Friday, October 30, 2009
Darren Boyle's weekly words of wisdom. "where have I been?"
It has been awhile since my last post, not that there was so much going on that I didnt have time. It seems that since it has been so cloudy and gloomy this last month I have lost alot of my ambition. Its not like I had alot of ambition to begin with, and when I was time for me to write something it was easier to be a recliner pilot and watch tv. Fortunately there has been alot of compelling sports to keep track of. Lets first talk about the Vikings who lost their first game of the season to the Steelers. Its not like they werent in the game at the end, and that VSK hasnt had a GREAT season but the Vikes are starting to show a few chinks in their armor. First of all they are so quick to rush the passer and get sacks that they have become totally vulnerable to screens, reverses, and other misdirection plays. If a QB can get rid of the ball quickly, like most NFL QB's can, the pass rush rush wont bother them and the big plays will be available. Second, they are totally misusing AP, either by using him too much or not using him the right way. Sure he has had decents stats but when a good running back gets the ball 20-25 times a game he is going to have some yards. The Vikes cant seem to be able to control the clock by running the football when they have a lead, thus they are susceptable to comebacks like what happened against the Ravens. And VSK is taking way too much punishment. He wasnt supposed to have to throw thirty times a game, but he has had to the last few weeks, he has been sacked alot, knocked down alot, and if it continues he wont be around in December. The World Series is under way and with it, the annual collapse of A-Rod. He played pretty well during the first two rounds of the playoffs, remember what he did to Twins pitching? Now he is 0-8 with 6 strikeouts in the first two games of the series. YIKES!!!!!!!! This series may go down as one of the most exciting in recent memory as long as you like good pitching. NASCAR driver AJ Almendinger was arrested for DWI this week after it was announced that he was going to drive Richard Pettys #43 car next season. I have kept an eye on him all season, seen him start out with a part time ride and then drive for free to keep the car on the track the remainder of the season. By waiving his salary and share of race winnings he kept his entire crew employed this season after it was announced that his car would be parked, and the crew laid off after the July race at Daytona. He made some sacrifices this season, drove his tail off, and it paid off with the offer of the ride in the #43 for next season. He spent the entire summer doing the right thing and then does something stupid like this. In todays image conscious world, an error like that will lead to sponsor trouble and sponsor trouble leads to not having a ride. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Locally, the football playoffs are the big story, several area teams are still in the running in round two. Sully Buttes takes their passing attack to Buffalo where they take on Harding County. Mondays weather will be the big wild card for the Chargers, if they can throw they have a punchers chance against the Ranchers. Pierre goes to Brandon Valley. Pierre lost a close one to the Lynx a few weeks ago at home and know they can play against one of the top teams in 11AA. The question is can the Govs make their extra points? Moms and Dads, if you want your boys to go to college and play football TEACH THEM TO KICK!!!!!!!!The marquee game this Monday may well be the game in Presho between the Lyman Raiders and Herried Selby area. Two undefeated teams, one is going to the semifinals and one is going home. This may the biggest test for the Raiders on their quest to the "Dome". I expect a shootout with the winner......perhaps winning the "whole" thing. Its a 6:30 kickoff Monday night on KPLO and KMLO
Rod's Friday thoughts
It will be a quiet weekend for high school sports with the football playoffs not resuming until Monday and District Volleyball tournaments beginning next week. The Governor football team will be practicing getting ready for Brandon Valley and their talented quarterback Austin Sumner. I think Sumner is still a notch ahead of Jared Hannigan of Aberdeen Centra. Both bring different styles to the table. Both can run and pass but Hannigan is better at the run and Sumner is better at the pass despite the fact he is also BV's leading rusher on the season. Not sure how healed up the Governors will be. Graham Schuetzle and his arm and Adam Deneke most notably with his back. Graham will play and just try to keep him off the field. The key is the Governor defense which did an ok job against Sumner the first time. Held him to 189 yards passing, which is below their per game average of 251 yards. He has thrown 33 touchdown passes this season. That's 12 more than he had when he played here the first time. He also has been intercepted only 5 times. And the Governor ground game will probably see nothing but Red jerseys in the box lined up to stop the run. If Pierre wins they would play their semi final game a week from tomorrow either at Sioux Falls Washington or they would host Yankton. And deep down don't we all wish that just for once in recent years, we could have an all ESD finals in the dome. Mr. Whitney would probably want to change the playoff system again.
Now on to volleyball. Pierre is the third seed and will go to Huron on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Huron Arena. Pierre can win this match. Huron won the two regular season matches in 5 and 4 games. Pierre went 0-6 against their fellow district opponents during the regular season. But last night Pierre showed signs they can play aggressivly and take advantage of their opponents mistakes. But those service errors at in-opportune times have always seemed to catch up with Pierre this year. Pierre blocked well at the net I thought last night. I think they are ready to put a complete match together. They have to. Time is starting to run out.
Now on to volleyball. Pierre is the third seed and will go to Huron on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Huron Arena. Pierre can win this match. Huron won the two regular season matches in 5 and 4 games. Pierre went 0-6 against their fellow district opponents during the regular season. But last night Pierre showed signs they can play aggressivly and take advantage of their opponents mistakes. But those service errors at in-opportune times have always seemed to catch up with Pierre this year. Pierre blocked well at the net I thought last night. I think they are ready to put a complete match together. They have to. Time is starting to run out.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Rod's late Wednesday thoughts
After breathing a collective sigh of relief with last night's overtime win over Sturgis, now attention must turn to Brandon Valley and their division 1 caliber quarterback Austin Sumner. Sumner threw 4 touchdown passes last night to give him 83 in his career and become the all time leader in that category in South Dakota High School Football history. The Governors did ok against him 3 weeks ago in a 21-18 loss that basically came down to the fact that BV made their extra points. Pierre didn't. We saw last night that kicking the extra point is not an exact science but oh how important it is. Pierre will not be doing a whole lot of contact in practice over the course of the next few days. Coach Kramer gave the team the day off today (Wed). Last night it seemed like Pierre played with pressure, after all they were the 6th seed and playing Sturgis, 3 years removed from the state record losing streak. Well, Sturgis played anything but a bottom tier team of any conference. If Pierre can lay their ears back on Monday and play against BV like Sturgis did against the Govs they definatly have a chance. We went in there in the quarterfinals 5 years ago and didn't have a prayer. But we did have Quincy Christie and Michael Tveidt and that group. It was a pretty quiet BV fan base at games end. There is a saying for visiting teams. "Love to see the home fans go home unhappy". Monday will be the next chance for the Govs to make that saying become reality. And by the way, I thought the officiating last night was real good. No complaints but then complaining is something that I have been told I am getting good at. So I will try to end this post with something positive.
Wear something pink to "Pack the Place Pink" tomorrow nightwhen the Lady Gov volleyball team plays Aberdeen Central on the Lady Govs Senior Night. It's all part of "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" and Penni Case up at Riggs is responsible for coming up with it. Buy a Pink T-Shirt they will be selling and have some Pink Lemonade. Money I am told will go to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Wear something pink to "Pack the Place Pink" tomorrow nightwhen the Lady Gov volleyball team plays Aberdeen Central on the Lady Govs Senior Night. It's all part of "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" and Penni Case up at Riggs is responsible for coming up with it. Buy a Pink T-Shirt they will be selling and have some Pink Lemonade. Money I am told will go to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Brian's Week8 Review; Second Season Preview
Well, there you have it - the football regular season is history, full of dominating performances (Lyman, Herreid/Selby, Winner), pleasant surprises (Pierre, Stanley Co., Jones Co.), and some head-scratchers (that I won't pick on), all in our DRG listening areas. We've been saying for a while now, the postseason could shape up to be anyone's ball game, and I think we're in for a fun ride that is only now just beginning. Before looking at all the playoff pairings, here's a look at Week 8 in review, as well as the regular season totals and percentages of all of our weekly picks:
Week 8 Overall: 56-11......494-108 (.821) for the season
11AA: 7-1......60-12 (.833)
11A/B: 19-3......170-34 (.833)
9-man: 30-7......264-62 (.810)
I'm not quite sure what to make of that, but those would be good softball batting averages, so I'll take it. Some of the games I picked incorrectly obviously spoiled some of the playoff predictions, as far as who would be playing whom, that I made last week, but at least now we know this week's schedule for sure, and here's what we're looking at.
11AA (pretty much gotta go with all the home teams in the first round):
16)Huron at 1)ABERDEEN CENTRAL -- our hope for a State Champion from the ESD
9)RC Stevens at 8)SF LINCOLN -- RCS beat SFL a few weeks back, but blew chance for home game last week
12)Brookings at 5)SF ROOSEVELT -- might be close for a half
13)Watertown at 4)SF O'GORMAN -- speaking of head-scratching disappointments....
15)Douglas at 2)SF WASHINGTON -- Washington scores 70+, half from JV's
10)RC Central at 7)YANKTON -- Bucks could still pull an upset, if not paired with SFW
11)Sturgis at 6)PIERRE -- love the Govs here, but Scoops might be confident
14)Mitchell at 3)BRANDON VALLEY -- Lynx must have rested players last week (??)
11A:
Region 1:
Sisseton at WEST CENTRAL -- here we go again...
DELL RAPIDS at Milbank -- Quarriers diligent in quest to repeat
Region 2:
Canton at HARRISBURG -- I still think Tigers have what it takes
VERMILLION at Dakota Valley -- DV is home team, but took opportunity to play in Dome
Region 3:
CHAMBERLAIN at Todd Co. -- Cubs to win the region??
Little Wound at PINE RIDGE -- Neither as good as Todd Co.
Region 4:
Lead-Deadwood at ST. THOMAS MORE -- write Cavs into the semis
Hot Springs at BELLE FOURCHE -- BF won 31-28 in regular season
11B:
Region 1:
Britton-Hecla at ABERDEEN RONCALLI -- Roncalli is baaaack (but 11B is a 2-team race)
Redfield/Doland at GROTON AREA -- Redfield impressing, but Groton rolling
Region 2:
McCook Central/Montrose at TRI-VALLEY -- pencil Mustangs in Dome for 3rd straight year
Garretson at FLANDREAU -- Fliers won at Garretson 4 weeks ago
Region 3:
Elk Point-Jefferson at WAGNER -- Wagner stays unbeaten (for two more games)
*Stanley Co. at PLATTE-G/DC -- Buffs should be inspired, but Platte will be mad
Region 4:
Red Cloud at WINNER -- too bad mercy rule will have to wait till halftime
MOBRIDGE-POLLOCK at Bennett Co. -- Tigers easily in this one - do NOT count them out
9AA:
Region 1:
Deubrook at LEOLA/FREDERICK -- the quietest unbeaten team in the state
Langford/Roslyn at HAMLIN -- tradition still there in Hamlin, just fewer players on the field
Region 2:
White Lake/Plankinton at HOWARD -- Howard still among Big 3 in 9AA
CHESTER AREA at Wess. Spgs/Woonsocket -- I keep picking against WS/W, and they keep winning ;)
Region 3:
South Central at EMERY/ETHAN -- another of the Big 3...very strong team!
*Eureka/Bowdle at CANISTOTA/BRIDGEWATER -- I've been high on C/B all along
Region 4:
Lemmon/McIntosh at LYMAN -- don't have to say much - Raiders are the favorite
PHILIP at Herreid/Selby -- only a hunch - my toughest game to pick Tuesday
9A:
Region 1:
*ARLINGTON at Tri-State -- Arlington is an at-large, but top seed in the region
CASTLEWOOD at Wilmot -- experience wins this one
Region 2: (best region of all, from 1-4)
Mt. Vernon at ESTELLINE -- whoever misses a 2-pt. conversion will lose by 2
HANSON at Corsica/Stickney -- they might be 5-3, but they're still Hanson
Region 3:
Andes Central at AVON -- Andes has really come on, but Avon's been on for 6 years
Irene-Wakonda at TRIPP-DELMONT/ARMOUR -- close one here before a season-ending blowout
Region 4:
*Colman-Egan at HARDING CO. -- 450 miles one way to close the season - gotta love it!
Wall at SULLY BUTTES -- Chargers out to prove themselves now
9B:
Region 1:
Waverly/South Shore at GRANT-DEUEL -- G-D is 9B's most consistent team over the years
Faulkton at HITCHCOCK-TULARE -- I wouldn't want to play Faulkton, but HT's goin' all the way
Region 2:
Sanborn Central at DELL RAPIDS ST. MARY -- DRSM to the Dome, too
Menno at VIBORG -- Still wondering how Viborg lost to Scotland last week...
Region 3:
*Scotland at GETTYSBURG -- a little redemption for Battlers from a recent Dome defeat
Jones Co. at SUNSHINE BIBLE -- should be a fun one, and some of us will be there :o)
Region 4:
*WARNER at Faith -- I think the at-large reaps the benefits of a light region here
Dupree at NEW UNDERWOOD -- I'll take the Tigers in this one (that's a win-win pick)
There you go - 24 stone cold locks (for entertainment purposes only). If you want quick Dome picks...well, okay.
11AA: SF Washington over Aberdeen Central
11A: West Central beats Harrisburg
11B: Winner upends Tri-Valley
9AA: Lyman beats Howard again
9A: Avon over Hanson
9B: Hitchcock-Tulare over Dell Rapids St. Mary
Congrats and good luck to all who play Tuesday night. Don't forget about the 7 games we'll have on 5 stations and one website, complete with chat room!
Peace!
Week 8 Overall: 56-11......494-108 (.821) for the season
11AA: 7-1......60-12 (.833)
11A/B: 19-3......170-34 (.833)
9-man: 30-7......264-62 (.810)
I'm not quite sure what to make of that, but those would be good softball batting averages, so I'll take it. Some of the games I picked incorrectly obviously spoiled some of the playoff predictions, as far as who would be playing whom, that I made last week, but at least now we know this week's schedule for sure, and here's what we're looking at.
11AA (pretty much gotta go with all the home teams in the first round):
16)Huron at 1)ABERDEEN CENTRAL -- our hope for a State Champion from the ESD
9)RC Stevens at 8)SF LINCOLN -- RCS beat SFL a few weeks back, but blew chance for home game last week
12)Brookings at 5)SF ROOSEVELT -- might be close for a half
13)Watertown at 4)SF O'GORMAN -- speaking of head-scratching disappointments....
15)Douglas at 2)SF WASHINGTON -- Washington scores 70+, half from JV's
10)RC Central at 7)YANKTON -- Bucks could still pull an upset, if not paired with SFW
11)Sturgis at 6)PIERRE -- love the Govs here, but Scoops might be confident
14)Mitchell at 3)BRANDON VALLEY -- Lynx must have rested players last week (??)
11A:
Region 1:
Sisseton at WEST CENTRAL -- here we go again...
DELL RAPIDS at Milbank -- Quarriers diligent in quest to repeat
Region 2:
Canton at HARRISBURG -- I still think Tigers have what it takes
VERMILLION at Dakota Valley -- DV is home team, but took opportunity to play in Dome
Region 3:
CHAMBERLAIN at Todd Co. -- Cubs to win the region??
Little Wound at PINE RIDGE -- Neither as good as Todd Co.
