Prep playoffs
Pender at SW Onslow
East Bladen at Tarboro
Eastern Alamance at Havelock
Northern Guilford at Wilson Hunt
New Bern at Durham Hillside
College
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Florida State vs. Virginia Tech
Auburn vs. South Carolina
Connecticut at South Florida
Nebraska vs. Oklahoma
NFL
Chicago at Detroit
Atlanta at Tampa Bay
St. Louis at Arizona
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
N.Y. Jets at New England
Another extremely balanced week as an 11-4 mark turned in by The Kid was the best record of the week. TK’s only misses were SMU over ECU and Maryland over N.C. State in college, along with Minnesota over Washington and San Diego over Indianapolis in the NFL. He was also the only player last week to go 5-0 in preps.
The overall leader is still Eastern, who finished 10-5 last week with seven others. His sterling 155-70 record is four games better than Heelatious (also 10-5 last week) and about six better than B (Brent Pelletier).
The hardest game to pick was the Maryland-N.C. State contest — not a single one of 31 players last week got it right. The second-hardest game was Pender’s upset of Goldsboro in the prep playoffs; only The Kid, Horns, Deep Run Dynasty, Taplie Coile and Jacque Strappe got it right.
Here are the standings; as always, a big thanks to the Hot Blonde, who helps me put this together every week.
Leaders by percentage (min. 210 games selected)
Rank (LW)
1. (1) Eastern 155-70 (.689)
2. (3) Heelatious 151-74 (.671)
3. (2) B 139-71 (.662)
4. (T5) Jagshouse 148-77 (.658)
T5. (4) Taplie Coile 147-78 (.653)
T5. (T5) Jeff Howard 147-78 (.653)
T7. (8) PeteyPablo 146-79 (.649)
T7. (9) Diamondheels 146-79 (.649)
9. (7) RJarman 136-74 (.648)
10. (10) JWade 144-81 (.640)
Leaders by total wins
Rank (LW) OA wins This week
1. (1) Eastern 155-70 (.689) 10-5 (.667)
2. (2) Heelatious 151-74 (.671) 10-5 (.667)
3. (T4) Jagshouse 148-77 (.658) 10-5 (.667)
T4. (3) Taplie Coile 147-78 (.653) 8-7 (.533)
T4. (T4) Jeff Howard 147-78 (.653) 9-6 (.600)
T6. (7) Diamondheels 146-79 (.649) 10-5 (.667)
T6. (6) PeteyPablo 146-79 (.649) 9-6 (.600)
8. (8) JWade 144-81 (.640) 10-5 (.667)
9. (T9) Sparetime 142-83 (.631) 9-6 (.600)
10. (T12) Canyoureadthis 141-84 (.627) 10-5 (.667)
T11. (T9) Bealestbuc 140-85 (.622) 7-8 (.467)
T11. (T12) Hanks 140-85 (.622) 9-6 (.600)
13. (11) B 139-71 (.662) 7-8 (.467)
14. (T12) Smokin’ Aces 139-86 (.618) 8-7 (.533)
T15. (T12) Jourbet 138-87 (.613) 7-8 (.467)
T15. (16) Kelly Rouse 138-87 (.613) 9-6 (.600)
T15. (T18) The Kid 138-87 (.613) 11-4 (.733)
18. (17) RJarman 136-74 (.648) 8-7 (.533)
T19. (T21) Randy Capps 134-91 (.596) 9-6 (.600)
T19. (20) Jacque Strapp 134-91 (.596) 8-7 (.533)
T19. (T18) John Q. Awesome 134-91 (.596) 7-8 (.467)
T19. (T21) Greg Melvin 134-91 (.596) 9-6 (.600)
23. (23) Blake H. 133-92 (.591) 9-6 (.600)
24. (24) Horns 131-84 (.609) 8-7 (.533)
25. (25) Lesboulez 130-80 (.619) 8-7 (.533)
26. (T27) Jackson 129-81 (.614) 10-5 (.667)
27. (26) Deep Run Dynasty 127-83 (.605) 7-8 (.467)
28. (30) Comet65 124-86 (.590) 8-7 (.533)
29. (29) Rousehouse 124-101 (.551) 7-8 (.467)
