a carry from Wentz, then a 15-yard keeper from senior quarterback Travis Cosby and an extra point from senior Austin Weaver. Canyon then led 29-7.

The Whitefaces had made it to the Eagles 28-yard line with 1:54 left in the game, Garcia threw an interception and senior Will Toliver ran it back 77-yards for a touchdown.  Austin Weaver’s kick settle the score at 36-7.

The varsity team will play Caprock this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. The JV and freshmen teams will also face the Longhorns Thursday night at 5 p.m., JV at Caprock and freshmen at Kimbrough.

Varsity football scrambles to win for chance to advance

The varsity football team fell to the Frenship Tigers last Friday night, 10-30, making their district record 0-3.

With only four games left in the district season, the team is reconfiguring their strategy.

“We are just taking it one game at a time,” senior quarterback Travis Cosby said.

The Eagles will face the Hereford Whitefaces tonight in Hereford at 7:30 p.m.

“Friday night starts a new four game season for us,” senior corner back J.D. Moreno said. “We are just going to have to lay it all down.”

Dons sneak by Eagles, 41-38

The varsity football team opened their District 3-4A season at home against the Dons of Palo Duro High Sept. 23.

The game began with both teams chalking up touchdowns, Canyon on a goal-line rush from junior running back Hunter Burrell, who rushed 5 times for 3 yards and the touchdown, and Palo Duro on a 52-yard pass. On the ensuing possession, referees called a penalty on senior quarterback Travis Cosby for intentional grounding in the end zone, resulting in a safety. The Dons added a touchdown on their second possession. Canyon answered with a touchdown pass from Cosby to senior wide receiver Will Toliver, who along with the touchdown, had three catches for 55 yards. Canyon took the lead when junior secondary Dak Olson intercepted a batted pass and returned it 31 yards for the touchdown, which put the Eagles up 21-16 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw more offensive action as senior placekicker Austin Weaver made a 42-yard field goal to push the lead to 8, though the Dons tied the score with a touchdown and two-point conversion. Cosby ran in a touchdown from five yards out, as he would end with 17 rushes for 87 yards with said touchdown, though the Dons carried  in one of their own to tie the score at 31 each. As the half expired, the Dons got a hand on Weaver’s field goal try and sent it off-course, keeping the teams even.

The second half started with a defensive third quarter as only one field goal from PD made the scoreboard in the 12-minute stretch. With less than 6:30 to play, Cosby connected with junior running back Steven Hansen to put the Eagles up 38-34. Canyon looked poised to seal the game as junior linebacker Jace Vessels knocked the ball loose and junior nose tackle Tanner Patterson recovered within the Dons’ half of the field.

On fourth down, Weaver’s miss from 37 yard out spotted the Dons on their own 21 with 1:45 left, and they marched straight up the field for a touchdown. With 42 seconds left in the game, Palo Duro rolled the dice and pulled a surprise squib kick, aiming for the front receiving line’s legs. The trick worked, and the ball ricocheted back to the Dons, sealing their district opener victory, 41-38.

Palo Duro picks up their first win of the season, the Eagles go 2-2, 0-1 in the district and take on Randall in Friday’s rivalry game.

Eagles upset Matadors, 17-14

The varsity football team faced the 4-0 Lubbock Estacado Matadors Friday night, Sept. 16.

Battling at home in front of a homecoming crowd, the Eagles fought hard to end up on top 17-14. Canyon was predicted by the Harris ratings to lose by 21 to the Matadors.

The first points of the game were scored with 31 seconds left in the first quarter when Estacado’s quarterback, Shaquille Bogus, ran three yards for a touchdown. Gary Cervantes’s extra point put the Matadors on the board, 7-0.

The second quarter was a battle between the defenses until the last 39 seconds when Canyon’s senior quarterback Travis Cosby ran and stretched for the four-yard touchdown. The first half ended tied 7-7 after senior Austin Weaver’s extra point.

Estacado scored again eight minutes into the third quarter with a five-yard run by Bogus, and Cervantes’s kick put the Matadors up14-7.

Canyon scored again in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter with a 17-yard touchdown catch by sophomore Blake Weaver and a good PAT kick from his brother, Austin. The score was tied yet again at 14-14.

The Eagles got their first lead of the game with only 31 seconds left in the game with a 21-yard field goal made by Austin Weaver.

With the Matadors on the Canyon 37 with a first down and only 10 seconds left on the clock, the Eagles clenched their victory when junior Dak Olsen knocked the touchdown pass by Bogus to Jalen Moore away.

The Eagles will play their first district game at home against the Palo Duro Dons this Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Madden ’12 pumps game past ’11

This offseason in football has been quite hectic on both the professional and college level. The NFL lockout stole most of the show, and players have had little time before the preseason games to get back into their stride. The lockout also affected EA Sports as they had to delay the release of Madden NFL ‘12 to August 30th instead of the 9th as they planned in advance. A little bit more time to shape the game, however, has done quite a bit to help the game.
The rosters remained untouched from the free agent frenzy that ensued when the lockout ended, so players can change the teams themselves if it bothers them that much that Marion Barber III is still with the Cowboys despite Dallas releasing him over the offseason. Unless, of course, you have access to Xbox Live or PlayStation Network, in which case all you have to do is use the EA Onlinepass that comes with every copy of the game and get automatic roster updates. No more rushing to change up the teams every time someone in real life gets cut or traded.
An odd thing I noticed is that I didn’t have a hard copy of the instruction manual in the game. It may have just been my copy or only on Xbox 360, but they only included the required warnings that come in every instruction booklet that no one except me reads. It later came to my attention that EA Sports decided to put their manual in-game and available to players throughout the course of a game. It was confusing at first, but that idea was very innovative for them even if it was a rush job when they realized a mistake in printing the instructions.
The actual gameplay is a step up from last year’s edition. The physics engine is improved to where there are no pre-animated actions. Every tackle, block, rush, pass, goal-line stand and onside kick plays out different from every other. Runners, receivers and quarterbacks can still fight for yards and try to stay alive until brought down, which in some cases could require another defenseman. Each team gets authentic introductions and each stadium is more lifelike than in ’11.
EA Sports decided this year to make significant changes to Franchise Mode. Player roles return to show how each member of the player’s team and opponents’ teams stack up, allowing players to make deals for men that lean toward strengths and some that cover for weaknesses. In-game players may also display rating changes depending on their performance game by game. If one or more men start doing well in games, racking up reasons for teams to fear them every time they set foot on the field, they start off on hot streaks, though a bad game can end one. If they botch too many plays and start trembling at the sight of other opponents, they hit cold streaks and need a better game to get back on track.
Play Now mode still has custom matchups in addition to Super Bowl XLVI for players who don’t feel like going through an entire season and skip to the biggest game of the year, set at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. EA Sports even worked in endings specific to each team for winning the championship, which includes the confetti shower, MVP naming, Super Bowl parade and a visit to the White House to shake hands with President Obama and hand him a #44 jersey from the winners.
Overall, the game seems that they were just out to pack in as many improvements as they can just to shove in the consumer’s face, but I could not find a lot of things wrong with it. The adaptable computer opponent can get cheap at times, but Madden has always had that to keep games challenging until the final whistle.

I recommend the game for all fans of the sports game genre and all who have bought and/or played Madden before and enjoyed it.

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