Region 4:
Lead-Deadwood at ST. THOMAS MORE -- write Cavs into the semis
Hot Springs at BELLE FOURCHE -- BF won 31-28 in regular season
11B:
Region 1:
Britton-Hecla at ABERDEEN RONCALLI -- Roncalli is baaaack (but 11B is a 2-team race)
Redfield/Doland at GROTON AREA -- Redfield impressing, but Groton rolling
Region 2:
McCook Central/Montrose at TRI-VALLEY -- pencil Mustangs in Dome for 3rd straight year
Garretson at FLANDREAU -- Fliers won at Garretson 4 weeks ago
Region 3:
Elk Point-Jefferson at WAGNER -- Wagner stays unbeaten (for two more games)
*Stanley Co. at PLATTE-G/DC -- Buffs should be inspired, but Platte will be mad
Region 4:
Red Cloud at WINNER -- too bad mercy rule will have to wait till halftime
MOBRIDGE-POLLOCK at Bennett Co. -- Tigers easily in this one - do NOT count them out
9AA:
Region 1:
Deubrook at LEOLA/FREDERICK -- the quietest unbeaten team in the state
Langford/Roslyn at HAMLIN -- tradition still there in Hamlin, just fewer players on the field
Region 2:
White Lake/Plankinton at HOWARD -- Howard still among Big 3 in 9AA
CHESTER AREA at Wess. Spgs/Woonsocket -- I keep picking against WS/W, and they keep winning ;)
Region 3:
South Central at EMERY/ETHAN -- another of the Big 3...very strong team!
*Eureka/Bowdle at CANISTOTA/BRIDGEWATER -- I've been high on C/B all along
Region 4:
Lemmon/McIntosh at LYMAN -- don't have to say much - Raiders are the favorite
PHILIP at Herreid/Selby -- only a hunch - my toughest game to pick Tuesday
9A:
Region 1:
*ARLINGTON at Tri-State -- Arlington is an at-large, but top seed in the region
CASTLEWOOD at Wilmot -- experience wins this one
Region 2: (best region of all, from 1-4)
Mt. Vernon at ESTELLINE -- whoever misses a 2-pt. conversion will lose by 2
HANSON at Corsica/Stickney -- they might be 5-3, but they're still Hanson
Region 3:
Andes Central at AVON -- Andes has really come on, but Avon's been on for 6 years
Irene-Wakonda at TRIPP-DELMONT/ARMOUR -- close one here before a season-ending blowout
Region 4:
*Colman-Egan at HARDING CO. -- 450 miles one way to close the season - gotta love it!
Wall at SULLY BUTTES -- Chargers out to prove themselves now
9B:
Region 1:
Waverly/South Shore at GRANT-DEUEL -- G-D is 9B's most consistent team over the years
Faulkton at HITCHCOCK-TULARE -- I wouldn't want to play Faulkton, but HT's goin' all the way
Region 2:
Sanborn Central at DELL RAPIDS ST. MARY -- DRSM to the Dome, too
Menno at VIBORG -- Still wondering how Viborg lost to Scotland last week...
Region 3:
*Scotland at GETTYSBURG -- a little redemption for Battlers from a recent Dome defeat
Jones Co. at SUNSHINE BIBLE -- should be a fun one, and some of us will be there :o)
Region 4:
*WARNER at Faith -- I think the at-large reaps the benefits of a light region here
Dupree at NEW UNDERWOOD -- I'll take the Tigers in this one (that's a win-win pick)
There you go - 24 stone cold locks (for entertainment purposes only). If you want quick Dome picks...well, okay.
11AA: SF Washington over Aberdeen Central
11A: West Central beats Harrisburg
11B: Winner upends Tri-Valley
9AA: Lyman beats Howard again
9A: Avon over Hanson
9B: Hitchcock-Tulare over Dell Rapids St. Mary
Congrats and good luck to all who play Tuesday night. Don't forget about the 7 games we'll have on 5 stations and one website, complete with chat room!
Peace!
Rod's Monday Thoughts
Congratulations to Brian Oakland and his Pittsburgh Steelers pajama pants. Interesting game to say the least yesterday in the win over the Vikings. There were three things I wished I did not do over the weekend. 1) Watch the Huskers game. (I think I would have rather just wondered, how in the world did they lose). 2) Watch the Bears game. (I think I would have rather just wondered, how in the world did they lose it like that) and 3) rake leaves and clean up the yard on Saturday. At 5:15 p.m on Saturday when I finished it didn't look bad. When I woke up yesterday morning and looked out, it was like there was double the leaves on the ground there were Saturday when I started. It's about enough to drive to me to QUIT Drinking! The Bengals are for real my friends. The Vikings are fortunate they have them in the Metrodome. Cincy did beat the Steelers in their first game.
Sturgis has their starting quarterback in the lineup. He was a major factor in their 54-0 win over Spearfish last Thursday. He had a high ankle sprain and missed several games prior to that so he will be ready to go against Pierre tomorrow night. Stugis is run first team and then use the play action pass much like Pierre does. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
They are getting a fan bus together at Stanley County for tomorrow night's game at Platte. Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian beat Stanley County 28-0 during the season but as the playoff scenario played out for the Buffalos, P-G/DC is probably the best hope the Buffs had in the first round.
Pierre could get the third seed yet in the District 3AA volleyball tournament. They are 1 game ahead of Mitchell. While Mitchell holds the tiebreaker over Pierre with 2 wins in the regular season, Mitchell has to play 2nd ranked S.F. Roosevelt in their lone game left. Pierre hosts top ranked Aberdeen Central. If they both lose, Pierre is third seed and would host a 3rd place game if they would play Mitchell. If Pierre is the third seed they would open at Huron next week. If Pierre is 4th they would open at Aberdeen Central.
Sturgis has their starting quarterback in the lineup. He was a major factor in their 54-0 win over Spearfish last Thursday. He had a high ankle sprain and missed several games prior to that so he will be ready to go against Pierre tomorrow night. Stugis is run first team and then use the play action pass much like Pierre does. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
They are getting a fan bus together at Stanley County for tomorrow night's game at Platte. Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian beat Stanley County 28-0 during the season but as the playoff scenario played out for the Buffalos, P-G/DC is probably the best hope the Buffs had in the first round.
Pierre could get the third seed yet in the District 3AA volleyball tournament. They are 1 game ahead of Mitchell. While Mitchell holds the tiebreaker over Pierre with 2 wins in the regular season, Mitchell has to play 2nd ranked S.F. Roosevelt in their lone game left. Pierre hosts top ranked Aberdeen Central. If they both lose, Pierre is third seed and would host a 3rd place game if they would play Mitchell. If Pierre is the third seed they would open at Huron next week. If Pierre is 4th they would open at Aberdeen Central.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Lady Govs lose in 3
Yankton beats the Lady Govs in volleyball. A 3 game sweep but close scores. 25-23, 25-19, 26-24. Lady Govs are 6-13 and host Aberdeen Central Thursday in their final regular season games. No individual results on last night's match were made available. Check tomorrow's sports on KGFX and River 92.7 as well as on My Daily News.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Pierre Results from State Cross Country Meet
10th Place 244 Pierre T.F. Riggs Boys
Place Name Grade Time
19 Kris Monroe 12 17:16.12
39 Aaron Propst 11 17:53.57
45 Steve Gordon 9 18:04.62
69 Steven Nielson 11 18:35.47
72 Tyler Sarringar 12 18:38.47
( 77) Sean Snyder 12 18:52.82
( 92) Tyler Propst 10 19:48.228.
8th Place 226 Pierre T.F. Riggs Girls
13 Bridget Simmons 10 15:554.4
18 Courtney Ziebart 11 16:05.1
58 Allison Mientsma 8 17:21.2
63 Libby Gortmaker 9 17:29.0
82 Courtney Brandt 9 18:06.8
83 Jenna Schweiss 9 18:07.6
98 Brooklyn Voeltz 9 18:39.4
Yankton won both the boys and girls team titles again
Place Name Grade Time
19 Kris Monroe 12 17:16.12
39 Aaron Propst 11 17:53.57
45 Steve Gordon 9 18:04.62
69 Steven Nielson 11 18:35.47
72 Tyler Sarringar 12 18:38.47
( 77) Sean Snyder 12 18:52.82
( 92) Tyler Propst 10 19:48.228.
8th Place 226 Pierre T.F. Riggs Girls
13 Bridget Simmons 10 15:554.4
18 Courtney Ziebart 11 16:05.1
58 Allison Mientsma 8 17:21.2
63 Libby Gortmaker 9 17:29.0
82 Courtney Brandt 9 18:06.8
83 Jenna Schweiss 9 18:07.6
98 Brooklyn Voeltz 9 18:39.4
Yankton won both the boys and girls team titles again
Rod's Saturday thoughts
Go SDSU. Coach John Stiglemier deserves a huge win for that program today over Northern Iowa. No one seems to be questioning SDSU's move up to Division 1 these days. Stiglemier has shown the right way to do things. Recruiting has never been better and you don't seem to hear anyting about off the field problems like other schools are going through. Well in the football programs anyway.
Don't forget the State High School Cross Country meet is today in Rapid City. The Lady Govs play volleyball at Yankton although a 6-12 season have fans fondly remembering what Lady Gov volleyball accomplished the last 3 years. And this team is not that far off from being thorn in the side of some teams when we get to the post season. Pierre will make some noise before the season is over.
Congratulations (not really) to the Sioux Falls schools which have worked the system beautifully so all 4 teams will have to spend a minimum of dollars in transportation cost for the upcoming football playoffs. All 4 will have home games once again come Tuesday with 3 of the games at Howard Wood Field. Brookings (48 miles)has a 2 p.m. game against Roosevelt. Douglas (who shouldn't be in the 11AA playoffs because they do not play an 11AA schedule) plays at 5 p.m. against Washington and at 8 p.m. Rapid City Stevens plays Sioux Falls Lincoln. If all 4 win, 2 might have to travel the second round, one maybe would have go to Aberdeen the other cross town. And in the semi's 1 might have to travel within the city or maybe 8 miles! So tell me why do two schools have to travel 5 hours one way have to play at 5 and 8 p.m.? For an organization that is concerned about missed school times, the SDHSAA remains silent! Unbelievable! And it is at all levels, not just 11AA. Both schools have to agree officially. Right! But you know what I think how that could be remedied (Check yesterday's blog). Oh yea, I forgot. If we don't have those first round games because not as many teams make the playoffs we don't have that revenue. Sorry my bad. And if we put the games on a Saturday for two straight weeks, that's two less days of pheasant hunting for some cause they would have to go to a football game. Wow, what was I thinking. Missed school time, and giving the players a full 6days between games to heal up from minor injuries and be alert in school versus 4days between, playoff revenue and keeping schools coaches and AD's and the Sioux Falls Argus Leader from complaining what is wrong with the system. Man, I have got to get a life. It's not 1984 anymore. Or 74or 54 (pick a year). Hey the BCS has nothing on our high school playoffs.
But as the system stands today, there will be 7 games on the Dakota Radio Group stations on Tuesday. Sturgis at Pierre at 7 p.m. on River 92.7. Stanley County at Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian at 7 p.m. on KGFX. Jones County at Sunshine Bible Academy at 2 p.m. and Lemmon-McIntosh at 6:30 p.m. on KPLO 94.5-FM. On KMLO-FM 100.7 it will be Philip at Herreid-Selby Area at 3 p.m. and Eureka-Bowdle at Canistota-Bridgewater at 6:30 p.m. And on Star 99-FM it will be Mobridge-Pollock at Bennett County at 7 p.m. And of course all of our games are heard on our website www.dakotaradiogroup.com
Don't forget the State High School Cross Country meet is today in Rapid City. The Lady Govs play volleyball at Yankton although a 6-12 season have fans fondly remembering what Lady Gov volleyball accomplished the last 3 years. And this team is not that far off from being thorn in the side of some teams when we get to the post season. Pierre will make some noise before the season is over.
Congratulations (not really) to the Sioux Falls schools which have worked the system beautifully so all 4 teams will have to spend a minimum of dollars in transportation cost for the upcoming football playoffs. All 4 will have home games once again come Tuesday with 3 of the games at Howard Wood Field. Brookings (48 miles)has a 2 p.m. game against Roosevelt. Douglas (who shouldn't be in the 11AA playoffs because they do not play an 11AA schedule) plays at 5 p.m. against Washington and at 8 p.m. Rapid City Stevens plays Sioux Falls Lincoln. If all 4 win, 2 might have to travel the second round, one maybe would have go to Aberdeen the other cross town. And in the semi's 1 might have to travel within the city or maybe 8 miles! So tell me why do two schools have to travel 5 hours one way have to play at 5 and 8 p.m.? For an organization that is concerned about missed school times, the SDHSAA remains silent! Unbelievable! And it is at all levels, not just 11AA. Both schools have to agree officially. Right! But you know what I think how that could be remedied (Check yesterday's blog). Oh yea, I forgot. If we don't have those first round games because not as many teams make the playoffs we don't have that revenue. Sorry my bad. And if we put the games on a Saturday for two straight weeks, that's two less days of pheasant hunting for some cause they would have to go to a football game. Wow, what was I thinking. Missed school time, and giving the players a full 6days between games to heal up from minor injuries and be alert in school versus 4days between, playoff revenue and keeping schools coaches and AD's and the Sioux Falls Argus Leader from complaining what is wrong with the system. Man, I have got to get a life. It's not 1984 anymore. Or 74or 54 (pick a year). Hey the BCS has nothing on our high school playoffs.
But as the system stands today, there will be 7 games on the Dakota Radio Group stations on Tuesday. Sturgis at Pierre at 7 p.m. on River 92.7. Stanley County at Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian at 7 p.m. on KGFX. Jones County at Sunshine Bible Academy at 2 p.m. and Lemmon-McIntosh at 6:30 p.m. on KPLO 94.5-FM. On KMLO-FM 100.7 it will be Philip at Herreid-Selby Area at 3 p.m. and Eureka-Bowdle at Canistota-Bridgewater at 6:30 p.m. And on Star 99-FM it will be Mobridge-Pollock at Bennett County at 7 p.m. And of course all of our games are heard on our website www.dakotaradiogroup.com
Friday, October 23, 2009
Rod's Friday Thoughts
To the South Dakota High School Activities Association and their high school football playoff system: KISS. It is a good rule to follow. The system now is getting more complicated it seems. The official pairings are supposedly out at noon today. Why do coaches, schools, parents, fans and players have to wait that long to find out where they are playing on Tuesday? The Class 11AA playoffs are laughable at best. Why Douglas is allowed to play an entire 11A schedule and then play in the 11AA playoffs is absurd at best. Why would they want to. Why would they want to go to Sioux Falls, play Roosevelt, get beat by 50 and then drive home? Roosevelt would be better served just having a practice. They would probably get a better game from the reserves than they will against a power out of the BLACK HILLS CONFERENCE. If Douglas is going to play in the 11AA playoffs then Douglas needs to get told to pull up their big boy pants and play an 11AA schedule! Or more appropriatly, given an 11AA schedule like everybody else gets. And why are the 11AA playoffs set up to make sure that Sioux Falls schools don't have to travel? And what about The High School Activities Association says and their concern about travel on school nights? Tell that to Rapid City Stevens who has to go to Yankton on Tuesday. Or Mobridge that goes to Bennett County or Stanley County who might have to go to Wagner! Of course that is no different than having Watertown or Brookings to come to Pierre on a Thursday night to play a regular season volleyball match. Shorten the playoffs up to 3 weeks like they are now but play quarterfinals on Friday or Saturday, Semi's the following Friday or Saturday and then go to your 3 days of finals and forget about making sure that everybody has a chance to make the playoffs for that "experience". They have that experience now. It is called 8 or 9 games called the regular season. And at 11AA, go back to the regions. If the Sioux Falls schools feel it is unfair, let em go to Iowa or Minnesota.