30. (34) GWhitley 121-74 (.621) 10-5 (.667)
31. (32) JDog 120-105 (.533) 7-8 (.467)
32. (T27) PantherFan2 119-76 (.610) —–
33. (31) Ryan Herman 116-87 (.571) —–
34. (33) Purplehaze 112-68 (.622) —–
35. (35) TrumpetingPenguin 107-103 (.510) —–
36. (36) Shandshp 93-57 (.620) —–
37. (37) Omega_07solo 90-60 (.600) —–
38. (38) RA Jones 84-51 (.622) —–
39. (39) JDawson 81-69 (.540) —–
40. (40) ECPirates11 54-36 (.600) —–
41. (41) Johnny Kennedy 52-38 (.578) —–
42. (42) TAH&KDH 7/6/10 48-27 (.640) —–
43. (43) COliver 44-31 (.587) —–
44. (44) TwinFan 39-21 (.650) —–
45. (45) TateMooring 37-23 (.617) —–
46. (46) Southside53 34-26 (.567) —–
47. (47) DeepRunPirate 32-28 (.533) —–
48. (48) JonMassey 27-18 (.600) —–
49. (49) Highway 24 22-8 (.733) —–
50. (50) Bward 12-3 (.800) —–
51. (51) Antoinem45 10-5 (.667) —–
52. (52) Heelsfan 7-8 (.467) —–
K-TRIBE NAMES NEW GM
… And his name is Ben Jones, who has been involved with the Wilson Tobs for the past few years.
My take: Good luck to him — he has some mighty big shoes to fill in Shari Massengill (and North Johnson before that).
FOX NEWS USES ONION STORY AS REAL STORY
Fox News used a fake Onion story as a real story on its website, drawing much ridicule and scorn before taking it down.
My take: Bet that person who did that loses their job (or is, at the very least, demoted). Check out the link, though — it’s hilarious that some people really thought it was real!
And now Fox News and the communist Chinese government have something in common: both have used Onion stories and tried to pass them off as legit. Hilarious.
HATCHER NO LONGER A CATCHER
Kinston’s Chris Hatcher, who made his MLB debut as a catcher this season, will now be transformed into a pitcher by the Florida Marlins.
My take: How many players — outside of Rick Ankiel and Babe Ruth — can say they’ve made the show as both an everyday player and a pitcher? Good for Chris; I can’t wait to see him on TV mowing down batters!
The iPod shuffle
Throwing It All Away — Genesis
Blue Eyes — Elton John
Believe It Or Not — Nickelback
What I’ve Done — Linkin Park
Everybody’s Talkin’ — Harry Nilsson
P.S.: Got some very sad news about a dear friend; MaryMac Ritch, one of Kinston’s all-timers, is gravely ill. Her family is with her and she’s being kept comfortable, according to a mutual friend. I ask that you toss a prayer up to the Big Guy for Ms. Ritch — one of the nicest people I’ve met in Kinston.
Thanks to our good friend Brian North for calling this to my attention: Former Kinston star Quinton Coples has been named first-team All-ACC on defense.
My take: Very, very deserving. It’s been awesome watching Q grow up and to see him develop into a player and man this whole area can be proud of.
Congrats, Q!
LESLIE NIELSEN DIES AT AGE 84
One of the best comedic actors of the 20th century, Leslie Nielsen, died yesterday at 84. He was best known for his roles in “Airplane” and the “Naked Gun” series of movies.
My take: Those movies are the kind, for me, that if they’re on HBO or even on a basic cable or over-the-air channel, I have to stop and watch.
One of my favorite scenes from the first “Naked Gun”:
RIP, Lt. Drebin.