And the best game of the NFL weekend will not be Minnesota at Pittsburgh. Bears at Bengals baby. That's the game of the weekend.
And the best game of the NFL weekend will not be Minnesota at Pittsburgh. Bears at Bengals baby. That's the game of the weekend.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Brian: as for me, I love speculation....
My esteemed colleague, Mr. Fisher, has said that he would rather not speculate as to who will end up playing where and against whom in the first round of the football playoffs, and maybe some coaches would just as soon rather wait until Friday morning's power point tallies are released as well. But as for me, since I have the means to crunch numbers by creating possible scenarios based on my predictions, then speculating on potential playoff matches becomes one of my favorite hobbies at this time of the year. So that's what this post is about. If you're wondering who your team will end up playing on Tuesday night, then keep reading, ***but with the understanding that what you read is based solely on my own personal speculation. Some of it may come true, some of it may end up being a little off, and in some cases, I might accidentally overlook something and send a team on a road trip when in reality they end up staying home and gearing up for the winter sports season a few weeks early. So with that in mind, what could it hurt? (Just don't start developing game plans just yet.) ;-)
First of all, in Class 11AA, obviously our main concern is the Pierre Governors, who carry a 5th overall seed out of the top 16 into Thursday night's clash with Aberdeen. Now, if you have read my 11AA picks from below, and if all of those picks come true (I did go 8-0 in my 11AA picks last week), then I see Pierre dropping one spot to #6 overall and possibly hosting the #11 seed in the first round, and I predict that team to be Brookings, a team the Govs beat, 36-14, back on Sept. 18, in the Bobcats' Homecoming game. I predict the top 5 seeds to be Aberdeen, Washington, Brandon Valley, O'Gorman, and Roosevelt, ahead of Pierre. That would set up a possible rematch for Pierre with #3 Brandon Valley in the second round, but at Brandon, assuming both teams win in the first round. Now, if Pierre beats Aberdeen, which certainly could happen, then the Govs probably will still get no higher than a #5 seed and probably face RC Central in the first round. One swing possibility in the higher seedings could occur if O'Gorman beats Washington in SooFoo, but that looks like they will only swap seeding possibilities if that happens. Further down in the standings, these predictions could really get messy if RC Central happens to beat Stevens, or some bigger upsets take place tonight as well. It looks like Spearfish will be the odd team out this year, unless they beat Sturgis tonight.
In 11A, there shouldn't be too many surprises. It looks like all the region playoff brackets will have teams playing within their own region. The most important game in the area might be in Chamberlain, where if the Cubs beat Todd Co. (on KPLO tonight), they will be in the playoffs, despite having what would only be one win. If the Cubs can beat Todd Co., who sits at the top of the Region 3 seedings, then it's conceivable they could actually win their way through the region and make it all the way to the semifinals! That semifinal matchup for the Cubs wouldn't be very favorable, but that would definitely be something to play for.
For 11B, there are plenty of possibilities, but my prediction for Stanley Co. is that they will be in the playoffs, whether they win or lose tonight at home against Miller (on KGFX). The Buffs get a lot of help with opponent wins on the season, thanks to the win totals of teams like Winner, Mobridge, Bennett Co., Platte, but they should also get added help tonight with possible wins from Custer and Chamberlain. The question is, where will the Buffs be playing? In their own Region 4, Winner, Bennett, Mobridge, and Red Cloud should have a solid clamp on the top 4 seeds, so Stanley Co. will end up as an at-large team in another region. Their power point average will likely be high enough to bump out a 4-seed from any of the other regions, but it looks like Region 3 will have the lowest power average of their 4-seed. There are two huge games tonight in Region 3 pairing their top 4 seeds against each other that will help answer this question. Platte plays at Wagner, with the winner gaining the top seed, while Elk Point-Jefferson plays at Bon Homme tonight, and the winner of that game should get the 3-seed, but the loser will likely be left out of the playoffs, with Stanley Co. moving in to the region as the at-large team. Now, if the Buffs win tonight, I predict they will have a high enough power average to become the 3-seed, so they would travel to the #2 seed, which again will be the loser of that Platte-Wagner game. If the Buffs lose to Miller tonight, I still see the Buffs going to Region 3 as the 4-seed, which would send them to the top seed - the winner of that Platte-Wagner game. Not only that, but a Miller win tonight will actually put them in the playoffs, probably as a 3-seed in Region 2, which would set them up for a first round game at Flandreau.
Since this is getting fairly long, I'll split the 11-man and 9-man playoff posts - read on below for the 9-man predictions.
First of all, in Class 11AA, obviously our main concern is the Pierre Governors, who carry a 5th overall seed out of the top 16 into Thursday night's clash with Aberdeen. Now, if you have read my 11AA picks from below, and if all of those picks come true (I did go 8-0 in my 11AA picks last week), then I see Pierre dropping one spot to #6 overall and possibly hosting the #11 seed in the first round, and I predict that team to be Brookings, a team the Govs beat, 36-14, back on Sept. 18, in the Bobcats' Homecoming game. I predict the top 5 seeds to be Aberdeen, Washington, Brandon Valley, O'Gorman, and Roosevelt, ahead of Pierre. That would set up a possible rematch for Pierre with #3 Brandon Valley in the second round, but at Brandon, assuming both teams win in the first round. Now, if Pierre beats Aberdeen, which certainly could happen, then the Govs probably will still get no higher than a #5 seed and probably face RC Central in the first round. One swing possibility in the higher seedings could occur if O'Gorman beats Washington in SooFoo, but that looks like they will only swap seeding possibilities if that happens. Further down in the standings, these predictions could really get messy if RC Central happens to beat Stevens, or some bigger upsets take place tonight as well. It looks like Spearfish will be the odd team out this year, unless they beat Sturgis tonight.
In 11A, there shouldn't be too many surprises. It looks like all the region playoff brackets will have teams playing within their own region. The most important game in the area might be in Chamberlain, where if the Cubs beat Todd Co. (on KPLO tonight), they will be in the playoffs, despite having what would only be one win. If the Cubs can beat Todd Co., who sits at the top of the Region 3 seedings, then it's conceivable they could actually win their way through the region and make it all the way to the semifinals! That semifinal matchup for the Cubs wouldn't be very favorable, but that would definitely be something to play for.
For 11B, there are plenty of possibilities, but my prediction for Stanley Co. is that they will be in the playoffs, whether they win or lose tonight at home against Miller (on KGFX). The Buffs get a lot of help with opponent wins on the season, thanks to the win totals of teams like Winner, Mobridge, Bennett Co., Platte, but they should also get added help tonight with possible wins from Custer and Chamberlain. The question is, where will the Buffs be playing? In their own Region 4, Winner, Bennett, Mobridge, and Red Cloud should have a solid clamp on the top 4 seeds, so Stanley Co. will end up as an at-large team in another region. Their power point average will likely be high enough to bump out a 4-seed from any of the other regions, but it looks like Region 3 will have the lowest power average of their 4-seed. There are two huge games tonight in Region 3 pairing their top 4 seeds against each other that will help answer this question. Platte plays at Wagner, with the winner gaining the top seed, while Elk Point-Jefferson plays at Bon Homme tonight, and the winner of that game should get the 3-seed, but the loser will likely be left out of the playoffs, with Stanley Co. moving in to the region as the at-large team. Now, if the Buffs win tonight, I predict they will have a high enough power average to become the 3-seed, so they would travel to the #2 seed, which again will be the loser of that Platte-Wagner game. If the Buffs lose to Miller tonight, I still see the Buffs going to Region 3 as the 4-seed, which would send them to the top seed - the winner of that Platte-Wagner game. Not only that, but a Miller win tonight will actually put them in the playoffs, probably as a 3-seed in Region 2, which would set them up for a first round game at Flandreau.
Since this is getting fairly long, I'll split the 11-man and 9-man playoff posts - read on below for the 9-man predictions.
Brian: as for me, I love speculation....Part 2
Now for the 9-man playoff picture, and where things get real interesting is in 9AA, where our own Region 4 is loaded, to say the least. Top-ranked Lyman should hold down the overall #1 seed in the entire class, with unbeaten Herreid/Selby a strong #2 seed in the region. Right now, Philip is the 4 seed, but once they beat Kadoka and Lemmon loses to Harding Co. tonight, Philip should move back up into the #3, with Lemmon falling back to #4 and going to Lyman in the first round (Philip goes to Herreid). However, two 5-3 teams could still be in line for at-large bids in other regions out of Region 4. I see Eureka/Bowdle percentage points ahead of
9A will see some at-large movement as well, as Region 2 is loaded much like 9AA Region 4. Region 4 in 9A, though, with some of our area teams looks to me like it will stay intact, with Sully Buttes, the 2-seed likely hosting Wall in the first round, and the top seed, Harding Co., will host Newell. Now, Highmore-Harrold could probably make the playoffs, but they would first have to beat Sunshine Bible tonight, and hope Newell loses to Edgemont (which is asking a lot). Even if that happens, then the Pirates probably would get bumped out of the region by an at-large team from Region 2, so it's not looking too good for H-H, unfortunately. Look for
Class 9B is pretty eastern-heavy, so our area regions, 3 & 4, could be shaken up a bit.
Let me say again, this is all based on my own observations and predictions and in no way should be construed as what will definitely happen. For official first-round matchups, check the SDHSAA website Friday morning, but since everyone else will be doing that, you might want to expect some lag on that website. Have fun tonight and best of luck to all of those still in the hunt!
Rod's Thursday thoughts
We here at Dakota Radio Group are glad to announce that 1060 KGFX-AM will be a station on the South Dakota State Jackrabbit women's basketball network. While we will not have every game on the air we will bring you 15 regular season games that we will add to our schedule along with our coverage of Lady Governor basketball and Stanley County high school basketball through the season. Freshman Steph Paluch and Katie Lingle are with the SDSU squad this year. That, teamed with the fact that SDSU women's basketball is coming off a NCAA tournament appearance and is the pick to win the Summit League again this year should be a good reason for excitement this year for the SDSU gals. And SDSU alumnus around this neck of the woods have always supported their beloved Jacks. The first game is Friday November 13 hosting Gonzaga. Other games that we will have will be Nov. 19 at Illinois State. Nov. 22 against Western Kentucky. Dec. 7 at IUPUI. Dec. 13 against Middle Tennessee State. Dec. 19 at Utah. Dec. 28 against Northern Iowa. Jan. 16 at North Dakota State. IPFW on Jan. 25. Feb. 1 at Centenary. Southern Utah on Feb. 8. Feb. 15 against South Dakota. Feb. 20 at IPFW. Feb. 22 at Oakland (only game they lost last season in the Summit League) and Mar. 1 against Western Illinois. We will also have all SDSU post season games from the Summit League tournament, and NCAA or WNIT if they play in it. Pierre guy Tyler Merriam is the play by play voice for the Jacks. I talked with katie L. for a couple of minutes last Saturday. They had had their first practice and she said it went well and she was excited for the coming season. We are too, Katie.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Rod's Wednesday thoughts
Here is a following story that cleared the Associated Press Wire. College Football fans take note.
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Orrin Hatch is asking President Barack Obama to launch a Justice Department investigation into college football's Bowl Championship Series over antitrust laws. Hatch tells the president in a letter Wednesday that a "strong case" can be made that the BCS violates antitrust laws. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter. Under the BCS system, some conferences get automatic bids to participate in top-tier bowls while others don't, and the automatic bid conferences also get far more of the revenue. Hatch represents Utah, and he says the current system unfairly discriminates against some conferences. The BCS has said it simply recognizes the teams people want to watch. Neither the White House nor the Justice Department has an immediate comment.
Now here is the deal. The Government has done quite well in messing things up in a very short period of time without delving in to the fairness of the Bowl Championship Series and how it works. Is it fair? Probably Not! Is it a national nightmare? Probably Not! Is there too much money at stake to tweek it? Probably so! Can the Government make a bigger mess of it than it already is! You Bet it can! The current BCS system is like a rock chip in your windshield. Take it to the Federal Goverment garage to fix it and you'll have one long crack from end to end.
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Orrin Hatch is asking President Barack Obama to launch a Justice Department investigation into college football's Bowl Championship Series over antitrust laws. Hatch tells the president in a letter Wednesday that a "strong case" can be made that the BCS violates antitrust laws. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter. Under the BCS system, some conferences get automatic bids to participate in top-tier bowls while others don't, and the automatic bid conferences also get far more of the revenue. Hatch represents Utah, and he says the current system unfairly discriminates against some conferences. The BCS has said it simply recognizes the teams people want to watch. Neither the White House nor the Justice Department has an immediate comment.
Now here is the deal. The Government has done quite well in messing things up in a very short period of time without delving in to the fairness of the Bowl Championship Series and how it works. Is it fair? Probably Not! Is it a national nightmare? Probably Not! Is there too much money at stake to tweek it? Probably so! Can the Government make a bigger mess of it than it already is! You Bet it can! The current BCS system is like a rock chip in your windshield. Take it to the Federal Goverment garage to fix it and you'll have one long crack from end to end.
Andy Shoe's Scuttlebutts
This week I thought I would get your feed-back. After reading last weeks comments on my blog I thought I would ask the question to better understand what fans are feeling. Please leave me your answers.
20 Questions For Good Fans
What makes a Good fan?
Why do you consider yourself such a fan?
How long have you been a good fan?
Does where you live and what you do add to the equation of being a good fan?
What would you tell people from other parts of the country that don’t get why you are such a fan?
Do you think fans in small towns are better then those in cities?
How do you describe the feeling of cheering on your hometown team?
What is the payback for being such a good fan?
How do people who are not good fans become good fans?
Is South Dakota a good place to be a good fan?
What is the proudest moment as a good fan you have experienced?
What is the saddest moment as a good fan you have experienced?
Do you think the teams that you have cheered for appreciate the support and how can you tell?
How would the team react differently without the support it receives?
Do you ever feel the crowds can help determine the game?
Is there a time when good fans shouldn’t be involved in the game?
Is there a difference between sportsmanship and being a good fan?
What piece of advice would you give to other fans?
Is there ever a moment when you thought fans where in the wrong?
What is your fan philosophy?
Who are the best fans in South Dakota?
What makes a Good fan?
Why do you consider yourself such a fan?
How long have you been a good fan?
Does where you live and what you do add to the equation of being a good fan?
What would you tell people from other parts of the country that don’t get why you are such a fan?
Do you think fans in small towns are better then those in cities?
How do you describe the feeling of cheering on your hometown team?
What is the payback for being such a good fan?
How do people who are not good fans become good fans?
Is South Dakota a good place to be a good fan?
What is the proudest moment as a good fan you have experienced?
What is the saddest moment as a good fan you have experienced?
Do you think the teams that you have cheered for appreciate the support and how can you tell?
How would the team react differently without the support it receives?
Do you ever feel the crowds can help determine the game?
Is there a time when good fans shouldn’t be involved in the game?
Is there a difference between sportsmanship and being a good fan?
What piece of advice would you give to other fans?
Is there ever a moment when you thought fans where in the wrong?
What is your fan philosophy?
Who are the best fans in South Dakota?
Brian's look at Week8 - already here?
Week7 picks went from great to good to mediocre as the school sizes became smaller. A perfect 8-0 in picking the 11AA games last week, 21-3 for the 11A/B games, but down to a 28-10 mark for the 9-man games. I mentioned last week that the games that get scheduled in the last two weeks seem to get a lot more interesting, not to mention more difficult to pick, so that's my excuse for slipping a little off the pace. Some teams are hard to figure, too, but my biggest downfall last week was picking games featuring teams that started with the letter 'W'. That's 'W' as in "What were you thinking?" Wall, Wilmot, Warner, Waubay/Summit, Waverly/South Shore, and the double-whammy - Wessington Springs/Woonsocket - I picked against 'em all and lost 'em all.
Still, 57-13 overall on the week, and 438-97 (.819) overall on the season, which includes percentages of .828 in 11AA, .830 in 11A/B, and .807 in 9-man, with just one week of the regular season to go - are you kidding me?
Well, here we go into the final week of the regular season:
AREA GAMES:
Todd Co. at CHAMBERLAIN -- Cubs in the playoffs with a win
Cheyenne-Eagle Buttes at LEAD-DEADWOOD -- Braves win could shut Chamberlain out of playoffs
Pine Ridge at CROW CREEK
Bison at DUPREE
New Underwood at JONES CO. -- 4-4 will be a great season for Coyotes
PHILIP at Kadoka
Lower Brule at OELRICHS
Wall at LYMAN -- good test for Raiders pre-postseason
GETTYSBURG at McLaughlin
Northwestern at FAULKTON -- Trojans with a playoff push, but in toughest 9B region
Hoven/Edmunds at SULLY BUTTES
SUNSHINE BIBLE at Highmore-Harrold -- Pirates out of playoffs, but Crusaders should be safe
FAITH at Timber Lake
Colome at WHITE RIVER
MARQUEE MATCHUPS (or any with major playoff implications):
*Miller at STANLEY CO. -- Buffs should be in regardless, but Miller could be in with a win, too!
*Eureka/Bowdle at HERREID/SELBY -- E/B should get a playoff game, but maybe not in Reg. 4
Elk Point-Jefferson at BON HOMME -- the loser probably is out of the playoffs
HARRISBURG at Dell Rapids -- who's the bigger threat to West Central in 11A?
Lemmon/McIntosh at HARDING CO. -- both teams 7-0, but HC far superior
Belle Fourche at ST. THOMAS MORE -- BH conference title on line
Platte at WAGNER -- SESD bragging rights and 11B Reg. 3 top seed on the line
11AA:
ABERDEEN CENTRAL at Pierre -- this is Aberdeen's year, but this one will need all 48 minutes
BRANDON VALLEY at Watertown -- last home game for a sad season in Arrowville
Huron at MITCHELL -- this one could be ugly
YANKTON at Brookings -- Bucks could cause some problems in postseason yet
RC STEVENS vs. RC Central
STURGIS at Spearfish -- Spartans finish as #17 seed in 16-team playoff race
SF Lincoln vs SF ROOSEVELT
SF O'Gorman vs. SF WASHINGTON -- O'G usually steps up in these marquee games, though
A word of advice for the players: play like it's your last game tomorrow - because for some of you, it will be. :o) Just kidding - actually, just being a student-athlete is enough to make us all winners. Be proud of all you've accomplished this season, and good luck in the second season for all qualifiers! Enjoy the games, folks!
- Radiooo
Still, 57-13 overall on the week, and 438-97 (.819) overall on the season, which includes percentages of .828 in 11AA, .830 in 11A/B, and .807 in 9-man, with just one week of the regular season to go - are you kidding me?
Well, here we go into the final week of the regular season:
AREA GAMES:
Todd Co. at CHAMBERLAIN -- Cubs in the playoffs with a win
Cheyenne-Eagle Buttes at LEAD-DEADWOOD -- Braves win could shut Chamberlain out of playoffs
Pine Ridge at CROW CREEK
Bison at DUPREE
New Underwood at JONES CO. -- 4-4 will be a great season for Coyotes
PHILIP at Kadoka
Lower Brule at OELRICHS
Wall at LYMAN -- good test for Raiders pre-postseason
GETTYSBURG at McLaughlin
Northwestern at FAULKTON -- Trojans with a playoff push, but in toughest 9B region
Hoven/Edmunds at SULLY BUTTES
SUNSHINE BIBLE at Highmore-Harrold -- Pirates out of playoffs, but Crusaders should be safe
FAITH at Timber Lake
Colome at WHITE RIVER
MARQUEE MATCHUPS (or any with major playoff implications):
*Miller at STANLEY CO. -- Buffs should be in regardless, but Miller could be in with a win, too!
*Eureka/Bowdle at HERREID/SELBY -- E/B should get a playoff game, but maybe not in Reg. 4
Elk Point-Jefferson at BON HOMME -- the loser probably is out of the playoffs
HARRISBURG at Dell Rapids -- who's the bigger threat to West Central in 11A?
Lemmon/McIntosh at HARDING CO. -- both teams 7-0, but HC far superior
Belle Fourche at ST. THOMAS MORE -- BH conference title on line
Platte at WAGNER -- SESD bragging rights and 11B Reg. 3 top seed on the line
11AA:
ABERDEEN CENTRAL at Pierre -- this is Aberdeen's year, but this one will need all 48 minutes
BRANDON VALLEY at Watertown -- last home game for a sad season in Arrowville
Huron at MITCHELL -- this one could be ugly
YANKTON at Brookings -- Bucks could cause some problems in postseason yet
RC STEVENS vs. RC Central
STURGIS at Spearfish -- Spartans finish as #17 seed in 16-team playoff race
SF Lincoln vs SF ROOSEVELT
SF O'Gorman vs. SF WASHINGTON -- O'G usually steps up in these marquee games, though
A word of advice for the players: play like it's your last game tomorrow - because for some of you, it will be. :o) Just kidding - actually, just being a student-athlete is enough to make us all winners. Be proud of all you've accomplished this season, and good luck in the second season for all qualifiers! Enjoy the games, folks!
- Radiooo
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Rod's Tuesday thoughts
I learned a long time ago to not try to figure out the South Dakota high school football playoff system and figure out who is playing who where in what round. There are two many variables and my employment does allow me spare time to sit and run the figures in 10 or 15 different scenarios that could happen. Usually, if you win, you don't lose ground in the playoffs. So if Pierre wins Thursday night over Aberdeen Central, they may move up to number 4 but they might not. They might stay at number 5. If they lose, they probably won't move up, might stay the same or more than likely drop at least 1 spot. Alot depends on what Sioux Falls Lincoln does against Roosevelt. A Lincoln win would be a good thing for Pierre. But a Pierre loss, and a Lincoln win and it is probably no big deal. That's your playoff system. Where is Douglas going to play?
I also have some outside thoughts on SDSU and their football facilitys. Last week, word came out that they are looking at either building a new Coughlin Alumni Stadium or do a major overhaul. Now it doesn't matter to me what they do but, I would start with field turf, especially if your going to play high school games on the same field. I would not move to a new site. The new Student Athlete complex in the north end zone has Luxury Suites for corporate sponors in them and with the new locker room, wieght room, meeting rooms and whatever it will be a state of the art complex and those Luxury Suites a darn nice seat to watch the game. They need to do some refurbishing of the west grandstand, maybe build a new grandstand area on the east side complete with bathroom's and more seating. And the current Press Box has to go and be totally replaced. It was a nice D2 pressbox and great high school pressbox but not D1. A new one could also house several suites that perhaps could be available to us regular Joe's who don't contribute big bucks but would dish some $ over to have a different game experience.
Come to think of it, as a taxpayer in this state, I probably will have a hand in building the new football complex. Just not as big of a hand as the alumnus will be asked. And they still have to take into account the tailgate area. To some perhaps the most important area of any.
I also have some outside thoughts on SDSU and their football facilitys. Last week, word came out that they are looking at either building a new Coughlin Alumni Stadium or do a major overhaul. Now it doesn't matter to me what they do but, I would start with field turf, especially if your going to play high school games on the same field. I would not move to a new site. The new Student Athlete complex in the north end zone has Luxury Suites for corporate sponors in them and with the new locker room, wieght room, meeting rooms and whatever it will be a state of the art complex and those Luxury Suites a darn nice seat to watch the game. They need to do some refurbishing of the west grandstand, maybe build a new grandstand area on the east side complete with bathroom's and more seating. And the current Press Box has to go and be totally replaced. It was a nice D2 pressbox and great high school pressbox but not D1. A new one could also house several suites that perhaps could be available to us regular Joe's who don't contribute big bucks but would dish some $ over to have a different game experience.
Come to think of it, as a taxpayer in this state, I probably will have a hand in building the new football complex. Just not as big of a hand as the alumnus will be asked. And they still have to take into account the tailgate area. To some perhaps the most important area of any.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Darren Boyle's weekly words of wisdom "hey who put the salt in the kool-aid?"
If you think about yesterday's win for the Vikings, you would almost wish that they had lost. Using up all their good luck so early in the season isnt a good thing, especially with all the road games left on the schedule. What was the deal any way? The Vikings took off like a rocket and got a big lead and then found out they couldnt control the clock by running the ball. Then the defense got beat up and tired. The loss of Antione Winfield hurt more than you realize and if he cant go vs. the steelers, expect the Vikes to get their first "L" of the year. Jared Allen was for the most part neutralized and the Ravens ran a ton of screen plays toward his side that were successful. And you know who (VSK) had to save the Vikings again. Is everything gloom and doom in the purple kingdom? Absolutely not, the Giants lost yesterday, that will help in the quest for home field. The Saints will almost certaintly rediscover their lack of defense and who else in the NFC is going to win12 games? I believe that it will take at least 12 wins to have home field through the playoffs. The high school football playoffs are starting to take shape, Lyman appears to have have secured the #1 seed in 9AA as expected. Sully Buttes' loss to a very good Herried-Selby team really shouldnt hurt them too much and Gettysburg and Jones County locked down spots with wins last Friday night. The power ratings havent been released by the SDHSAA at the time I did this post but there quite a few other teams from the area on the proverbial playoff "bubble". There has been some GREAT football played by our area teams this season. The regular season wraps up Thursday and round one of the playoffs is one week from tomorrow. Let's hope the weather straightens out so we have some decent conditions for the playoffs.
Rod's Monday Thoughts
From the weekend, I think that Vikings fans had better also use the line "It is always better to be lucky than good" when they boast about the 6-0 start. I also always thought that the second coming was named Brett Favre. But after last night listening to Al and Chris on Sunday Night Football I could have sworn that the second coming is named Matt Ryan. Again, I hate it when the Bears play on Sunday night. You are confinced to having to listen to those two yahoo's unless you want to watch the game with the sound down. No sound. That is not football. In college football, reality hit on Saturday. When it comes to the national stage, Nebraska is still a pre-tender and not a con-tender. Went to the Dakota Marker game on Saturday. SDSU won. It was ok but was nothing like the game two years ago, but then NDSU was good 2 years ago. They aren't this year. And remember, Craig Bohl (NDSU's head coach) was at Nebraska and was there at the beginning of thier downfall from the national stage. Now he is at NDSU and it looks like the talent pool is drying up. Perhaps it is coincidence. While SDSU is pretty good, they could go the rest of the season not winning another game. The tough part of their schedule begins Saturday with Northern Iowa, but it is Hobo Day! Speaking of pretenders and contenders, that is what the Pierre football team can prove on Thursday when they host unbeaten Aberdeen Central. A win and they can be considered a contender for the state title. A loss and it will be pretender. And don't you just love watching baseball with players wearing ear flappers or floppers on their caps. Elmer Fudd must be happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Rod's Saturday thoughts
Last night's Pierre volleyball win has moved them up in the district seedings. They are now 3rd in the seedings moving ahead of Mitchell. So how important does that make Tuesday's match against Huron. No matter what the Lady Govs do tonight against Watertown, they will be playing basically for second seed and home court in the first round. What a difference a little confidence makes after winning that Brookings match on Monday.
The Governor football team has played alot better football this year than they did last night against Huron but they have not dominated game like they did last night at Huron. The only time Huron threatened was when it was 35-0. Huron got to just short of the 10 yard line when the second team defense stepped up and stopped a 17 play drive! Thursday night against unbeaten Aberdeen Central should be fun as the Govenors have a chance to put an end to the frustrations of the last couple of football seasons. For the seniors, these are the games you always hoped you could play for. And what a story line it could be. From worst to first in one single year!!!!
The Governor football team has played alot better football this year than they did last night against Huron but they have not dominated game like they did last night at Huron. The only time Huron threatened was when it was 35-0. Huron got to just short of the 10 yard line when the second team defense stepped up and stopped a 17 play drive! Thursday night against unbeaten Aberdeen Central should be fun as the Govenors have a chance to put an end to the frustrations of the last couple of football seasons. For the seniors, these are the games you always hoped you could play for. And what a story line it could be. From worst to first in one single year!!!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Rod's Friday thoughts
I am impressed with the Cincinatti Bearcats. They are not your normal run of the mill Big East team. Winning at South Florida is not an easy task at their place. Beating South Florida is not easy period, just ask Bobby Bowden and anybody with Florida State. You have your quarterback go down with an injury, and Pike is one of the best in the nation at qb, and you have your backup come in and run a qb draw 75 yards for a touchdown. Get Out!!!!!!!! And that group plays defense. Don't think they are ready to upend Texas or Florida or Alabama yet, but it would be a fun game. Tell ya what, they could beat Notre Dame or USC or Oklahoma or (gulp) Nebraska although that would be a fun game to see. It'd be low scoring to say the least if they would play the Huskers.
After last night, Philadelphia will win the National League Championship Series. They have better starting pitching and their bullpen all of sudden is getting outs. And they can outscore you if it gets to that. Ah the old Anti-Christ (ooops) I mean commissioner Bud Selig must be chomping his ole smacks to have a Yankees and Phillies World Series and all that televison market in the number 1 and 4 most populated markets in the nation. $$$$$$$$ signs dancing in the ole commish'es head you know!
And it's too bad Rush Limbaugh was fired from the Cheketts group and their wanting to purchase the Rams. It probably would have gone quietly and virtually unnoticed. But you have several players throw in their 2 cents worth and you get Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson into the mix and no wonder the liberal left wing of this country can't get rid of Rush. They keep fueling his fire and that keeps the money coming into his bank. I will have to say this. Rush has probably (I don't have specific numbers) been to more NFL games thanSharpton and Jackson. And it isn't cause Al and Jesse can't afford to go.