ANDRE JOHNSON BEATS THE CRAP OUT OF SOMEONE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
In an otherwise boring 20-0 rout for Houston over Tennessee yesterday, Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson — normally a mild-mannered sort — beat the snot out of Cortland Finnegan late in the game.
The fight:
My take: I really follow football … and had never heard of Finnegan. But one thing is for sure — I bet he doesn’t talk crap to Andre Johnson again!
TCU TO JOIN BIG EAST
It’s official: TCU is become a full member of the Big East Conference.
My take: Seriously? Texas Christian University … in the Big EAST?
Geez.
I know there was some chatter out there about ECU joining the Big East, but you would have to think this would hurt the Pirates’ chances.
I still think Miami and Boston College should be kicked out of the ACC, though, and replaced by ECU and Charlotte. My 49ers will be playing football in 2013 and Lord knows they’ll be as good as Virginia, Duke and Wake Forest before too long.
The iPod shuffle
It Takes Two — Rob Base & D.J. E-Z Rock
My Band — D12
Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress — The Hollies
Nikita — Elton John
Angel Of Harlem — U2
P.S.: Our two blog survival pool finalists, Heelatious and Brent Pelletier, both picked the N.Y. Jets to win on Thursday … and both won for the 12th straight week! Guys there are a lot of national contests you two could’ve entered and made a hell of a lot of money, so keep up the great work.
Received a few more payments this week, but Jagshouse, Purplehaze, Jourbet, Beale St. Buc, Jonathan Massey and BHatcher still owe your $5 fee.
Here are the picks for the guys so far this season; get your picks to me by noon on Sunday.
1. Heelatious (N.Y. Giants, Green Bay, New England, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Kansas City, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, San Diego, N.Y. Jets):
2. Brent Pelletier (N.Y. Giants, Green Bay, New England, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Kansas City, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, San Diego, N.Y. Jets):
A very balanced week as nine players (Smokin’ Aces, Jackson, Canyoureadthis, Taplie, PeteyPablo, Jagshouse, Sparetime, BealeStBuc and Ryan Herman) went 11-4. As a result, Eastern — who went 10-5 — held on to the overall No. 1 spot over B (who didn’t get his picks in) and Heelatious.
No one went undefeated in preps or college, but 10 (John Q. Awesome, Smokin’ Aces, Jackson, Canyoureadthis, PeteyPablo, Sparetime, BealeStBuc, Ryan Herman, Jeff Howard and Horns) were perfect in the NFL.
The toughest pick of the week was Rice’s upset of ECU — no one got it right. The second toughest one was Ayden-Grifton’s win over Gates County, where only seven players — John Q. Awesome, Jacque Strappe, Taplie, JWade, BealeStBuc, JDog and RouseHouse — were correct.
As always, thanks to the wonderful HB for helping me put this together.
Leaders by percentage (min. 195 games selected)
Rank (LW)
1. (1) Eastern 145-65 (.690)
2. (2) B 132-63 (.677)
3. (3) Heelatious 141-69 (.671)
4. (T5) Taplie Coile 139-71 (.662)
T5. (T5) Jeff Howard 138-72 (.657)
T5. (T7) Jagshouse 138-72 (.657)