After last night, Philadelphia will win the National League Championship Series. They have better starting pitching and their bullpen all of sudden is getting outs. And they can outscore you if it gets to that. Ah the old Anti-Christ (ooops) I mean commissioner Bud Selig must be chomping his ole smacks to have a Yankees and Phillies World Series and all that televison market in the number 1 and 4 most populated markets in the nation. $$$$$$$$ signs dancing in the ole commish'es head you know!
And it's too bad Rush Limbaugh was fired from the Cheketts group and their wanting to purchase the Rams. It probably would have gone quietly and virtually unnoticed. But you have several players throw in their 2 cents worth and you get Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson into the mix and no wonder the liberal left wing of this country can't get rid of Rush. They keep fueling his fire and that keeps the money coming into his bank. I will have to say this. Rush has probably (I don't have specific numbers) been to more NFL games thanSharpton and Jackson. And it isn't cause Al and Jesse can't afford to go.
Brian picks on Week7
If you ever take a close look at high school football schedules, you'll notice that they tend to get a little more interesting, and there are a lot of great matchups, in the last week or two of the season. For this segment, that will be indicative in the "marquee matchups" section of the picks below - there will be more to choose from, and for me, maybe that's not such a good thing. My pick percentage hasn't been the greatest among those featured games. But that's okay, these games are still worth noting, especially now since there will be some major playoff positioning yet to be determined this week and next. So, with that, here we go....
AREA GAMES:
Langford/Roslyn at FAULKTON -- Trojans keep gaining confidence - this will be a great game!
JONES CO. at Lower Brule
LYMAN at New Underwood
MOBRIDGE-POLLOCK at Chamberlain -- Tigers complete one of best regular seasons ever!
Newell at FAITH
Oelrichs at DUPREE
Timber Lake at HOVEN/EDMUNDS CENTRAL
Wall at WHITE RIVER -- this one may have a single-digit win margin
Crow Creek at RED CLOUD -- could be some points in this one
Todd Co. at BENNETT CO. -- first loss for TC? Could be a tight one
WINNER at Miller
MARQUEE MATCHUPS (Area marquee matchups noted [*]):
*Eureka/Bowdle at LEOLA/FREDERICK -- 5-1 at 6-0; Patriots have a tough end of schedule
*Harding Co. at PHILIP -- Scotties play with purpose after first loss at Lyman last week
*Sully Buttes at HERREID/SELBY -- solely based on performances by both against Gettysburg (both 6-0)
Castlewood at ARLINGTON -- two 5-1 teams that just seem to always be good
Canistota/Bridgewater at EMERY/ETHAN -- home field in 9AA region 3 on the line in this one
Irene-Wakonda at VIBORG -- both 5-1, (with soft schedules) but Viborg is legit
Mt. Vernon at HANSON -- MV lost first game last weekend - tough game to bounce back with
TRI-VALLEY at Platte -- both unbeaten - rematch of last year's semifinal - Mustangs by 16+
WEST CENTRAL at Dell Rapids -- 11A Region 1 supremacy to be decided
11AA:
PIERRE at Huron -- Should be no trouble for the Govs, but if there ever was a "trap game"......
Mitchell at BRANDON VALLEY
Brookings at WATERTOWN -- getting to where you just don't know about the Arrows
Yankton at ABERDEEN CENTRAL
RC Central at SF ROOSEVELT
RC Stevens at SF WASHINGTON -- how close can Stevens keep this one (not very)
SF LINCOLN at Spearfish -- Lincoln should be able to handle this one
Sturgis at SF O'GORMAN
Good games all around tonight, and the weather will be a lot nicer, too! Enjoy the evening. Don't forget, I'll have Pierre-Brandon Valley volleyball on KGFX tonight, since Stanley Co. is off this week. Have a good weekend!
- Radiooo
AREA GAMES:
Langford/Roslyn at FAULKTON -- Trojans keep gaining confidence - this will be a great game!
JONES CO. at Lower Brule
LYMAN at New Underwood
MOBRIDGE-POLLOCK at Chamberlain -- Tigers complete one of best regular seasons ever!
Newell at FAITH
Oelrichs at DUPREE
Timber Lake at HOVEN/EDMUNDS CENTRAL
Wall at WHITE RIVER -- this one may have a single-digit win margin
Crow Creek at RED CLOUD -- could be some points in this one
Todd Co. at BENNETT CO. -- first loss for TC? Could be a tight one
WINNER at Miller
MARQUEE MATCHUPS (Area marquee matchups noted [*]):
*Eureka/Bowdle at LEOLA/FREDERICK -- 5-1 at 6-0; Patriots have a tough end of schedule
*Harding Co. at PHILIP -- Scotties play with purpose after first loss at Lyman last week
*Sully Buttes at HERREID/SELBY -- solely based on performances by both against Gettysburg (both 6-0)
Castlewood at ARLINGTON -- two 5-1 teams that just seem to always be good
Canistota/Bridgewater at EMERY/ETHAN -- home field in 9AA region 3 on the line in this one
Irene-Wakonda at VIBORG -- both 5-1, (with soft schedules) but Viborg is legit
Mt. Vernon at HANSON -- MV lost first game last weekend - tough game to bounce back with
TRI-VALLEY at Platte -- both unbeaten - rematch of last year's semifinal - Mustangs by 16+
WEST CENTRAL at Dell Rapids -- 11A Region 1 supremacy to be decided
11AA:
PIERRE at Huron -- Should be no trouble for the Govs, but if there ever was a "trap game"......
Mitchell at BRANDON VALLEY
Brookings at WATERTOWN -- getting to where you just don't know about the Arrows
Yankton at ABERDEEN CENTRAL
RC Central at SF ROOSEVELT
RC Stevens at SF WASHINGTON -- how close can Stevens keep this one (not very)
SF LINCOLN at Spearfish -- Lincoln should be able to handle this one
Sturgis at SF O'GORMAN
Good games all around tonight, and the weather will be a lot nicer, too! Enjoy the evening. Don't forget, I'll have Pierre-Brandon Valley volleyball on KGFX tonight, since Stanley Co. is off this week. Have a good weekend!
- Radiooo
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Rod's Thursday thoughts
Spearfish will become a member of the Black Hills Conference beginning in the 2011-12 school year along with Red Cloud. How that will affect the Greater Dakota Conference and more importantly football scheduling beginning in a couple of years will be interesting to watch. Spearfish says that they are having declining enrollment. It looks like they may drop below the student number level for the Class AA classification level. How will that effect Sturgis? Douglas is the other AA school out west along with the two Rapid City schools. Douglas is a BHC conference member made up of all Class A schools except them and wants to stay as a BHC member. An why wouldn't they. They could stay with their football schedule which this year does not include a single AA team on it, have a decent year, make the playoffs and bump a ESD or another GDC school out of the playoffs. There was no crying about the system last year when Pierre was that team bumped or the 2 years prior to that when Huron didn't make it. It's going to take a Sioux Falls school (Possibly Watertown and Yankton also) to get bumped under the current system before a Cry of Injustice is made. A Rapid City school wouldn't even do it. So you know where the "Crying" has to come from! If the GDC drops to 7 schools that will cause scheduling problems for more sports than just football and then we will hear the call for the ressurection of the I-29 Conference.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Brian's Week 6 in Review
Remember that movie called "Alive," in which a plane crashes in the Andes Mountains and as a means of staying alive (hence the name), the remaining survivors are faced with the dilemma of resorting to cannibalism, choosing to eat the flesh of their dead comrades? That movie was based on a true story, and I found out yesterday that the actual plane crash that led to that difficult decision happened 37 years ago yesterday (10/13/72), the very day I was born! For what it's worth, that day happened to be a Friday the 13th, which explains a lot, as far as how I came to be the person I am today. It may (or may not) also be worth noting that I am 10 years to the day younger than Jerry Rice, and 25 years to the day younger than the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar. MAS TEQUILA!! One more fun fact: I am still 24 minutes to the day younger than my twin brother, who (I have to laugh) is going to reach 40 before I will. :oP
My wife and kids added to my ever-growing Pittsburgh Steelers wardrobe for my birthday, most notably a new pair of Steelers pajama pants, which might move ahead into the starting role, relegating my SpongeBob pajama pants to benchwarmer duty. I did work on my birthday, though, as KPLO listeners and I were treated to a 5-set volleyball thriller in Presho, with Jones Co. outlasting Lyman. Jones won 15-11 in the 5th, but all of the first four games went the distance and then some, with each game being won by only 2 points. A great match, so thanks for that.
Now, on to a look back at last weekend's football picks, and darn those Custer Wildcats and their loss to Lead-Deadwood, 13-0. Custer must still have a bunch of sickness in their school, but if I would have picked that game right, I would have batted 1.000 for my 11A/B picks. Instead, I settle for a 23-1 mark. I went 6-2 in the 11AA games, losing with SF Lincoln and Watertown, and boy, are there two more disappointing teams than these two in the state? A modest 31-7 in the 9-man games, bringing our total to 60-10 overall for the week, and 381-84 (.819) for the entire season.
If anything is anywhere near as impressive as that 23-1 pick record, it's probably the Lyman Raiders. A 36-12 win over a team as good as Philip speaks volumes, although it's still good to see the Scotties in this week's Top 5. Make no mistake, they're still legit, and I think with a few adjustments on their part, they can still give Lyman a run for their money in the postseason. Also impressively scary are the Avon Pirates, after they literally dismantled a previously unbeaten Corsica/Stickney team, 56-6. Three other 9A teams are still unbeaten at 6-0: Estelline, Harding Co., and Sully Buttes (Mt. Vernon was upset by Gregory for their first loss), but it's hard to believe any of these teams have what it would take to unseat Avon, although I would love to see Sully Buttes get another crack at 'em. And as good as Avon is in 9A, it looks like that's how good Hitchcock-Tulare is in 9B - the championship in that class is officially theirs to lose.
11B is still the Tri-Valley & Winner show, although Aberdeen Roncalli, Wagner, and Platte are still feeling good about themselves (Platte hosts Tri-Valley this week and Wagner next week, though, so we'll see how long that lasts). Although, Mobridge-Pollock may just be a couple of big plays away from pulling a stunner in a few weeks, so keep an eye out for that. West Central and St. Thomas More might be on track for a Dome meeting again in 11A, but there is still Harrisburg to contend with, and Dell Rapids, who hosts West Central this weekend in a game that will tell us a lot. And as for 11AA, it is clear who the top 5 are, and that list does still include the Governors, although they've got a reason to start working a little harder now. Perhaps losing to BV was a good thing in that regard, with Aberdeen coming next week - provided they don't look past Huron this weekend.
If I get some time next week, I'll offer my predictions for playoff matchups and what games will mean a little more for some teams that are still on the playoff bubble. One thing is for sure at this point, most classes have several extremely good teams, and those later playoff matchups are definitely going to be worth watching, no matter who will be playing them. Week7 picks coming soon. Peace!
- Radiooo
My wife and kids added to my ever-growing Pittsburgh Steelers wardrobe for my birthday, most notably a new pair of Steelers pajama pants, which might move ahead into the starting role, relegating my SpongeBob pajama pants to benchwarmer duty. I did work on my birthday, though, as KPLO listeners and I were treated to a 5-set volleyball thriller in Presho, with Jones Co. outlasting Lyman. Jones won 15-11 in the 5th, but all of the first four games went the distance and then some, with each game being won by only 2 points. A great match, so thanks for that.
Now, on to a look back at last weekend's football picks, and darn those Custer Wildcats and their loss to Lead-Deadwood, 13-0. Custer must still have a bunch of sickness in their school, but if I would have picked that game right, I would have batted 1.000 for my 11A/B picks. Instead, I settle for a 23-1 mark. I went 6-2 in the 11AA games, losing with SF Lincoln and Watertown, and boy, are there two more disappointing teams than these two in the state? A modest 31-7 in the 9-man games, bringing our total to 60-10 overall for the week, and 381-84 (.819) for the entire season.
If anything is anywhere near as impressive as that 23-1 pick record, it's probably the Lyman Raiders. A 36-12 win over a team as good as Philip speaks volumes, although it's still good to see the Scotties in this week's Top 5. Make no mistake, they're still legit, and I think with a few adjustments on their part, they can still give Lyman a run for their money in the postseason. Also impressively scary are the Avon Pirates, after they literally dismantled a previously unbeaten Corsica/Stickney team, 56-6. Three other 9A teams are still unbeaten at 6-0: Estelline, Harding Co., and Sully Buttes (Mt. Vernon was upset by Gregory for their first loss), but it's hard to believe any of these teams have what it would take to unseat Avon, although I would love to see Sully Buttes get another crack at 'em. And as good as Avon is in 9A, it looks like that's how good Hitchcock-Tulare is in 9B - the championship in that class is officially theirs to lose.
11B is still the Tri-Valley & Winner show, although Aberdeen Roncalli, Wagner, and Platte are still feeling good about themselves (Platte hosts Tri-Valley this week and Wagner next week, though, so we'll see how long that lasts). Although, Mobridge-Pollock may just be a couple of big plays away from pulling a stunner in a few weeks, so keep an eye out for that. West Central and St. Thomas More might be on track for a Dome meeting again in 11A, but there is still Harrisburg to contend with, and Dell Rapids, who hosts West Central this weekend in a game that will tell us a lot. And as for 11AA, it is clear who the top 5 are, and that list does still include the Governors, although they've got a reason to start working a little harder now. Perhaps losing to BV was a good thing in that regard, with Aberdeen coming next week - provided they don't look past Huron this weekend.
If I get some time next week, I'll offer my predictions for playoff matchups and what games will mean a little more for some teams that are still on the playoff bubble. One thing is for sure at this point, most classes have several extremely good teams, and those later playoff matchups are definitely going to be worth watching, no matter who will be playing them. Week7 picks coming soon. Peace!
- Radiooo
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Darren Boyle's weekly words of wisdom "tasting the purple kool-aid"
Ok, since my last post we have seen two victories from the Vikings, the emotional lovefest on Monday night when they defeated the Packers, and last Sundays scrimmage with the Rams. I have to admit, VSK looks better than I thought he would when their opponent puts eight in the box to stop the run. The offensive line has begun to protect their quarterback, and the defense continues to force turnovers. AP hasnt had a 100 yard rushing game since week one but still leads the league in carries. What was he doing on the field in the fourth quarter last Sunday? It is the little things like that that makes me question the coaching skills of the so called offensive "genius" Brad Childress, and I have no choice but to continue to question how far the Viking will go this season. The eastern SD media has finally began to notice that there is some quality football being played in the central part of the state. And as we move toward the end of the season, the power points are starting to take shape and it looks to me that at least in class 9AA and 11B, a trip to the Dakotadome will make a detour west, as Lyman and Winner look to have home field locked up. There are alot of teams in the central part of the state that are looking good as far as being at home in the first couple rounds of the playoffs. In the next week or so, we will see things come into view and the adventures of VSK will be put on the back burner as we talk of the football playoffs. Until then we have other things to ponder, like since the Packers are struggling, and the Red Sox have been eliminated from the baseball playoffs, do Packer fans and Red Sox fans hang out in sports bars together and complain? Will the whole steriod issue in baseball finally die down now that Red Sox players have been implicated? If the Yankees win the World Series is it good for baseball? If if it the Yankees vs. the Dodgers and Joe Torre would that be exciting enough to put up with the team of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver? Will the weather clear up so I can finish harvest? We can only answer these questions together, I hope to hear from you
Monday, October 12, 2009
Another view of the weekend from Rod
The Cincinatti Bengals may very well be the best team in the AFC. Yea, they lost to Denver in game 1, only on a fluke play. They out played the Bronco's in every aspect. Since then they have won at Green Bay, beat Pittsburgh won at their in-state rival Cleveland, (but then so did the Vikings) and yesterday came from behind to win at Baltimore. If the Broncos are playing at New England yesterday instead of in Denver, the Broncos are 4-1. I tell you, and I have seen most of their games this year, the Bengals are a GOOD football team this year and Vikings fans will Find that out on December 13th. And I am afraid Bears fans will find that out in two weeks.
Now, Baseball's Anti-Christ (aka Commissioner Bud Selig) has to be smiling this morning. After the Red Sox choked away their series against the Angels the beloved New York Yankees came through for Major League Baseball and perhaps more importantly for FOX Television ratings by putting away the Minnesota Twins in 3 games. Selig had been trying to put the Twins on ice for years, including threatening to dissolve the organization but the Twins started to win and they now have their new ball park. Outside. Wonder how Rockies fans are feeling this morning after sitting through a baseball game in the 20's that didn't start until 8:10 p.m. their time. Major League Baseball blew it once again this weekend. Number 1, baseball was not invented to be played as a winter sport. The World Series should be wrapping up instead of still being two weeks away. Next year, if the Twins win the AL Central and weather does not cooperate, Twins fans had better hope they are playing the Yankees again to get a game that is in a decent time frame to watch. Because I will tell you right now, if the Twins and the Angels were called off Saturday and rescheduled to last night in Minneapolis and the Yankees are playing someplace else, it's the Twins that would have been starting at 9 p.m. Baseball needs to shorten their season and get the World Series over by the middle of October. It can be done by scheduled 5 to 6 doubleheaders per season per team. That shortens the regular season up by a week to a week and a half. And if the guys that play the game and get paid think that is too much work, let em find another line of work or profession. Selig is no freind to baseball despite being a self proclaimed "baseball man". He is an employee of the owners. And owners are not "baseball men" either. They are "business men" and they know as the Yankees go, the money goes which is why they continue to let the Yankees outspend the world and penalize them with their "Luxury Tax' which is a joke in itself. Twins fans had better fondly remember 1987 and 1991 because Major League Baseball really can't afford to have that happen again. Now you have the number 1 and 2 markets in America with one of them guaranteed to make the World Series. Money in the bank for the baseball businessmen. Now they need Philadelphia to beat Colorado so you have number 4 market in America vs. Number 2 (LA Dodgers). While baseball probably would not look favorably on an all LA series, the Dodgers vs. the Yankees would be one they could hype up especially with Joe Torre managing the Dodgers and the reunion of the steroid users club, Manny and ARod.
Now, Baseball's Anti-Christ (aka Commissioner Bud Selig) has to be smiling this morning. After the Red Sox choked away their series against the Angels the beloved New York Yankees came through for Major League Baseball and perhaps more importantly for FOX Television ratings by putting away the Minnesota Twins in 3 games. Selig had been trying to put the Twins on ice for years, including threatening to dissolve the organization but the Twins started to win and they now have their new ball park. Outside. Wonder how Rockies fans are feeling this morning after sitting through a baseball game in the 20's that didn't start until 8:10 p.m. their time. Major League Baseball blew it once again this weekend. Number 1, baseball was not invented to be played as a winter sport. The World Series should be wrapping up instead of still being two weeks away. Next year, if the Twins win the AL Central and weather does not cooperate, Twins fans had better hope they are playing the Yankees again to get a game that is in a decent time frame to watch. Because I will tell you right now, if the Twins and the Angels were called off Saturday and rescheduled to last night in Minneapolis and the Yankees are playing someplace else, it's the Twins that would have been starting at 9 p.m. Baseball needs to shorten their season and get the World Series over by the middle of October. It can be done by scheduled 5 to 6 doubleheaders per season per team. That shortens the regular season up by a week to a week and a half. And if the guys that play the game and get paid think that is too much work, let em find another line of work or profession. Selig is no freind to baseball despite being a self proclaimed "baseball man". He is an employee of the owners. And owners are not "baseball men" either. They are "business men" and they know as the Yankees go, the money goes which is why they continue to let the Yankees outspend the world and penalize them with their "Luxury Tax' which is a joke in itself. Twins fans had better fondly remember 1987 and 1991 because Major League Baseball really can't afford to have that happen again. Now you have the number 1 and 2 markets in America with one of them guaranteed to make the World Series. Money in the bank for the baseball businessmen. Now they need Philadelphia to beat Colorado so you have number 4 market in America vs. Number 2 (LA Dodgers). While baseball probably would not look favorably on an all LA series, the Dodgers vs. the Yankees would be one they could hype up especially with Joe Torre managing the Dodgers and the reunion of the steroid users club, Manny and ARod.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Weekend from Rod
Every broadcast we do a thing on our post game which is call "The Big Play of the Game". It is what we as broadcasters think was a play that was the turning point in the game in our opionion. Friday night, our big play was the pierre fumble that set up BV's winning touchdown. I was thinking about that over the weekend and I got to thinking how important a missed extra point is. Pierre missed the extra point on thier first touchdown Friday night and after looking back, it really changed the whole way Pierre had to play the rest of the game. You play a very good team even for the first half, but your behind 7-6 at the half. BV scores on the first drive of the second half and it's now 14-6, your down 8. Your options are limited if you score, which Pierre did. Going for a 2 point conversion has a lower level of succeeding than kicking. Granted, everything has to go right for the kick to be good but making 3 yards against a good defense is a challange to say the least. Pierre didn't make the 2 and was still down 14-12. We go up 18-14 with another touchdown and you have little choice but to go for 2. You make it and your up 6. That forces your opponent to have to make an extra point if they score. Pierre did not make the 2 point conversion and again all BV needs is a toucheown. After two great goal line stands, they score, kick there extra point and have a 3 point lead. Going into a 25 mph wind which played a major factor in the kicking game, if Pierre can put a drive together, they are going to have to score a touchdown. The probablity of a field goal make to tie the game and take into overtime in those conditions were next to nothing. The missed extra point was probably a bigger play in the game in the end, than the fumble.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday stuff from Rod
They have to start those college football game on ESPN on Thursday night's an hour earlier. Last night's Huskers game went way past my bedtime, especially when you have a 5 a.m. wake up call to go to work. I almost gave up on the Big Red, but decided to watch just a bit more. Good thing I didn't have to go the Bathroom, I would have missed the first two scores. That Defense is absolutley real good. That Offense is absolutley a work in progress. But a win over Missouri is always good whether it's pretty or not. The Governors will need a defensive effort like that tonight against Brandon Valley. We don't have a Suh in the defensive line, but nobody else does either.
Brian's view of Week6
It's hard to believe there only 2 or 3 games left in the football regular season, and it's also hard to believe how fast the weeks move before I realize I'd better get my picks in. So let's get to it, but first a look back at last week's picks:
Overall: 58-12 (321-71 Season Total)
11AA: 6-2 (39-9).........was wrong on the BV-SFR game, which makes this week's Govs game interesting
11A/B: 19-4 (107-27)
9-man: 33-6 (175-38)
Overall, I'm batting .813 on the season, which is about what the Twins will need to beat the Yankees in their playoff series. We've got some great games coming up this weekend, but once again, we'll be playing in some adverse weather conditions, so I'll only take limited responsibility for the picks I miss (but full responsibility for the sleeper picks I get right). :oP
Here we go, picks in ALL CAPS, of course:
AREA GAMES:
STANLEY CO. at Hill City -- Buffs get back to scoring, and maybe making a few snow angels
Strasburg, ND at EUREKA/BOWDLE (KMLO)
Dupree at HARDING CO.
Highmore-Harrold at HITCHCOCK-TULARE
Hoven/Edmunds at IPSWICH
Jones Co. at WALL
Sunshine Bible at KIMBALL
Lower Brule at COLOME
TIMBER LAKE at McLaughlin
Miller at MOBRIDGE-POLLOCK (Star99)
CROW CREEK at St. Francis
Gettysburg at SULLY BUTTES -- this could be a war, or a battle, or just a limited skirmish
TODD CO. at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte -- Falcons have played some pretty good ball this season
WHITE RIVER at Kadoka
Chamberlain at WINNER (KPLO)
MARQUEE MATCHUPS:
Corsica/Stickney at AVON -- both 9A teams are 5-0, but Avon seems unstoppable again
CHESTER at Canistota/Bridgewater -- 3 combined losses...to Howard, Mt. Vernon, Hanson - a good one here
Hanson at HOWARD -- Hanson might end up 4-4 and still be a top 5 9A team
LEOLA/FREDERICK at Langford/Roslyn -- top two teams in 9AA Region 1 (5-0 vs. 4-1)
Sioux Valley at FLANDREAU -- two 4-1 teams, battling for second behind Tri-Valley in 11B Region 2
11AA:
BRANDON VALLEY at Pierre -- this game will be fun, but I just think Lynx will make a few more plays than the Govs (prove me wrong!!)
ABERDEEN CENTRAL at Brookings -- quick, who's the top overall seed in 11AA? (Eagles)
WATERTOWN at Mitchell -- Kernels fall a bit short in their Homecoming
Huron at YANKTON -- Huron might stay within 2 or 3 touchdowns (??)
SF O'GORMAN at RC Central
RC Stevens at SF LINCOLN -- is Stevens really fading fast, or is it just me?
Spearfish at SF WASHINGTON -- 11AA's #1 vs. #17 (yawwwwwn)
SF ROOSEVELT at Sturgis
And of course, the game of the week this week is in our own area. PHILIP AT LYMAN. The winner gets the upper hand in the 9AA Region 4 rankings. How to pick? Flip a coin, I guess. Good luck to both teams, and whoever goes farther in the playoffs, you know I'll be rooting for you. In this one, I've got to go with the home team, though. Lyman has passed the stiffest test of the two, with their win over Howard a couple of weeks ago, and the home field advantage might be all they need to win this one. This might be one of those games where whoever scores last, wins. LYMAN 34, Philip 30. (I'd like to hear some other opinions on this one, though.)
Keep in mind, on KGFX tonight, Twins and Yankees at 5:00 - Buffs at Hill City kick off at 7:30 Central. I'll provide reports of the early going of the Buffs game during the Twins broadcast. Once the baseball game ends, we'll join SC-HC in progress, and the live webcast will begin at that time as well. Stay warm tonight, and enjoy the games!
- Radiooo
Overall: 58-12 (321-71 Season Total)
11AA: 6-2 (39-9).........was wrong on the BV-SFR game, which makes this week's Govs game interesting
11A/B: 19-4 (107-27)
9-man: 33-6 (175-38)
Overall, I'm batting .813 on the season, which is about what the Twins will need to beat the Yankees in their playoff series. We've got some great games coming up this weekend, but once again, we'll be playing in some adverse weather conditions, so I'll only take limited responsibility for the picks I miss (but full responsibility for the sleeper picks I get right). :oP
Here we go, picks in ALL CAPS, of course:
AREA GAMES:
STANLEY CO. at Hill City -- Buffs get back to scoring, and maybe making a few snow angels
Strasburg, ND at EUREKA/BOWDLE (KMLO)
Dupree at HARDING CO.
Highmore-Harrold at HITCHCOCK-TULARE
Hoven/Edmunds at IPSWICH
Jones Co. at WALL
Sunshine Bible at KIMBALL
Lower Brule at COLOME
TIMBER LAKE at McLaughlin
Miller at MOBRIDGE-POLLOCK (Star99)
CROW CREEK at St. Francis
Gettysburg at SULLY BUTTES -- this could be a war, or a battle, or just a limited skirmish
TODD CO. at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte -- Falcons have played some pretty good ball this season
WHITE RIVER at Kadoka
Chamberlain at WINNER (KPLO)
MARQUEE MATCHUPS:
Corsica/Stickney at AVON -- both 9A teams are 5-0, but Avon seems unstoppable again
CHESTER at Canistota/Bridgewater -- 3 combined losses...to Howard, Mt. Vernon, Hanson - a good one here
Hanson at HOWARD -- Hanson might end up 4-4 and still be a top 5 9A team
LEOLA/FREDERICK at Langford/Roslyn -- top two teams in 9AA Region 1 (5-0 vs. 4-1)
Sioux Valley at FLANDREAU -- two 4-1 teams, battling for second behind Tri-Valley in 11B Region 2
11AA:
BRANDON VALLEY at Pierre -- this game will be fun, but I just think Lynx will make a few more plays than the Govs (prove me wrong!!)
ABERDEEN CENTRAL at Brookings -- quick, who's the top overall seed in 11AA? (Eagles)
WATERTOWN at Mitchell -- Kernels fall a bit short in their Homecoming
Huron at YANKTON -- Huron might stay within 2 or 3 touchdowns (??)
SF O'GORMAN at RC Central
RC Stevens at SF LINCOLN -- is Stevens really fading fast, or is it just me?
Spearfish at SF WASHINGTON -- 11AA's #1 vs. #17 (yawwwwwn)
SF ROOSEVELT at Sturgis
And of course, the game of the week this week is in our own area. PHILIP AT LYMAN. The winner gets the upper hand in the 9AA Region 4 rankings. How to pick? Flip a coin, I guess. Good luck to both teams, and whoever goes farther in the playoffs, you know I'll be rooting for you. In this one, I've got to go with the home team, though. Lyman has passed the stiffest test of the two, with their win over Howard a couple of weeks ago, and the home field advantage might be all they need to win this one. This might be one of those games where whoever scores last, wins. LYMAN 34, Philip 30. (I'd like to hear some other opinions on this one, though.)
Keep in mind, on KGFX tonight, Twins and Yankees at 5:00 - Buffs at Hill City kick off at 7:30 Central. I'll provide reports of the early going of the Buffs game during the Twins broadcast. Once the baseball game ends, we'll join SC-HC in progress, and the live webcast will begin at that time as well. Stay warm tonight, and enjoy the games!
- Radiooo
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Andy Shoe's Scuttlebutts
I recently took a trip to Northern Nevada to see my nephew play football and I have to admit I was very pleased at his performance. I have heard from my brother how good he was and I dismissed it as a parent is going to say that about their child no matter what. My parents told me that he was very good and again I though, it is a grandparents job to brag about their grandchild. As the game started I thought well no matter how good a player he is I will say he is great and that is the job of an uncle. I have to admit I was blown away at his performance, he caught two touchdowns and had over two hundred yards receiving. I know what you are thinking I am talking as an uncle but I have to say I was proud of him and I hope that some college somewhere will give him an opportunity to play college football.