7. (4) RJarman 128-67 (.656)
8. (9) PeteyPablo 137-73 (.652)
9. (T7) Diamondheels 136-74 (.648)
10. (10) JWade 134-76 (.638)
Leaders by total wins
Rank (LW) OA wins This week
1. (1) Eastern 145-65 (.690) 10-5 (.667)
2. (3) Heelatious 141-69 (.671) 10-5 (.667)
3. (T4) Taplie Coile 139-71 (.662) 11-4 (.733)
T4. (T4) Jeff Howard 138-72 (.657) 10-5 (.667)
T4. (T6) Jagshouse 138-72 (.657) 11-4 (.733)
6. (8) PeteyPablo 137-73 (.652) 11-4 (.733)
7. (T6) Diamondheels 136-74 (.648) 9-6 (.600)
8. (9) JWade 134-76 (.638) 10-5 (.667)
T9. (T10) Bealestbuc 133-77 (.633) 11-4 (.733)
T9. (T10) Sparetime 133-77 (.633) 11-4 (.733)
11. (3) B 132-63 (.677) —–
T12. (T16) Canyoureadthis 131-79 (.624) 11-4 (.733)
T12. (T13) Hanks 131-79 (.624) 10-5 (.667)
T12. (T13) Jourbet 131-79 (.624) 10-5 (.667)
T12. (T16) Smokin’ Aces 131-79 (.624) 11-4 (.733)
16. (T16) Kelly Rouse 129-81 (.614) 9-6 (.600)
17. (15) RJarman 128-67 (.656) 8-7 (.533)
T18. (T21) John Q. Awesome 127-83 (.605) 9-6 (.600)
T18. (T21) The Kid 127-83 (.605) 9-6 (.600)
20. (T23) Jacque Strapp 126-84 (.600) 9-6 (.600)
T21. (T23) Randy Capps 125-85 (.595) 8-7 (.533)
T21. (T23) Greg Melvin 125-85 (.595) 8-7 (.533)
23. (26) Blake H. 124-86 (.590) 8-7 (.533)
24. (27) Horns 123-77 (.615) 9-1 (.900)
25. (T10) Lesboulez 122-73 (.626) —–
26. (T16) Deep Run Dynasty 120-75 (.615) —–
T27. (T29) Jackson 119-76 (.610) 11-4 (.733)
T27. (20) PantherFan2 119-76 (.610) —–
29. (31) Rousehouse 117-93 (.557) 9-6 (.600)
30. (T29) Comet65 116-79 (.595) 8-7 (.533)
31. (32) Ryan Herman 116-87 (.571) 11-4 (.733)
32. (33) JDog 113-97 (.538) 9-6 (.600)
33. (28) Purplehaze 112-68 (.622) —–
34. (34) GWhitley 111-69 (.617) 9-6 (.600)
35. (35) TrumpetingPenguin 107-103 (.510) 8-7 (.533)
36. (36) Shandshp 93-57 (.620) —–
37. (37) Omega_07solo 90-60 (.600) —–
38. (38) RA Jones 84-51 (.622) —–
39. (39) JDawson 81-69 (.540) —–
40. (40) ECPirates11 54-36 (.600) —–
41. (41) Johnny Kennedy 52-38 (.578) —–
42. (42) TAH&KDH 7/6/10 48-27 (.640) —–
43. (43) COliver 44-31 (.587) —–
44. (44) TwinFan 39-21 (.650) —–
45. (45) TateMooring 37-23 (.617) —–
46. (46) Southside53 34-26 (.567) —–
47. (47) DeepRunPirate 32-28 (.533) —–
48. (48) JonMassey 27-18 (.600) —–
49. (49) Highway 24 22-8 (.733) —–
50. (50) Bward 12-3 (.800) —–
51. (51) Antoinem45 10-5 (.667) —–
52. (52) Heelsfan 7-8 (.467) —–
Make you own picks here (even if you forgot the ECU game started at 2!)
Prep playoffs
SW Onslow 42, Ayden-Grifton 21
Tarboro 24, East Duplin 20
Goldsboro 28, Pender 24
Elizabeth City Northeastern 27, Bunn 14
Northern Nash 34, Wilson Hunt 31
College
SMU
N.C. State
UNC
Florida State
South Carolina
NFL
Washington
Green Bay
Kansas City
Indianapolis
San Francisco
P.S.: Working on putting last week’s standings up soon!
I have a few pairs of ECU football tickets for Friday’s 2 p.m. game with SMU — and I want to give them to you! Hit my e-mail up at bhanks@freedomenc.com with “ECU tickets” in the subject line; I’ll draw for them at 3 p.m. today.
I’ll also have a four-pack of tickets to the game I’ll be giving away at tonight’s South Lenoir-Kinston basketball game — be sure to listen well to the P.A., because I’ll give them out sometime during the game.