Now that I have told all of you this I wanted to talk a little about parents and high school athletics. I have a philosophy about parents and their children. I think that as far as the parents are concerned they can join the booster club, they can cook the fund raiser meal and they can support their children from the stands and of course they are in charge when the child is at home. Where I have the problem is when a parent feels the need to coach and tell the coach how to do their job. This is a problem that has existed for years. I know parents want the best for their child and they have the right to do what ever possible to ensure this, but they also have to let the coaches do their job. A child goes out for a high school sport for a reason and in some cases they go out for the sport for the wrong reason, but they are there and under the supervision of the trained and qualified coaching staff. If you don't agree with what a coach has done or is doing then make your voice heard at a school board meeting or in the privacy of the coaches office where just you and the coach are only present. I have a hard time with seeing parents in the stands yelling at coaches or parents trying to rally a group of other parents together against the coach. I too have seen some real problems with certain coaches in the way they teach the game, but I was taught a way of playing and so I suppose that is the only way I know. Some coaches teach in ways that are unconventional and sometimes we can't judge a coach solely on his win or loss record.
So the next time you have the urge to stand up and yell at your coach or the opposing coach remember that your kids are present. Until next time be good sports.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wednesday with Rod
Wow, what a baseball game last night. I am not a Twins baseball fan per say. I am diehart Chicago Cubs, but the Twins play the game the way it is supposed to be played and since I work for a radio group that is the major distributor of Twins broadcast to the upper midwest, I have plenty of access to Twins baseball "stuff". I did not cry when watching the metrodome ceremony on Sunday but I was at the edge of my easy chair last night. Wow. Might be the one of the greatest baseball games I have watched on TV. Talk about the ups and the downs. Folks that I know that are Twins fans were physically and emotionally "pooped" after the game. My next sports emotional rollar coaster will be tomorrow night when Nebraska plays at Missouri.
Vikings fans should also be recovering from Monday night. A win on Sunday over winless and hapless the St. Lous Rams (I am sure the word that Rush Limbaugh is going to buy the Rams, probably won't create an emotional performance fromt he Rams. I am sure most voted democrat in the last election) will leave them at 5-0. Then things change. 3 straight games vs. Baltimore, at Pittsburgh and at Green Bay should have Vikings fans longing for their easy schedule at the start. Oh wait, that returns after their bye week with home games against Detroit and Seattle. It's a long time til the Super Bowl and Brad Childress will still have plenty of opportunities to overcoach his team right into several losses and then blame it on the media.
And by the way, I thought the Monday Night Football television's crew lovefest with Brett Favre was a bit to much. I thought Jon Gruden was so excited, he was going to ask Favre out on a date! Best TV team on Monday night was Charlie, Allen and Jake (Two and a Half Men) followed up by Leonard, Sheldon, Howard and Rajh (Big Bang Theory). And Penny probably would have done better on the sidelines than the ESPN gals.
Vikings fans should also be recovering from Monday night. A win on Sunday over winless and hapless the St. Lous Rams (I am sure the word that Rush Limbaugh is going to buy the Rams, probably won't create an emotional performance fromt he Rams. I am sure most voted democrat in the last election) will leave them at 5-0. Then things change. 3 straight games vs. Baltimore, at Pittsburgh and at Green Bay should have Vikings fans longing for their easy schedule at the start. Oh wait, that returns after their bye week with home games against Detroit and Seattle. It's a long time til the Super Bowl and Brad Childress will still have plenty of opportunities to overcoach his team right into several losses and then blame it on the media.
And by the way, I thought the Monday Night Football television's crew lovefest with Brett Favre was a bit to much. I thought Jon Gruden was so excited, he was going to ask Favre out on a date! Best TV team on Monday night was Charlie, Allen and Jake (Two and a Half Men) followed up by Leonard, Sheldon, Howard and Rajh (Big Bang Theory). And Penny probably would have done better on the sidelines than the ESPN gals.
Brian's preview of Twins-Yankees: here we go again...
Thinking about the Twins' season, how sweet it is that the Twins came from out of nowhere to take this division title. I don't think enough can be said about the improbable September run they went on to essentially just make the Tigers look bad. On the other hand, the cynic's point of view might be one that says over the course of the season, if the season would have gone the way it should have, the Twins should have won the division by 5 or 6 games at least!
Oh well, the bottom line is that the Twins move on, while the Tigers hit the links. Up next for the Twins...(sigh)...the Yankees. Remember back in May of 2002 when the Twins scored 3 runs in the 14th inning to take a 12-9 lead at Yankee Stadium, only to have Jason Giambi (a Yankee for all of a month and a half at the time) hit a walk-off grand slam off of Mike Trombley for a 13-12 Yankee win? I remember that being a Friday evening and coming in for my Saturday morning airshift on KGFX, and I'll tell you what, you've never heard an on-air guy whine and moan on the air as much as I did that morning. I remember the wife of a certain Yankee fan in town (you know who you are) calling me up to tell me to pretty much "deal with it," as I paraphrase a little. I think "shut up" was the actual intended message. :o)
But anyway, it seems that that very grand slam (by a juicer) has assured the Twins that the Yankee mystique will never die, and that the Twins' hopes for a single win, let alone a series win, will also never live. What was the graphic I saw the last night? Something like, the Twins are 5-25 since 2002 in the Bronx, including the playoffs. The Yankees beat the Twins 3 games to 1 in both of their two previous ALDS series this decade, in 2003 and 2004. By the way, if you haven't figured it out yet, the Twins' winning pitcher in both of those games was a guy named Santana......Where for art thou, Johan?!?! By the way, isn't it interesting that Giambi's 2002 walk-off grand slam came exactly 5 years to the day after David Wells pitched a perfect game against the Twins in 1997?
So, what reasons can we offer that might give Twins fans a reason for hope this time around? Well, they are the hottest team in the American League, winning 17 of their last 21, although all of those are against AL Central teams. Yes, the Twins were 0-7 against the Yankees this year, including a 4-game sweep in New York, but hey, if baseball were an 8-inning game, the Twins would have won 3 of them, and they would have won all 4 if they only played 7-inning games! I always knew softball had it right. :o) But then again...and again...and again...there's that Yankee mystique. It kind of makes Twins fans feel like they don't stand a chance, and maybe they don't. Obviously every analyst in the industry will feel the same way, but as one prominent analyst always says: "That's why they play the games!" I don't think the Twins will win a game against the team with baseball's best record, and most inviting home run porch, but I'll end that thought with two words: reverse psychology.
A lot of people agree on one thing regarding the Yankees -- you either love 'em or you hate 'em. Me personally, I hate the Yankees with a passion, and everything they stand for, but only in the business sense of the game. As a kid I always liked the Yankees, and even in 1996, when I was so sick of the Braves, I was thrilled when the Yankees won that World Series. I just got tired of 'em after that. I've mentioned before, I am fascinated by the history of the game of baseball, and you obviously can't talk baseball history without talking about the Yankees. I'm not old enough to have ever seen Mickey Mantle play, but oh, what I wouldn't give to go back in time so I could see him play just once. These days, it's not the players I hate, it's just the organization, which is to say, the owners. Like Chris Rock said in a stand-up routine last year, "Don't hate the playa, hate the game." The game in this case is the business, not what happens on the field. Call it jealousy if you want, but you don't see such one-sidedness in other sports like you do in baseball. Sure there are dynasties in football for instance, but they don't last for 15 years and longer, like the Yankees have.
I should wrap this, before I ramble too long and miss the first pitch of game one this afternoon (on KGFX). Good luck to the Twins, and to underdogs everywhere!
Oh well, the bottom line is that the Twins move on, while the Tigers hit the links. Up next for the Twins...(sigh)...the Yankees. Remember back in May of 2002 when the Twins scored 3 runs in the 14th inning to take a 12-9 lead at Yankee Stadium, only to have Jason Giambi (a Yankee for all of a month and a half at the time) hit a walk-off grand slam off of Mike Trombley for a 13-12 Yankee win? I remember that being a Friday evening and coming in for my Saturday morning airshift on KGFX, and I'll tell you what, you've never heard an on-air guy whine and moan on the air as much as I did that morning. I remember the wife of a certain Yankee fan in town (you know who you are) calling me up to tell me to pretty much "deal with it," as I paraphrase a little. I think "shut up" was the actual intended message. :o)
But anyway, it seems that that very grand slam (by a juicer) has assured the Twins that the Yankee mystique will never die, and that the Twins' hopes for a single win, let alone a series win, will also never live. What was the graphic I saw the last night? Something like, the Twins are 5-25 since 2002 in the Bronx, including the playoffs. The Yankees beat the Twins 3 games to 1 in both of their two previous ALDS series this decade, in 2003 and 2004. By the way, if you haven't figured it out yet, the Twins' winning pitcher in both of those games was a guy named Santana......Where for art thou, Johan?!?! By the way, isn't it interesting that Giambi's 2002 walk-off grand slam came exactly 5 years to the day after David Wells pitched a perfect game against the Twins in 1997?
So, what reasons can we offer that might give Twins fans a reason for hope this time around? Well, they are the hottest team in the American League, winning 17 of their last 21, although all of those are against AL Central teams. Yes, the Twins were 0-7 against the Yankees this year, including a 4-game sweep in New York, but hey, if baseball were an 8-inning game, the Twins would have won 3 of them, and they would have won all 4 if they only played 7-inning games! I always knew softball had it right. :o) But then again...and again...and again...there's that Yankee mystique. It kind of makes Twins fans feel like they don't stand a chance, and maybe they don't. Obviously every analyst in the industry will feel the same way, but as one prominent analyst always says: "That's why they play the games!" I don't think the Twins will win a game against the team with baseball's best record, and most inviting home run porch, but I'll end that thought with two words: reverse psychology.
A lot of people agree on one thing regarding the Yankees -- you either love 'em or you hate 'em. Me personally, I hate the Yankees with a passion, and everything they stand for, but only in the business sense of the game. As a kid I always liked the Yankees, and even in 1996, when I was so sick of the Braves, I was thrilled when the Yankees won that World Series. I just got tired of 'em after that. I've mentioned before, I am fascinated by the history of the game of baseball, and you obviously can't talk baseball history without talking about the Yankees. I'm not old enough to have ever seen Mickey Mantle play, but oh, what I wouldn't give to go back in time so I could see him play just once. These days, it's not the players I hate, it's just the organization, which is to say, the owners. Like Chris Rock said in a stand-up routine last year, "Don't hate the playa, hate the game." The game in this case is the business, not what happens on the field. Call it jealousy if you want, but you don't see such one-sidedness in other sports like you do in baseball. Sure there are dynasties in football for instance, but they don't last for 15 years and longer, like the Yankees have.
I should wrap this, before I ramble too long and miss the first pitch of game one this afternoon (on KGFX). Good luck to the Twins, and to underdogs everywhere!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Darren Boyle's weekly words of wisdom "the adventures of VSK and the inevitable showdown with the cheeseheads"
OK this day has been circled for quite some time, as soon as VSK signed with the Vikes all the so called "experts" who get paid to follow sports pointed to this day and said this will be the true test of the Vikes. To me it would be like if I was to sell a new "green" tractor, Or if I began a steady diet of chicken, or if I broadcast games for another group of radio stations. To some I would forever be a traitor, others would say I am just doing it for the money. It could be said that both sides are right, just like they are in their opinion of VSK. but lets take a closer look at this whole saga and where it began. VSK was put on the spot by the management of the Packers, they in fact said they were NOT interested in having one of the 10 greatest QBs of all time on their roster. What if you were middle aged and was told you were being replaced by a much younger but unproven version of you. Wouldnt you have a fire to continue your career? Wouldnt you try to get a job with the biggest competitor? That is exactly what VSK has done, he is trying his best to stick it too the cheeseheads. There are several things to watch tonight, first of all will VSK be able to play within the limits of his 40 year old body? What strategy will the Packers defense use? Stop AP or stop VSK? How many times VSK will get hit early in the game will be something to watch as well. And what about Aaron Rodgers? Is he the innocent victim or master manipulator of the whole VSK saga. Dont think he isnt under some pressure tonight, and what he does early will have some major bearing on how things play out tonight and for the rest of the season. I would rather be planting wheat but since it rained I will achieve full recliner pilot status for tonights game. This, without a doubt will be on of ESPN's highest rated broadcasts ever, too bad their announcing crew isnt better, but at least it isnt Phil Simms and Jim Nantz. The Lyman Raiders were impressive in their win over Jones County last Saturday. They should be able to hold on to the #1 ranking in 9AA when the polls come out tomorrow. This Friday's Lyman vs Philip game will be one of the best games of the week, with the winner having the inside track on playing indoors in November. The thing that I am impressed with is the size of the Raiders, that always comes in handy when the weather gets bad during the playoffs. I think there are quite a few teams around our area that should be able to go deep into the playoffs this year and that is good to see.
Rod's Monday thoughts for 10/5/09
The football capital might very well be in Cinncinati, Ohio. The undefeated Bearcats in college and the Bengals. Game of the week in high school football will be in Pierre Friday night. Brandon Valley at Pierre. Number 3 vs. 5. First time Pierre has played a high school football game with some meaning in the conference standings for about 4 years. And Brandon Valley won Friday over Sioux Falls Roosevelt BIG!!!!! And they did it with 2, count em on one hand, 2 rushing yards. How about this for football fun. Nebraska at Missouri on Thursday night. Brandon Valley at Pierre Friday. Thank goodness the Bears have a bye week!!!!!! And face it, the Vikings at the Rams? Tavaris should get alot of snaps......And Saturday, The Lady Gov volleyball parents will be having a Walking Taco fundraiser all day from 11:30 a.m. to about 7:30 p.m. Pierre plays Rapid City Central and Stevens on Saturday. $3. For that price, you can buy several bags and get your drink too!!!!!
Brian loses it....
Ever seen a grown man weep uncontrollably? Well, if you would have been in the same room as I was, as I watched the Farewell to the Metrodome tribute, you would have. In my days of following sports as closely as I have, I have come to realize what a sappy sentimentalist I really am. But you know, once the memories of Kirby Puckett start flowing, inevitably, so do the waterworks. I can't listen to Jack Buck's call of, "...and we'll see you...tomorrow night!" without getting choked up or even having to clear at least a single tear from eye. The same goes for John Gordon's radio call, "Touch 'em all, Kirby Puckett!!" and Bob Casey's famous Metrodome introduction, "...the center fielder, number 34, Kirbyyyyyyyy PUCKett!!" Wouldn't you know it, it's hard to enough to write this without feeling those same emotions. I thought sports guys were supposed to be tough, but I'm such a, (what's the word?), wuss! I even felt choked up when they named Johan Santana to the All Metrodome team. Part of that would be because I wish we still had him to start Game 1 against the Yankees because that's the only chance we have to beat those guys. :o)
Yes, I am the Dick Vermeil of the DRG Sports Team. Truth be told, though, I feel the same way when doing a local radio broadcast for an event that I know will become a lasting memory. Whether someone wins a state championship, and you share in their joy, or even if their expectations aren't met, and you feel their heartache along with them. Sometimes, it gets a little tough to talk, and in those times, if you listen close, you'll be able to hear it in my voice. Most of the time, the feelings that come up are simply borne out of the pride you feel for the student-athletes and all the dedication they have put in to help make these memories happen.