Also — I have eight tickets to tonight’s ECU/Lenoir-Rhyne basketball game and I’ll give them away first-come, first-served. Again, hit my e-mail and they’re yours!
UPDATE 3 P.M.: Ticket winners –
Four basketball tickets and two football tickets: K.K. Wynn and Adam Spence
Two football tickets each: Scott Smith, Chris Lavender and Michael Goff
I have e-mailed all of the winners, but if you haven’t received your e-mail yet, you can pick up the tickets at our front desk until 5:30 p.m. today. Or if you’re coming to the South Lenoir-Kinston game tonight, I can bring them with me to give to you there.
Congrats, guys — and thanks for supporting the blog!
From today’s N.Y. Post:
If THAT doesn’t scare the bejesus out of you …
HAWKS DOWN BLUE DEVILS IN OT TO OPEN 2010-11 SEASON; COMMUNITY SUPPORTS CORBIN
North Lenoir and South Lenoir got the 2010-11 season off to a great start as the Hawks overcame poor shooting to defeat the Blue Devils, 67-58 in overtime in Wheat Swamp last night.
My take: And what an awesome start to a season! It keeps going tonight as South Lenoir visits Kinston in the Vikings’ first game in its 2A title defense and the Hawks play at home against North Lenoir. The Hawks and Vikings hook up Friday night in Kinston.
I can’t believe there are this many great games in the first week of the season. And I’m honored again to be the P.A. voice of the Vikings, so come by and say howdy tonight and Friday.
On another sidenote — our community really came together again last night in raising money for Corbin Hawkins, a North Lenoir senior student-athlete who is in a tough fight with leukemia as I write this. Thanks to our good friend Jonathan Davis (Heelsfan), who helped put together a 50/50 drawing that ended up with $950 — and kudos to North Lenoir student John Delaney who won his half ($475), then promptly turned around and donated it back to the family! John is the son of Pat Delaney, the manager of the Plaza Piggly Wiggly; according to JD, the Delaneys bought more than 200 tickets with the goal of donating the money back to the Hawkins family.
JD also told me there is a meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the NL auditorium for parents and students who want to help plan a fund-raiser. If you can make it, please do so.
I am asked all the time what I love about Lenoir County … well, this is why. I’ve been all over the state and I’ve NEVER seen a community come together the way this one does. Yes, I’m in love with Lenoir County and I’m proud of it. Thanks for the way we take care of ours!
EASLEY GETS AWAY WITH SLAP ON THE WRIST
Former N.C. Gov. Mike Easley pled guilty to a felony yesterday – and was fined $1,000.
Yep, that’s it.
My take: Sure, he’s the first former governor convicted of a felony — and that hurts his ego, maybe — but for the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent investigating him and this is what emerges? Whatever he paid his lawyer(s) was certainly worth it.
He doesn’t even lose his right to vote, although, as a convicted felon, he had to submit a DNA sample and loses the right to carry a firearm.
All-in-all, he got off pretty easy.
HEAT CUTS STACKHOUSE; CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE
The Miami Heat cut Kinston’s Jerry Stackhouse yesterday; he averaged 1.7 points, 1 rebound and shot 25 percent in the seven games he played in this year.
The Heat continue to struggle — losing to lowly Indiana at home, 93-77, Monday night to fall to 8-6. They play at Orlando tonight.
My take: It couldn’t happen to a better group of guys. I was holding back my vitriol because of Stackhouse playing for them, but now that they’ve cut him … I hope they go .500 or worse this year. Please, Lord … let that happen.
What is hilarious to me, though, are all those “experts” who said the Heat were going to win 70 games in the regular season. Let’s see, if my math is right, the LeBrons have to go 62-6 the rest of the way. Anyone want to put money on the fact THAT isn’t going to happen?
The iPod shuffle
Deacon Blues — Steely Dan
I’ve Got You Under My Skin — Frank Sinatra & Bono
Truck Volume — Busta Rhymes
Drop The World — Lil’ Wayne & Eminem
Don’t Treat Me Bad — Firehouse