Back to the Dome Farewell, a big high five goes out to Kent Hrbek for ad-libbing his speech and "complaining" that he had to come back for one more game and drink some more beer. Beer does help clear throat lumps, you know. But beware, too much of it, and you won't remember all the memories that are still yet to be created. GO TWINS!!!
Yes, I am the Dick Vermeil of the DRG Sports Team. Truth be told, though, I feel the same way when doing a local radio broadcast for an event that I know will become a lasting memory. Whether someone wins a state championship, and you share in their joy, or even if their expectations aren't met, and you feel their heartache along with them. Sometimes, it gets a little tough to talk, and in those times, if you listen close, you'll be able to hear it in my voice. Most of the time, the feelings that come up are simply borne out of the pride you feel for the student-athletes and all the dedication they have put in to help make these memories happen.
Back to the Dome Farewell, a big high five goes out to Kent Hrbek for ad-libbing his speech and "complaining" that he had to come back for one more game and drink some more beer. Beer does help clear throat lumps, you know. But beware, too much of it, and you won't remember all the memories that are still yet to be created. GO TWINS!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday's early observations from Rod
Lady Gov tennis have a ESD champion. Alexi Gusso at number 4 singles. Crystal Ortbahn and Eileen Leong were runner up at number 2 doubles. Congratulations girls and coach Bloomberg. Pierre had a 4th place finish in the team race. Where would the Twins be with out Nick Blackburn, Nick Punto and Michael Cuddeyer? We know where they would be without Joe Mauer. Getting ready to enjoy a Sunday of TV watching. In my living room at the same time will be Bears vs. Lions, Bengals vs. Browns, Tigers vs. White Sox and Twins vs. Royals. When you subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket and Major League Extra Innings on satellite tv, you can do these things. Now, not all tv's are big screen. Only 1 and the Bears are on it. And I think the Kansas City Royals are the team of the future. They just need someone who can hit the ball out of the park 30 times or so a season. They have the pitching. And the Twins are set even if they go to the playoff on Tuesday at 4 p.m. central time from the Metrodome. Scott Baker benefits by getting another day off since they can't play til Tuesday thanks to the true owners of the Dome, the Vikings.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Saturday's Ramblings from Rod
Big news, the guy that is suspected of videotaping ESPN's Erin Andrews in the nude has been arrested at OHare Airport in Chicago. He is 48 years old and a serial stalkist according to reports. Followed her all around the country and would check into hotels she was checked into and usually in the next room. Scary to say the least. I predict the Twins and Tigers will be playing that playoff game for the right to play the Yankees and the Twins win. (Against the Tigers). Now, I have to admit, I have been wrong before.
Now, lets get down to it. The Pierre Governor football team. 5 game winning streak. 5-1 on the season and actually outplayed SF Lincoln in the loss. Big game next week with Brandon Valley coming to town. The Lynx rolled S.F. Roosevelt last night. And had a total of 2 rushing yards. The other 340 plus came off the arm of Austin Sumner. 5 touchdown passes. No interceptions in the rain in Sioux Falls. The Govs are banged up a little. Terrance Meier injured a shoulder last night. Right Tackle Chase Dunn out with a broken leg. The game is all about depth and the Govs so far have been able to fill in and not miss a beat. Ball control will be of the essence next week but it is good to know that Pierre can score from anywhere on the field with the speed in the backfield and the passing game will be there. 1 of these nights we will need the passing game and it is there. And the defense is there. Pierre may have the best linebacking corp right now in the ESD for sure. Brian Long is playing huge at Defensive End and Graham Schuetzle at strong safety playing the position like it is supposed to be played. Come over the middle and your going to pay for it mentality. I grew up in the golden era of the BlackShirt Defense at Nebraska. I am a Chicago Bears guy that knows the Bears will come up with a play when they have to have it more times than not. I like the Governor defense, the MVP so far this season. Speaking of the Bears, I have been told I am too hard on Jay Cutler. OK, the Bears have not had their running game going the way it is capable of. When they do, which will be this week against Detroit, Cutler will put up good impressive numbers and I will be off his case. And what about the Bengals, the Pierre Governors of the AFC this year. The Game of the Week may very well be Sunday, October 25th. Bears at Bengals. On that particular weekend the statement will be "Who cares about Brett Favre".
Now, lets get down to it. The Pierre Governor football team. 5 game winning streak. 5-1 on the season and actually outplayed SF Lincoln in the loss. Big game next week with Brandon Valley coming to town. The Lynx rolled S.F. Roosevelt last night. And had a total of 2 rushing yards. The other 340 plus came off the arm of Austin Sumner. 5 touchdown passes. No interceptions in the rain in Sioux Falls. The Govs are banged up a little. Terrance Meier injured a shoulder last night. Right Tackle Chase Dunn out with a broken leg. The game is all about depth and the Govs so far have been able to fill in and not miss a beat. Ball control will be of the essence next week but it is good to know that Pierre can score from anywhere on the field with the speed in the backfield and the passing game will be there. 1 of these nights we will need the passing game and it is there. And the defense is there. Pierre may have the best linebacking corp right now in the ESD for sure. Brian Long is playing huge at Defensive End and Graham Schuetzle at strong safety playing the position like it is supposed to be played. Come over the middle and your going to pay for it mentality. I grew up in the golden era of the BlackShirt Defense at Nebraska. I am a Chicago Bears guy that knows the Bears will come up with a play when they have to have it more times than not. I like the Governor defense, the MVP so far this season. Speaking of the Bears, I have been told I am too hard on Jay Cutler. OK, the Bears have not had their running game going the way it is capable of. When they do, which will be this week against Detroit, Cutler will put up good impressive numbers and I will be off his case. And what about the Bengals, the Pierre Governors of the AFC this year. The Game of the Week may very well be Sunday, October 25th. Bears at Bengals. On that particular weekend the statement will be "Who cares about Brett Favre".
Friday, October 2, 2009
Brian's view of Week5
Well, the weather might wreak havoc on games this weekend, not to mention what they could do to my Week5 picks, but at least I've got a good excuse if my picks suck this week. :o) First of all, a look back at Week4, shows another good week picking games, but still not too good in picking the marquee matchups. I'm not sure why I thought Hanson would beat Emery/Ethan, but E/E's 49-0 win has me thinking the best team in 9AA may still not be in Region 4......yet! Congrats to Lyman for winning the game of the week last Friday over Howard. Now we get Howard against Emery/Ethan tonight, before that Lyman-Philip clash next week. Second half of the season is underway, and this thing's gettin' good!
Week 4 stats:
Overall: 59-10 (263-62 on the season)
11AA: 7-1 (33-7)
11A/B: 20-3 (88-23)
9-man: 32-6 (142-32)
Week 5 picks for area games, marquee matchups, all 11AA, and even a stinker pick or two:
DRG AREA GAMES:
CHAMBERLAIN at Miller -- both teams struggling, but this should be pretty competitive
HITCHCOCK-TULARE at Wessington Springs/Woonsocket
Hoven/Edmunds Central at GETTYSBURG -- Battlers might be taking frustrations out on H/EC
Kimball at CORSICA/STICKNEY -- C/S is pretty scary
Faith at LEMMON/McINTOSH
Faulkton at LEOLA/FREDERICK -- Faulkton is playing great, but L/F is on a roll
KADOKA at Lower Brule
HERREID/SELBY at McLaughlin
MOBRIDGE-POLLOCK at Crow Creek -- will there be enough light to play this afternoon?
Colome at SUNSHINE BIBLE -- ditto
Newell at DUPREE
Pine Ridge at CHEYENNE-EAGLE BUTTE -- Braves struggling a bit, but should get this one
PLATTE-G/DC at Stanley Co. -- Black Panthers are still awful good
SULLY BUTTES at Northwestern
BISON at Timber Lake -- hard times for Panthers
White River at PHILIP
Wolsey-Wessington at HIGHMORE-HARROLD -- make it 2 straight for Pirates
LYMAN at Jones Co. -- on KPLO Saturday afternoon
MARQUEE MATCHUPS:
EMERY/ETHAN at Howard -- talked about this one above - 9AA is the best class this year
VIBORG at Menno -- Viborg last to Avon last week for first loss - Menno still unbeaten in 9B
Wall at HARDING CO. -- good ol' fashioned prairie brawl
WINNER at Belle Fourche -- another win out west for Warriors, slightly easier than last week at STM
11AA (all non-conference games this week):
RC Stevens at PIERRE -- welcome home Govs - keep doing what you're doing
Brandon Valley at SF ROOSEVELT -- I think Roosevelt is starting pick things up
Mitchell at RC CENTRAL -- could be a toss-up here
SF Lincoln at WATERTOWN
Yankton at SF O'GORMAN -- Bucks can win if they finish drives (unlike last week against Govs)
SF WASHINGTON at Brookings
Sturgis at ABERDEEN CENTRAL
Spearfish at HURON -- the loser misses the playoffs in 11AA this year
I promised a couple of stinker picks. Spearfish-HURON is one where someone has to win. The other is Tea Area at SF CHRISTIAN. Both teams 0-4 - first ever football season at SF Christian - this will be their first ever win.
Stay warm and dry as best you can, but don't forget, if the kids can play in this mess, and the radio announcers can sit in press boxes in this mess, then fans can certainly put up with the elements, too. :o)
- Radiooo
Week 4 stats:
Overall: 59-10 (263-62 on the season)
11AA: 7-1 (33-7)
11A/B: 20-3 (88-23)
9-man: 32-6 (142-32)
Week 5 picks for area games, marquee matchups, all 11AA, and even a stinker pick or two:
DRG AREA GAMES:
CHAMBERLAIN at Miller -- both teams struggling, but this should be pretty competitive
HITCHCOCK-TULARE at Wessington Springs/Woonsocket
Hoven/Edmunds Central at GETTYSBURG -- Battlers might be taking frustrations out on H/EC
Kimball at CORSICA/STICKNEY -- C/S is pretty scary
Faith at LEMMON/McINTOSH
Faulkton at LEOLA/FREDERICK -- Faulkton is playing great, but L/F is on a roll
KADOKA at Lower Brule
HERREID/SELBY at McLaughlin
MOBRIDGE-POLLOCK at Crow Creek -- will there be enough light to play this afternoon?
Colome at SUNSHINE BIBLE -- ditto
Newell at DUPREE
Pine Ridge at CHEYENNE-EAGLE BUTTE -- Braves struggling a bit, but should get this one
PLATTE-G/DC at Stanley Co. -- Black Panthers are still awful good
SULLY BUTTES at Northwestern
BISON at Timber Lake -- hard times for Panthers
White River at PHILIP
Wolsey-Wessington at HIGHMORE-HARROLD -- make it 2 straight for Pirates
LYMAN at Jones Co. -- on KPLO Saturday afternoon
MARQUEE MATCHUPS:
EMERY/ETHAN at Howard -- talked about this one above - 9AA is the best class this year
VIBORG at Menno -- Viborg last to Avon last week for first loss - Menno still unbeaten in 9B
Wall at HARDING CO. -- good ol' fashioned prairie brawl
WINNER at Belle Fourche -- another win out west for Warriors, slightly easier than last week at STM
11AA (all non-conference games this week):
RC Stevens at PIERRE -- welcome home Govs - keep doing what you're doing
Brandon Valley at SF ROOSEVELT -- I think Roosevelt is starting pick things up
Mitchell at RC CENTRAL -- could be a toss-up here
SF Lincoln at WATERTOWN
Yankton at SF O'GORMAN -- Bucks can win if they finish drives (unlike last week against Govs)
SF WASHINGTON at Brookings
Sturgis at ABERDEEN CENTRAL
Spearfish at HURON -- the loser misses the playoffs in 11AA this year
I promised a couple of stinker picks. Spearfish-HURON is one where someone has to win. The other is Tea Area at SF CHRISTIAN. Both teams 0-4 - first ever football season at SF Christian - this will be their first ever win.
Stay warm and dry as best you can, but don't forget, if the kids can play in this mess, and the radio announcers can sit in press boxes in this mess, then fans can certainly put up with the elements, too. :o)
- Radiooo
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Brian just don't understand....
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - American Indian activists are calling on North Dakota's Board of Higher Education to drop the University of North Dakota's nickname and logo. They demonstrated on campus a day before a state board board meets to decide whether to extend an Oct. 1 deadline for dropping the Fighting Sioux nickname.
The last thing I want to do with this blog is start a controversy, but this is something I have never been able to fully understand - why the Fighting Sioux nickname is considered offensive to some. I want to be sensitive to the feelings of anyone that might be offended by this nickname and the debate that continues over it, but at this same time, this is why I stay in favor of the Fighting Sioux nickname.
If I ever had the opportunity to name a team, the one thing I would want most is to come up with a name that strikes a chord with the opposition - something that presents a facade of power and intimidation, something that makes the other team think twice about wanting to play our team. As an added bonus, if we can pick a name that has some historical significance to our geographical area, then that would only sweeten the deal. The thing is, the Fighting Sioux nickname is all of those things, and for those reasons, I just don't quite understand what is offensive about that nickname. If I were from North Dakota and had attended UND, those aspects would also go a long way in increasing the pride I would feel for being a Fighting Sioux alum.
I would really like to see some friendly response to this debate, especially from the activists' point of view. When the activists protest, what are the words they are actually saying? I am only looking for help in understanding the issue.
I know there are similar discussions going on in other parts of the country, but the UND debate seems to be the most visible, obviously. But I wonder, are there similar debates regarding the Fighting Illini in Illinois, or the Seminoles of Florida State, or maybe even the Aztecs of San Diego State? There is one thing I'm sure of - the "Fighting Sioux" is a much, MUCH cooler nickname than that other UND - the one they call the Fighting Irish. :o)
The last thing I want to do with this blog is start a controversy, but this is something I have never been able to fully understand - why the Fighting Sioux nickname is considered offensive to some. I want to be sensitive to the feelings of anyone that might be offended by this nickname and the debate that continues over it, but at this same time, this is why I stay in favor of the Fighting Sioux nickname.
If I ever had the opportunity to name a team, the one thing I would want most is to come up with a name that strikes a chord with the opposition - something that presents a facade of power and intimidation, something that makes the other team think twice about wanting to play our team. As an added bonus, if we can pick a name that has some historical significance to our geographical area, then that would only sweeten the deal. The thing is, the Fighting Sioux nickname is all of those things, and for those reasons, I just don't quite understand what is offensive about that nickname. If I were from North Dakota and had attended UND, those aspects would also go a long way in increasing the pride I would feel for being a Fighting Sioux alum.
I would really like to see some friendly response to this debate, especially from the activists' point of view. When the activists protest, what are the words they are actually saying? I am only looking for help in understanding the issue.
I know there are similar discussions going on in other parts of the country, but the UND debate seems to be the most visible, obviously. But I wonder, are there similar debates regarding the Fighting Illini in Illinois, or the Seminoles of Florida State, or maybe even the Aztecs of San Diego State? There is one thing I'm sure of - the "Fighting Sioux" is a much, MUCH cooler nickname than that other UND - the one they call the Fighting Irish. :o)
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